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Local tourism operators are expressing concern toward troubling times ahead, with the federal government’s new visa restrictions set to shrink the backpacker workforce that drives seasonal operations. The Federal Government’s proposed cuts to Working Holiday Visas have raised concerns across two of the Whitsundays’ biggest industries. Bowen farmers warned that fewer backpackers could leave crops unpicked, and now tourism leaders in Airlie Beach have added that the same cuts could leave local businesses scrambling to find workers that aren’t there. At Airlie Beach’s Heart of the Great Barrier Reef sign, Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins spoke about what the proposed changes could mean for a region that relies heavily on tourism. “We can't have Airlie Beach named Australia's top tourism town in the small category and then have the knees cut out from us by federal policy,” Tim said. The proposed changes form part of the Federal Government’s effort to reduce migration, a topic that has been of hot debate by all three parties that Mayor Ry Collins believes the working holiday visas should be separated from. “Obviously the federal government is really coming in with broad brushstrokes to try and address the publicly perceived issue around net overseas migration (NOM),” said Mayor Collins. “Some of the dialogue I heard last week in Canberra was actually taking that working holiday maker class completely out of the NOM calculation. “I think that's a fair and reasonable way that they can make the numbers look as good as they want but it won't affect the actual number of workers that are here to support our industries.” The new restrictions look to cut the second-year extension on Working Holiday Visas from 57,000 to 45,000 slots, and 3rd year extension from 31,000 to just 5,000. According to Tourism Whitsundays, the Whitsundays hosts about 3,500 backpacker workers at any given time of the year. “I think for regions like the Whitsunday’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average by 0.9%, so at a 3.5% unemployment rate, we just don't have the workforce there that can pick up these roles that the working holidaymaker delivers for our communities,” Tim said. According to figures released by Tourism Whitsundays, in the year ending March 2026, domestic visitors spent $959.1 million in the region and international visitors spent a further $271.8 million. This spending was made possible by the abundance of workers delivering those experiences. “[Working holidaymakers] do a terrific job already in delivering world-class experiences, particularly here in the Whitsundays,” said Mayor Collins. “We do see working holidaymakers really take up that mantle, particularly in areas like customer service roles, hospitality roles, housekeeping roles... “What we're asking for is that we can stay strong as an entire tourism industry.” Having just returned from Canberra, the pair said raising regional and statewide voices is crucial to persuading the Federal Government to reconsider how the proposed restrictions would apply. “And then at a federal level, obviously through our federal member Andrew Wilcox, but we've also engaged with the members of the Labor Party around that as well. “But unfortunately it's starting to feel like a number of issues that we're campaigning on…along with things like disaster recovery funding arrangements which was one we linked into last week.” Photo caption: Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins and CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Tim Booth. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
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In this world of AI and other technological advancements, you don’t want to be the person who wanders around the office like a big old clumsy Tyrannosaurus Rex bumping into all the youngsters and stepping on their laptops and other devices. It’s one of the challenges of our times; getting the balance right in business in a world that is increasingly controlled by AI, robotics and a rapidly changing IT environment. I remember, some years ago now, when older family members had refused to embrace computer technology and mobile phones etc. They were really left behind and felt excluded in a world that had moved ahead without them. I’ve got a 19-year-old son who doesn’t have to think about it. Current and evolving technology is part of his life and, like others in his age group, he is completely at ease with something that is just part of his make-up and comprehension of the world around him. The trap you can fall into is letting the kids do all the IT stuff for you. My son set up our old TV with all the streaming services etc, which was the easy option for me, but I find it’s important to get involved and do it yourself otherwise everything will move ahead and you won’t be able to do things for yourself. But I am still stuck in some of the old ways. If I am ordering a takeaway meal I still ring the restaurant and go and pick it up. The old T-Rex wanders into the Thai or Indian joint and picks up his plastic bag of goodies, pays, and drives home. There aren’t many of us left. Uber Eats baby. Everyone has embraced it. My wife and daughter were having dinner together in Brisbane recently and my daughter noticed that her stockings or tights had “run” or a ladder in them. My wife suggested she jump in the car and drive to a nearby supermarket and get another pair. But my daughter ordered a new pair to be delivered to the restaurant by Uber. They were there in a jiffy and the night continued without the pesky interruption of having to leave the restaurant to buy them. It’s a great example of the modern world making things easier and how many of us need to ensure we are adjusting and understanding how things can now be done. There is another side to the coin, however. People have told me that I should get AI to write my columns. They say I could give it some examples of columns I have written and give it an idea for a new column and tell it to knock out 600 words on my chosen topic in my style of writing. It’s something I would never do. Apart from the fact that it would somehow seem like I was cheating, it would also not be authentic. I feel that however boring or pedestrian my stories and comments are, at least they are mine. They have come from my noggin, my experiences. It is my take on the world, not something that has been cobbled together by artificial intelligence. It’s similar in the world of real estate and, I’m sure, business generally. You need to embrace the technology, use it when it creates a better service, a superior experience for buyers and a better result for sellers. But there is still a place for picking up the phone and calling buyers, following up from open homes, doing the hard work that needs to be done as an agent. In a world of AI, robotics and Uber Everything the human element, the person-to-person connection still needs to happen to deliver good service and create the best result for clients.
