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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On May 19th Whales of the Whitsundays and Whitsunday Marine Conservation will be hosting its Whale Heritage Area Information night, an event that spreads awareness about the whale population in the region.
The protected waters of the Whitsundays have been recognised as critically important mating and birthing ground for the Eastern Australian Humpback Whale. Thanks to the advocacy of the Whales of the Whitsundays program the Whitsunday Region has become a Whale Heritage Listed Area with whales due to arrive within weeks.
The Whitsundays is only the second site to be designated in Australia and first to be designated inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It is also the only site in the world to be in a UNESCO World Heritage Area.
The event will feature special guest speakers from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority, who will cover topics such as interesting humpback whale facts, how citizen whale sightings help contribute to science and updates on Whitsundays Whale Protection Area special regulations.
The event will convey what a great privilege it is to live in an area where we are able to sight some of the world’s most magnificent and beautiful creatures.
The event is open to all locals, tourism crew and recreational boaties.
Go to the link to register: https://forms.office.com/r/w5M5p9M4xD .
WHAT: Whales of the Whitsundays – Whale Heritage Information Night
WHEN: 19th May, 6.30pm
WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club
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An elderly couple received a surprise gift at the newly opened Aldi in Cannonvale this week, when an anonymous do-gooder left $100 at the register to pay for their groceries.
“My mum rang me crying saying what a difference it made for them this week,” their daughter Claire reported.
“They would like to say thank you and, if you are reading this, how much it meant to both them and myself.”
The community responded with similar appreciation for the secret donor.
“How very wonderful that humanity is alive & well,” Kerry wrote.
“Thank you beautiful humans in our wonderful community.”
Jenni added: “99% of people are genuine, kind and compassionate. Sharing kindness should be natural, but is hard these days. Well done to that kind person. I hope it comes back to you in kind, ten fold.”
Locals’ gratitude went out to those in our community who do good, spread joy, and bring smiles, without expecting anything in return.
A local couple have expressed immense joy and gratitude after winning Set for Life. The lottery winnings mean the couple will receive $20,000 per month for 20 years. They held a mere single division one ticket in draw 3885 and now will be taking home $4.8 million in monthly payments.
Although the couple nearly missed the call, they were ecstatic when they heard the good news.
“Are you kidding me? I’m going to cry”, the wife said.
The couple plan to use their money to support their family, travel and call it a day for work.
It’s a remarkable win that will undoubtedly transform their lives in meaningful ways.
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Photo source: Facebook
By Christian Kruse
Running a business in the Whitsundays today comes with a major challenge: finding the right people.
At Pacific Centre, much of our work focuses on supporting local businesses that want to access international talent but feel overwhelmed by Australia’s complex migration system.
My background is in hospitality, where I worked as a hotel manager and learned firsthand how important good staff are to the success of any business. During my time in Australia, I also experienced the migration system personally and saw how confusing it can be without the right guidance.
Those experiences shaped the way I approach my role today as Business Manager at Pacific Centre.
Hospitality teaches you how to listen, understand people quickly and solve problems under pressure.
Pacific Centre Director Karolina Ferenc explains the focus of the business:
"It is our privilege to work with some of the biggest and best businesses in the Whitsunday region. To strengthen those relationships even further, we appointed Christian to focus on building closer connections with the local business community."
Regional Australia continues to face labour shortages, and industries such as hospitality, tourism and services often rely on international students, backpackers and overseas professionals to fill critical roles.
However, businesses that want to sponsor workers quickly discover that the process can be complex, highly regulated and time-consuming.
Our role is to help guide them through that system.
Migration is an area where the smallest details can make a significant difference, which is why our team works closely together. My role is often the first point of contact with businesses, while our migration specialist and director Piotr brings extensive legal expertise and experience navigating Australia’s migration framework.
One of the things that makes this work particularly meaningful is the impact it has on both sides.
A business gains the staff it needs to grow, and a worker gains the opportunity to build a life in Australia.
At Pacific Centre, we believe migration works best when it strengthens local communities — and that starts with supporting the businesses that drive those communities forward.
If you want to know more about us, you are more than welcome to go to our website www.visatoaustralia.net.au
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Christian helps people navigate Australia’s complex migration system, supporting people looking for work whilst providing businesses with stronger employment opportunities.
Photo sourced
When you bank with Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine, you’re doing more than managing your money – you’re helping build a stronger Whitsundays.
Community Banks offer the best of both worlds: the products, technology and security of a major bank, combined with the personalised service and local investment of a community-owned model.
The difference is simple – profits don’t leave town. Instead, they’re reinvested into local schools, sporting clubs, events, and community initiatives, creating a cycle of support that benefits everyone.
Established in June 2012, the Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine branch was made possible by local shareholders who raised $800,000 to bring a bank to the region. That effort began in 2009, when a passionate group of locals rallied community support through public meetings, newsletters, and grassroots campaigning.
