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.
Read the full story
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
Read the full story
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
Read the full story
Breaking the Soil at Munroona Gardens. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
Murroona Gardens has officially broken ground on a major expansion that will deliver 24 purpose-built dementia care rooms and a new central laundry at the Bowen aged care facility.
Each of the new 12-bedroom homes will provide a more homely setting, with private rooms and shared living, dining and household spaces designed to put residents at ease. The smaller environment will allow staff to build closer relationships with residents and tailor care to their individual needs and routines.
A new central laundry will further support the growing community by allowing Murroona Gardens to continue managing residents’ washing on site.
The new facilities form part of a $14 million project designed to expand specialised dementia care in Bowen and allow more residents to receive support close to their families and community.
“There are a lot of small towns that don’t have facilities like this,” said Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox.
“It’s not only the care they provide, but how they provide that care. I’m looking forward to seeing this development completed.”
For Mr Willcox, the development also carries a strong personal connection, with four of his loved ones having received care at Murroona Gardens.
Mr Willcox advocated for the project’s funding in Canberra and said the new dementia homes would add another important level of care to a facility built and owned by the Bowen community.
“It’s really important that we look after the aged in our community,” Mr Willcox said.
“They’re the people who paved the way for us and established the communities we now enjoy.
“As they reach their twilight years, it is incumbent on us to make sure we take care of them and say thank you.”
Whitsunday Regional Council has assisted Murroona Gardens through the development process, including ample support with permits and progressing the project’s approvals.
Mayor Ry Collins said the expansion was particularly important as more Whitsunday residents choose to age within the region and require specialised care close to home.
“We need to know that we have these facilities in the region and that people don’t have to travel away to get that sort of care,” Mayor Collins said.
He said the Whitsundays’ growing and ageing population would continue to place greater demand on local aged care and health services.
“We’re going to need more aged care facilities, more medical facilities and bigger hospitals to make sure that we can accommodate all of our people and the needs that they have,” he said.
Mayor Ry Collins with chamber announcing the Nominees at the Whitsundays Business Conference
The Whitsundays’ outstanding businesses, leaders and rising talent are preparing to take centre stage, with 46 nominees in the running for the 2026 Whitsunday Business Awards.
Presented by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bowen Chamber of Commerce and Whitsunday Regional Council, the awards recognise the achievements seen from across the region’s business community.
Judging is now underway, with an independent panel of regional and external judges assessing each application against a comprehensive set of criteria. Finalists will be announced on Friday 9 October at the awards ceremony.
“Our local businesses are at the heart of our communities – they create jobs, support local families, back community organisations and play an enormous role in making the Whitsundays such a great place to live, work and visit,” said Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins.
“Council is proud to partner with our Chambers to deliver the Whitsunday Business Awards and I’m looking forward to celebrating the achievements of our business community in October.”
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Allan Milostic said the response to this year’s Awards reflected the strength and diversity of the local business community.
“Again, another fantastic result that demonstrates the confidence businesses have in celebrating their achievements. Behind every entry is a story of resilience, innovation, leadership and hard work.
“The Awards are about more than recognising success. They provide businesses and individuals with an opportunity to reflect on their journey, celebrate their teams and inspire others by sharing what’s possible in the Whitsundays.
Jo Shepherd, Committee Member of the Bowen Chamber of Commerce said:
“After the incredible success of the inaugural Whitsunday Business Awards in 2025, it’s fantastic to see the Whitsunday Business Awards return even bigger in their second year. Behind every nomination is a story of hard work, innovation, teamwork and resilience.”
“The inaugural awards set a high bar, highlighted how much our region has to offer, and clearly demonstrated that our businesses are the backbone of the Whitsunday Region.”
James Cook University returns as the event’s principal partner, joined by a range of local businesses and organisations sponsoring the award categories.
The Awards also acknowledge the support of Life Publishing Group as Print Media Partner, Whitsunday Transit as Transport Partner, and Amanda Camm MP as an Awards Supporter.
Tickets are now on sale with businesses, supporters and the wider community invited to attend what promises to be one of the region’s premier business celebrations.
Airlie Adventure Tours
Airlie Beach Tourism
Airlie Beach Transfers & Tours
Airlie Health Hub
Airlie Legal
Ambitious Cakes
Bounce Airlie Beach
Bowen Community Council Inc.
