Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Mackay Business Awarded $19,807 To Strengthen Security A Mackay business is among dozens across Queensland to receive State Government funding for security upgrades aimed at deterring crime and improving safety for staff and customers. Beyond Psyence Pty Ltd has been awarded $19,807 through Round 2 of the Secure Communities Partnership Program, with the funding to be used for access control and entry management measures. The business was one of 62 small and family businesses across the state to receive funding in the latest round of the program, which supports the installation of crime prevention infrastructure such as CCTV, secure fencing, bollards, alarm systems and lighting upgrades. Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the funding would help businesses take practical steps to improve security. “This program empowers local small businesses to take proactive steps to protect their livelihoods, employees, and customers, while contributing to safer communities across Queensland,” Mr Minnikin said. “I’m proud that two-thirds of funding in this release has been awarded to small businesses based in regional Queensland, ensuring support reaches every corner of our state.” The Secure Communities Partnership Program provides grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 to eligible small and family businesses that have been directly impacted by crime in the past five years, or operate in areas affected by crime. Applicants are required to contribute at least 50 per cent of the total project cost and can use the funding for a range of security measures including surveillance systems, access control upgrades, perimeter security and alarm systems. The latest funding round follows Round 1 of the program, which delivered $9.6 million for 42 projects in partnership with local councils. Queensland businesses with fewer than 20 employees and an annual turnover of $10 million or less remain eligible to apply for funding, with applications open until the 30th of June or until available funding is exhausted. Further information about the Secure Communities Partnership Program is available through www.business.qld.gov.au.
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Isaac Looks To The Future With Proposed $500 Million Fund Isaac Regional Council is proposing the creation of a long-term Future Fund designed to help safeguard essential services and financial stability for future generations as the region prepares for life beyond mining. The proposed Isaac Future Fund would gradually build a financial reserve using a portion of the region's current mining-related prosperity, with the aim of offsetting future revenue losses when mining activity eventually declines. Currently, almost 70 per cent of the council's rates income comes from the mining sector, creating what council describes as a significant future challenge when mines are decommissioned and mining leases are recategorised. To establish the fund, council is proposing to reduce the early payment rates discount for mining leases, workforce accommodation and renewable energy projects from 10 per cent to five per cent this year, before removing the remaining five per cent next year. All other ratepayer categories would continue to receive the full 10 per cent early payment discount. The change is expected to contribute approximately $3.2 million to the fund in its first year. Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said the initiative was focused on protecting future communities from substantial rate increases needed to maintain services once mining revenue begins to decline. “The Future Fund is a long-term strategy intended to grow our own funds over the decades and used to replace mining sector income to maintain services to communities when mining eventually declines,” Mayor Vea Vea said. “We cannot rely on future governments to subsidise services and infrastructure when funding to local councils has already been reducing over time. Our Council knows that we need to generate our own revenue source to protect future generations from the long-term financial impact that is inevitable when we are so financially reliant on mining.” Council said the fund would not be financed by general ratepayers and would be protected from being spent for decades while it continues to grow. Once the fund reaches approximately $50 million, and subject to the necessary approvals, council intends to invest the money through the Queensland Investment Corporation to generate additional returns, with earnings reinvested back into the fund. The long-term target is to grow the Future Fund to around $500 million while preserving the principal for future generations. Mayor Vea Vea said the proposal reflected responsible long-term planning for the region. “Smart regions plan ahead and responsible leadership means thinking long term and beyond the next election or budget cycle. There are many hoops to jump through and a lot of work to do in order to get the Future Fund to where it needs to be. We have to start now.” Council has spent the past 12 months developing the proposal in consultation with the Queensland Treasury Corporation and pointed to similar investment funds established by other regional councils, including Western Downs. The Future Fund would remain subject to council governance, auditing and reporting requirements, with any future investment arrangements required to comply with Queensland local government legislation and council policies. CAPTION: Isaac Regional Council is proposing a new Future Fund designed to help protect community services and financial sustainability for future generations as the region prepares for the long-term impacts of a changing mining industry. Photo supplied
