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Long-awaited flood-immunity works proposed for Goorganga Plains near Proserpine are continuing to progress following years of flooding and highway closures along the notoriously flood-prone stretch of the Bruce Highway, however some residents say concerns remain about road safety through the area in its current condition.

The proposed Goorganga Plains Floodplain Upgrade forms part of broader Bruce Highway resilience planning aimed at improving flood immunity, reducing closures and strengthening one of Queensland’s most important freight and transport corridors.

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The area has long been regarded as one of the Whitsundays region’s most flood-affected sections of highway, regularly becoming impassable during major weather events and cutting access between Mackay and the Whitsundays.

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However, local resident Denise Hadley said she believes the current road conditions are extremely dangerous and claims repeated attempts to raise concerns with authorities continue to go unanswered.

“I’m gobsmacked. It’s infuriating, it’s disappointing, and I feel like it’s going to take somebody getting incredibly hurt for someone to listen,” she said.

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Ms Hadley explained she had contacted the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) almost daily regarding concerns surrounding the road conditions but claimed she had received little acknowledgement in response.

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“It’s really not good enough. You’re [TMR] supposed to make that road safe for everybody,” she said.

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Ms Hadley has also contacted the Queensland Transport Minister’s office multiple times and had attempted to escalate the matter further through other government offices.

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“I don’t know what has to happen for someone to take this seriously,” she said.

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Ms Hadley claimed the road surface was rough and said reduced speed limits and temporary line markings through the area had heightened her concerns.

“It’s disheartening,” she said.

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Despite her frustrations, Ms Hadley said she intended to continue pushing for action.

“I will continue to call, and I will continue to be the squeaky wheel,” she said.

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“I just want all of those departments to be very aware — and I’ve written this in emails — that if somebody gets hurt out there, it’s on you. You have been made fully aware that there’s something wrong with this road.”

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Since first raising her concerns publicly on social media in May 2025, Ms Hadley continues to plead with authorities to investigate the stretch of highway, and has continuously echoed, she will keep campaigning until action is taken.  

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According to publicly available project information, the proposed floodplain upgrade is intended to improve safety, flood resilience and freight reliability along the Bruce Highway corridor.

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Life Publishing Group has contacted the Department of Transport and Main Roads for comment regarding the concerns raised by residents surrounding the Goorganga Plains section of the Bruce Highway, with further coverage to follow next week pending a response from the department.

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Guests embraced the “Pretty in the Paddock” theme at this year’s Show Ball, enjoying a glamorous evening of music, dancing, and community spirit. Photo credit: Depicting Dreamscapes

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The Proserpine Showgrounds came alive on the weekend as the annual Show Ball brought locals together for a night of music, celebration, and community pride. Embracing the “Pretty in the Paddock” theme, guests arrived in formal attire, filling the venue with colour, conversation, and dance.

Country star Amber Lawrence headlined the evening with a high-energy set that kept the dance floor packed, while local performer Shaun Diver showcased homegrown talent.

Organisers from the Show Ball Committee said the event was a strong success, thanking attendees, volunteers, performers, and sponsors for their support. The night was hailed as a reminder of the region’s strong community spirit and love of shared celebration.

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Show Ball Brings Glamour and Community Together

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The Show Ball delivered a memorable evening of glamour and music, with locals gathering at the Proserpine Showgrounds for a night of celebration and entertainment.

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Guests embraced the “Pretty in the Paddock” theme, arriving in elegant formal attire and creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter, conversation, and dancing. The event provided a welcome opportunity for the community to reconnect and enjoy a night out together.

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Headline entertainment was provided by acclaimed country music artist Amber Lawrence, whose energetic performance kept the dance floor busy throughout the evening. Popular local performer Shaun Diver also entertained the crowd, highlighting the strong local talent within the region.

Show Ball Committee member Elaine Riley said the event had been a wonderful success and praised the strong community support shown on the night.

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Organisers extended their thanks to all attendees, performers, volunteers, and sponsors who helped make the event such a success.  

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For more photos, visit: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/show-ball-brings-glamour-and-community-together---photos-by-depicting-daydreamscapes

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Guests gathered in Collinsville for the Heart of the Farm Ladies Luncheon hosted by NQ Dry Tropics. Photo source NQ Dry Tropics

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Women from across the region gathered in Collinsville this week for the Heart of the Farm Ladies Luncheon, an event focused on connection and wellbeing  within agriculture.

