Schools across the Mackay region came together last week to celebrate World Teachers’ Day, recognising the dedication and passion of educators shaping the next generation. Students and parents showed their appreciation through parades, morning teas, and gifts.

Fitzgerald State School said it was “a wonderful day where students and parents presented appreciation flowers and balloons, to our Fitzy staff for World Teachers Day, organised by our amazing P & C.”

Beaconsfield State School acknowledged long-serving staff, celebrating 10, 15, and 30-year service milestones, while St Patrick’s College hosted a morning tea highlighting the daily dedication of its teachers.

Whitsunday Anglican State School reflected on the lasting influence of educators.

“To our Whitsunday teachers - thank you for influencing, guiding, and empowering our young people to become the best versions of themselves. Your ability to inspire the leaders of tomorrow is a true gift, and our community is richer because of your care, commitment, and passion.”

“This is our “why” - the reason we teach, the reason we care, and the reason we love what we do.”

Member for Mirani Glen Kelly praised teachers across the region.

“Across the Mirani electorate we are blessed with more than 30 schools filled with dedicated staff who go above and beyond for our kids every day.

“Thank you – you are shaping our future,” he said.

He also singled out Sarina State High School, which celebrated staff reaching 10 and 20-year service milestones with a whole-school parade.

From milestone achievements to everyday dedication, schools across Mackay and the Whitsundays came together to mark the occasion with gratitude and celebration.

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Schools across the region celebrated World Teachers’ Day last week, recognising educators’ dedication and milestones through parades, morning teas, and community appreciation. Photos sourced

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Council is inviting the community to help shape the future of walking, riding and micromobility across the region through its draft Mackay Region Active Transport and Micromobility Plan 2025-2036.

The draft plan sets a long-term vision to make Mackay a walking and riding-friendly region, with safe, convenient and enjoyable paths designed for our tropical climate.

It aims to create a network that connects people to places that matter – schools, shops, parks and public transport – while supporting healthier lifestyles and reducing transport emissions.

Council’s Regional Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Committee Co-chair Cr Karen May said that our region had a growing population which was expected to increase by about 15,000 residents to almost 145,000 by 2036.

“This growth is expected mostly in urban areas where active transport can ease congestion,” Cr May said.

“Active transport isn’t just about environmental responsibility – it also has tremendous economic benefits,” she said.

“On average, every dollar invested in walking interventions returns almost $13 in benefits with traffic decongestion, health and environment. Cycling infrastructure investments also return about five dollars in assorted benefits for every dollar spent.

“This plan considers a lot of key factors, including our younger demographic that is reliant on active transport, our ageing population needing more accessible, walkable neighbourhoods and the rise of micromobility, such as e-scooters.

“With these factors in mind, it’s no surprise that the community’s top priorities included more separated cycleways, wider footpaths and safer crossings.”

Cr May said the community’s input has been instrumental in shaping the plan.

“We’ve heard loud and clear that residents want to walk and ride more – but they need safer, more convenient options to do so,” she said.

This draft follows extensive consultation, including:
• A public survey from March 31 to April 27, 2025, where residents shared their experiences and ideas.
• A targeted stakeholder workshop in May 2025 with schools, youth groups, accessibility advocates and bicycle organisations.
• Survey insights revealed strong support for active transport, with:
• 91.3 per cent of respondents walking for five minutes or more.
• 51 per cent riding in the week prior to the survey.

The draft plan is now open for public comment at connectingmackay.com.au/active-transport, with consultation running from now until 11.59pm, Sunday, November 16, 2025.

Whether you walk, ride, roll or scoot – this is your chance to help design a region that moves better for everyone.

Hard copies on the draft plan are also available at all Mackay Regional Council Libraries and Customer Service Centres.

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The draft plan sets a long-term vision to make Mackay a walking and riding-friendly region, with safe, convenient and enjoyable paths designed for our tropical climate. Photo supplied

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Supporting Men And Boys

In recognition of International Men’s Day and its 2025 theme, “Supporting Men and Boys”, Grapevine Group invites the community to a free safeTALK suicide prevention training session on Saturday, November 15 at 9.30am at Dudley Denny City Library.

