RETURNS AFTER THREE YEAR HIATUS

The local wedding industry just got bigger, bolder, and more exciting thanks to the newly rejuvenated Mackay and Whitsunday Annual Wedding Expo which is due to take place at the MECC on Sunday, 4 February, from 10am - 1pm.

Launched in 2020 by local wedding and event specialist Ramona Burki from Element Events by Ramona, the Mackay and Whitsunday Wedding Expo was a huge success, but future plans were halted by the pandemic until the event became re-charged for 2024.

Save The Date!

Stall Holders And Couples Invited To Annual Wedding Expo

Bringing the wedding community together and connecting couples with a wealth of reputable local suppliers, the Mackay and Whitsunday Annual Wedding Expo is expected to reinvigorate the local wedding industry.

Due to be held in February 2024, the MECC is set to be a vibrant marketplace for up to 70 stall holders and hundreds of couples are anticipated to pass through the venue over the course of the day.

“The Expo gives couples a chance to meet with an extensive collection of Wedding professionals under one roof,” said event organiser Ramona Burki.

Having worked in the local wedding and event industry for 20 years, eight of those operating her own event business, Ramona is highly adept at understanding what couples need when planning a wedding and she is looking forward to bringing a selection of industry specialists together for the Expo.

“We are creating a vibrant and supportive space for wedding and event professionals to connect with and inspire our community,” explained Ramona.

“The Expo will be a place where you can meet your celebrant, find your photographer, decide on your hair and make-up, look at cake suppliers, check out venues, organise catering and so much more!

“Anything you want or need for your wedding day can be found at the Expo.”

An engaging and interactive experience, the Mackay and Whitsunday Annual Wedding Expo will include a range of activities and showcases.

From the moment you enter the Expo expect to be delighted.

You will receive a showbag containing contact information from all the suppliers present on the day and then invited to browse the large exhibition.

Guests can also enjoy a Fashion Parade where local bridal boutiques will exhibit some of their finest wedding gowns, formal wear, and men’s suits.

In between shows there will be live entertainment and an Emcee speaking with individual exhibitors to find out more about their services.

The Mackay and Whitsunday Annual Wedding Expo is proudly endorsed by supporting partners Core Life Magazine and redhotblue Creative Agency.

Both major local businesses are proud to get behind such a significant regional event.

“Even in this digital world, it’s always really nice to have a tangible experience and speak directly to a variety of operators,” said Jody Euler, Director of redhotblue.

“Time is now of the essence, and exhibitor booths are filling up fast, so we are urging suppliers to register now and secure their participation.”

To register email hello@elementevents.net.au.

WHAT: Mackay and Whitsunday Annual Wedding Expo

WHERE: The MECC

WHEN: Sunday, 4 February

TIME: 10am – 3pm

ENTRY: Free

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Organiser, Ramona Burki, says that hundreds of couples are expected to attend the Mackay and Whitsunday Annual Wedding Expo. Photo credit: Alyce Holzy

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As the mercury rises, this week’s good deed is a reminder to stay vigilant around water.

Sherry Ferguson, in a heartfelt message on the Mums and Bubs of Mackay & the Whitsundays Facebook group, recounted a recent heart-stopping incident that transformed into a tale of immense gratitude towards local heroes. During a family outing at the Bluewater Lagoon, an unforeseen turn of events unfolded when Sherry's daughter, aged 19, found herself facing a nerve-wracking situation. While enjoying the day with her partner and their 4-month-old baby, Sherry’s daughter was supervising her younger brother, just 8 years old, in the water. Suddenly, the younger boy drifted into deeper waters and struggled, realising he couldn't touch the bottom and went under the water.

"The lifeguards got him out and took him to a room there and called the ambulance," Sherry posted.

Expressing immense thanks for the lifeguards' prompt and heroic response, Sherry extended heartfelt gratitude to these vigilant individuals and the responsive ambulance officers.

Sherry said the family spent a few hours at hospital before being discharged.

Thank you to the heroes in red and yellow who make the water a safer place.

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Ah, cyclone season—when the skies turn ominous, and we find ourselves glued to weather forecasts more than our favourite TV series. Here in Mackay, November through April is our version of a rollercoaster ride, with storms and cyclones potentially on the horizon. In Mackay Life, we've just wrapped up four weeks of disaster preparedness, reminding us that being ready for anything nature throws our way is not just a suggestion but a necessity. Our final Disaster Month feature can be found on pages 18-19 in this edition.

