Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
OPINION PIECE from the office of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox There is no question that immigration into Australia is out of control. The government’s numbers are too high, and standards are too low. A sustainable migration program must consider our capacity to provide housing, healthcare, infrastructure and the essential services everyone relies on, and Australians must come first. But Labor’s decision to target Working Holiday Makers Visa holders is not the answer. These people filling vital gaps in our workforce are not the cause of Australia’s housing crisis. In many cases, they are living in accommodation provided by the very businesses that employ them. The National Farmers’ Federation has made the point that Working Holiday Makers generally stay in hostels, caravan parks or purpose-built on-farm accommodation. Resorts usually have on-site staff quarters. They are not the source of Australia’s housing shortage. So why is Labor making it harder for them to come here, when these workers fill genuine jobs that regional Australia holds? Working Holiday Makers fill approximately one in seven farm jobs nationally and are particularly important during peak agricultural periods, which for Dawson, it is right now! Farmers rely on these workers to plant, pick, pack and harvest the produce that ends up on Australian supermarket shelves. Having run one of Australia’s largest tomato farms, at times Working Holiday Makers made up more than 50 per cent of my workforce. Without them, much of our crop simply would not have been picked in time and rotted in the paddock. Some may say, why not employ the Australians who don’t have a job and are on “the dole”? Can I say, this does not work. Most farmers will employ Aussies over travelling backpackers, but many either don’t want to do the work or don’t turn up after the first day. Who picks the fruit or veggies then? Farmers are already warning that visa delays are leaving them without workers. The NFF says approvals that once took days are now facing processing times of up to three months, and this time frame can be the difference between harvesting a crop or losing it. That should concern every Australian already feeling the pressure at the supermarket checkout. The same problem is playing out in tourism. Across Dawson, Working Holiday Makers are an important part of the workforce supporting tourism and hospitality, particularly in the Whitsundays. They help fill shifts, work in hotels and restaurants, support tour operators and keep businesses running through their busiest periods. They also contribute to the local economy. They spend money on food, fuel, attractions and tours, supporting the small businesses that depend on a strong visitor economy. That is why tourism and business leaders across North Queensland are raising the alarm. They understand what happens when a regional business cannot get enough staff: opening hours are reduced, and services are cut, creating a downward spiral. We do need to reduce migration to sustainable levels. We need stronger integrity measures, and we need to crack down on rorts. But responsible migration policy means understanding which parts of the system are creating pressure and which parts are helping Australia function. Working Holiday Makers are not the problem. They are part of the workforce solution for regional. Australia. People have had a gutful of watching their standard of living go backwards. Groceries, fuel, housing and everyday expenses are already putting enormous pressure on families. The last thing Australians need is another reckless policy that makes it harder to produce food, harder to run regional businesses and harder for tourism operators to find the workers they need.
Read the full storySomeone sold a house in Sydney last week for $9 million less than they bought it for four or five years ago. The sellers had bought the property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for $29 million and sold it for $20 million in a sale forced by their bank. I imagine the sellers are a little disappointed by the government’s decisions on negative gearing and capital gains tax and feeling pretty hurt by the increased interest rates. Australia’s interest rates are on the rise and are now sitting at levels not seen since 2011. Increased cost of living is hurting people around the country and interest rates are playing into that. But the impact of interest rates is not felt evenly around the country. The far-higher property prices mean people in the major cities suffer much more than regional areas with the rates increase. That is certainly not to say people in Mackay are unaffected by the cost of living; it’s just that the impact of interest rates increase on a $400,000 mortgage is much less than the impact on a $1m mortgage. There are other Mackay-specific factors that are in play when discussing the current housing market. The big factor is the role of coal in our economy. Most of the coal extracted and exported from our region is coking coal, which is used to make steel. The price of coking coal is around $280 a tonne, which is about 50 per cent up. Good activity in the coal market translates to good news for the Mackay economy, as it is an economic engine that other cities and regions just don’t have. Good activity in Bowen Basin flows throughout the Mackay economy; Paget workshops, transport, suppliers and related businesses all benefit. But so do other, non-mining-related businesses as they benefit from the general confidence and spending that goes on. The strong mining activity also means mines need to keep their staff levels up and that means more people moving to Mackay. Of course, Mackay is much more than a coal mining town but if the coal sector is going well those other areas definitely benefit. It is a confidence boost for Mackay people looking to get into the housing market and those wanting to upgrade or downsize. It also means continuing strong demand from people wanting to rent a property and it will be interesting to see what sort of activity that creates from investors. Investors have walked away from the big-city markets because they can no longer use negative gearing on established properties that do not have a sufficient yield to be positively geared. Negative gearing has never been a big thing in Mackay because our prices are lower and rental returns continue to be strong so many investors have a positively geared property. Around the country everyone is nervous about the state of play and the probability of more interest rate rises. But strong coal prices and an economy that is performing well mean Mackay might just be presenting an opportunity for buyers and sellers that doesn’t exist in other parts. I remember when national confidence was flying high and Mackay prices were going up significantly that many buyers were saying “I wish we had bought a while ago when the market wasn’t so hot”. I’m not armed with a crystal ball so I’m not here to tell you what is going to happen but I suspect there is a very good buying window right now for those looking for an opportunity.
