Media releases

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

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

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 20^th 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

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

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

Published: 16 Feb 2023

Mackay City Centre to come alive with placemaking projects

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

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

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

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 

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

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