Hi Everyone,

It was an absolute honour to host our rebrand launch at the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce B2B Brews event on Tuesday. Held at Event Cinemas Mount Pleasant, it was wonderful to escape the morning humidity, connect with new people, and network in the lively main foyer before venturing into Cinema 6, where I had the privilege of presenting.

During my speech, I took the opportunity to give the broader business community an update on who we are, what we do, and to formally introduce myself.

I’ve been with Life Publishing Group for more than 10 years now, beginning my journey with owner Bec Douthwaite when it was just a small team working from a tiny home office. A lot has changed since then, but one thing has always remained the same — we are proudly independently owned and believe every region deserves its own free voice in print. That’s one of the key reasons we expanded into newspapers five years ago. I became the Whitsunday Editor, while Amanda Wright took on the Mackay Editor role.

Since then, we’ve grown to include Burdekin Life and Hinchinbrook Life Newspapers, but our heart and foundations remain firmly in Mackay.

A few weeks ago, we farewelled Amanda as she launched into an exciting new chapter as Andrew Willcox’s Media Adviser. Since then, it has been an absolute privilege to watch Journalist Hannah McNamara shine.

With an exceptional work ethic, consistency, and genuine passion for her craft, Hannah has stepped into her new role with grace, kindness, and calm. She brings compassion to every conversation and professionalism to every story.

Thank you, Hannah, for all that you do for the Mackay region — you are doing an incredible job!

Rach

Quote of the Week: "A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song" (Chinese Proverb)

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A local resident’s difficult day took an unexpected turn thanks to the kindness of a KFC staff member at Northern Beaches. After experiencing the loss of a family member, the customer had gone without food and decided to order through Menulog. What was meant to be a simple meal quickly became a frustrating ordeal.

“I hadn’t eaten all day, I decided to order Menulog at KFC. I had a driver at the restaurant for about 30 minutes… I messaged them with no response,” the customer shared on social media. After repeated attempts to contact the delivery service and the restaurant, she was close to breaking point.

Her call to KFC one final time, however, proved to be a turning point. “A lovely young man answered, I explained what was going on and he said to call back if I hadn’t been able to get a hold of them and he would help me.” When she returned to the store, the worker went above and beyond, offering a refund, a box full of extra chicken, and two mousse cups on the house.

“At this point I started to cry, I was at breaking point… He was the sweetest person. He gave me a refund and was so understanding, we were both apologetic to each other! He had no reason to apologise.”

The customer urged the community to acknowledge the young man, describing him as having “orange hair and facial piercings,” and thanked him for a gesture that brightened an otherwise heartbreaking day.

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Council is pleased to announce work is about to start on a local road project which will help to ease congestion on Mackay-Bucasia Road during peak traffic periods.

The project will also help to accelerate housing development in the area, to meet the housing requirements of one of our region’s fastest growing areas.

The project, which includes funding from the State Government’s Residential Activation Fund, will see Reed Street extended through to Norwood Parade in Kerrisdale Estate.

The works will begin on Monday, November 17, 2025, weather permitting, and are expected to be completed by late-May 2027.

It will create a vital north-south connection that will reduce congestion, improve connectivity and help facilitate the construction of additional homes in the Northern Beaches area.

The new road connection will provide a direct link between the growing residential estate of Kerrisdale and a nearby commercial centre, school and other community services at Rural View.

With development approvals in place for a further 127 lots in the Kerrisdale Estate, this project will help to fast track the growth of that estate.

By taking pressure off the congested Mackay-Bucasia Road, this project will also support accelerated housing development in other growing estates in the Northern Beaches.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Mackay-Bucasia Road was a state-controlled road and council could only advocate to the State Government for its upgrade.

“This project is a way for council to develop an alternative-parallel connection to improve connectivity and reduce reliance on that road,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The Northern Beaches is one of our fastest growing areas and we know that residents are concerned with accessing the Northern Beaches Community Hub and essential community facilities, like the cyclone shelter at Mackay Northern Beaches State High School,” he said.

The project is also expected to enhance public safety by improving traffic distribution across key residential and school zones, as well as providing a key pedestrian and active transport link to such facilities.

