Some Mackay ghost stories might be based on real events. For example, if there was a tragic death in a certain location, over time, stories could develop around it. People's imaginations might add spooky elements to what could have been an ordinary event at first.
While many Mackay ghost stories are likely just tales passed down for entertainment, it's not impossible that some are rooted in real happenings. Maybe there were natural phenomena that were misinterpreted as something supernatural. Or perhaps there were psychological factors at play, where people's fear or superstition led them to believe they saw ghosts. But without solid evidence, it's hard to say for sure if they are based on real events.