Mackay Life

On Saturday, Santa and his merry crew at Walkerston Fire Station 4 PAGES OF TV GUIDE THIS ISSUE FILL OUT THIS SURVEY AND WIN $1000 IN FUEL VOUCHERS turn to pg 15 for more information

criss-crossed COMMUNITY FURY OVER ALLEGED AGED CARE NEGLECT Residents Left To Fend For Themselves SPRINTING TO SUCCESS 2023 NQ Athletics Championships Heading To Mackay

the streets of Walkerston in their tinsel-covered fire trucks, lights

and

lining the streets. Lollies were donated to Walkerston Fire Station by the community and returned to the community in an annual display of community Christmas spirit.

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Twas two nights before Christmas and at the Mackay Life house, Computers were switched off, including the mouse.

The newspapers were delivered that morning with great care, In the hopes our readers were informed for the New Year.

As you nestle between the sheets all snug in your bed, Dreams of a Christmas weekend dance in your head.

Those who featured in our good deed surely made the list of nice, We know Santa reads our newspaper and has been checking it twice.

As Christmas Day approaches, St Nick readies his sleigh, With reindeer fed and watered, it’s almost time for up-up-and-away.

“Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN! On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!”

Keep an ear out for the jingle of bells on the roof, As well as the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

Santa doesn’t glide down chimney’s here in Mackay, He manages to slide through the door with cunning and sly.

Our team wishes you and your family a Christmas filled with glee, We hope you find something special to cherish under your tree.

Thanks for reading and for sharing your stories, The pages would be empty if it weren’t for your glory.

As 2022 comes to a close and a new chapter starts, We hope you have a wonderful New Year with joy in your hearts.

From Amanda and the team at Mackay Life xo

Following recent revelations of alleged neglect at Westminster Lodge Retirement Village, a local barber donated his skills and his day off to visit the village and cut some of the residents’ hair.

“The story behind this place was something that really touched my heart,” said barber Jye Howes.

Mr Howes visited the village with his equipment, making his way to some of the units in the village to cut the hair of the residents.

“I will continue to visit this place and donate my time to the residents every fortnight to keep them looking fresh,” said Mr Howes,

“It's not much, I know, but a little can go a long way and I wanted to spread some Christmas cheer.”

The service is one of many gestures and donations being made by the Mackay community, with many local individuals, families and businesses donating money, services, food and Christmas presents.

“It’s actually amazing, especially just over a week until Christmas, everyone has pulled together as a community,” said one volunteer, Jessica Taylor.

“The whole community has done an amazing job.”

“It’s crazy to see what the community is capable of, there’s great people out there,” added fellow volunteer Travis Miller.

“I take my hat off to the Mackay community for everything they are doing for these people and the change we are making,” said Mr Howes.

Find more on Westminster Lodge on page 7.

Jye Howes donated his day off to cut the hair of Westminster Lode residents earlier this week

Valley Residents Urged To Seek Legal Assistance

Negotiations have begun between the Queensland Government and affected landholders following the Government’s announcement of the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Scheme in September.

The project is estimated to affect over 54 houses across 79 properties throughout Netherdale, Eungella and Mount Dalrymple with Government officials and contractors approaching residents to discuss terms of property access to conduct studies as well as initiating negotiations for property resumption and compulsory acquisition.

An information session was held in Eungella last Monday, December 12 to provide residents with landholder law information while making these negotiations.

“I know how precious land is and what it means to families,” said Shine Lawyers Practice Leader for Landholder Law Diane Skene.

“We’re not saying that it is (proceeding), but it’s definitely a bit scary.”

Charlotte Aish and Chad Delforce own a property 12km outside Eungella where

they have raised their two young children for the last six years.

“Out of all the properties that we’d seen, there was just something about it and we just knew that was the one that we wanted to set up a life on,” said Ms Aish.

The family found out their property is proposed to be inundated by the project’s upper reservoir B and have received a letter to request access.

“We had no consultation on any of the contents of the proposal,” said Mr Delforce.

“Part of it was 48 hours’ notice to access and we informed them that that was completely unrealistic, so we’ve asked for changes to be made to that if we were going to look at agreeing to it which we’re not sure on at the moment.

“To think that we’re going to be in this situation for another two, three, four, five years, it’s going to have a really big impact.

“It’s still early days and we haven’t really obtained formal legal advice which is part of the reason we’ve attended tonight.”

Shine Lawyers have received enquiries from a number of residents in the area, prompting members of their Landholder Law team to travel to Eungella from Brisbane, Toowoomba and Dalby to facilitate the session.

“It was enough to bring us all up here, landholder to support landholder,” said Ms Skene.

“I think that having us on the ground up here, it won’t be our last trip up, it just depends on how fast the project moves and whether the community needs support in any objections, so I think we probably need to keep our fingers on the pulse just to make sure we’re there to help.”

TIPS FOR AFFECTED LANDHOLDERS

• Seek legal advice for property access agreements and negotiations

• Inform Queensland Hydro officials of unique flora, fauna and other aspects of your property

• Keep a diary of interactions with government officials

• Talk to your accountant about tax implications

• Band together as a community

Charlotte Aish, Chad Delforce and their children live on a property 12km outside Eungella. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

“This Will Hurt Australians” Maternity Consumers Sought For Reference Group

The Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) is currently seeking expressions of interest from people who would like to join its Maternity Community Reference Group.

The group, which was established in 2020, enables consumers and community representatives to contribute towards enhancing maternity care for those in the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions.

Mackay HHS Interim Chief Executive Paula Foley said listening to the voices of mothers, fathers and support people helps shape the care being provided at our facilities.

“We welcome participation from people across all sectors of our community as we work on shaping the future of maternity care,” Ms Foley said.

“Having mothers, fathers and support people contributing their knowledge and experience Is essential to planning services that are safe for the women in our care.

“We particularly want to hear from consumers living in our catchment area who

have accessed any of our services in the past three years, whether it’s though our hospitals in Mackay and Proserpine, our rural maternity care services, the Birth Centre or Kem Kem Yanga services.”

The Maternity Community Reference Group will have the opportunity to partner with us on a range of projects including the Mackay Base Hospital expansion, and service improvement activities.

The Maternity Community Reference Group meets regularly with MHHS leadership and maternity representatives, and appointment is for a two-year term.

To find out more please complete the expression of interest form on our website https://www.mackay.health.qld.gov.au/ join-our-maternity-community-reference-group/

Applicants can also email mhhsengagement@health.qld.gov.au or phone 4885 6801.

Applications close on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.

As energy continues to be a geopolitical battleground, an intervention on the energy industry passed through the House last week, with the Greens supporting a Federal Labor government’s decision to cap the price of coal and gas.

The temporary caps on the wholesale price of gas and coal of $12 per gigajoule and $125 per tonne respectively are meant to combat the skyrocketing cost of electricity, however Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox warned of the detrimental effects of price caps in an address to the Parliament stating that they would drive business offshore and add pressure to the supply shortage.

Mr Willcox said Labor’s ineffective set of measures will only hurt Australians’ hip pocket.

“Price caps are receiving their rightful outcry across the community, from industry groups, to economists, to businesses and people trying to pay their bills,” Mr Willcox said.

“Some have labelled Labor’s response as a declaration of war on the gas and coal

industry. They are more interested in demonising these groups who do so much to produce wealth for our nation. The caps do a lot to please activists, however they do not provide security to our energy supply.

“The root cause of the issue we face is supply. If there is an oversupply, the price goes down. If there is an undersupply, the price goes up. We have an undersupply, so bring on more coal and gas.

“We don’t want to end up in a situation where we are gas rationing because of the shortages that will occur when there is not enough gas being produced.”

Mr Willcox added that in our market-based economy, these price controls will drive away investment, reduce supply and send business overseas.

“That means our national profits will reduce dramatically, and the cost of living will increase for Australian households and businesses.

“Labor is about to get a major lesson in how markets work and unfortunately Australians will be collateral damage, paying the price for their ignorance.”

Merry Christmas Dawson

Wishing everyone a wonderful, happy and safe festive se Andrew

Willcox

Federal Member for Dawson

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox

WIN A NEW CAR

a s k u s h o w

Community Fury Over Alleged Aged Care Neglect

AFacebook post requesting the loan of a barbecue for Christmas has uncovered a distressing case of alleged neglect in a Mackay aged care rental village.

Elvira Bates posted in Facebook group Mackay Noticeboard requesting the use of a barbecue for Christmas, saying “as our kitchen/dining room has been closed for months now, residents that have no family or are unable to travel Christmas day, will not have a Christmas meal.”

The post garnered hundreds of comments of shock and support and drove many locals to assist including Travis Miller and Jessica Taylor.

“We are just complete strangers, came here concerned about the barbecue, but coming here, it was just crazy, what they’re actually going through,” said Mr Miller.

“We saw it was a bigger picture than it actually was,” added Ms Taylor.

Westminster Lodge is an aged care rental village home to 37 residents aged between their mid-60s and mid-90s.

A meal service was provided as part of the residents’ rent, with three meals being served a day in a communal kitchen, dining and recreation space.

This meal service ceased in September and residents were given 24 hours’ notice that they would be left to fend for themselves. Each room is equipped with a kitchenette that includes a microwave, mini fridge, toaster and kettle, which the Westminster Lodge Manager said is enough for residents to be self-sufficient.

“It’s an independent living village,” she said.

“They have one dining room, one lounge, a little kitchenette, a bar fridge, microwave – it’s a village, not a nursing home.”

Management of the village changed hands in April 2022 and the manager said at the time, all residents would eat the provided meals.

The number of residents eating the provided meals had dropped to around 20, which she said is why she ceased the service.

“As a business, if we don’t have enough people, we can’t run it, unless people want to pay more money,” she said.

