Meet Dan and Nikita Kinnane, the dynamic duo behind RE/MAX Select who are dancing their way into the hearts of the community for the Mackay Hospital Foundation.

Known for their dedication to creating a real estate office with a difference, Dan and Nikita go above and beyond for their clients, suppliers, and the wider Mackay community. Their passion isn’t just about finding people homes, it’s about making a real, positive impact in the region.

"We hope to leave our mark in the town by supporting as many important causes and initiatives as possible,” said Dan.

It’s this spirit of giving back that has led them to take on the challenge of Dancing with Heart as part of the Dancing CEO’s.

With less than three weeks until the big event, the pair are working hard to perfect their routine with the help of the talented dance coach Dolly.

“We’ve only had one hour of dance practice so far,” Nikita laughs.

“And half of our dance is done…Wish us luck!”

Despite their busy schedule, Dan and Nikita are determined to make it work, even if they’re running on limited time.

“Our business has been short-staffed, so finding time to practice has been the hardest part,” Dan shares.

The Mackay Hospital Foundation is close to their hearts, as they recognise how essential local hospitals are for the community.

“I love enhancing our region,” says Nikita.

“Having strong medical support available means fewer local families need to travel during stressful life moments.”

This is why Dan and Nikita are so committed to supporting the Foundation’s efforts to improve healthcare facilities, staff training, and technology in the region.

By supporting Dan and Nikita’s fundraising efforts, you’re investing in the future of Mackay and helping local families get the care they need without the added stress of travelling far from home.

Donate today, and help them dance their way to victory for the Mackay Hospital Foundation!

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Kerry Malay, a passionate advocate for community health and a proud Kamilaroi and Mandandanji Aboriginal woman, is taking on the challenge of dancing for a cause very close to her heart – the Mackay Hospital Foundation. With over 25 years of experience in community services, Kerry serves as the Executive Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health at Mackay Hospital and Health Service. She is deeply committed to improving health outcomes for both Indigenous and local communities.

“I’d like to be remembered for my unwavering passion for the community and my dedication to improving health outcomes for everyone,” she shares.

This commitment is evident in her roles as Deputy Chair of the Mackay Hospital and Health Board and as a board member of the Mackay Hospital Foundation, where she helps lead vital fundraising efforts that ensure local hospitals have the resources they need to thrive.

When it comes to the dance floor, Kerry is stepping out of her comfort zone with plenty of energy and a sense of humour.

“Dance practice has been so much fun! I have a fabulous teacher, and we always end up giggling,” she says, reflecting on the upbeat tempo and jazzy moves of her routine.

The journey has become a family affair, with her husband, son, and daughter offering their support (and critiques!) along the way.

Despite the juggling act of balancing work, family, and fundraising, Kerry is fully committed to raising $5000 for the hospital.

“I wouldn’t change it for the world,” she says.

“It’s an opportunity to do what I love, giving back to the community.”

The Mackay Hospital Foundation’s work is something Kerry is deeply passionate about.

“Supporting local hospital fundraising fosters a sense of community and solidarity,” she explains.

“When locals invest in their hospital, they’re investing in their health and the health of their neighbours, creating a healthier and more resilient community overall.”

Donate today to help Kerry reach her goal and contribute to the health of the entire region.

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By Sonia Ball, QCAR Central District Manager

As a rural journalist a millennium ago, I recall being utterly confused yet totally captivated by the complexities, the diversity and resilience, the culture and the people (great people!), the practices and politics.

I just could not stop looking, and that hasn’t changed.

To me the cattle, the grain, the horticulture and other primary industries all seemed so…. Well, simple.

I may never have grown a stick of cane, yet I have become indelibly bonded with the industry that has virtually held me spellbound and been a focal point of my career for more than four decades.

That said, it has not always been a journey of sunshine and lollypops. With time comes change, and with change comes progress, and sometimes it hurts.

Right now, the sugarcane industry is being faced with and presented with an exciting opportunity to take a good hard look at itself and proactively commit to shaping what the next four decades may look like. We can’t do this standing still.

