Mackay local Ricki is not afraid of hard work, in fact, he’s happy to “put his back into it” - or so to speak.
Diagnosed at the age of 24 with degenerative facet arthropathy in his lower spine, Ricki needed to adjust his way of work.
“I was installing safes at the time when my back issue became apparent, and I found myself in constant rehab. After this extensive treatment to get me back on my feet, I was left with no other choice than to find a job that didn’t involve manual lifting,” said Ricki.
“I moved around and tried to find other work but that never lasted too long, as the employers at the time showed me little flexibility with the roles – I either did it or got out. The thing is, I’m an active person and I can do heaps of things. I just needed to be given the chance to show them what I could.”
“I did odd jobs to help make ends meet, all while trying to seek assistance through employment agencies, but they too really struggled to find me suitable employment,” added Ricki.
Within two weeks of arriving in Mackay for a fresh start nearly two years ago, Ricki landed a new role through leading Disability Employment Services (DES) provider, CoAct/Community Solutions.
Community Solutions is a member of the CoAct network. For more than 25 years, CoAct has united and powered locally-embedded community and employment for-purpose service providers to amplify their social impact.
“They listened to me, and what I could do, and how I wanted that job to see me through to retirement.
“Within no time, they’d found me the perfect role. I drive the forklifts, I do palletising, and now I’m a supervisor – it’s the best job I’ve ever had. I wish I had found it when I was first diagnosed,” confirmed Ricki.
Commencing with Reward Hospitality, Ricki said he felt supported by both CoAct/Community Solutions and his new employer.
“They were always asking me how I was going and if I needed anything. They understood my predicament and treated me like any other employee – with respect and without judgement.
“I have now built that up to five days a week and I am loving my new outlook on life as I now have self-worth and feel like I am contributing to society like anyone else,” added Ricki.
It’s stories like this one, CoAct/Community Solutions Mackay are keen to share with the locals whilst exhibiting at the upcoming Mackay Careers Expo on Thursday August 15.
Since commencing the DES contract in 2018, Mackay’s CoAct/Community Solutions site has placed nearly 500 customers into meaningful positions.

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Amateur golfers put their swings to the ultimate test, hoping one shot in the outback would make their millionaire dreams come true. The Outback Qld Masters Golf Series, renowned for its unique charm, saw curious characters lining the fairways, with players citing the resident kangaroos as true-blue Aussie markers keeping score, and curious crows flying away with golf balls.
Wayne Berginey, a member of the Pioneer Valley Golf Club at Mirani, returned home triumphantly as the championship winner in the annual Outback Qld Masters Golf Series for 2024. Winning the Series Championship in the men's A grade division (Brolga Division) was a proud moment for Berginey, capping off a challenging and exciting tournament. Berginey proved to be one of the most consistent competitors across the series of weekends in the outback, finishing with 117 points.
The series commenced at Birdsville on 15th-16th June, then advanced to Boulia, Winton, Barcaldine, Charleville, and finally Quilpie on 21st July. Participants from Queensland, Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia joined in the fun, battling the elements and wildlife alike. The experience included fending off crows intent on pinching golf balls at Birdsville and Boulia, adding to the unique challenges of the tournament.
Every Saturday night, players enjoyed dinners under the stars with live entertainment, fostering camaraderie and unforgettable memories. A $10,000 hole-in-one was up for grabs each weekend until it was won, but the final weekend at Quilpie featured the ultimate challenge: a $1,000,000 hole-in-one. Players had one shot to claim the prize, but once again, the money remained unclaimed.
Launched in 2019, the series aims to enhance the profile of Outback Queensland and boost tourism within the regions. As the sun set on this year’s tournament, the excitement of the finale of the 1,650-kilometre golfing adventure was palpable.
Locations for the 2025 Outback Queensland Masters have been announced, with the series set to tee off on 21st June. The six consecutive weekends will feature stops at Mitchell, Augathella, Blackall, Alpha, Richmond, and will culminate with the Million Dollar Hole-In-One for some 'golf in the Gulf' at Karumba.
Minister for Tourism and Sport, Michael Healy, expressed his enthusiasm for the event.
"The Outback Queensland Masters is a unique event on Queensland’s calendar, and I’m excited to see the schedule for next year’s tournament, which tees off in June 2025. It’s terrific to announce the six new locations that will host next year’s event, spanning iconic must-see locations, from Mitchell through to its finale in Karumba for the famous ‘Million Dollar Hole-In-One’."
As the anticipation builds for next year's tournament, the Outback Queensland Masters continues to offer an unparalleled blend of sport, adventure, and community spirit.

