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THOSE WITH NO PLACE TO CALL HOME

Dorothy sure hit the nail on the head with her ruby slippers, didn't she? "There's no place like home" – but what if you've got more than one 'home' in your heart? Having called Australia and the beautiful Mackay region my home for over 11 years now, I can attest to the truth in that sentiment.

However, my recent 10-day trip back to the land of the long white cloud to farewell a friend was like a breath of fresh air, (or at least a breath of cold air). It's where my family resides, where my childhood memories were made, and where the world’s best fish and chips, pies and lolly cake await.

But amidst the comfort and familiarity of Aotearoa, there's something undeniably special about returning to Mackay. As I gaze out over the islands and palm trees, that familiar sense of belonging washes over me once again. It's a reminder that while Aotearoa will always hold a special place in my heart, Mackay has become my home away from home – a place

where new memories are made and where I've forged deep connections with the community.

What about those who don't have a place to call their own? Those who don’t have a comfortable bed or a roof to provide shelter and safety? It's a sobering reality and one which is worsening. Flip to page 26 for more on how the rental crisis in Australia has hit a new low.

And on page 8, we're sharing a heartfelt campaign to help a young woman off the streets and into a safe place to live. Plus, on page 7, read up on how you can support a young mother who lost everything in a devastating house fire.

As we approach the long weekend – filled with chocolate, celebrations, and reflections on the resurrection – let's spare a moment for those facing more uncomfortable nights with no place to call home. After all, amidst the festivities, kindness and compassion go a long way in making a place a home, no matter where it may be.

Beauty for a Cause

MACKAY MOTHER HELPS CHILDREN IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA

In a heart-warming display of generosity, a dedicated local mother is using her skills as a beautician to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Over a period of two days (18th and 19th of March) Samira offered henna tattoos, eyebrow threading or waxing, and eyelash tinting at just $15 each to raise funds for a school in the remote town of Aragip.

Aware of the financial constraints faced by many families, especially in remote areas like Aragip, she also offered henna tattoos or face painting for children under 10 at a discounted rate of $5.

The initiative is in support of the charity "Friends of Brilliant Stars," organised by her friend, where 100 per cent of the donations go towards the education and hygiene needs of children. In a school where resources are

Children in Aragip, Papua New Guinea are in need of financial assistance to begin their education. Find out how you can help, at www. friendsofbrilliantstar.org

Image Sourced

scarce, every contribution counts in shaping the future of young minds, which is why this particular charity is striving to expand its impact by doubling the number of students it supports.

“Due to the lack of resources, the charity can only support a small number of students, which is roughly 20 in the whole school.

“Unfortunately, lots of families are feeling left out and desperate for their children to also get an education,” Samira said.

As a stay-at-home mother, Samira’s appeal for support is not just a request for financial assistance but a call to rally together for a common goal – providing education and hope to those who need it most and illuminating the path to a brighter future for the children of Aragip.

For further information, visit www.friendsofbrilliantstar.org

LIGHTING UPGRADE COMPLETE AT BB PRINT STADIUM

The lighting component of the Stadium Mackay refurbishment project is now complete and will offer crowds an enhanced viewing experience.

The upgrades have been finalised in time for the QRL season and the upcoming Freestyle Kings Live Stadium Tour on April 6.

Executive Manager MECC and Events Andrew Bobeldyk said infrared testing showed the upgrades had exceeded expectations.

“The field lighting hit a greater lumen level than was initially anticipated,” Mr Bobeldyk said.

“The lighting has reached 1500 lumens, which is considered optimal for nighttime television broadcast,” he said.

“Feedback we have received so far from broadcasters has been extremely positive.”

The field lights were upgraded to LED lights, which use a quarter of the power of the original field lighting.

“This means power costs for the full four towers will now be the same as the costs for just one of the original towers,” Mr Bobeldyk said.

“And the new lighting setup has also delivered us a far greater level of customisation.

“Our tech teams can now create various theatrical lighting displays using different coloured secondary field lighting, brightnesses and patterns.

“This will take home game atmosphere to

The stadium lighting upgrades will allow for theatrical lighting displays using different coloured lighting, brightnesses and patterns

another level, as teams will be able to run onto the field to the accompaniment of lighting displays using their home colours choreographed to music.”

Council CEO Scott Owen said council had allocated $3.1 million, which includes $1.782 million of State government funding as part of its current budget for the Stadium Mackay refurbishment and master planning for future development.

The next part of the refurbishment will see the stadium’s seating receive an upgrade, with new seats expected to arrive and be installed mid-year.

The project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program and Mackay Regional Council.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said it was part of the Miles Government’s investment in Mackay alongside major investments in health, housing, transport and cost-of-living support.

“Investing in our community facilities means we can attract major events to our region and support good jobs,” she said.

“These lighting upgrades for Mackay’s BB Print Stadium is just one of the projects we’re supporting.

“More than $1.782 million has been provided to the Mackay Regional Council through the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program to support the $3.1 million project.”

Ten Mackay friends have had their week pleasantly de-railed after discovering their 40-year-old syndicate entry scored $1 million in the weekend’s Saturday Gold Lotto draw.

The North Queensland ex-railway workers held one of five division one winning entries in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4453 on Saturday 23 March 2024. The group’s entry won a total prize of $1,054,144.91.

One of the winning members revealed how the group came about after an official from the Lott called to confirm the wonderful news.

“I’ve been waiting for this call for 40 years!” he laughed.

“Thank you very much! We’re a syndicate. There are 10 of us and when we started, we each picked one number.

“We’ve been playing the syndicate every week since.

“We were all railway workers. We’re pretty much all retired now but we used to all work together. Some of the original boys passed

away but someone else always took over the entry.

“We put in a ticket for 10 weeks at a time. Each time it comes around, I message ‘Lotto’s due’, they always pay it. Never had to chase anyone up!

“They’re so excited. We’ll do something to celebrate. We’ve stayed mates, so it’ll be great to see everyone all together again.

“We’ve got five numbers a couple of times. It seemed like we were always just one off or two off. Once we got five and a supplementary number.

“Some of us have had a bit of bad luck in the past few months so it couldn’t have come at a better time.

“The lady at the bank, she’ll be wrapped. She’s always seeing me come in. I always say, ‘Maybe next time, we’ll get it!’.

“It’s wonderful, mate. It’ll make retirement even more relaxing for my wife and I. Right now, we’re doing some travel in Australia, so we’ll continue with that!”

OPINION PIECE

The Federal Government has run out of excuses after officially breaking its election promise to reduce household energy bills by $275 following the release of draft regulated electricity prices last week.

The draft Default Market Offer has confirmed that Labor has fallen short by up to $1,027 of its promised price reduction for everyday households, equivalent to a 37 per cent increase since Labor came to power.

Small businesses have also been hit hard by Labor’s spiralling energy crisis with bills soaring by up to $2,047 since Labor made its fatal promise.

As a sign of the suffering faced by everyday Australian households, startling new numbers from the AER have also revealed 116,753 people have been placed into hardship due to their skyrocketing energy bills and 192,459 people are now in energy debt.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said, “Labor was elected on a promise that it would reduce household electricity bills by $275 but instead Australians are now paying among the most expensive bills in the world.

“This is simply unaffordable for residents in my community who are already suffering under Labor’s out of control cost-ofliving-crisis.”

The Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy Ted O’Brien claimed Labor’s broken promise on energy prices was “unforgiveable”.

“The Australian people deserve nothing less than a complete and unreserved apol-

ogy from Prime Minister Albanese for making households and businesses pay for his failures.

“Labor has lost all credibility on energy prices and has completely shattered its trust with the Australian people.

“Labor has failed to deliver on its all-important promise to reduce energy prices by $275 on 2021/22 levels and now owes the average Australian household up to $1,027.”

Shadow Minister for Energy Affordability and Western Sydney, Melissa McIntosh said, “after dodging questions on Labor’s $275 power price promise there is now nowhere left for the Prime Minister to hide,” Mrs McIntosh said.

The draft DMO, released by the Australian Energy Regulator, sets the ‘reference price’ for electricity bills for the 2024-2025 period and will now be consulted on before the final determination is made in coming months.

Mackay Highland Dancer Heads To America

At just 19 years old, Mackay local Tamlyn Evans has received a once in a lifetime opportunity in the world of dance, earning the honour of representing Australia at the well-regarded Washington Tattoo in the U.S. Selected as one of only 11 dancers, she will travel to America in April with the international highland dancing team, OzScot Australia.

Tamlyn's passion for dance ignited at a young age, encompassing Scottish highland dancing alongside ballet and contemporary forms which have led to this exciting international selection.

Recognising the demanding nature of highland dancing, Tamlyn has tirelessly trained, honing in on her strength and stamina to meet a rigorous performance schedule.

The highlight of Tamlyn's trip will undoubtedly be her performances at the Washington Tattoo in Washington DC, where she will also grace the historic

grounds of Washington House. Additionally, Tamlyn will partake in the New York Tartan Day Celebrations, adding further prestige to her international debut.

Sponsored by the Scottish Government, the Washington Tattoo's Tartan Day Tattoo D.C. 2024 promises to be a memorable event held on April 2nd at the renowned Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Centre. This occasion marks the first time OzScot has held The New York Tartan Day Parade.

Beyond her performances, Tamlyn will engage with students at various schools during educational sessions, further enriching her experience abroad.

As she departs on March 31st and returns on April 10th, Tamlyn's journey represents not only a personal achievement but is also a testament to the talent that lies within the Mackay region and her success is an inspiration to aspiring performers within the local dance community.