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Hosted by NQ Dry Tropics through the Landholders Driving Change (LDC2) project, the luncheon featured guest speakers Steph Schmidt from Farm Life Psych and Anika Molesworth from Climate Wise Agriculture.

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The event combined inspiring conversations with networking opportunities, good food and plenty of laughs, leaving attendees feeling “inspired and recharged”.

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In a social media post following the event, NQ Dry Tropics thanked the guest speakers for sharing their stories and insights with local women involved in agriculture and regional communities.

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The luncheon formed part of the Landholders Driving Change project, funded by the Queensland Government through the Queensland Reef Water Quality Program.

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Burnout is never weakness; it’s a condition of the strongest performers.

High performers often believe they can operate at 140% forever. They push harder, take on more, solve every problem, carry everyone, and wear exhaustion like a badge of honour. The conscious mind tells them, “Keep going. We’ve got this.” But the nervous system is quietly keeping score.

Burnout happens when a nervous system no longer believes its owner will protect it. It helps to think of burnout as two people living in one body.

The first - your conscious mind - driven, capable and highly productive. It loves achievement, pressure and momentum, thrives on ticking boxes, solving crises and outperforming expectations.

The second - your nervous system - ancient survival system designed to keep you safe and alive, which regulates stress hormones, sleep, recovery, digestion, emotional balance and energy. Unlike your conscious mind, it cares only about survival - not KPIs, outcomes and lists of achievements.

Problems arise when high achievers keep the ‘pedal to the metal’ for a long, long time - never taking their foot off the accelerator long enough for the nervous system to rest and repair. Too much cortisol (stress hormone) builds up for waaaaay too long - eventually, the nervous system stops trusting its human host.

At first, it whispers - poor sleep, irritability, waking at 2am with a surge of adrenaline, emotional overwhelm, brain fog and fatigue that rest no longer fixes. When whispers are ignored – it then screams! The nervous system escalates, starts pulling emergency levers, normal daily functions are near impossible, and the body begins forcing the slowdown the mind refuses to choose. It’s a small break before a complete implosion, telling you to stop right now before you can’t reverse it.

Don’t let your driven employees arrive at this outcome, balancing on the edge of a precipice. Create honest, authentic check-ins with your high achievers, encourage discussions about emotional well-being, and ensure they take time off – without the phone!

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Contributed with thanks to Judy Porter, Shiift

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Renewable energy projects are generating a lot of discussion across the Whitsundays right now and understandably so.

While for some these projects represent opportunity, jobs and investment. For others, they raise real concerns around visual impacts, housing pressure, roads, agriculture, the environment and what this region could look like into the future.

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As Mayor, I want the community to know Council is listening.

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This week Council officially launched public consultation on a proposed Community Benefit Agreement Policy for major renewable energy projects in the Whitsundays. 

Importantly, this consultation is not about Council trying to approve or push through projects.

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The Queensland Government is the assessment manager and decision-maker for these developments not local government. 

What Council is trying to do is ensure that if projects proceed through the State Government process, the Whitsundays community has a stronger voice around local expectations, impacts and potential community outcomes.

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That includes conversations around roads, housing pressures, workforce accommodation, environmental management, support for local industries, near-neighbour impacts and long-term community infrastructure. 

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I know there is concern in parts of the community that decisions are already made. I want to be very clear that this consultation is the opportunity for residents, businesses, landholders and community groups to help shape Council’s policy position moving forward.

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We also recognise there are existing and previously approved renewable energy projects within the region that are creating significant public interest and debate.

That is exactly why community feedback matters.

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Council wants to hear directly from the people who live here, work here and will experience both the opportunities and impacts associated with these projects over the long term.

Consultation is open until Sunday 28 June through Yoursay Whitsunday, with community sessions being held across the region including Collinsville, Proserpine, Cannonvale and Bowen. 

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I encourage everyone, regardless of whether you support these projects, oppose them, or simply want more information,— to take part respectfully and constructively.

The strongest outcomes for the Whitsundays will come from making sure local voices are heard clearly, fairly and transparently.

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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has officially released the full program for the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference, bringing together regional businesses and industry and government representatives for a day focused on practical ideas, future opportunities, and meaningful connections.

The Chamber’s flagship event will be held from 8:30am to 3:00pm on Thursday 27 August 2026 across PCYC Whitsunday and Club Whitsunday in Airlie Beach.

Chamber President Allan Milostic said the Conference continued to evolve as one of the Whitsundays’ leading business events because of its strong focus on practical relevance and regional collaboration.

