You’d think that two years would be sufficient time to make a business case available.

It’s a little over two years ago that Sugar Terminals Limited (STL) announced the bold move to so-called “insource” sugar terminal operations across Queensland. In other words: remove the not-for-profit terminal operator Queensland Sugar Ltd (QSL) and place itself as the sole terminal operator.

Time is ticking to the mooted handover in June 2026, and STL has remained inflexible despite clear and extensive lobbying and pushback against the move from across the sugar industry, STL has not yet made a business case available to clearly demonstrate the mooted savings. Just a repeated “trust us” line.

The move remains antagonistic to the structure that the industry put in place to deliver transparency and democracy.

The terminals were built by the sugar industry. Growers invested their own funds into the construction of the terminals to ensure strong, fluid and cost-effective storage and handling capacity to deliver our product to market.

The terminals are not there to make large returns to shareholders.

The terminals are there to be utilised by industry at a cost-recovery only basis.

In the de-regulation of Queensland’s Bulk Sugar Terminals over 20 years ago, the installation of QSL as terminal operator recognised that significant vested interest of sugar cane growers and millers in their product. We retain transparency by having a not-for-profit terminal operator, and that model has remained fit-for-purpose. The intent was that the terminals remained the property of the industry, managed by the industry, to service the industry.

By intent, that acknowledgement of ownership was extended by the intent that the shareholding of the new terminals’ “owner” STL be comprised solely of ACTIVE growers and millers. Over time, an increasing number of “dry” shareholders have taken a place in the register. While I acknowledge that STL is taking steps to remedy this departure from its constitution, the list of non-grower shareholders remains. They are there for the dividend. And it is concerning that our terminals operation could be beholden to that group.

Further, this group of dry shareholders prevents other working growers – including our next generation of young farmers from taking up a shareholding. From being able to vote in AGMs, from being able to offset their terminal costs. I encourage growers to take up shares where they can.

We have a structure that works for the majority of the industry, and it is challenging to witness this attempt to erode this consensual, democratic structure.

The effective operation of our Bulk Sugar Terminal at Mackay and other locations along the coast underpins a key commodity servicing our regional economies by giving us fluid access to overseas markets. One dollar in the sugar industry multiplies out to $6 in the community. Sugar’s success matters. It is one of the top commodities supporting the Port of Mackay.

As far as a business case goes, the industry not only awaits it, but expects it. It’s one thing to say it will reduce costs, it is another to prove it. What assurances do we have that the “insourcing” model will be more cost effective? And what if STL find they can’t do it more cost-efficiently. What then? Once the present structure is dismantled it will never be returned. This issue will be escalated as we move to June 2026.

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The Mackay Bulk Sugar Terminal was constructed with grower investment. Opening in 1957, this industry-owned asset was Australia’s first BST, helping sugar from then 2000 farms flow to markets. Photo source: CANEGROWERS Mackay archive

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Mackay locals will get the free urgent care they need, fully bulk billed, without waiting hours in a busy hospital emergency department, if the Albanese Labor Government is re-elected.

Labor has said it will open a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Mackay as part of a $644 million commitment to open another 50 Urgent Care Clinics, with more clinics in every state and territory.

This announcement from the Labor party has been made alongside Queensland Labor announcing that Neil Wallace will contest the seat of Dawson in the upcoming Federal Election.

Neil and his wife have called the Mackay region home for nearly two decades, raising their three children in the local community.

Neil’s strong record of community service, including as a three-time President of the North Mackay Rotary Club make him the perfect person to take up the fight and "stop Dawson being taken for granted by the LNP".

If Labor is re-elected, the party has pledged that the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Mackay will begin operating in the 2025-26 financial year, providing bulk billed care for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions, seven days a week, for extended hours, and with no appointment needed.

The Urgent Care Clinic will take pressure off the Mackay Base Hospital, which saw 15,121 non-urgent and semi-urgent presentations in 2023-24.

All you will need is your Medicare card, not your credit card.

Labor says it went to the last election promising to open 50 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics

"And we have delivered 87 clinics," a Labor statement said.

"More than 1.2 million Australians have already been treated at one of Labor’s existing 87 Urgent Care Clinics.

