Community News

Rescue Pet of the Week: Meet Bella

Rescue Pet of the Week: Meet Bella

Bella is looking for her forever family in the Whitsundays and beyond. She is a one year old Staffordshire cross, medium sized, full of love, and so ready for someone to choose her and mean it. She has been through more than most. Surrendered, rehomed, then unwell, and then without a home again through no fault of her own. Through all of it she has remained gentle, affectionate, and completely devoted to the people around her. Bella loves children, thrives on connection, and just wants to be close to her people. She is best suited to a home where someone is around most of the time because when she has her person, she gives everything she has. She has already been through so much. She just needs someone to choose her for life. To adopt Bella, DM Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc on Facebook with your name, phone number and "Bella". The adoption fee is $400. She is microchipped, recovered and healthy.

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Whitsunday Community Raises Funds For Cancer Council At Biggest Morning Tea

Whitsunday Community Raises Funds For Cancer Council At Biggest Morning Tea

The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre has raised $1,860 for Cancer Council Queensland during its annual Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event. Held with a tropical theme, the fundraiser brought together locals for a colourful morning filled with community spirit, laughter and friendly competition, including prizes for the loudest tropical shirt. The Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre thanked everyone who attended, donated and supported the event, with special recognition given to Club Whitsunday for partnering on the event and providing the brunch menu. Organisers said events like Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea highlight the strength of the local community in supporting people impacted by cancer. CAPTION: Tamara Noble and Rebecca Woods from the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre with raffle prizes at the organisation’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser. Photo supplied

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New Billboard Campaign Calls Volunteers To Transform Ocean Debris

New Billboard Campaign Calls Volunteers To Transform Ocean Debris

A new North Queensland billboard campaign is calling on the community to help turn ocean waste into something useful, as Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. continues its mission to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Every year, Eco Barge removes tonnes of marine debris from islands across the reef. Now, in partnership with Paradise Outdoor Advertising (POA), the organisation is urging locals to join volunteers in transforming 24 tonnes of collected ocean waste into recycled products. The campaign, displayed across key regional locations, encourages people to sign up and become part of the solution by volunteering in the Whitsundays. Libby Edge, Founder of Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc, said the initiative represents an important next step in the organisation’s work. “Every piece of marine debris we remove from the islands has a story,” Libby said. “With the support of our volunteers, we’re now working to transform that debris into new products, showing that what washes up on our shores can become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.” Since 2009, Eco Barge volunteers have removed 277,947 kilograms of marine debris, completed 569 clean-up trips, engaged 14,291 volunteers, and cared for 297 sick and injured marine turtles. POA CEO Mitch James said billboards were a powerful way to inspire action. “Billboards are designed to capture attention and deliver a powerful message, in this case giving people an opportunity to protect the Great Barrier Reef through local action.” He added the campaign aims to turn awareness into participation across the region. The campaign will run year-round. More information is available at www.ecobargecleanseas.org.au CAPTION: Volunteers with Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. sort and remove marine debris collected from Whitsunday islands as part of efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef and turn ocean waste into recycled products. Photo supplied

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Whitsunday Self Defence Academy Offers Free Community Training