Get involved, speak up, act – whether you’re a farmer, mill worker, mill owner, contractor, haulout operator, sugar chemist, representative or stakeholder. The path forward doesn’t exist if we never take the first step. Consider if change is needed, and then do, or do not (Yoda, Star Wars).

Opportunity Exists

QCAR’s first election is now underway, and we are inviting all QCAR members to nominate the people they want to lead the priorities and strategic direction of QCAR’s Central District Committee across the mill supply areas of Proserpine, Plane Creek and Mackay. Could this be you?

There are five elected representative positions available on the Central District Committee. Nominations are open through to 28 March 2025. Do you need a form? Email our Company Secretary at melissa.boulter@qcar.org.au or call 4783 2111.

Choose, and ‘May the force be with you’ (said General Dodonna, Star Wars, before sending rebel troops into battle).

Roadshow Dates Announced!

Friends, farmers and countrymen, lend us your ears. QCAR has finalised dates for the QCAR Central District Roadshows. Venues are being finalised, so please Save the Date for now and we’ll get details to you soon. Our CEO Stephen Ryan will be attending all three to provide our corporate overview of successes and goals, while our QCAR Board Chairman Christian Lago, and local Central District Chairman Steve McKeering and committee members will also be present.

Everyone will have an opportunity to be updated on all three levels of industry activities -  local, state and federal issues, and topics in play.

Events will be held on the following dates:

• Tuesday 25 March at Proserpine
• Wednesday 26 March at Mackay
• Thursday 27 March at Plane Creek

We’ll get back to you soon with details and look forward to seeing you all.

**Other activities include: **

• MSL, Wilmar Proserpine and Wilmar Plane Creek cane supply agreements
• Sugar Research Australia Central District priorities
• Cane Variety Selection
• Pig control
• Mill maintenance progression
• Cane Analysis Program (CAP) Review across Wilmar milling areas (excluding Proserpine) and respective individual District Schedules.

QCAR committee members and Central District Manager Sonia Ball are easily contacted so please call if you have any queries, input or if you need any assistance.
QCAR CDM: Sonia Ball, 0467 573 321.

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The QCAR team, front from left, QCAR Central District Manager Sonia Ball, QCAR Burdekin District Manager Angelo Licciardello, back from left, QCAR Chief Strategy Officer Michael Kern and QCAR Herbert River District Manager Lawrence Di Bella. The team gathered at Ayr recently to collectively work on a number of sugarcane industry projects.

QCAR Central District Committee member representing the Plane Creek area, Craig Keating, right, with his son Evan at their Plane Creek cane farm last week where they met with QCAR Central District Manager Sonia Ball to host a meeting. Craig said he is looking forward to catching up with growers at the upcoming Central District Roadshows.

QCAR Central District Committee Chairman Steve McKeering, left, and QCAR Central District Manager Sonia Ball, right, took up the invitation to meet with the local QSL team to catch up on the sugar market with QSL Grower Relationship Manager Brad Dunn and to meet new QSL Grower Relationship Officer Tanneal Micallef. Photos supplied

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Birri Gubba Nation will mark its second anniversary with a two-day celebration on March 8-9, 2025. The event will begin at Bluewater Quay in Mackay, overlooking the picturesque Pioneer River, before continuing at Conway Beach on Sunday from 10am.

The Senior Tribal Council, Ministers, and Ambassadors of Birri Gubba have expressed enthusiasm for the progress made in strengthening the nation. The anniversary will feature guest speakers who will provide updates on ongoing projects and future opportunities, highlighting the growth and direction of Birri Gubba Nation.

Representatives from the Yidindji and Wakka Wakka Nations will be in attendance to join the celebrations. The event is open to all who wish to learn more about the initiatives and values guiding Birri Gubba’s development.
Built on the foundation of International Law, Birri Gubba Nation seeks to create a peaceful and orderly society where its members are both free and protected. The nation embraces cultural diversity, welcoming individuals from various backgrounds who bring their heritage, beliefs, and traditions.

