Mackay Life

Every child needs a safe and caring home.

Cloudy, windy and rainy weather did little to prevent early morning Anzac Day events earlier this week, as thousands recognised that the conditions paled in comparison to what our diggers endured.

Services, marches and meaningful celebrations were

held around the Mackay region from dawn to dusk; an opportunity for those who’ve served to reflect and a reminder to us all of their great sacrifice. Veterans, family members, schools and organisations marched, some with badges proudly displayed, while many watched on, honoured and paid their

POSITIVE PREGNANCY AND BIRTH EXPO BACK FOR SECOND YEAR

respects.

Anzac Day is a day not to glorify war, but a day to reflect on the atrocities it has brought to so many families and the sacrifices made for Australia’s way of life.

Making The Journey Smoother For Hopeful And Existing Parents

Explore the feature on pages 18-21

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson (centre) and councillors paid their respects at the Mackay & District Australian South Sea Islander Association Anzac Day Service. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Cardiac Care Staff

Sit Down with Sam

Hi Readers

On the next page, you’ll read some profound words from the President of the RSL Mackay Sub Branch, Ken Higgins OAM. He said this to me while chatting quite frankly about his experience of being conscripted into the Australian Army during the Vietnam conflict at the innocent age of 20. The conversation genuinely changed the way I view war, veterans and commemorative occasions like Anzac Day.

I kept Ken’s story and stories just like his in mind on Anzac Day earlier this week, as the country stopped to reflect on the atrocities of war, the bravery it reveals in people and the sacrifices it forces people to make. Flick through the next few pages to see how the Mackay region marked this important day.

While telling Ken’s story to my father last weekend, he recommended The Odd Angry Shot, a

1979 Australian comedy war film following the experiences of Australian soldiers during the Vietnam War. While I haven’t had the chance to watch it, and I’m sure there are plenty of similarly important films, I thought I’d share his recommendation.

More and more of these Vietnam war stories will come to light throughout the year as the country commemorates 50 years since the 1973 proclamation of the end of Australian involvement in the Vietnam War. Services will be held by RSLs around the country, including right here in Mackay, in the month of August.

In the lead up to these services, Mackay Life hopes to work with Ken and the RSL Mackay Sub Branch to uncover the stories of Mackay’s Vietnam veterans. Personally, I’m looking forward to learning more about this conflict and sharing these stories with you.

In May last year, 92-year-old Mackay resident Claire McDonald called for an ambulance. At the time, Claire lived alone and wasn’t able to catch her breath that night.

“I had a heart attack, but I didn’t know I was having a heart attack,” Claire recalled.

Claire was brought to Mackay Base Hospital by paramedics before being transferred to the Cardiac Care Unit.

“The ambulance men were very nice to me and settled me down though I don’t remember a lot.”

Claire underwent an insertion of a stent, a small mesh tube that aids in holding open narrow passages in weak or narrowed arteries, restoring blood flow.

“I can’t find the words to express how thankful I am … all the staff were just exceptional,” she said.

“From the time they pushed that bed from the ambulance to the hospital, till the day the female doctor came around in the morning and said, ‘you can go home today’, they did nothing but 100 – 200 – 300 per cent good!

“You could not complain.”

Claire has since returned to her South Mackay home and enjoys regular care from the Community Health and Therapy Services (CHATS) and attends a weekly fall and balance group. She’s doing well in her classes according to physiotherapist Michael Dalton, but she’s a bit annoyed that she’s still feeling ‘a bit weak’.

“I've neglected my unit for the simple reason that I've had to put me before the house,” Claire said. “I like things neat and clean, so I was a fanatic in the house.

“When I have my next appointment with the doctor, I’m going to ask him for a tonic.”

“100 – 200 – 300 per cent good”

Claire McDonald is grateful to the staff in the CCU of Mackay Base Hospital. Photo supplied

As the sun rose across the cane fields, a time of day symbolic of one of Australia and New Zealand’s most infamous military involvements, thousands gathered at dawn services across the region. Anzac Day is a day to reflect on all veterans, all conflicts and all impacts made by war.

With a full timetable of services around Mackay and surrounds, people took every opportunity they could to commemorate the day.

“As a returned service person, I look at Anzac Day as a reflection on our service and the sacrifice of the 100,000 that died for our way of life in Australia, but also the hundreds of thousands that have been traumatised by war,” said Mackay RSL Sub Branch President Ken Higgins OAM.

“We need to honour those people who served and died but we also need to be mindful that war’s a horrible thing and not to promote it as a heroic thing.

“There are heroes in war, but that’s the consequences of war. “Most veterans aren’t interested in war; what they’re interested in is peace.”

Photo credit: KR Photos & Videos

Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Photos supplied: Mackay Regional Council

Photos supplied: Mackay Regional Council

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Photo credit: KR Photos & Videos

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Photo supplied: Mackay Northern Beaches State High School

Photo supplied: Bucasia State School

Photo supplied: Eimeo Road State School

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

A SMOOTHER DEPARTURE AT MACKAY BASE HOSPITAL

Over 100 hours of bed time has been saved at Mackay Base Hospital thanks to the hospital’s newest initiative to improve patient flow and provide a better experience for those who are ready to leave hospital.

The Transit Care Hub (TCH), located on the hospital’s ground floor adjacent to the main entrance, acts as a departure waiting room managed by nursing staff for patients who are ready to head home but may be waiting on medication, transport or documentation.

The TCH opened on March 13, welcoming over 100 patients over that time, and Mackay Hospital and Health Service

(HHS) Chief Operating Officer Sharon Walsh said its already proving its worth.

“What we are seeing even in these early stages is that it is providing a better flow of patients out of our acute wards and the emergency department, which means we are freeing up beds for other patients who need our care,” Ms Walsh said.

“On average our patients who are ready to leave us and just need to wait for medication, or a family member to pick them up, are spending about an hour and a half in the TCH, and we’re freeing up about 6

hours a day of bed availability.”

“Those patients don’t need to be in a ward bed, and we can provide a nice area for them to sit and wait,” added Clinical Nurse Consultant Kaylene Chetham.

“For us to be able to do that, it allows the bed managers to be able to move patients from the emergency department to the bed on the ward a lot quicker.”

The Innovation and Redesign Unit was initially tasked with putting together a submission for the Patient Flow Intensive Program, implementing five projects to improve hospital efficiency and patient flow.

“There were a lot of bed-block issues and these projects gave us the opportunity to look at the backend of the hospital and how we can get the flow from the wards to discharge,” said Innovation and Redesign Unit Director Toni Simmons.

“It’s not just one thing that’s going to fix everything, it’s everything working together as a whole.

Other projects to come out of the Patient Flow Intensive Program include digital communication technologies, inpatient telehealth programs, nurse-criteria-led discharge and power plans.

Man Stabbed In Ear In LateNight Mackay Altercation

Police are searching for three other people involved in a late-night altercation in the Mackay CBD where a 48-year-old man was rushed to hospital after allegedly being stabbed in the ear.

Emergency services rushed the man to Mackay Base Hospital in the early morning after the alleged incident on Shakespeare Street around midnight on April 21.

Mackay Acting Detective Inspector

Emma Novosel said the man had tried to intervene in an altercation involving

three persons: two men and a woman.

“He’s made an attempt to intervene and told the male people to leave the female person alone,” Inspector Novosel said.

The man was allegedly challenged by one of the men, who then struck him on the back of the head.

“He has made his way to Dominoes on Shakespeare Street where he sought assistance for his injuries,” Inspector Novosel said.

The man was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition. Anyone with information is asked to come forward.

Mackay Base Hospital staff at the opening of the Transit Care Hub, from left, Kaylene Chetham, Seona MacDonald, Chloe McNamee and Emma Hess

Mackay Hospital and Health Service Chief Operating Officer Sharon Walsh cuts the ribbon to officially open the new Transit Care Hub. Also, from left, are staff Emma Hess, Chloe McNamee and Kaylene Chetham. Photos supplied

Informative Open Night at St Patrick’s College Mackay

FOR families looking for their child’s secondary education, St Patrick’s College Mackay is rich in opportunities.

Established in 1929, St Patrick’s has a long history of offering excellence in schooling.

The College will hold an informative Open Night next Tuesday May 2 at their Mercy Campus in Penn Street Mackay from 4pm to 7pm for interested students and their families.

You can view the subject displays, chat to teachers, admire students’ work and join in the classroom activities or even collect College memorabilia as you move between displays.

Students and staff will offer an opportunity to experience learning in a dynamic and exciting environment and to answer any questions about life as a student at the school.

Prospective parents and students who are new to the College are invited to participate in a tour of the facilities and in physical challenges in the Pavilion or collecting stamps for the treasure map.

Track Master Defends National Titles

You can appreciate performances by the College Choir, Band, Drum Corps, Strings, Dance Troupe, Concert Percussion, Handbells and College Ensemble.

Come along and meet the Leadership Team and be there for the Treasure Map prize draw at 7pm at the Pavilion offering first prize $200 City Beach Gift voucher; 2nd prize $100 City Beach Gift voucher and 3rd prize $50 City Beach Gift voucher.

Enjoy the FREE sausage sizzle, tea and coffee, wine and cheese for the adults and there’ll be popcorn and snow cones for sale to support the St Vinnies Committee.

The College is ideally located close to Mackay’s burgeoning Sports precinct with Multi Sports Basketball & Netball Stadium, BB Print Stadium, Junior League Fields, Harrup Park cricket fields, netball courts plus soccer and hockey fields nearby as well as the Paget Business District.

Enquiries (07) 4969 4199.

Jade Joins Olympic Royalty At Nationals

Tuesday, April 18 2023, will forever be marked in history for Pioneer Dolphin, Jade Bounden. She described her travels to the Gold Coast for the Australian Swimming Championships for the 50 metre freestyle event as an incredible experience, rubbing shoulders with Olympic Royalty like Shayna Jack, Meg Harris and Emma McKeon to name but a few.

Jade will no doubt be back again next year, stronger again! Jade and her family thanked her club for the overwhelming level of support received from home. We congratulate

Jade – her commitment and love for the sport of swimming is admirable.

Contributed by Pioneer Swim Club

Mackay track cyclist Hamish Wright proved once again that he is a force to be reckoned with at the Australian Masters Track Cycling Championships, held at the Anna Meares Velodrome earlier this month. In the M4 category, Hamish emerged victorious in both the sprint and the keirin events, successfully defending the two national championship titles he had won in 2022. He also claimed a bronze medal in the scratch race, rounding off an impressive performance.

Though no stranger to winning, Hamish’s achievements this year meant more to the veteran racer, who had only welcomed his newborn son into the world 10 days prior to his competition.

“It was certainly an unconventional leadup to nationals compared with other years,” Hamish said.

“The focus the past few months has primarily been on welcoming our son Brydon into the world, so training had taken a backseat, particularly around the time of his birth when my wife and I navigated a new world of 2am feeds and endless nappy changes.

