GP and women’s health expert Associate Professor Magda Simonis has warned early onset menstruation in Australia is occurring as early as Grade 2 or 3, 8–11 years old, for some girls, and this can be a shock to them and their parents as often it hasn’t been discussed by that age. Usually, education at schools is provided in Years 5 and 6.

“A delay in education could leave many girls unprepared for the physical and emotional changes of puberty, potentially exacerbating feelings of confusion and distress,” Associate Professor Simonis said.

Unfortunately, there is still a stigma and embarrassment around talking with children around these normal bodily functions leasing Gotham seeking the information from often dubious sources such as social media, equally ignorant friends etc. 

The comments follow a Harvard University study which found early or very early menstruation for girls has nearly doubled over five decades in the US. Likely it is similar here in Australia. The cause is likely due to the increase in body mass index or childhood obesity due to dietary choices and sedentary lives compared to decades ago. This is a societal issue with overweight and obesity in adults around 65%. So, blaming parents or the child is not helpful. 

GPs, can play a vital role in supporting young patients and their families with early onset or normal pubertal changes and earlier with children who are overweight or obese, which can be hard for parents to realise as they often don’t take their children in for check-ups past the pre prep immunisation years of 4 to 5 years old. 

Yours in good Health 

Dr Mags  

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The highly anticipated Whitsundays Writers Festival will ignite the region from Friday 6 September to Sunday 8 September.

The prestigious, premier literary event dedicated to the fostering of creativity, dialogue, and appreciation for the written word, has announced one of their thrilling marque events set to debut this September. The Big Book Club High Tea featuring highly celebrated and acclaimed authors Sally Hepworth and Kristy Manning will have festival attendees buzzing with excitement on Saturday 7 September from 3:15pm to 4:45pm. The vibrant marquee will be stationed along the aesthetic, picturesque shore of Shingley Beach and will stand at My Rainbow Bakery, where many local book clubs have met over the years.

Infamous for her New York Times bestselling novels, Sally Hepworth has captured the hearts of readers worldwide with her compelling storytelling techniques and writing style. Sally holds nine extraordinary novels under her belt and has sold over a million books across the globe! Her work encompasses various bestsellers including The Mother-in-Law, The Soulmate, The Good Sister, The Secrets of Midwives, and The Younger Wife.

Joining Sally at the Big Book Club High Tea will be Kristy Manning! Kristy’s discography of historical novels has attracted widespread acclaim, captivating audiences across the world. Her works, published in numerous languages for all to indulge in, have been adapted for various mediums, standing as testaments to her timeless storytelling brilliance. Some of her celebrated novels include The Jade Lily, The Lost Jewels, The Paris Mystery, The French Gift, The Hidden Book, and The Song of The Jade Lily.

Together, the pair have garnered much excitement since the official announcement of their attendance, and Festival President, Karen Jacobsen has expressed her anticipation for the upcoming event.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sally and Kristy to our Festival’s Big Book Club High Tea,” expressed Karen.

“They are two talented authors, and their infectious camaraderie promises an afternoon filled with laughter and insight into their journey to literary success.”

Both Sally and Kristy will select a couple of their books to discuss at the Big Book Club event, and will dive into the inspirations behind their works, writing journey, and key themes explored in each novel. Each title spoken about by the pair will be made available at the Festival Bookshop.

“We’re looking forward to this fun-filled sparking special event as part of this year’s Festival program,” explained Karen.

“My Rainbow Bakery’s high tea is famous in the Whitsundays and we encourage all attendees to make an afternoon of it and dress in your high tea best!”

Ticket sales are well underway, however quantities are strictly limited.

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What: Whitsundays Writers Festival Big Book Club High Tea Event
When: 7 September 3:15pm to 4:45pm
Where: My Rainbow Bakery
More Information: contact Julia Evans the Festival Convenor via email hello@whitsundayswriters.com

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When Chester arrived at Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated (MPRI), he was in a dire state, skeletal and weighed just 2.1 kilograms.

His fur was matted, causing him immense pain with every movement. A thorough vet check revealed his weak condition, with a heart rate of 220 bpm and severe worm infestation.

