Mackay Regional Council, in partnership with major industry associations, has developed a new tool for businesses to use to help combat the regional skills shortage.

The Workforce Attraction Toolkit is a completely free, comprehensive resource for businesses that can support employers in addressing their workforce needs.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Mackay was a thriving region with a strong and diverse workforce of more than 67,350 people and an impressively low unemployment rate of 2.4 per cent at the end of 2024.

“As the demand for skilled workers continues to grow, attracting and retaining talent remains a challenge for local businesses,” Mayor Williamson said.

“This comprehensive resource is designed to help businesses effectively promote Mackay as a desirable place to live, work, invest and explore,” he said.

“It provides a range of helpful tips, resources and digital assets designed to help businesses and recruiters attract employees, especially from out of region.

“And why wouldn’t you want to come to our region – we have stunning beaches, a vibrant community, short commutes, excellent schools and affordable cost of living!”

You can download the toolkit today from www.mackayregionjobs.com.au

Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last said the initiative will receive in-kind support from the Queensland Government’s Manufacturing Hub in Mackay.

“Queensland is home to the world’s best coal and mineral reserves, but to get it out of the ground, we need skilled workers in local manufacturing as part of the vital supply chains to the resources sector,” Minister Last said.

“That means making sure regions like Mackay can attract the right people to service mining equipment and build the machinery needed for our local industries,” he said.

Queensland Manufacturing Hub Mackay Manager, Deb Allan said it had been fantastic to see the Queensland Manufacturing Hub Mackay, Resource Industry Network (RIN) and Mackay Regional Council join forces to tackle one of our region’s biggest challenges – attracting skilled workers.

“The Workforce Attraction Toolkit, which is focused on all businesses, is being released in conjunction with a suite of free downloadable resources focused on the manufacturing sector,” Ms Allan said.

“The recruitment resources include high-impact marketing collateral – including social media tiles, images and videos – that manufacturers can use in their ongoing recruitment efforts,” she said.

“These will be hosted on the Mackay Region Jobs website and will aim to increase awareness of Mackay’s career and lifestyle benefits among skilled workers, tradespeople and their networks.

Ms Allan said the resources were part of a strategy that would also see a targeted national marketing campaign promoting manufacturing jobs in Mackay across both metro and regional areas.

“A marketing campaign has been developed, and we are ready to launch,” she said.

“If you are a manufacturer and want to know more, get in touch with the Mackay Manufacturing Hub, located at the Resources Centre of Excellence in Paget.”

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Australian plague locusts are an endemic pest that threatens our agricultural industry, devastating crops, and causing losses of up to $30 million.

By harnessing cutting edge science, experts can forecast locust outbreaks with greater accuracy, helping mitigate economic impacts.

The Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) uses advanced analytics to improve early detection and rapid response. However, forecasting locust populations is challenging.

The APLC has been developing a simulation model to predict locust population dynamics across their entire range. This model predicts the development, survival, and behaviour of locusts across all life stages: eggs, nymphs, and adults.

However, locusts inhabit a vast range of more than 2 million square kilometres, so deploying the model is challenging. Field surveys alone cannot provide enough coverage to initialise the model.

But artificial intelligence is changing the game. The APLC has partnered with the Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis (CEBRA) to develop a new AI-driven model. The machine learning algorithms developed have incorporated 37 years of locust data with high-resolution weather, vegetation, and soil records to generate more accurate short-term forecasts (up to 90%).

These AI models will not only initialise the population dynamics model but also enhance field survey targeting, leading to more reliable on-the-ground surveillance. Additionally, they will support better planning and resource allocation.

Thanks to a growing ecosystem of models, the APLC is now better equipped to predict locust populations, making it easier to forecast their changes in response to Australia's highly variable climate. This will enable governments and industry to prepare and respond more effectively.

The APLC plans to integrate this AI-driven forecasting system into a new online data dashboard. This will further support enhanced locust predictions, enable real-time monitoring, and improve response strategies.

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Australian plague locust (Chortoicetes terminifera). Photo credit: P.D. Amara / Flickr

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Reform of global agricultural subsidies and tariffs at the World Trade Organization would support better environmental and food security outcomes, according to the latest ABARES Insights paper.

