Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Friday 9th October Cuppa Between Chapters 9am - 10am Enjoy a relaxed morning at Dudley Denny City Library, with a warm cuppa, good company and a chance to unwind with a few chapters of your current read. Whether you're after a friendly chat, a quiet moment with a book or simply a change of scenery, this welcoming gathering is a chance to slow down and enjoy some community connection. Bring along your current read or simply come along for a cuppa and a chat. Dudley Denny City Library, 134 Victoria Street, Mackay Free Community Suicide Intervention Training 9am - 4pm This free training will equip participants with practical skills to recognise early warning signs of suicide, support people at risk to access available services and encourage help-seeking before a crisis occurs. The session will also provide an opportunity to build confidence in having supportive conversations, while helping participants identify their own self-care strategies. It is a practical opportunity for community members to build their knowledge and feel better prepared to support others. Northern Queensland Primary Health Network, 2/45 Victoria Street, Mackay Sunday 11th October Walk, Talk And Connect At Bucasia 8am Head to Bucasia Esplanade for a relaxed morning of walking, conversation and community connection as part of Queensland Mental Health Week 2026. The Walk & Talk will get underway at 8.15am, with no set distance or pace, making it suitable for all ages and walking abilities. Participants can enjoy the outdoors, meet fellow locals and take part in mindfulness prompts along the way, before heading to Beachfront Bar & Restaurant from 9.15am for light refreshments. Coffee will be available to purchase. Prams are welcome, as are dogs on leads, with one dog per person. Registration is appreciated for catering purposes. Bucasia Esplanade, Bucasia Highway Country Music Family Night 7pm Enjoy a fun family night of country music, friendship and good old-fashioned community spirit at the Highway Country Music Family Night. Everyone is welcome to come along, enjoy the music, catch up with friends and make some new ones in a relaxed community setting. Admission is just $5, with a delicious supper provided free on the night, making it a great opportunity to settle in and enjoy an evening of music and friendship. Bakers Creek Community Hall, Bakers Creek, via Mackay Monday 12th October Introduction To The Australian Job Market 9am - 11am The Neighbourhood Hub presents a practical workshop supporting people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to navigate the Australian employment landscape. Participants will learn about the local job market, connect with others and gain useful knowledge to help strengthen their employment prospects. Whether newly arrived in Australia or looking to build on existing employment opportunities, the session offers practical information and foundational knowledge to help participants better understand the local job market. The Neighbourhood Hub, 4 George Street, Mackay Tuesday 13th October Off The Hook: Knit And Crochet Club 9.30am - 11am Enjoy a relaxed morning of knitting, crochet, cuppas and friendly conversation at this welcoming monthly club. Materials are provided, or bring along your own project and enjoy getting creative while meeting new people. It is a chance to work on a project, pick up your needles or crochet hook and spend some time in good company. Whether you're an experienced crafter or simply looking for a relaxed morning activity, everyone is welcome. Dudley Denny City Library, 134 Victoria Street, Mackay
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The countdown is officially on, with less than two months to go until Mackay welcomes one of the most magical exhibitions ever to hit regional Australia. On December 4th 2026, Disney: The Exhibition – A Century of Magic will make its Australian premiere at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, bringing more than a century of Disney imagination, storytelling and cinematic history to the region. For five magical months, the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre will showcase more than a century of imagination, storytelling and cinematic history, inviting visitors to step behind the curtain of one of the world's most beloved entertainment companies. Featuring more than 120 extraordinary artefacts, costumes, props and works of art from the Walt Disney Archives, the exhibition will take visitors on an immersive journey through the stories that have captured hearts across generations. From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Encanto, visitors will encounter the worlds and characters they know and love, while also exploring the remarkable legacies of Pixar, Star Wars and MARVEL. Across eight imaginatively themed galleries and 12 interactive installations, Disney fans will have the opportunity to experience more than 100 years of history in a way never before seen in Australia. The exhibition has travelled the globe, captivating audiences in cities including London, Paris, Munich, Chicago, Seoul and Madrid. Now, remarkably, its next destination is Mackay. At the official launch event earlier this year, Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said he hoped the announcement would encourage people from across the globe to discover exactly what makes the region so special. “Come and see it for yourself and you will understand why it’s here!” With at least 100,000 visitors expected across the five-month season, the exhibition is set to deliver an enormous boost to local tourism, hospitality and businesses, while introducing the Mackay region to audiences from across Australia and potentially around the world. For Disney fans, it is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the magic behind the stories that shaped childhoods and continue to inspire new generations. It will all begin with a mouse, a dream and one very magical destination! For more information, or to book tickets, visit disney100exhibit.com/mackay WHAT: Disney: The Exhibition – A Century of Magic WHEN: From 4th December 2026 WHERE: The Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre
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There is something quietly captivating about watching smoke slowly curl into the air, forming shapes that disappear almost as quickly as they arrive. This fitting image for the theme ‘Aromas in Focus’ from this week’s winning photographer Alissa Tominlinson, embodies those delicate whispers rising from an ornate incense burner. Surrounded by pink roses and tiny white flowers, the scene is so vivid you can smell the fragrance off the canvas. The rich colour of the petals and intricate metalwork give the eye plenty to be mesmerized with, while the drifting smoke adds a little mystery to the scene. Congratulations to this Alissa for capturing such a beautiful moment of stillness! The next theme is Glitter and Sparkles, so seek out something shiny. Thank you once again to everyone in the Whitsundays Amateur Photographers Facebook group for sharing another wonderful collection of images.
