St Paul’s Anglican Church in Proserpine is holding their annual Cent Sale which is due to take place this Saturday.

This year the event will be held at a different venue, with the Proserpine Show Pavilion becoming the site of the Cent Sale.

Doors are set to open at 11.30am for a 12.30pm start.  

Admission of $5 includes Lucky Door prize and a Devonshire tea. 

Raffles and lots of wonderful prizes to be won.

All money raised goes to the maintenance of this heritage listed Church.

WHAT: Cent Sale

WHERE: Proserpine Show Pavilion

WHEN: Saturday 16 March from 11.30am

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By Amanda Wright

Amidst the flurry of campaign posters and eager constituents, three distinct figures emerge, each carrying a story as colourful as a Shoal Point sunset, each vying to be our region’s next Mayor.

First in the lineup is Greg Williamson, a name familiar to many, not just for his tenure as Mayor but for his roots deeply embedded in Mackay's community. Yet, few know of his formative years spent amidst the disciplined ranks of the Air Force cadets. It was there, under the wing of military mentors, that Williamson learned the values of leadership, discipline, and service—lessons that would shape his approach to public office and civic duty.

Opposing Williamson is Laurence Bonaventura, a man whose Italian heritage infuses every aspect of his being, from his fiery passion for community to his unwavering commitment to family. But beyond the allure of his ancestry lies a lesser-known tale—a tale of adrenaline-fueled escapades tearing through rugged rally tracks. Bonaventura's time behind the wheel wasn't just about speed and skill; it was a testament to his resilience, his daring spirit, and his unyielding pursuit of excellence—a spirit he now brings to the forefront of his political campaign.

And of course there's Steve Jackson, a towering figure whose presence on the rugby league field once struck fear into the hearts of opponents. But beyond the roar of the crowds and the thunder of tackles lies a man of depth and determination. Jackson's journey from the rugby pitch to the political arena speaks volumes about his character—a character forged in the crucible of competition, teamwork, extensive small business ownership and unwavering commitment to his community.

As these three candidates stand poised on the brink of history, Mackay braces itself for a showdown unlike any other. With each contender bringing a unique blend of experience, heritage, and passion to the table, the stage is set for a mayoral race that promises to captivate hearts, minds, and ballot boxes alike.

Mackay Mayoral Showdown

Steve Jackson

Northern Beaches road issues – what can council do to ease the congestion?

It's a tough situation because it's a state road and the state needs to fix the problem. I spent four years in Canberra and as we know Canberra is roundabout city. That roundabout in Richmond where the golf course is, it's a tough intersection. You need the same amount of cars coming out of the Northern Beaches as there are going back in for the traffic to flow, otherwise the cars that slide around Golf Links Road stop that flow of traffic coming from Bunnings. Maybe the quick fix in that situation is a set of lights, on timers, that have the through traffic going through more frequently than the cross traffic does. We can talk overpasses and bridges, maybe a bridge from Blacks Beach to Slade Point, but the quick solution would be traffic lights at that intersection.

Pioneer / Burdekin Pumped Hydro - tell us how you feel about this project.

We haven’t hidden the fact that our team oppose the hydro dam. We know we need renewable energy, maybe in another place. I would hate to see a 65m wall bust, there would be no Mackay left. I love that pristine valley. As a young man I used to go to the Chalet to watch the World Hangliding Championships. A Skyrail like they have in Cairns, to drop of the mountain bikers and then take people to the Chalet for lunch, I’d much prefer that to build tourism than the hydro project. We need tourism for growth. We need to ignite pride and empower growth.

Activating the Pioneer River - what does this mean for the CBD?

We’ve turned our back on the Pioneer River forever, yet it’s the gem to the crown. It’s one of only two blue water rivers in Queensland. Wouldn’t it be incredible to see something similar to Brisbane’s Eat Street there. Perhaps close River Street to traffic and have boutique restaurants and shops lining the river. I think we’ve missed the boat. We used to have raft races down the Pioneer. I’d love to see more activity like jet skis. Look at the Strand and Yeppoon, let’s use those areas as examples. In 20 years time, why not a water park on the Pioneer River?

Can rates lower without a significant cut to services?

We’ve been told that we’re irresponsible and it’s impossible to lower rates. I understand the cost of everything going up every year, I’ve been in business for 26 years. We need to run council like a business. We need to tighten belts. I teach 14-year-old kids in my chicken shop, that if they save me 1 cent, they save me $1,000. It’s not about the money. It’s about the thought process to save that money. So what kind of wastage is there in the day-to-day workings of council? I would get a very good accountant to do an independent internal audit to understand the day-to-day spending. We don’t want to cut services, we need services. I think we need to look at alternative income streams for council other than rates.

What do you hope to achieve in the next term of council if you're elected as Mayor?

Firstly we need to work out what the ongoing debt is. My strength is being a leader of a team. I’ve coached rugby league, and while some will argue sport has nothing to do with business, it does. The foundations of success are the same principle. If something’s not working you need to look at the top. It’s no secret there’s a fractured council there at the moment, we need to fix that and work together at the top. When we collectively vote on something, we all need to work together.

