As the Australian summer unfolds, garden enthusiasts are presented with the perfect opportunity to transform their outdoor spaces into a vibrant and flourishing oasis. With warmer temperatures and abundant rain in the wet season, adapting your gardening practices becomes paramount.

Mulching Magic:

Mulching is a game-changer when it comes to preserving soil moisture and regulating soil temperature. Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or bark, around your plants helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and insulate the soil against temperature extremes. Be sure to replenish mulch periodically to maintain its effectiveness.

Choose Heat-Tolerant Plants:

Opt for plants that are well-adapted to Australia's hot climate. Native plants, succulents, and heat-tolerant varieties such as agapanthus, kangaroo paw, and bougainvillea are excellent choices. These plants are better equipped to withstand the harsh summer conditions, requiring less maintenance and water.

Prudent Pruning:

Regular pruning is crucial during the summer to promote air circulation, reduce shading, and encourage new growth. Remove dead or damaged branches, spent flowers, and any excessive foliage to ensure optimal energy allocation. Pruning also helps control the size of plants and prevents them from becoming overly dense, allowing sunlight to penetrate effectively.

Fertilise with Care:

During summer, plants require an extra boost of nutrients to support their growth. Choose a slow-release fertiliser with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply fertilisers early in the season and follow the recommended dosage to avoid overfeeding, which can be detrimental in hot weather.

Container Gardening:

Container gardening is an excellent option for those with limited space or looking for more control over their plants' environment. Use large pots with adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging. Grouping containers together helps create microclimates, providing mutual shade and reducing water evaporation.

Pest Control:

Summer is prime time for garden pests, but chemical pesticides are not always the best solution. Adopt integrated pest management strategies, such as introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, using neem oil, or practicing companion planting. Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests and take swift action to prevent infestations.

Achieving a flourishing summer garden in Australia requires a combination of strategic planning, diligent care, and a touch of creativity. By implementing these tips, you can create a resilient and stunning outdoor haven that not only survives the summer heat but thrives in its unique challenges.

So, gear up, embrace the warmth, and watch your summer garden come to life!

NORTH QUEENSLAND VEGGIE TIPS

Use the summer months to prepare your soil while it’s warm and wet. Spend January and February enriching your soil and mulching. Leave the planting until the winter, April at the earliest.

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As we step into the new year, having delved into the realms of movement and nutrition, it's time to turn our attention to another essential aspect of self-care—our skincare routine. Achieving radiant and healthy skin isn't just about the products you use; it's about cultivating habits that promote long-term well-being. So, bid farewell to last year's skincare sins and embrace 2024 with these eight transformative skincare resolutions that will have you glowing from within.

1. Clean out your skincare stash: Begin the year by decluttering your skincare arsenal. Discard expired products and bid farewell to those that didn't quite make the cut.

2. Moisturise both morning and night: Hydration is key to plump, youthful skin. Make a commitment to moisturise in the morning and before bed to keep your skin nourished and resilient.

3. Mask at least once a week: Treat your skin to some extra love with a weekly masking session. Whether it's a hydrating mask for a moisture boost or a detoxifying mask to purify, this ritual can make a significant difference in your skin's texture and appearance.

4. Exfoliate regularly: Bid farewell to dull, lacklustre skin by incorporating regular exfoliation into your routine.

5. Wear sunscreen every single day: Sunscreen isn't just for beach days; it's a daily essential. Shield your skin from harmful UV rays by making sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your morning routine. This simple step not only prevents premature aging but also protects against skin cancer.

6. Remove makeup every single night: Never hit the hay with a full face of makeup. Taking a few minutes each night to remove your makeup ensures your pores remain clear, reducing the risk of breakouts and allowing your skin to breathe and rejuvenate as you sleep.

7. Wash your makeup brushes: It's easy to overlook, but regularly cleaning your makeup brushes is crucial for maintaining skin health. Dirty brushes harbor bacteria that can lead to skin irritations and breakouts.

8. Wear skin-healthy makeup: Upgrade your makeup routine by opting for products that not only enhance your beauty but also nourish your skin. Look for formulas enriched with minerals, ensuring that every application contributes to your skin's well-being.

With these eight skincare resolutions, you're not just caring for your skin; you're investing in a radiant, healthy future.

