During the months of January and February, Harrup Park committed to supporting the Far North Queensland flood relief.

For every main meal served in the Bistro during this period, the venue pledged to donate $1 towards the cause.

This initiative stemmed from the aftermath of Cyclone Jasper, which devastatingly caused destruction to numerous residential communities in Far North Queensland last year.

Each main meal ordered by guests and members during January and February contributed directly to aiding those who were affected by the natural disaster. Together, through collective efforts, the venue managed to raise an impressive total of $5,177 for Operation ClubsCare, a significant contribution to ongoing flood relief within the region.

Participating in Clubs Queensland Operation ClubsCare was a source of immense pride for the venue. It not only demonstrated their commitment to supporting the community in times of need, but it also makes a tangible difference in the lives of those who were impacted by the cyclone.

Sharing this remarkable achievement to Facebook, Harrup Park stated, “We are proud to have participated in Clubs Queensland Operation ClubsCare and thank our wonderful members for their support!”

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Harrup Park raised a whopping $5,177 by donating $1 out of every main meal served to support the Far North Queensland Flood Relief. Image Sourced (Harrup Park Facebook)

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With an estimated 6,000 homeless defence personnel in Australia, the issue of veteran homelessness is a pressing concern that demands attention.
Shockingly, only 1.1% of veterans access homeless support services, compared to 3.4% of the general population. Current and former service personnel experience homelessness at a rate three times higher than the broader population, highlighting a significant issue that most are unaware of.
16-year-old cadet, Murray Macgroarty has taken on the mission to raise awareness and tackle the problem of defence veterans' homelessness head-on. His approach involves connecting resources, services and funds to veterans through a coordinated and comprehensive strategy.
‘Just Keep Marching’ symbolises the beginning of Murray's focused efforts to combat this pressing issue.
Driven by a deep desire to give back, Murray's inspiration has been fuelled by conversations with current serving members, diggers, community leaders such as Mayor Greg Williamson and the active support of organisations like the Mackay RSL and Finch Hatton RSL Sub Branches. Together, they aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who have sacrificed so much in defence of our country.
“There’s not a lot of recognition for veterans’ homelessness,” Murray remarked.
“Those guys wouldn’t think twice about stepping in front of a bullet for us - in the defence of our country, so we should have a solid think about how we can give back to them.”
To support the cause, Murray will be embarking on a 382-kilometer march around the Blue Water Trail with former veterans, locals and supporters, to not only raise awareness, but to call to action a solution in light of defence veterans' homelessness.
By coming along, or joining Murray on his march, individuals can play a crucial role in making a difference in the lives of veterans who have served our country with dedication and sacrifice. It's time to continue the march from where our veterans left off, ensuring that they receive the support and care they deserve.
There is a $5 admission fee that will go directly towards veterans in need. Those who are interested in participating are encouraged to come along and support the cause and what better way to start than by coming together over a home baked afternoon tea, symbolising the unity and camaraderie that defines our country’s legacy.

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16-year-old Murray Macgroarty will march an estimated 382-kilometers to raise awareness for veterans’ homelessness. Photos credit: Hannah McNamara

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Following the announcement of the Mackay Base Hospital expansion project and subsequent relocation of the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia are proud to announce a major extension for their care of sick and injured children in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays region.
The Charity has introduced the launch of the RMHC Hospitality Cart, operating at the Mackay Base Hospital to continue servicing families with sick and injured children when they need it most.
The RMHC Hospitality Cart delivers care items at no cost to sick or injured children and their families in the Children’s Wards including the Paediatric Ward, Paediatric Oncology Day Unit, Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and more.
Samantha Baker, Community Engagement Executive for RMHC Mackay and the Whitsundays said, “we have an amazing team of volunteers every week and it’s filled by kind donations from the community as well as our three amazing sponsors on board, which really helps with purchasing all the items and making sure it’s fully stocked every single day.
“Any family member that has a child receiving treatment here can get items off the cart, it’s not just for the patient, but also for the family and siblings as well,” Samantha added.
“We have so many amazing toys, snacks and meals for families at no cost at all so that just takes a massive financial burden off them and gives them and their kids some things to do.”
In the last 12 months, over 4,730 families have been supported by the RMHC Hospitality Carts, with over 15,290 care items supplied.
Volunteers say that “the children’s faces light up like Christmas when they see the toys.”

