Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
At just 18 months old and weighing 17kg, Obi is a happy little guy with plenty of love and enthusiasm for life. Getting along well with children, other dogs and visitors, he has plenty of potential to become a much-loved member of his new family. Obi had a rough start to life and can still find the world a little scary at times, so he is looking for a patient and understanding family willing to help build his confidence and show him the ropes. He already knows his basic commands and walks confidently on the lead, making him a great companion for someone happy to continue guiding him as he settles into his new life. Once Obi gets to know and trust you, he will become an unshakeable little shadow, following his favourite person wherever they go. If you have the time, patience and love to give Obi the fresh start he deserves, contact his carer Char on 0402 540 612 to arrange a meeting. Alternatively, email LLTAGSandDogRescue@gmail.com to find out more.
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No city or region in Australia has been unaffected by the property market changes that have become obvious ever since the Federal Government introduced its budget in May, removing negative gearing from established housing and changing the capital gains tax rules. But some have been hit harder than others. The latest property market review by valuers Herron Todd White gives an extensive rundown of where particular regions sit as well as the nation as a whole. HTW chief economist Cameron Kusher pointed out in the September review that inflation continues to be a factor, not only in cost of living but also projected interest rate rises in the months ahead. He said: “National dwelling values fell by 3.1 per cent over the three months to August 2026, with capital city values 3.7 per cent lower and regional values falling by 1.2 per cent.” He said property market analyst Cotality estimates that over the three months to August 2026 “there were 14.6 per cent fewer property sales than the same period last year”. “Transaction activity has seen a much greater decline in the capital cities than in the regional markets; however, falls are broad-based,” he said. “Every capital city except for Hobart is seeing a higher volume of properties available for sale relative to a year ago, and only regional Tasmania and regional NT are seeing fewer total listings. “Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra have historically high listing volumes, and although they aren’t at historic highs elsewhere, Brisbane and Perth have seen annual increases of more than 50 per cent, and Adelaide has seen an annual increase of more than 40 per cent. “The heightened volume of stock for sale at a time in which there are fewer active buyers in the market means that those who are buying have less urgency and more choice. In turn, this means that they have greater scope to negotiate on price, and there are many properties that will take a long time to sell in this market or simply won’t transact. “In the regional areas, the longest median days on market are in NT, NSW and Victoria and the lowest are in WA, Queensland and Tasmania.” The HTW monthly review includes their very interesting property clock, in which they categorise where particular markets are in the property cycle. Sitting at 3 o’clock on the property clock in a declining market are Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. Sitting in the “starting to decline” category includes cities such as Alice Springs, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Several Queensland cities are included in the “peak of the market” category; Gladstone, Bundaberg and Toowoomba. And cities in the “approaching the top of the market” category include Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Townsville and the Whitsundays. What about the cities still sitting at 9 o’clock, the “rising market” category? Well, there aren’t nearly as many cities in that category as there were a few months ago but it still includes Mackay, Rockhampton and Emerald, among a few others. HTW can only go on the data in front of them, however agents on the ground experience the market as it happens. It is true that the Mackay market is behaving nothing like the free fall being felt in major cities like Sydney. The economy is going well, unemployment is virtually non-existent, rental vacancies are low and properties are selling. However, no agent in Mackay will tell you that right now Mackay is in a rising market. It’s still active and people are still buying but at the moment it’s not going up … it represents a great opportunity for those wanting to get into the market and investors seeking one of Australia’s best rental returns.
