Women in Mackay are set to experience a significant enhancement in maternity care, thanks to an election announcement from the Queensland Labor Party. A $20 million investment will establish a state-of-the-art birthing centre, ensuring that families in the region receive the highest quality of care during pregnancy and childbirth.
The Mackay Birth Centre will provide a welcoming, home-like environment for women with uncomplicated pregnancies, allowing them to give birth with the support of dedicated midwives.
“We want to empower women with more choices when it comes to their birthing experience,” says Belinda Hassan, Labor Candidate for Mackay.
“We know the mental health and wellbeing of both new and expectant mothers is crucial during the perinatal period.”
Strategically located near the hospital, the new centre will feature modern birthing suites, family and community spaces, and educational workshops. This design aims to create a tranquil atmosphere that is still close to medical facilities, ensuring that women can receive immediate care if needed. The former Mackay Birth Centre facility needed to be removed to make way for the development of an additional wing of the hospital. Birth Centre clients will continue to receive care with their midwives in a dedicated space within the Women’s Health Unit, until a new birth centre is constructed.
Labor said it is collaborating closely with the Mackay Hospital and Health Service and local community groups to ensure the new facility meets the specific needs of the region’s residents.
In addition to the birthing centre, Mackay will benefit from four new mother and baby mental health beds as part of a broader $39 million investment to deliver 30 perinatal mental health beds across Queensland.
“That’s why we will build a new birthing centre in Mackay in partnership with the health service and local community and deliver four new mother and baby beds in Mackay,” Ms Hassan explained.
This initiative will provide crucial support for mothers, allowing them to receive care in a familiar environment close to their support networks.
The announcement was welcomed by Friends of the Mackay Birth Centre, a community organisation that supports the midwives who work at the Birth Centre and the families that birth there.
These advancements in maternity care come alongside the $250 million expansion of Mackay Base Hospital, which will introduce new birth suites, additional beds, and dedicated women’s and children’s health units. Currently, Queensland has only 12 public perinatal mental health inpatient beds located in the southeast, making the new investments particularly vital.
“Midwives have built strong relationships with mothers-to-be, and this new birth centre will be a continuation of that tradition,” Ms Hassan added.
“The Mackay community deserves these enhancements in maternity and mental health services, and we are committed to delivering that.”
To ‘Start a Life with a Midwife’ please contact the Mackay Birth Centre on 07 4885 6933.

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Local mothers, Friends of the Mackay Birth Centre representative Nakia Watters and Labor candidate for Mackay Belinda Hassan welcomed the announcement to fund a new birthing centre in Mackay. Photo supplied

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A groundbreaking study by CQUniversity has revealed the promising antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties of Gumbi Gumbi (Pittosporum angustifolium), a native Australian plant used for generations in First Nations healthcare. This study, funded by the CQUniversity BHP Chair in Indigenous Engagement, showcases how modern science is backing up traditional medicine.
Led by Dr. Mani Naiker from the Bioactive and Functional Foods Research Group, the project was conducted in collaboration with Ghungalu Elder Uncle Steve Kemp. Uncle Steve provided Gumbi Gumbi samples from across Ghungalu Traditional Lands in Woorabinda, a key part of the research. The results, presented at a CQUniversity workshop in June 2024, highlighted the chemical makeup of Gumbi Gumbi leaves and fruit, showcasing potent antioxidants and promising cytotoxicity against cancer cells.
For Uncle Steve, Gumbi Gumbi has been a lifelong part of his culture and heritage. “I first learned about the plant from my father. These findings are going to benefit everyone: people who could use these treatments, and the community at Woorabinda, knowing this knowledge comes from our People,” Uncle Steve shared.
Traditionally used to treat a range of ailments, from cancer and high blood pressure to diabetes and dandruff, Gumbi Gumbi has long been regarded for its medicinal qualities by Indigenous Australians. Now, thanks to CQUniversity’s research, the plant’s potential for wider medical use is gaining attention.
Dr. Naiker explained that CQUniversity’s new native plant hub, based at the Central Queensland Innovation and Research Precinct, is continuing research into the benefits of Gumbi Gumbi. Future clinical trials will explore its cancer-fighting potential, alongside ongoing analysis of sugar content and glycaemic response for potential natural blood sugar control.
The research also delves into how the plant's potency is affected by factors such as harvest time and drying methods. "This study brings both scientific validation and commercial potential to Gumbi Gumbi and other native foods," said Dr. Naiker.
The workshop attracted growers, investors, and locals interested in Indigenous plant resources, underscoring the potential for these native foods to benefit not only First Nations communities but the broader Australian population as well.
CQUniversity researchers are also investigating other native plants, including Australian ginger and Burdekin plums, further advancing knowledge on the commercial and health benefits of native Australian flora.