“But it added a new dimension to my determination, I had an extra 8 pounds and 2 ounces of motivation every time I hit the track.”

Hamish said his experience played a large part in defending his two national titles.

“The racing was hard, as you’d expect when you put yourself against the best in the country.

“In the keirin the gold was won on a photo finish, by approximately 1/1000th of a second. It came down to the throw of the bike,” Hamish added.

“In one of my sprint rounds, to progress into the final it came down to another photo finish. Those fractions of a second were the difference between gold and silver or bronze.”

"The level of competition at this year's championships was incredibly high, but that's what makes it so rewarding when you come out on top."

"Every race is a battle, and you have to be prepared to fight for every inch."

Having competed at the World Masters Track Cycling Championships in Los Angeles last year where he won silver and bronze, Hamish said that he’s unlikely to contest the championships this year.

“With a newborn our focus will be on family which gives me the opportunity to relax and work on building a solid foundation of strength and endurance for future goals,” Hamish said.

“I have my eye on competing in France in 2024 or 2025.”

Hamish Wright said his newborn son Brydon was the extra motivation he needed to defend two national masters track cycling championship titles less than a fortnight after his son was born. Images supplied

Hamish Wright (centre) successfully defended his keirin title at the Auscycling National Track Cycling Championships

Hamish Wright in action in the sprint

Jade Bounden at Gold Coast Aquatic Centre

VOLUNTEER EXPO OFFERS A ROLE TO SUIT ANYONE

ACCORDING to Yvette Jeffs, nothing picks you up when you are down like doing a good deed for those in need.

In Yvette’s case, “those in need” are injured and orphaned wildlife – wallabies, kangaroos, pademelons, possums, birds and other down-on-their-luck natives.

Yvette, a senior carer with the Australian Wildlife Rescue Service, will be bringing some of those rescued animals to the 2023 Mackay Volunteer Expo at the Big Shed in the Mackay Showgrounds.

The expo will be held on Sunday, May 7, from 9am to noon.

“We love the Volunteer Expo,” Mrs Jeffs said.

“Last year we signed on six new wildlife carers and spoke to heaps of people,” she said.

“We can’t wait to see everyone there again this year and we are always looking for more volunteers.”

Mrs Jeffs said becoming a wildlife carer didn’t require any special skillsets.

“New carers are partnered with a senior carer as a mentor, and we usually start them off with easier animals, like a possum or bird,” she said.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council cre-

ated the expo as a way to improve community connectivity.

“We can connect more than 700 prospective volunteers with upwards of 50 volunteer-run organisations at this event,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The Volunteer Expo is a sensational opportunity for not-for-profit organisations to showcase the amazing work they do for our community,” he said.

“Likewise, it is a great chance for residents from all walks of life to discover what a volunteer role can bring to their lives.

“If you are new to the workforce, a volunteer role is amazing for upskilling and

building a resume, and if you’re new to our region, volunteering is a tremendous way to build a circle of friends.

“For retirees, volunteering is a great way to stay active, socialise and share skills with those who have similar interests.”

Entry to the Mackay Volunteer Expo is free.

For more information, follow Mackay Volunteers Expo 2023 on Facebook.

The 2023 Mackay Volunteer Expo is an initiative of Mackay Regional Council and is proudly supported by Mackay and Whitsunday Life, ABC Tropical North and Seven Mackay.

Yvette Jeffs (pictured left) and the Australian Wildlife Rescue Service team will be at the 2023 Mackay Volunteer Expo. The team recruited six new carers at the expo in 2022.

YOUTH PARLIAMENTARIANS DIG IN FOR FIRST SITTING IN BRISBANE

The region’s Youth Members had their first taste “of our state's democratic process” last week at the annual forum of the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament in Brisbane.

Newly minted Youth Member for Mackay Lilly Uhr attended the three-day event, taking part in the representation of issues of young people in their electorate while learning about government processes in a mock parliament context.

The St. Patrick’s College student met with the other 93 Youth Members from across Queensland at the April forum, including Sam Rogers, Whitsunday representative, and ex-Whitsunday Youth Member Sebastian Padget, now sitting for Hervey Bay. At the meeting, Youth Members formed committees and discussed ideas. These committees meet again over the course of six months to eventually distil their ideas into bills, which are then debated in mock sittings at Queensland Parliament House by the youth members during the September–October mid-semester break.

The Youth Member for Mackay, Lily Uhr, said the first session in Brisbane Parlia-

ment last Friday was extremely engaging.

“It has been a great way to meet a lot of likeminded and interesting people,” she said.

“The highlights have to be the activities and being in parliament, which was fantastic.”

Ms Uhr is part of the T.O.R.C.H. Committee (Transport, Outreach, Regional Communities, and Housing) and said her group had begun discussing building community up in areas that lost it during the Covid pandemic.

“I think our community itself is disconnected since Covid I would love to see more areas for youth to hang out,” she said.

“We’re also looking into social housing, disability housing, and homeless shelters.

“For me, personally, I’m passionate about disability housing – I play a role in disability sport in Mackay and have met people who have struggled to find housing. That’s why I chose this portfolio.”

State Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm said she was looking forward to supporting Lily – who lives within her

electorate of Whitsunday - Sam, and Sebastian as they commence their Youth Parliament journey.

“This role is critical because youth represent a large proportion of our community and there is a significant amount of legislation that impacts young peoples' lives every day,” Ms Camm said.

“In the past this programme has developed ideas and policy that has become legislation. I look forward to seeing the bills that are debated this year.”

Former Whitsunday Youth Member Sebastian Padget, now representing Hervey Bay, will work on the Regional Develop-

ment and Manufacturing, Resources, Agriculture, Trade and Investment Portfolio alongside Youth Member for Whitsunday, Sam Rogers.

“In my portfolio, I’m excited to work alongside the Youth Member for Whitsunday, Sam Rogers, who brings a lot of knowledge and enthusiasm to the table,” Mr Padget said.

“The Queensland Youth Parliament’s a great way for the young people in our region to get our voices down to Brisbane.”

The Youth Parliament will work for the next six months before meeting again in September.

State Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm with Mackay Youth Member Lily Uhr at the recent three-day sitting of the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament

The annual event sees Youth Members from across Queensland converge at state parliament in Brisbane to distil their ideas into a bill in a mock form of the democratic process

Mackay Remembers

Paul Stanley

Mackay Senior Constable Steve Smith has shared a tribute to Paul Stanley, a person wellknown across the entire Mackay and Whitsunday Police District, after he passed away in Bundaberg on Thursday, April 20.

Paul’s 15-year-old son, Matthew, lost his life following an unprovoked attack at a party in Alexandra Hills in September 2006.

The tragedy inspired Paul to work in the community sharing Matthew’s story in an effort to reduce violence in the community.

“His presentations were unique, emotional and unforgettable,” Mr Smith said.

In 2007, Paul attended a Violence Prevention Forum held at a university in Brisbane where he met Sergeant Nigel Dalton from the Mackay Police District Crime Prevention Unit.

After hearing Paul’s presentation, Sergeant Dalton immediately sought him out, which was the beginning of many years of long friendship and a great working relationship.

“Paul began travelling to the Mackay and Whitsunday Police District in the same

A Bio-Fuel Future For Mackay

year and worked very hard with police in sharing Matthew’s and his family’s story and as well as relevant messaging in an effort to reduce violence,” Mr Smith said.

“Almost every township in our district was visited over the years by Paul and the Crime Prevention Unit Team.

“He last worked in the district in 2022, in what was an exhausting two and a half week effort travelling far and wide to promote his powerful messaging, which was just as impactful then as it was in 2007.

“From the entire law enforcement community of the Mackay and the Whitsunday Police District and every single person here who ever heard your presentation, thank you Paul.”

Mackay could soon be the new location of a thriving biofutures industry thanks to government plans to create a new hub for producing sustainable plant-based resources in the region.

With growing global demand for cleaner fuels, this industry is booming as it assists the aviation, maritime and heavy vehicle sectors to decarbonise and transition to more sustainable fuel sources.

If plans go ahead, Mackay will become one of 13 SDAs (State Development Area) with other locations including Cairns, Townsville, Abbot Point, Gladstone and Bundaberg.

“Now more than ever, consumers, governments, shareholders, corporations and their supply chains are looking for solutions to reduce carbon footprints and ensure they can participate in decarbonised markets,” said Deputy Premier Steven Miles MP.

“Queensland has delivered Australia’s first sustainable aviation fuel, first containerised shipping and renewable diesel trials and we’re continuing to build our local biofuel market by working with the aviation, construction, maritime and transport sectors.”

Touted as the industry that brings the old and the new together, many innovations are refining traditional practices to create

new products.

An example of this is using the biproducts of cane farming to create a new resource. Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbery, said that a Mackay State Development Area would transform the region into a space where businesses could be brought together to form value chains in industries like biomanufacturing and bioenergy.

“These are the industries that could utilise our wonderful locally sourced, plantbased organic materials to make everything from fermented foods to aviation fuel,” she said.

“An SDA could be the key to unlocking future opportunities and creating good jobs in exciting new industries while protecting existing jobs in traditional industries like sugar.”

To kickstart the project, a Queensland Government project team has been formed to investigate whether a suitable site in the region could be declared as a State Development Area (SDA).

The project team will be led by Queensland’s Coordinator-General and will consider the potential for a site for what would become Queensland’s newest SDA.

It’s possible a decision about an SDA could be made late in 2023 and work on a development scheme for an SDA could begin in 2024.

Mackay could be a biofutures hub thanks to new government plans

Paul Stanley passed away in Bundaberg on Thursday, April 20 from a medical condition. Photo supplied: MyPolice Mackay

Paddocks Of Opportunity As Growers Seek Workers

March unemployment figures showed Mackay at a the very low figure of 2.5%, and well below the Queensland figure of 3.8%. It’s a number that is holding steady. We stand about six weeks from the start of the crush. For the sugar industry, with its seasonal harvest employment, meeting harvest labour needs is once again an issue.

Every year, CANEGROWERS Mackay runs a campaign to drum up awareness of jobs and training opportunities in sugarcane, and support grower-members to obtain the staff they need, including running Haulout Operator courses to introduce new workers to the industry to the skills and safety considerations they will take to the paddock. Applications close today, so call 4944 2600 to see if any spots are available.

Typically, people who do the course are scooped up, because growers know they have had a good basic training delivered by highly experienced and qualified grower-trainers, and backed-up by a Registered Training Organisation, Axiom College.

It has been good to see the return of back-

packers as the world emerges from the covid years, and we have been marketing job and lifestyle opportunities to that group, as well as the growing contingent of younger retirees looking to supplement their income and enjoy the warmer winters and great environment and lifestyle that the Mackay-Whitsunday region offers.

