Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
OPINION PIECE from the office of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox There is no question that immigration into Australia is out of control. The government’s numbers are too high, and standards are too low. A sustainable migration program must consider our capacity to provide housing, healthcare, infrastructure and the essential services everyone relies on, and Australians must come first. But Labor’s decision to target Working Holiday Makers Visa holders is not the answer. These people filling vital gaps in our workforce are not the cause of Australia’s housing crisis. In many cases, they are living in accommodation provided by the very businesses that employ them. The National Farmers’ Federation has made the point that Working Holiday Makers generally stay in hostels, caravan parks or purpose-built on-farm accommodation. Resorts usually have on-site staff quarters. They are not the source of Australia’s housing shortage. So why is Labor making it harder for them to come here, when these workers fill genuine jobs that regional Australia holds? Working Holiday Makers fill approximately one in seven farm jobs nationally and are particularly important during peak agricultural periods, which for Dawson, it is right now! Farmers rely on these workers to plant, pick, pack and harvest the produce that ends up on Australian supermarket shelves. Having run one of Australia’s largest tomato farms, at times Working Holiday Makers made up more than 50 per cent of my workforce. Without them, much of our crop simply would not have been picked in time and rotted in the paddock. Some may say, why not employ the Australians who don’t have a job and are on “the dole”? Can I say, this does not work. Most farmers will employ Aussies over travelling backpackers, but many either don’t want to do the work or don’t turn up after the first day. Who picks the fruit or veggies then? Farmers are already warning that visa delays are leaving them without workers. The NFF says approvals that once took days are now facing processing times of up to three months, and this time frame can be the difference between harvesting a crop or losing it. That should concern every Australian already feeling the pressure at the supermarket checkout. The same problem is playing out in tourism. Across Dawson, Working Holiday Makers are an important part of the workforce supporting tourism and hospitality, particularly in the Whitsundays. They help fill shifts, work in hotels and restaurants, support tour operators and keep businesses running through their busiest periods. They also contribute to the local economy. They spend money on food, fuel, attractions and tours, supporting the small businesses that depend on a strong visitor economy. That is why tourism and business leaders across North Queensland are raising the alarm. They understand what happens when a regional business cannot get enough staff: opening hours are reduced, and services are cut, creating a downward spiral. We do need to reduce migration to sustainable levels. We need stronger integrity measures, and we need to crack down on rorts. But responsible migration policy means understanding which parts of the system are creating pressure and which parts are helping Australia function. Working Holiday Makers are not the problem. They are part of the workforce solution for regional. Australia. People have had a gutful of watching their standard of living go backwards. Groceries, fuel, housing and everyday expenses are already putting enormous pressure on families. The last thing Australians need is another reckless policy that makes it harder to produce food, harder to run regional businesses and harder for tourism operators to find the workers they need.
Read the full storySomeone sold a house in Sydney last week for $9 million less than they bought it for four or five years ago. The sellers had bought the property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for $29 million and sold it for $20 million in a sale forced by their bank. I imagine the sellers are a little disappointed by the government’s decisions on negative gearing and capital gains tax and feeling pretty hurt by the increased interest rates. Australia’s interest rates are on the rise and are now sitting at levels not seen since 2011. Increased cost of living is hurting people around the country and interest rates are playing into that. But the impact of interest rates is not felt evenly around the country. The far-higher property prices mean people in the major cities suffer much more than regional areas with the rates increase. That is certainly not to say people in Mackay are unaffected by the cost of living; it’s just that the impact of interest rates increase on a $400,000 mortgage is much less than the impact on a $1m mortgage. There are other Mackay-specific factors that are in play when discussing the current housing market. The big factor is the role of coal in our economy. Most of the coal extracted and exported from our region is coking coal, which is used to make steel. The price of coking coal is around $280 a tonne, which is about 50 per cent up. Good activity in the coal market translates to good news for the Mackay economy, as it is an economic engine that other cities and regions just don’t have. Good activity in Bowen Basin flows throughout the Mackay economy; Paget workshops, transport, suppliers and related businesses all benefit. But so do other, non-mining-related businesses as they benefit from the general confidence and spending that goes on. The strong mining activity also means mines need to keep their staff levels up and that means more people moving to Mackay. Of course, Mackay is much more than a coal mining town but if the coal sector is going well those other areas definitely benefit. It is a confidence boost for Mackay people looking to get into the housing market and those wanting to upgrade or downsize. It also means continuing strong demand from people wanting to rent a property and it will be interesting to see what sort of activity that creates from investors. Investors have walked away from the big-city markets because they can no longer use negative gearing on established properties that do not have a sufficient yield to be positively geared. Negative gearing has never been a big thing in Mackay because our prices are lower and rental returns continue to be strong so many investors have a positively geared property. Around the country everyone is nervous about the state of play and the probability of more interest rate rises. But strong coal prices and an economy that is performing well mean Mackay might just be presenting an opportunity for buyers and sellers that doesn’t exist in other parts. I remember when national confidence was flying high and Mackay prices were going up significantly that many buyers were saying “I wish we had bought a while ago when the market wasn’t so hot”. I’m not armed with a crystal ball so I’m not here to tell you what is going to happen but I suspect there is a very good buying window right now for those looking for an opportunity.
