Cr. Nathenea McNamara

03/11/2026

Let's Chat Calen

02/11/2026

Out and About | Pioneer River Training Wall Levee Project

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to join some of my fellow councillors for a site visit to see firsthand the works being undertaken as part of the Pioneer River Training Wall Levee project.

It's one thing to read about these major infrastructure projects in Council reports, but it's another to get out on site, speak with the project team and gain a better understanding of what's involved.

This important project aims to improve flood protection for the West Mackay community, with works including approximately 3.15 kilometres of new levee wall, road reconstruction and revegetation.

It's great to see this important investment in our region's flood resilience progressing.

The project is supported by funding from the Australian Government through the Priority Community Infrastructure Program and Disaster Ready Program, in partnership with Mackay Regional Council.

👏 A big thank you to the project team for taking the time to show us around, explain the works and answer our questions.

💬 Want to learn more or see how the project is progressing?

You can find further information and view project photos through Connecting Mackay.

🔗 https://www.connectingmackay.com.au/pioneer-river-training-wall-levee/widgets/489439/photos/127858

02/11/2026

📚🚍 Have your say on our Mobile Library Service!

Did you know our Mackay Regional Council Mobile Library has been connecting communities across our region for an incredible 44 years 💙

Now we'd love to hear from YOU!

Council is currently seeking community feedback to help shape the future of this much-loved service.

Whether you're a regular visitor, have never stepped aboard, or would love to see the Mobile Library visit your community, this is your opportunity to have a say.

📍 Is there a location you'd love to see added?

📅 Would a different day or time suit you better?

📚 Do you have ideas on how we could improve the service?

Your feedback matters! It's an opportunity to help ensure our Mobile Library continues to meet the needs of our communities, particularly those who don't have easy access to a library branch.

🗓️ Survey closes Monday, 30 November 2026.

👉 Have your say here:
https://www.connectingmackay.com.au/mobile-library-survey

Hard copy surveys are also available on request from the Mobile Library or your local library branch.

Let's make sure our communities have their say in shaping this wonderful service for the future! 💙

01/11/2026

LIGHT PARTY 2026!

What a wonderful evening at the Mackay Light Party 🎉

So lovely to see so many families coming together for an evening filled with fun, entertainment and plenty of smiling faces!

I had the pleasure of volunteering at the cookie decorating activity, which was lots of fun watching the children get creative with their decorations (and sprinkles everywhere! 🍪😂)

One of my favourite moments was watching my niece and nephew singing in the choir. Such a special little proud aunty moment 💕

It was also wonderful to see the beautiful
Anna Beaden, who we know from the Sunshine Coast, sharing her amazing voice with everyone 🎤 And the BMX riders from JC Action Sports certainly brought some excitement to the evening with their fantastic display 🚴

A huge shout-out to Jai Wright and Jay-Ellen for their passion and commitment to organising this event, along with all the incredible volunteers who helped bring it together.

I absolutely love seeing people give their time and energy to create opportunities for families to connect and enjoy being part of our community.

And of course, it's always lovely catching up with familiar faces along the way 🥰

Thank you to everyone involved in making the Light Party Mackay such a wonderful evening for our Mackay community 💛

01/11/2026

🌊What an incredible surf lifesaving community!

It was an absolute privilege today, to represent Mackay Regional Council and deliver the official Council address at the North Australian Surf Life Saving Championships presentation!

One of the highlights for me was having the opportunity to meet Reg and Howard, who were involved right back when these championships first began 36 years ago. How special is that 👏

I also had the pleasure of meeting Steve, the Surf Life Saving Queensland President, and Damian, the CEO, along with so many wonderful people who share such a passion for surf lifesaving.

What really shone through today was the incredible sense of community. The friendships, dedication, years of volunteering and genuine passion for what they do. It's so much more than a sporting competition ❤️

A special shout-out to Nigel, affectionately known as "Shrek" 👏 Thank you for your amazing work coordinating today's presentations and for everything you do behind the scenes. Events like these don't just happen, and it's people like you who help bring it all together!

As Co-Chair of Council's Economic Development and Growth Strategic Advisory Committee, and through my involvement with Invest Mackay, it's wonderful to see events like these supported and hosted right here in our beautiful Mackay region.

Not only do they bring competitors, families and supporters together, but they also provide fantastic opportunities for our local businesses and visitor economy.

