Mackay’s City Centre has come alive in spectacular fashion as Daly Bay Illuminate lights up the night. Kicking off on Thursday, July 24, the city has been transformed into a glowing wonderland, with giant amphibian inflatables and large-scale projections showcasing First Nations stories and community artwork. Running nightly from 6pm to 9pm until Sunday, July 27, the vibrant display is turning heads and drawing crowds as part of the 2025 Mackay Festival of Arts. Mayor Greg Williamson sa
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Eight Lives, One Region, And A Community In Mourning What can only be described as a chain of unimaginable tragedy has unfolded across our region, with eight people, including two children and three teenagers, losing their lives in just three days on our Central Queensland roads. Last Friday night, thick fog settled over Mackay as three 19-year-olds — two males and one female — travelled south around 10.40pm on the Mackay Ring Road near Glenella. Initial investigations suggest the green M
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Laffos Bar and Pizzeria has once again served up generosity, raising an impressive $12,730 through its annual Pizza for a Purpose fundraiser in support of local suicide prevention organisation, The Grapevine Group. Owners Nicole and Mark Laffin presented the cheque to Grapevine President Deb Knight yesterday, marking the fourth consecutive year the family-run business has backed the organisation’s vital mental health education and support initiatives across the Mackay region. Held each J
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By Andrew Willcox, Member for Dawson This week marked the first sitting of Federal Parliament since the May election, and as the Member for Dawson, I’ve been in Canberra raising the concerns of our region. Thank you to everyone who shares their stories with me — your lived experiences shape the fight I take to Parliament. During the election campaign, the Prime Minister told voters “all you need is a green card” and claimed only Labor could deliver cost-of-living relief, while warning th
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For me, safety in our homes, neighbourhoods, and community has always been my paramount priority. Over the years, we’ve invested in secure streets, strong support networks, and educational initiatives to protect what matters most—our families. But in today’s world, a new frontier of safety has emerged—one that we can’t lock behind a door or fence: digital safety. As screens become ever-present and technology weaves deeper into our lives, the risks are no longer just about online scams or expos
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Orchid Society Supports Cancer Care Foundation A recent meeting of the Mackay & District Orchid Society bloomed with purpose beyond flowers, as members welcomed guest speaker Chris Giannangelo from the Trudy Crowley Foundation. Giannangelo, an ovarian cancer and palliative care nurse, shared a moving and insightful presentation about the Foundation’s work supporting people impacted by cancer, and its aspirations for future growth in the region. In a gesture of community spirit, Orchid So
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The Sarina Rugby League Football Club is preparing to mark a major milestone, celebrating 100 years of proud rugby league history with a centenary celebration weekend from August 1 to 3, 2025. The centenary events, hosted at the Sarina Sporting & Services Club and Ray Edwards Oval, will pay tribute to the generations of players, coaches, volunteers, committee members and supporters who have built the club into a cornerstone of the local community since 1925. The celebrations will kick of
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Branch Manager at Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Stepping into the role of Branch Manager at Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank has felt like the perfect next chapter in my career – and a return to what matters most. I started in banking when I was 17, beginning in a customer service role. I didn’t have a set plan at the time (in fact, my mum, who also worked in banking, advised me not to do it!). But I applied for a role, got the job and quickly found I loved it. Over the years, I w
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DOLPHIN HEADS – SUDDEN DEATH PROBE UNDERWAY Police have launched a sudden death investigation following the discovery of a man’s body at a beachfront home in Dolphin Heads last Thursday, July 17. Emergency services were called to a property on Ian Wood Drive at approximately 3:12pm, after a request for a welfare check. Upon arrival, officers located a 56-year-old man unresponsive in the yard. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. A crime scene was declared, and investigations are co
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North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) is offering young people and job seekers the chance to kickstart a trade career by the water, with applications now open for its 2026 apprenticeship program. Based at the Port of Mackay, successful applicants will earn while they learn by the waterfront, gaining valuable hands-on experience, nationally recognised qualifications and direct employment as part of NQBP’s maintenance team. NQBP General Manager People, Safety, Environment and Sust
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Channelling more students into apprenticeships would not only help reduce juvenile crime but meet the future skills shortage, according to the owner of a leading RTO. Civil Safety’s Founder Robert Kerridge has doubled down on his commitment to the Mackay region: re-opening an expanded and upgraded Mackay facility, increasing its training capacity to accommodate more students. MP Nigel Dalton officially opened the facility together with Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson. Mr Kerridge also open
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Future Finder Launches Across Greater Whitsunday Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) is excited to announce the official launch of Greater Whitsunday Future Finder, an innovative digital platform designed to support young people in exploring real, local career opportunities across the Greater Whitsundays. Developed through collaboration with regional schools, industry experts, and workforce development leaders, Greater Whitsunday Future Finder is a free and accessible tool that empowers stu
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On Saturday, July 26, representatives from multicultural community groups across Mackay gathered at the Ocean International Hotel for a free, hands-on workshop aimed at boosting their confidence and capacity in project planning, grant writing, and grant management. The session was delivered in partnership between the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) and The Neighbourhood Hub Mackay, providing attendees with practical tools and strategies to turn their ideas into well-planned, fund
