Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
OPINION PIECE from the office of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox There is no question that immigration into Australia is out of control. The government’s numbers are too high, and standards are too low. A sustainable migration program must consider our capacity to provide housing, healthcare, infrastructure and the essential services everyone relies on, and Australians must come first. But Labor’s decision to target Working Holiday Makers Visa holders is not the answer. These people filling vital gaps in our workforce are not the cause of Australia’s housing crisis. In many cases, they are living in accommodation provided by the very businesses that employ them. The National Farmers’ Federation has made the point that Working Holiday Makers generally stay in hostels, caravan parks or purpose-built on-farm accommodation. Resorts usually have on-site staff quarters. They are not the source of Australia’s housing shortage. So why is Labor making it harder for them to come here, when these workers fill genuine jobs that regional Australia holds? Working Holiday Makers fill approximately one in seven farm jobs nationally and are particularly important during peak agricultural periods, which for Dawson, it is right now! Farmers rely on these workers to plant, pick, pack and harvest the produce that ends up on Australian supermarket shelves. Having run one of Australia’s largest tomato farms, at times Working Holiday Makers made up more than 50 per cent of my workforce. Without them, much of our crop simply would not have been picked in time and rotted in the paddock. Some may say, why not employ the Australians who don’t have a job and are on “the dole”? Can I say, this does not work. Most farmers will employ Aussies over travelling backpackers, but many either don’t want to do the work or don’t turn up after the first day. Who picks the fruit or veggies then? Farmers are already warning that visa delays are leaving them without workers. The NFF says approvals that once took days are now facing processing times of up to three months, and this time frame can be the difference between harvesting a crop or losing it. That should concern every Australian already feeling the pressure at the supermarket checkout. The same problem is playing out in tourism. Across Dawson, Working Holiday Makers are an important part of the workforce supporting tourism and hospitality, particularly in the Whitsundays. They help fill shifts, work in hotels and restaurants, support tour operators and keep businesses running through their busiest periods. They also contribute to the local economy. They spend money on food, fuel, attractions and tours, supporting the small businesses that depend on a strong visitor economy. That is why tourism and business leaders across North Queensland are raising the alarm. They understand what happens when a regional business cannot get enough staff: opening hours are reduced, and services are cut, creating a downward spiral. We do need to reduce migration to sustainable levels. We need stronger integrity measures, and we need to crack down on rorts. But responsible migration policy means understanding which parts of the system are creating pressure and which parts are helping Australia function. Working Holiday Makers are not the problem. They are part of the workforce solution for regional. Australia. People have had a gutful of watching their standard of living go backwards. Groceries, fuel, housing and everyday expenses are already putting enormous pressure on families. The last thing Australians need is another reckless policy that makes it harder to produce food, harder to run regional businesses and harder for tourism operators to find the workers they need.
Read the full storySomeone sold a house in Sydney last week for $9 million less than they bought it for four or five years ago. The sellers had bought the property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for $29 million and sold it for $20 million in a sale forced by their bank. I imagine the sellers are a little disappointed by the government’s decisions on negative gearing and capital gains tax and feeling pretty hurt by the increased interest rates. Australia’s interest rates are on the rise and are now sitting at levels not seen since 2011. Increased cost of living is hurting people around the country and interest rates are playing into that. But the impact of interest rates is not felt evenly around the country. The far-higher property prices mean people in the major cities suffer much more than regional areas with the rates increase. That is certainly not to say people in Mackay are unaffected by the cost of living; it’s just that the impact of interest rates increase on a $400,000 mortgage is much less than the impact on a $1m mortgage. There are other Mackay-specific factors that are in play when discussing the current housing market. The big factor is the role of coal in our economy. Most of the coal extracted and exported from our region is coking coal, which is used to make steel. The price of coking coal is around $280 a tonne, which is about 50 per cent up. Good activity in the coal market translates to good news for the Mackay economy, as it is an economic engine that other cities and regions just don’t have. Good activity in Bowen Basin flows throughout the Mackay economy; Paget workshops, transport, suppliers and related businesses all benefit. But so do other, non-mining-related businesses as they benefit from the general confidence and spending that goes on. The strong mining activity also means mines need to keep their staff levels up and that means more people moving to Mackay. Of course, Mackay is much more than a coal mining town but if the coal sector is going well those other areas definitely benefit. It is a confidence boost for Mackay people looking to get into the housing market and those wanting to upgrade or downsize. It also means continuing strong demand from people wanting to rent a property and it will be interesting to see what sort of activity that creates from investors. Investors have walked away from the big-city markets because they can no longer use negative gearing on established properties that do not have a sufficient yield to be positively geared. Negative gearing has never been a big thing in Mackay because our prices are lower and rental returns continue to be strong so many investors have a positively geared property. Around the country everyone is nervous about the state of play and the probability of more interest rate rises. But strong coal prices and an economy that is performing well mean Mackay might just be presenting an opportunity for buyers and sellers that doesn’t exist in other parts. I remember when national confidence was flying high and Mackay prices were going up significantly that many buyers were saying “I wish we had bought a while ago when the market wasn’t so hot”. I’m not armed with a crystal ball so I’m not here to tell you what is going to happen but I suspect there is a very good buying window right now for those looking for an opportunity.
