Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
OPINION PIECE from the office of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox There is no question that immigration into Australia is out of control. The government’s numbers are too high, and standards are too low. A sustainable migration program must consider our capacity to provide housing, healthcare, infrastructure and the essential services everyone relies on, and Australians must come first. But Labor’s decision to target Working Holiday Makers Visa holders is not the answer. These people filling vital gaps in our workforce are not the cause of Australia’s housing crisis. In many cases, they are living in accommodation provided by the very businesses that employ them. The National Farmers’ Federation has made the point that Working Holiday Makers generally stay in hostels, caravan parks or purpose-built on-farm accommodation. Resorts usually have on-site staff quarters. They are not the source of Australia’s housing shortage. So why is Labor making it harder for them to come here, when these workers fill genuine jobs that regional Australia holds? Working Holiday Makers fill approximately one in seven farm jobs nationally and are particularly important during peak agricultural periods, which for Dawson, it is right now! Farmers rely on these workers to plant, pick, pack and harvest the produce that ends up on Australian supermarket shelves. Having run one of Australia’s largest tomato farms, at times Working Holiday Makers made up more than 50 per cent of my workforce. Without them, much of our crop simply would not have been picked in time and rotted in the paddock. Some may say, why not employ the Australians who don’t have a job and are on “the dole”? Can I say, this does not work. Most farmers will employ Aussies over travelling backpackers, but many either don’t want to do the work or don’t turn up after the first day. Who picks the fruit or veggies then? Farmers are already warning that visa delays are leaving them without workers. The NFF says approvals that once took days are now facing processing times of up to three months, and this time frame can be the difference between harvesting a crop or losing it. That should concern every Australian already feeling the pressure at the supermarket checkout. The same problem is playing out in tourism. Across Dawson, Working Holiday Makers are an important part of the workforce supporting tourism and hospitality, particularly in the Whitsundays. They help fill shifts, work in hotels and restaurants, support tour operators and keep businesses running through their busiest periods. They also contribute to the local economy. They spend money on food, fuel, attractions and tours, supporting the small businesses that depend on a strong visitor economy. That is why tourism and business leaders across North Queensland are raising the alarm. They understand what happens when a regional business cannot get enough staff: opening hours are reduced, and services are cut, creating a downward spiral. We do need to reduce migration to sustainable levels. We need stronger integrity measures, and we need to crack down on rorts. But responsible migration policy means understanding which parts of the system are creating pressure and which parts are helping Australia function. Working Holiday Makers are not the problem. They are part of the workforce solution for regional. Australia. People have had a gutful of watching their standard of living go backwards. Groceries, fuel, housing and everyday expenses are already putting enormous pressure on families. The last thing Australians need is another reckless policy that makes it harder to produce food, harder to run regional businesses and harder for tourism operators to find the workers they need.
Read the full storySomeone sold a house in Sydney last week for $9 million less than they bought it for four or five years ago. The sellers had bought the property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for $29 million and sold it for $20 million in a sale forced by their bank. I imagine the sellers are a little disappointed by the government’s decisions on negative gearing and capital gains tax and feeling pretty hurt by the increased interest rates. Australia’s interest rates are on the rise and are now sitting at levels not seen since 2011. Increased cost of living is hurting people around the country and interest rates are playing into that. But the impact of interest rates is not felt evenly around the country. The far-higher property prices mean people in the major cities suffer much more than regional areas with the rates increase. That is certainly not to say people in Mackay are unaffected by the cost of living; it’s just that the impact of interest rates increase on a $400,000 mortgage is much less than the impact on a $1m mortgage. There are other Mackay-specific factors that are in play when discussing the current housing market. The big factor is the role of coal in our economy. Most of the coal extracted and exported from our region is coking coal, which is used to make steel. The price of coking coal is around $280 a tonne, which is about 50 per cent up. Good activity in the coal market translates to good news for the Mackay economy, as it is an economic engine that other cities and regions just don’t have. Good activity in Bowen Basin flows throughout the Mackay economy; Paget workshops, transport, suppliers and related businesses all benefit. But so do other, non-mining-related businesses as they benefit from the general confidence and spending that goes on. The strong mining activity also means mines need to keep their staff levels up and that means more people moving to Mackay. Of course, Mackay is much more than a coal mining town but if the coal sector is going well those other areas definitely benefit. It is a confidence boost for Mackay people looking to get into the housing market and those wanting to upgrade or downsize. It also means continuing strong demand from people wanting to rent a property and it will be interesting to see what sort of activity that creates from investors. Investors have walked away from the big-city markets because they can no longer use negative gearing on established properties that do not have a sufficient yield to be positively geared. Negative gearing has never been a big thing in Mackay because our prices are lower and rental returns continue to be strong so many investors have a positively geared property. Around the country everyone is nervous about the state of play and the probability of more interest rate rises. But strong coal prices and an economy that is performing well mean Mackay might just be presenting an opportunity for buyers and sellers that doesn’t exist in other parts. I remember when national confidence was flying high and Mackay prices were going up significantly that many buyers were saying “I wish we had bought a while ago when the market wasn’t so hot”. I’m not armed with a crystal ball so I’m not here to tell you what is going to happen but I suspect there is a very good buying window right now for those looking for an opportunity.
