Edwina Davey, who will turn 102 next month, might just be the oldest reader of Mackay Life newspaper. Living independently in a retirement village in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Edwina remains remarkably active. She claims she can still read without glasses, a statement she made with a twinkle in her eye and a bit of cheekiness, according to her son who has a suspicion that may be a fib. She even uses her mobility walker to get to the local shops for a pint of milk and a loaf of bread.
Her son, Gareth Davey, ensures she stays connected to the Mackay region by posting a copy of Mackay Life (and Tripping, when published) every Friday from the Midge Point postal agency. Despite the six-day journey to Melbourne, Edwina eagerly awaits each issue, enjoying the news and stories from the sunny coast of northern Queensland.
Edwina’s fondness for Mackay Life has also extended to her neighbours in the retirement village. A couple down the hall, who once lived in Queensland, look forward to reading the paper after Edwina has finished. The wife reads the articles aloud to her husband, who has recently gone blind, creating a shared connection to their former home.
Is Edwina Davey our oldest reader at nearly 102 years old? If there are any older readers of Mackay Life out there, we would love to hear from you.
We hope this has made your day, Edwina! Thank you for reading and for sharing your story, it made our week that much brighter to see you reading our newspaper.

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Edwina Davey, 102, enjoying her weekly copy of Mackay Life, sent all the way from Midge Point to her home in Melbourne

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Last Friday, a group of students from Matsuura, Japan, arrived in Mackay, embarking on a cultural exchange that promises to leave lasting impressions on both the visitors and their hosts. The students were greeted with a warm welcome at Mackay Regional Council, where they were taken on a tour of the council chambers by Mayor Greg Williamson.
Councillor Karen May opened the proceedings with a welcoming speech, setting the tone for a week filled with cultural, educational, and fun activities. The welcome lunch that followed was attended by most of the Mackay Regional Council councillors, providing an opportunity for the media to interact with the students. Many of the young visitors expressed their excitement about seeing kangaroos and spending time with Australian families during their stay.
The Mackay Matsuura Sister City relationship was formed in 1989. Today the relationship is a cultural one, but was founded on the common interest in coal. One of the cultural exchange programs of the sister city relationship is annual visits between Mackay and Matsuura school students. The purpose of the visit is to strengthen our cities' ties and to expose Mackay and Matsuura students to each other's cultures.
Mayor Williamson highlighted the importance of such cultural exchanges, saying, "Culturally and as human beings, we're all pretty much built the same. If the world could grow up knowing other cultures and languages, it would help us understand that these differences don't divide us—they simply highlight that we're all the same people."
The students’ itinerary included visits to local schools such as Bucasia Primary School and Holy Spirit School, where they mingled with Australian students. They also participated in the popular Bush Dance, toured the Sarina Sugar Shed, and enjoyed classic fish and chips at the harbour.
"The more we interact with one another, the better our understanding and appreciation of each other becomes," Mayor Williamson said.
"These young people will return home with a completely different attitude and vision of Australia, which is exactly what we need. We know that when our young people visit Japan, they come back speaking of what a wonderful and beautiful country it is."
The exchange aims to foster greater understanding and friendship between the two cultures. The students were particularly appreciative of Mackay’s mild winter weather, a welcome change from the hot and humid climate of Matsuura at this time of year.
"Every family hosting a Japanese student this time will tell you they couldn’t have wished for a better experience," Mayor Williamson added.
"When these young people leave, there will be tears, not just from them, but from their host families as well."

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Students from Matsuura, Japan, exploring the Mackay Regional Council Chambers and interacting with councillors and the media at the Jubilee Centre during their time in Mackay. Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

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BUSINESS BREAK IN, MACKAY CITY
Between 2:00am and 5:00am on Monday morning (August 5) someone has broken into a business on Victoria Street in East Mackay.
Entry was gained by causing extensive damage to a secured door.
Once inside the showroom and office areas have been searched resulting in the theft of cash and a fridge/freezer unit.
Anyone who may have information about the matter is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible - police report number QP2401317389.

STOLEN MOTORCYCLE, EAST MACKAY
Between 2:20pm and 3:10pm on July 26 someone has entered the yard of a home on Keelan Street in East Mackay.
The person has opened the closed door of a garage while the resident was briefly absent. A motorcycle has been walked out of the shed and stolen.
The stolen motorcycle is a red and white coloured 2008 model Honda off road motorcycle.
The matter was reported to police on July 31.
Police report number QP2401291209.

