Groundbreaking automation for a soil-scanning process developed at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Central Queensland Smart Cropping Centre could be vital to the future of successful broadacre cropping planning.
Electro-magnetic survey scanning has long been used to identify variability in soils, including assessment of salinity, water and clay content.
The process has usually involved a scanning sled being dragged behind an all-terrain vehicle.
However, in a possible world-first, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries team at the Smart Cropping Centre has developed an automated scanning process.
The innovation has the potential to save hundreds of hours on-farm, freeing farmers, staff and resources for other tasks.
The system they have developed brought together SwarmRobot Sunny and an ElectroMagnetic (EM) 38 Survey Unit and analysis service provided by Data Farming, two of Queensland’s stand-out AgTech and Innovation companies.
"The impact of this innovation for farmers to better manage drought conditions and overall farm agronomy is huge," Queensland Smart Cropping Centre senior innovation broker Alicia Dunbar said.
"We can see this becoming a standard add-on to autonomous robots such as SwarmBots that are continually building hyper-accurate soil and moisture maps in real time.
"These units offer a non-invasive, efficient and precise means of assessing and monitoring soil properties and we’re excited to work with industry to make this a widespread tool for producers.
"The technology supports our research and production systems including soil salinity assessment, soil texture and structure analysis, soil moisture content, mapping soil depth and guiding our soil sampling efforts.
"The Smart Cropping Centre in Emerald is producing real-world results, propelling our research capabilities to better manage the uncertainties of the future in broadacre cropping that will help our famers to be more productive and more profitable."

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Griffith University’s Dr Yunying Fang has successfully progressed with a research proposal regarding the Soil CRC’s Round 24-1.

The Soil CRC (CRC for High Performance Soil) works to connect scientists with farmers to uncover practical solutions for Australia’s underperforming soil. The organization aims to enable farmers to increase their overall productivity and profitability levels through providing them with knowledge and tools to improve the performance of their soils.

The success of Dr Fang of Griffith University’s Australian Rivers Institute will have her leading a new project titled Glasshouse and field evaluation of organic-based nitrogen fertilizers for crop production and soil health, with over $800,000 in funding on a 2-and-a-half-year timeline.

“The outcomes of this project will be organic-based slow-release urea fertilisers, recommendations of usage and placement in farming systems, which will help co-deliver agronomic and economic benefits and ecological sustainability in farming systems," Dr Fang said.

Joining Dr Fang’s research team will be Burdekin Productivity Services (BPS), the Burdekin based organisation working with growers to address productivity, profitability and sustainability in sugar cane systems. Along with BPS, Charles Sturt University, Birchip Cropping Group (BCG), and Central West farming Systems will also hold roles in the project’s research and development.

Urea fertilisers work to improve the nutritional composition of sugarcane silage and trials have been undertaken in Brazil to compare the fermentative characteristics of the addition of protected or conventional urea to sugarcane silage to evaluate its nutritional value.

Dr Fang has been celebrated for the success of her research proposal and the overall benefits her project will offer to farmers to help them in meeting the nutritional needs of their sugar cane crop.

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Sarina State High School’s star student, Katie Hauwert recently showcased her exceptional talent at the 10-12 Years Girls Netball State Championships in Toowoomba.

The four-day event proved to be a remarkable experience for Katie, where she demonstrated some of her finest netball skills. Her stellar performance on the court earned her the Capricornia Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

Simone, Katie's mother and a netball coach herself, emphasises the importance of fitness in the sport. Proud of her daughter's dedication, Simone highlights Katie's journey in netball, which began back in prep and describes Katie as a farm girl who has discovered her passion for netball and wholeheartedly embraces it.

For Katie, the State Championships in Toowoomba marked a significant milestone, as it was her first-time visiting Brisbane and Toowoomba. She cherished every moment of the trip and delivered exceptional performances on the court, playing alongside three other Mackay girls.

Simone says that Katie's strong bond with her teammates and their support contributed to her success.

Her commitment to training, evident even at the age of twelve, reflects Katie's determination to excel in netball. Simone expresses immense pride in watching her daughter play, admiring Katie's agility and skill on the court and is a joyous moment for Simone to witness Katie pursuing her passion with such enthusiasm and dedication.

