Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Premier David Crisafulli visited Mackay's Northern Beaches this week, confirming the long-awaited Mackay-Bucasia Road and Golf Links Road intersection upgrade had progressed to detailed design. “We said we'd do it, and we are,” Mr Crisafulli said. The highly anticipated announcement comes as sweet relief for a lot of motorists, with this intersection seeing up to 30,000 vehicles pass every day, making it one of the most bottle-necked in the state. “We can get anywhere in half an hour in Mackay, but then when you put in 24,000 to 30,000 vehicles passing one spot on a roundabout which is not working well, we need to change that,” said state member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton MP. The $20M upgrade will transform the busy roundabout with traffic signals on all four approaches, supported by CCTV and queue-detection technology designed to improve traffic flow during peak periods. Additional turning lanes are also planned on Mackay-Habana Road, Mackay-Bucasia Road and Golf Links Road, with construction expected to begin early next year. “People will see shovels in the ground early next year after the wet season,” Mr Cristafulli said. “We want to deliver a project that a growing community needs, that it deserves, that's been crying out for the better part of a decade.” Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm has been a long-time advocate for upgrading the intersection, first calling for funding while in opposition before including the project as part of the State Government's election commitment. Throughout the planning process, Ms Camm also undertook community consultation, receiving more than 600 responses from Northern Beaches residents. Feedback from those surveys, alongside community meetings, helped push the project to the stage it’s at today. “I want to say thank you to the community and those particularly who are represented here today by Antoinette du Toit, a local resident,” Ms. Camm said. “It’s through her advocacy, through our community's joint advocacy, that we are here today delivering upon our $20 million government election commitment to upgrade.” For Northern Beaches residents like Antoinette, navigating the area's growing traffic has become an everyday frustration. “I think one of the biggest concerns for people is if there's an accident here, we can't get in or out,” Antoinette said. “They're [the State Government] listening to us, they see what we need and are actually progressing on it.” The project comes amid growing concern over the condition and capacity of regional Queensland roads, particularly the Bruce Highway. “It has been a national disgrace,” Mr Crisafulli said. “If you have a look at the infrastructure spend, then you realise how fair dinkum we are about it. “We are unashamedly passionate about making sure that rural and regional Queenslanders get their fair share of what they haven’t for many years, that we're not backing away from doing projects right across the board.”
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Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School (Facebook) Whitsunday Anglican School’s Kindy to Year 2 students enjoyed a fun-filled Athletics Carnival, with young athletes taking part in running, jumping and throwing events while showing plenty of enthusiasm, determination and House spirit. Supported by Senior School volunteers, the day celebrated participation, encouragement and the strong sense of community across the school. See more photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/little-legs-big-spirit-at-whitsunday-anglican-schools-kindy-carnival
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Leading Mackay real estate business REMAX Select has announced the appointment of highly respected business professional Samantha Self as General Manager. The appointment is set to further strengthen the agency's high-performing team across the Mackay region, with Principal Nikita Kinnane describing Ms Self's arrival as an exciting step forward for the business. “We are heading in a really exciting direction with our business, and I cannot be more excited to have Samantha join our leadership team to build on that momentum,” Ms Kinnane said. Ms Kinnane said the recruitment process was focused on finding a leader whose values aligned with those of the business, it was Ms Self's shared commitment to those values and vision that made her the ideal candidate. "Samantha will play an important role in shaping the future REMAX Select, bringing exceptional experience in property, management and leadership to help drive growth and innovation, and this will flow into enhancing every aspect of our business. "Importantly, Samantha shares our core values and commitment to putting Mackay first, and we share the same drive to really make impactful change, bring big city ideas and execute them in our own country girl way.” It was the core values of respect, integrity, collaboration, excellence and trust that Ms Self aligned with, sharing her goal to continue to build on the trust and integrity the agency has established in Mackay, while supporting the continued growth and development of both the team and business. “I’m excited to take on the role of general manager and work alongside