Ready
RAISING money for mental health and suicide prevention is what Fraser Coast Mates does best, and this year’s Business Tennis Challenge is aiming to have fun whilst doing it.
The annual event features both social and competitive divisions, and runs a round-robin style competition for doubles teams.
Trophies will be presented to the Challenge Champions, division winners and runners-up!
The challenge will be held at the Hervey Bay & District Tennis Association courts, in Colyton Street, Torquay and kicks off at 5pm on Friday March 14.
Teams can have up to fours players, and cost $180 per group to compete.
Fraser Coast Mates Maryborough committee member Craig Winter said that the night for him is about smashing Hervey Bay businesses out of the park.
“Don’t be afraid of a 20 minute drive,” he said.
“Get along to Torquay and take the trophy home to Maryborough!”
The night is a great combination of lighthearted rivalry and fundraising.
Best dressed teams are awarded, and the Fraser Coast benefits from the programs run by the group.
See page 13 for details.
Drugs seized in police operation
JAY FIELDING
MORE than a kilogram of meth and $45,000 in cash were seized by police targeting a drug-trafficking operation on the Fraser Coast.
Officers from Maryborough Criminal Investigation Branch and Wide Bay Tactical Crime Squad raided two properties, one in Maryborough and the other in Hervey Bay, on December 29.
Police allege they found 1.3kg of methamphetamine, three firearms, $45,000 cash and other property relating to drug and weapons offences.
A 32-year-old Scarness man was charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs, two counts of unlawful possession of weapons, two counts possessing explosives, and one count each of trafficking in dangerous drugs, receiving tainted property, possessing drug utensils, possessing medicines or hazardous poisons, and contravening an order about information necessary to access
information stored electronically.
He was remanded in custody and is due to appear in Maryborough Magistrates Court on March 18.
A 25-year-old Maryborough woman was charged with one count each of possession of a dangerous drug and possession of drug utensils.
She is due to appear in Maryborough Magistrates Court on February 4.
A 28-year-old Petrie man was charged with one count each of possession of a dangerous drug and obstructing police.
He is due to appear in Hervey Bay Magistrates Court on January 30.
A police spokesperson said investigations were ongoing with further arrests and charges were expected.
Maryborough CIB officerin-charge Detective
Senior Sergeant Michael Polit said the arrests resulted in significant disruption to firearm offences and the supply of dangerous drugs in Wide Bay.
“Wide Bay Burnett district police will continue to target illegal firearms and drug trade and those who prey on the vulnerable in our community,” Det Snr Sgt Polit said.
“The Queensland Police Service will continue to detect, deter and disrupt drug trafficking and supply within our community.”
Local jobseekers gain a great initiative
AN INITIATIVE by Skilling Queenslanders for Work, is expected to reach more than 100,000 Queenslanders supported shortly, says local MP John Barounis.
SQW assists disadvantaged job seekers to gain skills, qualifications and experience to get a job or remain in the workforce.
Job seekers undertake accredited training across a range of priority industries – including construction, primary industries, community services and hospitality – while receiving wraparound support to help them complete training and find a job.
In the second Skilling Queenslanders for Work funding round for 2024-25, more than 100 organisations are set to receive grants, including locals:
• Community Solutions Group Ltd
• Maryborough Aboriginal Corporation For Housing And Cultural Development
• Skill Centred Queensland Inc
• Skill Centred Queensland Inc.
Member for Maryborough,
John Barounis MP said that is is fantastic news for our community.
“Community-based employment organisations have secured substantial funding through the “Skilling Queenslanders for Work” programme.
“This initiative empowers our community by providing life-changing opportunities, equipping job seekers with the skills and support they need to excel in vital industries.” he said.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said Skilling Queenslanders for Work provided enhanced support for disadvantaged job seekers, including accessing training, to gain employment in
critical industries.
“In this round of Skilling Queenslanders for Work, $49.7 million in funding will help even more Queenslanders to obtain a qualification, thanks to trusted communitybased organisations like yourtown, Multicultural Australia, Carers Queensland Limited, and Skill360 Australia Limited,” Minister Bates said.
“Importantly, these organisations also provide real, practical assistance to job seekers, which can include mentoring, employability skills, and transport assistance.
For more information on SQW, please visit www.qld.gov.au/ skillingqueenslanders
TIARO BYPASS
Like so many people
I welcome the announcement by the Prime Minister for the increased funding for the Bruce Highway, but most importantly the return to 80/20 funding, as it had been.
Everyone should be aware that this 80/20 announcement is only for the funding for the Bruce Highway project which was announced on 6.1.25.
There is such a desperate need for funding in a lot of areas, but don’t be mistaken, I am in there
LETTERS
with my hand held as high as it can go for funding for the Tiaro Bypass or as T.M.R. calls it (T.F.I.U – Tiaro Flood Immunity Upgrade.)
This is a notorious stretch of road along with the need for the upgrade to four lanes from Curra to Maryborough.
A working group for the Tiaro by-pass has been consulting with TMR for over four years now, a lot of work/planning has been done, now is the time to put the bulldozer in the ground and get this by pass under way.
Minister, hear my plea!!!
- Linda Harris OAM
ADULT
CRIME, ADULT TIME
As catchy as the slogan, “Adult Crime, Adult Time” is, it does not reflect the complicity of the problem we are facing.
The situation we find ourselves in now is a result of services such as policing, nursing teaching, and child care becoming commodities, rather than services.
Successive governments have failed to address and properly fund these
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essentials of our society.
Our child welfare workers are under particularly onerous burdens as they struggle to find foster homes for those children who are living in an unsafe environment.
Tens of thousands of children are living in motels or similar accommodation, with one worker caring for any number.
In this atmosphere these children know nothing of the love, care and discipline that all children need to grow into responsible citizens.
