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The Whitsunday Big Freeze is back for its second year on Saturday 24 October 2026, bringing together footy, music, raffles, community spirit and a whole lot of fun at Whitsunday Sportspark. Hosted by the Whitsunday Bald Eagles and Club Whitsunday, with support from Whitsunday Sportspark, the event aims to raise an incredible $50,000 for FightMND, supporting the fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND). This year's event will feature AFL Premiership Player and Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan, who will pull on the boots for the Bald Eagles Tropical Masters Cup before joining guests for a special Sportsman's Dinner at Club Whitsunday that evening. The action kicks off at 1pm, with Masters AFL games throughout the afternoon and local legends taking the plunge down the Big Freeze slide between games. Businesses, community groups and individuals can get involved by raising or donating $500 or more to take the plunge, with sponsorship opportunities also available. But it's about more than footy and fundraising. MND has touched people close to our local sporting and club community, making this cause particularly meaningful to those involved. "This is about bringing our community together, having a great day and doing something that genuinely makes a difference. We want everyone to get involved, whether that's taking the plunge, supporting a slider, sponsoring the event or simply coming along and enjoying the day." Finish the Day with Dane Swan The celebrations will continue into the evening with the Sportsman's Dinner at Club Whitsunday, featuring a fantastic three-course dinner, footy stories, laughs, live Q&A, auctions and more fundraising. It's the perfect way to finish a huge day of footy and fun while continuing to support FightMND and our $50,000 fundraising goal. 🎟️ Tickets are closing soon, so don't miss your chance to join us! BUY YOUR SEAT TODAY! Event Details Date: Saturday 24 October 2026 Venue: Whitsunday Sportspark, followed by Club Whitsunday From 1pm: Bald Eagles Tropical Masters Cup, Big Freeze slide, music, raffles and fundraising 6:30pm: Sportsman's Dinner with Dane Swan Fundraising Goal: $50,000 for FightMND The Whitsunday community is encouraged to come along, bring their mates and get behind this important cause. One big day. One big goal. Let's Fight MND together. Here’s all the details to: donate, play footy or book a seat to the sportsman’s dinner: https://clubwhitsunday.com.au/whitsunday-big-freeze/ Photo caption: Photo Supplied: Whitsunday sea eagles
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Two Mackay State High School netball teams have returned from an international competition in New Zealand with both sides recognised for their outstanding sportsmanship. The teams travelled across the school holidays to compete in the International Netball Festival, where both received the Sportsmanship Award, voted on by umpires after every game. A representative from Mackay State High School said both teams finished with an impressive 23 points, reflecting the way players conducted themselves both on and off the court. The representative said the players consistently demonstrated the school's values of Respect, Resilience and Pride, with umpires approaching coaches throughout the competition to commend the girls on their conduct. “The umpires kept coming up to coaches to tell us how much of a pleasure our girls were to umpire, how polite, fair, and kind they are and we couldn’t think of a better impact or legacy for our girls to have,” the representative said. Finals day saw the two Mackay teams face each other once again, with Purple narrowly taking the win over Pink. Purple went on to secure another hard-fought victory to finish fifth overall, while Pink narrowly lost its final match to finish seventh. The school also paid tribute to its departing Year 12 players, recognising their efforts throughout the tournament and their contribution to the academy. “To our departing Year 12s — what a way to finish! You gave absolutely everything on the court and played your hearts out. We could not have asked for a better group of girls to lead our academy this year,” the representative said. The school congratulated every player on their dedication, commitment, sportsmanship and positive attitude throughout the trip, with Miss Nixon, Miss Allen and Mr O’Brien expressing their pride in the way the students conducted themselves and represented the school. Photo source: Mackay SHS
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Contributed with thanks by Janelle Tilse RUNNING The annual Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10km Handicap Trophy was run and won in warm conditions from Bluewater Lagoon on Sunday morning. Runners competed for the prestigious trophy based on their official handicap times, with the first male or female runner across the finish line taking home the title. Jared Mackie claimed the 2026 championship after producing an impressive run, overtaking the field despite starting from a relatively high handicap. Mackie, who was described as a deserving winner, had overcome a serious injury earlier this year and worked hard to return to running. He was also recognised for his support of fellow runners, particularly within his Rules of Running training group, where he stepped into the coaching role while the group's main coach was seriously ill for several months. Last year's winner, Max Miles, also put in a consistent performance to finish second behind Mackie. In the 5km event, Craig Malcolm took the win ahead of Natasha Joynson and Craig Joynson, with fellow club member Jo Hughes also delivering a strong performance. Other notable performances came from junior 10km runner Harry Sleeman, Chloe Malcolm, Phoebe Short, Scott Sleeman and Gem Wender. The event was sponsored by Spine Care Chiropractic, led by George Hannaford, who has supported the annual event for several years and continues to support the club and wider community. The Benita Willis event marked the final formal event on the Mackay Road Runners' 2026 calendar, with next Sunday's mystery run to be held as a social event ahead of the club's Awards and Presentation Night on October 24th. Meanwhile, the club's informal off-season program will begin on the first Sunday afternoon in November, with the Shawn's Splash and Dash Social Summer Series starting at 4.30pm at the Aquatic and Recreation Complex (ARC). The series will include 30 minutes on the track followed by 30 minutes in the pool. Entry to the facility is $5, payable at the pool kiosk before accessing the track. A gold coin donation towards post-run and swim Zooper Doopers would also be appreciated, with the social sessions open to everyone, including non-members. 8417 – 2026 Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10k Handicap Trophy winner Jared Mackie with his parents Gail and Clinton Mackie 8419 – Over 60 competitors and supporters enjoying the event which had a post run sausage sizzle, cash & vouchers donated by Spine Care Chiropractic. 8210 – Alan Zamparutti and Tim Magoffin 8416 – Jared Mackie with last year’s winner, Max Miles (and was 2nd this year – very consistent) 8224 – Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10k Handicap Trophy & 5km runners (left to right) Chloe Malcolm, Bec Malcolm, Craig Malcolm (5k winner) and Levi Wallace 8219 – David Isbister, Ollie Gorrion and Stuart Sprott catch up prior to racing the Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10k Handicap Trophy + 5k 8413 – Timekeeper, Rohan Miles (left) with competitors, Max Miles (front) and Ashley Miles (rear) 8274 – Majella Sleeman and Lucas Sleeman cheering on family members Scott and Harry running in the 10km event. 8397 – Highest handicapped runner in the 10k, Justin Rule set a sizzling pace in the warm conditions. Photos supplied by Mackay Road Runners
