An army of dedicated wildlife carers is quietly working behind the scenes across Mackay, Sarina and the Isaac Region, rescuing, raising and rehabilitating injured and orphaned native animals, and now they are calling on the community for help.

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Bush Babies Wildlife Care, a volunteer-run organisation, provides around-the-clock care for some of the region’s most vulnerable wildlife, including baby kangaroos, possums, koalas and other native animals.

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The work is extensive, with every animal requiring specialised feeding, veterinary treatment, housing, transport and constant attention. As an unpaid volunteer group, Bush Babies relies heavily on the generosity of the community to continue its work.

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The organisation is currently seeking donations of practical items to support the animals in care, including baby wraps and blankets, towels, sheets, doona covers, pillowcases, good-sized cages, porta cots, tissues, disinfectants and cleaning supplies.

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There is also an urgent need for Wombaroo milk formula, along with Divetelact milk formula and other useful animal care supplies.

Donations can be dropped directly to Bush Babies Wildlife Care at 9 Parker Street, South Mackay.

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Alternatively, donations can be placed in any Mackay Pet Rescue Inc donation bin, with the rescue group helping ensure items are delivered to Bush Babies.

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Mackay Pet Rescue Inc said it was proud to support Bush Babies Wildlife Care and encouraged the wider community to get behind the organisation’s efforts.

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Every towel, blanket, tin of formula and donation can make a real difference to an orphaned native animal in need, helping give local wildlife a second chance.

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Bush Babies Wildlife Care is seeking donations to help care for orphaned and injured native wildlife across the Mackay region. Photo source: Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated

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Sugarcane growing and milling remains a critical part of the community and regional economy.   Photo credit: George Chambers.

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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

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The recent cyber-attack on Mackay Sugar was a serious and unexpected disruption to one of our region’s most important industries. For over two weeks, the incident affected milling operations, cane supply and payment systems, and the normal rhythm of the crushing season.  

The wider community should understand both the seriousness of what occurred and the strength of the response. This was not simply a computer problem. Modern sugar milling depends on coordinated systems linking harvesting, cane transport, rail movements, factory operations, grower records and workplace safety. When those systems are interrupted, the impact is felt quickly across the whole supply chain.

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Mackay Sugar acted responsibly by stopping operations where necessary, engaging specialist cyber security experts and working with authorities to restore systems safely. That decision was frustrating for everyone, but safety and system integrity had to come first. Cane that is cut must be crushed quickly to preserve sugar content, so growers were rightly concerned about delays. At the same time, it would have been worse to rush back before the mills and logistics systems were ready.

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There has been understandable pressure on families and businesses. Cane farming is seasonal, weather-dependent and capital-intensive. Growers invest all year to produce a crop, and the crushing season is when that work must be converted into income. Harvesting groups, contractors, machinery operators and mill employees were also affected. In a district like Mackay, when sugar slows down, the whole community feels it.

It is important to put this event in perspective. The Mackay sugar industry has faced floods, droughts, cyclones, low prices, labour shortages and mechanical breakdowns over many generations. Each time, growers, mill workers and the broader community have found a way forward. This incident has been different in nature, but the same qualities are required: patience, clear communication, cooperation and determination.

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Throughout the disruption, CANEGROWERS Mackay has worked to keep members informed, raised grower concerns and maintained a constructive relationship with Mackay Sugar. Our priority has been to ensure that growers receive timely information, that decisions are practical on farm, and that the restart of crushing is managed in a way that protects both the crop and the long-term interests of the industry.

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The positive message for the public is that the industry has not stood still. Manual processes were used where appropriate, recovery work continued around the clock, and a staged return to operations has been pursued carefully. Farmers are practical people. They understand that problems happen, but they also expect solutions. The focus now is on getting cane moving again, crushing safely and making the best of the season ahead.

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This incident reminds us that agriculture is now part of Australia’s critical digital infrastructure. Food and fibre production relies on technology just as much as banking, health, transport and energy. Protecting those systems requires investment, planning, testing and strong partnerships between industry, government and cyber security specialists.  

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Mackay has an opportunity to learn from this event and become stronger because of it.