Why should we vote for you?

While my foundation is rugby league, I add strings to my bow every day. Whatever I’ve loved I’ve been good at. Give me enough time, I’ll be good at the job of Mayor. I’ll keep building relationships and knocking on doors. I won’t stop. I’m in a great position in life, I have a beautiful family who support me. I’m part of a team, Jacko’s Team Mackay First that backs me all the way. I want to pull the weight of Mackay forward. I love Mackay with a passion and I don’t want to leave a legacy of failure. I want people to say, that bloke that was Mayor, he did a good job.

Greg Williamson

Northern Beaches road issues – what can council do to ease the congestion?

TMR have said from their traffic surveys that the numbers don’t meet the requirements for duplication of the Mackay Bucasia Road, which is no joy for those living in the Northern Beaches. My view has been to signalise that intersection where the roundabout is at Habana Road and Golf Links Road. It’s about taking realistic steps that aren’t hugely expensive to deliver an outcome for the people using that road on a daily basis. We’re also investing in the Northern Beaches and Stage one of the Northern Beaches Community Hub has started. That will be the community centre and play areas. Stage two will see a library and then stage three will be an aquatic centre and possibly a day hospital, so we’re looking at ways of taking traffic off the road by having more facilities in the Northern Beaches itself.

Pioneer / Burdekin Pumped Hydro - tell us how you feel about this project.

In terms of the future for Queensland energy, we have to admit that hydro schemes and all the other schemes of green energy production need to be looked at. There's no doubt that this is the right project, it's just in the wrong location. We do not want this at the top end of our Pioneer Valley. You have to ask yourself the question, the report that was meant to go before Parliament in July, why was it put off until after the election? Either they’re not ready or there’s some stuff in that report that they don’t want people to hear before the election. Then there’s the cost, an estimated 12 billion, but it’s more likely going to be 30 billion. People are saying that’s too much money.

Activating the Pioneer River - what does this mean for the CBD?

There are only two blue water rivers on the eastern seaboard of Australia, I believe, and we've got one of them. And it's a beautiful river. Now, it’s the first time in a long time where people can see the river from River Street and not just old warehouses. We’ve put a nod to the heritage by using some of the old warehouse timber in what we’ve built along the riverfront for families to enjoy. The pontoon has been talked about for 20 years and that’s just been installed. Our long-term plan is to have community interaction right along the river from Paxton’s to the boat ramp. If you think of the Strand in Townsville, that’s the long-term vision right down to Billington Esplanade, but that will take time.

What is a common question voters have been asking during pre-poll?

One thing voters have been confused about is that with the mayoral vote it’s optional preferential, so you don’t need to put 1,2 and 3. You can just put 1 for the person you want as Mayor if you like. There’s also been some talk about divisions, and that’s a state government decision. So our council would need to take a vote on whether we think divisions would benefit our community and then pass that to the state government for approval. But it’s still not clear to me that rural people would benefit from divisions. The bulk of the people who live in the 42 communities in the Mackay region live in the urban areas. Divisions might be easier at election time but I don’t think the region benefits.

What do you hope to achieve in the next term of council if you're elected as Mayor?

We’ve got a lot on the go and that’s why I’m seeking another term. We’ve just opened stage one of the mountain bike trails which have been highly endorsed by those who have ridden them so far. Once you add that adventure trail from Eungella to Finch Hatton, it will be a world-beating area. We’ve got the waterfront which we’ve discussed, once we get on with that we can move down towards Billington Esplanade. There’s the momentum with the Northern Beaches Community Hub, it’s about attracting money to progress with those stages, plus the Mirani Heritage Precinct which will be a great addition to the valley. And the Sarina CBD beautification. There’s a lot going on.

Why should we vote for you?

I think I've proven over the last eight years as Mayor that my heart's in Makay. The record will show that our economic responsibility has been right there. For eight years, the average rate increase has been 1.6%. So, despite what some say, our rates are not the dearest in Queensland. When I came to Council in 2016, we were the dearest rating Council in Queensland. We're about middle of the pack right now. We started off with $173 million in debt. By the end of this June, we'll have $40 million in debt. So, we've carved a huge $130 million of our debt balance. I want to keep doing the job that I'm doing because I know that we've got things to deliver.

Laurence Bonaventura

Northern Beaches road issues – what can council do to ease the congestion?

The first point is to continue to lobby state government for improvements. Duplication is probably a long way off. There could be improvements around some of those access points onto Mackay Bucasia Road and some of the roundabouts. Option two, there are two parallel routes, one down Dawson Boulevard, which could be connected, and the other one is at Norwood Parade through Kerrisdale.  The issue with both of them is one comes out at Golf Links Road, one comes out at Mackay Habana Road. Therefore, you could push the congestion back onto Makay Bucasia Road and actually make no improvement to our traffic times at all. I really think we need to look at in our new planning scheme, ensuring that we have ample commercial land allocated in the Northern Beaches, because we need people to be able to live and work and play in the area without driving into town.

Pioneer / Burdekin Pumped Hydro - tell us how you feel about this project.