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Seven Mackay pickleball players took to the courts at the Australian Pickleball Championships on the Gold Coast from September 29th to October 4th, joining more than 1,300 players from across Australia. Jess Brass, Bec Labbett, Brett Walz, Chris Barbour, Jamie Duncan, Rob Vella and Troy Debondi all competed across a range of singles and doubles divisions throughout the tournament. Brass had a standout week, claiming gold in the 19+ Women’s Singles 4.0+ division and silver in the 19+ and Open Women’s Skinny Singles 3.5 and above division. Labbett also secured a podium finish, winning bronze alongside doubles partner Carollyn Darby in the Split Age Women’s Doubles 4.5-4.99 division. Walz competed in Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles, while Barbour contested Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Duncan competed in Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles, with Vella taking part in Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles. Debondi competed across Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. The championships attracted 1,338 registered players and, according to Pickleball Australia, were the largest pickleball tournament in the Southern Hemisphere. Pickleball Mackay President Brett Walz said it was great to see so many players from around Australia competing in the tournament. “It was a highlight to see players from Mackay winning medals at the event.” Seven Mackay pickleball players competed at the Australian Pickleball Championships on the Gold Coast, with Jess Brass and Bec Labbett bringing home three medals. Photo source: Pickleball Mackay
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Welcome to Season 4 and to our new players. Our Evening Fixtures has begun and if you are interested in coming for a hit our Centre is open for Social play on Thursday (5:30pm-8pm), Friday and Sunday (8:30am-12noon), please check our website for further details. Tuesday Evening Fixtures Division 1: Master Servers (Steve Whiting, Robbie Richards, Will VanDeKaa) snuck home 6-5 against Lords of the Pings (Neil Brown, Anne Sheridan, Remy Zhan), Steve came back to outlast Anne in close 5 sets (2,7,-6,-6,6). Return Ruters (Emma Widdup, Graham Brake, Syed Hossain) won 7-4 Net Gains (Barry Patterson, Janice Kent, Duncan Treloar), Janice won a marathon over Graham B (6,-9,-7,8,12). Smash Masters (Trent Day, Donna Abbott, Mark Sleeman) had a close win 6-5 over Lob Legends (Lily Boland, Josh Brown, Tony Bowman), Josh came back in 5th set against Donna to win ((-4,4,8,-9,10). One Hit Wonders (Geoff Cowan, Yilin Jiang) One Hit Wonders (Geoff Cowan, Yilin Jiang) defeated King Pong (Geoff Denman, Graeme Walker) 3-2, with both teams missing there top players, it was the battle the Geoff’s but Geoff D overcome Geoff C (-2,-6,10,10,9). Division 2: Better Call Pong (Dilini Ranasinghe, Liz Burton, Lachlan Loy) got home against Lobstoppers (Rod Mahumas, Logan Brown) 7-4, Logan came back after loosing first set against Liz to win in 4 sets (-9,9,7,9). Ping It On (George Camilleri, Jeff Binnington, Rachel Fiesta) defeated Miss Hits (Delma Knight, Tiffany Camilleri, Mark Bowerman) 7-4, Delma was lucky to get home against Rachel in 5 sets (6,-10,-7,6,9). The Soft Serves (David Symons, Noreen Fredericksen, Mark Stam) defeated Spin Masters (Ricky Zhan, Ollie Hamelink) 7-4, Ollie was to strong for Noreen winning in 5 sets (-6,-4,9,6,10). Racket Scientists (Ian McKay, Peter Goodson, Collin Yuis) Racket Scientists (Ian McKay, Peter Goodson, Collin Yuis) won over Serve Squad (Simon Hogan, Daniel Warfield, Craig VanDeKaa) 9-2, with no 5 set matches Ian had a close match against Daniel (-8,8,8,13). Tuesday Morning Fixtures will be starting next week. Ollie Hamelink. Photo supplied
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Contributed with thanks to Joy Block The Del Ryan Pairs and Teams Congress was held in Mackay over the King’s Birthday weekend, attracting 22 Pairs and 14 Teams. We were delighted to welcome visitors from Brisbane, Gold Coast, Yeppoon, Rockhampton, Bowen and Townsville. The club extends its appreciation to North Marine for their generous sponsorship, which continues to support this Congress each year. The event ran smoothly in the safe hands of Director Bill Bishop. Congratulations to all the Winners and Placegetters. Weekly Results Del Ryan X Imp Pairs Winners – Saturday 3 October 2026 – 11 Table Mitchell Red Points Section A Section B Section C 1st Don Cameron / Jan Randall 1st Marilin Robins / Faye Write 1st Martin Pearce / Diane Stokes 2nd Noel Bugeia / Val Holbrook 2nd Annie Lynch / Andrew Canavan Del Ryan Team Winners – Sunday/Monday 4 & 5 October 2026 – 14 Team Mitchell Red Points Section A Cameron Don Cameron, Jan Randall, Karin Le Roux, Adrian Lohmann Section B Goodchild Debra Goodchild, Eric Goodchild, Mick King, John McGee Section C Caldwell Karn Caldwell, Sue Mayer-Miller, Lynne O’Neill, Mary Rose Lumsden, Debbie Ludkin Tuesday Evening 6 October 2026 – 6 Table One Winner Green Points 1st Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia 2nd Joy Block / Terry Sheedy 3rd Mick King / John McGee 4th Faye Wright / Marilin Robins Wednesday 7 October 2026 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points 1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole 1st Joy Robinson / Robert Carless 2nd Bob Ellis / Susan Wright 2nd Lorna Shuttlewood / Terry Sheedy 3rd Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild 3rd Martin Pearce / Sue Mayer-Miller Thursday Evening 8 October 2026 –-5 Table Mitchell Green Points 1st Tere Wotherspoon / Roland Taylor 1st Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy 2nd Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless 2nd Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy Friday 9 October 2026 –- 7 Table Mitchell Green Points 1st Monica Darley / Barbara Tait 1st Sue Mayer-Miller / Gwen Liddell 2nd Griffin Bancroft / Tere Wotherspoon 2nd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole 3rd Joy Robinson / Eric Goodchild 3rd Geoffrey Patterson / Susan Wright Saturday 10 October 2026 – Section A - 11 Table Mitchell Green Points 1st Alan Brown / Frances Brown 1st Monica Darley / Janice Mansfield 2nd Annette Howe / Geoff Cowan 2nd Geoffrey Patterson / Patrick Rasmussen 3rd Annie Lynch / Sandra Morris 3rd Robert Carless / Diane Morgan 4th Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild 4th Ian Gaskell / Jennifer Camerson Saturday 10 October 2026 – Section B – 3 Table Mitchell Green Points 1st Gail Gibbs / Mary Jane Marsh 1st Christina Brady / Patricia Wong 2nd Helen McKenzie / Raelene Wright 2nd Colleen Riddel / Pam Cassidy 3rd Michell Hall / John Hunt 3rd Sandra Wallace / Pamela Wallace Section B Team Winners Section C Pairs Winners Section B Pairs Winners. Photos supplied by Mackay Contract Bridge Club
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At just 18 months old and weighing 17kg, Obi is a happy little guy with plenty of love and enthusiasm for life. Getting along well with children, other dogs and visitors, he has plenty of potential to become a much-loved member of his new family. Obi had a rough start to life and can still find the world a little scary at times, so he is looking for a patient and understanding family willing to help build his confidence and show him the ropes. He already knows his basic commands and walks confidently on the lead, making him a great companion for someone happy to continue guiding him as he settles into his new life. Once Obi gets to know and trust you, he will become an unshakeable little shadow, following his favourite person wherever they go. If you have the time, patience and love to give Obi the fresh start he deserves, contact his carer Char on 0402 540 612 to arrange a meeting. Alternatively, email LLTAGSandDogRescue@gmail.com to find out more.
