Peabody announced an acquisition of world-class metallurgical coal assets from Anglo American plc last week, significantly strengthening Peabody’s position as a leading global supplier of steelmaking coal. The transaction, valued at USD 3.8 billion, is set to close in mid-2025, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
The acquisition includes four Tier 1 metallurgical coal mines in Queensland’s Bowen Basin—Moranbah North, Grosvenor, Aquila, and Capcoal—renowned for producing premium hard coking coal essential to steelmaking. The mines are projected to produce approximately 11.3 million tons in 2026, positioning Peabody to meet growing demand across key Asian markets.
Peabody President and CEO Jim Grech hailed the deal as a “rare opportunity to acquire premier assets at a compelling valuation” that aligns with the company’s strategic focus on seaborne metallurgical coal. He noted that the transaction would be “immediately accretive, highly synergistic, and transformative for Peabody’s future.”
The transaction is expected to bolster Peabody’s financial profile by generating significant cash flow and achieving substantial synergies of approximately $100 million annually through efficiency improvements. With an average mine life exceeding 20 years and substantial reserves, the acquisition elevates Peabody’s metallurgical coal output from 7.4 million tons in 2024 to over 21 million tons in 2026.
Anglo American Chief Executive Duncan Wanblad expressed confidence in Peabody’s stewardship of these assets, stating, “We are delighted to collaborate with Peabody to ensure a successful transition that benefits all stakeholders.”

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Productivity is set to return to Queensland worksites under proposed changes to Workplace Health and Safety laws, introduced in Parliament last week. The reforms aim to reinstate a 24-hour notice period for permit holders seeking right of entry, bringing Queensland in line with the Commonwealth Fair Work Act. Exceptions will apply only in cases of immediate or imminent risks to workers' health and safety.
This shift follows the suspension of Best Practice Industry Conditions and underscores the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to balancing productivity with worker safety. Announced last Thursday, November 28, the changes mark a significant step towards restoring efficiency and fairness on Queensland worksites.
Legislation introduced to the Parliament in the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024, will require Workplace Health and Safety permit holders to provide at least 24 hours’ notice to exercise their right of entry to a workplace.

Reintroducing the requirement to provide notice ensures management, and their safety specialists, are available on site when entry permit holders come on site to discuss any safety concerns.  

The amendments also provide consistency with the requirements of the Commonwealth Fair Work Act 2009, which requires permit holders give at least 24 hours’ notice before exercising an entry right.  

Deputy Premier and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie said all Queenslanders had the right to go to work, get paid well and to come home safely to their family. 

“These laws will stop the CFMEU using safety as an industrial weapon,” Mr Bleijie said. 

“The CFMEU’s cultural practice of bullying and intimidation that we see on Queensland worksites against workers, contractors, employers and the independent public servants who protect workers safety must end. 

“Reintroducing the requirement to provide at least 24 hours’ notice will provide a circuit breaker to recent tensions we’ve observed regarding entry and will provide employers with sufficient time to respond to WHS entry permit holders on issues that they may raise. 

“The LNP Government backs workers, their wages and their safety.” 

Recent changes introduced by the Electrical Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 to permit health and safety representatives (HSR) and WHS entry permit holders (EPHs) to take photos, videos, measurements and conduct tests at the workplace when undertaking their roles will no longer proceed. 

This is following concerns raised by industry representatives about protecting the privacy of individuals in workplaces. 

Following these immediate law changes being introduced, the Queensland Government will also turn focus on the work health and safety framework to address gaps in the legislation around work-related violence and aggression.   

This will mean incidents of work-related violence and aggression, including physical and sexual assault, will come to the attention of the WHS Regulator, and that more serious events can be triaged for an inspectorate response.

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Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie at the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Office of Industrial Relations in Rockhampton

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

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The Mackay Canegrowers Ltd AGM was held Wednesday 27 November with a good roll-up in a challenging year where many are still cutting their crop. It was great to see the 80 members and guests attend the event, to hear from myself, Deputy Chairman Joseph Borg and District Manager Michelle Martin on progress made in 2023-24 financial year and to the present.
We also heard from guest speaker Dr John Pickering on farming and resilience in tough times. John is a behavioural psychologist specialising in practice change, from Evidn. He is very familiar with the sugar industry, having worked with CANEGROWERS on Project CaneChanger almost a decade ago, when we were improving industry environmental sustainability and implementing Smartcane BMP. He was instrumental in achieving strong early growth of the program in the cane growing sector.
Thanks to all who attended to support the region’s strong grower representative organisation.

