The anticipation is mounting as the countdown commences for the highly awaited Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo 2024, now set to unfold at the Mackay Showgrounds. This event promises to be a remarkable celebration of all facets of agriculture. 

Julie Crowley, Coordinator for the event, expressed profound appreciation for the tremendous support from the local community.

"We've been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response from exhibitors, with bookings flooding in daily.

“We have an extraordinary lineup of stallholders already confirmed, ensuring two days brimming with action, displays, products, and services catering to all aspects of agriculture and rural lifestyles," she stated. 

In welcoming the change of venue, Ross Dodt, representing the Mackay Show Association, shared his excitement.

"The Mackay Show Association is thrilled to host the Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo at the Mackay Showgrounds.

“We are looking forward to partnering with Wests Leagues Club to bring this event to the community and showcase our agricultural industry to the region," Dodt remarked. 

Highlighting the significance of agricultural shows in Australian culture, Julie emphasised the importance of local business support for the Expo's growth and future success.

"We extend our heartfelt thanks to the businesses that have secured their sites for 2024.
 
“The Expo is proud to welcome back its esteemed naming rights sponsor, Mackay Sugar, a member of the Nordzucker Group.

"Mackay Sugar brings professionalism and excitement to our event and showcases their commitment to the Sugar Industry in our region.

“We eagerly anticipate collaborating with them not only in 2024 but also in the years ahead," Julie remarked. 

The 2024 Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo will take place at the Mackay Showgrounds, on Friday, April 19th, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturday, April 20th, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. 

Attendees can expect a family-friendly atmosphere, with live music by The Gottani Sisters, whip-cracking demonstrations, line dancing, exhibitor demonstrations on both days, and a special kids zone on Saturday featuring kids rides and various attractions. 

For more information, please visit www.mackayagtradeexpo.com.au or contact Julie Crowley at West’s Leagues Club by calling 4959 2480 or emailing julie@weststigersmackay.com.au. 

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Images from last year's Mackay Sugar Ag Expo. This year will be one you won’t want to miss! Images supplied

What: The Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo
When: Friday, April 19th from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturday, April 20th, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. 
Where: The Mackay Showgrounds
Tickets: FREE ENTRY!

What Is The Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo?

The Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo is a bi-annual event showcasing the latest innovations, products, and services in agriculture. With a focus on fostering community engagement and industry growth, the Expo serves as a platform for networking, education, and celebration within the agricultural sector.

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Canegrowers Mackay
120 Wood St, Mackay
P: (07) 4944 2600
www.mackaycanegrowers.com.au

Elimix
105 Webberley St, West Mackay
P: 0415 712 425
Find us on facebook

Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Lev 1, 224 Victoria St, Mackay
P: 07 4845 8222
www.gw3.com.au

M&P Services
1 Diesel Dr, Paget
P: (07) 4898 0500
www.mpservices.net.au

Mackay Containers
Mackay Trailers
41 Malcomson St, North Mackay
P: (07) 49 400 722
www.mackaycontainers.com
www.mackaytrailers.com

Mackay Forestry
Dunwoody Road, Ball Bay
P: 1800 819 008
www.mackayforestry.com.au

Michelle Landry Office
71-73 Denham St, Rockhampton
P: (07) 4922 6604
Shop 8/13 Sarina Beach Rd, Sarina
P: (07) 4943 2722

Phoenix Powersports
165 Paradise St, Mackay
P: (07) 4952 2436
www.phoenixpowersports.com.au

Reef Catchments
Suite 1, 85 Gordon St, Mackay
P: (07) 4968 4200
www. reefcatchments.com.au

Western Suburbs Leagues Club
Branscombe Rd, Walkerston
P: (07) 4959 2480
www.weststigersmackay.com.au

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Looking to transform your land quickly and efficiently? Look no further than Mackay Forestry Mulching Solutions, your ultimate land-clearing experts!

As the excitement builds for the upcoming Mackay Ag Trade Expo, Mackay Forestry stands ready to showcase its cutting-edge solutions for land maintenance. With a fleet of high-powered Fecon mulchers and dedicated ASV135F machines equipped with 38 hammer and knife teeth, along with skilled operators, Mackay Forestry is primed to tackle any challenge faced by rural landowners in Queensland.