“This is about bringing together businesses, industries, educators, leaders, and emerging talent to have honest conversations about where the region is heading and how we build stronger businesses together,” he said. “We’re proud to showcase both local expertise and external perspectives that understand the realities of doing business in regional Queensland.”

Chamber Vice President and Chair of the Conference Sub-Committee, Jannah Baker, said this year’s program had been intentionally designed to deliver practical value, stronger discussion, and real-world insights for businesses navigating change and growth.

“The 2026 Conference is focused on practical conversations that matter to regional businesses right now – from workforce and leadership challenges through to AI, business growth, communication, and financial resilience,” Jannah said. “We’ve moved toward a more intensive program format this year, with deeper sessions, more interaction, and speakers who can share real experiences and practical strategies businesses can apply immediately.”

The Conference will open with a plenary session featuring highlights from the Chamber’s Vision for the Whitsundays project, alongside a Rising Stars Panel showcasing local young employees, trainees, and apprentices discussing the future workforce and what they value from the ‘Whitsundays workplace’.

Award-winning media and communications expert Ian Cohen from Cozalive Media will deliver the keynote presentation on building a brand that stands strong under pressure, drawing on decades of experience across major global sporting events, media, communications, and reputation management.

Concurrent sessions throughout the morning will allow delegates to tailor their conference experience across a range of business-critical topics.

Round One sessions include:

• Your Brand in Action – An interactive workshop with Ian Cohen exploring communication strategies, reputation management, and responding confidently under pressure.

• Future-Ready Business – A practical presentation with Rachel Hay (James Cook University) examining how businesses are using systems, automation, and AI to reduce administration and improve productivity, alongside research-backed workforce capability insights from JCU’s Professor Stephan Riek and Gabby Ryan.

• Connecting with Big Business – A panel discussion featuring the Australian Agave Project, Abbot Point Operations, and Bowen Rail Company, focused on how regional businesses can better connect with large-scale industry opportunities and own more of the value chain.

Breakout sessions in Round Two include:

• The Future Workforce – An interactive workshop with Michele Tocci exploring psychological safety, team engagement, retention, and creating workplaces where employees feel confident to contribute.

• The Numbers That Matter – A practical financial session with Gus Walsgott (Rural Financial Counselling Service North Queensland) examining common business financial traps, profitability pressures, and cashflow improvement strategies.

• Your Brand in Action – A marketing-focused panel featuring Tolita Dukes (8 Seconds) and Melissa Ardern (The Creek Whitsundays) discussing visibility, AI, marketing systems, and what is currently working for regional businesses.

The Conference will conclude with an interactive Long Lunch featuring business exhibitor showcases, activations and activities, networking opportunities, and major announcements. 

Event Details

What: 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference
When: 8:30am – 3:00pm, Thursday 27 August 2026
Where: PCYC Whitsunday and Club Whitsunday, Airlie Beach

For sponsorship, exhibitor opportunities, or further information, contact the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry

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YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament is a program that grants people aged 16-25 the opportunity to represent the issues of young people in their electorate while learning about government processes in a mock parliament context.  Photo supplied

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Year 12 student Ashlin Styles was recently selected as one of 93 young people aged 15–25 from 500 applicants to take part in the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament. Ashlin is the student representative for the Whitsunday electorate. 

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Ashlin attended a three-day camp where she was officially sworn into Parliament and began working within her committee, Justice, Police and Corrective Services (JPACS), including Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. 

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During the camp, Ashlin had the opportunity to meet various Members of Parliament. As part of the committee, students are developing a bill proposing a new standalone Act to provide better reintegration support for people leaving custody, addressing gaps in areas such as housing and ongoing support. 

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Through this experience, Ashlin has gained a stronger understanding of how laws are created, along with skills in teamwork, leadership, and representing her community. She has also been placed on the refuting team for JPACS, where she will help review and propose amendments to the bill. 

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Ashlin will return to State Parliament in September for a five-day parliamentary sitting and is excited to continue developing the bill whilst preparing for the final sessions.

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Photo source: Shutterstock

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The written word will take centre stage in Cannonvale this September as the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival returns with a programme celebrating regional storytelling, creativity and the power of local voices.

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Opening the festival is a panel discussion sure to resonate with aspiring writers and avid readers alike: Is There a Book in You? The session will explore the realities of turning an idea into a published work, with three regional authors sharing their personal journeys through creativity, self-doubt and the publishing process.

Festival Director Richard Evans said the event reflects the festival’s commitment to championing writers from across the Greater Whitsunday region.