Dr. Charles Pain, Chief Medical Officer, Mackay Base Hospital with Samantha Baker, Community Engagement Executive for RMHC Mackay
RMHC North Australia Hospitality Cart Volunteers Sue Bartlett and Sue Trask
Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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In the lead up to ANZAC Day, RSL Queensland launched its ‘Postcards of Honour’ initiative for the second year, encouraging Queensland’s youngest generation to express their personal connection to ANZAC Day through writing and illustrations.

Secretary of the Walkerston/Pleystowe RSL Sub Branch, Dan Peters paid St Johns Catholic Primary School a visit to share his stories and insights on ANZAC day while educating the students by answering their questions and teaching them about the importance of ANZAC Day.

Mr Peters said, “This activity of ‘Postcards of Honour’ gives the kids an insight on what it’s like to write to somebody during the War as well as what the families went through back then.

“I think it’s important that we keep reminding these younger generations of what these guys went through in World War I and World War II,” he added.

Year 4, St Johns Walkerston students eagerly wrote and designed their own personalised postcards to participate in a pretend send off, in recognition of the vital support that letters and postcards have played throughout Australia’s military history.

RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM said he was pleased to see the age-appropriate initiative continue and grow year-on-year, providing a meaningful opportunity for thousands of students across the state to remember those that went before us and how the past has impacted our futures.

“It may seem like a small gesture, but the postcards acts as such a meaningful keepsake and are truly valued by the veterans who receive them,” MAJGEN Day said.

For more information on how to get involved and to download your own ‘Postcard of Honour’, visit rslqld.org/postcards-of-honour.

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Year 4 students from St John’s Catholic Primary School in Walkerston penned their treasured postcodes in honour of ANZAC day.
Secretary of the Walkerston/Pleystowe RSL Sub Branch, Dan Peters
Creativity sparked as Year 4 students presented their wonderful postcard designs.
Photo Credit: Hannah McNamara

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“The Albanese Government promised programs to support the regions, but after almost two years there is nothing to show for it.”
These are the words of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox who believes the Dawson community is suffering from the government’s failure to allocate grants for much needed community infrastructure projects.
“The Labor Government in Canberra has imposed a two-year funding drought on regional communities as a result of the Prime Minister’s decisions to abolish programs designed to strengthen rural, remote and regional Australia and a failure to deliver initiatives of their own,” Mr Willcox said.
He goes on to say that “right across the nation, regional councils and community organisations have been waiting more than 40 weeks since Labor opened the so-called Growing Regions Program, and over nine months later not one application has been approved and funded.”
“By failing to award grant moneys under this program, Labor is effectively stealing $300 million in much needed funding from the regions,” Mr Willcox added.
Mr Willcox said this is not the only program the government has failed to deliver, with not a single grant approved in the first assessment round of the $400 million Precincts and Partnerships program, undertaken in September/October last year.
“The Government is starving the regions of funding. Over Labor’s first two years in office, they have stripped more than $20 billion in infrastructure and programs from regional communities,” Willcox added.
“Labor has abolished or allowed to lapse important job and community building programs such as the Building Better Regions Fund, Community Development Grants, Regionalisation Fund, Roads of Strategic Importance Program, and the Stronger Communities Program, just to name a few.”
Willcox is currently developing a Dawson project register, and is strongly urging any community organisation, not-for-profit, or sporting club who does have a project in the works and has applied for this funding to contact his office and register their project to ensure they are the first to know about any current or future grant and funding opportunities that become available.
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“For anyone who would like to be added to this register, they can contact my office via email at Andrew.Willcox.MP@aph.gov.au.”

