Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Local tourism operators are expressing concern toward troubling times ahead, with the federal government’s new visa restrictions set to shrink the backpacker workforce that drives seasonal operations. The Federal Government’s proposed cuts to Working Holiday Visas have raised concerns across two of the Whitsundays’ biggest industries. Bowen farmers warned that fewer backpackers could leave crops unpicked, and now tourism leaders in Airlie Beach have added that the same cuts could leave local businesses scrambling to find workers that aren’t there. At Airlie Beach’s Heart of the Great Barrier Reef sign, Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins spoke about what the proposed changes could mean for a region that relies heavily on tourism. “We can't have Airlie Beach named Australia's top tourism town in the small category and then have the knees cut out from us by federal policy,” Tim said. The proposed changes form part of the Federal Government’s effort to reduce migration, a topic that has been of hot debate by all three parties that Mayor Ry Collins believes the working holiday visas should be separated from. “Obviously the federal government is really coming in with broad brushstrokes to try and address the publicly perceived issue around net overseas migration (NOM),” said Mayor Collins. “Some of the dialogue I heard last week in Canberra was actually taking that working holiday maker class completely out of the NOM calculation. “I think that's a fair and reasonable way that they can make the numbers look as good as they want but it won't affect the actual number of workers that are here to support our industries.” The new restrictions look to cut the second-year extension on Working Holiday Visas from 57,000 to 45,000 slots, and 3rd year extension from 31,000 to just 5,000. According to Tourism Whitsundays, the Whitsundays hosts about 3,500 backpacker workers at any given time of the year. “I think for regions like the Whitsunday’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average by 0.9%, so at a 3.5% unemployment rate, we just don't have the workforce there that can pick up these roles that the working holidaymaker delivers for our communities,” Tim said. According to figures released by Tourism Whitsundays, in the year ending March 2026, domestic visitors spent $959.1 million in the region and international visitors spent a further $271.8 million. This spending was made possible by the abundance of workers delivering those experiences. “[Working holidaymakers] do a terrific job already in delivering world-class experiences, particularly here in the Whitsundays,” said Mayor Collins. “We do see working holidaymakers really take up that mantle, particularly in areas like customer service roles, hospitality roles, housekeeping roles... “What we're asking for is that we can stay strong as an entire tourism industry.” Having just returned from Canberra, the pair said raising regional and statewide voices is crucial to persuading the Federal Government to reconsider how the proposed restrictions would apply. “And then at a federal level, obviously through our federal member Andrew Wilcox, but we've also engaged with the members of the Labor Party around that as well. “But unfortunately it's starting to feel like a number of issues that we're campaigning on…along with things like disaster recovery funding arrangements which was one we linked into last week.” Photo caption: Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins and CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Tim Booth. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
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In this world of AI and other technological advancements, you don’t want to be the person who wanders around the office like a big old clumsy Tyrannosaurus Rex bumping into all the youngsters and stepping on their laptops and other devices. It’s one of the challenges of our times; getting the balance right in business in a world that is increasingly controlled by AI, robotics and a rapidly changing IT environment. I remember, some years ago now, when older family members had refused to embrace computer technology and mobile phones etc. They were really left behind and felt excluded in a world that had moved ahead without them. I’ve got a 19-year-old son who doesn’t have to think about it. Current and evolving technology is part of his life and, like others in his age group, he is completely at ease with something that is just part of his make-up and comprehension of the world around him. The trap you can fall into is letting the kids do all the IT stuff for you. My son set up our old TV with all the streaming services etc, which was the easy option for me, but I find it’s important to get involved and do it yourself otherwise everything will move ahead and you won’t be able to do things for yourself. But I am still stuck in some of the old ways. If I am ordering a takeaway meal I still ring the restaurant and go and pick it up. The old T-Rex wanders into the Thai or Indian joint and picks up his plastic bag of goodies, pays, and drives home. There aren’t many of us left. Uber Eats baby. Everyone has embraced it. My wife and daughter were having dinner together in Brisbane recently and my daughter noticed that her stockings or tights had “run” or a ladder in them. My wife suggested she jump in the car and drive to a nearby supermarket and get another pair. But my daughter ordered a new pair to be delivered to the restaurant by Uber. They were there in a jiffy and the night continued without the pesky interruption of having to leave the restaurant to buy them. It’s a great example of the modern world making things easier and how many of us need to ensure we are adjusting and understanding how things can now be done. There is another side to the coin, however. People have told me that I should get AI to write my columns. They say I could give it some examples of columns I have written and give it an idea for a new column and tell it to knock out 600 words on my chosen topic in my style of writing. It’s something I would never do. Apart from the fact that it would somehow seem like I was cheating, it would also not be authentic. I feel that however boring or pedestrian my stories and comments are, at least they are mine. They have come from my noggin, my experiences. It is my take on the world, not something that has been cobbled together by artificial intelligence. It’s similar in the world of real estate and, I’m sure, business generally. You need to embrace the technology, use it when it creates a better service, a superior experience for buyers and a better result for sellers. But there is still a place for picking up the phone and calling buyers, following up from open homes, doing the hard work that needs to be done as an agent. In a world of AI, robotics and Uber Everything the human element, the person-to-person connection still needs to happen to deliver good service and create the best result for clients.