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A local Mackay and Sarina based model has created a dress out of newspapers, including Mackay Life, for her upcoming pageant, representing her region and hometown on the runway as she vies for Miss Diamond International in Brisbane. Zoe Place will be competing this weekend in the three-day event, beginning this Friday 2nd October and ending on Sunday 4th October. The young model spent around a month creating her eco-fashion outfit, using old newspapers as the main material and transforming them into a bodice, skirt and flowers. Red elements were also incorporated into the design to give the dress a bold and glamorous pageant feel. Zoe said, “The entire concept was really about taking something that would normally be thrown away and turning it into something beautiful and meaningful.” Her eco-fashion creation will form part of a busy weekend in Brisbane, with the Miss Diamond International event including photo shoots, interviews, an eco-fashion show and the final pageant. Zoe has been preparing for the event by practising her strut and walking, preparing for interviews and getting comfortable in the different outfits she will wear throughout the weekend. Alongside her love of modelling, pageantry has also provided Zoe with a platform to raise awareness about causes close to her heart, including mental health, while fundraising for Beyond Blue. “Pageantry has given me more of a platform to combine my love for modelling with something that is really important to me.” “When I first started, I was more nervous about putting myself out there and worried about what others would think about me – but I’ve changed a lot through my journey in pageantry.” “Pageantry has also taught me that it’s not about how you look on stage. It’s about the person you are when you step off it.” “Every woman has their own unique journey and that journey is something we should all be really proud of.” “To me, it represents confidence, empowerment, kindness, and using your voice to make a difference.” Zoe said she was looking forward to meeting the other contestants, making new connections and creating memories. “I’m definitely looking forward to meeting all the new contestants and making new connections and creating memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime.” While Zoe hopes to eventually move to the city, her sights are set even further afield, with a dream of one day walking in New York Fashion Week. Mackay and Sarina local Zoe Place has created an eco-fashion dress from recycled newspapers, including Mackay Life, ahead of her Miss Diamond International pageant in Brisbane. Photos supplied
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Trends, reels and the endless cycle of always wanting more has quietly bombarded the minds of countless social media users of all ages, but one former Mackay local has made it her mission to help others understand the effects of social media and find practical ways to break free from online addiction. Alexis Zahner is in Mackay over the next week to teach upcoming generations about social media and the effects it can have on the mind, particularly on identity, self-discovery, as well as the marketing strategies that get viewers hooked and influence their decisions. It is something Alexis knows first-hand can be a useful tool, but also a great disruption to authenticity and the world as we see and experience it. Alexis will hold a free meet and greet and book launch today, Friday 2nd October, at 5.30pm at the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, where she will give a talk and answer questions relating to her debut book, Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies. A former Mackay girl, Alexis spent the past 15 years working across business psychology, marketing and media, with her interest in social media influence beginning during her university studies at James Cook University in Townsville. Her own experience as a social media user, travel blogger and influencer eventually led her to question how much of her identity, decisions and values were being shaped by what she saw online. “The tipping point came for me about 3 years ago when I had this feeling that I couldn't separate influence from my own personal decision making,” she said. “I couldn't separate my own likes, dislikes, values, relationships from what I was being exposed to and being influenced by online.” “I found that I needed to take some time away from social media to recalibrate what was important to me and sort of reconnect and come back to myself.” Alexis said she understood the feeling of questioning who you are outside of social media. “I know what it feels like to live a life under the influence of social media and have that existential crisis of thinking to yourself, who am I? What do I like? What's the kind of life I want to live? and struggling to separate myself from influence.” Alexis is particularly passionate about reaching teenagers, who she says are in an important stage of identity development, and will share this message with Mackay high school students during her upcoming school talks. “Teenagers are really easily influenced by social media. So it's a really important age where we start educating them – not just on the mental health repercussions of things like social media and how it shortens their attention span, but how it actually influences who they become.” “If you're asking yourself these questions, it's not your fault. Social media is actually geared to create this impact on you.” Alexis encourages people of all ages to “start expanding beyond what you see on the platform.” “Dare to indulge in the things that you've always been curious about or things you used to love,” she said. “Don't be afraid to put the phone down to let yourself be curious and have fun.” What: Alexis Zahner's 'Real' Book launch When: 5.30pm Friday 2nd October 2026 Where: Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club Former Mackay local and author Alexis Zahner is returning home to share her experiences with social media and her debut book, Real. Photo supplied
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Mackay Regional Council is reviewing plans to repurpose the Gordon White Library into a community facility as library services are consolidated at the new Northern Beaches Community Hub opening in 2027. Photo source: Mackay Regional Council
The future of the Gordon White Library is under review, with Mackay Regional Council considering plans to transform the building into a community-focused council facility once the new Northern Beaches library opens.