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A local Mackay and Sarina based model has created a dress out of newspapers, including Mackay Life, for her upcoming pageant, representing her region and hometown on the runway as she vies for Miss Diamond International in Brisbane. Zoe Place will be competing this weekend in the three-day event, beginning this Friday 2nd October and ending on Sunday 4th October. The young model spent around a month creating her eco-fashion outfit, using old newspapers as the main material and transforming them into a bodice, skirt and flowers. Red elements were also incorporated into the design to give the dress a bold and glamorous pageant feel. Zoe said, “The entire concept was really about taking something that would normally be thrown away and turning it into something beautiful and meaningful.” Her eco-fashion creation will form part of a busy weekend in Brisbane, with the Miss Diamond International event including photo shoots, interviews, an eco-fashion show and the final pageant. Zoe has been preparing for the event by practising her strut and walking, preparing for interviews and getting comfortable in the different outfits she will wear throughout the weekend. Alongside her love of modelling, pageantry has also provided Zoe with a platform to raise awareness about causes close to her heart, including mental health, while fundraising for Beyond Blue. “Pageantry has given me more of a platform to combine my love for modelling with something that is really important to me.” “When I first started, I was more nervous about putting myself out there and worried about what others would think about me – but I’ve changed a lot through my journey in pageantry.” “Pageantry has also taught me that it’s not about how you look on stage. It’s about the person you are when you step off it.” “Every woman has their own unique journey and that journey is something we should all be really proud of.” “To me, it represents confidence, empowerment, kindness, and using your voice to make a difference.” Zoe said she was looking forward to meeting the other contestants, making new connections and creating memories. “I’m definitely looking forward to meeting all the new contestants and making new connections and creating memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime.” While Zoe hopes to eventually move to the city, her sights are set even further afield, with a dream of one day walking in New York Fashion Week. Mackay and Sarina local Zoe Place has created an eco-fashion dress from recycled newspapers, including Mackay Life, ahead of her Miss Diamond International pageant in Brisbane. Photos supplied
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Trends, reels and the endless cycle of always wanting more has quietly bombarded the minds of countless social media users of all ages, but one former Mackay local has made it her mission to help others understand the effects of social media and find practical ways to break free from online addiction. Alexis Zahner is in Mackay over the next week to teach upcoming generations about social media and the effects it can have on the mind, particularly on identity, self-discovery, as well as the marketing strategies that get viewers hooked and influence their decisions. It is something Alexis knows first-hand can be a useful tool, but also a great disruption to authenticity and the world as we see and experience it. Alexis will hold a free meet and greet and book launch today, Friday 2nd October, at 5.30pm at the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, where she will give a talk and answer questions relating to her debut book, Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies. A former Mackay girl, Alexis spent the past 15 years working across business psychology, marketing and media, with her interest in social media influence beginning during her university studies at James Cook University in Townsville. Her own experience as a social media user, travel blogger and influencer eventually led her to question how much of her identity, decisions and values were being shaped by what she saw online. “The tipping point came for me about 3 years ago when I had this feeling that I couldn't separate influence from my own personal decision making,” she said. “I couldn't separate my own likes, dislikes, values, relationships from what I was being exposed to and being influenced by online.” “I found that I needed to take some time away from social media to recalibrate what was important to me and sort of reconnect and come back to myself.” Alexis said she understood the feeling of questioning who you are outside of social media. “I know what it feels like to live a life under the influence of social media and have that existential crisis of thinking to yourself, who am I? What do I like? What's the kind of life I want to live? and struggling to separate myself from influence.” Alexis is particularly passionate about reaching teenagers, who she says are in an important stage of identity development, and will share this message with Mackay high school students during her upcoming school talks. “Teenagers are really easily influenced by social media. So it's a really important age where we start educating them – not just on the mental health repercussions of things like social media and how it shortens their attention span, but how it actually influences who they become.” “If you're asking yourself these questions, it's not your fault. Social media is actually geared to create this impact on you.” Alexis encourages people of all ages to “start expanding beyond what you see on the platform.” “Dare to indulge in the things that you've always been curious about or things you used to love,” she said. “Don't be afraid to put the phone down to let yourself be curious and have fun.” What: Alexis Zahner's 'Real' Book launch When: 5.30pm Friday 2nd October 2026 Where: Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club Former Mackay local and author Alexis Zahner is returning home to share her experiences with social media and her debut book, Real. Photo supplied
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ADHD can bring unique strengths to relationships such as creativity, energy, and spontaneity but it can also create challenges. Forgetfulness, distractibility, or impulsivity may sometimes cause tension with partners, friends, or family. The good news is that with awareness and strategies, relationships can thrive.
