DON’T DRIVE ON DUNES AND BEACHES

The seaward side of the coastal track along Harbour Beach to East Point is a no-go zone for vehicles and motorbikes in a bid to protect this environmentally sensitive stretch of coastline.

Mackay Regional Council last week launched a public education campaign asking users of this area to not drive on the coastal dunes or beach.

The plea is to help protect sea turtles and hatchlings during the nesting season, which began this month and runs through to March, as well as shore birds, which nest along the coastal dunes.

The campaign features educational signage onsite, as well as regulatory signage, and offenders will be fined.

Mayor Greg Williamson said public education was the immediate aim of the campaign and stakeholders were hopeful users of the area would cooperate.

“We are not wanting to start fining people from day one, but we will have signage in place and will begin fining offenders if motorists and motorbike riders don’t cooperate,’’ he said.

“That will include surveillance cameras to identify any offenders so Penalty Infringement Notices (PINS) of $774 can be issued by our Local Laws Officers if needed.

“There will also be an increase in patrols in this area, including with the assistance of Queensland Police Service.”

Mackay and District Turtle Watch Association president Steve Fisher said Harbour Beach was a significant site for turtle nesting.

He said that during the 2022-2023 sea turtle nesting season, there were 34 turtle nests along this stretch of beach, with 1610 eggs laid.

“Sea turtle populations require nesting success of more than 80 per cent to be sustainable.

“There was a 96 per cent nesting success on Harbour Beach, with 1560 hatchlings emerging from the nests, although this does not mean that all of those made it to the ocean.”

Mr Fisher said turtles could be disturbed by vehicles, causing them to return to the ocean and not nest.

He said turtle hatchlings on the beach making their way to the ocean could get run over or stuck in wheel ruts.

Mr Fisher said Harbour Beach was extremely important for turtle nesting.

“The entire East Point ecosystem is important. As adjacent beaches are impacted by development and climate change this area can remain an island ark into the future.”

Mackay Birdlife president John Morris said every year Mackay was the home of 14 species of shorebirds that flew all the way from Siberia and Alaska to spend summer on our beautiful beaches.

“In autumn, they turn around and go all the way back to the top of the world to breed,’’ Mr Morris said.

“They need to feed up after their long journey and fatten up before their return. If they are constantly disturbed, they can’t eat enough and won’t make it back on that long journey.”

Mr Morris said there were also four species of shorebird that lived here all year round and had their nests in the sand dunes.

“Don’t drive on beaches – that’s where they feed,’’ he said.

“Don’t drive on dunes – that’s where they roost, rest and recuperate.

“Don’t drive on dunes – that’s where they nest.

“And keep your dog on a leash and away from the shorebirds.

“Shorebird numbers are declining. Let’s make sure they stay around.”

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At the launch of the campaign at Harbour Beach are (from left) Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, Birdlife Mackay's John Morris (president) and Ian and Mary Cruickshank and Mackay and District Turtle Watch's Fay Griffin and Steve Fisher (president). They are displaying some of the signage that will be erected along the coastal track south to East Point

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The Shitbox Rally Spring Event for 2023 has screeched to a halt after a monumental trek for teams across the countryside between Port Douglas and Adelaide from 13th to 21st October.

With a chance to speak to two of Mackay’s attending teams, Leketek Mackay and Not Lost – Just Looking, we discover the trials and tribulations as well as the achievements and good times that were had on the journey.  

Chris Leeson and Ryan Haynes from team Leketek Mackay drove a Holden Commodore Omega 2009, raising $12,285.

Team Leketek Mackay were thrilled to have ‘an amazing experience with a mix of great people’, commenting on the beauty of the backdrop and well-organised logistics behind the event.

“We both have had people close be affected by cancer, so it was about trying to do our part, no matter how small it seemed to help.

“The fact that the money raised goes towards cancer research was the main factor, the chance to see some of the country that we wouldn’t normally see was an added bonus.

