Every child needs a safe and caring home.

Every child needs a safe and caring home.
Pioneer Valley residents fear being forced from their land as the Queensland Government forges ahead with plans to build the world’s biggest pumped hydro.
Concerned residents were joined by Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry and Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud earlier this week,
touring some of the properties that are set to be affected by the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Scheme.
Netherdale residents Charlene and Joe bought their property three months before Queensland Premier Annastasia Palaszczuk’s announcement in September 2022 and now face the prospect of a 60m concrete dam wall being built on their
property.
“We bought the place for its beauty and pristine environment,” said Charlene.
“We are really disgusted with how we’ve been treated as landowners.”
Continued on page 8 read on page 5
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It was some time last year that I decided I was going to get into dancing. Rock and roll and line dancing have long been popular amongst my family. Whether it’s a wedding, a 21st or a 50th, there’s almost always a dancefloor and it’s almost always packed when ‘Man! I Feel Like A Woman!’ comes on. I’m sure I used to dance when I was younger but as I hit those pubescent years, I was suddenly “too cool”. I’m proud to say I’ve overcome that dancefloor hesitance. I wouldn’t say I’m better at dancing or more confident in my ability; I just stopped caring and had a good time. Although I wish I’d danced every time someone beckoned me to the floor growing up – I reckon I’d be pretty good by now.
I joined in on some line dancing workshops at NQ's Rock'n Country last year and this opened my eyes to how fun
dancing is. I had a great time and even later went to some lessons held by Deb Wookey and Mackay Line Dancers out at Walkerston, who you would’ve read about a month ago.
Later in the year, I attended a dance hosted by Sugar City Rock n Rollers at Goosies. I had a dance with mum and gained much satisfaction every time we nailed a move. As Sugar City Rock n Rollers President Colin McPherson says on page 17, “You’ll always see rock and roll dancers on the dance floor with a big smile on their face.”
More recently, I attended No Lights, No Lycra, which seems perfect for dancers like me. You can read that story on page 17 and if you’re interested but still feel a bit apprehensive, like I was, I urge you to go along and give it a go. As I’ve learnt recently, nothing is quite as satisfying as a good dance.
Seven laptops were donated to YIRS One Stop Youth Shop earlier this week courtesy of CQUniversity Mackay.
The pre-used laptops, all approximately 12 months old, will be utilised by students currently enrolled at Charters Towers School of Distance Education.
“At the moment, the students are rotating on a roster because we didn’t have enough laptops,” said YIRS Service Manager Deanne Chapman.
“The generous offer of these laptops is going to make a big difference.
There are currently 30 students studying in the program.
“Now everyone gets a laptop,” Ms Chapman said.
“It makes their workload easier and submitting their work a
lot simpler.”
CQUniversity Mackay Campus Coordinator Leanne Williams said it’s important that no student misses out.
“Supporting students from our local community who don’t have access to laptops is really important for the university,” she said.
“Being part of the solutions to our students and giving that back, it really makes me feel fantastic about working for an organisation that does care about our students and also cares about what their learning journey’s going to be.”
Ms Chapman shared her appreciation upon receiving the laptops.
“It’s really great to have people in our community that are continually giving to our future,” she said.
Agroup of Grasstree Beach residents have shared their concerns about activity occurring on state and council land surrounding the beachside community.
The man spearheading the campaign, who wished to remain anonymous, said the bushland behind and to the north of Hillside Drive stretching up towards Salonika Beach, including Mick Ready Beach, has become a “theme park” for people with motorbikes, four-wheel drives and offroad buggies.
“The area near Mick Ready Beach used to be fairly clear and people used to picnic all the time,” the concerned resident said.
“It was accepted practise … until the bikes
moved in.”
The local relocated from the area in 2010 and, upon returning in 2021, discovered the issue had worsened, citing noise emanating from surrounding bushland, dangerous driving on the streets leading into the bushland, environmental damage, erosion, and litter as areas of concern.
The noise has reportedly been heard as early as 6:30am and late as 11:30pm, and vehicles have been seen speeding along Hillside Drive where vision over the hill is limited and families frequently walk.
The group of locals banded together and started a campaign, approaching police, Mackay Regional Council, Member for Mirani Stephen Andrew, and the Minister
for Resources Scott Stewart.
“The problem here is the council owns the beach (Mick Ready Beach), but they don’t own the roads into it,” the resident said.
“That area is ‘unallocated state land’ and managed by the Department of Resources.
“It would seem that creates problems and limits what the police can and can’t do.
“Everyone’s pointing at everyone else.”
The resident reported that the Department of Resources installed steel gates to prevent unauthorised access, which have since been torn down.
He also claimed that local police have increased their presence in the town, but
“could be a little bit more enthusiastic” in enforcing groups to move on.
A response from the office of Minister for Resources Scott Stewart stated the Department of Resources “will continue to work with the Mackay Regional Council and other agencies to promote responsible use of open spaces in this locality.”
The letter continued: “In 2023, Resources will also continue its work with other agencies to limit uncontrolled vehicle access to parts of the land where it is practical to do so, which may include a staged approach to re-installing gates or changing access arrangements to the land.” The group of residents is calling for access to the area to be restricted.
A50 year old man has died on a private property in Ball Bay after suffering an electric shock.
Emergency services were called to the Cape Hillsborough property on Tuesday, May 16. It was declared the next morning that the man had been found deceased at the scene.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland are assisting police in the investigation. The week prior, a crime scene was declared and forensic examinations are underway after a fire
broke out on a property at Eungella on the evening of Thursday, May 11.
Emergency services were called to a Schumanns Road property at approximately 5.20pm, to reports the dwelling was on fire.
Initial investigations indicate a woman in her 50s was inside the property, sustaining critical injuries and dying at the scene.
Investigations remain ongoing and anyone with further information is urged to contact police and quote this reference number: QP2300781943.
It’s coming up to 12 months since being elected, and what an honour it is to be chosen to represent our incredible region. Being able to bring your voice to our nation’s capital nearly every sitting week, being able to share your voice in our national debates, travelling to every corner of our beautiful electorate, and meeting so many incredible people are just some of the great perks of representing you!
But one of my favourite parts of the being the Federal Member is meeting people across the electorate and especially meeting those who volunteer their time to our communities.
Our volunteers are some of the most selfless people I’ve ever met, from the great people at Meals on Wheels, to our Crime Stoppers, our VMR’s, SES groups, our RSL’s, Rotary & Lions Clubs, and many other community groups and sports clubs. These incredible men and women contribute so much to our region, while expecting nothing in
return!
As this week is National Volunteers Week and its an opportunity for us to give back and say ‘thankyou’ to our incredible ladies and gents who volunteer their time. And with this year’s theme being ‘The Change Makers’, it’s the perfect time to acknowledge the power our volunteers have in driving positive change in our communities!
I have one thing to say to our amazing volunteers across Dawson: THANK-YOU!
Thank-you for working so hard for our communities!
Thank-you for being the backbone of our region! And thank-you for always being there when our communities need you most!
This National Volunteers Week, if you see one of our fantastic volunteers, please show how much we appreciate them and appreciate what they do for Dawson!
For the first time since coming to power, the Labor Government has approved a new coal mine in the Isaac region, but new strict environmental regulations and timeframes are attached.
The mine, 28 kilometres east of Moranbah, was provisionally approved by the Federal Government and it is set to become the third mine operated by Bowen Coking Coal.
The company currently employs a 700 strong workforce and will be mining for high quality, high yielding metallurgical coal used for steelmaking.
The new mine is adjacent to the
two existing mines. The following strict new regulations apply:
1. The mine must not clear more than 25 hectares of land.
2. Impact on the native snake species must be minimised.
3. There must be an on-site fauna spotter.
4. The mine must maintain the property and land quality.
5. Operational timeframe is five years (compared to the standard 25-50 years)
It is estimated that the mine will produce half a million tonnes of coal a year and provide an additional 200 new jobs in the region.
With a prime location overlooking the Pioneer River and Forgan Bridge at Bluewater Quay, the former site of Lebanese Restaurant Ashtart has laid dormant for years.
But Mackay Regional Council is brewing something up for the site, selecting J&J Brewing Co Pty Ltd, better known as Red Dog, as the new licensee.
Red Dog Brewery aim to open their new taphouse and restaurant on the river in July, adding to their current location on Chain Street, which opened in April 2022.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the site was well situated on Bluewater Quay overlooking the Pioneer River and formed part of the Mackay Waterfront PDA (Priority Development Area).
“This is an excellent outcome for Bluewater Quay, and the City Centre more generally, to create new activation opportunities, with a business that already has local support and recognition,” he said.
“The Mackay Waterfront project has been developed by council to improve tourism, liveability and economic activity in Mackay’s CBD and waterfront.
“Red Dog will be a great addition to this key location between the City Centre and
the newly established River Wharves in River Street.”
The new Red Dog site will complement the existing location in Chain Street, with Bluewater Quay becoming the main retail outlet and Chain Street the main production location.
Red Dog co-owners Jason Egan and Jamie Woods said the new location has untapped potential.
“Mackay has a great river, one of the best you see, and what better place to have a brewery than on a river?” said Mr Egan.
“It’s a great location, somewhere you can come with friends and close to town.
“We’re hoping we’ll get a new influx of different types of people, pick up a different market with this venue.
The owners are excited to begin canning their beers which will be available for takeaway at the new location, as well as offering a wider variety of beers, spirits and cocktails.
“If the locals support it, it’ll go well,” Mr Egan said.
“If they want something like this in the town, they need to embrace it.”
are now in place for a new jetty on Keswick Island and local residents say this will increase accessibility for all and reinstate a casual boating community that will revive the local tourism industry.
Keswick Island Headlease Holder, Oasis Forest (China Bloom), has lodged its Development Application for the jetty with Mackay Regional Council and approvals have already been granted by the Queensland Government and the Australian Government through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
It is hoped that works will commence by the end of this year and construction will be completed sometime in 2024.
Keswick Island Progress Association (KIPA) Spokesperson, Greg Chappell, said the new jetty would be a game changer for north Queensland boaties, day trippers and yachties.
“People will now have a destination to spend time on land during their trips through the Cumberland Islands,” he said.
“Opening up Keswick Island’s access means more visitation, and more visitation means more dollars into the local Mackay economy.
“It will also spur a boost in building activity on the Island, and the benefits of this will flow to local builders, tradies, and suppliers.
“We look forward to Mackay Regional Council’s support to expedite the final approvals required so construction can commence.”
CEO of Mackay Isaac Tourism, Al Grundy, welcomed the jetty application and said it was no secret that access is the first mandatory criteria to grow tourism on an Island.
“The ability for visitors to depart Mackay and access Keswick Island via a jetty is the first step to growing the Island’s tourism potential,” he said.
