Mackay Life

Back to school was made brighter for survivors of domestic violence, foster parents and their children last week, with the generosity of individuals and local businesses providing the essentials to start the school year off with a smile.

Families affiliated with local domestic violence support organisation Broken Ballerina Inc. were

treated to a private shopping experience at Rebel Sport last Friday morning, where a generous couple from the Whitsundays joined the families to pay for school shoes, bags and drink bottles. The couple also gave grocery vouchers to the families. Officeworks filled the children’s book list orders free of charge and Jules and Pete Thompson from Broken Ballerina delivered the book list boxes to

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Smiles Beyond The Scars

Being pregnant is definitely no picnic when you work full time. It’s not so much the unrelenting heartburn, the inconvenient nausea which can rear its ugly head at any moment, the need to know where a toilet is at all times or the excruciating pain you get in your stomach when you sneeze too hard. But what can be harder to handle are the waves of imbalanced hormones that send your emotions on a rollercoaster, with the smallest trigger evoking a tsunami of tears.

So when I had the opportunity to join Jules and Pete from Broken Ballerina last week for a private back-toschool shopping experience for families and children who had suffered from domestic and family violence, I knew it would be an emotional experience.

These were tears of joy I shed of course, seeing the faces of children light up as they ran around the store choosing bags, shoes and drink bottles, so proud of their choices which clearly reflected the colourful personalities in their hearts. I watched as

two sisters, who were placed in foster care black and blue from abuse at the hands of their father, went back and forth picking shoes and comparing colours. Another young girl with a rare medical condition, also in foster care, beamed as she looked at her new school items, clearly excited to show her friends at school.

In the moment, I held back the tears and listened eagerly to the kids tell me about their choices. Once I got back to my car, I let those tears flow. The experience had touched me deeply. As we run around in our busy worlds, we often forget that there are people in our community going through terrifying trauma. It’s so important that if we know domestic or family violence is happening, that we speak up, before it’s too late.

As my heart ached for the children who smiled through their emotional and physical scars, my unborn baby gave me a kick and wriggle from within. All children deserve to be raised surrounded by love.

Amanda

Sandbag Saviour

If you need a job done, ask a Queenslander. The generous spirit which lives among the Sunshine State is one of the many things that makes it a great place to live. The generosity shines brighter in times of disaster, where a person will give the literal shirt off their back to help another in crisis.

It’s heart-warming to see the local community come together in times of need, and although this week’s flooding event wasn’t as bad as anticipated, it didn’t stop proactive locals from preparing should the Pioneer River have burst its banks.

Steven Taylor was one such humble hero, who put a post on the Mackay Noticeboard on Facebook, asking if people needed assistance in filling sandbags.

He wrote, “If anyone needs help filling up sandbags or moving them, feel free to message me, happy to help.

“I’ve been unsuccessful in finding anywhere to get empty sandbags to fill but am happy to help in other ways if needed by any-

one.”

The post was met with much praise from grateful residents who lived within the warning areas and were preparing their properties for the possibility of inundation.

More than 1 metre of rain fell in Finch Hatton during the weather event, with Mackay Weather Chasers posting rain totals as at 6am Tuesday morning. At that time Finch Hatton had recorded 1013mm with more falling later that day.

In the Mackay region, Eungella came in next with 734mm, closely followed by the Northern Beaches suburb of Bucasia with 689mm. Mackay itself recorded 594mm.

The severe weather warning was cancelled on Tuesday evening, with locals breathing a sigh of relief that this wet season downpour wasn’t as intense as the 2008 flood, which dropped the same amount of rain as this event, but in a more ferocious fashion within a 24-hour period.

Armed Robbery Arrest Baby Born Amid Flooding Disaster

Police arrested an alleged armed robber in Moranbah last week on January 12, arresting a man on the same day the alleged crime took place.

Police attended an address in Hannan Drive, Moranbah and arrested a 35-year-old Moranbah man.

As the rain pelted down in the early hours of Tuesday, January 17, a pregnant Angel McKay awoke in pain in her home in Crediton, 12km from the Eungella township.

With her partner Dean Gajda and her mother Shona by her side, it became clear that her first child was arriving earlier than expected.

“It was starting to get a bit more serious, so we ended up calling the hospital and they were like, ‘Yeah, you need to try and get into the hospital,’” said Mr Gajda.

This was an impossible task due to the rain event cutting the range and

flooding bridges between Crediton and Eungella, so the rural fire brigade and local members were contacted.

“All the community basically dropped what they were doing, and it was all hands on deck,” said Mr Gajda.

Dalrymple Rural Fire Brigade First Officer Ian Smith and his wife, who live in Eungella, trekked the 12km in their 4WD equipped with chainsaws and shovels to remove anything that stood in their way, bringing the family back to their home.

Mr Smith also utilised his 4WD and tractor to bring local retired Doctor

Beryl, off-duty Nurse Sue and General Practitioner Emma, as well as some pain relief, to the home to assist in the delivery.

Within an hour and a half of arriving at Mr Smith’s house, Ms McKay gave birth to her first child Hayley Anne Gajda on Smith family’s lounge room floor at 9:45am.

“If it wasn’t for them and if it wasn’t for (Mr Smith) coming to pick us up, we would be up shit’s creek,” said Mr Gajda.

“A massive, massive thanks to Ian Smith and the crew that helped bring our baby girl into this world because it’s just phenomenal.”

Sergeant Nigel Dalton said that police will allege that at approximately 5.45am on January 12, a man approached a Griffin Street, Moranbah business wielding a knife and demanding money.

The store assistant managed to exit the shop with the alleged offender also fleeing the scene.

Police attended the store and after viewing CCTV images, managed to identify the man.

During the arrest it is alleged the 35-year-old man assaulted and obstructed police. He has since been charged.

The man appeared in Mackay Magistrates Court on January 13, charged with enter premises to commit indictable offence, attempted armed robbery, obstruct police, serious assault of a police officer causing harm, possess utensil or pipes etc in connection with smoking drugs and failure to dispose of needle and syringe.

Angel McKay gave birth to baby Hayley with assistance from retired doctor Beryl, GP Emma and nurse Sue

Father Dean Gajda said baby Hayley is happy and healthy. Photos supplied

The PM’s ‘Flying’ Visit Of Mackay It’s Raining Cats And Dogs

No cats were seen during this week’s torrential deluge, but Mackay’s faithful police dog, Griffin, was spotted having fun in-between deployments.

Sergeant Nigel Dalton of the Mackay Police said that the rain was fairly normal at this time of the year, but there are still risks to the community posed by flooding and hidden dangers.

“It’s welcomed rain that makes our area stunning for the rest of the year but with all weather events there comes danger if we are not careful and responsible,” Sergeant Dalton said.

“Police over the weekend have had a challenging time and have to react to many different situations quickly with other emergency crews, even our own dog section

were out and about helping.”

Dog Squad Sergeant Jacob Bates took photos while Police Dog Griffin was having a rest between deployments.

“Police Dog Griffin noticed flood waters and was soon back in the Police Ute before any danger came by,” Sergeant Dalton said.

“It is important to look after each other when there is flood water around, keep children and pets out of flood water in case hidden dangers approach.

“People and animals can be swept away creating further dangerous situations for rescuers.

“Do not underestimate the ferocity of the flood waters and wet roads.

“If it’s flooded, forget it – even if you are on foot.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been criticised for his whirlwind visit to Mackay last week on Wednesday which lasted less than an hour. In his visit, he met select media in a Mackay pharmacy to speak about the rising cost of living, briefly speaking to some customers afterwards.

“As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, right around the world, we're seeing inflation in many countries go to double digits. That's placing real pressure on people's cost of living,” he said.

But Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said the trip was a ‘photo opportunity’ which would have been better spent reinstating funding for the region’s roads, tackling the regional worker shortage or addressing the recent mental health cuts under the Albanese Government.

“It’s no wonder locals in our neck of the woods say they feel overlooked by the Labor Government when stunts like this happen. Dawson deserves better,” Mr Willcox said.

Some residents took to Facebook to criticise the Prime Minister for the brief visit.

“Once he got past Gympie, he forgot he

was in Australia,” wrote one.

Another claimed he spent more time at the cricket and the Woodfolk Folk Festival than in Mackay.

Mr Albanese has been criticised previously for his brief visits, being donned by some as ‘Airbus Albo.’

But local Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, not seen at the media event, took to social media to thank the Prime Minister for coming to Mackay.

Mr Willcox took aim at the Agriculture Minister’s ‘failure to engage’ with farmers in the Dawson region during his visit.

“Most people would have no idea he was in Dawson because he didn’t do anything. I had hoped that the Minister would speak about the extended crushing season or the struggle for producers to find workers,” Mr Willcox said.

“The Minister should be making every effort to meet with local industry leaders and those on the ground doing the hard yakka to get product to market.

“What good is a Minister for Agriculture who comes along for the ride? Our Ag sector does so much for this country, but it’s taken for granted by Labor.”

Happy Australia Day

Glen Clark, pharmacist at T + C Pharmacy in Mackay met Prime Minister Albanese during the PM’s brief visit to Mackay last week

PD Griffin enjoyed down time between deployments to assist with flooding. Photo credits: Dog Squad Sergeant Jacob Bates

Police assisted a car stuck in floodwater near the Victoria Plains Road in North Eton.