Whether it's clearing thick vegetation, tackling troublesome trees, or creating fire breaks, Mackay Forestry’s machines are designed to topple and grind with precision. Mackay Forestry co-owner, Steph Gordon, said that from large-scale projects to smaller jobs, Mackay Forestry has the equipment and expertise to get the job done swiftly and safely.

“Mackay Forestry mulchers are the go-to when your goal is to clear land quickly, safely and efficiently,” she said.

With a wide range of machines designed to topple and grind logs, trees, thick lantana, luceana, along with all the other problem trees and shrubs, it’s the perfect option for selectively clearing large tracts of land, roads, house pads, fire breaks and much more.

“We are now able to reach all sectors and have machines working long-term jobs as well as helping out customers who only need a few hours to clear that acre of land that can take years to bring under control,” Steph added.

Mackay Forestry’s machines will be on display at the Mackay Ag Trade Expo for attendees to observe, with a presentation from an operator to explain the use and parameters of the machine to cater to your property or project needs.
 
Whilst at the Ag Expo, Mackay Forestry will touch on key divisions such as land clearing and vegetation control, which is quick, efficient and effective, along with soil rehabilitation, biological and mineral nutrient stabilisation which is also fast, effective and gives the balance to all organic practices. 

“We understand what farmers and landowners go through and deal with on a daily basis which gives us a unique insight into land management, especially when dealing with the enormous variety of solutions, some very expensive and ongoing.

“When you are developing a program for your land, come and have a chat to us and see how we can help you.”
 
Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about Mackay Forestry’s innovative solutions at the Mackay Ag Trade Expo!

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In a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie, Mackay's manufacturing landscape is about to witness a futuristic transformation, thanks to an innovative grant from the State Government. Key Solutions Group, a prominent player in the region's industrial sector, is set to revolutionise its operations with the acquisition of not one, but two cutting-edge Motoman AR1440 series welding robots. Alongside these mechanical marvels, the company will also integrate Power-Trac seam finders/trackers and rotary screw compressors, heralding a new era of efficiency and productivity.
This will expand its manufacturing capacity and grow the business, resulting in as many as eight new jobs and upskill 28 current employees.
Key Solutions Group specialises in pipe welding, repairs and component manufacturing and is a major service provider to Mackay’s critical mining and agriculture sectors.  
Purchasing this new machinery has been made possible thanks to $500,000 in funding from Round 3 of the Queensland Government’s Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program.
The equipment is expected to reduce production costs by 30 per cent and generate private sector investment of more than $1.2 million.
Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher and Resources Minister Scott Stewart visited the business last week and said the company’s success demonstrates that the Queensland Government’s commitment to the industry is paying dividends.
“Every time we see a Queensland manufacturer take advantage of these grant programs, I know that it’s a step in the right direction for creating a more resilient and robust manufacturing sector,” Minister for Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher said.
“We have helped so many businesses throughout Queensland, just like Key Solutions Group, with leaders who can see an opportunity to expand their factory’s capabilities, an opportunity to secure more clients and grow their business.
“We have heard from many manufacturers that it’s challenging to recruit staff for welding roles and so wherever possible, automation is solving some of those problems.
“It also means staff can be upskilled to new roles and some of those manage the robotic part of the process.”
Key Solutions Group managing director, Frank Attard said that this grant will enable his business to take a major step forward in its growth journey.
“We’ll be able to achieve significantly greater efficiencies in time usage and labour output, which will ultimately result in better service to our growing customer base,” he said.
“The robotic manufacturing facility project will be a key ingredient in our business growth path and we’re looking forward to bringing in more customers with a broader product and service offerings.”

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Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher, Key Solutions Group managing director Frank Attard and Resources Minister Scott Stewart

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Cigarettes can take 15 years to break down, causing damage to marine life, whilst have the ability to enter the food chain as a microplastic and are considered to be a major contributor towards fires.

Knowing this, the No More Butts team are putting the final touches to a series of Big Butt Hunts, to be held across four different locations in North Queensland such as Innisfail, Ayr, Airlie beach and Mackay, this April to tidy up the region in an attempt to combat cigarette littering.

