Libby started EcoBarge 17 years ago after witnessing firsthand the effect of waste and rubbish on the region’s marine life

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To many members of the Whitsunday community, Libby Edge needs little introduction. She has spent years investing in Whitsunday’s conservation community, and as founder of EcoBarge, she continues to do important work for Whitsundays marine life.  

Libby’s work has come from years of passion and dedication.  

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“I started EcoBarge about 17 years ago,” Libby said.  

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“I became aware of a 60 Minute Documentary on the Hawaiian Islands and all the rubbish that was washing up. I went on a camping expedition with my family and saw my daughter playing with rubbish along the beach. I realised the problem was here on our own shores. I knew I had to do something about it.”

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This realisation led to years of campaigning and work, resulting in initiatives keeping our oceans clean today.

“We’ve been working hard ever since then to protect the Whitsundays islands from marine debris.” Libby said.  

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Over the last 17 years, over 14,000 community members have helped to remove over 280,000 kilograms of debris and rubbish from beaches and marine areas.  

In 2012, Libby helped to start the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, located at Eco Barge HQ, which continues to rescue, rehabilitate and release sick and injured marine turtles, giving them a second chance to return home to the sea. To date, over 300 turtles have been cared for.

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Just recently, more than 200 community members gathered at Funnel Bay to witness the heartwarming release of two such turtles.

“It was really amazing to see so many people show up for the release,” Libby .

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The turtles, affectionately named Taylor and Swifty, were cared for at the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre after being found at Funnel Bay in a critical condition just two months ago. They were released back into the water after a full recovery.

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Even after 17 years, Libby’s passion for conservation remains strong.  

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“We’re dealing with a dark issue, but in a positive way. When I started, I was quite upset about it all. I still get emotional. However what amazed me was the amount of people that wanted to join me to remove marine debris. What really keeps me going is the sheer amount of people who offer their support.”

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EcoBarge remains hard at work protecting the Whitsunday’s precious marine life.  

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“As humans that live in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, it is our duty to protect it. Thats what EcoBarge is all about. I want to thank every single volunteer and everyone whose volunteered. Lets keep up the good work.”

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For more information about Eco Barge or to support the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, visit www.ecoabargecleanseas.org.au

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Members of the community converged at Grand View Hotel after the convoy for an afternoon of music, sausage sizzle and drinks with all funds going to QIMR. Photo source: Facebook

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Last Sunday, Bowen hosted it’s annual ‘Buck Off Melanoma’ event, a fundraiser aimed at supporting melanoma research.  

This year, the event launched its ‘The Convoy 4 Melanoma’, which invited members of the community to bring their biggest and loudest vehicles together to form a convoy that drove around town, raising awareness for the fundraiser.  

Federal MP for Dawson Andrew Willcox was in attendance to show his support.  

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“It was fantastic and uplifting to witness Convoy For A Cure driving through Bowen and its surrounding areas, beeping horns and waving to residents,” Mr Willcox stated.

“It’s the first convoy we’ve done for this event,” said co-organiser Blind Man Dan. Dan played a huge role in the organising and promotion of the drive, using his previous experience to help the event run smoothly.  

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“I’ve been involved in convoys for kids. For this convoy I wanted to get everyone involved. As the years go on, we try and make it family friendly so that everyone can feel included.”  

The event featured live music from regional artists Spud & Bones as well as B-Doubles. There were sausage sizzles, face painting, raffles and merchandising – all of which went to an incredibly important cause.  

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“This year we tried to make it bigger,” said co-organiser Ben Vico.  

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“We really pushed the socials to build awareness and raise as much money as we could.”

100% of the proceeds were donated to QIMR Berghofer Medical Research. QIMR is a world leading medical research institute dedicated to delivering better treatments and diagnoses for difficult conditions such as melanoma.  

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Mr Willcox gave thanks to those who lent their support.