Photo Credit: Mackay Police

BACK TO SCHOOL Made Brighter By Local Generosity

Domestic violence has a serious impact on children and families, with those parents who flee a dangerous situation often left stranded trying to pick up the pieces. Not only is the physical and mental trauma scarring, but the financial burden can become unbearable to cope with.

Broken Ballerina Inc. help domestic violence survivors and their families immediately after escaping from a dangerous situation. Often, they assist with emergency accommodation and care packs to help a parent who has been left with nothing.

When it comes to back-to-school, a time that falls straight after Christmas, the financial outlay can be difficult for a single parent starting from scratch.

Local Whitsundays couple Dr Allan Cook and his wife Pam Cook knew that while families are often gifted assistance at Christmas, the rest of the year is forgotten, with back-to-school being one of the most financially stressful times for parents.

Dr Cook said he used to support Anglicare, which was founded by psychologist John Langford. John passed around a year ago and the couple wanted to ensure they supported an organisation making a difference in the lives of disadvantaged locals.

Pam said she discovered Broken Ballerina and after some time following what Jules did for the community, Pam knew she wanted to support the not-for-profit organisation.

“I knew they had enough goodies for Christmas, I thought back-to-school sup-

port would be more beneficial in helping these families,” Pam said.

“I suffered at the hands of domestic violence for more than 30 years.

“My sons never had anything new, we had nothing,” Pam added.

“I finally left when the doctor said my ex-husband would kill me if I didn’t leave.

“I’m thankful I met a kind man like Allan, we’ve been together 15 years this week which is wonderful.

“We want to help others since we are in a position to do so, it means a lot to me to be able to help women who have been in similar situations to what I faced during my first marriage.”

Dr Cook said for years the couple donated to many charities, including overseas

charities helping children in need, but after many large charities were exposed for using funds inappropriately, he said the couple now focus on charities who make a difference locally.

“We know with Broken Ballerina that every dollar we donate will be used locally,” he said.

The generosity left parents and foster parents in awe as it made the school year easier to face. The grins on the children’s faces were unforgettable, as children aged from prep to teenagers relished the opportunity to shop for brand new items instead of the hand-me-downs many had become accustomed to throughout their lives.

Rebel Sport Customer Service Manager Luke Taylor said after hearing Broken Ballerina’s story he thought it would be a great idea for the children and their families to have an intimate shopping experience before the store opened to the public.

“We had our staff here from 8am to 9am so the focus could be solely on these families,” Luke said.

“We also donated gift bags as a thank you from Rebel for shopping with us, which has a drink bottle and some games for the kids like a hacky sack and some other items.

“There are opportunities for us to support other groups with private shopping experiences for interested organisations,” Luke added.

After shopping at Rebel Sport, Jules headed to Officeworks to collect the back-to-school boxes from store manager, Scott Marlow.

“We’re happy to help Broken Ballerina clients with their book lists again this year, some of the families have three or four kids and we’ve helped 18 children this year,” Scott said.

“Education is one of our key focuses and if we can help these children go to school with everything they need it puts them in the right stead to fit in and achieve academically to make bigger things happen for them.

“We also help the Smith Family throughout the year to assist local children with their school needs. Our back-to-school appeal helps us to fundraise each year to help local children. We hope to sponsor 18 disadvantaged students this year with funds to help them with school supplies, uniforms and school excursions.”

Office works store manager Scott Marlow (left) donated 18 school lists of stationary for clients of Jules and Pete Thompson (centre and right) from Broken Ballerina Inc.

Photo credit: Amanda Wright

VIRTUAL REHAB HELPING MACKAY RESIDENTS RECOVER AT HOME

Patients across Central Queensland recovering from heart procedures are now able to access rehabilitation care and monitoring from home, no matter where in the region they live.

Mater Private Hospital Townsville has introduced virtual cardiac rehabilitation services for patients unable to attend face to face sessions due to distance or lack of transport. The virtual rehabilitation includes two video consultations a week with a specialist clinician complemented by a phone application developed by Queensland scientific technology company Cardihab, which tracks patients’ heart rate, blood pressure, steps walked and more.

Mackay resident Sharon Nuttall said the virtual rehabilitation sessions allowed her to recover from home.

“I’m fit and healthy, and exercise regularly – I used to jog 6 km or swim 30 laps, however a coronary calcium scan showed my overall calcium score was well above average and my main artery was 70 per cent blocked,” Ms Nuttall said.

“I was admitted to Mater Private Hospital Townsville and underwent a triple bypass. Following the procedure, staff discussed Mater’s virtual rehabilitation program with me which would allow me to rehabilitate from home rather than having to travel.

“Mater’s virtual cardiac rehabilitation program is a great idea, especially for regional areas of Queensland without ready access to specialist care. I’m still completing my rehabilitation program but am already feeling the difference.”

Mater Private Hospital Townsville Exercise Physiologist Shaun Whiley said prior to the pilot program, participation rates for cardiac rehabilitation in regional areas was low.

“The virtual rehabilitation program began following our Allied Health Manager and I identifying that a large number of cardiac patients from areas outside of Townsville would not adhere to any sort of rehabilitation or care plan until their six week con-

sultation with a cardiologist,” Mr Whiley said. “Rehabilitation is vitally important, not only because research suggests that those who do not rehabilitate following heart procedures have a higher chance of being rehospitalised, but so these people can return to their normal lives: we are from a region where everyone is very physical and social in work, social and family settings.

“Knowing that these sessions have given patients the confidence to return to nor-

mal following what can be in many cases very significant procedures is why cardiac rehabilitation is so important.

“Delivering virtual rehabilitation means regional and remote communities do not have to drive two or three hours to access a clinician. Participants to date have been from Mackay, Charters Towers, Ravenshoe and more – if there is anyone who cannot access cardiac rehabilitation in their region, from Mackay up to the Cape and West to the border, Mater is here.”

Mackay Resident Sharon Nuttall (on screen) with Mater Private Hospital Townsville Exercise Physiologist Rachel Armstrong

LOCAL ECONOMY SET TO DINE OUT ON FUTURE FOODS

Aworld-leading Future Foods BioHub in Mackay is a step closer with the Queensland Government partnering with Cauldron, Asia-Pacific’s first large-scale precision fermentation manufacturing launchpad, to develop a business case.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said a future contract manufacturing facility will generate local jobs and play an important role in meeting global demand for food.

“The proposed fermented Future Foods contract manufacturing facility will provide the large-scale fermentation capacity needed by Future Foods fermentation companies to produce their products at scale,” Mr Miles said.

“We made a commitment at the last election to deliver a business case for a BioHub in the Mackay region.

“We are delivering on that commitment by funding up to $528,000 and partnering with Cauldron to get it done.

“The proposed $300 million facility will provide the anchor infrastructure Queensland needs to catalyse a new commercial-scale industry, complement the region’s agricultural and manufacturing strengths, protect existing jobs in the sugar industry, diversify the local economy and create new local jobs.

“Nationally, CSIRO estimates the fermented Future Foods industry could produce close to $1.1 billion worth of retail products and up to 2,020 jobs by 2030.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the Government was prioritising creating a Future Foods BioHub in Mackay.

“Locally, the industry, including the Greater Whitsunday Alliance, have a long-term vision to manufacture bioproducts using the region’s unique strengths, such as its ample biomass feedstock and transport networks and port,” Ms Gilbert said.

“With a Future Foods BioHub that enables this growth and supports the local vision, the Palaszczuk Government and Cauldron

DEDICATION TO DAIRY

You might be waiting a little longer this week for your fresh supply of Eungelladale milk, but when stocks are replenished, we recommend buying an extra bottle.

The locally made milk comes from Eungella cows and is pasturised and bottled in Eungella, supplying fresh and creamy milk to Mackay.

When this week’s rain caused devastation to the Eungella Range with flooding and slips, Eungelladale Dairy owner Dale Fortescue showed his dedication to dairy.

Posting on social media, Dale said he and his son walked 1.5 miles up the Eungella Range to get home for milking.

“There are a lot of rocks on the range, it will take a week or so to clear, so shops may be short of Eungelladale milk,” he said.

DRIVER DIES ON PEAK DOWNS HIGHWAY

are looking to capture these benefits for Queensland.”

Cauldron Founder and CEO Michelle Stansfield said she looked forward to working with the Queensland Government.

“Australia has a unique opportunity to become a regional powerhouse in precision fermentation and unlock future breakthroughs in science, technology, and medicine, in combination,” Ms Stansfield said.

“Working hand in hand with regions like Mackay, we will be able to create new jobs and unlock future opportunities to create more food, fibre and feed for the world.

“We commend the Queensland Government for its commitment to help plan the future of our regional jobs, resources and capabilities.”

A31-year-old man has died following a single vehicle crash near Nebo earlier this week, on January 16.

The man’s upturned vehicle was located at about 11.20pm Monday evening just off the Peak Downs Highway, around 10kms from the township of Nebo.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, a 31-year-old from Nebo, died at the scene.

Investigations by the Forensic Crash Unit are continuing.

Fermented foods could become an important industry in the Mackay Region with the announcement of a Future Foods BioHub supported by the Queensland Government

Dale Fortescue from Eungelladale Dairy climbed 1.5 miles of the Eungella Range to milk his cows after damage to the range prevented vehicle access.

Photo credit: Eungelladale Dairy

CALEN NEEDS A DOCTOR

By Amanda Wright

Last year, Mackay and Whitsunday Life listened to the call of Calen locals, who say they are in desperate need of a doctor for the small rural town.

