Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
OPINION PIECE from the office of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox There is no question that immigration into Australia is out of control. The government’s numbers are too high, and standards are too low. A sustainable migration program must consider our capacity to provide housing, healthcare, infrastructure and the essential services everyone relies on, and Australians must come first. But Labor’s decision to target Working Holiday Makers Visa holders is not the answer. These people filling vital gaps in our workforce are not the cause of Australia’s housing crisis. In many cases, they are living in accommodation provided by the very businesses that employ them. The National Farmers’ Federation has made the point that Working Holiday Makers generally stay in hostels, caravan parks or purpose-built on-farm accommodation. Resorts usually have on-site staff quarters. They are not the source of Australia’s housing shortage. So why is Labor making it harder for them to come here, when these workers fill genuine jobs that regional Australia holds? Working Holiday Makers fill approximately one in seven farm jobs nationally and are particularly important during peak agricultural periods, which for Dawson, it is right now! Farmers rely on these workers to plant, pick, pack and harvest the produce that ends up on Australian supermarket shelves. Having run one of Australia’s largest tomato farms, at times Working Holiday Makers made up more than 50 per cent of my workforce. Without them, much of our crop simply would not have been picked in time and rotted in the paddock. Some may say, why not employ the Australians who don’t have a job and are on “the dole”? Can I say, this does not work. Most farmers will employ Aussies over travelling backpackers, but many either don’t want to do the work or don’t turn up after the first day. Who picks the fruit or veggies then? Farmers are already warning that visa delays are leaving them without workers. The NFF says approvals that once took days are now facing processing times of up to three months, and this time frame can be the difference between harvesting a crop or losing it. That should concern every Australian already feeling the pressure at the supermarket checkout. The same problem is playing out in tourism. Across Dawson, Working Holiday Makers are an important part of the workforce supporting tourism and hospitality, particularly in the Whitsundays. They help fill shifts, work in hotels and restaurants, support tour operators and keep businesses running through their busiest periods. They also contribute to the local economy. They spend money on food, fuel, attractions and tours, supporting the small businesses that depend on a strong visitor economy. That is why tourism and business leaders across North Queensland are raising the alarm. They understand what happens when a regional business cannot get enough staff: opening hours are reduced, and services are cut, creating a downward spiral. We do need to reduce migration to sustainable levels. We need stronger integrity measures, and we need to crack down on rorts. But responsible migration policy means understanding which parts of the system are creating pressure and which parts are helping Australia function. Working Holiday Makers are not the problem. They are part of the workforce solution for regional. Australia. People have had a gutful of watching their standard of living go backwards. Groceries, fuel, housing and everyday expenses are already putting enormous pressure on families. The last thing Australians need is another reckless policy that makes it harder to produce food, harder to run regional businesses and harder for tourism operators to find the workers they need.
Read the full storySomeone sold a house in Sydney last week for $9 million less than they bought it for four or five years ago. The sellers had bought the property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for $29 million and sold it for $20 million in a sale forced by their bank. I imagine the sellers are a little disappointed by the government’s decisions on negative gearing and capital gains tax and feeling pretty hurt by the increased interest rates. Australia’s interest rates are on the rise and are now sitting at levels not seen since 2011. Increased cost of living is hurting people around the country and interest rates are playing into that. But the impact of interest rates is not felt evenly around the country. The far-higher property prices mean people in the major cities suffer much more than regional areas with the rates increase. That is certainly not to say people in Mackay are unaffected by the cost of living; it’s just that the impact of interest rates increase on a $400,000 mortgage is much less than the impact on a $1m mortgage. There are other Mackay-specific factors that are in play when discussing the current housing market. The big factor is the role of coal in our economy. Most of the coal extracted and exported from our region is coking coal, which is used to make steel. The price of coking coal is around $280 a tonne, which is about 50 per cent up. Good activity in the coal market translates to good news for the Mackay economy, as it is an economic engine that other cities and regions just don’t have. Good activity in Bowen Basin flows throughout the Mackay economy; Paget workshops, transport, suppliers and related businesses all benefit. But so do other, non-mining-related businesses as they benefit from the general confidence and spending that goes on. The strong mining activity also means mines need to keep their staff levels up and that means more people moving to Mackay. Of course, Mackay is much more than a coal mining town but if the coal sector is going well those other areas definitely benefit. It is a confidence boost for Mackay people looking to get into the housing market and those wanting to upgrade or downsize. It also means continuing strong demand from people wanting to rent a property and it will be interesting to see what sort of activity that creates from investors. Investors have walked away from the big-city markets because they can no longer use negative gearing on established properties that do not have a sufficient yield to be positively geared. Negative gearing has never been a big thing in Mackay because our prices are lower and rental returns continue to be strong so many investors have a positively geared property. Around the country everyone is nervous about the state of play and the probability of more interest rate rises. But strong coal prices and an economy that is performing well mean Mackay might just be presenting an opportunity for buyers and sellers that doesn’t exist in other parts. I remember when national confidence was flying high and Mackay prices were going up significantly that many buyers were saying “I wish we had bought a while ago when the market wasn’t so hot”. I’m not armed with a crystal ball so I’m not here to tell you what is going to happen but I suspect there is a very good buying window right now for those looking for an opportunity.