"Doctors have embraced the clinics, with a survey finding 7 in 10 GPs support Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, and 8 in 10 GPs say they have a positive impact on hospital emergency departments."

Labor Candidate for Dawson, Neil Wallace, said he is proud to be Labor’s new candidate in Dawson and to continue the Albanese Labor Government’s fight to strengthen Medicare, take action on cost of living and keep building Australia’s future.

“At this election Australia faces a choice: a stronger Medicare with more bulk billing for all Australians under Labor, or more cuts to Medicare under Peter Dutton's LNP," he said.

“Only Labor will deliver a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Mackay so you can get the free urgent care you need, fully bulk billed, without waiting hours in a busy hospital emergency department."

Around 2 million Australians are expected to make use of an Urgent Care Clinic each year, getting the free urgent care they need, fully bulk billed, without waiting hours in a busy hospital emergency department.

This extends Labor’s election commitment to strengthening Medicare, with the single largest investment in Medicare since its creation over 40 years ago.

“The Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will be open seven days, for extended hours, and take pressure off the Mackay Base Hospital," Mr Wallace added.

“Under Labor, inflation is down, wages are up, unemployment is low and now interest rates have started to come down too – but we know there’s more work to do."

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Neil Wallace: Labor’s candidate for Dawson, committed to strengthening Medicare and supporting the local community. Photo supplied

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Looking for top-notch pool care you can rely on? Look no further than Jim's Pool Care, led by Mackay’s very own Paul Durnsford. Born and raised in the region, Paul has a deep understanding of the local climate, and with the North Queensland heat, there’s no better time to dive into a refreshing, clean pool.

Whether you need regular maintenance, a one-time clean-up, or expert repairs, Paul’s got you covered. His services include pool cleaning, water balancing, pump and filter repairs, and even equipment sales. And the best part? He offers free quotes to get you started.

Paul’s passion for pool care is matched only by his dedication to providing quality service. As a local, he takes pride in offering personalised and trustworthy care that ensures your pool is sparkling clean and safe all year round.

His services extend beyond the basics, guaranteeing a healthy, welcoming environment for you and your family to enjoy, especially during those long, hot summer days.

Differentiating from others in the field, his flexible approach allows him to travel to Seaforth, Sarina, Mackay, and the Pioneer Valley to make sure your pool stays in top condition at no additional travel cost! With Jim’s Pool Care, you’re getting professional service at affordable prices, without sacrificing quality. His solo business model means you’ll always receive personal advice and attention for every job, no matter how big or small.

You can rest easy knowing that Paul is a police-checked professional, and he’ll treat your home and pool with the utmost care, even when you're not around. His commitment to safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction ensures that your pool is in good hands, no matter the season.

With Jim’s Pool Care, you’re getting honest, dependable service at prices that won’t break the bank. Get in touch with Paul today and experience the difference of working with a local business that truly cares about keeping your pool in perfect shape.

Book now with Jim’s Pool Care and get your pool looking its best!

“I take pride in ensuring every job is done right,” Paul says, “Because I believe every family deserves a safe, clean pool to enjoy."

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I take pride in ensuring every job is done right,” Paul says, “Because I believe every family deserves a safe, clean pool to enjoy.

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Mackay’s proud aviation cadet history will be celebrated as part of the Diamond Jubilee of No.1 Wing Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC), marking 75 years since its formation. Generations of cadets who trained in Mackay and across North Queensland have gone on to serve in the Air Force, aviation, and other industries, with the milestone set to be honoured at a special event in May.

The Diamond Jubilee will be celebrated with a Cocktail Party on Saturday 17th May, 2025, at the Townsville RAAF Base.

Current and former staff of the AAFC, previously known as the Air Training Corps (ATC) and later abbreviated to AIRTC (to save confusion with Air Traffic Control) are encouraged to attend and share in the celebration.

No1 Wing began with the formation of No1 Flight in Townsville, which held its first parade on May 4th 1950. This was soon followed by the formation of No.2 Flight at the Townsville Technical College. In the following years, Flights (now termed Squadrons) were formed at Ingham, Mackay, Cairns, Mareeba, Innisfail, Ayr, Charters Towers, Bowen and Mt. Isa.

A recent snapshot of the Wing indicated a cadet enrolment of over 440 and an adult staff of more than 60 across the 10 Squadrons, and the Wing’s Headquarters.

