A 60-year-old Bucasia man has died following a single-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway south of Bowen on the afternoon of Wednesday 16^th July.

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Emergency services were called to the scene near Eden Lassie Creek about 5.10pm after reports a white Ford Ranger utility travelling south had left the roadway and crashed into the trees.

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Despite the efforts of emergency responders, the driver was declared deceased at the scene.

Investigations into the cause of the crash have not been determined, and are still ongoing.  

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Before the repairs operations. Photo supplied: Whitsundays Regional Council.

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By Zach Houtenville

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Damage caused at the Collinsville Football Fields has left deep scars across the playing surface, but swift repair work is expected to have the grounds repared and ready for next month's Bacon Busters event.  

The damage was discovered last Wednesday morning, after overnight burnouts left deep ruts across the grounds, creating a hazard for anyone set to use the field.  

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Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the incident was disappointing, with the cost of repairs ultimately falling back on the wider community.

"These aren't just tyre marks on grass,” Mayor Collins said.  

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“The damage creates safety hazards for players and impacts local sporting clubs, volunteers and families who work hard to keep these facilities in great condition for everyone to enjoy."  

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Council's parks team, assisted by a local Collinsville contractor, repaired the damaged areas the following day in an effort to minimise disruption.

Residents may notice the repaired sections looking different for a short time, with sand used during the restoration process expected to settle as the grass recovers over the coming week.  

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“I commend the Whitsunday Regional Council’s initiative to undertake repairs quickly so that any hazards on the fields are mitigated ahead of key, upcoming community events,” said Member of Burdekin, Dale Last MP.  

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“This is an incredibly low act by these grubs who have chosen to put their own entertainment ahead of an entire community, who has every right to expect our sporting fields are respected and used for the purpose they were intended.”

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While the vandalism left a costly repair bill, some say it has also drawn attention to wider community concerns.  

"I've also raised broader community concerns around increasing crime, vandalism and alleged drug-related activity in Collinsville with Member for Burdekin Dale Last, and I'm hopeful those issues can be elevated during discussions with Police Minister Dan Purdie next month," Mayor Collins said.

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"Looking after our shared community assets is everyone's responsibility, and together we can help ensure facilities like these remain safe and enjoyable for future generations."

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Mr Last said any rise in crime was unacceptable, pointing to funding for police and security upgrades to help prevent vandalism.  

“Any rise in crime in Queensland is unacceptable, whether it is in Collinsville or in a larger regional town or city, which is why I will continue to work proactively with our local police to ensure they have the tools they need to act,” Mr Last said.

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“As the Premier has made clear, our State Government is focused on ensuring our police officers have the resources they need to protect their community.

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“At the same time the Crisafulli Government has provided proactive funding measures for local councils to apply to improve CCTV surveillance as well as physical infrastructure upgrades.

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“These proactive measures go hand in hand with preventing and assisting with any investigations into instances of vandalism like we have seen in the Collinsville Football Fields.”  

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After it was Stolen. Photo supplied: Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade

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Just weeks before the start of bushfire season, the Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade has been left without a vital firefighting vehicle after thieves broke into the station overnight, stole the self-funded ATV buggy and left it in ruins.

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It was meant to be business as usual for volunteers at the Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade on Friday 17th July, until they arrived to find their station had been broken into and one of their most valuable firefighting tools stolen.

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Sometime between 10pm and 2.30am, offenders had forced their way into the station, broken open a secure key safe containing the brigade's vehicle keys and stole the ATV.  

Police later located the ATV near the Bowen River, after volunteers raised the alarm. By then, its wheels had been removed, the spotlights cut off and an apparent attempt had been made to burn the vehicle.

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“It is absolutely despicable,” said Member of Burdekin Dale Last.  

“Make no mistake, this brazen offending is an absolute slap in the face to every volunteer in this rural fire brigade, who put their life on the line to protect our residents.

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“I would expect our justice system to hold those offenders to account in accordance with community expectations.”  

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The break-in also forced volunteers away from their normal duties, with members spending the day guarding the station while police examined the scene and repairs were arranged to secure the damaged building.  

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"We've had members sit here all day just manning the sheds because we can't lock up the shed at the moment, due to them smashing the door in and lifting the roller door up,” said a Bowen Fire Brigade Spokesperson.  

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The ATV has become an essential part of protecting Bowen, allowing volunteers to reach fires in areas where larger fire trucks simply cannot go, including along the town's sandy riverbed and other difficult terrain.  