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A local Mackay and Sarina based model has created a dress out of newspapers, including Mackay Life, for her upcoming pageant, representing her region and hometown on the runway as she vies for Miss Diamond International in Brisbane. Zoe Place will be competing this weekend in the three-day event, beginning this Friday 2nd October and ending on Sunday 4th October. The young model spent around a month creating her eco-fashion outfit, using old newspapers as the main material and transforming them into a bodice, skirt and flowers. Red elements were also incorporated into the design to give the dress a bold and glamorous pageant feel. Zoe said, “The entire concept was really about taking something that would normally be thrown away and turning it into something beautiful and meaningful.” Her eco-fashion creation will form part of a busy weekend in Brisbane, with the Miss Diamond International event including photo shoots, interviews, an eco-fashion show and the final pageant. Zoe has been preparing for the event by practising her strut and walking, preparing for interviews and getting comfortable in the different outfits she will wear throughout the weekend. Alongside her love of modelling, pageantry has also provided Zoe with a platform to raise awareness about causes close to her heart, including mental health, while fundraising for Beyond Blue. “Pageantry has given me more of a platform to combine my love for modelling with something that is really important to me.” “When I first started, I was more nervous about putting myself out there and worried about what others would think about me – but I’ve changed a lot through my journey in pageantry.” “Pageantry has also taught me that it’s not about how you look on stage. It’s about the person you are when you step off it.” “Every woman has their own unique journey and that journey is something we should all be really proud of.” “To me, it represents confidence, empowerment, kindness, and using your voice to make a difference.” Zoe said she was looking forward to meeting the other contestants, making new connections and creating memories. “I’m definitely looking forward to meeting all the new contestants and making new connections and creating memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime.” While Zoe hopes to eventually move to the city, her sights are set even further afield, with a dream of one day walking in New York Fashion Week. Mackay and Sarina local Zoe Place has created an eco-fashion dress from recycled newspapers, including Mackay Life, ahead of her Miss Diamond International pageant in Brisbane. Photos supplied
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Trends, reels and the endless cycle of always wanting more has quietly bombarded the minds of countless social media users of all ages, but one former Mackay local has made it her mission to help others understand the effects of social media and find practical ways to break free from online addiction. Alexis Zahner is in Mackay over the next week to teach upcoming generations about social media and the effects it can have on the mind, particularly on identity, self-discovery, as well as the marketing strategies that get viewers hooked and influence their decisions. It is something Alexis knows first-hand can be a useful tool, but also a great disruption to authenticity and the world as we see and experience it. Alexis will hold a free meet and greet and book launch today, Friday 2nd October, at 5.30pm at the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, where she will give a talk and answer questions relating to her debut book, Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies. A former Mackay girl, Alexis spent the past 15 years working across business psychology, marketing and media, with her interest in social media influence beginning during her university studies at James Cook University in Townsville. Her own experience as a social media user, travel blogger and influencer eventually led her to question how much of her identity, decisions and values were being shaped by what she saw online. “The tipping point came for me about 3 years ago when I had this feeling that I couldn't separate influence from my own personal decision making,” she said. “I couldn't separate my own likes, dislikes, values, relationships from what I was being exposed to and being influenced by online.” “I found that I needed to take some time away from social media to recalibrate what was important to me and sort of reconnect and come back to myself.” Alexis said she understood the feeling of questioning who you are outside of social media. “I know what it feels like to live a life under the influence of social media and have that existential crisis of thinking to yourself, who am I? What do I like? What's the kind of life I want to live? and struggling to separate myself from influence.” Alexis is particularly passionate about reaching teenagers, who she says are in an important stage of identity development, and will share this message with Mackay high school students during her upcoming school talks. “Teenagers are really easily influenced by social media. So it's a really important age where we start educating them – not just on the mental health repercussions of things like social media and how it shortens their attention span, but how it actually influences who they become.” “If you're asking yourself these questions, it's not your fault. Social media is actually geared to create this impact on you.” Alexis encourages people of all ages to “start expanding beyond what you see on the platform.” “Dare to indulge in the things that you've always been curious about or things you used to love,” she said. “Don't be afraid to put the phone down to let yourself be curious and have fun.” What: Alexis Zahner's 'Real' Book launch When: 5.30pm Friday 2nd October 2026 Where: Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club Former Mackay local and author Alexis Zahner is returning home to share her experiences with social media and her debut book, Real. Photo supplied
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Photo source: Mackay Hospital and Health Service
From helping stroke patients recover their communication skills to supporting children as they find their voice, Mackay’s speech pathologists play an important role in helping people connect, communicate and live independently.