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Maisy is a beautiful little soul who seems to understand that the very best place in the world is right beside someone she loves. She is affectionate, gentle, social and wonderfully trusting. She loves curling up on a welcoming lap, snuggling into your arms and settling close enough to make you feel as though you have always belonged together. Maisy is generous with her purrs, her cuddles and her sweet little air biscuits. She even places her paw in your hand as if to say, “I choose you.” But this gorgeous girl is not only a champion snuggler. Maisy is playful, curious and full of kitten joy. She loves exploring her toys, chasing anything that moves and turning ordinary moments into entertainment. She will happily amuse herself, but everything is even more fun when her favourite person joins in. She has that perfect combination of affection and personality, soft and loving when it is time to cuddle, and playful and bright when it is time for fun. Maisy will bring warmth to your home, companionship to your days and a little paw to hold whenever you need it. If you are looking for a kitten who will play with you, curl up with you and love being part of your life, Maisy may be the girl you have been waiting for. Maisy has been desexed, microchipped, received her first vaccination, been wormed and is litter trained. She is ready to begin her beautiful new life as a much-loved indoor companion. To arrange a meet and greet with Maisy, please call Ros on 0403 814 318.
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Tarren McAuley, Web Director and Co-Owner I remember when those AI posters started popping up – the first one looked kinda different. By the end of the week, when I’d seen 30 of them, I was much less enamoured + actively scrolled past anything that had that telltale paint smear style font. It’s not that the quality had gotten any worse between me seeing that first one + when I was sick of them by the 30th. But it was no longer novel or original. I think AI is especially susceptible to this because as soon as someone discovers a winning formula, everyone else jumps on the bandwagon, but because everyone is getting similar outputs, it gets old – quick. I think brands can fall into a similar trap. Humans are always looking for inspiration + when seeking it out, where better to look than the other players in your field. If you’re a tech company, you’re going to look at Samsung, Apple + the like. But when that happens too much, you get a feedback loop of samey-ness. For me, this is best exemplified by airline logos. Look at Qantas + Virgin, probably the two biggest brands in Australia. Both use a red plane-like icon, w/ their logo in big letters next to it. Bit cherry picked but even the other big players’ logos are similar - Emirates uses mainly red + shakes it up by having a slightly more exotic font. Jetstar ditches the red for orange + has their icon at the end but it has similar visual markers. This isn’t unique to logos, like w/ the poster example earlier – it could be your social tiles, your website or even your company email sig. Whatever it is, if you wake up one day + notice that the other businesses around you are looking a bit too similar, that should be your sign to start looking at a rebrand to shake off the rust + re-establish your unique identity. You know, until the cycle repeats again!
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Cassius McLeod at Dingo Beach, the coastal community he proudly calls home. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
Dingo Beach Local Cassius McLeod has been named a finalist in the 2026 Queensland Training Awards' North Queensland Regional Final, with his dedication, compassion and commitment earning recognition among the region's best.
Celebrating 65 years in 2026, the Queensland Training Awards recognise the apprentices, trainees, students, teachers, trainers, employers and organisations shaping the future of Queensland's workforce across 10 award categories.
A trainee nursing assistant at Bowen Hospital completing a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, Cassius is one of this year's finalists for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year award. The category recognises First Nations students who demonstrate excellence in vocational education while inspiring others through their achievements.
“It's a proud moment for myself and for my family leading into the awards,” Cassius said.
“It really does reflect the support I've been given and how hard I've worked towards my goals and aspirations.”
A year 12 at Proserpine State High School with a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, Cassius spends his days gaining hands-on experience as a trainee nursing assistant at Bowen Hospital. The year-long placement will see him graduate as an Assistant in Nursing while also providing a direct pathway into university nursing studies.
With an Aboriginal father and a Māori mother, Cassius hopes his journey will encourage other First Nations students to pursue opportunities, proving that where you grow up doesn't have to define where you can go. As a Dingo Beach local, he understands the value these opportunities can provide to young people in regional communities.
