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.
Read the full story
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
Read the full story
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
Read the full story
A truck fire at Midge Point has helped expose what authorities describe as Australia’s largest cocaine importation plot, with investigators alleging a 2.7-tonne drug shipment worth $816 million passed through Whitsunday waters before being transported to Sydney. The investigation has so far resulted in six arrests and uncovered an alleged trafficking operation spanning hundreds of kilometres along the east coast.
A major drug investigation that started at Midge Point has resulted in Australia's largest-ever cocaine bust, with authorities alleging a 2.7-tonne shipment uncovered in Sydney was imported through North Queensland as part of an organised crime operation.
On Friday 19th June, AFP officers searched a semi-rural property in Londonderry where, after two men allegedly fled the scene, they discovered containers of cocaine hidden beneath the floor boards. The seizure had an estimated street value of $816 million.
On May 30th 2026, at around 8:05, police were notified of a flatbed truck on fire right outside of a boat ramp on Jimmy Rocks Road, Midge Point.
After a full investigation of the scene, police located 40kg of cocaine and later identified a 41-year-old Mackay man as the truck's owner, sending investigators on a trail that eventually landed them in Sydney.
Six people have now been charged over their alleged involvement in the operation, including two Petrie residents and a New South Wales man accused of helping collect and move the drugs after they arrived near Midge Point.
Police allege the group played various roles in the attempted importation and distribution network, charging individuals with offences related to possession of illicit drugs, or conspiracy to possess them.
“This result highlights the strength of the Queensland Joint Organised Crime Taskforce and the importance of strong partnerships between frontline police, specialist investigators and our Commonwealth law enforcement partners,” Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Troy Pukallus said in an AFP media release on June 22nd.
“This outcome has removed a significant quantity of cocaine and methamphetamine from the criminal market and prevented these dangerous drugs from causing further harm in Queensland and more broadly across Australia.
“What began with the actions of Mackay police and the Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch following the discovery of drugs at Midge Point evolved into a sophisticated, multi-agency investigation targeting an organised criminal network.
“Investigations of this scale require experience, persistence and collaboration, and I want to acknowledge the dedication of all officers involved in bringing this matter before the courts and protecting the community from the harm these drugs can cause.”
The vessel suspected of importing the illicit drugs into Midge Point has been discovered and detained by authorities off the Solomon Islands.
Like most young people, I lived in a rental property for some years before buying my first home.
I had left home in Canberra and was living in Melbourne, initially in shared rental properties. It was a bit weird but there would be ads in the paper saying a room was available for a “guy/girl” and applications were invited.
If you had a pulse and some form of income you got a room pretty quickly.
Initially I was in various flats … we didn’t call them “apartments” or “units” in those days and the flats I lived in were cheap, unadorned, small and cold.
At one stage I was one of three young blokes in a two-bedroom flat in Clifton Hill. It was a ridiculous set-up made worse by the fact that one of them was an angry lunatic who wanted to fight people.
I got out of there as quickly as possible. Soon after I vacated the flat and left the lunatic to his own devices, Clifton Hill was the scene of the tragic Hoddle St Massacre in which a gunman killed seven people. I assumed it was my former flat mate but it turned out there were two lunatics in Clifton Hill.
There were other flats … Brunswick and St Kilda and a terrace house in Coburg. If you enjoy a cold climate you should try living in an old two-storey terrace house in Coburg with a malfunctioning fire place on a winter’s night.
Later in my 20s I bought my own unit and my property journey became far more civilized and warmer. But the point is that I needed those rental properties. They were part of the journey when I needed cheap accommodation while at uni and starting off in a career at the lower end of the pay scale.
The current Federal Government needs to remember that for there to be rental properties there needs to be investors who bought them and who make them available for tenants.
There is no doubt that the increasing housing prices had become ridiculous in cities like Sydney and prices have been increasing in recent years in regional Queensland as well. It’s a demand and supply thing … lots of people and not enough houses. Extremely high levels of immigration will do that.