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A lot of golf balls were lost to the crows       
Each sand green location was different
Winners group left to right: B grade winners (Bilby division) Garry Meek from Nth Rockhampton Golf Club and Natasha Mason from Jerliderie Golf Club (NSW), and A grade winners (Brolga division) Wayne Berginey from Pioneer Valley Golf Club and Robyn Clayton from Goombungee Golf Club (Qld).     
Final weekend at Quilpie

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James Cook University (JCU) is committed to top-quality teaching, learning and research that delivers practical benefits to communities, industries and the global environment. Our students and researchers are equipped with skills and knowledge to meet the demands of the workforce in the Tropics and throughout the world. Graduate with confidence when you study at a university ranked in the top 2% in the world.¹
Ready today for tomorrow
Field trips, clinical placements, practicums, and internships — no matter what you study, JCU provides opportunities to build your job-ready knowledge and skills base. Gain hands-on experience in Outback cattle stations, remote health clinics, the heart of the Daintree Rainforest or the depths of the Great Barrier Reef.
Kickstart your career through study incorporated with real-world practice. JCU prioritises practical experience and our academics maintain strong industry links that provide you with extensive placement opportunities. You’ll gain valuable work experience and build a network of leading industry professionals in your field.
About JCU Mackay
JCU Mackay provides a world-class education for healthcare professionals in nursing and pharmacy, as well as being one of the university's clinical training sites. Both the Bachelor of Nursing Science and the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) are offered at JCU Mackay campus locations. Small class sizes and personalised support from teachers fosters the development of highly-skilled graduates.
The JCU Mackay campuses have been named Ngudya Yamba (pronounced nood-ja yum-ba), meaning ‘place of knowledge’ in the Yuwi language.
Industry-ready graduates
A JCU degree empowers you to make an impact. Our courses are aligned with professional standards through close partnerships with industry leaders. These connections provide students with opportunities for course-related work experience, internships and placements in real-world settings. Graduates emerge ready to kickstart their careers. That’s why JCU is ranked #1 in Queensland for full-time employment outcomes.
With multiple pathway programs into our undergraduate degrees, there’s a place for you at JCU.
A five-star experience
We are independently rated five stars for full-time employment, graduate starting salary, and student-teacher ratio for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Excel in your studies and future career through the support of academics and staff committed to student success.
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¹ Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
² The Good Universities Guide 2024

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The Mackay Aeroclub is thrilled to announce the "Wings and Wheels" Trivia Night, set to take place on Friday, 16th August 2024. This fun-filled event invites all trivia enthusiasts and community members to join for an evening of camaraderie, challenge and entertainment.

Designed to attract those who have a passion for their machines, whether it be motorcycles, cars, or aircraft, this night is perfect for all enthusiasts.

Rhys Bowman, President of the Mackay Aeroclub, shared his excitement about the upcoming event.

"Our 'Wings and Wheels' Trivia Night is a fantastic opportunity for community members to come together and enjoy a friendly competition.

“We're looking forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones, where the evening promises to be a great mix of fun, laughter, and a bit of friendly rivalry.

“It's also a wonderful chance to showcase our club's vibrant spirit and the strong community connections we cherish."

Teams of up to five members can be formed on the night, making it easy for everyone to participate. The bar will open at 4:30 PM, offering a perfect chance to relax and socialise before the trivia begins at 6:30 PM. Adding to the evening's enjoyment, a BBQ sausage sizzle will be available, providing a delicious treat for all attendees. Entry to the event is free, ensuring that everyone can join in the fun without any cost.

The Mackay Aeroclub invites everyone to come along, test their trivia knowledge and enjoy a great night out.

For more information, please contact the Mackay Aeroclub.

