The winners of North Queensland Bulk Port’s (NQBP) ‘Design your Dream Jetty’ art competition were announced last week.

There were close to 100 entries in the competition, with the youth of Bowen submitting their designs in a special art competition which invited them to highlight ideas for a future jetty.

There were three categories - Lower Primary, Upper Primary and High School, and each category had two winners, the Winner and the Encouragement Award.

Piper from Bowen State Primary School won the Lower Primary School award.

From Queens Beach State School, Matilda won the Upper Primary School award and Elsie won the Lower Primary School Encouragement Award.

Ella from St Mary’s Catholic School won the Encouragement Award in the Upper Primary category.

Winners of the High School category were Sarah and Isaac.

All winners received a cash prize.

NQBP Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Brendan Webb said the competition provided Bowen youth with an opportunity to create artwork to represent their ideas for a future Jetty.
 
“We’ve received fantastic ideas from the young people of Bowen,” Mr Webb said.

“The entries showcased not only creativity in their designs but also practical safety and accessibility features, such as lighting,”

The competition is part of the government-owned port authority’s project to develop a concept design for the Bowen Jetty.

NQBP have been utilising the Bowen Jetty for tugboat operation for some time but are soon due to move this service away leaving the Jetty redundant.

To future proof this historic community asset, they have kindly coordinated a variety of outreach projects to source ideas for its next purpose in life.

Mr Webb said acknowledging history, public amenities and the opportunity for recreational activities will be core considerations in the design.

“Dating from the late 1860s, the current structure is nearing its end of life,” he said.

“However, thanks to a $50 million commitment from the State Government, the future of the jetty has been assured.”

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NQBP CEO Brendan Webb with Lower Primary School winner Piper and Bowen State Primary Principal Christien Payne.

NQBP Senior Advisor Stakeholder Engagement Stacey Gibson with Upper Primary Encouragement Award winner Ella and St Mary's Catholic School Principal Alicia Ninnes.

Queens Beach State School Acting Principal Nadine Gibbons, NQBP CEO Brendan Webb and General Manager Infrastructure Tim Lewis with Upper Primary School winner Matilda and Lower Primary School Encouragement Award Elsie.

High School winner Sarah and Encouragement Award winner Isaac with NQBP Project Director Nawar Spear, CEO Brendan Webb and General Manager Infrastructure Tim Lewis.

Photos supplied

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Gizelle Lee, a beautiful young Whitsunday resident is about to head to Paris Fashion Week, having been selected by a Sunshine Coast Based modelling agency to represent their brand.

Gizelle is just 16 years old, and, for over a year, she has been pursuing a career in modelling.

Following her first modelling experience with Belle Le Chic, Gizelle was selected to be their signature model at the widely known fashion week.

Belle Le Chic also included a picture from the shoot on a billboard in Times Square, New York, and Gizelle has truly hit the ground running.

Modelling comes naturally for Gizelle who has been praised for her work in front of the camera.

Travelling to Paris Fashion Week, however, is a self-funded experience and Gizelle needs to raise money for herself and her mother as she is underage and cannot travel alone.

Determined to raise as much funds as possible Gizelle has been working at Little Vegas Burger & Bar to save for the travel costs.

To help her in her endeavours, Little Vegas Burger & Bar owner, Tristan, is preparing an in-house fundraiser whereby a portion of every special Gizelle burger sold will be donated towards her trip to Paris.

In addition, Gizelle has already organised car washes at her family business BASE 51, sausage sizzles and an event, all in hopes to raise enough for her to feature in the fashion week, which would be a huge scouting opportunity for her.

Gizelle is also in the development stages of creating a juice stand at the Airlie Beach Markets.

Called Coco Hut, Gizelle will be selling tropical drinks to thirsty customers.

In addition to all of Gizelle’s hard work, a GoFundMe has been started to further help with funds if needed.