Open communication is key. Letting loved ones know how ADHD affects you builds understanding. Equally important is listening to their experiences, so everyone feels heard and valued. Try to find one thing.
Practical adjustments also help. Shared calendars or reminder apps can reduce missed plans. Agreeing on small routines, like setting aside ten minutes each evening to reconnect without devices, strengthens bonds.
Patience matters, too. ADHD brains work differently—sometimes that means bursts of enthusiasm, other times it means being easily distracted. When both people approach challenges with empathy, relationships become more resilient.
Most importantly, remember that support is available. Counselling, coaching, and skill-building strategies can make a significant difference.
Strong, supportive relationships are possible with ADHD—and they can become a source of joy and stability.
"If you’d like more support in managing ADHD for yourself or your family, visit my website https://www.personaltransitions.com.au/ or give me a call 0418708214."
Now in its 21st year, one of the Whitsundays’ most beloved charitable events, Camp and sCare, once again brought families together for a frightfully fun weekend — all in support of a vital local cause.
Held at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, the sell-out event raised an impressive $14,036.69 for Whitsunday Suicide Prevention, with 100% of proceeds from Friday night campsite bookings and activity donations going directly toward local mental health awareness and support initiatives.
Guests embraced the Halloween spirit in full force, transforming campsites and cabins into eerie masterpieces and dressing to impress for the spookiest campsite, cabin, family, and individual costume competitions. The festive atmosphere rivalled any Halloween celebration, with creativity and community spirit on full display.
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort CEO, Phil Casey, said the event continues to be a cornerstone of the resort’s community fundraising efforts.
“Camp and sCare is more than just a fun Halloween weekend — it’s a chance for families to come together and support causes that make a real difference in our community, and we thank our guests for their generosity. We’d also like to thank the many local businesses who donated prizes and helped make this year’s event another huge success,” said Mr Casey.
On Monday morning, the team at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort team presented Gis Marven, Committee Member for Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN), with a charity cheque for $14,036.69. WSPN is a community led network driven to reduce suicide and its impact in the Whitsunday region.
Ms Marven said the donation would make a real difference to the network’s ongoing community support initiatives.
Meet Max, a big, beautiful boy with a gentle heart who’s waiting for a second chance at happiness. This large mixed-breed dog is currently in the care of Bowen & Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc. (BCPRI) and is searching for a dedicated foster carer to help him rebuild trust and find his forever home.
Despite his impressive size, Max is known for his soft, loving nature. He’s well-behaved, good around other dogs, and eager to please — especially when treats are involved! Max thrives on companionship and gentle encouragement, making him the perfect match for someone patient, kind, and familiar with handling larger breeds.
What Max Needs:
BCPRI is a no-kill, volunteer-run rescue that relies entirely on foster homes to care for dogs like Max. The organisation doesn’t have a physical shelter — instead, every dog is placed in a loving home environment where they can receive the care, structure, and rehabilitation they need before adoption.
All essential costs, including vet care and food, are covered by donations from the community. Fostering not only gives a dog a safe space to heal but also frees up room for the rescue to save more lives from local pounds.
If you’d like to foster or adopt Max, or any of BCPRI’s other dogs, please email the rescue directly at bcpri.adoptions@gmail.com. To learn more or apply to foster, visit BCPRI's socials.
Hi everyone,
I hope you’re all enjoying our new Great Barrier Reef–inspired rebrand, which so many of our team helped bring to life!
I don’t know about you, but this heat has me wanting to stay indoors. While we’re keeping cool, things are heating up underwater as coral spawning season begins. Enjoy reading about the wonders of coral in this edition.
We’ve also included a great octopus story from the fantastic Whitsunday Conservation Council.
Happy reading,
Ruth
A few nights after the full moon, something begins to spawn...and no, we don’t mean werewolves! It’s coral spawning season. This weekend, corals across the Great Barrier Reef will release their reproductive bundles into the water column in a spectacular, synchronised event. For the Reef Catchments team, it’s one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year.
As a partner in the Boats4Corals project, Reef Catchments works alongside the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), local tourism operators, and Traditional Owners to collect coral spawn and release the larvae into reef areas that receive less natural larval inflow and are slower to recover from impacts.
The preparation for this year’s spawning has already begun. Last week, the Boats4Corals team inspected 12 sites around the Whitsundays for their readiness to spawn, referred to as gravid coral checks.
During gravid coral checks, teams assess several factors to determine whether a site is suitable for coral spawn slick collections. Key considerations include the extent and diversity of hard coral coverage, the presence and development stage of coral eggs, and whether the area is protected or has any environmental or physical barriers that might inhibit slick formation. These elements help the team evaluate the site's potential for successful collection and monitoring.
