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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More than $21,300 was raised on Friday night as local leaders swapped comfort for concrete during Safe Sleep Mackay’s inaugural Bosses on Buses event.
Eleven community leaders took part in the initiative, sleeping rough for the night to help raise funds to operationalise the Safe Sleep Buses, which aim to support people experiencing homelessness in Mackay.
Participants included:
The leaders spent the night sleeping rough, some on the bus and others on the concrete, before all making it to breakfast the following morning.
Founder of Chances House, Kayleigh Brewster, said the initiative was inspired by the difficult reality frontline workers often face when supporting people without shelter, with the aim of creating a temporary solution while supporting people’s wellbeing.
“When you're working in those really on-the-ground frontline services, you see a lot of people who are homeless,” she said.
“Quite often you're having to tell somebody there’s no more we can do for you, you’re going to have to sleep outside tonight. It’s a terrifying thought.
“We wanted a solution that would alleviate that.
“I think this is going to be fantastic. I think it’s going to really make a difference in the physical, the mental and the emotional well-being of many people.”
Safe Sleep Mackay spokesperson and key advocate for those sleeping rough, Lisa Jamieson, said strong community backing would be essential for the service to succeed.
“This is just wonderful to have so much support from our community and local businesses here,” she said.
“We’re still going to need ongoing support and we definitely need volunteers but we’re going to give it 100 per cent to help those who need it.”
Dave Fisher from Gardian said he was proud to be involved in the community effort.
“Having to be part of a community movement to raise money and to be aware of what is a real issue… I’m just really happy to support that really important initiative,” he said.
Fallon Drewett from The Just Saying Project said conversations with her family motivated her to get involved.
“It’s about awareness. If we don’t tell the stories of people, the most vulnerable people in our community, how else are we going to improve that?” she said.
Organisers thanked the Mackay West Rotary group for cooking breakfast and Harrup Park for supplying dinner, along with the many community members who donated to support the cause.
Eleven Mackay community leaders slept rough during the inaugural Bosses on Buses event, raising more than $21,300 to help operationalise Safe Sleep Buses supporting people experiencing homelessness. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
On Monday 30th March, the Whitsunday Regional Council hosted the opening of the Daydream Island Guest Lounge at Whitsunday Coast Airport. Members of the Whitsunday Regional Council, Tourism Whitsundays and Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry were present. This marks an exciting opportunity for the airport.
Whitsunday Regional Mayor Ry Collins said the initiative highlights the important role Whitsunday Coast Airport plays in supporting the region’s visitor economy.
“Whitsunday Coast Airport is the front door to the Whitsunday Islands, and initiatives like this help ensure the experience for visitors arriving in our region reflects the premium destination we are proud to offer,” Mayor Collins said.
Director of Commercial Business Craig Turner said the partnership demonstrates the airport’s growing collaboration with tourism operators and airlines to create a more connected visitor experience.
“Whitsunday Coast Airport continues to evolve as a key gateway to the islands, and working with tourism partners like Daydream Island Resort helps create a seamless journey for visitors from aircraft to island,” Mr Turner said.
These improvements further position Whitsunday Coast Airport as a high-quality regional gateway and support the continued growth of the Whitsundays as one of Australia’s most iconic tourism destinations.
The Proserpine RV Rest Stop officially reopened on Tuesday 31st March, delivering a timely boost for local tourism and business. Mayor Ry Collins, Deputy Mayor John Finlay and Councillors John Collins and Jan Clifford marked the milestone at a 10am opening.
Located behind St Catherine’s Church on Main Street, the free 48-hour stopover is now welcoming fully self-contained vehicles for the dry season (April to November), reinforcing Proserpine’s role as a key gateway to the Whitsundays.
Mayor Ry Collins said the reopening delivers on Council’s commitment to supporting local business and driving regional tourism.
“This is a great outcome for Proserpine and for the broader Whitsundays,” Mayor Collins said.
“We know this site delivers real economic benefit, bringing travellers into town to support our local shops, cafes and service providers. It’s a simple initiative that encourages visitors to stop, stay a little longer and experience what Proserpine has to offer.”
Division 3 Councillor John Collins said the reopening reflects strong community support and Council’s united backing of the project.
“The community has been clear that this rest stop works, and it’s fantastic to see it officially open again today,” Cr Collins said.
“This is a win for local businesses, tourism operators and the many volunteers who help make Proserpine such a welcoming place.
“It’s about creating opportunities for our town and making sure we continue to capture the benefits of travellers passing through our region.”
