By Amanda Wright

The unmistakable scent of race fuel, scorched rubber and hot chips hung in the air, as the roar of engines echoed through Palmyra for the 2025 Sugar City Titles, a full-throttle festival of speed and spirit. From pint-sized prodigies to silver-haired speedsters aged 6 to 68, the Mackay and District Kart Club was alive with heart-pounding hairpins, high-speed skids and flag-flying finishes. With Mayor Greg Williamson on the starter’s line and legendary race caller Kev Davies at the mic, the track was set for history — and Mackay delivered in record-breaking style.

FULL THROTTLE
Sugar City Titles Smash Records And Expectations

By Amanda Wright

The 2025 Sugar City Titles weren’t just fast — they were flat-out phenomenal.

Held under bright tropical skies at the Mackay and District Kart Club’s home circuit in Palmyra, this year’s event saw a record-breaking 93 competitors from as far afield as Cairns, Charters Towers, Rockhampton and the Whitsundays descend on the track — all chasing glory, pride… and a cane knife.

Yes, you read that right.

The club’s iconic Cane Knife trophies, a slick nod to Mackay’s sweet roots, have become legendary in the karting world, drawing racers of all ages to burn rubber in pursuit of sugar-coated silverware.

And what a show they put on.

From six-year-old Cadet rookies to seasoned karters nudging seventy, the grid was stacked with talent, grit and a healthy dose of competitive spirit. The air buzzed with race fuel and excitement as tyres squealed through corners and karts launched out of bends in a blur of colour and determination. Every race was a crowd-pleaser — twists, turns, and the odd spin that had hearts skipping faster than engines redlining on the back straight.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson set the tone for the day, waving the Aussie flag to launch the Cadet 12s into their opening race. He spent hours mingling with families, mechanics, and drivers, adding a civic spark to a day already firing on all cylinders.

“Seeing so many families here enjoying grassroots motorsport is what community is all about,” said Club President Peter Clarke.

“We’ve had record numbers, incredible racing, and an atmosphere that’s just unbeatable.”

Also revving up the excitement was the unmistakable voice of veteran race caller Kev Davies, who kept the commentary sharp, thrilling and hilariously entertaining — another reason the Sugar City Titles have become a crowd favourite.

The event also marked a proud moment for the club as three new members – Max Cashin, Noah Hille and Bailey Haines – made their racing debut. Each one tackled the track with gusto and earned thunderous applause for joining the karting family.

And the records didn’t stop at attendance. Three drivers tore up the timing charts with new lap records:
🏁 Emerson Mills in Cadet 9 (43.019)
🏁 Aston Mills in Junior KA100 Restricted (38.146)
🏁 Carter Grother in Cadet 12 (42.466)

The Mackay and District Kart Club credits much of the event’s success to its tireless volunteers, committee members and loyal sponsors. Months of planning came together seamlessly thanks to a paddock full of passionate people — from the yard crew who had the grounds race-ready, to the officials who kept things fair and fast-paced.

“None of this happens without the army of volunteers behind the scenes,” Mr Clarke said.

“And our sponsors — they keep the wheels turning.”

Special thanks to event sponsors:
Project X, Century Batteries Mackay and Dunlop Kart Sports, as well as class sponsors:
Cadet Beginner – Central Queensland Engineering Surveying Services
Cadet 9 – J & B Pest Control
Cadet 12 – AMH Learning Supplies
Junior KA100 Restricted – Townsville Kart Centre
Yamaha KT100J Light – Global Mining Support
Yamaha KT100J Heavy – M&P Services – Quality Transportable Buildings
Yamaha KT100J Super Heavy – The Birdcage Hotel
Sportsman Light – Iron Maintenance Pty Ltd
Sportsman Medium – Platinum Wraps
Sportsman Heavy – Global Mining Support
Open Performance – CMS Onboard