Whitsunday Self Defence Academy Offers Free Community Training

With 43 years of experience across 8 different martial arts, Whitsunday local Zoran Stublin is passionate about bringing his expertise to the region. Zoran runs the Whitsunday Self Defence Academy, a completely free community initiative open to all members of the public. Zoran’s approach to self-defence training comes from a synthesis of 8 different martial arts – Judo, Jujitsu, Aikido, Ninjutsu, Kyosho, Jutsu, Kapap, Krav Maga and Russian systema. Moving to Whitsundays in 2021, he set up what is now known as the Whitsunday Self Defence Academy to provide guidance to the community on public safety and self-protection. Zoran has also taken his training across the country, acting as a visiting instructor in Melbourne and Cairns. Zoran’s professional background plays a huge part in what he does. His military training and additional consultancy work in security and government have helped him form a program that extends beyond just physical defence – examining ways to navigate different social situations when a person is under threat. “It’s not just about martial arts.” Zoran said. “There is a psychological element. I teach people how to recognise sociopaths and psychopaths. I also teach them how to de-escalate aggressive situations.” “When I started the academy, a major issue amongst kids was bullying and harassment. I started a bullying programme that looks at navigating those situations. I also developed a specialised programme for women and self-defence. I teach them about home intrusion and provide tips on how to use everyday household objects such as spoons, towels and pans to defend themselves.” Zoran’s self-defence program also covers theft attempts in carparks, sexual predators, abductions, kidnappings and ATM holdups. “I’ve tried to create a realistic programme to equip people with skills for domestic situations.” He said. Participants attend the class in their everyday clothes to prepare them for potential real-life situations. “When you make someone wear a uniform in a dojo it creates a certain kind of psychology. They may be unprepared in a real-life situation without their uniform.” Zoran explained. “Making people wear civil clothes removes the comfort that someone might get from putting on a uniform and prepares them better for real life situations.” In the midst of Queensland Domestic and Violence month, Zoran’s priority is ensuring protection in domestic environments. “It’s an issue in the region. I collaborate with counselling services, providing tips such as arrangement of furniture that would allow easier escape routes and better protection.” At the core of Zoran’s initiative is a passionate desire to help the community as much as he can. “My only aim for the region is to promote confidence in people, so they don’t walk around with fear. I’m not teaching them to be paranoid, but rather to be aware. I want to provide everyone with basic tools for their toolbox that they can take out when they need it.” Sessions are conducted at Club Whitsunday every Tuesday and Thursday with kids’ sessions running from 4:30pm to 5:30pm and adult sessions commencing at 6pm. Zoran strongly urges anyone interested to come along. Zoran teaches self-defence across all age groups, equipping individuals with important skills. Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi

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Whitsunday Green

Weekly Production Figures Wilmar Sugar and Renewables Proserpine Mill Week 11, ending 7 September 2024

September 12, 2024

This week
Season to date
Cane crushed
87,239
632,083
Average bin weight
9.62
9.59
CCS
13.96
13.81
Cane variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q208
26.7
14.35
SRA9
6.4
13.93
Q253
16.7
13.89
KQ228
3.8
13.63
Q240
16.2
13.86
SRA13
2.2
13.98
Q183
9.2
13.78
SRA21
2.1
12.75
Comments
Proserpine Mill processed just over 87,000 tonnes for the week. This was above budget and the highest weekly throughput for the year.
Average weekly CCS came in below budget at 13.96 units.
The highest CCS was 16.71 units from a rake of ratoon Q208 from the Lethebrook productivity district.
A scheduled maintenance stop is planned for Tuesday, September 17.
With school holidays about to commence across Queensland, we urge parents and guardians to remind their children about the dangers of playing on or near the cane rail network.
A reminder that our cane trains operate 24/7. Remember to use your train brain and always give way to cane trains. A fully loaded cane train can take up to one kilometre to stop.

Peter Luke
Cane Supply Manager
Proserpine Region

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Community Gathers On World Suicide Prevention Day

September 12, 2024

World Suicide Prevention Day is on the 10 September every year and earlier this week the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) held a memorial service in Proserpine and Bowen.

Almost 20 people came along to the event in Proserpine and WSPN President Matt Stokes said it was wonderful to connect.

“Today is an opportunity for people to come but it can be difficult, especially if it is still raw in their life,” said Matt.

“People have to work through a grieving process to then reach a point where they're happy to talk and be in an open environment like this.”

WSPN hosted several other events for World Suicide Prevention Day, including a memorial service in Bowen on Sunday 8 September, and were pleased to announce that attendees are now creating their own bereavement group.

“They all have so many of the same emotions and feelings, so being able to feel like they're not isolated in their thoughts is a big thing,” said Matt.

“If we can be the catalyst for those groups to form then that's really good.”

WSPN say every day for them is world suicide prevention day, but the actual date is highly important and their year revolves around it.