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Students in the Mackay region will make history at the Queensland Museum, thanks to St Patrick’s College Mackay recently receiving a generous grant of $18,000 under the Engaging Science Grants Program.

Not only does this grant support their innovative project ‘Robotics In Action’ but also aims to enhance student engagement in robotics and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematical) fields.

This program is a part of a broader initiative that allocates nearly $500,000 to 28 recipients across the state in hopes of boosting student participation in scientific research and STEM activities to build their knowledge and skills for future career pathways.

At the start of the year, students in grades nine and ten began collaborating with Dr. David Pyle who is a senior lecturer and scientist at QUT Brisbane and also works for the Queensland Museum. Part of Dr. Pyle’s work involves photographing artifacts and converting them into 3D digital models.

One significant challenge he faced was the ‘banana effect,’ where long, thin objects warped at the ends. To address this, students were tasked with designing a turntable to rotate these objects for comprehensive photographic coverage.

By working with Dr. Pyle, the students have the opportunity to tackle real-world problems and overall increase their skills in various ways.

The grant enables students to not only work with Dr. Pyle but also with local engineers to develop and eventually manufacture their device. Although they are still in the prototype phase, they are making significant progress towards a functional model and are aiming to have it completed by the end of the year.

This project provides students with hands-on experience and introduces them to local industries which can open pathways for future academic and career opportunities.

Sandra Bayliss is a teacher on the Mercy campus and has been leading the project since its inception.

Ms. Bayliss highlights that one of the most valuable skills that students are gaining from this project is collaboration. They are learning to work together effectively within their school community and with professionals across the country whilst also refining their individual strengths.

“This offers great opportunities for the students to extend their knowledge with David, but not only that, they also get to work with local industries.

“They’ll be able to fabricate this particular device working with engineering companies here in Mackay to learn what industries and what jobs are available to them in the future,” she said.

Ms Bayliss also noted that their technological skills will also advance from the program, given they communicate and work on specific programs with Dr. Pyle - who is located in Brisbane.

The year nine and ten students at St Patrick’s College shared their excitement about the project as they emphasised the importance of being involved in a project that not all schools get to partake in.

Rexjan Melocotones said “I think it’s pretty great that we are getting recognised for this.”

Explaining the collaboration process, Rexjan said, “We got all the ideas together, so to get the two prototypes together in check, we broke into three separate groups, specialising in those three things so we have a couple of people building the claw and turn table and another group doing the tripod and the other group working on the remote-control switch.”

Jacob Smart says partaking in this project “will look very good on the resume…to be able to say you worked on the project for the Queensland Museum especially if you’re trying to get into anywhere that has robotics, computers and coding in that field, you can say you’ve worked at a very high level which is experience that not a lot of people our age would have.”

The students are thrilled for their upcoming trip to the Queensland Museum.

Aaron Greenwood said he’s “really looking forward to learning more about what pathways would be good and having a bit of fun, learning and just enjoying time doing robotics.”

“We’re extremely lucky to have received this fund,” Ms Bayliss added.

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Ms Sandra Bayliss with year nine and ten students: Rexjan Melocotones, Jacob Smart, Aaron Greenwood, Jackson Yates, Axle Barrett and Darcy Edgerton. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Five university students will get a head start in their careers as recipients of Mackay Regional Council’s 2024 Academic Bursary.
The popular Academic Bursary program is now in its twelfth year and offers $5000 bursaries to assist students, with each recipient receiving biannual instalments of $1250 for their final two years of study.
There is also the opportunity for 12 weeks of paid work experience with council.
Mayor Greg Williamson said it was a hard decision this year due to the high calibre of nominations received.
“We had some fantastic applications this year, which proves we really are producing some of the best and brightest in the nation,” Mayor Williamson said.
“We’re so proud to have them staying, or in some cases returning home to Mackay, to take up the valuable work experience available with council as part of these bursaries,” he said.
“Another benefit of this program is that it will hopefully entice the students to remain in our region when they join the workforce after graduating, which is important in helping to ease the current skills shortage.”
The five recipients, Cayley Daniel, Jessica Borg, Mark Bico, Mike Bico and Tyler Pittaway were officially recognised at a morning tea last month.
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2024 MACKAY REGIONAL COUNCIL ACADEMIC BURSARY RECIPIENTS:

