One of the Sugar City's foundation Rugby teams will be marking a half century next month. Slade Point Rugby Union was established in 1975, and to celebrate its incredible run, players from every generation will be returning to where it all began. 7NEWS.com.au #7NEWS

The Mackay Meteorettes Under 18 girls side just won a state title, and now there's further rewards for some of the squad members. NBL1 North coach Ross Jensen has signed the young guns for the new season which begins in a few weeks. 7NEWS.com.au #7NEWS

She's only 13, but Mackay's Temperance Woods is making big strides in the footy world. The Tim Tam lover has been selected for an upcoming rugby tour in America.. and she's the only girl representing the region. 7NEWS at 6pm. #7NEWS

DNA evidence linked to potential criminals in Queensland will now be protected for longer, under new state government legislation. The samples faced being destroyed in June this year. 7NEWS.com.au Kristina Puljak #7NEWS

With just five days until the election, Dawson candidates are spreading themselves across pre-polling booths in a last minute effort to sway voters. 7NEWS.com.au Kaitlan Steadman #7NEWS

Farmers are calling for stronger bait to be approved to prevent a potential mouse outbreak. They say they're starting to see more rodents as they begin sowing their winter crops. 7NEWS.com.au Lillie Hull #7NEWS

The number of stings this season in North Queensland is higher than usual, but a Mackay mother thinks she has the solution. Her new product was developed after an Irukandji sting left her wondering how to keep her family safe. 7NEWS.com.au #7NEWS

The state government has enlisted the work of one of the world's biggest pop stars to launch a new multi-million dollar campaign, enticing Aussies to take a break in Queensland. It's a flashback to the 80's with an unmistakable tune. 7NEWS.com.au Frank Russo #7NEWS

Protesters rallied at Lotus Creek, frustrated that the previously untouched land is being cleared to make room for wind farms. A key concern, that endangered animals will die out from the land clearing. 7NEWS.com.au #7NEWS

It was a full house for the recent Stawell Gift in Victoria, where two Mackay products put their sprinting to the test. And despite missing out on the hardware, the athletes are ready to return to the track and show what they're made of. 7NEWS.com.au #7NEWS

Queensland's peak environment body and owners of a Bowen Basin coal mine will soon go head to head in court. The Queensland Conservation Council today lodged an application to block Lake Vermont Coal Mine's expansion plans. 7NEWS.com.au #7NEWS

A new Youth Girls AFL competition is underway in Mackay. The series gives girls fresh out of junior squads the opportunity to continue their footy journey before making their way to a Senior Women's side. 7NEWS.com.au #7NEWS

Industry experts have come together at the annual Sugar Cubed conference in Brisbane to discuss the future of Australian sugar. This year's theme; how to keep the multi-billion dollar sector prosperous for future generations. 7NEWS.com.au #7NEWS

A service facility for super yachts at Bowen's second boat harbour could be one step closer to reality, if Dawson MP Andrew Willcox is re-elected this weekend. 7NEWS.com.au Kaitlan Steadman #7NEWS

A Cairns primary school girl has caught the attention of Australia's most famous wildlife warriors with her environmental conservation efforts. Summer Adams raised thousands of dollars for the cause, through her own eco-products. 7NEWS.com.au Cara Welburn #7NEWS

Premier David Crisafulli says history will be made tomorrow, when the State Government scraps stamp duty for first home buyers. It's part of a two billion dollar fund, aimed at boosting housing supply across Queensland. 7NEWS.com.au Nadia Lord #7NEWS

A couple sailing through Mackay are lucky to be alive after their vessel hit a cliff face overnight. It sparked a mass emergency response, with initial reports the boat was sinking and the pair were nowhere to be seen. 7NEWS.com.au Kaitlan Steadman #7NEWS

Mackay's Magistrate Court has finally determined who will be cross-examined in the case of Tara Richardson. It comes nearly half a decade after the mother allegedly murdered her four-year-old son. Richelle Hodson has more. 7NEWS.com.au #7NEWS

Tonight's federal election debate in Mackay for candidates fighting for the seat of Dawson, has been cancelled. The decision was made after two candidates pulled out, but front runner Andrew Willcox is pressing on with his campaign. 7NEWS.com.au Kaitlan Steadman #7NEWS

The pork industry is still waiting for a Japanese encephalitis vaccine - three years on from it first being detected on Australian soil. JEV costs pig farmers millions of dollars each year. 7NEWS.com.au @iamSheriSmith_ #7NEWS