Mackay Life

Preparedness

“JT”

Students were tasked with designing and con structing disaster-ready houses, with entries received from 65 classrooms and almost 2,000 students across the state.

Johnathan Thurston was in Mackay this week to share the message of disaster preparedness with Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School students. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

ohnathan Thurston has weathered plenty of Storms in his illustrious rugby league ca reer, but this week the North Queensland Cowboys legend was in Mackay to talk about a different kind of storm.

Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School welcomed Get Ready Queensland Ambassador

to their school on Tuesday after winning the Get Ready Queensland school competition.

The winning design, built by Cooper, Zach, Ethan and Jake, was built on stilts and incor porated drainage trenches built into the house’s vegetable garden, winning their school a visit from the Queensland icon.

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I Spilled The Beans On Radio

Hfrom 4MK?

He’s quite the talker, and having been in the radio industry for many years, he’s naturally very good at what he does.

We were having a chat during our time together in Jingle Jail earlier this month, and somehow the conversation switched from sport to babies.

The reason I was able to take part in Jingle Jail this year was be cause I had withdrawn from the Masters Pan Pacific Games being held on the Gold Coast that same weekend.

Instead of throwing a hammer, discus and other throwing im plements, I was able to help raise money for Real Mates Talk, which I thought was a pretty good replacement.

The reason I had withdrawn from the Pan Pacific Games is because I’m expecting my first child. I blurted this out during my interview and Rob offered hearty congratulations.

It’s not my first pregnancy how ever. The last time I was pregnant

s when I last competed in the Masters Pan Pacific Games, four years ago. A week later at my first ultrasound, I found out there was no heartbeat. A scan the follow ing week confirmed my worst fear that I had silently miscarried. That’s when your body doesn’t recognise the miscarriage and you only know through an ultra sound.

I don’t believe that competing in athletics four years ago caused my miscarriage, but it was fate I didn’t want to tempt. Should the same have happened, I would have riddled myself with agoniz ing guilt.

I’m also a little further along this time, officially halfway this week at 20 weeks. So I’m due early April.

I’ll be classed as a ‘geriatric’ mother which I think is a little harsh, I prefer mature age. But many couples have hard roads to travel when it comes to fertility. I believe it’s good to talk openly and honestly about it, to reduce the stigma for those who may fol low in our footsteps. Amanda

COLES CAMARADERIE

An incident at Coles Parkside has banded cus tomers and staff together to help a fellow customer in need.

Mel Whitestyles was at the check out when her daughter had a fe brile convulsion which is caused by a sudden change in a child's body temperature.

Thankfully, behind Mel was a nurse who didn’t skip a beat in helping her stay calm and cool down her child.

The nurse happened to be on shift later that night and checked in with Mel and her daughter in the hospital.

Another lovely lady, who Mel briefly had a chat to in one of the aisles not long before, paid for Mel’s daughter’s nappies as she

had said to the Coles staff mem ber to forget the rest of her items as she had run out.

“To you two beautiful angels, I just want to say thank you!” Mel wrote on Facebook.

“If I could pay you back or buy you a coffee one day soon when my daughter is better to show you my appreciation.”

“Not to mention the amazing team at Parkside who were more than comforting and helpful, for calling the ambulance and mak ing sure I was ok.”

Mel and her daughter returned home after six hours at the hos pital.

“Thank you to everyone who helped me out in this terrifying experience.”

CLERMONT MAN ARRESTED ON CHILD EXPLOITATION CHARGES

Aman has been arrested and charged with child sex offences following a joint investigation involving Mackay Child Protection Investi gation Unit, Moranbah Criminal Investigation Branch and Argos.

The investigation commenced on November 8 when the man al legedly engaged in an online con versation about sexual acts with children with a person he believed to be a mother of a 12-year-old girl, who was in fact an undercov er officer from Argos.

During the conversation the man allegedly made plans with the of ficer to travel to Brisbane to meet and engage in sexual acts with a 12-year-old child.

A search warrant was subsequent ly executed at the man’s accom modation in Dysart on November 11 and a number of items seized, including a phone allegedly de tailing communications between the officer and the man.

A further search warrant was ex ecuted at the man’s home in Cl ermont on November 12 where another device was located and examined which allegedly con tained Child Exploitation Materi al (CEM).

The 31-year-old Clermont man was charged with using the in ternet to procure a child under 16 years and possessing child ex ploitation material and is due to appear in the Mackay Magistrates Court today (November 14).

Detective Senior Sergeant Emma Novosel of Mackay CPIU said the case highlights the ever-present risk children can face from online predators and the key role parents and caregivers play in teaching children about online safety.

“Research by the Commonwealth eSafety Commissioner has identi fied that one in four children have been approached by a stranger online,” Detective Senior Sergeant Novosel said.

“The research also shows that over 90 percent of teens regular ly use internet connected devices – which highlights the need for parents to be aware of their child’s online footprint and to speak with them about online safety,” she said.

“Supervision is key to prevention, as is ongoing communication with children about how to stay safe online and the dangers of having online ‘friends’ they have never met face-to-face.

“Every day Argos has undercov er officers working in a range of online platforms to detect and apprehend people who seek to ex ploit children in our community,” she added.

“To those that seek to engage in this predatory behaviour, just re member that the next ‘child’ that you message may be a police of ficer.”

Young Father The Latest Casualty On The Peak Downs Highway

A28-year-old Gulli ver man has sadly passed away fol lowing a two-vehicle traf fic crash in Coppabella last week on November 9.

He was identified as Dylan Wheeler, with initial infor mation indicating the Ford Focus that Mr Wheeler was driving rear-ended a Toyo ta Hilux on the Peak Downs Highway around 6.10am.

The young father sustained critical injuries and was pro nounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the other vehi cle, a 39-year-old Proserpine woman, was not physically injured.

An AFL Club which Mr Wheeler was a former mem

ber of posted a notification of his death on the club’s Face book Page, with the club en couraging people to reach out if they needed support.

The Northern Beaches SUNS AFL Club said, “If you need to talk to someone to help you through this, please talk to your coach or mates, we’re all there for each other.”

The Forensic Crash Unit is in vestigating the circumstances of the crash.

ARE YOU READY?

FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

now. The listing documents, photos, and write-up can all be done in December so that you and your property are ready to go when we hit the button in the second week of January.

Having such a diverse business Gardian is able to assist locals with many HOT tips leading into the festive and storm session. Serving Mackay for over 22 years with all aspects of Finance, Insurance, Financial Planning, Property Management, Real Estate Sales and Commercial Sales, Leasing and Management, you have to wonder is there anything that Gardian CAN'T help you with.

Gardian agents can help you get organised and ready to go so that you can relax over Christmas knowing that everything is ready to go for when you want to hit the market in January.

agent can suggest items which may need attention to make the property more attractive. 4- If you don’t already have one, get yourself a commercial property manager as they can be a huge help with the incoming tenant process.

Should you purchase any valuable items as Christmas presents, make sure they’re added to your Contents Insurance policy the moment you get them home. This will help ensure they are protected against unexpected events like fire or theft.

At this time of year everybody is starting to finalise their plans for the festive season. Scheduling the public holidays into your rental calendar will ensure your rent will still be paid on time. Due to the public holidays your rent may take longer to clear with the banks. Ensure you have calculated these public holidays so there is one less thing to stress over during the holidays!

As the office will be closed over the Christmas period, make sure you have the link to the PROPERTY-ME portal as the property managers will be keeping an eye on the portal for any urgent tenancy matters/maintenance.

Have yourself a Merry Commercial Christmas.

At this time of the year the commercial property market can deliver some fantastic opportunities, it’s imperative that buyers and sellers alike start the steps now to be ahead of the queue in the new year. While there may be doom & gloom in the media, this doesn’t reflect our market here in Mackay.

We have seen that the new year brings with it an influx of enquiries for commercial properties from a range of business, be it start-up or companies looking for a fresh start in a new location.

The holidays give the opportunity for companies to research properties that they can look at in the new year.

Gardian Commercial suggest doing the following if you are looking at selling or leasing your property in the new year.

1- Contact an agent to get an appraisal and start the process. Choosing the right agency is crucial to the result of your sale or lease.

With the Christmas and New Year period just around the bend it’s a critical time of year to make sure you don’t overspend on your budget. It can be easy to go overboard with presents, travel, food and decorations but remember happiness comes from being together during this period. Most importantly be safe during the Christmas season, accident statistics show an increase during this period and you don’t want yourself or a loved one ending your holiday period with claims paperwork. That being said if you don’t have life insurances in place or it’s been a while since you’ve reviewed them be sure to book a no obligation appointment with one of our Financial Adviser’s and they will ensure you’ve got the correct amount of cover or right cover in place to protect you and your family.

Business Owners: Ensure your business’ alarms and monitoring systems are up to date before you close for the Christmas period. If using an external security provider, ensure they’re aware of the dates your business will not be in operation. Any advice contained in this article is General Advice and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any General Advice, you should consider whether it is appropriate in light of your particular objectives, financial situation or needs.

The lead-up to Christmas is a very important time of the year for Gardian real estate agents and our clients.

If you are a seller with your property already on the market, the lead-up to Christmas is a fantastic opportunity to sell. Some buyers want to be in their property by Christmas so this weekend can provide a great selling opportunity because time has just about run out.

If you are a buyer who wants to be in your new home by Christmas then you need to buy now. You are cutting it fine but if you buy a house this weekend you could be in your new home in time for Santa.

There are also lots of buyers looking now who simply want to get a property under contract before Christmas. They want to have a deal done, then go on holidays knowing things like finance, building and pest reports etc will be sorted out over the December-January period. Those buyers want to be in their property in January, knowing they are set for the year ahead with certainty around things such as where the kids will go to school.

The issue for buyers and sellers to consider at this time of year is that the process of buying and settling a property that normally takes 3542 days becomes a longer period if it includes the Christmas-New Year period.

Solicitors, banks, mortgage brokers, real estate agencies and building and pest inspectors tend to be pretty much closed between Christmas Eve and the 3rd of January.

So the whole process is slowed down and this needs to be taken into account when you are planning when you are going to be in or out of your property.

The other group Gardian agents start working with at this time of year are the sellers who want to go on the market in January.

January is a great time to buy and sell real estate and, if you are planning to sell in early or mid-January, now is the time to start planning and getting ready. You can declutter and prepare your property

2- Talk to your agent about marketing which is tailored to your property and marketing it to your target audience. Every property is unique and at Gardian we have local and national clients which your property may suit.

3- Get your property ready to present it in the best light to help achieve a fast result. Your

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY INSURANCE TIPS

For Householders:

It’s very important to keep your broker and / or insurance company updated with any changes to your insurable items. After Christmas it would be wise to take stock and update your contents insurance policy to account for any new and valuable items you may have received as a gift e.g. jewellery, electronics, artwork etc TIP: Insure valuable Christmas presents before they’re opened!.

Getting into debt at Christmas is as common in Australia as feasting on prawns, turkey and ham. Spending goes into overdrive leading up to 25 December. If you get a little carried away with shopping for the biggest celebration of the year, you’re in good company. This spending frenzy can have big consequences especially when it comes to purchasing a home. In the months following Christmas, banks are on the lookout to monitor spending habits. Checking credit facilities have not been overdrawn and bank accounts have not seen negatives. HOT tip for this festive season when it comes to spending set yourself a budget and stick to it. Don’t impact your savings goals and dream of purchasing property. Pop in and have a chat with the team at Gardian Finance, we can put a plan of attack in place to purchase that home to celebrate the next Christmas in.

Here are some HOT tips from Gardian to ensure you have all the information you need in the lead up to the Festive season....

Gardian Insurance Brokers Trading As Gardian Insurance Brokers (CAR No 000297948) is a Corporate Authorized Representative of The Gardian Group (AFSL 457506

BRONCOS LEGENDS Visit Mackay Schools

Major Coal And Gas Projects At Risk

5,500 jobs in and around Dawson have been put on ice by Federal Labor’s Min ister for Water, says Federal Daw son MP Andrew Willcox.

“18 major coal and gas projects which were already approved are now subject to reassessment fol lowing a decision by the Labor Government,” Mr Willcox said.

“The North Bowen and Gali lee Gas basins project has been named by the Labor Government as a project that is now due to be reassessed.”

Mr Willcox, said the decision is yet another cause for alarm for Australia’s energy future.

load power in our energy grid that enables Australians to have 24/7 power,” Mr Willcox said.

“Instead of sabotaging projects, I am urging the Albanese Labor Government to provide energy security to Australia.

tunity to. And with 18 projects being ‘reassessed’ overall, these opportunities are being severely restricted.

The Brisbane Broncos’ grass roots team toured Mack ay last month as the club’s Game Development squad shone a light on regional Queensland in the off-season.

Club legend and five-time Premier ship winner Michael Hancock, along with 2006 Broncos Premiers Casey McGuire and David Stagg, returned to north Queensland, vis iting eight schools in two days.

Mr McGuire is a proud regional Queenslander and says the club has a rich history in the regions.

“For the last 20 years and more, the Broncos have made a big point of making connections in the region al communities,” he said.

“We recognise early that a very small percentage of kids that will go on and play professional sport for a living, so we try and cater for those kids that are preparing for life after school.

“It’s about preparing them for work after school and just being good people, and their health and well being is important too.”

The team ran mentoring and skills sessions at Mackay Northern Beaches State High School, Eimeo Road State School, Mackay North

State High School, Fitzgerald State School on Wednesday, October 26, followed by Mackay West State School, Catherine McAuley Col lege, Mackay State High School and Pioneer State High School the following Thursday.

Mr Hancock has singled out the club’s ongoing commitment to ser vicing junior rugby league clubs and schools across Queensland as a key to the Broncos brand.

“When we come into rural and regional areas, where a lot of our players come from, we try and sup port that region so hopefully they can continue to thrive,” Hancock said.

“Often times, you do see other clubs down south come and take the best and never return to give back.

“With now four clubs in Queensland, collectively we should be able to do a great job on the grass to help boys and girls in general, to have an opportunity to not only go to the Broncos, but the opportunity to go to three other clubs.

“The more the competition is strong, the more rugby league is strong.”

“Projects such as these are what will save our nation during an energy crisis. This Labor Govern ment simply does not understand the critical importance of base

“There are plenty of skilled men and women in Dawson who could fill these roles exceptionally and now may not get the oppor

Local Athletes Successful In Sporting Grants

64 local sporting champions and 2 local para champi ons will receive funding to help with the cost of attending championship events.

Successful applicants for Round 2 of the Federal Government’s Local Sporting Champions and Local Para Champions pro grams have been announced.

The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial as sistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-18 participating in state, nation al or international champion ships. Successful applicants will receive $500-$750 towards the cost of attending their champi onships.