Nikita and the entire team at REMAX Select,” Ms Self said. “REMAX Select has a strong team with exceptional talent which is highly respected throughout the community and I’m excited to be part of its continued success.” Ms Self steps into the role after eight years as retail manager of the largest shopping centre in northern Australia. During that time, she was the key driver of building positive, collaborative relationships with retailers, creating an environment where retailers were genuine partners in success. Having led sales performance analysis and market insight initiatives, Ms Self said she looks forward to applying her knowledge and experience to support the continued success of the REMAX Select team. “I am dedicated to empowering our team members through training and development opportunities, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed,” she said. “My goal is to continue to foster the team’s culture of professionalism, responsiveness and customer-first approach and I look forward to collaborating with our talented agents and staff to create a dynamic and successful environment here at REMAX Select.” REMAX Select is an award-winning real estate business, recently recognised as the 2025 REIQ Medium Agency of the Year and finalist at the 2026 REIA National Awards for Excellence. The office consistently ranks in the National Top 10 Offices in the REMAX Australia network, recognised as the #3 individual office for commissions and transactions at the REMAX Australia Annual Awards 2025 earlier this year, where they were also named a finalist for the network’s community service award and special achievement in marketing for an office award. REMAX Select is located at 133B Victoria Street, Mackay. Contact (07)4829 4612 or visit remax.com.au/select/ for an award winning real estate experience. Newly appointed General Manager, Samantha Self (Left) with REMAX Select Principal Nikita Kinnane (Right).
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In 2000, Peter and Denise Phillips laid the foundation for what would become one of Mackay’s most recognisable holistic, all in one property, insurance and financial services ecosystem. Starting as a Mortgage Choice franchise, Gardian was built on a commitment to helping people make confident financial decisions with local people in the know! Over the decades, that foundation has steadily evolved. Today, Gardian encompasses a wide range of services, including all manner of finance, general and business insurance, financial planning, real estate sales, property management, and commercial sales, management and leasing. What began as a single offering has grown into an integrated business model serving individuals, families, businesses, and community across the region. Now, the organisation enters its next chapter. After many years at the helm with her late husband Peter, Denise Phillips will step down from her role as Managing Director. Her leadership has been central to Gardian’s growth — not just in size, but in culture, reputation, and its connection to the local community. Taking over the role is Ben Phillips, Owner/Director and Head of Gardian Finance. Having been closely involved in all aspects of the business and its clients, he brings both continuity and a forward-looking perspective to the position. Leadership transitions often mark defining moments for organisations. In this case, the change represents both the continuation of a strong legacy and the opportunity to build on it. The evolution of Gardian — from a small franchise to a diversified advisory group — reflects the importance of adaptability, strategic growth, and staying aligned to core values to the community. For the Mackay business community, this transition highlights the strength of long-term vision and succession planning, particularly within locally grown enterprises. It also reinforces the impact that leadership grounded in community and relationships can have over time. As Gardian moves forward under new leadership, it does so with deep roots, a clear purpose, and a platform built for continued growth.
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One of the things I love most about living in the Whitsundays is that when times get tough, our community doesn't look away. We lean in, we check on our mates and we support each other.
Recently my wife Mel and I had the privilege of attending the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network's Legends Night fundraiser in Bowen. It was a fantastic evening overlooking our beautiful coastline, but more importantly, it was a reminder of just how important community connection is.
Mental health and suicide prevention remain significant challenges across regional Australia, and sadly the Whitsundays is not immune. Many of us know someone who has struggled, someone who has lost a loved one, or someone who has faced challenges behind closed doors.
That's why the work being done by the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network is so important.
The Network is made up of passionate local volunteers who are helping create awareness, start conversations and connect people with support when they need it most. Their work is often done quietly and behind the scenes, but the impact they have across our communities is enormous.
