CatholicCare Central Queensland has been a trusted provider of care and support services in Mackay and the wider Central Queensland region for over 50 years, dedicated to providing individuals and families with the quality care and support they need to thrive. With a focus on respect, compassion, and inclusivity, the organisation offers a wide range of services designed to meet the needs of the community.

Their extensive range of services include:

   • In-Home Aged Care and Disability Support: From personalised in-home care to social activities and home and yard maintenance, CatholicCare helps individuals maintain independence and dignity in their own homes.
   • Counselling and Psychology Services: Confidential support available for individuals, couples and children, ensuring your wellness is in safe and professional hands.
   • Family Relationship Services: If family relationships are tough, CatholicCare can provide assistance and mediation services to help everyone move forward and keep putting kids first.

With a commitment to providing compassionate and inclusive services, CatholicCare Central Queensland plays a vital role in supporting the well-being of the Mackay community.

For those seeking assistance, CatholicCare is located at 58 Sydney Street, Mackay, and further information about their services can be found online at www.catholiccarecq.com

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Helen Zaglas is living proof of a miracle, but she credits much of her survival to the outstanding care and dedication of the Mackay Base Hospital staff.

Described as a “walking miracle,” by many, Mrs Zaglas has faced an extraordinary number of health battles, yet her gratitude for the hospital’s exceptional service remains ever-present.

“The staff at the Base Hospital are very good at what they do,” Mrs Zaglas said.

“They’ve helped me so much over the years, and they’ve been amazing.

“I just want people to know that they really do their best and deserve the utmost recognition for it.”

Her most recent health scare in October last year turned her world upside down, but with the support of the health workers at Mackay Base Hospital, Mrs Zaglas has been given every opportunity to make a remarkable recovery.

While using her walker one afternoon, a loose grip caused her to fall, leading to a traumatic brain injury. The fall was so severe that it caused intense internal bleeding and left a lasting scar on her head. Thanks to the professionalism and kindness of the nurses and carers at Mackay Base Hospital and Community Health and Therapy Services (CHATS) Mackay, Mrs Zaglas has made an incredible recovery.

Now undergoing speech therapy through CHATS, Mrs Zaglas is quickly regaining her ability to communicate.

Over the years, Mrs Zaglas has survived double bowel cancer, breast cancer, and a heart attack at just 39 years old. Through every health battle, she says the hospital staff have gone above and beyond to provide the best possible care.

Mrs Zaglas’ strength and positive outlook on life has been an inspiration to those around her.

Friends jokingly refer to her as “Toyota-tough,” marvelling at her ability to bounce back after such an intense fall. Among her biggest supporters is her lifelong friend, Carole Ross, who has been by her side for over 40 years.

“We’ve been friends for years,” Ms Ross said.

“She’s a bit of a wild child…but she’s come a long way, and she’s a walking miracle.”

Ms Ross first crossed paths with the Zaglas family in her 20s while working at their café, and she continues to visit Helen regularly to this day.

Ms Ross even sat by Helen’s bed throughout her recovery and was equally impressed by the hospital’s care.

“The staff were wonderful,” Ms Ross said.

“Even the food was good, considering how much they make for so many patients.”

Through it all, Mrs Zaglas refuses to view her challenges as setbacks. Instead, she sees them as opportunities to embrace resilience and find joy, even in the darkest moments.

“Complaining only makes your sickness worse,” she said.

“You have to have a good outlook on life…where you can smile about it.”

Having conquered countless challenges in her lifetime, Mrs Zaglas is on a mission to share the brighter side of life and express her gratitude for the Mackay Base Hospital, whose exceptional care she believes deserves its moment in the spotlight.

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Mrs Zaglas wearing the helmet gifted by her cherished gardener John, from Lawns & Ladders

Helen Zaglas with life-long friend Carole Ross. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Mackay residents have reported several sightings of what are believed to be at least two crocodiles regularly swimming around the Mackay Marina. These elusive visitors have been spotted both within the marina itself and just outside the rock wall, adding a cautious element to the picturesque waterfront, especially for those who use the sheltered water for paddle boarding.
Earlier this week, one of the juvenile crocodiles, estimated to be about one metre long, was seen gliding along the Harbour Breakwater, surprising walkers and sparking curiosity among locals.
These sightings are part of a growing trend, with crocodile encounters on the rise across North Queensland. In fact, recent statistics highlight an alarming surge in crocodile sightings, prompting experts to advise both locals and tourists to stay "Croc-wise" and exercise greater caution.

