Media releases
Most recent
Kart Club picks up grant to smooth the way for enduro events
Mackay and District Kart Club is in urgent need of track repair, with several significant bumps causing issues for both go karts and drivers.
Published: 09 Jun 2023
Upgrade works on East Gordon Street
Council is about to begin upgrade works to an aged water main along a section of East Gordon Street in East Mackay.
Published: 08 Jun 2023
Syringes in recycling bins cause a hazard to staff
A staff member at the Mackay Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) has received a needle stick injury while sorting recyclables.
Published: 06 Jun 2023
Beam e-scooter partnership to ride for another 12 months
Beam's purple e-scooters will be tracking around Mackay for another 12 months after the trial was extended until June 2024.
Published: 06 Jun 2023
Pet registration discount available during the month of June
Register your pet before June 30 and save!
Published: 01 Jun 2023
Libraries step up to help support medical practitioners
With the launch of an exciting new collection, Mackay Regional Council Libraries are helping health professionals in our region to provide specialised resources to their patients.
Published: 31 May 2023
Local charity event cracks $1 million milestone
The Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball has now donated more than $1 million to local charities since the creation of the event.
Published: 30 May 2023
Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub to offer unique fun in central location
Preparations are well under way for an event that is intended to be an ongoing feature of the Mackay Festival of Arts program.
Published: 26 May 2023
Tenders awarded for Riverside Revitalisation projects
Mackay's Waterfront Priority Development Area will flourish with the announcement of two successful tenders today at an ordinary meeting of council.
Published: 24 May 2023
Mid-year intake available for apprentices and trainees
Council is offering an additional nine new positions as part of its 2023 Apprentice and Trainee intake.
Published: 23 May 2023
New exhibition created in clay and fuelled by fire and wood
Ahead of their special 20-year exhibition openings, which took place last Friday (May 19), Artspace Mackay reached out to the community to borrow some very special pottery pieces.
Published: 23 May 2023
Council working towards a more inclusive region
Council wants to make the Mackay region a more inclusive place for people of all ages, abilities, cultural backgrounds and genders.
Published: 15 May 2023
Botanic Gardens celebrates 20 years at Open Day
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens is celebrating its 20th birthday this month and two special guests will be dropping in to join the celebrations.
Published: 15 May 2023
Regional gallery celebrates exciting milestone
Artspace Mackay is celebrating two decades of amazing exhibitions, artist talks and art activities.
Published: 10 May 2023
Elite swim squads singing MARC’s praises
Head coach of St Andrew’s Aquatic Centre and Olympic silver medallist Ashley Delaney is singing the praises of our region after bringing his elite swim squad to Mackay for a training camp.
Published: 10 May 2023
Mackay elects first ever Youth Council
The results are in: Australia’s first ever Youth Council has been democratically elected by young people aged 11-17 in Mackay.
Published: 09 May 2023
Expression of interests sought for congress delegation
Local businesses have a unique opportunity to discuss current challenges, and learn about the latest research, technology and best practices in the global mining and resources sector.
Published: 09 May 2023
New business brewing for Mackay Waterfront
There is an exciting new business brewing for the Mackay Waterfront.
Published: 08 May 2023
Animal desexing trial to benefit low-income earners
Council is trialling an animal desexing rebate that will reimburse low-income earners for some of the costs of desexing their cat or dog.
Published: 08 May 2023
Volunteer Expo is the ultimate feel-good morning out
From fire fighters to fund raisers, animal carers to actors, riding coaches to chaplains and everything in between – the 2023 Mackay Volunteer Expo will have something for everyone.
Published: 02 May 2023
Residents urged to not bin batteries
Batteries in our recycling bins are a ticking time bomb for our Materials Recovery Facility.
Published: 27 Apr 2023
Get Moving in May - Raise Awareness and Funds to Challenge Domestic Violence
Hit the pavement, hiking trails, dirt tracks or surface of your choice to take a stand against domestic and family violence next month.
Published: 27 Apr 2023
Bloomsbury to receive new water main
Council is excited to announce a new 11-kilometre water main will be constructed from Midge Point to Bloomsbury.
Published: 27 Apr 2023
e-Petitions to council now available on website
Anyone wanting to petition council is now able to do so via a new e-Petition platform.
Published: 26 Apr 2023
Volunteer Expo offers a role to suit anyone
According to Yvette Jeffs, nothing picks you up when you are down like doing a good deed for those in need.
