Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Local tourism operators are expressing concern toward troubling times ahead, with the federal government’s new visa restrictions set to shrink the backpacker workforce that drives seasonal operations. The Federal Government’s proposed cuts to Working Holiday Visas have raised concerns across two of the Whitsundays’ biggest industries. Bowen farmers warned that fewer backpackers could leave crops unpicked, and now tourism leaders in Airlie Beach have added that the same cuts could leave local businesses scrambling to find workers that aren’t there. At Airlie Beach’s Heart of the Great Barrier Reef sign, Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins spoke about what the proposed changes could mean for a region that relies heavily on tourism. “We can't have Airlie Beach named Australia's top tourism town in the small category and then have the knees cut out from us by federal policy,” Tim said. The proposed changes form part of the Federal Government’s effort to reduce migration, a topic that has been of hot debate by all three parties that Mayor Ry Collins believes the working holiday visas should be separated from. “Obviously the federal government is really coming in with broad brushstrokes to try and address the publicly perceived issue around net overseas migration (NOM),” said Mayor Collins. “Some of the dialogue I heard last week in Canberra was actually taking that working holiday maker class completely out of the NOM calculation. “I think that's a fair and reasonable way that they can make the numbers look as good as they want but it won't affect the actual number of workers that are here to support our industries.” The new restrictions look to cut the second-year extension on Working Holiday Visas from 57,000 to 45,000 slots, and 3rd year extension from 31,000 to just 5,000. According to Tourism Whitsundays, the Whitsundays hosts about 3,500 backpacker workers at any given time of the year. “I think for regions like the Whitsunday’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average by 0.9%, so at a 3.5% unemployment rate, we just don't have the workforce there that can pick up these roles that the working holidaymaker delivers for our communities,” Tim said. According to figures released by Tourism Whitsundays, in the year ending March 2026, domestic visitors spent $959.1 million in the region and international visitors spent a further $271.8 million. This spending was made possible by the abundance of workers delivering those experiences. “[Working holidaymakers] do a terrific job already in delivering world-class experiences, particularly here in the Whitsundays,” said Mayor Collins. “We do see working holidaymakers really take up that mantle, particularly in areas like customer service roles, hospitality roles, housekeeping roles... “What we're asking for is that we can stay strong as an entire tourism industry.” Having just returned from Canberra, the pair said raising regional and statewide voices is crucial to persuading the Federal Government to reconsider how the proposed restrictions would apply. “And then at a federal level, obviously through our federal member Andrew Wilcox, but we've also engaged with the members of the Labor Party around that as well. “But unfortunately it's starting to feel like a number of issues that we're campaigning on…along with things like disaster recovery funding arrangements which was one we linked into last week.” Photo caption: Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins and CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Tim Booth. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
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In this world of AI and other technological advancements, you don’t want to be the person who wanders around the office like a big old clumsy Tyrannosaurus Rex bumping into all the youngsters and stepping on their laptops and other devices. It’s one of the challenges of our times; getting the balance right in business in a world that is increasingly controlled by AI, robotics and a rapidly changing IT environment. I remember, some years ago now, when older family members had refused to embrace computer technology and mobile phones etc. They were really left behind and felt excluded in a world that had moved ahead without them. I’ve got a 19-year-old son who doesn’t have to think about it. Current and evolving technology is part of his life and, like others in his age group, he is completely at ease with something that is just part of his make-up and comprehension of the world around him. The trap you can fall into is letting the kids do all the IT stuff for you. My son set up our old TV with all the streaming services etc, which was the easy option for me, but I find it’s important to get involved and do it yourself otherwise everything will move ahead and you won’t be able to do things for yourself. But I am still stuck in some of the old ways. If I am ordering a takeaway meal I still ring the restaurant and go and pick it up. The old T-Rex wanders into the Thai or Indian joint and picks up his plastic bag of goodies, pays, and drives home. There aren’t many of us left. Uber Eats baby. Everyone has embraced it. My wife and daughter were having dinner together in Brisbane recently and my daughter noticed that her stockings or tights had “run” or a ladder in them. My wife suggested she jump in the car and drive to a nearby supermarket and get another pair. But my daughter ordered a new pair to be delivered to the restaurant by Uber. They were there in a jiffy and the night continued without the pesky interruption of having to leave the restaurant to buy them. It’s a great example of the modern world making things easier and how many of us need to ensure we are adjusting and understanding how things can now be done. There is another side to the coin, however. People have told me that I should get AI to write my columns. They say I could give it some examples of columns I have written and give it an idea for a new column and tell it to knock out 600 words on my chosen topic in my style of writing. It’s something I would never do. Apart from the fact that it would somehow seem like I was cheating, it would also not be authentic. I feel that however boring or pedestrian my stories and comments are, at least they are mine. They have come from my noggin, my experiences. It is my take on the world, not something that has been cobbled together by artificial intelligence. It’s similar in the world of real estate and, I’m sure, business generally. You need to embrace the technology, use it when it creates a better service, a superior experience for buyers and a better result for sellers. But there is still a place for picking up the phone and calling buyers, following up from open homes, doing the hard work that needs to be done as an agent. In a world of AI, robotics and Uber Everything the human element, the person-to-person connection still needs to happen to deliver good service and create the best result for clients.