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A local Mackay and Sarina based model has created a dress out of newspapers, including Mackay Life, for her upcoming pageant, representing her region and hometown on the runway as she vies for Miss Diamond International in Brisbane. Zoe Place will be competing this weekend in the three-day event, beginning this Friday 2nd October and ending on Sunday 4th October. The young model spent around a month creating her eco-fashion outfit, using old newspapers as the main material and transforming them into a bodice, skirt and flowers. Red elements were also incorporated into the design to give the dress a bold and glamorous pageant feel. Zoe said, “The entire concept was really about taking something that would normally be thrown away and turning it into something beautiful and meaningful.” Her eco-fashion creation will form part of a busy weekend in Brisbane, with the Miss Diamond International event including photo shoots, interviews, an eco-fashion show and the final pageant. Zoe has been preparing for the event by practising her strut and walking, preparing for interviews and getting comfortable in the different outfits she will wear throughout the weekend. Alongside her love of modelling, pageantry has also provided Zoe with a platform to raise awareness about causes close to her heart, including mental health, while fundraising for Beyond Blue. “Pageantry has given me more of a platform to combine my love for modelling with something that is really important to me.” “When I first started, I was more nervous about putting myself out there and worried about what others would think about me – but I’ve changed a lot through my journey in pageantry.” “Pageantry has also taught me that it’s not about how you look on stage. It’s about the person you are when you step off it.” “Every woman has their own unique journey and that journey is something we should all be really proud of.” “To me, it represents confidence, empowerment, kindness, and using your voice to make a difference.” Zoe said she was looking forward to meeting the other contestants, making new connections and creating memories. “I’m definitely looking forward to meeting all the new contestants and making new connections and creating memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime.” While Zoe hopes to eventually move to the city, her sights are set even further afield, with a dream of one day walking in New York Fashion Week. Mackay and Sarina local Zoe Place has created an eco-fashion dress from recycled newspapers, including Mackay Life, ahead of her Miss Diamond International pageant in Brisbane. Photos supplied
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Trends, reels and the endless cycle of always wanting more has quietly bombarded the minds of countless social media users of all ages, but one former Mackay local has made it her mission to help others understand the effects of social media and find practical ways to break free from online addiction. Alexis Zahner is in Mackay over the next week to teach upcoming generations about social media and the effects it can have on the mind, particularly on identity, self-discovery, as well as the marketing strategies that get viewers hooked and influence their decisions. It is something Alexis knows first-hand can be a useful tool, but also a great disruption to authenticity and the world as we see and experience it. Alexis will hold a free meet and greet and book launch today, Friday 2nd October, at 5.30pm at the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, where she will give a talk and answer questions relating to her debut book, Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies. A former Mackay girl, Alexis spent the past 15 years working across business psychology, marketing and media, with her interest in social media influence beginning during her university studies at James Cook University in Townsville. Her own experience as a social media user, travel blogger and influencer eventually led her to question how much of her identity, decisions and values were being shaped by what she saw online. “The tipping point came for me about 3 years ago when I had this feeling that I couldn't separate influence from my own personal decision making,” she said. “I couldn't separate my own likes, dislikes, values, relationships from what I was being exposed to and being influenced by online.” “I found that I needed to take some time away from social media to recalibrate what was important to me and sort of reconnect and come back to myself.” Alexis said she understood the feeling of questioning who you are outside of social media. “I know what it feels like to live a life under the influence of social media and have that existential crisis of thinking to yourself, who am I? What do I like? What's the kind of life I want to live? and struggling to separate myself from influence.” Alexis is particularly passionate about reaching teenagers, who she says are in an important stage of identity development, and will share this message with Mackay high school students during her upcoming school talks. “Teenagers are really easily influenced by social media. So it's a really important age where we start educating them – not just on the mental health repercussions of things like social media and how it shortens their attention span, but how it actually influences who they become.” “If you're asking yourself these questions, it's not your fault. Social media is actually geared to create this impact on you.” Alexis encourages people of all ages to “start expanding beyond what you see on the platform.” “Dare to indulge in the things that you've always been curious about or things you used to love,” she said. “Don't be afraid to put the phone down to let yourself be curious and have fun.” What: Alexis Zahner's 'Real' Book launch When: 5.30pm Friday 2nd October 2026 Where: Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club Former Mackay local and author Alexis Zahner is returning home to share her experiences with social media and her debut book, Real. Photo supplied
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OPINION PIECE by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox
Seniors who spent decades working hard, paying taxes, and saving to fund their own future have earned the right to stability and security in their retirement. You expect your government to respect that lifetime of contribution. You do not expect it to target your retirement savings the moment you turn 65.
