Hi Everyone,

As we celebrate International Women’s Day this Sunday, let’s acknowledge how far we have come with the support of a society that increasingly welcomes us as leaders, professionals, innovators, carers, thinkers and change-makers.

I grew up in the UK with two teachers for parents and two younger brothers. When we were little, Mum took seven years off to raise us in a tiny cottage in Hampshire. To this day, she says those years were among the happiest of her life.

Returning to work, however, was a different story. By the late ’80s and early ’90s, women were encouraged to build careers, but they were also still largely expected to run the household. Like so many mums of that era, she somehow did both: teaching all day, helping us with homework each evening, and an endless cycle of washing, cooking and organising in between.

Fast forward 30 years and, thankfully, much has changed. In many homes, equality is no longer an aspiration but the norm. Both partners work. Both partners parent. The dad might be packing lunchboxes; the mum might be mowing the lawn.

Roles are negotiated, not prescribed. The focus has shifted from “who should do what” to “how do we share the load?”

And that’s the real win. Equality isn’t about women becoming more like men, or men stepping aside. It’s about creating space for everyone to be fully themselves.

Today, you’re just as likely to see a woman leading a boardroom as you are to see a man openly talking about his feelings. Strength looks different now, and that’s progress.

So, this International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the women who pushed boundaries, the men who stood beside them, and the next generation growing up believing they can define success on their own terms - as people, not stereotypes.

Rach

Quote of the week: “All men, and women, and everything in between are created equal” (Melissa Etheridge)

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Despite heavy rain, the Whitsundays community came together on Sunday, 1st March, for Clean Up Australia Day, proving that nothing can dampen their commitment to the environment.

At Coral Sea Marina, 23 determined volunteers collected 130 kilograms of litter, from tiny plastics to discarded car parts and carpet pieces hidden in the mangroves. Meanwhile, at Airlie Beach, Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. teamed up with the Whitsunday Sailing Club as 30 volunteers removed 180 kilograms of waste along Boathaven Beach, the foreshore, and as far as Mandalay, working tirelessly on land and water.

Joscelyn O’Keefe of Coral Sea Marina praised the volunteers’ dedication: “We’re grateful, especially to the kids, your engagement shows protecting our environment matters for generations to come.”

The day ended with a celebratory sausage sizzle, hosted by the Whitsunday Sailing Club, and a heartwarming release of Tina, a rehabilitated green sea turtle, back into the ocean at Boathaven Beach. Volunteers cheered as she swam free—a perfect symbol of the impact of community action.

Together, more than 310 kilograms of litter were removed, safeguarding the Whitsundays’ spectacular coastline. Rain, hail, or shine, this clean-up proved that when a community rallies, our oceans and shores benefit—locally and globally.

Whitsundays, you rock!

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Photo supplied

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At 18, Rachael Smith sat around a table with friends, mapping out the pages of an imaginary magazine. Today, she leads a team of 20 creatives stretching from Mackay to Ingham, producing four weekly regional newspapers and two bi-monthly magazines for Life Publishing Group.

Rachael’s path into print media was anything but direct. After completing university in her native England, she travelled across Europe, worked a ski season in the French Alps, and eventually settled in Australia, the country she now proudly calls home. Along the way, she operated a charter boat business and later owned a café in Byron Bay, consistently stepping into leadership roles. Yet it wasn’t until she entered the world of magazines and newspapers that she discovered her true calling.

Rachael began as a sales representative for a local paper, quickly proving her versatility by stepping into a dual role with Core Life and Tripping Magazine, selling advertising while writing feature stories. Within a few years, she was promoted to Editor.

At 37, Rachael’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer. With a two-year-old son at home, she underwent six months of intravenous chemotherapy while continuing to work full time and raise her family. The experience was profoundly challenging, but it strengthened her resilience and purpose. She is now preparing to publish her first book, Surviving Cancer: A Working Mum’s Guide, sharing practical insights and hope with other women navigating similar journeys.

Professionally, her career continued to flourish. In 2020, Core Publishing launched the Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper, and Rachael became Editor of Whitsunday Life. Over the next three years, she also led the launches of Burdekin Life and Hinchinbrook Life Newspapers as Editor.

