I grew up in a family business. Being a receptionist, a gatekeeper, and an excellent taker of phone messages is in my blood. I have seen firsthand the long days, the growth, and the steep learning curve that comes with technological advances— from typewriters to computers and dot matrix printers, from two-way radios to mobile phones.

As a kid, there was obviously a lot I wasn’t privy to—the real pain points of small business owners: managing a team, paying wages, paying rent, and everything in between. I admired the work my parents put in, but at best, I was a passenger on the journey.

That is, until my daughter received a sewing machine for her 13th birthday. It became an exciting outlet for her creativity. She buzzed away in her room, appearing intermittently with a new creation or requesting a trip to Spotlight for fabric. Then she discovered how easy it was to make scrunchies (hair accessories, for those who don’t know). She started making them for her friends, neighbours, and teammates, and at some point, she identified the market potential of her passion. Next thing I knew… I was once again part of a family business.

If you’ve ever thought about turning your hobby into a business, you’re not alone. Breaking free from the 9-to-5 grind with a side hustle that brings you joy is the dream of many. However, transforming your passion into a profitable business takes more than just enthusiasm—it requires strategic planning, hard work, and a bit of courage.

My daughter had enthusiasm in spades, but perhaps skipped a few key steps in the Turning Your Passion into a Viable Business handbook. Before I knew it, she was busily building her brand—there was a website and business cards. It was sharp, it represented what she offered and what she stood for. As the supplier of seed funding, I was impressed. We were in business.

A business plan is a roadmap. It should include (among myriad other things) financial projections and an operational plan. It will guide you through the startup phase and ensure your business is viable. We did not have one of these. Instead, we skipped ahead to leveraging our network—and they came to the party. Everyone we knew ordered the "ten scrunchie deal." We ran out of stock, we had undercharged for postage, and we couldn’t keep up with demand.

When starting a small business, it’s tempting to go all in from the beginning, but it’s important to start small and scale gradually. My daughter was struggling to fill orders, find time to cut fabric, and ship products. Luckily, she had access to a very willing work experience student—me. The money was good, but the stress was getting to her.

We know how important it is for small business owners to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Turning your passion into a business should enhance your life, not consume it. Unfortunately, after a few short months—and many life lessons—the scrunchie business closed its doors.

At the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce, supporting small businesses and business owners is what we do. Whether it’s connecting you with a network that makes you feel less alone, pointing you toward grant funding, or helping you cut through red tape, we’re here to help.
Just don’t ask me to sew.

Contributed with thanks to Ellen Madden
Mackay Region Chamber Of Commerce
Business Engagement, Events and Communications Manager

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St Patrick’s College Mackay 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 Catholic Secondary education in Mackay are invited to attend the St Patrick’s College Mackay Open Night being held on Wednesday 19 March at the Mercy Campus in Penn Street, Mackay from 4.00pm to 7.00pm.

Prospective parents and students are warmly invited to join us for an enjoyable and informative evening filled with activities and opportunities. Explore our diverse range of subject displays, chat to teachers about our curriculum, whilst admiring students’ work and classroom activities.

Don’t miss the opportunity to discover valuable information about our vocational and sporting programs. Throughout the evening, you’ll also enjoy dynamic performances from the College Cultural ensembles, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of our students in captivating live performances.

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 Patrick’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.

St Patrick’s College holds as its central character the motto ‘Seek and Serve Christ’.

With strong academic, vocational, sporting, cultural, and spiritual programs, St Patrick’s College offers positive experiences for students in a dynamic and exciting dual campus environment.

The College is ideally located close to Mackay’s burgeoning Sports precinct with Multi Sports Basketball and Netball Stadium, BB Print Stadium, Junior League Fields, Harrup Park cricket fields, netball courts, plus soccer and hockey fields nearby, as well as the Paget Business District.

If you would like more information regarding enrolment at St Patrick’s College Mackay, please visit our website www.stpats.qld.edu.au or call (07) 4994 8700.

