I started in local government as a Divisional Councillor and much of my role was acting as a link between residents and council departments.

That connection to the community was something that I prioritised, but over the years local government and the role of councillors has certainly changed.

In the past, I was able to work much closer with staff around specific community issues, but now a councillor’s role is much more strategic and is far less operational.

Yes, we still want to work with the community and we still need to know about the issues that impact you as ratepayers, but if you have something you need attended to quickly, then a councillor may not be your best first point of contact.

Many residents think that if they call a councillor, we can push their issue to the front of the queue, but that’s not the case.

The best way to get your issue to the front of the queue is to use the amazing Snap Send Solve application.

Snap Send Solve enables residents to take photos of any issue they see, such as a pothole, graffiti or dumped rubbish, and submit a report to council.

Council will also be able to utilise data and submitted cases to review our general services and consider proactive measures by addressing hot spots or reoccurring issues, such as illegal dumping

Of course, you can still lodge a customer request by phone or online, and by doing so you are getting a direct line to Customer Service who log your issue there and then with all the correct information. You will be asked a number of questions in relation to your request and the process immediately begins. There are service levels that are set and time frames by which a customer request has to be met by. Ask for that timeframe as well as your customer request number so you can track it.

We as Mackay Regional Council Councillors are committed to representing you and working to make sure your voice is heard in our region. We can and will advocate for you around issues that impact your community, your infrastructure needs and the strategic direction of our region.

Our numbers are listed on the council website and we are only too happy to have a chat, however, when it comes to timeframes for operational issues, we can’t compete with Snap Send Solve or our Customer Service team.

By Cr Alison Jones

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Step Into Your Future At Mackay Careers Expo 2025

A new chapter is being written for the Mackay Careers Expo, and it’s turning the page with purpose. On Thursday, August 7, the region’s most anticipated education and employment showcase is relocating to the Mackay Showgrounds, making room for more opportunity, more innovation, and more futures forged.

More than 60 major exhibitors from across the nation are confirmed to attend, offering insights into everything from university pathways and apprenticeships to defence careers and the ever-evolving world of tech and trades.

Now in its third year, this year’s event is on track to break records, not just in size, but in the doors it opens. Entry is free — but the opportunities inside could be life-changing. Don’t miss your chance to explore, connect, and take the next step in your career journey.

Are you ready to unlock a world of opportunity?

Read more on pages 20-21…

Continued from Cover…

Mackay Careers Expo
Bigger, Better, And Full Of Opportunity

The Mackay Careers Expo is back for 2025 – and this year, it’s shaping up to be the most expansive and inspiring one yet. Relocating to a brand-new venue at the Mackay Showgrounds, the region’s premier career, training and employment showcase will be held on Thursday, 7th August 2025, from 9:00am to 2:30pm, and entry is completely free.

Now in its third year, the Mackay Careers Expo has fast become a flagship event in the region’s education and workforce development calendar. The event has grown in both scale and reputation, earning recognition as one of the most comprehensive career, education and training expos in Australia.

Whether you’re a high school student weighing your post-graduation options, a parent looking to support your child’s next steps, or an adult exploring upskilling or career change opportunities — this event is for you.

Why Attend?

The 2025 expo promises face-to-face engagement with some of the most respected employers, educational institutions, and industry leaders from around the country. This is a rare chance to access real-time information, ask questions, make connections, and gather resources to make informed decisions about your next steps.

In a rapidly evolving job market, being proactive about your future is more important than ever. The Mackay Careers Expo offers a practical and inspiring way to explore a wide range of pathways, from university and vocational education to apprenticeships, defence careers, trades, and more.

Who Will Be There?

With more than 60 exhibitors confirmed, visitors can expect to see familiar names and national leaders in education, training, and employment, including: ADF Careers, Aurizon, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, Thiess Pty Ltd, CQUniversity Australia, James Cook University, Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton, Proserpine State High School, Griffith University, University of Queensland, QUT, University of Southern Queensland, and Bond University.

