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.
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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
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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
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Mackay is still waiting for an official declaration in the council by-election, but all signs point to Anne Baker taking the seat.
The Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) confirmed that counting began at 6pm on Saturday, 30 August, in the presence of scrutineers. The process is ongoing, with postal votes still being received.
Latest results from the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) revealed Baker had secured 29.58 per cent of the vote, almost double that of her nearest rivals Melissa Milton and Andrew Deguara, who were sitting just over 14 per cent each.
Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said more than 54,500 votes had been counted so far, representing around 60 per cent of the Mackay electoral roll.
“A declaration of a successful candidate can only be made when the outcome is certain,” Mr Vidgen said.
“While voters needed to complete their ballot papers by 6pm on Saturday, we are still receiving votes through the mail for this full postal by-election. For your vote to count, we must receive it by 5pm on Tuesday 9 September.”
Postal votes postmarked before the close of polling but arriving this week will be added to the tally. Locals who missed the mail deadline have also been able to deliver ballot papers directly to the Returning Office at the Mackay Showgrounds.
At the time of going to print, not enough votes had been received to announce our newest councillor. A definitive outcome should be known before next week’s edition, where we aim to bring readers a full interview with the successful candidate.
In the meantime, updates can be tracked online via the ECQ website and its social media channels.
Mackay By-election Count as at 02 September
Candidate Count Percentage
BAKER, Anne 15,828 29.58%
DEGUARA, Andrew 7,662 14.32%
MILTON, Melissa 7,601 14.20%
CHRISTENSEN, Ian 4,817 9.00%
FISHER, Greg 4,121 7.70%
KEIOSKIE, Jeffrey 3,852 7.20%
DOYLE, Kimberly 3,957 7.39%
LOADER, Dion 3,626 6.78%
LAAS, Melanie 2,046 3.82%
Anne Baker
Parent Pathways is a program designed to meet the unique needs of parents and carers, offering a supportive and non-judgmental environment where they can explore their goals, build their confidence, and develop the skills they need to succeed. The program provides personalised coaching and mentoring, education and training opportunities, employment support, job placement services, as well as connections to local community services and resources.
In the Mackay region, the program has already made a significant impact, with over 109 active participants.
For Rosemary, the journey began with a deep sense of struggle. She had been facing long-term unemployment and battling anxiety, which had taken a toll on her life. The turning point came when she had to leave her previous job due to a panic attack at work. The experience left her feeling discouraged and unsure about her future.
However, her determination to create better opportunities for herself and her family led her to reach out to MRAEL, part of the IntoWork Group, who registered her in the program.
During her initial conversation with the team, Rosemary shared her aspirations to work on her confidence and personal growth, with the ultimate goal of returning to employment. The Parent Pathways team, recognising her unique needs, referred her to Mas National’s, also part of the IntoWork Group, Mas Allied Health service for a one-on-one intake appointment over the phone.
“The appointment was really good,” Rosemary said. “Lauren really listened to me. I told her about my life story, and she shared some of her own experiences. It was comforting to have someone to talk to who wasn’t just family. She gave me some great tips and ideas on how to boost my confidence and grow as a person.”
Rosemary’s Parent Pathways Mentor, Patrice Nash, has been a beacon of support in her journey. Patrice’s own experiences and her deep desire to give back to the community fuel her passion for mentoring.
“As a Parent Pathways mentor, I find true fulfillment in building authentic relationships, offering encouragement, and helping others recognise their strengths. What I love most is seeing growth, watching parents gain confidence, access resources, and feel empowered to create better futures for their families. I am thankful for the chance to walk alongside participants and be part of a supportive network that truly makes a difference,” Patrice said.
Mackay Regional Leader Rebekah Griinke-Nott emphasised the program’s broader impact. “The aim of the Parent Pathways program is to empower parents and carers with the tools, resources and support they need to thrive,” she said. “By doing so, we’re not only improving outcomes for individuals but also contributing to the well-being and prosperity of our community as a whole.”
For Rosemary, the program has been a lifeline, offering her the support and resources she needs to navigate her parenting journey and envision a brighter future. “The program is helping me see a clear path forward,” she said.
“My goal is to gain employment and build financial stability for my family. I feel more hopeful and confident every day.”
