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

‍

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.”

‍

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

‍

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.
‍

Amanda

‍

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.”

‍

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).
​​
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.
​
“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.”
​
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.
​
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.
​
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.
​
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.
​
“We dropped sonobuoys to determine the track of the submarine" Squadron Leader Hull said.
​
"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.
​
“The process of dropping a Mark 54 exercise torpedo on top of a submarine is a collaborative effort between the crew.
​
"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.”
​
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.
​
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.
​
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.
​
“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.”
​
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.

‍

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

‍

The Capricornia Pumped Hydroelectric Energy Storage (PHES) project, managed by the Capricornia Energy Hub (CEH), is advancing into a critical phase of development.
This private project is different to the Pioneer Burdekin Pumped Hydro project overseen by Queensland Hydro, and it has reached a more advanced stage in its timeline. CEH is set to commence the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) process, beginning with the Draft Terms of Reference (TOR), which is now open for public commentary until Friday, 23 August 2024.
The project, proposed by Eungella PHES Pty Ltd (trading as Capricornia Energy Hub) as trustee for Eungella PHES Trust and representing Eungella Infrastructure Pty Ltd, aims to develop a $2.87 billion PHES and Transmission project. Key components of the project include an upper reservoir, a system of tunnels leading to a 750-megawatt generation facility, a lower reservoir, a 17-kilometre-long transmission line and a substation connecting to the national electricity grid.
The project is situated approximately 80 kilometres west of Mackay and 10 kilometres northwest of Eungella, Queensland, within the Mackay Regional Council and Isaac Regional Council local government areas.
The Australian Minister for the Environment and Water determined that the transmission component (EPBC 2023/09627) and the PHES component (EPBC 2023/09626) of the project are likely to have significant impacts on matters of national environmental significance. Both components require approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) before proceeding.
Public comments on the draft TOR are invited from Monday, 15 July 2024, to Friday, 23 August 2024.
For more information and to submit comments, visit the Capricornia PHES project page on the Coordinator-General's website.

‍

Nigel Dalton will seek the support of family and friends for his pitch to represent the people of Mackay during a public celebration of his 60th birthday this weekend.

The former police officer is now the LNP Candidate for the seat of Mackay.

“My 60th birthday marks the official end of my 40-year career as a police officer so it’s a very significant time for me,” Mr Dalton said.

“I’ve also made a commitment to continue serving the community of Mackay by running as the LNP candidate for this seat at the state election to be held in October.

“I’ve been really touched by the offers of support I’ve had from friends old and new, and from young people I’ve been able to support over 20 years in crime prevention policing.

“People are asking how they can help so this barbecue event at the Memorial Pool provides an opportunity to ‘rally the troops’.

“There’s a lot of work to be done and I am inviting anyone who would like to be involved in my campaign to come down and say g’day.

“Bring the family, have a swim and some food and help me celebrate the end of one era and the start of something new.”

Nigel’s 60th Birthday Community Barbecue will be held at the Mackay Memorial Pool in Milton Street from 12 noon to 3pm on Saturday July 27.

RSVP your interest to mackay@lnp.org.au  

‍

Nigel Dalton, Mackay’s 2023 Citizen of the Year, will celebrate his 60th birthday and the launch of his political campaign at the Mackay Memorial Pool. Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

‍

Australia’s largest regional mining event is happening in Mackay this week, and Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said he’s excited to welcome the Queensland Mining and Engineering Expo (QME) back to the region.
 
“Mackay is home to one of the largest mining, engineering, technology, and science, or METS sectors, and to host this expo right in our backyard really means we can showcase our industry capabilities and expertise,” Mr Wilcox said.

“The mining industry is vital to our region, our state, and our country. In Queensland, mining and METS supports over 532,000 jobs, contributes more than $18 billion dollars in royalties in Queensland alone, and nearing $117 billion dollars to the Australian economy.”
 
“This is an excellent opportunity for industry participants focussed on efficiency, improved productivity, and innovation to connect, with more than 300 suppliers converging on the Mackay Showgrounds for the three-day event.
 
