Photo source: St John's Catholic Primary School Walkerston

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Hard work in the school cane plot has paid off for students at St John's Catholic Primary School, Walkerston, who have been crowned Mackay's Sweetest School at this year's Mackay Show.

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After months of tending their sugarcane crop, students harvested the cane with the guidance of local farmer mentor Charlie Townley, cutting and collecting the stalks before they were sent for judging.

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The school's impressive entry also claimed top honours in the Heaviest Six Sticks category, highlighting the students' dedication and teamwork throughout the growing season.

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Member for Mirani Glen Kelly praised the achievement and the efforts of everyone involved.

"Congratulations to St John's Catholic Primary School, Walkerston on being crowned Mackay's Sweetest School at this year's Mackay Show!

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"To also win the Heaviest Six Sticks category is a fantastic achievement.

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"Well done to the students, teachers, grounds staff and grower mentors, and congratulations to every school that took part in showcasing our region's proud sugar industry."

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The Sweetest School Competition gives students a hands-on connection to Mackay's rich sugarcane heritage while recognising the growers, mentors and school communities helping inspire the next generation of the region's agricultural industry.

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Behind every successful creative agency are businesses willing to take a leap, back a vision, and commit to building something meaningful. Real Conversations puts the spotlight on those businesses sharing, in their own words, how strategic branding and marketing have shaped their growth.

After a decade of growth built on reputation and relationships, EHS Parts had outgrown its brand. To better reflect the scale and capability of the business, EHS partnered with Redhotblue to take a more strategic approach to branding and marketing. The result is a stronger, more authentic brand positioned for the future.  

We spoke with owners Chris and Ash Patroni about the journey.

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1. What prompted you to invest more strategically in your brand and marketing after a decade of building EHS Parts?

For many years, EHS grew through reputation and strong relationships. As the business evolved, we realised our brand no longer reflected the scale, expertise and capability we had built. Redhotblue helped bridge that gap, clearly articulating that EHS offers far more than parts alone through trusted advice, technical expertise and practical solutions. The capability was always there; the branding simply helped the market see it.

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2. Before working with Redhotblue, how would you describe your brand presence and what did you feel was missing?

Our branding was functional but lacked consistency and strategic direction. While the business had strong foundations, our external messaging didn't fully represent the depth of our services and expertise. Redhotblue invested significant time in understanding our business, our values and where we wanted to take EHS. They brought clarity and consistency to our messaging while ensuring the brand remained authentic to who we are and the industries we support.

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3. How has a more strategic approach to branding and marketing influenced the way your business is perceived in the mining, civil and construction industries?

The rebrand was never just about creating a new logo or visual identity. It was about establishing a stronger connection between what EHS had built over the years and how the business was understood by customers, suppliers and the broader industry.

Redhotblue helped us communicate the scale of our services, our technical strengths and our solutions-focused approach in a way that feels both professional and genuine. The impact has been significant.

The consistency across our branding and marketing has strengthened trust, increased recognition and opened the door to new conversations and opportunities.

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4. Looking back over the past 18 months, what has been the highlight?

The highlight has been seeing the EHS brand evolve into a true reflection of the business we've built over the past decade. Redhotblue translated our experience, values and vision into a brand presence that feels authentic and aligned.  

What stands out most is the partnership that developed throughout the process. Redhotblue invested significant time in understanding our business, our values and the principles that guide the way we operate.

Their strategic thinking brought greater clarity to how we present ourselves, resulting in a brand that finally does justice to the scale and capability of EHS.

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Come along this Saturday, and celebrate 100 years of the Mackay & District Pipe Band at the free Bluewater Fling, featuring massed pipe bands, Highland dancing, live music, Murphy's Pigs, fireworks and family-friendly entertainment on the banks of the Pioneer River. Photo source: Mackay & District Pipe Band

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The sounds of stirring bagpipes, pounding drums and lively Highland dancing will once again fill Mackay's Bluewater Quay when the much-loved Bluewater Fling returns this Saturday, July 11.

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This year's event is extra special, with the Mackay & District Pipe Band celebrating 100 years of community service to the Mackay region, making the 2026 Bluewater Fling one of the biggest celebrations in the event's history.

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Festivities begin at 1.30pm, before the spectacular Massed Bands March crosses the Forgan Bridge at 2pm, creating one of the day's most memorable sights as pipe bands from across Queensland join Mackay's own band in a stirring display of Scottish tradition.

