Mackay Life

Amanda

Office/Classifieds - 0429 035 046

Editorial:

editorial@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

Advertising: bookings@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Amanda Wright – 0428 697 421 amanda@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

PUBLISHER

Rebecca Douthwaite bec@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

JOURNALIST Declan Durrant declan@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com Sam Gillespie sam@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER

Mike McCann - 0427 897 960 michael@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com Jessica Clark - 0419 710 218 jess@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

Publishers Indemnity. Those who make advertising placement and/or supply copy material or editorial submissions to Mackay and Whitsunday Life Paper, undertake to ensure that all such material does not infringe any copyright, trademark, defamation, libel, slander or title, breach of confidence, does not contain anything obscene or indecent, or does not infringe the Trade Practices Act or other laws, regulations or statutes. Further to the above mentioned these persons agree to indemnify the publisher and/or its agents against any investigations, claims or judgements. All material is correct at time of printing and is copyright of CORE Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.

SIT DOWN WITH SAM

Idid my first music interview in 2017 and I don’t know if I’ve ever been more nervous.

It was with Lachlan Denton from Melbourne band The Ocean Party, a band that means a lot to me and is unfortunate ly no longer.

I’ve added a lot of big names to my portfolio since then and those nerves never really go away but, once I get on the call and start chatting music, I feel I’m in my element.

That was the case last week when I got the opportunity to chat to Bernard Fanning.

A humble and chatty man, Bernard was a delight to talk to.

When I told him an anecdote about my mate posting videos of himself driving past the XXXX Brewery in Brisbane with Powderfinger song ‘My Happiness’ cranked on his Instagram stories, it was a delight to hear Bernard respond with a laugh.

You can find that chat on page 22 and, just like Missy Hig gins, who I chatted to in last week’s edition, Bernard will be in Mackay next May for Legends on the Lawn.

I also played some Bernard Fanning on my radio show ‘The Prekend’ last night, something I aim to do whenever I have an interview with a musician coming to town.

I’ve been playing some summer classics on my show the last couple of weeks; songs that hit perfectly when sitting on a beach or balcony with beer in hand.

Next Thursday will be my last show of 2022 so I’m going to play some of my favourites from the year.

Making a top ten is something I started doing in my triple j listening days, voting in the Hottest 100 a highlight of the year.

While I tend not to vote anymore, I continue to compile top tens because it’s just good fun!

I’m no musical authority but if you’d like to hear my favourite songs of 2022, tune into ‘The Prekend on 4CRM 107.5FM next Thursday from 8:00pm.

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Mackay, with locals sharing daily stories of good deeds and good will. From free coffees in the Maccas drive-th ru and people offering to pay for someone else’s groceries to hun dreds of hampers and toys for char ity drives, there’s no shortage of generosity despite the tough times many are facing with the rising cost of living.

In this edition on page 4 you will find a story on Raj Sharma and his family, owners of Roshni by Raj In dian Restaurant where on Christ mas they believe no one should eat alone. In support of his effort, many locals have contributed to the cause, like Connect Housing, who are running a raffle to raise funds to support Raj’s generosity.

At the Resource Industry Network function last night, attendees were encouraged to bring non-perish able food items. They will be do nated to Chances Op Shop who run the Australian Street Aid proj

ect assisting local homeless with accommodation and food. Found er, Kayleigh Brewster, shared her message on how they are ‘filling the gaps’ with a support network ap proach while providing the Mack ay and surrounding areas homeless community with access to essential services.

Even local sports clubs are getting into the spirit. In this edition on page 25 you can read how Marian Ladies Bowls Club donated 23 bags to Share the Dignity. Many volun teer groups are gift wrapping pres ents for a gold coin donation, read about the SCOPE ladies on page 24.

With financial turmoil hitting many families due to the rising cost of living and constant interest rate rises, the added stress at Christ mas often results in a rise in cases of domestic and family violence. Consider donating to a local cause like Broken Ballerina who will be assisting women and children in need when they need help the most these holidays.

Prochem donated $10,000 for Triple M’s Toy Drive Appeal to buy toys for the underprivileged kids of Mackay and the Whitsundays

Goodstart Rural View started a hamper collection for STAR 101.9’s hamper drive to donate to the Mackay Women’s Centre

Sam

CAMM CALLS FOR CONSIDERED CONSULTATION ON ROADWORKS

Continued from page 1…

Along the section of the Bruce Highway from Farleigh to Conningsby, Ms Camm said there are residents who have lived along this section of the Bruce Highway for more than 50 years.

“But TMR won’t consider their local knowledge and input,” Ms Camm contin ued.

“The current design might be fixing the Knobels Road, Nebia Coningsby inter section but it is making this section of the Bruce Highway more dangerous, not only for these residents, but everyone who trav els this stretch of highway.”

Ms Camm added that it has been pointed out to TMR that their design will put lives at risk and will restrict certain residents from being able to operate their business, but they won’t consider these issues be cause they don’t want to change their de sign.

“The arrogance of TMR is astounding! To actually inform residents to make illegal traffic moves to enter their own driveway, to compensate for their flawed design is frightening,” she said.

“It is just another case of a Queesland Government Minister, refusing to take ac countability for their departments.”

Ms Camm said that there has been lim ited access for months to sidings for cane haulage, adding additional stress to farmers who are already caught in a wet ter-than-usual crushing season, adding that she has written to Minister Bailey on the matter.

“I invited him or his representative to the meeting I had this week with concerned locals, but as usual my office has had no response.

“This government has given up listening to the people. You cannot sit back and watch your departments keep making de

cisions that negatively impact the lives of Queenslanders.

“We’ve seen the Health Minister, and the Local Member, the Assistant Health Minister, Julieanne Gilbert, take no responsibility for the current health crisis at Mackay Base Hospital. We’ve seen the Environment Minister and the Premier take no action for the anguish they have forced onto the residents of Eungella and the Pioneer Valley over their thought bubble Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Announcement. We’ve seen Minister Bailey take no responsibility for TMR’s

lack of consultation on the Mackay Port’s draft master plan or local road projects such as this. When will it end?” Ms Camm asked.

“I am calling on Minister Bailey and TMR to communicate with the locals so every one understands the design of this up grade and how it will impact them. And I am calling on the Minister and TMR to listen to local feedback and change the de sign, so it doesn’t impact local residents and put motorists’ lives in danger, as it currently stands.”

MP Amanda Camm met with residents, farmers, contractors and a home business who have been impacted by the Knobels Rd and Nebia-Conningsby Rd Intersection upgrades from Farleigh to Conningsby. Photo supplied: Amanda Camm

Housing Crisis Addressed At Roundtable

ernment but also the role of industry itself in terms of the housing sector,” he said.

“One of the funda mental messages from today is that we need more in vestors and more investment into the region to support more volume of dwelling and hous ing offerings.”

as a region.”

Ms May said there are council and stateowned blocks of land available to be built on.

“You still have to go through the develop ment process, which is the planning appli cation, the DA application, so even though there might’ve been places or blocks iden tified, there are still other processes to go through,” she said.

“In Mackay itself, there is no shortage of residential land … D.A. approved, ready to go, it’s available.”

When Regional Development

Australia (RDA) Greater Whit sundays completed a regional strategy for economic development and growth earlier this year, housing or a lack thereof was a key issue identified.

This should come as no surprise, with housing becoming less affordable and accessible and reports of more and more people applying for social housing than ever before.

RDA partnered with Greater Whitsunday Communities (GWC) on Tuesday to host a Roundtable event, bringing stakehold ers together to address the housing issues facing the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays

regions.

Invited stakeholders included employers, developers, financiers, social and afford able housing not for profit organisations, local Regional Councils, realtors, econom ic development organisations, churches, a university, local government planners, the State government and Federal Members.

RDA Greater Whitsundays CEO Robert Cocco said he’s confident that key issues and opportunities were identified by the people in the room.

“The anticipation moving forward is that we’ll continue to utilise their skills and knowledge and find and implement solu tions not only in terms of the role of gov

Mackay Regional Council Deputy Mayor and GWC Chair Karen May also encour aged investors to enter the private market.

“When you’ve got all those pillars of the economy firing, and we’ve got people that are able to afford to build houses and live in, and we’ve got investors that are cashed up and can afford to invest in properties go be able to rent them out, that’s what we want to see,” she said.

“We want to see that wholistic economy.

“We’ve got jobs available; we’ve got strong economic growth; we just need to put peo ple into places to live to enable us to grow

The Roundtable was designed to help iden tify the key themes and areas stakeholders want to see addressed and is the first of three components, with an independent study and a summit in 2023 to follow.

“The summit is really the culmination of those two where, armed with that infor mation, there’ll then be no doubt a set of recommendations but also broader discus sion around those recommendations by stakeholders so we’ll have confidence that what is put forward will then be picked up and supported by the many good people that are here and some more at the sum mit,” said Mr Cocco.

Christmas Day The Roshni Way

While Christmas is a time of family, friends, presents and prawns for some, it can be a harsh time for others, a reminder of hard ship and loneliness.

Six years ago, Raj, Jess and Lily Sharma opened the doors to their restaurant, Ro shni Indian Restaurant, to those who had nowhere else to go, starting an annual tra dition that hundreds look forward to every year.

Raj said the restaurant moved premises from Ooralea to the city and while busi ness was booming, the economy was not.

“The support I received from people, even though I moved from Ooralea to here, was just phenomenal,” he said.

“We thought, ‘You know what? Mackay’s given us so much, why don’t we just do something for people?’

“There were still so many people out of jobs and a lot of elderly people who were struggling.”

They shared a post on their social me dia, inviting anyone doing it tough to the restaurant for a free Christmas lunch, to an overwhelming response.

“At the same time, you don’t want to see people, but you do want to see people be

cause all you want as a human being is that everybody does as well as you are and they’re healthy and wealthy,” said Raj.

“The very first year, we saw 60 plus people, and it was sad but at the same time I was happy to cater for them.

“We never looked back and it’s become a tradition, it’s become a culture, that peo ple look forward to every year and we look forward to it as well.”

Over the years, the Christmas lunch has grown, with the Sharma’s welcoming hun dreds of people each year, some coming from as far as Moranbah and Clermont to share in the festivities.

“This year with interest rates rising, with the housing crisis, basic necessities are becoming so hard to buy now and people are doing it more tough than they were before,” said Raj.

Raj is asking anyone who is interested in, and in a position to, assist to donate food vouchers from Coles or Woolworths and drop them into the restaurant.

“I think food vouchers will go a long way … so that this whole period of Christmas

and new year, they have at least a week or two weeks’ worth of groceries at home that they can feed themselves and look after themselves,” said Raj.

If anyone is interested in volunteering and assisting on the day, Raj asks that you sim ply rock up and get amongst it.

“If somebody wants to be a part of it and be a volunteer, absolutely!” he said. “Just rock up and join in.”

Join in for a free lunch from 11:00am to 1:00pm including ham, prawns, rolls, sal ad and dessert and Indian delicacies.

“When people come here every year, a lot come as strangers, we see new faces, but when they leave, they leave as family,” said Raj.