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Gizelle Lee on billboard in Times Square, New York

Gizelle Lee

Photos supplied

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When it comes to transport today, we are fortunate to have considerable choice in our means of travelling from point A to point B but not so in the early 20th century.
In the 1920s, there were initially only two cars in Proserpine – one belonging to Mr A J (Jack) Setter and one to Mr Laurie Fox. It is said that lots of school children paid 6 pence to have a ride in Mr Fox’s car.
Mr Setter had the first car in 1913 – a Studebaker and later two others including an Overlander. He established a livery stable in a two-storey building next to the Great Northern Hotel (now Metropole) where cars, horses and sulkies could be hired. It was usual in those early times for taxis to meet every train that pulled into the Proserpine Railway Station. On one occasion, Mr Setter picked up a southern couple who were not very impressed with his driving and complained. Imagine their horror when, while driving along, he lifted off the steering wheel, handed it to them and told them to drive. What they didn’t know was that the steering wheel was on a groove sprocket and could be lifted off. Setter had welded on a bar just below this by which he could steer the car. Not surprisingly, the couple reported him to the police.
Percy N Cornish, a forward thinker who saw a need in the district for more flexible transport options, was possibly the first to make car hire a full- time job beginning his business in 1922 driving a 1921 Overlander.
His father came to Proserpine where he bought the ABC Café which he later sold and moved to Home Hill to retire, however, Percy stayed on in Proserpine with his hire car business.
In those early days when the railway line was under construction, the railway workers would come in to Proserpine to enjoy their weekends. On their arrival, they would deposit a couple of pounds with the publican to pay their car hire. This was to ensure they would return to work on time, by way of Percy’s Hire Car.
Percy also transported most brides to church. One past local recalled a particular wedding where the groom was very agitated as the bride was half an hour late. She lived on the other side of town and the taxi had been held up by a train across the road.
Mr Cornish was renowned for his steady, safe and dependable driving which earned him the nickname of Second-Gear Percy, quite an achievement when one considers how rough the dirt roads were in those earlier times. Percy Cornish served for 27 years before ill heath compelled him to retire in 1949.
On December 22 1948, the “Proserpine Guardian” published details of the district’s businesses who advertised in the paper. Among those listed was Mr Jim Fraser, son of Mr and Mrs W Fraser. Jim took on farming in his early career then cane-cutting and dairy farming but owing to an accident to his hand, was forced to give up farming. He subsequently took over the taxi business from Mr Sorohan.
Also listed was Mr Bill Usher, another of Proserpine’s well-known taxi drivers. Bill arrived in Proserpine in 1925 and after varied jobs from cane-cutting to undertaking, took up the job in March of that year.
No doubt these forerunners in the car hire “industry” would be astounded at the availability of the hire car options we have today.  Hats off to them for their enterprise.
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Story and photos courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

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Percy Cornish and his hire car
Bill Usher’s advert

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Mackay's social calendar sparkled with generosity and community spirit as the Mackay Mayor's Charity Ball unfolded at the MECC last Saturday evening. The event, a cornerstone of philanthropy in the region, saw more than 400 guests gather in support of two vital local charities: Grapevine Group, dedicated to suicide prevention across the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions, and the Australian Street Aid Project (ASAP).
This year’s Ball was all about celebrating Iconic Mackay – its features, history, events, and people. A highlight of the night came early in the form of a surprise performance by none other than Mackay's own musical luminary, Graeme Connors. As the audience swayed to the melodies of Connors' timeless tunes, the theme of celebrating iconic Mackay was brought to life with every chord, enhanced by Connors walking along a bright blue centrepiece to mimic Mackay’s Pioneer River.

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The Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball is the night of nights on the region’s social calendar, raising much-needed funds to support local charities. L-R: Cr Namarca Corowa, Cr Nathenea Macrae, Cr Heath Paton, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Mackay Life Editor Amanda Wright, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, Deputy Mayor Belinda Hassan, Cr Ash-Lee Johnson, Mackay Regional Council CEO Scott Owen. Photo credit: Liz Andrews Photography

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Mackay Mayor's Charity Ball Lights Up The Night

In keeping with the spirit of celebration and giving back, funds raised throughout the evening were destined to make a tangible difference in the community. Mayor Williamson shared that the event, which has raised over $1 million since its inception, aimed to support two deserving charities over a two-year period to maximise its impact.
This year, the spotlight shone on the Australian Street Aid Project, founded by Mackay nurse Kayleigh Brewster in 2018, and the Grapevine Group, celebrating its 20th anniversary. Brewster expressed her gratitude for the ongoing support, emphasising the critical role of funding in providing essential services to the homeless population.
For Edie Weiss, training coordinator at Grapevine Group, the ball's significance extended beyond monetary contributions.
"This donation will enable Grapevine Group to offer medium and large businesses the opportunity to have their own in-house safeTALK Trainers on staff to help train more locals in suicide prevention," Weiss explained, highlighting the organisation's commitment to expanding its reach and impact.

