In 2024, Beachfront Collaborative officially launched as the Whitsundays’ answer to flexible, high-quality workspaces. The idea was sparked by the team at PD Law, who often use the space themselves. Today, it offers a calm, professional environment designed for the wider community.

The coworking hub offers everything from hot desks and a WiFi lounge to a soundproof pod for private calls and a sophisticated boardroom perfect for training or presentations – all available to book by the hour, seven days a week.

The motivation was clear: locals, business travellers, and corporates needed an alternative to cafés, hotel lobbies, or makeshift home offices. Beachfront Collaborative is that solution, bringing professionalism and productivity together in a relaxed, lifestyle-driven setting.

Remote work culture, the rise of digital nomads, and the growing demand for flexible ‘on-the-go’ professional spaces are shaping the way we work — and industry trends are firmly on their side. To meet these needs, Beachfront Collaborative offers a seamless online booking system, open 6am–9pm daily, with no membership required, a rare innovation in regional Queensland.

Introducing coworking to the Whitsundays came with its own challenges. Often seen as something tied to big-city start-up hubs, the team shaped it to reflect calm Whitsunday vibes — professional yet relaxed. Clear signage, a two-minute booking process, and partnerships with local favourites like Fat Frog Café have made it simple and inviting for the community.

Their advice for other business owners?

Meet your clients where they are: Understand what they’re really struggling with, and design solutions that make life easier, not harder.

Keep it simple: From pricing to booking, make every touchpoint seamless. People appreciate clarity and ease.

Build local connections: Strong partnerships with local cafés, accommodation providers, and tourism organisations have been instrumental to our success.

For Beachfront Collaborative, Chamber membership has amplified opportunities, providing valuable connections, collaborations, and a platform to showcase how regional business can be both innovative and lifestyle-aligned. Now, they’re inviting locals and visitors alike to experience it first-hand. With hot desks starting from just $11 an hour, it’s the perfect way to discover a focused, calm workspace that blends productivity with Whitsunday lifestyle.

Learn more about Beachfront Collaborative: https://beachfrontcollaborative.com.au/

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry

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Looking Ahead to 2032

It has been an exciting few weeks for our region, and I am honoured to represent the Whitsundays on the Host Mayors Advisory Group for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

With the Whitsundays confirmed as the host for Olympic sailing, this appointment gives our community a seat at the table as Queensland prepares to welcome the world. It means we can help shape the planning and delivery of an event that will bring long-term benefits for regional Queensland, not just for the southeast corner.

The Advisory Group is chaired by Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and includes Mayors from across the state who will work together to make sure the Games deliver real value for our communities. It is about more than sport. It is about building stronger regional connections, creating economic opportunities, and leaving a legacy that will inspire future generations.

For the Whitsundays, the 2032 Games are a once-in-a-lifetime chance to showcase our region on the global stage. We will see investment in transport, tourism and community infrastructure, but just as importantly, it will highlight our incredible natural setting and the spirit of the people who live here.

Last week I also joined Councillors Jan Clifford, Clay Bauman and John Finlay, along with our CEO Warren Bunker, at the annual Local Government Association of Queensland Conference on the Gold Coast. It is always a valuable opportunity for councils to come together, share ideas and tackle the issues that affect us all.

We took part in discussions on service delivery, housing, technology, and the challenges of cost shifting from other levels of government. Councils also debated and voted on more than one hundred motions aimed at improving how we serve our communities.

Events like this remind me how much energy and innovation exists within local government. It is often said we are the level of government closest to the community, and that is true. Every decision we make has a direct impact on the people who live, work and raise families in our Whitsundays.

I left the conference confident that, together, we are helping to shape a bright future for the Whitsundays and for regional Queensland.

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The Aged Care Reform Info Hub is now open at Proserpine Library! As part of the hub, we’re hosting a special one-hour information session at 10am on Thursday 6 November at the library.

The session will feature guest speakers from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, along with Aged Care Specialist Officers from Services Australia.

This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest aged care reforms, receive guidance on the My Aged Care platform and access expert advice and resources to support yourself or your loved ones.

For more information, contact Proserpine Library on 4945 0275.

