At the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry Annual General Meeting (AGM) the new board for 2024 – 2025 was announced.

Introducing the Board: President Allan Milostic (LiveLife Pharmacy Airlie Beach), Vice President Vacant, Secretary Megan Taylor (Kapow Interactive), Treasurer Fiona Erquiaga (Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting), Jannah Baker (Scallywag Fabrication), Emily Harvey (Filby’s Motors), Anthony Nobilia (Airlie Beach Executive Services) and Asher Telford (Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association and SeaLink).

The Board is supported by the Chamber Liaison Dr Julia Evans and Policy Advisor Richard Evans. Together, they bring over 30 years’ experience in executive leadership, strategy, advocacy, member education and engagement, and operations in state and national peak industry associations.

During the AGM president Allan Milostic reported on activity and future plans for the Chamber’s strategic pillars of advocacy, membership, and business education having spent the last year bedding down new Chamber operations and communications.

“Our advocacy activity this year included opportunities for local and state government candidates to meet and address business community concerns, being appointed to the Council’s newly formed Economic Development Advisory Group, establishing regular knowledge exchange briefings across all levels, as well as joining conversations with Chambers of Commerce from Brisbane and northern Australian,” said President Allan Milostic.

“Looking ahead, in the new year, we will be convening a Chamber Advisory Group – a strategic think tank that will shape a range a Chamber initiatives such as the federal election, regional economic development, workforce availability and productivity, and our Whitsunday Business Conference. Additionally, a special Proserpine Committee will be formed to address specific issues and ideas.

“We’ve seen our membership base increase to 180 spanning all industry sectors. Together with Tourism Whitsundays, we launched the new and historic joint membership offer and have expanded the range of exclusive services and opportunities available to members.

“In the new year, we expect to see increased growth and membership engagement as we strive towards our goal of 300 members by December 2025.”

Following the AGM, a lively and informative conversation took place with two 2024 Whitsunday Business Award winners — Hall of Fame appointee and Most Outstanding Whitsundays Service Provider Judy Porter of Shiift, and Most Outstanding Whitsundays Retailer, Patrick Atkins from Airlie Beach Crew Clothing Co.

1 Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce Board Members Emily Harvey, Megan Taylor, Allan Milostic, Anthony Nobilia, Asher Telford and Fiona Erquiaga (absent Jannah Baker).

3 Courtney Quinn-McCabe, Jude Tyzack, and Joana Mendes

5 Sue Birch, Mark Henry, and Leanne Abernethy

7 Chamber Liaison Dr Julia Evans, Judy Porter of Shiift, and Patrick Atkins from Airlie Beach Crew Clothing Co.

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

At the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry Annual General Meeting (AGM) the new board for 2024 – 2025 was announced.

Introducing the Board: President Allan Milostic (LiveLife Pharmacy Airlie Beach), Vice President Vacant, Secretary Megan Taylor (Kapow Interactive), Treasurer Fiona Erquiaga (Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting), Jannah Baker (Scallywag Fabrication), Emily Harvey (Filby’s Motors), Anthony Nobilia (Airlie Beach Executive Services) and Asher Telford (Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association and SeaLink).

The Board is supported by the Chamber Liaison Dr Julia Evans and Policy Advisor Richard Evans. Together, they bring over 30 years’ experience in executive leadership, strategy, advocacy, member education and engagement, and operations in state and national peak industry associations.

During the AGM president Allan Milostic reported on activity and future plans for the Chamber’s strategic pillars of advocacy, membership, and business education having spent the last year bedding down new Chamber operations and communications.

“Our advocacy activity this year included opportunities for local and state government candidates to meet and address business community concerns, being appointed to the Council’s newly formed Economic Development Advisory Group, establishing regular knowledge exchange briefings across all levels, as well as joining conversations with Chambers of Commerce from Brisbane and northern Australian,” said President Allan Milostic.

“Looking ahead, in the new year, we will be convening a Chamber Advisory Group – a strategic think tank that will shape a range a Chamber initiatives such as the federal election, regional economic development, workforce availability and productivity, and our Whitsunday Business Conference. Additionally, a special Proserpine Committee will be formed to address specific issues and ideas.

“We’ve seen our membership base increase to 180 spanning all industry sectors. Together with Tourism Whitsundays, we launched the new and historic joint membership offer and have expanded the range of exclusive services and opportunities available to members.