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the Mackay Aeroclub club house is open every Friday night for drinks, sunsets or have a go on the flight simulator

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Community Solutions (Endeavour)
Phone: 1300 621 499
Email: csteam@communitysolutions.org.au
Website: communitysolutions.org.au

Dalrymple Bay
Phone: 07 4943 8444
Email: enquiries@dbct.com.au
Website: dbct.com.au

Sodexo
Phone: 1800 763 396
Website: au.sodexo.com

JCU
Phone: 1800 246 246 446
Email: enquiries@jcu.edu.au
Website: jcu.edu.au

Catholic Education
Phone: 1800 228 433
Email: reception@rok.catholic.edu.au
Website: rok.catholic.edu.au

Mineral Resources
Phone: 08 9329 3600
Email: reception@mineralresources.com.au
Website: mineralresources.com.au

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Momentum. It’s a thing in physics, sport, business and life.
Now I’m not going to attempt to give a physics lesson but, basically, if you have a big, fully loaded concrete truck rolling down a steep hill … that fella’s got momentum.
In sport, when your team is on a roll, you’ve scored the last few tries or goals, the ball is bouncing your way and everything is clicking, you feel unbeatable. You’ve got momentum.
In business, when you have goals and a plan and the team to produce the results, you are on your way. When you get the details right and the world starts to notice you and want to use your services, you are getting traction. When word of mouth spreads and customers start coming back, you’ve got momentum.
In life, when you get the mix right with your health, relationships, work, leisure and enjoyment of the world you’re lucky enough to be living in, things start to click. You get up early, do some exercise, eat healthy food, focus at work, engage with friends and family and enjoy being with your partner … you’re on a roll. You’ve got momentum.
Momentum is also an important thing in real estate. Yes, it’s important in a business sense for a successful agency such as Gardian. But I’m talking here more about working for a seller, getting the best result for your client.
There are different ways of negotiating and doing a deal. It depends on the circumstances. Sometimes an offer has come in low and you can’t do a deal with that person because the offer is too far from the mark. Being willing to walk away can be a good negotiating tool in those situations because it can call the buyer’s bluff.
Or that low offer might lead to a slow, strategic discussion that methodically builds to a point where you finally find out where the buyer is in terms of their best price.
But in the very strong market that Mackay finds itself in, momentum plays a big role in getting deals done.
There is a lack of supply and a great deal of demand, both from local people looking for somewhere to live and from investors who feel this city is underpriced.
When we list a property for sale, the interest is immediate.  Local people want to inspect the property straight away and investors want answers to questions about rates, body corporate, rental returns ASAP.
The offers come early and, for buyers and sellers, it is a quick, intense ride to when a deal is done … often in a day or two.
That’s the momentum. Sellers need to realise that the issue is not how long they have been on the market, it is how long the buyer has been in the market. Buyers who have missed out on earlier properties are ready to go and want to get a property.
There’s a pack and they are hunting.
This is when the seller needs to understand that the momentum will create the best result. The buyers feel the competition and they put their best offers forward. This is not the time for a seller to cool their heels and think, “We’ve only been on the market for three days”.
It’s hard to stop that concrete truck rolling down the steep hill. It’s tough to beat your team when they are working like a well-oiled machine and they’ve scored the last three tries. They have momentum.
When selling real estate, competition creates the momentum. It’s not like a concrete truck rolling down a hill, but it’s still best not to step in front of it and try to stop it.

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In the ever-evolving facilities management sector, Sodexo stands as the number one Energy & Resources village services provider in Australia. Sodexo’s workforce is as diverse as the opportunities available across different roles and skill sets, from entry-level positions such as cleaners and service attendants to specialised roles including chefs, bus drivers, tradespeople, and management personnel.

Zach Phillips, a Senior Village Manager at a remote camp in Central Queensland, shares his journey from an entry-level chef to a senior managerial role within Sodexo. "I began as a chef and gradually saw how my skills could carve out a corporate career. Sodexo has been a remarkable platform for growth," Phillips states.

His move from owning a business and globe-trotting as a private chef to trying his hand in the Energy & Resources sector highlights the diverse opportunities for individuals from all walks of life. “It's been an amazing journey, and I'm excited to keep growing and learning at Sodexo.”