Contributed By Tracy Evens

19-year-old Tamlyn Evens set to embark on a thrilling international journey as she represents her home country in the world of highland dance. Image Supplied

Image supplied. Authorised by Ted O’Brien, LNP, Maroochydore, Qld

Continued from cover...

OPEN DAY FOR NEW SARINA HOSPITAL NEARS

Construction of the new Sarina Hospital has reached completion and preparations are now well underway for a move from 1 Hospital Street to the new site on Brewers Road.

Executive Director Public Health and Rural Services Terry Johnson said the Sarina project team, the Sarina Hospital team and others throughout Mackay Hospital and Health Service were working hard to ensure a safe transition for patients, staff, and visitors.

“This is an exciting time for our Sarina Hospital staff who have done an amazing job in preparing for this transition and also others across the health service who are busy making sure the many aspects of the new facility are in place,” Ms Johnson said.

“We are moving rapidly towards the operational date of 12noon on Wednesday 3 April at 47 Brewers Road.

“With construction completed in February, the final stages of commissioning include overseeing the fit-out of new equipment, finalising fittings and furnishings and staff continuing training and preparing for the new digital technology.”

Ms Johnson thanked all who attended the new Sarina Hospital Community Open Day held on Saturday, 23 March as well as the Sarina staff and the Mackay Hospital Foundation volunteers who provided assistance.

“The event attracted a fantastic response with around 230 people taking the opportunity to tour the hospital and chat to staff about the new facility,” she said.

“Feedback on the day was very positive and our community are looking forward to the opening of the new hospital.”

Medical care will be provided at the new hospital, 47 Brewers Road, from 12noon Wednesday 3 April 2024.

If you need medical care before this time, please go to 1 Hospital Street, Sarina. The hospital’s phone number remains the same - (07) 4943 8777.

New Emergency department bays

Ambulance Area

Rehabilitation Gym

Posing ladies of Mackay Hospital Foundation and Sarina Hospital Staff expressing their excitement!

Outside View of the facility

MACKAY SPORT FACILITIES

Become More Inclusive Through $45 Million Program

The Queensland Government’s Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund (MIIFF) has just allocated funding to 171 projects in the Mackay Local Government area where six projects have been approved a total of more than $1.4 million through the program.

Local sport and active recreation facilities will be made safe, accessible, inclusive and more efficient, through the Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund (MIIFF).

New changerooms at Mackay Brothers Football Club, upgraded lighting at Mackay Cricket Association, Mackay Tennis Association for pickleball and Western Suburbs Rugby League Football Club, and upgraded amenities at Mackay Hockey Association are just some of the projects set to receive a share of funding through the $45 million program.

The program supports two categories: Inclusive and Accessible – to support new and upgraded female changerooms and amenities that meet universal design principles

Safe, Quality and Efficient – to support new, upgraded and end-of-life field of play and ancillary facilities to meet activity requirements at a community level.

Sport Minister Michael Healy said, “The

Miles Labor Government’s top priority is the health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders,”

“I’m thrilled that 171 projects state-wide will receive funding to improve facilities and get more Queenslanders active.

“This funding helps to make physical activity more accessible and includes female changerooms,” Minister Healy added.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert commented, “Our clubs and sporting facilities are very much at the heart of our community and this funding will ensure they are open and accessible to even more people.

“It’s terrific that six projects in the Mackay Local Government area are receiving a total of more than $1.4 million through the Queensland Government’s Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund.

“I’d like to acknowledge each of the local organisations who were successful with their applications, and I encourage all of our community members to take advantage of improved and more accessible facilities when the projects are finished,” Mrs Gilbert said.

“Regardless of age or ability, an active community is a healthy community, and the Queensland Government is supporting Mackay in being more active more often.”

Shocking Update: Body Of Scott Billingham Found

In a devastating news update, police have confirmed the body of a man reportedly found at McCreadys Creek around 9.30am on March 21, was that of missing 38-year-old Mackay man, Scott Billingham.

In earlier reports, Mackay detectives were on the search for Mr Billingham after he reportedly went missing on Friday, March 8 around 4pm.

Scott was last seen at an address on Andergrove Road, Andergrove and had not been in contact with friends or family since. Major concerns were raised for his welfare due to a medical condition he endued along with the length of time he’d been missing, which was said to be out of his character.

Throughout the investigation, Mackay detectives tirelessly pursued leads and appealed to the public for assistance in an attempt to locate him.

On Wednesday, March 20, Mackay Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Eaton appealed

to members asking for any information from the public that could assist with the investigation.

“Police are seeking information from members of the public who may have seen Scott in the Andergrove area at approximately 5:10pm On Friday, the 8th of March.

“On the following day, Saturday the 9th, a male person was seen bathing or swimming in the McCreadys Creek area,” said the report.

Police investigations are still ongoing and as such anyone with any further information is urged to contact police immediately.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

In the wake of this devastating news, the community mourns the loss of Scott Billingham.

Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this heart-wrenching time.

Scott Billingham was missing for over 10 days before his body was sadly found last week. Photo supplied

Mackay Tennis Association is among five local sporting organisations to receive state government funding to improve safety, accessibility, inclusiveness and efficiency at its club

Local Mother And Son Lose Everything In House Fire Community Rally To Help

On the morning of March 16, Lena and her son, Charlie, decided to go out for the day, however, whilst out, life took a sudden detour and shook up the reality of a normal life for the mother and young son. The faulty aircon system above the fridge in the kitchen caught alight, vastly spreading to the room and through the rear of their Andergrove home.

The laundry, along with the kitchen and all of the contents within the area was destroyed in minutes. The rest of the home was majorly affected by smoke and water damage and in addition, the house was contaminated with toxins from the burnt chemicals.

First responders extinguished the flames before the fire spread to the neighbouring properties, however, unfortunately, Lena’s rental property was deemed unfit to inhabit.

Despite this, Lena said she is grateful to her quick-thinking neighbours who rescued the family cat.

“I’m incredibly grateful to my neighbours who all chipped in to act quickly and ensure my cat got out safely,” she said.

Losing all furniture items from laundry through to the kitchen appliances, her entire wardrobe, clothing and bedding, Lena said everything was either burnt or dam-

aged by smoke and water.

She said it was a small miracle that a majority of her sons’ toys were low to the ground and remained relatively undamaged, able to be saved with “some elbow grease and helping hands.”

The rest of the family’s basic living needs, however, had completely disappeared and Lena was left with nothing.

Deciding to take to social media, she post-

Be Extra Cautious When Walking Dogs On The Beach

Tropical Queenslanders have been urged to take extra precautionswhen taking their four-legged friend on beach walks, after a dog recently swallowed a blue button jellyfish and fell ill due to the toxic creature in South East Queensland.

Blue button jellyfish are described as coin-sized creatures that tend to wash ashore after heavy winds or large tides and as a result, will float close to the water surface.

The toxic species have reportedly washed up at Blacks Beach Mackay and high risks have been raised to not only dog owners, but beach walkers in general.

While research states that they are not deadly to humans, they can still cause skin irritation and have recently proved to be harmful to dogs.

Their tentacles are made up of millions of stinging cells that act like a harpoon, causing pain and swelling in the throat through to the oesophagus and stomach of dogs.

Typically, between November and May, our region becomes a hotspot for various types of jellyfish as the water warms up and worsens during windy weather conditions.

As we power through the months of stinger season, beachgoers and residents are advised to always wear stinger suits when swimming and are encouraged to take extra attention to pets and children when walking near shorelines.

ed on a community Facebook page, asking for help.

“As much as I hate to ask for a handout, I know my son and I will need a hand-up, especially in this rental and cost of living crisis,” she said in the post.

“Thanks to the kindness of our community, we have been given a fridge, clothes, toys and a single mattress for my son.

“We have no kitchen appliances or dinnerware, glasses or cutlery, we need linen, size queen and king single and kids’ books.

“We need everything a home needs, really.”

“The thing that has upset me the most has been losing my sons two mellowmats, as they were not cheap and he learnt to crawl and walk on them,” she added.

Relying on others and reaching out for

community help doesn’t come easily, however, a magnitude of wonderful locals quickly jumped on board to lend a helping hand, offering furniture, household items and immense support to Lena and her son Charlie in this challenging time.

If you have any donations that could help, you can kindly drop off items at White Picket Realestate, Shop 4, 28 George Street Mackay.

“A big thank you to all the people who donated items, gift cards and offered kind words, you all changed the trajectory of mine and my little boys life after a devastating event.

“A Special thank you to local businesses: Jeremiah Bullfrog, Woolworths Andergrove, White picket realestate and Cool Mango who donated either their time, gift cards or items to help us rebuild and start over,” Lena said.

Image of Blue Button Jelly Fish. Photo supplied

Lena with her son Charlie lose everything in Andegrove house fire, but community rallies behind them to help rebuild their lives. Image Supplied

PEDALLING TOWARDS HEALTH

LOCAL

STUDENTS JOIN NATIONAL 'RIDE TO SCHOOL DAY'

Friday, March 22 was National ‘Ride to School Day,’ Australia’s biggest celebration of active travel, and schools throughout the region, from Seaforth to Sarina, joined more than 870 schools participating nationally.

Ride2School is a nationwide program organised by Bicycle Network, designed to support schools to encourage, empower and enable more students to get physically active on their journey to school, giving them the opportunity to create healthy habits for their future whilst teaching the importance of safe riding.

Statistics suggest that over the past 40 years, the overall number of children who are physically active on a daily basis has significantly declined. In the 1970’s, studies show that eight out of ten students rode or walked to school, but today that number has dropped to just two out of ten.

In light of the program, students and teachers from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School lined up their bikes and scooters on the day, beginning at the Pio-

neer Swimming Pool car park in North Mackay, and rolled along the Goose Pond pathway, meeting back at the school to share morning tea.

