Photo source: Finch Hatton Progress Association (Facebook)

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The Finch Hatton community came together on Sunday, August 9, for Echoes of the Gorge, a free community art event celebrating local creativity, culture and connection.

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Organised by the Finch Hatton Progress Association as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts, the event transformed the Old Finch Hatton Railway Station into a creative hub featuring free workshops, local art and artisan markets, exhibitions and live music.

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Led by local artists, volunteers, residents and businesses, the event offered activities for all ages, including painting, weaving, watercolour, felting, crochet and music workshops. Visitors could also view an exhibition by local artist Anneka Meeder, whose work explored mystical beings and the spirit of trees.

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The event also encouraged visitors to explore other attractions throughout the Pioneer Valley, supporting local businesses and showcasing the region’s creative community.

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Most people know that poor sleep leaves you tired and grumpy. Fewer people know it could be quietly breaking your heart. Literally.

Untreated sleep apnea places enormous cardiovascular stress on your body, night after night, without you knowing. Here is what is actually happening.

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Each time breathing stops during an apnea event, oxygen levels in your blood drop. Your brain sounds the alarm, flooding your system with adrenaline, spiking your heart rate, and shooting your blood pressure through the roof. All while you remain largely asleep and blissfully unaware.

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Now multiply that by thirty, fifty, or even a hundred times per night. Every. Single. Night.

Over time, that relentless cycle takes a serious toll. Here is what the evidence shows:

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High Blood Pressure Sleep apnea is one of the most common secondary causes of hypertension. Repeated adrenaline surges keep blood pressure elevated not just overnight, but also throughout the following day. CPAP therapy has been shown to produce meaningful reductions, particularly in people whose numbers have been difficult to control with medication alone.

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Atrial Fibrillation People with sleep apnea are significantly more likely to develop AFib, an irregular heart rhythm that raises the risk of stroke and heart attack. Those already living with AFib and untreated sleep apnea are far more likely to experience an event.

Stroke The risk of stroke is two to three times higher in people with untreated sleep apnea. This is driven by elevated blood pressure, clotting changes and irregular heart rhythms.

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Inflammation and Arterial Disease Regular oxygen deprivation in the body can trigger systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to arterial plaque buildup and increasing the risk of coronary artery disease.

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The sneaky part? Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed for years. Watch for loud snoring, morning headaches, persistent daytime fatigue, or blood pressure issues that remain a struggle.

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The good news is, CPAP therapy works fast and may help reduce blood pressure, lower the risk of atrial fibrillation and relief from excess stress on your heart.

For a free chat about your situation, visit your local CPAP Direct store or take the online sleep assessment at cpap.com.au. Hand on our heart, you’ll be glad you did!

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Photo supplied by LLT Dog Rescue Inc 

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Trooper is a happy five-month-old puppy with a huge heart. He is fun, cheeky, adores people, loves playing with his toys and is always ready for his next adventure before settling in for some cuddles.

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His training is progressing very well, and he needs a family who will continue helping him develop his doggy skills.

Trooper is a mixed-breed Kelpie/Staffie/Lab Cross and is expected to grow into a magnificent dog weighing approximately 25–30kg.

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He is microchipped, fully vaccinated and comes with a discounted desexing voucher.

Trooper is now ready to find his forever home, where he can be loved for a lifetime.

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To meet this adorable, cheeky boy, call his carer Cheryl on 0408 133 822 or email LLTAGSandDogRescue@gmail.com.

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As more Australians embrace preventative health and take a proactive approach to their wellbeing, complementary wellness practices such as iridology are attracting growing interest. Rather than waiting until health concerns arise, many people are looking for ways to better understand their bodies and identify areas that may benefit from additional support.

Iridology is one such modality. It involves the examination of the iris, the coloured part of the eye along with the sclera (the white of the eye) and the pupil. Iridologists observe the colours, markings and structural characteristics of the eyes to gain insights that may assist in developing a personalised wellness plan.

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While iridology is not used to diagnose or treat disease, practitioners believe the eyes can provide valuable information about an individual's overall state of health and wellbeing. By identifying areas of potential imbalance or constitutional weakness, iridology is used as a screening tool to help guide lifestyle, nutrition and wellness recommendations.

