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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Residents in the McKinlay Shire Council area impacted by recent flooding can now access financial support after the activation of Personal Hardship Assistance by the Australian Government and the Queensland Government.

The assistance, delivered through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), provides immediate financial relief for people affected by flooding, helping cover emergency essentials and early recovery costs.

Eligible residents can access emergency hardship payments of $180 for individuals and up to $900 for families of five or more to help pay for necessities such as food, clothing and medicine.

Additional grants may also be available for some residents, particularly those who are uninsured or on lower incomes. These include assistance to reconnect essential services, replace flood-damaged whitegoods and undertake urgent repairs needed to make homes safe and habitable.

The support has also been activated for other affected regions across Queensland, including Bundaberg, Carpentaria, Doomadgee, Douglas and Western Downs, as flood impacts continue to be assessed.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the government was working closely with the state to provide assistance to impacted communities.

“As the floodwaters recede and we learn more about the impacts, we’ll continue activating the support measures Queensland needs,” Minister McBain said.

“The financial assistance we’re announcing today will give people a start on their recovery journey and hopefully raise their spirits in the face of this adversity.

“This has been a tough start to the year for so many communities in Queensland and I want them to know that the Albanese Government has their back.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said expanding support for affected residents remained a priority.

“This disaster season has been tough for our state, but by swiftly activating support will ensure the recovery process can be smoother for those affected,” Minister Leahy said.

Residents can check eligibility or apply for assistance online at disaster.qld.gov.au or by calling the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

CAPTION: Several roads were cut by flood waters across the region, isolating residents in communities like those in McKinlay. Photo source: Facebook

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This spectacular photograph of a Flatback Turtle was recently reported on the Eye on the Reef sightings network by a tour guide at Cape Tribulation, leading a push up and down the coast to share any wildlife sightings from the top to the bottom of the reef.

Since 1980, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has been committed to conserving Flatback turtles through long-term monitoring of their critical nesting site. They only nest in Australian waters feeding on soft corals, sea pens and jellyfish often in the inter-reefal area (the waters between the Reef and the shore).

Who knows what wonders are waiting in our waters here in the Whitsundays?

Submitting valuable data about wildlife, reef health, and incidents out on the water can better help scientists protect our reef, so visitors and locals alike are encouraged to download the free Eye On The Reef app and share any wildlife you see.

1- A rare flatback turtle spotting drives a rally for more reporting on the reef. Photo: Facebook

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New research from James Cook University (JCU) has found that winter conditions may play a significant role in determining how coral on the Great Barrier Reef responds to heat stress during the following summer.

The study, recently published in the journal Coral Reefs, suggests coral bleaching is influenced not only by extreme summer temperatures but also by ocean conditions months earlier during the cooler season.

JCU researcher Valerie Cornet, who led the study, said most forecasting tools currently focus on summer temperatures when predicting bleaching events.

“Most bleaching prediction tools focus on summer heat and assume that corals start each summer in the same condition,” Ms Cornet said.

“We wanted to see how cooler seasons, particularly winter, influence bleaching in the following summer.”

The research team analysed aerial and in-water bleaching observations along with sea surface temperature data across the central Great Barrier Reef between Townsville and Port Douglas, focusing on the 2016 and 2017 bleaching seasons.

Study supervisor Scott Heron said those years provided a unique opportunity to examine how coral responds to repeated heat stress.

“The scale and severity of these mass bleaching events were unprecedented, affecting vast areas of the reef,” Professor Heron said.

“This gave us a rare opportunity to study how repeated heat stress and recovery periods interacted, including effects before summer conditions set in.”

The research found that prolonged warmer winter temperatures can worsen bleaching in the following summer, while moderate winter warmth may actually help corals cope better with future heat.

“It’s a Goldilocks range –– it’s not too hot, not too cold, it’s just right,” Professor Heron said.

“We think that corals living in these conditions might be better prepared for a stressful summer because they are exposed to a little bit of prior heat.”

Researchers say incorporating winter conditions into reef monitoring systems could improve early warning systems and help guide future reef protection efforts.

Heart Reef View Great Barrier Reef Stock Photo 2512856481 | Shutterstock

CAPTION: 2016 and 2017 were the first consecutive years of severe bleaching on the GBR. Photo credit: Mikael Djavadi

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The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system on Earth and one of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders. Stretching for more than 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast, it supports thousands of species of fish, corals, molluscs and other marine life. Yet alongside rising ocean temperatures, another invisible threat is increasingly affecting the Reef — ocean acidification.

Ocean acidification occurs when the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere. The world’s oceans absorb roughly one-third of the CO₂ released by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. When CO₂ dissolves in seawater it forms carbonic acid, which lowers the water’s pH and alters ocean chemistry. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, the average acidity of surface ocean waters has roughly increased by 30%.

It is worth noting that even slight shifts in ocean chemistry can have major consequences for marine organisms.

Corals, the foundation of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem, are particularly vulnerable. Reef-building corals construct their skeletons from calcium carbonate, a mineral formed using carbonate ions dissolved in seawater. As ocean acidity increases, the availability of these carbonate ions decreases. This makes it more difficult for corals to build and maintain their skeletons, slowing growth and weakening reef structures.