Economic modelling indicates the rest stop could inject between $860,000 and $1.7 million annually into the Proserpine economy through visitor spending on local goods and services.
The site will operate seasonally each year, with minor upgrades and improved signage completed ahead of reopening to support a positive visitor experience while managing maintenance requirements during the wet season.
Captions
Mayor Ry Collins, Deputy Mayor John Finlay, Cr John Collins and Cr Jan Clifford at the re-opening
Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi
Despite a series of delays due to inclement weather, the Proserpine RSL was finally able to host its International Women’s Day celebration on March 28th. The event was supported by the Proserpine Lion’s Club, the Whitsunday Leos Club and State Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm.
Over 100 women attended, raising much-needed funds for Meals On Wheels and The Food Bank. Speakers included 13- year-old Savannah, Leo’s President Daphne, Donna Rodgers and Jan Clifford. Over 45 prizes were handed out, including a beautiful door prize provided by Ms Camm.
“A huge thank you to Lyn Burke, the Proserpine Lions and Leo’s, as well as the RSL for delivering a wonderful International Women’s Day event for our community”, Ms Camm said.
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Photo source: Facebook
Whitsunday Regional Council has taken a strategic step forward with the launch of Whitsunday Event Centres, bringing together three of the region’s leading venues under one unified platform.
The initiative connects the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Shute Harbour Marine Terminal and Flagstaff Hill Convention Centre, positioning the Whitsundays as a competitive destination for conferences, corporate events and major celebrations.
Rather than a simple rebrand, the program is designed to actively take the region to market through industry networks, trade events and business tourism channels. Led by Council’s Commercial Business Directorate, the approach aims to secure new events that drive visitation beyond peak tourism periods.
Mayor Ry Collins said the launch reflects a deliberate focus on economic growth.
“This is not just about a new logo, it is about how we actively take our region to market and create real opportunities for local businesses,” Mayor Collins said.
By presenting the venues under one coordinated identity, Council is offering event organisers a clearer, more professional pathway to host events in the region. An integrated online booking system further streamlines the process, allowing users to explore venues, review layouts and submit enquiries with ease.
The move is expected to support local accommodation providers, hospitality venues and suppliers, while strengthening the Whitsundays’ reputation as a destination capable of delivering high-quality events year-round.
Event organisers and businesses can explore the new platform at www.whitsundayeventcentres.com.au.
Captions
Photo supplied
News this week that the Government has cut the fuel levy by half for the next three months provides welcome relief to motorists ahead of the Easter long weekend.
The reduction kicked in this Wednesday and is expected to filter through to fuel stations quickly, reducing the price of fuel on average by 26 cents per litre.
In addition, the heavy vehicle road user charge will also be reduced to zero, a welcome move that will make logistical transport more affordable and help regional communities get their commodities moving again.
The measures will cost taxpayers $2.55 billion and are expected to reduce the price of a 65-litre tank of petrol by $19.
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said that he has been fighting hard for the region.
"We have heard you loud and clear,” Mr Willcox said.
“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.”
He does, however, add that the battle is still not won, as the relief needs to be seen at the bowser.
"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,” he said.
Caption: The price at the pump has been reduced by 26 cents a litre as of this Wednesday. Photo Victoria Velton
Kids across the region have been carefully crafting their Easter bonnets, and enjoying Easter parades and festive end-of-term fun. Classrooms have been filled with colour, creativity and plenty of laughter as students celebrated the renewal and fun that Easter brings.
From floppy bunny ears to grazing pom-pom sheep, each bonnet was a unique reflection of the personality and creativity of the little ones who wore them proudly during their schools’ Easter parades.
As Term 1 wraps up, these celebrations provide a joyful send-off into the Easter break, with families across the Whitsundays looking forward to a well-earned holiday filled with relaxation, adventures, and cherished time together.
Mackay is set to make history as the first Australian city to host the global blockbuster Disney: The Exhibition – A Century of Magic, a world-renowned celebration of 100 years of storytelling.
Previously showcased in major international cities including Munich, London, Chicago, Seoul, Paris and Madrid, the exhibition will arrive in Mackay on December 4th and run for five months at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre.
The immersive exhibition will feature rare artefacts from The Walt Disney Company, iconic costumes, behind the scenes insights and interactive displays that trace a century of beloved characters and films.
Mayor Greg Williamson of Mackay Regional Council said the announcement marked a landmark moment for the region.