“With three out of four suicide deaths being male, there is a dire need for awareness and action”, says Grapevine Group president Debbie Knight.

“We’re offering practical tools in this special session open to men and the people who support them,” Ms Knight said.

Participants will learn how to recognise when someone may be at risk of suicide, how to talk to those experiencing suicidal thoughts, and how to guide them to appropriate support services. The training is designed to empower everyday people; friends, family members, colleagues and teammates to make a difference.

Nationally, there are an estimated 65,000 suicide attempts each year and Grapevine has already trained more than 7,000 people across the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions in suicide prevention.

This International Men’s Day, the community is urged to be part of the solution. safeTALK is open to anyone aged 15 years and older and requires no prior experience.

How to register:

Visit www.grapevinegroup.org.au Or download the Grapevine Group appOrganisations can also request free group on-site training sessions or Suicide Mythbusters toolbox talks for workplaces, sporting clubs, or community groups by emailing training@grapevinegroup.org.au.

If you need to help a mate now, you can find a list of local suicide prevention services on the Grapevine Group app or pick up a Help-a-mate wallet card at any Mackay Regional Council library. All council libraries are designated Help-a-mate Hubs, where individuals and businesses can collect bulk wallet cards to distribute.

Let’s stand together to support men and boys - and help save lives.

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Safe Sleep Mackay is one step closer to providing a safe night’s rest for people sleeping rough, following the arrival of the region’s third Safe Sleep Bus.

The charitable community group, led by volunteers, has spent months working to fit out three buses that will offer temporary overnight refuge for people experiencing homelessness. Each vehicle will feature private, secure sleeping pods designed to provide guests with a place to rest safely, regroup, and begin rebuilding their lives.

Project lead Lisa Jamieson said the team is taking a “slow and steady” approach to ensure everything runs smoothly.

“We’re really making sure that we go slow and steady and that we get the process right,” she said. “So, it’ll only be one bus to start with, and that’s something we will build on.”

The group hopes to have the first bus operational in the New Year, and will be needing ongoing community funding and support to sustain the service. About $50,000 is still needed to complete the fit-outs, covering essentials such as air-conditioning, tyres, batteries, radios, and safety equipment.

Ms Jamieson said the aim is to provide a small but vital respite for those without housing.

“These buses are here as a temporary relief. We know it’s not a permanent solution, but we’re doing everything we can to provide a safe place for people to sleep,” she said.

“Sleep changes everything. That little bit of sleep is going to make a real difference to those who are sleeping rough.”

“Right now, we’re calling on the community to help us in any way they can to get the final equipment needed so we can get these buses up and running on the road.”

Local business DGH Engineering has provided space and technical assistance to help get the vehicles ready.

“We’re very happy to be part of the project and help out where we can,” said DGH Workshop Manager Cameron Horn.

“We think it’s an excellent service for the community, and something that’s really needed on the streets.”

While the initiative has widespread support, frontline homelessness service representatives have raised concerns about practical and safety risks.

One local service leader said that safety risks are heightened for vulnerable groups, particularly single women experiencing violence, if multiple individuals are placed on a bus without trained staff.

They emphasised that “innovative responses to homelessness are vital, but they must be safe, sustainable, and realistically deliverable.”

Balancing these concerns, the same representative also acknowledged the good intentions behind the project.

“The initiative is clearly a well-intentioned response to a deeply felt need in our community, and it’s heartening to see local support and generosity behind it.

“At the same time, given the complexity of homelessness and the vulnerability of those experiencing it, I do hold significant concerns about how the project will operate in practice – particularly around safety, sustainability, and alignment with existing services.”

Safe Sleep Mackay continues to call for donations of materials, labour, and funding to help complete the buses. Those wishing to assist can visit www.chancesmackay.org/ssm or follow Safe Sleep Mackay on Facebook.