Current and former staff can obtain further details and purchase tickets for the Cocktail Party by contacting aafc1wg@cadetnet.gov.au.

Commemorative ‘patches’ and coins have been approved and produced to mark the anniversary and will be available for purchase as a memento of the event.

A Wing activity is in the planning phase. In September this year, all currently enrolled cadets and staff will have the opportunity to participate.

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Air Force Cadets gather in front of a C-130 Hercules, showcasing their dedication to aviation and leadership. Photo supplied

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St Patrick's College Mackay, a Catholic Coeducational College in the Diocese of Rockhampton, is gearing up to showcase its extensive subject offerings for students entering Year 7 in 2026 at their Open Night on Wednesday 19 March. The Open Night will be held at the Mercy Campus in Penn Street, South Mackay with prospective parents and students able to attend anytime between 4:00pm to 7:00pm.

The Open Night will feature displays from all subject areas, allowing prospective families to interact with teachers and tour the College's facilities. In addition to the academic focus, there will be performances from the College Cultural ensembles. Sports enthusiasts will have access to information about cocurricular teams and for those interested in Rugby League, you can find information on our Rugby League Excellence Program.

There will be a free sausage sizzle for anyone attending and students are encouraged to participate in the Treasure Map competition, with a prize draw featuring three great prizes.

St Patrick's College Mackay prides itself on its holistic approach to education, fostering personal and faith growth with the motto 'Seek and Serve Christ'. Offering a dual campus concept, the College caters for students in Years 7 to 10 on the Mercy Campus in Penn Street and Years 11 and 12 on the Senior Campus in Gregory Street, Mackay.

In 2024, the Senior Campus of the College showcased its commitment to providing strong vocational pathways that led to impressive employment outcomes for Vocational Pathway students. Additionally, on the academic pathway, exceptional ATAR results were achieved, positioning the College as one of the top performing senior colleges in the Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton. The success of both vocational and academic pathways demonstrates the College's dedication to preparing students for successful futures in their chosen fields.

Parents and prospective students are encouraged to attend the Open Night to learn more about what St Patrick's College Mackay has to offer and experience firsthand, the vibrant community and diverse opportunities available at the College.

If you would like more information regarding enrolment at St Patrick’s College Mackay, please visit our website www.stpats.qld.edu.au or call the College on 4994 8700.

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Accomplished young electrician and business owner, Georgia Beveridge, has been recognised at Zonta Mackay's 2025 esteemed International Women's Day High Tea in Mackay. The Sarina local was invited to share her career journey as a panellist, highlighting her career success thus far.

Georgia’s career began with her receiving the First Year Apprentice of the Year award while completing her apprenticeship with Aurizon. She has recently started her own small business and credits hard work and perseverance to her success.

From her early years at Sarina State High School, Georgia’s dedication led to her becoming a year-level leader from years seven to twelve. Her ongoing involvement in the community earned her the prestigious Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Senior Schooling Scholarship, opening doors to new opportunities.

Graduating high school in 2020, during a global pandemic, Georgia navigated the challenges of finding electrical and mechanical apprenticeship opportunities. Despite the overwhelming task, Georgia was determined to succeed and by the end of the year had secured eight job offers.

Although several offers required her to relocate, Georgia chose an electrical apprenticeship with Aurizon, allowing her to stay local. Being awarded both the Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Apprenticeship Scholarship and the Aurizon First Year Apprentice of the Year in 2021, Georgia had positively cemented her name in the Sarina community.

By 2024, Georgia received Electrical Apprentice of the Year, before becoming a fully qualified electrician seven months early, a testament to her dedication and hard work. Continuing to focus on her development, Georgia has enrolled in Electrical Engineering at CQUniversity in Mackay to further enhance her skills and advance her career.

When she is not attending community events, studying, or honing her electrical skills at work, Georgia crafts handmade jewellery and accessories as part of her business, Beyond The Dust. Each collection has been named after the women who have inspired her throughout her journey.

Georgia believes the support from the women in her life, along with opportunities from Community Bank Sarina and her apprenticeship, were integral to her success.

"Those opportunities were key to my success," she said.

"Without that support, I wouldn't be where I am today."

