The ladies from Marian Bowls Club have shown that community spirit is alive and well, recently donating ten beautifully handmade knee rugs to the residents of Nanyima Aged Care Home in Mirani. Over the past few months, members have been busy crocheting and knitting squares from home, later joining them together to create colourful, cosy rugs designed to keep elderly residents warm while in wheelchairs. On Wednesday, June 25, Marian Bowls Club President Thelma Johnston, Treasurer Judith Miller
Read the full storyIt’s not every week I get the privilege of having the Mayor cook me dinner — but thanks to Crunch Time, part of this year’s Mackay Festival of Arts, that’s exactly what happened. The live-theatre-meets-dinner-party event delivered five unpredictable courses dictated by democracy and whipped up by Mayor Greg Williamson himself. Let’s just say the democratic process took a dark turn when someone voted for Natto — a fermented bean experience that confirmed some things are better left off the plate
Read the full storyLast Sunday, the Mackay Army Cadets once again laced up their boots and marched with purpose – this time around the Bluewater Trail – as part of a growing movement to raise awareness and support for veteran homelessness. Twelve months on from the extraordinary 382km trek in 2024, the cadets returned to action, completing a symbolic circuit of Mackay’s scenic Bluewater Trail. The event served as both a show of continued solidarity and a powerful reminder that, for many veterans, the battle
Read the full story$6 Million Allocated For Victim Safety And Justice Access Mackay’s justice precinct is set for a significant transformation, with a $6 million funding injection from the Queensland Government to upgrade the region’s courthouse—placing victim safety and frontline justice services firmly back on the agenda. The funding forms part of an $18.8 million boost to the state’s Domestic and Family Violence Courthouse Improvement Program, announced in the 2025–26 Budget. The additional investment li
Read the full storyFollowing the informational video released by the State Emergency Services – Mackay Regional Unit, an emergency kit is necessary during disaster season.
Fires, flooding or cyclones could force you out of your home, or keep you stuck there for an extended period of time.
Your kit should include these basics, but you can think about what items your family might use if you had to stay at home for up to three days.
• Food items include bottled water and non-perishable canned food (And don’t forget a can opener!)
• Non-powered items such as a torch, portable phone charger and cable and portable radio are important if there is a power outage, as well as spare batteries.
A portable radio is vital to listen in to emergency broadcasting.
• Important documents could include emergency contact numbers, passports and insurance documents.
• A first aid kit and medications are vital in an emergency, you can also pack hygiene supplies such as a toothbrush, soap and toilet paper.
• If you have a pet, don’t forget! They need their own supplies too, such as food and water, bowls, a leash and a lightweight crate for transportation.
• Disasters can be scary, but they can sometimes be boring too. Pack a few entertaining items such as a good book, playing cards or board games.
Water supplies could stop working. You can’t get to the shops or maybe you can, but the shelves are bare when you get there. Avoid being ill-prepared by stocking up on essentials before a disaster strikes.
You can also include more items, particularly if you live in a remote area. Think about your situation and pack a kit that is right for you.
Keep your kit in a strong waterproof storage container and store it in a safe place in your home that you can get to easily in the event of an emergency.
You can find more information about household emergency kits at getready.qld.gov.au/check-out-what-you-need
Mackay Regional Council have geared up their disaster preparedness, hosting their Disaster Ready Saturday event last weekend at Caneland Shopping Centre.
Seeing over 1200 people stop by the event and collect new and up-to-date disaster preparedness material, attendees were also able to check in with Australian Red Cross, Ergon Energy, Sunwater, SES and the Mackay Hospital and Health Service.
Visitors received important information regarding the Council’s Emergency Action Guide booklet.
Storm Season for the Mackay region is November to April, and it is best to construct a Household Evacuation Plan, including know where to go, know how to go, know where to go, know what to take, and know your neighbours, as well as be subscribed to the Emergency Dashboard.
Sarina Neighbourhood Centre and Aurizon are putting the call out to the community to help make a better Christmas for those doing it tough.
Sarina residents are asked to donate Christmas gifts, holiday season items and nonperishable hamper items to help bring joy and comfort to those in need during this festive time.
Deputy Mayor Karen May said unfortunately Christmas wasn’t a festive time of year for everyone in our community.
“While most of us look forward to exchanging gifts, feasting and relaxing; for some people Christmas is a really hard and stressful time,” Cr May said.
“Christmas drives, like this one, make such a difference – they mean presents to unwrap and food in the pantry for people who would otherwise really struggle,” she said.