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This is the question frustrated locals have been asking on community chat boards on Facebook this week.

From bugging people at the beach to swarming doors while dinner is cooking, the problem has noticeably ramped up over the past week.

It seems as though the issue isn’t selective when it comes to suburbs either, with people right across the region voicing their disgust in dealing with up to one hundred flies daily.

You may think a fly is a fly, but according to the CSIRO, there are more than 30,000 different species.

Evolutionary ecologist at the University of Sydney Thomas White has been quoted previously as saying that higher temperatures can speed up the life cycle of flies, so they can mature up to twice as fast as normal. They are attracted to heat and humidity too, so this time of year is the ideal time for fly numbers to increase.

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Here are some practical tips to deter flies from lingering in your home:

   1. Maintain Kitchen Cleanliness: Take extra care to keep your kitchen spotless by promptly cleaning up food scraps and crumbs. Consider using a small indoor bin that you empty regularly. For outdoor waste disposal, opt for a larger, tightly sealed rubbish and compost bin placed at a distance from your home.

   2. Enhance Ventilation: Ensure good airflow throughout your house by keeping it well-ventilated, and strategically use fans to redirect flies out when necessary.

   3. Invest in Fly Screens: While not the most budget-friendly option, fly screens for doors and windows provide a permanent solution for fly control. They prove especially effective if flies are a persistent issue and have the added benefit of keeping mosquitoes at bay.

Try Natural Alternatives: Traditional fly sprays may fall short during summer, and environmentally-friendly versions might not be significantly better. Instead, opt for natural solutions like having a pot of basil or lavender in your kitchen (if it receives sufficient sunlight) or plant them outdoors. Alternatively, place dishes of crushed mint leaves, as flies strongly dislike the aroma of these plants.

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The wet season is upon us and residents are being urged to tidy up the areas around their homes.

The regional councils of Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday have once again collaborated to raise awareness about dengue fever through the Environmental Health Whitsunday Isaac and Mackay (EHWIM) initiative.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said dengue mosquitoes, such as the Aedes aegypti species, bred in stagnant water around the home.

“To prevent a dengue outbreak, it’s important to empty water from pot plant bases, store items that can hold water in dry or covered spaces, dispose of rubbish around the home and clean out your gutters,” Mayor Williamson said.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall emphasised the importance of residents being familiar with the warning signs of dengue fever.

“Symptoms of dengue fever include headaches, fevers, aches and pains, nausea, vomiting, and in rare cases, fatality,” Mayor Hall said.

“If you suspect you may have dengue fever, please seek immediate medical attention,” she said.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker urged residents in mosquito-prone areas to take precautions against mosquito bites.

“There are a number of ways to reduce your risk of being bitten, including wearing protective clothing, using effective insect repellent, checking window and door screens for holes and applying surface spray at entry points to deter insects,” Mayor Baker said.

As part of the initiative, residents have the chance to win one of five $100 Porters Mitre 10 vouchers by participating in the dengue quiz at www.mackay.qld.gov.au/dengue.

The quiz is open to residents in Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regional council areas, with entries closing at 5pm on Sunday, March 10.

For additional dengue prevention tips, residents are encouraged to visit www.health.qld.gov.au/dengue.

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

We have headed into 2024 seeing many growers from Northern growing districts around Cairns, Innisfail and Mossman hit hard by flooding caused by ex- Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Our thoughts are with those growers who will have suffered significant damage to the 2024 crop.

For the Mackay and Plane Creek Growing districts, the harvest ended within the festive season, with mills in both districts the last to finish in Queensland as a result of challenging mill performances throughout 2023. It’s to be hoped the mills make good use of the remaining time before the next harvest to bring mills up to a standard so that we won’t again suffer long delays due to breakdowns, affording a desirable November cut-out. A reasonable finishing date is important for maximising the next crop as well as the sugar content for the crop being harvested.

It is promising to see Mackay Sugar continuing to work on Marian Mill, taking on a full replacement of the high-grade fugals at the mill. Fugals are the centrifuge that separate liquid (molasses) from the sugar crystal. Molasses is a useful biproduct of sugarcane processing that has applications for stockfeed, ethanol distilling and fertiliser.

