Mackay Life

Mackay

turned out in force to watch the stars of the AFLW take to Great Barrier Reef Arena last Saturday.

It was the Gold Coast Suns facing off against St Kilda, with both sides looking to bounce back from big defeats in round four of the 2022 com Withpetition.the sun shining above, fans of all ages took

to the arena for the match, with mums, dads, boys and girls all donning their favourite guernseys.

Great Barrier Reef had previously hosted three elite women’s matches since the partnership be tween the Suns and Mackay Regional Council be gan in 2019; a partnership that was extended for four years in July.

“The Suns have made Mackay our second home for our AFLW team and we’ve had great support

from the region every time we visit,” said Gold Coast Suns Chief Executive Mark Evans.

“We’re committed to bringing marquee AFLW matches to Great Barrier Reef Arena and con tinuing to grow women’s football in the region, which has seen a 50 per cent participation in crease since 2018.”

Continued on page 21

The sun shone on Great Barrier Reef Arena on Saturday as AFLW returned to Mackay. Photo supplied: Gold Coast Suns

MACKAY

There is a smorgasbord of events on the horizon hap pening in Mackay, and I’m sad to be missing them all!

CollinsvilleCharitable

World day, of course.

Amanda Wright – 0428 amanda@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com421

PUBLISHER

Rebecca Douthwaite bec@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

Rumble on the Reef, the WBBL, PBR and more, it’s going to be an action-packed September and Oc Otober.urweekly event guide is almost overflowing this week and it never fails to get bigger. Pay close atten tion to it over the coming weeks as there is a lot happening in sport, art and entertainment.

JOURNALIST

Declan Durrant declan@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

Sam Gillespie sam@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

SALES

Mike McCann - 0427 897 michael@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com960

Jessica Clark - 0419 710 jess@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com218

SUBSCRIBE www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.comFREE All material is correct at time of printing and is copyright of CORE Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.

Don’t forget that it’s free to list an event in our guide for not-for-prof it clubs and organisations, simply drop us an email with the details and we’re happy to include it.

Amanda bookings@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com:

While I’m sad to be missing so many great local events, I have a few of my own to make up for it, including baseball at Dodger Sta dium, NASCAR at Talladega, Joe Rogan in Atlanta and if this rock et launch with NASA is delayed much longer then I might be able to time a visit to Cape Canaveral with an actual space launch. Only if it doesn’t clash with my Disney

In case you’re into ‘space stuff’, NASA’s “mega moon rocket” (Ar temis 1) is now scheduled to make its third liftoff attempt on Septem ber 27. I think that’s pretty darn cool and a lot of the world will be Whenwatching.this edition comes out, I’ll already be in Los Angeles helping my husband prepare to compete in the Masters World Track Cycling AfterChampionships.thecompetition is when I get a holiday. While I’m driving across the southern states of North Amer ica, our Mackay journalist Sam will keep you up to date on each edition. And thanks to our trendy new online flip book, I won’t miss an edition while I’m on the road. You’ll see me again in the first edi tion for November.

So, it’s bye for now, but I’ll be back before you know it. There’s no place like home!

MackayCQorganisationnot-for-profitRACQRescuewas

amazed when they opened a do nation moneybox collected from Collinsville.Thefundraising team was flab bergasted to find the moneybox loaded up with notes where just loose change would normally be “Smallfound. communities often have the biggest hearts,” RACQ CQ Rescue wrote on Facebook.

“They also help inspire the great est change.”

“How incredibly generous of such a small community who are obviously grateful for the differ ence our service and crew make to those who live and work so far west,” the post reads on.

“Every cent counts when it comes to saving lives.

“To all our Collinsville support ers, our enormous thanks for

helping ensure we can be the difference in a time of dire need to you and the rest of Central AsQueensland.”acommunity-funded rescue helicopter service, RACQ CQ Rescue is a lifeline to anyone, anywhere at any time across Cen tral and North Queensland. Thanks to the dedicated staff and generous supporters, RACQ CQ Rescue has rescued, transferred, retrieved and winched thou sands of people who say their lives would be extremely differ ent today if the helicopter wasn’t available to help them when they needed it.

Often a patient’s only lifeline, RACQ CQ Rescue offers aero medical and search and rescue assistance to those in dire situa tions.

To find out more or make your own donation, visit www.cqres cue.org.au.

The RACQ CQ Rescue fundraising team found a Collinsville moneybox full of notes. Photo supplied: RACQ CQ Rescue

VC Recipient Attends Queen’s Funeral

Mackay

resident and last living Australian recipient of the original Victoria Cross (VC) medal Keith Payne VC AM was invited to attend Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in London this week.

Mr Payne was among four VC recipients to be invited to the ceremony alongside Mark Donaldson, Ben Roberts-Smith and Daniel Keighran, as well as George Cross recipient Michael Pratt.

“Keith is an icon of Mackay and we’ve got to remember his contribution in the Vietnam War and since, not just around here but all over Australia really and probably around the world,” said RSL Mackay Sub Branch President Ken Hig Mrgins

Payne had met the Queen many times and admired her greatly.

“He had quite a few meetings with her over the years,” said Mr Higgins.

“It’ll be a great experience for him and (the Queen was) a woman that he greatly admired, too.

“He really admired the Queen and said that quite openly and quite often.”

“We are absolutely delighted in him be ing invited to go to the funeral services and we’re very proud of his history and him representing the veterans and the RSL.

“We just hope that he has a safe and healthy trip with the support of his vet eran mates all around Australia, particu larly from Mackay.”

A memorial has been set up in the RSL Mackay Sub Branch incorporating portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III and Mr Payne.

“We’ve had quite a few discussions about it since she passed and, yeah, it’s a big thing, a big thing for the country,” said Mr Higgins.

“As veterans and as an RSL, it’s a change, it’s a massive change.

“The whole military structure changes

Mrnow.”Higgins represented the RSL Mack ay Sub Branch alongside fellow veteran Col Benson at a service held at Holy Trinity Church on Sunday, September 11 to farewell the Queen.

The service was agreed upon by the Queen herself and her favourite hymns and prayers were shared.

“It paid tribute to her and the actual an nouncement of King Charles now being our king,” said Mr Higgins.

“It was an honour for us to be there rep resenting the town.”

RSL Mackay Sub Branch have erected a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Keith Payne VC, Charles Upham VC and Bar (NZ), Sir Roden Cutler VC, Jack Hinton VC (NZ), Edward (Ted) Kenner VC taken on Armistice Day on Norfolk Island, November 11 1992

GARDIAN INSURANCE

with you, at every step.

that has been welcomed by many here in the Mackay region” said Gardian Senior Account Executive Kellie Leach “We are delighted Sure Insurance entered the regional Queensland market when they did because as most people know, our choices were limited when compared to the major cities.”

“Sure’s claims handling and processes are excellent. We are really happy there is always

someone available to help answer any questions we have about their insurance products” says Kellie. The team at Gardian take the stress out of protecting one of your most valuable assets - your home. We are always available for a chat if you have questions about your property and your home and contents insurance cover. Gardian Insurance With You, At Every Step.

Arranging insurance on your home and contents is likely never going to be the most exciting task on your to-do-list but, it is one of those essential household tasks that simply have to be done.

It’s often quicker and far less stressful when you’ve got the help of a local insurance broker who understands the jargon and can assist you when it comes to finding a policy that suits your individual circumstances, and most importantly, finding the most affordable premium.

Whether you’re purchasing a property for the first time, changing locations, or looking to compare policies and costs among different insurance companies to stay ahead of the rising cost of living, it’s worth giving Gardian Insurance Brokers a

call to see if they can help.

Gardian Insurance Brokers were established in 2006 and as part of their commitment to keeping insurance simple, their team have been working closely with regional insurance specialist Sure Insurance over the past 18

Suremonths.Insurance is a regional Queensland insurance company managed and staffed by Queenslanders who are committed to delivering affordable household and residential strata insurance across regional, north and far north Queensland.

“Increasing household insurance premiums were becoming unaffordable for many people in our local community but, Sure has delivered a level of affordability .

Gardian

Crowdfunding Campaign Established For Nanna’s Bench

Apetition

to rename a Slade Point park in honour of a beloved for mer resident has been denied by Mackay Regional Council, with a park bench being recommended and agreed upon instead.

The petition to rename Seagull Street Park was lodged with council in August 2021 following the death of Nolear ‘Nanna’ Ramsamy, aged 103, by Nanna’s grandson John DocumentsRamsamy.from council’s ordinary meet ing held on Wednesday September 14, 2022, read “noting that renaming of a Park itself wouldn’t fit under Council’s Policy, options allowed such as installation and naming of park infrastructure (ie: park bench seat with plaque) were discussed.”

“It is recommended that in line with Council’s adopted policies, it does not re name the Seagull Street Park as requested, and rather the Council agrees to the in stallation of an appropriate piece of park infrastructure at the applicant’s cost with

the appropriate plaque recognising Nanna CouncillorRamsamy.”

Alison Jones, a friend of Nan na, has since started a crowdfunding cam paign of her own volition, aiming to raise $3,000 for a park bench seat to be installed at the park.

“It’s not just the Ramsamy family that would want her remembered in that way,” said Ms Jones.

“There is a large number in the commu nity that would want to remember her as “Ifwell.we did a GoFundMe, that would give everybody an opportunity to put some money together, and we would be able to pay for the chair that way.

“Therefore, it’s not on a particular family member, it’s a community remembrance.”

Ms Jones said Nanna’s 103 years were filled with love, family and community.

“The one thing that was always very, very

dear to Nanna’s heart was her family,” she “Thesaid.way she would embrace commu nity was just outstanding.

“She would make everybody feel wel “She’scome. just an all-around amazing lady and she has a huge amount of respect in our community, not just in Slade Point, but the greater Mackay commu nity as well.”

Ms Jones said the park and the creek held significance to Nanna and the Ramsamy family who have called the Slade Point area home for generations.

“The family that lived close to the creek would take her (Nanna) down there in her wheelchair in her later years and just sit there and allow her to watch every body else catching fish,” she said.

“As long as she was down there at the creek, that was her happy place.”

To find out more about the Go FundMe campaign, of-a-park-bench-seat.www.gofundme.com/f/purchase-visit

A crowdfunding campaign has been established to assist in purchasing a park bench to honour late Slade Point resident Nolear ‘Nanna’ Ramsamy. Photo supplied: John Ramsamy

Interim Chief Executive Named For Mackay Hospital

Mackay

Hospital and Health Ser vice has welcomed Paula Foley as interim Chief Executive.

Paula joined the Executive Leadership Team this week and will remain with the health service until the recruitment of a permanent Chief Executive.

She is an accomplished health professional and senior clinician with 29 years of expe rience in hospitals and health service.

Paula has held many leadership roles with in Queensland Health and most recent ly was Chief Operating Officer – Mater Health, South Queensland, responsible for overseeing public and private hospitals.