The SES has been busy sharing invaluable 'get ready' tips, and local experts have pitched in, offering advice on fortifying our properties against the elements. Floods, fires, cyclones—the unpredictability of Mother Nature keeps us all on our toes, reinforcing the importance of being prepared to endure for at least three days without our usual comforts.

Crafting a Household Evacuation Plan is more than a precaution—it's a lifeline in times of crisis. Five crucial actions should be part of every family's strategy: understanding when it's time to leave, identifying safe destinations, planning transportation methods, packing essentials, and nurturing a sense of community by knowing and supporting your neighbours.

For Mackay-specific emergency guidance, the Mackay Regional Council's Emergency Action Guide is an invaluable resource. It's more than a mere checklist; it's a guide to safeguarding what matters most—our families, our homes, and our community.

In a region where storm clouds aren't just scenery but a seasonal visitor, readiness isn't just a virtue; it's a necessity. As we navigate this period, let's stay informed, stay prepared, and most importantly, stay safe. Because in the face of nature's fury, being ready is our best defence.

Amanda

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A secret audit of Queensland’s roads has revealed almost half of Queensland’s Bruce Highway has a two-star safety rating or less.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said he is disappointed but not surprised the electorate of Dawson had the lowest overall star rating, with 63.4 per cent rated two stars or lower.

Mr Willcox said much needed infrastructure projects like the Mackay Ring Road Stage 2 and the Goorganga Plains Flood Immunity project have been delayed by the Australian Government’s 90-day review.

“The previous Coalition Government committed $10 billion towards much needed safety upgrades on the Bruce, and instead of the new government grabbing the horse by the reins and just getting on with it, they have held these projects up further in a 90-day review which has blown out to over 200 days,” he said.

“This is unacceptable to have these projects with committed funding just sitting dormant.

“Earlier this year during our wet season and following flooding, QLD Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey visited Mackay to inspect flood damage and announced alongside State Member for Mackay that ‘it’s good to see that our roads have held up as well as they have’.

“It was extremely disappointing to hear this from the State Local Member and her Minister when I had constituents contacting my office with safety concerns and pothole complaints.

“Our state representatives know Dawson’s economic contributions and they should have us travelling on gold plated roads, but instead we have the worst roads in the state.”

Mr Willcox said he is pleased that no projects in Dawson will be scrapped following the review.

“Now that we are over this ridiculous and unnecessary review, I am calling for no more delays,” he said.

“Both the Albanese and Palaszczuk governments need to stop dragging the chain, stop playing the blame game, stop arguing, and just get on with your jobs.”

The Queensland Government conducted the audit following a right to information search by Nationals Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien revealing road safety data provided to state governments by the Australian Road Assessment Program (AusRAP).

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox

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Mackay Man Dies 13 Days After Car Crash

A serious traffic crash occurred in St Lawrence, south of Mackay on 7th November. Early investigations indicated that a truck left the Bruce Highway and crashed into a tree near Wumalgi Road, around 7am.

At the time the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, a 55-year-old man from Rural View, was flown to Rockhampton Base Hospital in a critical condition.

Queensland Police Service released a statement on 20th November informing the public that the 55-year-old man has since passed away from critical injuries in the Rockhampton Base Hospital, thirteen days after the fatal incident.

The Forensic Crash Unit are investigating the crash and police will prepare a report for the coroner. Anyone with information about the crash, or who has dashcam vision, is urged to contact police.

Community Watch

There has been a series of stolen vehicle occurrences around the Mackay region over the past month. Distressed individuals have been updating the Mackay Crime Watch Facebook page with images, CCTV footage and descriptions of the thieves responsible.

• Silver Landcruiser in Bronte St, West Mackay

• Red Commodore in North Mackay

• Blue Suzuki at BB Print Stadium

• White Prado in Rural View

• Isuzu D-max in East Mackay

• Nissan Qashqai on Mansfield Drive, Beaconsfield

• Red Nissan Juke in Sarina

• Grey Prado in Walkerston

• Break-in attempt on Drake Drive in Paget

• Broken rear passenger window on Ready Street

If you have information, contact Policelink at police.qld.gov.au/reporting or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at crimestoppersqld.com.au

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Officially Opened At CQ University

The Mackay campus of CQ University has officially opened a new room, dedicated to First Nations students, staff and community members.