“In the new year, we expect to see increased growth and membership engagement as we strive towards our goal of 300 members by December 2025.”

Following the AGM, a lively and informative conversation took place with two 2024 Whitsunday Business Award winners — Hall of Fame appointee and Most Outstanding Whitsundays Service Provider Judy Porter of Shiift, and Most Outstanding Whitsundays Retailer, Patrick Atkins from Airlie Beach Crew Clothing Co.

Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce Board Members Emily Harvey, Megan Taylor, Allan Milostic, Anthony Nobilia, Asher Telford and Fiona Erquiaga (absent Jannah Baker).

Courtney Quinn-McCabe, Jude Tyzack, and Joana Mendes

Sue Birch, Mark Henry, and Leanne Abernethy

Chamber Liaison Dr Julia Evans, Judy Porter of Shiift, and Patrick Atkins from Airlie Beach Crew Clothing Co.

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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The Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors celebrated their 20th year last Thursday.

A huge congratulations to all volunteers for reaching such a monumental milestone.

Coordinator Lyn Blanche said herself and fellow Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors, past and present, are extremely proud of this accomplishment.

The event was held at the stunning Shute Harbour Marine Terminal and all volunteers, current serving and old were joined by representatives from Tourism and Events Queensland, Councillor Jan Clifford, Councillor Clay Bauman, CEO of the Whitsunday Regional Council Warren Bunker and Mayor Ry Collins.

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Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors, Tourism Whitsunday Visitor Services Manager Dea Huvonen, and Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins

Manager Aviation, Tourism and Marine Shaun Cawood, Councillor Clay Bauman, TEQ Marina Neidig, Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth, CEO of the Whitsunday Regional Council Warren Bunker, Mayor Ry Collins, TEQ Kim McConnie, Director of Commercial Business Craig Turner, and TEQ Josh Green

Councillor Jan Clifford and Whitsunday Regional Council Manager Aviation, Tourism and Marine Shaun Cawood

Zak Kelly, Emma Murray, and Ross Courtenay

Geoff Smith, Celia Smith, and Robert Woodham

Allan Milostic and Linda Richardson

Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors Coordinator Lyn Blanche, and Tourism Whitsunday Visitor Services Manager Dea Huvonen

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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The Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project, once a key part of Queensland’s energy future, has officially been scrapped by the newly-elected LNP Government. After releasing a detailed report into the project’s feasibility, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie confirmed it was neither financially viable nor environmentally sustainable, citing an overwhelming $36 billion cost. For many local residents, the decision brought a sense of relief after years of uncertainty, with concerns about transparency and community consultation now coming to light. As Mr Bleijie put it, “Queenslanders were kept in the dark.” The LNP now looks to shift its focus to smaller, more feasible energy solutions for the state.

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and Glen Kelly spoke to locals in Eungella last weekend to confirm the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro scheme would not proceed. Photo supplied

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LNP Confirms Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project Axed

