Gunshot At Sandiford Leads To Attempted Murder Charge A 31-year-old Alligator Creek man has been charged with attempted murder following an alleged shooting incident at Sandiford, near Mackay, on October 7. Police allege that around 2.30pm, a 40-year-old Oakenden man attended a Palm Tree Road address where an altercation occurred between the two men. During the confrontation, the 31-year-old allegedly fired a weapon in the direction of the older man, striking him in the hip. The victim was tr
Read more
A First-Term Perspective When I first took office as a councillor, I knew I wanted to make a difference, but I also knew there was a lot I didn’t know about how local government actually functions behind the scenes. Sixteen months in, I’ve learned that what most people see – roads being fixed, parks being built and bins being collected – is only the surface of a much deeper and more complex processes of governance. Many residents assume councillors can simply “get things done”. The truth is, we
Read more
Human Characteristics With Enduring Career Value Staying relevant in our careers is part of our ongoing challenge and even more top of mind as conversations about the future of work are abuzz with the impact of AI. For those who have been around a while, the introduction of personal computers plus other tech required a significant career adjustment - some careers changed forever and new roles were created. And so is AI already making an impact and some advocates would say for the better. Regar
Read more
OPINION PIECE China is, without question, one of Australia’s most significant trading partners. We export vast amounts of natural resources and agricultural products, and in return, we import vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, various technological products, and household goods. But is this relationship balanced, and are we becoming too dependent? Recent reports out of the United States have raised serious concerns about the potential for embedded technologies in imported infrastructure f
Read more
The YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament (QYP) continues to shape the next generation of leaders, celebrating 30 years of empowering young Queenslanders to speak up, step forward, and create real change across their communities. Her Excellency Jasmin Peak, the 30th Youth Governor of Queensland, described the program as “a parliament program that focuses on personal development, community engagement and parliamentary education.” She said, “We’ve been going on for 30 years this year… we had our 30th
Read more
There would be no one prouder – except his parents, sisters, and uncle, of course – than the race’s namesake, Benita Willis, to see fifteen-year-old Max Miles take out the annual Mackay Spine Care Chiropractic Benita Willis 10km Handicap. Local running legend, four-time Olympian, former World Cross Country Champion, and BMA Mackay Marina Run Ambassador, Benita’s ongoing support of Mackay Road Runners remains one of the most anticipated highlights on the local running calendar – and a personal d
Read more-diane-chris%2C-sandy-%26-mary-rose.jpg)
Members enjoyed a quieter week following the busy Pairs and Teams Congress held last week. The club now looks ahead to several upcoming events, including the Life Members Pairs (Red Points), Presidents Trophy (Red Points), and the Australian Restricted Pairs. The final congress of the year will be the Del Ryan Central Teams event in November, rounding out the season with the Club Novice Pairs Championship. Weekly Results Tuesday Evening 7 September 2025 – 7 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W
Read more
A once-grey brick wall in the heart of Sarina has been transformed into a vibrant celebration of the town, thanks to a remarkable collaboration between local youth, artists, and the community. The mural, unveiled on Thursday, October 9, now brightens the exterior of the Grand Central gift and coffee shop, leaving a lasting mark on the town and the young people who helped create it. The project was led by internationally renowned Grasstree Beach artist, Donna Marie Robinson, who guided the youth
Read more
Mackay Father Calls For Greater Awareness Of Silent Epilepsy Risk A Mackay father is urging Australians to talk more openly about the silent and little-known risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), three years on from the devastating loss of his 25-year-old son, Finley. “Fin had his first seizure at 22 and died at 25,” said Greg Smith. “He’d been seizure-free for 12 months and had just got his driving licence back. Then one day, he didn’t turn up for work.” Fin’s death shocked hi
Read more
No one loves cyber security. 2FA, redundant backups, password manager pop-ups - it’s all annoying. Know who loves it when you don’t bother though? Yep, hackers. That’s what they’re very literally banking on (b—tards). So much of our life happens online now. For better or worse, we live in a digital age - and criminals exist there just as much as they do in the real world. Last week, I spoke at Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce’s Cyber Security Awareness event about simple, practical ways to kee
Read more
For Saskia Macdonald, moving back to her hometown of Mackay to complete a graduate midwifery program was a no-brainer. The 23-year-old registered nurse had been living and working in Brisbane when Mater Private Hospital Mackay introduced fee-free midwifery courses. Ms Macdonald said the opportunity to broaden her skillset was all the incentive she needed to return to Mackay and her family. “Being a student is difficult financially, so having Mater pay for my midwifery graduate course has been
Read more
In an effort to make it easier for the Mackay region to prepare for disaster season, Mackay Regional Council and Woolworths joined forces once again! Up until November 19, each of the region’s eight Woolworths stores will have a dedicated aisle end stocked with key items for household disaster kits. Mayor Greg Williamson said council had installed banners with tear-off shopping lists out the front of Woolworths stores, that customers can rip off and take into the store with them. “These shopp