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It is important to acknowledge the patience of growers and the efforts of mill staff, harvesting crews, contractors and local businesses who have had to adapt quickly. No one welcomes a disruption like this, but the response has shown the value of a connected regional community that asksquestions, shares information, helps neighbours and remains focused on recovery.

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Mackay’s cane farmers are resilient, but resilience should not be mistaken for complacency. We will continue to advocate for better preparedness, clearer communication and stronger protections for the systems that support our industry. Sugar remains a cornerstone of the Mackay economy, and its future is worth defending.

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The past three weeks have been difficult, but it has also shown what this district does best. We face problems directly, we work together, and we keep moving forward. With continued cooperation between growers, Mackay Sugar and the wider community, the industry can recover from this disruption and continue to deliver for our region.

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In 2004, after leaving the Navy, Tony Larsen travelled to London for what was intended to be a two-year working holiday that turned into seven years after meeting his wife.

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In 2011, he and his wife moved to Mackay from London – this time, with a family in tow, and a plan to stay for good.

In December 2025, Tony took ownership of Bedshed Mackay, where he turned his focus to building a business where exceptional service is just as important as the products on the showroom floor.

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“We take pride in our amazing staff’s ability to connect with customers and provide great service from purchase to delivery," Tony said.  

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Having worked in the store before gaining experience in other sales roles and the mining industry, Tony believed he could bring something different to the Mackay market.

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Bedshed Mackay caters to customers across all budgets, with the team focused on helping every customer find the right sleep solution.

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“Most of us spend more time in our bed then we do in our cars, so investing in a quality sleep system is an investment in better physical and mental wellbeing."

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As a local veteran-owned business, giving back to the community is a core value, with Tony also passionate about supporting fellow veterans and investing in the region he’s made his home.

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Stay tuned for upcoming sales, particularly on adjustable bases and mattresses designed to enhance both comfort and sleep quality at Bedshed Mackay.

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The City of Mackay granted Freedom of Entry to No.105 Squadron, Australian Air Force Cadets, in a ceremonial parade marking the unit’s 75th anniversary. Photo supplied

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A milestone in the history of No.105 (City of Mackay) Squadron, Australian Air Force Cadets, was marked on Saturday 20^th June with the granting of Freedom of Entry to the City of Mackay.

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The occasion also launched a program of events recognising the Squadron’s 75th anniversary. Originally formed as No.5 Flight North Queensland Squadron, Air Training Corps, the unit was officially stood up on 1^st August 1951.

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The ceremony commenced at 9.00am with a wreath laid at the Cenotaph in Jubilee Park in memory of deceased staff and cadets.

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The unit then marched north along Wellington Street, where it was halted by an officer of the Queensland Police Service. A formal challenge was issued, asking by whose authority the cadets were marching through the city. A document from Mackay Regional Council was presented, granting permission for the unit to march on ceremonial occasions in full panoply, with “swords drawn, drums beating, bands playing and colours flying”.

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The Freedom of Entry proclamation was accepted, and the column proceeded to the lawn area in front of the Council Administration Building, where the Squadron formed up in parade order for inspection.

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Host Officer Wing Commander (AAFC) Ken Whelan, Officer Commanding No.1 (City of Townsville) Wing, Australian Air Force Cadets, arrived by WWII Jeep and met the Reviewing Officer, Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, who also arrived by Jeep. The Host Officer then escorted the Mayor to the dais.

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The parade was inspected by the Mayor, followed by formal addresses. The Squadron then advanced in review order, before completing a march past and marching off to conclude proceedings.

Music for the parade was provided by members of the Mackay and District Pipe Band.

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The Freedom of Entry was originally granted on 11^th August 2001, coinciding with the Squadron’s 50th anniversary, by then Mackay City Council Mayor Julie Boyd, who was also an official guest at Saturday’s ceremony.

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Contributed by Geoff Strange

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Nurse Next Door Mackay is led by Mackay locals Sarah Ryan and George Blackie, supported by a dedicated team of Nurses and Caregivers. As a locally owned and locally operated business, their work is built around one core purpose, Making Lives Better, helping people across the region stay living safely and happily in their own homes. What began as two locals wanting better for their community has grown into one of the most respected care providers in Mackay and the Whitsundays.