The complex combination of violence in the media and games played by our young people, coupled with parents struggling to know how to parent, has led to the situation we now see, with daily acts of
violence occurring.
Stop for a minute and imagine having no one in your life to guide and love you, teach and nurture you.
If you’ve lived with violence in the home, you think that is the norm.
I am in no way defending these crimes – they are as abhorrent to me as they are to most people, but we must ask “How did we get to this place in our beautiful country?”
According to statistics, 55% of adults who serve time reoffend and are back in prison for new offences.
Our jails are overcrowded and don’t offer enough courses to try and enable those in prison to learn work and life skills.
MARYBOROUGH
So really “Adult Crime, Adult Time” is just an empty phrase, if it’s not backed by significant resources being committed to the root causes.
And it seems no government of any persuasion is prepared to bite the bullet and do this, as it’s not really glamorous.
Neither can it be boasted about in the lead up to the next election, and so we continue on our blind way, tutting over the state of the nation.
- Ann Morris
We welcome Letters to the Editor but cannot guarantee that they'll all be published.
We may sometimes edit them to fit, provided we can do so without detracting from the author's intended message.
editorial@marysun.com.au
RESTAURANT & CAFE
Jamboree an inspiration
From Fraser Coast Mayor GEORGE SEYMOUR
THE HOSTING of the Scouts Jamboree here in Maryborough earlier this month was a great way to start the new year.
I would be surprised if anyone in Maryborough failed to notice one of the thousands of scouts and their leaders who came to Maryborough from right across Australia and the world.
It was wonderful to see them exploring our region and having a great time.
Being in scouts is a great activity for young people; they gain skills, build resilience, explore interests and make friends.
The experiences and challenges they are undertaking are so beneficial to them; helping to build character and develop into good citizens.
We can all take inspiration from this.
Taking on challenges and focusing on personal
growth is not just for young scouts.
As adults we should look for ways to become involved in the community around us and to expand our horizons.
The first Chief Scout Lord Baden-Powell articulated very clearly how scouts fit into society:
“I have over and over again explained that the purpose of the Boy Scout and Girl Guide Movement is to build men and women as citizens endowed with
the three H’s namely, Health, Happiness and Helpfulness.
The man or woman who succeeds in developing these three attributes has secured the main steps to success in this life.”
The start of the new year, 2025, is the ideal time to think about how we can all incorporate some of the scouts’ philosophy into our own lives to be healthier, happier and more helpful.
Jamboree auction raises $100,000
LAST Sunday’s Scout Auction saw over 4,500 people and around 1,000 bidders purchase everything from pool noodles to washing machines in the winddown from the recent Jamboree attended by 11,000 Scouts and entourage.
Winter Auctions donated 100% of the commissions back to the Scouts, and 0% buyers premium to the customers, amounting to around $30,000.
A spokesperson for the local auction company said that staff worked their way through the
weekend without pay, and thanked the “amazing” Scout volunteers (Pinkies), forklift drivers and security staff who helped funnel the huge number of people and trucks through the process.
The on-site administration and accounts team were constantly inundated for ten hours solid and Mr Winter called his way through the auction lots for three and a half hours.
“This was a challenging auction due to lots being changed at the last minute, the result of the Jamboree only having just finished and the Scouts not
really knowing what was to be sold until the very end.” they said.
“Thanks everyone for your patience and understanding as we worked our way through this huge event, and supporting us in giving the Scouts this sale.”
Pallets of food were donated to Food Bank and other local charities, and many Scout Troops benefited from the sale of left over items.
Much of the Jamboree was self-funded, and the proceeds from the auction will assist future events.
Ready for Marvellous?
Mayor George with some of our Scouting visitors last week. (Supplied)
Scouts create an economic boom for Maryborough
CRAIG WINTER
AS TEN thousand Scouts and their entourage pack up and leave Maryborough, locals are appreciating both the economic and moraleboosting benefits of hosting them.
The Fraser Coast is an ideal location for such events, given the mix of rural and seaside environments for them to explore, learn and enjoy.
They flocked to local attractions like the museum and Gallipoli to Armistice Memorial, they learned about our region, visited K’Gari and
adventured up the Mary River.
When not otherwise involved in organised activities, thousands of Scouts tramped daily around our city spending money and helping - not just your stereotypical old ladies - but anyone who needed it.
A more respectful and cheery lot would be a rare find.
Local community groups also reaped the benefits.
Rotary Club volunteers handed out thousands of burgers, hotdogs and drinks every day, creating
a financial windfall which will be distributed locally through their community programs.
We all benefit.
Conservative estimates put $9-10 million dollars into the region according to Camp Chief Geoff Doo.
“And that is just the direct spending,” he said.
“The indirect spending will continue to flow as Fraser Coast businesses continue to benefit from this initial spending.”
Very few Scouts failed to visit Land of Sweets in Kent Street.
“Scouts should be compulsory,” owner Lita laughed.
“These youths have embodied respectfulness, generosity and honesty.”
“They have been absolutely brilliant customers, and we have had the best ten days.
“Every day we sold hundreds of kilos of lollies,” she added.
Nearby Another Life Antiques was also kept busy during the week selling their unique Maryborough souvenirs and - of all thingswalking sticks.
Rotary Club of Maryborough City volunteers take a well-earned break for a photo opportunity during AJ2025. (Craig Winter)
Photo: AJ2025 Media
Attempted murder amongst charges laid
JAY FIELDING
POLICE have recovered a 3D-printed gun allegedly used by an assailant to shoot a man in the head before escaping on an e-scooter in Maryborough.
A 45-year-old man appeared in Maryborough Magistrates Court on Monday charged with attempted murder.
His case was adjourned until March.
The alleged victim, a 43-year-old man, was found with a lifethreatening gunshot wound to the face on Fort St on January 13 after a neighbour rang Triple-0.
