There are moments in life when words fail, when the reality of what people endure is so shocking that it stops you in your tracks. One of those moments came for me while watching heart-wrenching videos shared at the Touch of Teal Soiree. A wife recounted the final hours of her husband’s life—denied pain medication as he lay dying because of concerns over addiction. Let that sink in. A man in his final moments, suffering beyond words, and his comfort was compromised in the name of addiction prevention. It’s almost too outrageous to believe, but it happened right here, in our community.
This man, who deserved peace, who deserved dignity, was failed. And it’s not an isolated case. The lack of proper palliative care in Mackay is leaving families shattered, forced to watch their loved ones pass in unbearable pain. As Trudy Crowley Foundation ambassador Earl Neilsen pointed out, a local radio DJ’s dogs received more humane treatment in their final hours than some of the cancer patients in our region. That comparison, while brutal, speaks volumes. It is unacceptable.
I won’t lie, watching these videos broke me. Keeping it together was a challenge. The grief, the helplessness, the unimaginable suffering these families have faced—how can we, as a society, allow this to continue? Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing these stories with you. They are raw, emotional, and, yes, incredibly difficult to hear. But they are important. These stories need to be told if we are to change the future of palliative care in this region, just as Trudy Crowley intended.
In this edition, we share the celebratory moments of this year’s Touch of Teal Soiree on pages 6-7.
No one should face the end of their life in pain.
No family should have to witness their loved one suffering because the care they need isn’t available.
It’s time for a change, and it’s time we demand better.
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Amanda

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Barbra and her husband Don Hargreaves from Carlisle Gardens in Mackay, had parked their car and headed into Andergrove Woolworths to quickly grab some groceries when a gentleman was coming out with what Barbra describes as “the most beautiful dog.”

When they approached the entrance, Barba greeted the man and complimented the dog of Dutch breed on how beautiful it was and the gentleman said “thank you” before noticing that Don was blind and using a mobility cane. The gentleman then moved closer to Don so that he could pat the dog and while he was doing that, he handed Barbra a bunch of flowers and said, “You have a beautiful smile and here are some flowers for a beautiful lady.”

“He handed me a lovely bouquet of flowers and it made my day, it did,” Barbra said.

Barbra is in her late 70’s and Donald is in his early 80’s. Barbra says the kind gentleman was around their age.

Still in shock by the generous act, Barbra and Don are beyond grateful for the encounter and she said “he was a lovely chap and he had a lovely smiley face.

“I’m just so overwhelmed and it’s such a lovely gesture that I’m still admiring the flowers now, I have them sitting up here on the bench.”

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The bouquet of flowers that were kindly gifted to Barbra from a kind stranger at Andergrove supermarket. Photo supplied

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People Seen Fleeing Into Cane Fields From Car Fire
Police are appealing for assistance following a suspicious car fire in Glenella on Saturday, September 7.
Just before 8am, emergency services were called to Glendaragh Road following reports a white Ford Focus was on fire.
Upon police arrival, three people were seen running from the scene into surrounding cane fields.
The fire was extinguished, however, the vehicle sustained significant damage.
Investigations into the registration of the vehicle are ongoing.
Police are appealing to anyone with information, or relevant dashcam or CCTV vision, to come forward. Reference number QP2401539271.

Stolen Vehicle Halts Coal Transportation
A Sarina resident was woken by the sound of their dog barking at around 2:15 am on September 10, followed by the noise of a car being driven away quickly from their Cemetery Road home. Upon investigation, it was discovered that a silver 2012 Nissan Patrol, registration 402 KX6, had been stolen from the front footpath of the property.
The stolen vehicle was located later that morning, abandoned across a railway track on the Bruce Highway near Koumala. The Nissan sustained damage to the undercarriage and tyres.
As a result of the vehicle's positioning, the Central Queensland Coal Network was temporarily shut down after the car was found on the rail line near Yukan, south of Sarina. Authorities are seeking information about the circumstances surrounding the theft and abandonment of the vehicle.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police, referencing case number QP2401554883.