Bowen Community Op Shop
Bowen Flexi Care Inc.
Bowen Rail Company
Bowen Tourism and Business
Bright Patch Café
Chloe Bauer, Bowen Fisherman’s Seafood Company and Bird’s Fish Bar
Coastal Brush
Compass Realty Whitsundays
Dean Leslie, Australian Agave Co.
Divine Weddings Whitsundays
Edge Dance Studio Whitsunday
Elizabeth Hackett (Australian Adventure Tourism Group and Whitsunday Skyway) and Magnums Unique Accommodation
Giulian Grasso, Whitsunday Law
GRB Mining
Healthy Kids Project
Hidden Valley Whitsundays
Hogs Breath Cafe Airlie Beach
Jennifer Rush, Aquatic Rush
Lowcock Builders
Mana Skin Body & Soul
Mark Milligan and Pilcher’s Mitre 10
NQ Aerovation
Ocean Rafting
Proserpine Historical Museum Society Inc
Rolling with Netherpoel
Sam Mckay, Hamilton Island Enterprises
Scallywag Fabrication
Soumya Santosh, Tassal Proserpine Prawn Farm
Stephanie McWhirter and Belle Property Whitsundays
Team Whitsundays Body Corporate Management
Wayne Singleton, Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty (Whitsundays)
Whitsunday Community Services
Whitsunday Counselling & Support Inc.
Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre
Whitsunday Self Defense Academy
Whitsunday Wheels
Wildlife Whitsundays
Zero Waste Solutions
Photo supplied: Carmin Caston.
Firefighters have successfully contained a 69-acre grassfire that threatened homes on the edge of Collinsville, with the close call serving as a timely reminder to prepare for the approaching bushfire season.
The fire broke out at approximately 1.30pm on Thursday, burning between Peterson Street, Mill Street, Rough Court and Macarthur Street. It spread across about 69 acres throughout the afternoon and threatened several nearby structures, particularly properties at the rear of MacArthur, Petersen and Mill streets.
Nine Queensland Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire Service Queensland crews responded to the blaze, acting quickly to contain it.
Firefighters stayed at the scene into the night, keeping watch for hotspots hidden inside logs or other burnt material that could flare up again. Local crews returned the following day to deal with any remaining hotspots and continue monitoring the area.
“Firefighters acted quickly and successfully contained the fire, with no structures lost,” said Rural Fire Service Queensland Inspector James Bromley.
“Crews worked into the night, with local crews responding to reports of hotspots overnight and continuing to monitor the area during the day.”
The response from the local firies and Queensland Fire Department drew praise from the wider community and Whitsundays Regional Council.
“A huge thank you to our emergency services, volunteers and locals in Collinsville who stepped up to help put out a nasty grass fire that threatened the edge of town this afternoon,” said Mayor Ry Collins.
“With vegetation drying off and feeling like it’s getting warmer, it’s a timely reminder to our whole region to be aware of bushfire risk and prepare for more of the hot and windy conditions we saw today as we head into the months ahead.
“Thanks again to our community for looking out for each other when it counts.”
With the Collinsville fire among one of the region’s first major fires as winter draws to a close, Inspector Bromley echoed those warnings, pointing to rising temperatures, below-average rainfall and drying vegetation.
“The grass is continuing to cure, and we ask people conducting any activities that can cause sparks, such as cutting, grinding and mowing, to do so with care and be mindful of the dry conditions,” he said.
Inspector Bromley reminded residents they would not have to live directly beside bushland to be affected, with properties also vulnerable to embers and smoke.
Residents are recommended to exercise all measures of precautions, such as mowing long grass, trimming trees and clearing flammable material from around buildings. Households are also encouraged to complete a bushfire survival plan to fully grasp the threats that live around them.
“Managing bushfire risk is a shared responsibility, and landowners are legally responsible for managing bushfire hazards on their property,” Inspector Bromley said.
Hazard-reduction burns may also continue where conditions allow, meaning smoke could remain visible across parts of the region.
Inspector Bromley said anyone who saw smoke and was unsure whether it was coming from a planned burn or an uncontrolled fire should call Triple Zero.
Further preparation advice is available through the Queensland Fire Department.
Photosource: Shutterstock
Share the Dignity’s August drive saw great generosity from the community, with a range of sanitary products set to be distributed to two local charities:
Whitsunday Counselling and Whitsunday Housing Company.