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New Record For Mill ? Proserpine Sugar Mill Acting General Manager, Kevin Howell predicted a record through put of 1,150,000 tonnes by the end of season, which was due to new cane varieties 1. Also heavy rainfall brought a premature end to last season leaving a standover of 90,000 tonnes. One Crash Leads To Another. A council gravel truck crashed in Kara Crescent, Airlie Beach. A crane attempting to right the truck went out of control and collided with a fire truck, a stationery MEB truck and then a boat. No-one was injured. Shute Drowning. An English tourist dived off the jetty doing a forward somersault came up then disappeared and was eventually found on the bottom about 15 minutes later. Collinsville Road Link. Plans to close the power station could put the Collinsville- Proserpine Road in doubt. Job Stats For Cannonvale. June Quarter job figures from Cannonvale CES showed that 749 people enrolled of whom 455 obtained jobs. Keep Your Cool. Anticipating hot weather in the coming months [Tuesday’s temperature was 33 degrees] local firm Smith’s Electrical took delivery of 1.5 tonnes of airconditioners valued at $30000 following another consignment 3 weeks ago worth $12000. Terraced Garden Creation. Members of Whitsunday Garden Club, Bob and Shirley Hudson have created a delightful terraced garden out of rugged terrain which contained a variety of multi coloured blooms. Daydream Development. A major development application has been made which would promote Daydream Island to the forefront of local tourism. It includes restaurants, cocktail bar, and executive suites, take 5 years to complete and cost up to $25million. South Molle Invades Bowen; on Sunday 80 Islanders steamed up the coast aboard their high speed catamaran ‘Capricornia ‘and landed on Horseshoe Bay Beach to engage locals in outrigger, paddle ski, men’s and women’s tug’o’war,and tyre tube races among numerous other contests. Tangles Visit. Special guest speaker at the WTA Dinner to be held at the Reef Gateway Hotel will be former test cricketer Max [Tangles] Walker.
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24th July
ABH: Paul Fergus Morris, 7pm-10pm
Grand View Hotel Bowen: DJ Night, 8pm onwards.
Sorrento: Kaeden McCarthy, 4pm-7pm.
KC’s Bar & Grill: Retro Joe, 8pm-10pm
25th July
ABH: Tonight’s the Night - Rod Stewart Tribute Show, 2pm-5:30pm
ABH: Paul Fergus Morris, 7pm-10pm
Grand View Hotel Bowen: De Javu, 8pm onwards.
Sorrento’s: Noah Davids, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Bear Brewer , 8pm-10pm
26th July
ABH: Tonight’s the Night - Rod Stewart Tribute Show, 2pm-5:30pm,
ABH: Paul Fergus Morris, 6:30-9:30pm
Grand View Hotel Bowen: Zed Charles Band, 8pm onwards.
Sorrento’s: Andrew Baladino, 4pm-7pm.
