Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
OPINION PIECE from the office of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox There is no question that immigration into Australia is out of control. The government’s numbers are too high, and standards are too low. A sustainable migration program must consider our capacity to provide housing, healthcare, infrastructure and the essential services everyone relies on, and Australians must come first. But Labor’s decision to target Working Holiday Makers Visa holders is not the answer. These people filling vital gaps in our workforce are not the cause of Australia’s housing crisis. In many cases, they are living in accommodation provided by the very businesses that employ them. The National Farmers’ Federation has made the point that Working Holiday Makers generally stay in hostels, caravan parks or purpose-built on-farm accommodation. Resorts usually have on-site staff quarters. They are not the source of Australia’s housing shortage. So why is Labor making it harder for them to come here, when these workers fill genuine jobs that regional Australia holds? Working Holiday Makers fill approximately one in seven farm jobs nationally and are particularly important during peak agricultural periods, which for Dawson, it is right now! Farmers rely on these workers to plant, pick, pack and harvest the produce that ends up on Australian supermarket shelves. Having run one of Australia’s largest tomato farms, at times Working Holiday Makers made up more than 50 per cent of my workforce. Without them, much of our crop simply would not have been picked in time and rotted in the paddock. Some may say, why not employ the Australians who don’t have a job and are on “the dole”? Can I say, this does not work. Most farmers will employ Aussies over travelling backpackers, but many either don’t want to do the work or don’t turn up after the first day. Who picks the fruit or veggies then? Farmers are already warning that visa delays are leaving them without workers. The NFF says approvals that once took days are now facing processing times of up to three months, and this time frame can be the difference between harvesting a crop or losing it. That should concern every Australian already feeling the pressure at the supermarket checkout. The same problem is playing out in tourism. Across Dawson, Working Holiday Makers are an important part of the workforce supporting tourism and hospitality, particularly in the Whitsundays. They help fill shifts, work in hotels and restaurants, support tour operators and keep businesses running through their busiest periods. They also contribute to the local economy. They spend money on food, fuel, attractions and tours, supporting the small businesses that depend on a strong visitor economy. That is why tourism and business leaders across North Queensland are raising the alarm. They understand what happens when a regional business cannot get enough staff: opening hours are reduced, and services are cut, creating a downward spiral. We do need to reduce migration to sustainable levels. We need stronger integrity measures, and we need to crack down on rorts. But responsible migration policy means understanding which parts of the system are creating pressure and which parts are helping Australia function. Working Holiday Makers are not the problem. They are part of the workforce solution for regional. Australia. People have had a gutful of watching their standard of living go backwards. Groceries, fuel, housing and everyday expenses are already putting enormous pressure on families. The last thing Australians need is another reckless policy that makes it harder to produce food, harder to run regional businesses and harder for tourism operators to find the workers they need.
Read the full storySomeone sold a house in Sydney last week for $9 million less than they bought it for four or five years ago. The sellers had bought the property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for $29 million and sold it for $20 million in a sale forced by their bank. I imagine the sellers are a little disappointed by the government’s decisions on negative gearing and capital gains tax and feeling pretty hurt by the increased interest rates. Australia’s interest rates are on the rise and are now sitting at levels not seen since 2011. Increased cost of living is hurting people around the country and interest rates are playing into that. But the impact of interest rates is not felt evenly around the country. The far-higher property prices mean people in the major cities suffer much more than regional areas with the rates increase. That is certainly not to say people in Mackay are unaffected by the cost of living; it’s just that the impact of interest rates increase on a $400,000 mortgage is much less than the impact on a $1m mortgage. There are other Mackay-specific factors that are in play when discussing the current housing market. The big factor is the role of coal in our economy. Most of the coal extracted and exported from our region is coking coal, which is used to make steel. The price of coking coal is around $280 a tonne, which is about 50 per cent up. Good activity in the coal market translates to good news for the Mackay economy, as it is an economic engine that other cities and regions just don’t have. Good activity in Bowen Basin flows throughout the Mackay economy; Paget workshops, transport, suppliers and related businesses all benefit. But so do other, non-mining-related businesses as they benefit from the general confidence and spending that goes on. The strong mining activity also means mines need to keep their staff levels up and that means more people moving to Mackay. Of course, Mackay is much more than a coal mining town but if the coal sector is going well those other areas definitely benefit. It is a confidence boost for Mackay people looking to get into the housing market and those wanting to upgrade or downsize. It also means continuing strong demand from people wanting to rent a property and it will be interesting to see what sort of activity that creates from investors. Investors have walked away from the big-city markets because they can no longer use negative gearing on established properties that do not have a sufficient yield to be positively geared. Negative gearing has never been a big thing in Mackay because our prices are lower and rental returns continue to be strong so many investors have a positively geared property. Around the country everyone is nervous about the state of play and the probability of more interest rate rises. But strong coal prices and an economy that is performing well mean Mackay might just be presenting an opportunity for buyers and sellers that doesn’t exist in other parts. I remember when national confidence was flying high and Mackay prices were going up significantly that many buyers were saying “I wish we had bought a while ago when the market wasn’t so hot”. I’m not armed with a crystal ball so I’m not here to tell you what is going to happen but I suspect there is a very good buying window right now for those looking for an opportunity.