Prior to that, Paula worked at Metro South Hospital and Health Service, where she was the Director of the Clinical Improve ment Unit, Director of Nursing and Dep uty Surgical Stream Lead from 2011 to

Paula2021.

holds a Master’s in Project Manage ment/Clinical Redesign, a Bachelor of Sci ence (Organisational Psychology) and a Bachelor of Health Science-Nursing.

She has been awarded Hospital and Health Service Board Chair Awards, including Empowering People, Excellence in Pa tient-Centred Care, Shaping our Future and Innovative Strategies in Improving Patient Access to Elective Surgery.

When she’s not working Paula can be found spending time with family and friends and relaxing with a good book.

Paula Foley has been appointed as interim andMackayExecutiveChiefofHospitalHealthService

Changes To Mackay’s Bus Services

From

Monday, September 26, there will be some changes to Translink fares and zones in the Mackay and surrounding regions, making public trans port simpler and fairer.

Translink said “The new fares and zones will make using and paying for public transport simpler, fairer and more consis tent, ahead of the future rollout of Smart Ticketing throughout Queensland.

Smart Ticketing is an innovative ticketing technology that enables more ways to pay for public transport across Queensland. Over time, more and more Queenslanders will be able to pay for travel with contact less payment methods using a Visa, Mas tercard and American Express debit card, credit card, smartphone or smart device.

Translink added on its website that the timetable wouldn’t change.

Visit Translink.com.au or download the mytranslink app for updated maps and fares.

“Fares will be consistent across networks in regional Queensland with a simplified zone structure that extends outwards from your town centre, making it easier to calculate the cost of your journey.”

Fresh Hope For Shandee

There is fresh hope that the murderer of Shandee Black burn will soon be brought to justice following a revelatory podcast that brings into question the quality of the forensic evidence processing by the state-run labora Thetory.podcast, which was produced by investigative journalist Hed ley Thomas from The Australian, found that lab results from DNA testing were likely mis-handled.

In the podcast Dr. Kristy Wright advises that there had been 17 in correct results released from the Alaboratory.former forensic biologist also called the handling of the case a "forensic train wreck".

This evidence combined prompted the coroner to reopen the coronial investigation into Shandee’s death.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the inquiry in June and it will be headed by the former President of the Court of Appeal, retired judge Walter Sofronoff.

Shandee Blackburn was murdered in February 2013 in the early hours of the morning as she was walking home from her workplace.

She was stabbed in multiple plac es including her chest and crawled to a nearby gutter where she was heard by a neighbour - Ringo Tapim - who called emergency services.

Shandee was then taken to hospi tal where attempts were made to resuscitate her before she was pro nounced dead.

In 2014, John Peros was arrested and charged with her murder but found not guilty in 2017 when nothing was shown that directly linked him to Shandee’s murder.

In 2019 at a coronial inquest the court heard evidence against John Peros, which showed CCTV foot age of a Toyota Hilux of the same age and colour as one he owned nearby the scene of the crime, six minutes prior to the murder.

In August 2020, coroner David O'Connell gave his findings that John Peros was indeed responsible for the murder of Shandee Black burn - despite being acquitted three years prior.

The refreshed media coverage in the podcast ‘Shandee’s Story’ which mention the forensic lab failures has now brought about the inquiry into the processes of state DNA lab testing.

Public hearings are expected to commence later this month.

On Wednesday, two Queensland Government-run DNA testing laboratory senior employees who worked in the forensic unit were stood down pending the outcome of the Thousandsinquiry.of cases, including Sharnee’s will now be re-examined.

Mackay Welcomes New Citizens

An exciting opportunity exists for a passionate foodie to snap up a prime waterfront position.

Mackay Regional Council is seeking pro posals for a key waterfront commercial tenancy at Bluewater Quay.

The call for tenders, which was released last Friday (September 16), is for the fit out and operation of food and beverage opportunities from an existing premises at the riverfront location.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the prem ises, which formerly operated as Ashtart, was beautifully situated on the Bluewater Quay looking over the Pioneer River and formed part of the Mackay Waterfront Pri ority Development Area.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with vision to come in and set up a distinctive food and beverage business that will take advantage of this amazing space,” Mayor Williamson said.

Australia’s

newest citizens were welcomed to the Mackay region on Tues day evening to celebrate Austra lian Citizenship Day.

73 people from 22 countries be came Australians, welcomed by Mackay Regional Council May or Greg Williamson, councillors and members of parliament.

“There’s no doubt that Australia, today, the Australia we all enjoy, is one of the most prosperous, peaceful and wonderful places in the world that you could call home,” said Mr Williamson.

“We truly are a vibrant multi cultural nation.”

Dale Martinez and his son Jaron were two of those welcomed to

Australia on Tuesday.

Mr Martinez moved to Austra lia in 2016 to pursue a career in nursing, leaving his family in The AfterPhilippines.completing his course in Melbourne, he relocated to Mackay where his family joined him two years “Weather-wise,later.it’s basically almost like back home in the Philippines: most of the time it’s hot,” he laughed.

Mr Martinez and his wife Maria Kristine both work in Mackay as nurses and have since built a house in the northern suburbs.

“Where we’re working, they’re really supportive of us ca reer-wise and, of course, fami

ly-wise,” Mr Martinez said.

“It’s great, life is great, but of course, through hard work.”

Mr Martinez says he’s proud to become an Australian citizen.

“I couldn’t actually put it in one word,” he said.

“Being here from a different perspective, a different culture, is actually an eye opener.

“The way I see the world a few years back and the way I see it now is way different.

“I’d like to say thank you main ly to Australia for welcoming us here, having an opportunity stay here and live here and giv ing us the opportunity to be one of the people of here.”

Perfect Position Overlooking The Pioneer For A Passionate Foodie

“It would be great to see some really cre ative tenders that provide a new and unique destination for locals and visitors alike to enjoy our riverfront,” he

Mayorsaid.

Williamson said the Mack ay Waterfront project had been de veloped by council to improve the tourism aesthetic, liveability and economic activity in Mackay’s CBD and waterfront areas.

“Council’s Mackay City and Wa terfront team are working with the community and local businesses to roll out a series of placemaking and activation activities across the city centre and waterfront areas.

“This premises is perfectly situated between the Mackay city centre and the revitalisa tion area, acting as a key con nector and community hub.

“And the team would be keen to

work with the future operator to identify opportunities for this space that comple ment the PDA works,” he said.

Interested parties can refer to QTenders for more information.

Council is looking for creative tender ideas for the commercial premises at Bluewater Quay, formerly operating as Ashtart

The Martinez family: Dale and Maria Kristine with their sons Theodore and Jaron. Photo supplied: Mackay Regional Council

73 people pledged their allegiance to the Commonwealth of Australia through an affirmation or oath. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

New citizens received a certificate of citizenship and a native plane. Photo supplied: Mackay Regional Council

Shandee Blackburn was murdered in 2013

Photo credit: Cameron Brebner

There are countless benefits to health

is for everybody, regardless of gender, age, race, size, ability or fitness level.

The Pilates Method is made up of over 600 exercises and variations meaning there’s something for everyone, whether you have a sedentary lifestyle, are a weekend warrior, are pregnant, are undergoing rehab, have anxiety or are a professional athlete.

Studies have shown that Pilates improves quality of life by having a positive effect on depression and pain, most notably decreas ing back pain.

Pilates is an exercise program that benefits your core muscles, including your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and glutes.

These muscles will be strengthened and become leaner as you continue with your Pilates Journey.

You will also notice increased flexibility in your body.

As your muscles become toned and fat dissi pates, you can expect to feel more energized throughout the course of the day.

When you strengthen your muscles, you also increase your resting metabolic rate, helping you lose weight and stay toned even when you’re not exercising.

Though there is an emphasis on core work, core strength alone is not the end goal.

Rather, using that core strength to develop functional and sustainable movement pat terns throughout the body is the goal.

“Pilates aligns your entire body’s overall structure and supports its joints,” said Core Defined Pilates and Fitness Studio Instructor Unica Estabillo.

Pilates can help you shape your body and core and help you feel better and have more energy in your day-to-day activities. Photo supplied: Unica Estabillo

“What appears to look simple can be decep tively challenging and incredibly effective when done correctly with good form.”

The optimal strength gained from a consist ent Pilates practice is nonrigid, balancing strength with mobility and flexibility.

It helps you move and breathe through your daily activities with more freedom and power and less pain.

And it’s not just about physical health — Pi lates has benefits for your mental wellbeing

Thetoo.

benefits overlap and are the result of the influence and connection of the whole body.

Core Defined Pilates and Fitness Studio offer Pilates classes taught by qualified instructors, who will ensure you follow your individual program whether in a one-on-one or in our group "All Levels" class.

“Whether you’re seeking to feel better, tone up, build muscle and bone density, Pilates can positively affect your quality of life,” said ToUnica.find out more, jump online and book now at www.coredefinedpilates.com.au.

The toll that COVID-19 has taken on Australian women’s health and fitness is laid bare in the 2022 Jean Hailes Na tional Women’s Health Survey, where nearly one in five women reported loss of fitness, weight gain, and muscle and joint pain.

The survey, which was conducted in March-May and attracted more than 14,000 respondents, revealed that 30 per cent of women said they were less fit, 28 per cent said they had gained weight, and 20 per cent said they had muscle and joint pain.

The findings are not surprising. Women assumed the greater shares of housework, childcare, home-learning, as well as managed their own work after the arrival of the pan demic. This burden of care in addition to the closures of facilities meant that many had to abandon their usual fitness regimes like working out in a gym, swimming, doing yoga or ThosePilates.closures

had significant effects on women’s health. Queenslander Penny Conlan says that doing aqua aerobics several times a week is integral to her level of mobility and keeping the pain of her osteoarthritis under “Thecontrol.lockdown meant I had no access to the pool, and I had significantly more joint and muscle pain and was incredibly stiff,” she says.

Anita Hobson-Powell, CEO of Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), says wom en often struggle to put their own health first. The demands on their time during COVID-19 meant it was hard for them to fit movement into their daily lives.

“Regardless of their health status and stage of life, every woman can gain significant benefits from being active. My message to all Australian women is that to take care of others, you first need to care for yourself. It isn’t selfish to prioritise your health and take time to get the right advice when it comes to CEOexercise.”ofJean

Hailes for Women’s Health, Janet Michelmore AO, believes it’s important for women to acknowledge the challenges of the past two-and-a-bit years and to give themselves permission to look now to their own needs.

“We know that we as women are resilient and in the coming months, we will slowly but surely work our way back to better health and fitness,” she says.

“Like all journeys, this one will begin with a Jeanstep.”Hailes for Women’s Health is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of women across Australia.

Weekly production figures

Pioneer Valley Buzzing BusinessWithMentoring

Cane 697,780

Cane 26.4 4.6 13.68 22.8

Comments:

Comments:

Weekly throughput reached a season high of 69,594 tonnes, taking the season total to almost 700,000 tonnes.

