Today marks a peculiar moment for me as I sign off, knowing that by the time this is in print, I will have undergone my operation to remove colon cancer. As I write this, I am a bundle of nerves, but I am also eager to reclaim my life. A life where I don’t constantly feel drained, where I no longer have to monitor my blood loss and wonder if it’s time for another transfusion. The road ahead is uncertain and full of bumps, I won’t know the extent of the cancer’s spread until after the operation, nor how much chemotherapy or radiotherapy I will need. These questions loom large, but the journey is necessary to give me the best chance to spend many more precious moments with my family. The thought of not being here for my little boy brings me to tears every time.
The hardest question I face daily is how I am feeling. Most of the time, I don’t really know. I just focus on my task list and get on with it. But now that this edition is complete, and I am on medical leave for a couple of weeks, I am left to confront my reality and ponder all the unknowns. I still don’t really know how I feel.
However, I am incredibly proud of this edition. It’s one of the biggest we’ve produced in a while, packed with community content from a range of events, loads of local news and the sports section is huge. I hope you enjoy the read, and hopefully, I’ll be back in a couple of weeks.
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Amanda

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A local musician was performing at the front of a local supermarket, hoping to spread joy through his music, when an aggressive individual approached him and deliberately poured water over his amplifier.
This malicious act occurred last week at Coles in Andergrove and quickly caught the attention of bystanders, prompting a Facebook post to condemn the incident and call for support for the musician, Joshua Vine.
The response was overwhelming, with community members expressing outrage and compassion to the point of offering their amplifiers to replace the damaged one. One individual even volunteered to repair it free of charge for the local artist.  
Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music collaborated with Yamaha Music Mackay to cover the remaining costs for a replacement amplifier through public donations.
Star 101.9 radio station also reached out through a social media post in hopes of finding the artist as they expressed their interest in interviewing Josh and recording his new single, ‘Outgrown,’ live on air.
As the opportunity arose, Joshua made a live appearance on the radio station, where local listeners were left in awe of the amazing talent that flowed from Joshua’s voice in the studio.
From what was deemed to be a devastating result of the ruined amplifier, soon turned into an outpour of support from the community and various organisations, including the generous gift of a new amplifier along with a live on-air radio opportunity.
With new doors opening in Joshua’s musical journey, we hope that opportunities continue to arise in his future.

Joshua Vine has been gifted a new amplifier after he was approached by a malicious individual who ruined his equipment whilst performing at a local supermarket.  Photo source: STAR 101.9FM Mackay

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Queensland Hydro has recently released artist impressions of the proposed lower reservoir of the Pioneer-Burdekin Project. These visualisations offer a first glimpse of what could become a significant renewable energy facility in the region.
Queensland Hydro has said it will put in place mitigation strategies to reduce the visual impact of the project if it proceeds.
"We committed to developing visualisations of the proposed Pioneer-Burdekin Project so the community could see how it may look. We can now share the artist impressions of the proposed lower reservoir," stated a Queensland Hydro representative.
"When viewing these artist impressions, especially of the proposed lower reservoir dam wall, remember there are many ways the visual impact would be mitigated if the project receives approval."
The initial impressions depict an unmitigated view of the project, but Queensland Hydro assures the community that various strategies will be explored to enhance the visual appeal.
"We have decided for these first impressions to show the unmitigated view. However, Queensland Hydro will explore and expand on existing ideas to mitigate the view as our plans and initial investigations progress," the representative added.
Some of the suggestions received so far include strategic planting near the proposed dam wall, murals and public art, vertical gardens, and green plating walls.
"We are always open to receiving feedback and ideas from the community so please get in touch if you have suggestions.”
As discussions about the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Project continue, there have been remarks highlighting its potential as the world's largest hydro facility in terms of storage and generation. However, Queensland Hydro clarifies that this does not equate to the largest surface area or footprint.
The project is poised to produce more energy than any other pumped hydro facility worldwide, but its surface footprint remains relatively compact. Queensland Hydro has said that this compact size is offset by the facility's capacity to generate unprecedented amounts of reliable renewable energy.
Key factors contributing to this efficiency include a 700-meter elevation difference and short tunnel lengths between the lower and upper reservoirs, approximately 5 kilometres compared to the Snowy 2.0 Scheme tunnels at 27 kilometres. Additionally, the facility will house up to 16 underground turbines, capable of storing and circulating water to generate electricity on demand, ensuring power availability when solar and wind sources are inactive.
The community is encouraged to stay engaged and provide input as Queensland Hydro moves forward with its initial investigation on the viability of this project.
Geotechnical investigations and environmental studies continue across both the proposed upper and lower reservoirs. The drill rigs in the upper reservoir areas are investigating proposed locations for dam foundations and waterway tunnels.  The lower reservoir site investigations are collecting core samples in proposed locations for the Mackay Eungella Road realignment and the proposed dam.  