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Friday 16th October CUPPA BETWEEN CHAPTERS 9am - 10am Community members are invited to enjoy a cuppa and some relaxed time at the library, with the opportunity to connect with others, enjoy a chat or unwind with a few chapters of their current read. Whether looking for good company, a quiet moment or simply a change of scenery, the gathering offers a welcoming space to sit back and enjoy a warm drink. Dudley Denny City Library, 134 Victoria Street, Mackay. STORY TIME 9.30am - 10am Toddlers and children aged one to four are invited to enjoy a fun and interactive morning of stories, singing and talking. The free family program encourages early literacy, language development and social skills, while helping little ones build a love of books, rhymes and reading through play and shared experiences. Dudley Denny City Library, 134 Victoria Street, Mackay. THE PLARN PROJECT: CRAFTING FOR A CAUSE 2pm - 4pm Community members are invited to take part in The Plarn Project, learning how to turn plastic into yarn and crochet it into lightweight mats for those in need. The initiative aims to help the environment while supporting the local community. No previous experience is required, with all skill levels welcome. Bookings are required to attend. Dudley Denny City Library, 134 Victoria Street, Mackay. Saturday 17th October MACKAY & DISTRICT ORCHID SOCIETY SPRING ORCHID SHOW 8am - 4pm Mackay and District Orchid Society will host its annual Spring Orchid Show, featuring a display of beautiful flowering orchids and orchids available for purchase. Visitors can also browse pots, potting medium, tags and hangers, with raffles and refreshments available. Entry is $2, with refreshments available by cash only. Senior Citizens Centre, Macalister Street, Mackay. TOASTMASTERS AREA 14 CONFERENCE 8.30am - 4pm Pioneer Toastmasters will host the Toastmasters Area 14 Conference, featuring a day of speech contests across four categories: International, Humorous, Evaluation and Table Topics. The event will bring together participants for a day centred on the theme, ‘Pioneering Pathways to Success’. 69 Gordon Street, Mackay. PAPER QUILTING: A SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN 9.30am - 12.30pm Get creative with a Halloween-themed paper quilting workshop, where participants can explore simple techniques to cut, layer and arrange paper into quilt-inspired designs. The hands-on activity is open to all skill levels, including beginners, with no experience required. All materials will be supplied, and participants can create their own Halloween-inspired artwork to take home. Gordon White Library, 54 Phillip Street, Mount Pleasant. WRITING FOR THEATRE: THE GREAT STORY HUNT 10am - 12pm Explore creativity and discover new sources of inspiration in this interactive writing workshop at the library. Using photographs, books, objects and unexpected prompts, participants will explore practical ways to develop characters, conflicts and theatrical ideas. The workshop is open to writers, artists and anyone curious about storytelling, with a focus on building confidence and sparking imagination. Dudley Denny City Library, 134 Victoria Street, Mackay. Sunday 18th October MACKAY & DISTRICT ORCHID SOCIETY SPRING ORCHID SHOW 9am - 2pm Mackay and District Orchid Society will host its annual Spring Orchid Show, featuring a display of beautiful flowering orchids and orchids available for purchase. Visitors can also browse pots, potting medium, tags and hangers, with raffles and refreshments available. Entry is $2, with refreshments available by cash only. Senior Citizens Centre, Macalister Street, Mackay. Thursday 22nd October CREATE A KOKEDAMA 10.30am - 11.30am, Thursday, October 22 Get creative at this hands-on workshop and learn how to make a traditional Japanese moss ball plant, known as a Kokedama. Participants will have the opportunity to shape and wrap their own creation while enjoying a relaxed, mindful activity. All materials will be supplied, with attendees able to take home their finished Kokedama. Dudley Denny City Library, 134 Victoria Street, Mackay.
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No city or region in Australia has been unaffected by the property market changes that have become obvious ever since the Federal Government introduced its budget in May, removing negative gearing from established housing and changing the capital gains tax rules. But some have been hit harder than others. The latest property market review by valuers Herron Todd White gives an extensive rundown of where particular regions sit as well as the nation as a whole. HTW chief economist Cameron Kusher pointed out in the September review that inflation continues to be a factor, not only in cost of living but also projected interest rate rises in the months ahead. He said: “National dwelling values fell by 3.1 per cent over the three months to August 2026, with capital city values 3.7 per cent lower and regional values falling by 1.2 per cent.” He said property market analyst Cotality estimates that over the three months to August 2026 “there were 14.6 per cent fewer property sales than the same period last year”. “Transaction activity has seen a much greater decline in the capital cities than in the regional markets; however, falls are broad-based,” he said. “Every capital city except for Hobart is seeing a higher volume of properties available for sale relative to a year ago, and only regional Tasmania and regional NT are seeing fewer total listings. “Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra have historically high listing volumes, and although they aren’t at historic highs elsewhere, Brisbane and Perth have seen annual increases of more than 50 per cent, and Adelaide has seen an annual increase of more than 40 per cent. “The heightened volume of stock for sale at a time in which there are fewer active buyers in the market means that those who are buying have less urgency and more choice. In turn, this means that they have greater scope to negotiate on price, and there are many properties that will take a long time to sell in this market or simply won’t transact. “In the regional areas, the longest median days on market are in NT, NSW and Victoria and the lowest are in WA, Queensland and Tasmania.” The HTW monthly review includes their very interesting property clock, in which they categorise where particular markets are in the property cycle. Sitting at 3 o’clock on the property clock in a declining market are Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. Sitting in the “starting to decline” category includes cities such as Alice Springs, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Several Queensland cities are included in the “peak of the market” category; Gladstone, Bundaberg and Toowoomba. And cities in the “approaching the top of the market” category include Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Townsville and the Whitsundays. What about the cities still sitting at 9 o’clock, the “rising market” category? Well, there aren’t nearly as many cities in that category as there were a few months ago but it still includes Mackay, Rockhampton and Emerald, among a few others. HTW can only go on the data in front of them, however agents on the ground experience the market as it happens. It is true that the Mackay market is behaving nothing like the free fall being felt in major cities like Sydney. The economy is going well, unemployment is virtually non-existent, rental vacancies are low and properties are selling. However, no agent in Mackay will tell you that right now Mackay is in a rising market. It’s still active and people are still buying but at the moment it’s not going up … it represents a great opportunity for those wanting to get into the market and investors seeking one of Australia’s best rental returns.
Read moreMackay audiences are in for a wickedly funny night out as CQUniversity students from the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) stage the award-winning musical Urinetown, a sharp satire that blends comedy, romance and social commentary. Guest directed by actor-director Ylaria Rogers, the musical is set in a drought-stricken town where a water shortage has made private toilets illegal. Instead, citizens must pay a powerful corporation, Urine Good Company, to use public amenities, while anyone who breaks the rules risks being banished to the mysterious and feared 'Urinetown'. The story follows Bobby Strong, a worker at the town's poorest public amenity, who falls for Hope Cladwell, the daughter of the corporation's ruthless CEO. When another fee increase pushes the townspeople to breaking point, Bobby leads a rebellion with unexpected consequences. Winner of three Tony Awards, Urinetown is celebrated worldwide for its witty script, memorable score and playful send-up of musical theatre, drawing inspiration from classics including Les Misérables and West Side Story. "It's a much deeper musical than the continuous laughter would suggest," Ms Rogers said. "It talks about water and money and what it is to live in drought, which in Australia is such a huge thing for us. This show brings generations together, whether you're a theatre-goer or not." Audiences can catch Urinetown at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Ooralea, with matinee and evening performances from 23rd to 25th October. Tickets are on sale now at cqcm.sales.ticketsearch.com, with student, concession and family options available.