KC’s Bar & Grill: Matt Doyle , 8pm-10pm
27th July
Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Michael Hayes, 8pm-10pm
28th July
Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Louisa Taylor, 8pm-10pm
29th July
Sorrentos: Will Heta, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Mick Woodbridge, 8pm-10pm
30th July
ABH: Aaron Saxon, 6:30pm-9:30pm
Sorrentos: Lucy Rose, 4pm-7pm
KC’s Bar & Grill: Mick Woodbridge, 8pm-10pm
Dazzling walk through Airlie to the Foreshore.
The Great Barrier Reef Festival's Lantern Parade will once again light up Airlie Beach this year, with families, friends and visitors invited to make their own lanterns before taking part in the walk that truly kicks off the festivities.
The community parade has become a favourite on the festival calendar, bringing together hundreds of people to walk from Coral Sea Marina Resort to the Airlie Beach Foreshore carrying colourful handmade bamboo lanterns.
Those planning to take part in the parade can craft a lantern worthy of lighting up the boardwalk, with lantern-making workshops being held at the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre on Saturday, July 25.
Two lantern-making workshops will be held ahead of the parade, giving participants the opportunity to create their own bamboo paper lanterns. Sessions start at 10am and 12pm, with lanterns costing $10 each. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Festival organisers are encouraging people to book early, with the workshops offering a fun way for families and friends to get involved before the celebrations officially begin.
On the night of the parade, participants will meet from 5.30pm at The Garden Bar Bistro beside the Coral Sea Marina Resort. Judging for the most colourful and most creative lanterns will begin at 5.45pm, with prizes awarded before the parade sets off at 6pm.
From there, the lanterns will wind through the marina before making their way along the Bicentennial Boardwalk, passing Sorrento's Restaurant and Bar before arriving at Fairy Tree Park on the Airlie Beach Foreshore.
The parade finishes near the festival movie screen, where spectators can gather for the Welcome to Country and Traditional Dance ceremony before enjoying the rest of the opening night's entertainment.
Live music, cultural performances and family-friendly activities will continue across the foreshore throughout the evening, before the festival's opening night concludes with the much-anticipated fireworks display at 8pm.
Whether you're carrying a lantern you've made yourself or simply finding a spot along the boardwalk to watch them pass by, the Lantern Parade continues to be one of the Great Barrier Reef Festival's standout events and a colourful way to kick off a weekend of celebrations.
Local artist Jules Topaz has officially launched Cocoast Art Gallery in Airlie Beach
Local artist Jules Topaz has officially opened the doors to Cocoast Art Gallery, a new contemporary art space located at Shingley Beach Resort, directly opposite the Coral Sea Marina.
The welcoming gallery showcases Topaz’s signature original botanical and tropical-inspired artworks. The curated space features large-scale statement paintings alongside exclusive small works, all deeply rooted in the distinct, vivid palette of North Queensland.
Following a successful 25-year artistic career—including high-profile exhibitions in New York and Hong Kong—her work has earned a loyal collector base, with her paintings now held in numerous private collections both across Australia and internationally.
“Cocoast brings something different to Airlie Beach,” Jules says.
“It’s a space where people can take a moment to be still, connect, and see familiar tropical forms distilled into something a bit more expressive and unexpected.”
Beyond the artwork on display, Jules specialises in creating bespoke commissions tailored to the size and colour palettes of private homes, resorts, and commercial spaces. She also collaborates closely with interior designers and architects on corporate and hospitality art projects.
The physical gallery at Shingley Beach Resort invites visitors to experience the texture and scale of the pieces in person, while a fully integrated online gallery ensures global accessibility for international buyers.
For more information, visit www.cocoastartgallery.com.au or visit the gallery in person at Shingley Beach Resort, Airlie Beach.
Bait to Plater’s patiently waiting for a great feed.
Fresh, local seafood will take centre stage at this year's Great Barrier Reef Festival, with one of the Whitsundays' best-known restaurateurs inviting guests to experience the region's produce at its seasonal best.
Hosted at 74 Islands Distillery, the multi-course seafood lunch will showcase a menu built around the freshest local catch available.
Coming out of retirement, the experience is guided by Kev Collins, co-owner of Fish D'vine, whose connection to local seafood stretches well beyond the kitchen.
A lifelong fisherman and passionate chef, Collins has spent decades championing the Whitsundays' seafood industry, working closely with small-scale local fishers and encouraging diners to discover species beyond the region's better-known favourites.