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Uncle Steve Kemp (centre) with Uncle Milton Lawton and Melanie Kemp, of Yarbun Creations. Photo source: CQUniversity

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Muller Park playground, located at Boundary Road in Ooralea, is scheduled for renewal.
Community consultation will be taking place shortly and residents will be invited to share their ideas for the design of a new playground.

The existing playground will be removed in the coming weeks for the community’s safety.
Both the combination unit and swings are 25 years old and in poor condition. Recent testing has also shown that the softfall no longer meets current Australian safety standards.

The other amenities in the park will remain open for use including the public toilets, barbecues and seating.

Stay informed on the upcoming community engagement session and subscribe to project update emails by visiting connectingmackay.com.au/muller-park-playground.

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The LNP has pledged a total of $5.9 million to improve key community facilities in Mackay, including $1.6 million for shaded netball courts, $3 million for upgrades at local high schools, $500,000 for an all-weather bowling green at Northern Beaches Bowls Club, and $800,000 for expanded parking at Mackay Football Park.

The Mackay Netball Association will benefit from safer shaded courts if the LNP is elected on October 26, with a $1.6 million investment to build shade protection over four courts. This will support the 1,600 players from the 14 teams that regularly use Mackay’s netball courts.

LNP Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm and LNP candidate for Mackay Nigel Dalton made the announcement, emphasising the need for covered courts in Mackay due to high UV levels and wet weather.

“Mackay Netball Association has been doing their own fundraising, but it’s a hard slog, getting the funding needed to cover their court,” said Ms Camm.

Mr Dalton added, “With this announcement, Mackay netball players will be able to shoot for success and play safely, even under our harsh sun.”

In addition to netball, the LNP announced $3 million in funding for Mackay State High School and Mackay North State High School. The funding will support a new assembly hall with air-conditioning at Mackay State High School and a new tuckshop at Mackay North State High School.

Mr Dalton highlighted that the 1,200 students at Mackay State High School currently meet in a cramped, un-air-conditioned assembly hall.

“Queenslanders need a fresh start, and this funding commitment of $3 million is part of restoring a government that educates young Queenslanders, boosts our skills training facilities and puts more teachers in our schools.

“I’ve spent the last 20 years interacting with students in our high schools and I know they need far more attention than they are getting,” Mr Dalton said.

The LNP also committed $500,000 to fund an all-weather bowling green shade structure at the Northern Beaches Bowls Club, which supports over 30 community and sporting groups.

Club Manager Doug Dalley welcomed the announcement, saying, “Having an all-weather bowling green will enable the club to offer more playing hours, on more playing days and also allow the club to become more inclusive and offer more school bowling programs.”

Further, the LNP promised to upgrade the car park at Mackay Football Park, home to junior football in Glenella, with an $800,000 investment. Dalton pointed out that the facility’s 24 fields are used by all four junior football clubs in the area, but the current parking situation is inadequate and unsafe.

Mr Dalton said, “This is something that Football Queensland Whitsunday Coast has been concerned about and they’ve worked with Mackay Regional Council to get the approvals in place so that they can expand their car park.”

“Only the LNP stands ready to deliver a fresh start for Queensland.”

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The LNP has committed $5.9 million to boost Mackay’s community facilities, with $1.6 million for shaded netball courts, $3 million for school upgrades, $500,000 for an all-weather bowling green, and $800,000 for expanded parking at Mackay Football Park. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Mater Private Hospital Mackay midwife Sarah Fordyce has proven it takes a dedicated team to ensure patients in the region receive access to high-quality healthcare.

