Cr. Nathenea McNamara

14/09/2026

What a little gem we discovered..

As part of our anniversary drive around the region, Alan James McNamara and I stopped in at Valley Grove Cafe for brunch, and I just had to give this beautiful local business a shout-out.

We enjoyed smashed avo and scones at the cafe before having a wander through their nursery, where there are so many different tropical fruit trees growing. I particularly loved seeing the mulberry trees 🌳

What really impressed me was hearing about everything the owners have created here. They freshly make their food in the cafe and even have their own canning machine for their juices.
There is obviously so much work, passion and determination that has gone into establishing the cafe and nursery on their property and turning their vision into what visitors get to enjoy today.

I always love seeing local people having a go, creating something different and building a business right here in our region.

Congratulations to the owners of Valley Grove Cafe on what you have achieved 👏

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and will definitely be back!

Another little gem to add to the list in our beautiful Mackay region 💚

13/09/2026

As Qld Disaster week approaches, have you opted in for Notifications?

Visit our dashboard and register your mobile fir Notifications.

disaster.mackay.qld.gov.au https://share.google/V2r3b7al5k7RT5vQj

13/09/2026

Three years ❤️

Alan James McNamara and I had the most beautiful day today celebrating three years since we first got together.

Nothing too fancy planned, we just jumped in the car and spent the day exploring our own backyard, which was exactly what we needed 🥰

We started with brunch at Valley Grove Cafe and had a wander through their tropical fruit nursery afterwards. Such a gorgeous little spot and definitely worthy of its own reel… so more on that one next!

From there we headed to Sarina Beach, and it was great to see the Surf Club reopened. We stopped at the lookout, took in those beautiful views and then just kept driving… Campwin Beach, Grasstree Beach and finally McEwens Beach.

We often hear so much about our Northern Beaches, but our drive today was such a good reminder that our Southern Beaches really are little gems too 💙

Sometimes the best days really are the simple ones, good conversation, a Sunday drive, beautiful places and time together.

A lovely way to celebrate our three years ❤️

10/09/2026

Join Us at the Mackay Seniors Expo 2026

Come along for a vibrant morning of connection, information, and celebration at the Mackay Seniors Expo 2026.

Date: Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: The Big Shed, Mackay Showgrounds
What to Expect
✔ Free entry
✔ Accessible parking
✔ More than 80 exhibitors, vendors and stallholders
✔ Information on services, programs and community support
✔ Coffee and snacks available for purchase
✔ Sausage sizzle available for purchase
✔ A welcoming and friendly atmosphere

The Mackay Seniors Expo is one of the region's premier events for older residents, attracting around 2,000 community members each year. The Expo provides an excellent opportunity for seniors, their carers, family members and friends to connect with a wide range of local organisations, services and support networks.

Whether you're looking for information, new opportunities, health and wellbeing services, community programs, or ways to stay active and connected, there is something for everyone.

The event forms part of the Queensland Government's statewide Seniors Month celebrations, which promote positive community attitudes towards older people, encourage participation and active ageing, and strengthen community and intergenerational connections.

Bring your friends, family and neighbours. We look forward to seeing you there!

10/09/2026

It was wonderful to join the YP - Young Professionals Mackay networking event and see another opportunity for our region’s emerging professionals to connect, learn and build relationships.

We heard from Acting CEO, Karla from GW3 (Greater Whitsunday Alliance) about the work happening across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region, along with Steven Boxall from the Resources Centre of Excellence, sharing insights into our region, our industries and the opportunities ahead.

I always enjoy events like these. Building a strong region isn’t only about infrastructure and investment, it’s also about developing our people, creating connections and giving our next generation of professionals opportunities to grow right here in Mackay.

Congratulations to the Young Professionals team for continuing to create these valuable networking opportunities 👏

10/09/2026

09/09/2026

I visited Gordon White Library and Dudley Denny this week, so many wonderful books and programs running from our Libraries. Thank you to the Incredible staff for what you do 👏🏼
Mackay Regional Council Libraries

📢 You Spoke 📚 "More books"

We listened, over 13,000 books were added to the collection last financial year and we worked hard to help you access the entire collection, resulting in 69,454 items reserved.

🗣️ Community Feedback
"Love that reservations come to you, it was my first time using this, thank you!"
"Book reservation system is great"
"Found some books I’m excited to read thank you!"



State Library of Queensland

09/09/2026

Touch of Teal Soirée 2026

Such a beautiful afternoon at the annual Touch of Teal Soirée, supporting the incredible work of the Trudy Crowley Foundation 🩵
It was made even more special having my sister join me for the afternoon, always lovely to share occasions like this together 🤍

One of the moments that really stayed with me was hearing Sharon M Johnston from Daly Bay, the event’s major sponsor, share the story of her Dad and the personal connection behind their support of the Foundation.

It was such a reminder that behind the businesses and organisations who support causes like this, there are often very personal stories and families whose lives have been touched by cancer.

And then came a very special unveiling, a beautiful portrait of Trudy Crowley, which will now hang proudly in the Icon Cancer Centre Mackay 🩵 Such a meaningful tribute to Trudy and the incredible legacy she continues to create in our community.

Congratulations to Jacquie Kersten and everyone involved in another wonderful Touch of Teal Soirée and for continuing to raise awareness and support for such an important cause.

A beautiful afternoon, shared with my sister, for a beautiful purpose 🩵

07/09/2026

Who's ready for a party in the park...