By Amanda Wright
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Greg Williamson has secured his position as Mayor of the Mackay region for a third consecutive term, following the formal declaration of his victory by the Electoral Commission of Queensland last week. Williamson first served as Mackay's mayor from 1991 to 1994 before returning to public office in 2016.
After preferences were distributed, Williamson emerged with 51.56 per cent and Steve Jackson with 48.44 per cent in a tight race after third candidate Laurence Bonaventura conceded.
Expressing gratitude, Mayor Williamson said it is an absolute honour to be re-elected as the Mayor of the Mackay Regional Council.
“We have so much to be proud of in this region and you have my word that I will work tremendously hard with the newly appointed Council.”
He extended his thanks to the voters across the region for their confidence in his leadership, emphasising his commitment to continuing the growth and prosperity of the area.
Acknowledging the competitive election, Mayor Williamson recognised the unique group now assembled around the council table, foreseeing a term filled with potential.
"With the rough and tumble of the election campaign behind us and the will of the people placing a diverse, energetic group around the council table, I am sure it is going to be a great term,” he said.
"With six new councillors elected, this new term allows for fresh ideas and reflection of the changes our communities are calling for, it is my intent to welcome feedback and influence change in the areas that the local council can impact.
“There will be new and diverse opportunities around the table with a mix of new enthusiasm and experience.
“After talking with many of the newly elected councillors last week, I can see that everyone has the same primary motivation, to deliver the best result for the people of Mackay and work together as a united council, which is fantastic," he said.
Appreciating the support received during the drawn-out vote-counting process, Mayor Williamson conveyed his gratitude to his family for their unwavering backing throughout his journey in public service.
“Thank you to Annette, our son and daughter and their partners, and our extended family, who have provided incredible support - not just for this campaign, but for my entire journey in public life.”
The official swearing-in of elected officials was scheduled to take place yesterday, on Thursday, April 4th, followed by the council's statutory meeting next Wednesday, where the deputy mayor would be elected and statutory requirements set.
Mayor Williamson expressed eagerness for upcoming projects, including the official opening of the Finch Hatton mountain bike trails.
"After seeing the usage so far, it's clear these trails have been very well accepted by the community," he remarked.

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Mayor Greg Williamson thanked his family for their support of his mayoral campaign and his time in public office, pictured with his wife Annette and their son Dean, daughter Leigh and Dean and Leigh’s partners. Photo supplied
 
 

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A Mackay organisation will receive a share of almost $1.7 million to help build a more inclusive multicultural Queensland by delivering community-led projects that support social and economic participation and young people.
As a recipient of this year’s Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program’s project funding round, George Street Neighbourhood Centre Association Inc. will receive $42,680 to help create opportunities for people from diverse cultural backgrounds to better connect and contribute to the local community.
Fourteen projects across Queensland will share nearly $505,000 to create more economic and social opportunities for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said, “The response to this year’s funding round showed just how passionate local community groups and organisations are in building a more inclusive Queensland.

“I am thrilled George Street Neighbourhood Centre is one of the successful recipients, being able to connect new families to the services they need is a necessary service.”
In addition, another 15 projects will receive almost $1.2 million to engage young people from culturally diverse backgrounds to help break down barriers and increase their access to, and inclusion within, their community.
These include a science, technology, engineering and maths skills project to expand study and career pathways for young girls in Townsville, and a youth mentoring and support hub program that will provide social and educational activities for those facing significant barriers to participation in school and community life in Brisbane. 
Other projects include an Ubuntu theatre training and life skills project for young people from diverse African backgrounds in Cairns. 
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Charis Mullen expressed her enthusiasm towards the project, recognising the benefits and attributes the grant will have on the region.

“I’m delighted to know these projects will build on the many things Queenslanders are already doing to help their communities flourish.

“As Queenslanders, we are stronger when we ensure everyone has the chance to forge connections and contribute their skills to their local community – it’s how we can build a more inclusive, harmonious and united state.”