"Being a First Nations person in such a rural, remote area like Bowen or the Whitsundays, it's really good to get opportunities like this because it is very hard as it is being out here," he said.
Healthcare wasn’t Cassius’s initial dream but while unsure about what he would want to do after school, he decided to give it a go, later receiving his Certificate III Health Services Assistance
"I didn't like anything to do with health at first, didn't like blood,” Cassius said.
“I just gave this a shot, and it was actually pretty interesting."
Working as a trainee nursing assistant at Bowen Hospital, Cassius helps patients with everyday tasks, including showering, eating, toileting and mobility. He also assists nurses in caring for elderly and palliative patients wherever an extra pair of hands is needed.
"It really does help me because I think you can take it anywhere with you," he said.
"Especially knowing how to handle elderly patients without risking more injuries to them, just having hands-on skills is really helpful."
He also credits the nurses, doctors and allied health staff at Bowen Hospital for helping him grow throughout the placement.
"They really do help me, and they've helped me so far in my journey."
The winners will be crowned at the 2026 Queensland Training Awards for North Queensland Regional Final in Townsville on Friday 31st July.
VMR team helping stranded tinny near Gloucester Island. Photo sourced: Marine Rescue Whitsundays
A routine afternoon quickly turned into a rescue mission for the Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) Whitsunday crew, who travelled to Gloucester Island to assist two people stranded aboard a broken-down tinny in shallow waters.
With Bowen’s rescue crew already responding to another task, the call was redirected to the VMR Whitsundays team, whose crew of skipper Bill, senior crew Mike, communications officer Ray and crew member Mark departed from Coral Sea Marina shortly before 3 pm.
After navigating Gloucester Passage on a falling tide, the crew arrived to find the disabled vessel exactly where expected but faced the reality that it was sitting in just one metre of water, too shallow for their rescue vessel to safely approach.
Fortunately, another fishing boat nearby stepped in to tow the stranded tinny into deeper water, allowing the Marine Rescue crew to safely transfer the two occupants aboard and begin the return journey.
The vessel then headed for Dingo Beach boat ramp, where the team used their tender to guide the disabled vessel through the shallow approach as low tide set in.
With the tinny safely ashore, the crew returned to Coral Sea Marina, wrapping up another volunteer mission that highlighted the teamwork, skill and dedication of those who answer the call when someone who needs help on the water.
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The foundations for more than 3,000 future homes are now being laid, with construction officially underway on the $52 million Build Whitsundays program.
The first stage will deliver almost five kilometres of new water mains through Proserpine, removing long-standing infrastructure constraints and strengthening the region's water network.
While the pipes will remain hidden beneath the ground, they will help unlock future residential growth across Proserpine, Cannonvale, Airlie Beach and Bowen South, creating the essential infrastructure needed to support one of Queensland's fastest-growing regional communities.
A major housing milestone has been reached in the Whitsundays, with construction officially beginning on the $52 million Build Whitsundays program, unlocking the infrastructure needed to deliver more than 3,000 future homes.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie joined Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins to mark the milestone, with early works now underway on the first stage of the program.
Mayor Ry Collins said the project demonstrated what could be achieved when governments worked together to turn funding commitments into construction on the ground.
"Today isn't about another announcement—it's about delivery," Mayor Collins said.
"Less than a year ago this funding was announced. Council has since appointed Killard's as the principal contractor, works have commenced, and today we're standing on a live construction site. People want to see action, and that's exactly what they're getting."
The first project is delivering more than 4.8 kilometres of new water mains in Proserpine, removing a major infrastructure constraint that has prevented further residential development.
Mayor Collins said while the new infrastructure would largely remain out of sight beneath the ground, its impact would be felt across the region for decades to come.
"Housing doesn't happen without infrastructure. Most people will never see the pipes being installed beneath our streets, but they'll certainly see the outcome—more homes for local families, more opportunities for workers to live locally and a stronger future for one of Queensland's fastest-growing regional communities."
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the Residential Activation Fund was delivering practical outcomes for growing regional communities.
"The Crisafulli Government is investing in the roads, water, sewerage and drainage infrastructure needed to unlock new housing and support growing communities," Mr Bleijie said.
"These projects are proof that our Residential Activation Fund is delivering real outcomes on the ground and helping bring more homes to market sooner."
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said the investment would help ensure the region could continue to grow while maintaining the lifestyle that attracts people to the Whitsundays.
"The Whitsundays is one of Queensland's fastest-growing regional areas, and this investment means more local families and workers will have access to the housing they need without sacrificing the lifestyle that makes our region so special," Ms Camm said.
The Build Whitsundays program includes major water and sewer infrastructure upgrades across Proserpine, Cannonvale and Bowen South and is expected to be completed by October 2027, providing the essential foundations for thousands of new homes across the region.