The change is linked to the development of the $21 million stage 1B expansion of the Northern Beaches Community Hub, which will feature a brand-new library and is expected to open in early 2027.
Mayor Greg Williamson said council had been reviewing how to best deliver library services across the region while ensuring responsible use of ratepayer funds.
“Council has considered our options when we open our brand new $21 million facility in the Northern Beaches Community Hub, which will feature a brand-new library,” Mayor Williamson said.
“With Gordon White Library already operating on the northern side of the river, the option we are considering is consolidating our library services into the new hub when the library opens.”
Under the proposal, the Gordon White Library building would be repurposed as the Gordon White Community Centre, similar to the transformation of the former Mackay City Library into the Jubilee Community Centre after the opening of the Dudley Denny City Library.
Mayor Williamson said the decision was largely driven by the need to manage future operational costs.
“The new Northern Beaches Community Hub will add ongoing annual operational costs of about $2 million,” he said.
“It wouldn’t be fair to just pass that onto ratepayers without looking at different service delivery models to offset that increase.
“Re-purposing the Gordon White Library building for meeting rooms and staff offices would, in turn, reduce other staff accommodation costs for council.”
Mackay Council is also exploring ways to maintain limited library access at the existing Gordon White site. Plans under consideration include using the building for community meeting rooms, council staff offices and potentially continuing services such as a reserved book collection point.
Mayor Williamson acknowledged that some residents who regularly use the current library may find the change difficult.
“We understand that it may become an issue for some people who are used to using the Gordon White Library as it is right now, and we’ll work through that with our staff,” he said.
Council staff are currently working through options and planning the transition ahead of the new hub’s opening.
Mayor Williamson said the broader review comes at a time when council budgets are under increasing pressure.
“Even before the war in the Middle East, the 2026-2027 budget was shaping up as one of the most difficult in recent times for Mackay Regional Council,’’ he said.
“Council must make some tough decisions to ensure it remains financially sustainable while delivering quality services and infrastructure for the community against a difficult backdrop of escalating costs, without burdening rate payers.”
Council has also advised community hall users that the freehold Northern Beaches Community Hall site will be up for sale once the Northern Beaches Community Hub opens.
Feedback can be provided until June 16, 2026 at 11.59pm via connectingmackay.com.au
Photo source: Facebook
Calm, gentle and quietly affectionate, Golda is a beautiful young cat looking for a peaceful place to call home.
At just 1 year and 6 months old, this domestic medium hair girl has a soft, easygoing nature and a low energy level, making her an ideal companion for a relaxed household. Medium in size and big on quiet charm, Golda enjoys the simple things in life — a cozy spot to rest, a calm environment, and the comfort of having her people nearby.
Golda is well suited to homes with older children (12+ recommended) and gets along with other cats. She hasn’t yet been tested with dogs. While affectionate, she prefers interaction on her own terms and will happily keep you company in her own gentle, independent way.
Sensitive to loud noises, Golda would thrive in a quiet, low-traffic home where she can feel safe and settle in at her own pace. She would suit a variety of households, including singles, families with older children, or retirees looking for a calm companion.
Golda is fully prepared for her new home — she is microchipped, vaccinated, desexed, and up to date with flea and worm treatments.
Her adoption fee is $190.
Interested please contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc.
With winter sport now underway across the Whitsundays, there’s already a great sense of energy building right across our region — from rugby league and AFL to soccer, netball and more.
Recently, my wife Mel and I had the pleasure of attending the Whitsunday Brahmans season launch, and there’s no doubt there’s strong momentum around the club this year. A new coach, quality signings and plenty of pride heading into the season.
But one of the most exciting developments goes beyond what happens on the field.
For the first time, the Brahmans will field an open women’s team which is a significant milestone not just for the club, but for our broader community.
Importantly, this isn’t happening in isolation. Across the Whitsundays, we’re seeing more opportunities emerge for women and girls in sport, and that’s something worth celebrating.
Women’s sport is continuing to grow rapidly across Australia, but here in our region it represents far more than participation alone. It’s about opportunity, inclusion, visibility and building stronger communities.
As we continue positioning the Whitsundays as the natural home of Olympic sailing for 2032, supporting grassroots sport at every level becomes even more important.
