Fatal Collision With A Cow Ends The Life Of A 27-Year-Old Father-To-Be

Jofarn Tapim, a 27-year-old father-to-be from Sarina, sadly lost his life on the morning of October 27 following a collision between his motorcycle and a cow in Glenella.

Police responded to reports shortly before 2am of a motorcycle collision with a cow on Sugarshed Road near Glenella Connection Road in Glenella.  

He was rushed to Mackay Base Hospital in critical condition but sadly passed away shortly after.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the motorcycle was attempting to overtake another vehicle when it collided with the cow in the oncoming lane.  

The Forensic Crash Unit is currently looking into the details surrounding the incident.

Jofarn’s family have started a GoFundMe page to help with funeral service costs. A friend posted on the page saying that Jofarn had been riding home from a friend's place when the tragic accident occurred.

Earlier that day, members of the public had reported seeing unfenced livestock roaming the road and had posted to warn others on Facebook community pages. It has led to a debate on whether there needs to be more accountability placed on the owners of livestock who fail to keep animals sufficiently contained in a paddock.

46-Year-Old Motorcyclist Rear-Ended By Truck On Peak Downs Highway
 
A 46-year-old motorcyclist has lost his life following a collision with a truck on the Peak Downs Highway in Strathfield, just inland from Mackay, on October 28.  
 
The crash occurred around 8.30am, when a white side-tipping truck turning onto the highway rear-ended the motorcyclist.
 
Despite efforts from Emergency services, the motorcyclist was pronounced deceased at the scene.  
 
The truck driver, who was not physically injured, remained on site following the incident.
 
Police are appealing for anyone who has information or dashcam footage that can assist investigations, to contact police.
 
The Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit has launched an investigation into the crash and is actively seeking information from the public.

Two Truck Drivers Killed In Bloomsbury Head-On Collision

On October 28, two truck drivers, aged 38 and 59, were killed when their cane trucks collided head-on on private property near the Bruce Highway in Bloomsbury. Both men died at the scene.

These tragic incidents have led to four lives lost over just three days in the Mackay region.

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Jofarn Tapim, a 27-year-old from Sarina, tragically lost his life on October 27 after his motorcycle collided with a cow in Glenella. Tapim and his partner, Phoebe, were expecting their first child. Photo supplied

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The Mackay Hospital Foundation’s recent Giving Day raised a remarkable $146,079, thanks to generous community support and the vital contributions of Matched Donors.
Held on Friday, the 12-hour fundraiser saw donations double in impact thanks to matched contributions from local supporters including Abbot Point Operations, Anglo American, Isaac Regional Council, the Mining and Energy Unions (Goonyella Riverside, Grosvenor, Moranbah North, and Peak Downs), Pembroke Olive Downs, and Whitsunday Regional Council.
Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager, Kristi Algate, expressed her gratitude, noting the funds would make a meaningful difference across the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions.
“Giving Day is one of our most successful fundraising avenues, allowing us to keep more people close to home for their medical care,” she said. "Thanks to the generosity of our community, we continue to fund essential medical equipment, projects, and training that benefit our hospitals and health services.”
The Foundation’s ambassadors this year were representatives from within Mackay Hospital and Health Service departments that have directly benefited from previous funding. Last year alone, the Foundation supported hospitals in the region with $558,734 worth of equipment, projects, and professional development.
The Gardian team played a crucial role in the success of Giving Day, dedicating their time and energy to manning the phones throughout the day. Staff reached out across the community, connecting with local supporters and encouraging pledges over the phone. Their efforts not only boosted donations but also helped rally community spirit, reinforcing how much local involvement means in supporting our hospitals.
Ms. Algate highlighted the commitment from the community and matched donors: “Every dollar truly counts toward creating a health service that serves our community well. With your support, we can continue to improve local care, reducing the need for patients to travel far from family networks.”
The success of this year’s Giving Day strengthens the Foundation's mission, ensuring local hospitals receive ongoing support to meet the healthcare needs of the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions.

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Photo credit: Coffee and Hops

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Approximately 100 locals used their resilient voices on the streets of Mackay last Friday, in an attempt to present a battle cry for the long line of women and children who have been impacted by violence.