Weekly throughput reached a season high of 69,594 tonnes, taking the season total to almost 700,000 tonnes.

Scattered severe storms on Saturday afternoon had a significant impact on cane supply.

Scattered severe storms on Saturday afternoon had a significant impact on cane supply.

The production team used the cane supply shortfall to bring forward a planned stoppage, carrying out a factory clean on Sunday and maintenance work on Monday.

The production team used the cane supply shortfall to bring forward a planned stoppage, carrying out a factory clean on Sunday and maintenance work on Monday.

Average CCS increased by 0.32 of a unit over the previous week, pushing the weekly CCS figure above 14 for the first time this season.

The weekly CCS closed out at 14.02 units and the season-to-date CCS is now 12.91 units.

Average CCS increased by 0.32 of a unit over the previous week, pushing the weekly CCS figure above 14 for the first time this season.

The highest CS was 16.0 units from a rake of Q208 1st ratoon from the Mainline productivity district.

The weekly CCS closed out at 14.02 units and the season to date CCS is now 12.91 units.

With school holidays under way, we ask parents and carers to remind children about the dangers of playing on or around our cane rail network.

The highest CS was 16.0 units from a rake of Q208 1st ratoon from the Mainline productivity district.

Please explain to children that cane trains can’t swerve and they can’t come to a quick stop. It can take up to 1km for a fully-laden can train to come to a complete stop.

Things

are buzzing in the Pioneer Valley, especially for local business CannonBee.

ble to expanding our business

Jim CaneKirchnerSupply Manager

With school holidays under way, we ask parents and carers to remind children about the dangers of playing on or around our cane rail network.

Plane Creek Region

Please explain to children that cane trains can’t swerve and they can’t come to a quick stop. It can take up to 1km for a fully laden can train to

The family-owned and Eungella-based business uses natural beekeeping practises to produce raw honey and beeswax prod ucts, including Eungella Raw Rainforest Honey and Propolis and Raw Honey Face

BusinessPolish.

owner Janine Cannon recently participated in the second round of coun cil’s one-on-one tailored mentoring pro gram for small business owners.

Mrs Cannon said the program offered a fantastic opportunity to learn how to leverage off the growing tourism market in the Pioneer Valley.

“We are mostly a product-based business, so it has been wonderful to get some ex pert advice on how we can move into more education focussed aspects such as hosting tours and workshops on beekeeping,” Mrs Cannon said.

“The flexibility of the program - to do it via Zoom - as well as its structured delivery, made it very worthwhile,” she said.

“My mentor was able to provide real-world information such as resources and tools for tourism businesses and databases we can access which will be directly applica

“With this we will be able to take advantage of the increase in visitor numbers generat ed by the new Mountain Bike Trails.”

Mayor Greg Williamson said this current round of the program had been aimed at existing businesses, as well as start-ups with a business idea that supported the Pi oneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails.

“Council is investing in the program as part of our ongoing commitment to grow ing the visitor economy and ensuring the Mackay region continues to grow as a highly-regarded leisure destination,” May or Williamson said.

“We want the Mackay region to be front of mind for travellers seeking nature experi ences and we want to offer a high standard of experiences for them to enjoy while vis iting,” he said.

Council offers a free five-part webinar se ries focussed on business development for businesses in the Pioneer Valley. They are available on the council’s website at https:// Thebit.ly/3cyZM2kSmallBusiness

Mentoring Program is designed and facilitated by independent mentors, business and tourism experts, Sparrowly Group on behalf of Mackay Re gional Council.

Douglas Cannon, of CannonBee, provides a guided hive inspection with Michaela Pritchard. The inspection advises on natural beekeeping practices showing how to conduct a routine hive inspection, what to look for regarding hive health; any sign of pests or disease, analysing overall health and vigour of the bees

A Space To Express For The Region’s Youth

at Mackay State High School are leaving their legacy on a local art studio as part of their Creative Arts BottletopsAcademy.

Students

& Brushes has been operation al in Victoria Street since January and, with unutilised space upstairs, co-founder Margaret-Mary Robinson reached out to schools to offer the space to the region’s “Weyouth.noticed that young people don’t have very many places to go so we wanted to encourage young people to express them selves in art,” she said.

“We had Mackay State High School who have initiated an art initiative which is why we have three teams doing art on the walls expressing themselves with what they feel is important to them.

“We’re wanting young people to embrace art, to express themselves and have an op portunity to do something in the Mackay city heart, to take ownership of their place

Thehere.”school’s

Creative Arts Academy is in its first year after the school’s principal rec ognised the creative talent and potential in the “We’vestudents.essentially been grabbing every arts opportunity by the horns and running with it,” said Mackay State High School Creative Arts Coordinator and Senior Vi sual Art Teacher Anita Pritchard.

“Earlier this year we had a group who ac tually participated in the Wonder Rooms project with Mackay Regional Council as part of the Festival of Arts.

“Being our pilot year, I’m really stoked

with the opportunities we’ve had so far.” The academy caters to instrumental stu dents, drama, media and visual arts, with students participating in the mural com petition all from the school’s extracurricu lar XL Art program.

“Our Creative Arts Academy is for stu dents who want to extend themselves fur ther and be able to work with likeminded students,” said Ms Pritchard.

“For XL Art, we have students from grade 7 all the way to year 12 … it becomes a bit of a peer mentorship.”

Five students across years 8, 9 and 11 be gan work on their murals at the start of the week including year 8 student Sophie Van Essen who says the school’s Creative Arts Academy has opened her up to opportuni ties she never thought possible.

“I’ve been really focussing on that art since about grade five and this year when the Creative Arts Academy opened up that was really the perfect gateway for me,” she

“It’ssaid.

teaching me a lot about art and I’m learning a lot of things that I wouldn’t have learnt without it and I think that’s a really good opportunity to have.”

Sophie’s mural features a large golden heart and incorporates some of her own

“Thecharacters.entire

thing is supposed to repre sent that there can be innocence and good within a really bad place,” she said.

The murals are to remain in the upstairs studio permanently.

L-R Chonteisha Day, Anna Herrias, Margaret-Mary Robinson, Anita Pritchard and Sophie Van Essen

Year 9 student Chonteisha at work. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Year 8 student Sophie with her work

NORTICA MEANS WELL

Mackay’s

music scene is one that’s growing at a rapid rate led by bands such as the prolific and dedicated Nortica.

“It’s been really good recently just with everyone kicking back into action,” said Nortica lead singer and rhythm guitarist Tate “There’sObst.been heaps of gigs and heaps of youngsters, as well, playing music,”

“For a while there, there wasn’t much go ing “There’son. always been a really good metal scene in town, which is cool, but you’re starting to see some other bands popping Norticaout. have become a Mackay staple, headlining their own shows and becoming the go-to support for touring bands mak ing their way to the region.

With Tate up the front, Tate’s brother Jas per on drums and backup vocals, Connor McKinney-Moss on lead guitar and Jarell Corowa on Bass Guitar, the boys are start ing to live their music dreams.

The band releases their sophomore single ‘Means Well’ today, with plenty more to come, Tate says.

“We’re really excited for that one because this first EP is a real shift in our sound, be ing a three-piece band, then a four-piece band, this is all old stuff now,” he said.

“We’re sort of playing different music now, so it’ll be really cool to see what’s coming even after this stuff.”

Brothers Tate and Jasper started playing music at an early age, with Tate receiving a violin and Jasper a drum kit for their

Tatebirthdays.picked

up the guitar in grade 10 and started to play gigs around town with good mate Connor, with Wakehouse Australia always being willing to give them a gig.

Tate, Jasper, Connor and Jarell ultimately formed to become Nortica in August last year when the boys entered Passport to Airlie and have been kicking goals ever

Withsince.

influences including alternative, surf rock, funk, grunge and metal, Tate says writing music as a band almost always starts as a jam.

“We all start freestyling and playing music and if we like something that we’re playing we generally record it on voice memos,” he

“Wesaid.

just revisit it and keep things that we like.”

Drive-Thru And Win A Tinny At Seabreeze

One of Mackay’s favourite family friendly ocean-front bar and bis tros is giving its lucky customers the opportunity to win a tinny valued at The$11,000.Seabreeze

Hotel, located in the quiet residential area of Lamberts Beach, is now offering anyone who spends more than $20 at their drive-thru bottle-shop free en try into the prize draw.

XXXX Dry or Hahn 3.5 and Byron Bay cartons to receive bonus entries.

If you’ve been dreaming of owning a boat, now’s your chance to win this impressive XXXX Quintrex 400 Trigger Boat.

This nippy and versatile Trigger makes boating easy and boasts a great amount of space for fishing.

Not only is there plenty more new mu sic coming, but the boys also have some massive gigs booked including Rhythm and the Reef tomorrow, the Rumble on the Reef Wake Comp the week after and some support slots for some of Australia’s biggest bands.

Tate says they’re most excited to be sup porting Hockey Dad at the Seabreeze Ho tel next month.

“It’s insane,” he said.

“I remember getting on the phone to the boys, I got the email, and I lost my crap calling Jasper.

“I can’t really explain how excited we are.”

In a tightknit community like Mackay, with a burgeoning music scene, Tate says there is a real community aspect that has helped them get to where they are today.

The band received a grant from the Re gional Arts Development Fund to assist in recording their EP earlier this year.

“There’s a lot of cool stuff available through the Council that we’re lucky enough to uti lise and be able to do the stuff that we want to do, especially with recording because it costs some serious coin,” Tate said.

On top of the grant, Tate says Nortica have collaborated with people, venues and busi nesses throughout the community includ ing Kadence Group, Red Lotus Company and Gina’s Flags.

“There’s a lot of people in town that can help out and stick out a hand for you when you’d do the same for them,” he said.

“It’s really cool.

“The networking that goes on in this town, it’s crazy that there isn’t a bigger scene.”

So, grab your mates and head on down to Seabreeze bottle-shop before your back yard BBQ or footy match and make sure you fill in an entry form for your chance to Purchasewin.

a 30 pack of either XXXX Gold,

The live draw will be on Sunday, October 2 from 5pm at the Seabreeze Hotel and will be followed by the NRL Grand Final on the big Offeringscreen.delicious meals, tasty beverages, comfortable accommodation, live enter tainment, a games room and kids’ play ground, there is something for everyone at

the Seabreeze Hotel.

Enjoy a relaxed and welcoming environ ment at a favourite destination for locals, visitors, families and pets alike.

Seabreeze also cater for functions and events, with a range of private function

spaces to suit all types from small intimate dinners to large celebratory gatherings.

For more information about participat ing in the tinny competition head to and-win/.seabreezemackay.com.au/drive-thru-ttps://Termsandconditionsapply.

For your chance to win this $11,000 tinny, enter the competition at the Seabreeze Hotel Drive-Thru Bottle Shop today!