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“Well, we're not going to have one for a while now, so it's going to be missed,” said the Bowen Fire Brigade spokesman.  

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Replacing the ATV won't be a simple task. The specialised firefighting buggy was originally purchased through fundraising by brigade members and the local community, rather than being government funded, and was one of the first owned by a rural fire brigade in the region.

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With bushfire season approaching, its loss will be felt across the community until it can be repaired or replaced, leaving firefighters without one of their most effective tools for tackling fires in hard-to-reach locations.  

"Our members worked hard to fundraise for this ATV in their own time,” said the Bowen Fire Brigade Spokesperson.  

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"Especially for our community too, that's the sad thing there.

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“They're missing out on something that could potentially save a life or property."

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A program helping unemployed and underemployed Whitsunday residents gain qualifications and confidence has celebrated another round of graduates, as the State Government announces a fresh round of funding to keep it running.  

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Eighteen graduates completed Community Solutions' latest Skilling Queenslanders for Work intake, earning a Certificate III in Community Services through a fully funded course aimed at providing opportunities for those who lack them.  

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“Skilling Queenslanders for Work is about helping eager disadvantaged Queenslanders in our community gain the skills they need to succeed,” said Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm MP.  

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“The Crisafulli Government is strengthening our workforce and ensuring businesses across the Whitsundays have access to skilled employees now and into the future.”  

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The participants, including mature job seekers and women re-entering into the workforce, attended classes three days a week. Two of those days are dedicated to nationally recognized training and a third focused on practical workplace skills, including resume writing, interview preparation and workplace communication.

The course also included a mix of face-to-face and online learning, giving participants the chance to learn new technology while working alongside others in a classroom setting.  

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"We work closely with participants to identify any challenges they may face and provide the support they need to successfully complete their training,” said Coordinator for Skilling Queenslanders for Work’s Whitsundays program, Karen Allen.  

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The latest graduates mark the third intake delivered by Community Solutions over the past 12 months through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.

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During that time, students have completed qualifications in Individual Support, Resources and Community Services, with several already securing employment after finishing their training.  

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"This program opens doors for people to access training, skills and opportunities that can help them achieve their employment goals," Karen said.  

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With another intake planned for later this year, subject to funding, the State Government has opened applications for the next round of its $80 million Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.  

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Robin Dukes and her pug, Meg.  

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A tourist's willingness to stop and help a stranger has been credited with saving a beloved family pet after an Airlie Beach woman accidentally locked her dog inside her car at Shingley Beach.  

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Last week, Robin Duke took her beloved pug, Meg, for their usual walk from Shingley Beach. When they returned to the car, Robin placed Meg in the front passenger seat before setting her phone and keys beside her.  

After loading Meg's stroller into the boot and saying goodbye to friends, she shut the passenger door, only to discover the car had locked itself with her keys, phone and dog still inside.

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The car hadn’t been parked in the shade, and with pugs being poor with heat retention, she started to panic. Unable to get ahold of her husband, Robin flagged down an oncoming car. The driver stopped immediately - a tourist visiting her parents from New South Wales.  

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The woman didn’t hesitate to help, even with her kids in the back expecting a trip to the skate park.  

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"She didn't even question who I was, just said, 'Get in the car, I'll take you home right away,’” Robin said.  

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The unknown savior drove Robin home, refusing her offer of money for fuel, allowing her to collect a spare set of keys before her husband drove her back to rescue Meg from the 20 minute ordeal.

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"She really went out of her way for me, and I just thought it was amazing."

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Andrew Black has spent more than two decades with Blacks Real Estate. Photo source: Blacks Real Estate

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After more than 25 years with Blacks Real Estate, Andrew Black continues to be a familiar face in Mackay’s residential property market.

Andrew joined the agency in 2000, beginning his career in residential property management before transitioning into residential sales. Now a Licensed Real Estate Agent and Sales Consultant, he has spent decades helping local buyers and sellers navigate the Mackay housing market.

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His long-standing connection with the agency has given him extensive knowledge of the region’s property landscape and changing market trends over the years.

Blacks Real Estate said Andrew’s experience across both property management and sales provides clients with a well-rounded understanding of the real estate process, from investment properties through to family homes.

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Operating from offices in Mackay and Dysart, Blacks Real Estate services residential, commercial, rural and industrial clients across the region.