Queensland’s waterways are home to one of nature's most formidable predators: the crocodile. Since gaining protection in 1971, crocodile populations have steadily increased, with these ancient creatures playing an essential role in the ecosystem. However, with this growth comes an undeniable risk, especially in areas like Mackay, renowned for its stunning beaches and serene swimming holes.

Crocodiles are undeniably iconic to Far North Queensland’s identity, but their increasing presence has previously sparked heated debates. Some, like Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter MP, advocate for crocodile culls, arguing that the rising numbers pose a danger to human lives. Meanwhile, others stress the importance of education and responsible behaviour, noting that human actions - like feeding crocodiles or getting too close to the water - often contribute to attacks.

In Mackay alone, 17 sightings have been reported recently, while Cairns and Townsville recorded 43 and 31 sightings…just within the past 30 days, according to the crocodile sighting dashboard.

With this in mind, it's crucial that locals and visitors alike take proactive steps to stay safe.

How To Stay Croc-safe

The Queensland Government’s "Be Croc-wise" initiative provides important guidelines to reduce the risk of crocodile attacks:

• Stay at least five meters from the water’s edge and use barriers like logs or eskies if needed.
• Properly dispose of food scraps and bait to avoid attracting crocodiles.
• Keep pets on a leash and away from the water.
• Avoid small watercraft in crocodile-prone areas.
• Swim only at patrolled beaches where crocodiles are less likely.

To report a sighting, use the QWildlife app, visit the website, or call 1300 130 372. In emergencies, dial 000 or 112. Your vigilance can contribute to the safe management of crocodile populations.

This figure initially represents the number of cases (based on sighting reports received) that have been active in the last 30 days or have been declared as problem crocodiles. Image source: Queensland Government, Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation

Photo source: 4MK Mackay

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The Queensland Mines Rescue Service (QMRS) team and the wider community are mourning the loss of Andrew "Drew" Mallett - a highly respected member of their ranks.

It is believed that Drew, a father from the Mackay region, tragically went missing while spearfishing off the coast of Lorne, Victoria, on November 28, 2024. Despite extensive search efforts, which included air, sea, and coastal operations, he has yet to be recovered and has since been presumed deceased.

In a heartbreaking statement released by his family, they shared: “Together as a family we feel it is important to share with you our heartbreak.

“Andrew ‘Drew’ Mallett is presumed deceased. He went into the ocean in the area of Lorne, Victoria, to spear fish.

“It was witnessed that he got into difficulties in the water and did not resurface. Extensive air, sea and coastal searches were carried out, however, to date he has not been recovered.”

The search stretched on for weeks, but has devastatingly come to a sorrowful end, as Drew’s family and friends prepare to mourn his loss. They also shared plans for a memorial service, which will be announced once details are confirmed.

“A memorial service to celebrate Drew’s life will be held, possibly in February. We will announce it once we know.”

Drew’s passing has left a memorable impact on those who knew him.

He was a dedicated member of the Queensland Mines Rescue Service, completing his recruit course in May 2010, and worked at Carborough Downs, Grosvenor, and Aquila Mines. His contributions to the mining community and the QMRS will never be forgotten.

Tributes have poured in online for Drew, with many sharing memories of his kind and selfless nature.

One comment on a tribute post read, “You were a true gentleman! A legend of a bloke and someone that would give the shirt off his own back.”

Another shared, “Rip bud, there will never be anyone else like you…a true legend.”

The Queensland Mines Rescue Service team expressed their condolences, stating, “Our thoughts and condolences are with Drew’s family, friends, and everyone whose lives he touched. Please take care of yourselves and each other during this difficult time.”

He will forever be remembered as “a great bloke, gone way too soon.”

