For a club of 30 members, Bowen sure does put on a great show.
On 31st August and 1st September, Bowen Orchid & Foliage Society’s (BOFS) Spring Show was held in the Pat Tracey Pavilion at the Bowen Show Grounds with over 200 visitors passing through their doors to view the array of orchids and foliage plants.  
Although the show was held a couple of weeks earlier than in previous years, it still showcased an impressive variety of orchids and foliage for both judging and public viewing. Members from the Ingham, Mackay, and Proserpine clubs traveled to attend and enjoy the spring event.
On Friday evening, the Mackay judging panel, consisting of Dennis Farlow, Doug Penningh, Debbie Clark, Wayne Culla, and Jay Turner, carried out the judging duties. The event offered an excellent opportunity for the junior judges to develop and refine their skills.
Various Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Dendrobiums, Oncidiums, Paphiopedilum and Vandaceous orchids were all represented.  
The Foliage competition was also equally amazing and included displays of Stunning Tassel ferns, gorgeous Tillandsias, Cactus & Succulents, Bromeliads, Aglaonemas, Philodendrons, Anthuriums, Caladiums, Ferns and Begonias.  
The Show had something for every garden enthusiast.
The event also had potting demonstrations conducted by BOFS member Brian Stapleton and helper Peter Millward followed by fertilising and disease management demonstrations by Noel Acton which were well attended by the visitors and members.  
In the dry tropics, a combination of bark, stone, charcoal, and large perlite is used for potting most orchids. The fertilising and disease management demonstration provided novices with insight into the purposes of various products and their specific applications.
A wide variety of orchids and plants were sold, with most of the inventory disappearing by lunchtime on Saturday.
On the Saturday evening, members celebrated their successes with a judging review of the winning orchids followed by dinner and dessert.
BOFS Club President, Liane Carruthers, presented the trophies to the winners.
Champion Foliage was won by Doug Chippendale with his Tassel fern and Reserve Champion was won by Brian Stapleton with his Maiden Hair Fern.

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Introducing Carlos, a stunning 3-year-old Bullarab/Mastiff mix who’s ready to find his forever home.
Carlos is up-to-date with his vaccinations, including his annual Proheart injection, and is on a consistent tick and flea prevention regimen. The current owner is also open to having Carlos neutered before adoption.
Carlos is a well-rounded companion who gets along wonderfully with people, older children, and other dogs.

Interested in making Carlos your new furry companion? Call Emily (Private rehoming) on: 0439 840 966

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St Catherine’s Catholic College is proudly celebrating the incredible achievements of four of its First Nations students in the 7th annual Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) Creative Arts Competition.

The event, held in partnership with Griffith University, showcases the creative talents of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from secondary schools across Queensland.

This year’s competition was especially significant, with a record-breaking 201 entries across a range of artistic categories, including visual arts, dance, music, poetry, and storytelling.

The competition provides a valuable platform for young Indigenous artists to express themselves, share their culture, and showcase their creativity.

Among the standout participants were four students from St Catherine’s Catholic College, who each earned a spot in their respective categories:

   • Robert Sam took home 1st place in Year 11 Photography and also secured 2nd place in Year 11 Portraiture

   • Gaby Antrim claimed 1st place in Year 11 Story

   • Keeley Ninnes won 3rd place in the competitive Year 11 Song & Music category

   • Violette Matthew was awarded a Highly Commended distinction in Year 12 Acrylic Painting

St Catherine’s Catholic College is extremely proud of its students’ success and participation in such a meaningful event.

The college extends its heartfelt congratulations to Robert, Gaby, Keeley, and Violette for their remarkable accomplishments and looks forward to seeing where their creative journeys take them next.

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The four St Catherine’s Catholic College students who entered the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) Creative Arts Competition. Photo supplied

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Transitioning from Year 6 to high school can be overwhelming and a nerve-racking experience for both students and their parents and carers.

At Bowen State High School they are trying to make this transition as smooth as possible.

