
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: An additional $665,000 increase in waste service costs due to reduced Queensland Government Waste Levy Subsidy and higher levy fees. A $1.1 million increase in waste expenses in the previous budget. A $5.92 million rise in depreciation costs this year alone. A $6 million shortfall from decreased Federal Assistance Grants in this budget contributing to a total reduction of more than $27 million in Financial Assistance Grants funding since 2016. An estimated $3 million annual increase in fuel costs. 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.” Photo source: Mackay Regional Council
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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 Property At A Glance Spacious open plan living, dining and kitchen area with central fireplace, opening onto two stunning outdoor spaces Modern galley-style kitchen with stone benchtops, induction cooktop, rangehood, pyrolytic self-cleaning oven and dishwasher Media room with projector, with potential to serve as a fourth bedroom Three generous airconditioned bedrooms, including the master suite with walk-in robe and ensuite Modern family bathroom with shower over bath and separate toilet Laundry with excellent storage and external access Airconditioning and ceiling fans throughout North-facing covered hardwood deck, measuring 27m x 4.2m, with stunning views West-facing 9.5m x 6.5m tiled patio overlooking the firepit and plentiful 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. Infrastructure And Improvements 7m x 7m carport with electric roller door at the home 14m x 7m high-clearance shed with four roller doors and service trench Adjoining 12m x 6m tool shed Stables and pig pens A lush and abundant orchard with avocados, citrus and tropical fruits, along with a well-established beehive 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. Rates: Approx. $1660 per half year Zoning: Rural Price: $1.6M Block Size: 8.88 hectares (21.75 acres) Builder: Brad Kirkpatrick, 2015
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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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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. Photo supplied
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The Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) have concluded a 14-month investigation into a fatal light plane crash that occurred on December 24, 2021, at Ball Bay Beach. According to the police, the passenger, an 83-year-old man, lost his life when the plane crashed on the beach. Meanwhile, the pilot, a 66-year-old Halliday Bay man, was rushed to the Mackay Base Hospital, treated, and discharged.
On February 28 2023, detectives and CASA investigators executed a search warrant at a Halliday Bay Road, Halliday Bay residence. During the search, they arrested a Halliday Bay man and charged him with manslaughter, flying an aircraft without a license, carrying out maintenance without authorization, and flying without satisfying safety requirements. Police allege the pilot, Peter McDougall, was unlicensed and had failed to carry out routine maintenance on his aircraft since 2015.
The 83-year-old man, Gerry Miltenburg, died at the scene of the crash which was meant to be a leisure flight to sightsee nearby islands.
The accused appeared before the Mackay Magistrates Court on March 1.
The charges against the Halliday Bay man stem from the December 2021 light plane crash that resulted in the death of the passenger. The investigation, which lasted for over a year, was carried out jointly by the Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The crash was tragic and shook the local community. The investigators' efforts were aimed at ensuring that justice is served and that the cause of the accident is fully understood.
RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked to the light plane crash on Ball Bay Beach on December 24, 2021. Photos supplied: RACQ CQ Rescue

THEFT OF QUAD-BIKE, ETON
Between 5:00pm on March 1 and 7:00am on March 4 a quad bike has been stolen from an open shed at a property on Homebush Road in Sandiford (Eton).
The stolen vehicle is described as a red coloured 2006 model Honda 350 Quad-bike, spray tank fitted and other custom made accessories are visible.
Anyone who might have information about the current location of the stolen quad bike or the actual offence itself is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible. Police report number QP2300382930.
RURAL VIEW DRINK DRIVER CAUGHT IN EARLY MORNING
A 48-year-old male resident of Mount Pleasant has been arrested and charged with a drink driving offence after an alleged police intercept at 5:45am on March 4 on the Mackay Bucasia Road in Rural View.
It's further alleged that following the positive roadside breath test the 48-year-old male was taken to the Mackay police station for further testing. His breath alcohol concentration was confirmed as being .171%.
He was arrested and charged with driving while under the influence of liquor and will appear in the Mackay Magistrates Court on March 22 to have the matter heard.