Because building a genuine sporting legacy starts long before the world arrives. It starts in local clubs, on local fields, in local pools and through local volunteers creating opportunities for the next generation.
When young girls see women representing their local clubs, pulling on the jersey and taking the field, it sends a powerful message that there is absolutely a place for you here.
Community sport builds confidence, resilience and connection. It creates lifelong friendships, strengthens local identity and helps shape future athletes, leaders and role models.
And when we continue to support women and girls in sport, those benefits only grow stronger.
We build more inclusive clubs, stronger volunteer networks and a healthier, more connected region.
None of this happens without the incredible volunteers, sponsors, coaches, parents and supporters who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
Council is proud to support local sport, and we remain committed to backing opportunities that strengthen our communities while helping build the Whitsundays’ long-term sporting future.
As the season continues, I encourage everyone to get out, support your local clubs and be part of the action.
Because strong clubs build strong communities — and strong communities help shape the future.
And as we look toward 2032, that future is one the Whitsundays is ready to lead.
Marcus painted colourful murals at local venues in the region. Photos supplied
Local artist Marcus Cain has passed away, leaving a legacy of colourful murals across venues well-loved by the community. Marcus was perhaps best known for the bright, beachy murals that cover the walls at Magnums, Airlie Beach.
Marcus brought life and colour to the community through his art, and will be remembered every time one of his vibrant works puts a smile on someone’s face.
Nominations for the 2027 Season Managed Pool Plus are now open, providing growers with an opportunity to take a proactive and structured approach to managing sugar price risk in what remains a volatile and uncertain global market.
With ongoing pressure from large global supply forecasts, shifting macroeconomic conditions and currency volatility, pricing decisions are becoming increasingly complex. The Managed Pool Plus has been designed to help address these challenges by offering a disciplined, longer-term approach to managing GEI exposure, while also incorporating MEI exposure within a single, actively managed pool.
A key strength of the Managed Pool Plus is its two-year pricing window, which allows for a more flexible and considered response to market movements. Rather than relying on short-term timing, the pool is actively traded across both futures and currency markets, with the aim of capturing value as opportunities arise over time. This approach is supported by Wilmar’s sugar trading team, whose experience and market access underpin the pool’s strategy and execution.
Importantly, the pool brings growers and the mill together in navigating market conditions, with both parties exposed to the outcomes of pricing decisions. This alignment supports a consistent and disciplined approach to risk management, focused on delivering improved pricing outcomes over the longer term.
For growers, the Managed Pool Plus can reduce the pressure of trying to pick the market and the time required to actively monitor price movements. It offers a practical option for those looking to complement their existing pricing strategies or take a more hands-off approach, while still maintaining exposure to potential market upside.
Another important consideration for growers is flexibility. The Managed Pool Plus allows you to nominate a portion of your GEI exposure, meaning it can sit alongside other pricing mechanisms as part of a broader, diversified strategy. This gives growers the ability to spread risk across different approaches, rather than relying on a single pricing decision. By combining active pool management with individual pricing choices, growers can build a more resilient pricing strategy.
The Managed Pool Plus is open to anyone marketing with Wilmar for the 2027 Season. Simply nominate a percentage of your exposure before 30 June via the Pricing portal in GrowerWeb.
Growers are encouraged to speak with their local Grower Marketing Relationship Manager to determine how the Managed Pool Plus can fit within their overall pricing strategy.
Libby started EcoBarge 17 years ago after witnessing firsthand the effect of waste and rubbish on the region’s marine life
To many members of the Whitsunday community, Libby Edge needs little introduction. She has spent years investing in Whitsunday’s conservation community, and as founder of EcoBarge, she continues to do important work for Whitsundays marine life.
Libby’s work has come from years of passion and dedication.
“I started EcoBarge about 17 years ago,” Libby said.
“I became aware of a 60 Minute Documentary on the Hawaiian Islands and all the rubbish that was washing up. I went on a camping expedition with my family and saw my daughter playing with rubbish along the beach. I realised the problem was here on our own shores. I knew I had to do something about it.”
This realisation led to years of campaigning and work, resulting in initiatives keeping our oceans clean today.
“We’ve been working hard ever since then to protect the Whitsundays islands from marine debris.” Libby said.
Over the last 17 years, over 14,000 community members have helped to remove over 280,000 kilograms of debris and rubbish from beaches and marine areas.
In 2012, Libby helped to start the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, located at Eco Barge HQ, which continues to rescue, rehabilitate and release sick and injured marine turtles, giving them a second chance to return home to the sea. To date, over 300 turtles have been cared for.
Just recently, more than 200 community members gathered at Funnel Bay to witness the heartwarming release of two such turtles.
“It was really amazing to see so many people show up for the release,” Libby .
