Mackay Gathers For Remembrance Day 2025

Mackay paused to honour its fallen at the 2025 Annual Remembrance Day ceremony, held at the Cenotaph in Jubilee Park last Tuesday, November 11. Marking the 107th anniversary of the end of the First World War, the solemn gathering saw the community observe a minute’s silence at the 11th hour, accompanied by the traditional “Last Post” and “Rouse.”

Mackay Regional Mayor Greg Williamson welcomed attendees, while ADF Cadet Sergeant Murray Macgroarty, noted for his 380 km charity walk supporting veterans’ homelessness, delivered a touching speech on the resilience of those who serve, both past and present. Tayt Rowe of St Patrick’s College performed the bugle calls, followed by a fly-past by the Mackay Tiger Moth Museum.

During wreath-laying, Piper Ian Dean of the Mackay & District Pipe Band played “Flowers of the Forest” on historic 1916 bagpipes, as the community reflected on the sacrifices of local service men and women.

Lest We Forget

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Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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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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Council is proud to announce the successful funding of 20 community-led initiatives through the Make Your Place, City Safety and Façade Improvement grant programs.

These grants will inject a total of $80,182 into projects that enhance and activate public spaces, improve public safety and celebrate local creativity.

Projects range from an interactive gnome hunt to local cooking demonstrations and a barbecue, craft beer and music festival on the riverfront.

Successful Façade Improvement projects were eligible for a co-contribution from council of up to 50 per cent of the total project cost.

Grant recipients include:

Make Your Place Grants – $40,500.00

Seven projects will bring colour, culture, and connection to the Mackay Waterfront and surrounding areas:
• Pioneer Potters Mackay Inc – Mackay Gnome Hunt: 500 gnomes will be hidden across parks and trails, each with a QR code linking to a community Facebook group.
• Rhythm Business – Community Jams: 12 interactive music sessions at Bluewater Quay inviting all ages to sing and drum together.
• River of Life Festival Association – River of Life Festival: A one-day celebration with live music, markets, art and food along 500m of the waterfront.
• Red Dog Riverfront – BBQ, Craft Beer and Music Festival: A family-friendly event showcasing local brewers, barbecue masters and musicians.
• Bonnie McCarthy – River Reimagined: A temporary art installation using recycled materials and community stories near the YUWI sign (Subject to Visual Arts Advisory Committee approval).
• Renae Johansen – Riverside Children’s Hub: Inclusive kids’ activities and performances during the River of Life Festival.
• Mackay Farmers’ Market – Local Produce Cooking Demonstrations: Quarterly sessions promoting healthy eating with fresh local produce.

City Safety Grants – $15,878.32

Six projects will enhance public safety and security in the City Centre:
• Health and Hearts Exercise Physiology Clinic: Lighting and roller door installation to deter loitering at 2 Tennyson Street.
• Red Dog Brewery: CCTV upgrades to support crime prevention and community safety.
• Financial Planning Mackay: Security gate installation to prevent unauthorised access and improve staff safety.
• Mastermyne: Roller shutter installation to address safety concerns at 45 River Street.
• Harper Bee: CCTV system to monitor external areas and deter criminal activity.
• Rasmussen Chartered Accountants: CCTV installation to improve visibility and reduce break-ins.

Façade Improvement Grants – $23,804.04

Seven projects will refresh and beautify building exteriors, contributing to a more vibrant streetscape:
• Mackay Customs House: Fence panel replacement at the historic Customs House.
• Harper Bee: Canopy upgrade and new signage to enhance heritage charm.
• Mastermyne: Window and façade painting to modernise a prominent River Street building.
• Skin Transformations: Signage, decals and smart lock system for safety and visibility.
• Man About Menswear: New signage to replace outdated branding.
• Dancewear Mackay: Exterior repairs, painting and signage upgrades.
• Health & Hearts Exercise Physiology Clinic: Artistic window designs and new signage to add colour and character.

For more information about the grants and how to apply for future rounds, visit mackaywaterfront.com.au

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The River of Life Festival, a one-day celebration with live music, markets, art and food along 500m of the waterfront, was once again supported by council’s Make Your Place Grants program. Photo supplied

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The Mackay RSL Sub Branch Dinner, proudly supported by major sponsor Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, drew an impressive crowd for an evening of fine dining, entertainment, and community spirit. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal, live band, prizes, and an auction, all in support of a meaningful cause.