There are new things to consider when buying real estate in Australia.
Up until last month, people buying real estate in Sydney really only considered the capital growth they were expecting to create within just a few years of making their purchase.
Paying $1.2 million for an inner-city two-bedroom apartment didn’t matter so much if it was going to be worth $1.5 million two years later.
It didn’t really matter that the crap rental returns you got for that price didn’t go anywhere near covering the mortgage because the old negative gearing benefit meant you could claim the losses on your tax.
Things have changed. Negative gearing has gone and prices are dropping in Sydney … so that $1.2 million apartment doesn’t look so enticing any more, even though it’s now $1.1 million.
Other cities have also been hit hard. Melbourne is now one of the cheapest cities in Australia to buy real estate. Although there are special Victorian reasons that come into play in that state.
Victorians were bullied during COVID in a way that impacted small businesses in a disastrous way. The state’s debt is exorbitant, and no one seems to know how it gets paid back. Tobacco shops keep getting blown up by some underworld gang thing that the Government can’t control. They have metal boxes where people can hand in their machetes and that doesn’t appear to instil peace of mind in anyone.
Terrible Governments end up having an impact and it definitely has had one on property prices in Victoria.
A quick scan of on-line property sites shows you that you can pick up a decent two-bedroom unit in an inner-city suburbs like St Kilda and Collingwood in the $400,000s. I saw a three-bedder in St Kilda advertised in the $500,000s.
While those prices might seem like great value, there are reasons the market is so low. People don’t trust the state Government and its management of the economy and the obvious concern would be that even though the prices might be low, there is no guarantee of capital growth.
Capital growth has offered a warm embrace for investors in Australian real estate over many years. There has been an expectation that prices will go up. Obviously they will go up again but the questions is: Where will they go up, when and by how much?
Unfortunately I don’t have the answer to that but I do find that when things get a bit blurry and uncertain, it’s good to stick to what you know … which, for me, is Mackay.
We have several advantages over many other markets. Our median price for houses, in the $600,000s, is a lot lower than bigger cities so more affordable for local people who, by the way, still need somewhere to live.
And, with the end of negative gearing and the banning of borrowing for property out of self-managed super funds, lower prices and strong rental returns should become a key factor in real estate investment.
Yes, investors want capital growth but I feel the focus will probably shift more to rental yield and the monthly return on investment.
Mackay’s rental returns are good and the purchase prices relatively low compared to other markets so there seems to me a good chance that our market will continue to be buoyed by those wanting to take advantage of that.
Meanwhile the Mackay economy seems to be going well, driven by that crucial resource that is dug out of the ground and exported to countries that make steel.
I got strong offers on three properties this week so there is a feeling that while there has certainly been a change driven by national political factors, our market is moving through it, adjusting to the new information and still bubbling along.
The only thing I would say is that if any of you bump into David Crisafulli tell him to dump those high-level coal royalties.
Queensland’s top real estate professionals and agencies are being called to step into the spotlight, with nominations now open for the Real Estate Institute of Queensland’s (REIQ) 2026 Awards for Excellence.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the awards remained the state’s highest professional recognition in real estate and continued to adapt alongside the profession itself.
“The REIQ Awards for Excellence are the pinnacle of professional recognition in Queensland real estate, and each year we ensure the program remains contemporary, inclusive and reflective of the full scope of our profession,” Ms Mercorella said.
“This year, we’re delighted to add a new Multi-Office Network of the Year category, recognising real estate agencies that operate as a unified multi-office network.
“It’s a category our members asked for, and it’s a great example of how the awards continue to evolve alongside the structure and sophistication of Queensland real estate businesses.”
Ms Mercorella said there was even more incentive for members to nominate this year, with a pathway from the outset to national recognition in eligible categories through the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s (REIA) National Awards for Excellence (NAFE).
The REIQ Awards for Excellence span individual and agency categories, with some split into regional and SEQ areas, across residential and commercial sales, property management, buyer’s agency, auctioneering, business broking, multimedia, innovation and community contribution.
Ms Mercorella said real estate professionals throughout Queensland could now start preparing and polishing their award nominations with the clock now ticking down.
It’s time to shine! Nominations close on Sunday 12th July 2026, with the winners announced at a spectacular awards gala on Saturday 31st October 2026 at The Star Brisbane.
Nominate now via awards.reiq.com
Bianca O'Brien works with Blacks Real Estate as a Commercial Property Manager. Makayla Groves works as a Commercial Property Manager with Blacks Real Estate. Photo supplied
Makayla Groves and Bianca O'Brien are part of the commercial property team at Blacks Real Estate, supporting landlords, tenants and business owners across the Mackay region.