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More than 400 people gathered at the MECC for the annual Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball. Photo credit: Liz Andrews Photography

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While the budget brings welcome relief in the form of minor boosts and tax cuts, does it fall short of addressing the fundamental issue of the widening wage gap in Australia? While households may receive modest sums weekly due to the tax cuts, the stark reality remains: the cost of living continues to soar, outpacing any marginal increase in disposable income.
Not to mention, as ordinary Australians struggle to make ends meet, major banks continue to rake in billions in profit, much of which is funnelled overseas, exacerbating the economic disparity plaguing our nation. Is this a factor we continue to ignore?
Treasurer Jim Chalmers emphasised the budget's commitment to providing relief to Australian households while promoting economic growth, However, Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, voiced reservations about the budget's neglect of regional priorities and infrastructure projects. He argues that while the budget promises relief for some, it fails to address the broader challenges faced by regional communities, leaving them economically disadvantaged and overlooked. Read more on page 3.
By the looks of things, we shouldn’t be holding our breath for the ‘Bruce’ to be fixed to an acceptable standard any time soon.
Now, while I don’t want my weekly editor’s note to read as a ‘dear diary’, I have felt your outpouring of support following my cancer diagnosis and I will do my best to keep you updated on my journey. I’ve been admitted back to hospital early to top up my blood levels, my haemoglobin was a shocking 59. With less than a week to surgery, I’m counting down the days and admittedly am a bit nervous about the journey ahead.

Amanda

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As the nation eagerly awaited Treasurer Jim Chalmers' budget address on Tuesday evening, anticipation mounted over the proposed measures to alleviate the economic strain gripping Australian households. The Federal Budget unveiled a multifaceted approach aimed at easing the burden of cost-of-living pressures while steering the country towards financial stability and prosperity.
At the heart of the budgetary agenda was meant to be a resolute commitment to provide "responsible relief" to Australian households grappling with escalating expenses. Treasurer Chalmers underscored the imperative of striking a balance between fiscal prudence and compassionate support, setting the stage for a budget focused on delivering tangible benefits to everyday Australians.
Central to the government's strategy was the announcement of a $9.3 billion surplus for the 2023/24 financial year, marking a significant milestone in Australia's economic trajectory. This surplus was noted as the first of its kind in nearly two decades.
In addressing rising electricity costs, each Australian household will receive $300 off their power bills, paid in $75 quarterly credits, from July 1. In combination with the State Government’s $1,000 lump sum, this means Queenslanders will receive a total of $1,300 over the next year.
The stage three tax cuts were a focal point of the budget, providing relief across all income brackets. Effective from July 1, the tax rate for the 19% bracket will decrease to 16%, while the 32.5% bracket will be lowered to 30%. Additionally, income thresholds for the two highest tax brackets will be raised. On average, taxpayers can expect a $1,888 tax cut or $36 per week in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
In a scathing assessment of the budget, Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, has lambasted the government for what he said is as a blatant disregard for regional Australia, particularly the Dawson electorate. Willcox asserts that the budget has failed to allocate adequate funding for essential infrastructure projects crucial for the region's growth and prosperity.
“To say that I am totally underwhelmed would be the understatement of the century. Not once was Dawson mentioned in the budget. Nowhere in my electorate of Dawson was mentioned within this Budget,” Mr Willcox said.
“The Prime Minister said when he was elected two years ago, ‘no one would be held back, no one would be left behind’, but that’s only if you live in a capital city and not in Dawson,” he added.
“This year’s Budget has demonstrated again that not only has regional Australia had critical infrastructure ripped away, but will also bear the cost of higher mortgages, higher energy bills and higher food prices.
“Regional families will feel the pain in their wallets. Under Labor, regional Australians in Dawson are poorer and being hit with higher taxes, higher mortgage repayments and higher grocery and energy bills.”