“If you're looking for career pathways within the mining industry, be ready to be flexible and patient," says Philips. "It's important to involve your family and make the most of your time together when you are home." Sodexo helps its employees by providing a structured approach to work-life balance, addressing the challenges and rewards inherent in this dynamic industry.

Sodexo offers a prime opportunity for those looking to embark on a new career journey. The company facilitates on-the-job traineeships, accreditations, and visa sponsorship opportunities to help employees thrive in their own way.

‍Apply Now!

au.sodexo.com/careers

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Hi Everyone,

It turns out that newspapers are a pretty good material to fashion all sorts of accessories, including skirts, hats, bowties and even pirate’s eye patches!

This is what we discovered anyway when our team joined the Great Barrier Reef Festival’s (GBRF) Rotary Street Parade on Saturday afternoon.

This was the first year we’d participated, and we had so much fun that we are already planning our outfits for next year!

Walking the Airlie Beach main street with the rest of the crew and our trusty distribution truck emblazoned with our branding was a very proud moment.

It was fantastic to be part of the event – handing out lollies to children with their hands eagerly outstretched, waving to the crowds and feeling ignited by the community spirit that embodies this fantastic local event.

The GBRF is a wonderful fixture in our annual events calendar, which made their recent announcement even sadder to digest.

As I am sure many of you are aware, a community chat post set alight rumours that this would be the last GBRF.

Fortunately, we were able to speak with the organisers who confirmed this was just a rumour, however, they announced that increased support was desperately needed in order for the event to continue into the future.

You can read the full story on page 3.

Most of the stress for organisers seems to be financial and I wonder if it would be possible for the already generous Council to find a few more dollars somewhere.

It seems that we are often hearing of events being cancelled these days, whether it be music festivals or community celebrations – and lack of funding is often the reason behind it.

So too are the resources, most importantly the volunteers.

Could you volunteer your time to help with the workload? The GBRF look for volunteers all year round, perhaps you could be part of the reason the event becomes more feasible for the selfless souls who keep it running each year.

Rach

Quote of the Week:

“No-one is you and that is your power” (Anonymous)

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Last week, a grateful daughter and father took to Facebook to express their heartfelt thanks to Prosocial Support Services and its owner, Shae Patterson, for their exceptional assistance.
Angela Hampton asked the community if anyone had a wheelchair they could borrow for her terminally ill father, John Sharples.  John sadly has stage 4 prostate cancer, and the doctors have given him 2 months to live.
Angela was unsure how to get her father, who was traveling from Brisbane, aboard the boat where they live. Without a car to transport her father, she thought having a wheelchair would make the process much easier.
Shae and Prosocial Support services jumped to the rescue and not only offered Angela and John a wheelchair but offered to transport it to them, as well as picking him up and dropping him off from the airport.
Angela expressed her gratitude to Shae:
“Not only did Shae offer to lend us a wheelchair for no cost, she also went and picked him up from the airport, and then organised for her sister to pick him and the wheelchair up from the marina and take him to the airport.”          
This act of kindness allowed the family to spend some much needed quality time together, and Angela said her dad said it was “the highlight of his life.”    
Shae wanted to let everyone know that the Whitsunday Prosocial Support Services, who are Independent support workers assisting NDIS and non-NDIS clients, are here to help.

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Queensland Police hosted a police recruitment seminar at PCYC Whitsunday last Tuesday and it was great success.

25 people attended the evening and learned all about the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the recruitment program.

Regional Recruitment Officer Haylee Collins conducted the evening and explained the criteria attendees have to meet to be accepted into the Queensland Police Recruitment Program.

All recruits must understand the QPS Values, Integrity, Respect and Courage. They must meet QPS desired attributes. To be a QPS Police officer you must be able to communicate with confidence, be good at decision making, respond quickly and effectively, work well in teams, be self-motivated and inspire others, follow safety guidelines, be resilient and stay focused, and show respect for diversity.

Haylee also showed the attendees videos from QPS police officers’ experience in the police force.

Following this Haylee discussed the fitness qualifications needed for an application to be considered, then explained the application process.

Haylee introduced two police officers after her talk, Senior Constable Natasha Keeman talked about her recruitment process that she took as a mother looking to change career path.