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A local Mackay and Sarina based model has created a dress out of newspapers, including Mackay Life, for her upcoming pageant, representing her region and hometown on the runway as she vies for Miss Diamond International in Brisbane. Zoe Place will be competing this weekend in the three-day event, beginning this Friday 2nd October and ending on Sunday 4th October. The young model spent around a month creating her eco-fashion outfit, using old newspapers as the main material and transforming them into a bodice, skirt and flowers. Red elements were also incorporated into the design to give the dress a bold and glamorous pageant feel. Zoe said, “The entire concept was really about taking something that would normally be thrown away and turning it into something beautiful and meaningful.” Her eco-fashion creation will form part of a busy weekend in Brisbane, with the Miss Diamond International event including photo shoots, interviews, an eco-fashion show and the final pageant. Zoe has been preparing for the event by practising her strut and walking, preparing for interviews and getting comfortable in the different outfits she will wear throughout the weekend. Alongside her love of modelling, pageantry has also provided Zoe with a platform to raise awareness about causes close to her heart, including mental health, while fundraising for Beyond Blue. “Pageantry has given me more of a platform to combine my love for modelling with something that is really important to me.” “When I first started, I was more nervous about putting myself out there and worried about what others would think about me – but I’ve changed a lot through my journey in pageantry.” “Pageantry has also taught me that it’s not about how you look on stage. It’s about the person you are when you step off it.” “Every woman has their own unique journey and that journey is something we should all be really proud of.” “To me, it represents confidence, empowerment, kindness, and using your voice to make a difference.” Zoe said she was looking forward to meeting the other contestants, making new connections and creating memories. “I’m definitely looking forward to meeting all the new contestants and making new connections and creating memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime.” While Zoe hopes to eventually move to the city, her sights are set even further afield, with a dream of one day walking in New York Fashion Week. Mackay and Sarina local Zoe Place has created an eco-fashion dress from recycled newspapers, including Mackay Life, ahead of her Miss Diamond International pageant in Brisbane. Photos supplied
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Trends, reels and the endless cycle of always wanting more has quietly bombarded the minds of countless social media users of all ages, but one former Mackay local has made it her mission to help others understand the effects of social media and find practical ways to break free from online addiction. Alexis Zahner is in Mackay over the next week to teach upcoming generations about social media and the effects it can have on the mind, particularly on identity, self-discovery, as well as the marketing strategies that get viewers hooked and influence their decisions. It is something Alexis knows first-hand can be a useful tool, but also a great disruption to authenticity and the world as we see and experience it. Alexis will hold a free meet and greet and book launch today, Friday 2nd October, at 5.30pm at the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, where she will give a talk and answer questions relating to her debut book, Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies. A former Mackay girl, Alexis spent the past 15 years working across business psychology, marketing and media, with her interest in social media influence beginning during her university studies at James Cook University in Townsville. Her own experience as a social media user, travel blogger and influencer eventually led her to question how much of her identity, decisions and values were being shaped by what she saw online. “The tipping point came for me about 3 years ago when I had this feeling that I couldn't separate influence from my own personal decision making,” she said. “I couldn't separate my own likes, dislikes, values, relationships from what I was being exposed to and being influenced by online.” “I found that I needed to take some time away from social media to recalibrate what was important to me and sort of reconnect and come back to myself.” Alexis said she understood the feeling of questioning who you are outside of social media. “I know what it feels like to live a life under the influence of social media and have that existential crisis of thinking to yourself, who am I? What do I like? What's the kind of life I want to live? and struggling to separate myself from influence.” Alexis is particularly passionate about reaching teenagers, who she says are in an important stage of identity development, and will share this message with Mackay high school students during her upcoming school talks. “Teenagers are really easily influenced by social media. So it's a really important age where we start educating them – not just on the mental health repercussions of things like social media and how it shortens their attention span, but how it actually influences who they become.” “If you're asking yourself these questions, it's not your fault. Social media is actually geared to create this impact on you.” Alexis encourages people of all ages to “start expanding beyond what you see on the platform.” “Dare to indulge in the things that you've always been curious about or things you used to love,” she said. “Don't be afraid to put the phone down to let yourself be curious and have fun.” What: Alexis Zahner's 'Real' Book launch When: 5.30pm Friday 2nd October 2026 Where: Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club Former Mackay local and author Alexis Zahner is returning home to share her experiences with social media and her debut book, Real. Photo supplied
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L-R - President of U3A Mackay Muriel Kilcullen presents Bonnie Hull with a life membership. Photo supplied
U3A Mackay recognised Bonnie Hull with Life Membership last Sunday 27th September in acknowledgement of her 26 years of membership, service, friendship and generosity.