As the crowd cheered “What do we want, safe streets, when do we want it, now,” the sound of the drums echoed in the hearts of those present – led by Rhythm Business.

Held on the last Friday of October during Sexual Violence Awareness Month, this annual gathering is a reminder of not only the experiences, but also the hope and freedom that comes from speaking out and uplifting others in the community.

The march originated back in the 1970s in England, following a series of murders of women on the streets of Leeds. In response, women were advised to stay indoors at night for their safety. This prompted the start of the March, which soon gained traction worldwide.

This year, on October 25, the Zonta Club of Mackay, in partnership with The Neighbourhood Hub and the Domestic Violence Resource Centre, hosted the event at the Bluewater Quay.

Families, friends, and neighbours assembled at 6pm to march in hope of a future where every woman is able to walk freely, without fear, under the stars.

The event concluded with a warm community gathering and a free sausage sizzle, supplied from the Walkerston Rotary Club and The Services Union.

Fiona Koutlis, President of the Zonta Club of Mackay said, “Safe streets were relevant in the 1970’s for women. It is more relevant today…every man, woman and child has the right to be out in public spaces and be safe, and that is what the march brings to public attention.
 
“Zonta Club of Mackay was pleased with the community response to the march, approximately 100 people were in attendance, we’d love to build on that for next year.”

Next year’s march will be held on Friday 24th October

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locals gathered at the Blue Water Quay last Friday in a battle cry for change, in hopes of a violent-free future for women and children. Photo source: Zonta Club of Mackay Inc and The Neighbourhood Hub (Facebook)

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The calendar may have only just turned over to November, but Mackay Regional Council staff will begin decking the region’s streets with Christmas cheer this week.
From Saturday, November 2, Christmas decorations will start popping up at various locations across the region and the installations will continue each weekend until the end of November.

The long lead time is necessary to ensure the decorations are in place for the festive season and so that work can be done at times that won’t inconvenience the public.

This year, the Mackay City Centre is also set to feature a brand-new set of Christmas decorations.

The decorations will be installed mostly on weekends, with early morning work scheduled to minimise any public disruption. Motorists are urged to take extra care on the roads, as staff will be working near traffic during these times.

The installations are scheduled to take place on the following dates, weather permitting:
   • November 2 – Sarina tree, banners and pole units.
   • November 3 – Evans Avenue banners and pole units and Sarina tree.
   • November 9 – Calen tree.
   • November 10 – Mackay banners and pole units.
   • November 16 – Bluewater Quay tree and garland.
   • November 17 – City Centre banners and pole units and Old Bank balcony tree.
   • November 20-21 – City Centre banners and decorations.
   • November 23 – Walkerston tree, banners and pole units and Marian banners and pole units.
   • November 24 – Mirani tree, banners and pole units.

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Fitzgerald State School has captured a major accolade on the national stage, receiving an award for storytelling excellence and creativity in the performing arts at the 2024 National Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival.
Their performance, Salt meets Sand, stood out for its thoughtful portrayal of unity, culture, and respect, winning acclaim among 180 participating schools from across Australia. The Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival, Australia’s largest performing arts event for schools, embraces the ethos that “great stories inspire change,” encouraging students to share stories that embody their thoughts, ideas, and hopes for the future.
Wakakirri Festival Director Adam Loxley expressed his admiration for the students’ effort and creativity.
"The standard this year was exceptional, so Fitzgerald State School should be very proud of their award,” Mr Loxley said.
“This acknowledgment reflects the high quality and creativity that Fitzgerald State School brought to their participation in the Wakakirri festival.”
With a powerful theme, Salt meets Sand conveys the connection of two cultures uniting over their respect for land, sea, and sky, inviting audiences to celebrate diversity and shared spaces. It tells the story of forming a community where everyone finds belonging, emphasising both unity and respect.
Wakakirri Ambassador Samuel McKeown described it as “A performance that felt authentic in its storytelling, dancing, and costuming, beautifully presented to tell the heartfelt story of coming together.”
Sam Scott-Girgenti, Fitzgerald State School’s performance coordinator, celebrated the achievement.
“We are so excited to win a National Award! Fitzgerald has been participating in Wakakirri for over 20 years and it’s such a great experience for the students.
“We had the privilege of working and collaborating with Torres Strait Islander Cultural Advisor and Choreographer Patrick Thaiday (First Nations Coordinator, PCYC Queensland) and his family, who assisted in consultations with First Nations Traditional Land owners to present our story of belonging.”
The Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival is a national program that aims to foster student engagement and wellbeing through the performing arts. Through live performances in theaters nationwide, and even via Wakakirri Video for schools in more remote areas, schools across Australia bring their stories to life.
Wakakirri’s partners, including Greenfleet, Kids Helpline, Planet Ark, and Reconciliation Australia, support its mission to make meaningful connections through the arts.