And now… here are your 2025 Sugar City champions 🏆

🏁 YAMAHA J LIGHT
🥇 Lincoln Benns
🥈 Marcus Pace
🥉 Richard Pace

🏁 YAMAHA J HEAVY
🥇 Andrew Vella
🥈 Steve Muscat
🥉 Ryder Menzies

🏁 YAMAHA J SUPER HEAVY
🥇 Steve Muscat
🥈 Jarvis Menzies
🥉 Kent Menzies

🏁 CADET BEGINNER
🥇 Jaxon Hobley
🥈 Kingsley Pens
🥉 Harry Janson

🏁 SPORTSMAN HEAVY
🥇 Nicholas Garioch
🥈 Bryan Reitano
🥉 Jeremy Evans

🏁 CADET 9
🥇 Emerson Mills – New Track Record – 43.019
🥈 Marcus Menzies
🥉 Ted Persson

🏁 SPORTSMAN MEDIUM
🥇 Rayner Costello
🥈 Nate Thompson
🥉 Lincoln Benns

🏁 JUNIOR KA100 RESTRICTED
🥇 Aston Mills – New Track Record – 38.146
🥈 Cruz Smith
🥉 Dustin Pendry

🏁 SPORTSMAN LIGHT
🥇 Matthew Clarke
🥈 Zac Tyson
🥉 Nate Thompson

🏁 OPEN PERFORMANCE
🥇 Michael Ditton
🥈 Quentin Edmonds

🏁 CADET 12
🥇 Carter Grother – New Track Record – 42.466
🥈 Creed Patroni
🥉 Cooper Rowbotham

With another Sugar City Titles in the books, and records smashed like a dropped gearbox, the Mackay karting scene is turbocharged and thriving.

For more photos, videos, and that unmistakable race-day energy, head to the club’s social pages and Kev Davies’ livestreams, and don’t forget to like, share… and buckle up for next year.

Flanked by karts and fuelled by community spirit – Mackay and District Kart Club President Peter Clarke, Mayor Greg Williamson and sponsor Max Lamb Jnr from M&P Services stand ready to wave in a day of high-octane action. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Wheels spun, hearts raced – Mackay’s Sugar City Titles delivered high-speed thrills from start to finish. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Cadet 12

Juniors

J Heavy

Sportsman Medium

Sportsman Light

Cadet 9. Podium photos supplied

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I was at a bloke’s house doing an appraisal the other day and saw a phone on the wall and it took me by surprise.

It shouldn’t have surprised me because it wasn’t that long ago that everyone had a phone on the wall.
Okay, some people kept the phone on the kitchen bench or on a stand in the hallway or, if they had two, one was on the bedside table. Ooh, flash.

The point is that it was only a few years ago that you’d expect to see a phone on the wall.

And we didn’t call it a landline way back in, oh I don’t know … 2007. We just called it a phone. It had a cord and it was attached to the wall and everyone had one. Seems like yesterday. Because it was.

But when I saw that phone on the wall it was like I had just seen a horse and buggy pull up out the front of the house.

The phone was like some relic of a bygone era, kept on the wall next to the photo of great grandad standing beside his Model T Ford smoking a pipe. But while I was there, the phone rang. So people still use them, I thought. Quaint.

Change happens quickly in this crazy mixed up hi-tech world in which we find ourselves. And the new way of doing things becomes ingrained so quickly that in the blink of an eye you have forgotten the old ways…  that aren’t that old.

Real estate is no different. About a year ago I got my wife, Sonia, to help me at an open house in South Mackay that I knew was going to be very busy.

I have a young bloke, Fletcher, helping me at open homes these days but back then, when the market suddenly got very busy, I was still doing them by myself.

I needed to be in the house and around the property talking to buyers so I asked my wife to stand at the front door, greet people and get their names and contact details.

At Gardian, we use an app, which I have in my iPhone, that allows us to keep a database of names and contact details. Those details are entered in my phone and linked to the property those buyers have seen, allowing me to contact them later.