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Before launching Nurse Next Door three years ago, Sarah spent years working locally as an NDIS Support Coordinator, giving her a deep understanding of just how much genuinely person-centred care matters to the people who rely on it. George brought years of experience leading large teams in demanding FIFO mining environments, where reliability was never optional. Together they saw an opportunity to bring something special to the region, and set out to do exactly that, determined to deliver care the way it should be done.

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Sarah and George understand the trust it takes to welcome someone into your home, and they carry that responsibility personally. Every Caregiver is thoughtfully matched to the person they support, an approach known as the Perfect Match, so care feels consistent, familiar and genuinely human. They embrace even the most complex, high-needs care with confidence, and through patience and real connection, build trusting relationships that restore a genuine sense of belonging.  

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That dedication has built something special. In just over three years, Sarah and George have grown their team to 147 local people, including 22 Registered Nurses, and delivered more than 209,000 hours of care across the region. Their support reaches well beyond the home, too, sponsoring SNAGS, a local group running inclusive social events for people living with disability, and turning out for the Mackay Marina Run and the Pink Out for Cancer golf day in Moranbah.

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It is care that has not gone unnoticed. After being named Rookie of the Year within the national Nurse Next Door network in 2024, Sarah and George were named Australian Single Unit Franchisee of the Year 2026 at the National Franchise Industry Awards in Brisbane, recognised as the best in the country from a field of 240 entries across 113 brands. For two locals who simply were passionate about making a difference in their local community, it is a remarkable result.

From a little help around the house through to skilled nursing and complex care, Sarah, George and their team are there so locals can keep doing the things they love, in the place they feel most comfortable. In Mackay, that is what Making Lives Better looks like, and it is why they remain Passionate About Making a Difference.

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To learn more or book a free Caring Consult, contact the Care Services team 24/7 on 1300 100 247 or visit nursenextdoor.com.au

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Opinion Piece From the office of Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox

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On July 1^st, the Federal Government’s newly established National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) officially began operations. Armed with expanded auditing powers and the ability to issue immediate 14-day "stop work" orders, this new federal body has the ability to enforce massive new financial penalties under a radically altered Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, with corporate fines skyrocketing up to $16.5 million.

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"Our local cane farmers are being forced into a bureaucratic nightmare by a government completely detached from the realities of food production," Mr Willcox said.

"I have local landowners coming into my office who are trying to manage and expand their crops on Category X land. They have done the right thing, yet they are being bullied by federal department officials who tell them their land is 'under investigation' without providing a single solid reason why. It is an absolute joke.

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"Labor has rushed these laws through to secure a political win with the Greens, completely altering the 'continuous use' exemption. Now, if a farmer has regrowth older than 15 years, or if they are within 50 metres of a watercourse in the Great Barrier Reef catchment, routine activities like clearing scrub, or building firebreaks are suddenly treated like a potential federal offense."

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To combat this broader federal assault on regional productivity, the Coalition has announced it will lodge a coordinated Notice of Motion to disallow the Carbon Credits Methodology Determination 2026.  

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Mr Willcox warned that this strategy of locking up agricultural land for carbon offsetting represents a dangerous precedent, running alongside Labor's broader plan to lock up an additional 39 million hectares of land, nearly twice the size of Victoria, to meet its 2030 targets.

"Locking up this land completely destroys its productivity, abandoning active land management and turning prime agricultural acreage into a weed-ridden haven for feral pests, like wild pigs, to breed," Mr Willcox said.

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"Our local sugar mills are already locked in a severe battle against block encroachment, which is steadily reducing the total hectares of cane being grown in our region.

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"A sugar mill requires a strict, massive volume of cane to remain operationally and financially viable. If our farmers are stopped from clearing their Category X land to open up new cane blocks, the total tonnage will drop below that critical threshold, and the mills will simply close.

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"The profit margins for our cane farmers are incredibly slim. If a local mill shuts down, it becomes entirely cost-prohibitive to transport harvested cane to a mill further away. The transport costs alone will wipe out any return, meaning all the surrounding sugar cane farms will have to stop farming completely.