The newly-elected State Government has officially confirmed that the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project will not proceed, following the release of the project’s Detailed Analytical Report.
The report highlighted that the proposed project was deemed not financially viable and not environmentally appropriate, with significant concerns raised about the lack of community consultation. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said that the analysis revealed that the estimated cost of the project would have imposed a staggering $15,653 burden on each Queensland household, contributing to the total projected cost of approximately $36 billion—an amount that he said the previous government had not disclosed during its campaign.
Mr Bleijie addressed these concerns at a press conference held in Mackay on Tuesday November 5, and said, “Steven Miles during the election campaign refused to release the costings of the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro scheme, and now we reveal that it was a $36 billion project.
“Not only that, the government’s own report says it was not commercially viable. It didn't stack up and recommended it not proceed.
“The Labor government had a lot of questions to answer. How is it that the Liberal National Party government within 48 hours of forming government was able to ascertain that the project was not commercially viable and cost $36 billion?”
Newly elected Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton echoed Mr Bleijie's sentiments in Mackay, reflecting on the emotional response from the community following the announcement.
“It was a relief to hear the news,” he shared.
"Just a few days ago, I was with Premier David Crisafulli up in Eungella, witnessing incredibly emotional scenes as residents of Netherdale, Eungella, and Finch Hatton learned that the pumped hydro project would not go ahead. For many, it was a moment of relief, and they finally felt as though their voices had been heard and their concerns valued once again.
“There were emotions which I had rarely seen when there’s an announcement from a politician.
“This is actual politics in our regions.”
The LNP said that the report also indicated that the project could not be built in time to meet Queensland’s emissions targets, highlighting a need for a shift in focus.
“We want to explore smaller pumped hydro projects that can be delivered without burdening the taxpayer,” Mr Bleijie remarked.
“It’s crucial that we look for viable solutions that work for our communities and our environment.”
As the LNP government moves forward, it aims to resettle communities impacted by the project’s halt and support local businesses.
“We want to resettle those communities,” Mr Bleijie said.
“We want businesses that are struggling to thrive again and people back in their communities to support those local businesses.”
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‍Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie and Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton held a press conference in Mackay on Tuesday to confirm the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project would not proceed. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Cancer brings with it a profound sense of uncertainty, a reality that can feel overwhelming at times. Each stage of this journey, from the jarring moment of diagnosis to the draining side effects of chemotherapy, presents its own unique challenges. Now, as I await my PET scan results just one day before my next round of chemotherapy, I find myself in a particularly daunting moment, grappling with the weight of what those results may bring.
By the time this paper goes to print, I’ll know the outcome, and I’ll have had a couple of days to process it. There’s really no in-between, either the news will be good, or I’ll be bracing myself for the next round of obstacles. Regardless of the results, treatment will continue; chemotherapy number seven will be on the horizon, potentially with adjustments if things haven’t gone the way we hope.
Each time I sit in that chair, my port accessed with a deep breath and a long needle, I feel the side effects take hold as the chemo enters my bloodstream yet I remind myself I’m not alone in this battle. Every three weeks, I’m surrounded by other brave patients in oncology, all of us sharing silent looks that speak volumes. We understand each other in a way others might not, knowing nods that acknowledge the exhaustion, the fear, and the determination we all carry. Though our paths differ, many of the hopes, fears, and challenges overlap. My own journey is unique in many ways, as is every cancer patient’s journey, but the struggles resonate across the room.
What differs for me, is that I’m fortunate to have this platform to share it. I write about my journey to highlight both the unique aspects of my experience and the common threads that bind us as cancer patients. Each path is distinct, yet there are universal truths that resonate within our stories.
Bridgeen Doherty, an ambassador for the Trudy Crowley Foundation who is under palliative care, has brought us all powerful advice: “Know your body, know your normal.” If something doesn’t feel right, keep asking until you get the answers you deserve. The difference time makes is immeasurable. If my own questions had been answered sooner, perhaps I wouldn’t be sitting here undergoing chemotherapy.
When it comes to "knowing your normal," sometimes it's the small, seemingly insignificant moments that can be the most telling. I think of stories like that of Ailsa Millewski, a dedicated nurse who spent years caring for others, but whose own health issues first became apparent in the most ordinary of ways, forgetting a simple recipe she’d cooked hundreds of times before. One evening, she found herself standing in her kitchen, unable to remember how to finish a chicken stir-fry. For her husband Gary, that moment was a clear sign that something wasn’t right. It took until the end of that year to work out that Ailsa had developed a tumour in her adrenal glands, but a biopsy and PET scan revealed it was already a stage 3 carcinoma and had spread to her spine.
Tragically, Ailsa passed away in the very same palliative care unit where she had once provided compassionate care for so many patients. Her legacy lives on through her family and friends, and the story of her journey is a powerful reminder of how even the smallest changes in our health can signify something more. You can read this deeply emotional story on page 9.
Ultimately, many of us have the same goal, to reach the day we can ring the ‘all clear’ bell, signalling the end of treatment and the start of hope for a brighter tomorrow.
That’s the sound I long to hear.
Amanda

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The waterfall and slide at the Bluewater Lagoon has been temporarily closed due to a water pump failure.

A new pump has been ordered and will be installed as soon as it arrives.

Mackay Regional Council aims to have the slide back in action by Saturday, December 14, just in time for the summer break.

Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates your understanding while they complete these essential repairs.

The rest of the lagoon will be unaffected by the repairs and will continue to operate as normal.

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The Bluewater Lagoon slide is temporarily closed. Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

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A snorkelling trip turned into a high-stakes rescue when a woman in her 50s was bitten by a shark approximately 200 kilometres off the Mackay coast. On October 30, around 4:30pm, the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) received an urgent call reporting the woman had sustained severe lacerations to her lower leg, requiring immediate first aid and a coordinated rescue effort.