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Visitors can enjoy an afternoon of pipe band performances, Highland dancing, local musicians and family-friendly entertainment, with plenty of food vendors on site and Scottish-style brews available.

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Adding to this year's festivities are special guests Murphy's Pigs, the popular Brisbane-based Celtic band renowned for their energetic live performances and sell-out shows around Australia. They'll take to the stage from 5.30pm, before the evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display presented by Daly Bay at 8.30pm.

Organisers are encouraging families and friends to pack a picnic blanket or fold-up chair and settle in for a free afternoon and evening of entertainment on the banks of the Pioneer River.

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Following the daytime festivities, the celebrations will continue at Red Dog Brewery with a traditional Scottish ceilidh, ensuring the party carries on well into the evening.

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You don't need Scottish roots to enjoy the Bluewater Fling. Bring your family, a picnic blanket and your sense of fun for an afternoon of live music, entertainment and community spirit as Mackay celebrates 100 remarkable years of the Mackay & District Pipe Band!

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WHAT: Bluewater Fling

WHERE: Bluewater Quay

WHEN: Saturday, July 11

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, is calling on young people aged 25 and under across the region to step up, speak out, and have their voices delivered directly onto the floor of Federal Parliament.

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The local MP has officially signed up for the 2026 Raise Our Voice in Parliament campaign, a national initiative designed to amplify the ideas, ambitions, and unique perspectives of regional youth directly to the nation's decision-makers.

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This year, the campaign invites young people to submit a 90-second speech answering a critical question for the country: "What is one big issue shaping your future, and what is one meaningful action you want Parliament to take?"

The winning speech from the electorate will be proudly read aloud by Mr Willcox in Canberra during Youth Voice in Parliament Week, running from 12 to 15 October 2026.

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“Last year, I had the immense privilege of standing up in the chamber to deliver an incredibly powerful speech by Wiremu Tairaki, a student from Proserpine State High School,” Mr Willcox said.

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“Wiremu spoke passionately about the distinct challenges facing country students: waking before sunrise, navigating flooded roads in the wet season, and missing out on face-to-face classes like physics and languages due to regional teacher shortages. He noted that while regional kids have the determination to defy limitations, gratitude for where we live shouldn't equate to limitation.

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The Raise Our Voice campaign has an exceptional track record of building civic pride and engagement; ninety-two per cent of previous participants state that taking part made them far more likely to engage with politics in the future.

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“Whether you are passionate about boosting local trade apprenticeships, improving youth mental health support, tackling regional housing costs, or creating more local job opportunities so you don't have to move away to the city, this is your golden opportunity to help shape Australia’s path forward,” Mr Willcox said.

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“I am honoured to amplify the voices of Dawson's future leaders, and I cannot wait to read what this year's cohort brings to the table.”

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Submissions for the 2026 campaign close on 7 August 2026. For more information, entry guidelines, and to submit a speech, visit https://raiseourvoiceaustralia.com

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By Cr Anne Baker

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As we celebrate NAIDOC Week, I would like to begin by acknowledging the Yuwi People, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and gather. I pay my respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with us today.

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all of us to come together in the spirit of respect, learning and celebration. It is a time to recognise the rich histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to acknowledge the enduring connection to Country that has existed for tens of thousands of years.

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Here in the Mackay region, we are fortunate to live in a community where culture is shared through art, music, dance, storytelling and community events. These celebrations strengthen our understanding of one another and remind us that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths.

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This year’s NAIDOC Week theme, “50 Years of Deadly” marks a landmark half-century of the NAIDOC movement. It honours the resilience, cultural brilliance and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, celebrating the Elders, activists and communities who have carried the movement forward.

I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to attend a local event, visit an exhibition, support our First Nations artists and learn more about the rich cultural heritage that is such an important part of our region.

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A heartfelt thank you to the organisers, volunteers, community leaders, artists and performers who have worked so hard to make this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations possible. Your dedication creates opportunities for our community to come together in a spirit of unity and respect.

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NAIDOC Week is a reminder that when we listen to one another, celebrate our shared community and embrace opportunities to learn, we build stronger relationships and a more inclusive future for everyone.

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I wish everyone a safe, enjoyable and meaningful NAIDOC Week.