Published: 24 Apr 2023
Biggest Festival program to date drops with 32 events
FROM chart topping pop superstar Conrad Sewell to six-metre inflatable neon dogs, this year’s Mackay Festival of Arts program is bulging with more than 30 events to entertain and excite.
Published: 21 Apr 2023
City Safety Grants to enhance community safety
Council has announced a new round of City Safety grant funding for the Mackay City and Waterfront area is open.
Published: 17 Apr 2023
Community Attitude Survey to check in on Corporate Plan
Council will today embark on a Community Attitude Survey which will include a check-in on the goals of its Corporate Plan.
Published: 20 Apr 2023
Safe space for homeless one step closer
Mackay's Sleep Bus is one step closer thanks to a $30,000 Community Grant from council.
Published: 19 Apr 2023
Anzac Day services will commemorate veterans
ANZAC Day is just one week away and there are 25 services being held across the region to commemorate our veterans.
Published: 17 Apr 2023
Students offered exciting opportunity to experience iconic speech
Karen Jacobsen would love for every school age student to know the words of Julia Gillard’s iconic misogyny speech.
Published: 05 Apr 2023
Mountain Bike project marks momentous milestone
Three separate contracts, worth a total of more than $6.25 million, have been awarded in a momentous day for the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike project.
Published: 12 Apr 2023
Tenderer awarded for resurfacing work at Bluewater Lagoon
Work is scheduled to start next month to repair the lining at Bluewater Lagoon during the winter maintenance period.
Published: 12 Apr 2023
Almost half of all illegal dumping offenders tracked down
Council received reports of 20 illegal dumping cases across the region last month.
Published: 05 Apr 2023
One thousand conversations create momentum for change
Uniting the voices of 1000 young people is no easy task, but that’s exactly what a key group of local youth sector stakeholders have done.
Published: 03 Apr 2023
Civil works about to start on Rosewood Drive
Council is delivering civil works in preparation for the future Northern Beaches Community Hub.
Published: 31 Mar 2023
Mayors Suicide Prevention Taskforce unveils community-led suicide prevention model
The Greater Whitsunday Council of Mayors Suicide Prevention Taskforce has unveiled an innovative community-led suicide prevention model aimed at improving mental health care in the Greater Whitsunday region.
Published: 30 Mar 2023
Easter school holiday activities
Entertain the kids these Easter school holidays with the following activities across the region.
Published: 28 Mar 2023
Easter closures for council facilities
Mackay Regional Council would like to advise residents of the following council facility closures over the Easter weekend.
Published: 28 Mar 2023
Kick-start your career with council’s academic bursary
Calling all university students; now’s your chance to get a head-start on your career through council’s popular academic bursary program.
Published: 27 Mar 2023
Residents urged to have their say in Liveability Census
Council's vision is to become the best region for liveability and livelihood.
Published: 24 Mar 2023
Council to streamline meetings for greater efficiencies
Council is switching to monthly council meetings as part of a strategic focus on becoming more streamlined and efficient.
Published: 22 Mar 2023
Mayor’s Charity Ball promises to be a ‘hot’ night in Havana
The 2023 Mayor’s Charity Ball in May will bring a slice of Cuba to Mackay.
Published: 17 Mar 2023
Something very fishy is going on in the Pioneer River
Recent underwater video monitoring surveys show Fish Habitat Reef Modules in the Pioneer River are now thriving.
Published: 16 Mar 2023
City Centre palm tree maintenance
Council staff will begin scheduled maintenance of palm trees in the Mackay City Centre next week.
Published: 14 Mar 2023
Marian reservoir next in line to receive makeover
With works on the Mirani reservoir near completion, council is set to begin work on upgrades to the Marian No.1 reservoir.
Published: 10 Mar 2023
Local artists to open their studios for Mackay Festival of Arts
An exciting new art tourism project involving about 150 artists has received Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) backing.
Published: 07 Mar 2023
Mackay ARC closed until further notice
Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex (ARC) will be closed to the public until further notice.
Published: 07 Mar 2023
Council relaunches Legendary Neighbour campaign with a twist
This year, council is putting a new twist on its successful annual Neighbour Day campaign.
Published: 02 Mar 2023
Nominations sought for Sustainability Advisory Committee
Mackay Regional Council is seeking nominations for its Sustainability Advisory Committee.