Assault, Theft And Nuisance
A 36-year-old man who resides in East Mackay has been arrested and charged with multiple offences following an alleged incident at a shopping complex on Bridge Road in West Mackay on September 7.
It's alleged that the man has entered a business at the shopping complex and stolen items from inside.
It's further alleged that the man has walked out of the business and then poured orange juice over another person before pushing them to the ground.
It's further alleged that the man has then flipped over a table which was set up for charity sales, he has then left the area on foot.
It's alleged that patrolling officers found the man walking nearby and he was arrested.
The 36-year-old man has been charged with the serious assault of a person over 60, stealing and committing a public nuisance.

Fisherman Tries To Hook Cell Phone
At approximately 8:20 am on September 7, a person walking through the intersection of Gordon Street and Wood Street in Mackay was the victim of an alleged theft. According to reports, a man walking nearby lunged at the victim, snatching a mobile phone from their shirt pocket before attempting to flee the scene.
The victim briefly chased after the man, who then threw the stolen phone into a nearby gutter, causing it to break and become inoperable.
The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, aged between 40 and 50, approximately six feet tall, with stubble. He was wearing a fishing hat, shorts, and a t-shirt at the time of the incident.
Police are encouraging anyone with information related to this matter to come forward. Please reference police report number QP2401540454.

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Opinion Piece

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox says the zero emissions ideology of the Labor, Greens and Teals has local business like Blue River Ice at boiling point because of power price hikes.

“When power bills skyrocket from $10,000 per month to $25,000 per month – I am not a mathematician, but I sure know you can’t pass this onto consumers and businesses can’t absorb this hike,” Mr Willcox said.

Owner of Blue River Ice, Francis Vigliante does not know what the future will hold.

“How are any businesses expected to cover that I’m not sure,” he said.

“We have increased prices but that only goes a certain way to covering all other costs that have gone up.

“We feel we are being forced to sell our business to large ice companies who are able to contract lower prices from power suppliers based on overall demand.”

Mr Willcox added, “All I keep seeing from this Government is personal attacks on the leader, but it’s about time they start producing some answers and a plan for our businesses.

“Due to the Labor created cost of living crisis our country is facing, this Government is not giving Australians hope.”

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox met with Owner of Blue River Ice, Francis Vigliante last week to discuss the issues that local businesses are currently facing. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, is demanding immediate action from the state and federal governments to fix the Bruce Highway as safety concerns pile up.

“According to RACQ data, head-on crashes account for 50 per cent of fatalities on the Bruce Highway, and motorists are five times more likely to be injured or killed while travelling the Bruce than they are if they were travelling from Sydney to Melbourne,” Mr Willcox said.

“It is deeply concerning that these statistics are being ignored by the state government who are in charge of fixing and maintaining our roads.

“This is a matter of life and death, and the Prime Minister needs to be held accountable. The original funding model must be reinstated back to the 80:20 contribution split, and works to the highway need to start immediately.

“As someone who travels between Mackay and Townsville regularly, I have seen firsthand what tragedies can occur and how devastating they are, which is why I launched my petition to Back Our Bruce, Back Our People.”

Mr Willcox said in the month since this petition was launched, he has received 1,000 signatures and has heard from members of the community who have witnessed horrific accidents and fatalities.

“That’s 1,000 signatures, 1,000 stories, and 1,000 more reasons to fix our Bruce Highway,” he said.

“Just last week we saw the horrible explosion which shut the road for three days. This cut off supplies, it cut life off to towns and again, another life of loss, that just should not have happened.

“It feels like every day just about, there is an accident on the Bruce, but they are avoidable.”

Chair of the Road Accident Action Group, Rod Erwin, confirmed that AusRAP crash data shows upgrades and the dual carriageways on the Hume and Pacific almost eliminated head on crashes.

