A comprehensive lung health check is available at no charge for former Queensland mine and quarry workers local to Mackay, when the HEART5 truck returns in August. 
The service is operated by Heart of Australia in partnership with Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ).
The B-double truck is packed full of state-of-the-art medical screening equipment and travels around regional and remote Queensland offering tests that detect mine dust lung diseases.
Free checks are available to former Queensland mine and quarry workers with at least 3 years' experience working in coal mines, mineral mines or quarries, including 6 months in Queensland.
RSHQ's Director of Health Strategy and Compliance Patrick Jensen said the tests are important to do, even long after finishing work in the industry because occupational lung diseases can take 10 years or more to develop.  
"Many former workers may not have symptoms or be aware they have a disease," said Mr Jensen.  

"Come forward and get tested because there could be treatment available, and you may be entitled to compensation. 

"It costs you nothing, just time. " 

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HEART5 screening includes:
   • Examination with an RSHQ-approved doctor
   • Chest X-ray
   • Lung function test by spirometry
   • CT scan (if required)

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HEART5 has travelled to Mackay seven times since it began operating in 2022. 
Retired Queensland miner Glenn Hank is living proof that a free lung check can change your life.  

One year ago, he noticed some worrying symptoms and decided to get tested.  

"I was pushing the mower around and getting shortness of breath," said Mr Hank. 

"I can't do a lot of things that I used to be able to do." 

The 59-year-old was tested on board the HEART5 truck one year ago, and was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a mine dust lung disease attributed to 20 years of working in Queensland coal and mineral mines.  

"My experience on the HEART5 truck was excellent," he said. 

"If the truck is around and you can get to it, bloody go for sure." 

"Have the test just to be on the safe side." 
Bookings are essential. Call 1300 445 715 to book or visit online for more information:  Contact | Miners' health matters (rshq.qld.gov.au)
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HEART5 Mackay visit details:
Where: Resources Centre of Excellence, 65 Crichtons Road, Paget
When: Tuesday 6 August – Thursday 8 August 2024

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This Tradies Health Awareness Month (August), optometrists are warning tradies in Mackay to better protect their eyes from injury on the job site. This comes after new research commissioned by Specsavers* reveals three in five (61%) tradies admit they have worn everyday sunglasses in place of protective eyewear on the worksite. 
 
With a large number (68%) of tradies witnessing an eye injury or an eye safety hazard while on the job, subbing sunnies for safety eyewear is putting their eye health at serious risk. 
 
Optometrists are calling out to all tradespeople to be vigilant in looking after their eyes on the job to avoid long-term, often preventable, and in some cases irreversible, damage to their eyesight. 
 
The research revealed almost half (42%) of tradespeople have had an eye injury at work that required further medical attention, and almost one in five had an eye injury more than once. 
 
Local Mackay Canelands Specsavers Optometrist Liam Grouhel says,  “We are urging tradies to take their eye safety seriously and be sure to take preventative measures on the worksite to protect their eyesight. 
“Sunglasses are not the right tool for protection against injuries.
“Safety glasses on the worksite are fit for purpose and provide essential eye protection against hazards such as flying debris and dust and even chemical splashes significantly reducing the risk of eye injuries.” 
 
The research found that tradies are risking their eye health by not taking eye safety as seriously as they should.  
“Health professionals want tradies to know that prevention is always better than cure, and getting regular eye tests is important to helping retain quality of vision, now and for years to come.” 
 
If you are on the worksite, make sure you wear protective glasses and if you have noticed any changes to your eyesight, book an eye test, which is bulk billed for all eligible Medicare card holders without optometry restrictions, this Tradies Health Awareness Month. For further information, visit https://www.specsavers.com.au.

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The Greater Whitsunday region is set to experience a significant boost in digital capabilities with the launch of the Greater Digital Skills Program.

This region-specific training program is tailored to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in addressing workforce challenges and skills gaps.

Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) Chief Executive Officer Ms Kylie Porter said the Greater Digital Skills Program was one of five successful projects to receive round two of Jobs Queensland ‘Grow Your Own’ funding.