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"Hundreds of landowners across this country are facing this exact same bureaucratic freeze, and it is stifling production, damaging local economies, and threatening national food security.

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“Our farmers need practical support and regulatory certainty, not a centralised, Canberra-based environmental police force strangling their productivity."

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Contributed by G. Jones

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“The 2026-27 Queensland Budget highlights a significant disparity between Mackay and other major regional centres.

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While Mackay–Isaac–Whitsunday receives approximately $742 million in capital investment, this is substantially lower than Townsville ($1.4 billion), Cairns ($1.1 billion) and Central Queensland ($2.3 billion).

The budget contains strong investment in roads, health and community infrastructure across Mackay; however, unlike competing regional centres, Mackay has not secured a major transformational project capable of driving long-term economic growth and regional competitiveness.

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Given Mackay's contribution to Queensland's economy through resources, agriculture, tourism and exports, there is a compelling case for future State and Federal investment in catalytic projects to ensure Mackay receives its fair share of Queensland's infrastructure investment.

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The budget demonstrates a clear hierarchy of regional investment:

• Central Queensland – $2.344 billion

• Townsville – $1.411 billion

• Cairns – $1.123 billion

• Mackay–Isaac–Whitsunday – $742 million

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While Mackay receives ongoing investment, it does not currently have a single transformational project equivalent to:

• CopperString in Townsville
• Rockhampton Ring Road
• Cairns Marine Precinct
• Gladstone energy infrastructure

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As a result, Mackay's total allocation is:

• approximately 47% lower than Townsville
• approximately 34% lower than Cairns
• approximately 68% lower than Central Queensland

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Based on the regional capital allocation table in the 2026-27 Queensland Budget, the four major northern and central regional centres compare as follows:

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Region – 2026-27 Capital Investment

• Central Queensland (Rockhampton/Gladstone/Fitzroy) - $2.344 billion

• Townsville - $1.411 billion

• Cairns - $1.123 billion

• Mackay–Isaac–Whitsunday - $742 million

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2025/2026 was just as bad

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Region – 2025–26 Capital Investment

• Central Queensland – Statistical area of 308 - $7.965 billion Capital Investment  

• Townsville – Statistical area of 318 - $5.503 billion Capital Investment  

• Cairns (Far North) – Statistical area of 306 - $4.619 billion Capital Investment  

• Mackay – Statistical area of 312 – $2.173 billion Captital Investment  

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Central Queensland receives 3.7 times the Mackay allocation.

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• Townsville receives 2.5 times the Mackay allocation.
• Cairns receives 2.1 times the Mackay allocation.
• Mackay is the lowest funded of the four major regional centres despite being one of Queensland's strongest economic contributors.

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In simple terms, for every $1 invested in Mackay, the Budget allocates approximately:

• $3.66 to Central Queensland
• $2.53 to Townsville
• $2.13 to Cairns”

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Quite a lot, actually.

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People spend months naming their children and agonise over what to call a new puppy, yet when it comes to naming a business, a decision that could shape its success for years, it often becomes an afterthought or three part series description.  

A business name is far more than a label. It's your first impression, your identity and often the reason people remember you or don't. The most memorable brands are usually the simplest: Apple, Google, Nike and Lego. They're distinctive, easy to recall and instantly recognisable.

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In today's world, where we're bombarded with advertising and endless content, attention spans are short. If people can't remember your name after one interaction, chances are they won't remember it later.

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Then there are acronyms.

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We've worked with countless start-ups that carefully choose a business name, only to immediately shorten it into an acronym that means absolutely nothing to their audience. For nearly 30 years, redhotblue has never been referred to as RHB. Why? Because R.H.B. could stand for almost anything.

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Of course, Australians love shortening names. If your business name is too long, chances are your customers will create a nickname for it anyway. But if some people know you by your full name, others by an abbreviation and others by an acronym, you risk creating confusion and diluting your brand.

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There are exceptions. Kentucky Fried Chicken successfully became KFC as part of a deliberate rebrand to modernise the business and broaden its appeal while minimising the focus on “fried” food. The key was commitment. They didn't switch between the two names they fully embraced the change.

