Last Monday, the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) gathered to celebrate International Nurses Day, recognising the dedication and skill of the region’s 1,400 nurses who form the backbone of local healthcare. The event, held at Mackay Base Hospital, shined a light on the invaluable contributions of nurses who deliver patient care with exceptional compassion and integrity.

James William Jenkins, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, opened the ceremony by expressing profound gratitude for the nursing staff, who often provide care during some of life’s most difficult moments.

“International Nurses Day is a time to formally honour and acknowledge the incredible work nurses do on the frontline of care,” Mr Jenkins said.

“We thank them for their care, compassion, healing touch, and for always putting their patients first.”

He also reflected on the community spirit that defines the nursing profession, noting, “It’s not a weight, it’s just a knowing, that we are part of this community, and we serve this community, and that’s a beautiful thing...It’s an honour above anything else.”

Mr Jenkins shared a touching story of a patient who, years after treatment, approached him and said, “You saved my life,” though he initially didn’t recall her. The patient had lost her leg, but she and her family would never forget him. In that moment, he was reminded that nursing isn’t just a job, but a life-altering experience that leaves a legacy, and is often remembered for generations.

Tania Mattinson, Clinical Nurse Consultant in Theatre and Anaesthetics at Mackay Base Hospital, highlighted the rewarding and ever-changing nature of nursing.

“Every day is different in nursing...Some days are more challenging than others, but it’s very rewarding,” she said.

She also noted the importance of patient education as part of the nursing role.

“We realise there’s a patient at the end of all that happens, and it’s that patient we need to think about for the final result… because we care.

“Part of our role is to educate patients on our health, what’s best for them, and how they can improve their health, and patients are very appreciative of that.”

Ms Mattinson expressed her gratitude for the recognition, saying, “I’m very honoured to receive this award. It’s a privilege to work with such a great team and to be honoured for the work we do here.”

Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton, also took a moment to thank the healthcare workers for their continued dedication.

“Thank you to the nurses from the Mackay Hospital and Health Service for providing optimal medical and healthcare for those in their charge in our community,” he said.

The following nurses were recognised for their exceptional work:

McFadzen Perpetual Award
Sponsored by the Hospital Auxiliary, this award honours a Mackay Base Hospital nurse who demonstrates exceptional knowledge, competence, and patient care.
2025 Winner: Tania Mattinson, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Theatre and Anaesthetics, Mackay Base Hospital

Clinical Nurse Specialty Award
Sponsored by former nurse Robyn Nikolsky, this award recognises clinical nurses across Mackay HHS.
2025 Joint Winners:
• Margaret Bazley, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Nursing Medical and Critical Care Services
• Cheryl Dean, Clinical Nurse – Proserpine Hospital

Clinical Excellence Award – Rural
Recognises a rural nurse whose advanced clinical skills enhance patient care and community health.
2025 Winner: Susanne Willmott, Clinical Nurse – Greater Whitsunday Mental Health, Proserpine

Clinical Excellence Award – Nurse Unit Manager
This new category celebrates nurse unit managers who lead with integrity, foster wellness, and mentor future leaders.
2025 Winner: Andrea Wilkinson, Director of Nursing – Dysart

Excellence in Patient Care Award
Acknowledges outstanding clinical skills and compassionate care, as recognised by patients and peers.
2025 Winner: Lisa Byrne, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Nursing Medical and Critical Care, Mackay Base Hospital

CQUniversity 2023 Graduate of the Year Award
Recognises the contributions of a 2024 graduate nurse, supported by a $500 prize for professional development.
2025 Winner: Nikita Van Wyk, Registered Nurse – Emergency Department, Mackay Base Hospital

JCU Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning – Individual
Celebrates an individual nurse’s role in mentoring and educating students.
2025/2026 Winner: Madison Scriha, Clinical Nurse – Mackay Base Hospital

JCU Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning – Unit
Honours a unit for its supportive learning environment and student engagement.
2025 Winner: Mackay Base Hospital Day Surgery Unit

The awards reflect the diverse excellence across Mackay HHS, where every nurse’s impact is felt not just in clinics and wards, but in the hearts of the community.

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As part of Small Business Month, Mackay Regional Council is holding a Small Business Procurement drop-in session at Greater Whitsundays Innovation (Split Spaces).