The first responders on board acted swiftly, applying a compression bandage to control the bleeding, which proved essential for stabilising her condition throughout the 10-hour journey to Mackay.

Shane Tucker, QAS Senior Operations Supervisor for the Mackay District, commended the quick thinking, saying it was “absolutely critical that first aid was done and done well.” He added, “Given that they’ve left the bandage on the patient throughout the whole incident… hats off to their first aids on scene.”

The remote location posed significant challenges, demanding a complex, coordinated response. The Royal Australian Navy vessel HMAS Warramunga, which was nearby, was mobilised to assist, arriving around 9:30pm to provide medical support and prepare the woman for transfer.

“Being 200km out was quite a coordinated effort from all services,” Tucker noted. The operation involved precise communication between QAS, clinical teams, and Navy personnel to ensure the patient’s safe and timely transport.

The woman, who remained conscious throughout, reported that the bite caused two deep lacerations, each about 30 centimetres long, on her lower leg.

“The patient was stable and responsive, despite experiencing significant pain,” said Tucker, mentioning that she was likely in shock given the trauma of the encounter.

When HMAS Warramunga arrived at Mackay Harbour around 12:45am, paramedics took over, transporting her to Mackay Base Hospital for further treatment.  

Reflecting on the rescue, Tucker once again acknowledged the teamwork and precision displayed by all emergency services involved.

“Obviously being quite a distance away there was quite an extensive co-ordination to retrieve this patient,” he remarked.

Details about the shark remain unknown, as neither its species nor its size was observed following the incident. Reports indicate that the attack occurred near a reef roughly 200 kilometres offshore. Addressing questions about the specific location of the attack, Tucker explained, “Unfortunately, we don't know too much of that in detail…particularly as it was so far off the coast…we are just concentrating on the patient and her injuries.”

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QAS was notified at 4.30pm on October 30, that a woman in her 50s had sustained lacerations to her lower leg from a shark bite while snorkelling about 200 kilometres off the coast. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Take a moment to think about the people around you, the quiet achievers, the volunteers who go the extra mile, the sportspeople pushing their limits, and the local legends making a real difference. Now is your chance to shine a light on their extraordinary efforts, and this year, a powerful new category has been added shining a light on inclusion.
Now is the time to nominate residents for the 2025 Australia Day Awards.
Mayor Greg Williamson said there was a new award category this year – the Brenden Borellini Access and Inclusion Achievement Award.
“This award honours individuals or groups who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to remove barriers, implement innovative solutions and advocate for the rights and needs of those who may be experiencing disability and/or mobility and access concerns,” Mayor Williamson said.
“This new award is named in honour of Brenden Borellini, who was the Mackay region 2021 Arts and Culture Award winner but was also Young Australian of the Year in 1989,” he said.
“Brenden broke down the boundaries of what was thought possible for someone who was deaf and blind.
“He was an actor, workshop facilitator, photographer and researcher, and he was strong advocate for people with disability and those that use alternate communication.
“Brenden passed away this year, and with his family’s blessing, we have introduced this award to celebrate those who follow in his footsteps as champions of access and inclusion.”
Nominations are also now open for the following categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Arts and Culture, Environmental Achievement, Lori Burgess Community Volunteer, Community Group, Senior Sports and Young Sports Award.
Mayor Williamson said there had been so many tremendous nominations last year and our region was extremely lucky to have so many amazing groups and individuals that stepped up for our community.
“We had 183 nominations across the eight categories and this year we’d love to get to 200,” he said.
He said nominating someone for an Australia Day Award took just minutes and was as simple as filling out a nomination form on council’s website or grabbing a hard copy at council’s customer service centres.
“One thing that every nominee says each year is just how much it means to them to be nominated and recognised for the work they do,” he said.
“If there’s someone you know who goes above and beyond for our community or is achieving great things, then please recognise them today with a nomination.”
Nominations close January 5, 2025.
Online nominations can be found at mackay.qld.gov.au/australiaday
All award winners and nominees will be recognised at a special awards ceremony at the MECC on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
The Australia Day Awards are proudly sponsored by P. Comino and Sons and Tropical Exposure and are supported by Triple M and 7NEWS Mackay.

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Peter Reedman was named the 2024 Mackay Regional Council Citizen of the Year due to his unwavering dedication to junior rugby union in the Mackay region.  
 