“Watching Katie play, it’s just such a great feeling, she moves so well on the court and it’s a really proud feeling for me to see her doing what she loves,” Simone said.

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Katie Hauwert has been playing netball since she was in prep and is on the road to success after winning outstanding achievements at the young age of twelve. We wish Katie all the best in her future! Image supplied

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Recent Senate Estimates revealed that there was minimal funding allocated in the forward estimates for the urgent upgrades of the 457-kilometre Beef Corridors Road Network, according to Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry.

Only $45 million has been designated, which accounts for just 10 percent of the originally earmarked $400 million, spread across three financial years, Ms Landry said, which she exclaims is another example of contempt for the rural communities in the region.

“Despite the region contributing a staggering $1.7 billion to the economy, the government is draining resources from the area and failing to provide significant benefits to the communities within the Beef Corridors Road network,” Ms Landry said.

“It was all well and good for the Prime Minister and fellow Ministers to front up to Beef 2024 recently, donning their Akubra’s and claiming to support the industry.

“However, these sentiments fall short when funding for critical beef road networks can be so easily pulled,” Ms Landry added.

Federal Member for Flynn, Colin Boyce said May Senate Estimates confirmed that the Government has allocated less than $100 million of the $400 million required to seal the Beef Corridors in the forward estimates.

“The communities that rely on the Beef Corridors Road network have still been left in the dark about where the money is going to be provided for vital upgrades and sealing,” Mr Boyce said.

“I’m calling on the Federal Labor Government to bring forward the funding and get the Beef Corridors upgrade underway ASAP.”

Senator for Queensland, Matthew Canavan said that it is risking the lives of those who live and work in the Beef Corridors network of roads.

"The roads due to be upgraded under the Beef Corridors funding are a risk to all those that have driven them, and that was why we put $400 million towards them when we were in Government.
“Labor ripped the funding out and cast a cloud of uncertainty on these much-needed upgrades, but the funding over the next four years is still short of what it was meant to be this time last year,” Mr Canavan said.
Senate Estimates revealed the distribution of funds for the Beef Corridors Road Network as $10 million for the 2024/25 financial year, $15 million for the 2025/26 financial year and $20 million for the 2026/27 financial year.

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Beef Corridors funding has fallen short, leaving rural roads left in limbo and drivers potentially at risk. Image supplied

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On a night filled with laughter, reflection and community spirit, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank hosted our Celebration of Community Anniversary Dinner to mark 19 years since our doors first opened. The event was a heartwarming testament to the wide-ranging impact the Bank has made in the Sarina and Mackay region, thanks to our banking team, volunteer board, customers, shareholders and community members.
Over the past 19 years, Community Bank Sarina has not only provided financial services but also actively supported local initiatives that enhance the wellbeing of our community. Our journey has been one of collaboration and dedication, working hand-in-hand with local organisations to create a stronger, more vibrant region.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the announcement of donations to 19 local organisations to mark the 19 years, with each receiving $500. These donations are a reflection of our appreciation of the tireless efforts these volunteer groups dedicate to making our community a better place to live, work and play. From supporting youth programs to enhancing local infrastructure, these funds will help sustain the invaluable work that these organisations do every day.
We were also honoured to have renowned rugby league legend-turned-farmer/sports presenter Shane Webcke as our guest speaker. His keynote address on community resilience and leadership was both inspiring and thought-provoking. Shane's insights into overcoming adversity and the importance of strong leadership resonated deeply, reminding us of the vital role community leaders play in guiding us through challenging times.
The dinner was more than a celebration; it was a reaffirmation of our commitment to the community. We reflected on our achievements, shared our vision for the future and, most importantly, celebrated what those 19 years have brought to our community as a whole.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable evening. Here's to many more years of making a difference together! #hereforyou #heretostay
Enjoy the full photo gallery from the event on the next page.