I think council needs to be in there now working with those residents that are going to be directly affected should the area around Netherdale inundate and the two dams at the top of Eungella happen, because they're the ones directly impacted and I do fear for their mental health. To lose 40 or 50 families out of that area will not only impact Netherdale but the surrounding area as well. What we need to do is look at talking with the people from Queensland Hydro and see if there's an alternative for those people who want to stay in the valley to achieve that. I think we need to be doing that now, because if Queensland Hydro decides to go ahead, we could be too late to put all that other planning into place and be ready to assist them in that transition.

Activating the Pioneer River - what does this mean for the CBD?

There are some very big plans to activate the Pioneer River and go right out to Town Beach. It's something we've got to do in stages and I believe what we have done thus far is ample to create a real interest in the region. What’s been done at the River Wharfs is great but it hasn’t really achieved that self-activation of families taking their fish and chips creating crowds of people on the riverfront. So we need to stop and take a look at what needs to be done. I think we take a look at the area between the bridge and St Patrick’s church. I know the Mackay and District Italian Association is keen on developing that area, something small that could activate quite easily, like a wood-fired pizza oven for pizza nights with music. In terms of bringing life into the CBD, let’s talk to developers and build the existing building up, to include a few levels of accommodation up the top, commercial offices on the second floor and boutique stores on the ground. That will bring a community back into town where they will want to live, grab a coffee, go to the bakery, grab their produce, all in the CBD. And then walk to the river for pizza night.

Can rates lower without a significant cut to services?

I know people talk about reducing rates and there are council candidates out there preaching that they're going to lower rates. That's a fallacy. It's just not possible to do that. Having spent time on council and understanding the system, it is not possible when you've got cost of living going up at a very rapid rate. The costs that we'd have to cut out on what's getting done as a council every day would be horrendous. There'd have to be so many services that would have to close, there'd be so many employees that we'd have to put off because we just couldn't afford to do anywhere near what we're doing at the moment. Operational costs are one of those high expense items that we have as a council and it is just not possible to cut them.

Why should we vote for you?

To wait four years is too late. We need to do it now. We need to really start looking at change because to wait another four years and to run on a constant, the current system we're running I think is very dangerous. To jump into something unknown with another team is also very dangerous because they have no background in how the Council runs. I bring the background, I bring the understanding and I certainly bring the honesty and the willingness to work with anyone that's elected to Council. I certainly would like to encourage people to give me their vote and let me have a go. 

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Caption: Mackay Life Editor Amanda Wright sat down with Laurence Bonaventura, Greg Williamson and Steve Jackson to ask the mayoral candidates a final set of questions before hte local elections on March 16. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Imagine our community as a stage, set for a performance unlike any other. As the curtains draw back on the upcoming local elections, the spotlight falls on three individuals poised to take centre stage in shaping our collective future.

On page 30, David Fisher, our friend from Gardian, shares his candid perspective on the candidates. He humorously admits his dilemma of remaining neutral due to his friendships with all three contenders. It's a sentiment many of us can relate to! I, too, find myself in awe of the dedication displayed by these individuals as they step into the arena of public service, which is often quite a thankless position. For an in-depth look at the mayoral candidates, flip to pages 4-5.

Also, back to page 30, you'll find Rob Kidd's touching tribute to Jai Patrick Degue, a young soul taken too soon by a sudden cardiac event. He was honoured to have been asked to officiate Jai’s service and leaves us with the reminder to live life today, not tomorrow.

That sentiment is echoed by the tragedy covered on page 7, where a local husband and father-of-four lost his life during a boating accident on Kinchant Dam.

The reminder to live life to its fullest has struck a personal chord this week, with the passing of one of my husband’s best friends last weekend. As you read this, I will be in New Zealand attending his funeral. He worked hard all of his life, built a successful car audio business in Christchurch but had many adventures he had still planned to take this year with his family. Despite back-to-back chemotherapy to hit his cancer hard, he lost his battle faster than anyone had anticipated.

Cherish life, it’s the most precious commodity we have.

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Amanda

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As the demand for commercial real estate investment continues to surge, the team at Gardian Real Estate, hosted a commercial insight night where guests were given the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of growing interest and investment demands in commercial real estate.

Monday night’s event at Ocean International presented an invaluable platform to explore current market trends and potential benefits of investment as professional keynote speakers embedded in the industry informed and educated both individuals and businesses involved in the commercial domain.

Starting out as a real estate agency, Gardian has branched their company to an all-in-one hub, consisting of Gardian Finance and Mortgage Choice, Insurance, Financial Planning, Residential Sales, Property Management and Commercial Sales, giving clients a range of services to suit all their needs.

Legal professionals, solicitors and accountants who play pivotal roles in the commercial real estate landscape also attended on the night, sharing a wide array of knowledge on legal considerations as well as potential obstacles in commercial real estate transactions.

Specially up from Brisbane for the event, Former Queensland Premier Campbell Newman, was a special guest speaker on the night. As one of Queensland's most successful property experts, he shared his insights on the advantages of investing in the Mackay region, offering general product advice and commentary for those looking at individual or wholesale investing.