Travelling workers are one option, and we are seeing strong interest from those groups already, but we would like to encourage people who live locally to also consider the crush.

Most haulout driver jobs need only a C-Class licence for the more common tractor-trailer combinations. A HR licence is required for truck operations. Obviously, some experience with farm machinery or trucks would be an advantage, but it

By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

PURE MACKAY MAGIC

isn’t essential. Harvest contractors will train people up. A big up-side is a job that gets you outdoors in a rural setting. The work can give the family income a boost for part of the year, delivering a seasonal balance to work and family life.

If working the cane harvest sounds good to you, then you can either post your own work wanted job on our jobs board or apply for one of the many jobs posted there

by CANEGROWERS Mackay members. Positions available right now include four on-four off or three on-five off rosters, there are growers seeking people for weekend work only. Check it out- there may be something there for you! Go to www. mackaycanegrowers.com.au/farmers-notice-board for the web version, replicated on a hard copy board in the foyer of our Mackay office.

TITLED BEACHSIDE LAND NOW SELLING FROM $220,000*

Mackay’s boutique, beachside community has arrived. Dunes combines sought-after beach homesites with coastal urban design to create a vibrant new neighbourhood between the Marina Village and the beautiful Pioneer River.

• Titled beachside land—ready to build on now.

• 600m to the surf club.

• 1.2km to Mackay Marina.

• 7km from the CBD.

• Access to 9km of near continuous beach.

Visit www.dunesharbourbeach.com.au or 1300 130 554

There are jobs this crush right across the supply chain. Photo credit: Kirili Lamb

Clermont Residents Welcomed To Visit Mobile Dentist

Amobile dental service is coming to Clermont this May and locals are encouraged to make an appointment.

The dental service is hosted through the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) –Queensland Section and offers a range of services including oral health maintenance, x-rays, extractions, and treatment of pre-existing or acute conditions. The purpose-built mobile facility is a part of the RFDS’ commitment to linking regional communities across Queensland with holistic health care.

The mobile dental service is a pivotal service in the RDFS arsenal, and 2023 “marks our 10th year of operation.”

According to RFDS Chief Executive Officer Meredith Staib, the service, plus the other aeromedical and emergency retrieval services “continues to increase the ways in which RFDS supports those living, working and playing across Queensland.”

“Being able to take such comprehensive oral health services to regional communities such as Clermont saves people having to travel long distances, helping to overcome the barriers that stop people seeking treatment.”

In 2022 alone, the RFDS Dental Service completed 264 clinic stays, with 1,629 patients across over 20 regional locations. Clermont locals are prompted to arrange a time to see the RFDS Dental team, when they are in town Wednesday, May 3 to Thursday, May 11, with limited times now available.

The RFDS Principal Dentist, Stevie Dilley, who will lead the Clermont stay, said, “while visiting the dentist can be a bit daunting, our RFDS team are not only professionals at oral health, but also in making the experience comfortable.”

Locals can arrange a time to see the dentists calling 1800 002 507.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service Dental van is coming to town, with times quickly filling up. Photo supplied

PROPERTY POINT

Well, here we are. The end of the week, and you know what that means? Weekend fun and plenty of it.

Whatever you do for work or business and whatever success you might achieve along the way there is always someone to thank, usually more than one person, who has given you some guidance along the way.

Whether you are a plumber, solicitor, florist, doctor, teacher or real estate agent, someone has helped you and made the path to success a little bit more direct, a little shorter, a bit quicker than it would have been without the help.

Human behaviour varies and there are plenty of people with a level of experience and expertise that could benefit other, less experienced, colleagues but they choose not to.

But then there are the generous humans who view life differently and do what they can to help colleagues achieve success. For them, a colleague’s success is something to celebrate, not something that diminishes their own standing.

I went into real estate about 12 years ago after a career in journalism and it is the sort of job where there is a lot to learn and the learning is largely done on the job rather than in a lecture hall.

I needed to learn a lot quickly and the person who helped, guided and corrected me in those early days was a bloke called Eric Rickman.

Eric had been in real estate for some time when I started and I worked under him firstly at Vision real estate and then at Gardian.

Don’t get me wrong, Eric is one of the world’s great smart arses and if you say or do something stupid you will hear about it.

But once that hilarious opportunity had been exploited and shared with anyone within earshot, he would get on with providing the necessary advice.

I could go on about how Eric helped me

with negotiating skills over an offer on a property, winning a listing at an appraisal, creating a pipeline of potential sales, and he definitely helped me with all that and my career has benefitted as a result.

But there was also this: the constant reminder to always do the right thing, the honest thing.

Real estate is tough and sometimes there is a fine line between getting a sale done and it falling through, getting commission for that sale or not getting it.

Some agents fall for the temptation to blur the lines of honesty, twist the truth to get a sale done … or to downright lie and worry about the consequences later.

I like being able to sleep at night and one of the things that worried me when I decided to go into real estate was whether I would be pressured to change, be less honest, in order to succeed.

It was a great relief when I started working under Eric because he was very successful but also as honest as the day is long. There was no trickery, no deceit, no dodginess.

Yes, he would always push to get the best price for his sellers and, yes, he would work hard to keep a deal together when the building and pest report was an absolute disaster.

But it would be done through good negotiating skills, understanding the buyers and their motivations, using the power of persuasion. Always above board.

In the end, honestly leads to trust and trust is currency in real estate. You want to work with an agent you can trust, whether you are a buyer or a seller.

Sometimes what you get from a leader is not something new and dazzling but a confirmation of what you know to be right and a reminder not to sway from the path. That’s leaving a legacy.

Let’s start with our Wintermoon Festival at Cameron’s Pocket. This back to nature camping and social gathering has been going for something like 500 years, and it keeps getting better.

Actually, it wasn’t that long ago that there were a few questions being asked as to what next with the changes in properties up there, but now, it’s all moving forward and this weekend will be the best yet. Music, dancing, crafts, food, swimming, conversations and a love of nature, all in one place. Get your tickets, grab your swag, and have some fun this weekend.

You know what else is on? Put your coffee mug down. Let me tell you.

This Saturday the world premiere of Karen Jacobson’s Misogyny Opus show is on at the MECC. Based on that famous speech by our former PM Julia Gillard. It is a beautiful musical written and composed by Karen and it’s featuring members of the QSO as well.

If you love some great piano and strings, with a great message, get along to the MECC and be entertained.

Another thing that you’ll love this long weekend, yes, it’s Labour Day so you need to celebrate. If you have kids or even grandkids with you, this weekend you will be the Queen or King of the household, even before Charlie gets the big King party in the UK.

Both Saturday and Sunday will be your opportunity to get along to the miniature trains at Muller Park at Ooralea. If you think this is a typo, you are wrong. Both days this weekend is when the little ones can have some fun on these trains and all it costs is gold coins. That’s it.

The volunteers do an amazing job every time and they’ve been doing it for years and years. Just make sure before you head down, make sure the kids have closed in shoes with them and a smile. It’s all on from 10am to 2pm both days. Have fun. Finally, if you’re unsure what to do around our beautiful district, go and see Al Grundy and his team with Mackay Isaac Tourism. These volunteers will point you in the right direction with anything you want to see and explore around our backyard. You’ll be surprised what’s out there! Have fun and don’t forget to tell your family and friends to come up and visit. They’ll love it. Maybe they’ll stay forever! We hope so. Have fun.

Catch the Star breakfast show - Scotty and Rach with Kaley - from 5am, Daytimes with Johnny, Will & Woody from 5pm and the Kyle and Jackie-o Hour of Power from 7pm every weekday!

many years.

change would be a simple and fair solution to a

placed in regional newspapers would be great news for

Great news for the country that won’t cost a cent

We know there may be bigger budget issues, but this small policy growing problem for regional Australia.

A policy that ensures weekly federal government advertising is the country.

And it won’t cost you a cent.

Yours sincerely,

An open letter to Treasurer Jim Chalmers regarding the Budget

Australian Community Media, Australia's largest around the country. In NSW we publish 8 daily Mercury, Wagga Daily Advertiser and the Northern Daily far south in Batemans Bay to far north in Lismore. We stable of papers.

Thursday 8 December 2022

The Hon. Dominic Perrottet MP Premier of NSW

Dear Dr Chalmers, There’s a crisis in our country you can fix in your first budget, at no extra cost.

GPO 5341 Sydney, NSW 2000

With the stroke of a pen you could help secure the future of critical regional news services, using money already allocated in the budget.

By email: media@premier.nsw.gov.au

for our industry and the communities we serve. cities. Sadly, due to the rise of the digital platforms and close and many more are on life support.

All you need to do is allocate a fairer percentage of the federal government’s advertising budget to local and regional news services, rather than spending almost all of it with corporate capital city media and foreign-owned digital platforms (which don’t produce any content or employ any journalists).

Rowlands announced a campaign promise of $15m of that we faced at the time. Whilst this is welcomed by issues we face.

Dear Premier Perrottet

This can be achieved by simply adopting the Victorian Govt policy that mandates a weekly full page government advertisement in every regional and community paper.

By way of introduction, I am the Managing Director of Australian Community independent regional publisher. ACM has over 140 titles around the country. newspapers like the Newcastle Herald, Illawarra Mercury, Wagga Daily Leader. Additionally, we publish 47 weekly titles from the far south in Batemans also have the St.George and Sutherlands Leaders in our stable of papers.

Local and regional newspapers connect more than 80% of the country, but they get almost 0% of the government advertising spend.

Premier of Victoria (see attached) with a policy that page advertisement in every regional paper every week

In an era where false news spreads faster on social media than the truth does, trusted local news services reach more regional Australians than any other medium. And unlike other media, every government dollar spent with a local newspaper is also an investment in regional journalism jobs. This shouldn’t be controversial.

The reason for writing to you is to seek your support for our industry Regional newspapers are the lifeblood of their towns and cities. Sadly, due increased cost pressures many titles in NSW have had to close and many

During the recent federal election campaign, Michelle Rowlands announced grant funding to address the 80% rise in newsprint costs that we faced the industry it is a short term solution to ongoing structural issues we face.

for NSW Labor that does three things: the jobs they support communications tool in the most trusted of mediums grants.

represent another 27 publications in NSW and, together, policy announcement across our respective mastheads and

A recent parliamentary inquiry recommended that a minimum of 20% of government print advertising should be placed with regional news services. A recent study conducted by Deakin University recommended the same thing. In fact, the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, has been advocating for more regional newspaper advertising for many years.

A more meaningful solution has been enacted by the Premier of Victoria guarantees that the Vic state government will buy a full page advertisement of the year.

We believe a similar policy could be an election promise for NSW Labor

- provides certainty for regional publishers and the jobs they support

- provides the NSW Government with a valuable communications

We know there may be bigger budget issues, but this small policy change would be a simple and fair solution to a growing problem for regional Australia. A policy that ensures weekly federal government advertising is placed in regional newspapers would be great news for the country.

to meet with you at any time to discuss this important

And it won’t cost you a cent.

