$2 Million Package Strengthens Homeless Support In Mackay

It’s been a significant week for Mackay, with the Government confirming a $2 million funding boost aimed at supporting vulnerable residents and local homelessness services. The package includes $1 million for Chances House, the city’s key drop-in centre, and $1 million for additional specialist services across Mackay and the Whitsundays.

Premier David Crisafulli said the investment offers a “fresh start” for Queenslanders, while Housing Minister Sam O’Connor emphasised backing frontline services and rebuilding the state’s housing system. Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton described the funding as a vital boost for the region, and Chances CEO Kayleigh Brewster welcomed the support, saying it ensures services can operate safely and sustainably.

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Mackay Receives Lifeline Funding For Homelessness Services

The Government has announced a $2 million funding boost to support some of Mackay’s most vulnerable residents, ensuring essential homelessness services can continue to operate and expand.

The funding includes a $1 million grant to Chances House, also known as the Australian Street Aid Project, delivering on an election commitment to back local organisations supporting Queenslanders experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Chances House is a vital drop-in centre in Mackay that provides meals, support, and referrals to those doing it tough. Since July 1, more than 3,730 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness have been assisted by Specialist Homelessness Services in the Mackay and Whitsunday region.

A further $1 million will support six additional specialist homelessness services across the Mackay and Whitsundays, forming part of the government’s record $589 million, five-year investment in crisis accommodation and frontline housing support.

Premier David Crisafulli said the funding reflects the government’s commitment to delivering a “fresh start” for Queenslanders.

“We are delivering a fresh start by investing in the services to help Queenslanders get back on their feet and have a roof over their head,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“Through the delivery of more support for crisis accommodation and specialist homelessness support services, we can help deliver a place to call home for more Queenslanders.

“This is about ensuring there is help available for vulnerable Queenslanders when and where it’s needed most.”

Minister for Housing Sam O’Connor said the government was rebuilding the state’s housing system with record investment in frontline services.

“Labor’s social housing waitlist grew by more than 80% over their decade of decline but we’re rebuilding the system with record funding and backing specialist homelessness services who do incredible work every day supporting our most vulnerable,” Minister O’Connor said.

“Chances is one of those vital hubs for local people doing it tough, offering a safe place to have a meal, a shower and access the internet, as well as referrals to essential services including housing.

“This investment locks in funding for day-to-day operations allowing the team to concentrate on helping vulnerable people, rather than fundraising.”

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the funding would make a real difference to local residents struggling amid the housing crisis.

“Under the Crisafulli Government we’re putting resources where they’re needed – on the frontline,” Mr Dalton said.

“After years of rising homelessness under Labor, this $2 million package – including $1 million for Chances – means local services can focus on helping Mackay residents get back on their feet and into a safe place to live.”

Chances CEO Kayleigh Brewster welcomed the announcement, saying the funding would ensure the organisation could continue its vital work supporting the community.

“Having relied on community support for the past seven years, we are very relieved and grateful for this funding opportunity,” Ms Brewster said.

“It enables us to better meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness in our community and, for the first time since establishment, we are supported to provide our many vital services in a safer and more sustainable way.”

The funding forms part of the Government’s record $589 million investment into crisis accommodation and homelessness services across Queensland, ensuring help is available where it’s needed most.

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L-R: Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton, Minister for Housing Sam O’Connor, Chances CEO Kayleigh Brewster and Premier David Crisafulli. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

The Queensland Government has pledged $2 million to Mackay homelessness services—including $1 million to Chances House—to help vulnerable residents access meals, support, and housing, as part of a broader $589 million statewide investment in crisis accommodation and frontline services. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton

Premier David Crisafulli

Chances CEO Kayleigh Brewster.

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Hi lovely readers!

How great does our new design look?

It’s vibrant, fresh, and a wonderful change!

If you couldn’t already tell, the green and blue hues reflect our stunning Great Barrier Reef and vibrant hinterland.

We live in such an incredible part of the world. I even watched a YouTube video recently with my husband Adam titled Top Places To Visit in Australia, and Cape Hillsborough and the Whitsunday Islands made the list!

While we may complain about the summer heat, deep down, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

One of the things I love most about this paper is how it highlights the very best of our region.

The Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards were held last Friday, and you can read all about it on page 21. It’s been a big week for our region: Premier David Crissifulli visited Chances House, announcing $2 million for frontline homeless services (page 3), and on page 4, you’ll read about a community cabinet discussion on key areas of regional growth held right here in Mackay.

So many positive developments instill a real sense of community pride. Funny enough, 10 years ago my parents packed up our house in Melbourne and moved here for the lifestyle, and now as I grow older, I completely understand why!

I love our region. Yes, there’s bad news everywhere, but if you don’t appreciate what you have, you’ll never enjoy where you are.

Scripture of the week: “In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” – Proverbs 16:9

Have a blessed week!

Hannah

A local mother has taken to a community page to express her gratitude to a stranger who came to her son’s aid following a serious scooter accident.

Her 14-year-old son had fallen from his e-scooter on a Mirani street and was left unconscious on the road. The quick action of a passerby ensured he received help in what could have been a far worse situation.

“To the gentleman that picked my 14yr old son up off the road unconscious out Mirani recently from an e-scooter incident, I am eternally grateful to you for helping him out of an extremely bad situation, that he can go on to live another day,” the mother wrote.

“Thank you so so much, you were my son's guardian angel that day.”

The post has resonated with the local community, with many commenting to acknowledge the stranger’s timely assistance and to reinforce the importance of road safety for young riders.

The mother’s message serves as both a heartfelt thank you and a reminder to families about the potential risks of e-scooters, while highlighting the generosity of a local resident whose quick thinking helped protect a child in need.

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At the National Press Club, The National Party of Australia drew a line in the sand, declaring it will no longer support Labor’s reckless Net Zero target by 2050, calling it unaffordable, unachievable, and unsustainable for Australia’s economic and industrial future.

The Party says Labor’s ideological approach is driving up power prices, costing jobs, and
punishing the regions that keep Australia running.

Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability, Andrew Willcox MP, said
the decision was based on economic reality, not ideology, and a stand for Australian jobs, industry, and energy security.

“Our economy is reliant on energy,” Mr Willcox said.

“And right now, our economy is being strangled by an obsession with targets that do nothing to change the global climate but everything to destroy local jobs and drive up the cost of living.

“Our environment is suffering with forests and farmland being destroyed. We need to bring common sense back to solving climate change.

“Our plan puts Australians first, with cheaper electricity and secure jobs, while still lowering
emissions.”

Under Labor, electricity prices have risen 39 per cent and gas by the same. When power costs go up, it costs more to grow food, to make goods, and to run every household and factory across the nation. For manufacturers, the lifeblood of regional Australia, high and volatile energy prices are not just an inconvenience, they are an existential threat.

“Australia’s manufacturing sector, once a global leader, is now being crushed under the weight of energy policy confusion, rising costs, and the unrealistic burden of Net Zero,” Mr Willcox said.

“Energy volatility and regulatory overreach have driven uncertainty and eroded our competitive
advantage, while ‘carbon leakage’ is pushing production oƯshore to nations with weaker environmental standards and cheaper power.

“Labor’s renewables-only agenda is pushing businesses to the wall while pretending the transition won’t cost jobs. It will, and it already has.”

The crisis unfolding at Tomago Aluminium, where around 1,000 jobs are now in jeopardy, is the  clearest warning yet. The company has confirmed that “future energy prices are not commercially viable”, a devastating reflection of the current government’s policy failures.

“When one of the nation’s biggest energy users says it can’t keep the lights on, that’s not an
isolated problem, that’s a national crisis,” Mr Willcox said.

“If a powerhouse like Tomago can’t lock in aƯordable power, what chance does a small business in Wulguru or Ayr have?”

He said every closure in manufacturing sends shockwaves through the supply chain; suppliers,  transport operators, and small workshops that rely on these industrial anchors.

“Net Zero isn’t a climate plan, it’s a de-industrialisation plan. Every job lost weakens our  sovereign capability and makes us more dependent on imports.”

Australia cannot continue to punish itself for the emissions of others. Australia contributes just
over one per cent of global emissions, while China, the United States, India and Russia account
for roughly 60 per cent — and their emissions are still rising.

“To pretend that Australia can alter the global temperature by taxing our own industries out of
existence is fantasy,” Mr Willcox said.

