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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Swapping sub-zero winter temperatures in the New England North-West Region of New South Wales, for the balmy, tropical warmth of North Queensland has been a deeply energising experience, according to new Principal at St Anne’s Catholic Primary School, Sarina.
Formerly Principal of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Warialda, NSW for the past three years, Mr Mathew Mills and his young family relocated to Sarina to take up the new role at the start of the school year.
“Stepping into the role of Principal at St Anne’s has been both an honour and a deeply energising experience,” Mr Mills said.
“From the moment I arrived, I felt warmly welcomed by students, staff, and families and it has been a privilege to begin building relationships with a community so committed to learning and wellbeing.”
“I am excited to listen, learn, and understand the strengths, hopes, and aspirations that shape our school community,” he said.
With a focus on fostering a culture of trust, collaboration and high expectations, Mr Mills said he was committed to continuing to nurture an inclusive, faith-filled environment at St Anne’s where each person is given the opportunity to know God and grow as a learner in a welcoming and safe community.
“I look forward to working alongside our dedicated teaching professionals and caring support staff to strengthen teaching and learning, support student growth, and ensure our school continues to be a place where every child feels known, valued, and supported,” he said.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity, and I am grateful for the chance to lead and serve this community,” Mr Mills said.
As scam activity continues to rise, Australians are increasingly being targeted by criminals using sophisticated tactics, fear and urgency to exploit trust.
Local bank, Auswide Bank, is urging the community and its customers to be wary, particularly as impersonation scams become more prevalent and convincing.
An impersonation scam occurs when a criminal pretends to be from a trusted organisation to trick someone into handing over money or personal information. The scammer may claim to be from a telecommunications provider, a tech company, a government department or a bank.
In many cases, the scammer will claim there is a problem requiring urgent attention such as an unpaid bill, compromised account, suspicious transactions or a security issue that needs to be fixed immediately. Their goal is to create panic and pressure their victim into acting quickly, before they have time to stop and question the situation.
When it comes to banking, impersonation scams have become increasingly common, with fraudsters posing as members of a bank’s fraud or security team. Customers may receive a call warning of suspicious activity on their account and be instructed to transfer funds to a so-called “safe account”, share a one-time SMS security code, or download software to protect their device. In reality, these actions hand control directly to the scammer.
Damian Hearne, General Manager at Auswide Bank, said impersonation scams are one of the fastest-growing threats facing customers.
“Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the way they mimic legitimate organisations,” Mr Hearne said. “They often create a sense of urgency, telling customers their money is at immediate risk. It’s important to remember that a bank will never ask for passwords, PINs or one-time security codes. If something doesn’t feel right, hang up and call the official number listed on our website, or on the back of your bank card.”
Criminals often intensify the pressure by urging customers not to speak to anyone else or to act immediately. To counter this, Auswide Bank promotes a simple message: Stop, Check, Protect. Stop and take a breath before responding. Check that the caller is genuine by ending the call and contacting the organisation directly using its official number. Protect yourself by never sharing personal or sensitive information, and by contacting your bank straight away if something feels wrong.
Mr Hearne said customers should feel confident seeking support if they are ever unsure about a call, email or message they’ve received from someone claiming to be from Auswide Bank.
“Many scams rely on isolation,” Ms Hearne said. “If there is ever any doubt, we encourage customers to give us a call or visit their local branch. No question is too small, and having a simple conversation can, in some cases, prevent significant financial loss.”
If you ever suspect you might be the victim of a scam, contact your bank immediately and report the scam to Scamwatch via their website, www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.
Wake House Australia has been named the successful applicant for the Mackay Isaac region under the 2026 Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
The funding, delivered through the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, will see more than $7.6 million invested in regional tourism infrastructure projects across the state.
Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Jeff Stewart-Harris said the organisation welcomed the news, having supported a number of strong submissions in the first funding round.
“We congratulate Wake House Australia on this outstanding achievement,” Mr Stewart-Harris said.
“While we had several submissions from across our region, it’s fantastic to see regional Queensland benefit from this fund, and even more so to see our own region recognised. The Queensland Government’s four-year commitment to the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund provides confidence for our industry. We’re excited to see how this strengthens opportunities for more Mackay Isaac projects in future rounds.”
