Cutting the anniversary cake.

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Four decades of learning, friendships and school unity were celebrated last Saturday as Collinsville State High School welcomed past and present students, staff and families back for its 40th Anniversary Open Day.

The school first opened on its Walker Street site in 1986, giving Collinsville’s older students the chance to continue their education in their own community rather than travelling long distances or leaving town.

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Over the four decades since, the school has grown alongside Collinsville and shared in the changing fortunes of the surrounding mining industry.  

“Since opening its doors at the Walker Street site, Collinsville State High School has been a place where young people have learnt, grown, made lifelong friendships and been encouraged to believe in themselves and their future,” said Principal Anna Reeves in a school newsletter.  

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“Our 40th anniversary is not just a celebration of the school as it is today, it is a celebration of everyone who has been part of our journey.

“Our school’s story is one of strong community spirit, resilience, opportunity and a commitment to supporting every student to reach their potential.

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“Forty years is a wonderful milestone, and I am very proud to be the current principal of such a wonderful school, with dedicated staff, amazing students and a supportive community.”

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The open day offered Collinsville students past, present and future the chance to explore memorabilia collected throughout the school’s history.

The parade room will feature four decades of photographs, magazines and newsletters, alongside earlier material from when secondary education was delivered to Collinsville State School site.

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For those unable to attend the open day, the display will remain in place across Monday and Tuesday, with visitors encouraged to contact the school to arrange a viewing.

The day’s main event began at 11.30am, as guests gathered for welcome speeches before watching one piece of Collinsville history emerge from the school’s 30th anniversary time capsule and another be sealed away for future generations.

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Inside the 30th anniversary capsule were formal and polo school shirts, photographs and a letter from a member of the original Year 12 cohort who attended the school in 1986. The capsule also contained postcards written by students and staff predicting where they expected to be 10 years later, offering a personal glimpse into the hopes held at the time.

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The new 40th anniversary capsule was filled with items capturing school life today, including staff and student shirts, a school-branded travel mug and cutlery set, photographs of students, staff and events, student artwork and the current newsletter.

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Messages from staff and students were also included, alongside stories from four Year 7 students about life in Collinsville. A Bacon Busters program, School President Kodi Mackie’s welcome speech, Anna Reeves’ thank-you speech and a letter from former principal Boyd Jorgensen completed the collection.

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With the latest chapter of school history safely sealed away, the milestone celebrations were topped off with the cutting of the anniversary cake.

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“The Open Day will provide an opportunity to explore our school and relive many wonderful memories created at Collinsville State High School over the years,” Principal Reeves said.  

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Penny, Mandy Coles, Paul Darrouzet and Dawn Romanella Photo credit: Rachael Smith & Trish Jandt

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The iconic jetty at Coral Sea Resort came alive with a vibrant party atmosphere last Thursday evening with the resort kindly hosting more than forty industry members in the second of its monthly networking evenings.  

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Owner of Coral Sea Marina, Paul Darrouzet was present on the night, and the rain clouds that had previously plagued the week, parted to provide a stunning ocean backdrop and a classic Whitsunday sunset.

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See more photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/industry-night-on-the-jetty-at-coral-sea-resort

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Honey may be shy at first, but beneath her reserved nature is a big personality waiting to emerge.

The three-to-four-year-old cat just wants a peaceful place she can meow home to, where she can regain her confidence and feel safe.

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Honey arrived at Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue from the pound, where renovation work and excessive noise left her in a constant-anxiety filled state. She now needs patient owners willing to give her the space and time to settle in on her own terms.

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Once comfortable, Honey enjoys staying close to her people and can become quite talkative, particularly at night when she finds a secure spot to curl up and let her purrs be heard.

Honey prefers her own space, rather than being around other cats and dogs, feeling more at ease as the only pet at home. While she is gentle around children, she is more likely to keep to herself.

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If you think Honey could be the perfect addition to your home, contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue by direct messaging your name, phone number and "Honey" to begin the adoption process.