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I always appreciate a robust discussion in our community, and I welcome the feedback regarding my recent opinion piece, ‘Why We Must Restore Biological Reality to Our Laws’. It is clear that the issues surrounding the Sex Discrimination Act are deeply emotive, and I respect the passion shown by your anonymous correspondent. However, I feel it is necessary to clear up some significant misunderstandings. My original article was focused on a matter of legislative principle: the need for our laws to reflect biological reality to ensure certainty, safety, and privacy in spaces reserved for women and girls. My article did not mention transgender individuals, I believe it is unhelpful to misrepresent my position in such a way, the added inflammatory rhetoric attributed to me was not part of my statement. I also want to address the concerns raised regarding domestic violence. We are in total agreement that domestic violence is an absolute scourge on our society, and it is a topic I have spoken about many times in my capacity as your federal representative. However, suggesting that my call for biological clarity in law somehow enables violence is a complete distortion of my intent and misses the mark entirely. We can be a community that is compassionate and supportive of everyone, while still maintainingthe clear, common-sense laws that protect the rights of women and girls, these two goals are not mutually exclusive. My goal is to return that clarity to our statute books so that the law serves everyone equitably. Advocating for clear, sex-based protections is not an attack on the humanity or rights of others, it is a necessary step to ensure that the foundational legal boundaries, which many women rely on for their sense of security, are not quietly eroded. I welcome a robust debate, but I prefer it to be based on what I have actually said, rather than on motives or ideologies that have been attributed to me. I remain committed to finding common sense solutions that ensure fairness and safety for all in our community.
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A practical community support initiative will take place in Mackay this month, with Mackay Pet Rescue Inc preparing to assist men experiencing hardship alongside their pets at the Neighbourhood Hub during Men’s Week. The event will be held on June 10th from 9am to 12 noon and will provide essential supplies and services aimed at keeping men and their pets together during times of vulnerability. For many attending, pets are not simply companions but a source of stability during difficult circumstances. The initiative is designed to reduce pressure on both individuals and rescue services by offering direct, immediate assistance. The Men’s Week initiative will provide a range of support items including pet food, tents, sleeping bags, dog sleeping bags, hygiene packs and flea and worm treatments. A veterinarian will also be on site to provide additional medical care. The program has been supported through a grant from the Mackay Community Foundation, enabling the rescue to expand its outreach during the colder months. President of Mackay Pet Rescue Inc Janet Ambrose said the focus is on ensuring people are supported before situations reach crisis point. “We’re making sure they don’t fall through the cracks, and they are seen, because they’re just as important, and we want to help their pets as much as we can.” “If we can help someone that’s vulnerable, so that they don’t have to give up their pet, then that’s a win, not just for them, but for us as well.” Ms Ambrose said the work carried out by the organisation is grounded in compassion and community responsibility. “Many of the owners we assist are facing illness, ageing, are homeless or experience a sudden life change. Pets are extremely important to people, and often provide essential emotional support during uncertain times.” “We’re here to help, because this is what humanity is all about.” “A lot of people think we’re just helping animals, but we’re really helping their owners too.” Between now and June 10th residents are encouraged to support the initiative by donating pet food through collection bins located across Mackay. Donation points include Northern Beaches Vet Hospital, Petbarn Greenfields, Petstock Paget and Bucasia Road, Pets Domain Rural View, Woolworths stores at Mount Pleasant, Oak Street, Ooralea and Rural View, Coles at Parkside Plaza and Sarina, Sydney Street Markets, and Goodes Butchers Sarina. What? Mackay Pet Rescue Men’s Hardship Drive Where? The Neighbourhood Hub When? June 10th 9am-12pm Mackay Pet Rescue Inc will support men experiencing hardship and their pets, providing essential supplies, veterinary care, and community donations to help keep them together during times of vulnerability. Photo supplied
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Tec-NQ House grade 11 boarding student Caleb has his sights set firmly on the automotive trade, splitting his week between the classroom, paid work, and hands-on experience at the Townsville Audi and Porsche dealership just down the road from Tec-NQ House boarding campus.
“I got to work on a timing belt,” said Caleb. “Each day I went to work experience, I walked because it was just up the road.”
Time in a prestigious workshop has given him confidence and clarity. “I get to help the workers in the workshop,” he commented. “Watching how they fix problems has shown me what the job is really like.”