Ooralea Growers Jim and Sharon Pengelly with CANEGROWERS District Manager Michelle Martin
IMG_2752_Plane Creek grower Glen Brady with guest speaker Dr John Pickering
IMG_2755_Yalboroo grower Bruce Wallace and Mackay Sugar Agricultural Manager Damian Baxter
IMG_2758_Growers Peter Doyle and Paul Schembri
IMG_2768_ Growers De-Ann Grech, Jan Muscat, Therese Russell and Mary Wallace
IMG_2769_Canegrowers Mackay Director Phil Deguara, Marian Grower Anthony Deguara, with QSLs Brad Dunn
IMG_2778 Marwood Grower Tony Ross with Canegrowers Mackay Agricultural Economist John Eden
IMG_2781_CANEGROWERS Chairman Kevin Borg, Accounts Manager Elli Preston and Director Brett Leach

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This week
Season to date
Cane crushed
37,550
1,128,064
Average bin weight
3.69
3.89
CCS
13.74
14.13
Cane variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q183
38.7
14.42
Q253
8.3
12.52
Q240
9.1
12.71
SRA9
4.2
14.33
Q208
19.8
13.89
KQ228
2.4
12.82
Q232
3.0
13.84
Q138
5.1
12.75
Comments:
Plane Creek Mill processed 37,550 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season-to-date total to just over 1,128,000 tonnes.
Rain late in the previous week triggered a halt to harvesting and crushing operations.
Average CCS declined by 0.84 of a unit over the previous week, closing out at 13.74 units. The year-to-date average is now sitting at 14.13 units.
Standover cane made up approximately 4.5 per cent of the week’s cane supply.
The highest CCS honour for the week was a rake of Q183 fifth ratoon from the Main Line productivity area with a CCS of 16.80 units.
With the crushing season extending into the school holiday period, we ask parents and caregivers to talk to children about the dangers of playing on or around our cane rail network.
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Lindsay Wheeler
Cane Supply Manager
Plane Creek Region

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Inspired by the true story of a merino ram who was lost for five years in the bush near Canberra and set the record for the world’s heaviest fleece, A Woolly Tale is a delightful new fictional tale for children launched by the National Museum of Australia.

Written by author Jackie Hosking, A Woolly Tale follows the life and adventures of Chris, the world’s woolliest sheep, whose fleece is on display at the National Museum.

National Museum director Katherine McMahon said Chris the sheep is a beloved rural character who has enchanted visitors since his 41.1-kilogram fleece was acquired by the Museum in 2016.

“Chris became an international media story after his fleece was recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s ‘heaviest sheep fleece’, breaking records previously set in New Zealand by a whopping 12 kilograms.”

Author Jackie Hosking said she imagined what Chris the Sheep might have got up to during his “missing years”.

“Originally, I thought I might have him do something out of this world, like travelling to space but then opted for a more plausible story.

“I researched merino sheep and learned that they do not shed their wool and that they are foragers and eat a variety of plants, not just grass.

“These facts helped shape the story: one, that of course his fleece would keep growing and two, he’d be able to survive away from the sheep station.

“While I try to avoid writing stories that are didactic, I hope that children might see Chris as a courageous sheep, nervous at first but strong and determined in the end. And although he does run away in the beginning, he uses that time away to get to know himself until he feels brave enough to face his fears,” Ms Hosking said.