Mackay Regional Council is seeking nominations for its Sustainability Advisory Committee.
The purpose of the committee is to discuss and provide information and advice to council on sustainability initiatives.
This includes current and emerging sustainability matters, as well as updates on sustainability initiatives being undertaken by committee members’ organisations.
Council is seeking nominations from anyone with a demonstrated interest in the sustainability of council operations and broader sustainable development issues pertaining to the Mackay region.
These include, but are not limited to:
• Climate change and resilience
• Natural resource management
• Energy management
• Transport
• Water management
• Circular economy
• Community partnerships/programs
The Sustainability Advisory Committee will consist of three councillors, including councillors acting as chair and deputy chair, as appointed by Mayor Greg Williamson.
Council wants to appoint a diverse committee that represents key stakeholders’ interest. It is seeking 12 community representatives to join the committee.
The positions are voluntary, and anyone interested in nominating should live in the Mackay region.
Nominations opened last Friday, March 3, and close March 31 at 5pm. The first meeting of the new committee is scheduled for May 12.
View the terms of reference and nominate online via council’s website.

Whitsunday Anglican School (WAS) has been ranked as Queensland’s top performing regional school and one of the best schools in the State based on 2022 NAPLAN results.
Proudly representing the regions, WAS was the only regional school in Queensland to make the State’s Top 10 for Secondary.
Senior students ranked an incredible 4th in Queensland, with all other schools in the Top 10 based in Brisbane.
Primary results were also high, with Junior students from WAS the only ones north of the Sunshine Coast to make the Top 50.
WAS Principal Andrew Wheaton said congratulations must go to teachers, students and the wider school community.
“These remarkable results are testament to our dedicated and gifted teachers, and strong academic and pastoral leadership over many years,” he said.
“They are also a reflection of our highly supportive wider parent community!
“It is truly inspiring to be a part of a team that achieves such incredible outcomes for our students.
“While NAPLAN is just one component of the learning journey, at Whitsunday Anglican School, we challenge and support our students to be the best they can be, in a supportive environment that allows them to thrive.”
Whitsunday Anglican School achieved the best NAPLAN results for any regional Queensland school. Photo supplied

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox is calling on the Federal Government to further extend the Improving Mobile Coverage Round [IMCR] following Dawson completely missing out.
The IMCR will deliver funding to extend and improve mobile phone coverage and competition in regional and remote Australia, by co-funding new or upgraded telecommunications infrastructure in 54 target locations with up to $40 million available.
Mr Willcox said it is extremely disappointing to see the Government has completely forgotten about Dawson in its announcement. 54 locations across Australia have received a funding allocation, and Dawson has been completely left out despite having areas in the region with very little to no mobile service.
“Mobile phone coverage funding is a necessity and shouldn’t be a luxury only for those living in the cities. Dawson punches well above its weight when it comes to contributing taxes to our Government, yet we lack services and infrastructure,” he said.
“We have places suffering terrible mobile service in Dawson, like Slade Point, Beaconsfield, Merinda, Kuttabul, Bloomsbury, Dittmer, Crystalbrook, Cunjulla, Giru, Gnome and Cape Gloucester just to name a few. This is a major safety concern for residents living with minimal and unreliable mobile service.”
DAWSON TRUCKIES DRIVEN TO BREAKING POINT UNDER NEW TAX
Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said Federal Labor’s proposal to impose a 10 per cent per year increase in fuel taxes and registration charges on the nation’s truckies would cost the sector an additional $2.6 billion over three years and add to inflationary pressures.
Mr Willcox added that the Albanese Government’s proposed increases to ‘truckie taxes’ would drive up cost-of-living pressures on local families and businesses and accelerate closures for small and family operated transport enterprises.
“Everything we make in this country starts on a local farm or in the ground, and every product we buy gets to a shop and to the end consumer by travelling on a truck,” Mr Willcox said.
Mr Willcox added, “By 2025-26 the nation’s truckies would be charged $1.35 billion more per year under Labor’s 10 per cent truckie tax,” official documents show.
“This comes at a time when local trucking businesses are paying significantly more for fuel, wages, insurance and maintenance on trucks resulting from the shocking conditions of many roads,” Andrew Willcox said.
“The additional taxes proposed by Labor could send some trucking businesses to the wall.”
“The Coalition will stand by our truckies and press the Labor Government to scrap its plans to increase truckie taxes by up to 10 per cent.”
Barnaby Joyce and Andrew Willcox

