The visionary leader of Australia’s largest resource region announced her retirement from local government in Queensland last week.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker broke the emotional news that she has made the decision not to contest the local government elections in March 2024.

Mayor Baker, who is one of Queensland’s most respected local government leaders, is known as a powerhouse community champion for her monumental lobbying and her authentic approach of putting people before politics.

Council CEO Ken Gouldthorp described Mayor Baker as the political architect steering the ship for over a decade and the driving force behind a series of remarkable achievements.

“The Isaac region’s trajectory has been forever altered under her visionary guidance and she leaves a legacy that lays strong foundations for Isaac’s next chapter,” Mr Gouldthorp said.

“As we bid farewell to an Isaac icon, we salute Mayor Baker for her indelible mark on our region's history.

“Her inspirational legacy and authentic human approach to leadership is not just a chapter in our story, but a dynamic force that will resonate for generations to come.”

Mayor Baker, who has lived in the Bowen Basin for 40 years, shared her heartfelt thanks to her communities, Councillors and Council staff that have supported her throughout her career.

“After nearly 17 years representing the Isaac region, and the last 12 of those as Mayor, I have made the decision to retire from Council,” Mayor Baker said.

“It has been a wild ride and I have put my heart and soul into fighting for Isaac, getting up every day to do my best for the community I love.

“I've cherished every moment of being Mayor, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for our incredible region.”

At the end of a term filled with monumental achievements including saving Glenden, successful lobbying for a new hospital and securing over $120M in funding for our communities, Mayor Baker plans to take a break and spend time with family and friends.

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Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker will not contest the 2024 local government elections. Photos supplied: Isaac Regional Council

The Benefits Of Shopping Local

As consumers, our choices profoundly impact the economic and social landscape of our region. Shopping locally in Mackay isn’t merely a transaction, it’s an investment back into the community that we so proudly belong to.

There are a multitude of benefits to shopping locally and within your community, and this is far from an exhaustive list, but it does illustrate just how much of a difference your hard-earned money can make to the world and the people around you.

1. Economic Empowerment

Mackay’s local businesses are the lifeblood of the community, contributing significantly to the economic health of the region. In a survey conducted in Australia in 2021, the leading reason among respondents for shopping locally was to keep money in the local community, with around 54 per cent of respondents indicating this.

2. Job Creation

Employment opportunities are crucial for the well-being of the region. Small stores, cafes, news agencies and other locally owned businesses are often major contributors to job creation. By choosing to shop locally, you’re helping to expand the opportunities for everybody, and that’s always a good thing.

3. Unique Local Offerings

Mackay boasts a multitude of small and family-owned businesses that each have their unique wares. Locally sourced produce and artisanal crafts are only a sample of the rich diversity of offerings that can be found when exploring the city. Offerings like this often won’t be available in many chain stores. Not only does this enhance the shopping experience, but also adds character to the community.

4. Environmental Impact

Beyond the economic advantages, shopping here in Mackay will also help reduce your carbon footprint. Have you ever considered the environmental impact of having goods shipped from large chain stores over long distances? Shopping locally and supporting small businesses often means you’re helping to reduce carbon emissions and helping to contribute to an eco-friendly community.

5. Community Connection

Local businesses not only provide a unique shopping experience, but they also provide a fantastic gathering place for locals and help foster a sense of homeliness and belonging among Mackay residents. As you shop locally, you’re not just buying goods, you’re investing in the social fabric of this great community.

By choosing to shop locally, you become an active participant in the growth of our community. Every local purchase you make sends a ripple of positive impact throughout Mackay, creating a community we can all take pride in.

Every year, the Rotary club of Walkerston is responsible for quite a few local awards.

Recently presented was the Dux Awards at both of the local primary schools.                                                        

At Walkerston State School it was presented to Frankie Cunningham, and at St John’s Catholic School to Khloe Noy. Congratulations to both girls!

Also every year, the club presents the Cliff Andersen Memorial Sports Trophy to an outstanding sportsperson.  

