Emma Novosel is a familiar face in the Queensland Police Service, serving as Detective Inspector Crime and Support Services for the Mackay Whitsunday District. In this role, she oversees investigative responses to crime and supports various sections including intelligence, tactical crime, prosecutors, crime prevention, and domestic and family violence. Beyond her duties, Emma was actively involved in school communities, sports, and the arts, as her children attended.

As a participant in Dancing with Heart, Emma embraces the challenge with an open mind and determination. Witnessing the diverse routines of fellow competitors, she acknowledges the commitment and uniqueness each one brings to the event. Despite facing challenges in executing choreography and lip-syncing, Emma is driven by the desire to do justice to Dolly's vision.

Reflecting on the work of the Mackay Hospital Foundation, Emma admires its community-driven approach to improving healthcare across the region. Having witnessed firsthand the care provided by local hospitals, she recognises the importance of bridging the gap between essential services and additional support.

“In my role at work, our responses often involve working with people who are in crisis or experience trauma and our local hospitals are a crucial part of the supporting victims and keeping people safe.

“Raising funds to provide medical equipment and projects in hospitals is so crucial for regional communities to ensure that our family and friends can access exceptional healthcare in our home towns.

“Events like Dancing with Heart bring the community together to raise funds, enjoy a night out and ‘give where you live’.”

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Zachary Spencer is most known as a mortgage broker from Gardian in the finance department, assisting locals with all their home lending needs and helping clients achielve their dreams.

In the dynamic world of finance, Zachary stands out not only for his professional acumen but also for his vibrant spirit. His multifaceted dedication to providing the best service fosters a positive impact towards his clients, as well as in the communtiy.

Beyond his finance career, Zachary steps into a different spotlight as he joins the dance floor for the Mackay Hospital Foundation. Despite dancing being completely out of his comfort zone, and at times challenging to remember, Zachary embraces the challenge wholeheartedly, driven by his commitment to supporting a noble cause.

Zachary's participation in Dancing with Heart for The Mackay Hospital Foundation showcases his dedication but also contributes tangibly to the Foundation's mission. Aiming to push his boundaries and tap into untapped potential, his participation holds a deeper significance. Raising essential funds for The Mackay Hospital Foundation allows Zachary to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of the community.

It’s not just about moving to the rhythm but also moving hearts towards supporting vital healthcare services. With a desire to give back, Zachary underlines the importance of donations that remain within the community - for the community.

“I’m participating in Dancing with Heart to do something that is out of my comfort zone and to challenge myself, while raising much needed funds for a great cause!”

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Every boarding school is considered a ‘home away from home’ but what makes Nudgee College Boarding different from the rest?

From the unwavering support of staff who treat the boys in their like family, to the bonds of brotherhood that last a lifetime, there is something truly unique about the Boarding program at Nudgee College.

This year, the Boarding team completed an extensive review of their boarding values which has seen boys, families and staff alike consult on what truly mattered and what would authentically reflect the thriving Nudgee College boarding community.

At the heart of Nudgee College Boarding in 2024 and beyond is faith, family, courage and trust. 2024 College Vice-Captain, Chair of the Boarding Leadership Group and proud Proserpine boarder, Grady Turner sums up what the two new values, ‘family’ and ‘courage’ mean to the community.

“In our imperfect and diverse, yet balanced family, we embrace each other's highs and lows, fostering support, respect and inclusivity.

“To be a boarder, you need a little bit of courage every day. Living away from home has its challenges and will test each boy in different ways. Ultimately, these challenges, and the courage required to overcome them will promote personal growth and development.”

Dean of Boarding Mr Casey Brealy said in reference to the ‘faith’ and ‘trust’ value, “As a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition, we challenge our boys to be Signum Fidei - a ‘Sign of Faith’ - in their words and actions.

“Successful boarding is built on a foundation of trust between boarders, staff and families.”

With one of the most comprehensive pastoral care systems in the Australian boarding community, the team have worked hard to ensure young men are supported in every facet of their Nudgee College journey.