In 2025, Bowen State High School will introduce four scholarships which will be awarded to a number of Year 6 students who effectively demonstrate the criteria for each scholarship. The scholarships focus on the areas of Academic Excellence, First Nations, Sport and Creative and Performing Arts.

Principal Mr Harris said, “These scholarships are an opportunity to recognise the outstanding achievements of Year 6 students as they transition from primary school to secondary school.”

“We want to continue to celebrate the successes of students and encourage them to continue this throughout their high school years.

“Our school is committed to preparing students for all things, and these scholarships will provide additional support to engage in the many opportunities we provide students at our school.”

Over the last two years, Bowen State High School has worked with their feeder schools to ensure the transition period is not just an event for students but also an ongoing process to ensure all students are prepared for their next steps in education.

To guarantee new students and parents feel prepared, Bowen State High School has hosted several Q and A sessions and feeder school visits. They strongly communicate with primary schools, and get to know the students prior to their first day of Year 7.

Bowen State High School will also host a transition day next term, and next year the first couple of days for Year 7’s will be Get to Know and Well-being activities.

Delores Tuyishime, known as Mr T by the students, is the Year 6 to 7 transition coordinator and it is his responsibility to help the students transition smoothly.

Mr T says he enjoys working with the primary school teachers and getting to know the Year 6 students before they start at Bowen State High School.

“It is wonderful to see their excitement as they are learning about high school,” he said.

“My goal is to make their journey into this new chapter of education as comfortable and confident as possible.”

Craig Ninnes is Head of Diversity at Bowen State High School, and his role is to work closely with Year 6 teachers and their inclusion teams to gain a deeper understanding of each student's individual needs, ensuring that current adjustments are effectively tailored to Bowen State High School’s environment.

“This is to support the social emotional wellbeing of students and their access to the Australian curriculum,” Mr Ninnes said.

“For our vulnerable students, Bowen State High School also offers an Extended Transition Program to provide more time for students to orientate themselves around the school, become familiar with our school processes, and meet our support services team.

“Bowen State High School also recognises that staff require professional learning to support transition, particularly for students with disability who require extensive support. This involves meeting with families, collaborating with departmental specialists, and providing repeated opportunities for staff to build capability through training and work shadowing.

“At Bowen State High School, we want to live by our motto of being ‘Prepared for All Things’.”
Enrolment applications are now available for Year 6 students.

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Photos supplied

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Last Friday, 24 students from Whitsunday’s Senior Schools reached a significant milestone by earning their Certificate II in Maritime Operations (Coxswain Grade 1) through the VETiS program. This government-funded initiative allows students to gain nationally recognized qualifications while still in school.
Their hard work and dedication culminated in this prestigious achievement, marking the beginning of their exciting journeys in the maritime world.
The initiative is managed by the Whitsunday Sailing Club who is the registered training organisation and was brought to life by Asher Telford, the operator of Red Cat Adventures, in response to widespread staff shortages across the Mackay and Whitsundays’ marine and tourism industries:
“I wanted to create a program where kids had hands-on learning in real-life situations so that when they finished the course, they didn't just have a piece of paper; they were real-life ready and employable,” Asher stated.
“It brings a tear to my eye whenever I see a bunch of kids come out and know that they're ready to be gainfully employed straight out of school.”
When asked why students should take advantage of this fantastic opportunity Asher stated that it helps the students get into a well-paid trade early on:
“It sets them up with a trade straight out of school that's healthy and is outdoors, with good earning potential, not with low apprentice wages, they're straight into earning and having fun.
“It also builds massive confidence being on boats, and especially in tourism, where they can sometimes be in front of hundreds of people.”
Trainer Deb Duggan from Whitsunday Sailing Club enthused about the initiative:
“I think it's very unique,” she said.
"In the past, students could pursue certificate courses through the school, but these were typically limited to fields like cookery or tourism.
“Now, however, they have the opportunity to integrate all these skills and embark on a career at sea.
“This new option not only opens up exciting career prospects but also benefits local students and supports the regional economy."
As the Whitsunday Sailing Club are a registered training organisation, they provide all the facilities and the training, alongside getting the students through the certificate.
The Whitsunday Sailing Club reaches out to local schools to provide information about the VETiS program. They gauge interest from students and, based on this feedback, offer the opportunity to participate to those who are interested.
A huge congratulations to the newly awarded Coxswain students!