Mr Newman is a commercial property investor who has identified opportunities in Mackay and has significant investments within the Gardian commercial sector. He now owns his own company, Arcana Capital and is a proud commercial property investor to five commercial properties wide-spread over the Mackay region.

Mr Newman said, “It’s great to be here this evening, I do love Mackay.

“Out of anywhere in Australia, we’ve got more property here than anywhere else. We’ve got three industrial properties in Paget, a medical centre on Nebo Road and we also just recently bought a large retail asset in Mount Pleasant.”

Throughout the evening he discussed current marketing trends, the economy and how certain factors impact commercial real estate as well as the process of purchasing a commercial property based on his experience and expertise in the industry.

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Caption: Mark Kelly, Commercial Sales and Leasing Agent

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Caption: (Left to right) Ben Kerrisk, Chris Bonanno and Campbell Newman

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Caption: David Fisher and Luke Podosky

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On a typical night out, Jayme Wilson was enjoying dinner with her friend and children just as a police car pulled up nearby on the side of the restaurant.

As Jayme’s son Jack eyed off the police car, much to their surprise the kind officer noticed the young boys’ interest and called out, inviting him to meet a very special companion…his police dog.

In excitement and awe, Jack leaped at the opportunity to meet the dog on duty alongside friendly police officer, Paul.

During this encounter, Jack got the chance to discover the significant responsibilities that a police dog carries out in the police force as Paul took the time to educate young Jack and allow him to engage with the paw-patrolling pup!

Reflecting on the experience, Jayme expressed her gratitude towards the police officer Paul for his positive encouragement and willingness to teach her son about the police dog, embedding a positive impact on Jack.

“The officer was so gentle and encouraging to my son during the whole experience.

“This was such a positive experience for my son.

“Paul went the extra mile tonight for Jack and it really made his night,” she said.

“Thank you to Paul, the policeman.”

Caption: Kind police officer Paul, introduces young Jack to his police dog and teaches him all about the special duties of a paw-patrolling pup

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In a tragic incident that unfolded on Saturday, March 9, Ryan Craig, a 40-year-old resident of North Eton, lost his life in a boating accident at Kinchant Dam near Mackay. Mr Craig's heroic act of attempting to save his nine-year-old daughter from drowning during the incident has garnered widespread tributes from the community.

The sequence of events began when Mr Craig and his daughter went overboard from their boat sometime after 11 am, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation. Despite extensive efforts from volunteers, search and rescue personnel, and assistance from a passing jet skier who aided in the rescue of Mr Craig's daughter, Mr Craig's body was recovered from the dam after more than 48 hours of search efforts.

The circumstances leading to the accident, including the cause of the boat's breakdown, remain under investigation. Adverse weather conditions have been cited as a contributing factor, possibly resulting in the sinking of the vessel. Police said the boat was recovered from the dam just after 12pm on Sunday, March 10th.

Mr Craig's family was present at the time of the incident and was safely escorted to the dam's shore. His daughter, who was rescued from the water, was taken to Mackay Base Hospital as a precautionary measure.

In response to the tragedy, the recreational use of Kinchant Dam was temporarily suspended over the weekend to facilitate the search and rescue efforts. Multiple agencies, including the police, fire, ambulance, RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter service, SES, and VMR Mackay, collaborated in the operation.

The loss of Mr Craig has deeply affected the community, with an outpouring of grief and support expressed across social media platforms. Friends and acquaintances fondly remember Mr. Craig, affectionately known as RYNO6, for his positive impact and selfless actions.

As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, the community mourns the loss of Ryan Craig and extends heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.

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Caption: RACQ CQ Rescue was part of the emergency response in searching for Ryan Craig at Kinchant Dam. Photo supplied: RACQ CQ Rescue

Ryan and Sheena Craig

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Last week, the first Honours and Awards Ceremony for the Mackay Whitsunday Police District were held at the Ocean International Resort in South Mackay.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Graeme Paine and Acting Superintendent Emma Novosel were both on hand to present all awards.

Individual officers from across the district were selected to receive acknowledgements including National Police Service Medal, National Medal and Clasps, QLD Police Service Medal and Clasps, National Emergency Medal - linked to TC Debbie 2017, District Officers Certificate and Assistant Commissioner's Certificate.

In addition, residents and members from Neighbourhood Watch groups received Neighbourhood Watch Certificates reflecting their years of service.

The police service extended its thanks to the families of officers who live through the ups and downs and continue to show their support every day.

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Our beautiful blue water river is now more accessible than ever with the opening of the Pioneer River Floating Pontoon.

The pontoon can be accessed via a gangway from the Brisbane Street fishing pier, next to the Bluewater Quay.

Mackay Regional Council’s Director Planning, Growth and Sustainability, Aletta Nugent, said the pontoon was an exciting part of council’s Mackay Waterfront Riverside Revitalisation project.

“It’s fantastic to have this project reach fruition, thanks to an amazing joint effort by our council project team and contractor SMC Marine,” Ms Nugent said.

