Mackay Life

Five Decades of Deadly! Community Unites To Celebrate Strength, Spirit And Culture

Community Comes Together To Celebrate 50 Years Of NAIDOC Communities across Mackay have come together this week to celebrate NAIDOC Week, with a series of events recognising the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples under this year's theme, “50 Years of Deadly.” The week's celebrations began on Monday with Mackay Regional Council's NAIDOC Week Flag Raising Ceremony in the MECC foyer. While wet weather prompted a move from the Civic Precinct, the change of venue did little to dampen the significance of the occasion as community members gathered in reflection, recognition and celebration. The ceremony marked the beginning of the milestone 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week and honoured the strength, resilience and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while recognising those who have helped shape the NAIDOC movement over the past five decades. Yuwi Elder Philip Kemp delivered the Welcome to Country before the ceremonial raising of the flags by Mayor Greg Williamson (Australian Flag), Aunty Ann McDonald and Aunty Pam Young (Aboriginal Flag), Mr Mahussan (Uncle George) Barba (Torres Strait Islander Flag) and Chief Executive Officer Gerard Carlyon (Queensland Flag). The morning also featured a didgeridoo performance by Lyndon Francis, cultural dance performances by Patrick Thaiday and CAID Dreamtime, and community market stalls that provided opportunities to connect, learn and celebrate First Nations culture. On Tuesday, 7th July, community members gathered at the Mackay Northern Beaches Police Station for another flag-raising ceremony, where Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm, Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton and Mayor Greg Williamson were in attendance. Tchundal Malar Aboriginal Dancers brought the elements of the earth to life through a vibrant and expressive cultural performance. The Mackay Torres Strait Islander Dancers accompanied the official flag raising with the rhythmic beat of traditional drums before later showcasing their culture through dance and traditional instruments. A Murri Court "Elders Evening" was also held last Wednesday, 1st July, where community members gathered for an evening of culture and connection as they celebrated both elders and the upcoming generations. During the event, Mr Patrick Thaiday and Mrs Florence Pitt were named the 2026 Senior Mr and Mrs NAIDOC in recognition of their ongoing contributions to the community and the positive example they continue to set for future generations. NAIDOC Week celebrations will conclude this Friday, July 10, with two major community events happening today (Friday, 10th July). The NAIDOC Street Parade will begin with participants gathering from 9am on Macalister Street before stepping off at 10am. The celebrations will continue with a NAIDOC Family Fun Day at Queens Park from 11am to 3pm. The community is encouraged to attend and join in celebrating First Nations culture, history and community spirit, embodying “50 Years of Deadly” across the great lands in which we share. Mr Patrick Thaiday and Mrs Florence Pitt were named the 2026 Senior Mr and Mrs NAIDOC. Photo source: ATSICHS Mackay Community members came together at the MECC to officially open NAIDOC Week with a Flag Raising Ceremony celebrating 50 years of culture, resilience and recognition. Photo source: Mackay Regional Council A NAIDOC flag-raising ceremony at the Mackay Northern Beaches Police Station was brought to life with traditional dance, drumming and cultural performances. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

Bluewater Fling Set To Celebrate 100 Years Of Scottish Tradition

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Crossroad Arts Brings Immersive World To Life In Unfamiliar Grounds

Featured Property

44 GLADYS ROAD 4740 DUMBLETON QLD

Beds

Baths

Cars

✔

Pool

Cars

OPEN HOME: This Saturday 4th July from 1pm – 2pm
27.57 ha

Farming infrastructure is well catered for with a large 4-bay

high-clearance shed (approx 12m x 24m x 4.6m) with

one concreted bay, water connected and single-phase

power. An irrigation bore delivering around 7,000 GPH is

equipped with a PTO-driven turbine pump and reticulates

to the crop via 5-inch PVC mains with four 4-inch hydrants.

A domestic bore of approx 700 gallons per hour with

electric pressure pump plus small rainwater tank off the

shed service household and garden needs.

The high-set home features vinyl-clad exterior over a

hardwood timber frame with open plan living, three

bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs, plus fully enclosed

space under with extra rooms and a second toilet,

giving plenty of flexibility for storage, office or rumpus.

The roof is Colorbond and has been recently replaced,

with concrete stumps and masonry block foundations

providing a solid base.

Key features:

• 27.57 ha / 68 acre mini cane farm at Dumbleton

• High-set 3 bedroom home with open plan living and

enclosed under-floor area

• Large 4-bay high-clearance shed with power and water

• Irrigation bore (approx 7,000 GPH) with PTO turbine and

underground mains

• Domestic bore plus rainwater tank for house and shed

• Level to gently sloping, all cleared and under sugarcane

• Right on the outskirts of Mackay – an ideal start in

sugarcane farming or lifestyle with income potential

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Whitsunday Life

Building 3,000 Future Homes - 5km of Water Mains Deliver Infrastructure To Support Regional Growth

Build Whitsundays Program Moving from Promise to Progress A major housing milestone has been reached in the Whitsundays, with construction officially beginning on the $52 million Build Whitsundays program, unlocking the infrastructure needed to deliver more than 3,000 future homes. Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie joined Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins to mark the milestone, with early works now underway on the first stage of the program. Mayor Ry Collins said the project demonstrated what could be achieved when governments worked together to turn funding commitments into construction on the ground. "Today isn't about another announcement—it's about delivery," Mayor Collins said. "Less than a year ago this funding was announced. Council has since appointed Killard's as the principal contractor, works have commenced, and today we're standing on a live construction site. People want to see action, and that's exactly what they're getting." The first project is delivering more than 4.8 kilometres of new water mains in Proserpine, removing a major infrastructure constraint that has prevented further residential development. Mayor Collins said while the new infrastructure would largely remain out of sight beneath the ground, its impact would be felt across the region for decades to come. "Housing doesn't happen without infrastructure. Most people will never see the pipes being installed beneath our streets, but they'll certainly see the outcome—more homes for local families, more opportunities for workers to live locally and a stronger future for one of Queensland's fastest-growing regional communities." Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the Residential Activation Fund was delivering practical outcomes for growing regional communities. "The Crisafulli Government is investing in the roads, water, sewerage and drainage infrastructure needed to unlock new housing and support growing communities," Mr Bleijie said. "These projects are proof that our Residential Activation Fund is delivering real outcomes on the ground and helping bring more homes to market sooner." Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said the investment would help ensure the region could continue to grow while maintaining the lifestyle that attracts people to the Whitsundays. "The Whitsundays is one of Queensland's fastest-growing regional areas, and this investment means more local families and workers will have access to the housing they need without sacrificing the lifestyle that makes our region so special," Ms Camm said. The Build Whitsundays program includes major water and sewer infrastructure upgrades across Proserpine, Cannonvale and Bowen South and is expected to be completed by October 2027, providing the essential foundations for thousands of new homes across the region. Picture Caption: From left, Killard Group Managing Director Jerry Daly, Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie, and Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins mark the commencement of construction on the $52 million Build Whitsundays Residential Activation Fund program in Proserpine. The major infrastructure program will deliver critical water and sewer upgrades across Proserpine, Cannonvale and Bowen South, unlocking more than 3,000 future homes across the Whitsundays.