Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Students with a creative flair are being encouraged to step forward and submit their artwork for the chance to see it projected onto the façade of Australian Parliament House. The opportunity is open to creative students in Years 5 and 6 across Dawson, with selected artworks set to feature as part of Canberra’s Enlighten Festival 2027, which will run from February 26th to March 8th and celebrate light, art and creativity. As part of celebrations marking 100 years of Parliament in Canberra, artworks from every Australian state and territory will be projected onto the Australian Parliament House façade. Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP said the opportunity would allow young artists to showcase what makes the Dawson region special. “Our part of Queensland is pretty hard to beat when it comes to inspiration,” Mr Willcox said. “We have the Great Barrier Reef, cane fields, beaches, rainforest, rivers, farmers, fishing, wildlife and some of the most unique communities in the country. “There is plenty there to put on the big screen, and in this case, the screen is Parliament House itself.” From the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and cane fields to local wildlife and communities, students are being encouraged to draw inspiration from the places, people, animals, plants and landscapes that make their part of Australia unique. Mr Willcox said he would love to see Dawson represented among the artworks selected for the national display. “I would love to see a slice of Dawson among them,” Mr Willcox added. “Imagine walking around Canberra at night and seeing Parliament House illuminated with artwork created by a student from Dawson. “That would be something to be proud of.” The program also provides students with an opportunity to engage with civics and learn more about the home of Australia’s democracy. Mr Willcox is encouraging schools, teachers and parents across Dawson to support creative Year 5 and 6 students to take part. Submissions close Thursday, October 29th. A student toolkit containing tips and templates, along with a fact sheet for parents, is available through the Parliament House website at aph.gov.au/StudentArtwork. Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP is calling on creative Year 5 and 6 students across the region to submit their artwork for the chance to feature on Australian Parliament House during Enlighten Festival 2027. Photo supplied
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Mackay’s CBD and St Patrick’s Church on River Street were filled with officers in blue last Tuesday 29th September, as Queensland Police Service officers gathered alongside local representatives and members of the public to honour the lives of those who never came home from their shift. A march through the Mackay CBD was followed by a memorial service at St Patrick’s Church for National Police Remembrance Day. Officers and staff from across Mackay joined members of the community to honour those who lost their lives in the line of duty and reflect on their courage, dedication and sacrifice. Mayor Greg Williamson spoke about the community’s appreciation for police and the important role officers play across the region. He highlighted how police are often the first people the community turns to when there is a safety concern, while also recognising officers as members of local families and communities. “The people of Mackay call them when there's community safety at risk. And so, today, there's a chance for us, as a community, to join with the police force and say, We, as a community, really appreciate what you do.” “To the people who put their hand up to be in the police force, thank you. Thank you for what you are doing for us as a community, and for Queensland in general.” “Quite often, we take the police for granted, but that's who we call first, when there's a community risk apparent.” Mackay Whitsunday District Officer Superintendent Dean Cavanagh spoke about the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice and the lasting impact their deaths have had on families, friends, colleagues and the wider community. He also reflected on the strong attendance at the memorial and the respect shown towards those being remembered. “Today we come together as one voice to remember those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.” “We gather not only to remember their courage, but also to acknowledge the profound impact their loss has had on families, friends, colleagues, and this community.” “It’s a privilege to see such a strong attendance here today, and it always demonstrates the enduring respect held for those that we remember.” “Please remember that today’s an opportunity to recognise the values of service, sacrifice and a reminder that behind every badge is a person.” “With honour they served.” On Tuesday 29th September, Mackay police officers, local representatives and community members gathered for National Police Remembrance Day. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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A one-year-old girl has tragically died following a fatal traffic crash in Dysart on Sunday, 27th September. Emergency services were called to Golden Mile Road at about 9.05am after a single vehicle left the road and rolled. The one-year-old girl was declared deceased at the scene. A five-month-old boy also sustained serious injuries in the crash. The driver, a 22-year-old Moranbah woman, sustained minor injuries. Police are appealing for anyone who may have information, including dashcam or CCTV footage, to come forward. The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. There were no further updates at the time of print.