I had shown my wife how to use the app but on this day dozens of people turned up before the scheduled start of the open house and I had wandered off, with my phone, talking to buyers and discussing the property with them.
My wife, facing a growing line of buyers wanting to get into the house, dug a pen and piece of paper out of her handbag and started writing down people’s names and numbers.

Apparently the buyers found it pretty funny, this old school way of recording things. It was a point of difference.

My wife wasn’t sitting at a desk with a quill and pot of ink but she may as well have been because time moves quickly and a pen and paper seems a pretty ancient way of doing things.

The interesting thing is that we got all the names and numbers, I received multiple offers on the property that day and we achieved a great result.

Yes, the contact details had to be entered into the database later and it was a bit inconvenient, but going low-tech didn’t affect the sale of that property.

It was still about me talking to buyers, answering questions, being face-to-face and communicating.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the technology and it helps make us all better at what we do.

But it only adds to, rather than replaces, direct communication and engagement with clients and customers.

Some old-fashioned things are still in fashion.

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If Mackay had a middle name, it’d be “Eventful.” From dirt-kicking rodeos to dazzling stadium takeovers, this region doesn’t just host events, it wrangles them, races them, and occasionally feeds them fairy floss.

Last weekend, Nebo brought the yee-haw with its annual rodeo, and if the dust has finally settled, it’s only because we needed room on the calendar for a flurry of fun runs, triathlons, and the type of Lycra that really shouldn't be seen in slow motion.

But don’t hang up your cowboy hat just yet, we’ve got more action than a TV week guide. The Mackay Hospital Foundation’s Family Fun Day is galloping into BB Print Stadium on Sunday, June 1, and let’s be real, there’s nothing quite like seeing grown adults elbow each other for a photo with Bluey. Throw in Chase and Skye from Paw Patrol, face painting, jumping castles, and dumplings, and you’ve got yourself the kind of chaos that parents pretend not to love, but absolutely do. Read more on page 22.

Music fans, prepare to lose your cool, and possibly your voice, when Rhythm and the Reef returns in August with pop royalty Amy Shark headlining the two-day festival. There’ll be tunes, food trucks, and enough good vibes to power a small grid. Consider it a mosh pit with manners. You can find more details on page 21.

And if you're thinking, “All fun and no work?” — think again. Today, the region's sharpest minds are suiting up for the RIN Safety Conference at the MECC. It's where high-vis meets high IQ, with powerhouse speakers, breakout sessions, and more PPE acronyms than you can shake a hi-vis clipboard at. Flick to page 22 for more on this.

As always, our event guide on page 19 has the full rundown of what’s on this weekend and beyond. And if you’re hosting something fabulous, from a tug-o-war to a top-tier concert, give us a heads-up early so we can shout it from the printed rooftops.

Because in Mackay, we don’t just cater to all tastes, we serve them on a platter, hand-delivered by someone dressed as a cartoon dog.

Amanda

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As industries evolve and workforce demands shift, understanding the expectations of the next generation is essential for employers seeking to attract, retain, and develop future talent.

The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s next event – 7:30am Thursday 5 June at Wilmar Sugar and Renewables, Proserpine Mill – will explore what today’s apprentices, trainees, and early career professionals value most in a workplace; from culture and leadership to flexibility, purpose, and career progression.

Attendees will hear directly from local apprentices and trainees from Wilmar and Filby’s Motors – as well as key insights from the Regional Jobs Committee – who will share real-world insights and lived experiences, gain practical tips for fostering supportive and engaging work environments, and consider how to future-proof their workforce strategies in a competitive labour market.

“This event is all about hearing from the next generation — young workers, apprentices, trainees, and early career professionals — who will talk honestly about what matters most to them,” said Chamber President, Allan Milostic.

Local speakers will share with attendees:

What makes a job worth showing up for?
What do young people want from their bosses and workplaces?
How important are things like flexibility, respect, support, and career growth?
What’s missing — and what needs to change?
What does it mean to you to work for a local business?

The Chamber is proud to partner with Wilmar Sugar and Renewables for this event, an active member of Chamber and the region’s business community.

