An upcoming exhibition and publication will showcase landscapes, portraits, weaving, interpreted cultural stories and imagery from four local Mackay artists. The exhibition will also include collected stories, photographs and portraits from Elders sourced from the Multicultural community in the Mackay region.

Mangrove is a visual arts exhibition which will be a collaboration of four women artists, Veronica Ah-Wang, traditional owner of Yuwibara country, Visual Storyteller; Janet Ambrose, descendant of the Portugees-Israelitische Kerk (Portuguese Israelite Church) Sephardic Jews, Artist and Curator; Marion F. Healy, Australian South Sea Islander, Watercolourist and Portrait Artist; Anita Wano- Sumner is of Torres Strait Islander descent. Anita is a Weaver of natural fibres and dressmaker of the traditional Augemwali (Torres Strait Islander dress).

“The mangrove is symbolic in this project as its about removal from place, and settling in new lands just how a seed pod from the mangrove does,” explains Janet Ambrose.

“Mangrove is about peeling back the layers of the migrations of many nations living in Australia, its perception of who we are and who we think we are.”

Artworks will display paintings in watercolours, oil painting, pastels, drawings in pencil and charcoal. Paper, canvas, and gathered natural materials will be also used. The weaving work will be of sculptural forms in raffia and natural materials found in the environment.

The project begins with deep engagement with Elders, supported by paid Cultural Advisors, and partnerships where necessary, with key Multicultural organisations.

Each artist will tell a story of their cultural history through their own arts practice, with permissions gained on the landscape work of Janet Ambrose from Cultural Advisors, paying particular attention to sensitive sites in the region.

Notable support has come from The Neighbourhood Hub on George Street, Li Xianghong, Chairperson, Chinese Community Mackay and Local Elders confirming their support: George Tonga, respected Elder of the Yuwibara Country, Vivien Hanrahan, celebrated volunteer and respected Elder of the Filipino community, Doug Mooney, Elder of the Aboriginal and Australian South Sea Islander community, Philip Kemp, Elder and Traditional Custodian of Yuwibara Country.

This work will be displayed at Gallery 31, CQ University, Sydney Street from April 10 to April 26.

Workshops and artist talks will be conducted by the artists and stories will be gathered from the Multicultural community and compiled into a publication, accompanied by photographs of artworks, weaving work and photography of the progress of works by Veronica Ah-Wang, Janet Ambrose, Marion F. Healy and Anita Wano-Sumner.

“This exhibition examines the generations of the many people and their cultural existence in the Mackay region.

“We thank the participants for giving their time and being a part of this exhibition.”

The participants will have a deep engagement with the project in advising the direction the project takes to ensure correct documentation of stories and consultation with known histories.

The exhibition and publication will be a valuable resource to the Mackay community in the recording of stories of Elders who have contributed greatly to the community.

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(Left to Right) Veronica Ah-Wang, Marion F. Healy, Anita Wano Sumner and Janet Ambrose. There will be photos of the Mangroves in the exhibition by Nadine Tass 

Photo Credit: Cherrie Hughes Social Media & Photography.

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Australia’s farm, fisheries and forestry sectors are set to rebound in 2024-25. The most recent Agricultural Commodities and Australian Crop reports are predicting that the gross value of production in 2024–25 will again increase after poor seasonal conditions affected outcomes in 2023-24.

Executive Director of ABARES Dr Jared Greenville said a rebound of up to 6% is predicted, bringing the gross value of Australian farms, fisheries and forestry to $90.8 billion, the third highest on record.

“The gross value of Australian crops production, as well as livestock and livestock products, are both estimated to increase to $48.7 billion and $36.2 billion respectively,” Dr Greenville said.

“For our livestock production and livestock products industries, this is a record high and the result of expected favourable climate conditions and improving prices.

“Above-average summer 2023–24 rainfall and subsequent build-up of soil moisture reserves in eastern Australia is expected to provide a good incentive for planting ahead of the 2024–25 winter crop season,” Dr Greenville said.