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I’m not sure that Donald Trump would play fair if he were one of the buyers in a multiple offer scenario on a Mackay property.

There are clear rules about how multiple offer situations must be handled and, based on recent form, I just don’t think the US president would want to abide by the rules.  

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From what I can tell he doesn’t seem to be a very good sport, not a great loser, and in a multiple offer situation in Queensland real estate there has to be a loser.

Take Trump’s conduct during the soccer World Cup, being held in the US, Canada and Mexico.

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When US star Folarin Balogun received a red card and, as is standard practice, got an automatic one-match suspension Trump was on the blower to FIFA president Gianni Infantino asking for a review.

The result was that the US star’s suspension was suspended for one year and he was able to play in the next World Cup game.

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It seems unlikely that a phone call from leaders of other countries would have resulted in a similar reversal of a decision. But I don’t blame Trump … that’s what he does. He tries to push and shove and shout and bully his way to getting the best deal he can for the United States.

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You might not like him but he certainly tries to get the best deal he can for his country on the world stage and, no doubt, for himself when it comes to business.

It was, however, a bit of a surprise to hear he had made a call to the FIFA president trying to reverse the ban on a US player.

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What was even more surprising was that his strategy worked. Now I’m not to sure about this and I am just a real estate agent in Mackay who follows other football codes much closer than soccer but that FIFA mob looks a bit dodgy to me.

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You would have thought there would be a clear response from the FIFA president along the lines of: “Thanks for the call Mr President but you have got to be kidding if you think the independent body governing the world game is going to be influenced by political leaders about who can and cannot play based on our established rules.”

Clearly that was not how the call played out and it turns out that there seems to be some flexibility in the rules and how they interpreted based on the person who is making the request.

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Which brings me to another contentious situation, the multiple offer scenario for properties being sold in Queensland.

When it comes to multiple offers and which one is accepted, it is entirely up to the seller. The seller can accept a higher offer, accept a lower offer that might have no building and pest clause or no finance clause, or accept an offer just because  that’sthe one they like.

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A client of mine accepted a lower offer on a property last year because the buyer was a young, local woman who was starting off in life and had made the best offer she could. An investor offered about $30,000 more but the seller said, “I’m making good money out of this either way. I want the young woman to have it.”

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But one thing that is clear is that a real estate agent can’t tell one buyer what another buyer has offered in a multiple offer situation. We have to tell a buyer: “There is another offer on the table so you are in a multiple offer situation and I suggest you put in your best and final offer as you might not get a chance to make another offer.”

That’s when some buyers say: “How much is the other offer.” Some buyers can be quite forceful but rules are rules and agents can’t reveal that.

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Although, if the FIFA president was the agent and Donald Trump was the second buyer there might be some flexibility.

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Most small business owners I speak to are not short on ideas, if anything, they have too many.

They are trying to keep up with social media, update their website, understand Google, run ads, write emails, serve clients, follow up leads and still actually do the work they are known for.

No wonder marketing starts to feel overwhelming.

And here is the thing. The problem is not always that you are doing nothing. Sometimes the problem is that you are doing a lot, but without a clear direction.

You post because you feel like you should.

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You boost something because business feels quiet.

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You update your website because someone told you it might help.
You try another platform because everyone else seems to be there.

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But without a strategy behind it, it can start to feel like you are throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks.

This is where stepping back can make a huge difference.

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In most cases, you do not need another platform, another content idea or another person telling you to “just be consistent.” Sometimes, you need to look at the bigger picture.

What are you actually trying to sell? Who are you trying to reach? What is working already? What is wasting your time? What should you focus on first?

A clear conversation can often save weeks or even months of guessing.

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Marketing coaching can be helpful for this reason. It gives you space to untangle the mess, ask the right questions and create a plan that feels realistic for your actual business.

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At Glow Sphere Marketing, this is something I help small business owners with through short, practical coaching sessions, including a 2-hour option for those who want clarity without ongoing support.

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Marketing does not have to feel so messy.

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Sometimes you just need someone to help you sort through it.

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Some rescue stories stay with you, and Ahsoka and Johnny Cash’s journey is one of survival, strength and an unbreakable bond.

Ahsoka was found as the smallest of a litter of six kittens, cold, weak and barely responsive after losing her siblings. Thanks to the dedication of an incredible foster carer who provided round-the-clock care, she defied the odds and pulled through. She is still being monitored for an injured eye but continues to grow stronger every day.