With continued community generosity, the group hopes to have Mackay’s first Safe Sleep Bus in service early in the new year, offering a small but meaningful step toward ensuring everyone in the region has access to a safe night’s sleep.

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Safe Sleep Mackay is preparing to launch its first of three buses in the New Year, offering temporary overnight refuge for people sleeping rough..

Safe Sleep Mackay Volunteer Antoinette du Toit, Project lead Lisa Jamieson and DGH Workshop Manager Cameron Horn. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Mackay Regional Councillor Nathenea McRae has called for the $4.1 million in fines issued to residents who failed to vote in the recent council by-election to be redirected back to Mackay Regional Council, helping to offset the $566,101.13 cost of running the election.

Cr McRae’s motion, passed by Council in September, proposes that “the money received by the ECQ from non-voting fines associated with the council by-election be redirected to Mackay Council to reimburse the full cost of conducting the by-election,” and that “the State Government give consideration to establishing a legislative or administrative mechanism to ensure that future by-election costs incurred by local governments can be offset where there is significant fine revenue generated by the ECQ.”

Cr McRae said the idea came after learning how many residents had not voted and the large sum that would be collected through fines.

“When I saw the figures come in, I thought it was quite shocking… 24,766 people didn’t vote,” Cr McRae said.

“With fines at $166.90 each, that’s about $4.1 million in revenue. Meanwhile, ratepayers have had to cover more than half a million dollars to run the by-election.”

She acknowledged that while the proposal was unprecedented, it was worth pursuing in the interests of fairness and community benefit.

“There’s no precedent for this kind of request, and it’s never happened before,” she said.

“I do acknowledge it’s unlikely the proposal will be accepted, but even by raising the matter, it might prompt broader discussions about electoral funding and voter engagement strategies.”

Cr McRae said her motivation was simply to ensure ratepayer funds are directed toward improving local services rather than covering state-managed election costs.

“We can only try for the people, and that’s what I’m here for, to represent them,” she said.

“If we could get this win, I would be extremely proud…It would be amazing because that money could be redirected into things like our roads, parks, housing, workforce development and other community priorities.”

Letters of support have been sent to the Attorney-General and the Minister for Local Government, Meaghan Scanlon, with Council now awaiting a formal response.

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Mackay Regional Councillor Nathanea McRae is calling for $4.1 million in by-election fines to be redirected back to Council to offset the $566,101.13 election cost, arguing the funds should support local services. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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About six months ago I attended a family budget strategy meeting where the chief financial officer decided it would be in the best interests of everyone for me to be allocated a set cash payment each week to cover certain personal expenses.

The family’s chief financial officer (CFO) explained that the system up until then, in which I simply swiped a credit card to cover every personal expense, did not give me an adequate awareness of how much I was spending every week.

Under the new strategy I can continue to use the card for work/car/family expenses but the cash is used for random personal expenses … buying breakfast, shouting lunch for a few colleagues, having a few beers with my mate Lawrie after open homes on a Saturday afternoon.

The CFO, who has an additional role as my wife, pointed out that while the specific cash allocation was certainly generous, it ensured I kept an eye on, and perhaps tempered, what I was actually spending.

I’m going to Brisbane for four days next month to attend the Ashes Test at the GABBA with a group of Mackay mates and it will be a social event that will involve entertainment expenses. The CFO said it will be a good opportunity to set aside a decent portion of the cash allocation in the weeks leading up to the trip and use it  to cover those expenses. Apparently that is called “saving up”.

The CFO’s new system has been going well, although it is as though a dinosaur has walked up to the counter when I go to pay. In the past you had to specify if you were paying with a credit card; these days you are the weirdo saying “I’ll pay that with cash thanks”.

Payment is made through what used to be called a cash register but, from what I can tell, is now known as a Point of Sale System, or POS.

Anyway, I was at Zambreros in the city recently when there was some sort of a technical breakdown which meant their POS system could not process credit card payments. Only cash.

