For many Australians living with disability or in care, life is lived on the edge of ‘just enough’. Enough to get by. Enough to pay for essentials. Enough to survive week to week. But what about joy? What about belonging, adventure, dignity… what about living? A weekend away with family. Tickets to see a favourite band live. A visit to a distant cultural site or ancestral Country. These are the kinds of experiences that bring meaning and connection – but for many locals living with disability,
Read the full storySunset Bay Outriggers Canoe Club continues its impressive progress in 2025, with another successful campaign at the NQ Zone Grand Prix in Airlie Beach over the May long weekend. Despite extremely challenging weather conditions, wind gusts reaching 35 knots and heavy rain affecting visibility, both junior and senior paddlers from the club rose to the occasion. The club is especially proud of its two newest junior athletes, Tess Armstrong and Zara Hegarty, who displayed remarkable skill and dete
Read the full storyCQUniversity Nursing graduate Nikita Van Wyk is following in the footsteps of her grandmother, mother and aunt, caring for patients at Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS). The 24-year-old recently crossed the stage at the CQU Mackay Graduation Ceremony, not only receiving her testamur, but also being awarded the CQU Graduate Nurse of the Year Award. The award, which is sponsored by CQU and presented by MHHS, was first introduced in 2017 and recognises the skills and contributions o
Read the full storyThe Housing Industry Association says election uncertainty has masked early signs of a home building rebound, with new lending figures pointing to growing momentum heading into the second half of 2025. “Lending for the purchase or construction of new homes remained flat in the first quarter of 2025, likely the result of election uncertainty. The data also reflected the situation prior to the effect of the RBA’s first interest rate cut,” said HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt. The ABS r
Read the full storyMackay Regional Council has made some minor amendments to its Corporate Plan and the draft is now open for two weeks for public comment.
Mayor Greg Williamson said extensive community engagement had been done in preparation for the previous Corporate Plan 2022-2027.
He said the new council, after being elected at the March local government elections, reviewed that existing plan.
“The council decided that the Corporate Plan, a legislative requirement that sets our strategic direction for five years, is serving the organisation well, and it decided to undertake a desktop review to make minor amendments.
“Councillors decided against a complete revamp, which would have been a lengthy and costly exercise.”
Mayor Williamson said the new Corporate Plan 2024-2029, once adopted, would align better with the local government election cycle.
“A new council elected in 2028 will have 12 months to review the Corporate Plan and prepare a new one,’’ he said.
The draft Corporate Plan 2024-2029 can be viewed at council’s community engagement website connectingmackay.com.au
Copies are also available at libraries and council’s customer service centres.
Councillors will also undertake some public consultation through their Strategic Advisory Committees.
The draft Corporate Plan is open for public comment until October 9.
Any feedback will be taken onboard, with the new Corporate Plan 2024-2029 scheduled to be adopted at a council meeting later this year.
Mackay Regional Council is calling on residents of Slade Point to attend a community meeting on Tuesday, October 15.
This meeting has been organised due to community interest in forming a Progress Association.
The informal meeting will kick off at the Slade Point Bowls Club at 1 Wren Street, Slade Point, from 6pm.
It’s an opportunity for residents of Slade Point to meet with council’s Community Development Officers to chat about what a Progress Association is and the opportunities it can create.
The meeting will discuss how a Progress Association can act as a pathway for community members to take collective action on the issues that are important to them.
All community members who are passionate and motivated to achieve positive outcomes for their community are welcome.
For more information, contact Community Development Officer Katrina Morrissey on 0457 245 069.
The council is inviting suppliers to tender for inclusion on two panels for mowing services. The panels will assist council with mowing operations across our region, especially over the summer wet season.
For more details, including tender documents, please visit QTenders at https://bit.ly/3TMEC2X or council's website at https://www.mackay.qld.gov.au/.../procure.../current_tenders
Tenders close Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 10am.
The Mackay Base Hospital Cardiac Catheter Laboratory is set to commence
scheduled works on Tuesday, 8 October 2024.
The Cath Lab and its service will close for eight weeks while works are carried out by
contractors.
These works are due to Cath Lab equipment reaching its 10-year end-of-life period.
Upgrades to the Cath Lab are also required to suit the new equipment, along with a
sterile stock room within the unit. All works will be carried out within the eight-week
timeframe.
Replacing major medical equipment is a standard procedure for hospitals and health
services to keep up with technological advancements and to maintain safety,
efficiency, and reliability in patient care.
