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Paul Brescia is the editor of the Daily Mercury in Mackay. Previously, he was the news director for the Townsville Bulletin, and before that a reporter covering Sydney’s southwest.

@pwbrescia

Paul Brescia

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UpdatedMackay40 minutes ago

Frank Thomas, 51, tragically died in a workplace incident at Oaky Creek Mine on October 2, 2024. Picture supplied by family

Fallen miner killed in workplace tragedy named

Loved ones of a miner killed in a work incident in Central Queensland are reeling in the wake of the tragedy, the latest in a series of incidents plaguing Queensland mines in 2024.

Police & Courts

Sloan Phillip Gardiner, 24, faced Mackay Magistrates Court on Monday and Tuesday.

‘He’s not a hopeless criminal’: Dad’s last chance to break family cycle

A Queensland carpenter and father of two who previously went ‘crazy, mad, and dangerous’ on a meth-fuelled armed robbery will have to make a choice between his love for drugs or love for his young daughters.

QLD Votes

Queensland Premier Steven Miles pictured speaking at a press conference in Mackay with local candidate Belinda Hassan Picture Adam Head

Premier in town as Labor feels the heat in Mackay

The once-secure safe seat could be at risk for the second time in a century, drawing the premier’s personal touch early in the campaign.

ExclusiveQLD Votes

The flyer purportedly authorised by the United Workers Union and (inset UWU boss Gary Bullock.

Exposed: Union powerbroker’s brazen fake news letterbox drop

The union boss who helped orchestrate Steven Miles’ rise to premier has been caught out spreading fake news about the LNP’s plans for a major SEQ hospital, accusations that David Crisafulli has rejected.

QLD Votes

LNP commits $20m for upgrades to Mackay-Bucasia Road on October 1, 2024, alongside Mackay's mayor and deputy mayor at the Golf Links Road intersection. (L-R) Nigel Dalton, LNP candidate for Mackay, Whitsunday MP Amanda Camm, Mackay mayor Greg Williamson, LNP deputy leader Jarrod Bleijie, Mackay deputy mayor Karen May).

‘Hallelujah’: LNP commits $20m sweetener for ‘nightmare’ road

A regional road that turns a 6km trip into a 45-minute nightmare will score $20m in traffic upgrades if the LNP wins power on October 26 — but the party was not as quick to commit to a satellite hospital.

Mackay

Elderly man, women hospitalised in crash north of Mackay

An afternoon three-car crash on the Bruce Highway blocked both lanes to traffic north of Mackay, with police and paramedics called.

UPDATEDPolice & Courts

Firefighters rushed to put a fire out on the roof of Caneland Central Shopping Central on Monday, September 30.

Canelands reopens after roof fire, evacuation

Caneland Central Shopping Centre is back open and bustling after a roof fire emptied the entire centre — with the last closed store now wrapping up its cleaning. PICS, UPDATES

UpdatedPolice & Courts

Man arrested, charged with assault over alleged attack on child

Detectives have arrested a man over the alleged assault of a 12-year-old boy while he was fishing off a Mackay boat ramp. DETAILS

Mackay

Beloved art show dropped after 19 years

The Mackay Show Association has voted to drop the city’s longest running art show in a shock decision — but there’s still hope it will live on with another sponsor. SEE THE FLASHBACK GALLERY.

Mackay

Bauke Hovinga (left) will be contesting the Whitsunday seat in the 2024 Queensland election and Susan Teder (right) will be contesting Mirani. (L-R) Bauke Hovinga, Premier Steven Miles, Mackay candidate Belinda Hassan and Susan Teder. Photo taken on August 17, 2024, where they were officially announced. Picture: Fergus Gregg

Labor picks doctor, social worker for regional Qld seats

One seat is held on a winnable margin by the LNP, the other held tighter by a former One Nation candidate who’s now with the Katters. Will these health workers have the cure for Labor?

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/journalists/paul-brescia