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The community mourns the tragic loss of Andrew Mallett, a beloved father and dedicated member of the Queensland Mines Rescue Service. Photo source: Facebook

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay
No doubts, there isn’t a grower out there who wants to be crushing past mid-November, let alone into January.
It’s a path that is dogging industry profitability and making a mockery of agronomic best practices.
Nonetheless, as we moved into the new year Plane Creek came to a wet end for the 2024 Crush on 3 January, leaving some 150 to 200,000 tonne—or in excess of 10% of the crop—as standover. In Mackay, both Farleigh and Racecourse had ceased operation for 2024 just prior to Christmas in response to wet weather. Farleigh mill was also suffering from boiler issues at the time. Marian restarted after the wet weather event, continuing to into the New Year with fluctuating production, with final cane delivered on 13 January.
I have heard rumblings of growers wanting representatives to just call an end to the crush when it should end, in mid-November.
It’s about the bigger picture. CANEGROWERS has been working for its members for just shy of 100 years, and we’ve learnt that it is vital to consider the needs of all members, and their survival.
In this case, it is a question of cash flow. Cane quality may be reduced, but there remains a capacity to continue crushing for lots of reasons. Growers have bills to pay and debts to service. We depend on getting as much of our crop away as we can. For many, that critical last 20% is make or break. Therefore, it would be irresponsible for representatives to make a decision for the whole, when the impacts on some could be dire.
We know that each grower will look at their own circumstances to make that critical call about when it is time to call an end to the harvest on their farms. It is for the grower to make that call at the individual level. We represent almost 800 family agribusinesses, and this is definitely not a case of one size fits all: growers need the opportunity to be able to make the best out of a bad situation whilst mills are still crushing.
However, as grower reps, we will continue to speak out with vigour and volume on the impacts to growers of repeated extended harvest.
There is solid evidence from work done by our research organisation pointing to the reasons why we need to have the harvest wrapped up around the second week of November. We need Sugar Research Australia to revisit and update research done in the 90s, when continuous crushing was introduced and have it presented to all industry participants.
Continuous crushing was a shift in practice. Once, we would crush across five days, then harvest and processing would cease for the weekend, when the mill would have two days for maintenance. these were days where milling reliability was at its peak in the majority mills.
Long crushes are pushing the boundaries of farming best practices, impacting on crop and soil management and making it challenging to maintain productivity and profitability. Taking these agronomic decisions out of our hands raises cause for concern. It also adds to mental health and fatigue, with people not getting time away from the job as expected by any employee or business owner in this country.
I have heard mutterings of starting the season earlier, but the reality is this: any earlier than June, the crop in most cases has not matured, and rainfall is a historical fact at that time of year. I contend this would lead to large amounts of cane being condemned as they are with a late harvest.
Calls for better compensation for growers when mills underperform could be a band-aid, but realistically, in those cases where there is compensation embedded in agreements these do not adequately cover the lost profitability for growers and harvesters. The best outcome is and will always be that our mills repair the woes of their ways and take action to have the industry get back on its feet.
Our forefathers set up systems and structures in the industry that served it well, with equitable harvest management arrangements for growers and millers, with a strong focus on the collective good. We need to make good use of those mutual arrangements. We can only do that with a strong and unified grower representative voice. We need to cooperate to ensure all sectors remain viable: grower, harvester and miller.
The only real solution to the industry’s predicament is mills that can operate at a reasonable capacity.

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Empty afternoon bins. Photo credit: Kirili Lamb
Young cane