Reduced speed limits will be in place during construction, and a 50km/h speed limit will be in place once construction is complete.

The Reed Street connection project will be jointly funded by the State Government and council, with the state contributing $7.58 million towards the total cost of about $10.5 million.

Mayor Williamson said the project was part of council’s key advocacy campaign prior to the State and Federal Elections.

He said that council would continue to advocate for funding for a second parallel access link between Dawson Boulevard and Mackay-Habana Road.

It forms part of council’s broader commitment to delivering infrastructure that meets the needs of a growing population.

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund in association with Mackay Regional Council.

For updates and more information, visit Connecting Mackay.

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Image supplied by Mackay Regional Council

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A Mackay father who went into cardiac arrest at home has reunited with three police officers who saved his life in what doctors described as a remarkable recovery.

Andrew was at home when he collapsed and became unresponsive. His braveeight-year-old son immediately called Triple Zero (000), unaware of the weight this brave decision would impact.

Constables Joel, Liz and Travis from the Queensland Police Service were the first to arrive. They found Andrew without a pulse and not breathing, and immediately began CPR, continuing until Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics reached the scene.

Together, police and paramedics worked to revive Andrew, who was transported to Mackay Base Hospital once his pulse returned.

A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said Andrew’s doctor later revealed he had no pulse for 12 minutes.

“He had no pulse for 12 minutes, and without the incredible CPR performed by the attending officers, he wouldn’t have survived.

“Our three officers reunited with Andrew, whose life they helped save during a critical emergency. Andrew has since made an incredible recovery and says he owes his life to his three heroes

The Queensland Police Service also commended Andrew’s young son for his composure during the emergency and praised the teamwork between first responders.

Andrew said he is deeply grateful to the three officers who refused to give up and gave him a second chance at life.

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Photo source: Queensland Police Service

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OPINION PIECE

Federal Member for Dawson and Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability, Andrew Willcox, says Labor’s plan to drop regional speed limits leaves regional Australia stuck in the slow lane.

The ‘roadblock to regional progress’ proposal would reduce the default speed limit on unsigned roads outside of built-up areas, which is currently 100 km/h, down to as low as 70 km/h.

“Slashing speed limits isn’t road safety reform, it’s a lazy fix. Instead of patching potholes, Labor wants to punish the people who drive on them,” Mr Willcox said.

Mr Willcox said Dawson communities are firmly opposed to the Government’s plan, describing it as a “Canberra solution to a regional problem.”

“Country people want the Government to invest in fixing our roads, not let them deteriorate to the point where speed limits have to be reduced, and later forcing councils and state governments to pick up the tab when proper investment could prevent this.”

Since coming to office, the Albanese Government has cancelled, cut, or delayed more than $30 billion in infrastructure funding, leaving many regional projects in limbo.

Mr Willcox said the Government’s claims of restoring the 80:20 funding split for regional road upgrades were misleading.

“People think the 80:20 funding model has been restored, but that’s just smoke and mirrors. It only applies to the money pledged to the Bruce Highway, and we haven’t seen those funds flow to regional areas either,” he said.

“The Prime Minister has targeted regional roads for spending cuts, reducing the Commonwealth’s contribution from 80 per cent under the Coalition to just 50 per cent for many upgrade projects.”

Mr Willcox said the proposal would only hurt regional productivity and safety.“Out here, roads aren’t a luxury, they’re lifelines for farmers, truckies, and small businesses.

Lowering speed limits just slows regional Australia down,” he said.

“Locals don’t want slower roads, they want safer ones.

“Fund the repairs, back our councils, and stop treating regional Australia as an afterthought.”

He said Labor’s plan had even drawn criticism from within its own ranks. Labor Senator Glenn Sterle told ABC Radio:

“Absolutely no way do I support this. It is a nonsense. It is just a nonsense that we would even entertain or put up something like this.”

“If the Government won’t even listen to one of its own senators, why would we believe it will listen to feedback from rural communities?” Mr Willcox said.

“It’s time to make it clear, this plan must be scrapped.”