“Broadacre farm cash incomes are also set to rebound in 2024-25 to $192,000, after significant falls in 2023–24.

“The forecast improved growing season climate conditions and the expected turnaround in livestock prices in 2024–25 will drive increases in farm income.”

While the 2024–25 outlook is favourable for production, forecasts predict exports will continue to decline.

“In 2023–24 the value of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry exports is forecast to fall by 13% to $71.6 billion, but this follows the record high the industry experienced the previous year.

“This decline is expected to continue, with an additional 5% decline expected, leaving the 2024–25 value at $68.1 billion.”

The most recent Agricultural Commodities Report and the Australian Crop Report can be read on the ABARES website.

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

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There’s been a great deal of talk around SAFs – sustainable aviation fuels – and some outstanding work done in projects that use sugar cane as a base, particularly in growing regions such as Mackay, the Burdekin, Mossman and Rocky Point/Gold Coast.
As a CANEGROWERS elected representative, I was a part of the working group that developed the sugar industry roadmap Sugar Plus: Fuelling the Future of Food, Energy and Fabrication, which was released in July 2022.
CANEGROWERS has been at the forefront of speaking up for sugarcane value add, and the critical importance of benefits being distributed across the value chain for decades.
The goals are sound: to use the renewable feedstock sugarcane for next-generation foods fibres and fuels. It is now expected of the global economy to decarbonise and move away from fossil fuels wherever it can and towards making use of outstanding fast-growing feedstocks like sugarcane.
While there has been excellent progress on the research and development side from universities, research organisations and private sector companies, it is also clear that there is a strong requirement that there be bi-partisan government support – in terms of policy and investment – in realising the value of this sugar industry diversification sector.
A prime example is Brazil, whose government has implemented policy to establish a robust ethanol industry that has the flexibility to switch sugar/ ethanol ratios of production to meet shifts in demand and pricing for either product.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel is costly. To develop an industry will require government support. There are a variety of feedstocks that are suitable- not just sugarcane waste, but waste from corn, cotton and many other crops also being found as viable feedstock.
As the sugar industry moves into an ever more diversified product base, it needs to be remembered that demand remains high in the world market for raw sugar. This will always be the base, and the rest is value added to the sugar cane product. Therefore, if more income can be made by the miller from the grower’s feedstock, then so too should there be a value proposition for growers.
That is why both myself and CANEGROWERS Mackay District Manager Michelle Martin sit on the Greater Whitsunday Biofutures Leaders Group – a working group with representatives from across the supply chain, government and economic development who are mindfully developing a coordinated approach to developing a diversified sugarcane based biocommodities sector. But it is still some years before a stable industry can truly deliver for the region: there will, as ever, be successes and failures. It will be a great boon to local industry, but not a silver bullet.
CANEGROWERS will continue working with a whole-of-industry approach.
Locally, with the announcement of the State Development Areas moving to the next stage of development, we are seeing the concrete commencement of a Greater Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac SAFs and precision-fermentation foods manufacturing sector. An economic diversification that offers a broad range of employment and education opportunities, with a fully renewable feedstock at its base.
Sustainable fuels will be a boon to the environment and to economies, but it is also essential that we do not put all our eggs into one basket.

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As the economy decarbonises into the future, there will be increasing use of SAF. Picture: Kirili Lamb

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Easter time is a great time to get out and have some fun around Mackay and the Whitsundays.

Sure, Good Friday is the day to think about what the season means to you, then on Sunday everyone gets together and counts the number of calories that the Easter bunny has left behind. If your place is anything like mine, there will be quite a few calories consumed, and you know what, that’s ok. It’s one weekend, that’s it.

I remember back in the 80’s and living in Gregory St, we’d all have family over to our place next to the old Mitre Ten building, and we’d have family hide-and-seek games with all the eggs throughout the two-story Queenslander. It went on for hours, and at the end of it, eating the treats was the best thing ever.

I know it’s about the kids, but getting adults into it is even better.