Ms Porter said the Greater Digital Skills Program will be launched at the Digital Futurist Forum on Tuesday August 13.

“The Digital Futurist Forum is the first event in the Greater Digital Skills Program and is the first step for local business owners and operators interested in improving and advancing their digital skills to address workforce challenges and improve productivity.

“The Greater Digital Skills Program aims to educate local businesses on the range of digital options that can support their business in these challenging conditions.

Ms Porter said the Greater Digital Skills Program was part of GW3’s strategic workforce initiatives to develop a dynamic, responsive and capable workforce.

“Our region’s workforce is embracing the future, but we must equip businesses with cutting-edge skills to navigate workforces and prepare them to leverage new technologies. “Offering hands-on, region-specific training, the program enhances team capabilities and bridges skills gaps, ensuring seamless digital transformation,” Ms Porter said.

At the Digital Futurist Forum businesses will hear from digital leaders Dr Catherine Ball and The Digital Guide Tracy Sheen, who will share insights on the latest digital trends and technologies. Associate Professor Dr Catherine Ball is an academic, company director, bestselling author, futurist and visioner working across global projects where emerging technologies meet humanitarian, education and environmental needs.

Tracy Sheen has more than 30 years’ experience in marketing and technology and is the author of ‘The End of Technophobia’ Australia’s Business Book of the Year in 2021. The program will be facilitated by Tracy Sheen, who will lead the series of masterclasses both face-to face and online. During the masterclasses, businesses will receive mentorship and ongoing support from motivation, accountability, personalised advice along with tools to integrate new digital tools into their business to solve workforce challenges

After the Digital Futurist Forum, Greater Whitsunday businesses will have the opportunity to submit an Expression of Interest for the Greater Digital Skills Program which will run from September 2024 to May 2025.

Submissions to be part of the Greater Digital Skills Program will close September 1, 2024, with successful applicants notified by September 10.

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What: Digital Futurist Forum
When: Tuesday, August 13, 2024; 7:30am – 9:30am
Where: Sky’s Function Room, Magpies Sporting Club, 1 Glenella Road, Mackay
Tickets: $35/head (Includes breakfast). Purchase online via Humanitix

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Tracy Sheen will share insights on the latest digital trends and technologies during the Digital Futurist Forum

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Tuesday Night Trivia

Every Tuesday night, Laffos Bar & Pizzeria turns into the go-to spot for enjoyable, family-friendly fun with its Free Trivia Night!

Starting at 7pm and finishing by 8:30pm, this event promises a great time with three rounds of 10 questions each. The trivia is expertly hosted by the legendary Joel, who has been at the helm for eight years, while the questions are crafted by Dave Peters, a familiar voice from Mackay’s Triple M radio station.

For bookings, call 4898 112 now to secure your table and enjoy an evening of laughter, great food and friendly competition!

Pizza For A Purpose

The recent Pizza for a Purpose initiative was a huge success, raising $11,700 in June. By donating $5 from every large pizza sold, the campaign supported local suicide awareness programs and saw 2,340 pizzas sold, which is 184 more than last year.

Partnering with Grapevine Group, Bright Light Marketing and Caneland Central for the Pizza for a Purpose campaign was a rewarding experience for Laffos. This collaborative effort not only raised significant funds but also helped spread crucial awareness about mental health.

Co-owner Nicole Laffin said “At the end of the day, while the money is wonderful, the campaign is also about awareness and we need people to know they do not need to suffer.

“Reaching out when you are struggling with life is very hard but a conversation can change everything and we want people to speak up…It’s so important.

“Working with Grapevine Group, Bright Light Marketing and Caneland Central to deliver Pizza for a Purpose is an absolute pleasure, we make a great team,” Nicole remarked.

Head over to Laffos today and enjoy a delicious selection of dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, all while supporting a restaurant that values their community in a vibrant atmosphere!

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‘Great food, fantastic service, excellent all round.’

