By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay In the heart of Queensland’s sugar capital, Mackay Sugar’s Racecourse Mill’s 38MW co-generation plant, commissioned in 2012, is a testament to regional innovation and sustainability. This state-of-the-art facility, which burns sugarcane waste known as bagasse to generate clean, green, renewable energy. Bagasse is a fibrous residue left after juice extraction from sugarcane. At the co-gen process core is the factory’s boilers which burn the baga
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Annual Grazing Forum Strengthens Local Grazing Enterprises Across the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region, grazing is more than an occupation - it’s a way of life. Early mornings checking fences, long days walking paddocks and ongoing careful decisions about pasture, herd health, and markets. All of it shapes the land, the livestock, and the livelihoods that depend on them. Seasons are unpredictable, challenges are constant, and yet graziers keep going, knowing that every choice today echoes fo
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Sarina residents embraced the sunshine and some leafy new additions to their backyards at the annual Green Up Sarina event. Hundreds of locals turned out to the giveaway on Saturday, with more than 140 people pre-registered to collect their free native plants. Staff and volunteers were kept busy handing out a variety of species that will soon be taking root in gardens across the district. The initiative, supported by Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association, aims to encourage res
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Two Mackay-based organisations are among seven Central Queensland grassroots groups to share in grants from Kinetic’s 2025 Moving Communities Fund, which distributed more than AUD $120,000 across Australia this year. Now in its second year in Australia, the fund supports initiatives that champion young people, improve access and inclusion, and address critical local needs. In Mackay, the recipients are RISE and the Road Accident Action Group, both delivering initiatives that strengthen s
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Sarina’s shoreline was filled with energy and community spirit last month as the 2025 Cruisin’ the Coast Sarina Beach Run & Ocean Swim drew strong crowds and picture-perfect conditions. Hosted by Sarina Surf Lifesaving Club, the annual event featured five different runs – from the 1km dash through to the testing half marathon – as well as two new ocean swim distances of 1km and 2km. Proceeds from the day go directly to supporting the vital work of the volunteer Surf Lifesaving Club. Retu
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Mackay Regional Council has greenlit five major projects under its “Facilitating Development in the Mackay Region” policy this August, unlocking more than $117.8 million in economic output while offering $2.426 million in concessions aimed at accelerating construction and development. Among the standouts is the highly anticipated $35 million, 14-storey “Horizons Mackay” on Victoria Street. The high-rise tower will house 108 apartments—a mix of 84 two-bedrooms and 24 one-bedrooms—alongside
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Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) empowers women and welcomes community connection by bringing people together, creating belonging and reducing social isolation. Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank is proud to support QCWA and the impact it has across our region. QCWA is about local women organising, learning and contributing to causes that strengthen their communities. From fundraising for health initiatives to the recent QCWA NQ Conference held in Sarina, the organisation ass
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Mackay Regional Council, in collaboration with urban design and place activation consultants, is actively engaging with the Sarina community to rejuvenate the Sarina Field of Dreams precinct. A series of meetings and a comprehensive two-day workshop have been conducted, involving community stakeholders, councillors, and key council staff. The aim is to gather valuable feedback and ideas to inform the development of a draft precinct activation plan. The Sarina Field of Dreams precinct, a b
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Sustainable Printing With Uncompromising Quality “As green as possible,” is a lifelong commitment made by BB Print as Central Queensland’s #1 Printing Service and North Queensland’s first Sustainable Green Print accredited company. Known for their quality printing, community connection and sustainable processes, BB Print has built a name locals can trust. The printing industry has transformed in recent years when it comes to environmental responsibility, and BB Print has been at the foref
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Mackay’s New Economic Strategy The Mackay Regional Council has formally adopted the Economic Development Strategy 2025–2030, setting a clear roadmap for how the region will grow, diversify and attract investment over the next five years. The strategy has been developed through close collaboration between council, community stakeholders, industry representatives and consultants. The strategy’s creation was guided by the Economic Development and Growth Strategic Advisory Committee (EDGSAC),
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Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) celebrates the recognition of GW3 Future Projects Lead Ms Jarrah Steen, who has been awarded the CRC TiME (Transitions in Mining Economies) Community Champion Award. The award recognised her leadership and contributions through the Decarbonisation Accelerated Project and was presented at the CRC TiME Annual Forum Dinner in Darwin recently. The award celebrates individuals and organisations driving excellence in collaboration, knowledge translation, and c
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MADASSIA Marks 25 Years Of State Recognition The South Sea Islanders Hut was the centre of culture and community last Sunday, as the Mackay and District Australian South Sea Islander Association (MADASSIA) and the wider public came together for the 2025 Family Fun Day. The event marked 25 years since the Queensland Government formally recognised Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct ethnic group. The day featured traditional dances, market stalls, cultural displays, music, food, an