Lily, Raj and Jess Sharma

The Roshni Indian Restaurant Christmas Lunch is open to anyone who may feel lonely or less fortunate on Christmas Day.

Mackay Regional Council Deputy Mayor Karen May said there is no shortage of residential land in Mackay

WILLCOX QUESTIONS LABOR’S PLAN FOR COST OF LIVING PLASTIC BAGS FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Showing off the homemade handi crafts of Mackay’s talented teens, the Teen Shed Mackay market stall at City Heart Christmas last Friday proved popular for many reasons.

While it was an opportunity for crafty youngsters to display and sell their work, it was also the drop off point for an upcom ing school holiday project for the teens.

The group are making mats for the home less and are seeking plastic bag donations to help complete the project.

Teen Shed Founder Lisa Versaci said the group of teenagers have been volunteer ing and serving breakfast for Orange Sky which is where they were informed of the mats.

“As a Teen Shed, we’re always looking for community things to support and we thought this was a lovely initiative just to give the kids something to do but also give back to the community, so we put our hands up,” said Lisa.

The plastic bags will be cut into strips and then knitted together into balls to be joined into a mat.

Once the mats are ready, they will be do nated to Orange Sky and other organisa tions to be dispersed into the community. The project is already underway with some

children taking home bags to start on, but Lisa hopes to plan a day to come together to make the mats with a completion date looking likely for after Christmas.

“If the kids want to continue it, they can take it home and do it in their own time, but we are trying to create it as a group where they can all come and sit in a room and chat and create at the same time,” she said.

Teen Shed Mackay is a community initia tive created by a group of mums to show teens how much there is to do in Mackay, with a committee of teenagers advising the adults on the activities they’d like to do.

“Our idea is not only for the kids to make a difference but also for our community to see that our teen kids are pretty cool kids, and they are here to make a change and they are here to make a difference,” said Lisa.

“They just want a voice, and they just want to be heard.”

Teen Shed Mackay has planned a full school holiday program including a dis co tonight, days at the pool and botanic gardens, barefoot bowls, golf, craft and a weekend camp retreat.

Visit Teen Shed Mackay on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok to see all upcoming events and get in touch to get involved.

In his speech to Parliament he said that constituents in Dawson are facing tough financial choices as the cost of living con tinues to increase.

“This is a critical time for the household budget for families and individuals across Dawson. I am concerned about the Gov ernment’s sluggishness to present feasible solutions for Australia's hip pocket,” Mr Willcox said.

“On Budget night, the Labor Government walked away from a commitment to re duce every household’s energy bills by $275. A promise repeated over 97 times. Since then, we are yet to see any alterna tive sense of reprieve and that is of great concern to me.

“My constituents in Dawson are currently dealing with a 56% increase in their pow er prices, which is why in Parliament this week I continued to stress to the Govern ment the urgency of the matter.

“It is getting harder & harder for families to make ends meet, to just enjoy the sim ple things in life, as those simple things are

fast becoming luxuries.”

Last week, Mr Willcox also called on the government to honour commitments for vital infrastructure projects in Dawson in cluding VMR Whitsundays, and veteran’s wellness funding in the region.

“Prior to the election, the Coalition com mitted $420,000 to the Whitsunday Volun teer Marine Rescue, but this funding has been cut by Labor. The funding would go a long way to improve the safety of those thousands of water users in the Whitsun days,” Mr Willcox said.

“Another group left behind is veterans in and around Mackay. The Coalition Gov ernment committed $5 million Dawson to invest into veterans’ wellness. This would have brought an RSL to Mackay, a wellness centre to the Mackay Memorial Centre Pool Complex and a retreat at Kinchant Dam.

Merry Christmas Dawson

Willcox

Wishing everyone a wonderful, happy and safe festive season. Andrew

Federal Member for Dawson

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox questioned the Federal Gov ernment’s plan to address the cost of living crisis burdening Australians at the moment.

“If our men and women are willing to put their lives on the line for the security and sovereignty of our nation, the very least we can do is offer support when they return home.”

Teen Shed Mackay are turning plastic bags into mats for the less fortunate

Teen Shed Mackay are hosting a disco tonight

WIN A NEW CAR

Inaugural GW3 Director Moves On

Last Day On The Job

After more than five years on the Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) board, Mackay business leader Jordan Miller has decided to step down from his directorship.

Mr Miller, director of Explore Property Commercial, has been a director of GW3 since its inception in January 2017.

Greater Whitsunday Alliance Chairperson

Mr Tony Caruso said Mr Miller has been a valuable and enthusiastic director, who has always looked to the future. Mr Caru so said Mr Miller’s skills and passion for commercial real estate provided the board with valuable insights into the region.

“Jordan’s insights and knowledge as a GW3 director helped to establish GW3 as a lead ing economic development organisation.

“I would like to thank Jordan for his com mitment and vision in promoting our region on the broader stage,” Mr Caruso said.

Mr Miller said one of the highlights during his time as a director has been seeing the growth of GW3 and the strong partner ships which have evolved the Greater

Whitsunday region.

“Seeing GW3 grow from its inception to one of the most well-respected economic development organisations in Australia, has been the biggest highlight during my time on the board,” he said.

“It has been rewarding to see how GW3 is now known by political and business lead ers across Queensland and Australia.”

Mr Miller said GW3 has brought a new perspective to the Greater Whitsunday region and has been instrumental in pro moting the region’s emerging and estab lished industries.

Through GW3, others are now under standing the incredible natural features, resources and innovation that this region possesses.

Mr Miller said it is now time to focus on growing his business Explore Property Commercial.

“I also want to give the opportunity for some board rotation to continue the great work that the board is well on its way to achieving.”

“Happy retirement, buddy,” a postman yelled as he scooted past Reg Butler on his last day as School Crossing Super visor at Fitzgerald State School.

The postman was one of many wishing Reg well on his last day, such is the impact the man has left on the school and wider community.

Reg started at the school in August 2007 after a long career in the tyre repair game, previously managing Goodyear Autocare.

“I just saw it in the paper,” he said.

“I’d been retired for 10 years.”

Reg turns 90 in May and decided it was time to hang up the high-vis vest, but said he’ll miss seeing the smiling faces of

schoolchildren as he helps them cross the road safely.

“I’ve seen them grow from preppies into high school,” he said.

“The staff at the school have been very great and just the kids and their parents, all very polite.”

“It’s been very enjoyable, and the people and the kids have been so nice, very re spectful.

“I’ve made some great friends.”

Reg has also been involved in the Surf Life Saving Club since 1950 and looks forward to spending more time volunteering in the future.

Reg Butler wrapped up 13 years as School Crossing Supervisor last Tuesday. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Jordan Miller

HISTORY IMMORTALIZED IN CITY C ENTRE

Maltese Corner Will Honor

The Cultural Importance Of Maltese Migrants In Mackay

The Maltese Corner Fundraising Group Inc reached a milestone last week with the signing of a contract to begin construction of three statues to be located in the Mackay CBD.

The group had previously gained approval from Mackay Regional Council to con struct the monuments at the corner of Victoria and Wood Streets which is collo quially known as the “Maltese Corner”.

The statues are based upon a 1994 pho tograph taken by Joe Caruana from J & J Photography, of a group of Maltese men who variously, for many years, used to meet at the corner to talk and often do business.

There is currently a plaque at the corner which reproduces the photo and Mackay Regional Council has recognised the cor

ner as an important historical site which it includes in the Mackay Heritage Discov ery Trails.

“Maltese migration swelled in Mackay in the post-war era, attracted by the abundant agricultural opportunities. This corner was a social and cultural meeting spot for many Maltese men, gathering on Tuesdays and Thursdays to talk and await the opening of the banks”.

The idea for the statues was conceived sev eral years ago during an informal meeting between local Maltese historian and au thor, Carmel Baretta and Council officers. Since then, the concept has gained popu lar support which culminated in a petition

that was presented to a Council meeting in May 2021, at which it received unanimous support from Councillors.

The Maltese Corner Fundraising Group Inc was formed in August 2021 with the primary goal of raising the funds to com plete the project. The group has been busy with many fundraising activities over the past twelve months and has received gen erous donations from many local families and businesses. They were also grateful to receive a $15,000 contribution through “Activate My Place!” which is a placemak ing grant program co-ordinated by Mack ay Regional Council.

The contract with local artist Kay Paton was officially signed off at the committee’s Christmas Spectacular which was held at the Mackay Turf Club on Saturday 26th

November.

Kay Paton has been commissioned to un dertake the work from her Nebo foundry and workshop. Kay’s previous works in clude the Moranbah Miner’s Memorial and numerous bronzes to commemorate the lives of loved ones, special events and milestones in our history. They also fea ture in the Nebo Museum and Stockman’s Hall of Fame.

Sculpting is expected to commence in January 2023 and the three statues are due for completion by April 2024. Whilst the commissioning of the work is a major milestone, the final vision for the projects also includes informational plaques and lighting at the corner, which will keep the committee busy with fundraising in the New Year.

$7.3M EXPANSION AND THEATRE UPGRADE FOR MATER

Mater Private Hospital Mackay is investing $7.3 million to refur bish and expand its perioper ative theatres to meet the growing health needs of the community.

The investment will allow a sixth periop erative theatre to be added to the hospital’s suite of theatres, where more than 12,000 procedures are performed each year. The project will also include refurbishment of the existing theatre shell to support the ex pansion, a redesign of the pre-operative, recovery and patient amenity zones and the creation of new sterile storage areas.

Mater Private Hospital Mackay Executive Officer Elizabeth Thomas said the expan sion was a proactive step to meet the fu ture needs of the community.

“Mater Private Hospital Mackay’s five current perioperative theatres are utilised by 34 doctors of varying specialties,” Ms Thomas said.

“Currently more than 12,000 procedures are undertaken in our theatres each year and significantly more are projected fol lowing the addition of a sixth theatre.

“Mater Private Hospital Mackay has con tinued to grow since the merger of all Ma ter hospitals and services in Queensland in

July 2020 – creating the state’s largest notfor-profit healthcare provider.

“The merger has allowed our facility to expand services to complement our most common procedures in orthopaedics, gy naecology, ear nose and throat and general surgery with the introduction of perioper ative robots and significant infrastructure works such as the perioperative theatre expansion.

Ms Thomas said that Mater has been car ing for the people of Mackay since 1927 and the current hospital was commis sioned in 2003.

“As a trusted provider of healthcare across

Queensland, Mater strives to continue be ing a leader in the development and de livery of services for our patients, and we are proud to be expanding our presence in Mackay,” she said.

Mater Private Hospital Mackay Periop erative Services Manager Hazel Douglas said the additional theatre and improved layout would be of benefit to both staff and patients.

“Mackay and the surrounding regions are growing, and Mater’s capabilities are growing with them; we are excited to be expanding our perioperative theatre ca pacity ahead of projected growth in the

district,” Ms Douglas said.

“This is an opportunity to ensure we have the capacity to treat people here in the re gion, rather than patients having to seek support further afield in Townsville or Brisbane.

“Investments in robotics locally have also greatly improved capabilities to ensure the breadth of services locally continues to grow to support our community and allow them to be treated locally.”