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Locals gathered in Mackay last Saturday for the annual March For Life, which brought together supporters of the pro-life movement. The march began at Harbour Road before finishing at Caneland Central Park, where attendees heard from guest speakers and community representatives. Among those attending was Cherish Life Queensland CEO Matthew Cliff, who travelled from Brisbane for the event. Operating since 1970, and formerly known as Right to Life Queensland, Cherish Life is one of Queensland's longest-established pro-life organisations, with branches throughout the state, including Mackay. Mr Cliff, who has been CEO for around four and a half years, said the organisation's work centred on two key areas of education and advocacy, aiming to encourage greater understanding of its pro-life position, while engaging with elected representatives and participating in public discussions about abortion. Mr Cliff said the organisation also connected women experiencing unplanned pregnancies with other services that could provide practical and emotional support. Though Cherish Life do not offer direct assistance themselves, they refer women to services like Hope's Dream, a Christian-based, non-profit charitable organization which provides pregnancy counselling and support. “The rallies are really a good way of bringing public awareness,” Mr Cliff said. “It's an opportunity for people who support the pro-life movement to demonstrate why this is important to them.” Mr Cliff said his own Christian beliefs played a role in shaping his position, with his views centred on the belief that human life is valuable from conception. “The Christian method in which I believe as the CEO of Cherish Life Queensland is to walk in grace and truth, and truth in love, and that all human life from conception is valuable,” he said. The Mackay event featured several speakers and representatives, including Mr Cliff, Australian Christian Lobby Assistant Director Daniel Adsett, Family Voice Australia Queensland Director Andrew McColl, Lighthouse Church Mackay Pastor Jai Wright and St Joseph's Catholic Church Associate Pastor Rev. Fr. Raju Mandothparambil. While Cherish Life advocates against abortion, other organisations take a different view of reproductive rights. CEO of Queensland pro choice organisation Children By Choice Anjulee Singh shared: “Children by Choice believe all people have the right to make decisions about their own body and health care. “Abortion is legal healthcare and should be accessible without barriers regardless of where you live.” The organisation advocates for accessible reproductive care in regional communities, claiming that stigma and privacy concerns can make it hard to ask for help, and can prevent women from pursuing the healthcare they are entitled to. “Everyone has the right to make their own decision about their pregnancy, whether that means continuing, ending, or considering adoption,” the organisation states. “Support should be non-judgemental, confidential, and respectful.” The differing perspectives come amid ongoing public and parliamentary debate about reproductive rights in Queensland, including discussions involving Mackay MP Nigel Dalton, who earlier this year crossed the floor in opposition to restrictions on parliamentary debate about abortion. Photo source: Cherish Life QLD - Mackay Branch
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Mackay beachgoers are encouraged to put their photography skills to good use, with the arrival of two new monitoring stations giving community members a hands-on role in tracking changes to the coastline. Eimeo Beach and Lambert’s Beach are the first locations to introduce the newly installed CoastSnap poles, which feature a phone cradle where residents and visitors can position their phones, capture an image of the coastline and upload it through the CoastSnap app. Photos taken from the same position over time will help build a long-term record of sand movement, beach erosion and recovery, providing valuable information to support future coastal management. Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the project, led by the University of New South Wales, would give council access to valuable monitoring data while allowing the community to get involved. "It's easy to use. You just follow the barcode. And you can do it anonymously, you don't have to put your name on it," he said. Mr Williamson said the photographs and accompanying observations would help build a detailed picture of how the region's beaches change over time. "If everybody does that every day, just imagine the record that we're going to have via the University of New South Wales to manage this in the future," he said. "This is just another tool for us to be able to effectively manage the 31 beaches we've got in our region." Council's Coordinator of Waterways and Coastal Planning Robyn Burkett said the initiative formed part of the Mackay Coast Our Future project, helping council better understand coastal conditions and plan for future changes. "It's about monitoring our beaches, and community education, so that's why we're encouraging people to come along, snap a photo, and learn more about coastal hazards and how our coastal processes work in the Mackay region," she said. Ms Burkett said ongoing monitoring would help determine how much sand was lost during storm events, whether beaches recovered naturally and when intervention might be needed. "Having good information now, when we experience a storm event, looking at what those changes are, and how much sand is lost, whether it will recover over time, or whether it needs intervention is really important." The CoastSnap initiative was founded in 2017 as a pilot project by the University of New South Wales, with more than 100 poles now installed across 16 countries. The two Mackay stations were funded by council, with further locations being considered for the region. To learn more, visit www.coastsnap.com or visit connectingmackay.com.au/mackay-coast-our-future. L-R - Robyn Burkett, Coordinator Waterways and Coastal Planning for Mackay Regional Council, Kylie Cauchi, Waterways Planning Advisor for Mackay Regional Council and Mayor Greg Williamson of Mackay Regional Council, testing out the new CoastSnap pole at Eimeo Beach. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara The impact of tropical cyclone Debbie in 2017. Supplied by Mackay Regional Council
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Commemorating The 50th Anniversary Of The End Of Australia's Involvement In The Vietnam War
Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
When local model Jenna K took on the role of Mrs Charity Oceania 2023, she vowed to use her platform to raise money and awareness for causes close to her heart and help women of all ages with their confidence, mindset and self-love.
