Mackay Safety has been nominated for the Expansion into New Markets Award – sponsored by Capricornia Pumped Hydro – at the upcoming 2025 Resource Industry Network (RIN) Awards. The nomination recognises their innovative payroll integration tool within the 4P Forms mobile platform, which is transforming industry data management.

Designed to digitise and streamline critical business records, 4P Forms enables workers to submit timesheets, pre-start forms, service sheets, issue reporting, tasking, supervisor notifications and more directly from the field, even offline. The platform integrates smoothly with payroll dashboards and accounting software, allowing payroll administrators to review and correct data in real-time before import, dramatically reducing errors and saving valuable time.

“We built a secure integration with a payroll dashboard that combines timesheet data from 4P Forms with employee details from the financial system, such as employee type and pay items.

“This integration breaks down the payroll data so the payroll administrator can view it in real time,” said Mick Storch, Owner and Managing Director of Mackay Safety.

“What this allows you to do is, check it all, approve it, and then import it back into the financial system 100% right – with no stress.

“The advantage being it’s universal… a entire business can be completely paperless in the true sense of that – and we’ve done it.”

From its origins addressing compliance gaps on Australian mine sites 15 years ago to evolving into a comprehensive operational tool, Mackay Safety is reshaping how industries capture and manage data.

Key contributors to the project include Karen Trezise (Office Manager), Ben Lewis (Principal Developer), Don Irvine (Managing Director of CQ Exploration), and Mick Storch.

Visit mackaysafety.com.au for more information on this revolutionary app.

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Celebrating Mackay’s Industry Trailblazers

The Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region has never been short on heavy hitters in the resources sector, and this year’s Resource Industry Network (RIN) Awards finalists prove that excellence here isn’t just a habit, it’s a standard.

Among the names stepping into the 2025 spotlight are four standouts already making waves nationally: ALT Industries, with Tristan Turnbull earning recognition in the Standing Out from the Crowd category; Mackay Safety, whose payroll data app innovation has turned heads far beyond Queensland; Gardian, celebrated for its deep-rooted community engagement; and Richglen, a company whose culture-first approach is proving that people are the foundation of long-term success.

They’re joined by a host of other outstanding businesses across seven categories, showcasing achievements in safety, manufacturing, innovation, inclusion, and market expansion. But for these four, the RIN Awards nod is another chapter in stories already defined by vision, resilience, and impact.

RIN General Manager Dean Kirkwood said this year’s finalists are proof of a sector that thrives under pressure.

“Global uncertainty, economic pressures and shifting markets have tested even the most established operators,” Mr Kirkwood said.

“But in true Greater Mackay Region fashion, our sector hasn’t backed down. Instead, it’s adapted, grown, and doubled down on innovation and community impact.”

The winners will be revealed on Friday, 22 August at a black-tie gala at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, hosted by comedian and television personality Ed Kavalee and featuring live music from The Luke Miller Band. The night promises not just recognition, but a celebration of the values that set the METS and resources sector apart: ingenuity, community, and a relentless drive to improve.

As the countdown begins, all eyes are on the innovators, leaders and game-changers who continue to prove that in this region, excellence isn’t the exception, it’s the expectation.

2025 RIN Awards Finalists

Safety Foremost Award – Sponsored by Diacon Australia
• Ausgroup
• FMS Group
• Aurizon

Champion Culture Award – Sponsored by FMS Group
• Richglen
• Kaefer

Connecting in the Community Award – Sponsored by Local Buying Foundation
• Mackay Women’s Services
• Gardian
• BMA Hay Point Coal Terminal

Expansion into New Markets Award – Sponsored by Capricornia Pumped Hydro
• IQ Solutions
• Mackay Safety
• ALT Industries

Manufacturing Excellence Award – Sponsored by Queensland Manufacturing Hubs
• Jet Engineering
• IQ Solutions
• M & P Services

Standing Out from the Crowd Award – Sponsored by Onsite Training Australia
• ALT Industries – Tristan Turnbull
• Tropical Exposure – Robert Cox
• Glencore – Colin Hoyle

Inclusion and Diversity Award – Sponsored by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA)
• North Queensland Bulk Ports

Read more about these industry leaders and their inspiring stories in our exclusive RIN Awards feature on pages 23 to 25. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate Mackay’s finest at the gala event on August 22 — a night where innovation, resilience, and community spirit take centre stage.