Work is expected to commence next year and is scheduled for completion in mid2023.

Turtle Nests At Risk Of Being Destroyed A Tropical Poolside Christmas At Coral Cay

Residents driving 4WD vehicles and motorbikes on beaches have been damaging turtle nest ing areas and putting hatchlings at risk, Mackay Regional Council reported.

It’s turtle nesting season, which runs from October to April each year, and residents are being asked to avoid driv ing on the region’s beaches.

“Several turtle nests have already had to be relocated,” A council spokesper son said.

There is also the risk that turtle hatch lings will fall into tyre tracks and get stuck while trying to make their way back to sea when they begin hatching

next month.

“As a result, council will begin install ing turtle nesting awareness signage across the region over the coming weeks,” they said.

Residents are also being asked to take down the vehicle details of any 4WDs or motorbikes they see driving on the region’s beaches and report it to coun cil by calling 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

Motorists are reminded that driving on the foreshore and dune areas at lo cal beaches not only puts turtles at risk, but it can have devastating effects on coastal vegetation and habitat for other native wildlife.

Join Coral Cay Bar & Grill for an un forgettable night of Christmas delights.

Freshly refurbished with tropical el ements, Coral Cay Bar & Grill invites Mackay locals to celebrate the end of year with friends, family or team members.

There’s still time to celebrate with a pre-Christmas get-together. Available ev ery Friday from 6pm – 9pm until the 16th of December, indulge in a three-course, three-hour beverage package for only $99 per person.

It’s the ultimate way to eat, drink and be merry this festive season. The package is perfect for couples, family gatherings and intimate end-of-year workplace events for those wishing to celebrate in style.

As the sun sets, enjoy wings three-ways poolside with beverages, followed by din ner and dessert. Then, retreat to your own luxury accommodation to finish an un forgettable night. No need to book a taxi when your bed is mere footsteps away, and locals receive a special discount when booking the Friday night Christmas ex perience. Simply use the code LOCALS

to receive 20% off your accommodation, subject to availability.

Bookings are essential. Round up your mates or treat your staff with an evening of delicious food and unlimited house bever ages by the pool at Coral Cay Bar & Grill Mackay.

Phone 07 4957 7677, or email us on reservations@coralcayresort.com.au

Other than the fabulous Friday offer, Coral Cay Bar & Grill is open for dinner Mon day – Friday from 6pm. Bookings are still essential as the popular restaurant is often full of diners.

Prepared by Chef Matt, the menu focuses on quality Queensland ingredients. Popu lar dishes include the Fettuccine Marinara, MB 5-6 Score Wagyu Rump, Sticky Kore an Chicken Wings and Rolled Pork Belly.

Coral Cay Bar & Grill is located at Coral Cay Resort, 14 Nebo Road, Mackay. There is free onsite parking at the front of the hotel.

Discover Coral Cay and enjoy the tropical resort ambience without having to pack for a vacation.

Vehicle tracks near turtle nests at East Point, Mackay Harbour

Stewardship Is Part Of Good Land Management

It was reassuring to have the efforts of the sugarcane growing industry – through programs like Smartcane BMP and Six Easy Steps- acknowledged in the UNESCO Report On The Joint World Heritage Centre/IUCN Reactive Monitoring Mission To The Great Barri er Reef (Australia), released at the end of November. Climate change remains the Reef’s major threat.

The report called for acceleration of Smartcane BMP accreditations across Queensland's 4000 growers. Currently, around 40 percent of Queensland’s land under cane is accredited under the indus try’s best management practice program. There are also many more growers who have embarked on the journey, and have registered and benchmarked their proper ties in the program.

Across the Mackay and Plane Creek (Sari na) milling districts, 184 growers are fully accredited, representing 31,703.6 hectares of land operated under best management practices. It’s a 187.5 percent increase on the number of fully accredited growers in 2019, and an additional 20,978 hectares.

This growth in accreditation is bolstered by the 624 growers across the region now benchmarked within Smartcane BMP. BMP is a process- Growers work with their BMP facilitators at Mackay Area

Productivity Services (MAPS) and Plane Creek Productivity Services (PCPSL) to refine their on-farm practices and record keeping, so as to complete the core and optional modules (eight in all) of Smart cane BMP.

Stewardship is at the core of Smartcane BMP. Lots of growers have streamlines and gullys on-farm. They are protective of their patch and want to preserve it as part of their heritage. But also, economically, it makes sense that you keep any expen sive inputs in the ground where they are meant to do a job: nourishing the crop. At every opportunity, we are encouraging our members to engage with Smartcane BMP and to connect with other programs like Sugar Research Australia’s Six Easy Steps (6ES) which puts in place a scientif ic process to calculate optimum fertiliser rates.

The industry is engaged with the quest for positive environmental outcomes.

Locally, SRA staff have been engaged in their Cane to Creek Mackay Whitsun day in-paddock water quality monitoring project, investigating different farming practices and run-off results.

Beyond accreditation, there are growers working with programs being delivered through natural resource management

groups like Reef Catchments, such as the recently concluded Sandy Creek Project, a long-term project through the State Gov ernment Queensland Reef Wa ter Quality Program. Others are working with the Mackay Whit sunday Water Quality Program. Canegrowers Mackay is an active member of the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership, and our CEO Kerry Latter sits on the commit tees for this and for the Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Pro gram funded under the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

We thank both the State and Fed eral governments for their sup port in response to the UNESCO report, but also implore that now is the time to direct funding to growers to support activities like BMP, or to purchase precision ag equipment that helps minimize and target biocide application. Now is the time to get money on the ground. It is on farm where the real goals of improving wa ter quality are achieved but to date funding has been directed towards other purposes and as a result limiting progress on farm.

The Queensland sugar industry is rec ognised worldwide for our sustainabil ity credentials. This only comes as a result of our Smartcane program. This in fact has made us a preferred supplier for businesses seeking sustainable feed stock in the burgeoning global bioeco nomy.

To fully participate in the bioeconomy we need to raise productivity with in quality environmental parameters, therefore the suggestion by UNESCO

in the report that governments should be buying up land as cane farmers retire, for the purposes of revegetation is absurd. Such an activity that actively reduces land under cane would spell the industry’s de mise, rendering mills unviable, removing jobs across rural communities in farming, milling and peripheral services, and be yond: one dollar spent in cane multiplies to $6.40 across the regional economy. And all just as we move to contribute a carbon neutral crop to a renewable, sustainable food, fibre and fuel industry in a de-car bonising economy.

Riparian systems are important parts of the Great Barrier Reef catchment

By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

A National Soil Data Solution

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has revealed details of a $15 million proj ect to develop a national soil infor mation system, aimed at improving the sustainable management of one of the nation’s most precious assets.

Supporting the National Soil Strat egy, and funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Ag riculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Australian National Soil Infor mation System (ANSIS) project is a collaboration between government, research organisations, industry, the private sector, and the community.

Using innovative processes and tech nologies, ANSIS will allow improved sharing of nationally consistent soil data and information through online access for users.

This will help Australians to bet ter understand our diverse range of soils and make better decisions about managing our important soil resources.

Currently, soil data is collected using different methods, by different or ganisations, and at a range of depths in the soil. This makes it hard to ac cess, compare and use data from dif ferent sources.

ANSIS project lead at CSIRO, Peter

Wilson said improving access to the best soil data and information can help promote digital agriculture in novation and is key to sustainably managing Australia’s soils.

“By using ANSIS, farmers and agri cultural advisors will have access to more soil data and be better placed to more sustainably manage the soil on which they rely.”

“Soil is vital to our agricultural pro duction and natural environments, as well as our health and wellbeing. This information system will help us all care for this important natural re source,” Mr Wilson said.

“Productive, healthy and resilient soil means more economic, environ mental and social benefits to Austra lia. Monitoring soil also helps our scientific understanding about how our natural world is changing.

“This work gives us insights into biodiversity, water resources, land scapes and coastlines, fauna, climate and geology. By harmonising Aus tralia’s soil data, we can make it ac cessible across many fields of science and exploration.”

The new ANSIS system will be avail able for use in 2023.

Weekly production figures

Wilmar Sugar Plane Creek Mill Week 22, Week ending 12 November 2022 This week Season to date

Cane crushed 54,157 1,146,725

Average bin weight 3.80 3.86 CCS 13.01 13.14

Cane variety performance for region

Variety % CCS Variety % CCS Q183 26.0 13.23 Q242 3.7 12.47 Q240 24.6 12.98 SRA9 3.3 12.57 Q208 17.9 13.13 Q138 3.0 12.11 Q253 9.9 12.52 Q252 2.7 13.36

Comments:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With the crushing season extending into the school holiday period, we ask parents and caregivers to talk to children about the dangers of playing on or around our cane rail network. Do not linger near any part of the rail network, and only cross the line using designated crossings. Remember our locos are towing heavy loads and can take up to 1km to come to a complete stop.

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

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

Jim Kirchner

Cane Supply Manager

Plane Creek Region

Jim Kirchner

Young cane with cane trash blanket, helps reduce run-off and build soil health by retaining moisture and delivering organic matter Pictures: Contributed

Construction Ramps Up On New Sarina Hospital

FAST FACTS

• Construction on the $31.5m Sarina Hospital commenced in February 2022

• It will be located on a flat site in Brewer’s Road and feature an improved layout with capacity for 19 beds

• The new hospital will provide enhanced facilities and is expected to be completed mid to late 2023

Sarina residents may have noticed changes to the skyline along Brewer’s Road as work on the new $31.5 mil lion Sarina Hospital picks up pace.

Executive Director Public Health and Ru ral Services Terry Johnson said that de spite some earlier delays due to weather, the project was progressing well.

“We are all very excited about the con struction of our new purpose-built hospi tal which will equip the Sarina community with a modern facility providing greater

capacity and better facilities for all pa tients, as well as enhanced services includ ing allied health and rehabilitation, all on a more accessible flat site,” Ms Johnson said.

“We can now see initial civil works have been completed, and building frames and walls are going up.

“We expect to see the site transforming weekly now as we progress towards com pletion.”

The hospital’s director of nursing Pauline Maude and nurse unit manager Tammi

O’Shea toured the construction site re cently to look at progress.

“It’s a hive of activity on site and it was really exciting to see how much progress is being made on the construction of our new hospital,” Ms Maude said.

“The frame of the main hospital building is up, and block construction is well un derway for the office, kitchen and engi neering blocks.

“Additional drainage systems have also been installed.”

Ag Scholarship Applications Open

Applications are now open for schol arships available to those passion ate about the future of Australian rural industries and Sarina-born and bred student Sarah Hamblin can’t recommend the program highly enough.

Sarah grew up on a wagyu cattle property 30 minutes west of Sarina and attended Sa rina State High School.

“I was home every night on the property and I loved it,” Sarah said.

“I got to be home with the horses and the cows and all that fun stuff.”

When Sarah finished high school, she opt ed to take a gap year, working as a station hand on a cattle property.

“I guess I always knew I had a passion for ag growing up on a property…but I didn’t really know how many opportunities there were in the industry, so I just took a gap year,” she said.