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Maisy is a beautiful little soul who seems to understand that the very best place in the world is right beside someone she loves. She is affectionate, gentle, social and wonderfully trusting. She loves curling up on a welcoming lap, snuggling into your arms and settling close enough to make you feel as though you have always belonged together. Maisy is generous with her purrs, her cuddles and her sweet little air biscuits. She even places her paw in your hand as if to say, “I choose you.” But this gorgeous girl is not only a champion snuggler. Maisy is playful, curious and full of kitten joy. She loves exploring her toys, chasing anything that moves and turning ordinary moments into entertainment. She will happily amuse herself, but everything is even more fun when her favourite person joins in. She has that perfect combination of affection and personality, soft and loving when it is time to cuddle, and playful and bright when it is time for fun. Maisy will bring warmth to your home, companionship to your days and a little paw to hold whenever you need it. If you are looking for a kitten who will play with you, curl up with you and love being part of your life, Maisy may be the girl you have been waiting for. Maisy has been desexed, microchipped, received her first vaccination, been wormed and is litter trained. She is ready to begin her beautiful new life as a much-loved indoor companion. To arrange a meet and greet with Maisy, please call Ros on 0403 814 318.
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Tarren McAuley, Web Director and Co-Owner I remember when those AI posters started popping up – the first one looked kinda different. By the end of the week, when I’d seen 30 of them, I was much less enamoured + actively scrolled past anything that had that telltale paint smear style font. It’s not that the quality had gotten any worse between me seeing that first one + when I was sick of them by the 30th. But it was no longer novel or original. I think AI is especially susceptible to this because as soon as someone discovers a winning formula, everyone else jumps on the bandwagon, but because everyone is getting similar outputs, it gets old – quick. I think brands can fall into a similar trap. Humans are always looking for inspiration + when seeking it out, where better to look than the other players in your field. If you’re a tech company, you’re going to look at Samsung, Apple + the like. But when that happens too much, you get a feedback loop of samey-ness. For me, this is best exemplified by airline logos. Look at Qantas + Virgin, probably the two biggest brands in Australia. Both use a red plane-like icon, w/ their logo in big letters next to it. Bit cherry picked but even the other big players’ logos are similar - Emirates uses mainly red + shakes it up by having a slightly more exotic font. Jetstar ditches the red for orange + has their icon at the end but it has similar visual markers. This isn’t unique to logos, like w/ the poster example earlier – it could be your social tiles, your website or even your company email sig. Whatever it is, if you wake up one day + notice that the other businesses around you are looking a bit too similar, that should be your sign to start looking at a rebrand to shake off the rust + re-establish your unique identity. You know, until the cycle repeats again!
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Stress has become so woven into modern life that many of us barely notice it anymore. We move from one responsibility to the next, manage family needs, meet deadlines, answer messages and fall into bed with our minds still racing. Eventually, feeling overwhelmed can begin to seem normal. Perhaps these feelings deserve our attention.
Stress is a significant and often overlooked contributor to ill health. It can influence sleep, digestion, mood, concentration, energy and many other aspects of wellbeing. Once again, the body may be sending us a message and inviting us to look more closely at what needs care.