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Photo Credit: Ruth Puddefoot

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Ahoy there, parents and guardians!

We’re heading into the final stretch of the school holidays, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve been navigating these waters with a mix of excitement, exhaustion, and just a splash of chaos. As I sail through a good week—feeling well enough to get out and about before my next chemotherapy treatment—I’ve been making the most of it with my little one, who’s nearly a year and a half now. Let me tell you, keeping up with a toddler during school holidays is its own kind of endurance test!

We decided to jump aboard Mackay Regional Council’s Treasure Trail this year after only managing to visit a few locations last year. I was determined to redeem myself, and I’m proud to say we conquered most of it over the weekend, with just one stop left to check off Monday morning (thanks to a Sunday closure). Hats off to the crew who blitzed through it in under five hours—that’s some seriously impressive charting and time management! If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time to register and embark on your own adventure. Who knows? You might even win a treasure trove of prizes! Check out page 26 for all the details and some of the fantastic photos families have shared.

And here’s a pro tip (without giving away too much): you’ll be heading up the Valley on this adventure, so why not make a pit stop at one of the cafes, pubs, or galleries along the way? Show some love to our Valley neighbours and let them know Mackay’s got their back.

If you need more inspiration for how to survive the final week of holidays, our event guide on page 22 has you covered. Plus, there’s a special school holiday feature on page 24 and all the info you need about the fun day at the Dunes on page 25.

Happy sailing, me hearties—may you find adventure, relaxation, and just enough caffeine to see you through!

Amanda

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On a quiet Sunday afternoon at the Ampol service station in Farleigh, a local woman found herself in a predicament, unsure of which oil to buy for her car.

The young employee, though polite, couldn’t provide much assistance, so they decided on a 5-litre bottle of 30-weight oil. Just as she was about to pay, a friend messaged her, suggesting she needed 40-weight oil instead.

Rushing back to the shelves, she encountered what she later described as an "angel" in the form of a "gentle giant" named Scott.

Scott, seeing her dilemma, stepped in without hesitation.

“You’ll need a 40, and only a litre,” he said, quickly locating the correct oil. Not only that, but he kindly offered to put it in the engine for her.

At the counter, as she fumbled to transfer funds, Scott surprised her further.

“Grab your drinks, I’ve got the oil,” he said with a smile.

In shock, she realised Scott had already paid for everything. Running out to thank him, she found him by her car, pouring the oil into the engine.

When she expressed her gratitude, Scott simply replied, “There has to be some kindness in this world... too much sadness.”

This small but touching act of generosity serves as a beautiful reminder that kindness is alive and well, often appearing when it’s needed most.

“Mackay has some beautiful angels living here... in all sorts of shapes and sizes,” she said.

What small act of kindness can you offer today?

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A graduation ceremony at Mackay Base Hospital for six Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students last week marks the next big step in turning their healthcare career dreams into a reality.

The teens have completed an 18-month traineeship across various departments at the hospital as part of the Budyubari Bidyiri Kebi Stapal or Big Dream, Small Steps Program.

In a ceremony on Tuesday 10 September, the students cut the graduation cake and were presented with their Certificates lll qualifications in either Health Services Assistance or Allied Health Assistance.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) chief executive Susan Gannon congratulated the 2024 graduates who began their traineeships early last year.

“Each trainee has gained valuable skills, insight and experience in the healthcare industry while still at high school and working in various units across the Mackay Base Hospital,” she said.

“The aim of the program is to build the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce to better reflect the community we care for.”

Mackay HHS organisational development manager Kelly Klemen said the traineeship gave the students ‘on-the-job’ experience and helped them develop foundational skills, knowledge and practical experience working in the health sector.

“It’s become such a valuable, growth experience for many of them it solidifies their decision to work in the healthcare industry,” she said.