Event Details

What: RIN Awards Gala Dinner 2025
When: Friday 22 August 2025
Where: Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC), 258 Alfred Street, Mackay QLD 4740
Time: 6:00 pm – Late
MC: Ed Kavalee
Entertainment: The Luke Miller Band
Dress Code: Black Tie
Tickets: Book online at www.rin.org.au

The RIN Awards 2024 was a huge success and organisers are looking forward to celebrating with industry leaders again this year

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With Dual RIN Nominations

At just 24 years old, Mackay’s Tristan Turnbull is redefining chemical safety and compliance in the resource industry, and the country is taking notice. His innovative leadership has earned him not one but two nominations in the 2025 Resource Industry Network (RIN) Awards: Expansion into New Markets and Standing Out from the Crowd.

Tristan spearheads ALT Industries, with his father and business partner John Turnbull, a specialist provider of hazardous goods management, spill response, and chemical compliance solutions. He’s bridging the knowledge and service gap for local businesses, and doing so with global precision.

“He’s only 24 and already leading the charge in an area no one else was touching,” John says.

“He’s created a service that’s now being recognised nationally and internationally.”

Tristan’s journey began humbly, helping with weekend data entry. But his flair for systems and real-world problem-solving rapidly transformed ALT Industries. Today, they support clients across ports, schools, mines, and even overseas in New Zealand, with Great Britain now expressing interest.

“We’re in correspondence with Great Britain… they’ve asked Tristan if he’d be interested in helping them develop what he’s built here,” John says.

Still, regional support remains at the core of his mission.

“People often think they need to fly someone in from the bigger cities… But they don’t realise we’re right here in Mackay,” Tristan says.

“We want to be a one-stop solution. Not a company that yells loud but can’t deliver.”

ALT Industries’ services extend beyond consulting. The team conducts full-site hazardous goods audits, manages digital SDS platforms like Chemwatch, coordinates chemical registers, and delivers hands-on spill kit maintenance. But what sets them apart is their commitment to stay on-site, provide training, and support their clients every step of the way.

“We don’t just give you a report and wish you good luck. We stay on site, train your team, and help implement the changes,” says John.

“We're not here to judge – we’re here to help, and guide our clients every step of the way.”

This people-first approach is filling a void in the safety sector. Many clients are under-resourced, often inheriting chemical management responsibilities without training or support.

“There’s so much anxiety from staff who’ve inherited these roles without the right training.

“We’re here to reduce that fear,” John says.

With plans to launch accredited training and advanced digital tools in future, the father-son team is committed to making chemical safety an accessible, confident practice.

And they’re doing it the right way.

“We’re building all the tools first, so that when we go to market or go global, we’re ready. If we’re going to be recognised specialists, we need to have everything in place and do it right.”

Backed by industry heavyweights like Anglo, Glencore, and Fitzroy, Tristan Turnbull is not just standing out, he’s leading the way.

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Proudly Mackay family-owned and operated, Gardian has been part of the local community for 25 years, and this year, the business has been nominated and are finalists for the Connecting in the Community Award – Sponsored by Local Buying Foundation at the upcoming 2025 Resource Industry Network (RIN) Awards. The category recognises organisations that excel in building meaningful connections with the community and external stakeholders.

Built with the Mackay community at heart, Gardian’s contribution to the region extends far beyond business. The company’s expertise spans Finance, Home Loans, Business and Personal Insurance, Financial Planning, Real Estate Sales, Property Management, and Commercial Sales, Leasing and Management. This broad service offering, combined with a long-term expert knowledge of the local market, has made Gardian a trusted partner for countless residents and businesses.