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Fundraising with a view: Rendezvous set to come to Cape Gloucester. Photo source: Shutterstock  

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The Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club (SICYC) is preparing to bring four days of fun and fundraising back to the Whitsundays, with its annual Rendezvous once again throwing its support behind the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

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Running from 27th to 30th August at Cape Gloucester Resort, this year’s “Nauti-Cal Schoolies” themed Rendezvous will bring the boating community together for a packed program of entertainment, competitions and social activities; all while supporting an important cause.  

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Fundraising for prostate cancer will feature throughout the weekend, including opportunities for attendees to purchase event memorabilia and take part in activities supporting the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

On Saturday, representatives from the foundation will be on hand alongside a specialist nurse from Mackay Hospital and Health Service, giving attendees the opportunity to learn more about prostate cancer, available support and the importance of awareness.

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The weekend will also include the popular “Shaggers Salon”, where attendees can brave a shave for prostate cancer, along with raffles and major auctions helping raise further funds.

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Beyond the fundraising, there will be no shortage of entertainment across the four-day program.

Festivities include live music, themed dress-up competitions for boats and caravans, beach games, yoga, a book swap, a pirate farewell party and Saturday night fireworks.

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Grey nomads have also been invited to join the fun, with a special “land lubbers” morning tea planned for Saturday.

The annual Rendezvous has become an opportunity for SICYC members, visitors and the wider boating community to enjoy the Whitsundays while rallying behind the fight against prostate cancer.

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Tickets are $35 per person, with caravan and camping available on site for an additional fee. Bookings are essential, with registrations available through Humanitix.  

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Close to 40 disadvantaged people and job seekers across the Burdekin electorate will be given extra support to build their skills, confidence and pathways into lasting local work.

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The initiative comes from a welcomed investment by the government being put into two local training programs, with $215,500 for Burdekin PCYC’s Get Set for Work program and $146,800 for Whitsunday Success Pathways’ Work Skills Traineeships program, which will be delivered in Bowen.  

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The funding forms part of a $46.2 million round of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, supporting 166 projects across Queensland aimed at addressing skills shortages in priority industries.

Member for the Burdekin electorate Dale Last said the wraparound support offered through both programs would give young people a more tailored experience.

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“We have already seen the successful results in our community with past participants becoming the skilled workers we need in priority industries like construction, health, community services and hospitality,” Mr Last said.

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“In order to grow our local workforce and bolster our region’s economy, we need to be able to retain young adults in our community and that means ensuring there are positive career pathways available and the ability to obtain the skills needed in our towns.”  

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Mr Last said that programs like Skilling Queenslanders for Work showed the government’s focus on better outcomes for workers, employers and local communities.

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“This is a great outcome for Burdekin and Bowen communities whose economies ultimately benefit from the addition of skilled, local young workers,” Mr Last said.

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Sunday Sippers presenting CQ Rescue with their big check. All photos supplied by Peter Hannah.

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What started as a quiet Sunday afternoon drink at the Queens Beach Hotel has grown into a $57,000 show of support for a service Bowen locals know they may one day need.

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For the past five years, the Sunday Sippers have been gathering at the pub each Sunday from 4pm to 6pm, running raffles, sharing a drink and raising money.

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The raffles have grown with the cause, now featuring venue vouchers, butcher shop prizes, seafood vouchers and extra BWS prizes when the Sunday crowd is especially strong.  

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“In the early days we’d go to the hotel on a Sunday and there wasn’t much happening, so we decided we’d put something together where we could raise funds while having a drink,” said Sunday Sipper Peter Hannah.

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“It started out with a little sausage sizzle, two bucks a sausage, and on a big Sunday we’d raise 12 bucks. So we thought, no, we’ve got to do something better than this.”

Since those humble beginnings, the group has gone on to raise an impressive $57,000 for CQ Rescue.  

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Choosing an organisation to donate to was easy for the Sippers, as Bowen’s location between Townsville and Mackay, surrounded by rural communities, cattle properties and coastal roads, means the rescue helicopter plays a crucial role when urgent help is needed.

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“Our community fundraising supports the helicopter- to ‘keep the bird in the air’ as we say,” Peter said.