Mackay Sugar had a staggered finish, with Racecourse and Farleigh Mills tipping their last bins on the morning of 22 December, and Marian running its last through the rollers early on Christmas morning. 5.15Mt of cane was harvested over the 30-week crush, which the miller estimates to be 99% of the crop. Original season estimate for Mackay’s 2023 crop was 5.34 Mt.

Wilmar Plane Creek processed the last cane in the early hours of 29 December, following a 29-week crush, and with some 1117 ha of crop unharvested. 1.3Mt was harvested across 2023, short of an original estimate of 1.54Mt. A very disappointing outcome.

With such a late end-of-harvest, well beyond the optimal mid-November finish, cane CCS (sugar content) had started to decline, which erodes profits for both growers and millers and challenges industry viability. Harvesting so late, and having standover cane again, will also have its effects on the 2024 crop: once again, it will be a case of the good, the bad and the ugly. Ratoon cane harvested and new cane planted earlier in the season is looking promising with conditions of spells of rain and ample sunshine creating good growing conditions. Late cut cane from 2023 will most likely underperform, with waterlogging challenging ratoon growth, and standover cane is typically below par and hard to harvest and process. Unfortunately, these issues impact the viability of our mills taking away profits from both millers and growers.

Storm weather across the district over Christmas and into January created some quite wet conditions in paddocks, with higher rainfall areas around the district experiencing waterlogging. The wet weather certainly creates some challenges for farm management: like weed control and fertilising emerging crops.

With growers taking a well-earned rest in January, CANEGROWERS Mackay is ramping up its training offerings before the 2024 harvest starts, with courses in Business Essentials, chemical accreditation, haulout and pilot/escort driving all to be available over the coming months. Training for members in skills useful to their farming enterprise, and of workers new to the cane industry remains an important membership benefit and industry service.

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With the harvest behind growers, paddocks are now on the grow, and fallow crops (at top) being established as part of farm and soil management.  Picture: Kirili Lamb

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More than $2 million in funding is up for grabs for Queenslanders to help fight feral pigs. In 2021, it was estimated that Queensland had up to 2.3 million feral pigs. They are among Queensland's most widespread and damaging pest animals. Feral pigs spread invasive plants, degrade soil and water, prey on native species, damage crops and livestock, and carry diseases.

Round 8(a) of the Queensland Feral Pest Initiative (QFPI) is now open, with $2.16 million available to build local capacity for biosecurity preparedness through feral pig population suppression.

Applications for the Queensland Government funding, which is overseen by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), are open to regional organisations of councils (ROCs), natural resource management (NRM) groups, land and sea ranger groups or Indigenous land councils, state farming organisations, and incorporated industry organisations across Queensland.

Queensland Chief Biosecurity Officer Rachel Chay said feral pigs cause a huge amount of damage to agriculture and the Queensland environment.

“Funding of more than $2 million will be available to employ up to four feral pig management coordinators to support the initiation and delivery of effective feral pig management across the state,” Dr Chay said.

“As with previous rounds, these grants help reduce the impact of feral pests and support more jobs in the regions.

“This is an important investment in a biosecure future for all Queenslanders.”

Applications can be submitted via qldferalpestinit@daf.qld.gov.au until 29 February 2024.

Successful pitches will incorporate lessons from past projects and be at a regional scale with the potential to achieve an enduring legacy.

This latest round of funding through QFPI takes the Queensland Government’s commitment to control invasive plants and animals to more than $27 million over eight years.

This is complemented by a $14 million investment from the Federal Government.

Applicants should outline any in-kind and cash contributions from partners and councils.

For more details, visit Queensland Feral Pest Initiative | Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland (daf.qld.gov.au)

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One million doses of lumpy skin disease (LSD) vaccines have now been provided to Indonesia by the Federal Government, as the fight to protect our cattle industry from disease ramps up again in 2024.

The final shipment of the Lumpyvax vaccines arrived in Indonesia late last month.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said aiding control of LSD in the region was a priority.

“LSD and foot-and-mouth disease remain significant threats to the biosecurity of Australia and our neighbours,” Minister Watt said.

“As a result, it is imperative that we do everything we can to support Indonesia as they work to get this outbreak under control.

“Over the course of this year, we have supplied 1 million vaccines to our neighbours in Indonesia – vaccines that are now finding their way into Indonesia’s cattle population and protecting farmers’ livelihoods.