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Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox urges the Government to fix deteriorating regional roads in Dawson rather than imposing a 70 km/h speed limit. Photo supplied

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Mackay Gathers For Remembrance Day 2025

Mackay paused to honour its fallen at the 2025 Annual Remembrance Day ceremony, held at the Cenotaph in Jubilee Park last Tuesday, November 11. Marking the 107th anniversary of the end of the First World War, the solemn gathering saw the community observe a minute’s silence at the 11th hour, accompanied by the traditional “Last Post” and “Rouse.”

Mackay Regional Mayor Greg Williamson welcomed attendees, while ADF Cadet Sergeant Murray Macgroarty, noted for his 380 km charity walk supporting veterans’ homelessness, delivered a touching speech on the resilience of those who serve, both past and present. Tayt Rowe of St Patrick’s College performed the bugle calls, followed by a fly-past by the Mackay Tiger Moth Museum.

During wreath-laying, Piper Ian Dean of the Mackay & District Pipe Band played “Flowers of the Forest” on historic 1916 bagpipes, as the community reflected on the sacrifices of local service men and women.

Lest We Forget

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Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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The Crisafulli Government has brought its fourth Community Cabinet of 2025 to Mackay, taking the opportunity to hear directly from residents, business owners, and community leaders on what matters most to the region. More than 200 people attended the event at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre on Sunday, November 2, where Premier David Crisafulli and Ministers outlined their plan to deliver safety, health services, and economic opportunities for local communities.

Premier Crisafulli said the event was an important opportunity to engage with the community.

"We’re listening to the people of the Mackay Whitsundays to ensure we deliver what matters to them – safety where you live, health services when you need them, a stronger economy and a plan for the future," he said.

"This Mackay Community Cabinet has been a great opportunity to engage with the community to listen to ideas and priorities as we shape the future together."

The Government also highlighted its investment in housing and infrastructure. Through the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund, $41.66 million will unlock eight infrastructure projects in the Mackay-Whitsundays region, delivering 2,977 new homes. A further $44.1 million will expand and improve social and community housing, ensuring more Queenslanders have a safe place to call home.

Health services are also being strengthened with the Mackay Hospital expansion, which will deliver at least 128 new overnight beds as part of the fully-funded Hospital Rescue Plan, alongside upgrades to the hospital’s transit lounge. Employment and training opportunities for young people will benefit from the expansion of the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy, with $2 million establishing regional hubs, the first based in Mackay at the Resources Centre of Excellence.

Last week, the Government also further reinforced its commitment to housing, announcing a record $5.6 billion investment in social and affordable homes across Queensland over the next four years. In the Mackay-Whitsundays region, 141 social and affordable homes are now under contract or in construction, including 18 new social homes in Mackay, with 15 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom units, expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor said the initiative was part of a statewide plan to deliver 53,500 social and community homes by 2044.

“Projects like this one are vital to meeting the need for social housing for Mackay-Whitsunday locals waiting for a place to call home," he said.

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton enthused that, “These 18 new social homes will be life-changing and provide stability for some of our most vulnerable locals.”

The initiatives are expected to deliver real progress, supporting a stronger and more connected community.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP said, "Every Queensland Minister is on the ground, listening to our community, so we can continue delivering for the Mackay Whitsunday region."

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Photo source: Amanda Camm MP

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Council is proud to announce the successful funding of 20 community-led initiatives through the Make Your Place, City Safety and Façade Improvement grant programs.

These grants will inject a total of $80,182 into projects that enhance and activate public spaces, improve public safety and celebrate local creativity.

Projects range from an interactive gnome hunt to local cooking demonstrations and a barbecue, craft beer and music festival on the riverfront.

Successful Façade Improvement projects were eligible for a co-contribution from council of up to 50 per cent of the total project cost.