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And then there are names that should never leave the brainstorming session.

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One client proposed the name Australian Risk Strategy Engineers.
Sounds professional enough… until you abbreviate it.

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A.R.S.E.

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Memorable? Absolutely. Ideal for a business? Probably not.

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If you're starting a business, try this simple test: tell ten people your proposed name and ask them to repeat it the next day. If they can't remember it, or they all remember it differently, then it’s time to think again.

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If you're considering a rebrand, pay attention to how your customers already refer to your business. Their habits can tell you a lot about what is, and isn't, working.

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At the end of the day, your business name is one of your most valuable marketing assets. It's the word people search for, recommend and remember.

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So don't rush it.

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Give it the same consideration you'd give naming your child.

Or at the very least… your dog.

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By Cr Peter Sheedy

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Whilst I at times have mixed feelings about aspects of the Mackay Regional Council Budget, there are a number of clear positives for our region through the initiatives being delivered.

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Importantly, this is a “back-to-basics” budget that maintains core service levels across council, with no reductions to the essential services our community relies on every day. In the current economic climate, this is a significant outcome, with the budget carefully balancing cost pressures while ensuring reliability in areas such as roads, parks, water, waste and local facilities.  

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Libraries have been under the spotlight in recent times; however, I am pleased to see that this year’s budget retains full library services. Council has committed nearly $1 million to support services across the network, including the continued operation of the Gordon White Library, while also progressing the new Northern Beaches Community Hub. This reflects strong community feedback and ensures residents continue to access valued services as planning progresses towards the opening of the new facility.  

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Looking ahead, a key focus for council will be improving the utilisation of buildings and facilities as part of a broader efficiency drive. This includes reviewing how existing assets are used to help manage increasing operational costs and deliver better value for ratepayers.  

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Our Parks and Gardens and mowing services have performed strongly over the past year, with continued investment supporting improved outcomes across the region. More broadly, the capital program reinforces this commitment, with over $127 million directed towards renewing and upgrading essential infrastructure, including parks, roads, drainage and community facilities.  

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Overall, while there are areas that will continue to require careful consideration, this budget demonstrates a clear focus on maintaining services, investing in essential infrastructure and delivering value for our community.

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Police are reminding Mackay motorists that road safety is an everyday responsibility after more than 160 traffic offences were recorded during the first weekend of the winter road safety campaign. Photo source: Queensland Police Service

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Queensland Police are reminding Mackay motorists that safe driving shouldn't begin and end with the school holidays, after a concerning number of traffic offences were detected across the Mackay Whitsunday district during the opening weekend of the state's winter road safety operation.

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The Queensland Police Service (QPS) launched Operation Yankee Cold Snap, its annual winter school holiday road policing operation, on Friday 26^th June. Running until 17^th July, the operation aims to reduce road trauma during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

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With more Queenslanders and visitors expected to be on the roads over the school holidays, police are urging drivers to remember that every decision made behind the wheel has the potential to save, or cost, lives.

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The opening weekend of the operation highlighted the importance of that message locally.

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Across the Mackay Whitsunday district, officers conducted 1,324 random breath tests, with 10 drivers returning positive drink-driving results. Police also carried out 26 roadside drug tests, with five drivers returning positive results for drug driving.

In total, 163 traffic infringement notices were issued across the district, including 98 for speeding offences.

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Mackay Whitsunday District Highway Patrol Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Shane Edwards said every motorist has a responsibility to help make the region's roads safer.

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“Our officers will be actively patrolling, intercepting and enforcing road rules, and curbing dangerous and reckless behaviours - not just through our busy school holiday periods, but year-round,” said Senior Sergeant Edwards.

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As winter conditions create additional hazards on Queensland roads, police are also reminding motorists to adapt their driving to changing conditions.

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“Winter brings about a unique set of hazards, including reduced daylight hours and fog, so we urge everyone to exercise patience and drive to conditions.”

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Statewide, Operation Yankee Cold Snap is placing a strong focus on speeding and impaired driving, two of the leading contributors to lives lost on Queensland roads.

