The Mackay region’s ingenuity and resilience were on full display at the 2025 Resource Industry Network (RIN) Awards Gala Dinner, held Friday 22 August at the MECC. The black-tie celebration, hosted by Ed Kavalee and backed by live music from the Luke Miller Band, showcased the best of the mining equipment, technology and services (METS) and resources sector.

Seven awards recognised excellence across safety, culture, community, manufacturing, innovation and inclusion, with standout winners including FMS Group, Richglen, Gardian, IQ Solutions, M&P Services, North Queensland Bulk Ports, and Glencore’s Colin Hoyle.

RIN General Manager Dean Kirkwood praised the sector’s ability to adapt under global and economic pressures, while Chair Tim Magoffin highlighted the region’s role as a leader across industries from mining to renewables.

The night also carried moments of deep emotion, as Gardian Director Luke Phillips dedicated his community award to his late brother Peter, a driving force behind the company’s culture.

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Award winners gathered on stage with Resource Industry Network Chair Tim Magoffin to celebrate excellence across the METS and resources sector. Photo credit: Liz Andrews

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Amber’s fourth birthday was made extra special last week when Mackay Northern Beaches police paid her a surprise visit. The young fan, known for her love of all things police, was thrilled when officers stopped by to celebrate her big day.

During the visit, Amber had the chance to meet the officers, explore the police car, and even sit in the driver’s seat, beaming from ear to ear. The surprise brought smiles, laughter, and unforgettable memories for the birthday girl and her family.

Mackay Police shared their well-wishes for Amber, saying they hoped her birthday would be one she would always remember. The visit highlighted the strong connection between local police and the community, showing how even a small gesture can make a big impact.

For Amber and her family, the day was a perfect blend of fun, excitement, and community spirit – proof that sometimes, the best birthday gifts come with flashing lights and sirens.

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This Sunday we celebrate Father’s Day – a chance to honour the dads and father figures who help shape our lives.

There’s so much weight carried on the shoulders of men. Often, the expectation is to be the breadwinner, yet many step up as incredible caregivers too. From fathers and uncles to grandfathers and mentors, men play a powerful role in raising children, teaching resilience and encouraging courage in everyday life.

I see this balance in my own family. While I hover nervously when our little one takes a risk, my husband is the steady voice saying, “brush it off” and urging him to get back up. That contrast – comfort and courage – is what helps children flourish.

Last year, when I was in the thick of chemotherapy, he played both mum and dad. Because I was cytotoxic, he took on every hands-on role – from baths to nappy changes – all while keeping our family running through my three-weekly chemo cycles. He really is the best dad, and this note is dedicated to him, and to all the father figures who step up with love, patience and strength.

Happy Father’s Day – and here’s one for the dads: Why don’t skeletons ever fight each other? Because they don’t have the guts.

Amanda

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In a bid to ensure the safety of the region’s children, Queensland has drawn a line in the sand against predators, taking a landmark step with the introduction of Daniel’s Law to Parliament — the state’s first public child sex offender register.

Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton MP, welcomed the landmark reform, saying it will put the rights of victims and families ahead of offenders by giving parents the tools they need to better protect their children.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our kids,” Mr Dalton said.

“For too long, convicted predators have been able to hide in the shadows. Daniel’s Law will shine a light on repeat offenders and give parents the information they need to make informed decisions for their families.”

The Bill sets out a three-tiered disclosure framework, closely modelled on the proven West Australian system:

Tier 1: A publicly accessible website naming offenders who have failed to meet reporting obligations and whose whereabouts are unknown. Full name, photo and year of birth will be listed.

Tier 2: An online application allowing Queensland residents to view photographs of reportable offenders living in their area.

Tier 3: An application process enabling parents and guardians to confirm if a particular person with unsupervised access to their child is a registered offender.

Reportable offences include grooming a child under 16, indecent treatment of a child, and the production or distribution of child exploitation material.

The law honours Sunshine Coast teenager Daniel Morcombe, who was tragically killed in 2003, and reflects two decades of tireless advocacy by his parents through the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.