“I want to look after them, but the payment would have to go up for the food.”

The manager went on to say the microwave meals some residents have been forced to eat since the kitchen closure would be “much better” than what was being served.

“Our food, it’s the same every week, repeat and repeat, it’s a bore,” she said.

“That’s why I say, okay, we’ll close and find a solution.

“It’s a business; I’m just a manager.

“The cooking is my commercial activity, not a charity.”

The management of Westminster Lodge has since been listed for sale on Gumtree, the manager saying she’s “sick of it”.

“Maybe someone who buys can do it, let them do it,” she said.

“I don’t want to stop it, it’s my income.”

Since the meal service stopped, the residents’ rent has been adjusted, but many issues remain.

Residents are not permitted to use the common kitchen, and, despite the manager’s claims, Ms Taylor said their rooms are insufficiently equipped.

“The rooms are not catered for cooking at all,” said Ms Taylor.

“When they shut it down, they were left to fend for themselves.”

Last week, volunteers saw to the repair and restoration of the “run down” facilities including fridge and freezer seals, air conditioning, gas supply, fire extinguishers and smoke alarms, security cameras and hot water.

There are two emergency phones on the premises, both of which have reportedly been disconnected.

Faulty chairlifts and poor lighting make it difficult for residents, visitors and emergency services to access the village.

Maintenance of the village and the apart-

ments has largely been left the responsibility of residents and, more recently, volunteers with a reported lack of communication between the manager and body corporate.

Additionally, without their daily meals in the common room, residents lost their routine interactions with other residents with many opting to stay in their rooms. “They don’t utilise this area anymore,” said Mr Miller.

“No one’s bonding … they’re not mingling, there’s no dinner here so there’s none of that time to come in, have a feed and mingle with other residents.”

To address this, Ms Taylor and Mr Miller hosted a dinner in the common room for the residents, a gesture that was met with tears of appreciation from some residents.

“That dining room was full,” said Ms Taylor.

“There was laughter … and it was nice, it was happy.”

The dinner was cut short, however, as Ms Liu reportedly “stormed into the dining room” and “ordered everyone out of the kitchen.”

“As soon as (the manager) turned up and walked in, 90% of (residents) got up and walked out, they were just too frightened,” said Ms Taylor.

The village’s locks have since been changed to prohibit residents and volunteers access to the common area.

The son of a Westminster Lodge resident, Mark Alterator, and his wife Suzie Penny were made aware of the issues at Westminster Lodge prior to the ceasing of the food service.

“Everyone keeps going on about the kitchen and the food, that’s only a very small part of what’s going on here,” said Ms Penny.

Mr Alterator and Ms Penny contacted Member for Mirani Stephen Andrew who spoke to the Lodge’s body corporate, managed by body corporate management company Whittles Group, who plan on taking legal action against the manager.

“Even though it’s out of my patch, the welfare of the people of Queensland is still my remit,” said Mr Andrews.

“These people need to have a manager that has actually got to stand by the contract that she actually signed, they need to go back to a normal subsistence of life so they can interact with each other, they can have their daily meals, three meals a day.

“They’re issuing a notice of breach.”

Travis Miller and Jessica Taylor have rallied behind Westminster Lodge, a retirement village experiencing numerous instances of neglect. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

2023 Mayor’s Charity Ball Charities Revealed

After raising a record amount of more than $120,000 for local charities in 2022, the Mayor’s Charity Ball committee has announced the beneficiaries for the 2023 event.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the aim of the event was to fund two charities for two years, to enable significant funds to be raised for each charity and to make a real difference in the community.

“After careful consideration the committee has chosen two worthy beneficiaries for the 2023 Ball,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Proceeds will be split 50-50 between Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and new beneficiary, Australian Street Aid Project,” he said.

“For example, they have been able to employ a local convenor and set up their previously unfunded organisation that looks after 300 local kids suffering from congenital heart disease.

“Our new beneficiary, Australian Street Aid Project, is a local Mackay charity in urgent need of funds to help support people experiencing homelessness.”

“I founded ASAP because I had some experiences with people who were suffering badly due to homelessness,” Miss Brewster said.

“After this I wanted to create an organisation that filled some of the many gaps that were visible, whilst also providing a community of support for people who were marginalised and vulnerable.

Exciting Updates

Australian Street Aid Project (ASAP) was established in 2018 by Mackay nurse, Kayleigh Brewster.

Miss Brewster said it was an honour to have

“The funds received from the 2023 event will help to create a much-needed homelessness healthcare and case management program for the Mackay region which will greatly reduce suffering and increase physical and mental health for people experiencing homelessness in our region.

“This program will help individuals suffering from complex comorbidities in particular, as it aims to help increase their quality of life and their chances of gaining sustainable accommodation.”

RMHC North Australia Chief Executive Officer Tamara South was also delighted with the announcement.

“Our sincerest thanks to Mayor Greg Williamson for selecting RMHC North Australia for a second year as a beneficiary of the Mayor’s Charity Ball,’’ she said.

“Now that construction of the facility has been completed, funds raised from the 2023 event will make a vital difference in the ongoing operations of our Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital.”

Exciting Updates

Pool Club Pass

Should you wish to dine at The Rocks restaurant or come in for a drink at the bar, you wont need to purchase a Pool Club Pass.

All Pool Club Passes will be $25 per person daily and available to purchase 7 days a week via our restaurant host desk. This will include the use of our pool and/or sunbeds.

Pool Club Pass

Should you wish to dine at The

Rocks restaurant or come in for a

Sunday Summer Session

Sunday Sessions are back!

From 12pm - 5pm

Relaxed vibe, chilled beats and stunning views.

With live music, cocktail & food specials, it is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Sunday Summer Session

“HeartKids Mackay drops out this year after completing their two-year tenure, but it’s exciting to see the positive impact of the funds raised over the past two events.

ASAP nominated as one of the charities for the 2023 Mayor’s Charity Ball.

Mayor’s Charity Ball committee members Dale Cramer (left) and Richard Wainwright (right) with Australia Street Aid Project director Kayleigh Brewster (centre)

Mayor’s Charity Ball committee members (left to right), Tracey Dean, Brendan Hughes, Dale Cramer and Mayor Greg Williamson with Ronald McDonald House Charities Community Engagement Executive Samantha Lee (centre)

CANELAND PURCHASE FINALISED

Caneland Central has been acquired by Sentinel Property Group after almost a year on the market.

The shopping centre had been owned and managed by Lendlease’s APPF Retail fund since 2001, with Sentinel bolstering its $1 billion plus commercial real estate portfolio in Northern Australia with the $280 million purchase.

Sentinel CEO Warren Ebert said Caneland Central is the premier shopping and lifestyle destination in the Mackay region.

“Caneland Central completely dominates its market,” he said.

“Every man, woman and child in Mackay comes to Caneland four times a month.

“You could never duplicate this centre and you also cannot find another 14ha site like this in the city, let alone even close to the city.”

With 202 tenants and a gross floor area of 65,964 sqm, Caneland Central is the largest of its type in the region, servicing a catchment of more than 175,000 people.

The retail hub first opened in 1979 and has since undergone significant redevelopments including a $230 million expansion in 2011 which introduced a new food court and dining precinct, as well as the Myer department store.

Sentinel plans to carry out immediate im-

provements to the centre including a renewable energy upgrade through the installation of a roof mounted so lar system, which the Group has also provid ed at its DFO retail complex in Cairns.

A new moving walkway is also being in -

stalled in the centre.

Mr Ebert said major national and international tenants had already inquired about leasing space at Caneland Central.

“Caneland Central dominates the Mackay CBD and is the central focal point for retail spending and leisure for the wider region which spans 386 km north to Townsville and 336 km south to Rockhampton,” Mr Ebert said.

“The trade area population of the centre is around 154,110 persons which is projected to grow to around 183,410 persons by 2036.

“Bernard Salt, one of Australia's leading social commentators, recently forecast Mackay to be in the Top 20 sized cities in Australia by 2054.”

APPF Retail Fund Manager Anne MacSporran said “The centre has been a strong performer for APPF Retail due to its mix of retail, lifestyle and dining and core po-

sition

“Despite recent market volatility, the outlook for Australian retail remains positive, with sales remaining robust post the pandemic.”

The purchase of Caneland Central isn’t Sentinel’s first foray into the Mackay Market, with the Property Group’s portfolio also including Northpoint Homemaker Centre, Kings 4WD Supa Centre and Birch Carroll & Coyle cinema complex.

at the heart of Mackay’s local community.

Caneland Central has been purchased for $280 million

Sentinel CEO Warren Ebert said Caneland completely dominates its market

A Strong Common Voice

Whatever decisions may be arrived at, it is well to keep that important principle in view – that the interests of the whole are always greater than the interests of the unit, and what is of benefit to all must be of benefit to the individual.

CANEGROWERS has a long and rich history of grower representation, going back almost 100 years, and with its origins here in Mackay. Did you know the first ever meeting of the Queensland Cane Growers Association was held here in Mackay on January 21, 1926?

That coming together signalled something important: that growers needed to unify as a collective. There’s nothing new about collective representation, and the principles of collective representation are sound: when we stand together we can speak out with a common voice.

And that is what the organisation does, representing grower member families from the negotiation of cane supply agreements with mills, to ensuring a place at the table in regional economic development, to getting good support from governments, to maintaining global market access.

Our grass roots representation starts with the farmgate, to branch meetings and the

district office, providing advocacy at a local, state, national and international level. We negotiate at the local level and enforce at the State level, supported by CANEGROWERS Queensland, which includes elected representatives from our own Mackay and Plane Creek milling districts.