The turtles, affectionately named Taylor and Swifty, were cared for at the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre after being found at Funnel Bay in a critical condition just two months ago. They were released back into the water after a full recovery.
Even after 17 years, Libby’s passion for conservation remains strong.
“We’re dealing with a dark issue, but in a positive way. When I started, I was quite upset about it all. I still get emotional. However what amazed me was the amount of people that wanted to join me to remove marine debris. What really keeps me going is the sheer amount of people who offer their support.”
EcoBarge remains hard at work protecting the Whitsunday’s precious marine life.
“As humans that live in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, it is our duty to protect it. Thats what EcoBarge is all about. I want to thank every single volunteer and everyone whose volunteered. Lets keep up the good work.”
For more information about Eco Barge or to support the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, visit www.ecoabargecleanseas.org.au
Members of the community converged at Grand View Hotel after the convoy for an afternoon of music, sausage sizzle and drinks with all funds going to QIMR. Photo source: Facebook
Last Sunday, Bowen hosted it’s annual ‘Buck Off Melanoma’ event, a fundraiser aimed at supporting melanoma research.
This year, the event launched its ‘The Convoy 4 Melanoma’, which invited members of the community to bring their biggest and loudest vehicles together to form a convoy that drove around town, raising awareness for the fundraiser.
Federal MP for Dawson Andrew Willcox was in attendance to show his support.
“It was fantastic and uplifting to witness Convoy For A Cure driving through Bowen and its surrounding areas, beeping horns and waving to residents,” Mr Willcox stated.
“It’s the first convoy we’ve done for this event,” said co-organiser Blind Man Dan. Dan played a huge role in the organising and promotion of the drive, using his previous experience to help the event run smoothly.
“I’ve been involved in convoys for kids. For this convoy I wanted to get everyone involved. As the years go on, we try and make it family friendly so that everyone can feel included.”
The event featured live music from regional artists Spud & Bones as well as B-Doubles. There were sausage sizzles, face painting, raffles and merchandising – all of which went to an incredibly important cause.
“This year we tried to make it bigger,” said co-organiser Ben Vico.
“We really pushed the socials to build awareness and raise as much money as we could.”
100% of the proceeds were donated to QIMR Berghofer Medical Research. QIMR is a world leading medical research institute dedicated to delivering better treatments and diagnoses for difficult conditions such as melanoma.
Mr Willcox gave thanks to those who lent their support.
“A big thanks to Joseph from QIMR Berghofer for attending the event in Bowen as well as Ben, Sally, Faye, Tracey and the incredible Jan Brown, who all contributed to organising a remarkable day for vital cause.”
Police seized drugs, cash and weapons during a raid in Airlie Beach, following investigations into alleged trafficking and a dangerous driving incident in Cannonvale. Photo source: QPS
Two people have been charged following a police investigation into alleged drug trafficking and a dangerous driving incident in the Cannonvale area.
Police allege that around 12pm on 17th April, a vehicle carrying a quantity of stolen tools was seen driving dangerously outside a Palm Drive address in Cannonvale.
As part of ongoing investigations, detectives executed a search warrant at a Hermitage Drive property in Airlie Beach on 26th April, where a 31-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were arrested.
During the search, police allegedly seized more than 200 grams of methylamphetamine, 40 grams of cocaine, 87 grams of GHB and approximately $44,000 in cash. Officers also located a shortened firearm, along with knuckledusters and drug-related items.
A 31-year-old Jubilee Pocket man has been charged with 14 offences, including three counts of possessing dangerous drugs, two counts each of unlawful possession of weapons and receiving tainted property, and one count each of trafficking in dangerous drugs, receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying, possessing anything used in the commission of a crime, possessing utensils, possessing a modified firearm, authority required to possess explosives, and possessing S4 medicines.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear before Proserpine Magistrates Court on 22nd June.
A 23-year-old Cannonvale woman has been charged with 12 offences, including three counts of possessing dangerous drugs, as well as one count each of evasion at night, entering premises and committing an offence, dangerous operation of a vehicle, trafficking in dangerous drugs, receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying, possessing anything for use in the commission of a crime, unlawful possession of weapons, possessing S4 medicines, and possessing utensils.
She has also been remanded in custody and is due to reappear before Proserpine Magistrates Court on 15th June.
Police investigations are ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Policelink or Crime Stoppers and quote reference numbers QP2600804834 and QP2600743704.
A simple act of kindness has struck a chord in the Bowen community, after a local couple found themselves stranded with a broken-down boat trailer near Collinsville.
Sharing their gratitude online, one resident described how their luck quickly turned after two flat tyres left them stuck about 30 kilometres out of town.
That’s when Matthew from CCL Specialised stepped in.