In 2024, when the owners of Life Publishing Group relocated to the UK, Rachael stepped into the role of Editor in Chief, overseeing all publications across the group.

“It’s been an exciting and challenging career path, and I often pinch myself to check this is all real,” she says.

Today, her mission is clear: to champion the power of positive news and strengthen the communities her publications serve.

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Clare McAlpine's business journey is just beginning – but she’s already built wisdom, confidence and a reputation for reshaping how companies operate.

Five months ago, drawing on experience in operations, administration and accounting, Clare launched New Leaf Business Solutions, a consultancy firm helping businesses create structure and clarity.

Combining practical strategy with empathy, she specialises in simplifying complexity, improving systems and streamlining operations so clients find organisation and control.

“My work focuses on the operational backbone of small business; the systems, structure, and processes that often go unnoticed but make the biggest difference,” Clare explains.  

“It sits at the intersection of people and systems. It’s not just about efficiency; it’s creating sustainable ways of working that support the business and the person behind it. My goal is to make things simpler, more aligned, and easier to manage long-term.”

The idea was born from the same pursuit of work/life balance that brought her family to Mackay from Sydney.

“After years of building experience across different roles, I reached a point where I wanted to use my skills in a way that felt purposeful and flexible, particularly as a mum,” she says.  

"One of the biggest milestones has been simply taking the leap, backing myself and turning an idea into something real.

“The highlights have been seeing the concept resonate, and watching my confidence grow alongside the business itself.

“What excites me most is that this is just the beginning. I’m building something intentionally, and I’m looking forward to growing it in a way that stays aligned with my values and the community I’m part of.”

What wisdom would you share with aspiring businesswomen?

There's no straight line to success. It’s messy, it takes time and requires resilience.  

Real success isn’t about job titles – it's about feeling aligned with your work and who you’re becoming.  

Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Back yourself, keep learning, and say yes to the things that stretch you.

newleafbusinesssolutions.com/

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When Michelle Landry first ran for federal office in 2010, it wasn’t part of a lifelong political ambition; it was a leap of faith encouraged by others who saw leadership potential in her before she saw it herself. Today, she stands as a five-term Federal Member for Capricornia, driven by a deep commitment to serving rural and regional Australia.

Raised in Rockhampton, by parents who owned a casket agency in William Street, Michelle started out in banking, working for the NAB for 22 years before launching her own bookkeeping business. Her political career began thirteen years ago and has been the highlight of her working life.

With a steady hand Michelle has held a volatile seat for five terms, as the first conservative to have won the seat of Capricornia more than once and held it against the swing in government.

“It continues to be an honour and privilege to be the Member for Capricornia,” Michelle says.

“Being a federal politician, I am an advocate for my community and I fight daily for improved infrastructure and putting rural and regional Australia front and centre of policy makers.”

“I get on well with people and I treat being a politician more as a lifestyle than a job. I love having the success of getting major infrastructure and wins for constituents who are in need.”

Living on the beautiful Capricorn Coast, Michelle balances her impactful work with gardening, reading, and enjoying her grandson and family.

Describe your personality in three words:

Compassionate, driven, hard working

What message would you share with your younger self & women dreaming big today?

Looking back, I would tell my younger self that as women, we carry an incredible, latent strength a 'peak' potential that is sometimes just waiting for a spark to ignite it.

While I’ve learned the immense value of mentors and allies who champion our progress, I want young women to know this: You don’t have to wait for a seat to be offered or for someone else to discover your talent. Trust that your voice is necessary, your ambition is a virtue, and your capability is already within you.

michellelandry.com.au

Behind the doors of Pinpoint Property is a team of thirteen women, bringing a powerful feminine touch to real estate.

United by a commitment to empowering one another, the team brings warmth and understanding to an industry often defined by competition — guiding clients through life’s biggest milestones without ever compromising on integrity.

Becoming a female-only team was completely unintentional, formed through a natural evolution of hiring the right people, but owner and licensee Allison Cunningham thinks it has only boosted their success.

“Some of our team are mothers, and we are all at different life stages, which helps us relate to all dynamics when it comes to selling, leasing or buying,” She explains.

“We are dealing with people during their most celebrated or heartbreaking events of buying, selling, separating or moving in together. We watch families grow and fall apart, inspect their homes quarterly, and are privy to their financial circumstances.