A few years ago, when I was living in Gladstone, friends of mine came over to my place late on Easter Sunday evening. They thought they’d play a prank on me with talcum powder and chocolate eggs.

They painstakingly hand-placed white paw prints on my entire driveway, and at the end of the trail, there was a basket filled with chocolate treats just for me. It was the most gorgeous sight to see first thing at Easter before heading off to church. I was very blessed to see it.

Here’s a tip, if you have kids, grab a basket, and go out egg hunting in your backyard. It could take hours, so keep well hydrated.

There are also other things on this weekend. There is a massive Pickleball competition at the Mackay Basketball stadium. People coming from all over for this one. Heaps of campers will be at Eungella and Nebo for some fun with the family.

There will be some bike riders out and about on Good Friday too, and one of them will be me. I got a call last week from my mate Paul, who said we’re riding the two-wheelers from 6am Friday all around Ooralea, and then heading back to his place for scrambled eggs and a bloody big coffee. Sounds like a great plan, although the things are, it might go well, but if it doesn’t, I’ll be the bloke standing on the footpath outside Racecourse Mill, trying to flag down a lift.

Please be kind if you see me.

Happy Easter, take time out for yourself if you can, be nice to your family, and please pace yourself when it comes to the chocolate. Just saying.

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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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In the changing world we live in, there is a growing trend for businesses to try to sell you what they think you should have rather than what you want. And, delightfully in my opinion, they are getting punished for it.
A good friend of mine, let’s call him Ben, illustrated this perfectly the other day when he told me about how he went to buy a whipper-snipper.
Ben is pretty lawn-proud and he is loyal to a brand that has done right by him. He has had three terrific whipper-snippers, all the same brand, over the past 25 years and when he finally wore out his latest one he went to the hardware shop to buy the newest version from that brand.
But when he asked the sales person, he was told that brand only had electric whipper-snippers these days.
The sales person said that although the various whipper-snippers’ specifications said the batteries last for over 30 minutes, when they were working under load they would last for just 10 minutes. He suggested buying two batteries so that when one went flat, he could change to a charged-up battery.
The problem was that the electric whipper-snipper was about $270 and a battery was about $130. So, with a second battery, the whipper snipper was going to cost more than $500.
Now this is not the local hardware shop’s fault but when businesses like the whipper-snipper maker force people to buy something they don’t want for more money than they wanted to spend, well … people start shopping around.
So Ben left the hardware shop with a sparkling new Honda four-stroke whipper-snipper, a brand he has never owned but apparently it’s going really well.
The religious-like fervour around climate change is part of this trend of trying to sell people stuff they don’t want and presumably the whipper-snipper company believes petrol-powered lawn trimmers are a central cause of global warming.
Others might think that growing emissions from China and India are more of a factor and that sacrifices being made by a country that contributes just 1 per cent of global CO2 emissions place an unfair burden on businesses, the poor and even whipper-snipper users.
In fairness, Government regulations are starting to force the hands of manufacturers in various sectors and that’s something that can be addressed at the ballot box, but the story about the whipper-snipper is a reminder for anyone in business.
It is certainly relevant to real estate. I remember, in the time before I was a real estate agent, looking at a house that had a shed that was positioned in a way that it prevented the option of being able to put in a pool.
I told the agent, I really wanted a pool and, because I had young kids, it was more important to me than a shed.
He said: “Oh no mate. In this town you want a shed. That adds much more value and more people want a shed than a pool. Don’t worry about a pool.” Except I wanted a pool.
Real estate agents need to listen to buyers and sellers to understand what is important to them. To make sure that we are on the same page as the client and customer, that we are doing what they want rather than what we want.

Meanwhile, if you’re in Belmore Estate on a Sunday morning and the tranquillity is pierced by the sound of a revving four-stroke engine, it’ll be that brand new Honda.