A highlight of the evening was hearing from guest speakers Michael Kimpton and McQuilty "Coco" Quirke, who shared powerful stories of resilience, perseverance and overcoming adversity. Their honesty resonated with everyone in the room and reinforced an important message — no matter how difficult things may seem, there is always hope and there are always people willing to help.
I want to congratulate Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network President Matt Stokes, Jenn Lowcock and the entire team of volunteers for organising such a successful event. I also want to thank everyone who attended, donated and supported the cause.
As a community, we should never underestimate the power of a simple conversation. Checking in on a mate, making a phone call, inviting someone for a coffee or simply asking "Are you okay?" can make a world of difference.
The Whitsundays has always been a community that looks after its own. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more connected and more resilient region where nobody feels they have to face life's challenges alone.
Jason King. Photo supplied
Business owners and managers across the Whitsundays are being encouraged to build their confidence in handling workplace complaints and misconduct matters at the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry's July Business Breakfast Briefing, When Things Go Wrong: Practical Lessons from Real Workplace Investigations, on Thursday 23rd July.
The practical session will be presented by Jason King, Director and Principal Investigator of Regional Queensland Investigations, who brings decades of experience investigating workplace misconduct, fraud, bullying and harassment complaints, corporate risk, cyber-related matters and other sensitive organisational inquiries.
A former Australian Federal Police Federal Agent and Victoria Police member, Jason olds postgraduate qualifications in Law, Intellectual Property Law and Computer Science, and is Queensland Chapter President of the Australian Institute of Professional Investigators.
Drawing on real-world investigations, Jason will provide practical guidance to help businesses identify early warning signs, respond appropriately to workplace complaints, preserve evidence, ensure procedural fairness and reduce the legal, financial and reputational risks that can arise when matters are handled poorly.
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Allan Milostic said the session addressed an issue relevant to every employer.
"Whether you employ two people or 200, every business is likely to face a workplace complaint or misconduct issue at some point," Allan said.
"The biggest risk is often not the complaint itself, but how it is handled. Having the right processes and knowing how to respond early can protect your staff, your business and your workplace culture."
Allan said the breakfast was particularly relevant for regional businesses, where close working relationships can make workplace matters more complex.
"Regional businesses often operate in close-knit communities where professional and personal relationships overlap. This session will give employers practical tools and greater confidence to deal with difficult situations fairly, consistently and professionally."
Attendees will leave with practical, real-world strategies they can implement immediately, helping them respond confidently when workplace issues arise before they become major organisational challenges.
The upgraded boardwalk is now open. Photo source: Facebook.
Residents and visitors can once again enjoy the full length of the Bicentennial Boardwalk, with the final stage of the foreshore upgrade officially opening on June 25th.
Whitsunday Regional Council celebrated the milestone with Councillor Jan Clifford joined by the project's manager and representatives from Plants Whitsundays, Matt Stokes and Dylan Blackwood, the team responsible for delivering the final stage of the upgrade.
The completed boardwalk is one of the first major projects delivered under the Airlie Beach Masterplan, a long-term vision to build-up the township for future generations while strengthening its reputation as the "Heart of the Great Barrier Reef."
The upgrade improves connectivity along the foreshore, making it easier for people to walk between key areas while enhancing the experience for both locals and visitors.
With the project now complete, locals and tourists alike can take in the scenic coastal views, whether walking, running or simply enjoying one of the Whitsundays' most iconic waterfront attractions for years to come.
Dr Sofia Fortunato. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
After Venezuela was rocked by a powerful earthquake last week, leaving thousands injured or still missing, a Whitsundays resident who grew up in the country is doing everything she can to help those affected.
On July 24th, twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck Venezuela, with the tremors felt from San Felipe to Caracas. The disaster has left parts of the country in ruins, claiming more than 1,700 lives; a number that is still climbing.