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“This year’s festival is about backing our region’s writers, stories and creative identity,” he said. “The quality of writers living across the Greater Whitsunday region is exceptional, and this panel is designed to give audiences an honest and inspiring look at the writing and publishing journey.”

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The panel features Mackay-based fantasy author A. L. Tippett, thriller writer and former teacher Greg Bourke, and Whitsunday Life’s very own Rachael Smith, whose book Surviving Cancer: A Working Mum’s Guide documents her experience balancing cancer treatment, motherhood and work.

Beyond the opening discussion, the one-day festival will include keynote presentations, literary award announcements and Stories by the Sea, a free community celebration featuring regional authors, live music, children’s activities, book swaps and more.

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What: Whitsundays Writers Festival
When: Sunday 13th September 2026, 10.30am–4.30pm
Where: Whitsunday Marine Club

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Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre Executive Officer Rebecca Woods says connection, inclusion and community support are more important than ever as local families continue to navigate rising living costs and housing pressures. Photo source: Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre

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By Chelsea Ravizza

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As cost-of-living pressures, housing insecurity and social isolation continue to impact more local families, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre Executive Officer Rebecca Woods says community connection has never been more important.

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“Connection is at the heart of everything we do,” Ms Woods said.

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“Watching people move from crisis toward hope and connection is a powerful reminder of why community-based support matters so much. Sometimes even small acts of support, kindness and human connection can have a lasting impact and while crisis support is important, we also know that strong communities are built through relationships, inclusion and opportunities for people to feel they belong.”

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One story that has remained with the team involved a local family who first became connected with the Centre through volunteering opportunities. What began as a chance for the eldest son to build employment skills and confidence gradually evolved into something much greater, with both his sister and mother later becoming involved as well.

Ms Woods said the experience highlighted the powerful ripple effect community support can have, with the family gaining confidence, social connection, improved wellbeing and a renewed sense of purpose through their involvement with the Centre.

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“Stories like this remind us that the impact of community support extends far beyond immediate assistance,” she said.

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“Sometimes the greatest outcomes come from creating spaces where people feel valued, included and empowered to grow.”

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Across the Whitsundays Shire, many individuals and families are struggling to keep pace with rising living costs, including rent, groceries, fuel, electricity and insurance, while housing insecurity and a shortage of affordable rentals continue to place enormous pressure on households. Accessing support services can also prove challenging in regional communities, particularly for those experiencing social isolation, limited transport options, mental health concerns, family stress or domestic and family violence.

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Ms Woods said demand for support services had increased significantly in recent years, particularly following the impacts of COVID-19, ongoing housing shortages and rising living costs.

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“We are seeing more people seeking emergency relief, financial assistance, referrals, advocacy and help navigating increasingly complex systems,” she explained.

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Importantly, Ms Woods said the demographic of people seeking assistance had also broadened, with more working individuals and families now requiring support despite being employed.

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“Housing stress is one of the most consistent issues we encounter,” she said.

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“Even people with stable incomes are finding it difficult to secure affordable accommodation, and that uncertainty affects every aspect of wellbeing — from mental health to family relationships and employment stability.”

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Despite the growing challenges, Ms Woods said the Centre continued to focus not only on crisis support, but also on fostering connection, inclusion and belonging throughout the wider community.

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“The Neighbourhood Centre provides welcoming spaces where people can come together, participate in programs, share experiences, build friendships and access support without stigma,” she said.

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“Whether it’s through workshops, volunteer opportunities, social groups or even informal conversations over a cup of tea, these moments of connection help reduce isolation and strengthen community wellbeing.”

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Beyond direct support services, the Centre also hosts a broad range of outreach programs, allied health services, support groups and community-led activities aimed at improving local access to support while encouraging social connection. These include employment support services, counselling programs, health and wellbeing initiatives, volunteer Justice of the Peace services, fitness and social activities for seniors, children’s programs, creative groups and community gatherings.

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Ms Woods said providing a central and welcoming community hub helped ensure residents could access important services locally, particularly those experiencing financial hardship, disability, transport limitations or social isolation.

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“For many people, simply knowing there is a safe and supportive place they can walk into makes a real difference,” she said.

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Looking to the future, Ms Woods said her hope was for a Whitsundays community where everyone feels supported, connected and able to access help when challenges arise.

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“We want to see greater housing stability, stronger mental health supports, increased opportunities for young people and families, and a community where no one feels alone during difficult times,” she said.

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Ms Woods encouraged locals to support the work of the Neighbourhood Centre through volunteering, donations, attending community events, supporting local initiatives or simply checking in on neighbours who may be struggling.