Cliff Andersen was, for many years, a councillor on the Pioneer Shire Council representing the Walkerston region. He was also a very keen sportsman both playing and coaching tennis.                          Following his death, Councillor Andersen’s family donated the Cliff Andersen Memorial Sports Award perpetual trophy to Walkerston Rotary Club. This was to be presented to a local sportsperson who had achieved above average success in his or her chosen sport/s. The trophy was first presented in 1993.

The 2023 Cliff Andersen Memorial Sports Award was rather special this year, by way of being multiplied by two! It was presented to twelve-year-old twins Aiden and Noah Porter, two very high achievers in local athletics, and beyond.

The club's Community Service Award was presented to Carmel Baretta, a highly accomplished and very well-known local identity, especially in the Italian and Maltese circles. Carmel has worked tirelessly for many years, volunteering in many local community groups, including the Italian and Maltese descendants’ community groups.

International Men’s Day, held on the third Sunday of November, was celebrated with a very successful ‘Sunday Session’. Hopefully the first of such to be organised by the Club.          

This came about from a wish expressed by this year’s club president, that he ‘would really like to set up an event focussing on men’s health’.  A clever club member suggested the not overly publicised International Men’s Day for the date.                                                          

From there the concept developed at a fast pace, gaining lots of community and business support, then culminating in a lazy relaxing Sunday afternoon of ‘Blokes Celebrating Blokes’, with great company, good food, and excellent speakers.

Walkerston Rotary Club wishes to thank Mackay Life Newspaper for its much-appreciated support throughout 2023 via the Walkerston Wonders page.

Season’s Greetings to everyone!

Contributed by Bente McDonald

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Dux Award recipient at Walkerston School, Frankie Cunningham, presented by Club Youth Director Bente McDonald

Dux Award Recipient at St John's School, Khloe Noy, presented by Club Director Ray Borg

Cliff Andersen Sports Award recipients, Aiden and Noah Porter

Walkerston Rotary's Community Service Award recipient, Carmel Baretta

We have everything you need this gift giving season – from stunning giftware and pots, to a diverse selection of plants and garden essentials. Explore the latest Weber Q range, ideal for those last-minute Christmas gifts. Dive into the largest assortment of YETI products in Mackay, perfect for surprising your loved ones!

For the DIY enthusiasts, our store boasts a comprehensive collection of power tools and outdoor equipment from renowned brands like STIHL, Milwaukee, Makita, Dewalt, and much more.

Whether you're planning home projects during the Christmas break or seeking gifts for Mum, Dad, or the whole family, we have a wide variety to choose from.

Take a break at Charlies Café with a cup of coffee while you browse our beautiful store, and don't miss our extensive outdoor furniture range.

Make this holiday season special with Porters! Full list of festive trading hours can be found on our website www.porterscando.com.au

Hello Walkerston, it's time to get your armchairs and BBQ's ready, the great annual Walkerston Fire Station lolly run will be happening Saturday 16th December from 2pm.

If you would like to donate any money or lollies to Santa, please drop them into Walkerston Fuel (please ensure they are individually wrapped).

The travel route and street listing will be posted to the Facebook event on the day so you can see Santa's route.

Adorable photos courtesy of Walkerston Day Care Centre.

With wet weather conditions combined with warming temperatures in the Mackay region this means ticks are out in full-force, with RSPCA Queensland warning pet owners of the potential dangers these parasites can pose to pets.

Ticks cause severe illness in our pets and in the worst cases, can lead to death. They may be small, but they are one of the most dangerous parasites affecting domesticated animals.

RSPCA Qld Veterinary Hospital Manager, Emma MacDonald said there were many tick preventative products available which repel or kill ticks, protecting pets from the deadly paralysis tick.

“Keeping up to date with prevention all year round is the best way to protect our pets.

“Remembering ticks can be fatal and knowing the signs to ensure that treatment can be given quickly will also ensure a better chance at survival for our animals.