Rosemary, a young First Nations mum of five, is turning her life around with the help of MRAEL’s Parent Pathways program. Photo supplied
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Each year, council proudly supports the next generation of artists through three dedicated bursaries for visual and performing arts students.
Applications are now open for the Rick Wood Bursary, which honours the legacy of celebrated Mackay potter Rick Wood, and the Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary, which supports students seeking to elevate their tertiary studies.
The MECC’s Jack Sturgeon Bursary, sponsored by the Friends of the MECC, is also open to applicants.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the bursaries played an important role in supporting young people who were pursuing careers in the arts.
“Choosing to follow your creative passion through tertiary education takes real courage, especially when it means moving away from home,” Mayor Williamson said.
“These students deserve our support, and we’re proud to help ease some of the financial pressures they face,” he said.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the Friends of the MECC in supporting the $3000 Jack Sturgeon Bursary.
“The Friends of the MECC are tireless advocates for the performing arts in our region, and their support for this bursary is a wonderful example of grassroots investment in local talent,” he said.
“This bursary is available to performing arts students who have been accepted into tertiary studies in any aspect of the performing arts, including on-stage roles and behind-the-scenes disciplines such as directing and production.”
Artspace Mackay Director Tracey Heathwood said the Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary contributed $3000 to help students undertake special projects and study opportunities that enriched their final years of tertiary education.
“Past recipients have used the bursary to study abroad with expert tutors or to fund major exhibitions and showcases,” Ms Heathwood said.
“The $1000 Rick Wood Bursary assists graduating high school students to continue their studies of visual arts at university level,” she said.
“It may be used for tuition fees, textbooks, equipment or expenses required by the student.”
All three bursaries are now open and will close on Friday, November 7, 2025. Recipients will be announced in December.
To apply or learn more about the Rick Wood and Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursaries, visit artspacemackay.com.au/learning/bursary
To apply or learn more about the Jack Sturgeon Bursary, visit themecc.com.au/education/bursaries
2024 Jack Sturgeon Bursary recipient Leo Gorrion, second from left, and Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary recipient Ebony Wright, second from right, with Mayor Greg Williamson, centre, Executive Manager MECC and Events Andrew Bobeldyk, far left, and Artspace Mackay Gallery Director Tracey Heathwood, far right. Photo supplied
Last Friday, the BMA CQ Rescue Charity Gala soared beyond expectations—stepping into the golden age of aviation with glamour, generosity, and grand community spirit. Hosted at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, the sold-out event transformed into a "flight" under the theme CQ Rescue Airways – Flight CQGALA2025, complete with boarding at Terminal 139 and departure at 6:30 pm. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal, live music by Professor Judith Brown and the CQU Band, and both silent and live auctions.
The evening’s "in-flight" entertainment featured a curated bar and breathtaking performances, followed by an energetic after-party. Sponsors, volunteers, and community supporters were acknowledged for their unwavering commitment to keeping the rescue helicopter aloft. Thanks to their generosity, BMA CQ Rescue can continue its life-saving missions across Central and North Queensland.
More than 300 scouts and their families from across Queensland converged on Rowallan Park, Mackay for ScoutFest 2025, a bi-annual celebration of scouting that blended adventure, learning, and community spirit.
Chairperson and organiser Katrina Hoare said the event had grown remarkably over its 11-year history.
“ScoutFest started as Scout Care, which was kids with disabilities, and then we went back into ScoutFest the following year and opened it to the public one day,” she said.
“Since then, that’s been the format, a two-and-a-half-day camp starting Friday and finishing Sunday, with one day open to the public.”
This year’s public turnout saw roughly 150 people attending the open day, with the scouting presence the biggest yet. Families travelled from Moranbah through to Atherton, with rovers from Townsville and Charters Towers also taking part. Guides and senior leaders, including the Chief Commissioner and Assistant Chief Commissioner for Major Events, came from Brisbane to support the weekend.
The activities spanned everything from abseiling, kayaking, mountain biking, and archery to heritage displays and skill-building workshops. Scouts and visitors also tried their hands at rope making, wood burning, and more. The Rowallan Park Museum was opened for a “soft launch,” showcasing the region’s scouting history.
Katrina said the weekend delivered much more than just fun.