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A Woolly Tale, a new children’s book by Jackie Hosking, reimagines the story of Chris the Sheep, who became famous for having the world’s heaviest fleece. Photo supplied

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Up to $32.6 million over 4 years will be invested in the future of Australia’s sugarcane industry with research and development projects set to increase the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the Australian sugarcane industry.
Sugar Research Australia (SRA) and the Queensland Government’s Department of Primary Industries (DPI) are investing in a diverse portfolio of novel and strategic research activities. The new projects will target improved efficiency, competitiveness, sustainability and innovation for Australian sugarcane growers, milling companies, and regional communities.
Funding will be allocated as follows:
• $6 million to create transformational breeding technologies to develop high yielding and disease resistant varieties, and explore the potential for energy cane
• $12.1 million to overcome agronomic production constraints, optimise crop management, and improve the industry’s sustainability credentials to maintain market access for Australian sugar
• $6.8 million to develop sustainable management approaches for pests, weeds and pathogens and biosecurity preparedness
• $5.5 million to optimise operations for enhanced milling efficiency and develop opportunities to diversify revenue streams in the bioeconomy
• $2.2 million to increase adoption of available technologies that increase productivity, profitability and sustainability for sugarcane growers, millers, and regional communities.
SRA CEO Mick Bartlett said the rigorous multi-step approval process for applicants ensured that projects with the strongest potential to deliver real change and positive industry-wide outcomes were successful.
“The calibre of submissions was exemplary and represents the strong scientific standing we have in the sugar industry, particularly within SRA,” Mr Bartlett said.
“Each of these projects has the potential to deliver positive change, and whole-of-industry research outcomes capable of being adopted on farm and within the milling sector.”

SRA’s new CEO Mick Bartlett

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Beachgoers have come out in strong support for Professional Lifeguards, signing a petition in mass numbers to advocate for an increase in their wages.

Despite broadcasting record revenue, Surf Lifesaving Queensland is refusing to give Lifeguards a pay rise that keeps up with the cost of living.

In response to the stalemate at the bargaining table, the Australian Workers’ Union have taken to the beaches to rally public support for their cause.

AWU State Secretary Stacey Schinnerl said, “The community deserve to be made aware that the people that work so hard to protect us are not being treated with respect by SLSQ.

“We have been out at Queensland beaches talking to the public and putting up signs to give the public a chance to show their support.

“The campaign has been met with an overwhelmingly positive response.

“Many beachgoers were shocked at SLSQ’s disregard for the people who protect our community every day,” Ms Schinnerl said.

“The public is rightfully wary that there will not be enough Professional Lifeguards to keep the beaches open if the wages do not improve.”

Professional Lifeguards do the vast majority of QLD beach patrolling. There are not enough volunteers to protect the many beaches and lagoons.

Lifeguards’ ability to do the job they love is under threat. It is becoming increasingly unsustainable for Lifeguards to justify staying in the profession that they love with the lagging wages.

“Our beaches cannot stay open without them.”

The previous EBA offer was decisively voted down by the workforce.

“Lifeguards have put up with a string of unsatisfactory wage rises and now it’s time to draw a line in the sand and say enough is enough,” Ms Schinnerl said.

“We call on SLSQ to put a fair deal on the table that reflects the value that Professional Lifeguards bring to the community and keeps our beaches open.”

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It’s not every day a rock becomes a world traveller, but one Mackay stone has made an extraordinary journey—crossing continents to rest in the breathtaking glacial landscapes of Argentine Patagonia.
In 2023, Miriam Lizarraga, originally from Argentina, visited Mackay’s Artspace Museum and came across a community art project featuring a spiral of painted stones. The project, organised by local artist Ros Campbell, invited residents to decorate rocks to form a colourful snake sculpture. After the display, participants were encouraged to take the stones to spread the spirit of Mackay wherever they went.
For Miriam, this idea sparked a connection. As she admired the painted stones, one particular rock found its way into her hands and, ultimately, into her suitcase. Back in Argentina, she placed the rock in a stunning Patagonian setting, capturing the moment with photos to highlight the rugged beauty of her homeland.
Miriam shared her story: “I lived in beautiful Mackay and visited the art museum. The painted snake was so special, and I brought a stone back to leave it in a beautiful place in Patagonia. I hope you see these photos and feel inspired to visit my beautiful country!”
Her story has struck a chord back in Mackay. Elizabeth Springall, reflecting on the project, said: “The snake was such a wonderful community effort. It’s amazing to think one of those stones is now in Patagonia—a little piece of Mackay travelling the world!”
From the tropics of Mackay to the icy peaks of Patagonia, this humble rock now serves as a small but powerful symbol of connection, creativity, and global adventure.
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Photo credit: Miriam Lizarraga