“What we are hoping is that people will just put one extra item in their trolleys this year – an extra toy, another Christmas pudding or a second box of crackers.
“Drop them at the Sarina Neighbourhood Centre and we will ensure they go to a family who needs a hand up this festive season.
“Anything you can give is appreciated.”
The Sarina Neighbourhood Centre Christmas appeal runs until Friday, December 8.
Donations are welcome during opening hours (9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday).
For more information, contact the team on 4961 9290.
You couldn’t wipe the smiles off the faces of Sarina State High School (SSHS) students Sophie Steindl and Jacob Adams after they received a Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Senior Schooling Scholarship last week.
Presented at the annual SSHS Awards Presentation Night, Community Bank Sarina sponsored two $2000 scholarships which provide funding for excursions, textbooks, and technology and also encourages students’ dedication to both their education and community involvement.
Community Bank Sarina has been partnering with SSHS since 2017 to provide scholarships and a variety of annual awards for students.
Community Bank Sarina Board Deputy Chair Maree Franettovich said the purpose of this community investment was to support young people and allow them to focus on their talents.
“Scholarships can be the bridge to a world of opportunities for students, they open doors and give every student a fair shot at success,” Ms Franettovich said.
“Whilst there were many strong applications, we are very pleased to have named Sophie and Jacob as the 2024 SSHS Senior Schooling Scholarship recipients.”
Scholarship recipient Jacob thanked Community Bank Sarina for giving back to the community and said this Scholarship had further fuelled his passion to chase his dreams.
“After school I hope to study engineering at university and pursue a sporting career in either NRL or sprinting. I’d like to aim to be in the Olympics one day,” he said.
“This Scholarship will help get my name out in the community and I look forward to representing Sarina and the Bank at events as well.”
Scholarship recipient Sophie was grateful to Community Bank Sarina for the opportunity and said she would utilise the scholarship to pursue a career in the medical field after Grade 12.
“This scholarship will provide the funding for me to complete further education in the health sector,” she said.
“I think it’s great that these scholarships provide kids like me with educational opportunities they might not have thought was available.”
Community Bank Sarina also offer CQUniversity scholarships annually and applications opened on 1st November. For more information see the Community Bank Sarina Facebook page or contact executive@sarinacommunity.com.au.
Maree Franettovich, Sophie Steindl, Jacob Adams, Charmaine Matsen and Ann Fordyce
Consolidating your savings
Ah, savings. We all want more. Just when you think you might be getting somewhere, that’s often when bills and repayments, rent and other expenses are ready to bring you back to reality. So, how can you start ascending the savings summit and, most importantly, continue climbing?
Customise
Saving means different things to different people. Because – and this shouldn’t come as a shock – we’re all different.
Firstly, you need to have a glance at what you’re spending your money on. A quick look over your account statements should bring to light some of your money habits. It might remind you that you’re an absolute bargain hunter. It could also shine a spotlight on some less than necessary buys too. Whoops!
But that’s okay. Figure out your cash flow first, so you can get an idea of where your money’s going.
Our app gives you a simple and visual look at your account, offering you a straightforward view of your comings and goings.
Minimise
Once you know how your pay cheque is being spent, you can start setting aside what’s essential to you and what isn’t. If your bank statements are suggesting that some changes are in order, that’s achievable!
It might be helpful to put your expenses into categories. Highlighting your different expenses will demonstrate what should stay the same, what you can cut back on, and maybe even what you can eliminate all together.
Keep in mind that some expenses will change while others will be consistent. But even the consistent expenses can be reduced such as phone bills, utilities and groceries to name a few. So, being flexible and adaptable could go a long way, especially if you’re able to lessen some of the bigger costs like insurance and housing.
Organise
Try and identify a few saving targets. And again, this should be tailored to you. No one knows what you’re after better than you. And by simply setting some goals for your savings, it’ll help inspire some change in your spending habits.
Set both short and long-term goals. Short-term targets might be within one to five years away. They might include things like appliances, technology or furniture. But could be a little bigger in the form of travel or reducing debt.
Short-term goals will also help train your goal setting habits and reward you when you fulfil what you set out to achieve. Long-term goals might be reserved for larger targets like cars, a house deposit or investments.
Once you get going, you might realise that the saving ascent isn’t as steep as you first thought. If you want more personalised help and advice on how to increase your savings, visit the Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Branch team at 37 Broad Street, Sarina or call us on 4943 2634.