The free session will be from 9am to 10am, Tuesday, May 20.  No bookings are required.

This is an open opportunity for small businesses to drop in and have a chat to the council Procurement team to learn more about their processes, programs and systems.

Council’s Procurement Policy has recently been updated, with a renewed commitment to supporting the Small Business Friendly Charter.

Council is also rolling out of use of the VendorPanel system, so now is the perfect time to chat with the team if you are an existing supplier or would like to explore opportunities to do business with council.

As a bonus, the Queensland State Government Business Concierge representative will also be at Greater Whitsundays Innovation (Split Spaces) at the same time.

The Business Concierge connects small and family business owners with a range of information, programs and services – including small business grants, free business mentoring, free wellness coaching, free financial counselling and more.

Following these two opportunities, there is a Get Grant and Tender Ready Workshop.  Numbers are limited and interested businesses are encouraged to email office@grantandtenderservices.com.au for more information and to book.

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By Amanda Wright

Roll up, roll up, the Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball dazzled more than 400 guests on Saturday night with a vintage carnival theme that brought glamour, games, and generosity under one big top.

Held at the MECC, the night featured crowd favourites like graceful aerial performances, carnival stalls, a lively auction, and unforgettable performances from Sydney’s sparkling show The Diamonds and local legends Mango Junction.

Guests raved about the atmosphere, praising the event’s vibrant energy and meaningful cause. Funds raised will be shared equally between Grapevine Group and The Salvation Army’s Family Violence Service.

The total will be revealed, and cheques presented, at a special sponsor morning tea on Wednesday, 28 May.

This was one night where fun met fundraising in true style.

Vintage Vibes, Vital Causes
Mackay Mayor's Charity Ball, 2025

Guests soaked up the vintage carnival vibes with big smiles, great music, and even better company at the Mayor’s Charity Ball. Photo credit: Marty Strecker

Photo credit: Marty Strecker

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A new support group in Mackay is bringing warmth, connection and crucial conversation to those navigating life with bowel cancer.

The “Gut-Togethers” are informal bi-monthly catch-ups for colorectal cancer patients and their families, offering a safe space to talk, listen and lean on each other. The first gathering will be held Friday, May 23 at Deli Nook, Macalister Street, from 9.15am.

Facilitated by Alexis Coutts and Lorraine Taylor, with clinical guidance from bowel cancer nurse Sue Allsopp of the ICON Centre, the sessions aim to provide emotional support, peer insight, and a sense of solidarity when appointments and pending scans can feel overwhelming.

Each meeting will include a casual check-in, a discussion topic or guest speaker, and time for open sharing. The group is welcoming and informal—no pressure, just people who understand.

Meetings will be held every third Friday of the month in May, July, September and November 2025.

For more information, visit bowelcanceraustralia.org or contact Sue Allsopp at the ICON Centre on 4961 3200.

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By Amanda Wright

He’s called Mackay home for the past 20 years, but David Ferguson’s legacy runs much deeper out west, cutting through the rapids and memory banks of the iconic Gregory River.

Fifty years ago, David was one of four young blokes from Mount Isa who, armed with little more than enthusiasm and a borrowed TAFE course, decided to make a race of it.

“We weren’t even canoeists,” he said.

“We’d done a beginner course at TAFE and then a fibreglassing course, made our own canoes, and started paddling on Lake Moondara. One day, we thought—why not race 43 kilometres down the Gregory?”

What began as a wild idea became one of Australia’s most remote and revered paddle marathons. The Gregory River Canoe Marathon celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, drawing more than 140 competitors—including a handful of proud Mackay paddlers—through the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf.

“There was no way we could’ve imagined this back then,” David said.

“Seeing it grow into such a major event, with champions and interstate competitors… I’m in awe of it.”

Event organisers described the 2025 edition as a test of endurance and spirit: “There was fibreglass flying, rocks penetrating—and more swims than a school carnival. Even the Cobras didn’t slither through without damage.”

Yet amid the chaos, a special moment paid tribute to one of the race’s original founders. Fellow paddler Ronald Snow’s ashes were scattered on the river, with his son joining the journey down the waterway as a moving act of remembrance.

“Ron was one of us from the beginning. To have his son there, paddling in his honour, was emotional. The river has carried so many of our memories.”