He was taken to Hervey Bay Hospital.
A police spokesperson said the gunman allegedly fled the scene on an electric scooter.
Five days later, a 45-year-old man was arrested after being found riding an e-scooter on Churchill Street.
Police then searched a business on Adelaide Street where they allegedly found a 3D-printed gun, ammunition and methamphetamine.
A Maryborough man in his 50s at the premises was charged with multiple offences as a result, including one count of possessing a weapon.
He also appeared in court on Monday and his case was adjourned until next month.
How to celebrate Australia Day
JAY FIELDING
LOCALS are gearing up to celebrate a huge Australia Day after New Year’s Eve celebrations were rained out in Maryborough.
The Australia Day Community Breakfast and Games event will be held at Queens Park near the Rotunda from 7am to 11am on Sunday.
The event, hosted by the Rotary Club of Maryborough-Sunrise, will start with a free bacon and egg burger breakfast from 7am.
Traditional games of sack races, thong throwing and three-legged race, as well as live entertainment from John Vea Vea, will begin at 8am.
Following that, a Celebrity Dummy Spit will be held at 9am.
At 9.30am, the national anthem will be played during a flag-raising ceremony by Fraser District Scouts.
HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY
From there, the day will continue with the Great Sandy Strait Australia Day Celebration and Concert being held at Maaroom Community Hall from 9am to 11.30am.
The event will include games, face-painting, a thong-throwing competition, market stalls and live music from the Lance Friend Band and Dirt & Diesel.
A highlight of the morning will be an Aussie barbecue complete with billy tea, damper and syrup.
Down the road at Poona, the fun will continue at Australia Day Celebrations featuring games, activities, competitions and food.
A line-up of live music is scheduled, with Maryborough Ukulele Group at 11am, the Local Vocals at 1.30pm and Still Rocking at 3pm.
The event, hosted by the Poona Community Association, is being held
Celebrations in Maryborough will also include a make-up event after the city’s annual New Year’s Eve Family Fun Fair had to be called off due to wet weather.
Festivities at the
There will be free amusements including
The event will conclude with a fireworks display at 9pm.
at Poona Centenary Hall, Snapper Drive.
Maryborough Cricket Club on Ariadne Street will run from 5pm to 9pm.
jumping castles, live music and food vans.
Historic pier works to begin
Significant restoration work on the Urangan Pier will begin later this month to keep the iconic local landmark safe and accessible for the community.
Fraser Coast Regional Councillor Zane O’Keefe said regular inspections showed that parts of the pier were deteriorating and needed repairs.
“The Urangan Pier has been part of the Fraser Coast community for more than 100 years,” he said.
“It was originally built to ship sugar, coal and timber from the Fraser Coast to the world. In the 1980s, when the pier faced demolition, passionate locals rallied to save it, ensuring 868 metres of its structure were preserved.
“These restoration works
will ensure the pier remains safe and extend its life so it can continue to be enjoyed for fishing, walking and sightseeing for many years to come.”
Timber Restoration Services will carry out the restoration works between 28 January and 4 April, weather and construction conditions permitting.
“Sections of the pier will need to be temporarily closed during the works, and signs will be installed to keep the community informed,” Cr O’Keefe said.
“The repairs will include replacing or reinforcing damaged timber, installing new railings and kerbs, restoring historical features and repainting. Measures will also be taken to protect the marine environment
during the works.
“To minimise disruption, the repairs are planned outside school holidays. If delays occur, the pier will fully reopen for the Easter holidays, with works resuming on 23 April.”
Cr O’Keefe said the $1 million project was being supported through the State Government Works for Queensland program.
“Regular maintenance of the pier lighting is ongoing to ensure its functionality. Given the challenges posed by the harsh coastal environment, Council is exploring options for a replacement lighting system to be included in future capital budgets.
“We understand the temporary closure of sections of the pier may cause inconvenience, but
the short-term disruption will ensure this iconic pier remains safe and accessible for generations to come,” he said.
Cr O’Keefe said the $1 million project was developed with the
support of the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program.
Minister for Local Government and Water
Ann Leahy said “Ask any local and they’ll tell you that a visit to Hervey Bay is not complete without a stroll down the historic Urangan Pier.
“We’re delighted to work closely with Council to ensure this landmark can be enjoyed by locals well into the future.”
Million dollar makeover for Howard streets
A MILLION-dollar makeover is starting on one of Howard’s main streets, while more than 80 roads across the Fraser Coast are set to be resurfaced to make them safer and smoother.
Fraser Coast Regional
Council Roads spokesperson Cr Denis Chapman said William Street in Howard would get a fresh asphalt surface.
“William Street connects Howard to the Bruce Highway and is home to the school, police station,
and many local shops,” Cr Chapman said.
“The road has seen a lot of wear and tear, so this work is important to keep it in good condition.
“Traffic management will be in place, with lane closures, detours, and a full closure of the William Street and Steley Street intersection during part of the work. We thank everyone for their patience while this project is underway.”
A $3.1 million bitumen resealing program will also improve roads in Maryborough, Hervey Bay, and smaller communities like Burrum Heads, Torbanlea, Toogoom, and Bauple.
“Council manages about 2,700 kilometres of roads and footpaths across the Fraser Coast,” Cr Chapman said.
“This financial year, we are investing $103 million in roads, footpaths,
bridges, drainage, and coastal protection.
Resealing is a costeffective way to make roads smoother, stronger, and longer-lasting.
“This process involves adding a new layer of bitumen and stones to protect the road and extend its life by 8 to 14 years, depending on traffic.”
Residents near affected streets will receive a letter before work starts.
The full list of the 84 streets included in the resealing program is available on Council’s website at www. frasercoast.qld.gov.au/ road-works
Work on both projects will begin this week.