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Last Friday, young people from across Mackay came together for a unique opportunity to connect, recharge, and embrace the outdoors at the Walk and Talk event hosted by the Mackay Youth Council at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. The free event, aimed at 12- to 18-year-olds, encouraged participants to step away from screens, enjoy nature, and participate in light mindfulness activities designed to boost wellbeing and foster social connections. **“It’s important because we live in a wo
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**Friday 12th September ** Crochet & Conversation 9am Drop in for a relaxed morning of crocheting, coffee and conversation with friendly Northern Beaches locals at the Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade. Everyone is welcome—whether you're a seasoned crocheter, a beginner, or just love a good chat over coffee. Bring your own tools or borrow from the communal box. It’s all about connection, creativity, and community. Beachfront Bar & Restaurant on Bucasia Esplanade Friday Flo
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The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) will come alive on Saturday 27 September with two dazzling performances of Simply BRILL - a celebration of the songwriters who transformed 1960’s rock ’n’ roll forever. Starring three of Australia’s most acclaimed cabaret artists - Amelia Ryan, Michaela Burger, and Helpmann Award-winner Michael Griffiths - Simply BRILL transports audiences to the heart of New York City’s legendary Brill Building. Known as the “one stop shop” hit facto
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Mackay families are invited to attend the That Place Mackay Open Day on Saturday, 20th September, starting at 9 am, for a first-hand look at the local disability service provider’s programs and facilities. Founded by two local fathers, Steve and Tim, who both have children with disabilities, That Place Mackay was established to fill a gap in after-hours activities for young people in the region. The initiative has been operating for almost a year and offers a mix of paid and free programs
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Artwork by an exciting emerging local artist will feature as the inaugural exhibition at Mackay’s newest Blueprint Gallery. Artspace Mackay is proud to present Hymenophore, the debut exhibition by Liam Folie, which opened last Friday (September 5), at 9 Gregory Street in the City Centre. Artspace Mackay Director Tracey Heathwood said Hymenophore explored Folie’s deep fascination with local fungi. “Liam’s work focusses on the intricate structures found beneath mushroom caps – the gills,
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Local Teen Inspires With Award-Winning Artwork When words fall short, 13-year-old Logan Ivory paints. His art speaks of resilience, identity, and mental health, creating stories that stir emotion, start conversations, and remind us that even the youngest voices can change the way we see the world. “I use all the colours and shapes, but have a hidden message behind it about the mental health of people,” Logan explained. “Art can be a way that you can express those feelings and also help o
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OPINION PIECE - Bendigo Bank Chief Economist David Robertson Cash rate to hold in September Higher inflation and resilient GDP has confirmed little chance of a September cash rate cut. “After the August RBA cash rate cut, we’re not expecting a back-to-back cut in September - especially after a higher read for inflation in the latest monthly indicator for July,” Mr Robertson said. All eyes will now be on the quarterly inflation data - released late next month - to see just how long homeo
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Mackay Table Tennis Fixture Results 2nd September 2025 Evening Fixture Results Coming close to the end of the season with only one week to go after this one, matches have been very close right across the 3 Divisions. Division 1: Fish (Geoff Denman, Steven Whiting, Jacob Whelan) defeated Birds (Emma Widdup, Trent Day, Anne Sheridan) 7-4, Geoff having a very tight win over Anne 13-11 in 5th Set. Bears (Lily Boland, Josh Brown, Lee Brake) defeated Ants (Vince Boeske, Barry Patterson, R
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Junior cricket is officially back, with players from U12 to U17 taking to the fields across Mackay, Sarina, and Proserpine for their eagerly anticipated season openers. With no senior fixtures scheduled this past weekend, it paved the way for a thrilling “Super Sunday” of junior cricket. In Sarina, the U13 sides of Sarina and Souths were first to hit the field. Sarina picked up right where they left off last season, delivering a dominant run chase led by strong performances from Mackenna Jeffs
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Mackay’s BB Print Stadium turned into a cauldron of colour and noise last Saturday as all four Mackay Brothers sides lined up for the Rugby League Mackay & District 2025 Grand Finals – an achievement in itself, two years running. The famous bagpipes heralded in a sea of blue supporters who roared their sides on across the day. By full-time, Brothers had claimed two premierships, while Moranbah and Souths ensured the spoils were shared. Brothers’ day began in style with their Under 20s powering
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BOWLS Ladies Pennant Season has now been completed, with all four divisions well represented again this year, with mixed results. Division 1 this year has seen our ladies triumphant, placing first in this division. The ladies team will now travel to Emerald on the 20th September 2025 to represent the Mackay District, to play against the Leichhardt District (Zone 7). The very best of luck and great bowling to every one playing. Our Division 4 ladies proudly won second place this year as
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At Mackay Contract Bridge Club BRIDGE Monthly incentive awards are given by the committee to players as an encouragement to play more and learn more. Winners were Martin Pearce, Laura Howland, Adrian Westcott, Sue Mayer-Miller, Karen Cadwell, Joy Block, Jewel Schmidt, Martin Pearce, Chris Meyers, Sue Ross and Errol Morris. Congratulations and well done to all. Weekly Results Monday 1 September 2025 – 5 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin 1st Eric Goodchi
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On Monday, 1st September, St Patrick’s College Chess teams competed at the MCC Junior Campus for the final Gardiner Chess Interschool Competition of the year. With more than 45 students across 12 teams taking part, chess at the College continues to grow from strength to strength. The College’s Premier team has once again secured a spot at the State Titles in Term 4, set to face off against Queensland’s top players. The community eagerly anticipates seeing their talent on display. Special recog
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