To answer these last two questions, the team take small samples of coral and look at the skeleton*. Egg bundles are visible as tiny spheres, often in groups, and the developmental stage of the eggs can be inferred by their colour. Generally, eggs start out as white and become pink as they mature.
The team sampled 370 hard coral colonies over two days, approximately two thirds of which had eggs. They have used the data to narrow down their target sites for spawn collection in a fortnight, having identified a subset of sites which are expected to be productive.
Ultimately the amount of spawn the team are able to collect is very strongly influenced by the weather on the night. However, Reef Catchments state that the extensive presence of developed eggs throughout the Whitsunday islands is a promising sign for this year’s fieldwork!
*Please note it is illegal to sample corals without a permit.
Pictured: Lisa McMullen – Daydream Island Living Reef, credit Reef Catchments
What has three hearts, a big brain, and blue blood?
The octopus, of course!
These bizarre yet brilliant creatures have been around for hundreds of millions of years. For humans, they’ve inspired emotions ranging from curiosity to admiration — and even fear, thanks to their starring roles in Hollywood monster flicks.
Belonging to the class Cephalopoda, octopuses are easily recognised by their soft, flexible bodies, large heads, and eight long tentacles lined with powerful suckers. They are common residents of the Great Barrier Reef, though not often seen — their remarkable camouflage allows them to blend almost perfectly into the reef around them.
Let’s dive into some of the amazing facts that make octopuses such extraordinary animals.
Masters of Disguise
Octopuses are true masters of camouflage. They can change both colour and texture in the blink of an eye using specialised skin cells called chromatophores. These tiny pigment sacs expand or contract to create patterns that mimic rocks, sand, coral, or even other animals. Combined with fine control of their skin texture, they can virtually disappear from sight.
Three Hearts and Blue Blood
Octopuses literally have three hearts. Two of them pump blood through the gills, where it picks up oxygen, while the third heart circulates that oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. Interestingly, the main heart stops beating when the octopus swims, which is why these animals prefer crawling over gliding — swimming tires them out quickly!
Their blood is blue, thanks to a copper-based molecule called hemocyanin that carries oxygen more efficiently in cold, low-oxygen environments. However, this adaptation makes octopuses highly sensitive to changes in ocean acidity — a growing concern as climate change continues to alter marine chemistry.
Brainy and Bold
Octopuses are among the most intelligent invertebrates on Earth. With large brains and a complex nervous system, they can solve puzzles, open jars, navigate mazes, and even remember solutions for future use. They also have distinct personalities — some are shy, others curious or mischievous.
A fascinating fact: two-thirds of their neurons are in their arms, not their heads. This allows each arm to operate semi-independently — one might be prying open a shell while another explores a crevice for food. Even detached arms can respond to touch, a remarkable sign of their distributed intelligence.
Inky Defence
When threatened, an octopus releases a dark cloud of ink — but it’s more than just a smokescreen. The ink contains tyrosinase, a compound that irritates predators’ eyes and confuses their sense of smell and taste. This clever chemical weapon gives the octopus precious seconds to vanish.
A Short but Devoted Life
Octopuses live fast and die young. After mating, the male soon dies, and the female devotes herself entirely to her eggs — sometimes up to 400,000 of them. She guards and cleans them constantly, refusing to eat until they hatch. By the time her young are ready to face the world, she is near death. It’s a sad but noble end for such an intelligent and devoted parent.
A True Ocean Genius
The octopus is one of the most fascinating creatures on our planet — an animal of intelligence, adaptability, and mystery. From its three hearts to its shape-shifting skin and problem-solving mind, the octopus truly reigns as a master of its domain.
Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Council.
Octopus. Photo supplied.
By Hannah McNamara
Olympic legend Cathy Freeman OAM returned to Mackay last week to announce a state-of-the-art sporting facility named in her honour.
“It is quite surreal,” Freeman said, celebrating the milestone as the region prepares to nurture the next generation of champions.
The Cathy Freeman Sports Performance Centre, part of the Great Barrier Reef Arena’s Stage Two expansion, promises to give young athletes from Central and North Queensland a world-class training hub.
Freeman’s visit also marked 25 years since her historic Sydney 2000 Olympic 400m gold, celebrated with hundreds of local students in relays and races.
The new centre stands as a legacy of inspiration, giving regional talent a place to dream big, train hard, and aim for greatness!
Last week, Olympic running legend and Aussie icon Cathy Freeman OAM stepped foot onto home soil at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena to announce a new sporting facility named in her honour.
It comes amid growing local buzz about Mackay potentially hosting Olympic cricket matches in 2032, and a wave of regional athletes dominating podiums despite lacking the elite facilities found in capital cities.
The newly announced Cathy Freeman Sports Performance Centre, part of Stage Two of the Great Barrier Reef Arena’s development, will become a state-of-the-art training hub for aspiring athletes from across Central and North Queensland.
“It is quite surreal,” Freeman said.