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Locals gathered in Mackay last Saturday for the annual March For Life, which brought together supporters of the pro-life movement. The march began at Harbour Road before finishing at Caneland Central Park, where attendees heard from guest speakers and community representatives. Among those attending was Cherish Life Queensland CEO Matthew Cliff, who travelled from Brisbane for the event. Operating since 1970, and formerly known as Right to Life Queensland, Cherish Life is one of Queensland's longest-established pro-life organisations, with branches throughout the state, including Mackay. Mr Cliff, who has been CEO for around four and a half years, said the organisation's work centred on two key areas of education and advocacy, aiming to encourage greater understanding of its pro-life position, while engaging with elected representatives and participating in public discussions about abortion. Mr Cliff said the organisation also connected women experiencing unplanned pregnancies with other services that could provide practical and emotional support. Though Cherish Life do not offer direct assistance themselves, they refer women to services like Hope's Dream, a Christian-based, non-profit charitable organization which provides pregnancy counselling and support. “The rallies are really a good way of bringing public awareness,” Mr Cliff said. “It's an opportunity for people who support the pro-life movement to demonstrate why this is important to them.” Mr Cliff said his own Christian beliefs played a role in shaping his position, with his views centred on the belief that human life is valuable from conception. “The Christian method in which I believe as the CEO of Cherish Life Queensland is to walk in grace and truth, and truth in love, and that all human life from conception is valuable,” he said. The Mackay event featured several speakers and representatives, including Mr Cliff, Australian Christian Lobby Assistant Director Daniel Adsett, Family Voice Australia Queensland Director Andrew McColl, Lighthouse Church Mackay Pastor Jai Wright and St Joseph's Catholic Church Associate Pastor Rev. Fr. Raju Mandothparambil. While Cherish Life advocates against abortion, other organisations take a different view of reproductive rights. CEO of Queensland pro choice organisation Children By Choice Anjulee Singh shared: “Children by Choice believe all people have the right to make decisions about their own body and health care. “Abortion is legal healthcare and should be accessible without barriers regardless of where you live.” The organisation advocates for accessible reproductive care in regional communities, claiming that stigma and privacy concerns can make it hard to ask for help, and can prevent women from pursuing the healthcare they are entitled to. “Everyone has the right to make their own decision about their pregnancy, whether that means continuing, ending, or considering adoption,” the organisation states. “Support should be non-judgemental, confidential, and respectful.” The differing perspectives come amid ongoing public and parliamentary debate about reproductive rights in Queensland, including discussions involving Mackay MP Nigel Dalton, who earlier this year crossed the floor in opposition to restrictions on parliamentary debate about abortion. Photo source: Cherish Life QLD - Mackay Branch
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Mackay beachgoers are encouraged to put their photography skills to good use, with the arrival of two new monitoring stations giving community members a hands-on role in tracking changes to the coastline. Eimeo Beach and Lambert’s Beach are the first locations to introduce the newly installed CoastSnap poles, which feature a phone cradle where residents and visitors can position their phones, capture an image of the coastline and upload it through the CoastSnap app. Photos taken from the same position over time will help build a long-term record of sand movement, beach erosion and recovery, providing valuable information to support future coastal management. Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the project, led by the University of New South Wales, would give council access to valuable monitoring data while allowing the community to get involved. "It's easy to use. You just follow the barcode. And you can do it anonymously, you don't have to put your name on it," he said. Mr Williamson said the photographs and accompanying observations would help build a detailed picture of how the region's beaches change over time. "If everybody does that every day, just imagine the record that we're going to have via the University of New South Wales to manage this in the future," he said. "This is just another tool for us to be able to effectively manage the 31 beaches we've got in our region." Council's Coordinator of Waterways and Coastal Planning Robyn Burkett said the initiative formed part of the Mackay Coast Our Future project, helping council better understand coastal conditions and plan for future changes. "It's about monitoring our beaches, and community education, so that's why we're encouraging people to come along, snap a photo, and learn more about coastal hazards and how our coastal processes work in the Mackay region," she said. Ms Burkett said ongoing monitoring would help determine how much sand was lost during storm events, whether beaches recovered naturally and when intervention might be needed. "Having good information now, when we experience a storm event, looking at what those changes are, and how much sand is lost, whether it will recover over time, or whether it needs intervention is really important." The CoastSnap initiative was founded in 2017 as a pilot project by the University of New South Wales, with more than 100 poles now installed across 16 countries. The two Mackay stations were funded by council, with further locations being considered for the region. To learn more, visit www.coastsnap.com or visit connectingmackay.com.au/mackay-coast-our-future. L-R - Robyn Burkett, Coordinator Waterways and Coastal Planning for Mackay Regional Council, Kylie Cauchi, Waterways Planning Advisor for Mackay Regional Council and Mayor Greg Williamson of Mackay Regional Council, testing out the new CoastSnap pole at Eimeo Beach. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara The impact of tropical cyclone Debbie in 2017. Supplied by Mackay Regional Council
Read moreThink about the businesses you enjoy working with. The ones you call first, recommend without hesitation and trust when something important is on the line. Chances are, it comes down to more than their price or what they deliver. It’s how they make you feel. They listen. They follow through. They understand your business and care about what happens next. Businesses that stand head and shoulders above the rest recognise the value of relationships. Every conversation, project and problem is an opportunity to build trust. Over time, that trust becomes a powerful reason to keep doing business together. At redhotblue, we’ve been in business for almost 30 years. The work we produce and the advice we provide have certainly contributed to that longevity. Creative ideas need to deliver results, and strategic advice needs to help clients make confident decisions. But alongside the work are the people. Some of our client relationships span more than two decades. We’ve worked together through business growth, leadership changes, market challenges and exciting new directions. That shared history brings understanding you simply cannot capture in a project brief. You learn what matters to someone. You understand their ambitions, the pressures they face and when they need encouragement or an honest conversation. Strong relationships make that honesty possible. Often our role is to challenge an idea, question an approach or suggest a different direction. Those conversations are easier when clients know the advice comes from experience and a commitment to their success. Of course, relationships need effort from both sides. Clear communication, mutual respect and realistic expectations all matter. So does recognising the expertise each party brings to the table. A purely transactional approach can miss this value. When every interaction centres on the cheapest quote, the fastest turnaround or getting a little more for a little less, there is limited room to understand the bigger picture. The right supplier becomes someone you can think with, learn from and rely on. They help solve problems, bring fresh perspective and make your working day easier. After almost 30 years, we know that lasting business success is built through good work and good relationships. Both deserve attention. So, take a moment to consider the suppliers you work with. Do they listen, communicate and help move your business forward? Do you feel confident picking up the phone? If doing business with them consistently feels like hard work, perhaps it’s time to reconsider who you’re doing business with.