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A local Mackay and Sarina based model has created a dress out of newspapers, including Mackay Life, for her upcoming pageant, representing her region and hometown on the runway as she vies for Miss Diamond International in Brisbane. Zoe Place will be competing this weekend in the three-day event, beginning this Friday 2nd October and ending on Sunday 4th October. The young model spent around a month creating her eco-fashion outfit, using old newspapers as the main material and transforming them into a bodice, skirt and flowers. Red elements were also incorporated into the design to give the dress a bold and glamorous pageant feel. Zoe said, “The entire concept was really about taking something that would normally be thrown away and turning it into something beautiful and meaningful.” Her eco-fashion creation will form part of a busy weekend in Brisbane, with the Miss Diamond International event including photo shoots, interviews, an eco-fashion show and the final pageant. Zoe has been preparing for the event by practising her strut and walking, preparing for interviews and getting comfortable in the different outfits she will wear throughout the weekend. Alongside her love of modelling, pageantry has also provided Zoe with a platform to raise awareness about causes close to her heart, including mental health, while fundraising for Beyond Blue. “Pageantry has given me more of a platform to combine my love for modelling with something that is really important to me.” “When I first started, I was more nervous about putting myself out there and worried about what others would think about me – but I’ve changed a lot through my journey in pageantry.” “Pageantry has also taught me that it’s not about how you look on stage. It’s about the person you are when you step off it.” “Every woman has their own unique journey and that journey is something we should all be really proud of.” “To me, it represents confidence, empowerment, kindness, and using your voice to make a difference.” Zoe said she was looking forward to meeting the other contestants, making new connections and creating memories. “I’m definitely looking forward to meeting all the new contestants and making new connections and creating memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime.” While Zoe hopes to eventually move to the city, her sights are set even further afield, with a dream of one day walking in New York Fashion Week. Mackay and Sarina local Zoe Place has created an eco-fashion dress from recycled newspapers, including Mackay Life, ahead of her Miss Diamond International pageant in Brisbane. Photos supplied
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Trends, reels and the endless cycle of always wanting more has quietly bombarded the minds of countless social media users of all ages, but one former Mackay local has made it her mission to help others understand the effects of social media and find practical ways to break free from online addiction. Alexis Zahner is in Mackay over the next week to teach upcoming generations about social media and the effects it can have on the mind, particularly on identity, self-discovery, as well as the marketing strategies that get viewers hooked and influence their decisions. It is something Alexis knows first-hand can be a useful tool, but also a great disruption to authenticity and the world as we see and experience it. Alexis will hold a free meet and greet and book launch today, Friday 2nd October, at 5.30pm at the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, where she will give a talk and answer questions relating to her debut book, Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies. A former Mackay girl, Alexis spent the past 15 years working across business psychology, marketing and media, with her interest in social media influence beginning during her university studies at James Cook University in Townsville. Her own experience as a social media user, travel blogger and influencer eventually led her to question how much of her identity, decisions and values were being shaped by what she saw online. “The tipping point came for me about 3 years ago when I had this feeling that I couldn't separate influence from my own personal decision making,” she said. “I couldn't separate my own likes, dislikes, values, relationships from what I was being exposed to and being influenced by online.” “I found that I needed to take some time away from social media to recalibrate what was important to me and sort of reconnect and come back to myself.” Alexis said she understood the feeling of questioning who you are outside of social media. “I know what it feels like to live a life under the influence of social media and have that existential crisis of thinking to yourself, who am I? What do I like? What's the kind of life I want to live? and struggling to separate myself from influence.” Alexis is particularly passionate about reaching teenagers, who she says are in an important stage of identity development, and will share this message with Mackay high school students during her upcoming school talks. “Teenagers are really easily influenced by social media. So it's a really important age where we start educating them – not just on the mental health repercussions of things like social media and how it shortens their attention span, but how it actually influences who they become.” “If you're asking yourself these questions, it's not your fault. Social media is actually geared to create this impact on you.” Alexis encourages people of all ages to “start expanding beyond what you see on the platform.” “Dare to indulge in the things that you've always been curious about or things you used to love,” she said. “Don't be afraid to put the phone down to let yourself be curious and have fun.” What: Alexis Zahner's 'Real' Book launch When: 5.30pm Friday 2nd October 2026 Where: Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club Former Mackay local and author Alexis Zahner is returning home to share her experiences with social media and her debut book, Real. Photo supplied
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Every time I’m in Bowen at the moment, I seem to notice something else happening.