Yours sincerely,

- moves away from the need for government grants.

We are working with the Country Press Association that represent another we would be enthusiastically covering this proposed policy announcement their websites.

Both Andrew Manuel from the CPA and I are available to meet with initiative.

Yours sincerely

Tony Kendall President Managing Director Country Press Australia Australian Community Media

Andrew Manuel

Andrew Manuel President Country Press Australia am@plainsproducer.com.au

Tony Kendall Managing Director Australian Community Media Tony.kendall@austcommunitymedia.com.au Encl.

Media

change would be a simple and fair solution to a placed in regional newspapers would be great news for

Community Media, Australia's largest country. In NSW we publish 8 daily Advertiser and the Northern Daily Batemans Bay to far north in Lismore. We

industry and the communities we serve. to the rise of the digital platforms and more are on life support. announced a campaign promise of $15m of at the time. Whilst this is welcomed by

Victoria (see attached) with a policy that advertisement in every regional paper every week that does three things: support communications tool in the most trusted of mediums

another 27 publications in NSW and, together, announcement across our respective mastheads and you at any time to discuss this important

Andrew Manuel President Country Press Australia am@plainsproducer.com.au

POSITIVE PREGNANCY AND BIRTH EXPO

The Positive Pregnancy and Birth Expo (PBE) is back for its second year, once again connecting hopeful and existing parents with the service providers that can make their journey through conception, pregnancy, birth and parenthood a smoother and more knowledgeable one.

PBE is a FREE event that showcases and connects women and families with services that can better their experience during pre-conception, pregnancy, birth and post-partum, while highlighting the many wonderful local businesses Mackay has to offer new and evolving families.

This year’s event has grown to 35 local businesses showcasing their services including, but not limited to, doulas, physios, chiropractors, lactation consultants, photographers, fertility and pregnancy yoga specialists, complimentary natural therapies and massage therapists, and many more.

A host of expert speakers will be sharing advice throughout the day on everything

SPEAKER SCHEDULE 2023

from the benefits of yoga and breathwork, to fertility and post-partum mental health.

PBE Founders Kat Bampton and Kiah Muntelwit are both local business owners and mothers who noticed that the services in the region could be working together to better assist women in pregnancy, birth and motherhood.

“We wanted to bring these businesses together to raise the awareness in the broader community that these great services are all here to improve preconception, pregnancy, birth and postpartum for women and families,” Kat said.

“Our expo is here to make a movement toward positive change through exhibiting services to enhance knowledge, education and support when it comes to preconception, pregnancy, birth and postpartum.”

WHAT: Positive Pregnancy and Birth Expo

WHEN:

May 13 from 9:00am to 1:00pm

WHERE: MECC

PAIN

Lower back/pelvic pain is one of the most common conditions experienced by pregnant women, with studies showing up to 50% of all pregnant women will suffer with some kind of lower back pain, and up to 40% of these women will continue to suffer at least 18 months post-partum. Many women find these conditions incredibly limiting in their day to day lives.

Thankfully, there are many options available to help ease these pains and minimise your risk of developing these conditions in the future.

• Keeping up regular exercise.

• Reducing the amount of time you spend sitting or standing still.

• Prescribed exercises and stretches under the guidance of a health professional.

• Heat packs and ice packs.

• Find a team of health professionals who will work with you and your goals.

At Anderson Family Chiropractic Health Centre, our Chiropractors have further training and a specific understanding of the needs of pregnant people, and we use a combination of gentle adjustments, soft tissue therapy, exercise and orthopaedic/at home care to help keep you functioning at your peak throughout every stage of preconception, pregnancy and postpartum.

Come say hi to our team and get your free Spine and Functional Assessment at the PBE and find out how we can help you!

Spine Care Chiropractic

Spine Care Chiropractic will have three Chiropractors at the PBE to chat to all who will be attending. One of the Chiropractors, Dr. Maddilyn Brown, will also be speaking at the event about Chiropractic and Pregnancy Care in Room 1 from 11:00am to 11:15am. Spine Care Chiropractic has multiple locations including Mackay City Spine Care, Northern Beaches Spine Care, Coalfields Spine Care - Moranbah, Dysart Spine Care, Coalfields Spine Care - Middlemount and lastly Coalfields Spine Care - Tieri.

Our team of wonderful and knowledgeable Chiro's are passionate about helping people and families feel and function their best. We carefully listen in order to best help you (patient). We will then examine in order to establish an accurate diagnosis. Once we have formulated an accurate diagnosis, we will create a tailored treatment plan to specifically help you (patient) our team will take a holistic approach to helping you heal.

We have many products ranging from dietary supplements, therapeutic pillows,

Know How To Save Your Child’s Life

• Know the abnormal signs – It’s important to be able to recognise abnormal signs and know when to present to an emergency department. It’s always best to seek medical attention if you’re unsure of what to do.

• Know your DRSABCD – Knowing DRSABCD is imperative, as is knowing how to perform CPR correctly and safely: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, Compression, Defibrillator.

• Keep a first aid kit handy – Ensure your first aid kit is easily accessible, stocked with essential items and in-date.

• Attend a baby first aid course – Feel empowered and educated as a parent or

carer by attending a baby first aid course, giving you the tools to understand and treat breathing difficulties, choking, allergies and anaphylaxis, burns, poisons, rashes, head injuries and more.

Loretta Woodford of Parentmedic will be speaking about airway management and CPR for babies and children at the Positive Pregnancy and Birth Expo on Saturday, May 13 in room 2 from 11:00am. Parentmedic provides the Mackay and Whitsunday areas with baby first aid courses, empowering and educating parents and carers with the knowledge to save a child’s life. For more information, visit parentmedic.co or contact Loretta on northqld@ parentmedic.co or 0414 967 404.

Denner Rolls, foam rollers and many other products. We will be having a call to action as well. We will be offering a $69.00 New Patient special that will only be accepted at the Mackay City Spine Care location. We are looking forward to meeting everyone.

New ‘Fitness For Mums’ Group

Selina Wright, of Red E Personal Training, became aware of the gap in fitness training specifically for post-natal mothers, after the birth of her daughter almost five years ago.

Having spent 19 years in the industry, Selina is no newcomer to training females, and has recently shifted her personal training to be exclusively for mums, including her “Fit Mums Foundations: Return to Exercise” Post Natal program.

Fit Mums Foundations is a six-week program, emphasising education and exercise for new mums from at least six weeks postpartum.

Rebuilding from the inside out, the mums begin with core re-training, then progress to functional movements and more traditional strength training exercises.

Once graduating the program, with the knowledge to continue independently, mums may wish to return to their

pre-pregnancy training programs - crossfit, HIIT training, weight training, or sport - however, they are also welcomed to continue training with Selina in her “Fit Mums” sessions.

“I wouldn’t be where I am now, if not for the foundational class,” one of Selina’s graduates has said.

Selina prides herself on her commitment to new mothers, and their fitness.

“I am extremely passionate about helping mums return safely to exercise after having a baby,” she said.

“I believe there is a huge lack of information in this area, and I hope to play a part in bridging that gap, so that mums can go back to doing the things they love, in time.”

Selina will be at the Positive Pregnancy and Birth Expo Saturday, May 13, 9am to 1pm.

Understanding Unique Care With Queensland X-Ray

At Queensland X-Ray, we understand that women have unique health care concerns.

We offer a comprehensive range of women's imaging services including obstetric, gynaecological and breast imaging.

We are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care, and our team of experienced radiologists and technicians are dedicated to providing accurate and timely results.

Whether you need a routine mammogram or a more complicated procedure, we are here to help.

Visit qldxray.com.au or contact us on 4965 6200 to schedule an appointment.

We’ll be in attendance at the Parenting and Birth Expo and would love to speak with women about our services and how we can assist.

Hope to see you there!

SESSIONS RUN BY AN ACCREDITED PRE AND POST NATAL AND "SAFE RETURN TO EXERCISE" CERTIFIED TRAINER

EVENTGUIDE

FRIDAY 28 APRIL

Wintermoon Music Festival

Friday 5pm to Monday, 4pm

The annual Wintermoon Music Festival is back, celebrating music and dance, with workshops and circus acts in the Mount Charlton rainforest.

Mount Charlton, Queensland

Hypnotise Me presented by Andy Vening

Friday from 6.30pm

Returning by popular demand, comedy hypnotist Andy Vening is ready to surprise the audience with his new comedy show. Prepare to be shocked by his amazing hypnotic skills, where volunteers test their unconscious minds in fantastic displays.

Metropolitan Hotel, Mackay

SATURDAY 29 APRIL

Sarina Mud Trials May Day

Saturday 7am to Sunday 8pm

Join Sarina for the annual Sarina Mud Trials. Following the Grand Parade at 8am, the races begin, tearing through

the course and making a mess. Classes include junior, standard, buggies, bombs and topgun. With a licensed bar and live music, this will be fun for the whole family.

Sarina Showgrounds

Flavourista Social Tasting

Saturday, 9am to 11am

Enjoy good food and others company with this great workshop. Starting with a nature walk, create meals together, using Flavourista blends, which are gluten and nut free, with the chance to win various prizes.

Wetland Walkabout

SUNDAY 30 APRIL

The Wild Sky live at the Seabreeze Hotel

Sunday, from 2pm Mackay local band, The Wild Sky, will cruise you into the public holiday, with their blues-inspired tunes.

Seabreeze Hotel

Resin Workshop by the Creative Art Studio

CINEMA UNDER THE STARS RETURNS FOR 2023

Sunday, 2pm to 5pm

Relax the weekend away with this calming resin workshop. Come home with a beautiful floral resin trinket dish. Led by artist Michelle, this workshop will teach you all you need to know about resin art and give you handy tips and tricks to make your own.

The Creative Art Studio, 3 Ungerer Street, Mackay

MONDAY 1 MAY

Boogie Bounce Mackay Walking Group

Monday, from 9.30am

Hosted by the Boogie Bounce Mackay Walking Group, come along to the new walking group, starting Monday. Meet at the Botanical Gardens and join the group for a casual walk around the gardens, following by a coffee at the café.

Botanical Gardens Mackay

WEDNESDAY 3 MAY

Novice/Beginner Yoga

Every Wednesday, 3pm to 4pm

It was perfect weather for the first 2023 Cinema Under the Stars for the Mackay Hospital Foundation, presented by Harvey Norman Bedding Mackay, and sponsored by BHP BMA. Over 300 people attended the showing of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on the Mackay Botanical Gardens lawn on Friday, April 21.

From 5.30pm, families were welcomed into the Amphitheatre, with a jumping castle and merry-go-round, face painting and balloon animals available.

Attendees also had the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to go into the draw for the chance to win a VIP marquee package.