At the centre of Gardian’s operations is a strong belief that giving back and supporting one another builds more resilient communities. Through volunteering, charitable donations, and hands-on support for tenants, clients, sponsorship of sporting groups, and community initiatives, the Gardian team works to create opportunities and strengthen connections.

Being nominated in the Connecting in the Community category acknowledges Gardian’s ability to align business goals with genuine community engagement. It also reinforces their position as both a market leader and a valued community partner.

“At Gardian, we live by our company value that giving back and supporting one another creates stronger, more resilient communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Whether it’s through volunteering, charitable donations, or simply being there for our tenants and clients, we strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others while growing together as a team and as a business.

“This commitment to community and mutual support is at the heart of everything we do, guiding our decisions and strengthening the relationships that drive long-term success.”

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Richglen Nominated For Champion Culture Award In Mining

Richglen, a Central Queensland-based company specialising in mechanical, electrical, and structural services for the mining and milling industries, has been nominated for the Champion Culture Award at the 2025 Resource Industry Network (RIN) Awards, sponsored by FMS Group.

Managing Director, Matt Borg says the heart of Richglen is its people-first approach.

“This award represents exactly what drives us – a culture built on connection, care, and continuous improvement. It’s not about a single program or initiative; it’s how we show up for each other every day, whether that’s at a job site, over a Friday lunch, or through the support we provide in tough times,” said Matt.

Being recognised in this category affirms the company’s deliberate commitment to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued and supported.

“You can invest in equipment or systems, but it’s the people and the way they work together that really determine success,” said Matt.

Richglen’s core values of customer service, honesty, integrity, teamwork, work ethic, and innovation are put into practice through regular social events, leadership development, genuine employee feedback, and strong mental health support for employees and their families.

Beyond the workplace, Richglen extends its culture of care to the community by supporting local charities, sports teams, and initiatives such as R U OK? Day and Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Team donations. Each year, the company also awards $10,000 to a local school, demonstrating a commitment that goes beyond business.

“We’re proud of the tangible results our culture has delivered,” Matt said.

“In the past 12 months, we’ve seen high retention rates, a thriving employee referral program, and strong engagement scores in our internal survey.

“Our New Industry Worker Program is helping trade-qualified workers transition successfully into mining, and employee referrals accounted for 29% of all new hires – the ultimate compliment to our culture.

“These aren’t just numbers; they’re proof that investing in people pays off.”

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The latest round of Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank’s Community Engagement Program has been announced – with near $900,000 in community grants, donations and sponsorships committed to groups and projects across the greater Sarina region.

The FY25 program includes 15 community grants supporting everything from school swimming programs, providing local students with lifesaving skills, to vital medical equipment.

Community Bank Sarina also confirmed over 30 sponsorships and several major donations, all reinforcing its commitment to building a stronger, more connected and supported community.

Community Engagement Chair Maree Franettovich said the projects were “wide-ranging but all had a common thread – supporting the people who live, learn, work and volunteer locally”.

“These are the kinds of impact investments that change lives – whether it’s upgrading play areas for local schools, creating more spaces for community connection, or providing training opportunities for young people,” Ms Franettovich said.

“Importantly, this impact is only possible because people choose to bank with us. As a profit for purpose organisation, our local profits stay right here to be reinvested into our community – something we’re incredibly proud to continue 20 years on.”

Community Bank Sarina Board Chair Karen May said it was a moment to reflect on what the region might look like without the direct and significant funding support of Community Bank Sarina.

“Over two decades, $5 million has been returned to the community through community grants, sponsorships, donations and scholarships,” Mrs May said.

“These latest community investments are an extension of that ongoing commitment. When you reflect on the range of support – from schools, hospitals, kindergartens, sporting organisations, community clubs and more – you start to realise the deep impact into the community this support has.

“It’s a privilege to play a part in that, along with my fellow directors, and to stand beside so many local organisations working diligently to make Sarina and the surrounding region an even better place to live, and leave a legacy for future generations.”

