Emerald Today

25/09/2025

Six new community housing units are nearing completion in Anakie, delivering much-needed housing for the Sapphire Gemfields.
The homes are being rebuilt on the site of units previously destroyed by fire, with construction now in its final stages and expected to be finished within weeks.

The project is being overseen by Central Highlands Regional Council and delivered by Central Queensland builder McElhenny Constructions, whose team is currently based in Anakie finalising the works....

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25/09/2025

The Sunflower Room at the Emerald Hospital got another dose of sunshine with the Emerald Lions Club donating a swag of goods designed to warm up the space.

The dedicated palliative care room, which opened within the general ward earlier this year, was enabled by Kestrel Coal’s $20,000 grant to purchase a specialist bed, fold-out sleep couch, fall-out chair, coffee machine and a stereo system.

The Lions Club recently donated a wall heater, snuggle rugs, coffee cups, a rechargeable desk fan and will kits for the space....

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24/09/2025

Emerald Boxing & Fitness Club (EBFC) and Showtime Boxing travelled to Richmond last weekend for Maks’ Boxing Gym’s first-ever Richmond Outback Rumble event.

With 10 Boxing Queensland bouts on the card, as well as 11 sparring matches to keep the crowd entertained and give boxers valuable in-ring experience, there was no shortage of action.

EBFC boxers Elijah “Big Hit” Butler and Leighton Tucker, fresh off recent wins in Mackay, backed them up with stellar performances. Tucker remains undefeated in his 2025 campaign.

Maverick “Hammer” Hamilton faced off once again against Curry Heat’s Christopher Toilolo Sianna, in a performance that showed both boys have been working hard to improve and build confidence.....

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23/09/2025

Housing availability and affordability remains the critical challenge to living in the Central Highlands.

Launching its annual Linking Alms for Christmas Appeal, Emerald Neighbourhood Centre director Jeanelle Horn said the majority of people the centre was dealing with were “worried sick” they were going to lose their accommodation and the demand for emergency relief funding was spiralling.

Mrs Horn said in the midst of an escalating cost-of-living crisis, pressure on the centre’s available services had risen in the past 12 months.

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23/09/2025

A Springsure photographer is among the winners of Rural Aid’s sixth annual Spirit of the Bush Photography Competition, a celebration of the resilience, beauty and community spirit that define rural Australia.

Karen Leibinger from Springsure was listed in the top 10 photographers for her mustering photo.

This year’s competition saw a record-breaking response, with 201 entrants submitting 429 photos – nearly double the number received in 2024.

Each image offers a glimpse into life on the land, showcasing everything from quiet moments of reflection to the vastness and harshness of the Australian landscape....

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23/09/2025

In a world full of noise, real journalism must be seen and heard for its value to be recognised.

Show your support for fact-based news this World News Day: 28th September 2025

Subscribe to trusted news outlets 👉 https://emeraldtoday.com.au/subscribe/

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22/09/2025

After 15 days and 3,800km across the outback skies, the Red Planet Software Outback Air Race 2025 has concluded with over $1,000,000 raised for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).

Team Comanche Flyers from Emerald came in second place on the fundraising leader board with an impressive $74,330, proving that determination on the ground can be just as vital as precision in the skies.

Duo, Wal McDowall and Tom Staines teamed up for the second time for the sky-high adventure raising funds for the Rotary Club of Emerald’s $12.5 million fundraising goal for its contribution to the RFDS Queensland’s Patient Transfer Hub at Emerald Airport....

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22/09/2025

As the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy celebrates its 20th year, Marist College Emerald has become the latest school to join its growing network.

The QMEA is set to expand further over the next three years, with new regional hubs planned for Mackay, Rockhampton and Townsville.

Marist College principal Mark Green said the college was excited to be joining the QMEA and taking advantage of industry-based STEM and trade experiences offered by the academy.

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18/09/2025

For all current warnings, updates and mapping go to https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents.

STAY INFORMED - Sapphire Central (near Emerald) - fire as at 12:58pm Thursday, 18 September 2025



Warning level:ADVICE



Warning area: between Rifle Range Road, Mount Bullock Road, Hill Top Road and Anakie Sapphire Road



A fire is burning near the intersection of Rifle Range Road and Mount Bullock Road. ‎



‎

What you should do:

- Stay informed because conditions could change:

- Check the QFD Current Bushfires and Warnings website regularly.

- Follow QFD on Facebook and X.com.

- Listen to your local radio station.

- Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.

- Decide what you will do if the bushfire gets closer.

- Follow your bushfire survival plan now. If you do not have a bushfire survival plan, make one on the QFD website.

- Decide where you and the people you live with will go. This could be with family or a friend away from the fire.

- Keep medications close by.

- Avoid smoke – stay indoors, close windows and doors, and avoid driving through smoke.

- Watch out for firefighters working in the area.

- Do not fly drones around the fire. Drones affect air operations.

- If your life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.



Impacts:

- No properties are at risk.

- Smoke can make it hard for some people to breathe.

- Smoke can make it hard to see when you are driving.

- Some roads may be closed.



Further Information:

- For all warnings, visit the https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents.

- Follow QFD on Facebook and X.com: https://x.com/QldFireDept.

- For road closures, visit the https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au or call 13 19 40.

- Visit the https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/air-quality for live air quality data.

- Find out how to get ready for a bushfire on the https://bushfire-survival-plan.qfes.qld.gov.au under Prepare - Bushfire.



Updates will be issued as the situation changes.



This warning is from Queensland Fire Department.

18/09/2025

Locals and visitors flocked through the gates of Gemfest Festival of Gems 2025 recently and Yarrabee Coal Mine was proud to be a supporter of such a sparkling community event.

The Gemfest Festival of Gems was a dazzling celebration of gemstones and their artistry. The event featured a blend of cutting-edge exhibits, interactive workshops, and stunning showcases of rare and unique gems from around the world.

Everyone who came along explored the latest trends in gemstone design and many participated in live demonstrations of gem cutting and grading.....

Locals and visitors flocked through the gates of Gemfest Festival of Gems 2025 recently and Yarrabee Coal Mine was proud [...]

18/09/2025

CQUniversity Australia’s reputation as a leader in vocational education and training (VET) has been bolstered after winning the two major categories at the 2025 Queensland Training Awards State Final.
CQU was named Large Training Provider of the Year at the awards at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday, 13 September, while Metal Fabrication teacher Andrew Abbas took out the Vet Teacher or Trainer of the Year category.....

CQUniversity Australia’s reputation as a leader in vocational education and training (VET) has been bolstered after winning the two major [...]

17/09/2025

Shedders from Clermont, Longreach, Blackall and Barcaldine gathered in Gladstone for Men’s Shed Week with a Shed Big Day Out event on Thursday, 11 September.....

Shedders from Clermont, Longreach, Blackall and Barcaldine gathered in Gladstone for Men’s Shed Week with a Shed Big Day Out [...]