One aspect of this mission was the Beeyoutiful Charity Pageant, an event held on Saturday, July 22 offering the people of Mackay the opportunity to improve their confidence while raising funds for BreastScreen Queensland.
Entrants were invited to a confidence and mindset masterclass throughout the morning, before returning that evening to show off what they’d learnt.
17 participants aged between seven and their late 60s entered across four categories: Little Miss Beeyoutiful, Junior Miss Beeyoutiful, Ms Beeyoutiful and Classic Beeyoutiful.
“I was mindful that the people who were entering might not have done anything like that before, so I wanted to provide each entrant the best chance possible to show their confidence onstage later that evening,” Jenna said.
“When they came back in the evening, I noticed a very high level of confidence they had gained and even a week after, I had parents contacting me saying they see a difference in their daughter and the event really helped with their confidence and self-esteem.”
Entrants walked the runway in pink wear, fun fashion wear and evening wear and were judged on a variety of criteria before winners were named across categories and other prizes were awarded.
Little Miss Beeyoutiful went to Madison Kennedy, Wren Forbes was named Junior Miss Beeyoutiful, Ms Beeyoutiful went to Crystal Sweeney while Judy Cook was crowned Classic Beeyoutiful.
The event raised $2,038.95 for BreastScreen QLD Mackay through the Mackay Hospital Foundation.
“It was an amazing event and it definitely helped to have the event with my current title to show that I’m not just someone who wears a crown and sash but I’m actually someone who wants to make a difference in her community and to other people’s lives,” Jenna said.
“I’m really excited to do it next year because I can see the impact it’s made on young women’s lives.”
Jenna will continue her campaign of kindness before she represents Oceania at Charity Pageant Intercontinental in Perth next year.
Back row L-R Wren Forbes, Judy Cook, Jenna K and Crystal Sweeney, front row Madison Kennedy
17 women aged between seven and their late 60s participated in the pageant
Photo credit: Marty Strecker Photography
Investigations continue for a two-vehicle car accident near Alligator Creek, just past 7am on Friday, August 18.
Initial police investigations indicate that a Hyundai Palisade was turning onto the Bruce Highway from Perry Road, when it collided with an oncoming Toyota Landcruiser, which was travelling north.
The Toyota swerved before losing control and rolling multiple times down an embankment.
The three occupants of the Toyota were taken to Mackay Base Hospital.
The 19-year-old male driver and one passenger, a 45-year-old man, were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The second passenger of the Toyota, a 29-year-old man, was later transported to Townsville Hospital, after sustaining critical injuries in the accident.
All three men are from Sarina.
The driver of the Hyundai, a 30-year-old Sarina woman, was not physically injured.
Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any relevant footage is encouraged to reach out to police.
In a shellebration of conservation, Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey has given local turtles a fin-tastic win by expanding the protective boundaries of the Mackay Port to include the North Harbour Wall.
This flipper-friendly decision ensures that Mackay’s turtles will continue to nest and hatch in their coastal haven for generations to come.
Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert, celebrates this decision as a triumph for the local community.
The Port of Mackay, Queensland's fourth largest, plays a pivotal role in servicing the region's mining and agricultural sectors, boasting one of the world's largest bulk sugar terminals.
In October 2022, the State Government began consultation on the master plan for the port, seeking input from the community about how the Port can further drive economic prosperity for central Queensland.
Over the 14 weeks, four community information sessions were held, with over 160 submissions received by the Transport and Main Roads Department.