“The pontoon will open the river up to recreational and commercial watercraft users, allowing access to load and unload for a day of recreation,” she said.

The pontoon is designed for boating and non-motorised watercraft access, with commercial use by permit only.

Ms Nugent said while anglers could use the pontoon, watercraft would have priority use at all times.

“The Brisbane Street fishing pier, next to the pontoon, is obviously designed for keen fisher people, with artificial reefs sunk immediately in front of it,” Ms Nugent said.

“If anyone does choose to fish off the pontoon, it’s important that they wind in and clear the way for any approaching boats immediately,” she said.

“Our Mackay City and Waterfront team are working with the community and local businesses to roll out placemaking and activation activities across the city centre and waterfront.”

This project is jointly funded by the Australian Government and Mackay Regional Council.

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

CANEGROWERS Mackay has been attacked on social media in recent weeks by a council candidate, who asserted that CANEGROWERS Mackay had collaborated with a Mayoral candidate to agitate on the rates issue.  

CANEGROWERS Mackay had extended an open invitation via social media to any Mayoral and council candidates to meet with the Board. The Board and District Manager have met with all who have requested such a meeting.

CANEGROWERS Mackay has not assisted, funded or endorsed any candidate in the upcoming local election.  

Rates and other rural issues have been a discussion point with all visiting candidates.

As a grassroots organisation, CANEGROWERS Mackay continues to advocate for ALL members in need. We will work with the new council on issues affecting our members, whether that is an issue of individual or collective concern. 

CANEGROWERS is unapologetic that it has spoken up for members who have had increases of up to 300 per cent in valuations, and who have had consequent substantial rate rises - into the thousands.

CANEGROWERS Mackay leadership went to council, meeting with the CEO, Mayor and Deputy Mayor as new valuations came in, in the first half of 2023.  

Council decreased the rate from 0.0278 to 0.0225, although it did not communicate this result to CANEGROWERS. That rate is still comparable to the rate paid by Paget mining service and engineering firms - many of which are major multi-national corporations. 

The CANEGROWERS Mackay leadership went to the media in September, following the release of rates notices, when it became clear that some growers – family businesses - were facing massive rates increases. 

The organisation’s decision to speak out came in response to member requests for advocacy, and predates any council electioneering. 

While it is positive that 60 per cent of growers have had a small decrease in rates, with the decrease in cents-in-the-dollar rate for the Cane farming land category, it remains a fact that growers on properties closer to the city and along the river – in areas like Richmond, Pleystowe, Habana, and valley areas that is being sought by lifestyle block landowners have suffered substantial Land Valuation increases. These areas are also typically quality agricultural land. While Council is not responsible for State Land Valuations, it does have the liberty to structure its rating system as it wishes, and can mitigate the impact of land valuations. 

Council rates and charges are a significant expense for our members and CANEGROWERS will continue to advocate on behalf of our members to keep all costs, including council charges, at reasonable levels. 

At the State level, CANEGROWERS has worked with the Qld Farmers Federation to raise the impacts of rates on farmers. Together we have advocated for the existing State guidelines for equity and fairness in rating practices to become mandatory and we have invested in 5 years of analysis to benchmark the rating practices of relevant councils across the State.  CANEGROWERS also meets regularly with the State Valuer General in an effort to ensure the valuation process is informed by the best possible data and knowledge.   

CANEGROWERS Mackay considers it vital that land under cane is retained and that productivity continues to flourish. This is vital for the viability of the industry into the future. It is a considered responsibility to speak up when there are issues - such as high rates costs – which challenge that.  It matters for our members, it matters for the sugar industry supply chain, and it matters for the regional economy. Sugar is a keystone sector, and its base is the 1200+ cane-growing businesses. 

Locally, over 5000 jobs rely on the sugar industry, and it is worth over $900M in the regional economy. Mackay Regional Council draws some $14.4 M in rates from the cane growing sector. 

It is indeed unfortunate that the banding system for rural properties that councillors sought to introduce in 2018 did not succeed, and succumbed to internal council conflict and disunity. CANEGROWERS Mackay is on the public record supporting the plan to band rural rates (Daily Mercury, 28/6/18) but ultimately it was a matter for the council of the day to determine.

It has also been distasteful to see the name of deceased CANEGROWERS Mackay CEO Kerry Latter derogated in the context of a chapter that is now history, for the sake of a cheap political rant.  There were no deals made by this organisation, there were no “missed” meetings, as suggested by the councillor in question.

We look forward to working with the incoming Mackay Regional Council, and we will maintain the fight for our members interests. 

We encourage members – and the regional community - to vote this local election according to their own conscience, priorities and concerns and how each candidate meets those criteria. 

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Photo credit: Kirili Lamb

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As the vibrant hues of summer slowly fade into the golden shades of autumn, gardeners across Australia have a prime opportunity to embrace the changing seasons and engage in the art of autumn planting. Contrary to popular belief, autumn is not just a time for garden maintenance but also a perfect window for sowing seeds and transplanting seedlings. With its mild temperatures and ample rainfall in many regions, autumn sets an ideal stage for nurturing a variety of flowers and produce, ensuring a colourful and bountiful garden in the months to come.