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Fitzgerald State School students bring Salt Meets Sand to life, earning a National Wakakirri Award for their moving celebration of cultural unity. Photos supplied

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Oh Deere Farmstay, a family-run agricultural retreat owned by Dale and Karinda Anderson, stood out at the recent Mackay Isaac Tourism (MIT) Awards Gala, clinching multiple awards that reflect its popularity and dedication to agri-tourism.
The farmstay took home the Outstanding Contribution by an Individual award for Karinda, as well as two People’s Choice Awards for Favourite Accommodation Provider and Favourite Operator or Experience Provider. These wins highlight the deep connection Oh Deere has built with its guests and community.
Oh Deere Farmstay’s awards haul also included gold for Unique Accommodation and silver for Tour & Transport Operators, making it five wins in total at the MIT Tourism Awards.
For Karinda, who has worked tirelessly to share the importance of farming, this recognition feels especially rewarding.
“It’s a huge step forward from last year, where we came away with a silver. To take out a gold and two people’s choice awards is absolutely incredible,” she said.
Set on 400 acres of working cane fields, Oh Deere offers guests a unique blend of rustic charm and agricultural insight. Accommodation options range from grassy sites for tents and caravans to cozy, farm-style amenities like a communal kitchen and fire pit, creating what Karinda calls a “home away from home” for returning guests.
The Sugar Farm Tours are another major draw, offering visitors a real taste of farming life.
“We have endless stories that capture what it means to be cane farmers,” Karinda shared.
“It’s about our highs, our lows, and our life on the land. I love seeing the excitement in a child’s face when they experience the farm.”
The tour includes a visit to “The Love Shack,” a John Deere Museum filled with vintage memorabilia, a nod to the farm's namesake.
As Karinda explains, “Farming isn’t just about farming. It’s about helping others understand where their food comes from and the work that goes into it.
“My father-in-law used to say, ‘Until we run the cities out of food and water, they’ll never understand what it takes, because farmers will work to feed the nation.’”
With plans to expand community outreach, Karinda hopes to continue bridging the gap between urban and rural life.
“I’d love to work with others in agri-tourism. Our kids don’t know where sugar or milk comes from beyond the supermarket,” she said.
For Oh Deere, this year’s MIT wins celebrate that mission and the farm’s growing impact on the Mackay Isaac tourism landscape.

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The Oh Deere Farmstay team celebrates their five MIT Tourism Awards wins, including gold for Unique Accommodation and the People’s Choice Award for Favourite Experience Provider. Photo credit: Mackay Isaac Tourism

People of all ages enjoy the farm tour activities and serenity at Oh Deere

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This week
Season to date
Cane crushed
36,743
880,115
Average bin weight
3.91
3.90
CCS
14.87
14.01
Cane variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q183
19.6
14.86
Q253
23.3
13.92
Q240
20.5
15.05
SRA9
10.7
15.58
Q208
12.1
14.15
SP80
1.5
13.63
KQ228
1.6
13.70
Q138
5.7
15.14
Comments:
Plane Creek Mill processed just under 37,000 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season total to just over 880,000 tonnes.
Average CCS rose by 0.03 of a unit over the previous week, closing out at 14.87 units. The year-to-date average is now sitting at 14.01 units.
Standover cane made up approximately three per cent of the week’s cane supply.
The highest CCS honour for the week was a rake of Q183 plant cane from the Koumala productivity area with a CCS of 17.0 units.
Please remember to use your train brain and always give way to cane trains. A fully loaded cane train can take up to one kilometre to stop.
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Lindsay Wheeler
Cane Supply Manager
Plane Creek Region

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Central Queensland’s endangered koala population is facing a dire future if nothing is done to prevent the number of animals being killed by vehicles.

