Approximately 60 runners and supporters participated in the annual Whibley’s Wander 5km and 12km scratch start race, beginning in West Mackay from the residence of long-time hosts Julie and Andrew Whibley. The event provided a welcoming atmosphere, with a post-race sausage sizzle, fruit, and refreshments. Club secretary Julie and her husband Andrew have hosted the race for several years, with this year’s edition featuring the added bonus of a pool for post-run recovery. With Rohan Miles
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Delivering with compassion, Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton MP, recently handed over a brand-new ambulance vehicle to the North Mackay Ambulance Station last Friday on March 21. The event took place at the North Mackay Ambulance Station on Holts Road, marking a significant milestone in the continued improvement of emergency services in the Mackay District. The new vehicle, a Mercedes Sprinter 419 Van equipped with a single stretcher, replaces an older model, enabling the Mackay District t
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Self defence starts with self protection. By being aware of your surroundings, having a strong mental attitude and confident physical behaviour, you are less likely to be confronted by a threatening situation. Knowledge of self defence provides confidence if you are confronted, and techniques to counter the attack. Self defence has roots within martial arts; however basic martial arts techniques are easy to learn and if practised, combined with the right mindset, will provide you with t
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Mackay Basketball players have passed the ball to a worthy cause – the Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia. McDonald’s Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes players Jerron Jamerson and Nikita Van Wyk recently visited the Mackay Base Hospital, partnering with Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia to assist families in need. Their visit underscored the importance of compassion and community spirit, as even the smallest gestures can make a significant impact on those facing ch
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Who knew that cuteness could come with such a big personality? Chilee Hope Hong has officially been crowned Mackay Life’s Cutest Baby! With her strawberry blonde curls, sparkling blue eyes, and a charm that’s equally sweet and spicy – this little superstar has a way of winning over everyone she meets. Born on September 6, 2024, Chilee is now six and a half months old and already ruling the household with her charm. Her three big brothers, Knox (10), Kash (7), and Jett (2), have been head
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The Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) has been awarded a $400,000 grant from the State Government to address key issues at the back of its clubhouse. The funding will focus on enhancing drainage, stabilising the clubhouse surrounds, improving site safety, and reducing ongoing maintenance. Additionally, it will improve stormwater management at the site. Currently, the club faces flooding issues during rainy weather, with water entering through the back wall and sides of the clubhouse. Thi
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Local band Tropical State of Mind will take the next step in their artistic journey, recording their debut EP thanks to a Regional Arts Development (RADF) Grant. Tropical State of Mind (TSOM) is a five-piece alternative pop, soul and funk band from Mackay, whose aim is to break the misconception that only capital city artists can succeed. They were successful in receiving $11,000 in funding, approved in round two of the RADF grants. TSOM vocalist Jezzie Morton said the band would use th
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Preliminary planning has started for the creation of a regional museum to showcase the region’s history and stories. Following extensive community consultation around the Mackay Region Museums Development Plan in 2020 and the Mackay Arts and Culture Strategy in 2023, council is moving to refine and consolidate its museum collections. Mayor Greg Williamson said council had an exciting opportunity to create a facility that would offer a “hero” experience for those with an interest in histo
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The 2025 Mayor’s Charity Ball in May will bring a touch of vintage carnival to the MECC. Think Hugh Jackman in The Greatest Showman, aerial acrobats and a sideshow alley of games, with prizes on offer. Mayor Williamson said “vintage carnival” was the room theme for the MECC Plenary Halls for the Ball on Saturday, May 10. “As always, the Ball isn’t a fancy-dress event. Ball-goers should come dressed to suit Mackay’s premier red-carpet night out," he said. Mayor Williamson said the Commu
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By Amanda Wright Loneliness is an epidemic few talk about, but for many aged care residents, it’s a daily reality. In facilities across Mackay, Sarina, Proserpine, Bowen, and Mirani, there are countless individuals who spend their days without a single visitor. The Mackay Community Visitors Association (MCVA) has been working to change that since 1990, but now, they need help. The organisation is calling for volunteers to be a source of friendship for residents who often have no one else
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One of CANEGROWERS’ primary roles is services to industry, and we have been tackling the issue of high valuations and rates applied to peri-urban agricultural land in Mackay region for several years now. Council says the valuations set the pace for rates, but it is well known that there are many levers they can pull, structural changes like banding and capping. Residential properties are banded, but when it comes to rural rating, there is only Canefarming and Other Rural. The Cane-farming
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Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank is proud to provide essential support to grow the impact of Mackay Hospital Foundation (MHF) volunteers. Through its ongoing sponsorship, Community Bank Sarina remains committed to supporting MHF volunteers in their vital work within the community. MHF General Manager Kristi Algate highlighted the impact of Community Bank Sarina’s support. “It’s been just over 12 months since MHF volunteers donned their new Community Bank Sarina-branded polo shirts, wit
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The ports of Mackay, Hay Point and Abbot Point contribute an impressive $31.7 billion annually to the State’s economy (Gross State Product), a new economic impact study has revealed. The study, conducted by independent experts Prominence and commissioned by North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP), also found the three east coast ports support around 40,000 jobs across the mining, construction, transport and wholesale trade industries. NQBP CEO Brendan Webb said the report shines a light on th