But the government, rather than looking at immigration numbers, has decided to bash the life out of investment opportunities for “mum and dad investors”. Negative gearing is gone, capital gains tax is up and, the latest one, people are now banned from borrowing money to buy an investment property through their self-managed superannuation.
People who had a little bit of money tucked away used to be able to take out a loan and buy an investment property to help set them up in their retirement years. My wife and I bought a few several years ago and I thought at the time that it was a great opportunity for the average Joe, rather than the high end of town, which doesn’t need to buy through their super.
Anyway, that’s gone and the government, in lock-step with the Greens, has pretty much stomped on any aspirational ideas ordinary people might have because there is now no incentive to try and create financial opportunities for mum and dad and the family unit.
That’s great for the Greens and the socialist left who find beauty in the bland but not so good for people willing to work hard, make investments and try to get ahead while at the same time ensuring they are not a burden on the taxpayer in their later years.
It’s also not so good for young people like me all those years ago needing a rental property. I don’t know who is going to buy an investment property so I don’t know how young students and people starting out are going to find a rental. And the lack of rentals will push rent prices up. Job done!
Bianca O'Brien (Left)works with Blacks Real Estate as a Commercial Property Manager. Photo supplied Makayla Groves (Right)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.
Nestled in the heart of Andergrove, MacKillop Catholic Primary School may be small in size, but it continues to make a big impact on the lives of its students and families.
Catering for approximately 160 students from Prep to Year 6, MacKillop offers a close-knit, welcoming environment where every child is known, valued and supported. Guided by its mission to “work together, participate and have a go,” the school community fosters a strong culture of collaboration, inclusion and enthusiasm for learning.
At the core of the school’s identity is its Catholic faith, reflected in the values of Faith and Service inspired by St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. Notably, the school shares a special connection to its patron saint, having been established in 1995, the same year she was beatified. This legacy continues to shape the school’s commitment to compassion, resilience and community spirit.
MacKillop provides a well-rounded education through a comprehensive curriculum that includes weekly specialist lessons in Physical Education, The Arts and STEM. Students are also encouraged to extend their talents beyond the classroom, with opportunities to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities such as Eisteddfod, sporting events, Opti-Minds, Readers Cup and the Mackay Primary School Mathematics Challenge.
Supporting every child’s learning journey is a key priority. The school offers both learning support and extension programs, ensuring that students of all abilities are challenged and nurtured. Wellbeing is equally important, with a dedicated counsellor available two days a week to support student mental health and emotional development.
A strong sense of community is evident in the school’s daily life. Parental involvement is highly valued, creating a genuine partnership between home and school that enhances student outcomes. Initiatives such as buddy classes, where older students mentor younger peers, help foster friendships, leadership skills and a sense of belonging across year levels.
Faith is lived and celebrated at MacKillop through regular worship, including fortnightly Class Masses and Liturgies. Meanwhile, whole-school initiatives like the “Manner of the Week” encourage positive behaviour, respect and shared values, recognised during weekly assemblies.
Innovation also plays an important role in modern learning at MacKillop. Classrooms are equipped with technology including Chromebooks, iPads, interactive projectors and robotics tools like Bee-Bots, ensuring students are prepared for the digital world.
Staff at MacKillop are committed to nurturing the whole child. Many are trained in Berry Street’s trauma-informed practices, implementing strategies such as Welcome and Closing Circles, brain breaks, and personalised learning plans to help students feel safe, regulated and ready to learn each day.
Beyond school hours, MacKillop continues to support families through its Outside School Hours Care program, offering engaging before and after school care, as well as vacation care tailored to children’s interests.
From classroom showcases to parish connections, MacKillop Catholic Primary School continues to demonstrate that a strong community, grounded in faith and care, can create a truly enriching educational experience.