It will enhance the hospital's diagnostic capabilities and will directly benefit patients by
improving access to state-of-the-art cardiac care.
Patients who require Cath Lab services during the upgrade closure will be cared for
and stabilised before being transferred to the nearest Queensland Health facility with
the capacity to treat them.
Three patient care pathways have been developed for any patients that require Cath Lab
services during the upgrade closure and will be determined by each patient’s
condition.
In an emergency situation, the patient will receive medication (thrombolysis) to
dissolve the blood clot. This is a very safe and effective method to treat heart attacks
and it is the current standard treatment for anyone who lives more than 60 minutes
away from Mackay Base Hospital.
This medication is regularly administered by Queensland Ambulance officers and staff
at rural facilities.
Following stabilisation care, the patient will be transferred to Townsville University
Hospital, Prince Charles Hospital or Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital for follow-up
intervention.
Mackay Hospital and Health Service will work with Retrieval Services Queensland, CQ Rescue and Queensland Ambulance to oversee the safe transfer of patients. Based on activity data averaged across the last 12 months, Mackay HHS is planning for approximately 35 urgent admissions per month (4 per week). Mackay HHS treats approximately 48 non-urgent patients per month.
A further update will be provided as the project reaches conclusion.
Mackay Base Hospital’s Cardiac Catheter Laboratory will undergo essential upgrades starting 8 October 2024, enhancing patient care with state-of-the-art equipment. Photo supplied
54-Year-Old Man Charged With Assaulting 12-Year-Old Boy
A man has been charged following an alleged assault in Mackay last Tuesday morning, September 24.
According to reports, around 8:30am, a physical altercation occurred between a man and a 12-year-old boy on River Street.
The individuals were not known to each other prior to the incident. Following the altercation, the man reportedly left the scene on a motorbike.
The boy sustained minor injuries and was transported to Mackay Base Hospital for treatment.
On Wednesday, September 25, officers from the Mackay Child Protection and Investigation Unit arrested a 54-year-old man from Mackay.
He has been charged with one count of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of wilful damage.
The man is due to appear in Mackay Magistrates Court on October 14.
During the recent Whitsunday Cambodia Service Tour, a dedicated group of students, staff, and parents proudly supported the People Improvement Organisation (PIO) in Phnom Penh.
This remarkable organisation delivers quality education to over 1,500 students, ranging from Kindergarten to University, with a mission to break the cycle of poverty through education.
Whitsunday Anglican School had the unique opportunity to assist in refreshing the classrooms, painting and enhancing the learning environment for these young scholars.
A spokesperson from Whitsunday Anglican School said “Our team had the privilege of lending a hand by painting and refreshing the classrooms.”
“It was truly an honour to contribute, even in a small way, to a brighter future for the children of Cambodia.”
Through their involvement with the PIO, the team contributed to a transformative initiative that aims to empower the next generation, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities necessary to succeed.
During the Whitsunday Cambodia Service Tour, Whitsunday Anglican School students, staff and parents proudly supported the People Improvement Organisation in Phnom Penh.
A successful education and compliance campaign restricting vehicle access to foreshore areas north of East Point is being extended to further protect the environment.
An ordinary meeting today resolved to implement measures to prohibit vehicle access to the foreshore and beach on council-controlled land from Harbour Beach to East Point.
Access inland to the Pioneer River in this area will remain unchanged and there is pedestrian access to East Point from there or along the beach.
Mayor Greg Williamson said council was mindful East Point was a popular location for land-based fishing and other recreation.
He said vehicle access had historically been via tracks along the foreshore and dunes.
“Over time, vehicles have caused significant damage to the foredune, impacting on the coastal flora and fauna, and turtle and shorebird nesting sites.
“The impact of that damage over many years is threatening the ecological integrity of this area.”
Mayor Williamson said council was also receiving complaints about motorbikes being ridden on the foreshore and beach.
He said joint patrols between council’s Local Laws officers and Queensland Police Service were planned.
Mayor Williamson said today’s decision would help rejuvenate and revegetate the foreshore.
“There will be no change to access inland from the mangrove swale, which acts as a natural barrier to protect the beach and foredunes from vehicle access,’’ he said.
In October last year, coinciding with the start of the turtle nesting season, council began a successful education and compliance campaign at East Point.
It included signage restricting vehicle access and cameras to monitor use, with council issuing a handful of PINS (Penalty Infringement Notices) of $774.
Mayor Williamson said the benefits of that campaign were evident.
There was reduced vehicle activity along the beach and foredune and as a result ground cover vegetation in the protected areas quickly started to recover.