“Mackay based marine tourism operators will be able to pick up guests from Keswick for day tour excursions to visit other islands, for snorkelling, beachcombing or to head off on fishing charters.
“Keswick Island has potential to play a key role in our broader regional tourism strategy – an island on our doorstep that is easy to access and a tourism location that we are proud to showcase to the world. This development is a welcome contribution.”
Talking about death and dying won’t kill you, and neither will watching a film about it.
This is the message a new and inspiring documentary is bringing audiences all over the country during National Palliative Care Week.
A total of 60 cinemas in Australia will be showing ‘Live The Life You Please’ and Event Cinemas, Mount Pleasant is one of them.
The film follows the journeys of several individuals who experience end-of-lifecare and it aims to change the public perception on death and what it means to be cared for in your final days.
Common misperceptions of palliative care include that pain is an inevitable part of dying, palliative care hastens death, you can only receive it in hospital, and it is on only available days before you die.
In fact, palliative care is known to prolong death, be filled with moments of intense joy and can be flexible to meet your needs, giving you the control on when, where and how you die.
By following the diverse range of stories in the documentary, audiences witness
how palliative care can come with many positives.
“Their powerful stories will show you that palliative care is more than medicine. It’s about quality of life.
It’s about providing physical, social, emotional and spiritual support to patients and their loved ones,” said a spokesperson.
“It makes the social and economic case for increased support of essential services including palliative care, aged care, community care, allied health and the support of carers at home.”
The film introduces audiences to the advocates campaigning tirelessly to make palliative care available to every Australian where and when they need it – be that in aged care, a hospital setting or at home.
At the heart of ‘Live The Life You Please’ is a series of unexpected moments of joy caught between caregivers, patients and their families.
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Director Mike Hill said that people thought he was crazy for making a film about death, but that, having experienced such amazing insights, he would do it all over again.
“What I’ve learned is that talking or thinking about death won’t kill you. In fact, it will do quite the opposite - it will enhance your life,” he said.
“Making this film was an incredibly empowering experience. The infinite capacity for humans to grow even whilst grappling
with life-limiting illness was inspiring. “The film will make you smile, laugh, laugh harder and occasionally shed a tear as it shares the stories of a diverse range of Australians experiencing their last chapter.”
“I hope that people will use this film as a conversation starter to talk about a difficult subject, feel better about what the future holds and use that knowledge to live the life they please.”
International Nurses Day is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise nurses for their roles in the community and dedication to achieving health outcomes for their patients.
Celebrated each year on May 12 in recognition of the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, Mackay Hospital and Health Service marks the day with morning and afternoon teas and the annual International Nurses Day Awards.
“It’s really important to celebrate the achievements of our nurses and how hard they work 24/7,” said Nursing Director Samantha Sanders.
“They show up every day and they’re very passionate about what they do so we want to celebrate that.”
Emergency Department Registered Nurse Felicity Morris received the CQUniversity 2022 Graduate of the Year Award, completing her studies at CQU before entering the Emergency Department in her graduate year.
“I’ve had exposure to so many different presentations and I’ve been able to progress very quickly through my career,” she said.
“Nursing is such an integral part of the community and we do it day in and day out and we always put our patients first but it’s nice to have a day where we let the community know that we are here, and we celebrate our nurses.”
Surgical Nurse Unit Manager Lachlan Frank agreed after receiving the Nurse
Unit Manager Clinical Excellence Award.
“I think this award demonstrates what we do as Nurse Unit Managers on a daily basis in supporting our teams but also we couldn’t do our jobs without the support
of our teams,” he said.
“While I was the winner of this award, it really does demonstrate the hard work our staff do on the surgical ward every day.”
McFadzen Perpetual Award: Margaret MacDermott (Day Surgery Unit)
Clinical Nurse Specialty Award: Yolanda Gibbons (Paediatric Diabetes Clinic)
Clinical Excellence Award – Rural: Vicky Grams (Proserpine Hospital)
Clinical Excellence Award – Nurse Unit Manager: Lachlan Frank (GSU)
Excellence in Patient Care Award: Vincent Uy (Renal Unit)
CQUniversity 2022 Graduate of the Year Award: Felicity Morris (Emergency Department)
JCU Department Outstanding Support Award: Mackay Base Hospital G2 Medical Ward
JCU Department Outstanding Support Award: Proserpine Hospital
duct studies as well as initiating negotiations for property resumption and compulsory acquisition.
“This is a process that we take seriously, of course, and we want to be respectful of those landowners,” Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said.
“We’ve researched around 1,000 sites across the state and this one stacks up as simply the best pumped hydroelectric opportunity anywhere in Queensland, in fact, it represents one of the best opportunities in the world.
“Most importantly, this project delivers us a significant economic opportunity for north Queensland.”
Mr Littleproud said the community felt helpless.
Continued from page 1
With 79 properties expected to be affected by the Queensland Government’s pumped hydro scheme, Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said affected families were reaching breaking point.
“This is the third visit I’ve made to the Eungella community since the Premier made a flying visit to Mackay to announce Labor’s plan to inundate prime agriculture
land and pristine rainforest,” Ms Landry said.
“I have met with families who have broken down in tears and asked me what they can do with their lives if they’re forced off their land.
“Many of the properties have been in their family for generations.
“It’s heartbreaking.”
An upper reservoir is planned be built in the Eungella area while at the bottom of the Eungella range, a 60-metre-high dam wall will be constructed to allow for the lower dam.
Solar and wind farms are planned for the lower area as well, with negotiations between the Queensland Government and affected landholders beginning last year to discuss terms of property access to con-
“Labor’s ideology doesn’t match the practical reality and sadly it’s at the expense of Eungella locals,” Mr Littleproud said.
“It is senseless to destroy prime agriculture land and rainforest in this special part of Queensland.
“I urge Labor to listen to locals and to scrutinise this project properly before it’s too late.
“There is a place for renewables, but it is not here.”
Atotal of six eco-tourism projects are set to receive a share in $9.3 million of state government funding and the Pioneer Valley Tourism Hub has been named one of them.
The Activate Ecotourism Infrastructure initiative will provide funds to kickstart an outdoor tourism hub that will accommodate up to 26 visitors in a brand-new lodge to be built in Finch Hatton.
It is hoped the lodge will complement the new bike trails in the area and open opportunities for guided fishing experiences at the
nearby dams.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the announcement marks the start of an exciting time for tourism in the area.
“The natural environment of the Pioneer Valley near Mackay has amazing potential as an international mountain bike destination,” she said.
“Delivering more than 40 construction and ongoing jobs, the Pioneer Valley Outdoor Tourism Hub is about boosting access to the region’s outstanding fishing and hiking experiences.
This Mother’s Day, Mackay mums experienced the joy of receiving flowers, sold with love, by enthusiastic Endeavour Foundation clients who enjoyed the experience of participating in a worthy cause.
For the past 31 years, more than 70,000 chrysanthemums have been cultivated by the Endeavour Foundation at its Bundaberg Disability Social Enterprise for Mother’s Day.
The flowers are hand-picked, stripped, and put into 7000 bunches, many of which are sold locally while thousands more are transported to other Queensland regions. A total of 300 bunches were sold here in Mackay and Endeavour Foundation’s Executive General Manager – Work Services, Eric Teed, said local mums and caregivers enjoyed receiving such thoughtful gifts.
“When you bought an Endeavour Foundation bunch for mum this year, you put a smile on her dial with a thoughtful gift,” said Mr Teed.
“But you were also giving the gift of employment.”
“You were ensuring people who face barriers to employment have a job that works
for them so they can experience all the physical, mental, and social benefits that come with it.
“We believe everyone has the right to work and our social enterprises create meaningful employment and training outcomes for people who need extra support in the workplace.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the support of the community that made Mum’s Day bloomin’ marvellous with an Endeavour Foundation bunch this year!”
For the past 70 years the Endeavour Foundation has been dedicated to help build brighter futures for people living with disabilities.
Their programs currently support thousands of Australians with intellectual disability and help them live, learn, work and thrive.
It is initiatives such as this that further integrates those living with disabilities into the community, giving them the opportunity to participate and interact with a broader social network in a positive and fulfilling way.
“The Hub will also support future mountain biking tours and generate up to $3 million for the Mackay region’s visitor economy.”
Chief Operating Officer of Mackay Tourism, Al Grundy, said that he is thrilled with the announcement.
“It will be a great base for people coming the region to use the mountain bike trails,” he said.
“I think the project will really activate Finch Hatton and the Pioneer Valley.”
The Lodge will be utilised by tour guides and operators from across the country and it is
set to offer a spotlight for the showcasing the natural environment of the Mackay hinterland.
Finch Hatton is the gateway to a plethora of tourist activities, from fully stocked dams to rainforests, scenic walks, bike trails and it is only 20 minutes to Broken River where you can view platypus in the wild.
“It’s really good for our region as it opens up some many more options for land-based activities,” said Mr Grundy.
“There will be a brand new building in town, right next to the bike trails so I think it will get a lot of use.”
With the Million Paws Walk coming up, RSPCA Mackay Shelter Manager Jacqueline Smith is calling on the community to get involved after a three-year hiatus.
On Sunday, May 28, locals and their furry friends will walk and play, with every step and dollar helping to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs in need just like Ms Smith’s recent adoptee Millie.
Two-year-old ridgeback Millie came into RSPCA Mackay’s care in 2022 with severe injuries to her front and back left legs after running through a barbed wire fence. Instead of seeking professional treatment, her previous owners plastered her legs themselves.
“We would recommend seeing a vet ASAP. It’s left her with a limp, but as she’s come along, she’s improved a lot more than they thought she would’ve,” Ms Smith said.
Ms Smith fostered Millie for a couple of nights and “ended up falling love”, ultimately adopting her.
“They thought she’d have to go through all these surgeries, and I made the decision not to and she’s just healed with a lot of love and a lot of care,” she said.
“As she gets older, she will get onset arthritis earlier than most dogs, but right
now she’s running like a racehorse with my other dog, so I have no worries.”
With 6,359 dogs turning to RSPCA Queensland last year for a second chance, RSPCA Queensland’s Chief Veterinarian Dr Anne Chester said Million Paws Walk is a wonderful opportunity for locals to support the 47,000 animals who require assistance and intervention from RSPCA annually.
“All funds raised go directly to the RSP CA, which includes helping us rehome over 10,0000 animals in Queensland each year,” Dr Chester said.
“Some of the 6,000 plus dogs that came into our care last year experienced awful mistreatment, abandonment or were bred to turn a profit, so each step you take at Million Paws Walk helps us in our fight to save lives.”
RSPCA Mackay has raised the most funds for 2023 so far out of all shel ters in Queensland and Ms Smith sees firsthand where the funds help.
“If any animal comes into our care, at least we know the community’s helping for medicals, food or even a blanket to sleep on,” she said.