Photo credit: Phoebe Boland

Tate Obst, Jasper Obst, Connor McKinney-Moss and Jarell Corowa are Nortica

EVENTGUIDEFRIDAY23SEPTEMBERSouthsJuniorCricketCome&TryDay

Friday, 4:00pm

Souths Cricket Club is holding a come and try day for boys and girls aged 6 - 11 on Friday 23rd September from 4:00pm till 6:00pm at Abbott Park. There'll be heaps of fun cricket activities throughout the afternoon followed by a sausage sizzle. Members of the committee will also be on hand to answer any questions along with taking registrations for the upcoming season. For more info contact Brad at southscricketmackay@gmail.com or 0407 592 988.

Abbott Park

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

Knock off drinks, lakeside dinner, good friends, and Live music.

Wake House Australia

Ninja Hub Teen Shed Event Friday, 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Ninja Hub Mackay is teaming up with Teen Shed Mackay by creating a session just for our Teens. All teens are welcome to join in the two-hour session learning the skills and having fun on the Ninja course. With their friends or making new ones. This event is for all teens aged between 12 and 16 years of age. Includes two hours fun, pizza and drink. Please wear shoes and bring a water bottle. Bookings are required as spots are limited. Head to The Ninja Hub webpage, look for the Teen Shed event and book from there.

The Ninja Hub

SATURDAY 24 SEPTEMBER

Rhythm & The Reef 2022 Saturday, 1:00pm to 9:00pm

Rhythm is back to spice up your 2022 spring season with a bigger line-up, better bar, more shade, and a fresh waterfront location.

Featuring Running Touch, Touch Sensitive, ShockOne, Godlands, Jack Botts, Ivan Ooze, Moss, Felipe Baldomir and more. Artworks by David Day, Louis Gervais, Mathew Currie and Muddy Grimes. Proudly partnered with

FMS Group, Rumble on the Reef, Daly Bay, The Ambassador Hotel, Moss On Wood and Mackay Regional Council.

Bluewater Quay Mackay Twilight Market Saturday, 4:00pm to 9:00pm

Come browse the many local small business market stalls then have a seat, listen to local musicians all while enjoying the yummy food Mackay food trucks have to offer. Not just another market, it’s a great night out. Market stalls, mini eat street, jumping castles (free) and face painting.

Mackay Showgrounds

SUNDAY 25 SEPTEMBER

Sunday Live Music – Jax Morton Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

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

Seabreeze Hotel

MONDAY 26 SEPTEMBER

Meditation and Sound Experience Monday, 6:30pm

Sound and Meditation. Go into a deeper experience, powerful and beautiful.

$20 cash only for the session. Please wear loose comfortable clothes allowing for light movement. A yoga mat or something to lay on, pillow blankets or anything to make you comfortable and warm. This is an indoor event. Please select the going button on the Facebook event to confirm your booking.

Eimeo Surf Life Saving Supporters Club

TUESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER

Musical Bingo at the Seabreeze Hotel

Every Tuesday, 7:00pm to 9:00pm

There’s only one thing better than bingo, and that’s Musical Bingo. Every Tuesday, join Seabreeze in the bar from 7pm where you can show off your musical knowledge in Musical Bingo. Prizes will be on offer for winners each and every week so make sure you’re on the ball as they drop the beats. Oh, and entry is

free! Registration opens from 6pm, with all the action kicking off from 7pm. So, music buff or not, make sure you clear your schedule each Tuesday evening for Musical Bingo at the Seabreeze Hotel.

Seabreeze Hotel

WEDNESDAY 28 SEPTEMBER

Mackay Farmers’ Market

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

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

Bluewater Quay

Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Club Wednesday Night Lessons

Every Wednesday, 7:00pm

Why not come along and learn to rock ‘n’ roll in a friendly and fun atmosphere with the Sugar City Rock ‘n’ Rollers Mackay Club?

Previous experience is not required. Everyone learns at their own pace and, even better, the first lesson is free on your way to learning the four step style of rock ‘n’ roll. $5 for members and $8 for non-members after that. The club caters for social activities for club members with regular dances with live bands in attendance and away trips. For further enquiries call 0408 983 911.

58 Macalister St, Mackay

THURSDAY 29 SEPTEMBER

FMS Rumble on the Reef ~ WAKE COMP 2022

Thursday to Saturday Rumble on the Reef Wakeboarding will take place in Mackay at Wake House Australia from 28 September to 01 October 2022. Lots of action on the lake and live music every night at the Lakeside Cafe & Sunset Bar. All welcome to attend. This is a free event at the end of the September school holidays. See some of Australia's best pro wakeboarders battle it out for a share in over $10,000 cash, with equal prize money for pro women and men. Spectators can make a day of it with action on the lake, crowd giveaways daily and live music into the evening. BYO picnic rugs and tents.

Wake House Australia Leadership Unplugged with Mandy Johnson

Thursday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm

In this thought-provoking masterclass, leaders take time out to assess their own performance and look at strategies to improve their results. The session uses corporate anecdotes, fun activities and videos, and evidence-based research to change the way participants view their own leadership, and also arms them with techniques that they can immediately apply to transform their own success. Meet Mandy Johnson, best-selling author with ‘in-thetrenches’ experience as a start-up founder and ex-director of global travel retailer Flight Centre’s UK operation, opening a store a month. She has worked with a wide range of companies including Virgin Australia, Teys Beef, the Australian Stockbroker's Association, Dairy Australia, Ray White Commercial, the Queensland State Library, Michael Hill Jewellery, and 99Bikes to name just a few. A great afternoon for business owners, their managers and anyone who is displaying potential to step up within the business.

Tickets via Eventbrite.

Ocean International ARTIST’S TALK with artist in residence D. Harding Thursday, 5:30pm

A descendant of the Bidjara, Ghungalu and Garingbal communities of Central Queensland, D Harding works in a wide variety of media to explore the visual and social languages of their communities as cultural continuum. During their residency at Artspace Mackay, Harding created a site-specific artwork, drawing from the ways of knowing—passed on through their matrilineal family Elders of the Kemp family here in Mackay—and from their learnings in formal art training, including international art histories and techniques from books, art school and travels. Harding is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Queensland College of Art, Griffith University.

Artspace Mackay

Souths Junior Cricket Come & Try Day

Rhythm & The Reef 2022

Meditation and Sound Experience

Artist’s Talk with artist in residence D. Harding

FMS Rumble on the Reef Wake Comp

Local Challenges

Thelandscape of the events industry has changed drastically since the pandemic brought social gather ings to a screaming halt.

Slowly but surely, the industry is finding its feet but is having to adapt to post-pan demic changes, finding new ways to thrive.

Rhythm and the Reef returns to Mackay tomorrow and Event Director James Slade has enlisted the help of the local commu nity, hoping for a win-win for all involved.

“A lot of these big businesses are starting to take a keen interest in getting involved with us, especially the local grassroots mu sic and arts festivals,” he said.

“There’s a benefit to the community mod el because it gets all of the Mackay region Asinvolved.”more and more events rise from the ashes of an event-less pandemic, con sumers are finding themselves spoilt for choice, meaning events are competing against more than ever before.

Equally, cost-of-living pressures are seeing festivals and experiences drop down the priority list for consumers.

Mr Slade says the community model helps events navigate these concerns.

“(Businesses) partner up with the event and provide different parts of it, whether it’s the green arts segment of Rhythm or part of the production or putting up a sec

ond stage,” he said.

“They all sort of chip in in different ways.

“It doesn’t necessarily al ways mean money; it just means we’re trying to add so that the community can be thoroughly involved.”

As well as big business, lo cal retail, tourism and hos pitality businesses are also given the chance to get in volved with food vendors, market stalls and auxiliary events supporting Rhythm and the Reef.

“These businesses also see that it’s important that the community creates a cul ture of excitement and, by doing so, it encourages young people to move to the area,” Mr Slade said.

“We’ve got all these jobs available, but we have all these young people moving away so it’s about trying to encourage these peo ple to stay in the northern regions.

“There is a lot of good things happening in the region.

“Even though we’re in these hard times, people are still showing support for these events.”

Now in its second year, Rhythm and the Reef aims to perfect the foundations that were built in its inaugural year by bring ing on businesses and supporters like FMS Group, Daly Bay, Ambassador Hotel, MQ Licensed Events, NQ Productions, Mack ay Regional Council and Mackay Isaac

TheTourism.event will feature installation art piec es, sustainable sculptures, a live visual art ist, a bigger line-up of headline and local artists as well as local food and market

“It’svendors.this huge collaboration of everything now so it’s a big step up and it’s in a great location,” Mr Slade said.

WHAT: Rhythm and the Reef 2022

WHERE: Bluewater Quay

WHEN: Saturday, September 24 from 1:00pm

TICKETS: Oztix

Rhythm and the Reef has adopted a model to get the community involved

POINTPROPERTY

Aformer

colleague of mine used to love telling the story about his pathway to becoming a journalist.

In his last year of high school his parents, wor ried about his lack of apparent talent or skills in any particular area, went to see a wise older family friend and asked what he thought their son should do for a career.

“Is he any good at anything?” The family friend asked. “No, he is no good at anything,” the par ents

Friend:replied.“Sohe’s no good at maths, science, no good with his hands? He can’t make things, he can’t fix cars or shine at anything?”

Parents: “No, he can’t do anything.”

Friend: “So, he’s completely hopeless. He’s ab solutely useless at everything?”

Parents: “Yes, he’s absolutely useless.”

“Well,’’ the friend said, “there’s nothing else for it … he’ll have to be a journalist.”

The family friend helped arrange an internship at a local community newspaper.

There are certain careers that have unortho dox pathways and real estate is definitely one of

Mostthem.people

go into real estate after having a career doing something else. At Gardian we have a former school teacher, a former travel agent, a former mechanic, a former veterinary nurse, a former pharmacy CEO and a former pub manager among others.

Those who find their way into real estate and succeed tend to be good communicators who

get on well with other members of the human race. They want to get a good result for their Itclients.isadifficult career to break into because it is a commission-based model and if you don’t sell properties you don’t make money … and sellers don’t usually want to use someone inex perienced. A vicious cycle.

One way around that is working as a buyer’s agent. As a buyer’s agent, you don’t have the pressure to get listings … you need to find the

Ibuyers.work

with a young woman, Skye Bettridge, who is a buyers’ agent who works hard to try and match our properties with buyers.

Skye works closely with me and with the buy ers, answering their questions and getting them the information they need. She does a lot of the leg work, going with buyers to different prop erties, constantly sending them information.

It’s my job to get the listings and help her with buyers but, as she gets more experienced, she has started to come across buyers who also want to sell and we can help them both buy and sell a property.

It’s great for buyers because as a team we can do much more, great for sellers who have a team actively looking for buyers for their property, great for me because Skye helps me reach many more buyers and great for Skye because she gets to break into an industry and learn about it as she goes without the pressure of having to get There’slistings.definitely a career pathway for bright young people.