There is a new award named in honour of the late Brenden Borellini (pictured with Mayor Greg Williamson and his late mother Marlene 'Merle' Mitchell). Photos supplied: Mackay Regional Council  

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Police are investigating a serious vehicle and pedestrian traffic crash and assault at Homebush, southwest of Mackay, earlier this week on November 2.
The Mackay police unit said that initial investigations indicate that at around 9:45pm, a white utility was driving dangerously along Homebush Road before a red Mazda 3 travelling westbound collided with a 17-year-old girl who was on the roadway.
The Mazda continued for a short distance before stopping, its then alleged several people nearby approached the vehicle and assaulted a 53-year-old male passenger.
Officers arrived on scene a short time later and broke up the group.
The 17-year-old Glenella girl was transported to Mackay Base Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
The 53-year-old Sarina man was also transported to hospital for treatment.
The other occupants of the Mazda, the 16-year-old female driver, a 12-year-old male passenger, and a 56-year-old female passenger, were physically uninjured.
The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances of the crash and is appealing to anyone who may have relevant information or CCTV, dashcam footage or mobile phone footage to come forward.

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A flood study for Finch Hatton was adopted at last week’s ordinary meeting of council.
The Finch Hatton Flood Study was undertaken by engineering consultants Water Technology Pty Ltd to update the existing flood data and inform planning for the Finch Hatton township.
Mayor Greg Williamson said council was continually expanding and re-assessing its flood hazard studies, which were prioritised based on various factors including the potential risk to the community and other development drivers.
“The new Finch Hatton Flood Study helps us to understand flood behaviour in Cattle Creek and the local catchments that influence the risk to Finch Hatton and its infrastructure,” Mayor Williamson said.
“The flood hazard information improves existing flood knowledge and will be used to inform flood risk assessment and management, planning and disaster management,” he said.
As part of the flood study, council commissioned updated ground level data – both survey and LiDAR – to update topography information.
Data from the rainfall and river height gauges, installed in the past decade, was incorporated and the latest industry flood guidance (ARR19) was used to ensure the new flood study uses the best available information.
“This study has found that peak flood levels are lower than those that were used to inform the Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) mapping,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Now that the study has been adopted, it can be used to prepare a Flood Risk Assessment to identify effective land use planning and development controls in Finch Hatton,” he said.
The study does not consider any projects upstream of the township.
Council will host a drop-in session at the Finch Hatton MTB Cattle Creek Administration Building on Thursday, November 27, from 4pm to 7pm should residents have any questions.

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Hundreds of members from the Queensland Country Women's Association (QCWA) gathered in Mackay for the first time in over a century to participate in the 101st Annual State Conference, held from October 22 to November 1. With 300 registered attendees, the conference aimed to unite women from rural and regional communities, addressing pressing issues affecting their lives and reinforcing the importance of camaraderie and support across Queensland.

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in a wide range of activities, where attendees had the opportunity to view the results of the judging from various State contests, which included categories such as Handcraft, Cookery, Sewing, Photography, Floral Art, Knitting and Crochet, as well as Agricultural and Environmental projects, Patchwork, and international contests.

In addition to these displays of creativity and skill, a significant resolution by the Pioneer Division called on both state and federal governments to reassess the growing shift towards a cashless society. This resolution raised important concerns about the implications of decreasing cash usage on budgeting practices, financial inclusion, and the reliability of payment methods during technological failures or emergencies.

Key events included a State Handcraft meeting and workshops designed for handcraft teachers and trainees, fostering skills development and community engagement. On Monday, October 28, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson officially welcomed delegates, followed by a Thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Uniting Church. Notable presentations featured representatives from Chances House, who discussed their initiatives supporting the homeless community in Mackay.

As the conference progressed, members showcased their skills in various competitions, concluding in a gala dinner that celebrated QCWA achievements. A special display at the Jubilee Centre highlighted the rich history of the QCWA and local memorabilia, setting the tone for the historic gathering.

The event not only marked a significant reunion for the QCWA but also reinforced the association's commitment to advocacy and community support for women throughout Queensland.

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Over 300 women registered to attend the Queensland women’s association's 101st annual conference, celebrating a century of empowerment and community. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Annie Wood Park playground in Mount Pleasant is getting a makeover.
As part of the work, one of the open top slides on the existing play structure is being replaced with a larger closed tube slide.

Other minor maintenance work is also being completed.