“I absolutely loved it; I learnt so much in that year and I think that’s when I realised I really did want a career in ag.”

Sarah undertook a dual degree at the Uni versity of Queensland in Gatton, studying Bachelors of AgriBusiness and Animal Science, with the long-term hope to work on a property.

“I just want to keep expanding my knowl edge in different areas,” she said.

“It’s such a diverse industry, especially now with growing food demands, technology, there’s just so many cool avenues you can go down.

“I’d definitely love to travel, and I think with ag we’re very lucky that there’s a lot of opportunity to do that.”

As Sarah was entering the final two years of her degree, she was made aware of the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship, an ini tiative providing eligible university stu dents with a $10,000 bursary over two years.

The program provides students with op portunities to develop their leadership skills, expand their networks, attend an annual four-day professional development workshop and complete two weeks of in dustry work placements per year.

The Horizon Scholarship Program is open to students studying agriculture-related or STEM degrees with major studies and/or subject selections that align to agriculture.

“Our cohorts are no longer made up sole ly of ag students from traditional farming backgrounds,” said AgriFutures Australia Managing Director John Harvey

“We now have scholars studying engineering, law, business and com munications.

“We have schol ars from the inner city in the same room as students from cattle sta tions in central Queensland, and this diversity in backgrounds and thinking is be ginning to elevate the conversations beyond anything we’ve seen before.”

Sarah has just completed her third year of study and her first in the pro gram and said it has grown her networks, given her countless more opportunities in the industry and developed her skills per sonally and professionally.

“I think the program, in that way, is unlike anything I’ve ever done before,” she said.

“I would just encourage anyone to go out and apply for all of these sorts of things

The new Sarina Hospital will have capacity for 19 beds. An improved design will also increase bed occupancy enabling more people to receive care in their own com munity.

Other features include larger consultation rooms in emergency and outpatients, and a purpose-built rehabilitation facility in cluding a larger gym space.

The new hospital is expected to be com pleted in mid to late 2023.

and take every opportunity that comes your way because your network is the big gest thing.

“No matter what your interest is, whether you come from an ag background or not, there’s a role in ag that needs all of those different areas.”

For more information and to apply, visit www.agrifutures.com.au/horizon.

Woollam Constructions site manager Tony Paull, director of nursing Pauline Maude, nurse unit manager Tammi O'Shea

Construction is well underway at Sarina’s new hospital. Photos supplied: MHHS

Sarina-born and bred student Sarah Hamblin has just completed her first year of the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship program

SENSATIONAL CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN SARINA Arts And Crafts Centre Turns

It On For Mackay Visitors

Christmas shopping was mixed in with a lunch day trip when a group from Helloworld Mackay visit ed the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre last week.

SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORTS LOCAL STUDENTS TO SOAR

The group, led by Cathy Craig, Kaye Lew is and Susan Clarke, were on a Christmas day trip including a tour and morning tea at the Sugar Shed, a stop at the Arts and Craft Centre, followed by lunch at The Palms Restaurant at Sarina Beach.

The talented local crafters at the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre have put together a wonderful display of their Christmas cre

ations which are going at cheap prices, so the group had plenty to look at.

The Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre is a bus tling hive of colour and creativity leading up to Christmas. As well as unique orna ments and decorations, there are a myri ad of gift ideas, from hand-made wooden toys to last a lifetime to fashion accessories and art, jewellery and household items. Check out the standing Santa’s and colour ful stockings, the quirky reindeer or the gorgeous wreaths.

The Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre is locat ed at the Field of Dreams.

The future looks even brighter now for two local Sarina students as Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank announced Zali Hooper and Chelsea Trusz as the recipients of the Sarina State High School (SSHS) Senior Schooling Scholarship.

Community Bank Sarina Board Deputy Chair Maree Franettovich said the pur pose of this community investment was to “provide new opportunities to students that will allow them to focus on their strengths”.

“Supporting the next generation and giv ing them opportunities is what fosters great leaders in our community,” said Ms Franettovich.

“Scholarships are an investment in people, as people are an investment in the future of our communities.

“While there were many worthy appli cants, we are very pleased to have named

Scholarship recipient Zali Hooper said she is “very grateful” to have received the scholarship, which will be a great “finan cial help” throughout the next two years.

“The scholarship money will assist in paying for my Certificate lll in Health Support and also go towards a school ed ucational trip to New Zealand,” said Ms Hooper.

Scholarship recipient Chelsea Trusz said she couldn’t thank Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank “enough for this scholarship, which will be going towards educational trips for Marine Science, along with class textbooks.”

Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank and Sarina State High School have been partnering since 2017 to bring the schol arship program to senior students.

L-R: Karen May, Chelsea Trusz, Zali Hooper, Charmaine Matsen

Zali Hooper and Chelsea Trusz as the 2023 SSHS Senior Schooling Scholarship recipients.”

Helloworld guides Cathy Craig, Kaye Lewis and Susan Clarke at the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre.

Photos: Rhonda Payne

Volunteers Helen Stewart and Lilian Brown serving a customer at the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre

Visitors from the Helloworld day trip look over the displays at the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre

DON’T BE RAW AND RISKY IN THE KITCHEN THIS SUMMER

not adequately cooking food,” he said.

These gastrointestinal diseases can make you seriously unwell and are the most commonly reported foodborne illnesses across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions.

Mackay Public Health environmental health team leader Andrew Jones said Food Safety Week last month presented a reminder of safe food practices at home and the importance of reporting and test ing to confirm a foodborne illness.

“Queenslanders celebrate with food. With the festive season upon us, this is an ideal time for people to brush up on food safety to avoid getting sick,” Mr Jones said.

“This year’s theme ‘Food safety – raw and risky’ warns about the risks of eating raw or minimally cooked foods, includ ing meat, poultry, fish, eggs and veggies, which can increase your chance of getting food poisoning and possibly a parasite in fection.

“A number of bugs can cause food poi soning, however, the two most common foodborne illnesses are Campylobacter and Salmonella. Both of these can be caused by people either eating food raw or

“Year to date, there have been 286 re ported cases of Campylobacter and 165 for Salmonellosis across our health ser vice. Across Australia, food poisoning accounts for an estimated 4 million cases, almost 48,000 hospitalisations and sadly 38 deaths*.”

Knowing how to prepare, cook and handle food properly ensures that food does not become contaminated, and makes sure that harmful organisms are killed, or that their growth is slowed or stopped.

“Keep yourself and your family safe by cooking food thoroughly using a digital food thermometer to check the internal temperature on the thickest part of the meat.” he said.

“Contamination can occur when food is handled or processed by people with un clean hands, is processed with equipment that isn’t clean, or is cross contaminated by other food.

“Hygiene is important. Thoroughly wash your hands with warm soapy water be fore handling food and then again at each change of food group.

“Swap all used utensils and cutting boards when you change food groups and always

wash everything with hot soapy water when you have finished.”

Mr Jones said food borne illnesses vary in severity with peo ple usually experiencing diarrhoea, nau sea, vomiting, abdominal cramps or a fever.

“Most people recover within a few days with rest and fluids but food poisoning can make you seriously ill, and can be fatal in some cases.

“Early intervention helps to identify po tential outbreaks and laboratory analysis helps identify the source of infection or contamination which may help prevent further cases of illness.

“If you suspect you have suffered food poisoning, seek medical attention and re quest a pathology sample to be collected, especially if you experience vomiting or diarrhoea.

“The Queensland Health Food Pantry website is a great resource providing infor mation on food hygiene tips, advice about what to do if you suspect food poisoning and how to report a food safety issue.”

GENERAL FOOD SAFETY TIPS:

• thaw food in the refrigerator or micro wave

• uncooked meats should be kept covered and separated from cooked foods and ready-to-eat foods to avoid cross con tamination

• do not re‐freeze food once it has been thawed

• make sure all food used is fresh and within the use‐by date

• cook all meat, chicken and eggs thor oughly

• make sure hot foods are hot (above 60°C)

• make sure cold foods are cold (below 5°C)

• cool left-over food in small containers in the fridge. Food should be cooled from 60°C to 21°C within 2 hours and from 21°C to 5°C within a further 4 hours

THE FUTURE OF SNACK FOOD GOOD FOR REDUCING YOUR

WAIST AND WASTE

Anew healthy vegetable snack, drawing on inno vation from Australia’s national science agency CSIRO together with start-up Nutri V, will see food waste reduced and support farmers to be more sustainable.

The product, Nutri V Goodie snacks contains broccoli, pumpkin and cauliflower, which can’t be sold and would otherwise have gone to waste, often as landfill or animal feed.

Raquel Said, CEO of Nutri V, ex plained that the company was born from a farming business with a passion for innovation and sustain ability.

“Part of growing veggies can in volve ending up with tonnes that don’t meet specification or there’s an oversupply and there’s stalks and leaves, yet it’s all still perfectly

nutritious,” Ms Said explained. “We wanted to create a business to upcycle that waste into a sustain able yet delicious solution, which is what we’ve done with the Nutri V vegetable powders, a star ingre dient in Nutri V Goodie snacks,” she said.

“We see this as vegetables reimag ined, no fork required, and we think it’s the future of helping Aus tralians top up their veggie con sumption while supporting farm ers to reduce waste.”

The Nutri V Goodies have two serves of vegetables in every pack and are a convenient option for people to increase their intake. They have a higher vegetable con tent and health star rating than many other snack foods on the market.

CSIRO’s director of Agriculture

and Food Dr Michael Robertson said vegetable-rich food innova tion such as Nutri V helps farmers add real value to their businesses, while supporting sustainability in the agrifood sector.

“With CSIRO’s unique expertise and our world-class food research facilities, we can support the cre ation of healthy concept products and in the case of Nutri V, devel oping an innovative scaled process to take it to market,” Dr Robertson said.

“This partnership with a business at the forefront of agricultural pro duction is a terrific example of how research can work with industry for the benefit of Australia.”

CSIRO and Nutri V are also work ing together on a suite of veg gie-based innovations using other CSIRO technologies.

Mackay Public Health environmental health team leader Andrew Jones

Do you know Campylobacteriosis from Cryptosporidiosis or Sal monellosis from Yersiniosis?

LOOKING TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE

MACKAY OPTOMETRISTS AIM TO COLLECT ENOUGH PRE-LOVED SPECS TO MEASURE FROM MACKAY TO BUCASIA BEACH AND BACK

Specsavers are asking the people of Mackay to donate their pre-loved glasses to help communities in need, after new research has found that on av erage, 75% of Australian households have at least one pair of optical glasses or sun glasses lying around at home that they no longer use. This equates to a whopping 36 million pairs of unused optical glasses or sunglasses across the country that could be used by those in need.

As we head into the Christmas period, it’s the perfect time to help Specsavers Mack ay Canelands reach their goal of collecting 200,00 pairs of glasses. To put that into perspective, if the glasses were placed end to end, they could stretch from Mackay to Bucasia Beach and back.

Local Mackay Canelands Specsavers retail partner, Monica Green says that this time

of year is a fantastic time to think about donating glasses.