Grant recipients include:

Make Your Place Grants – $40,500.00

Seven projects will bring colour, culture, and connection to the Mackay Waterfront and surrounding areas:
• Pioneer Potters Mackay Inc – Mackay Gnome Hunt: 500 gnomes will be hidden across parks and trails, each with a QR code linking to a community Facebook group.
• Rhythm Business – Community Jams: 12 interactive music sessions at Bluewater Quay inviting all ages to sing and drum together.
• River of Life Festival Association – River of Life Festival: A one-day celebration with live music, markets, art and food along 500m of the waterfront.
• Red Dog Riverfront – BBQ, Craft Beer and Music Festival: A family-friendly event showcasing local brewers, barbecue masters and musicians.
• Bonnie McCarthy – River Reimagined: A temporary art installation using recycled materials and community stories near the YUWI sign (Subject to Visual Arts Advisory Committee approval).
• Renae Johansen – Riverside Children’s Hub: Inclusive kids’ activities and performances during the River of Life Festival.
• Mackay Farmers’ Market – Local Produce Cooking Demonstrations: Quarterly sessions promoting healthy eating with fresh local produce.

City Safety Grants – $15,878.32

Six projects will enhance public safety and security in the City Centre:
• Health and Hearts Exercise Physiology Clinic: Lighting and roller door installation to deter loitering at 2 Tennyson Street.
• Red Dog Brewery: CCTV upgrades to support crime prevention and community safety.
• Financial Planning Mackay: Security gate installation to prevent unauthorised access and improve staff safety.
• Mastermyne: Roller shutter installation to address safety concerns at 45 River Street.
• Harper Bee: CCTV system to monitor external areas and deter criminal activity.
• Rasmussen Chartered Accountants: CCTV installation to improve visibility and reduce break-ins.

Façade Improvement Grants – $23,804.04

Seven projects will refresh and beautify building exteriors, contributing to a more vibrant streetscape:
• Mackay Customs House: Fence panel replacement at the historic Customs House.
• Harper Bee: Canopy upgrade and new signage to enhance heritage charm.
• Mastermyne: Window and façade painting to modernise a prominent River Street building.
• Skin Transformations: Signage, decals and smart lock system for safety and visibility.
• Man About Menswear: New signage to replace outdated branding.
• Dancewear Mackay: Exterior repairs, painting and signage upgrades.
• Health & Hearts Exercise Physiology Clinic: Artistic window designs and new signage to add colour and character.

For more information about the grants and how to apply for future rounds, visit mackaywaterfront.com.au

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The River of Life Festival, a one-day celebration with live music, markets, art and food along 500m of the waterfront, was once again supported by council’s Make Your Place Grants program. Photo supplied

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The Mackay RSL Sub Branch Dinner, proudly supported by major sponsor Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, drew an impressive crowd for an evening of fine dining, entertainment, and community spirit. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal, live band, prizes, and an auction, all in support of a meaningful cause.

The event proved a tremendous success, with a generous amount of funds raised on the night to assist in the development of the new RSL Wellness Centre, a vital initiative aimed at supporting the wellbeing of veterans and their families.

It was an evening that celebrated camaraderie, generosity, and Mackay’s ongoing commitment to honouring and caring for those who have served.

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A Mackay woman’s week took an unforgettable turn after discovering she’d won $200,000 on November 3rd, in a Monday Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot draw. The surprise left her shouting with excitement and declaring her love for the lottery official who broke the news.

The North Queensland resident held the 1st Prize winning entry in Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot draw 1730, drawn Monday 3 November 2025, securing a dreamy $200,000.

“I love you! You’ve just become my instant bestie!” she cheered when an official from The Lott called to reveal her prize.

“I’m standing outside my work at the moment, and I’m trying my best to contain my excitement.

“I can’t believe it!

“I noticed I had a missed call and text from you earlier today and I got a little excited, but I told myself I wouldn’t be convinced until I heard it straight from the horse’s mouth.

“Now that you’ve confirmed the win, it’s starting to feel real.

“I can’t wait to tell my partner the good news.”

With her $200,000 payday, the overjoyed winner shared she can now finally pack her bags and take a long-awaited holiday.

“You know what, this has come at a great time! My partner and I have been talking about doing some travel in the near future,” she said.

“It always felt a little distant until now. Italy has definitely been on our wish list.

“I’m sure a few things might change with $200,000 in the bank.”

Her winning entry of five random numbers was purchased via The Lott app – the official home of Australia’s lotteries.

The Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot prize is now $15.76 million for draw 1731, while the Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot sits at $1.28 million for draw 11046.

