Mackay Life

fter months of investigation and scrutiny, the board of Mackay Base Hospital was sacked by the Queensland Government, following more than 100 claims of mistreatment by women who had been in its care.

On Tuesday November 22, Health Minister Yvette D’Ath dismissed the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) Board and appointed an Ad

ministrator.

This decision follows a show cause notice issued to the MHHS Board following the release of a damning report into its obstetrics and gynaecolo gy unit, issued on September 30.

The show cause notice asked MHHS board mem bers to say how they can effectively discharge their duties and obligations and whether any or

all of the board members should be dismissed. The board members had a week to respond to this show cause notice. More than a month after the deadline, the State Government made its decision with the Health Minister making her recommen dation to the Governor in Council.

Continued on page 6

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Hbefore you can call yourself a local?

I always thought this propo sition made as much sense as ‘how long is a piece of string’, because I don’t think it’s something you can quantify with time. It’s a feeling.

This week I celebrated 10 years as a resident in Austra lia. When I drove to Christ church Airport very early in the morning a decade ago, it was lightly snowing. In contrast, two flights and a drive around 12 hours later, I arrived on a scorching 42 degree day in Dysart, where we lived for a couple of years before moving to Mackay.

Upon reflection of the jour ney, I realised that feeling like a local has more to do with the impact you have on the community around you, rather than something you can quantify with time.

In Dysart, I felt like a local rather quickly. I think this is because in a small town it’s easier to get to know people

in a shorter time frame.

When you first move to a new place, you have com plete anonymity. You don’t recognise a single person you walk past and you rare ly talk to people other than polite exchanges. Over time, that shifts. You start to rec ognise people everywhere you go and your exchanges are more fulfilling. You join local clubs, volunteer on committees and feel an urge to help community organi sations in need.

I think that’s when you can say you’re a local. It’s not a matter of time, it’s a matter of people, connections and community.

Thanks for welcoming me into your country and com munity, not a day goes by where I don’t feel grateful for the adventures I’ve had ex ploring this magnificent, big red land.

Travellers entering Mack ay from the northwest may have noticed an unsightly addition to the Welcome to Mackay sign at the Ring Road roundabout at Glenella.

Vandals had left their mark on the sign and local residents Shelley and Phil decided to do something about it.

According to a post in the ‘Mackay Noticeboard’ Facebook Group, Por ters Mitre 10 Mackay donated $140 worth of paint for Phil to paint over the graffiti, restoring the sign to its former glory.

Michelle’s Facebook post was met with mass applause.

“Great work mate and go Porters. Good to see some great Mackay

spirit,” said one commenter.

“’What a good person he is’ my daughter just said. Yes you are! And so good of Porters to provide the paint to fix it too - Great communi ty of good hearted people we have!” said another.

Shelley and Phil say they’d love to keep painting over and removing graffiti throughout Mackay, they just need the paint to do it.

Phil used paint donated by Porters Mitre 10 to paint over graffiti left on a ‘Welcome to Mackay’ sign. Photos supplied

MAN IN CUSTODY FOLLOWING ROAD RAMPAGE

Mackay detectives have charged a local man with ten offences fol lowing investigations into two serious crashes last Sunday (November 20) at Mount Pleasant and Farleigh.

Initial information indicates shortly after 6.30am on Sunday, two vehicles collided at the intersection of the Bruce Highway and Sams Road before one of the vehicles, a stolen white Toyota Landcruiser, left the scene.

The driver of the other car, a 75-year-old Blacks Beach woman, was transported to the Mackay Base Hospital with life-threat ening injuries.

The white Toyota Landcruiser, stolen from an Andergrove address earlier that morn ing, was located in Cemetery Road follow ing the crash.

While investigations were continuing to locate the driver of the stolen vehicle, the situation took a strange twist.

Police were called to the Bruce Highway

by motorists due to the alleged dangerous driving of a stolen red Isuzu MU-X 4WD at around 1.20pm.

At 1.59pm, the vehi cle overtook a marked police vehicle headed south on the Bruce Highway.

Police activated lights and siren however the vehicle allegedly failed to stop and a pursuit commenced.

At 2.04pm the Isuzu MU-X 4WD collid ed with a vehicle travelling north on the Bruce Highway.

The occupants of the vehicle, a 70-yearold man and 68-year-old woman, were transported to Mackay Base Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The sole occupant of the Isuzu MU-X

4WD, a 19-year-old Mackay man, was ar rested at the scene.

He was transported to hospital as a pre caution and was subsequently released from hospital, where he was then charged by police.

The 19-year-old appeared in the Mackay Magistrates Court last Monday charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehi cle causing grievous bodily harm and left

scene of incident without obtaining help (Mount Pleasant), dangerous operation of a motor vehicle (Farleigh), evade police, enter premises and commit indictable of fence by break, as well as two counts each of enter premises and commit, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and disqualified and unlicensed driving.

Investigations are continuing with over view from the Ethical Standard Com mand.

WIN A NEW CAR

First Responders Take A Lap

Man Shot Dead By Police After Failed Negotiations

Connection and camaraderie were front and centre on Saturday when Mackay’s emergency services came together for Mackay Fire & Rescue's An nual 60km Swim Challenge.

Now in its third year, this year’s challenge was the first to pit the services against each other and while there was a competitive element to the day, the ultimate goal was to break the stigma surrounding men's mental health, a topic prevalent in the first response world.

“It’s just good getting everybody down in the one place,” said Firefighter and event organiser Kyle McCormack.

“It just breaks that stigma a bit, if every one’s in one place and we’re all there for the same reason, you just have a sense of belonging.”

Queensland Fire & Emergency Services, Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Police Service all battled it out to reach the 60km mark first, with the ambos reaching the goal in just under three hours to claim the 60km Swim Event Shield.

“It’s a really good cause, raising money

for men’s mental health and can cer,” Officer in Charge of QAS South Mackay Station Al Craig said.

“It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, it affects different people in different ways.

“I just think it’s great, the amount of turn out we’ve had, and a good day for every body.”

Acting Constable at Sarina Criminal In vestigation Branch Brett Wenzel agreed, saying QPS were happy to support the firies and the cause.

“It’s not just QPS, but all emergency ser vices and all people in their daily lives, ev eryone goes through their ups and downs, and everyone’s got to be here to support each other and have each other’s backs day in, day out,” he said.

“It’s good to see all the families down here supporting men’s mental health, getting in the water and having a crack.”

Mackay Fire & Rescue are taking dona tions for their Movember cause for the rest of November, and you can donate by scan ning the QR Code.

Dramatic scenes unfolded in West Mackay on Monday afternoon when a 24-year-old man was shot by police.

The incident which occurred on Bridge Road in a premises near the Mackay Base Hospital escalated when a 24-year-old man allegedly advanced at officers with a firearm.

Police were initially called to the Bridge Road address around 2:30pm following reports of a man making threats of selfharm. A PSPA was declared at approxi mately 4.10 pm with the exclusion zone including Bridge Road, Hume Street and Streeter Avenue while police continued to negotiate with the man.

The PSPA issued at the time said, “There is no imminent danger to the public at pres ent.”

An exclusion zone was established and di versions were put in place for access to the

Mackay Base Hospital.

Police said that negotiators were notified to attend the scene and speak with the man, however the situation escalated when of ficers were confronted by the 24-year-old allegedly armed with a firearm.

The 24-year-old man allegedly advanced at officers and was subsequently shot just after 5pm.

First aid was rendered on scene and he was transported to Mackay Base Hospital in a critical condition, where he was later declared deceased.

Residents in West Mackay reported hear ing what they described as the sound of gun shots.

A crime scene was established, as an in vestigation by the Ethical Standards Command continues. The investigation is subject to oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.

Andrew WILLCOX

Mackay’s fire, ambulance and police services faced off in a 60km swim challenge to raise funds and awareness for men’s mental health. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

A crime scene was established after a 24-year-old man was shot dead by police on Bridge Road. Photo: Sam Gillespie

Health Minister Points Finger of Blame at MHHS Board

Continued from page 1

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the ob stetrics and gynaecology report is damn ing in its identification of failings at mul tiple levels within Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) and more particu larly the Mackay Base Hospital.

“The Investigation team found multiple examples of substandard clinical care, poor clinical incident monitoring, poor management of safety and quality, compli cations and clinical deterioration and poor human resource management.

the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011,” the Minister said.

“I made that rec ommendation to the Governor in Council because I was satisfied it is in the public interest that all members of the Board be dis missed.

“In the circum stances, I am not satisfied that the Board is able to implement the rec ommendations of the report, including the cultural change needed across the hospital.”

“I want to acknowledge the more than 170 women who came forward, with many telling their deeply personal and some times deeply traumatic experiences.”

The Health Minister announced the deci sion to dismiss the board on November 22.

“Governor in Council has, on my rec ommendation, dismissed all the mem bers of the Board under section 275(1) of

Minister D’Ath said experienced health administrator Karen Roach has been ap pointed Administrator in place of the dismissed Mackay HHS Board, effective immediately.

“Karen Roach has over 35 years of experi ence in management and leadership posi tions in health organisations in the public and private sectors,” she said.

“She has qualifications in nursing and midwifery and was awarded a Centenary of Australia Award for services to nursing and health services in Queensland.

“The skills Ms Roach brings to this role will be crucial in restoring confidence in the Mackay Hospital.

“I’m confident Ms Roach will work well with Special Advisor Dr Robert Herkes

and the hardworking staff on Mackay HHS to deliver improved services.”

Minister D’Ath thanked the women who had come forward as part of the investi gation.

“To each and every one of these women, whether they were part of the investiga tion or the consumer case management pathway, I want to say thank you for your bravery and courage.

“You have shone a light on failings that have been hidden for far too long.”

“Ms Roach has served as Interim Chief Operating Officer of Metro South and Sunshine Coast HHSs and Interim Chief Executive of Townsville HHS.

“You have shone a light on failings that have been hidden for far too long.”

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath

For

On the morning of Saturday, March 17, 1962, residents of Townsville awoke to find a peculiar figure painted atop their beloved Castle Hill.

It wasn’t the first time an out of place painting appeared on the hill as universi ty students had painted a question mark there the year before, which had since been painted over.

This time, it was the recognisable figure of ‘The Saint’, a figure that would remain on the north facing rock wall of Castle Hill for 60 years.

20 years ago, on the Saint’s 40th anniver sary, after decades of speculation and con troversy, seven former Mackay State High School students came forward as the ones responsible for the original iteration of what has become a Townsville icon.

They were Graeme Bowen, Lyall Ford, Rodney Froyland, David Greve, Peter Hig gins, Barrie Snarski and Robert Sothman.

Mr Ford has told the story of the Saint in his book ‘A History of The Townsville Saint’, revealing for the first time who held the brush that fateful night.

“Barry Snarski was revealed in this book, for the first time, as the guy that actually did the painting but for 60 years, we nev er revealed who did the painting,” said Mr Ford.

The book was launched in Townsville in October to mark the 60th anniversary of the Saint, celebrated with functions at Townville’s C Bar and university alongside councillors, MPs and special guests.

