Your Cheer Squad is a key group of people in your corner who can encourage and uplift you and, most importantly, will provide you with honest feedback.

This is particularly useful if you operate a small or micro business, as it can be quite isolating. As well as providing encouragement, your Cheer Squad will hold you accountable to your goals, offering feedback and a motivation boost when needed.

And best of all - you get to choose and build your Cheer Squad based on what you need. It’s important to choose carefully. Here are some tips for building your Cheer Squad.

1. Identify your needs
   • What kind of support are you looking for? Whether it's emotional, motivational, or more professional support, understanding your needs can help you identify the right people to include. And then ask them if they would be part of your Cheer Squad.
2. Find the right people
   • Close friends and family can be your biggest cheerleaders in life; they are emotionally invested in you and are eager to support your goals and celebrate your successes, however they may not always be the right people for your professional Cheer Squad. It’s about having someone that you respect, who will not betray your confidences, and also has the courage to be honest (albeit gently) and direct with you.
3. Practice gratitude
   • Express appreciation: gratitude is more powerful as a two-way street. Regularly thank the people who support you, family and friends, as well as your professional Cheer Squad. This reinforces your connections and relationships, and encourages continued support.
4. Support others
   • Be a cheerleader for others. You don’t have to be a member of someone’s inner Cheer Squad to support others in their activities, and this may lead to mutual encouragement and the creation of a broader strong support network.
5. Find an independent Mentor or Coach
   • This is an option or complement to the Cheer Squad. Some may find it easier to have an independent professional relationship with a Mentor or Coach to provide guidance and encouragement. Knowing that you’re paying for a service, can make feedback more valuable – and make you more accountable for action.

And as an extra
Leverage virtual support
   • Find and follow a select few online. These people may not be in your inner Cheer Squad but provide an additional way to reinforce your journey with individuals who inspire you and benefit from their motivation.

Working with someone else can assist with clarifying your needs and building your Cheer Squad - this is where we can help. Contact me at powerup@careerforceaustralia.com.au or 0409 894 131 to learn more.

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Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank is now the Volunteer Sponsor for the Mackay Hospital Foundation (MHF), investing in the vital role that volunteers play in the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday region hospitals. This partnership, involving more than 100 dedicated volunteers, is key to supporting MHF’s mission of improving patient care and community wellbeing.
Community Bank Sarina Chair Karen May noted that this sponsorship aligns with the bank's “profit for purpose” model. “Our commitment to community health and wellbeing is central to our values,” Ms May said. “Volunteers play a crucial role in making hospitals more compassionate and welcoming. Our support is an investment in a healthier, more connected community.”
The MHF volunteers engage in a range of important activities, including running hospital gift shops, manning information desks and supporting the Children and Adolescent Unit. They drive the Whitsunday patient transfer bus and buggy in Mackay, offer comfort in Oncology and contribute to companionship programs, among other duties.
Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager Kristi Algate expressed appreciation for this partnership. “We are proud to have Community Bank Sarina as a key partner, recognising their significant role in supporting our volunteers and the vital work they carry out,” Ms Algate said.
Community Bank Sarina Manager Charmaine Matsen emphasised that the sponsorship is more than a financial investment. “It’s about building relationships and working together for mutual benefit,” Ms Matsen explained. “Our team will regularly visit hospital locations to offer personalised service and information to volunteers, staff, and visitors.”
When visiting any of the eight public hospitals in the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions, look for volunteers in Community Bank Sarina branded polo shirts, ready to assist.
Community Bank Sarina staff will also be available to answer questions at Mackay Base Hospital on 3 and 18 September between 10-2 in the Alcove opposite Xray. They're here to provide information and support for patients, staff, and visitors.

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Sarina local and former Sarina State High School (SSHS) student Georgia Beveridge has secured a full-time position at Aurizon, Australia’s largest rail freight operator, as an Electrician.

Georgia attributes the support she received throughout her education as “instrumental” to her success, including a scholarship during her apprenticeship from Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank.

“My scholarship provided easier access to essential tools and resources,” Ms Beveridge said.