“If we continue down Labor’s reckless plan, Australians will only feel more pain, with the estimated cost of net zero at $7 to $9 trillion, or $300,000 per Australian.”

“It won’t move the dial on global temperatures one bit.”

Mr Willcox said the National Party will instead focus on policies that deliver affordable, reliable,
and technology-neutral energy, including lifting Australia’s outdated ban on nuclear power to test its commercial viability.

“We support cleaner technology, but not at the cost of common sense,” he said.

“Net Zero has become a slogan, not a solution.

“Australians deserve policy grounded in reality, one that strengthens our industries instead of
strangling them.”

He added that the Nationals remain deeply committed to caring for the environment, because regional Australians live it every day.

“Our farmers are on the frontline of managing and protecting the environment,” Mr Willcox said.

“We want our children and grandchildren to grow up with clean air, healthy soils, and fresh  waterways, and we believe in practical, achievable solutions that protect our environment while
lowering emissions without trashing our economy.

“Australians want light in their homes, power in their factories, and hope for their kids; not  lectures about what car to drive or what to eat,” Mr Willcox said.

“It’s time to stop the experiment and start rebuilding our strength.

“Australia deserves better than Net Zero.”

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Shadow Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability, Andrew Willcox, at the National Party Federal Council in Canberra, standing up for Australian manufacturing and regional jobs, voting no to Labor’s Net Zero plan that threatens industries and livelihoods. Photo supplied

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The Crisafulli Government has brought its fourth Community Cabinet of 2025 to Mackay, taking the opportunity to hear directly from residents, business owners, and community leaders on what matters most to the region. More than 200 people attended the event at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre on Sunday, November 2, where Premier David Crisafulli and Ministers outlined their plan to deliver safety, health services, and economic opportunities for local communities.

Premier Crisafulli said the event was an important opportunity to engage with the community.

"We’re listening to the people of the Mackay Whitsundays to ensure we deliver what matters to them – safety where you live, health services when you need them, a stronger economy and a plan for the future," he said.

"This Mackay Community Cabinet has been a great opportunity to engage with the community to listen to ideas and priorities as we shape the future together."

The Government also highlighted its investment in housing and infrastructure. Through the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund, $41.66 million will unlock eight infrastructure projects in the Mackay-Whitsundays region, delivering 2,977 new homes. A further $44.1 million will expand and improve social and community housing, ensuring more Queenslanders have a safe place to call home.

Health services are also being strengthened with the Mackay Hospital expansion, which will deliver at least 128 new overnight beds as part of the fully-funded Hospital Rescue Plan, alongside upgrades to the hospital’s transit lounge. Employment and training opportunities for young people will benefit from the expansion of the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy, with $2 million establishing regional hubs, the first based in Mackay at the Resources Centre of Excellence.

Last week, the Government also further reinforced its commitment to housing, announcing a record $5.6 billion investment in social and affordable homes across Queensland over the next four years. In the Mackay-Whitsundays region, 141 social and affordable homes are now under contract or in construction, including 18 new social homes in Mackay, with 15 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom units, expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Sam O’Connor said the initiative was part of a statewide plan to deliver 53,500 social and community homes by 2044.

“Projects like this one are vital to meeting the need for social housing for Mackay-Whitsunday locals waiting for a place to call home," he said.

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton enthused that, “These 18 new social homes will be life-changing and provide stability for some of our most vulnerable locals.”

The initiatives are expected to deliver real progress, supporting a stronger and more connected community.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP said, "Every Queensland Minister is on the ground, listening to our community, so we can continue delivering for the Mackay Whitsunday region."

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Photo source: Amanda Camm MP

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Schools across the Mackay region came together last week to celebrate World Teachers’ Day, recognising the dedication and passion of educators shaping the next generation. Students and parents showed their appreciation through parades, morning teas, and gifts.

Fitzgerald State School said it was “a wonderful day where students and parents presented appreciation flowers and balloons, to our Fitzy staff for World Teachers Day, organised by our amazing P & C.”

Beaconsfield State School acknowledged long-serving staff, celebrating 10, 15, and 30-year service milestones, while St Patrick’s College hosted a morning tea highlighting the daily dedication of its teachers.