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Maisy is a beautiful little soul who seems to understand that the very best place in the world is right beside someone she loves. She is affectionate, gentle, social and wonderfully trusting. She loves curling up on a welcoming lap, snuggling into your arms and settling close enough to make you feel as though you have always belonged together. Maisy is generous with her purrs, her cuddles and her sweet little air biscuits. She even places her paw in your hand as if to say, “I choose you.” But this gorgeous girl is not only a champion snuggler. Maisy is playful, curious and full of kitten joy. She loves exploring her toys, chasing anything that moves and turning ordinary moments into entertainment. She will happily amuse herself, but everything is even more fun when her favourite person joins in. She has that perfect combination of affection and personality, soft and loving when it is time to cuddle, and playful and bright when it is time for fun. Maisy will bring warmth to your home, companionship to your days and a little paw to hold whenever you need it. If you are looking for a kitten who will play with you, curl up with you and love being part of your life, Maisy may be the girl you have been waiting for. Maisy has been desexed, microchipped, received her first vaccination, been wormed and is litter trained. She is ready to begin her beautiful new life as a much-loved indoor companion. To arrange a meet and greet with Maisy, please call Ros on 0403 814 318.
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Tarren McAuley, Web Director and Co-Owner I remember when those AI posters started popping up – the first one looked kinda different. By the end of the week, when I’d seen 30 of them, I was much less enamoured + actively scrolled past anything that had that telltale paint smear style font. It’s not that the quality had gotten any worse between me seeing that first one + when I was sick of them by the 30th. But it was no longer novel or original. I think AI is especially susceptible to this because as soon as someone discovers a winning formula, everyone else jumps on the bandwagon, but because everyone is getting similar outputs, it gets old – quick. I think brands can fall into a similar trap. Humans are always looking for inspiration + when seeking it out, where better to look than the other players in your field. If you’re a tech company, you’re going to look at Samsung, Apple + the like. But when that happens too much, you get a feedback loop of samey-ness. For me, this is best exemplified by airline logos. Look at Qantas + Virgin, probably the two biggest brands in Australia. Both use a red plane-like icon, w/ their logo in big letters next to it. Bit cherry picked but even the other big players’ logos are similar - Emirates uses mainly red + shakes it up by having a slightly more exotic font. Jetstar ditches the red for orange + has their icon at the end but it has similar visual markers. This isn’t unique to logos, like w/ the poster example earlier – it could be your social tiles, your website or even your company email sig. Whatever it is, if you wake up one day + notice that the other businesses around you are looking a bit too similar, that should be your sign to start looking at a rebrand to shake off the rust + re-establish your unique identity. You know, until the cycle repeats again!
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QSL needs a clear path forwards without competitors clouding the will of members who market their sugar with QSL. Picture: Kirili Lamb
By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay
Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) is our own industry-owned not for profit sugar marketing and logistics organisation which has been in existence for generations, from beginnings in 1923 as the Queensland Sugar Board.
QSL has served the industry well in its role operating our bulk sugar terminals but now, with Sugar Terminals Limited’s decision to insource sugar terminal operations, it has evolved into a sugar marketing company only.
The upcoming shareholder vote to modernise the constitution of QSL is one of the most important governance decisions our industry has faced in years. The issue is simple, and the stakes are high, that Growers and Millers who choose to market through QSL should be the ones who shape its future.
For too long, outdated constitutional rules have allowed milling companies that not only compete with QSL, but supply no Miller Economic Interest (MEI) sugar to QSL, to retain the power to block changes which are supported by growers and millers who actually partner with QSL. This imbalance came into sharp focus at last year’s AGM, when Wilmar and MSF Sugar used Grower Economic Interest (GEI) sugar enabled under old governance arrangements to stop reforms that were backed by grower members and most milling members, including Mackay Sugar Ltd.
Those rules were written for a very different industry. They were created at a time when QSL operated Queensland’s bulk sugar terminals on behalf of everyone. But since 1st July 2026, terminal operations have transitioned to Sugar Terminals Limited. QSL no longer plays that industry wide role, and the constitutional settings that once made sense simply do not fit the organisation’s responsibilities today.
The question before us now is straightforward: should businesses that compete with QSL continue to hold the same power as those who rely on QSL to market their sugar? Or put another way, should companies that supply no MEI sugar to QSL be able to block changes supported by the growers and millers who actually use QSL’s services?
To me, and to the growers I represent, the answer is clear.