“This is a huge responsibility and reminder that we have a very personal role to play. I do feel that women do this really well, understanding the needs of clients and how best to assist them in even the most sensitive times.”

In a market where so many are struggling to either retain their homes or get into the property market, emotions are often running high – and the team take that responsibility with care, seeing themself as a force for good on the frontline of these issues.

They’re all about supporting people on their individual property journeys no matter how winding their road has been, offering a respectful client relationship to renters during their tenancy, making the complexities of buying simple for frazzled first-time buyers, and committing to ethical practices, like organising Christmas food drives for the less fortunate.

Allison and the team hope more women step into the world of real estate, advocating for the financial freedom and opportunities it can offer.

“With women striving for equality, real estate is one industry where we can seek equal pay for our skills whilst retaining our differences and celebrating what it is to be female," Allison states.

Her personal real estate experience reaches back into her teens, when she was routinely underestimated and overlooked.

“Starting out in real estate in my teens was a difficult task, with many considering me too young to be of any assistance,” She remembers.

"However, I have learnt that you can’t judge a book by its cover. Enthusiasm and hard work with a foundation of honesty are the core ingredients to success.

“I held the record for the highest residential sale in my first year of real estate and have continued to prove that those core values are the most respected things I can offer my clients.”

Under Allison’s judgement-free, supportive leadership, a team of confident sales professionals and caring property managers thrives.

The team are selective with the number of listings they personally take on to ensure their attention and focus on your home is the maximum it can be. This is key to what Allison calls the ‘Pinpoint Property Difference’.

“Selling or renting your home shouldn’t be stressful,” She says.

“It is an anxious time certainly, but by engaging with us you can be assured of a professional and systematic approach whereby you are never left in the dark.”

pinpointproperty.com.au

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After years of learning the industry from the ground up, Penny-Anne Maguire took a leap of faith that changed everything, launching her own agency and redefining success on her own terms. Now, she’s her own boss, and thriving.

Penny-Anne launched Maguire Realty in 2024, drawing on experience she gleaned throughout her career. In 2017, she took her first foray into real estate, training as a Property Manager Assistant in Mackay. Sooner than expected, Penny-Anne’s dedication and skills were recognised, and she progressed into the full role of Property Manager.

Years of hard work later, Penny-Anne realized she was ready to go solo. Refusing to be held back by what-ifs and buts, she took the plunge and launched Maguire Realty.

Now, her days are never the same, punctuated with challenges to solve – which she does with zeal. Since the launch, Penny-Anne’s passion for property has only grown, as has her business, through word of mouth, and her own dedication to expansion.

Along the way, she has built great, enduring relationships, a testament to the care behind her work. “I take pride in helping property owners protect their investments and ensuring tenants find well-maintained homes,” Penny-Anne says. It’s all about “helping people find their home.”

Penny-Anne is no stranger to the juggling act of business and family life, having a blended family of seven children, with a sixth grandchild due to arrive in just a few weeks. Yet, her vision for the business shows no signs of slowing. Maguire Realty’s main focus right now is property management across the Mackay, Pioneer Valley, and Sarina regions, but expansion is underway, as the business grows its residential sales portfolio, welcoming an ever-increasing number of clients.

Q: What brings you joy outside of your career?

A:  Spending time with my husband and family, enjoying quiet strolls along the beach and riverbanks. Weekends you’ll find me with family.  

Q: Could you describe yourself in three words?

A: Organized, dedicated, and caring.

www.maguirerealty.com.au

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Mackay’s flagship International Women’s Day celebration, the Zonta Mackay & Area International Women’s Day High Tea, returns once again as a sell-out, affirming its place as one of the most anticipated gatherings on the social calendar.

For 33 years, Zonta has championed the empowerment of women and girls both locally and globally. This year, organisers are thrilled to announce a reimagined High Tea, transformed into a garden party inspired setting with a grand entrance, exquisite florals, and Instagram-worthy moments at every turn.

The morning will unfold as a celebration of leadership, achievement, and aspiration, inspired by the 2026 UN International Women’s Day theme: Balance the Scales. Guests will be immersed in an atmosphere of elegance, warmth, and connection, and will delight in a traditional, impeccably presented high tea. Inspiring guest speakers, aligned with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, will share their stories, while attendees can engage in raffles and a highly anticipated silent auction, supporting Zonta’s ongoing initiatives.