Caleb isn’t waiting around for opportunity to knock. He’s stacking experience wherever he can, working part-time. “I also have a job at Dan’s Automotive,” said Caleb. “When I’m not doing work experience or school, I work there, where I am learning a lot.”
Head of Boarding, Luke Papworth, says Caleb’s initiative is exactly what Tec-NQ House is designed to encourage. “Caleb is taking every chance to learn; he’s balancing school, work experience, and a real job. That work ethic is what sets our students up for apprenticeships,” Luke said.
He also points to the advantage of transport and flexible staff support. “Transport is provided to the Tec-NQ Douglas co-educational campus each day, and students are driven to and from their workplaces as required,” said Luke. "That means students can get to placements, arrive on time, and focus on learning rather than logistics,” added Luke.
As a boarder, Caleb benefits from a supportive home base in Townsville. Tec-NQ House is a purpose-built boys-only boarding facility in Rosslea, providing accommodation for up to forty senior students from regional and remote Queensland so they can access Tec-NQ’s trade-focused senior school program.
The residence blends structure with a warm, homely feel. Students have 24/7 supervised care, air-conditioned double-occupancy rooms, modern communal lounges, computer access, a secure outdoor recreation area with BBQ facilities, and a basketball court.
Daily routines make success easier. An on-site professional chef prepares nutritious meals, staff run after-hours sport and social activities, and regular excursions build friendships.
“Boarding gives students independence with a safety net,” said Luke. “We set expectations around study, wellbeing and behaviour, and we’re right there to guide them. The result is young people who are ready for the workplace.”
That workplace-ready mindset is exactly what Caleb is building. He’s learning to communicate with tradespeople, follow procedures, and take pride in doing the small things right: clean tools, tidy bays, and careful checks before a car leaves the workshop. Each shift adds to his confidence.
Caleb’s next goal is clear: secure an automotive apprenticeship and keep learning on the tools. With Tec-NQ House providing structure, support and proximity to employers, and with the combination of work experience, paid work and school learning under his belt, he’s well on the way.
Keep up the great work, Caleb; your future is idling at the lights, and you’ve already got the green.
Automotive trade experience. Photo supplied.
Caleb at Tech NQ's common area. Photo supplied.
The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre officially opened their Food Bank on Monday 1st September, a project that has been in the works for the last 12 months.
The Food Bank, funded by the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre’s op shop and sponsorship by North Queensland Bulk Ports and the Whitsunday Regional Council, is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9am – 11am.
Executive Officer of the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre Rebecca Woods said she anticipates more products to come in that will extend their range of products.
“We are going to keep adding more, and a lot of it will be your staple items. Including, your basic pasta, rice, milk, breads, and breakfast cereals,” she said
“There will also be products for babies, children, as well as groceries such as fruit and veg, yoghurts, meat and fish.”
With the new Food Bank open, Rebecca hopes they will be able to serve and cater to more people in the community.
“We have had this idea since around August of last year, to grow our pantry that we have had for over a decade into a proper food bank and be able to cater to more people in our community,” she said.
“We wanted to be able to provide more low-cost groceries to our community as well, and also to preserve the dignity and being able to pay your own way.
“There's a lot of people who want to pay their own way but they just don't have the budget to stretch as far.”
At the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre foodbank everything is either around a third of retail price at supermarkets or free, thanks to donations.
Rebecca Woods and Marina McMullen at the new Food Bank. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
In a powerful demonstration of community compassion, the Bowen Community Centre, led by Sally Roberts with support from Lauren Miller and Alison Byde of Abbot Point Operations, served 443 hot dogs to locals during a recent outreach event aimed at supporting people experiencing homelessness.
The event, on Tuesday 26 August, was made possible through the generous donation of produce by Andrew, manager of Woolworths, along with the enthusiastic participation of local businesses and schools. Each hot dog purchased helped fund backpacks, swags, and tents for vulnerable members of the Bowen community.
“This issue brings light to what I see every day,” said Sally Roberts, the Community Connect worker.
“Currently, 33 registered homeless individuals rely on our services. The need is urgent and growing.”