Working as Commercial Property Managers, Makayla and Bianca assist with the day-to-day management of commercial properties, helping clients navigate leasing and property management requirements across retail, office and industrial spaces.
Based at the agency’s Wood Street office, the pair work closely with business clients throughout the region as part of Blacks Real Estate’s commercial division.
Makayla Groves can be contacted on 07 4963 2522, while Bianca O’Brien can be contacted on 07 4963 2525.
The Coalition has pledged to make the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) a permanent institution, arguing the move would provide long-term certainty for regional investment, infrastructure and jobs across Northern Australia, including Mackay.
The announcement follows the Federal Government's decision to extend the NAIF for a further 10 years, rather than permanently removing its sunset clause.
Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said while the Coalition would support Labor's legislation, it believed the independent review's recommendation to make the facility permanent should be adopted.
“The Developing Northern Australia is a proud LNP achievement,” Senator Canavan said.
“Despite naysayers at the time, Northern Australia has remained on the agenda ever since. I am personally proud to have introduced the original Northern Australia legislation in 2016, with the policy built on the work that was done by LNP Members of Parliaments such as former Senator Ian Macdonald and former MP Warren Entsch.
“Unfortunately, Labor is now kicking the can down the road. Northern Australia shouldn’t have to fight every decade to prove it is worthy of investment.
“The independent review recommended making the NAIF permanent because it works. The Coalition established the NAIF in 2016, and we will make it permanent because Northern Australia should have long-term certainty for investment, jobs and economic growth.”
Since its creation, the NAIF has supported 33 projects with $4.3 billion in finance commitments, helping deliver more than 18,000 jobs and an estimated $33 billion in public benefit across Northern Australia. Those investments include upgrades to airports in Darwin, Alice Springs, Townsville, Cairns and Mackay, along with projects supporting agriculture, mining and manufacturing.
Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Senator Susan McDonald said permanent funding would continue to drive regional development.
“Labor talks about Northern Australia, but the Coalition backs it with lasting investment,” Senator McDonald said.
“The NAIF has transformed communities, unlocked private investment and created jobs across the North. Making it permanent sends a clear message that the Coalition believes in Northern Australia’s future and won’t treat its development as a temporary priority.”
“Governments come and go, but Northern Australia’s importance will never diminish,” she said.
An army of dedicated wildlife carers is quietly working behind the scenes across Mackay, Sarina and the Isaac Region, rescuing, raising and rehabilitating injured and orphaned native animals, and now they are calling on the community for help.
Bush Babies Wildlife Care, a volunteer-run organisation, provides around-the-clock care for some of the region’s most vulnerable wildlife, including baby kangaroos, possums, koalas and other native animals.
The work is extensive, with every animal requiring specialised feeding, veterinary treatment, housing, transport and constant attention. As an unpaid volunteer group, Bush Babies relies heavily on the generosity of the community to continue its work.
The organisation is currently seeking donations of practical items to support the animals in care, including baby wraps and blankets, towels, sheets, doona covers, pillowcases, good-sized cages, porta cots, tissues, disinfectants and cleaning supplies.
There is also an urgent need for Wombaroo milk formula, along with Divetelact milk formula and other useful animal care supplies.
Donations can be dropped directly to Bush Babies Wildlife Care at 9 Parker Street, South Mackay.
Alternatively, donations can be placed in any Mackay Pet Rescue Inc donation bin, with the rescue group helping ensure items are delivered to Bush Babies.
Mackay Pet Rescue Inc said it was proud to support Bush Babies Wildlife Care and encouraged the wider community to get behind the organisation’s efforts.
Every towel, blanket, tin of formula and donation can make a real difference to an orphaned native animal in need, helping give local wildlife a second chance.
Bush Babies Wildlife Care is seeking donations to help care for orphaned and injured native wildlife across the Mackay region. Photo source: Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated
Sugarcane growing and milling remains a critical part of the community and regional economy. Photo credit: George Chambers.
By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay
The recent cyber-attack on Mackay Sugar was a serious and unexpected disruption to one of our region’s most important industries. For over two weeks, the incident affected milling operations, cane supply and payment systems, and the normal rhythm of the crushing season.
The wider community should understand both the seriousness of what occurred and the strength of the response. This was not simply a computer problem. Modern sugar milling depends on coordinated systems linking harvesting, cane transport, rail movements, factory operations, grower records and workplace safety. When those systems are interrupted, the impact is felt quickly across the whole supply chain.