The former accountant-turned-midwife was recognised as a “dedicated leader” at the annual Mater People Awards event held in South Brisbane on Friday 11 October.

Each year, Mater recognises the outstanding achievements of Mater People across the Health, Education, Research and Foundation ministries at the Mater People Awards.

The Midwifery Nurse Unit Manager won the Mater Early Career Excellence Award for achievements including collaborating with local educators to upskill team members and enhancing the maternity ward’s ability to support services during peak periods. 

Ms Fordyce, 35, said she had always wanted to be an accountant when she was growing up, but in her final year of high school had a change of mind after talking to a midwife.

“I decided that midwifery was my calling,” Ms Fordyce said.

“After completing one year as a Registered Midwife (RM), although I loved the profession, I still had the feeling that I should have completed my accounting.”

Ms Fordyce worked as a RM while completing a Master of Professional Accounting and said although her career trajectory had not been straightforward, she found a profession where both her passion for midwifery and management aligned.

“My accounting experience was in risk management and is utilised on a daily basis in my role as Nurse Unit Manager,” she said.

“Here at Mater Mackay, our consumers have access to the same high-quality healthcare that is provided in South-East Queensland.

“For example, our Teladoc service allows sick neonates access to a specialised neonatology team in the Neonatal Critical Care Unit in South-East Queensland.

“Being a part of a large health care organisation means that we have access to world-class specialists and nursing staff, and innovative research and education to ensure here in Mackay we provide excellence in care.”

Ms Fordyce said receiving a Mater People Award was an amazing experience.

“To have the recognition for the hard work and perseverance over the last 12 months means a lot,” she said.

“I will endeavour to continue the work I have started here in Mater Mackay, improve the consumer experience and ensure that every patient receives high-quality, safe and compassionate health care.”   

General Manager Karen Wade said Ms Fordyce had gained the respect of staff, patients and the community, while demonstrating exceptional leadership skills.

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Sarah Fordyce, Midwifery Nurse Unit Manager at Mater Mackay, was honoured with the Mater Early Career Excellence Award for her outstanding leadership and dedication to enhancing maternity care in the region. Photos supplied

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By Amanda Wright

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In a bold call to action, Mackay's top business and community leaders gathered last week at Harrup Park, voicing their mounting frustration over the continued lack of substantial funding commitments for the region in the Queensland State Election campaign. With just 15 days left until election day, the message was clear: Mackay has been overlooked for far too long, and it's time for that to change.
Despite the Mackay region's significant contribution to Queensland's economic output, local leaders expressed their dissatisfaction with the major parties' failure to address critical infrastructure, economic investment, and community projects that the region desperately needs. Instead, campaign discussions have largely focused on state-wide issues like health, housing, and crime, leaving Mackay to fall through the cracks.
Speaking at the meeting, Adrian Young, CEO of Harrup Park, highlighted the glaring disparity in sporting infrastructure funding between Mackay and other regional centres like Cairns, Townsville, and Rockhampton. Of nearly $580 million committed or spent in those four regions, Mackay has received a paltry $23.3 million — just 4% of the total.
"The numbers are shocking," Mr Young stated.
"While Townsville secures 54 per cent of the funding at $312 million, Mackay’s share is minuscule. Projects like the Great Barrier Reef Arena Stage 2, which are crucial to Mackay’s growth and legacy, are left unfunded.
“We are an Olympic nation now, and Mackay deserves its place in that future.”
The lack of investment in Mackay’s sporting infrastructure could have long-lasting consequences, especially as the 2032 Brisbane Olympics loom large, potentially offering significant opportunities for regional development. Yet Mackay leaders feel the region is missing out on the chance to build infrastructure that will benefit future generations.
But the issues don’t stop at sport. Scott Owen, CEO of Mackay Regional Council, raised alarms about the broader funding inequalities seen in the state budget.
“Mackay-Whitsunday was allocated just $623.4 million in the 2023-24 state budget," Mr Owen revealed, "a staggering $1.3 billion less than Central Queensland.
“Meanwhile, Far North Queensland received $2 billion, and even North Queensland got over $1.18 billion. This leaves us in a very difficult position to achieve the growth targets we’ve set for our region.”
The funding disparity isn't just limited to major infrastructure, but also affects youth programs, another area where Mackay has been left behind. Greater Whitsunday Communities CEO Carol Norris spoke to the group about the critical need for investment in the younger generation.
"Our youth are our future," Ms Norris said, “But when you look at the funding committed to programs for young people in regions like Central Queensland and Townsville compared to what Mackay gets, the imbalance is startling.