Yet that is the harsh reality facing tens of thousands of seniors across Dawson under a policy shift by the Albanese Labor Government as part of its latest budget cash grab.
Starting in April 2027, the government will abolish the extra private health insurance rebate built specifically to keep healthcare affordable for retirees on fixed incomes. Right now, older Australians receive a higher rebate tier to offset the loss of a regular wage. Labor is scrapping that support to help cover its own budget deficit.
The financial penalty is severe. Support drops from 28.1 per cent down to 24.1 per cent for people aged 65 to 69; for anyone 70 or older, it plunges from 32.2 per cent to 24.1 per cent.
In real dollars, this decision forces a massive annual price hike on vulnerable members of our community on fixed incomes. On average, this adds up to around $807 more for singles and $1,614 more for couples on comprehensive cover.
Under a Labor-created cost of living crisis where the price of basic necessities are rapidly rising, adding around $1,600 a year to a retiree’s healthcare is not insignificant, it is a heartless and brutal blow to locals who are already struggling under record electricity, grocery, and insurance costs.
Labor ministers can spin this as a routine adjustment, but internal department documents obtained under Freedom of Information expose the ugly truth. Federal health bureaucrats knew exactly what this cut would trigger: pensioners skipping meals and medicines, downgradingtheir protection, or dropping private cover entirely to join endless public waitlists in severe pain for joint replacements.
And while this policy directly punishes seniors for self-funding their healthcare, the fallout will be felt by every family in our region.
Nearly half of all Age Pensioners make significant personal sacrifices to maintain private health cover because prompt treatment matters. Forcing them out of private health does not make their medical needs vanish, a failing heart or damaged joint still requires surgery. The only difference is that these patients will be shifted directly into local public hospital queues, piling unsustainable pressure onto doctors, nurses, and beds throughout our hospitals in Dawson.
The economics behind this decision are completely backwards. Independent analysis confirms that for every single dollar the Federal Government saves by stripping away this rebate, our public hospital system will absorb $1.20 in extra emergency admissions and surgeries.
It is a short-sighted cost-shift that treats local retirees like cash machines, will push state hospitals to breaking point, and has the real potential to blow out surgical wait times across the region.
The Coalition firmly believes that if you take responsibility for your own healthcare, your government should support you, not penalise you. Seniors who built our communities deserve dignity and stability in retirement.
I want to hear directly from you about how this budget decision will impact your household. I have set up an online petition to gather our community's voice: if you are able, please fill it out at http://lbr.al/89sk. If you cannot access a computer, you can contact my office directly on (07) 4944 0662 or pop in to see us at Level 2, 47 Gordon Street, Mackay.
The Coalition will fight this unfair health tax every step of the way in Parliament to protect our retirees and defend our regional health services.
Council budgets are complex; we work on small margins, but at their heart they are about balancing affordability for ratepayers with the need to maintain essential services, renew ageing infrastructure and plan responsibly for a growing community.
This year’s budget highlights the significant cost of delivering services across the region. Employee costs for about 1200 staff are budgeted at $124.932 million, with materials and services at $149.189 million. These include everyday essentials such as contractors, electricity, insurance, gravel and other consumables that keep council operations running.
Council will also pay about $4.9 million – $970K in annual interest on loans and $3.479 million on the unwinding discount on rehabilitation provisions, while depreciation on assets including buildings, roads and underground pipe systems is $107.892 million. While depreciation is not always visible, it reflects the ageing of essential infrastructure residents rely on daily.
Capital expenditure is budgeted at $127.352 million, including new infrastructure such as the Northern Beaches Community Hub and renewals of existing assets. These investments are needed as our region grows and ageing infrastructure must be repaired, renewed or replaced.
