By Hannah McNamara It’s no secret that Mackay is in the midst of a homelessness crisis, driven by escalating living costs, limited housing availability, and increasingly complex social challenges. In a climate where shelter has become a luxury for many, one initiative offers a glimmer of hope, in the form of three converted buses designed to give those without a roof over their heads a secure place to sleep. According to the Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS), Specialist Homeles
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Mackay students are set to take centre stage this month, joining some of Australia’s top professional opera vocalists for a special performance at the MECC. Opera Australia is Australia’s largest performing arts company, presenting over 700 performances to more than half a million people every year. The company will return to Mackay with its annual national tour, showcasing crowd favourite La Bohème with a choir of local students as part of the company’s Regional Children’s Chorus progra
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Nine-year-old Olivia Hand has emerged as a shining star at the Mackay Show, taking out the Patron’s Champion of the Show award for her impressive entries across multiple Pavilion categories. From tie-dye and photography to cupcakes and Lego, Olivia’s diverse submissions captured the attention of judges and organisers alike. The young talent placed in almost every section she entered, earning firsts for her decorated box, melted bead art, and Lego creation, demonstrating a flair for creati
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Mackay SHS Students Gain Skills In Animal Care Every Friday, a group of five Year 11 and 12 students, including Brad Durham, Tui Barber, Jaleesa Bassett, Savannah Bornman and Neveah Douglas, step outside the classroom and into the Happy Paws Happy Hearts program, gaining real-world experience in animal care. With just four weeks remaining in the program, the students have impressed facilitators with their growing confidence and hands-on skills. From training kittens and puppies to prepar
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Dr Danica O’Brien Joins Hanly Dental Studio There’s a new face at Hanly Dental Studio – and she’s helping Mackay smile with compassion, confidence and clinical care. Dr Danica O’Brien, a proud local and James Cook University graduate, has returned home to provide quality dental treatment with a gentle, country-hearted approach. From routine check-ups to cosmetic care and emergency appointments, Danica brings precision and warmth to every patient experience. “Dentistry is more than fixing
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Mackay Regional Council has fourteen new positions available for its 2026 Apprentice and Trainee Program and they’re not just for school leavers. Workplace diversity and flexibility are a major focus of the Apprentice and Trainee intake program. Mayor Greg Williamson said the Apprentice and Trainee program equips participants with practical skills and experience that pave the way for long-term career success in the region. "It's a fantastic opportunity for individuals to combine formal
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A new website has officially been launched by the Finch Hatton Progress Association, providing locals and visitors with a central online hub to discover everything this vibrant township has to offer. Located at the foot of the Eungella Range in the lush Upper Pioneer Valley, Finch Hatton is fast gaining a reputation as one of Queensland’s hidden gems — and now, thanks to www.finchhatton.org.au, that gem is easier to explore than ever. Developed by the Finch Hatton Progress Association, t
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Shaye Gaviglio From St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School Mackay The Spirit of Catholic Education Awards are presented annually to individuals or teams from each of Queensland’s five dioceses, recognising outstanding contributions to the life of the Catholic education community. These contributions may include demonstrating integrity in leadership, improving equity in education, building Catholic identity, providing service to others, or supporting school communities through excellence in t
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Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank is once again backing the future of local youth, launching its 2026 Sarina State High School (SSHS) Scholarship Program. Applications are now open for two $2000 scholarships, available to students who will enter Year 11 at SSHS in 2026. The program is designed to support recipients with their studies and personal development throughout their senior schooling years. More than just a financial boost, the scholarships aim to build confidence and enhance en
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Young Mackay Golfer Swings For International Glory Mackay’s little local legend, nine-year-old Sonny Hutchinson, is teeing off on an incredible journey to represent Australia at the 2025 Champion of Champions World Junior Golf Championship in Ireland from July 29–31. Ready to drive his game forward, Sonny will compete against 250 of the world’s best junior golfers from over 40 countries in the Under 9 division. Sonny will also take part the following week at the Flogas Irish Junior Open
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A heart-warming initiative is making a real difference for families across the nation facing financial hardship, illness, or the everyday pressures of life. Lasagna Love, a nationwide volunteer-driven program, connects those in need with local volunteers who prepare and deliver free, homemade lasagna – no strings attached. Whether it’s families recovering from surgery, new parents, or anyone going through a tough patch, the program offers a comforting meal and a sense of community support
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Free Inclusive Sailing For Youth Living With Disability Returns This winter, the Making Waves Foundation brings the life-changing power of sailing to ports across Queensland and Northern NSW with the return of its inspiring “Northern Campaign 2025.” The acclaimed Winds of Joy program will make stops in Mackay, Airlie Beach, Rosslyn Bay, Gladstone, Southport, and Coffs Harbour from August to September – providing free sailing experiences for local young people living with disabilities. The
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Fear of making the wrong move can leave business owners trapped in an endless cycle of second-guessing, tweaking, and backtracking. Stalling may feel like the safer option, but it often comes at the greatest expense - wasting time, money, and momentum. Watching competitors chase the latest trends can be intimidating, but the cost of starting over every time something new emerges is far greater. The challenge isn’t a lack of ideas; it’s committing to one, because without action, even the be