Proserpine Mill Manager Operations Cory O’Shea said the team was looking forward to hosting Chamber members and other representatives from the local business community ahead of the start of the 2025 production season.

“As a major employer in the region, and significant employer of apprentices and graduates, we’re always keen to better understand what makes a particular job or workplace environment appealing to young people,” Cory said.

“We’ll have some of our apprentices participating in the panel session to talk about their experiences and share what’s most important to them as employees starting out in their careers.”

The event will also include an update on Chamber advocacy activity and business community engagement.

This event is open to all and you can register now!

Registration: FREE for Chamber and Tourism Whitsundays members, $18.75 for members of our Association Partners, and $25 Non-members. Includes breakfast treats.

Visit the Chamber’s website to register: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/events/chamber-connect-at-wilmar-proserpine/

Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

What: What does the next generation want from employers?

When: 7:30am-9:00am Thursday 5 June 2025

Where: Wilmar Sugar & Renewables, Proserpine Mill Social Club, 3 Mill Street, Proserpine

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This week is National Volunteer Week where we celebrate the power of volunteering to bring people together, create lasting relationships and strengthen our communities. The theme this year is ‘Connecting Communities’ and I can hand on heart say the volunteers across the Whitsunday region have an enormous impact in ensuring our communities are thriving and inclusive.

The breadth of volunteer groups in our region is far-reaching – from the SES, marine rescue crews and wildlife carers to museum guides, event organisers and junior sports coaches – just a few examples of the many locals giving their time to strengthen our communities.

Another great example of volunteer groups is the Rotary Club of Airlie Beach and last Saturday I had the pleasure of opening the Rotary Impact Seminar 2025 at our beautiful Shute Harbour Marine Terminal and delivering the keynote address.

I spoke about Council’s focus for enhancing liveability across the Whitsundays and strengthening the connection between our communities. Community organisations like Rotary play a vital role in supporting this connection. Their tireless work supporting local projects, fundraising efforts, and community wellbeing makes a real difference in people’s lives.

I also had the chance to experience another fantastic volunteer-led initiative – the Whitsunday Brahmans Family Field Day in Proserpine. It was a brilliant afternoon with the family – perfect weather, a great crowd and so much fun for the kids, from face painting and wildlife encounters to tug-of-war and more. It’s days like this that truly showcase the spirit of the Whitsundays – welcoming and connected.

The month of May is Queensland Small Business Month and I’m excited to announce we’re backing our local businesses! Whitsunday Regional Council is partnering with the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning to deliver a free one-day event on Wednesday 28 May at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre.

The event will include one-on-one sessions with Council’s Procurement Team, tendering and capability workshops and practical guidance on becoming a Local Buy supplier – all designed to give local businesses the tools and support they need to grow. Registrations are now open via Eventbrite ticketing website.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical tips and connect directly with experts who can help your business grow. Register now and make the most of this free workshop.

Whether it’s volunteering time or growing a business, it’s the efforts of our local people that keep the Whitsundays connected and thriving - and I thank you all.

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Sign Up To The Whitsundays First ‘Masterclass For Mums’

Whitsunday mums and local practitioners with specialised skills are being invited to participate in the region’s first ‘Masterclass for Mums’, a short, paid program that aims to support maternal wellbeing and help families thrive.

This brand-new initiative is designed for mums of all ages and stages and will run four times over the next 12 months.

Program creator and founder of Motherhood & Matrescence, Amanda Jackson, said this was not a ‘how-to-parent’ class.

“We’re going to be flipping the script on mothering to explore what happens to women as they mother,” Ms Jackson said.

“Ultimately, I want mums to finish this program feeling good about themselves, feeling confident as mums, and having a deeper trust in their own instincts, their mothering practices and who they are – but to do this we need to look at the expectations they’re carrying and remind them that they matter,” she said.

Approved and funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission, each of the four cohorts will cover the same five topics of maternal emotions, expectations of motherhood, invisible loads, re-framing self-care, and matrescence – the transformations every mother goes through but few are told about.