As one of seven children in his family, trainee Domonik Battersby felt very “at home” working in the paediatric department at Mackay Base Hospital and well as spending time in the surgical unit, wound clinic and emergency department.

“This traineeship has been a real stepping stone for me to realising my dream,” Domonik said.

“I’ve worked different shifts, seen many different aspects of working in healthcare and heard some really interesting stories; it’s helped finalise my decision to work towards being a travel nurse,” he said.

North Mackay State High School student and trainee Tiarni Walker is committed to studying nursing at university after she began her traineeship in April last year. Working in both the renal unit and F2 medical unit at the hospital helped her to develop rapport with patients and grow her confidence.

“I did a range of different tasks such as feeding, showering and bathing and bed making in the unit. I really liked seeing the elderly patients, having a chat with them and knowing that what I was doing was making a difference to them,” Tiarni said.

The Big Dream, Small Steps Program is a collaborative effort which provides a network of support for students. It is funded through Metro North’s Deadly Start program who have partnered with registered training organisation (RTO) Connect ‘n’ Grow to deliver the training. Students are also provided with support by Seed Foundation Australia.

The Budyubari Bidyiri Kebi Stapal (Big Dream, Small Steps) program 2024 cohort began their school-based traineeships in July.

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Big Dream, Small Steps traineeship graduates and local high school students include, from left, Tiarni Walker, Yasmin Johnson, Fletcher Pinkard, Domonik Battersby, Bella Roberts and Macy Rudken

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Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm MP, is calling on the Queensland Government to be open and honest with Queensland commercial and recreational fishers about its future plans for the fishing industry.  

“For the last two years, this Labor Government has treated our Queensland fishers with contempt bringing in changes with little consultation or transparency around their decision-making process and with little concern as to the implications on the future of the fishing and seafood industry in Queensland”, Ms Camm stated.

Ms Camm said that Mackay and Whitsunday fishermen have declared that the temporary Government-issued NX licenses are inoperable and require urgent review.

“The LNP candidate for Mackay, Nigel Dalton and I have sat around the table with our local fishers, many of whom have already been impacted financially and are concerned about their future viability and the future viability of the industry,” she said.

“I’ve met with stakeholders, I’ve written to the Minister, I’ve asked questions in Parliament and still the Government refuses to consult and listen and be transparent with our community.”

Representatives from the tourism industry have also raised concerns about the implementation and inconsistency of the regulations.

Mr Dalton said, “The onboard vessel monitoring regulations mean that currently fishers are being filmed going to the bathroom in the boat, effectively in their workplace, in front of their colleagues, which has to be considered a huge breach of privacy.”

Ms Camm stated that the industry is struggling as a result of these changes with 90 per cent of fresh fish sold in our region now imported from interstate.

“There are not enough licensed providers in our region to catch fresh fish. Local businesses are expected to either absorb the interstate freight costs or pass them on to the consumer,” Ms Camm stated.  

“In a cost-of-living crisis, these increased costs cannot be sustained.”

Ms Camm and Mr Dalton are calling on the Queensland Government to be honest about the further restrictions and regulations they are proposing to introduce on our commercial and recreational fishers.  

“The Queensland Government needs to advise fishers and all seafood-loving Queenslanders if the fishing industry has a long-term future under a Labor Government.

“Regional Queenslanders and our fishing community deserve better.”

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Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm, LNP Candidate for Mackay Nigel Dalton listening with local fishers David Caracciolo, Paul Vickers and Deb Ahern. Photo supplied

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By Amanda Wright

For nearly four decades, M&P Services has been a cornerstone supporter of the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, showcasing a remarkable dedication that started in the 1980s. The foundation of this enduring relationship was laid by Max Lamb senior, who, using M&P’s first truck, transported vital materials to Mackay to establish the lifesaving club at Harbour Beach.

This long-standing partnership was celebrated recently when Max Lamb Jr. from M&P Services presented the club with a generous donation, courtesy of their 9th annual charity golf day in conjunction with Key Solutions Group.

Alongside the cheque, the club received two custom-made FBE eskies, crafted in M&P’s workshop specifically for the lifesaving club.

