Hugh Reilly Through The Decades 1945 — Hugh Reilly returns from World War II and, together with Joe Griffin, begins his real estate career in Mackay. Shortly after, he and his wife, Anne Graham Reilly, officially establish Hugh Reilly Proprietary Limited. George Gibbs joins as an executive and shareholder, helping shape the agency’s early direction. 1971 — Hugh Reilly tragically passes away from a heart attack. His son, Steve Reilly, aged 22, steps into leadership alongside George Gibbs. 1970s
Read more
The History Of Hugh Reilly Real Estate In 1945, a young Air Force bomber named Hugh Reilly returned from World War II determined to build something meaningful. With a vision for service, honesty, and community, he opened a real estate agency in Mackay – one that would grow to become one of the region’s longest-standing businesses. From its earliest days, Hugh Reilly Real Estate stood apart for its integrity. So trusted was its name that when the United States Forces
Read more
Tom Andrews, Sales Consultant Tom Andrews calls it as he sees it, and it’s that honesty that keeps clients returning. Born in Townsville and raised in Cardwell, Tom returned to Mackay in 1993 and has spent over three decades navigating the local property market, earning a reputation built on trust, honesty, and results. Before stepping into real estate, Tom’s career was quite the journey. From marine engineering on ships and submarines to law enforcement, and setting up retirement living sales
Read more
Josey Comerford, Partner And Managing Director Born and raised in Mackay to a local cane farming family, Josey Comerford knows this region like the back of her hand. Her father was born here, and her Maltese heritage traces back through generations who helped shape Mackay’s close-knit community. She began her career at Hugh Reilly Real Estate at just 20 years old after a few early jobs in law and medical offices. When an employment agency placed her at Hugh Reilly Real Estate, it turned out to
Read more
Tanya Taylor, Leasing Manager And Trust Account Administrator Tanya Taylor’s career with Hugh Reilly Real Estate began in 1991, straight out of high school, with a six-month TAFE course under her belt and a receptionist role that would become the start of a lifelong journey. What began as a job she needed, turned into a three-decade career, during which Tanya has worn many hats – such as Sales Admin, Leasing Co-ordinator, Trust Account Administrator and Office Manager – and is now recognised as
Read more
Cr Peter Sheedy Mackay Regional councillors warmly welcome our new CEO. Gerard Carylon returned to Mackay Regional Council late last month, taking on the position of CEO. During a meeting with councillors, he was very candid about his desire to improve the relationship between the elected body of councillors and council staff, with a focus on delivering the objectives in our Corporate Plan. This includes allocating funding for each year of the plan. Mr Carlyon also outlined how he’d like to int
Read more
Experience what coastal living is all about at Tunes in the Dunes — the final event for 2025! This FREE event is perfect for families, friends, and individuals wanting to relax and reconnect. Live music, gorgeous ocean views, and picnics under a canopy of fairy lights create an enchanting outdoor atmosphere, not to be missed! Join us oceanside on Saturday, 18th October at Dunes Harbour Beach. Pack your favourite snacks, drinks, picnic rug, and settle in from 4pm to 7pm for a laid-back afternoo
Read more
Council would like to advise residents in parts of Eimeo in the Northern Beaches area that their bin collection day will be changing. The change will take place on Tuesday, October 14, with both the general waste and recycling bins being collected on this day. Collection day is required to change due to population growth in the area and, as such, needs to change to fit in with the schedule to ensure all bins are collected. Residents affected have been notified via mail advising of the change o
Read more
By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay For decades, irrigation was a critical tool for farmers striving to boost yields and weather the region’s subtropical climate. Mackay enjoys a relatively high annual rainfall; however, the timing and distribution of rain can be unpredictable. Extended dry spells or inconsistent rainfall can stress crops, reducing yields and affecting sugar content. Recent years have seen a noticeable decline in the use of irrigation on sugarcane land throughout Macka
Read more
Queensland families have shown overwhelming support for the Government’s Play On! Sports Vouchers program, with the first round now closed. The initiative, which provides vouchers valued at up to $200, was designed to ease cost of living pressures while encouraging more young Queenslanders to get active in sport. The Government has committed $62.5 million each year for four years to fund the program, ensuring families across the state can access financial support for children aged between five
Read more
The Government has launched the Empowering Queensland Women (EQW) program, a new grants initiative designed to strengthen women’s economic security and create lasting opportunities across the state. The program will be delivered across two rounds, with a total of $540,000 in funding available. Round one offers $270,000 in grants, with eligible organisations able to apply for up to $10,000 each. Funding will support projects that focus on financial literacy, training programs, leadership develop
Read more
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is urging all road users to take extra care as October marks the start of Motorcycle Awareness Month. In just 24 hours alone, two motorcyclists in Queensland tragically lost their lives in separate crashes, bringing the total number of motorcycle fatalities in the state to 46, this year. Riders remain among the most vulnerable road users, with even minor mistakes by others often resulting in life-changing injuries or death. Inspector Gareth Bosley, of QPS’s