He said that Labor spent $1.6 billion less on road and rail projects this year than it promised just five months ago in its Mid-Year Economic Fiscal Outlook.

“The Prime Minister and his Treasurer promised that this budget would be the “budget for the Bruce,” but disappointingly, the most dangerous section of the Bruce has been left out of this budget completely, with the $467 million promised just days ago going to the Southeast corner.

“Dawson has been betrayed in this Budget.”

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Andrew Willcox, Federal Member for Dawson, holds up the budget with disdain, labelling it as nothing short of rubbish, highlighting a disregard for regional Australia and the Dawson electorate. Photo supplied

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Across Australia on May 10, individuals along with schools and businesses alike participated in Dolly’s Dream to honour the late Dolly Everett, a young girl who sadly took her own life due to ongoing bullying.
Inspired by the tragic loss of their daughter, Dolly's parents initiated anti-bullying measures, aiming to empower and educate communities on kindness and bullying prevention which has since sparked a nationwide movement against bullying.
Mackay locals, students, teachers and businesses took part on the day by wearing the colour blue and donating to the cause.
Cheeky Little Monkeys Play Centre Mackay happily jumped on board to support the cause by encouraging locals to pop in, wear blue and make a bracelet or donate, with an additional offer to give back $2 for every entry made into the centre over the course of three days.
In an attempt to spread awareness and raise ongoing funds for the foundation, the Mackay play centre made a Facebook post to inform locals of the opportunity to get involved, with an emphasis that “together we can make a difference.”
Protech Mining & Maintenance also made the kind decision to support the Do It For Dolly Day by announcing that their office staff will be wearing the colours in honour of Dolly.

The company posted to Facebook, “Whether it’s a kind word or a helping hand, each small act of kindness could simply bring someone joy or make their day a little bit brighter.”

The sea of blue within classrooms and local businesses symbolised a united front against bullying.
May we remember this day, every day, and be kind always.

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In loving memory of Dolly Everett, a 14-year-old girl who tragically took her life due to ongoing bullying.

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They are the heart and soul of the healthcare system and last Friday Mackay Hospital and Health Service recognised the care, commitment and compassion delivered by nurses across the region.

International Nurses Day is celebrated on May 12 each year on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.

The annual Mackay HHS International Nurses Day Awards acknowledged nurses for their vital roles in our communities and dedication to achieving health outcomes for patients.

There were more than 1500 nurses working in hospitals, multi-purpose and community health facilities across the region, constituting more than 50 per cent of the workforce, Acting Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Paul McAllister said.

“International Nurses Day is a time to formally honour and acknowledge the incredible work nurses do on the frontline of care,” Mr McAllister said.

“We thank them for their care and compassion, healing touch and for always putting your patients first.

“Thank you for providing an empathetic ear and compassionate hand when a life-changing diagnosis is delivered; for the commitment, enthusiasm and professionalism you bring each and every day to our patients and communities.

“To all nursing students, enrolled nurses, registered nurses, midwives, nurse practitioners, nurse managers, educators and leaders – thank you for the work that you do and Happy International Nurses Day,” he said.

The Mackay HHS International Nurses Day Awards recognise staff who demonstrate excellence in practice and the significant contributions they make to their professions, their teams and the community across six award categories.

2024 AWARD WINNERS:

McFadzen Perpetual Award

This award is sponsored by the Auxillary and recognises the skills and contributions of a nurse from the Mackay Base Hospital. The award recipient will receive $1000 for professional development purposes. 2024 WINNER: Jenny Seymour, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Infection Prevention.

Clinical Nurse Specialty Award

The Clinical Nurse Speciality Award is sponsored by Robyn Nikolsky, a past nurse who is extremely passionate about the nursing profession who personally donates $250 to be spent on professional development. This category is for a clinical nurse across the Mackay HHS. 2024 WINNER: Chelsey Presley, Clinical Nurse Consultant Post Operative Discharge Support Service (PODSS) and Jeannine Gierke Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit

Clinical Excellence Award – Rural

This award specifically recognises a rural nurse who demonstrates an advanced level of skill in a rural hospital. They identify in an area of clinical nursing skills which directly improves patient care through direct care, education of the patients and staff, innovation, research or impact on community health issues. 2024 WINNER: Shannon Breckon, Nurse Navigator Northern, Bowen Hospital

Clinical Excellence Award – Nurse Unit Manager

This is a new category that specifically recognises a nurse unit manager who oversees day-to-day patient care, supervising, directing and developing our Mackay HHS nurse staff, while also educating and inspiring individuals to become leaders who act with integrity, fostering quality and research, promoting wellness and advocate for the best possible experiences for people and the communities. 2024 WINNER: Heather Skien, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Oncology Day Unit.