“If we don’t invest in our young people now, we risk losing them to regions that offer better opportunities."
Adrian Miles, Mackay Airport’s Head of Operations, shared further concerns about the region’s aviation infrastructure, which is essential for both economic growth and healthcare. He outlined two major projects that have been identified as vital for the region’s future: a common-user aeromedical facility and a common-user freight facility, estimated to cost $6 million and $14 million, respectively.
"These projects are essential not just for economic development but for safeguarding the health of our region," Mr Miles explained.
"An aeromedical facility would drastically improve response times for critical health emergencies, and the freight facility would unlock more opportunities for export and growth in industries like agriculture and mining."
The meeting also touched on the critical need for road improvements in Mackay, as outlined by Road Accident Action Group President, Rod Erwin, who highlighted the often devastating cost of road accidents in the region. Despite tireless advocacy, many critical road projects remain underfunded, leaving Mackay's residents at continued risk.
"The work we do is not just about fixing roads; it’s about saving lives," Mr Erwin said.
"Every delay in road funding puts more lives at risk. How many more accidents do we need to see before action is taken?"
Mackay’s leaders have grown increasingly frustrated with the lack of reinvestment into a region that continues to be an economic powerhouse for Queensland. Recent signature projects like the Resources Centre of Excellence, the Great Barrier Reef Arena, and the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails are proof that Mackay has the vision and capability to turn projects into reality. The question now is: why isn’t the region being supported with the funding it deserves?
In a unified message, the group called on state election candidates and political leaders in the Mackay, Whitsunday, and Mirani electorates to commit to addressing the region’s unique priorities before election day, and to ensure that these commitments are carried through in the next four years of government.
"We’re done missing out on our fair share," one business leader declared, summarising the sentiment in the room.
"Mackay has done more than its part for Queensland, and now it’s time for Queensland to do its part for Mackay."
As the meeting concluded, it was clear that Mackay’s business and community leaders are ready to hold the state’s political leaders accountable. They are demanding action — not just promises — that will secure the region's future, strengthen its infrastructure, and ensure that Mackay is no longer an afterthought in Queensland’s funding allocations.
With less than two weeks left in the campaign, the message to the candidates was unmistakable: Mackay has waited long enough.
Now, it’s time for those in power to step up and deliver.

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Mackay business and community leaders gather at Harrup Park, urging political candidates to address funding inequalities and prioritise the region’s future. Photos supplied

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Every day, more than three tonnes of linen, including clean and dirty sheets, towels, blankets, scrubs and gowns, are delivered to and collected from wards and theatres across Mackay Base Hospital.

A thorough and efficient laundry process is vital to prevention and containment of hospital infection, but also contributes to the delivery of care.

Sharon Shakespeare has been part of the linen services team for 22 years; they work seven days a week to provide daily hospital linen and laundering services for the 318-bed hospital.

Her day begins at 6am with the packing of trolleys and delivery of clean linen, while her colleagues collect bagged dirty linen from wards and begin the process of sorting, washing, drying, ironing and folding.

“Every day about 16 or 17 trolleys of clean linen are delivered to the wards, each with about 100kg of linen in each,” Sharon said.

“One trolley can contain about 60 sheets, 60 blankets and 60 towels, whatever the requirements of each ward are, and there’s also often scrubs worn by our theatre teams and gowns by the patients.”

“They are very heavy so we use the tugs to pull the trolleys, but there’s still a lot of walking, pushing and pulling involved in both the delivery and collection of linen.”