A new home going up, another project getting underway, work happening on a community facility or a local business investing in something new.
It’s great to see, because when you put all those individual projects together, there’s a real sense of momentum building across Bowen.
And importantly, it’s not being driven by one big project. We’re seeing activity across housing, health, industry, community infrastructure and our public spaces.
Housing is a big part of the story.
New homes are being built, medium-density housing is progressing on King Street and approved development is starting to move at Whitsunday Paradise.
Council’s $30 million Bowen South sewer project is also expected to start in coming months, providing the essential infrastructure needed to unlock around 360 new homes by 2028 and potentially more than 2,000 over the next decade.
Elsewhere, construction is underway on the $16 million expansion of Maroona Gardens, while new GP and pharmacy facilities have recently opened in George Street.
We’re also seeing investment in Bowen’s industrial areas, restoration work underway at the historic Bowen Courthouse and continued improvements to community facilities and public spaces.
At Horseshoe Bay there are new amenities, we’re improving facilities along the foreshore and at the Bowen Pool, and more improvements are coming at Mullers Lagoon.
Then there are the opportunities ahead.
Planning and approvals are progressing towards construction of the new Bowen Jetty, while master planning at Queens Beach and Bowen Harbour is looking at how we can make more of these important waterfront areas.
The Abbot Point State Development Area also has enormous potential to attract new industries and jobs to Bowen over the longer term.
There is still plenty to do and plenty we need to keep advocating for.
But Bowen has strong foundations and people willing to invest in its future.
That matters not only for Bowen, but for our whole Whitsunday Region.
Strong towns make a strong region, and whether it’s Bowen, Collinsville, Proserpine or our coastal communities, our job is to keep building on the strengths of each community.
Right now, Bowen has some genuine momentum and it’s exciting to see what comes next.
Photo source: Shutterstock
The gold sitting in your jewellery box or tucked away in a drawer may be worth considerably more than you realise.
At Airlie Beach Gold Buyers, the team regularly sees customers bring in old jewellery, coins and unwanted gold without knowing its current value. Some pieces might appear to be little more than sentimental keepsakes or forgotten odds and ends can have significant value based on their gold content.
Owner Jesse Robinson said that this is the beauty of the business.
“It's the feeling. When you see an old lady come in and expect $200 for a gold and you say ‘Oh, its really worth $10,000 plus!’
“Because we go off live prices, there's no ripping anyone off. They can do their maths before they come.
“I've had ladies go to throw out coins, and it turns out, that coin there's worth $1,500. They’re like: ‘Oh, we thought it was junk. We didn't know what gold's worth these days.'”
Others come in knowing exactly what the market is doing- but everyone gets a fair and
honest price.
Airlie Beach Gold Buyers uses live market pricing, with gold and silver weighed and tested in front of customers before a valuation is provided.
Customers can check the price, ask questions and decide for themselves whether they want to sell, with no obligation.
Jesse suggested that now’s the time to get your valuation, with the price of gold having
almost tripled in the last five years. And the next big thing? Silver.
As an investment, Airlie Beach Gold Buyers say that gold and silver is just as good as buying a house, if not better.
“You can't fake gold,” Jesse said.
“You can't print gold.”
From footy fields and swimming pools to community events, schools, arts projects and local businesses, more than $300,000 generated through Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine has been invested back into the Whitsundays community over the past seven years.