Executive Director of ABARES, Dr Jared Greenville, said taxpayers and consumers bear the brunt of hundreds of billions of dollars spent every year on agricultural support policies that inadvertently create adverse environmental impacts.

“Some forms of agricultural support distort production decisions in a way that encourages excess production and the use of inputs above and beyond what the market demands,” Dr Jared Greenville said.

“This excess can lead to environmental harm in the form of more emissions and more chemical use.”

The most environmentally harmful agricultural support policies, such as tariffs, price floors and payments linked to agricultural inputs and production, cost taxpayers and consumers around the world US$472 billion a year, between 2019 to 2023. This figure climbs to US$671 billion a year when export restrictions and other market price-deflating policies are included.

Europe and Asia provided the most environmentally harmful support as a share of farm income between 2019 and 2023. Australia and New Zealand recorded some of the lowest levels.

The report, Addressing Environmental Harm: Reforming Agricultural Support, details how removing and redirecting environmentally harmful support has the capacity to improve environmental outcomes.

Dr Greenville said the report details that “what is good for efficient global agricultural production is also good for the environment”.

“It is possible to minimise the environmental impacts of agriculture without compromising food security,” he said.

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Executive Director of ABARES, Dr Jared Greenville. Photo credit: Lisa McKelvie

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As Easter school holidays begin, I’d like to extend my warmest wishes to all Mackay families. This is a special time for reflection, celebration, and most importantly, enjoying some well-earned rest and quality time with loved ones.

While you’re out and about exploring our beautiful region or heading further afield, I urge everyone to take care on the roads. Whether you're off on a family camping trip or just popping down to the local shops, please remember to drive safely. Let’s look out for one another and ensure everyone gets home safely to their families this Easter.

To help spread some festive fun, our office is excited to be running a Year 2 Easter Colouring Competition!

If your child is in Grade 2 and didn’t receive a sheet through school, you're more than welcome to collect one from our office. We’ve got delicious Easter-themed prizes waiting for some lucky and creative young artists!

And for extra convenience, entries can also be submitted online. Simply take a clear photo or scan of your child’s finished masterpiece and email it to mackay@parliament.qld.gov.au or message it to us via our Facebook page. Just make sure to include your child's name, school, and contact details so we can get in touch with our winners!

We’re also taking a moment to celebrate the exceptional talent that shines in Mackay. Congratulations to Donald MacGregor from Mackay Christian College on his outstanding performance at the 2025 Basel Piano Competition. His dedication and artistry are a credit to his school and to CQUniversity, which continues to offer incredible opportunities for young achievers in our region.

As we celebrate Easter, may this season of renewal bring joy, peace, and safety to every household. Whether it's time spent around the table, at a community event, or simply enjoying a quiet moment in nature, let’s embrace what matters most.

We would also like to remind families to stay vigilant about the dangers of button batteries in the lead up to the Easter holidays. Parents and caregivers are being urged to avoid products with button batteries where possible – or if they are purchased, to ensure they have a child-resistant battery compartment.

Happy Easter, Mackay – stay safe, stay kind, and don’t forget to get those colouring entries in!

Nigel Dalton MP

Member for Mackay

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Progress on the Moranbah Hospital Redevelopment continues with construction of the new onsite helipad now close to completion.

Following the new Moranbah Hospital opening on 26 November 2024, the old hospital was handed over to managing contractor Hutchinson Builders for decommissioning and demolition in preparation for construction of the new onsite helipad.

Contractors poured more than 98 cubic metres of concrete and completed more than 400 square metres of flat work to establish the helipad concrete slab. Light installation and landscaping is now underway. Upon completion, the project team will work through the helipad’s operational requirements.

The helipad is located next to the new hospital to facilitate inter-hospital patient transfers. Establishing the hospital’s first on-campus helipad will ensure patients in need of time-critical and advanced care receive inter-hospital transfers more efficiently.

Demolition of the old hospital was undertaken throughout January and February this year, signalling the end of an era for Moranbah’s first hospital that served the community for 50 years.

It was certainly a bittersweet day for staff who worked in the old facility for many years and were able to walk through the facility one last time before its demolition.