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SUGAR BIN COLLAPSES

Fifty years ago, on Monday, November 3 1975, just after 3 pm, word raced through the town that the ninety foot, 3000 ton sugar bin at the Proserpine Sugar Mill (PSM) had collapsed. This shocking news was followed quickly by a wave of relief when residents learned that no one was injured in this disaster. By nightfall, thousands of sightseers, most armed with cameras, had inspected the damage. The disaster attracted media attention nationwide.

The sugar bin was the largest sugar storage container in the Australian industry apart from bulk terminals and represented an important step forward for the mill which was the most isolated of all mills in terms of proximity to bulk terminals. Designed and constructed by NQEA, it was commissioned for use at the start of the 1975 crushing, but until that fateful day had not been filled to anywhere near its capacity.

To make up for previous lost crushing time, the mill had continued through the weekend and by Monday morning the bin was nearing capacity for the first time. After lunch, Queensland Government Railway (QGR) sugar wagons were shunted into the rail sidings under the bin. Loading had just commenced when some startling noises were heard from the structure. Workmen loading sugar from the huge hopper received a warning when bolts began to fly apart like pistol shots. They immediately fled from the site and the area was evacuated as the gigantic bin began to buckle and crumple downwards. It was estimated that from the first snapping of the bolts and buckling, ten minutes elapsed before the collapse was complete. Fortunately, the bin fell towards the river otherwise it would have been extremely difficult to construct the temporary facilities which allowed crushing to recommence the very next day.

What followed was a marathon effort by all. Within an hour, salvage work had commenced. Mill employees worked throughout the night construct facilities to load sugar to rail - some being on duty for more than 24 hours. The tramway department laid rails around the collapse to rejoin the existing siding. Fitters, boilermakers, electricians, and trades assistants built a ramp and small hopper to load the rail wagons and diverted and constructed belt conveyors and bunkers within the mill. The two mobile cranes were unable to keep pace with requirements and as a result, a lot of the material had to be moved by hand – even large heavy steel girders some fifteen metres long were man handled from the backyard into the mill. These were placed on their side and supported to allow end loaders carrying sugar from a bunker inside the mill to be driven up to a small loading hopper erected over the boxes on QGR sugar wagons.

Plant operators from the mill and the Proserpine Shire Council performed this non-stop and extremely arduous task for several weeks until a vessel intended to be the new mud and fly ash bin was erected with its own conveyor system. Thanks to the steady and capable action of mill officials and workers, almost all of the sugar from the collapsed bin was reclaimed. Thankfully, too, the weather remained fine. The spilt sugar was open to the elements and rain would have been a calamity.

A new bin was commissioned and built. None of the steel work from the original structure could be used in this new bin as every component was distorted. The new bin was put into service twelve months later in November 1976 and is still in use today.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum. Information also sourced from Frank Doolan (PSM Engineer 1978 - 1990) and “Proserpine Guardian”.

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A collapsed sugar bin engulfed two rakes of rail wagons. Photo supplied.

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If you’re searching for a gentle, affectionate and loyal companion, look no further, Narlyn is your girl!

This beautiful rescue sweetheart was saved and is now thriving in foster care, where she’s learning just how wonderful life can be. Narlyn is soft-natured, loving, and ready to find her forever family who’ll show her the same kindness she gives in return.

She enjoys the simple things, a comfy spot by your side, a gentle walk, and the company of other dogs. With her sweet temperament and friendly nature, Narlyn would make a perfect addition to a loving home ready to offer her patience, cuddles and care.

About Narlyn
• Sweet-natured and friendly with people
• Dog-friendly and enjoys the company of other pups
• Medium energy – loves her walks and playtime
• Affectionate and adores being close to her humans

Health
• Vaccinated
• Desexed
• Microchipped
• Flea, tick and worm treated

Narlyn has come such a long way in foster care, showing just how resilient and loving she truly is. She’s ready to bring joy, comfort and unconditional love to her forever home.

If you’d like to meet Narlyn and see if she’s the perfect fit for your family, email Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue at bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com today!

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Hi Everyone,

It's definitely heating up at the moment, and that means one thing... stingers are back!