After linen from the wards is collected and brought to the ‘dirty’ side of the laundry, the tubs are loaded onto a conveyor where the linen is sorted by six people with gloved hands; heavily soiled items and infectious bags are separated as well as scrubs and theatre linen, all to be washed separately.

Once sorted, the linen is placed into 50kg batch loaders and onto a conveyor belt for a trip to the washing machine where it is thoroughly cleaned.

An automated stacker lifts the clean laundry into the dryers. After drying it is folded by a machine, stacked onto trolleys and taken to the storeroom ready for delivery.

“The blankets are all fully dried and the sheets are pinned on the folding machine while still damp where they are stretched, ironed dry and folded; it is all done in just a couple of minutes,” Sharon said.

The linen was sanitized according to the highest standards to ensure the best possible healing environment for every patient.

“There’s a lot less manual handling nowadays but teamwork is still really very important in the laundry,” she said.

“It’s a great team who work very well together and quite satisfying to know that our work is helping our staff care for our patients and also making their stay in hospital more comfortable,” she said.

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Sharon Shakespeare shared her experience for Operational Services Recognition Week (7 to 11 October) after working in the linen services team for 22 years. Photo source: Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Taskforce Guardian, alongside local police, has charged 64 people on 124 offences during simultaneous deployments to Mackay and Ipswich districts.
Taskforce Guardian brings together specialist police and expert youth justice workers, who together work alongside local police to tackle youth offending and bolster community safety through strategic patrols, targeted investigations, and joint operations including bail compliance support, community and family engagement.
Between September 27 and October 4 in Mackay, Taskforce Guardian charged 28 young people with 40 offences and 26 young people were diverted from the youth justice system.
The Taskforce also works with key support services and local resources to engage at-risk youth with relevant programs and agencies, focusing on health, education, disability services and cultural initiatives.

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Tell us about you and what makes you ideal to represent Mirani in the state government?

“I am a proud local of the Sarina district having been raised on a sugar cane farm and worked on cattle farms. I’m now a Mental Health Counsellor, which includes visiting mines to provide training and provide assistance during critical incidents.  I am passionate about fairness and equity and I would be a strong representative of my local community.”

If you could initiate a project or address one issue in the region – what would it be and how would you go about it?

“Cost of living is the number one concern of most people I meet and I would make sure that the Miles Labor Government continue relief for people in my electorate which is why I’m such a big supporter of 50 cent fares, $1000 power rebates and the really big one in my community, the 20 per cent reduction in rego.”
 
There are many diverse communities within your electorate, how would you ensure each was served fairly?

“As a Mental Health Counsellor, I really know how to listen, and the importance of doing what I’ll say I’ll do. I will represent my community, meet locals where they live, and be a strong advocate for their views. I will be a loud and effective voice for farmers, miners, mill workers, sugar growers, retail workers, our health and education workers and everyone else who lives in this diverse electorate.”

What do you think the people most want now and how would you give it to them?

“When I doorknock the electorate people tell me they want help with cost of living. The Miles Labor Government is delivering relief through 50 cent fares, $1000 energy rebates and 20 per cent cheaper rego. I will be a tireless advocate for the government to continue to help people when they need it most.”

Tell us what your first 100 days would look like if you were successful in your election bid?

“I would get out to meet as many locals as I could – going to farms, mines, businesses, P & C meetings, visiting police and fire stations, going to health facilities, and wherever else there were people who want to have their say,  and let them know I am there to listen, and act on their behalf.”

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This week
Season to date
Cane crushed
54,063
785,282
Average bin weight
3.99
3.90
CCS
14.84
13.91
Cane variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q183
24.6
15.27
Q253
16.3
13.79
Q240
11.1
15.71
SRA9
14.0
15.10
Q208
17.4
14.95
SP80
2.6
14.50
KQ228
1.1
14.77
Q138
5.3
13.94
Comments:
Plane Creek Mill processed just over 54,000 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season total to just under 785,000 tonnes.
Average CCS dropped by 0.11 of a unit over the previous week, closing out at 14.84 units. The year-to-date average is now sitting at 13.91 units.
Standover cane made up approximately two per cent of the week’s cane supply.
The highest CCS honour for the week was a rake of Q183 plant cane from the West Hill productivity area with a CCS of 17.20 units.
Please remember to use your train brain and always give way to cane trains.
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Lindsay Wheeler
Cane Supply Manager
Plane Creek Region

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Leaders of some of Queensland’s peak sugar industry bodies – CANEGROWERS and the Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC) – have come together to discuss the industry’s future and compare their policy positions ahead of the upcoming state election.
 