“Checking your pet daily and thoroughly from nose to tail, running fingertips through coat and checking in ears, between paw pads, under armpits and all over the body.

“If a tick or a crater is found and your pet is showing clinical signs of tick paralysis, take them to your vet immediately.” Emma said.

Tick paralysis symptoms include:

• Loss of coordination in the hindlegs.

• A change in the bark or the meow of the animal

• Retching, coughing and vomiting

• Excessive drooling and salivation

• Loss of appetite

• Difficulty breathing

A statement from Mackay Veterinary Clinic stated, “Living in North Queensland, our pets really do brave the elements with the heat, snakes, leptospirosis, heartworm and this time of year - paralysis ticks.

“Paralysis ticks are certainly on the move early this year and are packing an extra punch as we start to see more and more pets arrive at our hospital for treatment.”

Northern Beaches Vet Hospital commented, “One of the main questions we get asked about ticks is how to identify which are paralysis ticks and which are bush/brown or cattle ticks.

“The best way to tell them apart is by the legs. The paralysis ticks have legs near the head in a V-shape, whereas the bush/brown or cattle ticks have the legs spaced out around the body.”

A good rhyme to remember the difference between ticks is ‘Spaced Out Arms Do No Harm, Legs Near The Head - Get the Vet out of Bed!’

Two confronting cases of neglect from North Queensland, Colby and Conrad, have demonstrated how seriously a pet’s condition can deteriorate if ticks are left untreated.

RSPCA Queensland Inspectorate Team Leader Ben Newman said his team were shocked and saddened at the condition of the two puppies found with a heavy tick burden.

“These puppies had a large burden of ticks and needed urgent veterinary treatment.

“If left untreated, ticks are deadly. We frequently see similar cases like this that result in the death of an animal due to paralysis ticks, anaemia from large burdens of ticks, or disease caused from tick bites.” Ben said.

Colby and Conrad have made a full recovery after veterinary care and are now available to adopt from RSPCA Mackay.

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A visual guide to identify and differentiate between the types of ticks. Photo credit: Northern Beaches Vet Hospital

Before images showing the terrible neglect to Colby and Conrad from multiple ticks

Colby and Conrad have been treated for ticks and are available for adoption from the RSPCA

Australia has bolstered its bio-security defences with a stash of 300,000 vital vaccines aimed at combating the serious cattle virus that causes lumpy skin disease (LSD), ensuring readiness for potential outbreaks.

LSD, which also affects buffalo, has been reported in Indonesia but Australia remains free of this devastating disease.

However, if the disease got a foothold here, quick access to and effective rollout of these vaccines will help keep Australian cattle and buffalo safe.

For now, the doses of the vaccine will be kept safe in a secure overseas location. They will also be made available for producers in our closest neighbours, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea, if required.

The agreement to secure the vaccination bank is one of many measures we have taken to prepare for a possible outbreak, to make sure that LSD will not devastate our agriculture industry or impact the livelihoods of farmers.

More information on what the government is doing to prepare, and what will happen if there is an outbreak, is available on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s website.

Visit its lumpy skin disease page to find other facts and resources, including how to protect your animals, signs of the disease to look out for, and how to report suspected cases.

Before establishing a stud in Central Queensland, Bianca Collins was a secondary teacher and her husband, John, a boilermaker. They had no experience on the land.

Tired of paying rent in town and in need of adventure, they found their passion for agriculture.

“We fumbled our way into developing a small stud Droughtmaster herd. It didn’t take long for us to add to our acreage by purchasing another 700 acres and leasing a further 1,00 acres—all while working in our full-time careers,” Bianca said.

They soon realised the pressures on farming families can be enormous. To make ends meet, John had to continue working off-farm while Bianca took on the job of keeping the stud herd performing.

“We didn’t have the knowledge that typically gets passed down from generation to generation. It wasn’t ingrained in us from a family history in farming.

“I found it difficult to find a support network in the region or meet up with other likeminded farmers.”

Thanks to the Future Drought Fund’s National Mentoring Program, delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, Bianca was paired with a mentor to help build her resilience and achieve her goals.