A strong emphasis is placed on family values and community support, fostering a spirit of mutual assistance. In times of need, members actively help one another and accept support with gratitude.

Birri Gubba Nation gathers weekly at Bluewater Quay every Saturday at 10am, with additional meetings twice a month through the Birri Gubba Law Mackay group to study International Law and Birri Gubba Law. More information can be found on Facebook and Telegram.

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International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, 2025, carries a theme that couldn’t be more fitting—March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls. It’s a rallying cry that acknowledges how far we’ve come while urging us to keep moving, pushing, and striving for a future where every woman and girl can thrive.

Across Australia, the day will be marked with powerful events, from leadership summits to grassroots gatherings, all celebrating the achievements of women while addressing the work still ahead. From Melbourne’s academic symposiums to rural Queensland’s gatherings honouring women in agriculture, the message is clear—progress is built on collective strength.

Here in Mackay, that strength is evident in the women who lead from the front, challenge expectations, and build a legacy that stretches far beyond today. In industries once dominated by men, women are not only making their mark—they’re changing the game. From accountants and real estate agents to lawyers, IT specialists, and financial advisers, their influence is shaping the region’s economy and future.

Breaking through glass ceilings is never easy, but Mackay’s women are doing just that—leading in sectors where female voices were once scarce. Whether it’s in construction, engineering, or local government, they’re proving that capability knows no gender.

Beyond boardrooms and businesses, women in Mackay are creating sanctuaries for others, offering refuge, support, and a safe space to rebuild. Women helping women isn’t just a phrase—it’s a movement. From career mentorship to personal empowerment, they are lifting each other up, ensuring that success isn’t a solitary journey.

This year’s IWD feature shines a spotlight on some of Mackay’s most inspiring women—the trailblazers, the change-makers, and the quiet achievers whose contributions make a difference every day. Their stories remind us that progress isn’t just about celebrating where we are; it’s about making sure we never stand still.

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The Northern Beaches Community Playgroup (NBCP) is set to return in 2025, once again made possible through the BMA Benefiting My Community Grant. This year, in addition to the usual play and connection sessions, families can look forward to twelve special "super sessions" throughout the year, including BMA Playfest, BMA Fun Friday, and BMA Bookweek.

These sessions will feature a range of engaging activities for young children, including gross motor programs, puppet shows, music, art, and dance experiences. The Mackay Regional Council Libraries team will also be involved, bringing their First Five Forever program and Parker, the Mobile Library Van, to enhance early childhood learning. This expansion has been made possible through BMA’s significant investment in the Northern Beaches community.

NBCP is a volunteer-based playgroup held each Tuesday during the school term from 9:15 to 11:15 am, rotating between the Northern Beaches Community Hall in Bucasia and various local parks and beaches. This year, families are encouraged to take a more active role in creating a true community playgroup. With a small team of volunteers managing the sessions, participants are invited to help set up the play space at the Hall, with doors opening at 9:00 am to allow for a collaborative effort in maintaining the group’s sustainability.

A new collaboration with Bucasia State School will further enrich the playgroup experience, with an early childhood specialist visiting playgroup fortnightly during even weeks of the term. Additionally, Bucasia State School will continue its partnership with Bucasia Community Kindy, hosting a Wednesday morning playgroup from 9:15 to 10:15 am on odd weeks of the term.

The Northern Beaches Community Playgroup remains committed to fostering healthy childhood development while providing a supportive network for parents and caregivers. The continued support from the community and key partners—including BMA, Greater Whitsunday Communities, Play Matters, Bucasia State School, and Mackay Regional Council—ensures that families in the Northern Beaches region have access to high-quality early learning experiences.

For the full term schedule and locations, families are encouraged to follow Northern Beaches Community Playgroup on social media.