Excellence in Patient Care Award

This is a new category that recognises a nurse with excellent clinical nursing skills as evidenced by feedback from patients, peers and colleagues. 2024 WINNER: Dolores Ramsamy, Nurse Practitioner, Renal Unit,

CQUniversity 2023 Graduate of the Year Award

This award is to recognise the skills and contributions of a 2022 graduate nurse. The $500 prize is donated by CQUniversity to be used to improve knowledge and skills in nursing or midwifery. 2024 WINNER: – Sara Herringe, Registered Nurse, Emergency Department.

JCU Award – Outstanding Support Award (Department)

Bowen Hospital

JCU Award – Outstanding Support Award

Julie Philipson, Nurse Unit Manager, Patient Flow and Access Service

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International Nurses Day Award winners from left, Dolores Ramsamy (Excellence in Patient Care Award), Heather Skien (Clinical Excellence Award – Nurse Unit Manager) and Jenny Seymour (McFadzen Perpetual Trophy)

Mackay HHS chief executive Susan Gannon and Dolores Ramsamy (Excellence in Patient Care award)

McFadzen Perpetual Trophy winner Jenny Seymour with Mackay Base Hospital auxillary members Brenda and Cameron McFadzen

Chelsey Presley (Clinical Nurse Speciality Award winner)

Heather Skien (Clinical Excellence Award – Nurse Unit Manager)

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Krystal DeMaid, a determined 23-year-old Wheelchair Basketball player has been recognised for her talent, by being selected to play for the Comets Women’s National League Team.

Despite having a background in netball, Krystal decided to take up basketball in 2022 and instantly fell in love with the sport. She then began to take it to the next level and joined the Mackay Machines last year in 2023. With the guidance of her coach, she embraced the challenges and pushed herself to achieve greater heights as a young athlete.
Krystal has achieved numerous milestones since embracing Wheelchair Basketball, securing both bronze and silver medals, along with a trophy and a hope for many more to come in future.
Whilst playing for the Mackay Machines, she caught the attention of the national Women's team, the Comets, who invited her to join their ranks. The opportunity to play at the national level came as a shock to Krystal, but she was deeply honoured and grateful for the chance to showcase her skills on a larger scale.
“I was so shocked if I’m being honest, just because I haven’t been playing for very long compared to everyone else who has been playing, but I’m absolutely honoured for the opportunity,” she said.
To prepare for the vigorous demands of elite-level competition, Krystal dedicates herself to intensive physical training, including weightlifting, park runs, and cardio workouts. She also hones her shooting skills on the basketball court, striving to improve her accuracy and performance.
As she prepares for a thrilling opportunity to train with the Comets in Brisbane on May 26 and compete for her first round in Perth for Comets on June 22nd, Krystal faces the financial burden of funding for her wheelchair equipment and travel expenses. While some costs are partially covered by the basketball organisation, she relies on community support to cover additional expenses such as flights and accommodation.
Despite the financial challenges ahead, Krystal remains determined to pursue her dream of representing Australia in international wheelchair basketball competitions one day.
Krystal says she is immensely grateful for the support she has received from the Mackay Machines and the broader community.
With the support of the community behind her, Krystal is eager to make her mark on the national and international courts as she inspires others with her remarkable dedication and skill.
Those interested in following her journey can find updates on the Mackay Machines' or Peer Motivations Facebook page.
Those who would like to contribute to her fundraising efforts can donate to her GoFundMe page under: Krystal DeMaid - Mackay Local Wheelchair Basketball Superstar.

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Local 23-year-old Krystal DeMaid has been selected to play for the Comets Women’s National League Team. Image supplied

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The announcement by former Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker that she is running as the Labor candidate for Burdekin is both disappointing and damning for the Queensland mining industry, Energy Resources Queensland (ERQ) said in a statement last week.