Cayley Daniel
> Bachelor of Nursing at James Cook University, Mackay.
Cayley is a proud local with strong family ties in Mackay. She fell in love with nursing after assisting her mother in caring for her grandparents during their health battles. In late 2023, Cayley completed a three-week work placement at Mackay Base Hospital where she fell further in love with the fast-paced dynamic nature of primary healthcare. Cayley looks forward to future employment with Mackay Base Hospital and continuing to call Mackay home.
Jessica Borg 
> Bachelor of Education, CQUniversity Mackay.
Jessica is a fifth-generation Mackay local who is passionate about educating young locals by using her local knowledge of history, culture and people to make learning fun and relevant for her students. She recently commenced a position as a teacher aide at a local primary school and is enjoying making meaningful connections with staff, students and parents. Jessica is looking forward to her goal of completing her degree and continuing to teach in Mackay.
Mark Bico 
> Bachelor of Medicine at James Cook University.
After moving to Mackay from the Philippines at the age of 12, Mark realises the importance of free, readily available medical care. Hence, he is passionate about working in public health as he believes that everyone should have equal access to healthcare.  His goal is to become a specialist in the oral or maxillofacial surgery area. Once he has completed his studies, he would like to work at the Mackay Base Hospital to take advantage of their mentoring and support.
Mike Bico 
> Bachelor of Engineering and IT at Queensland University of Technology.
Mike is currently studying in Brisbane and is keen to return to his family in Mackay and give back to the region after graduation. He looks forward to working in a field that he believes impacts society positively via problem-solving and innovation.
Tyler Pittaway
> Masters of Clinical Chiropractic Care at CQUniversity.
Tyler is a proud local looking to start his career in Mackay and give back to the community that has given him so much. Tyler enjoys helping other members of the community to improve their health to become the best versions of themselves. Tyler one day aspires to open his own practice in Mackay and be surrounded by like-minded health practitioners and make an impact on others and the world in a positive way.

Five students have been awarded council’s 2024 Academic Bursary. From left is Tyler Pittaway,
Mark Bico, and Amelia Bico (accepting for Mike Bico), Jessica Borg, Cayley Daniels. Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

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More than 70 per cent of students visiting a school dental van in the Mackay region last year needed a filling because of tooth decay.
Sugary foods and drinks combined with poor oral hygiene contributed to 4583 fillings being done by school dentists across the district.
Mackay Base Hospital Dental Unit director Dr Ronel Bornman said the mobile dental vans were unfortunately only seeing about 23 per cent of school children who are eligible for the free service. During Dental Health Week (August 5 to 11), Mackay district parents are being encouraged to ensure they are taking vital steps to care for their children’s teeth and gums, including regular dental checkups.
It was important school children aged 4 to 16 visited the dentist regularly, even if they don’t appear to have any problems with teeth, Dr Bornman said.
“Visiting the dentist regularly every 12 months helps in the prevention, early detection and management of tooth decay,” she said.
“An intact healthy tooth is stronger than a filled one, so it was important to try and avoid fillings due to tooth decay.
“Good oral hygiene is one of the most important factors in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Cleaning teeth twice a day, enjoying a wide variety of nutritious foods and choosing water over sugary drinks can all help to prevent decay and the need for fillings.”
Flossing teeth and fluoride were also important to prevent tooth decay which could have a big impact on nutrition, growth, and development in children, negatively influencing a child’s quality of life.
“Taking a child to the dentist regularly and when there are no obvious problems with their teeth, allows them to get to know their dentist, have a positive experience and make future visits more familiar,” Dr Bornman said.
The Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) school dental vans are a free service which visit local schools regularly. Children enrolled at school from Prep to Year 10 with a current Medicare card are eligible for treatment. Appointments for a public oral health service at Mackay HHS can be booked by phoning 07 4885 6444.

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Elisha Bennetts, age 3, and Mackay HHS oral health therapist Miriam Tiare at Victoria Park School Dental Clinic

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A wonderful young boy by the name of Samuel Hollywood recently received a new wheelchair to enhance his mobility and independence, however, the Hollywood family still faces critical challenges that require community support through donations.

At just five weeks old, Samuel was diagnosed with Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, a rare disease that has left him severely intellectually and physically disabled. He battles chronic illness and complex medical needs every day which requires full-time care and specialised equipment.