Day Care Dilemma

Getting

your kid into day care has become like the hunger games in Mackay!

Who knew I would feel like I had won the lottery when I got the call to say my daughter had been accepted into a day care.

Are we all just getting a little freakier in the sheets these days so there are more babies around? Or has it always been like this and I’m only just learn ing about it?

The good news for those who live in the Northern Beaches is that there is apparently a new day care being built in between the millions of petrol sta tions out there, woohoo! Also, the days of taking your first child out of day care while you were on maternity leave for your second are gone, unless

you want to risk losing your spot com pletely and moving to the bottom of the Thelist.other day I made a phone call to a local school to ask about enrolments even though my daughter is at least three years away from starting school, yes, I’ve gone crazy. But with the day care situation the way it is around town, I’m wondering what happens when all these babies grow up!

Will getting them into school be just as difficult?

If anyone has any tips on best schools, and ways to get your child into a de cent one, please feel free to ring the show and share your wisdom, I need it!

Burning Question

Rarely have we seen a growing sea son as good as over the past few months. In the sugar industry, crop tonnage is considerably higher than esti mated. This greater than usual mass is not confined to crops. All vegetation is of far higher density than we are accustomed to.

This is where our problem lies. As cold weather has led to much of this vegetation dying off and the oncoming hotter condi tions may be combined with drier condi tions. We are left with a potential catastro phe with regard to fire.

With such a huge fuel load, an ill-judged spark can cause a conflagration of epic proportion. It was not so long ago that the “red steer” was running wild all across our region. This is a situation that I, for one,

have no wish to face again.

So, what to do?

We should all try to reduce the amount of flammable material around us. Tall grass, weeds, undergrowth and leaf litter all need to go.

Clear property boundaries and roof gutters. In rural areas, a water source and a means of pumping that does not require electricity is a very good idea. These are just some measures we should take – there are others – now is the time for thinking. When a fire starts, it’s action time and a plan is essential.

The best way of fighting fire is not to start it. Listen to warnings. A total fire ban is

BeTOTAL.waryof

anything that can throw a spark, such as slashing and mowing. Think very carefully before undertaking anything that can. If things go awry, it can cost massive ly in property and, as bitter experience shows, lives.

If you do need to light a fire, protect your self and others by obtaining a permit from

Cr Martin Bella Mackay Regional Council

your local fire warden.

Not that we burn cane before harvest much anyway around here, but it is a good idea to get that permit even for this.

Stay safe over the next few months.

We Are Turning 30!

1992 is remembered for the following events:

• Bill Clinton was elected as the 42nd US President;

• The 25th Olympic Games opened in Barcelona; and

• The Cold War was officially declared to be Whileover.it

may not be as widely known, a very important event also took place in Mackay on Monday, 6 July 1992. The Zonta Club of Mackay was Chartered with 22 Charter Members. The Area Newsletter described the event:

… A very stylish affair with pre-dinner champagne cocktails and canapés, and a clever dramatic presentation of the history of Zonta devised and performed by 2 members. The club is keen to start raising funds in imaginative ways and to make its mark on the community.

We can hardly believe that it has been 30 years since Zonta began supporting the Mackay community. Incredibly, two of our original Charter members, Vassie Comino and Judy Spannagle, are still members of our club in To2022.mark

this very special occasion, we are thrilled to invite you to our birthday celebration dinner! The ticket price of $75 includes a drink on arrival, a buffet dinner and of course, delicious birthday cake.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, 1 October

• Time: From 6:00pm

• Location: Ocean International, Mackay Tickets are currently on sale via Mackay Tickets. For further information, please visit our Facebook page.

We also have the following events coming up

in the month of October, and would love for you to be involved.

Zonta Monthly Dinner Meeting

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, 18 October (Third Tuesday of each month)

• Time: From 5:30pm

• Location: Ocean International, Mackay

We welcome guests at our meetings – if you are interested in attending, please contact us as soon as possible for catering purposes.

Reclaim the Night March

Each year, the Mackay Reclaim the Night March takes place on the last Friday in October. This is Sexual Violence Awareness Month, which poses a reminder to every Queenslander that we all have a role to play in ending sexual

Reclaimviolence.the Night marches began in the 1970s, focusing on a woman’s right to walk at night, without fear of violence or harm. Today, we march as a show of resistance, strength and unity, because we believe everyone has the right to feel safe and to BE safe.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, 28 October

• Time: 5:30pm start

• Location: Bluewater Quay, Mackay

Zonta, along with several other organisations, supports this event each year. Further updates will be shared closer to the event via our Facebook page.

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

CLUB MACKAYOFINC

Ditch The Nerves When Public Speaking

Do you feel nervous present ing in front of colleagues or speaking in public?

Mackay Toastmasters Club is hosting a Presentation Mastery Class next month to help participants improve their public speaking and communi cation skills.

The in-person masterclass will teach the best ways to prepare for a presen tation, how to structure a presenta tion and how to deliver it while con trolling your nerves.

Mackay Toastmasters Club member Megan Dillon says the masterclass is as much of a learning opportunity for members as it will be for attendees.

“Our experienced Toastmasters are putting together this masterclass,” she “They’llsaid.

cover what goes into giving a presentation, from the first time you sit down to plan it to the moment you step out in front of your audience.”

The masterclass is suitable for anyone who would like to be able to present more confidently in front of an au dience, whether that be at an indus try conference or in front of a small group of colleagues.

Ms Dillon said Mackay Toastmasters Club regularly fields enquiries from people wanting to improve their pub lic speaking and presentation skills, however, people aren’t always confi

dent enough to take the next step and walk through the door.

“Personally, Toastmasters has done wonders for my confidence and it’s why I keep coming back,” she said.

“We recognise though that getting up in front of a group of people and giv ing a speech can be a daunting pros “pect.Wewere all new members once too!

“We hope this event will encour age anyone who has been curious to come along and experience the sup portive learning environment Toast masters offers.”

Tickets for the masterclass are $60, which includes a light meal, refresh ments and education materials.

Mackay Toastmasters Club is part of the worldwide network of clubs that make up the not-for-profit educa tional organisation, Toastmasters In Wternational.hetheryou

feel okay about present ing or dread the thought, this master class will have something for you.

WHAT: Presentation Mastery Class

WHERE: Jubilee Community Centre

WHEN: Tuesday, October 4 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm

TICKETS: $60 including a light meal, refreshments and education materi als. Available from StickyTickets. Movie

lovers from across the region are invited to the newly built Proser pine Entertainment Centre to view a weekend of exciting cinema.

The event kicks-off with Celeste on Saturday at 7.30pm, a movie that is filmed entirely at Paronella Park and features the story of a once-celebrat ed opera diva who prepares for her final performance.

This is followed by Parallel Mothers starring Penelope Cruz on the Sun day at 1.30pm.

This movie shows the story of two single women who form a strong bond with one another as they both confront motherhood.

The critically acclaimed Spanish drama is directed by award-winning Pedro Almodovar and is a beauti

fully constructed story full of twists and turns, some predictable, others

Withnot. outstanding cinematography, musical score and costume design, audiences are in for an unmissable

Thisexperience.cinematic masterpiece is host ed by Film and Arts Mackay in collaboration with the Whitsunday Arts Festival.

On the Sunday, there will be a re turn coach transfer to the viewing of Parallel Mothers, departing from Gordon Street, outside Art Space, at The10.30am.cultural experience includes the movie followed by lunch at Whit sunday Gold Coffee. Tickets are between $15 and $20

for the cinema only and the coach transfers, cinema and lunch dining package are between $75 and $80 depending on your Film Arts Mem bership status.

This project was made possible by the Australian Government’s Re gional Arts Fund, provided through Regional Arts Australia, adminis tered in Queensland by Flying Arts Alliance.

WHAT: Celeste

WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre WHEN: Saturday, September 24 at 7.30pm

WHAT: Parallel Mothers WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre WHEN: Sunday, September 25 at 1.30pm

Karlee Box Zonta Club Board Member

Mackay Toastmasters Club are hosting a Presentation Mastery Class next month. Photo supplied

SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE

Mackay Regional Council Libraries

Sensational Spring Sand Art

Friday, 9:30am to 10:30am

Create colourful sand art designs inspired by spring, the season of colour, joy and growth. Suits children aged five to 12 years.

Sarina Library

Movie Matinee – Turning Red

Friday, 2:00am to 4:00pm

Mei Lee is a 13yo girl who is torn between being her mother's obedient daughter and the chaos of her youth. As if that were not enough, when she gets too excited, she turns into a big red panda. Join us for an afternoon movie and popcorn. Suits children aged five to 12yo.

Gordon White Library

Magformers Drop In Days

Tues to Thurs Click. Connect. Create. Magformers are educational construction toys for children of all ages that allow you to build your own magnetic 3D structures. No bookings required. Suitschildren aged five to 12 years of age.

Sarina BambooLibraryConstruction

Drop In Days

Tues to Thurs Engineer. Design. Build. No bookings required. Suits children aged five to 12 years of age. Walkerston Library

Lego Drop In Days Tues to Thurs Imagine. Connect. Construct. No bookings required. Suits children aged five to 12 years of age.

Mirani Library

MECC

Pixar Putt until Sunday, Oct 9, various times This open-air mini golf sensation is made up of interactive putt-putt holes inspired by the stories, characters, and icons from some of Pixar’s most beloved films including Toy Story,

Cars, Monsters Inc. 'Pixar Putt After Dark' sessions available for adults 18+ on Thurs to Sat nights from 7pm, with licenced bar. Tickets available at https://bit.ly/3BfOZ6K Mackay Civic Lawn, between Artspace Mackay and the MECC

Artspace Mackay

Lyre Bird ‘LOOKBOOKS’ – free until Sunday, Oct 2 during hours

Drop-in to Artspace during the September school holidays and create a special lookbook of lyre birds! Parental supervision essential. No bookings necessary. Inspired by ‘Tales of the Lyre Bird’, in the Main Gallery, until Nov 20. Workshop Room, Artspace Mackay Sarina Sugar Shed

Special kids tour until Tues, Oct 4. Normal tours run 9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm

Discover the growing and harvesting of the sugar cane, complete a hunt for the critters that live in our sugar cane patch. Enter our miniature suga r mill to see how sugar cane is crushed, sample deliciously sweet sugar cane juice straight from our miniature mill - 'Bill the Mill Junior". Taste our non-alcoholic ginger beer brewed onsite, and freshly spun fairy floss for big and little kids! Cost: Adults at children’s prices $13.60 (bookings essential).