“What we want to do is to raise awareness of the help that's out there, so the people that really need it are not lost but have a clear go to,” said Matt.

“Instead of feeling like they are hopeless, and they don't know what to do or who to turn to.”

WSPN understand working with other organisations can achieve more traction and on the morning of 10 September they were also present in Bowen where they joined forces with Real Mates Talk hosting a World Suicide Prevention Day Barbecue Breakfast.

“There is a real change in the Whitsundays at the moment, and it’s that there is great collaboration amongst amazing providers. There are so many people that care,” said Matt.

There 65,000 suicide attempts per year in Australia and more than nine people per day pass away due to suicide in Australia.

Matt said suicide prevention is an extremely difficult thing to measure in terms of success of preventing, but likes to believe that every suicide is preventable, but how?

“What we can do is look out for each other, talk to each other, be kind to each other, teach our children how to be kind, and they are just the fundamentals,” said Matt.

If this article has been a trigger for you, remember help is available. Call Lifeline on 131114 or scan the QR code to see how WSPN can help you.

WSPN President Matt Stokes, Renee Martin, Gill Graham, WSPN Rob Murphy, WSPN Mel Turner, WSPN Di Fleetwood, Proserpine Lions - Sharon Little & Joe Little and Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

WSPN volunteers and others at the World Suicide Prevention Day in Bowen on Sunday with a special service held at Queens Beach. Photo sourced: Facebook

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Tourism Whitsundays Crew Back From Brisbane

September 12, 2024

The team is back in The Whitsundays after a trip to Brisbane for Experience Queensland—Southeast Asia and India. Organised by Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) and held at the new Star in Brisbane, it was a fantastic chance to connect with and learn from key trade partners from India, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. The event brought 45 decision-makers together, allowing us to share and educate them on our region and key product. As part of the program, key buyers visited The Whitsundays to experience our region firsthand. 

While we were there, our team attended a strategic update from TEQ, joined by Cruise Whitsundays and Ocean Rafting. Senior industry leaders talked about the achievements, challenges, and opportunities in Queensland's tourism and events sector, with a special focus on the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Key updates were heard from TEQ’s Chair, Grant Hunt A.M., Tourism Minister Michael Healy and TEQ CEO Patricia O'Callaghan.  

Looking forward, we’re planning for Tourism Australia’s G’Day Australia in Perth next month which is a combined training workshop, networking and familiarisation attended by 300 retail outlets, key wholesalers and tour operators from Tourism Australia’s key markets.  

Contributed by Cait Fleming, Industry Development & Trade Manager, Tourism Whitsundays  


Photos supplied

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Tourism Whitsundays Member Spotlight Iconic Whitsunday Adventures

September 12, 2024

Jade and Crystal from Tourism Whitsundays enjoyed a spectacular day trip with Iconic Whitsunday Adventures aboard their sleek vessel, Viper. It was Crystal's first encounter with the Whitsundays' iconic sights, and there was a real excitement to share the beauty of these incredible destinations. 
  
One of the tour’s standout features is its ability to visit three of the Whitsundays’ most iconic spots—Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach, and the Outer Great Barrier Reef—in a single day. The adventure begins with a thrilling high-speed ride on the Viper. This luxury vessel isn’t just the fastest; it’s designed to minimize travel time while maximizing comfort, so passengers can spend more time enjoying the sights. 
  
The first stop is Hill Inlet, where the crew expertly time the visit to catch the most spectacular tides. Next, Jade and Crystal cruised to Whitehaven Beach, where they relaxed on the soft sands and cooled off in the clear waters. Lunch onboard was a gourmet treat, perfect for refuelling before snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef. The highlight was hearing the hauntingly beautiful sounds of whales underwater. 
  
A huge shoutout to the exceptional crew from Iconic Whitsunday Adventures for making the day feel so relaxed and unrushed. With plenty of time to savour each destination, this tour is a first-class experience for both first timers and seasoned travellers.
  