Everyone in line, except for one person, only had credit cards to pay for their meals. Staff were trying to get customers to download the Zambreros app that would  allow them to pay with credit cards.

The young woman in front of me said that she was using someone else’s card and did not have her mobile phone so could not do the app thing.

Of course, Cash Man was standing there with some fifties in his wallet and felt sorry for the young woman, so he paid for her two burritos as well as his own. The young woman was very appreciative and it was another reminder for me of how good it feels to help someone out.

Surprisingly, there is a real estate point to all of this. We too have embraced the digital age. We send listing documents and contracts through DocuSign, which means there is no need to be face-to-face as it is all signed digitally.

A link to a digital offer to purchase form is automatically texted to the mobile phones of all attendees after our open homes.

It’s all very digitally delightful and I am more than happy with it but it isn’t particularly personal and it doesn’t work for everyone. I like to have physical offer to purchase forms at open homes so people can actually use a pen and write on them if they want.

There are some clients who prefer me to sit with them and go through the listing documents and explain things in person before they sign … and I like it too because it deepens the connection and ensures the sellers know exactly what’s going on.

And when the work is done and the sellers are happy with the result, it’s a similar feeling to buying the girl those burritos. It feels good to help.

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You often hear me say “I love where I live” and that’s for many reasons, one being the Great Barrier Reef (GBR).

I recently had the opportunity to attend this year’s Reef Forum 2050. The forum had 100 stakeholders from Federal, State and Local Government, as well as scientists and academia, statisticians, natural resource management groups, business and tourist operators and, of course, recreational fishing representatives.

We saw the timeline for the past 50 years that the Marine Park Authority have achieved to protect the health of the GBR for future generations.  This forum was a check-in, looking from where we have come from to where we are at now and where we want to be by 2050.

The GBR is natural and living; so many of us have visited it, fished and researched it.  However, the world’s eyes are upon it, and it is at risk of ending up on the endangered list.

You might think that’s great, as it will be preserved for the future. Yes, it will, but in my opinion the use we currently have may not be the use we get and could be heavily restricted, and public access may be no more, should it be listed endangered.

So, what can we do? We must maintain the health of the reef so that it doesn’t decline any more, we must listen to our traditional custodians and collaborate with many stakeholders.  We must work together to achieve better water quality from the agriculture and Local Government sectors. For anglers, we must ensure our catch limits are monitored, and we need to ensure any pressures like heat stress, crown of thorn starfish and weather events that impact the GBR are managed and mitigated.

Tourist operators are already great stewards, reporting and maintaining their areas above what is required to ensure they are doing their part.  Commercial fishers have had changes in their sectors and realise they must tread lightly, or the resource will not be there into the future.  Recreational Fishers also must play their part and so should you.

I look forward to seeing the outcomes from this forum and see the new ways of doing things on the GBR to make sure it is healthy into the future.

Councillor Alison Jones, email Cr.Alison.Jones@mackay.qld.gov.au

Let’s Chat – Council Connect
Residents can catch up with councillors in person at upcoming Let’s Chat - Council Connect sessions held across the region.  The next session will be at Mackay Regional Council's Mirani office (20 Victoria Street) from 5.30pm on November 18.
Details on upcoming sessions can be found on the Connecting Mackay website.

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Discussions around sugar marketing and governance have resurfaced following the recent Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) Annual General Meeting, where proposed constitutional changes prompted differing views between CANEGROWERS representatives and miller members, including Wilmar Sugar and Renewables.

Plane Creek Area Committee Chairman Kevin Borg said that growers across Queensland are “growing tired of conflict in the sugar marketing space.”

Mr Borg said the CANEGROWERS Plane Creek Area Committee, whose members supply Wilmar Plane Creek Mill, were disappointed at the outcome of a vote at the QSL AGM.

As a QSL Grower Representative Member for Plane Creek, Mr Borg spoke at the meeting on 21 October, saying it was time for QSL to “take the gloves off.”