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Proposed lower reservoir from Goodes Lookout – 6-8 hours after pumping. The surface area of the lower reservoir is about half the size of nearby Kinchant Dam. Images supplied: Queensland Hydro
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Proposed lower reservoir wall from Mackay-Eungella Road towards Netherdale. This image is shown approximately 400 metres from the lower reservoir wall. The wall height is based on early design work and expected to be 65 metres, similar to the height of nearby Teemburra Dam

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Around thirty-eight riders set out on the epic RideWest biannual 1311km charity bike ride from Brisbane to Longreach in the month of April, which was designed to raise crucial funds for mental health support programs, in particular focus to rural Queenslanders and their mental wellbeing in the bush.

Successfully, this year’s event raised more than their target of $600,000.

Mental health services for the Royal Flying Doctor Service are extremely vital out west in 2024 and the $2 million that RideWest riders have raised over the past 13 years has been an enormous boost for the Wellbeing Out West program. This event was made possible with over a dozen support staff such as paramedics and police escorts on board to ensure a smooth trip for everyone involved.

Les and Shelley Hancock founded the RideWest organisation in 2010 after recognising the lack of resources and support for those out west who were struggling with their mental health. John and Petrea Sloman have also been instrumental in organising the event since 2016.

Participants ranging from 19 to 73-year-olds demonstrate that all ages are welcome, so long as you have the mental and physical fortitude to tackle the rewarding challenge.

We spoke with Mackay local, Bernie Bell, who participated in his first ever RideWest event earlier this year on the 19th of April, spanning eight days of cycling which he says was not only a physical test, but most importantly a mental one.

After conquering mountains in Nepal and pushing himself to his cycling limits, Bernie recalls a pivotal moment in 2014 that ignited his interest in riding. Initially drawn to the RideWest event for the physical endeavour, he soon discovered the profound camaraderie that arose from riding alongside individuals who shared the similar passion of combatting mental health.

“This is the first ride I’ve been on and it was just really fulfilling, the people were fantastic and it was just brilliant.”

Bernie said that it was quite an insightful trip, where riders shared their personal journeys and connected with each other after a shared meal on some nights, underlining that it wasn’t just an athletic challenge, but rather an experience where people of all walks of life could come together and acknowledge the very real effects of mental health.

“There’s a lot of mental health struggles out in the bush and there’s no facilities out west to cover it,” he said.

“You know on the coast, we’re pretty lucky, we can see a therapist or talk to somebody all the time, but out there, they don’t even have regular doctors, so it’s very difficult.”

With an eager mindset to enter into the next ride in 2026, Bernie is hoping to raise funds for the next RideWest event. Money raised will go directly to the RFDS and to those battling their mental health alone in rural areas.

If you would like to contribute to Bernie’s mission, you can donate at:
https://ridewest-2024.raisely.com/bernie-bell

Caption: Thirty-eight riders peddled from Brisbane to Longreach over a period of eight days to raise funds in light of mental health support in rural areas. Local participant, Bernie Bell says it was a “challenging, but rewarding” experience.