Government departments such as the Department of Education, Department of Transport and Main Roads, and Queensland Police Service will also be represented.

Key industry players like Motor Trades Association of QLD, Master Plumbers’ Association, Wilmar Sugar and Renewables, and the Boating Industry Association will be on hand to talk about future job needs and apprenticeships.

Local employers and organisations including the Mackay Regional Council, Gardian, Whitson Dawson, Alman Partners, Mackay Sugar, Mackay Airport, Mackay Hospital and Health Services, and North Queensland Bulk Ports will also be there, giving attendees a clear insight into the jobs of tomorrow right here in our own backyard.

More Than Just a Browse

This isn’t your average brochure grab. There’ll be interactive exhibits, seminars, and networking opportunities. It’s a rare chance to connect directly with decision-makers, advisors and recruiters — all in one place. Exhibitors will also benefit from branding exposure, database building, and valuable one-on-one interaction with students and career-seekers from across the region.

Many attendees walk away with not just ideas, but actual career plans, contacts, and clear next steps. The event also gives parents a chance to better understand the breadth of options available for their children, helping them become more informed guides through their educational and career journeys.

Plan Your Visit

With a move to the spacious Mackay Showgrounds this year, the event is poised to welcome an even larger crowd and a wider range of displays. The venue allows for a relaxed, open setting where attendees can take their time, engage fully, and explore what’s on offer at their own pace.

So mark your calendars for Thursday, 7th August 2025, and head to the Mackay Showgrounds to discover what’s possible. Whether your dream lies in engineering, early childhood education, the military, or marine biology — the Mackay Careers Expo is your launchpad.

Entry is free, enthusiasm is encouraged, and your future is waiting!

For more details and the full list of exhibitors, visit careersevent.com and click on the Mackay Careers Expo.

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Through The Whitson Dawson Accountants School Leaver Initiative

In an era where the transition from education to employment is increasingly complex, Whitson Dawson Accountants stands out as a firm committed to nurturing young talent and shaping the future of professional services. Whitson Dawson Accountants is not only opening doors for recent graduates but also redefining what it means to build a career from the ground up.

The school leaver initiative offers a structured pathway for school leavers to enter the workforce with purpose, support, and opportunity. It reflects the firm’s belief that potential should not be measured solely by academic credentials, but by ambition, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.

At the heart of the program is a commitment to mentorship and growth. School leavers are welcomed into a dynamic environment where they are paired with experienced professionals who guide them through the nuances of accounting, business advisory, and client engagement.

This hands-on approach ensures that participants gain real-world experience from day one, while also developing the soft skills essential for long-term success.

What sets Whitson Dawson Accountants apart is its emphasis on community and culture. The firm fosters a workplace where collaboration is key, and every voice is valued. School leavers are not treated as temporary interns but as integral members of the team, encouraged to contribute ideas and take ownership of their development.

Whitson Dawson Accountants allows participants to explore different areas of the business before choosing a specialisation. Whether it's tax, audit, or superannuation services, school leavers are given the freedom to discover their strengths and passions. This exploratory model not only benefits the individual but also ensures that Whitson Dawson Accountants cultivates well-rounded professionals who can adapt to the evolving needs of clients.

Moreover, the initiative is designed with long-term career progression in mind. Participants are supported through formal training, professional qualifications, and regular performance reviews. The goal is not just to provide a job, but to lay the foundation for a fulfilling career. It’s a testament to Whitson Dawson’s belief in investing in people – not just for today, but for the future.

In a competitive job market, initiatives like this are more than just recruitment strategies; they are statements of intent. Whitson Dawson Accountants is signalling to young people that their aspirations matter and that there is a place for them in the professional world. By bridging the gap between education and employment, the firm is helping to build a more inclusive and resilient workforce.

