Mornings with John Mackenzie

Today I spoke with Peter Gleeson, Sky News Queensland Editor & News Corp Columnist, about Keith DeLacy speaking out against particular aspects of the Australian Labor Party's modern ideology.

Today I spoke with Cathy Zeiger, CRC Division 3 Councillor, about proposed changes to the speed limit on Toogood Road in Woree.

Today I spoke with Jeff Reibel, CEO of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, about the exciting times as North Queensland will host some big NRL games.

Today I spoke with Lachlan "Locky" Bensted, Councillor for the Mareeba Shire, about the ongoing roadworks on the Kennedy Highway, between Kuranda & Mareeba.

In this week's bonus upload, I spoke with David Littleproud, Minister for Agriculture & Northern Australia and Deputy Leader of the National Party, about several issues facing our wonderful region.

Today I spoke with jane Jordan, Covid-19 Program Nursing Director at Cairns Hospital, about the new vaccination hub to open end of this week at the Cairns Convention Centre.

Today I spoke with Professor Peter Ridd, Independent Scientist & Marine Geophysicist, about a recent JCU report that found coral can adapt to cope with climate changes.

Today I spoke with Cr. Kristy Vallely, CRC Representative for Division 6, about the success of this year's Cairns Festival (formerly known as "Fun in the Sun"). 

Today I spoke with Roderick "Roddy" Rees, Sole Director of Cairns Adventure Group & Raging Thunder Adventures, about an initiative to petition the government to provide support to our industry. Be a part of it!

Today I spoke with Jason Christopher, Pharmacist & Managing Director of Cairns Doctors & Whole Life Pharmacy, about the new vaccination hub at the Cairns Convention Centre.

Today I spoke with Professor Greg Barton, Chair of GLobal Islamic Politics & Terrorism at Deakin University, about the Taliban's recent victory in Afghanistan against President Biden, and their comments about international cricket.

Today I spoke with Mark Olsen, CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ), to get an update on how the tourism industry is progressing during the tough times of Covid-19. 

Today I spoke with Kristy Vallely, Councillor for Division 6 CRC, about the success of the opening weekend of Festival Cairns 2021!

Today I spoke with Christie-Lee Jackson, Manager of Cairns Central Shopping Centre, about the positive future of new shops opening at Cairns' biggest mall.

Today I spoke with Trent Twomey, National President of the Pharmacy Guild Australia, about the vaccination rollout and a passionate plea for government to do more to improve our traffic infrastructure.  

Today I spoke with Mark Perry, CEO of TARGA Australia, about the upcoming Targa event in Cairns, including any updates and changes.

Today I spoke with a caller, Cheryll from Bentley Park, who has a disabled son and was recently a victim of youth crime.

Today I spoke with Layne Gardiner, Board Member of the Queensland Taxi Council & Cairns Taxis and Retired Managing Director of Cairns Taxis, about the mandatory use of QR codes in the Taxi industry. 

Today I spoke with Gayle Allen, Owner of Craves Eatery & Bar, about the Shields Street upgrades and impacts. 

Today I spoke with Michael Healy, Member for Cairns & Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development (Australian Labor Party), about the early easing of lockdown restrictions and ideas for a vax hub in the city.

Today I spoke with Dr. Paul Sparshott, CEO of Advance Cairns, about the jab rollout and the idea of a vaccination passport.

Today I sadly spoke with Michael Trout, Owner of Blazing Saddles Adventures, about his business becoming a Covid-casualty after being forced to sell due to financial hardships.

Today I spoke with Claire Zwick, Owner/Operator of Coral Sea Dreaming Dive & Sail, about the government support needed due to the huge downturn in customer numbers during the pandemic. 

Today I spoke with Kim McCosker, celebrity cook and author of the 4 Ingredients Book, about tougher sentencing needed for juvenile offenders following a recent home invasion and stolen vehicles. 

Today I spoke with Danny Betros, Managing Director of CBRE Cairns, about what new events & ideas could be incorporated into the recently refurbished Cairns Esplanade precinct.

Today I spoke with Jayson Watkin, Owner / Operator of Cape York Experience, who bravely helped to rescue two military soldiers recently attacked by a crocodile near the Lockhart River.

Today I spoke with Dr. Ken Chapman, Chair of Skyrail Rainforest Cableway & FNQ Hospital Foundation & Tourism Tropical North Queensland, about the Queensland State Government's announcement of a $70M financial boost for the Tourism & Hospitality sectors. 

Today I spoke with Dr. Paul Griffin, Director of Infectious Diseases at Mater Health Services, about Cairns' snap lockdown and how to gradually ease restrictions in order to tackle Covid-19.

Today I spoke with Jason Christopher, Pharmacist & Managing Director of Cairns Doctors & Whole Life Pharmacy, about an update on the pharmacy vaccination rollout, including participating locations and low supplies.




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Today I spoke with Councillor Kristy Vallely, Division 6 Cairns Regional Council, about the big, upcoming event: Festival Cairns 2021!

Today I spoke with Kevin Goan, Acting Detective Inspector for the Far North District Crime Group [Queensland Police Service], about new questions being asked in the re-opened cold case of Mossman mother Joanne Butterfield, who went missing in 1998.
If you have any information, contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.

Today I spoke with Jason Christopher, Pharmacist & Managing Director at Cairns Doctors & Whole Life Pharmacy, about the Covid-19 vaccination rollout at local pharmacies. 

Today I spoke with Mark Olsen, CEO of TTNQ (Tourism Tropical North Queensland), to get an update on the latest lockdown in South East Qld and how it is affecting the Far North's tourism industry.

Today I spoke with Danny Betros, Managing Director CBRE, about the recent sale of the famous restaurant Barnacle Bill on the esplanade. We also discussed the crime issue facing the landscaped section of Shield Street in the CBD.

Today I spoke with Janet Hamilton, GM of the Cairns Convention Centre, to get the latest updates regarding the Centre's expansion & refurbishment. 

Today I spoke with Councillor Cathy Zeiger, Cairns Regional Council Div 3 Representative, about the CBD flying fox situation, relocation efforts, community involvement and soaring costs.  

Today I spoke with Mark Perry, CEO of Targa Australia, about their upcoming motorsport event and the need for volunteers.

Today I spoke with Kevin Turner, from Realty Talk at 4BC Radio, about the rental crisis in our region. Kevin also provided tips on how to secure a rental property and spoke with a caller, Paul from White Rock. 

Today I spoke with Gareth Phillips, CEO of the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators, about the recent UNSECO decision not to label the Great Barrier Reef as "In-Danger" and what this means for the local tourism industry.