“I’m making it my mission to make sure our farm is in better shape for the next generation—for my son and to help my regional community thrive. The only way I can do that is to embrace my desire to learn,” Bianca said.

The program is giving Bianca the confidence to grow a successful stud and connect with other farmers and farming families to share their experiences.

“I believe having that network will help us all grow in the agricultural industry and our shared commitment to learning and being open to opportunities will help us reach and increase our individual success.”

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Photo credit: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

It is the best of times, it is the worst of times in this city as we head into the Christmas period. With  apologies to Charles Dickens, Mackay is a tale of two cities.

The first tale of our city is a great story about home owners and how their investment is experiencing strong growth.

After a horrible downturn from 2013 to about 2018, Mackay property prices are solidly and consistently growing. Prices continued to grow this year and the market is reflecting the energetic economy that is keeping everyone busy.

The mining sector is going well and, despite interest rate rises and high inflation, the rest of the economy is also powering along.

The property market has benefitted from a continuing influx of southerners who are moving to our town due to work or lifestyle changes. There are also those families from “over the hill” who are moving to Mackay to have easier access to sports and other facilities their kids need.

The strong economy and terrific lifestyle is keeping people here and that, combined with the additional “migrants”, has created a shortage of rental properties.

This combination of factors is pushing up rental prices and helping create a strong demand in property sales.

Many people are deciding that the difficulty of finding a rental property and the increasing rents mean it makes sense to buy in Mackay.

That demand for properties is pushing prices up, not at a crazy speed but creating solid growth. Compared to most of the country, our median price of around the $450,000 mark is much more affordable and adds to the logic of buying here.

So, happy days in this little tale. It’s a great time to be doing business in Mackay and there are certainly terrific opportunities for those of us selling real estate.

But there is another tale … the one about the growing number of people with nowhere to live.

You can see these people in the City Heart, down by the river and wherever they can find shelter. It is the downside of what is a positive story for many of us.

I am not sure what the solution is. We can’t suddenly create new housing for homeless people. And one of the problems for the homeless is trying to navigate their way out of it.

How do you get a place to live when you have no job? How do you find a job when you’ve got nowhere to live? A vicious cycle that offers little hope.

Demand and supply determines the price of things and there are two sides to that economic equation. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want us going back to the days of rental vacancies of nearly 10 per cent.

The people I work for, property owners, benefit from the shortage of supply and high demand. And, as a real estate agent, I benefit from that same dynamic. Like everyone in the business community, by working hard and staying focused, energised and committed, I will get the rewards offered by a vibrant town with a strong, active economy.

So, with Christmas approaching it is a reminder to be thankful for those of us who love this city and enjoy the employment and financial opportunities it presents, the friendships it creates and the lifestyle it offers.

But it’s not like that for everyone and a significant part of the culture of Mackay is that its residents dig in to help those doing it tough.

The guidance needs to come from those at local and state government level who are elected to deal with this stuff. They are not doing a very good job so, with state and local government elections coming up this year, the community needs to apply some pressure, demand some solutions.

This is my last column for the year and I wish both my readers a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year. Stay safe and I’ll catch you back on these pages in 2024.

Crediton Hall Recreation Club (CHRC) and Provisional School celebrated their 80th anniversary last month, with a nostalgic and reminiscent event.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson attended to address the attendees.  

CHRC provided a glorious spread of food, as well as a celebration cake for dessert. Many attendees camped overnight, enjoying a firepit and games for the children to play. The event also saw a Rolling Raffle, and past residents sharing their stories and photos from over the years.

The joyous occasion was celebrated by past and present members and school peers.

Harrup Park and the Great Barrier Reef Arena are delighted to announce the inaugural Great Barrier Reef Arena Gift, scheduled to captivate Mackay on the 23rd of March 2024.

This annual event will bring together some of Australia's top running talent, showcasing their prowess in nine exhilarating races spanning genders, ages, and distances in a celebration of athleticism and community spirit.