Mr Dalton said the reform demonstrates the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to child safety, delivering change within its first 10 months in office.

“Daniel’s Law is one of the most significant child safety reforms in Queensland’s history,” he said.

“This is about transparency, accountability, and protecting children who cannot protect themselves. As a father and as the Member for Mackay, I am proud to support this law.”

Safeguards will also be built into the framework, with new offences introduced to prevent the misuse of information, ensuring the register is used strictly for child protection and not for vigilantism.

Daniel’s Law will be reviewed by a Parliamentary Committee before returning to the House, with the Government committed to making it law before the end of the year.

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Queensland has introduced Daniel’s Law, the state’s first public child sex offender register, in a landmark move to protect children and empower parents with vital information. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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It’s not every day you see police horses patrolling the town with their respected riders from Queensland Police Service. But that’s exactly what Mackay locals experienced this week, when two mounted officers from Brisbane arrived in town after completing patrols in Airlie Beach.

Children reached out to pat the horses, parents snapped photos, and plenty of locals were left starstruck at the sight of Sergeant Ben Bassingthwaighte with police horse Lance, and Constable Debbie Brunschlight with police horse Karma.

“We do all sorts of ceremonial work, like opening big shows with government officials, but the horses are also a strong presence in the community,” Constable Brunschlight said.

“They’re beautiful animals and people love coming up to meet them.”

The mounted officers are affectionately known as “peace-keepers,” using their elevated position in crowds to spot issues before they happen. Just last weekend they were on duty at the Australian March, ensuring community safety and keeping the event calm and family-friendly.

Sergeant Bassingthwaighte said Mackay’s response had been overwhelmingly positive, and crime noticeably quiet.

“It’s great to see how much people enjoy the horses. I think they appreciate the extra police presence, and in a bit of a different way. It’s been very popular,” he said.

“They are a combined one and a half tons of deterrence. Everyone’s been very well-behaved around them, which is part of their attraction, and they encourage good behaviour.”

Speaking about his own pathway into the mounted unit, Bassingthwaighte credited his rural upbringing.

“I grew up on a cattle property when I was younger, then worked in the city for a while. When I decided to join the mounted unit, I had to brush up on my riding skills and pass an assessment to get in.”

The Brisbane-based officers and their horses wrapped up their Mackay patrols on Wednesday, leaving behind plenty of smiles and lasting memories of Queensland Police’s unique four-legged peace-keepers.

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Sergeant Ben Bassingthwaighte with his horse Lance and Constable Debbie Brunschlight with her horse Karma patrolled Mackay, delighting locals and providing a commanding, community-focused presence. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Dangerous Driving Charges Laid

Queensland Police have charged a 24-year-old man after a series of driving offences in Mackay earlier this month.

At around 6pm on 5 August, police responded to reports of a Ford Falcon being driven dangerously near Mackay Harbour. The vehicle was located with a blown rear tyre and subsequently seized for mechanical inspection.

It is alleged the man drove dangerously along the Mackay breakwater, overtaking vehicles, crossing unbroken lines, and performing dangerous acts at the end of the breakwater.

The 24-year-old man, from Walkerston, was arrested on 13 August and charged with multiple offences, including:

• Dangerous operation of a vehicle
• Offence relating to operating a vehicle during number plate confiscation
• Offence to remove, tamper with, or modify a number plate confiscation notice
• Driving on a P2 licence without green P plates
• Driving or parking a light vehicle on the road while defective

He is due to appear before Mackay Magistrates Court on 1 September.

The Ford Falcon involved in the incidents has been impounded.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Moranbah Man Charged Over Burglary And Property Damage

A 37-year-old Moranbah man has been arrested and charged following an alleged break-in and wilful damage incident on 27 August.

Police allege that at approximately 5:30pm, the man entered a dwelling on Shannon Drive, Moranbah, causing extensive damage to the property.

The man was scheduled to appear in Emerald Magistrates Court on 28 August.