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Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank hosted a Celebration of Community Anniversary Dinner to mark 19 years since their doors first opened. Photos supplied

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There are many reasons to move to Mackay … but one particular factor has emerged that says something quite disturbing about other parts of regional Queensland and highlights how favourably we compare.
Some people move to Mackay because of the great weather. You will never convince me to celebrate the humidity of December to March but outside of those months I absolutely love it and it seems everyone else does as well.
They also come here for the beaches, boating, fishing and all that wonderful, great outdoors stuff that we have in abundance at our doorstep.
Plenty of people move here initially for work and the ability to make good money and a  lot of them stay because of the lifestyle that I am talking about.
Some move here because they can sell a house down south for a good amount of money, buy something a lot cheaper here and put the balance into their super, setting themselves up for a decent retirement.
A key factor for those people is also that we have good community and health services. There is no doubt we don’t cater for every health need here but we have a modern hospital and a growing range of allied health services.
But there is another reason for why a growing number of people are moving to Mackay and, unfortunately for the other regional cities they are either fleeing or avoiding, it is to do with crime. Specifically, Mackay’s lack of crime compared to other parts of Queensland.
I recently sold a property to a middle-aged couple who had sold up in Cairns and moved to Mackay.
I didn’t meet them until they had their pre-settlement inspection and  started moving some belongings in.
I asked why they had moved to Mackay.
“Because of the crime in Cairns,” the husband said.
They spoke about the break-ins, the stolen cars, the youth crime that they feel is rampant and on-going.
The couple had had enough. They didn’t want to live with the constant threat of crime, the fear of break-ins and youth violence that was being served up in Cairns.
They had done research and were able to quote the stats showing how much less crime there is in Mackay compared to Cairns. They felt Mackay offered a safe sanctuary, a place they could relax and peacefully enjoy their retirement.
Of course, they know crime is everywhere and there is no guarantee of avoiding it in any city but they feel the odds are a lot better in Mackay.
I have regular conversations with buyers, both owner-occupiers moving up here and southern investors, who ask about crime in Mackay … usually seeking confirmation that the stories they have heard about Mackay’s lack of crime are true.
I always say that anything can happen in a big city but I feel safe in Mackay and I know we don’t have the same level of youth crime experienced in Townsville and Cairns.
Plenty of investors are choosing to buy here because of that and there is a growing migration of buyers who are choosing Mackay ahead of Townsville and Cairns because of the perception that it is safe.
There are many factors to consider when relocating, or deciding to remain in a particular city/region. And all the lifestyle, economic, climatic, and environmental factors I have mentioned are a big part of that.
But crime, and the lack of it here, is becoming a big consideration. Of course, the thing we need to remind local, state and federal representatives is that we expect it to stay that way.
Because, in a crazy world, we like living in our safe harbour.

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Originating from South Africa is Jennifer-Lee Houseman, a 13-year-old emerging talent, now living in Mackay, who is making significant waves in the realm of dancing, singing and modelling.

With her recent relocation to Australia, she brings a wealth of experience and achievements in the performing arts, thriving both on the stage and in front of the camera with a passion for captivating audiences.

When she's not dancing or in her heels, Jennifer-Lee loves to be in nature and enjoys long walks on the beach, hiking adventures or simply soaking in the sun.

Under the proud watch of her mother, Jackie Houseman, Jennifer-Lee showcased her skills at Talent Africa Regionals, clinching gold across multiple categories which impressively secured her qualification for national competitions.

In addition to her modelling accomplishments, Jennifer-Lee has excelled in dance competitions, earning Protea Colours in Dance for her outstanding performance at the World Freestyle Championships in the UK.

Her dedication and talent has reaped numerous awards, including the prestigious Triple Threat Winner title at Show Your Talent, where she demonstrated her remarkable skills in singing, dancing and modelling.

Currently attending dance classes at Leisa Payne School of Dance, Jennifer-Lee has recently completed her Grade 5 Jazz and Grade 5 Acro exams and eagerly anticipates her first competition in Australia at Get the Beat 2024, where she'll showcase her Jazz and Hip-Hop solos.

Additionally, she is preparing for upcoming performances at The Backyard Show by Sensory Circus and the Mackay Eisteddfod.

As a Grand Finalist for Fashion vs Beauty's Ultimate Double Header Miss Photogenic / Miss Diamond event, slated for September in Gold Coast, QLD, Jennifer-Lee's journey in the spotlight continues to gain momentum.