“The mateship of the people within our group was pretty cool, [we went] from not knowing anyone to pretty much being a big family by the end.” Team Leketek stated.

Leketek faced electrical issues throughout the Shitbox Rally, holding up their buddy group. However, they managed to work through the troubles and cruise onwards to see family and friends awaiting their arrival at the finish line.

Jo-Ann Clout and Warren Ponmoon of Not Lost – Just Looking, drove a Holden Commodore wagon and raised $14,012.

Jo-Ann is a well-seasoned Shitbox Rally goer, this being her fourth time attending the event. Her and Warren were lucky to have avoided any issues with their vehicle on the arduous journey.

Jo-Ann stated, “This was an incredible experience travelling through places I would never go, seeing the different landscapes. The ocean, rainforest, desert, mountains…all in the space of a week.

“But it’s the people you meet that really make this event special. Some become life-long friends while others are an inspiration in what they’ve overcome.”

Jo-Ann’s favourite moments were catching up with past rally buddies and blasting through a huge mud puddle and spraying water everywhere.

Jo-Ann’s teammate, Warren Ponmoon said his first Shitbox Rally experience was ‘like no other’, although having to get used to lining up for everything from food to showers to fuel, has a newfound love for the cause as well as new lifetime friendships.

Warren was inspired by Jo-Ann, stating, “My now best friend, I saw how inspired and excited she was doing this great cause, [so] I had to give it a bash!”

So far, the Spring 2023 event has raised a total of $2,361,876 for the Cancer Council, a tremendous effort from all involved.

Visit shitboxrally.com.au for more information.

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Leketek Mackay set up camp under a gorgeous sunset

Not Lost – Just Looking parked outside Mungerannie Hotel

Photos supplied

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Banksia Scout Amy Harlow is the first recipient in the Hibiscus Coast District to receive the Australian Scout Award (ASA), with the award also the first ASA presented in the Central Coast Region.

Amy first joined as a Scout at Mackay City Central Group in April 2019, before moving to Banksia Scout Group in May 2022. It was then that she made the decision that she was determined to achieve the Australian Scout Award.

Over the next nine months, Amy focused on the Outdoor Adventure Skills which comprised of skills in Campcraft, Bushcraft and Bushwalking. Lastly, she concentrated on achieving the required tasks in the Special Interest Areas, which are optional for youth to explore new interests and are encouraged to achieve a high standard. These areas include Innovation and STEM, Growth and Development, Creating a Better World, Environment, Adventure/Sport, and Arts and Literature.

Amy was required to complete her Stage 5 in Bushcraft, Bushwalking and Camping, achieve a minimum of ten advancements in Outdoor Adventure Skills areas, complete six Special Interest Awards, complete Milestone 3 (requiring youth to lead four activities), she also was required to attend a Leadership Course and an Adventurous Journey.

For her Adventurous Journey, Amy planned and led a group on a three-day, two-night hike through Eungella visiting the diggings and Crediton.

Amy said it was an amazing hike and everyone enjoyed it and made unforgettable memories and stronger bonds with each other. It is the friendships she has made that she has found most rewarding from her time as a Scout.

The Australian Scout Award was presented at a special ceremony in Rowallan Park, attended by Region Commissioner Dougal McWhinney and District Commissioner Katrina Hoare, as well as Amy’s parents, youth members and leaders from the Banksia Group and the Mackay Rover Scouts.

Amy chose Scout Leader Joanne Hamilton (Rikki) to present her with the ASA Badge, as she was instrumental in guiding her along her scouting journey. Rover Scout Matthew Vella (Minke) on behalf of the Scout Unit, presented Amy with a gift on achieving this auspicious award.

Amy thanked her leaders and her parents for the assistance and encouragement leading to her achievement, and she has now advanced to the Venturer Scout Section and is continuing to make strides in her progression.

Contributed by Mary Wallace

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Amy Harlow with her parents

Amy Harlow with the leaders who have helped her along her journey in scouting

Photos supplied

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Mackay’s rugby league legend, with a lifetime of rich sporting history

The 24th of October was the one-year anniversary of the passing of Paul Wright, a pioneering legend in the Mackay rugby league community.