The four Houses within the Boarding Village are led by a Head of House, two Assistant Heads and a House Mother. In addition, the boys are also supported physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually by College counsellors, psychologists, their day school House Dean, academic tutors, recreation staff, kitchen and laundry staff, registered nurses in the Health Centre and many other staff who make the boys’ best interests their priority.

“We are blessed to have a diverse and dedicated team that is committed to the 24-hour care, support and formation of our young men. Ultimately, it is our hope that our boarders will leave the gates as fine young men, with these values at their core and gratitude in their hearts,” Casey said.

Learn more about Boarding at Nudgee College and meet our Dean of Boarding and Assistant Head of House Mr Daniel Tinsey in Cairns, Mackay and Proserpine from 19 - 21 March. RSVP for the community events at nudgee.com/rsvp

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Caption: Bathersby Boarding Village

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The Mackay’s Careers Expo offers expert advice from a range of employers and educational providers making the decisions of school leavers and career-changers a little easier.

Careers Event runs career expos throughout Australia and will be holding the Mackay Careers Expo at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) on August 15, 2024.

The event is not just open to school students but parents wanting more information to help advise their children, as well as experienced workers considering upskilling for their current or next job, making a career change or wanting to transition into a new industry.

A record number of exhibitors will be featured at the expo this year, enabling visitors to speak with highly qualified representatives from a wide array of organisations providing relevant, up-to-date knowledge in the education, training and employment sectors.

Exhibiting companies include universities from across Australia, student accommodation providers, Head Space, Youth Justice and Multicultural affairs, Mackay Regional Council, Glencore, Community Solutions, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal and Defence Force Recruiting.

Employers and tertiary education institutions from industries such as information technology, biotechnology, aviation, early childhood education, hotel management, healthcare, hairdressing, creative media, performing arts and business education will also be present.

The community-based event will provide attendees with advice on how to apply for courses, the costs involved, financial support options and qualifications required.

Exhibitors will provide details on current career and employment options, trainee and apprenticeship programs or options for adults to upskill and retrain in the work place.

The Mackay Careers Expo is the one event you cannot afford to miss if you’re looking to take control of your future.

Admission to the expo is free.

For more information, visit careersevent.com and click on Mackay Careers Expo.

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A heart-themed morning tea marked the incredible milestone of a decade of lifesaving services treating and diagnosing cardiac conditions in Mackay. Clinicians and staff gathered earlier this month to celebrate the 10th anniversary and the fact almost 12,000 lifesaving procedures have been completed by the Mackay Base Hospital Cardiac Catheter Laboratory since it opened in February 2014.

Director of Cardiology Dr Michael Zhang said the 11,858 procedures performed, which ranged from angiograms, stents, implantable cardiac-recording devices, permanent pacemakers and defibrillators, was an extraordinary milestone for a regional hospital.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in Australia, Dr Zhang said.

“The Mackay cardiac cath lab boasts a wide range of cardiac treatment options and Queensland Cardiac Outcomes Registry (QCOR) data has demonstrated this is one of the safest cath labs in the state, which is an impressive accomplishment for both the hospital and for the region,” he said.

In its first year, Mackay’s cath lab completed 463 angiograms to diagnose blockages in arteries. By its 10th anniversary, the service had completed 9835 angiograms, 2722 percutaneous coronary interventions (stents) and 572 permanent pacemakers and defibrillators. Dr Zhang said data from the QCOR also demonstrated that Mackay’s cardiac cath lab had a very high success rate in emergency coronary artery intervention for people suffering major heart attacks.

“The Mackay cath lab's phenomenal growth and expansion of services in just 10 years is an incredible achievement which enables cardiac patients in regional areas to receive the goldstandard of care, a shorter wait for diagnosis and a broad range of treatment options,” he said.

“These are people who are experiencing a massive heart attack, so these outcomes are excellent, and I am very proud of my team of cardiologists, doctors, nurses, radiographers and cardiac scientists.