The William Street upgrade is expected to take a few weeks, while the resealing program should be finished by March, weather permitting.
Help shape the future of Fraser Coast waste management Local timber helps ease housing availability
RESIDENTS are being invited to have their say on the future of waste management.
Council Waste spokesperson, Cr Zane O’Keefe, said Council was reviewing its 10year waste strategy at its halfway point to ensure it remained effective.
“The Fraser Coast Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy 2019–2029 provides a practical road map for managing solid waste in our region. It focuses on boosting recycling and resource recovery while reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill,” he said.
“As part of this review, we’re asking important questions like: Are we recycling enough? Do we have the right infrastructure in place? Is there enough education about waste management?
“By working together, we can improve recycling rates, reduce
landfill waste, and recover more resources to create a cleaner and greener Fraser Coast.”
Council is particularly seeking community feedback on the six key themes in the strategy:
• Planning future waste infrastructure
• Maximising resource recovery from kerbside bins
• Improving waste diversion from landfill
• Operational efficiency
• K’gari waste management
• Waste education
Local residents can share their thoughts by completing an online survey on Council’s Engagement Hub websitehttps://frasercoast. engagementhub.com. au/fcrc-waste-strategyreview
Council staff will be available at the Rotary Maryborough Markets on January 23.
The survey is open until 16 February.
THE RISE of increasingly sought after, timber framed lifestyle dwellings is helping to free up housing stock across Australia according to Hyne Timber.
In the Fraser Coast, Hyne framing is being used for almost 800 new lifestyle dwellings being built by Brighton Homes alone.
Typically, over 50s homeowners sell their home to move into a ‘right size’ lifestyle village without a mortgage –thereby freeing up housing stock for next generations.
According to the 2021 ABS Census, 250,000 Australians reside in retirement communities which is a 23% increase from the 2016 data. This number is expected to exponentially grow with our aging population and 458 operators of retirement communities across the country.
According to the Retirement Living Council ‘Better Housing for Better Health’ report, the current pipeline of retirement communities will reduce
the housing shortage by 18%. Further growth of this pipeline to meet the ongoing demand, could further reduce Australia’s housing shortage by 67% by 2030.
Brighton Homes Business Development Manager, Patrick Cumner, said their own pipeline for retirement villages will deliver almost 12,000 dwellings across Queensland in the next few years.
“These centrally located villages can have hundreds of low maintenance dwellings along with the popular, shared facilities, services and social programs which make these communities,” he said.
“For the most part, homeowners do not own the village land on which their home sits, and therefore, by law, the home must be relocatable.
“This type of construction lends itself to timber while also delivering the many user friendly and environmental benefits our locally grown
timber provides.
James Hyne, Stakeholder Engagement Manager for the Hyne Group said this is a great step in the right direction for housing availability,
“With the housing and land availability challenges here in Australia, this type of lifestyle model is contributing positively to our communities in many ways.
“Not only are these lifestyle villages in hot demand, but they’re also being largely built using timber for a range of benefits including the ability to relocate them, quieter buildings, locally grown, locally manufactured and locally
processed into frames and trusses at companies such as Brett’s Timber and Hardware and CQ Building Supplies.
“From a pine seedling to a new home, thousands of local jobs make up these dwellings, further supporting our regional economy.”
With an estimated 3,500m3 of timber to be used for the three Hervey Bay lifestyle villages, this volume of structural graded, softwood plantation pine will have regrown across the Australian softwood plantation estate in just 10 hours.
“Construction doesn’t get more renewable than that!”
Scan here for a FREE Roof and Solar
Brighton Home’s Patrick Cumner, James Hyne and the Ingenia team. (Supplied)
The people have choosen Waste to Art winners
THE People’s Choice Award winners for the Waste to Art Competition have been announced, celebrating creativity, sustainability, and innovative recycling.
Fraser Coast Regional Mayor George Seymour said a record breaking 151 artworks were created for the exhibition which launched in November 2024 and has now wrapped up with the winners of the People’s Choice being announced.
The Junior Exhibition People’s Choice winner is Joni Cobbin for her entry Black Friday’s Dress, earning her a $150 prize.
“This incredible dress was crafted from garbage bags, fruit bags, egg cartons, milk bottles, wool, ice cream sticks, and toilet rolls,” Cr Seymour said.
The Senior Exhibition People’s Choice winner is Ruthie Purnell for her artwork The Princess and the Mask, winning $300.
“This stunning dress, made from pink masks, represents the aftermath of COVID-19 and the
silent pandemic of waste that followed,” Cr Seymour said.
“Approximately 1,000 disposable face masks from the Reuse and Recycle Centre in Hervey Bay were used to create the piece, along with lolly wrappers from Wide Bay Sweets, milk bottles, and reclaimed beads.
The Waste to Art Exhibition, held at Gatakers Artspace in Maryborough since November, attracted 1,374 visitors – up from 1,185 in 2023 – with over 400 people casting votes for their favorite artworks.
“The exhibition grows in popularity each year, challenging perceptions of waste while encouraging innovative recycling and creative reuse of unwanted materials,” Cr Seymour said.
(Top) Senior Exhibition People’s Choice winner Ruthie Purnell’s amazing ‘The Princess and the Mask’ entry and Junior Exhibition People’s Choice Joni Cobbin’s creative ‘Black Friday’s Dress’ and (right) handed their awards by Mayor George Seymour. (FCRC)
Museum looks forward to renovations
THE Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum will be closed until ANZAC Day whilst it undergoes some major renovations.
Chairman of the Museum Greig Bolderrow said that works will include disability friendly lift and toilets, along with a new Gallipoli Room.
“Visitors will enjoy updated facilities when we reopen in April.” he said.