Speech Pathology Week ran from August 23rd to 29th, with Mackay Hospital and Health Service taking the opportunity to recognise the speech pathologists who support patients across the region.
“From supporting someone recovering from a stroke to helping a child develop communication skills, assessing swallowing difficulties, supporting patients in critical care and finding new ways for people to communicate, speech pathologists play a vital role across our hospitals and community services.
“They work alongside doctors, nurses and allied health teams to support recovery, independence and safe discharge, while also providing outreach and telehealth services to help connect people across our region.
“Every patient is different, which means speech pathology is a profession built on creativity, problem-solving and connection.”
This year’s Speech Pathology Week theme, Communication creates possibility, reflects the role speech pathologists play in helping people connect, learn, make choices, participate and thrive.
For patients experiencing communication or swallowing difficulties, the work can be an important part of recovery and everyday life.
Mackay HHS also highlighted the broad reach of the profession, with speech pathologists working across hospitals and community services and providing outreach and telehealth support to people throughout the region.
“A big thank you to our amazing Mackay HHS Speech Pathology team for everything you do for our patients, families and communities”
SES volunteers from across the region joined QPS, MRQ and RFS personnel at Midge Point for a large-scale search and rescue exercise, testing skills, technology and multi-agency emergency response capabilities. Photos supplied by Mackay SES (State Emergency Service)
State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers from Mackay, Whitsunday, Isaac and Rockhampton units successfully kicked off SES Week last week, taking part in a large-scale multi-agency search and rescue exercise at Midge Point over the weekend of 22nd-23rd August.
The two-day exercise brought together emergency service personnel from across the region, providing a valuable opportunity to test skills, strengthen inter-agency relationships and enhance operational preparedness in a realistic, simulated environment.
Planned by the SES and led on the day by the Queensland Police Service (QPS), the exercise simulated a real-life search and rescue operation. Members worked alongside personnel from Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ) and the Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFS), demonstrating the importance of a coordinated multi-agency response during emergency situations.
The exercise was designed to put regular training into practice, allowing participants to apply their knowledge and skills under realistic operational conditions. Search teams navigated challenging terrain while working together to locate and recover simulated missing persons, mirroring the complexities often faced during real incidents.
A key feature of the exercise was the opportunity to test new technology and capabilities. Participants utilised a recently introduced mapping system designed to improve situational awareness and operational coordination in the field. Drone operators also tested aerial search capabilities, providing valuable intelligence and demonstrating how emerging technology can support more effective and efficient search and rescue operations.
SES members said the event was a valuable opportunity to build confidence, improve procedures and further strengthen relationships between local emergency service organisations.
The successful weekend exercise also marked the beginning of SES Week, which ran from 23rd to 29th August and recognises the dedication and significant contribution SES volunteers make in supporting Queensland communities during emergencies and disasters.
For more information about joining the State Emergency Service, scan the QR code or search Qld SES.
Contributed by Nicole Pasquale and Amanda Yuskan
Grain growers across Central Queensland are set to benefit from new funding support, with the Crisafulli Government delivering a $1.75 million program to strengthen sustainable farming practices and protect the Great Barrier Reef.
Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly MP, said the Grain Sediment Reduction Program is a practical investment in the future of regional agriculture, supporting local producers to improve productivity while protecting the environment.
“Central Queensland’s grain growers are significant part of our region’s economy, and this program is about backing them with real support to improve their operations,” Mr Kelly said.
“Eligible growers can now access grants of up to $100,000 to invest in on-farm infrastructure that reduces soil erosion and sediment runoff into our waterways.”
Mr Kelly said the initiative recognises that strong agricultural outcomes and environmental stewardship go hand-in-hand.
“No farmer wants to see their topsoil wash away. These grants will help landholders put practical measures in place to protect their soil, improve ground cover, and ultimately boost productivity,” he said.
“And if those actions also help protect the Great Barrier Reef, that’s a win for everyone.”
“In the 2024–25 financial year alone, more than 244,917 tonnes of grain passed through the Port of Mackay, which shows just how significant this industry is to Central Queensland,” he said.
“That’s why it’s critical we continue to invest in programs that support growers to protect their land while maintaining strong production.”