In Andergrove, MacKillop isn’t just a school, it’s a community where every child is encouraged to grow, belong and thrive.
In an era where parents are increasingly seeking more than academic outcomes alone, St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School in West Mackay stands out as a place where education is both deeply personal and community focused. For families weighing their options, the school offers a compelling blend of strong values, supportive relationships, and well-rounded learning opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.
At its heart, St Francis Xavier is grounded in Catholic identity. This is not simply about religious instruction, but about fostering a culture of respect, compassion, and shared responsibility. Students are encouraged to develop a sense of purpose and moral awareness, learning to care for others and contribute positively to their community. For many families, this values-based approach provides reassurance that their children are being shaped not only academically but also ethically.
Equally important is the school’s emphasis on belonging. Parents often describe primary school settings like St Francis Xavier as having a “family feel,” and this is where the school excels. Students are known by name, their strengths recognised, and their needs understood. Teachers and staff work closely with families, fostering open communication and genuine partnership. In a regional city like Mackay, this sense of connection is particularly valued; it reflects the broader community spirit while giving children confidence and security in their daily learning environment.
Academically, the school offers a structured, yet engaging curriculum designed to meet the needs of diverse learners. While maintaining high expectations, St Francis Xavier recognises that children learn in different ways and at different paces. Programs are tailored to support both extension and intervention, ensuring that each student can grow. Literacy and numeracy remain foundational priorities, but the focus extends to critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills that are increasingly essential in a changing world.
Beyond academics, the school offers a wide range of co-curricular activities that enrich student life. Opportunities in sport, arts, music, and cultural activities allow children to discover their interests and build confidence. Participation in these pursuits helps develop teamwork, resilience, and leadership; qualities that are difficult to measure in tests but invaluable in life.
Another notable strength is the integration of wellbeing into everyday school life. Recognising that learning cannot thrive without emotional support, St Francis Xavier places emphasis on student wellbeing programs. This includes fostering positive relationships, teaching social skills, and providing guidance support when needed. For families, knowing that their child’s mental and emotional health is prioritised is as important as academic success.
Technology and contemporary learning practices also form part of the offering. Like many modern schools, St Francis Xavier incorporates digital tools to enhance learning while maintaining a balanced approach. The aim is not simply to use technology, but to teach students how to use it responsibly and effectively; a critical skill in today’s digital landscape.
Accessibility and community engagement further strengthen the school’s appeal. As part of Catholic education in Queensland, it remains committed to welcoming families from a range of backgrounds. School events, liturgies, and community activities provide regular opportunities for parents to be involved, reinforcing the partnership between home and school.
Ultimately, what St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School offers families is more than a place of education it offers a community. It is a place where children are supported academically, nurtured spiritually, and encouraged socially. For parents in West Mackay seeking a balanced, values-driven education with a strong sense of belonging, St Francis Xavier presents itself as a thoughtful and dependable choice.
In a competitive educational landscape, that combination of care, consistency, and community may well be its greatest strength.
Contributed by Mackay Pet Rescue Inc
We are completely baffled.
Honestly, we thought these two would have been adopted weeks ago. Just look at them.
With their predominantly white coats, stunning markings and golden eyes, The Snow Queen and The Heartbreaker are two of the most unusual kittens we have welcomed into care in a very long time. Predominantly white kittens like these are incredibly rare in rescue. We can go a year or more without seeing kittens with colouring this beautiful.
But their looks are only part of the story.
The Snow Queen is sweet, affectionate and easy-going. She loves exploring, chasing toys and curling up nearby when the day is done.
The Heartbreaker is confident, playful and determined to be involved in absolutely everything. If you're making the bed, folding washing or opening treats, he'll be there to supervise.
Together they are the perfect combination of fun, affection and companionship.
They love people, enjoy being part of family life and have the sort of personalities that make them impossible not to love.
Yet somehow they are both still waiting.