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“A big thanks to Joseph from QIMR Berghofer for attending the event in Bowen as well as Ben, Sally, Faye, Tracey and the incredible Jan Brown, who all contributed to organising a remarkable day for vital cause.”

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Police seized drugs, cash and weapons during a raid in Airlie Beach, following investigations into alleged trafficking and a dangerous driving incident in Cannonvale. Photo source: QPS

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Two people have been charged following a police investigation into alleged drug trafficking and a dangerous driving incident in the Cannonvale area.

Police allege that around 12pm on 17th April, a vehicle carrying a quantity of stolen tools was seen driving dangerously outside a Palm Drive address in Cannonvale.

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As part of ongoing investigations, detectives executed a search warrant at a Hermitage Drive property in Airlie Beach on 26th April, where a 31-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were arrested.

During the search, police allegedly seized more than 200 grams of methylamphetamine, 40 grams of cocaine, 87 grams of GHB and approximately $44,000 in cash. Officers also located a shortened firearm, along with knuckledusters and drug-related items.

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A 31-year-old Jubilee Pocket man has been charged with 14 offences, including three counts of possessing dangerous drugs, two counts each of unlawful possession of weapons and receiving tainted property, and one count each of trafficking in dangerous drugs, receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying, possessing anything used in the commission of a crime, possessing utensils, possessing a modified firearm, authority required to possess explosives, and possessing S4 medicines.

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He has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear before Proserpine Magistrates Court on 22nd June.

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A 23-year-old Cannonvale woman has been charged with 12 offences, including three counts of possessing dangerous drugs, as well as one count each of evasion at night, entering premises and committing an offence, dangerous operation of a vehicle, trafficking in dangerous drugs, receiving or possessing property obtained from trafficking or supplying, possessing anything for use in the commission of a crime, unlawful possession of weapons, possessing S4 medicines, and possessing utensils.

She has also been remanded in custody and is due to reappear before Proserpine Magistrates Court on 15th June.

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Police investigations are ongoing.

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Anyone with information is urged to contact Policelink or Crime Stoppers and quote reference numbers QP2600804834 and QP2600743704.

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A simple act of kindness has struck a chord in the Bowen community, after a local couple found themselves stranded with a broken-down boat trailer near Collinsville.

Sharing their gratitude online, one resident described how their luck quickly turned after two flat tyres left them stuck about 30 kilometres out of town.

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That’s when Matthew from CCL Specialised stepped in.

Arriving not long after the incident in one of the company’s trucks, Matthew went above and beyond; organising to load both the boat and trailer and safely transport them into Collinsville.

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The grateful locals said they “couldn’t believe their luck,” thanking both Matthew and his workplace for the unexpected help.

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It’s just one example of the quiet, everyday kindness continuing to ripple through regional communities, proving that when things go wrong, there’s often someone willing to step up and lend a hand.

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Image sourced from Pexels

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Rarely do you turn your nose up at a cheap deal, an opportunity to save some money. Life is too expensive, kids cost too much … even when they grow up and go to uni. But this was the discount I never wanted, the bargain I never sought.

I was about to have lunch with a bunch of colleagues and friends at a local pub one Friday recently but couldn’t find anything on the menu that appealed to me that day.

I wanted something light, or a smaller dish that wasn’t going to weigh me down for the rest of the day.

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I was ordering at the bar and the barmaid, trying to assist in my search for a lighter or smaller meal, came up with the words I didn’t want to hear. Her voice was loud and clear, easily picked up by my friends: “Why don’t you get one of the seniors’ meals?”

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There was a split second of silence when I took in and tried to comprehend the strange words I had never heard directed at me, then another split second of panic as I realised the friendly barmaid had a voice like a megaphone and my friends were well and truly within earshot at a nearby table.

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Then came the laughter from my friends who for some reason thought this was the funniest thing they had heard that day. “A seniors’ meal! Yeah, mate get yourself a seniors’ meal!” Apparently, it was hilarious.