“Last week’s hurried announcement highlights what we have said all along – Anne Baker needed a headline to leverage herself into State Parliament and that is why she concocted the save Glenden announcement,” ERQ spokesperson Paul Turner said.

In the damning statement, Mr Turner said that the former Isaac Regional Council Mayor and current Labor candidate for the seat of Burdekin “Did not save Glenden, and did not even care about it until it became a political hot potato.”

“Former Mayor Anne Baker stood by while Glenden deteriorated from a thriving mining town of 1300 to the current run-down and ignored town of 200.

“If anyone is to blame for the current state of the town, it is former mayor Anne Baker. While she effectively deflected that blame during her so-called “save Glenden” campaign, the facts speak much larger than her hollow words.”

Mr Turner said that during Ms Baker’s time as Isaac Mayor, the population of Glenden declined by 80 per cent. Under her watch, Glencore’s nearby Hail Creek mining camp was approved on August 22 by the State Government, meaning 1000 workers would live in that camp rather than Glenden itself. Yet the Byerwen camp owned by QCoal which had previously received approval and is already operational, had the conditions of that approval changed forcing its workers to live in Glenden after the town has deteriorated into a place that no longer has the services one would expect from a mining town.

Under the new legislation QCoal will be required to progressively move its workers from camp to Glenden from next year, with no remaining workers to be on the camp site after 2029.

Mr Turner went on to say that the supermarket, newsagent, pharmacy and almost every shop in Glenden has closed. The school’s year 1-12 population has declined to less than 40 students. There is no childcare centre, the golf club and bowls club both closed and the town’s rubbish dump is due to close at the end of June.

“Far from saving Glenden, former mayor Anne Baker doomed this town,” Mr Turner said.

“As Mayor, Anne Baker supported the 1000-person mining camp at Glencore’s Hail Creek which is the same distance from Glenden as the Byerwen mine she is now working to close.

“Anne Baker never spoke to the 800 workers at Byerwen, many of them who live in Isaac Regional Council and almost 60 per cent of whom live within two hours of Glenden or asked them what impact her political campaign would have on their lives and safety,” he said.
Member for Burdekin Dale Last said in state parliament last month, “Last week I spent time in Glenden where I spoke with residents and business owners, and eight months after that amendment passed through Parliament, I can categorically say that nothing has changed in that community and that community continues to wither on the vine and look for help and look for assistance, and it’s highly likely that nothing will change.”

ERQ is running a campaign to have the State Government overturn legislation it introduced with no consultation or reference to a Parliamentary Committee which will force the Queensland-owned and operating QCoal mining company to close its onsite Byerwen mine camp and force its 800 workers to live in Glenden.

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A photo from QCoal shows the demise of Glenden with much of the town run down or overgrown

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Mackay Regional Council has approved a $7500 Community Grant to help fund a program aimed at reducing incidents of road crashes involving Indigenous youth.
Clontarf's Mackay L-2-P Driving Program aims to help more than 40 disadvantaged young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males who face barriers in obtaining driver education and a licence.
The grant was one of 15 Community Grants and 16 Small Equipment Grants approved to the value of $175,353.
Mayor Greg Williamson said council was pleased to be able to support the amazing work done by Clontarf Mackay.
“In Queensland, Indigenous Australians are up to six times more likely to be involved in a road crash than non-Indigenous Australians,” Mayor Williamson said.
“On top of that, in Queensland, 23.6 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fatal crashes had an unlicensed driver,” he said.
“When you consider these statistics, this program that aims to assist young Indigenous men to get a licence and become safe and competent drivers has the potential to change – and even save – lives.”
Also supported with a $7500 grant was the 2024 Friendship Games.
Mayor Williamson said the Friendship Games were a tremendous initiative of the Filipino community.
“The Mackay Filipino-Australian Association is inviting Filipino communities to come to Mackay from Cairns, Townsville, Bowen, Rockhampton and Gladstone for a weekend of sports and cultural activities,” he said.
“The sports will include basketball, volleyball, badminton and darts and the grant will assist the association to hire Mackay Basketball Stadium for the Games.”
Other exciting events that received grant funding were the Greater Whitsunday Communities Camilleri Skate Park activation project, the Eungella Ceilidh (a Scottish country dance), the 2024 Mackay International Film Festival and RADfest – a junior roller derby bootcamp and intensive training weekend.    