Mackay’s event will be held on Sunday 14th April at the Bluewater Lagoon, starting from 8.30am for an expected finish by 10am.

At the first event in 2022, more than a dozen volunteers picked up 4,500 butts in just under an hour. In 2023, 20 volunteers joined forces to comb the streets of Cairns for cigarette butts.

After one hour, volunteers from several different organisations and businesses had collected a total of 10,350 butts.

The success of this event saw two further events held in December 2023 in partnership with the Sea Shepherd Marine Debris Campaign, Rye, Victoria and Surfers Paradise played host to the groups, who picked up more than 14,000 butts.

Executive Director of No More Butts, Mr. Shannon Mead, said “partnering with councils, businesses, local rangers and other like-minded groups is having a great impact.

“Although our ultimate goal is to ban plastic cigarette filters, for now, we need to spend a lot of effort on education and prevention, as well as picking up these toxic nasty plastic parcels.”

Jumping into the “butt mobile” in April, No More Butts founder Mr. Shannon Mead will travel from Innisfail to Mackay to participate in the four events across two weekends.

Identifying hot spots, based on previous visits and community feedback, Mr. Mead is optimistic that others may join him in the hunt for as many butts as possible.

Although some essentials will be on hand, participants are encouraged to bring their own gloves, sunscreen, a hat and a water bottle.

Interested community members can learn more at https://bit.ly/nqldbh24 or at No More Butts on Facebook.

No More Butts have also been raising awareness of the issue that discarded vaping devices pose on our environment. Based in Queensland, Australia, No More Butts is a registered charity with ACNC.

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

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The Rural Fire Service has served an important role in the way rural communities have responded to fire and protected their homes and agribusinesses.
Over recent years, there has been some degradation of the service, and now the state government overhaul - that should have worked to improve rural communities’ capacity to respond to fire emergencies – seems to actively disempower the Rural Fire Service (RFS).
The RFS is an organisation of volunteers. They are people with excellent skills in containing fire and with extensive knowledge of their local landscape and managing fire outbreaks. They are professional land managers, who work their own agribusinesses in cane farming, grazing and other types of farming. They understand how fire can behave in their farming systems and the wider district.  They understand how local weather conditions are important when considering a course of action to control a fire. They really are the experts in fighting their fires- they know the land best, and the RFS was set up in recognition of this.
Because they live where their RFS brigade is, they have skin in the game and the capacity to respond quickly and effectively. It is part of the nature of fire, that once it happens, response needs to be quick off the mark. The RFS takes this responsibility seriously, and as a result, the current system works effectively.
The RFS has been in need of structural improvement and increased support, but the legislation heading to parliament currently appears to miss the mark on the improvements the RFS has sought. The Disaster Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 brings together the Rural Fire Service and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service under the one banner of the Queensland Fire Department.
Under the legislation, the RFS – best recognised as yellow trucks- is losing a great deal of its autonomy to the more urban-centric QFES (ie: red trucks). While the RFS sought to have a Rural Fires Board that had some weight, the panel that will eventuate would only have capacity as an advisory body. Section 130 states: “To remove any doubt, it is declared that the RFS advisory committee is not a decision-making body.”
The commissioner will now be empowered to dismiss an RFS volunteer.
These changes also call for an increased demand of RFS volunteers in training hours, from the present 12 months to three to five years. Safety is important, and training is always valuable, but not if it makes it impossible for those volunteers to have their existing skills and capabilities recognised and be empowered to take actions and make decisions during active fire incidents. These are all disincentives to volunteering.
Fire emergencies can be highly fluid situations that demand deep local knowledge and the capacity to act quickly.
The legislation means that they will be led by the professional firefighting arm of the Queensland Brigade, and the commissioner has the right to determine who would lead the management of a fire incident.
Someone can have all the professional training under the sun but still not be the best equipped with specific knowledge and understanding to best know how to fight a bushfire.
In drafting legislation, there was only one week for the RFS and the broader community to respond. The legislation is being rushed, and that will be to the detriment of rural and regional Queensland.
We live in a time of increasingly extreme weather. Anything that reduces a rural community’s capacity to respond to this is at the very least, foolhardy.
It is our great concern that the changes will impact on growers and graziers to their detriment. It is a slap in the face to rural communities and the RFS, that have effectively served their communities for many years.  The legislative changes, if passed in Queensland Parliament, will be a disaster for the RFS and rural communities, and bigger disasters will follow.