The playground will be closed from Monday, November 4, to Friday, November 15, weather permitting, to allow for the installation of the new slide and associated foundation work.

Council apologises for any inconvenience caused by this closure.

To find an alternative playground during this work, please visit knowyourburb.com.au.

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The blue slide at Annie Wood Park is being replaced with a closed tube slide

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Friday November 15, marks the 150th birthday of one of our region’s oldest schools – Walkerston State School. The school community is excited to celebrate this significant event with the outside community.

Walkerston State School started as Alsatia Provisional School with 20 students, opening in November 1874, 12 years after Captain John Mackay settled at Greenmount.

Over time the school has grown, moving to its current site in 1880, with the original 1880 building still standing. Over time several new buildings have been established and the grounds now host a number of renovated classrooms, two playgrounds and a dedicated outdoor learning area.

This sesquicentennial has given the school the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the Walkerston community itself – who without, the school would not exist. The school has a proud history with multi-generations of families who have attended the school and boasts being the education centre of excellence for the 13th prime minister of Australia.
The school would like to invite all to their celebration on Friday 15th November. The official ceremony starts at 9.30am.

Contributed By Chantel Kay

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Walkerston State School celebrates 150 years with the community, tracing its roots back to 1874

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It has been a year since nurse Ailsa Millewski passed away peacefully in the Mater palliative care unit where she once worked, but the legacy of her care has not faded.
Ailsa joined Mater Private Hospital Mackay in 2010, working in the maternity team and coordinating the hospital’s Health Hearing Program. She made a positive impact on her patients and colleagues from the very beginning.
“People said that when Ailsa smiled, it wasn’t just a smile. She smiled with her whole face,” her husband Gary Millewski recalled.
“She loved working with the babies and young children.
“Whether these children and parents remember her or not, she had made a real difference.
“The ENT specialist who she worked closely with, Dr Luke Reid, said she was special for the patients – her presence alone would calm them.”
Ailsa worked across many areas of the hospital, but felt a special draw to the Palliative Care Unit on St Catherine’s ward. The unit has grown over the past 30 years to provide holistic support to patients experiencing lifelimiting illness. Ailsa soon became close friends with fellow Palliative Care Nurse, Miechelle Williams, who said she had ‘fallen into’ this demanding and specialised field of nursing.
“I graduated from university a few months after all of my friends, and one of the areas that became available to me straight away in Townsville was an introduction to oncology and palliative care nursing through Queensland Health,” Ms Williams said.
“That was the first time I actually experienced caring for a patient from their diagnosis all the way through to end of life.
“I was still relatively new to Mackay when I met Ailsa. From the get go, I just thought, ‘This is an extremely lovely person.’ You knew if she was on shift with you, it wouldn’t feel like work.”
Miechelle and Ailsa grew closer when Ailsa was part of the nursing team who cared for Miechelle’s husband Warren when he was in Palliative Care Unit. Warren passed in 2018.
“It was only two and a half years from the time of my husband’s diagnosis to his passing,” Miechelle said.
“In that time, everything about my kids’ lives was disrupted – but once he was in Palliative Care here at Mater, Ailsa just brought that extra little bit of compassion.
“She was so nice, and so softly spoken, and my 12 and 14-year-olds at the time just connected with her on an extra level because of not only the care she was giving their dad, but how she was there for all of us.”
Last year roles were reversed when Ailsa was admitted as a patient in Mater’s Palliative Care Unit.
“Ailsa had fond memories working with Miechelle right up until she took ill – she first showed symptoms that something was wrong in 2021,” Gary said.
“She was always an amazing cook so the first I noticed something was wrong was one night when she was cooking a chicken stir-fry and she came out to me and said ‘Gary, I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.’
“It took until the end of the year to work out that Ailsa had developed a tumour in her adrenal glands which we had removed in Townsville – but a biopsy and PET scan revealed it was already a stage 3 carcinoma and had spread to her spine.
“She opted not to have chemo and wanted to pass away at home.
“I cared for her at home, bought all the equipment, but didn’t want to be the one to tell her that it was getting too much for me.
“She could see though. I just couldn’t do that last bit – our GP had been doing home visits and we went into him one day. He visited her and she said to him, ‘I think I’ll have to go across the road to the Mater.’
“He said, ‘I guess you’ll want the penthouse,’ and she said, ‘Yes, room 116.’
“The first time I laid eyes on Ailsa was 12 September 1984. On 12 September 2023, she was admitted to Palliative Care.”
Miechelle cared for Ailsa throughout her admission.
“Caring for Ailsa at the end was difficult because this was a colleague I had worked with, but it was also such a beautiful experience to be able to support her and her family like she had done for me and my family previously,” Miechelle said.
“The night of her passing, Gary and their daughter were both there and it all just felt like it happened at the right time for everyone.”
“Miechelle didn’t have to say anything in those final moments, just her presence there with us was fantastic,” Gary said.
“Ailsa’s wish was that she didn’t want anyone else to be with her when she passed, only me – and it turned out that, at five to two in the morning, our daughters were dozing off to sleep, I was holding Ailsa’s hand, and I just said, ‘I think she’s taken her last breath.’
“She had - and it was just the two of us.”
Gary shared Miechelle’s appreciation for the staff, saying Ailsa was provided with the same care she had given to countless other patients over the years.
“The feeling whenever you are at the Mater is always different to other places. It is so personal and you never feel like a number; you know every person is there for you and nowhere more so than with the palliative care team,” he said.
“The important part, from my perspective, is to have that assurance and feeling that the people caring for Ailsa understood the situation and supported her just as much as they were there for me and my family.
“Ailsa had always said ‘Gaz, don’t be sad because dying is just as much a part of life as living.’
“She said it’s such a privilege to see a baby born, but also a privilege to be able to support a patient at the other end of their care too.”
Echoing Ailsa’s thoughts, Miechelle said she believes the care the team provides is just as much for loved ones as it is for patients.
“We had a cry with Ailsa’s family, but we also laughed too,” she said. “It’s a time where you do just have to take the good with the bad.
“I’ll always happily remember Ailsa and the impact she has had on my life will remain with me for a very long time.”