Arriving not long after the incident in one of the company’s trucks, Matthew went above and beyond; organising to load both the boat and trailer and safely transport them into Collinsville.
The grateful locals said they “couldn’t believe their luck,” thanking both Matthew and his workplace for the unexpected help.
It’s just one example of the quiet, everyday kindness continuing to ripple through regional communities, proving that when things go wrong, there’s often someone willing to step up and lend a hand.
Image sourced from Pexels
Rarely do you turn your nose up at a cheap deal, an opportunity to save some money. Life is too expensive, kids cost too much … even when they grow up and go to uni. But this was the discount I never wanted, the bargain I never sought.
I was about to have lunch with a bunch of colleagues and friends at a local pub one Friday recently but couldn’t find anything on the menu that appealed to me that day.
I wanted something light, or a smaller dish that wasn’t going to weigh me down for the rest of the day.
I was ordering at the bar and the barmaid, trying to assist in my search for a lighter or smaller meal, came up with the words I didn’t want to hear. Her voice was loud and clear, easily picked up by my friends: “Why don’t you get one of the seniors’ meals?”
There was a split second of silence when I took in and tried to comprehend the strange words I had never heard directed at me, then another split second of panic as I realised the friendly barmaid had a voice like a megaphone and my friends were well and truly within earshot at a nearby table.
Then came the laughter from my friends who for some reason thought this was the funniest thing they had heard that day. “A seniors’ meal! Yeah, mate get yourself a seniors’ meal!” Apparently, it was hilarious.
Now, I don’t know the exact age one becomes eligible for a seniors’ meal, or any seniors’ discounts for that matter. I have to keep working hard and staying fit and feeling young and in the prime of life so that I can continue to pour funds into the funnel that provides food and accommodation and uni life for kids and family.
I have deliberately avoided thoughts of being a “senior” and, therefore, taking advantage of the discounts and special deals that no doubt are on offer. I googled the qualifying age the other day and it said traditionally Queensland set the age at 65. Which means I’mnot qualified for seniors’ stuff yet. I suspect there are opportunities for “younger seniors” but I don’t need to go there.
There is, of course, nothing wrong with seniors’ deals and one day I am sure I will take full advantage of them. But it is more of a mindset for me, living life, selling houses and working in a way that deems age irrelevant because there is too much to do. I might not look young but I need to feel young so I can keep going … so no thoughts of seniors’ anything.
In the spirit of fighting against the tide of time, I stepped up my exercise routine recently and joined one of the flash new gyms in town. The space, lighting, music, and “feel” of the place create an “energy” that helps inspire you to work hard and get results.
When it comes to real estate, I am a buyer who thinks more about location than how modern and terrific the house is, which is why I live in West Mackay.
But a venue like that gym reminds me that the right house, with the right features and feel, creates an inspiration that elevates the experience of life. It’s not just about the location, it’s how you feel when you are there, what your life feels like and looks like.
Location is important but sometimes the most convenient location can’t provide the elevated experience that a particular house can offer.
It can change the way you feel and interact, how you entertain and enjoy yourself. The right environment can bring out the best in you and inspire you to greater heights. Even if you’re a senior.
Visit https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/m-p-services-over-the-years to see photos throughout the years
1986 – M&P Auto's Established, Archibald Street [860m2]
1987 – Moved to Satellite Crescent [3539m2]
1990 – M&P Transport Division
1994 – Shipping Containers
1997 – Max Lamb Jnr Joins M&P As Director
2002 – Moved to Spiller Avenue [16,000m2]
2004 – Authorised Duckbill Agent
2005 – First Transportable Building Designed & Built, Terry Seay joins M&P as a Director, Incorporated Company
2006 – First Mobile Crib
2008 – Opening of Rockhampton Depot (3998m2)
2009 – Combo Toilets
2010 – Authorised Teco Agent
2011 – Mobile Crib Rooms to PNG
2013 – Moved to Diesel Drive
2014 – Added Heavy Haulage To Transport Fleet
2016 – First Charity Golf Day, Authorised Tennant Agent
2017 – Authorised Earth Track Agent
2019 – Undercover Shed Extension
2021 – Wheeled Products division expanded, First Solar toilet trailers produced
2022 – Mobile Crib Rooms Added to Standard Hire Fleet
2023 – Largest Supply contract entered into at $4.9m
2024 – Cyclone Block & Log Tiedown System added to Manufacturing, Sales & Hire
2025 – 10th Annual Charity Day Raises 75k in one day, Manufacturing Excellence Award
2026 – 40th Year Milestone Achieved
Every rescue kitten carries a story. Some begin in uncertainty, some in hardship, but all share the same quiet hope… to one day belong.
Then there is Jinx.