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For many people, the appeal lies in its simplicity. The assessment is non-invasive, painless and provides a broad overview of an individual's health from a holistic perspective. Combined with a thorough discussion about lifestyle, nutrition and personal health goals, it can help people make more informed decisions about supporting their wellbeing.

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According to Brad Baker of Healthy Life Essentials, one of the greatest benefits of iridology is the opportunity to understand the body's unique needs before more significant health concerns develop.

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"Every person is different," says Brad. "Iridology helps identify areas that may need extra support, allowing people to make positive lifestyle choices that promote better health and vitality. It's about understanding your body and taking a proactive approach to your wellbeing."

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Brad's passion for iridology stems from his own personal health journey. After facing significant health challenges many years ago, he discovered iridology while searching for answers. The experience provided a new perspective on his health and inspired him to pursue further study in holistic wellness.

Today, he works with clients who want to better understand their bodies and develop personalised wellness strategies that complement a healthy lifestyle.

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"Helping people gain clarity about their health and empowering them to make positive changes is incredibly rewarding," he says. "Everyone deserves to feel healthy, energetic and able to enjoy life to its fullest."

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That’s exactly what led Jay and Dave from Triple M to explore iridology. What began as an on-air conversation about wanting to improve their health and stop simply accepting "not feeling great" as the norm has evolved into a personalised wellness journey. Now affectionately known as the Health Busters, the duo are working through individualised wellness programs, discovering firsthand how greater insight into their health can support positive lifestyle changes.

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Whether you're simply curious about complementary wellness or looking to gain a deeper understanding of your own health, iridology offers an interesting perspective that encourages greater awareness of the relationship between lifestyle, nutrition and overall wellbeing.

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Brad Baker : Healthy Life Essentials  

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When sales slow down, many business owners assume they need more marketing.

More social media posts. More followers. More advertising. More website traffic.

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But sometimes, getting more attention is not the answer. The real problem may be what happens after someone discovers your business.

For a service-based business, an enquiry may sit unanswered, a quote may never be followed up, or the booking process may feel too complicated.

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For a product-based business, customers may abandon their cart, struggle to find important information, receive no reminder to complete their purchase, or buy once and never hear from the business again.

These small gaps can quietly cost you money.

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Marketing creates interest and brings potential customers to your business, but there still needs to be a clear and easy path to purchase. Otherwise, you may be paying to attract people who disappear before they buy.

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Before increasing your marketing budget, ask yourself:

Is it easy for customers to understand what we offer?

Can they quickly find pricing, product details or booking information?

Do we follow up on enquiries, quotes or abandoned carts?

Are we encouraging repeat purchases or bookings?

Is the next step clear on our website and social media?

Are we tracking where our best customers come from?

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You may discover that your marketing is working better than you thought. People are showing interest, but they are slipping through the cracks before becoming paying customers.

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This is something I regularly help small business owners identify during marketing coaching sessions. We review what is working, find where money or opportunities may be leaking, and create practical next steps to fix it.

Sometimes, improving one small part of the customer journey can generate more revenue than launching an entirely new campaign.

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Ms Chadburn (Principal), Timothy (School Captain), Nick Grundy (P&C President) , Heidi (School Captain), Josie Dahtler (CBS Customer Relationship Manager), Maree Franettovich (CBS Deputy Chair) and Megan Soper (P&C Vice President). Photo supplied

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Swayneville State School students are enjoying new outdoor play facilities thanks to a Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Community Grant of more than $65,000.  

The project was supported through its Community Engagement Program under the youth and education pillar, investing in initiatives that strengthen local organisations and create lasting benefits for the region.  

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Community Bank Sarina Board Deputy Chair Maree Franettovich said the project aligned closely with the organisation's commitment to supporting initiatives that build community capacity.

“Our Community Engagement Program allows us to invest in opportunities that support youth and education at every stage, from kindergarten and local schools through to higher education and apprenticeships,” Ms Franettovich said.  

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“This new playground will create lasting benefits for Swayneville State School, enriching the school community and encouraging play, active learning and nurturing childhood development.”  

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Outdoor play is recognised as a vital part of childhood development, allowing children to build physical skills as well as social and emotional wellbeing, while encouraging curiosity and learning.