“Previous shipments have already been supplied to the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture.”

Minister Watt said LSD is spread by mosquitos, biting flies and ticks, and severely affects cattle and water buffalo.

“It affects milk production and produces sores all over the bodies of infected animals. It can also seriously hamper trade.

“Given that Australia’s beef exports are forecast to be worth over $10 billion and live cattle exports over $1 billion this financial year, it’s vital that we protect our livestock industries.

“I must stress that Australia has never experienced an outbreak of LSD and remains free from this disease.

“It’s important that we work together with our neighbours to get this disease under control, while also taking steps to make sure we keep Australia safe and LSD-free.”

For more information, visit Lumpy skin disease - DAFF (agriculture.gov.au).

What are the signs of LSD?

Affected cattle can develop a fever of up to 41.5oC and may also have watery eyes, nasal discharge and excess salivation (drooling).

Within 1–2 days, raised nodules up to 50mm in diameter commonly appear around the head, neck, limbs and genitals and may cover the entire body. Scabs form on these nodules and may fall off, leaving large holes in the hide that can become infected.

The brisket and legs may appear swollen and cattle may look lame or be very reluctant to move.

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Celebrating a remarkable milestone, Wayne Carvolth stands at the helm of 25 years of unwavering dedication to Mackay Sugar. Throughout nearly his entire career, he has witnessed the company's rich history, observed its impactful community contributions, and marvelled at the steadfast commitment of its people to both the local sugar industry and each other. As we delve into his journey, Wayne shares the sweet story of his quarter-century-long connection with Mackay Sugar.

“Sugar is in my blood,” said Wayne. “My father worked at Farleigh Mill for 46 years, I grew up in a Mill House, and I even did some gardening work for the Mill Manager’s private residence (on a hill overlooking Farleigh) during the school holidays.”

“It was a real little community back in those days – everything we needed was on the Farleigh Mill grounds. We had a butcher shop, a mechanic, a general store (typical of the time), the post office, and of course the police station and every house nearby for miles was a Mill House being lived in by Mill workers and their families.

“I started work at Farleigh when I was 16 years old as a pin-puller [de-linking sugar cane bins by hand]. When I was 18, I got a job working on the locos – in my first year I worked with Theo Pace on “Carlisle” loco doing the Pioneer River run, two years with Tommy Coogan on the Pindi run, and one year with Jimmy Caslin on the Wagoora run. I was fortunate enough to work beside some great people during those years,” Wayne remembers.

“When I was around 22 years old, I was working in town during the non-crush (or slack season as it was referred to in those days) and I was contacted by one of my dad’s friends from the Mill to tell me there was a store persons job available and that I should apply, so I did. I had the interview right there in that office behind us now. I knew the people who interviewed me well because I went to school with their kids, so I wasn’t afraid to negotiate a little when they offered me the job on the spot,” said Wayne.

“I was about to be married, so I asked for a mill house for my wife and I as part of my package. The hiring manager said they could only spare one for us for three months, but we ended up living in a Farleigh mill house for 28 years!” Wayne laughed.

“A few years later when the co-op became Mackay Sugar, I secured a job in the central Supply [Procurement] Department where I was either working from the corporate office at Racecourse or relieving for people in a Mill warehouse when they took leave.

“One time, I was filling in for a colleague in central supply and he unfortunately passed away whilst he was on leave! Long story short, I ended up getting his job in the central Supply department,” said Wayne.

“Eventually an opportunity arose for me to work in a Supply consultancy firm, but my first gig was consulting for Mackay Sugar for two years, so I guess I never really left! After that, I was re-employed in a permanent role as Contracts Coordinator, which is when this 25-year tenure began, and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since.

“The whole time I’ve been at Mackay Sugar, I’ve been extremely fortunate to have great managers, and that’s been a really positive thing for me because I’ve had job security and I feel like I’ve been part of the family,” shares Wayne.

“I also really enjoy the work, and I enjoy the people – the comradery and the community. The sugar industry seems to create people who become entrenched in the industry and how important it is for the community,” he explains.

When asked about his views for the future of Mackay Sugar, Wayne explained, “I’ve seen a lot of changes in my time, we’ve ebbed and flowed for years, but Nordzucker assured us a future.”