Our nervous system is designed to help us respond to challenges. In short bursts, this response can be useful. When pressures continue without enough recovery, the body may remain in a heightened state for too long. Daily responsibilities, demanding workloads, deadlines, financial concerns and relationship pressures can gradually build. You might feel tense, irritable, exhausted or unable to switch off. Even simple tasks can begin to require enormous effort.
These experiences can be valuable signals that your current pace needs to change.
The amount of distraction we face has also increased dramatically. Notifications, emails, social media, news and endless streams of information compete for our attention. It can become difficult to focus on the people, priorities and goals that matter most.
Distraction may offer a temporary escape, yet it can also become a place in which we get lost. When our energy is repeatedly pulled away from what we genuinely want to achieve, unfinished tasks and neglected priorities can create even more pressure.
A helpful direction is to develop realistic strategies that allow the nervous system to experience safety and balance. One simple place to begin is with four slow, long outward breaths. Breathe in gently, then allow each exhale to be longer and softer than the inhale. You can even add a sigh as you breathe out. This can help calm the body and support the parasympathetic nervous system, often called the rest and digest response.
Stress deserves regular opportunities for release. Waiting for a holiday or an exotic retreat can leave the body carrying tension for weeks, months or even years before returning to the same demanding environment. Gentle recovery needs to become part of everyday life.
These sessions create protected time for your nervous system to settle while giving you practical techniques to use at home, at work and during busy periods.
Through our eight essential pillars of health, we also explore sleep, nutrition, hydration, movement, emotional wellbeing and the pressures shaping your life. Every strategy is tailored to the individual, because stress feels different for everyone.
If exhaustion, overwhelm or constant distraction has become familiar, pause and listen. Your body will be guiding your attention towards an area of life that needs greater care.
Contact Healthy Life Essentials to learn about our next group relaxation class and begin creating more calm, clarity and breathing space in your everyday life.
Brad Baker : Healthy Life Essentials
A career in medicine spanning more than three decades, two surgical specialties and three countries has given Dr Maged Aziz plenty of experience. It has also reinforced something he has carried with him throughout his career: that there is always more to learn, and another way to give better care for the patient.
Born and raised in Egypt, Dr Aziz later moved to New Zealand, where he met his wife and business partner, Debbie. The couple eventually made Australia home with their three children, and today their focus includes bringing specialist care to regional communities across Queensland and beyond.
Dr Aziz’s medical career has been marked by a willingness to continue beyond the expected path.
After completing his Fellowship in General Surgery, he undertook further specialist training and earned a second fellowship in Vascular Surgery. The additional training expanded his expertise while giving him experience across both surgical fields.
As the only vascular surgeon operating locally in Mackay, Dr Aziz is helping bring specialist vascular care closer to home for regional patients.
That breadth of experience now forms an important part of Advanced Vascular, where Dr Aziz provides assessment and treatment for varicose veins, with advanced non-surgical treatment options considered before surgery where appropriate.
He can assess and investigate patients himself, including performing his own ultrasound assessments, allowing him to follow a patient from their initial consultation through to treatment planning.
For patients, particularly those living outside major centres, that can mean a more straightforward experience when seeking specialist care.
“We tailor our services to what our patients need, not to what I can or can’t do,” Dr Aziz explained.
Mackay locals can access in-person appointments, while telehealth consultations provide another option for patients who may find travelling for specialist care difficult. The practice also offers appointments in Maryborough and across Queensland.
For Dr Aziz and Debbie, flexibility is part of their broader approach to making specialist healthcare more accessible to everyday people and their families.
“We provide flexibility, and a one-stop-shop for our patients. We don’t wait for them to come to us – we actually go to them.”
Rather than recommending intervention for the sake of it, Dr Aziz believes patients should understand what is happening, what their options are and whether treatment is genuinely needed.
Ultimately, the value of specialist care lies in Dr Aziz’s passion for seeing his patients walk more comfortably, better understand their health concerns, and return to everyday activities with greater confidence.
“We see the real change in people’s lives – and that’s why we do it,” Dr Aziz said.
For Mackay and other regional Queensland communities, Advanced Vascular offers a specialist service shaped not only by Dr Aziz’s extensive surgical experience, but by a broader mission to meet patients where they are and put their needs at the centre of care.