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A thoughtful act of kindness is helping bring a little extra warmth to premature babies and their families at Mackay Base Hospital. My Hospital Foundation recently expressed their gratitude to the team Mackay Youth Justice Services, for a delivery of hand-knit premature baby beanies. The cosy hats were knit by a young person in connection to the service as part of their community hours, with help from Indigenous Service Support Officer Jackie T. “These beautiful handmade gifts have been donated to babies at Mackay Base Hospital and will bring comfort to families during a very special time,” a spokesperson said. “Acts of kindness like this make a real difference in our community. Thank you for your generosity and support.” The beanies are a reminder that even small gestures can make a big impact, with the young person's time and effort helping to support local families when they need it most.
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Dale Last MP and Former president for the Bowen Seagulls, Darren Piggott.
Dale Last MP is reminding Bowen residents and the wider Burdekin electorate that the Play On! initiative is set to help more than 2,200 children across the region be a part of local sport through the Sports Vouchers program.
Accessible across the Whitsundays, the initiative aims to reduce the cost of junior sports for families, and will see 2,256 vouchers redeemed through 50 registered activity providers across the Burdekin during the previous round.
With the latest round of Play On! Sports Vouchers opening this week, the funding arrives as winter sporting competitions are underway and families continue to juggle the cost of participation.
“Despite soccer, rugby league and netball holding the highest number of voucher participants across the state, with Burdekin’s 50 listed sport clubs, there are certainly plenty of opportunities for kids to get involved in a summer or winter sport,” Mr Last said.
“Basically, if a child is aged between 5 and 17, and is named on a Medicare card then they are eligible.”
The program has also been given long-term certainty, with the Queensland Government committing $62.5 million a year over the next four years to continue supporting grassroots sports participation in regional communities.
“By providing this real cost of living relief, the Crisafulli Government is getting more kids playing sports and a continuation of the success the Burdekin has already seen on the national and international sporting stages,” Mr Last said.
“This is a real cost of living relief that is getting kids active, supporting local clubs, and backing families in our community.”
Proserpine Mill processed 75,870 tonnes of cane for the week ending July 18th, with throughput above budget and bringing the season total to 347,316 tonnes.
Average weekly CCS came in above budget, at 14.24 units.The highest CCS sample for the week was 16.35 units, from a rake of Q208 plant cane in the Lethebrook productivity district.
Last week saw a welcome rise in bin weights with a weekly average of 9.52 tonnes, with Thursday recording an average of 9.72 tonnes of cane per bin for the day’s loading.
Motorists are reminded to look out for cane trains and only cross cane rail lines at designated crossings.
Get ready to build it, float it, and race it the Recyclable Regatta on 2nd August at the Airlie Beach Foreshore! Photo source: Great Barrier Reef Festival
The Great Barrier Reef Festival will wrap up in spectacular style when the much-loved Recyclable Regatta returns to the Airlie Beach Foreshore on Sunday 2nd August, bringing a splash of creativity, friendly competition and plenty of laughs to the water.
Following a morning of free entertainment and reef-inspired activities at the Tasman Holiday Parks Family Fun Day, festival-goers can head to the shoreline to cheer on teams as they paddle homemade rafts around the course using nothing but recyclable materials and determination.
One of the festival's most popular traditions, the regatta challenges schools, community groups, tourism operators, businesses and groups of friends to design and build seaworthy rafts from recycled items before racing them around the foreshore in front of cheering crowds.
From quirky raft designs and pirate costumes to dramatic sink-or-swim moments, the event is known as much for its humour as its ingenuity, with creativity often proving just as important as speed.
This year, festival organisers are encouraging even more local businesses to join the action, turning the regatta into the ultimate team-building challenge where bragging rights are on the line alongside prizes.
The competition features divisions for children, teenagers, adults and local businesses, making it an event the whole community can enjoy, whether on the water or watching from the beach.
The regatta follows the popular Family Fun Day, which offers interactive reef-themed activities, educational displays, games, circus workshops, face painting and live entertainment, ensuring there's plenty happening across the foreshore before the racing begins.