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Now, I don’t know the exact age one becomes eligible for a seniors’ meal, or any seniors’ discounts for that matter. I have to keep working hard and staying fit and feeling young and in the prime of life so that I can continue to pour funds into the funnel that provides food and accommodation and uni life for kids and family.  

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I have deliberately avoided thoughts of being a “senior” and, therefore, taking advantage of the discounts and special deals that no doubt are on offer. I googled the qualifying age the other day and it said traditionally Queensland set the age at 65. Which means I’mnot qualified for seniors’ stuff yet. I suspect there are opportunities for “younger seniors” but I don’t need to go there.

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There is, of course, nothing wrong with seniors’ deals and one day I am sure I will take full advantage of them. But it is more of a mindset for me, living life, selling houses and working in a way that deems age irrelevant because there is too much to do. I might not look young but I need to feel young so I can keep going … so no thoughts of seniors’ anything.

In the spirit of fighting against the tide of time, I stepped up my exercise routine recently and joined one of the flash new gyms in town. The space, lighting, music, and “feel” of the place create an “energy” that helps   inspire you to work hard and get results.

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When it comes to real estate, I am a buyer who thinks more about location than how modern and terrific the house is, which is why I live in West Mackay.

But a venue like that gym reminds me that the right house, with the right features and feel, creates an inspiration that elevates the experience of life. It’s not just about the location, it’s how you feel when you are there, what your life feels like and looks like.

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Location is important but sometimes the most convenient location can’t provide the elevated experience that a particular house can offer.

It can change the way you feel and interact, how you entertain and enjoy yourself. The right environment can bring out the best in you and inspire you to greater heights. Even if you’re a senior.

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Visit https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/m-p-services-over-the-years to see photos throughout the years

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1986 – M&P Auto's Established, Archibald Street [860m2]

1987 – Moved to Satellite Crescent [3539m2]

1990 – M&P Transport Division

1994 – Shipping Containers

1997 – Max Lamb Jnr Joins M&P As Director

2002 – Moved to Spiller Avenue [16,000m2]

2004 – Authorised Duckbill Agent

2005 – First Transportable Building Designed & Built, Terry Seay joins M&P as a Director, Incorporated Company

2006 – First Mobile Crib

2008 – Opening of Rockhampton Depot (3998m2)

2009 – Combo Toilets

2010 – Authorised Teco Agent

2011 – Mobile Crib Rooms to PNG

2013 – Moved to Diesel Drive

2014 – Added Heavy Haulage To Transport Fleet

2016 – First Charity Golf Day, Authorised Tennant Agent

2017 – Authorised Earth Track Agent

2019 – Undercover Shed Extension

2021 – Wheeled Products division expanded, First Solar toilet trailers produced

2022 – Mobile Crib Rooms Added to Standard Hire Fleet

2023 – Largest Supply contract entered into at $4.9m 

2024 – Cyclone Block & Log Tiedown System added to Manufacturing, Sales & Hire

2025 – 10th Annual Charity Day Raises 75k in one day, Manufacturing Excellence Award

2026 – 40th Year Milestone Achieved

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Every rescue kitten carries a story. Some begin in uncertainty, some in hardship, but all share the same quiet hope… to one day belong.

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Then there is Jinx.

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Sleek, black, and quietly enchanting, Jinx is the kind of kitten who stays with you. Like many rescue kittens, her early days were not easy, but with patience and care, she has discovered her confidence. Now, her playful spirit and affectionate nature are shining through more each day.

Jinx is curious and clever, happiest when she is exploring her surroundings, watching the world from a sunny window, or settling in close after a burst of play. She is a reminder that sometimes the most overlooked animals—like black cats—have the most to give. Those who open their hearts to them are often rewarded with a loyalty that runs deep.

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Each of these kittens is on their own journey, but Jinx shares the same destination: a home filled with understanding, patience, and love.