Wake House Australia Managing Director Amanda Pelagalli said the funding would fast-track planned improvements at the Andergrove Lakes facility.
“This funding allows us to progress upgrades that will significantly elevate the Wake House experience for both locals and international visitors alike,” Mrs Pelagalli said.
“We’re incredibly proud to represent the Mackay Isaac region and grateful for the government’s investment in regional tourism growth as part of the Destination 2045 plan.”
The Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund supports projects including new attractions, upgrades to visitor facilities, eco-lodges, glamping, agritourism and nature-based experiences. The program aims to attract more visitors to regional areas, encourage longer stays and increase local spending.
Further information about the fund and statewide recipients is available via the Queensland Government website.
CAPTION: Lakeside Cafe at Wake House Australia. Photo supplied
Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
MP Michelle Landry celebrated International Women’s Day this year by turning the spotlight on all the incredible women of Capricornia.
“I want to recognise the incredible women who make our region what it is.” Michelle said.
“Through all of Capricornia, I see women every day running small businesses, working on the land, caring for their families, leading in our schools and health services, and volunteering in our community groups. You are the backbone of our region.”
Michelle also highlighted the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, Give to Gain, which encourages participants to forge gender equality through abundant giving.
Built on a mindset of generosity and collaboration, Give To Gain emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, the theory goes, opportunities and support for women increase.
“Giving is not a subtraction,” claim the International Women’s Day organisation.
“It's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.”
1,2,3 – MP Michelle Landry celebrates International Women’s Day surrounded by the strong, wonderful women of Capricornia. Photo credit: Facebook.
Earlier this year, Michelle Landry MP welcomed the successful grant application for the Walkerston–Pleystowe Returned and Services League Sub-Branch, securing $7,809 to restore and replace deteriorated plaques at the Greenmount Avenue of Honour.
The project will see the replacement of plaques that have been in place since 1948 and have significantly deteriorated over time due to age and exposure to the elements. The restoration will ensure the service and sacrifice of veterans continues to be properly recognised and preserved for future generations.
Ms Landry said the Avenue of Honour holds deep historical and emotional significance for the local community.
“The Greenmount Avenue of Honour is a powerful reminder of the service personal from our region who served our nation,” Ms Landry said.
“These plaques have stood for more than 75 years, and it’s important we preserve them with the dignity and respect our veterans deserve. I’m proud to support this funding, which will help ensure their legacy is not lost to time.”
Ms Landry praised the Walkerston–Pleystowe RSL Sub-Branch for their dedication to honouring veterans and maintaining important local memorials.
“The work done by the RSL Sub-Branch is invaluable. This project is about more than maintenance, it’s about remembrance, respect, and ensuring future generations understand the sacrifices made for our freedoms,” she said.
The funding will allow the Sub-Branch to replace the plaques while maintaining the historical integrity of the Avenue of Honour, ensuring it remains a place of reflection and remembrance for the community.
Ms Landry reaffirmed her ongoing commitment to supporting veterans, their families, and organisations that work to preserve Australia’s military history.
1 – New plaques will soon be in place to better honour local veterans. Photo supplied
Tec-NQ House in Townsville is celebrated as one of Queensland’s premier boarding facilities, specially designed to support students enrolled in Tec-NQ's co-educational senior school program. This state-of-the-art facility accommodates up to 40 male students, offering a comprehensive boarding experience for students from across regional and remote Queensland.
The design of Tec-NQ House promotes inclusivity and social interaction, creating a nurturing and homely environment. The facility features advanced security systems, double occupancy rooms with semi-private areas, and modern indoor and outdoor communal spaces for students to relax and interact.
Tec-NQ House offers extracurricular activities, such as a half court, pool table, yarning circle, basic gym equipment, gaming console and more. Weekend activities can vary from group sports, to attending the movies or going to the beach.
For families passing through Townsville, personal and individual tours of our boarding house and senior school campus can be arranged by contacting our dedicated team on info@tecnq.com.au or (07) 4779 2199.
Tec-NQ is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), independent senior secondary school and accredited boarding school with extensive industry networks to deliver trade-based career opportunities for North Queensland students.
Delivering Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) outcomes, Tec-NQ offers Senior School and Boarding School for Years 10 to 12, providing an alternative to traditional schooling while achieving comparable outcomes in a work-based training setting.