From scholarships to awards, these programs provide tangible support to local women and girls, while also contributing to global projects. Remarkably, two thirds of the funds raised remain in the region, directly nurturing and empowering women and girls across Mackay.

A highlight of the event is always the Young Women in Leadership Award, recognising a local young woman making a meaningful impact and demonstrating extraordinary promise. According to organisers, listening to these speeches and witnessing the passion of emerging leaders is among the most stirring moments of the day, offering a glimpse of the future and a chance to celebrate the next generation of changemakers.

Adding a playful and personal twist this year, guests are invited to bring their own teacup and saucer, whether vintage, elegant, quirky, or delightfully outrageous. This charming detail allows attendees to express their personality and flair, with prizes awarded for the most creative cups.

Attendees span generations and backgrounds, united by a shared purpose of connection, support, and empowerment. With tickets already completely sold out, the event reflects the enduring love Mackay holds for this celebration of women.

The Zonta Mackay International Women’s Day High Tea promises to be more beautiful, more inspiring, and more heartfelt than ever, yet at its heart, it remains a celebration of women, a sanctuary for connection, and a platform to honour the remarkable achievements of today and the limitless promise of tomorrow.

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With Carolyn Fritz From Moranbah Discount Tyres & Mechanical

Never one to be intimidated, Carolyn Fritz, director of Moranbah Discount Tyres & Mechanical, is excelling in a male-dominated industry, leading a community business that is recognised on a national level for its exceptional practice.

In 2024, the business brought home a prestigious Australian Small Business Champions Award for Automotive Mechanical Repairs, as well as becoming a finalist in the Business of the Decade Awards, set aside by their professionalism, care, and ethical practice.

“It shows that regional businesses can be as good as their city brothers,” Carolyn states, citing her incredible team as being a core part of their success, some of whom have been part of the MDTM team for over 12 years.

“It’s about empowering your staff,” Carolyn explained. “Making them feel like family, not just another number in a system.”

The company is well and truly a ‘local’ business, with Carolyn having lived in Moranbah for over 40 years, but that didn’t stop her from dreaming big. Established in 2005, MDTM have consistently expanded and invested in growth strategies, with an eye set firmly on the future and the community’s growing needs.

Now, they have eight main divisions, making the business a one -stop shop for all auto electrical, mechanical and tyre requirements.

“I genuinely believe we offer the best service possible in our industry,” Carolyn says.

“For example, providing local families in the community a complimentary vehicle pick-up and delivery , and a car wash with every service. This is what we consider the base level of our client care.”

As her business has grown, Carolyn has sought out ways to give back, partly by supporting the local youth, employing school-based trainees and apprentices from Moranbah State High School.

Recognising that women don’t tend to get enough exposure to mechanical care information, they also initiated a “Women, Wheels and Automobiles” service that provides free information sessions covering what to do in a vehicle breakdown, how to change a tyre, basic vehicle terminology and how to jump-start a vehicle. This program has proved so popular that they also conduct the sessions at Moranbah State High School for Year 11 and 12 students.

Carolyn says it can be daunting, setting out to work in a male-dominated industry, but she advises any aspiring automotive businesswomen not to hold back.

“I had times when men tried to intimidate me or influence me,” she says, explaining that her much-needed business management and people skills were sometimes overlooked by those who judged her for not being trade qualified.

“I wanted to empower them, but they didn’t want to empower me,” she said. “So I empowered myself.”

Now, Carolyn’s setting out to inspire more women to make their dreams come true.

“Never say never, whatever people say,” she recommends.

“Just be confident and stick to the task.”

Simple advice that can build a business empire.

What advice would you offer young aspiring business women?

It’s important to have your home life right. Then everything else is right, too. With 5 children, my husband and I needed to figure out routines and processes, sharing responsibility so that when one of us couldn’t be there, the other stepped up. I couldn’t have done it without him. Also, tough times don’t last. Tough people do.