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“The helicopter visits here quite regularly, so people know that it’s a vital part of how to get out of here if things go wrong.”

“All the people here are behind it,” Peter said.

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“We are supported by our community people, the butcher shop and the pub and things like that.” Peter said.  

“I’d like to give them a little pat on the back too.”

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Peter Luke and Brad Garner. Photo supplied: Leanne Oliveri.  

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After two-and-a-half seasons in Proserpine, Cane Supply Manager Peter Luke is returning to the Burdekin and handing the reins to experienced railway and logistics manager Brad Garner.  

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“I’ve been in logistics for close to 20 years and working in Proserpine has been one of the highlights of my career with Wilmar Sugar and Renewables,” he said.

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“Proserpine is a friendly place and everyone has been extremely welcoming. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support, friendship and cooperation throughout my time here. I have greatly appreciated it and will look back on my time at Proserpine with many fond memories.”

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Peter has been working closely with Brad over the past month, helping him transition into the Cane Supply Manager role.

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Brad began his sugar industry career at Invicta Mill in 1985 and has since held rail and logistics roles across Wilmar’s Burdekin operations, most recently serving as Senior Railway Superintendent across all eight mills.

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“I’m looking forward to taking on this position, as it will give me the opportunity to work directly with local growers and harvesting contractors, as well as Proserpine Mill employees,” Brad said.

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“Peter has introduced me to lots of local growers and industry stakeholders, and has given me a strong foundation for success in the role.  

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“I’m keen to bring my experience to the region, build strong relationships and contribute to the ongoing success of the local sugar industry.”

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Proserpine Mill processed close to 64,300 tons of cane for the week. This was below budget due to a planned extended maintenance stop to repair the bagasse reclaimer. Our season to date has now totaled more than 712,000 tons.

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Average weekly CCS came in above budget, at 14.01 units. The highest weekly CCS sample for the week was 17.16 units, from a rake of SRA26 Plant cane in the Elaroo District.

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As we approach the halfway point for the Proserpine production season, we’re reminding locals and visitors not to become complacent about cane trains. Parents and carers are urged to remind their children not to play on or around the cane rail network.  

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Drivers are reminded to obey all signs and signals and always give way to cane trains. Haulout operators are reminded that cane trains get right of way when delivering or collecting bins from the siding.

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Remember, cane trains work around the clock, seven days a week, so please continue to use your train brain and always take care around the cane rail network.

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Anxiety is experienced not only through thoughts but also through the body. A person may understand that their fears are unlikely to happen, yet their body can still respond as though danger is present. This is why effective anxiety treatment often involves addressing both the mind and the physical stress response.  

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Psychotherapy helps individuals explore the thoughts, beliefs, and experiences that contribute to anxiety. Through evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT),  people can learn skills to manage worry, reduce avoidance, and respond differently to anxious thoughts.  

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Exercise strengthens these therapeutic changes by regulating the nervous system. When we exercise, the body experiences sensations similar to anxiety, an increased heartbeat, sweating, and faster breathing, but within a safe and controlled environment. Over time, this can help the brain learn that these sensations are not dangerous.  

Movement can also create space from anxious thoughts. A walk outdoors, a yoga session, or a gym workout can shift attention away from constant worry and bring awareness back to the present moment.  

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The combination of psychotherapy and exercise can be especially valuable because each approach targets different aspects of anxiety. Therapy supports insight, emotional processing, and behavioural change, while exercise supports physical regulation, energy, sleep, and confidence.  

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Small steps matter. Someone experiencing anxiety does not need to begin with a demanding exercise routine. A short daily walk or gentle movement can become a foundation for change.  

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When exercise and psychotherapy are combined, individuals are supported to develop healthier thinking patterns, stronger coping skills, and greater resilience in managing life’s challenges.  

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“If you’d like more support in managing ADHD for yourself or your family, visit my website  https://www.personaltransitions.com.au/ or give Cristie 0488667264 or me 0418708214.”  

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By Michael Kimpton: Motivational Speaker

I am a 72-year-old Ironman triathlete. Currently ranked number 1 in Australia and number 4 in the World in my Age Category 70-74, where most of the athletes are retired or dead!  

