Mayor Greg Williamson | Public figure
Mayor Greg Williamson
Reviews
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25.01.2022 Great start to offical Council business in 2021 with our first meeting held back in Council Chambers since early last year! Plenty of content to cover after the Christmas break and a few key decisions regarding an application for a wedding venue at Midge Point and the Northern Beaches Community Hub a reference Group going up to the table. Quick recap in this video or watch the live stream via a link of Council’s Facebook page.
23.01.2022 The story of Mackay-born and bred jockey George Moore now takes pride of place at the Mackay Turf Club after the unveiling of a magnificent piece memorabilia over the weekend. With well over 100 Group 1 winners and even riding for the Queen, George was one undoubtedly of Australia's most successful jockeys. He is honoured in the Sports Australia Hall of Fame, Australian Racing Hall of Fame, the Queensland Sport Hall of Fame and now here in his hometown, where the story of this local legend will continue to be told for generations to come.
22.01.2022 MOODY, Charles, Private, 1981, 15th Battalion, enlisted 21 January 1915, Died of wounds, 9 August 1915, Gallipoli, Turkey. One of 31 local men who died in the Gallipoli assault, Charles Edward Moody was a carpenter living in Walkerston. As you can tell by his number - 1981 - Charles was amongst the first Queenslanders to sign up.... Charles Moody was at Gallipoli for just a few weeks working at the Casualty Clearing Station when he was fatally injured by gunfire. He was 24 years old. He has no known grave. You’ll find Charles’ name inscribed at the Embarkation Pier Cemetery in Gallipoli, on the Mackay Old Town Hall Honour Board, the Walkerston Palms Honour Board, the Walkerston Village Honour Board (pictured) and at the Walkerston Memorial Gates where we gathered for a fitting dawn service this morning. You may like to find Charles’ name on one of these Honour Boards and remember him today. Private Charles Moody was one of the Anzacs who wrote their own place in history and galvanised our fledgling nation with a collective spirit of mateship, courage and commitment. There can be no greater sacrifice for a mother, a father, a nation, than to have a child die thousands of miles from home as a soldier of our country. Thank you for your service Private Charles Edward Moody. Lest we forget.
21.01.2022 The best of luck to all of tomorrow’s River 2 Reef Riders
20.01.2022 Yesterday I proudly launched the newest limited edition rum for the Sarina Sugar Shed. SB13 is one of the finest rums produced by the distillery and I gladly accepted a taste test from Betty. It’s a 10/10 from me! Head over time the Sugar Shed’s Facebook page to find out more about SB13 and how to purchase one of the 225 limited edition bottles. At $99 for a 700ml bottle it’s great buying for Father’s Day. #buymackay #mackaypride
19.01.2022 Councillor Michelle Green captured some great footage and images from yesterday's Council in Community Day - check it out below Councillors and Council Officers headed out through the Pioneer Valley with stops at Mirani, Platypus Beach, Dumbleton Weir and key sites related to the exciting Mountain Bike Strategy. The Valley is looking as sensational as ever and it is fantastic to finally be back doing Council in Community Days. ... #mackaypride #pioneervalley #visitmackayregion See more
19.01.2022 Around the Region A few snapshots from some of last week's community engagements. Council staff and I joined Grade 6 students from Mackay Christian College for a Q&A on local government in Australia - always one of my favourite things to do. The questions are fantastic and this group had definitely done their homework!... It was a fantastic to again present QATSIF (Qld Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Foundation) Bursaries to St Patrick's College students. It is always uplifting and inspiring to meet the worthy recipients and wish them all the best for their studies and ventures. Brendan Anderson was the latest recipient of a prestigious Queens Scout Award and I joined in the presentation at Banksia Scouts in Andergrove (in my honourary Scouts 'Woggle'). Congrats again Brendan. And we rounded out the week with the third of four Mackay Festivals Sessions and they just keep getting bigger and better every week. The creative talent we have showcased is outstanding and we have a sensational line up for this Saturday's final session - details here Mackay Festival Sessions - Tia Gostelow & The Base Coats Here's to another fantastic region meeting wonderful people across our region. #mackaypride