We ensure growers have marketing choice nationally and take other countries to task if they break the trade agreements to keep our export industry strong and ensure growers get paid on their cane supply agreement. A great example of this is what CANEGROWERS was able to achieve through lobbying, with the Australian Sugar Milling Council, to achieve a positive decision from the World Trade Organisation when Australia disputed India’s dumping of subsidised sugar onto the market several years ago.

By having a strong grower representative body, backed by high grower membership, we can work with other peak organisations in the sugar industry and government to keep our industry strong.

Queensland Agriculture Minister William Forgan Smith (Member for Mackay 1915-42; Premier of Queensland 1932-42) speaking at the first meeting of the Queensland Cane Growers Association, Mackay, 21 January, 1926.

It is evident that when CANEGROWERS speaks, government listens Across 2022, CANEGROWERS Mackay elected members and staff have worked hard for the 740 grower member families across this region. We have met with State and Federal Government ministers and departments discussing important and topical matters, such as energy, transport, land use and management, cost of production, biofutures, environment and climate. We have engaged and collaborated with businesses and organisations across the sugar industry supply chain.

We were able to offer free crop insurance for crop areas listed under membership from June 2022 to June 2023.

We have enabled the running of courses that help our members run their business effectively, such as the excellent Business Essentials course, chemical accreditations, pilot driving, and heavily championed Smartcane BMP delivery.

We have facilitated access to CANEGROWERS’ top-level professionals, such

as solicitor Chris Cooper, who represents and advises members in a range of areas, including Government land resumptions, disputes and other legal proceedings.

The levy that our members pay truly is an investment in the future of their business.

There is a huge amount of value in CANEGROWERS membership, but the greatest value is the strength in numbers of our membership. As growers, we are stronger together!

Seagrass Restoration Project Spans Two Oceans

James Cook University scientists will lead seagrass restoration research spanning tropical Australia’s two oceans.

Researchers from JCU’s Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER) will investigate restoration techniques for key tropical seagrass species, from Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef across to the north of Western Australia.

Their aim is to develop a blueprint for coastal managers to rapidly restore seagrass meadows in high-priority regions.

TropWATER’s Associate Professor Michael Rasheed said future-proofing highly diverse seagrass meadows is crucial to reversing the global downward trend in tropical seagrasses.

“Seagrasses are critical ecosystems,” he said. “They provide habitat for fish, they power coastal marine productivity, and they sequester carbon to help combat climate change – but they’re under increasing pressure from extreme weather events, coastal development and declining water quality.”

Associate Professor Rasheed said climate models predict that future conditions will see more frequent seagrass loss in tropical Australia, making it essential to have tools

at hand for effective intervention and restoration.

“We’re investigating the most effective ways to restore different seagrass species, and developing the tools needed for rapid restoration on local and regional levels,” he said.

Professor Rasheed said the project would focus on tropical seagrasses, as most previous seagrass restoration projects have occurred in temperate regions.

“Tropical seagrasses can be very different to temperate seagrasses. They have different growth strategies, and they have the potential for much faster recovery once established.

“Some restoration methods applied in temperate systems may not be applicable or transferable to tropical seagrass meadows, which makes our work all the more valuable.

“We’ll investigate methods such as using seeds and cuttings, and new ways they can be used in the field, much the same as many land plants and nurseries operate.”

“We’re going to develop new techniques for tropical seagrass restoration, a blueprint for seagrass-friendly marine infrastructure, and restoration decision tools

that can be applied at local and regional scales.”

The project builds on a long-term collaboration with industry partners Ports North and North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP).

“We are proud to support this ground-breaking research that aims to provide practical solutions to safeguard seagrasses and the Reef,” said Simona Trimarchi, NQBP’s Senior Manager of Sustainability and Environment.

The research is a significant next step in TropWATER’s long-term partnership with industry and will benefit from the decades of data already gathered.

“We take our environmental responsibilities seriously,” said Paul Doyle, Ports North’s General Manager of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability.

“Together with JCU’s TropWATER Centre we’ve supported seagrass monitoring and

research for almost three decades across the ports of tropical Queensland.”

The project is funded by a more than $450,000 linkage grant from the Federal Government’s Australian Research Council.

By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

WEEKLY PRODUCTION FIGURES

Wilmar Sugar Plane Creek Mill Week 27, Week ending 17 December 2022

This week Season to date

Weekly production figures

Cane crushed 54,737 1,379,343

Average bin weight 3.72 3.84

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

CCS 11.17 12.96

Cane variety performance for region

This week Season to date

Cane crushed 54,157 1,146,725

Average bin weight 3.80 3.86

CCS 13.01 13.14

Variety % CCS Variety % CCS

Cane variety performance for region Variety % CCS Variety % CCS

Q183 33.3 11.46 Q253 4.3 10.88

Q183 26.0 13.23 Q242 3.7 12.47

Q240 24.6 12.98 SRA9 3.3 12.57

Q208 26.6 11.29 Q252 3.8 11.42

Q208 17.9 13.13 Q138 3.0 12.11 Q253 9.9 12.52 Q252 2.7 13.36

Comments:

Q240 13.8 11.31 Q232 3.5 10.03

Q138 6.9 10.61 Q242 1.3 10.83

Comments:

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

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

Plane Creek Mill crushed just under 55,000 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season total to just below 1.38M tonnes.

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

Weekly throughput was impacted by a shredder tip change on Monday, and a chemical clean and maintenance stop on Thursday.

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

The average weekly CCS was 11.17 units. The season-to-date CCS fell below 13 for the first time since week 15, closing out at 12.96 units.

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

The highest CCS was 14.35 units from a rake of Q183 2nd Ratoon from the Plane Creek productivity district.

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

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

With the risk of additional rainfall, Wilmar has decided to crush through the Christmas holiday period, provided there is adequate supply.

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

With school holidays under way, we ask parents and carers to remind children that cane trains will continue to operate into January this season.

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

Please keep your train brain switched on. Be alert, stay off our rail network and always give way to cane trains.

Jim Kirchner

Cane Supply Manager

Plane Creek Region

Fifty Flood-Affected Farmers Receive Hay From Rural Aid

Atrusted rural charity has distributed more than 700 bales of hay to Central West New South Wales farmers, helping to make Christmas a little brighter for flood-affected producers.

A hay drop was held at the Central West Livestock Exchange in Forbes on Friday, December 16.

Ten road trains delivered more than 480 tonnes of hay to the saleyards for Rural Aid’s registered primary producers.

Forbes cattle breeder Danielle Beard said her property is still covered in floodwaters and thick layers of mud, smothering any grass underneath.

“75 per cent of our property is under water and we’re going to have water on our place for another seven months.”

She said the bales of hay were exactly what her family needed to help them recover from the flooding event.

“We’re just so grateful for this hay,” Ms Beard said.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said flood affected farmers are facing a difficult recovery that will last well after Christmas.

“Rural Aid has brought back its Buy a Bale campaign, which was first created in the Millennium Drought, to help raise funds to support farmers impacted by these record-breaking floods,” Mr Warlters said.

“Christmas is going to be an enormously difficult time for thousands of our farming families.”

To support Rural Aid or make a donation go to: www.buyabale.com.au

Jim Kirchner Cane Supply Manager Plane Creek Region

CANEGROWERS Mackay recently held its AGM, an important event in the membership calendar. Pictures: Contributed

Local Organisations Fund Support For Sick Children

Outside and inside the Children and Adolescent Unit (CAU) at Mackay Base Hospital has been transformed into a space for patients and their families to escape their challenges.

Two local organisations have chosen to support the projects with BMA providing funding to Mackay Hospital Foundation for the implementation of a Therapeutic Play Space outside of the Unit where young patients, their families and siblings can forget about treatment for a short time and enjoy their surroundings in a ‘happy space’ away from a clinical environment.

The inside project is the implementation of an Australiana-themed wall mural which has been funded by Autocorner Mackay. “Seeing these projects come to fruition has been absolutely amazing,” General Man-

ager at Mackay Hospital Foundation Kristi Algate.

“Seeing the smiles on the faces of patients who have been able to spend time in both indoor and outdoor areas is heart-warming.

“The funding from our local businesses has been overwhelming.

“They love to support the local community.”

BMA Production Manager Daniel Grech said BMA was proud to fund and support the construction of the Therapeutic Play Space.

“Mackay Hospital foundation provides facilities for the entire Mackay and Isaac regions so we’re really happy to support them in any way we can to give back to the

Community Support Essential To Create Sustainable Success

Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank’s recent AGM included announcements that have set the bar for creating impact in our community.

During the 2021/22 financial year, our community continued to support Community Bank Sarina with customer numbers up 6.1% - enabling the local branch to provide significant investments back into community groups and organisations. The results also provided for a fully franked dividend of 10c per share to the company’s local shareholders.

Last financial year, the branch team focused on connecting with and supporting customers, assisting them on the path to their financial goals, including first home loans, first car or next home, among others.

In a bid to enhance liveability within the region, Community Bank Sarina ramped up its support to a range of community organisations – many of which are vol-

unteer run – to focus on connection, diversity and inclusion.

“We have supported our community directly with a record amount of $424,036 through community grants, sponsorships and activations, including signage and charitable donations, during the past 12 months,” said Community Bank Sarina board chair, Karen May.

“Since opening the branch in 2005, building on last year’s investment we have now injected a total of $3.4 million back into the community - supporting organisations and groups with a range of projects and initiatives to enhance liveability and increase capacity in our region.

“This year we were pleased to support health and wellbeing in our community through the Mackay Hospital Foundation with a $17,800 community grant to

community,” he said.

“The new facilities will basically mean that the kids will get to come here and enjoy that time at the hospital and not be so clinical.

“It just gives them somewhere to play and be natural and enjoy the facilities.”