With colourful costumes, imaginative creations and plenty of community spirit, the Recyclable Regatta promises a fun-filled finale that perfectly captures the festival's celebration of the Great Barrier Reef, sustainability and the vibrant Whitsundays community.
Living in the Whitsundays, we all know natural disasters are a matter of when not if.
Whether it's a cyclone, flooding, bushfires or severe weather, we've proven time and again what our community is made of. We roll up our sleeves, look after our neighbours and get on with the job of rebuilding. That's the Whitsunday way.
Last week I joined five other Queensland mayors in Melbourne to deliver one simple message on behalf of our communities: don't weaken the disaster funding arrangements regional Queensland relies on.
Between us, we travelled more than 16,000 kilometres because this matters.
The Whitsundays is one of Australia's premier tourism destinations. Tourism keeps local businesses open, puts food on family tables and supports thousands of local jobs. It's also why recovering quickly after a disaster is so important.
Repairing roads, parks and public facilities is only part of the job. Just as important is restoring confidence. We need people to know the Whitsundays is open, safe and ready to welcome them back.
If confidence disappears, visitors stay away. If visitors stay away, businesses hurt and local jobs are put at risk.
The current disaster recovery arrangements have helped communities like ours bounce back after events such as Cyclone Debbie and, more recently, Cyclone Kirrily. They allow councils to restore essential infrastructure quickly and help communities get back on their feet sooner.
That quick recovery is becoming even more important as we look ahead to our role as the Home of Olympic and Paralympic Sailing for Brisbane 2032. The world will be watching our region over the coming years, and we need to know that when the next disaster comes, and it inevitably will, we have a recovery system that gets us back on our feet quickly.
This isn't about politics. It's about standing up for regional Queensland and making sure communities like ours aren't left worse off because of where we live.
I'll always back the Whitsundays and continue working alongside councils across Queensland to protect the funding that helps our communities recover, supports local businesses and keeps people in local jobs.
Because when disaster strikes, getting back on our feet quickly isn't just important, it's essential. That's what our community deserves, and that's what I'll keep fighting for.
Running a business means there is always something competing for your attention – customers to serve, teams to support, problems to solve and decisions to make.
So why take a day away from the business?
Because the right conversations, ideas and connections can help you work on your business, not just in it.
The 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference has been designed for business owners and leaders who want practical insights they can take back to the workplace – from improving cash flow and building stronger teams, to using technology smarter and creating opportunities for growth.
Rather than theory or presentations that sit on a shelf, the program focuses on real challenges businesses are facing right now.
For businesses navigating workforce pressures, Creating Teams That Speak Up, Contribute & Innovate session with Michele Tocci will explore how leaders can create workplaces where people feel confident to contribute, share ideas and perform at their best. Attendees will gain practical strategies to strengthen trust, engagement, and retention.
For owners who feel like they’re working harder than ever but not seeing the return, Busy but broke? Profitable on paper but short on cash? With Gus Walsgott from the Small Business Financial Counselling Service North Queensland will unpack the financial traps that can catch out even successful businesses. The session will explore cash flow warning signs, profitability, and simple strategies to build stronger financial foundations.
Looking to improve your visibility and attract more customers? Your Brand in Action, featuring Tolita Dukes (8 Seconds) and Melissa Ardern (The Creek Whitsundays), will share practical insights into marketing, AI, visibility and what is currently working for regional businesses.
The day will finish with the Conference Long Lunch, proudly supported by Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine – an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, connect with other business owners, discover new suppliers, and explore resources that can support your business.
Featuring business exhibitor showcases, activations and networking opportunities, the Long Lunch is designed to create valuable conversations beyond the conference sessions.
If you’re looking for practical ideas, fresh perspectives, and connections that can help your business move forward, the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference is a day worth making time for.
Full program and tickets online: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/whitsundays-business-conference/
Allan Milostic, Gus Walsgott, Adrian Bram and Clay Bauman. Photo Credit: Zach Houtenville.
Whitsundays businesses came together at Club Whitsunday last Thursday morning to hear practical tips on managing workplace issues and reducing risk.
Hosted by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the final Business Breakfast of the year, the event brought local professionals together to network and hear from workplace investigator Jason King, Director of Regional Queensland Investigations.