“The kids got to develop and work on already existing skills, such leadership, resilience and communication – all of those things that people say are missing in our society,” she explained.
“They made new friends, reconnected with old ones, and pushed themselves to try things they’d never done before.”
The event wasn’t just for kids either.
“We’ve had an eight-year-old abseil, and an 80-year-old go over the 10-metre tower two years ago, so it’s for the whole family!”
A much-loved tradition returned with the event shirts, revealed on the Friday night. Each edition features a secret colour and theme, with every scout, regardless of their home group, wearing the same shirt to symbolise unity.
Looking ahead, ScoutFest will return in August 2027, with the public day confirmed for Saturday, 21 August. Organisers are already aiming for 500 participants and expect even greater support.
With its mix of adventure, skill-building, and heritage, Katrina said ScoutFest offered something special for the whole region.
“There’s nowhere else like it outside of Brisbane,” she said.
“Rowallan Park is only seven kilometres from Bunnings North Mackay, but it’s 72 hectares of the most beautiful spot you could imagine.”
More than 300 scouts and their families gathered at Rowallan Park in Mackay for ScoutFest 2025, a weekend filled with adventure, skill-building, and community spirit. Photo credit: Geoff Kitchin
From kayaking and abseiling to heritage displays and leadership workshops, the bi-annual event united all ages and will return even bigger in August 2027. Photo credit: Claire Stribbles Photography
Last Tuesday, Mackay State High School marked the expansion of the Inclusion Series Day, following the event’s successful launch in 2024 at North Rockhampton State High School, which included all neighbouring special schools. In 2025, the program extended to other Central Queensland areas, such asLongreach, Mt Isa, Emerald, Mackay, and Gladstone, and involved local inclusion staff and PE teachers for professional development in inclusive education.
For social pics, see here:
Decluttering doesn’t have to mean hauling boxes or dedicating your weekend to chaos control. With a few clever five-minute fixes, you can free up space and breathe easier in your home.
Start with the kitchen drawers. Toss duplicate utensils or that extra stash of takeaway cutlery. Suddenly, there’s room for what you actually use. In the wardrobe, grab five hangers and remove anything you haven’t worn in a year – instant breathing room and no hard decisions required.
For the bathroom, streamline by combining half-used lotions into one container and recycling the empties. You’ll be surprised at how much space you win back on the vanity. In the living room, use a stylish basket to scoop up remotes, magazines and stray cords – clutter hidden in plain sight.
Don’t forget the entryway drop zone. A wall hook or slim shelf keeps keys and bags off the table, making it easier to find what you need on your way out the door.
Decluttering isn’t about a complete overhaul; it’s about these micro-shifts that free your surfaces, drawers and shelves. Five minutes here and there adds up to a home that feels lighter, calmer, and easier to live in.
I’ve always said Mackay punches well above its weight when it comes to things to do, and last weekend really proved the point. The RIN Awards kicked things off on Friday night, hosted by none other than Ed Kavalee. It also happened to be my husband’s birthday, so I figured, why not blend work with celebration? We’re big Ed fans from Have You Been Paying Attention?, so that was my cheeky sales pitch for working on his big day.
From there it was straight into Rhythm and the Reef on Saturday, then international cricket on Sunday where Australia went record-breaking crazy — highest ever one-day score on Aussie soil and the opening three batsmen all notching centuries, something never seen before. Honestly, it was three epic days stacked back-to-back, all just after returning from New Zealand. There will be an extended feature on the RIN awards in next week's edition.
Speaking of NZ, for those who remember me saying I’d take my son to see snow — let’s just say our ski field day was more blizzard than postcard. His cousins embraced it by tobogganing down the learner’s slope with snow blasting their faces taking my little one for rides. Mine? Let's just say he's a Queensland baby through-and-through. We now joke he has snow-induced trauma.
And because life loves a quick turnaround, the very next day after returning home was his daycare’s Book Week parade. I missed the group memo that everyone from his class was going as Alice in Wonderland characters, so my little one marched as the Gruffalo. I use the term 'costume' loosely, if I'm honest, it was a t-shirt. Stranger still, he wasn’t the only Gruffalo in a group of Queens, Cats and Mad Hatters. You can see some truly amazing Book Week costumes in this edition on pages 14-15.