Whitsunday Anglican State School reflected on the lasting influence of educators.

“To our Whitsunday teachers - thank you for influencing, guiding, and empowering our young people to become the best versions of themselves. Your ability to inspire the leaders of tomorrow is a true gift, and our community is richer because of your care, commitment, and passion.”

“This is our “why” - the reason we teach, the reason we care, and the reason we love what we do.”

Member for Mirani Glen Kelly praised teachers across the region.

“Across the Mirani electorate we are blessed with more than 30 schools filled with dedicated staff who go above and beyond for our kids every day.

“Thank you – you are shaping our future,” he said.

He also singled out Sarina State High School, which celebrated staff reaching 10 and 20-year service milestones with a whole-school parade.

From milestone achievements to everyday dedication, schools across Mackay and the Whitsundays came together to mark the occasion with gratitude and celebration.

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Schools across the region celebrated World Teachers’ Day last week, recognising educators’ dedication and milestones through parades, morning teas, and community appreciation. Photos sourced

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Council is inviting the community to help shape the future of walking, riding and micromobility across the region through its draft Mackay Region Active Transport and Micromobility Plan 2025-2036.

The draft plan sets a long-term vision to make Mackay a walking and riding-friendly region, with safe, convenient and enjoyable paths designed for our tropical climate.

It aims to create a network that connects people to places that matter – schools, shops, parks and public transport – while supporting healthier lifestyles and reducing transport emissions.

Council’s Regional Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Committee Co-chair Cr Karen May said that our region had a growing population which was expected to increase by about 15,000 residents to almost 145,000 by 2036.

“This growth is expected mostly in urban areas where active transport can ease congestion,” Cr May said.

“Active transport isn’t just about environmental responsibility – it also has tremendous economic benefits,” she said.

“On average, every dollar invested in walking interventions returns almost $13 in benefits with traffic decongestion, health and environment. Cycling infrastructure investments also return about five dollars in assorted benefits for every dollar spent.

“This plan considers a lot of key factors, including our younger demographic that is reliant on active transport, our ageing population needing more accessible, walkable neighbourhoods and the rise of micromobility, such as e-scooters.

“With these factors in mind, it’s no surprise that the community’s top priorities included more separated cycleways, wider footpaths and safer crossings.”

Cr May said the community’s input has been instrumental in shaping the plan.

“We’ve heard loud and clear that residents want to walk and ride more – but they need safer, more convenient options to do so,” she said.

This draft follows extensive consultation, including:
• A public survey from March 31 to April 27, 2025, where residents shared their experiences and ideas.
• A targeted stakeholder workshop in May 2025 with schools, youth groups, accessibility advocates and bicycle organisations.
• Survey insights revealed strong support for active transport, with:
• 91.3 per cent of respondents walking for five minutes or more.
• 51 per cent riding in the week prior to the survey.

The draft plan is now open for public comment at connectingmackay.com.au/active-transport, with consultation running from now until 11.59pm, Sunday, November 16, 2025.

Whether you walk, ride, roll or scoot – this is your chance to help design a region that moves better for everyone.

Hard copies on the draft plan are also available at all Mackay Regional Council Libraries and Customer Service Centres.

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The draft plan sets a long-term vision to make Mackay a walking and riding-friendly region, with safe, convenient and enjoyable paths designed for our tropical climate. Photo supplied

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Supporting Men And Boys

In recognition of International Men’s Day and its 2025 theme, “Supporting Men and Boys”, Grapevine Group invites the community to a free safeTALK suicide prevention training session on Saturday, November 15 at 9.30am at Dudley Denny City Library.

“With three out of four suicide deaths being male, there is a dire need for awareness and action”, says Grapevine Group president Debbie Knight.

“We’re offering practical tools in this special session open to men and the people who support them,” Ms Knight said.

Participants will learn how to recognise when someone may be at risk of suicide, how to talk to those experiencing suicidal thoughts, and how to guide them to appropriate support services. The training is designed to empower everyday people; friends, family members, colleagues and teammates to make a difference.

Nationally, there are an estimated 65,000 suicide attempts each year and Grapevine has already trained more than 7,000 people across the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions in suicide prevention.