Northern Beaches Playgroup Options:
Tuesday – Northern Beaches Community Playgroup: 9:15 – 11:15 am
Wednesday – Bucasia Community Kindy: 9:15 – 10:15 am (starting 26th Feb – odd weeks of term)
Thursday – Eimeo Road State School: 9:00 – 10:00 am (starting 6th March)

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By Ruth Puddefoot

Cane toads can be found everywhere across Queensland and persistent action needs to be taken to remove them. The Watergum Cane Toad Challenge came back again this year for their annual Great Cane Toad Bust event. With over 50,000 toads removed last year, they hoped to match that number and surpass it this season with state-wide help.

Being prolific breeders, Cane Toads are notorious pests producing up to 30,000 eggs at a time, and can live up to 10 years. They are toxic at all stages of their life cycle and when ingested, the toads’ skin and poison glands can kill many animals. They easily destroy ecosystems, devouring everything they can fit in their mouths as they are very resourceful omnivores.

The Great Toad Bust aims to put a stop to their spread, and one day remove them from Australia.

Thousands of participants across Queensland registered their efforts over the week-long Cane Toad Challenge event showing just how many toads they could remove to protect their own communities from this invasion. Studies show control efforts like specialised traps, can remove up to 47% of cane toads from localised populations and the Watergum website has many helpful tips on how to trap and humanly euthanise the toads.

If you want to help your local wildlife thrive again or just keep your own farm’s dam clear from pests, then get toad hunting! Though the event may be over, there are still plenty of toads about. Congratulations to everyone who went busting and set the new record at over 115,000 cane toads removed from all stages of live. Check out the results and see how you can help out: watergum.org/greatcanetoadbust/ Happy busting!

Huge toad busted weighing at 420g. Photo Credit: Mt Barney Lodge Facebook

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What better way to end the working week than feasting on the freshest seafood I could ask for with Whitsunday Sailing Club’s Seafood Platter for Two. This mouthwatering platter is packed with the finest local seafood, sourced from a range of top suppliers, including one of our local favourites, Fishi, guaranteeing the freshest, tastiest bites from the sea.

Get ready to indulge in a variety of flavours and textures, from the crispy battered Red Emperor Fish to the juicy local prawns, smoked salmon, fresh oysters, golden soft shell crab, and salt and pepper squid, which are tender and packed full of flavour. Each element is expertly prepared to let the natural freshness shine.

What makes this seafood feast even better? You can enjoy it while soaking in the breezy, laid-back vibes of the Whitsunday Sailing Club. Whether you're relaxing on the deck watching the boats sail by or enjoying the vibrant atmosphere inside, there’s no better place to dig into this seafood treasure.

Treat your bestie, or bring your whole crew, and share the love (and the platter!) at the Whitsunday Sailing Club. It’s fresh, it’s a feast, and it’s absolutely yummy—come hungry, leave happy!

Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays

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The Whitsundays is off to a flying start in 2025, breaking records left, right, and centre!

In just two months, The Whitsundays has welcomed 27 cruise ships, bringing over 66,000 passengers to our region. Around 52,000 of them have stepped off to soak up the sun, explore Airlie Beach and beyond and support local businesses. And it’s not slowing down—another 13 cruise ships are set to arrive in March, proving The Whitsundays is a must-stop destination for cruise lovers.

Whitsunday Coast Airport has smashed records of its own, with over 50,000 passengers passing through in January - its busiest month ever! With direct flights connecting us to major cities and even more routes on the horizon, it’s never been easier to visit our slice of paradise.

More visitors mean more buzz, more business and more love for our beautiful region - we can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings.

Contributed by Tourism Whitsundays

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Hi Everyone,

For the past decade,I’ve had the privilege of being part of the Life Publishing Groupfamily. When I first joined, we were printing two bi-monthlymagazines. Fast forward to today, and we now produce four weeklynewspapers alongside those same two magazines.

It’s been anincredible journey—one filled with growth, determination, breakingbarriers, and plenty of laughter along the way. We've embraced everychallenge, thinking outside the box, and smashing stereotypes atevery turn. What a wild ride it’s been!