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Biosecurity Solomon Islands (BSI) and Honiara Herbarium staff together with Australian Department of Agriculture staff have recently returned from a plant health survey in the Solomon Islands. These joint plant health surveys are a key part of a collaborative partnership that has been running for over a decade which has enabled Australian departments and BSI to work together on many shared biosecurity priorities and activities.

This year the plant health survey had two key focus areas, Honiara the capital city and Lata in Temotu Province. Solomon Islands recently hosted the Pacific Games 2023 in Honiara and as with any large regional event, the Pacific Games had the potential to increase biosecurity risk. This risk could have been due to the increased importation of construction materials and catering, the influx of travellers, spectators and workers from around the region. In response to this, BSI took a number of precautionary steps including increasing their staffing at the borders and follow-on plant and animal health surveillance activities.

This most recent joint plant health survey linked in with BSI’s established post-games trapping program. It involved visiting ‘high-biosecurity-risk’ sites around Honiara with the aim of detecting any exotic plant pest threats that may have been introduced as a result of the Pacific Games. The timing of this increased surveillance immediately following the Games is important as it provides the best opportunity to detect, respond and potentially prevent the further spread of a biosecurity incursion.

The team also surveyed sites in and around Lata in Temotu Province. The key pathways of interest in Lata were the movement of international tourist yachts, foreign logging activities and cross-border movement and trade with Vanuatu.

Activities such as these strengthen formal and informal networks between Australia and the Solomon Islands, increase capacity for detection and response to biosecurity incursions within the Solomon Islands and contribute information on emerging pest threats in the region.

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The entomology team setting up fruit fly traps around the guesthouse in Lata, Temotu Province. In picture Michael Gorton (DAFF) and Gideon Suda (BSI). Photo credit: Emily Lamberton

Survey team members (George Harunari and Emily Lamberton) drill a coconut palm to sample the heart tissue for any disease. Photo credit: Lynne Jones

Gideon Suda (BSI) and Michael Gorton (DAFF) undertaking field surveillance in Lata, Temotu Province. Photo credit: Emily Lamberton

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Sporting legend Ash Barty will add her star power to the State Library of Queensland’s successful play-based learning initiative, First 5 Forever.
Ash’s new role as First 5 Forever ambassador was announced at a special event at the State Library earlier this month.
The tennis champion will promote the benefits of parents and caregivers talking, reading, singing and playing with their children.
First 5 Forever helps families discover ways to support their children’s development in the first 5 years.

“As a new mum and auntie, I know how important it is to find everyday moments to connect and build a bond with little ones. That’s why I’m so excited to be the First 5 Forever ambassador,” Ash said.

“I’m proud to be championing First 5 Forever and sharing how talking, reading, singing and playing with children helps them to thrive,” she said.  

Ash’s appointment follows this year’s launch of the Ash Barty Foundation, which provides opportunities for young boys and girls through sport and education. It also builds on her close relationship with State Library.

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said, “We know when young Queenslanders learn early while they play, they thrive with lifelong health benefits.

“As a world tennis champion, a new mum and a Queenslander, Ash Barty is a wonderful ambassador for giving our kids the best possible start in life.

In acknowledgment, State Librarian and CEO Vicki McDonald AM shared, “The early years matter, which is why State Library is thrilled to continue its partnership with Ash and the Barty family through First 5 Forever.”

“We look forward to working with Ash to help parents connect with their children, in fun and meaningful ways.”

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Leeanne Enoch MP with Queensland tennis ace Ash Barty, whom is now adding her star power to First 5 Forever as the new state-wide ambassador.