Look out Cockroaches, Sarina’s Buffy the Cane Toad is on the march.
More specifically Sarina’s tribute to one of Australia’s greatest ecological disasters, the dreaded cane toad, is the subject of a post card prepared by Sarina Arts and Crafts volunteer Owen Bromley.
A range of cards by Owen and other volunteers are available at the centre, and Blues supporters could even find them featuring Buffy turning up in their letterboxes if visitors from NSW are game enough to buy them.
Owen has made ‘countless’ cards depicting Sarina scenes in nearly 30 years of supporting the centre, and as he’s a big supporter of Queensland State of Origin, Buffy was a subject he’s wanted to do for some time.
Buffy is enough to scare any Cockroach supporter, as the Blues were known in the early days of Origin clashes with the Queensland Cane Toads, standing more than a metre tall and guarding the northern gateway to Sarina in Broad St.
He was the brainchild of a former Sarina Shire councillor the late Jean Coleman, who with her husband Bevan ran the Tramway Motel on Sarina’s northern outskirts.
Friends who knew them said motel guests were always amazed by the size and number of cane toads sitting around the street lights so Bevan and Jean decided to make up a giant cardboard toad which featured on floats in Sarina’s annual Mardi Gras and Mackay’s Tourist Festival parades in the 70s and 80s.
Buffy won the Mardi Gras award for best float in 1986 and was then donated to Sarina Shire which made a fiberglass replica of it as a tourism drawcard – and something to scare Blues supporters.
A final word on Buffy from a plaque at his statue: “Since his construction Buffy has seen glory, shame, neglect, resurrection and finally recognition as a tourism attraction.”
Maroons supporter Owen Bromley with Sarina’s Buffy the Cane Toad, which features on post cards made by Owen and available at the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre. Photos: Charlie Payne
Post cards by Owen Bromley
Buffy the Cane Toad is an avid supporter of Sarina’s role in Queensland’s proud State of Origin heritage.
No fewer than seven players originating from Sarina have represented Queensland in Origin and national rugby league teams and the latest three were recognized in a plaque unveiling at Buffy’s site last week. The event was emceed by rugby league great and Mackay region councillor Martin Bella.
Daly Cherry-Evans has played 22 Origin matches and 18 Tests and Reuben Cotter 40 Origins and two Tests.
Brianna Clark became the first female Origin player from Sarina in 2021 and has played five Tests.
An earlier plaque honours four others – Dale Shearer (22 Origins, 20 Tests), Kevin Campion (4 Origins), Martin Bella (21 Origins, 9 Tests) and Wendell Sailor (14 Origins, 11 Tests).
After the unveiling, the Sarina Rugby League Club and the Sarina Neighbourhood Centre hosted the “Happy As” barbecue and mini expo to celebrate Men’s Health Awareness Month (Movember).
Mayor Greg Williamson said Movember is a fantastic month-long campaign that encourages men to engage in activities to raise awareness about men’s health.
“It aims to challenge the stigma around men’s health issues, spark conversations and promote early detection and intervention.”
Photo credit: Sarina Rugby League Football Club
CANEGROWERS has congratulated Federal Trade Minister Don Farrell on taking the courageous decision to step away from free trade negotiations with the European Union rather than sign a bad deal for Australia’s farmers.
Minister Farrell was in Japan last month for the G7 Trade Ministers Meeting in Osaka, where it was anticipated an Australia-EU free trade deal might be done on the sidelines.
However, with agriculture strongly represented by the National Farmers’ Federation, CANEGROWERS and other ag bodies, Minister Farrell agreed that the terms on offer from the EU represented a poor deal for Aussie agriculture.
“Minister Farrell has led a team of officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade who have been working hard on this deal for the past five years. They have collaborated and consulted closely with industry at every step along the way and have always negotiated in good faith with the EU,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.
“Unfortunately, the EU has consistently failed to offer meaningful access for Australian agricultural produce, including sugar, and as expected, they put nothing new on the table in Japan.
“We have been telling the Minister for months that no deal would be better than signing a bad deal, and I thank him and his team for listening to farmers and taking their concerns on board.”
Mr Galligan, who was in Japan with the NFF and working directly with government trade officials, said it took guts and determination to walk away.
“Ultimately the EU was unwilling to come to the table with a meaningful offer.
“It’s no small decision to walk away from a free trade agreement with one of the world’s largest trading blocs. It takes courage and I congratulate Minister Farrell for making the tough decision; I know the nation’s farmers will appreciate him taking a stand on their behalf.