19.01.2022 Here is a quick round up #fromthechambers after yesterday's Council Meeting.
18.01.2022 PRESS PLAY at 6pm tomorrow night as we round out our successful Mackay Festivals Sessions Program. Headline acts from Tia Gostelow and The Base Coats are sure to be show stoppers. #mackaypride #mackayfestivals
18.01.2022 Have you seen this!? Concept Plans for the Seaforth Esplanade Upgrade were shared with the Seaforth community recently and were received with great enthusiasm and excitement! And now it's time to have your say! Follow the link below to the Connecting Mackay website to view all the concept designs and submit your feedback. We'd love your feedback on:... Junior Playground design - see concept choices below Senior Playground design - 4 options to choose from! Water Play area - see pics below! Feedback is open until Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 11.59pm. Learn more and have your say here > www.connectingmackay.com.au/seaforth-esplanade
17.01.2022 This Sunday our community commemorates Anzac Day and the link below details the full list of 25 services being held across the region. #lestweforget
17.01.2022 The military events of this day 106 years ago, almost to the hour, had an impact on our young nation at the time and still resonates today - the perseverance, the courage, the mateship. We know it today as the ANZAC Spirit. We should be forever proud to come together on Anzac Day to acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who have contributed so much to the feeling we get when we call ourselves Australian.... LEST WE FORGET
17.01.2022 What a fantastic night at the Queensland Mining Awards last night at the MECC, celebrating the outstanding achievements of our Mining and METS sector. An in a room where every major mining company was represented, the Major Award went to GAS Field Services, a small, local, family-owned business that demonstrated a level of innovation and attention to service that was unrivalled. The team were very surprised and humbled by the Award with an acceptance speech that left the aud...ience in rapture! Congratulations GAS Field Mining and all of the Award Nominees and Winners. Also, this was the first black-tie event many of us have attended with new Covid-Safe requirements in place so congratulations to everyone involved in pulling the Awards together, well done!
16.01.2022 Follow the links below and head on over to this year's Online Sports Expo and Sign-on! There are over 90 sports and recreations to discover with more than 30 FREE come and try offers to take advantage of. Watch some great demonstrations videos and of course, we have prizes up for grabs too! The online Expo is on for the month of February so tell your friends to check it out too.... https://www.mackay.qld.gov.au//online_sports_expo_and_sign
16.01.2022 LIVE from Artspace Mackay with a sneak peak of ‘Curious Affection on Tour’ by artist Patricia Piccinini. On now and from 10-3 over the weekend.
15.01.2022 A quick update from yesterday's Council meeting for anyone keen to know more about Council business. I share an update on what we currently know about planning for this year's Anzac Day services and how many people we are likely to accommodate. Just as we saw last year, marking Dawn Service on your driveway will be something we will be encouraging again this year so stay tuned for more information on plans closer to Anzac Day.
15.01.2022 Our regular From the Chambers wrap up from yesterday’s Council meeting, which was briefly adjourned to allow members of Council and Executives to attend the very moving Remembrance Day ceremony in Jubilee Park. We also passed a motion regarding 2020 New Years celebrations given the current COVIDSafe requirements and I share some of the event details in this short video.
14.01.2022 Council meeting yesterday was very productive with a number of items coming to the table of interest to the community. Below are links to changes in some local laws - namely an increase in fines for parking in disabled parks and new off-leash dog areas throughout the region. Click through for more information. In exciting news for our Valley communities, the Mirani Community Precinct reached a new milestone yesterday moving forward to detailed design and planning for the pro...ject. This precinct is a fantastic development for the Mirani and wider Pioneer Valley area as it provides an eye-catching gateway to our valley tourist experiences. The meeting went for an hour and 20 mins if you are ever interested in watching via the live stream or in Chambers through public participation. Council's Facebook page and website are the best places for notifications and information.
