Winter Wins For Mackay

You know it’s winter in Mackay when the jumpers come out and people start talking about “the chill”—even if it’s still warmer here than most of the country!

In the last sitting of Parliament, we delivered some strong outcomes for our region:
Stronger Laws, Safer Streets

We’ve made Jack’s Law permanent, giving police the power to use handheld metal detectors in public places to help prevent knife crime. This proactive measure honours the memory of 17-year-old Jack Beasley and helps police act quickly to keep our streets safe.

Powering the Future with Sugarcane

A new parliamentary inquiry is looking into the potential of biofuels made from sugarcane. Queensland’s $4.4 billion sugar industry supports over 20,000 jobs—and now we’re exploring sustainable options like biodiesel, biomethane, and aviation fuel to diversify and strengthen the sector.

Helping Families Get Active

Families can now apply for Play On! sports vouchers—$200 to help cover the cost of sport registration and gear for kids aged 5 to 17. Vouchers will be released in two rounds starting August 4, supporting both summer and winter sports. A dedicated allocation for regional Queensland means more kids of all abilities can stay active and healthy.

Backing Local Heroes

The latest round of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund is now open, offering grants of up to $100,000 for not-for-profit organisations—particularly those helping communities recover from natural disasters. Applications close 18 July, so if you know a group doing great work, encourage them to apply.

And in other local news, the Mackay Show brought out the crowds—from thrill-seekers and families to Dagwood Dog connoisseurs and showbag collectors. It was great to be among so many locals enjoying what our region has to offer. At our mobile office, we had valuable conversations about the issues that matter most to you. The top three concerns raised were: 1-cost of living, 2-housing, 3-roads.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat. Your feedback helps shape the work we do in government to support our region.

Even though it’s time to dust off the slippers, I’ll be back out and about across Mackay soon to share what the new State Budget means for you.

Nigel Dalton, Member for Mackay

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Primary Industries and Resources Committee, where we will be holding the sugar inquiry with Glen Kelly MP and Stephen Bennett MP

Meeting with Dean Cavanagh (Superintendent – Mackay/Whitsunday District)

Nigel Dalton MP in the Cattle Sheds at the Mackay Show

Nigel Dalton MP and Glen Kelly MP at the Mackay Show Mobile Office. Photos supplied

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The long-awaited Pioneer Valley Rail Trail is officially open to the public. Stage one provides a scenic route for runners, walkers, cyclists, horse riders and outdoor enthusiasts. This new trail, stretching 40 kilometres, connects the communities of Finch Hatton and Mirani via Gargett and offers stunning views of the surrounding Pioneer Valley landscape. This first stage uses 9kms of disused rail corridor with the balance on quiet rural back roads.

This incredible community project couldn't have happened without the thousands of hours of volunteer labour combined with the support of Mackay Sugar, our corporate sponsors and landholders.

The Pioneer Valley Rail Trail Group Inc committee will celebrate the official public opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, highlighting the trail's importance for recreation and transportation. This will be July 26th at the Pioneer Valley Sporting Association at 4032 Mackay-Eungella Rd, Gargett.

The Pioneer Valley Rail Trail is expected to boost local tourism and promote a healthier lifestyle among residents. Early users are giving positive feedback on Stage 1.

In time the trail of 80kms will link Mackay City gates to Finch Hatton MTB. For more information, or a tour of the trail contact Mike Browne on 0429-423446, or secretary on admin@pvrailtrail.com.

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Parking is at the Pioneer Valley Sporting Association. From there, Ride/Walk/Run towards Mackay and you will see the entry sign to the Rail Trail on the left when you cross the railway line.

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First social ride on the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail. Despite the damp conditions, this group braved the rain. Photos supplied

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The Northern Beaches Community Hub project will go from strength to strength as council signs off on the next stage of this exciting signature project.

Council awarded a $21 million tender for stage 1B to T.F. Woollam & Son Pty Ltd at last week's (June 18) ordinary meeting of council.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Stage 1B would include a library, flexible community rooms and a town square with event space and a seating area.

“A library in the Northern Beaches is going to be a fantastic community asset,” Mayor Williamson said.

“There are more than 5600 Mackay Regional Council Library members in the Northern Beaches suburbs already, and that’s out of a population of about 21,000,” he said.

