Kris Cotter is the epitome of strength.

What was sent to destroy her soon became the driving force behind creating change, not only within herself, but for the many Australians who lace up their steel-cap boots each day and head into the field.

Founder of the Regional Safety Expo Australia and owner of Synergy Safety Solutions Pty Ltd, Kris’s passion for workplace safety was shaped by personal experience.

Nearly 20 years ago, while working in construction as a rigger, scaffold and crane operator, she was seriously injured in a workplace incident at the Gladstone Power Station – a moment that would ultimately change the course of her life.

“An eight-foot scaffold plank dropped six meters above me… it flew past my face, hit my right shoulder and elbow, and crushed my right hand inside my glove while I was holding another plank,” she said.

“It scared the living daylights out of me and was the pivotal moment that pushed my safety career forward.

“I didn’t want something like that to happen to anybody else.”

Determined to ensure others wouldn’t endure the same experience, Kris immersed herself in the study of workplace safety. She completed a bachelor’s degree in health and safety, followed by a diploma and later a master’s degree in advanced safety science – all while working and raising five children as a single mother.

Today, that determination has evolved into a broader mission. Through her consultancy work and the creation of the Regional Safety Expo Australia, Kris hopes to spark stronger, more positive safety conversations across industries and regional communities.

“My passion is positive safety conversations,” she said.

“If people walk away from the expo having learned something from another industry they can implement in their workplace, then that’s exactly what I hope it achieves.”

Kris believes the initiative is especially important for regional Australia, as major industry events are often concentrated in capital cities.

“Everyone always has to go to the big cities for these expos, but the regions are what grow our country,” she said.

Her vision is to bring businesses, organisations and community groups together, encouraging collaboration, knowledge-sharing and a stronger culture of workplace safety.

“If I can help one more business simplify their safety and make it easier for the people on the ground to work safely, then I’m very happy,” she said.

Looking back, Kris says the incident that once threatened to derail her life ultimately became the catalyst for everything that followed.

“I’m actually grateful that I had that incident, because if it hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t be where I am now, and this expo may never have existed.”

The Regional Safety Expo Australia will bring industry leaders and the community together in a first-of-its-kind event for regional Queensland. Held in Rockhampton on 6 August 2026, the expo will focus on strengthening workplace safety across the industries that power the region’s economy.

The expo is currently seeking a 2026 Headline Presenting Partner. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.regionalsafetyexpoaustralia.com.au

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Behind every successful creative agency are businesses willing to take a leap, back a vision, and commit to building something meaningful. Real Conversations puts the spotlight on those businesses sharing, in their own words, how strategic branding and marketing have shaped their growth.

On Point Eyecare is Mackay's newest indepent optometry clinic, founded by Joel Bialy (Optometrist) and Diana Lovadina Long.

From the outset, the vision extended beyond clinical care, placing equal importance on creating a considered, welcoming patient experience.

Branding and marketing were treated as foundational, not an afterthought. Partnering with redhotblue resulted in a distinctive logo, a bespoke campaign and a clear, confident market presence helping this start-up business achieve strong visibility from day one. Here is what Joel & Diana had to say:

1. As a start-up, why was it important to invest in a professional creative agency to develop your logo?

As a new independent optometry clinic in Mackay, we knew our logo and branding would be one of the first things people noticed about On Point Eyecare. We wanted it to feel memorable, professional and true to the kind of experience we’re creating for our patients.

We know the ins and outs of Optometry, but branding and design are a different skill set. Working with Redhotblue helped bring our vision to life, creating something that felt right from the start.

2. How would you describe the marketing campaign redhotblue created for you?

Eye-catching, pun intended.

We wanted a campaign that would introduce On Point Eyecare to the Mackay community, but also share the story behind what we’re building. It really captures the heart of our clinic, personalised genuine care, in a fun, fresh and memorable way.

Honestly, they came up with something even more creative and unique than we expected. We’re really excited to share it with the Mackay community over the coming months.

3.  Many believe DIY options are a cost-effective approach to their marketing - having invested in a professional approach, what are your thoughts around this?

Having tried both, we’ve really seen the value of working with professionals.

DIY can seem cheaper at first, but it often costs more in time, stress and overlooked details. There are so many moving parts in building a strong brand, from the message to the visuals to making everything work well together.

For us, working with a professional team has been well worth it. It’s taken a lot of pressure off and helped us create something much stronger than we could have on our own.

4. How important was it to work with a team that truly understood you?

This has been one of the most valuable parts of our experience.