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Because in the end, it’s not just about rescuing animals—it’s about giving them the chance to truly belong. Please contact foster carer Robin 0457 134 750.

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Contributed by Mackay Pet Rescue Inc.

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After nearly five decades of teaching, one of Mackay’s most passionate music educators is preparing for a bittersweet farewell as she leads her final ANZAC marching band trip.

Kathryn George OAM has spent almost 49 years at North Mackay State High School, where she helped build the school’s renowned marching band program from the ground up. This year’s Brisbane ANZAC Day March will mark her final major appearance before handing the program to the next generation of staff.

Mrs George formed the marching band in 1992 alongside fellow founding director David Bayliss. Since then, the program has grown into one of the largest single school marching bands in Australia.  

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She said the program began as a way to extend talented instrumental music students beyond simply playing their instruments.

“It’s a specialised skill and an extension to just playing an instrument, where you actually have to march and hold your position both vertically and horizontally while you’re playing,” she explained.

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Over the years the band has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, representing Australia at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, performing at Disneyland and the Los Angeles Independence Day Parade, and even appearing at the Shanghai Tourism Festival.

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“It’s certainly one of the largest single school marching bands in Australia,” Mrs George said.

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“It’s so unusual – and rather wonderful – that it comes from a little town like Mackay rather than a big capital city.”

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This year the school band will again travel to Brisbane with around 90 students preparing for the parade, where they will appear as the first civilian band at the start of the procession before later marching alongside the army contingent marking its 175th anniversary.

Among those helping carry the program forward are former students who have returned as staff members.

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“I know it’s in good hands,” she said.

This year’s band will be led by Year 12 drum majors Chloe Waples and Alana Plunkett, who were selected after extensive auditions.

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Reflecting on her career, Mrs George said music has always been central to her life and she believes it plays a powerful role in education.

“I’m really passionate about how important music is in learning for students and how it enhances the whole learning experience,” she said.

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“It teaches self-discipline and patience. With an instrument you have to work at it… it’s not a quick gratification, but it’s highly rewarding.”

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When she retires at the end of the year, she hopes to spend more time with family, including welcoming a fourth grandchild.

And as she prepares the band for Brisbane one last time, she says the milestone fills her with immense pride.

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“I’m just so proud of my legacy and that the teachers continuing the tradition have come up through the band themselves.”

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“It’s going to be a very bittersweet moment, but it’s something I’ve been preparing for a while now.”

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After nearly 49 years at North Mackay State High School, Kathryn George OAM is preparing to lead her final ANZAC marching band. Photo supplied

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Dry paddocks and rising costs weigh heavily on Mackay’s cane growers, as El Niño and soaring fuel prices push irrigation decisions to the brink. Photo source: ABC News

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In the coming weeks, the 2026 El Niño is forecast to be one of the hottest on record, bringing prolonged dry conditions across the country. Conditions both nation and state-wide are compounding existing pressures, with rising fuel and fertiliser costs, linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, placing further strain on already stretched rural communities and amplifying financial stress in drought-affected regions.

Deputy Chairman of Mackay Canegrowers, Brett Leach said that while an extended period of heat and dry conditions may be on the horizon, farmers across the region are already taking proactive steps to prepare, with harvesting expected to begin as early as June.  

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“Ideally, when it’s a smaller crop like this year, we want to get in and get out as quick as we can,” he said.

“A little bit of rain would be nice, and you want that for the ratooning cane, but you don’t want much winter rain – the last thing you want is wages dragged out, time dragged out. If the mills run fairly well, and it’s dry, we can get the crop harvested.”

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However, beyond the impact of El Niño, Mr Leach said growers are increasingly focused on the ongoing fuel crisis and the rising cost of fertiliser, warning the combined pressures are making basic farming decisions far more difficult.