This week, however,marks a significant moment for the company. My mentor, my hero, myguiding force, and the woman who has championed me since day one—BecDouthwaite—is about to embark on her own adventure with herhusband, our beloved ‘paper delivery boy,’ Douth.

The two of them areventuring overseas where they will be taking an extended vacation tothe UK, to spend quality time with family.

To say we’ll missthem both is an understatement. While Bec will continue to be a partof the business, offering advice and mentorship whenever we need it,the thought of them being thousands of miles away is hard to grasp.

Amidst all thischange, however, I can’t help but feel excited for what’s ahead.Over the past year, Bec has stepped away from the day-to-dayoperations of the business, and I’ve had the privilege of leadingthe team under her mentorship.

So, even thoughshe’s been just down the road, in many ways, I’ve already beenstepping into the role I’m now about to officially take on—leadingthe company.

It’s with greatpride and humility that I accept this position, and I want to extendmy heartfelt thanks to both Bec and Douth for placing their trust inme.

I know this businessis like a second child to you (and it is to me as well!), and Ipromise to treat it with the same care and dedication, working hardto make you both proud.

For our readers,I’ll still be based in the Whitsundays and will continue to overseethis newspaper closely. I am, however, also responsible for our otherpublications, traveling across the regions each month. This meanssome of our talented cadet journalists will have the opportunity toshine in the Editor’s note from time to time.

As the companyenters a new chapter, I want to take a moment to wish Bec and Douththe most incredible time overseas. We’ve shared so many wonderfulmemories, and I’m sure there are many more to come! When you’reready to return, we’ll all be here, eagerly waiting to welcome youback.

Rach

Quote of the Week:“Only those who dare, truly live” Ruth P Freedman

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Did you know that from 1 January 2025, intentionally underpaying an employee’s wages or entitlements can be a criminal offence? This doesn’t include honest mistakes.

The Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code Declaration 2024 (the Code) came into effect at the beginning of the year, alongside Australia’s new federal wage theft laws.

The Code provides small businesses (those with fewer than 15 employees) with a framework to avoid prosecution for underpayments that occur unintentionally. It highlights the critical need for small businesses to take a proactive approach to wage compliance.

While participation in the code is voluntary, non-compliance with wage laws, including adherence to industry awards, carries significant risks.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has the authority to impose substantive civil penalties for breaches whether known or unknown – including hefty fines, back-pay orders, possible imprisonment, and reputational damage.

To safeguard your business, it’s essential to:

regularly review payroll systems,
ensure all wages and entitlements align with industry awards and legal standards, and
maintain accurate, up-to-date records.
Proactively addressing compliance not only minimises the risk of penalties but also strengthens trust with your employees and demonstrates your commitment to fair and lawful practices.

Don’t wait for an issue to arise—take action now to ensure your business is fully compliant. If you need guidance Chamber member, Mark Lipkin from The Airlie Group, offers members 1-hour free consultations on industrial relations. Contact Mark today at mark@airliegroup.com.au

For more information, see the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/compliance-and-enforcement/criminal-prosecution/voluntary-small-business-wage-compliance-code

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Hi everyone!

Last weekend was Clean Up Australia Day, and it was fantastic to see so many wonderful organisations doing their bit to keep the beautiful Whitsundays clean.

I had the chance to visit Coral Sea Marina and witness firsthand the incredible amount of rubbish collected by volunteers.

It is heartwarming to see communities and businesses coming together for such an important cause. Back in Sydney, I often took part in scuba diving clean-ups where we removed rubbish from the ocean floor. I even once found a shopping trolley with an eel living inside.

I am currently working on my Advanced Open Water qualification and cannot wait to continue progressing in scuba diving. I am especially excited about getting involved in more environmental projects, including hopefully earning my shark and coral reef conservation specialities.

Happy reading!