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By Amanda Wright She came in like a wrecking ball—and left with the mirror ball trophy. In a night filled with dazzling performances, surprise victories, and more than a few jaw-dropping moments, the 2025 Dancing with Heart event saw Usadee Phiraphak take centre stage with an electrifying routine to Miley Cyrus’ ‘Wrecking Ball.’ The Revolution Electrical representative left it all on the dance floor, proving that passion and perseverance can outshine even the most seasoned performers. T
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By Hannah McNamara If there’s one thing Australians are known for, it’s their unshakeable determination and might in the face of adversity. Eighty-three years ago, Aussie soldiers fought on the frontline of Tobruk during World War II in 1941. Though Nazi propaganda attempted to belittle them by calling them the ‘Rats of Tobruk,’ these soldiers carried the name with an inspiring sense of pride. Living in underground dugouts and tunnels, they endured relentless bombardments, dust storms, a
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Tammy Laval has cemented her place in the real estate industry, with integrity, humility and heart during her 17 years working behind the scenes with a highly prominent team. As the heart of Mackay City Property, she manages the essential and support tasks that often go unnoticed, working 'under the radar' to drive the team's success. Notably, the team recently secured the Rate My Agent awards for No.1 Property Management Team and Top 5 Property Sales Team for Mackay 2025. Tammy believes
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The first round of the Junior Development Series at Sarina Tennis Club was filled with both fun and fierce competition. Earlier this month, a strong group of players from Rogers Tennis Academy and Mackay Tennis Association showcased their skills, creating an exciting atmosphere for all involved. Among the standout performers were Raice Gibbons, who took home the Division 1 singles title, and Thomas Louw, who finished as the Division 2 singles runner-up. Patrick McGahan also earned recogni
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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox has announced a funding commitment of $500,000 to the Eastern Swans AFL Club if a Liberal National government is elected. "I’m thrilled to announce this funding for vital upgrades to the Eastern Swans AFL Club, which will ensure supporters and volunteers have access to modern, compliant and inclusive amenities, including new male and female change rooms and toilets and a new shed,” Mr Willcox said. “The current amenities on the grounds are dilapi
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Flood-affected soybean growers say the best way concerned Aussies can help growers get back on their feet is at the supermarket checkout. For North Queensland soybean grower, Christian Lago, it has been a season of constant weather challenges and lots of uncertainty. “Our soybean season in the Burdekin region has been a challenge from the start”, said Mr Lago. “Before Christmas, we were struggling to get soybeans in the ground thanks to wet weather and a delayed cane harvest, and then, the pa
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If this week has shown anything, it’s that Queensland is playing for keeps—on the sporting field and in the political arena. Let’s start with the Olympics. For anyone still calling it "Brisbane 2032," think again. The Games are set to shine a global spotlight well beyond the River City, with Queensland’s regions getting their moment in the sun. Mackay is poised to host Olympic cricket matches at Harrup Park, provided the sport is included in the 2032 program. Meanwhile, the Whitsundays
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You could hear the raucous laughter down the hallway as State Government ministers, lounging around the Parliament Cabinet Room, started joking about Mackay. Politicians come up with new Mackay jokes every year around budget time and they just get funnier. “Why did the Mackay chicken cross the road?” “To drop off more money to the State Government!” That cracked them up. “What is it called when we get billions of dollars from Mackay region mining and then leave them to travel on goat tracks?
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Land clearing, when managed correctly, is not about destruction but renewal. Overgrown vegetation, particularly invasive species such as lantana, guava, and dense grasses, can suffocate forests, hinder native regrowth, and create an impenetrable barrier for both wildlife and landowners. Thoughtful clearing opens the land, allowing for better control, sustainable management, and long-term environmental benefits. One of the most effective strategies in responsible land clearing is repurposi
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Mackay Sugar has announced the resignation of Group Maintenance Manager Tasman Higgins, effective immediately. Higgins, who joined the company in 2021, has played a key role in strengthening Mackay Sugar’s maintenance operations over the past three and a half years. His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in improving the efficiency and reliability of operations during a period of significant growth and development for the company. In a statement, Mackay Sugar expressed grati
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Mackay and the Whitsundays have seen a steady demand for new homes, with building costs stabilising and approvals rising over the past year. However, the latest figures show a slight dip of 2.8 per cent in the last quarter, highlighting the ongoing challenges in meeting housing supply needs. The figures from Australian Bureau of Statistics reveal all regions except the Gold Coast enjoyed a boost in the number of approvals of new houses and units in the 12 months to January, rising by 6.3
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Mackay Regional Council has announced Muller Park in Ooralea will be getting new “tower fun” playground equipment, which was chosen by residents. The announcement comes after the original play equipment was removed late last year due to its age and poor condition. Mayor Greg Williamson said Muller Park was a popular park that residents valued. “Families told us loud and clear that Muller Park was a vital community space – whether that’s to ride the miniature trains, hold birthday partie
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