Productivity has become a bit of a buzzword lately — rolled out in political speeches, budget pressers and corporate strategy days like it’s the magic fix for everything. Apparently, if we can just lift productivity, we can grow the economy, raise wages, and fix a whole lot of things. Easy, right?

But when a politician says they’re going to “increase productivity,” what do they actually mean?

Nostalgic Facebook groups overflow with black-and-white photos—ladies in gloves, strolling the footpaths in their Sunday best. Folks fondly remember cafés with plastic curtains, dances in Catholic halls, the bands that played them, and department stores with chocolate escalators (OK, maybe that one’s just me).

But while we’re busy reminiscing, the City Heart is still here. And it’s changing.

More than just a business event, Small Business Stories was a celebration of people behind the ventures—warts and all—and a reminder of the courage and creativity that fuels our local economy.

The Chamber deliberately chose to showcase homegrown talent, proving that some of the most valuable business insights come from right here in our own backyard.

But while we’re busy reminiscing, the City Heart is still here. And it’s changing.

Eager to understand the interest or continuing participation of local businesses in hosting work experience and school-based apprenticeships, The Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce recently surveyed our business community with an overwhelming 80% of respondents indicating they were interested in hosting students.

Work Experience was once a rite of passage. A much-deliberated week of freedom, a taste of adulthood requiring answers to some momentous questions. What will I wear? Will there be a workplace willing to take me on?  What do I want to be when I grow up?

The Scrunchie Saga
A cautionary tale of creativity, chaos, and the life lessons hidden in small business.

I grew up in the era of "Girls Can Do Anything" bumper stickers.

I don’t remember if there were fancy corporate lunches with keynote speakers and goody bags—maybe there were—but I was in high school. Fighting gender stereotypes was something I did on my lunch break.

The bumper sticker spoke to my battle cry.

QME is kinda like Taylor Swift coming to town?

As Mackay welcomes visitors from all over the world, it is an opportunity for all of us to “work in tourism” and showcase our natural assets, and unique charm.

MIGRATION STRATEGY RELEASE

The Government’s Migration Strategy was released on 11 December 2023 and outlines a new vision for Australia’s migration system

Scam Awarenes week, is empowering consumers to ask… Who’s really there?

Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank held their 2023 AGM announcing a record return to both shareholders and the greater Sarina and Mackay district community.

The unique business model of Community Bank Sarina focusses on profit for purpose, which underpins all their community investment.

"Now more than ever, we need to support and champion our small businesses and celebrate the innovation, diversity, and resilience of the sector."

Dominique Lamb – Small Business Commissioner

The special resolution passed at the AGM in 2023 to extend the term of the management team to two years really enabled the committee to continue its vision to “To build and sustain a thriving business community through strong leadership.”