Chester was unable to undergo vaccinations or microchipping due to his underweight status and fragile state, although, he received the best care at the Northern Beaches Veterinary Hospital and was treated with compassion whilst he received a good grooming to alleviate the discomfort.

Under the care of experienced foster carer Peta, Chester's rehabilitation has since been on the mend. With a heat mat for warmth and a carefully regulated feeding schedule to prevent re-feeding syndrome, every effort was made to ensure his comfort and recovery.

Despite the odds, Chester remains a sweet and gentle soul, responding to affection with purrs and gratitude. His rescuer, Gemma, played a vital role in bringing him to safety and initiating his journey to health.

“Chester is a darling gentle boy,” the MPRI team remarked.

“We are so grateful to Gemma for seeing Chester’s plight, for bringing him inside and for contacting MPRI.

“Without her intervention Chester would not have survived this winter.

“We will keep you updated on Chester’s progress.”

While Chester's future remains uncertain, the dedication of his caregivers and the support of MPRI offer hope for his continued improvement. Each day brings new progress, and with commitment from the team, Chester's journey toward a brighter tomorrow continues.

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Chester almost didn’t survive his circumstances but thankfully he was rescued and is now on the road to recovery. Updates of his wellbeing to come. Photo Credit: Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated (Facebook)

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Lunch and birthday cake was provided to Reef Catchments staff and other industry stakeholders in a social event last Monday that encouraged participants to enjoy networking time with the board. Attendees gained an insight into what’s to come with NRM (Natural Resource Management) projects and had the chance to reflect on the remarkable achievements that have been established over the last 21 years.

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Hannah McNamara

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Paul Dray, a grower in Proserpine, is thrilled to have acquired a high-rise spray tractor that will grant him flexibility in the timing of his herbicide application. This flexibility enables him to use less harmful herbicides (knockdowns) reducing his reliance on residual herbicides.

Paul was able to make the purchase assisted by Reef Catchments through the Major Grants Project under the Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program (MWWQP) The MWWQP is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

Background
Paul’s family has deep roots in the Proserpine region, with the farm’s history spanning three generations and more than 100 years. The farm is more than just a business; it’s a legacy that Paul and his entire family are committed to preserving.

For Paul, this farm is a genuine family enterprise, with multiple generations actively participating. His parents, brothers, uncles, cousins, and now his son all play integral roles in running the operation. If you spend even a short time on the farm with Paul, you will notice there is always someone from the family stopping by to check in.

The Challenge
Timing is critical when it comes to weed spraying. If the cane grows too tall, traditional spray rigs can’t navigate through the crop. As a result, Paul had two options: he could use residual herbicides before the cane grew too tall, or he could hire contractors with high-rise spray tractors. However, these contractors were often delayed or unavailable because of scheduling conflicts. Although Paul hired drones to spray for vines, this solution didn’t address the problem with grasses, which continued to grow unchecked as the cane got taller. This led to higher labour costs and reduced crop quality, as weed management was not effective.

The Solution
To improve his farm’s pesticide management, Paul opted to work with agronomists at Farmacist. They developed a pesticide management plan that recommended alternative chemicals to reduce the risk of chemicals running off into waterways and persisting in the environment. The plan decreased the dependence on residual herbicides and encouraged greater use of knockdown herbicides.  

A key part of the plan involved Paul’s investment in a John Deere high-rise spray tractor. This advanced piece of equipment provided him with the flexibility to spray when needed, without having to rely on external contractors. The high-rise design was essential in being able to adopt the management plan put forth by Farmacist. They advised Paul on the best nozzles to use with his new sprayer, minimising chemical drift and will continue to support Paul with the management plan that has been given to him.

The new spray tractor also came with innovative technology that improved efficiency and precision. It has integrated GPS that automatically adjusts spray rates based on the tractor’s speed, reducing waste and overlap. Additionally, the built-in weather station monitors weather conditions during spraying, preventing the process if the wind was too strong, thereby minimising drift. The cloud connectivity feature automatically uploads all spraying data, including weather information, to a cloud platform, streamlining record-keeping and reducing paperwork for Paul.

With Farmacist’s expert guidance and the high-rise spray tractor’s advanced capabilities, Paul was able to implement a more efficient and environmentally friendly pesticide management strategy.