“Libraries by their very nature are community hubs, and there is clearly the membership and the population to draw large visitation to a new branch that with be the heart of this facility.

“The population in the Northern Beaches is also forecast to increase to more than 32,000 by 2041, so this next stage will allow us to be ahead of the curve.”

The Mayor said flexible community spaces were also in demand and acted to bring the community together.

“We know from how popular the Jubilee Community Centre is in the Civic Precinct that community spaces are in high demand for everything from training courses and meetings to rehearsals and community gatherings,” he said.

“The town square is also an exciting addition that will have an open-air area with seating that will be perfect for community events and fun activities like moonlight cinemas.”

The building in stage 1B will have two wings.

The north wing will have space for a café, a large flexible community room and an undercover car park.

The south wing will house the library and several flexible community rooms.

There will also be a Changing Places facility for people with disabilities.

The Australian Government committed $6.5 million of the estimated $10 million cost to establish Stage 1A and has committed $15 million under the Growing Regions Program Round 1 for Stage 1B of the Northern Beaches Community Hub.

The Growing Regions Program delivers community and economic benefits by investing in community-focused infrastructure which revitalises regions and enhances amenity and liveability throughout regional Australia.

The Northern Beaches Community Hub Stages 1A and 1B are funded jointly by the Australian Government and Mackay Regional Council.

Stage 1A of the Northern Beaches Community Hub is scheduled to be completed in late June, 2025, weather permitting.  It consists of an undercover multi-purpose court, adjoining kitchenette and storeroom, a 29m crocodile-shaped multi-use amphitheatre, nature play area and picnic spaces.

Visit connectingmackay.com.au and subscribe to project update emails to stay informed on this exciting project and view the latest master plan.

Works on Stage 1B are expected to start in August 2025, with a planned completion of December 2026.

Dust and noise are expected on-site during construction. Council appreciates your patience while the construction of Stage 1B is undertaken.

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A glimpse into the future: Artist impressions of the vibrant new Northern Beaches Community Hub, set to transform this growing region. Image source: Connecting Mackay

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At Mackay Contract Bridge Club Inc

Results For Week Ending Saturday 21 June 2025
Monday 16 June 2025 – 7.5 Table Howell Green Points
North/South East/West
1st Janelle Conroy - Tex Sheedy 1st Nancy Martin - Geoff Taylor
2nd Jan Harris - Helen Van Den Broek 2nd David Ting - Eric Goodchild
3rd Edward Kliese - Diane Stokes 3rd Pamela Finger - Ming Ting
4th Vicki Howard - Susan Ross

Tuesday Evening 17 June 2025 – 5.5 Table Howell Green Points
North/South
1st Noel Bugeia - Eric Goodchild 4th Geoff Taylor - Janelle Conroy
2nd Helen Van Den Broek - Tex Sheedy 5th Martin Pearce - Christopher Meyers
3rd Chelsea Presley - Adrian Westcott

**Wednesday 18 June 2025 – 8.5 Table Mitchell Green Points **
North/South East/West
1st Janelle Conroy - Noel Bugeia 1st Tex Sheedy - Lorna Shuttlewood
2nd Ming Ting - Debra Goodchild 2nd David Ting - Eric Goodchild
3rd Joy Robinson - Robert Carless 3rd Gwen Liddell - Anne Lutz
4th Sandra Morris - Jan Harris 4th Diane Stokes - Joy Block

Thursday, Mackay Show Day 19 June 2025 – 9 Table Mitchell Red Points
1st Eric Goodchild - Debra Goodchild 1st Margaret Lane - Nancy Martin
2nd Annette Howe - Jewel Schmidt 2nd Martin Pearce - Christopher Meyers
3rd Annie Lynch - Diane Stokes 3rd Noel Bugeia - Tex Sheedy
4th Julie O'neill - Ann Whitmore 4th Anne Lutz - Glen Cocup

Friday 20 June 2025 –6.5 Table Howell Green Points
North/South East/West
1st Joy Robinson - Geoff Taylor 1st   Diane Stokes - Griffin Bancroft
2nd Julie O'neill - Ann Whitmore 2nd Christine Nice - Diane Cox
3rd Ming Ting - David Ting     3rd Janelle Conroy - Pamela Finger