“The success was temporary, however, as once the campaign concluded at the end of the nesting season, vehicle access resumed.”
Mayor Williamson said following the success of the campaign stakeholders collaborated to apply for a grant to undertake fencing and revegetation to provide more permanent protection.
“Reef Catchments were awarded the grant and planning work has started. NQBP are also key stakeholders supportive of protecting the cultural and environmental values of the site.”
Other stakeholders involved range from YUWI to Mackay and District Turtle Watch and Birdlife Mackay.
The turtle nesting season closure restricted vehicle access on Lot 70, SP315437 a Reserve for Environment managed by council.
This new, permanent closure will extend to Lot 900 SP104486 and the adjacent bathing reserves. Lot 900 is a Reserve for Environmental and Recreational purposes.
Mayor Williamson said the Reserve tenure did not support use as a vehicle access track.
“Vehicle access to the area is unlawful and, as trustees of the foreshore reserve, council should be taking steps to restrict its use in this way,’’ he said.
Obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Bill Boyd has retired after more than 30 years of delivering babies at Mater Private Hospital Mackay.
Born and raised in Scotland, Dr Boyd’s journey to Mackay began when he married his Australian wife Julie, then a student midwife in Scotland.
The couple moved to Australia in 1982 and headed to Mackay four years later.
“My first job in Australia took us to Weipa, where I was the Medical Superintendent, before moving to Adelaide, where I worked at the Queen Victoria Hospital,” Dr Boyd said.
The couple liked Adelaide, but Dr Boyd did not enjoy the cold.
“I love warm weather and as luck would have it, during winter in Adelaide, I saw an ad for a job at Mackay Base Hospital, mentioning the Whitsunday Islands” he said.
“I applied for the job and was granted an interview. Despite Julie still being keen to settle in Brisbane, we decided to give the interview a go, and of course, I got the job.
“Julie said we’d give the place a year’s trial, that was in 1986!”
Dr Boyd later moved into private practice and started caring for women and babies at Mater Private Hospital Mackay, while Ms Boyd served the community as a local councillor and then mayor for more than a decade.
“We worked as a team and were able to manage busy professional lives, while raising our children,” he said.
As well as loving the warm climate, the Boyds also loved the warmth of the people.
“Julie and I are both social people, who found we fitted neatly into the social life of Mackay,” he said.
“They were good people, working hard, bringing up their children.”
Dr Boyd helped those families to grow, delivering multiple generations of babies while caring for the gynaecological health of the women of Mackay.
At the same time, he diligently embraced advances in technology and techniques.
“There have been quantum leaps in the quality of imaging, particularly ultrasound and MRI, which have taken away a lot of guess work, helping us to keep babies and mothers safe,” he said.
“The number one advance in gynaecology during my career has been the development of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine, which will eventually make cervical cancer a rarity.”
Dr Boyd also championed the professionalism of his colleagues in Mackay and North Queensland during his time as President of the Australian Medical Association Queensland.
Mater Private Hospital Mackay General Manager Karen Wade said Dr Boyd’s commitment to his patients, his profession, his colleagues and his community were clear as his tenure at Mater ended.
“Dr Boyd leaves a legacy of top tier patient-centered obstetric and gynaecological care here,” Ms Wade said.
“He also leaves Mater Private Hospital Mackay patients in the care of an accomplished generation of obstetricians and gynaecologists who are well established and respected.”
Mater Mackay doctor Bill Boyd retires after 30 years of dedicated service. Photo supplied
By Hannah McNamara
The LNP recently announced a $20 Million Mackay Bucasia Road / Golf Links Road intersection upgrade, if elected on the 26th of October.
Jarrod Bleijie Deputy Leader of the Opposition said, “Traffic congestion is a big issue in the Mackay region… that’s why I’m so excited to announce that if the LNP is elected on the 26th of October, we will be investing $20 million into the Mackay Bucasia Road intersection upgrade.”
It comes after countless complaints from locals travelling in and out of the Northern Beaches suburbs with demands for change, given the lengthily duration of traffic build up in peak times such as school and work hours.
With future plans to build an additional 4,600 homes in the next decade within the Mackay region, about 60 per cent of those lots will be built in the Northern Beaches and surrounding areas.
LNP representatives stood with Mayor Greg Williamson, agreeing that it’s absolutely crucial to amend the congested traffic conditions before the additional houses are built. Not only will this upgrade benefit residents, but it will also have a significant impact on first responders who will then be able to reach patients quicker than ever in an emergency.