The Museum is regarded as one of the best in Australia, with a collection of militaria second only to the War Memorial in Canberra. Thousands of visitors come to Maryborough each year just to
experience it’s vast collection, including the famous Victoria Cross of Lieutenant (T / Captain) Herbert James VC MC for his valor at Gallipoli.
“During an attack, he rode forward when the situation was obscure under heavy fire, and brought back most valuable information.
“He then re-organised and led forward parties of men from other units and skilfully formed a defensive flank where a gap had occurred, exposing himself for many hours to a very heavy fire. By his gallantry, coolness, and utter disregard of personal safety, he set a splendid example to all ranks.”
The subtle art of tackling New Year’s resolutions...and keeping them
WITH the New Year now in full swing, many of us will have begun to focus on chipping away at our New Year’s resolutions for Asia’s Year of the Snake.
Whether the goal is to get more exercise, party less, be more productive, overcome a fear, learn new skills, or something else, the tricky part starts now - getting them done.
To help make 2025 the year that your goals are met, Toastmasters has seven nifty tips that will help accomplish your resolutions.
Remember, it is okay to refine your resolutions, especially if your realworld circumstances have changed.
Toastmasters have an easy guide to New Year resolutions:
1. Be realistic. Having “to the moon” goals are commendable, but it’s important to make
sure they are realistic, or you may end up feeling frustrated that they are too difficult to achieve. Reassess what goals are realistic and what are impossible.
2. Be specific. Confirm concrete goals. For example, if your resolution was losing weight, gaining strength or running more, refine it to focus on a specific goal you can commit to, like losing a certain number of kilos or being able to lift a certain amount of weight, or being able to complete a five-kilometre run by a specific date.
3. Start small. Once again, be realistic and honest with yourself. Start with a goal that is easy to achieve, allowing you to build momentum in a short time to gain a sense of accomplishment.
For longer, more difficult jobs, break it down with milestones, keep the resolutions specific and time-bound.
4. Plan ahead. Set rough dates (like the last week of November) for milestones or ideal completion. Do not just set an end date, give yourself micro-wins to help confidence.
This means setting milestones, so if your plan is to run a marathon by November, then start small with a plan to complete a 2km run then 5km, then 10km.
5. Keep a list visible and check on them regularly.
Writing your goals down makes them tangible. Checking back on your resolutions and goals often will help keep you on track to meet them.
6. Hold yourself accountable.
Sharing your goals and experiences with family and friends will help keep you focused on meeting your objectives. Some people have also
found that having an accountability partner helps them stay on track.
7. Celebrate your successes.
Your confidence will grow with each goal you achieve. Keep working on your list and stay positive.
“Crafting new personal challenges to begin the new year with the goal of bettering ourselves is an empowering tradition and a great way for us to really improve ourselves for the future ahead. If you have not done so already, it’s never too late,” says Alex Smith of Toastmasters.
Toastmasters is a nonprofit educational organisation that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs.
In Queensland alone, there are hundreds of clubs operating across the state, offering individuals
the opportunity to develop crucial communication skills in a supportive environment.
“We’ve seen many locals gain confidence and charisma after just a few months.
“With the start of the new year it’s a chance to break the mold and
do something new, to challenge yourself, and to get better at something, be bolder! There’s never been a better time to join Toastmasters than today.”
To find a local Toastmasters club where you can develop or improve your presentation skills, visit www. toastmasters.org/fi nd
The Long and Winding Road - how far along did we get?
From the Fraser Coast Branch of WILDLIFE QUEENSLAND
DAVID ARTHUR
WHEN I started writing about the long and winding road to understanding the science of climate in 2022, I summarised what people said to me about climate change.
“It’s not happening”, say some people, “climate is changing, climate has always changed”, say others.
Often I’m told that it’s a cycle, that climate will change back soon enough, and some people will say that the world has just come out of the Little Ice Age, that all this is perfectly normal.
From his armchair and with all the wisdom and dignity of maturity, my (now-deceased) octogenarian uncle told me that according to eminent experts it’s all a scare campaign, and my lifelong friend, a sinceretired businessman told me he’s never had the time to think about it; he just expects the politicians for whom we all vote to do their jobs by listening to experts and deciding on best policy.
It’s almost as though people don’t even want to know about the scientific discoveries behind our understanding of how earth’s climate works - so I wrote about the discoveries of Joseph Fourier, Eunice Foote, John Tyndall and Svante Arrhenius, the four
19th Century scientists who between them explain how greenhouse gases regulate temperatures at the earth’s surface.
Joseph Fourier was the engineer in Napoleon’s army who worked out in the 1820s that if the earth had no atmosphere, its surface temperature would be on average about 33 degrees Celsius colder than it is.
Eunice Foote was the American woman who suggested in the early 1850s that the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere keeps the earth warmer than if there were no greenhouse gases, and John Tyndall was the Irish physicist who in the late 1850s, explained that greenhouse gases such
as carbon dioxide, water vapour and methane keep the surface warm by slowing the dissipation of infrared energy back to space.
In the 1890s Swedish physical chemist Svante Arrhenius calculated that if atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration were to double, then earth’s average temperature would increase by about 4 degrees Celsius.
After the Little Ice Age of the 17th and 18th centuries had caused such misery in Europe before 19th century coal-burning expanded Europe’s wealth, Arrhenius hoped that humanity could stave off the next Ice Age that was expected by burning enough coal.
The ever-worsening summer heatwaves we and our descendants must endure are entirely consistent with the results of these nineteenth century scientists, thanks to whom we know the heatwaves are the consequences of continuing to burn coal, oil and fossil gas.
Previously, I also wrote
about how droughts in the Murray-Darling, and floods around here in the Mary, are related to the changes in the earth’s climate that our continued burning of fossil fuels are exacerbating, and now I have asked to write about the 2009 misrepresentation of personal communications between scientists now known as “Climategate”.