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Swayneville State School P&C President Nick Grundy said the new playground is an investment in the future of the school and its community.

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“In our small community of just over 5,000 residents, projects like this can take years to achieve through fundraising alone,” Ms McCowen said.

“This community grant has allowed us to create a safe and welcoming area and we’re already seeing the benefits for our students.”  

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“Following Community Bank Sarina’s support for new lunchtime seating in recent years, this playground is another important addition that will enhance our outdoor learning environment for generations of students.”  

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Since opening in 2005, Community Bank Sarina has invested more than $5 million back into the greater Sarina region through community grants, sponsorships and scholarships that create lasting, positive community impact.

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Jeff ‘Kookaburra’ Bradshaw from Mirani, near Mackay, with Wilmar sales agronomists Marc Tanizar and Drew McGilchrist. Jeff has gone back to Bio Dunder after several years of using granular fertiliser. Photo supplied

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Jasmin Lewis

Customer Service & Logistics Supervisor, Wilmar AgServices

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The fertiliser season is well under way and our Bio Dunder application contractors are operating at full capacity, with more than 100 trucks leaving Oonooie daily.

We know demand increases in September and October, so we're urging growers to confirm their fertiliser plans now to avoid a bottleneck at the back end of the season.

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This will also help us to plan fertiliser deliveries and ensure application contractors are well-placed to get across all growing regions.

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Another consideration is the importance of timing when it comes to crop nutrition. Following the harvester gives your ratoon crop the best start. Taking charge of your fertiliser plan also ensures you can get Bio Dunder contractors to your farm at your preferred time.

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This year has seen significant fuel price fluctuations due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Diesel prices are projected to increase further throughout August, which may have a flow-on impact to fertiliser costs.

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If you're weighing up your options, now is a good time to speak with our team about Bio Dunder pricing, blend options and the most suitable product for your farming operation.

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Our sales agronomists Drew McGilchrist and Marc Tanizar can arrange soil testing or review results from other agronomic providers to help determine the right Bio Dunder blend for your soils and production goals.

You can also reach out to your Bio Dunder contractor to confirm your fertiliser plans. To find out more, call us on 1800 881 957. Alternatively, email AgServices@Wilmar.com.au

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Cane farms are busy workplaces across many tasks, mindfulness of safety on farm and in haulout zones is critical. Photo credit: Kirili Lamb.

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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

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Across Mackay and district, the sugar industry is right in the middle of its most hectic and important time of year.  

From early morning until late at night, cane farms, haulout roads, mill sidings and local roads are carrying the rhythm of the season. Harvesting is underway, crushing is in full swing, planting is happening.  

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For those who do not work directly in agriculture, it can be easy to see cane paddocks as part of the landscape. They are certainly that, and they help define Mackay’s identity. But at this time of year, they are also busy and productive workplaces. Every day, men and women are operating heavy machinery, harvesting cane, checking crops, fertilising fields, managing water, organising staff and making decisions that affect their families, their businesses and the wider regional economy.

The professionalism and commitment our growers bring to this peak period is astonishing. The work is complex and time-sensitive. When the crop is ready, growers and contractors must make the most of available weather windows and mill capacity. That can mean long hours and careful coordination across farms, harvesting groups, transport operations and milling operations.

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When sugarcane is moving, much of Mackay’s regional economy is moving with it. Jobs and families across the supply chain are supported. Money generated by cane farming circulates through our towns, businesses, clubs and service organisations.  

At the same time, the wider community can play an important role in helping this busy season run safely and smoothly. Cane harvesters, tractors, haul out bins and trucks are not obstacles: they are tools of trade. They are part of someone’s workplace. Just as we would slow down and take care around a road crew or a school zone, we ask people to show the same patience and awareness around farms and cane transport routes.

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That means allowing extra time on rural roads, giving machinery a wide berth, obeying signs, avoiding private farm access and never assuming an operator has seen you. Large machines have blind spots, take time to turn, and may need to move slowly between jobs. A few minutes of patience from a motorist can make a real difference to the safety of everyone involved.