“These topics have been deliberately chosen because we know they are related to those feelings of identity loss and burnout that mothers are experiencing regardless of whether their children are tinies, toddlers, tweens, or teens, and that seeing these topics in a new way positively affects women’s wellbeing, restoring their agency and self-esteem, and enhancing the mothering experience,” Ms Jackson explained.

To ensure measurable results, participants will be asked to complete a survey at the beginning and end of the program, capturing changes in their attitudes towards themselves and their mothering.

By engaging additional guest speakers to present their own high-quality information and resources, Ms Jackson is seeking to maximise the opportunity for mums and showcase the range of maternal support services available in the Whitsundays.

“For me it’s the collaboration here that’s key; we have a lot of highly skilled people in our community and part of this program is about showcasing our community and making those skills more accessible,” she said.

Practitioners will be paid for their presentation and program participants will receive $250 on completion of the course.

The program will run within school terms, starting in Term 3 during the week commencing July 28. It will be held at Motherhood & Matrescence, 121 Shute Harbour Road, Cannonvale. Places are limited.

For more information or to register your interest, visit www.motherhoodandmatrescence.com.

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Program creator and founder of Motherhood & Matrescence, Amanda Jackson, said this was not a ‘how-to-parent’ class. Photo supplied

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In Bowen, Coastal Esthétique Skin Clinic, led by aesthetic nurse Leonie, is revolutionising local access to professional skincare treatments and products. Leonie’s passion for aesthetic nursing was ignited in 2012, but after acquiring her Diploma of Midwifery, she focused on consolidating her skills in this area. While traveling Australia with her husband and welcoming their children into their lives, she took the time to  nurture her clinical expertise. After settling in Bowen, Leonie recognised a critical gap: residents faced long waits for visiting aesthetic nurses or long distances for expert advice and  treatments. Whilst balancing the demands of  hospital shifts and motherhood, she saw a chance to serve her community and leapt at the opportunity.

With over 20 years of clinical nursing experience, Leonie launched Coastal Esthétique to provide reliable, high-quality care to locals.

“It’s about bringing professional treatments to Bowen with convenience and consistent follow-up,” said Leonie.

The clinic offers medical-grade chemical peels, micro-needling for skin rejuvenation, and enhanced microdermabrasion with sonophoresis, an ultrasound technology that maximises skincare product absorption. Personalised consultations craft evidence-based plans to soften fine lines, restore facial volume, or address asymmetry to create professional and natural results.

Leonie’s vision is a fusion of passion and purpose, ensuring Bowen residents obtain access to cutting-edge aesthetic services without compromise. Coastal Esthétique empowers clients with confidence, offering tailored care which enhances natural beauty. From its heart in Bowen, the clinic strengthens community ties, making professional treatment and care  accessible locally with pride and skill.

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Coastal Esthetique Skin Clinic Bowen: Photo Provided
Book Now With Coastal Esthetique: Photo Provided

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Last Wednesday, the Bowen Chamber of Commerce hosted a meeting featuring a speaker from Muroona Gardens and QCoal. The  board of Muroona  outlined its role as a not-for-profit aged care provider since 1964, employing 165 locals and offering residential care, home care, and independent living units.

They emphasised challenges such as uncertainties in funding, nurse shortages, and rising dementia rates and consequential care demands, alongside plans for 24 new dementia care rooms funded by a $14.7 million grant.

QCoal, a family-owned mining company, spoke about its economic contributions, employing 580 directly and supporting local suppliers. They discussed environmental efforts, rehabilitating 700 hectares, and challenges like carbon taxes and regulatory hurdles.