Find out more about Community Bank Sarina’s community impact on their social media pages – through Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank has committed nearly $900,000 in grants, donations, and sponsorships to support projects and groups across the greater Sarina region in FY25. Photos supplied

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A Mackay Northern Beaches State High School student has been recognised on the state stage, earning top honours at the annual Literary Competition hosted by the Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) in partnership with the English Teachers’ Association of Queensland (ETAQ).

Isabelle Refalo claimed first place in the Years 9 and 10 poetry category for her poignant piece Blood-stained poppy.

Rebecca Cheers, who judged the entries, said the winning entry was a very fine poem.

“I love a poem that takes one idea and turns it for the reader, exploring it from every angle: in this case, a floral metaphor with obvious historical resonance, but one that leaves room for the reader's own interpretations too,” Ms Cheers said.

“I like Blood-stained poppy’s plaintive, ambiguous tone, and the way it feels a bit haunted,” she said.

The Literary Competition was established by the IEU-QNT’s antecedent union in 1959 to encourage literary development and freedom of expression in young people.

ETAQ President Carley Elliott said over 1500 submissions of poetry, short stories and non-fiction prose were entered into this year’s Competition, with all schools providing a high quality of entries for judging.

“Now in its 66th year, the Literary Competition remains the oldest continuing writing competition in Queensland and is open to students and staff in both state and non-government schools,” Ms Elliott said.

IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said the Literary Competition was a great opportunity for students to hone their writing skills and creativity.

“The Literary Competition judges were impressed with the exceptional talent on display this year, with a diverse range of entries submitted from across the state,” Mr Burke said.

“I congratulate those outstanding writers who were awarded prizes and thank all those who entered the 2025 Literary Competition,” he said.

See the attached list of 2025 Literary Competition winners, placegetters, and Highly Commended Award recipients.

List of Literary Competition first place category winners for 2025

Open
• Short story: Anika Blades, Marsden State High School, Waterford West

Years 11 and 12
• Short story: Manling Sun, Kenmore State High School, Kenmore
• Poem: Zeta Vayanos, Cannon Hill Anglican College, Cannon Hill
• Non-fiction prose: Harriet McIvor, All Saints Anglican School, Merrimac

Years 9 and 10
• Short story: Charlotte Guthrie, St Andrew’s Anglican College, Peregian Springs
• Poem:Isabelle Refalo, Mackay Northern Beaches State High School, Rural View

Years 7 and 8
• Short story: Amaia Benedek Escauriaza, Kelvin Grove State College, Kelvin Grove
• Poem: Samantha Brammer, Bundaberg Christian College, Bundaberg

Years 5 and 6
• Short story: Derrick Chen, Ormiston College, Ormiston
• Poem: Derrick Chen, Ormiston College, Ormiston

The Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) represents more than 17,000 teachers, school support staff, principals and early childhood education employees across Queensland and the Northern Territory.

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Mackay Northern Beaches State High School student Isabelle Refalo has won first place in Queensland’s Years 9 and 10 poetry category for her evocative piece Blood-stained poppy at the state’s longest-running literary competition.

Some of the 2025 Literary Competition judges (L-R) - Rae White, Rebecca Cheers and Antoinette Mizen. Photo supplied

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‘Freedom of choice’ is a superpower in careers, just as it is in other aspects of our lives.

‘Freedom of choice’ in careers give us a sense of control and reduces the risk of feeling stuck.

A lot of attention and energy goes into making those first career decisions. So we don’t feel stuck, it’s important to check in and reflect as we progress through our careers whether our choices are serving our purpose.

‘Freedom of choice’ becomes increasingly important as we progress through our careers (and life) as careers today tend to not follow a traditional linear path – the employment landscape changes and our personal priorities also shift. The more we have our ability to choose, the less we feel stuck and are able to adapt to identify and seize opportunities.

‘Freedom of choice’ in careers is about having the power to choose positions and paths that align with your skills, values and aspirations, rather than being limited by expectations (including your own), circumstances or opportunity.

We need to be active participants in our own careers and regularly reflect on whether our choices are delivering not only on our career aspirations but also on our life priorities. Are you on track or do you need to adapt and/or reset?