Assistant Principal, Marcelle Price said, “it’s important for students to learn how to ride their bike to school so they know the road rules and how to keep safe, also having parents come along is a great engagement activity”.

“It’s a great community event where we can all come back and celebrate with morning tea together.”

The Mackay Council funded the free breakfast for St Joseph’s students and families. Local bike company, Corry Cycles also kindly contributed to the program by donating a bike to the Mackay council as a prize for participants.

School captains, Paris Housden and Will Casey said “Thank you to the Mackay Council for donating the morning tea and thank you to Cory Cycles as well”.

“We organise this for health and fitness and also because we need to be safe on the roads and be safe when we ride to school.”

Taskforce Guardian: Strengthening Community Safety

Taskforce Guardian, a newly launched rapid response team, has commenced operations in Mackay.

Collaborating with committed Youth Justice professionals and local Police enforcement, the task force aims to address recurring property offenders and enhance community safety.

Approximately nine young people Between March 11 and 17 were apprehended on 38 offences, predominately for property and bail offences.

Specialist Police worked in conjunction with Youth Justice workers and frontline Police conducted numerous engagements including bail checks, breaches of bail, street checks, and warrants.

Taskforce Guardian also works with key support services and local resources to engage at-risk youth with relevant programs, focusing on health, education, disability services and First Nations initiatives.

Mackay District Officer Superintendent Graeme Paine said the operation had assisted frontline police with both crime prevention and crime reduction.

“Having Taskforce Guardian in Mackay provides us with additional boots on the ground to continue disrupting youth offending and anti-social behaviour,” he said.

“Together we were able to saturate known hotspots while also using it as an opportunity to engage with local youth and refer them to appropriate support services.”

The borderless nature of Taskforce Guardian allows the team to deploy wherever support is needed throughout the state, at any given time.

Community Calls For Help To Home A Young Local

Amidst the shadows of despair, 25-year-old Jess has found a glimmer of humanity and recognition from local business owner Kylie after Jess had been forced to sleep on the streets due to having nowhere else to call home. Kylie recognised the young girl outside her business and offered to help her by initiating a GoFundMe campaign with the aim of securing funds for housing and other essential items to support Jess's needs.

Due to no fault of her own, Jess has been homeless for the last four months and since having no place to call home, her phone and wallet were stolen from her whilst enduring terrible circumstances on the streets of Mackay.

Jess is registered with all organisations, but community centres are prioritising women with children during this heart-breaking rental crisis.

Kylie, owner of Art Haus has kindly asked the community of Mackay to chip in and ‘dig deep’ to raise money for Jess to be able to get back on her feet and find a room to rent.

Jess is a qualified barista and also has experience in aged care.

Kylie describes her as having “a beautiful warm loving energy” and wants nothing more than for the community “to come together to give her a hand to get her back on her feet.”

“She needs a room to live, a job, clothing, a phone and a bike for transport would be wonderful too.

“Let’s help this beautiful girl! I know she will make us all very proud.”

To donate or assist Jess in any way, please visit GoFundMe – Help Beautiful 25yo Jess get off the streets, organised by Kylie Ferriday.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School students, parents and teachers gathered at Pioneer Swimming Pool carpark to participate in the nationwide Ride to School Day

Students beginning the roll race to school!

School captains, Paris Housden and Will Casey Scooters ready for take-off!

Children racing (safely) through the Goose Ponds pathway

Photo Credit: Hannah McNamara

25-year-old Jess, battling homelessness due to no fault of her own, to help her in this challenging time, please visit her GoFundMe to donate.

COMMUNITY INVITED TO EXPLORE WATERWAYS THROUGH ART

Storytelling, poetry, drawing, painting, photography, film and more… the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership invites local creatives of all ages and abilities to take part in the Submerged in Our Region competition to celebrate 10 years of waterway health in our region.

Entrants will get the chance to have their work showcased at a five-day exhibition in July as part of the 2024 Mackay Festival of Arts program and be eligible to win one of five prizes - including a $1,000 Artist Development Bursary.

The competition encourages the community to connect with their local waterways, and capture their surroundings in various mediums.

Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership Executive Officer, Jaime Newborn, said reaching 10 years was a great achievement and the Partnership wanted to celebrate the milestone with the community.

“The community is a major driver behind the Partnership and why we produce a Waterway Health Report Card each year. Bringing together waterway data is about providing the local community with a regionally specific condition report, and using that to inform how waterways are managed,” she said.

“An art exhibition focused on waterways is

a great way to spark conversations about the health of our rivers, creeks and oceans and the vital life and industries they support.

“In the scientific community, we are used to looking at our environment through an evidence-based lens, but art is also an effective way of communicating what’s important to us.

Submerged in our Region will exhibit at CQUniversity’s Gallery-31, from July 25th to 30th, with artwork by Gallery-31 Curator Glenda Hobdell and collaborators featuring as the show’s centrepiece.

One of Glenda’s previous joint exhibitions, Anthropocene, was featured at the Great Barrier Reef Festival in 2022, to get people thinking about the Reef and the need to protect it for future generations.

“I have very fond memories of diving on the Great Barrier Reef, and to see how it’s changing due to impacts of climate change is devastating. This significant issue was the driving force behind Anthropocene, an immersive installation that involved collaborating with other like-minded artists,” Ms Hobdell said.

“Art is about reflecting what is going on in the world socially, and environmentally. It’s essential that we continue to create art and in doing so, make these statements to raise awareness.

“Waterways, and water in general, provide a significant concept to explore artistically because of its importance to our country and to the world. We don’t live without water. It’s our lifeblood.”

Mrs Newborn said the exhibition could not occur without the support of the local community and Partners.

“We are very grateful to the many Partners we have in diverse sectors, all working together with a focus on waterway health in

our region.

“Thanks to one of our long-standing Partners, CQUniversity, for allowing us to showcase our exhibition in their state-ofthe art gallery, and to Red Cat Adventures and Artspace Mackay who have kindly donated two of the prizes.”

Entries for the Submerged in our Region exhibition close on Friday 7th June 2024. For more information about the competition visit www.healthyriverstoreef.org.au.

CQUniversity Gallery-31 Curator Glenda Hobdell and Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership Executive Officer Jaime Newborn.

A Timeless Tale Of Tradition And Community

Winner of 9 Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, Fiddler on the Roof is the brainchild of Broadway legends, Jerome Robbins and Harold Prince; songwriters, Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick; and book writer, Joseph Stein. Touching audiences worldwide with its humour, warmth and honesty, this universal show is a staple of the musical theatre canon. Next month, the Mackay Choral Society is bringing this classic to the CQCM Theatre over three days.

Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centres on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colourful and tight-knit Jewish community,

Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instil them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof's universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness.

Isobel Gillman said that cast members, chorus and musicians have been busy rehearsing since January under the expert direction of Nicole Thomson and Ken Brown and our invaluable accompanist Professor Judith Brown AM.

“The production crew are pushing ahead with sets, props and costumes ready to bring you a polished show with wonderful singing,” she said.

“We will even have a real live Fiddler on the Roof!

“Ken Brown is magnificent as Tevye supported by his lovely wife Golde (Cecilia Hyde) and the antics of their five daughters and various boyfriends will have you laughing and crying!

“The evergreen Ken Martin OAM will be front of stage as usual and we are delighted that many of our new, younger members have thrown themselves enthusiastically

into supporting this production.”

WHAT: Mackay Choral Society is proud to present Fiddler on the Roof

WHEN: Friday 5th April 2024 at 7:30PM, Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th April 2024 at 2:00PM

WHERE: CQCM Theatre, 151 Boundary Road, Ooralea Qld 4740

TICKET PRICES: Adult $35, Concession $30, Children $20

BOOK AT: www.trybooking.com/ COONC or call 0422 264 397

Abandoned Mother And Kitten Saved By Local

Mother Cat Ezme and her one and only kitten Lovebug were recently found abandoned in a playground just a few hours after Ezme gave birth. With no human in sight to help, Ezme quickly went into mother-mode and protected her baby kitten by cradling him in an attempt to shield him from the rain.

Helpless and alone, Ezme and her newborn baby were stranded in the dreary rain needing urgent care as Lovebug was alarmingly tiny and weak.

Thankfully, a nearby resident noticed the two felines in the park and quickly acted on aiding them by transferring them to Northern Beaches Veterinary Hospital. Since saved, Ezme has blossomed and is loving the meals and affection. Carers say, “she has a very happy smile and Lovebug has thrived.”

Ezme’s kitten is the only one at the milk bar and is loving the advantages of having his mother’s love all to himself.

Both Ezme and Lovebug will get all their required vet work done prior to adoption.

To keep helpless animals like Ezme and Lovebug off the streets and into a loving home, donations can be made through the Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated Website or Facebook page. The team dedicate their time to ensure stray or stranded animals are given a second chance at life but are in need of funds to cover medical, food and care expenses to continue their great mission.

To adopt Ezme and Lovebug, please register your interest in this delightful little family by contacting Rob’s on 0400 239 039.