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A new parenting program launching in August is set to provide vital support for Mackay mothers with babies under six months, helping them connect with others in the same season of life, right in their own neighbourhood. The Early Parenting Program, delivered by Queensland Community Health, will run each Tuesday morning in August at the Northern Beaches Community Hall. Previously only offered in Mackay’s city area, the program’s move north marks a significant milestone in local efforts to
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The Mackay Vintage Motor Club celebrated its 60th anniversary with a special pizza lunch on Sunday, July 13, at the Walkerston residence of two long-time members. Thirty-eight members attended the event, ranging from new faces who joined just weeks ago to those with over 50 years of club involvement. All attendees received a commemorative 60-year badge, pen, and a certificate featuring a copy of their original membership application. A highlight of the celebration was the return of a sign
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Simon Hood – Wilmar Manager, Grower Marketing Every grower has a different way of handling their GEI sugar price exposure, which affects their final cane price. Some like to keep a close eye on the market, while others prefer a hands-off approach. We offer a range of pricing options so growers can choose what suits their level of interest and their risk appetite. We recommend thinking about sugar pricing as a form of risk management. If you're using Target Pricing, it means selling in sm
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The Australian Government is seeking input from community and industry stakeholders on the popular On Farm Connectivity Program to ensure it is delivering the best possible outcomes for primary producers through the upcoming third round. Through over $30 million in rebates provided over the first two rounds, thousands of primary producers have been able to extend connectivity and take advantage of connected machinery and sensor technology. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Reg
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By CANEGROWERS Chair Owen Menkens The Queensland Government’s announcement to extend the 15 per cent rural irrigation price discount for another two years is a long-awaited and welcome move—and I reckon most of the farmers I know would say it’s about time. This is a common-sense decision and one we’ve been calling for loud and clear. It’s great to see the Crisafulli Government listening to what the agriculture sector has been saying and acting on it. For irrigators like us—especially in
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Last week, the Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival celebrated its 21st year with a vibrant launch, immersive school activities, and a memorable keynote presentation, all encompassing the power of stories and the importance of regional voices in Australia’s literary landscape. The festival officially opened on Wednesday night at Whitsunday Anglican School, with Principal Andrew Wheaton welcoming guests and reflecting on the significance of the event for country and regional student
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A 29m crocodile-shaped multi-use amphitheatre is a standout feature in the newly opened Northern Beaches Community Hub. Stage 1A of the project, which opened to the public today, also includes an undercover multi-purpose court, adjoining kitchenette and storeroom, nature play and picnic spaces. Mayor Greg Williamson said it was tremendous to have this community facility open in the heart of the Northern Beaches. “The Northern Beaches is our region’s fastest growing community, and this project
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I started in local government as a Divisional Councillor and much of my role was acting as a link between residents and council departments. That connection to the community was something that I prioritised, but over the years local government and the role of councillors has certainly changed. In the past, I was able to work much closer with staff around specific community issues, but now a councillor’s role is much more strategic and is far less operational. Yes, we still want to work
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Step Into Your Future At Mackay Careers Expo 2025 A new chapter is being written for the Mackay Careers Expo, and it’s turning the page with purpose. On Thursday, August 7, the region’s most anticipated education and employment showcase is relocating to the Mackay Showgrounds, making room for more opportunity, more innovation, and more futures forged. More than 60 major exhibitors from across the nation are confirmed to attend, offering insights into everything from university pathways and appr
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Through The Whitson Dawson Accountants School Leaver Initiative In an era where the transition from education to employment is increasingly complex, Whitson Dawson Accountants stands out as a firm committed to nurturing young talent and shaping the future of professional services. Whitson Dawson Accountants is not only opening doors for recent graduates but also redefining what it means to build a career from the ground up. The school leaver initiative offers a structured pathway for scho
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With Mackay And The Whitsundays Link And Launch Program Research tells us that every year a number of young people who complete Year 12 are not engaged in education, employment or training in the year after they leave school. While there are numerous programs and services available to students completing Year 12 to help them transition from school, data indicates that some of the young people who need this help the most, do not access it. The Queensland Government is funding Link and Laun
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Roll Up Your Sleeves For National Tree Day Spending time in nature is one of the best things we can do for our physical and mental wellbeing – and what better way to do it than by planting trees? Mackay residents are invited to roll up their sleeves, breathe in the fresh air, and help green up Glenella at council’s National Tree Day planting event on Sunday, July 27. Held at Glenfields Park, on Wheeler Drive, the event runs from 8am to 11am and will build on years of community planting w
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