Whether you are looking for one special kitten or considering adopting a ready-made duo, these two beautiful souls are ready to fill your home with love, laughter and plenty of kitten mischief.
Could The Snow Queen or The Heartbreaker be the missing piece in your family?
Contact Kim today on 0403 351 639 for more information
This week I had a client media training sesh and it was one of those days that reminds you why you do what you do.
This particular group has a really significant role in our community, and speaking with the media is a regular part of the job. Sometimes they get to talk about something positive, but often they're being asked to comment on difficult situations and explain complex issues in a way that is clear and easy for the public to understand.
It's intense. Just like the rest of their work.
Most people don't spend their days being interviewed by journalists, and even those who do can find it challenging. You're trying to think about the facts, the audience, the message you want to get across and the questions you might be asked – all while trying not to say um or show any signs of being nervous. Not easy.
What impressed me most with these guys was how willing they were to get involved. They threw themselves into the training, asked great questions and really supported each other – especially through my “slightly challenging” prac section. And at the end, I knew they’d really taken something away from it – mainly because they told me so!
Driving home afterwards, I found myself reflecting on how easy it is to overlook the value of the skills we have – because we use them every day.
For me, communications and marketing are all literally a normal work week. I've spent years learning those skills, practising them and helping others to develop them. But watching someone walk away feeling more capable and confident was a reminder that the things we know anddo every day can have a genuine impact on other people.
When you're busy trying to keep up with work, family, commitments and the endless list of things that need doing, it's easy to focus on what hasn't been done yet. The jobs still sitting on your list. The emails you haven't answered. The projects you're still working through.
What we often don't stop to think about is the difference we've already made.
Chances are you've helped someone this week. It may have been something that felt small or routine to you, but it could have made a real difference to them. Sometimes it's worth taking a moment to remember that.
At a time when families across Capricornia are already feeling the pinch, the Albanese Labor Government has made a decision that will hit some of our most vulnerable Australians the hardest.
Labor’s plan to cut the Private Health Insurance Rebate is nothing more than an $11 billion tax grab, one that disproportionately impacts older Australians who have done the right thing their entire lives.
For decades, many of our retirees have made sacrifices to maintain private health cover. They’ve worked hard, paid their taxes, and taken personal responsibility for their healthcare easing the pressure on our public hospital system in the process. Now, under this policy, those same Australians are being asked to pay more, simply to help fix Labor’s Budget position.
For a couple over 65 with gold cover, this could mean an extra $1,600 a year. For individuals, more than $800. That’s not small change especially for people living on fixed incomes during a cost-of-living crisis.
This is not reform. It’s a penalty.
Labor claims this policy will address so-called “generational inequity.” But that simply doesn’t stack up. What it does is shift the burden from the Budget straight onto households and ultimately onto our already stretched public health system.
Independent modelling shows for every dollar the Government “saves” by cutting the rebate, the public system will be hit with even higher costs. And that’s common sense because when private health becomes unaffordable, people drop their cover.
We’re told at least 44,000 older Australians are expected to leave private health insurance altogether. Industry estimates suggest the number could be far higher. That means more people turning up to emergency departments, longer wait times for elective surgery, and increased pressure on local hospitals.
In regional communities like ours, we already know the challenges ambulance ramping, bed shortages and delays for critical procedures. Policies like this will only make those pressures worse.
Let’s be clear: the rebate for older Australians wasn’t introduced by accident. It was deliberate policy to recognise that retirees are often on fixed incomes, while also being more likely to need hospital care. Supporting them to stay in the private system wasn’t just fair it was smart. It reduced demand on public hospitals and kept the entire system functioning more effectively.
Now, that sensible policy is being dismantled.
This decision sends the wrong message. It tells Australians that even if you plan ahead, take responsibility and try not to rely on the public system you’ll still be penalised.
The Coalition believes in supporting those who have worked hard and contributed to our country. We believe in strengthening both the public and private health systems—not undermining one to prop up short-term Budget figures.