MEDIA RELEASE
Funded projects will focus on proven erosion control and land management practices,including:
Mr Kelly said the program reflects the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to rebuilding regional industries after years of neglect.
The Grain Sediment Reduction Program is open to dryland and broadacre grain and forage cropping producers across eligible local government areas, including:
Applications close at 3:00pm on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.
For more information or to apply, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/coasts-waterways/reef/reef-program/grain-sediment-reduction-program
Labor’s Hidden Super Tax: Another Broken Promise
Most Australians do not spend their days reading tax legislation. They are busy working, raising families, running businesses and trying to put something aside for retirement. That is precisely what the Federal Labor government is counting on, sneaking even more tax changes through in their 2026 Budget.
The Government promised its new capital gains tax changes would leave superannuation alone. Now the Financial Services Council is warning the fine print could expose $372 billion of
Australians’ retirement savings to higher tax, potentially raising more than $55 million a year. A hidden super tax.
There may be no bill in the letterbox, but Australians will still pay. And we all know under this Labor government there’s very little left in the household budget after paying the many taxes they enforce, and now they are coming after your hard-earned superannuation as well.
The impact could work its way through the investment structures used by super funds. Changes to the way capital losses are applied can mean some investments generate a higher tax bill than they would have, under the existing rules. The industry is warning that, ultimately, those costs can flow through to lower returns for Australians’ super.
That might sound like a technical argument.
It isn't.
If your super earns less because more tax is being taken from its investments, you have less money for retirement.
You might be 35 and watching your super balance grow. You might be 55 and counting down the years until retirement. You might already be retired, relying on your savings to help pay the bills.
Every dollar that disappears from your retirement savings is a dollar that will not go towards
paying for groceries, electricity or healthcare later in life.
This Labor Government is very good drumming up stories about what it hands out, and very quiet with what it takes. They love announcements and headlines of what Australians are getting, but behind the scenes, the taxes keep growing, giving with one hand, and taking more with the other.
The extraordinary part is that the Government has already told Australians that super would be carved out of these changes. If that is what they intended, then why hasn’t the legislation been fixed?
Do not force Australians to spend precious time reading the fine print to realise another promise made by the Prime Minister and Treasurer has been broken.
People deserve honest taxes made clear at election time with no surprises down the track
Superannuation is not the Government’s money. It belongs to Australians who worked for it, saved it, and were told it would be there when they retire.
The Liberals and Nationals will keep fighting against these toxic taxes and hold this deceitful government to account.
Australians deserve to be able to keep more of what they earn and have confidence that the
money they have saved for retirement will remain theirs.
By Cr Anne Baker
Mackay is growing and changing before our eyes. With that growth comes both opportunity and responsibility.
We are fortunate to live in a region with a strong economy, diverse industries, wonderful communities and people who genuinely care about where they live and what happens. From our city and coastal communities to our rural townships and hinterland, each part of our region contributes something unique to the Mackay story.
As we look to the future, one of the challenges for council is ensuring we embrace growth without losing the authentic fabric that makes our region such a great place to call home.
Growth brings new residents, businesses and investment, but it also places additional pressure on roads, drainage, parks, sporting facilities, waste services and other community infrastructure. Planning for that growth requires us to look beyond what is needed today and consider what our community will need in five, ten and even twenty years.
At the same time, we must remain conscious of affordability.
Every new facility or piece of infrastructure we build becomes an asset that our community ultimately needs to maintain. That means good decision making isn’t simply about whether we can afford to build something today. We also need to understand what it will cost to operate, maintain and eventually replace well into the future, as well as for the life of the asset
For me, responsible local government is about finding that priority and balance.
It means continuing to invest in our region while making sure we are getting value for every ratepayer dollar. It means looking after the assets we already have, reviewing the way we deliver services and being prepared to ask whether there are better or more efficient ways of doing things.
But numbers and infrastructure are only part of the picture.
The strength of Mackay for decades has always been its people.
Our volunteers, sporting clubs, community organisations, small businesses and local industries all contribute to the character and fabric of our region. Our smaller communities and townships also deserve to feel connected to the decisions being made about their future.
That’s why listening to our community remains so important.
Community engagement shouldn’t simply be about informing people after decisions have been made. It should help us understand priorities, identify opportunities and guide better decisions.
There will always be competing demands and difficult choices in local government. We won’t always agree, and we won’t always be able to deliver everything at once.
What we can do is have a focus on making sure our decisions are considered, transparent and focused on the long-term interests of our community.
Mackay has an exciting future ahead.
If we plan carefully, spend responsibly and continue listening to the people we represent, we can embrace the opportunities that come with growth while protecting the community spirit and lifestyle that Mackay offers.