“I’ve always been a Mackay girl, but I’m a proud Central Queenslander, so I’m very proud of the announcement today.”
For Freeman, who grew up running barefoot on Mackay’s tracks long before Olympic gold, the honour carries great meaning.
“I hope young athletes see my name and realise that it’s a possibility to achieve the sort of things I aspired to once upon a time, growing up here in Mackay,” she said.
Freeman described the new centre as “an incredible opportunity… a breeding ground of champions or young athletes who want to just aspire to be the best they can be.”
Adrian Young, CEO of Harrup Park and the Great Barrier Reef Arena, said naming the facility after Freeman was a natural fit.
“We will be naming the Sports Performance Centre within the Great Barrier Reef Arena Stage Two development the Cathy Freeman Sports Performance Centre,” he announced.
“We are hoping to inspire greatness in our youth, athletes and kids into 2032 and beyond… and who better to do that, than the legendary Cathy Freeman standing here with me today.”
Freeman’s visit to Mackay also coincided with the Run with Cathy Freeman – 25 Year Celebration, held at the Arena on Friday, October 24. The milestone event marked a quarter century since her unforgettable 400m gold medal run at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games – a moment that united a nation and became a defining chapter in Australian sport.
Hundreds of Mackay’s primary and secondary students took part in the Run with Cathy – Schools Challenge, featuring 4x100m relays and 400m races, with Freeman personally presenting the winners’ awards and encouraging the next generation of champions, even though a knee injury kept her from joining the run herself.
Born in 1973, Freeman became the first First Nations Australian to win an individual Olympic medal. From running barefoot in Mackay to lighting the cauldron and claiming Australia’s 100th gold medal, Ms Freeman stands as a symbol of sheer legacy and hope for those aspiring to follow in her footsteps.
As the Great Barrier Reef Arena expands for the next chapter in Mackay’s sporting story, the Cathy Freeman Sports Performance Centre promises to embody the spirit of its namesake, inspiring regional talent to dream big, run hard, and never forget where they came from.
Hundreds of local students joined Freeman in relays and races, celebrating her legacy and inspiring the next generation of athletes. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara and Olympics.com
Adrian Young, CEO of Harrup Park and the Great Barrier Reef Arena, welcomed Olympic legend Cathy Freeman OAM to Mackay to officially announce the Cathy Freeman Sports Performance Centre. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Hi lovely readers,
What an amazing week it’s been!
As you may have seen on the front cover, the legendary Cathy Freeman was in town, and I had the honour of meeting her last Thursday as she announced stage 2 of the Cathy Freeman Sports Performance Centre right here in Mackay. You can read all about it on the next page, and don’t forget to check out the pictures from the ‘Run With Cathy Freeman’ event on page 16.
Last Friday, it was inspiring to see so many students from across our region come together. Some even ran solo to represent their schools, and it was incredible to watch. Our youth have astounding talent, and I can’t wait to see local names make headlines in the future.
I believe we’re all gifted with unique talents, but it’s what we do with them that matters. We can either hit the ground running and strive for greatness, or let fear hold us back.
Olympic icons like Cathy Freeman didn’t achieve their success by chance. They worked tirelessly, used their talents to their fullest, and made history.
It’s not always about being the “latest and greatest,” but about striving toward the life you’re called to live. Not everyone will win a gold medal, but each of us has our own treasures waiting to be discovered. The real question is: how will we use our gifts?
On another exciting note, Life Publishing Group hosted an incredible fundraiser on Saturday, 25th October, raising a significant amount for seven worthy local charities. In the attached photo, you’ll see me with our Production Co-ordinator Georgia and Editorial Team Leader Ruth, who are both based in the Whitsundays. It was wonderful to catch up, celebrate, and share the night with our amazing advertisers and supporters.
You can flip over to the Whitsunday side of the newspaper to see the first-release photo gallery of the event on pages 18-21, and more details on the cover, plus pages 2 and 3.
It’s been a massive week, and a memorable one at that! I hope you all have a blessed week ahead.
Scripture of the week: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11
It was glitz, glam, and pure enchantment last Saturday as guests stepped into The Whitsunday Wealth Enchanted Garden, hosted by Life Publishing Group and Core Life Magazine – an evening brimming with sparkle, soul, and sophistication.
Held at the breathtaking Elementa, perched high above the Whitsundays, the event lived up to its promise as “a night like no other.” Beneath a canopy of fairy lights and lanterns, guests mingled among the treetops, enjoying endless gourmet tapas, a five-hour premium drinks package, and a live band that kept the energy glowing well into the night.
The atmosphere was nothing short of magical with laughter, music, and connection weaving through every moment. And while the glamour shone bright, the heart of the evening beat even brighter, with proceeds supporting seven local charities including the Trudy Crowley Foundation, Mackay Hospital Foundation, Orange Sky, Bowen and Collinsville Pet Rescue, Mackay Pet Rescue, Fauna Rescue Whitsundays, and the Townsville Spinal Unit.