Queensland Police said cooler weather can also increase the risk of reduced visibility and wildlife collisions, making driving conditions more unpredictable, particularly for motorists travelling on regional roads.

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The operation follows the results of Operation Interpose, during which police conducted more than 364,000 roadside breath tests across Queensland, with about 2,500 people returning positive results. More than 43,000 traffic infringement notices were also issued for dangerous driving behaviours statewide.

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While police will maintain a strong and highly visible presence throughout the school holidays, they hope the message extends well beyond the three-week operation.

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“We want everyone to make it to their next destination safely, and by slowing down, driving sober, wearing a seatbelt, and staying alert, it can make all the difference for you, your passengers, and other road users,” Senior Sergeant Edwards said.

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CareFlight delivered a free Trauma Care Workshop in Eungella on 21 June, providing community members and first responders with practical, potentially lifesaving training in pre-hospital emergency care. Photos supplied

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Community members and first responders were given the opportunity to gain practical, potentially lifesaving skills at a free Trauma Care Workshop delivered by CareFlight on Sunday, 21 June in Eungella.

The initiative provided pre-hospital trauma care training designed for everyday Australians, with no prior experience or qualifications required to participate.

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The workshop formed part of CareFlight’s ongoing commitment to strengthening community capacity in responding to medical emergencies, particularly in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive.

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Participants were guided through practical and theory-based learning aimed at building confidence and capability in trauma situations, with a focus on improving patient outcomes in emergency scenarios where immediate action can make a significant difference.

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CareFlight’s Trauma Care Workshops are delivered by experienced doctors, paramedics and nurses, combining simulation-based training with essential clinical knowledge. The program is designed to be accessible to a wide range of participants, including volunteer first responders and members of the public seeking to better prepare for emergencies.

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Head of Education and Training, Margarita Obeid, touched on the importance of accessible emergency training for regional areas.

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“When a medical emergency happens, help can sometimes be hours away especially in rural and remote communities.  

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“Often the first people to arrive at the scene will be the local teacher, farmer, mechanic or another community member who is part of a volunteer emergency response team. It is in these situations that the first responders need to know how to sustain a life.

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“The action taken in the first few minutes can mean the difference between life and death with appropriate treatment during this time significantly improving the final outcome of the patient.”

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The training was offered at no cost, supported through donations from individuals and businesses, and reflects CareFlight’s broader mission to increase access to lifesaving education across Australia.

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By building skills within local communities, the program aims to strengthen the chain of survival, particularly in regional and remote areas where emergency response times can be longer and bystanders are often first on scene.

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The workshop provided participants with a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience in trauma care within a structured and supportive learning environment.

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Eight young women are celebrating new beginnings after graduating from Project Booyah Mackay last Wednesday night, marking the completion of a 16-week mentoring program designed to build confidence, resilience and practical life skills.

Project Booyah is a Queensland Police Service-led community mentoring program delivered in partnership with PCYC, which focuses on helping disconnected young people reconnect with education, training, employment and their community.

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Throughout the program, the graduates stepped outside their comfort zones while developing skills in emotional awareness, conflict resolution, problem-solving, healthy relationships, cyber safety and strategies for managing thoughts, emotions and behaviours through evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy principles.

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Senior Constable Keiran Horsfall, the police co-ordinator for Project Booyah in Mackay, said the program was about creating opportunities and helping young people move forward with confidence.

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“QPS and PCYC work in partnership to help disengaged young people gain experience and qualifications, with the aim of helping them build better lives,” he said.

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Senior Constable Horsfall, who has been involved in nine programs so far, went on to say that the state-wide initiative had been operating since 2012 and now had 10 sites across Queensland, with the Mackay program running since 2021.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of the program is seeing the personal growth in participants.”

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“You get to see a big change in their life, particularly self-esteem, and improvements across many areas, even employment opportunities which is great.”

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“This program helps them with things like moral reasoning, conflict management, anger management, resilience, goal setting, sexual health, and cyber safety.”

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Police Liaison Officer Barb Hill said the program worked closely with support services to assist young people facing a range of challenges, including psychological and drug-related issues.