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Don’t waste another morning on a regular breakfast! Discover the perfect start to your day at Ocean International with their delightful breakfast menu.

Open every day from 6am, Oceans Bar & Restaurant offers a refreshing breakfast experience where guests can enjoy the gentle ocean breeze and a relaxing ambiance by the serene pool.

Whether it’s a morning meeting over coffee or a family breakfast with the kids playing at the nearby park, Ocean International provides an ideal setting.

Take the chance to treat yourself and indulge in their delectable breakfast offerings, featuring irresistibly fluffy pancakes and a crowd-pleasing smashed avocado dish. Each meal is complemented by freshly brewed coffee that’s sure to awaken your senses.

The reviews speak for themselves, with just one of many happy customers claiming: "Loved our breakfast there! Great menu and so nice eating by the pool! Totally recommend it." - Carol Palmer.

Ocean International has quickly become a regional favourite, setting a new standard with its meticulously crafted, visually stunning atmosphere and exceptionally friendly service. Whether you’re a local or a visitor from afar, this destination promises an experience that goes beyond expectations, making sure every moment feels uniquely special and warmly inviting for every occasion.

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Breakfast Menu concludes at 11am

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For just $29.90, Fusion 128 offers a delightful lunchtime special featuring a choice of six main meals, plus a complimentary dessert!

The options include a selection of delicious dishes featuring mouth-watering Pork Belly, cooked to perfection with your choice of a Creamy Pasta, Pork Belly with vegetables and mash, Pork Belly with chips and corn ribs, Pork Belly with cheese rolls, Pork Belly Ramen, or Pork Belly with Spicy Korean Noodles.

Each lunch special comes with a complimentary Crème Bruleé, making it a two-course meal that adds a touch of luxury to your lunchtime experience. This enticing offer is available from Monday to Saturday, between 11:45 AM and 1:30 PM.

Fusion 128, a beloved regional restaurant, has been delighting customers under the ownership of David Ting for over a decade. Mr Ting, who has extensive experience in the industry and has been involved with Hong Kong importers for 26 years, infuses the restaurant with his rich expertise and engaging personality.

On some special occasions, guests can sometimes find themselves treated to Mr Ting’s impressive magic tricks, adding an element of surprise and wonder to their dining experience.

The atmosphere at Fusion 128 is both welcoming and elegant, creating a spacious and inviting setting ideal for all your gatherings. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting to make an ordinary day feel extraordinary, the ambiance at Fusion 128 adds a welcoming touch of charm and sophistication to any meal.

The restaurant's staff, comprising individuals from France, Australia, Korea and an array of other countries, contributes to the authentic and diverse culinary experience that Fusion 128 is known for. This fusion of cultures and backgrounds enriches the dining experience, bringing a unique and global perspective to the menu.

The chefs at Fusion 128 are dedicated not only to preparing great food but also to enhancing its flavour to ensure a memorable dining experience. Mr Ting emphasises that every detail, from the honey-coated carrots to the carefully selected ingredients, is crafted with precise care.

This attention to detail makes every dish not just tasty, but truly exceptional, encouraging guests to keep coming back for more.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your friends, family and work colleagues and take advantage of this limited lunchtime special as you devour a range of tasty pork belly dishes paired with a delicious Crème Bruleé.

Offer is only available for a limited time until August 31st, 2024

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2 Course Pork Belly Lunch Special (from 11:45am – 1.30pm)

Choices of Main:

Pork Belly & Creamy Pasta
Pork Belly with Vegetables and Mash
Pork Belly with Chips and Corn Ribs
Pork Belly with Cheese Rolls
Pork Belly Ramen
Pork Belly with Spicy Korean Noodles

Plus a Crème Bruleé for dessert just $29.90 until August 31st!

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There’s a lot happening this weekend that I want to tell you about, and I can tell you now, you will absolutely love it.

If you love sport, then this weekend you will have the biggest smile on your face. Harrup Park is coming alive from today until Sunday with the Century Cricket Competition going off. There are stacks of BBL players competing in this one too. Our local Rays team will certainly show the rest of Australia how good we are.