When it comes to giving advice to new employees or those thinking of joining the Mackay Sugar team, Wayne suggests, “We need new ideas and people who think ahead, but it’s so important for newcomers to realise the world we live in [in Mackay Sugar] before rushing to change it.

“Our industry has so much history and is unique in so many ways that it needs to be fully understood and appreciated before drawing conclusions – we need to build on what we have to move forward.”

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Wayne Carvolth celebrates 25 years with Mackay Sugar this month. Story and photo supplied by Mackay Sugar

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The Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce held its first B2B Brews of 2024 at Moss on Wood last week. Photo credit: Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce

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Embarking on an emotionally charged farewell, Rob Bauman and Deb McLucas cast their final gaze upon Freckle Farm, a sanctuary of regenerative agriculture that has been their beloved haven for the past 14 years.

On December 18, 2023, the torch was passed to a young farming family, who now calls the fertile land home, using it not just for cattle but also as a base for their helicopter mustering business.

Reflecting on their journey, Rob and Deb shared, "It's bittersweet. The time is right for us to move on, but the memories we've cultivated over the years make it hard to say goodbye." During their tenure, the couple transformed an old cane farm into a thriving, chemical-free pasture-based grazing enterprise, cultivating biodiverse and productive pastures.

The couple's dedication to regenerative agriculture was evident in their use of unique tools—chickens, pigs, and beef cattle—all contributing to the creation of nutritious and flavourful food. Freckle Farm's pork and eggs earned national food awards, while their Nguni grass-fed beef achieved local fame through farmers' markets and a bustling butcher shop.

Their story reached far and wide, touching the lives of thousands through farm tours, media features, and even a spotlight on "Better Homes and Gardens." Fast Ed himself cooked up a Freckle Farm special in the front paddock, broadcasting the couple's commitment to sustainable and delicious food.

Proud of their accomplishments in the regenerative agriculture and local food space, Deb and Rod said, "It was hard work, but connecting with our community and producing some of the best food on earth was reward enough." However, their proudest achievement remains raising three remarkable young women, all passionate about agriculture and ready to forge their paths in the industry.

With their daughters now settled in exciting ag/equine roles for 2024, the timing was right for the family to embark on a new challenge. Returning to their Dysart property, where their farming journey began in 2005, they aim to work towards a regenerative cropping system in a broadacre environment.

As they close the Freckle Farm chapter, the family extends heartfelt thanks to friends, colleagues, supporters, and followers. "Our success was a collective effort, fuelled by the shared passion of fellow farmers, consultants, employees, and countless others we were fortunate to cross paths with over the years," they expressed. "We have loved every moment and will cherish our precious memories forever."

In parting, the family encourages continued support for local farming families by attending the Mackay Farmers' Market.

As the sun sets on Freckle Farm, the legacy of regeneration, community, and delicious food lives on in the hearts and fields they've touched. Rob, Deb, Hannah, Laura and Megan bid farewell, leaving behind a landscape richer in memories and a community nourished by their dedication.

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The Freckle Farm family, Rob, Deb, Hannah, Laura and Megan. Photos supplied

Rob with Freckle Farm’s free range chickens

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THE MECC’s auditorium, North Foyer and Lynette Denny Space will remain closed for an extended period.

The rest of the MECC, including the Convention Centre, will re-open from next week.

Community Services Director Janine McKay said sections of the MECC experienced significant water damage over the Christmas period during heavy storms.

She said work to assess the damage and remediation works required had been undertaken since then and that process was still ongoing.

“We are still awaiting a final report on the remediation works required, but it is apparent that the auditorium, North Foyer, and Lynette Denny Space, will need to remain closed for an extended period for remediation works.

“Our staff are contacting clients with upcoming bookings in affected areas to work with them on what arrangements can be made.”

Ms McKay said she was unable to determine how long the closure would be at this stage.

“We’re still awaiting that advice in the final assessment, but wanted to contact clients affected as soon as possible,’’ she said.

Council is in discussions with insurers about the damage. There is no estimate of costs of the remediation works at this stage.

The Convention Centre, which will re-open from next week, includes the plenary hall, meeting rooms and adjacent foyer.

Foodspace Mackay, which had temporarily relocated to the MECC North Foyer while works are being undertaken at Artspace Mackay, remains closed.