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Exciting structural upgrades and enhanced security have created a safer, more inviting space for Sarina children to play.

The Sarina and District Community Kindergarten Association (Sarina Kindy) has improved its facilities with new stage decking and upgraded security cameras, made possible by a $17,470 community grant from Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank.

The project enabled a significant refit and upgrade to the deteriorating stage decking in the outdoor play area. Sarina Kindy Grant Officer Angela Patroni said the upgraded deck serves as a “hub for learning experiences”.

“The new deck promotes interaction, storytelling, and provides a secure outdoor learning and play area for all students,” Miss Patroni said.
Additionally, three PSA high-definition security cameras and floodlight combinations have been installed as a proactive measure to deter crime and anti-social behaviour in and around the centre.

“The cameras ensure 24/7 surveillance to prevent vandalism, theft, unauthorised intruders, and to monitor entrances and exits.”

Sarina Kindy President Leigh Ford said its educators and families had expressed sincere gratitude to Community Bank Sarina for their support in making this project a reality.

“The successful completion of this initiative is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our community, dedicated staff, and the generosity of the Community Bank Sarina,” Ms Ford said.

“Maintaining a Kindy facility to be safe and inviting requires consistent efforts. The need for regular maintenance is crucial to guarantee the wellbeing of students and to create a conducive space for learning and growth.”

Community Bank Sarina invites community and not-for-profit groups to attend its Community Engagement Program Information Session to explore funding opportunities for 2025 - 5:30pm, March 4 at Sarina Bowls Club. Visit their Facebook event to register, registrations are essential: www.facebook.com/communitybanksarina.

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Choosing the right estate agent may seem like a minor decision, but it is one of the most important factors when selling or buying a property. The right agent can make all the difference in finding your dream home or securing the best deal for your sale.
Here are five key tips to help you find the perfect estate agent:

1. Do Your Research
Before selecting an agent, take the time to research their experience, track record, and reputation. Look at online reviews, past sales, and client testimonials to get a sense of their performance.

2. Prioritise Local Knowledge
An agent with extensive knowledge of the local market is invaluable. Ask potential agents how long they have worked in the area and test their understanding of property trends, pricing, and neighbourhood insights. A well-informed agent brings energy and expertise that can significantly impact your sale or purchase.

3. Observe Them in Action
Attend open houses hosted by the agents you are considering. Pay attention to how they interact with buyers, present properties, and handle enquiries. A strong agent should be confident, approachable, and skilled at generating interest.

4. Ask the Right Questions
The more information you gather, the better prepared you will be for the sales process. Ask agents to walk you through case studies of previous sales, explaining how they achieved results. Find out why they use specific strategies and what approach they would recommend for your property.

5. Set Expectations and Check In Regularly
A great agent should have a clear strategy for selling your home. Establish expectations early and stay in touch throughout the process to ensure they are following through on their plan and adjusting strategies when needed.
Lastly, it is essential that you feel comfortable with your agent. Trust and communication are key to a smooth property transaction, so choose someone who makes you feel confident in the process.

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Cent sales are always billed as ‘mega’ but Sarina Arts and Craft Centre’s upcoming event will be exactly that.

Centre manager Jenny Costello and a core group of helpers are putting together an amazing collection of prizes for the sale, at the Sarina Sporting and Services Club on Saturday, March 8.

“We’ve had a marvelous response from business, organisations and people within the Sarina and wider Mackay area as we’ve been collecting for the sale,” Jenny said.

“We have lots of high-quality prizes, and our major prizes are terrific.

“As well as the prizes there will be multi-draws, raffles, money boards and a lucky door prize.”

Doors open at 10.30 for a noon start.

_Bookings can be made (not essential) by phoning Jenny Costello on 0414735787._

WHAT:  Sarina Arts and Craft Centre's Cent Sale
WHERE: Sarina Sporting and Services Club
WHEN: Saturday, March 8 at 10am

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Cent sale organiser Jenny Costello and helpers Di Proctor, Jenny Price and Marg Hinrichs with some of the prizes for next month’s mega cent sale. Photo supplied

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A Mackay ICU doctor is investigating how the immune system responds to a deadly soil-borne bacterial disease, which is surging across Far North Queensland, in an effort to help tailor treatment.