As the 2025 cohort prepares to take its first steps into the business world, Whitson Dawson’s School Leaver Initiative stands as a beacon of opportunity. It’s a program rooted in values, driven by purpose, and poised to make a lasting impact, not just on the lives of its participants, but on the industry as a whole.

With study leave, hands-on experience, discounted accommodation, and tailored career support, Whitson Dawson Accountants invites school leavers to take the next step toward a rewarding career in accounting.

Ready to launch your future?

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With Mackay And The Whitsundays Link And Launch Program

Research tells us that every year a number of young people who complete Year 12 are not engaged in education, employment or training in the year after they leave school. While there are numerous programs and services available to students completing Year 12 to help them transition from school, data indicates that some of the young people who need this help the most, do not access it.

The Queensland Government is funding Link and Launch to support these young people to navigate their post-school options and to choose a pathway that will equip them to make a successful transition to study, training or work.

How The Program Works

Link and Launch officers are based at participating schools to connect with young people who have completed Year 12 but not yet transitioned to further study, training or work.

These officers can assist young people to navigate a range of post-school study, training and work options in line with their individual goals, aspirations, skills and strengths and support them to make independent choices that will equip them to make a successful transition.

Participating Schools

The Link and Launch Program is delivered in 36 schools located in areas where there are high numbers of school leavers who are not in education, employment or training. I am pleased to announce that Proserpine State High School and Mackay North State High School support the Link and Launch services with Coordinators Shelley Simpson and Jodie Ballard based at  their schools whilst supporting Mackay and the Whitsunday region.

Eligible Young People

Young people who are not in education, employment or training and also completed Year 12 in the previous two years are eligible to join the program. All young people who have completed their senior studies can join the program irrespective of where they went to school.

Participation in the program is voluntary. Young people enrolled at school are not eligible to join the program as career guidance and planning support is already provided by schools.

For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/linkandlaunch or contact Shelley on 0467 858 781 or Jodie on 0491 222 714.

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Roll Up Your Sleeves For National Tree Day

Spending time in nature is one of the best things we can do for our physical and mental wellbeing – and what better way to do it than by planting trees?

Mackay residents are invited to roll up their sleeves, breathe in the fresh air, and help green up Glenella at council’s National Tree Day planting event on Sunday, July 27.

Held at Glenfields Park, on Wheeler Drive, the event runs from 8am to 11am and will build on years of community planting work along Goosepond Creek.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the initiative not only improved the health of the local environment, but also encouraged residents to connect with nature and each other.

He said this year’s planting continues a multi-year greening initiative.

“It’s been fantastic to see how plants we planted last year along Goosepond Creek have thrived in the last 12 months,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The plant species have been specifically chosen to reflect the types of vegetation that would have grown along Goosepond Creek prior to clearing, including grasses, groundcovers, shrubs and trees,” he said.

“As well as increasing canopy cover over the urban footprint, it also expands the width of riparian vegetation, which assists with improving waterway health.

“This not only supports our natural environment, but also creates a greener, healthier future for the region by encouraging people to enjoy the great outdoors.”

Mayor Williamson said National Tree Day was an easy way for residents to be part of Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature care event.

“These types of events bring the community together and help create a shared sense of ownership and responsibility for these environments,” he said.

“Anyone from those with the greenest thumb to the novice gardener can make a meaningful difference to our community and environment.”

Getting involved is easy; just register on the Volunteer - National Tree Day website.

Please wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and bring a water bottle. If you have your own gardening gloves, bring them along too. A free barbecue will be provided to everyone who participates in this event.

National Tree Day and School’s Tree Day in Mackay is supported by Mackay Regional Council.

Stay up to date on all the latest urban greening events and initiatives by subscribing to council’s urban greening eNewsletter at connectingmackay.com.au/urban-greening.

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Residents are invited to join Mackay Regional Council’s National Tree Day planting event at Glenfields Park on July 27, helping to enhance local green spaces and improve waterway health. Photo supplied

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Where Community Meets Affordable Luxury

Something extraordinary is on its way to Mackay, with a new wellness and fitness destination promising to reshape the region’s health landscape.