A week before Mr Wright passed away, he had finished writing his memoir detailing his rich background and commitments with the local rugby league community.  

Paul Wright had his first open heart surgery in 2007 and was told by his son, Dane: “Dad, I don’t know that much about you.”

This inspired him to write a short history of his life for his family, before he went in for his first valve replacement operation. Paul realised in the process of his writings, that rugby league had been and still was a massive part of his life.

Over two years of painstaking research went into Paul’s memoir, including two trips to Biloela and Moura to search through newspaper archives and many hours of searching the Daily Mercury archives to finalise his piece.

Paul discovered he had been involved in rugby league in some way, every year since he first played for Salisbury State High School in 1958, some 64 years ago at the time of his writings.

Paul’s accomplishments in the field include coaching thirty-six different Sarina Junior league teams and eight Sarina Senior Rugby League teams.

This year, to recognise his contributions, both Sarina Junior Rugby League and Sarina Senior Rugby League named their coaching awards the ‘Paul Wright Coach of The Year’.

President of Sarina Junior Rugby League Gary Dickson and Vice President of Sarina Rugby League Matt Simpson were both formerly coached by the late Paul Wright, and were the masterminds behind honouring his namesake for the awards.

You can access Paul Wright’s full memoir online at: tinyurl.com/39tus9mt

Or visit his Facebook page in memoriam: facebook.com/groups/290612458740763

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Paul Wright (right) and Wendell Sailor, who Paul had a lot to do with as a young squash player in Sarina.

Paul Wright coaching the East Coast ‘F Troop’ in 1978

Paul Wright (far left) coaching Rueben Cotter in 2011

Paul Wright (front, second from left) played for Southern Suburbs in 1965 (Now the Souths Sharks Mackay)

Photos supplied by Paul’s son, Liam Wright

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The National Farmers' Federation, in collaboration with CANEGROWERS, is urging the Federal Government to halt free trade negotiations with the European Union, emphasising the importance of avoiding unfavourable deals that could adversely impact Australian farmers.

Federal Trade Minister Don Farrell will meet with his EU counterpart in Japan later this week, to discuss and possibly even agree to a free trade deal.

However, there appears to be little of value to agriculture on the table, with CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens warning that “the current proposal could leave Australian farmers disadvantaged for at least a generation”.

“We haven’t seen a final offer from the Europeans, but if whispers out of Canberra are to be believed, meaningful tariff-free access for agricultural produce is a long way off,” Mr Menkens said.

According to recent media reports, the tariff-free sugar quota being offered by the EU does not provide commercially meaningful access for Australian exporters.

“Contrast this with the recently signed AUS-UK Free Trade Agreement and the difference couldn’t be more apparent,” Mr Menkens said.

“The Australian Government was successful in negotiating a deal with the UK that provided tariff free access for 80,000 tonnes of sugar in the first year, increasing by 20,000 tonnes per year for eight years, at which time all quotas and tariffs on Australian sugar would be lifted.”  

Mr Menkens said the EU needs sugar.

“They regularly import two million tonnes of raw sugar per year to meet their domestic demand. And European sugar refiners are crying out for access to the type of high quality, sustainably produced sugar we produce here in Australia.

“However, the EU seems unwilling to offer meaningful access that would benefit both the Australian and the European economies.  

“Our position is consistent with the National Farmers' Federation and all other agricultural industries. If the offer on the table does not improve, the Australian Government should step away from negotiations and continue discussions at another time.”

Mr Menkens said that the trade minister Farrell and the Australian negotiators have been working night and day on this agreement.

“Now is not the time to agree to a deal that Europe wants but actually sends Australian agricultural exports backwards.”

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Following up from State Emergency Service – Mackay Regional Unit’s informative video, read ahead for some handy tips in preparing your yard against potential damages when strong wind gusts blow through your property.