Constable Zac Richters-Nielson is a recent graduate and talked primarily about the recruitment process.

Both officers talked about how much they love working with the QPS and encouraged everyone to join the force, for a rewarding and challenging career path.

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Acting Sergeant Stephen Smith and Regional Recruitment Office Haylee Collins, Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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Proserpine High’s Jasmine Gerlofsma stole the show at the 2024 QTIC Salute to Excellence Awards in Brisbane last week, clinching the prestigious, "Secondary Student of the Year Award – Tourism" on Monday night.
This award highlights her extraordinary talent and dedication to Queensland's vibrant tourism and hospitality sector, celebrated during an event that brought together the industry's brightest stars.
The Salute to Excellence Awards recognise exceptional secondary students, employers, schools and registered training organisations for their participation in and contribution to the tourism, food and beverage and cookery qualifications through VET in Schools (VETiS), and School Based Apprenticeships or Traineeships.
Jasmine is recognised for her dedication and enthusiasm for gaining knowledge and experience in the tourism industry.
During her course with local tour operator Red Cat Adventures, she has acquired numerous practical skills essential for her future career. Jasmine aspires to serve as a role model for women in both the boating and tourism sectors.
Jasmine said, “My vocational education through Red Cat Adventures has enabled me to get out on the water and be immersed in the natural environment, and seeing the variety of wildlife has ignited, in particular, my love of whales.”
“My future aspirations through the tourism industry are to be able to travel internationally and work towards my goal of becoming a Captain or Marine Biologist one day.
“I can gain various experiences, which may be challenging at times, but I can take these experiences with me throughout my life and career and pass those onto others.”
For 27 years, the annual awards program has championed exceptional secondary students studying tourism and hospitality, and celebrated the employers, teachers and trainers who support them.

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Jasmine Gerlofsma receiving her award

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Last Thursday Noemi Martinez Romera won Best in show at the 2024 Great Barrier Reef Festival
Art Exhibition.

Noemi created her piece in response to the exhibition theme: ‘Whitsunday Wonders: Above & Below the Surface.’

Her piece ‘Panorama’ by definition, is an ‘unbroken view of the whole region surrounding an observer’:

“In this painting, I explore a different view of the intricate nature within the Great Barrier Reef's ecosystem,” Noemi explained.

Through a blend of contrast, realism, and surrealism, Noemi invites viewers into a scene where corals, plants, and fauna join in a dreamlike assembly against a charcoal background.

Having trekked South Mole Island and appreciated the scenery, it occurred to Noemi that when it comes to the Great Barrier Reef, people “only think of the bigger picture.”

Noemi’s intention, therefore, was to present a close-up perspective that highlights the individual elements within the larger picture.

Noemi emphasised that she was grateful for the lovely feedback she received, including from judge Lauren Turton from Artspace Mackay who commented the below:

“I enjoyed the artist’s interesting homage to the still life genre, and discovering the hidden treasures within this work. I enjoyed the well-developed concept, thoughtful consideration of composition and technique.”

Noemi said she was shocked to have won the competition:
“I never did this piece with the aim of winning, I just wanted to do something beautiful, it was very instinctual.”
“I saw all the stunning work at the exhibition from so many different artists, with years of experience, with so many great techniques, and I felt overwhelmed.”
“I feel honoured.”
Many of the artist’s pieces have now been sold, and Noemi says that it was a “great” and “successful” night.
The prize was an acquisitive prize alongside a cash prize of a hefty $3000. Therefore, The Whitsunday Regional Council is now the proud owner of Noemi’s fantastic piece.
Noemi also helped design the Fairy Tree for the Immersed Art Installation at the Great Barrier Reef Festival.
Noemi doesn't have any plans to create another masterpiece at present but wants to keep exploring her art and thanks her family members and coworkers who supported her.
You can see a full list of the winners on page 27.