So far this year, Sally has raised approximately $2,500 to support essential programs. However, the lack of crisis accommodation remains a pressing concern.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Stephanie, Executive Officer of the Centre. “We simply don’t have the facilities to house our homeless community. Offering a tent or backpack may seem inadequate, but it’s the only help we can provide.”
Kelly from Hillery Group added, “It’s a great cause, and we’re thrilled to have been part of it and to support the community.”
The Bowen Community Centre thanked the following organisations for contributing to the success of the event: Lowcocks Builders, Bowen Childcare, Hillery Group, Bowen Industrial Hire, Queens Beach State School, Rocks on Rock, Abbot Point Operations, Flexi School, Idea Placements, Uniting Church, Kylie’s Dental, and St Mary’s School.
The Centre offers a range of support services, including:
• Soup kitchen
• Food bank
• Shower facilities
• Laundry access
If you know someone experiencing homelessness, please contact the Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753. When in doubt, refer them to the Bowen Community Centre—where help and connection to the right services are always available.
Paddy may only be six months old, but this Bull Arab-x pup already has a heart full of love to give. Rescued from the pound alongside his brother, Paddy now finds himself on his own for the first time after his brother was adopted. While he’s still adjusting, this sweet boy is eager to find a forever family to call his own.
If ever there was a dog who deserves a happily-ever-after, it’s Paddy. With his gentle nature and playful spirit, he’s the perfect mix of sunshine and snuggles — happy to soak up the sun, play with his doggy pals, or simply enjoy human company.
What makes Paddy so special?
Paddy has already shown he has all the makings of a loyal and loving companion. Now, all he needs is someone willing to open their heart and home to him. Could that someone be you?
Email Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc. now at Bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com.
If there are two things every good tradie loves, it’s a bacon-and-egg brekkie and a yarn over a hot coffee. That’s exactly what’s on the menu when Porters Mitre 10 Whitsunday hosts the next Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry Pop Up Chamber on Friday 12 September from 9am to 11am.
This free, drop-in event is all about bringing the Whitsundays business community together – no speeches, no fuss, just great food, fresh coffee from McMoon Coffee Van, a StarFM outdoor broadcast, and a chance to win raffle prizes. Whether you’re a tradie on the go, a small business owner, or just keen to check in with the Chamber team, this is your chance to catch up, connect, and have your say.
Porters Mitre 10 Whitsunday is the perfect host. Since opening its Cannonvale store in 2002, the business has been keeping locals stocked with everything from nuts and bolts to full-scale building materials. Part of the Mitre 10 family since 2017, Porters is still proudly family-owned after more than 140 years. With its specialist paint store, Inspirations Paint Cannonvale, now open inside the store, it’s become a true one-stop shop for the region’s trades, DIY projects, and weekend warriors.
The Pop Up Chamber is open to everyone so bring your work crew, grab a coffee, and enjoy a BBQ brekkie on the house. Stick around for a chance to win some top prizes and meet other business owners who are shaping the Whitsundays.
What: Pop Up Chamber BBQ Brekkie, coffee, and prize draw
When: 9am–11am, Friday 12 September 2025
Where: Porters Mitre 10 Whitsunday, 2 Carlo Drive, Cannonvale
The Whitsunday Business Conference held at TAFE Queensland Cannonvale Campus last Thursday, was a huge success.
Chamber President Allan Milostic said the event was sold out and feedback was outstanding.
“This year’s Conference was a sell-out, with 120 registrations representing 70 organisations across the Whitsundays. Feedback has been outstanding – more than 75% of attendees told us they loved the day, and everyone has walked away with actionable ideas to implement straight away,” he said.
“Delegates also reported stronger connections, fresh insights, and practical tips to improve efficiency and productivity.
“There’s clear support for making this an annual event, and we encourage businesses wanting to be part of the 2026 Conference to get in touch with the Chamber.”
Chamber President Allan Milostic also said the aim of the conference was simple; to provide a regular focal point for the Whitsundays business community and a chance to come together, learn from each other, and tackle the opportunities that lie ahead.