For Collins, local seafood is about more than what's on the plate. He has long believed the Whitsundays' waterways are a pantry worth celebrating, with every season bringing different flavours and opportunities to showcase the diversity of the region's catch. That philosophy has helped shape both his restaurant and his reputation as one of the region's leading advocates for sustainable, locally sourced seafood.
Throughout the afternoon, Collins will introduce each course, sharing stories from his years on the water and in hospitality while giving guests a deeper understanding of the seafood and the people behind it.
Rather than locking dishes weeks ahead of time, the menu is finalised just days before the event, allowing each course to reflect what's in season and at its peak.
Collins hopes the lunch encourages people to try something different and see just how much quality seafood is caught in local waters. The event will be held at 74 Islands Distillery, with tickets priced at $149 plus booking fee.
A day of laughter, learning and seaside adventure awaits when the Tasman Holiday Parks Family Fun Day returns to the Airlie Beach Foreshore on Sunday 2nd August from 10am to 2pm, as part of the Great Barrier Reef Festival.
Completely free to attend, the much-loved event invites families to enjoy a vibrant program of interactive entertainment while discovering more about the remarkable marine environment that makes the Whitsundays so special.
Designed to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages, the Family Fun Day brings together local organisations, environmental groups and activity providers to create an engaging celebration of the Great Barrier Reef. Through hands-on activities, games and educational experiences, children can learn about reef conservation while having plenty of fun along the way.
The day is packed with entertainment, from circus workshops and face painting to crazy races, a donut eating competition and interactive reef-themed activities. Families can also take part in games, challenges and the ever-popular treasure hunt, with fantastic prizes up for grabs.
A strong focus on reef education and cultural learning adds another dimension to the event, giving visitors the chance to connect with the incredible natural environment that surrounds the Whitsundays.
The Eco Barge Sculpture Tent and a range of eco stalls will be staffed by leading conservation, science and government organisations, offering fascinating insights into environmental initiatives and sustainability.
Visitors can also meet Daydream Island's Living Reef team, who will share their knowledge of coral restoration and reef care, while Coral Sea Marina Resort, along with local tour operators including Cruise Whitsundays and Ocean Rafting, will host fun, educational activities that encourage children to explore the wonders of the reef.
When it's time to recharge, a variety of food vendors will be serving delicious options throughout the day, while adults can unwind with the Festival Bar, opening from 12pm, and soak up the lively festival atmosphere overlooking the waterfront.
Whether it's creating, exploring, competing or simply enjoying time together, the Tasman Holiday Parks Family Fun Day offers something for every member of the family. Combining entertainment with meaningful environmental education, it's an opportunity to celebrate one of the world's most extraordinary natural wonders in a way that's both memorable and inspiring.
With free entry, a spectacular foreshore setting and a full program of activities, it's the perfect excuse to gather the family, embrace the festival spirit and experience one of the Great Barrier Reef Festival's most popular community events.
Event Highlights:
What: Tasman Holiday Parks Family Fun Day
When: Sunday 2nd August 2026, 10am–2pm
Where: Airlie Beach Foreshore, Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach Foreshore lined with people.
Every year, thousands of eyes turn skyward as the first firework lights up the night sky. This year, the Great Barrier Reef Festival's signature display returns on Friday night, with a new way of seeing the sky show.
The display will also have a new presenting partner, with Airbnb announced as the naming rights sponsor of this year's Fireworks on the Foreshore, who will handing out free picnic blankets for attendees to enjoy the spectacle on.
"Airbnb is proud to partner with the Great Barrier Reef Festival and support the incredible volunteers who make this event possible for all those who attend from near and far," said Susan Wheeldon, Country Manager of Airbnb Australia and New Zealand.
From early evening, the foreshore will buzz with people as festivalgoers settle in ahead of the 8pm fireworks.
Some will arrive early to grab dinner from the Whitsunday Foodservice Eat Street precinct, others will browse the night markets looking for that memorable trinket or enjoy the carnival rides, while live music keeps the atmosphere building as the night goes on.
The festival's Immerse installation will add another splash of colour to the foreshore, with illuminated reef-inspired sculptures made from recycled marine debris glowing against the night sky.