The event proved a tremendous success, with a generous amount of funds raised on the night to assist in the development of the new RSL Wellness Centre, a vital initiative aimed at supporting the wellbeing of veterans and their families.

It was an evening that celebrated camaraderie, generosity, and Mackay’s ongoing commitment to honouring and caring for those who have served.

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A Mackay woman’s week took an unforgettable turn after discovering she’d won $200,000 on November 3rd, in a Monday Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot draw. The surprise left her shouting with excitement and declaring her love for the lottery official who broke the news.

The North Queensland resident held the 1st Prize winning entry in Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot draw 1730, drawn Monday 3 November 2025, securing a dreamy $200,000.

“I love you! You’ve just become my instant bestie!” she cheered when an official from The Lott called to reveal her prize.

“I’m standing outside my work at the moment, and I’m trying my best to contain my excitement.

“I can’t believe it!

“I noticed I had a missed call and text from you earlier today and I got a little excited, but I told myself I wouldn’t be convinced until I heard it straight from the horse’s mouth.

“Now that you’ve confirmed the win, it’s starting to feel real.

“I can’t wait to tell my partner the good news.”

With her $200,000 payday, the overjoyed winner shared she can now finally pack her bags and take a long-awaited holiday.

“You know what, this has come at a great time! My partner and I have been talking about doing some travel in the near future,” she said.

“It always felt a little distant until now. Italy has definitely been on our wish list.

“I’m sure a few things might change with $200,000 in the bank.”

Her winning entry of five random numbers was purchased via The Lott app – the official home of Australia’s lotteries.

The Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot prize is now $15.76 million for draw 1731, while the Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot sits at $1.28 million for draw 11046.

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Photo supplied

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What have Alice Springs, Launceston, Davenport, Burnie, Melbourne and Port Macquarie got I common?
They’re the only cities in Australia where the property markets are declining, although Port Macquarie is approaching the bottom of the market.

The revelation is featured in the latest “property clock” from property valuers Herron Todd White and gives an interesting insight into the state of play in Australian real estate markets, including Mackay.

The HTW property clock shows whether the country’s property markets are rising or falling depending on where they sit on the clock face.

The top of the clock is 12 o’clock and that’s for cities at the peak of the market,  2 o’clock is for a market starting to decline, 3 o’clock is a declining market, 6 o’clock is bottom of the market, 8 o’clock is a market starting a recovery,  9 o’clock  is a rising market and 10 o’clock is a market approaching its peak.

It’s pretty lonely for those six cities sitting on the right-hand side of the clock in declining markets because pretty much the rest of the country is in a rising market.

There are a handful of cities, such as Bundaberg, Dubbo and Toowoomba, that are at the peak of their markets and  four other places, including Byron Bay and NSW Southern Highlands, that are at the bottom of their markets. But everywhere else is in a rising market.

Interestingly, The Whitsundays are among four places, including Gladstone, that are said to be approaching the peak of their markets.

The rest of the country is squashed in at 9 o’clock on the clock, in a rising market. Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth and Adelaide are there. So are Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton. And so is Mackay.

The government’s new benefits for first home buyers will put them into a better position to buy a property but you can bet this will create greater demand and help push prices up further, particularly in the typical bracket for that cohort of buyers.

Mackay’s median price is now well and truly above $600,000. That figure will generally get you a very basic three-bedroom, one bathroom house and there is an enormous demand in that price range.

Investors from southern markets are still buying in Mackay, driven by yields of 5 per cent and above thanks to our high rental prices. That $600,000 property would be expected to get at or above $650 a week, so it’s a great return on investment.

But Mackay people, wanting to buy a house to live in rather than an investment, are fighting for their opportunities.

As the latest Herron Todd White monthly report points out, southern investors are not interested in a property that needs some maintenance because they are not here to do it and want something they can set and forget.

This presents a great opportunity for  local people wanting to get into the market. You might have to do some painting and maintenance on that cottage but you won’t be competing with southern investors and you will probably get it for under $600,000.

I wrote a column in March 2023 where I encouraged young people and others wanting to break into the market to buy a unit. I said at that time that I had just sold a unit in East Mackay for $174,000 and that someone with a 10 per cent deposit could buy a property like that and have a mortgage that would be lower than rent.

Those prices have gone now but you can still buy a unit, depending on the suburb and features, in the $300,000s. I believe units in  the low $300,000s still represent an opportunity for young people because it gets them in the market, the mortgage will still be less than rent and you’d expect growing competition for properties in that price range.