For a great dog-friendly day out, while helping to raise vital funds for animals in need, joins RSPCA Mackay at Queens Park on Sunday, May 28.
Registration opens at 8:00am and the walk will kick off at 9:00am, with food vans, market stalls, competitions, games, family entertainment and raffles, all in support of
In a big move, Mackay Regional Council is trialling a reimbursement scheme for low-income earners to de-sex their pet cat or dog.
“Each year there are countless unwanted dog and cat litters in the region,” Mayor Greg Williamson said. Through the program, eligible pet owners can receive a reimbursement of $75 to desex cats and $150 for dogs. Pet owners must be a certain criteria: - Be a resident of Mackay - Hold an approved Queensland con-
cession card, including seniors, sole parents, widows, students, carers, and health care cards
- Have a registered, microchipped and desexed cat or dog - The pet has been desexed in the last 60 days
“Desexing also has countless other benefits including preventing uterine infections, lowering the risk of some cancers, and it can also reduce aggressive and territorial behaviours and your pet’s likelihood to wander.”
To learn more, visit mackay.qld.gov. au/desexingrebate
Anew community group has been formed by a group of concerned residents from the Dawson and Capricornia electorates.
The Dawson.Capricornia Community Watch Group was formed about a month ago over concerns for policies passed down by the United Nations (UN), World Health Organisation (WHO) and World Economic Forum (WEF).
Member Pamela Holloway said the Dawson.Capricornia Community Watch Group is concerned about Mackay Regional Council’s membership with the ICLEI, formally the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, an organisation that supports local governments to accelerate climate action and sustainable urban development.
The most significant issue, said Ms Holloway, is the proposed introduction of '15-minute cities'.
“More like Surveillance Cities, because that's what they are,” she said.
“They come right out of the WEF's 2030 Agenda handbook, as a mechanism to re-
strict and control us forever in the name of 'climate change and saving the planet’.”
Ms Holloway said the community watch group aims to ask the pertinent questions of Mackay Regional Council, as to why they are adopting '15-minute cities' into their planning strategies.
“We recognise that some parts of the 'Smart City' concept have benefits when the technology is used for the right civic reasons,” she said.
“But the overall picture is so all-encompassing and extreme that the outcome will be total control of you and your family and friends by the unelected elites of the WEF.”
“Our aim with the community meetings, is to talk about the Smart Cities initiative, so that the residents can make an informed decision for their future.”
The Dawson.Capricornia Community Watch Group is excited to welcome South Australia's Tim Dwyer as their live guest speaker via Zoom, with Q & A afterwards, for their first community meeting on May 26 at Mackay Sporting Wheelies.
Brenda Windsor has competed in over 30 marathons and regularly trains with her grandchildren. Photo supplied
Mackay local runner, Brenda Windsor, is taking on the mammoth Bravehearts 777 Marathon this June.
Brenda has been running for 12 years, after stumbling into the sport during a bootcamp fitness class. From there, she steadily increased her speed and distance, and is now set to complete her third Bravehearts 777 Marathon.
The 777 Marathon takes participants to all seven Australian states, over seven days, to complete seven marathons consecutively, to raise awareness and funds for Bravehearts and the one in four children who have been impacted by child sexual abuse.
The marathon acts as a major fundraising tool, as national participants must raise $10,000 each for the cause.
For Brenda, this is her third 777 Marathon, and is definitely not her last.
“After my first 777 marathon, I was like ‘Wow, did I really do that?’” Brenda said.
“I didn’t know what I was getting into, and it was just this real buzz.
“But this time, I know what I’m getting into, so that’s a bit different.
“I’m feeling good.”
Brenda will fly into Perth Sunday June 25, to finish the first marathon on the Monday, before completing marathons in Adelaide, Melbourne, Launceston, Sydney, Canberra and the Gold Coast on Sunday, July 1.
“Over the last nine years,” Alison Geale, Bravehearts CEO said, “the Bravehearts 777 Marathon has raised more than $2.15 million for our critical support and education services, and this year we’re hoping to raise the stakes and fundraise more than $250,000.”
Clear from being Brenda’s final marathon, she is set to participate at the Airlie Beach Marathon only two weeks after the 777 Marathon.
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rtspace Mackay is turning 20 this year, a huge milestone for the regional gallery.
For the last two decades, Artspace Mackay has been illuminating the best of exhibitions, artist talks, and workshops.
“I hear it time and time again from artists who come to exhibit here – we have one of the best regional galleries in all of Australia,” Mayor Greg Williamson said.
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Since opening in 2003, Artspace Mackay has seen an estimated 600,000 visitors for across the world and Australia, hosted 343 exhibitions, and have collected 1200 works of arts.
mographics, before we built the gallery, and we asked people what they did when they went visiting new areas and almost every person said they visited museums and galleries,” Ms Boyd said.
“So, when you put the argument together, this space is about bringing people into our community as well as showcasing art to our local community.
“You can’t get some of the amazing travelling exhibitions that we get now without a proper gallery space.
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Mackay and District BM Club Inc
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Julie Boyd, Mayor from 1997 to 2008, was a strong backer of the project.
“We did a lot of surveying, across all de-
Artspace Mackay director Tracey Heathwood said, “I am so blessed to work with an incredible team – they are all so passionate about what they do and we literally couldn’t open the doors without them.”
“I’d like to say a huge, heartfelt thank you to all of them.”
The second in a series of Housing Roundtables will be held in Mackay in June where attendees will discuss the key findings from the first iteration which was held in December last year.
The aim of the roundtable is to develop region-specific, place-based solutions to the housing crises in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions.
The key findings from the first roundtable are availability and diversity of choice.
Greater Whitsunday Communities (GWC) and Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays (RDA GW) have partnered to deliver the sessions which will be attended by stakeholders from across the region.
Rob Cocco, CEO of RDA GW explained that housing is constraining economic development in the Greater Whitsunday region.
“We need more housing stock – to rent and to purchase, to be able to attract more
workers to our region to deliver against the many economic opportunities we have,” he said.
“And we need to find ways to bring this stock online quicker than we have ever before.”
Carol Norris, Executive Officer at GWC said they have baseline data to help inform discussions at the summit and provide the evidence to support funding applications to access State and Federal funding schemes.
“The Summit will result in an Action Plan for our region, comprising many sub-projects across the housing spectrum,” explains Carol.
“This Action Plan will be co-designed, localised and outline relevant place-based solutions.
The Summit will allow us to hear the voice of regional community stakeholders and build their insights into the solutions proposed.”
1869 was the beginning of the Sugar Cane industry in the Walkerston area when cane was grown and supplied to Pleystowe Sugar Mill. The first sugar crushing season at Pleystowe was in 1872. A distillery was added to the mill in 1873 in order to manufacture the quite popular - ‘Pleystowe Rum’. Allegedly, the distillery operated for just a few years.
In 1918 a disastrous cyclone hit the Mackay region dropping 84 inches of rain in just 6 days - 2134 mm! At that time there was another mill in the Walkerston area as well as Pleystowe - The Palms Mill, owned by Australian Estates. As it was badly damaged in the cyclone, its cane supply was
consequently sent to Pleystowe Mill for crushing. The two mills were eventually amalgamated in 1925 to form Amalgamated Sugar Mills Limited.
In 1975 Pleystowe Mill became part of CSR – the Colonial Sugar Refining Company.
Sadly, Pleystowe Mill ceased crushing forever in October 2008 - after 139 years, having been the oldest operating sugar mill in Australia at the time of its closure. Today the Pleystowe Mill site provides a few centralised services, and spare parts, to other operating mills of Mackay Sugar – part of the Nordsucker Group.
During 2010, a few of the staff of the old Pleystowe Mill decided that it would be great with a ‘Back to Pleystowe’ reunion. This was so popular that it became a yearly event coordinated by two well-known Pleystowe Mill identities – Jim Ross and Bob Dolan.
During last year (2022) - Jim and Bob, after 12 years of a job well done and greatly appreciated by all past Pleystowe Mill workers – decided to hand the planning and coordination over to the ‘younger generation’ in the form of Mark Gayton and Ian Ritchie. These two are set to carry the traditional Pleystowe Mill reunion into the future, no doubt assisted by a few of
the Pleystowe oldies.
The 2023 Pleystowe Mill Reunion was held recently, with approximately 70 people attending – mostly past Pleystowe workers, joined by a few younger people employed by Mackay Sugar. Once again, it was a terrific reunion with work colleagues and friends catching up with one another –there was even a few people who had not seen each other for nearly fifty years. Quite special, and very nostalgic!
The next Pleystowe Mill Reunion will be held on the third Wednesday of April 2024. Contributed by Bente McDonald
Porters Mitre 10 are inviting friends, family, and the community to come together, share a cuppa, and some delicious food to raise funds for those affected by cancer. For the past 30 years, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea has been a fundamental community event that raises vital funds to make a big difference for those impacted by cancer. One in two Australians are being diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85, and the team at Porters Mitre 10 want to help change that – with your help.
The team at Porters Mitre 10 would like to invite the Mackay community to join them on Tuesday 23rd May from 9:30am until 11:30am at Charlies Café for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea.
Director of the Trudy Crowley Foundation, Jacquie Camilleri, will be welcomed alongside one of the Foundation’s beautiful nurses as the event’s guest speaker to raise awareness of all forms of cancer that affect
so many people and their families across the Mackay and Whitsunday Region.
The team at Charlies Café will be cooking up a storm - baking heavenly sweets, delicious scones, and fresh sandwiches to enjoy while sharing a cuppa and some stories along the way.
If you are unable to attend, you can still show your support by heading into Porters Mitre 10 Mackay and purchasing tickets to the Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea Raffle.
To purchase tickets to Porters Mitre 10’s Biggest Morning Tea, head to the Porters Facebook Page or see the team in-store. All proceeds from the Morning Tea and Raffle will be donated to the Cancer Council.
Across three jam-packed days, Mackay Showgrounds will play host to the biggest outdoor, home and lifestyle event in North Queensland. Running from May 19-21, Mackay Expo is the ultimate one-stop-shop for outdoor and indoor adventure, showing the latest and greatest in gear, technology, and accessories.
The best in camper trailers, caravans, boating, fishing and 4x4 accessories will also be showcased with access to the exhibitors ready to help craft your next big adventure, all in one convenient location.
Or if you're into sustainable living and looking for captivating home and lifestyle ideas such as sheds, spas, bedding, and more, the Expo’s got you covered. Discover new holiday destinations you’re yet to lay your eyes on, sit back and observe as the experts demonstrate first-rate outdoor accessories, be enthralled with quality entertainment and ‘be in it to win it’ with some of the best major prizes up for grabs.
Gear up and get ready for an unforgettable experience at the 2023 Mackay Expo.