Bonnie has been a member of U3A since 2000 and has played an important role in the growth of the organisation’s Mahjong group.
Bonnie and her husband Brian first learnt Mahjong from friend Colleen in her home. From those early beginnings, the group moved through a number of venues, including the MECC, the QCWA Hall in Gordon Street and the Uniting Church Hall in Macalister Street.
Before long, Bonnie and Brian became the Mahjong Coordinators and worked tirelessly to build the activity into the strong and popular group it is today.
In those early days, there were only two U3A Mahjong sets, so players often had to bring their own. Bonnie and Brian also helped organise the purchase of tables and equipment as the group grew.
However, Bonnie’s greatest contribution has been the kindness and patience she has shown to others. Over many years, she has taught countless new players, always allowing them to learn at their own pace and discover the enjoyment of the game.
With her wealth of experience, Bonnie has remained the person people turn to when there is a question about a Mahjong ruling.
Although Bonnie stepped down as Convenor in 2017, she never really stepped away. She continued to support the group and, importantly, teach and encourage new players.
Her 26 years of membership and service have made a lasting contribution to U3A Mackay.
Bonnie was presented with Life Membership of U3A Mackay in recognition of her longstanding contribution.
Congratulations, Bonnie!
Contributed with thanks by Liz Springall
Matthew Derbyshire, Peter Johnson, Sharelle Johnson, and Laurie-Anne Holmstrom. Photo supplied
Demand for the Mackay Base Hospital’s Cardiology Rapid Access Service (RAS) continues to grow as the service speeds up access to care and reduces pressure on the Emergency Department.
The nurse-led service has recorded more than 1500 patient encounters since opening in May 2025, with almost one in four patients subsequently avoiding an Emergency Department presentation.
In July last year, the service recorded almost 90 presentations and helped 20 patients avoid the ED. This July, presentations increased to 150 – a 66 per cent increase – with 50 patients avoiding an ED visit.
Mackay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Sean Birgan said the service provided an alternative pathway for patients with known cardiac conditions experiencing non-urgent concerns. These can include chest pain, palpitations, arrhythmias, shortness of breath, heart failure symptoms and medication queries, as well as wound reviews following cardiac procedures, cardiac device checks and follow-up after discharge.
For 76-year-old Mackay man Peter Johnson, the service has become an important part of his recovery following major heart surgery. Peter has accessed the Cardiology RAS more than 10 times by phone or in person since undergoing triple bypass surgery in Townsville 10 months ago. His cardiac problems began in August last year when he developed atrial fibrillation and was referred to Mackay Base Hospital’s Cardiac Cath Lab for cardioversion.
Following his bypass surgery in November, Peter returned home to Mackay but developed a post-surgical wound complication and contacted the Cardiology RAS. The service treated him immediately, beginning an ongoing relationship that has given Peter confidence to seek advice when something does not feel right. He has since returned for concerns including shortness of breath, heart palpitations and fluid overload.
“I don’t hesitate to ring them,” Peter said.
“They will talk to you or see you and put you at ease immediately.”
Peter now promotes the service through his involvement with North Mackay Rotary Club, encouraging others not to ignore symptoms or hesitate to seek advice.
“When patients are unsure whether a symptom is serious or not, having somewhere to turn or someone to call can make all the difference,” he said.
The Cardiology RAS is operated by an experienced clinical nurse consultant and nurse practitioner, who assess patients, resolve issues where possible and determine whether further treatment or escalation is required.