“We see a huge influx of people wanting to use their health insurance benefits to pur chase a new pair of glasses. We’d love to see more people donating their old specs in store so they can benefit people in need.”

quality glasses and sunglasses being deliv ered to people in need overseas. In 2018, Lions Recycle for Sight sent 334,860 pairs of refurbished spectacles to 20 destina tions overseas.

The World Health Organisation has found that 1 billion people worldwide are living with vision impairment because they do not get the care they need for conditions like short and far sightedness, glaucoma, and cataracts.

“We’ve loved being able to directly work with the community in helping them to recycle their older pairs of glasses. It’s such a great feeling – being able to tangibly see the impact that you’re making”, says Mon ica.

In partnership with Lions Recycle for Sight, Specsavers is now into their fourth year of the recycling program, which sees

HYPNOTIC CHANGES

With DAVID LORNIE ML, BA, MA, DIP HYP & PSYCH.

Panic Attack! This is a terrible feeling of sudden and intense anxiety. These attacks can also have physical symp toms, including shaking, feeling disorien tated, nausea, rapid, irregular heartbeats, dry mouth, breathlessness, sweating and dizziness.

Whilst a panic attack can feel as though something terrible will happen to you, they are not dangerous, but can be very frightening.

The exact cause of panic disorder is not fully understood but it’s thought to be linked to a combination of things, includ ing a traumatic or very stressful life expe rience. The subconscious mind then be comes more sensitive to events which are not actually going to be stressful.

Panic is designed to be a response reserved purely for situations that require imme diate life-saving action. It is the rush of adrenaline designed to get us moving. But, for most of us, situations where we actual ly need to panic are very rare.

So, the problem occurs when a person panics for no (or insufficient) reason.

It’s basically the subconscious mind telling us something that isn’t actually true – an

illogical thought.

The good news is, hypnosis can enable you to stop the subconscious from creating a panic response for no reason. It is a mat ter of contacting your subconscious and letting it know that this panic response is not a good strategy – in fact it is causing you even more distress and pain. Once the subconscious is made aware of this then we can ask it to change to a new, more ben eficial strategy for your greater happiness.

The subconscious learns these unhelpful responses through events that have hap pened through your life. And, as these be haviours are learnt, so too can you learn new, more helpful behaviours. And you can do this safely through hypnotherapy. Next time, I’ll talk about hypnotherapy for pain. Until then, remember: You CAN change!

David Lornie is owner and principal hypnotherapist at Frontier Hypnotherapy in Mackay. Dave is also the only qualified Australian practitioner of the Control System. He can be contacted on 0401 223 780 or help@frontierhypnotheray.com.au.

W: www.frontierhypnotherapy.com.au

To head in store to donate any of your own pre-loved glasses, visit Specsavers Mackay

Canelands at Shop GD2068-70,Caneland

Central S/C Cnr Victoria St &, Mangrove Rd, Mackay, or visit https://www.specsav ers.com.au/stores for more information.

LIVING ON A RAZOR’S EDGE

LOOKING FOR RELIEF FROM

ANXIETY?

The CONTROL System is a unique, powerful method of creating rapid and positive change in the way you think, feel and behave.

The system utilises the way your mind works best, enabling you to get control of your subconscious patterns of thought, giving you the power to remove any blockages and limiting beliefs that hold you back.

By communicating directly with the most powerful and creative part of your mind the CONTROL system puts you back in charge of your own thoughts and responses.

Frontier Hypnotherapy’s David Lornie is Australia’s only fully qualified, certified CONTROL Practitioner. He studied through the CONTROL Academy under the system’s British founder, Mind Coach and Remedial Hypnotist Tim Box.

Canelands Specsavers hope to receive 200,000 donated pairs of glasses to donate to those in need

75% of Mackay households have at least one pair of optical or sunglasses that they no longer use Optometrists are asking households to donate their preloved glasses to those in need

EVENTGUIDE

FRIDAY 9 DECEMBER

Christmas Wrapping

9:00am to 4:00pm daily

SCOPE ladies and volunteers will be Christmas Wrapping at Home Co between Thrifties and Spotlight starting November 26 until Christmas Eve daily 9am to 4pm. Gold coin plus extra for over-sized gifts. All proceeds go to local charities including Samaritan House, Chances Op Shop (Australian Street Aid Project) and Mackay Animal Rescue Society.

Home Co between Thrifties and Spotlight

Gift Wrapping For A Great Cause

From December 8 to 24

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

Mount Pleasant Centre

SATURDAY 10 DECEMBER

Garlands from the Garden

Saturday, December 10 to Friday, December 23

Bring your friends and family to Artspace Mackay during the December school holidays and learn to use different kinds of leaves to make beautiful, natural garlands for a wonderful sustainable Christmas! You can say no to plastic decorations this year - simply snip, fold, stitch and tie mango, eucalypt and coconut leaves together to create special handmade garlands to decorate your room. The possibilities are endless! This is a drop-in style activity with instructions and signage to guide you, parental supervision for children is essential. Stay for a few minutes or a few hours, no bookings necessary. Artspace Mackay opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 3pm (closed Mondays).

Workshop Room, Artspace Mackay Fame Talent School presents ROYAL Saturday, 11:00am

FAME Talent School presents its 2022 production of ‘Royal’. Starring Fame Talent School’s homegrown dancers, singers and

actors, this production will have you tapping your toes, singing along and planning a trip to London.

MECC Auditorium

Highway No 1 Country Music Associations Christmas Breakup Saturday, 6:00pm

Phone or text Betty 0434911712 as soon as possible if you will be attending. You do not need to be a Club Member to attend. Music will be supplied by the resident band and club members. Christmas Raffle will be drawn during the evening. There will also be a ½ ham raffle during the evening. Admission is free. We welcome you to join us for our last Country Music night for 2022.

Metropolitan Hotel

SUNDAY 11 DECEMBER

Mackay Country and Western Family Associations Christmas Breakup

Sunday, 10:00am

Please phone the President: - Charlie 0408 776 564 and let him know if you can attend as soon as possible for catering purposes.

Everyone welcome.

Senior Citizens Hall

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

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

Seabreeze Hotel

Santa Paws Pet Photos Sunday, 2:30pm and 5:30pm

Everyone gets their time with Santa this season, including our furry friends! Your pet will get the su-paw-star treatment having their pic taken with Santa, making precious family memories for years to come. Bookings essential. To secure your spot, head to: https:// mountpleasantcentre.com.au/whats-on/.

Mount Pleasant Centre

MONDAY 12 DECEMBER

Tibbles Word Search

Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm Tibbles the friendly garden gnome is adventuring through the Tropical Shade Garden during the holidays.

Find all the hidden gnomes to discover the secret code. Suitable for kids aged five to 12 years. Additional self-guided activity resources can be found online: mackayregionalbotanicgardens.com.au

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Tropical Shade Garden

TUESDAY 13 DECEMBER

Nature Crafts

Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:00am to 10:00am

Create holiday-themed crafts, perfect for gifts or ornaments. Open to all ages, children must be supervised by an adult.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Meeting Room

Holiday Card Creation

Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:30am to 3:00pm

Add a personal touch to gift giving this year with a handmade holiday card. Decorate a native fauna themed card and write a kind message inside. Open to all ages, children must be supervised by an adult.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Meeting Room

Christmas Wreath and Flower Workshops

Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:00am and 2:00pm daily

For little and big kids alike, these Christmas craft workshops will be a real treat. Thanks to Flowers from Lisa’s, join us to create your very own Christmas wreath or table arrangement to take home and leave everyone in awe. Tickets $30 per person. Children and adults both welcome. Bookings essential. To secure your spot, head to: https:// mountpleasantcentre.com.au/whats-on/ Mount Pleasant Centre

WEDNESDAY 14

DECEMBER

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

Cookie Decorating Workshops

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10:00am, 12:00pm and 1:00pm

The only thing sweeter than being on the nice list, is a ticket to our Christmas cookie decorating workshops! This is a chance to get creative with your festive decorating skills, and create a delicious treat to take home (or eat on the spot!) - thanks to Muffin Break.

Tickets $5 per child. Bookings essential: https://mountpleasantcentre.com.au/whatson/.

Mount Pleasant Centre

Sugar City Rock and Roll Mackay Club Wednesday Night Lessons

Every Wednesday, 7:00pm

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

58 Macalister St, Mackay

THURSDAY 15 DECEMBER

Pot Plant Decorating

Thursday, 10:00am to 11:30am

Decorate a small pot and take home a plant from the Mackay Natural Environment Centre. Bookings required and spaces limited, phone 4952 7300 to book your spot.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens Meeting Room

Mackay Riverside Market

Every Thursday, 3:00pm to 7:00pm

Come and meet your local growers, bakers and makers, chill on the lawn listening to some beautiful tunes and grab some delicious dinner and desert.

Bluewater Quay

Bedtime Stories

Thursday, 5:00pm to 6:00pm

A fun evening for children from birth to eight years of age and their families. This session features nursery rhymes, stories, songs and a craft activity. Don’t forget to wear your pyjamas!

Gordon White Library and Dudley Denny City Library

Christmas Wrapping

Garlands from the Garden

Fame Talent School presents ROYAL

Nature Crafts

CAN YOU BELIEVE WHAT TIME IT IS?

It’s Christmas time!

In two weeks’ time we will all be clocking off from the computer, pushing the chair under the desk, and walking out of the of fice in readiness for the arrival of the fat guy called Santa Claus through the fly screen. How he does it is beyond me, but who am I to ask?

You know what else is happening? Heaps of Christmas parties.

Today I’ll be down on Wood St with my mates from YIRS toasting a great 2022. Then tomorrow I’ll be helping out in a panic room trying to get out before we all kill each other. Wish me luck.

This weekend is also a great time to cele brate birthdays. I’m sure there are a lot of birthday candles being blown out around Mackay and the Whitsundays and one of them is actually pretty special.

There’s a bloke that a lot of people know who is partying like it’s 1999 and he doesn’t want anyone to know. That’s why I’m tell ing you here and I’m hoping that you’ll keep it to yourself and don’t tell anyone. Pretty please?

His name is Paul Rutland. Know him? Seen him out and about around Mackay over the last 30 years? There’s a lot of peo

ple who will say yes, so if that’s you, please wish him all the best for his special mile stone day.

The reason I’m telling you this is because he does so much for this community and he needs to be congratulated for it.

Only recently he spent a considerable amount of time with me in our Jingle Jail at Porters. He did this without any questions. Paul also volunteers his time and efforts for the McGrath Foundation each year for local basketball. He’s coached top level la dies soccer a number of years ago and has the exclusive trophies to prove it.

He rides bikes for charity, feeds thou sands through his restaurant The Creperie, maintains countless cars at his garage in Paget, and he also is known to run up the Eungella range just for fun back in the day. How he got back down, well I’ll let you ask him so he can tell you the actual answer. It’s quite a story, let me tell you.

Paul Rutland is one fella that never shouts from the rooftops of what he does. He travels under the radar and that’s what he likes. I respect that. But this weekend, if you see him, wish him all the best and a happy birthday.

Have fun, Rob

ST PAUL’S UNITING CHURCH

MACALISTER STREET

Christmas service times for the UNITING CHURCHES IN THE MACKAY REGION

‘Christ is born!’

