After much anticipation, ALDI brought its 'Good Different' shopping experience to Andergrove, Mackay with the opening of a new store on Wednesday, 15th May. This event marked the first ALDI store in the region, offering the local community a unique range of “high-quality products at exceptionally low prices”.
ALDI claimed that customers could trust that every item in their trolley was not only a great value but also of top quality. This guarantee contributed to ALDI winning Canstar Blue’s award for Australia’s Most Satisfied Shoppers eight times.
Bronwyn Post, Managing Director, Queensland, ALDI Australia, said, “We know the passion Mackay locals have for ALDI and how much they’ve been looking forward to ALDI bringing Australia’s lowest-priced groceries to the region. Now more than ever it’s important that Aussies have access to affordable groceries so it’s truly a pleasure for us to be able to reach a whole new community of people with our ‘Good Different’ shopping experience.
“We know for many customers visiting ALDI Mackay, it will be their first time ever shopping in an ALDI store. There are a few small differences they may notice that separate us from other supermarkets, such as our curated range of exclusive brands, streamlined operations, and our coin deposit trolleys,” Ms Post said.
“These differences allow us to cut out unnecessary costs and pass these savings on to customers. In 2023 alone, ALDI shoppers saved $3.4 billion on their grocery bills. That’s real money back in the pockets of Australian families."
“We look forward to welcoming the residents of Mackay to the store so they can discover the savings that can be made for themselves.”
In August 2020, ALDI became the first Australian supermarket to commit to 100% renewable electricity, achieving this milestone in June 2021. All ALDI Australia stores, offices, and warehouses are now fully powered by renewable electricity.
In addition to being fully powered by renewable electricity, in 2019, ALDI committed to reducing plastic packaging by 25% and ensuring 100% of packaging would be reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025. ALDI Australia recently won Finder’s ‘Green Supermarket of the Year’ award, recognizing the company’s ambition and progress in its sustainability efforts.

The new ALDI Mackay store features a vibrant produce section, showcasing fresh fruits and vegetables delivered daily. Photo supplied

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Whether early, mid or later in career, there’s many reasons why we may seek to reinvent our careers, and sometimes we may be forced to through redundancy or personal well-being. The ‘job for life’ is vanishing from the career landscape and it is reported that the average person tends to go through 3-7 careers throughout their working life, and more for upcoming generations. It helps to have a mindset that your career is a journey, not a destination.

Reinventing your career can be a transformational and empowering experience. Here are some steps to help you navigate this process:

   1. Identify your strengths and skills: List out your strengths, skills, and experiences as well as what interests you, what you enjoy doing and what you are good at. This can provide direction for your career change.
   2. Maintain mindset and persistence: Changing careers can be challenging. Maintain a positive mindset and be prepared for setbacks. Persistence is key.
   3. Set realistic goals: Set achievable short- and long-term goals to keep motivated.
   4. Do your research: Explore different career options that align with your interests and skills. Use career websites, register for career alerts from preferred companies and stay updated on work trends.
   5. Rebrand yourself with the job or career you want in mind.
   6. Leverage transferable skills: Identify skills from your current or previous roles that are transferable. Identify any gaps and seek out training - formal and development workshops. Take advantage of free courses.
   7. Build your professional network: Connect with professionals in the field you are interested in. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage on professional social networks like LinkedIn.
   8. Activate your search strategy: Update your résumé and LinkedIn profile, highlight relevant skills and experiences for your new career path. Be strategic – apply for positions that match your new career goals. Be sure to customise each cover letter.
   9. Gain practical experience: Look for opportunities to gain experience in your new field e.g. internships, volunteering, part-time work, or freelance projects.
   10. Plan your finances: Ensure you have a financial plan to support yourself during the transition e.g. saving money, budgeting, or finding part-time work while you retrain.

Reinventing your career is a journey that requires self-analysis, planning, action and persistence. With the right approach, you can successfully transition into a fulfilling new career path.

Any change not only requires you to plan but also to act. If you want a different outcome, you have to do things differently. If it all seems overwhelming, seek some assistance from a trusted personal career guide. CareerForce Australia can provide that individualised support - contact me at powerup@careerforceaustralia.com.au or 0409 894 131 to learn more.