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Ailsa Millewski

Gary Millewski with his favourite photo of Ailsa, taken during a shift at Mater

Miechelle Williams and Gary Millewski. Photos supplied: Mater Private Hospital Mackay

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Last month on October 25th, the Mackay Hospital and Health Service acknowledged the outstanding contributions of their healthcare staff at the Let’s Celebrate Mackay HHS People Awards.
 
The gala event was held at the Ocean International and recognised the individuals and teams who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovation in their roles, embodying the core organisational values of collaboration, trust, respect and teamwork.
 
The Mackay HHS team extends their congratulations to the following award winners:
   • Clinical Excellence Award – Medical Imaging Team, Mackay Base Hospital
   • Non-Clinical Excellence – Tina Mansell, clinical director support officer, medical and critical care.
   • The Golden Boot Award – Kaleena Bradwell, operational officer, Sarina Hospital
   • Innovation & Productivity Award – Post Operative Discharge Support Service (PODSS)
   • Closing the Gap Award – Philip Kemp, cultural practice coordinator, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit
   • Volunteer of the Year Award – Jeffrey Timor (JT)
   • People’s Choice Award – Bowen District Home Care 
   • Chief Executive Values Award – Dean Rokic, operational officer, Mackay Base Hospital.
 
A representative from the team said “Thank you to all our skilled, compassionate and dedicated staff members for delivering vital health care to our communities across the Mackay HHS.”
 

CE Values Award Winner – Mackay Base Hospital operational officer Dean Rokic
 
WINNER 1 – Volunteer of the Year Award winner Jeffrey Timor, Non-Clinical Excellence Award winner Tina Mansell and Closing the Gap Award winner Philip Kemp.
 
WINNER 2 – Bowen District Home Care team won the People’s Choice Award
 
WINNER 3 – Post Operative Discharge Support Service team, from left, Sarah Johnston, Erin Sherry, Samantha Sanders and Chelsea Presley.
 
WINNER 4 – Golden Boot Award winner and Sarina Hospital operational officer Kalenna Bradwell
 
WINNER 5 – Mackay Base Hospital Medical Imaging Team won the Clinical Excellence Award
 
SOCIAL 1 – Attending the Let’s Celebrate Mackay HHS People Awards are Sharelle Liles, Tracy Falbo, Jennifer Lindsay, Jenny Adams and Sarah Schneider.
 
SOCIAL 2 – Mackay Hospital and Health Board members, from left, Dr Luke Lawton, Kerry Maley, chair Helen Darch, Andrea Ransom and Bill Cooper 
 
SOCIAL 4 – Mackay Base Hospital Pharmacy team members
 
SOCIAL 5 – Alice Cameron, Khannah Poppi, Lynda Marchitto and Natalie Williams were at the Mackay HHS staff awards.
 