“This is a magical day for Mackay, for Queensland and for Australia,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Mackay will be the first city in Australia to host Disney: The Exhibition – A Century of Magic. The exhibition will open on December 4 and run for five months.
“It has travelled to major cities around the world, including Philadelphia, Paris, London and Madrid, and now it is coming to Mackay.”
Mayor Williamson said securing the exhibition was the result of a strategic pitch by the council’s events team, and would help place Mackay firmly on the international tourism map.
“We are expecting at least 100,000 visitors over the five months,” he said.
“This is about introducing Mackay to the world and giving people the Disney experience they have been waiting for.”
Mayor Williamson said he hoped the announcement would spark curiosity across the country.
“I hope people in cities like Melbourne and Sydney are asking, ‘why Mackay’,” he said.
“The answer to that is simple. Come and see it for yourself and you will understand why it’s here.”
The exhibition will be staged at the MECC, with international crews working alongside local staff to deliver the event.
“Our team at the MECC is ready to deliver a world class event at a world class entertainment centre,” Mayor Williamson said.
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the announcement represented a major milestone for the city and the state.
“This is a wonderful and exciting moment for our region,” Mr Dalton said.
“From December through to May, Mackay will become the centre of Disney in Australia,” he said.
“That means increased visitors, more activity for local businesses and a boost for cafes, accommodation providers and tourism operators.”
He said the event aligned with Queensland’s vision of strengthening its major events calendar.
“We are incredibly excited about the magic that will unfold here in Mackay,” he said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for locals, for Queenslanders and for visitors from across Australia and overseas to experience something truly special.”
With tens of thousands of Disney fans expected to travel to the region, the exhibition is poised to deliver a magical boost to tourism, business and community pride while placing Mackay firmly in the global spotlight.
A simple act of service is leaving a lasting imprint on patients at Mater Private Hospital Mackay, where 80-year-old Alison Fenech has quietly transformed her time, talent and compassion into something extraordinary.
Since July 2025, Ms Fenech has sewn an astonishing 562 tote bags by hand, repurposing surgical equipment packaging that would otherwise go to waste. What was once discarded is now reimagined into sturdy, reusable bags, placed into the hands of patients during some of their most vulnerable moments.
Hospital representatives highlighted the significance of her contribution, stating, “These bags aren’t just sustainable and practical… they’re a beautiful reminder of the kindness, talent and generosity of volunteers like Alison.”
Each bag carries more than belongings. It carries care and a sense of connection that extends beyond the clinical setting.
For Ms Fenech, the journey began with a desire to find purpose in her time. Speaking candidly about her motivation, she said, “I was aware of having too much free time and how that could lead to depression, so checked out a couple of other options but didn’t settle to them.
“I am happy to work on my own in my own time at my own speed and this suited me perfectly.”
That decision has grown into a deeply meaningful contribution to the hospital community. Working independently and at her own pace, she has dedicated countless hours to carefully crafting each bag, ensuring they are both practical and made to last.
The initiative has also drawn heartfelt appreciation from the hospital, which shared, “Thank you, Alison, for making a meaningful difference to our patients and our community.”
Many have praised Ms Fenech, calling her work “brilliant”, a reflection of both her skill and her quiet determination.
One community member said, “That’s amazing Alison, such beautiful work from a beautiful person.”
An 80-year-old Mackay woman has sewn more than 560 reusable bags from discarded hospital materials, offering comfort and care to patients during vulnerable moments.
Specialists put the focus on endometriosis and pelvic pain this week for EndoMarch, an awareness campaign bringing attention to the often-overlooked condition endometriosis, which according to studies affects approximately 1 in 7 Australian women.
Mackay Hospital and Health Service hosted an EndoMarch information evening on Tuesday 24th to raise awareness and understanding of the condition.
The event was led by Mackay HHS specialist clinicians and was supported by local women sharing their personal stories of living with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain.
Obstetrics & gynaecology specialist Dr Wojciech Szubert began the evening with an overview of the disease and an update on the work going on at Mackay Base Hospital to improve treatment and care options.
“Endometriosis is a chronic disease affecting women and girls,” Dr Szubert said.
“It is associated with pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, painful urination or defecation, heavy and painful periods, and infertility.
“It can have a significant impact on women’s health and lives, and it has been estimated that it can take six years to get a confirmed diagnosis.
“At this event, we want to provide an update on the work we are doing to improve treatment options.
“We will also have presentations from women who have been brave enough to step forward and share their own personal stories of living with endometriosis.”