14.01.2022 Earlier today the last of our local students finished school for the year. A year that most of them will remember as one for the history books. Congratulations to every Mackay region student for not only surviving but thriving in 2020. Thank you to our teachers and school support staff for finding new and innovative ways to ensure learning continued at home or at school in a very different way. There is no doubt that the resilience shown by every student in the Class of 202...0 is a true example of the Australian spirit we admire. And when this cohort utilise and implement these traits in their lives we, as a nation, will see tremendous leadership for generations to come. Congratulations again and on behalf of myself, Council and the extended community we wish you all the best for what 2021 and beyond holds. Daily Mercury
14.01.2022 The iconic Orchid House reopened this morning and is looking as beautiful as ever Recent upgrades in line with the Queens Park Revitalisation are now complete and the attraction is again open for the public to enjoy. The orchid displays are just sensational as always. Perfect time to pop in for a visit. ... #mackaypride #queensparkmackay #orchidhousemackay
14.01.2022 On location at East West Lighting chatting with Lance Walk about doing business in the Mackay region and going from strength to strength in 2020 despite the obvious challenges. #mackaypride #locallegends #transformationregion Discover more stories like Lance's at https://transformationregion.com.au/business
14.01.2022 Enjoyed my first coffee from Primal Coffee Roasters this morning - and it just happened to be Tim Tam Tuesday! It’s a great drop and I learned that it’s roasted right here in South Mackay down on Evan St. Great stuff. #mackaypride #locallegends #timtamtuesday
13.01.2022 POSTPONED: Tomorrow's Marina Walk has been postponed in light of the recent changes in Queensland's Coronavirus status and in recognition of the Chief Health Officer's recommendations to limit mass gatherings. It is very disappointing but we look forward to rescheduling the walk as soon as we are able to so stay tuned for details. You can find more details on the new restrictions by following the link in the post below.
13.01.2022 What a fantastic initiative from Mackay State High School and their cluster of feeder primary schools for WORLD KINDNESS DAY Special places across the Mackay region will be flooded with these kindness rocks so if you spot one make sure you take a photo and share it with the school. It's heartwarming to see young people in our community come together and embrace a concept like this and I congratulate each and every one who participated! ... #worldkindnessday2020
12.01.2022 F1 in Schools 2020
12.01.2022 Around the Region Over the weekend I had the honour of presenting George Mallett with a 75th Medallion in recognition of 75 years since the end of WWII in which George served as a digger. We had the official opening of the Mackay Ring Road on Saturday which is now open to the public after being many years in the making.... On Monday we welcomed the TODAY Show to Mackay Marina and Tim interviewed a number of people and everyone did a magnificent job of showcasing the region. And possibly one of my most fun engagements of late was participating in an All-Star basketball match at The Crater to celebrate the opening of the fantastic new seating. Team Black only just went down to Team Red despite our last-minute resurgence!
11.01.2022 A Council Meeting with a difference yesterday as we moved to the main auditorium stage at the MECC to keep in line with CovidSafe requirements while the Plenary Halls were set up for the Queensland Mining Awards in the evening. I mention in this clip that we have seen an increase in water usage across the region as we navigate through our typically dry months. Please be mindful that the water you use now will appear on your Water Notice issued in January next year. There has been some confusion around the timing of notices compared to actual water usage so please be aware of your current watering and water usage habits.
11.01.2022 Chatting with Corey from 2Censor another local legend with a great story about his accidental invention which is now the only remote pipe wear monitoring system of its type in the world. JCV Services #mackaypride #locallegends #transformationregion... For more stories like Corey's visit https://transformationregion.com.au/business
11.01.2022 Local Legends continued... live today with another fabulous person kicking goals in 2020 for our community. Have a listen to how the NUDE LUNCH committee found a way forward - despite Covid restrictions - to deliver a stellar and completely digital event. Not only that, they’ve smashed their fundraising hopes out of the park! It’s not just businesses who have had to pivot and evolve this year, plenty of charities, clubs and not-for-profits have stepped up and made magic hap...pen. #LocalLegends #mackaypride #transformationregion
10.01.2022 While the final votes are still being tallied across the state the Mackay region results for the State Government election are all but finalised. Congratulations to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk MP on a resounding victory and third term serving as the Premier of this great state. It is marvellous to see a State Government able to govern in its own right without relying on minor parties. To our local MPs, congratulations on a successful election campaign that bought focus an...d attention to our region and has resulted in a number of election promises that we look forward to seeing delivered. Labor's Mackay candidate Julieanne Gilbert Member for Mackay also retains her seat for a third term and we look forward to continuing to work alongside Julianne and her office. Congratulations Julianne. Congratulations also to Stephen Andrew MP for Mirani who retains his Mirani seat and is a fantastic example of grassroots politics in our region. Well done mate. And finally to Amanda Camm - LNP for Whitsunday, former Deputy Mayor of Mackay Regional Council and a great advocate for our region. While the final vote hasn't been declared it is clear that Amanda has secured the seat of Whitsunday and it is fantastic to see the Whitsunday community in excellent hands for the next four years. Congratulations to everyone and we look forward to working with you all.