“The bottom line is 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.
“In the meantime, the growing Asian market will continue to be the main export destination for the bulk of our high-quality, sustainably produced raw sugar. While we are constantly seeking to open up trade access to premium markets, Asia will likely remain the key export partner for Australian sugar for many years to come.”
The harvest should be winding up in the next few weeks. But it’s not.
It runs against sugarcane agronomy, and it runs against cane supply agreements.
Grower confidence is suffering under the influence of another long and arduous crush, potentially heading to a third consecutive year of harvesting into the Christmas curfew period, or at the least, cutting right up until Christmas.
It cuts against profitability, with a high likelihood of cane left in the paddock again as standover, with the sugar content of cane lowering after mid-November, and late-cut cane losing an important growth period so depleting the following year’s crop.
It comes down to some troubled mill performance. Very little time this year has been lost to wet weather, but we have seen quite a few breakdowns and below average throughput.
With current high prices and emerging new biocommodities markets for sugar and its bi-products, grower confidence by all rights should be at an all-time high. However, if milling to Christmas continues the industry will be on a downward spiral because growers don't see a future in growing a crop they can supply in a reasonable crushing timeframe. Even to not get the full potential of their crop.
A long season length dilutes that potential.
I’d go as far to say that the industry is burning cash. While some of Queensland’s millers have their act together, others need to spend the money, to invest as needed in capital works and maintenance that will keep the mills going. Our mills have for so long been unreliable and the reality is that this is cutting at the whole supply chain’s profitability.
For growers, we operate at the margins after taking a world price, and at the end of the day, growers - typically small agribusinesses- are wearing the cost. We wear the cost when the mill breaks down, we wear the costs of an unoccupied harvest labour workforce. And we wear the cost of productivity impacts.
We maintain a two-thirds interest in our sugar – the sugar made from our cane – it’s called Grower Economic Interest, or GEI. Millers, likewise, have a one third interest (MEI). It’s not a new approach, but it was further enshrined in the Sugar Industry Code of Conduct in 2017. It’s a vital industry tool that emerged from the fierce marketing debate that ensnared the sugar industry some eight years ago, and ensures clear lines of conduct and communication between marketers, millers, and growers. It was important at the time as it restored confidence for the regional grower families that are the very bedrock of Queensland’s sugar industry.
Without the Code of Conduct, large corporations with localized monopolies can have the upper hand in negotiations – even with strong advocacy bodies like CANEGROWERS at the negotiating table. The Code of Conduct has been a boon for industry, and has meant we get to continue to maintain the Australian way of doing business, on an equal footing.
We maintain that two-third GEI because we are the ones investing in crop cost of production, from soil heath to planting to environmental management to WHS to business costs to farm inputs to harvest costs. Because that's what we put in. It’s a shame not to be able to make the best of it.
The harvest will roll on well into December. Photo credit: CANEGROWERS Mackay
With chiropractic care as the largest natural health profession in the world, Experience Healing is the leading choice in treating and maintaining physical health for people of all ages.
Experience Healing Chiropractic Centre has provided the Mackay region with the best chiropractic care for over eight years and counting.
Experience Healing believes in correcting the pillars of physical health, movement, strength, posture and balance. When these pillars are improved, pain is reduced and optimal physical health is restored.
Aiming to reduce the physical stress from everyday life, Experience Healing will allow you to thrive by alleviating pain, identifying where it stems from and treating the root cause.
Experience Healing offers relief through a range of services, including sports injury management, fascial cupping, laser therapy and chiropractic adjustments. They also stock a range of natural medicines by Metagenics to optimise your health to its full potential.
Experience Healing is dedicated to providing the quickest path to recovery by ensuring the root cause of your pain is found and addressed.
If you are in pain or feel like your body isn't functioning as well as it could be, listen to the signs and get in touch with Experience Healing, it will be the first step to feeling your absolute best.
Get on the road to recovery with Experience Healing by calling 0749 524 400.
Experience Healing Chiropractic Centre provide the best natural remedies in Mackay.
Photo supplied
Bell's Palsy often manifests as sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, leading to drooping features, difficulty in speech, and eye-related problems.
Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, has gained recognition for its effectiveness in addressing the symptoms of Bell's Palsy.
Bell's Palsy is a neurological condition that can strike without warning, causing temporary facial paralysis and a host of associated discomforts. It is something the team at Art of Acupuncture sees quite commonly.