Saturday 21 June 2025 – 9.5 Table Mitchell Green Points
North/South East/West
1st Annie Lynch - Diane Stokes   1st Debra Goodchild - Eric Goodchild
2nd Geoff Taylor - Tex Sheedy   2nd David Ting - Ming Ting
3rd Joy Robinson - Ken Seaniger 3rd Lorna Shuttlewood - Susan Wright
4th Mary Rose Ramsden - Christine Nice 4th Robert Carless - Janelle Conroy
5th Mick King - John Mcgee

Contributed By Robert Carless

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Mackay Show Day winners L/R Debra Goodchild, Eric Goodchild and Karen Caldwell, Lynne O'Neill 5th place. Photo supplied

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LADIES BOWLS

After two weeks of closely contested draws, the North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club hosted the much-anticipated final of the Club Championship Singles.

Vying for the prestigious title were Robyn Rintoul and Brenda Trannore. As expected, it was an exciting and high-calibre match. Both players showed unwavering focus from the very first bowl, maintaining their concentration throughout the entire game. Spectators were treated to a remarkable display of skill and precision, with many beautifully played and well-executed bowls delivered over the course of the match.

In the end, there could only be one winner, and that honour went to Brenda Trannore—a very happy and popular champion. Congratulations also go to Robyn Rintoul, who was gracious in defeat after playing a strong and competitive game.

The club extends congratulations to all the ladies who competed in the lead-up matches leading to the final.

Looking ahead, the B Singles Final is scheduled for 2 July, with Ann Smith set to take on Brenda Trannore. Another thrilling match is expected and certainly not one to be missed.

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Dr Dee Nereda Hacking From Bay Massage & Homeopathy

They say healing is both an art and a science, but at Bay Massage & Homeopathy, it’s also a legacy. Dr Dee Nereda Hacking offers something refreshingly different – a healing experience grounded in understanding, tradition, and heart. As the owner, physician, and sole practitioner behind Bay Massage & Homeopathy, she has spent nearly three decades blending the science of medicine with the soul of natural healing.

It seems Dr Dee was always destined for this path.

“I grew up in a natural and homeopathic household where remedies, medicinal plants, and teas were the norm,” she says.

With a lineage steeped in both traditional and natural medicine, including her English grandfather, lovingly known as “Doc,” it was no surprise when she announced her dream of becoming a healer, a doctor, and an author.

Now, as she celebrates 30 years in business in 2025, her clinic stands as a testament to those childhood dreams made real.

Beyond conventional medical approaches, her heart lies in the way she sees people…the whole person, not just the symptoms.

“Holistic wellness is more than the body or medicine. It’s a transformative connection between mind, energy, and the human form – far more than a machine that needs fixing.

“I treat the whole you – mind, body, and spirit.”

Dr Dee’s treatments include homeopathy, injury management massage, reflexology, shiatsu, hypnotherapy, alpha brain wave therapy, CBT, lymphatic drainage, oxygen therapy, tuning fork vibrational healing, and infrared light therapy.

These modalities work in a continuum of support, designed not just to help people feel better, but to live better too.

Tuning Fork Vibrational, Resonance Healing And Biofield Tuning

A tailor-made session begins with an initial consultation, followed by the therapeutic use of vibrational tuning forks to stimulate and balance energy within the body. This gentle yet powerful technique helps alleviate muscle and joint pain, chronic conditions, emotional stress, and mental fatigue, while supporting clarity and overall wellbeing. The relaxing treatment involves lying down as varied tuning fork frequencies are applied to meridian points, incorporating sound balancing and biofield tuning. By working with the body's subtle energy field, this resonance therapy promotes natural healing and restoration from the inside out.

“I have suffered chronic pain for 30 years, and now have found some relief, Dee is amazing.” - Chris, 2025.

www.dr-dee.com
@ Bay Massage & Homeopathy - Dee & John Hacking

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Earlier this month, 41 cadets from No.105 (City of Mackay) Squadron, Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC), took to the skies during a day of flying activities at Mackay Airport with Horizon Airways. For many it was their first flight in a light aircraft.

A total of 17 cadets participated in Cadet Air Experience (CAE) flights, while 24 undertook Pilot Experience (PEX) flights, all under the supervision of Qualified Flying Instructors.