That’s according to CQUniversity and Griffith University koala researchers who have released findings from two separate studies focused on a stretch of the Peak Downs Highway, between Mackay and Nebo in Queensland.

Lead researcher CQUniversity’s Dr Rolf Schlagloth said Koala Research-CQ and its collaborators have analysed koala roadkill data spanning nearly a decade, and the outcomes aren’t good.

Over this 51km section of highway, 145 koalas were struck by vehicles in 2023 (to November 25), with 83 per cent of the koalas dying as a result. These koalas were otherwise in good health.

In comparison, 365 koalas in the entire South East Queensland region are sent into care due to vehicle collision each year. 

“There are horrendous numbers of koalas getting hit and killed by vehicles every year on this relatively short stretch of road, with no reduction in sight,” Dr Schlagloth said.

“We’ve found that because of the amount and the mostly uniform distribution of good quality habitat, koalas are unfortunately killed nearly anywhere along this highway.

“Driver visibility is also a contributing factor. We know that the better or greater the visibility a driver has, the less likely it is for a koala vehicle collision to occur.”

Separating koalas and vehicles is difficult on the existing highway, but researchers believe future avoidance of high-quality koala habitat for highway infrastructure, in addition to constructing or retrofitting protective or diversionary infrastructure – which has already been started by the managing authority in several locations – could help reduce roadkill.

However, initial attempts to separate traffic and wildlife via retrofitted bridges are yet to bring good news to researchers – and the koala population.

“We have monitored three bridges that had been retrofitted with short sections of wildlife exclusion/diversion fencing to encourage koalas (and other wildlife) to pass underneath the road rather than taking the risk of crossing the road proper,” Dr Schlagloth said.

“While rare usage of other, similar structures by koalas has been reported, unfortunately, despite monitoring these underpasses, we have not found any evidence of koalas having used them to get to the other side of the road, while we do have evidence of koalas having crossed the highway successfully and unsuccessfully near those underpasses.”

Researchers said there was evidence that wildlife exclusion fencing may be assisting in keeping koalas away from particular stretches of road (three study sites), but it did not facilitate koala crossings under the highway.

“Maybe koalas will use underpasses over time, or maybe more and longer fencing would be of benefit – further research here is paramount.

“Improving driver attention and their awareness of the potential for koalas to be on the road could also go a long way to reducing the deaths.

“This is most definitely not a sustainable situation for this endangered species.”
Dr Flavia Santamaria, a co-author of these studies stressed: “The Central Queensland koala population is also under threat from diseases like Chlamydia and retrovirus, and opportunities for specialist treatment for injured or sick koalas are not readily available in the region, making it even more important to reduce the number of koala vehicle collisions.”   

Griffith University researcher Dr Douglas Kerlin believed governments needed to step in to protect this koala population.

“Unfortunately, these koalas are not receiving enough protection from the Government. In Queensland, koalas are listed as ‘endangered’ under the Nature Conservation Act, but policies enacted by the State Government are currently focused on populations in South East Queensland, while koalas in places like Central Queensland are largely ignored.

“Similarly, much of the traffic along this highway is supplying mining activities in the Bowen Basin, but the Federal Government Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act approvals process has only focused on the direct impacts of industry on koalas, and has largely ignored the wider indirect impacts, such as increased traffic volumes on transport infrastructure corridors.”

Dr Schlagloth also commended the tireless efforts of former citizen scientist, now CQUnversity Honours student, Charley Geddes who dedicated her time to monitoring the stretch of road all hours of the day or night to pick up dead koalas.

“Our understanding of this koala population is down to her dedication … given the level of population attrition caused by the road, this could be a koala population of national significance, one we would know very little about if it wasn’t for her work.”  

