Councillor Corner: A Testing Start To The Year

By Cr Belinda Hassan

Welcome to 2026. A new year always brings a sense of possibility, and while the opening weeks of this year have certainly tested our resilience, they have also reminded us of the strength and spirit of the Mackay region.

The recent cyclone and severe weather events created a difficult start for many households, businesses and community groups. Flooding, damage and disruption to everyday services are never easy, and I want to acknowledge the frustration and fatigue that many people have felt during this time. These events have had a real impact and recovery doesn’t happen overnight.

I want to reassure our community that council crews and staff have been working tirelessly to restore essential services, repair infrastructure and undertake clean-up works across the region. From roads and parks to waste services and public facilities, the focus has been on getting our community back on its feet as quickly and safely as possible. I also want to thank the emergency services, volunteers and local organisations who stepped up during these challenging weeks – your efforts do not go unnoticed.

While there is still work to do, we are moving forward with determination. Recovery is a process, and council remains committed to supporting our community every step of the way, listening to concerns and prioritising the areas that need attention most.

As we look ahead, there are also opportunities to come together and celebrate what makes our region special. Australia Day events on the weekend will provide a chance to reflect on our shared values, recognise local achievements and enjoy time with family and friends. Our citizenship ceremonies are always a highlight, welcoming new Australians who have chosen to call the Mackay region home and reminding us of the diversity and unity that strengthens our community.

Despite the challenges we’ve faced, I am genuinely optimistic about the year ahead. I’ve seen firsthand the way our community comes together in difficult times – neighbours helping neighbours, local businesses supporting one another and volunteers stepping up when it matters most.

Thank you for your patience, resilience and kindness throughout this period. It is a privilege to serve such a strong and caring community, and I am confident that together we will continue to rebuild and move forward into 2026 with hope and determination.

Let’s Chat – Council Connect

Residents can catch up with councillors in person at upcoming Let’s Chat - Council Connect sessions held across the region.

Details on upcoming sessions can be found on the Connecting Mackay website.

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