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SIT DOWN WITH SAM THERE IN AN EMERGENCY

Icouldn’t

tell you when I heard my first Ben Lee song.

His music has been omnipresent in my life, and I feel like this is how most Australians experience Ben Lee.

‘Cigarettes Will Kill You’, ‘Catch My Disease’ and ‘We’re All In This Together’ were heard regularly on Rage, TV ads and in movies and shows; he was a part of growing up in Australia in the ‘90s and ‘00s.

He’s an icon who has been making waves internationally for decades, so I was elated when I got the chance to see him perform at Airlie Beach Festival of Music on the week end.

I was even more elated when I got the phone call with the opportunity to head backstage and have a quick chat with him.

I was so excited and had plenty of questions ready to go: I wanted to know about his childhood band Noise Addict, what international stardom was like for him, how he met and started a band with ‘How I Met Your Mother’ actor Josh Radnor.

I got to ask him all this and more, and you can read my chat on page 23 of Whitsunday Life and online at mack ayandwhitsundaylife.com.

It was one of my first “backstage media” type experiences and it was extremely cool to get that glimpse of the indus try.

It was one of those moments where I thought, “How cool is my job?”

My Saturday at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music also in cluded sets from Weathered, Allison Forbes, Ben Ransom, The Badloves and Salt & Steel, all of which were terrific.

It was headlined by an excellent set of rhythm and blues from British icons The Animals.

I sent some videos of The Animals to my dad, to which he replied, “Glad you enjoyed some 60's classics,” and I sure did.

Whenthe worst happens, you can only hope that Good Sa maritans will run to your aid and make a traumatic experience better in some small way.

This was the case for Gail Swanerton when tragedy struck her family at the Aquatic Recreation Complex (ARC) earlier this month.

Enjoying a visit to the swimming-pool with her partner’s uncle and his wife, who both suffer from disabilities, an in cident occurred where the uncle unfor tunately passed away.

While medical teams arrived and han dled the situation, Gail remembers two kind police constables who spent over four-hours by their side.

“The police often get a bad rap,” said Gail.

“But these two constables stayed with us and were so lovely.

“It was a dreadful thing for all the staff to go through too, but they were all so caring and respectful.”

Comforting the gentleman’s wife and bringing free bottles of water to the fam ily, were just some of the acts of kind ness from staff during the incident.

From the Police to the Paramedics, ARC staff and Southern Cross Carers staff –everyone jumped in to help and make a terrible situation better in some small way.

Gail would like to publicly thank ev eryone who assisted that day and let them know that every word, thought and deed meant so much to her family, bringing a ray of light to what was such a sad day.

KEYS OF MACKAY HITTING A SWEET NOTE

SERIOUS

Atrip

to a tip store inspired a series of events, which led to a decorated piano being donated to the city for the love of music.

Whitsunday Anglican Year-11 stu dent Clancy Morgan found a dis used piano at the IncredableTip Shop at Paget. She started to play the instrument and noticed peo ple gathering to have a listen, and thought it was wonderful to see people come together over a tune.

Clancy’s vision was born to restore the old beauty back to its former glory, with some colourful artis tic additions. With the help of a $1990 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant and teachers at Whitsunday Anglican School, the piano underwent a transformation and many tune-ups to play sweet music once again.

As part of the City Heart Friday evening’s event, ‘Keys of Mackay’ was officially launched in front of an enthusiastic crowd on Wood Street who had gathered to listen to Whitsunday Anglican pianists perform.

Now based in the heart of Mackay, with the ability to be moved to oth er locations throughout the region, the old piano has a new lease on life, bringing joy to a wider audience.

ROLLOVER NEAR BELYANDO

Threepeople were injured in a truck rollover on the Gregory Develop ment Road earlier this week on Monday, 7 November.

The accident occurred at 9am and RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked by Queensland Health to fly direct to the scene near Be lyando and land on the road to transport an injured passenger to Mackay Base hos pital.

Two others were also transported to Townsville hospital with serious injuries.

Whitsunday Anglican School students and teachers launched the community piano named ‘Keys of Mackay’ on Wood Street last Friday evening. Images: Whitsunday Anglican School

Youth Member Wants Young Voices HeardSugar Shed Rum Wins National Silver

WhileSebastian Padget might be focussing on his year 12 exams, his role as the Youth Member for Whitsunday has other things on his mind, including the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project proposed by the Queensland Government in September.

and roads.

“I think it’s important that we are looking at all energy streams, however, I think that when they are proposing $65 billion, that can go a long way in a lot of areas,” he said.

Sarina

Sugar Shed has officially pro duced one of the best rums in the country.

The signature Sugar Shed Rum was award ed silver in the two-to-four-year rum cat egory at the inaugural Australian Rum Awards last Friday, November 4, in Bris bane.

An esteemed panel of rum and spirit ex perts rated the Sugar Shed Rum highly, with a score of 86 points, ranking it among the finest rums in Australia.

Deputy Mayor Karen May hailed the achievement and congratulated distiller, Sarah Parrott.

“This is an outstanding result, not just for Sarina Sugar Shed but also for the Mackay region and for Sarah herself,” Cr May said.

“On behalf of council and the community, I want to add my well-deserved congratu lations to Sarah for her excellent skills as a distiller.

“This award demonstrates the standard of local producers in our region, and coun cil is pleased to support agri-tourism and

food tourism experiences through its flag ship attraction, Sarina Sugar Shed, which continues to garner attention on the state and national stage,” she said

Sarina Sugar Shed coordinator Ian Mason said the whole team was very proud of the result and particularly proud of Sarah.

“Sarah has been consistently producing high-quality rums and this national silver award is due recognition for her dedica tion to her craft,” Mr Mason said.

The silver award at the Australian Rum Awards adds to the gold award won by Sa rina Sugar Shed at the Australian Distilled Spirit Awards in December last year for its Sugar Shed Classic, as well as numerous silver and bronze medals in previous years.

The Sarina Sugar Shed provides guided tours of the sugar cane crushing process, featuring a miniature mill and product tastings. It is open seven days (except se lected public holidays) from 9am to 4pm.

Advance tour bookings (9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm) are highly recom mended.

The outgoing Mackay Northern Beaches State High School Captain has filled the role of Youth Member for Whitsunday throughout the year and is passionate about young people having their voices heard.

“I’ve been watching it (the pumped hydro announcement) with a bit of interest, and I think that, as a young person, it’s so im portant that we get our voice out there,” Sebastian said.

“A big issue surrounding this project is the amount of voices that are being heard.

“I know that there’s been certain consul tation periods that have been allowed for our community, however I think a lot of it is insufficient.

“I think the community of Netherdale deserves more consultation, I think the wider Mackay region deserves more con sultation to ensure that $65 billion is being well spent.”

Sebastian said he is not inherently against pumped hydro but believes that the pro posed investment in the project could be better directed elsewhere, including into the housing crisis, the healthcare system

“We’ve had projects that we’ve wanted here in the northern Beaches such as duplicat ing the Mackay-Bucasia Road.

“There’s been a lot of projects like that where we’ve needed infrastructure and I think now, communities across Queensland, can be certain that if they ever hear that there’s not enough money for a certain project, there is.”

Upon graduating high school, Sebastian aims to visit the residents of the Nether dale region to hear how they’ll be affected by the proposed hydro project.

“They’ve been quite vocal up in Nether dale, which is awesome, and they have a right to be frustrated,” he said.

“Across the region, there’s a very tough de bate going on.

“I think it’s really important that, especially young people, we should get a voice in this, as should everyone.

“At the end of the day, they are proposing a $65 billion project which, if it goes ahead, will impact generations to come.

“As much as I can as the Youth Member of Whitsunday, I’ll make sure that young people do get a voice in this.”

Sebastian Padget says more community consultation on the proposed Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project is needed

Award winning Sugar Shed Rum

Sarina Sugar Shed Distiller, Sarah Parrott

Traffic Flow Boosted With Northern Access Project Completed

Amulti-million

infrastructure project to provide better access to Mackay’s north has now been completed.

The $144.55 million Mackay Northern Ac cess Upgrade project was delivered to im prove safety, reduce congestion and boost traffic flow at critical locations on the Bruce Highway and major intersections north of Mackay.

It has increased highway capacity with extra traffic lanes extending from Ron Camm Bridge to south of Bald Hill Road, and intersection upgrades along the route.

Construction also included widening the Goosepond Creek bridges, new bridge overpasses at Davey Street, and a new bridge and widening the existing structure at Janes Creek.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Mackay Northern Access Upgrade is officially complete, to the benefit of locals, tourists and heavy vehicles who travel the Bruce Highway into and through Mackay.

"By improving access and the safety of in

tersections along this section of the Bruce, we're help ing locals get home to their families sooner and safer,” Minister Bailey said.

The project creat ed a consistent six lanes on the Bruce Highway between Sams Road and Mack ay-Bucasia Road, and an additional two lanes for through-vehicles north to the Davey Street overpass.

Highway duplication on the northern side between Janes Creek and Blue Gum required a partial realignment of Janes Creek.

The realigned Janes Creek promotes nat ural flow conditions and retains channel capacity, with local plant species used to revegetate the watercourse's environment.

Major construction started in April 2020 and was undertaken by CPB Contractors, with more than 70 per cent of workers liv ing in the Mackay local government area.

State Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said she is incredibly proud of the work done to transform the Bruce through Mackay.

“Incredibly, more than 624,000 work hours went into delivering this up grade so I thank each and every worker for their time and effort,” Mrs Gilbert said.

“The realigned section of Janes Creek is also 'fish friendly' with the inclusion of fish-accessible structures and the place ments of logs and rocks at random loca tions to provide habitat for fish and other aquatic wildlife.

"It’s great that we can deliver sustainable and environmentally friendly structures while building major road projects.”

PROJECT FACTS:

• Road embankment – 66,533m3

• 50,500m3 of excavation has occurred

• 8052m of electrical conduits have been laid

• 53,000t of asphalt has been laid (equiv alent depth of nine Olympic swimming pools).

• 624,000+ hours have been worked on site

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minis ter Mark Bailey (left) joined State Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert (centre) in Mackay last week to officially open the completed Mackay Northern Access Upgrade project

A Veteran’s Story A Church Revisited

TomBarry has a remarkable story and the RSL Mackay Sub Branch thinks it should be heard by all.

The RSL Mackay Sub Branch has thrown its support behind Tom, a local author and fellow veteran, by assisting in the distribu tion of his book throughout the commu nity.

Tom celebrated his 100th birthday in Au gust with the launch of his memoir ‘A Pro digious Leap’.

“The book, in one word, is about me,” Tom said.

“I can remember things from young enough to say I was still a baby.

“In essence, I was born and the people around me materialised and from then on it was all systems go.”

The book goes on to tell of Tom’s poor upbringing in Sunderland, England, his

service in the British Army and his ‘prodi gious leap’ into the Italian Alps that would change his life forever.

RSL Mackay Sub Branch President Ken Higgins said Tom’s story is a miraculous one.

“The Mackay RSL Sub Branch is honoured to support Tom and all veterans through out the community,” he said.

“Tom has lived a miraculous life and it’s an important story that needs to be heard.”

The RSL Mackay Sub Branch purchased a box of 20 books to be donated throughout the community including to schools, aged care facilities, libraries and individual vet erans over the next six months.