60 years ago, seven young Mackay men aged between 17 and 18 had recently re located to Townsville for their first year of university.

Commemoration Week was a tradition where university students would pull pranks throughout town, with the previ ous year’s Commemoration Week result ing in a 15-foot-long question mark being painted on Castle Hill.

“It got painted out the following January

by four blokes in the Air Force and we arrived in Feb ruary,” said Mr Ford.

“We were all thinking … ‘We should do some thing to put some thing back there.’”

The Mackay mis chief makers decid ed on The Saint, the calling card of liter ary character Simon Templar created by Leslie Charteris.

“Schoolkids used to doodle The Saint, so it was a very wellknown figure in 1962,” said Mr Ford.

“We organised all the gear to do the job, got hold of ropes and paints and a jeep and went up one Friday night and did the painting between 2 and 3 o’clock.”

Mr Snarski hung down the side of Castle Hill for 35 minutes, tied to posts at the lookout on top of the hill, completing the painting.

In doing so, he and his friends instigated one of the most contentious debates in Townsville history: an icon to some, an eyesore to others.

Throughout the many ups and downs the Saint has endured, including being paint ed over and repainted countless times, clashes with council and a copyright di lemma, the prevailing stance of the people of Townsville is that the Saint is an icon, and they have these seven Mackay men to thank.

“It was just a student prank,” laughed Mr Ford.

First

“I guess we assumed it’d probably get painted out by someone.”

The Saint has since been adopted by the university, the university’s rugby league club and other clubs and businesses throughout north Queensland as their logo or mascot.

“The council accepted that it was an icon of Townsville and that they wouldn’t re move it,” said Mr Ford.

To purchase ‘A History of The Townsville Saint’, contact Lyall Ford on 0400 772 278 or email lyallrford@gmail.com.

Townsville Saint. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

INTRODUCING BRYAN LOFT

Who is Bryan Loft

Bryan can not only sell ice to proverbial Eskimo, he can sell him the freezer to keep it in as well. With a passion for helping people (and helping them reach their goal), he is the sales person you want in your corner. Bryan knows people and has the negotiating skills and experience to get the best deal done with the minimum of fuss.

Bryan has extensive experience in sales and marketing, having been a business owner for 42 years and orking in the real estate industry for the best part of 20 years. As the founder and Managing Director of Real Estate Plus for more than a

decade, as well as two years working in a real estate sales role, Bryan knows the industry inside out. A long-time local, Bryan spent nine years on the Mackay Show Society, including a time as President, and four years on the Mackay Foundation committee, two of those years as Chairman. With a background in publishing and event management, he brings essential skills to this real estate role, such as communication, organisation, and working as a team. Bryan is married with three grown children, Jason, Corey and Shannie and four wonderful grandchildren, Pyper, Jai, Paxton and Clay who he loves spending time with. And if you get to know him well enough, he will kindly let you lose at squash (or tennis).

Why Choose GardIan Real Estate

MACKAY HOSPITALS

BABIES

Mackay’s smallest and most vul nerable babies will be given the best start possible in life thanks to a collaboration on the use of a new state-of-the-art cot for neonatal transfers to the Mackay Base Hospital from the Ma ter Private Hospital.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) Nursing and Midwifery Execu tive Director Karen Wade said the initia tive was aimed at providing the best care possible for vulnerable babies.

“The neonatal transfer cot is a state-ofthe-art piece of equipment to care for premature babies or any babies who need a high level of care who might be born at the Mater and need an immediate transfer

to the Base hospital’s Special Care Nursery (SCN),” Ms Wade said.

“Every minute saved in transfer is of vital importance when a mum has had a pre mature or sick baby, and this new cot will give these little ones the best chance pos sible.

“This is a great example of our hospitals collaborating on care for the benefit of our most vulnerable patients.”

Mater Private Hospital Executive Officer Beth Thomas welcomed the initiative.

“The neonatal cot will be in place at Ma ter Maternity to enable these vulnerable babies to be transferred with minimum delay,” Ms Thomas said.

“This is the best equipment available for transporting premature babies, consisting of a tem perature-controlled capsule, monitoring equipment, resuscitation equipment and its own power source.

“It then sits on its own stretcher so it can be immediately loaded onto an ambulance for transfer.

“The Base and Mater hospitals are always collaborating to provide patient care, but the sharing of resources takes that collabo ration to another level.”

Nursing staff at both hospitals will be pro vided with training in the use of the cot by Special Care Nursery Clinical Nurse Con sultant Louise Johnson, who holds a Mas ters degree in Clinical Nursing in Neonatal Intensive Care.

Last week’s announcement coincided with World Prematurity Day, which is celebrat ed annually to raise awareness of our most vulnerable babies, their families and the clinicians who care for them.

Be prepared this wet season

Special Care Nursery Clinical Nurse Con sultant Louise John son with the neonatal transfer cot

Mackay Base Hospital Women’s Health Unit service director Tracey Hynes, Mater Private Hospital executive officer Beth Thomas, Mackay Base Hospital Women’s Health Unit nurse unit manager Deb McConnel, Mackay Base Hospital Special Care Nursery clinical nurse consultant Louise Johnson and Mater Private Hospital midwifery nurse unit manager Claire Dean

Future Trade Outlook Strong At Wharf Five

North Queensland Bulk Ports Cor poration (NQBP) has completed major infrastructure works at the Port of Mackay with the completion of Wharf Five.

The Port’s newest wharf now boasts a $4 million western approach deck, position ing the Port to continue to take advantage of future trade opportunities.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey celebrated the project’s completion.

“The Palaszczuk Government is proud to support Queensland’s strong trade indus try, and delivering better infrastructure is just one way of doing that,” Minister Bailey said.

“Not only has this $4 million project seen a new deck delivered, we’ve supported good local jobs and supply chains throughout construction.

“Having infrastructure of this calibre at our state-owned ports means we can ex pand into new industries and capitalise on the investment made in renewables throughout the region.”

NQBP Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Fertin said the works were part of a num ber of infrastructure upgrades at the Port.

“Over the past 18 months we’ve invested $1.8 million to expand cargo capacity at Wharf Four, $2.5 million to extend Wharf One and recently completed our new $8.5

million tug berth facility, all aimed at supporting growth and diversified trade,” Mr Fertin said.

“The Port of Mackay is an essential gateway linking Central Queensland to the world, servicing mining and agricultural industries and supporting 2,100 trade jobs with goods to the value of around $4.9 billion passing through the port.

“We are dedicated to sup porting our local econ omy and workforce and are pleased we were able to achieve this during the Wharf Five project with our principal contractors V2R Projects.”

Member for Mackay Ju lieanne Gilbert said opportu nities in Mackay were booming.

“You only need to take a drive around our growing region to see the investment be ing made in our region,” Ms Gilbert said.

“From new bypasses, a better Bruce High way, and upgrades to our Port – the Pa laszczuk Government continues to put money into creating jobs in regional Queensland.

V2R Projects Director Paul Chambers said the company has valued working with NQBP on the project which has resulted in an important piece of infrastructure for the region.

“We have been proud to work with a number of local and regional based sub

contractors and suppliers for the delivery of this project,” Mr Chambers said.

“Our site-based team are all local Mackay residents and all took pride in the delivery of infrastructure that will support their lo cal community and economy,” he said.

Wharf Five facilitates the import and ex port of fuel, dry bulk (grain, magnetite and fertiliser) as well as break bulk (scrap metal).

“I was here alongside the Premier just a few months ago and the amount of work that has been completed since is incredi ble.”

The Wharf Five western approach deck is now complete. Photo: NQBP

Display Home Named

Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park Changes Hands

Cape Hillsborough is one of the Mackay region’s most popular des tinations with its kangaroo and wallaby experiences, bushwalks and stun ning views on the bucket lists of many.

Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park provides a central point for backpackers, travellers and families to stay while vis iting the National Park and the popular nature-based visitor holiday park may get a facelift soon after being acquired by NRMA Parks and Resorts.

Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park will retain its current branding for now with future plans for significant refurbish ments to the park facilities including new accommodation options and destination experiences, such as guided tours and In digenous experiences at hand as part of a broad reaching three-year masterplan.

Animal lovers can rest assured that the Sunrise with the Wallabies encounter, tak ing place each morning on the beach in front of the park, will remain.

“As the NRMA Parks portfolio continues to expand, we’re conscious of growing in a considered way and offer our guests the chance to interact in a memorable and sustainable way with Australia’s own in credible wildlife and Aboriginal cultural histories and stories,” Mr Davies said.

“There are so many unforgettable experi ences we’d like to offer our guests, and the Sunrise with the Wallabies experience is a perfect example.

“As the sun takes its first glimpse over the horizon, our guests join the kangaroos and wallabies on the beach as the friendly Tour Guides share stories about the unique en vironmental aspects of the location and the region.”

Local builders Anthony and Lynelle Wolff from Hotondo Homes Mack ay are celebrating after Hotondo Homes’ night of nights, walking away with the prestigious 2022 National Display Home of the Year Award.

Inspired by the Australian coastal lifestyle, their award-winning Seacoast 259 design elegantly captures the essence of relaxed family living.

“The Seacoast 259 is coastal, light and open, designed to perfectly suit our loca tion and lifestyle,” said Lynelle.

“It embraces open plan living, with a fo cus on creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow between the entertaining area and out to the alfresco and pool.”

“It’s a great home for entertaining and ev eryday family life in Mackay,” added An thony.

The contemporary single storey design offers a functional family-friendly layout, complete with two spacious living areas, four bedrooms and a double garage.

The home was recognised for its quality workmanship, sophisticated design, im peccable presentation and understanding of the local market.

“The design is bathed in natural light and caters to a laidback, beachside lifestyle,” said Lynelle.

“The colour scheme is right on-trend and from the high ceilings to the skylights, there’s lots of wow factors.”

“The quality of workmanship and finish es make this home a true standout,” said Anthony.

The Seacoast 259 also recently won Best Display Home in the up to $550,000 cat egory at the 2022 Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards.

The award wins come after the building industry has navigated a range of unprec edented challenges, experiencing record levels of demand amidst widespread ma terials and trades shortages, price spikes, delays and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved, and it’s very rewarding to be recognised for our efforts and hard work during this time,” said Anthony.

“It’s a great achievement, and we couldn’t do it without our team.”

As a local family-owned business, Antho ny and Lynelle have helped clients build their dream home across Mackay and sur rounds for over 10 years.

Visit 26 Beachway Blvd, Shoal Point to take a tour of this sensational home, open 7 days a week from 10am to 4pm.

NRMA Parks and Resorts Chief Executive Officer Paul Davies said the easy connec tion with wildlife in its natural environ ment set the park aside as a nature-based experiential property.

The park was purchased from long time owners Ben and Renae Atherton and whose work was recently recognised through a gold award for the Best of Queensland Award for Best Caravan or Holiday Park and the Most Outstand ing Contribution by an Individual at the Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards 2022.

The acquisition marks the eleventh prop erty in Queensland for NRMA Parks and Resorts and brings the total to 40 holiday parks and resorts across the nation.

Giving A Little Means More With Explore

The giving tree at Mackay’s Explore Property is back again in 2022, gathering goodies and gifts for children in need.