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Georgia Beveridge (left) and Maree Franettovich (Sarina Community Bank) at the Zonta Mackay International Women's Day High Tea at the MECC. Photo supplied

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One of Mackay’s best has joined up with riders from Sydney and New Zealand and pedalled their way into history, reclaiming the Guinness World Record for the Longest Static Cycle Class in an awe-inspiring 33-hour endurance challenge.

Fuelled by determination and a powerful cause, these dedicated riders pushed their limits to support Chronic Pain Australia, helping fund structured physical activity and nutrition programs for children and teenagers facing physical, mental, and emotional challenges.

Among the dedicated riders was Aram Drake, who endured the full 33-hour cycle alongside his teammates.

“We had a great support base and going into those final hours, we were pumped,” Aram said.

“It was tough, but the support in the room kept us going.”

The team had previously held the record before losing it to a Dubai-based group, which extended the time to 31.5 hours. Determined to bring the title back to Australia, they trained rigorously for up to eight months, building endurance through high-intensity sessions and long-distance rides.

Michelle Bruce from Tune Up Performance Nutrition, a sports dietitian, played a crucial role in the team’s success, managing hydration and meal plans.

“We had a really good team, including Michelle, who looked after the meal and hydration plan, ensuring we had two drink bottles – one with electrolytes, magnesium, and salts, and the other with water to keep us properly hydrated.”

Event organiser and lead instructor Mark Brinker was also praised for his commitment, especially given his own battle with chronic pain.

“For him to push through 33 hours as an instructor is an incredible effort,” Aram said.

The emotional moment of reclaiming the record at the 31.5-hour mark was short-lived, as the team had to keep pedalling until the full 33-hour goal was achieved.

“The relief hit us all at once, but at the same time, we knew we had to keep going,” Aram recalled.

“It was an incredible achievement for all of us.”

Despite the exhaustion, Aussie riders have already hinted that if the record is ever challenged again, they’d be ready to defend it.

“The moment we hopped off, we all swore we'd never do it again…But if the record slips away, there's no doubt – we’d be back to bring it home again.”

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Mackay cyclists reclaimed the Guinness World Record for the Longest Static Cycle Class, powering through 33 hours of endurance to raise funds for Chronic Pain Australia. Photos supplied

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With the rising demand for healthcare professionals, many New Zealand nurses are setting their sights on Australia as an exciting career destination. For cities like Mackay, this is a win, as they continue to thrive as healthcare hubs, offering new graduates the chance to grow professionally in a supportive, dynamic environment.

In fact, 32 fresh-faced graduate nurses, including Stef Wickes from Greymouth, have recently started their careers at Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS), eager to dive into their new roles. Stef’s move across the Tasman is part of a larger trend of Kiwi nurses attracted by the opportunities Australia offers, and Mackay is proving to be the perfect place to embark on this next chapter.

Stef moved to Australia with a zest for adventure and desire to learn. She does admit she was surprised by the heat, arriving in Mackay at 10pm in January.

“The muggy conditions hit me as soon as I got off the plane– it’s still hitting me every day since,” she said.

“I didn’t really know where Mackay was – being from a small town in New Zealand, I didn’t realise how big Queensland actually is. My friend got a job on the Sunshine Coast and I thought ‘cool, we’ll be close’. Turns out it’s only a 10-hour drive!”

Stef is one of 32 graduate nurses who started their careers at Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) last month.

Originally from Greymouth on the west coast of the South Island in New Zealand, Stef did her three-year nursing degree at Ara Institute of Canterbury.

“At the start of my third year there was a lot of publicity about the lack of nursing jobs in New Zealand as the government had put a freeze on hiring staff,” she said.

“I was on my last placement in the Greymouth Hospital and my friend had gotten a job in Melbourne and thought I’ve always loved Queensland as I’d been to the Gold Coast on holidays.

“So I decided to apply for a post graduate program here in Queensland.”

The Mackay HHS recruitment team helped cement her decision to bravely ‘cross the ditch and work in Australia’.

“We're very lucky as a New Zealander that we're treated as Australian citizens essentially because of the Trans Tasman agreement, which is amazing,” she said.

“The Mackay nursing recruitment team were just so lovely and really supportive,” she said.