“It was a tremendous help; beyond financial support, it allowed me to make new friends and grow as a person.”

The scholarship also included community engagement activities, such as participating in local events, like the annual ‘Cruisin’ the Coast’ Sarina Beach Fun Run and community dinners.

“These experiences enriched my connection with the local community and allowed me to give back in meaningful ways.”

Georgia is now encouraging other local students to apply for a scholarship, through the program currently open for application to students at SSHS entering grade 11 in 2025.

“Always be yourself and give your best in your application. The scholarship is awarded to you for who you are, not for trying to be someone else.”

Community Bank Sarina Deputy Chair Maree Franettovich said the scholarship programs were a “vital investment in individuals and their ambitions, to help our region retain local talent”.

“Scholarships empower students to pursue their goals with greater confidence and offer them the opportunity to achieve beyond their expectations, all within the greater Sarina community,” Ms Franettovich said.

Applications for the SSHS scholarships close September 1. For more information or to apply, request an application pack executive@sarinacommunity.com.au.

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Georgia Beveridge receiving her scholarship from Community Bank Sarina in 2021

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Nestled near the Sarina Neighbourhood Centre on Anzac Street, is Sarina’s cherished Orange Sky Laundry Pod.

The pod has three washing machines and three driers, but most of all, it has an amazing team of volunteers who are determined to get to know their fellow community members and offer their unconditional support to those doing it tough.

The passion of these volunteers is undeniable, with some having served Orange Sky for up to six years and counting.

An example of this dedication is Orange Sky Mackay Volunteer Service Leader Lisa Jamieson, who emphasises the importance of engagement and conversation.

“It’s not only about raising funds but it’s about being engaged and having those conversations.

“At the end of the day we’re a part of the one community and we just need to all come together and help each other out in a time of need.”

The Sudsy Challenge encourages participants to wear the same clothes for three consecutive days to raise awareness about what it’s like for those without access to laundry services.

“The point of the three days is about giving yourself some awareness of someone doing it tough that needs a laundry service.

“It’s also about how you feel and how you think people would approach you,” Lisa said.

The idea behind the Sudsy Challenge lies within the origins of Orange Sky as the challenge honours the first ever van that operated in Brisbane, named ‘Sudsy’.

The organisation hosts regular sausage sizzles with support from Aurizon. The company’s apprentices even designed a trailer that can accommodate a mobile barbecue to serve meals to those in need.

Representatives from Aurizon said, “It’s great to see people getting together and showing each other that community spirit and just helping everyone out, Orange Sky is a great foundation and we’re very grateful to be a part of it.”

If you’d like to give back to your community, the Sarina Orange Sky team are currently seeking volunteers as well as donations or participants who would like to partake in the Sudsy challenge.

The Sarina Neighbourhood Laundry service is available Mondays and Thursdays from 9am-11am.

Visit www.orangesky.org.au for more information.

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The Sarina Laundry Pod is available on Mondays and Thursdays from 9am-11am. The team are seeking donations and additional volunteers. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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The Making Waves Foundation was thrilled to announce its 2024 Northern Campaign, sailing proudly into Mackay before continuing to Townsville. The voyage aims to empower local youth living with disabilities or facing disadvantage by promoting inclusivity through the joy of sailing.

This exciting journey began in Southport, with Rosslyn Bay and Mackay stops before the crew made their final port in Townsville.  

The Making Waves Foundation has been operating for 30 years, originating in Sydney under the name of 'Sails with Disability.' The original founder is dyslexic and was inspired to take a group of adults living with disabilities on a sailing trip to Hobart. This initial voyage has since evolved into the ‘Making Waves Foundation’ that now operates in five locations: Brisbane, Geelong, Melbourne, Newcastle and Sydney.

In each of these locations, the foundation's primary mission is to offer children with disabilities a unique and fun experience on the water. These sailing trips not only provide the children with a break from their routines but also give their parents or carers some much-needed respite. For the children, it’s an opportunity to smile, explore new experiences and enjoy being out on the water.