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Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) has estimated more than 1.27M tonnes of cane remains unharvested across Australia’s sugarcane mills, resulting in forecast losses to farmers of more than $83M.
QCAR CEO Stephen Ryan said most mills had closed the doors on the 2024 crushing season except for Wilmar Sugar’s Pioneer and Invicta mills in the Burdekin, with Mackay Sugar Limited advising on Sunday it would no longer accept bins at its Marian Mill past 6pm Monday, 13th January.
“This amount of standover cane is unacceptable,” Mr Ryan said.
“It’s exasperating that for numerous seasons now, farmers have paid the price for poor milling performance,” Mr Ryan said.
“This is so disappointing for growers, and significantly worse considering for some milling regions this is the third and fourth consecutive year for late finishes and poor mill performance resulting in staggering accumulative costs and losses for our growers.”
Mr Ryan said the impacts, to growers, contractors and millers, from wet weather, mill performance, late starts and finishes and industrial action in Wilmar Sugar mills, would be felt well into 2025.
QCAR Central District Committee Chairman Steve McKeering said Mackay Sugar had noted, that with more widespread rain forecasted across the Mackay region and a diminishing supply and quality of cane, it was unviable for the factory to continue crushing.
“This is disappointing, but it means Mackay Sugar can launch straight into maintenance works, and hopefully, we can look forward to vastly improved 2025 crush,” Mr McKeering said.
Grower and Chairman of QCAR Christian Lago said he was just one of many families feeling the pressure of longer seasons, and the wearing effects of having to work through Christmas and New Year in tough and wet conditions.
“You want to have a break, but you can’t,” Mr Lago said.
“You’re tied to the farm just in case there is a window of opportunity to harvest, you want to give yourself every opportunity to get this year’s crop off.
“It’s taken a toll on the whole industry, not only farmers but contractors as well.”
In the Central District alone (Proserpine, Mackay and Plane Creek), there was estimated to be up to 750,000 tonnes of unharvested 2024 season cane. QCAR Central District Manager Sonia Ball said the closure of the Mackay Sugar 2024 season had resulted in a collective sigh of relief to most growers, contractors and mill workers in the district.
"There is no doubt 2024 is amongst the longest and toughest seasons we've seen for a while,” Ms Ball said.
The Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC) had in May forecast for the 2024 season a crush of 31.24 million tonnes of sugarcane. By November, this had dropped to just shy of 30 million tonnes and as of November 24, it reported mills had crushed just more than 25.76MT or 85.9 per cent.

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QCAR Central District Committee Chairman Steve McKeering. Photo credit: Heidi Petith

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Planning for the future has never been more critical. Yet, for many, the path to financial security feels uncertain. While comprehensive financial advice may not be within reach for everyone, the desire to save and invest for a brighter future remains strong. But how can individuals tap into expert knowledge without traditional financial planning?
Self-directed investment platforms are empowering investors with tools to make independent informed decisions. For young investors, the benefits of starting early cannot be overstated, even in the face of economic challenges.
Investing early in life harnesses the power of compound growth, which Albert Einstein famously called the "eighth wonder of the world." By reinvesting returns over time, your money grows exponentially. Small, regular contributions today can multiply significantly in the years to come. Starting early also gives you a longer investment horizon, allowing you to ride out market fluctuations.
AP Direct Invest combines the simplicity and efficiency of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETF) model portfolios with the wisdom of 40 years of experience from award-winning financial advisory firm, Alman Partners. Based on Nobel-Prize-winning academic research, and an evidence-based approach, AP Direct Invest portfolios are not formed on speculation or forecasts. This blend of innovation and expertise allows investors to make informed decisions confidently, regardless of their financial knowledge.
Let 2025 be the year you harness the power of compounding, backed by expert-guided portfolios. Start today and let your future self thank you. Your financial freedom is just a click away.

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Local Eyes, an independent optometry practice proudly owned by Mackay locals Kelly Menzies and Rebecca Vella, is raising the bar for eye care in the region. Known for quality service, premium products, and a genuine interest in eye health, Local Eyes is dedicated to providing patients with clearer vision for 2025 and beyond.

All three local optometrists, Kelly Menzies, Natasha Westcott, and newly welcomed Kylie Freiberg, are passionate about their work. With a focus on continuity of care, they ensure patients are always greeted by familiar faces at every visit.

At Local Eyes, customers can trust their eyes are in good hands, with an experienced team and the latest eye testing equipment. From advanced technology lenses to exclusive frame styles not available anywhere else in Mackay, Local Eyes ensures you don’t have to leave town to find stylish, unique options.

“We cater for all styles and budgets and stock over 800 frames and sunglasses,” Kelly emphasised.

“We also accept all private health funds and DVA.”

Looking ahead to 2025, Local Eyes is excited to celebrate its third birthday in April while aiming for continued growth. The addition of Kylie means more appointment availability, allowing the practice to open their books to even more patients.

“We want to be the optometry practice of choice for people in Mackay,” Kelly added.

“When someone needs an eye test or new glasses, we want them to think, 'I’ll go to Local Eyes.'"

By supporting Local Eyes, you’re also helping local organisations they support, including the Lions Club’s Recycle for Sight program, Dolphins Soccer Club, Magpies Junior AFL, local charity balls and school fundraisers.

“For optimal eye health, we recommend regular eye checks, good health, protecting your eyes from UV rays, avoiding smoking, taking breaks from screens, and knowing your family’s eye health history.”