Ms Hill said the long-term impact of the program was often the most inspiring part of her role.

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“I love seeing the change in the young girls and boys involved in these programs,” she said.

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“The after-effects just ripple on, and it’s so awesome when you see them out in the community, and they’re really excited to fill you in on what the’re up to now, and where they’re working.”

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“That’s what we see across the board, because the program offers courses to make them employable, and it really just changes the trajectory of their life.”

The program alternates between girls’ and boys’ cohorts, with the next boys’ intake due to begin in July.

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One of the graduates spoke on behalf of the group during the ceremony, reflecting on the friendships, opportunities and support they had experienced over the past four months.

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“I was so glad you gave me the opportunity to join Booyah and help me turn my life around.”

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“It has become like a second family to us, and I’m so grateful to have shared this journey with you all.”

Senior Constable Horsfall said the strong turnout at the graduation highlighted the importance of the program in the Mackay community.

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“There obviously is a need for the program in Mackay, and we’re just happy to be part of it,” he said.

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“The outcomes you see from this just shows that it’s such a worthy program.”

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Mackay Regional Council adopted its 2026–27 Budget at a Special Budget Meeting last week, approving a 7.16 per cent average residential rates increase alongside more than $127 million in infrastructure investment. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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Mackay Regional Council has adopted its 2026–27 Budget following a Special Budget Meeting, with residents set to see an average residential rates increase of 7.16 per cent as council invests more than $127 million in infrastructure and essential services across the region.

The budget was adopted in a 7-3 vote after extensive deliberations, with Mayor Greg Williamson describing it as "one of the most difficult budgets" during his time in office. Mayor Williamson said councillors had participated in 21 meetings before reaching the final budget.

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Councillors Peter Sheedy, Ash-Lee Johnson and Nathenea McNamara voted against the budget. It was noted that days prior to the meeting, Cr Sheedy proposed an amendment to reduce the average residential rates increase to six per cent, however the amendment was not carried through.

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For the average residential ratepayer, the adopted budget represents an increase of approximately $5.26 per week. Council has also consolidated levies into the general rate, a move it says will return an average of $27 to residential ratepayers, while rates concessions will continue to be available for eligible residents.

Council says the rate increase will support the delivery and maintenance of essential services including roads, footpaths, drinking water, drainage, parks, playgrounds, waste services, libraries and customer service, while continuing to invest in infrastructure to support the region's future growth.

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More than $127.4 million has been allocated towards renewing and upgrading infrastructure across the Mackay region, with almost 60 per cent of that funding dedicated to the renewal of existing critical infrastructure.

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Among the largest investments is more than $32 million for parks, playgrounds and community facilities, alongside $27.1 million for roads, footpaths, bridges and transport infrastructure.

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The budget also includes $15.1 million to maintain safe and reliable drinking water infrastructure and more than $12 million for the renewal of wastewater infrastructure, including works at the Mackay North and Mackay South Water Recycling Facilities.

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Council has allocated funding towards a range of major community projects, including $20.422 million for Stage 1B of the Northern Beaches Community Hub, which will deliver a new library, community rooms, customer service facilities, a town square, café space and undercover parking.

Other significant projects include $7.954 million for the Reed Street Connection between Rural View and Beaconsfield, $5.5 million for regional bridge upgrades, $3.6 million for regional footpath projects and $2.373 million for the next stage of Woodlands District Park in Andergrove.

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Flood resilience also remains a key focus, with $16.93 million allocated towards the Pioneer River Shakespeare Street Levee project. In addition, council has committed funding for new, renewed and upgraded drainage infrastructure aimed at improving stormwater management and reducing flood impacts across the region.

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2026-27 Mackay Regional Council Budget At A Glance

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What residents can expect:

• Average residential rates increase: 7.16%

• Average increase per household: $5.26 per week

• Levies consolidated into general rates, with Council stating this will return an average of $27 to residential ratepayers.

• Rates concessions will continue for eligible residents.

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Where the money is going:

• $127.4 million invested in infrastructure across the region.

• Almost 60% of infrastructure funding dedicated to renewing existing essential assets.

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Major investments:

• More than $32 million – Parks, playgrounds and community facilities.