Meanwhile that property clock is ticking.

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Honouring Our Heritage, Strengthening Our Future

By Councillor Nathenea MacRae

Over the weekend, I had the honour of attending the Mackay RSL 2025 Gala Dinner, a night that celebrated both our proud military history and the incredible community spirit that defines our region.

One of the most moving moments of the evening was seeing the return of the original 42nd Battalion bagpipes, gifted by the people of Mackay in 1916 and carried by our soldiers through the battlefields of France.

To hear those very pipes played once again, their sound echoing through the room, was something very special.

After being lost to history for more than a century, these pipes were unexpectedly rediscovered in California. Thanks to the determination of the Mackay RSL team and local advocates, they have finally been brought home. They’re not just instruments, they’re a piece of our city’s soul and a reminder that Mackay has always stood up, reached out and looked after one another.

That same spirit continues today through initiatives such as the RSL Wellness Centre at Illawong, which will provide vital support for veterans and their families, a place for healing, connection and community. Proudly 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. Council is proud to play a role, including leasing the premises to the RSL to help this important service thrive.

As these historic pipes find their place once again in Mackay, the RSL has also launched a new mission: to identify the 13 men pictured in the 1916 Pipe Band photograph. These were our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers and sons of this region whose faces deserve their names back.

I encourage every family, history enthusiast, and proud local to be part of this search. Visit the RSL, look through old family albums, and help uncover the stories of the men who carried Mackay’s music into the heart of war.

Our history has come home, now it’s up to all of us to help it speak again.

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Mater Volunteer Celebrates Life And Service

Mackay grandmother Linda Veurman said she was “shocked and amazed” to be named Mater’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year – but her night of surprises did not stop there.

By coincidence, two Mater doctors who helped save her life by diagnosing and removing a tumour growing next to her brain stem were both also honoured at the Mater People Awards evening in Brisbane.

After collecting her award, Ms Veurman caught up with Mater Private Hospital Mackay ENT specialist Dr Luke Reid and Mater Private Hospital Brisbane neurosurgeon Dr Martin Wood to congratulate them on their awards – and say a heartfelt thank-you.

Ms Veurman, 60, began volunteering at Mater Private Hospital Mackay in 2017, determined to give back to the community during her retirement.

But the next year she became a Mater patient herself after seeing Dr Reid to discuss what she thought was a sinus problem.

“Dr Reid sent me for a hearing test, that I failed pretty badly, and then sent me for an MRI – which is when they picked up the tumour in my ear,” Ms Veurman said.

“It had started pressing on my brain stem and I was told that if it wasn’t treated it may have caused me to pass away in a couple of years’ time.

“I went to the Mater in Brisbane for a 10-hour operation and Dr Wood was one of the surgeons who helped to remove the tumour.

“They are both excellent doctors who deserve their awards and to be there to win an award alongside them on the same night was unbelievable – it was a very special night!”

Dr Reid and Dr Wood both received the Contribution to Clinical Excellence – Doctor award for their service to Mater and its patients.

Dr Reid has been Mackay’s sole full-time ENT specialist for more than a decade, treating both private and public patients, while also teaching at James Cook University and mentoring international medical graduates.

Dr Wood is one of Queensland’s most respected neurosurgeons, renowned for pioneering minimally invasive spinal surgery and performing Australia’s first in utero surgery for spina bifida.

He is also the co-founder and chairman of the Brainchild Foundation, a children’s brain tumour charity.

Also among the night’s winners was Georgia Strydom, Nurse Unit Manager of the medical ward at Mater Private Hospital Mackay, who received Mater’s Emerging Leadership award for her commitment to service excellence and compassionate care.

As a ward volunteer, Ms Veurman supports Mater patients and nurses by ensuring wards always have ample stocks of medical and other supplies, while also acting as ‘concierge’ for patients as they are discharged.

“I love that I can help the nurses in their work, making their jobs a bit easier, and whenever a patient is being discharged I get a call to accompany

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Mackay grandmother Linda Veurman was named Mater’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year, sharing the stage with the two doctors who once saved her life - a heartfelt full-circle moment of gratitude and service. Photos supplied

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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

The Australian sugar industry has long prided itself on resilience, innovation and a sense of collective purpose. However, recent events at the industry owned, not for profit, Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) Annual General Meeting have cast a shadow over this reputation, sparking outrage across cane communities and industry stakeholders alike.