Council has worked hard to keep rates lower than many Queensland councils over the past decade. That has helped households, but it also creates pressure. Like a family on a tight budget, council must make careful choices, look for savings and avoid spending beyond its means. Remembering wants versus needs.
In some areas, council has had to reduce activities, services or delay work. I believe we now need to focus strongly on getting core services back to where they should be, while being clear about wants versus needs.
At the same time, the community rightly expects investment in places to live, gather, play and connect. The Northern Beaches, now home to more than 20,000 people, is a clear example of why long-term planning matters. Community infrastructure can take many years to move from an idea and business case through planning, design, funding and construction.
Rate increases are never easy, but they are necessary to meet rising costs, protect essential services and build for the future. My commitment is to keep asking questions and seeking answers about how council can approach future budgets differently. If we keep doing the same thing, we will get the same result. Before the real number crunching begins later this year, we need to be clear about what the next budget should look like and how we can deliver positive change for a liveable, connected and growing region.
Photo source: Mackay regional Council
The future of one of North Mackay's best-known parks is now in the hands of the community, with residents invited to share their ideas for John Breen Park and Centenary Place.
Mackay Regional Council is developing a long-term vision for the 11-hectare park along Goosepond Creek, with the plan guiding its future over the next 20 years.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the park has a proud history within the region.
“The original North Mackay Recreation Reserve was opened in 1940 by the former Pioneer Shire Council and has played host to everything from greyhound racing cycling to tennis, vigaro and cricket,” Mayor Williamson said.
“The park has always been a hive of activity and it’s clear this is an important and much-loved part of the region,” he said.
“What we are doing through this master planning process is ensuring that it continues to meet the needs of the community.”
Residents can share their ideas from August 10th to August 23rd through Connecting Mackay or at a pop-up event at John Breen Park from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday, August 15th. A draft Master Plan will then be developed, with further community feedback expected from October.
Acclaimed Sunshine Coast artist Simone Eisler is inviting the community to explore a captivating story of family, migration and transformation through her latest public art installation.
Titled How Does Your Garden Grow? the work is on display as of Friday 7th August, and uses the symbolism of gardens to reflect on heritage, change and the connections that shape our lives across generations.
Ms Eisler is an artist with a national and international profile whose sculptural, public art and multimedia practice investigates themes of transformation in nature and human society.
Her work explores ideas of gardens, species evolution and family history, revealing how change occurs through journeying, cross-pollination and adaptation.
Ms Eisler said How Does Your Garden Grow? focused on her own family history and her ancestral connections to Mackay.
“After doing some research, I discovered my paternal great-great grandfather, Francis (Frank) Henry O’Reilly, had emigrated from Ireland to Mackay around 1870,” Ms Eisler said.
“He became the proprietor of The Working Men’s Store at 8 Sydney Street, which many people would know until recently as The Paper Chain,”
“I found that the shop had stunning stained-glass windows, which inspired me to transform this imagery into portals to the past, where insects, birds, flowers and leaves carry stories, maps and memories from other places and times.”
Ms Eisler’s process involved creating linework imagery based on the actual leadwork of the windows, which she then used to frame her digital photographic design.
The installation continues a body of family history work previously exhibited at the State Library of Queensland and Noosa Regional Gallery.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the building and its beautiful stained-glass windows represented an important historical part of Mackay’s history.
“This building is one of the oldest surviving structures at this end of Sydney Street, with many destroyed during the 1918 Mackay Cyclone,” Mayor Williamson said.
“The old timber building, with its verandah over the footpath, and its beautiful stained-glass windows give us a glimpse into what our city looked like during our early days,” he said.
“Ms Eisler’s artwork depicts not only this significant building, but also the journey of the people who have moved here to make the region what it is today.”
The series combines historical references with contemporary digital photographic collage, creating visually striking works that invite audiences to reflect on family connections, movement and belonging.
Ms Eisler worked with Mackay Regional Council Libraries’ Heritage team at the Dudley Denny City Library to obtain images of Sydney Street and information about her ancestor and his store.
She also worked with Genealogical Society of Mackay, who by coincidence, were preparing a profile of him for their records.
Sunshine Coast artist Simone Eisler has explored her Mackay ancestry to create her latest work, How Does Your Garden Grow?, which is on display at the Dudley Denny City Library. Photo supplied by Mackay Regional Council
Hospitality students from Mackay North State High School gained practical event experience while helping Mantra Mackay deliver the 2026 Flagon & Dragon charity function. Photo supplied by North Mackay State High School
One of Mackay’s most distinctive charity events has passed a major milestone, with Flagon & Dragon now raising more than $2.3 million for local children and families.