Commitment to Water Quality
Paul is dedicated to sustainable farming practices and works closely with Farmacist not only regarding his pesticide management but also for conducting soil tests, managing Nitrogen & Phosphorus budgets and selecting fertilisers and chemical sprays. By doing this, he is able ensure that he is using the right amount of inputs needed for his crop at the right time. This reflects Paul’s commitment to leaving the farm in great shape for future generations and reducing the risk of farm inputs ending up in local waterways.

Paul’s farm is a prime example of how innovation and sustainability can work together. By accepting support from agronomists, adopting advanced technology and investing in high-quality equipment, Paul has improved his farm’s efficiency and demonstrated a commitment to improving his practices on farm.

SNAPSHOT

Paul’s investment in the high-rise spray tractor has brought significant benefits to the farm:

   • Increased Control: Paul can now spray when needed, without waiting for contractors, ensuring timeliness.
   • Reduced Environmental Impact: The precise spray technology minimises runoff and allows for alternative chemicals (knockdowns) to be used reducing the risk of chemicals reaching and persisting in local waterways.
   • Improved Crop Quality: Timely and accurate spraying has led to cleaner fields and better cane.
   • Cost Effectiveness: By reducing contractor costs and losses due to runoff or drift, the farm operates more efficiently.

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The Bruce Highway is currently blocked at Foxdale near Quarry Road following a truck roll over.

The incident has resulted in lane closures and reduced traffic flow in all directions, causing significant delays for motorists.

Emergency services are on the scene and additional units are en route to manage the situation and facilitate the clearance of the highway.

Authorities are advising drivers to expect delays and consider alternative routes if possible.
Motorists traveling in the area are urged to stay informed through local traffic reports and to adhere to the instructions given by emergency responders and traffic controllers at the scene.

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Hi again, lovely readers,

Last weekend was one of the busiest but most remarkable weekends I’ve had in a long time!

I attended a free Writing Memoir and Personal Stories workshop at the Mackay City Library last Saturday to expand my skills as a writer. It was hosted by two powerhouse individuals from the Whitsundays and I left feeling more encouraged than ever to get my own book underway.

That same day I made an appearance at Legends on the Lawn - not only to take cool shots for page 21, but to also volunteer at the Broken Ballerina stall, where two hot pink guitars were signed by all the Aussie rock legends and were auctioned off at a total of $14,000 to raise funds for domestic violence.

On Sunday I attended my morning church service - which is personally my favourite part of the week - before heading to the Mackay Hospital Foundation’s Family Fun Day at BB Print Stadium to capture the picturesque moments of families and children spending quality time together, which you can find on page 8.

In our event guide on page 22, you can find a range of different activities happening within our region, so have a squiz and see what ignites the childlike fire and curiosity within you.

What makes you feel alive?

Is it being in nature, reading a good book, planting in the garden, running a marathon (see page 24-25 to view the Mackay Marina Run) or maybe even painting or dancing?

Maybe it’s all of these things, or something completely different…but whatever it is, even if it’s a hobby you haven’t picked up in years, I encourage you today, to do more of what you love.

“Let all that you do, be done with love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14 NKJV

Stay blessed!

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TJ, also known as "The Free Hugs Guy," has captured the hearts of Mackay residents with his selfless acts of kindness despite facing unemployment.

You may have seen him around town, in front of shopping centres or driving around town with "Free hugs" proudly displayed on his car and attire.

While spreading community love through free hugs is already a significant gesture, TJ goes above and beyond by distributing vouchers worth $50 each for meat, fruit & veg, and other shopping amenities whenever he can, aiming to support struggling individuals in the community.

TJ's noble endeavours also involve distributing food to local charities and helping out wherever he can.

TJ says he’s “on a mission to spread as much positivity, love and kindness as I can, providing free hugs, an ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on, free gift cards and food where I can.”

Locals have been left in awe by his kindness, with loads of comments flooding his Facebook page expressing their heartfelt appreciation towards this initiative, with many claiming “there needs to be more people like TJ in the world.”