Drawing on decades of investigative experience, Jason is a former Australian Federal Police Federal Agent and Victoria Police officer.
Throughout his career, he has investigated workplace misconduct, fraud, bullying and harassment complaints, corporate risk, cyber-related matters and other sensitive organisational inquiries across both the public and private sectors.
Jason outlined the stages these matters typically progress through, covering escalation, early warning signs, common mistakes, procedural fairness and evidence, when issues should be handled internally or referred externally, and the steps organisations should take in the first 24 hours.
Using real Queensland case studies, he showed how seemingly minor workplace issues can quickly escalate when handled poorly, highlighting the value of acting early, documenting concerns properly and making decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions.
Jason said businesses are better off dealing with concerns early, encouraging workplaces where staff feel comfortable speaking up before small issues become bigger ones.
Dianna with her daughter. Photos supplied: Queensland Police.
Nearly three decades after Bowen woman Dianne Angwin was murdered in her home, detectives have renewed their search for information, doubling the reward to $500,000 as a cold case review and new forensic testing breathe new life into the investigation.
Dianne Angwin moved to Bowen from Victoria in 1995. Following the breakdown of her marriage, she moved in with her friend Edith “Edie” Lay.
Just over 2 years later, around 12.30am on December 2nd, Edie reported being woken by an unknown man standing over her bed with one hand covering her mouth and a knife in the other.
Dianne appeared at the bedroom doorway before running from the intruder, who chased after her. Moments later, she was fatally stabbed in the neck. A neighbour rushed Dianne to Bowen Base Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
What followed was an investigation that saw police obtaining over 100 witness statements. A closer look at the home left police with no signs of forced entry or disturbance, with no property reported stolen.
The reward for information leading evidence for who might be responsible has increased from $250,000 to $500,000. Detectives from the Homicide Cold Case Investigation Team have begun new forensic testing on evidence collected from the scene and will re-interview witnesses and persons of interest in Bowen, Cairns and Victoria.
“Dianne’s housemate, Edie, died in 2022. As part of our review, police have identified witnesses who Edie confided in, confirming she knew the identity of the man and had not told police at the time of the offence as she was scared for her own safety,” Detective Senior Sergeant Kentwell said.
“We would also like to speak to anyone who has information regarding a relationship Dianne was involved in with a local married man, who had been seen at her unit.
“Information suggests that around the time of Dianne’s murder, she was actively encouraging him to leave his wife so that they could overtly continue the relationship.
“There are people out there with information. Relationships and loyalties change, and I would encourage anyone with information, big or small, to contact police.
Bowen residents with information relevant to Dianne’s Murder are encouraged to attend mobile police facilities and talk with investigators. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
The Whitsunday Wind Farm Action Group with Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox. The group campaigned against wind farm projects proposed close to Proserpine, some of which are still ongoing. Photo supplied
By Ruandi Van der Merwe
Alinta Energy has officially pulled plans to build wind turbines across the southern zone of its proposed Mt Challenger Wind Farm project, marking a major turning point for the local community after nine months of intense advocacy.
Following six months of LIDAR wind monitoring in the southern area of the proposed project, Alinta Energy have concluded that the wind resource in this area is not strong enough to support turbines, ultimately causing the cancellation of the plans.
"The southern part of the Mount Challenger wind farm does not have sufficient amount of wind in order to progress with the project development in the southern part of the project around Kelsey Creek," Alinta Energy General Manager Development Andres Maasing stated.
“And what that would mean is as a result of those assessments and studies we will be focusing all of our efforts for the wind farm on the northern part.”
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP has welcomed confirmation from Alinta Energy that proposed wind turbines will be removed from the southern portion of the Mt Challenger Wind Farm project, having advocated for the Whitsunday Wind Farm Action Groupover the previous months.
Ms Camm described the decision as a significant win for Kelsey Creek residents and the wider Whitsunday community.
“This outcome belongs to the residents, landowners and neighbours who came together, raised their concerns and refused to let their voices be ignored,” Ms Camm said.