In response to the community feedback received, the Queensland Government has taken action to protect a Queensland icon, the turtles of Mackay.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said that having travelled extensively in Mackay, speaking with the local member and the community, he heard how important it was to protect the turtles that nest and hatch along the North Harbor Wall of the Mackay Port.
“That is why I have added this area to the Port’s environmental protection zone, which will ensure the Mackay turtles have a safe place to call home for generations to come,” Minister Bailey said.
Assistant Minister for State Development and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said that hundreds of turtles are known to nest and hatch along the North Harbor Wall of the Mackay Port.
“The master planning that is being done is an exciting opportunity for Mackay, bringing with it future development, jobs and prosperity for the Region,” Mrs Gilbert said.
“I am proud to be part of a government that balances the needs of our growing community, while also protecting our beautiful natural environment.
“That is why I welcome the Transport Minister’s decision to protect the Mackay turtles, including the nesting and hatching area in the Mackay Port’s environmental protection zone.”
Minister Bailey said in the coming months he would share future news about the Port of Mackay’s master plan.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert is celebrating the Transport Minister’s decision to include the North Harbour Wall of the Mackay Port in the environmental protection zone of the Port to protect local turtles
By Amanda Wright
Steering the course for enhanced healthcare in the region, a fresh chapter unfolds as a new six-member Board takes the helm of the Mackay Hospital and Health Service.
With a diverse array of expertise spanning emergency medicine, business, nursing, and law, these board members herald a promising era of leadership. Their appointment marks a decisive step following the dissolution of the previous Board in November 2022, signalling a renewed commitment to quality healthcare and community well-being.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman has announced the new board, which will be led by Helen Darch OAM, an experienced board member in government and not-for-profit sectors.
Membership also includes highly respected emergency physician Associate Professor Dr Luke Lawton, and Head of Nursing and Midwifery at James Cook University Dr Maureen Chapman.
The new board, which will set the strategic direction and oversee the management of Mackay HHS, consists of:
• Helen Darch OAM (Chair)
More than 13 years of Board experience, including with Metro South HHS
• Kerry Maley (Deputy Chair)
A qualified Advanced Social Worker with over 25 years’ experience in community service delivery in the public and private sectors
• Dr Maureen Chapman
Based in Mackay, she completed a Bachelor of Nursing in the US in 1995 and also holds a Master of Nursing Studies and Education Doctorate
• Associate Professor Dr Luke Lawton
Formerly Director of Emergency Medicine at Townsville HHS, Dr Lawton’s experience includes serving as an independent expert witness providing opinions to state coroners’ courts, top tier national health panel defence firms, Crown law, and major plaintiff firms
• Dr Peter O’Mara
A General Practitioner specialising in Indigenous health. He is the past President of the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association
• William Cooper
Mr Cooper has strong governance, legal and finance and board experience across a range of Mackay based organisations and community groups and was named Mackay Citizen of the Year in 2005
Minister Fentiman said the appointment of the new Board is a crucial step forward in driving service improvements and cultural change within Mackay HHS.
“I’m pleased Mackay HHS has been able to attract such experienced, knowledgeable and well-respected people to the Board and I know they will make a positive impact,” she said.
The new board takes over from the Mackay HHS administrator Karen Roach, who was appointed in November 2022 following the dismissal of the previous board.
“I want to thank Karen Roach for her work as Mackay HHS administrator, which has been instrumental in ensuring appropriate governance is in place for the Mackay HHS,” Minister Fentiman said.
“Ms Roach will continue to help with the transition to the new Board as an adviser appointed under the Act for one month."
The establishment of the new Board follows the appointment in June of experienced health professional Susan Gannon as chief executive.
Minister Fentiman also said the new board and chief executive will play a critical role in overseeing the implementation of reforms stemming from the Mackay HHS’ obstetrics and gynaecology review.
A new Mackay Hospital and Health Service board will be led by Helen Darch OAM
Police are seeking the assistance of the public as they investigate a fatal house fire that claimed the lives of the sole owner-occupant and his two dogs.
Emergency services were called to a property on Grant Street at 6:30pm, Saturday, August 19, after neighbours reported flames coming from the building to triple zero.