In a world often overshadowed by negativity, TJ's simple yet profound acts of kindness serve as a reminder that a little love and compassion can go a long way in brightening someone's day and spreading joy in the community.

If you are in need of a hug or would like to contribute to this amazing initiative, please visit TJ The Free Hugs Guy on Facebook to continue this chain of kindness.

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TJ offers free hugs and an ear to listen to those who are struggling in hopes of brightening someone’s day and spreading positivity throughout the region. Image sourced

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Earlier this week, on Tuesday, June 4, Wilmar Sugar and Renewables advised more than 1,200 waged employees that anyone participating in industrial action from yesterday, Wednesday, June 5 will be locked out until further notice.
Workers have been told that if they are locked out, they will not be paid until the lockout is lifted.
A company spokesman said the decision to lock out was not taken lightly.
“We respect employee rights to union membership and their right to take lawful industrial action,” he said.
“However, the company also has the right under the Fair Work Act to respond to prolonged industrial action to protect its interests.”
The lockout will not affect workers who are not participating in industrial action, or who have been participating in action but wish to attend work and carry out their full duties without imposing any bans or participating in any industrial action from Wednesday.
Members of the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU), Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union and Electrical Trades Union have been imposing work bans and rolling stoppages at the company’s nine factories since mid-May in support of demands for an 18% pay rise, which was recently reduced from 22%.
The Wilmar spokesman said industrial action has delayed completion of essential maintenance and preparatory work at the factories ahead of the 2024 sugar season and has forced the company to push back start of production by more than a week.
“We have willingly engaged with bargaining agents for the employees and encouraged negotiation, even asking the Fair Work Commission to assist,” he said.
“We have made a number of offers to try to reach a fair and reasonable outcome that we can sustain over time.
“However, unions have chosen the industrial action path over negotiation.”
Unions notified intention to continue rolling stoppages and bans, including overtime bans, for at least another week forcing further delay and impact on growers, contractors and others in the community.  
Wilmar has requested a ballot of employees covered by enterprise agreement to be held on June 10 and 11 to vote on the most recent offer of a 14.25% increase over three-and-a-half years, as well as a $1,500 sign-on bonus and a $20 a week allowance for electrical workers using their licence.
AWU Northern District Secretary Jim Wilson called the lockout a “disgraceful” attempt to prevent workers from standing up for themselves and their communities, saying these efforts will ultimately be unsuccessful.
“This is a multinational corporation trying to bully and intimidate North Queenslanders to stop us asking for our fair share,” Mr Wilson said.
“These are intimidation tactics of the highest order.”
“Workers won’t take this lying down, and growers won’t accept Wilmar further delaying the crush by locking skilled workers out of their workplaces.
“Workers will continue to take action, we will vote down the newest bad agreement and Wilmar will be back to square one.”

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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables warned its workers that anyone participating in industrial action will be locked out until further notice. Photo supplied

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Last Sunday, about 100 locals gathered at the Bakers Creek Memorial to pay their respects to the forty lives lost in 1942, following a horrific plane crash that became a part of regional and international history.

Eighty-one years ago, a United States Army Air Force B-17C Flying Fortress, tail number 40-2072, crashed at 6:02am at Bakers Creek, about 6-kilometres south of Mackay airport and 1-kilometre northwards of the Bakers Creek Memorial.

On June 14 of 1943, forty of the 41 American “GIs” on board perished.

The aircraft was operated by the 46th Transport Carrier Squadron (46TCS), 317th Troop Carrier Group (317TCG), of the US 5th Air Force and was enroute to “Maple” (Port Moresby) with passengers who had spent 10 days “R&R” leave in Mackay.

The Bakers Creek Memorial was unveiled and dedicated on 11 May 1992 as a place to honour the 41 Americans aboard the B-17C Flying Fortress, affectionately known as “Miss EMF”.

During the closing of the 2005 ceremony, Keith Payne V.C. said, “For a while they were Australians when they gave their lives here and were interred in Australian soil.”

Each soldier, later repatriated to the USA, gave his life in a selfless way, far from their homes and fighting the war with Australians in New Guinea.

The Australian Ambassador is expected to lay a wreath during the US Army’s ceremony, on June 14, 2024, at America’s Bakers Creek Air Crash Memorial, in Washington, DC.

