By Michael James – Fitness Industry Professional, Facility Owner & Wellness Coach

Great facilities don’t stand still. They refine, adjust, and improve — always with the member experience in mind.

Recently, we made a considered adjustment to the configuration of our Magnesium Therapy pools inside our Wellness Centre. On the surface it may seem like a minor technical change, but in practice it has significantly improved how more people can access and benefit from contrast therapy.

The shift was further reinforced after hosting the North Queensland Cowboys, who utilised our pools as part of their recovery protocols. Conversations with their Head of Sports & Performance highlighted something simple but important: temperature, capacity, and flow all matter. Recovery environments need to work not just physiologically, but practically.

Previously, our larger pool operated at 32°C, while another pool was heated to 38°C. Demand for true therapeutic heat consistently centred around the 38°C environment.

The larger pool now operates at 38°C, allowing far more members to experience full hot immersion at the same time. The pool that previously ran at 38°C has been reset to 12°C, creating a cold immersion option that remains highly effective, while being more approachable for a broader cross-section of members.

For those who intentionally seek extreme cold exposure, the 6–8°C plunge remains unchanged.

Why temperature precision matters

At 38°C, magnesium-enriched hot immersion supports vasodilation, circulation, muscular relaxation, and activation of the parasympathetic nervous system — the state associated with recovery and restoration. Increasing the capacity at this temperature simply means more members can access meaningful heat therapy without congestion.

At 12°C, cold immersion still delivers vascular constriction, nervous system stimulation, and recovery benefits — but in a way that is sustainable and repeatable for more people.

This is particularly relevant for women. Emerging research suggests that excessively aggressive cold exposure may amplify stress responses in certain hormonal phases. A 12°C immersion allows members to access the resilience-building benefits of cold therapy while being more supportive of endocrine balance.

Meanwhile, the 6–8°C pool remains available for experienced users and high-performance athletes who deliberately pursue that level of stimulus.

Capacity, flow, and experience

With three Magnesium Therapy pools holding over 70 people combined, alongside our 30-person traditional hot-rock sauna, the Wellness Centre has been designed to operate at scale. The updated temperature structure improves flow within the space and distributes demand more evenly across hot and cold experiences.

Contrast therapy works best when it’s structured, calm, and repeatable — not rushed or crowded.

These refinements reflect a broader philosophy: attention to detail matters.

Because real wellness isn’t about extremes for the sake of it. It’s about balance, accessibility, and creating an environment where more people can integrate recovery into their lifestyle.

And that’s exactly what we continue to build at Fitness Cartel Mackay.

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Bioenergy opportunities from Queensland’s sugarcane industry are back in focus, with the Inquiry into Sugarcane Bioenergy Opportunities holding another public hearing in Brisbane last month.

The latest hearing follows sessions in Mackay and Townsville, as well as three earlier hearings in Brisbane. The parliamentary committee is expected to table its final report in March.

Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly, said the inquiry is a crucial step toward identifying new growth opportunities for the sugarcane sector and strengthening Queensland’s agricultural future.

“This is about making sure that our sugar industry has room to expand, and to ensure that we have viable alternative baseload energy options in our Queensland grid as part of our Energy Plan,” Mr Kelly said.

He said regional communities, particularly around Mackay, stood to benefit if biofuels could be unlocked as a viable option for sugar mills.

“We’ve seen mill closures elsewhere around Queensland, leaving those sugarcane farms stranded, if we can unlock biofuels as an opportunity for our millers that means more guarantee for our farmers around Mackay,” he said.

Mr Kelly highlighted the industry’s importance to local employment, noting that the sugar sector employs about 1,650 workers in and around Mackay.

“The sugar industry employs roughly 1650 workers in and around Mackay, and that’s a number we don’t want to see going down, and finding ways to utilise bioenergy and biofuels from sugarcane will help ensure that those jobs are secure,” he said.

He also pointed to the potential for bioenergy to protect mills during downturns in the global sugar market, while supporting emissions reduction.

“We don’t want to see our mills closing because there’s a glut of sugar in the market, so being able to create fuels from sugarcane at competitive prices while reducing CO2 emissions would be a major win for Mackay,” Mr Kelly said.

The inquiry has been running since June and is examining how sugarcane cogeneration could contribute to Queensland’s electricity mix. It is also considering regulatory and market barriers that may be limiting increased bioenergy and biofuel production from sugarcane.