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“Community wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility, and some of the most meaningful change happens when people come together with kindness, understanding and a willingness to help,” she said.

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“At the same time, there is a strong sense of resilience within our community. People genuinely care about one another, and we continue to see neighbours helping neighbours during difficult times.”

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Last Thursday evening, Whitsundays locals gathered to discuss recent Queensland Department of Primary Industries trials of 1.6-kilometre tunnel nets, proposed as new commercial fishing gear for use across beaches, bays, and foreshores in the Whitsundays region.

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Local trial sites to date have included Bowen, Edgecumbe Bay, Sinclair Bay, North Airlie, Double Bay and Shute Harbour.

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The event was co-hosted by TackleWorld Airlie Beach, local fishing celebrity Jonathon ‘Brooksy’ Brooks, and The Inshore Flats Project, to raise awareness about the economic, social and environmental risks posed by the gear to the local community.

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The concerns discussed at the meeting included the depletion of fish stocks near the tunnel net sites, the deployment of tunnel nets in juvenile fish habitat, dugong protection areas and high use recreational and tourism areas, plus the adverse impact upon local businesses who benefit from recreational fishing and tourism expenditure. Attendees also expressed concern that the Department of Primary Industries had not made the local community aware of the trials, despite the major impact it could have on local residents, local anglers and local businesses.

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Chris Burgess and Este Darin-Cooper have been incredibly active in the organisation of initiatives as part of their role with the Inshore Flats Project.  

“Part of the objective of the Inshore Flats Project is to raise awareness,” they said.  

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“The community is concerned because the Great Barrier Reef is such an important habitat.”

A spokesperson from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries responded stating,  

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“The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is committed to supporting Queensland’s recreational, commercial, charter and aquaculture sectors, as well as the broader seafood supply chain. Following the removal of gillnets, research has commenced to test and evaluate a range of alternative low-impact fishing methods within Queensland’s inshore fisheries. The outcomes of this research will help build the evidence base needed to inform future fisheries management decisions.”

According to the Department’s website, tunnel nets are lightweight, temporary and leave no lasting trace. They have been deemed low impact on protected and non-target marine species. Tunnel netting has been deemed a clean and environmentally responsible fishing method by the government

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“With the waters of the Great Barrier Reef supporting a different environment and species composition to Southeast Queensland, the trials will work to design and develop both the gear and its operation to understand whether it can be used successfully within waters of the GBR,” their website states.  

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The Inshore Flats Project have launched an online petition opposing the introduction of a new tunnel net fishery. The petition currently has over 3,500 signatures. They plan to hold similar events in other local communities across the coast.  

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The fantastic team at Life Publishing Group

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For the second year in a row Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper has won Best Community Advertising Promotion for one of its charity events held within the region and hosted by Life Publishing Group.

Enchanted Garden took place in October 2025 and raised an impressive $56,000 for seven regional charities.  

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“This was a truly special event,” shared Life Publishing Group Editor in Chief Rachael Smith.

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“Our team, led by event organiser Jess Clark, brought together an incredible event with promotions that spanned newspaper, magazine, social media, television, radio and billboard – every aspect of branding was planned meticulously and produced an epic result.

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“From this, we are thrilled to engage with other highly visible local events including both Mackay Mayor’s Ball and the Whitsunday Mayor’s Ball to help drive promotion for their charity events – we love that we are seen as an effective platform to drive promotionwithin the region and beyond.”

Life Publishing is also looking forward to working with other key events this year including the Whitsunday Business Conference, the Whitsunday Business Awards, the Whitsundays Wedding Trail, the Whitsunday Writers Festival and many more.

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In addition to the community event promotion award, Life Publishing also brought home gold for Best Locally Produced Print Advertisement and silver for Best Locally Produced Advertising Campaign for a series of ads designed for Garden Bar.

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“Our design and production team are truly amazing!” said Whitsunday Sales Manager Trish Jandt.

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“All our ads are designed from scratch right here in the Whitsundays and our team works closely with every client to create something truly spectacular – they deeply care about the client, the product and the result – and this is evident in everything we do, from the moment of sale right through to seeing their ad in the paper. It truly is award-winning stuff!”

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In addition to the advertising awards, two Life Publishing Group journalists won editorial awards.

Jacob Casha, journalist with Burdekin Life Newspaper, was announced as Best Young Journalist of the Year and also received a silver for Best Single Story by an Individual Journalist.