Airlie Beach has their Barrier Reef Festival kicking off tonight with the lantern parade from 6, Conrad Sewell on stage later tonight, the street parade tomorrow, and so much entertainment, you will love it.

The big tribute show to Tina Turner is on Sunday at the MECC with the amazing Caroline Borole belting out the tunes and dancing the night away. When I spoke to her on Tuesday, she was excited to get to Mackay and get everyone singing and dancing. You have been warned!

Plus, the big-ticket event for this weekend is not me playing A4 grass hockey at Harney Street, oh no. It’s the grand final series with the basketball kings, the Mackay McDonald’s Meteors, who are playing the games of their lives taking on the Brisbane Capitals in the best of 3 games here in Mackay on Juliet Street. Tonight, tomorrow, and Sunday if needed will be edge-of-the-seat stuff that’s for sure.

Last weekend we beat the Spartans to get to this grand final spot, so you really don’t want to miss out. It’ll be fun. It will be loud. It will be something you want to be a part of. Remember it’ll be coach Joel Kahlu’s last game before he heads off to work full-time with the NBL Illawarra Hawks team as assistant coach.

This bloke not only is basketball through and through, but when you break it down, he is one of the nicest blokes going. While he might not be able to reach the top shelf in the fridge or wash the roof of the car, he’s top shelf in my eyes. Your passion comes through in every game, even to the point when the refs have that chat with you to behave.

We will all miss you when you head down south, Joel. Go hard this weekend, mate, and make us all proud with all your tall mates. Let’s go MACKTOWN! I hope my voice holds up on the mic!

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You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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I’m not sure who first said that but I heard it recently from a client who had a property I was selling.
The relationship an agent has with sellers is a hugely important one because it is quite a journey we embark on, with plenty of ups and downs that we share and work through along the way.
I do feel it is a team effort when working with sellers because that’s what creates the most successful outcomes.
There are times that, as the agent, I need the sellers to provide information that I know will help us sell the property; it might be some house plans, details about the construction of the house or some historical data that a potential buyer is asking about.
The comment, “If you want a job done, give it to a busy person” came from a client who had a property that he owned with his son that they had asked me to sell.
The client was the successful businessman and all-round decent human Michael Camilleri who, with his wife Marianne and son Chris, own and operate the Jayco caravan business in Mackay.
Michael is still very involved in the business but Chris is the manager and he is a very busy man running what is a tremendously successful Jayco operation.
The property that I was selling had a house on it that had been moved from another site and had then been renovated prior to going on the market.
While both Michael and Chris were very involved with the relocation and renovation of the property,  Chris was my go-to person for documentation and other information I needed to conduct the sale.
At one stage during the process I was talking to Michael and realised I would again have to get Chris to dig out some more documentation for me relating to the property. I was a bit apologetic because I knew how busy Chris was with his job managing Jayco.
That’s when Michael said: “If you want a job done, give it to a busy person.”
Michael didn’t say that in a dismissive way but with a sense of pride that Chris had the management and organizational skills to efficiently move from one job to the next, juggling as many balls as required along the way.
As always, Chris got me the information I needed quick as a flash and got back to his real job.
And that’s the thing. Effective, busy people manage to get the job done and move on to the next thing. They’re not busy being busy but busy executing their work, methodically completing tasks and getting results.
So that is another benefit about selling real estate; you get to know and observe people who have built businesses, created successful operations that provide opportunities for themselves and their staff.
And, speaking of busy, it is part of the deal in my world of real estate sales. If you’re not busy you’re in trouble. Busy means business is coming in and it then comes down to how you manage that.
I have a personal assistant, Sandy, who looks after the admin/paperwork side of things, which is a great relief. But it’s my job to be making the calls, managing a pipeline of listings, preparing properties for sale, negotiating offers and getting the deals done.
Like other businesses in Mackay, real estate is strong and very active. It’s great to be busy.