Samuel's mother left her job to become his full-time caregiver, placing financial strain on the family which now relies on a single income.

As Samuel grows, his need for suitable transport becomes more pressing.

Although they have secured a new wheelchair for Samuel, the family now urgently needs a suitable vehicle to transport him safely and comfortably. With three siblings and two parents, a seven-seat vehicle is essential to accommodate the whole family.

The Hollywood family aims to purchase a Kia Carnival van which will be modified to allow Samuel to remain in his wheelchair while traveling. The NDIS covers the cost of these modifications but the initial purchase of the vehicle is a significant financial burden.

Ultimately, the NDIS will not release the modification funds until the vehicle is purchased, thus the urgency.

The Hollywood’s are reaching out for donations to help them secure this critical transportation.

Your generosity will not only provide Samuel with practical transportation but also enable him to access the community, attend medical appointments, therapy sessions and participate in his special kindergarten program.

To donate, please visit gofundme.com and search for ‘support samuels journey to mobility and independence’ or follow ‘Samuels rare life’ on Facebook.

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The Hollywood family humbly ask for your generosity to help them secure the means for Samuel to experience the world with greater ease and independence. Photo source: Samuels rare life (Facebook)

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On Saturday, 3 August 2024, a tragic incident at the Byerwen mine infrastructure site west of Mackay resulted in the death of a worker. Initial reports suggest that the incident involved a pick and carry crane, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
QCoal confirmed the fatality of Chris Schloss, a long-serving, senior, and well-loved member of their team. The company stated that the incident has shocked the entire organisation, and they are focused on supporting Chris’ family and affected staff during this difficult time.
QCoal Group Executive James Black said the QCoal family has suffered a devastating loss.
“Chris has been part of the QCoal family for many years and has been integral in developing Byerwen since its launch. Our thoughts are with Chris’ wife Amanda, his children, and all their family at this terrible time,” Mr Black said.
“The death of such a long-serving, senior, and well-loved member of the QCoal team has left us in shock. His family is coming to terms with this tragic news, and we are supporting them through this difficult period. We are also providing support for our staff on site and across the organisation as we navigate this incredible loss.
“Chris is survived by his five children—Magan, Thomas, Kate, Memphys, and Zara. He was an active member of our campaign to preserve the Byerwen camp, and his family has requested that his image and words not be removed from this effort, honouring his commitment to the cause."
Police are investigating the incident, and both RSHQ and QCoal have stated that their comments will be limited until more details become available.

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Chris Schloss lost his life at the Byerwen mine site near Glenden last weekend. Photo supplied: Qcoal

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From Mackay’s iconic cane fields to the naturally beautiful beaches of the Whitsundays and the resource-rich landscape of the Isaac, locals across the region have a great reason to crack a cold one in celebration as they mark the extraordinary achievement of returning more than 400 million drink containers for recycling through Containers for Change.

Natalie Roach, chief executive officer of Container Exchange, the not-for-profit that runs Containers for Change, said the milestone highlighted the region’s commitment to protecting the local environment while ensuring no container goes to waste.

“Having now returned 400 million empties since 2018, residents in Mackay and surrounding regions have contributed to a cleaner environment, keeping every single one of those containers out of landfill or from ending up as litter,” Ms Roach said while in Mackay to meet with local refund point operators.

“Containers for Change has also made a significant injection to the local economy, with the community benefitting from jobs created at our local refund points, and the 10-cent refund for each container returned.

“Since 2018 Containers for Change has now returned more than $40 million to the pockets of the region’s households, charities and community groups.”

Ms Roach said that while local container recycling efforts were commendable, there were still more opportunities for residents and organisations in Mackay to cash in with Containers for Change.

“Unfortunately, each year millions of containers across Queensland are still ending up in rubbish bins heading for landfill, meaning those 10-cent refunds are literally going to waste,” Ms Roach said.

“We want no container to go to waste, which is why I am urging all Queenslanders to start collecting their empties and experience the benefits of Containers for Change for themselves.”

Containers for Change is leading the way as the first container recycling program in Australia to include glass wine and spirit bottles, providing more opportunities for central Queensland households, charities and community organisations to actively participate and raise money through 10-cent refunds.

“The 10-cent refunds can really add up, helping to ease some of the cost-of-living pressures households are currently facing, and if you don’t need the refund yourself, it’s a great way to donate to your chosen charity, community group or even your local school P&C,” Ms Roach said.