Ken Brown TEVYE, the Milkman

Cecilia Hyde GOLDE, Tevye’s Wife

Olivia Broadley TZEITEL Tevye’s Oldest Daughter

Chantal Kay HODEL Tevye’s Second Daughter

Alana Hyde CHAVA Tevye’s Third Daughter

Annabelle Erickson SHPRINTZE Tevye’s Fourth Daughter

Ella Schurmann BIELKE Tevye’s Youngest Daughter

Nicole Thomson FRUMA-SARAH Lazar’s First Wife

Rob Kerruish CONSTABLE

David Ford FYEDKA

Bernadette Buckley SHAINDEL Motel’s Mother

Joe Li THE FIDDLER

Joe Li THE FIDDLER

Joe Li THE FIDDLER

Katrina Hansen YENTE, the Matchmaker & GRANDMA TZEITEL

Bernie Cheng MOTEL the Tailor

Conall Crowley PERCHIK,the Student & NACHUM,the Beggar

Ken Martin LAZAR WOLF the Butcher

Richard Incledon RABBI Braidan Gardner MENDEL Rabbi’s Son

Ross MacDonald MORDCHA the Innkeeper

FINDING HOME IN MACKAY: A COUPLE’S JOURNEY FROM NOTTINGHAM TO AUSTRALIA

Registered nurses Aswin Prasannakumar and Chithranjana Chandrasenan, are delighted to discover a side of familiarity in Mackay, where the warm climate, lush greenery and scenic beaches remind them deeply of their homeland in Southern India. Yet, it’s the gracious welcome from their colleagues and the warm introduction to the local Indian community, that makes them feel at home.

The couple arrived earlier this year in mid-February and are eager to find a place to call home so they can be reunited with their 14-month-old daughter Janvi who is in the hands of their family in India.

After spending the last four years working in Nottingham in the United Kingdom, Cithra (Chithranjana shortened) said, “Mackay is very friendly; it’s very calm and quiet here compared to the UK and the people are all very

nice”.

They decided to leave the UK for a warmer climate when their “baby started developing eczema which is very common because of the weather in the UK”.

“This was when we first thought about moving to somewhere really hot like Australia.”

Through a nursing agency, the couple became part of an international recruitment program and were drafted into a group of registered nurses to be based in Townsville. They were both keen to work within their nursing specialities; intensive care for Aswin and coronary care for Chithra.

“We had our applications transferred to Mackay and were then reinterviewed,” Aswin said.

“It was a blind decision to come to Mackay, but we are really so happy we did.”

One of the greatest challenges they face as a parent, is being separated

from baby Janvi while they settle into their new lifestyle in Mackay.

“We came to this country not knowing anyone. It hasn’t been easy, but we are very happy to be here and to be preparing a very good future for our daughter,” Chithra said.

The couple, who have permanent residency and a three-year contract with MHHS, are now looking forward to moving out of staff accommodation, setting up their home and reuniting with their daughter.

In the next few months, Aswin is looking forward to doing some fishing, playing cricket and hopefully having a few wildlife encounters.

“It’s on our bucket list. A lot of our friends and past patients in the UK keep asking if we have seen a kangaroo yet,” he said.

Contributed By Mackay Hospital and Health Service

Aswin Prasannakumar and Chithranjana Chandrasenan, registered nurses at Mackay Base Hospital Image Sourced from Mackay Hospital and Health Service (Facebook)

Sarina region

Proserpine region

MANGROVE: PEELING BACK

THE PAST

An upcoming exhibition and publication will showcase landscapes, portraits, weaving, interpreted cultural stories and imagery from four local Mackay artists. The exhibition will also include collected stories, photographs and portraits from Elders sourced from the Multicultural community in the Mackay region.

Mangrove is a visual arts exhibition which will be a collaboration of four women artists, Veronica Ah-Wang, traditional owner of Yuwibara country, Visual Storyteller; Janet Ambrose, descendant of the Portugees-Israelitische Kerk (Portuguese Israelite Church) Sephardic Jews, Artist and Curator; Marion F. Healy, Australian South Sea Islander, Watercolourist and Portrait Artist; Anita Wano- Sumner is of Torres Strait Islander descent. Anita is a Weaver of natural fibres and dressmaker of the traditional Augemwali (Torres Strait Islander dress).

“The mangrove is symbolic in this project as its about removal from place, and settling in new lands just how a seed pod from the mangrove does,” explains Janet Ambrose.

“Mangrove is about peeling back the layers of the migrations of many nations living in Australia, its perception of who we are and who we think we are.”

Artworks will display paintings in watercolours, oil painting, pastels, drawings in pencil and charcoal. Paper, canvas, and gathered natural materials will be also used. The weaving work will be of sculptural forms in raffia and natural materials found in the environment.

The project begins with deep engagement with Elders, supported by paid Cultural Advisors, and partnerships where necessary, with key Multicultural organisations.

Each artist will tell a story of their cultural history through their own arts practice, with permissions gained on the landscape work of Janet Ambrose from Cultural Advisors, paying particular attention to sensitive sites in the region.

Notable support has come from The Neighbourhood Hub on George Street, Li Xianghong, Chairperson, Chinese Community Mackay and Local Elders confirming their support: George Tonga, respected Elder of the Yuwibara Country, Vivien Hanrahan, celebrated volunteer and respected Elder of the Filipino community, Doug Mooney, Elder of the Aboriginal and Australian South Sea Islander community, Philip Kemp, Elder and Traditional Custo-

dian of Yuwibara Country.

This work will be displayed at Gallery 31, CQ University, Sydney Street from April 10 to April 26.

Workshops and artist talks will be conducted by the artists and stories will be gathered from the Multicultural community and compiled into a publication, accompanied by photographs of artworks, weaving work and photography of the progress of works by Veronica Ah-Wang, Janet Ambrose, Marion F. Healy and Anita Wano-Sumner.

“This exhibition examines the generations

of the many people and their cultural existence in the Mackay region.

“We thank the participants for giving their time and being a part of this exhibition.”

The participants will have a deep engagement with the project in advising the direction the project takes to ensure correct documentation of stories and consultation with known histories.

The exhibition and publication will be a valuable resource to the Mackay community in the recording of stories of Elders who have contributed greatly to the community.

(Left to Right) Veronica Ah-Wang, Marion F. Healy, Anita Wano Sumner and Janet Ambrose. There will be photos of the Mangroves in the exhibition by Nadine Tass Photo Credit: Cherrie Hughes Social Media & Photography.

Through a Circular Bioeconomy

A circular bioeconomy utilises existing sugarcane land for sugar production while converting sugarcane waste into, bioenergy, bioproducts, and biofuels

FERTILISER

Sugarcane

Co2 TO OXYGEN

POWERING

SUGAR

BIOENERGY BIOFUELS

BIOPRODUCTS

PROCESS

Sugarcane

BAGASSE

BOOSTS CANE SUPPLY + JOB CREATION

REDUCES ENERGY COSTS + HOUSEHOLD BILLS

EMPOWERS ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP + SUSTAINABILITY

STRENGTHENS REGIONAL ECONOMIC PROSPERITY

Eggs In More Baskets Than SAFs

There’s been a great deal of talk around SAFs – sustainable aviation fuels – and some outstanding work done in projects that use sugar cane as a base, particularly in growing regions such as Mackay, the Burdekin, Mossman and Rocky Point/Gold Coast.

As a CANEGROWERS elected representative, I was a part of the working group that developed the sugar industry roadmap Sugar Plus: Fuelling the Future of Food, Energy and Fabrication, which was released in July 2022.

CANEGROWERS has been at the forefront of speaking up for sugarcane value add, and the critical importance of benefits being distributed across the value chain for decades.

The goals are sound: to use the renewable feedstock sugarcane for next-generation foods fibres and fuels. It is now expected of the global economy to decarbonise and move away from fossil fuels wherever it can and towards making use of outstanding fast-growing feedstocks like sugarcane. While there has been excellent progress on

Rebound Predicted For Australian Agriculture

Australia’s farm, fisheries and forestry sectors are set to rebound in 2024-25. The most recent Agricultural Commodities and Australian Crop reports are predicting that the gross value of production in 2024–25 will again increase after poor seasonal conditions affected outcomes in 2023-24.

Executive Director of ABARES Dr Jared Greenville said a rebound of up to 6% is predicted, bringing the gross value of Australian farms, fisheries and forestry to $90.8 billion, the third highest on record.

“The gross value of Australian crops production, as well as livestock and livestock products, are both estimated to increase to $48.7 billion and $36.2 billion respectively,” Dr Greenville said.

“For our livestock production and livestock products industries, this is a record high and the result of expected favourable climate conditions and improving prices.

“Above-average summer 2023–24 rainfall and subsequent build-up of soil moisture reserves in eastern Australia is expected

to provide a good incentive for planting ahead of the 2024–25 winter crop season,” Dr Greenville said.

“Broadacre farm cash incomes are also set to rebound in 2024-25 to $192,000, after significant falls in 2023–24.

“The forecast improved growing season climate conditions and the expected turnaround in livestock prices in 2024–25 will drive increases in farm income.”

While the 2024–25 outlook is favourable for production, forecasts predict exports will continue to decline.

“In 2023–24 the value of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry exports is forecast to fall by 13% to $71.6 billion, but this follows the record high the industry experienced the previous year.

“This decline is expected to continue, with an additional 5% decline expected, leaving the 2024–25 value at $68.1 billion.”

The most recent Agricultural Commodities Report and the Australian Crop Report can be read on the ABARES website.

By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

the future, there will be increasing use

the research and development side from universities, research organisations and private sector companies, it is also clear that there is a strong requirement that there be bi-partisan government support – in terms of policy and investment – in realising the value of this sugar industry diversification sector.

A prime example is Brazil, whose government has implemented policy to establish a robust ethanol industry that has the flexibility to switch sugar/ ethanol ratios of production to meet shifts in demand and pricing for either product.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel is costly. To develop an industry will require government support. There are a variety of feedstocks that are suitable- not just sugarcane waste, but waste from corn, cotton and many other crops also being found as viable feedstock.

As the sugar industry moves into an ever more diversified product base, it needs to be remembered that demand remains high in the world market for raw sugar. This will always be the base, and the rest is value added to the sugar cane product. Therefore, if more income can be made by the miller from the grower’s feedstock, then so too should there be a value proposition for growers.