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Mackay Pet Rescue Inc. celebrated its fifth anniversary, marking five years of volunteer-driven animal rescue while recognising the community support that has helped give thousands of abandoned and injured animals a second chance. Photos source: Mackay Pet Rescue Inc. (Facebook)

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Last Thursday night, July 2, Mackay Pet Rescue Inc. (MPRI) celebrated a milestone few could have imagined when a small group of passionate animal lovers first came together with a shared vision.

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Around 70 volunteers, foster carers, veterinarians, sponsors, supporters and friends gathered to mark the rescue's fifth anniversary, celebrating five years of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming thousands of animals across the Mackay region.

Opening the evening, MPRI President Janet Ambrose reflected on the organisation's beginnings, acknowledging the founding committee members whose commitment laid the foundations for what has become one of the region's dedicated volunteer-run animal rescues.

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Since its establishment, MPRI has provided care for thousands of abandoned, injured and neglected animals, including dumped kittens, stray cats, injured dogs, orphaned newborns and complex medical cases that may otherwise have had little chance of survival.

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The celebration also highlighted the financial reality behind every rescue. Treasurer Renae Gordon revealed the organisation has spent more than $713,000 caring for animals and operating the rescue over the past five years. Adoption fees generated approximately $426,000, leaving a funding gap of almost $287,000, made possible through fundraising, grants, sponsorships, local businesses, community organisations and generous public support.

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Guests were able to reflect on the rescue's journey through more than 60 photographs displayed throughout the room, showcasing memorable rescues, remarkable recoveries and the volunteers whose dedication has helped change thousands of lives.

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Veterinarian Dr David Lemmon entertained the audience with stories from his long career before speaking about exciting advances in the treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease in older cats, offering hope for improved quality of life and longer life expectancy for affected animals.

One of the evening's highlights came during an open microphone session, where volunteers and supporters shared personal rescue stories and reflected on what MPRI has meant to them.

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Young supporter Alexander drew warm applause after describing his recent fundraiser, where almost 500 cupcakes were baked and sold at Whitsunday Anglican School with help from his family and friends from Uncle Bing's, raising valuable funds for rescue animals.

Volunteers Nathan Ko, Makayla Holmes and Sam Vogrinec also shared their experiences, highlighting the rewarding nature of volunteering and the growing involvement of younger generations in animal welfare.

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A particularly moving tribute came from Kim Oliver, who attended despite recently undergoing surgery. She spoke of Dr Lemmon's compassion and generosity throughout his veterinary career, recalling the care he provided to countless animals, including helping save the life of a young horse.

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While the evening celebrated the achievements of the past five years, organisers said the rescue's mission is far from over. MPRI continues to work towards its long-term goal of establishing a dedicated shelter and sanctuary where abandoned, neglected and injured animals can receive the care they need while waiting for permanent homes.

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In a statement following the celebration, a representative from Mackay Pet Rescue Inc. thanked the volunteers, foster carers, veterinarians, sponsors, donors and supporters who have helped shape the organisation over the past five years.

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“Every rescue, every surgery, every bag of food and every second chance has been made possible by unpaid volunteers and a community that believes these animals are worth saving,” the statement read.

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“Because of you, thousands of animals have been given a second chance. Here's to the next five years of rescue, hope and compassion.”

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Mackay Regional Council has confirmed there will be no changes to the Gordon White Library as part of its 2026–2027 Budget, following months of community discussion surrounding the facility’s future.

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The decision comes after strong feedback from local residents, with many community members voicing their desire to see the Gordon White Library remain open and continue providing services to the area. Council has acknowledged the community’s concerns and confirmed that library services will continue while further planning takes place.

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Council has allocated nearly $1 million in the 2026–2027 Budget to establish the new Northern Beaches Community Hub and its anchor tenant library, while maintaining existing services at Gordon White Library.

As part of the next steps, a full review of council’s library services will be undertaken in the coming months. The review will examine future operating models, with a report expected to be presented to council in September or October.

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Mayor Greg Williamson said these models would explore options for how council could reduce impacts on future budgets. 

“Without any major staff increases, we will have to find efficiencies across our various library and other services,” he said. 

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Mayor Williamson said council had heard residents’ concerns about a plan to repurpose the Gordon White Library as a community centre, with a limited library service. 

“We’ve had about 1200 feedback form responses and about 1500 signatures from locals on a petition, and those responses are mostly telling us that Gordon White is a valued meeting place for residents to socialise and support the early development of their children,” he said. 