To date, the committee has held five hearings and received 42 submissions from sugar industry representatives, farmers, bioenergy and biofuel groups, and individual stakeholders. The final report is expected to be tabled in Parliament in March.

Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly, believes regional communities will benefit greatly from the proposed bioenergy opportunities. Photo supplied

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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

Meeting the seasonal labour demands of the sugarcane harvest is a challenge every year.

It’s one to which CANEGROWERS Mackay has been gamely stepping up for almost two decades, delivering exciting, highly practical training courses each May, that recruits new workers from all walks of life behind the wheel of a haulout tractor and familiar with harvest machinery and activities.

CANEGROWERS Mackay is excited to announce that its highly successful industry skills development program – the annual Haulout Driver Training – has been once again funded by the Queensland Government through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative, under its Community Work Skills program.

Registrations have opened for Haulout Driver Training and if you or anyone you know are interested, please contact Mackay Canegrowers as soon as possible to submit your expressions of interest. We have been running these on-farm courses for almost 20 years. For most of that time, it has been funded through the Queensland Government, for which we are very thankful.

This ongoing support is recognition of the immense value to the sugar industry in skilling twenty new harvest workers every year, ensuring that over the four days of the course they have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of haulout vehicles alongside highly experienced grower trainers, learn the basic skills of driving, harvest procedures and most importantly, safety.

It was positive to have our local politicians Member for Whitsunday, Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services Amanda Camm, and Member for Mirani Glen Kelly attend our media launch and to personally congratulate Mackay Canegrowers. Ms Camm said that programs like this gave real pathways to employment for jobseekers, adding: “Our sugar industry is the backbone of many regional communities, and initiatives like Skilling Queenslanders for Work are helping ensure we have the skilled local workforce needed for the future.”

Mr Kelly has offered great support to the local industry, and said: “On-farm training, practical experience and strong safety culture are the bedrock of primary industries across Queensland, and programs like this are helping set people up with the real skills employers are looking for.”

Thanks to the Skilling Queenslanders for Work funding, there is no charge to participants, with wrap-around training extending to support to help participants obtain work in the industry with growers and contract harvesters actively seeking staff.

It’s a four-day boot camp with real-life grower trainers, getting behind the wheel of tractors. On top of that, we have an accredited trainer-assessor on-site, taking the trainees through RTO-backed modules towards the Cert II Agriculture. It’s a great starting point for people wanting to work in ag, and particularly the sugarcane harvest. To deliver training in 2026, Mackay Canegrowers is working with RTO Ausintec Academy Pty Ltd, and local accredited Trainer Assessor Earl Nielsen, who has successfully delivered the courses modules in the past and has strong cane industry experience.  

This is just one of the many initiatives that Mackay Canegrowers is putting into practice to help ease the labour shortage which the sugar industry is facing.  As well as this, advertising locally, interstate and even overseas has been utilised in the past to attempt to fill all the vacancies across the canefields of the wider Mackay-Plane Creek district.  As well as filling the vacancies, it gives a wide demographic of participants the opportunity to re-skill and make a start in an industry which they may not otherwise have to opportunity –or the incentive – to enter into, leading to potentially long associations with sugarcane growers and harvesters, and explore new career opportunities and pathways.

Head to www.mackaycanegrowers.com.au to find out more!

Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) recently launched Coal and the Regional Economy: Greater Whitsunday Scenario Modelling report, examining the evidence base around the coal sector’s outlook and its implications for future regional jobs, investment and economic stability.

Chief Executive Officer Ms Kylie Porter said the report underscores the region’s ongoing economic strength, while highlighting the importance of preparing for economic change.

Ms Porter said while the demand outlook for metallurgical coal remains steady, declining capital expenditure and investment in coal and other minerals activity in Queensland are structural signals that warrant close attention.

“This report confirms what our community understands well, the coal sector continues to be the economic engine room of the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday economy,” Ms Porter said.

“The report also models several future scenarios should the region experience a decline in direct coal sector employment or a reduction in local supplier spending, and the results are revealing.”

The report revealed a 10% reduction in direct coal jobs, will result in an estimated loss of 2,404 jobs and $291.6 million in lost gross value added, whilst a 10% reduction in supply chain spending will impact the regional economy $945.8 million in lost gross value added.

“These scenarios are not certain predictions, but they are important indicators that show that any contraction in the sector will have significant flow-on effects to local families, businesses and communities.”