With telephone services disrupted and chaos unfolding in the wake of this disaster, many families have turned to online databases to report missing loved ones. Some of these databases have recorded as many as 50,000 people as missing.
“After the earthquake, all the help the Venezuelans have got has been from international rescue teams and things like that,” said Dr Sofia Fortunato, Venezuelan Lab Technician currently working at St Catherine’s College.
“Imagine that it's a country that already is going through such a hard time, and then you've got an earthquake that destroys thousands of buildings, there's a lot of people at the moment without a house.”
Dr Fortunato has called the Whitsundays home for the past seven years and has lived in Australia for a decade. She grew up in Venezuela before leaving in 2004 in search of a better life, moving to Norway to study biology, where she later earned her PhD.
While Dr Fortunato has built a life far from Venezuela, the crisis remains immensely personal. She still has relatives there, currently struggling to cope amongst the rubble around them.
“My cousin is there and she can't return to her apartment, she lives on the 10th floor,” Dr Fortunato said.
Feeling helpless from thousands of kilometres away, Dr Fortunato has instead focused her efforts on directing people to trusted organisations providing emergency relief on the ground.
She is encouraging the community to support the Venezuela earthquake appeals through Caritas and UNICEF, both organisations delivering targeted assistance to families and children affected by the disaster.
“I understand there's a crisis in Australia too and people are really struggling but anything will help,” Dr Fortunato said.
“$5 to just buy a bandage, that is enough.”
WSPN group photo. Photo Credit: Rachael Smith.
The Whitsunday community showed its strength both physically and emotionally at the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network's monthly breakfast, where participants tackled The Push-Up Challenge in support of better mental health.
“The purpose of this morning is to get around people,” said WSPN team leader Matt Stokes.
The great turn out of around 100 people was much needed, as the WSPN challenged participants to wake up with exercise as part of Australia's Push-Up Challenge.
“We’re trying to achieve 3,307 push-ups, which signifies how many people died to suicide in 2024,” Matt said just before the challenge started.
“There are some people that’ll do 5, there are some who will do 60 but that’s our goal for today.”
On top of the push-ups, the event also featured guest speakers Anton and Dan from Whitsunday Martial Arts, who spoke about the benefits of taking up martial arts and encouraged people of all experience levels to give it a go.
“The sense of community that it brings and you find that there’s really good opportunities to have a chat with your peers while you're suffering on the mats,” Dan Zealand said.
“For those moments,the rest of the world shuts out.
“Whatever stuff you’re carrying into the gym, you leave it all on the mats.”
WSPN hosts these BBQs on the last Friday of every month at 6.30am at Shirtfront Solutions. All are invited, and encouraged, to attend.
Photo sourced from Shutterstock
A 59-year-old woman has died following a single e-bike crash on Hamilton Island on Friday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to Melaleuca Drive at approximately 1pm after reports the woman had collided with a tree while riding an e-bike.
Paramedics and other emergency responders provided immediate medical assistance at the scene, however the woman was unable to be revived and was pronounced deceased.
A Hamilton Island spokesperson said the incident was a tragedy.
"We are deeply saddened by the death of a member of our Hamilton Island community following a fatal bicycle incident on Hamilton Island yesterday," they said.
"Our sincere condolences are with the individual's family, friends and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.
"Queensland Ambulance Service personnel responded immediately, with support from Hamilton Island's emergency response teams."
Police have commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Queensland Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information that could assist investigators to come forward.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Policelink online at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Investigations into the fatal crash are ongoing.
Ryan and Nikki Woodall with their shitbox at parliament. Photo supplied
By Zach Houtenville
A cheap car, some of Australia's most turbulent roads, 31 one hours driving and a cause that everyone can get behind.
That's the challenge Ryan and Nikki Woodall are taking on as they return to the Shitbox Rally this July 10th to July 17th, hoping to build on last year's impressive $33,000 fundraising effort for Cancer Council Australia.
“It was probably easily the best thing that I've done that I've felt that I've given back to,” Ryan said.