For one dazzling evening, The Enchanted Garden brought together the movers, shakers, and changemakers of Mackay and the Whitsundays – proving that when community, compassion, and class collide, something truly enchanting happens!
A major thanks to all who came along to support this remarkable event – we hope to see you next year!
Photo credit: Hannah McNamara and Donnchadh Alexander
A revolutionary blood test developed by a Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) gastroenterologist is poised to transform coeliac disease, offering patients a less invasive path to diagnosis.
Mackay HHS gastroenterologist and biotech co-founder and director Dr Robert Anderson said the antigen-specific T-cell blood test eliminates the need for patients to undergo a gastrointestinal endoscopy.
“Potentially, you no longer have to do that,” Dr Anderson said.
“You can just draw blood and you can measure the immune response in a blood sample.
"There's no real need to eat gluten and it actually turns out that the immune response in the blood is, if anything, stronger in people who are on a gluten-free diet,” he said.
Current diagnosis for the disease requires patients to consume a diet high in gluten prior to having a gastroscopy.
This is often met with resistance by patients due to uncomfortable symptoms experienced like nausea, pain and bloating.
“It’s removing a big barrier to them getting a correct diagnosis - an accurate diagnosis for people on a free diet has huge implications,” Dr Anderson said.
The test has proved highly successful in a recent clinical trial, with results published in the Journal of Gastroenterology.
The test identifies an immune system marker, which spikes when blood from someone with coeliac disease is exposed to gluten in a test tube.
Dr Anderson believes the test will also help to identify patients who have been incorrectly diagnosed with the disease.
“The gluten-free diet probably costs around three thousand dollars or more per year, which is extreme,” he said.
“You don’t go to social events, you mistrust everything and you’re burdening the person and the family with psychological issues.
“And (in the case of an incorrect diagnosis) it’s unnecessary. This is the other side of the blood test that you can perhaps unravel,” he said.
The test also shows potential for diagnosing other autoimmune diseases and conditions involving immune reactions.
In his role as a gastroenterologist for Mackay Base Hospital, Dr Robert (Bob) Anderson regularly manages patients with coeliac disease and is also responsible for over 500 patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, many of whom receive biologic immunotherapies.
Dr Robert Anderson has developed a blood test that simplifies and improves coeliac disease diagnosis. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
OPINION PIECE
Next Tuesday, being the first Tuesday in November, the race that stops the nation will be beamed into homes and workspaces across Australia. But many won’t just be watching the horses. Mortgage holders will be eyeing the Reserve Bank’s Cup Day decision and praying for relief in the form of a rate cut.
In recent months, economists have poured cold water on the chances of any more rate cuts this year, pointing to a return to higher inflation and the Labor government’s failure to rein in spending. The big four banks had been saying the economic data did not stack up for a cut in November. That was, of course, until the latest unemployment figures were released.
Unemployment rose to 4.5 per cent in September, up from 4.3 per cent the month before, renewing pressure on the RBA to deliver some relief. This is a sudden and seismic jump that has stunned economists and sent the government scrambling to change the narrative.
Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth brushed off the figures, saying they weren’t worth losing sleep over.
Not worth losing sleep over! Are you serious? People, a lot of people have just lost their jobs, and the Minister for Employment is not concerned. I wonder at what point would this government start to worry!
Since Labor took office in 2022, unemployment has been creeping up, but these latest figures (and trends) are very alarming. It’s a canary in the mine, and it’s chirping loudly.
With around 80 per cent of all new jobs created since Labor came to office being in the public sector, it is clear the government has not done nearly enough to stimulate private sector employment and investment. This government simply hasn’t been managing the economy.
It has been spending, spending, spending, and betting the Aussie house on their incompetence and waste. Labor has failed to create an environment where private enterprise can thrive, where small businesses can open and survive, and where our farmers and producers are supported. And let’s not forget, it is Labor’s energy policy driving the cost of everything through the roof. A course correction is desperately needed.
We need strong economic reform, serious fiscal responsibility, a clear plan to reduce debt and a boost to build up private enterprise and household resilience.
The Coalition has announced plans to wind back Labor’s damage. At the next election, we’ll
offer a way forward to curb spending and waste, while introducing income tax cuts to keep more of what Aussies earn in their pockets.
The odds have now shortened, and it will be photo finish as to what the RBA decides next Tuesday and economists are divided as to what that decision might be. Some say the jump in unemployment justifies a rate cut, while others say government spending, and booming property prices, only further stimulated by the recently introduced First Home Buyers 5 per cent deposit scheme, will see rates kept higher for longer.
The government needs to stop betting the Aussie house. They need to take ownership of a slumping economy and rising unemployment.
To everyone across Dawson having a cheeky flutter on Tuesday, good luck. Perhaps some good fortune will come your way on the track and on the mortgage.