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North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) is investing around one million dollars to improve the area, near its Port of Mackay.
The improvements to the North Wall recreational area will provide long-term benefits not only for its current visitors but also for future generations.​
With a local office in Mackay, landscape architects at RPS Group have been engaged to develop a preliminary layout for consideration.​
It’s anticipated that the project (including construction) will be completed in early 2025.
NQBP Chief Executive Officer Brendan Webb said the project had been initiated to provide port community members with improved amenities.
“At NQBP, we share the passion the community has for safeguarding the local environment and are committed to continuing to provide recreational access to North Wall Beach,” Mr Webb said.
“We’re looking forward to enhancing the area’s natural beauty while maintaining its unique and peaceful outlook for the community and future generations,” he said.
Mr Webb said the port authority had been working closely with key stakeholders to incorporate their feedback.
“Community engagement is at the forefront of this project.
“We have been working with representatives from our key stakeholders such as Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation, Mackay and District Turtle Watch and NQBP’s Port of Mackay Community Reference Group (CRG) who have all provided their feedback into the project.”
Long-term CRG member Mick DePinto said he was looking forward to the project coming together.
“As a regular user of North Wall, I’m really excited about this project,” Mr DePinto said.
“I’m looking forward to working together with NQBP and seeing this project come to life,” he said.
With a local office based in Mackay, Queensland-based landscape architects RPS have leveraged its extensive experience in coastal landscape development to prepare the preliminary design layout.
RPS Principal Practice Leader Tim Connor said RPS was pleased to be part of this important project.
“Our goal is to deliver landscape design that reflects and responds to the distinctive character, climate and culture of the North Wall site.”
“We’re looking forward to hearing from the community to understand what matters most, and evolving the design of this exciting site.”
Broader community feedback on the preliminary layout is now open for a period of four (4) weeks and will close at COB Friday 3 May 2024.
A final design layout will be prepared once the consultation period has closed and relevant feedback has been considered and included where possible.
Michael DePinto from community group ‘Save Our Northwall’ said that while the advocacy group didn’t get everything they wanted, they viewed this as a win for the turtles, the ecosystem and the community.
In a post on the group’s Facebook page, Mr DePinto said “I can’t thank the NQBP team at all levels enough for what has been achieved with their support. They live in Mackay and love Mackay, we could not have achieved this outcome without their support.”
He also highlighted some positives from the planning.
“The North wall area around the car park has been declared a Recreation Reserve. This has huge implications for long-term public access.

“The SEMP or Shoreline Erosion Management Plan is underway to understand and then develop a plan to stop erosion and replenish our beautiful beach. This is so important.

“Significant increase in the environmental reserve which separates the sand mining operations and natural dunal systems and the flora and fauna in those areas.

“While we might not have got everything we wanted, this is still a huge win for all of us in this group. It's a win for the turtles; it's a win for the ecosystems that exist in the beautiful bush behind our beach, and it's a win for all of us who use and love that little bit of Paradise we call Northwall.

“So to everyone on this page, nearly 2800 of you, give yourself a clap and a pat on the back for getting involved and making a difference, for without all of you and the noise we made, this would not necessarily be the outcome we got.”

NQBP said that a separate project is also underway to develop a Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (SEMP) for North Wall Beach which is required before any coastal works can occur in the area.
Information on the project, including the preliminary design layout and online survey is available on the project page on NQBP’s website.
Mentioned on its project website, NQBP says “During the construction phase, every effort will be made to minimise disruption to the community, however at times it may be necessary to restrict public access to the North Wall beach recreational area to ensure safety. Stay tuned for updates on social media.”

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Community member Mick DePinto, NQBP CEO Brendan Webb, NQBP Hossein Saadai and NQBP Board Director Lynn Smart
Conceptual plan map of North Wall
Proposed design elements

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Do the kids need a back-to-school refresh?

Little Treehouse Lane, upstairs in Caneland Central, has lunchboxes, lunch bags, drink bottles, snack containers, backpacks and more!

From the super cool sparkly Munchboxes to Montiico insulated food jars, Subo food bottles for the little sippers and Bento cups to divide the food for the fussiest of eaters, there’s something for every age and stage!

Check out the range online or visit the team in Caneland Central, upstairs opposite Snap Fitness! (Little Treehouse Lane has moved across the laneway, opposite its original location, into a bigger and brighter space).

Check out online back to school here: https://tinyurl.com/LTHLBTOS

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Almost all Queensland children will experience at least one RSV infection by the time they turn two, with the virus the most common cause of hospitalisations among infants and young children.

The highly contagious virus attacks the lungs and can spread quickly, particularly between little ones.