Fitness Cartel aims to deliver more than just a premium gym experience. Its creators believe fitness is only one part of the wellbeing puzzle, and have designed an expansive facility that brings together affordable luxury and an all-encompassing approach to health—under one roof.

Set to become the largest and most complete gym in Mackay, the centre has been thoughtfully built for everyone, from busy parents and everyday gym-goers to professional athletes and wellness seekers.

Whether lifting, moving, stretching, sweating or simply taking time to reset, Fitness Cartel’s state-of-the-art facility is designed to support every goal.

It will feature cutting-edge training zones, oversized group fitness studios, a massive creche, and a wellness sanctuary with offerings more commonly seen in high-end resorts.

Among its standout features are a large-format hot rock sauna for deep detox and mental clarity, hot and cold pools for recovery and contrast therapy, Normatec compression lounges for advanced muscle recovery, and private treatment rooms offering services including massage, physiotherapy and red light therapy.

Fitness Cartel’s Mackay location marks a new era for the city’s health and wellness scene, combining community connection with elevated services in a single, purpose-built space.

COMING SOON!

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Common — But Not Normal

Motherhood is messy, magical, exhausting; and all too often, full of silent struggles. Leaking when you laugh. A constant, urgent need to wee. A heavy or dragging feeling down there. Pain with intimacy. These symptoms are so common that many mums shrug and say, “It’s just part of mum life.”

But here’s the truth: Common does not mean normal.

Pelvic floor dysfunction affects up to one in three women after childbirth; but it’s not something you have to simply put up with. In fact, these symptoms are part of a silent epidemic. So many women live with pelvic floor issues for years, even decades, without ever seeking help, simply because they’re too embarrassed, unsure where to go, or have been told it’s “just what happens after kids.”

The truth is, once postnatal, always postnatal. Even if your baby is now 5, 15 or 35, the impact of pregnancy and birth on your pelvic floor doesn’t just disappear, especially if it hasn’t been properly addressed. And what’s often not talked about is how these same symptoms tend to resurface or worsen in perimenopause and beyond, when hormonal changes affect muscle tone, connective tissue and bladder control.

That’s why getting early support matters. Left untreated, issues like prolapse, incontinence or pelvic pain can become more challenging later in life. But with proactive treatment, many of these problems can be greatly improved, or even prevented altogether.

Being postnatal is incredibly demanding; physically, emotionally, and mentally. It’s tiring, overwhelming, and often, women put themselves last. But pelvic floor health is not a luxury; it’s a vital part of postnatal care. Just like your six-week GP check, a pelvic floor assessment should be a normal part of recovery after birth, despite whether you’ve had a vaginal delivery or a caesarean.

Your pelvic floor is made up of a group of muscles, connective tissue, and ligaments, all which support your bladder, bowel and reproductive organs. When these muscles and supportive tissues are weakened, stretched, tight, or not working in harmony, you might experience things like leaking when you cough or run, a constant urge to go to the toilet, a sensation of heaviness or bulging, constipation, or pain during intimacy. These are not symptoms you just have to live with. They are treatable. Yes, they are common, but definitely not normal.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy offers individualised, evidence-based care to help you restore function and regain confidence. Whether it’s through hands-on therapy, pelvic floor retraining, real-time ultrasound feedback, support devices or lifestyle strategies — help is available.

And if you’ve been told to “just do your Kegels,” but aren’t sure if they’re working, or if they even help, you’re not alone. In fact, doing pelvic floor exercises incorrectly can sometimes make things worse. That’s why individual assessment is so important.

At Women’s Health Physio Mackay, we offer private consultations and accessible community classes to support women at every life stage; whether you’re newly pregnant, early postnatal or navigating menopause.

So, if something doesn’t feel quite right, trust your instincts.

You are not broken.

You are not alone.

And you deserve to feel strong and supported in your body.