The VIP marquees were decorated with lights, and had lanterns, an inflatable lounge with blankets and cushions, and a table perfect for food and drinks, plus vouchers for food and

Led by Wellness with Deb, this new novice and beginner yoga class is perfect for everyone. Strengthening and stretching muscles is the game, learning how to use and engage muscles for the best results with your fitness.

Habana, Queensland

STEAM Club – Magformer

Construction

Wednesday, 3.30pm to 4.30pm

Hosted by the Mackay Regional Council Libraries, this STEAM Club will encourage creative minds, by building engineering projects with Magformer magnet shapes.

Gordon White Library

THURSDAY 4 MAY

Frenchy Judgement Day

Thursday, from 7.30pm

Viral Australian comedian Frenchy is visiting Mackay on his national tour. With nothing off limits, and warnings for sitting in the front row, this show will test the audience.

Metropolitan Hotel, Mackay

drink vendors that participated in the event. Other raffle ticket prizes also included one of 25 pillow and store vouchers for Harvey Norman Bedding Mackay and food vouchers from the food vendors.

Cinema Under the Stars is one venture of the Mackay Hospital Foundation, which is driven to support Mackay families, and aid in reducing the offset costs associated with receiving essential health care services.

As a community charity, the Mackay Hospital Foundation supports patients within Mackay Base Hospital and other public hospitals in the Mackay district.

The next Mackay Hospital Foundation Cinema Under the Stars will be held on August 11, in the Mackay Botanical Gardens Amphitheatre, with a third on September 16, in Sarina.

Wintermoon Music Festival

Wellness with Deb

The Wild Sky live at Seabreeze

Andy Vening returns

Frenchy Judgement Day Tour

Creative Art Studio Resin Workshop

308 people attended the first Cinema Under the Stars held by the Mackay Hospital Foundation. Photo supplied

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

MYSTIFYING AUDIENCES FOR OVER 10 YEARS

Spanning over 10 years, Cosentino’s career is mind-blowing and extraordinary, always mystifying crowds, shocking and surprising audiences all over the world.

And now, Cosentino is taking it regional, performing his Decennium: The Greatest Hits Tour, honouring the 10-year milestone.

The master magician and escape artist caught up with Mackay and Whitsunday Life journalist Bronte Hodge ahead of his show in Mackay this May.

How does it make you feel to reach 10 years in the industry?

You know, I’ve been doing this a long, long time and looking back, I think of the TV specials and the international TV shows. All the tours and all the people I've met, and all different countries have been pretty you know, amazing. To be able to turn a little passion into entertainment is a niche, and to turn that into a viable career is amazing. So, yeah, I'm kind of, very proud of what we've managed to accomplish.

We’ve really broken the mould. And now I’ve got a new TV show coming out next month, so we just keep going. We keep reinventing and we keep refreshing and we keep breaking the rules.

What is a defining moment in your career?

Wow, there’s a couple of really interesting moment. The first one I remember I was watching David Copperfield, when I was a teenager after Regent Theatre in Melbourne, it's pretty special. And then probably two years later, I auditioned for Australia’s Got Talent at the Regent Theatre, and I was so nervous. And then, a year later, I filmed my own TV special at the Regent Theatre, and that was really a completion of a circle.

What can audiences expect in the Decennium show?

It’s the best of my best. I’m taking a part my five TV specials, the international TV show, the international tours, and experiences from around the globe and jampacking them into one 90-minute show. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a

long time and it’s great. It’s not new material, it’s the best ma terial. So, if people have seen the show before, their getting the best parts. I’m drawing on five hours of TV specials, nine hours of international TV shows and 10 years of materi al since Australia’s Got Talent. There’s no way anyone has seen all my material.

Can you share a shocking act that’s in the show?

Yeah, I can. One would be where my head is in a Perspex box with 18 kitchen knives. I have to wriggle and get out with a timer. And this one went wrong on a rehearsal on my TV special. I had to get 12 stitches in my chin and caught it all on camera. And it's, you know, seeing it on TV is one thing, but seeing it live is another because someone comes on stage, they examine the apparatus and the knives, and they become invested.

WHAT: Cosentino – Decennium –The Greatest Hits Tour

WHEN: Thursday, May 5

WHERE: The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre

TICKETS: themecc.com.au

Jazz, Blues And Soul

At the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music

The Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) has always been known for bringing together the best in the music industry to mentor students and entertain Mackay audiences. This May, CQCM have two exciting events lined up that are sure to be a treat for fans of great jazz, blues, and soul.

Friday Jazz @ The Con on May 12th will feature George Washingmachine, a Sydney-based vocalist, guitarist, and violinist, who will perform alongside the talented staff and students of the Conservatorium. The following week, on May 19th, Keyboard Confessions will showcase the vocal and keyboard prowess of Clayton Doley, another Sydney-based musician. The event will also feature performances by staff and students of the CQCM.

George Washingmachine has been a fixture in the Australian music scene for over four decades. He is known for his impeccable musicianship and his ability to blend various genres of music, including jazz, blues, swing, and country. He has performed with some of the biggest names in music, including James Morrison, Tommy Emmanuel, and Leo Sayer. Washingma-

chine's style is soulful, and his violin playing is particularly memorable.

Clayton Doley is a musician who is equally at home on the keyboard or behind a microphone. His style is a mix of blues, funk, and rock, and he is known for his soulful vocals and his impressive keyboard skills. Doley has toured with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Joe Bonamassa, Harry Manx, Jimmy Barnes, and Renee Geyer. Doley has recorded a number of albums with his groups the Organ Donors and Bayou Billabong, with the finest musicians Australia and New Orleans has to offer.

These two events are a rare opportunity to experience some of the best jazz and blues musicians in the country, performing alongside the talented students and staff of the CQCM. Tickets for both events can be purchased on the CQCM website, https:// cqcm.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/sales/ sales. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the musical genius of George Washingmachine and Clayton Doley, and to support the Conservatorium's talented staff and students. Mark your calendars and get your tickets now!

Master magician and escape artist, Cosentino, returns to Mackay with 10th year anniversary performance. Photo supplied

Whitsunday Voices Returns With Massive Lineup

July sees the return of the Whitsunday Voice Youth Literature Festival and the Literary Dinner, with headline keynote speaker, Annabel Crabb announced.

Whitsunday Voices is one of the largest literature festivals for youth in north Queensland, attracting over 5,000 students to Mackay to the annual event.

The festival allows students to meet and engage with some of Australia’s most acclaimed authors, presenters, and performers, with students coming from as far south as Rockhampton, and just north of Bowen.

2023 Australian stars include authors Isobelle Carmody, Katrina Nannestad, and Matt Stanton and performers Shake and Stir.

The Literary Dinner is a highlight of the program, celebrating the conclusion of the wider festival, with Australian personality Annabel Crabb presenting the keynote presentation.

The 1920s Returns to Mackay To Celebrate Art Deco Day

Welcome to the Sugar City, where sweet sugar lingers in the air, and you can taste it on the tip of your tongue.

With delicate design and integral artistry, it is no surprise Mackay is home to the Sugar City Art Deco and Modernism Society, an organisation which celebrates and preserves the classic architecture and history of the city.

And for the upcoming World Art Deco Day on Friday, April 28, the Sugar City Art Deco and Modernism Society will be hosting Mackay’s World Art Deco Day, with a lucrative cocktail party at the Ambassador Hotel.

Art Deco Day commemorates the opening of the Exposition Internationale Des Arts

Annabel has led the charge on various ABC Projects, including Australia Talks, The House with Annabel Crabb, and The Kitchen Cabinet, which received two Logie nominations for Most Outstanding New Talent and Most Popular New Female Talent.

The Literary Dinner includes a threecourse meal, live music, and the opportunity to grab a hold of favourite high-profile presenters.

The festival spans three days, July 12 to 14, and includes author talks, writing and art workshops, a Poetry Slam! Competition and short story competition, presentations, plus book signing for all patrons.

WHAT: Whitsunday Voices Literary Dinner

WHERE: MECC Plenary Hills

WHEN: Friday, July 14 TICKETS: themeec.com.au

Shining A light On Eimeo And The Region With The 2024 Photo Calendar Competition

Alocal surf lifesaving club has put the call out to the region to show off “our beautiful part of the world” in a calendar competition for 2024.

Eimeo Surf Live Saving Club (SLSC) wants locals to submit their original and inspiring photos that celebrate Eimeo and its surrounding areas.

Awards will be given to 14 images across multiple categories, including the coveted cover photo and people’s choice.

“Pictures speak louder than words when it comes to the love a community can have for their local area,” Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club Chief Training Officer Cynthia Hegerty said.

“So, submit your photos today and have

your chance to contribute to our Calendar!”

Calendars will be on sale later in the year for purchase to support the Eimeo SLSC, which has for over 22 years patrolled and provided a community service at Eimeo Beach and surrounding areas (from Dolphin Heads to Bucasia).

The locality is one of the largest surf clubs in the Whitsunday region, with membership of over 250 from juniors through to masters.

can be made via the QR code; please create a QR code:

Festival of Arts

Boasts 32 Event Program Line-Up

Returning for its 35th year, the Mackay Festival of Arts is offering a jampacked line-up of artists and events, so everyone is covered.

The Mackay Festival of Arts encompasses the entire month of July, with a series of events and music festivals that cater for everyone, be it live music and entertainment, workshops, high teas, and tours.

Other events under the banner include BE Social Fest, Daly Bay Infrastructure Literary Dinner, Wisely Wine and Food Day, Breathe In with Crossroad Arts, and Mack Popcon.

Festival favourites, including Daly Bay Illuminate and Wisely Wine and Food Day have been reimagined, with exciting twists to surprise locals.

Decoratifs et Industrials Moderne in Paris, in 1925, a monumental world fair that highlighted the new modern style of architecture, interior design, art and jewellery.

Celebrating the 1920/30s, this evening also announces the launch of the Sugar City Art Deco and Modernism Guide Book, a dedicated guide highlighting the architecture of Mackay and its history.

Grab your best flapper dress and your fedora and join the cocktail party of the century.

WHAT: Mackay’s World Art Deco Day

WHERE: The Ambassador Hotel

WHEN: Friday, April 28, from 6.30pm

TICKETS: mackayartdeco.org

“Expect late-night laughs and madcap comedy at High Tea with Booff and everything from sword swallowing to daring aerial feats and tap dancing inside the Ukiyo tent with Le Coup,” said Mayor Greg Williamson.

Included in the line-up is the Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub, which will take over the Civic Centre Precinct from July 3 to 9, and will feature live music, food vans, a licensed bar with Red Dog Brewery and two on-site festivals.

“And that’s just a very small part of the festival,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Our team have collaborated with event organisers across the region to unite many existing festivals under the Mackay Festival of Arts Banner,” allowing patrons more opportunity to experience the events.