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An Australian summer Christmas promises joy, sunshine, and backyard cricket—but it can also come with a side of stress. Here’s how to manage the madness with a splash of creativity and a sprinkle of festive fun.
1. Swap the stress for a beach day. Who says Christmas has to be formal? Pack a picnic, bring the cricket set, and celebrate with sand between your toes. Let the kids build sandcastles while you enjoy a much-needed breather by the waves.
2. Embrace the Aussie ‘bring a plate’ tradition. Ask everyone to bring their signature dish (yes, even if it’s store-bought). Sharing the load reduces stress and adds variety to the feast. Plus, Uncle Bob’s legendary prawn cocktail always steals the show.
3. Declutter your commitments. You don’t need to attend every event or have the house looking like a Pinterest board. Prioritise what truly matters—quality time with loved ones—and say no to anything that feels like too much.
4. Stay cool—literally. When tempers rise with the heat, have some fun with water fights, homemade icy poles, or a paddling pool for the kids (and maybe for yourself).
5. Look out for each other. The holidays aren’t always easy. Check in with friends and family—sometimes a quiet chat can mean everything. Visit the Grapevine Group website for tips on recognising the signs someone may need support, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 if you’re worried.
Christmas isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection. Whether the pav collapses or the mozzies crash the BBQ, let laughter take the lead. Keep it simple, keep it sunny, and remember: the best gifts are your time and care.

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Can you believe that in just a few short days, it will be Christmas time! It just felt like yesterday that we were opening Easter eggs and riding all the roller coasters at the show.

How this year has flown by. It’s December and we are about to get a visit from the jolly man dressed in red. I hope you’re ready, because I am.

The shops are full, carparks are jam-packed with shoppers, and our radio is sprinkling in some all-time Christmas favourites to get you in the mood. Yes, Mariah and Michael B have come out of the wilderness to get us in the mood, and I reckon there will be some interesting festive favourites to get us smiling and thinking of all things tinsel and snow in the tropics.

I certainly am loving all the decorations around the region. From the Christmas trees at Habana, to the giant blow-up Santa in West Mackay with our mate Wilbur standing next to it in his Xmas swimming trunks! This time of the year is just magical. Next week we are hitting the road again for the annual Christmas Bus Lights Convoy and we’re heading to the Pioneer Valley, Sarina and Mackay. If you want tickets, get on the 4MK website and tell us where the light displays are, and you’ll be in the draw to grab seats on the buses.

Also, tomorrow night is an absolute highlight of the festive season, with the annual 4MK Carols in the Gardens at the Meadowlands Amphitheatre. We are kicking off all the fun from 5:30pm, so we’d love you to bring the family down to sing your hearts out, meet Santa, say gudday to the Grich in his lair, and treat yourself to some delicious food and fun entertainment just for kids in their zone. So much is happening and we can’t wait to bring it to you with the Mackay Big Band and a cast of thousands on the big stage.

Fast forward to next Saturday, we will be doing the big prize draws for the 4MK Santa’s Storage Shed, where nearly $20,000 worth of prizes will be handed out. There are 17 prizes, which means there will be 17 different winners to get excited. If you haven’t entered yet, there’s still time. We aren’t closing entries until tomorrow afternoon, so get shopping. Full list of locations at the 4MK website.

One more thing, and it’s a big one. If you haven’t yet heard, next Friday the 13th, I’ll be finishing up my time on the 4MK breakfast show after over 18 years with this fantastic company. I’ve been given another exciting opportunity right here in Mackay, so Friday next week will be my final show.

While it’s not goodbye, this is my final chat in this wonderful local paper. Thank you to the wonderful Amanda, and all the team to allow me to have a chat with you each fortnight. Have a wonderful Christmas and an even better New Year. I’ll see you up the road sometime soon, and remember, have fun!

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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A Mackay retailer is wrapped to be giving back this Christmas, hosting Australia’s first ever unique charity event, the BIG Wrapathon. 
 