Photo source: The Neighbourhood Hub (Facebook)
August was a busy month for The Neighbourhood Hub, with a wide range of programs, workshops, community events and initiatives continuing to support people across the region.
A representative from The Neighbourhood Hub said the month was “jam-packed”, with Multicultural Month running alongside its regular activities.
The month began with Census information sessions to help community members navigate the process, while the team also attended NQ Connect Whitsundays and CASA Mackay’s Together For Shelter event, which brought housing, health, employment and wellbeing services together.
The Hub’s workshops covered practical topics including toilet training and scams awareness, while Multicultural Month included the organisation’s own Multicultural Open Day and participation in the Islamic Community Open Day.
The Hub also represented the region at the 2026 Celebrating Multicultural Communities Reception at Parliament House in Brisbane and the Queensland Multicultural Awards in Logan.
Meanwhile, preparations began for the 2026 Anti-Poverty Week Appeal, one of the organisation’s major annual campaigns.
Other August activities included the return of Drumming for Seniors Connect, additional support for Midweek Meals from DBCT and NQ Power Up Electrical, and the launch of the new Safety, Skills and Connection Program, made possible through Community Bank Sarina.
The month also included practical learning, with Treadwell Tyre Service visiting to teach the basics of car maintenance and tyre changing. The Hub celebrated Book Week at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and connected with Trading Tracks Queensland at Forbidden ONYX.
Despite the packed calendar, the Hub’s regular weekly programs continued, including Ready Set Prep, Move with Maria yoga, community playgroups, Seniors Connect, the Food Diversion Program, Hello Baby and parenting programs.
The Hub said the month was a reminder of “what’s possible when we all show up for each other”, highlighting the role of community connection, practical support and shared participation in the region.
Mackay and Isaac community groups could be eligible to apply for a share of a $2 million Queensland Government funding pool aimed at strengthening multicultural communities and creating greater opportunities for young people.
Applications have opened for the 2026–27 round of the Strengthening Communities Multicultural Grants program, with individual grants of up to $100,000 available for eligible locally led projects.
The annual, open competitive grants program provides funding for projects involving culturally and linguistically diverse communities, groups and individuals, as well as the broader community, with the aim of building an inclusive, harmoniousand united Queensland.
For the purposes of the program, culturally and linguistically diverse communities include people from migrant and refugee backgrounds, people seeking asylum, and Australian South Sea Islander peoples.
The 2026–27 funding round includes two categories – Empowering Multicultural Community Projects and Youth and Community Connection Projects – with up to $100,000 available under each category.
Projects could include community-based activities such as workshops, training, skills development, knowledge and awareness raising, and activities designed to foster social connections.
The program also supports targeted activities that can increase community participation, economic independence, inclusion or access to opportunities within local communities.
To be eligible, projects must support the economic and social aspirations of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, enhance community capacity to address emerging issues and improve access to services, increase the cultural capability of local services, or enhance the capacity of community groups to connect culturally diverse people with community activities.
Minister for Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson said the funding would support locally led initiatives across Queensland.
"We’re focused on bringing people together this month and this funding pool supports Queenslanders from all backgrounds to fully participate in community life and access the opportunities they need to thrive," Minister Simpson said.
"The Strengthening Communities Multicultural Grants drive innovative projects in communities where they have the greatest impact and aim to strengthen economic participation, build capacity, and boost the positive participation of young people.
"Whether it's helping individuals develop new skills, supporting community organisations to respond to local challenges, or broadening opportunities for people to feel connected and empowered, these projects make a real difference.
The Queensland Government has previously supported projects across metropolitan and regional Queensland through the program, with the 2025–26 round supporting 25 projects across the Far North, North, Central, South East and Western Queensland regions.
Eligible applicants include not-for-profit and charitable organisations, incorporated associations, eligible companies, cooperatives, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations, local councils, state school P&Cs, Queensland universitiesand eligible social enterprises.
Unincorporated associations may also apply through an eligible auspice organisation.
Applications for the 2026–27 round close at 11.59pm on October 4th 2026, with projects to commence from July 1st 2027. Funded projects can be delivered over a two-year period through to June 30th 2029.
Mackay and Isaac organisations with ideas that could strengthen multicultural participation, community connections or opportunities for young people are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements and consider applying.
To apply or find out more information, visit: https://www.dwatsipm.qld.gov.au/scmg-program
In a world of instant clicks, ready-made templates and AI-generated content, creating something has never been faster. But creating something meaningful something that captures attention, builds trust and genuinely sets a business apart is another matter entirely.
Behind every successful campaign, brand or piece of creative work is a process most people never see.
It is the conversations, questions and research that happen before a concept takes shape. It is understanding the business, its audience and its competitors. It is exploring different directions, challenging the obvious and refining every detail until the final result feels clear, compelling and effortless.