That is why both myself and CANEGROWERS Mackay District Manager Michelle Martin sit on the Greater Whitsunday Biofutures Leaders Group – a working group with representatives from across the supply chain, government and economic development who are mindfully developing a coordinated approach to developing a diversified sugarcane based biocommodities sector. But it is still some years before a stable industry can truly deliver for the region: there will, as ever, be successes and failures. It will be a great boon to local industry, but not a silver bullet.

CANEGROWERS will continue working with a whole-of-industry approach.

Locally, with the announcement of the State Development Areas moving to the next stage of development, we are seeing the concrete commencement of a Greater Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac SAFs and precision-fermentation foods manufacturing sector. An economic diversification that offers a broad range of employment and education opportunities, with a fully renewable feedstock at its base.

Sustainable fuels will be a boon to the environment and to economies, but it is also essential that we do not put all our eggs into one basket.

As the economy decarbonises into

of SAF. Picture: Kirili Lamb

EVENTGUIDE

FRIDAY 29 MARCH –

GOOD FRIDAY

Good Friday Service At C3 Church

9am

Looking for a “Fresh Start” in life? At C3 Church Mackay we believe this is the greatest gift that can ever be given. This Easter Weekend on Friday & Sunday we will celebrate Gods great love for everyone and anyone who hears the message of Jesus Christ and simply believes in him. With great music, message and coffee + hot cross buns afterwards! Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend!

14a Victoria Street, Mackay

Mackay Family Carnival

5.30pm-9pm daily – 28th-7th April

Free Entry - Mackay Family Carnival is back for the Easter School Holidays!

All ride tickets & ride passes can be purchased on the night at the ticket box. Unlimited ride passes ONLY $40 per person/per night!

Mackay Showgrounds

SATURDAY 30 MARCH

Easter Weekend Flea Market

Finch Hatton

8am

A weekend packed full of excitement for the kids, join as at Central for our flea market shenanigans! FREE kids Easter crafts (or by donation) local food and the valleys creatives selling their amazing wares. If you would like to hold a stall, we encourage second hand goods, handmade and locally sourced. It’s all about supporting our small businesses and promoting reuse, recycle and up-cycled.

Anzac Pde, Finch Hatton QLD

Hop On Easter Hunt At Mount Pleasant

10am

Calling all mini detectives! Join us on our Easter Hunt and help us find the clues! Meet us on the Food Court Stage to grab your card. Follow the clues to our lovely retailers and find the letters to reveal an Easter surprise. When you are all done and your word is revealed, take your clue card back to the stage and collect your prize. Last clue cards will be given out at 1.50pm.

Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre

Family Easter Saturday Karaoke

5.30pm

Hop on in & join us for a fun filled night for the whole family with Karaoke, Singing, Dancing & Partying.

Souths Suburban Bowls Club

The Collective Live

6.30pm

The Collective takes the stage at 6:30pm.

Seabreeze Hotel, Slade Point

Emo Easter Nights At The Arcadia

9pm

Playing nothing but EMO Anthems all Night Featuring special guest Dj Scuba.

Easter Egg/Prize Hunt, Easter Themed Drinks Menu, $100 Prize for the Best 2 Kits, Bunny Ears for the First 100 Through the Door! Pre-sale Tickets and Limited Entry Packages are Available online so get your tickets Early!

9/Fifth lane, 83 Victoria St

SUNDAY 31 MARCH

Resurrection Sunday At C3 Church Mackay

9am

Missed Friday’s service and looking for a “Fresh Start” in life? Come along on Sunday and celebrate Gods great love, for everyone and anyone who is willing to hear the message of Jesus Christ and simply believe in him. With great music, message and coffee + hot cross buns afterwards! Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend!

14a Victoria Street, Mackay

Easter Sunday Service –Lighthouse Church Mackay

10am

You're Invited to Celebrate Easter at Lighthouse Church Mackay. Face painting, hot cross buns, easter egg hunt and a powerful message of hope.

Lighthouse Church Mackay, 1 Oloughlin St, North Mackay

The Radio Clones - Easter Fun Day 2pm

Easter Sunday Family Fun Day with the Radio Clones from 2-6pm.

Seabreeze Hotel, Slade Point

MONDAY 1 APRIL

Moko Brings The Beats 1pm

Moko bringing the beats from 1-4pm.

Seabreeze Hotel, Slade Point

TUESDAY 2 APRIL

Money Smart Workshop – House Purchasing Preparedness

9.30am

Tools and information to help you navigate the financial world. Need to talk about how to put yourself in the best possible position to acquire your first home? Join us at one of these enlightening workshops to start making a difference to your financial wellbeing. This event is for adults aged 18 and above. Access to free events is part of the library membership. If you are not already a library member, please join at https://library.mackay.qld.gov.au/Montage/ Join.aspx

Dudley Denney Library, Mackay Morning Melodies At Souths 11am

Enjoy a morning of fun, food and entertainment with Morning Melodies at the Leagues Club with Anette Worthington performing live once a month!

When: First Tuesday of the month from 11am to 1pm. The cafe will be open from 10am & the bistro from 12pm.

Souths Suburban Leagues Club

Cheer Dance - Fitness For Girls With Disabilities

1:30pm

Come on and cheer with us! Join our special cheerleading team ‘the Go Go Girls’ every Tuesday. $15 per class – to book: contact Annette on 0400 956 473 or Chantelle on 0466 185 005 City Fitness Centre Mackay

WEDNESDAY 3 APRIL

Baby Animal Morning - Mackay Farmers Market

6:30 – 10:30am

School holidays are just around the corner, so lock in the 3rd April from 8am. Come & spend a morning with the littluns at the Mackay Farmers' Market at Bluewater Quay. This is a FREE event that is sponsored by the stallholders our local community to make a connection with farmers, animals & local fresh produce.

Bluewater Quay

Games On The Lawn 10am

Bring the whole family or a couple of friends and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, as you challenge each other to win. Try out the library’s outdoors games with classics like Croquet, Giant Jenja, Crackers, Bocce Ball, Cricket and many others. Take up the challenge and enjoy a morning out at Tropical Sun Lawn at the Botanic Gardens.

Mackay Botanic Gardens

THURSDAY 4 APRIL

Help Close The Gap

1pm

Get your free health check with a Community Health Worker. Ensure you are running at peak performance and take advantage of your free blood pressure, height, weight, and blood sugar levels checked. Join us for information sessions on a range of topics including Social Emotional Wellbeing & Mental Health, Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs, Diabetes and Nutrition.

Dudley Denney City Library

Riverside Markets

From 3pm

Come along and browse J2Fs collections of unique and colourful creations… Funky jewellery and fun kids clothing.

Bluewater Quay Mackay

My Authentic Self; Thriive

Mackay

5pm

Thriive is an exclusive women’s PD group founded upon Positive Psychology, Personality Type, Behaviour Change, Neuroplasticity (changing neural pathways to change habits), & EQ Strengths. Thriive meets monthly to identify, explore, & develop self-strengths, capabilities & discover untapped potentials.

Resources Centre of Excellence, 65 Crichtons Rd, Paget

Yoga For Youth

4.15pm

We are proud to partner with Mackay Regional Council's Waterfront Team to bring Yoga to Youth to you for FREE these School Holidays! Please arrive 10 minutes prior to start time to settle in and set yourself up. BYO: Yoga Mat and Water bottle (I do have a few spare mats, so please let me know in advance if you need to borrow one) Attire: Comfortable clothing for movement.

River Wharves Mackay, River St Mackay

Mackay Farmers’ Market – Baby Animal Morning

C3 Easter Church Services

Yoga For Youth

Easter Family Carnival

Games On The Lawn

IMAGINE HOW MUCH CHOCOLATE IS GOING TO BE EATEN THIS WEEKEND!

Easter time is a great time to get out and have some fun around Mackay and the Whitsundays.

Sure, Good Friday is the day to think about what the season means to you, then on Sunday everyone gets together and counts the number of calories that the Easter bunny has left behind. If your place is anything like mine, there will be quite a few calories consumed, and you know what, that’s ok. It’s one weekend, that’s it.

I remember back in the 80’s and living in Gregory St, we’d all have family over to our place next to the old Mitre Ten building, and we’d have family hide-and-seek games with all the eggs throughout the two-story Queenslander. It went on for hours, and at the end of it, eating the treats was the best thing ever.

I know it’s about the kids, but getting adults into it is even better.

A few years ago, when I was living in Gladstone, friends of mine came over to my place late on Easter Sunday evening. They thought they’d play a prank on me with talcum powder and chocolate eggs. They painstakingly hand-placed white paw prints on my entire driveway, and at the end of the trail, there was a basket filled with chocolate treats just for me. It was the

most gorgeous sight to see first thing at Easter before heading off to church. I was very blessed to see it.

Here’s a tip, if you have kids, grab a basket, and go out egg hunting in your backyard. It could take hours, so keep well hydrated.

There are also other things on this weekend. There is a massive Pickleball competition at the Mackay Basketball stadium. People coming from all over for this one. Heaps of campers will be at Eungella and Nebo for some fun with the family.

There will be some bike riders out and about on Good Friday too, and one of them will be me. I got a call last week from my mate Paul, who said we’re riding the two-wheelers from 6am Friday all around Ooralea, and then heading back to his place for scrambled eggs and a bloody big coffee. Sounds like a great plan, although the things are, it might go well, but if it doesn’t, I’ll be the bloke standing on the footpath outside Racecourse Mill, trying to flag down a lift.

Please be kind if you see me.