The event will take place in Mackay’s BIG W on Saturday 7 December and will involve celebrity and community volunteers, alongside BIG W team members wrapping gifts at the front of stores from 10am - 4pm. 
 
Christmas is a celebratory time for most families, but many families will be spending the festive season and beyond in hospital care. The event celebrates the launch of BIG W’s charity wrapping paper, a new range of festive gift wrap designed with children who have been supported by BIG W’s national hospital network. The colourful wrap features the children’s heartfelt artwork and customers can purchase in store and online for $5, with all proceeds going back to families across the country. 
 
In addition to its fundraising efforts, BIG W is contributing an additional $20,000 to Queensland Children's Hospital Foundation, further supporting programs that bring care and joy to sick kids and their families this Christmas
 
BIG W Mackay Store Manager Clinton Cooper said, “Through our long-standing hospital network partners, BIG W makes a real difference for Australian families in the region.

“The BIG Wrapathon is the gift that keeps on giving.

“Not only will Mackay customers save time getting their gifts wrapped by local celebrities in a fun local community event, but their gold coin donation directly supports children and families in Queensland.”
 
$2 fundraising tokens have also been designed by kids being supported by the Children’s Hospital Network. They will be sold in stores from Mon 4 November and run through to 24 December.
 
Proceeds from the sale of the wrap, tokens and the wrapathon donations will go towards Children’s Hospitals and research partners around the country, including: Children’s Hospital Foundation (CHF) - QLD.
   
Jo Donaldson from the Queensland Children's Hospital Foundation, said, “For over 21 years, BIG W has supported the Children’s Hospital Foundation here in Queensland, raising over $5 million and we’re thrilled to continue this legacy through the 2024 BIG W Community Christmas Appeal.
 
“Christmas is a time for joy and family, but for many children at Queensland Children's Hospital, it’s also a time spent facing serious health challenges far from home.

“Each year, the Queensland Children’s Hospital treats over 110,000 children, with one in three coming from regional or remote parts of Queensland and the Children's Hospital Foundation is there for each and every one of them.”
 

Join the BIG Wrapathon at BIG W Mackay on December 7 to wrap gifts for sick kids and support charity. Photos supplied

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From Sarina to Dows Creek, St Helens Beach to the Northern Beaches, amongst the City Heart and even flying into Mackay Aeroclub, Mackay Regional Council is supporting Christmas celebrations across the region.
More than 20 events have been supported to ensure everyone has the chance to celebrate with their communities this festive season.
There will be something to suit everyone’s festive tastes, from a City Centre light show projection to a guided silent disco and Christmas laneway market.
Community favourites like Carols in the Gardens will return and council is once again supporting regional events through our Christmas Grants program.
With the Christmas Grants, council has kicked in $10,000 to boost festive celebrations in regional areas.
The following regional events are open to the public and have been proudly supported by council’s Christmas Grants:
   • Armstrong Beach and Freshwater Point lolly drop and Christmas party (November 23)
   • Pioneer Valley Sporting Association Christmas break barbecue (November 25)
   • Eungella Christmas Party (November 30)
   • Northern Beaches Community Christmas Party (December 6)
   • Mackay Riding for the Disabled Community Christmas Party (December 12)
   • Sarina Sporting Services Club Christmas Car Park Party (December 13)
   • Mackay Aeroclub's Annual Christmas Party (December 13)
   • Sarina Beach Barbecue and Movie Night (December 13)
   • Mackay Christmas Lights Ride (December 14)
   • Dows Creek - Celebrating Christmas in our Community (December 15)
   • Habana Carols Under the Stars (December 21)
   • St Helens Beach Christmas Party (December 21)
   • Sarina Festive Christmas Pool Party (December 22)
Other Christmas events and celebrations supported by council and council facilities include:
   • MECCMAS – 12 days of Christmas deals and giveaways from the MECC – from December 1.
   • The annual City Heart Christmas – Guided silent disco, laneway markets, kids’ activities and more – December 6.
   • Santa’s Secret Present Search – a fun adventure through the City Heart collecting secret presents – December 6.
   • City Heart Magical Christmas Window Competition – judged from December 6 to December 16.
   • City Heart Christmas Bright Lights – watch the Masonic Hall transform into a tropical Christmas light show – from December 6 to December 14.
   • Carols in the Gardens – presented by StarFM and 4MK at Meadowlands Amphitheatre – December 7.
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For a full list of Council-supported Christmas events with all the details, head to mackay.qld.gov.au/christmasevents.