While most spectators will spread out along the shoreline with picnic rugs and camp chairs, others will choose a different vantage point altogether.
Cruise Whitsundays will once again offer its Twilight Cruise aboard Camira, taking passengers out onto Pioneer Bay for a view of the fireworks from the water. The three-hour cruise departs from Port of Airlie, with drinks and shared antipasto platters included before the vessel positions itself offshore for the display.
Once the fireworks fade, cruise passengers can return to shore and continue enjoying the festival, with the foreshore entertainment ongoing.
No matter where you're viewing the fireworks, from the beach, the Reef Bar or out on the water, the fireworks remain a staple of the Great Barrier Reef Festival, drawing locals and visitors together for a weekend to remember our treasured reef.
The Twilight Cruise departs on Friday evening, with check-in from 5.30pm at the Cruise Whitsundays Terminal. Tickets are $140 per person, plus a booking fee, while access to the Airlie Beach Foreshore remains free for spectators wanting to enjoy the fireworks from the shore.
Bowen Tourism and Business team member Melissa Beuzeville with the “Big Things of Australia” Monopoly game.
Bowen Visitor Information Centre have highlighted the popularity of the ‘Big Things’ edition of Monopoly, which features the region’s very own Big Mango.
During the busy Queensland school holidays, more than thirty copies were sold, leading the total sales so far in 2026 to more than two hundred games.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business Leanne Abernethy said some travellers collect Monopoly games and are pleased to see this item on sale.
“It is also a popular purchase among international visitors who have often visited many of Australia’s Big Things during their trip to Australia,” Leanne said.
Bowen’s Big Mango takes a yellow square within the board game and features prominently on the box, alongside many other big icons including the Big Pineapple and the Big Banana.
Monopoly has been a popular board game across the world or more than 100 years. Originally named “The Landlord’s Game” and first patented in 1904, there is now believed to be as many as 3000 different versions.
Whilst the monopoly game is flying off the shelves, the team is continually expanding the range of products on offer and say that their most popular item is still the 100% natural mango sorbet grown and produced in Bowen.
The Bowen Visitor Information Centre is open from 9am until 5pm on weekdays and from 10am until 3pm on weekends.
If you own a dog or cat in the Whitsundays, it's time to renew their registration. Pet registrations are due by 31st July, and paying by the due date ensures you receive the discounted registration fee.
Registering your pet is more than just a requirement, it helps Council quickly reunite lost pets with their owners if they become lost and supports responsible pet ownership across our community.
Payments can be made online, by phone, by post, or in person at a Council Customer Service Centre. Visit Council's website to learn more about responsible pet ownership.
The car resting in Adelaide. Photo supplied
By Zach Houtenville
Ryan and Nikki Woodall recently completed the seven-day 2026 Autumn Shitbox Rally, putting their well-worn car to the limits while raising money for cancer research.
The rally, which saw around 200 cars make the journey from Port Douglas to Melbourne, certainly put the Whitsunday couple to the test. Their car battled through three blown tyres, two failed batteries and a faulty alternator, while freezing temperatures and pothole-riddled dirt roads made every kilometre a challenge.
“A couple of mornings at zero and sub-zero, especially in the Victorian area,” Ryan said.
"When we were on asphalt, all was good but as soon as we went off the asphalt, there were four-wheel-drive tracks that we were doing in cars that are about 200 or 300 millimetres off the ground."
By the time they reached Melbourne and then further drove it to Adelaide, the pair were simply relieved to have made it and to not have to drive the ‘Where’s Woody’ themed car back home.
“It can pass away in Adelaide,” Ryan said.
While the journey was rough, in the end it was worth it for the 15,879 dollars Ryan and Nikki helped raise for Cancer Council Australia, as part of the 2.5 million the event tallied as a whole.
“So it's a huge community effort, it was amazing,” Ryan said.
“It's our little way of giving back to the Cancer Council.”
The drive had its challenges, but Ryan said it was the people they met along the way who made the rally so memorable. In town after town, locals welcomed the convoy with home-cooked meals, campfires and live music, with entire communities pitching in to help accommodate more than 500 participants and support crews each night.
Schools also lined the route from Queensland to Victoria, with students gathering to wave as the colourful convoy rolled through.