That is the difference a local bank can make.
Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine was created because local residents wanted banking that could deliver more for the community they called home. The journey began in 2009, when locals raised $800,000 to establish the Community Bank.
Today, that same community spirit remains at the heart of the business, with a percentage of the branch’s profits returned to the community through sponsorships, grants and community initiatives.
Chair Mark Henry said it was the branch’s “profit-with-purpose” model that made the Community Bank different.
“Our success is based on our profit-with-purpose model, which sees a percentage of profits invested back into the community,” Mark said.
“We see every day how local organisations contribute to the strength of our community, and we’re proud to be able to support the people who are making a difference.”
Over the past year, the branch has provided financial support to a wide range of Whitsunday organisations, from grassroots sporting clubs and local schools to arts and culture, community wellbeing, environmental initiatives and local business.
Alongside this funding, the branch’s Community BBQ Trailer gives local clubs and community groups access to practical equipment for their own events, including BBQs, gas bottles, cooking utensils, marquees, tables, chairs and a portable PA system.
Branch Manager Amanda Anderson said community impact starts with the customers who choose to bank locally.
“We’re here to have conversations with our customers, understand what they’re trying to achieve and help them find the right solution,” Amanda said.
The Cannonvale branch provides full banking services, including home loans, personal banking, insurance, business and commercial lending, equipment finance, merchant facilities and wealth services.
Senior Business Relationship Manager Luke Sheppard also works with local businesses across their banking and finance needs.
It is local banking creating local impact, helping keep more of the benefits of banking right here in the Whitsundays.
Community sponsorship applications are currently open. Contact secretary@whitsundaycel.com.au to find out more.
Your town. Your bank. Everything you need.
Visit Amanda and the team at Whitsunday Plaza, Cannonvale
(07) 4948 3599 | cannonvale&proserpinemailbox@bendigoadelaide.com.au
Local emergency services personnel, councillors and community members came together at St Martin’s Church in Cannonvale on National Police Remembrance Day. Photo supplied
Local Queensland Police Service personnel came together with council and community members at St Martin’s Church in Cannonvale on National Police Remembrance Day to honour the courage, service and sacrifice of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Representatives from the fire and ambulance services and Airlie Beach PCYC were also in attendance.
“The 13 names read during today’s service were a sobering reminder of the people behind the uniform - those who have served, those we have lost, and the families and colleagues who carry their memory forward,” shared Mayor RyCollins.
“To every police officer who puts on the uniform each day: thank you for your courage, professionalism and commitment to keeping our communities safe.
“Your service often comes with sacrifices the rest of us don’t see, and it should never be taken for granted.
“Today, we remember those who served and did not return, and we stand alongside the wider policing family.”
The event echoed other services taking place across the country.
“Every day, police put on their uniform knowing they may be called upon to face situations that most people never will. They do so with courage and an unwavering commitment to keeping Queenslanders safe,” said QPS Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing Acting Commissioner Pointing.
“Today, we not only remember those we have passed, but we also stand with the families who continue to carry that loss.
“Their names are etched into our history, but more importantly, they remain part of the Queensland police family. We remember them today, tomorrow and always.”
The newly sealed Waterson Way Car Park is now open. Photo supplied: Whitsunday Regional Council
Parking in Airlie Beach just got a whole lot easier thanks to an additional 300 free carparking spaces designed to encourage visitors and locals to head into town without worrying about the added expense of parking fees
This is good news for locals, workers, visitors and business owners as the newly surfaced Waterson Way Car Park now open and offering free parking spaces conveniently located close to the heart of Airlie Beach.
Council says the majority of the line marking is complete and the motorists can now start using these spaces.
The new car park also includes six accessible parking spaces and several motorcycle bays to cater for a range of users.
“There are still a few finishing touches to come, including lighting, signage and some wheel stops, with the final area to bring more than 300 free spaces once complete,” said a Council spokesperson.
“Motorists are required to follow all instructional signage and take care while the remaining works are completed.”
Free extended-stay parking
More than 300 spaces when complete
Easy walk into the heart of Airlie Beach
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Ben De Luka has been the face of Bowen Summergarden Cinemas for also 75 years and turned 90 last month. Photo credit: Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper
Bowen’s longest serving entrepreneur Ben De Luka turned 90 this September, and the much-loved local personality says keeping busy at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema is one of the main reasons for his longevity.