Labor should reconsider this policy. Because the reality is simple this isn’t a saving. It’s a cost shift. And in the end, Australians of all ages will pay the price.
By Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly MP
Recently, I welcomed Queensland’s Minister for Tourism and Environment, Andrew Powell, to our region for discussions about tourism, national parks and future opportunities for regional growth. We visited Eungella National Park, including the iconic platypus viewing area at Broken River, before meeting with tourism operators, community groups, progress associations and Mackay Isaac Tourism through the Eungella and Pioneer Valley Tourism Strategic Advisory Committee.
What stood out most was the strong collaboration across our region. Local businesses, volunteers, tourism operators and community groups are all working together toward a shared vision of sustainable tourism that protects our natural environment while creating jobs and economic opportunities.
Minister Powell himself noted that the level of cooperation in our region is uncommon across Queensland. That is something our community should be proud of.
The Crisafulli Government’s Destination 2045 strategy presents a significant opportunity for regions like ours. Nature-based tourism continues to grow in popularity, and few places are better positioned to benefit than the Pioneer Valley and Eungella. From rainforest walks and platypus encounters to waterfalls, mountain bike trails and country hospitality, our region offers world-class experiences that visitors increasingly seek.
Importantly, our community understands that tourism growth and environmental protection must go hand in hand.
We discussed the importance of progressing Stage 2 of the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trail. The existing trail network is already attracting visitors and helping establish Finch Hatton as a premier adventure tourism destination. Expanding the network has the potential to deliver further benefits for accommodation providers, cafés, pubs and tourism operators throughout the valley.
Importantly, projects of this scale cannot attract State Government funding until the necessary planning, land tenure and approval processes are completed. That is why I encourage Mackay Regional Council to continue working closely with the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation to ensure the project is ready when future funding opportunities become available.
The Pioneer Valley and Eungella already offer some of Queensland’s best natural experiences. With continued collaboration, smart planning and the right investment, our region can play a leading role in Queensland’s ecotourism future.
Senior Sugar Trader Peter Bingham (second from left) is excited to meet with growers and share insights into global sugar markets during Wilmar's Global Traders Roadshow this week. Photo supplied
June is shaping up to be a busy month, and we look forward to catching up with growers across our milling regions through a range of events and activities.
This week, our Global Traders Roadshow returns, bringing together Wilmar's global trading experts and local Grower Marketing team to discuss the latest developments in sugar and currency markets. These sessions provide a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the people monitoring global markets every day, while also asking questions about pricing options and current market conditions. We are looking forward to connecting with those of you who have put their name down to attend.
We're also reminding growers that nominations for the 2027 Managed Pool Plus close on 30 June. If you've been considering the pool, now is the time to act.
The Managed Pool Plus is designed for growers seeking a longer-term approach to pricing in volatile markets, with active management across both sugar and currency markets. The 2025 season has highlighted the value of this strategy, with the pool delivering a result above the seasonal average, demonstrating the benefits of disciplined pricing over an extended window rather than relying on short-term market movements. While past performance is never a guarantee of future returns, the result reinforces the value of having experienced market specialists actively managing price risk through changing market conditions.
If you'd like to learn more before nominations close, speak with your local Grower Marketing Relationship Manager or catch us at one of the Global Traders Roadshow events.
Beyond the markets, we're proud to continue supporting the local communities that support our industry. Throughout June, Wilmar Grower Marketing is once again sponsoring several regional events, including the Sarina Tractor Pull, Proserpine Cane Awards and Ingham Tractor Pull.
These events celebrate the people who make our industry what it is and provide a great opportunity for families, growers and the wider community to come together. We look forward to seeing many familiar faces, celebrating another season and continuing the conversations that matter most to our growers.
We hope to see you at one of our roadshow sessions or community events over the coming weeks.