$1.7 million has been allocated under the 2023–24 Celebrating Multicultural Queensland project funding round through two categories: the Economic and Social Participation category and the Youth and Community Connection category.
 
Grants totalling $1.7 million have been allocated through the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program for community-led projects to build social and economic participation.
A total of 29 organisations will share in the funding.
Projects will create opportunities for Queenslanders from diverse cultural backgrounds to fully participate in local communities.

“I look forward to seeing these projects help break down barriers that may prevent some people from realising their ambitions and fully participating in the social and economic life of their community,” Minister Mullen added.

Further information about the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program can be found at www.des.qld.gov.au/cmq-program

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Neighbourhood Centre Association Inc. will receive $42,680 to help create opportunities for people from diverse cultural backgrounds to better connect and contribute to the local community.

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St Patrick’s College has a long history of offering excellence in education as a Catholic Coeducational College in the Diocese of Rockhampton catering for Years 7 to 12.
Families looking for a quality secondary education in Mackay are invited to attend the St Patrick’s College Mackay Open Night being held on Tuesday 23 April at the Mercy Campus in Penn Street, Mackay from 4.00pm to 7.00pm.
Prospective parents and students are invited to view subject displays, chat to teachers, admire students’ work and join in classroom activities. Tours of the facilities and dynamic performances from the College Choir, Band, Drum Corps, Dance Troupe, Concert Percussion, Handbell and Strings ensembles will all be scheduled throughout the evening.
Enjoy the free sausage sizzle, tea and coffee, wine and cheese for the adults, with popcorn and snow cones for sale to support the St Vinnies Committee.
For those attending there is a Treasure Map prize draw at 6:30pm at the Pavilion offering:
First Prize - $200 City Beach Gift Voucher
Second Prize - $100 City Beach Gift Voucher
Third Prize - $50 City Beach Gift Voucher
Why enrol at St Patrick’s College? St Pat’s is a partnership between students, staff and parents, providing an environment of learning, personal growth and faith development while recognising students as young adults.

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Nestled in the city heart of Mackay, Fusion 128 restaurant and bar offers a delightful ambience of comfort, vintage charm, and tasty cuisine at a reasonable price. As you step through the doors, you're greeted by a warm and inviting vintage atmosphere.

What sets Fusion 128 apart is its commitment to providing not just a meal, but an experience. The friendly service from the moment you enter until the moment you bid farewell creates a welcoming environment for guests.

‘A menu of popular Modern Australian dishes are given a twist by incorporating native bush herbs and taking culinary influence from Asian and French techniques.’

Fusion 128 prides itself on serving up dishes that not only satisfy the taste buds but leave a lasting impression. From succulent duck breast to tender beef cheeks and mouth-watering sirloin steak, each dish is carefully crafted to perfection. The barramundi, a local wild catch, showcases the restaurant's commitment to supporting local produce and delivering freshness with every bite.

It's not just about what's on the plate; it's about the overall experience. Fusion 128 goes above and beyond to ensure that every visit is memorable. Guests can occasionally have the opportunity to engage in a magical game, adding an element of fun and excitement to their dining experience.

For those looking for a dining experience like no other, Fusion 128 offers a popular three-course special for both lunch and dinner, making it accessible to all. While walk-ins are always welcome, it's recommended to make a reservation, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

“People should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labour, for these are gifts from God,” Ecclesiastes 3:13

Book your next reservation now by calling 0408533188 or 49999329.

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Experience the rich tapestry of Thai flavours crafted from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients bursting with the vibrant colours of the rainbow. Here, freshness meets health as the carefully curated menu boasts an array of dishes cooked with minimal oil for a guilt-free feast.

Embrace the spirit of tradition woven into every dish without breaking the bank.

Indulge in a masterful menu, inspired by centuries of culinary heritage. With an air-conditioned interior for 50 and an alfresco setting for 40, enjoy the cool cosy ambience. For larger groups, the restaurant’s doors are open to accommodate gatherings of over 100.