Things you may need:

- Star pickets or solid stakes

- Ropes/Straps

- Garden shed or storage area

Tie down and secure bulky items such as trampolines, patio furniture, barbeques and washing lines.

Store smaller items in areas such as a garden shed, carport or other suitable storage facility with a strong foundation.

These items can include pot plants, rubbish bins, kids toys, dog houses, shade sails and other miscellaneous items, such as hoses and gardening tools.

Ensure to clean out your gutters on a regular cycle, at least every few months to avoid leaks and potential electrical damage during a natural disaster event, which can lead to awaiting maintenance and costly repairs.

Cut down overhanging branches, as they can snap off and be a dangerous flying hazard for your property and surroundings. Branches have potential to cause damage to power lines which leads to outages and electrical fires.  

It is also important to ensure any pathways on your property are clear and safe for water flow that is caused by a storm. If the paths are blocked, and water flow is diverted from its intended path, it can cause flood damage to your property.

For more information on preparing for storm season, visit facebook.com/mackaySES or mackay.qld.gov.au

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Don’t be this guy! – Prepare and prevent for storm season

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The Australian Government has developed a national approach to information and warnings for hazards like bushfire, flood, storm, cyclone, extreme heat and severe weather.

The Australian Warning System (AWS) means the way the incidents are displayed during a possible or active emergency situation has changed.

The AWS provides consistent warnings, with the same alert levels across all natural disasters, so people know what to do when they see a warning level.

A warning provides point-in-time information about a hazard that is impacting or is expected to impact communities. It describes the impact and expected consequences for communities and includes advice on what people should do.

Every warning will have an icon that tells you what the hazard is, and the warning level and colour tells you what the danger level is.

There are three warning levels:

· Advice (yellow): An incident has started. There is no immediate danger. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.

· Watch and Act (Orange): There is a heightened level of threat. Conditions are change and you need to start taking action now.

· Emergency Warning (Red): An Emergency Warning is the highest level of warning. You may be in danger and need to take action immediately. Any delay now puts your life at risk.

For more information go to www.qfes.qld.gov.au/aws

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With hot and dry weather conditions headed our way, a total fire ban has been established in the Mackay region. Queensland have been recently inundated with rural bushfires, with another occurring on our doorstep.

Sharon Black, a landowner on Rutlands Road in Kuttabul, has had over ninety percent of her property burnt by what she said started as a small backyard fire four properties away.

With a permit for Hazard and Debris Removal the week before the incident, Ms Black completed a successful burn of a few acres around her hill to protect her house pad.

This was the last burn she permitted, noticing the changing weather conditions.

In short, the days leading up to the catastrophe, the weather was not in favour of any small fires to be left unattended.

On 24th October at 11am, Ms Black received calls from her neighbours urging her to secure her horses as there was a bushfire heading towards her property.

It is speculated that the fire started from an unattended rubbish burn off, which jumped to the surrounding bushland. Ms Black said that eight properties were compromised as a result of the incident.

Now with fallen trees across fence lines and no food for their horses or assistance to feed them, the situation is still ongoing with small fires happening up to five days after the initial incident.

Ms Black is fed up with what she described as “complacent neighbours who have not prepared themselves for rural bushfire season,” in turn allowing destruction across the street to wipe out vegetation on her land.

She stated that neighbours have repeatedly ignored fire safety warnings and disregarded preventative measures to safeguard properties, leading to an unnecessary bushfire.

The Rural Fire Service stated that although rural fire preparation is vital, homeowners are not legally obligated to adhere to precautions.

This fact has left the community weary that another bushfire could be imminent.  

“It led to our direct neighbour being without a shed.

“It blew up the day after as they left their property unattended and the fire crept to it igniting what we have been told was old ammunition.” Ms Black stated.

Sharon is trying to start a build in accordance with all new building codes due to her house site location, yet existing properties in neighbouring areas are not regulated. Concerns have been raised that carelessness could impact their properties' livelihood directly for a second time.