“We’ll make sure the books get in front of the most appropriate people,” Ken said.

‘A Prodigious Leap’ by Tom Barry is also available to purchase on Amazon.

AMackay-born

Civil Engineer recently returned to North Queensland to revisit some of his handiwork.

Dan Higgins was born in Mackay in 1932. Now living in Brisbane, Dan returned to his birth town in October to visit the Holy Cross Church at Eton which he designed in 1962.

He was joined by two of his sons, who took him on the trip for his 90th birthday, as well as his sister Mary, who still lives locally.

“It was wonderful that he was able to come up and see what he designed,” said Mary.

“As we were driving up, we could see it amongst the trees and it was really touch ing, really emotional.

“We are all so proud of him.”

The family obtained keys to the church, Dan exploring the inside of the church for the first time.

An article printed in the Daily Mercury on Saturday, January 13, 1962, reads: “Plans and specifications for the church had been drawn up by a former Walkerston parish ioner, Mr D Higgins, who was now em ployed by an American engineering and architects’ firm in Brisbane.”

Diesel Targeted By Thieves In Moranbah

Twomen have been charged with 16 offences, following the alleged theft of 7,500 litres of fuel at Moranbah.

On November 7, a Mo ranbah mine site report ed thousands of litres of diesel fuel had been stolen.

Investigations led de tectives to attend a Moranbah paddock, where it is alleged police located two men pumping fuel from a vehicle into a shed.

A crime scene was declared and police lo cated 7,500 litres of diesel fuel, stored in fuel pods, along with $7,000 in cash.

It is alleged the fuel had been stolen be tween approximately October 3 and No vember 7.

Two cameras and two phones were also seized, in which it is alleged evidence was located that indicated the pair were at tempting to onsell the fuel.

A 40-year-old Proserpine man and 48-year-old Moranbah man were taken

Police located 7,500 litres of diesel in a shed on a Moranbah paddock following a reported theft from a mine site. Image taken from QPS video

into custody at the scene.

The 40-year-old man has been charged with seven counts of stealing and one count of possessing tainted property.

The 48-year-old man has been charged with six counts of stealing and one count each of receiving tainted property and possessing explosives (fireworks).

Both men are expected to appear before Moranbah Magistrates Court on Decem ber 8.

Investigations are ongoing. Detectives are appealing for anyone with information or relevant dashcam and CCTV footage to come forward. Quote this reference num ber: QP2201919906

Author Tom Barry and RSL Mackay Sub Branch President Ken Higgins with a box of 20 of Tom’s books

The Holy Cross Church at Eton, designed by Dan Higgins in 1962. Photo supplied

A young Dan Higgins

REMEMBRANCE DAY

for me still to this day. I was lucky enough to commemorate and conduct a eulogy at the Grave sites of 3 soldiers (all local Mackay boys) through North Mackay State High Schools ‘Lest We

visited, the battlefronts of WW1 in France, Germany and Belgium and the highlight of the trip, being able to spend 5 days in Turkey where we explored the hills, peninsula and beaches of ANZAC cove. The experience was run by teacher Michael Goodwin OAM who I am still good friends with today.

My interest in this stemmed from Alex Norman Reid who was the closest thing I had to a Grandad (he took Dad in when he first moved to Mackay). Uncle Alex as we called him, was a prisoner of War in WW2. To this day on ANZAC day I still go and visit him immediately after the dawn service and have a beer with him when the sun comes up.

Maddison Bell from Gardian Insurance visits her Great Grandfather Colin Bell regularly at Ozcare near the hospital and has listened to many war stories over the years. Colin recently explained to Maddison what the war was like, "I was a machine gun operator, serving in World War Two in Papua New Guinea. I was only 17 when I left to serve and I was away from home for 4 years." Colin has quite vivid memories of his time at war. "During the war you all had to be friends and look out for each other, we slept in the rain and we were always wet," Colin said. "I was one of the lucky ones that never got sick even though we were living in the creeks and had to go 3 months with no food at one stage." The best thing about the war for Colin "being able to go home again." That is why we must always remember the fallen and take time out to honour their sacrifice.

The team at Gardian Property Management discussed how important it is for us all to remember those that gave their lives in order for us to live the life we lead today. The team will all be donning their poppies for the day as a show of respect to the fallen.

Albert Phillips (LEFT)

(Snowy to all who knew him) served in both the First and the Second World Wars. Being under minimum age to enlist for WW1 Snowy put his age up in order to go to war. Then when the Second World War started he put his age down so that he could also fight for his country. Albert Phillips is the Great Grandfather of Peter, Ben and Luke Phillips (All Directors of Gardian). Needless to say Snowy along with his many wartime friends will not be forgotten on Remembrance Day. Join Gardian at 11am today for a minute's silence to REMEMBER.

Golda Emery, Zachary Spencer and Kate Radel from Gardian Finance taking time out to remember.

Jessica Fay, Susan McNamara and Samantha Robertson proudly wearing poppies to remember.

Maddison Bell - Gardian Insurance and her Great Grandfather Colin Bell who served in WW2

Gillian Smith - (Gardian General Manager) remembers her Grandfather Robert Crawford/Reed who served as an ambulance driver in WW2. "He was serving in Normandy when my mother was born in 1944 so she was named Norma. Remembering the fallen is very important as without their courage and sacrifice our world could be quite different." said Gillian

Emily Connolley, Wendy Bray, Matthew Moreni, Sonya Lester, Jodie Mogford, Wendy Tucker and Hayley Wynn gathered for a photo wearing their poppies.

Community Focus Leads To Sarina Business Success

companies, including more than 45 years with BMA Hay Point Services and 30 years with Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd.

Owners John and Patricia Croyden estab lished the “Croydens” business in 1972 with the purchase of their first truck from a local business formerly Crokers Truck Centre, to service the Sarina community with landscaping and quarry supplies.

Since the heady days of employing more than 80 permanent staff, with a long list of casuals and approximately 150 pieces of equipment, the local Sarina company has built a reputation as being reliable and community-minded.

The company has held long-standing con tracts with some of the region’s largest

At the beginning of the business, John Croyden would go to the pub on a Friday night and locals would ask for a delivery, “knowing I had a truck and no matter how many beers I had, I never forgot an order.”

“One single axle truck turned into two, and then three, and then there was a need for a bigger truck and we purchased our first tandem tipper – which was a big thing at the time,” Mr Croyden said.

Pat Croyden believes that their success has come from “working hard, and we’ve also been fortunate and making the most of the opportunity to develop the business by re

sponding to the community’s needs”.

“We really want to thank our present and past employees, customers and the community for their support and we will continue to focus on maintaining strong business and customer relationships,” Mrs Croyden said.

Croydens General Manager Stefan Tomer ini stepped into the role in 2007 following John and Pat’s retirement to “help steer the transformation of Croydens”.

“John and Pat have supported the local community and been part of developing so many local charities and clubs finan cially, and it humbles me to manage the Croyden empire,” Mr Tomerini said.

“What makes you successful in business

is dealing with the same people, and that’s why we’ve stayed with the same suppliers.

“You get to know your supplier and they get to know you. You also get to know the product inside out.”

Volvo Group Australia is one of those sup pliers, and Regional Commercial Manag er Iain Allison said that the whole group were “proud and humbled” to have had such a long-term, beneficial partnership with Croydens.

“Since their first purchase of an F86 in 1979, we have had a close and successful relationship with Croydens – it’s been an honour to work with the team for so long,” Mr Allison said.

L-R: Glen Croker, Ross Kynaston, Jason Cross, John Croyden, Patricia Croyden, Stefan Tomerini, Don McAlpine, Justin Donovan, Steve Knight, Nathan Fahl, Iain Allison

Croydens celebrated 50 years with a gala dinner in Sarina. L-R: Patricia Croyden, John Croyden and Stefan Tomerini

A Wild Ride Scoops Top Tourism Gong

ly proud to accept the award.

“To launch a busi ness at the height of COVID-19 seemed crazy, but we knew we had a solid plan, an innovative boat design and a spec tacular place to show visitors,” Mrs Telford said.

“We operate a suc cessful business in the Whitsundays but could see an op portunity for a new business venture just a couple hours south in Mackay.

Telford said.

ECO accreditation and are proud Climate Action Leaders.

Al Grundy, Chief Executive Officer of Mackay Isaac Tourism, said the region is excited about Wildcats future.

Mackay’s

Wildcat Adventures has been named Queensland’s best new tourism business at last Fri day’s 2022 Queensland Tourism Awards. Launched in December 2021 at the height of the Omicron wave, Wildcat Mackay has achieved incredible success in its first year of operation.

Owner Julie Telford said she was extreme

“This award provides an opportunity to thank every single customer for book ing on our awesome tours.”

Owner Asher Telford and his innovative naval architecture team custom-designed and built a vessel to suit Mackay’s marine conditions.

“We’ve been able to design a boat that keeps visitors comfortable while also mov ing through the water quickly to show vis itors as much as possible in one day,” Mr

“It has been pivotal to our business success to design boats that make the most of lo cal conditions. As a result, wildcat offers a smooth ride, 360-degree viewing plat form, easy access electric stairs, wheelchair access and lock-in points, fully licensed bar, paddleboards, solar charging system and is extremely fuel efficient.

“It was a dream to start a new business in Mackay and show off this spectacular part of the Great Barrier Reef, and to accept a Gold Queensland Tourism Award is the best reward for that risk.”

Wildcat Mackay offers immersive learn ing tours, school group excursions, sunset tours, private charters and daily day tours taking visitors snorkelling, paddleboard ing and showcasing the Great Barrier Reef. The business holds the highest level of

“Winning the Gold Award for best New Tourism Business is a credit to Julie and Asher Telford who have brought a clear vision to this region and who deliver ex ceptional experiences to our visitors every day,” Mr Grundy said.

“It’s a distinct advantage for our region to be home to one of Queensland’s best, and I congratulate Julie, Asher and their team on this achievement.”

Wildcat Mackay is now in the running for Best New Tourism Business at the upcom ing Australian Tourism Awards in Sydney in March 2023.

Wildcat Adventures owners Julie and Asher Telford with their gold award in the Best New Tourism Business category at the 2022 Queensland Tourism Awards

Wildcat Mackay offers immersive learning tours and school group excursions among its other adventure tours

Holidaying At Home Stronger Than Ever In 2022

Despiteinternational borders open ing earlier this year, Queensland recorded its highest ever intrastate visitor rate, noting a 21.5 per cent increase totalling $12.4 billion.

Queenslanders supporting Queenslanders was championed at this year’s Queensland Tourism Awards at the Gold Coast Con vention and Exhibition Centre last Friday night.

More than 1,000 tourism operators and individuals from around the state came together for the awards, from movers and shakers to mum and dad operators, Queensland’s tourism industry was cham pioned with a total of 78 awards, including 31 Gold, 26 Silver and 20 Bronze Awards presented across 30 categories.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) CEO Brett Fraser said the 37th annual Queensland Tourism Awards had brought together an outstanding selection of operators that truly reflect the diverse range of the state’s quality tourism offer ings.

“Collectively, this year’s recipients are a tes tament to the strength and calibre of the state’s tourism operators, and I applaud this great industry and its people for the inno vation and resilience they have displayed,” Mr Fraser said.