The Moranbah Hospital Redevelopment project is part of the Queensland Government’s Building Rural and Remote Health Program.

By Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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If you felt the earth tremble recently, it wasn’t an earthquake—it was the sonic boom of Australia’s track and field stars obliterating limits and blowing minds.

At the 2025 Australian Athletics Championships in Perth, 17-year-old sensation Gout Gout ran so fast in the men’s 200m final (a wind-assisted 19.84 seconds), we’re pretty sure his spikes are still smoking. With a +2.2 m/s tailwind nudging him along, it’s not eligible for record books—but try telling that to the jaws still on the ground. The time still places him among the fastest under-20 athletes globally, beating the GOAT Bolt and trailing only Erriyon Knighton. The teen also dropped a cheeky sub-10 in the under-20 100m (9.99s, wind-assisted).

Not to be outdone, Peter Bol stormed through the 800m in a blistering 1:43.79, smashing his own national record. This is the same guy who bounced back from a bogus doping scandal, proof that Bol doesn’t just run fast, he runs strong. If resilience was a lane, he’d have lapped us all twice by now.

And while the sprinters were frying the track in Perth, Matthew Denny was sending the discus into orbit overseas. His 74.78m national record would’ve been a world record, had it not been for Lithuania’s Mykolas Alekna, who casually broke the actual world record in the same comp with a gravity-defying 75.56m. The first human ever to go over 75 metres. It was less a discus comp, more a Marvel origin story.

Closer to home, flick to page 35 to catch local gun Toby Rule, who lined up on the very same Perth track as Gout and Bol and took a whopping four seconds off his PB to crack the elusive 4-minute mark in the U20 1500m. That’s not just running, it’s rewriting personal history with turbocharged shoes. And while we’re on high-speed local heroes, check out David O’Connell, also on page 35, who spun his way onto the masters national podium with a brilliant bronze at the Anna Meares Velodrome in Brisbane.

This golden age of Aussie athletics is reminding us of something timeless: no matter how far you’ve come, you can always push that little bit further. And if you’re Gout Gout, you might just need a passport for it.

Amanda

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There was a time, many years ago, when buyers were a rare species in the Mackay region.

Hardly ever seen or heard, they would occasionally turn up at an open house, avoid eye contact with another threatened species, the agent, and quickly flee before anyone could trick them into buying anything.

You would sit alone at what was given the hopeful label of  an “open” house and thank the dear Lord that some brainiac had invented this new smart phone thingo that meant you had something to do during the demoralising 30 minutes you had dedicated to this cruel, lonely exercise in futility.

Then, one day, people started turning up. A trickle at first, just having a look. Then people noticed that rents had started going up and a bright idea started to form: it might be a good idea to buy a house.

Soon this once-threatened species started to flourish. You would see them arrive at open homes; occasionally an individual member of the species, often a pair looking together, sometimes it was one or two younger ones in their 20s with their parents.

Over recent years buyers have flourished; they now travel in hordes, marauding through the suburbs fighting over the scarce offerings of a tight market.

But buyers have evolved and there is now a new, aggressive sub-species called The Southern Investor. This sub-species is very determined, focused and ruthless. The Southern Investor researches the Mackay market and is cashed up and ready to pounce.

What does it all mean for a real estate agent? How do you handle all these buyers, the locals and the southerner investors.

The one thing that is very clear is that an agent’s core responsibility is to get the best possible price for their client, the seller, within what are clear ethical and legal boundaries.

All offers must be presented to a seller and they must be given all relevant information so they can make informed decisions. And last year it was usually the southern investor making the higher offers and getting the prize.

That has changed this year and, while southern investors are still very much in the market, locals are fighting back.

I had two open homes last weekend: one was a property over the $1m mark that had 35 groups and six offers. All attendees were locals and all the offers came from locals. The other open house was at a low-set brick property that needed a bit of work but had lots of potential … that one got about 16 groups but received about 20 offers.

The reason the second one had more offers than people in attendance was because of the interest from southern investors.

Most of the strong offers came from southern investors but the offer that was accepted by the sellers was from a local couple.