The invitation-only 2026 Flagon & Dragon raised $300,000 when Mackay’s business community gathered at Mantra Mackay on Friday, July 31st.
First held at The Oriental restaurant more than three decades ago, the biennial event combines fun and fundraising to support sick Mackay children and their families.
Guests entered an elaborate China-themed setting featuring lanterns and a large traditional dragon, while Certificate II in Hospitality students from Mackay North State High School and Mackay Northern Beaches State High School worked alongside Mantra staff to deliver the two-course function.
The unpaid placement helped students fulfil course requirements while gaining practical experience in food and beverage service, event preparation, set-up and pack-down.
Mantra Functions Supervisor Zoe Livermore said the students had grown significantly in confidence and capability from their first placements to now, becoming more independent and willing to take initiative.
“They get great reviews from the guests as well,” Ms Livermore said.
North High students will continue building their experience in coming weeks, including at the Mackay Hospital and Health Service Awards Gala and a major fundraiser for the Trudy Crowley Foundation, both hosted at Mantra.
Flagon & Dragon Committee Chair Scott Jamieson thanked long-time sponsor McDonald’s Mackay, the full sponsor lineup, Mackay’s business community, the volunteer committee and attendees for making the event “truly special”.
“The reason so many are so willing to give generously is because Flagon & Dragon is more than just an event,” Mr Jamieson said.
“All profits go towards providing crucial equipment to Mackay children in need. Our aim is to provide support for local families when they are going through a tough time, so the family can stay here in Mackay to get the treatment and care they need.”
More information and the full sponsor list are available at flagonanddragon.com.au.
The Rotary Club of Mackay has marked a major milestone, celebrating 100 years of service to the community with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and a mural honouring the organisation's rich history and far-reaching impact.
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson attended the unveiling on Tuesday evening, where the plaque was installed at the site where the club's founding members first met to discuss establishing a Rotary club in Mackay.
The plaque has been placed on the wall of the former Imperial Hotel building in Victoria Street, thanks to the support of Brown and Bird's Andrew Duck and Chris Wright. Visitors can scan a barcode on the plaque to learn more about the club's history.
The story of the Rotary Club of Mackay dates back to July 1926, when Brisbane Rotarian Tom McWilliam travelled to Mackay to investigate whether a local chapter could be formed. Following a series of meetings, including a preliminary gathering at the Imperial Hotel on July 27th the club was officially established, with its charter granted later that year.
As part of the centenary celebrations, artist Martin Jegou, of Gwada Murals, created a mural reflecting Rotary's local and international contributions over the past century. The artwork highlights the club's support for youth programs, healthcare initiatives, homelessness services, domestic and family violence prevention, reconciliation projects and environmental efforts.
Over the decades, the club has contributed to projects throughout the Mackay region, across Australia and internationally, including work in Vanuatu and Timor-Leste, while continuing to uphold Rotary's enduring commitment to service above self.
Image source: Queensland Police Service, Mackay & Sarina
A 46-year-old man from Beaconsfield has been charged following investigations into a break and enter at an East Mackay residence on 18th July.
Police will allege the man unlawfully entered a retirement facility on McIntyre Street between 2pm and 4.30pm on 18th July, stealing multiple items from the residence of a 95-year-old woman. The stolen property allegedly included jewellery, identificationand cash.
As part of ongoing investigations, police executed a search warrant at a Bellavista Court address in Beaconsfield on 28th July, where several items of jewellery were allegedly located.
The 46-year-old has been charged with enter dwelling and commit, and possessing dangerous drugs. He has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear before Mackay Magistrates Court on 3rd August.
The investigation forms part of Operation Yankee Forge, a six-month, district-led statewide initiative targeting high-harm and high-volume offences, including unlawful use of motor vehicles, unlawful entry and robbery.
The operation is designed to strengthen community safety by enhancing policing activities across Queensland, with officers undertaking coordinated disruption operations aimed at reducing victim numbers and holding offenders accountable.
Supported by specialist squads, police regions will focus on crime prevention through increased visibility while preventing, disrupting and investigating offences, with particular emphasis on unlawful use of motor vehicles, robbery and unlawful entry. The initiative is locally led and centrally coordinated, drawing on the knowledge and experience of officers within their communities.
Reference number: QP2601392813
Sarina Police are seeking the public's assistance to help identify the owner of a trailer seized during a search warrant at Armstrong Beach on 2nd July.
The trailer, pictured, was seized by Sarina Police during the execution of the search warrant.