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“We have listened and reviewed all the feedback and we will prioritise the services residents value most in both the Gordon White Library and the Northern Beaches. 

“There will be no cut in library services in 2026-2027. Instead, there is additional funding of $950,000 in the budget to increase these services.” 

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Council CEO Gerard Carlyon said council was working on strategies to manage significant cost pressures caused by rising depreciation, which had increased by $5.92M this year to $107.89M. 

“As council brings new assets online and continues to manage aging assets, depreciation costs continue to increase,” he said.   

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“With that in mind, we have a Building Utilisation Project which is under way to review ways we can better use all of our existing staff accommodation buildings.”   

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Mr Carlyon said council was still considering the sale of the freehold Northern Beaches Community Hall site once the Northern Beaches Community Hub was open.  

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“We will also be looking at our office accommodation, with a plan to reduce council’s office buildings in the future to help drive down operating, maintenance and depreciation costs,” he said. 

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Image for illustrative purposes only. Image source: Mackay Regional Council  

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Amanda Camm has welcomed a major investment in domestic and family violence support services, with new measures also announced to address youth crime and community safety. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara  

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Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm was in Mackay this week, joining Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton and Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson to announce new measures aimed at strengthening community safety and support services across the region.

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The visit highlighted two key areas of focus for the Queensland Government – youth crime reform and additional support for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

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Ms Camm said the expansion of the “adult crime, adult time” legislation, including the proposed “breach of bail, go to jail” reform, had been welcomed by regional communities.

“I know, certainly, in my community, out here in the Northern Beaches, it’s something that has been welcomed by community members, particularly with serious, repeat youth offenders,” Ms Camm said.

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Ms Camm also welcomed more than $50 million in Queensland Government investment over four years to bolster frontline domestic and family violence services, expand access to specialist mental health support and strengthen the workforce assisting those escaping violence.

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The funding includes $40 million to continue embedding domestic and family violence practitioners in 49 police stations across Queensland, providing immediate trauma-informed support for victim-survivors when incidents are reported.

The program provides assistance including counselling, safety planning, advocacy through police processes, financial support and emergency relief to help victim-survivors navigate the justice system.

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A further $10 million will support the placement of 26 specialist mental health professionals across 20 Women’s Health and Wellbeing Services throughout Queensland, providing access to mental health care in trusted community settings.

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Mayor Greg Williamson welcomed the investment, saying support embedded within frontline services was vital.

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“Domestic and family violence as we know, is a scourge on our modern society,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The highest callout in all of our police stations in the Mackay area is domestic and family violence.”

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“To have funding now, through to 2030, that embeds a particular person from the Salvation Army in police stations to assist with that callout management, is absolutely sensational. That's what we need.”

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Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the Queensland Government “is backing the frontline with long term funding that helps put victims first and hold perpetrators to account.”

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“We're now announcing, that by Christmas, if you breach your bail with another alleged offence, you will go to jail. And that is what our community wants.”

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Salvation Army Family Violence State Manager Liz Carney said the funding would provide an important support pathway for people experiencing family and domestic violence.

“These Embedded Practitioner roles provide a critical lifeline for victim-survivors, ensuring they can access immediate support, specialist guidance, and pathways to safety during times of crisis,” she said.

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“Too many women arrive at our door already carrying more than anyone should have to, and our current services stop short of mental health support, with external referrals resulting in another waitlist, more travel, and revisiting their trauma again.”

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Whitsunday Counselling & Support Inc. CEO Kirsty Gillett noted that the investment would allow regional services to provide “wrap-around care.”

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“This investment recognises how deeply mental health and domestic violence are linked, and it finally gives services outside the major centres the resources to deliver genuine wrap-around care,” she said.

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Photo source: BMA CQ Rescue (Facebook)

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A determined final search sweep by the BMA CQ Rescue crew has led to the dramatic rescue of a missing jet skier off St Helens Beach.

The rescue helicopter and crew were tasked at approximately 12.30pm on Thursday, 2^nd July, to assist with the search after the man was reported missing in waters off the coast.

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After searching the area for around two hours, the crew located the jet ski, however there was initially no sign of the rider. As fuel levels reached the point where the crew needed to return to base, they conducted one final pass over the search area.

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During that final sweep, the crew spotted the missing man in the water, waving his arm for help before he disappeared beneath the surface.