The Woolworths collection points saw 78 products being donated, but one kind local more than doubled the supply with a whopping donation - Kelly Walker, a Proserpine-based Personal Trainer. “Every product helps in going towards assisting those in need in our community,” said Share The Dignity Volunteer Emma Anderson.
“It is of tremendous help to the work of Share the Dignity when the community comes together, like Kelly's studio and Woollies’ patrons. It shows the kindness of strangers.” Kelly’s donation, and those dropped off by Whitsunday shoppers, will all go toward providing much needed supplies to local women in need, making a stand against period poverty and working to ensure that all women have the right to dignity regardless of their circumstances.
Because, as the charity highlights, when someone is doing it tough, the last thing on their mind should be dealing with their period.
Hi Everyone,
I’m back and my cup is full!
To anyone feeling rundown or burnt out, I highly recommend a month in Europe. If Europe’s not your thing, I highly recommend carving out some time to relax and enjoy life without the commitments, responsibilities and daily routine of normal life.
For it is when you step away from the norm, stare at new horizons and spend some time without your alarm waking you up at 6am each morning that you really open your mind to what life is all about.
Ever since I became an avid traveller back in my twenties, I have always loved the power of exploring the world – the perspective it gives, the way it dispels the noise of normal life, and how your mind expands when you see and experience different cultures. To me, it is pure magic!
This year, it was an absolute treat to watch my nine-year-old son experience this delight for the first time. Until now, he has been a little too young to fully process the enormity of long-haul travel, or engage with and absorb the destinations we’ve visited.
But this year, I could see his mind was blown!
Some may disagree with pulling your child out of school for a month, but to me, the education that comes from travel and experiencing different cultures is priceless.
From swimming in an Italian lake, to scaling the slanted roofs of a cathedral, reaching speeds of 250 kilometres an hour on a train, and discovering the delight of tapas in the busy streets of Barcelona – he loved every second of it.
After a month away, it is always fabulous to return to this incredible region and this wonderful local newspaper.
As ever, I am in awe of the passionate team I am lucky enough to have around me, and thankful for every day we get to serve this beautiful community.
Rach
Quote of the Week: “Once a year, go somewhere you’ve never been before” (Dalai Lama)
Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
There was plenty of action on the cricket pitch when Mackay made sporting history, but some of Australia’s biggest sporting stars were putting in the hard yards long before the first ball was bowled.
On Thursday 20th August, prior to the big game over the weekend, members of the Australian men’s cricket team made Fitness Cartel Mackay their training base while in the region for Mackay’s historic first-ever men’s Test match against Bangladesh.
For a regional city, having some of the country’s best cricketers walk through the doors of a local gym is no small feat. For Fitness Cartel, however, it was another strong endorsement of what the facility has set out to deliver – a premier, world-class training and wellness centre right here in Mackay.
The landmark Test match, held from 22-26 August 2026, brought international cricket to the Great Barrier Reef Arena as Australia faced Bangladesh in the second match of the NRMA Insurance Northern Australia Test Series.
And while the players took centre stage at the arena, Fitness Cartel provided a place to train, prepare and recover behind the scenes, with its renowned wellness centre offering facilities including plunge pools, a hot rock sauna and compression boots designed to support recovery and performance.
The visit came with an impressive result on the field, too, with Australia bouncing back from its Darwin defeat to secure a convincing innings-and-51-run victory over Bangladesh in Mackay.
Bangladesh struggled with the bat, scoring just 64 runs in its first innings before being dismissed for 95 in the second. Mitchell Starc was outstanding, claiming 10 wickets for 51 runs across the match, while Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon also took three wickets each as Australia wrapped up the Test in just over two days.
For Fitness Cartel Mackay co-founder Michael James, welcoming members of the Australian cricket team was a “tremendous honour”, particularly given the calibre of athletes using the facility.
“To have the best players in the country, in our national sport, choose to look after their bodies at Fitness Cartel while they’re here for the Test match is a tremendous privilege,” Mr James said.
“It just makes me very, very proud.”
The visit also added another chapter to Fitness Cartel’s growing reputation among elite sporting teams, having previously welcomed professional footy teams and other high-level athletes through its doors.
For Mr James, seeing Australia’s cricketers train and recover in Mackay demonstrated that world-class performance facilities do not have to be confined to capital cities or major sporting hubs.
