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

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

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

Scott, seeing her dilemma, stepped in without hesitation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What small act of kindness can you offer today?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Regional Queenslanders and our fishing community deserve better.”

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

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By Amanda Wright

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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By Hannah McNamara

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“And basically, here we are today.”

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

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

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

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

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

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By Amanda Wright

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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THE $1B COST OF NEGLECT

GW3 Demands Road Investment For Future Growth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Repairs to the decking boards on a section of the Pioneer Promenade commenced earlier this week, with work expected to continue until Friday, September 27. The repairs are focused on the stretch between Macalister and Wood streets.
During this time, the affected section of the promenade will remain closed to the public, with pedestrians being directed to use the footpath along River Street as a temporary bypass.
Council has apologized for any inconvenience caused by the closure, noting that the maintenance is essential for safety and upkeep. The public is encouraged to remain patient as repairs progress.

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In a startling revelation, only one in 30 Australians donate blood, despite one in three requiring blood products at some point in their lifetime.

To meet the country's growing demand, a blood donation is needed every 18 seconds and Lifeblood requires roughly 33,000 donations every week. With demand on the rise, Australia is calling on its communities to help fill this “life-saving” gap.

Despite the common assumption that most donated blood goes to trauma victims, it's cancer patients and those with chronic illnesses who benefit the most.

Lifeblood spokesperson Gwendolyne Camaret emphasised this, saying, "Thirty four per cent of blood donations go to assist with cancer treatment and blood diseases, while road accidents and trauma only represent two per cent.

“Unfortunately, we are not fully aware of how important blood products are and it’s amazing that one donation can save up to three lives so it’s vital to spread awareness about this growing need.”

Mackay Regional Council has been leading by example, participating in the annual Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Local Government Blood Drive.

So far, the council has reached an impressive 55 donations in 2024, already surpassing last year's total of 42, with several weeks still left to donate. Mayor Greg Williamson is set to make his contribution at Lifeblood’s Mackay Donor Centre on September 3, continuing to inspire others to give back.

"Community spirit runs strong in the Mackay region and in our council," said Mayor Williamson.

“Giving back is something that comes naturally to our staff - it's in our veins.

“Giving blood is quick, easy, and relatively painless…I strongly encourage others to donate, it truly does save lives.”

Gwendolyne praised their dedication, saying, “We know Mackay Regional Council staff are incredibly generous donors, and we’re excited to see their tally climbing.

“Every drop counts.”

Explore Property Mackay is also a strong advocate for blood donations, with their team regularly contributing at the Mackay Donor Centre.
A representative from Explore Property shared, "There’s no greater feeling than knowing our donations can save lives and make a real impact in our community.
“Every donation matters, and together, we can help ensure that hospitals have the blood they need."
As the population increases, so does the demand for blood products. Regular donors are often sidelined by seasonal illnesses, which makes it even more critical for new donors to step up.

“Whether you work for a local government organisation, volunteer, or simply live in the community, your blood donation could save lives,” Gwendolyne added.

“It’s quite painless, it’s just a little prick but it’s life-saving.”

To make an appointment, call 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au. Mackay Donor Centre is open Monday to Saturday at 143 Sydney St. The Local Government Blood Drive runs until September 30.

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Mayor Greg Williamson’s blood donation at the Mackay Donor Centre with Lifeblood spokesperson Gwendolyne Camaret. Photo supplied

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By Amanda Wright

Marie Williams has spent decades weaving her compassion into the fabric of the Mackay community, using her remarkable knitting talent to bring awareness and raise funds for causes close to her heart.

Handcrafting delicate pink and teal flowers—pink for breast cancer and teal for ovarian cancer—with sparkling bling in the centre, Marie is on a mission to spread awareness and raise money for the Trudy Crowley Foundation. Her latest goal is to raise enough funds to purchase a defibrillator for the foundation, continuing her legacy of selfless giving.

A long-time volunteer with Mackay’s Scope Club, Marie was part of the team that donated a defibrillator to the Neighbourhood Hub.

Her contributions are sprinkled across the region, leaving “touches of Marie” wherever you go. One such mark is Marie’s Corner at the Trudy Crowley Cancer Care Centre, named in her honour after raising money to purchase a large, comfortable couch to provide comfort to those battling cancer.