Cases of the life-threatening infection, melioidosis, have climbed to 41 in North Queensland this year following recent wet weather. This includes 27 cases in Cairns, 11 in Townsville, and three in Mackay, with two tragic deaths reported.

Mackay Base Hospital Intensivist Dr Eamon Raith secured funding late last year from the Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre (TAAHC) to research immune dysfunction in sepsis caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, the bacteria responsible for melioidosis, in North Queensland.

Dr Raith explained that the infection is common in tropical regions and is transmitted through contact with contaminated soil, water, or air. He chose to focus his sepsis research on melioidosis due to its severe and often fatal impact on patients.

“The problem is we don't know which patients are going to develop sepsis due to melioidosis and which people are going to have just a mild infection,” Dr Raith said.

“We are looking into what different people's responses are to that infection; whether there are differences in immune response amongst people with severe infection and in intensive care.

“North Queensland and Tropical Australia have a broadly different pattern of infections to the rest of the country, because we have tropical diseases and a different population.

“By knowing specifically what we're dealing with here in North Queensland we can provide specific care to people with sepsis and melioidosis in North Queensland.

“This research will ultimately help to provide personalised and precision medicine.”

There were 67 cases of melioidosis in Queensland between January and November last year including three in Mackay and eleven in Townsville.

Dr Raith’s 24-month observational study will compare the physiological data of between 20 and 40 intensive care patients with melioidosis in Mackay and Townsville hospitals using immunophenotyping and multi-omic analysis of their immune response.

Dr Raith said research was vital to improve both healthcare and outcomes for patients.

“We need to continue to evolve specific and precise methods of treating severe illness and infection and that’s really why research is so important,” he said.

“It’s really important for regional centres and for rural and remote practitioners to engage in research because that’s how they provide the data for new treatments and new technologies.”

Dr Raith’s regionally focussed research projects may also help identify future issues which could exacerbate the pre-dominance of life-threatening disease.

“Areas outside North Queensland may also become more subtropical or tropical in the future due to climate change, potentially extending the ecosphere of this bacteria,” he said.

“So that’s another reason research such as this is important, as this could potentially become an even bigger problem.”

Dr Raith has also earned a TAAHC Clinician Researcher Fellowship for his work on sepsis subphenotypes in North Queensland and was awarded a Churchill Fellowship last year for his research into treating critical brain injuries.

Contributed By Mackay Hospital Health Service

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From nerves to newfound freedom, local resident Telina, has proven that hard work and determination can lead to meaningful milestones.

An Endeavour Foundation, Mackay Business Solutions site employee for nearly 30 years, Telina has recently achieved a significant personal goal – she’s purchased her own  car.

Her sights are now set on driving independently.

“I was very nervous when I first started to drive, as I had been waiting for years for it to happen,” Telina shared.

“I studied every chance I got.

“There was never a time I thought I couldn’t do it - if I worked hard enough, I’d get there,”  she added.

While mastering the road rules has proved her biggest challenge, she’s determined to pass her final driving test … because she already has the car.

The motivated motoring enthusiast, endeavoured to save over $10,000 to buy her first car, but with disciplined saving achieved the two year goal, in just 18 months.

“Having my own car means having more freedom,” Telina explained.

Independence enables Telina the opportunity to explore and manage her daily life with greater ease.

Telina credits her team at Endeavour Foundation for providing unwavering support.

“They made sure I had transport to and from my assessment at the Department of Main Roads,” Telina said.

“Even though I didn’t pass (my driving test) the first time, everyone was so kind and supportive.

“They told me not to give up and reminded me I had done a great job, which made me feel so much better,” Telina confirmed.

However, the warehouse assistant confirms, the support goes both ways.