Services

ST PAUL’S, Macalister Street, Mackay

Sunday 18 December 9.15am Nine Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve 6pm Rev. Dr Julia Pitman and puppets Christmas Eve 8pm Rev. Dr Julia Pitman Christmas Day 8am Rev. Dr Julia Pitman Christmas Day 7am Radio Church Rev. Dr Julia Pitman Christmas Day 8am Kid’s Radio Church 105.9FM Mackay 95.9FM Sarina, 88FM Proserpine and the Whitsundays http://my105fm.com.au/listen-live/

NORTHSIDE, cnr Bedford Rd and Fleurs Way, Andergrove Christmas Eve 6pm Rev. Wayne McHugh Christmas Day 8am Rev. Wayne McHugh

IONA WEST, 7 Brooks Street, West Mackay Christmas Eve 5pm Christmas Day 7am

PIONEER VALLEY, Walkerston and Mirani

Christmas Eve 7pm St Andrew’s, Walkerston Sunday 18 December 7pm Carols The Valley, Mirani Christmas Day 8am The Valley, Mirani

SARINA, Range Road Christmas Day 7am Ps Jeff Grant

CARMILA, St Bartholomew’s Christmas Eve 5pm Ps Jeff Grant

NOT JUST SANTA

Santa’s helpers are never the only vol unteers working up to Christmas each year.

We have members of our communities working hard to prepare for the things that go along with the holiday season.

Right up until Christmas eve, volunteers will be busy wrapping presents at both Caneland and Mt Pleasant shopping centres. With the gold coin donations going to RACQ CQ Rescue and the Mackay Hospital Founda tion, so don’t forget to support these groups in their efforts to put back into our commu nities.

With less than three weeks to go there are other charities out there that need our sup port over the holiday season. A quick google search of “donate in Mackay over Christ mas” will give plenty of options, including Vinnies Christmas Appeal, Anglicare Low-

Cost Food Assistance, The Mackay Women’s Centre Christmas Hamper Drive with Star FM, The Salvation Army Toy and Hamper drive with Triple M.

It seems that most charities are asking for food hampers this year due to the rise in the cost of living. For those of us who can pro vide a couple of extra non-perishable food items in the trolley, this would be a big help.

And once Santa has been and returned to the North Pole, our emergency volunteers will be working and waiting.

It’s predicted that it is going to rain, a lot, and our SES volunteers having spent the year training will respond when we call on them.

But we can help these volunteers by tak ing the time before the rain to prepare our homes.

In my 20 years with the SES, most leaking

roofs are preventable with cracked tiles, rusty tin and gutters full of leaves being the major culprits.

Half a day’s work can save thousands of dollars in repairs and insurance claims. Spend the time doing a quick inspection and if you have elderly or otherwise unable neighbours, do the holiday thing and offer to have a look for them as well.

And when we are at the beach over sum mer our Surf Life Savers will be at our pa trolled beaches to watch over us. We need to help them by swimming between the flags and being patient while they do the stinger drags for us.

We have volunteers all over our communi ties helping us and others.

To them and everyone, stay safe, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year!

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!

Cr Justin Englert Mackay Regional Council

Happy birthday, Paul!

Euphoric Queensland Man

He fronted the band that soundtracked a state and now Bernard Fanning is bringing his solo show to Mackay as part of next year’s Legends On The Lawn. The festival in Mackay caps off a tour of massive shows for Bernard and company and is the big gest tour the Brisbane icon will embark on since his Powderfinger days. Mackay Life journalist Sam Gillespie had a chat with Bernard about the scene that started it all, the movement it incited and what Mackay can expect next May.

Powderfinger are one of the first bands that come to mind when I think of Bris bane bands, what was Brisbane’s music scene like when you started playing mu sic and first joined Powderfinger?

I think there’d always been a pretty strong scene in Brisbane but in the time when Powderfinger had started to come up, it really emerged a lot more quickly in the ‘90s than it had before. Prior to that, a lot of people left and went to Sydney or Melbourne or London or wherever else which was kind of a product of the Joh Bjelke-Petersen era government and what Queensland was like, how conservative it was and how closed it was to the arts and creativity. I went to university the year that changed, I was in first year of uni in the late ‘80s, and the nature of how peo ple thought in Brisbane was a bit different starting with my generation of bands and the idea that you didn’t need to leave, you could stay here and be part of something in Brisbane and then branch out elsewhere was new. It was an amazingly vibrant scene and very varied in terms of styling and the different types of bands that there were

Queensland spirit over the last five years that involved XXXX Gold, the Maroons, the Brisbane River and also Powderfinger, did you notice that and what was that like from your perspective?

What was it? Euphoric Queensland Memes was where it started, right? It’s

awesome.

It was great because Queensland and Brisbane had always been patronised for that stuff by, what will we say, the ‘southerners’, and that was just taking it right back to them. How excited are you for this massive tour finishing in Mackay for Legends on the Lawn?

MACKAY TEACHERS RECEIVE VIP TREATMENT AT THE MECC

Last Wednesday, the MECC invited more than 50 educators for a sneak preview of the performances in the 2023 lineup.

The annual MECC Educators Launch is an opportunity to assist local primary and secondary school teachers with lesson and excursion planning for the year ahead. The launch also informs educators of funding opportunities to help cover the costs of transport to the theatre, particularly for rural and remote schools.

Acting Manager MECC and Events, Jem ma Carey said the Launch gives the op portunity to recognise the impact teachers have on a thriving arts community.

“Students develop a love and appreciation

of performing arts early in life, they really are our audiences of the future” she said.

“We are so thankful for the support from our local schools, and of course our major sponsors BMA and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal (DBCT).” she continued.

“This is our way to recognise their contri bution towards the performing arts sector.”

Speaking on the day was Mackay-born singer and songwriter, Karen Jacob sen with an exciting announcement re garding a collaboration between herself, Queensland Symphony Orchestra and the MECC. Together, they will present the Australian premiere of ‘Misogyny Opus’ – an inspiring retelling of the famous mi sogyny speech by former female Prime

Minister, Julia Gillard.

The MECC also showcased other select performances for the 2023 season, provid ing those in attendance an exclusive first look at what’s to come. Comprising of an array of genres, performances are chosen not only for their appeal, but for their abil ity to provide capital city experiences to

Yeah, it’s massive, isn’t it? I’m really excit ed. The closer it gets, the more anxious I’ll probably become about the amount of shows there are and how much travel there is but it’s just so great to be able to go back on the road and do a really extensive tour. I haven’t done a tour like this since Powderfinger was around so it’s going to be great. And we’re going everywhere or within driving distance of almost every where, so it’s going to be really fun. I’ve never done a tour like this where none of the big six cities are on the itinerary so it’s going to be pretty different. The line-up’s phenomenal. It’s a pretty “iconic” line-up, I guess you would say, having Paul (Kelly) at the top of it, especially. It’s really exciting,

And what can the Mackay crowd expect from your Legends on the Lawn set?

A bit of everything. A little bit of older material, some more recent stuff, possibly a new song or two. We won’t finalise ex actly what we’re doing yet, we’ve got some rehearsals to do in January, but we’ve got a fair idea. People can generally expect to hear what they’d like to hear. Not a huge amount of surprises but there’ll be some. A big part of that is trying to put on a show. After people have seen songwriters of that quality all day, you have to do something special to make it good.

Read the full interview online at mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

WHAT: Legends On The Lawn 2023

WHERE: Harrup Park

WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 2023

TICKETS: On sale now via Ticketmaster

regional areas such as Mackay.

Opera Australia and Queensland Ballet are returning to the MECC stage in 2023 with world-class stage performances, and kids favourites Possum Magic and Wind in the Willows are sure to enrich young minds.

All 2023 MECC season performances will be on sale in early December.

Mackay educators were welcomed to the MECC with a catered high tea, goodie bags and an exclusive backstage pass.

Photo: Supplied

New Graduates Are Prep Ready

Excited Prep-Ready Kids and their fam ilies celebrated their graduation last Monday, November 28, having com pleted the Prep-Ready Kids Program delivered by The Neighbourhood Hub.

Prep-Ready Kids Program is for children aged 3.5 to 5 years old and aims to prepare them for primary school. It allows children to learn some of the basic skills they will build on as they enter primary school including numbers, letters, listening, comprehension, cooperation, socialising, experiments, physical literacy, excursions and more.

Celebrations on the day included a visit from Santa, celebratory games, and watch ing a photo compilation of the group’s achievements over the year.

Special guest, Kristi Elworthy, Head of De partment for Curriculum from Victoria Park State School, gave an inspiring mes sage to the graduating children and their families.

The graduating children received their framed certificates and medals from stu

Ela Maglente, Program Coordinator has worked with the children throughout 2022 and says the group took a completely dif ferent approach in the program this year.

“We focused on increasing the children’s independence and focusing more on ac tivities that do not require direct parental engagement,” she said.

“We decided to run the sessions as if they were happening in the Prep classrooms at school.

“The children have excelled in the new

setup.

“This new setup also allowed us an oppor tunity to provide activities which focused on parents such as fitness sessions, infor mation sessions, workshops, and other ac tivities which the parents thoroughly en joyed and, in the process, found friendship and connections with one another.

Ms Maglente said the end of the year event is a special one that families look forward to.

“This year is a celebration of the children and parents’ hard work and resilience during this unprecedented time,” she said.

“It was wonderful to see the families come together and celebrate what has been a challenging yet fruitful year for the mul ticultural families.”

The Prep-Ready Kids Program is taking expressions of interest for their class of 2023 and the Neighbourhood Hub en courages anyone who is interested – either of Australian or multicultural background – to email elam@tnhub.org.au.

Prep-Ready Kids is delivered at 43 Shake speare St, East Mackay every Monday (school term only) from 9:30 am to 11:30 am.

PIPE BAND CELEBRATES CALEDONIAN HERITAGE

The Mackay & District Pipe Band at the unveiling of of the plaque at Jubilee Park on Remembrance Day 2018

The Mackay & District Pipe Band are one community organisation keep ing Mackay’s Scottish heritage alive and are sharing their history in a new book being launched this weekend.

The band are hosting the St Andrews Scottish Music Concert on Saturday, December 10, inviting aged care homes and members of the community to an afternoon of Scottish music.

The book “A Caledonian Heritage: The History of Mackay & District Pipe Band” will be launched at the concert, recounting the band’s 96-year history.

The Mackay Caledonian Association was formed shortly after the township of

Mackay was established as a municipality in 1839.

In 1911, it was suggested that the Associa tion form a pipe band, with the Daily Mer cury reporting of a concert being held on Wednesday, June 14 of that year.

The Mackay & District Pipe Band was formed as an independent pipe band in 1926.

The band has marched in every Mackay ANZAC Day since 1928 and played at oth er historical events including the opening of Mackay Harbour in 1939 and the open ing of the Forgan Bridge in 2011.

These days, the community band performs at weddings, birthdays and funerals as well as large annual events including ANZAC Day, the Robbie Burns Supper, Bluewater Fling and St Andrews Scottish Music Con cert.