The service’s growing use comes as World Heart Day approaches on 29th September, with this year’s theme, ‘Don’t Miss a Beat’, focusing on recognising the signs and symptoms of heart disease and the importance of prevention. For cardiac patients, the service provides another avenue to seek timely advice and support when concerns arise.
Hormones have become a popular topic, and with good reason. People at every stage of life can experience changes that affect how they feel, function and move through their day.
A young person may be struggling with acne. A couple may be trying to conceive. A new parent may feel exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed. Later in life, women may experience significant changes through perimenopause and menopause. Men can also experience hormonal changes that influence energy, mood, sleep, strength and wellbeing.
Alongside this growing awareness, an enormous market has emerged. Pills, powders, potions and lotions promise balance, vitality and rapid results. The message can be persuasive, especially when you are tired, uncomfortable or searching for answers. Yet hormone health is deeply personal, and meaningful support begins with understanding the whole person.
So, what are hormones?
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands and other tissues throughout the body. They travel through the bloodstream and help coordinate thousands of important processes. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar. Melatonin supports the sleep and waking cycle. Other hormones influence growth, reproduction, appetite, metabolism, stress responses, mood and much more.
The body carries an extraordinary built-in intelligence. Your heart beats, your hair and fingernails grow, and countless processes continue every moment without conscious instruction. When hormonal symptoms arise, the body may be communicating that an area of health needs closer attention.
There can be many contributing factors. Is the body receiving and absorbing the nutrients it needs? Are sleep, hydration and regular movement supporting healthy function? Could ongoing stress, emotional strain or fatigue be affecting the way the brain, nervous system and hormonal glands communicate?
Environmental exposures, medications, alcohol, smoking and other lifestyle factors may also be relevant. Existing health conditions can influence hormones as well, which is why persistent or concerning symptoms deserve appropriate assessment from a qualified health professional.
At Healthy Life Essentials, we explore the bigger picture. We listen carefully to your experiences and help you identify realistic areas where greater support may be valuable.
Hormonal changes can feel confusing, frustrating and isolating. They can also become an invitation to understand your body in greater depth.
Your body possesses a remarkable capacity to communicate. When something changes, it may be asking you to pause, listen and respond with care.
Contact Healthy Life Essentials to explore a personalised approach to hormone health and discover practical steps that support your wellbeing through every age and stage of life.
Freshwater ecosystems are facing growing pressure from climate change, invasive species, declining water quality and habitat degradation, with researchers warning some native fish species are at risk of extinction. Photo source: Queensland.com
Australia’s freshwater fish are facing an escalating extinction threat, with new research highlighting the growing pressure on waterways from invasive species, climate change and declining water quality.
Researchers from James Cook University and Griffith University assessed 22 rare and threatened Australian freshwater fish species, drawing on published research and the knowledge of regional aquatic specialists.
The study found invasive species, habitat degradation, altered river flows and climate change were among the most significant threats to native fish populations, while crossbreeding between introduced and native species was also identified as a concern.
James Cook University Principal Research Officer Dr Aaron Davis, a co-author of the study, said freshwater ecosystems were experiencing significant biodiversity loss.
"Modern extinction rates for freshwater fish are more than 100 times higher than natural extinction rates. Globally, nearly one-third of freshwater fish species are at risk of extinction, while an estimated 37% of Australian freshwater fish species are threatened," Dr Davis said.
Rainbowfish and cling gobies were among the species identified as facing the greatest risk, with several classified as being at high or very high risk of extinction.
Dr Davis said some species were particularly vulnerable because their entire populations could be confined to small catchments.
“So, their entire global population is extremely vulnerable to a range of potential catastrophic events like pollution, a major landslide upstream filling up instream habitats, a heatwave or hypoxic (low dissolved oxygen) event, or the introduction of a feral species, affecting the entire population. An event like this, which can be very local, and certainly do occur, can wipe out an entire species.”
The researchers are calling for stronger protection and restoration of critical habitat, improved riparian vegetation management, invasive species control, and targeted translocation and captive breeding programs.
"If we don't move quickly, we risk losing species found nowhere else on Earth," Dr Davis said.
Member for Mirani Glen Kelly MP has raised road safety, maintenance and infrastructure priorities across the Mirani electorate in Queensland Parliament. Photo supplied
Road safety, maintenance and investment across the Mirani electorate have been raised in Queensland Parliament by Member for Mirani Glen Kelly MP, who said roads remained the number one issue raised with him and his office.
“Whether I am in Sarina, Marlborough, Mount Morgan, the Pioneer Valley or one of our smaller rural communities, roads are consistently the number one issue people raise with me,” Mr Kelly said.