David, who won six or seven of the early races in a variety of canoes and even helped organise one of the events, said he’s especially proud of how far the Mount Isa club has come.

“We’ve had kids who were knee-high to a grasshopper go on to represent Australia. The van Ryt family alone has racked up something like 150 Gregory River races between them!”

David’s paddling pedigree stretches well beyond the Gregory. He and fellow paddler Phil Geeke claimed second place in the Mission Beach to Dunk Island Ocean Race—despite it being their first ever ocean event in a TK2. He also raced in a K4 kayak in the Katherine Canoe Marathon before it was cancelled due to an influx of crocodiles, and teamed up with his mate Ronald Snow for a second-place finish in the Brisbane River Marathon.

“Ron and I shared a lot of miles together,” David said.

One of the most moving moments from this year's event came when an elder Indigenous woman addressed the crowd. She recalled being a young child and racing back to her family in disbelief after seeing “white men in long boats” coming down the river. No one believed her at the time.

“To stand there 50 years later, hugging her and sharing that memory, made me very happy,” David said.

“The river keeps all our stories.”

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David Ferguson at the finish line of the 50th Gregory River Canoe Marathon—reflecting on the event he helped pioneer half a century ago. Photos supplied

A younger David Ferguson pictured during his competitive paddling days, when he raced everything from TK2s to K4s in some of Australia’s most iconic canoe marathons

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A small kitchen fire prompted the evacuation of the Eimeo Pacific Hotel last Monday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the popular hilltop venue on Mango Avenue in Mackay’s north at around 1:30pm, following reports of a fryer catching alight in the kitchen.

The blaze, which started behind the fryer, was quickly contained and extinguished by staff using a fire blanket before firefighters arrived on the scene.

Co-owner of the hotel described the incident as “nothing serious,” and confirmed that the venue resumed normal operations shortly afterward.

The Eimeo Pacific Hotel remains open for business – serving cold drinks and delicious meals with uninterrupted ocean views.

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A small kitchen fire at the Eimeo Pacific Hotel on Monday prompted a brief evacuation but was quickly contained by staff. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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CQUniversity fitness and sport and recreation graduate Trey Sturgess’ determination and drive has made him ‘fit-for-purpose’ to help others reach their goals.

The 19-year-old recently secured a position as a coach and personal trainer at 21Laps Performance Training in Mackay – an achievement he says wouldn’t have been made possible without CQU’s fitness and sports and recreation courses.

Trey completed the Certificate II in Sport and Recreation and Certificate III in Fitness while still in school at Holy Spirit College, through CQU’s Start TAFE Now (STN) program, which allows Year 10, 11 and 12 high school students to complete a TAFE course.

“I wanted to people get to where they want to be in life and try help them as much as I can,” Trey said.

“My teachers Linda Nina Ashlee and Zara were awesome and taught me so much.”

Trey did so well during the STN program that he quickly progressed into the Certificate IV in Fitness. The skills and hands-on experience he acquired ultimately led to his employment at 21Laps.

“I would definitely recommend these courses to anyone thinking about this kind of career,” he said.

“I’m learning something new every day at the gym.”

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CQU Fitness graduate Trey Sturgess with Fitness Education Team Lead Ashlee Battersby. Photo supplied

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Queensland Police Pipes and Drums (QPP&D) is usually known for bagpipes, kilts and rousing traditional tunes, but this May it will be known for something a little less expected – cowboy boots and country hits with a touch of rock for good measure.

The group is embarking on its largest regional tour since before the COVID-19 pandemic, travelling more than 2000km across the state to connect with and provide support to rural QPS families and the communities they serve.

Dubbed ‘Beach to the Bush’, the five-day tour will offer something a little different for the band and audiences alike, taking on a distinctly country feel as it spreads community safety messaging and good vibes along the way.

Beginning in Hervey Bay on May 14 at the PCYC (Police Citizens Youth Club), the band will deliver their Rock-Yah program with local officers and at-risk youth, making participants rock stars for a day as they learn how to play a rock song and engage in a jam session to showcase their new skills.

On May 15 the band will attend a community event at Hervey Bay’s Urangan Pier, supporting local police in raising awareness about Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.

They will conclude the day with a performance at the Hervey Bay Boat Club for a non-for-profit hospice care fundraiser.