Read morePicture this: The golden crunch of a freshly opened bag of chips, salt crystals glittering like tiny diamonds on your tongue. Or the molten stretch of cheese on a late-night pizza, the caramelised edges of a fast-food burger, the cold, creamy slide of ice cream against warm chocolate sauce. In that moment the world shrinks to pure sensation. Crunch, salt, fat, sugar. Each mouthful feels like comfort, celebration, reward. For a few fleeting seconds, everything seems right. Then the swallow. What follows is not true nourishment. Refined sugar, salt and industrial fats rapidly stimulate the brain’s reward centres, releasing dopamine and locking in the desire for more. At the same time the body registers an inflammatory and metabolic challenge. Blood sugar spikes, insulin surges, and protective responses begin. The gut lining becomes irritated, and the body increases mucus production as a barrier. This excess mucus can thicken in the airways, making breathing heavier, or coat the small intestine, slowing nutrient absorption. Managing the inflammation draws heavily on reserves of zinc, magnesium, calcium and antioxidants. When these foods dominate, those reserves steadily decline. The disrupted gut environment also alters the microbiome. Beneficial bacteria diminish while less helpful organisms gain ground. In this sticky terrain, opportunistic organisms including certain parasites can easily take hold, adding further burden. Over time the regular consumption rewires reward pathways until craving becomes compulsive. Digestive rhythm slows, constipation becomes common, aches and brain fog appear. The gut, the body’s engine room, struggles under constant overload and every system feels the strain. Years later the consequences often arrive as chronic disease. Rarely is the pattern of ultra-processed “food-like” substances examined as a root cause. The fleeting pleasure has long been forgotten; only the cost remains. If any of this feels familiar, please know you are not alone and you are not to blame. Modern food environments make these choices almost effortless, and the resulting fatigue and discomfort can leave people feeling stuck. Breaking free is possible, and you do not have to walk the path by yourself. At Healthy Life Essentials we understand how heavy this can feel. We walk beside each person who chooses to heal, offering personalised guidance and steady support. Together we restore depleted nutrient stores, clear excess mucus, repair digestive function and quietly rebuild vitality. Step by step, clarity returns, energy lifts, and the body remembers what true nourishment feels like. Another encouraging truth: you don’t have to go without. We are smart about “treats” making them nutrient-packed and genuinely tasty rather than toxic and destructive. No fleeting rush of “food-like” junk is worth the erosion of your health. The real cost is the quality and length of your life. How would you feel having the health you desire? Healthy Life Essentials is here to guide you back to better health. Brad Baker: Healthy Life Essentials
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During Queensland Mental Health Week, recognised between 3rd -11th October, Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) took the opportunity to recognise the staff who support the mental health and wellbeing of people across the region. The health service acknowledged the diverse team of professionals working across its services, including mental health clinicians, nurses, allied health staff, peer workers and support teams. A representative from Mackay Hospital and Health Service said staff brought compassion, expertise and commitment to their roles, supporting people and families through some of life’s most challenging moments. “Their hard work helps individuals and families feel heard, supported and connected, while strengthening the wellbeing of our wider community.” The representative said even simple interactions, such as a conversation, a listening ear or a moment of connection, could make a meaningful difference to someone experiencing mental health challenges. The health service also recognised that mental health care involved a broad range of staff and roles, with contributions made across different workplaces and services. The acknowledgement served as a thank you to all Mackay HHS staff members who play a part in providing mental health care and supporting the wellbeing of the local community. Mackay Hospital and Health Service has recognised its dedicated mental health workforce, thanking staff across the region for their compassion and ongoing support of individuals and families. Photo source: Mackay Hospital and Health Service
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Mackay State High School students kicked off Mental Health Week by sharing messages of positivity and hope through a creative ‘Chalk the Pavement’ activity. Students were encouraged to use their creativity to write uplifting messages for others who may be doing it tough, helping spread awareness and promote positive mental health across the school community. The school also welcomed a special visitor from Run For MI Life, with the event’s Minion mascot stopping by to promote this weekend’s fun run at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. Held annually in honour of Mathew Ivory, who the community lost to suicide in 2012, the event was established by founder Jo Shanks and her family to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention and mental health initiatives across the region. Participants can register to run or walk 3km, 5km or 10km, either individually or as part of a team, with dogs also welcome. Mackay State High School staff have already entered a team. A wellbeing fair will follow the run, giving community members the opportunity to connect with local support services. The event welcomes runners, walkers, volunteers and community members keen to show their support for mental health and suicide prevention in the Mackay region. The run will be held on Sunday 18th October at Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. Mackay State High School marked Mental Health Week with a ‘Chalk the Pavement’ activity promoting positivity and welcomed Run For MI Life’s Minion mascot to promote this Sunday’s mental health and suicide prevention fun run at the Botanic Gardens. Photo source: Mackay SHS
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OPINION PIECE By Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox For regional areas like here in Dawson, where driving is not optional but essential, higher fuel prices bite hard. Even short bursts of higher prices can have a major impact on already stretched budgets. Families hitting the road over the September school holidays would be acutely aware of the cost to fuel up. Many may have ditched their holiday plans at the last minute or chosen to spend less at their destination to compensate. But it’s not just the cost of filling up the car that is hurting. Supply chains are being smashed, meaning the flow on effects are also felt in other areas, like the checkout. If farmers and truckies are paying more for diesel, the consumer ultimately pays more. The other unfortunate part of higher fuel prices is that inflation is also impacted. Which means interest rates don’t come down. They only go up and stay up. There is, of course, a lever the government could pull right now. Re-introducing a cut to the fuel excise would provide much needed relief. However, when asked last week if the government would re-introduce an excise tax cut, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said, ‘It is not something we are discussing – not something we are considering.’ This is something myself and my colleagues will continue to push for. Our newly announced policy, The Fuel Price Shield, would see the fuel excise automatically halved when Brent Crude Oil rises above $100 per barrel over a two-week period, like it is now. The policy is aimed at ensuring that major oil price shocks do not disproportionately affect Australian families and businesses. Whether you are growing produce, transporting goods, or simply filling up the tank, this policy would mean the relief is immediate. No debating or deliberating. Just automatic implementation.A halving of the fuel excise equates to a reduction of 27 cents per litre or around $15 off a tank for the average family car. For household budgets already stretched to the max under this government’s cost of living crisis, that cut would make all the difference. Also included in the Fuel Price Shield, the 32 cent a litre heavy vehicle road user charge would be set to zero, which would lessen the flow-on costs of transportation. Because overall, high fuel prices mean more than just what is paid at the bowser. It means more at the checkout, more at your favourite café, and more on the mortgage. When the war in the Middle East kicked off earlier this year, Labor dragged their feet in taking action on skyrocketing fuel prices and addressing supply chain issues; remember their major response was to advertise, for us all to inflate our tyres and carry lighter loads. They eventually buckled to pressure and implemented the fuel excise cut, which came off mid-year. Well, fuel prices are back up to similar levels and could yet go higher. Let’s hope the government will see sense or buckle to pressure and provide the relief so desperately needed. The government can and should pull that excise tax lever now. They can’t control far away wars. But they have the power to lower the price at the pump.