The new room provides a safe environment that is culturally rich, for students, staff, and the community to have a space for study and independent work.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nick Klomp said the space was an “incredibly important addition to the campus”.

“CQUniversity is proud to be one of Australia’s most accessible and inclusive universities, in particular, we are focused on transformative engagement and partnership with First Nations staff, students and communities,” Professor Klomp said.

“All of our campuses stand on Country that has been cared for by First Nations communities for tens of thousands of years. Importantly, they have been places of learning for countless generations before us. That’s why we are so proud to continue to endorse the Uluru Statement from the Heart and constitutional recognition, and why we are forging ahead with the implementation of our latest Reconciliation Action Plan.”

Officially opened in a ceremony with over 70 people in attendance, including Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, the event saw a Welcome to Country conducted by Elder Uncle Philip Kemp.

“We hope that the culturally safe space will provide a haven on campus where First Nations people feel comfortable and confident expressing their views, perspectives and ideas,” Professor Klomp said.

“From a student perspective, our hope is that this culturally safe space will empower our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to achieve their higher education goals.”

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Mayor Greg Williamson, Uncle Philip Kemp, Mellisa Taggart, Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Klomp, and Jade Carroll. Photo credit: Bill Jewell

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Mackay Regional Council have kicked in $10,000 to boost festive celebrations in regional areas like Grasstree Beach, Calen, Midge Point and Marian.

From carols to morning teas, movie nights to lolly drops and everything in between – the Mackay region will be buzzing with festive fun.

Christmas Grants were awarded to 13 exciting events and Mackay City Band was also supported to perform at a number of community carols and Christmas events, like the Habana carols and various retirement village performances.

To qualify for the grants, applicants needed to be not-for-profit organisations and the celebrations had to be open and welcoming to everyone.

Events supported included:

• McEwens Beach Christmas event – Saturday, November 18, from 5pm to 7pm at Reg Jones Park, McEwens Beach

• Balnagowan Christmas event – Saturday, November 25, from 2pm to 7pm at 192 Pleystowe Connection Road, Balnagowan.

• St Helens Beach Christmas Lights Competition – Friday, December 1, to Thursday, December 14, at St Helens Beach.

• Armstrong Beach Progress Association Christmas event – Saturday, December 2, from 4pm to 8pm at Llewellyn Hall, 681 Armstrong Beach.

• Calen Christmas event – Saturday, December 2, from 5.30pm to 9pm at Calen District State College, McIntyre Street.

• Mackay Northern Beaches Neighbourhood Watch Christmas event – Friday, December 8, from 5pm to 8pm at Shoal Point Park, Obrien Esplanade

• Beachside Family Christmas – Saturday, December 9, from 3pm at Grasstree Beach, The Esplanade

• Midge Point Christmas Event – Saturday, December 9, from 3pm to dusk at Nielsen Parade, Midge Point

• Mackay Aeroclub Christmas party – Friday, December 15, from 4.30pm at 1 Casey Avenue, South Mackay

• Sarina Beach Christmas Fair – Friday, December 15, from 5pm to 8pm at Sarina Beach, Owen Jenkins Drive

• Sarina Surf Lifesaving Club Carols by Candlelight – Sunday, December 16, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm at Sarina Beach, Owen Jenkins Drive

• Christmas morning tea for older members of the Pioneer Valley community – Saturday, December 23, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm at Melba House, Edward Lloyd Park, Marian

• Habana Carols Under the Stars – Saturday, December 23, from 7pm to 9.30pm at Habana Community Hub, 1091 Mackay-Habana Road

Council is also supporting the following events:

City Heart Christmas

Friday, December 1, from 4pm to 8pm

Mackay City Centre

Check out the Fifth Lane Christmas Markets and join in the City Heart scavenger hunt. There will be late-night shopping, kids' activities, face painting, Christmas craft and games, carollers, live music and the jolly man in the red suit will even make a visit.