CAE flights allow 3 cadets to fly in a Cessna 172 aircraft with a Qualified Flying Instructor for approximately 45 minutes during which time the instructor demonstrated the aircraft controls and take-off and landing procedures.

PEX flights enable individual cadets to fly with a Qualified Flying Instructor in either a Cessna 172 or 152 and have ‘hands on’ experience flying the aircraft under supervision for approximately 45 minutes.

Cadets in their first year of training are offered CAE flights, and Cadets in their second and subsequent years are offered PEX flights as part of the AAFC National Learning Curriculum.
In addition, a number of cadets are selected annually to undergo flying training to Solo standard.

The RAAF also provide Cadet Aviation Military Experience (CAME) flights in aircraft such as the Globemaster 3, C-130 Hercules, C-27 Spartain and KC-30 Multi- Role aircraft, for AAFC members.

Further CAE and PEX flights will be conducted in August this year for Australian Air Force Cadet members.

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From left to right: Cadet Lucy Tipping, Franske Hovinga, Julie Tipping. Photo supplied

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In the heart of the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region, a quiet revolution is taking place — one led by the women who live, work, and thrive in the agricultural sector. As farming families adapt to shifting roles and the evolving needs of agriculture, this group is stepping up to support and empower a vital part of the industry: women.

Reef Catchments Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Kellie Harmsworth, lives by the mantra: “If you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, march down there and light the darn thing yourself!” It’s a bold philosophy — one that many women in agriculture will resonate with; equal parts grit, humour, and quiet determination.

It’s also a sentiment that sits at the heart of the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Women in Agriculture (WiA) group — an initiative that recognises how vital it is to create space for women who are part of agriculture to connect, grow, and be heard.

“The WiA group was created as I had seen the need — from my own personal experience — for women who work on-farm or within the agriculture sector to have a comfortable space for connecting, sharing, and learning,” said Kellie. “I’m utilising word of mouth, social media and other platforms to provide growth opportunities for ladies in our region.”

“Life is so busy and can at times be consuming, isolating and overwhelming — a simple opportunity could potentially create a more positive pathway for someone who, like all of us, is on a journey.”

WiA aims to strengthen the everyday resilience of women who balance family, farm, and often off-farm work. It’s about building the confidence to lead, the clarity to set goals, and the community to lean on when things get tough. Perhaps most importantly, it’s about visibility: making sure women are seen — not just as supporters of farming businesses, but as co-drivers and custodians of them.

“It’s a community,” said local grazier Sharon Yensch, “where we are isolated as farmers with commitments to our family and farm, and we can forget ourselves. We lose our identities.”

“This group helps support my self-worth as a Woman in Ag. It gives us a comfortable environment to learn, share, and connect to help create healthy minds.”

Women who join WiA groups often speak about how empowering it is simply to be in a room where they’re not alone in their challenges. The shared conversations about time management, delegation, farming partnerships, and goal setting help break the mould and build healthier personal and professional habits.

As Sharon puts it, “Farming is about being in a partnership. What tools or methods can we learn to better manage time, plan ahead, and support one another? Sometimes, we just need that reminder to wind back and make time to smell the roses.”

And it’s not just about the now — it’s about the future.

“We are custodians of our farms,” Sharon said. “What are we leaving for the next generation? What differences are we making? Plant the seed, keep watering — and it will grow.”

A Chance to Connect
The next Women in Agriculture gathering will be held on Saturday, July 5, at Sharon Yensch’s property in Bowen. The event — “Building Strong Foundations” — will provide a relaxed, supportive space to explore identity, purpose, and practical strategies for managing life and work on the land.

Featuring guest speaker Kaitlin Tilly and hosted with community in mind, it’s another opportunity for women to come together, share stories, and build lasting connections.

For more information about the Women in Agriculture group or to join the next event, please contact Kellie Harmsworth at saf@reefcatchments.com.

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Recent WiA Farm Animal First Aid Workshop at the Calen Trail and Horse Sports club. Photo supplied

Sharon Yensch hosting a Reef Catchments Peer to Peer workshop on her property in Bowen.

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Last Friday, St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School in the Mackay Northern Beaches officially opened and blessed its Stage 4 and 5 developments in a heartfelt ceremony attended by dignitaries, community members, and proud families.