“It’s up to the home owner to maintain their property, making sure it still complies or their insurance is compromised.

“However, older homes in such locations are not aware of new changes and therefore are not only at higher risk of insurance claims, but increase the risk of neighbours losing their livelihood through no fault of their own,” She said.

Ms Black and her partner have worked hard to install fire breaks and commit to burn-offs in segments of their property block to avoid and reduce danger, as well as aid rural fire staff in conditions like Tuesday’s event.

Through follow-up monitoring, the pair saved two vehicles that were only metres from being burnt out due to an outbreak on the following Wednesday.

“Should the same action had been done, next door would not have had their shed explode,” she said.

“Insurance companies should not have to pay for people’s ignorance, this is why our prices are so high.

“To be such forward planning, prevention-minded people, it feels in vain if our neighbours are the opposite.

“I’m very angry that our neighbours along Yakapari-Seaforth Rd ignored such advice.” She stated.

Ms Black would like to see people who are prepared for these disasters be rewarded with cheaper insurance premiums.

Residents are always encouraged to follow fire safety protocols in the lead up to bushfire season, you can find more information to stay alert and prepared at www.qfes.qld.gov.au or www.mackay.qld.gov.au

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The Aquaculture and Agriculture Tech Skills Hub was switched live last week, with a focus on stimulating and supporting our local agricultural industry sector now, and into the future.

The virtual portal is intended for agricultural technology developers and users to access learning products to advance agricultural technology skills.

The Hub is jointly funded by the Australian Government (under the Regional Recovery Partnerships), Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) and Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays (RDA GW).

The Hub is delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government under the VET Emerging Industries initiative, TAFE Queensland, and CQUniversity Australia – offering over micro-credentials, accredited skillsets and a nationally recognised Certificate II qualification in autonomous agriculture equipment use.

RDA GW CEO Robert Cocco said that the Hub is a “local portal to connect people with agricultural skills, knowledge and information from across Australia, based on regional needs”.

"This project has showcased the benefits of when you enhance people’s ability to utilise technology in the workplace,” Mr Cocco said.

“Instead of fearing technology, the skills learned highlight how technology and its use can not only increase workplace productivity but at the same time make work more interesting, enjoyable, and rewarding."

Executive Director Education and Training, for TAFE Queensland (South West region) Tom Rowe said that the Hub “gives us an opportunity to work with industry and employers to deliver a range of flexible skilling solutions to ensure employment outcomes for aquaculture and agriculture jobs of the future”.

To further supplement agricultural technology skill advancement, TAFE Queensland have also created enhanced learning environments where students can effectively learn remotely, while using technology to participate in a simulated learning space for better engagement and retention.

For more information, visit the Aquaculture and Agriculture Tech Skills Hub at https://tafeqld.edu.au/agtech-skills-hub.

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Robert Cocco, RDA GW Chief Executive Officer

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Emergency response capabilities were put to the test as eight highly-skilled mines rescue teams proved their mettle in a national competition at Moranbah North Mine last month.

Anglo American teams from Grosvenor and Moranbah North mines won first and second place respectively at the 59th annual Australian Underground Coal Mines Rescue competition after a gruelling day. South 32’s Dendrobium Blue from Wollongong NSW came in third.

The day’s format included underground and surface simulation exercises to demonstrate knowledge and the use of equipment in realistic scenarios, including exercises to test hazard awareness, underground search and rescue, first aid and firefighting. The simulated real-life scenarios included longwall rock falls, grinder and crush injuries, drift fires and even snake bites.

Queensland Mines Rescue Service, General Manager, Ray Smith, said the competition provided an opportunity for teams to respond to simulations of real-life emergency situations and demonstrate agility and teamwork.

“The annual competitions challenge the proficiency of brigade members’ emergency response and recovery techniques,” he said.

“They get confidence and understand their limitations, especially around firefighting and patient care.

“That heightened awareness definitely gives them something else they take back to their coal mine; confident they can deal with any sort of situation.