One of the problems with southern investors is that they have not seen the property and, for that reason, they are often surprised when they receive the building and pest report and then ask for a significant reduction in the price.

One of the advantages of being a local buyer is that you can look at the property, discuss any shortcomings with the agent and factor those issues into the price you offer.

The sellers accepted the offer from the locals on the weekend because they had more confidence with people who had seen the house, spoken with me about issues that needed to be addressed and had factored that into their offer. The sellers had more trust in the local buyers than the southern investors.

My job is to act in the best interests of my sellers. But it is great when that aligns with local buyers getting a chance.

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In a touching display of unity and compassion, Whitsunday Anglican School’s 2025 Service Captains – Lachlan, Charli and Tahsin – have led a heartfelt initiative to support families in need across the Mackay region.

Partnering with The Neighbourhood Hub, the School community rallied behind their call, gathering school essentials for those who may not otherwise have access to these basic but vital items. From pens and pencils to backpacks, books, lunchboxes, and hats, every donation was a quiet reminder that small gestures can make a big difference.

“Our students and wider Whitsunday family have donated items such as pens, pencils, books, backpacks, lunchboxes, hats and more,” a representative from Whitsunday Anglican School said.

“Together, we're making a difference, one act of kindness at a time.”

Melissa Green, Director of the Mackay Community Foundation, personally visited the School to receive the donations on behalf of the community.

There was something poetic in the quiet determination of these students, a belief that change can begin with the contents of a schoolbag. It’s more than just giving supplies – it’s about giving hope.

In a world where kindness sometimes whispers, Whitsunday Anglican School chose to speak loudly with love.

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Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School (Facebook)

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For over 135 years, The Salvation Army has stood as a pillar of Christian faith and compassion, walking alongside those in crisis and extending hope through the love of Jesus.

In Mackay, that mission continues to shine through the work of Ministers David and Belinda Dobbie, who are not just spiritual leaders, but active members of a community they love.

At the core of the Mackay Salvos’ outreach is a deep commitment to supporting individuals through life’s many challenges, which often include financial hardship, domestic violence, addiction, and the mounting pressures of everyday life.

“We help people because of our faith,” David said.

“We know the freedom we get through Jesus, which is why we’re so passionate about helping our community.”

Every week, their doors open to those in need, offering a helping hand where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported. Mackay Corps opening times are Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00am to 2:30pm, with Salvo Connect available from 10:00am to 12:00pm.

“People come to us as a safe space,” David shared.

“We’ve seen amazing transformations in people – and that’s the power of Jesus.”

Last Christmas, the Salvos distributed 300 food hampers and helped 600 children receive toys. While these gifts were wrapped with love and delivered by The Salvation Army, they were made possible by the generosity of the wider community.

As Easter approaches, the Dobbie's encourage reflection on the season’s message of sacrifice, hope, and new beginnings.

“Easter is really important for the faith community,” David said.

“The impact that Jesus has on people’s lives is transformative – and through the Salvation Army, we’re able to walk with them in their struggles. But it’s through Jesus that their lives are truly turned around.”

With a growing footprint in Bowen and Airlie Beach and plans for further outreach, the Mackay Salvation Army continues to embody its mission – to live, love and fight alongside others with the heart of Christ.

This Easter, all are invited to join their services and experience the hope and grace found in Jesus Christ.

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Pastor David Dobbie, Leading Minister of the Mackay Salvation Army Church. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Crossroad Arts’ Annual Giving Day launched with flair and plenty of coffee on Tuesday, April 15, thanks to the support of the Mackay Chamber of Commerce. Kicking off bright and early with a buzzing B2B networking event, the Chamber hosted its fortnightly breakfast catch-up at Crossroad’s Shakespeare Street HQ — all in the name of art, inclusion and doubling your dollar.

Guests were greeted with coffee orders taken by Crossroad staff and brewed by local favourite Willow and Bloom, followed by a heartfelt welcome message and a surprise performance from the Crossroad Arts crew.

The novelty cheque photo booth saw steady action all day, as donations poured in and each dollar was doubled in impact. A live painting session brought colour and creativity throughout the afternoon, while a lunchtime performance by Lucas Gakowski kept the energy flowing.