Across the full economy, the coal sector supported:

• $7.1 billion in direct spending by the coal sector in the Mackay region.
• 10,593 direct employees living in the region, earning $1.7 billion in wages.
• 1,865 local businesses supplied goods and services to the sector.
• $12.5 billion in gross value added generated across the total economy.
• 62,364 jobs supported in total.
• Sector contributed 48.6% of GRP

Ms Porter said understanding the scale of future trends is critical to informed regional planning.

“As the economic heart of Queensland’s resources sector, our region relies on clear, factual and data driven insights. This report gives us that clarity and it reinforces the importance of safeguarding both our existing economic strengths and our future opportunities.”

Coal and the Regional Economy: Greater Whitsunday Scenario Modelling report was drawn from the Economic Impact of the Coal Sector on the Mackay Region 2024/25 report, prepared by Lawrence Consulting for Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3). It provides detailed analysis of direct spending, indirect impacts, total industry contribution and scenario-based modelling on potential changes to employment and supplier spend.

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The incident report was textbook perfect. Equipment checks signed off. Induction completed. PPE worn. Every box ticked. Yet the new employee still ended up in hospital. The supervisor had been covering two roles for three months. The experienced worker who normally trained newcomers was on stress leave. And the "quick question" that might have prevented everything? No one felt comfortable asking it because the boss had been visibly stressed for weeks.

This is the pattern I see often. Incidents are rarely caused by a missing checklist or an unknown hazard. They happen when pressure has been building quietly, and no one stops to talk about it.

When people think about workplace safety, they picture obvious hazards: machinery, traffic, and chemicals. But the issues that cause the most disruption are usually developing in the background while everyone's too busy getting through the day.

A team member who's stopped speaking up in meetings. A supervisor insisting they're fine while stretched. A culture where deadlines win over discussion. A near miss that gets noted but never unpacked because “we’ll deal with it later."

None of these looks dramatic.

On their own, they don’t seem urgent, but together, they set the stage for something to go wrong.

I worked with a transport company where drivers had created their own fix for a loading issue. It saved fifteen minutes off each trip. Everyone did it. It worked fine for two years. Until it didn't. The shortcut wasn’t wildly reckless. The real problem was that it existed outside the official process. New staff were trained in one way, but the job was actually done another way. That gap is where we risk lives. Safety isn’t about adding more paperwork. It’s about being honest about how work really happens and making sure everyone is on the same page.

We’re good at pushing through. That’s something I genuinely respect. But there’s a difference between resilience and slowly building up problems we don’t talk about.

The businesses that handle this well ask simple but uncomfortable questions.

Are our expectations realistic? When someone raises a concern, do we listen or label them difficult? When something goes wrong, do we look for lessons or someone to blame? These questions directly affect whether a business runs steadily or lurches from one issue to the next.

One of the most interesting conversations I’ve seen was between a tourism operator and a mining contractor. Different worlds on the surface. But when they started talking about managing busy seasons and fatigue, they realised they were dealing with the same pressures in different ways. Each walked away with ideas they hadn’t considered before.

There is a lot of practical wisdom in this community. The real opportunity comes when people step outside their own industry bubble and share what they have learned. Because often, the risk no one sees coming is one that someone else has already faced and figured out.

KRIS COTTER:

Founder: Regional Safety Expo Australia

Director: Synergy Safety Solutions.

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M&P Services is the market leader in mobile solutions for mining, civil and other projects. Known for their award-winning mobile crib rooms designed and manufactured in Mackay, they have also developed heavy duty off road mobile and static (self-weighted, skid based) toilet solutions for long-haul circuits.

These units are fully self-contained, feature audible and visual water alarms, timer taps, and excellent functionality throughout. Off grid solar options promote sustainability, reducing carbon footprints. Being non-fixed mobile infrastructure enables rapid deployment and relocation, enhancing employee comfort and safety. With units now in use across several Australian states, PNG, and New Caledonia, M&P continues to lead the industry.

‘Our mobile toilet units are industry-leading, demonstrating the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability,’ says Managing Director Max Lamb Jr.

Since 1986, M&P Services has been providing high quality, solution-based equipment to meet the evolving needs of the mining and civil sectors.

Get it Right Onsite with M&P Services.

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It has been a wet and eventful February in Mackay, marked by the first parliamentary sitting of the year and renewed focus on local priorities. After spending time on the ground speaking with residents, it’s clear our community is eager to see continued action on safety, health and infrastructure in 2026.

