Do you wish to further develop your child’s independence, confidence, initiative, and ability?

Then Proserpine Scout Group is the place to go!

Built upon the values of assisting young people to achieve their full physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual potentials, Proserpine Scouts works to develop the region's young people into responsible global citizens and capable resources for their community.

Savi Griffith joined Proserpine Scout Group two years ago and has continued to thrive. Initially, she joined the group because she wanted to meet new people and have fun.

“I like Scouts because I learn so much. I learnt how to tie different knots, put up a tent, cook food, and great survival skills. We also learn about First Aid, so I can help when people get hurt,” she said.

“I love meeting up with my friends on Tuesday and meeting new friends at Cuboree.”

Ryan Penhallurick is a fifth generation Proserpine Scout and he flourishes with the adventures that Scouts take him on.

“We attended a 2-night camp called Scoutfest 2023 at Rowallan Park, Mackay. We got to try out a whole bunch of activities like abseiling, archery, kayaking, mud run, mountain biking and rock climbing,” he explained.

Savi, Ryan, and the Proserpine Scouts are joined with a number of Adult Helpers, and their Qualified Leader, Sally Griffith, who joined shortly after her daughter, and has enjoyed giving back to the youth, and exploring the adventures that Scouts offer.

“Being a Leader has opened up so many avenues for me to be able to do activities that would not be available outside of Scouts QLD,” she explained.

If this sounds amazing, and you are interested about joining Proserpine Scout Group, as a Leader, Adult Helper or for your child please email the group on contact@proserpine.scoutsqld.com.au.

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The Proserpine Scout Group at camp in Rowallan Park. Photo supplied

Our local Proserpine Mill has signed on six new apprentices, as part of 34 across the eight Wilmar Sugar and Renewables Queensland sugar mills.

The new apprentices completed their two-week Safe Start program in January, before they began their work at their representative sugar mills.

Training Superintendent Daniel Shipard said the two-week Safe Start program prepared the new apprentices for what life would be like in Wilmar’s mills.

“It’s about getting them to understand Wilmar’s safety requirements and procedures, as well as giving them the basic skillset they require to enter their relevant workshops,” Daniel said.

Proserpine’s own Jayme Farr has signed on as an electrical apprentice at the Proserpine Mill, and she said she was thrilled to be doing her trade training in her home town.

“My family has been living in Proserpine since my father was 16 years old and, for over three generations now, we’ve been breeding horses on our family farm,” Jayme said.

“Being able to do my apprenticeship at Proserpine Mill means that I can be home every afternoon to spend time working on the farm with my family and compete in camp drafts with my friends on the weekends.”

Daniel said he was excited to bring the newest intake of apprentices into Wilmar’s operations, across the key trades of electrical, fitting and turning, boiler making and diesel fitting.

“They’re going to be a huge asset to our organisation, and we can’t wait to see them grow over the next four years of their apprenticeship.”

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Wilmar’s new apprentices, with Proserpine’s own, Jayme Farr in the front row, sixth from left, in the middle. Photo supplied

I think it’s obvious to people now that things like New Year’s Resolutions, New Year New You, and being instantly motivated to make changes simply doesn't work. So, what DOES work?

1. It’s not selfish to prioritise yourself and allow yourself a little bit of you time daily to exercise. If you don’t look after your own health, then ultimately how is that being a role model to your loved ones who are watching and mimicking your every move?

2. Motivation only lasts so long. Commitment and consistency is much more powerful. Setting a routine by starting to wake up the same time every day is the easiest place to start. There is some powerful science to suggest this is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.

3. Set some personal values. What is important to YOU. You are unique so your values will more than likely even be different to that of your partner’s. Openly discuss your own personal values so they are known and openly communicated. Then, make sure all of your actions are aligned with your own values. If being a healthy person is an important value to you, then something like binge drinking should be obviously misaligned to you.

4. Surround yourself with people that will uplift and support you and understand you and your values.  I have had to cut people out of my life simply because of value misalignment. Is it time to look at who you are surrounding yourself with daily?

2024. The year that self-care should be your new Power Move!

In the rise of young people using unnecessary treatments on their skin, these trendy brands and skincare are often doing more harm than good. Using skincare not specifically formulated for your skin type can pose a myriad of dangers, potentially leading to adverse effects and long-term damage.

One of the primary risks lies in exacerbating existing skin conditions. Different skin types require specific ingredients and formulations to address concerns effectively. Using products not designed for your skin type may contain harsh chemicals or ingredients that can worsen issues such as acne, sensitivity, or excessive dryness.

Furthermore, improper skincare choices may compromise the skin's natural barrier. Using products with overly aggressive ingredients can strip the skin of essential oils, leading to dehydration and increased vulnerability to environmental aggressors. This weakened barrier may result in redness, inflammation, and a heightened risk of infections.