Carols in the Gardens

Saturday, December 2, from 4.30pm (carols start at 6.30pm)

Meadowlands Amphitheatre, Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Get into the Christmas spirit at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens. Carols will kick off at 6.30pm. Gates open at 4.30pm, so come down and secure your spot and enjoy the free kids' activities on offer. There will also be plenty of food vendors to grab a bite to eat.

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The Mackay Tiger Moth Museum Inc is a long-standing non-profit organisation, run by local volunteers who possess a proud passion for aviation.

The group began in 1974, when the founding members of the group, formerly known as The Tiger Moth Trust banded together to purchase a Tiger Moth that had been restored locally and was in danger of being sold to America.

Support was gathered from the Mackay community to purchase the Tiger Moth and the Trust (now The Mackay Tiger Moth Museum) was formed to administer the operation.

The two Tiger Moth aircraft are owned by the Mackay community with one being christened the “City of Mackay” to confirm its ownership.

The trust became an incorporated museum with tax-deductible status, run totally by voluntary efforts for administration, crewing, and pilots. It is a labour of love, as none of the members receive remuneration for their efforts.

The Tiger Moth Museum currently operates two aeroplanes, the VH-IVN and the VH-CYA.

The VH-IVN is a Tiger Moth that was built in England in 1943, later commissioned into the Royal Navy as a training aircraft. This plane has operated as a crop duster in New Zealand, as well as in RAAF training implementing Tiger Moths during the Second World War.

In November 2010, the Museum purchased a second Tiger Moth VH-CYA. This aircraft was commissioned into the Royal Australian Air Force in 1942. It was used as a crop duster in Gilgandra, New South Wales for many years before eventually being retired from work and restored by private owners to its present condition.

The Tiger Moth Museum’s source of income is their joy flights. These flights fund the costs to keep both Tiger Moth aeroplanes running and maintained to a charter standard.

An engine from a Tiger Moth aeroplane must be removed from the aircraft every 1500 hours to be stripped, costing a staggering $50,000 each time.

The Tiger Moth Museum takes part in events such as ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day, Vietnam Veterans Day, the Bakers Creek Memorial, as well as weddings, funerals and more.

The volunteers who run the Tiger Moth Museum love to see the smile on the faces of people who return home from their first joy flight. It is rare for them to encounter someone who does not want a second go!

The Tiger Moth Museum are now looking for more volunteers and strongly encourage anyone who is interested in aviation to apply, as well as commercial pilots to operate the joy flights.

You can enjoy these coastal flights with times ranging from 20, 30 and 60 minutes operating on weekends. Bookings are available from Whitsunday Office Machines at 14 Ginger Street in Paget or by calling 07 499 856 77. Gift vouchers are also available.

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Volunteers of the Tiger Moth Museum alongside Tiger Moth VH-CYA. (left to right) Ross Robotham, Stewart Garnham and Peter Currey

Photo credit: Sinead Porter

The two Tigers, VH-CYA and VH-IVN

In the air looking over the beautiful Pioneer River

Photo credit: The Tiger Moth Museum

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For RFDS Awards

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RDFS) are hosting their annual Local Hero Awards, recognising Queenslanders who go above and beyond to support their community.

The RFDS began in 1928, providing vital healthcare to regional, rural and remote areas. With nine bases operating throughout the state, they form a strategic network and help deliver the finest healthcare to all Queenslanders.

Without the ongoing support of the communities in which RFDS operate, they simply would not exist. In recognition of this fact, the RFDS Local Hero Awards are the organisation’s way of saying ‘thank you’.

The RFDS recognise nominations of people who make Queensland a healthier, better and more connected place. What unites these individuals is their passion for helping their local community.

A Local Hero could be anyone from a selfless community member who gives their time to help others, to those who have assisted in an emergency, volunteered, or fundraised.

Voting will determine one winner to receive a $20,000 grant provided by Ergon Energy Retail, to create or support a health or wellbeing initiative in their local community.

So, what are you waiting for? If you know someone deserving of this prestigious award, visit rfdslocalhero.com.au to nominate them as a Local Hero!

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Nominations for the Local Hero Awards close on 12th December

Photo credit: Royal Flying Doctor Service

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Families of the Pioneer Valley gathered to experience an extra special Remembrance Day this year, with a service at the cenotaph followed by an unveiling of Finch Hatton RSL’s World War II Honour Gallery.