Describe yourself in 3 words:

Confident, determined, caring.

tyres-mechanical.com.au

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The air at Move It Chiropractic doesn’t carry the usual sterile hush of a medical clinic; instead, it hums with vibrant energy, a space that feels more like a wellness retreat for the soul. At the heart of this Mackay practice are two women who have turned professional collaboration into a local art form: Dr Suzanne Kippen and Remedial Therapist Teresa Abela.

Suzanne, a Mackay local who returned home after completing her chiropractic degree at Murdoch University, provides the clinical heartbeat of the practice. Her approach blends integrity with deep-seated expertise, underpinned by her values as a leader.

“Independence, drive, and a passion for chiropractic have shaped me into the leader I am today,” she says. “Leadership to me is about having the right support, caring, and listening, and respecting everyone on your team.”

Teresa, with twenty years of hands-on experience, brings an intuitive, seasoned touch to every session, guided by her commitment to kindness.

“You just never know what is happening in someone’s world, so we always aim to be kind to each other, as well as everyone who walks through our doors,” she says.

“Building each other up, whether male or female, boss or colleague, is essential. If you’re not doing that, something’s not right.”

Together, they operate in seamless harmony. Suzanne restores alignment to the spine and nervous system, while Teresa works through the muscles and connective tissues that support that structure. It is a complementary dialogue, each treatment enhancing the other, creating a holistic path to resilience and vitality for a community that works hard and plays harder.

Chiropractic and massage care are essential for everyone. In a world where long hours, physical strain, and stress are the norm, these treatments restore balance, relieve tension, improve mobility, and maintain overall wellbeing. Every adjustment and massage is a step toward stronger posture, an increase in range of movement, and renewed energy.

Beyond the adjustments and massage oil, it is the culture these women have built that defines the practice.

“We like to encourage each other to be the best we can possibly be,” says Suzanne.

Their partnership is marked by mutual respect and a healthy dose of playful banter.

“Teamwork is extremely important in business. We also like to have a bit of fun and laugh here and there,” they add, noting that a thriving team creates thriving patients.

Trust and integrity are non-negotiable.

“Once you lose your trust, you have nothing,” they say. “We have a strong team here – we enjoy each other’s company and we’re big on communication. I think that’s what makes us a great team,” says Teresa.

For both ladies, leadership is defined by service – to each other, to their team, and to their community.

Suzanne credits her mother as a source of inspiration, while Teresa draws strength from her daughters. Together, they demonstrate that skill, compassion, and collaboration can elevate both a practice and the people it serves.

“Here at Move It Chiropractic, it is our family caring for your family,” says Dr Kippen.

With Barb Blackhall from White Picket Real Estate

When Barb Blackhall launched White Picket Real Estate in 2022, it was the cherry on the top of a lifelong real estate career.

Barb believes that in business, you should find what you love and stick with it; for her, that happened at the age of seventeen.

When she entered real estate, she immediately knew that it was the career she wanted to pursue, and so she committed to learning the industry inside out. Barb worked across sales, property management, commercial and business management until she had the versatility and know-how she needed to launch her own operation.

Now, White Picket Real Estate just keeps growing.

“Starting an independent business from scratch is no easy task," Barb says.

“Initially, I just focused on sales from a home office. I shortly branched out into rentals and moved into a shopfront office in town.”

With the move came the acquisition of a talented team.

“I’m proud to have Mary-Ann Said—undoubtedly the best property manager in Mackay—working alongside me and heading the rentals division of the business,” Barb states.

"Our rent roll has grown organically and now supports a small property management team. Last year, we further branched out into commercial leasing with Melanie Hartmann, who has many years’ experience in this area leading the commercial division.”

As the business grows, Barb is intent on keeping each division attentive and focused.

“We are proud to be a small, locally owned company,” she says.

“It means all our clients receive personalised service individual to their needs. Our reputation is everything, and we are proud of the positive feedback and referrals we constantly receive from our clients."

Barb’s personal focus is mainly directed towards sales, thriving on the challenge of achieving the best possible outcome for her clients. It’s a goal she routinely smashes, having set record prices in several suburbs of Mackay and the district.

The region is one she holds in high regard, having been born and raised in Mackay, growing up on a cane farm in Palmyra. Barb particularly loves the Pioneer Valley, where she raised her boys, Brady and Jed, who are now adults and have remained in the region.