On August 15th, at 9am and 12.30pm, students from Mackay District Special School experienced the thrill of sailing with the friendly crew. The sailboat accommodated roughly 20 people, and the children were treated to a two-hour adventure on the water.

The highlight for many was the chance to steer the boat, which crew members say always brings out big smiles and leaves lasting memories that are often talked about for days on end with parents, carers and teachers.

The first morning in Mackay was especially memorable as the team and the children onboard were fortunate enough to spot whales just off the Mackay Marina.  

While the foundation typically offers a 6–8-week program called ‘Winds of Change,’ where children learn to sail and develop new skills, the Mackay visit focused solely on the sailing experience. Despite the shorter duration, the children thoroughly enjoyed their time on the water.

The sailing crew consists of Water Operations Manager Wendy Tuck from Sydney, as well as a group of dedicated volunteers who come along for the ride at their own expense.

Wendy expressed that seeing the children’s joy made all the efforts worthwhile.  

"To see the children’s faces and knowing that they’re loving it just makes it all worth it," she said.

Volunteer and crew member Alice Amouroux, shared her love for working with children and the joy of seeing them happy while sailing.  

"I really believe when we are on the sea it’s like a break for everyone and it’s always a good time," Alice shared.

David Rieser, who is also a volunteer and crew member, shared a similar perspective of the experience, stating, "I just love to see the excitement and the joy in the kids' eyes... sailing for me has always been that same place, a place of joy and excitement."

The Mackay Marina also contributed to the foundation’s efforts by offering a discounted price for the dock. To keep these wonderful initiatives going, the foundation relies on donations and community grants.  

They are currently running a raffle with prizes including a $500 family Lego pack, an inflatable stand-up paddleboard worth $300, and a Princess Lego pack valued at $150. Prizes will be shipped to winners at no additional cost.

To donate to the Making Waves Foundation or enter the raffle, please scan the QR code or visit www.makingwaves.au/northern-campaign

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Crew members with Councillor Ash-Lee Johnson. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

Mackay’s young sailors beam with joy aboard the Making Waves Foundation's Northern Campaign. Photos supplied

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North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) will undertake maintenance dredging at the Port of Hay Point, including Half Tide Tug Harbour from this week.

The works are estimated to take up to 28 days from late August until mid-September 2024.

NQBP Chief Executive Officer Brendan Webb said maintenance dredging is undertaken by port authorities around the world and is critical for maintaining port infrastructure.

“In the same way we maintain roads and rail lines for freight transport, we need to maintain our shipping channels and berth pockets to keep trade flowing,” Mr Webb said.

“The Port of Hay Point is one of the largest steel-making coal export facilities in the world and its operations are of tremendous benefit to Queenslanders, supporting thousands of jobs and enabling tens of billions of dollars in export value.

“As well as having a critical global presence, the port is vital to the Queensland economy as an important part of the social and economic fabric of the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday (MIW) region.

“During the project, an additional 20 jobs will be supported from ship crew to surveyors.”

Maintenance dredging involves relocating natural sediment which has travelled along the coast and accumulated in shipping navigational areas.

The sediment will be relocated in the sea at the approved Dredge Material Placement Area, 6km away from shipping operations.

NQBP has the relevant State and Commonwealth maintenance dredging permits in place for the program. The works will occur within these permits, which outline strict environmental conditions.
The dredging will also be undertaken in line with the Queensland Government Maintenance Dredging Strategy for Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area Ports.

Environmental monitoring and management measures including real-time water quality data will be in place throughout the program.

NQBP will continue to engage with key stakeholders including the Port of Hay Point Technical Advisory and Consultative Committee (TACC) during the project.

Members of the TACC include conservation groups, Traditional Owners, scientists, community, port users, and Commonwealth and the State Government.

While the dredging will have a low impact on port operations and community activities, Mr Webb urged everyone using the Half Tide Tug Harbour to take extra care when on the water during the dredging works.

“The dredge vessel TSHD Brisbane and its support vessels have restricted manoeuvring capability. We urge people on the water to pay close attention to displayed warning flags and lights.