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For farming families, safety is not just a regulation or a checklist. It is personal.  Many farms are family businesses, employing family members, but they are also workplaces with responsibilities, risks and standards. Growers invest heavily in training, maintenance, safe systems and planning because they want everyone to come home safely at the end of the day.

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There is also a great deal of skill behind what the community sees from the roadside. Harvesting a cane crop efficiently takes experience and precision. Planting sets up the next season and numerous seasons after that. Fertilising must be carefully matched to crop need, productivity and environmental responsibility. Irrigation requires planning, timing and an understanding of soil, weather and crop growth. These are modern farming businesses using knowledge, technology and practical experience every day.

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Mackay’s sugarcane industry is working hard, and our growers are proud to continue producing a crop that has helped build this region for generations.  

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So, over the coming months, when you see sugarcane machinery on the road, lights in a paddock after dark, or irrigation running on a hot afternoon, remember that you are seeing a workplace in action. Behind every bin of cane is a team of people working carefully and purposefully. With patience, respect and awareness from the community, we can all help make this season safe, successful and something of which Mackay can be proud.

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By Councillor Nathenea McNamara

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The work that happens before council decisions are made.

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Once a month, the Council Chamber becomes the public face of local government. Residents see the debate, the vote and the final decision.

What they don't see are the many hours of work that happen long before anyone takes a seat at the council table.

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One of the biggest surprises for me since being elected has been just how much work happens behind the scenes. Council agendas can run to hundreds of pages, and every report represents hours of work by our officers before it even reaches councillors.

Our role is to read those reports, attend briefings, ask questions and understand the implications of every recommendation before making a decision.

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Along the way, we also meet with residents, community groups and local businesses, visit project sites and listen to a wide range of perspectives. Quite often, people hold very different views on the same issue, and it's our responsibility to consider them all with an open mind.

One thing I've learned over the past two years is that asking questions isn't a sign of disagreement, it's a sign of diligence.

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Sometimes a question confirms that a recommendation is the right one. Other times it uncovers additional information, explores another option or simply helps build a better understanding of the issue. Every question contributes to making a more informed decision.

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The public meeting is important because it provides transparency and accountability, but in many ways it's the final chapter of a much longer process.

Good decisions are rarely made in a single meeting. They are built through preparation, listening, learning and thoughtful consideration.

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As your councillor, I see my role as much more than casting a vote. It's about doing the homework, listening respectfully, asking the questions that matter and making decisions that are in the best interests of our region.

I'm still learning every day, and I don't expect to have all the answers. But I do promise to keep doing the work behind the scenes, to read the reports, ask the questions, listen to our community and make every decision with the long-term interests of our region in mind.

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While much of that work happens quietly and out of public view, it's also some of the most important work we do. I hope that by sharing a little of what happens behind the scenes, it gives you greater confidence in the care, preparation and thought that goes into every decision made on behalf of our community.

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If you've ever been curious about how council works, why not watch one of our monthly council meetings? You're always welcome to attend in person, or tune in via the live stream from home. It's a great opportunity to see the decision-making process firsthand and better understand the work that goes into shaping our region.

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If you’d like to connect directly with your councillors in a relaxed, informal setting, council is running Let's Chat - Council Connect sessions in regional areas.  The next session will be at Hay Point Hotel Motel on September 1 from 5pm.  

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Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo source: Shutterstock  

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Mackay’s healthcare workforce has grown by 175 workers since November 2024, as more than 10,000 new staff have joined Queensland Health across the state.

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The new Mackay recruits include 28 doctors, 109 nurses and midwives, and 38 allied health workers, with the additional staff delivering clinical care across the region.

The workforce growth forms part of the Government’s commitment to employ an additional 46,000 health workers by 2032.

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More than 7000 of the 10,000-plus recruits are frontline workers, including nurses, midwives, paramedics, doctors and allied health professionals. A further 2800 staff have joined non-clinical and clinical support roles.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the Government’s $35.5 billion Health Budget was helping address workforce pressures.

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“Employing more health professionals is just one part of the solution and we will be doing all we can to attract and retain doctors, nurses, midwives, ambulance officers, allied health workers and other health workers to Queensland Health, especially to the areas they are needed most," Minister Nicholls said.