“It demonstrates that people in our Mackay health region will get the same level of care as in a major city, particularly in the acute cardiology care, and in fact Mackay is one of only two regional hospitals in Queensland, who currently provide 24/7 emergency interventional services for acute massive heart attack.”

Dr Zhang said initial predictions were that the service was expected to treat about 700 patients a year when it began operating in 2014. Year on year, this number and the range of lifesaving procedures performed had been exceeded. Many patients across the community and their families were incredibly thankful for the lifesaving procedures and service of the CCL. Dr Zhang said he was grateful for the commitment, dedication and collaboration of emergency department personnel, their Intensive Care Unit (ICU) colleagues as well as the Clinical Measurements Unit (CMU) and Medical Imaging teams.

Innovation is one of the features in cardiology practice. Mackay’s cardiac cath lab was the first in Queensland to utilise shockwave therapy to treat patients with heavily calcified coronary artery stenosis in 2021. New treatment procedures recently implemented included Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) in 2022.

The Mackay Base Hospital cardiac cath lab’s impressive list of achievements was detailed on the world stage to cardiovascular specialists from over 100 countries at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics conference, held in California, USA last year.

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Photo captions:

Clinical nurse consultant Anna Townsend, Director of Cardiology Dr Michael Zhang, CDSO Tina Mansell and wardsperson Shellie Burston.

Clinical nurse Geethu George, cardiac staff specialist Dr Chaminda Sella Kapu and nurse educator Sue Meredith.

Cath lab staff: Cardiac Scientist Cameron Hope, clinical nurse Zoe Quakawoot, radiographer Gabby Brown, cardiac scientist Bella Zanatta and cardiac scientist Sarah Murphy.

CU Clinical Director Dr Stephen Luke and Dr Belinda Weich. Photos supplied: Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Film & Arts Mackay committee members met up with Linda and Elsa from All Abilities Mackay and Councillor Alison Jones to present a donation of $2,564 raised at the first Film & Arts Mackay film event of the year on 2nd February. Two films were screened at this event, the thought-provoking short film The Silent Child followed by the hilarious Red, White and Brass.  

An enormous thanks to all attendees and members for their generous support on the night.

Film & Arts Mackay is a not-for-profit organisation that screens independent and foreign language movies once a month. For more information visit filmartsmackay@weebly.com.

All Abilities Mackay aims to enhance opportunities and experiences for people with disabilities in Mackay by filling in gaps in services, training, workshops, carer connection and fun skill-building activities for the chronically ill, disabled and socially disadvantaged. 

For further information on the valuable service provided by All Abilities Mackay, please visit their website: https://www.allabilitiesmackay.org.au/

Caption: Linda and Elsa from All Abilities Mackay and Councillor Alison Jones present donation to the first Film & Arts Mackay event of the year

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Mackay Life readers will recall local actor Geoff Stewart-McLean sacrificing his hair to play the part of the balding David Horton in Kucom Theatre’s productions of The Vicar of Dibley (2018) and The Vicar of Dibley II (2022). It takes a certain kind of dedication to shave for a stage role – but Lani Seaton, who plays the female lead in Kucom’s April production The Murder Game, is going one step further and donating her lovely long locks to charity.

Every March, thousands of Australians step up to shave their head for the World's Greatest Shave, sponsored by the Leukaemia Foundation. It's the ultimate act of support for people facing blood cancer and at the Kucom Theatre Happy Hour on Friday 22 March, our very own Lani will succumb to the clippers, wielded by fellow Kucom member Michael Brennan of HMB Barbers.

Lani said, “I have chosen to do this because I want to help those facing blood cancer, and their families too. I've been thinking about doing it for quite a while, and finally decided to actually go ahead with it. My parents have shaved their heads for the cause a number of years ago, and I have a friend who shaved her head for the cause a few years ago too.