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I only progressed to IRONMAN Triathlon competition in 2021, at the age of 67, taking on a monster one day endurance event consisting of a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and a 42.2 km Marathon run. This wouldn’t have seen possible once upon a time- back in 1977,a traumatic accident permanently changed the course of my life. Let me take you back to that day.  

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On a wet and windy night I was commuting back home after work as an Accountant in Melbourne. Out of nowhere I crashed my motorcycle, causing life-threatening injuries that changed everything.  

The accident happened just down the road from the Royal Melbourne Hospital. I fell off my motorcycle on a greasy roundabout and slipped under a parked car. I lost consciousness and immediately needed 2 units of blood for my massive injuries; a severely gashed calf and compound fracture of the femur. I was rushed to emergency at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition with severe injuries, loss of blood and shock. My kidneys failed and I was placed on dialysis.  

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However, the human body can be remarkably resilient and is sometimes able to recuperate. Slowly I weaned off pain medication and gradually started to understand the seriousness of my health predicament. My left leg was fully paralysed due to nerve damage and the compound fracture required the insertion of a metal rod and months in traction.  

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The enormous wound in my calf required skin grafts. I was told I was lucky not to lose my lower leg.  

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I spent 5 months in hospital in traction, 6 weeks on kidney dialysis, and then learning how to walk again after my muscles wasted away was a major task. Lucky for me the Nerve in my leg was not completely severed and it regenerated over the next 18 months.  

Whoever thought I could do a full Ironman, let alone represent Australia 7 times in this challenging multisport?

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Years on I still listen to kids on the beach who say, “Shark Bite for sure!” I’m still explaining my disfigurement to this day.  

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I believed I was given a second chance in life. I am now one of the most ambitious and driven people - in life and in triathlons. I never do things halfhearted. I always put in 110% and never say never!  

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‘Not possible” are two words that don’t appear in my vocabulary. If someone says to me it’s not possible; I’ll prove to them it may be possible.  

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My goal is to motivate & inspire you all. I want you to feel safe enough to leave your comfort zone in order to achieve anything which you might believe is beyond your expectations.

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This does not have to be in a sport. it can be in life in general. Any goals you set yourself whether it be to do with work, family, play, achievements, recognition, promotion, happiness- whatever!  

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Please help me with raise funds for my next challenge in October this year by scanning the QR code.  

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The recent Federal Budget contained several measures aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures, but it offered little to solve Australia's biggest housing challenge: a lack of supply.  

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While various incentives may help some buyers enter the market, they do little to address the shortage of homes being built. In many parts of the country, particularly Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, housing affordability remains a major issue and prices continue to be supported by strong demand.  

For retirees, however, this situation may present an opportunity.  

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Many Australians approaching or entering retirement are finding that the value of their homes in major capital cities has increased significantly over the years. By selling a property in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane and relocating to a regional area such as the Whitsundays, retirees may be able to purchase a quality home at a lower price while freeing up substantial capital to support their retirement lifestyle.  Rather than having a large portion of their wealth locked away in the family home, retirees may be able to boost superannuation, create additional investment income or simply provide themselves with greater financial flexibility during retirement.  

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The Whitsundays continues to attract new residents for good reason. A relaxed lifestyle, strong community spirit, quality services and a warmer climate make the region an appealing alternative to the major capitals. Improved technology and flexible work arrangements have also encouraged more Australians to consider regional living, creating ongoing population growth in many lifestyle destinations.  This migration trend benefits not only new residents but also local businesses, employment opportunities and property markets. Areas experiencing steady inward migration are often better positioned than regions where population growth is limited.

Importantly, one of the most positive outcomes from the Budget was what didn't change.  

Prior to the Budget there was considerable speculation surrounding potential changes to superannuation and retirement income settings. For most Australians, those concerns proved unfounded. The superannuation and Age Pension systems were left largely unchanged, providing valuable certainty for retirees and those planning for retirement.  

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Stability is critical when making long-term financial decisions. Australia's superannuation system remains one of the strongest retirement savings frameworks in the world, and maintaining confidence in the rules allows Australians to continue planning for retirement with greater certainty.  