Maybe next year I’ll channel my mum and whip up an elaborate handmade costume… but let’s be honest, probably not.
Amanda
A local mum has shared heartfelt appreciation for the emergency department (ED) team, highlighting the compassion and professionalism of staff during a recent visit.
“We were there Monday afternoon, sent via GP (tried to avoid) and they were so busy but the triage nurses were amazing, calm and thorough,” she said.
The mum, who attended with her three children, described the challenges of the waiting area.
“It took me an hour to even get through triage, but I could see how thorough the cares were for each individual that came through the door,” she explained.
Despite a difficult environment, including disruptive behaviour from other patients, she was struck by the way staff managed the situation.
“A special appreciation to the AIN who came out before security to de-escalate, you are amazing, brave and noticed! And the extra senior staff that came out to ensure public safety, thank you!”
She praised the nurses for their thoughtful support during the long wait.
“The nurses kept us up to date, brought things out to my kids to keep us going, and apologised for the wait. Well done ED nurses for making the wait a little more bearable for us.
“As a mum I appreciated it.”
Her message carried an important reminder to the community.
“Please be kind to our ED department staff, they are constantly under the pump and doing a really amazing job xx.”
Election day for the Mackay Regional Council by-election is this Saturday 30 August but unlike recent council elections in Mackay, there is no in-person voting at polling booths on Saturday.
“All Mackay voters have been sent ballot materials in the post,” Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said.
“Please follow the instruction on your postal ballot envelope and on the ballot paper carefully to ensure your vote counts. This includes signing the declaration envelope and making sure the envelope is also signed by a witness.”
So far, the Returning Officer has scrutinised and accepted 37,599 postal ballot envelopes. The most common reason for not accepting a sealed ballot envelope is not having the voter’s or witness’s signatures on the declaration envelope.
Election staff will begin counting ballot papers at 6pm this Saturday. The ECQ website will be updated as the count progresses.
Voters have until 6pm on Saturday to complete their vote.
“For your vote to count, we must receive your completed postal vote by 5pm on Tuesday 9 September 2025,” Mr Vidgen said.
“We encourage voters to return their ballot as soon as possible. The earlier the votes are in; the sooner we can declare an outcome.”
A declaration of the elected candidate will only occur once the outcome is certain and may extend to after the 9 September cut-off.
Mr Vidgen reminded the approximately 90,500 enrolled voters living in Mackay Regional Council area that voting is compulsory and failure to vote can attract a $166 fine.
The Mackay Regional Council by-election results from the resignation of Councillor George Christensen on 30 May 2025.
Keep up-dated on the Mackay Regional Council by-election at the ECQ’s website or on social media @electoralcommissionqld. If you have any enquiries, please call the ECQ on 1300 881 665.
Mackay residents are being urged to roll up their sleeves and help save lives, with Lifeblood and Mayor Greg Williamson highlighting the importance of blood and plasma donations.
Lifeblood spokeswoman Gwendolyne Camaret said the impact of a single donation could be profound.
“One donation can save up to three lives. Our recipients include cancer patients, people undergoing surgery, car accident victims and more,” she said.
Camaret said while Mackay’s donor centre had been kept busy, there was always a pressing need to encourage more donations, particularly plasma.
“Our centre has been very busy with donations, and plasma especially has been very popular for a long time,” she said.
“We need to build a platform for plasma in Australia, so we always recommend that people donate plasma to help keep up with the needs of hospitals.”
She said the process to become a donor was straightforward, and the rewards were immeasurable.
“A blood donation can save lives, so that is just amazing. People can register online as a blood donor and come visit us – it’s a very simple process.”
Mayor Greg Williamson put words into action this week, rolling up his sleeve at Mackay’s Red Cross Lifeblood centre as part of a national local government campaign to promote awareness.
“You never know when you might need a blood transfusion – car accidents are high on that list. As Australians, this is one of the things we can do to guarantee there are blood supplies for all the trauma that happens,” Mr Williamson said.
“Right now, this is part of a local government, Australia-wide campaign to focus attention on the importance of blood donations. Here in Mackay, we’ve got a fantastic opportunity to do that through the Red Cross, and everybody can do it.”
