All Eyes On The Election

The race is officially on! While candidates and parties have been warming up for months, this week kicks off the real sprint toward Queensland’s election. The banners are out, the promises are polished, and the countdown to decision day has truly begun.
For the brave souls running in Mackay, Mirani, Whitsunday, and Burdekin, it’s a mix of nerves, excitement, and a lot of handshakes. Fun fact: Did you know that all four of these electorates overlap with our Mackay Life distribution area? It really highlights just how vast our greater Mackay region is.
To keep you informed, we’ve put together a comprehensive election special on pages 12-14, plus more election news on pages 10, 27, and 28. And if that’s not enough, stay tuned—there are sure to be more big announcements. At a press conference in Mackay earlier this week, the Premier hinted at more to come.
On a personal note, I want to wish all the candidates the best of luck. Running for public office is no small feat—it takes guts, determination, and a thick skin. It’s easy to poke fun or throw jabs from the comfort of our couches (or, let’s be honest, from behind a keyboard), but remember, these are real people—mothers, fathers, siblings, and friends from our own community.
Criticism? That comes with the job. But let’s keep it constructive.
Now, here’s a fun thought: if you were Premier for a day, what bold move would you make? Would you dive into the serious stuff—revamp housing, slash transport costs, or maybe set up community gardens where anyone can grab fresh produce? Or would you go all out and commission something a little more... whimsical?
Imagine free coffee Mondays! Perhaps you'd even declare an official "No Emails Day" so we can all enjoy some peace and quiet. Let’s hear it—what would your headline-making, unforgettable day as Premier look like?

Amanda

‍