Anyone with information about the trailer or its contents is urged to contact Sarina Police on 4964 8444 or report information at any time via Policelink.
Reference number QP2601281517
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The proposed site for the approved McDonald's development at 230 Anzac Avenue, Marian. Photo source: Mackay Regional Council
A proposed McDonald's restaurant for Marian has been approved by Mackay Regional Council, despite attracting dozens of community submissions, a petition and ongoing concerns about its location on the banks of the Pioneer River.
The proposed 24-hour food and drink outlet will be built at 230 Anzac Avenue, with council confirming it was legally required to assess the application against the Mackay Region Planning Scheme and the State Government's Planning Act.
Council received 52 public submissions and a petition opposing the development, with many residents raising concerns about traffic, pedestrian safety, environmental impacts and the loss of valuable riverfront land.
Mayor Greg Williamson said council understood the concerns raised by the community but was bound by legislation when determining the application.
"Based on the amended plans, supporting reports and State Government approval now before council, the proposal was determined to largely satisfy the applicable assessment benchmarks. Where non-compliances were identified, these were able to be dealt with via conditions and have been approved subject to a number of conditions, including conditions designed to limit its impact on neighbours," Mayor Williamson said.
Council Chief Executive Officer Gerard Carlyon said while many residents opposed the proposal, the site had been zoned for mixed-use development since 2017.
"While council appreciates a number of community members are opposed to a McDonald's in that location, the reality is that the land was zoned for mixed use development, including commercial development back in 2017 and the site has been available for McDonald's or any other suitable commercial development since that time," Mr Carlyon said.
Under Queensland's planning laws, the application was assessed as a code assessable development, meaning council was required to determine it against the planning scheme rather than public opinion. While community submissions were considered, the application had to be approved if it complied with the planning requirements or could be made compliant through conditions.
Because Anzac Avenue is a State-controlled road, the Queensland Government was responsible for assessing traffic, road access and pedestrian safety. That approval was granted on June 30th and included conditions requiring a dedicated right-turn lane, a centre median with a pedestrian refuge and improved pedestrian connections.
The outcome has disappointed members of the Pioneer Valley Community Alliance, which had campaigned for the proposed McDonald's to be relocated to a more suitable commercial site rather than the Pioneer River frontage.
Campaign spokesperson Karla Costello argued the proposal was not appropriate for a venue specifically designed to attract children and families.
"McDonald's is actively designing this venue to attract children, birthday parties and family groups, yet it has not demonstrated that those families can safely park, cross the road and reach the restaurant," Mrs Costello said.
The group also questioned the proposal's impact on the Pioneer River frontage, pedestrian access and parking, while a Change.Org petition opposing the location attracted more than 1,500 verified signatures available via www.change.org/p/stop-mcdonald-s-from-being-built-on-the-pioneer-river.
Although the campaign acknowledged Marian could support a McDonald's restaurant, it maintained the business should be built within the established commercial precinct rather than on the riverfront.
Council has now approved the development subject to conditions.
Mackay & Sons House Removals and Demolition is taking part in this year's Queensland MACK Muster Charity Convoy to raise funds for two deserving Queensland charities. Photo source: Mackay & Sons House Removals and Demolition
Mackay & Sons House Removals and Demolition is hitting the road for a cause, joining this year's Queensland MACK Muster Charity Convoy to help raise vital funds for two Queensland charities supporting families through some of life's toughest challenges.
Proudly organised by the Woodford Lions Club, the annual convoy brings together truck owners and operators from across the state, with all proceeds split equally between the Jackson Hepner Foundation and Get Yourself Checked.
Established in memory of Jackson Hepner, the Jackson Hepner Foundation provides practical and emotional support to young people battling cancer and their families through care hampers, financial assistance and community support.
Meanwhile, Get Yourself Checked is dedicated to raising awareness of men's health, particularly prostate cancer, encouraging regular health checks and promoting the importance of early detection.
Mackay & Sons is calling on the community to get behind its fundraising efforts, with every dollar donated going directly to the two charities.
"Every donation, big or small, helps these amazing organisations continue their life-changing work," the team said.
To support Mackay & Sons' Queensland MACK Muster fundraising campaign, visit the Queensland MACK Muster website and sponsor the team's trucks.
Mackay community members came together for powerful workshops focused on healing, respectful relationships and creating positive change for future generations. Photo supplied by Zonta Club of Mackay
Powerful conversations about healing, accountability and respectful relationships took centre stage in Mackay when the Zonta Club of Mackay hosted two She Is Not Your Rehab events featuring internationally recognised speaker Matt Brown.