 
 
Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays

Photo supplied  
 

 

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Top Tips For A Better Night's Sleep

September 12, 2024

Tossing and turning at night? While an occasional sleepless night isn't catastrophic, problems can start when it becomes a regular occurrence.
Around half of the Australian population suffers from sleep problems. Here are some tips on securing a better night sleep:

   1. And breathe...
Stress can significantly impact your sleep quality, therefore it is essential to create a calming environment before bed.
Get rid of any light and turn off your phone and any screens an hour before sleep and engage in relaxing activities such as reading a book or taking a warm bath instead.

   2. Sleep routine
Having a sleep routine, not only helps children and babies to drift off, but adults too. Schedule your bedtime and put in place some relaxing rituals.

   3.  Try not to look at the clock
Checking the clock anxiously can actually disrupt your sleep. Try to avoid looking at it—hide it if needed—to reduce worry and improve rest.

   4. Keep fit, get active and avoid unhealthy foods
Eating healthy foods before bed and exercising throughout the day is vital to improving sleep quality. Swap the evening wine for a glass of water.

   5. Avoid having lots of liquids before bed!
A drink before bed can be relaxing, but too much liquid might cause nighttime bathroom trips and disrupt your sleep. To rest better, limit your evening fluid intake.
If sleep problems persist, consult a specialist like Restore Sleep in the Whitsundays for expert help and support.
restoresleep.com.au

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Defence Force Job?

September 12, 2024

Are you interested in exploring the diverse roles available in the Navy, Army and Air Force? Or are you considering a career in the Australian Defence Force (ADF)?

Next Wednesday in front of the Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) and next Thursday at Whitsunday PCYC, the ADF are hosting a Mobile ADF Careers Centre (MACC) where you can chat with current serving members about job roles, further study opportunities, or flexible part-time commitment.

This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you have about ADF careers and opportunities.

The MACC is a mobile ADF Careers Centre, extending defence career opportunities to regional and remote areas of Australia. Visiting the MACC provides a chance to learn how the Navy, Army or Air Force can offer more than just a job.

Current serving members who understand the Defence application process will be on board to answer any questions your job seekers and students may have.

Learn more about the roles on offer by visiting the ADF Careers website.

What: Mobile ADF Careers Centre - Proserpine
When: 10:00 - 4:00pm, Wednesday 18th & Thursday 19th September
Where: Main Street, in front of Proserpine Entertainment Centre

What: Mobile ADF Careers Centre – Airlie Beach
When: 5:00 - 6:30pm, Wednesday 18th September
Where: Whitsunday PCYC

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No One Should Die In Avoidable Pain

September 19, 2024

There are moments in life when words fail, when the reality of what people endure is so shocking that it stops you in your tracks. One of those moments came for me while watching heart-wrenching videos shared at the Touch of Teal Soiree. A wife recounted the final hours of her husband’s life—denied pain medication as he lay dying because of concerns over addiction. Let that sink in. A man in his final moments, suffering beyond words, and his comfort was compromised in the name of addiction prevention. It’s almost too outrageous to believe, but it happened right here, in our community.
This man, who deserved peace, who deserved dignity, was failed. And it’s not an isolated case. The lack of proper palliative care in Mackay is leaving families shattered, forced to watch their loved ones pass in unbearable pain. As Trudy Crowley Foundation ambassador Earl Neilsen pointed out, a local radio DJ’s dogs received more humane treatment in their final hours than some of the cancer patients in our region. That comparison, while brutal, speaks volumes. It is unacceptable.
I won’t lie, watching these videos broke me. Keeping it together was a challenge. The grief, the helplessness, the unimaginable suffering these families have faced—how can we, as a society, allow this to continue? Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing these stories with you. They are raw, emotional, and, yes, incredibly difficult to hear. But they are important. These stories need to be told if we are to change the future of palliative care in this region, just as Trudy Crowley intended.
In this edition, we share the celebratory moments of this year’s Touch of Teal Soiree on pages 6-7.
No one should face the end of their life in pain.
No family should have to witness their loved one suffering because the care they need isn’t available.
It’s time for a change, and it’s time we demand better.