Dietary requirements catered for! Gluten-free, Coeliac, low-sugar and Keto options are available!

Delight in timeless classics like pad Thai, Singapore noodles, honey king prawns, and cashew chicken. Explore authentic specialties such as chilli basil beef, roast duck hot pot, and the fiery jungle curry. Our local favourites like special fried rice and crowd-pleasing starters like satay chicken skewers and san choy bow await the discerning palates of diners.
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Join Tropical Phoenix Garden Restaurant for an Asian-inspired feast filled with tradition and flavours – they are open 365 days of the year!

Enjoy authentic Cantonese cuisine at Tropical Phoenix Garden Restaurant, River Street, Mackay. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Step into the laughter-filled atmosphere at LAFFOS for their famous Tuesday Trivia night! It's not your typical brain-busting quiz; it's all about having a LAFF (that's "laugh" for the uninitiated).
Starting promptly at 7 pm, prepare for three rounds of brain-teasers that are more about wit than wisdom. And fear not, the fun wraps up by 8:30 pm, so you won't miss your beauty sleep. While testing your knowledge, indulge in one of LAFFOS' mouthwatering handmade pizzas because let's face it, pizza makes everything better.
For bookings, simply ring up 4898 1121. Oh, and here's a little insider tip: don't forget to check out their Facebook page every Tuesday for two free answers, so you can impress your pals with your "genius" knowledge (or lack thereof)!

Enjoy one of Laffos’ mouth-watering pizzas while enjoying light-hearted trivia. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Last week in the region’s rustic inland town of Clermont, the community gathered for the grand opening of the Clermont Historic Village Museum, marking a celebration of heritage and camaraderie.
Mackay Isaac Tourism hosted its inaugural Meet & Mingle event of 2024, welcoming esteemed guests including Mayor Elect Kelly Vea Vea and Tourism Chair Jane Pickles. Against the backdrop of Clermont's rich history, attendees enjoyed engaging conversations and delightful treats from Lotta Latte's during an afternoon picnic.
However, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the museum's new exhibitions: "Clermont Curiosities" and "Diary of a Landscape." These exhibits, featuring captivating artifacts and an innovative junk journal aesthetic, offered a glimpse into the essence of our lands and the narratives of those who traversed them.
For those yet to explore the wonders of the Clermont Historical Centre, a visit is highly recommended.
Clermont Historical Centre, Gregory Hwy, Clermont
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Hours: Wed to Sat 9am-3pm

Photos supplied: Mackay Isaac Tourism

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St Mary's gears up to mark its centenary milestone this August, with events that aim to bring together past and current students, families and staff in a celebration of the school’s significant contribution to the local Mackay region.
Established just a few short years after the end of the Great War, and with Mackay still reeling following the devastating cyclone of 1918, St Mary's school began its journey with a commitment to providing a quality Catholic education for the families of South Mackay.  With an initial enrolment of about 50 students, St Mary’s was originally staffed by two Sisters of Mercy, who were transported each day over rutted dirt roads from their convent on River St.  The original school building (pictured) was funded and built by local families and was a mainstay of school and community life for many years.  
Over the decades, St Mary's has remained steadfast in its dedication to providing an exceptional educational experience, shaping the lives of thousands of children who have passed through its doors. From its modest beginnings to the current day, St Mary's continues to uphold its mission to foster academic achievement, spiritual growth and a strong sense of community pride among its now 380 students.  
As the school embarks on its hundredth year, it invites the wider community to partake in events that honour the past, celebrate the present and embrace the future.  The festivities kick off with a Centenary Mass, to be celebrated by Bishop Michael McCarthy at the school on 6th Aug.  Following the Centenary Mass, the school will host a formal dinner on Friday, 9th August, where guests can reconnect with old friends, former classmates and teachers, reminiscing about schoolyard memories while forging new bonds in celebration of this significant milestone.
On Sunday, 11th August from 9am-12pm, St Mary's opens its doors to the community during the school’s Family Fun Day. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore open classrooms, experiencing firsthand the innovative learning environment that the current students of St Mary's enjoy.  Additionally, families can partake in the excitement of jumping castles, indulge in delicious treats, and peruse a display of memorabilia spanning the school's history, including items from the 1999-time capsule.  A highlight of the Fun Day will be the dedication of a new time capsule. Filled with mementos and messages from current students and staff, the time capsule will serve as a testament to the school's commitment to education in the Mackay community, and will be unveiled at the 125th anniversary in 2049.
As the Mackay community joins in celebrating St Mary's centenary, the school extends its heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support and camaraderie that have enriched its journey over the past hundred years. Together, let us honour the legacy of St Mary's School and embrace the future as we embark on the next chapter of our story.
For further details and inquiries about the centenary celebrations, please visit the St Mary's Catholic Primary School Facebook page or email smm_centenary@rok.catholic.edu.au
Contributed by St Mary’s School Principal, Wes Rose