“Generally, everything’s followed by a ceil idh, which is a Gaelic word for party,” said band member Bryan Dobbie.

Mr Dobbie has been a member of the band for five years, with his children also getting involved.

“It’s in my blood, I guess,” he said.

“My dad’s played pipes since he was 12 and I didn’t start to learn until I was 40.

“It’s a family thing for us and we enjoy it.”

The band were able to compile the book telling the band’s history with the assis tance of the Mackay Regional Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund and lo cal editor Paul Vander Loos.

“There’s a lot of people there, a lot of con nections to this region from 100 years of it, generations of it,” said Mr Dobbie.

The band meets and rehearses every Thursday at St Paul’s Uniting Church and welcomes new members of all ages.

Tuition is free and there are pipes and drums available to be borrowed.

The band will be joined by 3RAR Army Band, Kathleen Campbell and Piping MaD this weekend at the St Andrews Scot tish Music Concert which will be followed by a ceilidh at Goosies.

WHAT: St Andrews Scottish Music Concert

WHERE: Mackay Christian College Powerhouse Hall on Ambrose Way

WHEN: Saturday, December 10 from 1:30pm

TICKETS: $5 donation

dent representatives from Victoria Park State School.

Graduating class of Prep-Ready Kids 2022. BACK ROW L-R Victoria Park State School representatives Kristi Elworthy, Riley Cousen, Katusha Lee, Logan Beale, Courtney Edwards. FRONT ROW L-R Led Francis Contreras, Precious Anderson, Jacob Mateo, Fatima Lopez, Gabriel Zarate, Patrick Buchanan, Isaac Soriano, Aviitausili Howman, Ela Maglente (Program Coordinator)

A separate celebration was held for Andra Novri (son) and Indriani Indriani (mum). Photos supplied

Marching along River Street in 1987. Photos supplied

Santa’s Breakfast Gives Back

Making Christmas Wrap A Snap

The silly season is here, and with around 15 shopping days left until Christmas, gift wrapping can be one of those time-consuming chores left to the last minute.

Why not make life simple this year by tak ing a break, knowing your contribution will help a local organisation in need?

When the volunteers from Mackay’s SCOPE club wrap your gifts for a gold coin donation, the proceeds are donated to local charities. This year, proceeds will go to the Samaritan House, Chances Op Shop and Mackay Animal Rescue Society.

Simply take your shopping bags to the SCOPE ladies and they can wrap them on the spot. If you have many to be wrapped,

enjoy some quiet time at the nearby café, or continue with your shopping and col lect later.

Some helpful tips – try to separate gifts for specific people into separate bags, so once they are wrapped, you know who to label them for. Please be generous and in clude a gold coin donation for every gift, and larger gifts should be acknowledged with a larger donation. Also if an item is fragile or awkwardly shaped, consider putting it in a box first.

The SCOPE ladies and volunteers will be wrapping gifts at Home Co between Thrifties and Spotlight, every day until the 24th of December, daily from 9am until 4pm.

The

Up until Christmas Eve, the centre is set to host a series of events and activities that give back to the local community, making the holiday season that little bit merrier for all.

The Centre welcomed Santa last Saturday when he touched down from the North Pole for the special breakfast event. There was also a festive performance from Dance Express Mackay, and face painting to de light kids of all ages.

Proceeds will be donated to the Mackay Hospital Foundation.

Mount Pleasant Centre’s Centre Manager,

Cathy Sullivan, said, “We know it’s been a tough year for so many, so it was import ant for us to give back this Christmas.

“We’re excited to be able to offer some free Santa photos to bring some extra joy to families, and our Santa’s Breakfast and charity gift wrapping will assist with rais ing much-needed funds for the Mackay Hospital Foundation – a critical resource for so many in our local community.

“Naughty, nice, or a work-in-progress –everybody is welcome to join in the fes tivities at Mount Pleasant Centre these holidays!”

Bookings are essential to most events, and they’ll book out faster than flying reindeers, so it’s recommended to head to mountpleasantcentre.com.au/whats-on/ early to secure your spot.

Sheryl Cuttriss and Joan Williams were gift wrapping last week at Home Co. The ladies volunteer during SCOPE fundraisers to help the organisation raise money for local charities in need. Photo: Amanda Wright

jolly man in red was popular indeed at last weekend’s Breakfast with Santa, held by Mount Pleasant Centre.

Back At The MECC

Sports Expo Returns With New Name

The Parents Of Pioneer

SWIMMING

Pioneer Swim Club is proud to be an all-age inclusive club.

The parents of our swimmers are often found in the pool swimming laps whilst the kids train or even in the squad itself.

Recently at the last Club Night for the 2022 year, a number of our Pioneer Parents swam in a 50m freestyle hit out – Kylie Smith, Ben Miles, Trevor Seedwell, Ashlee Berridge, Tahnie Malagueno, Jodie Miles, Donna McIerney and Nadine Bee made their kids proud to see who would have bragging rights for the next 12 months.

Ben Miles was crowned King of the Pio neer Pool, closely followed by Kylie Smith. Both Kylie and Ben were Dolphins as kids and are still seen swimming in the squad to this day.

We are proud to boast that quite a few of our parents have a history with the club.

A parents versus kids relay was also en

joyed by the parents, kids and spectators at our last Club Night – it was a right hoot.

The trophy was claimed by Ben Miles, Donna McIerney, Trevor Seedwell and Ashlee Berridge.

Another 2 parents’ teams were formed –Tahnie Malagueno, Jade Bounden, Jodie Miles and Kylie Smith being one team and Bianca Baker, Nadine Bee, Sarah Wardlaw and Sonja Smith the third.

Many other parents are planning to take on the challenge next season after seeing the fun that transpired.

All parents of the Pioneer Swim Club/ Squad are welcome to join a session – Igor will welcome you all.

The kids enjoy seeing their parents give it a go - monkey see, monkey do right?

Any enquiries about our great club can be made to secretary@pioneerswimclub.com. au.

Contributed by Tahnie Malagueno

The Mackay region’s annual sports expo is ushering in a new era in 2023.

Restricted to an online event since COVID-19 threw us a curve ball in 2020, 2023 will see this amazing event return to the MECC with a new naming rights sponsor – JET Maintenance Services.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the JET Maintenance Services Sports Expo and Sign-on would feature more than 100 in teractive sport and recreation booths.

“We are also bringing back all the crowd-favourite events – the mascot race, live active zone demonstrations and all the prizes, like ‘nominate your favourite club’ and random draws,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Applications for a free booth at the event are currently open and we encourage local clubs, groups and organisations to get in quick to secure their spot,” he said.

“The JET Maintenance Services Sports Expo and Sign-on will run from 9am to 1pm, Sunday, February 12, 2023. In an ef fort to make this event more inclusive and accessible, we'll also have a low-sensory quiet hour from noon to 1pm.”

Booth registrations close midnight, De

cember 11.

JET Group General Manager Shayne Ritchings said they were excited to partner with council to bring this important event to the community.

“Jet Group is a very proud local business, with a long history of sponsoring local sporting clubs,” Mr Ritchings said.

“Supporting the Sports Expo is a great op portunity for us to broaden our support of grass roots sports in the Mackay region,” he said.

“The benefits of playing sport and be longing to a club or team are extensive –not only is it great for fitness and mental health, but the social benefits and person al-development outcomes are huge.

“The JET Maintenance Services team are looking forward to coming along on the day and having a crack at as many different sports as we can.”

Other sponsors for the event include re turning silver sponsor Harrup Park Coun try Club and media partners 4MK, Star 101.9 and Channel 7. For more informa tion and to register your club or group for the expo, visit mackay.qld.gov.au/sportex po

Charity From The Valley Green

Members of the Marian Ladies Bowls Club created and donated 23 bags of essential items to Share the Dignity. Photo

BOWLS

When they’re not gracing the greens, the ladies of the Mari an Bowls Club have been busy collecting essential items for women in need.

Last week during their final day of bowls for the year, the group collectively filled bags for the Share the Dignity campaign.

Share the Dignity is a women's charity in Australia, that works to make a real dif ference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or doing it tough. The organisation dis tributes period products to women, girls, and anyone who menstruates who needs support.

The Marian ladies contributed 23 bags, matching the 23 bags they also donated last year.

Active Zone demonstration by Adrenalin Cheer and Dance at the 2022 Sports Expo

The parents of Pioneer Swim Club

supplied

On The Greens At Goosies

BOWLS

The men’s and ladies’ bowls AGMs were held on Monday 28th No vember, resulting in an unchanged men’s executive. Duly elected were Presi dent Eric Galletly, Vice-president Wayne Trannore, Secretary Andrew Coates. The Games Director for the coming year is Ken Lane and Selectors are Alex Cameron, Mick Mackenzie and Clive Wales.

Tony Allsop, after serving for several years as the club’s Publicity Officer did not nom inate this year. As there were no nomi nations, Ian Rowan will fill in for a short time. This will be Tony’s last report.

RESULTS

Monday winners were Sheryl Cuttriss and Helen Fleming with Ann Smith and Isla Comelli next. Lucky draw winners were Jean Zamparutti and Michele Stockton. Wednesday ladies’ day comp resulted

in a win for Lorraine Silman and Hilary Jones-Rowan. Runners-up were C. Wall man and Ann Smith.

Thursday winners once again were Barry and Francis Lehmann, with Carmel Bell and Greg McLean in second spot. Greens Vouchers went to D. Wootton, Rick Dunn and Andrew Coates.

Friday’s big winners were Wayne Miet zel and Maryann Bartolo who took home $75 each. Winner’s card draw went to Lois Deguara and Robbo Hobbs, with Shirley Bartolo and Eric Galletly taking the loser’s prize.

Saturday men’s day was taken out by Eric Galletly and Kevin Dwyer with Ken Mar tin and Clive Wales runners-up. Shane Trannore and visitor Todd Hansen won the jackpot.

Contributed by Tony Allsop

Tony began contributing North Mackay bowls news to newspapers in 2016, and later to Qld Bowler

The executive committee for this year is Andrew Coates, Secretary, Eric Galletly President and Games controller, Ken Lane. Absent is vice-president Wayne Trannore

Magic Meg Knows How To Hit

Pathway To Success For Outstanding 17-Year-Old All-Rounder McCartney

She started in Mackay & District Cricket Association’s Under 10 Boys competition and by the age of 13 was donning the pads and sharing the new ball for the Mackay/ Whitsunday junior representative teams.

CRICKET

She can mix it with the finest male cricketers in the Mackay region, isn’t phased when facing extreme pace bowling and has even upstaged her father at the batting crease.

Meet talented 17-year-old all-rounder Meg McCartney – the Queensland Schoolgirls representative cricket captain with the poise, technique and potential to leave her mark on the women’s sporting scene.

Keen cricket judges have tipped a bright future for the teen sensation, who has turned in standout performances this sea son in both male and female competitions – showing her wares in the junior and se nior ranks.

Meg, who has just completed her High er School Certificate examinations at St Patrick’s College Mackay, recently linked with the Valleys Cricket Club in the Bris bane Women’s Premier League Cricket first grade competition where she will play alongside Australia’s World Cup-winning off spinner Jess Jonassen.