The school’s curriculum is designed to support ‘active’ learning, engaging students directly with professional academic and trade-qualified facilitators. With integrated work placements woven into the school timetable, Tec-NQ presents a compelling option for students seeking a distinctive educational experience that prepares them for both academic and vocational success.
For a unique senior school and boarding solution with an out-of-the-box approach, you can’t look past Tec-NQ.
At an inspiring reception at the Neighbourhood Hub on March 12th, sponsors, organisers, and charity representatives gathered to launch the 2026 Mayor’s Charity Ball.
The glamorous 007 Casino Royale themed event will raise money for the Salvation Army and the Neighbourhood Hub, which will have a profound impact on the less fortunate in our community.
Mayor Greg Williamson said “This ball since its inception has raised $1 million and we're hoping to add significantly to that this year . With fifteen wonderful sponsors on board what we hope to do this year is to just up the ante a little bit!”
All funds raised from this year’s Mayor’s Charity Ball will go directly to The Neighbourhood Hub and The Salvation Army’s Family Violence Service.
Pioneer Valley is experiencing significant growth, with its population rising by 16% since 2013. Local resident Erin Sinnamon believes the time is right to better serve the community by establishing an ambulance station, and she has launched a petition that now has the support of Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly.
Currently, the nearest ambulance stations are located in Finch Hatton and Paget, leaving some areas—such as Marian—with response times exceeding 20 minutes.
Mr Kelly expressed his backing for the petition, emphasizing that he understands the urgent need for an ambulance presence in the Valley.
“These communities are right smack in the middle of the coverage area of two other ambulance
stations, that can cause delays in response time,” Mr Kelly said.
“This region is growing, and there’s more houses to come over the next few years so there’s
definitely a growing demand.
“With council planning on expanding the mountain bike trail up the mountain, there’s definitely a
risk that the ambulance from Finch Hatton could be out on a call and another needed up in there, so
having one here in the Valley would be a way to expand that accessibility.
“This is something that there’s been multiple attempts over the years to try and get for the Valley,
because of how long it takes to get from Paget out to places like Mirani and Marian.
“The Pioneer Valley is one of the places that people can live, and having the surety of these services provides confidence to people building and moving out to the area.”
Erin’s petition has garnered over 1600 signatures on change.org thus far.
“There have been a couple of separate pushes over the years to get an Ambulance Station in the
Valley, but there’s been population increases in the area, and all it takes is a delay and something
serious could happen,” Ms Sinnamon said.
“People have unfortunately passed away when ambulance delays have resulted in ambulances
taking up to 75 minutes to respond to an emergency in the Pioneer Valley.
“Our paramedics work hard, and all it takes for something to happen up in Finch Hatton or Eungella for the ambulance up there to get tied up and people left waiting on an ambulance.”
In 2010, a Devereux Creek man tragically passed away after following a minor heart attack with a 75 minute wait for an ambulance.
The petition is available here: change.org/p/help-bring-an-additional-emergency-
services-station-to-the-pioneer-valley-qld
1 – Erin Sinnamon and MP Glen Kelly meet to discuss the petition. Photo supplied
Contributed with thanks to the office of Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, has welcomed the election of Senator the Hon Matt Canavan as Leader of The Nationals; asserting that the new leadership team will deliver the straight talk and fiscal discipline Australians are crying out for.
Mr Willcox said he is pleased to see a fellow Queenslander at the helm who shares his passion for regional Australia.
"Matt Canavan is a man of conviction and a proud Queenslander who understands that our country is at a crossroads. We have a fantastic working relationship; I know he will fight to ensure that regional industries, from our miners to our farmers, are never again treated as an afterthought by the city-centric Labor Government."
The change in leadership signals a shift toward a 'More Australia' policy: an unapologetic focus on Australian jobs, Australian resources, and Australian families. Mr Willcox noted that this is not new thinking for The Nationals, but rather a return to the conservative roots that the party has always championed.
"For too long, the 'all or nothing' approach to renewables has been bankrupting this nation and driving up the cost of living. We want practical environmental protection: an energy grid that uses the best models in the world by blending a solid base load of power with renewables.
“To drive down inflation, we must have real fiscal responsibility and reliable, affordable energy; not a reckless rush that leaves our manufacturers and families in the dark."