The team at Redhotblue took the time to get to know us, what we care about and what we wanted On Point Eyecare to stand for. It feels like they are on this journey with us, sharing our excitement as we create something meaningful for the Mackay community,

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The Maltese Corner Fundraising Group Inc has been working since June 2021 to bring an important piece of Mackay’s migrant history to life, with plans to install three bronze statues at the corner of Wood and Victoria Streets.

The project honours the legacy of Maltese migrant men who began gathering at the site in the late 1950s, forming a long-standing meeting place built on resilience, mateship and shared ambition.

Many of these men arrived in the region with limited financial means, but strong family values, frugal habits and a willingness to work hard in the cane fields. With little or no collateral to secure loans, they relied on each other to build a future.

As earlier migrants became established, they supported new arrivals by pooling their resources and negotiating with the local bank to help others gain a foothold. Over time, the corner became more than a meeting place. It became a hub of opportunity, where conversations often centred around farming, land ownership and interest rates.

The gatherings continued for more than 50 years and remained a regular social connection as the men grew older, while still reflecting the same spirit of support and community.

Despite having little formal education, many demonstrated remarkable numerical skill, particularly in calculating interest rates, highlighting their adaptability and determination.

To honour their contribution, three life sized bronze statues were commissioned in 2021, created by local sculptor Kay Paton. The sculptures are now complete and ready for installation.

The official unveiling will take place at Maltese Corner at 2pm on Saturday 18 April, followed by refreshments at St Patrick’s Hall.

Contributed with thanks to Carmel Baretta.

1-  The statues will celebrate the gatherings of Maltese immigrants as they built lives in Mackay. Photo sourced: Facebook

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Swapping sub-zero winter temperatures in the New England North-West Region of New South Wales, for the balmy, tropical warmth of North Queensland has been a deeply energising experience, according to new Principal at St Anne’s Catholic Primary School, Sarina.

Formerly Principal of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Warialda, NSW for the past three years, Mr Mathew Mills and his young family relocated to Sarina to take up the new role at the start of the school year.

“Stepping into the role of Principal at St Anne’s has been both an honour and a deeply energising experience,” Mr Mills said.

“From the moment I arrived, I felt warmly welcomed by students, staff, and families and it has been a privilege to begin building relationships with a community so committed to learning and wellbeing.”

“I am excited to listen, learn, and understand the strengths, hopes, and aspirations that shape our school community,” he said.

With a focus on fostering a culture of trust, collaboration and high expectations, Mr Mills said he was committed to continuing to nurture an inclusive, faith-filled environment at St Anne’s where each person is given the opportunity to know God and grow as a learner in a welcoming and safe community.

“I look forward to working alongside our dedicated teaching professionals and caring support staff to strengthen teaching and learning, support student growth, and ensure our school continues to be a place where every child feels known, valued, and supported,” he said.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity, and I am grateful for the chance to lead and serve this community,” Mr Mills said.

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As scam activity continues to rise, Australians are increasingly being targeted by criminals using sophisticated tactics, fear and urgency to exploit trust.

Local bank, Auswide Bank, is urging the community and its customers to be wary, particularly as impersonation scams become more prevalent and convincing.

An impersonation scam occurs when a criminal pretends to be from a trusted organisation to trick someone into handing over money or personal information. The scammer may claim to be from a telecommunications provider, a tech company, a government department or a bank.

In many cases, the scammer will claim there is a problem requiring urgent attention such as an unpaid bill, compromised account, suspicious transactions or a security issue that needs to be fixed immediately. Their goal is to create panic and pressure their victim into acting quickly, before they have time to stop and question the situation.

When it comes to banking, impersonation scams have become increasingly common, with fraudsters posing as members of a bank’s fraud or security team. Customers may receive a call warning of suspicious activity on their account and be instructed to transfer funds to a so-called “safe account”, share a one-time SMS security code, or download software to protect their device. In reality, these actions hand control directly to the scammer.

Damian Hearne, General Manager at Auswide Bank, said impersonation scams are one of the fastest-growing threats facing customers.

“Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the way they mimic legitimate organisations,” Mr Hearne said. “They often create a sense of urgency, telling customers their money is at immediate risk. It’s important to remember that a bank will never ask for passwords, PINs or one-time security codes. If something doesn’t feel right, hang up and call the official number listed on our website, or on the back of your bank card.”

Criminals often intensify the pressure by urging customers not to speak to anyone else or to act immediately. To counter this, Auswide Bank promotes a simple message: Stop, Check, Protect. Stop and take a breath before responding. Check that the caller is genuine by ending the call and contacting the organisation directly using its official number. Protect yourself by never sharing personal or sensitive information, and by contacting your bank straight away if something feels wrong.