The Local Para Champions pro gram provides financial assis tance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-24 partic ipating in state, national or in ternational championships for athletes with a disability. Suc cessful applicants will receive $750-$1000 towards the cost of attending their championships.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said that 64 local sporting champions and 2 local para champions were suc cessful from the Dawson elec torate.

“Successful applicants are from all over the Dawson electorate, including Idalia, Bowen, Mack ay, Ayr, Wulguru, Annandale,

“At a time when Labor’s own Bud get forecasts energy prices rising by more than 50 per cent and gas prices by more than 40 per cent, it is appalling that Labor would send these key projects back wards to further compromise our future supplies of coal and gas.”

Jubilee Pocket, Brandy Creek, Farleigh, Shoal Point, Habana, Oonoonba, Jarvisfield, Conway, Gregory River and Proserpine,” Mr Willcox said.

“These successful applicants are competing in sports including rugby union, equestrian, net ball, cycling, basketball, touch football, swimming, athletics, softball, sailing, water skiing, volleyball, and hockey.

“Congratulations to all the suc cessful applicants, I am sure you will do Dawson proud.”

Round 3 of both programs are currently open and close on 31 December 2022 and Mr Willcox encourages all eligible Dawson athletes to apply.

Andrew WILLCOX

Broncos legends Michael Hancock, David Staggs and Casey Maguire with the Catherine McCauley College rugby league team. Photo supplied

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox says the Federal Government is compromising future supplies of coal and gas which will put increased pressure on the cost of living

WWI History Gifted Back To Mackay On

On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, a minutes’ silence is ob served and dedicated to those sol diers who died fighting to protect our nation.

104 years ago, the guns on the West ern Front finally fell silent, after a conflict which claimed the lives of more than 11 million soldiers and 13 million civilians. The flu which then spread following the outbreak killed another 20 million people around the world when soldiers returned home over the following four years.

During Mackay’s Remembrance Day ceremony, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson reminded the attend ees that it’s an important gather ing to mark the end of the modern world’s first conflict, and that the past can contain warning signs that shouldn’t be forgotten in our future.

“When the war started in August 1914, the people of Europe were jubilant. It inspired great waves of patriotism and celebration fanned by autocratic rulers who used the sanctity of their treaties to protect their economic and imperial power.

“Nobody could have imagined that when this day came, four years later in 1918, the world would have been changed completely; politically, economically and demographically.

“This Remembrance Day, we should be pleading with the current world leaders to remember.

“The great sacrifices we are gath ered here to remember, seem peril ously close to being forgotten.

“Today’s autocratic leaders are ex ercising their military muscle to change the economic and power bases of the world we live in, a sce nario very similar to 1914.

“We need to remember.”

At the service held at Jubilee Park last week, special guests from the 102 Field Workshops from Towns ville’s Lavarack Barracks were led by Warrant Officer Ben Weston in gifting a special piece of World War I memorabilia to Mackay’s RSL.

The leichter minenwerfer, roughly translating to ‘light mine launcher’ is a piece of artillery used to launch mortars by German and Austrian troops during World War I. They were built around 1911.

RSL Mackay Sub Branch President Ken Higgins OAM said it was an honour to receive a beautifully re stored piece of memorabilia.

“It was spotted in a field here in Mackay by one of our officers, and 102 Field Workshops was tasked with its restoration,” Mr Higgins said.

“It was in the trenches during WWI and was in pretty rough condition when the men and women of La varack Barracks were given it to restore.

“It’s a magnificent piece of machin ery. Yes, it’s German, but the Ger man soldiers were fighting for their country just like our Australians were fighting for theirs, let’s leave it at that,” Mr Higgins said.

“We’re trying to track down the or igins of this iconic piece of battle equipment to find out how it came back to a Mackay farm.”

Mr Higgins said the RSL will look after the artillery piece until the RSL finds its permanent place of opera tion, where a suitable place will be chosen for the mortar launcher to be displayed to the public.

Transforming Queensland energy

Queensland Hydro will drive delivery of worldclass pumped hydro assets to provide the long duration storage and energy reliability needed to power Queensland’s clean energy future.

A publicly-owned entity established by the Queensland Government, Queensland Hydro will deliver the long duration hydro assets that will be the cornerstone for the transformation of the state’s energy system.

Pumped hydro will store energy when the wind blows and the sun shines and make it available when we need it. It will play a vital role in supporting affordable, reliable, clean energy for all Queenslanders.

Community Drop-in Sessions

The Pioneer-Burdekin site has been identified for a long duration pumped hydro energy storage facility. We are keen to continue connecting with the local community about the Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro project.

Join us at our next round of Community Drop-in Sessions between 3-6pm on: 21 November Eungella Community Hall “The Hub”, Eungella 23 November

Pioneer Valley Agricultural Show Society Hall, Finch Hatton Showgrounds, Finch Hatton

Get in touch

1800 875 099

pioneer-burdekin@qldhydro.com.au qldhydro.com.au

L-R: Warrant Officer Ben Weston with Ken Higgins OAM beside the German leichter minenwerfer. Photo: Amanda Wright

Remembrance Day

Draw To Remember

This year the Queensland RSL invit ed Sub Branches to contact their local schools to ask if they would like to participate in this year’s Draw to Remember initiative.

Mackay RSL Sub Branch contacted St Mary’s Catholic School and they were more than happy to participate.

Upon their acceptance, Mackay RSL Pres ident Ken Higgins OAM, and Secretary Nichole Hood, visited St Mary’s Catholic School to present them with the Draw to Remember pack.

Whilst at the school, Mr Higgins provided the students with background on why we

stop to remember on November 11.

The students were given their pack which consisted of chalk and workbooks to help with the planning of their drawing.

The students, with the help of their teach ers, have completed their Draw to Re member pictures and both Ken and Nich ole are excited with the pictures that have been produced.

Mr Higgins also attended both St Mary’s and Mercy College on Friday, November 11 to present both schools with Simpson and his Donkey Certificates.

Contributed by Nichole Hood

Remembrance Day In The Northern Beaches

Students from Bucasia State School and Northern Beaches High School laid pop pies and representatives from Northern Beaches Girl Guides, Northern Beaches Rotary Club and Northern Beaches

105 Squadron Air Force Cadets and TS Pi oneer Navy Cadets were in attendance with the Navy Cadets forming the guard and flag orderly duties for the service.

The Sub Branch also presented a $2,200 donation to the Navy Cadets to go towards the purchase of new equipment.

“They are largely self-funded … so we try to help them out as the need arises when we can,” said Sub Branch President Cam eron Dorward.

expanded to incorporate the Northern Beaches in 2007.

Mr Dorward said the Sub Branch is seek ing 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 commit ment of service personnel and we need to keep that going.”

The Sub Branch meet at the Northern Beaches Bowls Club on the fourth Wednes day of the month, with this month’s meet ing, next Wednesday, November 23 at 6:30pm being the last of the year.

“It’d be good to see some new faces turn up,” said Mr Dorward.

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

RSL Mackay Sub Branch President Ken Higgins OAM holding a gift the RSL presented to Warrant Officer Ben Weston from the 102 Field Workshops at Townsville’s Lavarack Barracks.

Photo: Mackay Regional Council

Members from 102 Field Workshops, Townsville Lavarack Barracks with the German leichter minenwerfer Photo: Amanda Wright

RSL Farleigh and Northern Beaches Sub Branch held a Remembrance Day dusk service last Friday, bring ing together veterans, cadets, community members and school students.

Lions Club were also present.

RSL Farleigh and Districts Sub Branch

RSL Farleigh and Northern Beaches Sub Branch Cameron Dorward speaking at the Remembrance Day ceremony at Bucasia

Cadets from 105 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets and TS Pioneer Australian Navy Cadets participated in the service. Photos supplied

Local Coffee Roaster’s Beans Win Bronze

M

ackay has been put on the map for exceptional coffee thanks to Primal Coffee Roasters win last month in the world’s largest coffee roast ing ‘Golden Bean’ competition – resetting the bar for the region’s coffee industry.

Opened in 2020, Primal Coffee Roasters are well-known as the only café in the re gion to roast their own beans on premise and owner Dan Shaw’s dedication to pre mium coffee products has been further so lidified by the recent award wins.

Dan said that taking home bronze in the categories of Espresso (short black) for their ‘Date Night’ and Milk Coffee (latte) for their ‘Woodstock’ was a true honour.

“The Golden Bean is one of the hardest coffee competitions in the world and we honestly feel so humbled that we have placed. It’s a win for not only our team, but also for Mackay as a regional town com peting against major cities,” he said.

Celebrating its 18th year in Australia and eighth in North America, the Golden Bean Australasia Program recognises the most elite roasters across the globe in the cat egories of Espresso, Milk, Filter, Alterna tive Milk, Chain Store Milk, Chain Street

Espresso, Elite and Super-Automatic. The judging panel have extensive expe rience working within the industry, in cluding Paul Asquith who has been Aus tralasian Grand Barista Champion and specialises in filtration for coffee.

“There’s a true science behind coffee. All the different elements need to align, in cluding bean quality, roast date, climate control, water quality…and of course, pa tience! We are constantly looking for new ways to perfect our craft and it’s encourag ing to know that it’s coming through in the quality we’re producing,” Mr Shaw said.

Primal’s Operations Manager, Tamara Vel la said that they were incredibly proud of what they had achieved this year and have even bigger plans for 2023.

“We’ve poured so much love into creating the highest quality beans and we’re excited to share that with even more people across Mackay and the Whitsunday Region to make sure everyone has access to an amaz ing coffee,” she said.

Primal Coffee Roasters are located at 134 Evan Street and sell their signature blends both in store and online via their website www.primalcoffeeroasters.com

The Environmentally Friendly Approach To Financing

When you think of green things, you picture money, plants and grass, all of which are tied to gether in our modern world. Switching to environmentally friendly options is more and more at the forefront of our minds, es pecially when purchasing new items.

Switching a standard petrol vehicle to a hybrid/electric car has many benefits and not just for the environment, but for your wallet too.

REDUCED RUNNING COSTS:

Hybrids consume less fuel than regular cars since the electric motor drives the wheels for part of the time, especially from a standstill or at lower speeds, and helps for the rest of the journey. When the en gine fires up, it doesn’t have to work as hard either, as the car is already in motion - further improving fuel economy.

LOWER TAILPIPE EMISSIONS:

In Electric Vehicle (EV)-only mode, there are no harmful emissions from the exhaust pipes, making hybrids especially suitable in densely populated areas.

QUIETER, SMOOTHER OPERATION:

Electric motors are almost complete ly noiseless and thus quieter, as well as

smoother in operation - improving com fort.

STRONGER PERFORMANCE:

The addition of an electric motor pro vides useful additional power and torque, for stronger acceleration and throttle re sponse.

Do you want to make the switch to an elec tric/ hybrid vehicle? Community Bank Sa rina Bendigo Bank is here to help with our Secured Green Personal Loan! This per sonal loan is suitable for electric, plug-in hybrid electric, hybrid and ‘A’ rated vehicle loans with a great interest rate.

As a bonus – when you bank with us, you’re also helping to help others as our profits go back into the community. Since 2005, we have invested $3.4 million through a wide range of sponsorships, community grants, scholarships and donations in our greater Mackay community.

Call Charmaine and the team at Commu

Primal Coffee Roasters’ Owner Dan Shaw (right) and Operations Manager Tamara Vella celebrate two bronze awards in the Golden Bean Australasia awards

WIN A NEW CAR

Why You Should Hire An Interior Designer

There’s no need to suffer the stress and anxiety of project angst, wondering if the tiles, wall colour or furnishings you picked will look how you envisaged and be congruent.

Whether it be your first home, your last home, rental, investment property, Airbnb, or commercial space we would be delighted to work with you.

Consider hiring an interior designer to make your dream home a reality and you might just enjoy the journey along the way, as we work together as a team and ultimately YOU make the decisions guided by an expert in the field.

First, let me banish the misconception that an interior designer’s job is primarily to add the finishing touches, including colours, cushions, curtains, and a few ‘nice’ things to already finished rooms. The role of an inte rior designer is much broader and often gets confused with other roles such as stylist, dec orator or architect.

An interior designer’s skills are holistic and include spatial planning and floor plan layout including furniture placement, custom join ery design, kitchen and bathroom design, lighting design and electrical plans, selection of interior and exterior (yes exterior as well including landscaping), colours, materials, and fixtures.

SAVE TIME

Anyone who has ren ovated a home or built from scratch knows there are thousands of decisions to be made which can be over whelming. At the be ginning of the project, your interior designer will listen and discuss your ideas, lifestyle, and budget to prepare a design brief and scope of works.

SAVE MONEY

Your interior designer will guide you where to spend your money wisely. Experienced de signers can choose the best value-for-money finishes and advise where to splurge for fu ture return. Listen to your interior designer’s advice to prevent expensive mistakes that are costly to fix.

SAVE HEARTACHE

Interior designers have a skill set and trained eye to visualise how a space will look with se lected finishes, materials, and colours in an existing space or from reviewing plan draw ings.

LIVE YOUR DREAM

Most importantly, Interi or designers are experts at giving your home a unique wow factor and delivering the space you dream of. We are experts at combining colour combinations that work and using space to the best advantage, plus provide you with clever storage ideas.

If you would like to discuss your project, con tact Tracey Fincham at Style Central Home for a no obligation 40-minute phone consul tation. It’s all about YOU! We work together at your pace and within your budget.

sales@starpromotions.com.au www.starpromotions.com.au

sales@starpromotions.com.au www.starpromotions.com.au

Tracey Fincham Style Central Home e: tracey@stylecentral.net.au

A Quick And Easy Guide To Worm Farming

Worm farms are a simple and effective way to recycle or ganic waste and feed your garden.

Worms eat their way through food scraps and other organic materials, pro ducing castings or worm poo which, once placed on to your soil, is quickly absorbed by hungry plants.

You can either start a worm farm with a worm kit from the hardware store or make your own using polystyrene boxes or other containers.

You will need at least two boxes – one with drainage holes and another with out, placed underneath to collect the liquid that the worms produce.

A cover or lid is necessary to protect worms from light, predators and to keep the farm at a stable temperature and it’s important to position the worm farm in a shady, sheltered spot.

Damp conditions are advisable as worms like moisture but can drown if there is too much water.

Moisture should come from fruit and vegetable scraps but an occasional light spray with water is advisable if it starts to look dry.

When you first start your farm, it is im portant to lay down some bedding ma terial such as shredded moist newspa per, followed by some partially broken down pea straw, compost, or even soil from the garden.

Once your farm is ready, it’s time to add the worms.

A minimum of 250 grams of compost worms (around 1,000) is recommend ed and the three main types of compost worms are Tiger, Indian Blue and Red Wriggler.