At the upcoming AGM on 22nd October, QSL members will again be asked to support constitutional reform that recognises the QSL of today, not the QSL of a decade ago. These changes would align voting rights with those who market through QSL, remove outdated terminal references, update governance arrangements to reflect the current competitive environment and give commercial partners a meaningful say in QSL’s future
These reforms are not about favouring one group over another. They are about fairness, transparency, and ensuring that QSL is governed by those who actually depend on it. When growers choose QSL as their marketer, they deserve confidence that their voice matters and that their marketer is not being held back by competitors with no commercial relationship to it.
This debate also sits within a broader national conversation. The Australian Government is currently reviewing the Sugar Code of Conduct which sits beside the state’s grower choice legislation. These are the two major tools to ensure that competition is fair and the playing field is level. QSL has made its position clear: those who choose QSL should have a meaningful voice in how QSL is governed. I strongly agree.
Our growers rely on QSL to market their sugar competitively, transparently, and independently. QSL has earned that trust over many years. But trust alone is not enough its governance must reflect the real structure of today’s industry.
It is time for QSL’s constitution to catch up.
As growers, we have always stood up for fairness and accountability. We know that strong governance leads to strong outcomes. The proposed reforms are sensible, overdue, and essential to ensuring QSL remains a reliable, competitive marketer for the growers and millers who choose to work with it.
Leucaena is becoming increasingly visible across the Mackay Region, with extensive growth reported in rural areas, along waterways and around Hay Point, while concerns about its spread are also emerging further north into the Whitsundays. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
By Hannah McNamara
A Mackay local is calling for greater recognition and coordinated management of leucaena, raising concerns about its increasing presence across roadsides, waterways and surrounding landscapes.
Helen Tame, who has lived in the region since she was 11, says she has spent at least three years raising concerns about the spread of the plant with government departments and authorities.
“I’ve spent the last, at least three years, trying to get somebody to recognise that Mackay has a problem.”
Ms Tame believes the issue extends beyond Mackay, with leucaena also present across the Whitsunday and Isaac regions and other parts of Queensland.
During a tour of several affected areas, she pointed to growth along roadsides, creek systems, railway corridors and near mangroves in the Mackay district, expressing concern about what continued spread could mean for the region’s landscapes.
“You don't notice it until someone points it out. How many people are not noticing what's happening right now?”
Her concerns have now reached Queensland Parliament, with Member for Mirani Glen Kelly sponsoring a Queensland Parliament petition calling for greater recognition and management of unmanaged and naturalised leucaena across the state.
“Leucaena has been spreading across Central Queensland for many years, and we are increasingly seeing unmanaged plants along roadsides, creek and river systems, reserves and into surrounding paddocks,” Mr Kelly said.
“Leucaena can be a valuable fodder crop when it is properly managed, but when it escapes cultivation and spreads unchecked, it becomes a much broader land management and biosecurity issue.”
The petition calls for unmanaged and naturalised leucaena to be recognised as a significant emerging environmental and biosecurity issue, alongside investment in surveillance, containment, control, research and community awareness programs and a state-wide assessment of its distribution, environmental impacts and future spread risk.
“As the local Member, my job is to make sure the concerns of our communities are heard and put in front of the people who can act on them.”
However, the question of how leucaena should be classified remains an important part of the discussion.
Mackay Regional Councillor Peter Sheedy, who is a co-chair of the council’s sustainability committee, said the matter was a work in progress.
“Leucaena is absolutely very invasive. It's not native, and it's something that with some dedication and effort and resource, can be managed,” said Cr Sheedy.
“But to manage a problem that is so widespread, is going to take considerable resources.”
Ms Tame, who is a passionate advocate for the removal of Leucaena, said the concern is ultimately about the landscape she has watched change over decades.
“We have such a pretty town. We cannot let it be overrun by this.”
“Something has just got to be done.”
The Queensland-wide petition attracted more than 400 signatures within its first week, now up to 750 as the discussion continues over whether unmanaged and naturalised leucaena should receive greater recognition as an environmental and biosecurity issue. The petition will close on 24th September 2026.
For more information, or to sign the petition, visit www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Petitions/current - named: 4670-26 Leucaena as a significant emerging environmental and biosecurity threat
By Cr Namarca Corowa
Throughout my first term as a councillor, I've tried to use these articles to give people a glimpse into what I'm learning sitting on this side of the council chamber.
Lately I've been thinking about something my parents taught my siblings and me growing up. If somebody lent you something, you looked after it and tried to return it the way you found it, or better.
But the longer I'm a councillor, the more I think about this seat the same way. It's borrowed.
Before I was elected in 2024, I'd never been a councillor and had no local government experience. But I didn't come into council knowing nothing. I brought years of working with people and community, running an organisation, making decisions, making mistakes and learning along the way.
This role has reinforced that you don't know what you don't know. Something that looks simple can involve legislation, engineering, budgets, staffing, risk and things you might never see from the outside.