Mr Hearne said customers should feel confident seeking support if they are ever unsure about a call, email or message they’ve received from someone claiming to be from Auswide Bank.

“Many scams rely on isolation,” Ms Hearne said. “If there is ever any doubt, we encourage customers to give us a call or visit their local branch. No question is too small, and having a simple conversation can, in some cases, prevent significant financial loss.”

If you ever suspect you might be the victim of a scam, contact your bank immediately and report the scam to Scamwatch via their website, www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.  

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Wake House Australia has been named the successful applicant for the Mackay Isaac region under the 2026 Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

The funding, delivered through the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, will see more than $7.6 million invested in regional tourism infrastructure projects across the state.

Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Jeff Stewart-Harris said the organisation welcomed the news, having supported a number of strong submissions in the first funding round.

“We congratulate Wake House Australia on this outstanding achievement,” Mr Stewart-Harris said.

“While we had several submissions from across our region, it’s fantastic to see regional Queensland benefit from this fund, and even more so to see our own region recognised. The Queensland Government’s four-year commitment to the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund provides confidence for our industry. We’re excited to see how this strengthens opportunities for more Mackay Isaac projects in future rounds.”

Wake House Australia Managing Director Amanda Pelagalli said the funding would fast-track planned improvements at the Andergrove Lakes facility.

“This funding allows us to progress upgrades that will significantly elevate the Wake House experience for both locals and international visitors alike,” Mrs Pelagalli said.

“We’re incredibly proud to represent the Mackay Isaac region and grateful for the government’s investment in regional tourism growth as part of the Destination 2045 plan.”

The Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund supports projects including new attractions, upgrades to visitor facilities, eco-lodges, glamping, agritourism and nature-based experiences. The program aims to attract more visitors to regional areas, encourage longer stays and increase local spending.

Further information about the fund and statewide recipients is available via the Queensland Government website.

CAPTION: Lakeside Cafe at Wake House Australia. Photo supplied

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Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

MP Michelle Landry celebrated International Women’s Day this year by turning the spotlight on all the incredible women of Capricornia.

“I want to recognise the incredible women who make our region what it is.” Michelle said.

“Through all of Capricornia, I see women every day running small businesses, working on the land, caring for their families, leading in our schools and health services, and volunteering in our community groups. You are the backbone of our region.”

Michelle also highlighted the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, Give to Gain, which encourages participants to forge gender equality through abundant giving.

Built on a mindset of generosity and collaboration, Give To Gain emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, the theory goes, opportunities and support for women increase.

“Giving is not a subtraction,” claim the International Women’s Day organisation.

“It's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.”

1,2,3 – MP Michelle Landry celebrates International Women’s Day surrounded by the strong, wonderful women of Capricornia. Photo credit: Facebook.

Earlier this year, Michelle Landry MP welcomed the successful grant application for the Walkerston–Pleystowe Returned and Services League Sub-Branch, securing $7,809 to restore and replace deteriorated plaques at the Greenmount Avenue of Honour.

The project will see the replacement of plaques that have been in place since 1948 and have significantly deteriorated over time due to age and exposure to the elements. The restoration will ensure the service and sacrifice of veterans continues to be properly recognised and preserved for future generations.

Ms Landry said the Avenue of Honour holds deep historical and emotional significance for the local community.

“The Greenmount Avenue of Honour is a powerful reminder of the service personal from our region who served our nation,” Ms Landry said.

“These plaques have stood for more than 75 years, and it’s important we preserve them with the dignity and respect our veterans deserve. I’m proud to support this funding, which will help ensure their legacy is not lost to time.”

Ms Landry praised the Walkerston–Pleystowe RSL Sub-Branch for their dedication to honouring veterans and maintaining important local memorials.

“The work done by the RSL Sub-Branch is invaluable. This project is about more than maintenance, it’s about remembrance, respect, and ensuring future generations understand the sacrifices made for our freedoms,” she said.

The funding will allow the Sub-Branch to replace the plaques while maintaining the historical integrity of the Avenue of Honour, ensuring it remains a place of reflection and remembrance for the community.

Ms Landry reaffirmed her ongoing commitment to supporting veterans, their families, and organisations that work to preserve Australia’s military history.

1 – New plaques will soon be in place to better honour local veterans. Photo supplied

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Tec-NQ House in Townsville is celebrated as one of Queensland’s premier boarding facilities, specially designed to support students enrolled in Tec-NQ's co-educational senior school program. This state-of-the-art facility accommodates up to 40 male students, offering a comprehensive boarding experience for students from across regional and remote Queensland.

The design of Tec-NQ House promotes inclusivity and social interaction, creating a nurturing and homely environment. The facility features advanced security systems, double occupancy rooms with semi-private areas, and modern indoor and outdoor communal spaces for students to relax and interact.