In the long run, using skincare not suitable for your skin type may accelerate premature aging. The absence of proper hydration, nourishment, and protection can contribute to the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.

To safeguard your skin, it is crucial to understand your skin type and choose skincare products tailored to your individual needs. Consultation with a dermatologist can provide valuable insights into the most suitable products for your skin, helping you achieve a healthy and radiant complexion without compromising your skin's well-being.

Listen up treasure seekers and knick knack finders, Whitsunday Creatives’ Car Boot Sale is back and boasting an opportunity to rediscover preloved treasures from local residents.

With 20 cars and their boots on offer, the shopfront of Whitsunday Creatives will also be operating as normal, meaning you can discover all the second-hand goodies, before venturing indoors and explore all the handmade, locally produced goodies which boast imaginable local talent.

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WHAT: Car Boot Sale
WHERE: Whitsunday Creatives, 4/16 Main Street, Prosperine
WHEN: Saturday January 13, from 8am to 12pm

Get ready for some searching! Photo supplied

Do you know what to do this Australia Day?

Why not head to the Proserpine Youth Space annual Slime Fest, and have a great family fun day!

With an Australian barbeque on offer, fun run, slime slip n’ slide, games, and so much more, this will be fun for the whole family!

Registration begins at 9.30am, with the run starting at 10am.

Costing just $5 per person, or $20 per family or team, up to five people, this is a great opportunity to get active this Australia Day, with all proceeds going towards the Proserpine Youth Space programs and support of local disadvantaged youth.

For more information, contact the Proserpine Youth Space, on grant1@proserpineyouthspace.org.au

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WHAT: Whitsunday Slime Fest
WHERE: 65 Marathon Street, Proserpine (Old St Catherine’s School)
WHEN: Friday, January 26, from 9.30am

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Local children enjoying the 2023 Whitsunday Slime Fest. Photo: Rachael Smith

Jude Maxwell Jenner achieved the special honour of being the first baby born in Mackay for 2024 when he arrived on 2nd January, five days after his due date of December 28.

While his older sister Tatum, who is two and a half, was a little disappointed he wasn’t a girl, parents Kellen and Tori are thrilled with their new arrival and feeling much more relaxed the second time round.

“My waters broke prematurely a few days ago, so I needed antibiotics to guard against infection and needed to birth in the maternity unit for that reason,” Tori said.

“I was due to come in today for an induction, but labour started last night, and we came in to the hospital about 2am.”

Jude Maxwell arrived soon after at 6.09am weighing 3600g (7lb 9oz).

Tori was grateful for the care of her Mackay Birth Centre midwives.

“My midwife Julie was on leave, so I had Marion looking after me,” Tori said.

“But Julie came in for the last two hours to be with me, so I had care from both midwives, and they were wonderful.”

Welcome to the world little Jude Maxwell and congratulations to the Jenner family of Walkerston!

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The Jenner family; Kellen and Tori with two-and-a-half-year-old Tatum and new baby boy Jude. Photo supplied

‘Tis the season for toys, and with that, comes a plethora of batteries.

Mackay residents are being reminded to keep batteries and flammable materials out of kerbside bins.

One spark from an old battery can cause a fire in a rubbish truck or even send an entire waste facility up in flames.

Remove batteries where possible and place clear sticky tape over the connecting parts, before storing in a cool place until they can be disposed at an appropriate collection point.

Residents can dispose of batteries free of charge at council’s transfer stations, at the Incredable Drop-Off or at several businesses around the Mackay region. To find a battery drop-off location, visit bcycle.com.au

Flammable and hazardous materials also need to be kept out of kerbside bins and disposed of responsibly to avoid fires.

What can start a fire in kerbside bins?

• all batteries

• electronics containing batteries

• vapes, which contain batteries

• gas bottles

• chemicals

• fuels

• waste oils

• aerosol cans that are not empty

To find out how to dispose different items, visit council’s A-Z of waste disposal page at mackay.qld.gov.au/wastedisposal

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Recycle batteries at a unit like this one found at the Incredable Tip Shop

Two outstanding members of the Clinical Measurements Unit (CMU) at Mackay Base Hospital have soared to a remarkable milestone, revolutionising care across the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) region.

Cardiac scientists Janine and Annie work closely with the Cardiology team when either a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is implanted in a patient. They then provide ongoing follow up and monitoring for patients.

‘Since we began implanting more complex ‘high voltage’ devices, a total of 40 ICDs have been implanted at MBH, where previously these patients were transferred to either Townsville or Brisbane for their implant," Annie said.

“We reached a one-year milestone on November 18 since our first ICD implant (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator), and we are proud of this achievement.”

“It’s a huge development for Mackay to have the ability to offer this service,” Janine said.

“I believe Mackay Base Hospital (MBH) is punching above its weight in delivering cardiac care, and this has greatly improved the service we can give to our patients.”