Regular amounts of organic matter can then be fed to your worms in the form of the following:

• Food scraps including all fruit and vegetable scraps and peelings except for onions and citrus.

• Coffee and tea grounds and/or bags.

• Vacuum dust and ash (small applica tions only).

• Hair

• Paper, and any unwaxed cardboard, but break it up first.

• Plant clippings and grass - although you should wet the grass as it can be very drying.

• Meat and dairy products attract ver min so are best avoided.

The smaller the material the better as worms don’t have teeth and they suck up their food.

Worm tea, that beautiful rich liquid worms produce, should be ready on a weekly basis so regularly check your bottom box to collect the liquid.

Dilute the liquid down to the colour of weak tea, and then apply to plants.

For more information on composting and worm farming, the Mackay Region al Council is hosting a free workshop on Saturday, November 26 from 9am to 11am at Mackay Community Gardens.

PORTERS NORTHERN BEACHES IS EXPANDING

Over the past 139 years, the Por ters Group has continued to ser vice, grow, and evolve within the Mackay and Whitsunday regions. The lat est addition to the Porters Group network is the Porters Homemaker Centre, at the Porters Northern Beaches location. The first two stores in the complex have been unveiled with three more to be announced in the new year.

Porters Homemaker Centre

The Porters Homemaker Centre will con sist of numerous specialised stores within the centre and is expected to provide a convenient offering to the local commu nity. It’s the first of its kind developed by the Porters Group and will feature five specialised stores within the complex. The centre was designed around the needs of the Northern Beach Community, bringing many services to the doorstep of residents.

Trade Centre

Porters Mitre 10 Northern Beaches Trade

Centre commenced operations from the Carl Street location in August 2020 and offers an extensive range of high quality, trade reputable big brands with every thing from building supplies, plumbing, fencing, power tools, builders’ hardware and much more.

Inspirations Paint

The second store for the centre, Inspira tions Paint will be opening in December 2022. The franchise is Australia’s largest network of dedicated paint stores with more than 100 spread around the country. Inspirations Paint Northern Beaches has been specially designed for the DIY and renovation market, see the team in store to help bring your visions to life.

Permanent full-time, part-time, and ca sual roles are now available with ongoing training and career development opportu nities at the Northern Beach store.

Drop your resume into Inspirations Paint Mackay or visit porterscando. com.au to apply!

Sarina Hospital Closed To Visitors Due To COVID-19 Cases

Visitor restrictions at Sarina Hos pital came into force earlier this week on Tuesday 15 November, after it was reported that a number of pos itive COVID-19 cases were recorded.

The hospital closed to visitors following the confirmation of five positive results for COVID-19 among its inpatients.

Mackay HHS Executive Director of Public Health and Rural Services Terry Johnson said that safety measures were being un dertaken.

“Emergency care continues to be avail able at Sarina Hospital with our staff tak ing appropriate safety measures under Queensland Health COVID-19 guide lines,” Ms Johnson said.

“This includes the isolation of patients with COVID-19 and a heightened level of personal protective equipment (PPE) re quirements for staff.

“Relatives and friends of patients affected by the visitor restrictions should contact the Sarina Hospital on 4943 8777.”

This came after the Queensland Gov ernment moved the state into an ‘Amber Alert’ for COVID-19, which brought back the need to wear masks in a number of in

door settings. Health facilities and in par ticular hospitals enforced the wearing of masks as of Friday 11 November.

Queensland Health reported, “There are currently moderate rates of COVID-19 community transmission and Queensland is entering a new wave.

“While the traffic light is amber, we rec ommend you wear a mask in healthcare settings, indoors, if you can’t socially dis tance, on public transport, if you are older or medically at risk, if you’re around peo ple who are vulnerable to COVID-19.

“If you get COVID-19 register your RAT result, stay home until you’re well again, wear a mask for 7 days after your test, avoid visiting hospitals, aged care or dis ability care for 7 days after your test, un less you are receiving care, ask household members to closely monitor symptoms.

“You should always wear a mask if re quired by a healthcare provider, venue, or household.”

This information was accurate at time of printing on Wednesday 16 November. For recent updates, please call Sarina Hospital on 4953 8777 or check the Mackay Hospi tal and Health Service Facebook page.

Marine Science Scholarship Makes A Splash

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA

GREATER WHITSUNDAYS

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Greater Whitsundays is seeking a highlymotivated leader with vision, drive, and strong ties to their region to volunteer to Chair their RDA Committee.

RDA Committees are vital promoters for their region. They bring together private business and all levels of government with regional communities to build and drive economic growth.

Applications are sought from business and community leaders who have a proven track record of achieving meaningful outcomes in a complex environment.

Women, First Nations people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disability are encouraged to apply.

For more information including the role description and how to apply, please visit www.rda.gov.au/join-your-rda. You can also contact the RDA team via email rdaapplications@infrastructure.gov.au

Local high school students have the chance to kick-start a career in ma rine science thanks to scholarships being offered by North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) and James Cook University (JCU).

Applications are now open for two $15,000 Marine Science scholarships, which give budding marine scientists financial sup port as well as real-world experience working alongside leading researchers and port industry managers.

JCU’s Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWA TER) Principal Researcher Dr Nathan Waltham said that the scholarships were an opportunity for high school students to further develop skills in marine science and management of north Queensland’s coastal ecosystems.

“Working closely with the scholarship winners is highly rewarding – we have the opportunity to impart our knowledge and skills, beyond that learned in the lecture classroom,” Dr Waltham said.

“The students will be part of a real research team, participating in really exciting re al-world marine science research.”

NQBP CEO Nicolas Fertin said the schol

arship program is part of a long-running partnership between the university and the government-owned port authority.

“The partnership connects industry with world-leading researchers in addition to assisting future generations in marine sci ence,” Mr Fertin said.

“We are proud to offer JCU students the opportunity to learn about the port indus try and important marine habitat man agement in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

“This is an amazing opportunity for stu dents to get real-world exposure to indus try alongside our environmental experts helping to launch their careers post-study.”

For further information or to apply visit JCU’s online application portal before 31 January 2023.

JCU offers the world’s best marine and freshwater biology degrees, and NQBP is the only port authority in the world with three priority ports, Hay Point, Mackay and Abbot Point, located on the shores of a World Heritage Area. The scholarship pro gram is part of NQBP’s broader five-year partnership with JCU, where researchers monitor the local marine environment surrounding four ports.

2021 Bachelor of Science Scholarship recipient Amy Cantrill gaining real-world experience with NQBP’s Senior Environmental Advisor Nicola Stokes, Principal Environmental Advisor Odette Langham and Ports Services Worker Leigh Thayer.

Amy Cantrill deploying underwater cameras to examine marine species that utilise urban built infrastructure, rock walls and pylons that are common features in coastal areas

Sarina Hospital. Photo credit: Hamish Wright

An Australian Government Initiative

a difference in regional Queensland Applications are invited for the position of Chair

Cooper, Zach, Ethan and Jake

the disaster-ready house that won their school a visit from JT.

for a morning of games and activities, bringing with him an important message.

Mr Thurston is an Ambassador for Get Ready Queensland, a Queensland Government all-hazards, resilience building initiative, to help communities prepare for natural disasters.

“As a Get Ready Queensland Ambassador, I’m very happy to be here, spread the mes sage and make sure that the kids go home and ask mum and dad if they know their risk, have an emergency plan and have an emer gency kit,” Mr Thurston said.

“Queensland is the most natural disaster-hit state in the country, and we want to make sure that everyone’s well prepared.

“It’s great work that the Government does, making sure that our communities are safe, and we need to make sure that families and people in our communities are well prepared so that when it happens, they know that they’re going to keep their families safe.”

3 Steps To Get Ready

Step 1: Understand your risk - impacts from extreme weather are different for everyone. Learn about what can happen where you live and how it could affect your family.

Step 2: Have a plan - make a household

“We announced it to the children, and they were beside themselves, they were so excit ed to know that Johnathan was coming to our school,” she said.

“A person like JT would probably get the message across better than any of us could here at the school because he is so respect ed in his field, and he is such a beautiful person that the children just listen and are enthralled by him.”

Year six students Natasha and Tessa were two of the students who participated in the project.

“We have a lot of footy fans at our school, so everyone was really excited,” said Natasha.

“We’ve learnt the three steps of how to get ready … and all the emergency kit supplies,” added Tessa.

“I’m going to tell my parents to prepare an emergency kit and emergency plan in case of any storms or floods.”

emergency plan so your family knows what to do and who to contact in ex treme weather. It takes just a few min utes and will give you peace of mind that your information is in one place.

Step 3: Pack a kit - grab a few extra items next time you are at the super market to make an emergency kit.

Every year more than 500 packs filled with vital emergency information are delivered to residents as part of Mackay Regional Council’s annual Cyclone Saturday commu nity event.

This Saturday (November 19) will see anoth er uptake of these packs at the 2022 event happening at Caneland Central from 9am to 1pm.

Mayor Greg Williamson said natural disas ters can happen to anyone, anywhere.

“It’s crucial that, as a community, each and every one of us takes the time to prepare our homes, properties and families,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Disasters, such as floods, fires and cy clones, require different methods of action and preparedness,” he said.

“People need to have a number of survival plans in place to know what they are going to do in the event of a disaster striking.”

Come along and speak with a diverse range of emergency experts and agencies, includ ing State Emergency Services, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Queensland Police Service, Mackay Hospital and Health

Service, RACQ CQ Rescue, Red Cross and more.

Mayor Williamson said there was one simple action that would make a significant differ ence in having the Mackay region prepared for a widespread emergency.

“If every resident registered to receive emer gency notifications via council’s Disaster Dashboard (disaster.mackay.qld.gov.au), it would go a long way to having our communi ty prepared,” he said.

“This simple two-minute action would allow us to distribute messages efficiently to those who potentially need to receive life-saving information in the event of an emergency.”

Anyone who attends Cyclone Saturday can also go into the draw to win a portable fridge with solar panel and battery.

Cyclone Saturday

DATE : Saturday, November 19 TIME: 9am to 1pm

LOCATION: Caneland Central, near R.M. Williams

Council employees Rosemary Netz, Joanna Harvey and Shona Norris look forward to handing out emergency packs to residents at this weekend’s Cyclone Saturday event

The iconic JT smile was mirrored by hun dreds of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Prima ry School students as rugby league legend Johnathan Thurston visited the school

Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School was chosen from schools state-wide for the visit and Principal Olivia Rostirolla said she was “jumping out of her seat” when she received the email.

Johnathan Thurston quizzed the students of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School on how to prepare for storm season

designed

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

JT joined the students in a morning of games and activities facilitated by Queensland Fire, SES and Get Ready Queensland

Calen Needs A Doctor

By Amanda Wright

The rural health crisis is knocking on our back door, with residents in rural areas throughout the Mackay region lacking basic medical care due to having no doctor nearby.

A concerned resident from the small town of Calen contacted Mackay Life, worried for the welfare of their neighbours, who have been putting off urgent medical care due to the amount of time and cost for them to see a doctor in Mackay.

and ambulance and police. But no doctor.

The surrounding towns of Pindi Pindi, St Hel ens Beach, Mt Ossa, Yalboroo, Cameron’s Pocket and more make up a substantial outlying community, who all face the same medical challenges.

Resident Lyn Ellen says the regu lar on-going medical attention and check-ups which locals are putting off could turn deadly.

“The stories I hear at the bowls club, pub or local store are quite frighten ing,” Lyn said.

farm. I could see the wound really needed stitches and was at risk of infection, but he just bandaged it up to get back to work on the farm. ‘Too long to get to the doctor’ he told me.

“A young mother I saw at the school, her baby had a nasty cough which sounded like croup. She said she would Google it and hope for the best because she couldn’t afford to go to Mackay with her other two children.

Lyn said that these incidents are common.

“They just accept that it is what it is. If people are putting off getting checked for things like cuts, falls and sickness, then what’s the likelihood they are getting reg ular pap smears, bowel cancer checks or other general check-ups?

“We’re right on the Bruce Highway, Calen NEEDS a doctor.”

Calen is roughly halfway between Mackay and Proserpine at around 61 km to each destination. The town may be small, but it has much to offer, with a corner store, news agent, butcher, post office, pub, auto mechanic, bowls club and more, not to mention essential services such as a school,

“Because these are salt of the earth rural people, they have a casual ‘she’ll be right’ attitude, especially when it takes so long to get a simple check up.

“A lovely chap I met had cut his arm on the

“A woman I know hurt her leg in a fall. She doesn’t have a car so would have to rely on her daughter in Mackay to go to Calen to pick her up, to be seen in Mackay. It’s a 240 km round trip that neither the daughter or mother could afford, so she took Panadol as she didn’t want to be a burden on her family.”

‘Calen Needs A Doctor’ will continue in next week’s edition of Mackay Life as the in vestigation continues.

“The stories I hear at the bowls club, pub or local store are quite frightening,” Lyn said.

“A young mother I saw at the school, her baby had a nasty cough which sounded like croup. She said she would Google it and hope for the best……”

Oakenden Student Wins Farm Safety Calendar Competition

AYear 6 student from the Mackay region has become one of twelve Queensland kids to be selected as winners of the 2023 Farm safety calendar competition.

Artwork by Matilda Merkel from Oaken den State School – a school of just 14 stu dents – was chosen for the February page

of the calendar.

Queenslanders can order the 2023 Farm safety calendar for free from the Work place Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) website.

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said WSHQ was inundated with 1,500 en

Weekly production figures

Wilmar Sugar Plane Creek Mill Week 22, Week ending 12 November 2022

This week Season to date

Cane crushed 54,157 1,146,725

Average bin weight 3.80 3.86 CCS 13.01 13.14

Cane variety performance for region

Variety % CCS Variety % CCS Q183 26.0 13.23 Q242 3.7 12.47 Q240 24.6 12.98 SRA9 3.3 12.57 Q208 17.9 13.13 Q138 3.0 12.11 Q253 9.9 12.52 Q252 2.7 13.36

tries from budding young artists this year.

ery safety, quad bike safety, water safety and general health and wellbeing.

Comments:

Q183 26.0 13.23 Q242 3.7 12.47 Q240 24.6 12.98 SRA9 3.3 12.57 Q208 17.9 13.13 Q138 3.0 12.11 Q253 9.9 12.52 Q252 2.7 13.36

Plane Creek Mill crushed just over 54,000 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season total to more than 1,146,000 tonnes.

Total mill throughput was below budget due to a number of stoppages throughout the week.

“The Farm safety calendar competition is a great way to get kids from all over Queensland thinking about safety at home and in their classrooms,” Ms Grace said.

“It gives primary school students the op portunity to help spread the word about how to stay safe on farms and rural prop erties, protecting our great lifestyle.