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Photo supplied

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What have Alice Springs, Launceston, Davenport, Burnie, Melbourne and Port Macquarie got I common?
They’re the only cities in Australia where the property markets are declining, although Port Macquarie is approaching the bottom of the market.

The revelation is featured in the latest “property clock” from property valuers Herron Todd White and gives an interesting insight into the state of play in Australian real estate markets, including Mackay.

The HTW property clock shows whether the country’s property markets are rising or falling depending on where they sit on the clock face.

The top of the clock is 12 o’clock and that’s for cities at the peak of the market,  2 o’clock is for a market starting to decline, 3 o’clock is a declining market, 6 o’clock is bottom of the market, 8 o’clock is a market starting a recovery,  9 o’clock  is a rising market and 10 o’clock is a market approaching its peak.

It’s pretty lonely for those six cities sitting on the right-hand side of the clock in declining markets because pretty much the rest of the country is in a rising market.

There are a handful of cities, such as Bundaberg, Dubbo and Toowoomba, that are at the peak of their markets and  four other places, including Byron Bay and NSW Southern Highlands, that are at the bottom of their markets. But everywhere else is in a rising market.

Interestingly, The Whitsundays are among four places, including Gladstone, that are said to be approaching the peak of their markets.

The rest of the country is squashed in at 9 o’clock on the clock, in a rising market. Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth and Adelaide are there. So are Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton. And so is Mackay.

The government’s new benefits for first home buyers will put them into a better position to buy a property but you can bet this will create greater demand and help push prices up further, particularly in the typical bracket for that cohort of buyers.

Mackay’s median price is now well and truly above $600,000. That figure will generally get you a very basic three-bedroom, one bathroom house and there is an enormous demand in that price range.

Investors from southern markets are still buying in Mackay, driven by yields of 5 per cent and above thanks to our high rental prices. That $600,000 property would be expected to get at or above $650 a week, so it’s a great return on investment.

But Mackay people, wanting to buy a house to live in rather than an investment, are fighting for their opportunities.

As the latest Herron Todd White monthly report points out, southern investors are not interested in a property that needs some maintenance because they are not here to do it and want something they can set and forget.

This presents a great opportunity for  local people wanting to get into the market. You might have to do some painting and maintenance on that cottage but you won’t be competing with southern investors and you will probably get it for under $600,000.

I wrote a column in March 2023 where I encouraged young people and others wanting to break into the market to buy a unit. I said at that time that I had just sold a unit in East Mackay for $174,000 and that someone with a 10 per cent deposit could buy a property like that and have a mortgage that would be lower than rent.

Those prices have gone now but you can still buy a unit, depending on the suburb and features, in the $300,000s. I believe units in  the low $300,000s still represent an opportunity for young people because it gets them in the market, the mortgage will still be less than rent and you’d expect growing competition for properties in that price range.

Meanwhile that property clock is ticking.

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Honouring Our Heritage, Strengthening Our Future

By Councillor Nathenea MacRae

Over the weekend, I had the honour of attending the Mackay RSL 2025 Gala Dinner, a night that celebrated both our proud military history and the incredible community spirit that defines our region.

One of the most moving moments of the evening was seeing the return of the original 42nd Battalion bagpipes, gifted by the people of Mackay in 1916 and carried by our soldiers through the battlefields of France.

To hear those very pipes played once again, their sound echoing through the room, was something very special.

After being lost to history for more than a century, these pipes were unexpectedly rediscovered in California. Thanks to the determination of the Mackay RSL team and local advocates, they have finally been brought home. They’re not just instruments, they’re a piece of our city’s soul and a reminder that Mackay has always stood up, reached out and looked after one another.

That same spirit continues today through initiatives such as the RSL Wellness Centre at Illawong, which will provide vital support for veterans and their families, a place for healing, connection and community. Proudly supported by Mackay Regional Council, RSL Queensland, and local businesses, the sub branch is determined to keep the project community-driven from the ground up. Council is proud to play a role, including leasing the premises to the RSL to help this important service thrive.

As these historic pipes find their place once again in Mackay, the RSL has also launched a new mission: to identify the 13 men pictured in the 1916 Pipe Band photograph. These were our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers and sons of this region whose faces deserve their names back.

