Thursday, December 4, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Have A Chat With Hannah 5 December

Hi lovely readers!

It’s officially December, can you believe it?

Last Friday, I attended the Mackay Regional Council Wonkley Awards, where local media representatives gathered with Mayor Greg Williamson for a night of laughs and celebration.

The Wonkleys are Mackay’s light-hearted take on the Walkley Awards, playfully celebrating the region’s journalists and media teams.

The evening was full of laughs, good company, drinks, and snacks, which gave us journos a chance to unwind and reflect on a year of local reporting.

It was great catching up with fellow journalists who share the same passion for telling local stories, and I was so honoured to receive my very first Wonkley award!

I got the ‘Rising to the Challenge Award,’ recognising my journey from cadet journalist to this role as the main on-the-ground journo over the past year.

While the event is light-hearted and funny, being acknowledged for this is something I’m pretty proud of. I even received a box of goodies from the Sugar Shed, which has been a great addition to my pantry!

I’m so blessed to be a part of this community.

Thanks to Mackay Regional Council and the Mayor for putting on such a great night, and thank you readers, for sticking with us and supporting local journalism that keeps our community informed and connected

Scripture of the week: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans‬ 15‬:13

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