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“The biggest concern if fuel costs remain the way they are, is that if you are running diesel irrigation pumps, combined with the cost of water, you won’t be able to afford to turn the pumps on,” said Mr Leach.

“The current world sugar price, the current price of fertiliser, the current price of diesel, on top of high electricity prices, on top of rising water prices: it’s going to make an irrigation decision be ‘only when I have to do it’, to be frank.”

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Mr Leach said while he has been able to offset some costs through solar, many growers are not in the same position. With diesel prices sitting between $3 and $3.50 per litre, and irrigation pumps consuming around 120 litres per day, he said daily costs could quickly climb beyond $360 to $420.

“You do that for a week, it’s over $2500. Who can afford that? Then you have water charges. No one is going to turn a pump on for those sorts of costs.”

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Mr Leach said there would be a need for practical, on-the-ground solutions to support growers through the current conditions, and while the region has avoided drought on the scale seen eight years ago, he noted that past dry periods had prompted effective responses that delivered real benefits to the industry.

However, Mr Leach warned that a softening sugar price, combined with sharply rising production costs, was placing increasing pressure on growers and threatening the long-term stability of the industry.

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“If you’ve got big debt, the last thing you need is more debt. The cruel thing for us in the sugar industry is two or three years ago, we had a chance, where sugar prices were $700 to $900 a tonne, to bank some real money, and we missed it due to poor mill performance. We were not able to take full advantage of that,” he said.

“Last year we cut 500,000 tonnes of standover in Mackay area. If you take a cane price of $50 per tonne, that is $25million out of the pockets of growers in Mackay Sugar area alone. That’s the money you count on to get you over these times.”

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Mr Leach said fluctuations are a normal part of the agricultural cycle but warned the current conflict in Iran and the broader Middle East has added a new layer of pressure, driving up the cost of key inputs such as fuel and fertiliser.

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“There’s certainly a great deal of angst and uncertainty out there amongst our growers. You can see it in them at meetings. You can hear it in their voices, the worry,” said Mr Leach.

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“The government needs to take that into account: though no fault of their own, some people are really in trouble.  

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We need to make sure that firstly the mental health and physical health support is there and freely available for families. They need it, and they need to be encouraged to seek out that help.”

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In previous periods of severe drought, Mr Leach pointed to government support measures that provided a vital lifeline for growers, including access to Centrelink payments and assistance with managing debt. Canegrowers Mackay are now calling for similar support to be introduced urgently, to help farmers navigate the current challenges and maintain the viability of their operations during this severe cost of production crisis.

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“It is up to the Federal Government to come to the party and say, “we will make up for the poor decisions made before this” just to help people get over this hump that is no fault of their own,” Mr Leach said.

“Any financial assistance is appreciated. This is not just a situation for the sugar industry, but right across agriculture. If a drought is also factored into this equation for farming regions, it spells disaster.”

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Mackay Canegrowers remains committed to supporting the local community through regular branch meetings and by amplifying the concerns of growers. The district office also provides access to vital resources, assisting members in navigating government support programs and connecting them with services such as the Rural Financial Counselling Service.

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“The Queensland Cane Growers Organisation is there to speak up for growers. We’ve done this for 100 years, and we will not stop making sure we have their back,” added Mr Leach.

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“When times are tough, you need your community around you. Please don’t let problems be your downfall: we will help you find solutions. We are there for growers.”

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Every young worker who walks onto a site for the first time brings something we often forget: no bad habits yet.

They haven't learned to skip the pre-start check because the job's running late. They haven't been told to just step over the barrier because "that's how we've always done it." They arrive with fresh eyes and a genuine willingness to learn.

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The question is, what are we teaching them?

A few years back, I was on a construction site when a new apprentice asked his supervisor why they weren't using the designated access point. The supervisor laughed it off and said, "We only do that when the safety person’s around."

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That apprentice had been on site for less than a week. He filed that away like every other piece of on-the-job knowledge he'd picked up. From that day on, safety became something you practised only when someone was watching.