The event marked a major milestone in the school’s journey, which will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2025. Since opening in 2015, St Brendan’s has grown more than fourfold and is now well on its way to becoming a three-stream school.

Principal Karla Falzon addressed the gathering, saying, “I feel deeply honoured to deliver the heart of this address on behalf of the St Brendan’s school community.

“First and foremost, we give thanks to God for bringing us together today and for the blessings that continue to sustain and guide us. It is through God’s grace that we have been able to celebrate this special occasion.”

The new facilities include a purpose-built classroom block for Year 5 and 6 students and a modern library. The upgrades are designed to accommodate the school’s rapid growth and provide state-of-the-art learning environments.

The ceremony included blessings by Diocese of Rockhampton Bishop Michael McCarthy, who said, "Thank you for your support and prayers – for your commitment to Catholic education, which lies at the heart of our mission."

Minister for Education Jason Clare acknowledged the federal contribution to the development.

“The Australian Government has contributed $1.8 million under the Capital Grants Program to support the development of new general learning areas and student amenities,” he said.

“This program represents an enormous opportunity for students in schools.”

“Education is the most powerful cause for good,” he added, noting that the new facilities will help students at their school to become anything they want.

“I would also like to personally thank the teachers and staff for everything you do to help your students be kind and work harding.

“I look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.”

Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox also praised the school community.

“I was honoured to take part in the opening and blessing of stages 4 and 5 at St Brendan's Catholic Primary School Mackay Northern Beaches this morning.”

He commended the school captains and students for their warm welcome and tour of the new facilities.

Mayor Greg Williamson noted that, “This important milestone marks another step forward for the school community, with new facilities helping to support growth, learning and opportunity for students now and into the future.

“Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing these stages to life – your commitment to education and the community is something to be proud of.”

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St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School celebrated the official opening and blessing of its Stage 4 and 5 developments last Friday, marking a significant milestone ahead of its tenth anniversary in 2025. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

The new facilities at St Brendan’s Catholic Primary School reflect a bold vision for 21st-century learning, designed to empower students and support the school’s continued growth into the future. Photo source: St Brendan's Catholic Primary School Mackay Northern Beaches

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With quiet strength and immense gratitude, Mackay man Les Hastie faced the toughest chapter of his life, battling both severe kidney disease and pancreatic cancer. Through every hospital visit and round of treatment, it was the steadfast love of his family and the compassionate care of Mackay Base Hospital staff that carried him through.

After his passing in March and as part of his family’s healing journey, his wife Wendy and daughter Renae visited the palliative care and renal unit teams to present a token of their appreciation for his dedicated and excellent care.

“Dad had been a regular patient at the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) over the last couple of years receiving care for his stage four kidney disease and more recently pancreatic cancer,” Renae said.

“As part of the healing process, my Mum wanted to show her thanks to the two main teams he received care from; the palliative care team and the renal unit support team under Dr Wu.

“We were able to visit both teams and deliver a little thank you basket of treats as well as get some photos with the staff.

“Throughout Dad’s health journey, he also received excellent care and support through ED, F2 and G0 and we wanted to say thank you and highlight the wonderful work the clinical staff here are doing for their patients and also their carers.”

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Mackay Base Hospital renal clinical nurse consultant Chantal Jones, Renae German, renal specialist Dr Danielle Wu, nurse practitioner Dolly Ramsamy and Wendy Hastie. Photo source: Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Wilmar AgServices has bolstered its agronomic services with the addition of a third agronomist to the team. Drew McGilchrist, a respected Mackay agronomist with more than 20 years' experience, joined Wilmar AgServices in June. He joins Dev Chalise, a certified practising soil scientist with a PhD, and Marc Tanizar, who graduated from the University of Queensland's Gatton Campus last year with a Master's in Agricultural Science.

AgServices Business Manager David Parker said the decision to expand the business's agronomy resources was driven by ongoing conversations with Bio Dunder customers who wanted to make more informed decisions about fertiliser.

"Our customers are trying to use fertiliser smarter by being strategic about application timings," he said.

"They're also very interested in their soils and the benefits that Bio Dunder brings to soil health compared to other products in the market."

He added that the team members are well qualified to do soil testing, provide information on soil science, and assist with Bio Dunder pricing and recommendations.

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You’re Not Alone!