I encourage every family, history enthusiast, and proud local to be part of this search. Visit the RSL, look through old family albums, and help uncover the stories of the men who carried Mackay’s music into the heart of war.

Our history has come home, now it’s up to all of us to help it speak again.

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Mater Volunteer Celebrates Life And Service

Mackay grandmother Linda Veurman said she was “shocked and amazed” to be named Mater’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year – but her night of surprises did not stop there.

By coincidence, two Mater doctors who helped save her life by diagnosing and removing a tumour growing next to her brain stem were both also honoured at the Mater People Awards evening in Brisbane.

After collecting her award, Ms Veurman caught up with Mater Private Hospital Mackay ENT specialist Dr Luke Reid and Mater Private Hospital Brisbane neurosurgeon Dr Martin Wood to congratulate them on their awards – and say a heartfelt thank-you.

Ms Veurman, 60, began volunteering at Mater Private Hospital Mackay in 2017, determined to give back to the community during her retirement.

But the next year she became a Mater patient herself after seeing Dr Reid to discuss what she thought was a sinus problem.

“Dr Reid sent me for a hearing test, that I failed pretty badly, and then sent me for an MRI – which is when they picked up the tumour in my ear,” Ms Veurman said.

“It had started pressing on my brain stem and I was told that if it wasn’t treated it may have caused me to pass away in a couple of years’ time.

“I went to the Mater in Brisbane for a 10-hour operation and Dr Wood was one of the surgeons who helped to remove the tumour.

“They are both excellent doctors who deserve their awards and to be there to win an award alongside them on the same night was unbelievable – it was a very special night!”

Dr Reid and Dr Wood both received the Contribution to Clinical Excellence – Doctor award for their service to Mater and its patients.

Dr Reid has been Mackay’s sole full-time ENT specialist for more than a decade, treating both private and public patients, while also teaching at James Cook University and mentoring international medical graduates.

Dr Wood is one of Queensland’s most respected neurosurgeons, renowned for pioneering minimally invasive spinal surgery and performing Australia’s first in utero surgery for spina bifida.

He is also the co-founder and chairman of the Brainchild Foundation, a children’s brain tumour charity.

Also among the night’s winners was Georgia Strydom, Nurse Unit Manager of the medical ward at Mater Private Hospital Mackay, who received Mater’s Emerging Leadership award for her commitment to service excellence and compassionate care.

As a ward volunteer, Ms Veurman supports Mater patients and nurses by ensuring wards always have ample stocks of medical and other supplies, while also acting as ‘concierge’ for patients as they are discharged.

“I love that I can help the nurses in their work, making their jobs a bit easier, and whenever a patient is being discharged I get a call to accompany

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Mackay grandmother Linda Veurman was named Mater’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year, sharing the stage with the two doctors who once saved her life - a heartfelt full-circle moment of gratitude and service. Photos supplied

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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

The Australian sugar industry has long prided itself on resilience, innovation and a sense of collective purpose. However, recent events at the industry owned, not for profit, Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) Annual General Meeting have cast a shadow over this reputation, sparking outrage across cane communities and industry stakeholders alike.

QSL has long served as the central marketing body for Queensland’s sugar exports, acting as an intermediary between growers, mills, and international buyers.
The actions of Wilmar Sugar and MSF Sugar in voting down critical constitutional reforms for QSL have drawn widespread condemnation from growers who form the backbone of the sugar industry, alongside Industry bodies and other milling companies alike.

Highlighting Wilmar and MSF being out of step with the rest of the industry, the three other milling companies using their vote - that being our very own Mackay Sugar Ltd, as well as Bundaberg Sugar and Isis Sugar - all sided with the growers to support the changes. But, alas, Wilmar and MSF voted down the aspirations of the wider industry.  It is great to see that the three supportive millers have the vision and whole-of-industry approach to the future of the Queensland sugar industry, rather than pursuing individual corporate agendas and controls.

These constitutional changes would have made QSL’s internal voting structure more reflective of the current marketing situation in the Queensland sugar industry, not that of the late 1990s when initial structure was created under what was basically a single desk marketing system.  Fast forward to the present, and we now have Wilmar Sugar and MSF who, amongst others, who are competitors to QSL yet, anachronistically and inappropriately, still have a major voice and vote in the structure and governance of an industry-owned business.