The latest studies were funded by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and researchers believe further funding needs to be allocated to conserving this koala population.

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By Sonia Ball (QCAR Central District Manager)

Up she goes and what a beauty it is! This week our QCAR signage finally arrived at the doorstep of R&T Pumps in Mackay.  
The QCAR Central District is located on the first floor of R&T Pumps at 8 Tennyson Street, and now even people passing by will see that – it’s colourful and inviting and clearly states who we are as an organisation, and what we do.  
QCAR Central District is a mobile operation travelling throughout the Proserpine, Plane Creek and Mackay districts, so make sure you call first if you’d like to drop in to the office for a meeting rather than on your farm.  
For Plane Creek region mill suppliers, we park up at the QCWA Hall at Koumala every second Wednesday, and soon will be ducking down to Carmila on every third Plane Creek Day.
Catching up with growers is our priority and we can meet anywhere in the district on any other day when this doesn’t suit.
On every alternate Wednesday we are in the Proserpine region, but again able to meet on any other day.
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Changing of the guard
While some of us are relatively new to QCAR, there are a couple of our team members who have been talking, negotiating and working with former Mackay Sugar CEO Jannik Oleyas for years.
On behalf of these members QCAR Central District Chairman Steve McKeering and I dropped in for an informal meeting with Mr Olejas to wish him well in his future pursuits with Nordzuker in Denmark.
As a token of thanks for his role in negotiating the MSL-QCAR CSPA, we engaged award-winning cartoonist Harry Bruce to draw a caricature of Jannik, which we presented at the meeting.
And now as a region we move into a new era with Mackay Sugar where Carl Morton is officially the CEO. The QCAR Central District Committee and I look forward to working closely with Carl going forward.
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Reef Catchments AGM
QCAR Central District attended the recent Reef Catchments AGM hosted by Chair Julie Boyd and CEO Katrina Dent.
There’s a couple of big items on the agenda for Reef Catchments this year with the celebration of their 21st birthday as an incorporated natural resource management organisation, and with this being Chair Julie’s final AGM and year leading the strategic direction of the organisation with the Reef Catchments Board of Directors.
But that’s not all. The Reef Catchments Annual Report is where you can find an overview of all the projects and activities carried out during the financial year 2023 to 2024. You’ll find it at www.reefcatchments.com.au

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The Resource Industry Network’s Professional Development Conference took place on October 23, offering participants valuable skills, knowledge, and insights to enhance their leadership journey. Attendees learned the significance of fostering a healthy workplace culture and motivating their teams for optimal performance.
The conference focused on cultivating a culture of learning through personal development. Participants benefited from new skills, ideas, and perspectives to support their professional growth. The event equipped teams with the insights needed to become strong, informed, and inspiring leaders while promoting a healthy workplace atmosphere.
Hosted by broadcasting personality Kat Davidson, this year’s event featured two of Australia's leading keynote speakers. Kate Munari and Ashleigh Paholek took to the stage, sharing their stories, practical experiences, and leadership lessons.
Kate inspired attendees with real and raw stories from her time in Afghanistan. She shared strategies for empowering teams, making decisions under pressure, and the importance of positive mentoring and accountability. Kate emphasised that great leadership truly begins and ends with the team.
Ashleigh explored the powerful connection between confidence and peak performance, breaking down how mastering strategic soft skills can enhance both personal and professional life. She highlighted how effective communication fosters better relationships and outcomes, and how cultivating a supportive mindset can transform the way individuals live and work.
Other notable speakers included Judy Porter, Rick D’Amato, Shannon Robert Gibbs, Maddy Avery, Maria Langford, Joe Bonanno, Deb Rae, and Richard Wainwright, who led engaging breakout sessions throughout the day.