A product of the Mackay Brothers Crick et Club, young Meg picked up her first bat and cricket ball at the age of nine while participating in the Master Blaster events at Harrup Park for aspiring junior crick eters.

She started in Mackay & District Cricket Association’s Under 10 Boys competition and by the age of 13 was donning the pads and sharing the new ball for the Mackay/ Whitsunday junior representative teams.

A prolific wicket taker with her sharp pace bowling and top order batter, Meg has progressed through to the senior men’s ranks and is now a permanent fixture in the Brothers second grade X1 where she plays alongside her experi enced father Dean, a seasoned cam paigner and club stalwart who is the current Girls Crick et Co-ordi nator. Both have enjoyed batting togeth er in key moments with quicksilver Meg peeling off some big scores and keeping her dad on his toes while navigating quick singles or twos with her sharp running between the wickets.

Boasting a top score of 88 not out, the gun all-rounder led the Capricornia School girl representative teams from the age of 13 and last year captained the St Patrick’s/ Mercy College senior women’s team to a Queensland Secondary Schools Twen

ty20 State Chal lenge title with superb batting and bowling dis

Meg named Brothers Mackay Cricket Ju nior De velopment Co-ordi nator Kim Evetts as be ing a huge influence on her career along with Club President Bradley Beardmore and school mentors Adam Knezevic and Chris Dunn.

Her leadership skills came to the fore this season when she captained the Queensland Schoolgirls cricket team in

the annual Challenge series with NSW on the Sunshine Coast – leading the way with her tenacious batting and bulk wickets.

Meg will line up for North Queensland against South Queensland in a selection trial for the Queensland Country squad to compete at the National Country Cricket Championships in Canberra and was ap pointed vice captain of Brisbane Premier Cricket League franchise Western Power for the recent Twenty20 series where she gained valuable experience.

An opportunity to learn from internation al all-rounder Jess Jonassen inspired Meg to join the Valleys club for this summer’s Brisbane Premier Cricket League Women’s first grade competition.

It is another giant step towards realising her childhood dream of playing for the Queensland Fire one day in the Women’s National Cricket League limited overs se ries.

By Chris Karas

Mackay's rising cricket all-rounder Meg McCartney, 17, captained the Queensland Schoolgirls representative team in 2022. Photos supplied

Meg McCartney shows her style at the batting crease

Sport brought to you by

MAJOR MOVE FOR METEORS

BASKETBALL

The McDonald’s Mackay Me teors have completed a major NBL1 North off-season move, signing dynamic Tasmania Jack Jumpers guard Isaac White for 2023.

White joins the Meteors after two successful NBL1 North campaigns with the Ipswich Force, where he av eraged 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists across 25 games.

Following his stellar 2022 NBL1 sea son, the 24-year-old signed with the Tasmania JackJumpers in August as a nominated NBL replacement player. White agreed to extend his stay on the Apple Isle for the remainder of the 2022-23 NBL season, after con verting his deal into a development player position.

Prior to joining Tasmania, White spent two NBL seasons with the Ill awarra Hawks after graduating from Stanford University in 2020. He also rep resented Australia at the 2019 World Uni versity Games in Italy.

Across his career White has developed sharpshooting status and a reputation as a high-energy hooper.

McDonald’s Mackay Meteors Head Coach Joel Khalu said the recruitment of Isaac White was a massive coup for the club.

“Isaac is certainly a person who fits per fectly within our Meteors culture,” Khalu said.

“He’s a competitor who works exception ally hard at both ends of the floor. He’s shown an ability to score at both the NBL and NBL1 levels and can defend multiple spots too.

“Most importantly though, he’s a teamfirst guy who has a desire to win a cham

QUEENSLAND COUNTRY

pionship.

“While he’s still young, we’ll be looking to Isaac to bring some leadership to our group as well. He’s been involved in some elite programs and those locker-room ex periences will also add tremendous value to our team.”

While Khalu was aware of White from his consistent performances across the 2022 NBL1 season, it was his efforts for Ipswich

in an 80-72 win against Mackay in Round 7 that stuck with the Meteors head coach.

“The game which Ipswich beat us at their place last season, Isaac finished with 24 points, 9 rebounds, 8 steals and 4 assists. To do that against the best defensive team in the league was certainly impressive,” Khalu added.

“It was the type of display that reso nates with you as a coach and helped my reasoning to recruit him.”

White shared his excitement about the move north.

“I’m really looking forward to mak ing the move up to Mackay for the upcoming season.

“From the outside looking in, I’ve al ways had respect for the profession alism and competitiveness of Mackay Basketball, and I think the fit is per fect,” White said.

“I also love the way in which the Mackay community rallies around their basketball teams, and I can’t wait to play in front of them. I’m excited to bring my shooting and defence to this group and chase a championship with this team.”

White will arrive in the Sugar City at the end of the NBL season in February next year.

CAPS FOR TOP TRIO

Star Mackay-Whitsunday representa tive all-rounders Sam Vassallo, Mason Kohler and Lane Kohler will line up for the Queensland Country X1 at the upcoming National Country Cricket Championships in Canberra.

The talented trio (pictured) were chosen af ter top performances for North Queensland in the XXXX Cup 50 overs selection trial against South Queensland Country Cricket staged in Mackay.

Vassallo, a prolific opening batsman and classy wicket keeper from the Walkerston Cricket Club, has shone with the bat and be hind the stumps this season and will make his debut in the Queensland Country side, along with the versatile Lane Kohler, a young quick and dashing batsman from the Norths club in the Mackay & District Cricket Association.

Lane will be joined by brother Mason Kohler

– another Norths product – who returns to the State team as an opening tearaway bowler and capable batsman for the National titles that commence in early January.

Three of Mackay-Whitsunday’s most promis ing junior cricketers – Zane Newton, Jackson Evetts and Nick Beardmore – have gained selection in the North Queensland Cricket Association Under 18 representative squad to contest the Ron Bushby Shield in April 2023.

The team will be skippered by outstanding colt Matthew Wilkins, recipient of the Kev Maher Award for Player of the Under 18 Championships and one of four Cricket Far North players named in the team along with Gareth Thomas, Kobi Johnston and Seth Mc Ginty.

Other squad members include Joshua Welsh (Central Queensland) and North Queensland reps Adam Camer, keeper John McLean, Ben Ramsbotham and Kai Adami.

By Chris Karas

#4 Isaac White in action for the Tasmania JackJumpers during the 2022-23 NBL season. Picture: Tasmania JackJumpers

Mackay-Whitsunday representative cricket stars Sam Vassallo, Mason Kohler and Lane Kohler shape up as key players for Queensland Country at the 2023 National Country Cricket Championships in Canberra next month

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

Disclaimer: All information contained herein is gathered from sources we believe to be reliable. However, we cannot guarantee its accuracy and interested persons should rely on their own enquiries.

tops, dishwasher, quality appliances and plenty of storage adjoining the light filled living /dining area with lovely high ceilings and opening to a very spacious main balcony.

On this level you will also find a well-appointed master bedroom with spa, ensuite with walk in shower and walk in robe. Bedrooms two and three are very spacious with built-ins and serviced by a main bathroom with walk-in shower and separate toilet.

Designed for Comfortable Modern Living

Designed for comfort, this modern home is located in the growing suburb of Andergrove.

The well thought out home has been designed for the whole family in mind. Internally, the home includes an open plan living area and 3 generously sized bedrooms.

The smartly designed kitchen boasts a classy finish, with quality benchtops, tiled splash back, gas stove and attractive cabinetry on display.

The home is ideally located in the ever-popular suburb of Andergrove . The estate is located only a few minutes from everything – shops, schools, and beaches. Get in quick to secure this modern home today!

By Negotiation

What 5 Star Experience! From start to finish, Gardian and the team of Ben, Mick, Ryan and Rhiannon were perfect to deal with. Thorough and communicative throughout helped achieve a result that we were very happy with. Couldn’t recommend more highly.

- Seller

RE

6B1 5 Regency St, Beaconsfield $665,000 Neg12:00-12:30Explore

7B1 15 Trasero Cct, Beaconsfield By Negotiation9:00-9:30Explore

8B134 Madison Ave, Glenella O/F $599K9:00-9:30Gardian 85 Danmaar Dr, Habana O/F $649K11:15-11:45Gardian

9C25/1 Nelson St, Mackay O/F $579K10:00-10:30Gardian

10C224/26 River St, Mackay BY NEG 10:00-11:00Gardian 11 C236/26 River St, Mackay BY NEG 10:00-11:00Gardian

12C227/26 River St, Mackay BY NEG 10:00-11:00Gardian

13C2704/27 River St, Mackay By Negotiation10:00-10:30Explore

14B26 Holack St, North Mackay O/O $319,0002:30-3:00Explore

15B234 Burgess St, North Mackay

WIN A NEW CAR

704/27 River Street Mackay

Nestled on the seventh floor of the Crown Apartments along the Pioneer riverfront this apartment presents a new lifestyle opportunity. Stepping inside you’re welcomed into the main living area where you’ll find the kitchen, dining and lounge. Not only does this home have three bedrooms it also has three bathrooms, as there is a fully self-contained studio apartment within. Relish in the private community courtyard and lap pool with spa where you don’t have to lift a finger. Plus, enjoy direct access via a lift from your basement carpark and when visitors come by there is a telecom system to buzz them in.

This newly built home is the perfect starter, located in an immaculate new neighbourhood with stunning new homes as your neighbours. Gorgeous street appeal, walk inside and let your eyes be drawn down the centre of this ultra-modern home through to the hub of 10 Coot Street. A beautiful large kitchen, so full of light this space is designed open plan. Positioned looking out to the expansive yard and outdoor entertaining. The dining and lounge are spacious and bright. With amazing side access, there is room for shed and pool. This home is second to none. Call Today!

10 Coot St Rural View

By Negotiation By Negotiation Saturday 10:00 - 10:30am By Appointment

3 2

1 2

BED BATH CAR BED BATH CAR

3 3

Ben Chick Stacy Brand

0418 764 399 0415 134 717

128 Blacks Beach Rd Eimeo

This rare opportunity, perfect for anyone looking to start their next project and create their dream home. Featuring a kitchen and dining room, large living area with timber floorboards, fans, a/c with access to dining and kitchen room. Master includes fan, WIR and ensuite. Bed 2 with wooden flooring. Bed 3 with carpet. Office or spare bedroom carpeted. Formal bathroom includes a tub. Outdoor entertaining area with access to the pool. Fully fenced pool area perfect for hot holidays. Fully fenced allotment. Development potential – 6 duplexes’, 2-bedroom units.

7 Duranbah CctBlacks Beach

Secure the perfect family home that offers an abundance of living space in a gorgeous street that neighbours the tranquil nature reserve. Hear the ocean from your backyard! High ceilings will welcome you, appreciate the light and bright feel throughout. Presented with absolute prestige. Imagine yourself living here and making memories for a lifetime to come. Offering a separate lounge room that is tucked away, this feature is always well sought after. Located in beautiful Blacks Beach, drive a couple of minutes to the stunning beaches. Call Today!

Price

By Negotiation