The body of 59-year-old Mark Gallagher was located inside the destroyed dwelling over 24 hours later once the fire had been extinguished and the property was certified safe for police to investigate.
Mr Gallagher, an employee at a local club, lived at the property alone with his two dogs.
Police investigations have established that he finished work at around about 8:30am that morning and was sighted at IGA West Mackay at 9:30am.
“What police are asking for assistance with is anyone who may have had any contact or seen Mr Gallagher between the hours of 9:30am on Saturday morning and 6:30pm when that fire started,” said Detective Acting Inspector Chris Eaton.
Police believe the fire originated centrally in the dwelling and are awaiting forensic examination results to confirm the cause of the blaze.
“It’s an old Queenslander style house, so when those particular buildings are destroyed by fire, it’s quite difficult to establish and does take some time for our forensic people,” said Mr Eaton.
Mr Eaton said Mr Gallagher had lived in Mackay for some time and was well known in the community.
His next of kin, both locally and interstate, have been contacted.
“We’re really trying to establish, was he at home throughout the course of that day, had he been out, that will just narrow down our time frame and hopefully assist our investigators.”
If you have any information regarding Mr Gallagher, contact Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au or call 1800 333 000.
Quote this reference number: QP2301377124.
A Grant Street property was destroyed by fire last weekend, claiming the lives of 59-year-old Mark Gallagher and his two dogs
Detective Acting Inspector Chris Eaton is calling on members of the public for information. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
With a passion for client satisfaction, Kate Paton has developed a varied and successful career with Inspire Accounting and Business Services, recently being announced as the firm’s newest Director.
Kate joined the Inspire team over ten years ago, starting as a trainee accountant straight out of school.
Now, at 28-years-old, she is the firm’s youngest Director and has become a driving force, a beacon of inspiration within the firm.
“My team at Inspire are like my family,” Kate said, reflecting on the last decade fondly.
“The development they’ve given me, I don’t think I would’ve got anywhere else, and I wouldn’t have progressed so quickly anywhere else.”
With two children under three years of age, Charlotte and Luke, Kate’s work-life balance is a busy one, but she said she couldn’t do it without the support of her husband, Lochlan, her parents, and the rest of her network.
“I’ve got a big support team, my husband, my parents, everyone who helps out, who I wouldn’t be here without,” she said.
Managing over 150 clients throughout the region, Kate has a talent for mentoring medium to large sized businesses, with expertise in strategic planning and coaching.
She genuinely cares about her clients and wants to help them succeed both professionally and personally, saying the most common issue she sees is clients not getting their accountant involved early enough.
“What we try and drill into our clients is if they’re ever going to do anything or they think there’s a problem, we’re just a phone call away and we’ll try and get on the front foot,” she said.
Contact Inspire Accounting and Business Services on 07 4914 2400 to learn more about their services.
Inspire Accounting and Business Services Director Kate Paton
The stage is set for a celebration of our region’s industry movers and shakers as the finalists of the 2023 Resource Industry Network (RIN) Awards step into the spotlight.
With keen eyes and careful consideration, the judging panel has unveiled an impressive lineup of 17 finalists spanning seven categories. These awards stand as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the local resources services sector and its intricate supply chain.
The Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region proudly houses a dynamic METS hub, and the RIN Awards stand as a grand salute to the outstanding contributions that keep the industry, the community, and the region thriving.
As anticipation mounts, the RIN Awards Gala Dinner, slated for September 1st at the MECC, promises an exceptional evening to honour and applaud the individuals and businesses that make our region soar.
The 2023 RIN Awards finalists in each of the seven categories are:
Safety Foremost Award (sponsored by Diacon Australia)
• Aurizon
• Ausgroup Industrial Services (QLD) Pty Ltd
• QCCS Pty Ltd
Connecting in the Community Award (sponsored by Local Buying Foundation)
• Wisely Group
• Field Mining Services Group
• BOQ Mackay
Manufacturing Excellence Award (sponsored by Queensland Manufacturing Hubs Program)
• Torque Enterprises
• Linked Group
• Field Engineers
Standing Out from the Crowd Award (sponsored by Onsite Training Australia)
• Melissa Egan – BOQ Mackay
• Charlotte Nash-Stewart – Field Engineers
• Joseph ‘Joey’ Lewis – Sojitz Blue
Striving for Diversity Award (sponsored by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance)
• Intelics
Champion Culture Award (sponsored by Field Mining Services Group)
• Wisely Group
• Mackay Sugar
• Vex Engineering
Innovation for Export Award (sponsored by Trade & Investment Qld)
• Village National
The finalists reflect a broad range of initiatives around innovation, manufacturing, diversity, community, culture, safety, and individual excellence.