Fun fact about stingers, or more formally known as 'Irukanji's,' is that they have lots of eyes, with some having up to 24! Some are just sensitive to light and others help form actual images, although not to the level of detail our human eyes can.

In this weeks Ruth2Reef, we cover what to do if you come into contact with a stinger as well as information on sharks and their six senses.

Additionally, there has been some exciting news in the turtle world, as experts have announced that the Green Sea Turtle is no longer classified as endangered thanks to decades of conservation.

What a win for nature!

Happy reading,

Ruth

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Here Are Some Safe Swimming Tips

By Ruth Puddefoot

What is a stinger or Irukanji? Irukanji refers to tiny, highly venomous box jellyfish found in northern Australia. The Irukanji gives a nasty sting which can cause the severe medical condition, Irukanji Syndrome. The Irukanji was named after the Yirrganydji Aboriginal people who are native to the coastal region near Cairns.

Irukandji Syndrome often causes mild symptoms, but in very rare cases, it can be life-threatening.

While stinger season is a regular occurance here in the Whitsundays, here is some things you can do to prevent getting a nasty surprise if you choose to swim in the turquoise waters of queensland.

1. Wear Protective Clothing

Many boat operators in the Whitsundays will provide you with a 'stinger suit,' this can come in the form of a full body lycra or neoprene suit, and they do this for good reason. This is the number one way of preventing stings, as suits protect up to 75% of the body and cover areas where stings more commonly occur.

While not all suits offer equal protection - lycra or neoprene offer the greatest protection.

Its important to note that you should also wear protective clothing when wading, there were several reports last year of stings from wading alone.

2. Swim in stinger nets or between Life guard flags at beaches

Ensure if you are going for a swim you opt for a dip in the stinger nets or swim between the flags and follow Life Saver’s advice if swimming at patrolled beaches.

Stinger nets are effective at keeping out dangerous Box Jellyfish, and stings have significantly decreased since their introduction. However, they cannot block the much smaller Irukandji, as smaller mesh would clog too quickly. For your safety, exercise caution when swimming in stinger enclosures and avoid interfering with the net or pontoon.

3. Be aware of weather conditions

There are several high-risk conditions that indicate Irukandji such as sustained NE winds, flat or calm weather, sea lice felt in the water and/or salps/plankton present, make sure you check the conditions before entering the water.

4. Vinegar

Make sure to always carry vinegar when going boating or undertaking other marine activities. Vinegar inactivates the stinging cells, so is a great preventative method to stop them injecting more venom.

Irukanji Jellyfish. Photo sourced.

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Bowen Tourism and Business is calling for nominations to join the committee and has set the date and venue for the Annual General Meeting.

The not-for-profit Local Tourism Organisation has about 200 members, comprising tourism and non-tourism businesses.

The organisation is responsible for operating the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango and the Information Booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.

The centres are run by a small but dedicated team of dedicated staff and volunteers
Any profits made are used to promote and market Bowen, Collinsville, and greater Whitsunday region.

The strategic direction of Bowen Tourism and Business is set by a volunteer committee.
Jenn Honnery has been the Chair of the committee for seven years and is proud of the growth of the business and achievements of the organisation.

“It’s been a privilege to support the team of staff and volunteers at Bowen Tourism and Business and witness the evolution of the organisation and the services provided to visitors.

“The Visitor Information Centre at the Big Mango is certainly one of the most successful in Queensland and is a true credit to the dedicated and innovative team and management committee.”

So far, 2025 has been a great year for the organisation with Bowen being named the Top Tourism Town in Queensland, the Big Mango being named the “Best Big Thing” in Queensland and the Big Mango taking out the bronze award for Tourist Attractions at the recent Tourism Whitsundays awards.

Being named the Visitor Information Centre of the Year at the annual Queensland Information Centre’s Association (QICA) conference was another highlight.

The organisation’s AGM will be held at “360 on the Hill” at Flagstaff Hill in Bowen on Thursday, November 27.

All members are invited to attend and are also invited to nominate for the committee.
The nomination close on November 12.

Contributed with thanks to Manager of Bowen Tourism & Business Leanne Abernethy

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Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy and Chair of the committee, Jenn Honnery with the Bronze award for the Big Mango at the recent Tourism Whitsundays awards.