“It's quite an emotional journey.”
The Shitbox Rally brings together hundreds of teams with one goal in mind: to complete the journey from Port Douglas to Melbourne in cars worth no more than $1,500.
Over the course of the seven-day voyage the convoy stops at schools and communities, holding special events and spreading its message.
The challenge is not a race to the finish line but a battle of endurance, with hope of just making it to Melbourne.
“This is across some of Australia's most formidable roads,” Ryan said.
“There'll be car trailers there to take the poor cars that didn't make it but we get everyone to the finish line, whether we put them in our car or vice versa.”
The rally is all in the name of charity, with over 2 million dollars already being raised on behalf of the Cancer Council Australia.
“Most of us have been affected by cancer in one way or another,” Ryan said.
“Whether it be parents, family, close friends, people we know or ourselves that have battled, it’s an awful disease.
“So we not only want to raise awareness and money for the Cancer Council, but also to offer support and a friendly ear to those that have suffered or who are suffering currently.”
Ryan himself has been deeply affected by cancer, having lost all four of his grandparents, his aunties, an uncle and two close friends to the disease.
Unsure how to give back, he and his fiancée Nikki entered the Shitbox Rally for the first time last year, raising an impressive 33,000 dollars and finishing 10th out of 225 teams for fundraising thanks to their mining themed car.
Now, with this year's "Where's Woody" Toy Story themed car, the pair are hoping to top that effort while continuing to raise awareness and much-needed funds for Cancer Council Australia. So far, they’ve been able to raise over 13,000 dollars.
Businesses can sponsor the team by having their logo displayed on the car, while community members can also support the cause through donations before the rally begins on July 10th.
Community members can still support Ryan and Nikki’s “Where’s Woody” fundraiser by donating at autumn2026.shitboxrally.com.au/wheres-woody
A woman has been thanked for her act of kindness after handing out flowers in Cannonvale this week. Photo source: Shutterstock
Several members of the community had big smiles on their faces this week after being gifted flowers from a lady handing out blooms for seemingly no reason, except her desire to spread cheer.
“Getting in my car at Coles this afternoon, this lady approached me. Had no idea who it was, but she decided to give me this flower,” said Jeff Baker.
“I asked why, she said, "because its Wednesday" then she just took off with other flowers to give to others.”
Jeff took to Facebook to see if any others had a similar experience.
“Who is this obviously kind soul making people feel loved?” He mused.
“[I was] so happy to receive. I have it in a special place to remember her kindred spirit for people.”
Several locals responded to say their days had also been brightened by this mysterious lady, calling her ‘gorgeous’, and a ‘special person’.
The deed stands as a reminder that anyone one of us is capable of brightening the lives of those around us – all it takes is deciding that today is the day.
Photo source: Mackay Regional Council
Three artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives are part of council's new budget to be adopted next week.
These initiatives are the latest proactive steps from council to help mitigate significant financial pressures while continuing to deliver reliable, high-quality services to the community.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the 2026/27 Budget reflected both the challenges facing local government and council’s commitment to modern, efficient service delivery.
“Like many councils across the country, we are facing rising costs and reduced external funding,” he said.
“Our focus is on finding smarter, more sustainable ways to deliver services without compromising quality for our community.”
Council has seen a startling increase in a costs over recent years, including:
These pressures highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing affordability for residents with the real cost of delivering essential services.
To help offset these impacts, council is investing in practical, targeted AI solutions that improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
A key initiative is the introduction of a new after-hours digital assistant, LUNA, which will operate from 4.30pm to 8.30am daily and all weekend from July 1.
Replacing a previous afterhours model which used an outsourced, third-party call centre, LUNA will provide consistent, auditable responses using council-approved information.
It will improve how afterhours calls are triaged, especially urgent and emergency enquiries, and will allow routine requests to be handled without delays or manual intervention.