“As an organisation that represents the resources services and manufacturing sectors, we value the effort it takes to submit nominations and we wish everyone the best of luck on the awards night,” Resource Industry Network general manager Dean Kirkwood said.
RIN has secured media personality, journalist, and broadcaster Tony Squires as the keynote speaker for the gala dinner, with comedian Kat Davidson as emcee.
Mackay and District National Servicemen’s Association has donated a massive $17,000 to seven local charities.
The National Servicemen Association of Australia (NSAA) Mackay and District Branch was formed in Mackay in 1996, with 40 former National Servicemen in membership, who were a part of the 1951-1959 National Service Scheme and the 1964-1972 National Service Act.
On Tuesday this week, the NSAA Mackay and District donated $17,000 for local charities, with CQ Helicopter Rescue receiving $5,000, while Meals on Wheels Mackay, Ronald McDonald House Centre, Prostrate Cancer Support Group, St Vinnies Men’s Hostel Mackay, Salvation Army Mackay Corps, and Domestic Violence Resources Services Mackay all receiving $2,000 each.
These donations ensure the continued work of these organisations to the support local Mackay and District residents.
To learn more about the NSAA Mackay and District Branch, contact the Branch on priestfam1937@spin.net.au
The NSAA Mackay and District gifting their donations to seven charities. Photo supplied
Centenarian and Order of Australia Medal recipient, Allan Quartermaine, has encouraged the community to get behind the 81st annual Legacy Week, happening from August 27 to September 2.
As 2023 commemorates a century of Legacy Australia, the former Legacy Mackay President remains a beacon of unwavering support for Legacy Week, an enduring national initiative established in 1942.
The week-long event galvanizes vital funds to underpin Legacy’s mission: caring for the families of Australia’s dedicated service personnel.
Rooted in a promise forged among diggers during WWI to protect and support one another's families, Legacy and its dedicated volunteers, known as Legatees, have upheld this vow for generations.
A living embodiment that age is merely a number, Mr Quartermaine is a staunch advocate for the cause, rallying the community to contribute to Legacy Week's impact.
Over six decades, he has tirelessly championed Legacy's cause, leaving an indelible mark on roles such as Secretary and Chairman of Legacy Sunshine Coast, Trustee of Legacy Brisbane, and President of Legacy Mackay.
Allan's commitment as the organization's longest-serving Legatee endures, as he lends his insights as a consultant to the present management committee.
Allan's journey of service began early, enlisting in the Royal Australian Navy at a tender age of 17.
His responsibilities encompassed perilous minesweeping duties in the Pacific during WW2 before, post-war, his focus pivoted towards community service.
Yet, it's his dedicated work with Legacy that he deems the pinnacle of his contributions.
Legatees and volunteers will be selling badges and other memorabilia at stalls across Caneland Central, Parkside Plaza, Marian, Proserpine and Sarina from August 27 to September 2.
Centenarian, Order of Australia Medal recipient and former Legacy Mackay President Allan Quartermaine. Photo supplied
From much-needed community facilities and retail projects to beautiful family homes and seaside abodes, the Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday 2023 Housing & Construction Awards showed off craftsmanship and stylish detail in construction.
The best of the best in the building and construction industry were celebrated at the Awards held at the Mackay Convention Centre on Saturday, 12 August.
Fergus Builders dominated the Construction Awards, scooping a third of the awards on offer by taking out the Community Accommodation for Specialist Disability, Aged Care and Nursing Homes, Commercial/Industrial Building from $5 million up to $10 million and Commercial fitout up to $5 million categories. Fergus also won two Housing awards to take its grand total to five, winning the Display Home over $550,000 and Best Use of Steel Frame Housing categories.