Read more
Mackay Celebrates Emergency Nurses Day In honour of Emergency Nurses Day, celebrated last week on Wednesday October 8, the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) paid tribute to the dedicated teams of nurses who form the heart of emergency care across the region. Known for their calm under pressure and steady hands in moments of crisis, emergency nurses provide skilled, compassionate care to patients and families facing some of life’s most challenging circumstances. Whether responding to tra
Read more-north-queensland-bulk-ports-representatives.jpeg)
Mackay’s much-loved North Wall Recreational Area has received a major $2 million upgrade, with North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) unveiling new amenities and improved public access as part of a project designed to enhance the iconic coastal destination. NQBP Chief Executive Officer Brendan Webb said the area can now be enjoyed by the local community and visitors alike. “Today marks a major milestone for all those who love North Wall,” Mr Webb said. “After several months of constru
Read more
Mackay Table Tennis Association Fixture Results 7th October 2025 Division 1 – Eagles (Emma Widdup, Josh Brown, Syed Aminul Hossain) defeated Lily (Robbie Richards, Will VanDaKaa, Lily Boland) 7-4 with Josh winning a massive 5 set match over Lily 15-13 Barra (Andrea Nicholson, Barry Patterson) defeated Jaguar (Anne Sheridan, Jacob Whelan) 3-2. Andrea had a big win over Jacob 11-9 in 5th set. Fish (Steven Whiting, Trent Day, Graeme Walker) defeated Gold (Vince Boeske, Geoff Denman) 10-1 unfortuna
Read more
Spring Orchid Show Returns To Mackay Mackay’s floral enthusiasts are in for a treat this month, with the Mackay and District Orchid Society Inc. set to host its annual Spring Orchid Show at the Mackay Senior Citizens’ Centre, 58 Macalister Street, on Saturday 18th October and Sunday 19th October. Doors will open from 8am to 4pm on Saturday and 8am to 3pm on Sunday, with visitors invited to step into a spectacular display of orchids bursting into bloom for spring. From delicate pastels to vibran
Read more
Get ready for a fun family outing and take a trip down memory lane at St Paul’s this October. Held at St Paul’s Church Hall, Macalister Street, Mackay, this nostalgic community event will take place from 9.00am on Saturday, 25th October, with free entry for all. Sample a range of traditional homemade favourites — after all, who can resist chocolate fudge and patty cakes? Stalls will feature a variety of quality fashion pieces, baked goods, sweets, books, artwork, and bric-a-brac treasures. Ga
Read more
As a canefarmer and long-term local, I’m proud to introduce myself as the new Relationship Manager for the Proserpine region with Wilmar Grower Marketing. Having lived in Proserpine for the past 16 years, I know how much pride, resilience and effort go into every crop we grow. My husband, Rob, and I run our own farming enterprise, so I understand the seasonal pressures, business decisions and hard work that come with producing cane in our region. That experience drives my approach to this role:
Read more
Bowen came together to celebrate a significant milestone for the South Sea Islander community, marking 25 years since the Queensland Government officially recognised their contribution to the region. The South Sea Islander people have long been an integral part of Bowen and the surrounding areas, contributing to the town’s cultural, social, and economic fabric. The celebration was a chance to acknowledge their history, achievements, and enduring connection to the region. For local families the
Read more
The Airlie Beach community is taking action against motor neurone disease (MND) with a massive fundraising festival called The Big Freeze set to take place on 25 October at Club Whitsunday. The family-friendly event will feature a giant ice slide, live entertainment, and a full day of activities. “The Big Freeze is a homegrown Airlie Beach initiative, and we are overwhelmed by how our local community has come together as a force to make it happen,” said organiser Katrina Chaplin. Funds raised
Read more
Locals and visitors have been very excited about the launch of the Big Mango coin by the Royal Australian Mint and Australia Post. When the Bowen Visitor Information Centre received their first quota of coins for sale, they sold out in just 43 minutes. Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said people were lined up at the centre from 7.30am and the centre did not open until 9am. “It really was like a Boxing Day sale in the city,” she said. The good news is that the Visitor
Read more
After last week’s fantastic carnival action, it’s back to business as usual — though preparations are already underway for next year’s event. A big thank you to the hundreds who helped make it so memorable. On Tuesday, 26 bowlers took part in three games of triples and two games of pairs. The dice decided the winner by the smallest margin, with Carol Crosbie leading Mel Fennell and Alan Pershouse to a thrilling 21–19 victory. Mel’s final bowl stopped inches before the ditch after sending the ja
Read more
It was an exercise in military precision by the Sinkers Masters Swimming Club to move 150 people plus equipment from Shute Harbour to Whitehaven Beach for the annual Open Water Swim. Strong winds added to the challenge of transferring from the large boat to the tender and then to shore! Once on Whitehaven, everyone pitched in to erect marquees, sort equipment and prepare for the event. The Water Safety crew provided first aid supplies and ensured all equipment was up to standard and ready for u
Read more
Brother and sister Benson and Jasmin Smith are rewriting the Queensland and Australian game fishing record books. Last week, nine-year-old Benson Smith, fishing on the family boat Lay-Low, landed a 27.95kg Sailfish on 15kg line after a 30-minute battle — a catch now submitted for both Queensland and Australian Small Fry records. Benson also has another record claim awaiting verification for a large Barracuda he caught on 10kg line while fishing with his dad off Cairns recently. Not to be outd
Read more