“We want to see every coal mine worker go back home safely, so events like these allow the brigades to test and hone their skills in preparation for the unfortunate circumstance where they may be called upon.

“With their skills, experience and teamwork they will, at the end of the competition, be a much better team.”

Moranbah North Mine General Manager Paul Green said these competitions provided an invaluable opportunity to enhance skills and training.

“It's about having a very capable skill set of people with the readiness to deploy and save lives,” he said.

“It's important for us to have these skills in the industry as safety is paramount.

“This becomes vitally important when we provide our services to other mines when we need to help them out from time to time.”

Mr Green said the friendly rivalry between the sister mines added a unique dimension to this national competition for him but commended all teams on their grit in physically and mentally demanding state competitions to get there.

Grosvenor team captain Boyd Buschmann said he thought the state competition at Carborough Downs was the toughest competition his team had encountered but Moranbah North had put on a challenging event too.

“Carborough Downs was very technical and probably pushed us to places we hadn't been before. Today was more physical but the team soldiered on and persevered,” he said.

Thanking all competitors, volunteers and families at a dinner after the event, Moranbah North Mine captain Scott Ryan said there would not be a competition without families supporting each of the teams through their training.

Competing for Queensland were Anglo American’s mines near Moranbah, Grosvenor mine and Moranbah North mine, as well as BMA-owned Broadmeadow mine and Kestrel mine – all in the Bowen Basin. Teams from Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Southern and Western Mines Rescue represented NSW.

The Grosvenor and Moranbah North teams are expected to be invited to an international competition in Colombia in 2024.

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Moranbah North Mines Rescue captain Scott Ryan and Grosvenor Mines Rescue captain Boyd Buschmann

Anglo American's Grosvenor mines rescue team won the 2023 Australian Underground Coal Mines Rescue competition

Anglo American's Moranbah North mines rescue team came runner-up

Mines rescue teams in action for the 2023 Australian Underground Coal Mines Rescue comp

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OPINION PIECE

At the time of writing, it’s Halloween and it’s a hot day, so any choccy’s are going to melt fast.

Anyway, there are more Halloween Houses around than ever, decorations on the trees and letter boxes out the front of houses; I think it looks great.

At schools, there’ll be excited kids everywhere who are going out trick or treating. They’ll eat too many lollies and when Mum and Dad tell them later to go to bed, they’ll be on such a sugar high they won’t fall asleep until December.

Aside from where Halloween came from, the background going back a long time as a Celtic festival, the line you hear a lot from people is that: ‘It’s just something from America, we’re too Americanised’.

I’ll be honest, I just don’t get that statement.

To a degree, you’re right if you’re saying that in reference to pumpkins and the like which we see on US TV.

But here’s my problem with it, don’t be picky and choosy with your “It’s too American”, especially some people that I’ve met who HATE Halloween with a passion … but they love bourbon and coke!

You can’t sit inside your home being all grumpy about the kids in the street trick or treating, while you’re watching your favourite series streamed on Netflix, having a coke or hoovering down some fast food. ‘Cos, Halloween is all too American.

A week or so ago while doing the 7 News Street Talk segment, 100 per cent truthful, a lady told me she was against Halloween because it was too American – and she was drinking a can of Coke.

Now I will say this, if you don’t like trick or treaters because you’re a shift worker, your front light is off and they’re still knocking, then I’m on your side. You deserve sleep.

Scotty

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OPINION PIECE

I wrote a column last week about now being a great time to sell and since reading that, people have asked me what time frames are best for sellers who can’t be on the market right now but do want to sell soon.

As a seller, it is important to be conscious of what is in a buyer’s head to ensure you are maximizing any leverage you might have.

If you are on the market now you have the opportunity to go under contract and, with a 35-day settlement period, hand over the keys before Christmas. Happy days for buyers who want to be in a house before Christmas.

But great opportunities are still there for sellers to get leverage from other important buyer considerations.

Sellers who list their property in the next three or four weeks have the opportunity to get their property under contract before Christmas and to settle in the new year.