Both entities briefly noted community excitement for the highly anticipated Gilmour Space Technologies rocket launch in Bowen and the joint Australia-US military exercise, Talisman Sabre, which will spur economic activity and showcase Bowen’s growing regional significance

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Bruce Hedditch Of Bowen Chamber of Commerce and Dave Nebauer Chairman of Muroona Gardens
Paul Hellery, Chris and Trish Nebaur
Jo Shepherd, Karen Hiyer, Allison Murrell
Bruce Hedditch Speaking
Neil Holloway and Kim Shirley
Chris Hanson, Corrine Williams, Helen Woodhouse
Dave Nebauer, Jodie Masunu, Megan Murray, Sally Vico
Dave Nebauer Speaking

Photo credit: Munir Kilic

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When the going gets tough, the tough get going!

At the beginning of May, I knew this would be the busiest month of the year, and I braced myself for impact. Three kids' birthdays, two weekends away, one magazine deadline, staff on holiday, family visits, and... we’re moving house!

The last three weeks have been a whirlwind, and I think many of us can relate to the madness of mid-year. It feels like the year is flying by at full speed, and May seems to be the peak of it all.

Despite all this, I hope we all manage to find the calm in the storm.

In fact, I was chatting with a colleague yesterday about my tendency for chaos – that rushing around that can send others into a flurry. A lot of self-reflection followed, and I’ve vowed to slow down, find my calm, and be the leader my team deserves.

Next week, some of the team will be heading to the Queensland Country Press Awards. For those who follow our paper regularly, you’ll remember that last year we brought home the title of Best Free Newspaper in Queensland – beating 16 other entrants to claim victory.

Whether we win an award next Friday night or not, I believe we’re all winners for the incredible work we do every day.

It’s hard to believe that a team of 15 dedicated individuals produces four weekly newspapers and two bi-monthly magazines. I’m truly grateful for everyone’s efforts and look forward to many more editions to come.

Rach

Quote of the week: "When making plans, think big. When making progress, think small" (James Clear)

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The Queensland Government has launched the exciting new “All the Best” campaign, celebrating the State’s favourite produce and places, ahead of Queensland Day on June 6.

From the best pie to the best pint, Queenslanders across the State are being encouraged to put their town on the map and vote for their local ‘bests’ across 15 categories, including:

• Fish and chips
• Meat pie
• Coffee
• Bahn Mi
• Parmi
• Ice cream
• Burger
• Beer
• Pub
• Café
• Event
• Big thing
• Beach
• Landmark
• Natural attraction

The Queensland Government launched the ‘All the Best’ campaign in the Wide Bay to kickstart Queensland Day celebrations.

Premier David Crisafulli said this Queensland Day is an opportunity to celebrate everything great about the state.

“We live in the best place in the world, and there is so much to be proud of and celebrate this Queensland Day,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“Queenslanders know what makes our State so special, from the best spot for a Parmi to their favourite beach. I want them to share what they love about where they live.”

Visit www.qld.gov.au/qldday to vote for ‘All the Bests’.

The Queensland Bests will be announced this Queensland Day, 6 June.

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Locals in Jubilee Pocket may have noticed some welcome changes at their neighbourhood store, with new owners Nathan Parker and Tayla Clout taking the reins in September last year and steadily breathing new life into the business.

Alongside Tayla, Nathan has been working hard to restore the shop to its full potential, making it a place the community can rely on and be proud of.

“We are rebuilding the business, trying to bring it back up to a standard that the community wants and needs over here,” said Nathan.

Having lived in Airlie Beach before moving to Jubilee Pocket a year ago, Nathan says the tight-knit nature of the neighbourhood is something special.

“It's just down the road, but it's a different community over here, and we really love it. This side of town has a really small close-knit community,” added Nathan.

Since taking over, Nathan has focused on expanding the store’s range with a strong emphasis on supporting other local businesses.

“We’ve added a lot of new ranges since we’ve taken over, we have MBW Meats, Fishi Seafood, Taste of Africa biltong,” he said.

“We are trying to source a few local products, wherever we can.

“We also like to try and give back to the community whether it be, supporting a local business by buying their products or donating to the local footy club.”

Nathan said he has also focused on increasing the options at the deli at Friendly Grocer.