“During the project we will also undertake maintenance work at the public boat ramp located at Half Tide Tug Harbour on behalf of the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).

“At times access to the public boat ramp will need to be restricted to allow this work to be undertaken safely.

“We appreciate the community’s patience during this time.”

NQBP has managed the maintenance dredging program at the Port of Hay Point for more than 20 years.

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Dredge vessel TSHD Brisbane at the Port of Hay Point during the 2019 maintenance dredging campaign

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If you’re a patient at Mackay Base Hospital you may run into one of the region’s rising medical stars; she may even help with the birth of your child.

Dr Remi Sayre works as a doctor in obstetrics and gynaecology at the hospital in a job she says is demanding but rewarding in multiple ways. She is currently completing her training to be a GP Obstetrician, or a doctor who delivers babies in the bush.

Remi grew up in Boyne Island, a small town near Gladstone, and studied at James Cook University. She was sent to Mackay in 2020 to complete her final two years of medical school.

Her now fiancé Nick ended up following her, recently popping the question. So Dr Remi decided to stick around.

“I love the fact that Mackay is big, but not too big,” she said.

“We have such great beaches, and I love the fact that in the hospital, everyone knows everyone.

“I’ve wanted to be a doctor ever since I was little. My mum had a stroke when I was in year 12 and seeing the teams that supported her really solidified my plan to go into medicine.

“I’m working in obstetrics and gynaecology and on an average day I may deliver babies, perform caesarean sections and minor gynaecological procedures, see patients in antenatal and gynaecology clinics and of course my favourite part, meeting the babies.”

At 25, Remi has been with Mackay HHS now for most of her career and considers it is a great place to live and work, especially for anyone considering a career in health.

“It’s such a good department, really well run and our new Director of Obstetrics at Mackay Base Hospital has really brought the team together here.

Remi recently won an award from the Rural Doctors Association of Queensland, recognising the completion of her Prevocational Rural Generalist Training.

“The award was to mark the completion of my pre-vocational rural generalist training, I had to complete multiple courses and meet criteria which means I can now move into more advanced training,” she said.

“I’d say to anyone thinking about getting into this field that you have to have a passion for it. It can be relentless, but I find it so rewarding.

“The impact that you make on people’s lives in so profound. Delivering someone’s baby or helping someone through a really tough time, knowing that you made that process and their life a little bit easier…that’s what I love most.

By Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Dr. Remi Sayre, a rising star in rural medicine is driven by her passion for making a profound impact on the lives of her patients. Photo source: Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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This week
Season to date
Cane crushed
34,654
318,691
Average bin weight
3.84
3.84
CCS
13.12
13.01
Cane variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q183
23.1
12.94
Q253
22.6
13.15
Q240
11.6
13.30
SP80
5.2
13.59
Q208
11.8
13.77
SRA9
5.4
13.40
KQ228
3.8
13.57
Q200
2.9
12.47
Comments:
Plane Creek Mill processed 34,654 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season total to just under 320,000 tonnes.
Rainfall early in the week put a halt to crushing operations. However the growing and harvesting sector put in a commendable effort to find suitable paddocks and resume harvesting on Thursday.
Average CCS fell by 0.06 of a unit over the previous week, closing out at 13.12 units. Standover cane made up 11 per cent of the week’s cane supply.
The highest CCS honour for the week was a rake of Q208 3R from the Koumala productivity area with a CCS of 16.1 units.
Motorists and haul-out operators are reminded to take care when passing over our cane rail line at occupational crossings, particularly where vision is impaired by standing cane.
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Lindsay Wheeler
Cane Supply Manager
Plane Creek Region

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A rural charity has opened its annual photography competition to the public for its fifth year.  

Spirit of the Bush is an Australian-wide photography competition run by Rural Aid.  

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the competition was a great way to get a glimpse into life on the land.  
“Our Spirit of the Bush competition is always very popular, attracting hundreds of entrants from across Australia,” Mr Warlters said.  

“The winning 12 photos are turned into a beautiful wall calendar.” 

