Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
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It’s a strange thing to write your own full stop. After five years, countless deadlines, and more alliteration than even I care to admit, this is my last edition of Mackay Life. A paper born out of Covid uncertainty, built on a promise to connect, uplift, and inform — and somehow, against all odds, we made it something pretty special. What a ride it’s been. We had an advert go globally viral, scooped “Best Free Newspaper in Queensland,” collected a shiny Gold Wonkley, and even launched tw
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A convoy of humble Postie bikes hit the open road for a good cause, as the annual Postie Bike Safari returned for its 13th year of fundraising and friendship – all in support of regional families facing childhood cancer. Departing from Mackay on Saturday, 30 August 2025, 26 riders and 6 support vehicles travelled more than 2,000 kilometres across outback North Queensland over the course of a week. Childhood Cancer Support is a Queensland-based charity that provides free accommodation, tr
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OPINION PIECE Right now, any Australian can submit a simple request to access non-sensitive information from any Australian government agency. We can ask who a minister or government official has met, what was discussed, and the reasoning behind government decisions. This is a vital lever for holding the government accountable and right now it doesn’t cost a cent to ask the question. But the Labor government wants to water down these protections, restricting what information the public
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"Government Silence Is Deafening" Thousands of Australians including Dawson locals, many older or approaching retirement, are reeling in the wake of the collapse of First Guardian and Shield managed investment schemes, leaving them with little to no retirement savings after losing millions of dollars in managed funds. For many, years—even decades—of compulsory superannuation contributions have vanished overnight, leaving them with no choice but to continue working well beyond retirement a
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By Amanda Wright Anne Baker’s return to local government was anything but ordinary. Sworn in the day after the official declaration of Mackay Regional Council’s by-election result last Wednesday, the long-time Isaac leader stepped quietly into her new role with humility, gratitude and a strong mandate from the people. Cr Baker secured nearly 30 per cent of the vote in a competitive field of nine candidates, a clear majority that underscored the community’s confidence in her leadership. Th
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Community-Loved Editor Signs Off By Hannah McNamara Stepping down from her role as Mackay Life Editor and Journalist for Life Publishing Group is a woman who morphed the very fabric of this paper. You may know her from networking events, her community presence, or from her heartfelt, but more often than not humorous editor’s note on page 2. Amanda Wright is the kind of woman who carries her heart on her sleeve for the community, always ensuring voices of the public are at the centre of th
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Car Stolen After Home Break-In In Bucasia Police are investigating after a car was stolen following a break-in at a Bucasia home in the early hours of Sunday, 14 September. It is reported the offender entered the Crestview Crescent property around 3.05am through a sliding door. Once inside, a bedroom was searched and keys were stolen. The keys were then used to steal a white 2011 Holden Cruze sedan, registration 527 RIR, which had been parked in the front driveway. Police are urging an
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Bravus Mining and Resources has been recognised for its work in environmental sustainability and Indigenous engagement at the Carmichael mine near Clermont in central Queensland. The Townsville-headquartered business has been named as a finalist in both the Excellence in Environmental Management and Sustainability and the First Nations Engagement categories at the prestigious 2025 Australian Mining Prospect Awards. Bravus Mining and Resources Chief Operating Officer Mick Crowe said being
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We’re now in week 38 of 52, and while the year is flying by, the pace of activity in Mackay isn’t slowing down. Last week was full of community events, important conversations, and chances to stand up for our region. A key highlight was the Primary Industries and Resources Committee Hearing, held at Souths Leagues Club. We heard directly from local canegrowers and farmers about the future of the sugarcane industry—not just in Mackay, but across Queensland. The hearing focused on Sugarcane
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A new campaign has been launched to provide dedicated female facilities at Mackay Rugby League, reflecting the surge in women and girls taking up the sport. Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton MP, has partnered with Rugby League Mackay and District to champion the initiative, highlighting the urgent need for modern, inclusive spaces. Currently, female players are often required to share or adapt facilities originally designed for men, creating barriers that discourage participation and limit
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Last Thursday, former North Queensland Cowboys premiership winner Jake Granville sat down with staff at Wisely Group in Mackay to deliver a message that reached far beyond the footy field: the power of conversation, and the importance of “being a breather.” The session, held on national R U OK? Day, was livestreamed to Wisely’s regional sites across the Bowen Basin. It was part of the company’s ongoing commitment to breaking down stigma and encouraging everyday conversations about mental
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For R U OK? Day 2025 The importance of checking in on friends and colleagues was front and centre at the annual R U OK? Day Breakfast, hosted by Resource Industry Network in partnership with FMS Group last Thursday morning. The event drew members of the business and resource community together to share conversations, explore strategies for wellbeing, and show collective support for mental health. Guest speakers Anthony Gibs from Tenaxiti Business Psychology and Debbie Knight from the Gra
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Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is urgently appealing for people to donate blood and help boost critical supplies. The urgent call follows record high demand for blood during winter, coupled with peak appointment cancellations and seasonally lower bookings. Lifeblood needs 12,500 additional donors to give blood and plasma over the next week to ease the strain on its blood and plasma reserves. Data shows demand for blood reached record levels in June, July and August. This demand surge co