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Sharks are among the most efficient predators on Earth—and for good reason! They have six powerful senses that help them hunt, survive, and thrive in the ocean. While humans only have five senses—sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch—sharks have all of these, plus an incredible sixth sense called electroreception.

Let’s explore how each of these senses works and why they make sharks such amazing hunters.

Hearing

Sharks can hear sounds from up to a kilometre away. Their hearing is especially sensitive to low-frequency, irregular sounds, such as the noises made by injured or struggling fish. These sounds act like dinner bells, helping sharks locate easy prey.

Interestingly, sharks hear best in front of and above them—exactly where their food usually is!

Smell

A shark’s sense of smell is legendary. Some species can detect a single drop of blood in an Olympic-sized swimming pool! Most of a shark’s brain is devoted to processing smells.

Unlike humans, sharks don’t use their noses to breathe. Instead, they have two external nostrils, each with an incurrent and excurrent opening leading to sensory sacs. As water flows through these sacs, special cells detect tiny traces of chemicals in the water. That’s how sharks “smell” their surroundings—through water, not air.

Touch

Sharks can feel movement in the water even without touching anything directly. This is thanks to a special structure called the lateral line, which runs along each side of a shark’s body.

The lateral line contains millions of tiny, jelly-filled cells that sense vibrations. When a fish swims nearby, the movement of the water causes these cells to move, sending messages to the shark’s brain. This distant sense of touch can detect movement more than 100 metres away—allowing sharks to sense prey even in dark or murky waters.

Sight

In dim light or deep water, sharks can see about ten times better than humans. This is because they have a special reflective layer at the back of their eyes called the tapetum lucidum, made up of silvery, mirror-like plates. These plates reflect light back through the retina, giving the shark a second chance to use it—similar to how a cat’s eyes glow in the dark.

Sharks only see in black and white, but they detect movement about twice as fast as humans. This quick reaction time gives them a big advantage when chasing prey.

Taste

Scientists are still learning about a shark’s sense of taste. Sharks have taste buds inside their mouths, but their role isn’t fully understood. It’s believed that taste helps sharks decide whether to eat or spit out what they bite.

In fact, sharks are known to sample unfamiliar objects—sometimes taking a “test bite”—and then spit them out if they’re not appealing.

Electroreception – The Sixth Sense

Now for the most fascinating sense of all—electroreception.

Every living creature produces tiny electrical signals when their muscles move or their heart beats. Sharks can detect these signals using a network of special, gel-filled pores around their nose and mouth called the ampullae of Lorenzini.

This means sharks can sense the electric fields made by other animals, even if they’re hiding under sand or swimming in total darkness. It’s an extraordinary ability that makes sharks the most electrically sensitive animals on Earth.

As you can see, sharks are not mindless predators—they are highly tuned creatures with an incredible set of senses that help them survive in their underwater world. From detecting faint sounds and smells to sensing the tiniest electrical pulses, these six senses make sharks some of the ocean’s most remarkable hunters.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Council.

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A Hub For Community Wellness

The Mackay RSL Sub Branch is stepping boldly into the future, transforming its permanent Illawong Beach base into a Community Wellness Centre for veterans, first responders, families, and the wider community.

Mackay RSL Sub Branch President Ken Higgins calls it “the perfect place for what we want to do – a wellness centre that supports everyone, not just veterans.”

Already buzzing with activity—from beach volleyball tournaments and cadet training to school visits, the centre is set for major renovations, including a new roof, refurbished interiors, and reconfigured spaces to better serve the community.

Secretary Georgia-Lee Ricketts says the hub is about “health, happiness, and community… a place where you can still have a cold one, but also bring your family along, have a swim, a chat, and a laugh.”

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Mackay RSL Sub Branch Evolves Into Wellness Hub For Veterans And The Wider Community

The Mackay RSL Sub Branch is redefining what it means to serve, transforming its permanent base at Illawong Beach into a vibrant community Wellness Centre focused on connection, inclusivity, and holistic health for veterans and the wider community.

After leasing the property for 12 months, the Sub Branch has found what President Ken Higgins describes as “the perfect place for what we want to do – a wellness centre that supports everyone, not just veterans.”