Reference: QP2501521135

High-Speed Drink Driver Intercepted On Peak Downs Highway

Police have charged a man after he was allegedly caught driving at high speed while under the influence of alcohol in Coppabella on Friday, 22 August.

Shortly after 6pm, officers conducting patrols on Peak Downs Highway observed a Toyota Hilux ute travelling at excessive speed. It is alleged the 32-year-old man from Jimboomba was recorded driving at 148km/h in a 100km/h zone before being intercepted by police.

Further testing allegedly revealed the driver was over the legal alcohol limit, returning a breath analysis reading of 0.118.

The man has been issued with a Notice to Appear in Moranbah Magistrates Court on 18 September.

Police continue to remind motorists: if you plan to drink, plan not to drive.

Moranbah Man Charged With Assault

Police have charged a 28-year-old man following an alleged assault at a licensed premise in Moranbah on 17 August.

It is alleged that at around 12:30am, the man assaulted a 21-year-old at a venue on Griffin Street. The victim was taken to Moranbah Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The 28-year-old Moranbah man was arrested at a local address on 18 August and has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.

He is scheduled to appear before Moranbah Magistrates Court on 18 September.

Reference: QP2501451397

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Photo source: Queensland Police Service

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Senior Constable Returns To Thank Hospital Staff After Life-Changing Crash

By Hannah McNamara

In a moving act of gratitude and resilience, five years after a devastating traffic crash near Calen left him almost completely blind, Queensland Police Service officer Senior Constable John Kenworthy has returned to Mackay.

His visit carried great significance, not only to thank the Mackay Base Hospital Emergency Department staff who treated him and his wife, but also to reconnect with the community where his life changed forever.

Senior Constable Kenworthy said he recalls his time working in Mackay like it was yesterday.

“The reason we came up to Mackay was as a work promotion, a specialist role… in the road policing unit, near highway patrol,” he said. “I loved the working environment. I loved the office.

“I loved the locals – the Mackay locals are fantastic.”

On the day of the crash in 2020, he was riding a police motorcycle when he responded to a call.

“I’ve left the road, gone through a barb wire fence, which has come up into the helmet and caused both of my eyes to rupture.”

“From that moment I’ve become blind as a result.”

Flown to Brisbane for specialist care, he spent months in hospital. Listening back to his helmet camera later inspired him to reconnect with those who helped him that day.

“They didn’t choose to be on that road at that time, neither did I, but for whatever reason our paths crossed,” he said.

“They’ve all graciously accepted to come and meet me… it was just the fact that we were coming back up that I’d also like to close that circle.”

Visiting Mackay Base Hospital again for the first time since the crash, he described the reunion as moving.

“It was just overwhelming, they were so engaged, and interested to hear my story.

Despite the challenges he now faces, his commitment to serving as a police officer hasn’t withered.

“I still work as a sworn police officer in Brisbane. I still go to work and contribute to the organisation, which I’m really proud of.”

And now, he has turned his experience into purpose, by championing the message of road safety.

“You often think about the fatality rate as a number on the news every night… but it’s more than a number.

“It’s a family affected for the rest of their life.

“I just wonder when, as a community, we’re gonna wake up and say ‘we really need to look at this in a different light.’”

His wife, Sarah, recalled the first moments she heard of the crash.

“The phone rang and it was a police officer that was on site with John… he said ‘your husband’s got a tiny scratch on his face.’”

“He said ‘we’re taking him to hospital though, he should be fine…’”

“I’m grateful the officer said that, because it really kept me calm until I could process what had actually happened.”

“As I approached the Emergency Department today I actually burst into tears…it brought back a lot of really tough memories.”

Senior Sergeant Shane Edwards, Mackay Whitsunday District Highway Patrol Officer in Charge, said John’s resilience has inspired colleagues across the state.

“As you would expect, the entire office was devastated when we heard the extent of John’s injuries… most people would probably curl up into a ball, but John’s just out there doing everything he can.

“He inspires not only myself, but everybody in the office and it’s always a joy to see him.