Her handiwork can also be seen at the Memorial Pool, where knitted poppies adorn the space, a lasting tribute to her dedication to veterans. Previously, Marie knitted hundreds of poppies that decorated a wall at Mackay Base Hospital for ANZAC Day, raising funds for Legacy, a charity supporting veterans and their families. She also donates poppies to a local school, helping students fund their journeys to Gallipoli for ANZAC Day commemorations.

Despite a car accident four years ago that left her with a brain injury, Marie’s commitment never wavered. While she was unable to drive for some time, she regained her license in May and is determined to make the most of it before an upcoming surgery puts her back on the sidelines for a while. But even with these challenges, Marie’s nimble fingers continue to raise thousands of dollars for cancer patients, children, and veterans.

Her latest efforts also serve as a reminder of the importance of increasing awareness of ovarian cancer, a cause that doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. And with October marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Marie’s beautiful pink flowers are a timely symbol of support and hope for those affected by cancer.

From veterans to cancer patients, Marie’s kindness and knitting needles have touched countless lives, and her spirit continues to inspire the Mackay community.

To purchase one of Marie’s flowers for charity, you can find her this weekend at Caneland Central on Friday and Saturday (September 20 and 21) near the Reject Shop and Coles, while on Sunday she will be set up at Bunnings Paget.

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Marie Williams standing beside the cozy couch she donated to the Trudy Crowley Cancer Care Centre, the space affectionately known as 'Marie's Corner.' Photos supplied

Marie spends hours every week knitting flowers for charity

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By Hannah McNamara

In recognition of the hardworking, down-to-earth, and selfless men in our region, several celebrations will honour those blokes who have consistently put the needs of their families, friends, and communities ahead of their own.

As International Men’s Day approaches on Tuesday, 19th November, Shed Happens Mackay, sponsored by DGH Engineering and Daly Bay, will host three activities over the next four months. These include an Art Show at the Jubilee Community Centre (JCC), the Mackay Man of the Year Award (sponsored by Minds Aligned), and a corporate Breakfast at Souths Leagues Club.

These events aim to shine a light on the quiet acts of kindness, leadership and integrity that has made a lasting impact in the lives of those they serve.

The International Men’s Day Mackay, in partnership with the Mackay Art Society, is organising an art show themed “Celebrating Men’s Positive Contributions to Society.” The opening night will be held at the Jubilee Community Centre on Friday, 20th September 2024, from 6pm to 8.30pm, with the Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm MP, attending for the award presentation. The exhibition will be open to the public from Saturday, 21st September to Friday, 27th September 2024, from 10am to 4pm.

Frank Cowell, the Founder of Shed Happens Mackay, initiated the organisation as a monthly gathering for men to support one another and discuss the good, bad, and sad aspects of manhood.

“It started off as just a breakfast…and now it’s a breakfast, an art show, a Man of the Year event, and an International Men’s Day celebration,” Frank shared.

The Man of the Year is chosen by a panel consisting of one woman and three men.

According to Frank, the judges, “Look for qualities that reflect a man who sets a positive example, not just for his family, but also for his neighbours and his community.”

“The Man of the Year is usually someone who’s not well known…because they’re too busy with their head down doing the job,” Frank said.

“Most of the blokes nominated are average, ordinary men who serve their family and community well.”

He encourages men of all ages to move past their mistakes.

“Don’t dwell on the past…forgive the things you’ve done wrong, deal with them, and move on.

“Every bloke is a champion, even if we don’t believe it.”

Nominations for Mackay Man of the Year are open throughout September, with entry forms available through the Mackay Shed Happens Facebook page.

The final event will feature breakfast at Souths Leagues Club, an interview with the 2023 Mackay Man of the Year, Phil Hall, raffles, a roundtable discussion on the theme, an auction of the winning piece from the Art Show and the presentation of the IMD 2024 Mackay Man of the Year.

Visit www.imdmi.com.au, or contact Frank Cowell via 0434 908 968 or mackayshedhappens@gmail.com for further information.

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Frank Cowell, founder of Shed Happens Mackay, looks forward to celebrating Mackay’s noble men at the upcoming International Men’s Day events. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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By Amanda Wright

As the Greater Whitsunday region’s mayors launched their passionate campaign for essential road upgrades, their efforts are being bolstered by federal members who share their frustration. The dangerous condition of the Bruce Highway continues to draw national attention, with alarming new statistics shedding light on the urgency of the situation.