Loneliness can be a difficult feeling to shake, especially when living in a neighbourhood where connections are scarce. However, a new initiative by council aims to change that for some lucky residents.
This year, council is putting a new twist on its successful annual Neighbour Day campaign, offering 10 families the chance to receive a box full of everything they need to host an introductory get-together with their neighbours. The aim is to bring people together and create new connections in the community. It's an exciting opportunity for those who are looking to build relationships and create a more resilient and connected community.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the “Be a Legendary Neighbour” campaign would provide 10 families with Legendary Neighbour boxes, which will include a $75 Sinclair Meats voucher, Legendary Neighbour invites to personalise, cups and plates, and conversation cards to help break the ice.
“This Neighbour Day initiative is aimed at those who may be new to a street or may have never had the opportunity to become acquainted with their neighbours,” Mayor Williamson said.
“We want to help build a more connected community because connected communities are resilient – they look out for each other,” he said.
“That can take the form of checking in on each other’s physical and mental wellbeing or helping to prepare for, or recover from, natural disasters.”
Mayor Greg Williamson said the My Legendary Neighbour Campaign had been a tremendous community initiative.
“In 2022, council received 75 nominations for residents deserving of the title of ‘Mackay’s most Legendary Neighbour’ and that was such a heart-warming result – the stories that came from it were beautiful,” Mayor Williamson said.
“After a few years of running that campaign though, we decided that we’d try a different approach that will encourage the forging of new legendary neighbour relationships.”
To register for one of the 10 Legendary Neighbour boxes, residents need to head to council’s website and answer the question – “why would you like to build relationships with your neighbours?”.
Applications close noon, Friday, March 24, and those with the 10 best answers to the above question will be notified on Tuesday, March 28.
Council will also be hosting a series of free “Cuppa with your neighbour” events where you can enjoy a free coffee while networking with other residents in your neighbourhood.
Council’s Community Development officers will be at these events to have a chat and share more information on activities happening in your area.
Cuppa with your neighbour events will be held on:
● Tuesday, March 14, from 8am to 10am at the Seaforth Mango Trees
● Saturday, March 18, from 10am to noon at Sealand Takeaway and Café, Midge Point
● Tuesday, March 21, from 8am to 10am at Beachfront Bar and Restaurant, Bucasia Esplanade
● Thursday, March 23, from 9am to 11am at The Esplanade, Grasstree Beach
● Friday, March 24, from 8.30am to 10.30am at The Pinnacle Whistlestop Coffee Cart
Residents of Marlin Court, Andergrove (pictured) were crowned 2022’s Legendary Neighbours. This year, council is encouraging the building of new neighbourhood friendships

A desire to linger longer at the bedside of patients, hear their concerns and ease their pain led Dr Shanan Molloy to choose palliative care as her speciality.
“I decided when I was working as a GP training in Beaudesert hospital,” Dr Molloy said.
“There was a palliative specialist who came down once a week to do a round and see all the palliative patients.
“I did a number of rounds there, and I just really connected with the way that specialist practiced, she said.
“It was so patient-centred, and he was able to spend a lot more time with patients and address their concerns so thoroughly.
“You could make quite a difference for people at the end of their life.”
Happily for Mackay, Dr Molloy who has two children under the age of four, also chose to return home to be closer to family last year. In November she was appointed as the Mackay Base Hospital’s first specialist palliative care physician.
“We’d been travelling around for some time doing training,” Dr Molloy said.
“We decided to come back to Mackay to be near my family and set up base.”
Dr Molloy is working part-time at this stage and only seeing in-patients, but she also works closely with SPaRTa – the Specialist Palliative and Rural Telehealth service – which provides palliative care outpatient services.
She is also involved in the early stages of planning to increase the Mackay HHS palliative care workforce, as part of Queensland Health’s Specialist Palliative Care Workforce Plan.
Dr Molloy admits palliative care can be a difficult field to work in.
“It can be really challenging work, but it’s also really rewarding,” she said.
Dr Shanan Molloy was appointed as Mackay Base Hospital’s first specialist palliative care physician. Photo supplied: Mackay Hospital and Health Service

Hi I am Genie,
If you make three wishes, one of them will come true when you adopt me!
I am a very energetic dog so I need to live with an active family with older children who can give me a lot of time and attention since I crave socialisation. I am great on my own and I get on well with other dogs but I just need to continue my training to remain calm when I see them and not to bark - just saying "look at me" distracts me and works!
I am looking for my forever home and would love you to come and meet me and see if we are a good match.
My adoption price includes A FREE 4kg bag of ROYAL CANIN dry food and I'm desexed, microchipped and vaccinated.
Genie's stats
Breed - Kelpie / Labrador Retriever (Mixed)
Gender - Female
Age - 8 months
Desexed - Yes
My ID - 1375467
Adopt me from – Mackay RSPCA