“Yes, I wanted adventure and to expand my skills in a different community, but it was really their encouragement to come over and how very easy it was to communicate with them and how responsive they were to emails and phone calls which really sealed it for me,” she said.

Stef has now completed her orientation and is looking forward to the challenge and ‘adrenalin’ of working in the emergency department at Mackay Base Hospital.

“So Mackay is quite a big hospital for me but I really liked that the health service here also offers rural hospitals as part of the graduate program,” she said.

“I’m from a rural town and that's the aspect I like. My last placement was in the ED in Greymouth and I loved it – but there was only four nurses there and seven beds, so it’s going to be very different experience here in Mackay.”

Stef is also hoping to spend some time in the health service’s rural hospitals.

“I love that in nursing you are building a rapport with your patients and you also get to see a lot of different stuff in the ED, so it’s all going to be a great experience for me,” she said.

“People really aren’t aware of the new grad program here in Australia and how it offers us the opportunity to get so much experience on the job, but also experience a different country.”

For now, Stef is focused on finding her feet in nursing, gaining more skills and acclimatising to a new country.

“I really like it here so far and everyone has been really lovely.

“Although on my first day of orientation I walked in not knowing a soul here which was a bit overwhelming,” she said.

“I introduced myself to the group and said my name is Stef. Some of them said ‘what?’ I said ‘Stef’. They said Stiff? I said ‘No Stef’.

“Guess I can’t escape my Kiwi accent here.”

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Kiwi nurse Stef Wickes embraces new challenges and adventures as she begins her career at Mackay Base Hospital, bringing her passion for rural healthcare to the heart of Queensland. Photo credit: MHHS

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Are you feeling overwhelmed by clutter? Taking small steps to declutter your space has proved to have a significant impact on your mental and physical wellbeing. As one of Queensland’s largest NDIS providers of mental health and suicide prevention support, Selectability is here to help you explore the transformative effects decluttering can have on your mental health

A tidy space can create a calmer environment, reducing stress and making you feel more in control. It can also provide relief from mental health challenges like grief, depression, or anxiety. When you declutter, you create room to think clearly and make decisions more easily, boosting your focus and productivity. Letting go of things that no longer serve you can free up space not only in your home but also in your heart, bringing a sense of freedom and happiness.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with hoarding or decluttering, asking simple, reflective questions like, "What does this item mean to you?" or "Could you live without it?" can mean all the difference, and open up important conversations.

Hoarding can be a complex challenge, but with patience, empathy, and the right support, healing is certainly possible.

If you're ready to take the first step towards better mental health, pop into Selectability’s safe and welcoming space at Sarina’s Mental Health Hub on Broad St. Since opening late last year, it has been vital in supporting the mental wellbeing of the local community. Whether you’re looking to connect, learn new skills, or make new friends, the team is here to guide and support you.

Visit selectability.com.au/sarina to learn more.

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Can you help give this pet a second chance of a loving home?

If interested in adopting, please contact the Animal Management Centre on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) or visit during opening hours 11.30am -1.30pm or by appointment.

For more information on Mackay Regional Council's pound pets, visit the website: www.mackay.qld.gov.au/poundpet

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By Hannah McNamara

Tropical Cyclone Alfred caused significant damage across southeast Queensland, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and triggering severe flooding. Amid the destruction, the state’s first responders, including SES volunteers from Mackay, worked tirelessly to clear debris, deliver aid, and rescue residents. Queensland Police and other emergency services collaborated closely, with more than 2,200 SES volunteers responding to thousands of requests for help. Their coordinated efforts, supported by volunteers from northern Queensland, showcased unmatched resilience and teamwork, for which locals will forever be grateful. As recovery begins, this disaster will serve as a stepping stone, with the community uniting to rebuild and emerge stronger together.

Queensland’s First Responders’ Heroic Response To Cyclone Alfred

In the face of destruction, Tropical Cyclone Alfred has wreaked havoc across southeast Queensland, but if there’s one thing that remains unshakeable, it’s the dedication and commitment of our local SES crews and First Responders who have dropped everything to serve those in need.

As 450,000 properties were left without power and floodwaters continued to affect many areas, the support of emergency responders and volunteers has persisted, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

As Cyclone Alfred made landfall, it unleashed severe rainfall and flash flooding, affecting both Queensland and New South Wales. The damage was widespread, resulting in the largest power outage Queensland has ever experienced due to a natural disaster. But even amid the chaos, the response from communities across the state has been astounding.