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Free Friday Guided Walks Every Friday Apr and Oct, 10am - 11am

Find what’s flowering, some of our rare and special plants and perhaps some wildlife spotting! Phone the Botanic Gardens on 4952 7300 as places are limited. Group bookings welcome upon request. Botanic Gardens Visitor Information Centre

Mackay Park Run Every Sat, 7am - 8am

A 5km run/jog/walk put on by the community for the community every Saturday morning for all ages. Register at www.parkrun.com.au. Meet at Tamarind Carpark (near playSeptemberground)

Photo Walkabout – Macropho tography Sun, 9am - 11am

Get up close with macrophotography and make the smallest things in nature visible. If you have a macro lens and DSLR or a mobile phone with a clip-on lens, this is a workshop for you. Phone to book 4952 7300. Botanic Gardens Meeting Rooms Bocce in the Gardens Mon to Fri, 9am - 4pm (except public holidays)

One of the most popular and oldest games throughout European countries Test your skills at our bocce court in the Malta Garden. Hire sets for hire $5/set from Botanic Gardens Visitor Information. Bookings not required. Malta Garden’s Bocce Court Greenmount Homestead

Entry fees waived for kids during school holidays Open Mon to Wed and 25th Sep, from 9am to 1pm; Tours at 9am, 10am, 11am and noon

Take a step back in time at a 1915 Queenslander homestead which houses a collection of more than 20,000 historical items. For more details visit mackay.qld.gov. au/greenmount.

Caneland Central

Ice Skating until Sunday, Oct 3, 1hr sessions start at 9:30am, 11:00am, 12:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:00pm plus Thurs & Sat 6:30pm

IT’S 1954 AT THE MECC

ackay locals are set for a morning of live per formance in honour of a magnificent era in music, with British-born, Brisbane-based vocal ist Melissa Western paying tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, and Eartha Kitt.

Each year Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) de livers the feel-good Morning Melo dies Season. A stellar line-up of daytime performances pro grammed to bring a thrill to audiences of all ages.

October’s Morning Melodies performance will be dedicated to an inspiring trio of singers, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, and Eartha Kitt. Although they vary in their styles of mu sic, the three icons tore down a multitude of barriers, paving the way for all future artists who continue to walk in their footsteps to this day.

Tickets available to purchase online or at the venue. Bookings recommended. $20pp or $70 family pass (4 people). Spectators are free. BYO socks or available for purchase.

Timezone carpark, Caneland Central LEGO® at Caneland Central until Friday, Sept 30

Free school holiday fun! Come down to Caneland Central to join in at our LEGO® Rebuild the World play zone!

Centre Court, Caneland Central Mount Pleasant Centre

Creation Station until Friday, Sept 30, 10am – 2pm daily

Kids will get the chance to make a miniature unicorn or dinosaur garden to take home and watch it grow. Recommended age 3+. Limited availability. Minimum $2 donation to the Mackay Hospital Foundation on the day. Out side Stellarossa, Mount Pleasant Centre

Bluewater Lagoon 7 days, 9am to 5.45pm

Cool down and splash around with the whole family at the free, three-tiered Bluewater Lagoon. For more details visit mackay.qld.gov. au/bluewaterlagoon

Sarina Youth Centre

A variety of school holiday activities are on offer for youth aged ten to 21 years. Bookings are required for each program. Contact Sarina Youth Centre on 4961 9277 or email sarinayouthcentre@mackay.qld.gov.au.

Monday, September 26: Healthy Lifestyle: Activities, cooking, information Tuesday, September 27: Game on! Pool competition, Centre bingo with prizes

With a performance history includ ing two consecutive years at the Edinburgh Festival, British born singer-actor-writer Melissa Western is no stranger to the stage. The vo calist seamlessly weaves song, sto ry, and dance, taking viewers on a sensational journey they will want to share and cherish and is often seen performing at Brisbane Jazz Club. Western thrives while paying tribute to a magnificent era in music through her superb vocal range and compelling stage presence.

Audience members are in for a treat with a chance to win a lucky door prize and indulge in a com plimentary morning tea – with vol unteer group Friends of the MECC supplying tea, coffee, and biscuits before the show.

Mackay locals are encouraged to transport themselves back to 1954 and partake in a sizzling morning of powerful soul and cheeky kitsch featuring the captivating Melissa Western and her band. Rewind time and witness the MECC stage revert to the 50’s with Ella, Etta & Eartha.

WHAT: Morning Melodies 2022 1954: Ella, Etta & Eartha

WHEN: Friday 7 October 2022, 11.00am

WHERE: MECC Plenary Halls TICKETS: www.themecc.com.au

“Western is a force of nature… Great storyteller, feisty, highly enjoyable; … Warm, witty and supremely talented … captivat ing …fantastic instrumental ists” - Broadway Baby

“Western is absolutely bril liant… her aptitude for music is vast and versatile” - Three Weeks magazine

Brisbane-based vocalist Melissa Western pays tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, and Eartha Kitt

Turning Red

Pixar Putt

Ice Skating

LEGO® at Caneland Central Bluewater Lagoon

AFLW Returns To Mackay

AFL

TheGold Coast Suns eclipsed St Kilda in Mackay on the weekend, regaining their confidence after a 73-point thrashing at the hands of the Brisbane Lions the week before.

While the first major went the way of the Saints in the 7th minute, it was to be their only goal until the last quarter, with the Suns dominating the majority of the game.

The Suns had the match all but won in the third, keeping the Saints scoreless and slotting three goals of their own.

While St Kilda finished with a strong last quarter, the Suns were able to hang on, winning 5.12 (42) to 4.4 (28), claiming their second win of the season.

The Suns’ Charlie Rowbottom proved why she was picked first in the 2021 draft, col lecting a game-high 30 touches, six clear ances and laid nine tackles.

Kalinda Howarth also turned it on, boot ing Gold Coast's first goal to finish with two majors and 22 possessions.

Howarth, who is of Indigenous descent, celebrated her first goal with a special

Rugby Final Wraps Up Inaugural Women’s Season

sive,” she said.

Lauren Bella and Wallis Ran dell both performed well in front of their home crowds, with six and 11 disposals Biancarespectively.Jakobsson

was the Saints' leading ball-winner with 19 possessions, while key forward Caitlin Greiser slotted two goals to be St Kilda's only multiple goalkicker. Gold Coast coach Cameron Joyce said he was impressed with his team’s perfor mance.

"We knew the Saints had come in with some decent form and held Melbourne for the last three quarters as well, which I think can get underestimated,” he said.

“Just the way our girls went around the contest and were able to then get the ball forward for us and give us a chance to score, it was really pleasing."

The AFLW fixture is the first of many elite games coming to Great Barrier Reef Arena this spring, with the ground to host nine WBBL matches over a week in October.

The

growing popularity of women’s rugby union was on display last Sat urday as the Women’s Opens Grand Final was played between Kuttabul Bo kettes and Proserpine Whitsunday Raid Aers.round-robin tournament was played between the Bokettes, Raiders and Slade Point Slashers earlier in the day with the Kuttabul and Proserpine Whitsunday clubs finishing on top to face off in the grand final.

The ultimate match was a one-sided affair, with the Bokettes scoring two tries in each half to win 26-0.

The grand final wrapped up the first ever season of women’s rugby in the Mackay Bokettesregion.

captain Miranda Davidson said she couldn’t be prouder of her team.

“We’ve got girls from all different back grounds … so for those girls to come out and have a crack and to see them develop over the season has been pretty impres

“We also have some girls that are juniors, 17-year-olds stepping up and playing in the senior division, too, which is pretty ex ceptional stuff.”

Miranda hopes to see the competition grow over the coming seasons.

“I really want to shout out to all the clubs that have had a crack at women’s union this season and all the coaches because the coaches have been by far the driving force,” she said.

It was Sharne Adams’ first season with the Bokettes after playing rugby league for Magpies and being invited to play by

“Twofriends.of my mates from there (Magpies) are union girls, they have a union back ground,” she said.

With union on Saturdays and league on Sundays, Sharne’s weekends were all about footy and she says both are getting more

“Thepopular.growth’s been really good,” said Sharne.

“It’s just onwards and upwards from here.”

Sharne’s daughter Adelle has been playing league for three years and started comeand-try union sessions this year.

“I’ve learnt what you do when you get tackled,” she said.

She also learnt the difference between

league and union tackles.

“You try and get the ball, but you can’t go passed the ball,” she said.

“If you go passed the ball it doesn’t count.”

Adelle says she looks forward to following in Sharne’s footsteps and playing club rug by.

The Gold Coast Suns took on St Kilda at Great Barrier Reef Arena on Saturday to claim their second win of the season. Photos supplied: Gold Coast Suns

dance as the Suns wore their First Nations Localjumper.stars

Kuttabul Bokettes defeated Proserpine Whitsunday Raiders to claim the first women’s title. Photo supplied: Sharne Adams

The Bokettes defeated the Raiders 26-0. Photo credit: BVM Visuals

Mother and daughter duo Sharne and Adelle Adams just completed their first season of rugby union. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

RUGBY

Mighty Magpies Outclass Brahmans CAPTURE U/13’s LEAGUE

RUGBY LEAGUE

verting and booting a penalty goal to give the Magpies a handy 14-0 lead at the break.

– created havoc with his darting runs and snappy service on the fringes.

divisions through to Under 12s and have built a keen rivalry.

Belief

and will power have propelled the Magpies Under 13 rugby league team to a stunning premiership tri umph in the Mackay and District Junior League competition.

The Magpies capped a memorable season after turning ‘giant killers’ by toppling the previously undefeated Proserpine Brah mans 28-0 in the recent Grand Final at the Mackay Junior League Fields.

All conquering Proserpine – who domi nated their age division all season – saved their worst performance until last.

They were rattled from the outset by a de termined Magpies side that tackled like trojans and bustled the minor premiers into error with swarming defence and an excellent match plan.

Promising Magpies second rower Tyran Attard was the best player on ground –ripping the Brahmans’ defence to shreds with his powerful running and clever off loads and nabbing three tries to earn the official Player of the Match award.

Attard stamped his mark by crashing over for two first half tries in the 8th and 25th minutes with five eighth Nate Frost con

When back rower Luke Clarke, Attard and fullback Marik Srsen posted three second half tries in the space of 14 minutes there was no stopping the marauding Magpies

“Ioutfit.couldn’t

be more proud of the boys”, beamed winning Magpies coach Michael Muscat post-match.

“The team was busted for much of the sea son with injuries to key players but found a way to get the job done.

“Our match plan was to slow down the ruck and apply constant pressure to their go-to players which they did with tremen dous effect.

“The boys have had some great tussles with Proserpine over the years and really believed they could go all the way and win the competition.”

In a superb team effort the Magpies’ tough-tackling forward pack laid the foun dations for victory with classy halves Frost and half back Isaac McFarlane and the in spirational Srsen spearheading the attack.

Star utility Darcy Cabassi – deputising for injured hooker and skipper Mason Muscat

It was a bitter pill to swallow for the Pros erpine colts who recorded three wins over the Magpies (26-14, 12-10 and 30-14 in the major semi final) before the Grand Fi nal Theshowdown.Brahmans

finished undefeated minor premiers on 26 points ahead of the Wan derers (20 points) and Magpies (19 points) and during the season scored a massive 510 points while conceding only 108.