“Seeing those around me do it has encouraged me to think about doing it myself. I also love the idea of being able to donate my hair to make wigs for those who need them. I think it will be a very rewarding experience and also help people in need.”

We encourage Kucom members and guests to come along, grab a drink or two at our licensed bar, and lend their support to Lani.

You can donate to Lani at http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/laniseaton

What: Lani Seaton will participate in the World’s Greatest Shave to raise funds for blood cancer.

When: Friday 22 March, 6.00 to 7.30pm
Where: Kucom Theatre, 1 Snow Wright Court, Andergrove

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Caption: Lani Seaton ready to shave her hair to support the leukemia foundation.

Caption: World’s Greatest Shave poster - How to donate.

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Four helpless kittens were reportedly dumped at a local service station undergoing renovations late last Saturday. The team at Mackay Pet Recue Inc once again made it their mission to save the kittens from despair after discovering that the baby felines were underweight and starving with no mother cat nearby or in sight.

Carers suspect that these homeless kittens were once owned by a family given that they were too friendly and tame to be feral, concluding that the kittens were dumped relentlessly.

In fury of the poor act, the team brought the kittens back to their sanctuary and offered a safe place to stay, good quality food to eat and gentle human care to restore the faith in the traumatised kittens.

“Allowing a small kitten to die of neglect and starvation is an extreme act of cruelty,” a member of Mackay Pet Rescue Inc commented.

“These are domesticated kittens; they can be picked up and handled.

“They are not feral, they do not bite or scratch, they are just scared, and shame on the person who did this to them!”

Now thriving, the kittens have been named; Lylah, Rylan, Myah and Rykah. In a span of just 24 hours, the kittens were said to be rapidly healthier and happier after finding comfort and a sense of security in the hands of their foster carer.

They will soon be available to go to their forever homes.

Please contact Rissa on 0412 991 492 to arrange a meet and greet.

Animal Co-ordinator for MPRI commented, “I have nothing but admiration and thanks for the foster carers who continually put up their hand to take in dumped kittens.”

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Caption: Four domesticated kittens found starved and underweight at a local service station undergoing renovations with no mother cat in sight

Caption: two of the four kittens now happily in the safe and loving security of a foster carer. To learn more about adoption, ring the number provided or visit the MPRI Facebook page. Photo credit: Mackay Pet Rescue Inc (Facebook)

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Photo credit: Coffee and Hops

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After a sold-out event last year, Legends On The Lawn returns in 2024 with an iconic all-Australian line-up. Featuring ICEHOUSE, Jet, Jon Stevens, Pete Murray, Baby Animals, 1927 and Bachelor Girl, the one-day festival is back in June and by all reports, it is guaranteed to sell out early!

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said after the success of the 2023 Legends On The Lawn it was fantastic to see such huge names stepping out once more for the 2024 event.

“With Australian music royalty ICEHOUSE, Jet, Jon Stevens and Pete Murray, as well as crowd favourites Baby Animals and 1927, it’s certain to be an epic live music event that will benefit our community and our economy.

“Legends On The Lawn is shaping up to be a major drawcard for our region, attracting visitors who will also have the opportunity to experience all of the natural attractions on offer, including platypus spotting, sunrise on the beach with kangaroos and exploring our pristine beaches and tropical rainforests.”

Harrup Park CEO Adrian Young agreed. “We’re extremely excited to be involved in one of the best line-ups ever assembled in North Queensland,” he said.

“Last year’s event was outstanding and we expect 2024 to be even better!”

ICEHOUSE is one of Australia’s most iconic bands, well known and loved by audiences across generations, playing to sell-out, capacity audiences in Australia, New Zealand and throughout the world. Formed by Iva Davies, the band’s frontman and musical creative force, ICEHOUSE went on to have an amazing 28 Platinum albums, eight Top 10 albums and over thirty Top 40 singles. 

Unofficial Australian anthem, Great Southern Land, has been a part of almost every Australian’s summer soundtrack for the past 40 years and in 2014, it was inducted into the National Film and Sound Archive’s Sounds of Australia registry.