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Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank would like to congratulate fellow team member Josie Dahtler on her recent graduation from CQUniversity! Josie is a Customer Service Officer at Community Bank Sarina who completed a Bachelor of Science studying online, which enabled her to stay local, and earn and learn.

Josie joined the banking team after completing high school from a competitive field of applicants. While at high school, Josie was a recipient of Community Bank Sarina’s inaugural Sarina State High School Scholarship Program, which she said meant “more than just money” to her, and her future prospects. "Through events and getting involved in the community, recipients like me can find chances to grow as individuals and future leaders. I'm thankful for the support Community Bank Sarina provided during my high school studies.”

Another local graduate success story was Elleni Williams, who received a Community Bank Sarina higher education scholarship, supporting her university studies. Elleni completed a Bachelor of Accounting, and appreciated the financial assistance and networking opportunities that the scholarship provided.

“Receiving this scholarship felt special. As an older student who hadn't been in high school for three years, I appreciated that the Bank recognised my education and work experience, which helped affirm that my career aspirations were valid and pushed me to keep going. The scholarship provided financial support but also gave me access to resources, connections, and experiences that made a big impact on my future career opportunities.”

Community Bank Sarina manager Charmaine Matsen said the focus of scholarships was to allow local students to live and work where they wanted, and still have the career they desired. “At the Bank, we always say you don’t have to leave to achieve! We’re all just so proud of Josie, and she is a real credit to our banking team.”

The Community Bank Sarina Scholarship program is all about providing an opportunity and additional support to those who want to learn. The team at Community Bank Sarina congratulates Josie, Elleni and all of the graduates on their hard work.

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From Community Bank Sarina, Board Chair Karen May, Customer Service Officer Josie Dahtler, Deputy Chair Maree Franettovich and Manager Charmaine Matsen

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In a ground-breaking event for local marine conservation enthusiasts, volunteers Stephen and Janet Boxall from the Mackay and District Turtle Watch (M&DTW) have achieved a significant milestone by documenting the nesting of an olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) for the first time in the region's history. This remarkable occurrence unfolded on the serene shores of Campwin Beach, located just south of Mackay, during the early days of December 2023.

“When we found out that it was an olive ridley we were over the moon, it was almost unbelievable,” Janet remarked.

Following their encounter with a small turtle on the beach during a morning survey, Stephen and Janet initially assumed it to be a young loggerhead. However, they wisely persisted in observing its unique gait and meticulously documented both the tracks and the nest.

Upon consulting with Lynette Gallagher, they discovered 90 eggs in an egg chamber, likely belonging to an olive ridley, a species not known to nest in the area. The eggs were then relocated to a safer spot, where not long after 34 hatchlings emerged, with 12 found alive and one lifeless.

Sister of Janet, Shirley Sidey cared for the nest during the Boxalls' absence and suspected the hatchlings might be olive ridleys due to discrepancies in appearance. After further examination and collaboration with sea turtle experts, including Dr. Col Limpus, it was confirmed on May 8, 2024, that the turtle and hatchlings were indeed olive ridleys.
Typically, Mackay's mainland beaches are frequented by flatback (Natator depressus) and green (Chelonia mydas) turtles, distinguished by their symmetrical breaststroke gaits. However, the Campwin turtle's unique nesting behaviour, characterised by an alternate gait, initially led to speculation that it might be a loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtle.
This assumption was challenged upon closer inspection of hatchling photos, revealing the tell-tale olive ridley characteristics, including the presence of six or more pairs of large scales on the carapaces.
Additionally, Dr. Limpus noted the annual nesting of hundreds of olive ridleys on the western Cape York Peninsula, primarily south of Weipa, further emphasising the need for continued vigilance and conservation efforts along Australia's eastern coast.

Janet said, “We have had very heartening results in the number of turtles nesting on our beaches recently and we would hope that the efforts of the people in the previous decades have contributed to their survival.

“The contributions that Mackay and District Turtle Watch volunteers make to ensuring the survival of the turtles in our waters as well as their contributions to the data collected are invaluable.”