Artwork inside the Unit and throughout the Play Space was completed by Mackay artist Catherine Clark Dowden who has a history of volunteering her artistic talents to the hospital.

Her artwork is intended to inspire and distract patients and families.

“I tried to get every Australian animal that I could that would interest kids, so that there was a conversation that they could have with their parents or the nurses,” Ms

“I’d like to be able to take their mind off it, take them on a journey, so the more they look, the more they see on those walls, so they feel like they’re more a part of what’s happening on the wall rather than in the hospital.

“It’s been an amazing experience and I’m very thankful to have been given the opportunity to do it.”

The mural was funded by Autocorner Mackay who announced Mackay Hospital Foundation as their Charity of Choice in 2021 which continues in 2022.

A second contribution made by Autocorner Mackay in September this year will also be utilized in the Children and Adolescent Unit at the hospital to provide upgrades for mental health in that Unit.

purchase blanket warmers and treatment chairs – to ensure Sarina Hospital patients are comfortable during their stay and treatments.

“Supporting the Hospital Foundation has been a focus this year, with a second community grant of $4,893 being awarded for the purchase of vital signs monitors.

“Recognising the importance of sun safety, a number of organisations, including P&Cs, benefited from our Marquee Sponsorship Program which provides a dual branded marquee for shade and sun

protection, and feather banners to use at events.

“We would like to thank our customers for choosing to bank with Community Bank Sarina, as without you, we wouldn’t be able to provide the level of community investment and positively impact our community.”

To find out more Community Bank Sarina announcements and the Community Engagement Program, follow their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SarinaCommunityBankBranch.

Clark Dowden said.

L-R Anthony Heintze and Craig Singleton of Diverse Asset Maintenance Services, Daniel Grech of BMA and Kristi Algate of Mackay Hospital Foundation

Catherine Clark Dowden worked for three weeks to complete her artwork. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

QCWA Sarina Branch President Mary-Therese Watson presented the support they have received from Community Bank Sarina over the years

Seniors Celebrate As ATAR Results Released

Graduating year 12 students across the state eagerly jumped online last Friday morning as ATAR scores were released.

Sixty per cent of eligible Whitsunday Anglican School (WAS) year 12 school leavers received an ATAR score of 90.00 or above, their results the proof of years of dedicated study.

Pranav Sivanujan received the highest possible ATAR score of 99.95, the first Whitsunday Anglican School student to do so under the recently introduced ATAR system and one of 33 in the State.

Pranav’s result puts him in extremely good stead for his plans to study medicine at university next year.

“Over the last couple of years, just building that repertoire and getting support from teachers has really helped me,” he said.

“Putting in the hard work definitely counted for something now.”

48% of WAS students achieved an ATAR

result of 95.00 or above and 26% of students achieved an ATAR of 99.00 or higher.

Departing School Captain and budding Air Force Engineer Charlie Webb was one of the 26% and said his score aptly reflects his efforts throughout his senior year.

“A lot of late nights, a lot of slogs at some points and the effort has paid off,” he said.

“I was over the moon when I opened it up this morning, it was fantastic.”

Ananya Sinha and Maddie Filtness also earned scores of over 99.00.

“I’m not talking about only myself when I say this, but I definitely think that everyone was working very hard and that’s because the cohort was there to support each other at all times, whether it was during exam week or at the start of the term,” said Ananya.

“I definitely think that everyone worked really hard, and that teamwork came into play during external exams.”

“I’m really happy that all the hard work paid off but a bit sad that school’s out, too, to be honest,” added Maddie “Lots of late nights, especially with sport and work, it was really hard to manage it all but shows it’s all worth it.”

Both Ananya and Maddie are awaiting university offers with the hope of studying medicine.

“I reckon it’ll be a lot harder, but it should be okay, we should all adjust and get used to it,” said Maddie.

Ananya said that while a little bit of stress can be good, her advice to the senior year of 2023 is to not stress too much.

“Just stay focused and always rely on your peers and your teachers because they’re the ones who get you through the year,” she said.

Whitsunday Anglican School Principal Andrew Wheaton said results were testament to the Year 12s’ hard work in their final year, and a genuine commitment to academic growth, effort and improvement at the school.

“At Whitsunday Anglican School, our commitment to academic improvement allows us to support our young men and women to consistently realise their goals and aspirations – be that University, or a Trade or VET pathway,” he said.

Graduates following a tertiary education pathway now await university offers which are expected in January.

Building Skills To Assist People Back To Work

The Queensland Government has committed more than $150,000 from its Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to assist 60 people from Mackay.

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said this was part of more than $31 million committed to assist 5,247 people across the state.

“More than 46,600 people in the state have found jobs thanks to Skilling Queenslanders for Work and it’s great to see how these projects will help even more people,” Minister Farmer said.

"We know this initiative is life changing because 76 per cent of participants find work or take on further training around 12 months after exiting a Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.

“The initiative funds community-based organisations who tailor their programs to suit local conditions, understand where opportunities and local employer needs are.

“Tailored, local community-based support is offered to young people, mature-age job seekers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women re-entering the workforce, Australian

Defence Force (ADF) veterans, recently released prisoners; and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.”

Minister Farmer said projects to be funded include:

• Community Solutions Group’s Community Careers project in Mackay, which will assist 45 people thanks to $137,900.

• Selectability Ltd’s Workforce Ready in Mackay, which will assist 15 people thanks to $61,800.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said she was delighted to see funding for local projects in her electorate for the latest round.

“I am excited that 60 residents will have the opportunity to take further steps into the community services industry, or the chance to change their career.”

Skilling Queenslanders for Work funds skills development, training and job opportunities for unemployed, disengaged or disadvantaged Queenslanders through a suite of targeted skills and training programs.

Minister Farmer said the initiative is another way of giving people the jobs, training and skills they need while helping them stay in their communities.

“The initiative supports many focus areas from the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-

2032, which aims to attract, connect and educate a thriving workforce to set our state up for success now and into the future.”

For further information visit www.qld.gov. au/skillingqueenslanders or call 1300 369 935.

L-R Ananya Sinha, Maddison Filtness, Charlie Webb and Pranav Sivanujan

MP Di Farmer announcing the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative at the Hendra Pony Club

In less than 48 hours’ time it will be Christmas. Yes, the time we welcome Santa to enter through our flyscreen and put smiles on kids’ faces after he eats all the biscuits we’ve left behind.

So between today Friday and tomorrow Saturday, everyone needs to take a chill pill, smile and hurry up and finish their gift shopping, because when the shops shut up tomorrow afternoon, that’s it until Monday. Do not leave it until the last minute.

That present you’ve been wanting to get has gone from the shelves. The food you were going to take to Mum’s place isn’t there anymore. That drink from the pub that you wanted to put on ice before the mates come over tonight is now gone too.

Don’t do it. It’s not worth it.

Take it from me. I remember back in the 90’s, I went shopping on Xmas Eve for my girlfriend at the time, and boy did I regret it. I had no idea what I was doing walking around Caneland’s like a lost puppy. Thing was, there were heaps of other blokes doing the same because we all didn’t know the rules of Christmas giving.

Can I make a suggestion for 2023 please? Make a list and as Santa always says, he checks it twice and finds out who is naughty or nice. That way you’ll be good to go months ahead of time and you won’t have to rush

around like a puppy with worms.

When you’re getting the list together, please for the love of God, put your partner at the top of the page. Not half way down. Not at the bottom. Put them at the top and get the shopping done first before any others.

Once you’ve got them sorted, then you can move down the list.

Again, it’s just a suggestion. Do as you will, but accept the consequences if you don’t follow my advice.

The other thing you’ll want to do in 48 hours’ time is eat too much, drink all the wrong things, plus play games you haven’t tried for 12 months that will give you muscle soreness for days on end. That’s just what happens, especially if you play Finska in the backyard in Glenella.

If there’s any last advice I can give you this Xmas Eve, Eve. Be happy. Talk to your mates and see how they are doing. Listen to them and be involved in their words. Christmas can be a very hard time for many, so the more of us who can reach out, the better.

I can’t wait for my kids to come over on Sunday morning, and then catching up with mates in the arvo. It’s going to be a great day.

I’d like to wish you and your family and loved ones, a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2023!

ARE YOU READY, KIDS?

The New Year’s Eve River Party will feature the soulful folk ballads of Matt Tandy

He spends most of his time in a pineapple under the sea, but Mackay families can catch him on New Year’s Eve at the Bluewater Quay.

SpongeBob SquarePants, along with his pink starfish friend Patrick, will be performing at the New Year’s Eve River Party.

The duo will be putting on two exciting stage shows and will also be available for a meet and greet.

The New Year’s Eve River Party will run from 6:00pm to 9:00pm and will also feature the blissful melodies of local songstress Tiffany Grace and the soulful folk ballads of singer Matt Tandy.

Mackay Regional Council Deputy Mayor Karen May said the River Party is a wonderful family-friendly event offering plenty of kids’ amusements, free face painting, food and market stalls.

“We also have the 9pm Key Solutions Group family fireworks display, which is always popular amongst those with children who like to see the year out with a bang before midnight,” Ms May said.

“This is a really lovely event that combines local musicians, spectacular fireworks, plenty of local food vendors and some family-friendly entertainment.

“The Mackay Festivals team do a lot of work

over the holiday period to ensure everyone has a great time and they always go above and beyond.”

Festival and Events coordinator Sarah Porter said the River Party will also feature the traditional midnight fireworks display for those kicking on in the City Centre.

“The Bluewater Quay is a great venue to enjoy the last night of 2022 and Matt and Tiffany will create a really chilled vibe that’s perfect for families,” Ms Porter said.