WHAT: Mackay Expo 2023
WHEN: Friday, May 19 to Sunday, May 21
WHERE: Mackay Showgrounds
TICKETS: www.MackayExpo.com.au
The annual Women in Sugar Australia (WISA) conference was another success, being held at the Bargara Cultural Centre, east of Bundaberg.
Seven members of Canegrowers Network Mackay District attended the conference, which has the theme ‘Women of Worth’.
The conference consisted for talks delivered by key individuals in and associated within the sugar industry.
The conference was officially opened by Stephen Bennett MP, member for Burnett, who shared challenges within the community, particularly with attracting young people to communities.
Mark Pressler, Chairperson of Bundaberg Canegrowers, shared issues with Bundaberg’s sugar industry, not dissimilar to
Mackay’s own late cut cane.
The special guest speaker for the event was Georgie Somerset AM, president of Agforce Queensland, who spoke of her youth, of being 18-years old and not knowing what she wanted to do professionally. She shared that she believes that women have an invaluable place in the sugar industry and encouraged women to ‘Find Your Voice’.
She encourages the belief that changes happens, and to connect community despite geographical isolation, and invest in individuals and continued education.
For the Conference Dinner, the guest speaker was Angela Williams, membership and engagement practitioner of Canegrowers Isis and contributor to ‘Walking the Wire’ a publication to strength the
financial stability of rural agribusiness women.
Angela spoke on holding critical conversations, unintended consequences, how more than two in a marriage is crowded, and the importance of succession planning.
The second day of the conference consisted of a trip to Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, One Little Farm Market, and Bundaberg Rum Distillery with a self-guided tour and tastings.
Other special guests for the conference included Lisa Deveraux and Cathy Mylrea from Sugar Research Australia (SRA), who spoke on gender and diversity, Glen Harris from Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL), who shared the market prices of sugar, global influences and organisations
that buy and sell sugar.
RaboBank also presented on horticulture, sugar, and wine, as well as by products, including aviation fuel and tights global supply.
Mary Wallace of Canegrowers Network Mackay said, “The conference is an excellent opportunity for the ladies to share their experience with other likeminded women, on current issues and diversity within the industry.”
Marice Perna, another Mackay attendee, said, “I enjoyed catching up with WIS members from other districts.
“The bus trip with the ladies from here is always a highlight.
“I enjoyed the conference speakers from diverse sections of the industry."
Additional taxes for farmers are a feature of the Federal Budget which was released last week and Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, says Australia’s agricultural producers deserve a helpup not a set-back.
He believes the May Budget has been used as a platform to unveil an array of new taxes, which will create extra expenses for Australian farmers.
One of these is the new ‘bio-security levy’ which is set at a rate equivalent to 10 per cent of the 2020-21 industry-led agricultural levies.
Willcox calls this the ‘Fresh Food Tax’ and asserts that it is charging Aussie farmers to quality-check international importers’ goods.
“The Labor Government are charging Aussie farmers to make it easier for competitors to
import their goods here. It’s charging farmers to quality-check their competition”, Mr. Willcox said.
“If an overseas importer hasn’t secured the safety of their product, the Government shouldn’t be punishing our primary producers for this.”
It is expected that this new levy will raise $153 million over three years and that it will fund increased bio-security measures.
Another tax that will impact local producers is the ‘Truckie Tax’ which is set to increase truckies’ diesel prices from 27.2 cents to 32.4 cents per litre.
This will then snowball into the price of transporting goods around the country and the price of products on the supermarket shelves.
“Labor is aiming to increase the road user charge by approximately 19 per cent over three years, making it that much more expensive to get produce from paddock to plate,” said Willcox.
“This will increase the price for both our farmers and the customers at the checkout.
“This isn’t fiscal management; this is daylight
robbery.”
Additionally, the average energy bills for businesses, which includes farmers, are set to increase by around $1,700.
“What’s the incentive for our farmers to keep feeding our nation?” said Willcox.
“They’re paying through their teeth to operate, energy prices are through the roof, and
all the Government can do is slog them with a raft of brand-new taxes.”
“Without food and fibre, the country starves and under the current rising cost of living crisis now is not the time to add more pressure on grocery and retail prices.
The loss of someone close is devastating and knocks your world out of kilter. Everything feels different and you know things are never going to be the same again.
The great benefit of a funeral and a subsequent wake is that you get to share the grief and somehow it seems more bearable when you know there are others, people close to you, who feel the loss the same way.
The Gardian Group lost our CEO, Peter Phillips, on the 7th of May and his funeral was on Friday of last week.
Peter was a husband, father, brother, brotherin-law, son, uncle and cousin and nothing can compare to the pain felt by those closest. All you can do is support those who are suffering the most.
And that’s what we did. But Peter was also more than just a boss to the rest of us. He was our mate and Gardian people were able to be there for each other as well as for his close family members.
Everyone was in shock last week, stunned by the loss of a leader and mate. But we are a close tribe and we all gathered around, checked in with each other, sharing the pain of the loss.
But we also owed it to Peter to celebrate his life. He lived a big life, audacious and energetic and generous and entertaining and there are plenty of funny stories to tell and recall. And we’ll continue to do that.
Coming back to work on the Monday, the loss
and feeling of something missing was there and that won’t change.
But as I went through the process of getting moving again, it was Peter who flicked the switch in my head.
I thought about what he created, a thriving business that includes a real estate agency, mortgage broking, insurance broking and financial planning, employing about 75 people in total.
And I imagined him thinking: I haven’t set up all this, built the business to what it is today for it to fall apart. You’ve got a friggin’ job to do so get to it and don’t hold back.
I know that’s what we will now do. There is a sense of duty to help the business succeed, help it grow and build on the success that is already there.
We have a duty to be the best we can be for our clients, work harder than ever, be more focused than ever on getting them the best possible result.
A few years ago, Peter was the driving force behind creating the words for what we call our Just Cause. It goes like this: “At Gardian, we pledge to give of ourselves by EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS together, UNITING our family and community. Leaving ETERNAL footprints for all to follow.”
One of Peter Phillips’ legacies is he had already set out for us what to do now.
Gardian Real Estate Sales Agent
0408 672 703
David@gardian.com.au
Afew of us this week have been talking about our rents and mortgages with Star giving you the chance to Live Rent Free.
Some of us here are renters, while others like myself have a mortgage, but wondering how the renters can even have a chance to save up to be a home owner. The gap between what some people around Mackay and Whitsundays are paying per week is immense, there are people renting a room in a share house for under $200pw, and some of us have $1000pw mortgage.
It makes me think more of the year I moved out of home and rented a caravan in a caravan park for a few months at Port Pirie in SA and how that seemed really expensive. It actually was for a first-year radio announcer in 1994 earning around $21,000 a year. The first unit I moved into from memory was about $125 a week and it was a ripper, very basic, but new 2 bedroom with a decent sized loungeroom.
Moving to Mackay in 2005 I’ve lived in Eimeo, Mackay City, South Mackay, Beaconsfield and now Rural View … while searching for some of those places I looked at some total dives.
Finding a rental in a tight market is horrible, you’re looking for something nice and affordable, but you might end up in 1 star just because you need a place, and you need it now. The last time I was in that situation was around 15 years ago and to be honest it was like some agencies were treating tenants like cattle that could just be pushed around, not treated well and it was a struggle to get your full bond back. I hope things have improved.
If you want your rent paid for a bit, tune into Star, Scotty & Rach with Kaley’s Live Rent Free. And good luck if you’re looking for a new rental at the moment, or, like me, paying a mortgage and waiting to hear about the reserve bank’s next move.
The Local Buying Foundation (LBF), a not-for-profit initiative established by BHP in partnership with C-Res, is positively impacting the Mackay region delivering economic benefits to local businesses and communities.
To ensure that the LBF funding opportunities target genuine community needs, an Advisory Committee was formed to provide guidance, inform, identify and support the investment and disbursement of the foundation’s funds whilst ensuring effective governance of the Foundation. The committee is a representative body made up of key stakeholders from across the LBF regions with an interest or skills and expertise in regional economic development.
I have represented Mackay Regional Council on the Queensland Committee since 2020 and have assessed many grant applications which have benefited businesses in our region.
The LBF, which has been active in the region for over 10 years provides funding in support of projects and programs which facilitate workforce development, innovation, and capacity building of business and industry to grow the potential of their regional economies.
The LBF is a critical element of BHP’s Local Buying Program, for every dollar spent through the Local Buying Program, BHP commits an amount into trust to the Foundation. To date, LBF has distributed over $7.5 million into Mackay, Isaac and
Central Highlands regions.
These grants have supported a diverse range of businesses, community events, networking, professional development workshops and workforce training programs, and have helped the local business community grow their capability and improve their competitiveness.
The LBF has championed business development in the region. In Mackay this includes GW3’s Grants Officer and the Trading Tracks program a partnership between the LBF, BHP and BMA and is delivered by Mackay organisation MARABISDA, it aims to build strong, sustainable Indigenous businesses through workshops and mentoring programs.
The LBF’s commitment to supporting the
Mackay region is unwavering and continues to impact the region’s economic opportunities and growth.
For further details please feel free to contact me at Cr.alison.jones@mackay.qld.gov. au.
Starting in Melbourne in 2009, No Lights No Lycra (NLNL) brings people together to dance like no one’s watching.
Rapidly spreading to 74 different countries, the initiative has recently been introduced to Mackay by two women who love to feel the rhythm, move their bodies, and clear their minds.
Anna Kahler first tried NLNL at the Sydney Opera House and recently connected with Lisa Merrett, who was a frequent NLNL participant in Melbourne before recently moving to Mackay, the pair teaming up to start the program just over a month ago.
Originating in Brunswick, NLNL is the product of professional dancers who wanted to reembrace what dancing meant to them.
“They were looking for an opportunity to dance where they didn’t feel like they were being judged and they could just enjoy dancing again,” Ms Kahler said.
It involves an hour of dancing in a safe, non-judgemental, alcohol and drug free environment, low light conditions meaning the people around you are just silhou-
ettes.
“You have freedom to experiment with the sorts of moves you might like to do and really get carried away,” Ms Kahler said.
Ms Merrett first started NLNL for fitness, finding innumerable other benefits along the way.
“I found I carried it into my everyday life, I’d start moving more to music in general,” she said.
“It just brought out that rhythm a bit more.”
Since starting in Mackay, NLNL has amassed a loyal following of dancers, with many describing the experience as a mindful one, with the positive effects of movement and dancing being felt throughout the room.
“It’s the movement, getting embodied again and the mindfulness of the whole thing,” Ms Merrett said.
“You can listen to your body cues and decide what you want to do based on the song in that moment,” Ms Kahler added.
“It’s exercise as a celebration as opposed to a punishment.”
Both women work in the community and mental health spaces and see the need for initiatives like NLNL as a mindful experience.
“Being able to move and be grounded and be in your body is really healthy,” Ms Merrett said.