“He’s just truly an inspirational man and Sarah’s a truly inspirational woman.”

For Senior Constable Kenworthy, gratitude remains at the heart of this return for those who assisted him on that fateful day.

“They are heroes. There’s no doubt about it.”

“I just thank them all... I don’t know how to put it into words.”

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Senior Constable John Kenworthy and wife Sarah Kenworthy paid Mackay Base Hospital a visit, in gratitude and honour of the assistance they received on the day of the crash. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Vandals have destroyed an area of important vegetation along a local foreshore for the second time in two years.

Council officers have finalised an investigation into the apparent poisoning of trees along the foreshore at Belmunda, deeming the incident “extremely significant”.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the area, near Macartney Drive, had only just been replanted after an earlier act of environmental vandalism in 2023.

“About 20 young trees, which were planted a little over 12 months ago, appear to have been poisoned with a herbicide,” Mayor Williamson said.

“It’s extremely disappointing that this kind of environmental destruction has happened again in this area,” he said.

“This kind of act not only has an impact on this coastal ecosystem, but also a financial impact on ratepayers.

“Foreshore vegetation plays an important role in erosion control and providing wildlife habitat.”

Mayor Williamson said the financial cost of responding to this vandalism was expected to be close to $20,000.

Council has today supported a recommendation to replant 100 trees to replace the 20 that were damaged or poisoned.

A 6.0m x 1.5m billboard sign will be erected in the affected area and remain in place for at least five years.

Council’s Vegetation Vandalism Policy states that responses to any acts of environmental vandalism should be adapted to meet the perceived motivation.

Mayor Williamson said it was vital the community alerted council of any potential environmental vandalism and provided evidence where possible.

“In this instance, there wasn’t enough evidence to be able to prove who was responsible for this act and we would encourage anyone with information to contact council,” he said.

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A site inspection at Belmunda showed evidence of poisoning along the foreshore. Photo supplied

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Last Thursday, Council started work to clear trees and other vegetation from the large open drain, which runs alongside Bridge Road.

Over the course of several years, mangroves have established in the tidal drain on Bridge Road, South Mackay.

Director Infrastructure and Operations with Mackay Regional Council, Simon Taylor said the clearing is expected to improve the efficiency of the drain during flood events where tidal conditions are favourable.

“There are restrictions around the removal of mangroves,” Mr Taylor said.

“These types of trees can’t be cleared without special approvals from the State
Government, which we have obtained.”

Mr Taylor said the aim is to complete clearing before the start of the wet season.

“Having this drain cleared will assist flood water to drain away from our
residential areas and important community assets under favourable tidal conditions.

“It is important to note that the drainage works do not remove flood risk associated with potential storm surge events accompanying tropical cyclones and residents of low-lying areas are encouraged to review our Emergency Action Guide

"Council will continue to work closely with the State Government on the future maintenance of the drain."

The section between Casey Avenue and Leisure Court will be cleared first.

The work is expected to take about two months, weather and tides permitting.

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Council has begun clearing mangroves and vegetation from the Bridge Road drain in South Mackay to improve flood flow ahead of the wet season. Photo supplied

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Council’s Mackay Region Economic Development Strategy 2025-2030 highlights the need to prioritise housing as a key driver of the regional economic engine.

The strategy was adopted at today’s (August 27) ordinary meeting of council.

Economic Development and Growth Strategic Advisory Committee (EDGSAC) Co-chair Cr Belinda Hassan said while housing availability was undoubtedly a vital social need, consultation on the strategy had also revealed that it was one of the main roadblocks for accelerating economic growth.

“Without enough suitable places for people to live, it’s harder to attract and retain the workforce needed for both established industries and the new sectors our region is investing in,” Cr Hassan said.

“This strategy outlines some essential actions to address this need, including advancing new housing developments to meet population increases and supporting the delivery of short-term accommodation options for project‑based workforces, such as construction crews,” she said.

“We also need to ensure that we are streamlining our housing approvals and aligning development incentives with regional workforce needs.