“I enjoy my friendships at Endeavour and making new friends.

“Working here makes me proud and gives me confidence in myself to grow,” Telina concluded.

Discover how Endeavour Foundation empowers people living with disability to reach their full potential, through their range of supportive services at www.endeavour.com.au.

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Telina’s journey from nerves to newfound freedom shows how Endeavour Foundation’s support, paired with her determination, helped her achieve her dream of driving and gaining independence. Photo supplied

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Introducing Mackay Base Hospital’s newest edition to the crew Tali - a wheaten Border Collie whose mission is to simply look cute and spread love to patients in need.

For some time now, the Mackay Hospital Foundation has been teaming up with Mackay Hospital and Health Service to get the official green light for a therapy dog at Mackay Base Hospital.

Clinical Nurse Claire works alongside Tali as a clinical therapy dog team, through Therapy Dogs.

Every week, Tali and Claire brighten up the Eat, Walk, Engage units at Mackay Base Hospital, and the response from patients has been incredible. Tali eagerly accepts pats from patients and is always ready to share some adorable puppy kisses.

Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager, Kristi Algate said, “Currently Tali and Claire come to the hospital one day per week for a few hours and for now, the visit is contained to two wards but seeing the welcome Tali has received and the smiles on the faces of patients, we’d eventually love to see the hours increased.”

Research has shown that interacting with animals helps to induce a relaxation response which in turn lowers blood pressure, slows breathing in those who are anxious and can even change the way pain is experienced. It’s also been noted there is some evidence to suggest that animal interactions can reduce the amount of medication that some patients require.

Therapy dogs can reduce stress and provide a sense of connection in difficult situations, as well as provide social and emotional support for individuals of all ages.

Tali and Claire are currently the only registered therapy dog team in the region.

Ms Algate noted that “Sometimes, improving health outcomes isn’t solely about medication.

“Seeing Tali brighten the lives of patients and witnessing the improved wellbeing in patients is heart-warming.”

Tali joins in on group activities, encouraging patients and motivating them to be more mobile. Research shows that staying mobile helps prevent functional decline and reduces the risk of falls during hospital stays. Tali’s visits are also boosting patients' moods, promoting relaxation, and improving their engagement with others.

Kristi said, “The approval process has been lengthy but I’m sure the staff and patients would agree, Tali and Claire have definitely been worth the wait”.

To find out more information about Mackay Hospital Foundation, visit
https://www.mackayhospitalfoundation.com.au/

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The Eat, Walk Engage team with Claire Cox, Kristi Algate and Tali. Photos supplied

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Clinical Nurse Claire Cox and Tali

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A delegation of 12 leading agribusinesses and innovators from the Greater Whitsunday region have travelled to Brisbane this week to attend evokeAG 2025, Asia-Pacific’s premier agrifood innovation event.

Supported by the Greater Whitsunday Agtech Hub and Regional Development Australia (RDA), this delegation had the opportunity to learn, experience, and promote the Greater Whitsunday region while exploring potential partnerships and collaboration opportunities that will strengthen regional agribusiness and innovation.

EvokeAG, hosted by AgriFutures Australia, is a world-class platform where industry leaders, researchers, investors, and policymakers unite to drive innovation and growth in the agrifood sector.

The event allowed Greater Whitsunday delegates to experience the latest advancements in agricultural technology, sustainability practices, and investment opportunities that could shape the future of the region’s agribusiness landscape.

The Greater Whitsunday delegation had a unique opportunity to connect with national and international stakeholders, positioning the region as a hub for agritech innovation.

The key goals of the delegation included:

• Exploring strategic partnerships and collaborations to enhance regional agribusiness development.

• Showcasing local agtech success stories that highlight Greater Whitsunday’s potential for investment and innovation.

• Promoting the Greater Whitsunday Agtech Hub online portal, an innovative platform supporting agtech adoption and business growth in the region.

• Gaining insights into emerging agricultural technologies and best practices to drive sustainability, productivity, and resilience in regional farming.

Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) Chief Executive Officer Ms Kylie Porter emphasised the significance of this delegation in driving the region’s agricultural future.

“Greater Whitsunday has a thriving agribusiness sector, and evokeAG 2025 presents an invaluable opportunity for our local innovators to engage with global leaders, explore new investment streams, and bring cutting-edge advancements back to our region.”

Ms Porter said the evokeAG experience would continue with the sold-out evokeAG sideline event showcasing why the Greater Whitsunday region is best placed to embrace an emerging biomanufacturing sector.

Co-hosted by GW3, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and the Queensland Government, the tour will provide insights into ground-breaking biorefining innovations and industry collaborations.

The Mackay biomanufacturing tour will offer delegates a firsthand look at cutting-edge innovations in biomanufacturing and agribusiness.

Highlights include a visit to the Mackay Renewable Biocommodity Pilot Plant and Mackay Sugar’s Racecourse Mill to explore precision fermentation and biorefining technologies.
An industry-focused lunch at the Resources Centre of Excellence will be followed by a tour of its underground mine simulator.

A regional showcase will feature key sites such as North Queensland Bulk Ports Port of Mackay and the Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) sugar terminal, demonstrating the region’s strong integration of industry, agriculture, and biomanufacturing.

Ms Porter said the Greater Whitsunday region has been leading an intensive campaign to establish this emerging industry in the region since 2018.

“This is an exciting time for Greater Whitsunday, and we are proud to showcase our region’s potential on the national and global stage.

“Mackay has long been recognised as an ideal location to lead a domestic biomanufacturing sector due to our abundance of feed stocks, sophisticated logistics network of roads, ports and rail as well as a highly skilled, technical workforce,” she said.

Contributed by Greater Whitsunday Alliance

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A new bursary has been announced to recognise the late Liz Alexander’s significant contributions to agricultural innovation in Queensland and beyond.

Unveiled by the Minister for Primary Industries at evokeAG 2025 - the Asia-Pacific region’s premier agrifood innovation event in Brisbane - the bursary will support an emerging AgTech leader by covering the cost of attending a future evokeAG forum.

The Crisafulli Government has honoured Alexander’s pioneering work by naming the initiative in her memory. A driving force behind Queensland’s AgTech ecosystem, Alexander played a pivotal role in programs such as AgFrontier and i4Connect and served on multiple boards, including Cotton Australia, Plant Health Australia, and QRIDA.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Queensland and is focused on boostingthe State’s agricultural productivity to $30 billion by 2030.

That goal is underpinned by the Crisafulli Government’s $30M Sowing Seeds of Farming Innovation fund, which will deliver cutting-edge techniques and unearth the world’s best farming practices.

Minister Perrett said the bursary will be awarded to an outstanding leader in Queensland’s AgTech ecosystem, covering the cost of attending a future evokeAG forum.

“Liz Alexander was a true pioneer and a passionate advocate for Queensland’s AgTech sector,” Minister Perrett said.

“Liz championed not only technology and innovation, but also the people behind them — the start-up founders, investors, and enablers working to supercharge the productivity and sustainability of our primary industries.

“This bursary is about recognising those who continue to lead in that space and drive meaningful change in Queensland’s primary industries.

“I look forward to seeing the next generation of AgTech leaders emerge and continue the work that Liz so passionately championed” Minister Perrett said.

Sonya Comiskey, chair of the Agtech Advisory Group that works with the Department of Primary Industries to collaborate with farmers on AgTech innovations, said Ms Alexander’s leadership, vision and dedication to fostering innovation in agriculture was second to none.

“Liz has left a legacy that continues to shape the industry today,” Ms Comiskey said.

“This bursary will honour her contributions and inspire future generations of AgTech and regional leaders,” Ms Comiskey said.