The tour then heads inland to Biloela for the Callide Agricultural Show, where the band will not only perform for the crowds, they’ll be using the opportunity to  provide information on rural crime and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention.

They’ll then wrap  up in Mackay on May 18 at the Emergency Services Day community event.

Officer in Charge of Queensland Police Pipes and Drums, Acting Senior Sergeant Lisa Phillis-Petersen is the driving force behind the tour and a passionate advocate for connecting community and police through music.

She sees the Beach to Bush as an important opportunity to connect with some of our regional communities, bringing Pipes and Drums’ unique style of community engagement to audiences who haven’t experienced it before.

“Like many folks in Queensland, our rural communities have felt the effects of extreme weather events, COVID isolation and financial pressures,” Acting Senior Sergeant Phillis-Petersen said.

“We offer an alternative way to provide support, especially for those who might feel alone. Our goal is to bring smiles, laughter, and a sense of connection because so many of our rural families feel isolated.”

The band has been busy working on new material, a complete departure from their usual repertoire.

While they remain tight-lipped on the exact content of their performances, audiences can expect to hear a mix of rock and country songs, including some much-loved stadium anthems.

“I don’t want to give away the surprise setlist, but I promise the music will be familiar and I am sure people will find themselves singing along,” said Phillis-Petersen.

The band carried out more than 470 engagements last year and this year is shaping up to be even busier.

Community engagement, and dissolving barriers for people who may be hesitant to approach police in a more official setting is what motivates the band to maintain their busy schedule.

“I’m incredibly proud of this team. They’re genuinely passionate about connecting with and supporting our community,” said Phillis-Petersen.

“We’re a diverse group of individuals, and that’s definitely our strength. We seek to eliminate barriers to communication by pursuing an inclusive, people-centric approach to our messaging.

“While we will always be a traditional Pipes and Drums unit, this tour showcases the modern policing landscape, offering a safe and trusted alternative pathway for all ages, groups, and communities to meaningfully connect with QPS.

“Our team has the skills and knowledge to share crime prevention messages and has resources on hand to offer support, including information on reporting crime, domestic violence, mental health and personal safety.

“We will be strolling around the community events both before and after our performances, ready to lend an ear, engage in some genuine conversations, provide advice and be present when it counts.

Queensland Police Pipes and Drums tour schedule:

May 14 PCYC Hervey Bay – Youth and Police Function
May 15 11am Urangan Pier Hervey Bay – Community Event
4pm Hervey Bay Boat Club – Community Event and Hospice Fundraiser
May 16 12pm Callide Agricultural Show, Biloela – Community Event
May 18 10am Harrup Park, Mackay – Emergency Services Expo

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Queensland Police Pipes and Drums are bringing a Scottish twist to Mackay’s Emergency Services Day, mixing their signature sound with a new rhythm and a strong community safety message. Photo supplied: QPS

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Mackay VIEW Club is calling on the community to dig deep for The Smith Family’s Winter Appeal, to help break the cycle of disadvantage for thousands of children and young people struggling to access education.

The appeal comes at a time when Australians are increasingly aware of the issue, with The Smith Family’s latest Community Attitudes Survey revealing that 83 per cent of respondents believe tackling childhood poverty should be a top national priority.

The Smith Family CEO Doug Taylor said, “Poverty shouldn’t limit a child’s potential,” explaining the charity’s mission behind the annual Winter Appeal, which launched last week.

This year’s appeal aims to raise almost $8 million by the end of June 2025 to support students with access to out-of-school educational programs that are proven to make a difference.

“The results of our Community Attitudes Survey show Australians recognise poverty has an impact on a child’s education,” Mr Taylor said.

“However, what many people don’t see are the hidden impacts of disadvantage and the incredible emotional, social and academic toll that can have on students during and after their schooling.

“But the right educational support at the right time through The Smith Family’s evidence-based programs can make all the difference to those students and give them the tools and resources to fulfill their potential.”

By donating to the Winter Appeal, he said, Australians can help provide children with vital learning tools to help them get the most from their education and set themselves up for a brighter future.

Among the programs supported through the appeal are student2student, a peer-based reading initiative that pairs older students with younger learners for weekly reading sessions, and Learning Clubs – free, after-school programs that offer academic support and tutoring.