Opinion Piece

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The Festivals Australia program, administered by Australian Government, is injecting $1.4 million into festivals across Australia, including the Mackay region, to support a diverse array of artistic endeavours.

One recipient of this funding is the Mackay Film Festival for Youth, which will host the Pioneer Valley Acting and Screen Production Weekend Community Workshop.

This workshop aims to enhance digital storytelling skills, covering scriptwriting, acting, producing, directing, editing, and post-production.

The resulting productions will be showcased at the Pinnacle Playhouse Red Carpet Community Screening Event during the Mackay Film Festival for Youth.

Another initiative supported by the program is the Sunset Cultural Experience organised by the Issac Regional Council.

This event will kick off the St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend Event, offering a platform to showcase First Nations culture through music, dance, storytelling, and gourmet interpretations of traditional bush tucker.

One of the primary objectives of the Festival Australia program is to nurture local talent and strengthen community bonds through artistic expression.

By facilitating access to art and culture in areas that might otherwise have limited opportunities, the program strives to create a more inclusive cultural environment and showcase local talent.

Minister for the Arts Tony Burke said, “Festivals – at their best – are about building community, sharing stories, and creating memories. They put artists on a bigger stage, with a brighter spotlight.”

“This program helps support that right across Australia, making sure these opportunities aren’t just for people in capital cities,” said Mr Burke

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An initiative supported by the The Festivals Australia program is the Sunset Cultural Experience organised by the Issac Regional Council

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Mackay Regional Council announced last week that the Bluewater Lagoon will close from Monday, April 29, until early September 2024 for significant upgrade work.
Contractors will be completing work to replace the existing surface of the main and top lagoons with a new lining and tiles.
Council said that the existing Quartzon lining of the lagoon’s floor is being replaced with a Polyvinyl Chloride membrane system that will reduce maintenance requirements at the facility.
This follows on from the work completed last year, which involved relining the children’s pool with the new finish.
This work has been scheduled to be completed during the winter maintenance period to avoid unnecessary inconvenience to the public.
Residents are also advised that the Bluewater Lagoon’s kids’ pool and splash pad are also currently out of action.
The pool pump is in need of repairs that may take several weeks to complete as there are parts that need to be ordered from an overseas supplier.
As a result, the kids’ pool and splash pad will remain closed for the rest of the season.
Mackay Regional Council says it apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and thanks the public for its understanding and patience.
The Memorial Swim Centre and Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex will remain open as usual over the winter period.

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The Bluewater Lagoon will close from Monday April 29, reopening in September 2024. The children’s pool and splash pad are already closed and will remain closed until September. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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A $1 million fund to enhance social and community life in the Isaac region has been unveiled at today’s (20 April) inaugural Pembroke Resources Community Expo in Moranbah.
 
Pembroke Chairman and CEO Barry Tudor said the new Pembroke Community Partnership Program fund was created to ensure the local area continued to benefit from the opening of the Olive Downs Complex for generations to come, with funding being provided to projects identified, prioritised and supported by local residents.
 
“The Olive Downs Complex is already working in strong partnership with the local community by creating and supporting hundreds of jobs, prioritising local procurement whenever possible and providing our workforce with a genuine choice to live within the Isaac Region,” Mr Tudor said.
 
“Today, we are proud to announce the next step in working together to build a stronger community, through the $1 million Pembroke Community Partnership Program.
 
“This is stage one of the fund, which will run over the next five years to help ensure the local community reaps the benefits of having the Olive Downs Complex operating in their region. Projects of interest could include those focused on improved health, welfare and employment outcomes as well as improved social infrastructure.
 
“Another priority for us is reducing unnecessary red tape so it’s as easy as possible for locals to decide how and where this funding is spent for the future benefit of the community.”
 
Mr Tudor said the Pembroke Community Partnership Program was in addition to other contributions the Olive Downs Complex was making to the region through job and training opportunities, local purchasing whenever possible and leading-edge environmental stewardship.
 