For some, the response to this personal reflection may prompt a career shift – potentially a bold move, adapt and reinvent, or equally as satisfying it may be a smaller adjustment to how you work.

Big or small, a career shift can be daunting and it’s useful to do some homework before choosing to take action so it feels ‘right’, rather than blindly jumping to a new path.

Here are some key considerations to assist.

1. Know your why. Identify your reasons, e.g. lifestyle change, to follow your passion. Your why will guide your decisions.

2. Research options (especially if looking to forge a new path). Check out the industry trends, job markets and general economic conditions.

3. Do a personal audit. Identify your current strengths, skills, qualifications, emotional preparedness and any gaps. Do you have what you need, or is some further learning required?

4. Be practical. Do a thorough review of your current circumstances - consider financial readiness, personal and family situation, timeframes and the impact of any changes. Make a plan.

5. Seek counsel from a trusted friend and/or professional advisor. Sound check your options and plans with those who will give you an honest perspective and not just agree (or disagree).

The greatest career superpower is knowing you have a choice — and using it.

Not sure how to progress; let’s talk it through and work it out together  - contact me at powerup@careerforceaustralia.com.au or 0409 894 131 to learn more.

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Cr Heath Paton

Some fantastic news to report this week with the appointment of the new CEO for Mackay Regional Council.

After an extensive recruitment process, Gerard Carlyon will be coming on board at the end of September. He brings with him a wealth of experience as he joins us from the Fraser coast regional council where he’s currently serving as the deputy CEO.

Mr Carlyon is a personable, approachable leader who cares deeply for his staff and the community. He aims to make council a “delightful” place to work – he wants people to enjoy coming to work each day and wants to engage and listen to staff to make that happen.

Personally, I’ve worked in small businesses my whole working life and it’s that approach to building a community and culture within the workplace that aids not only to staff attraction but also the retention of skilled labour which can be a common obstacle in regional settings.

It’s that passion for community building that aided to the growth of my own business and culture inside it. The skillset created in doing so is one that has put me in good stead carrying out councillor duties on a day-to-day basis, especially listening and communicating with the community. It’s great to have a CEO that puts the same emphasis on community engagement – listening to the community and delivering the projects that are needed for sustainable regional growth.

Mr Carlyon previously held the roles of Director of Community Services and Director of Planning at Mackay Regional Council between 2009 and 2018. Both positions giving a firm understanding and insight into our region’s growth and direction and I think it’s great to have a CEO with local roots who is genuinely invested in our local community and I’m looking forward to working closely with him to help achieve these goals.

Whilst awaiting the appointment of the new CEO, it’s important to note that council has been running as per normal under the watchful and dedicated acting CEO David McKendry’s direction. We’ve been fortunate enough to benefit from his calm and professional leadership during this busy time for council and I would like to personally thank him for the long hours and hard work he has put in.

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I usually talk about the marketing and comms side of branding – what you say, how you show up, the messages that connect with your audience. But today, I’m crossing to the dark side – and talking design (because I guess visuals matter as much as your voice 😉). Specifically: logo suites and style guides.

Because if your brand is still limping along with a single JPEG logo from 2012, this one’s for you. Let’s break it down…

What’s in a logo suite (aka the essential files every business should have):
• Full colour logo (duh, but I’m being thorough here!)
• Mono logo (black on white)
• Transparent PNG (for digital use like websites, email sigs)
• CMYK logo file (for print use like signage, flyers, uniforms)
• SVG or EPS file (so your logo never goes fuzzy no matter the size)
• Facebook profile pic (bc cut off logos on socials = not cool)

What’s in a style guide (aka how to keep your branding consistent):
• Your brand colour palette – with Pantone, RGB, CMYK and HEX codes
• Typography – primary fonts (for headings), secondary fonts (for body copy), and how/when to use them

Note: holy dooley do people go cuh-razy with style guides. If you have a big/complicated brand, then unfortunately you probs do need something more in-depth but if you are like most businesses – then this is what you’ll find you actually use.