QSL has long served as the central marketing body for Queensland’s sugar exports, acting as an intermediary between growers, mills, and international buyers.
The actions of Wilmar Sugar and MSF Sugar in voting down critical constitutional reforms for QSL have drawn widespread condemnation from growers who form the backbone of the sugar industry, alongside Industry bodies and other milling companies alike.

Highlighting Wilmar and MSF being out of step with the rest of the industry, the three other milling companies using their vote - that being our very own Mackay Sugar Ltd, as well as Bundaberg Sugar and Isis Sugar - all sided with the growers to support the changes. But, alas, Wilmar and MSF voted down the aspirations of the wider industry.  It is great to see that the three supportive millers have the vision and whole-of-industry approach to the future of the Queensland sugar industry, rather than pursuing individual corporate agendas and controls.

These constitutional changes would have made QSL’s internal voting structure more reflective of the current marketing situation in the Queensland sugar industry, not that of the late 1990s when initial structure was created under what was basically a single desk marketing system.  Fast forward to the present, and we now have Wilmar Sugar and MSF who, amongst others, who are competitors to QSL yet, anachronistically and inappropriately, still have a major voice and vote in the structure and governance of an industry-owned business.

Last week’s crucial vote on proposed changes to QSL’s constitution represented a watershed moment for the future of Queensland’s sugar industry.

The reforms, designed to modernise the QSL structure, enhance transparency, and ensure fairer representation for those who market their sugar through QSL, were widely regarded as essential steps towards a more equitable and competitive future.  Yet the two multinational millers, Wilmar and MSF still believe that they have a moral right to influence an industry owned competitor modernising its governance to suit the current environment.

They have effectively stifled the voices of growers and other millers, perpetuating a status quo that limits competition and innovation. This self-serving stance risks eroding trust and cooperation within the industry, potentially driving a wedge between stakeholders at a time when unity is more critical than ever.  By blocking these changes, Wilmar and MSF have sent a concerning signal about their commitment to openness and fair play.

The sugar industry is a vital part of Queensland’s economy and rural communities, employing thousands and supporting countless local businesses. For the sector to thrive, stakeholders must work together—not against one another—to build a fair, transparent, and inclusive future. The actions of Wilmar and MSF in voting down QSL’s constitutional reforms have been widely condemned as short-sighted and self-serving, undermining the principles of democracy and collaboration upon which the sugar industry has built itself.

As the dust settles, it is imperative that all parties return to the negotiating table with a genuine commitment to reform and a willingness to put the interests of growers and regional communities first. Only by working together can the industry hope to secure a brighter, more sustainable future for Queensland’s sugar heartland.

In the end, history will judge those who chose to stand in the way of progress. The path forward may be fraught with challenges, but the determination and integrity shown by those supporting reform offer hope that the true spirit of Queensland’s sugar industry will prevail.

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Government Delivers Major Boost for Mackay Conservation

The Crisafulli Government has announced a $7.8 million investment to support land, soil, water and biodiversity projects across the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions, delivering a major boost for local conservation and community-led environmental initiatives.

The funding, part of the government’s Natural Resources Management Expansion Program (NRMEP), will help restore waterways, protect coastal reefs, and enhance wildlife habitats throughout the Mackay region — from Cattle Creek to the Coral Reef.

Reef Catchments will receive more than $4.8 million to restore eight kilometres of streambank along Cattle Creek, strengthen riparian corridors, enhance in-stream habitats, and reduce sediment flow into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.

A further $1.9 million will connect 57 hectares of koala habitat from South Koumala to north of Eton, while nearly $1 million will fund inshore reef restoration through Coral IVF techniques and reseeding of seagrass meadows in Pioneer Bay.

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last said the investment will deliver tangible environmental outcomes by empowering local expertise.

“This funding is about backing real action, by supporting local experts who understand their region and what it takes to protect it,” Minister Last said.

“These projects will deliver real on-ground results for our environment and the communities who depend on healthy landscapes and waterways.

“During Labor’s decade of decline, NRM groups were left high and dry without the meaningful funding they need to support the great work they do across Queensland.

“Through our $117.84 million Natural Resource Management Expansion Program, the Crisafulli Government is giving those groups certainty by supporting the people who know their regions best.”

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the investment reflects the government’s commitment to long-term, practical outcomes.