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Local Mackay & District Turtle Watch volunteers have discovered rare turtle hatchlings known as ‘olive ridleys’ on Campwin beach, just south of Mackay. Photo credit: Mackay and District Turtle Watch

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For the month of June, Grapevine Group wants the Mackay community to hold takeaway pizza parties and to dine in at Laffos Bar and Pizzeria where every large pizza bought will see $5 donated as part of the Pizza for a Purpose fundraiser.
To launch Pizza for a Purpose, Grapevine will be at the front of Laffos at Caneland Central on Saturday, June 1.
The fundraiser will continue to support Grapevine’s critical work towards local suicide prevention training and awareness initiatives like their free lifesaving 3-hour safeTALK training available to the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions. The launch will include a well-being fair with mental health services and will also promote this year’s pizza party theme.
The event which runs from 9am to 1pm, will include pizza-making workshops, free face-painting, a pizza and paint session and balloon twisting for all to enjoy. The community also has an opportunity to win one of three $200 Caneland Central gift vouchers as part of Grapevine’s colouring-in competition.
“Fundraisers like this are essential so Grapevine can continue to run free group safeTALK sessions or 1-hour Suicide Mythbusters toolbox talks that can be delivered at workplaces, sports or community organisations,” said Grapevine Group president Debbie Knight.
To date, Grapevine has proudly trained 6800 locals in suicide prevention, but more training is needed. Grapevine thanks the official Pizza for a Purpose supporters including Laffos Bar & Pizzeria, Caneland Central and Bright Light Marketing.
“We’re so proud of the extraordinary work Grapevine does. Signing up for our third consecutive year to raise funds was a no-brainer,” Laffos Bar and Pizzeria owner Nicole Batzloff said.
“This time we hope to better the $11,000 generated last year, so we hope lots of local organisations hold a pizza party to help us raise even more.”
The pizza-making workshops will be held at 9am and 10.30am, and the pizza and paint session at 12pm. Join Grapevine Group on Saturday June 1 at the pizza party inspired launch. Book now for the pizza-making workshops, and pizza and paint session by visiting www.canelandcentral.com.au
For local help or to book into free public or group suicide prevention training, download the Grapevine Group app now or go to www.grapevinegroup.org.au
Get involved and make a difference by eating some delicious Laffo’s pizza!

Laffos Bar and Pizzeria donated $11,290 in 2023 thanks to the Pizza for a Purpose initiative
Every large pizza bought will see $5 donated as part of the Pizza for a Purpose fundraiser to the Grapevine Group. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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You’ll be surprised that’s for sure.

It’s been a busy time over the last few weeks. Last week was my birthday, Dad’s been here for a few days saying gudday to the kids and spoiling his favourite son. Greg Williamson had his annual Charity Ball.

Aldi finally opened its doors in Beaconsfield which had what seemed like thousands rocking up just to check out how many ski jackets could be sold in the tropics, and the number of fundraisers lately have raised enough money to put enough fuel in the car for a week, for anyone coming in from the northern beaches. That’s a busy time.

Well, I am here to tell you now, it’s certainly not slowing down any time soon. It’s getting busier.

I’m busy in the 4MK breakfast studio trying to give away nearly $6K in the Secret Sound each day after 7am. Get cracking to win the money.

We’ll be busy tonight at the Mackay Golf Club for the Pro-Am Sponsors night. I’m sure I’ll get some great tips on how to play this fun game of white ball. It’s very similar to the other white ball game I play in hockey. Sure, their balls are smaller, but the idea is the same. Hit the ball, and hope it gets in the hole/goal as quickly as possible.

Next week it just does not stop either. Heaps of fun activities to be involved in. There’s another big NBL1 basketball game in Mackay with our Meteors and Meteorettes on the Friday night. Then on Saturday, it’s all hands-on with the third edition of Legends on the Lawn with Icehouse playing at Harrup Park on the Saturday.

Then on Sunday, I’ll be at the Mackay Harbour with thousands of others getting ready to run their hearts out for the annual BMA Mackay Marina Run. I’ll be running the half-marathon with my son for the first time which will be so cool. We’ve both been training for this run, so I hope we both finish without too much injury, and with a smile.

If you’re part of any of these fun activities enjoy it. Remember to smile.