That apparent simplicity is rarely simple to achieve.
At redhotblue, we understand this because we have spent 30 years doing the work behind the work. We started from the ground up, building our agency through determination, curiosity and a belief in the power of great ideas. Three decades later, we are still evolving, still creating and still leading the way from the heart of Mackay for clients across the region and nationally.
Technology has transformed our industry, and we have embraced its ability to make processes faster and possibilities greater. But technology alone cannot replace experience, intuition or the ability to recognise the difference between an idea that simply looks good and one that will genuinely work.
Ideas have power, but their value lies in the ability to execute them effectively.
That ability does not come from following the same trends, using the same templates or producing more of what already exists. It comes from knowing when to push further, when to simplify and when an idea needs to be reconsidered entirely. It comes from years of seeing what connects, what falls flat and what creates lasting value for a business.
Experience helps us ask better questions, anticipate challenges and make informed creative decisions. It allows us to look beyond the immediate brief and understand the bigger opportunity.
The finished work may be what the world sees, but its strength comes from everything behind it the thinking, the collaboration, the refinement and the courage to do something different.
After 30 years, that remains the redhotblue difference: powerful ideas, backed by the experience and ability to bring them to life.
Photo source: Shutterstock
Mackay Regional Council has adopted the Mackay Region Active Transport and Micromobility Plan 2025–2036, outlining the region’s long-term approach to walking, cycling and micromobility.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the plan would help guide future investment in pathways and active transport infrastructure, with the aim of creating a network that is safer, more connected and accessible for both residents and visitors.
"The adoption of this plan represents an important step forward in how we plan and deliver active transport infrastructure across the Mackay region," Mayor Williamson said.
"It provides council with a strategic roadmap to prioritise projects that will have the greatest benefit for our communities, improving connections between residential areas, schools, employment hubs and key destinations.
"We know from the Liveability Census, and the extensive consultation undertaken during development of this plan, that our community wants more safe and accessible pathways, and this plan responds directly to that feedback.
“This is another important step towards enhancing the liveability of the Mackay region and creating more transport choices for residents."
The new plan sets out a future for active transport that aims to make walking, cycling and micromobility more practical and enjoyable, while recognising the region’s tropical lifestyle and improving connections between key destinations.
Council developed the plan following two rounds of consultation through Connecting Mackay, complemented by input from community groups, schools, government agencies and other stakeholders.
Across the consultation process, residents and stakeholders expressed support for further investment in walking and riding infrastructure, with safer routes, better connections and improved accessibility identified as important priorities.
Liveability and Social Inclusion Strategic Advisory Committee Co-chair Cr May said the plan would bring a range of benefits for the region.
"By improving our active transport network, we're making it easier for people of all ages and abilities to move around the region safely and comfortably," she said.
"That supports healthier lifestyles, provides greater transport choice and contributes to a more liveable and sustainable community."
The plan also introduces a prioritisation framework that will help council identify and assess future pathway projects, upgrades and renewals.
Importantly, having a clearly defined strategy will strengthen council's ability to secure external funding from State and Federal Government programs.
"Grant funding is highly competitive, and having an adopted plan backed by technical analysis and strong community support puts council in a much stronger position when applying for funding opportunities," Mayor Williamson said.
"That's fantastic news for our community because it helps us maximise investment in pathway projects and deliver more outcomes for residents."
Mackay council has already increased its focus on active transport delivery, with approximately $6.6 million allocated to pathway projects in the 2026-27 financial year.
The adopted plan includes a series of actions aimed at improving network planning, infrastructure delivery and community awareness over the next decade.
For more information and future updates, visit the Connecting Mackay website online.
Mackay organisations supporting sick children and their families have just days left to apply for a share of $300,000 through the 2026 Flagon and Dragon Community Grants.
Applications for the latest round of grants will close on Wednesday 9th September, with funding available to provide equipment and resources supporting children and families throughout the Mackay region.
The $300,000 grant pool was raised during the popular biennial Flagon and Dragon luncheon held in July, with all profits from the event directed towards helping local children in need.
Flagon and Dragon Committee Chair Scott Jamieson said the grants aimed to ease some of the challenges faced by families when a child required additional treatment or care.
“Our aim is to provide support for local families when they are going through a tough time, so the family can stay here in Mackay to get the treatment and care they need,” Mr Jamieson said.
Previous recipients include the Mackay Hospital Foundation, Mackay District Special School, Mackay Mater Hospital and Victoria Park State School.