Peter Marshall, the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club's Gear and Equipment Officer, highlighted the critical support M&P has provided.

“Max and his team have been extraordinary in their support,” Pete said.

“Not only do they offer financial aid, but their logistical help is invaluable. For instance, they arrange for dongas and dangerous goods containers for major events like the North Australian Titles. These resources would typically be a huge expense for us.”

Pete stressed the importance of M&P’s contribution to the club's operations.

“The eskies provided by M&P help us store drinks during beach events, ensuring our volunteers and participants stay hydrated.”

Pete also highlighted the broader impact of M&P’s support on the community: “Kids need to learn about ocean safety from a young age, as our environment includes everything from creeks and dams to the open ocean.

“M&P’s support helps us continue teaching these vital skills, from identifying rips and swells to overall water safety.”

The M&P Services & Key Solutions Group’s annual charity golf day, now a cornerstone of Mackay’s philanthropic events, once again showcased how swinging clubs can make a world of difference. This year’s event raised an impressive $61,200.

Each hole was a chance to contribute to something greater, with the community uniting for a common cause and turning a day on the greens into a meaningful opportunity for giving back.
The funds raised were allocated to a variety of worthy causes, with the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club among the beneficiaries. This year's charitable efforts also supported the Trudy Crowley Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, and the Mackay Cutters. Essential services and community organisations were also aided, including BMA CQ Rescue, MCVA, Wildlife Rehabilitation Queensland, CASA, Mackay Netball Association, Mackay Hospital Foundation, Australian Street Aid Project, and the Kidney Support Network.

Once again, the community came together, showing that when it comes to supporting important causes, everyone is ready to step up to the tee.

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M&P Services Director Max Lamb Jr. (left) presented Peter Marshall from the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club with two eskies and a cheque from the recent charity golf day. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Applications are now open for 10 more Regional University Study Hubs to be established around Australia, giving more students from rural and regional areas access to tertiary education.

MP Andrew Willcox is throwing his support behind the program which has already supported over 12,000 students in 46 locations across Australia since its establishment.

“Living in rural, regional, and remote areas can create significant barriers of entry for students looking to study at a tertiary level, but this program helps to alleviate these difficulties by bringing the universities closer to where these students live,” Mr Willcox said.

“Where you live shouldn’t dictate whether or not you can access tertiary education, and I strongly encourage eligible organisations in Dawson to apply to establish study hubs to support the students in our electorate.”

For more information on the eligibility criteria and application process, visit: www.education.gov.au/regional-university-study-hubs

Applications close Friday 18 October 2024 at 5:00pm AEDT.

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has said that Prime Minster Anthony Albanese refused to attend the National Farmer Rally outside Parliament House, ignoring farmers who travelled from across Queensland to plead with the Federal Government to stop an “anti-farming agenda”.
 
Mr Willcox said the Prime Minister has once again demonstrated complete contempt towards farmers and rural, regional and remote Australia.
 
“For the Prime Minister to ignore our farmers, many who have spent days on end driving to Canberra from across Queensland, shows that Labor doesn’t care about our agriculture industry,” Mr Willcox said.
 
“Our Prime Minister isn’t interested in helping or even listening to those who produce our nation’s food and fibre.

“Agriculture Minister Julie Collins didn’t attend the rally either, which is incredibly disappointing given she has only just been appointed as Agriculture Minister.

“All our farmers want is a fair go and to continue feeding the country.”
 
Mr Willcox pointed out the National Farmer Rally organisers were calling for sensible changes including scrapping the truckie tax, scrapping new taxes for biosecurity and superannuation, scrapping water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin and protecting the Great Artesian Basin, scrapping unnecessary red tape from emissions reporting, known as Scope 3, and scrapping reckless renewables which will rip up prime agricultural land, protecting the 88-day backpacker visa, as well as overturning the decision to ban live sheep exports by sea.
 
“These requests are common sense solutions and without changes, Labor will make farming unviable.

“The National Farmer Rally is the biggest in a generation – it has been more than 40 years since Aussie farmers have had to march on Parliament House because a federal government has made them feel so aggrieved.
 