America’s memorial mimics Mackay’s Regional Bakers Creek memorial. It was unveiled on June 14, 2006, and dedicated on June 11, 2009, at its permanent site, at Ft Myer, Arlington, VA.

It rests on a 750 kg slab of donated Queensland granite that was transported, free, to the USA by QANTAS.

Eighty-one years ago, on 14th June 1943, locals and American visitors were shocked by the Flying Fortress crash at Bakers Creek. US Army Captain Samuel Cutler was in charge of the American Red Cross “R&R” Center in Mackay that hosted American soldiers taking a 10-day break from the war in New Guinea. They were supporting Australians on the Kokoda Trail.

As officer-of-the-day, Captain Cutler supervised loading of the aircraft before its doomed flight. His diary entry about the terrible event was discovered by his son five years after his passing.

They have been honoured and sadly missed by many.

Lest We Forget.

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Image sourced from Pacific Wrecks
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Australian (William Alick) and US national (Zelda – Graham Jackson’s sister) flags lead the US “Home State” flags of the casualties' home states. Caption: Photo Credit: Colin Benson

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A lucky Mackay man has declared a life-changing $114,000 win in a recent Keno draw, which he says has come at the most ‘perfect time’ for his upcoming family holiday.
 
The North Queenslander looks forward to a total prize of $114,014.30 after he scored the Keno prize in draw 190, on Tuesday 28 May 2024.
 
Coincidentally, the winning man shared he almost left the club without putting a Keno ticket on but decided to stay a bit longer to celebrate his friend’s birthday.  

“I am still in complete shock. Wow!” he cheered.
 
“I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw my numbers come up.
 
“I have a holiday coming up and I can use it towards that!

“Round up the family and have the best holiday!
 
His winning entry was purchased at O’Shea’s Hotel Motel, 1 Bold Street, Walkerston.

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Local Mackay man wins big with unexpected Keno prize of $114,014.30. The winner says he will use the bonus money to spend with his family on an upcoming vacation

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A series of break-ins have occurred and locals have been urged to contact police with any additional information regarding the incidents.

May 23 - Four Teens Caught Following South Mackay Break In
Around 11.20pm on May 23, it is alleged that four people were observed entering a fenced complex on Milton Street and breaking into a caretakers shed.
Police were contacted and promptly attended the scene.
It is alleged that the officers sighted the four people driving a Kawasaki buggy out of the shed before exiting the vehicle and running on foot onto nearby Meero Street in South Mackay.
A police dog and handler were deployed and with the assistance of police, all four people were found and arrested.
A 14-year-old North Mackay boy, a 15-year-old Ooralea boy, a 15-year-old South Mackay boy and a 13-year-old Beaconsfield boy will all be dealt with under the provisions of the Youth Justice Act.
 
May 29 - Two Vehicles Stolen From Sarina Beach
Police have been investigating a break in of a business on Sarina Beach occurring between 3.30pm on May 28 and 5.45am on May 29.
It is alleged offenders have stolen 2 vehicles along with multiple car keys.
The intruders have gained entry to the building and located the vehicle keys.
A large hole was cut in the wire fencing where the intruders have driven the vehicles out of the yard.

June 2 - Break And Enter Appeal In Bucasia
Police are investigating a break and enter at a business at Downie Avenue on June 2.
Initial investigations indicate at around 3.10am on June 2, an unknown vehicle rammed the front roller door of a business causing significant damage to the front entrance and gaining entry to the inside of the business.
Police are appealing for any information, dashcam or CCTV footage between 2.30-3.30am on June 2 at Downie Avenue to contact Mackay Northern Beaches Police Station on 07 4969 7666.
Investigations are ongoing.

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Please be advised that Badyari Yalu Road (pronounced bud-jar-e yar-loo), which links Rosewood Drive and Eimeo Road through the new Northern Beaches Community Hub site, will be closed for approximately four months from Monday, June 3.

The internal road will be inaccessible until late September as part of additional works being undertaken in stage 1A, including civil, landscaping and drainage works.