“People seem to have lost that ability of connecting with their bodies because of technology, so it’s about getting back in to being able to connect with your body.
“When we’re struggling with mental health, we can become disconnected with things, and this is just a super grounding experience.”
The casual dance session happens weekly on Wednesdays from 7-8pm at St Pauls Uniting Church.
More information, FAQs and previous playlists can be found at No Lights No Lycra Mackay on Facebook.
Sugar
Sugar City Rock n Rollers Mackay is a club that has been promoting rock and roll dancing throughout the community since 1995.
The club meets weekly on a Wednesday evening for a social dance for all ages and all abilities.
“We have a bit of teaching between 7 and 8 and then from 8 to about 9:30 it’s really just a social dance and somewhere for people to practise what they’ve just learnt,” said President Colin McPherson.
“It’s four step rock and roll.
“If someone like me can do it, there’s plenty of other people who can do it, and it’s really just a fun thing to do.
“You’ll always see rock and roll dancers on the dance floor with a big smile on their face.”
The club also holds two social dances a month at Goosies, other dances through-
out the year and frequently perform throughout the community including at Global Grooves and Mackay Festival of Arts.
Although it focuses on the promotion of rock and roll dance and music, there is a large social component to the club including weekends away.
The next of these events will be held at Conway Beach Caravan Park, with the main dance on the evening of Saturday, May 27, attracting dancers and travellers from around the state.
Sugar City Rock n Rollers Mackay welcomes new members of all ages to their social Wednesday dances for a night of fun, fitness, and music.
“Once you get to learn the steps and go every week, it’s just an enjoyable activity,” Mr McPherson said.
To find out more, find Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Inc on Facebook.
It’s less than a month until the fourth annual Mackay Rainbow Pride Event and organisers are hoping for their biggest event yet.
Previous years have seen around 150 people attend the lively event which kicks-off at the Bluewater Quay, with a Pride March over Pioneer River Bridge. Colourful signs and costumes celebrate the LGBTI community, and everyone is welcome to come along and support this free event.
“The event is to tell people there is a queer community here in Mackay and also for the queer community to know there is help here if you need,” said organiser Gary Thomas.
“Fortunately, these days it is certainly more acceptable to be ‘out’ at work and in public and events like this really help.”
After the march, the parade will return to
Blue Water Quay for the festivities. So far over 15 stalls have registered and they are set to be a mixture of food vans, artists, and local crafts.
Well-known Mackay cover band, The Feels, will be performing and emceeing the event alongside other local artists. There will also be prizes for the Best Dressed Person, the Best Dressed Pet, and the Best Dressed Vendor.
An event that brings the community together will flare, colour and freedom, the Rainbow Pride Event is sure to be a fun afternoon where everyone can relax and be themselves.
WHAT: Rainbow Pride Event
WHERE: Bluewater Quay
WHEN: Saturday, June 17 TIME: 3pm – 7pm
Nebo Rodeo
Friday 19, from 4.30pm and Saturday 20, 8am to 12am
The infamous Nebo Rodeo is back and better than ever. Friday has eat street, kids entertainment, dodgem cars, and the best stalls around. Saturday will have the main events, with the sounds of Luke Geiger to carry us out afterwards. There are no tickets available at the gate, so be sure to purchase beforehand at oztix.com.au
Nebo Showgrounds
Nebo Hotel Street Party
Friday 19, 4.30pm to 11.45pm
The party of the year is back. Showcasing the likes of the Wolfe Brothers, LG & Biig G Sxxc, Zac & George, and Layla Gossage, plus kids entertainment and this event will have fun for the whole family. Tickets are available at oztix.com.au
Nebo Hotel
Mackay Expo
Friday 19 to Sunday 21
Come to the Mackay Expo and check out the newest range of the best camping, home, and lifestyle. No matter the home project or dream inspiration, this expo has something for everyone, be it a new campervan, a fantastic garden display, or pest control options. Be sure to purchase tickets at mackayexpo.com.au
Mackay Showgrounds
Legends on the Lawn
Saturday, from 12.30pm
Another epic music event for Mackay, Legends on the Lawn is set to be an event not to be missed. Having the likes of Missy Higgins, Troy Cassar-Daley, Paul Kelly, and Mark Seymour, all the classic hits will have
the audience dancing and singing-along. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
Great Barrier Reef Arena
Mother’s Day Make and Take Saturday, 2pm to 5pm
A special afternoon for a special lady, relax and make some soft and nourishing body products, and being treated with lovely, delicious treats. Tickets are $66 per person and available through the Essential Moon Magick Facebook page.
Campwin Beach
Unify Off The Record
Saturday, from 6pm
A powerful night of music, the Unify Off The Record show is coming to Mackay. With Thornill, Banks Arcade, Young Lions, Wildheart and Arcade Stories, this will be a great night of every music lover, with artist signings, pop up stores, and workshops also on offer. Tickets available through oztix.com.au
Seabreeze Hotel
SUNDAY 21 MAY
Create Your Own Junk Journal
Sunday, 9am to 1pm
Run by Pioneer Valley Arts, this workshop will teach you all about making your own junk journal and explore your messy creative side. Tickets are $85.
Elsie Nash Street, Pinnacle
Laura’s Triathlon
Sunday, from 6am
In memoriam of Laura Pettifer, local triathlete who passed away in 2008 after a Collinson during a mountain bike training ride. There are two categories with four events, the triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and aquabike. Tickets are available through allevents.com
Mackay Harbour Beach
TUESDAY 23 MAY
Rock and Roll with Sarina Crocodile Rockers
Every Tuesday, 6.45pm to 9.30pm
The 50s and 60s dance is coming back and the Sarina Crocodile Rockers are making it happen! This all-inclusive dance lesson will get even the worst dancer matching the beat.
Sarina Cultural Hall
WEDNESDAY 24 MAY
Teen Shed Mackay Teen Circle
Every Wednesday, 4:00pm to 5:30pm
Teen Circle is a place for all teens in the community to come together. It's a safe space for them to connect, heal & learn from each other. They can be seen, heard & understood with no judgement. It's a space to honour the uniqueness of each individual, everyone is equal. They will be able to speak from their hearts about things that trouble, annoy, frustrate them. This gathering will be held every Wednesday, all teenagers are welcome to attend. It is a free event, but attendees are asked to register for numbers.
Kutta Mulla Gorinna Special Assistance School
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
Chair Yoga in North Mackay
Every Thursday, 2:00pm
Using a chair for support (either sitting or standing) Chair Yoga is a practice of gentle movement, combined with mindful breathing & meditation. It's an excellent choice for anyone who wants to focus on a gentle, nurturing practice. Chair Yoga can improve your balance, flexibility, concentration & strength, while boosting your mood, and reducing stress and joint strain. Bookings are essential. Call or text your full name to 0434 940 300 or message the Wellness With Deb Facebook page. Palmview Village Community Centre, via Oasis Drive / Bradford St.
Mackay Riverside Market
Every Thursday, 3:00pm to 7:00pm
Come and meet your local growers, bakers and makers, chill on the lawn listening to some beautiful tunes and grab some delicious dinner and desert.
Bluewater Quay
National Simultaneous Storytime with Music and Movement with Cassie
Thursday, 9.15am
Join Cassie for the National Simultaneous Storytime reading The Speedy Sloth by Rebecca Young and Heath Mckenzie. Studio 53, Gregory Street, Mackay
Few children’s books have stood the test of time quite like Dr Seuss’s 200-word masterpiece ‘The Cat in the Hat’.
As the top selling children’s author of all time, the story is as popular now as it was in the 1950’s when Dr. Theodor ‘Seuss’ Geissel wrote the book.
Now both children and adults alike are sure to be left in raptures by this zany and imaginative stage show, that will bring the story to life on a 22 city, 45 show nationwide tour of Australian theatres. The play was adapted for the stage in 2009 by the National Theatre of Great Britain and tells the story of a brother and sister, bored at home on a rainy day when they are visited by none other than ‘The Cat’ in his red and white striped Hat.
Their outspoken and outraged pet, Fish, is astounded and concerned, but this cat will not be deterred.
He will teach us all to make our own fun with nothing but a little imagination.
"It's fun to have fun, but you have to know how."
Along with his friends, Thing One and Thing Two, they turn the house upside down leaving mess everywhere but have no fear, The Cat brings in his red ‘Picker-Up Machine’ and all is back to normal before Mum walks back in the door.
So, if you’re looking for ideas for your Thing 1 and 2 this coming school holidays, come and share in the magic and mystery of live theatre at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre.
Spoiler alert: Things run amuck, and quickly! For more information, please visit www.themecccom.au
It is less than three weeks away from the exciting 2023 return of Mackay’s Legends on the Lawn.
With a massive lineup of Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, Bernard Fanning, Mark Seymour, Vika and Linda, and Ian Moss and Troy Cassar-Daley, it is no surprise that locals are ecstatic.
Having been touring since January, Troy Cassar-Daley sat down with Mackay Life’s Bronte to talk about the upcoming festival.
What drew you to Legends on the Lawn?
I saw it first on Facebook actually. And wow, I thought. I think Jimmy Barnes played and I didn’t realise that the year following, I’d be asked to go.
I just happened to be a part of this huge tour and for this show to be in Mackay is incredible. I think people will see this lineup and know it’s something extra special. Paul Kelly is nothing but class, and then you’ve got Bernard Fanning, Queensland royalty, Missy Higgins who is song writing royalty. Mark Seymour is a great mate, and we’re both mad on old fashioned things like watches.
I mean, no matter what artist you’re into, the most important thing for me has been just seeing the cross collaborations between some of the artists.
It’s a really incredibly lineup and I’m very excited.
What can audiences expect from you?
I think people can expect some of the most incredible song writing that you’ll see in one night. You feel like you’re 18 and at the pub again, singing alone with all your friends to a local cover band, but you’re watching the actual real bloke that wrote it.
We play a couple of things that are from 50 Songs 50 Towns, and so to have Ian Moss
and myself play on stage is the best. He’s playing on Born to Survive and stuff like that, and I’m playing on Tucker’s Daughter, you know. When you’re playing with someone that you really like, it doesn’t get any better.
I reckon that people will just sit back and just in their chairs and love every minute. What’s your favourite thing about the area of Mackay?
I love the river. I’ve always drawn to it. Ever since I used to go to there in my 20s, I went through my first trip through the area with a lady named Gina Jefferies when I was very, very young. And the first thing I did was I had my handline in my bag. And I went down to the river, and in those days, no one talked about crocodiles. But I’ve always been drawn to the river.
And every time I go to Mackay, whether we played at the Bowls club, or we’ve done the Entertainment Centre, I always find myself sitting on the bank having a feed, just watching the river flow. It’s just an incredibly part of the world.
Any last things you wish to share?