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Council is providing free buses to Daly Bay Illuminate this year to allow residents to access the showcase Mackay Festival of Arts event with greater ease.
For four nights, from Thursday, August 8, to Sunday, August 11, Queens Park will be transformed into a stunning showcase of art, light and creativity.
Each night from 6pm to 9pm, Daly Bay Illuminate will explode with bubbles, glow with fun and wonder, and vividly highlight the historic landmarks and natural beauty of Queens Park.

Major installations this year include:
The Bubble Lab with 12,000 bubbles springing to life every minute.
Fire Trees which simulate trees on fire with neon flex.
The rainbow layered Speckled Gums.
The Radiant Earthscape realm with moving lights rising from the ground.
The underwater wonderland that is Habitat.
The Insectarium – an installation that shines a light on the diversity and beauty of our local insects.

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Mayor Greg Williamson said Daly Bay Illuminate was a beautiful event for young families that attracted thousands of visitors.
“Daly Bay Illuminate is a tremendous showcase of the talents of many of our local artists and our MECC lighting and technical team who always put so much creativity into linking the various installations,” Mayor Williamson said.
“It’s also great to be able to feature one of our standout regional parklands – Queens Park is a beautiful park with historic trees, excellent accessibility and plenty of space for crowds to spread out and relax,” he said.
“We want every festivalgoer to be able to enjoy this spectacular event, so to cut down on parking congestion and to prevent those with little legs having to walk long distances during peak times, we have three free buses running from key locations.”
The wheelchair-accessible buses will run on 35-minute loops from 5.45pm to 10.30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights (not Sunday) and deliver festivalgoers to Queens Park via the bus stop on Goldsmith Street.
Bus one will run from Caneland Central, bus two will run from Mount Pleasant/North Mackay and bus three will run from Ooralea/Nebo Road (includes city stop).
A full bus schedule and more information on Daly Bay Illuminate can be found at themecc.com.au/illuminate.
MECC Venue and Events Operations Manager Jemma Carey said Illuminate wasn’t wholly a visual spectacle – there was a culinary adventure to be had as well.
“We’ve got more than a dozen food vendors coming to the event, offering delicious dumplings, kebabs, woodfired pizzas, Brazilian barbecue, gourmet sausages, burgers, fried chicken, crepes and desserts like fairy floss and ice cream,” Ms Carey said.
“This is going to be a fantastic night out for the family and the team is excited to be able to share this wonderland of vivid colours and lights with our community and visitors to the region,” she said.

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For four nights, from Thursday, August 8, to Sunday, August 11, Queens Park will be transformed into a stunning showcase of art, light and creativity
 
Bubble Lab seamlessly blends the delicate beauty of bubbles with the vivid spectacle that is Daly Bay Illuminate

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Last night a multi-agency search and rescue operation successfully saved three local men, who were out fishing from a sinking 6.9-metre vessel near Block Reef, about 70 nautical miles offshore.

The men were rescued after a mayday call was received at 10:15pm. Water Police, Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Queensland (VMRAQ), and a civilian boat were all involved in the rescue operation.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) also received an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) activation at the same time with the same coordinates and dispatched the Cairns-based Challenger rescue aircraft along with two rescue helicopters

The Queensland water police, assumed coordination of the surface assets, which included the police vessel the ‘Damien Leeding.’

The helicopter dropped a life raft to the individuals at around 12:30am. The police vessel was about 45 minutes off at that time. The boat sank at the time of the life raft being dropped, and the men were forced to swim and climb into the life raft.

The men stayed in the life raft around 45 minutes until the police vessel was able to deploy their tender to collect them.

After collection, Senior Constable Damien Watts, stated that the men were “cold, they were very hungry, they were given some warm drinks so it was probably one of the best tasting cups of instant coffee they’ve ever had.”

“No injuries, I think they were very grateful to be saved,” Damien added.

“A great effort from all agencies involved, it was a timely deployment.”

Incidents like this serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of registering your EPIRB, ensuring your vessel is seaworthy, verifying that radios are functioning, and confirming that all safety equipment is onboard.