Don’t forget if you’ve got a function or activity that the community can get involved in, let me know. It could be markets at Sarina, or even a fun run in Marian, or the opening of a new community group around Seaforth, flick me the information.

Remember if you see a tall man with orange shoes running down Sydney Street, he’s not being chased, he’s just trying to breathe. That’s all.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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One of the most over-used terms in the news media is, “A parent’s worst nightmare”.
It’s annoying because the situation the reporter is describing is usually not a parent’s worst nightmare but something pretty bad. Bad, yes. Worst nightmare, no.
I won’t disturb readers by giving examples of “worst nightmares”, but you get what I mean.
Some years ago my wife, Sonia, and I went for a weekend break to the Coral Sea Resort in Airlea Beach and left our then-four-year-old daughter with my wife’s parents in South Mackay.
On our first evening away we experienced what news reporters would refer to as a “parent’s worst nightmare”.
We were relaxing in a water-front section of the resort and, around 5.30pm, rang my wife’s parents to check on how they were going with our daughter, Bianca.
My wife rang and I was sitting next to her, only hearing her end of the conversation.
After the initial “Hi mum, how are you etc”, my wife said “How’s Bianca?”
I couldn’t hear her mum’s reply but Sonia said: “You can’t find her?”
We exchanged fairly intense glances and I said “put her on speaker”. I discovered that the challenge in these situations is not to scream at your mother-in-law: “WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU CAN’T FIND HER?!!
We tried to stay calm and asked how long since they had seen her and she said it was about 15 minutes. They had a two-storey house and it would not be unusual for Bianca to be playing downstairs and out of sight for a short time.
The concerning thing was that Sonia’s parents had called out for her and gone looking but there was no sign of her.
Sonia’s mum said her dad was looking for her and we suggested she join him, call out, go past the neighbours etc but we said we will be calling back in exactly 15 minutes and please make sure you are ready for our call.
Several of the worst minutes of my life passed extremely slowly as my wife and I ran through the possible scenarios, all optimistic and none of them contemplating the unthinkable.
In about 10 minutes Sonia’s mum rang and said, “We’ve found her.”
Rarely does your state of mind go from one extreme (anxiety, deepest fears) to another (relief, joy, a celebration of all that is good in the world) in a space of a few seconds.
It turned out that Bianca had wandered next door to see people who had been long-time friends and supporting, friendly neighbours of my wife’s parents.
They offered her a drink and a biscuit and they had a nice little chat while my wife and I were quietly, desperately going out of our minds for about 10 minutes.
The irony, of course, was that the reason Bianca had disappeared for that short period was because her grandparents lived in a friendly neighbourhood where everyone knew and looked out for each other.
Bianca felt welcome and comfortable wandering over to the neighbours’ house and they were delighted to see her and have a chat.
It’s great to live in a suburb you love, with nearby neighbours you know and can rely on. It’s the terrific thing about buying a house, putting down roots, getting to know others in the street and knowing that everyone can identify who belongs and who doesn’t.
There is a natural crime-prevention antennae and a sense of community and safety that makes you feel at home.
The down-side is that when your kids are confident and adventurous and are feeling the neighbourly love, you can find yourself experiencing a “parent’s worst nightmare”.