The Brief: Large Renovated Home with Two Sheds on 2 ha in Mount Martin
AT A GLANCE
INSIDE
OUTSIDE
Contact Robyn Agius, your local Area Specialist to arrange a private inspection or request further information.
Students at Catherine McAuley College, Mackay are putting their engineering skills to the test, transforming classroom learning into a high-performance project with the construction of a fully functioning race car.
The Year 11 Engineering Pathways students have spent the past three terms designing, fabricating and assembling the vehicle as part of their Vocational Education Program (VEP) and Certificate II in Engineering Pathways studies.
The ambitious project provides students with valuable hands-on experience across a range of engineering disciplines, including fabrication, mechanical assembly, problem-solving and teamwork. Working together to bring the race car to life, students have gained practical skills that closely reflect real-world engineering and manufacturing environments.
The project offers students a unique opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in a meaningful and exciting way.
Students have embraced the challenge from the very beginning. They have developed technical skills, learned the importance of precision and teamwork, and taken great pride in seeing their hard work come together.
The race car represents more than just an assessment task. It is the centrepiece of the students' preparation for the Formula High School Challenge, which will be held at Lakeside Park Raceway in 2027.
The statewide competition brings together schools from across Queensland, with teams challenged to complete the highest number of laps possible during a six-and-a-half-hour endurance event. Success depends not only on speed but also on the reliability, performance and engineering quality of each vehicle.
For the Catherine McAuley College students, the challenge day at Raceview Park will be the culmination of months of dedication, persistence and innovation.
As the final pieces of the project come together, excitement continues to build among the aspiring engineers. Their race car stands as a testament to their commitment, practical skills and passion for engineering, proving they are well and truly on the fast track to success.
Burdekin Grower and Queensland Canegrowers Chair Owen Menkens is the industry-preferred candidate for the upcoming STL G-Class Director position. Photo credit: QCGO.
By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay
The upcoming Sugar Terminals Limited (STL) Grower/G‑Class Director election, to be decided at the company’s Annual General Meeting on 21 October 2026, has unexpectedly become one of the most closely watched governance moments in Queensland’s sugar industry recent history.
With major shareholder Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) announcing its support for CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens, the contest has highlighted deeper questions about grower representation, terminal strategy, and the future direction of one of the industry’s most important infrastructure owners.
STL oversees Queensland’s bulk sugar terminal network which is a system of storage and loading facilities that underpins the state’s export driven sugar sector. For growers, the terminals are not just physical assets but are a critical choke point: the backbone of the industry’s logistics chain. Decisions made at the STL board table can influence marketing efficiency, shipping schedules, and long‑term investment in infrastructure.
QSL—itself a major player in sugar marketing and, up until 1 July this year, the operator of the terminals—has made it clear that they believe, along with the vast majority of growers and some milling companies, that Queensland CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens brings with him extensive knowledge of Queensland’s sugar industry and the vital role the bulk sugar terminal network plays within it. As Chair of Qld CANEGROWERS, also president of the World Beet and Sugar Association and a Burdekin cane farmer, Menkens has long been regarded as one of the industry’s most experienced grower leaders. Former CANEGROWERS Chairman Paul Schembri already serves as a Grower Director on the STL Board, and Menkens’ election would place another seasoned grower voice in a key governance role.
Most of the industry believes that this year’s election carries unusual weight. STL is navigating a period of significant challenge, including rising maintenance costs, evolving export requirements, and ongoing debate about the future configuration of the terminal network. Growers have expressed concern that decisions made now will shape the competitiveness of Queensland sugar for decades.
Against this backdrop, the decision by the CEO of Tully Mill to nominate for the Grower Director position in competition with Menkens has drawn attention and disappointment from some grower groups. While the CEO has not released detailed reasoning, the move has been interpreted by many as a sign of growing tension between some milling companies and certain growing sectors of the industry.
It could be argued that the G‑Class Director role exists specifically to ensure grower perspectives are not overshadowed by mill interests. Growers rely on STL to protect the integrity of the terminal network, so when a respected grower leader puts his hand up, it’s surprising to see a mill CEO try to oppose that.
Disagreement is not unusual in an industry where marketing, logistics, and governance responsibilities are shared across multiple organisations with differing commercial priorities. The Tully Mill CEO’s action in nominating for a grower role may be considered to reflect broader debates about how STL should evolve and who should guide that evolution.