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Celebrating more than 30 years of creating stunning interiors, Mackay Curtain Making Service is ready to help you refresh your home in 2025. Under the ownership of Gino and Deanne Pin for 22 years, with their son Dominic and his partner Shannon now involved, this family-run business has built a reputation for delivering exceptional service and tailored solutions that perfectly align with your style and budget.  

“We won’t sell you something just for the sake of it,” says Deanne.  

“It has to be exactly what you need and fit within your budget.”

In 2025, customers can expect even more team training, new and exciting product offerings, and the same trusted service. The company remains committed to client outcomes, staff development, and steady, sustainable growth.

Whether you’re looking to refresh your interiors or explore the convenience of innovative automated curtains, now is the perfect time to visit Mackay Curtain Making Service.

Be sure to take advantage of the unbeatable New Year Sale, which is already underway. This year, the spotlight is on automation - a modern, convenient addition to your window furnishings.

Support a local business that enhances your home and gives back to the community. Mackay Curtain Making Service is proud to support local charities year after year.

“We will once again sponsor Chances, as their service to the community is second to none,” says Deanne.

“We also support Casa, the Women’s Shelter, Broken Ballerina, and donate to Roshni for their Christmas lunch each year.”

The store offers a welcoming atmosphere, complete with functional displays and an inspiring sample gallery that will leave you in awe.

“Come in and talk to the team about what you’d like to achieve.  

“Let us help you make a plan, and we’ll work with you to bring it all together,” Deanne invites.

Make 2025 the year you draw back the curtains on a fresh new space!

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As the new year kicks off, so does the desire to reinvent ourselves – maybe this is the year to get outside more, drink less, or eat healthier. (Or maybe not!) For some, New Year’s resolutions are an opportunity to grow. For others, they’re a pointless exercise.
Only 9 per cent of people succeed in keeping their resolutions. Yet, despite these dire stats, people continue to make them. So, what separates a good New Year’s resolution from a bad one?
Most resolutions fail because they’re poorly planned and poorly timed. In fact, what characterises most New Year’s resolutions is a lack of thoughtful preparation or a clear plan for implementation.
So, perhaps instead of setting unrealistic goals—whether in our work or personal lives—we should simply see the turn of the calendar as an opportunity to reset, refine, and focus on strategies that drive meaningful growth. A new year is a chance to strengthen your business foundations, create deeper relationships with your customers, and set a sustainable path forward.
If there’s one thing I know, it’s that small-business owners are resilient. You’ve had to be. This past year brought financial pressures and a noticeable shift in consumer behaviour. People became more selective with their spending, and small businesses felt the ripple effects.
As we move into 2025, I encourage you to take the lessons of 2024 and turn them into opportunities. Be the small business that customers trust. Be the one that’s easy to work with and offers something special they can’t find elsewhere.
Most importantly, take a moment to think about your vision. What does success look like for you in 2025? What steps will you take to get there?

If You Must Make Resolutions, Consider These 5 For 2025:
   1. Build Better Connections
Commit to attending at least one networking event per month. You never know where a new connection might lead—partnerships, collaborations, or even friendships!
   2. Support Local Businesses
Shop local, recommend your favourite businesses, and show up for community events. Small actions make a big difference in keeping our region thriving.
   3. Invest in Personal Growth
Take that short course, attend a workshop, or pick up a new skill. Growing your knowledge and confidence sets the tone for personal and professional success.
   4. Celebrate Success – Yours and Others’
Recognising milestones, no matter how small, boosts morale and fosters positivity. Don’t forget to cheer on your peers too—it strengthens the whole community.
   5. Take Time to Reflect
In the hustle of business and life, set aside moments to review what’s working (and what’s not). Reflection helps you recalibrate and move forward with purpose.
Ellen Madden
 
Business Engagement, Events and Communications Manager
Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce

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Facing a tough case in 2025 and need a private investigator without the hassle of looking beyond the region? Based in Mackay, Jason King and his team at Regional Queensland Investigations are ready to handle even the most complex cases…big or small.

With an expanding team of experienced professionals, Regional Queensland Investigations is ready to make a significant impact in 2025 as they rise to new heights, now extending their services as far as the Northern Territory.

Jason, a former law enforcement professional, holds a Security Firm Licence (Class 1), a Master of Laws (LLM), and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (Hons), positioning him as the go-to investigator for a wide range of cases across the country.