“Best of all it has never been easier to get started on a container collecting journey and help keep this iconic destination litter free.

"Customers can visit our website or download the Containers for Change app to find their nearest refund point, sign-up for a member number and watch their refunds grow”.

For further info on Containers for Change in Queensland, visit www.containersforchange.com.au/qld.

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Hanly Dental Studio, led by Dr Tim Hanly, has recently opened in Mackay with a mission to transform patient experiences and elevate the standard of dental care throughout the region.
Located on Brisbane Street and across from Sydney Street Markets, the state-of-the-art facility is changing common dental experiences through a combination of innovative technology and a patient-focused approach, ensuring exceptional care in a comfortable environment.
After nine years practicing in the Mackay region, Dr Hanly knew that it was time to establish the family-owned clinic to provide more dental options and support the prevention and education of oral care for all of his patients.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to give more people a healthy, functioning and aesthetic smile. It has been my family’s dream to open a clinic in Mackay and have the platform to make a difference in more people’s lives,” he said.
Along with a warm and welcoming environment, Hanly Dental Studio offers a focus on the importance and role of teeth in overall health whether through general dentistry, children’s dental health, emergency dental, implants, snoring and grinding dentistry, or cosmetic dentistry.
“We understand that many people experience anxiety and self-consciousness when visiting the dentist and our focus is on supporting and building confidence in our patients. We’re particularly proud to be able to build strong relationships with our patients and offer a caring and understanding environment that allows them to choose the oral care that’s the right fit for them.
For me, I get the most enjoyment from being able to take a patient from being in pain or not being able to chew or eat comfortably, then correcting these issues and giving them their quality of life back. It’s very rewarding to be able to help people in that way,” he said.
Dentistry runs in the family with Dr Hanly’s wife Rocky also a qualified Dentist. She has been busy helping to set up the business behind the scenes and will be a familiar face in the clinic, outside of looking after their young family – plus, welcoming their second baby in December!
Dr Hanly said that it was a very exciting time for their family and they were looking forward to providing a positive experience to patients and supporting their access to whatever outcome they’re hoping for.
“Whether it’s through promoting good oral hygiene and health, or creating a natural smile through cosmetic dentistry, we are dedicated to supporting each patient’s goals,” he said.
Hanly Dental Studio is offering an opening special of a check-up, x-ray, and clean for just $189 - saving over $100.
For more details and to book, visit hanlydentalstudio.com.au or phone (07) 4942 9733.

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CQ Rescue announced a significant milestone last week as the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) stepped up to become their new naming rights partner. This partnership marked only the second time in CQ Rescue’s history that a naming rights agreement had been granted. The relationship between CQ Rescue and BMA dates back to 1996 when CQ Rescue was first established. Over the past 28 years, CQ Rescue has saved more than 12,000 lives, a feat made possible by the support of its valued partners.
Tim Healee, BMA CQ Rescue CEO, expressed his excitement for the new partnership.
“BMA has been a cornerstone of our support for many years, and this new chapter as our naming rights partner is a testament to the strength and depth of our relationship.
“This announcement marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to saving lives and to serving the entire region with some of the best aeromedical service available.”
BMA Asset President Adam Lancey said BMA was privileged to become the naming rights partner of the BMA CQ Rescue Helicopter after proudly supporting the service for almost three decades.
“With our shared commitment to safety and ensuring our people return home to their loved ones, this is a fantastic opportunity to come together and continue our support of the local communities where we live and work.
“The health and safety of our people is our first priority; however, when the unthinkable occurs at home or at work, it’s critical services such as the BMA CQ Rescue Helicopter that are often the first to respond.”
With the introduction of new AW139 helicopters, BMA CQ Rescue will now be able to fly faster and further, enhancing their ability to save more lives.
Lisa Martin, BMA CQ Rescue General Manager, also warmly welcomed the new partnership.
“BMA’s unwavering support has stood the test of time and has been instrumental in advancing our mission and making a positive impact in our community.”
Locals are encouraged to stay tuned for an invitation to BMA CQ Rescue’s AW139 arrival event, celebrating the new era for emergency chopper service, where every life matters.

Members of BMA and CQ Rescue come together to celebrate the announcement of BMA as the new naming rights partner for the BMA CQ Rescue Helicopter Service. Photo credit: BMA CQ Rescue

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Last Saturday evening, Cheree Ridolfi hosted a delightful #ForkCancer Longest Table event.