For more information, including a full list of food vendors, head to themecc.com.au/ festivals

WHAT: New Year’s Eve River Party

WHERE: Bluewater Quay

WHEN: Saturday, December 31 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm

This is a free community event.

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

6pm - Welcome to Country

6.05pm - Mayor Welcome

6.15pm - SpongeBob Square Pants (show 1)

6.45pm - Tiffany Grace

7.15pm - SpongeBob Square Pants (meet and greet)

7.40pm - Matt Tandy

8.35pm - SpongeBob Square Pants (show 2)

9pm - Fireworks

12am - Fireworks

A SEASON OF GIVING

There is no doubt 2022 has been another tough year – we’re still battling with Covid, the cost of living is out of control, with skyrocketing fuel prices, rising interest rates and the basic necessities constantly going up.

While Christmas is all about family togetherness, sadly this is not the reality for many people. So, if you’re feeling homesick or left out of the sense of closeness and comfort that Christmas tends to promote, here are some ways to combat loneliness at Christmas:

• Invite other people who are at a loose end around for a meal. Particularly look out for elderly neighbours

• Spend the day volunteering

• Find community, religious or other social events that you can join – a chance to make new friends

• Embrace the solitude. If you are facing the day alone, turn it into an opportunity to really treat yourself. Plan a special day to nurture yourself. For example, having a movie marathon, eating your favourite foods, or taking a walk to a favourite spot in nature.

Thankfully, there are some wonderful businesses and organisations in our community that are offering a chance for people to connect over Christmas.

Raj, Jess and Lily Sharma from Roshni Indian Restaurant are once again offering free Christmas lunch to anyone who would like to join them. Just drop into their restaurant at 164 Victoria Street, Mackay between 11.00am and 1.00pm on Christmas Day for a delicious lunch of ham, prawns, rolls, salad, dessert and Indian delicacies.

On December 28, the Community Accom-

modation and Support Agency (CASA) will be holding a free community sausage sizzle at their premises – 4/54 Gregory Street, from 10am to noon.

And staff from the Australian Street Aid Project, Chances Café and Op Shop, will be assisting their clients during the Christmas break (except the public holidays) with breakfast and a packed lunch. If you aren’t in need, they would also appreciate donations of non-perishable food items or you can pay forward a meal, a night of accommodation or other items online.

During this festive season of giving, let us take time to slow down and enjoy the simple things.

Have a very Merry Christmas, and a safe and Happy New Year. See you in 2023. “Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day.” – Helen Steiner

Rice

“If we all stick together, come together, work together – we’ll all come out the other side together.”

Cr Belinda Hassan Mackay Regional Council

EVENTGUIDE

Christmas Wrapping

9:00am to 4:00pm daily until December 24

SCOPE ladies and volunteers will be Christmas Wrapping at Home Co between Thrifties and Spotlight starting November 26 until Christmas Eve daily 9am to 4pm.

Gold coin plus extra for over-sized gifts. All proceeds go to local charities including Samaritan House, Chances Op Shop (Australian Street Aid Project) and Mackay Animal Rescue Society.

Home Co between Thrifties and Spotlight

Gift Wrapping For A Great Cause Daily until December 24

Get your Christmas gift wrapping sorted and help make a difference through a small donation to the Mackay Hospital Foundation. Our gift-wrapping elves will be located in front of the food court travelators, helping to make Christmas that little bit easier for all. Bookings not required.

Mount Pleasant Centre

Santa Photos

Daily until December 24

Santa Claus is coming to Mount Pleasant Centre.

Mount Pleasant Centre

FRIDAY 23 DECEMBER

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Christmas Lights Ride Friday, 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Light up the night and celebrate with a merry, festive and social ride! Add tinsel, baubles, stars and lights! Mandatory bike

(and rider) dress-up! Average pace will be 23km/hr. Keep an eye on Corry Cycles’ Facebook page for an updated map of Mackay Lights.

Corry Cycles

Lucid Wings Live at the Seabreeze Hotel Friday, 7:00pm Cap off your work week at the Seabreeze Hotel. Dance the night away with duo Lucid Wings performing from 7pm - 10pm.

Seabreeze Hotel

SUNDAY 25 DECEMBER

Annual No One Eats Alone Christmas Lunch

Sunday, 11:00am to 1:00pm

Roshni Indian Restaurant invites those doing it tough to join in on a Christmas Lunch. Volunteers are also welcome from 10:45am.

Roshni Indian Restaurant

SATURDAY 31

DECEMBER

New Year's Eve River Party Saturday, 6:00pm to 9:00pm

The ever-popular NYE River Party brought to you by the Mackay Regional Council is back at Bluewater Quay from 6pm - 9pm. This free community event is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. There will be non-stop entertainment for the whole family featuring amusement rides, face painting, food vendors, local musicians Tiffany Grace and Matt Tandy, as well as two exciting kids performances from special guests, SpongeBob Square Pants and Patrick! The NYE River Party will be topped off with the

9pm fireworks display brought to you by Key Solutions Group. Don't forget to head back to Bluewater Quay for the midnight fireworks as we celebrate the start of 2023!

Bluewater Quay

NYE22 Pyjama Party @ The Bowlsie Saturday, 6:00pm NYE22 @ The Bowlsie brings you the most epic pyjama party featuring The Feels live on the deck, outdoor cinema with popcorn, fairy floss, snow cones and sweet treat corner. Amusement Rides include Adrenalin Run, Mechanical Bull, Gladiator, Swing Chairs and Jumping Castle (unlimited ride armbands available for pre-purchase from Eventbrite for $25). Win a $100 Peter Alexander Gift Card for Best Dressed. Food & Beverages available all night!

Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club

New Year’s Eve in the Garden Bar Saturday, 6:00pm

Join Harrup Park for this free event and celebrate into the new year with DJ Lambstar in the Garden Bar from 6pm. Bring on 2023!

Harrup Park

NYE Rock n Roll Party Saturday, 6:00pm

Join Souths for the party of the year and a night of rock n roll! Enjoy an evening of entertainment from 7pm with the Ron & Deb band performing the hottest rock and roll hits until 12:30am. The kids can party the night away in the Kids Disco and free face painting from 6pm (kids welcome to stay until 12am). Food and drink specials available all night.

Souths Leagues Club Mackay

All

That Glitters NYE Karaoke Celebrations & Karaoke Comp

Grand Final

Saturday, 6:30pm

Join in with Souths Suburban Bowls Club and Karaoke Under The Stars for your favourite karaoke songs at their NYE Family Celebrations Party. This will be a night of singing, dancing, celebrations and fun to be had by all

Souths Suburban Bowls Club

New Year’s Eve @ The Grove Saturday, 7:00pm

Join The Grove this New Year’s Eve. Awesome hourly giveaways from 7pm ‘til late, boogie with Nathan Kennedy from 7:30pm ‘til late, delicious chef specials and ice cold drinks all night long. Welcome 2023 with your Grove Family.

The Grove

Fiesta on Wood Saturday, 9:00pm

Party 2022 away with a Mexican Street Party at Moss on Wood! Entertainment by G-Force and Viva from 9pm. Free entry. Street party games. Prizes for best dressed. Get your sombreros on and have a great night out!

Moss on Wood

TUESDAY 3 JANUARY

Morning Melodies

Tuesday, 11:00am to 1:00pm

Enjoy a morning of fun, food and entertainment with Morning Melodies at the Leagues Club with Anette Worthington performing live once a month! The cafe will be open from 10am & the bistro from 12pm.

Souths Leagues Club Mackay

Lucid Wings Live at the Seabreeze Hotel

Christmas Day

New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve River Party

All That Glitters NYE Karaoke Celebrations

A Sweet Christmas In Walkerston

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVITIES

Christmas was in the air at the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre when volunteers and crafters gathered to celebrate another year at their annual party on Saturday.

Chairperson Jenny Price thanked both the crafters and volunteers for their efforts during the year and praised the quality of crafts on offer at the centre.

“We have a wonderful array of crafts, all made locally by our talented crafters,” she said.

“Our volunteers do a marvelous job of ensuring that the centre is open to the public.”

By Charlie Payne

Cash Lure On The Line In Fish’n’SIP$ Competition

Recreational fishers in parts of regional Queensland now have a cash lure to wet a line in five of the State’s favourite stocked impoundments.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said Kinchant Dam is one of the locations where some of 100 tagged fish have been released as part of a competition.

“The first fifteen fish caught on a line and accurately reported to InfoFish will win a prize and the sooner you catch a tagged fish, the larger the prize will be,” Mrs Gilbert said.

“Kinchant Dam is a great place to go fishing, and we want even more North Queensland families to enjoy the experience.”

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said $50,000 was on the line in the first-ever tagged fishing competition involving Queensland’s Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS).

“Thanks to the efforts of the Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland Inc, fishers can cast their lines and try their luck in the inaugural Fish’n’SIP$ competition for a good feed that will also net a cash bonus in time for Christmas,” Mr Furner said.

“A total of 100 legal-sized fish, including

barramundi and bass, have been tagged and released in the five participating impoundments in the Wide-Bay Burnett, Central and North Queensland regions.

“Lake Tinaroo, Lake Proserpine, Kinchant Dam, Lake Callide, and Lake Cania are each breaming with 20 tagged fish that could be worth from $1000 to $20,000.

Mr Furner said the only catch was that fishers need to purchase a SIPS permit to tackle the five impoundments involved in the Fish’n’SIP$ competition.

“SIPS plays an important part in the Queensland Government’s overall Sustainable Fisheries strategy by helping to alleviate pressure on our wild fish populations,” Mr Furner said.

“Revenue from SIPS permits supports our volunteer partners in the program to stock impoundments with native fish species including golden perch, Australian bass, and barramundi specifically for recreational fishing.