This International Men’s Day, the community is urged to be part of the solution. safeTALK is open to anyone aged 15 years and older and requires no prior experience.

How to register:

Visit www.grapevinegroup.org.au Or download the Grapevine Group appOrganisations can also request free group on-site training sessions or Suicide Mythbusters toolbox talks for workplaces, sporting clubs, or community groups by emailing training@grapevinegroup.org.au.

If you need to help a mate now, you can find a list of local suicide prevention services on the Grapevine Group app or pick up a Help-a-mate wallet card at any Mackay Regional Council library. All council libraries are designated Help-a-mate Hubs, where individuals and businesses can collect bulk wallet cards to distribute.

Let’s stand together to support men and boys - and help save lives.

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Safe Sleep Mackay is one step closer to providing a safe night’s rest for people sleeping rough, following the arrival of the region’s third Safe Sleep Bus.

The charitable community group, led by volunteers, has spent months working to fit out three buses that will offer temporary overnight refuge for people experiencing homelessness. Each vehicle will feature private, secure sleeping pods designed to provide guests with a place to rest safely, regroup, and begin rebuilding their lives.

Project lead Lisa Jamieson said the team is taking a “slow and steady” approach to ensure everything runs smoothly.

“We’re really making sure that we go slow and steady and that we get the process right,” she said. “So, it’ll only be one bus to start with, and that’s something we will build on.”

The group hopes to have the first bus operational in the New Year, and will be needing ongoing community funding and support to sustain the service. About $50,000 is still needed to complete the fit-outs, covering essentials such as air-conditioning, tyres, batteries, radios, and safety equipment.

Ms Jamieson said the aim is to provide a small but vital respite for those without housing.

“These buses are here as a temporary relief. We know it’s not a permanent solution, but we’re doing everything we can to provide a safe place for people to sleep,” she said.

“Sleep changes everything. That little bit of sleep is going to make a real difference to those who are sleeping rough.”

“Right now, we’re calling on the community to help us in any way they can to get the final equipment needed so we can get these buses up and running on the road.”

Local business DGH Engineering has provided space and technical assistance to help get the vehicles ready.

“We’re very happy to be part of the project and help out where we can,” said DGH Workshop Manager Cameron Horn.

“We think it’s an excellent service for the community, and something that’s really needed on the streets.”

While the initiative has widespread support, frontline homelessness service representatives have raised concerns about practical and safety risks.

One local service leader said that safety risks are heightened for vulnerable groups, particularly single women experiencing violence, if multiple individuals are placed on a bus without trained staff.

They emphasised that “innovative responses to homelessness are vital, but they must be safe, sustainable, and realistically deliverable.”

Balancing these concerns, the same representative also acknowledged the good intentions behind the project.

“The initiative is clearly a well-intentioned response to a deeply felt need in our community, and it’s heartening to see local support and generosity behind it.

“At the same time, given the complexity of homelessness and the vulnerability of those experiencing it, I do hold significant concerns about how the project will operate in practice – particularly around safety, sustainability, and alignment with existing services.”

Safe Sleep Mackay continues to call for donations of materials, labour, and funding to help complete the buses. Those wishing to assist can visit www.chancesmackay.org/ssm or follow Safe Sleep Mackay on Facebook.

With continued community generosity, the group hopes to have Mackay’s first Safe Sleep Bus in service early in the new year, offering a small but meaningful step toward ensuring everyone in the region has access to a safe night’s sleep.

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Safe Sleep Mackay is preparing to launch its first of three buses in the New Year, offering temporary overnight refuge for people sleeping rough..

Safe Sleep Mackay Volunteer Antoinette du Toit, Project lead Lisa Jamieson and DGH Workshop Manager Cameron Horn. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Mackay Regional Councillor Nathenea McRae has called for the $4.1 million in fines issued to residents who failed to vote in the recent council by-election to be redirected back to Mackay Regional Council, helping to offset the $566,101.13 cost of running the election.

Cr McRae’s motion, passed by Council in September, proposes that “the money received by the ECQ from non-voting fines associated with the council by-election be redirected to Mackay Council to reimburse the full cost of conducting the by-election,” and that “the State Government give consideration to establishing a legislative or administrative mechanism to ensure that future by-election costs incurred by local governments can be offset where there is significant fine revenue generated by the ECQ.”