The transition follows changes in the external provider market and is expected to deliver about $80,000 in annual savings, while maintaining service quality and improving response consistency.
Mayor Williamson said this initiative demonstrated council’s commitment to innovation while managing costs.
“We’re using proven technology to deliver services more efficiently while maintaining the high standard our community expects,” Mayor Williamson said.
Council is also expanding AI use in key service areas to address increasing demand and resource constraints.
In Development Planning, automation of high-volume, low-complexity administrative tasks will reduce processing backlogs and allow skilled staff to focus on more complex work.
A similar outcome will be achieved by using Agentic AI to enhance internal corporate services, allowing council’s staff to tackle more complex issues.
This will help council maintain service levels despite workforce and cost pressures.
Mayor Williamson said council was adopting a scalable approach to AI, building on existing systems to deliver improvements across multiple service areas rather than one-off solutions.
“This approach ensures responsible and sustainable adoption of new technologies,” he said.
“By reducing repetitive manual work and improving consistency, we can better manage costs while maintaining strong governance and oversight.”
While efficiencies from these initiatives will be realised progressively, council’s immediate focus is on improving reliability, reducing inefficiencies and supporting a sustainable workforce model.
These actions form part of council’s broader commitment to ensuring services remain efficient, accountable and future-ready, even as financial pressures continue to grow.
Mayor Williamson said innovation would be key to navigating future challenges.
“Innovation is essential to navigating the challenges ahead. By investing in smarter ways of working now, we are helping protect the services our community relies on into the future while putting downward pressure on rate rises.”
Set on the elevated hillside of this 21-acre property, the beautifully crafted, fully airconditioned residence enjoys a breathtaking north-facing 27m x 4.2m covered deck, offering ample room for entertaining or peaceful contemplation while taking in the stunning ever-changing vista. A large covered tiled patio adjoins the deck and living area, creating additional outdoor space overlooking the firepit and orchard.
The home is set within a fully fenced house yard, complete with a secure electric front gate at the road. There is an abundance of water across the property, including four dams, a bore with solar-operated submersible pump (not currently connected), three rainwater tanks with a combined capacity of 62,000L, and town water to the residence. Water is also plumbed to the orchard, stables and other areas throughout the property.
Additional features include fully covered walkways connecting the carport to the home, wireless NBN and full mobile signal coverage.
Optional machinery includes a Fiat 750 tractor with slasher and rotary hoe, 2000 SE5 backhoe, Hustler 54" zero turn ride-on mower, assorted tools and other plant and equipment.
This stunning property is a true gem in the heart of the beautiful Pioneer Valley, offering the opportunity to settle in, relax and enjoy, or get creative and explore the endless possibilities on offer.
Gargett is located in the Pioneer Valley, just 15 minutes from the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trail and the beautiful Finch Hatton Gorge. The local Gargett Store is only a short drive away, while the nearest shopping centre is 20 minutes to Marian and 50 minutes to Mackay. It is also an easy drive to the Bowen Coal Basin, Airlie Beach and The Whitsundays, with ample opportunities nearby for fishing, crabbing, prawning and boating.
Makinex Renewables is setting an ambitious target, saving 100 million litres of diesel in five years.
In an industry long reliant on traditional diesel generators, the Australian-made and owned company is helping reshape how remote and off-grid operations power their sites.
Focused on Hybrid Power Systems, Battery Energy Storage Systems and deployable solar arrays, Makinex Renewables is working with customers to lower fuel costs, reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency, while maintaining the dependable power their operations require.
“The 100 million litre target gives us a clear and measurable objective to work towards while highlighting the impact renewable energy solutions can have across industries that traditionally rely on diesel power,” the company said.
“It’s a goal that keeps us focused on developing practical solutions that deliver real-world results for our customers.”
Designed for businesses operating in remote environments, Makinex Renewables’ modular systems can be deployed as standalone units, integrated together, or incorporated into existing site power setups.