The Queensland Mining and Engineering Expo has become a cornerstone of the Queensland mining industry over the last 30 years, holding exhibitions, seminars, facilitating industry networking, and celebrating industry achievements through the Queensland Mining Awards.
 
“An expo like this brings massive benefits to our region, providing a huge economic boost with hotels booked out and the pubs, cafes, and restaurants enjoying the increase of people to the town.

“I am a strong supporter of the mining sector and my team, and I will be at the Mackay Showgrounds for the full three days, from 9am to 5pm on Tuesday 23rd through to Thursday 25th, welcoming you to this fantastic event. Join me in showing your support for this industry that contributes so much to Australia. 
 
“I look forward to seeing you all at the QME.”

For more information about the QME, visit www.queenslandminingexpo.com.au

‍

Queensland’s Catholic Education Week 2024 is being celebrated from 21 to 27 July. Catholic Education - Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR) kindergartens, primary schools, and college communities joined in statewide celebrations to honour their distinctive mission.
This year’s theme, Communities of Faith, Hope & Love, saw over 18,000 CEDR students, along with teachers, support staff, and volunteers from regional, rural, and remote centres ranging from Mackay to Bundaberg and west to Longreach, participating in a range of celebrations. These included liturgies, award presentations, special assemblies, gatherings, fun activities, and outreach to the wider community.
Diocesan Director of Catholic Education, Michael McCusker, said that Catholic Education Week is always a special date on the calendar as it provides school communities the opportunity to celebrate what is at the heart of a Catholic school.
“In Catholic Education Week we focus on our Catholic identity and the unique role of Catholic schools in their local communities. We reflect on our beliefs and values and seek to deepen our understanding of what it means to be part of the Ministry of Catholic Education within the Catholic Church, and to share that more widely with our parishes and communities,” Mr McCusker said.
“We celebrate the faith dimension of a Catholic education where we seek to be true witnesses to Christ’s message of hope and love for the world, to be the face of Jesus to those we meet in our everyday lives,” he added.
Catholic Education Week also called us to reach out to those in our parishes and wider communities.
“Catholic Education Week calls us to reach out to those in our parishes and wider communities to say thank you for their support and, inspired by Jesus’ example, to look for opportunities to help others in need through our acts of kindness and social justice which are a key feature of our schools but especially highlighted in Catholic Education Week,” Mr McCusker noted.
“The carrying out by our students and staff of these acts of kindness and care is an aspect of Catholic Education Week which is loved by all our communities, the opportunity to do something for someone and the sense of joy and happiness that always follows,” he said.
This year’s Diocesan Catholic Education Week Mass, held at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Rockhampton, at midday on Wednesday 24 July, was livestreamed to Catholic school communities across the Diocese.
Catholic Bishop of Rockhampton, Bishop Michael McCarthy, presided at the Mass, which included a special presentation to Jan Whelan OAM.
Jan, well known in the Mackay region for her gifts and talents in music that she generously shares with her local Catholic Parish, Catholic Primary Schools, and Colleges, and the wider community, received the Diocesan Recipient of the Statewide Spirit of Catholic Education Award.
In congratulating Jan, Mr McCusker acknowledged all 32 award nominees from the Diocese for their outstanding contributions to Catholic Education and for making a real and lasting difference in the lives of students and their families.
“We are abundantly blessed to have such committed and dedicated people in our kindergartens, schools, and colleges,” Mr McCusker said.
Mr McCusker also paid tribute to students, parents, families, teachers, staff members, Board and Parents and Friends members, volunteers, priests and religious, and parish and community members for their great contributions to, and ongoing support of, Catholic education. He wished everyone in the Catholic Education and wider community a joyous and meaningful Catholic Education Week 2024.