Mackay has received a major boost in youth support and community safety initiatives, with two local organisations sharing in $300,000 of funding as part of the Crisafulli Government’s Gold Standard Early Intervention program.
The investment is part of a $115 million statewide initiative designed to help make Queensland safer by tackling the causes of youth crime early and supporting at-risk young people before they become entrenched in offending.
Two new early intervention programs will be delivered across the Mackay region — a move that local leaders say will have lasting benefits for young people, their families, and the wider community.
Family and Children’s Emerging Support Services will provide mentoring, mental health and housing support, and life skills education including literacy, hygiene, and budgeting for at-risk youth.
Meanwhile, the Mudth-Niyleta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation in Sarina will deliver support for disengaged, homeless, or at-risk youth aged 8–17 to reconnect with education, employment, and community life.
Premier David Crisafulli said the Crisafulli Government was delivering the fresh start Queenslanders voted for, exactly as promised.
“We are restoring safety where you live with early intervention to break the cycle of youth offending before it starts,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“While we are seeing crime down and victim numbers down, there is much more to be done to make Queensland safer, and we remain committed to delivering the fresh start we promised.”
Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber said the investment into early intervention was essential to tackling youth crime and restoring community safety.
“For 10 years Labor sat on their hands while youth crime spiralled out of control,” Minister Gerber said.
“Unlike the former Labor Government, we are taking real action to break the cycle of crime in this State, and our Kickstarter program is a targeted investment in turning young lives around and making Queensland safer.”
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said the benefits of the additional early intervention programs would be felt across the region.
“By intervening early, we are preventing the next generation from becoming repeat youth offenders.
“We are giving the support they need to become productive, engaged members of the community,” Minister Camm said.
Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton welcomed the programs as a positive step forward.
"By offering young people an alternative to a life of crime, we can restore safety where Queenslanders work and live," Mr Dalton said.
Member for Mirani Glen Kelly agreed, adding that local, community-led initiatives are vital to success.
“Early intervention programs are crucial to turn the tide on youth offending and reducing the number of victims,” Mr Kelly said.
Mackay has received a major boost in youth support and community safety, with two local organisations sharing in $300,000 from the Crisafulli Government’s $115 million Gold Standard Early Intervention program to tackle the causes of youth crime early and help at-risk young people build brighter futures. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton has worked closely with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation (DMF) for approximately 20 years.
From the commencement of the 2015 school year, the teaching of a Child Safety Curriculum in all Catholic kindergartens, prep, primary schools and colleges in the Diocese of Rockhampton has been mandatory. This safety curriculum is aligned with the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education and consists of classroom lessons across 3 phases of learning: Prep to Year 2; Years 3 to 6 and Years 7 to 9.
Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton Kindergartens, Primary Schools and Colleges along with implementing the DM Child Safety Curriculum, have over the past 20 years engaged with the many events and learning opportunities for both students and staff delivered, facilitated and provided by the DMF. Catholic Education – Diocese of Roakhampton was also instrumental in working collaboratively with DMF to develop a Safety Curriculum for Early Years (Kindergarten) based on the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum Prep to Year 2. The Child Safety Curriculum - Early Years was developed for kindergartens across Catholic Education, Diocese of Rockhampton. It reflects the key messages emanating from the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum intended for school-age children. In addition, there is an emphasis on the connection between the early years setting and the home environment and the significance of effective communication between the child’s family and educators.
The diversity of topics and focus of the DMF has assisted with a broader understanding of what it means for kindergartens, schools and the wider community to keep children safe. The parent resources have been utilised by our kindergartens and schools to share with parents in an ongoing basis. Across our schools there has been a very strong attendance at the Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson which provides online lessons for early years and primary schools.
Bruce and Denise Morcombe have been welcomed to many of our Primary Schools over the past 20 years, sharing Daniel’s Story and the message of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation with students, staff and parents.
We are very proud to have been in a position to both support and work collaboratively with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation over these past 20 years enabling conversations to be had with children and young people about their own personal safety. Our schools participate annually in the Day for Daniel held on the last Friday in October. Our school’s participation in this day reinforces the message that the Daniel Morcombe Foundation prescribes to.
Bruce and Denise Morcombe, Daniel's parents
Daniel Morcombe
School children across the country remember Daniel on this date each year
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins have been appointed to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee’s Host Mayors Advisory Group, ensuring the Mackay and Whitsunday regions have a voice in shaping the legacy of the Games across Queensland.
The announcement comes as one of Australia’s greatest Olympians, swimmer Ian Thorpe AM OLY, joins the Athletes and Sports Advisory Group, while seven Queensland mayors, including Mayor Williamson, officially take their seats on the Host Mayors Advisory Group.
Both Groups, together with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Commercial Advisory Groups, have been developed to actively support the Brisbane 2032 Board in decisions and implementation in the lead up to the Games in just under seven years’ time.