The toy drive is collecting presents for girls aged 10 – 13 and boys aged 9 – 11 which will be donated to the Pyjama Foundation.

The Pyjama Foundation was created to provide children in care a world of unlim ited opportunity, to create positive rela tionships, and to instill a love for learning.

After only being up for a short while, Ex plore Property is thrilled with the response its received already from generous givers.

You can donate to the toy drive by visiting Explore Property at 224 Victoria Street, Mackay.

Cape Hillsborough’s Sunrise with the Wallabies experience attracts tourists from far and wide. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Anthony and Lynelle Wolff from Hotondo Homes Mackay

Seacoast 259, located in Shoal Point

Ground Broken As Civil Works Begins In The Northern Beaches

NORTHERN BEACHES

COMMUNITY HUB STAGES INCLUDE:

• Stage 1A – Includes a multipurpose undercover area, parking area, nature play area, picnic area, landscaping, pedestrian links and internal roads. Design and construction is funded by the Australian Government and Mackay Regional Council.

It’s the largest community infrastruc ture project in more than 20 years for the Mackay Regional Council, which is set to greatly benefit one of Queensland’s fastest-growing communities upon com pletion.

Earlier this week, civil works began on a parcel of land opposite Northern Beach es State High School to make way for the Northern Beaches Community Hub.

The civil works will include the construc tion of J4 Road, off Rosewood Drive and Eimeo Road, and associated earthworks.

While these works are underway, design consultants CA Architects will begin working on the detailed design for stage 1A and 1B of the project.

Following the completion of the civil works, construction is planned to begin on

stage 1A, which has received $6.5 million in funding from the Australian Govern ment and a $4.2 million contribution from council.

Mackay Regional Council also plans to seek funding for stage 1B, which will in clude a library, meeting rooms and a cafe.

Deputy Mayor Karen May, who chairs the Northern Beaches Community Hub Ref erence Group, said CA Architects had re cently met with the group to discuss plans for the facility.

“There was a lot of positive feedback re garding the project, and everyone is excit ed for the facility to start taking shape,” Cr May said.

“Stage 1A will include a nature play area, a multipurpose court with line marking for various ball sports and a picnic area,

among other things,” she said.

“The Northern Beaches is our region’s fastest growing area, and this project will provide residents with access to a range of community facilities it desperately needs.

“It will also serve as a welcoming meeting place for locals.

“Parents who want easy access to swim ming lessons for their children will also be pleased to know that we are looking forward to bringing a new aquatics centre to the Northern Beaches as part of future stages of this project.”

If you would like to view the master plan for this project, find more information and subscribe to project update emails, visit connectingmackay.com.au/north ern-beaches-community-hub.

Learn More About Coastal Hazards In Your Locality

Mackay Regional Council is en couraging residents to familiar ise themselves with coastal haz ards in our region as part of the Mackay Coast Our Future study.

Coastal hazards are natural coastal pro cesses that may negatively impact the natural environment or human use of a coastal zone, including erosion, storm tide inundation and inundation due to rising sea levels.

This comes after council recently secured $5 million in federal funding for the con struction of stage one of the South Mackay levee wall, which will help reduce the im pact of coastal hazards in this area.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council was working towards better understanding

and preparing for how the future effects of climate change may impact our coastline.

“Mackay has 320 kilometres of mainland coastline, so flooding and storm tide inun dation is something we must be prepared for,” he said.

“While council is working to develop ad aptation options that will reduce the risks of coastal hazards in our region, such as the South Mackay levee wall, not every natural phenomenon can be prevented.”

Mayor Williamson said council was asking residents to take part in a second survey as part of the Mackay Coast Our Future study.

“The first survey focussed on what resi dents’ valued most about the coastline,” he

said.

“This time we’re hoping to gain a better understanding of residents’ observations and knowledge of coastal hazards and ad aptation options.

“We would like residents to look at the maps of their area to gain a better un derstanding of how coastal hazards may impact them both now and into the fu ture and complete the survey to test their knowledge on coastal adaptation options in the locality they live in and those they visit frequently.”

The Mackay Coast Our Future survey will be available to complete online at connect ingmackay.com.au/future-coast until mid night on December 18.

A Changing Places (accessible adult change facility for people with a disability) will also be included as part of stage 1A and will be funded by Mackay Regional Council.

• Stage 1B – Includes the library and various meeting, program and activity rooms, café, town square and landscaping, pedestrian links and internal roads. Design is funded by council; construction is not yet funded.

• Stage 2 – Future works that will include an aquatics centre and a kick and throw space adjoining the centre.

• Stage 3 – Future works that will include the development of the northern parcel of the site. At this stage, we envisage this area to be used for an office building with car parking.

Alternatively, attend one of five drop-in sessions and talk to council staff and learn more about coastal hazards that may affect your locality:

• Jubilee Community Centre –Thursday, November 24, and Friday, November 25, from 11am to 1pm

• Armstrong Beach Progress Association Hall – Friday, November 25, from 4pm to 6pm

• Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club –Saturday, November 26, from 1pm to 3.30pm.

Peter Muller of CA Architects and Deputy Mayor Karen May discuss ideas with Northern Beaches Community Hub Reference Group members Mia Sammut-Landt of Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) and Scott McPherson of Ideal Placements.

Northern Beaches Community Hub concept master plan

CADETS EQUIPPED WITH SKILLS FOR LIFE

Every Thursday night, a group of savvy and enthusiastic teenagers meet to share life skills, laughs and lessons.

They are the PCYC Emergency Services Cadet Unit.

Cadets is a fun and encouraging program that equips its participants with skills and knowledge to take into the world, whether the participants choose to pursue the emergency services or not.

“The last few weeks we’ve been doing preparation for storm season,” said PCYC Emergency Services Cadet Unit Coordinator Andrew Nicholson.

“We’ve been teaching them about knots, radios, what to have, tarping, sandbagging and getting them all to work as a team to do it.”

Andrew has been in the coordinator role for the last five years but involved in the SES for much longer.

“At the time, I’d just gone into being the deputy local controller then three months later, all of a sudden, I became the one in charge, so I had some real

sudden learning curves,” he laughed. He says he’s loved the responsibility of teaching children these valuable life skills.

“Getting out there, helping the young ones, getting them up to speed with life skills and getting to know them and helping them along and keeping them off the streets,” he said.

“I have seen some really good cadets come through over the years and quite a few that wish they could stay.”

There are currently 12 cadets in the unit, including 15-year-old Noah Weber and 16-year-old Bianca Oakley.

They both agree that cadets is a great place to make friends and learn new skills, and that’s what keeps them coming back.

“All the people and the community, honestly,” said Bianca.

“I know just about everyone here off by heart.”

“The life skills that I’ve learnt, the people that I’ve made friends with and just everyone in general, they’re just great

BIANCA AND NOAH’S DISASTER TIPS

•

people to be around,” agreed Noah.

Noah plans to contribute his Cadets skills to the air force when he finishes school, while Bianca is already in the field, recently joining the SES Calen Unit.

“Since I started Cadets, I’ve always wanted to be in the SES because my mum was, my step-dad has been, I’ve always been around it so it’s just kind of normal,” said Bianca.

“Now that I’m 16, I can actually go and be a part of it and be involved.”

An annual highlight for Cadets is the Cadet Games held in Townsville every year, giving cadets the opportunity to put their skills to the test in a competitive environment and meet different cadet units while doing so.

“It was a lot of medical-based stuff, this year,” said Noah.

“First aid, triage, the stretcher obstacle course,” added Bianca.

The Games includes other cadet units including Navy, Army and Surf Life Savers from areas including Emerald, Charters Towers, Hughenden, Cairns and Thursday Island.

“It’s open to any cadet group agency,” said Andrew.

The Mackay group won the Squad Challenge in 2021 and Noah says they weren’t far off this year.

For more information on PCYC Emergency Services Cadets or to join, visit www.pcyc.org.au/join-a-unit.

“Most

we go to, we’ll set up a tent where we’ll have

a book with all the stuff you should know,” said Bianca.

• Check your risk – “Check where you are, make sure you’re not going to get flooded out,” said Noah. “If you are going to get flooded out, move when you can. There’s no point in waiting until it’s at your doorstep.”

• Check the storm guide – “There are websites that you can use,” said Bianca. “The government has a section on their website where you can download information.”

Bianca Oakley, Noah Weber and Andrew Nicholson

Back L-R Dallas McGrath, Scott Horsfall, Noah Weber, Charlotte Eisel, Andrew Nicholson, Front L-R Bianca Oakley, Felicity Stephen, Jack Toy

Safety Must Be Number One

We are moving slowly towards the end of the 2022 crush, but there is no room for compla cency when it comes to safety.

Road users, please keep in mind that both haulout vehicles and cane trains will still be on the roads and tramlines across Christmas and into January. Rail cross ings will be active, use your train brain.

We also ask for the community’s con tinued patience with the slower moving haulout vehicles. There’s no value for

anyone involved in crazy high-speed ma noeuvres to overtake, it just places every one in jeopardy. So please be mindful on the roads- these are people earning a liv ing in an industry that works hard for the regional economy.

Most years, the large low-loader trucks moving harvesters between farms are off the road and the crush done and dusted by the Christmas Heavy Vehicle Curfew, but this year they will be about, as with the end of 2021.

CANEGROWERS Mackay has worked with the National Heavy Vehicle Regu lator, Queensland Transport and Main Roads and relevant harvester contractors who are CANEGROWERS members, to smoothly ensure that permits are secured for operators over the curfew period, holding a workshop last week between all stakeholders. The event was highly ben eficial for all involved, hopefully intro ducing some streamlines to the process, should we find ourselves negotiating the Christmas Curfew in years to come. Also present at the information workshop were representatives from Mackay Sugar, Mackay Regional Council, and CANE GROWERS Proserpine.

To help extend community safety mes saging, in coming weeks you will also start to hear our radio ad played across 4MK, KIX and HIT, reminding road us ers that we are out there for the longer harvest this year.

No-one likes working over what should be a festive season celebrated with fami ly and friends, but that is what the sugar industry is grappling with again in 2022.

Weighing on growers’ minds is the spec tres of dwindling sugar content, stando ver cane and the ongoing viability of their agribusinesses. The rush is on, also, to get as much of the crop away as possible as the monsoon moves in.

Despite these pressure points and their toll upon stress levels, we must not sac rifice our safety. The recent incident be tween a haulout tractor and a cane train in the Burdekin is a strong warning on the importance of vigilance and keen aware ness of our surroundings as we go about our work. It’s an industry of big machin ery, and big consequences when things go wrong.

It has been a long crush, people are look ing to get the job done, but this is not the time for complacency. We urge growers and harvesters to think safety in the pad dock, in the shed and around sidings: to be mindful of our environment and the machines around us.

There’s not a dollar in the world for which it is worth losing a life. Think safety, wher ever you are working.

Focused on increasing your production and profitability Independent agronomic support for all your Cane,

As part of our Christmas Curfew oversize vehicle permit NHVR and TMR staff were taken to the farm of CANEGROWERS Mackay Area Committee member Andre Camilleri, to get a firsthand look at some of the large agricultural machinery involved in cane farming operations.