“The 12 winners will each receive a $250 Visa gift voucher, plus another $500 for their school, with their artwork and safety messages featuring in the calendar.”

30,000 free copies of the 2023 Farm safety calendar will be available to Queenslanders.

Comments:

Plane Creek Mill crushed just over 54,000 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season total to more than 1,146,000 tonnes.

The planned 15 hour cleaning intermission on Thursday was extended by seven hours when a replacement injection water pump failed upon restart.

Total mill throughput was below budget due to a number of stoppages throughout the week. The planned 15-hour cleaning intermission on Thursday was extended by seven hours when a replacement injection water pump failed upon restart.

Further unplanned stops during the latter part of the week also affected overall throughput.

Average weekly CCS was 13.01, down slightly from 13.04 the previous week. The season to date CCS closed out at 13.14 units.

“Jobs in agriculture are great jobs that pro vide better services to Queenslanders, and we want to make sure the message is out there: be safe on farms.

Oakenden State School Principal, Ange la Wood, said it meant a lot to her small school that Year 6 student Matilda Merkel had won.

Further unplanned stops during the latter part of the week also affected overall throughput. Average weekly CCS was 13.01, down slightly from 13.04 the previous week. The season to date CCS closed out at 13.14 units.

The highest CCS was 15.6 units from a rake of Q240 2nd ratoon from the Carmila productivity district.

“The standard of artwork over the years has been fantastic, and the latest edition of the calendar is no exception.

The highest CCS was 15.6 units from a rake of Q240 2nd ratoon from the Carmila productivity district.

Please continue to use your train brain and remain alert around our cane rail network. Do not linger near any part of the rail network, and only cross the line using designated crossings.

Please continue to use your train brain and remain alert around our cane rail network. Do not linger near any part of the rail network, and only cross the line using designated crossings. Remember our locos are towing heavy loads and can take up to 1km to come to a complete stop.

Remember our locos are towing heavy loads and can take up to 1km to come to a complete stop.

Our cane trains are in operation around the clock, seven days a week during the crushing season.

Our cane trains are in operation around the clock, seven days a week during the crushing season.

Jim Kirchner Cane Supply Manager Plane Creek Region

“The competition is a lot of fun, but the safety messages are serious. The agricul ture industry employs around three per cent of Queensland workers but accounts for more than 30 per cent of workplace deaths.

“The 2023 calendar includes creative and colourful illustrations about electrical safety, animal safety, tractor and machin

“It demonstrates to our students and com munity members that just because you are from a small school, doesn’t mean you can’t do amazing things and change the world,” Ms Wood said.

“Our school and community are so very proud of Matilda, and so grateful that our school and local community will be repre sented on the big stage.

“The money will go a long way in helping us provide extra classroom resources to further our students learning.”

Jim Kirchner Cane Supply Manager Plane Creek Region

Matilda Merkel’s drawing won her and her school a combined $750 as part of the State Government’s 2023 Farm safety calendar competition

The Rotary Club of Walkerston is well known for the installation of its Mini Street Libraries, which can now be found across the region, from Eton to Walkerston, Ooralea to Finch Hatton.

The concept of ‘take a book, leave a book’ is a fun way for residents to discover new pieces of literature, with the opportunity of returning the read to grab another, or if they find something they love, keeping it forever!

Walkerston Rotary recently celebrated the installation of its tenth Mini Street Library, at St Vinnies, on Juliet Street.

A month into its installation and the Juliet Street Mini Street Library has become a popular stop, with books turning over fast er than hot pancakes. With the inclusion of the Orange Sky Laundry at the facility, it

has provided an additional refuge for those doing it tough, who can read a book while waiting for their laundry. It’s also a popular stop with local families and travellers.

If you have some books to part with, vis it your nearest Mini Street Library. Part of the charm is finding something new to read, so fresh material is always appreci ated.

You’ve heard of ‘Jen ny from the Block’, but have you heard of ‘Muss from the Scrub’?

Those involved with the close-knit community of cricket in Walkerston will be more than familiar with the name, Luke Jack son, affectionately known to locals as ‘Muss’.

Luke is a passionate crick eter and has been involved with coaching at his local club, Walkerston, for a number of years support ing both junior and senior teams.

Earlier this month he was recognised for his pas sionate contribution to the sport, given honours as the Coach of the Month for Mackay Whitsunday, awarded by Queensland Cricket.

A Queensland Cricket spokesperson said that Luke always makes time to pass on his knowledge and makes everyone feel a part of the 'Scrubby' family.

“His dedication to coaching is second to none and can often be found at the nets most afternoons mentoring players young and old,” they said.

“Thank you, Luke, for being a role mod el for all the cricketers you have support ed across Mackay Whitsunday over the years.”

Luke said the award came as a big surprise and says his QCA floppy hat will be get ting a workout this summer.

Congratulations, Luke!

The Gift Of Giving

St John’s Catholic Primary School in Walkerston will once again be making the community around them a bet ter place this Christmas, with its annual Christmas Gift Giving appeal.

Many charities and appeals will be supported this year, with each grade of class responsible for gathering gifts for separate causes.

It’s a voluntary appeal and fami lies with multiple children aren’t expected to donate to every class if they are facing hardship them selves.

Prep is supporting the St Vin cent De Paul Gift Giving appeal by collecting presents for chil dren aged between 3 and 9.

Year one is supporting the Mackay Brekky Van by donating breakfast food such as cereal or fruit and juice.

Year two is supporting the St Vincent De Paul Hamper appeal by donating hamper items such as long-life milk, biscuits and other non-perishables.

Year three is supporting nursing homes with tea and coffee, bis cuits and entertainment such as

puzzles.

Year four is supporting Mackay Animal Rescue Society with the donation of pet food items.

Year five is supporting the Stel la Maris Christmas Shoebox appeal for Seafarers by donat ing items for the shoebox, like shampoo, socks, puzzles or de odorant.

Year six is supporting the Share the Dignity It’s in the Bag appeal with sanitary items for women including deodorant, shampoo and other toiletry items.

Each class will package the do nated items to be gifted on the students’ behalf.

NEW SCHOOL CAPTAINS

Last week, six Year 5 students spoke to the assembly of stu dents, staff and parents putting forward their reasons why they should be considered as a School Captain for 2023.

Spencer, Hayden, Levi, Khloe, Stephanie and Adelle all spoke very well. They should be very proud of themselves; they spoke passionately about their school.

The School Captains for 2023 are Spencer and Stephanie.

Year 6 students donated Share the Dignity bags to Bunnings last year to help those in need at Christmas

“We’re not gonna give it away!”

It’s the comment sellers have been heard to make on countless occasions in the long and challenging history of real estate sales.

When a real estate agent receives an offer on a property he or she is selling, the agent is legal ly required to present that offer to the client. It doesn’t mean the agent likes the offer but the seller must be told about it.

That’s one of the times when the “we’re not gonna give it away” line emerges.

On other occasions the issue is a matter of per spective, expectations and the emotion of sell ing a family home.

One time I had an offer of $505,000 on a prop erty and the seller said he was insulted by the offer and told me he wasn’t going to “give it away”.

I asked him where the offer needed to be for him to be happy with the price. “I’d be happy with $510,000,” he said.

He was an intelligent person who had a respon sible job and was required to make sound as sessments and judgement calls on a daily basis. But from his perspective, at that emotionally challenging time of selling a family home and then preparing for the next stage of his fami ly’s life, the seller was “insulted” by the offer of $505,000 and felt that would be “giving away” his property at that price. Yet he would be hap py with $510,000.

We ended up getting the offer above the $510,000 mark but it was a lesson for me on the emotion and challenges that go along with someone selling their house.

Sometimes the offer is low and the sellers would be “giving it away” if they sold at that price. Sometimes the seller has expectations that are above where their property sits in the market.

There have been times, particularly in a down turn, when sellers have rejected offers because they didn’t want to “give it away” only to regret the decision weeks or months later when they realise that the offer had been reasonable and in-line with the market … but the buyers have now moved on and the opportunity has gone.

The truth is that sometimes the offers are low but, fortunately, when it comes to selling your property there is a formula to ensure you don’t “give it away”.

You need a hard-working agent who creates competition for your property through effort, marketing that reaches all the potential buyers and a strategy for reaching the right buyers.

When there is no competition for your proper ty, with few inquiries and inspections, the of fers will be low. When you have marketing and a strategy that reaches all the potential buyers and you get strong inquiries and good numbers at open homes, you will not be “giving it away”.

But there is a secret. A key element all Gardian agents are aware of is the emergence of south ern buyers in our market. They are now key players and there is strong evidence to suggest they will pay a premium.

You need to make sure southern buyers are in the mix when selling your property. Gardian agents have a strategy for how we reach them so if you are planning to sell, make sure you speak to a Gardian agent … After all, you don’t want to give it away.

Preparing For High School

Life can’t get much busier than end of year at work, with holi days coming up plus Christmas shopping. Although, there’s one more factor our family can throw in, high school starts next year.

Where did the year go, that my boy us suddenly off to high school? If you remember the night of cyclone Yasi, that’s when he came along. We were in the Mater and I was looking out the window over the Ron Camm Bridge at how nasty it looked outside.

Daycare and Kindy seem like just a few years ago, but the reality is, in just over a year I have a teenager.

The other thing with high school is it’s really expensive, and that’s just getting ready for it, because there’s no reusing last year’s uniform this year. Shirts, shorts, socks, sports uniform and then there’s the book list.

I think there might be a computer in

volved this year or next too.

The best way to go is get it sorted ear ly. From my experience, if you wait until January then something won’t be available, the socks won’t be in supply, the shoes won’t be the right size … I guarantee, something won’t be there, and then you get stressed.

I’m also wondering if this means I need to step up the lunchbox game?

I’m the home cook and sandwich maker, perhaps the days of vegemi te sandwiches, ham and cheese will make way for avocado and some thing (if he branches out from being a slightly fussy eater).

So much to sort out right now before we have a holiday, plus Christmas shopping, but that can wait until De cember 24 … like every year.

WHAT IS RADF?

RADF is delivered as a partnership between the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and council, and promotes the role and value of arts, culture and heritage as key drivers of diverse and inclusive commu nities and strong regions.

A very exciting project called the Keys of Mackay was launched recently. It was cre ated and delivered by Whitsunday Angli can School student Clancy Morgan and her inspiration grew out of a simple trip to the Incredable Tip Shop where Clancy noticed a piano that had seen better days. It made her think about how lovely it would be to have a piano located somewhere in Mackay for the community to enjoy.

From there, Clancy’s vision to have a com munity-owned piano started and she re ceived a small grant from RADF, which paid for a disused piano from the MECC to be professionally tuned, painted by a local art ist, and she was able to purchase a trolley to assist with transporting it safely.

I had the honour of meeting Clancy at the official launch, and it was very evident that this amazing young lady loves and cares about her community, hence the desire to create a piece of art that reflects our com munity and can be transported anywhere in our region.

The piano is presently located in Wood Street with The Coffee Club and Coco Cu bano kindly agreeing to bring it out onto the street each morning and put it away at night. If you would like to have the piano come to

your part of the world, please get in touch with council’s Arts Devel opment offi cer, Lara Russell.

There is also another very exciting reason to visit the City Centre over the next few months.

Following the success of the City Heart Fri days events, council is organising a special City Heart Christmas event on Friday, De cember 2, from 4pm to 7pm in Fifth Lane. City Centre businesses will be open for late night shopping and there will be art exhibi tions, roving performers and a special visit from Santa.

Cr Fran Mann

Mackay Regional Council

Scotty

As a councillor, one of the committees I chair is the Regional Arts Develop ment Fund (RADF) Advisory Com mittee.

International Cinema Travelling To Mackay

Travelling Film Festival will bring an enthralling program of Australian and International cinema to Mack ay this weekend from November 18-20 at BCC Cinemas Mackay Mount Pleasant.

The carefully curated line-up showcases some of the early contenders for the 2023 Academy Awards Best International Fea ture Film, including Cannes 2022 Grand Prix winner and winner of the Sydney Film Prize ‘Close’ and Kore-eda Hiroka zu’s newest masterpiece ‘Broker’.

“We are excited to come back to Mackay with a fresh, exciting, fun program this November for everyone to enjoy,” said Travelling Film Festival Manager Sanam Rodrigues.

“The program includes the Kiwi comedy Millie Lies Low starring the newly talented actress Ana Scotney as well as The Good Boss, featuring a riveting lead perfor mance from Javier Bardem.

“Don’t miss out!”

Opening the Festival on Friday is ‘Broker’,

directed by Japanese auteur Kore-eda Hi rokazu, set in Korea where a laundry shop owner pairs up with an employee to go on a delightful and heartbreaking journey to find a good home for an abandoned child.

The festival will close on Sunday with Kiwi comedy ‘Millie Lies Low’ from direc tor Michelle Savill, a cringe-inducing yet thoughtful exploration of imposter syn drome.

Other highlights of the program include the wildly funny and unnerving Spanish dramedy ‘The Good Boss’, where an inva sive and controlling factory CEO pursues a prestigious industry award by any means necessary; Slovenian-Australian filmmak er Sara Kern’s debut feature ‘Moja Vesna’, with a magnificent young cast, alongside Australian legend Claudia Karvan, de livering a beautiful story about hope and the importance of family in the midst of overwhelming tragedy; and an inspiring Irish documentary, ‘Young Plato’, where a Northern Ireland primary school teach er changes the lives of his pupils through

Help Make Someone’s Christmas Special

For many, Christmas is a time to celebrate the festive season and enjoy the companionship of those closest to them.

For others less fortunate, it can be a lonely and stressful time of the year.

Each year, The Neighbourhood Hub delivers numerous activities to ensure that vulnerable community members of Mackay can experience a wonderful Christmas festive season.

This year, The Neighbourhood Hub is calling out to the Mackay community to assist with the purchase of vouchers and non-perishable food items to help us support vulnerable Mackay commu nity members this Christmas.

Hampers will be distributed from the 4 George Street Centre to support local individuals and families in the lead up to Christmas.

Here is what your donation can pro vide:

• $20 can provide a meal for an indi vidual

• $50 can feed a couple on Christmas day

• $100 can feed a family of four on Christmas day

With your help, Neighbourhood Hub is aiming to raise $5,000 to help make Christmas a special one for those who need it the most.

If you would like to donate to Neigh bourhood Hub’s Christmas Commu nity Appeal for 2022, please email christmas@tnhub.org.au for more in formation.

Please note that The Neighbourhood Hub is a recognized deductible gift re cipient (DGR) for tax purposes.

classical philosophy such as Plato, Socrates and Aristotle.

