Mater Private Hospital Mackay obstetrician and gynaecologist Ritu Rana has conducted the first robotic-assisted hysterectomy in Mackay, using the state-of-the-art da Vinci X robotic system.

Dr Rana is the only obstetrician and gynaecologist in Mackay credentialled to use the da Vinci X, meaning local women need no longer travel to Townsville or further afield to access the system. She said the advantages of using the robot for surgery would make a real difference to the lives of Central Queensland women.

“It operates within the abdominal cavity via a small incision and has the ability to pivot 360 degrees,” Dr Rana said.

“So, you don’t get the large incisions and extensive recovery times associated with traditional surgery.

“The robot is also better for patients than a routine laparoscopy, where you move surgical instruments with a handle outside the abdomen, causing the stomach muscles to spread, increasing post-operative pain.

The da Vinci X provides more precision, less post-operative pain, faster recovery and less blood loss.

“It was really the only choice for a case this difficult,” she said.

“For surgeons, robotic surgery gives greater satisfaction as far as patient outcomes are concerned, which is our primary goal with any operation.”

Local woman Jodie Gilbert was the first person in Mackay operated on using the da Vinci X for gynaecological surgery.

“Jodie has a history of fibroids and endometriosis, so she was dealing with a lot of pain and excessive bleeding for most of her adult life,” Dr Rana said.

“Also, her left ovary had attached to the bowel, adding to the case’s complexity.

“The incredible surgical precision of the technology combined with its high level of visual detail allowed us to navigate the bowel issue while leaving her right ovary intact, avoiding early menopause.”

Ms Gilbert said beyond the normal problems associated with fibroids and endometriosis, she also suffered with chronic back pain for years, not knowing it was due to her ovary and bowel fusing.

“I put up with the pain thinking it was one thing, not knowing it was something more complicated and dangerous,” she said.

“A hysterectomy is a big decision, but it’s one I should have made earlier. I put it off due to recovery time and the impact it would have on me returning to work and looking after my sister, who was ill at that time.

“With Dr Rana using the robot, I came out of surgery, the back pain was gone, and I left hospital the next day.

“When people understand robot-assisted surgery gives you a better recovery time and lower costs thanks to a shorter hospital stay, it’ll be very popular.”

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Doctor Ritu Rana with the da Vinci system at Mater Private Hospital

Photo supplied

All sections of Scouting in the Hibiscus Coast District were involved in the 66th Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) and the 27 Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI) which is an annual event held for scouting and guiding worldwide.

The activities include various modern technologies, including video games and radios. Minecraft was popular with all sections. There was also a Communication Scavenger Hunt which used different communication styles such as codes, braille, and sign language. These activities only took up part of the weekend and groups were encouraged to focus their own activities on Communication and Technology.

On Saturday evening a campfire was held, and everyone participated in songs and skits which were entertaining and gave the youth members the opportunity for self-expression and humour.

Having a District Event was an excellent opportunity to present Leadership Awards. Jim McIntyre was presented with his Woodbeads and scarf.  Jim joined scouting as a Rover Scout in 2018 and has trained to be a Venturer Scout Leader in 2021. Jim was awarded a Special Service Award in 2022. He is a member of Queensland Branch Youth Council.

Sarina Scout Group Leader Mrs Jodie Parchert was presented with a Special Service Award. It is awarded to Adult Members and Supporters who have made a noteworthy contribution to supporting, developing, and managing the movement over a period of at least 12 months. She was instrumental in getting the Sarina Scout Group back on track and being viable again.  

Congratulations to both leaders for your valuable contribution to scouting in the Hibiscus District.

Contributed by Mary Wallace.

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Harley, James and Matthew at scouts electronics base

Leaders Jodie Parchert and Jim McIntyre. Photos supplied

The Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) at Gargett is a strong pillar of the region, with a rich tapestry of historical achievements spanning seventy-five years.

Today, Gargett branch is deeply committed to community service with monthly meetings serving as a communal hub for members to engage in behind-the-scenes projects.

The focus of the branch’s fundraising efforts extend towards the upkeep of the hall, sustaining operations and contributing to the QCWA’s State Crisis Fund, as well as financing various local community support initiatives.

The hall is not only a venue for official meetings. Monthly Craft and Social Days offer a creative space for members and others in the community, and several times a year the hall also comes alive with Hoy & Mini Cent Sales.