Michelle Thompson from Porters Glass & Aluminium was awarded the Women in Building title.
Morris Constructions snapped up the prestigious House of the Year Award for the coastal luxury home, The Coral Sea House.
Paynters delivered a landmark project with the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, winning them the McInnes Wilson Lawyers Project of the Year, as well as the Best Sporting Facility Award.
Dixon Homes took out the Individual Home from $500,000 up to $750,000 for its Sugarfield Residence in Ooralea.
Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Regional Manager, Malcolm Hull congratulated the winners across all 28 categories.
“The spirit of achievement, dedication and exceptional quality of workmanship has inspired our 2023 Housing & Construction Awards program – Shining Bright. This year's projects prove our members are truly innovative and dedicated to building the best for the region.
“This year’s field is diverse, from stunning renovations and beautiful new builds to important community facilities like the TAFE Agricultural Centre and Great Barrier Reef Arena – there’s really nothing Master Builders can’t accomplish.
“It doesn't matter whether they've taken an Award home this year or not. Each of our 2023 entrants is a part of the Master Builders family and helps cement why we're so widely trusted and respected," he said.
BUSSQ Building Super President's Award – Lowcock Builders for Queens Bay Home (Bowen)
McInnes Wilson Lawyers Project of the Year – Paynters for Great Barrier Reef Arena (Mackay)
House of the Year – Morris Constructions QLD for The Coral Sea House (Airlie Beach)
Building the dreams of clients is what has kept Fergus Builders going from strength to strength over their illustrious 40-year history.
Taking pride in designing and delivering high-quality new homes as well as commercial and industrial premises for Mackay and surrounding districts, Fergus Builders’ dedication was recognised at the recent Master Builders Housing & Construction Awards, receiving a massive five awards for the Mackay & Whitsunday regions.
Each accolade clearly highlights Fergus’ diverse capabilities on a wide variety of projects, whether it be display homes, community accommodation or industrial facilities.
A highlight of the evening came from receiving the Display Home over $550,000 award for ‘Palmview’, located in Beaconsfield.
The build was carefully designed to incorporate Accessible Housing requirements and Fergus is proud to showcase the final product.
‘Palmview’ is a homely, generously proportioned and positioned house, with the finishes of the display home proof that Fergus take pride in attention to detail and quality workmanship.
Fergus are frequent contributors to the patchwork of Mackay’s urban expanse, their craftmanship on the South Mackay Community Home project receiving Best Use of Steel Frame Housing and Community Accommodation for Specialist Disability, Aged Care and Nursing Homes awards.
The construction of the home adhered to strict guidelines for disability access that was inspected and approved at design, rough-in and final stages.
A unique challenge then came in the form of the Jaws Facility in Paget, for which Fergus was awarded the Commercial/Industrial Building from $5 million up to $10 million award.
Being over 18 meters from ground level to gutter height, the facility is now one of the highest industrial sheds in Paget.
The height coupled with the proximity of the building to rear and side boundaries meant Fergus Builders had to work closely with the neighbouring premises for access when installing wall sheeting and roof drainage to the factory but, with the support of local suppliers and trades, Fergus Builders were able to deliver this project on time and within the client’s budget.
Fergus’ versatility was again showcased through receiving the award for Commercial fit out up to $5 million.
The timeline of the project was critical to allow the client sufficient time to move out of their current premises and into the new office space by a fixed date.
Throughout the project, Fergus Builders were able to facilitate several design and material changes that allowed the project to be completed on time and offer cost savings to the client without taking away from the design intent of the project.
Fergus Builders has been part of the prestigious Master Builders Awards since 2008 and prove their versatility and dedication year on year.
Celebrating 40 years in 2023, Fergus Builders continually proves itself as a leader in providing buildings of high quality, innovative design, and superb value.