A local resident known as ‘Lyn Ellen’ spoke out about the dangers to the widespread rural community, whose residents are playing Russian Roulette with their health due to GP services not being available.

The issue is that the nearest medical centres to Calen are in Proserpine, Mackay or the Pioneer Valley. Residents often have to wait longer than two weeks to see a doctor due to high demand at the closest medical centres, and on top of that, they need to take half a day or more from work to accommodate the lengthy drive and wait times once they arrive. Add to these factors the cost of fuel, the result is that locals are leaving their health to chance, and those with chronic conditions aren’t being monitored as closely as they should be.

We spoke to Calen’s pharmacist, Kaz Olaniyan, to hear how the lack of close medical care is impacting local residents.

“The challenge people here face is the distance to see a doctor,” Mr Olaniyan said. “Sometimes they are having two to four weeks before they are able to see a doctor in Mackay, even just to get a prescription for their essential medications. We try our best here, within the law, to assist when they run out of medication, but we are only able to supply three days’ worth of medication in some cases which is not

enough if they have more than a weeks’ wait to see a doctor.”

“This is why we so desperately need a doctor here, not only for Calen but all the other rural areas surrounding Calen such as Seaforth, Bloomsbury, Pindi Pindi, Kuttabul, Midge Point and more.

“Some people travel to Airlie Beach to see a doctor sooner, which I do not think is good enough.”

Mr Olaniyan said many people suffering from chronic conditions need closer medical support.

“Calen is just a mini-Australia. What you see in other places is what you see here, just on a smaller scale. So there are people with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues, pregnant women, cancer, kidney disease, and we haven’t even covered the range of accidents which can happen on the farms. Many people here work the land,” he said.

“The need for us to have a doctor here is desperate, I don’t use that word lightly.”

Although there are telehealth options and some medical centres will fax a prescription to the pharmacy, Mr Olaniyan said this doesn’t solve the problem.

“There are many conditions that a doctor

will want to see a patient for, and a prescription is only a small part of a person’s health. When someone delays their visit to see a doctor, they could be making a life-threatening disease worse without knowing.

“For painkillers and other controlled medications, a doctor will usually insist on seeing a patient before prescribing, so while telehealth options can help in some cases, in others it could potentially make a situation more dangerous,” he said.

The flow-on effect is that the lack of close medical care in Calen means there is added pressure on the local ambulance service based at Calen.

“When people can’t see a doctor, the last resort is emergency,” Mr Olaniyan said.

“It puts pressure on the ambulance which could have been avoided, which then puts added pressure on the emergency departments in Mackay and Proserpine.

“A doctor here would make the difference. It only needs to be one or two days a week. It could be a travelling rural clinic or something similar, there must be a solution Queensland Health can provide.” Mr Olaniyan opened the Calen pharma-

cy around two years ago, as well as one in Seaforth about a year ago, to help the rural communities who had no close access to medications. He operates the Calen pharmacy in the mornings and the Seaforth pharmacy in the afternoons, with Seaforth also open on Saturday.

Also at the heart of Calen is the newsagency, where grabbing a loaf of bread usually comes with a chat to Mavis or Peta.

Peta Sturdy said her mother had to wait almost two weeks to see her doctor in Mackay just to get a repeat prescription.

“You need to take a day to see a doctor in Mackay, and when you work 6-days per week, it’s hard to find that sort of time,” Ms Sturdy said.

“If there was a doctor here, you could schedule it into a lunch break.

“I know I’ve had to use the ambulance a couple of times for things that could have been seen by a GP instead, which puts added pressure on the two guys here who cover the ambulance.

“Not only is it the time, it’s the cost, the added wear and tear on the car. My kids are older now but in the past, it was a mission to pack everyone up when my husband was working just to go to the doctor.

“There’s no question, Calen needs a doctor.”

Calen pharmacist Kaz Olaniyan says there is a desperate need for Calen to have a doctor. Photo credits: Amanda Wright

Peta Sturdy at the Calen Newsagency said she has had to use the ambulance for medical issues which could have been treated if Calen had a doctor

In 2023 we are embarking on a journey of some exciting new trends that we will be seeing in our homes. There are so many to share with you, so we will break them down over the next few articles, and this year it’s all about personalization. What better place to kick off the new year than the central hub of the home, the kitchen.

Our kitchens are such an important space as they not only provide functionality, but they also provide a zone to share socially with family and friends where lifetime memories are created. It’s also the area which can be the most expensive to remodel or design from scratch although can add significant value to your home so can be well worth it.

The kitchen should be a place that truly showcases your personality, filled with all the things that are important to you and your family.

Today we are sharing some exciting new kitchen innovation designs that not only look stunning but also make our lives

easier in many ways.

Gone are the days of walking into a kitchen and seeing large appliances everywhere which are usually in stainless or metal materials. These items perform an important function in our homes although do we have to see them so dominantly? The answer is no.

Integrated fridges create a seamless uninterrupted flow in the kitchen design and who doesn’t like a secret door? They look neat and tidy and with innovation progressing at light speed we are now also seeing models which have water stations either internally or recessed into the cabinetry which are easily accessible.

We all love our furry friends so why not embrace a practical and thoughtful trend of incorporating feeding and watering stations into our kitchens. Gone are the days of bowls strewn through the home, this way it’s all neat and tidy and everything is at your fingertips. You may also wish to install a motion censored feeder.

In kitchen sink designs we are seeing other materials being used instead of the boring stainless steel or metal. We are seeing marble, granite, or enamel in stunning colours which just pop. New designs are countersunk and seamless just like an inground swimming pool. If you feel like splurging a little, we are also seeing automating disappearing sinks in stone, metal and ceramic, which are not only very cool in operation, they also provide further bench space.

Are you sick of seeing that massive stainless steel rangehood which never seems perfectly polished, or that ugly pull-out exhaust? We are seeing two innovative design solutions coming through in 2023. Firstly, we are seeing fully integrated exhausts that you no longer pull which sit flush under the cabinetry. Free standing

exhausts are now being made a feature which feel like they are an intentional part of the kitchen design by tiling them, or you can make them become an independent feature if you wish in a contrasting colour or material like reclaimed timber.

Cooktops have evolved significantly to not only look cohesively beautiful but to be so much more practical in providing further bench space when not in use, like the invisible induction cooktop or if you are a gas loving cook why not opt for the new integrating burners which have granite or marble surrounds flowing from the benchtops instead of sitting on a piece of black ceramic or glass.

If you would like to design, re model or cosmetically spruce up your kitchen contact Tracey from Style Central Home for a complimentary initial consultation.

Tracey Fincham

Keep Cool In A New Pool LOOKING AFTER YOUR LAWN IN THE WET SEASON

With many hot days and nights on the horizon, many homeowners are looking to upgrade their outdoor spaces, and with the rise of stay-at-home work opportunities, backyard pools have become more popular than ever. Here are some of the top pool design trends for 2023 to help you create the ultimate backyard oasis.

• Natural Materials: Bring nature into your everyday life. The use of natural materials such as stone, wood, and plants is becoming increasingly popular in pool design. This not only adds a touch of the sublime to the space but also helps to create a more seamless transition between the pool and the surrounding landscape.

and can change colours to match the mood or occasion.

• Water Features: Water features such as waterfalls and fountains are still as popular as ever, although, have they ever been out of fashion? Not only do they add visual interest to the aesthetic, but they also provide the soothing sound of running water.

• Outdoor Kitchens and Living Spaces: To create the ultimate backyard oasis, many homeowners are opting to include outdoor kitchens and living spaces as part of their pool design. This allows for easy entertaining and extends the living space of the home.

Wet weather can be a challenge for lawn care, but it's important to take steps to keep your lawn healthy during this time. One of the most important things you can do is to make sure that your lawn is properly drained. This means ensuring that there is no standing water on your lawn, as this can lead to mold, fungus, and other problems.

Another key step in keeping your lawn healthy during wet weather is to make sure that it is getting the right amount of fertilisation. This means using a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for use during wet weather. It is also important to apply the fertiliser at the right time, as applying it during periods of heavy rain can wash it away before it can be absorbed by the grass.

In addition to proper drainage and fertilisation, it's also important to mow your lawn at the right height during wet weather. This means cutting your grass to a slightly longer length than normal, as this will help to reduce the amount of damage caused by heavy rain and foot traffic.

Finally, it's important to be mindful of the types of activities you're doing on your lawn during wet weather. Avoid heavy foot traffic, as this can compact the soil and make it more difficult for your lawn to ab-

sorb water and nutrients. Also, avoid using heavy equipment, as this can damage the soil and make it more difficult for your lawn to recover.

By following these tips, you'll be able to keep your lawn healthy and vibrant during wet weather, despite the challenges it can present. With a little extra care and attention, you can help ensure that your lawn stays green and beautiful, no matter what the weather has in store.

TOP MOWING TIPS

• When mowing in damp conditions, it's important to keep your mower clean and well-maintained to prevent mould and other issues.

• After mowing, clean the deck and tires with a wire brush and scrape the deck with a putty knife.

• Mow more frequently to prevent tall, wet grass, and raise the mower deck to the highest or second-highest setting.

• If conditions are bad, use side-discharge instead of bagging or mulching.

• Keep your mower blades sharp for a crisp cut and healthy grass.