A large gecko with a ‘beaky’ face, spindly legs and a spiny tail has been discovered on Scawfell Island, about 50km offshore from Mackay.
James Cook University’s Dr Conrad Hoskin discovered the gecko on the rugged, boulder-strewn island during a survey with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service & Partnerships.
In a paper just released in the journal Zootaxa, it has been named the Scawfell Island Leaf-tailed Gecko (Phyllurus fimbriatus), with the species name referring to the fringe of spines around the leaf-shaped tail.
Dr Hoskin said the gecko is perfectly camouflaged to the rocks on the uninhabited island, where it lives deep in piled-up boulders during the day and emerges at night.
“It is incredible to still find large and spectacular new species in this day and age,” said Dr Hoskin.
“The fact that this gecko remained undiscovered to science shows that there are still areas of Australia with hidden secrets.”
Ranger in Charge of the Whitsundays region Brett Turnbull was on the trip when the species was discovered.
“This is an exciting discovery, and an important one, because we base our management of these islands on their biodiversity values,” Mr Turnbull said.
“Knowing which species occur where, and finding species restricted to single islands, informs our management of fire, invasive species and other threats.”
Much is still unknown about the flora and fauna of the islands off Mackay and throughout the Great Barrier Reef, with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Manager of the Ecological Assessment Unit Dr Rhonda Melzer saying that more surveys were required to understand the biodiversity of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef islands.
“We know some islands well but this discovery highlights that some of our islands remain under-surveyed,” she said.
“We are working with researchers like Conrad, and QPWS staff, to better understand and conserve these islands.”
Dr Hoskin said it’s very hard to know how big the population is, but there are at least 30 individuals and more work needs to be done before scientists can say if the geckos are endangered or not.
“Some habitats on the island naturally burn, but the rocks are probably pretty good protection from fire,” he said.
“Another potential threat is the invasive Asian House Gecko and poachers - we know of at least two poaching events of a leaftail gecko near Townsville.”
The newly discovered Scawfell Island Leaf-tailed Gecko
Dr Conrad Hoskin on Scawfell Island. Photos supplied

Since the news that Norma Shuttlewood had passed away was shared on 1 March 2023, tributes have been flowing in from the many people who knew her and who benefited from her life-long commitment to the arts.
Norma held many positions within Mackay Choral Society but was also deeply involved with other groups including the Mackay Eisteddfod Association Inc, of which she was a Life Member. The Norma Shuttlewood OAM Bursary, awarded to outstanding competitors in the Mackay Eisteddfod, is regarded as a highly prestigious prize. It will be very strange not to see Norma in her usual seat watching the competitors at the Mackay Eisteddfod every year.
Norma was also very fond of Mackay Choral Society's involvement in the North Queensland Eisteddfod. She has regaled us over the years with tales of the adventures had by participating choristers when travelling the road to Townsville and Cairns to compete. As with everything, Norma gave her all and as recognition of her contribution was appointed Life Governor of the Eisteddfod Association of North Queensland in 1987.
Norma was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the Queen's Birthday Honours in June 1998 for service to the community through the Mackay Eisteddfod Committee and the Catholic Women's League Australia.
Norma and her family were actively involved with the Mackay Table Tennis Association. Norma was made a life member in 1993 and was Patron of the Club to the end of her life. There is a most fitting tribute to Norma on the Club's Facebook page with a lovely quote from the lady herself:
"I just think it’s a very good sport because it’s as energetic as you want it to be and it’s out of the sun which is a big plus. You can play it at your own level and you can play it all your life – just look at the players we have in our association who are in their 70s and 80s and still play each week.”
I like to think Norma's first love was Mackay Choral Society. When I last visited her this year the choir was the main topic of conversation which is not surprising since she joined at the age of 19 in 1945, when the Mackay Choral Society was founded. Norma was historian from 2006-2010 but her personal records, preserved in many scrapbooks, extend over all the decades since she joined. Other positions held were, President 1975, Secretary 1963-68, Treasurer 1975-76, Conductor 1974-80, Deputy Conductor 1969-74, a record of service more than worthy of the Life Membership awarded in 1980.
So much more can be said about Norma and all she contributed to our community. Her funeral was held at St Patrick's Church Mackay on Tuesday 7th March where we celebrated what can truly be described as a life well lived.
Contributed by Isobel Gillman
Norma at the 2019 Mackay Eisteddfod at the MECC
Norma and then President, Jeanette Oberg, at the 75th anniversary of Mackay Choral Society. Photos supplied