One of the month’s highlights has been the renewed energy at the Bluewater Quay. In October last year, alongside Premier David Crisafulli, I brought together key Mackay stakeholders for a roundtable discussion focused on improving public safety and better supporting those experiencing homelessness at the Bluewater Quay.

That roundtable was an important first step. Since then, I have continued working closely with the Department of Housing and local frontline organisations including Community Accommodation & Support Agency (CASA), Chances House and Kaylan House to help connect vulnerable individuals with safer, more appropriate accommodation and the support services they need.

Importantly, Mackay Police have increased patrols in the area, restoring confidence for residents who want to walk their dogs, spend time by the river or support nearby businesses.

At the same time, Mackay Regional Council has played a critical and hands-on role in supporting this initiative. Council’s maintenance and frontline teams have been on the ground consistently — managing cleaning, waste removal, landscaping and general upkeep — to ensure the precinct remains safe, presentable and welcoming for the wider community. Their commitment, often behind the scenes, has been instrumental in restoring pride and confidence in the space.

These coordinated efforts are now delivering visible results at Bluewater Quay. The precinct is once again becoming a place where families gather, friends connect and community events thrive. Weekend food vans, recreational activities and the simple enjoyment of our beautiful riverfront are returning to the heart of our city.

Addressing anti-social behaviour and homelessness is complex and there is still more work ahead. However, by bringing together state agencies, local council and community organisations, we have put the right structures in place to drive meaningful, long-term change for Mackay.

Mackay, I Want to Hear From You

Everything we achieve starts with listening. Your feedback helps shape the priorities I take to Parliament and the work I focus on locally. I encourage you to take a moment to complete my 30-second survey and share what matters most to you.

Together, we can keep building a stronger future for Mackay.

Nigel

Anti-social behaviour round table initial discussions – September 2025

Saturday at the Bluewater Quay with Mackay locals buying coffee and pastries from local food vans

QR code for 30-second survey. Photos supplied

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Mackay Community Foundation has announced the appointment of three local ambassadors who will work with businesses across the region to promote its employee giving program – ‘Mackay, Give Where You Live’.

Local leaders Denise Phillips, Sally Richards and John Glanville will act as ambassadors for the Foundation, speaking with local employers about how the program works and how it can be implemented.

‘Mackay, Give Where You Live’ allows employees to opt in to donate $2 or more per week through payroll deductions, which are pooled and invested by the Mackay Community Foundation, with participation designed to be flexible, simple and sustainable.

The earnings from those investments are then distributed each year as community grants to local not-for-profit organisations.

Mackay Community Foundation Board Chair Melissa Green said ‘Mackay, Give Where You Live’ gives local businesses and their teams the opportunity to support a wide range of local causes in a coordinated way that creates lasting impact.

“Mackay Community Foundation exists to protect local generosity and make sure it continues to benefit our community year after year,” Ms Green said.

“By appointing ambassadors who are already trusted and well known in the business community, we’re able to have meaningful conversations about how small, regular contributions can add up to something truly powerful over time.”

Ms Green said ‘Mackay, Give Where You Live’ aligns with the Foundation’s broader goal of growing its investment base to support future generations.

“Our long-term focus is building a $10 million investment fund so we can distribute over $500,000 in grants every year. The employee giving program plays an important role in helping us get there, while giving businesses and their teams a simple way to give where they live.”

Ambassador Denise Phillips, owner of Gardian, said her business had been involved in employee giving for many years and had seen firsthand how small weekly contributions can grow into something significant.

“We’ve had an employee giving program for Mackay Community Foundation in place at Gardian for nearly 10 years, and those small amounts have added up to a meaningful contribution back into our local community,” Ms Phillips said.

“It’s an easy thing for employees to opt in to, and while employers can choose to match contributions, they don’t have to. The important part is that everyone is contributing in a way that works for them.”

Ms Phillips said she was passionate about encouraging more businesses to consider the program.

“Local businesses are asked to support causes all the time, and it’s not always possible to say yes.

“This program makes local giving simple, sustainable and more effective, by bringing contributions together so they can create greater impact than any one business could achieve on its own.”

Businesses interested in learning more about the ‘Mackay, Give Where You Live’ employee giving program are encouraged to contact the Mackay Community Foundation at admin@mackayfoundation.com.au.