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Attendees gather for the Resource Industry Network's Professional Development Conference, sharing insights and strategies for effective leadership and team collaboration. Photo credit: Resource Industry Network

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Queensland’s Moranbah North mines rescue team have been named overall winners at the 2024 Australian Underground Mines Rescue competition that was held at Chain Valley Colliery near Newcastle yesterday.
The annual event brings together the top mines rescue teams to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to safety in the mining industry.
Four teams from NSW, each having won their respective regional competitions, and four teams from Queensland mining teams (also decided by a series of competitions), competed for the 2024 title.
The MG3 Appin team (Southern Mines Rescue, NSW) were runners-up, followed by Centennial Coal’s Springvale team (Western Mines Rescue, NSW) who took out third place.
Moranbah North Mines Rescue team proved their resilience and dedication by securing their spot at the Australian nationals after a hard-fought qualification in the State Cup in September. Remarkably, they achieved this just a day before flying to Colombia to compete in an international competition, showcasing their skills among top global contenders. Returning home, they clinched the national title, and their impressive performance has now earned them an invitation to compete at the next international competition in Zambia.
Now in its 60th year, the competition features a series of challenging scenarios that replicate real life emergencies faced in mining operations in both underground and surface environments.
Teams were assessed on their technical skills, teamwork and communications as they navigated simulated incidents such as hazard awareness, underground search and rescue, first aid and firefighting.
The competition not only highlights the critical skills required for emergency response but also fosters camaraderie and teamwork among participants from across the two states.

Photos supplied: Anglo American

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The Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) Stage 2 featuring Future Industries Hub (FIH) has commenced construction with earthworks beginning in October.
The project is set to transition and support an emerging new economy minerals sector which will help secure jobs for the future and the local economy.
The RCOE has been working closely with metallurgical test work experts Core Resources and world leading research experts The University of Queensland Sustainable Minerals Institute on the design and operation of the processing plant which will be the key delivery for Stage 2 FIH project.
Local Mackay engineering firm, DGH Engineering has been engaged to support the electrical and mechanical engineering design work and will commence fabrication of bespoke FlexiLab componentry, providing tangible evidence of the economic value and job creation provided to the local economy.
Together, RCOE and DGH are progressing with detailed mechanical and engineering designs, including digital and autonomous controls.
Resources Centre of Excellence CEO Steven Boxall said they are extremely excited to see construction commence.
“Reaching this milestone has been the direct result of working collaboratively with key stakeholders through the management or support of various projects across the Greater Whitsunday region”, Steven Boxall said.
“RCOE Stage 2 which features the Future Industries Hub will aim to take our region to the world, showcasing innovation and collaboration across traditional and emerging sectors, and forging a path as a global leader on how to connect resources across our region and the world.”
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the expansion will bring new opportunities and growth to the region.
“Once completed, the Stage 2 Future Industries Hub will put Mackay at the forefront of design and innovation and enable the region to become a key player in Queensland’s new critical minerals sector,” said Mayor Williamson.
“It’s a major investment that will ensure Queensland has access to a skilled workforce to capture, incubate and grow the industries of the future,” he said.
Currently, an $11.97m project, there is potential should the project receive further funding which will extend its offering and capabilities through an expanded mineral processing plant, a common use 'Class A Laboratory” and four tenancies for innovative and industrial businesses to occupy, allowing continued growth in industry connections and partnerships; gaining greater exposure to agriculture, sugar and bio futures sectors; and leading technology-based initiatives.

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Earthworks underway at the Resources Centre of Excellence as Stage 2 construction begins, setting the foundation for Mackay’s Future Industries Hub. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Anterior hip replacement has been an area of focus in my practice for several years.
Recognising the need for advanced training in this specialized technique, I pursued opportunities in leading centres across Europe and North America, complementing the foundational education available in Australia.
 
This procedure is technically demanding, requiring precision and a thorough understanding of patient anatomy. Research indicates that surgeons who successfully navigate the steep learning curve often see improved patient outcomes. While the learning curve is commonly associated with performing around 100 surgeries, the actual number can vary depending on individual factors and training quality. Through years of experience, I have worked to refine my approach to provide the highest standard of care.
 
I am committed to advancing the field through education and mentorship. I regularly work with both international and Australian orthopaedic surgeons, providing hands-on learning experiences to help them develop proficiency in anterior hip replacement. We also offer fellowship programs that allow surgeons to deepen their expertise through extended learning opportunities.
 