Published: 02 Mar 2023
Next generation of event planners offered exciting opportunity
Mackay Regional Council is bringing The Push, an organisation famous for fostering youth-led events, to the Mackay region to provide an exciting opportunity to young people.
Published: 28 Feb 2023
Foodspace has a new blueprint for up-and-coming artists
Lovers of coffee and delicious food have yet another reason to visit Foodspace Café.
Published: 21 Feb 2023
Mackay’s biggest festival event set to prosper thanks to five-year deal
For the next five years, our region’s biggest music and food event will partner with one of our region’s flagship family-owned businesses.
Published: 21 Feb 2023
Council launches competition to promote eNotices
Mackay Regional Council is encouraging residents to register for eNotices to save time and the environment.
Published: 16 Feb 2023
Mackay City Centre to come alive with placemaking projects
Nine community-driven placemaking projects have been given the green light thanks to council funding.
Published: 15 Feb 2023
Artspace Mackay curates a triumphant Davida Allen exhibition
The Main Gallery of Artspace Mackay is set to showcase one of Queensland’s most successful contemporary painters, Davida Allen.
Published: 13 Feb 2023
Bursaries help talented youth pursue their dreams
Sophie Novosel dreams of the bright lights of a career in musical theatre.
Published: 08 Feb 2023
Sports Expo to kick off this Sunday at the MECC
THE JET Maintenance Services Sports Expo and Sign-on will return to the MECC this weekend for the first time since 2020.
Published: 06 Feb 2023
Tenders called for resurfacing work at Bluewater Lagoon
Council is seeking tenders to carry out resurfacing works to all three pools at the Bluewater Lagoon.
Published: 02 Feb 2023
Nominations now open for Mackay Youth Council
Mackay Regional Council and the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) are searching for people aged 11 to 17 to nominate themselves for Mackay’s Youth Council.
Published: 30 Jan 2023
Local heroes recognised at Australia Day Awards
Nigel Dalton’s impact on the Mackay community has been immense.
Published: 23 Jan 2023
Local company awarded $6 million levee contract
A Mackay company has been awarded a $6 million tender for construction of a levee wall to complete a “missing link” on the northern bank of the Pioneer River.
Published: 25 Jan 2023
Council gearing up for mountain bike trails construction
Council's landmark Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike trails project is clicking up a gear.
Published: 25 Jan 2023
Help shape the Mackay region’s RV strategy
An online survey has been released to help identify and prioritise key actions that will enable the Mackay region to increase its appeal to the growing recreational vehicle (RV) market.
Published: 23 Jan 2023
Enjoy a picnic at Sarina Beach
Picnicking at Sarina Beach will be better than ever, with two new covered barbecue areas set to be installed at Owen Jenkins Drive Park.
Published: 23 Jan 2023
Workshops will turn the tide on coastal hazards
See a wave tank in action when environmental consultants Alluvium visit our region next month.
Published: 20 Jan 2023
Library updates across the region
UPDATE: All Mackay Regional Council Libraries are now open to the public following the continuous heavy rainfall that caused water damage to several council libraries and resulted in staff shortages due to road closures.
Published: 17 Jan 2023
Severe weather update
Mackay's Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) has stood up following updated flooding advice for the Pioneer River from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).
Published: 16 Jan 2023
Rubbish collection hindered due to rainfall
Due to the recent heavy rainfall, council’s rubbish trucks have been unable to access some roads to empty bins.
Published: 16 Jan 2023
Take the dengue quiz and win
How much do you know about dengue fever?
Published: 16 Jan 2023
Memorial Pool closure explained
Council wishes to remind patrons Memorial Pool will be closed for roof repairs from tomorrow (Saturday, January 14).
Published: 13 Jan 2023
Residents to stay alert due to the current wet weather
Council is advising residents to stay alert due to the current wet weather.
Published: 13 Jan 2023
Time is running out for young creatives to apply for arts bursaries
Applications for $4000 worth of Artspace Mackay bursaries close next Friday (January 13).
Published: 04 Jan 2023
Just days left to nominate your local heroes
If you know someone who made our region a better place in 2022, then start the new year off by recognising them with an Australia Day Award nomination.
Published: 03 Jan 2023
Changes to Mackay’s beach patrols
A change to Surf Life Saving Queensland’s procedures will significantly impact the number of beaches that can be patrolled in the Mackay region.
