Hi Readers
My name is Sam and I work alongside our Mackay editor Amanda, whom you would usually see here. Our hardworking editor is enjoying a break in America, so I’ll be sharing my thoughts in the opening pages of the paper until her return. Here goes.
I moved to Mackay in February, deciding to leave Brisbane after eight years. Life was good but I was in a routine. Things needed shaking up. I decided to move to Mackay for a lifestyle change, making the decision with no real job or plan other than to move into my cousin’s spare room. I was unbelievably lucky to land a job with the paper you hold in your hands.
This job has allowed me to achieve exactly what I had hoped for when leaving Brisbane. I wanted a career that would see me do more than sit in an office for eight hours a day. I wanted a profession that would allow me to explore the region and experience new things. I wanted a job where I could meet a variety of people and feel part of my community. In my seven-ish months in the gig, I feel I’m on my way to doing it all!
I’ve come to really appreciate the Mackay region in this time. The people are friendly. There are so many stunning natural surroundings to explore. The weekends are constantly jam-packed with plenty to do. Just this weekend, I spent a day watching people of all ages absolutely shred the Sugar Bowl at Rumble on the Reef, followed by an evening of music at Rhythm and The Reef that I probably wouldn’t have expected to see in Mackay before I moved here. You can see my photos on pages 18 and 19. My friends down south are constantly surprised at how happening Mackay is when I tell them my weekend plans!
I’ve had heaps of fun so far and I can’t wait for a summer of gigs, sport and unique events throughout the community.
If you have an event coming up please reach out to me!
Sam