“As Queensland records its highest inter state and intrastate visitors ever, it’s special to be able to celebrate Queenslanders sup porting Queenslanders at this year’s awards after what has been a tumultuous couple of years for the industry,” Mr Fraser said.

“In true Queenslander spirit, we are em bracing the difficulties we face together by re-connecting and discovering places in our own backyard, as together we are drawn to holidays within our home state.

“The past two years have redefined how people live, work and travel, and the intra state tourism we are experiencing is direct ly correlated to this.

“But this exponential growth doesn’t come without major challenges for our operators who continue to battle with a lack of work force.”

Mackay and Isaac tourism operators were well represented, with Mackay’s Wildcat taking the top gong in the Best New Tour ism Business category, as covered on page 10.

Also putting their products under the spotlight, Isaac Regional Council's St Law rence Wetlands Weekend Event and Mack ay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC).

Mackay Entertainment & Convention Cen tre celebrated with a Silver Award in the Business Event Venues category, while Isaac Regional Council's St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend Event bought home a Bronze for Festival and Events.

“To be recognised amongst our statewide peers is extremely humbling,” a MECC spokesperson said.

“As Paul Donovan mentioned at the awards, “There is no ‘I’, there is only ‘us’ and ‘we’.”

“This recognition is a huge pat on the back for our dedicated staff and volunteers who consistently deliver high quality events.”

In securing bronze, an Isaac Regional Council spokesperson said “Recognised as one of Queensland's premiere events for the second year in a row, this amazing event is a partnership between council, Koinjmal People of Koinmerburra Country, St Law rence community groups and the wonder ful residents.”

Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Al Grundy said being present at the award ceremony it was an honour to celebrate the Mackay Isaac Region’s tourism achievements.

“I congratulate Wildcat Mackay, the MECC and St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend on their achievements and recognise all our regional representatives on the incredible efforts put in to prepare submissions and succeed at these awards. Nominating is a rigorous process, only possible for opera tors and events that have truly excelled.

“To have three Mackay Isaac products rec ognised with awards shows how strong our offerings are and bode well for an exciting future of tourism development, visitation and growth for the region.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Queensland Tourism Awards celebrat ed a remarkable year.

“It has been terrific to see Queensland do mestic tourism bounce back so strongly with a nation-leading $19.6 billion in over night visitor spending,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“We owe much of Queensland’s achieve ments to the hard work, resilience and in novation of the State’s tourism operators, some of whom are recognised by the 2022 Awards.

“Congratulations to this year’s award win ners and finalists for delivering world-class visitor experiences and making Queensland a destination of choice.

“With the rebuild of our international visi tor economy underway and a runway of op portunities to the 2032 Games, Queensland tourism operators have reason to be confi dent.”

Among the accolades presented was a new Hall of Fame winner, two RACQ People’s Choice Awards and in its inaugural year, a Judges Choice Award.

Select category winners will gain automatic entry into the Australian Tourism Awards, which will be held at Doltone House in Sydney on Friday 17 March 2023.

Next year the Queensland Tourism Awards will be held at the Cairns Convention Cen tre on Friday 24 November 2023.

Wildcat Mackay won gold in the Best New Tourism Business category

Isaac Regional Council’s St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend Event bought home a Bronze for Festival and Events

The MECC won silver in the Business Event Venues category

SARINA SES PREPARED FOR STORM SEASON

With

such a large area for the SES to look after, the Mackay unit is divided into three key areas, with the teams from each area often working together on jobs.

Rebekka Murray is the Deputy Local Controller South, managing the southern part of the Mackay Unit, including Sarina, Sarina Beach, Campwin Beach, Koumala and surrounds.

“We work together as a unit quite often,” said Rebekka.

“The more people we can get to assist in any activation, the better it is.

“More hands make light work.

Rebekka, a teacher-aide by day, has been in the role for the last five years, joining the SES back in 2014 after her husband joined the year before.

“Watching him being able to help the community inspired my drive to want to do the same,” said Rebekka.

“Even being able to do something simple to help someone in their time of need is very rewarding in itself.”

Rebekka says it’s her compassion that assists her most in her role with the SES.

“You drive past somewhere and you think, ‘I’ve helped that person, I’ve helped patch that house in their time of need,’” she said.

“It’s just the fact that you get to help and give back to your local community and know that they’ve got someone there when they need it.”

Her leadership role with the SES allows her to care for her community and her fellow volunteers while forever growing her knowledge and skills.

“I learnt from a good few people before me and am also constantly learning now, even though I’ve been in my role for nearly six years,” she said.

“There is never a time where you don’t learn something new, which is something I enjoy.

“We have a lot of experienced members and leaders throughout our unit. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without

their support and knowledge.”

The SES has equipped Rebekka with invaluable life, people and practical skills.

“Operating a chainsaw, driving a flood boat, tarping roofs, but also how to be a better teacher and leader,” she said.

“Within the SES, the possibilities for learning are endless and you can take it as far as you desire.”

Rebekka says Cyclone Debbie was her most memorable activation; witnessing the damage a cyclone can produce has always stuck with her and being able to

help those who were affected is one of her prouder moments.

Leading a team of 12 volunteers, Rebekkah is passionate about sharing skills and knowledge with her colleagues, as her leaders have done before her.

Her team has responded to a few callouts from the storms that have already rolled through so far this disaster season and she urges the community to be prepared.

“It’s been fairly reasonable so far this storm season, but we’re expecting more to come,” she said.

Deputy Local Controller South Rebekka Murray loves serving her community. Photo supplied

ARTISTIC PERNA’S PUT ART ON DISPLAY

Progress For A Cause

L-R: Fran Lloyd, Roy Roberts, Zenta Martin and Sharon Schofield

Agiant

garage sale has led to a very generous donation.

The Sarina Beach Progress As sociation donated to the Mackay region’s valuable aeromedical service, RACQ CQ Rescue, from funds made during its Giant Garage Sales.

Fran Lloyd from the Progress Association said it’s important to support this commu nity-funded rescue service.

“For our small community, with boaties, fishermen and women, and swimmers,

you never know when you may need them,” Fran said.

“Two of the amazing staff of RACQ CQ Rescue, Zenta and Rona, showed us around the eye-opening facility, sleeping quarters, doctor’s rooms and even a gym. But the helicopter took the cake, what a beauty.

“If you make a donation to this service, 100 per cent of your donation helps to save lives across Central Queensland, 24/7, 365 days of the year.”

Athird

generation member of an artistic Sarina family is following the paths

Bradley Perna, 15, and his mother Jodie are among seven artists displaying their works in a display at the Sarina Art Gallery which continues until November 25.

Bailey has on show his lino print Nature’s Pattern which took him five weeks to com plete and earned him an A in his art class at Sarina State High School.

Bailey also makes jewellery, including rings, pendants and earrings.

He said he has been inspired by his mother Jodie, who has been president of the Sari na Arts Council for the past six years, and his grandmother Dianne Moren who are both talented artists.

“Mum certainly has had an influence in my art,” he said.

Jodie said she just loved art from a young age in primary school.

“I loved doing the CWA posters and when we were really young we coloured in flags. I would always get first and I just had a great passion for it.

“That’s why I keep running the art gallery, because I love that people in the commu nity can display their artwork.

“Mum was also putting her artwork in the gallery but hasn’t now for a couple of years.”

Jodie said the Sarina art scene was strong, with 33 members in the Sarina Arts Coun cil and up to 600 tourists and locals visit ing the monthly exhibitions.

This month’s display includes Jodie’s wa tercolour Protea, along with pieces by Marilyn Parnell, Doug Lenton, Monika Ciesielski, Joy Hold and Brigitte Zimmer mann. The display is open free of charge from 10-3 daily until November 25.

The Sarina Art Gallery is near the Sarina Sugar Shed, in the Field of Dreams Park land.

By Charlie Payne

of his mother and grand mother.

Bailey Perna with his lino print Na ture’s Family which earned him an A at school. Photos: Charlie Payne

Jodie Perna with her watercolour Protea

Magpie by Brigitte Zimmermann

Buick Roadmaster by Doug Lenton

Seascape with Boats by Monika Ciesielski

Pottery by Joy Hold

Pushing On With A Long Crush

By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

It is becoming clear that despite the long harvest season, there will be stan dover cane adding to this year’s losses in sugar content and to the high cost of production. It’s been a double-edged sabre, as growers grapple with mill performance issues and a few unseasonal rain events.

Plane Creek Mill is expecting to cut out by December 31, and Mackay Sugar is es timating an extraordinary January 13 for the end of harvest. A long harvest serves neither miller nor grower well, with sug ar content (CCS) usually dwindling after mid-November. That CCS is already de clining in some areas with the storm sea son underway.

High temperatures and frequent rain bring on the plant’s seasonal transition, causing

suckering and degraded quality, driving sugar content down. When it hits a low sugar content of 7, The grower ceases to make a profit. In Mackay, there is no re turn, in Plane Creek, there is a payment to cover basic harvest costs.

Adding insult to injury, the grower is left with the cost of growing the next crop on that land while experiencing impacted cash flow.

Given issues with mill performance, there is a strong perception among growersand the Mackay Area Committee acting as bargaining agent for CANEGROWERS members - that Mackay Sugar should take example from other millers, understand the position of grower families, and act to financially support growers impacted

by low CCS as the season wears on some two months longer than is agronomically practical.

As for the grower with crop left in the pad dock, the losses are further increased and push into the following year with the ma jor risk that is standover cane.

Standover cane is old, or dead. It is pad docks that cannot be ratooned with fresh growth for the following harvest, but in stead aged into fibrous, tangled, hard-toharvest and mill cane. Nor can that pad dock be put to fallow if that is where it sits in its cropping cycle, that pause time where the soil can rest and re-generate with legume or mixed species planting. Standover throws farm planning out the window and it can take years to restore proper crop rotation.

With added season length, labour costs get blown out and inflate cost-of-production, the mill maintenance season shrinks, im perilling milling performance in the fol lowing harvest.

With high sugar prices, and a bumper crop in the ground this should be a har vest for the ages. The estimated crop for Mackay is 5.6 million tonnes, and 1.5 mil lion for Plane Creek District. Prices have tipped the $640. However, the season has

Mackay Sugar has crushed 60 per cent of the crop as at October 30, and Plane Creek has now crossed the one million tonne mark and nearing 70 per cent.

There is a lot of money being lost for grow ers with standover cane and low CCS be cause of poor milling performance and long season length. The situation is caus ing anxiety among growers as they strive to meet the necessary percentage of their crop harvested to fulfil forward pricing commitments, make finance repayments and maintain profitability.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predict ing an early onset of the wet, and above average rainfall when it comes. We have certainly experienced a solid start to the storm season in the past few weeks. There’s a high risk the monsoon will set in, putting an untimely end to the 2022 harvest.

It is upon us - the growers and the harvest contractors - to make the most of what time we have remaining to get our crop away: weather, bin and mill availability willing.

The onset of the wet brings about a seasonal change in sugar cane. Pictures: Contributed

been dogged by wet weather, particularly in Plane Creek district, and ongoing mill breakdowns and stoppages in the north, particularly at Farleigh Mill.