Tec-NQ House offers extracurricular activities, such as a half court, pool table, yarning circle, basic gym equipment, gaming console and more. Weekend activities can vary from group sports, to attending the movies or going to the beach.

For families passing through Townsville, personal and individual tours of our boarding house and senior school campus can be arranged by contacting our dedicated team on info@tecnq.com.au or (07) 4779 2199.

Tec-NQ is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), independent senior secondary school and accredited boarding school with extensive industry networks to deliver trade-based career opportunities for North Queensland students.

Delivering Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) outcomes, Tec-NQ offers Senior School and Boarding School for Years 10 to 12, providing an alternative to traditional schooling while achieving comparable outcomes in a work-based training setting.

The school’s curriculum is designed to support ‘active’ learning, engaging students directly with professional academic and trade-qualified facilitators. With integrated work placements woven into the school timetable, Tec-NQ presents a compelling option for students seeking a distinctive educational experience that prepares them for both academic and vocational success.

For a unique senior school and boarding solution with an out-of-the-box approach, you can’t look past Tec-NQ.

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At an inspiring reception at the Neighbourhood Hub on March 12th, sponsors, organisers, and charity representatives gathered to launch the 2026 Mayor’s Charity Ball.

The glamorous 007 Casino Royale themed event will raise money for the Salvation Army and the Neighbourhood Hub, which will have a profound impact on the less fortunate in our community.

Mayor Greg Williamson said “This ball since its inception has raised $1 million and we're hoping to add significantly to that this year . With fifteen wonderful sponsors on board what we hope to do this year is to just up the ante a little bit!”

All funds raised from this year’s Mayor’s Charity Ball will go directly to The Neighbourhood Hub and The Salvation Army’s Family Violence Service.

Pioneer Valley is experiencing significant growth, with its population rising by 16% since 2013. Local resident Erin Sinnamon believes the time is right to better serve the community by establishing an ambulance station, and she has launched a petition that now has the support of Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly.

Currently, the nearest ambulance stations are located in Finch Hatton and Paget, leaving some areas—such as Marian—with response times exceeding 20 minutes.

Mr Kelly expressed his backing for the petition, emphasizing that he understands the urgent need for an ambulance presence in the Valley.

“These communities are right smack in the middle of the coverage area of two other ambulance

stations, that can cause delays in response time,” Mr Kelly said.

“This region is growing, and there’s more houses to come over the next few years so there’s

definitely a growing demand.

“With council planning on expanding the mountain bike trail up the mountain, there’s definitely a

risk that the ambulance from Finch Hatton could be out on a call and another needed up in there, so

having one here in the Valley would be a way to expand that accessibility.

“This is something that there’s been multiple attempts over the years to try and get for the Valley,

because of how long it takes to get from Paget out to places like Mirani and Marian.

“The Pioneer Valley is one of the places that people can live, and having the surety of these services provides confidence to people building and moving out to the area.”

Erin’s petition has garnered over 1600 signatures on change.org thus far.

“There have been a couple of separate pushes over the years to get an Ambulance Station in the

Valley, but there’s been population increases in the area, and all it takes is a delay and something

serious could happen,” Ms Sinnamon said.

“People have unfortunately passed away when ambulance delays have resulted in ambulances

taking up to 75 minutes to respond to an emergency in the Pioneer Valley.

“Our paramedics work hard, and all it takes for something to happen up in Finch Hatton or Eungella for the ambulance up there to get tied up and people left waiting on an ambulance.”

In 2010, a Devereux Creek man tragically passed away after following a minor heart attack with a 75 minute wait for an ambulance.

The petition is available here: change.org/p/help-bring-an-additional-emergency-

services-station-to-the-pioneer-valley-qld

1 – Erin Sinnamon and MP Glen Kelly meet to discuss the petition. Photo supplied

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Contributed with thanks to the office of Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, has welcomed the election of Senator the Hon Matt Canavan as Leader of The Nationals; asserting that the new leadership team will deliver the straight talk and fiscal discipline Australians are crying out for.

Mr Willcox said he is pleased to see a fellow Queenslander at the helm who shares his passion for regional Australia.

"Matt Canavan is a man of conviction and a proud Queenslander who understands that our country is at a crossroads. We have a fantastic working relationship; I know he will fight to ensure that regional industries, from our miners to our farmers, are never again treated as an afterthought by the city-centric Labor Government."

The change in leadership signals a shift toward a 'More Australia' policy: an unapologetic focus on Australian jobs, Australian resources, and Australian families. Mr Willcox noted that this is not new thinking for The Nationals, but rather a return to the conservative roots that the party has always championed.