Amanda

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Kind Stranger's Generosity Brightens Day For Elderly Couple

September 12, 2024

Barbra and her husband Don Hargreaves from Carlisle Gardens in Mackay, had parked their car and headed into Andergrove Woolworths to quickly grab some groceries when a gentleman was coming out with what Barbra describes as “the most beautiful dog.”

When they approached the entrance, Barba greeted the man and complimented the dog of Dutch breed on how beautiful it was and the gentleman said “thank you” before noticing that Don was blind and using a mobility cane. The gentleman then moved closer to Don so that he could pat the dog and while he was doing that, he handed Barbra a bunch of flowers and said, “You have a beautiful smile and here are some flowers for a beautiful lady.”

“He handed me a lovely bouquet of flowers and it made my day, it did,” Barbra said.

Barbra is in her late 70’s and Donald is in his early 80’s. Barbra says the kind gentleman was around their age.

Still in shock by the generous act, Barbra and Don are beyond grateful for the encounter and she said “he was a lovely chap and he had a lovely smiley face.

“I’m just so overwhelmed and it’s such a lovely gesture that I’m still admiring the flowers now, I have them sitting up here on the bench.”

The bouquet of flowers that were kindly gifted to Barbra from a kind stranger at Andergrove supermarket. Photo supplied

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ON THE BEAT

September 12, 2024

People Seen Fleeing Into Cane Fields From Car Fire
Police are appealing for assistance following a suspicious car fire in Glenella on Saturday, September 7.
Just before 8am, emergency services were called to Glendaragh Road following reports a white Ford Focus was on fire.
Upon police arrival, three people were seen running from the scene into surrounding cane fields.
The fire was extinguished, however, the vehicle sustained significant damage.
Investigations into the registration of the vehicle are ongoing.
Police are appealing to anyone with information, or relevant dashcam or CCTV vision, to come forward. Reference number QP2401539271.

Stolen Vehicle Halts Coal Transportation
A Sarina resident was woken by the sound of their dog barking at around 2:15 am on September 10, followed by the noise of a car being driven away quickly from their Cemetery Road home. Upon investigation, it was discovered that a silver 2012 Nissan Patrol, registration 402 KX6, had been stolen from the front footpath of the property.
The stolen vehicle was located later that morning, abandoned across a railway track on the Bruce Highway near Koumala. The Nissan sustained damage to the undercarriage and tyres.
As a result of the vehicle's positioning, the Central Queensland Coal Network was temporarily shut down after the car was found on the rail line near Yukan, south of Sarina. Authorities are seeking information about the circumstances surrounding the theft and abandonment of the vehicle.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police, referencing case number QP2401554883.

Assault, Theft And Nuisance
A 36-year-old man who resides in East Mackay has been arrested and charged with multiple offences following an alleged incident at a shopping complex on Bridge Road in West Mackay on September 7.
It's alleged that the man has entered a business at the shopping complex and stolen items from inside.
It's further alleged that the man has walked out of the business and then poured orange juice over another person before pushing them to the ground.
It's further alleged that the man has then flipped over a table which was set up for charity sales, he has then left the area on foot.
It's alleged that patrolling officers found the man walking nearby and he was arrested.
The 36-year-old man has been charged with the serious assault of a person over 60, stealing and committing a public nuisance.

Fisherman Tries To Hook Cell Phone
At approximately 8:20 am on September 7, a person walking through the intersection of Gordon Street and Wood Street in Mackay was the victim of an alleged theft. According to reports, a man walking nearby lunged at the victim, snatching a mobile phone from their shirt pocket before attempting to flee the scene.
The victim briefly chased after the man, who then threw the stolen phone into a nearby gutter, causing it to break and become inoperable.
The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, aged between 40 and 50, approximately six feet tall, with stubble. He was wearing a fishing hat, shorts, and a t-shirt at the time of the incident.
Police are encouraging anyone with information related to this matter to come forward. Please reference police report number QP2401540454.