Let’s stop normalising silent struggles, and start prioritising pelvic health as an essential part of care; for mums, for women, for life.

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A Sacred Concert Of Timeless Beauty

The soaring acoustics of St Paul’s Uniting Church will be filled with inspiring harmonies as Mackay Choral Society presents its sacred concert, Majesty, on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August at 3:00pm.

This moving program showcases the enduring power and beauty of sacred choral music, with selections ranging from the grandeur of Vivaldi to the tender and familiar strains of Howard Goodall’s "Psalm 23", known widely as the theme from The Vicar of Dibley.

The choir will be joined by the talented Mackay Children’s Chorus, whose youthful voices will bring an added dimension of warmth and brightness to the performance.

The concert will be conducted by Musical Director Nicole Thomson, with accompanist Professor Judith Brown AM on piano and organ, ensuring an afternoon of musical excellence.

As part of Mackay Choral Society’s 80th anniversary celebrations, Majesty is the second of three major concerts inspired by the theme Present, Past and Future. This concert represents the Past, not because sacred music is no longer sung, but because it reflects the deep roots and enduring traditions of choral singing that helped shape the Society’s early years.

Audiences can expect a rich variety of sacred music spanning centuries, all presented with heartfelt expression in one of Mackay’s most historic and resonant spaces.

When: Saturday 2 August and Sunday 3 August at 3:00PM
Where: St. Paul's Uniting Church, 21 Macalister St, Mackay Qld 4740
Ticket Prices: Adult $35, Concession $30, Children $20
Book at: TryBooking.com/DCETA or call 0422 264 397

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Front row: Musical Director-Nicole Thomson, President-Bernie Cheng & Accompanist-Prof Judith Brown AM with Mackay Choral Society at St. Paul's Uniting Church

Mackay Choral Society will present Majesty, a stirring sacred concert at St Paul’s Uniting Church on August 2 and 3, celebrating timeless choral works as part of its 80th anniversary series. Photos supplied

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Mackay Anglican Community

Are you a Good Samaritan?  The Good Samaritan came to the rescue of a traveller, beaten and left for dead.  The Samaritan performed first aid, took the man to safety, cared for him and paid the bills for his care.

The Good Samaritan is a story that Jesus told.  It is why so many church organisations venture into charitable works, and Mackay Street Chaplaincy is one in this model, as is The Faith in Action Coffee & Op Shop, based at Holy Trinity Parish Hall.  The story reminds people that God gave us life.  Human life is sacred, so we value life and affirm the dignity of every human as loved and precious to God.

Sometimes we need a little help and sometimes we need rescue.  God is our Good Samaritan always waiting for us to call out to him.  We then go in his name and “Pay it forward,” we can be his hands and feet and help each other.

Psalm 139 tells us God knew us before we were born, and He knit us together in our mother’s womb.  WE are so precious and loved by God.  Therefore, God requires us to protect life.  If we treat our lives, and the lives of others as God’s precious gift, can you imagine the healing impact on our world?

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OPINION PIECE

“Consistent with the recommendations from the Henry Tax Review: Don’t change negative gearing or capital gains tax until supply has been addressed and the purpose of the productivity summit should not be to increase the taxes on housing,” stated HIA Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.

The McKell Institute earlier this week released a report suggesting changes to on investors with the goal of increasing housing supply.

“All parties agree that Australia has an acute shortage of housing,” added Mr Reardon.

“The disagreement is in the extent that investors play a role as the cause of the shortage of housing.

“Australia has 27 million people, and 11 million homes. Even if investors are banned from owning homes, the problem remains that there aren’t enough homes.

“Market confidence in new home building has been improving with a decline in the cash rate. This is good news, as increasing the supply of homes is necessary if Australia is to meet the growth in demand.

“An acute undersupply of housing is evident across all markets following decades of ongoing tax imposts on housing and additional costs imposed by local, state and Australian governments.