Read more
Cyclones, bushfires and floods can hit with little warning, which is why Mackay Regional Council is urging residents to take steps to be prepared. This year’s Disaster Ready Saturday has doubled in size, with a new event being introduced in Sarina alongside the long-running Mackay program. The Mackay event will run on Saturday, the 11th of October, from 9am to 1pm at Caneland Central, outside Peter Alexander. A week later, Sarina residents will have their turn when the event comes to Sarina Be
Read more
Producers and agribusinesses across the Greater Whitsunday region are being offered the chance to upskill in some of agriculture’s most exciting technologies, with 35 fully funded training places now available through TAFE Queensland. The initiative, known as the Greater Whitsunday AgTech Ready - Skills Sponsorship Program, is supported by the Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee in collaboration with the Greater Whitsunday AgTech Hub. The program has been designed to equip local producer
Read more
A Family Legacy in Mackay’s Real Estate Scene When it comes to real estate, the Hall and Francis families are proof that some callings are just meant to be. Spanning three generations and more than six decades, their rich family legacy and journey details a story of persistence, innovation, and an honest commitment to people. Over the years, the family have grown and evolved their business from cars and insurance in the 1960s to today’s dynamic property market to serve the community with a stro
Read more
Pioneer Nursing Services has been a cornerstone of the Mackay Shire for many years and hopes to soon become the first choice in disability care through setting new standards for holistic support and environment. With an extremely dedicated and caring team, the Brisbane Street home care provider fosters inclusivity, innovation, and a sense of belonging each and every day to greatly benefit the lives of their clients, their families and the broader community. Pioneer Nursing Services’ Founder an
Read more
Jim Brown, Sales Consultant At Hugh Reilly Real Estate For Jim Kenneth Brown, real estate isn’t about flashy deals. It’s about people, principles, and delivering the best possible outcome. After 20 years with Hugh Reilly Real Estate, he’s known for his straight-talking honesty, steady nature, and the kind of integrity you can’t fake.Born in Ipswich and raised on a hardworking family farm, Jims’ journey to real estate was one of purpose, and perseverance. From serving nine years in the Royal Aust
Read more
Why Saunas And Contrast Therapy Boost More Than Muscles By Michael James – Fitness Industry Professional, Facility Owner & Wellness CoachIn the fitness world, training gets all the attention. Lifting heavier, running faster, pushing harder. But here’s the truth: performance and results don’t come from training alone — they come from recovery. That’s why at Fitness Cartel Mackay, we’ve invested in a state-of-the-art Wellness Centre that puts recovery on equal footing with training.For athletes, r
Read more
Wendy Chatto, Partner And Senior Property Manager At Hugh Reilly Real Estate
Read more
Sarina Athletics Club has celebrated a strong 2025 season, with more than 60 members returning to the Clubhouse this year. Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank has continued to be active in sponsoring the Club’s rebuilding and ongoing growth. Steady participation across the season highlights the Club’s commitment to providing an inclusive environment where children and families can engage in sport and develop valuable life skills. Athletes have enjoyed a year of development, with several travelli
Read more
Quality Aged Care You Can Trust We are proud to be part of this year’s Seniors Expo and to showcase the warm, values-led care provided at Good Shepherd Lodge and Kerrisdale Gardens. For over 50 years, we have been supporting older people in Mackay and the Whitsundays with residential aged care, independent living, and respite services designed to meet individual needs and support wellbeing.Our approach is centred on compassion, respect, and dignity. We believe aged care should feel like home wh
Read more
Sarina State High School student, Joel Raward, was given an unforgettable behind-the-scenes experience at the Helicore BMA CQ Rescue Helicopter base last month on Thursday, 18 September. Joel was treated to a full tour of the CQ Rescue facility, where he explored the control room and gained insight into how the coordination team manages life-saving missions across the region. He also had the chance to sit inside the helicopter itself, learning how the crew operates during critical rescue and ae
Read more
This year Queensland Mental Health Week starts from 4-12 October and is the perfect time to come together and raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing. One in five Australians aged 16-85 (22%) are estimated to have experienced a mental disorder in the last 12 months, while more than two in five (43%) have experienced one in their lifetime. The theme of the year – ‘connect for mental health’ - invites us all to reflect on the importance of connections – with ourselves, others, our comm
Read more
This year, thanks to Tropical Petography, Mackay’s dogs have been given the chance to shine on the international stage as part of the Tails of the World book project. Tails of the World is an annual international photography book celebrating dogs from around the globe. Featuring stunning portraits by professional pet photographers, each edition showcases local dogs in their hometowns – from bustling cities to breathtaking landscapes. Founded by Caitlin J. McColl, the project brings together ph
Read more