Mackay's SES volunteers quickly deployed to assist in the hardest-hit areas, leaving behind their families and responsibilities to join forces with Queensland Police, Marine Rescue Queensland, and other emergency services. Together, they cleared debris, delivered supplies, and conducted rescues in flood-stricken zones.

Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers, including 176 deployed to the Gold Coast, worked side-by-side with SES teams to ensure residents were as prepared as possible. Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy expressed deep appreciation for the collaborative effort.

“This response reflects the strength of our partnerships across the service and the community, with police, staff, SES, Marine Rescue Queensland and others all working together to ensure our communities are as prepared and supported as possible.

“I want to particularly thank our colleagues from Far North Queensland, who are no strangers to these types of events,” Acting Commissioner Chelepy added.

“Their willingness to step up and assist is a reminder of the incredible teamwork and resilience our service demonstrates time and again.”

SES Chief Officer Mark Armstrong said, “We’re so appreciative of our northern members who’ve just gone through their own disaster event and have now come down to help out the southeast.”

A representative from the Queensland Police Service also thanked Central Queensland officers who had travelled to Brisbane to assist communities in the South-East that the severe weather had impacted.

“More than 100 extra police from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton have arrived in Brisbane, to support South-East communities impacted by the severe weather event.

“Thank you to our amazing Central Queensland SES volunteers who are being deployed to South East Queensland to assist communities prepare for Cyclone Alfred.”

While the road to recovery is long, the strength and unity shown by Queenslanders in the face of this disaster will surely carry them through to brighter days ahead.

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Business Break-In – Mount Pleasant

Police are investigating a break-in at a business on Grandview Drive, Mount Pleasant, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, March 11.

At approximately 2:00 a.m., unknown offenders gained entry to the premises, where they proceeded to search through drawers before stealing a quantity of food items. No other property has been reported stolen at this stage.

CCTV footage capturing the incident has been obtained by investigators. Police are urging anyone with information that may assist in identifying those responsible to come forward.
Authorities are also reminding business owners to review their security measures and report any suspicious activity in the area, regardless of how minor it may seem.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers or their local police station.

Missing Girl Located – Mackay

A girl reported missing from Rural View has been safely located, police confirmed on Tuesday, March 11.

Earlier in the day, an appeal was issued seeking public assistance after the girl was last seen at approximately 7:30 a.m. Concerns had been raised for her welfare due to her young age and the length of time since she had last been in contact with family.

Following investigative efforts and public support, she was found safe and well. Police have since removed all identifying details from the initial appeal.

Authorities have expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the community and have reiterated the importance of promptly reporting missing persons, particularly in cases involving young or vulnerable individuals.

Fatal Traffic Crash – Valkyrie

A 69-year-old Mackay man has died following a single-vehicle crash in Valkyrie, south of Mackay, on the morning of Saturday, March 8.

Emergency services were dispatched to Fitzroy Developmental Road shortly before 8:00 a.m. after receiving reports that a truck had left the roadway and collided with a tree. Upon arrival, paramedics confirmed that the driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, had passed away at the scene.

The Forensic Crash Unit has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including possible contributing factors such as road conditions, fatigue, or mechanical failure.

Police are appealing to any motorists who may have witnessed the crash or who were travelling in the area at the time and may have relevant dashcam footage to come forward.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police and quote reference number QP2500408514.

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When we talk about the cost-of-living crisis, we think of families struggling to keep a roof over their heads, pensioners making impossible choices at the checkout, and young people priced out of the housing market. But there’s another group quietly suffering—one that can’t speak for itself.

Pets are the forgotten casualties of the housing crisis. Rental shortages, financial strain, and changing circumstances are forcing people to surrender their animals, sometimes with heavy hearts, sometimes with no choice at all. And when there’s nowhere else to turn, it’s the tireless volunteers at local rescue organisations who step up, night and day, to ensure these animals aren’t left behind.