Jennifer-Lee is also kindly supporting the #loveyourovaries campaign to raise awareness for ovarian cancer. She is organising a fundraising event later this year and details will be announced on her Facebook page shortly. By participating in the "Tutu Challenge," Jennifer-Lee aims to contribute to the fight against ovarian cancer, a disease that affects thousands of Australian women annually.

With her continuous dedication and boundless passion for the performing arts, Jennifer-Lee shows no signs of slowing down and is poised to leave an unforgettable mark in the community as well as on stages across the globe.

Jennifer-Lee says “I love giving it all I have and leaving everything on the floor, I love the nature in Australia and I see myself working with animals in the future while also dancing, modelling and singing.”

For more information visit JLee Houseman – Miss Diamond International Finalist 2024 on Facebook.

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GP and women’s health expert Associate Professor Magda Simonis has warned early onset menstruation in Australia is occurring as early as Grade 2 or 3, 8–11 years old, for some girls, and this can be a shock to them and their parents as often it hasn’t been discussed by that age. Usually, education at schools is provided in Years 5 and 6.

“A delay in education could leave many girls unprepared for the physical and emotional changes of puberty, potentially exacerbating feelings of confusion and distress,” Associate Professor Simonis said.

Unfortunately, there is still a stigma and embarrassment around talking with children around these normal bodily functions leasing Gotham seeking the information from often dubious sources such as social media, equally ignorant friends etc. 

The comments follow a Harvard University study which found early or very early menstruation for girls has nearly doubled over five decades in the US. Likely it is similar here in Australia. The cause is likely due to the increase in body mass index or childhood obesity due to dietary choices and sedentary lives compared to decades ago. This is a societal issue with overweight and obesity in adults around 65%. So, blaming parents or the child is not helpful. 

GPs, can play a vital role in supporting young patients and their families with early onset or normal pubertal changes and earlier with children who are overweight or obese, which can be hard for parents to realise as they often don’t take their children in for check-ups past the pre prep immunisation years of 4 to 5 years old. 

Yours in good Health 

Dr Mags  

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The highly anticipated Whitsundays Writers Festival will ignite the region from Friday 6 September to Sunday 8 September.

The prestigious, premier literary event dedicated to the fostering of creativity, dialogue, and appreciation for the written word, has announced one of their thrilling marque events set to debut this September. The Big Book Club High Tea featuring highly celebrated and acclaimed authors Sally Hepworth and Kristy Manning will have festival attendees buzzing with excitement on Saturday 7 September from 3:15pm to 4:45pm. The vibrant marquee will be stationed along the aesthetic, picturesque shore of Shingley Beach and will stand at My Rainbow Bakery, where many local book clubs have met over the years.

Infamous for her New York Times bestselling novels, Sally Hepworth has captured the hearts of readers worldwide with her compelling storytelling techniques and writing style. Sally holds nine extraordinary novels under her belt and has sold over a million books across the globe! Her work encompasses various bestsellers including The Mother-in-Law, The Soulmate, The Good Sister, The Secrets of Midwives, and The Younger Wife.

Joining Sally at the Big Book Club High Tea will be Kristy Manning! Kristy’s discography of historical novels has attracted widespread acclaim, captivating audiences across the world. Her works, published in numerous languages for all to indulge in, have been adapted for various mediums, standing as testaments to her timeless storytelling brilliance. Some of her celebrated novels include The Jade Lily, The Lost Jewels, The Paris Mystery, The French Gift, The Hidden Book, and The Song of The Jade Lily.

Together, the pair have garnered much excitement since the official announcement of their attendance, and Festival President, Karen Jacobsen has expressed her anticipation for the upcoming event.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sally and Kristy to our Festival’s Big Book Club High Tea,” expressed Karen.

“They are two talented authors, and their infectious camaraderie promises an afternoon filled with laughter and insight into their journey to literary success.”

Both Sally and Kristy will select a couple of their books to discuss at the Big Book Club event, and will dive into the inspirations behind their works, writing journey, and key themes explored in each novel. Each title spoken about by the pair will be made available at the Festival Bookshop.