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Faces have changed but memories of school days at St Patricks College Mackay (formerly boys only Christian Brothers College) had not. 8 members of the 1965 Grade 12 (Senior) Class gathered in Brisbane recently for a reunion. Brisbane was picked due to only 3 of the original class currently living in Mackay. Of the original 16 classmates, 3 are deceased, 2 could not be located and 3 were unable to attend due to ill health. The reunion kicked off with dinner at GUSTO DA GIANNI Italian Res
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Looking for free family fun these school holidays? Head to Dunes Harbour Beach from 9 am to 12 pm, Wednesday 24 September for Coastal Kids - a morning of entertainment, fresh air and seaside community spirit. Make the most of the sprig sunshine at one of our region’s most spectacular beachside locations. With stunning sea views and an open grassed area, it’s the perfect spot to unwind while the kids burn off that ‘school holiday energy’. Adding to the fun, Jake from HitFM will be broadc
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The Queensland Government’s Primary Industries and Resources Committee held a well-attended public hearing in Mackay as part of its Inquiry into Sugarcane Bioenergy Opportunities in Queensland. Canegrowers Mackay Chairman Joseph Borg, Deputy Chairman Brett Leach, and Canegrowers Proserpine Chairman Glenn Clarke presented on behalf of growers. Mr Borg highlighted the opportunities for mill cogeneration and virtual microgrids to help farmers access cost-effective irrigation, boosting produc
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Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing A final reminder to growers regarding the Global Traders Roadshow featuring Wilmar’s Senior Sugar Trader Peter Bingham. Peter is currently in India attending the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) convention, which means he will bring the very latest insights into Indian crop developments and ethanol policy for the year ahead. With India’s production forecast rising sharply this season, the country’s decisions around exports and ethanol could
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By Owen Menkens, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Sugarcane has always been part of Queensland’s story. From the sunlit paddocks along our coastline the sweet scent of a mill in full crush, it’s hard to imagine our state without it. But there’s a side to the industry that many people don’t see – how far our growers have come in making cane a world leader in sustainability. This month we reached a milestone worth celebrating. Farms accredited through our Smartcane BMP program have now earned a rare
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As CANEGROWERS prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2026, the organisation is inviting the community to help build a unique photo collection that captures 100 years of cane country history. Locals are encouraged to dig out their treasured sugarcane snapshots — from family moments on the farm to milestones in the industry — and share them on Facebook or by emailing info@canegrowers.com.au. The collection will form part of a centenary showcase honouring the people and stories behind the sugarc
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Applications open for 2026 Rural Women’s Award The search is on for inspiring rural women to step forward, with applications now open for the 2026 AgriFutures Australia Rural Women’s Award. The award recognises and celebrates inclusive and courageous leadership by women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities. Queensland’s 2025 state winner and Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Agribusiness Network, Nicole McNaughton, said she encouraged a
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The Nebo Bush Poet’s Smoko 2025 drew a strong crowd earlier this month, with 105 people gathering to celebrate the art of storytelling through rhyme and verse. The event featured 21 performers, who entertained with a mix of heartfelt reflections, witty tall tales and traditional bush poetry that resonated with the spirit of the outback. The morning’s program highlighted both seasoned poets and emerging voices, giving audiences a taste of the rich diversity within the bush poetry communit
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CUC Engineering Futures At Home Moranbah High School vice-captain Ethan Azzopardi hopes to be one of CUC Isaac’s first graduates: he’s one of five high school students who have already enrolled for the region’s new Country Universities Centre. The first of its kind in the Isaac region, the CUC Isaac campus gives locals a free, practical base to study without leaving town. Open from 6am to midnight, seven days a week, the centre provides high-speed internet, printers, quiet rooms, exam sup
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Queensland’s coal industry faces a major blow as BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) announced plans to cut about 750 jobs across its operations, citing the financial strain of state royalties and challenging market conditions. The company confirmed that its Saraji South mine at Dysart will be mothballed from November. Saraji South, part of the greater Saraji complex, is one of BMA’s five steel-making coal mines in the Bowen Basin and has been in operation since 1974. BMA asset president Adam
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With Titan Security & Protection Titan Security & Protection is providing a premier option for security services across the Mackay region, standing out for its professional approach, community focus, and locally owned drive. Founded by Beau Bath, a father of two, the company exists with one mission in mind. “We aim to protect the community we live in and give back to the place we call home.” Unlike larger out-of-town firms, Titan brings a fresh, locally driven approach to security in Ma
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Four years ago, Kimberly Stevens’ world was shattered when she lost her teenage son, Ethan, in 2021. A talented local footballer signed to the Broncos’ elite development squad, Ethan’s passing left a void no parent should ever endure. Six months later, as Kimberly returned to work, she found herself searching for something more, and there she found a calling to help other parents navigate the same heartache. “I didn’t know a lot about grief back then… and I just knew there wasn’t a lot a
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