Once funding is secured, renovations including a new roof, refurbished interiors, and realigned walls are expected to begin, with completion targeted for 2027.

Supported by Mackay Regional Council, RSL Queensland, and local businesses, the Sub Branch is determined to keep the project community-driven from the ground up. The Illawong Beach site is already alive with activity, from competitive beach volleyball tournaments and school visits to cadet training and fitness programs. Goosies Sport and Recreation Club has been a key partner, helping run weekly bingo nights to support the Sub Branch and will also host the upcoming RSL Gala.

Mr Higgins said, “We want this place to be not only for veterans, but for their families, first responders, people with disabilities, First Nations and South Sea Islander communities.”

Sub Branch Secretary Georgia-Lee Ricketts said the focus on wellness was reshaping what the RSL represents in the modern era.

“We want this hub to be about health, happiness, and community… a place where you can still have a cold one, but also bring your family along, have a swim, a chat, and a laugh.”

Georgia said the upcoming RSL Gala on November 8, supported by major sponsor Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, would celebrate the community’s progress while raising vital funds for future upgrades.

“This is the first RSL Gala we’ve held… it’s a big fundraiser, and we’re over halfway sold out,” she said.

“Not only is it raising much needed funds, but it’s also showing the community what we’re doing for the wider region.”

The Sub Branch is also proud of its commitment to sustainability and self-sufficiency.

“We need to be self-sustainable in this day and age,” Mr Higgins said.

“We can’t thank Mackay Regional Council enough for their support – they’ve been wonderful to work with.”

“This is really an opportunity for veterans, first responders, their families and community members to come down, support each other, have some fun and be part of something positive.”

From accessible transport to plans for allied health and gym facilities, the Mackay RSL Sub Branch is determined to make its Illawong Beach wellness hub a place of belonging.

“We want to be known not just for supporting veterans, but for supporting everyone –families, first responders, young people, even schools. The RSL is for the whole community,” said Georgia.

Community members are invited to join in supporting this transformative project, either by attending the Gala or contributing through donations, ensuring the Illawong Beach hub continues to grow as a space of wellness, connection, and inclusion for all.

For more information, contact Georgia on 0499 567 297 or via email at
georgia-lee.ricketts@mackay.rslqld.net.au

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The Mackay RSL Sub Branch is transforming its Illawong Beach base into a one-of-a-kind Community Wellness Centre for veterans, families, and the wider community — a place for connection, health, and hope. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

The upgraded facility will feature a new roof, refurbished interiors, and reimagined spaces designed to support health programs, family activities, and community events. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

Images supplied

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A well-known couple to Coles Sydney Street recently experienced an unexpected act of kindness that reminded them there’s still plenty of good in the world.

Last Friday, the husband, who has recently taken on the role of full-time carer for his wife, stopped in at the store to pick up some groceries on a particularly hot day. Feeling flustered and preoccupied, he collected everything on the list and headed to the checkout, only to realise he had forgotten his wallet.

“I told the cashier I’d just pop home to grab it since we live nearby,” he said.

“I was so embarrassed… I wished the floor would open up and swallow me.”

Before he could leave, a young man standing behind him spoke up, asking if that was all he had. When the gentleman confirmed it was, the stranger insisted on paying for the small grocery bill himself.

“I told him it wasn’t necessary, that I could go home and get my wallet,” he recalled.

“But he just said, ‘No, that’s all right, mate, I’ve got it.’”

Deeply moved by the gesture, the couple shared the story to highlight the quiet generosity still present in the community.

“It’s something that’s never happened to me before,” he said.

“It just goes to show there are still decent people out there… especially when it’s a young fellow doing such a kind thing.”

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Ever heard the saying, “Where your heart is, there your treasure is?”

It's an interesting phrase, isn't it?'

Our days are made up of so many little moments, but at the end of the day, it’s what our heart truly desires that gives us the motivation and drive to keep moving forward.

It’s funny how we often place our happiness in material things, like a holiday, a car, or a new house – yet when we receive them, we immediately look for the “next best thing.”

No doubt social media and current trends often reinforce that mindset, but where our heart is, there our treasure lies.

So, what is it for you?