08.01.2022 At Caneland until 1pm with Cyclone Saturday
08.01.2022 Every year it's an absolute honour to celebrate Mackay region citizens who epitomise what it means to be a great Australian with our Australia Day Awards. Follow the link below to nominate a local hero who, particularly in 2020, has gone the extra mile for their community. Hard copy forms are available from our Client Service desks. #mackaypride #LocalLegends
07.01.2022 Tune in at 10am for today's Ordinary Meeting of Council by using the links below.
07.01.2022 It's perfect weather this weekend to pop into the Bluewater Lagoon with the kids and check out the newly installed water play area. I can vouch that it's a tonne of fun! Well done to everyone who worked on this refurbishment, it was certainly worth the wait and will put many more smiles on faces this summer. #mackaypride
07.01.2022 Around the Region Congratulations to the U16 Whitsunday Regional Netball Souths Whitsunday Sharks who have just wrapped up there last game at the State Netball Titles in Brisbane. It was fantastic to join team sponsors Sarina Community Bank Branch to wish them well! By all accounts there was tough metro competition but the girls showed grit and determination!! We're seeing sporting competitions return to the region with the North Queensland Table Tennis Carnival held ...at Mackay Table Tennis Association over the weekend. Plenty of fun was had by young and old with a few familiar council faces taking the paddles for a whirl! It was tremendous to be on hand to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated RACQ CQ Rescue Operations Centre last week. The $3.2M project enhances the ability of the rescue helicopter to respond and continue to deliver life-saving service for generations to come. Army Cadets from Mackay, Sarina and Moranbah had a 4 day training camp in the region. They asked me to come along at the weekend and were determined to put me through the ropes! It's fantastic to be back more attending events and engagements across the region that have COVIDSafe plans in place to make it all possible. Well done everyone. #mackaypride
06.01.2022 As Mayor, there are often crisis to manage and difficult decisions to be made. So when Emily, Sophia and Alexandra came to visit me recently I just knew, that as a Council, we had to do whatever it took to ensure Santa could get gifts through to our Mackay Region children. Watch this video with your little ones so you can rest easy that Santa has a clear path around the Mackay region this year. Special thanks to Council staff and the Councillors who answered the call to g...et the job done in a festive season like no other! Merry Christmas to all
06.01.2022 We covered plenty of material in our last meeting of Council for 2020 yesterday. While we are still conducting meetings from the MECC due to social distancing requirements, it has been great to welcome back some public participation. As well as live streaming meetings, we've delivered these 'From the Chambers' videos to the community this year to provide regular updates on key Council decisions and matters that are bought to the table. Yesterday we adopted the 2019-2020 Annu...al Report which is a very comprehensive look at Council for those who are interested. Click on the link below. Thank you to our Council Directors and Officers for their tireless work preparing information, reports and material for Council Meetings. And thanks to the staff at the MECC for allowing a smooth transition for our meetings from Chambers during Covid.
05.01.2022 LIVE from (a very noisy!) Anything Environmental in Paget with Local Legends Jo and Jason who have been operating the Containers for Change program here in Mackay since 2018. These guys have just cracked 65 million pieces processed through their facility and on top of that won a Queensland Safety Award earlier this year. Some fantastic stats just in case you can’t hear them in the video!... 70 million pieces will be processed by Christmas this year!! Jason designs and has locally fabricated innovative equipment and storage solutions Almost $7million has been injected back into the community since 2018 through this program 40 people now work at the Paget facility! Schools and sporting clubs were able to continue fundraising through Covid #locallegends #mackaypride #ContainersForChange
05.01.2022 Watch our regular wrap up from Council Chambers yesterday and see below for links to more information on some of the key motions.