International festival favourites in the program include ‘Close’, a beautiful ex amination of an intense teen friendship torn asunder, with tremendous lead per formances, stunning cinematography, and a pure cinematic tendency to convey emotion without di alogue; and The Pas sengers Of The Night, a warm family drama set in 1980s Paris where Elisabeth’s life turns upside down until she meets the free-spirit Talulah who’s inspiring con fidence has a lasting impact on each of the family members.

Tickets to Travelling Film Festival Mackay

are now on sale, with a Flexipass and Full Subscription allowing patrons to watch the whole program and save up to 30%.

For more information and bookings, please visit: https://www.sff.org.au/tff/pro gram/mackay

Spend more time doing what you love

‘Broker’ will open the Travelling Film Festival in Mackay tonight

EVENTGUIDE

FRIDAY 18 NOVEMBER

Conversations with Art

Friday, 1:00pm to 2:30pm

A free and enjoyable discussion led by Artspace staff as we look at images of traditional and contemporary artworks. Held on the 3rd Friday of each month, Conversations with Art is held in one of the three gallery spaces, or in the Artspace Workshop Room. 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 your own personal experiences. Whether you’re an artist, an art and language lover, beginner, or expert, head along. It’s free, interesting, thought provoking and extremely enjoyable.

Artspace Mackay

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and LIVE MUSIC.

Wake House Australia

Rev. Dr Solmon Zwana from Zimbabwe at St Paul’s

Friday, Saturday and Sunday 7pm at St Paul’s

Sunday 7.45am Armitage, 9.15am St Paul’s, Calen 2.15pm

Singing, dancing and discussion of issues in church and society today with distinguished church leader from Zimbabwe, the Rev. Dr Solmon Zwana, National Chaplain to the Zimbabwean Methodist Fellowship of Australia, former presiding bishop of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, and former general secretary of the Zimbabwean Council of Churches.

St Paul’s Uniting Church, Macalister Street

Teen Shed Putt Putt Golf & Driving Range Session

Friday, 5:00pm

Teen Shed Mackay is heading out to Mackay Golf Course for an afternoon of putt putt golf, driving range, pizza and drinks. Cost: $30. Includes hire of balls and clubs for both activities, pizza, drink and two hours of fun. Bookings are required.

Mackay Golf Club

Karaoke Under The Stars @ The Grove

Friday, 7:00pm to 11:00pm

Karaoke @ The Grove on the 3rd Friday of every month. Join in the public bar for heaps of fun. Have your moment to shine and sing along.

The Grove

Travelling Film Festival

Friday to Sunday

Travelling Film Festival will bring highly anticipated films from South Korea, Ireland, France, Slovenia, Spain and NZ, accompanied by exceptional Australian short films, to Mackay this weekend.

BCC Mount Pleasant

SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER

Cyclone Saturday

Saturday, 9:00am to 1:00pm

Every year, more than 500 packs filled with vital emergency information are delivered to residents as part of council’s annual Cyclone Saturday community event. This Saturday will see another uptake of these packs at the 2022 event happening at Caneland Central from 9am to 1pm. Come along and speak with a diverse range of emergency experts and agencies, including State Emergency Services, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Queensland Police Service, Mackay Hospital and Health Service, RACQ CQ Rescue, Red Cross and more.

Caneland Central, near RM Williams

St Mary's Community Christmas Fair

Saturday, 5:30pm

Bring your family & friends along to the St Mary's Community Christmas Fair.

This wonderful social event will have food, drink and snack stalls, cent sale and raffles, ham wheel (6:00pm start), rides, bottle and sweets stall, bar, face painting and Santa will be visiting!

St Mary's Catholic Primary School Mackay

Metal Fest Reboot

Saturday, 8:30pm

Returning for the second time Than Artist and Native Tongue, Systematic Machine for a third and Deep Leech joining Metal Fest for the first time coming all the way from Brisbane. This is sure to be a night to remember. More talent. More Music. More Fun. Doors open from 8pm.

Empire Alternacade and Events

SUNDAY 20 NOVEMBER

Mackay Cars & Culture

Sunday, 8:00am to 11:00am

Cars & Culture Mackay will be fun-filled and packed with excitement including a diverse line-up of cars and bikes (Super Cars, Custom Cars, JDM's, Classics, 4x4's). All vehicles are welcome. This is a family friendly event and everyone is welcome, including the cute and furry pet friends Mackay PCYC

Dance Express Mackay Presents: 'Shake It Up!' 2022 Sunday, 10:00am

Dance Express Mackay is thrilled to present 'Shake It Up', a dance extravaganza like no other. From Ready Set Dancer’s making their stage debut to Graduating Seniors taking their final bow, 'Shake It Up!' will have the whole family grooving in their seats.

MECC

Sunday Live Music – Mango Junction

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 23

NOVEMBER

Mackay Farmers’ Market

Every Wednesday, 6:30am to 10:30am

The market is a showcase of our region’s amazing produce direct from the farmer.

Bluewater

Quay

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 24

NOVEMBER

Karaoke Under The Stars @ Empire Alternacade and Events

Thursday, 8:00pm to 12:00am

Karaoke & Kocktails at Empire Alternacade and Events. You love to sing, they have the songs.

Empire Alternacade and Events

Conversations with Art

Travelling Film Festival

Cyclone Saturday

Metal Fest Reboot

Mackay Cars & Culture ‘Shake It Up!

Photo credit: Photos By Nell

Emerald Student Wins Illustrious ANZAC Experience

Eight Queensland students and two teacher chaperones have won the educational trip of a lifetime, award ed the Premier’s 2023 ANZAC Prize, with one of the gifted students coming from Emerald State High School.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was delighted to announce the winners will visit some of Australia’s most import ant and historical war sites in Europe.

“This year’s announcement is special,” the Premier said.

“It will be the first group to travel overseas since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020.

“It’s wonderful to see the travel component return and for our students to visit sites in London, Prance, and Belgium.

“It will allow the group to see and hear first-hand the ANZAC tradition and be come Ambassadors for the ANZAC legacy

when they return.”

Education Minister Grace Grace said the winners were chosen from 40 high-quality applicants.

“The students will be in years 9 to 12 when they travel in April,” Ms Grace said.

“This really is a life-changing experience.

“It’s an opportunity to deepen their knowl edge and appreciation of our ANZAC history, and to experience the world, and share those experiences with their friends and fellow students.”

Anastasia Maher said she was inspired by her own family’s history.

“My great grandfather, Edward Harold Waters, had also served in Gallipoli and on the Western Front, and a close family friend, Roy Savage, had served with dis tinction in Vietnam,” Anastasia said.

“These experiences and family ties meant

I’ve had a strong connection to the AN ZACs my whole life, which in turn moti vated me to apply for this exciting oppor tunity.”

She said she is amazed at how the AN ZACs stayed optimistic in horrific circum stances.

“My great grandfather’s involvement in World War I is a part of the ANZAC story that resonates with me. Reading his diary in particular was very mov ing, knowing that someone so close to me had to endure such hardships,” An astasia said.

“On this trip, I am looking forward to learning more about the ANZACS with other young Queenslanders who share my same passion.

“I can’t wait to build lifelong friendships and everlasting memories through this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“I am also very eager to visit the places that my great grandfather has written about in his diary over a hundred years ago.”

The 2023 Premier’s Anzac Prize is present ed in partnership with RSL Queensland, a platinum sponsor for the next three years.

End The Year With Christmas Cheer

From Finch Hatton to Sarina, Dows Creek to Calen, there are a plethora of performances and events to awaken the Christmas spirit.

Mackay Regional Council has kicked in $7,750 to boost festive celebra tions in regional areas like Eungella and Habana.

From carols to community barbe cues, movie nights to festive markets and everything in between – the Mackay region will be buzzing with festive fun.

As well as 10 exciting events, Mackay City Band received a $750 grant to perform at a number of communi ty carols and Christmas events like the Rotary Christmas Fair, Habana carols and various retirement village performances.

To qualify for the grants, applicants needed to be not-for-profit organisa tions and the celebrations had to be open and welcoming to everyone.

EVENTS SUPPORTED INCLUDE:

• Mackay Baptist Church's free com munity Christmas carols event at Mackay Central State School on Sunday, November 27.

• Finch Hatton Progress Associa tion's community Christmas gath ering barbecue including Christ mas craft for kids, festive light displays and tree on Wednesday,

December 7, at Finch Hatton Park from 4pm to 8pm.

• The Neighbourhood Hub Christ mas movie night at either the MECC precinct or Jubilee Park grounds on Saturday, December 17, from 6.30pm to 9pm.

• Mackay Riverside Market with live music, Santa and a Christmas cookie decoration workshop at the Bluewater Quay on Thursday, De cember 15, from 3pm to 7pm.

• Eungella Community Develop ment Association’s Christmas par ty for members and families at the Eungella Community Hall on Sat urday, December 10.

• Habana and Districts Progress As sociation’s Carols under the Stars on Saturday, December 17, starting at 7pm. They will also have Christ mas tree decorations and crib setup on Sunday, November 27, from 7.30am.

• Mackay Northern Beaches Neigh bourhood Watch will host a Com munity Christmas Party with bar becue, music (ukulele group) and visit from Santa at Shoal Point Park on Friday, December 9, at 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

• Calen District War Memorial Hall Association is running a Christmas party with Santa, a bar, barbecue, mini cent sale, free face painting and live music at the Calen District State College on Saturday, Decem

ber 3, from 6pm to 9pm.

• Dows Creek Hall Committee Inc will have a community Christmas fun afternoon with Christmas Carols Under the Stars with local children in the choir. There will also be children and adult games, water slides, barbecue, snacks and sweets, movie night and a ham wheel. To be held at Dows Creek Hall on Sunday, December 11, from 2pm to 9pm.

• The Mackay Presbyterian Church will run an event including Christ mas craft stations, a petting zoo, a sausage sizzle and non-alcoholic drinks, followed by a Christmas concert at the Sarina Presbyterian Church on Sunday, December 4, from 2pm to 5pm, with the concert to run from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens along with Star 101.9 will also be hosting Carols in the Gardens on Saturday, December 3, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, at the Meadowlands Am phitheatre.

This year’s event is a combination of Carols in the City and Christmas in the Gardens.

There will be an amusement area and a variety of food stalls to enjoy. Resi dents are welcome to bring chairs or a blanket and enjoy a picnic.

As the event is being held in the Bo tanic Gardens, this is an alcohol-free event.

Anastasia Maher, Emerald State High School

Students Racing To F1 In Schools National Finals

Three students from Holy Spirit Col lege (HSC) are gearing up to com pete in the REA Formula 1 (F1) in Schools National Competition in Penrith in March 2023 following success in the re cent State Finals.

F1 in Schools mimics the world of a For mula One team with groups of students following a pathway of engineering manu facturing disciplines to develop the world’s fastest miniature F1 car.

From Monday, October 31 to Wednes day, November 2, two teams from Holy Spirit College competed in the REA F1 in Schools State Finals held at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane.

Team Syphons, comprising of year 10 stu dents Lucas Clelland, Luke Eldridge and Tyler Smith, placed first in the Profession al Class – Secondary Senior and qualified

for Nationals next year.

Syphons Team Manager Luke Eldridge said F1 has opened up plenty of opportu nities for him and his teammates.

“What I really enjoy about the competi tion is the fact that you can meet people with the same interests in the same area,” he said.

“It’s exciting but there’s definitely a lot of hard work that’s going in.

“We’re hoping to get the most out of what we’ve learnt this year and previous years and really put that all together to get the best experience possible at Nationals.”

Syphons teammate Lucan Clelland said the opportunity has given the team a set of highly desirable and transferable skills.

“Although it is a very educational experi

ence, it is also a highly rewarding and a positive chance to get a glimpse into oth er schools across the state and the nation, building friendships and having a great time whilst competing.,” he said.

Year 8 students Riley Barretta, Hayden Blines and Henry Lawrence competed for the first time as Team Speed of Light (SOL), finishing fourth and achieving the Chair of Judges Recognition of Achieve ment for Development Class – Secondary.

Team SOL Chief Marketing Manager Hayden Blines said they learnt a lot from the experience and have high hopes for the future.

“Next year we’re aiming for nationals just like the older boys,” he said.

“We did really well at states, but we’ve just got to improve a few things.

“(Team Syphons) have really shown us the way to do things, especially with sponsors and marketing.

“Most of our team members are aspiring engineers and the STEM field is amazing, there’s plenty of opportunities.”

Peter Mallet, HSC Design & Technologies Teacher, said the school is proud of both teams.

“There is so much more to F1 in Schools than just designing and racing a minia ture car and these students have worked so hard to achieve this success,” he said.

“We wish Syphons all the best as they progress to the National Finals.”

Holy Spirit College has been competing in the F1 in Schools Challenge since 2016 and students have now progressed through to National Finals two years in a row.

Cowboys Milk Delivers Fresh Opportunities

You might’ve noticed the logo of your favourite footy club in the milk fridge of the supermarket lately.

The recent collaboration between the North Queensland Cowboys and Ke nilworth Dairies has shaken up dairy cabinets in Coles stores throughout north Queensland from Mackay to Cairns.

Cowboys Milk debuted late last month as the National Rugby League’s first official ly licenced milk, available from over 20 Coles and Coles Express stores in North Queensland.

Cowboys Chief Executive Jeff Reibel said the first-of-a-kind deal would see the club’s iconic logo appear on two litre Cow boys Milk products, with a percentage of profits donated to the Cowboys Commu nity Foundation.

“The cornerstone of this deal is Kenilworth Dairies commitment to support our Cow boys Community Foundation’s work to improve education, health, employment and social outcomes for disadvantaged

young people,” Mr Reibel said.

“A percentage of sales from Cowboys Milk will go directly to our youth programs such as supporting more than 100 Aborig inal and Torres Strait Islander students who access quality secondary education at our NRL Cowboys House boarding facil ity.

“The cream on top is that Cowboys Milk will see our brand take pride of place on family dining tables throughout the North.”

Kenilworth Dairies’ Managing Direc tor John Cochrane said the development of Cowboys Milk in collaboration with North Queensland’s football club “just made sense”.

“For over four generations, our family has passionately focused on creating high quality dairy products from milk supplied by family-owned farms in our regional community,” he said.

“This commitment to quality, dependabil ity and community values are qualities we believe Kenilworth Dairies shares with the

Cowboys, so it means the world to me to release this product to support the club and the amazing work of its Cowboys Communi ty Founda tion.”

“There’s not many things in life that have grown with me from being a young boy to a proud grandfather, but during this time I’ve consumed milk and footy in equal measure which makes our brands a perfect partnership.”

Cowboys milk is available across north Queensland. Photo supplied

Whip down to selected North Queensland Coles stores to tackle a two litre bottle of full cream or lite Cowboys Milk today.