Display Home over $550,000 – Fergus Builders for Palmview (Mackay)
Best Use of Steel Frame Housing – Fergus Builders for South Mackay Community Home (Mackay)
Community Accommodation for Specialist Disability, Aged Care and Nursing Homes – Fergus Builders for South Mackay Community Home (Mackay)
Commercial/Industrial Building from $5 million up to $10 million – Fergus Builders for Jaws Industrial Facility (Paget)
Commercial fit out up to $5 million – Fergus Builders for Mackay Office Fit Out (Mackay)
Fergus Builders received five awards at the recent Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards
Mackay Regional Council's free native plant program gives ratepayers the opportunity to add a native touch to their gardens with the ability to receive up to four free plants of their choice per year.
For those in a rural locality, it’s a good opportunity to get top value locally native plants for your creeklines and windbreak areas.
Simply come along to the Mackay Natural Environment Centre at 6 Swayne Street, North Mackay and bring your rate notice and a bag/box to take your plants home.
Open days:
Friday, August 25, 9am to 3pm
Saturday, August 26, 9am to 12pm
Extra plants can be purchased for $3 each (eftpos only) by ratepayers and non-ratepayers.
2023 is already a year dotted with highlights for the Porters Group, as the local family-owned hardware business celebrates 140 years, and Michelle Thompson has just added to the rich tapestry of family history.
A member of the Porter family, Michelle is the Commercial Estimator in the Glass and Aluminium Division, and recently received the Women in Building Award at the Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards.
“It’s a really nice honour to be recognised,” Michelle said.
“There are so many women coming through in this industry.
“It’s encouraging to see women in construction across various roles, so it’s really nice to be acknowledged for the part that I’m playing.”
Michelle’s role involves quoting new jobs and following them through the manufacturing stage all the way to installation.
With a willingness to grow and learn within the business, she has earnt the respect of her customers, colleagues, and industry professionals through a focus on building relationships and following things through to ensure positive outcomes.
Michelle’s role comes with variety, collaboration, and innovation, and she loves what she does.
“We can work on anything from day care centres to schools to retail, so no two jobs are the same,” Michelle said.
“Some are smaller, some are bigger, and we work with various different builders locally and from out of town.
“I don’t do my job on my own, I’ve got a really great team that I work with so that makes it easier to do my job.”
Find out more about the Porters Group at www.porterscando.com.au.
Michelle Thompson received the Women in Building Award at the Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards. Photo supplied
Dixon Homes is very proud to receive the 2023 Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Award for Best Individual Home from $500,000 up to $750,000. This award and our many other awards in previous years (including Best Display Home, Best Renovation, and other individual home category awards) is testimony to Dixon Homes’ ability to be versatile, on trend and accommodating.
Our team worked tirelessly with our client to design and create this truly beautiful custom designed home, focusing primarily on storage and space for a young family whose desire was to build their forever home. Particular attention was concentrated on materials and products that would have an everlasting appeal and durability. Most importantly, the home was designed to suit our Queensland climate, with the southward facing alfresco which opens up entirely through corner stacking doors to the internal living/kitchen/dining area. The high raked ceilings with fixed windows on the higher points allow plenty of natural light into the living space. Large openings to the bedroom wing of the home and to the media room add to the spacious outcome. There is definitely no shortage of storage throughout the home with large walk-in robes to the children’s bedrooms and massive his & hers robes for the master. The walk-in linen is a bonus along with storage both in media and the children’s retreat. The kitchen and butler’s pantry are what most women dream of with functionality, open to the living area, plenty of light and the centrepiece of the home. A perfect combination of Polytec Woodmatt finish, laminate and stone that are complimented by matt black trimmings.
Alpine Grigio Lappato Tiles were the durable choice of flooring in the entry and living areas with a cosier choice of carpet for the bedrooms and media. Allowing more light and maintaining the on trend look, this house welcomes you with a fully glazed aluminium front entry door.
Although a franchise, Dixon Homes are and have been a family owned and managed construction company in Mackay since 2003. We are proudly debt fee and are quality assured with ISO.9001:2015 management systems for home design and construction.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Master Builders Queensland, the judges and all the Dixon Homes staff, subcontractors, and suppliers for helping us to achieve this award.
Sugarfield Residence
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