In 2025, Jason and his team aim to redefine the industry by training the next generation of investigators. Plans are already underway for him to lecture at universities, TAFEs, workplaces, and schools, fostering the development of emerging investigators and promoting growth within the investigative field.

Jason’s contributions to the Mackay region will grow even further as he seeks certification as an eSafety expert, which is a rare credential held by only a select few in Australia. Additionally, he is focused on becoming one of the nation’s first AI Lawyers, addressing gaps in AI legislation in Australia and advocating for clearer, standalone regulations.

As President of the Australian Institute of Professional Investigators (AIPI) Queensland Chapter, Jason is working closely with the state government to improve industry standards and ensure proper licensing and regulation of private investigators.

To give back to his community, Jason at Regional Queensland Investigations will be hosting free online webinars. These sessions will provide fundamental safety education and live Q&A opportunities, offering locals a rare chance to access his extensive knowledge at no cost.

Contact one of the nation’s most experienced investigators at Regional Queensland Investigations today!

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The Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce started 2025 on a high note last week with their first B2B Brews networking event at Ocean International. Over coffee by the pool, attendees forged new business connections and rekindled old ones in a relaxed, tropical setting. Special thanks went to Get It Done Training for sharing their exciting 2025 plans and to the Ocean International team for serving up excellent coffee to fuel the lively discussions. The event set the tone for a collaborative and successful year ahead for the local business community.

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Photos supplied: Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce

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Running a business can already be tough – your marketing shouldn’t add to the stress. You want your time, money, and effort to deliver real results, but the idea of creating a marketing plan? It’s daunting, especially if marketing isn’t your jam.

Here’s a hot tip – you don’t need a degree in marketing to put together a workable plan!! The key is just starting. Seriously, that’s it. A simple plan gets you in the game and, from there, you’ll learn what works by paying attention to the results.

Ready to take the leap? Here’s a quick and dirty 3-step process to getting a plan in place, so you can get moving on your marketing.

1. Set goals that matter
Think about what you’re aiming for in your business (or organisation) – because marketing goals should flow from there. Want more staff to handle your current workload? Launching a new product or service? Targeting a specific revenue milestone? Start with your business objectives, and your marketing goals should align with these. This is how your marketing becomes strategic – and not ad hoc.

2. Know your audience to know your message
Who do you need to reach to hit your goals? That’s your target market, and yes, you can have more than one! Maybe you’re setting up a recruitment pipeline – so the target would be future recruits. Launching a new service? Who’s buying it?

Once you know your audience (or audiences), craft messages that speak directly to them. What do they need to hear to help you move toward your goal? This part takes some thought, but connecting the dots between goals, audiences, and messages can be simpler than you think. If you put in some time and thought here, you will save yourself LOADS in the future.

3. Start small and track results
No need to go all in straight away. Choose a few marketing activities that align with your goals and audience. Maybe it’s social media ads, a newsletter, or some good old-fashioned networking. Focus on those first. Check in regularly to see how they’re performing. Adjust, improve, and repeat. That’s how you get better, step by step.

The secret to marketing isn’t magic – it’s action. Start small, track what works, and build on it. Over time, you’ll develop the habits that turn plans into results.

You’ve got this! Best of luck – let me know how you go > jade@rebelnation.com.au. I’d love to hear about your wins (and challenges) along the way!