Sleek, black, and quietly enchanting, Jinx is the kind of kitten who stays with you. Like many rescue kittens, her early days were not easy, but with patience and care, she has discovered her confidence. Now, her playful spirit and affectionate nature are shining through more each day.
Jinx is curious and clever, happiest when she is exploring her surroundings, watching the world from a sunny window, or settling in close after a burst of play. She is a reminder that sometimes the most overlooked animals—like black cats—have the most to give. Those who open their hearts to them are often rewarded with a loyalty that runs deep.
Each of these kittens is on their own journey, but Jinx shares the same destination: a home filled with understanding, patience, and love.
Because in the end, it’s not just about rescuing animals—it’s about giving them the chance to truly belong. Please contact foster carer Robin 0457 134 750.
Contributed by Mackay Pet Rescue Inc.
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After nearly five decades of teaching, one of Mackay’s most passionate music educators is preparing for a bittersweet farewell as she leads her final ANZAC marching band trip.
Kathryn George OAM has spent almost 49 years at North Mackay State High School, where she helped build the school’s renowned marching band program from the ground up. This year’s Brisbane ANZAC Day March will mark her final major appearance before handing the program to the next generation of staff.
Mrs George formed the marching band in 1992 alongside fellow founding director David Bayliss. Since then, the program has grown into one of the largest single school marching bands in Australia.
She said the program began as a way to extend talented instrumental music students beyond simply playing their instruments.
“It’s a specialised skill and an extension to just playing an instrument, where you actually have to march and hold your position both vertically and horizontally while you’re playing,” she explained.
Over the years the band has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, representing Australia at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, performing at Disneyland and the Los Angeles Independence Day Parade, and even appearing at the Shanghai Tourism Festival.
“It’s certainly one of the largest single school marching bands in Australia,” Mrs George said.
“It’s so unusual – and rather wonderful – that it comes from a little town like Mackay rather than a big capital city.”
This year the school band will again travel to Brisbane with around 90 students preparing for the parade, where they will appear as the first civilian band at the start of the procession before later marching alongside the army contingent marking its 175th anniversary.
Among those helping carry the program forward are former students who have returned as staff members.
“I know it’s in good hands,” she said.
This year’s band will be led by Year 12 drum majors Chloe Waples and Alana Plunkett, who were selected after extensive auditions.
Reflecting on her career, Mrs George said music has always been central to her life and she believes it plays a powerful role in education.
“I’m really passionate about how important music is in learning for students and how it enhances the whole learning experience,” she said.
“It teaches self-discipline and patience. With an instrument you have to work at it… it’s not a quick gratification, but it’s highly rewarding.”
When she retires at the end of the year, she hopes to spend more time with family, including welcoming a fourth grandchild.
And as she prepares the band for Brisbane one last time, she says the milestone fills her with immense pride.
“I’m just so proud of my legacy and that the teachers continuing the tradition have come up through the band themselves.”
“It’s going to be a very bittersweet moment, but it’s something I’ve been preparing for a while now.”
After nearly 49 years at North Mackay State High School, Kathryn George OAM is preparing to lead her final ANZAC marching band. Photo supplied
Dry paddocks and rising costs weigh heavily on Mackay’s cane growers, as El Niño and soaring fuel prices push irrigation decisions to the brink. Photo source: ABC News
In the coming weeks, the 2026 El Niño is forecast to be one of the hottest on record, bringing prolonged dry conditions across the country. Conditions both nation and state-wide are compounding existing pressures, with rising fuel and fertiliser costs, linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, placing further strain on already stretched rural communities and amplifying financial stress in drought-affected regions.
Deputy Chairman of Mackay Canegrowers, Brett Leach said that while an extended period of heat and dry conditions may be on the horizon, farmers across the region are already taking proactive steps to prepare, with harvesting expected to begin as early as June.
“Ideally, when it’s a smaller crop like this year, we want to get in and get out as quick as we can,” he said.
“A little bit of rain would be nice, and you want that for the ratooning cane, but you don’t want much winter rain – the last thing you want is wages dragged out, time dragged out. If the mills run fairly well, and it’s dry, we can get the crop harvested.”
However, beyond the impact of El Niño, Mr Leach said growers are increasingly focused on the ongoing fuel crisis and the rising cost of fertiliser, warning the combined pressures are making basic farming decisions far more difficult.
“The biggest concern if fuel costs remain the way they are, is that if you are running diesel irrigation pumps, combined with the cost of water, you won’t be able to afford to turn the pumps on,” said Mr Leach.
“The current world sugar price, the current price of fertiliser, the current price of diesel, on top of high electricity prices, on top of rising water prices: it’s going to make an irrigation decision be ‘only when I have to do it’, to be frank.”
Mr Leach said while he has been able to offset some costs through solar, many growers are not in the same position. With diesel prices sitting between $3 and $3.50 per litre, and irrigation pumps consuming around 120 litres per day, he said daily costs could quickly climb beyond $360 to $420.