Scientists have already observed declining calcification rates in many reefs. Research suggests that coral calcification across the Great Barrier Reef may have dropped by roughly 15–20% since 1990. Slower growth means reefs recover more slowly from disturbances such as storms, bleaching events or outbreaks of coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish.

Ocean acidification can also cause existing coral skeletons to dissolve more easily. In more acidic conditions, calcium carbonate becomes less stable, which can lead to erosion of reef structures over time. This weakens the physical framework that supports the entire ecosystem.

The impacts extend beyond corals themselves. Many other reef organisms — including shellfish, plankton and coralline algae — rely on calcium carbonate to form shells or skeletons. Increased acidity can reduce their growth, survival and reproductive success.

Despite these challenges, scientists emphasize that the future of the Great Barrier Reef is not yet sealed. Reducing carbon dioxide emissions remains the most important step in slowing ocean acidification. This means moving away from fossil fuels and transitioning to renewable energy as quickly as possible.

At the same time, local conservation efforts — such as improving water quality, managing fisheries, and protecting vulnerable reef areas — can help strengthen the Reef’s resilience.

The Great Barrier Reef has survived dramatic environmental changes over millions of years. However, the rapid pace of modern climate change and ocean acidification presents an unprecedented challenge. Protecting this remarkable ecosystem will require both global climate action and continued efforts to safeguard the reef locally, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at one of the world’s greatest natural treasures.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Group.

Captions

Healthy reef

Photo supplied

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This week’s newsletter ends on the Ides of March, and with no Julius Caesar in sight, it was all great news!

Starting with Tuesday the 10th, first place went to skipper John Brown, ably assisted by lead Ian Passfield, who is improving with every game, and second David Bradley, who also played well as part of a strong team effort. Second place went to the team led by skipper Tony Whitehorn with Sue Dakin, who, as a rookie, is practicing hard and developing into a classy player for our little club.

Wednesday afternoon’s Social Bowls was arranged by big John Askew after illness sidelined Mervyn Stewart. The biggest winning team of the day was led by Tony Whitehorn with lead Keith Bates and second Rene Thommen, another impressive new bowler who is improving at a rapid rate.

Wednesday night’s Business House Bowls, organised by Yvonne Spees with husband Bob Spees, saw Team Girl Power claim their sixth straight win, taking them to 18 points. Four teams remain on 14 points, with all games very close—often decided by just a single point. With all 12 teams still in contention, any team could take the title.

The Men’s and Ladies’ Singles competitions are progressing well, with results to be published next week.

No Scroungers were played this weekend due to 14 teams competing in the Mixed Pairs. By Sunday morning, four teams remained: Joan McGrath with Peter Barrett versus Margo Stanley and John Fielding; and Tony Whitehorn and Betty Whitehorn against Bobby Spees and Ladda Purdie.

Sunday afternoon’s final was contested between John Fielding and Margo Stanley and the pair of Bobby Spees and Ladda Purdie. To everyone’s surprise, it was Ladda—who had spent the past two years nursing her husband Bruce Purdie before he sadly succumbed to diabetes—and Bobby, who had been suffering from a severe bout of vertigo and was close to withdrawing, who triumphed. A wonderful win against all odds, and they are this week’s featured photo.

Sunday afternoon also saw 20 bowlers take part in social bowls. Bar manager Fiona Greener threw the dice, awarding five points for each winning team plus one point for every end won. The winning team, with 18 points, was led by skipper Dennis Donadelli, ably assisted by Lyn Graham.

Second place went to the capable team of Andy McDougall with lead Alan Pershouse on 17 points. Third place went to the team of Mark Mawson with second Gail Simms and lead Liz McManus on 15 points, rounding out a fantastic afternoon of action.

Captions

Bob Spees and Ladda Purdie after their win in the Mixed Pairs

Photo supplied

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In the vibrant real estate landscape of the Whitsundays, Melinda Butcher has built a reputation as a trusted and energetic property specialist who combines professional expertise with genuine local insight.

Known for her down-to-earth nature and friendly approach, Melinda brings enthusiasm and determination to every property journey. As a devoted mother of two and long-time local, she understands the lifestyle that makes the Whitsundays such a special place to call home. Having experienced both coastal living and larger acreage properties herself, she offers clients a practical, firsthand perspective on the region’s diverse property opportunities.

Melinda’s career spans more than two decades in leadership and sales roles, where she developed a strong customer-focused philosophy that continues to shape her work in real estate today. Her approach centres on building lasting relationships, ensuring that every client feels supported, informed and confident throughout the process.

“Real estate is more than just a transaction,” Melinda says. “It’s a journey that can be emotional, personal and incredibly rewarding.”

With that philosophy at the heart of her work, Melinda strives to bring trust, transparency and professionalism to every step — whether she’s helping a family find their dream home, guiding a seller through the market, or welcoming newcomers to the Whitsundays community.

Her strong work ethic, local knowledge and commitment to achieving results have quickly made her a valued resource for buyers and sellers across the region.

For Melinda, real estate isn’t just about property — it’s about people, community and helping others find their place in one of Queensland’s most beautiful coastal regions.

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