This week

Helping Farmers Capitalise On The Renewable Energy Boom

date

Cane crushed 65,791 1,092,568

Average bin weight 3.74 3.86

CCS 13.04 13.15

Cane variety performance for region

Weekly production figures

Variety % CCS Variety % CCS

Q208 28.4 13.22 Q138 3.3 13.68

Wilmar Sugar Plane Creek Mill

Q183 27.1 12.87 SRA9 2.9 13.82 Q240 19.4 12.75 SP80 2.1 13.15 Q253 7.6 12.68 Q252 1.7 13.58

Comments:

Week 21, Week ending 05 November 2022

This week Season to date

Plane Creek Mill had a reasonable throughput for the week with just under 66,000 tonnes crushed. This brought the season to date total to just under 1.1 M tonnes.

Cane crushed 65,791 1,092,568 Average bin weight 3.74 3.86 CCS 13.04 13.15

Cane

A total of 73 per cent of the forecast 1.5 million tonne crop has been crushed to date

variety performance for region

Average weekly CCS was 13.04, down slightly from 13.28 the previous week. The season to date CCS closed out at 13.15 units.

Variety % CCS Variety % CCS

Q208 28.4 13.22 Q138 3.3 13.68 Q183 27.1 12.87 SRA9 2.9 13.82 Q240 19.4 12.75 SP80 2.1 13.15 Q253 7.6 12.68 Q252 1.7 13.58

Comments:

Comments:

The highest CCS was 15.6 units from a rake of Q138 1st ratoon from the Turnors Paddock productivity district.

This week, there is a 12 hour cleaning intermission planned for Thursday, 10 November.

Plane Creek Mill had a reasonable throughput for the week with just under 66,000 tonnes crushed. This brought the season to date total to just under 1.1M tonnes.

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

A total of 73 per cent of the forecast 1.5 million tonne crop has been crushed to date.

Queensland

farmers and landhold ers will soon have a handy online toolkit to help them cash in on the renewable energy revolution, through a new partnership with the Queensland Farmers Federation and the State Govern ment.

Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said there were many opportunities for landowners to benefit from new and reliable income from Queensland’s energy transformation.

“There’s a major shift happening right now across regional Queensland and a growing number of landholders are researching their options to lease part of their prop erties and co-exist with renewable energy ventures, especially solar and wind farms,” he said.

“The opportunities are here and now and they will keep evolving through the pipe line of investment outlined in the State Government’s $62 billion Queensland En ergy and Jobs Plan.

“For many landholders, this presents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to future-proof their family businesses which have tradi tionally been susceptible to weather and fluctuating produce prices.

Mr de Brenni said sheep and cattle gra ziers, horticulturalists and viticulturalists as well as farmers across the cropping and beekeeping sectors had the opportunity to reap the rewards of the clean energy boom.

“This toolkit, being developed in part nership with the QFF, will highlight the opportunities the energy transformation presents and identify key considerations to help guide rural producers in maximising the benefits of them,” he said.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Devel opment and Fisheries and Minister for rural Communities Mark Furner said the

“We are already working with both the QFF and AgForce to develop an Agricul ture Low Emissions Roadmap and support good jobs for many years to come, and this toolkit will ensure our farmers can take advantage of the rapid expansion of re newable energy production,” Mr Furner said.

“Global markets are increasingly demand ing higher sustainability benchmarks from our exporters, and the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan is another way Queensland produce and other exports can meet and exceed those expectations.”

The toolkit will be developed in partner ship with QFF over the next few months and delivered in early 2023.

THE TOOLKIT WILL INCLUDE:

• Overview of what a renewable energy project may include and the goals/ob jectives of the different renewable ener gy projects.

• Understanding the potential benefits and impacts of projects.

• What to expect if approached by a de veloper.

• How to negotiate an agreement, includ ing considerations such as project im pacts on future production, land value and other considerations.

• Information to support an understand ing of the relevant and applicable legis lation.

• Where to go for more advice – financial, legal and regulatory/planning.

Plane Creek Mill had a reasonable throughput for the week with just under 66,000 tonnes crushed. This brought the season to date total to just under 1.1 M tonnes.

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

Average weekly CCS was 13.04, down slightly from 13.28 the previous week. The season to date CCS closed out at 13.15 units.

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

The highest CCS was 15.6 units from a rake of Q138 1st ratoon from the Turnors Paddock pro ductivity district.

This week, there is a 12-hour cleaning intermission planned for Thursday, 10 November.

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

A total of 73 per cent of the forecast 1.5 million tonne crop has been crushed to date

Jim Kirchner Cane Supply Manager

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

Plane Creek Region

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

Jim

Cane

Kirchner

Average weekly CCS was 13.04, down slightly from 13.28 the previous week. The season to date CCS closed out at 13.15 units.

Supply Manager

Plane Creek Region

Palaszczuk Government recognised the importance of working with Queensland farmers for a prosperous clean energy fu ture.

Jim

Kirchner Cane Supply Manager Plane Creek Region

PROPERTY POINT

In my previous life working as a jour nalist, the days that had an impact and resonated most were those when there had been a tragedy when emotions were raw and real.

I covered Melbourne’s Queen Street mas sacre, when a deranged Frank Vitkovic entered the post office and shot and killed nine people.

Another day I sat in the lounge room of a father whose young police officer son had been executed as he sat in a police car with another constable while they were parked in an inner suburban street.

There is only pain and devastation and even though you have a job to do you can’t help but deeply feel the anguish of the people you speak to in those situations. You con nect at a human level.

I went into real estate about 11 years ago and it is certainly a different gig … but the connection with humanity is, in many ways, equally as strong.

When you are selling someone’s house it is a big deal, an important responsibility. Nat urally you make sure you have a strategy to get the best price and hope that the seller takes your advice in terms of preparing the property.

But the truth is that selling real estate is only partly about houses, bricks and mortar. It’s mainly about people.

Part of it is being able to connect with buy ers and smooth the way to them buying a property.

One of the highlights of selling real estate is sharing the excitement of someone who has bought a property they love. But often there is more to it, the effort and sacrifice to get to the point of being able to buy has

sometimes been monumental and the re sult has been life-changing. You get to feel that.

And working for sellers often takes things to another level. They have trusted you to give advice, market the property, deal with buyers, get the best price.

The decision to sell often comes with signif icant emotional factors. There’s the emotion of having raised a family in the property. Maybe it was the house owned by some one’s late parents, a place where the seller grew up. Perhaps there are health or finan cial reasons for selling, something that has been forced on the vendor.

Some years ago, during an economic down turn, I sat in the lounge room of a burly, hard-working bloke who was thinking about selling because he was worried about losing his job, losing his house and letting down his wife and kids.

He was not a touchy-feely-sensitive sort of bloke but he was in tears, telling me how worried he was about losing everything and the impact that would have on his family.

Even though I was just a real estate agent, the feelings were raw, the connection was real and I knew we were talking about a lot more than me selling a parcel of land with a house on it.

When selling real estate you are connecting with people, helping them get the best re sult and getting an understanding of what matters to them.

We sold the big burly bloke’s house, he put the money away for a few years, made sure his job was secure when the economy picked up and he bought another house a few years later. Job done and connection made.

SIX WEEKS!

You know what?

In exactly six weeks’ time, we will all be logging out of our computers, pushing the chair under the desk, and leaving work be cause Xmas will be just about here.

Yes, in six weeks’ time it will be Friday the 23rd of December and that means Christ mas parties and all the fun starts.

Thing is you now have six weeks to get yourself ready for what is about to happen. Families coming to stay? Presents to buy? Food to feed the troops? Holiday travel plans to purchase and so much more. Even if you have little kids, this could be just the best time to organise books and stuff for 2023. Don’t leave it until the last minute.

If you’re going to book holidays for Xmas, do it now. Get that perfect camping spot sorted at Seaforth or even at Broken River, so it’s one less thing to do come December. Go shopping now and get those Xmas gifts all done so you’re not mucking around with everyone else at Canelands in the coming weeks.

I’m one of these people that likes to get

stuff done beforehand so that when the time comes, I can sit back and relax. I’ve got my list sorted. I’ve been out with my kids and grabbed the right Xmas deco rations to use this year, so I know that’s all done in the Kidd household of South Mackay.

One other thing you may have missed is the bottle-o. You know that place that many people like to go shopping at and come home with trolleys of Xmas cheer? Well between now and Xmas Eve, these places will become a place to avoid. Cars, trolley’s and people everywhere, all rush ing to get those last available cases and bottles in readiness for your visitors at your place.

If there’s one thing to take from this, it is get it done now. Not next week, now. You can thank me later.

Oh, and a huge thanks to Amanda and all the legends who came to Porters last Sat urday for our Jingle Jail. We raised a lot of money for Real Mates Talk and for that I thank you. Your generosity will save many lives.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

WHEN VISIONS BECOME REALITY

Trudy

Crowley had a vision. That vision was “no woman walking the journey of ovarian cancer would walk alone”. Hence, the Trudy Crowley Foundation was established in 2016 to sup port and alleviate the suffering of those both directly and indirectly impacted by ovarian cancer. By connecting people with the right information, support services and resourc es available during this difficult time, the Foundation ensures that no woman, child, partner, parent or friend feels alone.

The Foundation has achieved much since Trudy’s passing in 2018.

On the February 24 this year, the Trudy Crowley Community Cancer Support Cen tre was opened in her memory. The Centre offers unique support services for cancer patients and their families, which include:

• a dedicated, part-time, fully qualified

palliative care nurse

• a dedicated, volunteer, fully qualified palliative care nurse

• counsellor, Bec Snell, who provides in valuable support and counselling to pa tients and their family

• a dedicated vehicle to drive patients to doctors or treatment appointments at the Icon Centre or Base Hospital

• a private and dedicated wig room, where patients have access to wigs, colourful scarves or turbans

• a safe and supportive environment where patients and their families are welcome to come together for a cuppa and enjoy the comfort and moral support with oth ers walking the same journey

• currently have around 20 patients within our support group who meet regularly at

our Centre

• eight dedicated volunteers who offer their time to attend and man our Centre weekly

• seven dedicated, volunteer board direc tors.

All services available from our Centre are free to anyone walking the journey of can cer. We welcome men and women to utilize our Centre and our services, and it is open to patients from the private or public health sector. It’s important to us that this facility is available for everyone who is affected by cancer.

I am immensely proud to be chairper son of this wonderful Foundation that commenced from Trudy’s vision, and I

know Trudy would share our pride at our achievements.

All funds raised from events and donations stay here in Mackay and the Whitsunday regions.

Cr Pauline Townsend Mackay Regional Council

Jolly Good Fundraising With Jingle Jail

Areyou aware that around three-quarters of the people who die by suicide in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region are men?

These men are aged from teenagers to the elderly – they are our brothers, sons, husbands, workmates, friends and neigh bours.

Selectability’s Real Mates Talk men’s cam paign intends to prevent suicide attempts and deaths of men in our community and support them to connect with others and live well.

Last Friday, Rob Kidd went to jail and was joined by our Editor, Amanda, and other local legends to raise money for this im portant cause.

In a jail cell outside of Porters Mitre 10 on a very wet Saturday, Rob was joined by Col Meng, Adrian Young, Steve Eden, Aman

da Wright, Keiran Horsfall, Paul Rutland, Col Joy and Casey Blyton, who collective ly raised more than $5,000 for Real Mates Talk.