“This milestone marks a significant step toward the Government delivering the 46,000 additional health workers needed by 2032, to meet the needs of Queensland’s growing and ageing population.”

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Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the growth would benefit local families.

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“Mackay deserves quality healthcare close to home, and growing our frontline workforce is an important step towards making that happen," Mr Dalton said.

Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said strengthening the regional workforce remained important for communities relying on Mackay Base Hospital.

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"Communities across Walkerston, Sarina and the Pioneer Valley rely on Mackay Base Hospital to provide quality healthcare when they need it most," Mr Kelly said.

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Photo source: Shutterstock

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Mackay Regional Council has raised concerns about proposed changes to Australia’s disaster recovery funding arrangements, which would alter how disaster recovery costs are shared between the Australian Government and state and territory governments.

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The Australian Government is proposing a new Disaster Recovery Funding Framework that would establish an equal 50/50 funding model between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments, replacing the existing Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), under which the Commonwealth can reimburse states and territories for up to 75 per cent of eligible disaster assistance costs.

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The Government says the proposed framework would simplify funding, help support reach affected communities sooner and increase investment in disaster resilience. Consultation with states, territories and local government is currently underway, with the new framework to replace the existing arrangements once agreed.

Queensland councils have raised concerns about the potential financial impact of the changes, particularly in disaster-prone regional areas where significant costs can be incurred repairing roads, bridges, drainage and other public infrastructure following cyclones, floods and severe storms.

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Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the proposed changes could have consequences for communities across the region.

“This is not simply another political argument. The proposed changes could have serious consequences for regional Queensland councils and communities like ours.

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Mayor Williamson said Queensland could have received more than $700 million less in disaster assistance had the proposed arrangements applied last year.

“Had these changes applied to disaster funding last year, Queensland could have received more than $700 million less in disaster assistance.”

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Queensland councils have also raised concerns about a reported $2.7 million disaster activation threshold, arguing it could affect access to Commonwealth assistance. The figure has been cited by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), which is campaigning against the proposed changes.

Mayor Williamson said the proposed changes could ultimately place greater pressure on councils and ratepayers.

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“Of even greater concern is the finer detail.

“The message being sent to councils appears to be simple: increase rates or go without.

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“For councils like ours, that would mean local ratepayers carrying almost the entire cost of replacing damaged public infrastructure following declared disasters such as cyclones, floods, bushfires and severe storms.”

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The Australian Government says the proposed framework would introduce a simpler threshold for accessing disaster funding, while a new Resilient Infrastructure Scheme would provide funding of up to 15 per cent, cost-shared with jurisdictions, to help communities build back better following disasters.

The LGAQ has been advocating against the proposed reduction in the Commonwealth’s contribution, with the organisation preparing a statewide submission opposing the changes. The submission is due to be lodged with the National Emergency Management Authority on August 19.

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Mackay is also continuing to invest in disaster resilience, with about $19.3 million being spent on upgrades to the Pioneer River Levee system. The project includes a new levee wall, stormwater upgrades and road reconstruction, with funding from the Australian Government and Mackay Regional Council.

Mayor Williamson said regional communities should not be left to shoulder the cost of disaster recovery alone.

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“Regional communities already face higher costs, greater distances and fewer resources. They should not also be expected to fund the recovery of essential public infrastructure with little support from the level of government collecting the overwhelming majority of the nation’s taxes.

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“This proposal must be reconsidered.”

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Mackay artist Logan Ivory has claimed first place in the QATSIF Creative Arts Competition for the second consecutive year. Photos supplied

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Mackay teenager Logan Ivory has taken out first place in the QATSIF Creative Arts Competition for the second consecutive year. The Year 8 Catherine McAuley Catholic College (CMC) student was the only Mackay student to place in this year’s competition, which attracted 259 entries. Logan entered his artwork through CMC, with the school later presenting him with his award.

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The annual competition, now in its ninth year, is hosted by QATSIF, with Griffith University sponsoring the 2026 event. Entries were judged on overall artistry, the artist’s description and each artwork’s connection to the 2026 Reconciliation Week or NAIDOC themes.

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For Logan, the award follows years of developing his artistic craft and a style distinctly his own.