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The helicopter was immediately repositioned, with the rescue swimmer deployed via the aircraft winch. The man was recovered from the water unconscious and brought onboard, where the onboard medical team commenced advanced life support, including CPR, which continued throughout the flight back to Mackay.

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Upon arrival at the Mackay Airport base, the patient was transferred to a waiting ambulance and transported to Mackay Base Hospital in a critical condition.

BMA CQ Rescue Chief Executive Officer Tim Healee praised the professionalism and determination of the rescue team during the challenging operation.

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“This was an incredibly challenging rescue in difficult circumstances, and I’m immensely proud of our crew for their determination and professionalism,” Mr Healee said.

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Mr Healee said the quick response from the team demonstrated the importance of having a dedicated rescue service available in the region.

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Throughout the week, communities across Mackay came together for a series of events celebrating the culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as part of the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Celebrating 50 Years of Deadly! Mackay and surrounding regions have united in a powerful week of culture, connection and community, marking a milestone in the history of NAIDOC Week. From moving flag-raising ceremonies and captivating traditional performances to the recognition of respected Elders, the celebrations have honoured the voices, stories and legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As the region prepares to line the streets for today’s vibrant NAIDOC Parade and Family Fun Day, this landmark anniversary stands as a celebration of resilience, identity and a shared future built on respect and recognition.

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Happy NAIDOC week!

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Community Comes Together To Celebrate 50 Years Of NAIDOC

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Communities across Mackay have come together this week to celebrate NAIDOC Week, with a series of events recognising the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples under this year's theme, “50 Years of Deadly.”

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The week's celebrations began on Monday with Mackay Regional Council's NAIDOC Week Flag Raising Ceremony in the MECC foyer. While wet weather prompted a move from the Civic Precinct, the change of venue did little to dampen the significance of the occasion as community members gathered in reflection, recognition and celebration.

The ceremony marked the beginning of the milestone 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week and honoured the strength, resilience and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while recognising those who have helped shape the NAIDOC movement over the past five decades.

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Yuwi Elder Philip Kemp delivered the Welcome to Country before the ceremonial raising of the flags by Mayor Greg Williamson (Australian Flag), Aunty Ann McDonald and Aunty Pam Young (Aboriginal Flag), Mr Mahussan (Uncle George) Barba (Torres Strait Islander Flag) and Chief Executive Officer Gerard Carlyon (Queensland Flag).

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The morning also featured a didgeridoo performance by Lyndon Francis, cultural dance performances by Patrick Thaiday and CAID Dreamtime, and community market stalls that provided opportunities to connect, learn and celebrate First Nations culture.

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On Tuesday, 7^th July, community members gathered at the Mackay Northern Beaches Police Station for another flag-raising ceremony, where Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm, Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton and Mayor Greg Williamson were in attendance. Tchundal Malar Aboriginal Dancers brought the elements of the earth to life through a vibrant and expressive cultural performance. The Mackay Torres Strait Islander Dancers accompanied the official flag raising with the rhythmic beat of traditional drums before later showcasing their culture through dance and traditional instruments.

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A Murri Court "Elders Evening" was also held last Wednesday, 1^st July, where community members gathered for an evening of culture and connection as they celebrated both elders and the upcoming generations. During the event, Mr Patrick Thaiday and Mrs Florence Pitt were named the 2026 Senior Mr and Mrs NAIDOC in recognition of their ongoing contributions to the community and the positive example they continue to set for future generations.

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NAIDOC Week celebrations will conclude this Friday, July 10, with two major community events happening today (Friday, 10^th July). The NAIDOC Street Parade will begin with participants gathering from 9am on Macalister Street before stepping off at 10am. The celebrations will continue with a NAIDOC Family Fun Day at Queens Park from 11am to 3pm.  

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The community is encouraged to attend and join in celebrating First Nations culture, history and community spirit, embodying “50 Years of Deadly” across the great lands in which we share.

For many homeowners, deciding to sell isn’t the difficult part - it’s the uncertainty of what comes next.

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The good news is that buying and selling don’t have to be two separate, stressful events. With the right strategy, they can be planned together for a seamless transition.

By working with a Buyers Agency before your property goes on the market, you can gain access to opportunities not widely available to the general public, understand what your budget will buy, and begin searching for your next home early.  