In a show of wide-reaching support, representatives from all levels of government attended to help raise awareness and amplify the cause — including Mayor Greg Williamson, Deputy Mayor Karen May, councillors Heath Paton, Alison Jones and Nathenea MacRae, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Senator Bridget McKenzie and State Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton.

With community spirit, a few caffeine hits and the power of matched giving, the day was a vibrant reminder of the role art plays in connecting and empowering us all.

Supporters, artists, and dignitaries gathered for Crossroad Arts' Annual Giving Day, helping to double donations and celebrate inclusive creativity. Photos supplied by the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce

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Mackay City Centre businesses are being encouraged to “hop” into the spotlight, as Daly Bay Illuminate heads to our city heart.

One of the highlights of the annual Mackay Festival Arts, Daly Bay Illuminate will this year feature eight enormous amphibian installations, called Night Walkers by Amigo & Amigo.

These enormous, illuminated frogs will be scattered around the city alongside spectacular artworks by local and national artists, which will be projected onto our iconic buildings.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Daly Bay Illuminate would be held throughout the City Centre for the first time, bringing with it so many opportunities for businesses to be a part of the action.

“Illuminate is such a major drawcard of the Festival of Arts program and activating our city in this way will bring so much benefit in increased foot traffic,” Mayor Williamson said.

“We want businesses to decorate their shop fronts, stay open later, host special events and join with us to promote the event so everyone can benefit,” he said.

“We don’t want any businesses to be left on the lily pad!”

Festival and Events Coordinator Phoebe Short said her team had been successful in securing Festivals Australia funding to expand this amazing event.

“Each of the locations chosen is easily accessible for everyone and offers a variety of activities,” Ms Short said.

“We encourage festivalgoers to dine out in the City Centre before visiting the different locations to view the art projections and Night Walkers,” she said.

Ms Short said running alongside Daly Bay Illuminate, from July 24 to July 27, would be the Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub at Caneland Park.

“A feature of the Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub is the live music, mouthwatering street food and stunning visual displays, including beautiful art created by the community,” she said.

The full map of the Daly Bay Illuminate locations and all of the activities being offered will be featured in the 2025 Mackay Festival of Arts program and website, launching on May 1.

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Ribbiting times are ahead as giant inflatable amphibians leap into the City Centre for Daly Bay Illuminate this July. Photo supplied: Mackay Regional Council

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Looking forward is about not only career growth and accomplishment but also personal development and fulfilment. It also provides a sense of purpose and direction, as well as personal revitalisation.

Here are some key reasons why looking forward is essential to career growth:

1. Motivation and purpose
   Working towards a goal provides meaning and keeps you motivated especially during the challenging times and when your career feels at a standstill. Keep the end game top of mind.
2. Focus and Direction
   Looking forward assists to develop your personal career roadmap – this can guide your daily choices, as well as other career actions you need to take e.g. aiming for promotion, switching industries or moving into leadership positions.
3. Adaptability
   The job market is constantly evolving with new technologies and new roles. Looking forward helps to stay relevant and understanding how you need to adapt to stay relevant and progress.
4. Make the most of opportunities
   When you know your purpose, you are able to be strategic rather than reactive about your career choices. You have to be able to recognise a ‘right’ opportunity when it arises so you can act on it. Avoid the regret of ‘coulda, woulda’ shoulda’.
5. Feeds into how you want to live your life
   Career is only part (albeit a big chunk) of our lives. Being future focussed allows you to better align your career and personal life goals – it’s all about making decisions to choose the life you want to live for what matters to you e.g. financial independence, location choice and flexibility.

To review your future focus seek some assistance from a trusted personal career guide. CareerForce Australia can provide that individualised support - contact me at powerup@careerforceaustralia.com.au or 0409 894 131 to learn more.

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The Bowen Health Connection event united local community members and health service providers for a day devoted to health and wellbeing across the entire spectrum of life, from babies to the elderly.

Brought to life through the hard work and dedication of Stephanie Cora, executive officer of the Bowen Community Centre, and Josephine Ferguson, community liaison officer with the Together Strong, Connected Care program. The inspiration for the event struck Josephine whilst she was attending a Women's Forum held at Cannonvale Tafe. The forum kindled the flames of an idea: why not host a similar event in Bowen, an event catered to everyone ?