St Mary’s School Captains - Ryder Reynolds, Zander Otto, Jaylah Breayley and Kalani van Lint - pictured with the time capsule (dedicated in 1999) to be opened during this year’s centenary celebrations
The original St Mary’s school building (Morley St), which opened its doors in 1924. Images supplied

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Two separate tragic family losses are the reason Dr Alison Pighills is so passionate
about falls prevention.

The Mackay researcher has been awarded $4 million in funding to conduct a five-year
study into reducing fall-related injuries which will have an enormous impact on the
ageing population worldwide.

It’s the culmination of 20 years of hard work and a project very close to the heart of
the Mackay Hospital and Health Service Principal Research Fellow and Adjunct
Associate Professor with James Cook University (JCU).

While working on her PhD investigating the clinical effectiveness of home hazard
reduction to prevent falls in older people in 2006, her father-in-law died instantly
following a head injury after he fell downstairs at home at night in the dark. Her
mother-in-law Kath died after surgery eight years later after she fell whilst getting out
of bed and broke her hip.

“Ernest and Kath are two very good reasons why I am so passionate about falls
prevention - we miss them both every day,” Dr Pighills said.

As one of the biggest study grants received by a MHHS researcher, Dr Pighills hopes
the study and her research knowledge will be adopted and implemented by
occupational therapists (OTs) to identify and reduce home hazards contributing to falls
in the elderly.

Dr Pighills said that a recent Cochrane systematic review which she co-authored had
already proven the intervention was highly effective in reducing the rate of falls by
about 39 per cent in elderly people with three or more falls risk factors.

“Older people at high risk of falls is the category of people that this intervention is
extremely effective with and can reduce falls by approximately 39 per cent,” Dr Pighills said.

“The person will identify what they think increases their risk of falling, when they feel
unsafe doing certain tasks, such as dressing or showering, and the OT will encourage
them to not only identify their own risks but also identify their own solutions.”

Set to begin later this year, the study will be progressively rolled out with OTs in 12
sites - ten across Queensland, including the Mackay Hospital and Health Service, and
two sites in other states. The study involves supervision of participating OTs from the
public and private health system, non-government organisations and community-
based services, to ensure they properly implement EAM and involves a clinical trial to
evaluate the effectiveness of implementation.

Dr Pighills said the study reinforced that Mackay Institute of Research and Innovation
(MIRI) could be competitive in the grant funding rounds and was engaging in research
which translated into innovative practice.

“We hope this study will have a massive impact on reducing the risk of falls for elderly
people not just within Australia, but worldwide,” Dr Pighills said.