Mr Willcox, who remains the Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability, said the 'More Australia' approach is vital for the survival of local industry.
"If we want a future made in Australia, we have to reduce the crippling energy costs that are killing our factories. We also need to get serious about sovereign capability by stopping the dumping of cheap, finished steel products from overseas. Our manufacturing sector needs to be restored and revived; as Matt Canavan says, it is time to go 'hyper Australia' and bring back Aussie-made goods."
Beyond the halls of Parliament, Mr Willcox emphasised that the role of a Federal Member is about looking after the vulnerable on the ground.
"National policy is only one part of the job. My priority remains helping the people of Dawson navigate the complex systems of the NDIS, the ATO, Aged Care, Centrelink, and more. When people vote, they are looking for a representative who has their back when they are struggling with the bureaucracy.
“Only a Coalition government has the structure and the heart to hold Labor to account while providing that high level of direct assistance to the shopkeepers, the salary earners, and the families who are the bedrock of our nation."
Mr Willcox also paid tribute to the outgoing leader, David Littleproud MP, describing him as a mentor and a mate.
"David is proud by name and by nature. He has been a strong force in steering the Nationals and was a fierce voice within the Coalition; particularly in his campaign to abandon net zero and put the interests of the bush first. He has earned the right to return his focus to his family and his electorate of Maranoa, and I thank him for his years of dedicated service."
Mr Willcox congratulated the broader leadership team, including Deputy Leader the Hon Darren Chester MP and Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, who continues her vital role as Leader of The Nationals in the Senate.
"This is a team of patriots who will listen to the people we represent, whether it is fashionable in the city or not. We are here to defend what we believe in and to put Australians first."
L-R: Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP, Nationals Leader Senator the Hon Matt Canavan, and Deputy Leader the Hon Darren Chester MP; the team focused on delivering a hyper Australia that prioritises regional families, restores sovereign manufacturing, and brings back reliable, affordable energy. Photo supplied
Mackay residents have been left shaken after two sexual assaults were confirmed at a popular beach and trail area during February, prompting police to urge anyone with information to come forward.
The first incident occurred between 13 and 21 February, when a 27-year-old woman was approached by an unknown man on the Bluewater Trail near Illuka Park. The second took place on 3 February, involving a 53-year-old woman in the Town Beach area.
In both cases, the women were approached from behind and subjected to violence before being sexually assaulted.
Both matters have been reported, and the women are receiving appropriate support.
Police are appealing for anyone who may have been in the Bluewater Trail, Illuka Park, or Town Beach areas around the relevant dates and noticed anything suspicious to contact authorities.
Investigators are particularly interested in CCTV, dashcam, or other footage from nearby streets, car parks, or walking tracks.
Proactive patrols are underway in these areas as investigations continue, however, police encourage members of the public using walking trails and beach areas to remain alert and aware of their surroundings, and to consider exercising with others where possible.
Investigations remain ongoing at the time of publication.
Hey Mackay!
I’m Suzanna, a new journalist with the Life Publishing team.
Having arrived here just six weeks ago from England, settling in has been a whirlwind but the welcome could not have been warmer. I am blown away by not just the beauty of the region but the sense of community here, and the richness of the stories that have been so readily shared with me.
A local boatie I interviewed on one of my first days told me that the Australian spirit was about ‘showing up, and helping a mate,’ and I see this is alive and well around Mackay.
It was so special for me to attend the launch of the Mayor’s Ball at the Neighbourhood Hub last week and meet such engaged, optimistic members of the community rallying to support the vulnerable; through the ball but also countless other initiatives including Dancing with Heart, which takes place this weekend.
The Mayor’s Ball launch event was inspiring and I was especially moved by Mayor Williamson’s speech. His voice was full of emotion when talking about the work of the ball’s newest fundraising recipient, The Neighbourhood Hub, whose team members go above and beyond in their role, feeding the hungry, providing spaces and support for children and families, and serving the community with a smile.
Life Publishing are thrilled to be the Mayor’s Ball media partner this year. We will be counting down the days to the event, and encouraging everyone we meet to grab a ticket and get glammed up.
It is an honour to be trusted with the story, as it is with every story we have the privilege of sharing.
Thanks for the warm welcome, Mackay!