“The Nationals proudly support those attending the rally. We will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our farmers and will continue to fight for farming and the future of regional, rural and remote Australia.”

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox (right) joined farmers at the National Farmer Rally in Canberra earlier this month. Photo supplied

Mackay is set to benefit from the Queensland Government’s ramped-up efforts to combat the housing and homelessness crisis, with dozens of new social and affordable homes under construction in the region. As part of the state’s Homes for Queenslanders Plan, 79 homes are being delivered in Mackay and the Whitsundays, including 27 modular units aimed at easing housing pressures and providing quicker solutions for those in need.

These modular homes, which are designed to be built faster, are ideal for people looking to downsize, helping free up larger social housing properties for families struggling to find suitable accommodation. This project is part of a $1 billion investment from the Queensland Government to tackle the housing crisis statewide.

While the plan addresses the broader housing shortage across Queensland, the focus on Mackay brings much-needed relief to the community, which has been facing significant challenges in securing affordable homes for many of its residents.

One resident happy to downsize was Dora Sanderson, 82, who chose to relocate from a large family home to a comfortable ground floor apartment better suited to her changing needs. The smaller one-bedroom unit has been a perfect place for the devoted grandmother while allowing her to live independently.

Premier Steven Miles was in Mackay on Tuesday and shared a cuppa with Dora, saying that housing is one of the biggest issues around the state, and across the country.

“As more people move to Queensland, it puts pressure on our already tight housing market,” Premier Miles said.

“I have a plan to address these pressures, while also planning for the future. You can see the benefits of that plan in action right now.

“Across the state, we have more than $1 billion in social and affordable housing projects underway.

“These new builds will ensure that vulnerable Queenslanders right here have a roof over their head.”

Labor Candidate for Mackay Belinda Hassan thanked Dora for welcoming them into her home and said the announcement for more social and affordable housing was critical for the Mackay region.

“After speaking with people throughout Mackay the past few weeks I keep hearing that housing is the number one issue alongside cost of living,” Ms Hassan said.

“We have 7 new units under construction just down the road from these apartments as well as 27 modular homes locked in for the region, with 10 of these on track to be delivered just after Christmas.

“These new houses will benefit our community, unlocking supply and creating homes for local families and individuals.
“Importantly, they’ll be built with flood resilience in mind and be located close to local schools, services and transport.”

Anyone who needs housing assistance can contact their local Housing Service Centre during business hours or call the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.

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Labor candidate for Whitsunday Bauke Hovinga, Premier Steven Miles, Labor candidate for Mackay Belinda Hassan, Dora Sanderson, Labor candidate for Mirani Susan Teder. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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By Hannah McNamara

Long after their uniforms were folded away, the toughest fight many veterans faced was the one that no one could see.

Founder of the Veterans Support Group Mackay, Mr. Sean O'Mara OAM is a Vietnam Veteran and former area representative for North Queensland Veteran Affairs. He said that before the late 90’s, veterans had little to no support and were forced to deal with troubling flashbacks and emotions that lingered through their minds, even years after serving in the war.

“Returning back to civil living and trying to live a normal life was a battle in itself that our soldiers faced, and it is one that at many times, they had to face alone,” Mr O’Mara shared.

He would often receive phone calls from veterans struggling with suicidal thoughts and in response, Mr O'Mara would personally travel to meet with them, providing face-to-face support during their time of need.

Despite facing his own mental battles, the veteran was on call to the 24-hour line with a sole focus on supporting others. He would often visit veterans in psych wards and soon realised the lack of resources and support that was absent in the community for those who served.

It all started with $10, a newspaper ad and a genuine desire to make a difference by creating a safe space for fellow veterans.

In 1997, Mr. O’Mara founded the support group for Vietnam Veterans by placing a $10 ad in the local paper that simply read, "Vietnam veterans wanting to meet for a cup of coffee.

“The first meeting was held on the 10th of July, 1997 at the salvation army,” Mr O’Mara said.

“Three came along for the first meeting, then four, and as time went on, numbers just kept growing.