Inspired by the heartbreaking impact of a sudden cancer diagnosis on her daughter-in-law's uncle, Tony, Cheree organised this cocktail attire dinner to raise funds and bring together guests who share a passion for the #ForkCancer initiative. The night featured a variety of delicious home-cooked dishes accompanied by fine wines, beer and ginger beer on tap. After dinner, a lively auction took place with numerous items sold to support #ForkCancer research.

Including Cheree’s prior fundraising efforts, the event raised a total of $5,017, all of which will be matched by the Longest Table organisation, which will go directly towards those in need in the fight against cancer.

Image of Cheree’s daughter-in-law's, uncle, Tony. Image supplied

Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Schools from across the Mackay and Whitsunday Isaac region are ready to take part in a unique program that will inspire students in the fields of STEM, science and sustainability using local waterway data.

Students from Whitsunday Anglican School had the opportunity to take part in the Healthy Rivers to Reef Innovation Challenge and work with real-world data and scientists to design solutions for the future.

The program helps to apply new technologies to show students how their solutions could support a sustainable and prosperous region.

The one-day workshops were led by Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership in collaboration with STEMPunks Education, thanks to support from local Partners and the Queensland Government—Engaging Science Grants.

Chris Buswell, STEMPunks Head of Education said the workshops would encourage ‘design thinking’ for problem solving.

“We know this is predicted to be a key skill in workplaces of the future,” Mr Buswell said.

“The program will help students explore new STEM skills and immerse themselves in real-world problem solving, with a focus on creativity and innovation. ”

Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership Executive Officer, Jaime Newborn, said the Partnership was proud to support the program and provide real-world data.

“The Partnership produces our region’s annual waterway health Report Card, based on a huge range of data, more than $4 million worth annually,” she said.

“It is exciting to now see students in our region use this information from data providers who are committed to learning more about local waterways.”

Students were eager to navigate the Healthy Rivers to Reef challenge using virtual reality and tech tools including Micro:bit coding, Smart Sensors and even Minecraft prototyping skills.

Principal of Whitsunday Anglican School Andrew Wheaton said, “As a school we have a strong commitment to developing skills in STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics.

“These are the skills that are so important for the future world as we prepare our students to be confident and leading into their respective fields when they leave school.”

The program also explores and promote STEM Careers, providing a chance to hear from STEM Professionals about their career journey and insights.

Workshops will be delivered to ten schools in the Mackay and Whitsunday Issac region in 2024/25.

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Principal of Whitsunday Anglican School Andrew Wheaton with Manager, Environment (Operations) of Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Ricci Churchill and Jaime Newborn, Executive officer for the Healthy Rivers to Reef partnership.

Whitsunday Anglican School students had the opportunity to engage in the Healthy Rivers to Reef Innovation Challenge last Thursday, which encourages them to work with real-world data and scientists to design solutions for the future. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Last weekend, the Woollam Art on Show Awards 2024 brought the Mackay art community together in a celebration of creativity and talent. The event, which spanned from August 2nd to August 5th, showcased over 250 works from local and interstate artists, reflecting the rich tapestry of artistic expression in the region.

The prestigious Overall Winner of the Woollam Art on Show Award, with a prize of $3,000, was Bradley Short for his piece "Plein Air Study Eungella."

Local artist Sam Pennisi won the Local Artist Award with his work "Banksia Banquet," earning a prize of $1,200.

In the Easel Painting Award category, Catherine Clark Dowden took first prize of $1,000 for "Like My Mama," while Bonny Shore's "Across the Bay" and Loren Boyd's "The Opening Act" received Highly Commended and Commended awards, respectively.

The Daly Bay Works on Paper Award saw Andrea Michele Chapman win first prize with "Billy and his Kid," and Pamela Berrigan secure second place with "King of the Bush." Katherine Murray’s "Keswick Island" was commended in this category.

Susi Muddiman OAM, Director, Gallery & Visual Arts at HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast and a highly esteemed guest judge, expressed her delight in being part of the event.

“It’s lovely to be here in Mackay and really nice to see how much community enthusiasm there is for big art prizes like this.

“Events like this bring people together and it’s a celebration of creative talent and spirit within the region,” she said.