Happy Easter, take time out for yourself if you can, be nice to your family, and please pace yourself when it comes to the chocolate. Just saying.

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

Calling all novelists! Mackay Writers Group will be hosting a remarkable Memoir Writing Workshop held at the Seabreeze Hotel, Lamberts beach on August 31 and September 1.

Be sure to have your notepads ready as special guest Edwina Shaw shares her tips and tricks on the subject of writing based on her success and experience in the field as an author.

Ms Shaw is a Queensland based writer of fiction, memoir, and screenplays. Her novel, Thrill Seekers was shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Award for New Writing. Other published works include In the Dark of Night, A Guide Through Grief and over 40 stories published in Australian and International Journals.

PROPERTY POINT

In the changing world we live in, there is a growing trend for businesses to try to sell you what they think you should have rather than what you want. And, delightfully in my opinion, they are getting punished for it.

per, a brand he has never owned but apparently it’s going really well.

The religious-like fervour around climate change is part of this trend of trying to sell people stuff they don’t want and presumably the whipper-snipper company believes petrol-powered lawn trimmers are a central cause of global warming.

A good friend of mine, let’s call him Ben, illustrated this perfectly the other day when he told me about how he went to buy a whipper-snipper.

Ben is pretty lawn-proud and he is loyal to a brand that has done right by him. He has had three terrific whipper-snippers, all the same brand, over the past 25 years and when he finally wore out his latest one he went to the hardware shop to buy the newest version from that brand.

But when he asked the sales person, he was told that brand only had electric whipper-snippers these days.

The sales person said that although the various whipper-snippers’ specifications said the batteries last for over 30 minutes, when they were working under load they would last for just 10 minutes. He suggested buying two batteries so that when one went flat, he could change to a charged-up battery.

The problem was that the electric whipper-snipper was about $270 and a battery was about $130. So, with a second battery, the whipper snipper was going to cost more than $500.

Now this is not the local hardware shop’s fault but when businesses like the whipper-snipper maker force people to buy something they don’t want for more money than they wanted to spend, well … people start shopping around.

So Ben left the hardware shop with a sparkling new Honda four-stroke whipper-snip-

Others might think that growing emissions from China and India are more of a factor and that sacrifices being made by a country that contributes just 1 per cent of global CO2 emissions place an unfair burden on businesses, the poor and even whipper-snipper users.

In fairness, Government regulations are starting to force the hands of manufacturers in various sectors and that’s something that can be addressed at the ballot box, but the story about the whipper-snipper is a reminder for anyone in business.

It is certainly relevant to real estate. I remember, in the time before I was a real estate agent, looking at a house that had a shed that was positioned in a way that it prevented the option of being able to put in a pool.

I told the agent, I really wanted a pool and, because I had young kids, it was more important to me than a shed.

He said: “Oh no mate. In this town you want a shed. That adds much more value and more people want a shed than a pool. Don’t worry about a pool.” Except I wanted a pool. Real estate agents need to listen to buyers and sellers to understand what is important to them. To make sure that we are on the same page as the client and customer, that we are doing what they want rather than what we want.

Meanwhile, if you’re in Belmore Estate on a Sunday morning and the tranquillity is pierced by the sound of a revving fourstroke engine, it’ll be that brand new Honda.

If you want to sell, give David a call on 0408 672 703

PENNING PERSONAL NARRATIVES WITH EDWINA SHAW

She has been teaching Creative Writing at UQ, for the Queensland Writers Centre, and in the community since 2005. She also runs Relax and Write retreats.

Vice president of Mackay Writers, Paul Vander Loos said the workshop was made possible with an RADF grant from the Mackay Regional Council and the Queensland Government. Author Edwina Shaw will run the weekend.

The workshop will comprise four two-hour sessions spread over the Saturday and the Sunday covering the stories participants want to tell, character and dialogue, developing the story, and finally where and how to submit the finished work.

Mackay Writers acknowledge the Mackay Regional Council and the state govern-

ment for the grant that made this event possible. The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Mackay Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland. Registration forms and information is available by emailing Mackay Writers at mkywriters@gmail.com or by mail at PO Box 1392, Mackay 4740. The group can also be found on Facebook by searching ‘Mackay Writers’.

By Mackay Writers

WHAT: Memoir Writing Workshop With Edwina Shaw

WHERE: Seabreeze Hotel

WHEN: August 31 and September 1

Qld Author, Edwina Shaw will share her knowledge at the upcoming August Memoir writing workshop at Seabreeze Hotel, Mackay Photo Supplied

Easter Bunny And Big Red Dog Entertain Families

Mackay Hospital Foundation hosted its signature Cinema Under the Stars event last Friday night with a few surprises in store for attendees.

The event featuring the movie “Clifford, the Big Red Dog” was sponsored by Harvey Norman Bedding Mackay and Star 101.9 FM, and it was also supported by Show and Shine Detailing and Muscle Garden. Adding value to this event was Easter craft organized by Chloe and Josh Agius from Show and Shine Detailing,

Face Painting by Let’s Just Face It Entertainment, rides and a jumping castle from Let’s Jump, an Easter Egg hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny himself.

To counteract all the chocolate expected to be consumed over Easter, Kay from Muscle Garden showed the kids some exercises to help burn off the chocolate calories in the coming weeks. Unfortunately, the Easter Bunny had trouble performing all the exercises but the children were happy to teach him how to do them.

Food vendors including Spicy and Saucy, Shuga Guru, Sausage Sizzle by Mackay Hospital Foundation staff and Apulia Woodfired Pizzas were kept busy throughout the event. As always, Clint from Harvey Norman generously distributed prizes of vouchers and pillows to lucky winners, and Chloe from Show and Shine Detailing also handed out vouchers.

Scotty from Star 101.9 FM hosted the event and helped to draw the prize winners at the event.

Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager, Kristi Algate said, “The weather was perfect for an outdoor Cinema Under the Stars and attendee numbers were some of the highest we’ve seen in a while.

“The attendees came to watch “Clifford the Big Red Dog” on the big screen but were treated to so much more on the night.”

Ms Algate said the date was chosen in conjunction with an Easter theme and the next outdoor cinema event will be at Sarina in November with a Christmas theme.

Photo credit: Coffee and Hops

Last weekend, the Moranbah State High School Performance Hall was transformed into a stunning display of aubergine, white, and black décor. Fourteen debutantes graced the stage at the 47th Moranbah Debutante Ball.

Compere for the Evening Neil Wicks in troduced the 2024 debutantes and their partners:

Amity Bradley and Cooper Bradley, Ysa bella McKenzie-Thomas and Jordan Ew art, Brooklyn Streeter and Will Jaques, Isabella Piccoli Evans and Cylas Molo

Cutters Dominate Rocky Rivals

In a thrilling showcase of rugby league prowess, the QCCS Mackay Cutters delivered an outstanding performance last weekend at their fortress, BB Print Stadium in Mackay. With a jam-packed schedule featuring five consecutive games, fans were treated to a day filled with exhilarating action on the field. Supported by their loyal fans and bolstered by the sponsorship of Muscle Garden, the Cutters emerged victorious across all grades, cementing their dominance over their Rocky rivals, the CQ Capras.

The headline act of the day was undoubtedly the Hostplus Cup squad, who continued their winning streak by triumphing over the Capras with a final scoreline of 26-14. Winger Josh Smith stole the show with a stellar performance, bagging two tries to propel his side to victory.

Not to be outdone, the BMD Premiership ladies staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 14-point deficit to emerge triumphant with a 26-14 win over the Capras. Maddison Hegarty emerged as the hero of the match, notching up a hat-trick

RUGBY LEAGUE

of tries to inspire her teammates to a stunning comeback victory.

Meanwhile, the Junior Reps demonstrated their talent and potential with convincing wins across the board. The Mal Meninga Cup squad maintained their unbeaten record, dispatching the Capras with a commanding 32-8 win, while the Harvey Norman U19 girls showcased their dominance with a resounding 36-4 victory.

In the Cyril Connell Cup, the QCCS Mackay Cutters emerged victorious with an 18-10 win, capping off a perfect day for the club across all grades.

Reflecting on the previous weekend’s triumphs, the Cutters celebrated the debut of ten players in the Hostplus Cup squad. Semi Valemei, Viliami Vailea, Mahe Fonua, Riley Dean, Kauri Aupouri-Puketapu, John Radel, Jamal Shibasaki, Jai Hansen, Wil Sullivan, and D’Jazirhae Pua’avase made their mark in their first appearance for the team. These newcomers made an immediate impact, contributing to the team’s success on the field. Their debut was marked by a thrilling win over the Sunshine Coast Falcons the weekend prior, where the Cutters showcased their depth and talent, securing victory with a remarkable performance.

After a bye in week one, this makes the Cutters two-from-two after three rounds of the Hostplus Cup.

As the Hostplus Cup takes a break for the Easter long weekend, anticipation mounts for their return to action on April 6th for Round 4.

North Queensland Cowboys Stage Epic Comeback Over Dragons

In a thrilling encounter at Netstrata Jubilee Oval, the North Queensland Cowboys orchestrated a stunning comeback to maintain their best start to a season in 17 years, clinching a commanding 46-24 victory over the Dragons.

Facing an early deficit of 18-4, the Cowboys showcased their resilience and grit, bouncing back to score seven unan-

swered tries. This remarkable achievement marks the first time since 2006 that North Queensland has secured three consecutive wins at the start of a season.

The Cowboys’ resurgence was ignited by winger Murray Taulangi, who breached the try line in the sixth minute following a precise pass from fullback Scott Drinkwater. Building on this momentum, North

AT THE TABLE

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixtures March 19, 2024:

Division 1:

(Final) Lexus (Andrew McHugh, Janice Kent and Barry Patterson) won 6-5 over Jaguar (Tim Shehan, Anne Sheridan and Vince Boeske). Andrew d Vince 8, -8, -4, 10, 11.