The committee also thanked the local businesses and organisations which supported the 2026 event, including McDonald’s Mackay, Brown and Bird, Mackay Land Sales, Remax Select Mackay, Pitmaster, Key Solutions Group, Club Northern Beaches Mackay, D.A.C Mining, AccuVest, Crokers Fuel & Oils, NQBE Integrated I.T., Inspec Industries and Woollam Constructions.
Applications are subject to eligibility requirements and can be submitted through the Flagon and Dragon website before the 9th September deadline.
Successful grant recipients will be formally announced through Flagon and Dragon’s Facebook page on 8th October.
Footage supplied by the office of Nigel Dalton MP
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton MP has backed proposed changes to Queensland’s bail laws, with the State Government introducing legislation that would create a new standalone offence for committing a serious offence while released on bail.
The Breach Bail, Go to Jail and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 was introduced to Queensland Parliament last week on 27th August as part of the Queensland Government’s next stage of its Adult Crime, Adult Time reforms.
Under the proposed legislation, people who commit a serious offence while on bail could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 12 months imprisonment, to be wholly served in custody.
Mr Dalton said the reforms reflected his view that bail should be treated as a privilege and that people who breached that privilege by committing further serious offences should face consequences.
“My view has always been simple: if you breach bail by committing another serious offence, you go to jail,” he said.
The proposed standalone offence would apply to both adults and juveniles, with the reforms targeting serious repeat offenders.
For youth offenders, the changes would apply to offences covered by the Government’s Adult Crime, Adult Time laws. For adults, serious offences would include Adult Crime, Adult Time offences, as well as coercive control and Daniel’s Law child sexual offences.
Mr Dalton said the proposed changes were intended to provide a clear consequence for serious offending while a person was on bail.
“Under these reforms, serious offenders will know there is a very real consequence for committing another serious crime while on bail, with a mandatory minimum of 12 months behind bars.”
The Bill would also introduce a new “high degree of confidence” test for bail decisions involving serious offenders.
Under the proposed changes, police or a court would be required to refuse bail unless satisfied to a high degree of confidence that the person would not commit another serious offence while on bail. Defendants would also be required to show cause as to why their detention was not justified.
Mr Dalton said the reforms were aimed at prioritising community safety and the rights of victims.
“We need to stop putting the rights of serious repeat offenders ahead of the rights of victims and the community,” he said.
“If police or the courts cannot have a high degree of confidence that a serious offender will not go out and commit another serious offence, then they should not be released back onto our streets.”
Mr Dalton said the proposed laws would represent a significant change to Queensland’s bail regime and would apply across the state, including Mackay.
“This is an actual change in the regime, which we’re going to have within Mackay, within Queensland.”
He said he did not have specific figures on how many Mackay residents could be affected by the proposed laws, but had received feedback from locals following posts about the reforms on social media.
“I have had many, many comments on my social media since we started posting this. And they’re just saying, yes, absolutely, this is what we need to do.”
The Government said the reforms were designed not only to impose stronger consequences, but to deter further offending.
Mr Dalton echoed that aim, saying the expected outcome was a reduction in offences if people understood the potential consequences of breaching bail.
“What we’re hoping is that we actually see a drop in people committing offences because they know that there is a consequence for their action.”
The Queensland Government said the bail reforms would form part of a broader approach involving additional policing, early intervention and rehabilitation, and reported that victim numbers were down 9.6 per cent.
The State Government has committed to passing the stronger bail laws by the end of the year, with the Bill now before Queensland Parliament.
Mackay North State High School students joined 135 young musicians from more than 20 schools for Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University’s regional State Honours Ensemble Program. Photos supplied by Mackay North State High School
After just 10 hours of rehearsal, 135 young musicians from more than 20 schools came together for a Grand Finale concert at Mackay North State High School.
The performance marked the conclusion of Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University’s three-day regional State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP), hosted at North High.
Flautist and Australian Band and Orchestra Directors’ Association National President Sharelle Guest led the band, veteran music educator and Young Conservatorium Conductor Mark Sullivan led the strings, and award-winning choral educator Dr Anthony Young led the vocal ensemble.
North High Head of Department Music Kathy George said the students “blossomed unbelievably” during their 10 hours working with the conductors.
“The standard of the Grand Finale concert on the final day — capital G, capital F,” she said with a laugh, “was just outstanding.
“The hall was absolutely full of parents, and they were absolutely raving about how much they enjoyed it and how incredible the standard was.”
Kathy described SHEP as “absolutely invaluable”, providing regional students with access to high-level music teaching that is usually available in southeast Queensland.
She said the Mackay community should feel “extremely indebted” to the SHEP team for travelling across Queensland and ensuring regional students did not miss out on the opportunity.
Since Queensland Conservatorium launched SHEP in 2001, the program has connected more than 45,000 students from over 2000 schools with conductors.