Pelvic floor health is often overlooked, but it’s something everyone should care about. From incontinence to pelvic pain, pelvic floor dysfunction affects millions of people — and the great news is, it’s treatable! As a local pelvic floor and continence physiotherapist, I want to help you understand how simple steps can boost your pelvic health and improve your quality of life.

Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support your bladder, bowel and reproductive organs. When these muscles weaken or become imbalanced, you may experience symptoms such as urinary leakage, pelvic pain, prolapse or bowel issues.

Surprisingly, pelvic floor dysfunction is common — but it’s definitely not normal. Studies show that one in three women and one in nine men will experience pelvic floor issues at some point. It doesn’t just happen with age or childbirth; it can affect people of all ages and at any stage of life.

Pelvic floor dysfunction can make simple activities like exercising, laughing or even coughing feel uncomfortable or embarrassing. But it is treatable. Current evidence recommends that individualised pelvic floor muscle training by a qualified physiotherapist should be offered as the first-line treatment. Pelvic floor physiotherapy aims to restore muscle function, improve symptoms and help you regain your quality of life. We’ll guide you through a tailored treatment plan that may include specific pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle advice and, if needed, aids or devices to support your symptoms.

While we know pelvic floor muscle training can be highly effective, doing the exercises incorrectly can make symptoms worse. Many people struggle with proper technique, so an individual assessment with a pelvic floor physiotherapist is recommended to ensure you’re performing the exercises correctly for the best results.

Additionally, many people continue to suffer from bothersome symptoms due to a lack of consistency with their pelvic floor muscle training. Staying motivated at home can be difficult — but joining a group class can help. It’s a proven way to stay on track and improve outcomes.

Thanks to the Queensland Government Sport and Recreation ActiveKit Super Round, Women’s Health Physio Mackay now offers twice-weekly, free supervised pelvic floor and abdominal exercise classes for everyone. Our Fit Floor to Core classes are evidence-based and designed to functionally strengthen your pelvic floor in a supportive group setting. All classes are live-streamed and recorded, so you can attend in person, join remotely or watch the sessions in your own time — making them accessible to our wider regional community.

Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying life. With pelvic floor physiotherapy, you can regain control, feel stronger and live your best life. If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t wait — reach out to Women’s Health Physio Mackay today.

Your pelvic health matters — and getting the right help can make all the difference.

Lauren Neill
Women's, Men's and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

Women's Health Physio Mackay
admin@whphysiomackay.com.au
0476 616 324

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Mackay Regional Council is proud to reaffirm its dedication to supporting local small businesses by re-signing the updated Small Business Friendly Commitment.

The commitment will be co-signed in partnership with the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce.

This renewed pledge reflects council’s ongoing role in building a resilient and thriving small business community across the region.

Originally signing the charter in March 2021, council continues to champion small business through this strengthened collaboration.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the Small Business Friendly Program had recently been revised following a comprehensive review.

“The new commitment presents a simplified, more practical and measurable framework that sets clearer expectations for members,” Mayor Williamson said.

“This is about uplifting our small business community through real action – boosting digital literacy, cutting red tape, promoting opportunity and building networks that help our businesses thrive,” he said.

Currently, 51 of Queensland's 77 councils are active participants in the initiative.

Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Dominique Lamb, will join council and Chamber representatives on Wednesday, June 18, in Mackay to mark the official recommitment, taking place after the scheduled council meeting.

Ms Lamb said small businesses were an essential part of Mackay’s economic future.

“There are more than 495,000 small businesses in Queensland who employ more than one million people and contribute more than 117 billion dollars to the economy,” Ms Lamb said.

“But more than just being a key part of our regional economies, small businesses make communities,” she said.

“Small business owners are the people who roll up their sleeves and chip in to support our community, charities, sporting clubs and just generally lend a helping hand when needed,” she said.

Mayor Williamson said the pledge reinforced council’s commitment to supporting the region’s business community.

“Small businesses are the heart of our economy – there are more than 10,000 registered small businesses in our region,” he said.

“As a council, we are proud to have spent about $147 million so far this financial year with local businesses, which is 72 per cent of all council procurement.”

“This updated commitment ensures we continue to prioritise local businesses where possible, while also delivering practical support for those who drive local jobs, innovation and services.”