A local church has revamped its food pantry, offering a huge variety of free food to those in need.
Mackay Church of Christ’s food pantry has taken various forms over the years, the church looking to expand the program with Lynnette Labuschagne leading the way.
“She’s done an extraordinarily good job,” said Pastor Paul Hicks.
Open every Tuesday from 7:30am to 9:30am, Mackay Church of Christ offers grocery items, baked goods, meat, fruit and vegetables and pet food to those in need.
“We have people coming with not much, we have people coming just hard on their luck,” said Mr Hicks.
“Some days they might be able to give and some days they might need to take but there’s no harm, no foul.
“People are not required to do anything.
“When we give, we give what we would eat, and we give with no thought of return.”
Local suppliers and businesses donate goods to the church as well as other churchgoers and people throughout the community.
“It’s been quite amazing, when people found out they just kept coming,” Mr Hicks said.
“We’ve done our very best to give all the food away, and we cannot do it.
“It’s a fantastic problem to have, we have plenty of food.
“There’s no leveller on the planet like compassion.
“One singular act of kindness costs you nothing, but it means the difference between someone having dinner tonight and not.”
Anyone interested in partaking in the church’s food pantry, whether to give, take or simply enjoy a cuppa and a chat, is invited to Mackay Church of Christ every Tuesday morning from 7:30am to 9:30am.
Mackay Church of Christ’s food pantry is open every Tuesday morning

Weaving through the Pioneer Valley, the Mackay Railway first opened in 1885, with the last section closing between Paget and Marian in 2009.
While much of the line is still used for carting cane, a group of locals have taken it upon themselves to clear unused parts of the line and repurpose it as the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail.
Pioneer Valley Rail Trail Committee President David Arnold has a background in mountain biking and, while riding rail trails around Australia, wondered if something similar was possible in the Mackay region.
He initiated work on the project five years ago and formed the committee one year ago, starting discussions with Mackay Sugar who are the exclusive lessees of the corridor through the valley.
“Over that time, I’d identified sections that Mackay Sugar weren’t using,” said Mr Arnold.
“We came to the agreement that there’s two sections between Walkerston through to Marian.”
Mr Arnold identified one 18km stretch of the line that isn’t going to be used in the foreseeable future, but still has Queensland Rail infrastructure on it, making it a possibility.
Another section, covering 8.5km between Gargett and Benholme, has no possibility of being used and is therefore the section of rail the committee started working on.
“It started out with us getting out the cane knives and chopping lantana down,” said Mr Arnold.
“Then we’ve got a couple of guys with ride-on mowers and excavators doing a bit of work for us.
“We’ve got the 8.5km cleared.
“Bar a couple of obstacles, it’s usable now.”
The committee hopes to have the rail trail open to hikers, bike riders and horseback riders midyear.
In the long term, Mr Arnold hopes to make the trail a convenient and safe route from Mackay to Finch Hatton, especially ahead of the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails opening at Finch Hatton.
“The long picture is being able to get on a bike or a horse in Mackay and go all the way to Finch Hatton,” he said.
“There are a lot of backroads that can be used as link roads from one section of true rail trail to the next.”
Anyone interested in joining the committee, lending a hand or keeping up to date with the rail trail’s progress is asked to like Pioneer Valley Rail Trail on Facebook or join the Friends of the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail Facebook group.
Membership forms can be found on Facebook with the option to join as an individual, family or organisation.
“This is 100 per cent community led,” said Mr Arnold.
“Whatever work and whatever machinery that’s happened on the trial to date has been volunteers.”
The Pioneer Valley Rail Trail Committee are hoping to have the rail trail open midyear. Photos supplied