A huge congratulations to all the competitors, award recipients, organisers and volunteers who helped make these championships such a success 🏅

And thank you to everyone who made me feel so welcome today.

What an amazing community to be part of 🌊

The Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club
Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club - Eimeo SLSC
Surf Life Saving Queensland

30/10/2026

Meet Mackay's next generation of leaders!

A few weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet some of the passionate young people who had put their hands up to be part of our Mackay Youth Council
It was so encouraging to hear their ideas, their enthusiasm and, most importantly, their desire to make a difference in our region 💛
Now the votes are in, and we have 12 newly elected Youth Councillors 🎉

A huge congratulations to each of you! I'm really looking forward to seeing the ideas, conversations and initiatives you'll bring forward over the next 18 months.
I'd also like to acknowledge every young person who nominated and took part in the election process. Putting yourself forward takes courage, and you should all be incredibly proud.
Our young people have so much to contribute, and I love seeing them given opportunities to have their voices heard and help shape the future of our region.

Wonderful to see our newly elected Youth Council featured in today's Mackay and Whitsunday Life newspaper!

👏 Congratulations again to our newest young leaders. Our region's future is in great hands!

Logan Ivory for Mackay

28/10/2026

🏆Celebrating Sporting Excellence in North Queensland!

What a fantastic evening in Cairns attending the 2026 North Queensland Sportstar Awards!

It was wonderful to see so many incredible athletes, coaches, volunteers and sporting organisations recognised for their dedication and contribution to sport.

And how proud can we be of our Mackay region 💙

A huge congratulations to our local award recipients:

Peter Sumpter – Lifetime Achievement (Service to Sport)

Alan Slack – Masters of Sport (Powerlifting)

Ross Jensen – Sports Impact (Basketball Coach)

Harrup Park & Mackay Cricket – Sporting Excellence

Sport plays such an important role in bringing our communities together, and behind every achievement are years of hard work, commitment and passion.

Congratulations to all the winners, finalists and Hall of Fame inductees, and thank you to the North Queensland Sports Foundation for a wonderful evening celebrating the people who make such a difference through sport 👏

26/10/2026

I have been contacted by the community who have expressed concerns about 2 proposed Ministerial Infrastructure Designations for two social and affordable housing proposals in Andergrove. One development is at 50-54 Banksia Avenue and 45 Wattle Street for 90 social and affordable housing and the other location is Lot 3 Patricia Drive, Andergrove for 160 dwellings.

If you have concerns you should make a submission by 27 October 2026 to the Minister as per the instructions outlined in the notice of Proposed Ministerial Infrastructure Designation as follows:

To: The Honourable Jarrod Bleijie MP, Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations

Atten: Executive Director, Development Assurance Division, Planning Group, Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning

Online: https://www.planning.qld.gov.au/planning-framework/infrastructure-planning/ministerial-infrastructure-designations
Email: [email protected]; or
Post: PO Box 15009, City East, QLD, 4002

The MID process provides an alternative to lodging a development application with the relevant local government and is managed by the the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning (the Department) with input from other government agencies.

19/10/2026

Calling all local businesses... let's make Mackay the most magical place in Australia! ✨

As the home of Disney: The Exhibition – A Century of Magic, we can't wait to welcome thousands of Disney, Marvel and Star Wars fans to our region from December.

But the magic doesn't stop at the MECC.

We're inviting local businesses to join the Magic Makers Program and discover how to turn this once-in-a-generation visitation opportunity into something special for your customers. Whether you're in hospitality, retail, accommodation, tourism, health & wellbeing or professional services, there are endless ways to get involved.

Join the upcoming Amplify Mackay Business Activation Workshops to:
✨ Generate ideas for your business
✨ Learn how to create visitor-friendly offers and experiences
✨ Connect with the Magic Makers campaign
✨ Be ready when visitors start arriving

📍 Mainstay Mackay
📅 29 October (7.30am session or 5pm session available)
🎟 Free registration
Register now: [email protected]

13/10/2026

💃🏽

It’s today—come and join the fun! 🎉🩰
Today is your chance to move, create and connect with Queensland Ballet at Mirani Community Hall. Enjoy a welcoming ballet-inspired class filled with music, gentle movement and opportunities to build strength, coordination and confidence. No dance experience is needed—just bring yourself and get ready to move with joy. All adults are welcome.
Time: Wednesday, 9am–10am
Location: Mirani Community Hall
Check availability and quickly book your place here👇👇👇