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By Cr Peter Sheedy The current Eisteddfod season, and the extraordinary way in which volunteers, schools, performance groups, families and supporters have come together, has reinforced for me the immense cultural value of the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) to our region. As a councillor, I have been struck by the depth of community support for the Eisteddfod and what it means to generations of Mackay residents. The MECC, as the flagship performance venue in our region, enables these events to be presented at the highest possible standard through facilities that rival those found anywhere in Australia. It has been remarkable to witness the MECC successfully host such a diverse range of Eisteddfod performances, many of which have been sold out and supported by enthusiastic, capacity crowds. The level of participation and audience engagement demonstrates not only the popularity of the event but also the important role the MECC plays in bringing our community together. As a first-term councillor working through the challenges of budget development, I have gained a greater appreciation of the many competing demands placed upon council. Beyond the essential services of roads, water, sewerage, waste collection, parks and gardens, council is responsible for maintaining a wide range of community facilities and infrastructure that contribute to the quality of life enjoyed by our residents. While our region is fortunate to have a number of excellent venues capable of hosting community events and gatherings, including BB Print Stadium, the MECC occupies a unique and special place within our community. Its outstanding auditorium and professional facilities continue a proud tradition of performance and entertainment that stretches back through the Theatre Royal and Parish Hall eras. This year's Eisteddfod season has highlighted for me the vital role the MECC plays in fostering creativity, talent and community participation. It has been a real eye-opener to see the dedication of the volunteers, organisers, adjudicators, performers and venue staff who work together so seamlessly to create an experience that is rewarding for participants and audiences alike. Beyond the Eisteddfod, I have also enjoyed attending visiting productions and major performances throughout the year. These experiences have reinforced my belief that Mackay has found the right balance between supporting local talent and attracting high-quality touring productions. The MECC is much more than a building. It is a cultural cornerstone for our region, providing opportunities for people of all ages to perform, learn, participate and connect. The success of this year's Eisteddfod season is a powerful reminder of the value the venue delivers to our community and why its continued support remains so important to the cultural life of Mackay.
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A key marine monitoring program improving understanding of the Isaac coastline will continue for another three years, thanks to renewed funding from Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd (DBCT P/L – Daly Bay) and Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure (DBI). Daly Bay and DBI will invest $498,000 in the Southern Inshore Program from July 2026 to June 2029, allowing the program to reach a 10-year monitoring milestone in 2027. Established in 2017 to fill a critical data gap between Cape Palmerston and Clairview Bluff (south of Mackay), the program has grown from water quality monitoring to include seagrass and coral, providing the only long-term environmental dataset for a little-known section of the Queensland coast. From underwater coral assessments to seagrass monitoring by helicopter, DBCT P/L Manager of Safety, Risk and Environment, Ricci Churchill, said the program demonstrated what could be achieved when industry, science and community partners worked together toward a shared goal. “The Southern Inshore Program has become a highly important source of environmental knowledge for the region,” she said. “Before the program commenced in 2017, there was no data available for this vital area of the Isaac coastline. We are proud to be working with Healthy Rivers to Reef and DBI to support the next phase of monitoring. “By renewing our support for another three years, we are continuing to invest in the science and partnerships needed to better understand regional ecosystems and ensure future management decisions are backed by robust scientific data.” DBI Director of Enterprise Planning and Sustainability Tim Bruton said it had been great to see the monitoring expand and mature, providing a much clearer picture of conditions in the Southern Inshore Zone. “Having access to reliable, long-term environmental data is essential for understanding and managing these important marine ecosystems,” he said. “DBI is pleased to continue supporting a program that strengthens regional knowledge and helps inform future environmental management.” The funding allows research partners JCU TropWATER, Australian Institute of Marine Science and University of Queensland to continue gathering and analysing environmental data for the region. Jaime Newborn, Executive Officer of the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership, said the program's next phase planned to expand its focus on iconic marine species such as dugongs and turtles. "Nine years of monitoring has shown the Southern Inshore Zone supports some of the region's healthiest seagrass meadows, providing critical habitat and food for dugongs and turtles," she said. "The program regularly records dugong feeding trails, and sightings of green turtles and herds of dugongs during field surveys. The next phase will help us better understand how these species use the area and the important role these healthy ecosystems play. "This long-term program has transformed our understanding of water quality, seagrass and coral condition along the Isaac coastline. “We're incredibly grateful to Daly Bay and DBI, together with our research partners, for their ongoing investment and collaboration." For more information on the Southern Inshore Program, visit www.healthyriverstoreef.org.au. Photos supplied by Healthy Rivers To Reef
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From photography and Indigenous artwork to garage doors and vital home improvements, the First Nations Business Expo will bring together a diverse mix of local businesses and services for the Mackay region to discover. Ochre Lens by Venita Among the returning exhibitors is Ochre Lens by Venita, owned by Mackay photographer Venita Mooney, who has turned a longstanding passion for photography into a trusted business over the past 18 months. Venita specialises in family portraits, couples, Year 12 formal and event photography, with a particular focus on First Nations cultural and arts events. She also aims to provide a welcoming, culturally safe space for First Nations families, helping them feel comfortable and represented when capturing special family moments. She also creates digital art and paintings, offering visitors an insight into her creative work. Having attended last year's expo as both a photographer and stallholder, she is looking forward to reconnecting with other business owners and introducing more people to her services. Statewide Sales & Service Statewide Sales & Service will showcase a range of residential and commercial garage doors, roller doors, panel doors, sectional doors and window shutters. Owned and operated by Adam Doull, the regional business is a Platinum Dealer for B&D garage doors and services areas from Bowen to St Lawrence and west to Emerald. Its mobile B&D To You showroom van brings product samples, colour options, measurements and quotes directly to customers without the inconvenience of visiting a traditional showroom. With wet and cyclone season approaching, Adam is urging residents to check their garage doors, motors and remotes, and consider whether their doors are cyclone-rated. Visitors can also learn about B&D's new Secure Roll Door, which automatically locks when closed. J.Rigby Indigenous Designs Another favourable business returning is J.Rigby Indigenous Designs, owned by Mackay and Middlemount based artist Jessica Rigby. Established in 2002, Jessica's business features unique, traditional Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander artwork across a variety of mediums, including emu eggs, boomerangs and handcrafted jewellery incorporating feathers. With artwork sold internationally and local commissions completed throughout the community, visitors will have the opportunity to discover her handmade creations and artistic style. Jessica previously participated as the expo's artist in residence, delivering a live art demonstration. She said this year’s expo will be “a wonderful opportunity for other Indigenous businesses to connect and get to know each other more and what other businesses do.” Event Details Free and open to everyone, this year’s expo offers an opportunity to discover local services, support First Nations businesses, celebrate regional talent and build connections across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions. What: First Nations Business Expo Mackay 2026 When: 10.30am-2pm, Thursday 22nd October Where: Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre's North Foyer CAPTIONS: A showcase from J.Rigby Indigenous Designs. Photo supplied Photography by Ochre Lens by Venita. Photo supplied
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A successful two-month pop-up knitting and crochet group has seen U3A Mackay members come together to produce 810 squares for the Wrap With Love charity. The group met on Thursdays at CQUniversity, with members spending their time knitting, crocheting, chatting, laughing and learning along the way. The completed squares have been sent to Wrap With Love, where they will be stitched together into wraps and distributed throughout Australia and overseas to people in need. All wool used for the project was generously donated by U3A members, with many others also contributing by knitting and crocheting from home. Originally introduced as a short-term pop-up activity, the group proved to be a popular success, with organisers indicating it may return next year. For more information about U3A Mackay activities for retirees, contact admin@u3amackay.com. U3A Mackay members knitted and crocheted 810 squares for the Wrap With Love charity during a successful two-month pop-up group, with the squares to be made into wraps for people in need. Photos supplied by U3A Mackay Inc