Manager of Mackay Entertainment Convention Centre (MECC) and Events, Andrew Bobeldyk said “We have some spectacular installations from around the nation to light up Daly Bay Illuminate in Queens Park.”

Mr Bobeldyk also said the Wisely Wine and Food Day have a new layout, meaning patrons can have improved views of the stage and better VIP experiences.

Festival-goers are spoilt for choice, with something for everyone, Mackay is the place to be in July.

WHAT: Mackay Festival of Arts

WHEN: July 1 to July 31

PROGRAM: themecc.com.au

Mackay’s flapper party of the century

The Lost Dogs’ Disco to feature at Daly Bay Illuminate. Photo supplied

Annabel Crabb joins the Whitsunday Voices lineup

MACKAY CYCLONES TAKE ON GOLD COAST CHAMPIONSHIP

SWIMMING

Mackay’s own Cyclones swim team have been making waves, at the Australian Age Championships on the Gold Coast earlier this month.

Sarina Hosts Hot Day Of Bowls Results From The Table

The Australian Age Championships is one of the biggest events on the Swimming Australia calendar, with thousands of swimmers travelling to the Gold Coast to compete.

Izabella Wills and Mackenzie Neilsen attended the championships in 2022, with the National Team, and were joined for the 2023 competition with Vaughn Wyatt, Max Vernon, Audrey Bryan and Anneka O’Donnell, being newcomers to the mix.

With Mackay Table Tennis

This 14-day event is a highlight on the Australian Swimming calendar, attracting some of Australia’s most elite Olympic and Paralympic swimmers, with young athletes who will become the next generation of swimming stars.

Izabella competed first in a series of multi-class (MC) events.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday night finals March 28, 2023:

Gewo (Simon Hogan, Tiffany Camilleri) 6-5. Simon d Steve 7, -10, 5, -4, 9.

Division 2: Ibis (Iris Grasso, Louise Gould, Fred Saliba) d Kookaburras (John Hamelink, Ken Best, Kim Daffy) 7-5. John d Louise 7, -3, -9, 9, 8.

Mackay Table Tennis Tuesday morning fixtures March 28, 2023:

Being the highest level of competition domestically for athletes ages 18 years or under, the competition was engaging, each swimmer eager to perform to the best of their ability.

Division 1: Tibhar (Mick Ruhl, Vince Boeske, Allan Edwards) d Donic (Graham Drury, Andrew McHugh, Barry Patterson) 6-5. Allan d Barry 6, 0, -9, -17, 12.

Day one of the competition ended poorly, with Izabella’s 100 freestyle being delayed 30-minutes due to bad weather and lightening, however, she broke her previous personal best, with a 6.94 time, and taking 5th place.

Owls (Kim Challender, Robyn Bushell, Helen Ware) d Parrots (Bryan Marshall, Judi Hicks, Marie Taylor) 7-5. Judi d Helen 9, 9, -4, -9, 9.

terfly. She swam well and placed 7th overall in 200 butterfly and scrapped 3.50 seconds off her personal best time.

breaststroke and 50 backstroke and is excited to compete in 2024.

Division 2: Yasaka (Ian McKay, Duncan Treloar, Peter Goodson, Lily Boland) d Andro (Janice Kent, Graeme Walker, Mark Sleeman, Will VanDeKaa) 9-5. Duncan d Graeme -3, -11, 11, 5, 15.

Division 1: Cockatoos (Tony Bowman, Steve Mathieson, Peter Goodson, Don Boettcher) d Doves (Michael Ibbotson, Pam Joyce, Kevin Abbott, Don Boettcher) 10-4. Tony d Michael -4, -11, 8, 8, 10.

The Mackay swim team has a successful history of attending the Australian Age Championships, and 2023 is no different.

Izabella also competed in the MC 400 freestyle, taking 32.05 seconds off her previous personal best and placing 4th overall.

Mackenzie also qualified for the finals in 100 butterfly and placed 19th in Australia overall.

Division 3: Eagles (Sharon Muller, Frank Caruana, Glenda Dutton) d Storks (Madge Saunders, Cheryl Pearson, Allison Day) 8-4. Frank d Madge 11, -9, 3, -12, 11.

The boys, Max and Vaughan, swam well. Max competed in the 50 backstroke, and Vaughan in the 100 breaststroke and 200 breaststroke.

Division 3: Nittaku (Steve Crocker, Jye Callander, Duncan Sheridan) d

Pelicans (Charlie Payne, Branko Vucurovic, John McGee, Veronica Shepherd) d Magpies (George Camilleri, Delma Knight) 11-3. Charlie/ Branko d George/Delma -11, 7, -7, 7, 9.

The Mackay swim team had six swimmers qualify for the competition, four of which had never attended a championship before, and were accompanied with their coach, Leigh-Anne Pokarier.

In her final race, Izabella competed in the 50 freestyle, breaking her previous personal best and raking 7th place in Australia.

Second time National attendee, Mackenzie competed in the 14-year girls age group, for 50 butterfly, 100 butterfly and 200 but-

Pigeons (Ian Dodds, Bill Hey, Myles Dutton) d Hawks (Gloria Vella, Thelma Caruana) 7-5. Myles d Thelma -8, 9, -11, 7, 6.

Newcomer Audrey qualified for three events, the 50 breaststroke, 50 butterfly and 50 freestyle in the 13-year old girl’s class, and gaining two personal bests. 2023 was also Anneka’s first experience of the championships. She competed in 50

Vaughan was successful in moving into the finals for 200 breaststroke and ranking 26th overall in Australia.

In a fierce competition, these swimmers performed excellently, with most new to the age championship competition and atmosphere.

Northern Beaches Bowls Club's winning team was Back L-R Kees Struik, Pete Petersen, Greg Kasper, Stevie Mau, Bro die Johnson, Jason McMullin, Steve Boyce, Bruce Wilson. Front L-R Mark Glew, Paul Foot, and selector Trevor Kelly. Also playing were Ricky Dunn, Barry Brown, Chris Gee and Stu Larkins. Photo credit: Rita Hughes

Marie Taylor in action in Tuesday morning table tennis fixtures. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

Hillery Hillery Group

The Dog Whitsunday Mowers

The Mackay Cyclones take yet another team of accomplished youth swimmers to the Australian Age Championships. Photo supplied

METEORS ZOOM TO TOP OF NBL1 NORTH

TABLE AFTER

TRIPLE

ROAD TRIUMPHS

BASKETBALL

Champion Mackay Meteors point guard Isaac White has secured a two year deal with the Brisbane Bullets for NBL24.

The prolific points-scoring maestro – who has lit up the NBL1 North Conference with superb performances on court in the early rounds – is a major gain for the Bullets who finished ninth and failed to qualify for the 2022-23 NBL Finals.

White was at his mercurial best during the Mackay team’s arduous triple header road trip last week –steering the undefeated Meteors to impressive wins over Brisbane Capitals (96-90), Northside Wizards (93-78) and Southern Districts Spartans (100-90) and top of the standings after five rounds.

The high energy guard posted 36 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals against the Capitals last Friday night with support from Tyler Williams (22pts, five rebounds, four assists and two steals) and Christian Maran (10pts, five boards, five assists and three steals).

White backed it up with classy performances against the Wizards (26pts, eight rebounds, three assists and steals) and Spartans (40pts, eight rebounds and assists and one steal) over the weekend as the all-conquering Meteors zoomed into top spot.

Dynamic guard Williams capped three solid games with 17pts, five boards, four steals and two assists against the Wizards and 18pts, five rebounds, three assists and five steals against the Spartans.

Other Meteors to shine were forward Shane Temara (17pts, eight rebounds and three assists) and guard Isaiah Lee (16pts, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals).

Meanwhile, the Mackay Meteorettes struggled to produce their best in a gruelling schedule - crashing to 37 point losses to the Capitals (92-55) and Wizards (9962) and Spartans (76-63).

Talented forward Ellie Collins turned in consistent performances with 10pts and two assists against the Capitals; 16pts, five rebounds and three steals against the Wizards and 15pts, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal against the Spartans with support from centre Charli Bliss and guards Phoebe Holmes and Davida Dale.

COURAGEOUS KY CLAIMS TOP RANKING IN PROFESSIONAL

Rodeo Cowboys Ranks With Major US Bull Riding Win

BULL RIDING

MACKAY native Ky Hamilton has registered the biggest win of his professional bull riding career after picking up $67,750 for claiming the presti gious RodeoHouston Bull Riding title in the United States.

The 23-year-old Hamilton – who grew up in the Sugar capital and attended Mercy College – capped an impressive performance with a 90.5-point ride on his bull Bad Memory in a special ride-off with Josh Frost and Creek Young to seal the top prize.

It was a double celebration for Ky with the Houston triumph rocketing him to the number one ranking in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association – a position he last held during his rookie year in 2020.

The teak-tough Hamilton delivered one of the best rides of his career in front of a boisterous crowd of nearly 75,000 in his second attempt at the major Rodeo in Texas.

“It is a huge event and one of the biggest paying rodeos we get to go to, so to win it is very special,” a proud Hamilton told Mackay and Whitsunday Life.

“I think the bigger the stage the more comfortable I feel. I don’t know why that is. Growing up that’s all I ever wanted to do, was ride a big event and win big events and win world titles.”

The Rodeo Houston win follows Ky’s superb victory this year at the La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros in Tucson, Arizona for a second time.

“Bad Memory was kind of steep and kind of moving for-

ward, trying to get me back,” said Ky of his winning ride.

“Out of nowhere, her just started pushing back.” Hamilton dominated throughout the rodeo by winning the Go-Round in all six performances he was entered in. It started with a clean sweep of his Super Series before he went onto clinch Semi Final 2 as well as both rounds on Championship Sunday.

Ky finished RodeoHouston 6-for7 with an average score of 87.3 points inside NRG Stadium.

The top 15 money earners qualify for the National Finals Rodeo with Hamilton finishing fourth, 8th and fourth in the past three finals held in Las Vegas.

A courageous Ky has certainly come a long way since moving to the United States on a Bull Riding scholarship back in 2018 and turning professional two years later, finishing fourth in the Bull Riding world standings in 2022. This season Hamilton has amassed $101,842 in prizemoney and leads Josh Frost, who finished runner up in Houston, by about $12,000.

Top ranked professional bull rider Ky Hamilton demonstrates his winning ride on Bad Memory scoring 90.5 at the RodeoHouston

PRESS FROM THE PICKLEBALL COURT MACKAY BOWLS CLUB NEWS

nother Easter Celebration has come and gone but not for our Mackay Pickleballers; we celebrate every time we take the court. Such is the joy of playing this new code of sport for everyone.