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson was quick to say, “Hallelujah!
“We’ve been advocating for an upgrade to the Mackay Bucasia Road for the last decade and this is the first time where someone is willing to commit.
“We’ve got 4,600 approved lots in the whole of the Mackay region, but about 60 per cent of those are in the Northern Beaches.
“That’s a few thousand homes,” Mayor Williamson remarked.
“These 20 million dollars will go a long way, and as a resident in this region who wants to live where most of the houses we know in the next ten years are going to be built - in the Northern Suburbs - we have to have a trunk infrastructure that allows good traffic flow.”
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP said, “As a resident and former deputy mayor speaking to those here on the ground that live in this community - whether you’re at Blacks Beach, Shoal Point, Bucasia, Rural View or here at Kerrisdale - Mackay Bucasia Road has been a major issue for quite some time.
“A short 6-kilometre journey can take up to 45 minutes and that is unacceptable,” Ms Camm said.
LNP Candidate for Mackay Nigel Dalton agreed, saying, “There are too many hours spent in a car when it’s not necessary.
“We need to make sure this intersection is appropriate for the volume of traffic coming through here and that’s what the LNP government will do.”
(Left to right) Deputy Mayor Karen May, Mayor Greg Williamson, Jarrod Bleijie Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP and LNP candidate for Mackay Nigel Dalton. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
In memory of the beloved Mackay figure Mr. Brenden Borellini, a retrospective exhibition showcasing his impressive photography work is open this month at Crossroad Arts. The event honours Borellini, who was not only an Artist in Residence but also a cherished ambassador for the local community.
The opening night took place on Friday, September 20, from 6pm to 8pm at Crossroad Arts, located at 55 Wood St, Mackay. Guests enjoyed light snacks and drinks while viewing over a decade's worth of Borellini’s stunning photography.
The exhibition will remain open for public viewing from September 20 to October 25, Monday through Friday, from 9am to 5pm. Additionally, each evening during the exhibition, a slideshow of the displayed works will be projected on the front windows from 5pm to 8pm, allowing the community to celebrate Borellini’s legacy.
What: Brenden Borellini Retrospective Exhibition
When: Open until October 25
Time: 6pm-8pm
Where: Crossroad Arts, 55 Wood St, Mackay
RSVP access requirements to admin@crossroadarts.com.au
Earlier this week, on Monday, October 1, Queensland officially entered 'caretaker mode' ahead of the state election set for October 26. From this point until the election results are determined, the government is subject to several restrictions under caretaker conventions.
With the election campaign now officially underway, Queensland Premier Steven Miles kicked off his re-election bid by highlighting his government's introduction of 50c public transport fares. On Tuesday morning, he rode a bus to Government House to meet Governor Jeannette Young and formally launch the 26-day campaign. Following this, Miles flew to Townsville and later arrived in Mackay to support local Labor candidates at their candidacy launch at the Souths Suburban Bowls Club, followed by a big energy announcement made at the Resources Centre of Excellence. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader David Crisafulli had already set his sights on the key battleground of Cairns, making his way there on Monday, quickly announcing $10B worth of election promises within the early stages of the campaign. With Whitsunday identified as a key seat for One Nation, Pauline Hanson also spent time in Mackay at a dinner for candidate, Julie Hall.
Here in Mackay, Greater Whitsunday Communities (GWC) is urging candidates and party leaders to prioritise key regional issues as part of their election commitments, outlined in a comprehensive strategic advocacy document released this week.
The document, titled Building Foundations for Growth and Wellbeing in Greater Whitsunday, highlights critical community concerns exacerbated by the ongoing housing crisis and rising cost-of-living pressures. These challenges are fuelling serious social issues, including mental health struggles and youth disengagement, across the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions.
GWC’s Executive Officer, Carol Norris, emphasised the need for immediate action, noting the significant impact of rising costs on the region.
"GWC has outlined a set of priorities that need immediate attention, and we are calling on candidates in our region, as well as party leadership, to commit funding and resources to solutions that will make a real difference," Ms. Norris said.
She pointed out that while the effects of these issues are often discussed in relation to capital cities, they are even more pronounced in regional communities.
"We are seeing people who can’t afford the basics and are struggling to put a roof, or even a room, over their heads," she added.
Although the Queensland Government's Greater Whitsundays Regional Transformation Strategy 2024 aims to guide the region toward an ambitious net-zero target by 2050, Ms. Norris expressed concern that the strategy does not adequately address the soft social infrastructure needed to support this transformation.