• Negative Edges: Negative edge pools, also known as infinity pools, create the illusion of the water extending out into the horizon. This type of pool design is perfect for those with a view and can help to enhance the overall aesthetic of the space.

• Lighting: Lights, camera (for the poolside selfies) and you have action! In 2023, homeowners are opting for more modern and energy-efficient options such as LED lights. These lights can be controlled by a smartphone or tablet

• Sustainable Design: As homeowners become more environmentally conscious, sustainable design is becoming increasingly important in pool design. This includes the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient equipment, and the incorporation of natural filtration systems.

Pool design trends for 2023 are all about creating an outdoor living space that seamlessly integrates with nature, while still being modern and energy-efficient. With the right design, you can create the ultimate backyard oasis that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.

TRYING TO CONCEIVE?

Healthy New Year’s resolutions are in full swing. But if you’ve decided 2023 is the year to start trying to conceive, there’s a few things that should be on your pre-pregnancy check list.

We chat to Dr Naguesh Gaunekar, fertility specialist at Queensland Fertility Group’s Mackay clinic as he shares health, diet and lifestyle advice, to help increase your chances of getting pregnant.

“If you’re planning to conceive, nutrition plays an important role, in both men and women. Where you can, natural real food is best,” said Dr Gaunekar.

“Eat lots of vegetables and fibre, fish, legumes and olive oil. Steer clear of processed foods, to avoid added sugar and salt, and aim for ample protein.

“In fact, Mediterranean foods are good choices; they have plenty of good fats like omega-3, and antioxidants to help promote a healthy gut microbiome.

“Anti-inflammatory foods can actually help balance your hormones and play a role in keeping a woman’s cycle and ovulation healthy.

Dr Gaunekar explains that traditionally, the overall burden of fertility health has historically fallen onto women, when in fact men account for half of the fertility equation.

“One in six couples experience fertility problems, and male-related infertility contributes to 50% of couples who are struggling to conceive.

“Luckily there are many things a man can do to improve his sperm health; by improving lifestyle factors, eating healthily, avoiding alcohol, and stopping smoking.

“It’s important both partners are in optimal health before trying to conceive; and it pays to know that sperm production actually takes about three months.

“So for men, you’ll need to plan ahead when you want to conceive as the sperm you are producing today was actually made six weeks ago,” said Dr Gaunekar. Having healthy sperm not only increases your chances of achieving a pregnancy faster, but it can actually help improve the health of your future child.

There’s also a growing body of evidence that fertility health can be negatively impacted by certain chemicals found in our environment, known as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs).

Dr Gaunekar advises washing fruit and vegetables thoroughly, as they may have been exposed to pesticides.

“Use paraben-free personal products such as shampoos, conditioners and soaps. Avoid plastic bottles, which keeps you away from chemicals like Bisphenols, including BPA – use a stainless-steel water bottle instead,” said Dr Gaunekar.

To really boost your pre-pregnancy planning, visit a fertility specialist which can conduct simple fertility tests to find out what’s happening, explore all your options and help you fall pregnant sooner.

Queensland Fertility Group is also launching a new ‘Before Baby’ program to help you feel empowered as you start your journey to parenthood. It’s a free four-week pre-pregnancy guide sent via email each week, covering everything fertility, fitness, relationships, nutrition, plus lots of bonus content. To sign up visit qfg.com.au

PRE-PREGNANCY CHECK LIST

• For women - take 0.5mg folic acid supplements daily

• Aim for a healthy diet and BMI

• Moderate exercise

• Quit alcohol, smoking and reduce caffeine

you’ve been trying to conceive, or would like to understand factors that can affect fertility, contact us for a chat today.

Mackay Fertility Clinic, 85 Willetts Rd North Mackay QLD 4740

Trying to conceive can be a stressful time for couples. Dr Naguesh Gaunekar at Queensland Fertility Group offers local solutions in Mackay to give couples options in their fertility journey Dr Naguesh Gaunekar encourages couples trying to conceive to eat a healthy diet with natural food

Dr Naguesh Gaunekar

By Sam Gillespie

You’ve managed to stick to your New Year’s resolution of getting fit to live your best life, but after a few weeks of the grind, you may be wondering how to ease those aching muscles to enable you to keep training.

Proper muscle recovery is essential to help you move better and reach your performance goals. There is a plethora of alternative treatments and therapies available, here are just a few suggestions to keep you on the move.

HOT TUB THERAPY

Hot tub therapy is a great way to warm up your muscles before a workout. It is recommended that athletes spend 10-15 minutes in the hot tub before their normal workout routine. This helps increase blood flow to the muscles, improves conduction of the nervous system, and increases heart rate while decreasing blood pressure. The hot tub can also be used as a recovery tool after a workout to promote muscle relaxation and improved rest. Athletes should spend 10-25 minutes in the hot tub to unwind after an intense workout.

COLD TUB THERAPY

Cold tub therapy, also known as cold water immersion, is most used as a “cool down” recovery modality. It is recommended that athletes spend at least 7-12 minutes in the cold tub. This helps reduce muscle soreness, inflammation, and muscle damage. Cold tub therapy may not be as comfortable as time in the

hot tub, but the benefits are worth it.

CUPPING

Cupping therapy is a non-invasive, lowcost form of therapy used to promote natural body healing. It is a form of acupuncture that involves lighting a flammable liquid inside a cup which is then placed on sore muscles for five to 10 minutes, creating a vacuum-like environment to promote blood flow, stimulate muscle activity, and decrease inflammation. However, the treatment can result in bruising and there is "very limited scientific evidence" to support its effectiveness.

CRYOTHERAPY

Whole body cryotherapy (WBC) is a treatment that exposes the body to extremely low temperatures between -200 to -300 degrees Fahrenheit to treat chronic joint pain, anxiety, weight gain, migraines, insomnia, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease. The treatment lasts between two to four minutes and involves liquid nitrogen, either in a single chamber where the person's torso and legs are confined but their head is exposed or a small room where several people can sit or stand.

As with any alternative therapy, please consult your doctor before trying new treatments.

Irecently visited Bali over the new year’s period and, while some cocktails were consumed, the latter half of my trip was spent in the quieter area of Ubud, a town surrounded by rainforest and rice paddies known for its traditional crafts and dance.

It was in Ubud that I tried yoga for the first time, as the rain pitter-pattered on the shelter at our villa, overlooking rice fields of a lush green.

I know that I lack flexibility and strength – I struggle to even cross my legs, giving me a disadvantage from the start – and this experience truly highlighted that, but it also highlighted how frequently practising yoga can improve these abilities.

It was through poses like Downward Facing Dog, Warrior poses, Extended Side Angle and my feeble yet spirited attempts at more difficult poses like Forearm Stands and Formidable Face Poses that I realised the glaring benefits of yoga.

Our friendly and flexible instructor, Ambara, guided us through these poses with grace and encouragement, his

movements a testament to how yoga can improve one’s body.

Physical benefits of yoga can include increased flexibility, increased muscle strength and tone, improved respiration, energy and vitality, maintaining a balanced metabolism, weight reduction, cardio and circulatory health, improved athletic performance and protection from injury.

Similarly, there is a meditation and breathing element to yoga that can help improve one’s mental wellbeing.

The calming effects of yoga were amplified by my setting, with regular yoga practice creating mental clarity and calmness, increased body awareness and a state of relaxation.

I worked up a far bigger sweat than I was expecting, giving my upper body the most intense workout I’m sure it’s received in a long time.

It was an eye-opening experience and one that has inspired me to take up yoga more regularly, with the innumerable benefits all things I could do with more in my life.

Wet End To Season Crush

Mackay Sugar last week called an end to its 2022 crushing season, with all three mills – Farleigh, Racecourse and Marian – crushing out of sugar cane by midnight last Friday.

The decision to call an end to the season follows recent heavy rainfall across the region, which has left sizable sections of railway track damaged, bins and locos stranded, and cane paddocks waterlogged and unable to be harvested.

“Our people have worked tirelessly to see 94 per cent of the total crop harvested and processed this season, but we have made the decision to stop crushing as the safety of our cane supply, rail infrastructure and harvest teams is our priority,” said Carl Morton, Mackay Sugar General Manager Operations.

“The season has also extended several weeks beyond our initial predicted finish date due to early season rain, mill performance issues and a 13 per cent increase in crop size, so I know our workforce, growers and harvesters are all looking forward to a well-earned break,” he said.

Whilst official numbers weren’t available at time of print, Mackay Sugar’s initial season summary reports a total 5.54Mt of cane crushed over the 31-week period, producing more than 664,000 tonnes of raw sugar.

Mackay Sugar also generated approximately 121,080 MWh of renewable electricity throughout the crushing season via its cogeneration facility, with some 89,340 MWh of that being exported into the national grid and supplying local Mackay households.

“That said, the season presented more challenges than expected, however we have prioritised the key performance issues that impacted the 2022 crush and have plans in place to address these,” explained Mr Morton.

“We commenced detailed planning for our maintenance period several months ago, and as a result we are ready and equipped for the upcoming maintenance season despite the ongoing challenges arising from the tight labour market that we continue to manage and deal with,” he said.

“As part of our ongoing continuous improvement focus, we have identified improvement opportunities in maintenance

CANEGROWERS Mackay Welcomes Our Region’s Biofuture

and operations which we have prioritised leading into the 2023 season.