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The new CEO emerging out of the partnership between two of Australia’s leading cane organisations has hit the road to meet with growers and members and share vital information about the integration.
Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) has joined forces with the Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA) in an effort to drive strategic and positive change across the industry.
Stephen Ryan has been appointed CEO of the joint venture and has recently completed a roadshow through the Far North Queensland and Herbert regions to explain the recent integration of the two organisations.
“This roadshow is about telling the members what we’re doing, what we intend to do, why we’ve done what we’ve done, how we can help them and what services we’re offering,” Mr Ryan said.
“Some of the comments and feedback we’ve been getting are very interesting, saying there are opportunities to do things differently which we’re trying to do.
“We’ve put together a regional focus from the Burdekin Head Office with a series of district committees and members to be grassroots driven but also have a presence in Brisbane with the Australian Cane Farmers Office.”
A canefarmer originally from northern New South Wales, Mr Ryan has been based in Brisbane and working for ACFA for 25 years.
With decades of experience liaising with growers from a member-based organisation, he looks forward to continuing this work alongside a powerful, local and centralised unit in QCAR.
“I’m what you might call an old hand in the industry now,” he laughed.
“I’ve been through a lot of scrapes and battles, deregulation and things like that.
“My experience is right across the industry in many different areas like policy, contracts, political negotiations and the local farming side of things.”
Mr Ryan has seen the sugar cane industry evolve over those decades and is focused on dealing with stakeholders as a unified organisation.
“It’s so important not to be fragmented,” he said.
“When you’re dealing with global partners, you have to be able to have the weight and the numbers behind you and you need to have enough people with specialties in different policy areas to be able to bring outcomes for the members.
“Different areas want different things, but I think the common thread is that if there are new processes and new products in the near future, they want to be able to have the ability to invest in that, to share in it and be part of the conversation.”
Mr Ryan will continue to hear from growers and members as the Roadshow continues through the Burdekin, Central Queensland and Southeast Queensland regions in coming months.
The final stages of the election and selection of committees have been completed ahead of the first board meeting to be held in the Burdekin today, Thursday May 16.
Chair Charles Quagliata said the sugarcane industry will see significant benefits from the partnership between QCAR and ACFA as the partnership leverages the collective expertise and resources of both organisations to strengthen the sugarcane industry.
“By joining forces, we are securing a stronger future for the growth of the sugarcane industry across Australia,” he said.
“This marks a pivotal moment for our industry and by combining our strengths, we can better serve our members and drive positive change.”
Mr Ryan concluded by saying the partnership signifies a new chapter for the sugarcane industry.
“We are committed to securing a prosperous future for all stakeholders through collaborative efforts,” he said.
“Together, QCAR and ACFA will spearhead positive change, nurturing industry expansion, and championing innovation, sustainability, and resilience within the sugarcane industry.”
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Stephen Ryan
FNQ meeting in Babinda
FNQ meeting in Innisfail
Photos supplied

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Six organisations will share in $4.38 million in funding from the Queensland Government to support sugarcane growers to implement improved management practices on their farms, boost productivity and improve the quality of water running off the land and flowing to the Great Barrier Reef.
The six organisations are:
   • Sugar Research Australia Limited (Wet Tropics and Burnett Mary regions)
   • Tropical Agricultural Services Pty Ltd (Herbert)
   • Farmacist Pty Ltd (Wet Tropics, Burdekin and Mackay Whitsunday regions)
   • Innisfail District Cane Growers Organisation Limited
   • Resource Consulting Services Pty Ltd (Mackay Whitsunday), and
   • Tully Cane Productivity Services Ltd

The organisations were selected following an open market process that invited agronomic industry experts to develop projects that will help sugarcane growers improve fertiliser use efficiency on their farms.
They will provide expert advice and support to help cane growers improve crop nutrient use through practices like refined fertiliser application rates, addressing soil constraints and farm management planning to save money and reduce the amount of fertiliser being lost to waterways.
The funding is part of a $125.1 million investment by the State Government to support agricultural industries including the cane, grazing, banana, horticulture and grain sectors to improve land condition, reduce losses to waterways and increase their business resilience.
Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Leanne Linard said that the state government is committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef and the thousands of species who call it home.
“We know that poor quality water running off the land and out to the reef is a critical threat, and for many years sugarcane growers have been a key partner in our work to improve water quality, and I thank them for their ongoing support,” Minister Linard said.
“Growers have told us how much they value opportunities to work one-on-one with industry experts to gain valuable insights on how they can improve their productivity and profitability through improved farm management, which in turn benefits the environment through improved water quality flowing to the reef.
“That is why the government is pleased to provide funding for these organisations to work with growers to help them improve crop nutrient use, address soil constraints and enhance farm management planning to improve the quality of water flowing to the Great Barrier Reef.”
Minister Linard also said the government’s $125.1 million Sugarcane Practice Change Program builds on previous investments to focus on a whole-of-industry approach that works directly with farmers to improve land management practices across Reef catchments.
“There is another risk to the Great Barrier Reef – the election of a Crisafulli LNP government later this year. The LNP has no plans and no policies to protect the reef and the species who call it home and the Queenslanders who depend on it for work,” the Minister said.
Resource Consulting Services General Manager, Trevor Crook said, “RCS is teaming up with Farmacist to work with sugarcane producers through a program that places the business owners at the core.
“The program combines holistic management training, one-on-one business coaching and agronomic advice within a supportive learning environment to promote producer-led change in pursuit of their respective vision and goals. 
“Participants will discover and adapt techniques that increase profitability through improvements in the fertiliser efficiency of their farming systems.”