Right there, in that moment, a habit was formed. Not a safe one. A shortcut. And the lesson wasn't in any induction manual.

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This is the part we don't talk about enough. The formal training is usually fine. The inductions get done. The paperwork gets signed. But what happens in the first week on the job, the real stuff, the day-to-day behaviour they see from the experienced people around them, that'swhat sticks.

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Young workers are watching everything. They absorb the culture around them faster than any toolbox talk or online module can deliver.

So if we want the next generation to work safely, we must be honest about what we're modelling. Are we cutting corners in front of them? Are we dismissing their questions? Are we treating compliance as something that only matters when someone's watching?

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They will become what we show them.

I've seen this done well, too. A rigger with thirty years of experience who stopped mid-job to show a young offsider exactly how to inspect his harness. Not because it was required, but because he genuinely didn't want that kid going home hurt. He explained what to look for, why it mattered, and what could go wrong if it was missed. That young worker still talks about him. That's mentorship. That's how a career-long standard gets set.

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The good news is this works both ways. When experienced workers demonstrate genuine care, stop and explain the why, and treat safety as a professional standard rather than a burden, young workers carry that with them for the rest of their careers.

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The habits we hand them today are the culture we'll live with tomorrow.

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Kris Cotter

Founder: Regional Safety Expo Australia

Director: Synergy Safety Solutions

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This year’s pre-season crop estimate for the Wilmar group is up on last year’s total throughput. Photo supplied

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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables has locked in its 2026 pre-season crop estimate at 15.19M tonnes for the Wilmar group.

 General Manager Cane Supply and Grower Relations Dave Zeller said the pre-season estimate was about 960,000 tonnes up on last year's total throughput of 14.23M tonnes.

The estimated crop is also above the Wilmar group's five-year average of 14.95M tonnes.

The regional crop estimates are:

·       Herbert - 4.1M tonnes

·       Burdekin - 7.97M tonnes

·       Proserpine - 1.67M tonnes

·       Plane Creek - 1.45M tonnes

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Mr Zeller said start dates for Wilmar’s eight sugar factories would be announced after his team consulted with grower representatives in each region.

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Central Queensland grain growers, including those in the Isaac region, will receive support through a $1.75 million program aimed at improving productivity while reducing soil erosion and protecting waterways and the Great Barrier Reef. Photos supplied

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Grain growers across Central Queensland, including the Isaac region, are set to benefit from new funding support aimed at strengthening sustainable farming practices and protecting the Great Barrier Reef.

The Crisafulli Government has announced a $1.75 million Grain Sediment Reduction Program, designed to assist producers in improving on-farm productivity while reducing soil erosion and sediment runoff into waterways.

Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly MP, said the initiative is a practical investment in the future of regional agriculture.

“Central Queensland’s grain growers are significant part of our region’s economy, and this program is about backing them with real support to improve their operations,” Mr Kelly said.

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“Eligible growers can now access grants of up to $100,000 to invest in on-farm infrastructure that reduces soil erosion and sediment runoff into our waterways.”

Mr Kelly said the program recognises the link between strong agricultural production and environmental care.

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“No farmer wants to see their topsoil wash away. These grants will help landholders put practical measures in place to protect their soil, improve ground cover, and ultimately boost productivity,” he said.

“And if those actions also help protect the Great Barrier Reef, that’s a win for everyone.”

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He highlighted the importance of the industry locally, noting: “In the 2024–25 financial year alone, more than 244,917 tonnes of grain passed through the Port of Mackay, which shows just how significant this industry is to Central Queensland.”

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Funded projects may include contour bank construction and repair, erosion control structures such as grassed buffer strips and waterways, adoption of controlled traffic farming through GPS and guidance technology, and upgrades to planting equipment supporting zero or minimal tillage.

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The program is open to eligible producers across the Isaac Regional Council area, along with other Central Queensland local government regions.