“Fishing in Queensland’s 63 SIPS impoundments, which require a permit to fish with a line, also gives the economy an annual boost of approximately $100 million, with at least a quarter of that amount spent directly in regional economies.

“I encourage recreational fishers to get a SIPS permit which you can access on-line and hook into this exciting new tagged

fishing competition.”

SIPS permits are available for purchase online, through the QLD Fishing 2.0 smartphone app, at 585 Australia Post outlets throughout Queensland and northern New

South Wales or by phoning 1300 575 359. Visit qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/boating-fishing/rec-fishing/dams to find the nearest stocked waterway and buy a permit, or call 13 25 23 for more information.

An Australian Bass caught in one of the 63 impoundments in Queensland’s Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme. Credit: Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

Jenny Price and Helen Stewart at the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre’s annual Christmas party. Photos: Owen Bromley

Lilian Brown and Di Proctor

Rhonda Payne and Jenny Costello

Rosemary Rowles and Marg Schwarzrock

Gayle Tomerini and Marg Hinrichs

Charlie Payne and Bob Neilsen

Resource Industry Network

Twilight Networking Event

Baby Markiel The Chosen One

Mater Private Hospital Mackay staged its annual nativity play last Wednesday, December 7 starring the children of Mater staff, with the most recently born baby cast as the infant Jesus. This year the part was played by one month old Markiel Ysaac Reyes, the son of Mater Private Hospital Mackay Midwife Maria Reyes.

Maria said it was the second year she was involved in the nativity play, after her elder son and daughter performed in 2021.

“I started at Mater in February 2021 and my other two children were shepherds in the nativity play last year,” Ms Reyes said.

“Markiel is one month old so was chosen to be Jesus as the youngest baby of a Mater staff member this year.

Ms Reyes’ other son was cast in the role of

Joseph, keeping Markiel calm throughout the performance.

Mater Private Hospital Mackay Mission Integration Manager and nativity play producer Magdala Thorne said the performance had become a highlight on Mater’s annual calendar.

“Our nativity plays started more than 30 years ago by the Sisters of Mercy and they have become a great tradition for staff,” Ms Thorne said.

“Pre-pandemic, the performance would move from department to department, but now it is all staged in one area so staff can

pause to watch their children perform.

“This year we have a very eclectic cast, with not only the children of staff, but also grandchildren involved.

“It’s exciting that we are able to welcome multiple members of the same family too.

Baby Markiel starred alongside his siblings in Mater Private Hospital Mackay’s annual nativity play

“Our Mater People embody our vision to empower people to live better lives – and in Mackay we are very proud to put these values into action and provide opportunities for our staff and their families to feel supported.”

Council Facility Closures Over The Festive Season

Mackay regional council area residents are being

Call Centre 1300MACKAY (622 529)

Council’s local call centre will be closed Saturday, December 24, to Monday, January 2 (inclusive) with an after-hours service operating during this time for emergency calls. For non-urgent requests and payments, visit www.mackay.qld.gov.au/request.

Customer Service Centres

MACKAY

Closed Saturday, December 24, to Monday, January 2

Reopening 9am, Tuesday, January 3 MIRANI

Closed Saturday, December 24, to Sunday, January 8

Reopening 9am, Monday, January 9 SARINA

Closed Saturday, December 24, to Sunday, January 8 Reopening 9am, Monday, January 9

Artspace Mackay

Closed Saturday, December 24, 2022, to Monday, January 2, 2023 Reopening 10am, Tuesday, January 3

Foodspace

Closed from 2pm, Friday, December 23 Reopening 8am, Monday, January 9

Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre Box Office

Closed from 3pm, Friday, December 23 Reopening 9am, Monday, January 9 Tickets for shows and events can be purchased online via themecc.com.au during this time.

Jubilee Community Centre

Closed from 4.30pm, Friday, December 23 Reopening 8.30am, Tuesday, January 3

Aquatic facilities

MACKAY ARC

Closed Sunday, December 25

BLUEWATER LAGOON

Open every day from 9am to 5.45pm Closed Sunday, December 25

MEMORIAL SWIM CENTRE

Sunday, December 25 - Closed Monday, December 26 - Closed Sunday, January 1 - Closed

MIRANI SWIM CENTRE

Sunday, December 25 - Closed Monday, December 26 - Closed Sunday, January 1 – Closed

PIONEER SWIM CENTRE

Sunday, December 25 - Closed Monday, December 26 - Closed Sunday, January 1 - Closed

SARINA POOL

Sunday, December 25 - Closed Monday, December 26 - Closed Sunday, January 1 - Closed

Mackay Regional Council Libraries

Closed 5pm, Friday, December 23

All libraries will reopen as normal from Tuesday, January 3.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

ADMINISTRATION AND TROPICAL SHADE GARDEN

Closed from 4pm, Friday, December 23 Reopening 9am, Tuesday, January 3

BOTANIC GARDENS CAFÉ AND LAGOONS GALLERY

Closed from 3pm, Sunday, December 18

Reopening 9am, Wednesday, January 11

Museums and Historical Centres

Please note all museums and historical centres are currently closed and will reopen in 2023.

GREENMOUNT HOMESTEAD

Reopening Monday, March 20, 2023

MUSEUMS AND HISTORICAL CENTRES

Mackay Museum: Reopening Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Sarina Museum: Reopening Tuesday, March 21, 2023 Pioneer Valley Museum: Reopening Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Ken Burgess Orchid House

Closed 2pm, Sunday, December 18

Reopening 10am, Sunday, January 8

Sarina Sugar Shed

Open seven days a week, 9am to 4pm.

Closed Saturday, December 25, reopening 9am, Wednesday, December 28

Closed Sunday, January 1, reopening 9am, Tuesday, January 3

Sarina Youth Centre

Closed 2pm, Friday, December 23 Reopening 10am, Tuesday, January 3

Sarina Neighbourhood Centre

Closed 2pm, Friday, December 23 Reopening 10am, Tuesday, January 3

Waste facilities

Council’s waste facilities will only close for Christmas Day, except for Paget Waste Management Centre, which will be open for limited hours on Christmas Day from 6.15am to noon.

Waste collection services will continue to run routine pick-ups during the Christmas holiday period. Residents are reminded to leave their wheelie bins out as normal.

Incredable Ltd (Resource Recovery Facility – dropoff) will be closed from Saturday, December 24 until Thursday, January 5, 2023 (inclusive), reopening Friday, January 6, at 9am.

Mackay Lego Masters To Represent Australia

It has taken plenty of trial and error, hours of dedication and piles of Lego but Mackay’s robotics team The Golden Blocks are getting ready to represent Australia at the First Lego League Asia Pacific Open Championship Competition.

The team recently competed in the National competition and took home first place for the Core Value Award and Robotic Performance Award.

One of the team’s coaches, Maighan Grant, said that the team had to code their robot to complete as many missions as possible in 2.5 minutes.

“In the competition they need to solve missions with their robot and attachments by coding it all,” she said.

“We achieved the highest score in Queensland at North Nationals at the end of November.”

Speaking about the upcoming international competition in June 2023, Ms Grant said that it’s an exciting opportunity for the students.

“They have really learnt a lot so far on this journey including critical thinking, teamwork, presenting, coding, planning and renewable energies,” she said.

“This next opportunity will be a big challenge for everyone but will be so rewarding for the students to grow as individuals.

“It is an honour to represent our country as coaches and team members.”

The community home-school team will compete against many teams supported by education institutions.

To support the students further and raise funds for the next competition, The Golden Blocks will be hosting robotics workshops over the school holidays.

Mrs Grant said the workshops are in partnership with a local Lego education company called Young Engineers Central Queensland.

“The team is excited to share their skills about robotics building and coding with students in the community,” she said.

The robotics workshops are open to 8-12 year old’s and no previous experience is necessary.

More information can be found on The Golden Blocks Facebook page and Eventbrite.

Contributed by Maighan Grant

WHAT: The Golden Blocks Robotics Workshops

WHERE: CQUniversity Ooralea Campus

WHEN: January 3, 6, 18 and 20, 2023

TICKETS: Eventbrite

Mackay Lego robotics team

The Golden Blocks are holding workshops to fundraise for their upcoming First Lego League Asia Pacific Open Championship Competition campaign. Photos supplied

reminded about the following council facility closures over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Rainy End To Road Runners Year

RUNNING

The final Shawn’s Summer Social Series 5/10km run before Christmas was held in very damp and cool conditions as compared with the previous weeks’ hot and humid temperatures.

Over twenty runners enjoyed the cool spell as Race Director and Club Captain Jim Ford announced the testing course which left from the Mackay North High School end of Valley Street.

The run started with a slight uphill section before taking on the very steep unforgiving High Street ascent.

The slippery surfaces made for serious footwork concentration especially on the descents with rain tumbling down throughout the entire event.

Excellent running came from Paul Mackenzie who took the lead early maintaining a great pace to cross the line first marginally ahead of the talented committed field

of runners including Derek Woods, Ricky Parker, Andrew Short, Mel Esau, Carmel Mahon, Alan Zamparutti, Andrew Wallace, Steve Brown, Tracey Brown, Natasha Joynson, Kim Saron, Jo Hughes and Emma Johnson.

There will be no Shawn’s Summer Social Series event this Sunday due to the very special Christmas Day occasion, however the informal training sessions will continue on Wednesdays at the Aquatic & Recreational Complex at 5.30pm weather permitting.

The following Sunday run for the Shawn’s Summer series will re-commence 5:30pm from the Seabreeze Tavern, Lamberts Beach on New Year’s Day – what a great way to start the year!

Mackay Road Runners look forward to another successful association within the community by bringing weekly running events to suit everyone, including the BMA Mackay Marina Run on 4th June.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

Season Celebrations For North Mackay Bowls

BOWLS

North Mackay Ladies ended their season with a newly elected President, Lidia McCarthy. Maureen Blucher was elected as Vice President.