“The local community is rightly proud that the high-quality steel-making coal being produced by Olive Downs is supporting our national and state economies, as well as much-needed infrastructure across the world. Our Community Partnership Program will ensure those economic benefits are delivered at the local level as well,” he said.
 
In addition to these community benefits, the Olive Downs Complex will make a significant contribution to the local, state and national economies.  The project is estimated to contribute more than $10 billion in royalties for the Queensland Government over its projected 79-year life.

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Photos supplied

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GUEST SPEAKER: Stephen Andrew MP with current, irrefutable information.

Across this great nation of ours, we are rising up to “Say NO to Digital ID”.

Digital ID means every one of us will be under total control of the government:

   • The government will track your every movement 24/7
   • The government will keep a record of every cent you spend and reward or punish you accordingly
   • The government will control what you buy and even IF you can buy
   • The government will control where you go, who you see and what you do with your time
   • The government will have total control over your medical details with a data bank of information that can be easily hacked, shared or sold without your permission or knowledge
   • The government will require permit for everything (eg: to own a bee hive, enter a national park, have more than six chickens)
   • Microchips will be inserted in your body

We say NO, NO, NO!!!!
Join us, add your voice to ours, and put a stop to this globalist ideology.

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WHAT: Say No To Digital ID
WHEN: Sunday 5 May at 11am
WHERE: Bluewater Quay, Mackay

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A local program changing the trajectory of chronic illness in First Nations people and providing greater access to care and education will be showcased across the state next month.

The healthy lifestyle program is for First Nations and Australian South Sea Islander people who are at risk of type 2 diabetes, living with type 2 diabetes or have post-gestational diabetes.

This program uses group lifestyle sessions, one-on-one care management and community event education to support those at risk, newly diagnosed or living with the debilitating condition which is prevalent in these communities.

“Providing diabetes education, timely access to care and sharing practical tools to manage illness and prevent further decline, all in a culturally appropriate way, has helped reduce the growing pressure on healthcare providers including general practitioners and hospitals,” said Mackay Hospital and Health Service nurse practitioner Maree Wearne. 

“This program helps those in Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions understand the risks and complications of type 2 diabetes, assists them in reducing the chances of hospitalisation, supports the management of diabetes through healthy lifestyle choices and works together with healthcare providers for type 2 management.”

“Many in these communities just accept diabetes as their fate as others in their family have it, but this program helps show them how, with good management and practical tools, they can change their health trajectory and stop or slow a decline into chronic illness,” she added.

“We are teaching them how to control their diabetes, not be controlled by it.”

In less than 12 months, the team has received more than 100 referrals from GPs, community health care workers, hospitals as well as self-referrals, and now has about 70 active program participants.

Maree, who has more than 30 years’ experience in First Nations healthcare, said she was excited to present the benefits of the program at the Clinical Excellence Showcase next month and demonstrate how it could also be applied to programs targeting other chronic illnesses.

“It’s exciting and very motivating to see the improvement in health outcomes with achievements such as reducing obesity, cutting back on medications and patients coming off insulin because of changes we’ve helped them make.”

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Mackay Hospital and Health Service nurse practitioner Maree Wearne  is part of a local program changing the trajectory of chronic illness in First Nations people. Photo supplied

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Two men and a teenage boy have been charged in relation to the unlawful use of a motor vehicle in Mackay.
It will be alleged the 2019 Nissan Navara was stolen from an address on Fitzroy Court, Mount Pleasant on Sunday, April 21.
Just after 9am on April 22, the car crashed on Oak Street in Andergrove and three males left the scene on foot.
It will be further alleged a 22-year-old man resisted arrest and allegedly kicked one officer and headbutted another officer.
A 22-year-old Beaconsfield man has been charged with 14 offences, including three counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, one count of serious assault police officer, assault police officer, enter dwelling and commit and stealing.
He is expected to appear before Mackay Magistrates Court on April 23.
A 17-year-old Andergrove boy has been charged with 12 offences, including unlawful use of a motor vehicle, three counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence, driving of motor vehicle without a drivers licence and obstruction of a police officer.
He is expected to appear before Mackay Children’s Court on April 23.
A 20-year-old Andergrove man has been charged with five offences, including unlawful use of a motor vehicle and enter premises with intent to commit indictable offence.
He is expected to appear before Mackay Magistrates Court on May 22.