The development has been made possible due to the efforts of cardiologist Dr Dominika Budzbon, who had previously implanted cardiac devices while working in the UK.

Her experience and willingness to impart her knowledge was instrumental in developing the MHHS cardiac device service.

The cardiac device team monitors approximately 500 patients with either implanted pacemakers, ICDs or CRTs (Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy) across the MHHS region.

Patients attend outpatient clinics in CMU where their devices are checked every six or twelve months.

“Most of these patients also have remote monitors at home, which transmit alerts and notifications to our clinic,” Annie said.

It makes for a busy workload for this small team, but Janine and Annie, who both completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree at the University of the Sunshine Coast, love the role.

As part of their studies, they undertook a 12-week placement in the Cardiac Investigations Unit at Nambour General Hospital.

“I completed my degree as a mature age student and studied science due to my previous interest in it at school; I had no expectations and just wanted to challenge myself,” Janine said.

“I chose a cardiac placement because my mum had had a previous heart attack which resulted in her having a heart bypass.”

Annie also stressed the significance of her placement.

“I just loved it because students on placement do everything from attaching holter monitors to people, to watching pacemaker checks and the cath lab in action.

“It was just great, particularly as it consolidated all the theory we’d learned at uni, and it just made sense.

“Cardiac is really interesting. I feel like we could study every day for the rest of our lives and still never know it all.”

By Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Cardiac scientists Janine and Annie. Photo supplied: Mackay Hospital and Health Service

Alright, so, confession time. New Year, no resolutions—just learning to live my best life. You see, I had this epiphany on New Year’s Eve. There I was, eyeing this bottle of Champagne I've been hoarding. I almost didn't pop it because, well, I was waiting for a 'special' moment. But then it hit me: every moment is special!

I mean, I've barely used these fancy glasses from my 40th, I’ve been saving scented candles like they're rare relics, and keeping luscious chocolate for... I don't know, an apocalypse? The thing is, life's too short for waiting around. The chocolate could turn into a chalky mess, the candles might lose their scent, and that Champagne—oh, it could've gone flat! So, I drank the Champagne, in a hot bath, in a fancy glass, with ALL of my candles burning, using all the bath bombs and salts I could find.

In this world of financial rollercoasters and pinching pennies, I realized we're all in a way hoarding bits of joy for an imagined rainy day. But seriously, why? The 'today' is just as deserving! So, no more 'saving for a rainy day' or 'special occasions only'. I'm all about seizing the fizziness of life.

I've decided to spend more time with my gang—the hubby and my little champ. Because, truth be told, there's no grander celebration than the giggles of my kiddo. That's the real champagne poppin', folks!

So, this year's not about ticking off a list; it's about embracing those everyday bubbles—whether it's splurging on the good bath bombs or just being goofy with my loved ones. Life's all about creating our own celebrations, right?

Here's to a year of relishing life's sweet, fizzy moments and ditching the 'saving it for later' attitude.

To all you wonderful readers, thanks a bunch for grabbing this paper! Here's to hoping it brings a sprinkle of joy and a truckload of good vibes your way in 2024.

May your days be filled with giggles, your moments laced with smiles, and your adventures loaded with fantastic tales. Cheers to each of you—may this year be your grandest one yet!

Amanda

In the bustling aisles of the HomeCo shopping precinct on Mackay Bucasia Road, a touching moment unfolded, highlighting the kindness and support present within the community. Danii Seres, a mother managing the challenges of parenting, encountered a heartwarming act of compassion amidst a challenging situation. As her son experienced a significant meltdown, Danii found herself in a moment of distress. However, amidst the chaos, a stranger named Maddy from the local pet store stepped in to offer a helping hand during a difficult time.

Amidst the chaos of her son's mega-meltdown, Danii was full of immense gratitude for Maddy's unexpected aid. With her little one reaching full volume mode, Danii felt a mix of embarrassment and relief. She jokingly apologised to anyone within earshot whose day might have been audibly disrupted by the mini-tornado. Maddy's help became a lifeline in that mad moment!

In a Facebook post on a community mother’s board Danni said, “You have no idea how much this meant to me.

“I was so embarrassed and apologies to those who may have had their eardrums burst in the process,” she said.

Other mothers agreed that small acts of kindness are greatly appreciated during hectic parenthood moments.

Bonnie Rose commented, “Makes a huge difference when someone is so kind, especially when the kids have a meltdown. Glad someone made it easier for you.”

Council will soon begin works at Paradise and Webberley streets, West Mackay, to improve safety at the intersection for motorists and pedestrians.

The extensive upgrade project will begin in late January 2024, and finish in December 2024, weather permitting.

The project will include installing traffic signals at the intersection of Paradise and Webberley streets and incorporating designated slip lanes onto and off Webberley St.