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Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Leanne Linard, speaking in Mackay on the importance of reef and island preservation. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

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The ICE#11 sugar contract continues to be weighed down by the growing 24/25 forecast global trade surplus.
The early start to the Brazilian harvest, and clear weather, has resulted in record breaking production numbers being posted in the UNICA half monthly production reports for April. Seasonal cane tonnages are up and so is the ratio of sugar to ethanol production, particularly for this early in the season. This is forcing analysts to revise their sugar production numbers for Brazil.
Additionally, much needed rain in Thailand is improving the outlook for this year’s crop to climb back above 10M tonnes of sugar production. Combined with incremental increases in tonnage for Europe, China and Central America, there is a growing consensus around another surplus year in sugar production.
The speculative money has sensed that the path of least resistance has been down, and has consequently moved to net short position on the market to around 50,000 contracts.
The good news is that global stocks are low and demand remains strong. Even with the significant pullback in prices, the forward market still exhibits a slightly inverted structure in which nearby prices are higher than deferred.
Australian sugar is selling well into our traditional Asian markets and the solid physical premiums paid for the 23-season crop look likely to be repeated into this year’s pricing. While Brazilian ethanol parity is still well below current market levels, the import parity for raw sugar into Chinese refineries is resulting in some fresh business and plenty of price checking.
Following the close of the 24 season pricing nomination date (April 30), the grower’s GEI sugar pricing mix has shifted back to traditional pool pricing mechanisms for price management. After a couple of years of record returns for our Production Risk Pool, this is not a total surprise.
Further, the large volatility of prices over the last 18 months has left some growers who forward price feeling a bit whiplashed. As with all choices, there are trade-offs.
For those in the pools you can never be sure of your final price until well after harvest has been completed, whereas forward pricing gives you certainty and control of your own income.

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AUD Sugar Swap Price: 2024 season
AUD Sugar Swap Price: 2024, 2025 and 2026 seasons

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay
The crush will start to roll out across the region next week, and things are getting busy across the industry. While final bolts are being tightened in what has hopefully been a very productive mill maintenance season, the community can expect to see machinery start to move around the cane rail and road network.
That can include looking out for anything from cane trains – we all know THAT jingle – to haulout tractors and trucks, to long vehicles moving cane harvesters and requiring pilot escort vehicles.
Depending on the weather, Mackay Sugar will lead out with a staggered start across the three mills, with Farleigh starting on 3 June followed by Racecourse the next day and Marian at full steam by 13 June.
Plane Creek has been delayed to 18 June from the original 11 June, as a result of industrial action in recent weeks. It is to be hoped that the parties can come to an agreement, and that the mill can perform reliably across the season after such a perilously late start.
Sugarcane is an important part of the regional economy and the region’s communities. CANEGROWERS wants to see everyone interacting with the sugar industry to get home safe every day, be it grower families, our harvest crews, mill workers, or members of the community sharing the transport networks with our industry.
Harvest season can be hectic, so we ask the community to be patient with some of our slower moving vehicles. Please don’t do the crazy dash overtake of a haulout tractor at 100km an hour on a back country road. Please don’t try to beat the loco that is approaching a crossing.
Everyone needs to be somewhere, so taking care will help all road and rail users to get where they need to, safely. As the saying goes: “better to be late than never”.
For those working the harvest, we encourage you to be mindful of all the necessary safety factors – being aware of overhead powerlines and making best use of the Ergon “Look up and Live” app; routinely thinking about always maintaining safe loading levels when filling bins, so to mitigate spillage; taking care along the roadways and in the sidings. Given the rain seems to be hanging about, we also remind driver to take great care to ensure that we do not track mud onto roadways, which creates a safety hazard for other road users.
Aside from safety CANEGROWERS Mackay has been working hard on our annual harvest labour campaign, and have just completed two Haulout Driver training courses. We are committed to industry safety and efficiency, and are proud to say that, with funding from the Queensland Government Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, we have trained 19 drivers new to the industry in basic safety and procedures, assisting them with practical experience on farm alongside theory work and Cert II Rural Operations modules. Anyone keen to take up work in the industry are welcomed to take a look at positions vacant or post work wanted on the www.mackaycanegrowers.com.au website Farm Jobs Noticeboard.
Here’s hoping for a successful - and safe - 2024 crush!