“While assessments are continuing for the northern area of the Mt Challenger project, today’s announcement demonstrates the importance of genuine community engagement.
“I will continue to stand with our community and advocate for renewable energy projects to be placed in appropriate locations - with proper consideration for local residents, productive agricultural land and our environment.”
Ms Camm is inviting members of the community to celebrate the removal of the southern section of the proposed Mt Challenger Wind Farm with a community BBQ on Sunday, 2nd August at the Peter Faust Dam BBQ area.
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox also praised the dedication of local residents standing together to protect the region’s natural landscape.
“This outcome is a testament to the incredible strength and unity of our local community,” Mr Willcox said.
“When everyday people stand up, attend meetings, and demand better for their area, energy proponents and governments are forced to listen.”
While welcoming the removal of turbines from the proposed location, Mr Willcox noted that Alinta Energy is continuing feasibility assessments on the northern portion of the site.
“While we celebrate this victory today, we cannot afford to be complacent,” He stated.
Alysha Lee, a local farmer whose property sits adjacent to the scrapped southern site, has been leading the community action group opposing the wind farm. She described the news as a massive milestone for families who felt blindsided when the project was first unveiled last year.
"This is a very significant deal for our community today," Ms Lee said.
"Our family was two weeks away from moving back into our renovated farmhouse when we got this letter in the mail telling us about this elusive Mt Challenger wind farm.
“We haven't enjoyed a single day in our newly renovated house without the threat of a wind farm encroaching on our home."
The community campaign gathered more than 6,000 petition signatures and secured backing from local, state, and federal representatives.
"The community has had to fight incredibly hard over the past nine months to make sure our voice was heard," Ms Lee added.
"To have local advice tell us to strap in for two to three years, and to achieve this in nine months, is huge. It's a moment to take a breath and breathe."
Alinta Energy will continue with its ongoing assessments for the northern area of the Mt Challenger proposal, and has stated it will listen closely to the Whitsunday community throughout the feasibility stage of the project.
The tragedy that forever changed the Whitsundays was honoured this Sunday 26th July, as a permanent memorial to the four Australian Army soldiers killed in the Bushman 83 helicopter crash was unveiled at Shute Harbour lookout before their families, Defencepersonnel and the wider community.
The Bushman 83 Memorial stands overlooking the waters where the Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan crashed during Exercise Talisman Sabre on July 28th 2023, claiming the lives of Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer II Phillip Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs.
The unveiling, dedication and blessing of the Memorial brought together representatives from each of the four soldiers' families.
Alongside them was Governor of Queensland Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, State Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm, Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins, veterans, serving defensepersonnel, first responders and members of the wider Whitsunday community.
“It was an incredibly moving moment that puts into perspective the immense, lasting sacrifice borne by the families left behind,” said Andrew Willcox MP on Facebook.
Operation Pilgrimage group approached the Whitsundays Regional Council over a year ago, in hopes of placing the memorial in its rightful home.
"The location is symbolic, it's in the Whitsundays, which is where the accident happened,” Allan said.
“If we put it down in Canberra or somewhere over the aviation hangar in Sale, Victoria, forget it."
Operation Pilgrimage was established more than 30 years ago by former military personnel with the aim of preserving Australia's military heritage and those who have been lost, permanently cementing their memories in places of historical significance.
The Bushman 83 Memorial is the group's 45th project, with Allan and the team making multiple reconnaissance trips to the Whitsundays to select the site.
While he commended the council for its cooperation and teamwork in bringing the project to life, he said his foremost priority was ensuring the memorial did justice to the four soldiers and the families who continue to carry the weight of their loss.
“I've met all of them, spoken to them all and they all knew what I wanted to do,” Allan said.
"One of the things that you can't control is how things are with the relatives, the wives, the fathers, that was a real concern."
Considerable care was also taken to ensure each of the four soldiers was given equal prominence on the memorial, regardless of rank.
Allan said the men had lives and responsibilities beyond their military service.
“They were not only career soldiers, but they were family men,” he said.
“They had children, they had a house, they had all the normal things that every young couple has.”
The list of things I know nothing or very little about is seemingly endless.