Mackay Pet Rescue Inc. is a prime example. In just 48 hours, they took in 18 animals—abandoned kittens, a dumped puppy, a grieving pet facing euthanasia after its owner passed away. Volunteers spent those two days dashing between vet clinics, pet stores, and homes, setting and checking traps, feeding neonates, and making space where none existed. They’re exhausted. But they keep going, because if they don’t, who will?

With around 65 animals in care and more arriving by the week, the burden on these rescues is immense. And this is just highlighting the effort of one of our fantastic rescue organisations in the region. They need food, foster carers, and helping hands. If you've ever thought about getting involved, now is the time. Because while the housing crisis continues to displace people, it’s also leaving countless animals without a home—and without the dedication of local rescuers, their fate would be far worse.

Amanda

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We’re about 10 weeks into 2025 and although there have been some significant global  changes, in many ways there is a feeling of more of the same.

Politically, the big shift has been a new bloke moving into the White House. The funny old dude who used to aimlessly wander the halls hoping he would recognise someone has been turfed-out.

The resulting changes have been quite dramatic. Humans who are born with male bits and pieces can no longer play sport against women in the US. Foreigners who used to casually walk over the border from Mexico now need to ask for permission.

Other changes have had a global impact, particularly those relating to policy on wars in Ukraine and Gaza, climate change, manufacturing and tariffs.

Depending on your political persuasion, you will either support or condemn the changes, although none of us will be happy about increased tariffs on Australian goods. But whatever your political view, there is no doubt that the bloke in charge is a disruptor who wants to create change.

Whenever I start a new year in real estate, I wonder what sort of changes we will face.

Last year was the strongest I have experienced in my 13 years of selling real estate in Mackay. The median price rose by around 25 per cent.

So I was wondering, when I came back to work in mid-January, whether there would be a slow-down from the previous year. I can safely say that has not been the case.

There has definitely not been a change in intensity and interest from local buyers and investors. In my experience, the thing that has changed is that local buyers, both long-term residents and newly arrived people, are aggressively stepping into the market.

Last year investors from southern regions were dictating prices but I have found this year that locals have decided that they are not going to sit on their hands waiting while prices continue go up. They are jumping in and securing their properties.

Investors are still there and I get dozens of phone calls every week from southern buyers’ agents telling me they have a long list of buyers looking to invest in Mackay.

But locals are asserting themselves this year and the competition for the limited number of properties on the market is continuing to push up prices.

And the properties are selling quickly. Everything I have sold this year has gone under contract in one or two weeks.

When a property comes on the market, buyers are ready to pounce. Some of them have missed out on earlier properties and they are willing to make strong offers to secure the new one.

And the numbers at open homes have been astounding. Sixty groups of buyers turned up at one Gardian open house last week.

The tight rental market has also not changed and that is continuing to help drive the sales market.

Will the market continue to rise? As always, the demand for our steel-making coal will have a big role to play and what happens internationally will determine the strength of the economies of Mackay and Australia generally.

The US stock market has been strong but suddenly looks shaky. Could there be a US recession or is a Trump-led US going to boom and drive the world economy, including Australia’s?

One thing hasn’t changed this year ... I still haven’t got a crystal ball.

Sure, lots of talk but he’s no Nostradamus.

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To celebrate her son’s fifth birthday, a mother and her son headed to one of Mackay’s most cherished spots—The Dispensary.

“It was my son’s 5th birthday, and he wanted to go out for breakfast—The Dispensary is his favourite,” the mother shared with a smile, knowing this outing was the perfect way to mark his special day.

The two enjoyed a hearty breakfast, soaking in the atmosphere and the birthday joy, when they made their way to the counter.

But what happened next took them by surprise.

“I was so surprised when the staff member came over to let me know our table had been paid for,” the mother said, still in disbelief.

Overwhelmed by the kindness, she turned to a local Facebook community page in hopes of finding the generous stranger.

She posted, “To the beautiful stranger who anonymously paid for mine and my son’s breakfast at The Dispensary that morning, thank you so, so much.

“I wish I knew who you were so I could thank you, so hopefully you see this post!

“You have absolutely made our day with your kindness. Lots of good karma coming your way.”

This simple, beautiful act made an already special birthday celebration even more unforgettable, and it’s a day they will forever get to cherish.

How can you spread kindness today?

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The birthday boy enjoying his special day with mum at The Dispensary. Photo supplied

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