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Calling all novelists! Mackay Writers Group will be hosting a remarkable Memoir Writing Workshop held at the Seabreeze Hotel, Lamberts beach on August 31 and September 1.
Be sure to have your notepads ready as special guest Edwina Shaw shares her tips and tricks on the subject of writing based on her success and experience in the field as an author.
Ms Shaw is a Queensland based writer of fiction, memoir, and screenplays. Her novel, Thrill Seekers was shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Award for New Writing. Other published works include In the Dark of Night, A Guide Through Grief  and over 40 stories published in Australian and International Journals.
She has been teaching Creative Writing at UQ, for the Queensland Writers Centre, and in the community since 2005. She also runs Relax and Write retreats.
Vice president of Mackay Writers, Paul Vander Loos said the workshop was made possible with an RADF grant from the Mackay Regional Council and the Queensland Government. Author Edwina Shaw will run the weekend.
The workshop will comprise four two-hour sessions spread over the Saturday and the Sunday covering the stories participants want to tell, character and dialogue, developing the story, and finally where and how to submit the finished work.
Mackay Writers acknowledge the Mackay Regional Council and the state government for the grant that made this event possible. The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Mackay Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Registration forms and information is available by emailing Mackay Writers at mkywriters@gmail.com or by mail at PO Box 1392, Mackay 4740. The group can also be found on Facebook by searching ‘Mackay Writers’.
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By Mackay Writers

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WHAT: Memoir Writing Workshop With Edwina Shaw
WHERE: Seabreeze Hotel
WHEN: August 31 and September 1

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Qld Author, Edwina Shaw will share her knowledge at the upcoming August Memoir writing workshop at Seabreeze Hotel, Mackay
Photo Supplied

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Last weekend, the Moranbah State High School Performance Hall was transformed into a stunning display of aubergine, white, and black décor. Fourteen debutantes graced the stage at the 47th Moranbah Debutante Ball.

Compere for the Evening Neil Wicks introduced the 2024 debutantes and their partners:

Amity Bradley and Cooper Bradley, Ysabella McKenzie-Thomas and Jordan Ewart, Brooklyn Streeter and Will Jaques, Isabella Piccoli Evans and Cylas Moloney, Leilani Cork and Joel Trease, Elyssia Robertson and Loki Clinch, Kaitlyn Lynch and Regan Shelford, Jaime Hinds and Zack Benson, Alleah Seiuli and Zachary Malcolm, Hannah Sloan and Cameron Schy, Emily Crawley and Cooper Bosel, Gracie Noy and Aiden Peterson, Lily Bartlett and Rhys Elliott, Pippa James and Luca Vea Vea.

The debutantes and their partners showcased their talents with a Swing Waltz and a modern rendition of "Single Ladies". Cr Elect Kelly Vea Vea commended their community-mindedness, urging them to uphold respect and thoughtfulness. Miss Lily Bartlett and Mr Rhys Elliott cut the debutante cake, while Miss Hannah Sloan expressed gratitude on behalf of the debutantes and partners. The evening concluded with the Pride of Erin dance, including dances with parents and ball patrons. The dance card featured the Gypsy Tap, Barn Dance, Canadian Three Step, Progressive Jive, and Friendship Waltz. Family and friends joined the festivities, accompanied by the sounds of Mackay band Hot Hot Hot.

Deb Ball Coordinator Judy Naumann said, “The debutantes and partners participated in 9 weeks of practice. To see all of our debutantes and partners up dancing and having fun is what makes this night special.

“This year the Debutante Ball was held in the Moranbah State High School Performance Hall as the Moranbah Community Centre is under renovation.”

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Moranbah State High School, Saturday 23 March. Photo credit: Photos by Nell

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Mackay Hospital Foundation hosted its signature Cinema Under the Stars event last Friday night with a few surprises in store for attendees.

The event featuring the movie “Clifford, the Big Red Dog” was sponsored by Harvey Norman Bedding Mackay and Star 101.9 FM, and it was also supported by Show and Shine Detailing and Muscle Garden. Adding value to this event was Easter craft organized by Chloe and Josh Agius from Show and Shine Detailing, Face Painting by Let’s Just Face It Entertainment, rides and a jumping castle from Let’s Jump, an Easter Egg hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny himself.