You could start with the world of science and focus on the periodic table, move through chemistry, physics and biology and you would discover an astounding level of ignorance on my part.
If you happened to be day dreaming about the interaction between energy and matter and found yourself in the mood for a casual chat about quantum physics, well I am afraid I am going to let you down … I have very little to offer.
It’s similar with mathematics; if you find yourself sitting at the pub hoping to strike up a conversation with someone about algebraic equations and the infrastructure of calculus then you’d better hope it’s not me sitting at the next table.
I could go on … engineering and mechanical principles, for example, but it’s starting to become humiliating and I think you get the idea.
The point is that in the world of befuddled ignorance in which I stumble around seemingly aimlessly, the one thing I’m pretty good at is the English language.
You’ve got to have a grasp of something and I’m not too bad at words. So, it’s not often someone drops in a word that I don’t know, have never heard before.
I’ve got a mate who grew up in the tough streets of South Mackay but who now lives in a very leafy, affluent part of Mount Pleasant. You’d call it a blue chip address.
He’s a good bloke and every now and then I am with him when he happens to venture south of the river and graces a suburban pub or club.
It’s like the prodigal son returning to his roots. All these people who haven’t seen him in decades can’t believe he’s turned up at Souths Suburban Bowls Club, or wherever it is, and they are wrapped to see him.
“Mate, how have ya been?” They say. My mate might not love the fact that his old school friend is wearing a fishing shirt in the bistro but he’s always very happy to catch up.
Anyway, I was chatting to my Mt Pleasant mate recently and the conversation turned to urban development in Mackay.
As we discussed new and planned residential developments in Mackay he made reference to “conurbation”. It was a conversation stopper.
I found myself having to ask him what the word meant. He explained that conurbation refers to a phenomenon where cities or large towns end up merging into one larger entity because of population growth and physical expansion.
He was making the point that while it might not meet the strict definition, the concept of conurbation was taking place in Mackay as various centres merged and “in-filled” the city rather than creating a continuing expansion of the footprint.
Rural View and Richmond, for example, are creating a connection with Bucasia and the northern part of Mt Pleasant.
Ooralea is expanding south and is creating a connection with Bakers Creek. One day, future generations might see the southern suburbs of Mackay merge with Sarina. That would be true conurbation as two cities merge.
Since I have only recently discovered the word, I am no expert on conurbation but it strikes me that connecting residential centres within an established footprint makes financial and geographical sense.
It must be easier and cheaper to connect infrastructure within established centres rather than simply expanding the footprint willy nilly and paying the cost that would go along with providing the new services that would be needed.
One of the big challenges in Mackay is providing the housing, infrastructure and services that are needed as the population grows.
A growing population is created by a strong economy and a quality lifestyle so while we would hope that the growth continues, this needs to be accompanied by road systems, infrastructure and services that meet increased demands.
People travelling in from the Northern Beaches every day would probably say that those demands are not being met. That’s despite my Mt Pleasant mate’s theory of conurbation.
Roy Brunke has joined Blacks Real Estate as a Sales Consultant. Photo Source: Blacks Real Estate
Roy Brunke has joined Blacks Real Estate as a Sales Consultant, bringing decades of experience in commercial print and marketing to the Mackay property industry.
Roy recently commenced his new role with the agency and is set to assist clients across the region with the sale of residential and commercial properties.
His background in print and marketing is expected to provide valuable insight for vendors looking to effectively present and promote their properties in a competitive market.
Blacks Real Estate said Roy’s extensive experience working with businesses and clients throughout his career would be an asset to the team and future clients alike.
Operating from offices in Mackay and Dysart, Blacks Real Estate services residential, commercial, rural and industrial clients across the wider region.
Photo supplied
Mannie was named after the mangroves he was dumped in at Dolphin Heads. He survived there over many weeks sleeping on a sewerage manhole cover and hiding in the thick mangroves during the day. He was traumatized, scared and so wary of people it took dedicated volunteers well over a month to gain his confidence enough to coax him into care.
Mannie is a gentle, affectionate boy who loves being around people and furry friends. He has a very sweet nature forming strong bonds with those he trusts. He can be a little unsure in new situations but is growing in confidence every day. He still needs to build his confidence further through positive experiences.