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Funded projects will focus on proven erosion control and land management practices, including:

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• Construction and repair of contour banks

• Installation of erosion control structures such as grassed buffer strips and waterways

• Adoption of controlled traffic farming through GPS and guidance technology

• Upgrading planting equipment to support zero or minimal tillage

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The Grain Sediment Reduction Program is open to dryland and broadacre grain and forage cropping producers across eligible local government areas, including:

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• Rockhampton Regional Council

• Livingstone Shire Council

• Gladstone Regional Council

• Banana Shire Council

• Central Highlands Regional Council

• Isaac Regional Council

• Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council

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Mackay residents living with neurological conditions are set to benefit from improved access to care, with the region named as one of eight locations for a new Neuro Wellness Hub under a statewide rollout.

The hubs form part of the Government’s $10.45 million investment in neurological healthcare, aimed at delivering more accessible, community-based support services across regional Queensland.

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Mackay will join centres including Townsville, Rockhampton and the Wide Bay region in hosting one of the new hubs, which are designed to complement existing care provided by specialists and general practitioners.

The initiative is expected to benefit more than 1.3 million Queenslanders, providing easier access to support services, information and tailored care closer to home.

Each hub will offer personalised therapies and peer support groups, with services tailored to meet the specific needs of local communities. The model focuses on creating a central, community-based space where people can access a range of supports in one location.

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Locations were selected following a detailed needs assessment, taking into account hospitalisation rates, demand for services, the prevalence of neurological conditions and gaps in access to allied health and neurorehabilitation services.

Procurement for the Mackay hub and other locations is set to begin mid-year, with contracts expected to be awarded by the end of June. The hubs are scheduled to be delivered in 2027.

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Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls said the rollout would make it easier for Queenslanders to access the care they need.

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“The Government is getting on with the job of delivering these Neuro Wellness Hubs while ensuring support is targeted to where it is needed most,” Minister Nicholls said.

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“These Hubs will provide a central space for people living with neurological conditions to access the right support, information and services, when they need them.

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“By partnering with community organisations, we’re building a more connected system that better responds to the needs of Queenslanders living with a neurological condition.”

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The pre-dawn darkness at Finch Hatton carried a weight that was impossible to ignore. Guided by dim streetlights and the distant flash of emergency vehicles marking road closures, a quiet procession of people moved toward the cenotaph. There was no chatter, no distraction, only the steady rhythm of footsteps and a shared understanding of why we had gathered. In that silence, the significance of the dawn service spoke louder than any words could.

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When the service began, the stillness gave way to reflection. The words spoken were powerful, grounded in remembrance and respect. To lay a wreath on behalf of the Mackay Regional Council was an honour, made more meaningful by the setting away from the familiarity of the Mackay precinct and into a smaller, deeply connected community. It was a reminder that Anzac Day is not confined to large ceremonies; its spirit thrives just as strongly in quiet regional towns.

What followed was perhaps the most profound part of the morning. Conversations sparked among strangers who, within moments, felt like old friends. Stories were exchanged – some light, some heavy. I recall my conversations with people like Buzz and Bevan, whose openness captured the essence of the day. These were not rehearsed interactions, but genuine human connections formed through shared respect and collective memory. Over an early breakfast at the Criterion Hotel, those conversations continued, unforced and deeply engaging.

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It was only afterward, sitting alone, that the emotional weight truly settled. There was an unexpected sense of reluctance to leave, as though departing meant abandoning something meaningful. That feeling, difficult to articulate at first, soon became clear: it was patriotism in its truest form. Not the loud or performative kind, but a quiet, enduring bond, standing shoulder to shoulder with others in remembrance of sacrifice, loyalty and mateship.

Later in Mackay, the scale of the main service reinforced that same sentiment. With a record number of marchers, including more than 7000 children, and crowds lining the streets, the idea that Anzac Day is fading could not have been further from the truth. The presence of Major General Paul Kenny added to the significance, but it was the community itself that defined the day.