“This year our crews have already been working on the maintenance program with split rosters to ensure we work on critical path jobs and we know we have a lot of work to do to see another successful crop crushed in 2023,” Mr Morton said.

LOCAL

CANEGROWERS Mackay Chairman Kevin Borg has welcomed Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles announcement on Monday of significant developments for the Mackay region’s emerging biofutures economy. (More on page 7).

The Deputy Premier has announced a partnership with Cauldron Asia-Pacific’s first large-scale precision fermentation manufacturing launchpad, to develop a business case working towards a contract manufacturing facility for Future Foods, as well as Queensland Government funding to expand the QUT Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant

Mr Borg said the developments were a welcome and exciting step towards a strong and diversified sugar industry.

“The Mackay region has a strong and

highly productive sugar industry, and we are in the box seat to meet the needs of any emerging technologies and industries that will strengthen and diversify our economy,” he said.

“When looking to renewable resources in Queensland – whether for Future Foods, fibres or fuels - sugar is an obvious choice. It makes sense to build on the sturdy economic base that sugar offers in the Mackay Region.”

“CANEGROWERS Mackay elected representatives and management have been working towards the realisation of this for our growers through the development of the Sugar Plus Industry Roadmap, and through the Mackay Biofutures Leaders Working Group.

“We look forward to the opportunity to work with industry, adding value for all involved from paddock to port.”

“We are very proud to have a truly dedicated workforce who will work extended hours over the maintenance season and we acknowledge the people who have moved their planned leave to ensure critical path jobs are prioritised so that we have a timely commissioning and start to 2023 crush,” he said.

By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

The 2022 Harvest has wound up, with Plane Creek and Mackay Sugar milling districts now both crushed out, despite a plan to push hard into January.

No doubt about it, the 2022 Harvest has presented challenges and lessons for growers and millers alike.

While we have been graced with the silver lining of sugar prices maintaining an unprecedented high right across the season, we have battled issues and delays brought about by unseasonal rain during harvest, mill under-performance, and high costs for fuel and fertiliser This all ran counter to what was a bumper crop, and a crop that dramatically increased over winter with the influence of wet weather.

The rain and some warmer temps meant the plants energy was often going into growth and not sugar production: CCS (sugar content) was down throughout the season, with cane quality sharply declining

mid-December, as would be expected. Science shows the optimal crush finish time is the second week of November, for sugar content and ratooning of the plant.

It meant that there was a lot of lost opportunity in the 2022 harvest, so it is to be hoped that we learn from these as we move into 2023, because that too looks as though it will be a big crop. There remains quite a bit of standover cane from the 2022 harvest, and the ratoon cane cut early in the harvest is already looking great for 2023.

Plane Creek Mill crushed out for the season in the small hours of Saturday, January 7. Across the 2022 harvest, the mill has processed 1.49 million tonnes, its largest throughput since 1999. The final season CCS was 12.8 units- and that low figure tells the lost opportunity for growers and for millers. Working from crop estimates, there will be over 150,000 tonnes of standover in the Plane Creek mill area.

In Mackay milling district, where crop estimates have leapt by 800,000T to 5.9Mt from initial season estimates of 5.1Mt. As of January 12, there remained a massive 370,000t still in paddock. Crushing ceased at midnight on January 13, following extremely heavy rainfalls across the district damaging the rail network and saturating paddocks, rendering harvesting and supply to mill impossible.

CANEGROWERS Mackay representatives have maintained a strong voice on behalf of growers in meetings with millers, taking arising issues to the highest levels of management.

It is clear that 2022’s climate pattern of winter rain and warmer temperatures had an impact on the way cane crops developed, particularly when talking about timing and growth. There is a clear need to learn from this, and be ready to take full advantage of time available to harvest and process cane whenever we can across

the winter months. This requires an industry-wide effort of co-operation – by growers and millers - to see our crops off efficiently and maintain profitability for all parties.

On the safety front, it has been excellent to see that there were no road incidents related to harvest vehicles over the Christmas Heavy Vehicle Curfew period.

CANEGROWERS Mackay ran community safety messaging and ensured relevant harvest contractor members were supported in gaining permits. We thank the community for their understanding, patience and care, and also growers and harvest contractors for their diligence through the busy festive season.

Final day of the 2022-23 crush at Racecourse Mill. Picture: Contributed

Ducks called it on Friday, January

In the waiting room of a Mackay doctor’s surgery in the early 1990s, a GP called the name of his next patient, Bente, pronounced “Benta”.

When two women who shared the name responded, a decades-long friendship began.

The women, Bente McDonald and Bente Christensen, spent the next few minutes conversing in their native Danish, much to the amusement of the waiting doctor.

They discovered that they were both born four months apart and, as children, lived in the same town of Hareskov, on the outskirts of Copenhagen, Denmark. It wasn’t until that chance meeting on the other side of the world that the beautiful friendship flourished, with the pair agreeing that they were commonly confused for one another.

Bente McDonald’s family migrated from Denmark to Mackay when she was 12 years old.

She now lives in Walkerston, where she worked as Walkerston Library Coordinator for 32 years before retiring in 2017, the year both women celebrated their 70th birthdays.

Ms McDonald’s passion for literature continues to this day through her involvement in Walkerston Rotary's Little Libraries, erecting ten little libraries in the beautiful front gardens of Walkerston and surrounds over the past four years.

Bente Christensen came to the area later,

migrating to Australia in 1972 with her husband at the time.

After living in Ipswich and Glenden, they moved to the Mackay region in 1991 as Ms Christensen wanted to concentrate on her ceramics and establish a gallery in Mackay.

They moved into the old general store in North Eton where Ms Christensen opened the North Eton Pottery Store and Gallery, the chance for a coffee and chat just as alluring to friends and customers

Bente McDonald and Bente Christensen in Copenhagen, Denmark in January 2012

The two Bentes on Bente Christensen’s 70th along with her sister-in-law, also named Bente

Christmas in Walkerston, 2016

as her bright, practical pottery.

The North Eton store was the first property Ms Christensen inspected, saying she fell in love with the area on sight.

“The valley quite reminds me of Denmark in one sense,” Ms Christensen said in 1993.

“You go a little way and there’s one little town, go again and there’s another town and, if you visualise the cane as wheat, it’s very similar.”

Ms Christensen sold the store around 20 years ago, moving to Mackay and continuing her creative pursuits in the way of silk screening projects and photography.

Sadly, Ms Christensen passed away in November 2022.

Ms McDonald was in Denmark at the time, where she regularly visits her two children and grandchildren who now live there.

She joined the funeral via a live stream and returned for a moving Scattering of the Ashes Ceremony held at a later date.

“I don't think my brain has, even now, caught up with the fact that Bente is no longer here to get together with and have a good old conversation with, in both of our languages,” said Ms McDonald.

“It is immensely sad not to have my funny, crazy, very clever friend, and namesake, around anymore.

“I am sure the lovely Bente Christensen would also have had a big smile, wherever in the universe she may be.”

A HELPING HAND FROM WALKERSTON ROTARY IN CAMBODIA

Last year, Walkerston Rotary Club member Col Baldock joined Rockhampton Fitzroy Rotary club members, other Rotarians and non-Rotarians for a ten-day trip to Cambodia’s Phnom Penh and Siem Reap regions.

The Rocky Fitzroy club has several projects going on in these areas, building schools, establishing water wells to supply water for a handful of residences; and also educating and supplying birthing kits and delivering sanitary kits for women and girls, supplied by Walkerston Rotary’s affiliated group Mackay Days for Girls. Donations-in-kind such as repurposed stretchers and first aid kits were also presented.

A stand-out event was the Rotarian volunteers who delivered and fitted the Helping Hands prosthetics which have been produced for landmine victims in Cambodia, as well as Sri Lanka, Kenya and Laos.

A short but extremely interesting tour of the local area was also presented as part of the visit. Vision Cambodia coordinates this project.

As a result of Col Baldock’s promotion of his visit to Cambodia, the Rotary Club of Walkerston has donated financial support to the Vision Cambodia Organization to assist with building schools and water wells in rural areas of Cambodia (RAOAF).

The next Cambodia trip, to assist with this project, is planned for April 2023.

Col Baldock in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Rotary members in Cambodia

Installing a water wellFitting a Helping Hand prosthetic

GET YOUR NAME ON A FUTURE SPORTING LEGACY

The time has nearly come for the Great Barrier Reef Arena (GBRA) to officially open!

With the launch of Mackay’s own world-class sport, entertainment and leisure destination, there’s a chance for you to be a part of history.

Harrup Park have just released exclusive GBRA Foundation Memberships. This includes a 25-year membership to the club, a GBRA foundation members card, along with an engraved plaque with your name on it to be installed on a stadium chair.

General Manager, Adrian Young mentioned, “the opportunity to become a foundation member only happens once in a lifetime, the Arena is a great asset for the Mackay region and we can’t wait to share what we have in store over the next few years.”

Australian Cricket Legend, Michael Kasprowicz has been working with the GBRA team to develop new opportunities for the Arena and region. Kasprowicz believes, “with the Great Barrier Reef Arena’s state of the art facilities, it gives Mackay the ability to host cricket at any level, and it’s very exciting for a centre such as Mackay.”

Adrian Young stated, “without the ongoing support of the community, the GBRA wouldn’t have been possible.

“We wanted plaques on the chairs as a reminder of why this project started in the first place.”