Johnny Cash, affectionately known as the “Man in Black”, was found alone at just two weeks old. After being placed alongside Ahsoka in an incubator, the pair quickly became inseparable. While Ahsoka is gentle and resilient, Johnny is bold, curious and full of playful mischief.

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Together, they have helped each other heal and formed a bond too special to break. These two little survivors are now ready to find their forever home — but only together.

If you can offer Ahsoka and Johnny Cash the loving indoor home they deserve, contact Ros on 0403 814 318 and share a little about yourself, your family and why you could be their perfect match.

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2026 Champion Exhibitor of Show Lachlan McLennan accepts the trophy from Ian Dodd of Walterscheid_IMG_4249. Photos supplied

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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

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Each year when the Mackay Show comes around, our community is reminded that sugarcane is more than just a crop in this district. We are the sugar city, and cane is part of who we are.  

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The cane competition at the Mackay Show is one of the proudest expressions of that connection, bringing together growers, families, schools, volunteers, industry people and showgoers to celebrate the skill, care and persistence behind every stick of cane.

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This competition is much more than ribbons and prizes. It is a living display of our region’s agricultural heritage, and a reminder of the generations of cane farming families who have shaped the Mackay landscape, economy and community.

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Mackay’s place in Queensland’s sugar story is well known. Cane was first grown commercially in this district in the 1860s, and from those early efforts the industry quickly grew to become one of the pillars of our region. In 1926, growers from across Queensland met in Mackay to form the organisation that became CANEGROWERS, recognising then what remains true today: growers are strongest when they stand together. The Mackay Show cane competition carries that same spirit of unity, pride and shared purpose.

For many growers, preparing an entry is a labour of love. Cane must be selected, cut, stripped, presented and delivered with care. Good entries do not happen by accident. They reflect the season just gone, the grower’s knowledge of varieties, soil, nutrition, pests, weather and timing, and the pride taken in producing a crop that represents their farm and district. Behind each exhibit is a year of decisions, setbacks and effort.

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The competition also gives the broader public a rare chance to see sugarcane up close and appreciate the professionalism of modern cane farming. Many people drive past cane paddocks every day, but may not see the science, machinery, environmental management and business decisions behind them. The sugarcane pavilion helps tell that story in a practical and visual way, starting conversations between growers, families, students, industry experts and the next generation.

That is why the Sweetest School Cane Competition is especially important. It connects young people with agriculture and shows them that sugar is not simply something on a supermarket shelf. It begins in the paddock, with people, land, rainfall, research, hard work and community knowledge. If agriculture is to have a strong future, we must keep creating opportunities for students to learn, participate and feel proud of local industries.

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Of course, none of this happens without volunteers. The competition depends on people who quietly give their time before, during and after show week. They organise schedules, answer enquiries, set up the pavilion, receive entries, arrange judging, prepare displays, clean up, and solve problems most visitors never see. Their contribution is often behind the scenes, but it is central to the success of the event.

Acknowledgement must go to the stewards, committee members, judges, school supporters, sponsors, show staff and industry organisations that work together to keep the competition going. In a busy farming district, where time is always short and seasons are never predictable, volunteering is a genuine act of service. It deserves our thanks and our respect.

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Most importantly, thank you to the exhibitors. Year after year, growers continue to turn up with entries, even when the season has been difficult, workloads are heavy, or harvest preparations are underway. Without exhibitors there is no competition. Their willingness to participate keeps a long-standing tradition alive and allows the wider community to see the quality of cane grown across Mackay and surrounding districts.  It is also fitting that in this celebratory year, that a multigenerational exhibitor has taken out the highest award, that being the McLennan Family, and particularly their newest generation of grower, Lachlan.

The Mackay Show cane competition is not just about looking back, but history does matter. It reminds us that our industry was built by families and communities prepared to work together, innovate and persevere. It also points forward, showing that sugarcane remains a dynamic industry with opportunities in food, fibre, energy, bio-products and regional employment.

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At its heart, the competition celebrates pride in place. It says that farming matters, local knowledge matters, and community traditions are worth protecting. To every volunteer, exhibitor and supporter who has helped build and sustain the Mackay Show cane competition, thank you. You are preserving more than a show event. You are preserving a proud part of Mackay’s identity.