Representing both growers and millers, the organisations had a clear message for politicians hoping to lead the state from 26 October – the sugar industry, which employs over 20,000 Queenslanders and contributes $4.4 billion to the economy, demands urgent government action.
 
“Sugar is the economic lifeblood of regional communities, from north of Cairns down to the Queensland border and beyond,” said Mr Ash Salardini, CEO of the ASMC.
“While politicians talk about a future manufacturing base, sugar is already here – manufacturing essential products right now.”
 
CANEGROWERS, which represents 70 per cent of Queensland’s sugarcane growers, outlined its election priorities, including reduced electricity and water costs, less red tape and regulation, and the development of bioenergy, including biofuels, through the existing sugar supply chain.
 
“Our industry is essential to regional Queensland, but for growers to remain competitive and seize future opportunities, we need policies that deliver real outcomes,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.
 
“Affordable electricity and water are critical. But we also need stronger research and development, smarter and more collaborative environmental programs, and biofuels policies that will provide new opportunities for the sugar industry.”
 
Both organisations emphasised the critical link between the success of mills and growers, with the recent closure of the Mossman Mill providing a stark reminder of the risks involved.
 
“We need a viable, dependable sugar milling sector,” Mr Galligan said. “We need to learn the tough lessons from the Mossman Mill closure.”
 
The peak bodies are calling on the Queensland Government to invest in our people and our essential infrastructure, beginning with the cane rail network and workforce development.
 
“CANEGROWERS supports the ASMC’s call for investment in our cane rail network and ensuring the sugar supply chain has the skills and workforce necessary for the future,” Mr Galligan added.
 
The ASMC echoed the importance of a reliable cane-growing sector.
 
“Without a reliable supply of cane, we have our backs to the wall,” said Mr Salardini. 

“That’s why we fully support CANEGROWERS’ call for affordable, reliable electricity and water, which are fundamental to Queensland’s cane-growing future.”
 
While acknowledging they may have their differences, both organisations have committed to building a stronger, collaborative future for the whole industry.
 
“The opportunities and challenges we face go well beyond any election cycle,” said Mr Salardini.
“That’s why we’re showing the incoming Queensland Government that we mean business and that the sugar industry is ready to lead.”
 
While collaboration is essential, both organisations will continue to fight for their members’ interests, Mr Galligan said.
 
“Make no mistake – millers and growers won’t always see eye to eye. But today, we are focusing on common ground. We are telling the Queensland Government that the sugar industry stands united and determined to thrive.”
 
CANEGROWERS and the ASMC are sending a clear message: Queensland’s sugar industry is ready for action, and it expects the same from our state government.

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By Sonia Ball
QCAR Central District Manager

At this time of the year our sugarcane farmers would normally have an end date within near sight and be looking forward to a well-earned Christmas break with their families. But that looks unlikely with all Central District mills, at the time of writing, all just nudging or just past the 50-60 per cent mark.

The next couple of months will be telling and will reveal what ‘end’ scenario for the 2024 season will eventuate. Will there be standover? This looks likely, but quoting a definitive amount at this stage would be like trying to squeeze blood from a turnip.

In fact, there is a snowball’s chance in hell that any mill supply areas in the Central District will get to a 100 per cent cutout in what is generally well-accepted (in glorious seasons past) as ‘reasonable time’. But I’m an optimist (which is basically valueless in the face of adversity) and I believe in miracles, until there aren’t any.

Now, if you ask any weatherman, it’s going to rain at some point. We are heading into the wet season so it’s on the cards is my non-meteorologically based theory. The experts unfortunately can’t say when, how much, where or for how long. Hence the difficulties in estimating an outcome.