So why does this matter? Because your brand is your identity. It builds recognition, sets expectations + (whether you like it or not) helps people decide if they trust you. Design doesn’t need to be fancy – but it does need to be consistent.

And if you don’t have this stuff? Ask your designer. Or ask us.
We love a good tidy-up. Especially when it makes your brand look like it’s got its act together.

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Going for a wander around Mackay’s City Heart will tell you a few things, some good and some not so good.

On the down-side you will see plenty of vacant shops and commercial spaces, some with boarded up facades.

It is disappointing, in a city as active, vibrant and successful as Mackay to see empty spaces in the City Heart.

We’ve all seen dead city hearts in regional areas. They reflect the changing demographic of a particular town; people leaving because they can’t find work, young people escaping because there is no future, commercial operators closing up shop because there is no business to be done.

None of this reflects the situation in Mackay, where the economy is pumping, real estate is thriving, unemployment is virtually non-existent and businesses are crying out for staff.

Yet if you walked around the City Heart and saw the  vacant and boarded up shop-fronts you’d think Mackay was going down the gurgler, that businesses couldn’t make a go of it and no one was spending money in this town.

None of which is true; Mackay is thriving. Anyone who gets stuck in traffic in the City Heart and tries to find a parking spot during business hours can vouch for the activity and energy in this city.

And yes, there are vibrant pockets of the City Heart. Witness the cafes, bars and restaurants of Wood St, the buzz around Victoria St on a Friday and Saturday night as people step out to the restaurants.

A French patisserie opened up a while ago near where I work in Victoria St and it has added a new dynamic to the strip, with a massive increase in activity that tells you their product is good and Mackay people are happy to spend money on quality.

I know it’s not all bad but those empty commercial spaces dotted throughout the CBD do drag the place down.

One of the good things about the CBD is the architecture, those art deco buildings that reflect the thriving city that Mackay has been and continues to be.

A lot of those buildings have been kept and are  an important part of the fabric of this town.

Although I have been in Mackay for a long time now, I wasn’t born here so I enjoy hearing friends talking about features of the city from when they were young.

Sometimes they reminisce about the pubs that used to ply their trade down by the river, back in the days of busy commercial fishing activity.

They talk about the Leichhardt Hotel, the Crown and the Prince of Wales and recall the hub of activity that was created around those venues.

Those buildings have gone now, sadly obliterated by the passage of time.

While I would have loved to move around the City Heart when those pubs, along with big department stores and other businesses, thrived prior to the opening of Caneland Central, time does move on and there’s no point in focusing on what was.

If you observe the Queenslanders and beautiful cottages in the CBD, South Mackay, West Mackay and parts of the suburb of Mackay such as Hinton St, the architecture stands the test of time and has preserved something truly special about this city’s history.

And, in good news that helps create City Heart energy, makes use of a famous old building and pushes back against the tide of disappearing pubs, a couple of friends of mine are about to re-open the Mackay Hotel.

Mark “Laffo” Lafffin and Ben Phillips, along with their wives, have taken over the Mackay Hotel and will soon have it renovated and back in action as an important part of the City Heart.

It will be a local-owned, family-friendly venue that will add more of the vibrant energy the City Heart needs.

And, most importantly, I finally have friends who own a pub.

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A donated car restored by Mackay engineering students has found a new home with local youth support organisation YIRS One Stop Youth Shop, marking another milestone in a community-driven automotive initiative that blends training, purpose, and giving back.

The project, now in its third year at CQUniversity's Mackay Engineering College, gives students hands-on experience refurbishing vehicles destined for non-profits.

Automotive trainer Simon Korneliussen said this particular vehicle had been through “an awful lot” of work after being donated by one of their sponsors, Banksbury Wreckers.

“We actually got this from Banksbury Wreckers... it had very low kilometres, and I could see through the mould and the dust and the dirt that it could be a good little car,” Mr Korneliussen said.

“The students really got a lot to do with this car over the last year. We had the whole interior out and replaced the air-conditioning evaporator, which AAM helped us diagnose that issue.”