So I've learned to ask questions. Being new doesn't mean knowing nothing, and being experienced doesn't mean knowing everything.
Eventually though, after the reports and questions, you have to raise your hand. For me, conscience is an important plumbline. I want to understand the facts, costs, risks and consequences, then make a decision I genuinely believe is right for the region.
I think about that particularly when we're spending ratepayer money. I want Mackay to grow and invest in our future, but there needs to be value in what we're spending because there are real people behind those rate notices.
I've known firsthand what it's like when money is genuinely tight. There was a time when I was supporting a small family on one income. I've lined up at Centrelink and taken low-paying, hard manual labour jobs because I needed to make ends meet. I'm not ashamed of that; you do what you have to do to look after your family.
Council faces financial pressures too. Fuel, materials, staffing and maintaining infrastructure all cost money. Council can't solve the wider cost-of-living problem, but we do control the decisions that belong to us, and affordability should always be part of that consideration.
That's stewardship to me. Sometimes it means investing in something new. Sometimes it means looking after what we already have, questioning whether something still makes sense, or simply saying no.
I've never believed anybody automatically deserves a seat at the council table. We're here because our community gave us the opportunity to be here. And at the next election, every one of us will give our seat back for the community to decide.
When my time in this seat comes to an end, I'll ask myself: Did I listen and learn? Did I make the decisions I genuinely believed were right? And did I do my best to leave what I was given in better condition than I found it?
The seat was never mine. It was only borrowed.
Left to Right: Trevor Peterson, Doug Peterson, Councillor Peter Sheedy and Councillor Ash-Lee Johnson. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Local historian Doug Peterson recently welcomed Mackay Regional Councillors Ash-Lee Johnson and Peter Sheedy to his Bucasia home, sharing his collection of original plans and historical material connected to the former Mount Pelion State School and other important sites across the region.
The former Mount Pelion State School building now holds pride of place at Sarina’s Field of Dreams Precinct in Railway Square, where it serves as a venue and administrative home for the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre.
For Mr Peterson, preserving these stories is about ensuring future generations understand the foundations upon which their community was built.
“To know where you're going, you've got to know where you come from,” he said.
“You have to recognise those that came before us, because they built what we've got now.”
The historic school building recently formed part of a community celebration marking several significant milestones, including 100 years of the Mount Pelion school building, 30 years of the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre and 120 years of the former Sarina Courthouse and Watch House.
Councillor Ash-Lee Johnson said community members such as Mr Peterson played an invaluable role in passing local history on to others.
“I think it's just wonderful that we have engaged community members like Doug, that are really willing to teach people about the history,” Cr Johnson said.
“They have so much to give, and it’s just great to learn about the landmarks we have here in Mackay and surrounding regions.”
Councillor Peter Sheedy said viewing original documents offered a tangible connection to the region’s past.
“I think it really takes us back, with some original documents showing the origin of the building,” Cr Sheedy said.
“It originated up at Mount Pelion in 1926, so that's 100 years ago, and it’s wonderful to see some of the original documents still preserved.”
Mr Peterson’s brother, Trevor, also reflected on the significance of preserving the former Mount Pelion State School, describing it as an important part of Mackay’s long-term history.
He recalled the vision of establishing the building as an old-fashioned classroom, giving younger generations the opportunity to experience what education was once like – before modern classroom supplies like paper were even invented.
Mr Peterson believes as the region continues to change, preserving its history remains an important part of understanding where it has come from.
The Mackay community gathered on Monday 7th September to honour the history, resilience and ongoing contributions of Australian South Sea Islander people, marking 26 years since their formal recognition in Queensland. Photo source: Mackay Regional Council
Members of Mackay’s Australian South Sea Islander community joined Traditional Owners, Elders, local leaders and community members on Monday 7th September 2026 to commemorate the anniversary of Australian South Sea Islanders being formally recognised as a distinct cultural group.
Held at the Mackay Regional Council Civil Precinct, the community was invited to gather for the raising of the Australian South Sea Islander Flag in recognition of the Australian South Sea Islander people by both the Federal and Queensland Governments.
The gathering brought the community together in a ceremony acknowledging the history, resilience and ongoing contribution of Australian South Sea Islander people, with traditional dances and a special performance by Fitzgerald Primary School forming part of the occasion.
The event marked 26 years since the Queensland Government formally recognised Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct cultural group in 2000.
Local Elder Marion Healy, who was part of the group involved in drafting and finalising the statement adopted by the Queensland Government, reflected on the significance of the anniversary.
“Today we stand together in visibility, with remembrance and pride. We acknowledge our ancestors, the strength of our journey and the legacy that continues through each of us,” Ms Healy said.
Fourth-generation Australian South Sea Islander Runhoa Fatnowna also addressed the gathering, sharing her family's history and acknowledging the experiences of many within the wider community.