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Dr Alison Pighills, passionate researcher, receives funding to conduct a five-year study into reducing fall-related injuries. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Primary producers in the Mackay district have the opportunity to expand their knowledge, free of charge, at a series of Rabo Client Council workshops.
The workshops are designed to help provide the financial skills essential to managing an agricultural enterprise and will provide farmers with an opportunity to both upskill and network.
The initiative has been spearheaded and funded by food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank’s Rabo Client Council, a group of the bank’s farming clients who volunteer their time implementing programs that contribute to the sustainability of rural and regional communities.
Offered free of charge to participants, the interactive workshops provide practical, hands-on advice for understanding financial statements and banking requirements and explore topics such as taxation versus management accounting, essential business management ratios and understanding key components of a business’s financial profile.
Northern Queensland & Northern Territory Rabo Client Council member and Mackay-based accountant, Tony Olsen said “financial skills are important for our producers and the next generation of producers.
“Many of our next-generation farmers may be highly educated, or have extensive on-farm experience, but understanding financial reporting and banking requirements is often foreign to them which is why these workshops are so valuable,” he said.
Mr Olsen said the workshop content would consider cash flow implications of a variety of enterprises and there will also be a focus on preparing annual cash flow budgets.
He said the content had been specifically tailored for the workshop locations – focusing on beef and sugar enterprises at Mackay and sugar and horticulture operations for Ayr.
“The workshops have been designed so couples and family members can attend together – it is a really valuable opportunity to get away from the farm for the day to take in the same information and develop an understanding of financial reporting together,” he said.
Rabobank head of relationship management for Northern Queensland and Northern
The workshops, limited to 30 participants each and are not restricted to the bank’s clients, will be presented by director of Hudson Facilitation, Tony Hudson.
The workshop will be held at the Windmill Hotel and Events Centre, North Mackay, on Tuesday, April 9 from 8:30am to 3:30pm.
To register to participate, visit rabobankaunz.eventsair.com/financial-skills-workshops/registration/Site/Register.
Morning tea and lunch catering will be provided.

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Northern Queensland & Northern Territory Rabo Client Council member Tony Olsen

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This time last year, post the annual Dubai sugar conference, there was a reasonably consistent view that the market had upside potential on supply constraints. In effect, the fundamentals played out for most of the year and the speculative money helped push prices to record highs. This spectacularly unwound at the end of our season, and we are now in the mid to lower end of last year’s trading range.

The views this year are much more two-sided.

The Brazilian crop is obviously the primary focus, and we will soon start to see some results as the dry period for February and March allowed for an early start to harvest. A recent forecast of rain may be viewed as a short-term positive for the market, as it will delay harvest output.

It is early in the 24/25 season and global production and consumption forecasts are very contingent on a few key variables. With Brazil providing around 80% of the global raw sugar trade, the focus is rightly on the expected Brazilian cane tonnage, ATR, and sugar mix, which will be driving the expected change in global raw sugar stocks.

Wilmar is currently forecasting a reduced crop, from the record 665 million tonne crop harvested last year, of more than 600 million tonnes. This, combined with an increase in the sugar-to-ethanol mix of over 50%, results in a sugar make not unlike last year’s record sugar production.

In addition, there has been a supply response in the mid-tier production countries with Russia, Ukraine, and the EU all seeing an increase in sugar beet production, as the economics stack up against a depressed wheat and corn price.

Likewise, China is expected to increase sugar beet production for the same reasons.

By adding half a million tonnes here and there around the globe, the supply total creeps up. As underlying demand or consumption is expected to increase its relentless rise at roughly 1.5-2.0 million tonnes a year, the supply total needs to creep up.

The period of sustained high sugar prices last year did little to erode this momentum.

Currently, we are forecasting a small surplus of stock for 24/25 season which will keep global sugar prices under pressure. This is contrary to many other trade house views around the world who forecast a more bullish outlook.

As noted, it is early days and a small change in one of the key assumptions around Brazilian output can have a significant effect on the market in either direction - so nothing is assured at this point.

Growers will need to have their risk management hat on this year as we are likely to see a more volatile market as opposed to the one-way traffic we enjoyed last year – until we didn’t!

For more information, please get in touch with your local Grower Marketing consultant.

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Sugar price movements over the last two years

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Greater Whitsunday Alliance and the Resources Centre of Excellence are hosting the region’s first ever decarbonisation summit in May, to help local businesses understand their role in carbon reduction.

Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) chief executive officer Ms Kylie Porter said the Decarbonisation Accelerated Summit is focused on unlocking thinking around decarbonisation and to provide a platform for actionable change across our region’s businesses, industries, and economy.

“This summit will be a pivotal event for our region’s businesses, charting a course towards unlocking new value stream opportunities associated with decarbonisation in the Greater Whitsunday region,” said Ms Porter.

“As the world changes, we want our region to be well on the way to diversify its economic base through decarbonised industries and business practices, ensuring long -term social and economic prosperity.”

The Decarbonisation Accelerated Summit will bring together thought leaders, industry experts, and innovative minds to delve into the transformative potential of decarbonisation.

Bestselling author and international trend specialist Michael McQueen will be one of the day’s featured keynotes.

Mr McQueen will provide insight into the shifts toward a decarbonised world and how local change can have a global impact.

The summit will also hear from sustainable development specialist and founder of ThinkZero Cle-Anne Gabriel who will give businesses the tools to commence their net zero journeys but will also explore case studies from her own experiences and where businesses have successfully changed to a decarbonised future.

Ms Gabriel has provided advice on sustainability and decarbonisation projects in four Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) countries. She has also provided advice on regional level policy and planning in Japan, the European Union, and New Zealand.

Along with being the project manager and co-designer of the European Commission funded zero emission certification pilot program Ms Gabriel founded Australia’s first Carbon Literacy program, certifying corporate clients on their journey to Net Zero.

Also featured in the summit program will be some of Australia’s leading decarbonisation experts and leaders from industry and government including BHP, Clean Energy Council, Main Sequence, Sedgman, Cauldron and the Sustainable Minerals Institute.

The Decarbonisation Accelerated Summit is a joint initiative of the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) and Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3).

Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) Mr Steven Boxall said the summit is an initial step for businesses, especially those in the METS sector to take, as we support the region's industries to decarbonise.

“Our focus is to drive innovation and collaboration and rapidly accelerate our region’s adoption of low carbon activities, initiatives, and product development within all sectors.

"The summit will transform regional business and industry thinking and fast track our region’s approach to climate- positive action,” Mr Boxall said.

Tickets for the Decarbonisation Accelerated Summit are now on sale. To find your tickets and learn more, visit https://events.humanitix.com/decarbonisation-accelerated-summit.

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Queensland mining company QCoal and its partners have launched a public campaign against the State Labor Government over a decision which they say will force 800 mine workers to live in a town without shops, permanent police, or medical facilities.
 
QCoal, which owns and operates six mines across Queensland, says it was blindsided by the State Government “cynically introducing targeted legislation attached to a child protection bill”.

“The secret legislation will force the closure of an established mining camp and threaten the future of Byerwen mine and its 800 jobs,” a QCoal representative said in a media statement.

QCoal group’s website for the campaign says that the effect of this is to force workers who are happily living in regional Queensland to uproot themselves and their families to move to the tiny mining town of Glenden.
 
“Families and children of workers would be torn from the homes, schools, and jobs they love or have the awful choice of living separately from their loved ones,” the campaign reads.

“And these workers would then be forced to travel up to two hours to and from work each day, on unsafe roads, after long 12.5-hour shifts.
 
“Unhappy workers who don’t want to move, uproot their families, give up their lifestyle or travel while exhausted are out of luck.

“The State Government says it’s this or lose your job!”

QCoal has joined with other companies affected by the legislation to form Energy Resources Queensland (ERQ) to run a campaign against the State Government decision in the lead-up to the State Election.
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Image source: qcoal.com.au

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Emerging engineers at Moranbah State High produced pulley systems, programmed roaming robots and completed a design challenge as part of the Big STEM Day last month.
 
Over 120 Year 8 students participated in the full-day event rotating through activities delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) with the support of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).  
 
School principal, Michelle Pole, said the Big STEM Day gave the students an introduction to a range of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) activities in a fun setting.
 
“The students worked in groups to complete each of the activities throughout the day and there were points awarded at the end of each round,” said Ms Pole.
 