I mean, look, these line-ups over the years have been rock and roll. The organisers of Legends on the Lawn have this uncanny ability to put these line-ups together that just work so well. We look forward to being able to invite people out.
And this lineup, its just a lot of iconic songs that are going to be falling into your lap and you get the chance to sit there and have a drink and enjoy it.
WHAT: Legends on the Lawn
WHEN: Saturday May 20, 1pm to 9.30pm WHERE: Great Barrier Reef Arena TICKETS: legendsonthelawn.com.au
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at jewellery making, weaving, felting, yarn and textile working, or charcoal drawing, but wanted some detailed instruction first?
Why not take part in The Artist Place’s workshops at Queens Park.
The Artist Place is a community art group, who allows people to try their hand at a broad range of art mediums in workshops and classes with local artists.
In this mammoth week of 11 workshops, attendees will be given dedicated instruction
SAT 27 MAY
Collage - 10.00 -2.30
Rejuvenate your Bling - 1.30 – 4.00
SUN 28 MAY
Charcoal Drawing on Wood - 10.00 -2.30
Drum Circle - 12.30–2.30
Printmaking - 1.30 – 5.30
MON 29 MAY
Vessel Felting - 11.00–2.30
TUES 30 MAY
Scratching the Surface - 10.00 -2.30
WED 31 MAY
Come and Play - 10.00–3.00
and intimate help, in order to craft their own art piece.
There are also three Come and Play sessions, free for anyone in the community. This is a fantastic opportunity to come along and play with the wide range of materials and mediums on offer in the shed.
WHAT: The Artist Place Workshops
WHEN: Sunday May 27 to Sunday June 4
WHERE: Cricket Shed in Queens Park
TICKETS: Humanitix.com – search ‘The Artist Place’
THURS 1 JUNE
Come and Play - 10.00–3.00
FRI 2 JUNE
Come and Play - 10.00–3.00
SAT 3 JUNE
Water Colour Painting I - 10.00 -2.30
Water Colour Painting II - 1.30 – 4.00
SUN 4 JUNE Cardboard loom Weaving - 10.00 -2.30 Textile Wall hanging - 1.30 – 4.00 Drum Circle - 2.30 -4.30
Prepare to be amazed by the performance of the year, with the Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine taking over the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre this June.
This internationally touring performance will keep audiences hooked, encompassing two magical stories that will be sure to keep audiences enraptured in the touching choreography and fantastic cinematography.
The first act follows the Ukrainian story, Forest Song, and reflects Ukrainian culture and heritage. Forest Song follows Lukash, a human man, and a mystical creature, named Mavka. Mavka wishes for peace and tranquillity in her world, drawing parallels to Ukraine and its political unease.
The second act is Don Quixote, an energetic Spanish ballet following the romance
of a courageous young man and his search for love.
Both acts include extravagant and lavish choreography and costuming, with intimately and honestly intricate songs, duets, and breathtaking music.
The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine was formed by National Opera of Ukraine dancer Alexander Stoyanov in 2014 and has been touring the globe brining the Ukrainian ballet to the likes of New Zealand, China, America, and South America.
WHAT: The Grand Kyiv Ballet of Ukraine
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, June 10 and 11
WHERE: Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre
TICKETS: themecc.com.au
For the month of May, the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens are celebrating their birthday.
On May 24, 2003, the Mackay botanic gardens officially opened, marking a goal accomplished of the Mackay Association. Since then, the Botanic Gardens have gone through stages of redevelopment and redesign including constructing new gardens, permanent wetland, to highlight the various water plants, and a kids play garden in 2006, and restoring and rehabilitating frost-damaged and drowned plants in 2007 and 2008.
In order to celebrate the gardens 20th birthday, the Botanic Gardens will be holding a series of events for the community.
Every Friday through May, and June 2, visitors can take part in a free guided walk, learning about the gardens and features different plants and aspects of the grounds.
On May 6, the gardens are hosting a daisy planting day, creating a daisy meadow on the lagoon banks.
There will be composting workshops of Saturday May 20, to educate participates on worms, composting and gardening, adding nutrients to home gardens. There is also the chance to win a worm farm. For children, on Saturday, May 27, join an insect hotel workshop, to learn about native bees and other insects that help gardens, and build an insect hotel to attract insects into gardens.
For plant lovers, there will be a plant sale, on Saturday June 3, of native plants, grown by Native Plants Queensland – Society for Growing Australian Plants Mackay branch.
No matter how much or how little of a plant and garden enthusiast, there is something for everyone. Visit mackayregionalbotanicgardens.com.au for more information, or how to register to events.
For the second year in a row, Magpies Sporting Club is hosting a Biggest Morning Tea event to raise money for Cancer Council and improve the lives of those affected by cancer.
Everyone is welcome to attend this vibrant charity function which will take place on The Deck, where guests will enjoy a decadent morning tea with barista coffee.
An inspirational guest speaker from the Icon Cancer Centre Mackay will inform and tickets are just $25 per person, with all proceeds going directly to the Cancer Council.
“This event is a great opportunity for the community to come together and sup-
port a vital cause,” said Kate Godfrey from Magpies Sporting Club.
“With an estimated 162,163 Australians diagnosed with cancer in 2022 alone, it is more important than ever to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and treatment.”
WHEN: Wednesday, May 24
TIME: 10am-11.30am
WHERE: The Deck, Magpies Sporting Club
COST: $25 per person
TICKETS: www.magpiesmackay.com.au or Magpies Reception
Abeautiful quilt made by a late Sarina crafter has gone to a good home.
Lilian Brown won the quilt made by Dulcie Christensen, first prize in the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre mega raffle drawn just in time for Mother’s Day.
Lilian and Dulcie spent many years working on crafts together at the Sarina Fibre Arts Group and as supporters of the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre.
The quilt was donated by Dulcie’s son Glen after she sadly passed away last week.
It was one of five prizes in the raffle, which was drawn by Jon Eaton of the Sarina Men’s Shed.
Gail Tomerini won a hamper packed with goodies from the Sarina Sugar Shed, Bees
2U, Sharon Price, Celia Gutschlag, Adorabull Treats, Koko Loko, Zelenka Farm and Heather Coleman.
Rosemary Rowles won a corner-to-corner rug made by Jenny Costello, and Genny Axiak won a tea cosy and teapot made by Jenny Price.
Sharon Price won a $50 petrol voucher donated by Rhonda and Charlie Payne.
“We’d like to thank everyone for supporting the raffle which has raised valuable funds for the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre,” centre manager Jenny Costello said.
“And a big thank you to our crafters and volunteers who got behind the raffle by selling tickets.”
Contributed by Charlie Payne
The world is their oyster for a group which visited the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre.
The World Café group enjoyed a morning tea before viewing the centre’s crafts.
It is a free culture-sharing group which meets every Tuesday at 4 George Street, Mackay (the Annex) between February
and November from 10 am to 12.30 pm. Activities include cooking, art and craft, conversational games, small projects, workshops, information sessions, culture and conversations and local excursions.
For more information phone (07) 4957 7222.
Sarina Bowls Club celebrated and remembered all the fallen soldiers on Anzac Day. After a minute’s silence, 64 bowlers all in great spirit enjoyed an afternoon of two games of bowls, good music, many laughs and afternoon tea.
Contributed by Charlie Payne
3/5/23: Wednesday Social games winners are Gloria Sam, Wendy McGee and Marie Duck. Runners up are Carmel O’Lauchlan, Donna Gordon and Lidia McCarthy.
10/5/23: Wednesday Social games winners are Shirley Bartolo, Jean Schmidtke, Anne Smith and Joyce Camilleri. Runners up are Betty Mulhall, Helen Goldston, Pat O’Neill and Daphne Offield.
17/5/23: We celebrated our 75 anniversary with our PAH at Gooseponds Sport and Recreation Club. With players from all of our district clubs invited to this special event.
18/5/23: We commenced Ladies District Pennant games, good luck to all players who are playing in Division 1,2,3 and 4 this year.
Contributed by Sue Hazledine
Meet the promising St Patrick’s College Red rookies that captured the NRL Gala Day Trophy last week at the Mackay Junior League Fields.
Under the guidance of Sports Co-ordinator Mercy campus Matthew Paul, the Mackay colts underlined their depth of talent with impressive victories in the preliminary rounds before toppling Bowen State High School 8-4 in the Year 7/8 trophy decider.
It is a second championship title for the young St Patrick’s warriors who won the Mackay Secondary Schools Year 7/8 rugby league premiership last month.
St Patrick’s Red defeated Pioneer State High, Moranbah State High White and Mackay State High in the lead up to the Final.
Led by rampaging props Nate Faulkner and Tom Mulherin, the Reds forwards laid the foundations for victory with powerful performances with lock Flynn Taylor, hooker
Mason Muscat and back rowers Seth Collins, Angus Barns, Theo James, Jude Fidler, Blake Battaia, Tayt Rowe, Connor Peno and back up hooker Zac Johnson turning in strong displays.
Elusive centres Harper Shields and Jaden Chimes posted the Reds’ two tries in the Grand Final.
Talented halves Darcy Cabassi and Matt Fenech provided slick service to a St Patrick’s backline loaded with talent and featuring top fullback prospect Nathan Simon, wingers Sonny Doring and Kooper Tomlinson and the versatile Kade Coburn.
David Casale’s St Patrick’s Blue and Blake Paskins’ St Patrick’s White sides also chalked up victories in the Pool fixtures. Other schools to enter teams in the NRL Gala Trophy included Moranbah State High, Sarina State High, Mackay Northern Beaches State High, Pioneer State High, Mackay State High, Mirani State High and Mackay Christian College.
Contributed by Chris Karas
Four Mackay Cutters have been named in the Queensland Maroons squad ahead of the opening game of the women’s State of Origin series in Sydney.
Emma Manzelmann, Shannon Mato, Romy Teitzel, and China Polata have all been named in the extended squad after leading the Cutters to the BMD Premiership semi-finals in the club’s debut season in the competition.
“We’ve picked in-form players on the back
of a really strong BMD Premiership competition,” Maroons head coach Tahnee Norris said.
"This year’s competition has gone from strength to strength and we’ve seen a number of players force their way into the squad following consistent performances over the past few months.”
The Maroons will enter camp on Friday, May 26 to prepare for the opening game of the State of Origin series at CommBank Stadium on Thursday, June 1.
Mackay Cutters first grade team may be searching for its first victory in the Hostplus Cup this season, but the club’s heavy investment in youth is reaping dividends.
After four rounds, the all-conquering Cutters share top spot in the Hastings Deering Under 21 Colts competition and shape as an early contender for this year’s title.
The Mackay colts chalked up their third win of the 2023 series after toppling the Burleigh Bears 22-14 in blustery conditions at BB Print Stadium last Saturday to maintain their unbeaten record.