“My great grandfather was kidnapped from the Soloman Islands to work in the emerging sugar plantations in Queensland. His story and my story are like so many others – stories of resilience.
“Our ancestors were unwelcome – excluded from land ownership and civic life. Behind every statistic is a family and I stand here today as one of those with a lost heritage.”
Mayor Greg Williamson acknowledged the significant contribution Australian South Sea Islanders have made to the Mackay community.
“We need to remember our origins and that as a community we ensure we don’t leave anybody behind,” Mayor Williamson said.
“There’s no one here that can change the past, but we can change the future.”
The commemoration served as an opportunity to honour those who came before, reflect on the journey towards recognition and celebrate the strong and continuing presence of Australian South Sea Islander culture within the Mackay region.
“My grandad used to say a man with no history is a man with no future. Today, our future stands strong because of our history,” Ms Fatnowna said.
Queensland is home to 75 per cent of the nation’s ASSI, with the majority living in the Mackay region.
Photos supplied by the office of Glen Kelly, Member for Mirani MP
Sarina is set to gain 34 new beds, with work now underway to boost hospital capacity and support local patients.
Residents in Sarina may notice work underway on the newly announced modular unit at the Brewers Road hospital campus, with the project being delivered in conjunction with Health Infrastructure Queensland.
The new unit will provide 17 adult inpatient beds at the existing Sarina Hospital campus, forming part of the Queensland Government’s plan to ease hospital congestion and increase capacity for patients experiencing delayed discharge.
The project is in addition to the transformation of the former Sarina Hospital at 1 Hospital Street, which will provide a further 17-bed transitional care facility. Together, the two projects will increase capacity in Sarina by 34 beds, with the former hospital redevelopment expected to be completed by late 2027.
Member for Mirani Glen Kelly MP recently met with Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Chief Executive Sean Birgan and hospital representatives to announce the additional beds.
Stage Two works at the former hospital will include internal refurbishment to provide single, double, triple and quad ensuite inpatient rooms, consultation rooms, a rehabilitation gym, lounge and dining room, and a cultural family space. The campus will also undergo driveway and foundation works to improve access to the facility.
Mr Kelly said the new beds in Sarina would complement the Queensland Government’s masterplan for Mackay Base Hospital, which includes 128 new beds, expanded services including birthing, and more than 1,000 car spaces by 2030.
“Sarina is a growing community, and it is important that our health infrastructure keeps up with the needs of the Sarina,” Mr Kelly said.
“These two projects will deliver 34 new beds in Sarina and provide more appropriate care options for patients who don’t need to remain in an acute hospital bed but still require support.
“Importantly, freeing up acute hospital beds also means greater capacity across our health service for emergency admissions and elective surgery.”
Mr Birgan said the 17-bed adult inpatient unit at Brewers Road would form another element of the Mackay Hospital Expansion Project.
“This is another element of the Mackay Hospital Expansion Project and it’s all about increasing our capacity to provide patients with the right care in the right place,” Mr Birgan said.
“The reality is that the demand for those long-stay patient beds is continuing to increase. These are patients who are not in need of intensive hospital care but do need support with daily living.
“Late last year we had an average of 30 to 35 patients in this cohort and this week we have about 90 patients.
“Our numbers have essentially tripled.”
The modular unit will be relocated from a hospital site in northern New South Wales, with commissioning expected in the first quarter of 2027.
Mr Birgan said the two Sarina projects would help improve care delivery across the wider region.
“This approach addresses two key priorities for us in that we can provide more beds for those long-stay patients, which in turn gives us the beds we need to perform more elective surgery,” he said.
“The hospital setting is not always the best environment for those who don’t need acute care but do need support with daily living.”
The latest Queensland Health point-in-time census identified 54 patients experiencing delayed discharge across Mackay Isaac region hospitals, including 43 older aged care patients and 11 younger NDIS patients.
Mr Kelly said the additional capacity represented an important investment in local health infrastructure.
“It is absolutely shocking that 54 people in hospitals across our region are clinically fit for discharge but remain there because the appropriate beds, services and Commonwealth supports simply aren’t available,” Mr Kelly said.
“For Sarina, this is a significant investment in our local health infrastructure and another important step towards ensuring our health services grow alongside our community.”
A record $200,000 raised at the Isaac Mayor’s Charity Ball will support BMA CQ Rescue and local tertiary education, with each receiving $100,000. Photo supplied by Isaac Regional Council
A record-breaking $200,000 has been raised to support tertiary education and lifesaving aeromedical services across the Isaac region following the 2026 Mayor’s Charity Ball.
A sold-out crowd of 280 people attended the event, with the Isaac Regional Charity Fund splitting the proceeds between two vital regional services. BMA CQ Rescue and Country Universities Centre Isaac each received $100,000, with the cheques officially presented in Moranbah on Monday 7th September.