“We’re looking forward to this fun-filled sparking special event as part of this year’s Festival program,” explained Karen.

“My Rainbow Bakery’s high tea is famous in the Whitsundays and we encourage all attendees to make an afternoon of it and dress in your high tea best!”

Ticket sales are well underway, however quantities are strictly limited.

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What: Whitsundays Writers Festival Big Book Club High Tea Event
When: 7 September 3:15pm to 4:45pm
Where: My Rainbow Bakery
More Information: contact Julia Evans the Festival Convenor via email hello@whitsundayswriters.com

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When Chester arrived at Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated (MPRI), he was in a dire state, skeletal and weighed just 2.1 kilograms.

His fur was matted, causing him immense pain with every movement. A thorough vet check revealed his weak condition, with a heart rate of 220 bpm and severe worm infestation.

Chester was unable to undergo vaccinations or microchipping due to his underweight status and fragile state, although, he received the best care at the Northern Beaches Veterinary Hospital and was treated with compassion whilst he received a good grooming to alleviate the discomfort.

Under the care of experienced foster carer Peta, Chester's rehabilitation has since been on the mend. With a heat mat for warmth and a carefully regulated feeding schedule to prevent re-feeding syndrome, every effort was made to ensure his comfort and recovery.

Despite the odds, Chester remains a sweet and gentle soul, responding to affection with purrs and gratitude. His rescuer, Gemma, played a vital role in bringing him to safety and initiating his journey to health.

“Chester is a darling gentle boy,” the MPRI team remarked.

“We are so grateful to Gemma for seeing Chester’s plight, for bringing him inside and for contacting MPRI.

“Without her intervention Chester would not have survived this winter.

“We will keep you updated on Chester’s progress.”

While Chester's future remains uncertain, the dedication of his caregivers and the support of MPRI offer hope for his continued improvement. Each day brings new progress, and with commitment from the team, Chester's journey toward a brighter tomorrow continues.

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Chester almost didn’t survive his circumstances but thankfully he was rescued and is now on the road to recovery. Updates of his wellbeing to come. Photo Credit: Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated (Facebook)

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Lunch and birthday cake was provided to Reef Catchments staff and other industry stakeholders in a social event last Monday that encouraged participants to enjoy networking time with the board. Attendees gained an insight into what’s to come with NRM (Natural Resource Management) projects and had the chance to reflect on the remarkable achievements that have been established over the last 21 years.

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Hannah McNamara

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Paul Dray, a grower in Proserpine, is thrilled to have acquired a high-rise spray tractor that will grant him flexibility in the timing of his herbicide application. This flexibility enables him to use less harmful herbicides (knockdowns) reducing his reliance on residual herbicides.

Paul was able to make the purchase assisted by Reef Catchments through the Major Grants Project under the Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program (MWWQP) The MWWQP is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

Background
Paul’s family has deep roots in the Proserpine region, with the farm’s history spanning three generations and more than 100 years. The farm is more than just a business; it’s a legacy that Paul and his entire family are committed to preserving.

For Paul, this farm is a genuine family enterprise, with multiple generations actively participating. His parents, brothers, uncles, cousins, and now his son all play integral roles in running the operation. If you spend even a short time on the farm with Paul, you will notice there is always someone from the family stopping by to check in.

The Challenge
Timing is critical when it comes to weed spraying. If the cane grows too tall, traditional spray rigs can’t navigate through the crop. As a result, Paul had two options: he could use residual herbicides before the cane grew too tall, or he could hire contractors with high-rise spray tractors. However, these contractors were often delayed or unavailable because of scheduling conflicts. Although Paul hired drones to spray for vines, this solution didn’t address the problem with grasses, which continued to grow unchecked as the cane got taller. This led to higher labour costs and reduced crop quality, as weed management was not effective.

The Solution
To improve his farm’s pesticide management, Paul opted to work with agronomists at Farmacist. They developed a pesticide management plan that recommended alternative chemicals to reduce the risk of chemicals running off into waterways and persisting in the environment. The plan decreased the dependence on residual herbicides and encouraged greater use of knockdown herbicides.  