Caption: Bernie Bell embared on his first ever RideWest challenge this year, but loved every minute of it and is eager to enter again in 2026. Images supplied

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An increasing trend of incidents involving verbal and physical threats against its staff has prompted Mackay Regional Council to act.
Council is standing up for its workers and saying it won’t tolerate this abuse.
It is about to launch a No Excuse for Abuse campaign, which will include radio and television ads featuring four council staff members, as well as posters at its facilities.
CEO Scott Owen said there had been an alarming increase in incidents involving threats against staff.
“This includes in person, over the phone and on social media,’’ Mr Owen said.
“Our staff are part of the community and are just doing their job. It is totally unacceptable to abuse, threaten or intimidate our staff, he said.
“Council will not tolerate this sort of behaviour.”
Mr Owen said there had been more than 165 safety incidents involving some factor of unsavoury interaction by the public in less than two-and-a-half years.
He said that included 40 in 2022, 96 in 2023 and 30 so far in 2024.
“Some of that increase is due to better reporting by staff, but the high numbers are alarming, especially as much of them were going unreported previously.”
Of the injury and near miss incidents reported to council in the past couple of years, 15 per cent were aggressive interactions with members of the public.
“This includes physical assault, threats, inappropriate behaviour, stalking, inappropriate physical contact and verbal abuse,’’ Mr Owen said.
“That is nearly as high as muscular stress injuries suffered by our staff, which was 18 per cent of all incidents reported.”
Mr Owen said as council’s campaign included real staff and not actors, it would not be putting the videos on social media.

“Unfortunately, social media is also where we see a lot of abuse directed at council and its staff,’’ he said.
“We don’t want to subject the staff who have put their hands up to front this important campaign to any abuse on social media.”

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said common sense has prevailed, after confirmation the crossbench will block Labor’s “disastrous and ill-thought-out” fresh food tax in the Senate.
 
It comes after The Nationals spent the past year campaigning with farmers and industry against the tax, called a biosecurity protection levy, which Willcox said would have hurt both families and farmers in Dawson amid a cost-of-living crisis.
 
“This is a win for families, a win for farmers and a win for regional Australia,” Mr Willcox said.
 
“I am proud to have been part of a campaign to stop Labor’s fresh food tax as soon as it was announced in Labor’s bad Budget last year.

“I would like to thank everyone who supported The Nationals and joined our efforts to scrap this tax, either by signing our petition, backing our media campaign or helping to highlight just how disgraceful Labor’s reckless new tax would be.
 
“Not only would this tax drive up the price of fresh food in Dawson, with farmers forced to pass on costs, it would also undermine the entire levy system, causing chaos and confusion across industry.
 
“Families need food that is more affordable and our farmers need support to get food from paddock to plate. While Labor tried to introduce the exact opposite, The Nationals will always fight for common sense and for fairness in the regions.”
 
Mr Willcox added Agriculture Minister Murray Watt should be ashamed for even contemplating the idea, let alone trying to push it through and introduce the tax on July 1.
 
“The fact Minister Watt refused to listen to concerns and instead doubled down, carrying out a rushed and confusing policy which lacked in detail, is either lazy or arrogant,” Mr Willcox added.
 
“It was senseless when better alternatives were offered by The Nationals, such as an importer container levy, which would charge importers, not our own farmers, to pay for biosecurity risks being created as produce comes into the country.
 
“In what parallel universe would a government charge its own farmers to pay for the biosecurity risks their competitors are creating, just to raise $150 million over three years for consolidated revenue?

“I want families and farmers to know The Nationals have your back. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Australian farmers today and welcome news the Senate will reject Labor’s fresh food tax.”

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Last week, the CEO of the Red Rose Foundation joined the Mater Mackay leadership team to unveil Mater Hospital's first Red Bench to take a stand against domestic violence, in recognition of Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month, this May. 

CEO of the Red Rose Foundation, Betty Taylor had the honours of cutting the ribbon as the official unveiling of the shiny red bench situated to the side of the main Mater Hospital entrance.  

“It’s such a bright red, you can’t miss it and it does send that signal of what we call a ‘beacon of hope’ because it says to a victim, ‘here’s an organisation that cares about domestic and family violence and wants to make a public statement against it’.”