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Mackay families are invited to enjoy an evening of activities, entertainment and history at the free Light Party at Bluewater Quay on October 31st. Running from 4pm to 9pm, the family-friendly community event offers an alternative to Halloween, with children encouraged to dress as their favourite light-themed or positive characters. This year’s program will include two 30-minute freestyle BMX performances by JC Action Sport, scheduled for 5.30pm and 7.30pm, alongside live entertainment, food trucks and free activities for children. Organisers said the event would combine fun with opportunities for families to learn about historical figures and events associated with the 31st of October. These include William Wilberforce, who was sworn into Parliament on the 31st October and went on to see slavery abolished in 1833, and the Australian Light Horsemen, whose charge at Beersheba during World War I took place on the same date. The program will also explore Martin Luther, who posted his 95 Theses on October 31st, an event associated with the beginning of the Protestant Reformation, and George Müller, who came to faith on the same date and cared for about 10,000 orphans throughout his lifetime. Children can discover these stories through hands-on activities, with fortress building, weaving, horse racing, printing, cookie decorating, light-themed craft creations and fishing among the options on offer. The event aims to bring families together for an evening of entertainment, creativity and learning, with activities designed to engage children of different ages. With free activities and live performances planned throughout the evening, families can drop by Bluewater Quay and take part in the celebrations. The Light Party will run from 4pm to 9pm on Saturday 31st October, at Bluewater Quay, Mackay. Entry and children’s activities are free, with food available from food trucks. Last year’s Light Party brought Mackay families together at Bluewater Quay for an evening of free activities, entertainment and historical storytelling as an alternative to Halloween. Photo source: Light Party Mackay
Read more Young people across Mackay are putting their hands up to represent their peers, with candidates for the 2026 Mackay Youth Council sharing their ideas, passions and priorities for the region’s future. From mental health and inclusion to sport, creative opportunities and safer public spaces, here is a look at what each candidate hopes to achieve: GRACE O’NEILL “For Mackay’s Youth — May Belonging Be Ever in Your Favour” Grace is passionate about belonging and youth empowerment, enjoying instrumental music, Irish dancing, Just Dance and long runs with Hugo. She wants to make mental health and wellbeing support easier to access and more normal to discuss, while helping teenagers find their identity and future direction through practical workshops, safe spaces and mentoring. Priorities: Mental health and wellbeing, safety, inclusion and belonging. KATELYN RANOLA “With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility, Empower Our Youth!” A keen reader and baker who enjoys movies and spending time with friends, Katelyn wants young people to have safe spaces where they feel comfortable and secure, whatever they may be facing. She also wants them to have a voice in the issues and causes they care about. Priorities: Young people having a say, safety, inclusion and belonging. ADELAIDE KELLY “Our Lives, Our Decisions, Our Voice” Adelaide enjoys music, spending time with friends and being around her pets. She wants more safe spaces where Mackay’s young people can be themselves, feel comfortable and connect with others who may be experiencing similar situations. Priorities: Mental health and wellbeing, young people having a say, inclusion and belonging. KINITH ATTANAYAKE “Choose Air, Choose Your Future” Kinith enjoys basketball, swimming and cricket, alongside academic challenges such as Opti-MINDS and AMC. His campaign focuses on changing perceptions of vaping, helping young people recognise outside influences and make their own informed choices. Priorities: Mental health and wellbeing, safety, inclusion and belonging. MISHA PALOD “Our Minds Matter” Misha loves reading, writing and watching movies with friends. She wants to encourage young people to slow down and talk about mental health, working with Council and other young people to establish community activities and youth spaces focused on wellbeing, connection and creativity. Priorities: Mental health and wellbeing, young people having a say, arts, culture and events. CHARLOTTE HANCOCK “Bringing Everyone Together at the Blue River” Charlotte enjoys netball, animals and the outdoors. She wants to create more opportunities for young people to get creative and connect through kids’ markets, school holiday sports gala days and movie nights at the Blue River. Priorities: Parks and public spaces, fun creative events for young people. JAYDEN WONG “No One Walks Alone” Jayden enjoys basketball, spending time with friends and playing musical instruments. He wants to help create a safe, inclusive Mackay where younger people can access the mental health and wellbeing support they need, particularly when facing hardship. Priorities: Mental health and wellbeing, safety, inclusion and belonging. ARYA “Arya’s the Name, Making Change Is the Game!” Passionate about singing, drama and musical theatre, Arya wants young people to lead awareness, change and support initiatives. Her proposed Little Backpack Project would be a youth-led campaign providing essential and comfort items for children entering foster care. Priorities: Safety, young people having a say, youth-led awareness campaigns. OLLIE DALGLISH “Hear the Youth. Heal the Youth.” Ollie loves musical theatre, is learning guitar and enjoys spending time with friends. He wants young people to have more comfortable, relatable ways to talk about their problems and anxiety. Priorities: Mental health and wellbeing, safety, inclusion and belonging. ELLA “Empowering Every Endeavour: Ella’s Open Opportunities” Ella enjoys books, spending time with friends and being with her dog. She wants to help young people prepare for future life experiences, from moving away from home to getting a first job, building confidence and independence along the way. Priority: Giving young people more opportunities. MEET THE 2026 MACKAY YOUTH COUNCIL CANDIDATES KAYDEN “Sports for All, Costs Must Fall!” A fan of football, outdoor activities, Minecraft and his PS5, Kayden wants to make sport more affordable. He hopes to encourage healthier lifestyles by lowering the cost of sporting activities and giving Mackay’s young people a stronger voice. Priorities: Sport and recreation, young people having a say, cost of living. ROBERT JONES “Pay Goes Down, Bills Go Round, Stand Your Ground” Robert enjoys singing, animals and spending time with friends. He wants to inspire creative young people in Mackay and beyond to share their thoughts and showcase their creativity. Priorities: Mental health and wellbeing, arts, culture and events, cost of living. LOGAN IVORY “Guess Who’s Back, Back Again, Logan’s Back, Tell a Friend” Logan enjoys basketball, athletics, fitness, playing drums and piano, painting, community involvement and spending time with his dog Mickey. He wants to create inclusive opportunities through creative arts, sport and fun activities where all young people are welcome. Priorities: Arts, culture and events, sport and recreation, inclusion and belonging. GRACE WINTERTON “We Are the Change” Grace loves music, debating and animals. She wants young people to feel safe, valued and involved in their community, with more youth spaces and opportunities to have their voices heard through Council. Priorities: Arts, culture and events, young people having a say, inclusion and belonging. ARIZONA EVANS “Strong Voices, Even Stronger Communities” Arizona loves animals and is learning piano and dancing. She wants to create spaces where young people who do not usually get the chance to speak up can share ideas about improving Mackay and have those ideas considered. Priorities: Arts, culture and events, young people having a say, parks and public spaces. STEPHEN MIRANDA “Youth Out Loud Are Proud” Stephen’s passion is music, whether playing, reviewing or composing it. He wants young people to help drive a progressive Mackay, encouraging them to speak up for what is right and have a meaningful say in their community’s future. Priorities: Environment and climate, young people having a say, inclusion and belonging. CHARLOTTE SHEPPERSON “Mackay’s Youth Shaping Tomorrow” Charlotte enjoys netball, singing, drama and musicals. She wants to create fun, educational opportunities that allow young people to continue learning and developing outside the classroom. Priorities: Arts, culture and events, sport and recreation, education and schools. CHARLOTTE RICHARDS “Making It Better for Young People” Charlotte enjoys sport, academics and the arts, particularly football and basketball, and loves learning new things. She wants to work with Council to provide safer places for young people in communities surrounding Mackay to connect with friends and to ensure their views help shape change. Priorities: Young people having a say, sport and recreation, mental health and wellbeing. GEORGIA LITTLE-THOMPSON “Build a Better Tomorrow, Today” Georgia loves dance and the arts, using creativity and personal style to express herself. She wants more free, accessible third spaces where young people can socialise, create and connect. She is also passionate about the environment and educating young people about simple ways to protect it. Priorities: Arts, culture and events, young people having a say, environment and climate. BLYSS MCKENNA “Shooting Goals for the Valley” Blyss enjoys netball, baking and spending time with friends. She wants to bring young people in the valley together through accessible social sports that everyone can play, creating more opportunities for fun and connection. Priorities: Parks and public spaces, sport and recreation, inclusion and belonging. RYLEIGH LITTLE “Better Places to Grow Up” Ryleigh enjoys cooking, gaming and exploring. She wants to improve facilities in the outer Mackay region to help create a better place for future generations to grow up. Priorities: Parks and public spaces, jobs and opportunities, transport.