Other presenters included director of psychology Rachel Bega who spoke on the role of the psychologist in the management of these conditions, and director of nursing and midwifery Susan Sweeney who shared future plans to advance treatment and care.
It was a relaxed and informal event that gave opportunity for those attending to ask any questions they have about endometriosis and treatment options.
Regarding the event, one local said: “My daughter suffers Endo and also has Andomentriosis which is rare and not many know about it. Glad to see you’re doing this.”
Another expressed frustration surrounding long waitlists for treatment for the condition, appealing for improvement in women’s healthcare across the region.
In 2024, Mackay Hospital and Health Service received new imaging technology that boosted diagnosis and treatment for local women, removing the need for surgery confirm presence for endometriosis.
Following the innovation, the team has been committed to continuing to champion women’s health services and improve treatment options and timelines for women across Mackay.
Drew McGilchrist
Sales Agronomist, Wilmar AgServices
Soil testing has become one of the most valuable tools available to modern agriculture because it enables farmers to make better decisions around crop management.
Soil sampling provides a clear picture of nutrient availability, soil condition and emerging constraints.
With this information, growers can optimise their fertiliser management plan to target specific deficiencies, improving crop performance while avoiding inputs that deliver little return.
In many cases, this leads to more efficient fertiliser use and reduced costs through the removal of unnecessary nutrient applications.
Another key advantage of soil testing is the ability to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach. Results are specific to individual paddocks, so you can design a management plan specific to your farm and local conditions.
Soil sampling also plays an important role in managing soil health over time. Regular testing allows growers to track changes, identify trends and respond early to issues that may affect productivity in future seasons.
Just as importantly, laboratory-based results are a reliable foundation for making sensible decisions about farm management, rather than the status quo of historical fertiliser application.
Finally, soil testing helps ensure your nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium budgets are aligned with current regulations.
Wilmar AgServices offers a soil sampling service for selected paddocks, with a fee applied to cover the soil analysis. Results are provided in a timely manner, highlighting any deficiencies and potential solutions for your farm management.
Agronomy staff can provide additional advice and recommendations on fertiliser selection, as well as costing and application rates.
Contact us on 1800 881 957 to find out more.
Wilmar AgServices Sales Agronomist Drew McGilchrist can provide a soil testing service,
enabling growers to make more informed decisions about their fertiliser management plan.
By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay
CANEGROWERS’ centenary celebrations continue to roll on and, over the past couple of weeks, all roads have led to our wonderful central region of Mackay.
Mackay is, of course, the birthplace of CANEGROWERS. It was here, on 21 January 1926, that the organisation was formed and first met at Mackay Boys' School. Over the past century, the industry has faced many challenges and seen significant advancements. Through it all, the organisation has evolved alongside these changes to ensure its heart and soul – its members – are represented as strongly as possible.
For the first time in almost a decade, the CANEGROWERS Policy Council gathered in Mackay for one of its three annual meetings. The Council includes representatives from all Queensland sugarcane-growing districts, with one representative per mill area. To put that into perspective, Mackay has four representatives advocating for growers supplying the Plane Creek, Racecourse, Farleigh and Marian mills.
The meetings also bring together district managers and staff from across the state, creating a real mix of views and discussion. The primary role of the Policy Council is exactly what the name suggests – to set the policies that guide the organisation. Key topics this time included environmental policy, trade, transport, the future of harvesting, and water and electricity. Navigating fuel and fertiliser supply chains following the conflict in the Middle East has also quickly moved up the priority list.
On the final night of the Policy Council, the centenary gala dinner was held at the Mackay Turf Club. Policy Council members and visiting staff joined a sold-out crowd of 240 guests, including business partners and industry representatives.
CANEGROWERS Mackay would also like to thank Glenn Kelly, Member for Mirani, along with several Mackay Regional Councillors, for attending. A special thank you goes to all our sponsors – their support helped make the evening a memorable one.
The event was MC’d by Meecham Philpot, with music from Mackay’s own Mango Junction and a special appearance by Nikki Vella Power, well known locally and the daughter of a cane-farming family. Guests also heard an inspiring address from CANEGROWERS Chairman and World Beet and Sugarcane Growers Chairman Owen Menkens, along with some entertaining reflections from former CANEGROWERS and CANEGROWERS Mackay Chairman Paul Schembri, who shared a few of the lighter moments he’s seen over the past 40 years.
Most importantly, the night provided a chance to reflect on the past, consider the present, and look ahead to the future of our historic and ever-evolving industry.
