Note From Nigel

Nigel Dalton MP with Denise from Autism QLD celebrating the $35,000 funding injection to upgrade local facilities.

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The past few weeks in Mackay have been a busy and vibrant mix of community life and local activity. From Easter celebrations in the city centre, to the start of the winter sports season, and families preparing for the return to school and work, there’s been a real sense of energy across our region.

In amongst it all, I’ve been out and about meeting with locals—through mobile offices, community meetings, and at the Mackay Agricultural Show—listening to your ideas, concerns, and priorities.  

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I’ve just returned from the fourth sitting week of Parliament, where much of the focus continued around reducing anti-social behaviour in our communities. A key area of debate was breach of bail laws—a topic I am deeply passionate about and will always advocate strongly on when it comes to keeping Mackay residents safe. The Crisafulli Government progressed important groundwork on developing laws to strengthen the bail system, particularly in response to repeat offenders who continue to breach conditions. While this work is ongoing, the message is clear — community safety must come first, and current settings are not good enough. As a former police officer, I’ve seen first-hand the weak points in our system and the real impact they can have on community safety. Those experiences continue to shape my approach in Parliament and strengthen my commitment to practical, effective solutions.

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Stronger enforcement is already being put into practice on the ground. Following a six-week police operation, youth crime numbers have fallen, with a 7.2 per cent reduction in the number of victims of crime in Queensland in 2025 compared to the previous year. These results demonstrate that when government, police and communities work together, real progress can be made toward safer streets in Mackay and across Queensland. While it is encouraging to see these improvements, this is only a start and there is still more work to be done.  

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As we move through April, our community spirit continues to shine. This month, nine, local community organisations received a combined total of $221,477 in funding through Round 126 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund. Across Queensland, the Crisafulli Government has delivered around $19.5 million in grants, supporting almost 800 community organisations with funding of up to $35,000 each. A huge congratulations to the successful Mackay recipients which include; Autism Queensland Mackay, Endeavour Foundation Mackay, Mackay and District Italian Association Incorporated, Mackay Pet Rescue, Mackay Triathlon Club, Magpies Mackay & District Obedience Club, MAP Pharmacy, NBHA QLD, and Pine Islet Lighthouse Preservation Society. For more information on the next round of community grants visit, https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/community-grants

As Easter passes and poppies begin to appear across our community, our focus turns to Anzac Day—a time to pause, reflect and remember the sacrifice of those who served, and those who continue to serve today.

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To help encourage greater awareness and engagement among our younger generation, I have provided local schools with Anzac Day wreath colouring activities. These simple resources give students the opportunity to learn about Anzac Day in a meaningful way, take part in remembrance, and wear their poppies with pride.

This ANZAC weekend, I’ll be attending local RSL services and community commemorations across Mackay. I’ll also be at the special ANZAC Day AFL match between North Mackay Saints and Eastern Swans at Zeolla Park on Cutler Drive in Beaconsfield, where the club will switch on its new field lighting—proudly funded by the Crisafulli Government as part of my election commitments to Mackay.

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If you’re out and about in the community this weekend, I encourage you to take a moment to pay your respects to our ANZACs, and please feel free to stop by and say hello.

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