The Bears drew first blood after three minutes when winger Jeremiah Tamepo crossed before Mackay five eighth Henri Stocks and hooker Ethan Roberts posted tries in the space of eight minutes with goalkicker Stocks adding the extras for a 12-4 lead at the break.
Mackay extended their lead after the interval when interchange William Gething crashed over for his team’s third try of the afternoon.
Burleigh responded with tries by second rower Adam Christensen and a second for
flyer Tamepo to bridge the gap before the Cutters sealed victory when winger Braydon Dunbar skirted the defence to nab a crucial late try.
Despite the Colts loss, the Bears capped a memorable day with the club clinching an historic seventh BMD Womens premiership and the first grade team roaring to the top of the Hostplus Cup table after trouncing the Cutters 42-6 in the main game.
Burleigh had too many big guns for the Cutters, producing a five-try second half blitz to grab the outright competition lead.
The Cutters matched the visitors for the opening 30 minutes until Bears skipper Sami Sauiluma scored the first of his two tries.
The Bears led 16-6 at the interval but punished the Cutters after the break with their powerful forwards strolling through tackles to lay on tries for Matthew Koellner, Jacob Alick, Ken Maumalo, Tom Steadman and Sauiluma.
Mackay square off with Redcliffe this Saturday in a curtain raiser to the Dolphins v Melbourne Storm NRL clash at Suncorp Stadium from 5pm.
When Corben Becker received a call from a former coach late last year, he was ecstatic to receive the news.
It was a coach he’d played for at Walkerston Wanderers, who also assistant coaches the Hastings Deering Colts Mackay Cutters, giving him the call up to join the squad.
Corben has been training with the Mackay Cutters Under 21s squad and played one trial game, working hard to ensure a debut.
“I’m just taking it all in,” Corben said. “I’m the younger half of the team so I’ve just been training and getting more experience for the years to come.”
Corben’s rugby league journey started at just five years old when he joined Brothers Junior Rugby League Club. His family relocated to the Sunshine Coast where he continued to develop his skills at Gympie Devils and Noosa Pirates before returning to Mackay and Brothers.
Finishing his junior career at Wanderers, Corben returned to Brothers to play U20s before joining the Cutters system. The dynamic and fleet-footed backrower
is honoured to be a part of the team, taking every opportunity to learn from those around him.
“Everyone just helps you out; the culture here’s amazing,” he said.
“Your teammates are always boosting you up and you’re always trying to work yourself up to be as good as or better than the other people in your position.
“I’m just trying to play my best footy, not let my team down and play for my family.”
As a local who is following his rugby league dreams in his hometown, Corben’s advice to other young players is to keep learning.
“Always ask questions,” he said.
“Make sure you take in what the coaches tell you and put in 100% effort at training.”
Looking forward to his Colts debut, Corben is excitedly watching his team start their 2023 season with an undefeated run after three rounds.
“We haven’t lost yet,” he said.
“We’ve just got to keep up the grind and make sure we play more than a half of football.”
It was truly a grudge match, with New South Wales versing Queensland in the matches, tensions running high, and audiences eager for the smoke of engines working.
Separated into five categories – Junior, Standard, Buggy, Bombs, and Top Gun – the competitors took the track of mud, spraying the audience, and testing their vehicles’ engines.
In one case, Junior competitor Eli Thomsett’s car erupted into smoke and fire on the last lap of his first heat. His car, Backchat, has since been repaired, but Eli is already working towards the
he annual Queensland Mud Trials held in Sarina thrilled audiences once again, with competitors travelling across Queensland, as far west as Mount Isa, and New South Wales, as far south as Boomi, to participate.2024 competition, where his sister, Millie, will join him with her car Mudicorn.
“It was a really successful day,” said Nell Thomsett, in charge of Sarina Mud Trials communications and Eli’s mum.
“We support Variety, and this year we donated $6,000 to Variety.
“We also support the local Scouts, who came in and collected all the cans from the event for their fundraising and had the Mackay Girls Basketball team on the gates.”
The Sarina Mud team also sold commemorative 35-year anniversary memorabilia, celebrating the massive milestone. And everyone gets involves.
“The parents start racing, then the kids start,” said Nell.
“I would start but next year I’ll have two kids racing, and we can’t tow a third car!”
bounds, four assists and four steals.
Mackay Meteors and Meteorettes hope to exact revenge when they host the Darwin Salties in NBL1 North action this Friday night at Mackay Basketball Stadium.
Still smarting from road trip losses to Cairns and Darwin last weekend, both Mackay franchises are eager to turn the tables on the Salties after disappointing results in the Northern Territory.
Since winning their opening five matches, Joel Khalu’s Meteors have stumbled to four consecutive defeats.
Cairns guard Ky Stattmann spearheaded the Marlins to an upset 96-89 triumph over the Meteors at Early Settler Stadium last Friday night.
Stattman bagged 30 points and eight rebounds in a top display as the home side kept the visitors at bay in a tight contest.
Mackay was best served by champion guard Isaac White, who posted 35 pts, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in a classy performance with support from guard Tyler Williams (18pts, seven boards, three assists, two steals) and forward Shane Temara (13pts and three rebounds).
Darwin Salties eclipsed the Meteors 102-88 with talented guard Jerron Jamerson contributing to the victory with 29 points, six re-
The Salties jumped to a 30-14 lead after the opening quarter and led 60-36 at the half time break and maintained the pressure.
White shone for the Meteors with 31 points, six rebounds and two assists; centre DJ Baptiste notched 20 points and 12 boards and Williams (12pts, six rebounds, two assists and two steals).
Unbeaten Darwin Salties made it seven consecutive wins after sinking the Meteorettes 82-56.
Spearheaded by guard Erin Bollmann (32pts, nine rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks) the Salties led all the way in a dominant performance.
Davida Dale top scored for Mackay with 17pts, five rebounds and four steals with support from Brittany Reeves (14pts and 13 boards), Charli Bliss (8pts and four rebounds) and Courtney Virgo (6pts, five steals and four rebounds).
The previous night the Meteorettes suffered an 86-64 loss to the Dolphins, who snapped a three game losing streak with ace guard Sheneice Swain (21 pts, 12 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and two blocks) leading the way.
Mackay got value from the flamboyant Dale (14pts, 8 rebounds, three assists and two steals), Reeves (14pts and six boards) and Bliss (8pts and nine rebounds).
Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night fixture results May 9, 2023:
Division 1:
Ferrari (Andrew McHugh, Robbie Richards, Lee Brake) d Mercedes (Mark Sleeman, Geoff Denman, Daniel Warfield) 9-2. Andrew d Geoff -6, 6, -9, 10, 7.
BMW (Emma Widdup, Ian McKay, Ivan Perkins) d Jaguar (Tim Shehan, Barry Patterson, Anne Sheridan) 6-5. Barry d Ivan 2, -5, 6, -12, 6.
Lexus (Graham Brake, Mark Poplawski, Allan Edwards) d Audi (Mick Ruhl, Janice Kent, Duncan Treloar) 7-4. Allan d Janice -7, -5, 5, 7, 8.
Division 2:
Isuzu (Andrea Nicholson, Donna Abbott,
Monday 8 May 2023 – 7 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
3rd Geoff / Cowan / Sandy Patterson
5th Susan Ross / Nancy Wix
Tuesday Evening 9 May 2023
5 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan
2nd Diane Cox / Janice Mansfield
3rd Eric Leivesley / Janelle Conroy
4th Geoff Cowan / Terrence Sheedy
2nd David Ting / Eric Goodchild
4th Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy
6th Geoff Taylor / Frances Brown
Thursday Evening 11 May 2023
6 Table One Winner Green Points
1st Ken Seaniger / Robert Carless
2nd Diane Stokes / Ann Whitmore
3rd Mick King /Patricia Garner
4th Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy
5th Annie Lynch / Geoff Taylor
Wednesday 10 May 2023 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
1st Sandra Morris / Jan Harris
2nd Antonia Tarradas / Ian Cruickshank
3rd Max Holewa / Diane Holewa
4th Joy Brunette / Don Poole
5th Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell
E/W
1st Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley
2nd Josie Cowley / Barbara Tait
3rd Annette Howe / Geoff Taylor
4th Sandy Patterson / Geoffrey Patterson
5th Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting
Friday 12 May 2023 –8 Table Mitchell - Green Points
N/S
1st Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson
2nd Julie O’Neill / Monica Darley
3rd Terrence Sheedy / Simon Barnes
4th Sandy Patterson / Eric Goodchild
1st Nancy Martin / Kath Poole
2nd Geoff Cowan / Gwen Liddell
3rd Debra Goodchild / Lorna Shuttlewood
4th Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson
Saturday 13 May 2023 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S
1st Sandra Morris / Ann Whitmore
2nd Mary Rose Ramsden / Geoff Taylor
3rd Faith Hutchinson / Simon Barnes
4th Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild
5th Marie McGuire / Joyce Deguara
Sunday 14 May 2023
1st Joy Block / Ian Cruickshank
3rd Ian Gaskell / Carol Gaskell
Simon Hogan) d Mazda (Rymer Tabulo, Peter Goodson, Lily Boland) 6-5. Rymer d Donna -7, -10, 5, 7, 5.
Nissan (Graeme Walker, Will VanDeKaa, Matthew West) d Honda (Ishan Rana, George Camilleri, Mark Stam) 9-2. Will d George -7, 8, -8, 8, 11.
Division 3:
Hyuandi (Ollie Hamelink, Duncan Sheridan, Noreen Fredericksen) d Kia (Aarnav Reelh, Virginia Clayton, Craig VanDeKaa) 10-1. Aarnav d Ollie 11, -11, -9, 3, 9.
Holden (Tiffany Camilleri, Trent Day, John McGee) d Ford (Alok Rana, Steve Crocker, Val Austin) 9-2. Trent d Steve -6, -9, 7, 10, 8.
Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning
fixtures May 9, 2023:
Division 1:
E/W
1st Ken Seaniger / Joy Robertson
2nd Patricia Garner / Laura Howland
3rd Geoffrey Patterson / Frances Brown
4th Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless
2nd Terrence Sheedy / Marilyn Wilson-Nichols
4th Faith Hutchinson / Simon Barnes
Green (Charlie Payne, Pam Joyce, Noreen Fredericksen) d Yellow (Donna Abbott, Peter Goodson, Bryan Marshall) 9-3. Charlie d Peter 9, -5, -5, 9, 8.
Red (Branko Vucurovic, Steve Mathieson, Kevin Abbott) d Blue (George Camilleri, John McGee, Don Boettcher) 7-5. Branko d George 5, -5, -8, 8, 6.
Division 2:
Orange (Helen Ware, Gloria Vella) d White (Marie Taylor, Kim Daffy) 7-3. Helen d Marie 9, 5, -8, -9, 9.