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The MECC Auditorium will remain closed for a period of time due to storm damage. Photo credit: Liz Andrews Photography

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As the school bells chime and the back-to-school rush begins, there's no better place to gear up for the academic adventure than Little Treehouse Lane. Nestled upstairs at Caneland Central Shopping Centre, this haven for parents and little scholars alike is not just a store; it's a destination for quality, functionality, and style in back-to-school accessories.Emphasis on Quality from Trusted BrandsLittle Treehouse Lane takes pride in curating a selection of products from loved and respected brands, ensuring that every purchase is an investment in durability and reliability. Quality is the cornerstone of their offerings, and this commitment shines through in the carefully chosen items that grace their shelves.Daycare Essentials for a Seamless ExperiencePreparing for daycare? Little Treehouse Lane has you covered with a comprehensive range of essentials. From sheets and bottles to pacifiers, teethers, sleep sacks, and more, the store anticipates the needs of parents and caregivers, making the daycare experience more manageable and enjoyable for everyone involved.Back-to-School Kids EssentialsLittle Treehouse Lane transforms the back-to-school shopping experience by offering a vast array of backpacks, insulated lunch boxes in various sizes, and a massive selection of long-lasting lunch boxes and bento-style snack boxes. The store goes above and beyond, providing insulated bottles to keep food and drinks at the perfect temperature throughout the day.Spotlight BrandsLittle Treehouse Lane proudly features spotlight brands that exemplify their commitment to quality and functionality. Among them is MontiiCo, an Australian-designed and owned company offering long-lasting, everyday essentials for family life. Their products, including insulated drinkware, lunch bags, and lunch boxes, are not only functional but also stylish and fun for kids and adults alike. OmieBox, another highlight, is an insulated bento box designed to pack healthier lunches with more variety while keeping food hot and cold in the same box. It's a game-changer for school lunches. b.box, with its age-specific feeding solutions, provides functional, innovative, and award-winning essentials that cater to every stage of childhood, from newborn to high school. ergoPouch, known for its natural fibre, premium sleepwear and sleep solutions, offers TOG-rated sleep sacks perfect for daycare, ensuring a comfortable and restful naptime for your little ones. Little Treehouse Lane believes in creating a more functional life to cut down on chaos. The store features items you might not have even thought of, like Banana savers to prevent bruised bananas and packs designed to streamline before and after school routines. It's all about making daily life more manageable for busy families.

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A couple of things I want to touch on, as I let you drink your first of three coffees’ today, as we know this weekend will be a busy time for many around Mackay and the Whitsundays.

The first one is Monday. It is the day to start the week, and I have got to say, this Monday will be special in so many ways. It is the start of school for so many kids around town. That means if for the first time, the second or the last time, emotions will be running high as we let our kids explore a new grade, or the new wide world.

Good luck to those little ones heading off to Kindy, Primary School, or even starting High School for the first day. Next Monday will be exciting and nerve racking at the same time. Soak it all up, smile. Oh, and do not forget, it will be over before you know it. Plus, the paper they give you at the end of it all, does not make you at all. That comes from firsthand experience.

The other thing that is on next week is I am back on 4MK after a couple of weeks holiday. It has been fun switching off the 4am alarm and just getting up when I feel like it for a fortnight. While I say that, it does not mean that I have been sleeping on a hammock all the time after mowing the yard. I have been kept busy. Volunteering, catching up with friends, going to the gym at such early hours (thanks Steve you’re a legend) and eating too much peanut butter and sun-dried tomatoes. Not at the same time.

It will be good to get back in the groove of breakfast radio on Monday, so join me for some fun and a few laughs along the way.

The other thing that is on next week, is something big to many people for different reasons. Australia Day is officially this time next week, and whilst it is a divisive day to many people, it is a day that is celebrated for what it is. This column is not a place to discuss why, but to tell you that next Thursday night the Mackay Australia Day awards are on at the MECC.

This is a night to thank those people who give so much to our community, but never reach out for acknowledgement. I have been nominated again for Citizen of the Year and Volunteer of the Year awards, and for that I am truly grateful to whoever did put my name forward. I feel very humbled to be nominated in the company of so many beautiful people who give back, day after day.