“I love my customers, I think they’re God’s gift to any donkey like me!” shared Ben.
“They’re always grateful to see me still standing up and see the place still going...
“All my friends of yesteryear, they’re all gone because they retired too early!”
Known for his charm, quick wit and kindness, Ben can still be found welcoming customers at Summergarden Cinemas in Bowen most days.
Beginning as a trainee projectionist 74 years ago, Ben has been part of the iconic cinema since the age of 16.
Within 10 years, he purchased the business and has operated it successfully for almost 65 years.
Over this time he has seen significant change.
“It used to be dirt floor down the sides and bitumen in the middle,” he recalls.
“Everyday we used to hose the dirt lightly so it couldn’t make a dust storm!
“It was an open air cinema when I first started and there was a section out the back with an army supply of tarps – customers could run back there when it rained and get cover under a tarp.
“It was a circus!”
When Ben purchased the business, he saved money to eventually complete a full roof, something the previous owners had started.
The cinema was a popular place for viewing movies but also live entertainment. One of Ben’s favourite memories was hosting Slim Dusty shows, something he did for 38 years.
“By the end we were good friends,” said Ben.
Another significant moment was the filming of Australia in 2008.
Ben met Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman and the rest of the cast, forming long-lasting friendships with many.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said Summergarden Theatre was a great tourist attraction.
“Many of our visitors go to the theatre, not just for the movies but to check out the memorabilia and to admire the old building,” she explained.
“Ben is always very welcoming whenever we recommend our visitors go to the theatre.
“We all wish Ben a very happy 90th birthday – what a fantastic milestone.”
After welcoming in his 90th year on the 18th September with a surprise birthday party organised by his wife Phyl, Ben says he is looking forward to many more years to come.
And, when asked if he will retire soon, Ben says “no way!”
The Proserpine Art Exhibition of Established and Emerging Artists 2026 was celebrated as a resounding success over the weekend, attracting more than 50 attendees and showcasing the remarkable talent of both experienced and up-and-coming artists from the region.
The exhibition, coordinated by long-time art educator Dawn Pearce, highlights the importance of nurturing the next generation of creative talent. With 35 years of experience as an art teacher, Mrs Pearce has dedicated many years to supporting emerging artists through exhibitions and community programs.
"These young artists are the future of our creative industries," Mrs Pearce said. "They will become the graphic designers, illustrators and professional artists of tomorrow, and they are the ones who will help keep our galleries thriving for years to come."
The exhibition provides a valuable platform for developing artists to display their work alongside established practitioners, giving visitors the opportunity to recognise and encourage artists at the beginning of their creative journeys.
Mrs Pearce believes art competitions and exhibitions should continue to create dedicated opportunities for emerging artists, helping the public appreciate both their talent and potential.
Guests enjoyed an evening of art, community connection, and celebration, with the diverse range of artworks receiving enthusiastic support from attendees.
The exhibition will remain on display at the Proserpine Museum until the end of October, with a selection of artworks available for purchase.
The organisers extended their sincere thanks to the Proserpine Museum for its ongoing support and assistance in hosting the event, helping to create a welcoming space for local artists to share their work with the community.
More than 50 volunteers removed 1,574 kilograms of marine debris from remote beaches and bays along 9 kilometers of the Cape Upstart coastline earlier this month.
Much of the debris is believed to have been associated with the North and Far North Tropical Low event earlier in 2025.
Volunteers were joined by Juru Enterprises Limited (JEL), the Juru owned business and the Eco Barge Clean Seas team over four days of hands-on marine debris removal.
“This clean-up was about much more than removing debris. It brought people together to care for a coastline and the marine life that depends on it. Every item removed was one less threat in the ocean, and every person involved helped show what a community of care can achieve.” Libby Edge, Founder, Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc.
Teams worked across identified debris hotspots, while protecting sensitive habitats and respecting cultural protocols. Marine debris within designated transects was collected, sorted, counted and processed to capture and report on key insights to help build understanding of marine debris sources and storm impacts.
The clean-up also provided a clearer picture of the debris affecting the Cape Upstart coastline. Across the four days, teams collected debris from designated transects to be further analysed, with the most common debris types –plastic fragments, bottles and oil drums among the most frequently recorded.
The Cape Upstart Marine Debris Removal Project forms part of the Environmental Cleanup and Local Conservation Program and is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery funding Arrangements.
Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins and CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Tim Booth. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
Local tourism operators are expressing concern toward troubling times ahead, with the federal government’s new visa restrictions set to shrink the backpacker workforce that drives seasonal operations.
The Federal Government’s proposed cuts to Working Holiday Visas have raised concerns across two of the Whitsundays’ biggest industries. Bowen farmers warned that fewer backpackers could leave crops unpicked, and now tourism leaders in Airlie Beach have added that the same cuts could leave local businesses scrambling to find workers that aren’t there.
At Airlie Beach’s Heart of the Great Barrier Reef sign, Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins spoke about what the proposed changes could mean for a region that relies heavily on tourism.
“We can't have Airlie Beach named Australia's top tourism town in the small category and then have the knees cut out from us by federal policy,” Tim said.
The proposed changes form part of the Federal Government’s effort to reduce migration, a topic that has been of hot debate by all three parties that Mayor Ry Collins believes the working holiday visas should be separated from.
“Obviously the federal government is really coming in with broad brushstrokes to try and address the publicly perceived issue around net overseas migration (NOM),” said Mayor Collins.
“Some of the dialogue I heard last week in Canberra was actually taking that working holiday maker class completely out of the NOM calculation.
“I think that's a fair and reasonable way that they can make the numbers look as good as they want but it won't affect the actual number of workers that are here to support our industries.”
The new restrictions look to cut the second-year extension on Working Holiday Visas from 57,000 to 45,000 slots, and 3rd year extension from 31,000 to just 5,000. According to Tourism Whitsundays, the Whitsundays hosts about 3,500 backpacker workers at any given time of the year.
“I think for regions like the Whitsunday’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average by 0.9%, so at a 3.5% unemployment rate, we just don't have the workforce there that can pick up these roles that the working holidaymaker delivers for our communities,” Tim said.
According to figures released by Tourism Whitsundays, in the year ending March 2026, domestic visitors spent $959.1 million in the region and international visitors spent a further $271.8 million. This spending was made possible by the abundance ofworkers delivering those experiences.
“[Working holidaymakers] do a terrific job already in delivering world-class experiences, particularly here in the Whitsundays,” said Mayor Collins.
“We do see working holidaymakers really take up that mantle, particularly in areas like customer service roles, hospitality roles, housekeeping roles...
“What we're asking for is that we can stay strong as an entire tourism industry.”
Having just returned from Canberra, the pair said raising regional and statewide voices is crucial to persuading the Federal Government to reconsider how the proposed restrictions would apply.
“And then at a federal level, obviously through our federal member Andrew Wilcox, but we've also engaged with the members of the Labor Party around that as well.
“But unfortunately it's starting to feel like a number of issues that we're campaigning on…along with things like disaster recovery funding arrangements which was one we linked into last week.”
In this world of AI and other technological advancements, you don’t want to be the person who wanders around the office like a big old clumsy Tyrannosaurus Rex bumping into all the youngsters and stepping on their laptops and other devices.
It’s one of the challenges of our times; getting the balance right in business in a world that is increasingly controlled by AI, robotics and a rapidly changing IT environment.
I remember, some years ago now, when older family members had refused to embrace computer technology and mobile phones etc. They were really left behind and felt excluded in a world that had moved ahead without them.
I’ve got a 19-year-old son who doesn’t have to think about it. Current and evolving technology is part of his life and, like others in his age group, he is completely at ease with something that is just part of his make-up and comprehension of the world around him.
The trap you can fall into is letting the kids do all the IT stuff for you. My son set up our old TV with all the streaming services etc, which was the easy option for me, but I find it’s important to get involved and do it yourself otherwise everything will move ahead and you won’t be able to do things for yourself.
But I am still stuck in some of the old ways. If I am ordering a takeaway meal I still ring the restaurant and go and pick it up. The old T-Rex wanders into the Thai or Indian joint and picks up his plastic bag of goodies, pays, and drives home.
There aren’t many of us left. Uber Eats baby. Everyone has embraced it.
My wife and daughter were having dinner together in Brisbane recently and my daughter noticed that her stockings or tights had “run” or a ladder in them.
My wife suggested she jump in the car and drive to a nearby supermarket and get another pair. But my daughter ordered a new pair to be delivered to the restaurant by Uber. They were there in a jiffy and the night continued without the peskyinterruption of having to leave the restaurant to buy them.