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In a surprise announcement, Julieanne Gilbert, the Member for Mackay, announced that she will not be contesting the upcoming State election in October. 
 
Mrs Gilbert said that it has been an honour to represent Mackay in State Parliament. 

“The world has changed immensely during this time, increased use of social media, the global pandemic and now we are combating the global cost of living pressures.  I have loved working in our community,” she said.
  
“I have decided that it is time for me to pass the baton onto someone younger who will continue work for our collective betterment.
 
“I would like to thank the Mackay community for their support.”

During a press conference held on Sydney Street, Mrs Gilbert sighted the opportunity to travel with her husband, Frank, as well as spending more time with her family as motivating factors for her retirement. She also said that this was her decision, and she was not influenced by the Labor party to retire.

During her career as the Member for Mackay since 2015, there are a number of projects delivered for the Mackay community that she is proud of.

“Investment into our road systems to make our daily lives safer and get to our destinations quicker including the Vines Creek Bridges, Mackay Ring Road and Walkerston Bypass and a network of shared bike and walking paths,” she said.
 
“Our health services continue to grow to service our expanding population including, the rebuild of the Sarina hospital, the funding for the 128-bed expansion and multi-story car park at the Mackay Base Hospital.  The expansion of the Heart Catheter Lab which is saving the lives of locals.”
 
She also said that traditional industries need support while developing future industries. 

“Mackay Sugar used their Labor State Governments support package to upgrade their mills so they could attract investors to ensure a bright future for the sugar industry.  To diversify the sugar industry and support businesses to develop biofuels and future foods from sugar and by-product from the milling process we have rolled out grants,” Mrs Gilbert said.
 
“The Resource Centre of Excellence is putting our region on the map as a world leader for state-of-the-art mining. The centre was a 2017 election commitment.”
 
The former teacher also said that the region’s future workforce will come from students currently sitting in classrooms.

“A new classroom block at the Mackay Special School, the upgrade to the performing arts blocks at North Mackay SHS and the new teaching spaces at CQU TAFE will prepare and train our young people. Our fee-free TAFE courses will ensure our school leavers can gain skills to get into the workforce and our mature workers wanting to upgrade or gain new skills can do it right here,” she said.

Mrs Gilbert also highlighted numerous investments in event infrastructure as proud moments in her career.
 
“We have recently enjoyed another Mackay show, the experience so much better with the modern state government-funded buildings,” she added.
 
“We all know that Mackay is a great city in which to live and with Labor’s investment in infrastructure like the Great Barrier Reef Arena it is becoming increasingly popular as an events destination.

“Even when you have not agreed with decisions being made at state government level, please know that each decision was made with the best interest of our community’s future at heart.”
 
There is speculation on who may run as the Labor candidate for Mackay, with Mrs Gilbert neither confirming nor denying that the Deputy Mayor, Belinda Hassan, is a strong possibility. She did say that Ms Hassan is a fantastic person with strong roots in the community and passion for the betterment of the Mackay region but would not confirm if she was running for Labor.

Ms Gilbert did say that it is important for the new candidate to dedicate to more than one term to see the delivery of projects which can sometimes take more than a decade from concept to completion.

“Continuity is needed to get projects delivered and to have a solid knowledge of our community,” she said.
 
“Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, ALP branch members, many volunteers, and my hard-working electorate staff for joining me on this journey.”
 

