Page 35 - Greg Williamson News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Premium Content Subscriber only Mike Jones is remembered as a good bloke with a dry sense of humour who helped thousands gain their pilot’s wings. The aviation powerhouse died on Monday morning, aged in his 80s, following complications from a fall. Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said he was really sad to learn of his passing. “I counted Mike Jones as a significant person in the course of my life,” Cr Williamson said. “All of the endorsements I gathered were all done by Mike Jones.” Cr Williamson said Mr Jones “contributed one heck of a lot” to the Mackay community including f...

Vietnam Veteran Leslie Palmer officiating the Mackay Anzac Day Main Service. Picture: Heidi Petith Mr Palmer said despite Mr Payne living in Mackay for 40 years, it was only the third time the oldest surviving Victoria Cross recipient had made a hometown service as he was in high demand. Photos Mr Payne shared a touching story for the first time of a woman finding her ‘Gallipoli stone’ while he visited Turkey in 2015 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Lone Pine. Vietnam War veteran and Victoria Cross recipient Keith Payne with his wife Florence at the Mackay ANZAC Day marc...

Premium Content Subscriber only George Christensen's retirement has presented a "very exciting" and "magnificent" opportunity for the Mackay Whitsunday region, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson says. The Mackay mayor said this meant the seat was now in play for both major parties, which could lead to a cash splash on the region in the lead-up to the federal election. "If George were to run again, obviously the LNP would think they've got it in the bag," Cr Williamson said. "He had 62 per cent of the two-party preferred and I think a lot of that is his personal vote. "Love him or hate him, he ...

Premium Content Subscriber only Speculation over who will throw their hat in the ring to replace outgoing Dawson MP George Christensen for the LNP has already begun. The four names circulating include Mackay councillor Marty Bella, Burdekin MP Dale Last, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson and former LNP state election candidate Chris Bonanno. Cr Williamson said the party had not approached him to run. "I wouldn't be putting my hand up anyway," he said. "I think while federal representation is exceptionally important, I'm enjoying my job now and I think I can represent the Mackay region appropr...

Premium Content Subscriber only Mackay Whitsunday tourism operators are gearing up for state awards of a different vibe in 2021 as the industry celebrates resilience through COVID-19. Queensland Tourism Industry Council chief executive Daniel Gschwind said the return of the Queensland Tourism Awards was a “significant milestone” for the industry which had worked hard to rebuild. “Tourism remains a driving force for regional economies and communities across Queensland, accounting for one in nine Queensland jobs and nearly one in six jobs in Far North Queensland,” Mr Gschw...