“The evidence-based programs The Smith Family is delivering are as crucial as the financial and personal support we provide to students and families,” Mr Taylor said.

“Of the children participating in student2student, 94 per cent say they improved their reading, while 81 per cent of those taking part in Learning Club say it helped them do better in the classroom.

“For people in a position to do so, please consider donating to The Smith Family’s Winter Appeal. Your donation today can have an enormous, life-changing impact for a student.”

“Let’s make tackling childhood poverty and educational inequality a priority, beginning this winter.”

Locally, the Mackay VIEW Club is the proud sponsor of four students through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program, with funds raised through community efforts. VIEW – which stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women – is a national women’s network that supports disadvantaged students while also offering its members social opportunities and personal development.

To find out more about VIEW or how to get involved, visit view.org.au or call Mackay VIEW President Elizabeth on 0438 715 731.

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For many Australians, the quietest struggle is hearing loss – not just the fading of sound, but the isolation, strained relationships, and uncertain next steps that follow when hearing aids are no longer enough.

But there is hope… and it all starts with connection.

CICADA Queensland has been a lifeline for people with profound hearing loss for over 35 years, transforming from a small social group to a bold, state-wide leader in peer support, education, and advocacy. With hearing loss now expected to reach one in four this year, and more young Australians impacted than ever before, CICADA Queensland’s mission has never been more urgent.

This month, CICADA Queensland is bringing that mission to Mackay. On Monday, 26 May, from 7pm to 9pm, Ocean International will host a free Community Information Evening, offering a warm, welcoming space to meet others, hear real stories, and discover real solutions – including implant options that may offer renewed hearing when aids no longer suffice.

Whether you're living with hearing loss, or walking beside a partner or parent who is, this evening is for you.

“Too many people are told, ‘Sorry, nothing can be done,’ says CICADA Queensland’s President John Ross.

“But there is a solution – and this night might just change the direction of your life…You don’t have to face this alone.”

Light refreshments will be provided, but seats are limited – RSVP’s are essential.

WHAT: CICADA Mackay Community Info Evening
WHEN: Monday, 26 May | 7pm to 9pm
WHERE: Ocean International, Mackay
RSVP: Scan the QR Code or contact John on 0422249559 or president@cicadaqld.org

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A warm, honest and insight-rich afternoon of storytelling unfolded last week as the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce hosted Small Business Stories—a Small Business Month luncheon designed to spotlight the start-up grit, scale-up grind, and succession dilemmas facing local business owners.

The relaxed luncheon at Harrup Park featured a powerhouse panel of local talent: Dr Suzanne Francisco (Habitude), Dan Shaw (Primal Coffee Roasters), and Jason Sharam (CSE Linked), with keynote insights from Peter Trifelly of High Performance Coaching. Each shared candid reflections from their own business journeys, some still in the early hustle, others deep in growth or legacy planning.

The result? A room full of laughs, nods, aha moments, and conversations that lingered long after dessert.

Chamber Vice President Vicki Smith acted as MC for the day, setting the tone with personal reflections on growing up in a small family business.

“There’s something powerful about getting beyond the elevator pitch and hearing what really drives people to build and grow something of their own,” she said.

More than just a business event, Small Business Stories was a celebration of people behind the ventures—warts and all—and a reminder of the courage and creativity that fuels our local economy.

The Chamber deliberately chose to showcase homegrown talent, proving that some of the most valuable business insights come from right here in our own backyard.

Sincere thanks go to the event sponsors, Mackay Regional Council, and the Local Buying Foundation for their continued support of Mackay’s small business sector.

Small Business Stories forms part of the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to supporting and celebrating local businesses at every stage—whether just starting out, scaling up, or planning what’s next.

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Every now and then, a local government decision comes along that quietly shapes the future of a region. Right now, in Mackay, we’re facing one of those moments.

The Mackay Regional Council is asking the community whether our current undivided structure should continue—or whether it’s time to return to a system of electoral divisions. You can find all the information and have your say at connectingmackay.com.au/have-your-say-on-electoral-divisions.

This isn’t just a question for bureaucrats or political insiders. It’s a question for you—because it directly affects how your voice is heard, how your concerns are represented, and how your community gets things done.

