REPORT

AWESOME: Superheroes and Anime characters made for a spectacular visual at Caneland Central last weekend as part of a special Starlight for Kids’ fundraiser hosted by Zing Pop Culture. Dozens of fabulous fans donned their finery and were part of the spectacle and there was no shortage of colour, fun or fundraising for those who need it most. Also on show as part of the event were sketches and artworks contributed by members of the local community. Mackay events a big deal

“WE DID IT!”

That’s what the region’s key event and tourism pundits are saying – and rightly so, after we pulled off one of the most successful local music festival events in the face of COVID lockdowns, contingency and widespread uncertainty.

The NQ’s Rock’N Country, held at Mackay Showgrounds at the weekend,

attracted thousands of “people from throughout the region – as well as those who took the chance to travel despite – and possibly in spite of – an ever-changing pandemic situation.

“The fact we were able to pull this off is big for the industry and for the region,” Mackay Tourism Chief Executive Tas Webber said.

“It’s especially good for confidence … the money and resources this takes to make something of this calibre happen is incredible – and the organisers made it happen under trying circumstances.

“It was a huge shot in the arm for the region, but that confidence is just so important – to see what we were able to achieve gives a boost to the region, the community, and everyone associated with the event and tourism sectors.”

The ‘make it happen’ attitude and the demonstration that Plan B could, in fact, still be a solid fallback, was another confidence booster.

“What we saw from this that even though we needed to go to a contingency plan, that Plan B was still a fantastic event and that’s what we (Mackay Tourism) is here to help with.

“No one is on their own with this and we are here to work with all events to make it work and to help develop – and then action – that Plan B.” Mr Webber said events were the “backbone” of the tourism economy because of the ability to showcase the region to visitors who might not otherwise have it on their travel radar.

He said the importance of the sector to attracting new and return visitors further underlined the need for the region to demonstrate – and celebrate – its might in holding events of this scale and calibre.

The weekend saw a series of events being hosted across a variety of age, interest and demographic groups – from the Rainbow event at Queens Park, to the Starlight Kids’ fundraiser at Caneland (pictured, above), to the NQ’s Rock’N Country and sporting events and social activities.

It was these events which Mr Webber said helped boost the events scene in the region and their success was a credit to the hard work of organisers.

“We are in a very fortunate position to be able to host these events and they are so important to everyone involved with them.”

Some of the upcoming events planned for the region include: n Great Northern Clean Up at Half Tide Beach – August 29, 9am – 11am n Mackay Moto-X – August 28-29

We are in a very fortunate position to be able to host these events, they are so important to

our community n Sarina Sugar Shed’s 15th anniversary – September 12, 9am-4pm n Sugar City Powerfest – September 17-19 n Pirtek Motor Show – Sept 11-12 n PCQ Show Jumping – Sept 18-21 n Rumble on the Reef – September 20 – October 04 n Rhythm and the Reef Festival - Oct 2 n Sugar City 1000 – October 2, Palmyra Dragway n WBBL Brisbane Heat – November 19-20, Harrup Park Country Club.

STRUMMIN’ : Sammy White entertains the crowd at NQ’s Rock’n Country.

Briefs Vaxx days

THE Redcliffe Hospital community vaccination centre is hosting ‘special Saturdays’ over the next six weeks to support local First Nations families to get vaccinated. The Moreton Bay Integrated Care Centre based at the Redcliffe Hospital campus will accept walk ins for First Nations people from 10am to 2.30pm. These hours will be extended if there is further demand. The walk-in vaccination clinics will run each Saturday until approximately 25 September 2021. THis will help address the gap in vaccination rates between First Nations people and others.

Dying talk

THE Member for Mirani, Steve Andrew, needs to explain to his constituents why he has ignored overwhelming evidence and voted to block the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021. Dr Sid Finnigan, state convenor of Doctors for Assisted Dying Choice, said as a member of the parliamentary Health Committee, the One Nation MP appeared to have chosen to ignore clear evidence in favour of backing the Bill. “Steve Andrew needs to explain to his voters in Mirani, including the overwhelming number of One Nation supporters who back voluntary assisted dying why he wants to deny them their right to make their own choice if and when they need to,” Dr Finnigan said.

Speedcams

NEW speed camera technology will target speeding drivers in school zones and roadworks across Queensland in a worldfirst road safety initiative. Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government will roll out the Hi-Tech cameras on the back of shocking figures from Queensland’s school zones and roadworks areas. “I don’t want to see another roadworker killed, or someone’s child badly injured on their way to school because of the reckless actions of a speeding driver,” Mr Bailey said. “In just over 12 months to February this year, 1484 drivers were clocked doing more than 20km/h over the speed limit in school zones across Queensland.”

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