“If our housing supply doesn’t match the accommodation needs and income levels of incoming workers, those workers will look to other regions.”

EDGSAC Co-chair Cr Nathenea MacRae said the strategy addressed four economic priorities – advocacy and leadership, enabled economic environment, workforce development and precincts and property.

“Each priority includes practical actions designed to open up opportunities for investment, support new and existing industries, and strengthen our local economy,” Cr MacRae said.

“These priorities aren’t just long-term aspirations – they’re real projects that will work together to deliver balanced growth,” she said.

“That means matching industrial expansion with the housing, skills and infrastructure needed to make Mackay an even better place to live, work and invest.”

Cr MacRae said workforce development was one example where the Strategy connected economic growth with community benefit.

“We know liveability is one of our biggest drawcards,” she said.

“By marketing Mackay’s lifestyle to attract skilled workers and ensuring housing is available to support them, we’re building the foundations for a strong and sustainable future.”

She said the strategy was built through collaboration with industry and business networks across the region.

“Leaders from mining, agriculture, construction, tourism, biomanufacturing and beyond – alongside local business networks and community groups – have helped shape this plan.

“Their input ensures the strategy reflects what really matters to our region and focuses on projects that will deliver the biggest impact for our community.”

Mackay Region Economic Development Strategy 2025-2030 includes a series of priority initiatives that emerged from stakeholder workshops and consultations.

These initiatives include:

Expediate planning of the Mackay State Development Area to increase future industrial land supply and unlock investment in emerging industries such as biomanufacturing.
Establish a coordinated and consistent advocacy framework for the Mackay region that presents a clear and unified voice to attract investment and government support.
Identify, prioritise and advocate for key enabling infrastructure, such as Mackay Airport Intermodal Transport and Logistics Hub, Mackay Ring Road and Port of Mackay Capabilities Project, to support future industrial expansion.
Review, refresh and promote the Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area to unlock high-value, mixed-use development and create vibrant residential, commercial and recreational spaces.
Proactively work with the region’s traditional industries to identify initiatives that support improved productivity, cost efficiencies and innovation.
Continue to drive projects that enhance the liveability of the Mackay region, growing the residential population base and attracting visitation.

The Mackay Region Economic Development Strategy 2025-2030 is available online on the Discover Mackay website.

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The BMA CQ Rescue team had an early start last Sunday morning, after responding to a mayday call just after 6:30am involving a yacht in distress near Keswick Island. Upon arrival, the crew found the vessel on its side with a man lying on the deck.

“With nowhere to land, our RCO was winched down to assess the situation,” a BMA CQ Rescue representative commented.

The patient was then winched back to the helicopter, where a Doctor and Paramedic provided care. He was found to have broken ribs and cuts and bruises.

The man was flown in a stable condition to Mackay for further treatment, with the quick response highlighting the critical work of the rescue team.

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The BMA CQ Rescue team quickly responded to a mayday call near Keswick Island, winching a man with broken ribs and injuries from a capsized yacht to safety before flying him in stable condition to Mackay. Photo source: BMA CQ Rescue (Facebook)

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I have to, sadly, inform the House that the most dangerous place for a woman in Mackay is not in the safe night precinct, in a pub or in a club; a woman is in most danger when she is in a house or residence with a partner or previous partner. We should all feel safest at home, but this is not the case for many women. Domestic and family violence is one of the most pressing challenges facing Queensland today. In Mackay, as in so many regional communities, the impacts of violence ripple far beyond the home. They touch our schools, our hospitals, our workplaces and the very fabric of our community.

Over the last decade, calls for police assistance in domestic and family violence matters have skyrocketed by more than 200 per cent across Queensland. With my previous experience as a police officer in Mackay, I know that these numbers are not just statistics; they are families in crisis, children in fear and neighbours who feel unsafe in their own streets.