On Tuesday, I celebrated my husband’s 24th birthday, and while I spent most of the evening preparing and serving food for our guests, it was in the small moments, like watching him cut the cake surrounded by our closest friends and family, or hearing laughter echo through the lounge room, that made me feel so grateful for the life we live.

These are life’s precious moments, and we never truly know if we’ll be granted tomorrow… so make sure you treasure today!

Whether it’s a loved one’s birthday or a mundane Friday - cherish it, and don’t take it for granted.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." – Matthew 6:21

Have a blessed week!

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Mackay Woman Shares Story Of Hope Following Early Detection

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to remind women of the importance of early detection. For Mackay resident Wendy Hastie, 71, a routine breast screen during her retirement travels proved lifesaving.

Wendy had been enjoying her retirement in 2022 with her husband Les when her BreastScreen reminder letter arrived while they were in Perth.

“My daughter in Mackay called and said my letter from BreastScreen had arrived in the mail. I thought about waiting until we were back in Mackay to have the mammogram but decided to make an appointment in Perth with some friends,” Wendy said.

“We thought we’d make a day of it, you know have our mammograms and then go out for lunch, so that’s what we did.”

While her friends received the all-clear, Wendy was asked to return for another mammogram.

“This time it was at a larger clinic where I had an intravenous dye put through me and then as soon as I had that I went straight on the table for a biopsy on my breast. They did another mammogram there to pinpoint the area,” she said.

“We went for my results the next day and was told it was cancer. The specialist said it was a DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ), which is not an aggressive cancer but still, I could have fallen off my chair with the news.”

Wendy underwent a six-hour right breast mastectomy two months later. The procedure included removal of her breast, muscle taken from her back, and an expander for later reconstructive surgery.

“I was fortunate to not need chemo or radiation, just the mastectomy. Six months later I underwent breast reconstruction surgery,” she said.

“I was coping pretty well the whole time. I’m a matter-of-fact person and don’t dwell on things. Still, it was definitely a very surreal time being diagnosed and going through surgery. But I wasn’t scared and didn’t panic, that doesn’t help anything does it.”

While recovering, Wendy faced more challenges as her husband Les was diagnosed with stage four kidney failure and later pancreatic cancer.

“There wasn’t much they could do because of his stage four kidney failure. So we just decided to do palliative care and enjoy what time we had left together,” Wendy said.

Despite losing her husband earlier this year, Wendy continues to live life fully, catching up with friends, doing water aerobics, working a couple of days a week, and planning a Mediterranean cruise next year.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Wendy hopes her story inspires women to prioritise screening.

“Make sure you have your check-ups every two years, check your breast yourself and make use of the services available,” she said.

“Looking back, I feel so grateful for the service and care. If I had waited until we had returned from travelling to book my mammogram, things could have been very different.”

With one in seven women diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, routine breast screening remains the best way to detect breast cancer early. BreastScreen provides free screening for women aged 40 and over who haven’t noticed changes in their breasts. Appointments can be booked at units or mobile services across Australia.

Call 13 20 50 or visit www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au to make an appointment.

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Discover a sweet secret hiding in plain sight – oversized, 125g cookies that are crunchy outside with a gooey centre. Baked fresh every morning and served from the big purple Laffos Cookies truck outside Target at Caneland Central – they are a fast becoming a must-try taste sensation!

An iconic New York treat, these cookies are packed with premium ingredients, including rich Belgian chocolate, and are known for their sheer size and melt in your mouth texture. Every bite is full of flavour!

Laffos Cookies owner Mark Laffin said that these New York cookies are “indulgence at its best – crispy on the outside, soft and gooey in the middle and loaded with quality ingredients”.

“Our regulars love that they can enjoy an authentic New York-style cookie experience right here at home – and we’re wanting to spread the word so that more people can try it for themselves, without having to head to the US,” Mr Laffin said.

For many in the community, cookies are becoming part of everyday occasions – picked up as a thoughtful surprise, shared at family gatherings or something different in catering for work events.

While the cookies take centre stage, the experience doesn’t stop there. Also available at Laffos Cookies are coffees from Primal Coffee, milkshakes, thickshakes and more – combinations that feel equal parts comforting and indulgent.