It’s a great example of the modern world making things easier and how many of us need to ensure we are adjusting and understanding how things can now be done.
There is another side to the coin, however. People have told me that I should get AI to write my columns. They say I could give it some examples of columns I have written and give it an idea for a new column and tell it to knock out 600 words on my chosen topic in my style of writing.
It’s something I would never do. Apart from the fact that it would somehow seem like I was cheating, it would also not be authentic. I feel that however boring or pedestrian my stories and comments are, at least they are mine. They have come from my noggin, my experiences. It is my take on the world, not something that has been cobbled together by artificial intelligence.
It’s similar in the world of real estate and, I’m sure, business generally. You need to embrace the technology, use it when it creates a better service, a superior experience for buyers and a better result for sellers.
But there is still a place for picking up the phone and calling buyers, following up from open homes, doing the hard work that needs to be done as an agent.
In a world of AI, robotics and Uber Everything the human element, the person-to-person connection still needs to happen to deliver good service and create the best result for clients.
Maisy is a beautiful little soul who seems to understand that the very best place in the world is right beside someone she loves.
She is affectionate, gentle, social and wonderfully trusting. She loves curling up on a welcoming lap, snuggling into your arms and settling close enough to make you feel as though you have always belonged together.
Maisy is generous with her purrs, her cuddles and her sweet little air biscuits. She even places her paw in your hand as if to say, “I choose you.”
But this gorgeous girl is not only a champion snuggler.
Maisy is playful, curious and full of kitten joy. She loves exploring her toys, chasing anything that moves and turning ordinary moments into entertainment. She will happily amuse herself, but everything is even more fun when her favourite person joins in.
She has that perfect combination of affection and personality, soft and loving when it is time to cuddle, and playful and bright when it is time for fun.
Maisy will bring warmth to your home, companionship to your days and a little paw to hold whenever you need it.
If you are looking for a kitten who will play with you, curl up with you and love being part of your life, Maisy may be the girl you have been waiting for.
Maisy has been desexed, microchipped, received her first vaccination, been wormed and is litter trained. She is ready to begin her beautiful new life as a much-loved indoor companion.
To arrange a meet and greet with Maisy, please call Ros on 0403 814 318.
Tarren McAuley, Web Director and Co-Owner
I remember when those AI posters started popping up – the first one looked kinda different. By the end of the week, when I’d seen 30 of them, I was much less enamoured + actively scrolled past anything that had that telltale paint smear style font.
It’s not that the quality had gotten any worse between me seeing that first one + when I was sick of them by the 30th. But it was no longer novel or original. I think AI is especially susceptible to this because as soon as someone discovers a winning formula, everyone else jumps on the bandwagon, but because everyone is getting similar outputs, it gets old – quick.
I think brands can fall into a similar trap. Humans are always looking for inspiration + when seeking it out, where better to look than the other players in your field. If you’re a tech company, you’re going to look at Samsung, Apple + the like. But when that happens too much, you get a feedback loop of samey-ness.
For me, this is best exemplified by airline logos. Look at Qantas + Virgin, probably the two biggest brands in Australia. Both use a red plane-like icon, w/ their logo in big letters next to it. Bit cherry picked but even the other big players’ logos are similar - Emirates uses mainly red + shakes it up by having a slightly more exotic font. Jetstar ditches the red for orange + has their icon at the end but it has similar visual markers.
This isn’t unique to logos, like w/ the poster example earlier – it could be your social tiles, your website or even your company email sig. Whatever it is, if you wake up one day + notice that the other businesses around you are looking a bit too similar, that should be your sign to start looking at a rebrand to shake off the rust + re-establish your unique identity. You know, until the cycle repeats again!
Stress has become so woven into modern life that many of us barely notice it anymore. We move from one responsibility to the next, manage family needs, meet deadlines, answer messages and fall into bed with our minds still racing. Eventually, feeling overwhelmed can begin to seem normal. Perhaps these feelings deserve our attention.
Stress is a significant and often overlooked contributor to ill health. It can influence sleep, digestion, mood, concentration, energy and many other aspects of wellbeing. Once again, the body may be sending us a message and inviting us to look more closely at what needs care.