“People want safer roads, better maintenance and stronger investment in the regional roads that keep our communities and economy moving.”
During debate on the Transport and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 and the Criminal Code (Dangerous Driving) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, Mr Kelly said road safety laws needed to be supported by safer infrastructure.
“Our roads get kids to school, workers to their jobs, cattle to market, cane to the mill and freight to the port,” he said.
He highlighted the Bruce Highway, including safety upgrades around the northern and southern approaches to Sarina, as well as Hay Point Road.
“Hay Point Road is an important road for local communities and a key connection to Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and Hay Point Coal Terminal,” Mr Kelly said.
“It carries local families and workers alongside traffic servicing one of Queensland’s most important export precincts.”
Mr Kelly also pointed to rural freight routes including Marlborough-Sarina Road and May Downs Road.
“These are working roads carrying cattle, feed, machinery, fuel, workers and families every day,” he said.
“They are part of the supply chain that supports Queensland’s beef and agricultural industries, and investment in these roads is investment in the Queensland economy.”
He also described the Capricorn and Peak Downs highways as important connections for the resources sector.
Mr Kelly said road safety depended on stronger laws, effective policing and continued infrastructure investment.
“Behind every cattle truck, school bus, ambulance and family car is a Queenslander who deserves to get home safely,” he said.
“That is why I will keep raising local road priorities in Parliament and pushing for the investment our regional communities deserve.”
Habana Rural Fire Brigade volunteers took part in recent training at Shoal Point last month. Photo source: Habana Rural Fire Brigade
Habana Rural Fire Brigade members have been busy with training and station work, with a strong turnout for a recent training day at Shoal Point.
The brigade completed familiarisation training with its four-wheel-drive appliance before new volunteers prepared for their basic firefighter assessments.
Training included standpipe handling, hydrant and fill pump familiarisation, as well as a truck hose down.
Members then returned to the station to complete appliance checks, while others stayed behind to help erect the station sign after it had been removed while the new concrete driveway was completed.
With bushfire season approaching, the brigade has also reminded local residents to take care when preparing their properties.
Residents requiring assistance from Habana Rural Fire Brigade with burning are asked to contact First Officer Dave Stewart on 0411 078 648 beforehand.
The brigade advised that all fires above 2m x 2m x 2m require a fire permit and encouraged residents to check the fire warden details on the QFD website for the appropriate contact number in their area, or contact their local fire brigade.
Residents are reminded to stay safe over summer, with the brigade warning that it only takes a spark to start a fire.
All fires should be reported by calling 000.
Photo source: Shutterstock
Isaac Regional Council residents were at risk of water shortages after both pumps supplying raw water from Theresa Creek Dam to Clermont failed earlier this week on Monday 28th September.
The failures prompted an emergency conserve water notice, with the Clermont community responding quickly by almost immediately halving its water use from 30 litres per second to 15 litres per second.
One of the failed pumps was replaced and had been operating since Tuesday evening, while Council worked on short-term repairs to the second pump. Isaac Regional Council said at the time of publication that the second pump would be replaced once Clermont’s water supply had stabilised.
Council staff worked overnight monitoring water entering the treatment plant, which continued operating through the night, while water stores increased by 15 per cent.
Council was investigating why both pumps had failed at the same time, with electricians on site as part of the investigation.
The latest pump failures were reportedly not connected to the issues experienced at the Clermont Water Treatment Plant in August.
Council had sourced two new pumps and a spare pump to provide additional support should another failure occur.
At the time of publication, Clermont residents had been asked to continue conserving water, with restrictions limited to essential household use including drinking, cooking, personal hygiene and flushing toilets.
Outdoor watering was not permitted.
Council said the Clermont community’s swift reduction in water use gave the pumps an opportunity to return water to the treatment plant and begin refilling the raw water tanks.
There were no further updates available at the time of print.
Imagine how much council would save if we didn’t fill our landfill site at Hogans Pocket as fast as we are right now. The State government are charging council more and more for us to deal with waste and that in itself is another cost to council. At the end of the day, that cost is to ratepayers. If you want to take some control, then we need to do better with our waste. We only have waste because we make waste and council must deal with it.
But there is a solution – we need to take responsibility of our waste and what we generate.
Recycle properly to our yellow lidded bin. Save your cans and bottles and take them to Containers for Change.
Since the scheme started and a dollar figure is now available for taking them in, how much cleaner are our streets! There is a lot less roadside rubbish.