To counteract all the chocolate expected to be consumed over Easter, Kay from Muscle Garden showed the kids some exercises to help burn off the chocolate calories in the coming weeks. Unfortunately, the Easter Bunny had trouble performing all the exercises but the children were happy to teach him how to do them.

Food vendors including Spicy and Saucy, Shuga Guru, Sausage Sizzle by Mackay Hospital Foundation staff and Apulia Woodfired Pizzas were kept busy throughout the event. As always, Clint from Harvey Norman generously distributed prizes of vouchers and pillows to lucky winners, and Chloe from Show and Shine Detailing also handed out vouchers.

Scotty from Star 101.9 FM hosted the event and helped to draw the prize winners at the event.

Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager, Kristi Algate said, “The weather was perfect for an outdoor Cinema Under the Stars and attendee numbers were some of the highest we’ve seen in a while.

“The attendees came to watch “Clifford the Big Red Dog” on the big screen but were treated to so much more on the night.”

Ms Algate said the date was chosen in conjunction with an Easter theme and the next outdoor cinema event will be at Sarina in November with a Christmas theme.

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Photo credit: Coffee and Hops

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Pioneer Valley Cricket Club are the newly-crowned Mackay Cricket Association
Poole Cup first grade champions for 2023-24.

In a dramatic title decider at Great Barrier Reef Arena on Saturday, March 16, the
Valley X1 staved off a spirited challenge from Souths to record a thrilling
six-run victory.

Chasing 199 for Grand Final glory, the Sharks fell agonisingly short of
their target despite superb half-centuries from Cameron Keene (74 not out)
and Shaun Austin (52) and a handy 22 from all-rounder Tom Bugeja.
Earlier Valley skipper Tim Cridland won the toss and batted and led the way
with a classy knock of 59 off 61 balls that included five boundaries and a
six in a tally of 7-198.

He was supported by prolific run scorer Cody Filewood (44 off 81) with four
boundaries and a six and the talented Bailey Camilleri, who hit an unbeaten
33.

The versatile Bugeja (3-23 off seven overs) and Austin (2-34 off six) were
the pick of the Souths bowlers, grabbing early wickets as the Valley were
left tottering at 5-77.

But a seventh-wicket union of 65 between Cridland and Camilleri helped the
Valley post a competitive total from their 40 overs.

Souths¹ number four Keene produced a mighty innings with the bat that
featured eight boundaries and shared valuable partnerships of 32 with Austin
for the third wicket; 49 with Kellon Powell (14) for the fourth wicket and a
fifth wicket stand of 35 with Bugeja.

Valley¹s experienced bowling attack kept their nerve in the pressure moments
with Dion Krisanksi-Kennedy (2-26 off five), Mahesh Rajaratne (1-23 off
six), Camilleri (1-36 off eight) and paceman Andrew McNichol (0-25 off six)
toiling hard to keep the Sharks (5-192) at bay.

……………………………………………….

Devils Take DBCT Cup

Norths Devils clinched the DBCT Cup second-grade premiership with a
resounding 141-run triumph over Pioneer Valley at George Gorrie Oval.
Sent in to bat, the Devils smashed 6-237 with dashing half-tonnes from the
flamboyant Deane Cox (80), Shawn Day (64) and opener Duncan Sperling (63) in
a first innings run spree.

Cox was in scintillating touch ­ clouting four sixes and ten boundaries
during an incredible 41-ball knock with number three Day hammering eleven
boundaries and a six off 78 balls faced.

Sperling and Day added 105 runs for the second wicket with Cox and Day
combining for a fourth-wicket stand of 65.

Valley had no answer to the Devils' attack and was bundled out for 96 in the
24th over with Mitchell Bourke (4-22 off eight), skipper Aaron Durelli
(2-17) and Haki Chauhan (2-29) the chief destroyers.