Mr Erwin is passionate about reducing fatigue related incidents and crashes in the Bowen Basin area and said that RAAG is focusing on the need to build a formal truck stop facility to give our essential services somewhere to rest as they drive on the worst highway in our state, and they deserve somewhere safe to rest with clean facilities.  

“The lives of the people who live, work, and travel throughout the electorate and through this section of the Bruce Highway are just as important as those living in capital cities, and we deserve to be able to confidently travel on our roads and arrive at our destination, or home to our families, safely,” Mr Willcox said.

To sign the petition, visit www.andrewwillcox.com.au/back-our-bruce

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, met with members of the Road Accident Action Group to hear their concerns on the condition of local roads. Photo supplied

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By Amanda Wright

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Last Friday, Mackay’s beloved Touch of Teal soirée took on a picturesque form as a Long Lunch by the Sea, bringing the community together in honour of a cause close to many hearts. The event, which sold out in just two weeks, raised vital funds for the Trudy Crowley Foundation, ensuring the continuation of its vital work supporting local cancer patients and their families.
The foundation, named after Mackay local Trudy Crowley, who sadly lost her courageous battle with ovarian cancer in 2018, has been a shining light of compassion in the region ever since. Trudy’s legacy of strength and resilience continues to inspire, with the foundation now employing two dedicated ovarian cancer nurses and running a support centre on Alfred Street—a haven for those affected by cancer. But this year’s soirée brought a sobering focus to the urgent need for more palliative care options in Mackay.
Two local families bravely shared their heartbreaking stories of watching loved ones endure immense suffering in their final moments, without access to adequate palliative care. Their emotional accounts delivered a raw reality of what it means to lose someone to cancer, where palliative care services are scarce. Tears filled the room as they recounted the unbearable pain their loved ones faced in their final days. The absence of a proper facility to ease this suffering was made painfully clear, and it solidified the foundation's commitment to creating a sanctuary for palliative patients—one where they can receive the compassionate, expert care needed to pass peacefully, and with dignity.
The Trudy Crowley Foundation’s vision of this sanctuary aims to provide a place where patients and their families can find peace in the most challenging moments, where no one should suffer unnecessarily. The stories shared at the soirée were a powerful reminder that while cancer takes a physical toll, the emotional burden on families is immense.
As the community gathered to show their support, the day also highlighted the bravery of two local women, Chelsea and Robyn, who shared their personal journeys through breast cancer. In front of a captivated audience, the women spoke with raw courage, recounting the challenges of their diagnoses, the emotional strain, and the fight for survival. Their stories were ones of resilience and grace—lives interrupted, but not defeated, by cancer. Their words resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the importance of knowing their bodies and understanding their normal, a key message echoed by the foundation.
Amid the powerful speeches, the event retained its signature warmth and unity, a celebration of life, survival, and the importance of community in the face of hardship. Emcee Kim Skubris kept the day moving with infectious energy, ensuring the focus remained on raising awareness and funds. The presence of Daly Bay, the major sponsor, added a sense of corporate community spirit, with CEO Steve Ray officially opening the event and praising the foundation’s enduring impact.
A special moment came when Levi Crowley, Trudy's son, was introduced as the newest board director of the foundation. Levi spoke with pride and emotion about continuing his mother’s work, vowing to keep fighting for better care and resources for cancer patients in the region. His appointment marked a poignant passing of the torch, symbolising that Trudy’s vision lives on through her family, community, and all those touched by her legacy.
The Touch of Teal soirée once again demonstrated the incredible unity of Mackay’s residents in the fight against cancer. With all proceeds staying within the region, the funds raised will continue to support the foundation's programs and help make Trudy’s dream of a dedicated palliative care sanctuary a reality.
The event was not just a fundraiser but a tribute—a heartfelt expression of love, hope, and a shared determination to ensure no one faces cancer alone, and no family endures the pain of loss without the support they need. Mackay’s community came together, inspired by Trudy’s legacy, with a renewed commitment to making a difference, one step at a time.