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Liz passed away in July 2024 from complications related to her cancer treatment. She was 51. Photo source: CHDC

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The World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement that unites
Christians in prayer and worship. This year, the Mackay community is
invited to gather on Friday, 7th March at 10:00 AM at St Ambrose
Church, Glenpark Street, North Mackay, to take part in this special
service of faith and fellowship.

Each year, a different country prepares the service, highlighting its
culture, challenges, and faith. In 2025, the Cook Islands has prepared
the worship program with the theme “I Made You Wonderful.” This
powerful message reminds us of God’s love, His creation, and the
unique value He has placed in each of us.

The World Day of Prayer encourages unity among all Christian
denominations, and invitations have been sent to churches across
Mackay to participate. The service will include prayer, scripture
readings, reflections, and songs of praise, celebrating our shared
faith in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Everyone is welcome to join this inspiring event and experience the
strength of communal worship. Let us come together in faith and
thanksgiving.

For further information, please contact 0411143185

By Anne Jennings - Mackay Unit Australian Church Women

WHAT: Prayer Day
When: Friday, 7th March at 10:00 AM
WHERE: St Ambrose Church, North Mackay

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Opinion Piece by Michelle Landry

Beef Australia’s internationally renowned event delivers enormous benefits to
Rockhampton and showcases our local beef producers on the global stage. That’s why
I’m proud to have invested $15.65 million over the past four events.

It’s good to see Labor finally commit funding but it took an election to get the Agriculture
Minister out of the city and into regional Australia. Rockhampton is the Beef Capital of
the nation, yet the only reason she’s here is for a political announcement.

The Minister has been criticised by agriculture organisations stating she is neglecting
regional communities. Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority records show
that in her first three months as minister, she spent just one night in Cairns, with the rest
of her time in Tasmania, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. By the end of January 2025,
she had only visited Victoria and Western Australia once and had yet to set foot in the
Northern Territory.

Meanwhile, the cost of hosting events like Beef Australia is soaring, driven up by Labor’s
policies that make it more expensive to do business. Food prices are up 12 per cent,
electricity has skyrocketed by 32 per cent and inflation has been an average of 4.1 per
cent. It’s no wonder event costs are rising when Labor keeps making life harder for
regional Australia.

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Shed Happens Mackay hosted a leadership training retreat at the picturesque Seaforth Pines over the weekend of February 9. Surrounded by lush greenery and just a stone’s throw from the beach, the setting provided the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations, personal growth, and team-building activities.

The retreat featured a range of engaging exercises designed to strengthen leadership and camaraderie. One highlight was a hands-on challenge where participants worked together to build a catapult using bamboo poles and ropes. Another thought-provoking exercise, inspired by military watchkeeping strategies, encouraged teams to plan and problem-solve under pressure. A particularly memorable moment came when attendees took turns writing uplifting messages on each other's backs—an activity that left many feeling encouraged and inspired.

Leadership discussions were further enriched by video sessions from the Shed Happens home office, covering topics such as burnout, controlling unwanted thoughts, and recognising narcissism. These sessions sparked deep conversations, reinforcing the group’s shared commitment to supporting men in their journeys.

A key focus of the retreat was refining Shed Happens Mackay’s vision and mission statements. While the core message remains the same, adjustments were made to provide greater clarity and alignment with the group’s purpose. Planning for the year ahead was also a priority, with discussions centring on how to better support local men.

The annual International Men’s Day Breakfast—a cornerstone of Shed Happens Mackay’s fundraising efforts—will return in November, once again featuring the announcement of the Mackay Man of the Year. However, after much consideration, the decision was made to discontinue the Art Show, allowing the group to focus on new, more impactful ways to engage with the community.

A powerful session was delivered by Grapevine Group, providing valuable insights into supporting individuals struggling with dark thoughts. The training led to an open discussion about the unique challenges men face in today’s social and political climate, highlighting the need for tailored support systems that address these realities.

Shed Happens Mackay is eager to put these insights into action, ensuring it remains a vital resource for men in the region. The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month, offering a welcoming space for fellowship and support. To stay updated on upcoming events and initiatives, visit Shed Happens Mackay on Facebook.