This bill is about putting victim-survivors first, holding perpetrators to account and restoring safety where people live, including in Mackay. At the heart of these reforms under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 are police protection directions. These new powers mean that, instead of waiting for a court date, police will be able to issue an immediate 12-month protection order to victims. They will have the ability to impose strong and enforceable conditions straightaway such as no-contact orders, cool-down orders or removing perpetrators from the home. This is about real protection when it is needed most.

Importantly, these powers are backed by safeguards. For example, PPDs cannot be issued when children are involved, when weapons are present or when there is an ongoing court matter. These measures ensure the highest risk cases continue to be dealt with through the courts while still prioritising victim safety and reducing the chance of misidentification.

This bill also delivers on our commitment to pilot GPS monitoring for high-risk domestic violence perpetrators. For the Mackay community this is a game changer. Courts will only impose these conditions when they are necessary to keep victims safe, and the trial will ensure the technology is effective before it is expanded statewide.

We also know the trauma of facing perpetrators in court can be overwhelming. That is why this bill expands the use of videorecorded evidence-in-chief, allowing victims to give their statement once on video and have it used throughout the proceedings. For victim-survivors in Mackay this means less re-traumatisation and a justice process that recognises their dignity.

The bill also strengthens the approved provider list for counselling and intervention programs, ensuring only the highest quality services are available to support both victims and offenders. In Mackay, where community organisations and service providers are already stretched, this will help ensure the court ordered programs actually deliver the outcomes needed to break the cycle of violence.

For too long regional communities like Mackay have felt forgotten when it comes to resourcing and reforming domestic violence responses. This bill shows that under the Crisafulli government Mackay matters. It shows that we will not tolerate victims waiting days for protection. It shows that we will use technology to keep people safe. It shows that we are listening to police, to frontline services and, most importantly, to survivors.

This is not just about changing legislation; this is about changing lives.

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Nigel Dalton in Parliament delivering for Mackay. Photo supplied

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Digital Detox: Mackay Families Invited to Rethink Tech

Earlier this week, Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton MP, invited the community to Digital Detox: A Night to Rethink Tech, addressing the growing impact of technology overuse on mental health. The event was held on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, from 5:45pm to 7:00pm at Harrup Park.

International speaker and author Brad Huddleston, known for Digital Cocaine and Digital Rehab, shared insights on how tech addiction affects the brain like a drug, the mental toll of cyberbullying, alternatives to traditional digital education, and the influence of AI on learning and parenting.

New Innovations for Coeliac Disease in Mackay

Mackay residents also had the chance to learn about a Phase 2 clinical trial for celiac disease, hosted by local gastroenterologist Dr. James Davidson and Paul Wagner, CEO of a US-based bioceuticals company, at Magpies on 21 August 2025.

Mr Dalton said, "It’s really exciting to see this happening in a regional centre. With the local hospital, research institute, population, and funding all in place, there’s a real opportunity here.

“Hopefully, this project will lead to an answer for those living with coeliac disease," he said.

The trial is unique to regional Queensland, allowing participants from Mackay and nearby areas to take part without travelling to a major city, providing a rare opportunity to contribute to medical research while accessing cutting-edge treatments.

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Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton MP with International speaker and author Brad Huddleston. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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The Neighbourhood Hub has taken a significant step on its reconciliation journey, unveiling its first-ever Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) on Wednesday, 20 August at its 4 George Street Centre. The plan has been formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, joining a national network of more than 3,000 organisations committed to building stronger relationships with First Nations communities.

Established in 1989, The Neighbourhood Hub supports over 14,000 people annually across its two Mackay locations, providing essential family support, multicultural services, emergency crisis support, and financial counselling programs. The organisation employs 24 staff members and coordinates 34 volunteers, delivering 11 comprehensive programs that respond to unmet community needs.

"Through our Reflect RAP, The Neighbourhood Hub aims to encourage our community to make a commitment to a reconciliation journey that explores the five dimensions of reconciliation," said Alex Whippy, Senior Program Coordinator for The Neighbourhood Hub.

"This formalises the steps we have already taken and provides a framework to actively look for opportunities to do more."

