Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The businesses that stand out are those brave enough to own their differences and back them with a unique marketing strategy. After nearly thirty years, redhotblue has worked with clients across almost every industry, and one thing remains consistent - no two businesses are the same. Every business has its own fingerprint, a unique identity that sets it apart from competitors, which is why cookie-cutter marketing falls short. What works for one business won’t necessarily work for another,
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Mackay’s future is on show, with Mackay Regional Council launching its latest Investment Prospectus under the banner “Opportunity at Work,” spotlighting the region’s strong economy, enviable lifestyle and exciting prospects for growth. Mayor Greg Williamson said Mackay was positioning itself as a powerhouse of regional investment across a range of industries. “From emerging industries like biofutures to established sectors such as agribusiness, mining services and tourism, we have so man
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As a councillor, one of the most rewarding parts of the role is hearing directly from our residents – your ideas, concerns and aspirations help shape the direction of our region. That’s why I want to highlight a valuable tool that is helping council stay connected with the community – the Connecting Mackay website. Connecting Mackay is council’s dedicated engagement platform, designed to give every resident a voice in local projects, initiatives and planning. Whether it’s providing feedba
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With Bre Sanders From Sense Of Skin Mackay-born Bre Sanders is proving that talent, tenacity, and authenticity can turn a dream into national recognition. As owner of the acclaimed beauty salon Sense of Skin, she is one of just four winners across Australia selected for the prestigious ABIA Beauty Squad 2025, held in Sydney on August 17. “I didn’t always dream to have my own clinic, however when working for others it soon became a dream of mine… I didn’t want the limitations,” Bre recalls
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Born and raised in the Burdekin, Meagan Morris from MortgageWorks brings over 20 years of experience in banking and lending. She understands what makes North Queensland tick and how that affects local lending. With clients across Australia, her focus remains on helping the north navigate complex finance needs with clarity and care. “Finance isn’t one-size-fits-all,” Meagan said. “My job is to help clients fine tune their financial strategy in a way that suits them. “I work closely with
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When Gardian CEO and founder Peter Phillips died tragically and prematurely a couple of years ago, he left behind a heart-broken wife and daughters and other family members, devastated friends, a strong and growing business and a legacy of community involvement. In many ways not much has changed in the two years that have passed; the heart-break continues for his family, his friends still miss him, the business remains a growing success and his legacy of community involvement evolves from the p
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Three-year-old Dani from Mackay was back on her feet just 72 hours after open-heart surgery, thanks to a ground-breaking technique performed by the cardiac team at Queensland Children’s Hospital. In an Australian first, paediatric cardiac surgeons used a minimally invasive ‘axillary approach’, operating through a small incision under the arm and avoiding the need to open the chest. This approach reduces trauma, speeds recovery, and leaves no visible chest scars. Dani’s surgery repaired a heart
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Why Women’s Bodies Need Exercise At Every Age Women’s bodies are always changing. From the first period to pregnancy, postnatal recovery, perimenopause and beyond, our hormones shift and fluctuate, often leaving us wondering, “Is this normal?” Through all these seasons, one thing remains steady: the incredible power of movement. Exercise isn’t just about fitness or weight management; it is one of the most effective ways we can support health across every stage of life. In the teenage and
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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay Australia’s sugar industry is a cornerstone of the nation’s agricultural sector and we owe much of our global competitiveness and domestic efficiency to the network of sugar storage and export facilities that are a central part of many Queensland ports. For Mackay, they are a focal landmark on our coastal horizon: the familiar, massive triangular sheds that let Mackay’s growers and millers store large quantities of raw sugar. Built by industry
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Mackay & Whitsunday Builders Shine At 2025 Awards Visionary design, technical mastery, and community impact were front and centre at the 2025 Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards, raising the bar in construction excellence. Held at the Mantra Mackay on 9 August, the industry’s night of nights showcased the innovation and resilience driving the region’s built environment, at a time of exciting challenge and change. After sweeping the pool last year, Fergus Builders was again
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Paige Gardner’s Impact At Citecon Leadership, expertise, and resilience define Paige Gardner, Contracts Administrator/Project Manager at CiteCon Pty Ltd. These qualities, combined with her deep-rooted family heritage as a fourth-generation builder, have earned her the prestigious Women in Building Award at the 2025 Mackay & Whitsunday Master Builders Awards. A foundational employee at CiteCon, Paige has dedicated the past five years to mastering the complexities of commercial construction. Back
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In the competitive world of commercial and industrial construction, businesses demand more than just a builder – they need a partner who understands their vision, overcomes obstacles, and delivers results that endure. That’s exactly what CiteCon Pty Ltd brings to the table. As recognised project specialists, CiteCon has built a reputation for getting the job done – and done well. With proven expertise across design and construction, the company delivers modern, adaptable facilities tailored to