Bringing together frontline workers, educators and community members, the events encouraged honest reflection on trauma, personal responsibility and the importance of breaking harmful cycles for future generations.
Held with the support of local organisations and volunteers, the free sessions highlighted the Mackay community's commitment to creating safer, stronger and more connected communities. Through storytelling, shared experiences and practical tools, attendees were reminded that meaningful change often begins with a single conversation.
Zonta Cub of Mackay recently hosted two powerful She Is Not Your Rehab events, creating important conversations around healing, accountability, respectful relationships, and the prevention of domestic and family violence.
Presented by Matt Brown, co-founder of She Is Not Your Rehab, the events challenged participants to reflect on their own stories, the impact of childhood experiences, and the role each person can play in creating healthier families and communities.
The workforce development event brought together professionals from across the DFV, community and education sectors. The free session provided an opportunity for those working on the frontline to explore how understanding trauma, emotional wellbeing, and personal responsibility can enhance their support for individuals and families.
The community event, held at Mackay North State High School, welcomed community members for an evening of honest storytelling, reflection, and connection. Through powerful lived experience and practical tools, attendees were encouraged to consider how breaking cycles of hurt and choosing healing can create positive change for future generations.
Matt Brown shared a powerful message throughout the event:
“We can’t heal what we won’t acknowledge. The work starts with looking within ourselves, understanding our story, and choosing to do things differently for the people we love.”
A key resource highlighted during the events was the Inner Boy app, a free wellbeing tool designed to help people reflect on their emotions, build self-awareness, and begin the process of reconnecting with the younger parts of themselves that may still carry pain, fear, or unresolved experiences.
The response from both events highlighted the Mackay community’s willingness to have courageous conversations and be part of creating meaningful change. Addressing domestic and family violence requires more than awareness—it requires education, reflection, accountability, and a commitment from all members of the community.
These events were made possible through the generous support of community partners and sponsors, including the Queensland Mental Health Commission, Mackay West Rotary Club, Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research (QCDFVR) and Rotary Club of Mackay. Their support helped bring this important conversation to Mackay and demonstrated a shared commitment to building safer, stronger communities.
By continuing to challenge harmful behaviours, encourage healing, and promote respectful relationships, Mackay is taking important steps towards a future where every person has the opportunity to feel safe, valued, and supported.
The Whitsundays might still be enjoying cool mornings and dry days, but the tropical wet season will be here before we know it. While there's no need to rush into storm preparations, spring is the ideal time to get ahead on the jobs that are easier to tackle in mild weather.
Start by checking your roof for loose screws or damaged sheets, trimming back overhanging branches and making a note of any gutters that need cleaning before the first heavy rains arrive. Spreading these jobs over a few weekends now can save a last-minute scramble later in the year.
It's also a good time to give the garden some attention, before it’s forced to hold its own against the elements. Pull weeds, top up mulch and prune back plants so they'll be ready for the warmer months ahead. Outdoor furniture can be cleaned and checked for signs of wear before barbecue season gets underway.
Inside the home, consider servicing your air conditioner before the heat returns. A quick check now can help avoid long waits once demand increases heading into summer. The last thing you want is to be boiling over a broken system.
Whether you're preparing your family home or an investment property, tackling a few maintenance jobs during spring can help your property weather the tropical months ahead while making the most of the region's pleasant winter conditions.
Six-month-old calico Paisley is searching for a patient family. Photo supplied: Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue.
Some friendships take a little time to blossom, and for six-month-old Paisley, the reward is well worth the wait.
This beautiful calico rescue cat may be shy when meeting new people, but it doesn't take long for her gentle personality to shine through. Once Paisley feels at home, she's happiest curled up beside her favourite person, earning her the title of the ultimate "Velcro cat."
Paisley has done well around older children and is searching for an indoor-only home where she can continue to grow. At just six months old, she's becoming more curious by the day and is ready to spend her kitten months exploring, playing and building lifelong bonds with her new family.
Desexed, vaccinated, microchipped and up to date with her veterinary care, Paisley is ready to find the forever family she deserves.
If you think Paisley could be the perfect addition to your home, contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue by direct messaging your name, phone number and "Paisley" to begin the adoption process.
No matter where you live in the Whitsundays, you should feel like your Council is delivering for your community. That's something my fellow Councillors and I are committed to, whether it's a major infrastructure project or smaller improvements that make everyday life a little better.