Our nervous system is designed to help us respond to challenges. In short bursts, this response can be useful. When pressures continue without enough recovery, the body may remain in a heightened state for too long. Daily responsibilities, demanding workloads, deadlines, financial concerns and relationship pressures can gradually build. You might feel tense, irritable, exhausted or unable to switch off. Even simple tasks can begin to require enormous effort.
These experiences can be valuable signals that your current pace needs to change.
The amount of distraction we face has also increased dramatically. Notifications, emails, social media, news and endless streams of information compete for our attention. It can become difficult to focus on the people, priorities and goals that matter most.
Distraction may offer a temporary escape, yet it can also become a place in which we get lost. When our energy is repeatedly pulled away from what we genuinely want to achieve, unfinished tasks and neglected priorities can create even more pressure.
A helpful direction is to develop realistic strategies that allow the nervous system to experience safety and balance. One simple place to begin is with four slow, long outward breaths. Breathe in gently, then allow each exhale to be longer and softer than the inhale. You can even add a sigh as you breathe out. This can help calm the body and support the parasympathetic nervous system, often called the rest and digest response.
Stress deserves regular opportunities for release. Waiting for a holiday or an exotic retreat can leave the body carrying tension for weeks, months or even years before returning to the same demanding environment. Gentle recovery needs to become part of everyday life.
These sessions create protected time for your nervous system to settle while giving you practical techniques to use at home, at work and during busy periods.
Through our eight essential pillars of health, we also explore sleep, nutrition, hydration, movement, emotional wellbeing and the pressures shaping your life. Every strategy is tailored to the individual, because stress feels different for everyone.
If exhaustion, overwhelm or constant distraction has become familiar, pause and listen. Your body will be guiding your attention towards an area of life that needs greater care.
Contact Healthy Life Essentials to learn about our next group relaxation class and begin creating more calm, clarity and breathing space in your everyday life.
Brad Baker : Healthy Life Essentials
A career in medicine spanning more than three decades, two surgical specialties and three countries has given Dr Maged Aziz plenty of experience. It has also reinforced something he has carried with him throughout his career: that there is always more to learn, and another way to give better care for the patient.
Born and raised in Egypt, Dr Aziz later moved to New Zealand, where he met his wife and business partner, Debbie. The couple eventually made Australia home with their three children, and today their focus includes bringing specialist care to regional communities across Queensland and beyond.
Dr Aziz’s medical career has been marked by a willingness to continue beyond the expected path.
After completing his Fellowship in General Surgery, he undertook further specialist training and earned a second fellowship in Vascular Surgery. The additional training expanded his expertise while giving him experience across both surgical fields.
As the only vascular surgeon operating locally in Mackay, Dr Aziz is helping bring specialist vascular care closer to home for regional patients.
That breadth of experience now forms an important part of Advanced Vascular, where Dr Aziz provides assessment and treatment for varicose veins, with advanced non-surgical treatment options considered before surgery where appropriate.
He can assess and investigate patients himself, including performing his own ultrasound assessments, allowing him to follow a patient from their initial consultation through to treatment planning.
For patients, particularly those living outside major centres, that can mean a more straightforward experience when seeking specialist care.
“We tailor our services to what our patients need, not to what I can or can’t do,” Dr Aziz explained.
Mackay locals can access in-person appointments, while telehealth consultations provide another option for patients who may find travelling for specialist care difficult. The practice also offers appointments in Maryborough and across Queensland.
For Dr Aziz and Debbie, flexibility is part of their broader approach to making specialist healthcare more accessible to everyday people and their families.
“We provide flexibility, and a one-stop-shop for our patients. We don’t wait for them to come to us – we actually go to them.”
Rather than recommending intervention for the sake of it, Dr Aziz believes patients should understand what is happening, what their options are and whether treatment is genuinely needed.
Ultimately, the value of specialist care lies in Dr Aziz’s passion for seeing his patients walk more comfortably, better understand their health concerns, and return to everyday activities with greater confidence.
“We see the real change in people’s lives – and that’s why we do it,” Dr Aziz said.
For Mackay and other regional Queensland communities, Advanced Vascular offers a specialist service shaped not only by Dr Aziz’s extensive surgical experience, but by a broader mission to meet patients where they are and put their needs at the centre of care.
The Brief: Large Renovated Home with Two Sheds on 2 ha in Mount Martin
AT A GLANCE
INSIDE
OUTSIDE
Contact Robyn Agius, your local Area Specialist to arrange a private inspection or request further information.
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