When I was first elected to Mackay City Council in 2004—before amalgamation created Mackay Regional Council—we had divisions. Each councillor had their own patch, and they worked tirelessly for it. It just made sense. Residents knew exactly who to call. There was clear accountability. And the city progressed because every area had a local advocate around the table.

In contrast, Mackay Regional Council has always been undivided. The principle sounds noble—councillors represent the entire region, and residents have a broader group of representatives to approach. But here’s the rub: theory doesn’t always line up with real life.

Too often, people feel their specific area gets overlooked. They’re not sure which councillor to contact. Issues fall between the cracks. It’s not a matter of bad intentions—it’s a structural issue.

That’s why this consultation matters. It’s your chance to speak up about the kind of representation you believe works best. Local government is meant to be close to the people—but that only happens when the system is built for real-world responsiveness, not textbook ideals.

I’ve seen both systems. And while neither is perfect, divisions bring something vital to the table: clarity, local focus, and a sense of ownership that undivided councils can struggle to deliver.

This is your region, your representation, and your future voice in council. Don’t let this opportunity slip by. Speak up while you can—and help shape a system that truly works for you.

Cr George Christensen

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There was something truly magical about Saturday night’s Mayor’s Charity Ball — a chic and whimsical celebration wrapped in the glow of vintage carnival charm. Think oversized lollipops, towering glass canisters of coloured popcorn and pastel gumballs… and yes, I can confirm they were real. After a cheeky dare from Andrew Willcox, I tested one myself. (How could I not?)

It was a night I completely let my hair down — racing between carnival games like a kid in heels, with my completed ticket proudly first in the box after conquering basketball, bowling and ring toss. Every “amazing” announced by the MC was met with a hearty cheer from my tablemates, and let’s just say… there were many cheers. And perhaps a few too many glasses of bubbly, too.

What made it even more special was the contrast to last year’s ball. Then, I had just received my cancer diagnosis, and the night was a blur of hugs, kindness, and quiet courage as I prepared for surgery the following week. This year, it was laughter and light from start to finish — a full-circle moment I’ll treasure.

With around 400 guests in attendance, the Ball not only dazzled but delivered, raising vital funds for two incredible causes — Grapevine Group and The Salvation Army’s Family Violence Service, who will share in the proceeds. I’m especially thrilled to see support flowing to Grapevine, led by my friend Debbie Knight, whose passion for suicide prevention continues to spark real change.

From gumball dares to generous hearts, it was a night to remember — and yes, amazing really is the word for the memories.

Amanda

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The countdown is on for the 2025 harvest season with a lot of activity in the fields and sheds, and finally, a slowing down of industry events, including this week’s annual Mackay Area Productivity Services (MAPS) Field Day.

Held at the Victoria Plains Seed Plot, this is always a well-attended event with growers and stakeholders having the opportunity to get a glimpse into what is happening in the Central District via MAPS and SRA (Sugar Research Australia).

QCAR Central District has had a busy week with some committee attendance at the field day, but also the Queensland Government’s Primary Industries Prosper 2050 information session on the consultation draft 25-year blueprint for our state’s primary production.

After this inaugural webinar, one of three, I agree that the direction, intent, and vision are ambitious, encouraging and positive. With a focus on resetting the relationship between Queensland primary producers and governments, a starting point will be recognising and acting on local and regional priorities.

QCAR is involved on a local level in all regions and will be following the progress of the consultation period with interest. The last thing our struggling producers need now is a pot full of unusable rhetoric.

We caution and remind all government representatives, that real change can only occur when those individuals with a hand on the rudder are truly prepared to embrace new and proactive thinking and actions to ensure a cohesive and truly collaborative future direction.

I can also report on an informative ASSCT Conference (Australian Society of Sugarcane Technologists) in Brisbane. A lot of connections were made and interesting conversations held, and more importantly, a significant amount of interest in the AgEtal RSD (ratoon stunting disease) testing kit was supported by distributor AgForce and invested in by QCAR. This will be a game changer in the RSD detection space.

QCAR will be participating in the previously postponed Sugar Research Australia (SRA) R&D Planning Forum at the Ibis in Mackay this week. Being a forum, this is an important opportunity to listen and learn, but also to put forward local views, concerns and ideas.