By Kevin Borg, Chairman,

CANEGROWERS Mackay

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

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.

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

COASTAL ISLANDS UNDER THREAT BY PEST ANTS IDENTIFIED IN MACKAY

One of the World’s Worst 100 In vasive Species has been detect ed in Mackay, posing a serious threat to biodiversity.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has confirmed the presence of African big-headed ants (Phei dole megacephala) in Mackay. These ants will displace most native insects through aggression.

African big-headed ants (ABHA) are widespread on the Australian main land, making them extremely difficult to eradicate from the Mackay locality. However, Reef Catchments Coordina tor Cass Hayward said that It’s very im portant to raise awareness now to pre vent the ants being transported from Mackay to nearby islands.

are transporting from place to place. Just like you wouldn’t want damaging pests on your property, we don't want pests in fragile island environments.”

This isn’t the first time that African big-headed ants have damaged island ecosystems. The Pisonia forest on Tryon Island was almost completely destroyed due to scale insects and the pest ants. To avoid these situations, Reef Catchments offers some strategic advice for island visitors:

• Check your shoes for seeds and plant material. They are often stuck in shoelaces or in dirt/mud on the bottom of shoes.

• Take all food in airtight containers.

• Check your gear, such as swags and tents, for insects, insect eggs and plants.

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.

Plane Creek Mill crushed over 70,000 tonnes of cane for the week – the highest weekly throughput since Week 16 in 2016. This was a reflection of the good mill reliability and crush ing rates during the week. That brought the season-to-date total to more than 1.2M tonnes. Weekly CCS fell below 13 units for the first time since Week 9, closing out at 12.71. The sea son to date CCS is still holding above the 13-unit mark. There was a marginal improvement in bin weights from the previous week.

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

The highest CCS was 15.5 units from a rake of Q208 Other ratoon from the Mainline productiv ity 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.

With the crushing season extending into the school holidays, we ask parents and caregivers to talk to children about the dangers of playing on or 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.

One such project is the ABHA eradi cation program on Bushy Island, being delivered by Reef Catchments through the Australian Government’s Reef Trust funding. The ants threaten not only the food-web, but also the island’s forest of Pisonia trees, of which there are only 190 hectares in the entire country.

• Many weeds can shoot from leaves and stems (not just seeds), so make sure to brush your gear down.

Invasive ant species can be easily trans ported in the clothing, food or equip ment of recreational boaters, campers, hikers and day-visitors. Once this hap pens, it can cost millions of dollars to control or eradicate the species.

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

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, including over the holiday period.

Cane Supply Manager Plane Creek Region

Jim Kirchner Cane Supply Manager

Plane Creek Region

“African big-headed ants form super colonies, with multiple queens and very high numbers of ants per square metre. They force out native species through sheer numbers. They also pro tect sap-sucking insects, such as scale insects, which results in damage to trees,” Ms Hayward said.

“We ask people to care about what they

Reef Catchments are holding an Inva sive Ant Workshop on the 29th of No vember. The workshop aims to upskill staff at Ports, Harbours, Marinas and Councils so these key groups can be on alert for new introductions of invasive ants.

African big-headed ant. Credit: CSIRO

Jim Kirchner

Harvest Contractors, and other stakeholders gathered at CANEGROWERS Mackay last week for the information workshop on NHVR permits for the Christmas oversize vehicle curfew. Pictures: Contributed

Tia In The Big Apple

When Tia Gostelow visited Times Square for the first time earlier this year, she nev er imagined her face would be displayed across the towering electronic billboards mere months later.

The indie-pop darling, who started her music career in Mackay, was spotted on the iconic big screens of New York City over the weekend after being selected in YouTube’s Black Voices Class of 2023.

The US$100 million multi-year initiative was introduced by YouTube Music in 2020 to provide emerging Black creatives with resources needed to maximise their suc cess on the platform.

Only 40 musicians were selected in the class of 2023 and only three from Austra lia: A.B. Original, BLESSED and Tia.

“You never really think you’ll get into things like this, so it was pretty unreal to be selected,” said Tia.

“Being able to work directly with YouTube and learn all of their tips straight from the source is probably the most exciting part.

“We also get to do co-writing, so being able to write with people from the States and people I probably wouldn’t have been able to meet or do a session with, that’s also an extremely exciting part of it.”

Tia’s face appeared on the New York City

billboard as part of the initiative and will also appear on billboards in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami and Nashville.

“It was insane,” she said.

“After going there, and then actually seeing my face up on the billboard in that photo, I could re alise how big of a deal it actually is.

“It’s something that I never thought my face would be on, to be hon est.”

Tia posted a photo of the billboard on her social media and received sup portive messages from far and wide.

“The reaction from ev eryone, especially peo ple in Mackay, people that have supported me for so long, it was really overwhelm ing,” she said.

“Just seeing how far it spread and all the people that were messaging me and re sponding, it was just a great feeling.”

Tia says the selection comes at a great time,

as she has recently finished recording her third album and looks forward to utilising the platform in the album’s release.

“I’m about to release a single as well, so be ing able to get these one-on-one sessions with someone from YouTube, showing me how to market everything properly and make the most out of releases, it’s just a re ally exciting part,” she said.

“The end half of this year has been real ly productive compared to the last three years, so it feels like things are starting to move and releases are coming, so I’m real ly excited for what next year holds.”

‘Say It To My Face’, the first single from Tia Gostelow’s third album, will be out on Thursday December 1.

LOCALS TO FINISH BIG YEAR OF BULL RIDING IN TOWNSVILLE

With the PBR Australia 2022 season finale happening this weekend, a couple of Mackay locals will once again take centre stage at the toughest sport on dirt.

Shane “Maddog” Simpson and Jason Dit tmann are two of Mackay and the Whit sundays most famous names in bull riding and will be joining the 22 riders in the arena at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre.

Mr Dittmann is the man behind the pow erhouse operation, Dittmann Bucking Bulls, which has dominated the PBR arena with a strong stable of bucking bulls.

“It’s been a solid season and we’re lucky to have a handful of young bulls coming through that have been on the tour for a couple of years and are really starting to hit their straps,” Mr Dittmann said.

Mr Dittmann is set to take a sweep of awards at the Grand Finals in Townsville next week with Bull of the Year, Con tractor of the Year and Highest Earning Bull seemingly already stitched up by the Bloomsbury local.

“We are really excited to hit Townsville for the Grand Finals,” he said.

“It’s one of our favourite events of the year.

“We have had some unforgettable memo

ries in that arena so hopefully all the boys do their job.”

As one of the sport’s most decorated Pro tection Athletes, Mr Simpson returned to the PBR arena in 2021 after an eight-year hiatus.

In 2022, he played a pivotal role protect ing the human athletes from the bovine athletes at 10 different events and looks forward to returning to Townsville for the Grand Finals.

“I just love what I do,” Mr Simpson said. “Being in there, fighting bulls with great blokes makes the job so much easier.

“I also love the physical challenges of the sport.

“I think the finals this year are going to be off tap with a lot of energy and great bull rides.”

With a career spanning three decades, Mr Simpson remained coy about whether he will be making a return in 2023.

“It might be the last time you see me… but I’m not 100 percent on that yet,” he laughs.

Mr Dittmann and “Maddog” will take to the ring at the PBR Monster Energy Tour Grand Finals this weekend, November 25 and 26, at the Townsville Entertainment Centre.

Tia Gostelow appeared on billboards in New York City after being selected in YouTube’s Black Voices Class of 2023. Photo supplied

Jason Dittmann of Dittmann Bucking Bulls and his sons

Shane “Maddog” Simpson

Photos: Indigo Blue Photography

Let’s Light Up The Sky, Mackay!

Relax, unwind and bring in the new year at the annual New Year’s Eve River Party! Say goodbye to 2022 and kick off the new year with a bang on Saturday, 31st De cember.

The ever-popular NYE River Party brought to you by the Mackay Region al Council is back at Bluewater Quay from 6pm - 9pm.

There will be non-stop entertainment for the whole family featuring amuse ment rides, face painting, food ven dors, local musicians Tiffany Grace Music and Matt Tandy, as well as an exciting kids performance from a spe cial guest!

This free community event is a favour ite among locals and visitors alike. So come on down and party for the last event of 2022!

Don’t forget the fireworks at 9pm and midnight.

ONE MONTH ‘TIL SANTA

How busy is your Christmas calendar right now?

I just had a look at mine and it’s getting very full, and I love it. Oh, with today being the 25th, that means Xmas is exactly a month away! Yay!!

This time of the year is perfect. The weather is great, the days are long and there’s Xmas songs being played over the loudspeakers wherever you go! So much to love!

Yesterday I had a tourism board meeting, I was out volunteering with the kids at the PCYC, and also handing out meals with Meals on Wheels. I love helping and getting out and about. I’ve been doing it since we arrived in Mackay in 1981. This next week is another one with a full list of activities. Our 4MK Carols in the Gardens is next Sat urday and I can honestly say, San ta has lost a few kilos since the last time we saw him. He’s obviously been on the fresh fruit and veggies from the farmers markets.

Tomorrow however is one for the

sporting champions of the Mackay region. Top class netball is back and the game we’ve got lined up down at Mackay Basketball will certainly be amazing to see.

The Queensland Firebirds are tak ing on the Sunshine Phoenix in the Suncorp Spirit Cup tomorrow and by all reports it’s going to be a cracker. I’ll be the bloke cheering you all on with the microphone again. I must do a good enough job at the Meteors games so they’ve let me loose again!

Oh and by the way. If anyone has any present suggestions for a near ly 19-year-old daughter, can they let me know please? I was going to flick her a Harry Styles ticket for February, but she’s already beaten me to the punch on that one.

I asked her if she wanted to join me at the Cloudland show at the MECC last weekend but I’m still waiting on a reply. Hey, that’s just being a Dad. Anyone else know that feeling too?

Have fun, Rob

TALK DOES NOT KEEP YOU WARM AND DRY

Providing housing has historically been a State Government responsi bility. This has been supplemented by the outstanding efforts of churches and charities. Conditions now demand that we, as a council, enter the fray.

In my eyes it is just unacceptable, border ing on immoral, that we build “shiny and pretties” and fund things that in my eyes should be self-funded, while families are living in tents and sleeping in cars.

Before anyone starts talking about what these families should or should not do, you need to understand a few things. Money does not guarantee you a place to rent when there are none available. Sec ondly, it is exponentially harder for large families.

We have had a family of ten sleeping in

tents and a family of twelve sleeping in cars in a workshop. These families are being punished for doing something de serving of admiration. Both families had taken on kids from dysfunctional fami lies and now they themselves find them selves in a precarious position.

Up until now, all I see is a proliferation of talkfests about “affordable housing”. I sometimes wonder if this is just a way to not actually have to do something. Why? Because as anyone with any idea knows, affordable housing is neither like ly nor prompt.

We need to change the term to “accom modation”. Let’s take steps to “accom modate” people NOW and find housing once they are accommodated.