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Attendees, dressed in elegant white with subtle touches of teal, shared an unforgettable afternoon at the Touch of Teal Soiree, united in raising crucial funds for the Trudy Crowley Foundation. Photo credit: Liz Andrews Photography

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A HONDA CRV will help deliver the Neighbourhood Hub’s Community Services Program in Mackay.
The vehicle is on loan to the organisation for 12 months as part of the Honda Hero Foundation for use in its community service programs.
General manager Nicolette Ffrost said the organisation was incredibly grateful for this generous loan vehicle.
“It will greatly enhance our ability to serve the community and ensure that we can reach those in need more efficiently. This support is invaluable to our vision, and we look forward to putting it to good use.”
The car was awarded as part of Honda Hero Foundation to help empower organisations that are focused on helping others.
A spokesperson from the donors said “We are proud to support The Neighbourhood Hub.
“Their dedication to responding to the needs of our community through compassion and connection is truly inspiring, and we are pleased to contribute to their continued success.”

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Lyla, Zoe Sloan, Kym Breadsell, Brooklyn Jones, Nicolette Ffrost, Mercedes Catalan, Wasinee Hodder, Nana Stevens and Toni-Marie Ernst welcome a new loan car for the Neighbourhood Hub. Photo supplied

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The Neighbourhood Hub was honoured as the Highly Commended recipient of the Multicultural Queensland Awards 2024, Diversity and Inclusion Champion in Brisbane.
Based in George St and Shakespeare St, The Neighbourhood Hub has been operating since 1989 and is the largest locally owned community organisation in Mackay, with 19 staff and 35 volunteers.
Along with multicultural advice, it provides information and referral to all who need support.
The award recognises an organisation which has gone above and beyond to break down barriers for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, creating ways to help people find a sense of belonging in Queensland.
Multicultural Affairs Queensland presented the award at a ceremony held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The Neighbourhood Hub general manager Nicolette Ffrost said the organisation was truly honoured to receive this award.
“It is a reflection of the collective efforts of our vibrant community.
“We are grateful for this recognition and remain committed to continuing our work and working towards an inclusive multicultural Queensland.”
Ela Maglente, CAMS Multicultural Program Coordinator, has been overseeing the program for the last five years.
She attended the award ceremony along with finance coordinator Kym Breadsell and management committee secretary Rhonda Payne.
Ela said the award exemplifies the work across the Mackay region and the organisation’s efforts in fostering cross cultural dialogue, advancing multicultural education and training and leading community initiatives that celebrate diversity.

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Julie Nielsen, Sahaj Ahmed, Nicolette Ffrost, Kym Breadsell, Wasinee Hodder and Lyla with the multicultural award. Photo supplied

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Back by popular demand, council’s Discover Mackay Treasure Trail is getting ready to hoist sails this weekend.

After a successful launch last year and more than 1000 entry forms received, the campaign encourages residents to explore the hidden gems in their own backyard.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the 2023 treasure trail received rave reviews, with many asking to weigh anchor again in 2024.

“This year’s treasure trail will have all new locations and even more challenging clues to solve,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The pirate-themed trail will include 11 mystery locations across the region and residents will find their next destination by solving a series of riddles and clues on council’s website,” he said.

“We’re encouraging residents to have a bit of fun, dress up in costume and explore the trail from Saturday, September 14, to Sunday, September 29.

“Each treasure trail location will have a large poster or corflute on display and treasure hunters need to find the sign, scan the QR code and complete any challenges that pop up on each online form.

“Challenges could include taking a photo or video of something (or someone) at the location, answering a trivia question or finding something special.”

Harvey Norman Computers Mackay have jumped on board again as a major sponsor for the epic adventure and are supplying one of the major prizes, plus some smaller prizes.

Three major prizes will be randomly drawn from any crews who bravely conquer the whole trail.

