Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The team at Hugh Reilly Real Estate proved that laughter truly is the best office policy this April Fools’ Day. In a moment of light-hearted fun, Carol arrived at work to find her entire desk covered in the team’s funniest faces – a cheerful surprise that instantly set the tone for a day filled with laughter. Each photo featured a member of the Hugh Reilly team pulling their best expression, creating a collage of smiles that had everyone stopping by for a chuckle. Known for their professionali
Read more
Mackay’s young athletes are gearing up for the All Schools State Schools Track and Field Championships in Townsville this October, following strong performances at the Capricornia and North Queensland school trials in September. Twelve squad members earned spots across a range of events. 10–12 years age group; 13–15 October: • Penny Shields - 800m and 1500m • Harper Miles - 200m, 400m, 800m and the 1500m 13–19 years age group; 16–19 October: • August Cole - 400m, 800m, 1500m and the 2000m St
Read more
High-Speed Motorcycle Incident At Bakers Creek A 21-year-old Sarina man has been intercepted by police following an alleged high-speed incident on the Mackay Ring Road at Bakers Creek on Saturday, October 4, 2025. At approximately 8.49pm, officers conducting mobile speed enforcement patrols allegedly detected a Kawasaki ZX 12R motorcycle travelling at 178 kilometres per hour in an 80-kilometre-per-hour zone — 98 kilometres over the posted speed limit. Police intercepted the motorcycle and spo
Read more
Chances House Mackay provides vital support to people experiencing homelessness, and the team is reaching out to the community for a little extra help. Residents rely on the generosity of locals to access basic necessities, and right now the shelter is in need of a range of essential items. Non-perishable foods are always appreciated, with tins featuring ring pulls preferred for ease of use. Donations of noodles, spaghetti, baked beans, tuna, fruit cups, and chunky soups go directly to those wh
Read more
Some of Mackay’s most vulnerable young patients are benefitting from the gift of refreshed rooms, new amenities, cosy therapeutic bean bags and modern furniture thanks to the generosity of AutoCorner Mackay. Representatives visited the Children and Adolescent Unit mental health rooms to view the results of their generous donation which was arranged by the Mackay Hospital Foundation. Nurse unit manager Louise Suner and enrolled nurse Kirby Green gave a tour of the refreshed lounge area and pati
Read more
Members of Mackay VIEW Club are calling on the community to give generously this Anti-Poverty Week [12-18 October] and sponsor a child or donate to the national children’s education charity The Smith Family. The focus of this Anti-Poverty Week is to end child poverty in Australia. Mackay VIEW Club helps 5 children through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life education support program, which provides families with long term educational, financial, and personal assistance, so that children have a
Read more
BRIDGE The Mackay Contract Bridge Club held its 2025 Congress with players from the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Townsville in attendance. An extremely well supported weeked saw 60 players compete in three competitions. Winners of the Open pairs were Ian Afflick and Terry Sheedy, followed closely by Janet Hansen and Diane Morgan. Section B pairs were won by Martin Pearce and Simon Barnes, with Annette Howe and Jewell Schmidt in second place. The Open Teams were won by Team Bugeia, Noel Bugeia, Va
Read more
Council Heads To Smaller Communities To Find Out What Matters Most To Them
Read more
Mackay’s senior community is invited to come together this Tuesday, October 14, for the annual Seniors Expo, running from 9am to 12pm at The Big Shed, Mackay Showgrounds (25 Milton Street). Now a much-loved fixture on the local calendar, the expo brings together more than 80 exhibitors and around 2000 visitors each year, creating a welcoming space where older residents, their carers, and families can explore services, programs, and activities that support healthy, active, and connected living.