Fizz’n’Enzo are home-hoping
From the MARYBOROUGH
ANIMAL REFUGE
PEPPERMINT FIZZ
Age: 24/10/2024
Breed: DSH
Gender: Male Colour: White & Grey
This charming fellow is sure to capture your heart with his cuddly nature.
Peppermint Fizz has a perfect balance of playfulness and companionship.
He loves getting patted, enjoys his nap time, and is very friendly to everyone he meets.
His adorable nature is sure to keep you entertained as he pounces through your home, making each day brighter with his presence.
Peppermint Fizz is all set for his new beginning with you.
His adoption fee covers all the necessary vet work, ensuring he transitions smoothly into his new environment.
Your adoption will include his microchipping, desexing, current F3 vaccinations, and up-to-date flea and worm treatments.
Peppermint Fizz is ready to become a cherished member of a loving family.
If you’re ready for a new companion and lifelong friend, Peppermint Fizz is eagerly waiting to meet you and join you for this journey!
Peppermint Fizz’s adoption fee is $250.00 ENZO
No one wants to spend their birthday in a cage!
Enzo is just about to turn 2 years old and this will be his SECOND birthday in a pen!
Poor Enzo has been passed from rescue to rescue and has now spent the last 142 days in our care with no luck at finding a family.
This handsome boy deserves more, than to live his life in a rescue. He deserves to find a home where he will be loved and cherished.
Enzo has the most beautiful nature and loves to be around his humans.
He loves to go on adventures, explore, do zoomies, relax in the aircon, play with toys and other dogs.
Enzo needs someone to just give him a chance to see how amazing he really is.
NOT to judge him behind the pen, but to actually spend time with him and get to know him!
His adoption fee has been reduced to $200.00; this adoption fee does not reflect the incredible dog Enzo is, it is to help him find a loving home!
The following vet work has been completed.
- Desexed
- Microchipped
- Flea’d
- Wormed
- Health checked.
- Current C5 vaccination.
- Council registration in Fraser coast region.
To help the shelter find better lives for the region’s homeless animals, you can donate toys, bedding and food, make a regular donation through Paypal, make a one-off direct deposit, become a financial member, leave a parting gift through your will or become a business sponsor.
You can also volunteer some of your time to help.
Go to www.mbanimalrefuge. com.au/how-to-help for more information.
COMMUNITY & THE ARTS
What’s on in local arts
Maryborough Regional Art Society Gallery
282 Kent Street, Maryborough
JANUARY 6 to 30
Annual Christmas Sale: massive super sale featuring creations by local artists, sculptors and jewellery makers.
Jinx Gallery 92 Ellena Street, Maryborough
A gallery concentrating on repurposing and assemblage.
Tuesday to Friday 9am - 5.30pm and Saturdays 9am - 12pm.
Art classes for adults and teens and paint parties on request.
Contact Nora on 0404 204 361
Hervey Bay Regional Gallery Exhibitions until 16 Feb
• Picturing the End
• Mia Boe: Guwinganj
Hervey Bay Regional Gallery Exhibition throughout 2025
• National Interests: Australian Art in the 20th Century
Gatakers Artspace Exhibitions 10 January – 23 February
• A Journey, with no destination: Pamela Bristow
• Neapolitan Ice-cream / Exploding Crocodile: Wilhelmus Breikers
• Over the fence: Geoffrey Head
• The Studio: Valerie McIntosh
Exhibition Opening, Friday 10 January - 6:00pm, Gatakers Artspace Gallery
The Essence of Trees: Kathi Passmore
10 January – 9 February, Gatakers Artspace Studio
Artist in Residence: Kathi Passmore
15 – 25 January, Gatakers Artspace Studio
‘The Essence of Trees’ Workshop with Kathi Passmore
Saturday, 18th January 2025 - 10:00am, Gatakers Artspace
Film Screening: Long Weekend (1978)
Saturday 25 January - 2:00pm, Hervey Bay Regional Gallery
Find out more and get tickets at OurFraserCoast.com.au
FOR Kids BY Kids
Hello Maryborough!
Hello Maryborough!
I’m Phoebe Lee and I’m thirteen years old. The For Kids by Kids column discusses topics and activities from kids’ and teenagers’ points of view.
A brand new book shop filled with Maryborough charm has found its way to our city, with many surprises in store.
From reading to community to a good old game of chess, there’s activities for all ages at Number Seventeen, ‘More than a bookstore.’
“Number Seventeen is named in recognition of Maryborough’s most famous author and writer, P.L Travers, who was born in our lovely historic town and wrote the famous Mary Poppins books.
The Banks family [the main protagonists of Mary Poppins] lived at Number Seventeen Cherry Tree Lane,” said Debbie, owner of Number Seventeen.
“I’ve always loved books and I love vintage as well, so I decided to combine them to make my shop.”
The shop, currently holding approximately fifteen thousand books, includes many activities for young and old, with 2nd hand, vintage, collectible and some signed, special edition books.
While you read, you may want to enjoy a hot drink and sweet treat at Number Seventeen’s cafe, with a menu soon to expand.
In addition to this large selection, the shop contains records, cds, comics and other vintage items.
“Soon, there will be a board game [area] opening with trading cards and games.
The final part of the shop will be a High Tea area.” Debbie explained.
The cozy atmosphere of the shop makes for a classic reading experience,
with Phoebe Lee MARYBOROUGH SUN SUPER-CUB REPORTER
something that is becoming rarer and rarer as time goes on.
“I love almost all books, but if I had to pick one that stayed with me the most and brought about my love of books and reading, it would be ‘The Magic Faraway Tree’ by Enid Blyton.” Debbie said.
At present, the shop is only open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from nine am to four pm, with hours increasing in due time.
They are also open to buying books.
For more information, visit the Number Seventeen website at
I would like to send a big thank you to Debbie Clarke, for providing the information that made this article possible.