The races will take place on the newly completed Great Barrier Reef Arena grass track, continuing the long-standing tradition of Gift races across Australia.

Registrations are now open for both junior and senior runners, presenting an opportunity to compete for substantial prize money across various race categories.

The event extends a warm welcome to seasoned athletes and aspiring runners alike. Races will kick off in the midafternoon, with Gift Finals set to electrify the crowd under the lights at the Great Barrier Reef Arena.

Adrian Young, Great Barrier Reef Arena CEO said, "The Great Barrier Reef Arena Gift marks a milestone in our commitment to fostering sporting excellence.

“This inaugural event not only showcases the immense talent of Australia's top runners but also underscores our dedication to providing a platform for aspiring athletes,” he said.

“We invite everyone to join us for an unforgettable evening of competition and camaraderie as we set the stage for years of thrilling sporting competitions to come."

The event promises not only thrilling races but also a vibrant atmosphere, featuring live music, kids’ activities, a mini eat street, and an exciting chili-eating contest.

Families and sports enthusiasts are invited to witness this historic event and be part of an unforgettable night of sporting excitement. What's more, entry is free for all spectators, ensuring that the Great Barrier Reef Arena Gift is an inclusive experience for the entire community.

Junior events:

120m 10-12yrs Girls & Boys

120m 13-15yrs Girls & Boys

120m 16-18yrs Girls & Boys

Gift events:

120m Open Men’s & Women’s Gift

GBRA Mile – Men’s & Women’s

70m Open Men’s & Women’s

70m Masters Men’s (Restricted) & Women’s (Restricted)

300m Open Combined (Men/Women/Masters)

Growing a passion for innovation and mining careers for the next generation

Innovation, resourceful creation, and hands-on education were the theme last month, when the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) delivered two inspiring learning experiences in Mackay, thanks to support from Thiess.

With the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) on the precipice of reaching its target of 100 school partnerships by the end of 2023, Whitsunday Anglican School and St Patrick's College Mackay were proud to host QMEA workshops for the first time, which helped Mackay’s next generation mine valuable science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills.

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said physics, coding, and mining converged in two unforgettable events that allowed about 30 Year 7 and 8 students to discover the many exciting career pathways in Queensland’s world-class resources and energy sector.

“Students from Whitsunday Anglican College demonstrated their design and engineering prowess as they discovered the impressive forces behind non-compressible fluids,” Ms Jones said.

“Working in teams, students created and constructed a model-scale hydraulic arm to perform a specific function that mirrored real-world, mining industry applications. It was a great way for these bright young minds to see how simple physics concepts help the resources and energy sector make challenging tasks a simple feat.”

Thiess General Manager Mining – QLD, Chris Bourke said Thiess was committed to investing in the next generation, creating pathways to rewarding careers and delivering sustainable growth in communities like Mackay and the broader Whitsundays.

“As a business focussed on technology and innovation, we recognise the importance of helping students build skills that align with emerging careers in the resources sector,” Mr Bourke said.

“This program is an excellent opportunity for students to learn firsthand how STEM excellence could lead to local job opportunities at Thiess, or the broader mining industry.”

St Patrick's College Mackay Principal, Mrs Janelle Agius said the school was delighted to host their inaugural QMEA workshop, helping ignite students’ passion for STEM careers whilst further developing indispensable skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and problem solving.

“The room buzzed with creativity and inspiration as students engineered devices that flipped a coin into a cup without manual intervention, replicating dynamic, cutting-edge technology like coal sorting machines,” Mrs Agius said.

“Students then delved into reflection and refraction when they positioned a series of mirrors to navigate a laser beam around a fixed obstacle – another clever opportunity to demonstrate the criticality of STEM in everyday mining operations.

"Our new partnership with the QMEA reflects our commitment to nurturing young talent and empowering them with beneficial skills to embark on prosperous pathways after school.”

As Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and schools initiative, the QMEA seeks to broaden student and teacher knowledge of career opportunities in resources.