The Mayor acknowledged that many people feel too busy to fit in a donation but stressed that making the time could make a life-saving difference.
“We’re all busy, but you just don’t know when you might be in a circumstance where you need a blood transfusion. Unless we’ve got the stocks here, that’s not going to happen.
“If you have the time, if you’re well enough, if you can spend an hour of your day giving blood, then it’s a great thing to do.”
For those unsure or hesitant about the process, Mr Williamson offered reassurance.
“Some people are scared of needles, but it’s actually quite easy. They really look after you here. It’s relaxing – you can watch TV while you’re doing it. It’s painless when the needle goes in, and at the end you even get some nice food before heading back into your day.”
With every donation carrying the potential to save lives, both Lifeblood and the Mayor are calling on Mackay residents to step forward and be part of the lifesaving effort.
Mackay, roll up your sleeves - one blood or plasma donation could save up to three lives! Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
VIEW (Voice, Interests, and Education of Women) is dedicated to friendship, fun, and making a difference. Members enjoy regular social gatherings, engaging guest speakers, and the opportunity to support The Smith Family’s mission of helping Australian children experiencing disadvantage.
Recently, Mackay VIEW Club members attended the Farmers’ Market, where they met with locals and shared information about the club’s activities.
The club meets on the third Wednesday of every month at the Mackay Surf Club. Community members interested in learning more are invited to visit the Facebook page VIEW Club – Mackay, Queensland or contact the President at mackay.viewclub@gmail.com.
Mackay Hospital and Health Board Chair Helen Darch announced today that Chief Executive Susan Gannon has resigned from her position with Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS).
Ms Darch paid tribute to Ms Gannon for her hard work and dedication in leading the health service.
“Susan has steered Mackay HHS through a significant period of recovery and renewal over the past two and a half years and we have been grateful to have someone with her depth of experience in the role,” Ms Darch said.
“We received strong external validation of our progress during the recent accreditation process conducted by the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) assessors. Their positive feedback highlights the results of the team’s hard work under Susan’s leadership.”
Ms Gannon said she had not been actively seeking to leave Mackay.
“I was approached about a career opportunity in Victoria, where my family is based,” Ms Gannon said.
“I have been working interstate for the past 10 years and this presents a chance for me to return home.
“However, the true strength of this health service lies in its team.
“There are more than 3,500 dedicated staff members at Mackay HHS who are committed to delivering safe and accessible healthcare across our region and it has been a privilege to lead such a passionate and skilled team.”
Ms Gannon said she was proud of the achievements of the health service during her time in the role.
“Since I began in June 2023, Mackay HHS has opened two new hospitals in Sarina and Moranbah,” she said.
“We’ve launched several initiatives to improve patient care, including the Transit Care Hub, the PODSS rapid access service, and the Safe Harbour crisis support service.
“We’ve also seen growth in medical research, in fields such as falls prevention, diabetes, coeliac disease, and mental health.
“Looking ahead, exciting developments include the expansion of Mackay Base Hospital to add more beds, a multi-storey car park with a rooftop helipad, and an offsite birth centre.”
Ms Darch confirmed that interim arrangements would be put in place to fill the Chief Executive role following Ms Gannon’s departure on 3 October.
“We are grateful to Susan for her contributions and commitment to Mackay HHS and wish her all the best in this next chapter,” Ms Darch said.
Chief Executive Susan Gannon has resigned from Mackay Hospital and Health Service after leading a period of recovery and growth, with interim leadership arrangements to follow her departure on October 3. Photo source: Mackay HHS
More than three years in government, and Labor still doesn’t have any real plans to positively grow the economy.
Last week, a hand-picked group of government, union, business and industry figures gathered for a three-day economic forum to supposedly chart a course for Australia's economic future. It was billed as a big deal, a national conversation. But even before it began, the chaos was showing. When Treasurer Jim Chalmers launched the forum, he declared “everything was on the table” and all ideas were welcome. Days later, the Prime Minister walked that back, pouring cold water on expectations and adding caveats. Right up to the day of the event, invitees were unsure of their role or what was actually going to be discussed.
And what was the outcome? From where I’m standing, not much. Or at least, not much that will help the average Australian.