Isaac Mayor and Charity Fund Chair Kelly Vea Vea said the result demonstrated what could be achieved when the region rallied behind a common cause.
“In regional communities like ours, access is everything. Access to education, access to emergency services and access to opportunity,” Mayor Vea Vea said.
“Country Universities Centre Isaac helps local students pursue tertiary education close to home, while BMA CQ Rescue provides lifesaving support when it matters most.”
The funding comes during a particularly busy year for BMA CQ Rescue, which recorded 182 tasks and more than 326 flight hours between April and June alone. Crews responded to incidents across Central Queensland, including Moranbah, Dysart, Clermont and Nebo.
BMA CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee said record tasking numbers demonstrated just how important the aeromedical service remained for regional communities.
“Every mission represents someone in our community who needs urgent medical care, often in a remote location where time is critical,” Mr Healee said.
He said the $100,000 contribution would help maintain the skilled crews, specialist medical capabilities and aviation resources needed to respond to emergencies. The other half of the record fundraising total will support Country Universities Centre Isaac, which provides local study facilities and face-to-face assistance to students in Moranbah and Clermont.
The centre has supported more than 120 students, with almost 55 per cent the first in their family to attend university. Students are currently studying across 42 courses through 34 education providers, with 60 per cent training in teaching or health-related fields.
CUC Isaac Chair Melissa Westcott said the contribution would help the centre continue giving regional students opportunities to pursue tertiary education without leaving their communities.
The Isaac Regional Charity Fund is now looking ahead to the 2027 Mayor’s Charity Ball, with sponsorship opportunities available for next year’s event.
Photo supplied: Queensland Police Service – Mackay District
Recognition was given to the service and bravery of those who have dedicated their careers to protecting the community last Wednesday 2nd September, as 73 Queensland Police Service members from across the Mackay Whitsunday District received medals, certificates and awards during a special ceremony.
With more than 100 individual honours presented throughout the event, the awards recognised a broad range of service and achievements. Awards included the National Police Service Medal, National Medal and Clasps, National Emergency Medal, Queensland Police Exemplary Conduct Medal, Queensland Police Valour Medal, Queensland Police Emergency Response Medal, Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner Certificates, and District Officer Certificates.
Among those recognised was Northern Beaches Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Mitch Benson, who received a Queensland Police Valour Medal for an act of exceptional bravery performed during the devastating Scenic Rim bushfires in 2019.
On 6th September 2019, then-Senior Constable Benson and fellow officers volunteered to evacuate residents as raging fires rapidly spread throughout the region.
Working through thick smoke and falling embers, the officers faced significant difficulties breathing and communicating, while visibility was severely reduced. Flames behind properties reached approximately one metre in height and intensified with each gust of wind.
As the emergency continued into the early hours of 7th September, officers were again tasked with driving through affected estates and broadcasting warnings about the rapidly approaching fire, with winds predicted to reach up to 90 kilometres per hour. As homes began to ignite, officers continued clearing the estates, running from door to door to ensure residents were safely evacuated.
Their actions ensured all residents were safely accounted for despite the life-threatening conditions.
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton, himself a former police officer, attended the ceremony and said it was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues and reflect on the stories behind the medals.
He particularly acknowledged Senior Sergeant Benson’s courage and ongoing community engagement.
“His bravery was helping people out of their houses, who had basically been reluctant to leave their house until the flames were almost at their back door,” Mr Dalton said.
“He went way beyond what he could safely do, but he did it to get those people out, because he loved the community.”
Mr Dalton also highlighted the recognition of Dan Goldberg, who established an innovative learner driver program designed to help young drivers better understand how to interact with police and remain safe on the roads.
The initiative provides learner drivers with practical advice and guidance, with Mr Dalton describing it as “a really good program” and noting hopes for it to eventually expand further afield.
Mackay Whitsunday District Officer Superintendent Dean Cavanagh commended every recipient recognised on the day of the ceremony.
“Everyone awarded today should be proud of their hard work, sacrifice and dedication they deliver each and every day,” said Superintendent Cavanagh.
“Their integrity and professionalism has a profound and lasting impact on the communities they serve.”
“I am pleased to recognise and honour both officers and civilians for their significant contributions to the Queensland Police Service.”
The ceremony provided a moment to pause and recognise the people behind the uniform, celebrating exceptional service alongside acts of courage that have helped protect communities both locally and across Queensland.
Mackay’s industry leaders came together for a night of celebrating, connecting and plenty of well-earned recognition. Photo source: Resource Industry Network
The region’s resources and METS sector came together to celebrate at the 2026 Resource Industry Network Awards, recognising the businesses and individuals making a difference across the industry.
The special evening also marked RIN’s 25th anniversary. Jennmar Australia was a standout on the night, taking home two awards, while Mick Crowe and Tim Magoffin jointly received the Tony Britton Award. From manufacturing and safety to workplace culture and community involvement, the awards celebrated the hard work, innovation and people helping drive the region’s resources sector forward.