Mr Borg stated that QSL sought to change its constitution to have members’ right to vote based on the amount of sugar they market through the body, aligning voting rights with those who use its services. He explained that currently, millers have a voting right based on their suppliers’ Grower Economic Interest (GEI) sugar – a clause dating back to the single-desk marketing era.

Mr Borg said, “Millers Wilmar and MSF voted down proposed changes to the QSL constitution. These mills market the entirety of their Mill Economic Interest sugar production through their own marketing arms, having no interest in the future of QSL except as a competitor.”

He added, “Whilst we don’t have an issue with these millers using their own marketing arm, it remains an issue that they refuse to have their right to vote based on present day throughputs and not based on a constitution that was fit for the past regulated, non-competitive era.”

“As competitors to QSL, this gives them control within the QSL organisation and an opportunity to white-ant the organisation from within,” Mr Borg said.

He commended millers who supported the proposed constitutional vote, adding, “I commend those Millers – Mackay Sugar, Bundaberg Sugar and Isis Sugar – who supported the vote and have shown common sense and a willingness to work with industry.”

Mr Borg further stated,“STL has already gone down the path of removing QSL as Bulk Sugar Terminal Operator as of 30 June 2026, giving STL a monopoly control of Queensland’s sugar terminal ownership and operations.”

Mr Borg said, “Lack of investment in our mill is also a thorn in growers’ sides, causing longer season lengths and thus reduced crops, this being a root cause of growers choosing leaving the industry.”

In response to Mr Borg’s comments, a Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesperson stated that, “Half of the miller members did not support QSL’s proposed constitution changes, including Wilmar.

“QSL members have rights to influence only a small number of governance matters. Importantly, these voting rights do not provide strategic or operational control of QSL’s marketing activities.

“Under the sugar industry regulatory framework, all millers are – and will remain – inextricably linked to QSL in its role as a marketer, irrespective of their marketing decisions.

“It’s important for miller members to retain their limited voting rights to protect their legitimate interests as supply chain participants.

“Wilmar does not have a controlling interest in Sugar Terminals Limited (STL).”

Both CANEGROWERS and Wilmar have reiterated their commitment to the long-term sustainability of Queensland’s sugar industry, despite differences in opinion on how marketing structures and governance should evolve.

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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ Proserpine Mill crushed out early Saturday morning, bringing an end to a successful season.

It was the second of Wilmar’s eight sugar factories to finish the 2025 season.
Proserpine Mill Manager Operations Cory O’Shea said the last bin went through the tippler
at 6.30am Saturday (1 November).

“In total, we processed 1.48M tonnes of cane for the year to make about 205,000 tonnes of
raw sugar.

“The crop dropped off towards the back end of the season due to the warm, dry weather, but sugar content was above budget. We ended up with a provisional season CCS of 14.4 units.”

Mr O’Shea paid tribute to all Proserpine Mill employees, as well as growers and harvesting contractors, for their hard work in getting the crop off.

“I’m particularly proud of the job our people did this year – both in the factory and our cane supply team. It was a tremendous effort on all fronts,” he said.

“We had good factory performance, which contributed to the earlier finish. We also had a much better run of weather in 2025 than we’ve had in recent years, so we didn’t lose as much time to rain.

“An early finish puts us in a good position to finish the washdown and start our maintenance program before Christmas. This will take some pressure off, in terms of delivering our capital and maintenance program. It’ll also set the industry up for a better crop next year.”

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Cory O'Shea and Jamie Bell celebrating the last bin for 2025 at the Proserpine Mill. Photo supplied

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BRAVUS and the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys are ready to kick goals in 2026 under a new Platinum
Partnership that includes the company’s mining, rail, port and renewables businesses.

BRAVUS Head of Reputation Kate Campbell said the new sponsorship deal would take the powerhouse tieup between the mine, rail, port and renewables business and the North’s favourite sporting team to its 10-year anniversary in 2028.