For more than 30 years, the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) has stood at the centre of Australia’s resources conversation, firmly anchored in Mackay’s identity as a powerhouse of mining innovation. In 2026, the event returns to the Mackay Showgrounds, bringing together industry leaders, suppliers and decision-makers for three days of connection, collaboration and cutting-edge capability.
Recognised as Queensland’s largest mining and engineering event, QME showcases more than 300 leading suppliers and attracts thousands of visitors from across the sector. In 2024 alone, the exhibition welcomed more than 5,000 attendees, underscoring its reputation as a key meeting point for mining professionals seeking the latest technology, equipment and services driving the industry forward.
Far more than a traditional trade show, QME offers a dynamic platform where ideas and innovation intersect. Exhibitors gain unrivalled access to a targeted audience of industry professionals, while visitors are given a front-row seat to the products and solutions shaping the future of mining in Queensland and beyond.
Complementing the bustling exhibition floor is the free-to-attend Leadership Series, a program designed to explore the challenges and opportunities currently facing the sector. Featuring expert speakers and industry insights, the series delivers practical value across a wide range of mining functions, from operations to strategy.
Set to run from 21–23 July, QME will take place daily from 9am to 5pm at the Mackay Showgrounds, Mackay.
As the industry continues to evolve, QME remains a vital hub of progress and partnership—where global capability meets regional strength. Whether you’re a long-time industry professional or simply curious about the future of mining, this is an event not to be missed.
With 40 years of experience and a new industry accolade to their name, the team at M&P Services are cementing their reputation as a leader in their field.
Fresh from taking out Best Family-Owned Business at the 2026 Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce Best in Business Awards, M&P Services continues to set a high bar in the transportable building space, delivering top-tier solutions across Queensland and beyond.
For customers, that kind of longevity speaks volumes - reflecting reliability, capability, and a business that knows how to get the job done right. Built on hard work and practical innovation, M&P has spent four decades evolving alongside the industries that keep regional Queensland moving, supplying transportable infrastructure for mining, construction, civil and remote operations.
From its Paget headquarters, M&P manufactures solutions designed to handle tough conditions and even tougher expectations. Among its standout offerings are the company’s Signature Mobile Cribs. Their purpose-built units are designed to provide safe, efficient, and comfortable facilities on remote worksites, that are strategically built to mine-site specifications.
Importantly, M&P remains a family business through and through, with three generations helping shape the company’s success. That legacy is reflected not only in the business’s growth, but in its reputation for service, consistency, and long-term relationships with clients across the state and internationally.
That is why M&P’s presence at next month’s Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME) matters. Make a point of stopping by and meeting the M&P team, because when it comes to proven regional success, this is one Mackay business worth having on your radar!
Community Bank Sarina donated 12 Elliot Automated External Defibrillators (AED) to local community groups, sporting clubs, schools and youth organisations. Photos supplied
Twelve local organisations are now better equipped to respond in a medical emergency following the donation of Elliot AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator) through Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank’s Community Engagement Program.
Elliot is Australia’s smallest, smartest and most affordable defibrillator, designed for ease of use in real emergencies. No training is required, with clear voice prompts guiding users step by step.
One of the pillars guiding Community Bank Sarina’s community investment is enhancing the health, wellbeing and liveability of Sarina and surrounding communities. More access to defibrillators throughout the community ensures life saving equipment is close at hand when every second counts.
This initiative reflects what it means to be part of something bigger, strengthening community safety across the region.
The organisations that received an AED are:
131 Army Cadet Unit Sarina
• Homebush State School P&C Assc.
• Kalyan Youth Service Inc.
• Mackay City Rollers Inc.
• Mercenaries of Western Europe
• Queensland Mud Trials Association
• Sarina & District Community Kindergarten Assc.
• Sarina & District Historical Centre Inc.
• Sarina Saints Football Club
• Sarina Show Society Inc.
• Swayneville State School P&C Assc.
• Wongabeena Aged Housing Sarina Inc.