Despite the controversy, the election has prompted renewed discussion about the importance of strong grower representation. Many growers argue that having experienced industry leaders on the STL Board helps ensure decisions remain grounded in the realities of farming, harvesting, and delivering cane into a complex supply chain.
I would encourage all G‑Class shareholders to support Owen Menkens as this election is shaping up as a defining moment for STL governance. As the AGM approaches, growers and the broader public will be watching closely. The decisions made on 21 October will influence not only who sits at the board table, but how the industry navigates the challenges ahead.
Almost 100 graziers attended the Reef Catchments’ annual Grazing Forum in Sarina. Photo supplied
Almost 100 graziers gathered in Sarina this week for Reef Catchments’ annual Grazing Forum, putting practical ideas, new technology and on-farm learning in the spotlight.
The two-day event began at the Sarina Showgrounds on Wednesday, 16th September, before moving to a field day at Mt Charlton on Thursday, giving producers the chance to take the discussion from the presentation room into the paddock.
Keynote speaker Stuart Andrews from Tarwyn Park Training explored the five pillars of Natural Sequence Farming, including how landscape function and water management can contribute to productive and resilient grazing enterprises.
Other sessions looked at agricultural drone technology and innovation, natural capital and emerging opportunities for landholders, before the field day covered pasture management, soil formation and landscape processes.
Local landholders and specialists, including Jim Fletcher of Nightcamp Agriculture and Reef Catchments’ Chanelle Barrett, also shared practical experience with attendees.
The annual forum is now a long-running fixture for the region’s grazing industry, with Reef Catchments describing it as an opportunity for producers to connect with industry representatives, service providers and fellow landholders while picking up ideas they can apply on their own properties.
The 2026 forum was presented by Reef Catchments through funding from the Australian Government and Glencore, continuing a partnership supporting sustainable agriculture and natural resource management across the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region.
Last week delivered an important victory for Australia's veterans when the Albanese Government finally abandoned its proposed $5,000 annual cap on veterans' allied health care.
The measure, announced in the May Budget and due to commence in July 2027, would have introduced a $5,000 annual threshold for allied health treatment, with additional care subject to further assessment of clinical need. The measure was expected to save the Budget around $750 million over three years.
The Coalition strongly opposed the proposal and called on the Prime Minister to ‘scrap the cap’, arguing that veterans with complex and ongoing health needs should not face additional uncertainty over their treatment. Veteran organisations and other parliamentarians also raised significant concerns.
Our position was simple: Australians who have served their country deserve confidence that clinically necessary health care will be there when they need it.
The Government argued the threshold was designed to address overservicing and said veterans requiring additional treatment would continue receiving clinically appropriate care. But the response from the veteran community demonstrated the depth of concern about how the proposal would operate in practice.
Eventually, pressure led by the Coalition produced a result.
The Albanese Government walked back the Budget measure and confirmed the $5,000 threshold would not proceed. DVA subsequently confirmed that eligible Veteran Card holders will continue to access allied health treatment under existing arrangements.
This outcome belongs first and foremost to the veterans, families and ex-service organisations who spoke up.
It also demonstrates why a strong Coalition Opposition matters. When government policy gets it wrong, our job is to listen, challenge it and fight for a better outcome.
Our veterans answered Australia's call when their country needed them.
When they needed Parliament to listen, the Coalition stood with them, and together, we helped scrap the cap.
Glen Kelly MP and Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell during his visit to Eungella earlier this year. Photo supplied
For too long, national park management has been caught up in the idea that the best way to protect these places is to lock them up and leave them alone. I don’t agree.
Protecting our national parks means actively looking after them, and that is the practical approach the Crisafulli Government is bringing back to Queensland.
Here in the Mirani electorate, Eungella National Park is a perfect example of why this matters. Eungella is one of the jewels of our region. Its rainforest, wildlife, walking tracks, creeks and spectacular views make it a major drawcard for locals and visitors alike.
But if we want people to experience and appreciate places like Eungella, we have to look after the basics. That means maintaining road networks and fire trails, grading access where required, keeping walking tracks in good condition and making sensible, strategic improvements to visitor facilities.