North High advocated for the program to come to Mackay and welcomed the opportunity to share the experience with musicians from across the district.
And there is already a date in mind for the next chapter.
Kathy left no doubt about North High hosting SHEP again in 2027, saying: “I’ve already locked it in.”
Mackay residents are being encouraged to lace up and take part in Lifeline’s Out of the Shadows Walk this September, helping remember Australians lost to suicide while raising funds for vital crisis support.
Held in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday 10th September, participants are challenged to walk nine kilometres; representing the nine Australians who die by suicide each day.
Participating in the challenge could not be easier as the walk can be completed anywhere, anytime - either on 10th September or on a date that suits you. It’s an accessible way for individuals, families, workplaces and community groups to get involved.
All funds raised through the challenge will help Lifeline continue providing 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services across the country, supporting the 3,600 people who contact Lifeline’s crisis support line each day.
Participants can walk in memory of a loved one, as a personal tribute, or simply to show support for anyone experiencing emotional distress. Community members can register online via www.outoftheshadowswalk.org.au and are able to fundraise individually or form a team and walk together.
What: World Suicide Prevention Day
When: Thursday 10th September
President of International Men’s Day Mackay Inc and Mackay Men’s Shed founder Frank Cowell is encouraging locals to nominate and celebrate a top bloke who goes above and beyond for his family, friends and community. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
By Hannah McNamara
As families across Mackay come together to celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, there is one man who has made it his mission to ensure the top blokes across the region are acknowledged, celebrated and appreciated.
President of International Men’s Day Mackay Inc, Advocate, and Founder of Mackay Men’s Shed Frank Cowell is encouraging the community to recognise the everyday men who make a difference to their families and the wider community through the annual Mackay Man of the Year award.
Mr Cowell said one of the challenges men often face is recognising how important they are to their families and society. He said men can also carry a sense of guilt when they make mistakes but highlighted the importance of focusing on the good – rather than the bad – as well as forgiveness and encouragement.
“A bloke often lives in a world of guilt from even the smallest mistakes. They need forgiveness for one, and they also need to be encouraged by those around them to be the best man God wants them to be,” Mr Cowell said.
Initiated six years ago, the Mackay Man of the Year award was created to recognise an “average man” who goes the extra mile for his family, contributes to the community and is someone others can rely on.
“It is to recognise one average man in this area, who just goes an extra mile for his family, but also contributes to community in some way, and is overall a decent bloke.”
Mr Cowell said the award is about celebrating men who are dependable, while recognising that nobody has to be perfect.
“We like to recognise the sort of bloke that you can count on, who, when he gives his word, he keeps it. But also makes mistakes, as we all do.”
Nominations are now open until 30th September, with finalists to be notified by 31st October and invited to the International Men’s Day 2026 Celebratory Breakfast later this year on Thursday 19th November, where the winner will be announced.
Mr Cowell encourages the people of Mackay to provide examples of why their nominee deserves recognition.
“You can't just say he's a good bloke. You ought to say why he’s a good bloke!”
Mr Cowell said being nominated is a form of encouragement in itself, even for those who don’t become finalists.
“Just the fact that someone is nominated is encouragement as well. They might not make the cut to become the Man of the Year, but the fact that they're in the running, and were nominated for it, speaks volumes to some men who aren’t oftenappreciated.”
The winner will have their name engraved on the Mackay Man of the Year Perpetual Trophy and receive a personal trophy, along with a prize package including a travel package to Bowen courtesy of Gallivantor Travel and 360 on the Hill Restaurant, a 12-month Muscle Garden Gym membership, $400 cash and dinner for two at Roshni By Raj.
Two runners-up will also receive prizes.
This Father’s Day, while we celebrate the dads, stepdads, grandfathers and father figures who have shaped our lives, perhaps it is also worth thinking about the other men who have always shown up, quietly helped others, kept their word or simply been the bloke we could count on.
Mr Cowell emphasised that for some men, a little recognition can mean more than we realise.
Nominations can be made by COB 30th September 2026 at www.manoftheyearmackay.com.au or by filling out a form in person. For more information contact President IMDMI, Frank Cowell on 0434 908 968
Ground has officially been broken on two major developments set to serve Whitsunday residents for generations to come.
In Bowen, Murroona Gardens has begun its $14 million expansion, delivering two purpose-built, 12-bedroom dementia care homes and a new central laundry, which will allow more residents to receive specialised support close to their families and community.
Meanwhile, construction has officially begun on the $30 million Cannonvale Community Hub at Galbraith Park, bringing together a modern library, council customer service centre, meeting rooms and flexible community spaces all in one.
Together, the projects represent a $44 million investment in care, connection and the region’s future.
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