“I encourage amateurs, professionals and everyone in between to submit their photographs to the 2024 competition.” 

“Spirt of the Bush is a wonderful celebration of the highs and lows of life on the land.” 

Mr Warlters urged photographers to get in quickly this year.  

“We’ve shortened the competition window slightly this year, so if you’d like to take part, make sure you don’t dilly-dally.” 

“It’s our fifth year running this iconic competition, and we’d love it to be bigger than ever!” 

“We’ve already received some amazing high-quality images from previous entrants, but we’d love to see some new faces on board before the comp closes on October 1,” Mr Warlters said.  

Winners will be featured in Rural Aid’s 2025 wall calendar and will also receive a $250 pre-paid VISA card.  

The competition closes October 1, 2024. 

Entrants must submit a high-resolution, landscape image via Instagram or Facebook, with the hashtag #SOTB2024 and tag @ruralaid in the picture, or upload their photo through the Woobox link: https://www.ruralaid.org.au/spirit-of-the-bush/  

The competition’s Terms and Conditions can be found at: https://www.ruralaid.org.au/spirit-of-the-bush/  

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2023 Winner, Jane Taylor, WA
2023 Winner, Paula McIver, NSW
2023 Winner, Lauren Bell, Qld

The widely-used Qld Fishing 2.0 app is reaching new heights, now allowing fishers and citizen scientists to record and submit catch data and shark depredation data in real-time.

The latest upgrades to Queensland’s top recreational fishing app include several new features to enhance user experience. The new personalized 'My Fishing' feature replaces 'My Fish Photo' and now allows fishers to log recreational catch and depredation data, access environmental data and view their historical catch records.

Users can now share photos and basic trip details directly to social media and set preferences for favourite species, boat ramps, and stocked impoundments. Improved AI also offers better fish identification for 10 species.

Additionally, fishers can choose to submit minimal data or provide more detailed information, all while ensuring security and privacy through user login.

User feedback has influenced upgrades to the ‘My fishing’ personalised feature, a secure and private space to record fishing trips, including catch, release and depredation, as well as swell, moon phase and air temperature.

To watch a series of “how to” videos on using the various features of the Qld Fishing 2.0 app, head to Fisheries Queensland YouTube playlist.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner MP said, “We know rec fishers are concerned about shark depredation and we know that this can lead to increased effort in particular fisheries – you don’t want to come home from a fishing trip empty handed.

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to all the recreational fishers who’ve contributed to the development of the app, and helped with this latest update.”

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Wilmar Sugar and Renewables and representatives of three unions met last week at the company’s request to discuss current positions in relation to their enterprise bargaining dispute.

Wilmar suggested today’s meeting following discussions two weeks ago in Townsville facilitated by Fair Work Commissioner Bernie Riordan.

Subsequent to those discussions, Commissioner Riordan recommended some potential solutions to a range of issues in dispute.

A Wilmar spokesman said last week’s meeting established that each side saw merit in exploring at least some of the Commissioner’s suggestions and a number of options were raised.

“We reinforced again our commitment to finding a mutually acceptable solution by suggesting new options for an agreement based in large part on a suggested solution from Commissioner Riordan,” he said.

“We see these as a possible opportunity for headway.

“We have left it with unions to come back to us on the options put forward,” the spokesman said.

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Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

Following a jam-packed July that was dominated by our international sugar trader roadshow, the Grower Marketing team has been busy compiling the first edition of our new grower newsletter – The Sugar Brief.

In this new communication offering, we collate the range of activities we engage in that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Wilmar Sugar and Renewables sponsors dozens of events within our sugar milling regions that are linked to cane growing, local schools, sporting clubs and community activities.

Through July and August, the Grower Marketing team sponsored the Ingham Tractor Pull Championship held at the Ingham Show and the Young Farmers section at the 2024 Proserpine Show cane exhibit.

As part of Wilmar’s corporate sponsorship of the North Queensland Cowboys, we are able to entertain growers at some of the local games. Unfortunately, the most recent of these corporate box events coincided with the Broncos bringing their A-game to the Townsville stadium.