To get your own piece of the Great Barrier Reef Arena, you can purchase your Foundation Membership here, http://bit. ly/3HaGAo3

WELL, IT’S COME DOWN TO THIS…

Friday January 20 is my last official day of holidays, and I must now return to work on Monday, and yes, the kids must return to school too! Ha-ha!

Let’s just say I’ve had a great couple of weeks off exploring Mackay and the Whitsundays. I’ve been up to Airlie, stayed in a tent at Eungella (before the big wet), drank way too much coffee at home while eating bacon and eggs for breakfast, after sleeping in.

I’ve even taken a quick trip down to Sydney to spend a week with Dad. He’s had a difficult 18 months since Mum left us, so it was good to spend some quality time with him. We watched a bit of cricket together, took a drive up to Lithgow to say hello to Mum, and we also ate way too much, but hey, that’s holidays right?

I reckon if I weighed myself today, I would have put on a few kilos over the holidays for sure.

Are you in the same situation? Ate too much but haven’t done the extra exercise

to lose it?

I guess you may see it with the numbers on the floor scales, but I want to ask, does it really matter? Does the number matter?

I reckon if you look at yourself in front of the mirror in the bedroom, do you like what you see? If it’s a yes, stuff the number. If it’s a no, well, change something. Simples.

I look at myself in the mirror every day in South Mackay and I giggle when I see myself. I laugh because, well why wouldn’t you when your head looks like a smashed crab caught in Cremorne.

With the return of work on Monday and a new year of fun on the radio, comes heaps of new and exciting things to do and play with. I’m sure I’ll get to play plenty of music, have a few laughs and most importantly find out from you what makes your life tick.

That’s why I love what I do.

I wish you and yours a fabulous 2023 and all that comes with it.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

COMMUNITY GRANT FUNDING IS NOW OPEN

Firstly, before I begin my column, I would like to take this opportunity to wish our residents a most wonderful new year. My hope for all is for 2023 to be filled with new opportunities, new goals, new dreams, and successes.

One of the most rewarding areas of my role as a councillor, is being involved in local government committees that benefit our community.

One of those committees I am proud to be involved in is the Community Grants Assessment Committee. These grants assist local, not-for-profit community groups/and or volunteers of organisations who make positive contributions to the quality of life for people within their community, an opportunity to provide better facilities or equipment which they could not otherwise afford.

During my term so far, we have allocated funds to local sporting and community clubs and groups for requests as diverse as ride-on mowers, defibrillators, computerware, to upgrades of facilities to assist with the elderly (disability toilets), extensions and renovations.

Councillors have received invitations to visit these organisations on completion of their projects, and there is certainly a feeling of pride to realize the small role you played in the process of providing a positive outcome for these often-small not-for-profit organisations.

Categories available are as follows:

• Small Equipment Grant – up to $1,500

• Community Grant - up to $7,500

• Minor Asset Grant Category - up to $30,000

• Minor Infrastructure Grant Category - up to $30,000

If you are a not-for-profit organisation and require funding to assist with your project, I encourage you to visit the following website, which will provide you with the Grant Application Form, Grant Guidelines and the Community Grants Help Guide: mackay.smartygrants.com.au

If you have any further questions regarding the application process or guidelines, please contact council on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) during business hours or email leah.chambers@mackay.qld.gov.au

Applications are now open for the first round for 2023 and will close at midnight, February 3.

Good luck and I wish you every success in your application.

Cr Pauline Townsend

Mackay Regional Council

Australian Cricket Legend, Michael Kasprowicz and Harrup Park General Manager Adrian Young

IT’S NOICE, IT’S DIFFERENT IT’S KATH AND KIM DRAG BINGO

Kath and Kim Drag Bingo is coming to the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre Friday, February 17th 2023 - hosted by Sydney Drag Queen’s foxiest morons: Prada Clutch and Conchita Grande.

Prada and Conchita have been touring New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory with their Kath and Kim themed drag bingo playing to full houses of fanatical Kath and Kim fans – and now they’re enroute to Mackay!

“We started touring just as COVID-19 hit our shores. The pandemic changed our plans slightly but despite this we’ve been touring the show since 2020.” Pra

to win our fancy dress prize – who knows you may even go home with If you’re looking for a fun night out that will leave you in stitches

RSL Farleigh And Northern Beaches Sub Branch Meeting

The RSL Farleigh and Northern Beaches Sub Branch will hold its monthly meeting next Wednesday, January 25 at the Northern Beaches Bowls Club, commencing at 6:30pm.

Sub Branch President Cameron Dorward said the Sub Branch is always looking for new members.

“Younger veterans have got different needs and we need a transgression of younger members to take it on and keep it going for the next 100 years,” he said.

“The reason the organisation has survived so long is because of the ongoing commitment of service personnel and we need to keep that going.”

Contact Mr Dorward on 0488 425 557 or email Ruth Wickham at secretary@farleigh.rslqld.net.au for more information.

Caring for our Defence Family.

WHAT: RSL Farleigh and Northern Beaches Sub Branch Meeting

WHERE: Northern Beaches Bowls Club

WHEN: Wednesday, January 25 at 6:30pm

Come And Try Bridge Real Aussie Spirit At The Ambassador

The Ambassador Hotel is a stunning entertainment venue in Mackay, renowned for its fascinating historical background. Hosting a variety of special events such as outside festivals, parties and celebrations, corporate events and charity fundraisers, the Ambassador is sure to create an unforgettable experience this Australia Day Eve.

On Wednesday 25th Jan from 6 pm, MOJO Rooftop Bar at the Ambassador, will be opened to showcase the real Aussie spirit. Everyone is welcome to come wearing their best Australia Day outfit, bikinis and boardies included, to indulge in Smirnoff Slushies and traditional Aussie snacks like meat pies and sausage rolls. Adding to the Aussie-style celebration, DJ Funky will be on the decks pumping out tunes from 7pm. And since Thursday is a public holiday, why not kickstart the weekend a little early?

Mackay's only rooftop bar, MOJO, promises the perfect evening out with stunning views of the Pioneer River and a vibrant atmosphere. Open every Friday and Saturday, MOJO offers top-notch service and an extensive selection of cocktails. The tranquil evening bar transitions into party central as the lights dim down and the DJ music commences. MOJO is the crown jewel of the Am-

bassador Hotel and is the perfect destination for a night out special event or celebration. The Ambassador offers two other entertainment venues which can be found on the lower level of the hotel. LUSH function room and G's Bar, bursting with personality, are an ideal place for a range of events from hens, bucks and birthday celebrations to comedy nights and office parties, tailored to suit all demographics and planners. Both venues can be privately hired for any day of the week.

Everyone is invited to come and celebrate Australia Day Eve on Wednesday, 25th of January at the Ambassador Hotel starting from 6pm. For function or event enquiries, email enquiry@ambassadorhotel.net.au or phone 4957 7522.

Wet weather provides a perfect excuse for a game of cards and Mackay Contract Bridge Club are inviting visitors to come and learn the game of bridge on Australia Day.

While members will be playing their regular bridge, the Come and Try Day invites guests to come and watch, learn how the game is played and even pick up some cards and have a go.

Joy Block and her husband have been playing bridge for two years and still consider themselves beginners, saying the club has been very welcoming.

“It’s very challenging, it keeps your mind going,” Ms Block said.

“We’re a very friendly club, lots of lovely people there.

“If you love cards, you’ll just love bridge, but it is challenging, it’s not an easy game, you have to be persistent.”

People of all ages are welcome to participate, with the club’s youngest member being 10 years old.

“It probably helps if you’ve played cards of some description before, but you don’t need to have any specific knowledge because it’s different to any game that anybody’s probably played,” Ms Block said.

A free morning tea and sausage sizzle will also be on offer thanks to sponsorship from the Mackay Regional Council.

For more information, email mcbc@ mackaybridgeclub.org.au or call Anne on 0439 436 533.

WHAT: Mackay Contract Bridge Club Come and Try Day

WHERE: 414 Shakespeare Street, West Mackay

WHEN: Thursday, January 26 from 10:00am to 2:00pm

Mackay Contract Bridge Club invites visitors to come and try bridge this Australia Day

On Australia Day Eve enjoy cocktails from Mojo’s rooftop bar

Council has approved funding for some ripper community events ready for 2023 Australia Day celebrations.

Funding ranging from $400 to $1000 will support 13 true-blue Australia Day celebrations by local not-for-profit groups.

Deputy Mayor Karen May said the wide range of events for 2023 was great to see.

“From barefoot bowls and live music at Seaforth to dinghy sailing and a sausage sizzle at Kinchant Dam, there really is something for the whole family,” Cr May said.

“The Australia Day events are spread around the Mackay region from Sarina to the Mackay City Centre, north to St Helens Beach and west to Kinchant Dam,” she said.

“Held at various times throughout the day and at 13 locations across the region, the events are an opportunity to celebrate what makes our region great.”

Steve Campbell, Mackay Junior Motocross Secretary, said the club was really excited to receive a grant.

“It’s the first time our club had applied for an Australia Day event grant and the committee was very excited when we found out we were successful,” Mr Campbell said.

“We would like to invite the community to come down to the riverside motocross track, located on Hume Street in the CBD, for our motocross come and try event,” he said.

“The free event will run from 8:30am to

1pm on Australia Day and will include a jumping castle, slip and slide and sausage sizzle.