Lunchtime at the Isaac coast is set for a foodie makeover with one of the nation’s much-loved amateur cooks turned restauranteurs starring at this year’s St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend.
Hervey Bay’s Dan and Steph Mulheron have earned their place in the serious foodie world after their My Kitchen Rules win in 2013. In recent years, the sausage king and queen landed a huge Coles deal to create their own gourmet range thanks to their ambassador roles with major Australian producers SunPork and Sweet Potatoes Australia.
They currently own and operate EAT at Dan & Steph’s basing the restaurant experience around family, food and fun while being stars of their very on TV show on Channel 7, Travel and EAT with Dan & Steph.
The pair will take on the signature lunch event at St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend, sharing the limelight with crowd favourite ABC TV’s Gardening Australia alumni Costa Georgiadis, bush gourmet chef Nik Flack and First Nation Peoples.
The couple’s passion is food and they are looking forward to the range of produce offered in the Isaac.
“Dan is the strong cook and always was, prior to us being on MKR,” says Steph.
“I wasn’t a great cook before we got together. But Dan has taught me so much and is my inspiration.”
“We cook every day at home for our family and we love to have friends over regularly to put on a spread,” Dan says.
The couple published their first cookbook in November 2014 ‘EAT @ Home’ and published their second cookbook ‘Meat & Sweet’ in July 2015. Their biggest goal in life was achieved when they introduced their first child into the world, a daughter Emmy born in late April 2015.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said the award-winning nature, culture, and culinary event is nestled in the backdrop of one of Australia’s birdwatching havens.
“St Lawrence’s population swells 12 times over as the wetlands’ bursts into life with an immersive experience of creativity, education, family fun and live entertainment,” Mayor Baker said.
“Take the road less travelled and head to the multi-award winning nationally recognised three-day extravaganza at historic St Lawrence on the Isaac region’s coast in Central Queensland.
“It’s the mouth-watering food, especially the locally caught mud crabs, king salmon, and prawns that attracts the foodies at heart and has helped put the Isaac coast on the destination tourism map.”
The Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia listed the St Lawrence wetlands as an essential ecosystem that supports nationally threatened water birds and is abundant with wildlife. The event is also the perfect spot to pull up the caravan and watch the colours of the east coast Australian sunset or pitch a tent or glamp at the St Lawrence Recreation Grounds.
The event is proudly brought to the region by Isaac Regional Council in partnership with the Koinjmal People from Koinmerburra Country and the community. St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
Tickets will be on sale from 7am on Friday, 10 March 2023 for the 23-25 June 2023 event. Visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au/wetlandsweekend, call 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227) or follow Isaac Regional Council’s Facebook page for more information.
Dan and Steph Mulheron, My Kitchen Rules champions from 2013, will take on the signature lunch event at St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend

Sarina Community Arts And Crafts Mega Raffle Featuring Handmade Quilt By Late Dulcie Christensen
A hand-made quilt by a talented Sarina crafter will be first prize in a mega raffle, conducted by Sarina Community Arts and Crafts.
A quilt made by the late Dulcie Christensen, donated by her son Glen, will be the major prize.
Dulcie was a prominent and long-standing member of Sarina Community Arts and Crafts and Sarina Fibre Arts. Dulcie loved crafts and was very artistic. She made many quilts, for her family, for friends, for fundraisers for Fibre Arts. She also was talented in Folk Art painting and many forms of embroidery.
She was an inaugural member of the Red Hat Belles of Sarina.
The raffle will be drawn on May 13, one day before Mother’s Day.
As well as the quilt, other prizes to be won are:
● A corner-to-corner crocheted rug;
● A hamper of locally produced delicious foods;
● A one-of-a kind tea cosy and tea pot;
● A fuel voucher.
Tickets are $2 and are available at the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre.
Dulcie Christensen
Rhonda Payne and Jenny Costello with a quilt made by the late Dulcie Christensen which is first prize in a mega raffle
A quilt made by the late Dulcie Christensen is first prize in a mega raffle

As interest rates continue to rise, it is more important than ever for homeowners to review their home loans. A home loan health check can help ensure that your loan is still right for you and your current needs. Here are five reasons why you should book an appointment for your home loan health check today.
1. A home loan health check could potentially save you thousands of dollars. By reviewing your rate, term, repayments, and equity, you may be able to find ways to reduce your loan costs.
2. Interest rates are on the rise. By reviewing your home loan now, you may be able to lock in a lower rate before they increase further.
3. Your personal situation may have changed since you took out your home loan. A health check can help ensure that your loan still meets your needs and that you are not paying for features or benefits that you no longer require.
4. Your home's equity has likely increased over time. A home loan health check can help ensure that you are taking advantage of this equity, which could help you access additional funds or reduce your loan costs.
5. Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank offers a 100% offset option, which could help you save on interest charges. By linking an offset account to your home loan, you can reduce the interest charged on your loan by the amount held in the offset account.
At Community Bank Sarina, we are here to help you get the most out of your home loan. Whether you are an existing customer or you are new to our bank, we welcome you to book a home loan health check today. With interest rates on the rise, now is the time to review your home loan and ensure that it is still right for you.
To help with your home loan check, Community Bank Sarina is here to help! Call Charmaine and the team on 07 4943 2624 or enquire online at bendigobank.com.au/healthcheck.