“Not long after I said that we needed a bigger place.”

Mr O'Mara approached the Council with a request to cover the rent for a day at Packstons Wharf in Townsville, and they agreed to pay the rent, only if he could get 20 veterans in.

“So, we got 20 veterans, then 30, and it just kept growing.”

Around the year of 2000, the group were eager to get a place of their own, so Mr O’Mara went to the state member at the time, Tim Mulherin, who also happened to be a family friend of his.

“Tim Mulherin said ‘yeah, I’ll give you a hand’… so eventually we got a lease and it was a bare block of land.”

Mr O’Mara then went to the minister of housing at the time, whom fortunately enough, he also knew.

He was provided with a commission house that was originally marked for demolition to make way for high-rise buildings. This left him with two houses but no funds to move them onto the land he now owned.

He later applied for an additional grant, securing enough funding to relocate the houses.

All the veterans were brought in, and together they dug the holes and offered a hand to help with the reconstruction. Once the houses arrived, a grant was secured from Veteran Affairs to fund the refurbishment.

The veterans restumped the houses and replaced the roof, with help from a friend who was a plumber. The Rotary Club supplied paint, Woollam polished the floors, and Porters, along with various businesses and community members, contributed to the project.

Mr O’Mara said “I think just about everyone I knew; I’d knocked on their door and said ‘can ya help’.

“And basically, here we are today.”

‘Veterans Assisting Veterans’ was their logo, and The Mackay Veterans Support Centre was officially opened by the Member for Mackay at that time, Tim Mulherin MP on the 4th of September 2004.

In 2008, Mr O’Mara was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his efforts of building the Veterans Support Group.

Now in its 20th year, the Veterans Support Group Mackay stands as a place where veterans and their families can meet and socialise to enhance their lifestyle by breaking down social isolation.

Mr O’Mara hopes to pass on the centre to the younger veterans and notes that the group has a strong sense of camaraderie. Members come together around the table, enjoying biscuits, coffee, or a light beer, and, “Solve the world’s problems,” while supporting and uplifting each other in an environment where they feel truly heard and valued.

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Founder of the Veterans Support Group Mackay, Mr. Sean O'Mara OAM. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara and supplied

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By Amanda Wright

If Queensland wants the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions to remain the economic driver of the state, then it’s time to fix our roads to ensure the journey to prosperity continues.

This was a collective message delivered by our region’s mayors alongside GW3 Chief Executive Officer Kylie Porter, who are advocating for the state and federal governments to stop paying lip service and commit to fixing our broken roads.

Despite generating $74.4 billion annually, our regions are losing $287 million each year because of poor infrastructure and frequent road closures.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said that consecutive governments have pushed our regions to the side without locking in dedicated funding commitment to improve critical carriageways such as the Bruce Highway and Peak Downs Highway. He echoed Isaac Mayor Kelly Vea Vea’s words which were, “It’s time for the government to put its money where its mouth is.”

“We are battling dangerous highways, regular flooding, and cyclone damage, yet the funding to fix these critical arteries is nowhere to be seen, year after year,” Mayor Williamson said.

“If our regions are expected to drive Queensland’s economy, we need the infrastructure to match.”

Regional mayors and GW3 CEO unite to demand urgent road repairs, crucial for maintaining Queensland's economic momentum. L-R: Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) Chief Executive Officer Ms Kylie Porter, Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins, Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea, Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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THE $1B COST OF NEGLECT

GW3 Demands Road Investment For Future Growth

Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) Chief Executive Officer Ms Kylie Porter said the Greater Whitsunday region makes an oversized contribution to the Queensland economy, with a total economic output of $74.4B each year.

“Our regional economic contribution across key industries including mining and METS, agriculture, aquaculture and tourism is significant and demonstrates our region’s strategic importance to the Queensland economy,” she said.

Emphasising the critical need for investment in roads, housing and future industry growth for the Greater Whitsunday region, GW3 has released its 2024 Queensland state election priorities.