Stage 1A of the project is partly funded by the Australian Government and Mackay Regional Council. The Australian Government committed $6.5 million towards stage 1A, with council contributing the remainder of the cost of the works.

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Badyari Yalu Road will be closed as of Monday June 3rd for approximately four months to undergo civil, landscaping and drainage works. Image Credit: Mackay Regional Council

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox has emerged as an advocate for the agricultural sector within the region, addressing the evolving needs of Australian farmers and the underlying issues they face.
Mr Willcox has recently welcomed the Federal Government’s backflip on the ill-advised changes to the Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) Schemes mandatory work hours.
In his statement, Mr. Willcox outlines the detrimental impact of the previous policy, implemented despite warnings from various quarters including the Coalition and industry bodies.
“Last year, the Government ploughed ahead with unworkable changes to the PALM Scheme, despite numerous warnings from the Coalition and industry bodies, which put our agricultural industry and our foreign relations in jeopardy,” Mr Willcox said.
The burden of a rigid 30-hour workweek requirement posed significant challenges for farmers, whose livelihoods are intricately tied to the unpredictable nature of seasonal and weather-dependent agricultural work.
“The changes forced employers to guarantee 30 hours per week. As a farmer by trade, I know firsthand how unworkable the constraints of guaranteed work hours are,” Mr Willcox said.
“Farming is seasonal, and weather dependent, which dictates how many hours a worker will be able to work, and forcing farmers to pay each person they employ on the PALM Scheme the mandatory 30 hours, regardless of if they only worked 10, was having a detrimental effect on our hard-working farmers.
“These new changes will see these constraints relaxed, and now 120 hours can be averaged out over 4 weeks per employee, which will be much more workable.
“Our concerns were raised in Senate Estimates, in Questions in Writing to the Minister for the Pacific, and through strong media advocacy which has, thankfully, turned the tide.
“Thankfully, now the Government has backflipped but only after seeing a decline of 10.2 per cent in short-term workers and 10.4 per cent for all PALM workers in agriculture.
“These changes will come into effect from July 1, and I will continue to fight against red tape that makes things harder for our farmers and Pacific relations,” Mr Willcox said.
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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox advocates for regional farmers against the PALM Scheme. Image supplied.

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Around 530 patients in the Mackay region have benefited from the new dedicated post-operative care services at the Mackay Base Hospital.

Following surgery, the Post-Operative Support System (PODSS) team meet with the patient before they go home, providing them with information and a phone number to call for assistance for up to 30 days post-surgery.

Patients have said the Clinical Nurse Consultant gave them the extra support needed once they were home such as organising additional medication, timely advice as well as check ins on how their recovery was progressing.

It is also estimated that since the service commenced in March, it has halved the need for further ED presentations post-surgery.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert stated that, "these fantastic new roles are helping us take pressure off our busy emergency departments and enhancing care for people post-surgery”.

"Sometimes we need extra support once we're home from hospital and that's where the PODSS team comes in,” she explained.

"We will continue to look and find innovative ways to enhance the delivery of world-class healthcare for our growing community."

The PODSS follows the recent introduction of medical and nursing commanders to ensure smoother transfer from ambulances to EDs.

These new roles and the PODDS respond to the Miles Government's five-point plan to improve patient flow in Queensland's public health system.

These initiatives build on work underway including the $764 million Putting Patients First plan, new Satellite Hospitals, the work of the Queensland Ambulance Service clinical hub and the Surgery Connect program to reduce elective surgery wait lists.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman said "this new service is just one way we are investing in measures to improve patient flow and boost the care provided to Queenslanders.

"It's wonderful to hear from patients that this extra step of support is helping them to recover at home and get the care they need.

"I want to thank our dedicated and hardworking health heroes who are continuing to provide world class healthcare for the Mackay community."

Mackay HHS Chief Executive Susan Gannon commented that "the Post Operative Discharge Support Service (PODSS) at Mackay Base Hospital has been a great success and is helping to not only relieve pressure on our busy Emergency Department, but also provide better support for patients as they recover from surgery.

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Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert with Mackay HHS Chief Executive Susan Gannon and Mackay base hospitals clinical nurse consultants, Chelsea Presley and Erin Sherry. Photo Credit Hannah McNamara

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