JET, originally hailing from Dingley in Melbourne, quickly conquered the world after forming in 2001, selling more than 6.5 million albums globally and securing 10 x Platinum certification in Australia and Platinum in the USA and UK for their 2003 debut album ‘Get Born’. The album produced a string of classic singles in ‘Are You Gonna Be My Girl’, ‘Rollover DJ’, and ‘Look What You’ve Done’ and netted the band 6 x 2004 ARIA awards. Both ‘Are You Gonna Be My Girl’ and ‘Cold Hard Bitch’ peaked at number 1 on the US Modern Rock singles charts and propelled the band to the top of festival bills and charts around the world.

In 2023 Jet’s greatness was formally recognised at the 37th ARIA AWARDS.

JON STEVENS returns to Mackay again to thrill audiences far and wide with the Noiseworks & INXS Collection, which pays homage to the bands that helped cement him as Aussie rock royalty. With a career that spans more than four decades, Jon has a swag of solo hits to his name, as well as songs which have become all-time favourites from his time with bands Noiseworks, INXS and the Dead Daisies. His performance will feature hit after hit and have punters on their feet from start to finish.

PETE MURRAY is one of an elite group of Australian artists to have sold over 1.2 million records across his illustrious, 20-plus year career in music. He has also achieved 3 ARIA chart-topping albums to date (2003’s ‘Feeler’, 2006’s ‘See The Sun’ and 2008’s ‘Summer At Eureka’) and has been nominated for a whopping 17 ARIA Awards.

With a long list of radio hits and 7 albums under his belt, Pete Murray has always been a crowd favourite everywhere he plays. His string of hit singles – ‘Feeler’, ‘So Beautiful’ and ‘Opportunity’ to name just a few – continue to soundtrack life’s precious moments and Pete often receives feedback that certain songs, particularly ‘Better Days’, have saved lives.

“There’s no greater appreciation for your song than your lyrics keeping someone alive; that’s just the best thing you could ever hope for,” he acknowledges.

THE BABY ANIMALS exploded onto the Australian music scene in 1991 with their debut album spending six weeks at number one, eventually going eight times platinum and becoming the highest-selling debut Australian rock album until the release of Jet's 'Get Born' album 12 years later.

The Baby Animals launched back onto the scene in 2013 with their third album (the first in 20 years), ‘This Is Not The End’, a genuine rock album with a return to classic Baby Animals form that their fans loved. The band has struck a familiar pose with their enigmatic singer Suze DeMarchi and her talismanic guitarist Dave Leslie returning for action. They’re joined with Dario Bortolin on bass and Mick Skelton on drums. 

1927, Australian pop rock legends, formed in 1987. In 1988 their album ‘...Ish’ went multi-platinum number-one. Front man Weideman reformed the band in 2009 with a new lineup. Fast forward to 2024 and the wheels are well and truly back on! “The last 10-12 years has been very fulfilling for me. I’ve taken the band to a different audience.” Indeed the demographic of 1927 has changed and developed.

BACHELOR GIRL is one of the biggest and most loved Australian acts of the 90’s and early 2000’s, enjoying international acclaim particularly in Asia, Scandinavia and the U.S. (including signing with Clive Davis at Arista Records). Standing out with their exceptional songwriting and Tania’s warm, powerful vocal, APRA recently reported a massive achievement for the band – their hit single ‘Buses and Trains’ being the most played Australian composition on Australian radio in the last 25 years.

The 2024 Legends On The Lawn is guaranteed to sell-out – grab your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

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Tickets for Legends on the Lawn go on sale at 9am QLD time on Thursday 14th March through Ticketmaster and are only available through authorised ticket outlets listed. Patrons are advised not to purchase tickets from Viagogo or other Third Party Sellers, as fraudulent tickets will not be honoured.