Call 0494723928 or email LLTAGSandDogRescue@gmail.com to arrange a meet and greet with beautiful Mannie.
St John’s Catholic Primary School
St John’s Catholic Primary School, Walkerston recently welcomed families and community members to a vibrant celebration of childhood, learning and community spirit during its annual Under 8’s Day festivities held on Friday, 12 June 2026.
The special event brought together Prep to Year 2 students, parents, carers, siblings and members of the parish community to recognise the important role that play-based learning, family engagement and strong community connections play in the early years of education.
Throughout the morning, students immersed themselves in a variety of fun and engaging activities designed to spark creativity, imagination and movement. Children enjoyed face painting, arts and crafts, playdough activities, sports games and a popular jumping castle, creating an atmosphere filled with laughter and excitement.
A highlight of the celebration was the involvement of local community organisations, which provided interactive experiences and learning opportunities for students. Representatives from Walkerston Fire Department, Walkerston Police, Core Defined Pilates, Play All Day, Walkerston Cricket Club, Country United Football Club and Active Squirtz joined the festivities, giving children the chance to connect with local services and sporting groups in a fun and meaningful way.
St John’s Catholic Primary School, which has proudly served the Walkerston community since 1924, places strong value on nurturing young learners through authentic partnerships between school, family and community. The Under 8’s Day celebrations reflected this commitment, showcasing the strength of these relationships and the positive impact they have on students’ development and wellbeing.
The morning concluded with a community sausage sizzle, providing families and guests with an opportunity to gather, connect and celebrate the success of the day together.
St John’s Catholic Primary School extends its sincere thanks to the many community organisations, volunteers and event sponsors whose generosity and support helped make the celebration possible.
The 2026 Under 8’s Day festivities were a resounding success, highlighting the importance of learning through play while celebrating childhood, family engagement and the strong sense of community that makes St John’s such a special place to learn and grow.
For almost 90 years, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, North Mackay, has been providing a nurturing and faith-filled education, building strong foundations for generations of young learners. Established in 1936 by the Sisters of Mercy, the school continues to honour its rich heritage while embracing innovative and contemporary approaches to teaching and learning.
Inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus, St Joseph's is a welcoming and inclusive community where every child is known, valued and encouraged to flourish. Guided by the vision of being "an inclusive and welcoming community, committed to the whole development and dignity of all," the school fosters a strong sense of belonging for students and their families.
Affectionately known throughout Mackay as the "Family School," St Joseph's has built its reputation on positive relationships, genuine care and a strong partnership between school, family and parish. Through its motto, With Christ We Grow, students are encouraged to develop academically, spiritually, socially and emotionally within an atmosphere of compassion, respect and support.
The dedicated teaching team delivers high-quality, evidence-based learning programs that empower students to become confident, capable and hope-filled learners. A strong focus on individual growth ensures each student is supported to reach their full potential while developing the skills and resilience needed for the future.
Beyond the classroom, St Joseph's offers a rich and engaging educational experience. Information and Communication Technologies are integrated across all learning areas, while specialist Health and Physical Education lessons provide opportunities for students to develop healthy lifestyles and sporting skills. Students regularly participate in swimming, athletics, netball, touch football, hockey and rugby league competitions and carnivals.
The school's commitment to creativity and cultural enrichment is reflected in its comprehensive music program, led by a specialist teacher, along with opportunities in choirs, drama, eisteddfods and school musicals. These experiences allow students to discover their talents, build confidence and celebrate their achievements.
Student wellbeing remains a core focus at St Joseph's. A range of pastoral care and wellbeing initiatives support the physical, mental, social and spiritual development of students. These programs are complemented by the school's counselling services and strong community connections, ensuring every child feels safe, supported and valued.
Modern classrooms, flexible learning environments and well-resourced facilities further enhance the student experience. Flexible seating in upper primary classrooms and a variety of outdoor learning and play spaces encourage collaboration, engagement and personalised learning opportunities.
Guided by the shared values of Hospitality, Service, Stewardship and Courage, St Joseph's empowers students to become compassionate leaders and responsible stewards of God's creation. Through faith, learning and service, students are encouraged to make a positive difference in their communities and the wider world.