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Mackay is set to introduce ‘The Gentle Way’, a revolutionised end-of-life process with an effective, environmentally friendly approach to handling human remains.
Inspired by a desire to provide a gentler alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods, CEOs and Founders of Whitsunday Funerals, Jeff and Judy Boyle explored the American Alkaline Hydrolysis system. Despite its potential, they recognised its shortcomings, including harsh effects on the body and significant water wastage.
Drawing inspiration from the natural breakdown of bodies in the ground, their new system, The Gentle Way mimics this process by placing the body in a stainless-steel chamber, adding water, and raising the alkalinity using potassium hydroxide (lye).
The water then sways over the body for a period of 4 to 6 hours so that the water gently circulates around the body, breaking it down. Once complete the family receive the remains back, the same as you would with cremated ‘ashes’, along with a desert rose to signify new life.
After this, it goes into a membrane filter straight after the body tank which ensures that the sand, bones and leftover remains are collected. The water is then transferred into what they call the holding tank, where the water goes through a state-of-the-art specialised filtration system. This results in crystal clean coming out again with no connection to town water or sewage systems.
This revolutionary new system creates a completely harmless, encapsulated process where the water continues to be recycled.
The benefits of The Gentle Way extend beyond its gentle treatment of remains.
Unlike cremation, which emits pollutants and consumes significant energy, The Gentle Way produces no odour, fumes, or pollution and is carbon neutral.
During cremation, if a loved one has a pacemaker, usually they would have to cut it out, however, with The Gentle Way, the pacemaker is left in because the process is so gentle that it will still be intact and functional when the machine is finished.
Hip joints, knee joints, breast implants or even missed jewellery on a loved one can be found at the bottom, crystal clean and polished like new.
“This is a game changer for the funeral industry,” Jeff remarked.
The origin of The Gentle Way traces back to a memorable interaction with a client who expressed dissatisfaction with traditional burial and cremation options. This conversation spurred Judy and Jeff to seek a better alternative, leading to the development of The Gentle Way, a solution that honours individuals' final wishes while offering a more gentle, environmentally friendly approach to end-of-life care.
“The great thing is, it’s employing people, it’s good for the environment, it brings the prices down for funerals and it’s a win win for everybody,” Jeff said.
Regarding cost, a direct Gentle Way process is said to be less than half the price of other Funeral Homes in Mackay. The Gentle Way now offers an affordable option for the families of passed loved ones.
“The worst thing in the world is when you lose a loved one and you can’t afford a funeral,”

“We make it affordable and it’s 100% environmentally friendly.”
Over the past nine years, multiple tests have been conducted to ensure The Gentle Way body vessel is capable, efficient and most importantly, gentle.
Townsville Funerals was the first to receive a commercial unit which has been in use for the last four months, with a demand for more proving this method to be highly desired and affordable.
The Gentle Way has recently introduced this facility to Mackay, with the official opening on Monday the 22nd of April.

CEO’s and Founders Jeff and Judy Boyle with Operations Manager and Partner, Ivan Oehlert. Photo Credit: Hannah McNamara

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Our region is home to a highly unique business, known as a community bank. The community bank model is based on profit for purpose – where anyone can choose to be a customer, and a percentage of the profits are re-invested directly back into the local community. One of just 322 community banks across Australia, our very own Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank is celebrating 19 years of business this June – and over $3.8 million invested back into our local community.