Brisbane 2032 President, Andrew Liveris congratulated new members and looked forward to their engagement and involvement in delivering a Games that benefits Brisbane, Queensland and Australia long-term.
“There is an incredible amount of support and goodwill across Queensland and beyond to ensure that our home Games are successful and importantly, drive meaningful and lasting legacies for local communities,” Mr Liveris said.
“Those across the Advisory Groups are leaders within their communities and on behalf of those they represent and I have no doubt their contributions will ensure we achieve our collective ambitions.”
Chair of the Athletes and Sports Advisory Group, Susie O’Neill confirmed her delight in Ian’s inclusion as part of the Sports and Advisory Group.
“Ian is not only one of Australia’s greatest Olympians, but an incredible advocate for the success and support of athletes across Australia,” Ms O’Neill said.
“With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games edging closer, Ian’s contribution, along with all members of our Advisory Group, will ensure that athletes and the sports associated with the Games continue to be the key focus in our successful delivery.”
“The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are about showcasing Brisbane and the best of Queensland and Australia to the world,” Brisbane Lord Mayor and Host Mayors Advisory Group Chair Adrian Schrinner said.
“Expanding the Host Mayors Advisory Group means more local voices helping shape a Games that benefits communities across our state.
www.brisbane2032.
“Delivering the world’s biggest sporting event takes teamwork, and this expanded group ensures more councils are part of that effort.
“Together, we’ll create a Games that leaves lasting benefits including better infrastructure, connected communities and a stronger Queensland economy.”
Brisbane 2032 confirmed that as the Games’ sports programme and venue master plan are refined, the composition of the Host Mayors Advisory Group would evolve accordingly.
Additional Advisory Group Members
• Athletes and Sports Advisory Group (Chair, Susie O’Neill AM OLY) – Ian Thorpe AM OLY
• Host Mayors Advisory Group (Chair, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner)
• Fraser Coast Regional Council Mayor, George Seymore
• Ipswich City Council Mayor, Teresa Harding
• Mackay Regional Council Mayor, Greg Williamson
• Redland City Council Mayor, Jos Mitchell
• Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor, Tony Williams
• Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor, Geoff McDonald
• Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor, Ry Collins
Mackay Regional Council Mayor, Greg Williamson. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
East Point is set to welcome vehicles back in a carefully staged reopening by Mackay Regional Council, while keeping its delicate environment protected. Dunes Boulevard has been closed since March as work continues on the latest stage of the Dunes residential estate at Harbour Beach.
The road will reopen this Friday, October 31, but vehicle access will remain restricted across the area, including the foreshore reserve. With turtle breeding season in full swing, council has created a temporary car park at the end of Dunes Boulevard, giving locals a safe way to enjoy the area without disturbing the wildlife.
Vehicle access beyond this car park is prohibited, with any offenders to be fined $834. After the wet season next year, council will push a legal access track to a second car park closer to East Point.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the staged re-opening balances community access with environmental protection.
“The restrictions on four-wheel-drive vehicles and motorbikes in this area in the past couple of years have resulted in excellent revegetation,” he said.
“The dunal system had been degraded over many years, but is now being rejuvenated. This staged approach not only ensures the protection of the area but also recognises the community’s historical connection to East Point.”
The temporary car park includes fencing, plantings, and educational signage, while the old access track remains blocked and monitored by a surveillance camera.
“Any offenders accessing the beach or the dunal system on vehicles or motorbikes will be fined,” Mayor Williamson added.
Mackay and District Turtle Watch President Steve Fisher highlighted the positive impact on wildlife.
“The work undertaken here over the last couple of years has re-established a solid nesting area for these turtles,” he said.
“Human interference is one of the biggest issues, which we are managing with council and community involvement.
“Mackay has a unique genetic strain of turtles that predominantly nest on these beaches. If you see hatchlings, stand back and watch; don’t shine lights on them or interfere with their journey.”
Katrina Dent, CEO of Reef Catchments, said, “East Point is an iconic location across Mackay, and it’s important that we invest in the area.
“There’s always more we can do, but it’s great to show what can be achieved in a relatively short amount of time.”
Birdlife Mackay President Greg Strohal noted, “It’s important for migratory shorebirds and terrestrial birds, that their environment is untouched, and that’s the best way we can protect them.
“Vehicles, trail bikes, people, and dogs disturb nesting sites and feeding grounds, especially for migratory shorebirds arriving from overseas. In Australia, 87% of the population lives within 50 kilometres of the coast, so natural environments are often disrupted.”
Irene Adams, Board member of the YUWI Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC, highlighted the importance of protecting and managing the area for the community and future generations.
“We’re looking forward to the master plan for the beach – it’s about moving forward and working with the community.
“The focus now is on collaboration and bringing the whole community together for the future of this area.”
Representatives from Reef Catchments, Mackay and District Turtle Watch, Birdlife Mackay, Yuwi and council gathered at East Point for the first stage of the reopening. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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