Communication, which is the art of sharing information, when conducted with openness, respect and honesty, could potentially save the world. It is that powerful!

Boosted by all things technological, it is an easy tool to use, which begs the question: Why in the sugarcane industry are we still so bad at it?

I point in no particular direction, rather, I spread my arms in a wide and sweeping all-encompassing gesture because it is a failing on every level and in every sector.

That said, we are now just weeks away from the start of the crushing and it is timely to remind everyone to put safety first.

Mackay Sugar will again have a staggered start with Farleigh the first mill to kick off on 10 June, followed by Racecourse on 12 June and for the first time in over a decade MSL will aim to fire up both milling trains at Marian on 17 June.

Proserpine and Plane Creek mills will start on 17 June and 3 June respectively.

For the Central District crop estimates are Mackay 5.15M, Proserpine 1.58M and Plane Creek 1.6M.
Standover will play a big part in how the 2025 season rolls and we’ll need our millers on the ball to ensure growers get a clean slate for 2026 resetting reasonable season timing, crops and season length.

There is positivity in the air, and we wish everyone a safe and productive 2025 crushing.

If you’d like some more information about QCAR or how we can assist you and your business, call Sonia Ball on 0467 573 321.

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Catching up at the recent 46th Australian Society of Sugarcane Technologist’s (ASSCT) Conference in Brisbane are, from left, Amanpreet Sandhu, from Mossman Agricultural Services and Sonia Ball, QCAR Central District Manager.

QCAR Herbert District Manager Lawrence Di Bella, left,  joins a regional team of sugar industry stakeholders getting information about the new RSD testing kit from AgEtal. Photos supplied

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I have a confession. It’s about something I’ve carried with me privately for a long time. It’s something that could bring into question my credibility as an Australian, a Queenslander and, well, a Mackayite.

Like all confessions, it is something that can change the way people think about you.

On hearing this one, some people, maybe many people … oh, probably most of you, will apply a word to me that goes straight after “pretentious” and rhymes with “banker”.

Well, here goes ... I never use the word “youse”. I never have and I never will use “youse”.

The word is as common as reaching for a can of Aerogard, eating a slice of Vegemite toast, and enjoying a pie and beer at the footy … all of which I swear by. But I don’t say youse.

The emergence of the word is easy to understand. Other than “youse”, the English language doesn’t have a word that differentiates between the second-person singular and the second-person plural. It’s “you” for one and all.

If I were to ask: “Are you going to the footy?”, I could be speaking to one mate or several mates. So you can see how it evolved into “are youse going to the footy?” when speaking to a group. Or “are youse going to the ballet?” … well, not so much that one.

One of the important aspects of working in real estate, and doing business generally, is connecting with clients and customers.

They need to feel that they can relate to you, that there is common ground.

You have to be able to work with and connect with young people and old people, rich people and poor people, executives and brickies, men and women … just to name a few of the different categories.

There is no “typical” Mackay person because a buyer or a seller could be a lawyer or a plumber or a cane farmer or a teacher or a nurse or a shop worker. All equally as important for a real estate agent.

But although people can come from all walks of life, there is still a Mackay personality. It is understated, pretty relaxed and casual. They don’t have much time for a pretentious (word that rhymes with banker).

If a real estate agent turned up to an open house in the eastern suburbs of Sydney and was not driving the latest Porsche 911, everyone would think he or she was a dud, an unsuccessful failure. They expect the Porsche.

If an agent turned up at a Mackay open house and was driving the latest Porsche 911 it would not go down well. It doesn’t fit in. It would create a disconnection between the agent and the locals. That word that rhymes with banker would spring to mind again.

So you’ve got to read the room. You’ve got to connect and be relatable.

But you also have to be you. You can’t  try to be something you’re not just because you think that is what people want. In business and real estate and life, you have to be real. You have to be authentic.

People see through you if you’re not being yourself, trying to be some version that you think people want to see.

One of the great things about real estate is working with people, finding a connection, working out what they want and how you can help them.

And while you have to adjust to different personality types, you still need to be yourself.

So, apart from admitting I don’t use the word that really should apply to a group of female sheep, there’s a few other things I want to get off my chest. I don’t have a boat, I don’t like fishing and I don’t drive a big 4WD.

And if youse don’t like it, youse can all go and get stuffed!

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