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As the hazard reduction burn season ramps up across Queensland, local firefighters and energy providers are reminding landowners to take extra precautions when burning near power infrastructure. Both Ergon Energy Network and the Queensland Fire Department are urging property owners to be mindful of power poles and electrical equipment when conducting hazard reduction burns, which play a vital role in reducing vegetation and fire risk across rural areas. Ergon Energy’s Corrine Young, who
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National Farm Safety Week delivered an urgent reminder that safety must remain front of mind beyond just one week a year. Australia’s peak workplace safety body used the awareness campaign to encourage farmers and agricultural workers to treat near misses as powerful warning signs — not just luck, but chances to make meaningful change. The statistics remain stark. According to Safe Work Australia, the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing sector continues to be among the nation’s deadliest,
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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay The Queensland Sugar industry is celebrated by its peers throughout the world as one of the most environmentally and economically sustainable industries in the world, bringing together farming best practice and near zero waste across paddock to mill. The Canegrowers Smartcane BMP (Best Management Practice) program is a world-leading independently audited sustainability accreditation program which is widely acknowledged by both our international
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National Farm Safety Week, held from the 20th to the 26th of July, served as an important reminder that the health and wellbeing of farmers is critical to maintaining safety on the land. Marking the occasion, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) called for stronger support for rural healthcare services to better protect those who work in one of the country’s most demanding industries. According to ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin, investing in local, high-quality healt
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A major milestone has been reached by Rural Aid this month, with the organisation proudly supporting its 200th farm through its nationally recognised Farm Recovery Events (FRE) program. The milestone was marked in Coraki, in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, where volunteers are currently participating in the latest recovery event, running through until the 2nd of August. Since the FRE program began in 2018, Rural Aid has delivered hands-on support to more than 200 farms across the
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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ Pieter Van Vuren is one step closer to joining one of the world’s most elite endurance clubs — the 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Club. The Sarina-based long distance runner recently completed the 250km Gobi March in Mongolia, putting him halfway towards his ambitious goal of completing four 250km self-supported ultramarathons organised by RacingThePlanet. “To make the 4 Deserts Club, I need to finish all four events — I’ve now got two under my belt: the Namib Race
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The Greater Whitsunday region is advancing agricultural adoption and innovation with the launch of two pivotal initiatives: the AgTech Mastermind Workshop and the AgTech Activators, which are set to shape the future of agriculture in the region. The AgTech Mastermind Workshop on August 7, 2025, will bring together producers, agtech suppliers, service providers, and other stakeholders to discuss ways to take agtech adoption forward. The workshop will foster collaborative discussions aroun
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Clermont’s littlest locals are playing on safer ground thanks to a helping hand from Bravus Mining and Resources’ Community Grant Program. Bravus Mining and Resources Head of ESG, Transformation and Reputation Kate Campbell said the business was delighted to support Clermont Kindergarten and Day Care Centre to buy 22 enormous soft fall mats to increase the use and improve the safety of the kindy’s outdoor play area. “Our Carmichael mine sits just 160 kilometres north of Clermont, so
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Mackay Regional Council has unveiled its draft Economic Development Strategy 2025–2030, setting out a bold vision to drive sustainable growth and investment over the next five years. Developed through extensive consultation with industry, government and community stakeholders, the strategy outlines four key pillars: advocacy and leadership, an enabled economic environment, workforce development, and precincts and property. Mayor Greg Williamson said the plan was shaped in collaboration w
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Construction is officially under way on Stage 1B of the Northern Beaches Community Hub, following a sod turning ceremony held last Friday (July 25). Mayor Greg Williamson and councillors Heath Paton, Ash-Lee Johnson and Nathenea MacRae were at the construction site to mark this symbolic milestone, ushering in a new era of community infrastructure. “This is the beginning of something truly transformative for the Northern Beaches,” Mayor Williamson said. “This sod turning signifies the be
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Finalists Announced For 2025 RIN Awards Celebrating the resource sector’s quiet giants and bold trailblazers. In a region defined by grit, ingenuity and a relentless drive to evolve, the Resource Industry Network (RIN) has announced the finalists for its prestigious 2025 RIN Awards — and the lineup is nothing short of inspiring. From shop floors to boardrooms, from safety wins to market breakthroughs, these awards highlight the powerhouse that is the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday METS and reso
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I often get asked if I get surprised anymore by the level of innovation from our METS businesses. My answer to that is yes and no. I have come to learn over my time as General Manager of RIN that our members don’t really see what they do as innovation. They simply saw that there was a problem, so they thought about a way to fix it. That, to me, says that innovation is part of our DNA. It is a huge part of what makes Mackay the largest METS sector in the Southern Hemisphere. So that part
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