Additional lanes will be added through the intersection on Paradise Street to facilitate two lanes for through traffic, both northbound and southbound.

There will also be signals for pedestrian access through the intersection for safety, and a designated bike lane.

A pathway will be built to connect to existing pathways in Paradise Street, Webberley Street and the bus stop.

During the works, Webberley Street will be closed between Paradise and Simpson streets, with detours in place. Paradise Street will remain open throughout the works.

The existing bus stops and routes on Paradise and Webberley streets will have some changes, and temporary bus stops will be implemented for commuters. Signage will be installed at the existing bus stops detailing the location of the temporary bus stops and timeframes for their use.

Prior to work beginning, the removal of trees along Paradise Street will be necessary to allow for the construction. This is expected to be undertaken in late January, 2024.

Trees will be replaced with native species along the Paradise Street pathway.

There will be some minor noise and dust disturbances due to various plant and equipment that will be used on site.

Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates your patience during these essential improvement works.

For more information visit connectingmackay.com.au

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through the Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme and Mackay Regional Council.

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A map shows the area of works at the intersection of Paradise and Webberley streets, West Mackay

Get ready to witness the magic of empowerment and celebration as the JSP Women’s Awards 2024 gears up to honour the phenomenal stories and accomplishments of the women in the Mackay region. This annual event transcends mere awards, transforming into a vibrant celebration of resilience, triumphs, and inspiration.

Nominations are now open, offering a platform to recognize the strength and success of women across diverse spheres of life, culminating in a magnificent gala slated for March 2 at the MECC.

Embracing the diverse tapestry of narratives, this event shines a spotlight on the inspiring stories, challenges overcome, and successes achieved by the women who shape the region. It’s a celebration of empowerment and recognition, a platform where stories of determination, leadership, and sheer resilience take centre stage.

JSP Women’s Awards 2024 proudly presents an extraordinary guest speaker, Claire Christian, a multifaceted artist whose vibrant storytelling illuminates stages and hearts alike.

A prolific writer, theatre maker, and facilitator based in Meanjin, Claire is renowned for her three published novels, including "It’s Been A Pleasure, Noni Blake." As a Queensland Theatre Fellow and a dynamic member of the Mama’s Boys theatre collective, she infuses her work with unapologetic brilliance, exploring themes of body positivity, pleasure, and the unfiltered joy of life.

Claire’s stories not only entertain but also provoke reflection, celebrating the beauty of life's intricacies while resonating deeply with audiences.

CATEGORIES

Magic Muse (Merged Categories): Formerly known as the Modern Muse and Magic Maker, the Magic Muse celebrates women who serve as muses through various artistic mediums like performing arts, visual arts, fashion, photography, broadcasting, or writing. They inspire others, fostering self-esteem and positive change through their creativity and passion for the arts.

Mother of All Mothers: Honouring exceptional mothers, this category acknowledges their leadership, selflessness, and dedication within their families and communities. It applauds their resilience, serving as role models for future generations.

Health and Wellbeing Warrior: Recognizing advocates for health, fitness, and mental wellness, this category celebrates women committed to raising awareness and making a positive impact in healthcare, fitness, or mental health advocacy.

Resilient Rebel: Celebrating resilience and courage, this category honours women who turn challenges into triumphs. They embody strength in adversity, inspiring others with their determination and individuality.

Woman Who Breaks the Mould (New Category): This award celebrates women embracing their uniqueness unapologetically. They embody intelligence, humour, and individuality, breaking stereotypes and shining as beacons of authenticity.

The Equaliser (New Category): Honouring men who champion gender equality and support the women in their lives, this category celebrates allies advocating for gender parity, challenging biases, and empowering women in their communities.

The Rising Star: This recognition celebrates the rising generation of empowered women aged 15 to 25, standing as the embodiment of #thefutureisfemale. It honours young women making significant strides in their communities, serving as inspirations to others by championing causes, exhibiting extraordinary talent in various fields like sports, arts, activism, volunteering, or blazing trails with their innovative endeavours.

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JSP Founder, Fallon Drewett

Detectives from the Mackay Child Protection and Investigation Unit declared a crime scene at a house in Eungella following the sudden death of a two-year-old girl on 31st December, 2023.

Police were called to the property on Bee Creek Road at 2.20pm and found the child unresponsive in a vehicle.

An investigation has commenced and detectives will work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

No further information was available at time of print.

In a swift response to an emergency call, the RACQ CQ Rescue team sprang into action on 30th December, following a Queensland Police Service directive to aid in the search for three individuals aboard a tinny that had gone adrift near Sarina.

The rescue team located the trio safe and sound, ashore at Freshwater Point Beach.

This timely mission highlights the invaluable role played by emergency response services. 2023 was the busiest year on record for the rescue service, clocking up more than 700 missions.