“The idea for the conference started pre-covid with the, then, Proserpine Chamber of Commerce. We returned to the idea in 2024 with the inaugural event held May 2024 with just over 55 people. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, and it helped shape the program you’ll experience today. This year’s conference is truly a step forward, built by locals, for locals,” he said at the conference.
“I’d like to sincerely thank our sponsors, without whom this event would not be possible: Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine, Tassal, Shiift, My Pathway, the Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee, Mackay and Whitsunday Life, and TAFE Queensland. Your partnership over the 2024 and 2025 conferences has been critical in bringing this vision to life.
“Of course, events like this don’t happen without a lot of work behind the scenes. Our Conference Committee, chaired by Megan Taylor, has worked tirelessly alongside Jannah Baker of Scallywag Fabrication, Julia Wheway of TAFE Queensland, and Dr Julia Evans, our Chamber Liaison. Together with the support of our incredible volunteers, they’ve turned an idea into a program that’s ready to inspire and deliver value to every delegate here today. A big thank you to all of them.”
See more social pics here: https://tinyurl.com/2dghrcuk
Hello everyone!
After an incredible five weeks exploring the Northern Territory and Western Australia, Ruth2Reef is back!
There were so many unforgettable moments on my travels, but one that truly stands out was swimming with humpback whales on the Ningaloo Reef. I joined an eco tour and was lucky enough to get so close that one almost brushed me with its pectoral fin!
I’m excited to share stories, travel tips, and insights from my journey, along with the inspiring environmental initiatives I discovered on that side of the country.
In this weeks very exciting edition we have more on humpback whales, maori wrasse's, and the wonderful whale sharks!
Happy Reading!
Ruth
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The humpback whales have arrived to the Whitsundays on mass and the breeding season has begun.
A female who wants to mate will slap her pectoral fins on the surface and make a trumpeting noise to signal to the males.
Males in the Whitsundays are often in pods of 2 - 4 males. If they hear a female signaling, they will move very fast in her direction. Often multiple groups can be seen moving towards her at speed.
Once the males reach the female, they will chase her demonstrating their fitness and endurance, trying to be the fastest, the best singer and the most acrobatic. Their song lasts 30 minutes, but will repeat it over and over to show their fitness. They perform large breaches landing on their backs to appear bigger and gain attention. They will try to outrun the other males. They can be aggressive to other males below the surface and tail slap on the surface to try to warn the others off.
This is a heat run and can last over 24 hours.
One a female has selected a male they will swim together and move in motions like diving and rolling that resemble a playful courtship. It’s very gentle and tactile with the male gently caressing the female with his pectoral fins. It’s still up to the female if she actually mates with the male.
Once pregnant the female will return to the feeding ground to gain body condition. The male will remain in the breeding ground looking for other mating opportunities.
Whales are now being spotted on most boat tours, ferry trips and mainland vantage points and from balconies on islands like Hamilton Island.
To see photos and videos of recent sightings go to the Whales of the Whitsundays Facebook group.
Contributed by Kellie Leonard - Master Reef Guide/Whales of the Whitsundays
Photo credit: Glen Bradford
There is no doubt, the Maori Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), is one of the most popular fish on the Great Barrier Reef. And for good reason.
It is renowned for its large size, striking colours and friendly personality. An encounter with a Maori Wrasse will make your day.
Maori Wrasse are so named for their distinct facial markings which resemble those seen on traditional Maori warriors in New Zealand. The males are most easily identified by their large size and large, prominent hump on its forehead.
This hump contains an air and oil combination which acts in part as a flotation device which counteracts the weight of their pronounced jaw.
A male Maori Wrasse can live up to 25 years, grow up to an impressive 2.3m and weigh up to 190kg.
The female Maori Wrasse normally grows to around 1m and can live up to 32 years of age, yet they have a very slow breeding rate as they do not mature until they are around 4 to 6 years old.
The Maori Wrasse are protogynous hermaphrodites: That basically means that most Maori Wrasse start life as a female but transform into a male at a specific point in their lifecycle.
Maori Wrasse have a varied diet of small fish, crustaceans and marine invertebrates. They have a noteworthy set of teeth known as “protractile” teeth, which means they can project outwards to better catch passing prey. The Maori Wrasse have very strong jaws that they use to crush shells, and they have even adopted the method of banging shells on rocks to crack the shells. They are also known for being one of the few predators of the sharp-spined, toxic crown-of-thorns starfish, which helps protect the Reef from this prodigious coral eater.