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“Reckless Race To Renewables Sending Local Businesses To The Wall”

September 12, 2024

Opinion Piece

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox says the zero emissions ideology of the Labor, Greens and Teals has local business like Blue River Ice at boiling point because of power price hikes.

“When power bills skyrocket from $10,000 per month to $25,000 per month – I am not a mathematician, but I sure know you can’t pass this onto consumers and businesses can’t absorb this hike,” Mr Willcox said.

Owner of Blue River Ice, Francis Vigliante does not know what the future will hold.

“How are any businesses expected to cover that I’m not sure,” he said.

“We have increased prices but that only goes a certain way to covering all other costs that have gone up.

“We feel we are being forced to sell our business to large ice companies who are able to contract lower prices from power suppliers based on overall demand.”

Mr Willcox added, “All I keep seeing from this Government is personal attacks on the leader, but it’s about time they start producing some answers and a plan for our businesses.

“Due to the Labor created cost of living crisis our country is facing, this Government is not giving Australians hope.”

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox met with Owner of Blue River Ice, Francis Vigliante last week to discuss the issues that local businesses are currently facing. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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FIX OUR BROKEN BRUCE

September 12, 2024

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, is demanding immediate action from the state and federal governments to fix the Bruce Highway as safety concerns pile up.

“According to RACQ data, head-on crashes account for 50 per cent of fatalities on the Bruce Highway, and motorists are five times more likely to be injured or killed while travelling the Bruce than they are if they were travelling from Sydney to Melbourne,” Mr Willcox said.

“It is deeply concerning that these statistics are being ignored by the state government who are in charge of fixing and maintaining our roads.

“This is a matter of life and death, and the Prime Minister needs to be held accountable. The original funding model must be reinstated back to the 80:20 contribution split, and works to the highway need to start immediately.

“As someone who travels between Mackay and Townsville regularly, I have seen firsthand what tragedies can occur and how devastating they are, which is why I launched my petition to Back Our Bruce, Back Our People.”

Mr Willcox said in the month since this petition was launched, he has received 1,000 signatures and has heard from members of the community who have witnessed horrific accidents and fatalities.

“That’s 1,000 signatures, 1,000 stories, and 1,000 more reasons to fix our Bruce Highway,” he said.

“Just last week we saw the horrible explosion which shut the road for three days. This cut off supplies, it cut life off to towns and again, another life of loss, that just should not have happened.

“It feels like every day just about, there is an accident on the Bruce, but they are avoidable.”

Chair of the Road Accident Action Group, Rod Erwin, confirmed that AusRAP crash data shows upgrades and the dual carriageways on the Hume and Pacific almost eliminated head on crashes.

Mr Erwin is passionate about reducing fatigue related incidents and crashes in the Bowen Basin area and said that RAAG is focusing on the need to build a formal truck stop facility to give our essential services somewhere to rest as they drive on the worst highway in our state, and they deserve somewhere safe to rest with clean facilities.  

“The lives of the people who live, work, and travel throughout the electorate and through this section of the Bruce Highway are just as important as those living in capital cities, and we deserve to be able to confidently travel on our roads and arrive at our destination, or home to our families, safely,” Mr Willcox said.

To sign the petition, visit www.andrewwillcox.com.au/back-our-bruce

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, met with members of the Road Accident Action Group to hear their concerns on the condition of local roads. Photo supplied

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Long Lunch by the Sea Unites Mackay For Cancer Care