Gargett branch further extends to cater for private and public events, showcasing adaptability and engaging the community with its services.

An upcoming milestone for Gargett QCWA, is the 75th anniversary luncheon on 20th November. In reflection of the organisation’s rich history, past and present members and those with links to the community will gather to reminisce on their many achievements.

Any inquiries regarding Gargett QCWA can be directed to the branch secretary, Loris Wall at lorisvwall@gmail.com.au

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Gargett Country Women’s Association Hall

The ladies take part in community-based activities such as Craft and Social Days, which are open to anyone who wants to attend

Photos supplied

Koalas are now on the move looking for love or a new home, with veterinarians and wildlife carers urging all Queenslanders to be extra vigilant and help keep koalas safe this breeding season.

Koalas will be spending more time on the ground as they try to find a mate or establish new territory, and young koalas leave their mothers to find a home of their own.

During this time, koalas are more prone to dog attacks and car strikes and a range of other natural and human-related threats as they move through backyards and on busy roads.

These threats are compounded this year by the ongoing El Niño weather event, which is causing koalas to travel further to find water.

The hot and dry weather also decreases liveable koala habitat, meaning more koalas are congregating in smaller areas which increases the risk of the potentially deadly koala bacterial disease Chlamydia pecorum.

While vets are doing their best to rehabilitate injured koalas, Queenslanders can help avoid these tragic accidents from happening by taking some simple steps this koala breeding season.

This includes:

• Driving carefully, especially between dusk and dawn when koalas are most active, and whenever you see a koala warning or advisory signs

• Keeping your dog inside or contained at night

• Training your dog in wildlife avoidance

• Creating koala-friendly fencing and swimming pools to give koalas an escape route

• Reporting all sick or injured koalas to RSPCA Animal Emergency 1300 ANIMAL hotline by calling 1300 264 625.

Queenslanders can also report all wild koala sightings to DES via the free QWildlife Koala Sighting app, which recently took home the Community Impact award at the 2023 Geospatial Excellence Awards.

Since the app launched in June, it has been downloaded more than 23,000 times, resulting in a 3,700 per cent increase in reported koala sightings, and a 31 per cent increase in the past month.

Environment Minister Leanne Linard said, “Love might be in the air for koalas right now, but during breeding season they actually spend more time on the ground, which is where they are most vulnerable.

“With dog attacks and car strikes posing such a significant threat to this iconic species over the next few months, it is more important than ever for us all to do our part to keep koalas safe from cars and dogs, and to support the hardworking staff across the wildlife hospital network,” she said.

“Earlier this year, we launched the now award-winning Koala QWildlife app, which allows members of the public to act as citizen scientists by reporting koala sightings and providing accurate location and population data.

“With koalas now out looking for love, I encourage all Queenslanders to download this free app and report all koala sightings – hopefully in pairs!”

DES Southern Wildlife and Koala Operations Director Geoff Lundie-Jenkins said that koala breeding season is the busiest time of year for vets and wildlife carers.

“Some of the koalas that are brought in cannot be saved, and others require round-the-clock, intensive care and long periods of rehabilitation to allow them to be released back to the wild,” he said.

“With koalas facing additional challenges this summer as a result of the dry conditions, it is even more crucial for people to drive carefully, especially at night, and prevent dog attacks both in your yard and out on walks.

“The best thing the community can do to help us is prevent koalas from suffering these types of traumas and allow them to safely travel to find a mate or new territory.”

Construction for the new Moranbah Hospital is officially underway, representing a significant milestone for the coalfields community. The Queensland Government, through its progressive coal royalty tiers, is funding this pivotal project. Originally scheduled for completion in early 2025, the construction has been expedited, with the new hospital expected to be operational by the last quarter of 2024.

This state-of-the-art facility aims to transform healthcare in Moranbah. The upgraded infrastructure will feature an expanded emergency department, increased capacity for critical services, and a dedicated helipad to enhance emergency response capabilities.

The new hospital will also include a modern imaging department equipped with a CT scanner, ensuring residents have access to cutting-edge diagnostic facilities. The new hospital will integrate various healthcare services, bringing together allied health, child health, antenatal and postnatal care, and mental health support, all conveniently located under one roof.

Additional features will include an ambulatory care area, a rehabilitation gym for patients recovering from injury and illness, and an enhanced outpatient department.