Many important and light-hearted chats were had throughout the day as part of promoting the need to have real conver sations.

SOME TIPS FOR TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF AND YOUR MATES

• Reconnect with your hobbies.

• Live healthy – eat well, exercise your body, get enough sleep, avoid alcohol and drugs.

• Spend time with your mates and your loved ones.

• Do something you enjoy everyday –something that is just for you.

STARTING A CONVERSATION WITH YOUR MATES With Selectability’s Real Mates Talk

Mental

Health is in the forefront of people’s minds given the COVID-19 pandemic, howev er Aussie men can benefit by paying more attention to their own mental health and the mental health of their mates. Here are some tips for having a conversation with your mates;

• If you’re worried speak up. If you have concerns about one of your mates or their mental health, speak up. The best way to clarify what’s going on for them is to ask.

• Do something while you say some thing. Some of us are uncomfortable with sitting opposite someone talking about their feelings. It might be easier for your mate to open up to you if you are doing something side by side or talk while undertaking an activity with your hands. Some great activities are fishing, working on something in the shed or on the car, go for a walk, head out for a dirve or watch sports etc.

• Pick your time and place. When you are planning to have a conversation, pick somewhere fairly private and

comfortable. Make sure you won’t rush and have time to listen.

• Don’t expect to fix everything your self. Speaking to a mate about their mental health doesn’t mean you need to fix their problems. Mental health is complex and cannot be entirely fixed with one conversation. But giving someone an opportunity to open up, listening to them and showing that you care might help them to feel support ed, and encourage them to get further help if they need it.

• Ask for help. There are lots of resourc es online and offline which you can use to help someone else. See our resourc es and information section for section for more details. If you are speaking to someone in crisis please call 000 or 1300 MH CALL (1300 642 255).

• L ook after yourself. It’s important to look after yourself when you are sup porting someone else. Before you start a conversation make sure you are okay and are in a good headspace. After wards make sure you have support to debrief if you need it.

4MK’s Rob Kidd was joined by community personalities in ‘Jingle Jail’ last Saturday to raise money for Selectability’s Real Mates Talk campaign to reduce suicide attempts in men throughout our region

EVENTGUIDE

FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER

Estate Planning for Older People

Friday, 9:30am to 11:00am

Free seminar for your financial future delivered by Services Australia.

Gordon White Library

Ananse Stories Performance

Friday, 3:45pm to 4:45pm, Gordon White Library Saturday, 10am to 11am, Dudley Denny City Library

Sam Derchie uses an engaging blend of storytelling, song and drumming to introduce children to Ananse, a spider from the folklore of the Ashantie people of Ghana in West Africa. His stories, with their messages of co-operation, empathy and the joy of learning, are interspersed with music, drumming and song and provide numerous opportunities for children to get hands on and participate.

With his colourful Ghanaian clothing, his many African percussion instruments and his years of performance experience, Sam holds his audience from beginning to end, leaving children with a lasting impression of his African culture. For children aged five to 12 years.

Friday SUN.sets

Every Friday Evening From 6pm

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

Wake House Australia

Infamous

Opening Friday, November 11 running until Sunday, November 27, 7:30pm

A combination of sexy circus acts, raunchy dancing and cheeky comedy will have you crying with laughter. Infamous is an 18+ event encompassing delicious treats and snacks, VIP table service with a choice of alcoholic beverages for a never-seen-before circus cabaret vibe. At every Infamous show you can be assured of an intimate and unique setting when you arrive under the Spiegel Big Top. For all those who are over 18, this is a fresh and new offering to sit back to and enjoy the Infamous story, the costumes, the outrageous performances by a bevy of stunning superstars.

Mackay Showgrounds

SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER

Jules Thompson book launch of ‘Broken Ballerina’

Saturday, 10:00am to 2:00pm

Come and see Jules at Mount Pleasant Centre on centre stage and purchase a signed copy of her autobiography ’Broken Ballerina’. A percentage of the sales will go to Broken Ballerina Inc.

Mount Pleasant Centre

De Goey Contractors Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival

Saturday, 11:00am

Enjoy a day out in the sun with friends listening to live music, eating some great BBQ Food and drinking your choice of over 50 Australian and International Beers!

Harrup Park

Theatre Arts Mackay Dance Excellence presents Showcase Gala 2022

Saturday, 4:00pm

Showcasing the very talented and diverse students from Twinkle Stars through to the elite Senior Students. This show is sure to entertain with performances in all genres of Dance/Acro/Drama and Musical Theatre.

MECC

SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER

Mackay Nth Qld Babies & Kids Market

Sunday, 8:30am

Over 50 Local businesses on display with all thing’s babies and kids, as well as mum to be and new mum products. The morning is set to be amazing, with lucky door prizes handed out throughout the market, jumping castles, face painting, free bounty bags. Don’t forget you can get your coffee fresh and hot at the event to have while you’re shopping. Come join our amazing market morning to see all the amazing local small businesses under the one roof.

Mackay Showgrounds

Sour Sunday at Red Dog Brewery Sunday, 1:00pm to 6:00pm

For the sour lovers - this one’s for you. Ballistic Whitsundays will be joining Red Dog Brewery and celebrating all things Sours. The Ballistic beer

Red Dog Brewery

Sunday Live Music – BarbsWired Sunday, 2:00pm to 5:00pm Music every Sunday from 2pm - 5pm. Head down to the Seabreeze Hotel this Sunday for some fresh tunes, delicious food, and ice-cold brews. Seabreeze Hotel

Choir rehearsals: Christmas at St Paul’s

Sundays 4pm for four weeks

A four-week rehearsal schedule for the choir for Christmas at St Paul’s starts today at 4pm at the church. Have fun, make friends, and help lead worship at Christmas time in the beautiful acoustics of St Paul’s Uniting Church. It doesn’t matter if your voice is a bit squeaky, just turn up and sing!

St Paul’s Uniting Church, Macalister Street

Paul Hayman presents Cloudland the Musical

Sunday, 6:00pm Cloudland the Musical tells the story of a culturally significant venue on top of Bowen Hills overlooking Brisbane that played an integral part of the most defining decades of popular music. Its overnight demolition in 1982 stunned not just the locals but people from all corners of the globe who had attended the venue during its lifetime. The story is filled with drama and controversy and comprises of a blend of original compositions and works from iconic artists that played at the venue including The Bee Gees, Buddy Holly, The Angels, Jerry Lee Lewis, Cold Chisel, Johnny O’Keefe, Midnight Oil, Australian Crawl, Normie Rowe, Mental as Anything, Bill Haley, Split Enz and more. Cloudland was no ordinary venue.

MECC

TUESDAY 15 NOVEMBER

BMA Kidspace

Tuesday, 10:00am to 2:00pm

Join local artists and performers for creative art activities designed for toddlers and their adults. Drop-in anytime between 10am and 2pm (live children’s music from 11.30am to 12.15pm). BMA Kidspace, Artspace Mackay’s free and ever popular toddler’s program, gives children under five a chance to explore and have fun with art in

a climate of co-operative learning. The program includes free artist-run craft activities in two sessions, Sess1: Anytime from 10 to 11:30am; Sess2: Anytime from 12:15 to 2pm with live musical entertainment 11:30am to 12:15pm. Bring your children along for a fun day of art-making, singing and dancing. Proudly presented by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance.

Artspace Mackay

Musical Bingo at the Seabreeze Hotel

Tuesday, 7:00pm to 9:00pm

There’s only one thing better than bingo, and that’s Musical Bingo. Every Tuesday join us in the Bar from 7pm where you can show off your musical knowledge in Musical Bingo. Prizes will be on offer for our winners each and every week so make sure you’re on the ball as we drop the beats! Oh, and entry is FREE! Registration opens from 6pm, with all the action kicking off from 7pm. So music buff or not, make sure you clear your schedule each Tuesday evening for Musical Bingo at the Seabreeze Hotel.

Seabreeze Hotel

WEDNESDAY 16 NOVEMBER

Mackay Farmers’ Market

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

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

Bluewater Quay

Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Club Wednesday Night Lessons

Every Wednesday, 7:00pm

Why not come along and learn to rock ‘n’ roll in a friendly and fun atmosphere with the Sugar City Rock ‘n’ Rollers Mackay Club? Previous experience is not required. Everyone learns at their own pace and, even better, the first lesson is free on your way to learning the four step style of rock ‘n’ roll.

$5 for members and $8 for non-members after that. The club caters for social activities for club members with regular dances with live bands in attendance and away trips. For further enquiries call 0408 983 911.

58 Macalister St, Mackay

trailer will have classics and some limiteds: Water Me Lawn, Twang Guava and Passionfruit, Twang Blackberry and Berliner Weisse.

Infamous

‘Broken Ballerina’ Book Launch

Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival

Cloudland The Musical

Kidspace

CELTIC ILLUSION THE MAGIC RETURNS

DAY FOR IT

Immerse

yourself in one of the most unique productions tour ing the world.

Celtic Illusion, the Irish dance and Grand Illusion sensation that has taken Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Canada and the USA by storm and will tour nationwide in 2023.

Even fans who have seen our pre vious shows won’t dare miss The Magic Returns tour that is set to raise the bar once again. This ex hilarating production has broken barriers by fusing unparalleled art forms and is more spectacular than ever before.

A breathtaking array of experi ences, fusing Irish Dance, Magic and influential flavours of Fosse, Michael Jackson, with a Broadway style. Celtic Illusion is a show like no other.

The Reimagined tour features new spellbinding illusions and chore ography, alongside a musical score that will either make you cry or send shivers down your spine.

Starring the multi-talented former

lead dancer of Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance and Star Illu sionist Anthony Street, with Geor gia May, a marvel in both dance and Illusion. These impeccable performers lead a cast of champion dancers recruited from renowned productions across the world, such as Lord of the Dance and River dance, into a theatrical master piece that will have you mesmer ised from the moment the curtain is raised.

Celtic Illusion will surpass your expectations and leave you want ing more.

Don’t hesitate, and book now to know the hype of one of the largest and most unique Dance and Illu sion shows in the world.

Secure your seats today and expe rience an evening you will never forget!

WHAT: Celtic Illusion – The Mag ic Returns

WHERE: The MECC

WHEN: 20 April, 2023

TICKETS: Available from the MECC, starting from $69.90

Harrup

Park is heating up the barbecues.

After a huge turnout in 2021, the De Goey Contractors Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival is back again in 2022 this Satur day November 12 from 12pm. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a day out in the sun with friends listening to live music, eating some great food and drinking your choice from more than 50 Australian and in ternational beers on offer.

In 2021, the Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival worked with the Australasian Barbecue Alliance to bring an official round of the Australian Barbecue Champi onships to Mackay.

The competition was named ‘The BBQ Battle’ and saw 20 teams travel to Mackay to com pete in the lucrative Barbecue Championship Round with $9,500 in prize money.

This year, they’re doing it again, looking to bring back all the big names.

Watch local legends battle it out to win Mackay’s Best Beard and Mullet Competitions.

Entry is free to anyone on the day and there is still plenty of time left to grow a winning mullet or beard.

It wouldn’t be the Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival without the famous Chilli Eating Contest.

Can you handle the heat?