SOCIAL 6 – Attending the Let’s Celebrate Mackay HHS People Awards were Deb Anderson, Emma Hess, Kylie Ludwick and Kylie Clark,
 
SOCIAL 7 – Marion Nelis, James William Jenkins and Deb McConnell at the Mackay HHS staff awards held at the Ocean International on Friday 25 October. Photos supplied

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Eleven months after a debilitating stroke changed her life, Susan Kynaston is still
working hard to “retrain her brain”.

Susan suffered a number of small brain bleeds in December last year and was flown
to Townsville Hospital where she was operated on and spent four days in ICU. She
spent four months in hospital in total including Christmas, her 71st birthday and her
wedding anniversary.

The stroke left her bed-ridden and unable to eat or drink – she spent months having to
be fed via a tube both in hospital and at home.

Recovering from a stroke was a long and frustrating experience with many difficulties
along the way. But Susan was dedicated and willing to work towards improvement.

She set herself small goals including getting to church on Easter Sunday.

“I always led a very active life so sitting in a wheelchair for the rest of it just wasn’t an
option for me,” she said.

“I’ll never be the same and I have to embrace that and be realistic moving forward.

“Life has changed and we have to adapt – but you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.”

Susan shared her stroke rehab journey to highlight the vital and life-
changing work of Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) staff for Allied Health
Professionals Day last month.

Susan left hospital on April 8. Beside her every step of the way on her health journey,
both in and out of hospital, has been her devoted husband, Allen.

Susan’s ongoing rehabilitation program started when she was in hospital and included
different therapies designed to help her relearn both physical and cognitive skills. This
included learning to walk again.

Her rehab was centred around repetitive actions and tasks and creating new
communication pathways in her brain.

Susan describes Mackay Base Hospital’s Community Health and Therapy Services
(CHATS), a multidisciplinary team of allied health and nursing professions, as “warm,
compassionate and caring” and the reason she has regained so much dignity and
independence.

Physiotherapists helped improve the movement and functioning of her body; occupational therapists worked to re-wire her brain and improve daily function as well as make some home safety modifications; speech pathologists enabled her to finally transition from being tube bed to re-introducing texture in food and drinks and assisted with swallowing exercises; the dietetics team provided nutrition supplements and advice on nutrient absorption.

CHATS senior occupational therapist Jemma Ryan said Susan had consistently demonstrated her motivation, positivity and determination throughout the highs an lows of her stroke rehab journey in the last six months.

“Susan started in the Transition Care Program (TCP) with CHATS upon discharge
from hospital and has achieved many goals such as independently applying her own
make-up,” she said.

“One of Susan’s big occupational therapy goals was to return to playing the piano -
this has had great meaning and purpose throughout her life.

“With hard work and persistence, she is now able to play the piano and is close to
playing an entire favourite song of hers.”

CHATS physiotherapist Darcy Bogaart said Susan’s major goals in hospital were
around building strength and they worked on sitting, standing, stepping and walking
for two to three hours a day. After she returned home, the goal was to get back to the
hobbies she enjoyed including church, shopping, singing and seeing shows at the
MECC.

“Since day one she has held this incredibly positive and optimistic mindset despite all
she has faced and her strong work ethic has been a major part of her recovery,” she said.

“She has never shied away from having big scary goals to work towards including her
dream of returning to volunteering at the hospital in the paediatric ward.”

Susan still attends both one-on-one and group therapy sessions every week, including
a falls and balance class.

“The staff are all so wonderful and I’ve had the absolute best care, both in the hospital
and here at CHATS – they even picked me up and brought me to my appointments for
the first 12 weeks after I went home,” she said.

“It’s been very hard work, sometimes we are visiting up to four times a week for
appointments, but just look at what we’ve been able to accomplish.

“I never thought I’d be back up on a treadmill and walking, so for me that’s a real
milestone.

“It’s been a long and trying journey but I have a lot of peace as I never would have
thought I’d have the gumption to get to where I am now after my stroke. It’s
miraculous.

“I’m proud of myself and it shows anything is possible when you have the right
support. My life really is blessed.”

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Mackay woman Susan Kynaston pictured with CHATS physiotherapist Darcy
Bogaart and allied health assistant Peter Treloar. Photo supplied

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