‍

Diocesan Director of Catholic Education Michael McCusker

‍

A 69-year-old local male cyclist has died in an alleged hit-and-run incident at a Bowen intersection.
The rider was discovered deceased at the corner of Bootooloo Rd and Wheelers Ln on this morning at 4:40am when a passing motorist found him. They had stopped to render assistance but, after realising the gravity of the situation, contacted 000.
Queensland Ambulance Services said the man sustained life-threatening injuries, and multi-system trauma.
Queensland Police Acting Inspector for the Mackay and Whitsunday District Jeremy Novosel added that the individual did not survive the initial impact.
Acting Inspector Novosel stated that the police have commenced an investigation, with the scene now under examination:
“It could be speed, it could be inattention, it could be a situation that is just purely an accident, but we have to factor all that into our investigation.”
“It's a tragic incident, and we certainly expect that people involved in these sorts of accidents would remain on the scene,” he said.
Police are led to believe the man was a fitness cyclist, who embarked on his daily ride, typically departing around 4:15 am. The road is also a regular route used by cyclists.
Officers from the forensic crash unit in Mackay, “are appealing to anyone who was travelling in the area between 4:15 and 5am this morning to contact police,” Novosel said.
The police are also appealing for the driver involved, or anyone with further information to come forward.
The type of vehicle is still unknown at this moment as investigators continue to look into the incident:
“The scene is still under examination and there may be items that are on the roadway or witnesses who might be able to provide information to police to lead to that information.”

‍

Vision of Acting Inspector Jeremy Novosel speaking to media in relation to the fatal bicycle crash this morning, July 25

‍

Two bright red park benches at Mackay Base Hospital will remind patients and visitors that ‘taking a seat will also help take a stand’ against domestic violence.
The red benches are being officially launched by Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) on 23 July and will be installed in two high-profile locations at the hospital; one at the front of the emergency department, the other near the hospital’s front entrance on Bridge Road.
Mackay Hospital and Health Service Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Community Engagement Kerry Maley said the red benches aimed to encourage discussion about what family and domestic violence can look like and how the community can help those impacted by it.
"We believe that everyone has a responsibility to play a role in raising awareness about domestic and family violence,” Ms Maley said.
"People may not have violence in their lives, but everyone can offer support or intervene if it's safe to do so and that's why we want the benches in prominent places at our hospital.”
Ms Maley said all too often people who attend the hospital have experienced a form of domestic and family violence. There were increasing numbers of domestic and family violence presentations to Mackay Base Hospital every year, with many seeking assistance and support, she said.
The Red Bench project is the brainchild of the not-for-profit group Red Rose Foundation, which works towards ending domestic violence-related deaths in Australia.
Mackay Hospital Foundation general manager Kristi Algate said the foundation was proud to grant funding for the purchase of benches which also feature a QR code link to support services and a plaque reading ‘Change the Ending: Let’s Stop Domestic and Family Violence’.
There are eight red benches in various locations across the Mackay region including at Mackay Regional Council, Mackay Women’s Services and Caneland Central.

‍

Deputy Mayor Belinda Hassan, Cr Alison Jones, Kerry Maley, Mayor Greg Williamson, Kristi Algate and Brian Sullivan. Photos supplied
Brian Sullivan, Kerry Maley, Sandi Winner and Kristi Algate
One of Mackay Hospital’s new red benches near the Emergency Department

‍

St. John's Catholic Primary School in Walkerston marked a memorable occasion last Friday as it celebrated 100 years of education.

The event was a nostalgic journey through time, featuring a special memorabilia display adorned with past school photos, uniforms and historical artifacts in honour of the past generations of students and staff.

St. John's Catholic Primary School in Walkerston was first established in 1924 by the sisters of Mercy, with 111 students in attendance. Now, in 2024, the school accommodates 347 students across 14 classes with a focus on growing and expanding for the students of tomorrow.

Among the special guests present on the day was Pauline Stevens, a centenarian and former student of the school after attending St. John’s briefly in 1933. At an impressive 100 years old herself, she fondly remembers her time there, recalling the kindness of the nuns and teachers who left a lasting impression on her.

The celebration was symbolically bridged between past and present as Georgia, the youngest current student, joined hands with the oldest former student and school principal to cut the ceremonial cake.

St John's Catholic Primary School Principal, Nathaniel Rice reflected on the school's evolution, emphasising the importance of adapting to changing times while maintaining the school's core values and traditions.

“Schools are an ever changing and evolving system, so keeping up with the times is really important for us,” he said.

This statement was echoed by school captains Indee and Harry, who marvelled at the transformations in uniforms and the school's physical appearance over the decades.