Photo credit: Paul Thompson
On Saturday the club paid tribute to a Life Member who passed away several months earlier by climbing her favourite mountain, Mt Dalrymple. Maureen Thompson was a long standing and very active member of the club, and twelve bushwalkers and four of Maureen’s family assembled at the start of the Western Trail, some to climb to the top and a few to negotiate a shorter part of the track.
Maureen’s ashes were scattered in her beloved spot, witnessed by the eleven hikers who successfully scaled the highest mountain in the Mackay district. Even in her advanced years, Maureen was able to practically sprint up the mountain, and many club members had their first experience of arriving at the top under her guidance.?
The previous weekend, Kevin Smith led an outing in the vicinity of Homevale National Park, climbing the features known to the club as the Spikelets. Three of the seven participants had camped overnight at the old Mt Britton township site, ready for an early start. Thick grass and plentiful ant nests, as well as open ridges and stunning scenery were features of the day, and an inviting cave was discovered on Spikelet One.
Castle Rock (Cathu), McBrides Lookout (Ball Bay) and Sydney Heads (Homevale) are coming up in the next few weeks. Phone 0429 363 929 or visit https://mackaybwcq.org.au to learn about joining.
Contributed by Carole Weekes
Photo source: Mackay Woodturners
Handcrafted timber creations and traditional woodworking skills will take centre stage when the Mackay Woodturners Expo returns this weekend.
Hosted by the Mackay Woodturners club, which has been bringing together local woodworking enthusiasts since 1987, the free event will showcase woodturning, pyrography, scroll-sawing, woodcarving, and intarsia while offering the community a chance to meet members and learn more about the craft.
The expo will be held from 9am to 3pm on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, at Snow Wright Court, Beaconsfield.
Sean Tremgrove, Mackay and District Pipe Band Events Coordinator Deborah Orr and Diane Tremgrove
The Mackay & District Pipe Band celebrated its 100th anniversary on Saturday with a vibrant Bluewater Fling at Bluewater Quay. Crowds enjoyed an afternoon of bagpipes, Highland dancing, live music and family-friendly entertainment, with the Massed Bands March across the Forgan Bridge proving a standout moment. The celebrations concluded with a spectacular fireworks display over the Pioneer River.
Some people collect cards. Others roll dice, paint miniatures or spend Friday nights plotting the perfect strategy to defeat their friends. Whatever your game, DeckaDice has built a place where every hobby has a home, and every player is welcome.
Located in the city heart at 75 Victoria Street, DeckaDice is Mackay's dedicated tabletop gaming store, bringing together an impressive range of Trading Card Games (TCGs), Tabletop Roleplaying Games (TTRPGs), board gamesand premium gaming accessories under one roof. From the latest releases to classic favourites, it's a one-stop haven for everyone from first-time players to lifelong enthusiasts.
Owned and operated by Stuart and Tylah Joy, the business is driven by a passion for creating an inclusive, community-focused space where people can connect through the games they love. It's as much about the conversations across the table as it is the cards, dice and game pieces on top of it.
Whether you're learning your first game, searching for the latest expansion or looking to join a regular tournament, the welcoming team at DeckaDice believe there's always room for another chair.
DeckaDice stocks an extensive range of products both in store and online, including blind boxes, board games, card game accessories, Tabletop RPG games like Dungeons & Dragons and Daggerheart, dice sets, miniatures and figurines, Trading Card Games including Digimon, Gundam, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh! and Riftbound.
Weekly tournaments, regular game nights, product launches and monthly events keep the tables busy, giving players plenty of opportunities to sharpen their skills, discover new games and meet fellow enthusiasts along the way.
While the products may draw people through the door, it's the welcoming community that keeps them coming back. Because sometimes, the best move isn't what's in your hand – it’s simply pulling up a chair!
Explore the full range of games, events and accessories at deckadice.com.au
Photo source: Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME)
The countdown is on for the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) 2026, with preparations underway at Mackay Showgrounds ahead of the event’s opening on 21 July 2026.
Recognised as Australia’s largest regional mining event, QME will bring together businesses and industry professionals from across the mining and engineering sectors.
Todesco, Relationship Manager – Mining Events at Prime Creative Media, said QME continues to reflect the strength and momentum of Queensland’s mining sector.
“What we’re seeing with QME 2026 is a clear signal of the industry’s appetite for collaboration, innovation and connection and the significance of coming together to share those insights,” Todesco said.