The first-place major prize-winning team will receive a Go Pro Hero 12 Black Creator Edition and two Ilford PIXI-D digital cameras, second place will receive a $500 Visa gift card and third place a $300 Sarina Sugar Shed hamper.

The first 40 teams to finish will receive a Discover Mackay gift pack with Discover Mackay towel, two sunglasses, football rocket, bag and puzzle.

The first team to complete the trail will also win a Sugar Shed hamper and a Mackay Isaac Tourism coffee mug set valued at $300, and the best dressed team will win a Sugar Shed hamper.

Small rocks painted with the council logo will be hidden at four of the 11 locations with daily prizes up for grabs.

Anyone who finds one of the rocks and hands it in at the location will win an instant prize.

To find out more, or to register for council’s treasure trail, visit mackay.qld.gov.au/trail.

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Mayor Greg Williamson met with Jay and Dave from Triple M to discuss the excitement surrounding the Council's Treasure Trail as it returns this weekend with all new locations, encouraging locals to explore Mackay’s hidden gems while enjoying pirate-themed fun and the chance to win great prizes! Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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More than $6.2 million in manufacturing grants delivering 22 projects across Mackay were announced by the state government earlier this month, when Manufacturing Minister, Glenn Butcher, launched Queensland’s second Manufacturing Month at Mackay manufacturer, High Amp Maintenance.

The month-long celebration showcases the achievements of the state’s incredible manufacturing industry which contributes around $20 billion a year to Queensland’s economy and employs around 180,000 Queenslanders.

Leading Mackay welding and fabrication business, High Amp Maintenance has received more than $176,000 in grant funding as part of the state government’s Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program. It is enabling the business to purchase and install CNC fibre laser cutter and integrated management system.

The new equipment and systems will help the business increase production capacity and competitiveness and will see 10 new full-time jobs created.

The State Government has invested more than $240 million in supporting manufacturers across the State, including through Made in Queensland Grants, Manufacturing Hub Grants and the establishment of six Manufacturing Hubs across Queensland, including in Mackay.

Minister Butcher said, “Queensland’s first inaugural Manufacturing Month held in 2023 was so successful we have brought it back!

“High Amp Maintenance are a fantastic example of manufacturers getting to the next level with the support of Government grants. 

“We are doing what matters for Queenslanders like backing our incredible manufacturing businesses and Manufacturing Month is an opportunity to highlight just how amazing this state’s manufacturing sector is.”

ALP Candidate for Mackay, Belinda Hassan, said she’s looking forward to Mackay manufacturers demonstrating their incredible capabilities during Manufacturing Month.

High Amp Maintenance Director, Lachlan Nielsen said, “We are driven to ensure we’re delivering high quality, proudly Queensland-made products for our customers across the country.
“Having the support of the Queensland Government through the Manufacturing Hub Grants Program has made the purchase and installation of our new 6KW Tube and Sheet laser seamless. This has helped elevate our business and expand our services.
“Not only are we expanding our manufacturing capabilities on the factory floor and creating significant efficiencies, but we’re set to expand our services, workforce, and the skills of our existing staff.”
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During Manufacturing Month, the Queensland Government hosts a range of events and opportunities to showcase the Queensland manufacturing sector’s capabilities, and educate business owners to connect and grow their business. This includes:

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Inside Advanced Manufacturing: 27 advanced manufacturers across Queensland have opened their doors, to fellow Queensland manufacturers and students to explain how Industry 4.0 technology and techniques have grown their business and career opportunities available in manufacturing.

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Queensland Manufacturing Industry Showcase at Parliament House: Almost 40 exhibitors will demonstrate and display their products and capabilities as part of a manufacturing showcase at Queensland’s Parliament House, on 10 September, to an audience of about 300 invited guests.

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Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher with ALP Candidate for Mackay, Belinda Hassan, High Amp Maintenance Director Lachlan Nielsen and Brittney Nielsen. Photo supplied

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Just in time for the September school holidays, the Bluewater Lagoon is set to reopen on Saturday, September 14.
The facility has been closed for significant upgrade work over the winter maintenance period.