“The cause of this shortage of housing is not negative gearing. Investors who have negatively geared have profited over the last 20 years, but this was only possible because very high capital growth eclipsed annual losses. The capital growth was only possible because growth in demand for housing was far greater the increase in housing supply.

“Investors only profited over the last 20 years because they took a leveraged position into an investment strategy that was based on the belief that housing supply would not keep up with demand. It turns out they were correct."

He said that collectively across all levels of government, overregulation made it too difficult to supply enough housing.

“If we don’t want excessive profits to be generated through negative gearing then we need to shift expectations for future capital growth in home prices. This can only be achieved if there are enough homes coming onto the market," Mr Reardon said.

“Addressing the undersupply of homes requires less tax, less fees and fewer regulatory barriers.

“If the goal is to have fewer investors, then the solution is to increase the supply of homes, reducing price growth and rental price growth. If these outcomes can be achieved, then investors will once again exit the housing market for other sectors.

“But investors aren’t the problem, they are simply the symptom of governments failing to allow the market to supply an adequate volume of homes.

“The proposal from the McKell Institute to adjust Capital Gains Tax and Negative Gearing to apply more onerously on existing homes ignores the reality that new homes become established homes, and that this change is simply a change in the timing of the tax impost or a delay in when the government receives the revenue.

“Discussions of tinkering with negative gearing and capital gains tax arrangements adversely impacted market confidence in 2019. Given the low volume of new homes commencing construction, and the large increase in population, discussion around additional taxes is unhelpful to the goal of increasing supply of homes,” concluded Mr Reardon.

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In a bid to tackle regional housing pressures and support essential services, five new modular homes are set to rise in Nebo, backed by funding from the Crisafulli Government to help Isaac Regional Council attract and retain key workers.

The homes will feature two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a private open space, a covered carport, and a small garden shed.

Designed to maximise the potential of the lot, the new homes will help address the shortage of accommodation for council staff and support the delivery of essential services in the region.

Isaac Regional Council will use modular construction and a full turnkey model to reduce construction timeframes, manage supply risks, and deliver a more cost-effective housing solution for the regional community.

The Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP) 2024-28, with the Crisafulli Government, is providing 60 per cent or $1,691,182 of the total project cost of $2,818,636.

Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the project would drive recruitment, helping attract and retain workers who were not able to be recruited locally by the council.

“Using a modular, turnkey approach allows faster delivery and better value for money, which is particularly important for regional communities where traditional builds can face delays and cost pressures,” Mr Last said.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said the grant funding responded to a critical housing need in the area.

“Access to quality housing is critical for regional towns like Nebo. These homes will make it easier to attract skilled workers to the region,” Mayor Vea Vea said.

“This funding will have long-term benefits for our community and support our ability to meet the needs of our communities by continuing to deliver essential services in the region.”

For more information about the LGGSP, visit www.localgovernment.qld.gov.au/for-councils/grants/current-programs/local-government-grants-and-subsidies-program.

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Some years ago, when my son Lincoln was aged about three or four, I was sitting on the couch watching TV and felt a tap on the back of my head.

Now, I was able to make the connection between my four-year-old son, the space at the back of the couch where he was now obviously crouching, and the tap on the back of my head.

But I went along with it, feigned surprise, rubbed the back of my head and slowly got up, giving Lincoln enough time to scurry out from behind the couch and tip-toe down the hallway to his bedroom.

I stood up and complained that something had hit the back of my head, loud enough for Lincoln to hear his confused father at a loss to understand what had happened.

About a week later it happened again. Again, after hitting the back of my head, Lincoln had quietly fled to his bedroom from where he could hear his befuddled father complain loudly that he had been hit on the head, note that there was nothing behind the couch and that “something weird is happening in this house”.

This prank of Lincoln’s went on for several years, probably once or twice a month.

As it evolved I would involve Lincoln in the mystery, tell him that sometimes when I’m sitting on the couch I would suddenly feel a hit on the back of my head.

