Councillors Headed To The Regions For Monthly Community Sessions

Councillors are swapping the council chambers for taverns, bowls clubs, halls and hotels as they hit the regions in 2026 for the second round of council’s Let’s Chat – Council Connect sessions.

Following last year’s successful trial of the program, councillors have committed to monthly sessions in local areas starting at Eungella and Finch Hatton next Tuesday (February 3).

Councillors will be at the Eungella Chalet from 1pm to 2pm and then will be at the Cattle Creek Admin Building in Finch Hatton from 5pm to 6pm.

Future sessions will be held at regional communities including Midge Point, Sarina, Eton, Seaforth, Koumala, Mirani, Hay Point, Walkerston, Calen and Marian.

Mayor Greg Williamson said residents had been loud and clear in their feedback last year around engagement with their elected officials.

“Residents, especially in our regional areas, were telling us that they didn’t feel heard and appropriately represented by council,” Mayor Williamson said.

“They wanted to feel that councillors knew them personally, knew their issues and their local priorities and represented them when decisions were made,” he said.

“Let’s Chat – Council Connect is residents’ chance to connect directly with their councillors in a relaxed, informal setting in their local areas.

“These aren’t town hall meetings – rather they are informal chats that let councillors build local relationships and get a handle on regional priorities.”

Residents can simply come along, or if required book a 10-minute time slot to discuss a specific issue or idea with a senior council officer.

To book a 10-minute time slot, go to connectingmackay.com.au, click “Let’s Chat – Council Connect” and then go to “Book a Session” on the right-hand side of the page.

No RSVP is required for general attendance. Just drop in and have a chat.
Tea and coffee will be available.

A full timetable of Let’s Chat – Council Connect sessions for the year is available at connectingmackay.com.au

Should you have any questions or need help making a booking, please contact council's Community Engagement Team on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) or email engagement@mackay.qld.gov.au

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Photos supplied

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