"We are excited that our BRAVUS brand will feature on the Cowboys’ NRL jersey sleeve from next year so the 2000-plus employees from our local port, mine, rail and renewables businesses can share in the fun of being part of the Cowboys family,” Ms Campbell said.

"Our people work and live in Cowboys’ territory - the Isaac region, where our mine and solar farm are located, Townsville, Rockhampton, Mackay, where we have offices, and Bowen, where our rail and port business are located.

“Fans can expect to see big trains and ships alongside coal haul trucks and excavators in our 2026 advertising campaign, which will add a bit of extra fun to the season.”

Previously, only BRAVUS’ mining business Bravus Mining and Resources, held the Platinum Partnership, whereas now it rests with the parent company BRAVUS.

North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Chief Commercial Officer Dean Payne and players Jake Clifford and Jaxon Purdue joined Ms Campbell to celebrate the partnership renewal.

Clifford and Purdue modelled the Bravus brand on the sleeves of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys NRL side’s 2026 home and away jerseys.

"The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys are proud to continue our partnership with Bravus. United by a
shared commitment to advancing regional Queensland and showcasing our region with pride, this
partnership has always been a natural fit,” Mr Payne said.

"We're excited for the next chapter of our partnership which will expand beyond Bravus Mining and
Resources to embrace the Heart of Cowboys territory, spanning Abbot Point Operations, Bowen Rail
Company and the North Queensland Export Terminal."

Clifford said he was excited to wear the BRAVUS brand again, albeit in a different way, in 2026.

"Pretty much since I made my NRL debut, Bravus have been supporting what we do on field and making it possible for us to live out our dreams of playing in the NRL," he said.

"Heaps of the players and fans have family who work at the mine or the port, so it's a part of what makes us proud to pull on the jersey each week and take the field to represent our region."

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North Queensland Toyota Cowboys players Jaxon Purdue and Jake Clifford with Bravus Head of Reputation Kate Campbell. Photo supplied

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Mentoring is more than just personal or professional development, it’s a strategic tool that can transform workplaces, strengthen company culture, and create long-term benefits for both individuals and organisations. By fostering collaboration, communication, and leadership, a structured mentoring program can improve an organisation’s Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and have a lasting impact on its success.

The 2025 Mackay Mentoring Network Program for Resource Industry Network (RIN) members is a prime example of this approach in action. The initiative supports current and aspiring managers and leaders from regional industries and local government, offering them the chance to connect, learn, and grow in a confidential and non-judgemental environment.

Through participation in a mutually beneficial developmental relationship, mentees can explore their career paths, refine their skills, and gain valuable insights from experienced professionals. The program also helps mentors expand their own leadership and communication skills, while contributing to the professional growth of others.

Benefits for Mentees and Mentors
For mentees, the program provides a supportive environment to discuss career concerns, receive feedback, and learn from real-world experience. It also helps them develop confidence, build professional networks, and gain clarity in career direction.

For mentors, it’s an opportunity to give back to the industry, share expertise, and gain new perspectives. The experience allows them to further enhance their leadership and mentoring abilities while expanding their professional connections.

While the program doesn’t guarantee job placement or promotion, it offers something far more valuable — genuine career growth, professional guidance, and the chance to be part of a supportive leadership network within the Mackay region.

Mentees and mentors will complete an application form to help organisers pair participants effectively, ensuring the best possible mentoring partnerships. Mentees will be asked about their goals and areas of interest, while mentors will outline the areas where they can offer guidance.
For mentees, participation costs $400 (ex GST), which includes access to all program events and the Art of Mentoring platform for ongoing resources and support. There is no cost for mentors.

To apply as a mentee, individuals must be members or employees of the Mackay Regional Council or Resource Industry Network. Mentors should have a passion for supporting others, a willingness to learn, and the ability to commit to the needs of their mentee throughout the program.

For more information, contact Tennille Allen, Organisational Development Officer (Culture), at organisational.development@mackay.qld.gov.au or phone 4961 9955. RIN members can also contact General Manager Dean Kirkwood at dean@rin.org.au.