Jade McAuley
Director at Rebel Nation
#marketingdigitaldesign

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Porters Mackay, a key player in the building industry for 141 years, is embarking on a major transition with plans for a custom-built trade centre in Paget. This multi-million-dollar facility will consolidate several operations and streamline services for trade customers, marking a significant shift in the company’s presence in the region.
As part of this evolution, Porters will also bid farewell to its iconic Brisbane Street retail store and café, which have been central to the business since 1930. The store will close its doors by the end of February, reflecting the company’s move toward a more trade-focused operation.
Gavin Porter, Director of the Porter's Group and a fifth-generation member of the Porter family, made the announcement via the business’ social media channels, where he said the new Paget Trade Centre is expected to open in 2026.
As part of this transition, the company’s three Carlisle Street outlets—Porter’s Mackay Trade Centre, Inspirations Paint, and Plumbing Plus—will relocate their operations to Paget upon the completion of the new centre. In the meantime, these outlets will continue to trade as normal.
“These operations are really more industrial businesses, and moving them out of the city centre and into Paget reduces the need for heavy delivery trucks and trading vehicles to compete for space in the CBD with everybody else,” Mr Porter explained.
The facility will complement existing manufacturing operations in Glenella, which produce trusses, timber house frames, and glass aluminium products, underscoring the company’s strong focus on trade.
However, the move also involves closing the Brisbane Street retail store and Charlie’s Cafe by the end of February.
The Brisbane Street site, which has been part of the company since 1930, holds a deep personal significance.
“It’s a place my dad, uncles, and then my cousins and I played in as kids. Saying goodbye to a site the company’s occupied for almost 100 years is a really big step,” Mr Porter said.
Porters has been consulting closely with affected employees, many of whom have been long-term contributors to the company’s success.
“We have a number of affected team members within our Brisbane Street retail store who may not be able to be redeployed once trading ceases. Sadly, they will leave the company,” he said.
As a family-run business, Porters is handling the transition with care.
“We are consulting actively with the affected employees to make the transitions as respectful and compassionate as possible.
“We have HR and employee assistance professionals on hand to individually support people,” Mr Porter said.
Looking ahead, the company remains focused on its evolution and its commitment to Mackay and the building trade.
“All of our other outlets across the region will remain open and will continue to trade usually, providing the same service our customers have come to expect.
“This is just another part of Porter’s 141-year evolution alongside Mackay.”

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Porters' Brisbane Street, a familiar sight in Mackay since 1930, prepares for its final chapter as the store and café close their doors this February. Photo supplied

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As 2024 drew to a close, one of the region’s standout agricultural producers quietly achieved an extraordinary feat that deserves far more recognition.
Australian Prawn Farms, a leader in prawn farming and biosecurity, quietly made waves with their exceptional approach to safeguarding the industry. Despite the attention often given to other sectors, this small but mighty farm has set the bar for biosecurity excellence, earning the title of Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year.
Located near Ilbilbie, Australian Prawn Farms is committed to their role as an industry leader in biosecurity. They are a premier tiger prawn hatchery, grow-out farm and processing facility.
Despite their small workforce, the farm has generously supported the Australian Prawn Farmers Association (APFA) where president Matt West and Tony Charles (chair of APFA Research Committee) have been active committee members for over 10 years. Matt and Tony have implemented best practice biosecurity measures at Australian Prawn Farms and work tirelessly to promote the importance of biosecurity in the Australian prawn farming industry.
At Australian Prawn Farms, they ensure all inputs, including feed, water and stock are rigorously screened for prawn pathogens. They implemented a pathogen screening protocol that exceeds minimum requirements to screen broodstock, post-larvae, and pond-reared stock. All broodstock are quarantined and individually screened for pathogens prior to entry into the hatchery system. Every tank of post larvae is screened and assessed prior to transferring to the grow out section of the farm, and every pond is screened at 100 and 125 days of culture for the presence of 7 pathogens endemic to Australia.
Australian Prawn Farms employs best-practice production techniques that prioritise biosecurity. This includes funding research into the use of eDNA to detect and quantify pathogen presence in ponds and seasonal fluctuations in pathogens. On farm, they reduce risk of disease spread and ensure a healthy, thriving prawn population by maintaining optimal water quality and closely monitoring prawn health. Australian Prawn Farms applies strict exit-level biosecurity, ensuring only pathogen screened post-larvae or cooked products leave the premises.
Australian Prawn Farms demonstrates a strong commitment to training and providing career pathways to the next generation of prawn farmers. This includes hosting veterinary science students from James Cook University to support future veterinary specialist training in aquatic practice.
They have been one of the major initiators of increased communications within the prawn farming industry on the presence and impact of endemic pathogens.
Australian Prawn Farms is a model of biosecurity excellence within the prawn farming industry. Their comprehensive and proactive approach to biosecurity safeguards their operations and sets a benchmark for the entire sector. By integrating biosecurity into daily activities and maintaining rigorous standards across all areas of farm management, this organisation exemplifies best-practice preventative measures, ensuring the health and sustainability of prawn farming in Australia.
Australian Prawn Farms was nominated by Kelly Condon from James Cook University.

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