It is generally and somewhat begrudgingly accepted, we are told, that all mill workers and management are concentrating with everything they have to get to the end of this crushing on whatever day or month the 12th of Never falls.

Meanwhile our members and all sugarcane farmers and contractors are having to think about making decisions that it’s way too soon to make.

The quandary is that every loss or cost has a dollar value and these decisions, after ‘reasonable time’, will all come with one or the other or both. Late finish, late plant, late harvest. Without tough decisions being made from all parties our farmers will all wind up on the same pony with the peeling paint on the periodically broken-down merry-go-round.

Having said that, QCAR is here to help in any way we can short of turning up at the mills with a spanner. If you are having issues with allotments or equity or any other harvesting issues, please don’t hesitate to give your local team a call – that’s what we are here for.

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Earlier this month, the 11th Annual Grazing Forum brought together a strong contingent of local graziers and industry experts to explore practical solutions and market trends for sustainable farming. This two-day event, hosted by Reef Catchments and funded by the Australian Government and Glencore Coal, continued the tradition of being one of the region’s most long-standing and significant gatherings for graziers.
This year’s forum showcased a new approach, focusing on every aspect of grazing — from paddock to sale and all things in between — to help farmers increase profitability while advancing sustainability.
Renowned agricultural consultant Ross Newman led the event, featuring a standout lineup of speakers including Roxanne Morgan (Beef Extension Officer, DAF), who shared the latest beef extension practices, Tony Dwyer (GDL Livestock Manager), who provided strategies for navigating livestock markets, Nick Meare (General Manager, Thomas Borthwicks), who offered insights on preparing operations for emerging market demands and Emily Baretta (Senior Biosecurity Officer - DAF), who shared the legislative requirements for livestock.
An array of stallholders brought innovative methods and tools to help graziers enhance their operations, while participants engaged in valuable networking opportunities with industry specialists, fellow farmers, and community groups. These connections are key to fostering future collaboration and innovation.
The Grazing Field Day at Waterlot Farm in Sarina was another major highlight, where local farmers Judy Langdon and Graham Jones demonstrated how sustainable land management can transform old farmland into thriving pastures. This practical showcase, facilitated by Ross Newman and Reef Catchments’ Senior Project Officer Sandy Whittington-Shaw, underscored the importance of soil health and pasture management for long-term farm profitability and resilience.
Kellie Harmsworth, Reef Catchments Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, commented on the forum’s enduring success: “This year’s forum was a reminder of why it has become one of the most popular and vital events for the grazing community. For 11 years, it’s provided a platform for farmers to learn, collaborate, and implement real, on-the-ground changes that drive profitability and sustainability. The focus on paddock-to-sale reflects the evolving needs of our region, and we’re committed to facilitating workshops that address the pressing issues facing our farmers, with expert speakers and practical solutions.”
Following the success of the event, more workshops are planned for the coming months, covering topics such as soil health, climate-smart farming, and biodiversity management.
For more information, please contact Kellie Harmsworth at saf@reefcatchments.com.au or visit https://reefcatchments.com.au/projects/sustainable-agriculture-facilitaor-saf/

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Photos supplied

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Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