The Small Business Friendly Commitment commits council to working with small businesses, industry, community and government to be more small business friendly by:

Uplifting the capability of small businesses.
Working together for small business.
Fostering ecosystems that help small businesses thrive.
Promoting small businesses and vibrant economies.
Enabling small business development and success.

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Council has introduced five strategic advisory committees to enable councillors to develop the strategic directions outlined in the corporate plan.  It’s important that councillors have opportunities to work with the CEO, directors and executive managers to ensure the best possible outcomes for our community.

The advisory committees also enable community members, organisations, state agencies, business and industry to inform the committees on matters that help the Mackay region to become the best region for liveability and livelihood. Committees are as follows:

Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategic Advisory Committee
Co-Chairs: Cr Namarca Corowa, Cr Heath Paton
_Responsibilities and strategic focus __

• Make recommendations regarding Reconciliation initiatives
• Enhance Arts, Culture and Heritage
• Make recommendations regarding community arts events and capacity-building opportunities
• Make recommendations regarding council Art, Museums and Heritage Collections polices and strategies

Economic Development and Growth Strategic Advisory Committee
Co-Chairs Cr Belinda Hassan, Cr Nathenea Macrae
Responsibilities and strategic focus

• Guiding diversification of the regional economy
• Facilitating development and innovation
• Investment opportunities
• Support for and growth in existing industries
• Tourism and events attraction

Sustainability Strategic Advisory Committee
Co-Chairs: Cr Alison Jones, Cr Peter Sheedy
Responsibilities and strategic focus

• Sustainability
• Natural environment
• Coastal management
• Catchment management
• Strategic planning

Regional Infrastructure Strategic Advisory Committee
Co-Chairs: Cr Karen May, vacant
Responsibilities and strategic focus

• Regional waste and recycling
• Regional transport and drainage
• Energy, water and communications
• Regionally focused parks/facilities

Liveability and Social Inclusion Strategic Advisory Committee
Co-Chairs Cr Karen May, Cr Ash-Lee Johnson
The committee is strategically focused on making recommendations regarding:

• Provision of community facilities
• Community events and place making opportunities
• Governance and regulatory mechanisms
• Locality social planning
• Community development
• Community safety

I would encourage community to reach out to councillors to discuss opportunities to have input into this important work.  It is important for the community voice to be heard, and the establishment of these committees is one way for community to influence council decision making. All recommendations from the advisory committees are presented at a council meeting.

Cr Karen May
Deputy Mayor

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The Search For 10 Key Biomarkers

Bowel cancer is no longer just a disease of the elderly. In Australia and around the world, there's been a concerning rise in bowel cancer cases among people under 50, and no one yet knows exactly why.

Leading cancer researcher Professor Michael Samuel – from the Centre for Cancer Biology based at the University of South Australia and the Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research – is at the forefront of a major effort to find answers.

Backed by a $573,833 grant from Bowel Cancer Australia through Cancer Australia, his team has launched a three-year research project to uncover why younger people are increasingly affected and why a significant number of patients relapse after treatment.

“We’ve come a long way in the fight against bowel cancer,” Professor Samuel explains.

“Thanks to better screening, fewer people are dying from it. But early-onset cases are growing, and that’s a mystery we urgently need to solve.”

Recent statistics from the University of Melbourne show that someone born in 1990 is up to three times more likely to be diagnosed with bowel cancer than someone born in 1950.

And the challenge doesn’t end with diagnosis.

About one-third of patients who have their bowel cancer surgically removed later see the cancer return, but there’s currently no way to predict who’s at risk. In people under 50 diagnosed with cancer, the relapse rate is closer to 50 per cent.

“That means that some people are going through intense monitoring and therapy that they might not need, while others who opt out may end up facing a relapse that could have been prevented,” says Professor Samuel.

“It’s not good enough. We need tools to predict, prevent, and personalise treatment.”

This is where the team’s breakthrough focus comes in: 10 key biomarkers. These biomarkers (chemicals produced by tumours) are being investigated as potential indicators of both the risk of developing early-onset bowel cancer and the likelihood of a recurrence.

With the investigation into the 10 biomarkers now fully underway, this research offers hope for earlier detection, smarter treatment, and ultimately, better outcomes for bowel cancer patients of all ages.

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