“We’ve created what I would describe as affordable luxury,” he said.
“We’re bringing world-class facilities to Mackay, but they don’t have to be exclusive to world-class performers.”
“This facility is for everyday people, often people who are just starting out, right through to some of the best players in cricket in the world.”
And that is perhaps the real win for Mackay.
To have international sporting stars training and recovering locally is a reflection of how far the region’s facilities have come, and Fitness Cartel is helping put Mackay on the map as a place where elite athletes can prepare, perform and recover at a world-class standard.
At the same time, that same training floor and wellness centre remains available to the everyday Mackay community.
From Australian cricket stars preparing for a historic Test to locals simply chasing their next personal best, Fitness Cartel is proving that a world-class training and recovery environment can exist, and thrive, right here in the region.
As apartment living continues to grow in popularity across Mackay and the Whitsundays, and more local investors enter the strata market, the role of body corporate committees is becoming increasingly important. It’s a challenge the team at BCS Strata Mackay sees regularly with many owners. Body corporate living remains something of a mystery until they are faced with a decision that affects their property, their finances or their community.
That is why experienced body corporate professional and BCS Strata Mackay strata manager Rachel Blaxland is encouraging owners and committee members to focus on one simple principle: communication. Drawing on more than 15 years in the industry, Rachel has recently joined the BCS Strata Mackay local team and believes informed communities make better decisions. Rachel’s journey into strata management was not a traditional one. She entered the industry in 2010 after applying for a reception role and quickly discovered a profession that combined problem- solving, property management and community engagement. Since then, she has become a certified manager and has been recognised as Young Strata Manager of the Year in 2016 by the Strata Community Association QLD.
What continues to motivate her is the opportunity to help owners navigate challenges and reach positive outcomes together.
‘I enjoy being part of a community of owners and helping guide them through issues that arise so they can achieve an outcome that protects and maintains their investment,’ she said.
Strata communities today face a far more complex environment than they did a decade ago. Buildings are ageing, maintenance costs are increasing, insurance premiums continue to rise, and weather resilience is becoming an ongoing priority, particularly in North Queensland.
At the same time, most committee members are balancing body corporate responsibilities alongside careers, family commitments and everyday life.
‘Most committee members are volunteers. The best outcomes happen when they have clear information, practical support and enough time to focus on the decisions that matter.’
Rachel believes one of the biggest misconceptions among owners is a lack of understanding about what a body corporate actually is. Many owners see the committee or manager as being solely responsible for decisions, when in reality every owner is automatically a member of the body corporate and has a role to play in the community’s future.
For committee members, her advice is straightforward. Review past meeting minutes, understand the building’s long- term maintenance plans and keep owners informed about upcoming decisions before formal voting processes begin.
Whether it is a major building project or a routine maintenance decision, transparency helps build trust. At BCS Strata Mackay, Rachel says educating owners about the reasons behind decisions often helps communities reach better outcomes and maintain stronger relationships.
‘Over communication is always better than under communication,’ Rachel said. ‘If owners understand why decisions are being made, they are much more likely to support the process.’
In a region where communities are close-knit, and owners have a genuine interest in protecting their investments, that simple approach could make a significant difference.
My car had a sleep-over at Harrup Park Country Club last Saturday night after delivering me to the venue on the first day of the Australia-Bangladesh Test.
I was there well before the start with a few friends and the day started with a Mitchell Starc wicket on the first ball, followed by numerous more as the morning progressed.
It was a fantastic day and, as can happen when you watch a full day of cricket with friends, driving home was not an option. Hence the car’s sleep-over.
A friend dropped me in to Harrup Park the next morning to pick up my car from the car park. I felt fine, although a little foggy headed, as I juggled keys, phone, wallet, coffee cup and jacket and jumped into my car.
I headed to Mt Pleasant to pick up another friend to go and see a mate of ours who was in the Mater Hospital after badly injuring his back a few days earlier.
I had a missed call on the way to pick up my Mt Pleasant mate and I thought I’ll get back to that when I get out of the car.
But when we arrived at the Mater I couldn’t find my wallet and I spent the next 10 minutes searching under and around car seats, in my jacket etc trying to find that little leather life-support system that contains the licence, credit cards along with other cards and about $200 in cash.