Audi (Mick Ruhl, Lee Brake, Lily Boland) d BMW (Ishan Rana, Emma Widdup, Allan Edwards)

7-4. Lily d Allan -9, 10, -6, 6, 6.

Division 2:

Mazda (Mark Sleeman, Niro) d Kia (Peter Goodson, Matt West)

5-4. Matt d Niro 7, 6, -10, -5, 9.

Nissan (Will VanDeKaa, Duncan

Treloar, Simon Hogan) d Isuzu (George Camilleri, Steve Mathieson, Judy Zahn) 9-2. Will d Steve -6, -11, 9, 6, 9. Honda (Jye Callander, Leo Gilbert, Andrea Nicholson) d Hyuandi (Donna Abbott, Noreen Fredericksen) 9-2. Leo d Donna -6, 8, -7, 7, 14.

Division 3:

Fiat (Aarnav Reelh, Trent Day, YiLin Kiang) d Ford (Misha Palod, Tiffany Camilleri, Ollie Hamelink) 8-2. Trent d Tiffany 5, -6, -6, 8, 13.

Holden (Saisha Palod, Rohit Bansod, Anaya Reelh) d Alfa (Craig VanDeKaa, Kade Wright, Nehmat Dhaliwal) 6-5. Rohit d Kade -9, -9, 10, 4, 10.

RUGBY LEAGUE

Queensland added three more tries before halftime, courtesy of hooker Reece Robson and second-rower Griffin Neame.

Trailing by four points at halftime, the Cowboys continued their onslaught in the second half, capitalising on opportunities generated by their dynamic attacking play. Drinkwater and Chad Townsend orchestrated the charge, with tries from Holmes

TABLE TENNIS

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures March 19,

2024:

Division 1:

Jaguar (Branko Vucurovic, Peter Goodson, Kevin Abbott) d Cheetahs (Donna Abbott, Iris Grasso, Val Austin) 9-2. Peter d Donna -8, 7, 8, -11, 6. Tigers (Andrea Nicholson, Noreen Fredericksen, John McGee) d Leopards (Charlie Payne, Steve Mathieson, Judy Zahn) 8-4. John d Charlie 8, -6, 12, -10, 9. Lions (Tony Bowman, Josie Davis, Bryan Marshall) d Pumas (George Camilleri, Coral Morgan) 6-5. Tony d George -9, 8, 5, 4.

Division 2:

and Townsend sealing the victory. Despite a late consolation try from Zac Lomax for the Dragons, it was not enough to derail the Cowboys’ momentum. With a final score of 46-24 in their favour, North Queensland emerged triumphant, underlining their credentials as formidable contenders in the NRL.

Cyan (Robyn Bushell, Marie Taylor, Louise Gould) d Lime (Helen Ware, Fred Saliba, John Hamelink) 9-3. Helen d Louise 8, -8, -7, 9, 6.

Aqua (Judi Hicks, Gloria Vella, Gerry Synnott) drew Teal (Ken Best, Kim Daffy, Kim Challender) 6-all. Judi d Ken -9, 5, -9, 9, 9.

Division 3:

Diamonds (Frank Caruana, Thelma Caruana, Charyl Pearson) drew Sapphires (Pam Keune, Madge Saunders, Darryl Ross) 6-all. Frank d Pam -7, 7, -11, 10, 7. Emeralds (Ian Dodds, Glenda Brookes, Trish Zamparuti) d Rubies (Sharon Muller, Allison Day, Carmel Cristaldi) 7-5. Allison d Glenda -7, -8, 10, 12, 8.

10 players made their debut in the QCCS Mackay Cutters’ opening game against the Falcons. The team is now two-from-two after a dominant win last weekend against the CQ Capras

Maddison Hegarty emerged as the hero of the match in the BMD Premiership, notching up a hat-trick of tries for the Cutters

Lily Boland in action in Mackay Table Tennis fixtures. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

CRICKET

CRIDLAND GUIDES

VALLEY TO POOLE CUP PREMIERSHIP VICTORY

Pioneer Valley Cricket Club are the newly-crowned Mackay Cricket Association

Poole Cup first grade champions for 2023-24.

In a dramatic title decider at Great Barrier Reef Arena on Saturday, March 16, the Valley X1 staved off a spirited challenge from Souths to record a thrilling six-run victory.

Chasing 199 for Grand Final glory, the Sharks fell agonisingly short of their target despite superb half-centuries from Cameron Keene (74 not out) and Shaun Austin (52) and a handy 22 from all-rounder Tom Bugeja.

Earlier Valley skipper Tim Cridland won the toss and batted and led the way with a classy knock of 59 off 61 balls that included five boundaries and a six in a tally of 7-198. He was supported by prolific run scorer Cody Filewood (44 off 81) with four boundaries and a six and the talented Bailey Camilleri, who hit an unbeaten 33.

The versatile Bugeja (3-23 off seven overs) and Austin (2-34 off six) were the pick of the Souths bowlers, grabbing early wickets as the Valley were left tottering at 5-77.

But a seventh-wicket union of 65 between Cridland and Camilleri helped the Valley post a competitive total from their 40 overs.

Souths¹ number four Keene produced a mighty innings with the bat that

featured eight boundaries and shared valuable partnerships of 32 with Austin for the third wicket; 49 with Kellon Powell (14) for the fourth wicket and a fifth wicket stand of 35 with Bugeja.

Valley¹s experienced bowling attack kept their nerve in the pressure moments

with Dion Krisanksi-Kennedy (2-26 off five), Mahesh Rajaratne (1-23 off six), Camilleri (1-36 off eight) and paceman Andrew McNichol (0-25 off six)

toiling hard to keep the Sharks (5-192) at bay

DEVILS TAKE DBCT CUP

Norths Devils clinched the DBCT Cup second-grade premiership with a resounding 141-run triumph over Pioneer Valley at George Gorrie Oval.

Sent in to bat, the Devils smashed 6-237 with dashing half-tonnes from the flamboyant Deane Cox (80), Shawn Day (64) and opener Duncan Sperling (63) in a first innings run spree.

Cox was in scintillating touch ¬ clouting four sixes and ten boundaries during an incredible 41-ball knock with number three Day hammering eleven boundaries and a six off 78 balls faced.

Sperling and Day added 105 runs for the second wicket with Cox and Day combining for a fourth-wicket stand of 65.

Valley had no answer to the Devils' attack and was bundled out for 96 in the 24th over with Mitchell Bourke (4-22 off eight), skipper Aaron Durelli (2-17) and Haki Chauhan (2-29) the chief destroyers.

Skipper Dean Zeller was Valley¹s best ¬ returning 2-32 off eight overs.

ROOSTERS RAMPAGE IN THIRD GRADE

Walkerston Red captured the Maurice Blackburn Lawyers Cup third grade premiership trophy with a pulsating win over Magpies at Jack Lancaster Oval. Opening batsman Michael Vella proved the hero ¬ cracking 72 off 62 balls with thirteen boundaries to help the Roosters (7-144) eclipse the Magpies

(7-143) in a tense finish.

Former Toombul first-grade all-rounder Brendan Whitby shone for the Magpies with 40 runs and four-wicket haul (4-17 off seven) with his wily off-spin bowling.

Just as impressive was his 13-year-old son Jacob who hit a valuable 21.

Iqbal Singh (2-13), Max Campbell (2-28), Malkeet Singh (2-42) and skipper Scott McPherson (1-14 off five) was the pick of the Walkerston bowlers.

DBCT Poole 1st Division Cup grand final action. Photo credit: Finer Photography

LAPS FOR LIFE

North Mackay Swimmers Commence Second Fundraiser

The North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club are once again splashing for cash to support a charity fundraising event after their successful February ‘Starlight Super Swim.’ This time, the club has chosen to support the ‘Laps for Life’ fundraiser to support Youth mental health during the month of March, where all funds raised will go directly to the ReachOut foundation, contributing to youth mental health in the community.

ReachOut is a leading online mental health service in Australia which aims to support young people during tough times while uplifting their spirits and helping them achieve not just a better day, but a better

future, no matter what challenges they might be facing. The organisation provides a safe space where young people can openly express themselves, explore what’s happening in their lives, connect with people who are understanding of their situation and encourage them to overcome their challenges.

Currently seven members have dashed on board with swimming and fundraising throughout the month of March to raise awareness and funds for the youth mental health service. As of March 19, the Sinkers are well on their way to their proposed target with $3,494 already committed to the club’s fundraising efforts!

In addition to the Sinkers, two other

North Season Launch

Tseason ahead. With Round 1 scheduled to commence on April 12, the McDonald’s Mackay Meteorettes and Meteors are gearing up to face off against rivals, the Townsville Flames and Heat. Fans can anticipate a compelling showdown as the teams vie for early dominance in the league.

Queensland Masters clubs have signed up in a rally of support for youth mental health. Brisbane Southside and Aqualicious Masters swimming clubs are also well on their way with funds and awareness being raised.

The three clubs have a cumulative total of $5,753 already donated towards the great cause!

Of course, the swimming aspect is not overlooked with the Sinkers happily swimming along recording 3,160 laps, (158-kilometres) as of March 19.

The Masters Swimming Queensland State Championships are to be held at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre from the April 18-21, promising to be a fantastic competition

suitable for all levels of Masters and is said to attract an impressive amount of over 400 athletes.

If you are interested in adult swimming activities, the Sinkers offer a great club with multiple weekly sessions that are selfpaced, with options to attend that are low key, pool or open water based and are in an inclusive, supportive environment.