After nearly a decade of service, Julieanne Gilbert steps down as Member for Mackay to focus on family and travel. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Detectives from Argos have charged a 29-year-old Mackay man after an investigation targeting offenders on the dark web using cryptocurrency to purchase child abuse material. The investigation enlisted assistance from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Mackay man was arrested following the execution of a search warrant on Friday and charged with 21 counts of soliciting child abuse material by using a carriage service, 19 counts of transmitting to himself child abuse material by using a carriage service, one count of possessing child abuse material obtained by using a carriage service and one count of using a carriage service to transmit or distribute child abuse material.  He has been released on strict bail conditions to next appear in the Mackay Magistrates Court on August 5.
Detectives also arrested a 35-year-old Mango Hill man.
The Mango Hill man was arrested following the execution of a search warrant on July 2 and charged with one count of using a carriage service to access child abuse material.  He has been released on strict bail conditions to next appear in the Pine Rivers Magistrates Court on July 30.
It will be alleged both men were found to be in possession of child exploitation material which had been sourced on the dark web and encrypted networks using cryptocurrency and other secure online methods for payment.
The investigation stemmed from a joint investigation between the Queensland Police Service (QPS), the Australian Federal Police-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation.
A priority of QPS is the prevention and proactive detection of the online exploitation of children. To help achieve this goal, QPS works in partnership with the community, child protection services and national and international law enforcement agencies.
Detective Inspector Glen Donaldson of Argos said that every day, Argos and the AFP work collaboratively together at the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation to target high-harm offenders operating on a range of online platforms. 
“Our covert online operatives operate across a vast array of platforms every day to identify and target child sex offenders who seek to distribute child abuse material,” Detective Inspector Donaldson said.
“This is not a victimless crime as behind every image is a child who has been the subject of abuse.  
“Law enforcement continue to share intelligence on a daily basis, working together to identify those who seek to hide on platforms they believe make them anonymous.
“Everything you do online leaves a trace, and our Detectives will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to identify and prosecute offenders”.
AFP Detective Superintendent Frank Rayner said the AFP and its partners worked tirelessly to protect children, wherever they lived, and identify anyone involved in harming or exploiting them.
“At the AFP-led ACCCE, we focus on collaboration through the provision of specialist capabilities such as our cryptocurrency analysis experts, who played a key role supporting this Argos investigation,” AFP Det-Supt Rayner said.
“This excellent operational outcome is a prime example of how effectively the AFP works with our law enforcement partners across all states and territories, and internationally, to combat child exploitation and abuse.”

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Police body cam footage captures the extraction of child exploitation material from devices during the investigation

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As I nervously settle into my second round of chemotherapy today, I'm reminded that life doesn't pause for a diagnosis. Instead, it becomes a complex juggling act. Between the complexities of modern life, I find myself navigating the intricate dance of living with cancer, working full-time, and raising a spirited toddler.
When I received my diagnosis in April, my parents were on a plane the following week, ready to help look after my son while I navigated this new reality. Fast-forward three months, after bowel surgery and the start of my treatment, and we had to bid them a tearful farewell at the Gold Coast airport.
If there’s a silver lining in this cancer journey, it’s that my parents had the chance to watch my little boy grow every day for three months. And, my word, has he grown! He went from walking to running in the blink of an eye and now loves to gather bits and bobs to deposit into any drawer or door he can open. ‘Open and shut’ is his favourite game, and I’m forever finding toys in the most unexpected places.
These next few weeks will probably be hardest on my parents, who won’t wake up to a little lad walking into their room, holding books for them to read. But through it all, I've come to believe that even the darkest of clouds will eventually part for the light.
A wise person once said, “things are only tough now,” and that resonates deeply with me. When I think back to the worst moments in my life, there was always a way forward. Tomorrow holds all the promise in the world if you let it. Today might be tough, but it’s just for now.
If you’re also having a tough time, perhaps you have your own medical battle, you might be finding the cost-of-living crisis tough to navigate or you may be grappling with the shortage of housing, here’s to us - finding joy in the quirkiest of places - even if it’s just discovering a toy Minion in your sock drawer. If you’re up for a chat and would like the opportunity to tell your story, you can always reach out to me, my email address is on the left of this page.
Keep smiling, stay strong, and remember, there’s always a silver lining if you search for it.
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Amanda

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A heartfelt thank you was shared from a grateful parent to the individuals who came to the aid of their son last Tuesday evening on the Yakapari-Habana Road.

The young driver had veered off the road into tall grass while attempting to avoid an animal.