How did Pickleball find its way to Mackay, you may well ask. From humble beginnings in 2018, by a small group of good friends, who discovered it being played on a southern holiday, had a go, and were immediately hooked. We thank you, Anne and Monica, for your insight, teachings and bringing this crazy, fun new code of sport to Mackay. Pickleball is a “racquet and ball” sport with a perfect balance of court dimensions, rules, and equipment to afford all skill levels and age groups enjoyment and success on court. The game is a combination of tactical shots, patience, and easy to learn strokes, which encourage an inclusive play environment with no need for modifications or adaptations to cater for gender, ability, or age differences. Pickleball is both fun and chal-

lenging with a combination of long rallies and a blend of soft and rapid-fire shots; where the best athlete must earn their points not purely by athleticism, power, and speed, but also through the use of positioning, patience, tactics, and touch.

Finally, pickleball provides connections, social, mental, and physical well-being benefits, which are just some of the reasons players are passionately embracing this sport at such a rapid rate.

Indoor Pickleball at PCYC Mackay is welcoming, accessible, and safe; while striving to be equitable, diverse and inclusive. It is guaranteed once you pick up that “Paddle” and hit the “wiffle” ball it will be difficult not to keep going. We have all you need to get started.

You can catch us for a low cost of $7 for two hours every Tuesday; 5:30pm – 7:30pm; Thursday; 12:00pm – 2:00pm; Sunday; 09:00am – 11:00am.

Contributed by Michelle Sheehan

SUGAR CITY TITLES UP FOR GRABS

The Ladies section travelled to Northern Beaches last Tuesday for the Symons Shield and were just pipped by Sarina Club in the Semi-Final. No Tuesday Social at the Club due to rainy weather. Thursday Scroungers was played with 15 players with Whare Herewini def Karina Dunn in the final.

A weekend of Men’s Pennants was played with home and away games with wins to all our teams.

Saturday Division 2 v Marian away Aggregate score Mackay 66 to Marians 37. Result 5 points to 1.

Division 4 v City at Home Aggregate score Mackay 40 to City 41. Results 0.5 to 4.5.

Division 6 v Sarina Mackay 48 to Sarina 36 Resuts 6 points to 0

Sunday Division 2 v Wests Tigers at Home Aggregate Score Mackay 94 Wests Tigers 42 Results 6 points to 0

Division 4: v Seaforth away

Aggregate Score Mackay 46 to Seaforth 25 Results 5 POINTS TO 0

Division 6 at Home

Aggregate Score 48 to RSL 31 Results 4 points to 1.

This Weekend sees the playing of the Prestige Fours with 16 Teams competing over two days.

Come on down to the club and watch some exciting bowling from members all over the district.

Friday Social Day from 1pm. The ladies are hosting and inviting all members and visitors to join them in social Bowls.

Contributed by Mike Irving

NORTH MACKAY LADIES BOWLS NEWS

Wednesday 20/4/23 winners were Sue Roscoe, Pam Louis, Donna Gordon.

Runners up in a pairs game were Sue Hazledine and Daphne Offield. Currently we are playing in our Champi-

onship Singles and B Singles both of which are very close to the finals. Our Goosepond Ladies 3 Bowl Triples was held at the club on Wednesday the 26/4 with teams from all around the district attending. Thanks to the many clubs who are participating in this exciting event, and good luck to all.

Contributed by Sue

Hazledine

If you love the adrenaline of motor racing and the purr of a well-maintained two stroke engine, Mackay and District Kart Club have the event for you.

The club is preparing for one of their three big events of 2023, with the Sugar City Titles happening on Saturday, May 6 at their track in Palmyra.

“This is one of our biggest events for the year,” said Matt Smith, who currently fills the roles of Junior Vice President and Groundskeeper at the club.

At least 80 competitors from across north Queensland are expected to participate, some as young as six.

Racers will rev it out on the purpose-built concrete track, located at 21 Grants Road, Palmyra, with cane knives on the line as prizes.

Entry for spectators is free, with food, drinks, and plenty of action on offer on the day.

Mackay and District Kart Club is a notfor-profit club looking to spread the word about the exciting world of karting.

“We’re a family orientated club,” said Matt.

“We often get parents helping on race days.

“It’s good camaraderie – if someone breaks something, other people get in and help or lend their spares.”

To find out more about the club, the Sugar City Titles or to nominate, visit mackaykartclub.com or find Mackay and District Kart Club on Facebook.

The event is sponsored by Mr Energy, J&B Pest Control, Mills Painting, Global Mining Support, Red Hot Couriers, Easy Internet Services, TECS Equipment Repairs, Global Mining Support, Global Mining Support, Dicko's Engineering and M&P Services.

WHAT: Mackay and District Kart Club

Sugar City Titles

WHEN: Saturday, May 6

WHERE: 21 Grants Road, Palmyra

Mackay Pickleball Easter celebrations. Photos supplied: Michelle Sheehan

Mackay & Wests pennants Div 2

Photo credit: Daniel McLean Photography

Rampaging Cutters Blitz Devils But Woes

RUGBY LEAGUE

Norths Devils rugby league coach

Dave Elliott had reason to smile after a successful homecoming to Mackay last weekend in the QRL Hostplus Cup.

It was a pleasant “reunion” for Elliott as he masterminded a thumping 42-16 victory against his out of touch ex-charges who slumped to a sixth successive loss.

The reigning premiers produced a second half points spree as they overpowered the listless Cutters through their powerful and dominant forward pack.

Elliott was Head Coach of Mackay last season, his capable assistant Michael Comerford taking over the Cutters’ coaching reins and enduring a horror start to the 2023

SWIMMING

Last weekend, the Pioneer Swimming Club held its season-ender Presentation Night at Goosies Sport & Recreation Club. A phenomenal number of members and their families attended to celebrate their achievements the past season.

There were too many awards to name but highlights of the night were:

1. Overall Highest Points was awarded to Annaliese Miles – this award is provided to the member who obtains the most accumulative points over the season at our weekly Club Nights (points are received for attendance but also for the largest personal bests each week).

2. President’s Award was awarded to Joleigh Strydom – this award was bestowed on Joleigh because she displays kindness and respect towards others; is a great role model in the squad; tries her best and shows good sportsmanship; encourages others and takes on advice and feedback with a positive attitude and smile on her face.

3. Outstanding Swimmer for the Season was awarded to Jade Bounden – Jade received this award acknowledging her qualification for

campaign without a win after six rounds.

The Cutters jumped to an early 8-0 lead following neat tries by sharp utility back Flynn Camilleri before Devils hooker Zakaria McGuire fooled the defence to score after 24 minutes.

An Adam Cook penalty goal soon after gave Mackay a 10-6 advantage – but it was shortlived with Norths wingers Tony Tumusa and Jonathon Reuben crossing for converted tries to give the visitors an 18-10 lead at the break.

There was no stopping the Devils after the interval as lock forward Liam Horne, Cook

Islands international Moses Noovao-McGreal, prop Viko Puluvea and former Indigenous All Stars hooker Kieran Moseley all nabbed tries within 23 minutes with half back Bryce Donovan potting six goals to establish a resounding victory.

Meanwhile, the Mackay Cutters chalked up their fifth win of the season in the BMD Womens premiership after slamming Norths Devils 28-6 to maintain second spot on the ladder.

The Cutters were in a menacing mood in the first half as they put on a five try blitz to open up a commanding 22-0 lead at the half time break.

Elusive winger Katie Green (2), centre Chi-

Continue For Mackay In Hostplus Cup Pioneer Dolphins Celebrated At Season-Ender Presentation Night

and attendance at Nationals, medalling twice at State level competitions and for her outstanding performance throughout the season.

4. Coach’s Awards were given to the swimmers who displayed great commitment to the sport, made outstanding performances throughout the season, received State medals and/ or qualified for National level competitions. Coach Igor presented these awards to Alex Moss, Madison Malagueno, Ella Bounden and Jade Bounden.

5. Encouragement awards were also given to Abigail Mawire, Joleigh Strydom and Zahli Herring.

Congratulations to all our swimmers! We could not have held this event without the help of our fantastic sponsors such as Greenman Property Services who assisted financially for the function costs; Spotlight who provided all the decorations for the evening – the room looked amazing; and Bonny Cakes who went above and beyond in making a stunning and delicious cake and cupcakes. We thank each of you immensely for your generous support!

Contributed by Pioneer Swimming Club

na Polata and halves Alicia Martin and Tahlulah Tillett all grabbed tries with hooker and skipper Emma Manzelmann landing one conversion.

The crafty Manzelmann scored the Cutters lone try of the second half to keep the pressure on premiership pacesetters Souths Logan Magpies, who remain undefeated on 12 points.

Mackay Colts opened their Under 21s campaign with a crushing 50-32 victory over Norths Devils in the curtain raiser.

The young Cutters produced a superb second half display to skittle the Devils with a nine try rout in blustery conditions.

Photo credit: Marty Strecker Photography

Coaches' Award presented to Jade Bouden, Madison Malagueno, Alex Moss and Ella Bounden

Our juniors Maxim Demin and Rex Traeger ready to present Coach Igor his gift from the club

Party time. Photos supplied by Pioneer Swimming Club

Highest Points Intermediate Boys presented to Jackson Birch, Henry Porter & Elliott Shillington

WINGLESS SPRINT CAR DRIVER TAKES ON NATIONAL TITLE

RACING

Racing around the speedway at over 100km/h, Brett Hehir hopes to leave his mark on Australian wingless sprint car racing this weekend.

A fiend for the speedway, Brett made the transition from go karting to wingless racing around two years ago when a friend introduced it to him, giving him the “speedway bug”.

Two years and countless races later, Brett is competing in his first Australian Wingless Sprint Championship at the Archerfield Speedway this weekend where he hopes to prove himself amongst the best in the country.

“Hopefully we have a good weekend, finish all our races and finish up the front,” Brett said.

“It’s going to be a lot of competition and a big ask to get to the final.”

The Australian Titles got underway yesterday, Thursday, April 27, with a practise day followed by scrutineering and Calcutta on Friday, heats Saturday and Sunday being the main race day.

Brett will be competing against over 70 other drivers from all over the country, but he’s come prepared; just four weeks earlier, Brett was part of the Easter Trail, including Queensland State Titles in Maryborough, where he placed 12th in the state, a race in

TOP BASKETBALL EDUCATION FOR METEORS

YOUNG GUNS CAIN AND DOYLE

BASKETBALL

Archerfield to prepare for the big dance and a race in Toowoomba.

He also won the Wingless class of “Thunder in Canefields” in Mareeba last year, setting the track lap record.

Brett loves the competitive nature of the race.

“It’s pretty close racing and everyone’s pretty much got the same car,” he said.

“It comes down to your car setup and your driving ability, because everyone’s engines are the same,” added his wife, Nicole.

“It’s probably a cheaper way to get into the speedway if you wanted to get into it,” said Brett.

Not one to overprepare, Brett said he’s nervous but excited for the big race this weekend.

“I just rock up and have a go,” he said.

“But there’s a lot of work on the car to get it right.