Providing a full suite of banking services and advice to individuals, businesses and community groups, Community Bank Sarina is renowned for its dedication and support for our community. This is only possible thanks to the people who choose to bank with them – which is easy to do! The Community Bank Sarina team are there to welcome you – whether in person, in branch, online or they can even come to you.

There have been many highlights along the way – and many more to come. Community Bank Sarina is truly here for you, and here to stay. A snapshot of some key milestones to date:

2005 – Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank open for business
2008 – First Community Grants and Sponsorships awarded
2009 – First dividends paid to local Shareholders
2011 – Became major sponsor of Sarina Bowls Club
2012 – Higher Education Scholarship Program with CQUniversity launched
2012 – Commenced support for Sarina District Schools Chaplaincy Committee
2015 – Hosted Queensland’s Community Bank State Conference in Sarina
2016 – Charmaine Matsen appointed as Manager of Community Bank Sarina
2016 – Inducted into Community Bank Network National Hall of Fame for outstanding community impact
2017 – Sarina State High School (SSHS) Scholarship Program launched
2017 – Hosted Community Strengthening Conference with Rio Tinto Hail Creek and Mackay Regional Council
2018 – Inaugural naming rights sponsor for Cruisin’ the Coast Sarina Beach Fun Run
2019 – Scholarship Program extended with CQUniversity to include Apprentice Scholarships
2019 – Inaugural SSHS scholarship recipient Josie Dahtler commenced employment with Community Bank Sarina
2019 – Community Impact Award launched
2022 – Hit the $3 million mark in community investment (which today has exceeded $3.8 million)
2023 – Supported QCWA Sarina Branch and Koumala State School in their centenary milestones
2023 – Achieved certification as a Social Enterprise with Social Traders
2024 – Hosting Celebration of Community Anniversary Dinner with guest speaker Shane Webcke

The latest highlight is still to come – and you can join in! All are invited to Community Bank Sarina’s Celebration of Community Anniversary Dinner – to be held on Saturday, 8 June 2024 at the Bob Wood Cultural Hall. Featuring food, music, fun – and Shane Webcke – it will be a night to remember. Tickets close 12 May and are available for purchase at $90pp now at bit.ly/communitydinner2024.

Community Bank Sarina Board Directors Nicholas McDougall, Ann Fordyce, Karen May, Maree Franettovich, Rainee Shepperson and Ted Malone with Manager Charmaine Matsen.

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The annual RSPCA Million Paws Walk, dedicated to fighting animal cruelty, is back in Mackay! On Sunday, May 26th, from 8:00 am to 10:30 am, join the community at Queens Park for a day of fun and fundraising. Celebrating its 30th year, the Million Paws Walk started in Queensland and has since become a beloved event nationwide.

Everyone is welcome to participate, so bring the whole family for a fantastic day out. Don't worry if you don't have a furry friend – all are invited to enjoy the festivities. Bring a camp chair or picnic rug to relax and watch the dog competitions, with fantastic prizes up for grabs!

Get your VIP (Very Important Pooch) ready for a red carpet photo opportunity at the event. Additionally, throughout May, the local shelter team will sell raffle tickets at various locations, including Caneland Shopping Centre, Mt Pleasant Shopping Centre, and Bunnings. At just $3 per ticket, you could win one of six incredible prizes, kindly donated by local businesses: $400 2-Night Family Holiday – Camp Kanga; $275 Pet Photography Session – Coffee & Hops; $250 Joy Flight – Mackay Tiger Moth Museum; $200 Fuel Voucher – SGC Global; $185 Beginner Scuba Diving – Rainforest Scuba; Two $50 Vouchers – Body Haven Mackay.

Proceeds from the event will support animals in need, just like Loki, who found himself in RSPCA's care in November 2022. After receiving medical attention for various health issues, Loki was placed in foster care with Michelle, a dedicated volunteer at RSPCA Mackay Animal Care Centre. Michelle grew very fond of Loki and officially adopted him in April 2023, giving him a chance at a loving forever home.