“They are competitive, so the team challenge gave them plenty of incentive to be creative and collaborate to solve problems,” she said.
 
Mick Thomas, General Manager of BMA’s Peak Downs Mine, said BMA was proud to sponsor the Big STEM Day again after it had been successfully introduced last year.
 
“There is a great community here in Moranbah and we are keen to get involved in activities which benefit the school and students,” he said.
 
“Four of our team members helped facilitate the day and were able to provide some real-life context for how these STEM activities reflected in a larger scale on site – like the use of pulley systems to move large loads and robotics to remotely control vehicles and equipment.”
 
Katrina-Lee Jones, Director of Skills, Education and Diversity for the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) said the STEM activities had been specifically selected to complement the Australian curriculum and reflect local operations at BMA.
 
“Days like these have been designed to excite students about studying STEM and create greater understanding of how these subjects apply to solving problems in the real world,” said Ms Jones.
 
The QMEA is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council and partners with industry and government to show school students how studying STEM and trades can open up a world of career opportunities in the resources sector.

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Photos supplied

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One evening recently I noticed our family dog curled up next to my wife in a tight, protective ball, clearly scared and seeking protection from me and positioning herself as far away from me as she could get while remaining in the loungeroom.
This dog that I take running and play-fight with and pat and hug and spoil was scared of me and hiding behind my wife.
I said: “What’s wrong with Millie?”
My wife said: “You’re watching the footy.”
I’m an AFL person and a Sydney Swans fan and I was watching the first game of the year on a Thursday night against the Melbourne Football Club. I had high expectations, and still do, for the Bloods this year.
And as any sports fan knows (and I know it’s no different in rugby league), the way you speak, the volume of your voice, the apparent anger you display in the privacy of your own loungeroom when your team is playing can be somewhat different to the way you normally conduct yourself.
I reflected on what my dog would have witnessed: Me standing up from the couch, arms in the air, yelling, “Bull…. umpire, you friggin’ idiot!!”. Even my words of praise for my team were animated and shouted at the top of my voice; “Well done boys, stick it to ‘em!!”
I remember turning to my wife at one stage and angrily asking: “Why would that be a bloody free kick?”
Now I knew, and my wife knew, that I wasn’t blaming her for the poor umpiring decision and that it was a rhetorical question asked out of exasperation.
But my dog clearly hadn’t picked up on that nuanced, yet very important, detail.
I realised that all my dog knew was that this normally predictable, friendly member of the pack had suddenly gone rogue, apparently now a threatening, aggressive beast preparing to unleash all manner of ill-will on those around him.
She misinterpreted the situation.  But that wasn’t her fault, it was mine.
I was in a text exchange recently when the property buyer I had been talking to misinterpreted what I had said.
The buyer had texted me an offer in the high $500,000s on a property and I texted back, saying the seller was “looking for something in the $600,000s”.
The buyer texted an explanation for why her offer was at the price she had given. I was worried that she did not realise the offer was rejected. So I texted back, saying “Sorry, just to be clear, the seller has rejected your offer”.
Now I was only saying that because I wanted to make sure I had been clear. But the buyer misinterpreted the text and said: “There’s no need to be so rude.”
I apologized straight away and said I had not meant to be rude. But when I re-read the text I could see how she might feel that. We moved on very quickly and she ended up buying the property and during the process we became quite friendly and I really enjoyed working with her.
But the lesson for me was that texting doesn’t convey the emphasis or nuance of the spoken word.
If I had spoken to the buyer she would have picked up in the tone of my voice that I was not being rude, but quite apologetically clarifying that her offer had been rejected as I felt I had not been clear enough with my initial response.
It was a reminder to me that the important conversations must not be made via text or email. An agent needs to pick up the phone and convey things clearly, allowing tone of voice and emphasis to have their role in clear communication.
Meanwhile, Millie has taught me to calm down a bit during the footy and things seem a lot better for her. Although, she might become an outdoors dog during the September finals.

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