Reflecting On A Year Of Change, Progress And Community Pride

With Mackay Regional Mayor, Greg Williamson

With his trademark calm confidence and community-first approach, Mayor Greg Williamson has guided Mackay through a year defined by progress, renewal, and an ever-deepening sense of regional pride.

“What a year it’s been,” he said.

From major executive changes to record-breaking infrastructure and tourism achievements, it’s been a period of transformation for the Mackay region.

Mayor Williamson points to the Northern Beaches Community Hub as one of the region’s most exciting developments, with stage one complete and the next phase officially underway.

“It’s really starting to come together,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The Northern Beaches community has been incredibly involved in shaping this project.”

Further west, Finch Hatton’s mountain bike trails have carved Mackay a name in adventure tourism, drawing hundreds of riders from across Australia and New Zealand this year alone.

“Now that’s a real highlight.”

“When you combine that with the sporting and tourism events we’ve hosted, it shows Mackay’s appeal is rapidly growing.”

Few moments captured that pride more than the international cricket series held at the Great Barrier Reef Arena, where Australia faced South Africa before packed grandstands and a global broadcast audience.

Mackay also hosted the second annual Gold Coast to Mackay Yacht Race, which grew from 18 to 28 yachts, including an entrant from the United States.

“Next year we’re expecting even more,” Mayor Williamson said.

“These types of events really put us on the map, and that kind of growth just speaks volumes about how people view Mackay… because it’s a destination worth the journey.”

Beyond infrastructure and sport, Mayor Williamson beams with pride over the Mackay Youth Council, standing as the first in Australia elected through the Electoral Commission of Queensland. Now in its second term, it’s a shining example of youth leadership in action.

“Our youth are absolutely leading the way,” he said.

Equally significant was hosting the Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Council in Mackay for the first time, which he says is “a recognition of the work we’ve done locally in prevention and awareness.”

Mayor Williamson acknowledges that challenges remain, especially around housing and homelessness.

“We’ve worked hard to stimulate housing growth, and it’s paying off,” he said, noting the region’s highest building approval rates in five years.

Social issues, he added, “aren’t just statistics… they’re human stories,” reinforcing council’s ongoing collaboration with local police and support organisations.

Amid all the change, 2025 also brought a personal milestone. Mayor Williamson became a grandfather for the first time, trading ‘Mayor’ for ‘Grandad’ and discovering a whole new perspective on life and community.

“Having a grandchild in your life gives you a new sense of perspective,” he said.

“It really reminds you who we’re building for – the generations to come.”

As he looks toward 2026, Mayor Williamson remains focused, and ready to lead the region into another year of growth and opportunity.

“I love this community,” he said.

“Not everyone agrees with every decision, but if it’s right for Mackay, that’s the direction we take. Our goal is to remain the most liveable city and region in Australia!”

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