“We are revamping the deli at the moment to give a bit more of an offering, so lots of different hot food options, hot chooks, pies, sausage rolls, and cold rolls too,” Nathan said.

While the store carries all the essentials from fruit, veg, meat and eggs to snacks, pantry staples and scooped ice cream, it’s the personalised service that makes the difference.

If Friendly Grocer doesn’t have the product you need Nathan said they are happy to get that product in.

“For example, there was a customer the other week that wanted a particular brand of coconut cream, so we'll get that in for them. Somebody else that wanted a particular flavour of Lolly, so we got that in, and it turns out it's quite popular with other people as well,” he exclaimed.

Nathan hopes to remind locals that the store is under new management and continues to improve.

It changed hands about seven months ago, and the team at Friendly Grocer are doing their best to keep making it better, and are committed to making the store work for the community.

Nathan and Tayla, who recently welcomed their first child, are excited for what’s ahead and grateful for the warm support from the Jubilee Pocket community.

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Nathan, baby Theodore and Tayla welcome you all to Friendly Grocer

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New Program Boosts Student Success At Bowen High

In 2025, Bowen State High School has launched the Hands on Learning (HOLA) program as part of its Flexispace learning initiative. This practical in-school program aims to enhance student engagement, wellbeing, and attendance by providing opportunities for students to uncover their talents and achieve success through meaningful, hands-on projects.

HOLA is an initiative of 54reasons.org.au and supports students to develop the social and emotional capabilities. These are essential skills needed for students to understand themselves and others more effectively. Students are also able to manage their relationships, lives, and learning better.

Head of Wellbeing Mr Owen Derrick leads the program every Wednesday with a group of students from Years 8-10. Mr Derrick values the program explaining that, the students positively engage in the practical aspects of the program.

“We start the day with a wellbeing check in, followed by completing practical projects around the school or in the community. Students make their own morning tea and lunch in our Flexispace kitchen,” he explained.

“We eat lunch together in a positive environment. Recent projects include, building new gardens, cleaning up school grounds, building tables and chairs and cooking a BBQ at the Bowen Neighbourhood centre.”

Students who have engaged in the program this year believe the program has been positive for their behaviour and engagement.

Some of the comments included:

“Cooking together is my favourite part of HOLA. The frustrating part at times is getting others to clean up as sir likes the kitchen to sparkle. We are definitely getting better at that!”

“I was not behaving or following instructions. I now look forward to HOLA on Wednesdays. It is a shame every day of the week isn’t a HOLA-DAY!”

“I am now getting along with students more than I used to because I have confidence to speak up.”

“My behaviour in class has changed heaps. Last year, I used to get sent to the office every week.  This year, I have only had 3 buddy class referrals.”

Bowen State High School received a Community Partnership grant from Abbot Point Operations to support the Hands-on Learning program in 2025. This partnership has allowed Bowen State High School to purchase tools, food and resources to enact this program.

Principal of Bowen State High School Robert Harris said he is thankful for the grant.

“I appreciate the support of Abott Point Operations as the grant allows our school to create opportunities for our students to realise their full potential,” he said.

“Whilst the Hands on Learning (HOLA) program is in its initial phase, we have seen improvements in student attendance and an increase in self-confidence for students to engage in community projects.

“Learning within the four walls of a classroom is a struggle for some students, so hands-on learning increases their engagement and self-worth so they can be successful in the future.”

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BMA CQ Rescue has launched its 2025 Annual Appeal with the goal of raising $250,000 to help continue delivering critical, life-saving care across Central and North Queensland.

The appeal comes after a hectic start to the year, with the helicopter rescue service flying 199 missions in the first quarter alone. From floods and horse-riding accidents to cardiac emergencies and snake bites, the service has been a lifeline for countless residents in times of need.

Among the missions this year, BMA CQ Rescue played a crucial role in locating a man lost in the Cathu State Forest, spending nearly eight hours searching for him after his vehicle became bogged in waterlogged terrain.