Two deeply valued elements of the existing hospital will be retained.

The prize-winning rose garden will be relocated and a new family room will continue providing a comforting space for patients and their loved ones.

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said that the Government’s progressive coal royalty tiers ensures coal mining communities, like Moranbah, benefit from the coal that they extract.  

“Coal is Queensland’s largest export, worth $66 billion a year, and it is only fair that regional Queensland communities get their fair share of this resource,” Treasurer Dick said.

“The new facility in Moranbah will provide access to a truly modern hospital that includes an increased emergency department, a CT scanner in an expanded imaging department, a simulation room for more clinical training, a new helipad and improved ambulance access.”

Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman said that this project will increase the emergency department’s capacity, expand imaging services, with the addition of a CT scanner and improve ambulance access.

“When I met staff at Moranbah Hospital, during my first weeks as Health Minister, it was clear just how much they love caring for their community and I am pleased they will be able to continue their amazing day-to-day work with new state-of-the-art facilities and technology,” Minister Fentiman said.

“Technology upgrades will also allow our health care workers to liaise with other hospitals and health services across the state to help deliver the best care possible.”

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said it is wonderful to see work is underway on the new Moranbah Hospital after the council and community advocated for better health services in the region.  

“The Moranbah Hospital upgrade will enable the facility to cater for the region well into the future and acting as a regional hub for neighbouring towns,” Mayor Baker said.

“The redevelopment will support residents, workers and the heavy industries that operate across the Isaac region with a fit for purpose facility.

“I’m delighted to hear the hospital is being fast-tracked.”

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Construction is underway for the new Moranbah Hospital, set to provide state-of-the-art medical facilities, increased emergency spaces, and comprehensive health services to the Isaac community by late 2024. Photo credit: Treasurer Cameron Dick

Walkerston Track is set to be closed permanently, with Mackay & District BMX Club releasing a statement to members to give an important update.

The reasoning behind the decision was cited as ‘ongoing maintenance requirements, volunteer fatigue and increasing financial input required’ to keep running both the Walkerston and Mackay facilities.

With a considerable cost factor involved with the improvements and maintenance of the Walkerston Track, after careful consideration, the decision was made to close the facility indefinitely.

This decision was not made lightly, as the closure will ultimately impact loyal members and the supporting community. A disappointing set of circumstances for those who supported the Walkerston Track, with memories and friendships created over the years.

MAD BMX president Brett Wilson said the start hill on the Walkerston Track has become a safety issue, but ultimately the closure of the track was purely a financial decision and not the outcome anyone wanted.

The Walkerston BMX Club had previously merged into Mackay & District BMX Club, with a lease from Council allowing operation of the Walkerston Track at a cost of the Club.

Mackay Regional Council Community Services Director Janine McKay commented that her team is ‘currently exploring all available options to keep the track open to the public’ and hope to have a clearer understanding in the near future.

With a commitment to the Walkerston community and ratepayers, the Mackay Regional Council are working to ensure the best possible outcome for all parties involved, however have received negative backlash on social media regarding the closure of the Walkerston Track.

Only a mere six years has passed since the Walkerston Track was impacted by flooding during the events of Cyclone Debbie, which caused significant damage and very costly repairs.

Feasibility studies are currently being undertaken, requiring volunteers to support in assistance with consulting to create a plan for the future of the Mackay & District BMX Club.

The Mackay & District BMX Club’s current focus is a plan to build a new track at a new facility, in a discussion with Mackay Regional Council to explore the possibility of potential sites to do so.

Mackay & District BMX Club express their gratitude for the support and patronage over the years at the Walkerston Track and remind the community that the Mackay Track is still in full operation with Club nights to continue as normal.

The community are still permitted to use the Walkerston Track for the time being, however, it will no longer be maintained by Mackay & District BMX Club.

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Club members can utilise the Mackay Track which is still in full operation

A disappointing result for the Walkerston BMX Track

Photo Credit: Mackay & District BMX Club

Walkerston Rotary’s affiliated group Days for Girls Mackay Team celebrated its 6th Anniversary last Saturday, 4 November, with a lovely Morning Tea attended by most of the Days for Girls volunteers.

Days for Girls Mackay consists of a team of dedicated volunteers who produce washable reusable sanitary packs for women in developing countries, where many have no means of managing their menstrual periods.