The Mackay Highlands Great Walk has certainly seen better days. That isn’t a criticism of the hardworking people on the ground; it is an acknowledgement that we need to give them the resources and support to do better. We should be looking at how we can improve these assets and encourage more people to experience Eungella and the Mackay Highlands without detracting from the very environment they are coming to see.
Active management also means getting back to practical land and fire management. Planned burning, well-maintained fire trails and sensible fuel-load management are important tools for protecting our natural environment, neighbouring properties and local communities.
That approach is important not only for Eungella, but across Homevale National Park, the Mackay Highlands and our national parks on the other side of the range.
Our national parks should be good neighbours. That means working alongside landholders, Rural Fire Brigades and local communities. It means managing weeds and pests, maintaining access and recognising that responsible conservation requires boots on the ground. There is still plenty of work to do, but I believe we are heading in the right direction.
We don’t have to choose between conservation and access. With practical, responsible management, we can protect these incredible places, make them safer, improve the visitor experience and ensure more Queenslanders can enjoy them for generations to come. That is what properly looking after our national parks should be about.
Councillor Ash-Lee Johnson
Have you used the Mackay Parking app before? Was it easy to use, or did you find the process frustrating? Or do you avoid paid parking in the City Centre altogether?
These are the experiences we need to hear from you, the people who use our paid parking system. Good decisions and good community outcomes start with listening to the community who know our region and this is an opportunity to make sure local experience is considered when we look at what could work better.
Council is currently asking the community to complete its Paid Parking User Experience Survey through our Connecting Mackay platform. I encourage anyone who has used or regularly uses paid parking in the Mackay City Centre to take a few minutes to complete the survey.
That includes the experience of using the parking machines on Gordon and Wood streets, navigating the Mackay Parking app, finding clear information and understanding parking rules and time limits.
We know there are parts of the current system that could work better. The priority now is to understand what needs to change and what would make paid parking easier for the people who visit our City Centre.
For some people, the current system may be straightforward. For others, it can be an added frustration when they are simply trying to get into the city, do their shopping, make it on time to work or visit a local business.
The small, everyday experiences of using our City Centre can tell us a lot about what matters to our community. They give us a practical understanding of what is working well and where there may be opportunities to do things better. Our role is to listen to that feedback, consider it carefully and make sure it is part of the conversation.
Tell us what works. Tell us what does not. Most importantly, tell us what you want to see improved in the experience.
The survey closes on Wednesday, September 30th 2026.
If you have an experience with Mackay's paid parking system, good or bad, this is your opportunity to put it directly to council.
Take five minutes and have your say.
Complete the Paid Parking User Experience Survey through Connecting Mackay: connectingmackay.com.au/paid-parking-user-survey
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October's Indigenous Business Month (IBM) is a national celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership and economic self-determination. Held annually from 1–31 October, Indigenous Business Month highlights the important role Indigenous businesses play in creating jobs, strengthening communities, preserving culture and driving economic development. Established in 2015 by First Nations business leaders Dr Michelle Evans, Leesa Watego and Mayrah Sonter, the initiative was created to celebrate Indigenous business excellence and demonstrate the power of business as a pathway to economic empowerment and self-determination.
Over the past 12 years, Indigenous Business Month has grown into a nationwide movement. What began as a way to raise the profile of Indigenous businesses has evolved into a platform for building relationships, sharing knowledge, inspiring innovation and strengthening connections between businesses, communities, government and industry. At its heart is a simple idea: stronger outcomes are achieved when people work together and stay connected.
“An amazing showcase of the regions Indigenous capabilities”. Attendee feedback
The Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday First Nations Business Expo is a local example of this vision in action.
Today's Expo grew from regular conversations between a small group of local organisations, government representatives and Indigenous business owners who wanted to strengthen connections across the region. Meeting monthly online, they shared information, discussed opportunities, built relationships and worked together to create a stronger and more connected Indigenous business network.
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Over time, those conversations developed into a broader network focused on creating practical opportunities for First Nations businesses. Representatives from organisations including QATSIP, Mackay Regional Council, Indigenous business owners and supporting agencies came together with a shared goal: to help Indigenous businesses connect with buyers, procurement opportunities, industry partners, broader community, and each other.