“These projects will improve water quality, protect wildlife and support local jobs — and they’re happening right here in our backyard,” Mr Dalton said.

“This funding recognises the importance of local stewardship and is a major boost for our communities.”

Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said the announcement highlights the government’s focus on regional sustainability.

“From protecting koala habitat to restoring critical waterways, this is the Crisafulli Government backing local solutions and restoring trust in regional investment,” Mr Kelly said.
“Healthy ecosystems mean stronger farming, more resilient communities and better outcomes for future generations.”

Reef Catchments CEO Katrina Dent said the funding would help target priority areas for biodiversity restoration.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the Queensland Government's investment in natural resource management through the NRMEP,” Ms Dent said.

“This funding will allow us to scale up our efforts for critical ecosystems and to target hot spot areas where previous weather events have damaged key parts of the region.”

The funding marks a major milestone for the Mackay region, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable land and water management across Queensland.

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A $7.5 million partnership between North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) and James Cook University (JCU) will deliver a five-year program to advance marine science across four ports.

Building on a decade of nationally recognised collaboration, the partnership will deliver world-class monitoring, research, education and training.

It will also expand into new areas such as marine habitat restoration research, marine animal  studies such as dugongs and turtles, and increasing Traditional Owner engagement.

The collaboration is led by JCU’s Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER).

NQBP CEO Brendan Webb said the new partnership solidifies NQBP’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and collaboration.

“As the only port authority managing three ports within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, we take our environmental and social responsibilities in these iconic surroundings seriously,” Mr Webb said.

“This partnership represents the gold standard for how industry and research institutions can work together to protect and understand the environment.

“Together, we’ve delivered world-class monitoring, empowered Traditional Owner engagement, and fostered the next generation of marine scientists. This renewed partnership ensures we build on those achievements into the future.”

JCU Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research Professor Jenny Seddon said the partnership continued to demonstrate the real-world impact of JCU’s research.

“Our collaboration with NQBP shows how industry and universities can work together and embed scientific expertise into core port operations to deliver real and lasting benefits to the environment, communities and industry,” Professor Seddon said.

Professor Michael Rasheed, JCU’s co-director of the program said at its core the partnership supports world class research and monitoring, including one of the world’s longest continuous running seagrass monitoring program.

“These programs have led to breakthrough knowledge on how coastal ecosystems function including developing tools for their effective management and approaches to restoration of seagrass meadows that can be applied throughout tropical Queensland and the Indo-Pacific,” Professor Rasheed said.

“The program reaches well beyond the ports themselves with results fed into regional reporting on waterway health and advancing science and management. This is a great example of how research and industry partnerships can benefit society,” he said.

Associate Professor Nathan Waltham, JCU TropWATER said the partnership is a model for how industry and research can work together to deliver real-world outcomes.

“We’re proud to be training the next generation of marine scientists and delivering the data and solutions needed for resilient, thriving port environments,” A/Professor Waltham said.

“It also provides extraordinary opportunities for our students and researchers to work at the
forefront of marine science.”

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North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation and James Cook University have launched a $7.5 million, five-year partnership to advance marine science, environmental monitoring, and habitat restoration across four Great Barrier Reef ports. Photos supplied

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Managing Risk In A Volatile Sugar Market

By Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

Thank you to all growers who nominated Wilmar Grower Marketing as their GEI marketer for the 2026 season.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to the growing number of new growers who have chosen Wilmar for the first time. We don’t take any nomination, new or existing, for granted and remain committed to delivering strong returns, flexible products and personalised service to maintain your trust in this vital part of your business.

This year has been particularly challenging on the pricing front. Just 8 months ago, the March 26 futures contract was trading close to 20 USc/lb, with the AUD sugar price above $650/t. We are now facing a $465/t price and futures at 14 USc/lb.

Our recent October Pool results have reinforced our decision to relaunch the Managed Pool as the Managed Pool Plus (MPP) with the key difference being its extended time horizon for price management compared to the Production Risk Pool (PRP).

At the end of October, the MPP was forecast at $560/t Actual versus the PRP at $515/t. During the month, the 2025 Season price fell by about $70/t Actual, while the MPP dropped $40/t and the PRP $60/t, reflecting the MPP’s higher hedge profile.

The Grower Marketing team are fielding lots of enquiries from growers seeking guidance on sugar price outlooks. While no one can predict prices with certainty, our analysts expect global sugar stocks to build over the next 12 to 18 months due to large crops in India and Brazil, assuming normal weather.