In a testament to how much Barb loves what she does, when asked where she wanted to be in 5 years, she replies, “I’ll stick with what works and continue to do what I have been doing for the last four years."

As to the secret for her success? Barb advises that the best thing to do is to just be yourself. If you are honest, driven and have your client’s best interest at heart, you will succeed.

White Picket Real Estate stands as proof of that.

whitepicketrealestate.com.au

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Mel Pollock made a pivot to real estate two and a half years ago, bringing a diverse skillset as she joined the family business: First National Mackay, Sarina & Nebo.

After watching the business evolve over 20 years, growing from Sarina to Mackay and Nebo, Mel felt drawn to get involved as a Sales Agent.

Since she joined, the company has been decorated with two diamond awards for highest Residential Revenue in Queensland, 10^th in State for QLD Transaction and Settled Sales, and A Top Agent Real Estate Award for Bucasia. Contributing to these awards was a highlight of Mel’s career.

Born in Mackay, Mel moved to Brisbane in 2004 to gain a double degree in Oral Health before working as a dental hygienist and dental therapist. Next, she travelled all over the world, before moving to WA where she became a Special Needs Assistant.

Moving back home, Mel saw took the opportunity to change careers, a risk that paid off.

“I love people, the hustle and the strength it takes to put yourself out there in a position not always highly regarded.” Mel says.

“I want to change that.”

Outside work, Mel can be found at the beach with her hounds, watching her son play sports, or having a boogie on the dance floor. An avid footy fan, she and her husband are sponsors of the Mackay City Hawks Footy Club .

Who has influenced you most in your life?

My nan- she was full of energy, a very hard worker and volunteer. Not only that, she had the best sense of humour and lit up a room with her confidence and quiet influence. She took me under her wing, and I loved being around her.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

That I am part of a bigger picture. The women before me have paved the way to now, and I hope that we can do the same- I have seen my mum, nan and two sisters forge their way into long serving careers and leadership positions- we are no longer in the shadows, we are seen.

www.fnrealty.com.au

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The Reinvention of ALDI Through Clever Marketing

For decades, Aldi was the quiet achiever of retail. Efficient, affordable and a no frills brand. But somewhere along the way, the world changed and instead of trying to keep up, Aldi rewrote the rules.

What followed wasn’t a rebrand in the traditional sense. It was a perception shift. One driven not by bigger budgets, but by sharper thinking.

Where many retailers tried to disguise value behind premium aesthetics, Aldi did the opposite.

Rather than apologising for being affordable, it reframed value as intelligence. Campaigns like “More for less at Aldi” didn’t just promote savings they rewired behaviour. Aldi became the starting point, not the compromise.

During rising cost-of-living pressure, this clarity, built trust. It positioned Aldi not as the cheapest option, but the most honest one.

The shift was subtle but powerful, from budget brand to smart shopper’s choice.

At some point, Aldi stopped sounding like a supermarket and started sounding like a brand.

Its tone turned self-aware. Witty and occasionally absurd, embracing humour, something many retailers in this space avoided.

In a category known for safe, forgettable advertising, Aldi became memorable simply by being human.

That thinking extended in-store. The now-famous middle aisle evolved into something more than merchandising. It became discovery, anticipation and entertainment. In an era where attention is fragmented, Aldi found a way to make grocery shopping feel unexpectedly fun and therefore, memorable.

Aldi also found a way to connect with consumers beyond their weekly grocery list. Fashion and merch launches created hype, bringing shoppers in for an array of items from ski gear,  oversized sprinklers and giant animal plush masks . The surprisingly random buys, offered for a limited time, provided reason for shoppers to make a special trip and in doing so discover the wonder of Aldi. This unpredictability drove excitement, social-media conversations and frequent visits, turning randomness into a retail strategy.

Good Different , Aldi’s tag line was the perfect way to reframe the brand, proving yet again commitment to their marketing approach.

The lesson in Aldi’s evolution isn’t about supermarkets. It’s about conviction. The brand didn’t reinvent its product, it reinvented perception by doubling down on what made it different and expressing it with confidence.

In a marketing landscape crowded with overproduction and imitation, Aldi proves a simple truth: clarity beats complexity. The brands that win aren’t always the loudest or the most lavish. They’re the ones that know exactly who they are and refuse to apologise for it.