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Once the right property is identified, you can confidently hit the go button on your sales campaign, with conditions and settlement terms negotiated to align with the sale of your existing home - reducing pressure and uncertainty.

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Rather than asking, “Should we sell first?”, consider asking, “What do we want to buy next?”

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If you’ve been putting off selling because you’re unsure where you’ll go, we’d love to hear what your ideal next property looks like. Tell us what you’re searching for, and we’ll help you understand what’s possible so that, when the right opportunity comes along, you can secure it, and you’re ready to make moves with confidence.  

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For more information or to discuss your next move, contact Whitsunday Property Buyers on 0498 336 268, visit www.whitsundayspropertybuyers.com.au, or follow @whitsundayspropertybuyers on Instagram.  

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Dr Lindsay Simpson Photos supplied: Faye Chapman  

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The Whitsunday Conservation Council's next Green Drinks event will offer more than a conversation, with the launch of an interactive digital trail designed to uncover the hidden stories of the region's world-renowned landscapes.

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On Tuesday, July 14, at the Reef Gateway Hotel, the Council will officially unveil the Whitsunday Heart of the Reef Discovery Trail, giving attendees a first look at the immersive web app and the stories that will soon line the Bicentennial Walkway and other locations across the region.  

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"The idea of the trail was to provide visitors and locals with a richer understanding of what's under the water before they head out on a boat and go snorkelling,” said Whitsunday Conservation Council committee member and project coordinator Dr Lindsay Simpson.  

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The trail follows the journey of a sea turtle as it travels through the Whitsundays, with each stop exploring a different ecosystem. From seagrass meadow encounters with dugong to open ocean interaction with whales, visitors will learn the wildlife and habitats that make the region so otherworldly.  

The trail will connect visitors with the stories of the Whitsundays as they explore the coastline, using geo-positioned QR codes to access immersive multimedia experiences that reveal the hidden stories of the landscapes beneath their feet.  

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Dr Rachael Smith, another one of the project coordinators and a science communicator, said the trail would give locals and visitors an understanding of the full extent of the ecosystems and biodiversity that make the region globally recognised.  

"With 74 islands stretching from Bowen to the Repulse Islands, the Whitsunday region encompasses more than eight million hectares of marine park and hosts approximately 400 species of coral in its fringing reefs,” Dr Smith said.  

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“The region's diverse landscape spans from pristine islands and protected bays to ancient rainforests and fertile valleys, creating a complex ecosystem that supports thousands of species, including rare and endangered wildlife."

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The idea also acknowledges the work volunteers have put in to maintain and protect this unique form of biodiversity, such as Eco Barge Clean Seas, who have collected 240,000 in trash since 2009 and Whitsundays seagrass Volunteers, who worked tirelessly on the grass since 1998. The trail will give visitors the chance to learn from and get inspired by these “Local Heroes”.  

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"We hope it will encourage volunteer tourism and citizen science, such as Eye on the Reef, where citizens actively collect data underwater,” Dr Simpson said.  

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Anyone interested in sponsoring the project or providing feedback can contact lindsaywcc@gmail.com.

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WHERE: Reef Getaway Hotel

WHEN: Tuesday 14 July, 5.30pm to 7pm  
WHAT: Screening of the web app and videos featuring local conservation heroes.

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The big but loveable Baxter. Photo sourced: facebook. *Remove wording from the photo if you can!

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Baxter has spent weeks patiently waiting for a family to see just how special he is, and now he's hoping his forever home is just around the corner.

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The 12 to 18-month-old Mastiff cross has been thriving in foster care, where he's proven to be a big softie with plenty of love to give around. House and crate trained, Baxter loves socialising with his fellow mates, being very playful and gentle with all different typesof dogs.  

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He has mastered commands including sit, drop, spin and crate, and is growing more confident on the lead each day.

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Despite his impressive size, Baxter's favourite place is close to his people, soaking up attention and cuddles whenever he can.  

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Friendly with everyone he's met so far, as well as fully vaccinated and vet checked, he's more than ready to settle into a home with enough room to stretch out and a family to call his own.

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If Baxter sounds like the perfect addition to your household, contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue by direct messaging your name, phone number and "Baxter" to begin the adoption process.

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People taking a break from exploring a possible Shute Harbour route from Jubilee Pocket, in 1959. Showcases how underdeveloped the land was at the time. Photo supplied: Larraine Biggs.  

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Solitary men eking out a living from the land.