These kits allow young girls to attend school and women to go about their daily lives. The kits empower, and are a great stigma eraser, for women who would otherwise be isolated while menstruating.

Days for Girls' aim is to afford all women the dignity, health and opportunity they deserve.

Days for Girls Mackay has been able to supply sanitary kits to countries such as The Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, Cambodia, Nepal, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

It is estimated that the team, by way of the kits the volunteers have produced and supplied, have allowed girls in developing countries 838,927 extra school days over its six years of operation.

Contributed by Bente McDonald.

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Day for Girls 6th Anniversary celebration at Mystic Alchemy Coffee Shop

Cathy Davis cutting the cake at Day for Girls event

Photos supplied

Although the Mackay region usually has a substantial wet season during Summer, in the coming months your garden might benefit from a bit of preparation.

With weather forecasts predicting a drier and hotter run over the season than we are usually accustomed to, you may find it beneficial to get ahead and change up your gardening routine before the warmer climate arrives.

Find some helpful tips in this guide to help your garden battle against dry weather conditions.

Roses are very forgiving plants, tolerating harsh dry times as well as the rainy periods that will eventually return.

Herb plants coupled with ornamentals can create a unique and useful garden. Drought conditions do not negatively affect most herbs, these plants are usually killed by over-watering.

Many (but not all) Australian natives are well adapted to dry conditions. Drought-tolerant plants are not tolerant to waterlogging. So ironically, good drainage is important to consider when planting in a drought.

Mulching is essential for water retention and insulating your garden bed.

Try to water your garden between 5am and 10am when sunlight is low, winds are calm and temperatures are cooler. Less water is lost to evaporation and wind during this time.

Irrigation at night can lead to fungus growth as leaves can remain wet overnight. By irrigating in the morning, leaves have a chance to dry out during the day.

You can do your own further investigation on drought-resistant gardening by using books, local gardening associations and plant nurseries.

We, who have lived in the Scrubby area for years sometimes wonder what happened to the young people who grew up here, and then leave to further their education elsewhere.

A couple of young ladies who fit into that category would definitely be Walkerston twins Zodie and Marita Bolic.

As soon as they could read, the Bolic twins read profusely - any books, indeed all books they could get their hands on; they just couldn’t get enough reading material!

The local librarian tried her best to keep the supply of new titles coming as the girls would read something like ten junior fiction books a week – That is each! And, also have their homework done and join in other extracurricular activities!

During her latter high school years Marita was selected to attend a Rotary National Youth Science Forum in Canberra where she learnt a lot about medical studies. She is now a fourth-year medical student at James Cook University in Cairns, having spent her first three years at the Townsville campus.

Marita has recently been involved in medical research in emergency medicine in Canberra. Prior to that she received a scholarship for a six-week rural placement in Mount Isa’s Northwest Hospital and Health Service, where she headed earlier this year. She is now looking forward to the last two-and-a-half years of studying, and whatever else may happen along the way - towards her degree.

Zodie was off to Melbourne University, firstly studying Arts - Politics & History, but switching to Batchelor of Fine Arts – Dance, at the end of 2020. Being one of 21 lucky ones out of about 1000 applicants that year.

She gained a first place for her subject ‘Knowing Dance’ in 2022 and was consequently invited to speak on ABC Radio National - A great thrill for her!

As Zodie approaches the end of her degree she has been awarded a scholarship to undertake a diploma of Governance through the Institute of Community Directors of Australia and is currently sitting on the Board of Melbourne University’s Student union, and also a member of the Victorian Youth Congress.

The Bolic girls have certainly packed a lot of opportunities and experiences - reading, dancing, learning and studies - into a relatively short period of time. All of this extending right back to their early years of never being able to borrow enough library books to satisfy their hunger for reading and learning.

Quite an impressive package of achievements for a couple of nearly twenty-two-year-old young women from the quiet little township of Walkerston!

Contributed by Bente McDonald

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Zodie and Marita Bolic

Photo supplied

Nestled in Mackay's city centre, Wild Arrow Boutique offers a stunning storefront on Wood Street, focused on providing high-quality clothing for all occasions.

‘Life isn’t perfect, but your outfit can be’, this quote encompasses Wild Arrow Boutique, with a wide range of products including clothing, shoes, jewellery, accessories, bags and candles.