The club celebrated the end of play in 2022 with a Christmas lunch and fun games of bowls with 55 ladies attending.

Raffle ham winners were: 1st Prize Carmel O’Loughlin; 2nd Prize Isla Comelli and 3rd prize Val de Pinto. The doll (dressed and donated by Margaret Armitage) was won by Karla Wallman, daughter-in-law of Daphne Wallman. As usual a collection was taken up for a children’s charity and this year the club donated $300 to Riding for the Disabled.

North Mackay Ladies return for more fun on the green on Wednesday 18th January, 2023 when it will honour its past Presidents and life members.

Daphne Offield; Hilary Jones-Rowan; Lois Deguara; Lyn Maguire; Bev Woodward; Elaine Buckton

Games Coordinator: Debbie Mackenzie; Vice President: Maureen Blucher; President Lidia McCarthy; IPP: Lorraine Silman; Secretary: Helen Fleming

Marie Duck; Margaret Armitage; Carmel Bell; Cheryle Corbett; Marion Delaney

Vice President Maureen Blucher

President Lidia lining up as Skip Raffle Ticket Sellers: Sheryl Cuttriss and Pam Louis

Andrew Wallace (left) is happy to support the very wet Shawn’s Summer Social Series from Valley Street, North Mackay with (background) Emma Johnson, Natasha Joynson, Kim Saron and Jo Hughes

L-R Back - Andrew Wallace, Carmel Mahon, Andrew short and Alan Zamparutti. Front - Janelle Tilse, Kim Saron, Jo Hughes, Mel Esau and Paul McKenzie

Carmel Mahon has an excellent 10km over the very hilly course in rainy conditions

Alan Zamparutti enjoying the cooler conditions on reaching the pinnacle of Rotary lookout from Pollock Street

Derek Woods easily scales the 70 steps from High Street to the Rotary Lookout summit

Kim Saron happy with the final downhill section of the 5km. Photos supplied: Janelle Tilse

: Tracey Brown enjoying the steady warm up before taking on the testing High Street section of the course

Ricky Parker enjoying one of his final runs with Mackay Road Runners before leaving for Brisbane next year

On The Greens At Goosies Father-Daughter Duo Lead CQ Cricket Team

BOWLS

SOCIAL RESULTS

Monday – mixed pairs draw Pam Louis and Gloria Sam. Runners up Bev Svenson and P. Shephard. Lucky draw Eric Skellern and Lawrence Borg.

No Wednesday bowls until 2023.

Thursday – Winners Margaret Fogg and Peter Rintoul. Runners up Sylvia Maikler and Ronny Maikler. Kitty toucher was not won.

Friday – Overall winners Michelle Stockton and Chris Banney. Winners lucky draw Tony Allsop and Val De Pinto. Run-

ners up lucky draw Bevan Cooper and John Priest. Kitty toucher Alan Dillon and Peter Cowling.

Saturday - Winners Alan Dillon and Peter Cowling.

Runners up John Helenius and Asko Helenius. Jackpot Vic Gaudion and Peter Deleney.

Club organised bowls have finished until January 2023. Have a great Christmas and a safe, healthy New Year in 2023.

Contributed by Ian Rowan

CRICKET

Agroup of young cricketers from the Mackay Whitsunday and Central Queensland zones recently formed to represent the Central Infernos at the Queensland U15 Female State Cricket Challenge, led by Coach Paul Anderson and Assistant Coach and Paul’s daughter Ella of Mackay.

The U15 Central Infernos squad was selected from a carnival pitting Mackay Whitsunday, Central Queensland, North Queensland and Far North Queensland against each other, with Queensland Cricket selecting the Infernos from the Mackay Whitsunday and Central Queensland teams.

Kelsey Waldon, Jade Gersch, Kiana Dunn, Matilda Faulkner, Matilda Wiggins and Sorayah Cross were selected from Mackay Whitsunday with Paul and Ella in the coaching positions.

The Infernos came up against teams from north Queensland, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, the Darling Downs and Gold Coast and, despite winning one of five games, Paul said all players stood up to the task.

“They all played well and above what we expected from them, so they all tried their best and improved over the carnival,” he said.

“They all showed potential and all did something outstanding.”

Paul has coached at similar cricket carnivals for the last five years and said the quality of cricket has improved every year.

“This year, people were hitting a lot more boundaries, hitting sixes, the total scores teams were posting were much higher than in previous years, so the girls are certainly learning to play cricket in a more positive way,” he said.

18-year-old Ella came through the pathways system herself, playing at her first carnival at age 14 and filling the role of Assistant Coach at the last two carnivals.

“She really connects with the girls on a player level having been at the carnival before,” said Paul.

“She’s a good role model to have there for the younger girls and they really respect her input, and she respects them as well.

“It’s a really good thing to see those girls who have played in the pathway and are now coming back and taking up a coaching role.”

The official representative cricket calendar has wrapped up for 2022 with more games to be played in the new year.

“There’s certainly a lot of girls and women that want to play more representative cricket so we’re trying to organise some more games between Mackay Whitsunday and Central Queensland,” said Paul.

End of year Saturday bowls at NMBC (Goosies)

Winners of Saturday bowls – Alan Dillon and Peter Cowling Great Barrier Reef Arena (GBRA) won the finals of the 2022 Warehouse bowls at Goosies. Trophy presented by the organiser Don Agnew

Mackay Whitsunday girls Back L-R Kelsey Waldon, Sorayah Cross, Matilda Faulkner.

Front L-R Matilda Wiggins, Kiana Dunn, Jade Gersch

Mackay Whitsunday players joined forces with Central Queensland players to form the Central Infernos. Photos supplied

Mackay’s All Stars At All Schools Sport

ATHLETICS

While December has been a month of wrapping up 2022 for most of us, a group of talented Mackay athletes trekked across the country to the All Schools Track and Field Championships held in Adelaide. There was no winding down or early trifle for this group, who put it all on the line in one of the biggest competitions of the season.

Brothers Oliver and Toby Rule started the competition strong, with Oliver running a 1-second personal best in the 1500m and Toby finishing 4th in the steeplechase. The next day, Toby pulled out a superhuman effort to run a 31-second personal best in the 3000m, which awarded him richly with a silver medal.

Toby described the event as the “race of my life.”

“Crossing the finish line knowing I had placed at nationals was a competition highlight,” Toby said.

“I felt tired as I took the podium but happy with what I achieved.”

Oliver ran a competitive steeplechase, finishing in 8th place.

Oliver completed Year 12 this year and is planning to stay in Mackay to work, study and compete in 2023.

“I’ve started a traineeship with EHW Tech and will start at CQ University studying

IT in February. I hope to compete for the Mackay Athletics Club and represent Queensland in 2023,” he said.

Speedster Mikayla Webb continued to show promise as one of the fastest teenagers in Australia by making both the 200m and 100m finals. She narrowly missed the podium in the 200m placing 4th, but snatched the bronze in the 100m by 0.002 of a second. Representing Queensland in the 4 X 100m relay, Mikayla helped anchor her team to a win, coming home as an Australian champion.

Kayce Hoani-Vincent won bronze in the U16 pole vault to cap off an impressive season.

James Galea came close to a podium place in the discus, placing 4th with a huge 5m personal best throw. He backed up with 5th placings in the hammer and shot put. It was the first time at the championships

for athletes Adison Byrd and Drew Lawn. Adison finished 10th overall in the U16 long jump equalling his personal best and ran a leg in the 4x100m final. He came 9th in the high jump and 9th in the triple jump. Drew finished 4th in the U17 triple jump, just short of his personal best and just outside the medals. Drew came 9th in the long jump and 11th in the high jump. Jacob Adams ran a personal best in the U16 100m to place 11th and in the 200m to place 12th. Hayley Colless in the U14 came 10th in the 80m hurdles. Cameron Wonnocott ran a great personal best of 39 seconds in the 1500m placing 12th, and then running a 23-second personal best in the 800m to place 9th.

brought to you by

Mikayla Webb was part of the gold-winning Queensland 4 X 100m relay team

Oliver Rule (inside) and Cameron Wonnocott running in the 1500m Hayley Colless in the U14 80m hurdles

Kayce Hoani-Vincent won bronze in the U16 pole vault

Toby Rule with his silver medal from the 3000m

PIONEER SWIMMERS ATTEND QUEENSLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

best in her 50m backstroke.

Anumber of Pioneer swimmers travelled to Brisbane for a week of swimming at the 2022 McDonald’s Queensland Championships held at the Sleeman Aquatic Centre last week.

Kylie Smith, who also coaches, swam in three events over three days, swimming in the 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke and 50m butterfly events.

Kylie swam within her time for each event but achieved a 0.04 second personal best in her 50m butterfly on her last day which she later described as the highlight of her week.

Jade Bounden swam in 2 events, swimming in the 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly.

This wasn’t Jade’s first rodeo for State level competition, and she did the Club proud swimming strong.

And a huge congratulations to Ella Bounden (younger sister to Jade) who qualified for the first time to swim at the Championships.

Ella’s highlight of the week was achieving a whopping 0.20 second personal

She also swam in the 50m freestyle, swimming within her time.

William McGrath also swam at the Championships in the 50m backstroke.

Will has always been a Pioneer swimmer but since moving to Brisbane has transferred to another club, still frequenting Pioneer training when returning to Mackay for school holidays.

The Club still claims him as ours and cheered him from within the arena and afar nevertheless!

Pioneer Swim Club also had three swimmers attend to represent Swimming North Queensland in the relays: Isabelle Miles, Stevie Brand and Georgie Brand.