Turning point for the Magpies was the 1210 loss to Brahmans in the final prelimi nary round at Proserpine Junior Sporting Complex – a match that could have gone either way.

“It was after that game that the boys start ed to believe they could hold their own against the Brahmans and gained plenty of confidence in the lead into the finals,” said coach Muscat.

The nucleus of the Magpies team has played together since forming back in Un der 7s with Michael at the helm.

During the past seven seasons both the Brahmans and Magpies have dominated the Mackay and District Junior League age

“As coach I’ve watched the team develop over the years and there is a strong bond amongst them which is evident when they play,” said Michael.

“The Grand Final victory is something they’ll cherish forever.”

Four of the Magpies’ top prospects – Srs en, Frost, McFarlane and hooker Mason Muscat were selected to participate in the Brisbane Broncos Junior Academy trainon squad where they have undergone ex tra fitness and skills work under an elite coaching panel.

The Magpies’ premiership-winning Un der 13 squad was: Marik Srsen (captain), Charlie Cochrane, Johnny Ziegeler, Aus tin Armitage, Griffin Borg, Nate Frost, Isaac McFarlane, Sangwani Chinula, Luke Clarke, Tyran Attard, Joshua Kunst, Mason Muscat (captain – injured); Darcy Cabas si, Cooper Elliott; Braithe Williams, Zac Robinson, Hunter Wood, David Phineasa, Ngatimakea Tuiravakai, Jazon Chammen; Coach: Michael Muscat; Manager Kylie Muscat; Trainers: Denis Clarke, Russell Ziegeler.

Contributed with thanks to Chris Karas

Magpies premiership-winning Under 13 team that toppled the previously undefeated Proserpine Brahmans 28-0 in the recent Mackay and District Junior League Grand Final

Powerful Magpies second rower Tyran Attard scores one of his three tries during the 28-0 drubbing of Proserpine in the Mackay and District Under 13 Grand Final

On The Green At Goosies

The Past Presidents Day, ladies vs men, held at Goosies last Monday was a huge success, with all 16 rinks filled. Once again men won the day, and all present voted to continue this event annu ally. Play was followed by nibblies.

There is a “Come and Try” day being held at Goosies club on Tuesday, 11th October commencing at 6pm. Please register at the club at 5.30pm. This will be a free fun evening, giving any prospective bowlers a chance to try the sport. Bowls will be sup plied, and all ages are welcome.

Our annual prizegiving dinner for both la dies and men will be held on Monday, Oc tober 24. Tickets will be available shortly from reception.

Social Bowls

Monday mixed pairs winners were Gra

ham Moore and Don Agnew, followed by Gloria Sam and Helen Rose. Lucky draws were won by Phyllis Morgan and Terry

WednesdayWilley.

ladies’ day was won by Lois Deguara, Sandra Sommerfeld and Ann Bailey, with Daphne Offield, Jean Comelli and Margaret Armitage in second place. Great to see Margaret back playing after a long layoff due to ill health.

Friday mixed pairs winners were Asko He lenius and president, Eric Galletly. Lucky draw winners were Lydia McCarthy and Jean Schmidtke, followed by visitors, R and D. McClay. Tony Allsop missed the $500 kitty toucher by about 25cm.

Saturday men’s day was taken out by John Priest and Ray McCarthy with Alan Cooney and Darren Addie filling second place. Andrew Coates and Ernie Sealy won the jackpot.

Contributed by Tony Allsop.

Wanderers Under 17 Premiership Triumph

Withan abundance of natural sporting skill in its ranks, long established St Patrick’s College remains a rugby league stronghold in the Mackay region.

Having chalked up two Grand Final ap pearances in both the prestigious Confra ternity Shield Rugby League and Aaron Payne Cup secondary schools competi tions this season, the depth of talent has never been Thisstronger.was evident when the Wanderers club squared off with Northern Suburbs Devils in the recent Mackay and District Junior League Under 17 Grand Final in NoMackay.lessthan 18 members of the St Patrick’s College first grade Class of 2022 featured in the title decider with Wanderers claiming the premiership honours after a stirring 24-18 victory.

Talented Wanderers’ five eighth Ethan Van Kerkwyk was judged best player on the ground after a superb display in the num ber six jumper – igniting the attack with his sharp running and creating opportuni ties with clever passes and a sound kicking

Vangame.Kerkwyk

was one of 15 St Patrick’s top grade players in a powerful Wanderers line-up that also included boom hooker Xavier Kerrisk, fullback Kai Simon, half back Will Shears, back rowers Hudson Galletly and Jack Clark and lock forward Reece Morris.

Other St Patrick’s students that helped the Wanderers lift the Under 17 trophy were centre Leo Gupwell, props Patrick Shanks and Oscar Tweddle, centre William Ve itch, Lachlan Cocco, forwards Campbell Grisan-Hodges and Hunter Harris and

16-year-old Jeff Peady.

St Patrick’s young gun Jaxon Purdue spear headed the Devils’ title charge along with school colleagues in lock forward Levi Love and second rower Tyler Shandiman.

Playmaker Purdue gave Norths an early 12-0 lead when he collected a try double and booted the extras inside the opening 16

Soonminutes.after the Wanderers put points on the board with a Simon penalty goal be fore strong running centre Veitch (24th minute) and back rower Clark (31st min ute) burst through for tries to set up a 14-12 advantage.

When the dynamic Shears scooted over for his side’s third try after 48 minutes that was converted by Si mon and the Wanderers had surged ahead 20-12.

Nippy hooker Braedyn Rob erts kept the Devils in the hunt when he burrowed over for a second half try in the 55th minute with Purdue potting the Grisan-Hodgesextras.

responded minutes later when he crashed over for a deserved try to seal the premiership for Phillip Davies’ well-drilled charges.

Wanderers had trump cards in Van Kerk wyk, Simon, Shears and Kerrisk – all part of a formidable St Patrick’s College spine – while the gifted Purdue was at his classy best for Norths until sustaining an injury late in the first half.

Impact forwards Levi Love and Tyler Shandiman turned in wholehearted dis plays for the Devils, who suffered only two losses during the preliminary rounds to finish minor premiers on 22 points and with the best defensive record in the com petition.

Marie Bragg is in the final of the mixed pairs

Mick Mackenzie prepares to bowl

Tony Allsop almost hit the $500 kitty toucher

Club President, Eric Galletly won on Friday

Contributed with thanks to Chris Karas.

Jubilant Wanderers players celebrate their Under 17 premiership victory over Norths Devils at the Mackay and District Junior League Grand Finals

Young gun Ethan Van Kerkwyk

RUGBY LEAGUE

HUGE SQUAD HEADS NORTH

For BMX ChampionshipsState

46BMX riders from Mackay and Dis trict BMX Club are travelling to Cairns this week to compete in the Auscycling Queensland State Championships.

The Championships will be held on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 Septem ber at Cairns BMX Club.

The Mackay riders are hoping to bring home a prestigious Q plate, to celebrate their state rank

Miniing.

Wheeler Mia Moy,

4, is the club’s youngest member competing, with Club President Brett Wil son, Chris Bolger, Adam Mustapha and Brendan Knights, showing the younger riders how it’s Ridersdone. competing for the prestigious Superclass ti tle include Brock de Silva and Tristyn Kronk.

Chasing the Junior Su perclass Men’s title are Tyler Morgan, Connor Parish, Tyler Smith and Brodie Wilson.

Sarah Tickle will com pete for the Junior Super class Women’s title.

Pioneer Swimming Club

OPENS SEASON WITH A SPLASH

were to have made new friends.

Pioneer

Swimming Club held its first club night of the season on Thursday, 8 Septem ber 2022 at the Pioneer Swim Centre. The night was a great start to the season with returning swimmers excited to welcome many new members and their families to the club – sharing a barbeque and an evening full of fun racing.

There were many personal bests achieved – swim mers having shaved seconds off their previous season’s times, several swimmers challenging themselves by taking on distances they had nev er attempted in a race setting before and even one new member overheard boasting how proud they

Celebrates 80 Years

SWIMMINGBOWLS

The club will be hosting its long course carnival on 1 and 2 October 2022 at the Pioneer Swim Cen tre. If any families are thinking about making the plunge into the sport of swimming, this would be a great event to attend and experience the excite ment and fun this sport brings, even if just to ob serve for the weekend.

The club will also continue to hold an almost weekly club night and we encourage families to “come and try” Pioneer Swimming Club. Simply contact the club either via Facebook or email the club secretary, Tahnie Malagueno, secretary@pio neerswimclub.com.au.

SARINA LADIES BOWLS

bowlers from clubs through out the district, four past members and extra guests.

Five past presidents were among 93 bowl ers who celebrated the 80th anniversary of Sarina Ladies Bowls Club.

The roll-up included 78

A two-hour game of bowls was followed with a little entertainment from several Sarina lady members, then a lovely lunch and cent sale to finish the day.

Max Ransome

Ruby Soke

Dylan Secher

Lily Bolger

Connor Parish

BMX

Sarina Ladies Bowls Club president Rita Hughes, centre, with Mackay District president Lynn Jackson and Bowls Queensland representative Colleen Ryan at the club’s 80th anniversary celebrations. Photos: Contributed

Sarina Ladies Bowls Club bowlers at the club’s 80th anniversary celebrations.

Mackay District president Lynn Jackson and Sarina president Rita Hughes cut the cake

ChampionshipsTennisTable

Two long-time rivals battled for the Mackay table tennis open women’s championship last week.

Emma Widdup and Anne Sheridan have been teammates and competitors since they were in their teens, both first winning Mackay Closed women’s titles as juniors in the 1990s. Between them have won an es timated 15 championships.

Emma repeated her feat of winning all her matches at the recent Queensland Veter ans Championships in Mackay, taking out every event she contested at the closed ti Shetles.

also won the mixed open doubles with Andrew McHugh, beating Mick Ruhl and Andrea Nicholson, but her most treasured win was in the women’s doubles with vet eran Coral Morgan, over Anne Sheridan and Janice Kent.

“It was most special because last year in the final against the same pair we were down 9-10 and I served a fault,” she said.

“After that game last year I did a Kerry Saxby walk around the hall to process my disappointment - Coral cheekily said she’d play with me again this year only if I didn’t fault to lose the match.”

Perennial winner Mick Ruhl has taken out another Mackay Closed men’s champion ship at the Mackay Table Tennis Centre.

Mick defeated another former title winner Andrew McHugh, to bring his tally of ti tles to eight.

Emma Widdup kept up her good form to win the women’s open singles from Anne Sheridan, building on her form at the Queensland Veterans Championships in Mackay when she was unbeaten in singles.

Emma and Anne will play in the Austra lian Veterans Championships in Darwin next month. Nine Mackay players will compete at the titles.