Let’s go back to the old ways and have a scrap bin on the kitchen bench. Feed your veggie scraps to your compost or keep a worm farm – it’s one of the things that can keep giving back. How’s that for a circular economy! You feed your scraps to your worms, and they produce fertiliser for your plants and veggie patches.
Ladies do you throw out your clothes that no longer fit the family? Take them to an op shop or cut them up for hubby for rags in the shed. Better still, make money out of them by selling them at the Sweet Repeats Markets and get some extra cash for them.
Can you reduce your rubbish for your red lidded bin and, if so, how do you do that?
After recycling, feeding my worms and compost and going to Containers for Change, my family of two has produced one small bag of basically plastics for the red bin, weighing approximately three kilograms after one week. Now, you might say, “but I’m a family of five” and that’s fine, it’s all relative.
If you reduce, reuse and recycle or upcycle, you have now reduced your waste to landfill. Imagine if we all did this, how long would our landfill last and how much would council and ratepayers save in dealing with our rubbish?
If you’d like to catch up with your Mackay region councillors in person, then come along to a Let’s Chat – Council Connect session. The next one is in Walkerston at the Tommy Webster Memorial Hall on October 6th from 5pm to 6pm.
There’s a familiar phrase doing the rounds in businesses right now: “We’ll deal with that in the new year.”
And I get it. Orders need filling, deadlines are looming, and everyone is trying to get through to December. The to-do list keeps growing, while the bigger-picture jobs get pushed from one month to the next.
Marketing is often one of them.
But waiting until January to plan your 2027 marketing is a big mistake. You risk walking into a fresh year carrying last year’s unfinished business, outdated ideas and the same approach you’ve been meaning to change.
If you’re struggling to find time now, January is unlikely to magically deliver a clear calendar. Before you know it, you’re busy again, making rushed decisions and wondering where to start.
So, what can you do now to get ahead? Start with these five things.
1. Put a budget on the table.
It doesn’t have to be set in stone, but decide what you can realistically invest. A working budget helps you prioritise and gives your marketing some direction beyond “let’s see what’s left”.
2. Review what actually worked.
Look at the past year. What brought enquiries, sales or useful conversations? What took time and money without delivering much? Use that information to decide what deserves another run.
3. Plan for the business you are today.
Have you grown? Has your audience changed? Are you chasing different goals? Your strategy needs to reflect that. A downloadable template might prompt some thinking, but it cannot make the decisions that are specific to your business.
4. Look beyond your usual channels.
Social media has a role, but it isn’t the whole picture. Consider where your customers spend
time and who they trust. Partnerships, events, email, print and other opportunities may deserve a place in your plan.
5. Get clear on your brand.
What do you stand for? Why should someone choose you? If you struggle to explain your difference, your potential customers will struggle to see it too
You’ve put processes in place to help your team perform at their best. Give your marketing that same attention and imagine what your business could achieve.
Make the time now. One focused conversation could be the start of a clearer direction, better decisions and a plan that turns “we should” into “we’re doing”.
My team and I have spent decades helping businesses find their direction, adapt to change and put ideas into action. We bring experience, fresh thinking and a bucketload of perspective to help you see the opportunities ahead and work out how to make the most of them.
Give yourself something more valuable than another new year’s resolution: a strategy you’re excited to put into action.
Let’s chat and make 2027 a year you’re ready for.
Give us a call: 4953 2833 or visit www.redhotblue.com.au
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Over the past years, the First Nations Business Expo and its predecessor events have become a powerful platform for showcasing Indigenous business capability, creating procurement opportunities, and strengthening connections between First Nations businesses, government and industry.
Since the inception, the events have attracted more than 100 attendees annually, connected dozens of Indigenous businesses with buyers and decision-makers, and generated tangible outcomes including new supply opportunities, contract discussions, tender invitations and supplier pre-qualification pathways.
A standout achievement has been the consistent level of satisfaction from participating businesses. Across the previous events, the overwhelming majority of exhibitors indicated they would participate again and recommend the event to other Indigenous businesses. Many businesses identified the Expo as a key opportunity to promote their services, build networks and access procurement opportunities that may not otherwise be available.
The 2025 First Nations Business Expo, held during Indigenous Business Month, showcased 32 First Nations businesses representing industries including construction, mining, tourism, professional services, education, health and technology. The event's procurement panel and networking opportunities provided direct access to major buyers and procurement professionals, helping businesses better understand pathways into government and corporate supply chains.