It is often caused by inflammation of the seventh cranial nerve resulting in temporary paralysis. Bell's Palsy is a challenging and frustrating condition, but there is hope for those affected. One promising avenue for relief is acupuncture.
Acupuncture, a holistic approach rooted in centuries of tradition, offers a ray of hope for patients seeking to regain control of their facial muscles and ultimately their lives. When combined with conventional medical treatments, acupuncture can be a valuable ally in the battle against Bell's Palsy.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points along the body's meridians. These needles stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms and improve blood flow, which can aid in the recovery process for Bell's Palsy patients.
Moreover, acupuncture is believed to reduce inflammation, boost immune function, and promote overall relaxation, contributing to the patient's overall well-being during their recovery journey.
It is crucial for those diagnosed with Bell's Palsy to consider acupuncture as a complementary therapy, in consultation with their healthcare provider, to increase their chances of a speedier and more complete recovery.
Many individuals have reported significant improvements in their Bell's Palsy symptoms, including enhanced facial muscle control and a reduction in pain.
If you or anyone you know would like to know more about how the Art of Acupuncture clinic can help, please give them a call on 0421 185 041.
Bob Wong
Bell's Palsy, also commonly known as facial paralysis
Photo supplied
I was talking to a young female friend recently and she told me she had left her car in a 30-minute parking zone and that time-period had already lapsed. But she was having fun and didn’t feel like bothering with the car so she was going to “risk it for the biscuit”.
I might have been hiding under a rock but I hadn’t heard the term before. I liked it and it is one of those terms where you can work out what it means.
That’s not the case with a lot of the terms Millennials and some Gen-Xers use where, thanks partly to texting and social media, a whole new language of acronyms and abbreviations has emerged and if you’re not in the know you don’t have a clue what people are talking about.
IMO (in my opinion), trying to understand the new language can be a CWOT (complete waste of time) and leaves me SMH (shaking my head) FWIW (for what it’s worth).
People who don’t understand this modern communication might experience FOMO (even I know that one) but others who couldn’t be bothered with any of it could experience JOMO (joy of missing out).
My 16-year-old son referred to something I said the other day as a “flex”. Someone tried to explain what that means but I still don’t really get it. I do find there is a bit of strategy of KPC (keeping parents clueless), which is quite nasty of the little brats.
When words and terminology are unclear there is a breakdown in communication. That might be okay by today’s kids but the industry I work in relies on clear, concise communication.
Good communication is vital whether you are dealing with a seller, appraising their house, suggesting a marketing and sales strategy, giving feedback from an open house or talking to a buyer about the features of a property, explaining price expectations, or negotiating a deal.
It might come as a shock to some young people but sometimes a text won’t cut it. You actually need to pick up the phone and talk to someone because what you are saying might lead to questions, the need for clarification. There might be a level of nuance or emphasis in the words that make the meaning clearer, more concise in a way that a text can’t achieve.
Of course texting and emailing have their place and there are times when you don’t need to bother someone with a phone call.
But the important moments, when it’s decision time, when an agent needs to earn their money, that’s when the texting needs to stop and it’s time to talk. And the words need to be clear, convey a meaning that the buyer or seller understands.
Take this sentence: “I didn’t say you should kill him”. The meaning of the sentence changes completely depending on which word you emphasise.
I didn’t say you should kill him … I didn’t say you should kill him … I didn’t say you should kill him … I didn’t say you should kill him … I didn’t say you should kill him … I didn’t say you should kill him … I didn’t say you should kill him.
Clear communication is vital in my business because, while it’s not life and death, we are talking about people’s most important assetts and we can’t just risk it for the biscuit.
Christmas is a magical time for families, filled with joy and cherished moments. Yet, for busy mumpreneurs juggling the demands of business and family life, it can also be a period of financial stress. Balancing the costs of gifts, decorations, and special meals while running a business can seem overwhelming. Fear not, fellow mumpreneurs! Here are five money-saving strategies to help you enjoy a memorable Christmas without draining your budget.
1. Strategic budgeting: Start by creating a clear and practical budget. Factor in all your expenses, from gifts and decorations to meals and entertainment. A budget will be your guiding light, ensuring you don't overspend during the festive season, leaving you with financial peace of mind in the New Year.
2. Embrace the DIY spirit: As a mumpreneur, you’re likely to have a creative streak. Consider crafting homemade gifts for your loved ones. Handmade presents carry a personal touch, and they can also save you a significant amount of money. Some of my personal favourites include homemade candles and baked goods, sauces and spice rubs & personalised crafts.