This document outlines strategic initiatives and investment commitments needed for the Greater Whitsunday region. The advocacy document highlights the importance of the region’s ongoing contribution to Queensland’s economic prosperity in the lead-up to the Queensland state election on Saturday, October 26.

"This priorities document is a call to action for our state government leaders to invest wisely and ensure that the Greater Whitsunday region remains the Queensland economy’s heavy hitter,” Ms Porter added.

Ms Porter said importantly, these election priorities emphasise that roads in the region are too often closed in response to a weather event or incident and without action the cost to the region will exceed $1.4B over the next ten years.

“Road closures and a lack of investment is costing the Greater Whitsunday regional economy dearly.

“The impact to our industries and our economy is significant with the region losing $287M in revenue and 215 full time jobs annually.”

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the importance of delivering our planned road projects on time is crucial to the growth and development of Mackay and the whole of the Greater Whitsunday region.

“By accelerating projects from planning to construction, we ensure that our infrastructure keeps pace with our community's needs and economic ambitions.

"Given our region's susceptibility to road closures, with an average of 16.5 closures for an average of 4.2 days, it is fundamental that we adhere to planned timelines and accelerate project completion.

“By minimising disruptions and ensuring efficient project completion, we enhance the quality of life for our residents and bolster our local economy."

Ms Porter added that the biggest losses across the region’s industries included mining, accommodation and food services.

"Our roads and infrastructure are not just pathways; they are the lifelines of our economy and community safety.”

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said the Greater Whitsunday road network, which supports billions in economic output for the State, is in dire need of investment.

"Our roads were never built for the size and scale of traffic that uses them. Many of the roads across the area are regularly closed due to flooding or starting to literally fall apart,” Mayor Vea Vea said.

“That is why this election we are putting roads at the centre of our advocacy to all major parties.

“We are calling for a serious funding commitment to support road upgrades across Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday to ensure we can continue to deliver billions for the state’s coffers.”

Mayor Vea Vea added that cost of living relief delivered by the state government, such as 50-cent public transport fares, mainly benefitting the south-east corner, comes from coal royalties largely generated in the Bowen Basin.

“You’re welcome, Queensland,” Mayor Vea Vea said.

“We’re quite happy to keep making the money for those 50-cent fares as long as it’s invested back into the regions generating that wealth.”

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said building more resilience into the region’s federal and state road network was crucial, saying the section of the Bruce Highway in the Whitsundays is one of the worst.

Mayor Collins said yet another disaster season will come and go and still there was no progress in building flood immunity into the two bottleneck areas at Goorganga Plains on the Bruce Highway and Hamilton Plains on Shute Harbour Road.

“These issues have been kicked around like a proverbial political football for more than a decade and a disrupted road network has a huge impact on not only our residents but also our booming tourism and agriculture industries.

“The almost annual road flooding events cause chaos at our record-breaking Whitsunday Coast Airport with flights cancelled as passengers and staff can’t access the terminal while the freight network, so important to our agriculture sector, is also left in chaos.

"Having our region virtually cut-off upsets everyone both south and north of us as it is our national highway and the connectivity hub for regional Queensland.

"Our aim is to get bi-partisan support for all tiers of government and political parties. We are keen to work with them all to get an outcome for our community,” Mayor Collins said.

Ms Porter said the priority for the region’s roads was to ensure the Queensland Government delivers planned projects on time; accelerates project planning to construction delivery and costs and plans projects that require investment.

“There are 20+ road improvement projects slated for the region with more than $700M in investments committed across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday LGA’s.

“On-time delivery of these planned projects is critical to promote and support prosperity and to improve safety across our region’s road network,” Ms Porter said.

Mayor Williamson said highlighting our region’s priorities is essential for making informed decisions to drive real change and progress.

“By prioritising infrastructure development, we can address community needs and enhance our economic future."

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Mayor Greg Williamson discusses the urgent need for timely road repairs, emphasising that accelerated infrastructure projects are essential for regional growth and economic stability. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Isaac Mayor Kelly Vea Vea highlights the inadequacy of current road infrastructure, noting that many roads in the region were never designed to handle the rapid growth and heavy traffic they encounter today

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