The region’s resources and METS sector took centre stage on Friday evening as businesses, industry representatives and guests gathered to celebrate the 2026 Resource Industry Network (RIN) Awards.
The evening marked a major milestone for the organisation, with RIN celebrating 25 years.
Finalists and their stories were showcased throughout the evening before businesses and individuals were recognised across categories celebrating manufacturing excellence, safety, expansion, workplace culture, community connection and individual achievement.
The awards provided an opportunity to celebrate the capability, innovation, people and community spirit found throughout the region’s resources and METS sector, while guests also enjoyed conversations and new connections throughout the evening.
Jennmar Australia was among the standout recipients, receiving two awards on the night, while the Tony Britton Award was jointly awarded to Mick Crowe and Tim Magoffin.
RIN also acknowledged its Major Partner, Ausgroup Industrial Services QLD Pty Ltd, and Silver Partner, Mackay Regional Council, for their support in helping deliver the milestone celebration.
The organisation extended its thanks to every finalist, winner, partner, sponsor and guest who attended and contributed to the occasion.
Celebrating 25 years, the evening reflected on the people and businesses helping shape the region’s resources and METS sector, while also looking towards what lies ahead.
The Whitsundays Writers Festival has officially sold out, but there is still a chance for the whole community to join the final chapter.
Book lovers will gather in Cannonvale this Sunday for the sold-out 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, celebrating a full day of stories, ideas and local creativity.
But those without a ticket have not missed out entirely. From 3pm, the festival will open its free waterfront finale, Stories by the Sea, at the Whitsunday Marine Club.
With more than 20 regional authors, live readings, music, children’s activities, book swaps and artists creating works before the crowd, there will be something for readers and families alike.
Photo source: Mater Private Hospital Mackay
A newlywed couple shared a little piece of their wedding-day with patients at Mater Private Hospital Mackay when they donated the leftover flowers following their celebrations.
The flowers offered an unexpected spark of joy for patients spending time in hospital, giving the wedding blooms a second life rather than letting them go to waste.
According to the hospital, the gesture was warmly received by patients, who were grateful to have something beautiful to brighten their stay.
“Small gestures like this make such a big difference. Patients were filled with gratitude to receive a little extra during their stay,” the representative said.
While a wedding is traditionally a day centred on celebrating the happy couple, this local pair extended that joy to others in the community.
It is a simple gesture, but one that demonstrates how small acts of kindness can bring comfort and connection during others’ difficult or uncertain times.
Contributed with thanks by the office of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox
The Coalition will move to stop taxpayer money being used to help investment funds acquire Australian agricultural land for carbon projects, and scrap Labor’s Net Zero laws.
The move would prohibit the Clean Energy Finance Corporation from providing funding or financial assistance to entities acquiring agricultural land for the purpose of establishing tree plantations to generate carbon offsets.
The Coalition will also introduce legislation to abolish Labor’s Net Zero, Labor’s toxic carbon taxes and end the Government’s more than $80 billion Net Zero spending spree.
The announcement follows the controversial sale of Tasmania’s 21,745-hectare Rushy Lagoon property to UK investment firm Gresham House. The Clean Energy Finance Corporation is investing $69 million in the project, with around 9,000 hectares planned for pine plantations.
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said the Federal Government should be backing Australian farmers and protecting productive land, rather than using taxpayer money to compete with them.
“We have farmers across Dawson working incredibly hard to put food on Australian tables, yet Labor is prepared to help foreign investment funds acquire Australian land for carbon projects.
“The question for regional Australians is simple, what comes next?”
Mr Willcox said the Government’s approach to agriculture was also at odds with its own ambitions for Australia’s biofuels industry.
“Labor is now telling us that sugar and other agricultural products can provide the feedstocks for a new Australian bioenergy industry, but you cannot build a biofuels industry without the farmers who grow the feedstock.
“You cannot tell a cane farmer to produce more, while making it harder to use the land needed to grow the crop.
“If we want a future in biofuels, we need a future for Australian agriculture first.”
Mr Willcox said recent changes to agricultural land-clearing rules had added to uncertainty for Queensland farmers.
“Australia has some of the best farmers in the world. We should be giving them every opportunity to produce more, invest more and pass their farms on to the next generation.
“The Coalition will stand with our farmers, protect our food security and make sure Australian land is working for Australian families, Australian agriculture and Australia’s future.”
Living with anxiety can often feel exhausting. The mind may become focused on potential problems, while the body remains in a state of constant alertness. Recovery involves more than simply reducing symptoms; it involves building resilience, confidence, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges. Experiencing the feeling of being “comfortably uncomfortable” rather than in a state of alertness.
