John Bright elected Member for Kennedy, but died before he took his seat. Notionally served 10 July 1869 – 8 July 1870.
Telegraph line extended from Bowen to Townsville.
Telegraph line had been installed between Townsville and Cardwell.
Gold discovered at Ravenswood.
Prospectors entered the Etheridge area, followed by storekeepers, and by the middle of the year the Gold Commissioner estimated the population at 3000. 1869
Municipality of Mackay established, south from Pioneer River to Racecourse, east from the Lagoons.
December
1 First meeting of the newly formed Mackay Municipal Council. David Hay Dalrymple is the town's first Mayor.