Applications can be found at Harrup Park’s website.

The event will feature live en tertainment from Kyle LION HART, French Press, The Wild Sky and more throughout the day.

Harrup Park General Man

Embrace Difference And Celebrate Diversity

Returning to the MECC for 2022, LOOSE ENDS will be an eclectic evening of art, music and perfor mances by local artists and performers.

The performance is set to be a quirky night of entertainment, giveaways, fundraising, socialising and more as Crossroad Arts aim to heighten awareness for the Interna tional Day of People with Disability.

Crossroad Arts has initiated LOOSE ENDS to address the gap for young people with disability to

go out in the CBD and know that the venue and facilities are accessible, and the attitudes of staff and clientele is open and inclusive.

Acts include Billy Dyer, Maddison Hunt, Groove Movers, With One Voice, Choir of Unheard Voices, Strictly Wheelchair dance group, Sacha Davis and Crossroad Arts Crew and more!

Crossroad Arts’ Artistic Director Alison Richardson says, “We are really excited to have such an array of acts on the evening in a fully accessible venue.

“We’re keen to address the need for an inclusive social performance evening for everyone, so I encourage people to come along, have a drink, meet a new friend and enjoy some entertainment!

“This is also one of our fundraisers for the year so we are keen to see people come out in support of what we’re trying to achieve here at Crossroad Arts - visibility and rec ognition for the talent we have in the re gion."

LOOSE ENDS is an Auslan interpreted event and the venue is accessible (toilet

ager Adrian Young said he’s extremely excited to have the event back in 2022.

“It was a great experience to have a sanctioned ABA event in Mackay with teams traveling across Queensland to compete on our grounds,” he said.

“This year we’re also making an effort to get more indepen dent breweries on board to help showcase their beers.”

WHAT: The De Goey Contractors Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival

WHERE: Harrup Park Country Club

WHEN: Saturday, November 12 from 12:00pm to 8:00pm TICKETS: www.mackaybbqandbeerfestival.com.au

and level access) and is an official event of International Day for People with Disabil ity.

WHEN: Friday November 25, 2022 7pm9:30pm

WHERE: North Foyer, The MECC Alfred St Mackay

TICKETS: $15 - $25 Bookings essential: (07) 4961 9777 or online via themecc. com.au

The De Goey Contractors Mackay BBQ and Beer Festival will feature beer, barbecues, chilli eating, mullets and beards, live music and more. Photos supplied

300 parkruns And Counting

RUNNING

Mackay

parkrun held their 300th event last Saturday, October 29, welcoming an impressive 317 participants to the Mackay Regional Bo tanic Gardens to celebrate.

The occasion also marked volunteer Colin Hardy’s 100th outing, with volunteers and participants surprising Colin by dressing up in his iconic Hawaiian shirt.

Mackay parkrun is held at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens every Saturday from 7:00am.

It is a free timed 5km run/walk put on by the community for the community and an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and the beautiful natural surroundings of the gar dens while getting active.

Make sure you register by 6pm on the Fri day before at www.parkrun.com.au.

Cowboys Endorse New Partnership With St Patrick’s College

RUGBY LEAGUE

StPatrick’s College Mackay has rubber stamped its exciting new partnership with the North Queensland Cow boys.

Both parties recently signed a memoran dum of understanding to promote clear pathways for aspiring rugby league players in the region to play in the NRL compe tition.

A Cowboys contingent led by Head of NRL Elite Pathways Glenn Hall visited Mercy College Mackay last Friday to offi cially endorse the new partnership.

Other Cowboys officials in attendance were Elite Pathways coach Steve Sheppard, Club Recruitment Manager Dane Camp bell and Elite Pathways Strength and Con ditioning Coach Liam Bartlett.

They were joined by boom St Patrick’s and Queensland Country Under 17 colts Xavi er Kerrisk and Jaxon Purdue, St Patrick’s and Mercy College Sports Co-ordinators Chad Buckby and Matthew Paul, newly appointed Mercy College Cowboys Chal

lenge coach Tom Gaviglio and Mercy Col lege Assistant Principal Curriculum Scott McSherry.

Emerging hooker Kerrisk and skilful half back Purdue will attend a special camp in Townsville during December as part of the Cowboys Young Bucks squad.

Other promising St Patrick’s rugby league colts invited include top forwards Liam Doherty, Matthew Watts, dynamic centre Kai Simon (Under 21 Young Guns) and lock forward Kayne Smith and classy utili ty back Will Shears (Young Bucks).

Both Mercy College and St Patrick’s Col lege have proved a thriving nursery for NRL clubs over the past three decades and have tasted phenomenal success in the Confraternity Shield, Aaron Payne Cup and Cowboys Challenge competitions.

Mr Hall said the Cowboys were looking forward to building on the back of the school’s success of the past few seasons.

The Cowboys will set up an Indentified Players Capricornia Academy to develop the skills and prepare emerging talent for the rigours of NRL football.

The Cowboys would help develop these players’ core skills, game sense, techniques and physical ability to compete at a higher level.

In a further boost, the Cowboys will also

offer professional development oppor tunities for the St Patrick’s College rugby league Coaching Staff – enabling the likes of top-grade coach Ian Schifilliti and Cow boys Challenge mentor Tom Gaviglio to travel to Townsville to observe or partic ipate in the North Queensland club’s elite Capricornia Pathways Academy training sessions and if appropriate to observe NRL sessions.

By Chris Karas

Mackay parkrun recently held their 300th event. Photos supplied

Identified St Patrick’s players will receive specialised league tuition during clinics from Cowboys’ full time coaching staff at the Mackay school grounds throughout the year.

St Patrick’s College rugby league stars Jaxon Purdue and Xavier Kerrisk with Cowboys staff members Glenn Hall (Head of NRL Elite Pathways); Steve Sheppard (Elite Pathways coach); Dane Campbell (Club Recruitment Manager) and Liam Bartlett (Elite Pathways Strength & Conditioning Coach); St Patrick’s and Mercy College Sports Co-ordinators Chad Buckby and Matthew Paul; newly appointed Mercy College Cowboys Challenge coach Tom Gaviglio and Mercy College Assistant Principal Curriculum Scott McSherry

INSPIRING JOURNEY OF BODYBUILDING SUCCESS

BODYBUILDING

Afterreceiving feedback from her first bodybuilding season, Em Pi aneda went into an improvement period to grow her muscle and develop her posing.

Her goal was to finish her second season with a pro card.

“I learnt that I could do it and I could stick to the diet and the training,” she said.

In her second season, Em achieved three pro cards with natural federations I Com pete Natural, Natural Bodybuilding Aus tralia and Miss Fitness Australia.

“It blew my mind,” she said.

“I had three chances and got three from three, so I’m super excited for next year.”

Bodybuilding competitions are judged on aspects including figure, symmetry and muscle separation, which requires an in tense preparation period and training re gime.

Em allowed her body to recover between seasons before starting a growth season of strength training and structured eating.

“When you hit your prep season, that’s when you start to cut your calories and add your cardio and start to do the shred,” she said.

“You get yourself into good habits with eating and regular training and then just hit the ground running.”

Em trains five days a week and says this period can be strenuous on not only her body, but her personal life and the people

around her.

“You don’t want to go out and catch up for drinks because you can’t drink and you’re hungry and you’re tired and you’re strug gling, so you don’t want to be in those en vironments,” she said.

“You’ve got to stay on track.

“Coming out into recovery and improve ment, not only do you have to recover and improve you and your body, but you need to do that with the relationships that you’ve put on the backburner.

“My family’s had to be on the ride too so now it’s about trying to put back into that part of your life.”

Em aspires to leave her mark on the Aus tralian natural bodybuilding scene before

“Once I’m done there, I wouldn’t mind doing the untested federations as a natural athlete and see where I stand against en hanced athletes,” she said.

“It gives you a goal; it gives you something to work towards.”

All the while, she hopes to inspire women to follow their dreams.

“If there’s something you want to do and you have goals and aspirations, it does not matter how old you are or how busy you are,” she said.

“If I can do it, anyone can do it.

“Get out there and make it happen; it’s so empowering when you do.”

Rookie Rider Representing Australia In Canada

Qynn Andersen took home an event win at the PBR Monster Energy Tour Rockhampton Invitational earlier this month

BULL RIDER

Rookiebull rider and Koumala local, Qynn Andersen is headed to Cana da next week to compete at the PBR Canada national finals.

19-year-old Andersen took home an event win at the PBR Monster Energy Tour Rock hampton Invitational earlier this month, his third for 2022. His rookie season has been a resounding success, currently sitting in third position in the national standings, three weeks out from the Grand Finals in Towns ville.

“It was good to ride both my bulls and get another win,” Mr Andersen says.

“I’m quite happy with how this season is pan ning out, having lots of fun and learning a lot along the way.”

If Mr Andersen can continue his good form, he has the potential to snatch the national ti tle from the grips of four-time and current national champion, Aaron Kleier from Cler mont.

Not that Mr Andersen is thinking about it too much.

“Nothing changes too much for me, I’ll con tinue to put the hard yards in during the week and look to ride all my bulls,” he says.

“Townsville will also be lots of fun! I’m just excited about getting my bulls rode and let ting things pan out like they should.”

Having already represented Queensland at the Monster Energy PBR State of Origin se ries, where he was the event winner in Origin I and III, Mr Andersen will now represent

“I’m very excited to head over to Canada. It’ll be my first time. I’m very keen to ride their bulls and experience their crowds.”

He’ll return to Australia just in time to ride for the Australian National Title at the PBR Monster Energy Tour Grand Finals in Townsville.

Clermont’s Aaron Kleier currently holds onto the number one spot, but after sustaining an injury at the Mackay Invitational four weeks

ago has been missing from the schedule. He’ll be looking to make a return at the Grand Finals in Townsville to secure his fifth consecutive national title, a feat no other rid er in PBR history has achieved.

PBR Australia presents the PBR Monster Energy Tour Grand Finals, Friday 25th and Saturday 26th of November at the Towns ville Entertainment and Convention Centre. Tickets are still available at www.pbraustra lia.com.au.

Em Pianeda finished her second season with three pro cards. Photo supplied Em trains five days a week. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

taking on international competitions in future seasons.

Australia when he heads to Canada to ride in the 2022 PBR Canada National Finals.

Khalu Back To Mentor Meteors For Season Number Six BASKETBALL

JoelKhalu will continue to lead the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors from the sideline, Mackay Basketball announc ing today the 41-year-old will be back at the club on a one-year deal in 2023, his sixth season as Head Coach and eighth overall with the red and black.

“We’re excited that ‘JK’ is returning in 2023,” Mackay Basketball General Manag er Sean Page said.

“As a club we know we’ve got one of the best coaches in the country leading our men’s NBL1 program.

“He has a proven ability to develop and maximise playing talent, putting the Mete ors in a position to compete at a high-lev el each time they step on the floor. We’re thrilled to have this continue in 2023.”

Across five seasons and 95 games guiding the Meteors, Khalu has amassed an overall record of 73 wins and 22 losses. He led the side to the QBL title in 2015 and the inau gural NBL1 North championship in 2021.

Khalu is also a two-time Coach of the Year, receiving the award in 2015 & 2022.