The company’s solutions are already delivering measurable results in mining. Following a trial installation, a mine site adopted Makinex Renewables’ Hybrid Power System and additional solar arrays, reducing generator runtime from 24 hours a day to approximately six to seven hours. Since the HPS45 was deployed in February, the site has cut generator fuel use by 125 litres a day, delivering annual diesel savings of around $91,000 and projected savings of $640,000 over the site’s seven-year life.
Brad Cliff, Director of Generator Services Australia, said the project highlighted the benefits of continuing to challenge traditional ways of thinking and finding better solutions to longstanding industry challenges.
To learn more about Makinex Renewables’ solutions, visit the team at the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition in July.
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Photo supplied
Most Reverend Daniel Meagher, the 11th Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton, made his first visit to St Patrick's College on Wednesday, beginning the day alongside students and staff at the College's Brekky Van outreach service.
The visit provided an opportunity for Bishop Daniel to experience the College's commitment to living its Catholic values through service to the wider community before officiating the blessing and official opening of newly completed building and refurbishment works.
During the ceremony, Bishop Daniel addressed those in attendance.
“We really are here to pray and bless the students and teachers who will use the buildings,” he said.
The redevelopment has delivered contemporary learning spaces designed to support learning, wellbeing and faith formation while reflecting the College's commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities.
Assistant Principal: Mission, Mrs Andrea Crocker, said the occasion was a proud moment for the College community.
“We’re finally getting to showcase our wonderful new facilities and the way the hard work of so many different people has come to fruition,” she said.
The blessing and opening marked the culmination of years of planning and investment, with the new facilities set to benefit Mercy Campus students for years to come.
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Photo credit: Mikey Bartlett
Piles of black smoke smothered Bucasia skies last Friday morning as emergency services raced to a shed fire on Downie Avenue.
Emergency services were called to the address at approximately 9.20am on Friday 19th June 2026, after reports a carport had ignited, with a boat and vehicle also engulfed in flames.
Residents gathered along the roadside as crews worked to bring the blaze under control and de-escalate the situation.
Authorities confirmed all occupants were accounted for, with nearby homes evacuated as a precaution. No injuries were reported.
At the time of reporting, the carport, boat and vehicle were fully engulfed, with emergency services continuing operations at the scene.
Updates may follow **
Before and after photos of the river clean-up. Photos: Mackay Regional Council
A number of derelict vessels have recently been removed from the Pioneer River in Mackay as part of Maritime Safety Queensland’s Keeping Our Waterways Safe initiative.
The operation forms part of an ongoing program aimed at improving safety, navigation and environmental conditions across the region’s waterways.
Since 2018, more than 150 derelict and abandoned vessels have now been removed from Mackay waterways, with all highly visible wrecks in the area now cleared.
Officials say the removal of abandoned vessels is a complex process requiring specialist contractors, detailed planning and environmental management to ensure waterways are safely restored for community use.
The latest clean-up was supported by Mackay Regional Council, helping deliver a cleaner, safer and more accessible river environment for locals to enjoy.
Nearly 50 Year 12 students celebrated the end of their schooling journey in style at the VMR Hall in Cannonvale last week. The elegant formal gathering brought together students, families and the wider community for a memorable evening of music, food and festivities.
Styled with black, crystal and dusty pink décor, the event featured live music from Ash Smith, a student-themed trivia competition, a DJ-led dance floor and even non-alcoholic champagne to add to the air of celebration.
Standout contributors were the VMR event organisers, and Deputy Principal Kate Moreto, who personally prepared the evening's dinner service. Spending the day cooking, Kate put together a delicious spread for the students to enjoy.
“That was a massive hit with the kids,” said Year 11 and 12 Pastoral Leader Natalie Hazleton.
“She actually cooked all day long on Thursday, making three different meals and three different sides and desserts, and the kids loved it.”
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