Plenty of buyers are happy to get a property under contract between now and Christmas but not move in until late January.

But what is the situation for sellers who aren’t ready to go on the market before Christmas?

Well, one ship has sailed but a new one is pulling in. That one is full of all the buyers who will be desperate to buy in January. They will want to get through the Christmas/New Year madness and get serious in January.

Many of those January buyers will want to have something under contract before Australia Day, before the school year starts and before the working year really gets underway. It can be a great time to sell real estate.

I think that if you plan to sell in January you should, ideally,  be ready to go for an open house on Saturday the 13th of January.

I tell my sellers that there are two options. The first is to get your property ready in December so I can arrange the listing documents and photos and do the write-up before the Christmas break so that everything is ready to go in the second week of January. When I am back at work I hit the button and we are on the market.

Alternatively, the cleaning up, decluttering, maintenance work etc can be done through December and over the Christmas/New Year period and I can arrange for photos early in the New Year. We can still be on the market and ready for an open house on the 13th of January.

The important thing is to work out what needs to be done to prepare the property, have a strategy for doing it and have a clear time-line in place so you can maximise the opportunity in the New Year.

If you are interested in exploring the options, give me a call and we can have a chat about what might work best for you.

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OPINION PIECE

Thirty years ago, I had a young officer in the Airforce who was both loved and respected by all of us under his command.

He rode his motorbike with us “enlisted” airmen on the weekends. He called us by our nicknames, and we called him by his. But on base he called us by our last names, and we called him “Sir”.

If we did something unsafe or were late for work more than once, he would give us a fair dinkum warning or we would be charged. We didn’t want to let him down because we knew that he would never let us down.

He once told me that leadership was hard but simple – all you must do is “empower your people and recognise their efforts”.

Fifteen years later, I was struggling with my own leadership journey as the newly appointed State Emergency Service (SES) Local Controller. I didn’t feel supported in my role or like anyone was there to help us.

I asked respected local leader Major Frank Marchetti for advice about the leadership void we were working in.

He said, “Well, if nobody is doing anything, somebody must do something. In the absence of leadership, take the lead.”

This advice got me into so much trouble, but it got so much done for our volunteers and our communities.

Over a decade ago, I appointed Jo-Ann Clout as Mackay SES Group Leader. Leadership is hard, but I never expected the load that Jo-Ann would have to carry for so long.

No plan goes to plan, but Jo-Ann’s tenure as Group Leader was certainly not standard – cyclones, floods, fires and changes in leadership. In 2018 Jo-Ann stood down temporarily and we immediately asked her to stand back up and “hold the fort”.

We were having coffee one day a couple of years ago, I think I was attempting to apologise for throwing her under such a large bus. She responded by saying “Well, as you said, in the absence of leadership, take the lead.”

At times this approach got Jo-Ann into the same trouble it did me, but she got so much done for our volunteers and communities. Jo-Ann carried a heavy load, she empowered her volunteers, recognised their efforts and led when no one else could.

Jo-Ann is stepping down and new Group Leader Warren will do great. He knows what great leadership is, because he follows a great example of it.

Cr Justin Englert

Mackay Regional Council

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Jo-Ann Clout, former Mackay SES Group Leader

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Melbourne Cup falls on Tuesday, 7th November. With a range of events planned around the city, you can enjoy a delicious meal, live music and entertainment all while supporting your favourite local establishments.

All venues are offering a chance to watch the Melbourne Cup 2023 on the big screen, some with on-site TAB facilities.

Don’t miss out on a day of sheer elegance and excitement – with the race that stops the nation!

Souths Leagues Club

From 10am.

The Milton Room Luncheon - $15 per person

In the Club – FREE entry

Book tickets at trybooking.com

Harrup Park

From 11am.