“Thanks to the generosity of Bullet Bikes Superstore there will also be some demo motorbikes available for beginner riders to

come and try.”

To be eligible for funding, all events had to be held on the Australia Day public holiday (Thursday, January 26), be free for all to attend and be within the Mackay Regional Council area.

EVENTGUIDE

FRIDAY 20 JANUARY

Teeny Tiny Stevies – How to be Creative Tour

Friday, 10:30am to 11:30am

ARIA Award Winning Children's Artist Teeny Tiny Stevies are heading out on the road for their most comprehensive National Album Tour to date! Fresh off the back of their brand new album ‘How to be Creative’ the band will be touring both regional & capital cities of Australia throughout January & February. Performing a mix of fan favourites (I Ate a Rainbow, Boss of my Own Body, Sleep Through the Night, etc) and brand new material from their new album, the band will be leaving no stone ununturned. Their show is based on the simple idea, that a great live band is compelling for any age group. They can't wait to see you there. A live gig for the whole family.

MECC

Conversations with Art

Friday, 1:00pm to 2:30pm

Conversations with Art is a free and enjoyable discussion led by Artspace staff as they look at images of traditional and contemporary artworks from Gallery and Museum Collections from around the world. It’s not an art theory lesson, it’s simply a casual conversation to talk about the art, deconstructing the works, considering themes, possible techniques used by the artist, and creating links with our own personal experiences.

Artspace Mackay

Friday SUN.sets with Ronny Croker

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVE MUSIC.

Wake House Australia

SATURDAY 21 JANUARY

Boo Seeka Saturday, 7:00pm

Boo Seeka is jumping in the tour van and playing a HUGE run of shows around regional Australia. Having released his second studio album, 'Between The Head & The Heart' in 2022, there is a heap of new tracks to be heard, and many new memories to be made with your favourite vino in hand.

Seabreeze Hotel

SUNDAY 22 JANUARY

Sunday Live Music

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Music every Sunday from 2pm - 5pm. Head down to the Seabreeze Hotel this Sunday for some fresh tunes, delicious food, and ice-cold brews.

Seabreeze Hotel

WEDNESDAY 25

JANUARY

Teen Shed Mackay Teen

activities from 6pm - 7pm, movie night from 7pm, sausage sizzle and market stalls. Pioneer Swim Centre

Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Club Wednesday Night Lessons Every Wednesday, 7:00pm Why not come along and learn to rock ‘n’ roll in a friendly and fun atmosphere with the Sugar City Rock ‘n’ Rollers Mackay Club? Previous experience is not required. Everyone learns at their own pace and, even better, the first lesson is free on your way to learning the four step style of rock ‘n’ roll. $5 for members and $8 for non-members after that. The club caters for social activities for club members with regular dances with live bands in attendance and away trips. For further enquiries call 0408 983 911. 58 Macalister St, Mackay

THURSDAY 26 JANUARY

Australia Day at Kinchant Waters Thursday, 8:30am

Australia Day at Harrup Park Thursday, 10:00am

Food and drink specials, pie and lamington eating competition, live sport on the big screen, live music and meat tray raffles. Harrup Park

Australia Day @ The Bowlsie Thursday, 11:00am

The party kicks off at 11am with Mango Junction performing live on The Deck. Waterslide, jumping castle, face painting and competitions for the whole family!

Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club

Australia Day @ Hotel Mackay Thursday, 11:00am

Join Hotel Mackay this Australia Day to celebrate what's great about Australia! Nite Johnston will perform live in the bar from 12pm to 4pm. Free Sausage Sizzle BBQ from 3pm. Prizes for Best Dressed Bazza and Shazza!

Hotel Mackay

Circle

Every Wednesday, 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Teen Circle is a place for all teens in the community to come together. It's a safe space for them to connect, heal & learn from each other. They can be seen, heard & understood with no judgement. It's a space to honour the uniqueness of each individual, everyone is equal. They will be able to speak from their hearts about things that trouble, annoy, frustrate them. This gathering will be held every Wednesday, all teenagers are welcome to attend. It is a free event, but attendees are asked to register for numbers.

Kutta Mulla Gorinna Special Assistance School

Australia Day Eve Pool Party Wednesday, 4:00pm

Free entry to the public from 4:00pm with Croc Drop from 4pm - 6pm, games and

Kinchant Waters Café and bar opens at 8:30am with Hannah Roberts performing live from 1:00pm.

Kinchant Dam

Banksia Scout Australia Day Open Day

Thursday, 10:00am to 1:00pm

Activities to include making damper, crate stacking, rope bridge, experiments, soft archery, thong throwing, sausage sizzle plus lots more. Banksia Scout Group invites families to come down to a safe environment with healthy outdoor activities. Fun activities for the kids and a great place to rest under the trees for the adults to supervise. BYO sunscreen, closed in shoes and chairs. Please remember that due to WHS, all activities require closed in shoes (crocs and sandals are not closed shoes). Bring a picnic or buy a sausage from our volunteers.

Banksia Scout Group

Australia Day at the Seabreeze Hotel

Thursday, 2:00pm

Experience an Australia Day celebration like no other! On Thursday 26 January, you’ll be able to quench that thirst and bust that huge appetite with a number of Aussie bites and drinks. Then later on in the afternoon, we’ll be celebrating with live entertainment from Kapricorn from 2pm. Did we mention entry is free? To book a table ahead of time, call the friendly team on (07) 4955 1644.

Seabreeze Hotel

Mackay Riverside Market

Every Thursday, 3:00pm to 7:00pm

Come and meet your local growers, bakers and makers, chill on the lawn listening to some beautiful tunes and grab some delicious dinner and desert.

Bluewater Quay

Teeny Tiny Stevies

Ronny Croker

Conversations with Art

Boo Seeka

Australia Day Eve Pool Party

Summertime And All That...

Local vocal ensemble Tutti is proud to present Summertime and All That... this February at the Conservatorium of Music Mackay. But who is Tutti?

Tutti is an all-female vocal ensemble under the direction of Jan Whelan OAM. Jan is known around town not only for her work with the Mackay Choral Society and Mackay Musical Comedy Players but also her accompanying work with soloists, school choirs and music ministries. Jan started the ensemble back in 2002 as a small ensemble and trio and quartets. We were very proud when in 2022 Jan was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day

Awards for services to music as an accompanist.

Over the years many vocalists have graced the stage all over North Queensland under the name Tutti. The ensemble has competed several times in competitions across Queensland and have been described by several leading adjudicators as “spectacular” and “glamorous”.

Current vocalists of the group include some well-known members of the community, performers, teachers and key members of other performing groups. All the members of the group have some knowledge and expertise in different music styles and the delectable combination of these voices is

purely stunning. The program is filled with luscious harmonies and different song genres including swing, ballads and folk.

Summertime and All That... also includes guest artist Belinda Rooney on flute. There is something for everyone.

Tutti is excited and thrilled to present Summertime and All That... to Mackay audiences on February 4 and 5 at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music Mackay, Building 21, 151 Boundary Road, Ooralea Qld 4740. Tickets can be purchased through trybooking: www.trybooking.com/969096

Contributed by Isobel Gillman

ANH DO – THE HAPPIEST REFUGEE LIVE

BY POPULAR DEMAND

Comedian Anh Do brings his best-selling memoir, The Happiest Refugee, to life in a ground-breaking stand-up show.

Performed at The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre for one night only in February, this moving, inspirational

and unforgettable theatre experience combines humour, real life stories, photos and filmed pieces to retell Do’s amazing story.

Anh Do travelled to Australia in 1980 on an eight metre fishing boat with 47 other Vietnamese refugees. Sick with dehydration and one person already dead, the

ANH RETURNS

WITH HIS SMASH HIT SHOW

journey was the first of many struggles for a young Do, who overcame all manner of difficulties throughout his life to become a lawyer and, in 2008, Australia’s Comedian of the Year.

Today he is one of Australia’s most sought after stand-ups, as well as a talented writer, actor, producer and Star of the ABC1 TV’s ‘Anh’s Brush With Fame”.

The Happiest Refugee: A Memoir, charts his journey from starving refugee to one of Australia’s best-loved entertainers, and was described by Russell Crowe as “the

most surprising and inspiring read I have had in years,”. It has been awarded Book of the Year with sales in excess of 450,000. Do’s struggles as a young refugee – his difficulties with English, divorcing parents, being bullied and broke, are brought to life in this hilarious but moving new stage show, garnering this happy refugee standing ovations across the country.

What: Anh Do, The Happiest Refugee –Live!!

When: Wednesday, 15 February 7.30pm Where: MECC Auditorium Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

Group members in local vocal ensemble Tutti: Top Row: Anne Atkinson, Vanessa Dale, Caroline Galea 2nd Row: Lynn Gallant, Isobel Gillman, Cecilia Hyde, Chantal Kay 3rd Row: Danielle McCully, Lauren Menzies, Jeanette Oberg, Annie Pratt 4th Row: Shona Rosser, Caitlyn Schurmann, Nicole Thomson, Jan Whelan OAM

MACKAY’S FLASH MIKAYLA IS REAPING THE TRACK REWARDS PIONEER SWIMMING CLUB

HAVE YOU MET OUR COACHES?

RUNNING SWIMMING

Claiming a national sporting title or medal is the ultimate accolade for any aspiring athlete.

For Mackay sprint sensation Mikayla Webb, anchoring the triumphant Queensland 4 x 100m relay sprint team at last month's National All Schools Track and Field Championships in Adelaide proved an "early Christmas present."