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From children waving flags in prams to elderly attendees sharing memories of years gone by, the spirit of Anzac Day was unmistakable. It lives on not just in ceremony, but in connection. In the stories told, the friendships formed and the collective act of remembering

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Let’s Chat – Council Connect

Residents can catch up with councillors in person at upcoming Let’s Chat - Council Connect sessions held across the region.  The next session will be held at Eton Hotel from 5pm on May 5, 2026.  

Further details can be found on the Connecting Mackay website.

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Greyhound owners and their beloved pets gathered with Nigel Dalton, Member for Mackay, to discuss Queensland’s muzzle laws. Reilly, with Keith and Anne McCollim, Higgins and Liam with Kate Chiconi, Lotti with Lyn Harris, and Pheobe with Lisa Veney. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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A group of passionate greyhound owners from the Happy Greys Social Club recently met with Nigel Dalton, Member for Mackay, to advocate for a review of Queensland’s requirement that greyhounds must wear muzzles in public.

The gathering brought together several owners and their dogs, providing supporters an opportunity to demonstrate the gentle temperament that they say defines the breed.

Under current Queensland legislation, greyhounds are generally required to wear a muzzle in public unless they are recognised through the Queensland Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) and identified by the program’s green collar. Where council local laws permit, this collar allows GAP greyhounds to be walked muzzle free.  

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Queensland is widely considered the only Australian state where a broad public muzzling requirement for greyhounds still applies.

Co-founder of Happy Greys Social Club in Mackay, Kate Chiconi explained the group reached out directly to Mr Dalton to begin the conversation.

“Lyn and I are co-founders of the Happy Greys Social Club and between us we wrote a letter and sent it to Nigel Daltons office.”

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She said the meeting allowed the Member for Mackay to see the dogs up close.

Ms Chiconi, who owns retired racing greyhounds Higgins and Liam, said the breed is often misunderstood.

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“People who know anything about greyhounds know that they are inherently not aggressive dogs,” she said.

“They’ve been trained to chase, not attack.”

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She described greyhounds as calm and affectionate companions.

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“They are gentle, they’re quiet, they rarely bark, they’re calm, they’re great with kids and good with each other,” she said.  

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“They absolutely don’t need to wear a muzzle outside.”

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Fellow club co-founder Lyn Harris attended with her dog Lotti, who she said came into her life after a difficult start.

“She came from the pound after being dumped in the bush,” Ms Harris said.

“We’ve had her for about five years now and she’s around seven. It’s wonderful that she landed on her feet with us. She’s such a good dog.”

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Ms Harris said greyhounds are known for their funny and relaxed nature.

“They do all the quirky things like lying on their back with their legs in the air. They call it ‘roaching’,” she said.

“They sleep for about 18 hours a day after half an hour of exercise,”  

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She, along with other group members believe the muzzle requirement sends the wrong message about the breed.

“They’re not a dangerous or aggressive breed of dog,” Ms Harris said. “They deserve to be living their best life, muzzle free.”

Mr Dalton said he is now looking into the background of the legislation and whether it remains justified.

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“At this stage we’re doing research into why we have these laws in Queensland which say that a greyhound that has raced before has to wear a muzzle in public,” he said.

“I don’t think greyhounds should have that stigma.”

He said dangerous behaviour should be addressed regardless of breed.

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“A dangerous dog is a dangerous dog and they should be dealt with under the legislation,” Mr Dalton said.  

“But a dangerous dog could be any breed. Why are we just focusing on one particular breed?”

Mr Dalton said the next step is to examine the evidence.

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“I want to examine the evidence behind it and see whether or not it’s something we can change,” he said.

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While no immediate changes have been proposed, the conversation has prompted fresh discussion around whether greyhounds, often known as gentle giants, should be required to wear muzzles in public after retiring from racing in Queensland.

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