Mayor put through pre-Christmas boot camp 

With encouragement from members of the Mackay’s 122 Army Cadet Unit and SES volunteers, Mayor Williamson was put through his paces at the Komiatum Barracks in Shakespeare Street.

He and members of the cadets and SES tackled an obstacle course for the annual Mayor’s Christmas video.

Mayor Williamson said after council, with the help of professional musicians, penned and recorded a Christmas song for the annual video last year it had returned to its traditional format this year.

“We didn’t win an ARIA award for our song, called Mackay Christmas, which was disappointing,’’ he said.

“So, our creative Corporate Communications team returned to a tried and tested format for our 2022 Christmas video.”

Santa even refers to last year’s song in this year’s video when encouraging Mayor Williamson through the course.

“I’ve noticed at this time of year you tend to slack off doing these silly pantomime videos,” Santa said.

“Last year you even did a music video and wrote a song. Who do you think you are – Justin Bieber?”

Mayor Williamson said there would be no songs this year. 

“We’re ready for boot camp. We’re ready for Mackay for the next 12 months,’’ he said.

“Let’s get going.”

New council CEO Scott Owen makes a cameo appearance in the Christmas video.

When asked by Santa why he was there, he quips: “I’m making sure Williamson is up to the task.”

The video, which was produced totally inhouse, highlights the work of council over the past three years and what is to come for the year ahead.

It is also a timely reminder to Get Ready for storm season.