Events and festivities will be spread throughout the City Centre, from Macalister Street to Sydney Street and from River Street to Gordon Street

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When I came back to work after my Christmas/New Year break in early January this year, there was a feeling that something had changed.
Yes, I was fatter, older and poorer, but that happens every year after the Christmas break. It was more than that.
My first open homes were frenetic, energised events with dozens of buyers ready to buy.
The market had been good the previous year but nothing crazy. Suddenly it was as though Santa had snuck a message in everyone’s parcels that said, “It’s time to buy in Mackay”.
I often discuss the real estate market with Gardian colleagues and a consistent topic the previous couple of years had been how we felt the market should be stronger and that prices should be going up quicker.
Rents had gone up dramatically in the previous couple of years and there was a ridiculous level of demand among tenants.
There was an incentive for tenants, if they had the money, to take the plunge and buy.
But we also wondered why investors were not jumping into the market. People who lived in southern markets only had the option of high purchase prices for investment properties that delivered a much worse rental yield than Mackay offered.
While rental yields were 1 or 2 per cent in those places, Mackay offered 5, 6 and 7 per cent yields on rental properties. Our median sale price remained way lower than other vibrant cities and regional centres.
I told anyone who listens to me that this was the place to buy … but my dog isn’t in a position to buy and did nothing about it.
First there was that frenzy of activity from local buyers in January and then, in February, the calls started coming in from investors and buyers’ agents from down south.
It wasn’t a trickle. It was a flood of investors wanting to get into the Mackay market. They were driven by the relatively low prices, high rental returns, high average incomes, low vacancy rates, low unemployment rate and the strong economy of a significant regional centre.
The world had suddenly changed and Mackay became one of the hottest markets in Australia. Investors have been driving the market, although there are also plenty of local people who have decided to buy rather than rent.
But what has it meant, in practical terms, for the Mackay market? What has happened to prices? Sit down and brace yourself for the latest figures, provided to me by realestate.com.au this week.
The median price for houses sold in Mackay in the month of November, 2023, was $490,000. The median price for November this year was $643,000. That is an increase of over 30 per cent.
That is the biggest increase in Queensland and compares with the annual national median price increase of 5.62 per cent. House prices in Melbourne, Hobart and the ACT decreased this year. Sydney prices also recently dropped slightly.
(It is true that the Mackay figure is a snapshot of prices for one month and there might have been more upper-end properties sold then, however the figures are instructive.)
The figures are great news for home owners in Mackay. However, I want the people who haven’t bought yet to bring it in close.
The median price of units was $280,000 in November 2023. This November it was $329,000. That’s about an 18 per cent increase, a lot smaller than for houses. And it means there are still units available for around $300,000.
Now, I would never give financial advice but I was telling my dog the other day that units still offer an affordable opportunity to break into the Mackay market.
I doubt my dog will do anything about it but someone might.