The Bruce Highway, particularly in the Capricornia region, has unfortunately claimed the title of Australia's most dangerous crash hotspot. According to AAMI’s Decade of Driving report, eight out of the ten most common crash locations are on the notorious Bruce Highway.

Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, has voiced her deep concern, pointing out that drivers on the Bruce Highway are five times more likely to be injured or killed compared to those on the Hume Highway. Despite this grim reality, the federal government has recently reduced funding from an 80:20 to a 50:50 split, a move Ms Landry criticises as not only illogical but dangerously short-sighted.

“With more than twenty lives lost this year alone, and a substantial contribution of $18.1 billion in royalties from the Fitzroy region, it’s unacceptable that this revenue is diverted to cover cost blowouts in metropolitan areas while our roads suffer.”

The Capricorn region’s roading deficiencies include only two overtaking lanes every 100 kilometres, 31 narrow bridges, and over 230 road defects. Ms Landry stresses that cuts to essential road funding have direct, fatal consequences, as necessary upgrades are delayed or cancelled, putting more lives at risk.

In a related effort, Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has been rallying for immediate action through his petition, "Back Our Bruce, Back Our People." The petition, which has garnered 1,000 signatures in just one month, reflects the community’s demand for a reinstatement of the original 80:20 funding split and immediate roadworks.

Mr Willcox, who frequently travels between Mackay and Townsville, has witnessed the tragic results of inadequate infrastructure and is calling for accountability from both state and federal governments.

“This is a matter of life and death, and the Prime Minister must address this crisis with urgency,” Mr Willcox said.

Rod Erwin, Chair of the Road Accident Action Group (RAAG), further stresses the dire need for enhanced road safety measures.

“The escalating number and severity of road crashes across the region is alarming. Despite some upgrades to the Bruce and Peak Downs Highways, these improvements have not kept pace with the increasing road usage and demand.”

With 21 fatal crashes, 545 injury crashes, and 291 non-injury crashes reported in the Greater Whitsunday region in 2023 alone, the call for action is clear.

The region’s busy roads, crucial for transporting wide loads and supporting local industries, need significant infrastructure and maintenance upgrades to match growing demand.

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Vehicles are frequently forced onto the opposite side of the road on the Bruce Highway to avoid large areas of surface damage which often remain for months without repair. Photo source: Michelle Landry

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The rollout of 42 new RentConnect officers across Queensland, including 25 in regional areas, aims to improve access to rental support services. Additionally, a new online platform is being launched to further assist renters.
This initiative is part of the Queensland Government's Homes for Queenslanders plan, which also includes measures such as rent bidding bans, a code of conduct for property management, and portable bond loans.
Nearly 10,000 Queensland households have already benefited from rental support through this plan, including 451 households in Mackay.
Labor Candidate for Mackay, Belinda Hassan said, “I’ve fought hard to make sure that not only are we building new homes in our community, but that renters can get help when it comes to cost of living or finding a rental.
“Our investment in RentConnect officers will be helping Queenslanders find and keep a safe place to stay.”
Frontline RentConnect staff worked with more than 2,500 households in need, while more than 3,000 bond loans, more than 1,000 rental grants and more than 500 rental security subsidies were provided.
It adds to a raft of reforms introduced by the government to help the one third of Queensland households who rent.
Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said,“One in three Queensland households rent, which is why our Homes for Queenslanders plan makes supporting renters a key pillar.
“Since we launched our Homes for Queenslanders plan, new CoreLogic data shows we’re starting to see the rental market ease, and we won’t let up when it comes to making sure people can get the cost of living help they need.”
Just recently, the government passed legislation to ban rent bidding, establish a code of conduct and start work on a portable bond scheme to allow renters to move their bond from one place to the next.
It also gives renters a fee-free option to pay rent, requiring evidence for any bond claims, limiting reletting costs and further protecting renters’ privacies by requiring 48 hours entry notice and a prescribed form for rental applications.
Employment Minister Lance McCallum said, “Access to secure housing is critical for employment stability.
“By investing in programs like RentConnect, we’re not just helping renters access housing, we’re also making sure that people can keep their homes, focus on their work, and contribute to their local communities.”
To find out more about rental support for Queenslanders head to: https://www.housing.qld.gov.au/homesforqueenslanders
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Labor Candidate for Mackay, Belinda Hassan, and Employment Minister Lance McCallum met with local renter Cecily Macdonald to discuss the challenges faced by renters in the region and how the RentConnect program is helping individuals access affordable housing. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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