When asked about her judging criteria, Ms Muddiman said, “I often look for a narrative to see if the work is telling me a story. My eye is drawn into it, and I can follow where it’s taking me.

“Perspective is really important, and sometimes it’s about the expression that the artist puts into the application.”

Art On Show coordinator Melissa Broadhurst highlighted the event’s growth over the years.

“This is our 18th year, and it’s grown significantly.

“We’re very proud of this event… it really brings the community together.”

The event also featured live demonstrations and activities by local artists' groups, including Pioneer Potters, Mackay Art Society, Printbank Mackay and the newly introduced Mackay Yarn Bombers.

Artspace Mackay's curator, Lauren Turton, hosted a floor talk on artists' books, sharing insights and highlighting the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection's treasures.

All 250 paintings on display are available for purchase.
Please contact  artonshow@mackayshow.com.au for further enquiries.

Susi Muddiman OAM, Director, Gallery & Visual Arts at HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast and a guest judge
Art On Show coordinator Melissa Broadhurst
The winning masterpiece from Bradley Short, called “Plein Air Study Eungella” - awarded $3,000. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Recent monitoring of restored wetlands at Alligator Creek near Mackay has shown thriving populations of native fish communities, including juvenile barramundi. This success follows comprehensive restoration efforts, which have transformed the once shallow, weed-infested wetlands into vibrant ecosystems.

The restoration works have included improving fish passage through the implementation of rock fish ladders, constructing deep pool refuge habitats, revegetation, and improved grazing management. Before these efforts, the wetlands were often dry and overrun by hymenachne, an invasive aquatic weed that reduces dissolved oxygen to levels unsustainable for aquatic life.
The restoration project was designed by Matt Moore, Fisheries Ecologist at Catchment Solutions, with funding from Reef Catchments NRM via the Australian Federal Government Reef Trust.  
“When people think about water quality, they often think about nutrients and pesticides and forget about oxygen. However, many coastal wetlands in North Queensland don’t have enough oxygen to sustain aquatic life. This is a major issue that has largely been forgotten about.'"
The work included creating deep pool refuge habitats and adding large hardwood logs to increase habitat complexity.
Moore explained, "The deep pools help manage invasive weed problems, as these prefer shallow areas. The refuge pools with logs provide cooler temperatures during the summer and help baby barramundi survive the dry season before migrating back to saltwater habitats to breed.
“Improving connectivity and ensuring good water quality means we have healthier populations of iconic barramundi. These are important to coastal Queensland communities, sustaining recreational, commercial, and Indigenous fisheries and playing a vital role in aquatic ecosystems as top-order predators, including helping the fight against pest fish populations."
Reef Catchments Senior Project Officer Carlos Bueno explained how important wetland restoration is to the fish breeding cycle.
"Barramundi breed in saltwater before their juvenile offspring undertake a lifecycle-dependent migration into freshwater wetlands at approximately 50 mm in length.
“At this small size, they are weak swimmers, so fish barriers like weirs, road causeways, and pipe and box culverts often block this critical migration, reducing barramundi populations and impacting aquatic ecosystem health. Remediating barriers with rock fish ladders allow baby barramundi to reach wetlands, which they use as nursery habitats for the first few years of their life before migrating back to saltwater to breed."
The wetland restoration works have been a collaborative effort with local grazier and sugar cane farmer Paul Bradford, demonstrating that improving wetland health and barramundi populations can go hand in hand with farming.
MrBradford commented, "This project shows that sustainable farming and wetland conservation can coexist and benefit each other."
This successful restoration project at Alligator Creek is a testament to the effectiveness of targeted ecological interventions and highlights the critical role of improving farm management practices to enhance water quality runoff. (e.g. fencing and off-stream watering points).
By adopting better farm management techniques, significant reduction of pollutants (fine sediments, nutrient and pesticides) entering waterways can be achieved, thereby supporting healthier wetland ecosystems. Such efforts not only benefit wildlife but also contribute to the well-being of local communities who rely on the ecosystem services provided.

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Matt Moore holding juvenile barramundi (young of the year) recorded during electrofishing surveys at the wetlands. The baby barramundi use the restored wetlands as nursery habitats for the first few years of their life before migrating back to saltwater

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Before and after; showing some of the restored wetlands. Photos supplied

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Juvenile barramundi and tarpon on the measuring board sampled via electrofishing monitoring in the wetlands

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