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Delightfully light and airy, this pavlova wreath bursts with fresh summer flavours, making it an ideal showstopper for your Christmas celebrations!
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Ingredients
For the Pavlova Base:
   • 6 large egg whites, at room temperature
   • 1 1/2 cups caster sugar
   • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • 1 tablespoon cornflour
For the Toppings:
   • 300 ml thickened cream, chilled
   • 2 tablespoons icing sugar (plus extra for dusting)
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • Fresh strawberries, halved
   • Fresh raspberries
   • Fresh blueberries
   • Pomegranate arils
   • 2 passionfruit, pulp only
   • Fresh mint leaves
   • Optional: edible gold leaf for garnish
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 120°C (fan-forced). Line a large baking tray with baking paper. Draw a 25 cm circle on the paper, then draw a smaller 15 cm circle inside to form a guide for the wreath. Turn the paper over so the ink doesn’t touch the meringue.
Make the Meringue:
   • In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
   • Gradually add the caster sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue until the mixture is thick, glossy, and the sugar is fully dissolved.
   • Add the vinegar, vanilla, and cornflour, gently folding them into the meringue with a spatula.
Shape the Wreath:
   • Spoon the meringue onto the prepared baking tray, shaping it into a wreath by following the drawn circles. Create decorative swirls or peaks with the back of a spoon for texture.
Bake the Pavlova:
   • Place the tray in the oven and immediately reduce the heat to 100°C. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until the meringue is crisp on the outside and slightly soft in the centre.
Turn off the oven and leave the pavlova inside to cool completely with the door open.
Prepare the Toppings:
   • In a chilled bowl, whip the cream with icing sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
   • Slice the strawberries and prepare the remaining fruits.
Assemble the Wreath:
   • Once the pavlova is completely cool, gently transfer it to a serving platter.
   • Spread the whipped cream generously over the top. Arrange the strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, pomegranate arils, and mint leaves decoratively around the wreath.
   • Drizzle with passionfruit pulp for a tangy finish.
Add the Final Touches:
       ◦ Dust lightly with icing sugar for a snowy effect.
       ◦ Add edible gold leaf for a luxurious festive touch (optional).
Serve and Enjoy:
       ◦ Serve immediately or store in the fridge for up to 2 hours before serving.

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By Hannah McNamara

In the shadow of loss and the light of brotherhood, Managing Director Sam O’Neill has built a supportive network for veterans through a not-for-profit organisation, Never Alone Fight Together (NAFT). Drawing from his own experiences with life after service, Sam is on a mission to create a unique space for veterans…one that embodies the essence of brotherhood while breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and financial struggles.

An eight-year Australian Army veteran, Sam shares that NAFT was born from both the camaraderie forged on the battlefield and the heartbreak of losing those bonds too soon.

"Ever since leaving the Army, it’s been a slow journey of building this up,” Sam said.

“Along the way, I’ve seen too many friends pass - through their own hand or circumstances that could have been avoided."

Sam O’Neill, Managing Director of NAFT – Never Alone Fight Together, is forging connections and breaking barriers, striving to rewrite the story for veterans. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

Turning Loss Into Legacy
A Veteran’s Fight For Change

Sam’s military career included deployments to East Timor with 1RAR and Afghanistan with 5RAR, where he served as a section commander. These experiences not only shaped his life but also deepened his understanding of the immense struggles veterans face after service.

The detrimental loss of a close mate on January 24, 2023 soon became the spark that ignited his mission.

"Last year, a good friend of mine passed, and it was his death that sparked this," Sam said.

“After months of grieving, I realised I had to do something…not just for him but for everyone like him."

Through his grief, Sam envisioned a future where no veteran faces their battles alone, and within his darkest moments, he found the courage to turn that vision into reality.

Sam channelled his sorrow into creating NAFT, a charity dedicated to providing emergency financial assistance to veterans and their families for necessities such as groceries, fuel and medical bills. Yet, the journey to establishing NAFT was far from easy.

Sam invested his personal savings into legal fees, navigated bureaucratic challenges, and faced the emotional toll of revisiting the loss that inspired the organisation.

"The day we were officially registered was the same day I was grieving the one-year anniversary of his passing,” he said.

“It felt like a message, a sign that this is what I’m meant to do.

"I’m not doing this for myself…this is about veterans, about community, and about preventing unnecessary deaths.

“It’s about ensuring no one has to walk this journey alone," he added.

“We’ve received incredible support from the community, and many are keen to purchase our merch."

To further NAFT’s reach, Sam also hosts a podcast that delves into ‘what it means to serve’ and the ‘similarities between that of a professional soldier and a professional athlete.’

"The podcast amplifies voices - not just mine, but those of everyday Australians who have faced challenges," Sam said.

“It’s about creating connections and showcasing the resilience and shared values of veterans and athletes."

If you’d like to donate or sponsor veterans facing hardship, visit: www.naftlimited.org.au/donate/.

Give to those who gave their all for us.

Sam O’Neill’s military service includes deployments to East Timor with 1RAR and Afghanistan with 5RAR, where he served as a section commander. Photo source: NAFT

“It’s about ensuring no one has to walk this journey alone."

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