Residents in the McKinlay Shire Council area impacted by recent flooding can now access financial support after the activation of Personal Hardship Assistance by the Australian Government and the Queensland Government.
The assistance, delivered through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), provides immediate financial relief for people affected by flooding, helping cover emergency essentials and early recovery costs.
Eligible residents can access emergency hardship payments of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for families of five or more to help pay for necessities such as food, clothing and medicine.
Additional grants may also be available for some residents, particularly those who are uninsured or on lower incomes. These include assistance to reconnect essential services, replace flood-damaged whitegoods and undertake urgent repairs needed to make homes safe and habitable.
The support has also been activated for other affected regions across Queensland, including Bundaberg, Carpentaria, Doomadgee, Douglas and Western Downs, as flood impacts continue to be assessed.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the government was working closely with the state to provide assistance to impacted communities.
“As the floodwaters recede and we learn more about the impacts, we’ll continue activating the support measures Queensland needs,” Minister McBain said.
“The financial assistance we’re announcing today will give people a start on their recovery journey and hopefully raise their spirits in the face of this adversity.
“This has been a tough start to the year for so many communities in Queensland and I want them to know that the Albanese Government has their back.”
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said expanding support for affected residents remained a priority.
“This disaster season has been tough for our state, but by swiftly activating support will ensure the recovery process can be smoother for those affected,” Minister Leahy said.
Residents can check eligibility or apply for assistance online at disaster.qld.gov.au or by calling the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
CAPTION: Several roads were cut by flood waters across the region, isolating residents in communities like those in McKinlay. Photo source: Facebook
This spectacular photograph of a Flatback Turtle was recently reported on the Eye on the Reef sightings network by a tour guide at Cape Tribulation, leading a push up and down the coast to share any wildlife sightings from the top to the bottom of the reef.
Since 1980, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has been committed to conserving Flatback turtles through long-term monitoring of their critical nesting site. They only nest in Australian waters feeding on soft corals, sea pens and jellyfish often in the inter-reefal area (the waters between the Reef and the shore).
Who knows what wonders are waiting in our waters here in the Whitsundays?
Submitting valuable data about wildlife, reef health, and incidents out on the water can better help scientists protect our reef, so visitors and locals alike are encouraged to download the free Eye On The Reef app and share any wildlife you see.
1- A rare flatback turtle spotting drives a rally for more reporting on the reef. Photo: Facebook
New research from James Cook University (JCU) has found that winter conditions may play a significant role in determining how coral on the Great Barrier Reef responds to heat stress during the following summer.
The study, recently published in the journal Coral Reefs, suggests coral bleaching is influenced not only by extreme summer temperatures but also by ocean conditions months earlier during the cooler season.
JCU researcher Valerie Cornet, who led the study, said most forecasting tools currently focus on summer temperatures when predicting bleaching events.
“Most bleaching prediction tools focus on summer heat and assume that corals start each summer in the same condition,” Ms Cornet said.
“We wanted to see how cooler seasons, particularly winter, influence bleaching in the following summer.”
The research team analysed aerial and in-water bleaching observations along with sea surface temperature data across the central Great Barrier Reef between Townsville and Port Douglas, focusing on the 2016 and 2017 bleaching seasons.
Study supervisor Scott Heron said those years provided a unique opportunity to examine how coral responds to repeated heat stress.
“The scale and severity of these mass bleaching events were unprecedented, affecting vast areas of the reef,” Professor Heron said.
“This gave us a rare opportunity to study how repeated heat stress and recovery periods interacted, including effects before summer conditions set in.”
The research found that prolonged warmer winter temperatures can worsen bleaching in the following summer, while moderate winter warmth may actually help corals cope better with future heat.
“It’s a Goldilocks range –– it’s not too hot, not too cold, it’s just right,” Professor Heron said.
“We think that corals living in these conditions might be better prepared for a stressful summer because they are exposed to a little bit of prior heat.”
Researchers say incorporating winter conditions into reef monitoring systems could improve early warning systems and help guide future reef protection efforts.
Heart Reef View Great Barrier Reef Stock Photo 2512856481 | Shutterstock
CAPTION: 2016 and 2017 were the first consecutive years of severe bleaching on the GBR. Photo credit: Mikael Djavadi
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