One of the joys of autumn planting lies in the diversity of flora and fauna that can thrive during this season. From hardy perennials like pansies and violas to delicate blooms such as chrysanthemums and asters, there is a wide array of flowers that can be planted during this time. These plants not only add aesthetic appeal to the garden but also provide essential nourishment for pollinators like bees and butterflies, contributing to the overall ecosystem health.

In addition to flowers, autumn is also a prime time for planting a variety of fruits and vegetables, ensuring a fresh harvest throughout the cooler months. From leafy greens like lettuce and spinach to root vegetables like carrots and radishes, the autumn garden can be an abundance of nutritious produce.

Before diving into autumn planting, it's essential to consider a few key factors to ensure success. Firstly, selecting the right plants for your region and climate is crucial. While Australia boasts diverse climatic zones, understanding your local conditions will help you choose plants that are best suited to thrive in your garden. Additionally, preparing the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure can improve its fertility and structure, providing an optimal environment for plant growth.

Autumn planting offers a wonderful opportunity for Aussie gardeners to cultivate a vibrant and productive garden. By selecting the right plants, preparing the soil, and providing proper care, you can enjoy a bounty of blooms and produce that will brighten your outdoor space and nourish your body throughout the cooler months. So roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening tools, and let the autumn planting season begin!

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Mackay Regional Council employees have proven that serving the community runs in their veins.

Last month, council was presented the annual Red Cross Lifeblood Teams award for ranking number one in the Mackay region for the most blood and plasma donations in 2023.

Council’s contributions were tracked as part of Red Cross Lifeblood Teams program, which saw staff from more than 299 local workplaces roll up their sleeves to give blood and plasma throughout the year.

Council’s team made more than 162 donations in 2023, helping to save more than 486 lives.

Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Scott Owen praised council employees for their generosity which has helped to save so many lives.

“Giving to the community is something that comes naturally to our staff – it's in their blood,” Mr Owen said.

“I would like to congratulate and thank all of our employees who rolled up their sleeves to give blood in 2023 – what an excellent effort,” he said.

“Collectively, workplaces in the Mackay region made more than 3096 donations in 2023 as part of the Lifeblood Teams program, helping to save more than 9288 lives – a huge achievement!” he said.

“We hope to see even more workplaces get involved this year, as every drop counts.”

Community Resilience Officer Davina Harrison said she enjoyed giving blood and plasma knowing that it quite literally saved lives.

“I have a rare blood condition which prevents me from safely having children, so I had to receive special medicine which is derived from plasma donations to allow me to have my four beautiful children,” Ms Harrison said.

“They would not be here today if I didn’t have access to the medicine which is only available due to the generous blood donations of others,” she said.

“So, donating regularly is something really important and practical that I can do, which I know makes a big difference to so many people.

“It’s quick, easy and relatively painless! I strongly encourage others to donate.”

Figures from Australian Red Cross Lifeblood show that one in three people will need blood in their lives, but only one in 30 people donate.

The annual Lifeblood Teams challenge starts again in April and runs until September.

If you’d like to become a donor or register your organisation as a team, call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood app.

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Caption: Red Cross Australia Lifeblood Regional Partnerships Account Manager, Jacinta Jeffrey presents council’s CEO Scott Owen with the Lifeblood Teams award for the Mackay region

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St Patrick’s College Mackay Year 7 to 12 recently celebrated its Opening Year Mass and Investiture of the 2024 College Leaders at the College’s Senior Campus in Gregory Street.
 
Nine hundred people attended the special Mass which included students, staff, parents and local dignitaries.
 
Miss Leesa Jeffcoat AM, Diocesan Director Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton gave her address to the College and was joined by Michael McCusker, Assistant Director: Schools (Northern Region); Sister of Mercy Denise Hinton; Mayor of Mackay Greg Williamson, as well as St Patrick’s College Board members; College Parent Engagement Committee members and representatives from other Catholic schools in the diocese.
 
The celebration was led by Most Reverend Michael McCarthy, Bishop, Diocese of Rockhampton, St Patrick’s Parish Priest (Southern Cluster of Parishes) Rev Fr Matthias Ogwo, Parish Administrator of Pioneer Valley Parishes Rev Fr Gasper Peruvelil and Associate Pastor Southern Cluster Rev Fr Anthony Nguyen.
 
St Patrick’s College Principal Janelle Agius and College Board members received their respective certificates and pledge during the Commissioning Ceremony before the blessing of the College badges.
 
Bishop Michael McCarthy presented Nicola Chimes with the St Patrick’s Medal the Bishop Bernard Wallace Award for Dux of the College. Nicola, who achieved an ATAR Excellence of 99.25, was also the recipient of a Joan McGarry bursary and will study a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours).
 
During the ceremony Miss Jeffcoat and Mrs Agius presented the 2024 Student Leaders with their College badge.
 
These included College Captains Matthew Gakowski, Evelyn O’Brien, William Radke and Lily Wardrop.
 