05.01.2022 A quick wrap up of yesterday's Council meeting and the first for our incoming CEO Michael Thomson. Michael barely has his feet under the desk and he showed great understanding of Council financials and is quickly immersing himself in operations. Remember, Council meets twice a month and the session is live streamed via MRC's Facebook page and YouTube Channel. This is a great way to continue to participate in Council business while we are unable to welcome a public gallery due to Covid-19 restrictions. Tune in if you can.
05.01.2022 The news this morning of the passing of Tim Mulherin is extremely sad. We all knew he was battling cancer but his positivity put us off guard. It came as a real shock to learn early this morning that he was gone. Tim will be remembered for a great many things in our community but at the top of the list for me is the fact that he was simply a good bloke.... His passion and commitment to Mackay was second to none. No matter what your politics, he always did his best for the citizens who asked for his help. I have known Tim for a very long time. He grew up in the western end of Kippen Street and my family home is in the eastern end. Even though we appeared on opposite sides of the political fence from time to time, it didn’t matter to Tim. His focus was always on the best outcome for Mackay. There’s a lifetime of community service that underpins who Tim Mulherin was. Even before he was elected as Member for Mackay Tim was heavily involved in community affairs. As the Member for 20 years and more recently as Chair of Mackay Hospital and Health Service, Tim has made a huge contribution to Mackay. Over the last 5 years Tim was in touch regularly wanting to explore an idea, introduce someone who might help Mackay, or cook up a way to beat Townsville or Rocky at anything. His devious laughter at a good plan will be sorely missed. To Erin and the family we send our condolences, our love, and our thanks for sharing Tim with our community. Vale Tim Mulherin
04.01.2022 This morning we welcomed 77 new Citizens from 19 countries at the very special Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony. Every person and family on stage at the MECC has their own unique story that has led them to call Australia (and Mackay!) home. Congratulations everyone. You've certainly picked the best region in Australia to live, work and stay.... #mackaypride
04.01.2022 Fantastic to officially open the region’s newest Visitor Information Centre at Bluewater Lagoon this morning! Having a modern kiosk positioned right in such a high traffic precinct makes it easy for visitors and locals alike to engage with tourist information. Moving from the exisiting site at the City Gates is another step in enhancing the strategic positioning of our Information Centres. A City Centre kiosk is complementary to the award-winning Sarina Field of Dreams comp...lex, which is proving successful at engaging northbound traffic with the Mackay region’s tourism offering. Congratulations to everyone involved. Tremendous effort.
04.01.2022 Congratulations to our Spring Fit Challenge winners! I'm glad our Spring Fit Ambassadors were on hand to help with judging because it was a truly difficult decision narrowing it down to just three winners (and one special mention!). It was just tremendous to see so many participants set goals, get active and share their experience throughout the Challenge.... Congratulations again to everyone below on a great Spring Fit Challenge!
03.01.2022 Some fantastic photos from Zach Mach over the weekend. Excellent to have this outdoor event go ahead and for so many people to enjoy our sensational Pioneer Valley. Congratulations to everyone involved in planning and running the Challenge particularly given the extra requirements in place at the moment. Well done.
02.01.2022 Our beloved Civic Fountain is turning orange from 25 November to 10 December as part of Zonta Club of Mackay Inc 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign. This is an annual international campaign and this year there is a particular focus on actively listening and believing women who share their stories and experiences of assault and abuse. By listening to women, actively listening, we empower them and validate their experiences. This goes a long way to suppo...rting someone who has disclosed abuse to you, and sets them on a good path to seeking professional support. You may see a number of orange cardboard women around Mackay during this campaign and I encourage you, your family and workplace to get involved in any way you can. #16days #orangetheworld #zontainternational
02.01.2022 Opening of Mackay Ring road
02.01.2022 Remember to register as GOING for this Sunday morning's walk from Bluewater Quay to the Marina along the brand new shared pathway. Share with a friend and remember there are 5km, 6km and the full 12km roundtrip options! Follow the links the the event page for more info. Let me know below if you're coming along!
01.01.2022 Tomorrow is Council’s last Ordinary Meeting for 2020 and there is plenty to cover - over 1000 page agenda to prep before kick off at 10am tomorrow. Live stream will be available on Mackay Regional Council Facebook page if you’re interested. #mackaypride