Photo caption: L-R Mackay Community Foundation Chair Melissa Green with local leaders Denise Phillips, Sally Richards and John Glanville. Photo supplied

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Around 100 locals attended a community forum last Wednesday night at Ocean International in Mackay, hosted by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Wilcox MP, with special guest Senator Matthew Canavan, to discuss the implications of Australia’s Net Zero by 2050 target. The event focused on the views and concerns expressed by the speakers regarding the policy’s potential impact on energy, industry, and regional communities.

The forum provided an opportunity for attendees to engage with Wilcox and Canavan on the practical logistics, costs, and consequences of altering or abandoning the policy.

Senator Canavan opened by acknowledging the strong turnout and thanking Wilcox for his work in the region. Speaking on Net Zero, he described it as contributing to the closure of what he referred to as “reliable, affordable energy sources,” calling the pursuit an “obsessive” one.

He also shared his view that the term itself was largely rhetorical.

“This is a relatively new term… it was sort of cooked up, a marketing tool, the slogan, to try and convince people to cut back on emissions.”

Canavan outlined what he sees as the economic and practical shortcomings of the policy, telling the audience: “Net Zero is holding out our manufacturing industry. It's pushing up prices for everyday people. It's not even protecting the environment that it's reported to do. It's not really succeeding on any front.”

He also shared his perspective on electricity costs for manufacturing, comparing Australian rates with other countries, and expressed concern about the effects of carbon regulations on industry. The Senator described the federal safeguard mechanism as “just a euphemism for a carbon tax… the 200 largest emitting carbon industries… have to pay, and invariably do that by having to buy carbon credits.”

He warned that, in his view, such measures could discourage investment and affect jobs, adding: “Two taxes don’t make sense.”

Canavan also commented on Australia’s global contribution to emissions, suggesting that the policy would not significantly influence worldwide outcomes: “Even if you believe the most radical things… it’s just not going to help the world. Australia only contributes roughly one per cent of global emissions. Posing more costs is not going to help.”

He also raised concerns about land use and renewable energy infrastructure, stating that productive farmland and natural areas have been affected, in his perspective.

The forum concluded with discussions about policy alternatives, with Canavan advocating for a focus on domestic energy priorities, to: “Deliver the lowest possible electricity bills, and the lowest possible gas bills. That should be the number one goal. Not binding ourselves to get Net Zero by 2050.”

Wilcox reinforced these points, saying he believes the current Net Zero ideology imposes restrictions and costs that could harm productivity and competitiveness.

“We need to bring common sense back to the table. We cannot continue to sacrifice our standard of living for a global gesture that achieves nothing,” he said.

“It is time to put our nation, our jobs, and our regional communities first.”

Locals attended a Mackay forum where Federal Member Andrew Wilcox and Senator Matthew Canavan shared their views and concerns about the potential economic and community impacts of Australia’s Net Zero by 2050 target. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Mackay’s littlest creatives are invited to join in another year of colour, music and hands-on fun, with the much-loved BMA Kidspace art program returning to Artspace Mackay.

The free monthly program designed specifically for toddlers and their adults, is set to kick off again tomorrow (Tuesday, 24 February).

Parents and carers are encouraged to drop in anytime with their little ones between 9:30am and 1:30pm for artist-run workshops and live music entertainment with singing and dancing from 11am to 11:45am.

Mayor Greg Williamson said this program was a great opportunity for children under five to experiment and have fun with art in a safe, cooperative learning environment.

“In 2025, it was fantastic to have almost 1000 children and adults attend and we are excited this year to have the BMA Kidspace team back again for an exciting program,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Favourite artists and musicians, including Kathleen Campbell, Rosemary Payne, Michelle McKenzie, Cordell Steer and Pam Hutley, have already proven to be real hits with the kids.

Delivered at Mackay’s regional art gallery, it also gives families an opportunity to be inspired by an everchanging array of contemporary artworks and art exhibitions by Australian and international artists.”

Kate Sommerville, General Manager of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s (BMA) Hay Point Coal Terminal, said BMA Kidspace was one of the many ways BMA contributed to the region.

“Our people and their families live and work here. This program helps create community vibrancy by giving children a fun, creative and family-friendly experience,” Ms Sommerville said.

“We are committed to supporting the communities where we operate, despite the challenges Queensland’s coal industry is facing."

Mayor Williamson said council was very appreciative of the continued support provided by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance in partnership with Mackay Regional Council and Artspace Mackay.

“This art program continues to be a huge success for families in the region,” Mayor Williamson said.