The existing surface of the main and top lagoons has been replaced with a new Polyvinyl Chloride membrane system that will reduce maintenance requirements at the facility.

This work now completes the significant relining project that was undertaken over the last two years and involved relining the children’s pool with the new finish in 2023.

The Bluewater Lagoon is open from 9am to 5.45pm every day during the summer months of September to March (except Christmas Day).

Pioneer Swim Centre will reopen on September 14.

Sarina Swim Centre will reopen on September 21.

Mirani Swim Centre will reopen on September 16.

Memorial Swim Centre and Mackay ARC remain open to the public.

For more details visit mackay.qld.gov.au/pools.

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A private hospital’s development application has been officially lodged with the Mackay Regional Council this month, marking a significant step towards enhancing local healthcare.
Poised to provide a much-needed boost to the city’s healthcare system, Riverside Hospital will be a 60-bed short-stay private Hospital providing in-demand specialist healthcare led by experienced senior clinicians from Mackay.

Its developers say that Riverside Hospital, being situated adjacent to the Mackay Base Hospital, will anchor the future development of a Mackay Health Precinct, attracting talent and encouraging collaboration.

Short Stay Private Hospitals (SSPH) Director, Leith MacMillan says the project is an essential development for the region that locals should get behind.

“We know that Mackay has increasingly become a destination for many in rural areas looking for medical treatment. This, alongside population growth and an aging population, means higher demand for medical and hospital services.”

“The development of a third major medical facility in Mackay will increase the diversity of healthcare providers.”

The submitted DA includes plans for a Cardiac Catheterisation Lab and an Intensive Care Unit, a level of care that has not previously been available in the private sector in Mackay.

Other planned facilities include robotic surgery operating theatres, advanced CT scan and MRI radiology services, a pathology lab, a pharmacy, and a range of specialist healthcare consulting facilities.

Ms MacMillan says, if approved, the project will boost employment opportunities in the area.

“Creating spaces for specialist medical care will aid in attracting highly skilled practitioners to Mackay as well as encouraging them to remain in the region.

“It will also provide additional opportunities for local nurses and medical staff, alongside a range of administrative, systems, and maintenance jobs,” she said.

As part of the DA there are plans to provide 162 car parking spaces, adjacent to the hospital on Sarah Street, which in excess of the Council planning scheme requirements.

“The development team is eager to work with the relevant parties to ensure this facility can be built on a timeframe that best aligns with the needs of the community.”

Once approved, the Riverside Hospital is planned for completion in the first half of 2027.

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Artist’s impression of the Riverside Hospital, with an anticipated opening in early 2027

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This week
Season to date
Cane crushed
59,200
486,007
Average bin weight
3.94
3.87
CCS
14.45
13.42
Cane variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q183
24.9
14.77
Q253
14.7
14.17
Q240
11.6
14.38
Q138
3.3
13.62
Q208
17.5
14.87
SRA9
11.9
14.18
KQ228
5.8
13.95
Q238
2.0
14.08
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Comments:
Plane Creek Mill processed about 59,000 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season total to just over 486,000 tonnes.
Average CCS rose by 0.36 of a unit over the previous week, closing out at 14.45 units. The year-to-date average is now sitting at 13.42 units.
Standover cane made up 7 per cent of the week’s cane supply.
The highest CCS honour for the week was once again a rake of Q183 plant cane from the Dawlish productivity area with a CCS of 17.0 units.
With school holidays beginning this coming Friday (13 September), parents and carers are urged to warn children of the dangers of playing near cane railway lines.
Families and visitors who are doing road trips over the school holidays are reminded to use their train brain and always give way to cane trains.
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Lindsay Wheeler
Cane Supply Manager
Plane Creek Region