I had no success but decided to go up to the ward with my Mt Pleasant mate to see my injured friend.
The hospital is a peaceful, orderly, professional sanctuary for the injured and unwell and a good example of Mackay getting things right. I spent 20 minutes or so chatting and catching up and then said I would have to head off in search of my wallet.
I searched up Harrup Park’s number on my phone and immediately noticed it was the same number as the missed call I received as I drove away from Harrup Park a little earlier. I rang Harrup and a lovely woman said someone had found it in the car park and handed it in.
If that person is reading this, I thank you.
As I drove away from Harrup Park with my wallet and all its cards and $200 in cash I thought: Good old Mackay. Where else does that happen? If I had parked outside the MCG or any other major cricket venue in the country, what chance of me getting my wallet back? Zero.
And what about the actual event I was attending the day before? Harrup Park put on an absolutely superb event, with a terrific pitch, superb outfield, excellent facilities and the weather we love.
I met people who came up from southern regions who had not heard of Mackay prior to the test. They were blown away by what they saw. Many of them kicked on to venues like the recently renovated Mackay Hotel where, again, they were surprised by what is offered in this regional city.
I don’t know what all this means for property values but my point is that the day reminded me that while Mackay might not be perfect, there are a lot of reasons to move here and stay here.
People hand in lost wallets. The medical facilities can’t be the same as Sydney but you can get good care in excellent facilities and get transported to those other centres if you need them. We can put on major events and our venues are evolving in a way that means things like test matches will be a more regular occurrence.
A decision to live in a regional centre means you miss out on some things but there is a big upside to buying in Mackay and making it home.
Trent Wooldridge, Rural Specialist and Sales Consultant at Blacks Real Estate. Photo source: Blacks Real Estate
Trent Wooldridge is helping rural property owners across the region through his role as Rural Specialist and Sales Consultant with Blacks Real Estate.
Working throughout Mackay and surrounding rural areas, Trent assists clients with the sale and purchase of rural properties while drawing on local market knowledge and industry experience.
Blacks Real Estate has established a strong presence across the region, servicing residential, commercial, rural and industrial clients from offices in Mackay and Dysart.
As demand for regional and rural properties continues across Queensland, the agency said its rural division remains focused on providing tailored support to landholders and buyers navigating the changing market.
Trent can be contacted on 0427 708 247.
By the office of Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry MP
Families, pensioners and small businesses across Capricornia are doing it tough. Every week I hear from locals who are working hard, doing the right thing and still finding it harder to get ahead. Power bills, insurance, groceries, rent, fuel and mortgages have all climbed, and too many regional Australians feel they are paying more while getting less in return.
That is why the LNP’s plan is focused on restoring living standards, rewarding hard work and putting Australians first. We believe government should respect taxpayers’ money, rein in wasteful spending and take real pressure off household budgets. Our plan includes fairer tax settings so Australians are not punished simply because inflation has pushed them into higher brackets, support for small businesses to invest and grow, and practical action to get more homes built so young people and families have a fair shot at home ownership.
For regional communities like ours, fuel and energy security matter. Capricornia relies on affordable, reliable power and transport to keep farms, mines, ports, small businesses and households moving. The LNP understands that cheaper energy is not just an economic issue; it is a household issue, a jobs issue and a regional issue.
We also know that strong borders, responsible migration and investment in national infrastructure are essential to protecting Australia’s way of life. Regional Australians do not want empty promises or political spin. They want practical policies that make life easier, make communities stronger and give the next generation confidence in the future.
The LNP has a plan to restore aspiration, back hard work and deliver a fair go for Capricornia. That is what I will continue fighting for every day.
Glen Kelly MP discussing the sugar industry with Mackay Canegrowers reps Joeseph Borg and Michelle Martin and Councillor Peter Sheedy. Photo supplied
For generations, the local Growers of the Mackay region sugar industry have helped build the wealth of this region.
They have supported our mills, our engineering businesses, our transport operators, our schools, our sporting clubs and thousands of local jobs.
Our growers are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for a fair go and the opportunity to build a strong future for the next generation.
The Crisafulli Government understands that we have set an ambitious target to grow Queensland’s primary industries to $30 billion by 2030, and sugar must be part of that growth. We have also backed a parliamentary inquiry into sugarcane bioenergy opportunities because the future of cane is about more than raw sugar. It is about electricity, biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel and new value-adding industries that can create jobs right here in regional Queensland.