For further information, visit North The Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club online, email nthmkysinkers@gmail.com or phone 0413 805 156.

To learn more about ReachOut, please visit https://about.au.reachout.com

Contributed by Dan Stampa

Marian Ladies Bowls Club's Successful Harvest Triples Event

DWINNERS ON THE DAY WERE:

First place - J Insch, G Meng, M Stockton

Second place - J Caban, C Savage. R Schatkowski

The gathering offered a glimpse into the camaraderie among players and supporters, setting the stage for an exciting

Season tickets are still available, visit Mackay Basketball’s Facebook page to Back the Mack!

Third place - L Jenner, M Mayfield, D McNamara

Contributed By Lyn Jackson

Our regular Memorial Monday session with Coach Igor adding to skills and fitness. The session also contributes to the participants of Laps for Life swim distance.

A recent trip to Proserpine pool followed with ocean swims at Bowen & Airlie beach added nicely to participants lap count.

Photos supplied

he 2024 NBL1 North Season Launch Event held at Queensland Parliament House in Brisbane provided an insightful preview into the upcoming basketball season. Local State Government MPs, Julieanne Gilbert and Amanda Camm, lent their support to the event, emphasising Mackay’s backing for our teams.

Photos supplied: Mackay Basketball

CAPE HILLSBOROUGH TURTLE TRAIL RUN A CHALLENGING SUCCESS

Approximately thirty runners tackled the treacherous Cape Hillsborough Turtle Trail in cool conditions at 7am last weekend. Front markers, Ashley Miles and Matt Graves put in a huge first half performance to lead the field by some margin in the ten-kilometre, with Matt being the eventual winner, hitting the tape two minutes ahead of Ashley.

First female in the ten-kilometre, Jose Short revelled in the tough conditions followed by Emma Johnson and Carmel Ma-

hon. Third placed male, Derek Woods was in fine form as he led his younger counterparts, Robin Stinson, Mitchell Evetts, Jim Ogilvie, Alan Zamparutti, Wayne Huntley and Scott McIntosh across the finish line. Five-kilometre veteran runner, Len Haworth showed sensational class as he hit the final hundred metres in just three minutes clear of second and first female Melissa Harris, Kim Saron and Katrina Ogilvie. Simon Henderson held off Andrew Wallace, Mark McFadzen, Daniel Stampa and

Andrew Short for

silver medal. Mark McFadzen performed extremely well in only one of a few come-back runs this year, despite losing the whole sole of his shoe in the process.

Congratulations to all runners who competed in the Barrier Reef Arena Gift sprint events and thank you to Harrup Park for staging a classy and unique event.

This weekend’s Easter Sunday afternoon social run will be held from our very supportive sponsor, Zambreros. The annual

Mackay Contract Bridge Club

Weekly Results

Happy Easter to all our members at the Mackay Contract Bridge Club

A great day of Bridge was had Sunday with 16 pairs of Novices and Men-

tors competing. This is a fabulous event that is held on the last Sunday of every month to give beginners a chance to play with experienced players.

BRIDGE

event has been on the calendar for several years now, with Management and Staff always making us feel very welcome. There will be random draw prizes generously donated from Zambreros, Peter Quinn. The five-kilometre & ten-kilometre social event will be followed by random draw presentations and dinner and drinks for purchase. Bring your family and friends, it’s always a great afternoon, especially after a morning of Easter Bunny treats.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

Monday 11 March 2024 – 8 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S

1st Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild

2nd Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia 2nd Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson

3rd Karen Caldwell / Noel Saunders 3rd Ming Ting / Pamela Finger

4th Patricia Garner / Mick King 4th Monica Darley / Carmel Brown

Tuesday Evening 12 March 2024 –5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Geoff Patterson / Ken Seaniger 2nd Diane Morgan / Geoff Taylor

3rd Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia 4th Faye Wright / Terry Sheedy

Wednesday 13 March 2024 – Mackay Teams, Week 1 of 3 - 10 Table Mitchell Red Points

1st Noel Bugeia Team 2nd Joy Robinson Team

3rd Terry Sheedy Team 4th Victor Mason Team

Thursday Evening 14 March 2024 – 6 Table One Winner

1st Ann Whitmore / Sandra Morris 2nd Patricia Garner / Jan Harris

3rd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 4th Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy

4th Frances Brown / Jewel Schmidt 6th Kean Seaniger / Robert Carless

Friday 15 March 2024 – NWP Week 6 of 24 - 8 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Josie Cowley / Victor Mason 1st Ming Ting / David Ting

2nd Joyce Deguara / Toni Large 2nd Janelle Conroy / Pamela Finger

3rd Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

3rd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

4th Debra Goodchild / Lorna Shuttlewood 4th Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson

Saturday 16 March 2024 / Sunday 17 March 2024 – 2024 Whitsundy Zone Pairs – 15

Table Red Points

Section A Secton B (Novice)

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia

2nd Eric Goodchild / David Ting

3rd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

4th Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright

Deb Breeze / Sue McInnes

Sandra Morris / Ann Whitmore

Griffin Bancroft / Jill Brabon

Graham Seaborne / Jane Seaborne

Jan, Karen and Trish

Anne Lutz with Sandy Patterson Noel, Frances and Alan

the

David Isbister, Alan Zamparutti, Jose Short, Kim Saron and Simon Henderson prepare for their chosen event ie David Isbister ready with the BBQ tongs. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

Jose Short scrambled through the tough terrain to tackle the beach section of the 10km

Wayne Huntley displayed great stamina as he ran an awesome 10km trail run in his first season with the Club

Family

Family

13

Family

Don’t be an April Fool

Test Their Smoke Alarms

Just as leaving your doors unlocked poses a risk, neglecting to install and maintain smoke alarms in your home can jeopardise the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

With more Australians dying in residential fires on average than by all natural hazards combined, it’s sparking a renewed call from experts for Australians to protect themselves with a working smoke alarm. Smoke alarms provide a critical early warning to give you and your loved ones time to escape, so testing and maintaining them plays a crucial role in the device’s purpose, saving lives.

While Queensland has the most stringent fire safety laws in the country, the latest data shows just 73% of households tested their smoke alarms last year. While nearly two in three (62%) of those who do not have interconnected smoke alarms installed say they are likely to install them in the next 12 months.

Research from Brooks Australia reveals that the majority of Aussies (90%) don’t test their smoke alarm to the recommended standard – which is once a month.

Furthermore, a stunning one in five (22%) Aussies that have disabled their smoke alarms admit to never having replaced the battery when it ran out.

Cathy Brand, CEO of Brooks Australia, says testing your smoke alarm isn’t a task, it’s a responsibility.

“Smoke alarms are the most effective early warning sign when there is a fire, but if they aren’t tested and maintained properly it can put you, your family and your home at risk. Unfortunately, our research has found that households across Australia don’t regularly test their smoke alarms, placing Aussie families at significant risk,” Brand says.

“We’ve seen in recent months just how important smoke alarms are in saving lives including the escape of a family on the

Gold Coast earlier this year.”

The absence of working smoke alarms can increase the possibility of a fatal fire by 60%.

Brand says testing your smoke alarms should be a regular maintenance routine of Australian households.

“While the recommendation is to test your smoke alarms once a month, cleaning the device to remove any dust, insects or cobwebs every six months can minimise false alarms and help smoke reach the internal sensors easily,” Brand says.

“Testing smoke alarms is a lot simpler than people might expect, just remember 10smoke alarms need to be less than 10 years old, take less than 10 seconds to clean and less than 10 seconds to test. That’s why we are encouraging Aussies to set a reminder every month to test your smoke alarm.”

Smoke alarms are a crucial safety feature in every household, but they can only protect you if they are working properly. To ensure that your smoke alarms are always functioning correctly, Brooks Australia recommends performing regular maintenance checks.

Brooks Australia is urging all Australians to check their smoke alarms once a month by joining #TestitTuesday where on a Tuesday during the month, households set a reminder to test their smoke alarms. To find out more about it, head to https:// www.brooks.com.au/homesmoke-alarms

REA

data business PropTrack launched a new comprehensive measure of the share of rental properties that households can afford to lease earlier this month. The PropTrack Rental Affordability Index analyses rental affordability across different household income distributions and locations.

The report showed that rental affordability is now at its worst level in at least 17 years, when PropTrack records began, driven by the surge in rent prices following the pandemic.

Low- and middle-income households are facing the toughest conditions. A household earning $49,000 per year – the 20th percentile of income – can afford essentially no rental properties.

PropTrack senior economist and report co-author, Angus Moore, said: “Surging rents over the past few years have resulted in rental affordability sitting at its worst level in at least 17 years.

“Over the six months to December 2023, households across the income distribution could afford to rent the smallest share of advertised rentals since at least 2008, when our records began. That is a substantial

change from conditions before and during the pandemic.

“The deterioration in affordability has been driven by the significant increase in rents that we’ve seen since the pandemic, which wages have not kept pace with. Rents nationally are up 38% since the start of the pandemic.

“At the lower end of the income distribution, renting is extremely challenging. This highlights the importance of rental support for low-income renters, such as Commonwealth Rent Assistance. Without support, renting would be effectively impossible for many of these households.

“Longer term, increasing the availability and supply of rentals is critical to improving affordability. Rents are growing quickly because rentals are extremely scarce at the moment, with incredibly low rental vacancy rates around the country. The only way to solve that, sustainably over the long term, is to have more rentals where people want to live. And that means building more homes.”

For more information and to view the full report please visit realestate.com.au/insights

From all of us at Gardian, have a From all of us at Gardian, have a safe Easter holiday break safe Easter holiday break