With over two-hundred and fifty people in attendance from the local area and surrounds, the unveiling was a joint affair with RSL Life member David Oliver, RSL auxiliary Life Member Graeme Ware and auxiliary member Wendy Sievers all sharing in the honour.

The World War II Honour Gallery follows on from the sub branch’s World War One gallery which was opened in 2018. Both may be far from completion; however, the sentiment still stands as a remarkable achievement in admiration for our armed services.

With around seventy World War II veterans on the wall, it was time to open the gallery. There is an estimated forty or so others out there that are yet to be honoured and remembered.

The gathering was welcomed by President Tammy Sprott, who then handed over to the MC of the event Graeme Ware. As the instigator and driving force of the project, Wendy Sievers gave some background to the display.

Mayor Greg Williamson and Central Queensland District Deputy President John Edwards both acknowledged the importance of such projects, in maintaining the profile of our veterans who have served for their country and some making the ultimate sacrifice to allow all Australians the freedom we have been allowed today.

Finch Hatton RSL Sub Branch’s fundraising efforts over the years have been the primary source of support for such projects. The event was a momentous occasion for the Pioneer Valley in paying their respects as a community.

Taking place on Remembrance Day further signifies the importance of the unveiling, with this being a substantial victory for the Finch Hatton RSL Sub Branch which have gone to great lengths to organise the honour gallery project.

The branch is also grateful to the Department of Veterans Affairs and Central Queensland RSL District for supplying grants to provide much-needed capital to allow the project to take place.

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(Left to right) Ms Wendy Sievers, Mr Graeme Ware and Mr David Oliver unveil the WWII Honour Gallery

Onlookers from the community take in the newly-unveiled WWII Honour Gallery

Members of 122 Army Cadet Unit serve a gunfire breakfast to the community

The Mackay & District Pipe Band

Central Queensland RSL District Deputy President Mr John Edwards pays his respects

Photos supplied

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With Doctor Rana of Ritu Rana Medical

Doctor Ritu Rana of Ritu Rana Medical has a tremendous passion for gynaecology, pregnancy and fertility, everyday acknowledging that the gift of new life is one to be appreciated well before birth.

Dr. Rana has an extensive background in the field of medicine, having done her basic medical training in India, moving on to Obstetrics and Gynaecology and a fellowship in Assisted Reproduction in the United Kingdom before moving to Australia for the sunshine.

Studies have demonstrated that women with endometriosis have high pregnancy rates when they undergo in vitro fertilisation (IVF) with donor eggs from another women without endometriosis. Embryos created from the eggs of women with endometriosis during IVF had lower rates of fertilisation and development.

The connection between endometriosis and egg quality is significant and can hinder the opportunity to conceive naturally. Endometriosis may create an inflammatory environment in the reproductive system, as well as reduced blood flow to or within the ovaries.

Endometriomas or ‘chocolate cysts’ can occur, which are associated with an increased risk of early pregnancy loss and lower embryo quality. The relationship between endometriosis and egg count and quality are both excellent reasons for women with endometriosis to consider egg freezing.

Patients choose IVF treatment for a multitude of reasons and taking steps such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and taking multivitamin supplements are encouraged to foster successful results.

Dr. Rana is proud to be able to make a difference to women's quality of life by helping them with endometriosis-related pain and bleeding issues.

With her advanced laparoscopic skills, the ability to perform surgeries such as excision of endometriosis and removal of fibroids by key-hole surgery allows her patients a quick recovery and better outcome due to less surgical scarring in the abdomen. This allows many of her patients to conceive naturally without needing IVF treatment.

Dr. Rana reminds her patients to consider the factors that may improve the success rate of IVF treatment before receiving it, including excision of endometriosis. Age of the patient is a major consideration, as the chances of success drops significantly after women turn forty.

The compassion and empathy Dr. Rana has for her patients shines through when she experiences the satisfaction and happy tears on a couple’s face when they see their baby’s heartbeat on an ultrasound scan for the first time.

Dr. Rana stated, “It's a very exciting specialty and there is never a dull moment. You become part of a beautiful journey right from conception to the birth of a baby.

“I feel that in some ways, I become a part of their family. It can be very challenging sometimes but I feel satisfied that I can be there to support families through those challenges.”