It was stated to me, when I suggested a property that had shared kitchens and bathrooms, that this was “not safe”. To me this is utterly absurd. Sleeping in a tent near a boat ramp seems astronomically more unsafe, yet we condemn vulnerable people, by our inaction, to this danger.

Times are desperate, and they will only get more desperate as Christmas ap proaches and families spend the “festive” season sleeping rough.

This is the time for giving, so I ask you to give ten minutes of your time to make a difference. Email your local politicians today – federal, state and local – and ask them to make accommodating families in our region a priority.

These families deserve a roof over their heads.

Cr Martin Bella Mackay Regional Council

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!

Tiffany Grace and Matt Tandy will perform at the New Year’s Eve River Party at the Bluewater Quay

16 Days of Activism

Each year, during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, we take part in the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.

When does it take place?

Campaigns and events will take place across Australia from Friday 25 November, In ternational Day for the Elimina tion of Violence against Women to Sat urday 10 December, Human Rights Day. We will also be raising awareness locally in Mackay over the 16 days.

Why is it important?

In Australia, 1 in 3 women has experi enced physical or sexual assault in her lifetime. By recognising the 16 Days of Ac tivism, we aim to raise public awareness of gender-based violence and mobilise peo ple everywhere to bring about change. What part does Zonta play?

We aim to:

• Raise awareness of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign in our local communities;

• Take local, national and international actions to influence the making and implementation of laws; and

• Contribute to changing gender-based attitudes and behaviours to end vio lence against women.

What’s happening in Mackay?

We have the following exciting plans in the works to raise awareness:

• Mackay Regional Council will light up the Sir Albert Abbott Administration building in orange, for the full 16 days;

Have you seen Christmas lights in your street yet? I understand councils having to get a head start on Christmas dec orations, given the amount of ground they need to cover but what in the Mariah Carey are people thinking?!

IT’S STILL NOVEMBER.

In all seriousness you can probably tell I’m a firm believer in not setting up before December 1st. And to be fair I’m slightly a Christmas grinch but that’s a story for another time. Regardless of the reasoning – it’s bad luck or tacky which are a few I’ve heard in the past - I just feel it’s too soon to be that festive! The Christmas break is still so far away.

This really is the debate every year much like when the hot cross buns hit

• Our well known ‘Or ange Ladies’ will pop up in various locations around the region; and

• We will be creating posters of support, as well as posting photos and updates throughout the 16 days on our Facebook page.

How can I get involved?

• Visit our website (zontadistrict22.org/ district-22-clubs/zonta-club-of-mack ay-inc/) to download the poster of sup port;

• Share your photos and messages of support with us via the Zonta Club of Mackay Facebook page; and

• Keep an eye out for our well known ‘Orange Ladies’ in locations around Mackay! These will provide an oppor tunity to learn more about the issue of gender-based violence, and the effects it has on our community.

For further information about any of these events, please send a message via Face book or email zontamackay@gmail.com. I look forward to sharing more about Zonta and our events with you!

Karlee Box Zonta Club Board Member

LEAVE NO ONE IN NEED IN MACKAY THIS CHRISTMAS

The Salvation Army is launching their annual Christmas Appeal for 2022 with the aim of raising $3.1 million in Queensland to ensure no one is left in need during the festive season.

Mackay Salvation Army is hoping to raise $20,000 to support the increase of people and families they predict to see over the Christmas period.

“Christmas is always the busiest time of the year for The Salvos – but add a turbu lent year with drastic increases to the cost of living – and we’re expecting even more individuals and families will need support so that no one is left in need and no child goes without a gift on Christmas Day,” Aux Lieutenant David Dobbie, Mackay Corps, The Salvation Army, said.

To support those doing it tough, The Sal vation Army is calling on the kindness, generosity and giving spirit of the Mackay community to help make Christmas a joy ful time for everyone.

“If you can afford to lend a hand or make a donation, you’ll be making a huge dif ference to those who are really struggling,” Aux Lieutenant Dobbie said.

“We are in need of toys and non-perish

able food items, which can be dropped off at the church office at 48 Gregory Street, Mackay. Or if you’d like to volunteer, please contact us on 07 4957 3576.”

For those needing food or gifts, or feel ing down or lonely this Christmas, please reach out to the Mackay Salvos, 48 Grego ry Street, Mackay by calling 07 4957 3576.

“For financial and emergency assistance, please reach out to our national financial support service on 07 3001 6288 (9am5pm Monday to Friday).”

“Most importantly, take time to remember what matters most at Christmas – con nection, community, friends, and fami ly. Reach out to people, spend time with those you care about, and if Christmas is a hard or lonely time for you, remember that your local Salvos family is always just down the road.

“From all of us at The Salvos, we wish you a peaceful and hope-filled Christmas,” Aux Lt Dobbie said.

You can find all the Christmas event information at salvationarmy.org.au/ events, or donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal at salvationarmy.org. au or by calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).

shelves in February.

One way I consider acceptable to cel ebrate Christmas in November is with Star 101.9’s Santa’s Storage Shed! One person in Mackay and the Whitsun days is going to win over 20k worth of prizes by spending $10 or more in se lected stores. If you’d like to get in the running for this one head over to our station website www.star1019.com.au

And don’t forget Star 101.9’s Carols in the Gardens are on at the much more appropriate time of Saturday, Decem ber 3rd at the Meadowlands Amphi theatre - Mackay Botanic Gardens. Gates open 5:30pm, for 6:30pm start so you can embrace your inner Buddy the Elf without any judgement from more grinchy people whatsoever.

You can join Scotty & Rach from 5am weekday mornings on Star 101.9 Mackay and 90.7 in Airlie Beach

Kaley

The Salvation Army is calling for volunteers and donations to help those in need this Christmas

CLUB OF MACKAY INC

EVENTGUIDE

FRIDAY 25 NOVEMBER

A Night With The Firebirds

Friday, 5:30pm

Join a night with the Queensland Firebirds to go behind the scenes with Head Coach, Rebecca Bulley and star players including Kim Ravaillion and Gabi Simpson. A night not to be missed in Mackay where you will hear first-hand on the season ahead and also unique stories from all. $65 which includes dinner and drink on arrival.

Souths Leagues Club Mackay

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

SATURDAY 26

NOVEMBER

Mackay Netball Clinic

Saturday, 8:00am

Join the Queensland Firebirds for a morning full of Netball! Meet and greet with the Firebirds followed by skills and drills led by the Netball Queensland team. This clinic is open for boys and girls aged 7+.

Mackay Netball Association

Sports Trainer Course

Saturday, 8:30am to Sunday, 1:00pm

The Level 1 Sports Trainer course covers how to manage emergency situations and apply first aid in a Rugby League environment as well as injury management, crisis management, concussion management, sports taping and transporting an injured athlete.

BB Print Stadium

QCWA Hoy And Cent Sale

Saturday, 1:30pm

Mackay Branch of the QCWA invite you to their Hoy and cent sale, Saturday November 26 from 1:30pm at the Mackay Branch Hall. Admission is $1 per playing card board including afternoon tea. Door raffles and cent sale tickets available with great prizes.

QCWA Mackay Branch Hall, 43 Gordon Street, Mackay

Celtic Stars

Saturday, 3:00pm

Claddagh School of Dance Annual Concert. A mix of modern and traditional Irish dancing performed by Jump’n Jig dancers through to Adult Celtic Dance Class. Beginners through to the World Championship 2023 Team - come celebrate Claddagh School of Dance’s achievements and progress in 2022

Mackay Northern Beaches State High School

Mackay Twilight Market

Saturday, 4:00pm to 9:00pm

Mackay Twilight Market at the Mackay Showgrounds in the big shed! $2 adult entry (kids 17 and under free). Entry fee collected at the door on your way in. Market stalls, Mini Eat Street, Local Musicians, Jumping Castles (Free) and Face Painting. Come browse the many local small business market stalls then have a seat to listen to local musicians all while enjoying the yummy food Mackay food trucks have to offer. ATM on site for customers convenience. Enjoy a night out with your friends & family. It’s not just another market, it’s a great night out.

Mackay Showgrounds

Suncorp Spirit Cup

Saturday, 7:00pm

Queensland Firebirds and Sunshine Coast Lightning are excited to announce the inaugural Suncorp Spirit Cup will take place at the Mackay Multisport Stadium on Saturday, November 26.

The pre-season match, proudly supported by Suncorp, means an early Queensland derby for both teams ahead of the 2023 Suncorp Super Netball season.

Mackay Basketball Stadium

Mackay Mazda Mavericks vs Mulgrave Vikings

Saturday, 7:00pm

Get down and enjoy some gridiron while supporting the Mackay Mazda Mavericks in their last home game of the season.

Wests Leagues Club Mackay

SUNDAY 27 NOVEMBER

Sunday Live Music – VaMa Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pmMackay Annual 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

MONDAY 28 NOVEMBER

Trivia Night

Every Monday, 6:30pm to 8:30pm Trivia night on Mondays at Centro Restaurant. There’s no excuse not to stretch the grey matter as it’s free to play so come along with your mates or you can be put in a team - each team can have 2-7 players. Registrations from 6:30pm, starts 7pm. Book your table to avoid disappointment by calling 4965 6100.

Magpies Sporting Club Mackay

TUESDAY 29 NOVEMBER

Santa Photos

Tuesday, 5:00pm to 7:00pm

Santa Claus is coming to Magpies! Meet Santa and get your family photos for free at Magpies reception. Bring your phone or camera to capture the memory. A gold coin donation is welcomed, all money will be donated to ‘Make a Wish Foundation’.

Magpies Sporting Club Mackay

WEDNESDAY 30

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

TVS Presents “This Is Me” Showcase

Wednesday, 6:30pm

It’s time for the Thompson Voice Studio end of year ‘This is Me’ Showcase! Thompson Voice Studio is excited to present soloists and groups performing their favourite personal

style for you all. On the Conservatorium stage, you will be entertained by children, teens and adults singing their hearts out, doing what they love to do! You will be impressed by the sounds and the talent of these special performers. Bring the whole family and your friends to support these wonderful local artists at an unbelievable evening of entertainment.

Central Queensland Conservatorium Of Music

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

Pauly Fenech’s Fighting Authority

Wednesday, 7:00pm

Pauly Fenech’s new show Fighting Authority will be appearing at the Seabreeze Hotel in Mackay on Wed 30 November. Doors Open 7pm. Show details and tickets available from the venue website seabreezemackay.com.au. Seabreeze Hotel

THURSDAY 1 DECEMBER

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

Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pmMackay Annual Come and meet your local growers, bakers and makers, chill on the lawn listening to some beautiful tunes and grab some delicious dinner and desert.

Bluewater Quay

Sports Trainer Course

Suncorp Spirit Cup

Santa Photos

TVS Presents “This Is Me” Showcase

The Man About Town

AMackay entrepreneur made his red-carpet debut at the premiere of his documentary at BCC Mount Pleasant last Thursday.

Adam Broadstock is the star of ‘The Man About Town’, a short documentary about carving a career through his business ‘Ad am’s Special Deliveries’, a play on the ac ronym for ‘autism spectrum disorder’, the condition Adam lives with.