As part of this grants program, council also provides larger grants – up to $30,000 – to support not-for-profits with buying minor assets and undertaking minor infrastructure projects.
This round saw Bakers Creek Tigers receive a $30,000 Minor Assets Grants for an electronic scoreboard and East Mackay Australian Football Club received a $30,000 Minor Infrastructure Grant to install a storage shed.
For a full list of Community Grants Round Three grant recipients, including Small Equipment Grants, head to mackay.qld.gov.au/communitygrants.

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Some of the young men from the Clontarf L-2-P Driving Program undertaking practical
driving activities at a recent education day

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Last Friday, students and teachers from St Joseph's Catholic Primary School joined in the nationwide event of National Walk Safely to School Day. This initiative, celebrated in primary schools across Australia, aims to promote a healthier, more active lifestyle among children by integrating walking into their daily routines.

Principal of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Deb Mallet said it was a fabulous turnout. For the third time, St Joseph’s students, staff, parents and friends participated in the Walk Safely To School Day.

“We were lucky enough to have three police officers and two members of the Cutters join us for the walk, which was filled with lots of energy and laughter,” Ms Mallet said.
 
“Many thanks to Mackay Regional Council for supplying breakfast, 200 pedometers that were shared with the first 200 students to participate in the walk, with two Intersport vouchers as a raffle prize.

“How lucky were Noah and Michelle who won the vouchers! 
 
“Most of all, massive thanks to Mrs Jaz Housden, who coordinated the event from the walk itself to the delicious breakfast that we all enjoyed.

“Thanks also to our fabulous staff and parents who all helped with the walk, cooking and serving the breakfast,” Ms Mallet remarked.

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St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School students, parents and teachers participated in the 2024 National Walk Safely To School Day. Images supplied

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Mackay Airport has launched a new $25,000 initiative to support local sporting clubs.
Five deserving not-for-profit groups will receive $5000 each as part of the Mackay Airport Local Community Sports Grants campaign.

Nominations opened on Wednesday 8th of May and will close on Thursday 23 May.

Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles said the new initiative recognised the significance and wide-ranging benefits of Mackay’s local sporting culture, particularly for school-aged children.

“We know how passionate the Mackay community is about sport and fitness, and that’s why we have created this program,” he said.

The campaign is aimed at supporting small clubs who rely heavily on fundraising and dedicated volunteers.

“We hope this funding will enable small organisations to upgrade their facilities and equipment, establish additional programs or provide new opportunities for kids,” Mr Miles said.

“My family have been heavily involved in local sport for many years and I have seen first-hand how beneficial sporting clubs are for wellbeing, social connection and community development.”

“The Mackay Airport Local Community Sports Grants campaign supports our region’s enthusiasm for sport and will help it continue to thrive. I encourage all eligible groups to nominate and we are looking forward to handing out $5000 each to five fantastic clubs.”

Nominations are open to local residents who are 16 years or older and can be lodged through an online form on the Mackay Airport website.

Successful applicants will be notified on Friday 7 June.

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Mackay Airport Boosts Local Sports Clubs with new $25,000 initiative. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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In April 2024, the prestigious WIDA (World Irish Dance Association) World Championships took place in Belgium, providing a platform for Irish dancers worldwide to showcase their skills. The championship spanned approximately five days, beginning with the Grade Feis, followed by team events and later concluded in The World Championships.
Isabella Cummins, also known as Issey, began dancing at the age of 2. Since then, she has flourished into a phenomenal talent and is now a seven-year-old with a multitude of impressive accomplishments. Issey’s favourite part of her recent trip was not only winning, but also making new friends, travelling with her dance school and “having adventures”.  
Rebecca Cummins, Issey's proud mother says that “Watching Issey dance is unreal; I honestly can’t believe how amazing she is.”
Sarah Purnell, age 29, started her journey of Irish dance at the age of 5 in Mackay and since then, Sarah's dedication has led her to international acclaim. After winning the World Championships in 2021 and securing runner-up in 2023, Sarah continues to inspire as she embarks on defending her title in 2025. Beyond the stage, Sarah is committed to nurturing the next generation of dancers as an Assistant Teacher at Claddagh School of Irish Dance.
With a passion that began at the age of 4, Isabella Shields, now aged 15, performs at community events and is working towards her grade 6 Irish examination in September which consists of solo dancing, group dancing, general knowledge and speaking Gaelic. Bella also plans to compete at the World Championships in 2025.