Mackay Sugar acted responsibly by stopping operations where necessary, engaging specialist cyber security experts and working with authorities to restore systems safely. That decision was frustrating for everyone, but safety and system integrity had to come first. Cane that is cut must be crushed quickly to preserve sugar content, so growers were rightly concerned about delays. At the same time, it would have been worse to rush back before the mills and logistics systems were ready.
There has been understandable pressure on families and businesses. Cane farming is seasonal, weather-dependent and capital-intensive. Growers invest all year to produce a crop, and the crushing season is when that work must be converted into income. Harvesting groups, contractors, machinery operators and mill employees were also affected. In a district like Mackay, when sugar slows down, the whole community feels it.
It is important to put this event in perspective. The Mackay sugar industry has faced floods, droughts, cyclones, low prices, labour shortages and mechanical breakdowns over many generations. Each time, growers, mill workers and the broader community have found a way forward. This incident has been different in nature, but the same qualities are required: patience, clear communication, cooperation and determination.
Throughout the disruption, CANEGROWERS Mackay has worked to keep members informed, raised grower concerns and maintained a constructive relationship with Mackay Sugar. Our priority has been to ensure that growers receive timely information, that decisions are practical on farm, and that the restart of crushing is managed in a way that protects both the crop and the long-term interests of the industry.
The positive message for the public is that the industry has not stood still. Manual processes were used where appropriate, recovery work continued around the clock, and a staged return to operations has been pursued carefully. Farmers are practical people. They understand that problems happen, but they also expect solutions. The focus now is on getting cane moving again, crushing safely and making the best of the season ahead.
This incident reminds us that agriculture is now part of Australia’s critical digital infrastructure. Food and fibre production relies on technology just as much as banking, health, transport and energy. Protecting those systems requires investment, planning, testing and strong partnerships between industry, government and cyber security specialists.
Mackay has an opportunity to learn from this event and become stronger because of it.
It is important to acknowledge the patience of growers and the efforts of mill staff, harvesting crews, contractors and local businesses who have had to adapt quickly. No one welcomes a disruption like this, but the response has shown the value of a connected regional community that asksquestions, shares information, helps neighbours and remains focused on recovery.
Mackay’s cane farmers are resilient, but resilience should not be mistaken for complacency. We will continue to advocate for better preparedness, clearer communication and stronger protections for the systems that support our industry. Sugar remains a cornerstone of the Mackay economy, and its future is worth defending.
The past three weeks have been difficult, but it has also shown what this district does best. We face problems directly, we work together, and we keep moving forward. With continued cooperation between growers, Mackay Sugar and the wider community, the industry can recover from this disruption and continue to deliver for our region.
In 2004, after leaving the Navy, Tony Larsen travelled to London for what was intended to be a two-year working holiday that turned into seven years after meeting his wife.
In 2011, he and his wife moved to Mackay from London – this time, with a family in tow, and a plan to stay for good.
In December 2025, Tony took ownership of Bedshed Mackay, where he turned his focus to building a business where exceptional service is just as important as the products on the showroom floor.
“We take pride in our amazing staff’s ability to connect with customers and provide great service from purchase to delivery," Tony said.
Having worked in the store before gaining experience in other sales roles and the mining industry, Tony believed he could bring something different to the Mackay market.
Bedshed Mackay caters to customers across all budgets, with the team focused on helping every customer find the right sleep solution.
“Most of us spend more time in our bed then we do in our cars, so investing in a quality sleep system is an investment in better physical and mental wellbeing."
As a local veteran-owned business, giving back to the community is a core value, with Tony also passionate about supporting fellow veterans and investing in the region he’s made his home.
Stay tuned for upcoming sales, particularly on adjustable bases and mattresses designed to enhance both comfort and sleep quality at Bedshed Mackay.
The City of Mackay granted Freedom of Entry to No.105 Squadron, Australian Air Force Cadets, in a ceremonial parade marking the unit’s 75th anniversary. Photo supplied
A milestone in the history of No.105 (City of Mackay) Squadron, Australian Air Force Cadets, was marked on Saturday 20th June with the granting of Freedom of Entry to the City of Mackay.
The occasion also launched a program of events recognising the Squadron’s 75th anniversary. Originally formed as No.5 Flight North Queensland Squadron, Air Training Corps, the unit was officially stood up on 1st August 1951.
The ceremony commenced at 9.00am with a wreath laid at the Cenotaph in Jubilee Park in memory of deceased staff and cadets.
The unit then marched north along Wellington Street, where it was halted by an officer of the Queensland Police Service. A formal challenge was issued, asking by whose authority the cadets were marching through the city. A document from Mackay Regional Council was presented, granting permission for the unit to march on ceremonial occasions in full panoply, with “swords drawn, drums beating, bands playing and colours flying”.