Wild Arrow Boutique has clothing sizes ranging from XS to XL and 6 to 16, as well as some one-size-fits-all pieces. People often associate the boutique with elite label products that are high-end but still affordable.

The storefront is on a mission to provide clothing that can be worn everywhere, from lunch with the girls, to a special event or a night out on the town – the possibilities are endless!

With comfort in mind, their goal is to supply garments that tick all the boxes. Pieces range in colour, patterns and textures, with an emphasis on providing lightweight and breathable fabrics for the warmer tropical climate.

Wild Arrow Boutique Owner Tania Vogele is passionate about cultivating long-term relationships with her clients and achieving customer satisfaction with every purchase, altering her collection to suit the everchanging trends and styles that are currently in-season.

In the midst of bustling store hours, Tania receives the support of her mother and daughter, fostering a familial atmosphere within the storefront.

Experience a positive ambiance, a diverse selection, and top-notch brands – a perfect combination you can’t resist.

Discover Wild Arrow Boutique at Shop 6 on 43 Wood Street, Mackay, or visit wildarrowboutique.au for additional details.

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Wild Arrow Boutique Owner Tania Vogele

A glamourous range for every occasion

Add a sparkle to your wardrobe with Wild Arrow Boutique

Photo Credit: Sinead Porter

Wood Chook Gallery is a business operated by volunteers with a commitment to establishing a customer-focused space, showcasing a rotating range of products crafted by local artisans.

The storefront is located in the city centre of Mackay, however over the past thirty years it has done the rounds, residing in various locations before settling on Victoria Street.

The business is unique as it is a one-of-a-kind establishment in Mackay, purchasing selected handmade products on consignment from the local community, with proceeds funding rent and electricity.

Over a dozen creators currently have stock residing on the shelves at the Wood Chook Gallery, with the business constantly rotating their merchandise to create variety and diversity of their product range.

Head of Wood Chook Gallery, Therese Townley keeps the stock fresh and the storefront inviting, with a strong support of local makers.  

With Christmas just around the corner, you can stock up on essential home and giftware items from tea towels, washers and soap sets to baby gifts, scarves, rugs, hankies, tea cozies as well as various artworks and crocheted items.

You can also purchase Mackay-themed souvenirs to send to loved ones overseas, and personalised giftware with name embroidery.  

Wood Chook Gallery are competitive with these items, as they are open six days a week, compared to market stalls that usually only operate weekends.

Take a gander at Wood Chook Gallery on 106 Victoria Street, open 9am to 2:30pm weekdays, and Saturdays 9am to 1pm or find them on Facebook for more information.

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Volunteer Francis Camilleri with a beautiful array of stylish tea towels

Giftware as far as the eye can see!

A handcrafted selection of crocheted items

Photo Credit: Sinead Porter

Mackay City Centre is a growing hub of opportunity for locals to explore a range of goods and services. Experience a relaxed atmosphere amongst a blend of architectural styles including unique Art Deco heritage buildings.

The recently revitalised city centre is seamlessly linked with the central business district, allowing busy commuters, tourists and local families to intermingle in the heart of our beautiful city.

The city centre boasts a unique art scene, including walls of magnificent artistry on Fifth Lane, designed by talented local creators. You can also indulge in a range of accommodation, restaurants and a wide variety of assorted apparel and boutique stores to get your fix of retail therapy.

In this feature you can further your explorations of the superb businesses operating within Mackay’s vibrant city centre and familiarise yourself with the friendly faces who work tirelessly to provide a superior shopping experience for all!

Prepare your land with Mackay Forestry Mulching Services

Mackay Forestry Mulching Services offer specialist eco-friendly land management strategies, including vegetation mulching and flail mowing, slashing, high-quality stump grinding, general earthworks, site-levelling as well as posthole and trenching services.

Mackay Forestry Mulching Solutions provide cost effective and environmentally friendly forestry mulching services, leaving behind a natural mulch layer that provides soil enrichment, erosion control, and moisture retention.

Their forestry mulching process is low impact and can be used to clear rural land for multiple purposes, including farming, fire hazard reduction, flood preparation and flora and fauna protection across Mackay.

Completing a waterway clearing or firebreak on your land can be vital to prepare for natural disasters, such as flooding and bushfire events.

Mackay Forestry Mulching Solutions have you covered, with a selective process to precisely remove vegetation such as lantana and invasive regrowth, whilst avoiding taking down high-value trees and native vegetation.

