In an 80% male dominated industry, Leanne Benson thrives as Business Owner and Lead Software Developer of Key to I.T. Day to day, Leanne liaises directly with clients to analyse their individual software needs, requirements and business processes to develop a custom-made design programmed from start to finish with the occasional delegation to another programmer as needed. “We need more women in Software Development and different perspectives are always helpful,” highlighted Leanne. “If
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Mackay Surf Club nippers and youth members recently took on a gruelling 4-day training camp for Hell Week 2025 – an annual training event for the surf sports group which prepares them for the up-and-coming State and National Surf Lifesaving Titles. The 15 athletes ranged from U10 – U17 and their hard work and commitment towards the Surf Club should be commended. The program was designed to challenge participants both mentally and physically. Over 7 sessions as well as 6 difficult team challenge
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Nicole Batzloff, from Laffos Bar and Pizzeria, is bringing her vibrant energy and bubbly personality to the 2025 Dancing With Heart event, and she’s ready to dazzle the crowd! Known for her infectious energy, Nicole is a true crowd-pleaser, and it’s no surprise that she’s stepping up to dance for such a worthy cause. Nicole shared, “In 2009, my mum suffered a massive heart attack. I was with her at the hospital when the nursing staff did their best to stabilise her. “They were not able to sta
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Despite a grey, wet, and windy start, with a tropical low looming, the Sinkers Fun in Feb meet went ahead at the Mackay North State High School pool. Once again, wild weather couldn’t stop the Masters swimmers from coming together. Set-up crews bravely faced the conditions, setting up gazebos, tables, lane ropes, and flags in preparation for the 11 am warm-up. The early arrival of more volunteers ensured the final touches were added just in time as swimmers were welcomed with registration, a ra
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At Whitson Dawson, the numbers add up not only when it comes to accounting but also in how they support their staff, especially the women leading the way. As a family-run business with a strong foundation built on client outcomes and employee wellbeing, Whitson Dawson has always been about balance—balancing the books, balancing work and life, and most importantly, balancing the scales of opportunity for women. The firm is well-known for offering more than just the standard nine-to-five gr
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Katrina Dhu has always been driven by one powerful goal: to help others take control of their financial destinies. As a financial adviser at Alman Partners, her role is about much more than just providing advice—it's about empowering clients to align their finances with their values, ensuring they have the tools to achieve what matters most to them. With over 30 years of experience in banking and finance, Katrina has a deep well of knowledge that she shares with clients, breaking down com
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A new generation of tradespeople is stepping up in North Queensland, with 37 apprentices launching their careers with Wilmar Sugar and Renewables. Among them, six fresh recruits have joined the ranks at the Plane Creek Mill in Sarina, ready to learn their craft in one of the region’s most vital industries. Seventeen of the new recruits are based in the Burdekin region, where Wilmar owns four sugar factories, five are based at Proserpine Mill and the rest will be joining the Herbert region.
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Softball in Mackay is booming, with young athletes making a significant impact on the national stage. Rising stars like 14-year-old Evie Grace, who recently competed with the Queensland development squad in New Zealand, are hitting the ground running on their path to success. “It’s good to get to know girls from other countries and get to know more people in Queensland,” Evie shared, adding that the experience involved “a lot of hard work” but she enjoyed building friendships along the way. Ev
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The long-promised upgrades to the Bruce Highway appear to be slipping further out of reach, leaving residents of Dawson frustrated and disappointed. Despite a commitment of $7.2 billion in funding, recent Senate estimates hearings revealed that only $432 million will be spent on the highway over the next three years—just a fraction of what was expected. Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has voiced his dismay at the slow rollout, calling it yet another letdown for Queenslanders.