The Freedom of Entry proclamation was accepted, and the column proceeded to the lawn area in front of the Council Administration Building, where the Squadron formed up in parade order for inspection.
Host Officer Wing Commander (AAFC) Ken Whelan, Officer Commanding No.1 (City of Townsville) Wing, Australian Air Force Cadets, arrived by WWII Jeep and met the Reviewing Officer, Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, who also arrived by Jeep. The Host Officer then escorted the Mayor to the dais.
The parade was inspected by the Mayor, followed by formal addresses. The Squadron then advanced in review order, before completing a march past and marching off to conclude proceedings.
Music for the parade was provided by members of the Mackay and District Pipe Band.
The Freedom of Entry was originally granted on 11th August 2001, coinciding with the Squadron’s 50th anniversary, by then Mackay City Council Mayor Julie Boyd, who was also an official guest at Saturday’s ceremony.
Contributed by Geoff Strange
Nurse Next Door Mackay is led by Mackay locals Sarah Ryan and George Blackie, supported by a dedicated team of Nurses and Caregivers. As a locally owned and locally operated business, their work is built around one core purpose, Making Lives Better, helping people across the region stay living safely and happily in their own homes. What began as two locals wanting better for their community has grown into one of the most respected care providers in Mackay and the Whitsundays.
Before launching Nurse Next Door three years ago, Sarah spent years working locally as an NDIS Support Coordinator, giving her a deep understanding of just how much genuinely person-centred care matters to the people who rely on it. George brought years of experience leading large teams in demanding FIFO mining environments, where reliability was never optional. Together they saw an opportunity to bring something special to the region, and set out to do exactly that, determined to deliver care the way it should be done.
Sarah and George understand the trust it takes to welcome someone into your home, and they carry that responsibility personally. Every Caregiver is thoughtfully matched to the person they support, an approach known as the Perfect Match, so care feels consistent, familiar and genuinely human. They embrace even the most complex, high-needs care with confidence, and through patience and real connection, build trusting relationships that restore a genuine sense of belonging.
That dedication has built something special. In just over three years, Sarah and George have grown their team to 147 local people, including 22 Registered Nurses, and delivered more than 209,000 hours of care across the region. Their support reaches well beyond the home, too, sponsoring SNAGS, a local group running inclusive social events for people living with disability, and turning out for the Mackay Marina Run and the Pink Out for Cancer golf day in Moranbah.
It is care that has not gone unnoticed. After being named Rookie of the Year within the national Nurse Next Door network in 2024, Sarah and George were named Australian Single Unit Franchisee of the Year 2026 at the National Franchise Industry Awards in Brisbane, recognised as the best in the country from a field of 240 entries across 113 brands. For two locals who simply were passionate about making a difference in their local community, it is a remarkable result.
From a little help around the house through to skilled nursing and complex care, Sarah, George and their team are there so locals can keep doing the things they love, in the place they feel most comfortable. In Mackay, that is what Making Lives Better looks like, and it is why they remain Passionate About Making a Difference.
To learn more or book a free Caring Consult, contact the Care Services team 24/7 on 1300 100 247 or visit nursenextdoor.com.au
Opinion Piece From the office of Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox
On July 1st, the Federal Government’s newly established National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) officially began operations. Armed with expanded auditing powers and the ability to issue immediate 14-day "stop work" orders, this new federal body has the ability to enforce massive new financial penalties under a radically altered Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, with corporate fines skyrocketing up to $16.5 million.
"Our local cane farmers are being forced into a bureaucratic nightmare by a government completely detached from the realities of food production," Mr Willcox said.
"I have local landowners coming into my office who are trying to manage and expand their crops on Category X land. They have done the right thing, yet they are being bullied by federal department officials who tell them their land is 'under investigation' without providing a single solid reason why. It is an absolute joke.
"Labor has rushed these laws through to secure a political win with the Greens, completely altering the 'continuous use' exemption. Now, if a farmer has regrowth older than 15 years, or if they are within 50 metres of a watercourse in the Great Barrier Reef catchment, routine activities like clearing scrub, or building firebreaks are suddenly treated like a potential federal offense."
To combat this broader federal assault on regional productivity, the Coalition has announced it will lodge a coordinated Notice of Motion to disallow the Carbon Credits Methodology Determination 2026.
Mr Willcox warned that this strategy of locking up agricultural land for carbon offsetting represents a dangerous precedent, running alongside Labor's broader plan to lock up an additional 39 million hectares of land, nearly twice the size of Victoria, to meet its 2030 targets.
"Locking up this land completely destroys its productivity, abandoning active land management and turning prime agricultural acreage into a weed-ridden haven for feral pests, like wild pigs, to breed," Mr Willcox said.