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Meeting the seasonal labour demands of the sugarcane harvest is a challenge every year. CANEGROWERS Mackay has been stepping up for almost two decades, delivering practical training courses each May that get new workers behind the wheel.

The industry skills development program – the annual Haulout Driver Training – has once again been funded by the Queensland Government through its Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

“Registrations have opened for Haulout Driver Training today. We have been running these on-farm courses for almost 20 years. For most of that time, it has been funded through the Queensland Government, for which we are very thankful,” said Mackay Canegrowers Chairman Joseph Borg.

“That ongoing support recognises the value in skilling twenty new harvest workers every year, giving them the opportunity to get behind haulout vehicles alongside experienced grower trainers, learn driving skills, harvest procedures, and, most importantly, safety.”

Thanks to the funding, there is no charge to participants, with support provided to obtain work in the industry, with growers and contract harvesters actively seeking employees.

“It’s a four-day boot camp with real-life grower trainers, getting behind the wheel of tractors. On top of that, we have an accredited trainer-assessor on-site, taking trainees through RTO-backed units towards the Cert II Agriculture,” said Mr Borg.

For the 2026 training, Mackay Canegrowers is working with RTO Ausintec Academy Pty Ltd and local accredited Trainer Assessor Earl Nielsen, who has successfully delivered the course in the past.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm and Member for Mirani Glen Kelly have shown strong support. “It’s great to see programs like this delivering practical training and real pathways into employment for local jobseekers,” Ms Camm said.

“Our sugar industry is the backbone of many regional communities, and initiatives like Skilling Queenslanders for Work help ensure we have a skilled local workforce for the future.”

A success story from the 2025 course was Samantha Honey, a 42-year-old single mother of two. “I didn't really have any skills or anything,” Samantha said.

“When the Haulout Driver Training course came up, I knew the cane hauling was six months, so I was like: I can give that a go.”

With guidance from experienced grower trainers, she quickly mastered tractor driving. Samantha secured work within a fortnight and will return to the same harvest contractor for the 2026 crush. “I would just say give it a go… it’s actually not as hard as you think it is,” she recommended.

Get in touch with Mackay Canegrowers to express interest in Haulout Driver Training.

Twenty places are available for two courses starting May 12 and 19, with an orientation on May 11. Contact Mackay Canegrowers on 4944 2600, email mackay@canegrowers.com.au, or visit www.mackaycanegrowers.com.au under the training tab.

Contributed with thanks to Mackay Canegrowers

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Queenslanders are being urged to have their say on a new plan aimed at tackling the growing impact of feral pigs across the state, with consultation now open on the draft Queensland Feral Pig Management Action Plan 2026–2031.

The plan, released by the Queensland Government, provides a framework for coordinated, localised action to reduce feral pig populations and protect both agricultural production and the natural environment. Feral pigs are estimated to cost Queensland producers around $95 million each year through production losses and direct control costs, while also causing widespread environmental damage.

Glen Kelly MP said it was vital that producers and landholders contribute to the consultation process to ensure the plan is practical and effective.

“It’s important those with the knowledge of feral pig management contribute to the plan, because it’s those on the ground with the knowledge of managing feral pigs that can provide crucial input to make the plan better,” Mr Kelly said.

He said feral pigs caused extensive damage to crops and fences and had a severe impact on agricultural production, as well as significant environmental consequences.

“This is before we even consider the environmental impact that these feral pigs have, they destroy ecosystems, and in the electorate of Mirani I know that they get down to the beaches and eat turtle eggs, so the benefits of bringing feral pigs under control has benefits that don’t just flow into our primary producers,” he said.

Mr Kelly noted that while six new feral pig coordinators had been appointed across Queensland, there was still no coordinator between Rockhampton and Mackay.

“With feral pigs becoming a massive problem in the electorate of Mirani, I’ve been pushing for one to be placed here in our region to support our producers and reduce the impact that feral pigs are having in Central Queensland,” he said.

Consultation on the draft plan is open until 12 March 2026, with submissions accepted online, by post, or via email.

CAPTION: Mr Kelly says its important for producers to make a submission to the draft plan to ensure that it is effectively addressing the problem of feral pigs. Photo supplied

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