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Meanwhile, Chelsea Ravizza, who writes across all Life Publishing Group papers, including this one, received a silver in the Best Young Journalist of the Year category.

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“Young journalists are the lifeblood of regional journalism,” said Life Publishing Group Editor in Chief Rachael Smith.

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“We are proud to support the growth of our talented team and thrilled to see two of our journalists bring home awards.  

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“For me, 2026 represents a year where we continue to cement our presence within the newspaper community and are seen as high achievers among our peers – this is something I am truly proud of.

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“Everyone in the team has contributed to the success behind all these awards and they are a result of us all striving for excellence in everything we do.”

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Young local motorbike rider Thomas and his family have thanked Whitsundays-based excavation business Crisp Excavations for their support ahead of the upcoming Whitsunday Cup.

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The business recently stepped in to sponsor Thomas, assisting with the purchase of a surprise steel shoe in preparation for the motorbike racing event. The gesture has been described by those close to the rider as both timely and deeply meaningful, offering not only practical assistance but a strong vote of confidence in Thomas’s developing sporting journey.

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“I love when local businesses get behind kids and their passions,” his Mum, Tenille, shared whilst expressing her gratitude.

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The sponsorship represents our local commitment to encouraging youth and backing grassroots sporting ambition in the region — a reminder that simple acts of support can help fuel a young person’s biggest dreams.

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Mackay father Phil Smith has been awarded the Queensland New Volunteer Award for 2026 in recognition of his asbestos awareness advocacy and fundraising efforts inspired by the loss of his wife Leah. Photos supplied

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Mackay father Phil Smith has been recognised on the state stage, receiving the Queensland New Volunteer Award for 2026 for his tireless work raising awareness around asbestos-related disease.

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Since the passing of his wife Leah in 2024, Mr Smith has devoted himself to advocacy and fundraising through Ride In Shorts For Leah, contributing more than 1,200 volunteer hours and raising over $42,000 to support education and prevention efforts.

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Leah, who was unknowingly exposed to asbestos in childhood, was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma at 49 and passed away just over eight months later. Her story has since become the driving force behind Mr Smith’s public mission to warn others about the risks hidden in many Australian homes.

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Presented at Brisbane City Hall by the Governor of Queensland, the award recognises his ongoing commitment to community awareness and support.

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What began in the shadow of personal loss has grown into a wider campaign of education, remembrance and prevention, carried forward in Leah’s name.

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Peter Francis, Director and Sales Consultant at Blacks Real Estate. Photo supplied

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With nearly two decades at Blacks Real Estate, Peter Francis has built a reputation across Mackay for honest service, strong negotiation skills and consistent results.

Joining the agency in 2008, Peter now serves as Director and Sales Consultant, helping vendors and buyers navigate the property market with a focus on professionalism and clear communication.

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Originally trained as a surveyor at the University of South Australia, Peter later transitioned into real estate, where he went on to achieve national and international recognition, including National Top 20 rankings on seven occasions and a Hall of Fame award during a previous role.

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Since moving to Mackay in 2004 with his wife Kylie and their family, Peter has become deeply involved in the local community, balancing a busy career with raising five children and contributing to school communities and the Mackay Chamber of Commerce.

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Known for his calm approach and ability to mediate between buyers and sellers, Peter said building trust with clients has always been central to his work. His long list of repeat clients and referrals reflects the strong relationships he has developed across the region over the years.

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Blacks Real Estate continues to operate from Wood Street in Mackay and Dysart Garden Plaza, servicing residential, commercial and rural clients across the region.

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We need to talk about something that happens far too often – black kittens are usually the last to be chosen.

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Yet they are often the very best companions. These kittens are not just “another kitten”.

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They are the ones who follow you from room to room like your shadow. Who climb into your lap and stay there. Who greet you at the door like a dog and want to be involved in everything you do. They don’t just live in your home – they become part of your everyday life.

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Our black kittens are incredibly affectionate – true lap cats who crave human connection. They are confident and curious, often the first to explore and investigate. Playful and cheeky, they are full of personality and mischief.

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They are also highly social. They will chat to you, respond to you and connect with you. Once they choose you, they are yours completely.

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And in real life, they are absolutely stunning – with glossy coats, striking eyes, and an elegant, sleek presence that photos simply don’t capture.

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If you have ever wanted a cat that truly bonds with you, that seeks you out and becomes your constant little companion, come and meet our black kittens. Because once you meet them, you will understand.

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To register your expression of interest, please contact foster carer Janet on 0423 768 805.

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Contributed by Mackay Pet Rescue Inc

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