“When Adam was ready to leave school, about the age of 18, we had no idea what he was going to do, there was nothing available for him, and we were a little concerned about his mental wellbeing as well as his social life,” said Adam’s mother Paula Broadstock.

Adam was given a small mail run which continued to grow and grow, eventuating to the small business he runs today.

“He likes driving and he likes meeting people, he likes being social,” Ms Broad stock said.

The film is one of six in the fourth season of the ‘Fearless’ series by Feros Care, shin ing a light on the value of diversity in the workforce.

“We want to be able to start a conversation within the community about more people in the workforce with disability,” said Feros Care Executive Manager of Disability and Community Development Jo Field.

“When people with disability can over come the barriers to get employment, it absolutely adds value both to their life and

to the life of their em ployers or companies.”

Ms Field is concerned about the statistics, saying 20% of Austra lians live with a disabil ity however only 9% of workplaces in Australia employ people living with disability.

“We’re out to change that and we’re out to chal lenge those stereotypes that prevent people with disability getting into employment,” she said.

“We want him (Adam) to be an inspiration, a role model, a motivator for lots of others.”

The fourth season is the first involving people with disability both in front of, and behind, the camera, however it is not the first time Sydney-based filmmaker Julian Neuhaus of Ironbark Films has worked on an inclusive set.

“When I step onto any project, particular ly if it’s been done by someone else before, my inspiration is to try and bring some thing new to it, something different, and we’ve done that through the inclusive film making aspect,” Mr Neuhaus said.

“They’re gaining experience but they’re ac tually helping out in the crew and they’re actually in a valued role and contributing

to the project.”

Mr Neuhaus directed and produced all six films in season four alongside film stu dents who were in paid employment roles.

“You do all sorts of different projects but making content that not only people want to watch but content that I like to think will make the world a better place is really the stuff you like doing the most because there is value in it,” he said.

Alycia Staples is a film student with Bus Stop Films and was flown from her home in Brisbane to Mackay for both the film ing and the premiere of ‘The Man About Town’.

“I’d heard of Julian because he was a teach er at Bus Top Films in Sydney so when I

heard about him, I was like, ‘Okay, he seems pretty awesome, sign me up!’” she said.

“It was just one of the best experiences I’ve ever had because, one, I got to work with a different organisation and, two, I got to meet new people in the organisation.

“I learnt a lot from Julian and from the other people in the organisation.”

Fearless Films Season Four, named ‘People With Disability Carving Careers’, will be officially launched online on December 2 ahead of the International Day of People with Disability on December 3.

View the trailer and sign up for the full series premiere at www.feroscare.com. au/fearless4.

Crafty Christmas Party

Adam Broadstock is the star of ‘The Man About Town’Producer Julian Neuhaus, film student Alycia Staples with star of the show Adam. Photos supplied

The Valley Spinners and Craft Group held its Christmas function recent ly at the Railway Hotel in Marian. The special day was made more person al with members exchanging hand-made craft gifts.

The group has been a local favourite for sharing craft techniques for more than four decades. In 2024 it will celebrate its 45th year. Members meet on the first Mon day and the third Saturday of each month.

School’s Out

One chapter ends as a new one begins for 56 year 12 students at Whitsunday Anglican School.

The students sang the school song for the last time last Friday, November 18, before walking through a ‘Walk of Hon our’, bringing a close to their schooling years.

School Captains Medha Dammalapati and Charlie Webb said the occasion was “extremely bittersweet”.

“All of the memories left behind but also the freedom of the new world,” said Medha.

“You’re leaving behind all these memo ries and all of these people you love and you’ve grown up with.”

“It’s exciting, scary, all of the above,” added Charlie.

“A whole new chapter of our lives has just been unlocked and we’re excited to take on what the world has to offer.”

The students began their senior year virtually as the pandemic restricted school attendance.

“They’ve been able to move through the many challenges and trials and tribu lations and through the adversity and they’ve been outstanding the whole way,” said Whitsunday Anglican School Principal Andrew Wheaton.

“They’re an outstanding cohort.

“Each and every year we continue to be absolutely astounded by what our stu dents achieve.

“The best advice that we can give our students is to really just be themselves and to follow their passions.”

A bittersweet end to their schooling years for 56 Whitsunday Anglican School students. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

All Conquering Mercy College Clinch Mackay Schools Rugby Cup Double

RUGBY UNION

Mercy College rugby students etched their names in the record books last week after bringing home a Mackay Schools Rugby Cup cham pionship double.

Competing for the final occasion in Mercy colours before the school’s amalgamation with St Patrick’s College in 2023, the Year 7/8 Boys and Year 9/10 Boys registered em phatic Grand Final triumphs at the Quarry Hills Rugby Grounds in North Mackay.

Mercy’s all conquering Year 7/8 Boys team capped an outstanding series by thumping Bowen State High 24-0 in the Cup Grand Final to remain undefeated.

Talented second rower Rory Lanigan pro duced a powerhouse display to earn the official Player of the Match award with strong performances from hooker Marik Srsen, back rower Cooper Elliott, half back Miles Kerrisk and forward Jesse Neale.

The Mercy outfit had too much power, skill and experience for their rivals in 2022 and didn’t concede a point for the entire competition – an incredible feat.

Squad comprised of Jesse Neale (captain), Marik Srsen, Rory Lanigan, Miles Ker risk, Dominic Sorbello, Cooper Elliott, Eli Cookson, Treyce Ciantar, Lucas Aslette, Mason Mayer, Emmanuel Andrews, San guiani Chinula, Archie Townsend, Cooper Anderson, Raawi Tebao and Lucas Bo shoff.

There was more joy for the Mercy Year

9/10 team as they toppled Holy Spirit Col lege 22-7 to lift the senior premiership tro phy.

Promising utility Toby Woodall turned in a superb performance with his strong run ning and no-nonsense defence a feature of the stirring triumph.

He was ably supported by talented flanker and stand-in skipper Declan Grady, clever half back Flynn Battaia and powerful colt Reuben Saron in a courageous team effort.

It was a huge turn around by the Mer cy boys who lost their final preliminary round clash to Holy Spirit the previous week to finish second in their Pool.

Mercy eclipsed Mackay North State High 19-7 in a semi-final then backed up to

avenge their loss to Holy Spirit with a con vincing display in the trophy decider.

Trailing 7-0, the Mercy warriors hit their straps and overpowered their rivals with 22 unanswered points.

Mercy College Rugby co-ordinator Jo Ci antar-Schatkowski said the players were just starting to realise the significance of their premiership victories.

“They are the last athletes to win a sporting title under the Mercy College banner and will go down in the school’s history books,” revealed Jo.

“It was a fine achievement by both squads and a reward for all the hard work put in on the training paddock and during matches over the past month” she said.

Frisbee Fever

DISC GOLF

For Chris Palazzi, throwing a frisbee is a euphoric experience.

“I like watching plastic fly, I don’t know what it is,” he said.

“Something about the physics, I guess it’s tranquil watching it fly.”

Chris has been playing disc sports for years, even representing Queensland and South Australia in ultimate frisbee.

As he got older and more courses were constructed around Australia, Chris fo cused his skills on disc golf, travelling to the Sunshine Coast last weekend to com pete in the Australian Disc Golf Champi onships.

The Australian Disc Golf Championships brought together some of the best in the world in a competitive yet social atmo sphere.

“There was a lot of intensity … but at the

same time, especially towards the end when we were following around the pro players, there was a really good atmo sphere, and it was really cool to see some of the best in the world competing,” he said.

Chris placed 11th out of 30 in his division, reaching as high as fifth throughout the weekend.

“I know there’s some things in my game that I need to work on and there’s some things in my game that are quite good compared to the pros,” he said.

Disc sports have been rising in popularity over the last few years, and the weekend gave Chris an appreciation of the level of skill out there.

“With things like Covid which meant you couldn’t do team sports any more, peo ple were looking for outdoor activities in small groups where you could stay isolat

ed, and disc golf just ticked all the boxes so it’s basically exploded over the last three years,” he said.

“There’s more and more courses being put in … Mackay’s hopefully one of the next spots to get one.”

Chris and his wife Keri run Kingfisher Disc Golf, a local supplier for everything disc sports and the sponsor for Mackay Disc Sports aiming to bring disc sports to Mackay.

“We’re trying to get both ultimate and disc

Jo was supported by Mercy staff members Ashley Fergus, Nina Gaviglio and Bevan Little.

Convened by legendary forward and Holy Spirit College staff member Kyle Danns with the support of Mackay & District Junior Rugby Union, the four week com petition is in its third year of operation featuring all Mackay schools as well as Bowen State High and Calen District State College.

Age divisions for Boys are Year 7/8 plus Year 9/10 which has two divisions of 15 a side rugby with Girls Year 7/8 and Year 9/10 playing a Rugby Sevens format.

By Chris Karas

golf going,” he said.

“They’re targeted at similar crowds but at the same time ultimately different; ulti mate’s a bit more athletic and disc golf is basically accessible to just about anyone.”

Mackay Disc Sports is holding their second league day this Sunday, November 27 from 2:30pm at John Breen Park in North Mackay.

For more information and to pre-register for the league day, visit Mackay Disc Sports on Facebook.

All conquering Mercy College Year 7/8 Rugby side that trounced Bowen State High 24-0 to win the Mackay Schools Rugby Cup premiership undefeated without conceding a point. L-R: Jesse Neal (captain), Dominic Sorbello, Cooper Elliott, Treyce Ciantar, Emmanuel Andrews, Marik Srsen, Sanguani Chinula, Archie Townsend, Rory Lanigan, Cooper Anderson; front Eli Cookson, Raawi Tebao, Miles Kerrisk, Lucas Boshoff, Lucas Aslette and Mason Mayer

Triumphant Mercy College Year 9/10 Rugby team that defeated Holy Spirit College 22-7 to lift the Mackay Schools Rugby Cup trophy. L-R: Jhett Peady, Justice Costigan, George Gofton, Tyler Pease, Parker Porter, Ryan John (co-captain), Jackson Aslette, Toby Woodall; front Kereama Gartner, Reuban Saron, Declan Grady (captain), Flynn Battaia and Nasiah Sailor

Chris Palazzi at the Australian Disc Golf Championships last weekend.

Photo credit: Kingsley Flett

Guardians Of The Beach Host Successful North Australian Titles

LIFESAVING

Mackay Surf Life Saving Club’s (SLSC) ‘Guardians of the beach since 1950’ hosted the 32nd an nual North Australian Titles from October 28 to 30, bringing huge success to the club and the lifesaving movement in general.

A contingent of over 530 competitors and over 150 officials and water safety person nel as well as a dedicated workforce de scended on Mackay’s beautiful Harbour Beach over the weekend.

With light northerly winds and crys tal-clear waters, the event was conducted in sensational conditions, something life savers really appreciate about the beautiful Mackay region.

“The club is very proud of our small but

strong competition group, from the nip pers in U11’s to our masters,” Mackay SLSC Director of Surf Sports Josh Grant said.

“To see our competitors take on the best of the best in the North and achieve some great results is a credit to the culture and commitment we have at our club.

“The feedback I have received from visit ing clubs is that they love coming here and competing at one of the best beaches in Queensland.