“It also offers parents and carers an opportunity to meet new people with children of a similar age. After an exciting fun-filled morning, they can relax over lunch or a coffee at Foodspace or have a look around the gallery to see what new artwork is on display.”

Dates for the year are:

• Tuesday, 24 February
• Tuesday, 24 March
• Tuesday, 28 April
• Tuesday, 26 May
• Tuesday, 16 June
• Tuesday, 28 July
• Tuesday, 18 August
• Tuesday, 15 September
• Tuesday, 13 October
• Tuesday, 10 November
• Tuesday, 8 December

For regular updates on this fun-filled creative program, parents are encouraged to follow Artspace Mackay’s website and Facebook page.

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Members of Soroptimist International Mackay gathered last Saturday to celebrate a major milestone, marking five decades of service to women and girls across the region.

The golden anniversary brought together Soroptimists from across Queensland, including four members from Soroptimist International Beenleigh who travelled north to join the celebration. The weekend combined a productive meeting with friendship and reflection, honouring the club’s legacy and ongoing commitment to community impact.

“This function is about celebrating 50 years of Soroptimist International in Mackay… and what a great turn out this is,” Mayor Greg Williamson said.

Part of the global network Soroptimist International, the Mackay club is made up of professional and business women, including teachers, fitness professionals, disability support workers, farmers and hospitality managers, all united by a shared mission to educate, empower and enable women and girls.

For almost a century internationally, Soroptimists have worked to transform lives through education, leadership programs and advocacy. Locally, that mission translates into practical support, from contributing to the Trudy Crowley Ovarian Cancer Foundation, to delivering essential clothing to Mackay Base Hospital, advocating through the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence movement, and writing “Cards for Connection” to brighten the days of nursing home residents. They are quiet achievers, working together to make the lives of others better.

Life Member Elspeth Mulherin OAM was among those acknowledged during the celebration for her longstanding contribution to the organisation and community since 1977.

Mayor Williamson praised her dedication, saying, “When you look at some of the people who’ve been around like Elspeth Mulherin… she’s been part of Soroptimist International for about 49 years. She’s one of the icons of our community.

“It’s great to see the women involved here. They quietly deliver a really important service for our region.”

The club also facilitates school-based programs designed to build self-esteem, confidence and healthy life skills in young women, ensuring opportunities remain accessible close to home.

With monthly meetings continuing and projects evolving to meet community needs, Soroptimist International Mackay remains committed to advancing the status of women, upholding human rights, and fostering friendship and service, living their motto as women at their best, helping others to be their best.

Soroptimist International Mackay celebrated 50 years of empowering women and girls in the region through service, community programs, and lasting local impact. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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The industrial engine room of North Queensland has secured a direct line to the heart of the Opposition’s economic strategy following the re-appointment of Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, to the Shadow Ministry.

As part of the new-look Coalition frontbench announced yesterday by Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, Mr Willcox returns to his role as the Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability. He will work in close partnership with the Shadow Minister for Industry and Sovereign Capability, Andrew Hastie, to drive a national agenda focused on domestic production and economic resilience.

The reshuffle follows a historic period of renewal for the Coalition: marked by a newly codified agreement that enshrines the primacy of the Joint Party Room and ensures regional voices are protected in the decision-making process.

Mr Willcox said he is eager to build on his existing work in the portfolio alongside Mr Hastie.

“I am honoured to continue my work in this space as part of the refreshed team led by Angus Taylor,” Mr Willcox said.

“Andrew Hastie and I are a determined duo: he understands the global strategic threats to our nation, and I understand the industrial muscle required here at home to meet them. Together, we are focused on a common goal: ensuring Australia is a nation that makes things again.”

Mr Willcox added that Paget, in the electorate of Dawson, is critical to both manufacturing and sovereign capability in our nation.

“It is where the engineering and maintenance expertise for the Bowen Basin is born; however, our local manufacturers are being pushed to the brink by the 13th interest rate rise under Labor and energy costs that are simply unsustainable.

“My return to this role is about standing up for those workshops and ensuring they have the competitive environment they need to thrive.”

Mr Willcox said he is excited by the new energy within the Coalition.

“The bond between the Liberal and National parties has never been more robust.

“We have moved past a period of internal challenge to emerge with a formal, written agreement that puts regional Australians in the driver’s seat.

“We have a more cohesive structure in place that ensures our policies are formed with common sense and a clear understanding of the challenges facing the people of regional Australia.”