“It’s very surprising how the uniforms have changed over the years and even the look of the school,” they remarked.

‍

St. John's Catholic Primary School celebrated 100 years of education last Friday with a special memorabilia display along with a cake that was cut from the oldest and youngest student to attend the school. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

‍

The inaugural membership day of the Birri Gubba Nation was held on Saturday, 13th July 2024, at Conway Beach. Event organisers said this significant event marks the first step in building a peaceful future for a nation to be proud of and to pass down to future generations. The Senior Tribal Council joined eager participants in this foundational journey, moving forward together in the development of this re-emerging nation.
Blessed with clear blue skies and a light breeze on the beachfront, Senior Tribal Elder Diwah Banbure delivered a moving speech. Her courage in sharing her story was warmly received by a caring and highly engaged community. Chief Minister Kowah Banbure and Minister for Foreign Affairs Glaree Banbure also addressed the attendees, emphasising the importance of community and unification.
The first intake of members attended the ceremony, submitting membership applications and swearing the Birri Gubba Oath. The events culminated in a traditional cleansing ceremony, during which a sea eagle circled overhead, with organisers saying this perfectly symbolised the nation's spirit.
The Birri Gubba Sovereign Nation was formed on 8th March 2023 at Conway Beach, with its government established on 11th March 2023. Founders said that the nation is grounded in International Law, with the principle of "do no harm" at its core. Official documents were sent to national and international authorities informing them of the re-emergence of the Birri Gubba Nation.
The Birri Gubba flag, Coat of Arms, and postage stamps were all designed by Senior Tribal Elder Diwah Banbure (Patricia Brimble), an internationally renowned First Nations artist.
For updates on the progress of the Birri Gubba Nation, you can follow them on Facebook and Telegram at https://t.me/BirriGubbaSN.

‍

Participants of the inaugural membership day of the Birri Gubba Nation at Conway Beach. Photos supplied

‍

In an exciting initiative to foster youth engagement and community involvement, Mackay Regional Council has joined forces with Volunteering Queensland to fund the CHC24015 Certificate II in Active Volunteering program at Mackay State High School.
The program marks a significant step forward in empowering the youth of Mackay to become active contributors to their community while developing essential skills and experiences that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Students at Mackay State High School undertaking the Certificate II in Active Volunteering will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the principles of volunteerism and practical experience within a variety of volunteer-involving organisations.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the students would be matched to existing volunteer roles within council that aligned with their career aspirations or areas of interest.
“We are proud to be able to offer volunteer roles at council that are not only inclusive, safe and well supported by knowledgeable staff members, but also appeal to so many interest types,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Whether the students have an interest in technology, horticulture, the arts, history, hospitality or the entertainment industry, we can offer them some valuable experience in roles that benefit our local community,” he said
“Hopefully they will continue volunteering after they have completed their placements or use their new skillsets to attain future employment.”
Volunteering Queensland CEO Jane Hedger said the initiative highlighted the great work of Mackay Regional Council in supporting local youth into meaningful community engagement.
“We are delighted to see young people given the opportunity to contribute to their own community to both give and receive the multitude of benefits volunteering provides,” Ms Hedger said.
The CHC24015 Certificate II in Active Volunteering program equips students with practical skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving, while also instilling a sense of civic responsibility and empathy for others.
The partnership between Mackay Regional Council and Volunteering Queensland underscores a shared commitment to youth whilst building a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone can contribute and thrive.
For more information about the CHC24015 Certificate II in Active Volunteering program, please visit Volunteering Queensland website www.volunteeringqld.org.au

‍

Police will prepare a report for the coroner after a man died following a single-vehicle traffic crash at Mirani, west of Mackay, on Friday, July 19.
Initial investigations indicate at approximately 12.30pm, a white Madza BT-50 utility was travelling along Mackay Eungella Road when it left the road and crashed.
The driver and sole occupant, a 79-year-old Pinnacle man, sustained life-threatening chest injuries.
He was transported to Mackay Base Hospital where he later died the following day on July 20.
Police are appealing to witnesses or anyone with relevant vision to come forward.
The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.

‍