• $27.1 million – Roads, footpaths, bridges and transport infrastructure.

• $25.8 million – Drainage infrastructure and stormwater improvements.

• $15.1 million – Drinking water infrastructure.

• More than $12 million – Wastewater infrastructure upgrades.

• $800,000 – Waste management infrastructure.

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Key projects:

• $20.422 million – Northern Beaches Community Hub Stage 1B.

• $16.93 million – Pioneer River Shakespeare Street Levee.

• $7.954 million – Reed Street Connection (Rural View to Beaconsfield).

• $5.5 million – Regional bridge upgrades.

• $3.6 million – Regional footpath projects.

• $2.373 million – Woodlands District Park Stage 1 Phase 3.

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More information on the Mackay Regional Council 2026-2027 Budget can be found at:  mackay.qld.gov.au/budget 

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Image for illustrative purposes only. Photo source: Shutterstock  

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An attempted child abduction case has left many Mackay parents and caregivers shocked, as details of the ordeal continue to circulate throughout the community.

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What began as an innocent sleepover between two friends quickly escalated into a terrifying ordeal for a Mackay family, after a Brisbane man in his 30’s by the name of Blake Simpson began contacting a 13-year-old girl he met through his stepdaughter.

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According to interviews with the girl's mother and the teenager on A Current Affair, the man began contacting the girl through social media around two weeks later without her mother's knowledge.

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“He was telling my daughter not to tell me that he was contacting her and to not tell anyone,” the mother told A Current Affair.

According to the interview, the man communicated with the teenager through Snapchat. The girl's mother later described the messages as grooming behaviour.  

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“The way that he was messaging her was very inappropriate. It was grooming with a 13-year-old girl,” she said.

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The situation became increasingly alarming when, according to the mother, the man attended the girl's school and attempted to change her emergency contact and parent details, allegedly convincing office staff he was her father before the request was declined following confirmation with the girl's mother.

The teenager told A Current Affair the man later encouraged her to leave Mackay with him for Brisbane, saying she could escape bullying and become part of his family.

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“He wanted me to live with him and be his daughter. I thought it was him just caring about me,” she said.

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The mother said the situation reached its most serious point when the man flew from Brisbane to Mackay and arranged to meet the girl before taking her to the airport.

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The plan was interrupted after the teenager confided in a friend, whose mother alerted her own family.

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“I’m thankful that my daughter told her best friend what the plan was,” the girl's mother said.

After being alerted to the plan, the girl's mother said she rushed to Mackay Airport but was unable to locate them. She then went directly to the police station to alert officers.

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Police responded immediately, locating both the man and the teenager at Mackay Airport before they boarded a flight.

The man, Blake Simpson, later pleaded guilty to abducting a child. According to A Current Affair, he served six months in prison before being released.

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The case has sparked widespread concern throughout the Mackay community and serves as a confronting reminder for parents and caregivers of the importance of monitoring children's online interactions, encouraging open communication and reporting suspicious behaviour to police as early as possible.

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Image for illustrative purposes only. Photo source: Shutterstock

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A simple act of honesty at Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre has struck a chord online, highlighting a moment of integrity from a young driver doing the right thing after a minor accident.

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A post shared online described seeing a young woman place a note on a parked car after she accidentally caused a small dent to the front of it. Rather than leaving the scene, she calmly returned to her own vehicle after taking responsibility.

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“Just saw a young lady at Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre put a note on someone's car after she'd put a little dent on the front of it,” the post read.

The observer noted that the moment of accountability was followed by an emotional response.

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“But what got me was, after she calmly walked up, and put the note under the windscreen, and got back into her car. She was on the phone, balling her eyes out.”

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The post went on to directly acknowledge the young woman’s actions and the emotional weight of the situation.

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“To this girl: I know it's overwhelming now, but accidents happen, spacial awareness gets better, and neither of those things are a measure of who you are. But leaving that note, and showing how much guilt you felt, I am 100% sure your parents are proud of you and you're a great human. Bravo.”

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While minor accidents are part of everyday life, the decision to leave contact details and take responsibility is being praised as a quiet example of integrity and character.

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