Read more
At The 2025 Mackay Family Carnival! The Mackay Showgrounds came alive last weekend as families flocked to enjoy the 2025 Mackay Family Carnival — a vibrant celebration of rides, lights, and laughter that ran from September 24 to October 5. Over twelve days, the Showgrounds transformed into a wonderland of colour and excitement, offering everything from thrilling rides and classic showbags to sizzling food stalls and crowd-favourite Pluto Pups. Visitors of all ages immersed themselves in themed
Read more
Hugh Reilly Through The Decades 1945 — Hugh Reilly returns from World War II and, together with Joe Griffin, begins his real estate career in Mackay. Shortly after, he and his wife, Anne Graham Reilly, officially establish Hugh Reilly Proprietary Limited. George Gibbs joins as an executive and shareholder, helping shape the agency’s early direction. 1971 — Hugh Reilly tragically passes away from a heart attack. His son, Steve Reilly, aged 22, steps into leadership alongside George Gibbs. 1970s
Read more
The History Of Hugh Reilly Real Estate In 1945, a young Air Force bomber named Hugh Reilly returned from World War II determined to build something meaningful. With a vision for service, honesty, and community, he opened a real estate agency in Mackay – one that would grow to become one of the region’s longest-standing businesses. From its earliest days, Hugh Reilly Real Estate stood apart for its integrity. So trusted was its name that when the United States Forces
Read more
Tom Andrews, Sales Consultant Tom Andrews calls it as he sees it, and it’s that honesty that keeps clients returning. Born in Townsville and raised in Cardwell, Tom returned to Mackay in 1993 and has spent over three decades navigating the local property market, earning a reputation built on trust, honesty, and results. Before stepping into real estate, Tom’s career was quite the journey. From marine engineering on ships and submarines to law enforcement, and setting up retirement living sales
Read more
Josey Comerford, Partner And Managing Director Born and raised in Mackay to a local cane farming family, Josey Comerford knows this region like the back of her hand. Her father was born here, and her Maltese heritage traces back through generations who helped shape Mackay’s close-knit community. She began her career at Hugh Reilly Real Estate at just 20 years old after a few early jobs in law and medical offices. When an employment agency placed her at Hugh Reilly Real Estate, it turned out to
Read more
Tanya Taylor, Leasing Manager And Trust Account Administrator Tanya Taylor’s career with Hugh Reilly Real Estate began in 1991, straight out of high school, with a six-month TAFE course under her belt and a receptionist role that would become the start of a lifelong journey. What began as a job she needed, turned into a three-decade career, during which Tanya has worn many hats – such as Sales Admin, Leasing Co-ordinator, Trust Account Administrator and Office Manager – and is now recognised as
Read more
Cr Peter Sheedy Mackay Regional councillors warmly welcome our new CEO. Gerard Carylon returned to Mackay Regional Council late last month, taking on the position of CEO. During a meeting with councillors, he was very candid about his desire to improve the relationship between the elected body of councillors and council staff, with a focus on delivering the objectives in our Corporate Plan. This includes allocating funding for each year of the plan. Mr Carlyon also outlined how he’d like to int
Read more
Experience what coastal living is all about at Tunes in the Dunes — the final event for 2025! This FREE event is perfect for families, friends, and individuals wanting to relax and reconnect. Live music, gorgeous ocean views, and picnics under a canopy of fairy lights create an enchanting outdoor atmosphere, not to be missed! Join us oceanside on Saturday, 18th October at Dunes Harbour Beach. Pack your favourite snacks, drinks, picnic rug, and settle in from 4pm to 7pm for a laid-back afternoo
Read more
Council would like to advise residents in parts of Eimeo in the Northern Beaches area that their bin collection day will be changing. The change will take place on Tuesday, October 14, with both the general waste and recycling bins being collected on this day. Collection day is required to change due to population growth in the area and, as such, needs to change to fit in with the schedule to ensure all bins are collected. Residents affected have been notified via mail advising of the change o
Read more
By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay For decades, irrigation was a critical tool for farmers striving to boost yields and weather the region’s subtropical climate. Mackay enjoys a relatively high annual rainfall; however, the timing and distribution of rain can be unpredictable. Extended dry spells or inconsistent rainfall can stress crops, reducing yields and affecting sugar content. Recent years have seen a noticeable decline in the use of irrigation on sugarcane land throughout Macka
Read more
Queensland families have shown overwhelming support for the Government’s Play On! Sports Vouchers program, with the first round now closed. The initiative, which provides vouchers valued at up to $200, was designed to ease cost of living pressures while encouraging more young Queenslanders to get active in sport. The Government has committed $62.5 million each year for four years to fund the program, ensuring families across the state can access financial support for children aged between five
Read more
The Government has launched the Empowering Queensland Women (EQW) program, a new grants initiative designed to strengthen women’s economic security and create lasting opportunities across the state. The program will be delivered across two rounds, with a total of $540,000 in funding available. Round one offers $270,000 in grants, with eligible organisations able to apply for up to $10,000 each. Funding will support projects that focus on financial literacy, training programs, leadership develop
Read more
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is urging all road users to take extra care as October marks the start of Motorcycle Awareness Month. In just 24 hours alone, two motorcyclists in Queensland tragically lost their lives in separate crashes, bringing the total number of motorcycle fatalities in the state to 46, this year. Riders remain among the most vulnerable road users, with even minor mistakes by others often resulting in life-changing injuries or death. Inspector Gareth Bosley, of QPS’s
Read more
Cyclones, bushfires and floods can hit with little warning, which is why Mackay Regional Council is urging residents to take steps to be prepared. This year’s Disaster Ready Saturday has doubled in size, with a new event being introduced in Sarina alongside the long-running Mackay program. The Mackay event will run on Saturday, the 11th of October, from 9am to 1pm at Caneland Central, outside Peter Alexander. A week later, Sarina residents will have their turn when the event comes to Sarina Be
Read more
Producers and agribusinesses across the Greater Whitsunday region are being offered the chance to upskill in some of agriculture’s most exciting technologies, with 35 fully funded training places now available through TAFE Queensland. The initiative, known as the Greater Whitsunday AgTech Ready - Skills Sponsorship Program, is supported by the Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee in collaboration with the Greater Whitsunday AgTech Hub. The program has been designed to equip local producer
Read more
A Family Legacy in Mackay’s Real Estate Scene When it comes to real estate, the Hall and Francis families are proof that some callings are just meant to be. Spanning three generations and more than six decades, their rich family legacy and journey details a story of persistence, innovation, and an honest commitment to people. Over the years, the family have grown and evolved their business from cars and insurance in the 1960s to today’s dynamic property market to serve the community with a stro
Read more