“You do that for a week, it’s over $2500. Who can afford that? Then you have water charges. No one is going to turn a pump on for those sorts of costs.”
Mr Leach said there would be a need for practical, on-the-ground solutions to support growers through the current conditions, and while the region has avoided drought on the scale seen eight years ago, he noted that past dry periods had prompted effective responses that delivered real benefits to the industry.
However, Mr Leach warned that a softening sugar price, combined with sharply rising production costs, was placing increasing pressure on growers and threatening the long-term stability of the industry.
“If you’ve got big debt, the last thing you need is more debt. The cruel thing for us in the sugar industry is two or three years ago, we had a chance, where sugar prices were $700 to $900 a tonne, to bank some real money, and we missed it due to poor mill performance. We were not able to take full advantage of that,” he said.
“Last year we cut 500,000 tonnes of standover in Mackay area. If you take a cane price of $50 per tonne, that is $25million out of the pockets of growers in Mackay Sugar area alone. That’s the money you count on to get you over these times.”
Mr Leach said fluctuations are a normal part of the agricultural cycle but warned the current conflict in Iran and the broader Middle East has added a new layer of pressure, driving up the cost of key inputs such as fuel and fertiliser.
“There’s certainly a great deal of angst and uncertainty out there amongst our growers. You can see it in them at meetings. You can hear it in their voices, the worry,” said Mr Leach.
“The government needs to take that into account: though no fault of their own, some people are really in trouble.
We need to make sure that firstly the mental health and physical health support is there and freely available for families. They need it, and they need to be encouraged to seek out that help.”
In previous periods of severe drought, Mr Leach pointed to government support measures that provided a vital lifeline for growers, including access to Centrelink payments and assistance with managing debt. Canegrowers Mackay are now calling for similar support to be introduced urgently, to help farmers navigate the current challenges and maintain the viability of their operations during this severe cost of production crisis.
“It is up to the Federal Government to come to the party and say, “we will make up for the poor decisions made before this” just to help people get over this hump that is no fault of their own,” Mr Leach said.
“Any financial assistance is appreciated. This is not just a situation for the sugar industry, but right across agriculture. If a drought is also factored into this equation for farming regions, it spells disaster.”
Mackay Canegrowers remains committed to supporting the local community through regular branch meetings and by amplifying the concerns of growers. The district office also provides access to vital resources, assisting members in navigating government support programs and connecting them with services such as the Rural Financial Counselling Service.
“The Queensland Cane Growers Organisation is there to speak up for growers. We’ve done this for 100 years, and we will not stop making sure we have their back,” added Mr Leach.
“When times are tough, you need your community around you. Please don’t let problems be your downfall: we will help you find solutions. We are there for growers.”
Every young worker who walks onto a site for the first time brings something we often forget: no bad habits yet.
They haven't learned to skip the pre-start check because the job's running late. They haven't been told to just step over the barrier because "that's how we've always done it." They arrive with fresh eyes and a genuine willingness to learn.
The question is, what are we teaching them?
A few years back, I was on a construction site when a new apprentice asked his supervisor why they weren't using the designated access point. The supervisor laughed it off and said, "We only do that when the safety person’s around."
That apprentice had been on site for less than a week. He filed that away like every other piece of on-the-job knowledge he'd picked up. From that day on, safety became something you practised only when someone was watching.
Right there, in that moment, a habit was formed. Not a safe one. A shortcut. And the lesson wasn't in any induction manual.
This is the part we don't talk about enough. The formal training is usually fine. The inductions get done. The paperwork gets signed. But what happens in the first week on the job, the real stuff, the day-to-day behaviour they see from the experienced people around them, that'swhat sticks.
Young workers are watching everything. They absorb the culture around them faster than any toolbox talk or online module can deliver.
So if we want the next generation to work safely, we must be honest about what we're modelling. Are we cutting corners in front of them? Are we dismissing their questions? Are we treating compliance as something that only matters when someone's watching?
They will become what we show them.
I've seen this done well, too. A rigger with thirty years of experience who stopped mid-job to show a young offsider exactly how to inspect his harness. Not because it was required, but because he genuinely didn't want that kid going home hurt. He explained what to look for, why it mattered, and what could go wrong if it was missed. That young worker still talks about him. That's mentorship. That's how a career-long standard gets set.
The good news is this works both ways. When experienced workers demonstrate genuine care, stop and explain the why, and treat safety as a professional standard rather than a burden, young workers carry that with them for the rest of their careers.
The habits we hand them today are the culture we'll live with tomorrow.
Kris Cotter
Founder: Regional Safety Expo Australia
Director: Synergy Safety Solutions
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