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While housing affordability challenges are likely to persist in the major capitals, regional Australia may continue to benefit as more retirees and families seek a more affordable and enjoyable lifestyle. For many Australians, selling a high-value city property and relocating to the Whitsundays could provide not only a lifestyle upgrade but also a stronger financial position throughout retirement.  

If you’d like an obligation free review of your financial situation, call us on 49467359 for an appointment at our office in Carlo Drive, Cannonvale today.  

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We all know, watching a leadership module on a screen does not make someone a better leader. Neither does clicking through 47 slides about emotional intelligence, completing an online quiz about conflict or watching a video about difficult conversations while answering emails at the same time. Online learning has its place. It is great for information, compliance, refreshers and giving people access to knowledge, but knowledge does not equal behaviour change. Online training can deliver information, however face-to-face training can create transformation.

If you need to build leadership, communication, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution skills or learn to manage difficult personalities you need to immerse yourself in an environment that makes you self-assess and challenge your own belief concepts. We deliberately put people in a room because leadership is not a knowledge problem. Most people already know they should communicate better, listen more, manage conflict and give constructive feedback. Knowing what to do isn'tthe same as actually doing it.

Face-to-face training creates an environment that online doesn’t - human friction. You have to look someone in the eye and practise the difficult conversation. In our room people may question your thinking and suddenly you realise your communication style may be irritating.  You discover that what you call “being direct” might actually look like intimidation and sometimes you find out that your response to conflict is part of the problem. In our room, you get the opportunity to do it differently. In our room, magic happens and minds shiift.

A good facilitator can see the crossed arms, the discomfort, the defensiveness and steers them towards the ‘a-ha’ moments. You can't build genuine trust between colleagues by putting everyone on mute or turning off your video. You can'tdevelop the emotional courage required to manage difficult people by completing a multiple-choice question about conflict.

Leadership is human. So leadership development needs to be human too. Online training can tell people what good leadership looks like but face-to-face training gives them somewhere to challenge their preconceived ideas and practisebecoming it. That’s why we put people in a room - to make it real, make an impact, and make a change.

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Jack and Jen celebrating with the other award winners.

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More than a century after the Lowcock family first began building in the region, the Bowen company’s commitment to quality has earned fresh recognition, claiming two honours at the Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards.

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Lowcock’s quality of work was recognised across two distinct categories, with its Yaringa Units project winning the Medium Density up to Three Storeys award and VaultX Storage taking out the Commercial/Industrial Building up to $3 million category.

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The Yaringa Units comprise four thoughtfully designed two-bedroom residences, providing secure and affordable accommodation for up to eight frontline health, education and aged-care workers in Bowen.

Described as the first purpose-built accommodation project of its kind in Queensland, Yaringa was supported by the Queensland Government through Round 3 of the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund.

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Each residence offers generous open-plan living, plenty of natural light, durable finishes and added privacy, creating a practical and welcoming development that complements Bowen Community Council Inc.’s existing building style.

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VaultX Storage, meanwhile, was developed to meet Bowen’s growing demand for safe and convenient self-storage.

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The purpose-built facility opened with 54 units, offering 24-hour access and personalised PIN security within a clean, modern design. Storage spaces range from 2.3m by 3m to 24m by 3.3m, catering to a variety of customer needs. With capacity to expand to 82 units, VaultX was designed to meet both current demand and Bowen’s future storage needs.

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These award-winning builds are just two of the many projects Lowcock Builders has delivered across the region, alongside the Airlie Beach Car Wash, Bowen TAFE Agriculture Centre of Excellence, Hillview unit complex and Nolan’s Interstate Transport facility. Each reflects the same care and attention to detail the company brings to every build.  

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This success is nothing new for Jack and Jen Lowcock, who have been carrying forward a legacy of success stretching back to 1918.

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If you’re driving around parts of the Whitsundays over the next few weeks, there’s a fair chance you’ll come across our road crews as we roll into the latest stage of Council’s annual road resealing program.