In collaboration with the University of the Sunshine Coast, I am involved in developing a graduate certificate in anterior hip replacement, scheduled to launch in February 2025. This course aims to equip surgeons with the necessary skills to perform this procedure effectively.
 
While hip replacement surgery is widely recognised as successful, it is important for patients to understand that all surgical procedures carry inherent risks. My goal is to ensure each patient receives care tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.
 
 

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In a world that constantly evolves, occupational therapy reminds us that everyone has the potential to thrive, no matter the challenges they face.

For Mackay HHS acute senior occupational therapist Alicia Eden, her role sometimes requires her to be a little “like MacGyver” and to get creative with solutions for her patients.

“Occupational therapists consider ‘occupation’ to be all of the everyday activities that people find meaningful and important; not just their jobs,” she said.

“This can be as simple as brushing your teeth or going to the toilet; from basic independent living to much broader goals including accessing the community and leisure activities like shopping or gardening.”

Occupational therapists optimised independence through a patient-centred approach based on what a patient wanted to achieve combined with their values and priorities.

“Illness, injury or disability can change a person’s ability to engage in their occupations and do them in their own environment – our goal is to help make all those things match up again and optimise their independence, however this looks very different for everyone,” Alicia said.

“You sometimes have to find a very creative solution as the same approach, intervention or piece of equipment is not going to work the same way for everyone and in their individual environment.

“That’s why the first step for us as OTs is to find out about the person; what they were doing before hospital and how well they were doing it. We then look at their current level of function and from there can help patients to identify their goals.

“Education is a big part of what we do so ultimately they are better equipped to support themselves.”

Alicia derives great satisfaction from her role, whether it’s a simple intervention or a long-term and complex solution which enables people to “not just live, but live in a way they find meaningful.

“It can be simple things – I had a patient with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) who I organised equipment for so she could more easily look after herself; she thought this was fantastic as she hadn’t been able to shower herself for two weeks,” she said.

“Small things can be lifechanging; I’ve also been working with a teen with a brain injury and he just moved his fingers for the first time –  it’s amazing and he’s so excited with his progress.

“Every patient’s journey is different based on their age, their motivation and the reason they are in hospital.”

The Mackay HHS OT team consists of 45 clinicians who are compassionate, dynamic individuals offering patients a holistic approach to health care, addressing physical, emotional and social factors to promote overall wellbeing.

World Occupational Therapy Day was celebrated on 27 October.

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Alicia highlighted the vital role of occupational therapy in fostering independence and well-being. Photo source: Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Skip intense stretch sessions and forget pushing past pain barriers – when it comes to maximising flexibility, ground-breaking new research from the University of South Australia shows that stretching takes as little as eight minutes per week to optimise progress.

The study found that holding a stretch for up to three minutes – or eight minutes accumulated over the course of a week – was the optimal amount of time required to maximise improvements in flexibility.

Importantly, the study found that stretching beyond three minutes per muscle within a single session (or eight minutes per muscle per week) returned no further meaningful benefit in flexibility. And that stretching to the point of discomfort or pain was entirely unnecessary, as it added no further benefit.

UniSA researcher Dr Lewis Ingram says this is the first study to identify optimal parameters for stretching.

“Static stretching - where you lengthen a muscle and hold this position for a predetermined amount of time - is the most common type of stretching and is considered a very safe and effective form of stretching,” Dr Ingram says.

“By systematically reviewing and meta-analysing data from 188 studies consisting of 8095 adults from 25 countries (representing six of the seven continents), we found that a single session of static stretching leads to a moderate increase in flexibility; and that longer-term static stretching training – regularly undertaken over a few weeks or more – leads to a larger increase in flexibility.

“These improvements occurred irrespective of the specific muscle group, the intensity of the stretch, the person’s sex, their health or training status, and the frequency of weekly stretching sessions or overall length of the intervention.

“But the surprising factor was that improvements in flexibility ‘maxed-out’ at three minutes per muscle per session, and at eight minutes per muscle per week.

“Specifically, in the case of the latter, it doesn’t seem to matter how often a week you spend stretching, so long as you accumulate eight minutes over the week.”

The researchers hope that the findings will provide simple and practical guidelines to help prescribe static stretching to improve flexibility.

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