"Yes, we can build hospitals and schools, but where are the people going to come from?" she asked.
"We know that if our doctors, nurses, teachers, daycare workers, care workers, retail workers, and council workers feel they’re moving to a region where they can access affordable housing, where their little ones can attend daycare, where there are decent sports and recreation facilities, and where they can navigate critical health services, they are more likely to stay in the region."
Ms. Norris stressed that a healthy, thriving population is essential to the success of the Regional Transformation Strategy and any efforts to ensure the ongoing resilience of the Greater Whitsunday region.
"A healthy, thriving population will underpin the success of the Regional Transformation Strategy or any efforts to ensure the ongoing resilience of the Greater Whitsunday region," she stated.
Without proactive measures to address soft social infrastructure, including housing, mental health, and youth disengagement, the challenges facing the community will continue to escalate.
"This cannot continue," Ms. Norris warned, calling for urgent action from government leaders.
Key Advocacy Priorities outlined in the Building Foundations for Growth and Wellbeing in Greater Whitsunday document include:
Housing: Tackling the severe housing shortage impacting our communities.
Youth: Bolstering support for youth, with a focus on mental health, education, and employment opportunities.
Mental Health: Expanding support for accessible and innovative community mental health initiatives to address high rates of mental distress and suicide.
Integrated Sustainability: Advocating for sustainable economic, social, and environmental development practices to ensure the region’s long-term prosperity.
These priorities reflect GWC’s ongoing engagement with local communities, which has shaped the organisation’s focus areas.
The advocacy efforts align with the broader objectives of the Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) Greater Possibilities for Greater Whitsunday and Queensland 2024 Queensland State Election priorities, calling for significant investments in roads, housing, and State Development Areas to unlock substantial regional growth.
“As we approach a pivotal election, it’s crucial to advocate for the nuanced needs of the Greater Whitsunday region.
“Our advocacy, grounded in active community engagement, presents the critical voices of the Greater Whitsunday communities and their priorities. We sincerely hope all political candidates will consider these essential regional needs."
In the lead-up to the Queensland state election, we posed a series of critical questions to the candidates of Mackay and Mirani, giving them a platform to share their policies and address the issues most important to the community. Their responses provide valuable insight into their plans for tackling local concerns such as housing affordability, infrastructure development, and job creation. These are the matters that will shape our region's future, and we encourage residents to review what each candidate has to offer.
For those interested in the perspectives of candidates from neighbouring electorates, we’ve also covered the Whitsunday candidates in the flip side of this publication, Whitsunday Life, and Burdekin candidates in Burdekin Life, which is available online.
Unfortunately, due to a miscommunication, we were unable to receive responses from Labor’s Mirani candidate Susan Teder before going to print. However, we will publish her answers in next week’s edition, ensuring her voice is included in this vital conversation.
Tell us about yourself and what qualifies you for this role?
I’m a fifth-generation Mackay local, a second-term Councillor, and was elected as the Deputy Mayor in April 2024. Prior to Council, I was the Manager of Mackay Funerals for almost 8 years, an after-hours Support Worker at the domestic violence shelter for 9 years, and the Service Manager at Mackay Women’s Centre for 4 years. I’ve also held roles in financial services, real estate, IT, and retail, and been a small business owner. I have dedicated my life to the community of Mackay and want to continue as your local Member of Parliament.
If you could initiate a project or address one issue in the region – what would it be and how you would go about it?
At present, access to suitable housing is an issue, so I’d work with all levels of Government to come up with further solutions. Construction is already underway on 7 x 1-bedroom units, and the Miles Labor Government has committed to building 27 modular homes in the Mackay and Whitsunday region. Labor is doing what matters for Queenslanders here in Mackay by building social and affordable housing.
Labor has implemented measures to assist private renters through Rent Connect, and delivered a mobile housing office to assist people experiencing homelessness or at risk of it.
What do you think the people most want now and how would you give it to them?
When I’m out there talking to the Mackay community, what they are telling me is they want cost-of-living relief. The current Miles Labor Government is delivering cost of living measures, including $1,000 off electricity bills, 50c fares for all Translink services, 20% off vehicle registration, Free TAFE, and Free Kindy for all 4-year-olds.
Mackay needs a representative who is embedded in the local community and has a proven track record of delivering for this region – I am that person.
Tell us what your first 100 days would look like if you were successful in your election bid?
I will get to work on advocating for my community, as I have always done. This includes delivering on our fully-costed election commitments and building on what has already been started. I will stand up for the Labor values of fairness, equality, and social justice, and ensure that our region receives its fair share.