Due to past hunting pressure, the Maori Wrasse is a fully protected species on the Great Barrier Reef as they are a highly endangered species.
Contributed by Whitsunday Conservation Council.
Queensland is one of the few places on Earth where the extraordinary platypus can still be spotted in the wild. With its iconic duck-like bill, dense waterproof fur, and venomous spurs on its ankles, this enigmatic mammal is a living relic, one of the most evolutionarily distinct creatures on the planet. Yet, for all its unique adaptations, the platypus is highly vulnerable to environmental changes.
Once widespread across Eastern Australia, populations have been steadily declining, particularly in the Murray-Darling Basin. The catastrophic 2019–2020 bushfires wiped out thousands of animals along the East Coast, leaving rivers choked with ash and debris. These waterways, vital for hunting and shelter, became treacherous for platypus and other aquatic species.
Highly sensitive to their surroundings, platypus require clean rivers and secure burrows along riverbanks to feed, breed, and shelter. Alarmingly, research from the University of New South Wales shows that suitable platypus habitat has decreased by 22 per cent over the past 30 years.
Each decline is a stark reminder of how fragile Australia’s ecosystems are. Protecting waterways, restoring habitats, and raising awareness are vital to ensuring that this evolutionary marvel, continues to thrive in its ancestral home.
Fun Fact: Platypuses are smaller than you might think: males are around 50 cm long and weigh 1.5 kg, while females are usually 40 cm long and 1 kg.
A wild Platypus in Eungella National Park. Photo Credit: Ruth Puddefoot.
In the quiet backstreets of Jubilee Pocket, just minutes from the bustle of Airlie Beach, a grassroots movement is working tirelessly to keep the Whitsundays pristine. At Eco Barge HQ, visitors are invited to step inside the world of marine conservation and witness how one community is safeguarding the Great Barrier Reef.
The Eco HQ Experience Tour, held every Tuesday morning, offers more than a window into conservation; it immerses participants in the frontline of environmental action. Over 90 minutes, visitors trace the journey of discarded plastics and marine debris. Inside the Ocean Trash Recycle Shack, individuals are shown how bottles, ropes and fragments of plastic are transformed into new creations, from jewellery to artwork, and you can be at the heart of the action.
The tour also introduces visitors to the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, where sick and injured turtles are treated before being released back into the wild. While sightings depend on the condition of the patients in care, the story of each turtle offers a stark reminder of the threats facing marine life.
Eco Barge founder Libby Edge says the experience is about connection as much as education.
“What we’re doing at Eco HQ is incredible – from protecting our islands from marine debris to caring for sick and injured turtles. I wanted to open our doors so visitors and locals can see behind the scenes, learn about our programs, and discover just how much difference a community can make.” – Libby Edge, Founder, Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc.
Set against the backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef, Eco HQ is more than an education centre; it is a call to action. By the end of the tour, visitors leave not only with knowledge, but with the understanding that every choice, every bottle, every bag carries weight in the ocean.
Book your tour today by heading to the Eco Barge Clean Sea’s website: https://www.ecobargecleanseas.org.au/tours/
What: Eco Barge Clean Seas Experience Tour
Where: Eco Barge HQ, Boatyard Rd, Jubilee Pocket, QLD
When: Every Tuesday at 10am (1.5 hours)
Price: $30 Adult | $20 Child
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The Mackay region’s ingenuity and resilience were on full display at the 2025 Resource Industry Network (RIN) Awards Gala Dinner, held Friday 22 August at the MECC. The black-tie celebration, hosted by Ed Kavalee and backed by live music from the Luke Miller Band, showcased the best of the mining equipment, technology and services (METS) and resources sector.
Seven awards recognised excellence across safety, culture, community, manufacturing, innovation and inclusion, with standout winners including FMS Group, Richglen, Gardian, IQ Solutions, M&P Services, North Queensland Bulk Ports, and Glencore’s Colin Hoyle.