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Noemi Martinez Romera and Mayor Ry Collins with her winning piece: ‘Panorama’. Photo credit: Marewyn Wright

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Last week, two men aged, 21 and 72 fought for their lives following a devastating multi-vehicle collision on the Bruce Highway near Bloomsbury and the road was subsequently closed in both directions.
The Bloomsbury accident, alongside other crashes, including the devastating Greyhound Bus Incident near Gumlu, has opened up discussions surrounding the quality of road on the Bruce Highway.
The section of the Bruce Highway that runs through Dawson, from Mackay up into Townsville, has been identified as one of the most dangerous sections of the entire highway, and the worst has been identified as the 100km stretch between Bowen and Home Hill.
The Bruce highway has seen 761 crashes over 13 years and Between 2018 and 2022, 149 people lost their lives in 129 separate fatal crashes on the Bruce Highway. Of those, 54% (81 fatalities) were head-on collisions and almost 80% (118 fatalities) occurred in 100-110km/h speed zones.
Andrew Wilcox MP, has added to discussions surrounding the Bruce Highway, saying that better funding is needed to facilitate much-needed upgrades that he believes would make the highway safer.
“To have absolutely no funding committed from the Labor government to the Dawson section of the Bruce Highway, the worst and most dangerous section of the entire highway is unacceptable.”
“The people have had enough, I’ve had enough.”
According to the The Australian Road Assessment Program (AusRAP) no part of the highway is rated 5 stars, and 45% is rated only 2 stars.
With many heavy vehicles using the Bruce Highway every day, struggles to keep up with the maintenance of the road are at the fore.
Andrew Wilcox MP has rallied for people to sign a petition called, ‘Back Our Bruce’ to improve the safety of those who live, work, and travel through the region.
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The devastating scene of the Bloomsbury Crash

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Whitsunday’s local girl Paitin Louise Powell has been crowned Miss Grand Australia 2024 after placing 1st runner up two years in a row.
An inspiring tale of rising from the ashes after coming first runner up in 2022 and 2023, to achieving first place in 2024.
Her success is a testament to the world that you can achieve your dreams despite the access and opportunity challenges faced by remote Australian girls.
Standing tall at 176cm, Paitin is the perfect combination of body, beauty, brain and business.
The 26-year-old Queensland Dental Nurse and Modelling School Trainer was crowned Miss Grand Australia 2024 at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour on Saturday night.
Miss Powell will now represent Australia at Miss Grand International (MGI) hosted in Cambodia and Thailand this October.
The 20 Miss Grand Australia national finalists from all over Australia successfully raised over $21,000 together in support of Destiny Rescue, an organisation that assists the rescue of young girls from child sexual slavery throughout the world with a particular focus on South-East Asia.
The final funds raised were handed over to Destiny Rescue at the coronation ceremony on Saturday evening at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour.
Paitin intends to use the Miss Grand Australia platform to continue working alongside Destiny Rescue to ensure more children are saved from the evils of human trafficking.
Australia holds one of the highest rankings in Miss Grand International history having placed globally in the top 5 multiple times since its inception in 2013.
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Contributed with thanks to Dani Nicole Fitch

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Patin Louise Powell. Photo Supplied.

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This month, we congratulate Kim Jamieson who recently became Principal and Partner of Accountancy Plus Whitsunday (APW).
 
APW, with origins dating back to 1985, provide tax return, business, accounting, and corporate services that includes compliance and business growth strategies to maximise profit.
 
Kim, a Proserpine local, joined the APW team in 2008 as a Trainee Accountant. After working and being mentored by Steve Diez (the founder of APW) for 15 years, her decision to enter into a business relationship just made sense.
 
As Principal, Kim hopes to increase mentoring and training graduates and trainees. With a lack of accountants in the industry, she feels it is important to put in effort to support upcoming graduates.
 
Kim is also focused on education and support. Clients are looking for more than just compliance but someone to advise and bring practical solutions to business. She is very proud of the work completed by the team on Covid stimulus. Many long hours went into informing, supporting, and lodging client applications.
 
Today, she sees how businesses are feeling the pinch with staffing issues, increasing costs, or a drop in customers. To help, APW has been focusing on training their clients to be more “hands on” with their accounts.
 
Kim’s top three tips for other business owners:
 
   • Build affiliations and ensure you are working with the right people and seek out expert advice when you need it.
   • Undertake regular financial health checks and know your critical breakeven point.
   • Invest in staff training and treat them well – they represent your business.
 
As an active member of the Chamber, Kim enjoys the exposure to other businesses and networks of businesspeople.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce

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