With training, tailored activities, and networking opportunities included, the 2025 Mackay Mentoring Network Program promises to equip participants with the tools, insights, and relationships needed to lead with confidence — and to make a meaningful impact in their professional communities.

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Photo source: Resource Industry Network

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Three community groups in the Pioneer Valley will benefit from a $25,000 injection of funding through round 4 of the Capricornia Pumped Hydro Project’s pre-construction Community Benefit Fund.

The Mackay Regional SES Unit Support Group, Pioneer Valley Rail Trail Group, and Eungella Craft Group have received funding to support projects that improve local resilience, enhance community wellbeing, and promote the area’s natural assets.

Capricornia Pumped Hydro Project CEO John Carr said the fund was an important way of supporting the communities that will host the project.

“We’re proud to support initiatives that strengthen local capability and contribute to the long-term sustainability and vibrancy of the region,” Mr Carr said.

The Mackay Regional SES Unit Support Group will receive $1,500 to purchase a Starlink kit to improve emergency communications in remote areas where mobile coverage is limited.

“Reliable communication can make all the difference during a critical response,” said a spokesperson for the SES Support Group.

“This investment will help us respond faster and more effectively during emergencies, especially in hard-toreach areas.”

The Pioneer Valley Rail Trail Group has been awarded $21,300 to undertake drainage works along the Benholme section of the trail, and the Swamp Crossing vehicle crossover, a vital safety upgrade.

President Mike Browne said, “this grant will significantly enhance the trail in two key ways. Firstly, it will extend the period of the year that people can enjoy the trail without getting ‘bogged down’ in wet areas.

“It also takes us another step towards making the trail more accessible for everyone in our community, helping to support wellbeing by providing easier access to a healthy, outdoor activity.”

The Eungella Craft Group will receive $2,200 to host three community workshops focused on natural dyeing, felting, and earring-making. These will be led by expert practitioners and open to the wider community.

“These workshops are about more than just craft, they’re an opportunity to connect, learn something new, and share skills,” said a Eungella Craft Group representative.

The Pre-construction Community Benefit Fund provides funding to support initiatives that promote sustainability, reduce emissions, enhance local amenity, and build cultural awareness in the region.

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Photo source: Queensland Hydro

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A New Interactive Tool For Regional Biomanufacturing

The Greater Whitsunday region launched BioVision, an interactive tool highlighting its biomanufacturing strengths to investors, government, and industry.

Proudly supported by the Queensland Government, BioVision is the first tool of its kind in the sector, combining data and strategic insights to show how Greater Whitsunday is positioning itself as a biomanufacturing leader.

Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) Chief Executive Officer Ms Kylie Porter said BioVision is more than a map—it is a gateway to the future.

“It tells the story of a region that’s ready to lead, with the feedstock, infrastructure, workforce, and vision to become a globally significant biomanufacturing hub.

“We’re not waiting for opportunity to knock, with BioVision we are building the door.”

Ms Porter said Greater Whitsunday’s rich feedstock, strong infrastructure, and skilled workforce make it a prime location for biomanufacturing.

“The region’s proximity to fast-growing Asian markets and its favourable climate for year-round biomass production further strengthen its strategic advantage."

BioVision lets users explore the region’s biomanufacturing strengths through an interactive map, showcasing key locations, infrastructure, and industry capabilities.

Ms Porter said biomanufacturing is not a new concept for Greater Whitsunday. Since the release of Queensland’s Biofutures Roadmap in 2016, the region has worked with government, research institutions, and industry leaders to build momentum and capability.

“The region is already home to enabling infrastructure like the QUT Pioneer Biopilot, a national-scale facility supporting research and commercialisation in industrial biotechnology.

“With growing recognition of its potential to host large-scale biomanufacturing facilities, Greater Whitsunday is emerging as a key player in Australia’s bioeconomy.”

BioVision is now live and accessible to the public. Users can explore the tool at their own pace.