Anxiety is not simply “being worried”; it is the body’s threat detection system (amygdala) becoming activated, sometimes when there is no immediate danger. The brain has evolved to protect us by rapidly identifying potential threats and preparing the body to respond through the fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response. This response helps in genuine danger, but when the alarm system becomes overly sensitive from frequent stimulation, everyday situations, uncertainty, or physical sensations can start to feel threatening.
This is how it works: when the brain perceives danger, the amygdala activates the body’s stress response. The sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate, speeds up breathing, tightens muscles, and redirects energy toward survival. Stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, are released, increasing alertness and readiness to act. Prolonged activation heightens amygdala sensitivity and can leave the body in a state of ongoing stress. Individuals may experience racing thoughts, muscle tension, sleep disruption, irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and increased awareness of physical sensations.
Psychotherapy, particularly approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), can help individuals understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and behaviours. Therapy can provide strategies to recogniseunhelpful thinking patterns, gradually face fear-related situations, and develop more effective ways to respond to stress and uncertainty.
Exercise can complement psychotherapy by supporting both physical and psychological wellbeing. Physical activity naturally increases heart rate and breathing, creating sensations that can be similar to those experienced during anxiety. Experiencing these sensations in a safe and controlled environment may help individuals learn that an increased heart rate, sweating, or faster breathing does not necessarily mean something is wrong. This is similar to exposure therapy. As you are exposed to the physical symptoms of a perceived threat, but your mind lets you know you are in a safe space, the threat system sensitivity becomes less responsive and therefore reduces the feelings of anxiety. Exercise can also create opportunities to feel a sense of achievement, build confidence, improve sleep, and establish a routine and sense of control.
Importantly, resilience does not mean never feeling anxious or stressed. Resilience is the ability to recognise difficult emotions, respond effectively, and keep moving forward- that is, feeling “comfortably uncomfortable”. Combining psychological strategies with regular physical activity can give people more than one pathway to manage stress and strengthen their capacity to cope.
Recovery is therefore not about eliminating every uncomfortable thought or physical sensation. It is about learning that these experiences can be managed, understood, and tolerated. With the right support, individuals can move beyond simply coping with anxiety towards developing greater confidence, resilience, and participation in the things that matter to them.
If you’d like more support in managing ADHD for yourself or your family, visit my website Personal Transitions or give Cristie 0488667264 or me 0418708214.
Proserpine’s Club Championship Triples team travelled to Sarina at the weekend to contest the Champion of Champions.
Mark Holmes, Shane Kinnear and Michael Kinnear opened their campaign with a strong 26-18 victory over Sarina before falling 32-15 to Airlie Beach in the second round.
Airlie Beach then defeated Mackay Club 23-18 to advance to the final against Souths Suburban. Souths reached the decider after wins over Northern Beaches, Mackay City and Pioneer Valley, before defeating Airlie Beach 31-16 to claim the title.
Attention now turns to this weekend’s Pratt Cup, with Saturday’s games hosted by Seaforth, Mackay City, Marian and Pioneer Valley.
Proserpine will play at Mackay City, beginning with a morning match against Pioneer Valley. The winner will advance to face either North Mackay or Souths Suburban.
Representing Proserpine will be Michael Kinnear in the Singles; Shane Kinnear and Andrew Bell in the Pairs; and Gavin Noonan, Dale Haack, David Ling and Barry Saroglia in the Fours.
We wish the team good bowls for the weekend.
In Wednesday’s social bowls, Alen Sanderson, Barry Zillmann and Philip Brown defeated Alen Sanderson, Sandy Daffara and Graham Thropp 13-9.
Alen Sanderson, Graham Thropp and Barry Zillmann then drew 7-all with Alen Sanderson, Philip Brown and Sandy Daffara.
There were no social bowls on Sunday, with Philip and Heather both succumbing to colds they decided were better not shared around the club.
Lions out to support Nepal this weekend. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
Across a busy week of fundraising, the Whitsunday Lions Club has raised about $8,100 for communities affected by devastating flash flooding in Nepal.
Efforts began on Thursday with a Father’s Day stall at Bunnings, before continuing at the weekly Saturday Lions’ markets and Sunday’s Colour Fun Run at Club Whitsunday.
“I’m not just proud of our club, I’m proud of Lions International and that we’re able to help Lions all over the world when there’s a crisis,” said Whitsunday Lions Club President Greg Smith.
Kathmandu Lions Club Past District Governor Ram Chhetri praised the support shown by the Whitsunday community.
"The Lions members in Nepal were overwhelmed by the support and compassion of Australians in their hour of need,” he said.
“The plan is for the Lions of Nepal to ensure that the funds get to where they are needed most and are spent wisely for the benefit of those in most need.
“To this point they have been supporting the rescue teams in their efforts to find survivors, however they are now looking at how to best support the thousands of displaced and homeless survivors.”
While the fundraising was organized and facilitated by the Lions club, they recognised this outstanding effort as a community-achieved goal.
“We really want to drive home that this was achieved by the community as a whole,” Greg said.
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