QME 2026 is set to showcase more than 350 exhibiting companies, bringing together a diverse line-up of global brands, leading suppliers and specialist providers supporting the resources sector.
Visitors will see confirmed exhibitors including Milwaukee Tool, Hitachi Construction Machinery/LandCROS, Fulton Hogan, Epiroc, Hastings Deering, Brooks/XCMG, Liebherr and Flexco Australia, alongside a wide range of METS providers and specialist mining suppliers.
Returning as a key feature of the event, the QME Mining Pavilion will connect attendees with major mining operators and contractors including Glencore, Macmahon, BHP Mitsubishi Alliance, Mackellar Group, Stanmore Resources and Whitehaven Coal. The Pavilion offers insight into projects, procurement pathways and the industry priorities shaping the sector.
Also taking centre stage in 2026 is the Leadership Series, delivering practical, industry-led discussions covering safety, productivity, workforce capability, leadership and operational performance.
“The Leadership Series is designed to deliver practical, real-world insight that operators can take back into their businesses,” Todesco said.
“It reflects the challenges and priorities we’re hearing directly from industry, particularly around productivity, safety and workforce development.”
Beyond the exhibition floor, QME 2026 will continue to provide valuable opportunities for industry connection and networking. The QME Opening Party, held at the conclusion of day one, will return as an opportunity for exhibitors, visitors and stakeholders to connect in a relaxed setting.
Recognised as Queensland’s largest mining event, QME attracted more than 5,000 visitors over three days in 2024 and continues to provide a platform for showcasing innovation, capability and investment across the state’s resources sector.
The event is supported by a strong network of sponsors, including Hitachi LandCROS, Pirtek, the Queensland Government, ORIX Fleet, Sixt and Maroomba Airlines, helping bring the exhibition to life in 2026.
Key association partners include the Bowen Basin Mining Club (BBMC), Queensland Resources Council (QRC), Austmine, Minerals Council of Australia, Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) and the Australian Society for Bulk Solids Handling, alongside industry partners such as Aboriginal Enterprises in Mining, Energy and Exploration Ltd (AEMEE), Young Mining Professionals, (Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies) CRC Time, Mackay Airport and the Resources Centre of Excellence.
QME 2026’s official charity partner, BMA CQ Rescue, will also feature at the event, highlighting the vital role it plays in delivering emergency aeromedical services across Central and North Queensland.
“We’re honoured to be the official charity partner of QME 2026 and excited for the opportunity to highlight the vital role BMA CQ Rescue plays across Central and North Queensland,” BMA CQ Rescue General Manager, Lisa Martin, said.
“We look forward to being part of QME 2026 and connecting with attendees and exhibitors on the day, while sharing more about the work we carry out across Central and North Queensland.”
More than just an exhibition, QME 2026 continues to bring together the broader mining community, providing a central meeting point for Queensland’s resources sector.
“QME plays a vital role in connecting the entire mining industry in Queensland,” Todesco said.
“From major operators through to emerging METS providers, it’s a platform where genuine relationships are formed and strengthened across the industry.”
QME is free to attend, and with thousands already pre-registered, anticipation is building for another major showcase of Queensland’s mining and engineering capabilities. Be part of the action at QME 2026!
The Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) 2026 returns to the Mackay Showgrounds from Tuesday, July 21 to Thursday, July 23, running daily from 9am to 5pm.
A key event on the resources industry calendar, QME brings together businesses, innovators and industry professionals to showcase the latest technology, services and solutions supporting Queensland’s mining and engineering sectors.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the exhibition and connect with featured businesses, including:
Makinex Renewables – Focused on Hybrid Power Systems, Battery Energy Storage Systems and deployable solar arrays, Makinex Renewables is helping customers lower fuel costs, reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency while maintaining reliable power.
Deftec – Specialising in industrial control and automation, Deftec designs, builds and supports PLC and SCADA systems that monitor and operate industrial plants.
Greyman OPS – Providing professional humane pest destruction and removal services, Greyman OPS delivers effective pest management solutions through rigorous planning and professional execution.
Whether you’re in the industry or simply interested in discovering the latest innovations, QME 2026 is a great opportunity to explore, connect and see what’s shaping the future of mining and engineering!
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