Skipper Dean Zeller was Valley¹s best ­ returning 2-32 off eight overs.

…………………………..

Roosters Rampage In Third Grade

Walkerston Red captured the Maurice Blackburn Lawyers Cup third grade
premiership trophy with a pulsating win over Magpies at Jack Lancaster Oval.
Opening batsman Michael Vella proved the hero ­ cracking 72 off 62 balls
with thirteen boundaries to help the Roosters (7-144) eclipse the Magpies
(7-143) in a tense finish.

Former Toombul first-grade all-rounder Brendan Whitby shone for the Magpies
with 40 runs and four-wicket haul (4-17 off seven) with his wily off-spin
bowling.

Just as impressive was his 13-year-old son Jacob who hit a valuable 21.
Iqbal Singh (2-13), Max Campbell (2-28), Malkeet Singh (2-42) and skipper
Scott McPherson (1-14 off five) was the pick of the Walkerston bowlers.

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DBCT Poole 1st Division Cup grand final action. Photo credit: Finer Photography

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Happy Easter to all our members at the Mackay Contract Bridge Club
A great day of Bridge was had Sunday with 16 pairs of Novices and Mentors competing. This is a fabulous event that is held on the last Friday of every month to give beginners a chance to play with experienced players.

Noel, Frances and Alan
Jan, Karen and Trish
Anne Lutz with Sandy Patterson

Weekly Results
Monday 18 March 2024 – 6 Table One Winner Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
David Ting / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Monica Darley / Nancy Martin
3rd
Helen Van Den Breok / Terrence Sheedy
4th
Geoffrey Patterson / Noel Bugeia
5th
Margaret Lane / Barbara Tait
6th
Antonia Tarradas / Victor Mason
Tuesday Evening 19 March 2024 –3 Table One Winner Green Points
1st
Sandra Morris / Diane Morgan
2nd
Helen Van Den Breok / Terrence Sheedy
3rd
Eric Goodchild / Noel Bugeia
4th
Faith Hutchinson / Janice Mansfield
Wednesday 20 March 2024 – Mackay Teams, Week 2 of 3 - 10 Table Mitchell Red Points
1st
Terry Sheedy Team
2nd
Janet Hanson Team
3rd
Jan Harris Team
4th
Joyce Deguara Team
Thursday Evening 21 March 2024 – 4 Table One Winner
1st
Terry Sheedy / Mick King
2nd
Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy
3rd
Kean Seaniger / Robert Carless
4th
Errol Morris / Ted Cullinan
Friday 22 March 2024 – 11 Table Mitchell Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy
1st
Diane Stokes / Marie McGuire
2nd
Monica Darley / Gwen Liddell
2nd
Nancy Martin / Kath Poole
3rd
Geoff Taylor / Joy Robinson
3rd
Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson
4th
Eric Goodchild / Sandy Patterson
4th
Debra Goodchild / Lorna Shuttlewood
5th
Joyce Deguara / Toni Large
5th
Victor Mason / Josie Cowley
5th
Helen Van Den Breok / Don Poole
6th
Ann Whitmore / Julie O’Neill
Saturday 23 March 2024 11 Table Green Points
N/S

E/W

1st
Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
1st
Debra Goodchild / Eric Goodchild
2nd
Frances Brown / Alan Brown
2nd
Christine Nice / Terry Sheedy
3rd
Julie O’Neill / Griffin Bancroft
3rd
Margaret Lane / Anne Lutz
4th
Janet Hansen / Geoff Taylor
4th
Diane Stokes / Janine Rodgers
5th
Lorna Shuttlewood / Susan Wright
5th
Monica Darley / Kath Poole
Sunday 24 March 2024 – Green Points

Section A

Section B (Novice)
1st
Mary Cruickshank / Noel Saunders
1st
Marshal Howland / Israel Hall
1st
Diane Stokes / Ann Whitmore
2nd
Bridget Ward / Joe Hall
1st
Mick King / Ted Cullinan
3rd
Ed Boets / Christopher Meyers
2nd
Joyce Deguara / Clare Wallace
4th
Kim Stonehouse / Pam Cassidy