The Bowen region was the most visited area in the first quarter, with cardiac-related emergencies being the most common reason for callouts.

“Every mission we fly is made possible by the support of our community,” said BMA CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee. “We never know when or where the next emergency will happen, but we do know that with your help, we can keep saying ‘yes’ when the call comes in.”

One local resident who understands the importance of the service is Rebekah McKinnon, who has twice been flown by BMA CQ Rescue from Moranbah to Mackay for urgent medical treatment. Her story, along with powerful images and the 2025 Annual Appeal video, is available as part of this year’s campaign.

No matter the time of day or how remote the location, BMA CQ Rescue remains ready to respond 24/7. The service relies heavily on community donations to remain operational.

To help keep this vital service in the sky, residents are encouraged to support the 2025 Annual Appeal. Every dollar counts and could be the difference in someone’s life.

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The Bowen Pipeline Project is on track to receive approval from the Queensland Government later this year, promising to unlock significant economic, agricultural, and employment benefits for the Whitsundays and surrounding regions.

Bowen Pipeline Company representative, Sean Brown confirmed public advertising for the project’s Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) application commenced on the 4th of April.

“We are on target for the State approval, with Commonwealth approval shortly after that,” said Mr Brown.

“The project is on track to achieve the timeline of soil turning within 12 months.”

The pipeline, stretching 182 kilometres from the Burdekin River near Home Hill to Bowen, will deliver reliable water to local growers, the Bowen township, and surrounding communities including Gumlu and Guthalungra. It will support North Queensland’s largest winter vegetable growing area, helping to secure water for over 250 million kilograms of fruit and vegetables produced annually.

The project has already attracted more than $4 million from 40 local growers and industry investors, as well as a $5 million Commonwealth grant for design and engineering. It will create 200 jobs during construction and 1,200 ongoing positions once operational.

The Bowen Pipeline will also support emerging green energy industries, with the capacity to generate up to $1 billion in annual economic income from renewable sectors such as ammonia, sustainable aviation fuel and bio-diesel. It will supply water to the Abbot Point Green Energy Export Precinct by 2028.

Significantly, the project includes equity ownership for the Juru and Bindal Peoples, an Australian first, and will be built using Australian-made HDPE pipe technology to reduce emissions and transport needs.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the broad range of supporters and stakeholders who share our vision of developing North Queensland into a commercial and industrial hub,” added Mr Brown.

For more information, visit www.bowenpipeline.com.au.

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The Bowen Pipeline Project is set to deliver reliable water, jobs, and economic growth to the Whitsundays region, with state approval expected later this year (Photo Supplied)

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Protecting Local Wildlife

Covering a vast region from Collinsville to St Lawrence and west to mining towns, Fauna Rescue Whitsundays is a volunteer-run network dedicated to helping sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife.

Operating a 24/7 hotline, the group coordinates rescues and matches animals with trained species-specific carers.

President Kerry Aspland, involved for over 15 years, leads the macropod rescues and helps manage the team of responders.

“We have first responders that go out and collect the sick, injured animal. Then they speak to the coordinators,” she explained.

“I'm a coordinator of macropods. They then would ring me, and then I will best place the animal to where I know it's going to fit in with that group. We have coordinators in each different area.”

Kerry’s passion began 30 years ago when she rescued a joey on the road to Townsville. Now, with expert support and growing community awareness, she hopes to see even more engagement—especially for hotline operators and bird carers in Mackay.

Every rescue aims for release, using a “soft release” method that eases animals back into the wild.

“We don't just throw them out in the bush and go, there you go, fend for yourself. We support, feed them, and then slowly open their gates so they can go free,” explained Kerry.

“They'll generally come back for a few days, and then they disappear. They become wild again.”

Fauna Rescue Whitsundays continues to play a vital role in preserving the region’s precious wildlife.

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Fauna Rescue Whitsundays Natalie Lock, Gary Brown, Kerry Aspland, and Di Forster at the recent Rock Wallaby Festival in Proserpine. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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