September 12, 2024

By Amanda Wright


Last Friday, Mackay’s beloved Touch of Teal soirée took on a picturesque form as a Long Lunch by the Sea, bringing the community together in honour of a cause close to many hearts. The event, which sold out in just two weeks, raised vital funds for the Trudy Crowley Foundation, ensuring the continuation of its vital work supporting local cancer patients and their families.
The foundation, named after Mackay local Trudy Crowley, who sadly lost her courageous battle with ovarian cancer in 2018, has been a shining light of compassion in the region ever since. Trudy’s legacy of strength and resilience continues to inspire, with the foundation now employing two dedicated ovarian cancer nurses and running a support centre on Alfred Street—a haven for those affected by cancer. But this year’s soirée brought a sobering focus to the urgent need for more palliative care options in Mackay.
Two local families bravely shared their heartbreaking stories of watching loved ones endure immense suffering in their final moments, without access to adequate palliative care. Their emotional accounts delivered a raw reality of what it means to lose someone to cancer, where palliative care services are scarce. Tears filled the room as they recounted the unbearable pain their loved ones faced in their final days. The absence of a proper facility to ease this suffering was made painfully clear, and it solidified the foundation's commitment to creating a sanctuary for palliative patients—one where they can receive the compassionate, expert care needed to pass peacefully, and with dignity.
The Trudy Crowley Foundation’s vision of this sanctuary aims to provide a place where patients and their families can find peace in the most challenging moments, where no one should suffer unnecessarily. The stories shared at the soirée were a powerful reminder that while cancer takes a physical toll, the emotional burden on families is immense.
As the community gathered to show their support, the day also highlighted the bravery of two local women, Chelsea and Robyn, who shared their personal journeys through breast cancer. In front of a captivated audience, the women spoke with raw courage, recounting the challenges of their diagnoses, the emotional strain, and the fight for survival. Their stories were ones of resilience and grace—lives interrupted, but not defeated, by cancer. Their words resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the importance of knowing their bodies and understanding their normal, a key message echoed by the foundation.
Amid the powerful speeches, the event retained its signature warmth and unity, a celebration of life, survival, and the importance of community in the face of hardship. Emcee Kim Skubris kept the day moving with infectious energy, ensuring the focus remained on raising awareness and funds. The presence of Daly Bay, the major sponsor, added a sense of corporate community spirit, with CEO Steve Ray officially opening the event and praising the foundation’s enduring impact.
A special moment came when Levi Crowley, Trudy's son, was introduced as the newest board director of the foundation. Levi spoke with pride and emotion about continuing his mother’s work, vowing to keep fighting for better care and resources for cancer patients in the region. His appointment marked a poignant passing of the torch, symbolising that Trudy’s vision lives on through her family, community, and all those touched by her legacy.
The Touch of Teal soirée once again demonstrated the incredible unity of Mackay’s residents in the fight against cancer. With all proceeds staying within the region, the funds raised will continue to support the foundation's programs and help make Trudy’s dream of a dedicated palliative care sanctuary a reality.
The event was not just a fundraiser but a tribute—a heartfelt expression of love, hope, and a shared determination to ensure no one faces cancer alone, and no family endures the pain of loss without the support they need. Mackay’s community came together, inspired by Trudy’s legacy, with a renewed commitment to making a difference, one step at a time.

Attendees, dressed in elegant white with subtle touches of teal, shared an unforgettable afternoon at the Touch of Teal Soiree, united in raising crucial funds for the Trudy Crowley Foundation. Photo credit: Liz Andrews Photography

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Honda Hero Foundation Fuels Neighbourhood Hub’s Mission

September 12, 2024

A HONDA CRV will help deliver the Neighbourhood Hub’s Community Services Program in Mackay.
The vehicle is on loan to the organisation for 12 months as part of the Honda Hero Foundation for use in its community service programs.
General manager Nicolette Ffrost said the organisation was incredibly grateful for this generous loan vehicle.
“It will greatly enhance our ability to serve the community and ensure that we can reach those in need more efficiently. This support is invaluable to our vision, and we look forward to putting it to good use.”
The car was awarded as part of Honda Hero Foundation to help empower organisations that are focused on helping others.
A spokesperson from the donors said “We are proud to support The Neighbourhood Hub.
“Their dedication to responding to the needs of our community through compassion and connection is truly inspiring, and we are pleased to contribute to their continued success.”