Cr McRae said the idea came after learning how many residents had not voted and the large sum that would be collected through fines.

“When I saw the figures come in, I thought it was quite shocking… 24,766 people didn’t vote,” Cr McRae said.

“With fines at $166.90 each, that’s about $4.1 million in revenue. Meanwhile, ratepayers have had to cover more than half a million dollars to run the by-election.”

She acknowledged that while the proposal was unprecedented, it was worth pursuing in the interests of fairness and community benefit.

“There’s no precedent for this kind of request, and it’s never happened before,” she said.

“I do acknowledge it’s unlikely the proposal will be accepted, but even by raising the matter, it might prompt broader discussions about electoral funding and voter engagement strategies.”

Cr McRae said her motivation was simply to ensure ratepayer funds are directed toward improving local services rather than covering state-managed election costs.

“We can only try for the people, and that’s what I’m here for, to represent them,” she said.

“If we could get this win, I would be extremely proud…It would be amazing because that money could be redirected into things like our roads, parks, housing, workforce development and other community priorities.”

Letters of support have been sent to the Attorney-General and the Minister for Local Government, Meaghan Scanlon, with Council now awaiting a formal response.

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Mackay Regional Councillor Nathanea McRae is calling for $4.1 million in by-election fines to be redirected back to Council to offset the $566,101.13 election cost, arguing the funds should support local services. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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About six months ago I attended a family budget strategy meeting where the chief financial officer decided it would be in the best interests of everyone for me to be allocated a set cash payment each week to cover certain personal expenses.

The family’s chief financial officer (CFO) explained that the system up until then, in which I simply swiped a credit card to cover every personal expense, did not give me an adequate awareness of how much I was spending every week.

Under the new strategy I can continue to use the card for work/car/family expenses but the cash is used for random personal expenses … buying breakfast, shouting lunch for a few colleagues, having a few beers with my mate Lawrie after open homes on a Saturday afternoon.

The CFO, who has an additional role as my wife, pointed out that while the specific cash allocation was certainly generous, it ensured I kept an eye on, and perhaps tempered, what I was actually spending.

I’m going to Brisbane for four days next month to attend the Ashes Test at the GABBA with a group of Mackay mates and it will be a social event that will involve entertainment expenses. The CFO said it will be a good opportunity to set aside a decent portion of the cash allocation in the weeks leading up to the trip and use it  to cover those expenses. Apparently that is called “saving up”.

The CFO’s new system has been going well, although it is as though a dinosaur has walked up to the counter when I go to pay. In the past you had to specify if you were paying with a credit card; these days you are the weirdo saying “I’ll pay that with cash thanks”.

Payment is made through what used to be called a cash register but, from what I can tell, is now known as a Point of Sale System, or POS.

Anyway, I was at Zambreros in the city recently when there was some sort of a technical breakdown which meant their POS system could not process credit card payments. Only cash.

Everyone in line, except for one person, only had credit cards to pay for their meals. Staff were trying to get customers to download the Zambreros app that would  allow them to pay with credit cards.

The young woman in front of me said that she was using someone else’s card and did not have her mobile phone so could not do the app thing.

Of course, Cash Man was standing there with some fifties in his wallet and felt sorry for the young woman, so he paid for her two burritos as well as his own. The young woman was very appreciative and it was another reminder for me of how good it feels to help someone out.

Surprisingly, there is a real estate point to all of this. We too have embraced the digital age. We send listing documents and contracts through DocuSign, which means there is no need to be face-to-face as it is all signed digitally.

A link to a digital offer to purchase form is automatically texted to the mobile phones of all attendees after our open homes.

It’s all very digitally delightful and I am more than happy with it but it isn’t particularly personal and it doesn’t work for everyone. I like to have physical offer to purchase forms at open homes so people can actually use a pen and write on them if they want.

There are some clients who prefer me to sit with them and go through the listing documents and explain things in person before they sign … and I like it too because it deepens the connection and ensures the sellers know exactly what’s going on.

And when the work is done and the sellers are happy with the result, it’s a similar feeling to buying the girl those burritos. It feels good to help.

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You often hear me say “I love where I live” and that’s for many reasons, one being the Great Barrier Reef (GBR).