Others to receive badges were the Senior Student Representative Council: Melisa Li (Cultural Committee Chairperson); Paige Mooney (Indigenous Committee Chairperson); Gian Lim (Social Justice Committee Chairperson); Mackensie Brown (Sport Committee Chairperson); Kacee Ziegeler (Senior House Captain Argos); Amy Goode (Senior House Captain Badila); Aidyn McSherry (Senior House Captain Midas); Bryn Henson (Senior House Captain Oraya); Lana Barnes (Senior House Captain Pindar); Camryn Zeller (Senior House Captain Triton) and Gabrielle Ipson and Anthony Sorbello (College Board Student Representatives).

Badge recipients for the Mercy Campus Student Representative Council were; Izaac Noy (Mercy Campus Cultural Committee Chairperson); Madison Mooney (Mercy Campus Indigenous Committee Chairperson); Treyce Ciantar (Mercy Campus Sport Committee Chairperson); Hunter McGeary (Mercy Campus St Vincent de Paul Committee Chairperson); Cassian Radke (Mercy Campus e-Sport Committee Chairperson); Aaron Greenwood (Mercy Campus Photography Committee Chairperson); Charlotte Redfern (Mercy Campus Book Club Committee Chairperson); Bianca Maynard (Mercy Campus Auslan Committee Chairperson); Hannah Ashis (Mercy Campus Social Committee Chairperson); Kelsi Hazledine and Mackenzie Maunder (Mercy Campus House Captains Argos); Jack Law and Archy Townsend (Mercy Campus House Captains Badila); Dominic Sorbello and Isabella Webb (Mercy Campus House Captains Midas); Lucas Boshoff and Courtney Harris (Mercy Campus House Captains Oraya); Kate O¹Brien and Myah Rokic (Mercy Campus House Captains Pindar) and Nate Harding and Calvin Ramos (Mercy Campus House Captains Triton).

 
Badges were also presented to the Mercy Campus Homeroom Captains: ARGOS Lily Mapp; Jessica Arbuthnot; Skye Vaughan; Charlotte O¹Brien; Tahlia Vella and Matilda Wiggins.
BADILA  Zarlia Beer; Jayda Earl; Tahlia Anderson; Koby Daly; Izaac Noy and Ruby Watt.
MIDAS  Skye Mole; Milly Mayfield; Tayla Cumming; Lacie Clarke; Cooper Anderson and Bella McClarty. ORAYA  Maggie Thorburn; Cynthia Phan; Alice Gunning; Bailey Dewar, Lauren
Gray and Addysen Ruddick. PINDAR  Gabriella Ruggeri; Tayah Poli; Aimee Trims; Piper Euler; Jake Hansen and Mason Mayer. TRITON  Rourke Bagley; Tate Funk; Riley Meigan; Sangwani Chinula; Eva Hooper and Reese Morgan.
 
Mr McCusker presented Aspire to Teach Awards to recipients Evelyn O’Brien and Anthony Sorbello while Damian Carroll presented student Patrick Arbuthnot with the Class of 1974 Bursary for having demonstrated great dedication and commitment throughout Year 11 in overcoming adversity or disability or circumstances to achieve academic success.
 
Other recipients of McGarry bursaries included Jinzhao Zhang (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery); Madeline Rasmussen (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery); Meghan Connolly (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery); Monique Jones (Bachelor of Engineering/Science); James Galea (Bachelor of Engineering (Honours));
Baxter Norsworthy (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery); Phoebe Francis (Bachelor of Medicine); Jada Vassallo (Bachelor of Business); Joshua Williamson (Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)); Gracie Watt (Bachelor of Medical Sonography/Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography); Alex Brannan (Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery); Nicholas Bowyer (Bachelor of Medical Sonography/Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography); Olivia Price (Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours)) and Locke Forrest
(Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Diploma of Professional Practice: Co-Op Engineering). The recipient of the Joan McGarry Nursing Bursary is Laanie John. Laanie is studying a Bachelor of Nursing.
 

Contributed by Chris Karas

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Caption: St Patrick’s College Mackay 2024 Captains and Student Representative Council members with Miss Leesa Jeffcoat AM, Diocesan Director Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton, Michael McCusker, Assistant Director: Schools (Northern Region) and College Principal Janelle Agius at the Opening Year Mass

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A recent roadshow through north Queensland invited growers to hear from Rabobank’s experts on what the organisation believes the future holds for the sugarcane industry.

Pia Piggott is an Associate Analyst in the research division of Rabobank, RaboResearch, who presented to growers in Mackay last week.

Based in Sydney, Pia’s role includes public speaking at events, recording RaboResearch podcasts and publishing various reports, generating widespread media coverage that resonates beyond the agriculture industry.

“I cover sugar and horticulture, so I meet with clients, research the industries and provide insights into the commodities,” Pia said.

Pia presented at events in Mackay, Proserpine, Ayr and Ingham, aiming to provide a knowledge update from the bank on what’s happening in the sugar industry while it’s experiencing a down period for growers.

“It’s a good time to meet with growers and find out about what their interested in, what their looking at, as well as providing Rabobank’s view on the sugar price, the opportunities in the industry and global economics,” she said.