Contributed by Shed Happens Mackay

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Shed Happens Mackay’s leadership retreat at Seaforth Pines fostered personal growth, team-building, and strategic planning, reinforcing its mission to support local men. Photos supplied

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Queensland’s beekeeping industry is set to receive a major boost, with the State Government rolling out a $500,000 Community Bee Innovation Fund (CBIF) to tackle the threat of varroa mite—one of the most destructive pests facing honeybee populations worldwide.

Over the next three years, grants between $5,000 and $50,000 will be available to fund innovative projects aimed at strengthening biosecurity, improving varroa mite education, and developing management tools to protect the state’s beekeeping and pollination-reliant industries.

While Queensland remains free of varroa mite, recent detections in the NSW border town of Boggabilla have raised concerns about its potential spread. First detected in New South Wales in June 2022, the tiny parasite devastates beehives and poses a serious risk to Queensland’s $75 million honey industry and the $2.4 billion economic value of pollination services.

The grants will fully fund projects that either:

   Deliver innovative varroa mite education and training, or
   Develop innovative varroa mite management tools.

Beekeeping clubs, universities, local governments, agricultural businesses, and industry bodies are all encouraged to apply.

In addition to this initiative, the Crisafulli Government is reinforcing Queensland’s biosecurity with 100 new biosecurity officers over the next four years, ensuring stronger protection for primary industries.

Applications for the CBIF grants are now open, providing a crucial opportunity to help safeguard Queensland’s bee populations before the pest reaches the state.

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said strong and responsive biosecurity is critical to the ongoing success of Queensland’s agricultural industries.

“This project empowers beekeepers, researchers and industry groups to develop creative solutions that strengthen our defences against varroa mite,” Minister Perrett said.

“It’s one of the many projects Queensland is working on to protect the sustainability of our beekeeping and pollination industries, which are crucial to our food security and economy.”

Round 1 of the grant program has opened, with applications closing at 5pm AEST on 24 March 2025.

For more information on the Community Bee Innovation Fund and how to apply, visit Community Bee Innovation Fund | Department of Primary Industries, Queensland

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Booking in a doctor’s appointment has never been more difficult or expensive, especially in regional Queensland, according to Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox.

Willcox has called out the Albanese Government, arguing that low Medicare rebates are causing GPs to abandon bulk billing, leaving patients to bear skyrocketing out-of-pocket costs.

With doctor shortages worsening and medical centres struggling to stay open, he warns that urgent action is needed to prevent further strain on communities.

Mr Willcox said “Medicare bulk billing rates have dropped by 11 percent and the average out of pocket cost to see a Doctor has skyrocketed by 45 percent which is simply not good enough.

“An elected Dutton Coalition Government will invest an historic $9 billion into Medicare to fix Labor’s healthcare crisis.

“This investment builds on the $500 million commitment already announced by the Coalition to restore critical Medicare funding for mental health support, after it was slashed in half by the Albanese Government.

“The Coalition welcomes the Albanese Government’s decision to finally listen to our calls to address the health workforce crisis with a comprehensive package of training measures.

“It has been no surprise that the Coalition has led the way with our $400 million plan to grow a strong pipeline of GP’s, which will provide junior doctors who choose to train as a GP in the community with financial incentives, assistance with leave entitlements and training support.”

“I have seen first hand medical centres being forced to close such as the centre in Bowen because of a major doctor shortages, resulting in patients having to travel long distances to find another GP.”

“I have visited Murroona Gardens Aged Care facility on a number of occasions and they simply don’t have access to doctors due to these shortages, to care for residents.

“The Coalition has a strong record on health and we have a plan go get Australia back on track and fix Labor’s healthcare mess.”

Opinion Piece, submitted by Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox

Andrew Willcox calls for urgent action to fix Australia's healthcare crisis, highlighting rising costs, doctor shortages, and the Coalition's $9 billion plan to restore Medicare funding. Photos supplied

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