Across Dawson, people are telling me every day that rising power bills, increased taxes, and climbing cost of living expenses are biting hard. Locals are feeling the pressure. While Labor’s economic forum in Canberra went around in circles, families and businesses in North Queensland need real action.
The reality is, that since Labor took office in 2022, our economy has been sliding. Inflation is still eating into every household budget, productivity is falling, debt is ballooning, and a wave of quiet tax hikes is washing over us. Government spending remains out of control, and there is more waste than a sewage treatment plant. Instead of leading with vision and responsibility, Labor seems out of ideas only months into their second term.
And when they’re out of ideas, they reach for one thing. The Australian wallet.
We've already seen it. A proposed new tax on super and unrealised gains. A luxury car tax that somehow includes utes, not exactly your average status symbol. And of course, the fuel excise is back on the rise. Oh, the forum did, however, come up with the idea of a road user’s charge.
This government doesn’t have a revenue problem. It has a spending problem.
Raising taxes doesn’t grow the economy; it shrinks it. If we want true tax reform that drives productivity and prosperity, we need to be cutting taxes, not increasing them. More money in people’s pockets means more spending on goods and services.
This drives business growth, job creation, and yes, ultimately higher tax receipts from a larger, more active economy.
When the treasurer announced the outcomes of the forum, not one word was mentioned about energy; not one word was mentioned about small business; not one word was mentioned on driving down uncontrolled immigration; and not one word was mentioned on reducing taxes, only creating them.
The current government does not care about the Australian household budget. They only care about headlines that will deliver them the votes to keep their jobs.
Australia doesn’t need more forums. It needs leadership with a serious plan for economic growth.
Andrew Willcox
Federal Member for Dawson, Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability
One year after thirty purpose-designed Habitat Reef Modules were installed off Mackay, new underwater footage is revealing encouraging signs of success.
Monitoring has recorded at least 22 fish species now using the modules – a remarkable increase from just three species recorded before deployment.
These include key recreational, commercial and indigenous fishery species such as red emperor, large-mouth nannygai, gold-spot cod and grassy sweetlip, along with small-bodied reef fish like wrasse, blennies, chromis and coralfish.
Matt Moore, Fisheries Ecologist at Catchment Solutions said the footage also showed the modules covered in soft coral growth.
He said hard corals were expected to establish over a longer timeframe.
“This early colonisation is a positive sign that the structures are functioning as intended, supporting marine life and enhancing reef habitat,” Mr Moore said.
“We’ve designed these modules to mimic the ecological function of natural reef bommies,” he said.
“From surface texture to internal shelter spaces for juvenile fish, every part of the design has a role in enhancing habitat quality and increasing the resilience of reef communities.
“These are ‘set-and-forget’ structures – they provide favourable attachment conditions away from sediment, encouraging natural colonisation by reef-building organisms.”
Co-chair of council’s Sustainability Advisory Committee Cr Alison Jones said it was incredibly rewarding to see such strong results in just 12 months.
“This project shows how local partnerships can deliver practical solutions that support both our environment and our community,” Cr Jones said.
Cr Jones said the installation of Habitat Reef Modules in shallow waters off Mackay Harbour was delivering benefits well beyond ecological restoration – it was opening up new opportunities for recreational fishing close to shore.
“Being that the modules are in just 12 metres of water, they are easily accessible to families, children, tourists and local fishers,” she said.
“Their proximity to shore creates a rare opportunity to catch popular, great-tasting reef species such as red emperor and nannygai, all from a world-class, sustainably managed fishery.”
Kellie Best, Project Officer at Reef Catchments NRM said the structures offered critical nursery habitats for juvenile fish.
“Each module includes ‘hidey holes’ leading to a central internal chamber designed to provide shelter from predators,” Ms Best said.
“By offering safe spaces during early life stages, the modules support fish survival, allowing more juveniles to reach maturity and contribute to reef fish populations,” she said.
“Juvenile fish are most vulnerable when they’re small, so by providing dedicated refuge, these modules give them a better chance of surviving, growing and eventually reproducing.”
One year on from the installation of thirty purpose-designed Habitat Reef Modules off Mackay, the transformation is clear. What began as bare concrete structures now teems with life, with monitoring revealing at least 22 fish species compared to just three recorded before deployment. Photo credit: Catchment Solutions
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