Community Bank Sarina Board Chair Karen May said that every AED placed in the community had the potential to save a life.
"While we hope that these devices are never needed, this small device has a big impact - every defibrillator gives volunteers, members and visitors added peace of mind," she said.
Elliot Australia founder and World Ironman Champion Guy Leech said increasing access to defibrillators was critical in regional communities.
“Elliot was built to make defibrillators simple, practical and easy for everyday Australians to use," he said.
Regional communities have always looked after their own and this initiative from Community Bank Sarina is a great example of locals stepping up to help protect locals.”
There is a discount available for Mackay Whitsunday Life Readers on Elliot AEDs. Use the code CommunityBank2026 to receive $100 off at www.elliotaed.com.au. Discount code expires 31st August 2026 and terms and conditions apply.
Health, housing, road safety, policing and community infrastructure are among the key areas of investment for Mackay and surrounding communities in the 2026-27 Queensland State Budget, with major items spanning hospital expansion, housing support, road upgrades, sporting facilities and frontline services.
Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton said the budget was about strengthening the foundations of a fresh start and delivering on the commitments we made to Queenslanders.
“For Mackay, it means cost-of-living relief, investment in healthcare, support for housing, safer communities and continued investment in the infrastructure our region needs to grow,” he said.
“The more than $30 million invested in community and social housing will help provide more housing options for people who need them most. The $8.8 million for the Mackay Community Health Centre will strengthen local healthcare services, while the cost-of-living measures will put money back into the pockets of local families.”
“I'm also particularly pleased to see funding for the new female changeroom facilities at the Mackay District Junior Rugby League playing fields. This is a project the community has advocated for, and it will support the growing participation of women and girls in sport for years to come.”
Key Mackay and Mackay-Whitsundays measures include:
The budget also includes broader state-wide measures that may affect local residents, with the full budget available to view at budget.qld.gov.au
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, encourages senior high school students across the region to enter the 2026 My First Speech Competition, to bring their unique voice to Canberra. Photo supplied
High school students across Dawson are being given the opportunity to step into the shoes of a federal member of parliament and bring the issues of their electorate to the floor of Parliament House.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon Milton Dick MP, and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP are calling for entries in the 2026 My First Speech Competition for senior students in Years 10, 11 and 12.
The national initiative invites students to imagine themselves as newly elected Members of Parliament and record a three-minute speech on an issue they are passionate about.
Speaker Milton Dick said promoting parliamentary education to students across the country remained a priority.
“This is yet another exciting way that young people can take an active role in our democratic system,” Mr Dick said.
“This competition will provide high school students with the chance to learn more about the way our nation’s democracy works, and how actively engaging with the parliamentary process can draw attention to the issues that are most important to them.”
Mr Willcox said the competition provided a platform for the region’s next generation of leaders.
“We have some incredibly bright, passionate young people across Dawson, from our high schools in Mackay and the Whitsundays right up to Burdekin and Townsville,” Mr Willcox said.
“This competition is a fantastic platform for our local students to find their voice, stand up, and put our region on the national stage.”
One winner from each year level will receive an expenses-paid trip to Parliament House in Canberra, including flights, accommodation and a $250 prize pack. Winners will also present their speeches to the Speaker and Members of Parliament.
Mr Willcox said he wanted local entries to reflect the distinct economic and social realities of Dawson.
“I want our local students to think about what matters most to them, whether that is regional cost of living, local manufacturing, or the future of our agricultural industries, and bring that regional perspective straight to Canberra.”
Entries close at 11.59pm AEST on Monday, July 20, 2026.
“Our young people are the future leaders, and their opinions deserve to be heard in the halls of Parliament House,” Mr Willcox said.
“I strongly encourage every eligible student in Dawson to get involved, draft their speech, and take hold of this rare opportunity to show the rest of Australia what our region is made of.”
For guidelines and entry information, visit the official competition website.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2026 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