His art teacher, Kylie Ferriday, said Logan had remained committed to creating work that reflected his own perspective rather than conforming to popular or commercial trends.

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“What has always made Logan remarkable as an artist is his unwavering commitment to authenticity. He has never felt the need to conform to what is popular, fashionable or commercially pleasing. Instead, he has developed a visual language that is unmistakably his own — using imagery to communicate thoughts, emotions and experiences that words alone cannot always capture,” Kylie said.

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“As an autistic Indigenous teenager navigating today’s world, Logan brings a perspective to his work that is deeply personal. Art has become a powerful way for him to explore, process and communicate his experiences — and in doing so, his work has the potential to reach far beyond himself.”

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The inspiration for his latest artwork began with a poem written by Logan titled I AM, which reflects on his thoughts, emotions, relationships and perspectives on life and death.

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“I am Tall and smart,
I wonder if space is infinite.
I hear my thoughts.
I see my imagination.
I want peace.”

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The poem goes on to explore Logan’s thoughts about his family, his own experiences, death, the future and his hope of starting again.

Logan says he was “completely blown away and in disbelief” after learning he had won the state award for a second consecutive year, and added that he was “humbled and extremely grateful for the opportunities QATSIF and Griffith University have created for young Indigenous artists.”

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His mother, Corissa Ivory, said the family was “very proud” of Logan’s achievement.

“I’m excited to announce that Logan has won 1st place once again 2nd year in a row for the QATSIF Art competition.”

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“We are all very proud of him,” she said.

QATSIF said artworks from the competition would be showcased through its statewide graduation ceremonies, QATSIF Board Room wall, 2026 Annual Report and other media outlets.

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For Kylie Ferriday, Logan’s second consecutive state win represents years of dedication, courage and experimentation, as well as his commitment to developing his own artistic voice.

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“As his art teacher and someone who has watched his artistic voice develop over many years, I could not be prouder,” she said.

Local organisations, volunteers and service providers came together at Queens Park for Together for Shelter last Thursday, connecting vulnerable community members with support, services and practical assistance during Homelessness Week. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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Dozens of local organisations united at Queens Park last week as CASA Mackay's annual Together for Shelter event returned, bringing essential services, support and connection to some of the region's most vulnerable residents.

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Held during Homelessness Week for the first time, the event welcomed close to 40 organisations and service providers offering everything from housing and health advice to meals, mental health support, veterinary care and practical assistancefor families, young people, pets and those experiencing hardship.

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The event has grown significantly in recent years, prompting organisers to move from CQUniversity to the larger Queens Park venue and rebrand the event from the Homeless Expo to Together for Shelter.

CASA Mackay General Manager Will Stafford said the day was about ensuring people knew support was available when they needed it.

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"We're really trying to build a community of community services. People might access one service, but they often need support in a few different areas, so having strong relationships between organisations translates into a better experience for clients," Mr Stafford said.

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The CASA representative said rising living costs and increasing housing pressures had highlighted the importance of ensuring support services were both visible and accessible.

"We're seeing increasing cost-of-living pressures and rising rents, and we need to remove the stigma around asking for help. We want people to know the community cares and that support is available," he said.

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"What keeps us up at night isn't the hard work we do during the day. It's the fear that there are people out there who think services like ours are for someone else, or that they don't know support is available."

Among the organisations in attendance was the Mackay Salvation Army, which emphasised the importance of collaboration between local support services.

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"Together for Shelter is a great reminder that none of us can meet the needs of our community on our own," representative David Dobbie said.

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"At The Salvation Army, we're really grateful to stand alongside so many other local organisations as we support people. When we work together, we can offer practical help, compassion and hope, and hopefully remind people that they're not alone."

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Mackay Pet Rescue Inc volunteers and Northern Beaches Veterinary Hospital representatives also joined the event to provide health checks for furry friends and offer free support and essential supplies for pets belonging to people experiencing hardship.

St Patrick's College students and staff were also on hand, showcasing the school's Brekky Van initiative.

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"This is a representation of what our Brekky Van does every Wednesday and Friday morning in partnership with Orange Sky," assistant principal Andrea Crocker said.

"We provide breakfast for people in our community who need a hot, nourishing meal."

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Year 11 St Patrick's College student Camilla Cicchelli said the experience had been rewarding.

