The long-anticipated Mackay-Bucasia Road upgrade is finally making progress, offering much-needed relief for frustrated local drivers in the growing Northern Beaches area.

 

A new signalised roundabout is being installed at the busy intersection of Mackay-Bucasia Road and Golf Links Road, designed to manage congestion and ease daily commutes.

 

This marks the first use of such advanced traffic signals in Mackay, with CCTV and sensors planned for real-time traffic management at all four entry points.

 

Dedicated turn lanes will further streamline left turns onto Mackay-Habana Road and Golf Links Road, historically challenging for local motorists.

 

Construction is expected to launch after the wet season, targeting an early 2027 start—a welcome step for families tired of morning gridlock.

 

Leaders hope these enhancements will boost both safety and economic growth as the region continues to expand.

A dramatic jet ski rescue off St Helens Beach, just north of Mackay, has showcased the essential role of the CQ Rescue helicopter in local emergencies.

 

The mission unfolded Friday at 12:30 pm when the crew began searching for a missing jet skier.

 

After two tense hours, they found the jet ski adrift, but the rider was nowhere in sight.

 

With fuel running low, a final sweep revealed a man waving before he slipped beneath the water's surface.

 

The rescue swimmer acted fast, pulling the unconscious man from the sea in critical condition.

 

He received advanced life support on the flight back, then was rushed to Mackay Base Hospital for urgent care.

 

This near-tragedy is a stark reminder to always wear a life jacket, inform others of your plans, and carry an emergency beacon while on the water.

 

CQ Rescue’s round-the-clock readiness remains vital for keeping the Mackay community safe.

As Queensland Cricket marks 150 years, the NAIDOC Week theme “50 Years of Deadly” powerfully echoes through the state’s Indigenous cricket community.

 

Albert Henry, Eddie Gilbert, Edna Crouch, and Mabel Campbell blazed trails for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketers.

 

Today, their legacy thrives.

 

This year, the Queensland Men’s Indigenous team captured the first T20 Harmony Shield with a dominant 115-run win, while the women’s side, under Christina Coulson, secured their debut NICC crown in 2023.

 

Coulson, a proud Kaurareg woman and national standout, ended her 18-year playing career in Mackay, now focusing on coaching and inspiring the next generation.

 

With community support and first-class venues like Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay has become a vital hub for Indigenous cricket, strengthening ties and fostering new talent.

 

The spirit and achievements of Queensland’s Indigenous cricketers continue to shape the region’s sporting future.

Artspace Mackay will enchant local audiences this winter with three major exhibitions celebrating Australian artistic talent.

 

Launching July 3, the Main Gallery’s “Looking Out, Looking In: Exploring the Self-Portrait” brings together powerful works from QAGOMA, featuring acclaimed artists like Nora Heysen, Tracey Moffatt, and Vincent Namatjira.

 

By spotlighting self-portraiture’s evolution, the exhibit mirrors today’s “selfie” culture and invites visitors to consider identity in fresh ways.

 

From June 27, the Foyer Gallery presents Archie Moore’s deeply personal “Mīal,” using geometric art to address identity and racism through the lens of his own skin tones.

 

At the same time, Katelyn-Jane Dunn’s “You sound just like your mother” pays intimate tribute to mother-daughter bonds, rooted in Queensland’s striking landscapes.

 

Part of the Mackay Festival of Arts, these exhibitions ensure Artspace Mackay remains a vibrant hub for inspiration and connection.

Mackay will make history as it hosts its first-ever men’s Test cricket match, welcoming Australia and Bangladesh for the second showdown in the NRMA Insurance Northern Australia Test Series from August 22 to 26, 2026.

 

Play begins each day at 10:00 am at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, marking a notable milestone for both the venue and the wider region.

 

Tickets go on sale Monday, June 15, 2026, through Cricket Australia’s official channels, and demand is expected to surge for this landmark sporting event.

 

Mackay also invites visitors to discover its vibrant local attractions.

 

Enjoy guided tastings and a tour of Mackay’s rich sugar heritage at the Sarina Sugar Shed, or embrace the magic of sunrise with wallabies at Cape Hillsborough.

 

Don’t miss this special blend of international cricket and natural beauty—plan your visit early for an unforgettable Mackay experience.

Mackay Whitsunday District police are sending a firm message — weapons have no place on local streets.

 

Mackay Regional Council has locked in its 2026–2027 budget — and for residents already under cost-of-living pressure, the details matter.