Lyla, Zoe Sloan, Kym Breadsell, Brooklyn Jones, Nicolette Ffrost, Mercedes Catalan, Wasinee Hodder, Nana Stevens and Toni-Marie Ernst welcome a new loan car for the Neighbourhood Hub. Photo supplied

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Neighbourhood Hub Earns Queensland Multicultural Honour

September 12, 2024

The Neighbourhood Hub was honoured as the Highly Commended recipient of the Multicultural Queensland Awards 2024, Diversity and Inclusion Champion in Brisbane.
Based in George St and Shakespeare St, The Neighbourhood Hub has been operating since 1989 and is the largest locally owned community organisation in Mackay, with 19 staff and 35 volunteers.
Along with multicultural advice, it provides information and referral to all who need support.
The award recognises an organisation which has gone above and beyond to break down barriers for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, creating ways to help people find a sense of belonging in Queensland.
Multicultural Affairs Queensland presented the award at a ceremony held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The Neighbourhood Hub general manager Nicolette Ffrost said the organisation was truly honoured to receive this award.
“It is a reflection of the collective efforts of our vibrant community.
“We are grateful for this recognition and remain committed to continuing our work and working towards an inclusive multicultural Queensland.”
Ela Maglente, CAMS Multicultural Program Coordinator, has been overseeing the program for the last five years.
She attended the award ceremony along with finance coordinator Kym Breadsell and management committee secretary Rhonda Payne.
Ela said the award exemplifies the work across the Mackay region and the organisation’s efforts in fostering cross cultural dialogue, advancing multicultural education and training and leading community initiatives that celebrate diversity.

Julie Nielsen, Sahaj Ahmed, Nicolette Ffrost, Kym Breadsell, Wasinee Hodder and Lyla with the multicultural award. Photo supplied

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Treasure Trail Returns With New Locations And Exciting Prizes

September 12, 2024

Back by popular demand, council’s Discover Mackay Treasure Trail is getting ready to hoist sails this weekend.

After a successful launch last year and more than 1000 entry forms received, the campaign encourages residents to explore the hidden gems in their own backyard.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the 2023 treasure trail received rave reviews, with many asking to weigh anchor again in 2024.

“This year’s treasure trail will have all new locations and even more challenging clues to solve,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The pirate-themed trail will include 11 mystery locations across the region and residents will find their next destination by solving a series of riddles and clues on council’s website,” he said.

“We’re encouraging residents to have a bit of fun, dress up in costume and explore the trail from Saturday, September 14, to Sunday, September 29.

“Each treasure trail location will have a large poster or corflute on display and treasure hunters need to find the sign, scan the QR code and complete any challenges that pop up on each online form.

“Challenges could include taking a photo or video of something (or someone) at the location, answering a trivia question or finding something special.”

Harvey Norman Computers Mackay have jumped on board again as a major sponsor for the epic adventure and are supplying one of the major prizes, plus some smaller prizes.

Three major prizes will be randomly drawn from any crews who bravely conquer the whole trail.

The first-place major prize-winning team will receive a Go Pro Hero 12 Black Creator Edition and two Ilford PIXI-D digital cameras, second place will receive a $500 Visa gift card and third place a $300 Sarina Sugar Shed hamper.

The first 40 teams to finish will receive a Discover Mackay gift pack with Discover Mackay towel, two sunglasses, football rocket, bag and puzzle.

The first team to complete the trail will also win a Sugar Shed hamper and a Mackay Isaac Tourism coffee mug set valued at $300, and the best dressed team will win a Sugar Shed hamper.

Small rocks painted with the council logo will be hidden at four of the 11 locations with daily prizes up for grabs.

Anyone who finds one of the rocks and hands it in at the location will win an instant prize.

To find out more, or to register for council’s treasure trail, visit mackay.qld.gov.au/trail.

Mayor Greg Williamson met with Jay and Dave from Triple M to discuss the excitement surrounding the Council's Treasure Trail as it returns this weekend with all new locations, encouraging locals to explore Mackay’s hidden gems while enjoying pirate-themed fun and the chance to win great prizes! Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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