With around 50 students across four classes, the program is designed to provide real-world training and encourage apprenticeships.

“That’s our whole aim… getting students into apprenticeships. Most of the guys here really enjoy the automotive industry,” Mr Korneliussen said.

He added that community donations are always welcome, particularly vehicles that provide learning opportunities.

“The more the students have to work on, the more they learn,” he said.

With support from Repco, AAM, and others, the project continues to grow, with car number seven already in the pipeline.

“If any non-profit is looking for a free car, they’re more than welcome to contact the college,” Mr Korneliussen said.

For Year 11 student Liam Thompson, working on the vehicle was both a challenge and a stepping stone.

“It feels pretty good helping out, donating it to someone who needs it,” Liam said.

He says his favourite part about the  project has been taking the dash off and fixing the aircon

“Putting the dash back on was pretty tedious, but it was a good learning experience. I’m pretty proud of it.”

Liam, who attends Mackay State High School, said the program confirmed his interest in pursuing a career in the automotive field.

“I always thought it was interesting working on cars, and now I’ve had the experience… I’m really happy to get accepted into a program like this.”

The refurbished car was donated to YIRS One Stop Youth Shop, where frontline staffer Chris Martin said it would be used to support young people aged 12 to 21 who may be disengaged from school or family support.

“This car will go towards case management, helping them get their hours up on their learner’s, and just running them around to appointments and things they need to do for our program,” Mr Martin said.

“We’re really happy, and we were quite surprised when we found out we would receive this car.

“Even the young people we work with were really excited to see it and use it.”

Mackay Chamber of Commerce Communications Manager Ellen Madden said the organisation plays a behind-the-scenes role in connecting donated vehicles with worthy recipients.

“It’s so lovely to be able to do it,” Ms Mawden said.

“We’re fortunate that we see a lot of the good work not-for-profits do in the community, and our job is just to connect people with the vehicles.”

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A donated car restored by Mackay students has been gifted to YIRS, supporting youth and community.

Mackay State High School Year 11 Student, Liam Thompson. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Cricket Is Coming to Mackay

“Cricket” is my favourite Bluey episode. Yes, my kids are outside the target market for Bluey, but I just couldn’t shake the FOMO. We watched it — and my heart is happy for it. A show for kids that is genuinely, unironically beloved by parents? I still don’t know how they do it.

It’s always clever and charming, but for me, that cricket episode hits different. Somehow it captures the magic and reverence of the backyard version of our national pastime. From Uncle Stripe tonking his older brother Bandit (Bluey’s dad) back over his head for a backyard staple “six and out,” to Bingo swinging her bat and knocking over the stumps, the episode is a perfect snapshot of the quintessential Australian backyard cricket experience.

As usual, Bluey makes observations about the simple joys of life — friendship, ambition, dreams, sadness, and love — all while celebrating this humble, familiar game.

I still believe there are two types of people: those who love cricket, and those who throw around phrases like “watching paint dry.”

But cricket is theatre. The fast bowlers of decades past were rockstars, long hair flying and gold chains swinging on comically long run-ups. The West Indian team were superheroes. Those endless childhood summers always had Richie Benaud’s voice somewhere in the background. And few moments in sport are as gripping as watching a side push for victory or fight for survival in a tense final innings on a worn pitch. No matter where your loyalties lie, the tension is relentless.

Cricket also means dollars. The Ashes contest between England and Australia remains the pre-eminent drawcard, luring an estimated 30,000 Poms halfway across the globe. From beer brands to restaurants to online betting companies, everyone cashes in as fans travel over for one, some, or all of the Tests.

Sports tourism is big business. Have you been to Caxton Street during a State of Origin? Melbourne for an AFL Grand Final? Did you see the sheer number of British and Irish Lions fans when they toured Australia?

Now, in a massive coup for the region, Mackay will host men’s international world-class cricket matches for the very first time. OK, it’s not The Ashes — but there will be people travelling here to watch these games. The question is: what will you be doing to welcome them?