All the best.
Burn Ashburner, Matt Kealley, Justin Blair, Chris Gillitt, Glenn Clarke, Sam Orr and Brendon Nothard
FAR - Former Queensland and Mackay Canegrowers Chairman, Paul Schembrii. Photo credit: Michaela Harlow
The Greater Whitsunday region has taken a significant step toward accelerating agricultural innovation with the release of the Greater Whitsunday AgTech Ecosystem Mapping Report, a comprehensive picture of the organisations, services and partnerships supporting agricultural technology adoption across the region.
Commissioned by Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) and supported through the Queensland Government’s Regional Enablers Program, the report identifies more than 140 regional stakeholders across agriculture, technology, research, training and industry who together form the region’s growing AgTech ecosystem.
Released by the Greater Whitsunday AgTech Hub, the report provides a clear, evidence-based foundation for how the region can strengthen AgTech adoption, improve productivity and support the long-term competitiveness of agriculture across the Greater Whitsunday.
Greater Whitsunday Alliance Chief Executive Officer Ms Kylie Porter said the findings confirm what producers, industry and innovators have long recognised - that the region is uniquely positioned to lead practical, on-farm technology adoption.
“This report highlights the strength of the Greater Whitsunday ecosystem and the opportunity we have to accelerate real-world technology adoption across agriculture,” Ms Porter said.
The report highlights that the region’s greatest opportunity lies not in inventing new technologies, but in strengthening the systems that help producers confidently adopt existing technologies that improve efficiency, reduce costs and support better on-farm decision making.
Over the coming year, the Hub will focus on building a coordinated regional AgTech adoption model, bringing together producers, suppliers and service providers through demonstrations, trials and validation activities that allow technologies to be tested and understood in real production environments.
By improving coordination between industry, government, research and suppliers, the Hub is helping position the Greater Whitsunday as a region that is AgTech-ready, connected and capable of supporting the next generation of agricultural innovation.
Greater Whitsunday Alliance is the region’s peak, independent economic development body committed to making the Mackay, Isaac, Whitsunday region strong for generations.
Revolutionising the experience of working, training, learning and living in remote locations is at the forefront of business development at M&P Services. Their Signature Mobile Cribs are proudly designed and manufactured at their Mackay headquarters, establishing them as a market-leading solution for remote-site facilities. Built to rugged minesite specifications, each mobile crib features robust EPSpanel shells, C2 cyclonic resistance, and a heavyduty offroad base - all fabricated on-site in Mackay’s Diesel Drive factory in Paget.
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Member for Mirani Glen Kelly MP is urging residents across the electorate to have their say as part of Mirani’s Biggest Community Survey, with early results already highlighting key challenges and priorities in local communities.
Mr Kelly said the survey was delivering valuable insights, but stronger participation was needed, particularly from Walkerston and communities within the Isaac Regional Council area.
“The more people who complete the survey, the better we can understand the real issues facing our communities,” Mr Kelly said. “I represent a diverse electorate stretching around the major centres of Mackay and Rockhampton. Too often, our communities feel overlooked, and this survey is about making sure every town and district has a voice.”
Initial findings revealed that 66.7 per cent of respondents in Ooralea reported not having access to enough safe walking and cycling paths, while 54.5 per cent of Sarina respondents said they were very dissatisfied with local community infrastructure, including parks, sporting grounds and the pool. In contrast, 45.5 per cent of Sarina respondents rated Sarina Hospital as excellent, reflecting confidence in local health services.
Across the electorate, residents also raised concerns about limited public transport options, with many saying they feel cut off or underserviced.
Mr Kelly said the early data reinforced the importance of community feedback.
“These results help guide our advocacy, shape our priorities, and ensure we’re pushing for the things that matter most, whether that’s safer pathways, better community infrastructure, reliable public transport, or improved services.”
He encouraged all residents, particularly those in Walkerston and Isaac communities, to take part in the short online survey.
“Every voice matters. If we want better outcomes for our region, we need to hear from as many locals as possible. This is your chance to help shape the future of Mirani,” he said.
The survey is being conducted alongside a Town Hall Roadshow visiting communities across the Mirani electorate.
Residents can take part online at glenkellymp.com.au/biggestsurvey/, by phone on (07) 4806 0700, or by requesting a hard copy from the Mirani Electorate Office.
Member for Mirani Glen Kelly MP is urging residents to complete Mirani’s Biggest Community Survey, as early results highlight key local issues including infrastructure, transport and access to services. Photo supplied
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