The academy encourages a talent pipeline of employees into vocational and professional careers, with a focus on female and Indigenous participation. The QMEA currently engages with 99 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.

Whitsunday Anglican School and St Patrick's College hosted QMEA workshops to inspire the next generation in STEM subjects. Photos supplied: QMEA

Bowen Community Centre is now officially open, with a special ceremony taking place last week.

In attendance were Member for Burdekin Dale Last, and Minister for Communities Leeanne Enoch, alongside local Councillors Jan Clifford and Michelle Wright.

The ceremony boasted more than an additional 30 attendees, with the Bowen Community Centre facilities officially opened.

The Centre is a purpose-built facility, and includes a large kitchen, meeting spaces and offices.

The new building cost $4.3 million, it was completed in late 2022 and has been fully operational since December the same year.

Since its completion, the Community Centre had expanded its program to include Emergency Relief, the No Interest Loan Scheme, Community Connect, an Op Shop, Tuckerbox Food Shop, Tuckerbox Kitchen and Volunteer Program.

It can now also service an additional 44 per cent more people than previously.

Minster Leeanne Enoch explained that “It’s great to hear that the new centre is already improving the wellbeing, resilience, safety and participation of community members by providing a client-centred hub where people can access a more diverse range of services, program, and activities.”

“Among the features of the new centre is a large kitchen, which will assist with the delivery of meals and food relief – a service that is relied upon by many in the community.”

“Other services on offer include advocacy, counselling, community activities, emergency relief, disability support for young people, aged care, domestic and family violence support, family support, youth support and homelessness support.”

Stephanie Cora, Executive Officer of the Bowen Community Centre was excited by the official opening.

“It’s so nice to have a place that’s big enough to accommodate community groups and new programs. From an old Queenslander, where we only had room for five people, to now having meeting rooms fitting up to 60, plus a large, commercially outfitted kitchen – it’s been amazing for our community.”

“We’ve been able to offer so many diverse programs in the last 12 months. This has led to a significant increase in people contacting us, participating in programs, and utilising the facilities. In 2022-23, we had 72,000 contacts, compared to 50,000 in 2021-22,” she explained.

“Being able to cater to the community’s diverse needs with programs tailored to our community, plus the growth we have experience as a centre has been extremely exciting.”

“We are so proud to have a purpose-built centre, which is such a beautiful space that we love and that we can share with the community, demonstrating how much they are valued.”

Dale Last, Member for Burdekin, Christine Coventry, Chairperson of Bowen Community Centre, Stephanie Cora, Executive Officer of Bowen Community Centre, Minister Leeanne Enoch, and John Finlay, Treasurer of Bowen Community Centre. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

Hi Everyone,

Have you decided what you’re going to give this Christmas?

I’m not talking presents to loved ones (or yourself!), I’m talking about giving back, doing something for someone less fortunate.

Two years ago, I purchased a toy and gave it to Whitsunday Counselling and Support to go towards a family escaping domestic violence.

I asked my son to choose the present and told him to make it something he would really like himself.

I then explained that we would be giving it away to a boy his age who has nothing but will now have a present to open on Christmas day because of his kind gesture.

This pleased my son and he looked excited . . . that was until we had to handover the gift to a volunteer and be burst into tears claiming he wanted to keep it!

Last year, I played it safe and we bought several smaller gifts for different age-groups and fortunately he wasn’t so traumatised this time.

This year, however, I haven’t had time to buy a toy yet, so I have been feeling really sad about it.

At home one evening earlier this week I was wondering ‘how’ and ‘who’ I could help, while feeling a little overwhelmed about how I was going to do it this year.

That same evening a post of a family friend came up asking for donations that would go directly to another family whose daughter was battling a brain tumour.

All donations would be used to make this Christmas extra special.

I immediately donated $40 and while this was only a small amount, I felt like it was still a meaningful contribution, every little helps.

I don’t think it matters how we give this Christmas, it just matters that we give something.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Give, even if you have a little” (Buddha)