“The intention of the event was to not just focus on women's health but health in general for people of all age groups, whether you're a parent with a new-born or a senior seeking support ” , said Ms Cora.

The overarching purpose of Bowen Health Connection was to make local health services more visible and approachable, giving residents the opportunity to access programs which support their health and ultimately improve their quality of life. Booths and displays were erected for a range of health services, with providers on deck to answer questions and supply attendees with resources.

“Our goal was to give locals a clearer picture of the health services available to them here in the community,” said Ms Ferguson.

The event was made possible through the generous funding from Give Queensland and Q call, whose support allowed the organisers to breathe life into the idea. Both Ms Cora and Ms Ferguson expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the funding and the strong community turnout.

By shifting the focus on inclusion, awareness and access, The Bowen Health Connection succeeded in ensuring essential health information was delivered to the individuals most in need.

“We hope this becomes a regular event,” said Ms Ferguson. “Because healthy communities start with connection.

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The  dedicated team at the Bowen Community Centre Josephine Ferguson, Stephanie Cora, Unknown. Photo Credit: Munir Kilic

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The Landholders of Collinsville travelled hundreds of kilometres, seeking  illumination on Queensland's vegetation management laws at a workshop created by NQ Dry Tropics.

The whole day event provided graziers with vital insights and tools for presiding over their properties sustainably. Peter Webley and Scott Devaney of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing, Regional and Rural Development outlined chief aspects of the vegetation management laws and highlighted essential resources.

The purpose of these laws is to safeguard native flora, reduce land degradation, preserve biodiversity, stabilise soil, decrease erosion, and enrich water quality through minimisation of sediment runoff into waterways.

John Skinner, the owner White Kangaroo Station, found the workshop invaluable.

“I was interested to hear if there had been any changes to the laws following the change in government and to suss out what was involved in getting a PMAV”, he said.

Department staff recommended landholders to pursue a Property Map of Assessable Vegetation (PMAV), which clarifies regional ecosystems and vegetation categories, providing valuable assistance in the making of informed land management decisions.

"It's important to keep meeting with government staff, to have these conversations so we stay front-of-mind," Mr Skinner added.

Stephanie Tudehope of Landers Creek Station also found face-to-face workshops extremely beneficial.

"The workshop was a time-saver. It was nice to put a face to the person on the phone and I could ask the dumb questions," she said.

Workshop attendees learned about vegetation categories, including Category X, imposing minimal restrictions. Graziers were also urged  to utilise VegHub, a free support service reachable at 135 834. Staffed by highly experienced regional personnel, VegHub assists landholders in navigating vegetation laws seamlessly and effectively.

The workshop, jointly hosted by the Landholders Driving Change project, funded through partnerships with the Australian Government’s Reef Trust, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, and the Queensland Government's Reef Water Quality Program, is part of the Queensland Government's community-focused approach in the Bowen, Broken, Bogie area with the next workshop being held in Kilcummin on Tuesday the 15th of April.

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Attendees of the Vegetation Management Workshop in Collinsville. Photo Provided
Workshop in progress. Photo Provided

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Big thanks to the wonderful individuals keeping the youngsters of the community safe as they cross our busy and wet roads. All parents, guardians and bus drivers alike would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Kym Blackburn and the entire Lollipop Team for their unwavering dedication and service to the community.

Every morning and afternoon, they work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our children as they cross the bustling streets, allowing them to reach school and home without worry. The Lollipop Team not only prioritises the well-being of our young ones, and other pedestrians needing to cross, but they also play a vital role in keeping traffic flowing smoothly without anyone risking a game of human Frogger.

Their efforts make a significant difference, and it’s truly appreciated by both the families and bus drivers in the area. Whitsunday Transit expressed that their bus drivers always enjoy waving to the Lollipop Team each morning, and it's clear that their hard work makes our community a better place. Thank you, Kym, and to all the amazing members of the Lollipop Team for everything you do!

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Kym Blackburn of the Lollipop Team. Photo sourced: Whitsunday Transit Facebook Page

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