“Our success is based on our profit-with-purpose model, which sees a percentage of profits invested back into the community,” said Chairman Mark Henry. “Our customers and the Whitsundays community are the real winners.”
Over the past eight years, the branch has invested more than $250,000 into local schools, social programs, sporting groups, arts and cultural events, and conservation initiatives.
Locals will also recognise the Community Bank’s popular BBQ trailer, which is regularly seen at community and sporting events across the region. Fully equipped with cooking facilities, marquees and a PA system, the trailer is available for community groups to use as part of the bank’s ongoing support.
Led by Branch Manager Amanda Anderson, the Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine team offers a full suite of personal, business and wealth banking services, delivered face-to-face by people who understand local needs. Customers can access everything from home loans and everyday accounts to agribusiness lending, equipment finance and financial advice.
The branch also supports local businesses through dedicated expertise, with Senior Business Relationship Manager Luke Sheppard regularly visiting the region to work directly with business owners.
Sponsorship applications are now open for local not-for-profit organisations, with funding and Community Trailer bookings available. Applications are competitive, so groups are encouraged to apply early.
For more information, visit the branch at Whitsunday Plaza Cannonvale or contact secretary@whitsundaycel.com.au.
Your town. Your bank.
Located: Whitsunday Plaza Cannonvale
Call: (07) 4948 3599
Email: cannonvale&proserpinemailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pleased to announce that the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference will be held on Thursday 27 August, across Club Whitsunday and PCYC Whitsunday in Airlie Beach.
Following the success of last year’s sold-out event, the Conference will once again bring together business leaders, industry experts, government representatives, and professional service providers for a day of practical insights, fresh ideas, and meaningful conversations about the future of business in the region.
Call for Speakers Now Open
The Chamber’s Conference Committee is currently designing a dynamic and engaging program featuring keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking panel discussions.
Expressions of Interest are now open for speakers and workshop facilitators who can deliver practical, relevant sessions that help businesses navigate challenges, seize new opportunities, and work smarter.
The Committee is particularly interested in presentations that showcase real-world examples of innovation, including the use of technology and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, and drive business growth.
Whitsundays Chamber President Allan Milostic said the Conference continues to grow as a key platform for the region’s business community.
“The Whitsunday Business Conference has quickly become a flagship event for our region, bringing together businesses to share ideas, build connections, and focus on practical outcomes. We’re excited to build on this momentum in 2026 and continue supporting our business community to grow and thrive.”
Conference Committee Chair and Chamber Vice President Jannah Baker said the locally driven approach remains central to the program’s success.
“We’re proud to design a program that reflects the real needs of local businesses. By opening expressions of interest for speakers, we’re inviting our community to be part of shaping the conversation – ensuring sessions are relevant, practical, and grounded in real-world experience.”
Submitting an Expression of Interest is quick and easy, requiring only a short response to a series of key questions.
Those interested in contributing to the 2026 Conference are encouraged to apply and be part of shaping this important annual event for the Whitsunday business community.
Conference Themes
Do you have a presentation or workshop idea that aligns with one of the themes below?
Other Ways to Get Involved
Not up for presenting? There are still plenty of ways to be part of the conference.
Businesses can provide a special conference offer or contribute a prize or giveaway.
A detailed sponsorship prospectus will be released soon, highlighting additional opportunities to partner and be part of the 2026 Conference.
Express Your Interest Now!
Please complete the Expression of Interest form below by 5:00pm Friday 17 April 2026: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/2026-whitsunday-business-conference-eoi/
Conference Details
What: The 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference
When: Thursday 27 August 2026
Where: Club Whitsunday and PCYC Whitsunday, Airlie Beach
Registrations open in May.
Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry
On Friday 27th March, the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network hosted its monthly barbeque in Cannonvale, bringing people together to raise awareness of a vital issue. President Matt Stokes hosted the event, signifying the importance of transparency and communicating with others when we feel down.
The morning featured two guest speakers, Jai and Sophie from Dynamic Chiropractors. They spoke of the difficulties of work-place injuries, highlighting how chronic pain can contribute to isolation and dark thoughts – demonstrating the necessity to communicate with others in times of great need.
These breakfasts are part of a crucial ongoing initiative which seeks to bring community awareness and ensures that no one has to suffer alone.
What: Next WSPN BBQ
Where: ShirtFront Solutions, Macarthur Drive, Cannonvale
When: Friday 24th April, 6:30am
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1 – All are welcomed to attend the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network monthly barbeques on the last Friday of every month.
2 – The event focused on the importance of transparency and communicating with others when we feel down.
3- Guest speakers, Jai and Sophie from Dynamic Chiropractors spoke highlighted how chronic pain can contribute to isolation. Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi
Whitsunday Prosocial Support Services have been supporting tourism within our region by providing care and support for Airlie Beach holidayers with additional needs.