Pia spoke to growers about what’s happening in the major markets and major suppliers of sugar worldwide and how this can affect sugar prices.

“We overviewed what’s happening in India with their export ban and what that means for the potential sugar production in India; what’s happening in Thailand and how these prices are affecting area expansion of sugar cane; and most importantly, an update of what’s happening in Brazil, because Brazil is the largest producer and exporter of sugar in the world so we talked about how, last year, they experienced a record sugar crop, and that’s part of what has caused prices to fall to where they fell last year,” she explained.

Pia said the feeling among growers was positive, although Mackay growers shared concerns of standover if there’s no further downgrades in production estimates.

“The rain has been really positive, the humidity has been really positive, so the crop looks good and hopefully there’s no cyclones or extreme weather events in the next few months that could impact that potential,” she said.

As the world’s leading food and agribusiness bank, Rabobank’s supports the innovative farmers and agribusinesses who put food on our tables every day to do so sustainably.

Members are equipped with exclusive reports, monthly overview and other resources to improve the prosperity of farmers and rural communities across the country.

To find out more, contact Rabobank’s Mackay branch on 07 4842 6200.

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Caption: RaboResearch Associate Analyst Pia Piggott

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The excitement is building as the countdown begins for the highly anticipated Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo 2024, set to be hosted by the Western Suburbs Leagues Club (Walkerston). This event promises to be a spectacular celebration of all things agricultural.

Julie Crowley, Coordinator for the event, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from the local community.

"We've been thrilled with the response from exhibitors, with bookings pouring in daily. We have an incredible lineup of stallholders already confirmed, ensuring two days packed with action, displays, products, and services catering to all aspects of agriculture and rural lifestyles," she said.

Highlighting the significance of agricultural shows in Australian culture, Julie emphasised the importance of local business support for the Expo's growth and future success.

"We extend our heartfelt thanks to the businesses that have secured their sites for 2024. For those who haven't yet, there's still time to join us in this exciting endeavour," she added.

The Expo is proud to welcome back its naming rights sponsor, Mackay Sugar, a member of the Nordzucker Group.

"Mackay Sugar brings professionalism and excitement to our event and showcases their commitment to the sugar industry in our region and we eagerly anticipate collaborating with them not only in 2024 but also in the years ahead," Julie remarked.

The 2024 Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo will take place at Wests Leagues Club, Branscombe Rd Walkerston, on Friday, May 19th, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and Saturday, May 20th, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.

Attendees can expect a family-friendly atmosphere with live music by The Gottani Sisters, whip-cracking demonstrations, line dancing, exhibitor demonstrations on both days, and a special kid’s zone on Saturday featuring various attractions.

Admission to the event is $5 for adults, with free entry for children under 13 years old.

For more information, please visit www.mackayagtradeexpo.com.au or contact Julie

Crowley at West’s Leagues Club by calling 4959 2480 or emailing

julie@weststigersmackay.com.au.

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About Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo: The Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo is a bi-annual event showcasing the latest innovations, products, and services in agriculture. With a focus on fostering community engagement and industry growth, the Expo serves as a platform for networking, education, and celebration within the agricultural sector.

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This season invites a palette of warm hues, rich textures, and natural elements that evoke a sense of comfort and relaxation. Whether you're looking to make subtle changes or embrace a full-fledged transformation, here are some tips to infuse your home with the essence of Autumn.

Warm Up With Earthy Tones Bid farewell to the bright tones of summer and embrace the earthy hues of autumn. Consider incorporating shades of terracotta, mustard, olive green, and burnt orange into your home decor. These warm colours add depth and coziness to any space, whether through accent walls, throw pillows, or decorative accessories.

Layer Textiles For Texture: Texture plays a crucial role in creating a cozy atmosphere during autumn. Use soft textiles like chunky knit throws, faux fur rugs, and plush cushions to add warmth and tactile appeal to your living spaces. Mix and match different textures to create visual interest and enhance the inviting ambiance of your home.

Bring The Outdoors In: Display seasonal foliage like eucalyptus branches, dried flowers, and seed pods in vases or woven baskets to infuse your space with a touch of rustic elegance. You can also accessorise with pine cones, acorns, and branches adorned with fall foliage for a quintessentially Australian autumn look.

Incorporate Natural Materials: Embrace the natural beauty of materials like timber, cane, and stone in your home decor. Incorporate wooden furniture pieces, woven rattan accents, and stone tabletop accessories to add warmth and authenticity to your space.

Add Seasonal Accents: Infuse your home with seasonal accents that capture the spirit of autumn. Display decorative pumpkins, gourds, and native foliage as centrepieces or table decorations. Consider swapping out lightweight summer textiles for heavier fabrics like wool and velvet to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Create a Cozy Nook: Designate a cozy nook in your home where you can unwind and embrace the slower pace of autumn. Arrange comfortable seating, pile on soft cushions and throws, and add a small side table for holding books or hot beverages. This intimate space will become your sanctuary for relaxation.

With these tips, you can effortlessly infuse your home with an autumn style, creating a welcoming retreat that reflects the beauty and warmth of the season.

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