My first 100 days will be about listening, collaborating, and taking decisive actions that reflect the needs of our community.
Tell us about yourself and what qualifies you for this role?
As a sixth-generation farmer, the bush runs through my veins. Running a business and managing budgets in the face of rising costs has given me firsthand experience of the challenges many locals face. As a long-serving volunteer rural firefighter, I’m passionate about safeguarding our rural way of life in Central Queensland. I believe my background and dedication make me well-qualified to represent our regional community and fight to get our fair share.
If you could initiate a project or address one issue in the region – what would it be and how you would go about it?
The roads in regional Queensland have been ignored for nearly 10 years and need urgent fixing. Chronic underfunding by Labor has left the Bruce Highway between Rockhampton and Mackay poorly maintained with no forward planning to fix it. An LNP Government will prioritise vital safety improvements to drive down the road toll and increase maintenance programs on rural and regional roads.
What do you think the people most want now and how would you give it to them?
Every day, more Mirani locals share their struggles with the rising cost of living. Rent, groceries, mortgage repayments, and fuel costs continue to soar. The LNP will address this by delivering reliable, affordable power, implementing housing supply solutions to lower rent, and ending budget blowouts. Regional Queenslanders also deserve first-class healthcare. The LNP will put doctors and nurses back in charge, provide more beds and resources to regional hospitals, and use real-time data to drive improvements.
Tell us what your first 100 days would look like if you were successful in your election bid?
An LNP Government will scrap the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro and give concerned community members some relief this Christmas. This project has no environmental approvals, no business case, and no community acceptance. The LNP will also tackle the out-of-control youth crime crisis that is driving up insurance costs. By the end of the year, we will introduce the Making Queensland Safer Laws that will restore consequences for actions and remove detention as a last resort from the Youth Justice Act.
Tell us about yourself and what qualifies you for this role?
I am a wife, mother of 5 and local small business owner. I have worked across many industries, battled financially and also succeeded. I am an everyday person that understands real world and local issues, not a career politician
If you could initiate a project or address one issue in the region – what would it be and how you would go about it?
Whilst our region has many issues, the one that comes to the forefront of most peoples minds in Youth Crime. As a victim of crime myself, we need harsher penalties, boot camp style rehabilitation for at risk youth and greater support for the victims of crime.
There are many diverse communities within your electorate, how would you ensure each was served fairly?
As far as I am concerned, everyone is equal and therefore everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard. If elected, I will represent the people fairly and address issues on a case by case basis
What do you think the people most want now and how would you give it to them?
Harsher penalties for youth offenders, a stable power supply using the resources we have in this country and this region so as we can reduce the cost of living, a working health system that offers the same services of the south east by incentivising health workers into the regions.
Tell us what your first 100 days would look like if you were successful in your election bid?
Training and getting settled into our roles, and then addressing the regions concerns via town hall style meetings and taking these concerns to advocate for Mackay in parliament
Tell us about yourself and what qualifies you for this role?
I’m a former police officer who has spent the past 22 years working in Mackay, mainly in crime prevention. I retired earlier this year and I’m looking for the next challenge. I’ve spent most of my time working with young people, on projects to teach safety and prevent crime. However I also have many other community connections with seniors, men’s, church and sporting groups. I am ready, willing and able to keep serving this community.
If you could initiate a project or address one issue in the region – what would it be and how you would go about it?
I am passionate about crime prevention measures which connect people and support families and children. I would love to see our school-based police officer positions filled within our region. This is a senior constable who deals directly with issues like bullying, assaults, cyber issues. I know the value of early interaction with a uniformed police officer in a school; it’s invaluable. I’d also love to see Neighbourhood Watch groups supported by a police officer as this helps build relationships with community and police.
What do you think the people most want now and how would you give it to them?
The thing that I have been hearing over and over again is that people want to see a reduction in crime. They also don’t want to live in fear of potentially being a victim of crime. They want to feel safe in their communities and especially within their homes. This will be addressed by the LNP’s plan to introduce tough youth justice laws – adult time for adult crime.
Tell us what your first 100 days would look like if you were successful in your election bid?
My focus will be on ensuring that promises are kept and commitments are fulfilled. These include commitments I’ve made as an LNP candidate to support Mackay Hockey build an indoor hockey facility and ensure sporting groups like AFL Saints can play under lights and out of the sun. I will also be working as part of a team to see changes to youth justice laws, improvements to our health services and the delivery of more social housing solutions.