Visit BioVision today.

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The OurSCAPE Art Exhibition, organised by Artists Connect Inc, opened on Friday, 24 November at Gallery 31, CQ University Mackay City Campus, celebrating the creativity and resilience of the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions.

The exhibition is the culmination of the OurSCAPE Art Challenges, held across multiple regional locations including the Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival, The Leap Hotel, St Lawrence Wetlands, and the Cape Hillsborough Masterclass. Each artist was given just four hours to complete their works, with 30 artists participating in the Challenges and 18 attending the Cape Hillsborough Masterclass retreat.

Mackay Regional Councillor Namarca Corowa praised the exhibition for reflecting the spirit of the community.

“The images captured throughout this exhibition…really capture the heart of our community. In that, they tell the story of our resilience, and what it took to build the region that we have today,” he said.

Cr Corowa highlighted how the works represent both Mackay’s history and its community values.

“Mackay recently being voted as number one for work-life balance, speaks to how our region values hard work, as well as that community spirit,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of the region’s environment and heritage, noting the landscapes, beaches, and iconic Queenslander buildings.

“The mountains and the wildlife, speaks to how we’ve been able to have this community that’s so resourceful whilst maintaining the key elements of our environment, too,” he said.

Arts educator Glenda Hobdell praised the exhibition as a vibrant showcase that “brings people together.”

Now in its second year open to the public, the event encourages artists to step out of their comfort zones and create works within a limited timeframe.

“It’s about challenging our artists to step out of their comfort zone and to create something in a short time, but in a collegial environment as well,” Glenda said.

The exhibition welcomed both members and non-members aged 18 and over, with participants this year ranging from 18 up to 70.

Glenda encourages aspiring artists of all ages to “connect with those around you in the community… and believe you can do it – because you can. Everyone is born an artist.”

Glenda thanked the event’s strong community support and acknowledged the partnerships with organisations such as Artspace Mackay and Orange Sky.

Through Artists Connect Inc, Glenda continues to mentor emerging artists, run workshops, and strengthen the bond between artists and community, ensuring the region’s creative talent continues to flourish.

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Glenda Hobdell and Cr Namarca Corowa celebrated the OurSCAPE Art Exhibition, showcasing the creativity, resilience, and community spirit of the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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The Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) has been awarded Gold for Business Event Venue at the Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards 2025, recognising the venue’s excellence in hosting business events, conferences, and corporate gatherings.

As the largest convention facility between Cairns and Brisbane, the MECC boasts a 1,090-seat auditorium, two plenary halls, four meeting rooms, a 100-seat studio, breakout areas, and an in-house professional conference organiser office.

Over the past year, the centre welcomed more than 80,000 visitors and hosted over 100 business events, including major gatherings such as the Australian Regional Tourism (ART) Conference, Queensland Country Women’s Association Annual Conference, Queensland Mining Awards, Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (NQ) Conference, Resource Industry Network Professional Development Conference, and the Australian Sugar Milling Safety Conference.

Key innovations contributed to MECC’s recognition, including the launch of the MECC Event Portal, streamlining event planning, document sharing, and communication for clients. The venue also upgraded its PA system across major spaces for clearer, more reliable sound and implemented a strategic team restructure to enhance client experience and operational efficiency.

Customer service remains a hallmark of the MECC, with a 95% client satisfaction rating. Initiatives such as the MECC “SHOWTIME” program celebrate staff excellence and embed service standards, while real-time QR code feedback provides instant visitor insights.

Sustainability and inclusivity are also priorities, with biodegradable catering and waste-sorting stations, energy-efficient LED lighting, and accessibility upgrades including Companion Card ticketing currently underway.

Executive Manager Andrew Bobeldyk said, “It’s been a big year, and this award is a credit to our entire team. Their hard work, passion, and commitment to excellence are what make the MECC such a standout venue for business events in Queensland.”

Celebrating innovation, service, and professionalism, the award underpins the MECC as a leading venue and a must-visit destination for high profile events.

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