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Caption: Featured artists: ICEHOUSE, Jet, Jon Stevens, Pete Murray, Baby Animals, 1927 and Bachelor Girl

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Neighbour Day began in Melbourne in 2003 after the remains of an elderly woman were found inside her suburban home, more than two years after her death.

Council is committed to ensuring sad incidents like that will never occur in our community.

Every March, residents in our region are encouraged to be “Legendary Neighbours”.

Community Services Director Janine McKay said council’s Legendary Neighbour campaign had two parts.

“We are aiming to bring regional areas together with our free Cuppa with your Neighbour events at Homebush, Finch Hatton, Shoal Point, Sarina Beach, Calen and The Leap,” Ms McKay said.

“These are really informal events where we use a local coffee vendor to provide some free cuppas in an area and invite residents to come along and meet each other and chat with a council Community Development Officer,” she said.

“The other part of the Legendary Neighbour campaign encourages residents to host their own neighbourhood gathering with one of our Legendary Neighbour Party Packs.

“Each pack includes a $100 MeatCo barbecue voucher and all the odds and ends you need to host a fun get-together with people in your street who you might not know yet.

“There are 10 packs up-for-grabs and all you need to do to apply for one is head to the council website and tell us why you want to get to know your neighbours..

“The whole campaign is about building a more connected community, because connected communities look out for each other and are more resilient.”

Cuppa with your neighbour events will be held on:

   • Thursday, March 21, 7.30am to 9.30am - Homebush State School.

   • Friday, March 22, 8am to 10am - The Gift Shed (Finch Hatton).

   • Monday, March 25, 9.30am to 11.30am - Shoal Point Park, Shoal Point.

   • Tuesday, March 26, 9am to 11am - Sarina Beach Foreshore (Owen Jenkins Drive).

   • Wednesday, March 27, 8.30am to 10.30am - Vic Bridger Park, 3 McIntyre Street, Calen.

   • Thursday, March 28, 9am to 11am - The Leap Tea Room, The Leap.

For more information or to apply for a Legendary Neighbour box, head to  mackay.qld.gov.au/legendaryneighbour

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Showtime presents this spectacular music tribute and full-scale stage production honouring the one and only King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Celebrate Jackson’s creative genius and unsurpassed talent with riveting live performances evoking his early days as a member of the Jackson 5, his groundbreaking theatrics in the 80s and his continued domination of pop culture into the 21st century.

Songs include Thriller, Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal, Bad, Beat It, ABC, Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough, Human Nature, PYT, They Don’t Really Care About Us and many more.

Get the full Michael Jackson concert experience with triple-threat performer Garth Field – electrifying in his role as Jackson – plus a live band, choreographed dancers, authentic costumes, state-of-the-art sound and theatrical lighting, vision and effects.

Truly a mind-blowing stage production – not to be missed!

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In 1886 The Kungurri turntable was built by Cowans Sheldon in England.  It is a 40ft turntable and its job number was 1492.  There were two turntables shipped to Australia back in the day. The sister turntable now resides down south and there are now only a handful of these still working in Australia.

Councillor Alison Jones shared how this piece of history found its way to the Finch Hatton mountain bike trails.

“I remember in my previous term of council former Cr Dave Perkins mentioning that he and the Pioneer Valley Rotary Club were taking a look at it and thinking about how it could be repurposed,” Cr Jones shared.

“Years later here I am in a briefing about the Mountain Bike Trails and design of the Finch Hatton Trailhead and the Director Jim Carless says, ‘We really need a piece of large equipment that is representative of the valley from years gone by’ and so I had a quiet chat with Cr Bonaventura and contacted Dave Perkins to see where I needed to find out more information about the turn table.”

Mackay Sugar had the turntable stored in a yard after it was removed to allow for a road widening.

“With all the people we had called to get the information, we had created a following which we called the KTTG and this small group were on-site checking it out and were keen to help Mackay Sugar restore her,” Cr Jones said.

Councillors Bonaventura and Jones approached Mr Carless, who agreed that using the KTT as a feature in the trailhead would be a fitting tribute to its heritage.