Reducing erosion will positively reduce the impact of flooding, by allowing rainwater to penetrate the ground rather than creating a high run-off effect. Destruction of your topsoil will cost you more in the long-run by having to regenerate the ground.

With vegetation control, mistakes can often be made - High chemical usage which reduces soil nutrition and increases environmental risk, excessive bulldozing removes topsoil increasing erosion and over burning.

All three control methods can have negative effects such as run-off into creek beds and waterways, killing wildlife and removing nutrients from the soil.

With Mackay Forestry Mulching Solutions, the main aim is to reduce vegetation quickly, cost effectively and with methods that can deliver effective clearing.

The business implements specialised industrial machinery with a high output-to-weight ratio, to avoid compaction whilst still delivering high-powered mulching.

Providing site services such as site levelling, posthole digging and trenching and experience in road cutting, dam building and fencing gives a more complete package.

Accessing properties with ease, this business has a competitive edge of efficiency and allowing future land management to be much smoother for their clients.

Contact Mackay Forestry Mulching Solutions at mackayforestry.com.au or call 1800 819 008.

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Digging a hole

Trenching

Photos supplied

Following on from the informational video created by the State Emergency Services Mackay Regional Unit, we discover why it is vital to pay attention to external home maintenance in the lead-up to storm season.

To start with, check on the status of your insurance policy, whether it is up-to-date and what it covers. If your policy doesn’t adequately cover your home, contents and car, you could be liable to pay out-of-pocket for damages.

On top of that, if your gutters and downpipes haven’t been regularly maintained, you could be unknowingly voiding your home insurance.

A good clean out of your gutters and downpipes is pretty much a non-negotiable part of storm preparation. If your gutters are full of debris, water can’t drain away from your residence.

This can cause a host of problems, such as water flowing into wall cavities and roofs, leading to serious complications like electrical short circuits and power outages.

If you have storm water sumps or drains around your home, it is critical to make sure these are cleaned out to ensure that they can drain water effectively.

Trim tree branches and remove any weak or dead branches from trees around your property, as they can fall onto your home or become airborne during strong winds.

It is important to check the condition of your roof. Look out for loose tiles, eaves or screws that need repairing.

Once these problems are resolved, there will be a limit on the amount of damages that can potentially occur during rough winds or intense storms.

OPINION PIECE

There’s always some debate about how long you must have lived in Mackay before you can call yourself a local. I can trace my family back to my great-great-grandfather, George Hardwick, who arrived in the Pioneer Valley in the mid-1860s. Generations of my family have lived here, with me being fifth generation, and my children and grandchildren also born and raised here.

My mother and her brother attended Mackay West State School, as did myself and my siblings, and then my four children. It’s a great school that has produced many outstanding community members who have gone on to do great things.

Mackay West State School will celebrate their centenary in 2024. The school, originally known as South Ward State School, opened in 1924 at the Bridge Road campus. The campus later became known as West Mackay Infants School, and the Pinder Street site as West Mackay Primary School with grades three to seven. In 1994 there was an amalgamation of West Mackay Infants School and West Mackay Primary School to become Mackay West State School.

The Centenary Committee, of which I’m the Treasurer, meets monthly and are coordinating events, memorabilia and displays for the community. We are inviting local families and businesspeople to sponsor a page in the centenary book or sponsor an event during the centenary celebrations, being held from May 24 to 26, 2024.

The weekend celebrations will begin on Friday, May 24, 2024, where past and present staff, students and family members will gather under the trees of the junior campus. A static display will be set up at the senior campus, giving attendees an opportunity to walk down memory lane and reminisce. A Meet and Mingle will be hosted at Harrup Park that night. Tickets will be available for purchase early in the New Year.

On Saturday, May 25, the school grounds at Pinder Street will come alive with our annual Mayfair. This traditional fair has been bringing the West Mackay Community together for over 50 years.

On Sunday, May 26, we will be welcoming families to have a picnic at the Pinder Street campus and have a look through the static display.

A centenary book is being produced by a dedicated team of past students and teachers. Local historian Lyall Ford is collating information to include an accurate history of the school and its community.

For more information, please email mackaywest_centenary2024@outlook.com or check out our Facebook page – I went to Mackay West SS 1924-.

Councillor Belinda Hassan

Mackay Regional Council