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Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) has expanded its growers’ services footprint in the Burdekin and Herbert River regions with the engagement of three new employees last week.
Burdekin local Angelo Licciardello and Herbert Rivers’ Lawrence Di Bella were both appointed this week as the new Burdekin and Herbert River District Managers respectively. Anna Di Bella, wife to Lawrence, also was appointed as Administration Officer in the Herbert River cane supply area.
QCAR CEO Stephen Ryan said the new arrangements ensured the level of services provided by the organisation would be maintained, but also accommodate predicted future growth.
“These new appointments follow the appointment of our first QCAR District Manager in the Central Region four months ago, so this is a very exciting period of growth for us as an organisation,” he said.
Sonia Ball was engaged on 1 May to cover the Central District which comprises the sugarcane supply areas across Proserpine, Mackay and Plane Creek. Mr Ryan said all engagements were a bonus to QCAR with each person bringing wide-ranging knowledge of the sugarcane industry and decades of experience with cane farming and sugarcane growers.
Angelo brings extensive experience from decades working in the rural environment with his most recent role being an on-farm consultant and account manager. Prior to this, Angelo established and managed his own rural supplies business in the Burdekin for 16 years.
QCAR is excited to have access to Angelo’s business acumen and local knowledge and familiarity with Burdekin growers and their businesses. The Di Bella duo is also well-known in the Herbert River districts managing their own farming enterprise along with their business Tropical Agricultural Services. Together they bring generational expertise and knowledge to the table.
“We feel very fortunate to now have three District Managers on board, and we know this is going to be very advantageous for our growers across Queensland.
“We are now turning our eyes to the northern regions and hope we can secure the same experience and advantage to service our growers in these areas,” Mr Ryan said.
Growers can welcome the new QCAR team members on the following numbers:
Burdekin District Manager Angelo Licciardello 0437 401 837
Herbert River District Manager Lawrence Di Bella 0448 084 252
Herbert River District Administration Officer Anna Di Bella 0419 673 000
Central District Manager Sonia Ball 0467 573 321

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New QCAR Burdekin District Manager Angelo Licciardello joins the QCAR Team in the QCAR head office at Ayr. Photos supplied
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Well-known Herbert River sugarcane grower and ag businessman Lawrence Di Bella has been appointed the new QCAR Herbert River District Manager
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Joining the QCAR team in the Herbert River region is Anna Di Bella who was formerly engaged as Administration Officer

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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables employees will have an opportunity to vote on a new, three-year enterprise agreement that includes an upfront $2,500 and total wage rises of 16%.
The first two wage increases, totalling 12%, would be paid by Christmas this year.
If the offer is accepted,1,300 Wilmar employees covered by the EA will receive an 8% increase in their first full pay after the ballot, another 4% in December this year, and a further 4% increase in December next year. The $2,500 bonus would be paid in the first full pay period after a successful ballot.
A Wilmar Sugar and Renewables spokesman said the offer should address workers’ concerns about cost of living.
“The wage increases offered exceed forecast inflation rates for the term of the EA,” he said.
“The Reserve Bank of Australia and other economic forecasters predict inflation will drop below 3% in 2025 and 2026. Our offer is for wage increases of 4% in both those years, and an annual average of 5.33% over the term of the agreement.”
He said Wilmar’s EA proposal reflected advice offered by Fair Work Commissioner Bernie Riordan in a non-binding recommendation last month.
“We are offering the average annual wage increase of 5.3% that Commissioner Riordan recommended to both Tully and us,” he said.
“The incremental, three-year wage increases in our offer are also the same as those Commissioner Riordan recommended to both workforces.
“Tully Sugar workers voted yes, and we hope to see the same result.
“I am confident everyone wants to see a resolution. Our offer is a genuine attempt to bring this dispute to a close quickly.
“We hope it is supported by unions.”
The spokesman said if the offer was rejected, the company had few options other than to apply to the Fair Work Commission for an intractable bargaining determination under the Fair Work Act. This would start a process of submissions, hearings and deliberations that could run into 2025, delaying the resolution of an EA and the payment of wage increases.

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