Persistence paid off for Branko Vucurovic, who won the singles and doubles crowns at the Avril Hodges Memorial tournament at the Mackay Table Tennis Centre.

Branko won the singles final -11, 8, 9, 5 over Charlie Payne, and teamed with Donna Abbott to take out the doubles over Steve Mathieson and Coral Morgan.

Using a steady, defensive style, most play ers find it very hard to get on top of Bran

Davidko.

Butler won the B singles final over Noreen Fredericksen, and John Hamelink and Ian Dodds won the doubles over Robyn Bushell and Sharon Muller.

The tournament is played in memory of Avril Hodges, a popular figure who was one of the main organisers of the Tuesday morning fixtures during the 70s.

The fixtures will now break for the school holidays and resume on October 5. New players are welcome, contact Iris Grasso 0419 702 392.

Rangers FC Set To Host Carnival In Mackay

FOOTBALL

Mackay

Rangers Football Club are finalising preparations for its an nual eight-a-side soccer tourna ment to be staged at Eric Homan Park at Cremorne during the October long week Withend.

$6000 in prizemoney and titles up for grabs, football enthusiasts are in for a treat when the two-day carnival kicks off on Saturday October 1.

The unique eight-a-side concept is an Open Men’s and Women’s competition for players aged 17 years and older, drawing teams from far and wide including Sarina, Yeppoon, Rockhampton, Hall Creek, Em erald, Townsville, Innisfail, Cairns, Bris bane, Toowoomba and Sunshine Coast.

An added highlight is the Penalty Shootout competition which is traditionally staged

BRIDGE WEEKLY RESULTS

Congratulations to Janelle Conroy and Terrence

BRIDGE

on the Saturday night when participating teams put forward a goalkeeper and strik er to compete for $150 cash.

Mackay Rangers boast a proud 54 year history in the Football Queensland Whit sunday Coast Premier League Associa tion where they have annexed numerous championship titles and produced a host of talent among the Men’s and Women’s

Thegrades.Carnival is traditionally run each year on the October long weekend with round fixtures and finals held over the Saturday and Sunday and is one of only a handful of senior competitive Football Gala events that are staged in Queensland.

For further details and registration inqui ries contact Mackay Rangers FC eight-aside co-ordinator Andrew Susani 0400 000 990.

Monday

1st

2nd Under

Tuesday

1st Terrence Sheedy

2nd Janelle

3rd Janel

Wednesday

1st Janet Sandra

2nd Josie Cowley Carol Gaskell Karin Bugeia Ming

Thursday

1st Mick King Graeme Smith Stokes Ken Seaniger September

1st Terrence Sheedy Lorna

2nd Graeme Julie O’Neill Monica Darley Susan Marie McGuire David Ting

Saturday September 22 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Points

N/S

1st Ken Seaniger / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Christine Nice / Faye Wright

E/W

1st Frances Brown / Alan Brown

2nd Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless

3rd Geoff Taylor / Del Ryan 3rd Diane Stokes / Ann Whitmore

4th Janine Rogers/ Mick King 4th David Ting / Ming Ting

5th Doone Mitchell / Lorna Shuttlewood

5th Susan Wright / Patricia Garner

Winners Angela Welks and David Ting Cheryl Machen Karin Le Roux

Branko Vucurovic holds the Avril Hodges Memorial Trophy, flanked by runner-up Charlie Payne. Photo credit: Iris Grasso

Contributed with thanks to Chris Karas.

Mackay Rangers FC will host its annual 8-a-side Carnival on October1-2 at Eric Homan Park at Cremorne

Branscombe Road, Walkerston

A Grand Family Home with Glorious Views & Two Huge Sheds!

With a sense of grandeur, this elegant family home on a massive 1,619m2 block features gorgeous living areas, a stunning kitchen, a magnificent master suite with a private balcony & awesome views, a potential parent’s retreat, a huge home office & in the big backyard, multiple entertaining zones & two powered sheds with a 6m carport nestled between them. Be prepared to fall in love with this classic beauty on Branscombe Road!

Join us for the Auction on Monday, 26th of September at 6pm in the Explore Property Auction Room. Offers prior to the auction are

Electricwelcome.gates,

a gorgeous surrounding yard, established gardens, and easy side access greet you on arrival. A welcoming, fulllength front patio & impressive double doors set the scene for the showstopping interior that lays ahead!

A spacious foyer & gorgeous timber staircase separate the two wellproportioned living areas, with both rooms boasting direct access to the front patio. The luxe kitchen & dining area are positioned at the rear of the home and overlook the huge entertaining area & private backyard. A large, attractive laundry room provides an appealing space for one of the busiest rooms of a family home, and an adjoining spacious bathroom adds a stylish convenience when entertaining. Two large bedrooms with built-in robes, a tiled single garage, and a fantastic home office with a large storage cupboard

complete the layout of the impressive ground level.

Beyond the stunning timber staircase, the grand master suite with its large, light-filled walk-in robe & private balcony is a space you’ll look forward to retiring to every evening! The beautiful views from the large balcony offer a serene escape where you can start & end your days with a big dose of perfection. Spacious & stylish, the upstairs bathroom and separate toilet continue the luxe theme found throughout the home. If you’re not requiring a fourth bedroom, this fantastic space is the ideal parent’s retreat! Isn’t it only fair that the parents take over an entire level? Surely!

Stepping back outside, just take a moment to absorb the glorious yard space, entertaining areas & picturesque gardens; and now, it’s time to admire the awesome sheds!

The 6m x 9m & 7m x 9m powered sheds are conveniently connected by a 6m carport and of course, are accessed with ease via the electric front gates.

This appealing property is a must-see for those who demand space inside and out, with a generous sprinkle of glamour! This endearing family home holds magical memories from years gone by and the happy vibes are evident in every room. Now, it’s time for you and your family to enjoy this spectacular, picture-perfect property! Please contact the Mark Daniel Team on 0400 257 229 or 0447 256 737 to arrange your viewing.

A unique investment opportunity awaits within Cuttersfield Estate, this stylish unit is a rare prospect for your taking. This home is nothing short of space and features including open plan living, media room, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, single garage, patio and fully fenced backyard. The open plan living area includes the kitchen, dining and lounge spaces opening to the patio, with the media room positioned at the front of the home. All 3 bedrooms are generously sized and this home is air conditioned throughout. Relax below the covered entertaining space and there plenty of lawn shed storage.

1/56

Move in ready, don’t lift a finger and find this wonderful family home. Low maintenance throughout you’ll appreciate spending more time than ever with the family and enjoying the Northern Beaches Lifestyle. 2 Moreton Drive offers spacious large bedrooms incomparable to most homes. The hub of the home is open plan and exceptional in its usage of space. The master suite will have you falling over backwards with the generous sizing that invites you to put your Super King bed and more. Outside boasts a huge yard, pop a shed and love the side access. Call Today!

Don’t go past this perfect first home, downsizer or investment property. A fantastic free-standing home on a great low upkeep block, find this 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home that offers everything and so much more. Located in a family-oriented location with parks, playgrounds and picnic fields all within walking distance from the front door of 37 Scarborough Circuit. Only a short drive to the beach. The home is modern, refreshed, a great layout and full of light. The Kitchen, dining and lounge all open plan and beautifully designed to maximise the space and be the most versatile. Call Today!

Queensland style cottage on high-density 645m2 allotment, offering 2 street access. Good sized bedrooms, plus potential for additional accommodation with sleepout. Kitchen has previously been improved and now so has the bathroom and laundry. Split system air –conditioning exists throughout the home, with new roof recently added as well. Single carport for your vehicle, or use for covered entertaining space if preferred. Owner’s instruction of a sale is clear, with signature ready to be offered to the savvy purchaser.

16 Forth St, South Mackay

37 Scarborough Cct, Blacks Beach

2 Moreton Dr, Rural View

8B1 112 Oldmill Dr, Beaconsfield By Negotiation11:00-11:30Explore

9C297 Goldsmith St, East Mackay$385,000 Neg10:00-10:30Explore

10D211 Bridge Rd, East Mackay O/F $499K 11:45-12:15Gardian

7 Logan Cres, Erakala AUCTION 10:00-10:30Gardian

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11 Bridge Street, East Mackay

OPEN SAT - 11:45AM - 12:15PM

Resort Lifestyle by the Beach

- Stand-alone house offers a beachside lifestyle in the superb Osprey complex and comes with the option of a $58,000 a year caretakers job

- With a two-car garage, there’s a private outdoor area perfect for entertaining and a separate building with its own bathroom ideal for teenagers, an older relative or visitors

- 4 bedrooms all with BIRs, fans and air-cons plus a study

- Kitchen with dishwasher and pantry that overlooks the open-plan family room

- Downstairs toilet and laundry and two upstairs bathrooms

- With easy access to the resort-style pool, it’s set in a beautiful spot close to the beach, CBD, shops, schools

Offers

8 Crescent,

OPEN SAT 9:00AM - 9:30AM

Quality Renovation with Shed

This recently completed property has been impeccably revitalised into a quality home with many prestigious finishes.

The stunning home features two stylish bathrooms, modern kitchen with designer appliances, polished timber floors, air conditioning throughout, a front patio, low maintenance recently turfed lawn, 6ft timber fencing and beautifully manicured gardens and a concrete driveway through to the newly built shed.

The character colour palette throughout the home allows the buyers to simply add their furniture and truly make this one their own.

The property sits central to some of Mackay's best schools, Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre, and only a 5-minute drive to the CBD. So, make sure you take the time to inspect this beautiful quality home.

Located in the ideal family estate of Settlers Rise, this residence boasts a brilliant contemporary design that prioritises space, style, and low maintenance living, delivering a home built for comfort ready to be enjoyed by one lucky enter the home, you are greeted with a charming street appeal that is carried through out the home, with a series of smooth interiors highlighted by the floor tiles, high ceilings and many other quality finishings.

The Perfect Package in Settlers Rise - Space, Style and Comfort the Lifestyle and

Offering six acres and in an ultra-quiet location, you could find yourself living on the doorstep to town with this property that has lifestyle written all over it!

This rural residential zoned property offers you the space to live the relaxed life we all yearn for. Situated at the end of a quiet road and approximately 25 minutes from the Mackay CBD, properties of this size so close to town are a rarity!

This 4-bedroom, 2 bathroom home delivers all the essentials for entertaining; an open plan living/dining with a gourmet kitchen, a media room and a stunning alfresco dining area.

Only a short drive to The Mount Pleasant Shopping Precinct, many great schools and a 15-minute drive to the CBD, this brilliant contemporary home in Settlers Rise is the whole package.

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and an open plan living area which flows onto the wrap around balcony that features 180 degree views of the beautiful countryside.

Nothing has been spared on this beautiful lifestyle property and being centrally located between Marian and Mackay it is ideal for the buyer looking to enjoy life. You, too , will fall in love with 268 Griffiths Road and all it has offer.