Team Syphons L-R Tyler Smith, Luke Eldridge and Lucas Clelland with their F1 car

First time competitors Team SOL L-R Hayden Blines, Henry Lawrence and Riley Barretta. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Memorial Swim Centre Tender Awarded Sparks Will Fly As Firebirds Clash With Lightning In Mackay

An early netball derby is headed Mackay’s way, with the inaugural Suncorp Spirit Cup taking place at the Mackay Multisport Stadium on Satur day, November 26.

The Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning will tussle it out for pre-season honours, but in celebration of bringing the event to Mackay, some spe cial community events are taking place be fore the highly anticipated game.

The “Night with the Firebirds” event on Friday, November 25 will feature a behind-the-scenes panel discussion with the entire team. This is a rare opportunity as the only other time the squad will be completely together like this at a public event is the team’s annual gala dinner.

Hosted at Souths Leagues Club, this unique opportunity to mix and mingle with the entire Queensland Firebirds team over dinner and drinks will also include a live panel discussion featuring inside gos

sip from the entire team and Head Coach Bec Bulley from their preparations for the 2023 season.

The event runs from 5.30pm to 8.30pm and a ticket includes access to the event, main course and a drink on arrival. More info and bookings available at https://www.try booking.com/events/landing/971916.

SATURDAY – Tickets are still available for the regional clinic at Mackay Netball Association from 8am to 10am on Sat urday, November 26. The clinic involves a meet and greet with the Firebirds fol lowed by skills and drills led by the Netball Queensland team and is open for boys and girls aged 7 and up.

There are also tickets available for a coach ing and umpiring workshop called “In the Nest” which is being guided by Firebirds head coach Bec Bulley and leading um pire Caroline Stevens. It’s being held from 5.30pm to 9pm at the Mackay Basketball Stadium as well as the workshop, a book ing for this also includes a courtside seat for the Suncorp Spirit Cup.

DMR Leisure Pty Ltd will take over the management of Memorial Swim Centre next year after being awarded the tender at last week’s Mackay Regional Council meeting.

Prior to entering into the new agreement, council reviewed the term of the contract and extended it from a two-year contract (with the option of a one-year extension) to a five-year term (with the option of two one-year extensions at council’s discre tion).

This will give DMR the opportunity to invest in staff and form a good working knowledge of the Memorial Swim Centre from both an asset point of view and a cli ent point of view.

DMR will be appointed as the official operators of the facility in January 2023, which will give them time to recruit staff and gain a better understanding of the as sets they will be maintaining.

Current operators Belgravia Leisure will continue to manage the facility until this

time so it can remain open over the De cember school holiday period.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the cost to run the facility going forward totalled al most $610,000 per year, excluding GST, which was $197,000 more than what was estimated.

“The costs of operating this facility have increased significantly,” Mayor William son said.

“This is due to the current economic cli mate, the increasing costs of employing staff, the heritage listing increasing the cost of repairs and the term of the contract being extended,” he said.

“Council will need to request increased funds for the operation of this facility in a future budget review to cover the addi tional costs of running this swim centre.”

DMR Leisure will act as operators of Me morial Swim Centre until the initial com pletion date of January 31, 2028, at which time it may be extended.

A Twist On A Christmas Classic

Mackay locals are set to unwrap a special Christmas celebration at Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) this year.

Christmas is only just around the corner, and that means one thing: it’s acceptable to play Love Actually on repeat.

But this year, The MECC is offering a twist on the classic film, wrapped up into a must-see live experience.

On Saturday 3 December, The MECC will be home to “Christmas Actually”, a live concert experience delivering hits from the 2003 British Christmas-themed ro mantic comedy ‘Love Actually’.

Featuring an all-star cast led by Australian cabaret icon Libby O’Donovan OAM, the performance includes smash hit songs by Mariah Carey, Joni Mitchell, Kelly Clark son, The Beach Boys and The Beatles, brought to life by a band of Australia’s top

musicians and superstar vocalists.

“We’re so excited to bring a celebration of an iconic Christmas classic to Mackay,” said acting Manager of MECC and Events, Jemma Carey.

Described by Limelight Magazine as “a sure-fire hit that has kept audiences com ing, and returning for years”, the show has high-energy performances that will fill your soul with warmth and Christmas cheer.

“We wanted to create a unique Christmas celebration for friends and work colleagues to wrap up the year,” Miss Carey said.

“Airlie Beach band, Flying Double Front Kick will provide the post show entertain ment that will have you dancing the night away”, added Miss Carey.

Along with individual tickets, tables of four, eight and ten are available with the option to purchase catering selections

during the show.

For a little extra fun, a Christmas package is available where patrons receive a glass of champagne and an array of festive food selections with their tickets.

What: Christmas Actually

When: Saturday 3 December 2022, 7pm

Where: MECC Plenary Halls Civic Precinct Alfred Street

Tickets: www.themecc.com.au

A dazzling premiere at the Sydney Opera House in 2019. Photo Credit John McRae

Generous Staff Grant Helps Domestic Violence Charity

Mackay’s Broken Ballerina is able to dance another day thanks to a generous grant from CommBank.

The local Mackay not-for-profit which supports victims of domestic violence was one of 200 community organisations set to receive a $10,000 donation from Com mBank as part of the CommBank Staff Foundation’s Community Grants pro gram.

The $10,000 grant will allow Broken Bal lerina to continue offering this vital lo cal service and assisting those who are re-starting their lives after getting out of an abusive relationship.

The multi-million-dollar pool is made up of regular contributions by CommBank

staff which are matched by the bank, and this year’s program builds on Com mBank’s 100+ year history of supporting the community.

Through its Staff Foundation, CommBank employees nominate the charities they’re most passionate about to receive funding.

Liz Geisler, Branch Manager at Common wealth Bank in Caneland Shopping Centre said, “We’re incredibly thankful to these inspiring organisations that are creating a brighter future in communities across Australia.

“The CommBank Staff Foundation is proud to support them to continue the amazing work they are doing and driving positive change.”

Dancing Away From Being Broken: The Brave Ballerina Tells Her Story

After suffering for decades through the hands and words of others, Broken Ballerina Inc. Founder, Jules Thompson, said the lowest point in her life was having her children taken away from her.

“When I finally fled domestic violence in 2012 and had my two little boys with me, it was a turning point,” Jules said.

“But a few months later through dealing with the trauma I had a breakdown, I was institutionalised and thrown in a psych ward in a mental health unit.

“My children were taken away from me and my rights as a parent taken away,” Jules said.

“I was mislabelled, misjudged, drugged, and my children were handed back to our abuser to be re-abused.

“That was my lowest point, losing my children and having nothing left in this world.”

Her book, Broken Ballerina, covers her history of abuse through domestic vio lence and how she fought her way out of the lowest point of her life. Jules celebrat ed her book launch last weekend at the Mt Pleasant Shopping Centre and says it does have a happy ending.

“My book is full of lessons learned and I hope it empowers people,” Jules said.

“I want to show people that whether they struggle with drugs or alcohol, if they are being abused or dealing with anoth er traumatic situation, there is hope and there is help.

“I’m proof that you can turn your life around and become whatever you choose to be.”

Jules wrote most of the book in 2016 and then recently added to it before it was published.

“I came up with the title in a Kenworth truck that Pete was driving as we trav elled through the middle of Australia.

The name Broken Ballerina, it just came to me in a moment.”

Area 14 Toastmasters Step Up For Conference and Speech Contests

The 2022 Annual Area 14 Toastmas ters Conference and Speech Con tests were hosted by Calen Cane fields Club and held at Calen District State College Library on Saturday November 12, 2022.

Eyeopeners, Mackay, Mackay Regional Council, Pioneer and Calen Canefields Clubs participated in the speech contests with the theme of the conference being “Stepping Up”.

There were four speech contests: Table Topics and Evaluation that are not pre pared speeches, and International and Hu morous are 5-to-7-minute speeches.

Content is your own choice but must be original.

Lynne O’Neill won the Evaluation Speech Contest representing Eyeopener Club and the International Speech Contest repre senting Calen Canefields Club.

All speeches were closely contested and were of a high standard with varied con tent and were a delight and entertaining to listen to.

Trophies were presented to Lynne O’Neill representing Calen Canefields Club as

winner of the International Speech Con test, Pioneer Toastmaster Club as the over all winner of points and Mackay Regional Council Club as winner of the travel tro phy.

The winners from Area 14 will now com pete at the Northern Division Conference which will be held in Mackay on April 1, 2023.

Jules and Pete Thompson from Broken Ballerina celebrated a $10,000 donation from CommBank with Liz Geisler (Branch Manager) and her team from CommBank Caneland Branch

Jules Thompson launched her book, Broken Ballerina, last weekend at Mt Pleasant Shopping Centre. Photo: Amanda Wright

Lynne O’Neill accepting the International Speech Contest Ken and Norma Stewart Trophy from Area Director Gary Minter

Members from Eyeopeners, Mackay, Mackay Regional Council, Pioneer and Calen Canefields Clubs participated in the contests. Photos supplied

Second from the left Bert Pulman won the Table Topics Contest

Middle Savannah Vella won the Humorous Speech Contest

Bert Pulman representing Pioneer Club won the Table Topics Speech Contest and Savannah Vella won the Humorous Speech Contest representing Mackay Re gional Council Club.

Contributed by Gary Minter

Scouts Swim For Golden Snorkel

The Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Centre was the venue for the Annu al Hibiscus Coast District (HCD) Scouting Aquatastics Carnival on Sunday November 6, 2022.

44 youth members and around 15 leaders enjoyed the fantastic facilities in a sun safe environment.

Youth Members and leaders attended from Sarina, Banksia and Mackay City Central Groups to contest the Golden Snorkel

Team Spirit Award.

Several fun activities were on the program for all to enjoy.

Teams were formed for many of the events with a mixture of age groups, from the Joey Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts and Ven turer Scouts, all encouraging one another and supporting the younger members.

The array of fun activities on offer includ ed Sponge Pass, Rubber Duck Race, Ping Pong Challenge, Freestyle Races, Noodle

Relay and Lolly Frog Relay.

The Joey Scout Challenge saw teams of youth members line up across the pool with the Joey Scouts on the edge of the pool tasked with passing across the pool without getting wet or being dropped.

There was a hotly contested freestyle race pitting Venturer Scouts against Leaders, with many of them touching the wall with in a few seconds of one another.

This year, the Golden Snorkel Team Spirit

Award was presented to the HCD youth members as they all supported one anoth er, not just their own groups.

The Trophy will be displayed at each of the dens throughout the coming year.

Congratulations to the Leaders for pro viding the fun event and the youth mem bers for the spirit in which they conducted themselves.

BRAVO!

Contributed

by Mary Wallace

Eisteddfod Honours For Gifted Dancer And Vocalist Sophie

Leading the way for Mercy Col lege at this year’s 75th annual Mackay Eisteddfod was gifted 15-year-old dancer and vocalist So phie Reilly.

The talented prospect was one of hundreds of performing arts students in the region that participated in the milestone event – relishing an oppor tunity to hone their skills and perform in front of an appreciative audience.

Students showed their wares in the Dance, Music, Speech and Drama cat egories which highlighted the incredi ble creative talent at this year’s event.

Keen judges predict a bright future for the accomplished Reilly, who received the Mackay Discount Drug Store $200

Bursary for the Most Promising Per former 18 Years & Under in the Ei steddfod’s Vocal Section.

Sophie capped a memorable Eistedd fod by also winning the 14 Years Girls Vocal Solo as well as the 13-and 14-Years Song and Dance Solo categories.

It has been a year to savour for the ded icated Reilly, who does vocal training with the experienced Rhonda Bates.

A student of the Roby Rogers School of Dancing since the age of three, So phie was the winner of Miss GTB En tertainment at this year’s Get the Beat Competition in Mackay.

Sophie also attended the Brisbane Per

forming Arts Challenge in June this year and was a finalist in the Musical Theatre Scholarships.

She is also a member of the Mackay Musical Comedy Players and was an Ensemble Cast Member in their pro ductions of Shrek and Chicago this year.

At the annual Queensland Asia-Pa cific Grand Internationals National Cheer and Dance Competition held recently in Brisbane, Sophie was part of the Mercy/St Patrick’s College team that were crowned National champi ons in the Junior Lyrical category and also brought home the Highest Points Scoring for a School trophy.

By Chris Karas

Scouts Youth Members and leaders from Sarina, Banksia and Mackay City Central Groups participated in the Hibiscus Coast District Scouting Aquatastics Carnival contest the Golden Snorkel Team Spirit Award. Photos supplied

FIVE QUEENSLAND SPORTING REPRESENTATIVES HONOURED

Mercy College Mackay have salut ed their five elite State sporting representatives after superb per formances in 2022 on the rugby league, touch football and hockey fields, squash court and athletics track.

The College honoured outstanding ath letes Kayce Hoani-Vincent, Harper Shields, Cohen Jackson, Matthew Davies and Mikayla Webb on their selection in Queensland representative sporting teams this year at a recent Sports Assembly.

All five students proved tremendous am bassadors for the College while on tour and enhanced their reputations with top displays in their chosen sports.

15-year-old squash sensation Hoani-Vin cent capped a memorable 2022 after re ceiving Mercy’s prestigious Sportswoman of the Year Award.

Kayce represented Queensland and Aus tralia at the annual Trans-Tasman Schools Squash Tri Series Challenge in Brisbane where she remained undefeated in singles matches.

A product of Mackay’s Squash 52 club, Kayce lined up for her beloved Maroons against the best junior squash players from NSW and New Zealand at the Dai sy Hill Squash and Racquet Club complex and lived up to her mantle as the num ber one ranked female squash junior in Queensland with impressive victories in both singles and doubles formats.

At the end of the Tri Series, the gifted Ho ani-Vincent made her international debut in Australian colours as part of a com

bined Queensland-NSW team and won all her singles matches against the formidable Kiwis.

Versatile Kayce later swapped her squash racquet for a pole vault in field athletics and came away with a gold medal at the Queensland Secondary Schools Athletics Championships in Brisbane.

She will now focus on representing Queensland in the Pole Vault at the Aus tralian All Schools Track and Field Cham pionships in Adelaide from Friday De cember 9 to Sunday December 11.

Harper Shields survived the ‘big wet’ in Wagga to bring home a silver medal from the SchoolSport Australia Under 12 Touch Football Championships.

The classy middle player helped Queensland qualify for the gold medal clash against NSW on a rain-sodden Jubi lee Park – with the young Blues edging out the Maroons 4-3 in a thriller.

Both sides had earlier cemented the top two spots after completing the five prelim inary rounds undefeated with four wins and a draw.