Regular auditing shows that her clinic has maintained success rates well over the national average. Dr. Rana obtains regular feedback to maintain an individual, personalised level of care for every patient, ensuring they experience satisfaction from every clinical visit.

Dr. Rana is dedicated to being honest and transparent to provide realistic expectations, with experience in managing complex issues. She accesses the latest technology, like embryo-scope, a prenatal genetic testing of embryos to maintain high success rates for her patients.

If you have concerns about your fertility, visit your GP for a referral to Ritu Rana Medical to discuss your options.

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Doctor Ritu Rana posing with two babies she has assisted in delivering into the world

Photo supplied

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Construction work on a prime riverfront food and beverage site in River Street has been paused to allow time to consider new design and construct options.

Work on the council-owned building, formerly Maria’s Donkey and more recently the Don Daniels restaurant site, is being undertaken by Woollam Constructions.

It is part of development in the Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area (PDA), with other nearby projects being the completed River Wharves and the upcoming installation of a pontoon.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Woollam Constructions was awarded a $3.7 million contract to refurbish 8 River Street in May this year.

He said the design and construct project included rejuvenating the existing building to create a food and beverage facility on the site.

“Works have been undertaken on site, including internal demolition and demolition of the deck. An access ramp has also been installed.”

But Mayor Williamson said structural assessments progressively carried out during the works had revealed problems with the existing building, ranging from termite damage to missing foundations and rotted columns.

“Works ceased onsite in the middle of October due to the structural assessment,’’ he said.

“Council and the contractor has been working on a plan moving forward and a decision has been made to pause the project and look at new design and construct options.”

Mayor Williamson said council was firmly focussed on delivering a modern, new facility that aligned with the original budget.

“That would activate the River Wharves area, which is one of the aims of the project. It would also meet the funding requirements of Federal Government funding,” he said.

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Construction work on Mackay’s riverfront has been paused. Photo supplied: Mackay Regional Council

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A dedicated student from Mackay State High School was announced as the recipient of the 2024 Hill Family Scholarship this week, in honour of his great dedication to his academic achievements.

The Hill Family Scholarship provides vital financial support of $5,000 to one deserving student each year, who is embarking on their tertiary education journey within the fields of law, accounting, or commerce.

Year 12 Mackay State High School student Ned Gething won the 2024 scholarship, the accolade showcasing the young student’s leadership qualities, academic achievements and passionate commitment to pursuing a career in law.

“Access to the Hill Family Scholarship means I can place a greater focus on my studies, rather than worrying about where the money for textbooks or costs of living away from home might come from,” Ned stated.

“I’m excited to pursue this next chapter of my education and so grateful for the support a scholarship like this can provide to myself and my family,” he added.

The Hill Family Scholarship was established in 2021 by Mackay State High School alumni Karl and Sarah Hill and is a testament to their commitment of providing opportunities for regional youth.

The scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burdens associated with pursuing higher education, including living out of home costs, textbooks, equipment and travel.

As the Founder and Director of Results Legal, one of Queensland’s foremost specialist commercial litigation firms, Karl believes in the power of education and that students in regional areas should have equal opportunities to pursue their dream careers.

“We created the Hill Family Scholarship to ensure talented regional students do not get left behind from attending university due to financial constraints,” Mr. Hill said.

“From personal experience, we understand the unique challenges faced by students in regional areas aspiring to build careers in law, commerce and business. The financial hurdles of moving to a new city, securing accommodation, and adapting to a different environment can be daunting for young students out of home for the first time,” he said.

Previous Hill Family Scholarship recipient and Mackay State High School graduate, Pushti Shah, has just completed her second year of a Law degree at Griffith University in Brisbane and knows the challenges of leaving a regional centre to study in the city.

“Moving away for university was scary and a steep learning curve at first, but the support I received from the Hill Family Scholarship made it so much easier.

“Karl has also been a valuable mentor to really open the door for me within the law profession,” she said.

The Hill Family Scholarship supports creating opportunities that have a lasting and meaningful impact in the future.

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Founder and Director of Results Legal Karl Hill, Year 12 scholarship award recipient Ned Gething and previous recipient Pushti Shah

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I bought a car the other day and, as a sales person, it was an interesting experience.