He led the Queensland under 20 men’s side to a national title this past April and currently serves as an assistant coach with the Australian Emus junior national team.

Khalu also travelled to Tokyo last month for the NBA Japan Games as head coach of the Asia-Pacific Jr. NBA squad.

Khalu said he was pumped to be back with the Meteors for another NBL1 campaign.

“I’m proud to be the Head Coach of the McDonald’s Mackay Meteors and grateful to the association and the management committee for another opportunity to ful fill the role,” he said.

“Representing Mackay is something I’m extremely passionate about and it’s im portant for me to put a team on the floor that represents the values of the city, our sponsors and local basketball community.”

With the team falling short of its title aspi rations in 2022, Khalu said he was deter mined to get the club back on top in 2023.

“2022 didn’t end the way we collectively wanted it to and that’s certainly still fresh in my mind as a motivating factor for next year,” Khalu said.

“We’ve started off-season training this week, which is the earliest time of year that we’ve ever gone, and our local players are focused, with a renewed purpose, which is great to see.

“Recruiting is also starting to ramp up. Both NBL and overseas players are start ing to make decisions on where they want to play in 2023, so I’m hoping to start put ting pen to paper on guys over the next few weeks and start building our Meteors roster.”

The 2023 NBL1 North season will com mence in late March with announcements of player signings rolling out in the com ing months.

PIONEER SWIM CLUB WELCOMES LOCAL OLYMPIAN

SWIMMING

Linda

Linda supports the club with an annual visit.

Over 50 swimmers were in attendance to meet Linda who discussed her journey to Olympic gold.

She spoke about her training, recovery methods, nutrition, her hurdles, and her

successes.

She even posed for photos, let the kids hold her medal and signed swim caps and merchandise for memories.

Linda must have inspired the kids as many personal bests were achieved on the night.

Pioneer Swim Club wishes to thank Linda for her continued support over the years and taking the time to come speak to our aspiring athletes again.

We appreciate you!

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

Sonny The State Champion

Year 6 student Sonny is a State Champion. Photos supplied

year 6 student recent ly competed at the All Schools Queensland Track and Field Championships, showing that he’s more than capable on the state stage.

AMackay

Sonny Morse of Carlisle Adventist Col lege is now the state Under 11 Boys 800m Champion and 1500m Champion.

He also set a new 1500m Queensland re cord on his way to being crowned Cham pion.

The next stop for Sonny is the Australian All Schools Championships to be held in Adelaide in December.

Sonny is no stranger to the National level, as he recently competed in the All Schools Australian Cross Country Championship in Adelaide, placing 2nd overall in the individual race and winning Gold in the relays with the fastest 1500m overall time in the relays.

Linda Single visited Pioneer Swim Club last month. Photo supplied

Single nee Mackenzie, local Olympic-gold-medallist, attended Pioneer’s Club Night on Thursday, October 6.

On The Green At Goosies

The CMR Goosies 10,000

Bowlers

from all over the state flocked to Goosies over the weekend to take part in the CMR Goosies 10,000.

The tournament is a Bowls Australia Tier 4

event, drawing 128 bowlers from as far as Townsville and Brisbane to battle it out for valuable competition points and a share in $10,000 prize money.

The Brisbane based team of K Nelson, C Sleeman, J Nelson and B Egan finished on top after a weekend of fun and competitive bowls.

Goosies Bowls Results Week Ending November 6 2022

1st

2nd

Monday

mixed pairs winners were P. Hammer link and Wolfgang followed by G. Moore and D. Agnew. Lucky draw winners were J. Vickers and Eric Galletly.

Wednesday ladies’ day was won by Margaret Armitage, Ann Smith and Daphne Of field. Runners up were Fay McCubben, Shirley Barto lo and Maryann Bartolo. Great to see Margaret Ar mitage back in the winners again after her long layoff.

Thursday mixed pairs win ners were Barry and Fran ces Lehmann who are back playing after a long time away from bowls. A great welcome back to be in the winner’s seat. Runners up were Shane Trannore and Andrew Coates. Greens vouchers were won by Greg

McLean, Vern and Wayne Mietzel.

Jan Little won the $110 kitty toucher with a wonderful sitting toucher.

On Friday many visit ing players from all over Queensland took the field to practice for the CMR Goosies 10,000 and we had 15 rinks playing. The mixed pairs overall win ners were Tony Allsop and Chris Banney with a score of plus 24. They took home $75 each. Good to see a couple of locals get up. Winners’ draw was taken out by Shirley Bar tolo and Eric Galletly. Lucky draw losers’ names not available.

There was no social Satur day play.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

3rd

4th

5th

6th

7th

CMR Goosies 10,000 Champions skippered by K Nelson Coming in second was the team skippered by Rob Harris

Clint Vassie’s team finished the weekend in third

128 bowlers from across the state battled it out over the weekend. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Skip Lead Second Third

K Nelson C Sleeman J Nelson B Egan

Rob Harris Warren Meng Bruce Archer B ertha Archer

Clint Vassie Lexi Foote B ede Roebuck Ken Lane

Chris Banney Scott Banney Brad Lindenberg Les McDermott

Steve Mottin Bruce Maggs Jeff Brease Adrian Pino

W Handley W Kleidon B Jackson G Milne

Bruce Bridger Maureen Blucher Alan Cooney N Blucher

John Fry has recently joined North Mackay Bowls club

Joyce Camilleri and Val De Pinto play on Monday mornings. Photos supplied

KAYCE AND REUBEN CLINCH MAJOR MERCY COLLEGE SPORTS AWARDS

Queensland squash champion

Kayce Hoani-Vincent and emerg ing rugby league forward Reuben Saron are the Mercy College Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year recipients for 2022.

The talented duo were officially recognised for their superb achievements this season on the squash court, athletics track and football fields and accepted their awards at the College’s annual Sports Assembly last week.

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

A product of Mackay’s Squash 52 club, Kayce lined up for her beloved Maroons against the best junior squash players from NSW and New Zealand at the Daisy Hill Squash & Racquet Club complex and lived up to her mantle as the number one ranked female squash junior in Queensland with stylish victories in both singles and dou bles formats.

At the end of the Tri Series, the gifted Ho ani-Vincent made her international debut in Australian colours as part of a com bined Queensland-NSW team and won all her singles matches against the formidable Kiwis.

Kayce has held her number one Queensland ranking since 2019 and puts it down to her arduous training schedule and desire to constantly improve.

She balances her Year 10 studies at Mercy College with three days of intense fitness training that includes speed, endurance and strength work plus honing her racquet skills on court.

When Kayce is not hitting a squash ball or devising on-court tactics, she can be found demonstrating her athletics skills as a pole vaulter or high jumper with Mackay Ath letics Club.

The talented youngster has turned in en couraging performances in field events over the past 12 months.

Ranked number three in Queensland for her age group, she finished 8th overall in the Pole Vault at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships at Sydney Olym pic Park back in April and later won the Pole Vault gold medal at the Queensland Secondary Schools Athletics Champion ships in Brisbane.

REUBEN SARON IS A

PROMISING RUGBY LEAGUE

FORWARD IN A BIG HURRY.

The powerhouse 15-year-old prop has attracted interest from both the Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys after superb performances for Mercy College in the Cowboys Challenge schoolboy competition and with Souths Sharks in the Mackay& District Junior League.

He is a leading colt in both the Broncos and Cowboys Develop ment Academies and is headed for a bright future in the Na tional Rugby League.

Saron, a tough tackling forward and fearless warrior, made an im pact in both rugby league and rugby union circles during 2022.

He was of the on

breaking Grand Final loss to Townsville’s Kirwan State High in

this year’s boys Chal lenge Shield decider and during the sea son represent ed Capricornia Under 15s with distinction in

Strong running Reu ben showed his versa tility when he spearhead ed the Mercy College rugby union team to a Mackay Secondary Schools Rugby Sevens Under 15s title this season with his mobility, endurance

Saron was best player on ground when he teamed up with Mercy College utility ace Saxon Crofts to help Brothers capture the Mackay & District Junior League Under

15s premiership after downing Wests Ti gers in the Grand Final.

Both Saron and Crofts linked with Souths this season and along with Mercy’s Queensland Under 15s rep forward Cohen Jackson steered the club to the Under 15s finals series with consistent performances.

Reuben lists his father Phil Saron, a for mer Australian Schoolboys rugby league representative, as a major influence on his career to date.

Just like his dad – a speed machine on the field in his youth – Reuben has proved a sensation at centre for Mackay Rugby Club this season.

Under the coaching of Lincoln Grady – father of Mercy’s 13-year-old rugby starlet Callyn Grady – the promising Saron earned selection in the Region al Queensland team for matches against Brisbane and Gold Coast in the Emerging Reds competition.

Reuben’s immediate goals for 2023 are to force his way into the St Patrick’s College top grade squad and to tour with the Reds Under 16 representative rugby team.

By Chris Karas

Kayce Hoani-Vincent and Reuben Saron were awarded Mercy College's Sportswoman of the Year and Sportsman of the Year. Image supplied

MACKAY TURNS UP

For First Gridiron Game Of The Season

their momentum, ultimately going down to the premiers 20-33.

Mavericks Head Coach Brad Somerville said it was a hard-fought game against tough opposition.

Windy conditions also made it difficult for halfbacks to throw the ball downfield, putting much of the responsibility on the running backs.

The Mavericks kicked off their seventh Gridiron Queensland season the week pri or with a win against the Cairns Falcons in Townsville but were unable to back it up in front of a strong home crowd.

While the Mavericks were in the lead for most of the game, an injury delay halted

“Townsville’s been up there for a long time in the sport; it’s been years since Mackay’s beaten Townsville,” he said.

“We knew what we needed to do, we need ed to go out there and hit hard and really trust our game.”

“Our running backs, both Callum Mackay and Jack Hargraves, did amazing,” said Mr Somerville.

“They were definitely elite on Saturday.”

The first home game of the season brought a crowd of over 100 to Brothers Lepre chaun Park and Mr Somerville said the

crowd was amazing.

“They really got behind the team, really spurred us on,” he said.

“It was great to play in front of an audience like that.

“We’re hoping to back that up this Satur day.”

The Mackay Mavericks will return to Brothers Leprechaun Park tomorrow, No vember 12, taking on Gladstone’s Port City Pirates at 5:00pm

Runners Get Social In The Summer

Morethan thirty runners enjoyed the warm and windy running conditions for the third race in the 2022/2023 Shawn’s Summer Social Se ries last weekend.

Race Director and Club Captain, Jim Ford was in his usual fine multiskilling form setting a flat, fast course for runners as well

as pushing his grandchildren in the double pram, even though they bolted once they saw their dad at the finish line.

The out-and-back course also had variable options up to 10km if runners preferred to turn early which is especially sensible when injured or not at that level.

Jim and the running crew welcome anyone who is interested in joining the Shawn’s

Summer Series every Sunday at 5:30pm for a great informal social training event which starts from a different location each week from late October to mid-February. Check out the Mackay Road Runners web site for the Shawn’s Summer Social Series calendar of events in honour of a champi on runner and past Treasurer of the club, Shawn Claydon.