Acknowledging the fortunate outcome that spared harm to both the driver, his passenger and their vehicle, the parent expressed immense gratitude for the kindness shown by those who stopped to assist.

Two individuals in the area witnessed the incident unfold and promptly stepped in to assist. One actively helped the young driver, while the other stopped to offer support.

The parent posted to Facebook to thank the individuals personally.

The post read: “A really big thankyou to the person who helped my son earlier this evening out on Yakapari-Habana Road.

“He had run off road into long grass after swerving to miss an animal, he was very lucky he didn't do more damage either to himself, passenger or his car.

“If you were the person who helped him or the other person who stopped to see if they could help I just want to say a really big thank you for your kindness, it's very much appreciated.”

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A former Mackay local played a major role in dropping four exercise torpedoes from a RAAF P-8A Poseidon on a US Navy nuclear submarine during a maritime patrol serial at Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC).
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11 Squadron Commander and tactical coordinator, Squadron Leader Tristan Hull, said it was the first time an Australian P-8A dropped this variant of the Mark 54 Lightweight Exercise Torpedo.
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“It is not very often that we get to drop exercise torpedoes,” Squadron Leader Hull said.

“It’s almost certainly the highlight of a tactical coordinator’s career being able to do this, and on a live target is rare. So it’s pretty special for us to be here at RIMPAC this year.”
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Squadron Leader Hull grew up in Mackay and graduated from St Patrick’s College in 2007. He’s now based at 11 Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh in Adelaide and is currently part of a 320-strong ADF contingent on Exercise RIMPAC in Hawaii.
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Australia’s P-8A Poseidon entered the live fire area to the north of the Hawaiian Islands early on Wednesday, July 10 integrating with a US Navy P-8A.
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The two Poseidon aircraft conducted range surveillance – essentially flying a grid search pattern at low altitude to hunt down the exact location of the submarine – while a MQ-9A unmanned aerial vehicle flew above the P-8As to record the training exercise.
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In this exercise scenario, the crews were given coordinates for the submarine's location, the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Topeka SSN 754, but it was up to the P-8A to establish organic tracking and attack criteria.
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“We dropped sonobuoys to determine the track of the submarine" Squadron Leader Hull said.
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"Once we were able to establish position, course and speed of the submarine we were able to derive a solution that met our attack criteria and appropriate weapon placement to ensure maximum success.
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“The process of dropping a Mark 54 exercise torpedo on top of a submarine is a collaborative effort between the crew.
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"The tactical coordinator needs to position sonobuoys appropriately in the water, the acoustics operator needs to interpret that information, and the pilots need to fly the aircraft efficiently before an attack solution can be derived in order to position the weapon to acquire the target.”
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Four tactical coordinators on board the RAAF P-8A each dropped a Mark 54 exercise torpedo. The torpedoes are capable of tracking, classifying and attacking underwater targets.
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Exercise torpedoes do not come into contact with the target and there is no explosion.

After a pre-determined time, the torpedoes float to the surface and are retrieved for assessment, reconfiguration and reuse.
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Squadron Leader Hull said that based on the crew’s own tracking, attack criteria and weapon placement, they expect that each of the weapon drops would have been successful in acquiring their target.
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“A helicopter retrieves the exercise torpedoes after each drop," he said.
"Further analysis of the weapon and its data will ultimately determine if the torpedo was successful in chasing down that target.”
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Squadron Leader Hull said an exercise as large as RIMPAC enabled training outcomes for the Squadron that they would not necessarily be able to achieve in Australia.

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Air Force aviators from No. 11 Squadron transfer a Mk54 Lightweight Exercise Torpedo to a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii

Air Force aviators from No. 11 Squadron, CPL Brendan King, CPL Zachary Sellman, LAC Joe Woods, CPL Aaron Sims, fit a Mk54 Lightweight Exercise Torpedo to a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon 

Squadron Leader Tristan Hull, Flight Commander of No. 11 Squadron during a Torpedo Exercise on a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon as part of Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024, Hawaiian Islands

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