Queensland recorded thumping wins over ACT (5-3), Western Australia (11-2), Vic toria (15-1) and South Australia (18-1) and drew 4-all with the Blues in a sec ond-round fixture.

It capped a fruitful 2022 touch football campaign for Harper, who earlier cap tained Capricornia schoolboys to a second consecutive State Championship; Mercy College to the inaugural Fast Four Mackay

All Schools Under 13s title and helping the Under 13 Mercy Boys reach the last 16 at the Titans All Schools Championships on the Gold Coast.

Record-breaking sprinter Mikayla Webb captured silver medals in the 100m and 200m dash at this year’s Queensland Sec ondary Schools Athletics Championships in Brisbane.

After scorching the field to win gold with personal best times at this year’s Capricor nia Schools meet, the 15-year-old Mackay flash boosted her State ranking to number two with dashing displays against the fin est sprinters in Queensland.

Fleet footed Mikayla gets another oppor tunity to compete at elite level when she lines up in both her pet events at the Aus tralian All Schools Track & Field Champi onships in Adelaide from December 9 to December 11.

Webb, a bright prospect with Mackay Ath letics Club, acknowledged the influence of her sprint coaches Tina and Luke Morse from ASSET (All Sports Speed Endurance Training) who have added speed to her running technique.

Cohen Jackson performed strongly for Queensland at this year’s National Sec ondary Schools Rugby League Under 15 Championships staged in Redcliffe.

The strapping forward, who signed a three-year development contract with the Brisbane Broncos earlier this season, helped the Maroons to a top four finish be fore returning to club side Souths Sharks and inspiring team mates to the Under 15

finals series in the Mackay and District Ju nior League competition.

He also steered Mercy College to a Cow boys Challenge Grand Final showdown with Townsville’s Kirwan State High School.

Jackson is one of eight talented schoolboys signed by the Broncos that will partici pate in an Elite U/15s and U/16s Pathways Development Program over the next two seasons in preparation for a career in the NRL.

Hockey whiz kid Matthew Davies stamped himself one of the State’s brightest pros pects with superb performances for Queensland at the National SchoolSport Australia 10-12 yrs Carnival in Canberra and Junior Under 13 Hockey Australia Championships in Hobart.

The midfield ace was at his dynamic best during the National SchoolSport 10-12 yrs tournament in Canberra where the un defeated Maroons finished runners up to NSW.

At the Hockey Australia National Under 13 Championship Carnival in Hobart, 12-year-old Davies turned in classy per formances to help the Queensland Cutters secure a top four finish.

Earlier this year Matthew showed his lead ership qualities during the Under 10-12yrs Schools State titles in Ipswich by skipper ing Capricornia to a second placed finish behind joint winners Metropolitan North and Wide Bay.

By Chris Karas

Mercy College Mackay’s Queensland State sporting representatives for 2022 from left Cohen Jackson, Harper Shields, Matthew Davies, Kayce Hoani-Vincent and Mikayla Webb with School Principal Janelle Agius

Pioneer Swim Club Shines In Townsville

Mackay Pickellers At Pan Pacific Masters Games

Six keen Pickellers from PCYC Mack ay Pickleball travelled to Gold Coast for the Pan Pacific Masters Games, then Currumbin for the Pickleball events where 440 Pickleball participants fought hard and furious from November 5 to 8.

Mackay came home with bronze medals in the Women’s Doubles; 19-64 yrs at 2.5 category.

A truly amazing feat considering the two ladies are very new to the game of Pickleball.

Approximately six weeks ago, both Tanya and Kim became “hooked” on the game then, determined to show their prowess, they registered for the Games.

The ladies did Mackay proud, as did other PCYC players Toni, Gigi, Col leen and Heather.

SWIMMING

Pioneer Swim Club swimmers trav elled to Townsville for the Gardens Open Long Course Preparation Meet on the weekend of November 5 and 6, 2022.

A great weekend of competitive swim ming was enjoyed by the team, the host team having put on a cracking event.

The Gardens Carnival is a favourite on the swim calendar for many clubs, all travel ling from near and far with a total of over 300 swimmers swimming at this meet. Many of the Dolphins achieved huge per sonal bests and qualified for the upcoming

State competitions in December and Feb ruary at the Sleeman Sports Complex in Brisbane.

A highlight at Gardens Carnival are the re lays held on the Saturday afternoon.

Pioneer entered various relay teams with 2 of our teams bringing home the gold –the Female 11 years and over team com prising of Kylie Smith, Stevie Brand, Jade Bounden and Ella Bounden as well as the Female 8–10 years team comprising of Annaliese Miles, Joleigh Strydom, Maken na Malagueno and Madison Malagueno.

Well done to all our swimmers for your in dividual and team successes!

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

Although not returning laden with medals, they certainly made the most of the distance travelled by calling in on friends, family and fellow Pickellers at Bargara, Bundaberg and Tallebudgera on the return trip.

One of the major benefits of attending a Tournament of this magnitude is the opportunity to experience the best of the best, retired National and World-re nowned champions still playing their game of choice.

What a tournament for those who attend ed, with some 42 codes of sport spread across more than 40 fields, courts and swimming pools from Coomera, Carrara, Jacobs Well, Woongoolba and Gold Coast.

A total of 18,000 medals were awarded to 13,500 participants from every corner of Australia, New Zealand, Papua New

Guinea, USA, UK, Canada, Sri Lanka and Guam.

Back home, PCYC Pickleball are super excited to welcome five ‘Newbies’ to Pick leball; Niel, Pauline, Cathy, Shaun B and Jason.

The ‘newbies’ have commented that they are surprised “how easy the game is to play”.

So, come on, PCYC Pickleball welcomes any age to come ‘have a go’.

PCYC Pickleball play at PCYC Mackay, 33 Norris Road North Mackay 5:30pm to 7pm Tuesdays, 12pm to 2pm Thursdays and 9am to 11am Sunday Mornings. Phone 07 4942 3296 for more informa tion.

PCYC Mackay Pickleball contestants Toni, Colleen, Tanya, Kim, Heather and Gigi at the Pan Pacific Masters Games

L-R Kim, Gigi, Heather, Tanya, Sharon (Townsville)

The gold medal winning female 8–10 years relay team

The gold medal winning female 11 years and over relay team

Pioneer Swim Club swimmers enjoyed a fun and competitive weekend of swimming in Townsville. Photos supplied

St Patrick’s Mighty Rugby League Maidens Hungry For Cup Glory

RUGBY LEAGUE

Aburning desire to lift the Confraternity Rugby League Shield trophy has the St Patrick’s College girls rugby league team primed for success in 2023.

It is all systems go for the talent ed Mackay maidens who have targeted next year’s Confraternity Carnival in Brisbane and the NRL Schoolgirls Cup as top priorities.

With eight members back on deck next season along with Mercy Col lege graduates Keely Pitt and Paige Mooney, the St Patrick’s squad is shaping as a force to be reckoned with.

Inspirational hooker and team leader Paityne Johns is one of five Capricornia representative play ers returning to the College along with skilful locks Gracie Watt and Shaylee Hazledine and power run ning props Chelsea McLeod and Ciara Thomson.

They’ll be joined by classy fullback Trini ty Grigg, a try scoring wizard with sharp footwork and the ability to create havoc from all parts of the field.

Johns, a product of the Norths Devils club,

is a clever number nine who reads a game well and can make an impact with her silky passing skills and darting runs from dummy half.

St Patrick’s impressed keen judges by reaching the Grand Final of this year’s in augural Confraternity Rugby League Girls Carnival staged in Mackay.

The girls produced courageous perfor mances to advance to the Shield decider – only to succumb 18-10 to a well drilled Marymount College side from Burleigh Waters on the Gold Coast at the final hur dle.

That taste of big match rugby league will spur this capable and hungry St Patrick’s outfit to great heights in 2023.

The girls commenced their pre-season campaign last month with extensive strength and condi tioning and skills sessions with an aim to be supremely fit and ready for kick-off in Term 2.

All eyes will be on the Confrater nity Shield and NRL Schoolgirls Cup Division 1 competitions with St Patrick’s determined to bring home both trophies.

The girls are keen to progress to the NRL Schoolgirls Cup cham pionship rounds after an early exit this season at the hands of Kirwan State High.

Nucleus of the team will feature in the Mackay Cutters Under 19 Harvey Norman Women’s squad for 2023.

New St Patrick’s women’s coach Jake Harney will be assisted by pre miership-winning Wanderers’ U/18s men tor Imogin Healy and Girls Rugby League co-ordinator Samantha Nutt.

Harney, a clever half back, is a Gympie junior product who had stints with Wyn num Manly U/20s and Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Hostplus Cup.

By Chris Karas

Summer Series Surges Ahead

RUNNING

Mackay Road Runners informal off-season running program, Shawn’s Summer Social Series continued from Iluka Park, Town Beach last weekend.

Over thirty-five runners took part in the out and back course from the Sandfly Creek Trail entrance towards the Blue water Quay for the 5km turnaround and beyond to the Big Banana for the 10km

turnaround.

The very tropical spring weather, which could be mistaken for steamy summer conditions, had runners battling the heat and humidity which abated slightly in the latter half of each event.

Many thanks to Club Captain and Race Director, Jim Ford setting runners the challenge of pacing out a negative split re sult on the homeward trek.

Many runners successfully conquered

their individual goals whilst enjoying friendly supportive camaraderie and rival ry at the same time as building their speed, stamina and endurance.

The social off season training sessions are open to the general public, with a $2 dona tion towards post run refreshments while the coaching is free.

The off season is hardly off for some run ners including Paul Mackenzie, Glynis Forse, Leon Ryan, Martin Lambert, Craig McGahey, Jo Skinner and many other trail

and road running enthusiasts tackling ul tra marathon events across Queensland and New South Wales.

A reminder that the Wednesday 5.30pm sixty minute track training at the Aquatic and Recreational Complex (ARC) contin ues throughout the off season due to the generosity of Jim Ford who voluntarily plans and coaches a variety of track train ing techniques to assist athletes who wish to extend their fitness to another level.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

Carolyn Mapes (left) and Tahnie Malagueno (right) relax after their excellent 10km efforts with their daughters at Iluka Park

Lauren Morgan and Bill Morgan easily tackle the Sand Fly Creek section of the 5/10km Shawn’s Summer Social Series course

John Couldrey leads the second wave of runners as they leave Iluka Park for the 5/10km Shawn’s Summer Social Series from Iluka Park

Jo welcomes new runner Natasha to her first Shawn’s Summer Social Series with Mackay Road Runners.

Photos credit: Janelle Tilse

St Patrick’s College Mackay girls rugby league team are hungry for success in 2023. Pictured standing l to r Samantha Nutt (Girls Rugby League Co-ordinator), Abbey Doull, Gracie Watt, Trinity Grigg, Chelsea McLeod, Ciara Thomson, Lily-May Carige, Jake Harney (coach); front Eva Daly, Shaylee Hazledine and Paityne Johns

Falbo Tackles International Cycling Challenge

CYCLING

When Tracy Falbo first got word that she had qualified for this year’s 2022 Gran Fondo World Championships in Italy, she did not take it seriously.

The Operational Services supervisor had only been riding competitively for four years.

“This wasn’t really on my radar; I didn’t know I’d qualified,” Tracy said.

“When I got the email, I actually thought it was spam at first and I wasn’t going to answer it.”

However, this ultimate quiet achiever is also fiercely determined, and she loves a challenge.

That is demonstrated daily in her role at Mackay Base Hospital, where she heads up a team of more than 120 operational ser vices staff and interacts with every depart ment from Infection Prevention to Theatre and Clinical.

Her team cover the hospital’s porterage, cleaning, waste, Mackay-based courier work, gardening and wards work.

“I do love my job; it’s very rewarding and we have a good rapport in our team,” she said.

“We take care of all the moving parts and provide the muscle for the hospital.

“For example, members of our team assist on the wards with transferring and dis charging patients; we ensure the cleaning is done promptly ahead of another patient

arriving.

“We are relied upon to do a lot of the im portant jobs at the grassroots level, to keep the hospital functioning smoothly.”

Tracy was encouraged by a girlfriend to enter the city’s River 2 Reef Ride in 2019, and she caught the cycling bug.

“Me being a little competitive and wanting a new challenge, I embraced it,” she said.

“I joined the Mackay Cycling Club and be gan competing in yearly club events – rac es, time trials.”

The next year Tracy competed in the ITT state championships in Brisbane and won gold in the individual time trial for her Masters age group.

“That definitely fuelled the passion.”

She defended the title a year later (in 2021) winning gold again.

She also took on the national champion ships, winning silver in the ITT time trial and gold in both the criterium and road race.

That also meant she qualified for the Gran Fondo, hailed as ‘the world’s most presti gious amateur cycling event’.

Though she was initially unsure if she could do it, Tracy began the arduous task of preparing with a short lead time, spend ing approximately 13 hours a week train ing.

“I did general endurance, and I was climb ing Eungella and Mt Blackwood,” she said.

“But nothing I could do here could really

prepare me for the Gran Fondo. “Adjusting to the climate and elevation, you’re in a different country and trying to navigate and translate – though I had my partner there to act as my ‘swannie’ (soigneur - pronounced swan-yer which means ‘one who provides care’).

“The enormity of it was another level again.”

Tracy competed in the individual time tri al (M3 – 40-44 years) which is a 19.6km event and took on the 86km Mediofondo.

Though initially tracking well in the indi vidual, she did not achieve the result she wanted, finishing 13th out of 30. However, she relished the whole experi

ence.

“I like a challenge; I like the hard work and benefit.

“It’s a good release, helps deal with stress, and I like to stay fit and healthy.”

But her main motivation is to be a good role model to her children (two daughters aged 20 and 19 and a 17-year-old son).

She already has her sights set on the next challenge – the Tour de Brisbane next year – and will definitely consider going to next year’s Gran Fondo in Glasgow, Scotland if she qualifies.

Mackay’s Hard Hitters At State Championships

HOCKEY

Indoor hockey is a game of great skill and speed and ten girls recently showed that when they represented Mackay in the 2022 U15 Girls Indoor State Indoor Hockey Championships.

Coming up against the best in the state, the girls came off only four training ses sions between selection and the tour nament, taking place in Brisbane from November 4-6, to make it all the way to the final.

“We were there to have a really good time and work as a team, and through doing that is generally when you play your best hockey and they proved that,” said Coach Emily Herrington.

“I certainly couldn’t have been more proud of them because they just ticked all the boxes from a coach’s perspective.”

Mackay finished on top of their pool with two wins and a loss before defeating Brisbane 3 in the semi with a resounding 6-0 win to make it into the final.

They were to come up against Ipswich in the final, ultimately going down 0-2. “We wanted them to enjoy the moment

and not let it overcome them,” said Man ager Shelley Fisher.