Today, that collaboration continues through the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday Indigenous Business Working Group and its fifth annual First Nations Business Expo. It is so much than a one-day event. The Expo is a genuine reflection of ongoing relationships, shared learnings and collective efforts. It provides a platform to showcase Indigenous business brilliance, encourage more collaborations and create opportunities that mutually benefit businesses and communities across the regions.
“Great to chat with businesses in the community making change and succeeding”. Attendee feedback
Indigenous businesses demonstrate cultural leadership, strengthen relationships, practise reciprocity and contribute to thriving local economies through employment and enterprise.
Indigenous Business Month celebrates these contributions while encouraging the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators to see business as a pathway to leadership, and self-determination.
As the region prepares for the 2026 Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday First Nations Business Expo, the message is simple: local connections create lasting impact. The Expo may take place over a single day, but it represents years of relationship-building, collaboration and a shared commitment to strengthening Indigenous business across the regions.
What: First Nations Business Expo 2026
Date: Thursday 22nd October
Time: 8:15am-2.00pm
Where: MECC, North Foyer
BMA CQ Rescue transported a woman to hospital in a serious but stable condition following a vehicle and coal train collision at Clermont. Photos supplied by BMA CQ Rescue
BMA CQ Rescue was tasked to Ken Logan Road, Clermont last week, on Thursday 17th September, following a collision involving a vehicle and a coal train.
Emergency services, including Queensland Police Service and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, attended the scene.
The sole occupant of the vehicle, a woman believed to be in her mid-to-late 20s, was assessed by emergency services before being transported by BMA CQ Rescue in a serious but stable condition.
BMA CQ Rescue acknowledged the work of all emergency services personnel who attended the incident.
No further details were available at the time of publication.
Mayor Greg Williamson, centre, presented the 2025 Jack Sturgeon Bursary to Jaxon Anderson, accepted on his behalf by Kyra Geoghegan, the Foundation Families Bursary to Nerida Hansen, second from left, and the Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary to Ashling Scanlon. Also pictured is Artspace Mackay Foundation bursary judge Leonie Wood. Photo supplied: Mackay Regional Council
Aspiring artists in the Mackay Region have the opportunity to receive support towards their studies, with applications now open for four visual and performing arts bursaries supported by council.
The bursaries aim to help support the next generation of local artists as they pursue further study and careers in the arts.
Among the opportunities is the Rick Wood Bursary, which honours the legacy of celebrated Mackay potter Rick Wood, as well as the Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary, supporting students looking to take their tertiary studies to the next level.
The Jack Sturgeon Bursary, supported by the MECC and Friends of the MECC, is also open, alongside the Friends of the MECC Foundation Families Bursary.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the bursaries played an important role in supporting young people pursuing careers in the arts.
“Choosing to follow your creative passion through tertiary education takes real courage, especially when it means moving away from home,” Mayor Williamson said.
“These students deserve our support, and we’re proud to help ease some of the financial pressures they face,” he said.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the Friends of the MECC in supporting the $3000 Jack Sturgeon Bursary and the $1500 Foundation Families Bursary.
“The Friends of the MECC are tireless advocates for the performing arts in our region, and their support for these bursaries is a wonderful example of grassroots investment in local talent,” he said.
“The bursaries are available to performing arts students who have been accepted into tertiary studies in any aspect of the performing arts, including on-stage roles and behind-the-scenes disciplines such as directing and production.”
Artspace Mackay Director Lauren Turton said the Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary contributed $3000 to help students undertake special projects and access study opportunities that enriched their tertiary education experience.
“Past recipients have used the bursary to help with everyday living and study costs and pursuing extra opportunities like attending specialist classes or studying abroad,” Mrs Turton said.
“The $1000 Rick Wood Bursary assists graduating high school students to continue their studies of visual arts at university level,” she said.
“It can be used for tuition fees, textbooks, equipment or expenses required by the student.”
All four bursaries are now open and will close on Wednesday, November 18, 2026. Recipients will be announced in December.
To apply or learn more about the Rick Wood and Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursaries, visit: artspacemackay.com.au/learn/Art-Bursaries
To apply or learn more about the Jack Sturgeon Bursary and Friends of the MECC Foundation Families Bursary, visit: themecc.com.au/Get-involved/Supporting-the-next-generation
Claim your free native plants! Photo supplied
As spring brings new life to gardens across the region, Mackay residents are being motivated to get their hands dirty and add a little more greenery to their backyards with free native plants.