Number Seventeen is truly a fantastic addition to Maryborough, sure to inspire a love of reading and having fun for young and old.
What’s your favourite book? Did you enjoy this article?
If you enjoyed reading, and want to share your article idea for the For Kids by Kids column, please email marysun. phoebelee@gmail.com.
Swamp
Bushy Tales
Insanity Streak
A new year with new opportunities
From Canegrowers
Chairman OWEN MENKENS
CHRISTMAS may have come and gone, however in some districts the holiday season didn’t quite live up to its name, with harvesters still out in the paddocks cutting sugarcane.
This is deeply concerning for growers.
When the wet weather sets in, farmers and harvesting crews are forced to push and pull machinery through muddy paddocks. But rain is not the only problem.
In many regions, mill performance remains a major obstacle preventing growers from completing their harvest.
Late ratoons and harvesting in wet conditions ultimately reduce cane production, impacting growers, millers, and local communities.
The costs of standover cane and lower CCS levels are borne directly by growers, who rely on the crush being completed in a timely manner.
Mills understand that longer crushing seasons inevitably reduce cane availability in the long term, so why do some regions continually experience these extended seasons?
Mills are highly technical operations that require skilled, dedicated personnel and regular capital investment to maintain efficiency and reliability.
Mary mangroves
LINDSAY TITMARSH
THE Mary River of south-east Queensland is the home to ten species of mangroves.
Environmental experts claim that they are in pristine condition and that the population is increasing at a rapid rate.
It can be proven that there are massively more mangroves in the Mary River than what was here prior to European settlement.
Why then are these trees allowed to smother the riverbank in the vicinity of the Botanical Gardens and the Brolga Theatre, when historical photos prove that ‘back in the day’ there were scarcely any there?
Workforce shortages have been a significant issue, surprisingly, as our industry offers a lifestyle advantage, therefore we must work together as an industry to promote ourselves as a cutting-edge area to work in.
As growers it is hard to influence mill performance it comes down to management decisions made within these large international companies.
These companies need to realise the effectiveness of the mills filters through to the whole community.
CANEGROWERS has completed an analysis of the collective performance of all mills from last year and are working with partners across the industry to find solutions.
Moving forward, we hope to improve mill performance for the long-term viability of our industry.
2024 was a busy year and it’s a good to take stock and review what we have learned from the year just gone before making plans for the year ahead.
We have tremendous potential opportunities with a booming bioeconomy seeking dependable feedstock, and the global sugar market wants our high quality, sustainably produced and reliably delivered sugar.
Our industry is ever resilient, and we look forward to a better year, for everyone in the industry.
Of the ten species of mangroves in the river, only two reproduce from seed.
The others drop propagules, which are one step in life ahead of seed.
When it drops from the parent tree, a propagule has two leaves ready to emerge, as well as root buds on the bottom.
If successful in establishing itself in the mud, the propagule will form the trunk of a future tree.
The largest propagules in the Mary-Susan Estuary are from the Stilt Mangrove.
These grow to a length of well over one foot (300 mm +) and come in a
beautiful array of colours.
If they can find themselves in an upright position in a suitable place, then they may mature into a large tree.
If a propagule drops into salt water, it can float for months in a
horizontal position.
During wet weather, if these future trees drift into freshwater, the less buoyant water allows them to float vertically.
This gives them a better chance of embedding themselves in the mud.
gives them great stability.
Also, during the bottom half of the tide, it allows the tree to breathe through the numerous exterior lenticels positioned on the roots.
The massive root system of these mangroves
These beautiful propagules are ready to drop and float away (top) and (above) new life, and this stand of young Stilt Mangroves will soon create an impenetrable barrier. (Lindsay Titmarsh)
Renault brings Captur back
RENAULT
The
“The Renault Captur has
asking when the
model is due here, after we sold out of the previous model late last year,” said Glen Sealey, the General Manager of Renault Australia.
“The MY25 Renault Captur is just one of a number of new and updated Renault models around the corner for Renault Australia and we will have more to share on those soon.”
MARYBOROUGH
Hyundai Motorsport at Rallye Monte-Carlo
HYUNDAI Shell Mobis
World Rally Team returns to the illustrious backdrop of Monaco for Rallye Monte-Carlo (January 23-26), round one of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) season, targeting a strong team result.
Starting the new season with a slate wiped clean, fresh objectives have been set for the team –including the pursuit of the manufacturers’ title – and it is hoping to set the tone for the season by starting the charge towards these aims in Monte-Carlo.
However, with new regulations, a new tyre manufacturer, unpredictable conditions and strong competition, it will be no easy feat to reach at this treacherous winter event.
A trio of crews will be in the cockpit of the three Hyundai i20 N Rally1 entries in the principality: reigning champions Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe, Ott Tänak/ Martin Järveoja and Hyundai Motorsport rookies Adrien Fourmaux/ Alexandre Coria.
Combining Neuville and Tänak’s seasoned expertise with Fourmaux’s emerging talent creates a well-rounded squad, giving Hyundai Motorsport the perfect recipe for a strong start to the season at round one in Monaco.
This year’s Rallye Monte-Carlo features an overhauled itinerary designed to challenge the competing crews, with a total of 115.59km of new or returning roads compared to the 2024 edition.
Thursday evening’s tests have increased in number to three stages in the regions of Alpes-de-HauteProvence and HautesAlpes, all of which will be tackled under the cover of darkness.
Friday features MonteCarlo staples Saint-Légerles-Mélèzes / La BâtieNeuve (SS5/8, 16.68km) and La Bréole / Selonnet (SS6/9, 18.31km), offering a familiar challenge for crews.
Saturday is then the longest day in competitive distance (131.40km) and has the longest stage of the weekend in La
Motte-Chalancon / SaintNazaire (27.00km).