Join us in celebrating 30 years of Million Paws Walk and make a difference in the lives of animals like Loki. Don't miss this opportunity to support a great cause. Tickets are available at millionpawswalk.com.au. Join the cause with a Million Paws to fight animal cruelty and ensure a brighter future for our furry friends.

What: RSPCA Million Paws Walk
When: Sunday, May 26th, from 8:00 am to 10:30 am
Where: Queens Park
Register: millionpawswalk.com.au

Michelle, Loki and the team from the Mackay RSPCA are gearing up for this year’s Million Paws Walk

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay
Isaac region residents have followed the Mackay Region and received new Land Valuations, with some dramatic increases causing discussion and anxiety as they take in the new valuation.
Across the board, the total value of rural land across the region has increased by 70%. But for many, increases are beyond 100%.
That, of course, translates into rates increases for landholders. While CANEGROWERS Mackay is continuing discussions with Mackay Regional Council on the rates burden for canefarming enterprises, we now are also initiating discussion with Isaac Regional Council.
While the State Valuation Service points out that rates and rating categories are under the control of local government, councils readily point out that they are based on state valuations.
For the property owner, this blame game puts us in a position of being like the piggy stuck in the middle, in a game where the ball gets higher and higher, more out of reach.
For a canefarmer, meeting the cost of rates is a double challenge. It’s about maintaining the family home and the family business. It is an ever-ballooning cost of production that sits alongside the pressure of the cost of living.
Canefarming is like quite a range of agribusinesses that are price takers, not price makers. We are at the mercy of world sugar price. There is nowhere to pass on inflating costs of production. It’s about margins. Sugar price is strong right now, but so are costs, and cost of production is unfortunately on a steep trajectory. There will be years when that price will almost certainly move closer to the cost of production. If we are lucky, the lower sugar prices will not go in tandem with drought, fire or flood.
The cost of living is a community-wide pressure. And while local government also faces the pressure of inflation, and has to meet its increasing costs, the continual pressure on landholders needs to be addressed.

Rates cost increases precipitated by steep increases in valuations are effectively a money grab: councils have the powers to set parameters within their rating system that could show greater empathy to cost of living pressures of landholders. But equally, local governments need to be supported by other levels of government to utilise a range of mechanisms that help to meet their budgetary requirements - not just via rates revenue.

The Queensland Government has a voluntary Guideline on equity and fairness in rating for Queensland local governments. CANEGROWERS is part of a growing list of organisations urging that the guidelines should be adopted as mandatory for all councils. This is a move also supported by the Queensland Farmers Federation (QFF), of which CANEGROWERS is a member.
The QFF has also reported it will be putting a submission to a Federal Senate inquiry into the sustainability of local councils, calling on the federal government to increase the allocation of financial assistance grants provided to local councils. These grants come from GST revenue, however, whilst GST revenue has continued to grow, the allocation / revenue split to local councils has remained unchanged, and has in real terms actually declined.
A sustainable council is critical to the local community. The local government share of the GST allocation needs to be increased. This will be the major lever that can assist with the financial viability of councils, allowing them to have more wriggle room when it comes to their strategies to raise income through rates.

Another major influence on cost-of-living is the market element in determining property valuations, often driven by some quite outlandishly high sales in some localities. Who really wins when a property is sold well over value? Banks? Real Estate? High land prices set off a domino effect.
Governments and opposition are always talking up how they are addressing cost-of-living issues, but they aren’t addressing that elephant in our living rooms – the influence of market value on property valuations, which impacts right down the line from landholders to renters to the community. The more money it costs to keep a roof over our head - or business – and to maintain our rates bill, the less there is to spend in local businesses and on other qualities of life.
Controlling ever-spiralling rates and land values is an issue on which all levels of government need to work together to ease cost-of-living pressures. Creating a fair system of rating categories is something that local government can do to ease community cost of living issues but we also need to see economic sustainability and services maintained at the local government level.

Isaac region cane country.  Picture: Kirili Lamb

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