The Mackay Natural Environment Centre (MNEC) and Sarina Native Community Garden are inviting residents to their upcoming open days, offering the chance to collect native plants, speak with gardening experts and learn more about local environmental initiatives.
Residents can claim up to four free plants each calendar year by bringing along their rates notice. Those wanting to add a few extra plants to their collection can purchase additional plants for $3 each, with EFTPOS the only payment option available.
Behind the giveaway is a year-round effort by MNEC staff and volunteers, who collect seeds, grow seedlings and care for young plants before making them available to the community.
That work has helped deliver thousands of plants for both residential gardens and environmental projects across the region.
In the last financial year, MNEC distributed more than 102,000 plants, with approximately 20,000 provided through open days and click-and-collect programs.
The centre’s work also supports larger conservation efforts, with Reef Catchments purchasing around 50,000 plants for projects focused on reducing sediment runoff and restoring koala habitat along the Sarina–Eton Range.
Among the plants enjoying success at MNEC this year is Philydrum lanuginosum, commonly known as Woolly Frogsmouth.
The aquatic native plant is a welcome addition to waterways and wet areas, providing habitat for frogs, attracting pollinators and contributing to healthy aquatic environments.
Whether residents are looking to brighten their backyard, support local wildlife or learn more about native gardening, the upcoming open days offer an opportunity to grow something beneficial for the region.
The MNEC Open Day will be held on Saturday 26th September, from 9am to 2pm.
Green Up Sarina will take place on Wednesday 30th September, from 9am to 1pm at the Sarina Community Native Gardens.
Residents unable to attend either event can visit MNEC for click and collect on Wednesdays between 9.30am and 11.30am, or arrange an appointment.
What? MNEC Open Day
When? Saturday 26th September, 9am-2pm
Where? Mackay Natural Environment Centre
What? Green Up Sarina
Where? Sarina Community Native Gardens.
When? Wednesday 30th September, 9am-1pm
A 17-year-old Clermont boy passed away in hospital on the afternoon of September 21st, following a serious traffic crash in Isaac.
Emergency services were called to Peak Downs Highway near the intersection of Blue Mountain road at 6.45am following reports a Toyota Hilux utility had collided with an Isuzu Pantechnicon truck.
The 17-year-old boy, the sole occupant of the ute, sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital where he sadly succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
The driver of the truck, a man in his 20s, was also transported to Mackay Base hospital with minor injuries.
Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, and police have urged anyone with relevant information or dashcam footage to contact them at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP met with veterans at Parliament House who travelled to Canberra to call on the Labor Government to scrap its proposed $5,000 cap on DVA allied health care. Photo supplied
The Federal Government has scrapped a proposed $5,000 annual threshold for veterans’ allied health services after consultation with the veteran community.
Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh announced the decision on 17th September, saying the Government had heard concerns about the proposal and would remove the threshold from its planned reforms.
The $5,000 threshold was announced in the 2026 Federal Budget alongside a $169.7 million investment to increase fees paid to allied health providers from July 2027. The original proposal would have replaced the existing requirement for veterans to obtain a new GP referral after every 12 allied health sessions with a review once treatment reached $5,000.
Mr Keogh said the Government would maintain its planned increase to allied health fees while consulting veterans and providers on another way to reduce administrative requirements and maintain oversight of treatment.
“We have been listening carefully and today, the Government is taking the proposed $5,000 threshold off the table,” he said.
“[The Government] has a deep respect for our veterans who have, and who continue to serve our country. Anyone who pulls on our nation's uniform to serve in our name deserves nothing less.”
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox welcomed the decision, saying he had spoken to veterans across the electorate about their concerns with the proposal.
“This is a win for our veterans,” Mr Willcox said.
“The message from veterans was simple... this cap should never have happened. Today, the Government has finally listened.”
The Coalition MP also criticised the Government for introducing the threshold and said the policy had created “worry and uncertainty” for veterans.
Mr Willcox called for Mr Keogh to stand down over the proposal, with Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and Nationals Leader Matt Canavan also welcoming the Government’s decision.
The Government said it would continue consulting with veterans and allied health providers on the revised arrangements.
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