I can’t tell you to go to the cricket, but there are plenty of reasons you should. Go for the theatre. Go so you can say you were there the first time the Great Barrier Reef Arena hosted international cricket (because it won’t be the last). Go to help create an atmosphere worthy of an Australian sporting team that has made it to our region.

Or, go because — like me, and like Rusty in the Bluey “Cricket” episode — you simply love the game.

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Zoe Kennedy – Financial Adviser

In 1983, Australia abolished what were once known as death duties; estate taxes that could strip up to 27.9% from estates worth more than $1 million. With their abolition Australian’s have long assumed our country is free of inheritance taxes. However, while traditional estate duties are gone, certain taxes can still apply after death and one of the most significant is embedded within the superannuation system.

As superannuation becomes the primary wealth-building vehicle for many Australians, understanding how it is treated after death has never been more important.

In most cases, superannuation death benefits are paid tax-free to dependants. For this purpose, a dependant generally includes a spouse or children under 18. Since super is most often passed to a surviving spouse, there is usually no tax liability. Similarly, any super withdrawn by the member themselves after the age of 60 is also generally tax-free.

The tax issue arises when super is paid to adult children or other non-dependant beneficiaries. In these cases, recipients are required to pay 15% tax on the taxed component of the benefit, plus a further 2% Medicare levy. For example, a $1 million taxed component could result in $150,000 in tax, plus Medicare levy, unless the benefit is paid to the deceased’s estate, which is not subject to the levy.

The size of this liability depends on the composition of the super balance. The taxed component generally consists of taxable contributions (such as employer super guarantee and salary sacrifice amounts) plus fund earnings over time. The tax-free component typically reflects non-concessional contributions made from after-tax income.

Where no qualifying dependants are nominated, and a death benefit is destined for non-dependants, the taxed component becomes key in determining the final tax payable. Some people choose to reduce their super balance to limit future death benefits tax, by withdrawing eligible amounts and investing them elsewhere. However, access to super is generally limited to those who have met a condition of release, such as reaching preservation age and retiring, or turning 65.

Any decision to move funds out of a concessionally taxed or tax-free environment of super comes with broader considerations from the potential impact on asset protection and estate planning, to the suitability of alternative investment structures and income tax.

The bottom line. Super remains one of the most tax-effective ways to build and manage retirement wealth. Yet, without foresight, it can also create an unexpected tax bill for the next generation. Awareness of how death benefits are taxed, understanding your super’s components, and carefully reviewing beneficiary arrangements can help ensure that more of your legacy goes to the people you intend.

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Red Cat Adventures has secured continued funding from the Australian Government's Tourism Reef Protection Initiative, allowing the Whitsundays-based eco-tourism operator to expand its reef conservation efforts through to May 2026.

Since joining the program in late 2022, Red Cat Adventures has taken an active role in protecting the Great Barrier Reef by training its staff in reef health monitoring, predator control, and data collection. This important work is integrated into the visitor experience, turning tourists into informed ambassadors for reef protection.

Over the past year, the team has conducted more than 1,180 reef health surveys, removed over 9,200 coral predators including Crown-of-thorns starfish and Drupella snails, and uploaded more than 11,000 reef images to the ReefCloud platform to support real-time monitoring and scientific research.

Red Cat Adventures also works closely with Traditional Owners, supporting 64 On Country visits that promote cultural reconnection and shared environmental stewardship. One of the key sites of focus is Cockatoo Point on Hook Island, where teams carry out predator removal, coral monitoring, and guest education.

General Manager Asher Telford said the funding extension reflects the organisation’s commitment to reef protection.

“Protecting the reef is part of who we are, and this funding allows us to build on the achievements of the past year while continuing to give our guests a deeper connection to this remarkable ecosystem.”

As part of the SeaLink Whitsundays family, Red Cat Adventures and its sister company, Whitsunday Jet Ski Tours, are helping ensure the reef’s future remains as vibrant and awe-inspiring as it is today.

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Red Cat Adventures new funding will allow them to continue their reef reservation work. Photo supplied

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