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Mackay and surrounding regions have just received another five first year constables, bringing fresh faces, new experiences and a range of backgrounds to local police stations. The new recruits met with Mackay and Whitsunday District commissioned officers, along with Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton, last Thursday as they settle into their new stations across the region. Mackay Whitsunday District Officer Superintendent Dean Cavanagh said it was an exciting opportunity to welcome the new officers into the district and introduce them to the local community. “It’s a really exciting opportunity to bring in the new staff, the new skills, new experiences, and invite them into the Mackay Whitsunday District, but also into the big blue family,” he said. The five constables will be stationed across Bowen, Sarina, Proserpine and Mackay, bringing a broad range of experiences with them. Among the new recruits is Sarina-based First Year Constable Kai Chin, who moved to Queensland after spending seven years working as a police officer in Taiwan. While the move has brought a change of scenery, Constable Chin said the work itself felt surprisingly familiar to back home. “It’s actually surprising for me how similar it is to be a police officer here, as it is in Taiwan,” he said. “The legislation is different, and the country is a little different, but I think what we do and who we are is basically exactly the same.” Proserpine First Year Constable Xenia Marianna Vansche is also bringing a different perspective to the region, having moved from Brisbane to begin her policing career in North Queensland. After completing a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Constable Vansche said her university studies helped cement her decision to join the police force. “Going through the three years in uni, I did some electives in policing topics, so evidence-based policing, and that kind of cemented my career progression into the police force,” she said. Her interest in policing also began much earlier, after participating in karate and seeing female police officers involved in demonstrations at school fetes. “Seeing women’s presence in policing really helped kind of cement it, and then I kind of went through uni and I was like, yeah, this is something I really want to do,” she said. Superintendent Cavanagh said the new recruits had arrived with the right attitude towards community policing and would spend their first year gaining operational experience alongside training officers. “They’ve got that great platform now from their learning at the Academy,” he said. “They join the district now to get that operational experience and make sure that they’re teamed up with training officers to really make sure over this next year they get all the skills they need so they can help our communities.” Superintendent Cavanagh said the welcome would give senior officers an opportunity to get to know the first-year constables, share and reminisce on stories from their own early days in the force, and offer encouragement as the new recruits began their careers. Five new first-year constables have joined police stations across Mackay, Bowen, Sarina and Proserpine, bringing fresh experience and a strong focus on community policing. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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By Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton As we approach two years since the election, it's a good opportunity to reflect on some of the commitments we've made to Mackay and the progress being delivered across our community. Recently, Premier David Crisafulli visited Mackay, where he met with local residents to discuss community safety and hear firsthand about the issues affecting our region. While he was here, I was proud to show him some of the projects that are helping deliver real outcomes for locals. One of those projects was the completed lighting upgrade at the North Mackay Saints AFL Club. Replacing the ageing lights had been the club's top priority for years and was a commitment we made during the election campaign. The new lights mean players can train and compete at night, providing a safer and more practical option in our tropical climate while supporting the continued growth of the club. We also visited the new facility being delivered for the Mackay Comedy Players, another election commitment now nearing completion. Backed by a $250,000 commitment, the additional space will provide much-needed storage and operational capacity, helping the group make better use of its existing facilities. It's fantastic to see the project taking shape, with an official opening planned for next year. Sport continues to play an important role in our community and I'm pleased to see progress continuing on our commitment to deliver a new car park for Mackay Football. Backed by an $800,000 election commitment, the project will help address long-standing parking challenges at the facility and improve access for players, families, volunteers and visitors. The tender process is now underway, representing another important step towards delivering infrastructure that the local football community has been calling for. Beyond major projects, we've also focused on practical improvements that make a difference in everyday life. Following concerns raised by local residents, we worked with stakeholders to help secure the recent clean-up of Harbour Beach. It's a good example of what can be achieved when the community raises an issue and organisations work together to find a solution. I'm also pleased to see the Federal Government back away from its proposed disaster funding cuts. I was proud to stand alongside Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson and join calls to protect this vital funding for regional communities. For a disaster-prone region like Mackay, maintaining strong disaster recovery funding is essential to ensuring local roads, bridges and community infrastructure can be rebuilt when severe weather events occur. The decision provides greater certainty for communities, councils and disaster recovery efforts across Queensland. The Federal Government confirmed it will retain the current disaster recovery funding arrangements after consultation with councils and community groups. We've also helped ensure Mackay's Australian Army Cadets can access the Play On! Sports Vouchers program, helping more young people participate in activities that build confidence, teamwork and valuable life skills. Community safety remains one of the issues raised most frequently with my office, and it continues to be a priority. We've seen stronger laws introduced, more police on the beat and continued action to tackle repeat offending and improve community safety. While there is always more work to do, we remain committed to ensuring Mackay receives the resources and support it needs. Another initiative I am particularly proud of has been helping local students connect with the parliamentary process. Through school visits, virtual sessions and tours of Parliament House, students have had the opportunity to see firsthand how our democracy works. Over the past month, we welcomed students from both Mackay State School and North Mackay State School to Parliament, giving them the opportunity to see how decisions are made and learn more about Queensland's parliamentary system. It's fantastic to see young people taking an interest in the decisions that shape their future. Delivering for Mackay isn't just about major announcements. It's about listening to the community, following through on commitments and working every day to achieve better outcomes for local families, businesses, sporting clubs and community organisations. While there is always more to do, I am proud of the progress being made and look forward to continuing to deliver for Mackay.
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