The challenge does not ease on Sunday; while the day opens with the second attempts of two of Thursday’s stages, there is no dress rehearsal for the all-important Power Stage.
Hyundai Motorsport
President and Team
Principal Cyril Abiteboul said: “It’s a great feeling to be returning to the World Rally Championship with a drivers’ championship title to our name.
“This success has definitely given the whole team some fresh confidence coming into 2025, as this year we have some different goals to work towards.”
Thierry and Martijn travel to Monte-Carlo looking to defend their victory from last year, Ott and Martin will get back in the car with the same kind of determination they had last year, and we welcome some fresh talent to the team with our new arrivals Adrien Fourmaux and Alexandre Coria. While all our crews have their own individual
goals, as a team we will be working to bring home as many points as possible for our manufacturers’ efforts; Monte-Carlo is just the first of 14 rounds this
year, and we are hoping to get the year started with plenty of positivity.
It will not be easy with the new regulations, tyres,
unpredictable weather and Toyota’s full-strength return, but with more consistency we are hoping to take our contention to the next level.”
Of Maryborough. Passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025. Aged 84 years. Dearly loved husband of Patricia. Loved father and father-in-law of Michael, Deanne and Greg. Loved poppy of Jamie, Chloe, Keryn and Chantelle. Loved brother of Oli and Laurie, predeceased by Bill, Ralph, Desmond, Dick and Don.
Forever In Our Hearts
A funeral service for Rod was held on Tuesday, January 14 at 11am.
BOTTLEBRUSH CRAFTS CENTRE
FRIENDSHIP GROUP
Come
ANTIQUES & WHATNOT
Furniture & Antiques
Display cabinets and wardrobes, dressers, bookcases, trunks, blanket boxes and much more, our collection changes regularly with new stock always arriving.
From the 1820s through to mid century, we buy and sell it all, both locally and beyond.
Tassels, lamp oils, wicks etc
Hand picked by us, and beautifully made, these tassels will add a dash of colour to your cabinet knobs and keys.
We also supply quality lamp oils, replacement lamp wicks, chimneys, burners, brass knobs, handles and much more.
Mary Poppins merchandise
Parrot head umbrellas
Range of T-shirts
Tea cups and jewellery dishes
Glass & silver Pandora style beads
Bags, books, records, puzzles
Vintage collectables, gifts and more
Poppin after visiting the Story Bank!
Auctioneer's Promise products
Sultry weather brings the bites
The team from FREEDOM FISHING SUPPLIES
SUMMER is reminding us just how hot and steamy it can get.
This sultry weather has certainly been favourable for the hardcore mangrove jack and pelagic fisho’s.
Lets have a look at the report.
Tin Can Bay is reporting good quality summer whiting and flathead with the odd spottie mackerel and golden trevally taken in the channel.
THIS WEEK'S BRAG BOARD
Kauri Creek, Butha creek, Poona, Boonoroo and Maaroom are all reporting mangrove jack, estuary cod, summer whiting and flathead, with a mixed bag of quality reef fish coming from Kinbackers ledge, Deep Creek and the Moonboom coffee rock ledges.
Threadfin salmon and bull sharks are still on the move in the Sandy
Strait chasing small bait fish in the shallows, and golden trevally, queen fish and schoolie mackerel taking trolling lures in the deeper channels between the bluff and moon point.
The Mary River is fishing well again with reports of threadfin salmon up to 11 kilos and good quality grunter between beaver rock and river heads.
Still plenty of Bull sharks around for our avid shark fans.
Heaps of pelagic action in Platypus Bay right up to Wathumba, just have to beat the sharks.
The artificial reef continues to keep anglers happy with black spot tusk fish, blackall, and the odd coral trout.
Burrum Heads has been reporting good quality
First up is Charlie with a cracker of a barra. Forrest landed this 11.4kg threadfin in our mighty Mary. Adorable Stevie landed this whiptail
Emmett was over the moon with his Spanish mackerel which was caught near Woody. Dan was also pretty
Pic of the week
DOON VILLA
Jackpot Pairs 9 - 1 - 25 : Winners - J.Demarco, P.Whittaker d N.Gambie, K.Paxton 35-21. Runners
Up - S.Hyde, J.Devenish d I.Axelsen, N. Weinheimer 22-10.
L.Laughton, R.T.Jackson, K.Anderson d C.White, K.Pieper 20-19. L.Rampton, R.Whittaker d R.Dunn, B.Spilsbury 21-12.
T.Jackson. K.Anderson d C.White, K.Pieper 20-19.
catches of whiting, bream and flathead, with the odd mangrove and jack and threadfin salmon.
Our mud crabs are still running with reports coming from Beaver Rock to Kauri Creek.
Lenthals is firing up with lots of barra giving our anglers an adrenaline rush, and Tinana creek although running hard, is fishing well for bass.
R.Andersen, L.Laughton, B.George d L.Mullins, C.Laughton,G.Whittle 22-15. M.Jackson,B.Jackson d J.McCoombe, B.Stimpson 28-16.
Sunday Morning Rollers : Winners - G.Gambie, N.Gambie, K.Paxton d F.Weinheimer, N.Weinheimer, B.Spilsbury 28-15. Runners upK.Gitsham, F. Williams, C.Williams d C.Butcher, G.Kemp, G.Birch 18-16.
K.Greenhalgh, S.Bartly, T.Buckley d S.Steinberg, J.Devenish, J.Kemp 23-20
R.Anderson, P.Stephensen, K.Anderson d John, Bert, Kieth 20-15.
Jackpot Pairs 2 games 11 ends : This day on 16/1/25 was called off halfway due to extreme temperature of 39 . Prizemoney was handed out on a spin of the wheel on first game alone.
-C.White, scribe
(rainbow) all by herself.
chuffed with his first ever barra.