But while the State Government is looking at how we help agriculture grow, Mackay Regional Council needs to have a serious look at the burden it places on our cane growers.
Council continues to operate a differential rating system that categorises properties according to their primary land use, including rural and cane farming properties.
I fundamentally disagree with an approach that sees productive agricultural land treated differently simply because of what is being grown on it.
Farmers already carry significant rates bills because of the size and value of their properties. To then impose a rating system that further differentiates land because a family chooses to grow sugarcane is ridiculous.
A cane farm isn't just a large block of land. It is a business. It requires machinery, fertiliser, fuel, labour, insurance and constant reinvestment just to get another crop to the mill.
Every extra dollar taken through rates is a dollar that cannot be invested back into that farm. Mackay Regional Council should be asking how it can make our region more competitive, not how much more it can extract from productive industries.
It is time to trim the fat in Gordon Street, find efficiencies within Council and take some pressure off the people who actually generate wealth in our region.
Our growers want to grow cane. Our mills need throughput. Our local businesses need a strong agricultural economy.
The Crisafulli Government will keep backing agriculture to grow. It is time for Mackay Regional Council to do the same, give our cane growers a fair go, get out of the way and let the sugar industry thrive.
OFFERS OVER $819,000
The Brief: Escape the Noise. Embrace this 2 acre Lifestyle Rural Retreat
Located at the top on the Eton range this tidy property offers space, peace and quiet and a green backdrop. The home is designed for comfortable country living, with spacious interiors and plenty of natural light. Set on large 8095m2 block with two sheds, this 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home is freshly painted inside and is move in ready.
AT A GLANCE:
INSIDE:
- Open plan kitchen, dining and living with split system and a gas heater
- New dishwasher, gas cooktop and electric oven
- Master bedroom with a/c and fan
- 2 other bedrooms with built in robes and fans
- Family bathroom with double vanity, bath and separate shower
- Separate toilet
- External laundry
- Tinted windows throughout, security screens on doors, insect screens on windows.
OUTSIDE:
- Powered 20m x 10m shed with 2 x 4.2m clearance electric roller doors, plus plumbing to add a bathroom if desired.
- Double garage at house with awning
- Orchard and trees in pots ready to plant or move as desired
- Existing irrigation, 40 fruit trees and raised garden beds
- Cattle fence on 2 sides of the property and dog fence around the house
UTILITIES:
- Power: Mains and Solar 13.5 kw solar with inverter and 2x 16.6 kw batteries, generator change over switch
- Hot Water: Gas
- Water Supply: Rain water to house 5x 28,000L water tanks, 3 on house and 2 on shed, Bore (yard and livestock)
- New septic
- Communications: Starlink and hard wired security Eufy cameras
OTHER:
- Built in 2009
- Zoned: Rural
- Rates Approx. $1000 per half year
- Price: Offers over $819k
Located 40 mins to Mackay, 30 mins to Nebo, 1.5hrs to Moranbah and 23 mins to your closest supermarket in Walkerston.
Contact Robyn Agius today to arrange your private inspection. Inspections by appointment only
It has been another remarkable year for Mackay’s Sense of Skin, with founder Bre Sanders returning from two major industry awards with an impressive collection of accolades celebrating both her business and the results achieved for her clients.
Sense of Skin recently placed second in the Pigmentation Category and third in the Revive Category at the Best in Skin Awards, before an exceptional showing at the 2026 Circadia Awards Gala.
Marking a significant milestone in her career, Bre was named Circadia Australia’s Sole Operator for 2026 and Queensland Sole Operator for 2026, while also receiving Blue Diamond status and recognition as a Queensland Ambassador. Bre also excitingly took home first place for Skin Transformation – Pigmentation, second place for Skin Transformation – Acne and third place for Skin Transformation – Sensitive, with the results recognising the transformations achieved alongside her clients.
“My favourite part wasn’t the awards themselves—it was being able to tell my clients that we had won because of their incredible skin transformations,” Bre said.
“For me, it’s never really about the award. It’s about changing someone’s life.”
After also receiving industry recognition in 2025, Bre believes the continued success of Sense of Skin comes back to something simple: authenticity.
“I created Sense of Skin to be a safe space where people could feel comfortable being vulnerable about their skin, their struggles, and how those struggles can affect their confidence and everyday lives,” she said.