“It’s a really nice thing to see them play ing really good hockey but having fun while doing it and I think that’s really im portant for this age group,” added Emily.

“We’re so proud of them and they repre sented Mackay unbelievably well.”

Player Sunmer Vaughan said the team was “nervous but excited” leading into the final.

“It was upsetting that we lost but we came second overall so that’s good,” she said.

Selections for the U15 Queensland team were made following the tournament, with Mackay’s Tylah Andrews being se lected and Laura Camilleri and Ebony Temple being selected in the shadow squad.

16-year-old Sam Riggs was also part of the coaching team as Assistant Coach.

“He did so well in terms of his coaching development, so I think that’s a really positive thing for indoor hockey,” said Emily.

“They are willing to support young kids coming through in all avenues.”

Contributed by Mackay Hospital and Health Service

Tracy Falbo ready to compete in ItalyTracy Falbo in her role at Mackay Base Hospital

Back L-R Shelley Fisher (Manager), Sunmer Vaughan, Amali Paganoni, Maddie Searle (GK), Georgia Rye, Jenna Scott, Emily Herrington (Coach), Sam Riggs (Assistant Coach). Front L-R Tylah Andrews, Ebony Temple, Laura Camilleri, Taylor Fisher, Isabel Miles

Mackay finished second at the 2022 U15 Girls Indoor State Indoor Hockey Champion ships. Photos supplied

DANCE AND NATIONAL LYRICAL HONOURS FOR LOCAL COLLEGE STUDENTS

On The Greens At Goosies

DANCE

Mercy/St Patrick’s College elite performing artists are the toast of the school after outstand ing displays at the annual Queensland Asia-Pacific Grand Internationals Nation al Cheer and Dance Competition in Bris bane.

A squad of 31 students from Years 7 to 12 covered themselves in glory across the three-day event – posting meritorious achievements in the four categories they competed in at the Morayfields Sport and Event Centre.

Thirty of the best club or school dancing ensembles in the nation participated in 236 routines of first-class standard and impressed judges with their high level of skill, endurance and composure.

Mercy/St Patrick’s were crowned National champions in the Junior Lyrical category and also collected the Highest Points Scor ing for a School trophy – an incredible feat by students Holly Bates, Alyssa Battaia, Eva Bishop, Jacee Borg, Chelsey Butler, Al ice Camilleri, Klancie Coben, Milly May field, Bella McClarty, Charlotte O’Brien, Sophie Reilly, Adysen Ruddick, Gabriella Ruggeri, Katelyn Sturdy, Katelyn Vassallo and McKenzie Wotherspoon.

The College finished second in Senior Contemporary; third in Senior Hip Hop and a creditable fourth in the Cheer Level 2 category.

Mercy College Dance coach and choreog rapher Natalie Porter said she couldn’t be prouder of the touring team.

“The girls were outstanding ambassadors for the College and their behaviour was exemplary for the entire three days,” re vealed Natalie, who doubled as the trip co-ordinator.

“Their commitment to the cause was ex ceptional - so many of the girls were in volved in the Mackay Eisteddfod in the lead up to the competition but just stepped up and made us all proud,” she said.

Natalie also praised the efforts of Cheer Head Coach and choreographer Ashley Fergus and staff members Mel Camilleri and Molly Rossetto (administration) for their sterling contributions.

Rehearsals were held Mondays and Fri days before school with the group relish ing the challenge.

“We were extremely delighted with the large number of students that expressed an interest in trying out for our dance squads,” Miss Porter said.

“More than 110 students auditioned for spots on both the Dance and Cheer teams respectively which augurs well for our Per forming Arts program” she added.

Other participating students included: Shelby Campbell; Sana Campbell (St Pat rick’s); Zoe Castelletto; Tasanee Chudee; Isabella Coe; Lucy Crust (St Patrick’s); Piper Euler; Jacinta Franettovich (St Pat rick’s); Estella Martin (St Patrick’s); Mack enzie Maunder; Aidyn McSherry; Reese Morgan; Rori Paganoni (St Patrick’s); Amber Roscher (St Patrick’s) and Abigail Vickers (St Patrick’s).

By Chris Karas

BOWLS

The AGM for both men and ladies is being held on Monday evening, 28th November. A good atten dance would be appreciated.

RESULTS

Monday mixed pairs winners were Dave Evans and Eric. Runners up were Di and Frank. Brenda Trannore and Margaret Webb won the lucky draw.

Wednesday ladies’ day was taken out by Sue Hazledine and Donna Gordon. In sec ond place were Narelle Schmidtke, Doris Dodds and Debbie Mackenzie.

Thursday mixed pairs winners were Bar ry and Francis Lehmann who also won

last Thursday, followed by Mick and De lia Walsh. Greens vouchers went to Jess Haber and Chrissy Hall. The kitty toucher jackpots.

Friday mixed pairs best card and $75 each went to Val De Pinto and Tony Allsop. Winners’ lucky draw were the consistent Rob Evans and Peter Horsburgh. Losers’ draw went to Jean Zamparutti and Debbie Mackenzie.

Saturday men’s day pairs winners were Alan Cooney and Peter Miller. Runners up were Mick Walsh and Morrie Pearson. The jackpot was not won.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

Saturday always attracts a good crowd of men

Brenda Trannore had a win last Monday

Mercy/St Patrick’s College Mackay performing artists that were crowned National Junior Lyrical champions at the 2022 Asia Pacific Grand Internationals National Dance & Cheer Competition in Brisbane

Mackay Contract Bridge Club

Mackay held the Central Queensland Swiss Teams Congress last weekend. Thirteen teams of four players per team entered the tournament. The overall winners were Team Bugeia consisting of Noel Bugeia , Val Holbrook, Terrence Sheedy and Errol Miller.

Mackay Congress Central Queensland Swiss Teams Event

Saturday 12th November & 13th November.

Section A Section B Section C

Tuesday Evening 8 November 22 – 3 Table One Winner

N/S

1st Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia

2nd Janet Hansen / Diane Morgan

3rd Janelle Conroy / Geoff Taylor

Wednesday 9 November 22 – 8 Table Mitchell N/S E/W

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild

1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

1st Bugeia 1st Goodchild

1st Pickering 2nd Randal 2nd O’Neill

2nd Large 3rd Holewa 3rd Wright 3rd Saunders 4th Brown 4th Harris 4th Ross Weekly Results

Monday 7 November 22 – 7 Table Mitchell N/S E/W

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild

1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2nd Nancy Wix / Griffin Bancroft 2nd Frances Brown / Alan Brown 3rd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy 3rd Noel Bugeia/ Robert (Bob) Ellis

2nd Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 2nd Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown

3rd Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait 3rd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless

Thursday Evening 10 November 2022 – 5 Table One Winner

1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd Jan Harris / Sandy Patterson

3rd Marilin Robins / Doone Mitchell

Friday 11 November 22 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

2nd Joy Block / Janine Rodgers

1st Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

2nd Mary Rose Ramsden / Noel Saunders

2nd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 3rd Diane Stokes / Marie McGuire

Road Cycling Season Ends With Club Championship Time Trial

CYCLING

The Mackay Cycling Club finished its 2022 road season with a Club Championship Individual Time Trial earlier this month.

The event gives younger riders an oppor tunity to race on the road, as they are pro hibited from racing in mass start events. Despite the challenging windy conditions, riders recorded excellent times across multiple grades of racing.

Photos supplied: Mackay Cycling Club

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13B119 Border St, Glenella By Negotiation12:00-12:30Gardian

14B111 Madison Ave, Glenella By Negotiation10:00-10:30Explore

15C25/1 Nelson St, Mackay $579,000 12:00-12:30Gardian

16C219 Hinton St, Mackay Contact Agent 12:00-12:30Blacks RE 40 Vellas Rd, Marian Auct: 3/12, 12pm1:00-2:00Blacks RE

17B18 Blackall Ct, Mt Pleasant By Negotiation9:00-9:30Gardian

18B24/29 Scriha St, North Mackay$239,000.00 8:30-9:00Gardian

19B26 Holack St, North MackayO/A $319,000 9:30-10:00Explore

20C21 Burgess St, North Mackay$400,000 12:45-1:15Gardian

21B238A Forgan St, North Mackay$515,000 10:00-10:45Blacks RE

22B220 Perkins St, North MackayAuct: 25/11, 2pm9:00-9:30Blacks RE

23B234 Burgess St, North Mackay Contact Agent 10:00-10:30Blacks RE 24D121 Hastings St, Ooralea O/F $499K 9:00-9:30Gardian

25A19 Rosalind Vista, RichmondBy Negotiation9:00-9:30Gardian 6 Lambert Rd, Sarina $720,000 11:00-12:00Blacks RE 26D21/5 Scott St, South MackayO/F $260,000 10:00-10:30Gardian 27C24/235 Evan St, South MackayO/A $379,000 8:30-9:00Explore 28C231 Penn St, South MackayO/F $395,000 12:45-1:15Gardian 29D246 Hart St, South Mackay By Negotiation11:30-12:00Gardian 30C253 Penn St, South Mackay Contact Agent 11:00-11:30Blacks RE 9 Vezzoli Ct, Walkerston By Negotiation11:30-12:00Gardian 31C226 Wardrop St, West Mackay$379,000 10:30-11:00Gardian 32D27 Wardrop St, West Mackay$445,000 11:15-12:00Blacks RE 33D138 Mcginn St,

Stunning Home with Amazing Views

11 Rural View Drive ,Rural View is an absolutely stunning home purpose built to complement our fabulous North Queensland lifestyle and to take advantage of the amazing views the location offers.

Consisting of two distinct living areas joined by a covered walkway the home provides living options for large families , extended families and guests.

Spread over multiple zones this 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 5 car accommodation has the allure of luxury while still ticking all the boxes that one looks for in a home; including the pool , shed, usable land and the amazing location.

This is a stunning and unique property offering a tropical North Queensland Lifestyle that most can only dream of and only 12 km from the Mackay CBD Minutes to Rural View Shopping Centres , Supermarkets and Bowls Club .

Often Sought but Rarely Found - Perfect

Many will look their whole lives for that perfect property. The one with the quality built home on the elevated large block in a popular rural area not far from town, and if possible a shed and a swimming pool.

Built on one of the highest blocks in Settlers Rise by local reputable builders, 60 Jardine Drive has a view most other homes in the estate desire. Every aspect of the 375m2 fivebedroom home was designed for space to spread the family out.

The open plan living area spills out onto the spacious poolside patio. A great place to host the largest of groups. This is but one of the many highlights of this beautiful home which will be sure to impress your many guests. They too will be in awe of your rare find.

Enjoy the serenity and the views from this private home, with no rear neighbours and being ideally placed up high in the most elevated part of the estate.

Near New Richmond Executive Home

Stylish in design, this near new executive residence is the ultimate in modern day living. The expansive home has been carefully put together to create a place in which anyone would be proud to call their own.

Additional features include the utmost premium fixtures and fittings such as high ceilings, double insulated walls, and a neutral colour palette to suit anyone’s style.

You will be delighted to find all of the generous proportions that the property has to offer - the home, the entertainment area, the large residential parcel of land and all in Mackay’s most popular suburb – Richmond.

9 Rosalind Vista is surrounded by similarly prestigious homes and is all but just a short drive to town. Serenely situated in one of Mackay's most sought after residential addresses –Sugar View Estate, this property has it all.

Ben Kerrisk Mick McLeod 0407 514 983 0408 777 971 Ryan Patton 0435 825 323

Enjoy the serenity of this private residence. Whilst escaping the hustle and bustle, you still have the comfort of knowing that you're conveniently only 10 minutes from town.

This sizable lowset family home without a doubt is a rare availability within the convenient location of Erakala. Presented to a high standard, with generous sized rooms and gardens manicured to optimize privacy.

This touch of serenity at 8 Shetland Court, Erakala will be the place you will want to be.

Immaculately kept, it presents a fantastic opportunity for one lucky buyer to take advantage of the opportunity and establish themselves in a well-equipped home in high demand location.

Family Home with a Pool Located in the Northern Beaches

Presenting to the market a quality investment or exceptional first home buying opportunity. A solid low set brick home offering three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sparking pool, with all of this tucked away in a quiet cul-de-sac not far from the beach.

The quality home consists of a functional open floorplan and a number of other rooms coming off this main central area; making it the perfect family home.

There is plenty of space to entertain or for loved ones to come and visit with an outdoor patio overlooking the pool area.

Enjoy the comforts of modern family living in the heart of Northern Beaches, with developments in the pipeline this property is in a sought-after growth area all within close proximity to many beautiful beaches and only a short drive to the CBD.

Expansive Residence with Coastal Views

Set up high on Wallmans Road, in the sought after suburb of Rural View, you will find this outstanding property that captures amazing unobstructed views of both the surrounding countryside and Mackay coastline.

From the inviting outdoor living, you will know that this home is what you have been waiting for. The outdoor e entertainment zone contrasts beautifully with the surrounding countryside. The view is shared from the open kitchen which is fitted out with quality cabinetry.

The generous sized master bedroom boasts a renovated ensuite, walk in robe and bay window. Along with 2 other good-sized bedrooms which are serviced by the huge main bathroom.

The expansive residence features a few refurbishments throughout but is true to the original designs and country home feel. This coupled with it being located only 15 minutes from Mackay’s CBD in the centre of the Northern Beaches will make this one sought after property.

Modern Living Made Easy in Walkerston

If you want a quality, contemporary home on a low maintenance block, but still need room for the growing family, then look no further than 9 Vezzoli Court, Walkerston! Located only 15 Minutes from Mackay’s CBD, the home is in the sough after suburb of Walkerston.

The quality family home features the latest modern design, including quality fixtures, fittings, neutral colour palette and tiles throughout.

You can enjoy both indoor and outdoor entertaining this summer, as the spacious family room with living and dining areas flow out through sliding doors to the covered patio area overlooking the spacious backyard.

This property is set among other modern homes in the everpopular suburb of Walkerston, just minutes from Walkerston Shopping Centre, parks, West Leagues Club and many boutique businesses.

By Negotiation

Spacious Lowset Family Home with Pool and Shed

Impeccably presented spacious lowset family home, located in the desirable suburb of Glenella. This property sits amongst other quality homes and offers plenty of space for the whole family.

Designed with the family in mind, as you enter the house you are welcomed with a large lounge room. Then onto the heart of the residence the massive open plan dining and kitchen that seamless flows to the outdoor living entertainment area.

The suburb of Glenella is well sought after for its close proximity to schools, Magpies Sporting Club, shopping precincts and it’s only a short drive to Mackay CBD. This home lowset family home presents its new buyer with a wonderful opportunity for the family to enjoy a big home and an outdoor lifestyle with plenty of living spaces.

By Negotiation