A key part of the plan involved Paul’s investment in a John Deere high-rise spray tractor. This advanced piece of equipment provided him with the flexibility to spray when needed, without having to rely on external contractors. The high-rise design was essential in being able to adopt the management plan put forth by Farmacist. They advised Paul on the best nozzles to use with his new sprayer, minimising chemical drift and will continue to support Paul with the management plan that has been given to him.

The new spray tractor also came with innovative technology that improved efficiency and precision. It has integrated GPS that automatically adjusts spray rates based on the tractor’s speed, reducing waste and overlap. Additionally, the built-in weather station monitors weather conditions during spraying, preventing the process if the wind was too strong, thereby minimising drift. The cloud connectivity feature automatically uploads all spraying data, including weather information, to a cloud platform, streamlining record-keeping and reducing paperwork for Paul.

With Farmacist’s expert guidance and the high-rise spray tractor’s advanced capabilities, Paul was able to implement a more efficient and environmentally friendly pesticide management strategy.

Commitment to Water Quality
Paul is dedicated to sustainable farming practices and works closely with Farmacist not only regarding his pesticide management but also for conducting soil tests, managing Nitrogen & Phosphorus budgets and selecting fertilisers and chemical sprays. By doing this, he is able ensure that he is using the right amount of inputs needed for his crop at the right time. This reflects Paul’s commitment to leaving the farm in great shape for future generations and reducing the risk of farm inputs ending up in local waterways.

Paul’s farm is a prime example of how innovation and sustainability can work together. By accepting support from agronomists, adopting advanced technology and investing in high-quality equipment, Paul has improved his farm’s efficiency and demonstrated a commitment to improving his practices on farm.

SNAPSHOT

Paul’s investment in the high-rise spray tractor has brought significant benefits to the farm:

   • Increased Control: Paul can now spray when needed, without waiting for contractors, ensuring timeliness.
   • Reduced Environmental Impact: The precise spray technology minimises runoff and allows for alternative chemicals (knockdowns) to be used reducing the risk of chemicals reaching and persisting in local waterways.
   • Improved Crop Quality: Timely and accurate spraying has led to cleaner fields and better cane.
   • Cost Effectiveness: By reducing contractor costs and losses due to runoff or drift, the farm operates more efficiently.

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The Bruce Highway is currently blocked at Foxdale near Quarry Road following a truck roll over.

The incident has resulted in lane closures and reduced traffic flow in all directions, causing significant delays for motorists.

Emergency services are on the scene and additional units are en route to manage the situation and facilitate the clearance of the highway.

Authorities are advising drivers to expect delays and consider alternative routes if possible.
Motorists traveling in the area are urged to stay informed through local traffic reports and to adhere to the instructions given by emergency responders and traffic controllers at the scene.

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Hi again, lovely readers,

Last weekend was one of the busiest but most remarkable weekends I’ve had in a long time!

I attended a free Writing Memoir and Personal Stories workshop at the Mackay City Library last Saturday to expand my skills as a writer. It was hosted by two powerhouse individuals from the Whitsundays and I left feeling more encouraged than ever to get my own book underway.

That same day I made an appearance at Legends on the Lawn - not only to take cool shots for page 21, but to also volunteer at the Broken Ballerina stall, where two hot pink guitars were signed by all the Aussie rock legends and were auctioned off at a total of $14,000 to raise funds for domestic violence.

On Sunday I attended my morning church service - which is personally my favourite part of the week - before heading to the Mackay Hospital Foundation’s Family Fun Day at BB Print Stadium to capture the picturesque moments of families and children spending quality time together, which you can find on page 8.

In our event guide on page 22, you can find a range of different activities happening within our region, so have a squiz and see what ignites the childlike fire and curiosity within you.

What makes you feel alive?

Is it being in nature, reading a good book, planting in the garden, running a marathon (see page 24-25 to view the Mackay Marina Run) or maybe even painting or dancing?

Maybe it’s all of these things, or something completely different…but whatever it is, even if it’s a hobby you haven’t picked up in years, I encourage you today, to do more of what you love.

“Let all that you do, be done with love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14 NKJV

Stay blessed!

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