I recently had the opportunity to attend this year’s Reef Forum 2050. The forum had 100 stakeholders from Federal, State and Local Government, as well as scientists and academia, statisticians, natural resource management groups, business and tourist operators and, of course, recreational fishing representatives.

We saw the timeline for the past 50 years that the Marine Park Authority have achieved to protect the health of the GBR for future generations.  This forum was a check-in, looking from where we have come from to where we are at now and where we want to be by 2050.

The GBR is natural and living; so many of us have visited it, fished and researched it.  However, the world’s eyes are upon it, and it is at risk of ending up on the endangered list.

You might think that’s great, as it will be preserved for the future. Yes, it will, but in my opinion the use we currently have may not be the use we get and could be heavily restricted, and public access may be no more, should it be listed endangered.

So, what can we do? We must maintain the health of the reef so that it doesn’t decline any more, we must listen to our traditional custodians and collaborate with many stakeholders.  We must work together to achieve better water quality from the agriculture and Local Government sectors. For anglers, we must ensure our catch limits are monitored, and we need to ensure any pressures like heat stress, crown of thorn starfish and weather events that impact the GBR are managed and mitigated.

Tourist operators are already great stewards, reporting and maintaining their areas above what is required to ensure they are doing their part.  Commercial fishers have had changes in their sectors and realise they must tread lightly, or the resource will not be there into the future.  Recreational Fishers also must play their part and so should you.

I look forward to seeing the outcomes from this forum and see the new ways of doing things on the GBR to make sure it is healthy into the future.

Councillor Alison Jones, email Cr.Alison.Jones@mackay.qld.gov.au

Let’s Chat – Council Connect
Residents can catch up with councillors in person at upcoming Let’s Chat - Council Connect sessions held across the region.  The next session will be at Mackay Regional Council's Mirani office (20 Victoria Street) from 5.30pm on November 18.
Details on upcoming sessions can be found on the Connecting Mackay website.

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Discussions around sugar marketing and governance have resurfaced following the recent Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) Annual General Meeting, where proposed constitutional changes prompted differing views between CANEGROWERS representatives and miller members, including Wilmar Sugar and Renewables.

Plane Creek Area Committee Chairman Kevin Borg said that growers across Queensland are “growing tired of conflict in the sugar marketing space.”

Mr Borg said the CANEGROWERS Plane Creek Area Committee, whose members supply Wilmar Plane Creek Mill, were disappointed at the outcome of a vote at the QSL AGM.

As a QSL Grower Representative Member for Plane Creek, Mr Borg spoke at the meeting on 21 October, saying it was time for QSL to “take the gloves off.”

Mr Borg stated that QSL sought to change its constitution to have members’ right to vote based on the amount of sugar they market through the body, aligning voting rights with those who use its services. He explained that currently, millers have a voting right based on their suppliers’ Grower Economic Interest (GEI) sugar – a clause dating back to the single-desk marketing era.

Mr Borg said, “Millers Wilmar and MSF voted down proposed changes to the QSL constitution. These mills market the entirety of their Mill Economic Interest sugar production through their own marketing arms, having no interest in the future of QSL except as a competitor.”

He added, “Whilst we don’t have an issue with these millers using their own marketing arm, it remains an issue that they refuse to have their right to vote based on present day throughputs and not based on a constitution that was fit for the past regulated, non-competitive era.”

“As competitors to QSL, this gives them control within the QSL organisation and an opportunity to white-ant the organisation from within,” Mr Borg said.

He commended millers who supported the proposed constitutional vote, adding, “I commend those Millers – Mackay Sugar, Bundaberg Sugar and Isis Sugar – who supported the vote and have shown common sense and a willingness to work with industry.”

Mr Borg further stated,“STL has already gone down the path of removing QSL as Bulk Sugar Terminal Operator as of 30 June 2026, giving STL a monopoly control of Queensland’s sugar terminal ownership and operations.”

Mr Borg said, “Lack of investment in our mill is also a thorn in growers’ sides, causing longer season lengths and thus reduced crops, this being a root cause of growers choosing leaving the industry.”

In response to Mr Borg’s comments, a Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesperson stated that, “Half of the miller members did not support QSL’s proposed constitution changes, including Wilmar.