Ruth

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
― Dr Jane Goodall

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By Ruth Puddefoot

Plunging into the ocean’s depths, you might be fortunate enough to encounter a Moray Eel. Known for their fierce appearance and impressive diversity, these fascinating creatures captivate divers and marine enthusiasts alike.

Beyond their striking looks, Moray Eels play a vital role as apex predators in coral reef ecosystems. Inhabiting warm, reef-rich waters, they help maintain ecological balance by preying on fish, crabs, shrimp, squid, octopuses, and even scavenging weakened or dead organisms.

Moray eels are as remarkable as their hunting technique. Expertly camouflaged within the reef, they lie in wait before launching a swift ambush. Equipped with specialised jaws and razor-sharp teeth, they can tear into prey or crush it with ease. While not typically dangerous to humans, they do pack a nasty bite. Their presence even influences the distribution of other reef species, including sharks, underscoring the intricate dynamics of marine food webs.

Although not currently classified as threatened, Moray Eels face growing risks from human activities. Conservation initiatives, such as marine protected areas and sustainable fishing practices, are crucial to safeguarding their habitats and ensuring their populations thrive for generations to come.

Fast Fact: Moray Eels can grow up to a staggering 1.5 metres

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It is easy to see Whitsunday Islands and surrounding fringing reefs as static and unchanging. But that is not true, as slow, gradual changes often go unnoticed. Over time these changes may become accepted as the status quo, the way things have always been. This phenomenon is called shifting baseline syndrome.

Shifting baseline describes a gradual change in our accepted norms and expectations for the environment across generations. Unfortunately, our tolerance for environmental degradation increases and our expectations for the natural world are lowered.

Our Whitsunday Island coral reefs are a classic example. Only 50 years ago, the quality and abundance of coral and fish was significantly better than today. As well, the water clarity, on average, was much better. But over time, the reefs have deteriorated due to poor water quality, crown-of-thorns starfish, cyclones, coral bleaching and other impacts.

But people experiencing the island reefs for the first time today would accept what they see as the norm. For the most part, today’s visitors are happy with what they see because they don’t know any better, and that is sad.

This example shows how shifting baselines affect our perception and acceptance of the state of the natural world. In truth similar changes are occurring all around us.

The consequences of shifting baseline syndrome are dire and include an increased tolerance for progressive environmental degradation, changes in people's expectations as to what is a desirable (worth protecting) state of the natural environment, and the establishment and use of inappropriate baselines for nature conservation, restoration, and management.

Now the real challenge is to look beyond the current status quo. We need to move the clock back and help rebuild the natural environment.

You can fight the growing Shifting Baseline Syndrome and help rebuild our natural environment by supporting conservation organisations, reducing our carbon footprint, participating in citizen science activities, supporting only sustainable businesses and industries, and raising awareness. Together, we can help reduce the relentless decline of the environment and provide current and future generations with a more stable baseline of what the world should be.

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Contributed by Whitsunday Conservation Council.

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Healthy Reef

Unhealthy Reef

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By Ruth Puddefoot

Cleaning up the coastline is no small task, but it’s one that the Whitsundays community is eager to take on. On Sunday, March 2nd, Coral Sea Marina became the heart of action for the annual Clean Up Australia Day event. Volunteers, fuelled by a shared passion for preserving the region’s pristine coastline, came together to make a real difference.

In partnership with the Tangaroa Blue Foundation and the ReefClean program, they tackled the shoreline, collecting litter with dedication and teamwork. But the effort didn’t stop there – after the hard work of gathering the debris, it was sorted and cataloged for the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI).

This crucial data helps track pollution sources and drives forward innovative strategies to reduce waste, ensuring that the breathtaking beauty of the Whitsundays can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Volunteers gathered at Meeting Point D, Coral Sea Marina at 8:30 am on Sunday, equipped with gloves and collection bags. After the clean-up, they learned about the impacts of marine debris and ways to protect the oceans.

A total of 61 volunteers collected an incredible 250.5 kg of waste from Airlie Beach over the morning.

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