I don’t like spending a lot of money on cars and, as someone with a 16-year-old son, a 20-year-old daughter and a wife, there’s not much left for me anyway.

So I decided on a budget. That budget would have got me a brand new four-cylinder Japanese or Korean SUV but I wanted something a bit better, sportier, something a step up from my old Toyota Aurion that was about to die a painful, age-related death.

I narrowed down my search and worked out what sort of “next-level” car I could get second-hand that would be around the same price as one of the popular new SUVs that everyone drives.

As I worked through my research on cars, I decided it would be either a BMW, Mercedes or Lexus.

I worked out what I wanted in terms of engine size, age and kilometres on the clock. I narrowed it down to specific models of those brands and from there my priorities became low kilometres and full service history.

I finally decided that the car I wanted was a Lexus IS 350 F Sport. I would have loved to buy local and pick up one from a car dealer in Mackay but there were none here.

Only a handful in my price range were available in the country and I was struggling trying to find one with low-enough kilometres on the clock. It was starting to drag on.

Suddenly I saw an ad for a beautiful-looking silver one with 22,000 kilometres on the clock. It was a bit above what I had budgeted for, but I rang the dealer in Brisbane for a chat. There had only been one owner, a woman who had just had just turned 80.

So; the sporty, mid-sized, 3.5-litre Lexus sedan with leather everything that I wanted with 22,000km on the clock, one older female owner and log books with full service history. Tick.

The only problem was that the price was higher than my budget. So what did I do? I bought the damn thing, of course.

And that’s the sales lesson. I was a hot buyer for a Lexus IS 350 F Sport and I was willing to go outside my budget when I saw one that stood out from the crowd.

No sales person could have talked me into buying a car I didn’t want. But when you put an exceptionally good version of what I want in front of me at a price that’s slightly higher than I wanted to spend … what happens then? I adjust and pay the price.

I will write about the salesman in a future column but suffice to say there was no hard sell, just answering questions, making it easy, not being pushy, not giving me a reason to walk away.

He “sold” the car but he allowed me to discover it, see for myself what was special about the vehicle. And he defended the price. I knew he would let me walk away if I wasn’t willing to come reasonably close to the price.

But he knew, and I knew, that I wasn’t walking away. I’d found what I wanted and I was willing to stretch the budget a bit to get it. He had matched a good product with a keen buyer and defended the price. Our jobs aren’t that different.

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Festival Fever is the theme, $1000 dollars is the prize and the front cover of the 2024 Mackay Festival of Arts program is the canvas.

The Mackay Festivals team is calling on artists, graphic designers, freelance creators, hobbyists, beginners and everyone in between to show off their creativity, imagination and artistic skills.

The winning artwork will be featured on the cover of the 2024 program and will inspire the branding of the 2024 festival. The winning artist will also receive $1000 in prize money and two VIP tickets to the Festival Launch Party.

Designs will be judged by a panel of judges who will shortlist the finalists.

Once announced, the shortlisted designs will land on the Mackay Festivals Facebook page where our community will select the winner.

Mayor Greg Williamson said it was tremendous to be championing local art and artists as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts.

“The Mackay Festival of Arts is all about celebrating arts and culture in our region, so why shouldn’t our program be a canvas to showcase amazing talent and creativity,” Mayor Williamson said.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for an artist to receive some amazing exposure on a medium that celebrates art, expression and creativity,” he said.

Festival and Events Coordinator Sarah Porter said the competition was a natural evolution for the program.

“We’ve had some amazing designs in the past that incorporate, or are inspired by, the shows and acts we program for the festival,” Ms Porter said.

“Our vision is for the festival program to be a piece of art in its own right – for it to be a collectors’ item,” she said.

“One of the best ways to do that is for it to showcase an original artwork.

“We are looking for your interpretation of next year’s theme, which is ‘Festival Fever’ and how that resonates with you.

“This is your chance to demonstrate your unique talent and vision and be recognised in the vibrant arts community.

“Don’t be afraid to be bold and bring the colours to life.”

For design requirements, terms and conditions and to apply, visit themecc.com.au/designcomp

Applications close on Sunday, December 3, 2023.

The Festivals and Events Team will contact each applicant once all submissions have been reviewed by the judging panel on December 6, 2023. Should you have any queries, please contact the team on 4961 9777.

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