“Our commitment to providing accessible tourism in the Whitsundays continues to flourish as our latest guest from interstate joined us for their holidays.” They shared.
“You may have seen our recent collaboration with Whitsunday Tourism where our amazing participants and team showed off to Australia and the world how easy it is to have a holiday in Airlie Beach with the right support team in place.
“We are excited to say we have facilitated many independent travellers and families visiting the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach and Great Barrier Reef as well as providing quality daily living and respite supports at hotels across the region.”
The latest visitors, siblings Master and Miss, enjoyed two wonderful days at the lagoon with their WPSS Support team, Mile, Zak, Millie and Carly.
“This was a return visit for the family and their third time being supported by our team during their holidays. We were thrilled to have the family join us again.” Whitsunday Prosocial shared.
Through this ongoing work, the team at Whitsunday Prosocial Support Services are not only supporting individual visitors but also strengthening Airlie Beach’s reputation as a welcoming and accessible destination for all.
1,2 - Recent interstate visitors Airlie Beach, Master and his family, were supported by Whitsunday Prosocial Support with informed, professional care. Photo source: Facebook
The Bowen community have shown their gratitude to the local men’s shed for their incredible generosity and craftmanship. They recently donated a portable puzzle board and puzzle drawer to selectability – the local mental health service provider.
The donation is already making a huge difference, allowing participants to transport puzzles without destroying them. With the portable puzzle drawer, the puzzles can be moved to different events and activities within the hub, maintain progress and preventing puzzle pieces from getting lost.
It is wonderful to see community support for those in need – donations like these may seem small, but ultimately, they can make a world of difference to someone.
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Photo source: Facebook
A family in Bowen have been left saddened by the removal of flowers from a loved one’s grave in Bowen cemetery and are calling out for any information as to the culprit. The grave of Gregory Ronald Edward Roisster, who passed away at just 3 years old in 1964, featured artificial blue flowers in a vase to honour his memory. The flowers and vase were taken and replaced with yellow ones. This is reportedly the second time the flowers have been tampered with.
On March 28, older sibling Donna Rossiter took to Facebook to condemn the person who had committed the act.
“If you could please leave his grave alone and let this little boy rest in peace our family will be pleased.”
Community members took to the comments to show their support. Many criticised the act for its indecency and cruelty, whilst others put forward theories as to how the flowers could have been mistakenly or purposefully switched.
If you know anything – don’t hesitate to get in contact with the relevant authorities.
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The blue flowers and vase were taken and replaced with yellow flowers.
Photo source: Facebook
St Patrick’s College Reef Guardian volunteers took part in a Clean Up Australia event at North Wall Beach this week, helping remove rubbish and protect the coastline. Students and staff dedicated their time to making a positive impact on the local environment.
A representative from St Patrick's College Year 7-12 Mackay said, “Thank you to the students and staff who gave their time to make a difference.”
Photo source: St Patrick's College Year 7-12 Mackay
FEDERAL Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has welcomed the Government’s decision to halve the fuel excise for three months; a move he describes as a hard-won victory for the Australian people and a direct result of the Coalition’s relentless pursuit of a "fair go" for motorists.
The announcement, which will see 26 cents per litre wiped from the price of petrol and diesel, follows intense pressure from the Liberal and National parties. Mr Willcox said this outcome proves what can be achieved when a strong Opposition holds a detached Government to account.
"We have heard you loud and clear.
“My office has been flooded with emails, my Facebook page has been filled with your comments, and I have seen the stress on the faces of families at the bowser across Dawson," Mr Willcox said.
Mr Willcox said that for too long, the Labor Government ignored the reality of the bruising bowser, telling families to buy sixty-thousand-dollar electric cars while they were struggling to afford the drive to work.
“Today, the Coalition has turned the tide; trading the Prime Minister's lectures for actual action at the pump,” he said.
Mr Willcox noted that while the excise cut provides much-needed breathing space, the battle is not over. He emphasised that the current crisis is a dual challenge of both price and supply, and the Coalition remains focused on long-term energy security for the regions.
The Member for Dawson also issued a stern warning to fuel retailers and oil companies regarding the implementation of the tax cut.
"We remember what happened during the COVID-era excise reduction; the relief was not always fully passed on to the consumer. We cannot allow that to happen again. The task now is to ensure this 26-cent saving is felt immediately at the pumps.
“Labor must ensure the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is watching these companies like a hawk. There is no excuse for these savings to be pocketed by big corporations instead of reaching the pockets of our farmers, our small businesses, and our families."
The three-month excise reduction is expected to provide significant relief to the transport and agricultural sectors in North Queensland, where the tyranny of distance makes fuel a non-negotiable cost of living.