"For too long, the 'all or nothing' approach to renewables has been bankrupting this nation and driving up the cost of living. We want practical environmental protection: an energy grid that uses the best models in the world by blending a solid base load of power with renewables.

“To drive down inflation, we must have real fiscal responsibility and reliable, affordable energy; not a reckless rush that leaves our manufacturers and families in the dark."

Mr Willcox, who remains the Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability, said the 'More Australia' approach is vital for the survival of local industry.

"If we want a future made in Australia, we have to reduce the crippling energy costs that are killing our factories. We also need to get serious about sovereign capability by stopping the dumping of cheap, finished steel products from overseas. Our manufacturing sector needs to be restored and revived; as Matt Canavan says, it is time to go 'hyper Australia' and bring back Aussie-made goods."

Beyond the halls of Parliament, Mr Willcox emphasised that the role of a Federal Member is about looking after the vulnerable on the ground.

"National policy is only one part of the job. My priority remains helping the people of Dawson navigate the complex systems of the NDIS, the ATO, Aged Care, Centrelink, and more. When people vote, they are looking for a representative who has their back when they are struggling with the bureaucracy.

“Only a Coalition government has the structure and the heart to hold Labor to account while providing that high level of direct assistance to the shopkeepers, the salary earners, and the families who are the bedrock of our nation."

Mr Willcox also paid tribute to the outgoing leader, David Littleproud MP, describing him as a mentor and a mate.

"David is proud by name and by nature. He has been a strong force in steering the Nationals and was a fierce voice within the Coalition; particularly in his campaign to abandon net zero and put the interests of the bush first. He has earned the right to return his focus to his family and his electorate of Maranoa, and I thank him for his years of dedicated service."

Mr Willcox congratulated the broader leadership team, including Deputy Leader the Hon Darren Chester MP and Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, who continues her vital role as Leader of The Nationals in the Senate.

"This is a team of patriots who will listen to the people we represent, whether it is fashionable in the city or not. We are here to defend what we believe in and to put Australians first."

L-R: Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP, Nationals Leader Senator the Hon Matt Canavan, and Deputy Leader the Hon Darren Chester MP; the team focused on delivering a hyper Australia that prioritises regional families, restores sovereign manufacturing, and brings back reliable, affordable energy. Photo supplied

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Mackay residents have been left shaken after two sexual assaults were confirmed at a popular beach and trail area during February, prompting police to urge anyone with information to come forward.

The first incident occurred between 13 and 21 February, when a 27-year-old woman was approached by an unknown man on the Bluewater Trail near Illuka Park. The second took place on 3 February, involving a 53-year-old woman in the Town Beach area.

In both cases, the women were approached from behind and subjected to violence before being sexually assaulted.

Both matters have been reported, and the women are receiving appropriate support.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have been in the Bluewater Trail, Illuka Park, or Town Beach areas around the relevant dates and noticed anything suspicious to contact authorities.

Investigators are particularly interested in CCTV, dashcam, or other footage from nearby streets, car parks, or walking tracks.

Proactive patrols are underway in these areas as investigations continue, however, police encourage members of the public using walking trails and beach areas to remain alert and aware of their surroundings, and to consider exercising with others where possible.

Investigations remain ongoing at the time of publication.

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Hey Mackay!

I’m Suzanna, a new journalist with the Life Publishing team.

Having arrived here just six weeks ago from England, settling in has been a whirlwind but the welcome could not have been warmer. I am blown away by not just the beauty of the region but the sense of community here, and the richness of the stories that have been so readily shared with me.

A local boatie I interviewed on one of my first days told me that the Australian spirit was about ‘showing up, and helping a mate,’ and I see this is alive and well around Mackay.

It was so special for me to attend the launch of the Mayor’s Ball at the Neighbourhood Hub last week and meet such engaged, optimistic members of the community rallying to support the vulnerable; through the ball but also countless other initiatives including Dancing with Heart, which takes place this weekend.

The Mayor’s Ball launch event was inspiring and I was especially moved by Mayor Williamson’s speech. His voice was full of emotion when talking about the work of the ball’s newest fundraising recipient, The Neighbourhood Hub, whose team members go above and beyond in their role, feeding the hungry, providing spaces and support for children and families, and serving the community with a smile.  

Life Publishing are thrilled to be the Mayor’s Ball media partner this year. We will be counting down the days to the event, and encouraging everyone we meet to grab a ticket and get glammed up.

It is an honour to be trusted with the story, as it is with every story we have the privilege of sharing.

Thanks for the warm welcome, Mackay!

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