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Wilmar Grower Marketing is excited to announce the launch of a new pool to help growers manage their GEI sugar price exposure in an increasingly volatile and uncertain world.
The past 18 months have seen unprecedented volatility in the #11 sugar futures which has driven the AUD sugar price to historically high levels, only to rapidly plunge to new lows. Recent price fluctuations underscore the ongoing uncertainty in the sugar price outlook.
We know there are many growers who want some forward price certainty but are unable to dedicate the time to watch the market closely. So, we’ve developed a longer-term pooling product called the Managed Pool Plus to meet this market demand.
The Managed Pool Plus is a joint exposure pool that allows growers to focus on growing the crop while we focus on the sugar market.
Kicking off in the 2025 season, it will be an actively traded pool looking to exploit short and long-term price movement in the futures and currency markets separately, to maximise the pool return.
Wilmar Sugar and Renewables will seed the pool with 30,000 tonnes of MEI and accept up to 30,000 tonnes of grower-nominated GEI to create a joint exposure to the pool outcome.
Our consistent superior performance in the Production Risk Pool underlines our proven pool management ability and we want growers to share in this expertise over a longer timeframe.
The Managed Pool Plus combines the expertise of the grower and the miller to maximise sugar returns by actively managing market risks over an 18-month period. This partnership allows growers to focus on farming, while Wilmar trades the market on their behalf, leveraging our global trading team’s expertise to achieve better pricing outcomes.
Here are some key reasons you should be involved in the Managed Pool Plus:
Shared success: Experience joint exposure to the sugar market, where both growers and Wilmar have a stake. Together, we share the gains and manage the risks, aiming for higher returns.
Expert management: Let Wilmar’s experienced team take charge of price exposure. By actively trading the market over 18 months, we optimise market conditions and strive to lock in the best price for the sugar exposure.
Less stress: Take the weight off your shoulders. With the Managed Pool Plus, you won’t need to worry about pricing your sugar exposure. Focus on what you do best – growing – while we handle the pricing strategies.
Maximise over time: With an 18-month timeframe, we have the flexibility to take advantage of market movements in both futures and currency, ensuring a strategic, long-term approach aimed at achieving the highest returns.
Grow your knowledge: Not only do we manage the pricing, but we also provide education on risk management. Learn how pricing works and gain confidence in your financial decisions, without the pressure of managing the market yourself.

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Artspace Mackay is proud to present three new solo exhibitions by a trio of exciting First Nations female contemporary artists.

All three artists – Jemima Wyman, Mandy Quadrio and Kate Harding – have strong links to the Mackay region and their exhibitions have been curated inhouse by the Artspace Mackay team.
Jemima Wyman grew up in Mackay and now lives and works in Los Angeles, Mandy Quadrio spent 15 years living in Mackay and is now a Brisbane resident and Kate Harding is a Sarina local.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the exhibitions were the culmination of about two years of work for Artspace Mackay Acting Director Lauren Turton and her team.

“Lauren has worked closely with the artists to celebrate their works and help them to tell their stories,” Mayor Williamson said.

“We are incredibly excited to have these three artists opening in our regional gallery at the same time, because their works are very different, but they complement each other in fascinating ways,” he said.

Ms Turton said that each artist paid homage to their heritage and influences through their art, but they did so with exciting contemporary mediums.

“Kate Harding has spent more than 40 years mastering her textile-based practice, and for the past decade she has been creating story quilts deeply connected to her cultural heritage,” Ms Turton said.

“Harding’s first solo institutional exhibition ‘Bidjara’ presents a new series of work that respond and reflect on her ongoing connection to culture and Country,” she said.

Included in this exhibition is a newly commissioned artwork titled Gutha Gubba 2024 – the first work by Harding to enter the Mackay Regional Council Art Collection.

Ms Turton said ‘Mandy Quadrio: Croattee kanne menyenner / tales of 60,000 years’ saw the artist creating tactile, sculptural forms to proclaim, empower and celebrate her long-time Indigenous maternal lineage from Lutriwita (Tasmania).

“Quadrio has worked with commercially sourced kangaroo tails and hides to create the fourteen wall-based sculptures inspired by her long-held connection to the lands of the Palawa people,” she said.

Ms Turton said Jemima Wyman’s exhibition in the Main Gallery, ‘Crisis Patterns’, focused on protest movements around the world.

“She is particularly interested in the way protesters use protective body coverings including masks, paint, smoke and textile collectively, like a make-shift billboard to communicate their message,” she said.

“Starting as hand-cut collages, each photograph is drawn from Wyman’s self-titled MAS archive; a collection of digital images from protest movements around the world, that she has been compiling since 2008.

“Often including hundreds of image references, each artwork meticulously documents the protest event, date and location in its full artwork title; ensuring these beautiful and intriguing compilations are also real-time snapshots of complex social-historical events happening around the globe.”

All three exhibitions will officially open on Friday, October 18, and will run until Sunday, December 15.

Jemima Wyman and Mandy Quadrio will be presenting free artists’ talks from 10.30am, Saturday October 19.

Head to artspacemackay.com.au for more details.

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Portrait of Jemima Wyman. Photo credit: James Nash

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