"This is a win for common sense,” Mr Willcox said.
“We have forced a shift from ideology back to reality, and the Coalition will continue to fight to ensure that every cent of this tax cut reaches the people who actually keep this country moving."
Contributed with thanks to the office of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox welcomes the 26-cent fuel excise cut, a direct result of strong Coalition pressure. Photo supplied
Mackay is mourning the loss of a young life after tragedy struck Glenella on the evening of 24th March. Eighteen-year-old Bucasia woman Mia Ryan passed away following a serious traffic crash at the intersection of Glenella Richmond Road and Holts Road, leaving family, friends, and her local dance community heartbroken.
Mia, the driver of a Nissan Micra, was initially transported to Mackay Base Hospital in critical condition but sadly passed away the following day. The driver of the other vehicle, a 53-year-old Andergrove woman in a Nissan Navara, was treated for minor injuries. Police and the Forensic Crash Unit are investigating the circumstances and have urged anyone who witnessed the crash or has footage to come forward.
Mia was a cherished member of the Centre Stage Dance Company. The studio shared heartfelt memories of her, saying, “Mia will always be a much-loved member of our Centre Stage family. She was always happy and always ready for fun but was also so caring and admired by so many of the dancers that she worked with as an assistant teacher on Tuesdays and Thursdays.”
Having graduated from Centre Stage in 2025 after 15 years of dancing, Mia had been keen to return to the studio on some Thursdays this year.
“Mia will be missed more than words can express by her Senior team, the dancers she assisted and by her teachers. Mia loved the studio and we loved her,” the dance school commented.
Mackay Life extends our deepest condolences to all affected by the loss of this beautiful young soul.
Photo source: Centre Stage Dance Company
Donations raised at Life Publishing Group’s sold-out Enchanted Garden fundraiser in October 2025 are currently being distributed, with a total of $56,000 shared among seven charities doing vital work across North Queensland.
This week, a cheque for $8,000 was presented to Jacquie Camilleri, founding director at the Trudy Crowley Foundation.
The Trudy Crowley Foundation is a Mackay-based charity providing vital support to individuals and families affected by cancer, with a strong focus on ovarian cancer awareness.
Established in 2018 in memory of local woman Trudy Crowley, the organisation is dedicated to ensuring no one faces cancer alone. Through its community centre, the foundation offers free services including access to specialist cancer nurses, counselling, support groups, and practical resources such as a wig library.
By delivering holistic care and raising awareness, the foundation continues to play a significant role in supporting the health and wellbeing of the Mackay and Whitsundays community.
Jacquie explained that the foundation is currently planning a new facility, and that this donation would go toward that effort.
“We are trying to save desperately for our palliative care unit, and we have quite a lot of money in the bank,” she explained.
“We're trying to buy some land, so then we can go to the governments, federal and state, and try and get grants from them to actually help build the building. We have now just got our project board in place.”
The palliative care unit will be built with care, run on the foundation’s principal that no patient suffering with cancer, or person in their life, should feel alone.
“Trudy's dream has now become our vision, and our vision is going to become a reality,” Jacquie said.
“It'll be an eight bedroom facility with one room designated for children.
“That's a hard thing to talk about, but it's a reality of life; we would love to get what they used to call a cold cot. They're now called cuddle cots, for the little ones that pass, so the parents can spend time with them... We're going to have a chapel, and we'd like to build a doctor's house so we can actually have the doctor on site.”
These big plans are on track to become a reality; thanks in part to those who donated to support this impactful organisation, on track to change end-of-life care in our region.
After heavy analysis, Net World Sports has named Mackay’s Marina Run the third best half-marathon in Australia for elite runners.
The outfit analysed 75 of the country’s most prominent races based on how technical, environmental, and logistical features align with different runner experience levels, with Mackay Marina Run cinching bronze behind second place winner, Tasmania’s Point to Pinnacle and number one The McGrath Launceston Running Festival, also in Tasmania.
“It successfully delivers a balance of performance and atmosphere, combining competitive pacing opportunities with strong crowd energy that helps runners push through the later stages of the race.” Net World Sports reports.
“The event scores below average for course difficulty (17.8/100). The total elevation gain is 155 metres; there are 15 sharp turns and 15 straight sections that exceed 400 metres.
“Race day conditions are also moderate. There are mild average temperatures (19.6°C) and good air quality (AQI 25), meaning runners can push their pace without overheating- even though humidity sits high at 73%.
“Participant feedback is very positive, driven by a sentiment polarity of 0.9, a scenery score of 10/10, a crowd support score of 9/10, and an expert suitability rating of 8/10. Together, these contribute to a Sentiment and Review Score of 92.2/100.”
Contributed with thanks to Net World Sports
1- Popular Mackay half-marathon ranked 3rd in Australia. Photo supplied.
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