"We're here today to help our community in any way we can," she said.

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"It's been a fantastic day, we've met lots of wonderful people, and hopefully we've been able to help plenty of people with a nice meal as well."

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Organisations providing housing support, first aid, free haircuts, employment assistance, healthcare services, community support, pet supplies and street chaplaincy services were among those in attendance, offering a broad range of practical assistance to people across the5e region.

With housing affordability and cost-of-living pressures continuing to challenge many households, the event demonstrated the importance of collaboration between local organisations and the role these services play in supporting the community.

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Mackay’s Vietnam veterans will gather at Jubilee Park on August 18th to mark 60 years since the Battle of Long Tan and remember those who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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Sixty years after the Battle of Long Tan, Mackay’s Vietnam veterans will gather at Jubilee Park to remember those who served, those who were wounded and those who never returned home.

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Vietnam Veterans Day in Mackay will be held on Tuesday 18th August from 5pm, marking the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan where17 Australians were killed and 26 wounded.

For Legacy Mackay President and Vietnam veteran Les Palmer, the day carries great significance.

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Les was 22 when he went to Vietnam in November 1969, just one month after marrying his wife. His service came through compulsory national service, after he had completed an apprenticeship at the Daily Mercury.

While the Battle of Long Tan is central to Vietnam Veterans Day, Les said the occasion also provided an opportunity to remember veterans who were lost in other battles and incidents throughout the war.

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He was wounded during a separate incident involving his battalion, in which nine were killed and 16 wounded.

“Everybody who served, was impacted in some sort of way, even if you didn't get wounded,” he said.

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Les said recognition of Vietnam veterans had also changed over the decades, with greater acknowledgement of the experiences and sacrifices of those who returned home.

The annual ceremony will include a parade, the Australian and New Zealand national anthems, wreath-laying and the laying of poppies at the memorial. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

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This year, a naval cadet commanding officer will deliver the guest address, with the local veterans group keen to provide an opportunity for younger members of the Australian Defence Force to take part.

For Les Palmer, the enduring friendships formed during military service are among the memories that remain strongest.

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“Out there you made a lot of mates, and the memories you make with them are the main thing that you take with you,” he said.

Decades after the war, reunions continue to bring former servicemen together.

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Les also remembers the outlook he had as a young man preparing to serve.

“I was actually keen to go because Dad had served in World War 2 and I thought, well, if he can do it, so can I,” he said.

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He acknowledged his father understood the realities of war more deeply than he did at the time.

“He wasn't happy, because he knew what happened in wars, and I was just young and thought I was bulletproof.”

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As the number of Vietnam veterans continues to decline, Les said the Legacy Mackay Veterans Support Group was also looking towards the future of encouraging younger veterans to become involved.

“What we really need now are Afghanistan, Iraq, East Timor, all types of servicemen to come together, even those that are young, and carry the legacy,” he said.

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For those attending Vietnam Veterans Day, the ceremony will provide an opportunity to pause and remember not only the events of Long Tan, but the many Australians whose lives were lost, reshaped and forever changed by the Vietnam War.

What? Remembering the Vietnam War
When? August 18^th, 5pm
Where? Jubilee Park

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Hundreds of Mackay locals came together for the 2026 BMA CQ Rescue Fun Run. Photo credit: Coffee and Hobbs Photography  

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Hundreds of Mackay residents laced up their runners, volunteered their time and cheered from the sidelines as the community came together in support of the annual BMA CQ Rescue Fun Run earlier this month.

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Held at Iluka Park last Sunday 2nd August, the event saw participants tackle 5km, 7.78km and 10km courses along the Bluewater Trail, with every registration and donation helping to keep the region's community-funded rescue helicopter in the air.

Beyond the runners, the success of the event relied on a dedicated team of volunteers, sponsors and supporters who helped with everything from course setup and water stations to merchandise sales and event coordination.

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BMA CQ Rescue thanked everyone who played a part in making the morning such a success.

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"Thank you to every single person who laced up their runners, volunteered their time, cheered from the sidelines, or helped make the day such a success," the organisation said.

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"Your support helps keep our community-funded rescue helicopter flying for those who need it most."

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