The Neighbourhood Hub acknowledges the Yuwibara Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the Mackay region and has maintained a longstanding commitment to supporting First Nations families. The organisation previously delivered Indigenous Parenting Programs and Cultural Connections program that fosters mutual understanding between First Nations peoples and multicultural communities in Mackay.

Key RAP Commitments Include:

Relationships: Establishing stronger partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and participating in National Reconciliation Week celebrations.

Respect: Enhancing cultural learning opportunities for staff, observing cultural protocols, and celebrating NAIDOC Week.

Opportunities: Improving employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and increasing supplier diversity through procurement from First Nations-owned businesses.

Governance: Maintaining an effective RAP Working Group with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation and transparent reporting on progress.The organisation already demonstrates its commitment through partnerships with local First Nations businesses including Mer Bar Wakai, Latoya Latimer Catering, and The Didgeridoo Guys. Staff participate in mandatory cultural awareness training and prominently display Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at both centre locations.

"We believe that our organisational priorities and values – including improving the lives of all people, working together for collective benefit, and treating everyone with respect, equality and fairness – align perfectly with the five dimensions of reconciliation," added Alex Whippy.

The Neighbourhood Hub's reconciliation artwork, created by local First Nations business Forbidden Onyx in collaboration with DT Trait Designs, symbolises the organisation's visual commitment to truth telling, healing, and creating a future where every person feels seen, heard and safe.

The organisation plans to register for its next RAP by March 2026, demonstrating its commitment to continuous improvement in reconciliation efforts.

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The Neighbourhood Hub has launched its first-ever Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, to strengthen relationships and support First Nations communities in Mackay. Photos supplied

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Queensland primary school students are gaining a fresh perspective on agriculture thanks to a new classroom program piloted in Mackay.

Developed by CANEGROWERS in partnership with the Primary Industries Education Foundation of Australia (PIEFA), the pilot is designed to give teachers practical, in-class professional development using CANEGROWERS’ One Plant, Many Products educational resources.

Instead of simply handing out worksheets and hoping for the best, PIEFA educators worked directly with teachers to integrate the story of sugarcane into everyday lessons across subjects including science, geography and economics.

The sessions highlighted sugarcane’s role not only in producing sugar, but also in generating electricity, ethanol and even bioplastics.

CANEGROWERS Chief Executive Officer Dan Galligan said the initiative has the potential to change the way Queensland children understand agriculture.

“This program is about making the story of sugarcane real for students,” Mr Galligan said.

“When children discover that the crop they see in paddocks is powering homes, creating fuel and even making packaging, it changes the way they think about farming. Agriculture suddenly becomes part of their world – innovative, sustainable and full of opportunity.”

St Francis Xavier Primary School teacher Paula Galea said the program was an invaluable opportunity for students.

“Here at St Francis, we got involved in the pilot program because we thought it would be a great opportunity for students to learn about the sugar industry and engage with practical resources that would help with the learning of the whole process of cane farming, from the paddock to the plate and the packet,” Ms Galea said.

“And it ties in really nicely with this year’s Way to Grow schools competition, where we’ve planted sugarcane and will watch it grow throughout the year.”

PIEFA Chief Executive Officer Luciano Mesiti said the pilot helps students see the industry’s scope and opportunities.

“It’s really important for young people to understand the cane industry, because there are so many opportunities in a region like Mackay,” Mr Mesiti said.

“Students are going to be learning about the different products produced from sugarcane, as well as the processes and steps in the supply chain that transform it into various important products.”

Mr Galligan said feedback from teachers and education leaders shows the value of expanding the program.

“If a few of those kids grow up with a genuine interest in agriculture, or even just a stronger appreciation of where their food and fibre comes from, then we’ve achieved something valuable,” he said.

CANEGROWERS has also released professionally developed educational material for high schools and is working with PIEFA on plans to roll out pilot sessions at more regional and metropolitan schools.

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PIEFA Chief Executive Officer Luciano Mesiti

Students from St Francis Xavier Primary School. Image source: Canegrowers

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