“At the end of the day, I just want people to feel heard, supported and cared for—and that will always be at the heart of what I do.”
Having experienced difficult skin herself as a teenager, Bre understands firsthand how deeply skin concerns can affect confidence, and that experience has in turn helped shape her approach throughout 14 years in the industry and continues to drive her commitment to education and evidence-based treatments.
“The industry is constantly evolving, and if there’s something better out there, I want to know what it is, how it works, and most importantly, why it works,” she said.
Now back home after attending the Circadia Awards Gala in Sydney, the reality of receiving national recognition as a sole operator from regional Queensland is beginning to sink in, with Bre describing the achievement as particularly surreal and crediting her family, clients and Circadia community for their continued support.
“I’m a regional, small-business owner, doing what I love in a little corner of Queensland—and somehow, I’ve just won National Sole Operator for Circadia. Like… WHAT?!
“It’s moments like this that remind me that you don’t have to be in a major city or have a massive team behind you to make an impact. You just have to be passionate, back yourself, and keep showing up.”
With the potential for even greater things ahead, Bre is now looking for the next “superstar skin therapist” to join Sense of Skin, while a new premises could also be on the horizon as the business enters its next chapter.
Bruno is a handsome Rottweiler cross with a big love for life and plenty of affection to give. Surrendered through no fault of his own, this playful and active boy is now looking for a loving family to call his own.
Bruno gets along well with adults, children of all ages, other dogs and even cats. He thrives on human connection and enjoys everything from beach walks and playing in the water to a game of fetch or simply relaxing by your side.
Well trained and easy to walk on a lead, Bruno loves family time just as much as playtime.
Fully vaccinated, desexed and microchipped, Bruno is ready to become part of your life.
To arrange a meet and greet, contact his carer from Lucys Lucky Tags & Dog Rescue Inc on 0401 366 573 or email LLTAGSandDogRescue@gmail.com
Feeling tired has become so common that many of us simply accept it as part of modern life. We push through the day, reach for another coffee or stock up on vitamins and supplements, hoping they will restore the energy we once had.
But what if persistent tiredness is not something you should tolerate? What if it is your body’s way of asking you to pay attention?
At Healthy Life Essentials, we view poor sleep as an important signal rather than an isolated symptom. Instead of masking tiredness with a quick fix, we put on our detective hats and explore the underlying factors that may be preventing the body from resting, repairing and rejuvenating properly.
There is no single cause of poor sleep. Each person’s sleep is shaped by their unique lifestyle, health history and everyday pressures. Stress involving work, family, finances or relationships can keep the mind active long after the lights go out. Even when life briefly becomes calm, busyness has a habit of quickly filling the space again.
Our nervous systems must also process more information than ever before. Emails, notifications, news and social media can keep the body in a heightened state when it should be winding down. Electronic devices are useful tools but using them late at night can disrupt the natural rhythms that help us become sleepy.
Hydration and nutrition matter too. Is your body receiving and effectively absorbing the nourishment it needs from real food? Eating to the point of being overfull or regularly snacking close to bedtime may leave the digestive system working when the body needs to be focused on overnight recovery.
We also consider the sleep environment. A bedroom that is dark, clean, quiet, cool and comfortable, with gentle airflow, can support deeper rest. Daily movement and exposure to natural daylight are equally valuable because sunrise and sunset help regulate the body’s internal clock. When night arrives, we should naturally begin to slow down.
Other patterns may provide useful clues. Do you wake at the same time each night? Do you feel alert at bedtime but exhausted in the morning? Are you resting enough during the day, or treating rest as something that must be earned? There are manyquestions worth exploring.
Sleep and rest form one of Healthy Life Essentials’ eight pillars of health. Quality sleep supports the body’s natural repair processes and provides a strong foundation for overall wellbeing.
If you are struggling to sleep or constantly waking without energy, please do not ignore it.
Your body may be telling you that it needs support. With personalised investigation and targeted strategies, refreshing sleep may be closer than you think.
There is nothing quite like waking restored, recharged and ready to embrace the beauty of a new day.
If restful sleep feels out of reach, let Healthy Life Essentials help you uncover what your body is trying to tell you and take the first step towards the restorative sleep you deserve.
Brad Baker
Healthy Life Essentials
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