Published: 21 Dec 2022
Don't give your guests food poisoning for Christmas
Every year in Queensland thousands of people suffer from food poisoning after eating contaminated food.
Published: 21 Dec 2022
Tenders called to rejuvenate prime riverfront building
A prime riverfront food and beverage location is next in line for a revamp as part of council’s Mackay Waterfront redevelopment.
Published: 20 Dec 2022
Bluewater Quay to welcome a porous guest from under the sea
He spends most of his time in a pineapple under the sea, but Mackay families can catch him on New Year’s Eve at the Bluewater Quay.
Published: 20 Dec 2022
Charities revealed for 2023 Mayor’s Charity Ball
After raising a record amount of more than $120,000 for local charities in 2022, the Mayor’s Charity Ball committee has announced the beneficiaries for the 2023 event.
Published: 15 Dec 2022
Christmas comes early for Australia Day events
Council has approved funding for some ripper community events ready for 2023 Australia Day celebrations.
Published: 15 Dec 2022
Pets are not Christmas presents
Council is reminding residents that pets should not be given as a Christmas gift unless you have first consulted with the recipient.
Published: 14 Dec 2022
Recognise your local heroes this festive season
This festive season, council is encouraging residents to remember those who made our region a better place during the year.
Published: 13 Dec 2022
Signalised pedestrian crossing at Mangrove Road
Motorists are advised of a new signalised pedestrian crossing on Mangrove Road to improve pedestrian connectivity and safety in the Mackay City Centre.
Published: 12 Dec 2022
Mayor put through pre-Christmas boot camp
Mayor Greg Williamson is fighting fit for the final 15 months of the current council term after being put through an “arduous” pre-Christmas boot camp.
Published: 09 Dec 2022
Replacement play equipment on order for Iluka Park
A climbing unit and hammock swing located in Iluka Park playground in East Mackay will be temporarily closed while council waits for replacement equipment to arrive.
Published: 09 Dec 2022
New guide shows businesses how to be more accessible
Mayor Greg Williamson hit Caneland Central today (December 8) to launch an exciting new guide aimed at helping businesses to grow their customer bases.
Published: 08 Dec 2022
Water quality upgrade for Koumala residents
Koumala residents will enjoy improved water quality now that work is finished on council’s new water treatment plant.
Published: 08 Dec 2022
Work starting at Woodlands District Park this week
Contractors will be starting work on the highly anticipated Woodlands District Park project this Friday (December 9).
Published: 08 Dec 2022
Mackay Urban Greening Strategy adopted
Council has a plan to make Mackay cooler, greener and more connected.
Published: 07 Dec 2022
School holiday activities for the festive season
Ensure the kids are kept entertained these school holidays, with a host of fun and exciting activities across the region.
Published: 06 Dec 2022
Sports Expo returns to the MECC with new name
Our region’s annual sports expo is ushering in a new era in 2023.
Published: 02 Dec 2022
Festive season begins in the City Centre
The festive season has begun, and Christmas shopping is at the top of everyone’s mind.
Published: 01 Dec 2022
Asia Pacific Triennial brings 30 years of contemporary art to Mackay
A pair of sculptural bulls made from branded corn beef tins, mythological paintings from the early 1990s and a witty moving-image work by Tracey Moffat are just part of a collection of high-profile artworks coming to Artspace Mackay this week.
Published: 28 Nov 2022
Mackay students heading back to Matsuura
Since COVID-19 swept the world, youth ambassador tours to Mackay’s sister city Matsuura have been put on hold, but that’s about to change.
Published: 28 Nov 2022
Residents invited to learn how to Make Your Place
Come and learn first-hand how council’s Make Your Place Mackay Waterfront Placemaking Grants can support your project.
Published: 25 Nov 2022
Turtle nests at risk of being destroyed
Residents driving 4WD vehicles and motorbikes on beaches have been damaging turtle nesting areas and putting hatchlings at risk.
Published: 25 Nov 2022
Fifth Lane takes out the Great Place Award
A great place is one that attracts, inspires and motivates people – a place that people are proud of.
Published: 25 Nov 2022
Mural to encourage students to “dream big” thanks to RADF grant
Bidyiri Woorwaya means “to dream big” in the YUWI language.
Published: 24 Nov 2022
New beach signs promote jellyfish awareness
Council is installing new warning signs at a number of popular beaches to coincide with the beginning of stinger season.
Published: 24 Nov 2022