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Beyond the numbers, the Expo's greatest success has been its ability to create meaningful relationships. Attendees consistently reported increased awareness of Indigenous business capability, while businesses gained valuable industry contacts, new commercial opportunities and stronger connections across the region.
The events have become more than a business showcase. They have evolved into a celebration of First Nations entrepreneurship, resilience and innovation, demonstrating the significant contribution Indigenous businesses make to the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday economy.
As participation continues to grow each year, the First Nations Business Expo stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the strength of the regional Indigenous business community, creating lasting economic opportunities and helping build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
MAIN - Joan Hill, (2nd from the left), pictured during her eight years working at Mackay’s old C.O.D. building. Image supplied
By Hannah McNamara
An uncovered photograph from the 1950s is being shared by local Delyce Hill in rememberance of her late sister Joan Maureen Hill, who she described as a devoted worker and a positive presence in the community.
At the time the photo was taken, Joan was in her early 20s, working at Mackay’s old C.O.D. building on Victoria Street, where she spent around eight years from 1952.
Long before larger corporate grocers took over the industry in Mackay, the Committee of Direction of Fruit Marketing, also known as the C.O.D., was a thriving part of the city’s produce trade; a hub for fruit and vegetables as they passed from producers to customers.
Delyce remembers her own father sending pumpkins, beans, citrus fruit and potatoes to the C.O.D, with the produce brought in by freight train.
“The C.O.D. was a pretty thriving business back then… everybody went there, and people would even come in from out of town,” she said.
According to Delyce, Joan spent her days serving customers, whilst boarding at the YWCA.
“The customers loved her and she loved all the customers. I think she knew all of them by name and how often they came in.”
“She lived for her work.”
After spending around eight years at the C.O.D, Joan moved to Brisbane, where she began working for the Queensland Government’s Public Works Department as a cleaner.
When cleaning services were later put out to contract, Joan was offered a position as the department’s personal tea lady, where she stayed until she was 79,” Delyce said.
Delyce said that Joan was dedicated to her work, and was recognised with an Australia Day Medal for that reason.
Outside of work, Joan was known for her baking, making cakes and cheesecakes for colleagues and special functions.
Joan passed away in June this year, two months shy of her 94th birthday.
For Delyce, the photograph has become a small but meaningful piece of her sister’s legacy, and a glimpse into a chapter of Mackay’s history that shouldn’t be forgotten.
BMA CQ Rescue was tasked to a catamaran off Hook Island last weekend following an incident involving a female American tourist. Photo supplied
BMA CQ Rescue crews have responded to two separate incidents across the region in recent days, transporting patients to Mackay Base Hospital for further treatment.
The latest rescue involved a female American tourist who suffered a severe leg injury after becoming caught in the rigging of a catamaran off Hook Island. BMA CQ Rescue was tasked to the vessel in the afternoon, with the team meeting the patient at Hayman Island. She was treated by the rescue team before being transported to Mackay Base Hospital in a stable condition for further medical treatment.
The incident came just days after the rescue service was called to a station near Nebo following a quad bike rollover. A 49-year-old man was treated at the scene for suspected internal and spinal injuries before being transported in a stable condition to Mackay Base Hospital. The rescue was carried out after BMA CQ Rescue was tasked by Queensland Health.
The two incidents highlight the varied situations faced by the region’s aeromedical rescue service, from remote properties in the Central Queensland hinterland to marine incidents around the Whitsunday islands.
BMA CQ Rescue provides a rapid emergency response for critically ill or injured patients across Central Queensland and the Whitsunday region, operating from its base in Mackay. The service regularly responds to incidents in locations where access to specialist medical care can be limited, transporting patients to hospitals for further assessment and treatment.
Following the latest incidents, BMA CQ Rescue wished both patients a safe and speedy recovery.
Image source: Mackay Regional Council
Artspace Mackay will welcome three new exhibitions this October, showcasing First Nations artists and exploring stories of culture, identity, ancestry and truth.
Opening Friday, October 2, the exhibitions include Torres Strait Islander ancestry, Pacific cultural connections and contemporary political commentary.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the exhibitions combined visiting art with selected works from Council’s own collection.
“Art has an important role to play in a community. It gives us a chance to see the world through different eyes, to learn about the stories and experiences of others, and to reflect on our own sense of place and identity,” Mayor Williamson said.
The Main Gallery will feature Kulba A Kaib, a solo exhibition by acclaimed Torres Strait Islander artist Brian Robinson (Kala Lagaw Ya / Wuthathi). Born on Waiben (Thursday Island) and now based in Cairns, Robinson’s works draw on ancestral knowledge, cultural narratives and contemporary visual culture.
