CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have inked a groundbreaking five-year partnership with Rugby League Mackay District running through the 2029 rugby league season As an investment in grassroots rugby league in one of the most crucial regions in the North Queensland footprint the Cowboys will provide a significant financial contribution to RLMD to become the naming rights partner for the next five seasons The Cowboys logo will appear on the jerseys of every junior and senior player in RLMD male and female competitions as well as RLMD Foley Shield jerseys The wider Mackay region has produced some of the finest players to don a Cowboys jersey in the club’s 30-year history from Proserpine’s Paul Bowman who debuted in the inaugural 1995 season to 2005 grand finalists Travis Norton and Josh Hannay from Moranbah through to current co-captains – Sarina’s Reuben Cotter and Mackay’s Tom Dearden The agreement with RLMD follows the partnership signed with the Rugby League Townsville District in 2024 Reibel: This is another step forward for rugby league in North Queensland “This agreement means every male and female player in the Mackay District pathway will wear the Cowboys logo from under 6s right through to the NRL and NRLW,” Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel said “RLMD is the first step for young boys and girls in their rugby league journey and this partnership provides a clear pathway from local league in Mackay through to the Mackay Cutters and on to the North Queensland Cowboys “The strength of rugby league in Mackay is clearly evident in our current NRL and NRLW squads with Reuben Cotter and Tom Dearden co-captaining our men’s side and Emma Manzelmann and Jasmine Peters having been two of our standouts over the first two seasons of our female team.” RLMD Chairman Dan Ross said the relationship between RLMD and the Cowboys had helped shape the journeys of Mackay District rugby league players for three decades the North Queensland Cowboys have supported Rugby League in the Mackay District This enduring partnership is a shared passion for the game and a mutual commitment to nurturing local talent here in Mackay,” Ross said “This support has helped shape the journeys of countless players and strengthened the rugby league community We are proud to enter into the new agreement building on this incredible legacy and inspiring the next generation of Mackay’s athletes “The funding provides resources for our junior and senior players helps improve and maintain our local facilities that serve thousands of our local athletes and it ensures that rugby league in our region remains strong inclusive and a pathway for local talent to achieve their dreams.” Mackay Cutters CEO Dave Roberts said the partnership was important for continuing to grow rugby league in the region “This partnership is fantastic news for Mackay and the surrounding region,” Roberts said “Our longstanding relationship with the North Queensland Cowboys has been paramount to both our past success and our bright future “The addition of RLMD to this collaboration reinforces the commitment of all parties to developing rugby league talent in the region “This partnership highlights the importance of our region to the Cowboys and strengthens the pathway from grassroots rugby league to the NRL.” Cowboys 2025 NRL squad analysis - second row Cowboys 2025 NRL squad analysis - middle forwards Local Government and Planning and Minister for Public WorksThe Honourable Meaghan Scanlon The Miles Labor Government is boosting social and affordable housing in Mackay with construction of seven one-bedroom units as part of its record Homes for Queenslanders plan The seven one-bedroom units add to the 74 homes already delivered in the Mackay Whitsunday region Homes for Queenslanders aims to deliver 53,500 social homes across the state as part of a record public and community housing investment The Miles Government is also backing regional renters through the Renters Relief Package to help people to find The Rental Relief Package is funded by $160 million over the next five as a key pillar of Homes for Queenslanders Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles: “We know that to relieve pressure in the housing market we must boost supply “That’s why my government is getting on with the job of building thousands of new homes right around the state “What is just a block of land now will soon be home to seven one-bedroom apartments “We know it’s this kind of housing that we need to build to home single people and older people who are looking to downsize “This frees up larger social homes for families and ensures accommodation is fit for purpose.” Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing Local Government and Planning and Minister for Public Works Meaghan Scanlon: “We’re working hard to build more homes in North Mackay Homes for Queenslanders plan “Our record social and affordable housing Big Build will provide thousands and thousands of homes for families singles and couples while also creating thousands of jobs “We’re also delivering upfront support for people right now including funding for emergency accommodation and more relief packages for renters.” Quotes attributable to State Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert: “I’ve lived in Mackay all my life and I welcome anything that benefits the Mackay region and my fellow Mackayites,” she said in recent years Mackay has been dealing with increasing pressure on households “The development of housing programs aimed at increasing the housing supply in Mackay and surrounding regions is very welcome This latest announcement to fast-track construction of seven apartments in North Mackay is positive news for our community,” she said.  Quotes attributable to Fergus Builders Director Adam Wright: “This project is a great opportunity for Fergus Builders to again work with the Queensland Government and to bring more housing online for Queensland,” he said “We’re happy to contribute to a housing supply to help meet the ever-increasing demand for homes rental properties and social housing in Mackay and surrounding regions.” Anyone who needs housing assistance can contact the Mackay Housing Service Centre on (07) 4862 9500 during business hours or call the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753 Media contact – Francis Dela Cruz 0420 592 078 Please use our complaints and compliments form.