Eilish Tierney, aged 13, started dancing in Galway Ireland in 2015 at the age of 4. When she moved to Queensland she joined Claddagh School of Irish Dance. Ultimately Eilish would love to dance for the rest of her life and make a career out of it.

Colette Shields, teacher and owner of Claddagh School of Irish Dance Mackay and Marian is extremely proud of all the girls for their hard work and dedication in the lead up to the event as well as their amazing camaraderie shown at the championships.

Results:

Isabella Cummins age 7
International Grade Feis: 1st Intermediate Premiership, 1st Intermediate Light Jig, 1st Intermediate Slip Jig, 1st Primary Slip Jig, 1st Beginner Trebble Jig, 3rd Primary Trebble Jig, 4th Traditional Set
World Championships: 1st Under 8

Sarah Purnell age 29
World Championships: 1st Under 30, 2nd 2 Hand under 30 with Isabella Shields, 3rd Solo Charity Trebble Reel (Show Dance).

Isabella Shields 15
International Grade Feis: 2nd Intermediate Premiership 2nd under 30 2 Hand, 5th under 17 2 Hand.
World Championships: 24th Under 15.

Eilish Tierney age 13
International Grade Feis, 1st Beginner Hornpipe, 3rd Primary Hornpipe, 4th Intermediate Slip Jig, 4th Intermediate Trebble Jig, 7th Intermediate Premiership.
World Championships: Recalled placed 15th under 13.

Sarah Purnell, Colette Shields and Isabella (Issey) Cummins
Eilish Tierney, aged 13
Isabella (Issey) Cummins age 7
Sarah Purnell age 29
Isabella Shields 15
Images Supplied

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Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton, the Most Reverend, Michael McCarthy, has announced the appointment of Mr Michael McCusker as the new Director of Catholic Education for the Rockhampton Diocese effective from 1 July 2024.

The appointment of Mr McCusker follows the announcement by current Director Miss Leesa Jeffcoat, that after 23 years she will be concluding her time in the role at the end of 2024 and will be on leave from 1 July 2024.

In congratulating and welcoming Mr McCusker to the role, Bishop Michael took the opportunity to thank Miss Jeffcoat for her outstanding service as Diocesan Director of Catholic Education.

Mr McCusker is well known to many in Catholic Education having served as a teacher and principal in both the Diocese of Rockhampton and the Archdiocese of Brisbane. For the past 12 years, Mr McCusker has been a member of the Catholic Education Leadership Team in the Diocese of Rockhampton serving as Assistant Director: Schools - Northern Region.

“I am humbled by the faith and confidence that Bishop Michael has placed in me by appointing me to this role and I am looking forward to working closely with the wonderful people in our schools, parishes and offices to take forward the Mission of Catholic Education,” Mr McCusker said.

Mr McCusker also paid tribute to the amazing legacy in Catholic Education that Miss Jeffcoat had created over the past 23 years.

“I am very grateful for Miss Jeffcoat’s mentorship of me and with God’s help and the prayerful and practical support of the dedicated, talented and faith-filled people who serve in the ministry of Catholic Education, I look forward with hope to continuing her great work,” Mr McCusker said.

Miss Jeffcoat said she had been humbled to have served as Diocesan Director of Catholic Education for the past 23 years and was very grateful for the trust Bishop Michael had placed in her to serve as Director and for the care and support that he had always provided for her.

“I am delighted that Mr McCusker will be the next Director of Catholic Education in this Diocese. From working closely with him these past many years, I know him to be a man of deep faith who has the personal gifts and the professional skills to be an outstanding leader of Catholic Education,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

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Pictured from left > Michael McCusker (newly appointed Director), Leesa Jeffcoat AM (current Director) and Bishop Michael McCarthy, (Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton) with students from St John’s Catholic Primary School, Walkerston

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