Last week’s crucial vote on proposed changes to QSL’s constitution represented a watershed moment for the future of Queensland’s sugar industry.

The reforms, designed to modernise the QSL structure, enhance transparency, and ensure fairer representation for those who market their sugar through QSL, were widely regarded as essential steps towards a more equitable and competitive future.  Yet the two multinational millers, Wilmar and MSF still believe that they have a moral right to influence an industry owned competitor modernising its governance to suit the current environment.

They have effectively stifled the voices of growers and other millers, perpetuating a status quo that limits competition and innovation. This self-serving stance risks eroding trust and cooperation within the industry, potentially driving a wedge between stakeholders at a time when unity is more critical than ever.  By blocking these changes, Wilmar and MSF have sent a concerning signal about their commitment to openness and fair play.

The sugar industry is a vital part of Queensland’s economy and rural communities, employing thousands and supporting countless local businesses. For the sector to thrive, stakeholders must work together—not against one another—to build a fair, transparent, and inclusive future. The actions of Wilmar and MSF in voting down QSL’s constitutional reforms have been widely condemned as short-sighted and self-serving, undermining the principles of democracy and collaboration upon which the sugar industry has built itself.

As the dust settles, it is imperative that all parties return to the negotiating table with a genuine commitment to reform and a willingness to put the interests of growers and regional communities first. Only by working together can the industry hope to secure a brighter, more sustainable future for Queensland’s sugar heartland.

In the end, history will judge those who chose to stand in the way of progress. The path forward may be fraught with challenges, but the determination and integrity shown by those supporting reform offer hope that the true spirit of Queensland’s sugar industry will prevail.

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Government Delivers Major Boost for Mackay Conservation

The Crisafulli Government has announced a $7.8 million investment to support land, soil, water and biodiversity projects across the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions, delivering a major boost for local conservation and community-led environmental initiatives.

The funding, part of the government’s Natural Resources Management Expansion Program (NRMEP), will help restore waterways, protect coastal reefs, and enhance wildlife habitats throughout the Mackay region — from Cattle Creek to the Coral Reef.

Reef Catchments will receive more than $4.8 million to restore eight kilometres of streambank along Cattle Creek, strengthen riparian corridors, enhance in-stream habitats, and reduce sediment flow into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.

A further $1.9 million will connect 57 hectares of koala habitat from South Koumala to north of Eton, while nearly $1 million will fund inshore reef restoration through Coral IVF techniques and reseeding of seagrass meadows in Pioneer Bay.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the investment will deliver tangible environmental outcomes by empowering local expertise.

“This funding is about backing real action, by supporting local experts who understand their region and what it takes to protect it,” Minister Last said.

“These projects will deliver real on-ground results for our environment and the communities who depend on healthy landscapes and waterways.

“During Labor’s decade of decline, NRM groups were left high and dry without the meaningful funding they need to support the great work they do across Queensland.

“Through our $117.84 million Natural Resource Management Expansion Program, the Crisafulli Government is giving those groups certainty by supporting the people who know their regions best.”

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the investment reflects the government’s commitment to long-term, practical outcomes.

“These projects will improve water quality, protect wildlife and support local jobs — and they’re happening right here in our backyard,” Mr Dalton said.

“This funding recognises the importance of local stewardship and is a major boost for our communities.”

Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said the announcement highlights the government’s focus on regional sustainability.

“From protecting koala habitat to restoring critical waterways, this is the Crisafulli Government backing local solutions and restoring trust in regional investment,” Mr Kelly said.
“Healthy ecosystems mean stronger farming, more resilient communities and better outcomes for future generations.”

Reef Catchments CEO Katrina Dent said the funding would help target priority areas for biodiversity restoration.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the Queensland Government's investment in natural resource management through the NRMEP,” Ms Dent said.

“This funding will allow us to scale up our efforts for critical ecosystems and to target hot spot areas where previous weather events have damaged key parts of the region.”

The funding marks a major milestone for the Mackay region, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable land and water management across Queensland.

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