Annaliese Miles and Kailu Bellear also qualified as reserves for the relays.

This was Isabelle’s first-time swimming in the Sleeman Complex and excitement was high.

Pioneer coaches, swimmers and families congratulate all swimmers on strong performances at the Championships.

Each and every one of you have done your club proud.

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

ATHLETICS SPRINTING TO SUCCESS

Another huge event is heading to the MARC next year with Athletics North Queensland announcing that the Mackay Regional Council will be the Major Partner and Host of the 2023 North Queensland Championships

The North Queensland Championships, which is the largest regional athletics Championships in Australia, will see athletes head to Mackay from the 22nd – 24th of September 2023, bringing in over 800 athletes and 150 volunteers for three days of action.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said having Mackay as the host city in 2023 was an amazing opportunity and a testament to the world-class nature of the Mackay ARC (Aquatic and Recreation Complex).

He said Mackay Regional Council, through its Invest Mackay Event and Conference At-

traction Program, had worked hard to secure the event, which was expected to generate about $1.5 million for the local economy.

“To be able to boast facilities that put us on an even playing field with the capital cities of the Oceania region is a huge coup for Mackay,” Mayor Williamson said.

“We look forward to welcoming athletes from across Australia and hope they take the time to enjoy some of our region’s must-do activities – like see a platypus at Eungella, meet the Cape Hillsborough wallabies on the beach at sunrise or simply enjoy a meal in our City Centre,” he said.

The 2023 edition of the Championships aims to maximise athlete opportunities and highlight athletes’ performances.

The North Queensland Athletics Championships has had a strong history, holding successful championships since first established in 1957. Attracting and supporting all ages and abilities, from club to world champions.

These championships have been hosted by multiple cities/towns in North Queensland. The Championships also act as the qualifying event for North Queensland school-based athletes competing in the North Queensland Team at the 2023 Australian All Schools Championships. This is the pinnacle event for secondary school-based athletes across the country.

Athletics North Queensland President, Shane Watson, is looking forward to the Championships in Mackay.

“Mackay has proven itself to host major sporting events, including athletics competitions, over the past few years, and we are pleased to be working with the Mackay Regional Council as the major partner and sponsor of the Championships,” Mr Watson said.

Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Centre is no stranger to holding large events, with the Oceania Area Championships and Oceania Masters Championships having recently been conducted at the venue.

Swimmers from Pioneer Swim Club competed in the Queensland Championships in Brisbane last week

Annaliese Miles, Isabelle Miles, Stevie Brand and Georgie Brand

Kylie Smith, William McGrath, Jade Bounden and Ella Bounden

Stevie Brand and Georgie Brand

Ella Bounden, Kylie Smith and Jade Bounden

DYNAMIC DUO

Paityne And Xavier Are Top Of The Nines Crop

RUGBY LEAGUE

Rubbing shoulders on the training paddock with your NRL idols are moments to savour for any aspiring rugby league colt.

Mackay’s rising 17-year-old hooker Xavier Kerrisk tasted that thrill last week when he was part of a select band of St Patrick’s College footballers that participated in the North Queensland Cowboys pre-season Young Bucks Camp in Townsville.

Kerrisk was joined by skilful half back Jaxon Purdue, lock forward Kayne Smith and classy utility back Will Shears at the Bucks Camp where 25 of the Cowboys’ contracted schoolboys experienced “a week of a first grade NRL player” as part of the club’s Pathways Program.

The Mackay products joined other 17- and 18-year-old schoolboys from the northern Queensland region as they were educated on “game sense” and put through their paces with intensive skill sessions plus speed and power testing to prepare them for the rigours of top-grade rugby league.

During the Camp the players trained alongside the Cowboys Young Guns’ semi-professional squad that featured St Patrick’s College graduates in crack centre Kai Simon and power forwards Liam Doherty and Matthew Watts.

It was a fascinating experience for the

emerging Kerrisk, who is regarded as one of Queensland’s finest up and coming number nines.

The Queensland Country Under 17 representative hooker produced superb performances to help St Patrick’s College finish runners up in both the 2022 Confraternity Shield and Aaron Payne Cup competitions and spearheaded the Walkerston Wanderers to an Under 18s premiership at the Mackay & District Junior League Grand Finals.

In fact, St Patrick’s College can now arguably boast the best two number nines in the respective schoolboy/girls rugby league ranks in the Capricornia region.

While the crafty Kerrisk continues to carve

up the opposition in various Boys competitions his female colleague Paityne Johns has been dubbed the “Little Maestro” and premier hooker in the Girls cauldron.

Pocket dynamo Paityne proved a revelation on the Girls rugby league scene this season – impressing keen judges with her guile, vision and speed around the rucks and ability to lift teammates with her tremendous work ethic.

Her leadership qualities shone like a beacon at this year’s inaugural Confraternity Games Girls Rugby League Carnival in Mackay when she steered St Patrick’s to the Shield decider against champions Marymount College at BB Print Stadium.

The talented Johns nabbed a crucial try and

2023 North Queensland Athletics Championships Heading To Mackay

performed strongly in a heart-breaking 1810 loss to the Burleigh Waters school and capped a memorable Games experience when she was later named St Patrick’s Best & Fairest player by tournament officials.

Tough-tackling Paityne also skippered her club side Norths Devils to the Under 18 Girls Grand Final in the Mackay & District Junior League competition where they were outclassed 38-4 by a red-hot Wanderers outfit and featured in the Mackay Cutters Under 19 Harvey Norman Women’s squad.

All eyes will be on the Capricornia representative and fitness guru when she commences her 2023 campaign in the best shape of her life.

By Chris Karas

Images from the 2022 NQ Championships held in Townsville. In 2023 the event will be held in Mackay. Photos: ANQ – Brodie Cross

Queensland Country Under 17 representative hooker Xavier Kerrisk will spearhead a powerful St Patrick’s College Mackay squad in 2023

Outstanding St Patrick’s College and Capricornia representative hooker Paityne Johns is one of the best young number nines on the Queensland Girls rugby league scene

Mackay Tri Kids Leave Their Mark

TRIATHLON

The final event in the 3-part Tri-ActiV8 Kids Tri-Series was held on the 11th of December at the MARC (Mackay Aquatic & Recreation Centre) with 76 kids completing either a triathlon or aquathlon.

Every year Tri-ActiV8 holds a 3-part triathlon and aquathlon event known as the Kids Tri-Series at the MARC.

This non-competitive series targets kids aged 5 to 12 years.

“Triathlon is a great sport for kids” says Nikki Giles, Tri-ActiV8 Founder and accredited Triathlon Performance Coach

“The non-competitive nature of the Tri-Series allows kids to grow in confidence, be-

come more determined and feel satisfaction in their own abilities.”

The Kids Tri-Series is always delivered with an emphasis on safety and support for the kids.

“Our Tri-ActiV8 Triathlon Tribe are incredible,” says Nikki

“At every event our Tribe shows to support every child from the beginning to the end.”

Each year Corry Cycles owner Evan Corry gives away a Mountain Bike to one lucky participant at the final event of the series.

“Corry Cycles has been proudly supporting the Kids Tri-Series from the very beginning,” says Evan

“As a local Mackay business it is important to

Mother And Daughter Duo Titans Of The Table

TABLE TENNIS

Amother and daughter tasted victory in Mackay Table Tennis night fixture finals this week.

Emma Widdup led her team Bream to a 6-1 win over Barra in division 1, while daughter Lily Boland scored wins over Noreen Fredericksen and Simon Hogan as her side Prawn got up 7-4 over Lobster in division 2.

Emma, Vince Boeske and Geoff Denman had a dream start, racing to a 5-0 lead over Barra (Lee Brake, Barry Patterson and Steven Whiting).

Steven kept his side in the match with a

win over Emma -7, 9, 8, -3, 7 but Geoff closed it out for Bream with a win over Barry 9, 8, 9.

Lily is playing her first year of senior fixtures with several other juniors, who are all improving rapidly.

Prawn (Duncan Treloar, Will VanDeKaa and Lily Boland) got up 7-4 over Lobster (Mark Sleeman, Simon Hogan and Noreen Fredericksen) in division 2.

Will and Slee played the match of the night, Will up 9, 6, -10, -11, 10.

Emma lost only one match all season to be leading player in division 1, while comeback king Ian McKay lost just three to take the division 2 prize.

2022 Bike Winner Hugo Connors with Zac Schwarzrock (Corry Cycles)

Photo credit: Deanne Woods Photography

Louis Connors with the family’s new Dirty Possum Rack

Division 1 winners Geoff Denman, Emma Widdup and Vince Boeske.

Photos by Andrea Nicholson

Division 1 runners-up Lee Brake, Barry Patterson and Steven Whiting

Division 2 winners Will VanDeKaa, Lily Boland and Duncan Treloar

Division 2 runners-up Simon Hogan, Noreen Fredericksen and Mark Sleeman with treasurer Donna Abbott

give back and support community events and families wherever we can.”

In 2022, Dirty Possum also got behind the Tri-ActiV8 Kids Tri-Series and gave away a 4-bike carrier to one lucky family.

“Our Tri-Series sponsors are a really important part of being able to run the series,” says Nikki “Dirty Possum coming on board this year to provide a fantastic prize to one lucky family shows how much the series has grown in support.”

Although it was a random draw, both major prizes were won by the same family who had two children participating in the series: Hugo and Louis Connors.

“We couldn’t believe it,” says Hugo and Louis Connors’ Mum, Vanessa.

“Our boys are growing so fast so to have a new mountain bike for Hugo at the start of the school holidays and then to have a bike carrier for our car so that we can go places with our bikes is truly amazing.”

The Tri-ActiV8 Kids Tri-Series will be back in Term 4 in 2023. Dates are yet to be announced.