“I would just like to thank all the clubs that made the effort and travelled to Mackay to the North Aussies, we hope to see you next year!”

Mackay SLSC welcomed clubs from as far north as Cairns and south as Noosa for the

event and Club President Brendan Smith said the interest and participation has been very impressive.

“We are continuing to grow this event and I just want to thank all competitors, offi cials, patrolling members and volunteers for making this happen,” he said.

“We are now planning to make next year’s event bigger and better and would encour age the Mackay community to get involved in this iconic lifesaving event.”

Stand out achievements went to the club’s nippers including U11 Ash Johnson: 2nd Beach Flags and 3rd beach Sprint; U12 Jo Madden: 2nd Board race; and U14 Molly Madden: 2nd 2km Beach Run.

The Masters crew finished the carnival on 6th position with some great results from

Steve Bird: 1st Surf Ski & Surf race; Chris Webb: 1st 1km Beach run and 2nd surf race; Ben Madden: 3rd Ironman; Matty Newland: 3rd Ski; and Luke Griffith: 3rd 2km beach run, surf race and board race.

The masters crew excelled in ski team events taking 1st in double ski and 3rd in the ski relay with the Box Bellies Surf Boat Crew 2nd in the open division.

“It’s a fantastic result to place with the best of the best of Northern Australia,” said Mr Grant.

Mackay SLSC has a busy summer ahead, with the Tri-Series between Mackay, Eim eo and Sarina taking place tomorrow, No vember 26 and the Branch Titles on De cember 10 to 11.

Contributed by Josh Grant

brought to you by

Harbour Beach turns into a mini city for the North Australian Titles. Photo credit: Carl Stanojevic –Mackay Seen

U11 Ash Johnson – 2nd Beach Flags / 3rd Beach Sprint

U12 Jo “Jingle Bells“ Madden – 2nd Board Race

U14 Molly Madden – 2nd 2km Beach Run

Mackay March Past Team getting ready for events

MSLSC Box Bellies – 2nd Surf Boat Race

Masters Matty Newland in action during the board relay. Photo credit: Carl Stanojevic – Mackay Seen

Competing for Mackay SLSC is a family matter with many children competing as nippers with their parents competing in the masters category, like Josh Grant and his daughter Bella

Gifted Harper Wins Second Mackay District School Sportsperson Of The Year Award

Outstanding Mercy College athlete Harper Shields has been named the Mackay District School Sport Stuart Jackson Sportsperson of the Year for a second consecutive season.

12-year-old Harper was recognised for his superb feats on the touch football field and received the prestigious trophy from Aus tralian touch football representative Katie Geiger at the recent Awards Ceremony at Magpies Sporting Club.

It was a proud moment for the gifted Shields, who helped Queensland claim a silver medal at the recent SchoolSport Australia Under 12 Touch Football Cham pionships in Wagga.

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.

Receiving the Stuart Jackson Trophy as Mackay District School Sport’s top Sportsperson of the Year for a second time has capped a memorable 2022 for Harp er, who is also a promising rugby league fullback with the Wanderers club and emerging all round cricketer for Mackay Brothers and the Mackay-Whitsundays representative team.

Shields earlier captained Capricornia schoolboys to a second successive State Touch Football Championship; Mercy College to the inaugural Fast Four Mack ay All Schools Mixed Touch Football Under 13s title and helped the Under 13 Mercy Boys reach the last 16 at the Titans All Schools Championships on the Gold Coast.

Harper also collected the major award in the Touch Football (10-12yrs Boys) cate gory plus a Queensland State representa

tive gold plaque.

Mercy College Sportswoman of the Year Kayce Hoani-Vincent took out the Mack ay District School Sport Encouragement Award trophy (13-19yrs) for her magnif icent deeds on the squash court and ath letics field.

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

Number one ranked Kayce lined up for her beloved Maroons against the best junior squash players from NSW and New Zea land at the Daisy Hill Squash & Racquet Club complex and posted impressive vic tories 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.

Kayce demonstrated her versatility by also winning the Pole Vault gold medal in the 16yrs age group at the Queensland Sec ondary Schools Athletics Championships in Brisbane.

She will now represent Queensland at the Australian All Schools Track & Field Championships in Adelaide from Friday December 9 to Sunday December 11.

Promising Holy Spirit College triathlete Cameron Wonnocott received the Amar lie Carroll Sportsperson of the Year trophy (13-19yrs) for his outstanding achieve ments in 2022.

Emerging hockey midfielder Matthew Da vies claimed two major MDSS 10-12yrs Sports Awards for both hockey and tennis.

12-year-old Davies, a Year 7 student at Mercy College, also received a Queensland State repre sentative gold plaque for his efforts with the Maroons at the 10-12yrs School Sport Australia and U/13 Boys Na tional Hockey Champion ships.

Mercy College student Alexis Sorbello won the major 1012yrs Netball prize while Cooper New bery (Cricket), Jacob Durelli (Football) and Angus Barnes (Rugby League) were nominat ed in their re spective sport ing categories.

Talented Eimeo Road State School Year 5 athlete Ayla Moon was presented with the Col Webley Encouragement Award for top displays in 10-12yrs Track & Field events.

Queensland State representative gold plaques were awarded to the following St Patrick’s College and Mercy College stu dents:

Charli Bliss (Basketball 16-18yrs); Meghan

Rising Run And Jump Stars

TRACK & FIELD

Two emerging athletes from Mack ay represented Queensland earli er this month at the 2022 School Sport Australia 10-12 Years Track & Field Championships held in Brisbane.

Learnie Scott set the medal-winning tone early, clutching silver in a count back in the 11 years long jump, with a leap of 4.63m.

Eimeo Road State School student Ayla Moon ran a strategic run in the 10 years 800m to advance to the final. She found second gear in the main race, pulling out a four-second personal best to win silver. She then joined the 10-year girls medley relay representing Queensland where the team won gold and broke the national re cord.

For her efforts in track and field, Ayla was recently awarded the Col Webley Encour agement Award at the Mackay District School Sport Awards.

McCartney (Cricket 16-19yrs Girls); Haiden Mellifont (Hockey 13-19yrs); Ka leb Mayfield (Hockey 16yrs Boys); James Allen (Softball 13-19yrs Boys); Harper Shields (Touch Football 10-12yrs Boys); Matthew Davies (Hockey 10-12yrs Boys); Cohen Jackson (Rugby League 15yrs Boys); Kayce Hoani-Vincent (Squash 1019yrs; Track & Field 13-19yrs) and Mikay la Webb (Track & Field 13-19yrs).

By Chris Karas

Dual MDSS Sportsperson of the Year Harper Shields and MDSS 13-19yrs Sporting Encouragement Award recipient Kayce Hoani-Vincent display their latest trophies

Learnie Scott won a silver medal in the 11 years long jump at the School Sport Australia Track & Field Championships

Ayla Moon (right) won a gold and a silver at the School Sport Australia Track & Field Championships

Mackay Athletics Club Cleans Up At North Queensland Awards

On The Greens at Goosies

ATHLETICS

While Mackay is full of out standing athletes who can run fast, jump further than most and throw heavy objects a long way; the Mackay Athletics Club was recently rec ognised across all facets of its sport, rec ognising the valuable contribution of its top volunteers among its talented athletes.

At the Athletics North Queensland (ANQ) Awards earlier this month, Mack ay and the Whitsundays took out around half of the awards, from an area spanning the Keppel Coast in the south to Cairns in the north, and inland encompassing the Tablelands, Mount Isa and Emerald.

Lee-Anne Hinschen from the Whitsun days club and James Grech from Mackay Athletics were both recognised for their long-standing dedication to the sport of athletics, by receiving life membership awards.

Other dedicated volunteers to be rec ognised were the mother-and-son duo of Kym and James Galea, awarded Official of the Year and Junior Official of the Year re spectively. Kym’s contribution is huge be hind the scenes, looking after a plethora of administration, as well as volunteering on the field as an official. Her son James is a talented athlete but also dedicates his time to being an official in-between his own events. Kym’s husband, Kevin, is also an exceptional masters athlete and coach es athletes in throwing events.

Mackay Athletics Club also took the gong for the best event for its annual Track and Field Carnival.

The athletes recognised for their excep tional talent were Mikayla Webb, winning the Emerging Athlete of the Year and Jus tin Rule, winning the Masters Athlete of the Year.

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.

Only days before winning this award, Jus tin Rule had been competing at the Pan Pacific Masters Championships on the Gold Coast. Justin had an exceptional competition, producing personal-best times to win two gold medals, two silvers and a bronze, as well as coming fourth in four other events. He said his highlight of this competition was the 1500m race where he ran one of the best tactical races of his masters running career, winning by more than four seconds.

From the Whitsundays, Sylvie Thureau-Martin also won the Recreation al Runner of the Year award.

ANQ Award Winners

(Mackay and Whitsundays)

Life Memberships

Lee-Anne Hinschen (Whitsundays)

James Grech (Mackay)

Award Recepients

Mikayla Webb - Emerging Athlete of the Year (Mackay)

Justin Rule - Masters Athlete of the Year (Mackay)

Sylvie Thureau-Martin- Recreational Runner of the Year (Whitsunday)

Kym Galea - Official of the Year (Mackay)

James Galea - Junior Official of the Year (Mackay)

Mackay Track and Field Carnival - Event of the Year

BOWLS

Both the men’s and women’s bowls AGM will be held at the club on Monday evening 28th November. Please support your club and attend this important meeting.

WEEKLY SOCIAL RESULTS

Monday mixed pairs draw winners were Jan Little and Robyn Rintoul, followed by Morrie Pearson and Greg Pembroke. The lucky draw winners were Jan Little and Pe ter Cowling.

Wednesday ladies’ day: Cecilia Lee, Bev McDonald and Debbie Mackenzie won the day, with Betty Mulhall and Marie Bragg in second place.

Thursday mixed pairs winners were Fran cis and Barry Lehmann with Shane Tran nore and Andrew Coates coming second.

Greens vouchers were won by Val De Pin to and Tony Allsop.

Vern Mietzel won the kitty toucher.

Friday mixed pairs best card winners were Ken McLean and R. Boulter. Lucky draw winners were Debbie Mackenzie and Jean Zamparutti. Runners up lucky draw was won by Ernie Sealy and Alex Cameron.

Saturday men’s day was won by Gary Sim mons and Vic Gaudion. Welcome back to the winner’s circle Gary. Vic is also tam ing his new bowling arm very successfully. Runners up were Ken Lane and Greg Pem broke. We haven’t seen Greg for a while, welcome back Greg.

The jackpot was won by Ernie Sealy and Trevor Laurens.

Contributed by Tony Allsop.

Jessie Haber is a regular player at Goosies

Lyn Tennant and John Chester-Master looked after the box last Thursday

Athletics North Queensland award winners from the Mackay Athletics Club. L-R: Mikayla Webb, Justin Rule, James Grech, Kym Galea and Kevin Galea (on behalf of son James Galea)

Sheridan Crowned Player Of The Year

Mackay Table Tennis Player of the Year Anne Sheridan with trea surer Donna Abbott and president Janice Kent at the association’s presentation dinner. Pho tos: Charlie Payne

Emma

Division

Under 18 boys singles winner Trent Day with junior fixtures organisers Emma Wid dup and Sara Patterson

Ajunior star from the 90s was named Mackay Table Tennis Play er of the Year at the association’s annual presentation dinner on Saturday.