One Year 6 student sums up the St Joseph's experience perfectly:
"St Joseph's feels like a family. Everyone is welcoming, my teachers believe in me, and I've learned to be confident, kind and courageous."
At St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, North Mackay, every child is supported to grow in faith, knowledge and character, preparing them to enrich the world with compassion, dignity and hope.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie MP and Glen Kelly MP visiting the site of Riverbend Estate in Mirani. Photo supplied
Queensland is in the middle of a housing shortage and nowhere is that challenge more apparent than in our region. We need more homes, more choice and more affordable housing, but we also need to make sure we are growing in the right places.
The Crisafulli Government has recognised the need to increase housing supply through initiatives such as the Residential Activation Fund (RAF), which is helping unlock new residential developments across regional Queensland. It is a practical investment that supports the infrastructure needed to bring new housing to market sooner.
Recently, I was pleased to welcome the Deputy Premier to the Mirani electorate to see firsthand the progress being made at the Riverbend Estate in Mirani. Developments like Riverbend demonstrate what can be achieved when government partners with industry to invest in enabling infrastructure and support sustainable regional growth.
As we continue to plan for Mackay's future, I believe we also need to have an honest conversation about where that growth should occur.
The Northern Beaches have experienced significant residential expansion over many years. While that growth has brought opportunities, it has also placed increasing pressure on roads, schools and community services. We should be cautious about concentrating too much of our future housing supply into one part of the region.
Instead, we should be encouraging balanced growth across the Mackay region by investing in communities that already have the foundations in place to support new families.
Walkerston, the Pioneer Valley and Sarina are ideally positioned to accommodate future growth.
These communities offer excellent schools, established sporting clubs, thriving local businesses and strong community connections. They also provide opportunities for people to enjoy a regional lifestyle while remaining within easy reach of Mackay's employment centres, such as Paget Hay Point and over the hill.
That is why I am continuing to advocate strongly to the Deputy Premier and the Queensland Government for support for the proposed Crossing Estate development in Sarina. This project has the potential to deliver hundreds of new homes while supporting local jobs, businesses and long-term economic growth. Sarina also benefits from having more than one road connecting it to the wider region, providing greater resilience during emergencies and greater capacity to support future population growth.
Housing policy should not simply be about building more houses. It should be about building stronger communities.
By investing in places like Walkerston, the Pioneer Valley and Sarina, we can deliver the homes our region needs while making better use of existing infrastructure, supporting local economies and ensuring growth is shared across the entire Mackay region.
If we get this right, we won't just solve today's housing shortage, we will build stronger, more resilient communities for generations to come.
You've slept eight hours, so why does your body battery still feel like it's at 10%?
The answer often lies in two biological forces working behind the scenes: adenosine and your circadian rhythm.
Also known as "sleep pressure," adenosine steadily accumulates throughout the day, making you feel tired. The only way to clear it is through good-quality sleep. If sleep is too short or disrupted, that clearing process is interrupted and you wake feeling sluggish, vague, and fatigued.
Adenosine works in partnership with your circadian rhythm, your 24-hour body clock. As night falls and that familiar wave of tiredness washes over you, that's melatonin at work. Melatonin release alongside high adenosine levels is what triggers deep, restorative sleep.
During a full night of uninterrupted rest, your brain clears adenosine, files memories, replenishes your immune defences, and heals. When this cycle works properly, you wake feeling refreshed and mentally clear for the day ahead.
The challenge is that modern habits often disrupt this process.
Key habits to protect your sleep quality:
In the morning, reinforce your wake signal:
If you regularly wake unrefreshed or struggle with persistent daytime fatigue, it may be more than sleep habits. Undiagnosed sleep apnoea is a common but often overlooked condition that causes poor-quality sleep and disrupted recovery.
At CPAP Direct, our sleep specialists can help you understand what is happening during your sleep and guide you through testing, diagnosis, and tailored treatment options.
Visit your local CPAP Direct store or take the online sleep assessment at cpap.com.au to get your mojo back.
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