Mackay has long had a love for homegrown food experiences and Laffos Cookies have added another chapter to that story. By blending global inspiration with local flavour, it offers the community and visitors alike a chance to enjoy something new while staying firmly connected to our region.

For more information, visit Laffos Cookies' big purple van at Caneland Central or order online at www.laffoscookies.com.au

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Mr Mark Laffin with freshly baked cookies ready for purchase. Photo supplied

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Reflecting On A Remarkable First Year As Your Member For Mackay

One Year of Service: Reflecting on a Remarkable First Year as Your Member for Mackay
By Nigel Dalton MP, Member for Mackay
It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since I was given the great honour of being elected to represent the people of Mackay in the Queensland Parliament. And what a year it has been.
From day one, I made a commitment: to work hard, to listen, to be present, and to stand up for the projects and priorities that matter most to our community. Over the past twelve months, I’ve had the privilege of meeting thousands of locals—from small business owners and community volunteers to school principals, frontline workers, and healthcare professionals.
Every interaction has reminded me that Mackay’s greatest strength lies in its people—their determination, generosity, and unwavering sense of community.

Delivering Real Results for Mackay

This first year has been focused on action—securing funding and delivering projects that make a genuine difference to people’s lives. From community sport and the arts, to housing and education, these investments are about building a stronger, more connected Mackay.
Highlights include:
• $23.5 million for Stage 2 of the Great Barrier Reef Arena upgrade at Harrup Park.
• $800,000 for Mackay Hockey Association to build an indoor facility.
• $800,000 for Football Queensland Mackay to upgrade the carpark facility.
• $1.6 million for Mackay Netball Association to construct shade protection.
• $450,000 to upgrade lighting at Zeolla Park in Andergrove for the All Saints AFL Club.
• $250,000 for Mackay Musical Comedy Players Inc. to upgrade their facility.
• $1 million for Chances House, providing vital support for vulnerable members of our community.
• 59 new social and community housing homes, helping address the growing need for safe, affordable accommodation.
• Refurbishment and air-conditioning of the Mackay State High School hall, part of a $70.68 million School and Education Boost.
• A new tuckshop at North Mackay State High School, also funded through the School and Education Boost.
These projects don’t just improve facilities—they create jobs, strengthen local pride, and ensure that Mackay continues to thrive.

Listening to the Community

Being on the ground—at events, in schools, at community meetings—has been one of the most important parts of my role. I’ve made it a priority to stay connected, not just from the office or Parliament House, but out in the community where ideas are shared and real issues are raised.
Over the past year, I’ve hosted local forums, attended school visits, listened to families, met with business owners, and supported our seniors. Whether it’s parents discussing education, businesses sharing workforce concerns, or retirees navigating cost-of-living pressures—I’ve listened, taken notes, and worked hard to respond.
I’ve also delivered over $600,000 in community grants, supporting grassroots initiatives across the electorate. A personal highlight was visiting the Mackay Wood Turners Association, who received over $14,000 to purchase new equipment and continue their incredible work in preserving traditional skills.

Standing Up in Parliament

In Parliament, I’ve made it my mission to ensure Mackay’s voice is heard loud and clear. I’ve spoken on legislation impacting regional communities, advocated for local infrastructure, and proudly shared the achievements of our people.
I’ve stood up for key issues that matter to our region, including:
• Supporting the establishment of a dedicated Mining Coroner to improve safety standards and ensure greater transparency across the industry.
• Backing the "Adult Crime, Adult Time" approach to strengthen youth justice and ensure greater accountability.
• Advocating for stronger domestic violence laws to better protect victims and keep our communities safe.
• Initiating an inquiry into the future of Sugar and Biomanufacturing in Queensland, to support jobs and secure long-term growth in one of our key industries.
These are not just policy positions—they’re reflections of what I’ve heard from you, and what I believe will help shape a better future for Mackay.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the next year, my focus remains firmly on delivery.
Whether it’s advocating for better housing, securing funding for local projects, or supporting programs that create jobs and strengthen our region, I will continue doing what I promised: working hard, staying local, and remaining accessible to you.
Representing Mackay is not just a job—it’s a true honour. Thank you for your trust, your support, and your belief in what we can achieve together.

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