The Foundation Gallery will present Pacific Currents, drawn from the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection and exploring the interconnected cultures, histories and identities of the Pacific region.
Completing the lineup is Darren Blackman’s Post Truth in the Foyer Gallery. Created in response to the 2025 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair theme, Pay Attention!, the exhibition explores political and social forces through LED neon text-based sculptures.
Artspace Mackay Exhibition Curator Dylan Mooney will host an Exhibition Floor Talk with Robinson and Blackman on Saturday, October 3. The free guided tour has limited places.
The three exhibitions run until December 13, with free admission.
Mackay residents are invited to attend Disaster Ready Saturday on 17th October. Photo supplied
Mackay residents will have the chance to get disaster-ready ahead of the upcoming wet season, with Disaster Ready Saturday returning to the region on 17th October.
The free event will be held at Caneland Central, near Peter Alexander, from 9am to 1pm, bringing emergency services, disaster management specialists and utility providers together in one location.
Residents can speak directly with experts, collect a free disaster preparedness information kit and complete a short preparedness survey for the chance to win a Honda generator valued at more than $2300, thanks to Mackay Outdoor Power Centre.
The survey will be open from 3rd October to 17th October.
The Mackay event will feature representatives from Mackay Regional Council’s Emergency Management and Flood Modelling teams, State Emergency Service, Queensland Fire Department, Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Police Service, Surf Life Saving Queensland, Mackay Hospital and Health Service, Australian Red Cross, Sunwater, Ergon Energy, NBN Co and Maritime Safety Queensland.
Council’s Flood Modelling Team will also bring along an interactive wave tank demonstrating the potential impacts of storm surge and coastal flooding.
With cyclone, flood and bushfire risks increasing as Queensland heads into disaster season, the event is an opportunity for residents to check they know what hazards could affect their property and where to find reliable information during an emergency.
Residents are encouraged to use the event to review their emergency plans, prepare or update an emergency kit and consider how they would stay connected and informed if power, phone or internet services were disrupted.
More information and the disaster preparedness survey are available at Connecting Mackay’s Disaster Ready Saturday page.
Local mothers Haylee and Lisa brought Mackay families, carers and supporters together at Bluewater Quay for the ‘Walk Beside Us’ rally last Saturday. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Mackay families, carers, supporters and local professionals gathered at Bluewater Quay last Saturday 26th September for the ‘Walk Beside Us’ rally, calling for the voices of people with disability and their families to be heard.
The rally was organised by local mothers Haylee and Lisa, who had previously shared their experiences caring for children with complex disabilities and their concerns about how changes to the NDIS could affect families requiringsignificant and ongoing support.
Following the event, Haylee thanked those who attended and helped bring the rally together.
“Thank you to every single person who took two hours out of their Saturday to stand beside us, speak their truth and help make sure the voices of our families were heard,” she said.
Haylee said she was honoured to see two local Behaviour Therapists and allied health professionals attend in support of families, while also acknowledging those working with NDIS participants and their families across the region.
A number of people also took the opportunity to speak during the rally, including Sophie, one of the participants, who Haylee thanked for having the courage to share her experience.
“A massive thank you to Anarchy Services Mackay for standing up and speaking on behalf of our families,” Haylee said.
She also recognised Lisa for her role in organising the majority of the event and working behind the scenes to bring everything together, along with Hannah, David, Sydney and family members who helped with the setup and artwork.
Haylee said the support of her partner, Quentin, was also particularly meaningful after he surprised her by bringing their son to the rally for its final hour.
While the rally drew a smaller crowd than some may have expected, Haylee said the number of people present did not take away from the purpose of the gathering.
“We weren’t there to count heads.
“We were there to make sure voices were heard.
“And they were.”
Haylee said the day reinforced that the value of the rally was not measured by the number of people who attended.
“Numbers don’t matter. Voices matter.
“Followers don’t matter. Honesty matters.
“Numbers don’t matter. Friendship matters.
“Popularity doesn’t matter. The people who genuinely stand behind you do.”
She said the rally was about creating a space where people could speak for themselves, rather than having others speak on their behalf.
“This was never about speaking for people.
“It was about creating a space where people could speak for themselves.”
Haylee described the event as an “incredible day” and thanked everyone who attended, listened, spoke, helped organise, set up, created artwork, shared the message or simply stood beside them.
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