“If you do 99% of it in the shed at home, when you get to the track you can just relax.”

As the season comes to an end, Brett’s future races will depend on his work roster, but after ticking Australian Titles off the list, his wingless sprint car journey will be far from over.

Mackay Contract Bridge Weekly Results

Monday 17 April 2023 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points

1st Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia 1st Terrence Sheedy / Lorna Shuttlewood

2nd Marilin Robins / Margaret Jennings 2nd David Ting / Ming Ting

3rd Barbara Tait / Margaret Lane 3rd Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

4th Edward Kliese / Diane Stokes 3rd Debbie Ludkin / Sandy Patterson

Tuesday Evening 18 April 2023 - 5 Table One Winner Green Points

1st Lorna Shuttlewood / 2nd Mick Robins / Diane Cox

2nd Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan 4th Janine Rodgers / Nancy Wix

5th Faye Wright / Marilin Robins

Wednesday 19 April Unders and Overs – 9 Table Green Points

N/S E/W

1st Louise Renton / Anne Lutz 1st Joy Brunette / Joy Block

2nd Janice Mansfield / Barbara Tait 2nd Monica Darley / Ian Gaskell

3rd Elrae Trueman / Terrence Sheedy

4th Diane Stokes / Nancy Wix

3rd David Ting / Sandra Morris

4thJosie Cowley / Vicki Howard

Schoolboy basketball prodigies Max Cain and Amarco Doyle aim to swap their text books for NBL1 North Championship medals when they saddle up with the Mackay Meteors this season.

The 17 year old whiz kids are entrenched in Joel Khalu’s high flying Meteors team that have opened the 2023 NBL1 North Basketball League in style with impressive victories over the Rockhampton Rockets, Townsville Heat, Brisbane Capitals, Northside Wizards and Southern Districts Spartans in recent weeks.

Both St Patrick’s College Mackay Year 12 students are two of the most promising basketballers in the League with bright futures ahead of them.

Mackay Meteorettes Head Coach Jamiey Doevendans – who co-ordinates the St Patrick’s College basketball program – believes the duo have stepped up a class this season and are both destined for bigger things.

“We have two absolute gems in Max and Amarco and I know that Joel is monitoring their development closely,” revealed Doevendans.

“They are both outstanding prospects and have made a seamless transition into the Meteors top grade lineup with mature performances on court.”

Cain, a talented shooting guard in his third season with the club, is one out of the box.

At the tender age of 16, he was blooded in

the Meteors’ Class of 2021 that captured the NBL1 North Championship title with an impressive 2-0 series victory over Cairns Marlins in the final.

Last year the former North Mackay Magic junior product carried that experience into a stand out tournament for the Under 18 Queensland North representative team that competed at the Basketball Australia National Championships on the Gold Coast.

“Max has the ability to create opportunities with the ball in hand when in offense mode and leads by his actions on court,” said Doevendans.

“He is a versatile player that can shoot the ball in pressure situations and a strong defender.”

Doyle, a Queensland South representative, was a dominant figure at last year’s State Under 18 Championships – leading the North Gold Coast Seahawks from a winless regular season to finish in the top four at the tournament.

“Amarco is a super athletic power forward in his second season with the Meteors that can shoot from long range, protect the rim and dunk with the best of them,” Doevendans added.

By Chris Karas

Friday 14 April 2023 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Pts

N/S E/W

1st Noel Bugeia / Terrence Sheedy

1st Ming Ting / David / Ting

2nd Vic Mason / Josie Cowley 2nd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

3rd Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson

4th Noel Saunders / Mary Cruickshank

2nd Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

4th Diane Stokes / Marie McGuire

Saturday 15 April 2023 – 10 Table Mitchell Green Pts

N/S E/W

1st Monica Darley/ Kath Poole 1st David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd Mary Rose Ramsden / Geoff Taylor 2nd Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright

3rdJoy Robinson / Ken Seaniger

4th Antonia Tarradas / Faye Wright

5th Ian Gaskell / Carol Gaskell

3rd Mick King / Jan Harris

4th Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Saunders

5th Margaret Lane / Julie O’Neill

Brett Hehir is competing in his first Australian Wingless Sprint Championship in Archerfield this weekend.

Photo supplied: Nicole Hehir

Mackay Meteorettes Head Coach and St Patrick’s College Basketball Co-ordinator Jamiey Doevendans with four of his top pupils - Ben Devitt, Mackay Meteors young guns Max Cain and Amarco Doyle and Baxter Norsworthy

Mackay Bridge Members at the 2023 Gold Coast Congress enjoying themselves

Live the Life We All Yearn For

The illustrious Dumbleton property provides an exclusive setting for this remarkable accomplishment from the renowned architect ‘Tony Battams’. Intricacy of form and the spectacular use of timbers and volumes converge with inspiring effect in this expansive residence to create an environment defined by its interactive indoor/outdoor living.

Designed for memorable alfresco enjoyment. Uninterrupted views of the Mackay surrounds, a stunning entertainment zone with relaxing outdoor spaces overlooking the pool perfectly balance inside and outside treating both areas as equals. Large glass doors lead inside to sun-blessed living and dining rooms adjacent to the beautifully sleek kitchen which combines functionality with elegance and style.

The shift to the sleeping areas is brilliantly conceived with the Master Suite being its own private sanctuary on the top level of the home. Three further generous bedrooms are located on the second floor of the residence which also includes a sewing room and bathroom.

The guest quarters sit on the other side of the residence and feature a ensuite and private balcony. On the ground floor sits a rumpus room that is optimal for a media/games room in addition it also includes a kitchenette, wine cellar and bathroom.

Some of the many other features of this magnificent property include:

- Luxurious kitchen with stone benchtops, servery, and plenty of storage

- Multiple living areas that seamlessly flow from inside to out

- The Master bedroom also features a walk-in robe with quality

$1,900,000

cabinetry, a private balcony and an ensuite with a bath and separate shower

- 4 secondary bedrooms all with built in robes and ceiling fans

- Main bathroom with double vanities, bath, and separate shower

- Extended deck that has uninterrupted views of the Mackay surrounds

- Generously proportioned office

- 70,000L pool with waterfall

- Double lock up garage

- 3.36 Acre allotment

Additional property features:

- Rainwater tanks

- Bore

- Back to base security system

- Pizza oven

- Fruit trees; Mango, lychee, dragon fruit and macadamia

- Over 500sqm underroof

- Adjacent to the Dumbleton weir

Additional features include the utmost in premium fixtures and fittings, air-conditioning. The creators of this masterpiece have also managed to incorporate some European touches into the design of the home. A formal timber entrance that creates an allure of what is yet to come.

Priceless in position, this rare lifestyle opportunity is only moments from the Mackay CBD and all that this wonderful city has to offer. To organise a viewing or for more information, please contact or Mick McLeod on 0408 777 971 or Ryan Patton on 0435 825 323.

21.36HA 45

Ben Kerrisk

Mick McLeod 0407 514 983

0408 777 971

Ryan Patton 0435 825 323

30 Watercrest Circuit, Richmond

OPEN SAT 10.00AM TO 10.30AM

Newly Built in Richmond Hills

This exquisite, newly built home located at 30 Watercrest Circuit in the highly sought-after Richmond Hills estate of Mackay could be yours. It was constructed with superior quality in mind by an award-winning builder who spared no expense in utilizing only quality fittings throughout the house.

The impressive features of this luxurious home include feature brick for the façade of the home, top of the range

282 Glendaragh Road, Richmond

Once in a Lifetime Acreage

Once in a lifetime that special acreage comes on the market. 282 Glendaragh road is that acreage. Welcome to this beautiful parcel of land located just minutes away from town, offering the perfect opportunity for those seeking a lifestyle of country living.

appliances, stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling tiles and a neutral colour palette perfect for all.

The stunning kitchen boasts a breakfast bar, high-quality stainless steel appliances, and a spacious walk-in pantry, The heart of the home and perfectly situated near the dining area, open-plan living space, and outdoor entertainment area.

In partnership with Ben Kerrisk Mick McLeod 0407 514 983 0408 777 971

By Negotiation

Patton 0435 825 323

22.7

hectares

Lot 1, 33 acres of fully fenced usable land and a farmers cottage

Lot 22, 23 acres of fully fenced usable land

There are no building restrictions, allowing you to bring your own builder and create a custom-designed home that reflects your unique lifestyle

Auction

Ben Kerrisk

Mick McLeod 0407 514 983 0408 777 971

Ryan Patton 0435 825 323

When you need an agent with the knowledge and experience

Beyond Compare - River Frontage Property - Pleystowe

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.

Inside, you’ll find a stylish 4-bedroom home with customized features throughout. Supplemented by a separate granny flat with inground pool close by.

Good sized shed & abundant water supply.

64 ACRES VACANT FARMING LAND

64 acres of mostly cleared and formerly cultivated ex cane land. Good level easy to farm block across the road from the beautiful O’Connell River.

Some stock fencing.

Under 10 minutes north of Bloomsbury and 20 minutes to Proserpine.

1359 Maraju-Yakapari Road, Balnagowan 5 3 5

A PLACE TO CALL HOME !

Superbly presented Family Home situated on a large Residential Block of 1731 sq m in the sought after Rural Residential Hub of Balnagowan.

Boasting 5 Bedrooms and 2 Bathrooms in the main Dwelling but also offering a Third Bathroom and Toilet in the Renovated Shed – which would suit an extended Family situation perfectly.

The home also includes an excellent 3.5m high x 12m x 10 m shed with remote controlled roller doors.

0419 781 816 | rbrunke@blacksrealestate.com.au

Contact Agent OPEN Sat: 11am – 12 pm

1/17 Romeo Street, Mackay 2 1 1

LOW MAINTENANCE WITH TOP RETURNS

• Well maintained lowset brick unit located on the fringe of the CBD.

• Tiled throughout with new split system air cons.

• Well appointed kitchen with plenty of cupboard and bench space.

• Private rear courtyard and front garden area for exclusive use.

• Situated in a complex of only 4 this unit is within close proximity to Harrup Park Country Club, schools, shopping and airport.

Contact Agent Inspection By Appointment 0409 635 724 | ablack@blacksrealestate.com.au

Andrew Black

8 Norris Road, North Mackay 4 2 2 POOL

AHEAD OF ITS TIME!!! – PANORAMIC VIEWS

If you are looking for the “ultimate LARGE family home” 8 Norris Road, is your answer. With panoramic views over North Mackay to the city skyline and out to Flat Top and Round Top and as far south as Hay Point, I challenge you to find something as unique! This hilltop residence in the most commanding of positions offers expanses of living and entertaining areas spread over three levels. Positioned in a highly sort-after area on an 809 m2 block…. This is your opportunity to make this house your home!

$610,000 OPEN Sat: 9.30 - 10.00am 0409 095 703 | pfrancis@blacksrealestate.com.au