From Bowen to Collinsville, Proserpine to Airlie Beach, and our smaller rural communities, every town has its own character, its own priorities and its own story. Our job as a Council is to make sure we're delivering for all of them.
I was delighted to see the new Dingo Beach Swimming Enclosure completed after being rebuilt following Tropical Cyclone Kirrily. It's more than just a swimming enclosure to the Dingo Beach residents as it's a much-loved community asset that'sbeen bringing families together for generations.
What's even more special is that the original enclosure was built by local residents back in the 1960s using tea tree branches and netting. That community spirit is still alive today, with more than 600 people providing feedback that helped shape the design of the new enclosure through consultation.
The swimming enclosure is just one of several projects currently underway across the Gloucester community. The Gloucester Avenue road upgrade is progressing well, delivering safer access and improved drainage, while construction of the new Gloucester Trail will soon provide a beautiful walking connection between Dingo Beach and Hydeaway Bay.
These projects might seem small when compared with some of our major regional investments, but they're every bit as important. They improve everyday life, make our communities more connected and help showcase some of the most beautiful parts of the Whitsundays.
Whether we're delivering housing-enabling infrastructure in Cannonvale, Proserpine and Bowen, building new community hubs in Cannonvale and Collinsville, or investing in communities like Dingo Beach and Hydeaway Bay, our commitment is the same—to ensure every corner of the Whitsunday Region shares in the benefits of Council investment.
Because strong communities aren't measured by their size. They're measured by the pride people have in the place they call home, and that's something worth investing in.
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce & Industry is inviting businesses from across the region to step out of the workplace and into the inaugural Chamber Games 2026.
Taking place from 3:00pm–5:00pm on Thursday 27th August at Club Whitsunday, the Chamber Games is a new community event celebrating teamwork, participation, and a healthy dose of friendly competition.
Open to businesses, community groups, and individuals, the Games will see teams of four rotate through a series of fun, accessible challenges inspired by local sporting clubs. No specialist skills or sporting experience are needed – just a willingness to have a go.
The event follows the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference, but attendance at the Conference is not required. Whether you're joining us after the Conference or simply coming along for the Games, everyone is welcome.
Teams will compete for the Gold Medal Team and the inaugural Chamber Games Perpetual Trophy, along with Silver and Bronze medals and the Best Dressed Team Award.
Whitsundays Chamber President Allan Milostic said the Chamber Games was created to encourage businesses to celebrate the importance of teamwork in a fun and inclusive way.
"Strong businesses are built on strong teams. The Chamber Games is an opportunity to bring colleagues together, support our local sporting community and enjoy an afternoon that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's about participation, encouragement and having fun together."
Don't have a team of four? No problem. If you're keen to take part but need teammates, get in touch with the Chamber and we'll do our best to connect you with others looking to join a team.
With team entry just $20 for a team of four, it's an affordable way to celebrate your workplace, build team spirit and enjoy an afternoon of fun.
So gather your colleagues, choose a team name, wear your colours, bring your cheer squad, and get ready to take on the challenge.
Registrations are now open. We'd love to see businesses from across the Whitsundays represented on the field when the inaugural Chamber Games gets underway on 27th August.
Event Details
What: Chamber Games 2026
When: 3pm-5pm Thursday 27th August
Where: Club Whitsunday, Airlie Beach
Register: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/2026-chamber-games/
The mayor meeting his new coworker on the council, GJ. Photo supplied: Mayor Ry Collins.
Between the check-in counters, security and departure gates at Whitsunday Coast Airport, there is one team member whose job is to bring a little more ease to passengers before they fly.
Meet GJ, Whitsunday Coast Airport's four-legged therapy dog. Since joining the airport earlier this year, the chocolate Labrador has been swapping boarding passes for belly rubs, helping bring a sense of calm to travellers before they take to the skies.
Trained and assessed through Therapy Dogs Australia, GJ is right at home in the busy airport environment. Whether it's a wagging tail, a gentle nudge of the nose or sitting quietly beside someone, he's always happy to brighten a passenger's day and help ease any pre-flight nerves.
GJ's airport journey began after his family reached out to Whitsunday Coast Airport following his qualification as a therapy dog.
The partnership complements the airport's focus this year on creating a smooth and stress-free travel experience, alongside initiatives like its free curbside assistance program.
GJ's role is also set to extend beyond the terminal, with the four-legged ambassador soon joining Whitsunday Regional Council's Book Magic program, helping children build confidence and a love of reading through the calming presence of a canine companion.
GJ was unable to comment on this story as he is enjoying some much-deserved annual leave this August and will return, tail wagging, come September.
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