Be aware of rail crossings becoming more active
Haulout vehicles will be on the move as the crush rolls out from 28 May.
Pictures: Kirili Lamb

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Amidst the for and against opinions and murmurs of the 'Say No to Digital ID' rally in Mackay, Stephen Andrew, MP for Mirani emerged as the voice of dissent as he spoke on the potential reality of a dystopian future ahead.
With fiery belief, Mr Andrew painted a picture of a world where every move is traced and monitored from the cradle to the grave. The digital ID, he proclaimed, was not just a tool for convenience but a leash on freedom and a chain binding humanity to the whims of unseen forces.
Drawing from what he described as ominous contents of the parliamentary bill, Mr Andrew laid bare the stark reality of what could lie ahead.
The complicated contents of the bill leave one thinking the Digital Id Movement will be introduced for the good of the people, however protestors of the ‘Say No to Digital ID’ debate otherwise.

Fear and worry circulate the movement as some believe it will own all personal history such as births, marriages, medical history, education and behavioral activity as well as SIM card registration.

Alongside this, some proclaim that it is being implemented by design worldwide, inspired by the UN and the WEF and will be overseen by private sector overseas companies.

Concerns also rise, regarding a person who refuses to grant digital permission, with a potential consequence to be shut out of the economy as well as society by being locked out or denied access, a similar consequence seen in the COVID-19 debacle.

Others note the undeniable issues of power outages, storms and crashes nearby, which could lead to a surge of individuals facing difficulties accessing their personal information when it's most needed.

In his impassioned speech, Mr Andrew drew parallels to the coercion witnessed during the Covid vaccination drive, where choice was replaced with ultimatums and consent became a mere compulsion.
Further concerns indicate that there will soon be no ability to stand up for personal beliefs let alone basic rights.
Anti-digital ID activists are warning others about the social credit system and how the population is yet to be “in a digital prison from which we can never escape.”
As Mr Andrew rallied the crowd, he underlined the importance of pushing back against the invasion of our independence and rights. He encourages his fellow Australians to stand tall and reclaim what is rightfully theirs: freedom.
In his final plea, Mr Andrew laid bare the truth, that total control is not seized by the government but willingly surrendered by the people. It was a sobering reminder that the fight for freedom is not just a battle of words but a struggle for the soul of a nation.

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Images from the No Digital ID rally held in Mackay

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Mackay Sugar is preparing to commence its 2024 crushing season from Tuesday 28 May and this brings an important reminder for local residents to stay cane-train aware.
“It’s been a busy maintenance period and we’re excited to be making our final preparations for the upcoming crushing season,” said Carl Morton, General Manager Operations.
“As with every year, the start of crush means our locomotives start moving more frequently around our cane rail network.
“This makes it a timely reminder for everyone to stay cane train aware and be alert when travelling throughout the region,” said Mr Morton.
“Whilst our locos are active all year, they operate 24/7 during the crushing season. This means it is particularly important for people in our community to be cane train aware – we want everyone to get home safely,” explained Mr Morton.
Mackay Sugar’s cane train operations include 37 locomotives that cover more than 850km of railway track spanning from Wagoora in the north to Munbura in the south and as far west as Finch Hatton.
In addition to improving its locos, cane bins and rail infrastructure as part of the scheduled maintenance program, production at Mackay Sugar is set to benefit from yet another year of significant investment across several major capital improvement projects, with more than $34 Million spent on new and improved mill infrastructure over the past 12 months alone.
Mackay Sugar CEO Jannik Olejas said, “Nordzucker Group continues to see significant value in our business and the sugar cane industry and has confirmed its commitment to increase the levels of ongoing investment in the years ahead.
“On the back of a thorough asset analysis, we have identified several plant and process opportunities that we are excited to deliver. Many of these will see us bring in new technology and set us up for positive performance benefits in the years ahead,” Mr Olejas explained.