KTTG are now trying to gather the stories to be documented on-site.  

“Last year, one of my Facebook posts on the KTTG attracted a comment from Albert Ramsamy, who at the age of 14 said he used to turn the rail motor on the turntable back in the day. These were exactly the stories we needed,” Cr Jones said.

While the turntable is locked, the KTTG are hoping that once a year they may be able to run a challenge to see who can turn the table the fastest.

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Caption: Members of the Kungurri Turntable Group on-site at the Mountain Bike Trailhead in Finch Hatton during the installation of the historic turntable. Photo supplied: Alison Jones

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Amidst the anticipation, the winners of the 2024 JSP Women's Awards were revealed at a gala dinner earlier this month, each embodying extraordinary resilience, courage, and innovation. These individuals, recognised across various categories, stand as shining examples of the diverse talents within our community:

WINNERS

Mother of All Mothers: Marnie Louise

Woman Who Breaks the Mould: Adrienne Bradshaw

Health and Wellbeing Warrior: Lauren Neill

Magic Muse: Samantha Munt

Resilient Rebel: Haley Crofts

The Equaliser: Rob Coco

Rising Star: Codie Ebner

From challenging societal norms to advocating for vital causes, each winner has left a mark on our collective consciousness.

This year's event marked a significant milestone in the awards' history, with organiser, Fallon Drewett, proud to witness its evolution to new heights. It's a testament to the power of storytelling, with every nominee, finalist, and winner embodying the grit and determination that inspires us all.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, the JSP Women's Awards serve as a rallying cry for empowerment and progress. It's a space where dreams are nurtured, barriers are shattered, and aspirations are kindled. These awards remind us that greatness resides within each of us, waiting to be unleashed.

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1: Resilient Rebel winner, Haley Crofts

2: Health and Wellbeing Warrior winner, Lauren Neill

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Two women at the helm of the Mackay Hospital Health Service are inspiring an entire workforce to new heights and demonstrating what can be achieved with hard work and perseverance.

MHHS chair and board member Helen Darch OAM and chief executive Susan Gannon are among the 83% female workforce at the Mackay Hospital Health Service.

Both agree International Women’s Day today is an ideal time to reflect on and highlight the important role of women in the workforce and within the community.

“It’s amazing to see the number of women in our service and the many and varied contributions they are making towards a better future,” Ms Gannon said.

“Women have so much to contribute and the way they look at things really matters.”

It was considered somewhat rare to have women in chief executive and chairperson roles and helping to set the strategic direction and oversee the management of Mackay HHS.

“Board members of hospital and health services were primarily male in the past, but the gender balance is now really shifting,” Helen said.

Awareness campaigns like International Women’s Day, with the theme of ‘Count her in’, served as the ideal opportunity to acknowledge how times and perspectives had changed. 

“It’s a day when we note just how far we’ve come from having to seek permission to work, to actually reversing the roles in lots of ways,” Helen said.

“Today is really about celebrating how far we’ve come in recent times, but to also acknowledge there’s still a way to go in terms of ingrained attitudes and equality,” she said.

With more women drawn to the medical profession today, the workforce was seeing a “changing of the guard”. 

“More females are training as doctors than ever before, This will lead to a change in culture in a previously male-dominated profession,” Susan said.

“In the metropolitan areas, the ratio of female doctors now coming through the ranks is at about 50%.”

Both women are proud to acknowledge and celebrate the predominantly female workforce at Mackay HHS.

“I think it’s fabulous to have Susan as the chief executive of the health service because, as they say, you can’t be what can’t see,” Helen said.

“Our workforce has the incredible opportunity to see women in these senior roles and to say, one day I too can be a chief executive or have a senior role here. It’s all possible,” she said.

To mark International Women’s Day, Mackay HHS staff wore purple on the day.

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By Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Caption: MHHS chair and board member Helen Darch OAM and chief executive Susan Gannon.

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