The State Government will invest $31.06 million to rollout a free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunisation program to more than 70,000 newborn babies, eligible infants and young children.

While RSV can infect people of all ages, newborn babies and young children have tiny airways and what may seem like a cold, can rapidly turn severe, causing a range of respiratory illness including bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman said, “We know caring for a little one can already be a stressful time for parents and this is an important step to help reduce the risk of contracting RSV and keeping our most vulnerable out of hospital.”

This year alone around 7,000 cases of RSV have been recorded in Queensland, which is double the number of cases in 2023 between the same period, 1 January to 24 March.
More than 2100 of the cases recorded so far this year are children under two years of age.

Last year, nearly 29,000 RSV cases were recorded. Of these, 9,703 cases were recorded among children under two years and hospital admissions accounted for more than 5,000 occupied paediatric bed days, of which 3,525 were for infants under one year of age.

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Free immunisation against RSV will be available for newborns, eligible infants, and young children

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As we proudly mark our 27th anniversary in Sarina, First National Real Estate reflects on nearly three decades of dedicated service to this growing community. Originating as Honeycombes Sarina in 1995 and later joining the esteemed First National family in 1998, our journey has been defined by a steadfast commitment to professionalism and integrity.
Throughout the years, our reputation as one of Australia's largest real estate networks has been built upon a foundation of trust and reliability. Clients have consistently turned to us for their needs, knowing that choosing a well-established and reputable agency provides assurance and peace of mind during every step of the buying, selling, or renting process.
What truly sets us apart is our local expertise. While we are part of a national network, our local office operates with a deep understanding of the Sarina market. This localised knowledge allows us to accurately price properties, navigate local regulations, and provide tailored advice that meets the unique requirements of our clients. Our team members aren't just real estate professionals; they're integral members of the Sarina community, deeply invested in its growth.
We are deeply committed to supporting the fabric of Sarina itself. From sponsoring local organisations and sporting clubs like the Sarina & District Netball Association, Sarina Bowls Club, Sarina Pony Club and Sarina Equestrian Vaulting Team, just to name a few, to backing vital community institutions such as the RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter, Ronald McDonald Family House and Kids Help Line.
Beyond sponsorship, we engage in community events and support local initiatives, promoting growth in Sarina and beyond. As we celebrate, we thank the Sarina community for their trust over the past 27 years. Looking forward, we anticipate many more years of collaboration and success together. Contact (07) 4943 1616 us if you would like to learn more

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The Sarina Hospital on Brewers Road has officially opened its doors, marking a milestone in healthcare accessibility for the region. Health Minister Shannon Fentiman, who attended the inauguration, emphasised the significance of the upgraded facilities, including an expanded emergency department, larger consultation rooms, and a purpose-built rehabilitation facility with a spacious gym.
"It's got more beds, an expanded emergency department, a rehab gym, and new staff accommodation," Minister Fentiman said.
"We're proud to announce that the new Sarina Hospital is the first rural hospital in Queensland to be fully digital, using the ieMR digital medical system," she added. "This innovative digital infrastructure replaces traditional paper patient charts, enhancing communication between departments and hospitals and improving overall patient care."
Executive Director Public Health and Rural Services, Terry Johnson, praised the Sarina project team for their dedication in ensuring a smooth transition. "This is an exciting time for our Sarina Hospital staff who have done an amazing job in preparing for this transition," Ms. Johnson commented.
The opening of the new Sarina Hospital represents a significant step forward in delivering quality healthcare closer to home. With its modern facilities and cutting-edge digital infrastructure, the hospital is poised to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the community. The ceremony also heralded plans for the redevelopment of the former Sarina Hospital site at 1 Hospital Street. Minister Fentiman announced a further $10.4 million investment to transform the former building into a long-stay health facility. Set to commence in May 2024 and scheduled for completion by mid-2025, this redevelopment aims to bolster healthcare capacity in the region.

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Health Minister Shannon Fentiman (centre) was at the official opening of Sarina’s new hospital on Brewers Road. Photo supplied

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To celebrate the incredible 19-year journey of Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank, we are hosting a Celebration of Community Anniversary Dinner. Together, let's acknowledge our shared achievements and toast to continued collaboration for many years to come supporting our community.