Port tours and school education events are a regular activity for our team in the field, and we hope to get some mill tours underway once the season progresses.

We also intermittently hold shed meetings for interested parties, especially those who missed out on the trader roadshow.

On the Pricing and Pooling front, Wilmar’s results continue to outperform the competition. Our Production Risk Pool is tracking well ahead of QSL’s Harvest Pool as is our Managed Pool and US Quota Pool.

The all-important Allocation Account is currently forecast at approximately $42/t Actual which is effectively twice as much as the QSL shared Pool. Obviously it is very early in the 2024 season and forecast prices will move around with the market. However the established trend of the Pool and Allocation continuing to add significant value to growers who choose to market with Willmar looks to be repeating.

Remember you have until 31 October 2024 to finalise your 2025 season GEI marketing nomination. Even if you have already nominated, you are able to change your GEI marketer up until that date.

Feel free to contact one of our team members to talk about your marketing options.

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We were proud sponsors of the Tractor Pull Championship held at the Ingham Show

Proserpine Grower Marketing Consultant Shirley Norris with the Valmadre family who placed second in the Young Farmers section at the Proserpine Show

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Thousands of young people will get a taste of democracy when they head back to the ballot box this week for the Mackay Youth Council election, building on the success of last year’s inaugural election.
Voters will head to local high schools and community spaces to elect 12 representatives from 21 candidates to the second Mackay Youth Council.
Young people aged 11-17 (inclusive) are eligible to vote for the candidates running in the region they live or spend the most time in. Voting will be optional preferential, mirroring state and federal elections to provide a comprehensive voting experience for young voters.
This is the second election for the Mackay Youth Council, which was voted in in last year’s inaugural election. That election saw over 1400 young people vote across the region for their initial crop of Youth Councillors, as the first region in the Young Mayors Program, a pilot program being delivered by the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) in partnership with Local Councils in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
The pilot has seen over 7000 young people participate in democratic elections in its first year. The pilot program aims to get young people more involved in civic life and local decision-making.
Mackay’s inaugural Youth Council identified youth mental health as a priority and organised a series of free youth mental health first aid workshops for the community. They also explored creating more “third spaces” for young people in the community, including working with the Mackay Regional Council Library network to increase youth engagement of their services.
Mayor Greg Williamson said council had been proud to see what was achieved by the first group of Youth Councillors.
“Council is excited to see what this next term in office holds,” Mayor Williamson said.
“At the ‘Meet the Candidates’ event this month, we heard directly from candidates who had a range of tremendous ideas and policies that could ensure the Mackay region continues to support and retain young people,” he said.
“It’s fantastic that the young people of Mackay have a platform for actively engaging with and helping to solve issues that are affecting their communities.”
Candidates have had access to free media training, workshops on being an elected representative and campaigning workshops, marketing tutorials and campaign materials and more.
The program will back young people to learn about and participate in the systems that govern their lives, and influence decisions that impact their community.
FYA’s Executive Director of Young Mayors, Tahlia Azaria, said a youth council ensures local government decisions reflect the desires of young people.
“Local governments play a huge role in the everyday lives of people in our communities, and that includes young people. But young people are often locked out of power – consulted but never in charge,” she said.
“This program puts young people in the driver’s seat - ensuring that council policies and programs better reflect the concerns, needs and desires of local young people.”
The Young Mayors pilot program has been designed by FYA and is based on successful UK models.
For more information about the Young Mayors program, visit: https://www.fya.org.au/program/young-mayors/

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It’s time to dust off your bikes and scooters; construction on Woodlands Track in Andergrove is now complete.

The new 300-metre multipurpose active track has been designed for all ages and a variety of wheeled devices including bikes, scooters, skateboards and more.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Woodlands Track would be the ideal spot for exercise and family outings.

“The track’s thoughtful design ensures it is a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone, from young children to adults,” Mayor Williamson said. 

“Featuring a variety of different sized slopes and valleys, the track caters to parents wanting to teach their children how to ride a bike or adults and older children who want to try something more adventurous like scootering, skateboarding or rollerblading,” he said.