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Rising grain exports and continued strong trade in petroleum and sugar have helped push the Port of Mackay past a two million tonne milestone. North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) CEO Brendan Webb said between July 2024 and January 2025, the government-owned port facilitated 2.2 million tonnes of trade. “The top three traded commodities - petroleum (1.1 million tonnes), sugar (607,000 tonnes), and grain (245,000 tonnes) - have once again led the way to another trade mileston
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OPINION PIECE It’s been a busy start to the year, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. As Member for Mackay, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with locals, attending community events, and advocating for our region both here and in Parliament. Since the start of 2025, I’ve engaged in 40 community events, visited 14 schools, and undertaken eight department visits, including three trips to Mackay Base Hospital. From touring the Resources Centre of Excellence to lending a hand at Orange Sky
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A service which nurtures and cares for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families has taken a further step in its development with the opening of a special facility located within the community in North Mackay. The Kem Kem Yanga Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) program is a maternity service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies which was established by Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) in May 2019. Mackay HHS Chief Executive Susan Gannon said the
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Jean-Claude Arruo is stepping out of his comfort zone to dance for a cause close to his heart. Initially nervous about participating in Dancing with Heart, Jean-Claude was inspired to take part after learning about the Mackay Hospital Foundation’s invaluable work in supporting essential health services in the community. As he puts it, "I just had to put all my reservations aside and get involved in what is sure to be a great night, for a great cause!" Jean-Claude works as the Manager of Busin
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Dave Peters is known for his outgoing, vibrant, and hilarious spirit on the radio, but now he's stepping up to bust a move for a great cause. When asked to participate in Dancing with Heart, it was an easy yes — that is, until he remembered “DJs don’t dance!” For those unfamiliar with Dave’s dancing skills, he likens himself to a walrus flapping around on a beach — a sight you’ll definitely want to witness on the night. But in all seriousness, Dave’s commitment to supporting the Mackay Hospital
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Zepplin brings to life the incredible stories and electrifying music of the legendary band, LED ZEPPELIN. In a mesmerizing two-hour live concert production, ZEPPLIN delivers over 26 iconic songs, narrated stories, and rare video footage, creating an immersive musical journey through the legendary rise of Led Zeppelin. From their humble beginnings to becoming one of the most revered and influential rock acts of all time, the show combines untold stories, archival footage, and a powerhouse live
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There’s nothing more soothing than a freshly brewed cup of herbal tea, and the best part? You can easily create your own blends at home using fresh or dried ingredients. Whether you’re looking to unwind, boost immunity, or refresh your senses, these simple herbal infusions are perfect for any occasion. Calming Chamomile & Lavender Tea For a stress-relieving blend, steep 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers and ½ teaspoon of dried lavender in hot water for 5 minutes. This floral combinati
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Cleaning works on the water mains supplying the Midge Point township have progressed to stage two. The water mains from Kunapipi Road to the Midge Point Road and Conder Parade intersection, as well as the watermains within the township, will be cleaned using a pipeline pigging and air scouring process from Monday, March 17, weather permitting. These essential works will remove a build-up of iron and manganese minerals from the pipelines and will significantly improve the water quality fo
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Mackay Regional Council Libraries wants to know ‘How do you Library?’ Do you come for the games and workshops, movies and music, yarns and books, technology and WiFi, arts and culture, or just the pleasant air-conditioning and a wonderful sense of belonging? Mayor Greg Williamson said council’s Libraries team was excited to partner with the State Library of Queensland this March to promote our libraries and everything they have to offer. “As part of the ‘How do you Library?’ campaign, w
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Council is calling on residents to take some time to get to know their neighbours during March. On the last Sunday in March, we mark Neighbour Day, which began in Melbourne in 2003 after the remains of an elderly woman were found inside her suburban home, more than two years after her death. Council is committed to ensuring sad incidents like that will never occur in our community. Every March, residents in our region are encouraged to be “Legendary Neighbours”. Mayor Greg Williamson s
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Through a decade-long commitment to improving safety and efficiency in underground mining, Anglo American’s steelmaking coal operations in Australia have reached a significant milestone. The company’s 10-year vision for a ‘mine of the future’ became reality when all its underground coal mines in the Bowen Basin began operating simultaneously from Remote Operation Centres (ROCs). The Central Queensland underground operations have also hit another remarkable milestone, notching up 10,000 l
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Kat Talty’s time honing her skills as a heavy vehicle mechanic at CQUniversity TAFE empowered her self-belief so much that she is now mentoring other young female apprentices to take up a trade themselves. The 26-year-old completed her training in Mobile Plant Technology at CQUniversity in February last year, a time she looks back upon with pride. “I decided to do an apprenticeship because I wanted a change in career, and really wanted to do something hands-on, where I could learn (on-th
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Applications are open for Glencore’s 2026 Graduate Programs, building exciting and well-paid careers for engineers, environmental scientists, geologists, accountants, and health and safety, human resource and IT professionals. Since 2020 Glencore has welcomed 620 new graduates into its diverse coal, zinc and copper operations, in locations like Singleton and Muswellbrook in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley, and Mount Isa, Townsville, Emerald and Tieri in regional Queensland. Starting in Fe
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The Mackay Woodturners Association (MWA) is gearing up for a celebration of skill, creativity, and craftsmanship at their upcoming Expo on March 15th and 16th, held at Snow Wright Court in Beaconsfield. Running from 9 am to 3 pm both days, the event offers a rare opportunity to witness the incredible artistry of local woodturners and explore a range of handcrafted items that are as functional as they are beautiful. Woodturning is far from just a hobby—it's an art form that requires precision, p
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On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the many women who inspire us, and Tina Ramsland is no exception. As the owner of Maggie Moo Music, Tina is a powerful example of how women can balance career ambitions with the demands of family life while also contributing to their community. Through her business, Tina is redefining what it means to be a mother, a business owner, and a force for positive change in Mackay. Tina’s business is built on the belief that music and movement have the p
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In honour of our editor Amanda and her proud Kiwi roots, we're serving up a treat that's as New Zealand as jandals and buzzy bees. Enter the lolly cake—a no-bake wonder found in nearly every café across Aotearoa, bringing joy to Kiwis young and old with its colourful, chewy goodness. This isn't your average cake—there’s no baking, no fuss, and it’s almost too easy to make. Crunchy biscuits, sweetened condensed milk, and brightly coloured lollies all get squished together, rolled in coconu
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