The formal Mackay Road Running season will commence February 2023. All inter ested persons are advised that the Mack ay Road Runners 2023 Calendar Meeting and Annual General Meeting will be held in the coming weeks, therefore, watch this space for dates, times and location.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

(left to right) Daniel Stampa with Bella, Kim Saron, Jo Hughes, Dave Isbister, Paul Mackenzie, Rodney Elworthy, Carl Pinkstone and Lily Leven enjoyed the warm and windy 5km and 10km Shawn’s Summer Social Series

Race Director and Club Captain, Jim Ford thought he was in full control pushing the grandchildren, but once Harvey on ground and Vivian in Dad’s arms saw Dad, Adam Kenesevic, they were full throttle out of the pram

Dee McMurtrie (left) and Jaylene Harrison were well pleased with their spot in the 10km Shawn’s Summer Social Series event

The Mackay Mavericks took to Brothers Leprechaun Park for the first time this season, taking on reigning champions Townsville Cyclones on Saturday.

GRIDIRON

The Mackay Mavericks have started the 2022-23 season with a win against Cairns and a loss against Townsville. Photos supplied

Mackay Contract Bridge Club

BRIDGE

MelbourneCup Celebrations were held at the Mackay Contract Bridge Club. Bridge, food and fun was had by all.

Weekly Results

Monday 31 October 22 – 5 Table One

Winner

1st Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy

2nd Monica Darley / Nancy Martin

3rd Debbie Ludkin / Sandy Patterson

Tuesday 1 November – Melbourne Cup Day

N/S

1st Doone Mitchell / Robert Carless

2nd Janet Hansen / Monica Darley

3rd Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor

Wednesday

Eclectic for Mondays in October 2022

1st David Ting

2nd Diane Stokes

3rd Edward Kliese

4th Nancy Martin

5th Monica Darley 6th Terrence Sheedy

E/W

1st David Ting / Ming Ting

2nd Noel Bugeia / Pamela Finger

3rd Marilin Robins / Mick Robins

N/S E/W

1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

2nd Joy Brunette / Don Poole

1st Terrence Sheedy / Eric Leivesley

2nd Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown

3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole 3rd David Ting / Eric Goodchild

4th Geoff Taylor / Ted Cullinan 4th Frances Brown / Janet Hansen

5th Joy Robinson / Robert Carless 5th Antonia Tarradas / Ian Cruickshank

Thursday Evening 3 November – 4 Table One Winner

1st Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia

2nd David Ting / Eric Goodchild 3rd Patricia Garner / Mick King

Friday

1st Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 2nd Ming Ting / David Ting 3rd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole

Saturday

1st Monica Darley / Kath Poole

2nd Geoff Taylor / Janet Hansen 3rd Frances Brown / Alan Brown

4th Jan Harris / Sandy Patterson 5th Vicki Howard / Elrae Trueman

1st Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson

2nd Debra Goodchild / Eric Good child

3rd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa

1st Ken Seaniger / Joy Robinson 2nd Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Con roy 3rd Susan Wright / Patricia Garner

BMX’s Parish Recognised For Sporting Excellence

The 2022 North Queensland Sportstar Awards were held at a gala event in the Cloncurry Town Hall last Satur day, where a local BMXer was rec ognised in the Sporting Excellence category.

Connor Parish finished a sensa tional BMX season by being rec ognised with this prestigious award at the NQ Sportstar event, repre senting Mackay Regional Council.

The Sporting Excellence award is for an athlete who is dedicated and has gone above and beyond to excel in their chosen sport.

The award takes into consideration the athlete’s circumstances and po tential to advance their sporting careers.

Connor attended the 2022 BMX World Championships in France and made it to the semi-finals of the 24” category before crashing in the semi-finals and unfortunate ly crashed in qualifying in the 20” category.

At the 2022 Oceania Champion ships, Connor finished 2nd in the 24” category and 4th in the 20” category. At the Australian Cham

pionships in December 2021, Con nor finished 2nd in the 24” catego ry and 4th in the 20” category.

At the 2021 Mackay and District BMX Club Presentation Day, Con nor was awarded as the Rider of the Year.

Full list of 2022 North Queensland Sportstar win ners:

Senior Sportstar of the Year - Sar ah Cochrane (Townsville), Weightlifting

Junior Sportstar of the Year – Zoe Chester (Townsville), Athletics

Masters Sportstar of the YearAllan Jefferson (Townsville) Ultra Cycling

Sportstar Team of the Year – AUS CROCS (Cairns) White Water Rafting

Sportstar Athlete with a Disabil ity - Benjamin Wenzel (Cairns) Tennis

Sportstar Service to Sport - Mi chael Further (Etheridge)

Sportstar Sporting ExcellenceConnor Parish (Mackay), BMX

Best dressed man and lady was Thomas Block and Joy Robinson

The winners of the bridge game were N/S Doone Mitchell and Robert Carless with E/W David Ting and Ming Ting

Anne, Faith, and Janet

Clare, Tricia and Cheryl

11 Rural View Drive ,Rural View is an absolutely stunning home purpose built to complement our fabulous North Queensland lifestyle and to take advantage of the amazing views the location offers.

Consisting of two distinct living areas joined by a covered walkway the home provides living options for large families , extended families and guests.

Features of the property that you will love –Living Area One

Open Plan Living , Dining , Kitchen and Entertaining Area and bar with fabulous views from every aspect

Modern ,Spacious Kitchen , stone benches ,modern Bosch Appliances and loads of storage Comfortable Lounge Area , beautiful timber flooring and once again, magnificent views Tiled Dining , Modern Bar with stone benches

Lovely high ceilings

The Gazebo ! what an entertaining space this is with spectacular views any time of day or night Master bedroom Spacious and modern with its own private deck overlooking the pool and beyond

Large Walk In Robe

Fabulous spa bath

Walk In Shower

Bedrooms Two , Three and Four

Bedroom Two is home to a massive walk in robe whilst bedrooms three and four have built ins . All three rooms are light filled and of course also have wonderful views

Main Bathroom , Laundry Etc

Main bathroom is modern and spacious with walk in shower and tub

The Laundry is huge and practical with storage Separate toilet Shelved Store room

The Pool

Amazingly Spacious Pool area

Near New Sparkling Ten Metre Magnesium Pool The hottest spot in town for family fun and summer entertaining Living Area Two

Adjoins Living Area One via a covered Walkway and two bay car park

Modern residence with spacious main bedroom and second spacious room currently used as an office / utility room

Open Plan Living / Dining

Fantastic Kitchen with huge 5 Burner gas cooker and electric oven

Spacious ,modern bathroom

Huge Laundry

Private Rear Deck overlooking Gardens

The Shed

Two Bay High Entry Shed

7 m X 9 M

Awning – 3m x 9 m

Small Mezzanine Powered Other Features

Ducted Air Conditioning to Living Area One Split System Air Conditioners to Area Two Quality Security Screening Throughout Abundant Storage

6.6 kva Solar services both living area Storage Area under Gazebo

The Property

Block size – approx. 10,000 sqm

Town Water

2 x 22,000 litre rain water tanks

1 x 5000 litre rain water tank

Sealed Driveway

This Is a stunning and unique property offering a tropical North Queensland Lifestyle that most can only dream of and only 12 km from the Mackay CBD Minutes to Rural View Shopping Centres , Supermarkets and Bowls Club . For further information contact Greg Smith on 0413 054 742 or Mason Stubbs on 0423 660 118

Often Sought but Rarely Found - Perfect

Many will look their whole lives for that perfect property. The one with the quality built home, elevated large block in a popular rural area not far from town. These properties are often sought but rarely found. Well the search is over.

Built on one of the highest blocks in Settlers Rise by local reputable builders, 60 Jardine Drive has a view most homes in the estate desire. Every aspect of the 375m2 five-bedroom home was designed for space to spread the family out.

The open plan living area spills out onto the spacious poolside patio. A great place to host the largest of groups. This is but one of the many highlights of this beautiful home which will impress your many guests.

Enjoy the serenity from this home whilst escaping the hustle and bustle while still having the comfort of knowing that you’re conveniently only 15 minutes from town. Many will seek but only one can buy it, make sure it’s you.

Expansive Residence with Amazing Views

Set up high on Wallmans Road, in the sought after suburb of Rural View, you will find this outstanding property that captures amazing unobstructed views of both the surrounding countryside and Mackay coastline.

From the inviting outdoor living, you will know that this home is what you have been waiting for. The outdoor entertainment zone contrasts beautifully with the surrounding countryside. The view is shared from the open kitchen which is fitted out with quality cabinetry.

The generous sized master bedroom boasts a renovated ensuite, walk in robe and bay window. Along with 2 other good-sized bedrooms which are serviced by the huge main bathroom.

The expansive residence features a few refurbishments throughout but is true to the original designs and country home feel. This coupled with it being located only 15 minutes from Mackay’s CBD in the centre of the Northern Beaches will make this one sought after property.

Impeccably presented spacious lowset family home, located in the desirable suburb of Glenella. This property sits amongst other quality homes and offers plenty of space for the whole family.

Designed with the family in mind, as you enter the house you are welcomed with a large lounge room. Then onto the heart of the residence the massive open plan dining and kitchen that seamless flows to the outdoor living entertainment area.

The suburb of Glenella is well sought after for its close proximity to schools, Magpies Sporting Club, shopping precincts and it’s only a short drive to Mackay CBD.

This home lowset family home presents its new buyer with a wonderful opportunity for the family to enjoy a big home and an outdoor lifestyle with plenty of living spaces.

If you want a quality, contemporary home on a low maintenance block, but still need room for the growing family, then look no further than 9 Vezzoli Court, Walkerston! Located only 15 Minutes from Mackay’s CBD, the home is in the sough after suburb of Walkerston.

You can enjoy both indoor and outdoor entertaining this summer, as the spacious family room with living and dining areas flow out through sliding doors to the covered patio area overlooking the spacious backyard.

This property is set among other modern homes in the everpopular suburb of Walkerston, just minutes from Walkerston Shopping Centre, parks, West Leagues Club and many boutique businesses. Beaconsfield

The quality family home features the latest modern design, including quality fixtures, fittings, neutral colour palette and tiles throughout.

Consisting of two distinct living areas joined by a covered walkway the home provides living options for large families , extended families and guests.

Small Acreage Close To Town

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213 Shoal Point Rd Bucasia

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40 Coral Dr Blacks Beach

On a brilliant big block, located on Blacks Beach stunning ocean front strip find this solid, light, breezy, tropical, private, family home. Been looking for the perfect place to call home? Multiple living areas and outdoor entertaining areas on offer, expansive kitchen with windows looking to the green vibrant outdoor. The space of offer in all rooms is generous and inviting. Jump straight into the pool after a hard worked day or enjoy spending the rest of your weekends with trips to the beach and dunks in the pool. This wonderful home is yours to be loved forever. Call Today!

2 Sunset Pl Eimeo

Located in gorgeous Eimeo on a private cul-de-sac, surrounded by friendly neighbours. The short trip to the beach is a bonus loved by all. Room for the boat, with the boat ramp only minutes away. Walk into this home and be blown away by the spacious feel, freshly renovated kitchen. The windows and glass sliding doors flood the home with light and views to the outdoor entertaining. The homes layout is practical and perfect. The side access is a dream, enjoy the shed you’ve been waiting for! 2 drive in bays and an additional bay. Secure, private and a massive yard, this home has it all. Call Today!

Price

By Negotiation