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In the 1940s and 1950s, our beautiful wild countryside acted like a magnet for several independent souls who sought to construct their own utopian, hermit-like existence within its confines. Some succeeded in eking out an almost completely self-sufficient lifestyle. Usually, they were to be found close to the water as this was their preferred means of transport. They cleared a small area of land on which to construct a cabin.

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One such character was George Bailey, a retired Royal Navy engineer, who decided to settle on a small clearing close to Mars Beach, adjacent to neighbours, Athol and Alex Pringle, perhaps very close to where Northerlies is located. Here he constructed a small blue cabin with a shell grit pathway curving down to the beach. Land connection to Cannonvale was not much more than a rough dirt track, but George’s lifestyle rendered this irrelevant.

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He purchased a sailing boat which had been raced in the celebrated Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race and modified it for rowing. He used it regularly to row across the bay to Cannonvalley Beach store to collect his mail and provisions, often sleeping in his boat on the beach while he waited for the tide to change.

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Contemporary locals remembered him as a bright and intelligent man who enjoyed discussing nineteenth century English Literature and had a working knowledge of Esperanto, the planned universal language of the time. George’s relaxed lifestyle included fishing, sailing, looking after his fruit trees and feeding scrub turkeys. There are probably better ways to live but not many!

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Bailey was only one of the men living a hermit existence within the fold of the hills. Another George – George Sax – was written about in an earlier article back in September, 2022.

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Many died as they had lived, in solitude, as was the case with old Billy Fitzsimmons who lived further on from John Campbell’s place, about as far as one could go. (Stay tuned for John Campbell’s story in a future edition.) Many others made their own unique contribution such as the “Mayor of Muddy Bay” who lived in the mangroves that used to flourish near where the roundabout to Shute Harbour Road is situated, along with his spray painted dog that didn’t seem to mind being purple!

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John Harper described them very well – “These men had a natural dignity, a sturdy independence, and a quiet reserve that was engaging. Mostly they lived in some crude shelter which they had built mainly from rough, hewn wood and sapling poles. If they had no iron for a roof, they made a thatch. Their utensils were a saucepan or two, a frying pan and the old black billy. They had an enamel pannikin or two for their tea. Cupboards were old cases and kerosene tins.

They did not encourage visitors, but if you called, they would always put the billy on. If they had not seen a soul for longer than usual, they may be on for a talk. Squatting down poking a stick into the fire, they would recall life as a fettler, or as a shearer. Some had survived Gallipoli or France in the Great War, and most of them had seen very hard times during the Depression.

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There is no use speculating on why they chose to live as they did. They would never tell you the real reason. Perhaps because some of them did not know the reason anyway and the others had a reason not to tell.”

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Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum archives and information also sourced from “Life on the Harper Farm” by John Harper.

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Whitsundays Coin Laundry.  

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Four years ago, Michelle and Ben took a chance on a Cannonvale laundromat. Today, that leap of faith has grown into a three-site business serving communities across the Whitsundays.  

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The idea was born during Ben's time working as a miner, where waiting for loads of washing to finish revealed an opportunity where others saw a chore.

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“He was like, with the amount of times he sat there, he thought this could be a really good investment,” said Michelle.  

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In November 2022, the couple purchased the Cannonvale laundromat, transforming the long-running business into more than just a place to wash clothes.

Originally from Mackay and Brisbane, Ben and Michelle quickly became part of the community, with customer feedback driving upgrades and eventually inspiring expansion across the region.

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"It's just listening and the support, and that's what's helped us grow," Michelle said.  

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By December 2023, those conversations led the couple to Jubilee Pocket, where they purchased and refurbished an existing laundromat after hearing strong demand from locals.

A year later, they expanded again, transforming a former bike, mower and curtain shop at 10 Chapman Street into Proserpine's much-needed 2nd laundromat. Now, their sights are on a fourth location in Bowen down the track.  

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“Bowen is growing in so many ways,” said Michelle.  

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“A couple of laundry mats could be welcomed up there quite easily.”  

Looking back, Michelle said running three laundromats was never part of the couple's original plan.

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"Sometimes you can overthink too much when you're investing in a business, but this came along and it's an essential service,” she said.  

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She also paid tribute to the staff who keep the laundromats running each day, thanking long-time team member Carol, Jen and the team from Sparkling Sisters for their commitment to maintaining the sites and providing excellent customer service.

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