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There wasn’t a shovel in sight when Year 10 students from Pioneer and Mackay State High Schools set about digging up the benefits of studying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in senior school and the potential career pathways available in the resources sector.  
 
Year 10 students at both schools participated in a STEM Unearthed workshop recently which explored how further studies in subjects like geology, chemistry and engineering can lead to meaningful careers as geologists, metallurgists, mining engineers and more. 
 
The workshop was delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) – the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council, with the support of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA). 
 
Linda Murry, General Manager of BMA’s Hay Point Coal Terminal said many of the students were interested in pursuing STEM studies in Years 11 and 12, with the idea of ultimately joining the resources sector. 
 
“We are keen to encourage and support the next generation of professionals entering the resources workforce,” she said.
 
 “It was great for our team members to have the opportunity to engage with students about the benefits of joining our exciting sector, which offers a rewarding career, competitive salaries and a great work-life balance.”
 
Mackay State High School Acting Principal, Matt Reeves, said the workshop was particularly valuable for students who were deciding on their subject selection for Year 11. 
 
“Talking to industry professionals about their career journey provides the students with a unique picture of potential careers they will not get anywhere else. 
 
I hope this workshop has ignited their interest in continuing STEM studies and ultimately a professional role in resources,” said Mr Reeves. 
 
Katrina-Lee Jones, QRC Director for Diversity, Skills and Education, said the STEM Unearthed workshop was popular with the students and industry. 
 
“One of the QMEA's goals is to highlight the great career opportunities available to students and create a pipeline of new talent for the resources workforce,” said Ms Jones. 
 

Year 10 students from Pioneer and Mackay State High Schools participated in the STEM Unearthed workshop

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By Hannah McNamara

A solemn ceremony was held last Saturday as locals from all walks of life gathered in compassion to acknowledge the lives of those lost to domestic and family violence.

As the sun set, 40 Pink Crosses were displayed on Eimeo beach to symbolise the 37 women murdered so far this year, along with the other three, in honour of the guest speakers loved ones who were tragically murdered in previous years.

Among the crowd stood guest speaker Vicki Blackburn, mother of Shandee Blackburn, who has been fighting for her daughter’s murder case since 2013. Ms Blackburn spoke on her own childhood upbringing along with the traumatic incident of losing her beloved daughter Shandee to a violent attack that is still yet to be solved.

Josiah Benedito-Taotafa, a resilient young man spoke on the loss of his sister, commenting on her infectious, loving personality that was horrifically cut short due to an attack from her ex-partner. The young man tells his sisters story, as a reminder to look out for our loved ones if you suspect that they are involved in a toxic relationship. He ended his speech on the lyrics of ‘Keep Ya Head Up’ by Tupac, referencing the importance of respecting women and putting an end to hurting “our women”.

As the candle ignited, tears rolled down the cheeks of many and those who spoke of their experiences on the night, found solace in knowing they weren’t alone.

The number of deaths on the rise in regards to this societal issue has been confronting to say the least, but with the help of services like Broken Ballerina Inc and the support of the local community, it’s important to remember that there is hope in times of darkness.

The aim is to lessen the number of deaths to 0 but until then, organisations such as Broken Ballerina Inc and Queensland Police Services require your help to combat this issue.

Speak out against domestic and family violence and report to police immediately if you suspect that you or your loved one are in danger.

To continue their mission, Broken Ballerina is in need of community funding to help survivors of domestic violence find safety and support. Visit their Facebook page or donate via www.brokenballerina-inc.com.au

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40 pink crosses were spread across the beach in commemoration of the lives lost to domestic violence this year. Photo Credit: Adam Sane

Vicki Blackburn, mother of Shandee Blackburn

Josiah Benedito-Taotafa bravely shared his sister's story in hopes of raising awareness against the signs of domestic violence.

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