I asked him to keep an eye out for anything strange in the house. He would then put on his best “concerned face” and commit to being on the look-out.

I said: “ I don’t know, I feel like there might be ghosts in this house.”

Over the next few years the hits got harder, no doubt adding to the hilarity.  I would cop the hit, rub the back of my head, complain loudly and slowly get up to look behind the couch to again see that no one and nothing was there.

I would then call out to my “ally”, Lincoln, and tell him I’d been hit on the back of the head again.
Now Lincoln is many wonderful things but a good actor is not one of them. One of the funniest memories I have of him as a little kid, and an example of his worst acting, is him coming out of his bedroom and walking down the hallway to me on hearing that I’d been hit again.

He would put on his concerned expression and rub his chin like a scientist pondering a theory but having to admit that even he couldn’t explain the strange events that had unfolded.

The prank eventually ended, probably around the time Lincoln got old enough to realise his father couldn’t be that stupid, and he is now 18 and living in Brisbane studying at uni.

He was back in his old bedroom during the recent semester break, although that has changed a bit because we are in the process of renovating and his room has largely been completed.

The bathroom has also been done and, over the next few months, the house will be done and we will probably sell it and downsize because both our kids have left home.

But with Lincoln home for his holiday, the house being renovated and the plans to sell the place, a bloke starts to think about what has happened there.

It’s a reminder that a property with bedrooms, a living area, a bathroom, a kitchen and a laundry goes from being a house to a home when you add the people that are close to you and experience life with them within those walls.

As a real estate agent, it’s also a reminder that when you sell someone’s family home, it’s not just a house but a living, breathing being where life played out, kids grew up, memories were created and love happened.

So selling it comes with a lot of responsibility.

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When did the supermarket stop being exciting?

As a kid, tagging along with Mum to grab the milk felt like an adventure. The fluorescent lights, the hum of the fridges, the quiet promise of a treat in the trolley — all of it was thrilling. Somewhere along the way, that little errand turned into a dreaded chore. We swapped excitement for efficiency, wonder for ‘why is butter $8?’

Over the weekend, I watched my son giggle with delight as he helped crack eggs for scrambled eggs. He marvelled at worms while planting seedlings in the garden, and announced he was “a digger helping Bob the Builder” with muddy hands and proud eyes. That kind of joy — the full-body, can’t-stop-smiling kind — it doesn’t come from Gucci handbags or five-star resorts. It comes from presence. From curiosity. From simple things we stopped noticing.

Somewhere along the way, we got sold the idea that happiness was expensive — that we had to earn it, post about it, or book it six months in advance. But let’s be honest: the handbag’s ugly, and Paris smells like a bin on bin night. Meanwhile, your dog is wagging its tail, your kid is laughing at eggs, and the grass is growing whether you’re looking or not.

For me, joy is watching my son discover the world. As someone who went through the very real and grounding experience of cancer treatment, I’m learned that simple joy isn’t just a luxury — it’s essential.

On page 12, you’ll meet Earl Neilsen — a bowel cancer survivor and Trudy Crowley Foundation ambassador who recently got handed the keys to a new BT-50 thanks to the generosity of Auto Corner. Earl’s joy? Fishing trips with his family, and the peaceful simplicity of water, fresh air and good company. Read why his boat’s called Bell Ringer — it’ll make you smile.

If your version of joy includes good wine, sunshine and live music, flip to page 16 for all the details on this weekend’s Wisely Wine and Food Festival. Prefer something a little more spicy? The dazzling new show Lassu has landed at the Mackay Showgrounds — page 32 has everything you need to know.

Whatever it is that brings you joy — I hope you catch a glimpse of it this weekend. And if you’re not sure where it’s gone… maybe it’s time to look back at the worms and eggs.

Amanda

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A humble Mackay local has found himself at the centre of a feel-good viral moment after a simple act of kindness captured the hearts of thousands online, and even landed a Japanese hitchhiker on national TV.