"Our local sugar mills are already locked in a severe battle against block encroachment, which is steadily reducing the total hectares of cane being grown in our region.
"A sugar mill requires a strict, massive volume of cane to remain operationally and financially viable. If our farmers are stopped from clearing their Category X land to open up new cane blocks, the total tonnage will drop below that critical threshold, and the mills will simply close.
"The profit margins for our cane farmers are incredibly slim. If a local mill shuts down, it becomes entirely cost-prohibitive to transport harvested cane to a mill further away. The transport costs alone will wipe out any return, meaning all the surrounding sugar cane farms will have to stop farming completely.
"Hundreds of landowners across this country are facing this exact same bureaucratic freeze, and it is stifling production, damaging local economies, and threatening national food security.
“Our farmers need practical support and regulatory certainty, not a centralised, Canberra-based environmental police force strangling their productivity."
Contributed by G. Jones
“The 2026-27 Queensland Budget highlights a significant disparity between Mackay and other major regional centres.
While Mackay–Isaac–Whitsunday receives approximately $742 million in capital investment, this is substantially lower than Townsville ($1.4 billion), Cairns ($1.1 billion) and Central Queensland ($2.3 billion).
The budget contains strong investment in roads, health and community infrastructure across Mackay; however, unlike competing regional centres, Mackay has not secured a major transformational project capable of driving long-term economic growth and regional competitiveness.
Given Mackay's contribution to Queensland's economy through resources, agriculture, tourism and exports, there is a compelling case for future State and Federal investment in catalytic projects to ensure Mackay receives its fair share of Queensland's infrastructure investment.
The budget demonstrates a clear hierarchy of regional investment:
While Mackay receives ongoing investment, it does not currently have a single transformational project equivalent to:
• CopperString in Townsville
• Rockhampton Ring Road
• Cairns Marine Precinct
• Gladstone energy infrastructure
As a result, Mackay's total allocation is:
• approximately 47% lower than Townsville
• approximately 34% lower than Cairns
• approximately 68% lower than Central Queensland
Based on the regional capital allocation table in the 2026-27 Queensland Budget, the four major northern and central regional centres compare as follows:
Region – 2026-27 Capital Investment
2025/2026 was just as bad
Region – 2025–26 Capital Investment
Central Queensland receives 3.7 times the Mackay allocation.
• Townsville receives 2.5 times the Mackay allocation.
• Cairns receives 2.1 times the Mackay allocation.
• Mackay is the lowest funded of the four major regional centres despite being one of Queensland's strongest economic contributors.
In simple terms, for every $1 invested in Mackay, the Budget allocates approximately:
• $3.66 to Central Queensland
• $2.53 to Townsville
• $2.13 to Cairns”
Quite a lot, actually.
People spend months naming their children and agonise over what to call a new puppy, yet when it comes to naming a business, a decision that could shape its success for years, it often becomes an afterthought or three part series description.
A business name is far more than a label. It's your first impression, your identity and often the reason people remember you or don't. The most memorable brands are usually the simplest: Apple, Google, Nike and Lego. They're distinctive, easy to recall and instantly recognisable.
In today's world, where we're bombarded with advertising and endless content, attention spans are short. If people can't remember your name after one interaction, chances are they won't remember it later.
Then there are acronyms.
We've worked with countless start-ups that carefully choose a business name, only to immediately shorten it into an acronym that means absolutely nothing to their audience. For nearly 30 years, redhotblue has never been referred to as RHB. Why? Because R.H.B. could stand for almost anything.
Of course, Australians love shortening names. If your business name is too long, chances are your customers will create a nickname for it anyway. But if some people know you by your full name, others by an abbreviation and others by an acronym, you risk creating confusion and diluting your brand.
There are exceptions. Kentucky Fried Chicken successfully became KFC as part of a deliberate rebrand to modernise the business and broaden its appeal while minimising the focus on “fried” food. The key was commitment. They didn't switch between the two names they fully embraced the change.
And then there are names that should never leave the brainstorming session.
One client proposed the name Australian Risk Strategy Engineers.
Sounds professional enough… until you abbreviate it.
A.R.S.E.
Memorable? Absolutely. Ideal for a business? Probably not.
If you're starting a business, try this simple test: tell ten people your proposed name and ask them to repeat it the next day. If they can't remember it, or they all remember it differently, then it’s time to think again.
If you're considering a rebrand, pay attention to how your customers already refer to your business. Their habits can tell you a lot about what is, and isn't, working.
At the end of the day, your business name is one of your most valuable marketing assets. It's the word people search for, recommend and remember.
So don't rush it.
Give it the same consideration you'd give naming your child.
Or at the very least… your dog.
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