3. Simplify gift-giving: Suggest a Secret Santa or gift exchange within your family or friend circle. Each participant draws a name and buys a gift for one person, lightening your gift-giving load while still fostering the holiday spirit.
4. Experiences over material items: Consider gifting experiences rather than traditional presents. Tickets to a show, a spa day to unwind, or cooking classes to enhance culinary skills can be more memorable than material gifts. Plus, they often come at a lower cost.
5. Collaborative gatherings: Hosting festive gatherings can be time-consuming and expensive. Instead, opt for a potluck-style event where every guest contributes a dish (or beverage!). This not only lightens your load but also adds variety to the feast.
For us busy mumpreneurs, this festive season is about striking a balance between family, business, and personal well-being. By embracing these tips and focusing on the true spirit of the holidays - spending time with loved ones - you can celebrate a meaningful and budget-friendly Christmas that leaves you with more joy and fewer financial worries.
I am a single mum, in my 40s, with two primary school-aged kids.
I was approached to run for public office when they were only toddlers. I named all the reasons under the sun why I didn’t belong as a councillor.
But I do.
My experience, not only as a mother with a young family, but an individual with layers of knowledge from the health and resources sectors, brought a unique perspective to the council chamber. My influence has directly resulted in outcomes that may have been unseen; missed opportunities for my community.
I am a firm believer that “many different flowers maketh a bouquet”. Going are the days of only older, white men making the decisions for all. People want to look to their leaders and see themselves around the table. When there is depth and diversity among our leaders, the whole community benefits from their collective decision making.
Intergenerational depth is important and I’m not suggesting our older, white men no longer belong. We need their wisdom, as much as we need the insights and experiences of people with a disability, people from a non-English speaking background, an Indigenous voice and a range of generational perspectives.
Our region may be an anomaly in terms of female representation (two thirds of our mayors are female; two thirds of our councils have more than 50 per cent female representation; two thirds of our state members are female, and half of our federal members are female). But maintaining the pipeline is always challenging.
Women for Election is a national, non-partisan organisation on a mission to increase the number of women running for public office in Australia. They are travelling around the country to deliver training designed to inspire and equip more women to run for public office.
The Mackay workshop will be held on November 14 and more information can be found here: wfe.org.au/equip-power-edition-mackay
In my opinion, a great councillor is curious, has the ability to see the bigger picture and has exceptional communication skills. You do not need an economic or legal background, or years running your own business. Councillors are guided by experts, and by the voice of their community. Like any role, you learn on the job, growing with every new experience.
If I have inspired you to contemplate running for office in the 2024 elections, reach out for a chat if you’d like to know more about my experience in local government.
Councillor Michelle Green
Mackay Regional Council
We love Friday’s. They are one of the better days that end in Y. But do you know why Friday is such a good day?
Have a look around you. Do you see something that makes you smile? A photo on the wall? Kids play stuff all over the front yard? Grass that hasn’t been cut in a few weeks? Maybe a washing basket on the laundry floor that’s overflowing? That’s the stuff we love. It’s real life, and without all that stuff, where would we be?
The last few weeks have reminded me to be thankful for what we have in front of us. Not next door. Not on the phone screen you’ve just been scrolling through. No, your life.
The kids might be yelling at each other, and let me tell you, if they are teenagers, and they are talking to each other by screaming, that’s not such a bad thing. The house might look like a pig pen, but it’s home. I reckon we should all appreciate what we have and feel lucky for just that.
That said, if you have some free time, grab the family, jump in the car and get outside. How’s this for a few great things to do this weekend.
Paxton’s have got their markets on tonight. River Street will come alive as always so bring the family down and get some Xmas shopping done. Palmyra Dragway is doing a big weekend of racing with guaranteed smoke and revving noises coming from the cane fields.
Northview State School has a movie night on tonight, and Vic Park has their annual Xmas Fair tomorrow next to Queens Park. I can’t wait to see who will win the 3000 hams and even check out how many sweat beads I can see from Santa’s hat. Just saying.
Seriously there are so many things to keep you occupied over the next few days.
One last one for you if you’ve never done it before. Take a walk up to the top of The Leap. I took my son up there last week and he loved it. Having a 22-year-old say that is music to my ears. You can also take a stroll up to the Wheel of Fire at Finch Hatton for a swim. Councillor Michelle Green did it last week and loved it too. Good for the body and soul I reckon.
Remember, whatever you do, be kind and have fun!
You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!