Ethanol remains another key factor, with prices influenced by oil markets, relative feedstock prices, and government regulation. The recent dip in sugar prices below 14 USc/lb has already prompted some Brazilian mills to switch from sugar to ethanol, showing price signals are working to rebalance supply and demand.

Across all regions, growers are underpriced for the 2025 season, and even more so for 2026. While that is a challenge shared across the industry, it is important to look ahead. If you could lock in $525/t today for the 2025 season, would you take it? The 2028 season has that price available now, and pricing even a small portion early can help manage risk and secure a solid base as markets evolve.

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The AUD Sugar price has dropped considerably since it’s last high in April over $650/t to recent lows under $460/t Image supplied

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A home loan is one of the biggest financial commitments many of us will make – but paying it off sooner than expected is possible and it doesn’t always mean big changes. At Community Bank Sarina, we’re backed by Bendigo Bank and here to support locals with clear, practical ways to take control of their finances and make smarter decisions about their future. If you’re looking to reduce the life of your home loan, here are a few strategies worth considering:

Make extra repayments
Adding even a small amount to your regular repayments can reduce interest and loan term. For example, adding just $50 per fortnight on a $500,000 loan (30-year term, 6.5% interest) could save over $87,000 in interest and shorten the loan by nearly four years.

Offset accounts and redraw facilities
Keeping money in an offset account reduces the interest charged on your loan. Similarly, using a redraw facility allows you to access extra repayments if needed, while still reducing your loan balance in the meantime.

Find a lower interest rate
Even a small difference in interest rates can add up over the life of your loan. If your rate isn’t as competitive as it could be, it’s worth looking into options or talking to a lender about refinancing.

Review your loan regularly
Checking in on your loan and interest rate every few years – especially as your circumstances change, can help ensure your loan structure still suits your goals. Paying off a mortgage faster isn’t about making drastic sacrifices. It’s about finding the right tools, staying consistent and being supported by people who understand your goals.

At Community Bank Sarina, we take pride in being a profit for purpose organisation that invests in local people. If you’re looking for ways to pay off your mortgage sooner or considering refinancing, we’re here to talk. Come in and see the friendly team at 37 Broad Street, Sarina or call us on 07 4943 2634.

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The Mackay Regional Council has approved the development application for a new McDonald’s in Sarina, with Mayor Greg Williamson casting the deciding vote following a robust debate.

Speaking after the decision, Mayor Williamson said, “It was called to make a final decision on the development application for McDonald’s in Sarina.

“After a robust debate, I used my casting vote to actually approve the development application for McDonald’s in Sarina.”

The Mayor highlighted the economic benefits the new restaurant will bring to the community, particularly for local youth. “It's going to be a great thing for Sarina, particularly for the young people in Sarina. They're going to employ 120 people as casuals.”

Mayor Williamson also noted that McDonald’s has committed to working closely with the community to address concerns raised during the council meeting.

“They’ve also committed to working with the neighbours, and work with the council to ameliorate some of the concerns that were raised… about the neighbourhood impact of having McDonald’s on the main street. So, all in all, I think it is a pretty good outcome.”

The new development is expected to create significant employment opportunities while providing a long-term addition to Sarina’s main street. Council hopes the project will support local economic growth, offer jobs for young residents, and balance community needs with development benefits.

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Locals are invited to come together for a free community BBQ celebrating International Men’s Day as a chance to connect, enjoy a great lunch, and raise awareness about men’s health and wellbeing.

The event will be held on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, from 11am to 2pm at 160 Boundary Road, Ooralea, and promises to be a relaxed and welcoming afternoon for all ages.

Guests can enjoy a complimentary BBQ lunch, fun giveaways, and free blood pressure checks. It’s also a great opportunity for mates, colleagues, and families to come along, start conversations, and show support for the important men in their lives.

The event is proudly supported by Family Health Care Mackay, BeWorkFit Mackay, and Shed Happens, who have joined forces to highlight the importance of regular health check-ups and open conversations around physical and mental wellbeing.

Organisers hope the casual setting will encourage more men to take a moment for themselves, to chat, check in, and connect with local services that are here to help.
Everyone is welcome to attend, so grab your mates, head down to Ooralea, and be part of a positive community event that celebrates men, their health, and the power of looking out for one another.