Mr Willcox added that under the leadership of Angus Taylor, the Coalition is unified and ready to lead.

“We are tackling the cost-of-living crisis head-on and developing the practical, evidence-based policies required to move Australia forward.

“We aren’t just an opposition; we are a government-in-waiting that is ready to manufacture a stronger, more secure future for all Australians.”

Mr Willcox confirmed that a key priority for the coming months will be his planned manufacturing roundtable in Mackay: providing a direct platform for local industry leaders to brief the Shadow Ministry on the challenges of foreign dumping and escalating production costs.

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Mackay’s riverfront is set to become livelier than ever, as council shifts its long-running Waterfront Action Plan into an activation phase designed to bring families, visitors and local businesses back to the heart of the city.

Over the past few months, the riverfront has undergone a steady, multi-stage clean-up aimed at restoring safety, pride and community confidence in the area. With significant progress made, the focus is now on breathing new life into the River Wharves precinct through a fee-free activation program.

The initiative invites food trucks, buskers, fitness instructors, recreational providers and community groups to host regular activities in the revitalised space, transforming it into a lively hub for connection and recreation.

Mayor Greg Williamson said there’s been “tremendous activity down there,” with local food vendors collaborating to “really bring the place to life.”

“There is a baker that has been selling sourdough and pastries on Saturdays, and that has grown to include a smoothie van and a coffee van,” he said.

“And they’re not alone – there’s a Filipino street food van that’s joining forces with lots of other food trucks to activate the space weekly too.

“It fantastic to see these businesses collaborating so successfully and the results give us something amazing to build on.

“Council is not only backing these food vendors by offering free bookings – we want to build the atmosphere.

“That’s why we are now putting the call out to everyone from buskers and fitness groups to community groups looking to hold events and activities – this is your space and we love that it has been returned to the community.”

Static vending permit fees and park booking fees will be waived for River Wharves bookings until June 30, 2026, with fitness and recreational bookings also available at Bluewater Quay.

For bookings or information, visit mackaywaterfront.com.au or email mackaywaterfront@mackay.qld.gov.au.

CAPTION: Mackay’s revitalised River Wharves is entering a new activation phase, with council waiving fees to encourage food vendors, performers and community groups to bring fresh energy and activity back to the waterfront. Photo source: Boat Ramp Bakehouse

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Hi lovely readers,

Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the 50th anniversary celebration of Soroptimist International Mackay and meeting some wonderful ladies who have been part of the group for over four decades.

I’d like to give a special thank you to the lovely Bonnie, a long-term member, who came up to me at the event to say she reads this paper every week – you made my day!

On the cover this week and also on page 5, you’ll read about some more incredible local charities we were able to support at our charity event in October.

Enchanted Garden was a fabulous night where $56,000 was raised for seven worthwhile regional charities. It was such an honour to present cheques to these charities alongside our Sales Manager and Event Organiser, Jessica Clark, earlier this week.

The whole time I was thinking how amazing the volunteers are across our region.

If you contribute in any way, shape, or form, even if it seems small, I thank you!

One thing I’ve noticed across volunteer-led groups is a real need for more hands-on deck.

If you have some spare time, reach out to a cause that resonates with you and put your hand to the plough. Giving is always far more fulfilling than receiving, and you’ll find your own cup fills as you serve and share love with others in ways you never expected.

This weekend, I’ll be celebrating my own very special lady — my mum — on her birthday this Sunday, just ahead of International Women’s Day!

There’s so much to celebrate, including World Prayer Day on March 6 (which you can read about on page 20), and International Women’s Day on March 8.

I can’t wait to tell you all about it in the next few editions!

Scripture of the week: ^‘I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ – Acts 20:35

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The Neighbourhood Hub recently welcomed a helping hand from BHP’s Hay Point team, who spent the day rolling up their sleeves at the 4 George Street Centre. Volunteers assisted with collecting and organising food donations from across the region, tackled a clean-up, and helped complete small but important tasks that often get pushed down the list.

The contribution highlights the ongoing partnership between BHP and The Neighbourhood Hub, with staff not just seen as partners but as valued members of the TNH Changemaker community. Their support ensures the centre continues to run smoothly and deliver essential services to locals in need.

Representatives from The Neighbourhood Hub expressed their gratitude, noting that acts like these make a real difference to both staff and the wider community, showing that teamwork and generosity can turn everyday tasks into meaningful impact.

Photo source: The Neighbourhood Hub