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Dominating the construction industry is Fergus Builders, multi-award-winning builders who have shaped some of the region’s most well-known buildings for over 40 years. Since 1983, the company has grown into one of the region’s most sought-after builders across residential, commercial, industrial, and community projects. Known for combining craftsmanship, innovation, and community focus, Fergus Builders has earned a reputation for quality and reliability across the state. The company’s com
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Opinion Piece The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is pleased to see the announcement for action on red tape and approvals made by Minister for Housing Homelessness and Cities Clare O’Neil. “The burden of regulation related to building, planning and approvals is adding cost, and delays which is impacting our ability to supply the homes we need”, HIA’s Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said today. “HIA had been calling for housing to be a focus of the Economic Reform Roundtable in Canberra
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Mackay roared with the thrill of international cricket over the weekend, as the BKT Tyres ODI series between Australia and South Africa delivered both heartbreak and historic triumphs at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. Our coastal city proved it could host world-class sport, with fans witnessing performances that will be talked about amongst cricket fanatics for generations to come. The series opened on Friday night, August 22, with a tense contest, as South Africa silenced the home crowd,
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Mackay SLSC “Guardians of Harbour Beach since 1950” are kicking off the start of their season with a Sign On Day, Sunday the 31st of August from 9am – 11am at the surf club located at Mackay’s beautiful Harbour Beach. The Surf Club is holding “come and try” days for the whole of September. With surf education, fitness and beach skill activities, as well as a whole lot of fun being held from 8.45am each Sunday. The Nipper’s family will provide stinger suits, boards and all other equipment
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District Champ Of Champ Triples The District Champ of Champ Triples were played across two days at the Marian Bowls Club, beginning Wednesday, 13th August, with the final contested on Thursday, 14th August 2025. The final saw Airlie Beach face off against North Mackay in a thrilling clash full of surprises, skill, and steady nerves. Heading into the last end it was anyone’s game, but Airlie Beach held firm to secure victory by just one point. Congratulations to all who took part in this
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Mackay Table Tennis Fixture Results Mackay Table Tennis Association had some incredible matches on Tuesday, August 19. Trent Day has had an exceptional year, improving every week and showing his talent by winning all of his matches. He went head-to-head with his grandad, Barry Patterson, in a family war that saw both play a blinding match, with Trent coming out victorious in the 5th set, 12–10. Division 1 – Fish (Goncalo Serra, Steve Whiting, Jacob Whelan) defeated Bears (Lily Boland, Jo
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Over thirty runners and supporters gathered for the Blacks Beach Bush Bash (BBBB), with competitors tackling the 5km and 10km courses in cool, ideal conditions. Thanks to timekeeper Rohan Miles and course setup team Andrew Short, Len Howarth, and David Isbister, the event ran smoothly – without even the usual “lost runner” hiccup. President Paul Tilse thanked volunteers for their efforts and reminded members that there will be no Mackay Road Runners event on Father’s Day, Sunday 7th Septe
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BRIDGE Another stellar week at the bridge table saw Debra and Eric Goodchild take out the B4 Red Points event. The final week of the Anne Hird Memorial Trophy for Novices wrapped up after three weeks of play, with three different winners, and a deserving champion in Sandy Patterson. Sandy, a novice player, has steadily honed her skills, embraced new conventions, and expanded her bridge knowledge with dedication and determination. She perfectly reflects Anne Hird’s passion for supporting
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30km Sewer Main & Infrastructure Set To Fast Track Growth More than 6,250 new homes will be unlocked following a funding announcement of $53.5 million which is set to deliver three critical projects in the Burdekin electorate which encompasses Bowen and Collinsville. This project has been fast-tracked under the State Government’s landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund. The Residential Activation Fund will deliver a $33 million boost towards the $35 million Build Bowen South – Utilities
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In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Horseshoe Bay Social Club has once again shown how powerful a group with purpose — and kindness — can be. The club recently donated $2000 to the Bowen Hospital, with the funds dedicated to the development of the hospital’s new oncology clinic. The generous contribution was made possible through the ongoing efforts of club members, local supporters, and fundraising activities throughout the year. Committee members Max Martin and Perry proudly pr
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This week, I travelled to Townsville with a couple of our team members to interview sporting legend Johnathan Thurston. Our Sales Manager, Trish, teed up the opportunity, and our journo, Daniel, was brave enough to step up and conduct the interview — which we recorded for our YouTube channel. Upon arriving in Townsville, we were all excited — but definitely a little nervous. It’s not every day you get to meet an internationally recognised sports icon! When we arrived at the JT Academy, we expe
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Just last week, a fire broke out at the Bowen Landfill located at 908 Bowen Developmental Road after a selection of used batteries were disposed of incorrectly. It’s suspected the blaze was caused after a lithium-ion battery was wrongfully placed in the scrap metal pile at the dumping grounds. Lithium-ion batteries are highly hazardous if punctured, crushed or exposed to heat and pose a serious safety risk in instances like these when they’re not correctly disposed of. Thankfully, the Bowen De
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