With two options, the Reef Room - Hosted by Kaley Baker from Star FM which includes a two-hour beer and wine package, as well as assorted canapes, fork dishes and sweets

$150 per person

Or the Garden Bar, with finger food, fashion on the floor and the largest viewing screen in Mackay

$20 per person

Tickets at eventbrite.com.au

Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club

From 11am

Buffet, live music and entertainment

$95 per person

Tickets at eventbrite.com.au

Seabreeze Hotel

From 11am

$49 Meal Package available, indulge in a 2-course meal specially crafted for the occasion

Bookings are essential, contact (07) 4955 1644

The Metropolitan Hotel

From 11am

Table bookings essential, visit the themetmackay.com.au to book in

Boomerang Hotel

From 11:30am

Two-course lunch, live music and entertainment

$60 per person

Tickets available at sevenrooms.com

The Dispensary

From 12pm

Restaurant & Dining Room - $150 per person – Two-course banquet lunch and two hours of bottomless mimosa’s and bellini’s

Dispensary Bar - $65 per person - Street food lunch, cocktail style event

Tickets online

Sails Sports Bar

From 12pm

On-site TAB, food and drinks, prizes and sweeps

$55.00 per person

Call (07) 4955 5788 to book

Hibiki Bar and Karaoke

From 1pm

$80 per person

Two hours of bottomless canapés, cocktails, wine and schooners

Tickets online

Visit eventsonthehorizon.com for a detailed summary of events and information.

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Bush Heli Services

Bush Heli Services took home the silver for the ‘Tour and Transport Operators’ category in the Mackay Isaac Regional Tourism Awards for 2023.

Bush Heli Services was established in Clermont back in 2011 by Jamie and Mardi Bush. With Jamie as the sole pilot operator, the main aim for the duo has been to provide quality aerial work services in the safest, most efficient manner to the agricultural, mining and charter-flight industries.

The business started by offering an aerial livestock mustering service, over the years expanding to offer charter flights and transfers, fire and flooding support services, photography and videography, aerial water bombing, powerline inspections and everything else in between.

Now, Bush Heli Services have a team of eight staff and are continuously growing, purchasing larger helicopters which are more suitable for a wider scope of services.

They have taken a daring leap into the tourism industry, now offering scenic flights and picnic packages to intimate and secluded spots around the Isaac Region.  

Commenting on their recent silver award win, Co-owner and Operator of Bush Heli Services Mardi Bush stated, “It was definitely exciting, as we have put so much into promoting the tourism side of the business for the last twelve months.

“I feel it gives everyone that bit of extra drive to do even more coming into the 2024 season.

“It’s a great feeling to be recognized for all the hard work that the whole business and staff has put in over the last 12 months to get Bush Heli to this point.”

Bush Heli Services are proud to offer unique tours and experiences, giving both locals and holiday makers the ability to recognise the true beauty of the Isaac Region in a way no one has been able to observe before.

These packages include scenic birds-eye view helicopter flights over unique parts of the region, with flight times ranging from ten minutes up to an hour depending on the package.

Important highlights of the tours can include the Historic Township of Clermont, Lord's Table Mountain, Wolfang Peak, Mount Donald and Clermont's Open Cut Mine.

Bush Heli Services are proud to have secured the option to land on top of Lord’s Table Mountain, where you can stop to enjoy a private picnic and take in the beautiful landscape.

This milestone has taken two years with the issue of obtaining permits and now the tour is finally in action.

In the past year, this opportunity had come to light as well as launching a private setting for waterfront viewings of the Theresa Creek Dam, which is only accessible by helicopter. Bush Heli Services also offer unique packages for graduations, proposals, weddings, the list goes on.

To get in touch with Bush Heli Services for a helicopter tour or to access their wide range of services to various industries, go to bushheli.com

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Owners of Bush Heli Services, Mardi and Jamie Bush with daughter Harriet

Enjoy a private picnic at Lord’s Table Mountain

Access a range of helicopter tours in the Isaac Region

Mardi and Jamie accepting the silver award in the Tour and Transport Operators category at the Mackay Isaac Regional Tourism Awards

Photos supplied

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