“Council is committed to improving the liveability of the region and we have been focussing on enhancing local recreational facilities that promote healthy living and active lifestyles in our region.
“Projects like the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails, Seaforth Esplanade Redevelopment and Woodlands Track reflect this commitment.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the Queensland Government was proud to invest in regional communities through the $1.1 billion Works for Queensland program.

“We’ve already seen the benefits the Works for Queensland program is delivering for local economies, tradies and families right across the Mackay region,” Ms Gilbert said.

"I look forward to seeing the lasting benefits this project will deliver for the local community," she said.
Woodlands Track is part of the second phase of stage one’s Woodlands District Park project, along with new public toilets (opening soon). Landscaping is also included as part phase two, and these works are due to be completed in September, weather permitting. 

The first phase of this project involved drainage improvements, construction of connecting paths, barbecue facilities and lighting, which were completed in March.

The next phase will involve the installation of an all-abilities playground, with the design stage already underway.

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program in association with Mackay Regional Council.

Visit connectingmackay.com.au/woodlands to learn more about Woodlands District Park and subscribe to project updates.

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Gabby Hoffmann tests out Woodlands Track on her bike

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If the Mackay real estate market were by itself at a school dance or sitting solo at a busy bar, there would be a line-up of suitors asking for a dance or offering to buy drinks.
Mackay Market would be dressed nicely, nothing flashy or ostentatious, and would not be part of the boisterous “in-crowd” that likes being the centre of attention.
But the conga line of admirers would be dizzy with delight at the very sight of this attractive, although slightly distant beauty.
The admirers would be swept off their feet by something so alluring yet strangely accessible.
They would compare the situation in other bars they have been to … those expensive ones in Sydney and Melbourne that are full of pretentious, stuck-up types who wouldn’t give you the time of day.
“No, Mackay Market is different to the others. I don’t have to be a millionaire to get noticed. And Mackay Market seems available, open to offers,” they would observe.
For a southern real estate investor, the Mackay real estate market is all those things: attractive, geographically distant, alluring, accessible and available.
The key driver is the price of real estate and the rental returns.
There are other factors that are important and are definitely part of the equation for southern investors: low rental vacancies, relatively high average incomes, low unemployment, lots of work opportunities, a good standard of health, education and sporting facilities and the outdoor lifestyle that attracts and keeps people here.
Demand and supply is, as always, a key factor. Mackay has an under-supply of properties and an over-supply of buyers and renters.
But once all those boxes are ticked for investors, the one biggie is rental yield; the return on investment. The simple question for investors is: How much does it cost and how much rent do I get?
I have a client who has a property in a large city down south. The house is worth $1.1-$1.2 million. She gets $650 a week rent … and that’s after a recent increase.
In Mackay, you would expect to get that same amount of rent, $650 a week, for a property worth about $500,000. So, the same rent for less than half the purchase price.
If an investor buys a Mackay property for $500,000 and rents it out for $650 a week, the gross yield is 6.76 per cent. The net yield, with costs for rates and insurance included in the calculation, is about 5.2 per cent depending on those costs.
A recent assessment of rental yields across the country came in with a gross average yield of 3.5 per cent to 4.5 per cent and a net yield of 1.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent. Sydney’s gross rental yield is about 2.6 per cent and Melbourne’s is about 2.95 per cent.
I know none of this will bring comfort to local buyers who are finding it increasingly difficult to get into the market but, rather than trying to rub it in, I am seeking to explain what is happening and help local buyers plan their buying strategy.
But locals should remember we are still priced well below the national median price. Instead of having to come up with well over $800,000 around the nation, in Mackay the median is around $500,000.
And first home buyers should bear in mind that a unit is a lot cheaper than that. You can still buy a decent two-bedroom unit for the high-$200,000s to mid-$300,000s depending on the location and features. That’s an affordable way of breaking into the Mackay market that is definitely not available in other big-city markets.
Uh oh, someone’s over in the corner flirting with Mackay Market again.

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