Purple (Iris Grasso, Ken Best, Judi Hicks) d Pink (Robyn Bushell, John Hamelink, Fred Saliba) 8-4. John d Ken 6, 5, -9, -7, 8.
Division 3:
Grey (Sharon Muller, Ian Dodds, Allison Day) d Tan (Thelma Caruana, Madge Saunders, Trish Zamparuti) 9-3. Madge d Sharon -9, 6, 8, -9, 7.
Aqua (Pam Keune, Robyn Giles) d Lime (Frank Caruana, Glenda Brookes, Carmel Cristaldi) 7-5. Robyn d Frank -6, -7, 13, 9, 10.
Contributed by Charlie Payne
Former Australian Test cricket captain Tim Paine will lead new franchise the Great Barrier Reef Rays in this year’s Brisbane Premier League 100 Ball competition.
The international keeper, who announced his retirement from first class cricket at the conclusion of Tasmania’s final Sheffield Shield match of the season, was snapped up by the Rays at the recent BPL player auction.
Paine will skipper the inaugural Rays outfit – based in Mackay – during the intense three day competition from August 11 to
August 13 in Brisbane.
With a combined 70 Test matches and one day internationals under his belt, Paine’s appearance in the team is an incredible opportunity for regional players to learn and develop their skills from one of the legends of Australian Cricket.
Paine, who played 154 first class matches, will be joined by Melbourne Stars hot shot batsman Nick Larkin, who has linked with the Rays as an inter-state recruit.
Great Barrier Reef Rays joined the competition with the aim of providing more
The Pioneer Valley played host to the Corry Cycles ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge on Saturday May 6, attracting over 100 adventure-seekers from across the country.
The ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge celebrates the life of former Mackay Christian College student Zach Roberts, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident at the age of 18 and has become a beloved tradition in the Mackay community since its inception in 2013.
The challenge features four stages of intense adventure activity, including a 40km MTB, 10km kayak, 10km trail run and 30km road cycle.
Angus Wicks and Sam Palmer stole the show who, both aged 16, competed in their first full Challenge, taking out the Junior Pairs category. The duo had been working their way up to this moment for many years, starting with the MINI MACH Adventure Challenge and setting their
sights on the full ZACH MACH.
"We're incredibly proud of Angus and Sam's achievement," said Event Director Nikki Giles.
"It takes a lot of dedication and hard work to complete ZACH MACH, and for them to do it at such a young age is truly impressive."
Angus and Sam's determination and teamwork was on display, crossing the finish line with a time of 5 hours and 51 minutes.
"We're so happy to have completed the ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge and to have won our category," said Angus.
"It's been a goal of ours for a long time, and it feels amazing to finally achieve it."
"We've been training for this moment for a while, and we're grateful for the support of our families, friends and coaches who helped us get here. It's an incredible feeling to know that all our hard work has paid off," agreed Sam.
Eight of Mackay’s best young cricketers have been drafted into the Brisbane Premier League’s prestigious Junior Twenty20 competition.
opportunities and access to development for regional players from Central and North Queensland.
Promising 20-year-old Mackay Magpies off spinner Isaac Borg and Northern Suburbs all rounder Lane Kohler were named in the Rays’ 14-man Senior squad.
Great Barrier Reef Rays full team list: Tim Paine (captain); Nick Larkin; Angus Lovell; Blake Maher; Sam Lowry; Liam Smith; Mitch Doolan; Noah McFadyen; Raveesh Srivastava; Lane Kohler; Sam Yabsly; Lachlan Holmes; Reece Neyland and Isaac Borg.
Exciting prospects Haiden Mellifont, Liam Zurvas, Nick Beardmore, Cameron Tomerini, Connor Muller and Jack Law will line up for the Northern Kings franchise at the three-day tournament to be staged during the school holidays from September 18-21 in Brisbane. They will be joined by Magpies young guns Myles Cochrane, who will line up for the Kings in the Under 16s division and Jacob Whitby, who was drafted by the Kings for the Under 14s competition.
Mellifont is a prolific run scorer at the top of the order for the Pioneer Valley Cricket Club in the Mackay Cricket Association; 16 year old Zurvas is a talented leg-spinning all rounder with first grade champions Mackay Magpies and talented quartet of leg spinner Beardmore, off spinner Tomerini, Muller and emerging 14 year old all rounder Law are products of the Brothers Cricket Club.
Women Solo Category Winners:
1st Bridie Ruff 4:46:21
2nd Bec Wood 5:23:40
3rd Kelly Chappell 5:55:45
Men Solo Category Winners:
1st Mitch Nissen 4:11:33
2nd Kurt Brunker 4:47:14
3rd Allan Jefferson 4:50:22
We have an intimate knowledge of Mackay, its property and people. Why is this important? Time and time again we have found that 'Local know how' is the difference between winning and losing on your behalf.
We have an intimate knowledge of Mackay, its property and people. Why is this important? Time and time again we have found that 'Local know how' is the difference between winning and 0488 411 078
smurrell@exploreproperty.com.au
SATURDAY 20TH
FLAGADDRESS PRICE TIME AGENT
SUNDAY 21ST
3-5
BEACH FRONT - SEA CHANGE - ON 1793m2
Situated in the stunning seaside community of Campwin Beach this property is sheltered with stunning unencumbered water frontage. This large family home has 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and multiple living areas.
Once you make it onto the front deck you will struggle to take your eyes off the views. If you love entertaining your friends and family will love the indoor entertaining and access to the large deck to watch the sunset over Grasstree Beach and the Coral Sea. A 2-car garage with internal access and a 6.5 x 7m block shed with ample storage for all the toys and a workshop.
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Price: Offers From $895,000
Looking for the ultimate waterfront lifestyle? Look no further than this stunning lowset home on 1.5 acres with frontage of the Pioneer River. You will have plenty of space to enjoy all that this beautiful home has to offer.
One of the standout features of this property is the direct access to the river, you will search far and wide to find a property of this standard right on the river’s edge. There is unlimited opportunities to row, kayak, fish and enjoy the beautiful waterway. Good sized shed & abundant water supply.
Just 15 minutes to Mirani on the Pioneer River at Mia Mia, is this 148 acres of lush tropical pastures. Fenced into 4 main paddocks serviced by a newish set of steel stockyards with under cover vet crush and loading ramp. Water abundantly supplied from two large dams, a bore and a pump on the river.
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- Returning $300-$330 per week with reasonable body corporate fees.
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The home is under 12 months old and built by one of Mackay's leading builders, where no expense on fixtures or design profiles were spared.
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Offers From $799,000
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OPEN SAT 9:00AM TO 9:30AM
This large executive home provides the perfect backdrop for that entertainer within! Whether it' a formal arrangement inside, or a large gathering outside, all is revealed the minute you step through the doors and admire a design that just shouts WOW!
Kerrisk Mick McLeod 0407 514 983 0408 777 971 Ryan Patton 0435 825 323
Surround yourself in the serenity of the countryside with this large property that spans over 4,399 square meters. Located just a brief 10-minute drive from Mackay, 5 minutes away from the nearest beach, and a 15-minute drive to Hay Point, this home offers the ultimate luxury of rural living but with all the necessities within easy reach.
As you lounge around on the back deck, you’ll find that the beauty of the neighbouring cane fields will be hard to take your eyes off. This two-storey home comes with multiple living and entertainment areas, a large 3 bay shed, inground pool and is ready for the perfect family to cherish.
In partnership with Ben Kerrisk
Mick McLeod 0407 514 983 0408 777 971
Ryan Patton 0435 825 323
Looking for a beautiful traditional home? Look no further than this recently renovated Queenslander! Located on a quiet street and just a short walk from Town Beach, this charming three-bedroom home is perfect for a young family to enjoy. With its modern renovations and original stunning features, this Queenslander sets itself apart from the rest. The expansive outdoor deck offers a lovely view of the pool and provides the perfect outdoor entertainment area for both the
kids and adults to appreciate. As you move downstairs, you’ll find that the raised home has an abundance of space to be filled.
This property sits on a 794 SQM allotment and can accommodate everyone’s needs. With its proximity to the CBD, nearby beaches, and schools it makes it an ideal location for you to call this place home. So, don’t hesitate to call today to escape to the perfect Queensland home.
Ben Kerrisk
Mick McLeod 0407 514 983 0408 777 971
Ryan Patton 0435 825 323
OPEN SAT 11.00AM TO 11.30AM
It will come as no surprise to anyone, but this intricately designed home has everything you could desire. Situated on a 2,033 SQM allotment in the exclusive and flourishing estate of Settlers Rise, this property takes on a blend of various textures and imaginative designs that will make you never want to leave this slice of paradise. It truly is the best of the best.
As you arrive to 38 Jardine Drive, the Portico entry complete with timber posts and aluminium feature will immediately
catch your eye. This is just a small touch of the stunning features you will see throughout this home.
Before reach the openness of the main living, dining, and kitchen area you will notice the double cavity sliding doors, that usher you into the theatre room. Equipped with dark walls, grey shag pile carpet and practical block out roller blinds this space creates a cozy atmosphere, ideal for snuggling up and enjoying your favourite movies.
234
2,033sqm
Auction
Ben Kerrisk
Mick McLeod 0407 514 983 0408 777 971
Ryan Patton 0435 825 323
OPEN SUN 11.15AM TO 11.45AM
235
3.58HA
There is something very special and spectacular here but it's only partly about the sweeping coastal, rural and city views from this elevated and private more than 3 hectare estate in the exclusive Belvedere enclave.
The expansive residence flows to the large entertainers deck that embraces the unbelievable views and is really part of your living space; a place for dining, drinking, talking and relaxing with paradise as your backdrop.
This private sanctuary offers the privacy of having your own large and secluded estate, where you can't see your neighbours, while still enjoying the practical convenience of being 10 minutes' drive to Mt Pleasant shopping centre and 15 minutes to the CBD.
The truth is that this is like having your own exclusive resort. It presents an opportunity to live the life we all dream of, something separate from the crowd, above the noise.
Auction
Ben Kerrisk
Mick McLeod 0407 514 983 0408 777 971
Ryan Patton 0435 825 323
INSPECTION BY APPOINTMENT
If you’re in search of an ideal modern home that encompasses a spacious open-plan layout for the family, an entertainment area to host your friends and a sizable shed for all your prized possessions, then look no further.
The contemporary haven sits on a 1,110 SQM block in the desirable Sugar View Estate in Richmond and comes equipped with a large 10 x 10m shed and roomy backyard. Its modern design layout and quality build combine to create this flowy masterpiece.
624
Nestled amongst a collection of equally prestigious homes, 21 Audrey Circuit is just a short drive away from town, making it the ideal location for a modern home. You must inspect this home to truly appreciated the quality it has to offer.
Auction
Ben Kerrisk
Mick McLeod 0407 514 983 0408 777 971
Ryan Patton 0435 825 323
1,110sqm