RIN General Manager Dean Kirkwood praised the sector’s ability to adapt under global and economic pressures, while Chair Tim Magoffin highlighted the region’s role as a leader across industries from mining to renewables.
The night also carried moments of deep emotion, as Gardian Director Luke Phillips dedicated his community award to his late brother Peter, a driving force behind the company’s culture.
Award winners gathered on stage with Resource Industry Network Chair Tim Magoffin to celebrate excellence across the METS and resources sector. Photo credit: Liz Andrews
Amber’s fourth birthday was made extra special last week when Mackay Northern Beaches police paid her a surprise visit. The young fan, known for her love of all things police, was thrilled when officers stopped by to celebrate her big day.
During the visit, Amber had the chance to meet the officers, explore the police car, and even sit in the driver’s seat, beaming from ear to ear. The surprise brought smiles, laughter, and unforgettable memories for the birthday girl and her family.
Mackay Police shared their well-wishes for Amber, saying they hoped her birthday would be one she would always remember. The visit highlighted the strong connection between local police and the community, showing how even a small gesture can make a big impact.
For Amber and her family, the day was a perfect blend of fun, excitement, and community spirit – proof that sometimes, the best birthday gifts come with flashing lights and sirens.
This Sunday we celebrate Father’s Day – a chance to honour the dads and father figures who help shape our lives.
There’s so much weight carried on the shoulders of men. Often, the expectation is to be the breadwinner, yet many step up as incredible caregivers too. From fathers and uncles to grandfathers and mentors, men play a powerful role in raising children, teaching resilience and encouraging courage in everyday life.
I see this balance in my own family. While I hover nervously when our little one takes a risk, my husband is the steady voice saying, “brush it off” and urging him to get back up. That contrast – comfort and courage – is what helps children flourish.
Last year, when I was in the thick of chemotherapy, he played both mum and dad. Because I was cytotoxic, he took on every hands-on role – from baths to nappy changes – all while keeping our family running through my three-weekly chemo cycles. He really is the best dad, and this note is dedicated to him, and to all the father figures who step up with love, patience and strength.
Happy Father’s Day – and here’s one for the dads: Why don’t skeletons ever fight each other? Because they don’t have the guts.
Amanda
In a bid to ensure the safety of the region’s children, Queensland has drawn a line in the sand against predators, taking a landmark step with the introduction of Daniel’s Law to Parliament — the state’s first public child sex offender register.
Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton MP, welcomed the landmark reform, saying it will put the rights of victims and families ahead of offenders by giving parents the tools they need to better protect their children.
“Nothing is more important than the safety of our kids,” Mr Dalton said.
“For too long, convicted predators have been able to hide in the shadows. Daniel’s Law will shine a light on repeat offenders and give parents the information they need to make informed decisions for their families.”
The Bill sets out a three-tiered disclosure framework, closely modelled on the proven West Australian system:
Tier 1: A publicly accessible website naming offenders who have failed to meet reporting obligations and whose whereabouts are unknown. Full name, photo and year of birth will be listed.
Tier 2: An online application allowing Queensland residents to view photographs of reportable offenders living in their area.
Tier 3: An application process enabling parents and guardians to confirm if a particular person with unsupervised access to their child is a registered offender.
Reportable offences include grooming a child under 16, indecent treatment of a child, and the production or distribution of child exploitation material.
The law honours Sunshine Coast teenager Daniel Morcombe, who was tragically killed in 2003, and reflects two decades of tireless advocacy by his parents through the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.
Mr Dalton said the reform demonstrates the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to child safety, delivering change within its first 10 months in office.
“Daniel’s Law is one of the most significant child safety reforms in Queensland’s history,” he said.
“This is about transparency, accountability, and protecting children who cannot protect themselves. As a father and as the Member for Mackay, I am proud to support this law.”
Safeguards will also be built into the framework, with new offences introduced to prevent the misuse of information, ensuring the register is used strictly for child protection and not for vigilantism.
Daniel’s Law will be reviewed by a Parliamentary Committee before returning to the House, with the Government committed to making it law before the end of the year.
Queensland has introduced Daniel’s Law, the state’s first public child sex offender register, in a landmark move to protect children and empower parents with vital information. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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