Join us for an unforgettable evening on 8 June 2024, at the Bob Wood Cultural Hall in Sarina. Doors open at 5:30pm for an event filled with style. In semi-formal attire, anticipate delicious food crafted by Sinful Kitchen, featuring welcome canapés and a two-course dinner. The bar will be stocked with beverages to complement your evening. Tickets are $90 per person, with RSVPs requested by 12 May 2024. Gather your friends, colleagues, or community group as tables of 8 are available for reservation. Let's join forces to celebrate what’s great about where we live and the vibrant essence of our community!

Featuring Shane Webcke as our keynote speaker - a true example of community leadership and resilience. From sports to farming, family life to business, his life story, vividly told in his autobiography "Warhorse," reflects his unwavering commitment to safety advocacy, because of the tragic loss of his father to a workplace incident.

In "Warhorse", Shane shares the highs and lows of his football career and farm management, alongside the profound impact of personal loss. Through his experiences, he emphasises the importance of resilience and community support.

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate this milestone for the Community Bank Sarina, book your tickets today at bit.ly/communitydinner2024

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The Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) extends a warm congratulations to students from Sarina State High School, who have now joined an outstanding collective of 4290 QATSIF students.

QATSIF provides educational scholarships to assist Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The foundation also funds $500 each semester across Years 11 and 12 to assist with essential educational costs such as school fees, uniforms, excursions, subject levies and VET courses etc. The foundation aims to support students on a pathway to success despite financial constraints.
The 16th Round of QATSIF Scholarships is set to open in May, presenting another opportunity for eligible Year 10 and 11 students across Queensland to apply.
Schools will receive application forms, and interested students and parents are encouraged to talk with their school about applying for a QATSIF Scholarship.

Congratulations to these Sarina State High School students who are now collectively part of 4,290 other QATSIF students

Sarina Student Receives $5,000 QCoal Bursary For Uni

Introducing Emily Wright, the recipient of a $5,000 bursary from the QCoal Foundation to pursue her studies in Education at JCU: James Cook University, Australia.
Hailing from Sarina, Emily demonstrates a profound dedication to enhancing education in rural and regional communities.
She recognises the pivotal role of educational opportunities in fostering resilience within Queensland's regional and remote areas. The Foundation shares Emily's sentiment wholeheartedly and extends sincere congratulations to her on this achievement.
This year, in addition to its annual $30,000 scholarship, the Foundation has awarded three additional $5,000 bursaries to deserving students for their studies at JCU.

Emily Wright, recipient of $5,000 bursary from the QCoal Foundation to pursue her studies

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In just 24 hours, Eva, a tiny, frightened kitten, has shown a remarkable, yet rapid transformation in character and health after arriving at Mackay Pet Rescue Inc.
On arrival, Eva was extremely lethargic and weighed only 364 grams, raising high concerns among the staff and volunteers, which prompted preparations to implement fading kitten protocols - a last resort for kittens in critical condition.
Despite her chronological age of five-weeks-old, she remained the size of a three-week-old kitten, highlighting an alarming development issue.
Eva's turnaround since arriving at Mackay Pet Rescue Inc has been astonishing to see for both the rescue team and locals alike. Instead of shutting down in fear, she is now ‘full of happy beans’ and joyously exploring her surroundings. The stark contrast from her state just a day prior speaks volumes about the dedication and care she has received from the staff and volunteers at the rescue organisation.
Although she is currently thriving, Eva's journey is far from over. Despite her improved condition, she still has significant milestones to achieve in terms of her health and development. As she continues to grow under the loving care of Mackay Pet Rescue Inc, close monitoring remains essential to ensure she reaches milestones successfully.
When she has attained the necessary levels of health and strength will she be deemed ready for pre-adoption, where she can continue her journey towards a bright and promising future in the loving care of a new family.

Showcasing the remarkable transformation, Mackay Pet Rescue Inc posted to Facebook, in awe, “Look at the difference 24 hours in care makes.

“This is another fantastic save.”

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Image of little Eva, frightened and weak vs her 24-hour healthy and happy transformation in care. Images sourced from Mackay Pet Rescue Inc (Facebook).

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