Anne Sheridan won her first Mackay Closed women’s title in 1997 and has won

five in total.

This year she represented the association at the Queensland Veterans champion ships in Mackay and the Australian titles at Darwin, and was runner-up to Emma Widdup for the Mackay Closed women’s title.

Emma, who won four medals at the Aus tralian veterans titles, was presented with the President’s Award by association presi dent Janice Kent.

Janice told the gathering there had been a sharp rise in membership in 2022, a trend which the committee aimed to repeat next year.

Janice said Tuesday morning and night fixtures, juniors on Wednesdays and se nior social play on Friday mornings had attracted strong interest, and coaching sessions with Brisbane coach Bruno Levis and former Mackay junior Rebekah Stan ley would continue in 2023.

By Charlie Payne

The Quay To A Road Runner’s Summer

Committed

RUNNING

Nearly forty runners and walk ers met with Club Captain and Race Director, Jim Ford for the very popular weekly offseason program, Shawn’s Summer Social Series.

Jim was in perfect form once again, set ting an interesting timed four leaf clover shaped 5km and 10km circuit, although there were options for runners to reduce their distances due to their current level of fitness.

The City Centre’s beautiful Bluewater Quay was the start point and also the

check in point as each leaf of the clover was completed.

Jim was very proud of his Sunday after noon cohort for their diligence in adapt ing the course to suit the time trial style, although he was a little doubtful at the race briefing.

Congratulations to a multitude of local athletes who took part in the Hamilton Island Triathlon which had to be altered to an Aquathon due to the weather con ditions.

It was once again an outstanding success on the Island’s infamous waterways and hilly terrain as well as at the post race pre

sentation and various hydration sessions. A stand out performance came from lo cal junior Cameron Wonnocott who was fourth overall and 1st in his age category.

His successful racing is due to Camer on’s amazing commitment to the sport as well as major support from his family and coach.

Sam Sticklan took to the podium with a 3rd place in the open women’s category ahead of fourth placed Alyce Garth.

Megan Moa was the tenth female across the line and 2nd in her age category ahead of other successful locals includ

ing Mel Harris, Murray Wonnocott, Luke Goodale, Ryan Corry, Jenny Smith and Jose Short who also backed up to do the Shawn’s Summer Series 10km event.

This Sunday’s Shawn’s Summer Social Series moves onto the next stage of the around the City program as we cross the Bridge to meet at the Gooseponds Dog Park carpark, Willis Street, North Mackay.

The start time will be the usual 5:30pm with runners and walkers arriving at least 10 minutes prior to sign on and race brief ing instructions.

TABLE TENNIS

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

Mackay Road Runner Peter Ford was late and didn’t even have his shoes on, although it is believed he had an excellent excuse

Alana Knesevic sets a great pace on the first ‘leaf’ section in the 10km event ahead of Derek Woods and Lily Leven

L-R Luke Leven, Oliver Rule, Angus Jacobs and Rodney Elworthy sprint in unison in the 10km Shawn’s Summer Social Series event from Bluewater Quay. Photo credit: Janelle Tilse

Carmel Mahon and Andrew Wallace run consis tently during the Four Leaf Clover 10 km event

2 women’s singles winner Delma Knight accepts the trophy from patron Rhon da Payne with runner-up Andrea Nich olson

Widdup with her children Bridget, Em ily and Lily Boland at the Mackay Table Tennis presentation dinner with some of their awards. Emma was presented the President’s Award

BORE

Situated in one of Mackay’s most picturesque suburbs of “Habana”, is a unique North facing 36+ acre landholding offering uncompromised views and tranquillity. Set within the ambience of an acreage hideaway, yet just 27 minutes from the CBD, this outstanding property offers a spectacular vista over Habana Bay to Cape Hillsborough.

Vacant land of such size and calibre rarely becomes available. This gently sloping land with elevated flat house sites, is a blank canvas offering unrivalled opportunity to create a legacy estate.

The block is fully useable and is currently run as a Pangolla Hay Farm. This pastured

land could be used for any number of rural pursuits. Situated at the end of a quiet country road with power connected and an unequipped bore.

Whether you are looking to build a single level home or elevated to improve the views, this versatile block will undoubtedly accommodate all your needs. Being a comfortable commute from Mackay, you have all the city conveniences with a dream rural lifestyle.

After a visit to tranquil Habana and its friendly neighbourhood it is easy to understand the areas enduring popularity.

Expression of interest closing at 3pm today….Please contact Peter Francis for additional information on this once in a lifetime opportunity.

WIN A NEW CAR

“Thank you so much to Ben, Justin and Nic for the sale of our home. Their hard work, knowledge, truthfulness and patience was admirable! Nothing was ever too hard and their communication was flawless!”

Danny and Katrina, Sellers

10 Coral Ridge Dr Eimeo

The full package awaits you here upon Coral Ridge Drive, taking in views over both Bucasia Beach and Sunset Bay coming home will be a dream. Built to impress don’t be deceived by this home’s modest facade, upon entering you’ll soon appreciate the sheer size and space let alone the upmarket finishes throughout. Sprawling across two levels this hilltop home includes an array of both indoor and outdoor living spaces, five bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple car accommodation and an inground concrete pool. This home oozes plenty of storage, a/c throughout, C-Bus system and is fully alarmed.

11 Madison Ave Glenella

This contemporary brick home has plenty to offer, with ample living space inside and out, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, double lock-up garage and two bay shed the list goes on. The living spaces include a formal lounge leading into the kitchen, dining and 2nd lounge space. Towards the rear of the home you’ll find the master and 3 remaining bedrooms, all with BIR’s and the master with an ensuite, plus this home has ducted air conditioning throughout. Outside you’ll find the perfect spot to entertain on the covered patio however, the real crown is the 6x6m shed with concrete driveway side access.

By Negotiation By Negotiation Saturday 11:00-11:30am By Appointment

3 2

2 4

Y BED BATH CAR POOL BED BATH CAR SHED Y

5 4

Ben Chick 0418 764 399

Ben Chick 0418 764 399

Situated in Walkerston, known for its peacefulness & serenity, plus its exceptional neighbourly spirit, is this 4-bedroom, character filled home. Featuring an open plan living, dining & kitchen area with a/c, fans & access to the outdoor entertaining area. The kitchen features ample bench & cupboard space, a dishwasher, WIC, s/s appliances & an island bench with breakfast bar. Carpeted & fully soundproof theatre room. Master carpeted with a/c, fans, WIR, ensuite & access to the outdoor entertaining area. Bedrooms 2, 3 & 4 carpeted with fans, A/C and BIR. A fully tiled formal bathroom with a tub and separate toilet. Large outdoor entertaining area. Fully fenced 1,176 sqm allotment with side access & plenty of room for pool & shed!

This brand-new home is one for the taking! Featuring an open plan living, dining & kitchen area, with a/c & fans. The kitchen featuring a breakfast bar and stainless-steel appliances. Master bedroom is carpeted with a fan, a/c, WIR & ensuite. Three more spacious bedrooms carpeted with a/c, fans & BIR. Fully tiled formal bathroom with tub & separate toilet. Laundry includes ample storage space. Cosy media room carpeted with fan and a/c. Outdoor entertaining area & double bay remote controlled garage.

Like no other...There’s been an amazing transformation on this home – which makes easy living for you. The vibe is coastal open plan, the natural light streams in; the fresh paint & flooring means there’s nothing to do just move in & enjoy. A Stunning kitchen the hub of the home, well designed with amazing bench & storage space for a younger family to learn, grow & flourish. Homework time or letting the kids join in while making Christmas treats will be super easy & practical. All appliances modern & on point. Solar power for your convenience. Fantastic outside living, fully fenced & safe yard. Call Today!

75 Whitehaven Dr Blacks Beach

5 Regency Cres Beaconsfield

14 St Rita Ct Walkerston

8 Sturgeon St, Ball Bay O/F $499,00010:45-11:15Blacks RE

7A2 12 Coatbridge Ct, Beaconsfield $470,00010:00-10:30Blacks RE

8D244 Hodges St, East Mackay $629,00012:00-12:30Blacks RE

9D26/11 Bridge Rd, East Mackay By Neg 9:00-9:30Gardian

10C22/63 Shakespeare St, East MackayBy Negotiation9:00-9:30Explore 60 Jardine Dr, Erakala AUCTION10:00-10:30Gardian

8 Shetland Ct, Erakala By Neg 9:00-9:30Gardian

11 B19 Royal Blvd, Glenella O/O $555,0009:30-10:00Blacks RE

12B110 Grevillea Dr, Glenella O/F $579K9:00-9:30Gardian

13B134 Madison Ave, Glenella O/F $599K9:00-9:30Gardian

14C25/1 Nelson St, Mackay O/F $579K10:00-10:30Gardian

40 Vellas Rd, Marian Auc on site 3/1212:00-1:00Blacks RE

15B18 Blackall, Mt Pleasant By Neg 11:00-11:30Gardian

16B234 Burgess St, North Mackay Redc - $375k neg10:00-10:30Blacks RE

17C213 Knobel St, North Mackay AUCTION8:30-9:00Gardian

18D121 Hastings St, Ooralea O/F $499k10:00-10:30Gardian

19A19 Rosalind Vista, Richmond By Neg 11:00-11:30Gardian

20C253 Penn St, South Mackay Redc - $325k neg11:00-11:30Blacks RE

21D262 Hart St, South Mackay By Neg 12:15-12:45Gardian 14 St Rita Ct, Walkerston By Negotiation9:00-9:30Explore

22C15/390 Bridge Rd, West Mackay $317,5009:00-9:30Explore 23C226 Wardrop St, West Mackay $379K 10:00-10:30Gardian 24D27 Wardrop St, West Mackay $445,00010:00-10:45Blacks RE 25D138 Mcginn St, West Mackay By Neg 10:00-10:30Gardian 193 Pleystowe Connection Rd, BalnagowanReduced to $550k10:45-11:30Blacks RE

Acreage Close To Town

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 .

60 Jardine Drive, Erakala

OPEN SAT - 10:00AM - 10:30AM

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.

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.

Perfectly positioned close to Mackay’s CBD and the beach this low set solid home is as good as new, if not better, with a modern restoration completed internally and ready for that lucky someone to enjoy all that’s on offer here.

Renovations include but are not limited to - bathroom, laundry, kitchen, carpeted bedrooms, and tiled living areas and an extended new patio.

The restoration for this solid home and massive shed in the big backyard is the cherry on top for this complete property.

Tired of looking at older existing homes and seeing all of the work and money that needs to go into them? Well look no more. Make your way to 62 Hart Street and enjoy the fruits of another's labour, and a massive 3 bay shed.

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

As you enter you are welcomed with a natural sunlit lounge room. The kitchen stands at the hub of the home and is adjacent to the generous dining and living room.

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. A truly quiet and convenient location

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.

By Negotiation