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The North Mackay Sinkers Masters Swimming Club are once again splashing for cash to support a charity fundraising event after their successful February ‘Starlight Super Swim.’
This time, the club has chosen to support the ‘Laps for Life’ fundraiser to support Youth mental health during the month of March, where all funds raised will go directly to the ReachOut foundation, contributing to youth mental health in the community.
ReachOut is a leading online mental health service in Australia which aims to support young people during tough times while uplifting their spirits and helping them achieve not just a better day, but a better future, no matter what challenges they might be facing. The organisation provides a safe space where young people can openly express themselves, explore what’s happening in their lives, connect with people who are understanding of their situation and encourage them to overcome their challenges.

Currently seven members have dashed on board with swimming and fundraising throughout the month of March to raise awareness and funds for the youth mental health service. As of March 19, the Sinkers are well on their way to their proposed target with $3,494 already committed to the club’s fundraising efforts!
In addition to the Sinkers, two other Queensland Masters clubs have signed up in a rally of support for youth mental health. Brisbane Southside and Aqualicious Masters swimming clubs are also well on their way with funds and awareness being raised.
The three clubs have a cumulative total of $5,753 already donated towards the great cause!
Of course, the swimming aspect is not overlooked with the Sinkers happily swimming along recording 3,160 laps, (158-kilometres) as of March 19.
The Masters Swimming Queensland State Championships are to be held at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre from the April 18-21, promising to be a fantastic competition suitable for all levels of Masters and is said to attract an impressive amount of over 400 athletes.
If you are interested in adult swimming activities, the Sinkers offer a great club with multiple weekly sessions that are self-paced, with options to attend that are low key, pool or open water based and are in an inclusive, supportive environment.
For further information, visit North The  Mackay Sinkers - Masters Swimming Club online, email nthmkysinkers@gmail.com or phone 0413 805 156.
To learn more about ReachOut, please visit https://about.au.reachout.com
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Contributed by Dan Stampa

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Our regular Memorial Monday session with Coach Igor adding to skills and fitness. The session also contributes to the participants of Laps for Life swim distance.

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REA Group’s data business PropTrack launched a new comprehensive measure of the share of rental properties that households can afford to lease earlier this month. The PropTrack Rental Affordability Index analyses rental affordability across different household income distributions and locations.

The report showed that rental affordability is now at its worst level in at least 17 years, when PropTrack records began, driven by the surge in rent prices following the pandemic.

Low- and middle-income households are facing the toughest conditions. A household earning $49,000 per year – the 20th percentile of income – can afford essentially no rental properties.

PropTrack senior economist and report co-author, Angus Moore, said: “Surging rents over the past few years have resulted in rental affordability sitting at its worst level in at least 17 years.

“Over the six months to December 2023, households across the income distribution could afford to rent the smallest share of advertised rentals since at least 2008, when our records began. That is a substantial change from conditions before and during the pandemic.

“The deterioration in affordability has been driven by the significant increase in rents that we’ve seen since the pandemic, which wages have not kept pace with. Rents nationally are up 38% since the start of the pandemic.

“At the lower end of the income distribution, renting is extremely challenging. This highlights the importance of rental support for low-income renters, such as Commonwealth Rent Assistance. Without support, renting would be effectively impossible for many of these households.

“Longer term, increasing the availability and supply of rentals is critical to improving affordability. Rents are growing quickly because rentals are extremely scarce at the moment, with incredibly low rental vacancy rates around the country. The only way to solve that, sustainably over the long term, is to have more rentals where people want to live. And that means building more homes.”

For more information and to view the full report please visit realestate.com.au/insights

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Just as leaving your doors unlocked poses a risk, neglecting to install and maintain smoke alarms in your home can jeopardise the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

With more Australians dying in residential fires on average than by all natural hazards combined, it’s sparking a renewed call from experts for Australians to protect themselves with a working smoke alarm. Smoke alarms provide a critical early warning to give you and your loved ones time to escape, so testing and maintaining them plays a crucial role in the device’s purpose, saving lives.