Local QPS domestic and family violence representative, Tamara Cook spoke on the meaning behind these benches and the importance of them being visible across the community. 

Constable Cook said that “Domestic Violence is no longer a behind closed doors issue, it’s a major social issue but we’ve all got a part to play, and police can no longer do it on our own.

“Domestic and family violence is devastating to not only those directly involved but it affects all of us.

“Who would have thought that in 2024, we are desperately trying to repair basic human rights and the freedom to be safe in a relationship.”

“I encourage everyone of us to stand up against domestic violence, we have a role to play in ending domestic violence, whether it’s speaking out when we see something is wrong, supporting victims and survivors or educating others about the signs of abuse.

“We must all do our part to create a world where everyone feels safe and respected in a relationship,” she remarked.

The Red Rose Foundational moto ‘Take A Seat To Take A Stand’ is a simple yet meaningful gesture to offer community support and stand against domestic and family violence in hopes that small steps will soon enough make a big impact on this rising societal issue.

With the unveiling of this bench, the staff within the Mater Hospital aim to make it known to patients and their visitors that there is support for them or their loved ones if they are currently experiencing DFV. 

The presence of a Red Bench in a public location aims to raise awareness of domestic violence and provide an opportunity for this important issue to remain visible.

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Supporters from various organisations united in their efforts to stand against the issue, including representatives from the Red Rose Foundation, QPS, Women’s Health Service, the Mater Hospital staff and Member for Mackay Julianne Gilbert. Photo credit Hannah McNamara

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After a long stretch of confusion, fury and heartache, The Camilleri Street Skatepark wall mural has been completed for a second time, in hopes of creating an artwork that can be enjoyed by all for years to come.

Originally from Canada, artist Anita Laura now calls Mackay home with a passion for art and a love for the community, she emphasises that art, is something everyone can connect with on their own personal level.

Anita's aim with the Camilleri Street skatepark wall mural is to instil a sense of ownership for skatepark users and community members alike while encouraging all to enjoy public spaces and appreciate the local art.

Inspired by the local area, Anita created a piece that includes features of Shoal Point beach at low tide mixed with a perspective of skateboarders rolling into space to remind us of the connections that form around us.

“I tried to create a piece that included elements of the Northern Beaches, with the coral, the tides and the moon in there. I thought it’d be fun to be skateboarding up into space for the people who use the ramp,” Anita explained.

“The constellations remind us that we can each be a light in our corner and we’re all connected, and I just thought the hand with the tech deck was a bit fun to include because it makes the scale of the park suddenly seem miniature when you see the hand riding a tech deck on the skatepark.

“It’s lovely to be a part of a project that created something good out of something sad that happened.

“I just love that people can enjoy murals whether or not they know the backstory and hopefully the mural can be enjoyed by everyone,” she said.

The original artwork at Camilleri Street Skate Park was commissioned after the death of Northern Beaches teenager Will Baker, whose motorcycle collided with a courtesy bus in a tragic accident near the community of Blacks Beach.
The community had originally raised money to for the Baker family. The family said they would love to see those funds go back into community in a way everyone could enjoy. The idea for a mural at the skatepark ignited and the community rallied behind it. Unfortunately, due to miss-communication the artist began the work without the necessary council permits, so the original artwork was painted over back to a blank canvas. With the proper council permits, Anita has been able to beautify this place and see the community initiative come to life.

Anita reflects on the project's positive transformation, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to paint the mural, despite it being her first-time spray-painting. While she previously worked with acrylics and screen painting for murals at the birth centre and Fifth Lane, this experience marked her first attempt at spray painting, which she executed brilliantly.
The project has been a community-driven endeavour, met with joy and enthusiasm from locals who share one thing in common, an admiration for artwork and a sense of pride for the skatepark within the Northern Beaches community.

Members of the community are invited to attend the official Camilleri St Skate Park Festival on June 1st, from 2-5 pm at the Grind Shrine Skateboard Shop event, featuring live music, a skateboarding competition, learn-to-skate sessions, and art workshops - all free of charge, promising to be an exciting celebration of creativity and skate culture for all to enjoy.
You can find more of Anita’s artwork on Instagram and Facebook at: Anita Laura Art.