I have been nominated many times before, and I tell you, to just to receive this early acknowledgment is winning in my eyes. So, thank you one and all, and good luck to everyone else whose names are up in lights. You are all winners to me. Let us congratulate them all on Thursday. Oh, and Happy Australia Day.

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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In a heartening display of community connection, Glenella Care Centre opened its doors last week to mothers and their little ones as part of a special Mums and Bubs initiative. The event aimed to foster interaction between the elderly residents and the joyful energy of toddlers and babies, creating an atmosphere filled with love, compassion, and the magic that happens when generations intertwine.

The initiative is a win-win situation, not only does it warm the hearts of the residents at Glenella Care Centre but also provides invaluable benefits for the little ones and their mothers. For children who may not have family or close relatives nearby, the opportunity to bask in the love and compassion of the elderly becomes a priceless experience. On the flip side, the elderly residents, many of whom may not have regular interactions with young children, relish the chance to watch, play, and connect with the lively babies and toddlers.

The Mums and Bubs day at Glenella Care Centre is set to become a regular occurrence, particularly during school holidays, enriching the lives of both the elderly residents and the young families in the community.

Glenella Care Centre has also extended its commitment to fostering connections across generations by introducing a pen pal program. Collaborating with a local school, the Care Centre has facilitated a heartwarming exchange where students correspond with a resident. With the help of the dedicated care centre staff, the residents lovingly craft replies, creating a bridge between the young minds and the wealth of life experiences held by the elderly.

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Little ones and elderly residents at Glenella Care Centre share smiles, toys and the timeless joy of human connection during the heartwarming Mums and Bubs initiative. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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For several organisations, December was a time to finalise their year and wind down in preparation for the Festive Season but the team of helpers for Mackay Hospital Foundation were busy volunteering their time to make Christmas easier for many shoppers at Mt Pleasant Centre with its Christmas Gift Wrapping Service.

Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager, Kristi Algate said, “The result of our Christmas gift wrapping at Mt Pleasant Centre in the lead up to Christmas was our most successful yet and thanks must go to the many people who volunteered their time and expertise to make it such a success.”

Mt Pleasant Centre generously supports a number of local charities and Mackay Hospital Foundation is very fortunate to have had a wonderful working relationship with the Centre for a number of years.

Ms Algate said on most days in the lead up to Christmas, the gift-wrapping station which was located at the top of the escalator at Mt Pleasant Centre, was operational between 10am and 2pm daily. Offers of support came from local organisations such as Hays, Gardian, ANZ Caneland Branch, SBB Partners, Westpac, Mackay Tourism, students from St Patrick’s College and Holy Spirit College, Mackay Base Hospital staff, our MHF volunteers as well as family and friends.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert donated her time as did Cr Fran Mann who not only wrapped gifts on a number of days but also made hundreds of bows to adorn the gifts.

A total of $8,138.20 was raised for our local hospitals as a result of the gift-wrapping which Ms Algate said is a record for the Foundation.

“It’s our most successful year yet”, she added.

Mt Pleasant Centre very generously donates the wrapping paper, tape, ribbon and bows, with staff on hand to assist when needed.

Mt Pleasant Centre Manger, Cathy Sullivan said, “From the smallest of gifts to the largest, we had them covered. Christmas is a busy time in the Centre and the gift-wrapping service is an added bonus for shoppers, while at the same time, giving us the opportunity to support a worthy local charity in Mackay Hospital Foundation.”

Ms Algate added, “We’re extremely grateful to the management and staff of Mt Pleasant Centre, to everyone who volunteered their time to wrap gifts and also to every person who donated money in support of our local hospitals.

“Christmas is a special time of year and we’re pleased we could share it with so many visitors to Mt Pleasant Centre and hopefully add a small amount of joy to each person who stopped by to see us”.

Staff and volunteers from Mackay Hospital Foundation will be back at Mt Pleasant Centre in the lead up to Easter as the Easter Bunny visits the Centre, helping out with gift wrapping prior to Mother’s Day and assisting with craft activities during school holidays.

For anyone interested in volunteering for Mackay Hospital Foundation, please contact the office on 4885 5915. Find out more information about Mackay Hospital Foundation, visit mackayhospitalfoundation.com.au

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Cr Fran Mann (Mackay Regional Council), Kristi Algate (Mackay Hospital Foundation) and Denise Phillips (Gardian Group)

The team from SSB Partners

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