From late August, weather permitting, crews will be working on Strathdickie Road, Dingo Beach Road and several roads around Mount Coolon. It’s worth putting the size of the job into perspective.

Whitsunday Regional Council maintains around 1,776 kilometres of roads, comprising 616 kilometres sealed and another 1,160 kilometres unsealed.

That’s a significant road network stretching from our coastal communities through to some remote parts of our region, and keeping it safe and maintained is one of the Council's biggest responsibilities.

It’s also about spending money at the right time. Road resealing might not be the most glamorous Council project, but it is one of the smartest investments we can make in looking after the assets our community already owns.

Put simply, resealing protects the road surface, keeps water out of the pavement underneath and extends the life of the road. Doing that work at the right time is considerably cheaper than allowing a road to deteriorate to the point where major reconstruction is required.

That’s also why you might sometimes see us resealing a road that still looks pretty good, while another road nearby appears to be in worse condition. Once the pavement underneath starts to fail, simply putting another seal over the top won’t fix the problem. That road will generally need more substantial rehabilitation before it can be resealed.

So the aim is to reseal roads before they reach that point wherever we can which extends their life and delivers the best value from every dollar we spend on the network.

At the same time, we're not standing still.

Major projects such as the Hamilton Plains flood immunity upgrade are improving key parts of our network as the Whitsundays continues to grow.

So there are really two jobs happening at once – looking after the extensive road network we already have while progressively building a safer, stronger and more resilient network for the future.

Of course, roadworks inevitably mean some inconvenience. There will be single-lane closures, reduced speed limits and traffic control while these works are underway, so please allow a little extra time and follow the directions of our traffic controllers. You may also notice line marking doesn’t happen immediately after resealing. That's deliberate. The new surface needs time to settle and cure before permanent line marking goes down.

I know getting stuck at a stop/go sign can test the patience – particularly when you somehow seem to get the “stop” side every time. But a few minutes of inconvenience now helps us get more life out of roads our community relies on every day.

Thanks for your patience and, most importantly, please slow down around our crews while they get the job done.

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For many businesses, workplace health and safety and compliance can feel overwhelming. Luxton Safety & Compliance Australia (LSCA) is changing that by helping businesses build practical systems that not only meet compliance requirements but genuinely support day-to-day operations.

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Owned and operated by Principal Consultant Emma Luxton, LSCA works with businesses across the Whitsundays, regional Queensland, and Australia to develop workplace health and safety (WHS), compliance and management systems aligned with ISO standards that are practical, fit-for-purpose and easy to use.

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Emma established the business after seeing too many organisations burdened with complicated paperwork, generic templates and compliance systems that failed to reflect the way their businesses actually operated.

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"Compliance should support the business and the people doing the work," Emma said. "A system may look impressive on paper, but it's only effective when people understand it and use it."

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With extensive experience in workplace health and safety, auditing, compliance and business management systems, Emma takes a hands-on approach. Rather than delivering a folder of documents and walking away, she works alongside business owners, managers and operational teams to understand their operations, identify genuine gaps and develop systems that are practical, sustainable, and aligned with their goals.

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LSCA supports businesses at every stage of their compliance journey. Whether an organisation is starting from scratch, reviewing an existing system, preparing for ISO certification, responding to client requirements, tendering for new work or seeking ongoing governance support, Emma tailors solutions to suit the unique needs of each business.

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Services include WHS and HSEQ management systems, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 support, gap assessments and internal audits, compliance reviews, system implementation and governance, contractor and prequalification compliance, tender support, and the development of supporting policies, procedures, risk assessments, and SWMS.

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Emma believes the best compliance systems are those that are understood and consistently applied across the business.

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Her advice to other business owners is simple: understand what your business genuinely needs, make compliance practical rather than burdensome, and don't wait until a tender, audit or workplace incident highlights gaps that could have been addressed earlier.

By reviewing systems proactively, businesses are better positioned to strengthen safety, improve operational performance, meet client expectations, and create opportunities for growth.

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Through practical advice and tailored solutions, Luxton Safety & Compliance Australia is helping businesses create Safe Systems. Strong Business. Better Outcomes.

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