Matt, who was travelling from Bowen to Mackay, offered a lift to a Japanese traveller named Tom, who is hitchhiking his way across Australia from Cairns to Melbourne. But the generosity didn’t stop there. Matt also took Tom to a local pub, shouted him dinner and a beer, and shared a true-blue Aussie experience along the way.

Tom, who has been documenting his journey on TikTok, praised Matt’s kindness: “Matt took me from Bowen to Mackay and paid me for beer and dinner. He is so kind. Thank you very much, Matt.”

The video quickly went viral, catching the attention of viewers across the country and eventually securing Tom a feature on local TV.

Locals in Mackay have celebrated Matt’s gesture, calling him a “top bloke” and the kind of person who embodies the true Aussie spirit.

“We need more Matts! Nothing more Australian than this,” one comment read.

Another local added, “Nice to see there are still good people out there. Good on you, Matt.”

Tom continues his cross-country adventure and is calling for tips on must-see places and friendly faces along the way.

One thing’s for sure – his stop in Mackay, thanks to Matt, is one he won’t forget.

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A Mackay man’s simple act of kindness toward a hitchhiking tourist has gone viral, earning praise online and helping put the region, and his generous Aussie spirit on the map. Photo source: Midori Tomoya (Instagram)

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By Amanda Wright

More than 90,000 Mackay region residents will cast their votes in a full postal ballot by-election next month, following the resignation of Councillor George Christensen in late May. The by-election, scheduled for Saturday 30 August 2025, will determine who fills the vacant seat on the Mackay Regional Council.

With the nomination period now open and closing at noon on Thursday 24 July, the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) is urging interested community members to act quickly.

Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said candidates must complete several steps to be eligible, including opening a dedicated campaign bank account, paying a $250 deposit, securing at least six nominators from within the council area, and completing mandatory training through the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers.

“Postal vote materials will be mailed to every eligible voter, so it’s essential to ensure your enrolment details are current,” Mr Vidgen said.

“That includes updating your postal address if it has changed, or enrolling for the first time by 5pm Tuesday 22 July.”

The vote will be decided by a first-past-the-post system, meaning the candidate with the most votes wins, with no preference distribution. While results are expected by 9 September, a clear leader could emerge sooner depending on vote count progress.

The cost of Mackay’s upcoming by-election is expected to come in well below early estimates, with the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) advising that the final figure will be $569,000. Initial projections had placed the price tag closer to $700,000, while a full face-to-face ballot was estimated to cost as much as $800,000.

At least four candidates have confirmed their intention to contest the seat: Mackay small business owner Dion Loader, Sarina’s Melissa Milton, former Isaac Mayor Anne Baker, and Kimberly Doyle, who previously ran in the 2024 local government elections.

The by-election represents a significant moment for Mackay Regional Council, with Mayor Greg Williamson expressing hope that the successful candidate will bring passion, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the entire region.

“I’m just hoping that whoever wants to put up their hand has got the right agenda behind them,” Mayor Williamson said.

“And that agenda is the best we can possibly do — not for personal gain... but the best for the Mackay Regional Council footprint.”

Mayor Williamson said local government was often the level of government closest to people’s everyday lives, and the role of councillor came with a responsibility to serve the broader interests of all communities across the region.

He added that council and the community needs someone who understands what makes this region tick — from our urban centres to our rural communities, from tourism and agriculture to small business and innovation.

“It’s about passion. It’s about people. And it’s about putting our region first.”

Mayor Williamson also encouraged residents to stay engaged in the process, saying strong voter participation was a vital part of shaping the region’s future.

“We’ve got great momentum in Mackay and we need committed representatives to keep that going.”

More information about the by-election, including how to nominate or update enrolment details, is available on the ECQ website at www.ecq.qld.gov.au.

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The current Mackay Regional Council councillors, with one seat now vacant following the resignation of George Christensen, who will step up to fill the gap? The vote is yours. Photo source: Mackay Regional Council

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