“QSL members have rights to influence only a small number of governance matters. Importantly, these voting rights do not provide strategic or operational control of QSL’s marketing activities.

“Under the sugar industry regulatory framework, all millers are – and will remain – inextricably linked to QSL in its role as a marketer, irrespective of their marketing decisions.

“It’s important for miller members to retain their limited voting rights to protect their legitimate interests as supply chain participants.

“Wilmar does not have a controlling interest in Sugar Terminals Limited (STL).”

Both CANEGROWERS and Wilmar have reiterated their commitment to the long-term sustainability of Queensland’s sugar industry, despite differences in opinion on how marketing structures and governance should evolve.

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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ Proserpine Mill crushed out early Saturday morning, bringing an end to a successful season.

It was the second of Wilmar’s eight sugar factories to finish the 2025 season.
Proserpine Mill Manager Operations Cory O’Shea said the last bin went through the tippler
at 6.30am Saturday (1 November).

“In total, we processed 1.48M tonnes of cane for the year to make about 205,000 tonnes of
raw sugar.

“The crop dropped off towards the back end of the season due to the warm, dry weather, but sugar content was above budget. We ended up with a provisional season CCS of 14.4 units.”

Mr O’Shea paid tribute to all Proserpine Mill employees, as well as growers and harvesting contractors, for their hard work in getting the crop off.

“I’m particularly proud of the job our people did this year – both in the factory and our cane supply team. It was a tremendous effort on all fronts,” he said.

“We had good factory performance, which contributed to the earlier finish. We also had a much better run of weather in 2025 than we’ve had in recent years, so we didn’t lose as much time to rain.

“An early finish puts us in a good position to finish the washdown and start our maintenance program before Christmas. This will take some pressure off, in terms of delivering our capital and maintenance program. It’ll also set the industry up for a better crop next year.”

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Cory O'Shea and Jamie Bell celebrating the last bin for 2025 at the Proserpine Mill. Photo supplied

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BRAVUS and the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys are ready to kick goals in 2026 under a new Platinum
Partnership that includes the company’s mining, rail, port and renewables businesses.

BRAVUS Head of Reputation Kate Campbell said the new sponsorship deal would take the powerhouse tieup between the mine, rail, port and renewables business and the North’s favourite sporting team to its 10-year anniversary in 2028.

"We are excited that our BRAVUS brand will feature on the Cowboys’ NRL jersey sleeve from next year so the 2000-plus employees from our local port, mine, rail and renewables businesses can share in the fun of being part of the Cowboys family,” Ms Campbell said.

"Our people work and live in Cowboys’ territory - the Isaac region, where our mine and solar farm are located, Townsville, Rockhampton, Mackay, where we have offices, and Bowen, where our rail and port business are located.

“Fans can expect to see big trains and ships alongside coal haul trucks and excavators in our 2026 advertising campaign, which will add a bit of extra fun to the season.”

Previously, only BRAVUS’ mining business Bravus Mining and Resources, held the Platinum Partnership, whereas now it rests with the parent company BRAVUS.

North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Chief Commercial Officer Dean Payne and players Jake Clifford and Jaxon Purdue joined Ms Campbell to celebrate the partnership renewal.

Clifford and Purdue modelled the Bravus brand on the sleeves of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys NRL side’s 2026 home and away jerseys.

"The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys are proud to continue our partnership with Bravus. United by a
shared commitment to advancing regional Queensland and showcasing our region with pride, this
partnership has always been a natural fit,” Mr Payne said.

"We're excited for the next chapter of our partnership which will expand beyond Bravus Mining and
Resources to embrace the Heart of Cowboys territory, spanning Abbot Point Operations, Bowen Rail
Company and the North Queensland Export Terminal."

Clifford said he was excited to wear the BRAVUS brand again, albeit in a different way, in 2026.

"Pretty much since I made my NRL debut, Bravus have been supporting what we do on field and making it possible for us to live out our dreams of playing in the NRL," he said.

"Heaps of the players and fans have family who work at the mine or the port, so it's a part of what makes us proud to pull on the jersey each week and take the field to represent our region."

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North Queensland Toyota Cowboys players Jaxon Purdue and Jake Clifford with Bravus Head of Reputation Kate Campbell. Photo supplied

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