While Queensland has the most stringent fire safety laws in the country, the latest data shows just 73% of households tested their smoke alarms last year. While nearly two in three (62%) of those who do not have interconnected smoke alarms installed say they are likely to install them in the next 12 months.

Research from Brooks Australia reveals that the majority of Aussies (90%) don’t test their smoke alarm to the recommended standard – which is once a month.

Furthermore, a stunning one in five (22%) Aussies that have disabled their smoke alarms admit to never having replaced the battery when it ran out.

Cathy Brand, CEO of Brooks Australia, says testing your smoke alarm isn’t a task, it’s a responsibility.

“Smoke alarms are the most effective early warning sign when there is a fire, but if they aren’t tested and maintained properly it can put you, your family and your home at risk. Unfortunately, our research has found that households across Australia don’t regularly test their smoke alarms, placing Aussie families at significant risk,” Brand says.

“We’ve seen in recent months just how important smoke alarms are in saving lives including the escape of a family on the Gold Coast earlier this year.”

The absence of working smoke alarms can increase the possibility of a fatal fire by 60%.

Brand says testing your smoke alarms should be a regular maintenance routine of Australian households.  

“While the recommendation is to test your smoke alarms once a month, cleaning the device to remove any dust, insects or cobwebs every six months can minimise false alarms and help smoke reach the internal sensors easily,” Brand says.

“Testing smoke alarms is a lot simpler than people might expect, just remember 10 - smoke alarms need to be less than 10 years old, take less than 10 seconds to clean and less than 10 seconds to test. That’s why we are encouraging Aussies to set a reminder every month to test your smoke alarm.”

Smoke alarms are a crucial safety feature in every household, but they can only protect you if they are working properly. To ensure that your smoke alarms are always functioning correctly, Brooks Australia recommends performing regular maintenance checks.

Brooks Australia is urging all Australians to check their smoke alarms once a month by joining #TestitTuesday where on a Tuesday during the month, households set a reminder to test their smoke alarms. To find out more about it, head to https://www.brooks.com.au/homesmoke-alarms

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Back Row: Jessica Moon, Voytek Antkowiak, Kaitlyn Moon, Cameron Grice, Alliara Leppard and Jet McMullen
Front Row: Angelina Mihailou, Indie Lovett, Zahlia Leppard and Ivy-Leigh MacNamara. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Hi Everyone,

Happy Easter!

Bonnet parades, school shows, mad dashes to the shops for last minute Easter eggs – this is not a relaxing time of year for parents – but it is a lot fun!

This morning I sent my (almost) 7-year-old boy to school with blue hair – it was ‘free dress day’ and he was desperate to utilise the tin of blue hair spray we purchased several weeks ago.

We stood on the veranda with a towel wrapped around his shoulders and I sprayed his hair, neck and back of his ears, blue.

He was delighted!

When we got to school there was an array of colour pouring out of car doors and walking to classrooms – pink tutus, Tie-dyed shirts, clothes featuring everything from Pokémon to rock bands, more died hair, a few striped socks and a whole lot of attitude!

It made me think about how our clothing choice is such a big expression of who we are, especially when we are children.

What did you wear when you were a kid that you find funny now?

I was a bit grungy in my teenage years, so it was Bon Jovi t-shirts and a lot of black.

Before that I remember loving one of my grand-dad’s old hats and refusing to take it off!

Younger still and it was a bright red Betty Boop jumper that was my absolute favourite.

Watching these beautiful youngsters display their personality and start to frame their identity at the local primary school this morning was fascinating.

It reminded me of my own youth and made me wonder what my own child was going to wear and look like as he aged – hopefully not too many piercings and tattoos!

Regardless of what you are wearing (!) or what you are doing this Easter long weekend, I hope you have fun and enjoy time with those you love.

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Rach

Quote of the Week: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” (Emerson)

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