The relay gold medal capped a stellar season on the track for the 15 year old St Patrick's College student, who returned home as an Australian champion and with a bronze medal after grabbing third place in the National 100m Girls Final.

Quicksilver Mikayla – who competes for Mackay Athletics Club - used her blistering speed to flash home in a time of 12.12 seconds and secure a thrilling podium finish.

In the major Adelaide meet she was also pipped for a medal in the 200m National final after finishing fourth in a hot field of promising sprinters.

Earlier Mikayla demonstrated her competitive edge by clinching silver medals in the 100m and 200m dash at last year's Queensland Secondary Schools Athletics Championships in Brisbane.

Those stand out performances helped the record-breaking Webb earn recognition as one of the fastest young sprinters in the country after being named the Athletics North Queensland Emerging Athlete of the Year.

Her impressive results can be attributed to months of hard toil under renowned sprint coaches Tina and Luke Morse from ASSET (All Sports Speed Endurance Training) who have added speed and balance to her running technique.

Last year Mikayla smashed two long standing records when she won gold in both the 100m and 200m finals at the Oceania Schools Athletics Championships staged at the Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Centre.

She scorched her rivals in the Girls 15yrs 100m event – clocking an impressive 12:12 seconds to eclipse the previous mark of 12:30 seconds in superb style.

The sprint queen backed up that golden performance by also clinching the 200m title with a sizzling record time of 25:65 seconds, bettering the previous best of 25:70 seconds.

Both sprint records had stood for two decades.

By Chris Karas

So, who are the coaches of the Pioneer Swimming Club? Who turns our fish into Dolphins?

Our Club is led by Igor Demin, Russian-born Olympian turned Coach.

Undoubtedly, if you have been to the Pioneer Swim Centre, you will have seen Igor and heard his unique whistle blow!

He tells us his father joined him up for boxing at the age of 7 and after two months, he instructed his father he was becoming a swimmer.

He has swum in many international competitions, swimming in almost all continents around the world – his most memorable moment being medaling at the Universiade in Japan.

Before joining the Pioneer Swimming Club in 2020, he was a member in and trained the National Team in Russia and has since coached in New Zealand and then, eventually, Australia.

Igor’s qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Coaching and Sports Medicine, but perhaps his best asset is his unique humor and spin on swimming.

We are fortunate to have Igor and we hope he never leaves us!

Kylie Smith wears many hats in our club –one being President of the Club, another being a competitive swimmer herself, still competing at State level competitions for our Club, and the last, and definitely not the least, Assistant Coach to Igor.

Kylie’s journey in swimming started when she was 7 years old – swimming a somewhat crooked resemblance of backstroke down the lane at her first school carnival. She vied to learn to swim straight from that day forth.

Her career has taken her to the 2000 Olympic Trials in Sydney and the 2006 Commonwealth Trials in Melbourne – believe or not, she made it for backstroke, although, by now, she had mastered swimming straight!

You will see Kylie on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons pacing the pool, assisting our mini-Dolphins with their stroke and focusing on their technique.

If you are seeking to sign your child up for a squad, how do you get in touch with us?

Email the Club Secretary, Tahnie Malagueno, on secretary@pioneerswimclub.com.au.

We look forward to meeting you poolside soon!

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

Mikayla Webb is one of the fastest teenagers in Australia. Photo credit: Athletics North Queensland

Pioneer Swimming Club Coach Igor Demin Assistant Coach Kylie Smith

MACKAY CONTRACT BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS

On The Greens At Goosies

BRIDGE

Bridge is not just an old person’s game!

Lauren Morgan played her first game in a Congress as a Novice at MCBC with her mother Diane Morgan. Welcome Lauren, we hope you enjoy many years of Bridge.

The first session of the B4 was played on Saturday, with 19 pairs playing for the first win.

First N/S Frances and Alan Brown, First E/W Max and Diane Holewa.

Well done to Thomas Block and Elrae Trueman having a good day on Friday, finishing fourth N/S.

BOWLS

New Year bowls commenced at NMBC on Monday 9th January.

Club competitions are starting soon but visitors from other clubs are very welcome to play "under cover" away from the rain at NMBC known as "Goosies"!

SOCIAL RESULTS

Monday - mixed pairs draw was won by Maurie Pearson and John Fry. Second draw winners were Ann Smith and Isla Comelli and lucky draw winners were Maurie Pearson and Mary Orchard.

Thursday - mixed pairs first draw winners were Rob Evans and Peter Cowling. Second draw winners were John Fry and Dave Evans. Third draw winners were M Fogg and Greg McLean Raffle winner Rob Evans. The kitty toucher jackpots!

Friday - Winners were R. Menzies and partner. Lucky draw winners were N Blucher and M Blucher. Runners up lucky draw winners were Bert Hobbs and Peter Shephard.

Saturday - Mens' Pairs winners were Alan Cooney and Neil Blucher. Runners up were Tony Allsop and Greg Pembroke. Jackpot winners were Peter Miller and Vic Gaudion – congratulations!

Contributed by Ian Rowan

Saturday bowlers Eric Galletly and Ray McCarthy

Arm Bowlers meeting at North Mackay Bowling Club

Thomas Block and Elrae Trueman play against Sandra Morris and Jan Harris

Diane Morgan, Alan Brown, Lauren Morgan (First game in MCBC Congress) and Frances Brown

If you are an equine enthusiast and searching for an income generating property, 163 Abbotts Road at Palmyra could be just the answer. This is a 22.66ha fully fenced rural/equine property located within 30 minutes from Mackay.

This complex offers countless opportunities for the new owner.

Vendor is open to offers prior to the Auction that is scheduled for 12 noon on Saturday, 28 January 2023.

HORSE COMPLEX

• 12 x 1 acre fenced agistment paddocks with individual shelters. All but one (by Vendors choice) are income generating

• 5 personal paddocks (3 with improved pastures)

• 30m x 60m sand lit arena

• 20m round yard

• Portable cattle yards

BARN

• 3 phase power

• 4 stables

• feed shed

• tack room

• vet crush

• option to build in mezzanine floor

SHED

• 4 bays with one bay enclosed with electric roller door WATER

• Bore with brand new pump

• Rainwater tank

• 2.4 megalitre Water Licence HOUSE

Recently renovated home large enough to accommodate a growing family as it offers 5 bedrooms plus an office. Spacious kitchen with an abundance of overhead cupboards and bench space located centrally between both the lounge and dining room. A window from the kitchen is strategically placed looking into the lounge room to allow that interaction whilst meals are being prepared. Featuring laminex benchtops, electric stove and tiled floor. Tiled flooring in both the kitchen and

adjacent dining area makes for easy cleaning.

The oversized lounge room with vinyl flooring is cooled by a new split system air conditioner.

The master bedroom is complimented with a recently renovated ensuite plus a walk in robe. A new air conditioner and vinyl flooring finishes off this zone.

The remaining roomy bedrooms all have built in robes, two of which are air conditioned (one being a new system) and all have tiled floors. Two of the bedrooms also feature built in desks. The office is fitted out with lino flooring, a built in robe and built in desk plus air conditioning for your comfort.

The main bathroom has been renovated in the same style as the ensuite and offers a shower over the bath.

A small room that could be utilised as an ironing room or to anchor a gun safe adjoins the laundry.

The home itself also has a fully fenced yard which is handy if you have small children or a puppy or two.

An Information Memorandum is available on request. Please email gwilson@blacksrealestate.com.au or call Glenis 0427 423 553.

Elevated with Views and Pool in Quality Location

Amazing views from elevated block at end of quiet cul-de-sac on offer from this special property with multiple living areas and fantastic pool in a private garden setting

Freshly painted and with beautiful polished timber floorboards in living areas and hallways and brand new carpet in the bedrooms, this unique home is ready to move into

Stylish, renovated kitchen with dishwasher and stone benchtops overlooks air-conditioned family room and is adjacent to dining room. Separate second lounge room

Living areas open out to a great deck with incredible views

Four bedrooms all have split-system air-cons, fans, built-in robes. Main has ensuite and private deck

Near schools, shops, Magpies, sports grounds and the CBD

Dream Acreage with Ocean Views

This allotment is currently the only lifestyle acreage for sale in Habana, with a recent price reduction of $15,000.

The recent land sales throughout Habana and Nindaroo had prices averaging from $500,00 and above.

Beautiful dream acreage situated on a rare natural shelf has ocean views over the Whitsunday Islands.

Whether you are looking to build a single level home or elevated to improve the views. Being 2.5ha this rare and vacant parcel of land offers the best of both worlds – country lifestyle with city convenience.

Lot 31 is a substantial allotment fully fenced with cattle yards and water throughs located only 25 minutes from Mackay and boost a quiet serene atmosphere.

WIN A NEW CAR

1 Jess Ct Alligator Creek

This home truly is in a class of its own, positioned on 4,207m2 no stone has been left unturned or detail spared. This bespoke home boasts the highest level and quality of finishes, you won’t enter a space in this 337m2 home that will leave you disappointed. With multiple living spaces, master and children’s retreats, two lavish bathrooms, all weather entertaining area, double lockup garage and a 22x10m shed you’ll find every box is ticked. This home is fully air conditioned, there is 15 and 10amp power supply to the shed, backup generator and change over switch, everything really has been taken care of.

Price By Negotiation