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Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) emergency departments have seen a considerable rise in presentations, with a nine per cent increase in attendance compared to the same period last year.
In the March quarter, there were 27,279 attendances to emergency departments (EDs) in the Mackay HHS region.
Despite the surge, Mackay HHS median wait times across all categories improved to nine minutes from 10 minutes in the March quarter of last year. 100 per cent of Category 1 patients were seen within the clinically recommended timeframe.
Mackay HHS recorded a slight increase in the number of patients receiving elective surgery (772) from the prior quarter and at the end of the quarter, 82.6 per cent of ready for care patients on the waitlist were waiting within the clinically recommended timeframe.
The health service received additional funding of $5 million in 2023-24 to reduce long waits for elective surgery, gastrointestinal endoscopy and specialist outpatients.
Presentations to the ED at Mackay Base Hospital are reducing thanks to the Post Operative Discharge Support Service (PODSS), which has helped to relieve pressure on the ED and provide better support for patients as they recover from surgery.
The PODSS team has already increased from one clinical nurse consultant to two and has seen more than 370 patients since the service began two months ago.
Future infrastructure will assist with catering for long-stay patients, with the investment of $10.4 million to repurpose the former Sarina Hospital site to care for a number of patients who require daily support, but do not need acute hospital care.
The refurbishment of the former Sarina Hospital site is set to provide 24 long-stay patient beds in the existing facility.
Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Chief Executive Susan Gannon said that the Post Operative Discharge Support Service (PODSS) at Mackay Base Hospital has been a great success and is helping to not only relieve pressure on the busy ED, but also provide better support for patients as they recover from surgery.
“Our PODSS team has already increased from one clinical nurse consultant to two and has seen more than 370 patients since the service began two months ago,” Ms Gannon said.
“They also estimate that about 50 per cent of patients have been able to avoid a presentation to ED as a result.”
Ms Gannon added that Mackay Base Hospital regularly has about 30 long stay patients in acute beds in the wards.

“In effect this is the equivalent of one ward of the hospital which cannot provide acute care,” she said.
“The answer is to find a better environment for them, which is why we will undertake a refurbishment of the former Sarina Hospital site to provide 24 long stay patient beds in the existing facility.
“The number of the most urgent Category 1 patients in our seven emergency departments increased by 50 per cent in the March quarter compared to the same quarter last year.”

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Susan Gannon

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Resource Industry Network (RIN) is thrilled to present its annual Safety Conference 2024.
This pioneering conference in Mackay elevates safety leadership in Central Queensland's minerals, energy, and resources sectors.
The Safety Conference, designed to bring together safety personnel, is the region’s exclusive source for current safety themes and innovations.
Hosted by Mick Crowe, Chief Operating Officer at Bravus Mining & Resources, the conference explains why safety fundamentally matters beyond mere compliance or regulation.
Attendees will be engaged in the thought-provoking breakout sessions and benefit from networking opportunities with accomplished safety professionals.
Exploring physical and psychological safety, mining companies, contractors, and suppliers will come together to inspect the human aspect of safety that drives organisational safety initiatives and impacts productivity, morale, and organisational success.
"Attending the Safety Conference isn't just about ticking a box; it's an investment in the well-being and future achievements of your team and organisation," says Dean Kirkwood, General Manager at RIN.
The safety conference will also feature an impressive lineup of plenary speakers, including Anthony Gibbs, CEO of Sentis, Paul Bowman, Head of Performance for the North Queensland Cowboys, and Naomi Rogers, PhD, a specialist fatigue consultant. These experts are set to deliver insightful presentations, sharing their extensive knowledge and experience to enhance safety practices across various industries.
This conference is intended for Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) staff, including safety leaders and supervisors, who are passionate about enhancing safety culture in the workplace.
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What: Safety Conference 2024
When: Friday, May 31st, 2024, 6:45am – 4:30pm
Where: Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC)

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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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