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AgServices sales agronomists Drew McGilchrist and Marc Tanizar on farm with Mackay grower Rowan Westcott, who’s beginning fertiliser application on his 2027 crop now. Photo supplied: Wilmar

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Jasmin Lewis
Customer Service & Logistics Supervisor, Wilmar AgServices

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With the sugar production season now in full swing across North Queensland, now is the time to focus on the nutrition of your 2027 crop.  

Applying Bio Dunder immediately after the harvester is an effective way to begin replacing nutrients removed during harvest while returning valuable organic matter to the soil.  

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As part of a balanced nutrition program, Bio Dunder can help improve soil fertility, support soil biology, and create a stronger foundation for healthy crop establishment.  

Following the harvester also means you don’t lose valuable growing time, and enables you to stay on top of your fertilising schedule.  

Early nutrient application allows paddocks to begin recovering sooner, maximising the opportunity for strong early crop growth.  

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The decisions you make today will influence the performance of your next crop. By following the harvester with Bio Dunder and other essential nutrients, you can keep your soils productive and give your 2027 crop the best possible start.  

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Our sales agronomists Drew McGilchrist and Marc Tanizar are available to provide tailored agronomy advice for your crop nutrition needs.  

To confirm pricing and supply, call us on 1800 881 957. Alternatively, email  

AgServices@Wilmar.com.au  

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Community sporting clubs in Dawson are being urged to get their applications in for the newly opened Game On grants program, a vital initiative to help our local organisations cut costs and keep the lights on.

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Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said that for many of our clubs, the burden of rising energy bills is a constant challenge that detracts from the real work of supporting junior athletes and maintaining facilities.

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“Our local sports clubs are the lifeblood of our communities,” Mr Willcox said.

“They aren’t just places to play footy or netball; they are hubs for families and volunteers who put in countless hours to keep our regions connected.”

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Mr Willcox said that his funding is a practical step to help those clubs reduce their overheads. “Whether it is installing energy-efficient technologies, upgrading lighting, or investing in battery storage, these grants are designed to lower electricity bills so that money can be reinvested straight back into equipment, improving playing surfaces, and supporting our kids on the field.”

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The Game On program offers one-off grants of up to $100,000 to eligible community sporting organisations. Applications for Round 1 are currently open and will close on 28 July 2026.

Mr Willcox encouraged local clubs to act quickly, noting that the investment pool is finite and may close earlier if fully allocated.

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"As we look ahead to Brisbane 2032, we want to ensure our next generation of champions has every opportunity to shine, but we know that cost-of-living pressures are making it incredibly tough for families right now.

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“Mums and dads can only do so much, and our hardworking volunteers shouldn't have to carry the burden alone. Any measure that reduces costs and keeps our kids on the field should be embraced.

“These upgrades aren't just about modernising facilities, they are about future-proofing the places that bring us together and ensuring that sport remains accessible, affordable, and strong for every young athlete in Dawson."

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For full eligibility criteria and to apply via GrantConnect, visit:

https://www.dcceew.gov.au/energy/programs/sports-clubs-energy-upgrades.

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By Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox

When managed with care and vision, migration does not just grow an economy; it enriches our nation.

It brings fresh ideas, vital skills, and a rich heritage that communities display proudly across regional Queensland. From the Italian and Maltese pioneers who developed the region's cane farms to the international workers supporting our agricultural sector today, regional Australia understands the value of a targeted, functional immigration system.

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However, a successful immigration program must be matched to the country's capacity. Under the Albanese Labor Government, this balance has collapsed.

Labor's migration numbers have been too high while entry standards have been too low. By allowing a record 1.4 million people into the country since being elected, the government has created a shortfall of roughly 400,000homes, an infrastructure deficit the size of Canberra's entire population.

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By dropping the ball on compliance, Labor has also failed to protect our social cohesion. The Coalition is committed to restoring integrity by enforcing a permanent red light to radicals, ensuring visa overstayers are promptly sent home, and making compliance with the Australian Values Statement a universal visa condition.

This is not a criticism of migrants; it is a rejection of a system running ahead of the homes, roads, hospitals and schools Australia can provide. Every weekend, young Australian couples face the consequences, competing with dozens of others at rental inspections while prices continue to rise.

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The Coalition's Migration and Housing Pledge is simple: Australia should only bring in as many people as it can house. For the first time, net overseas migration will be legally tied to the number of new homes completed. If Australia builds the homes, we can welcome the people. If we do not, we cannot continue at an unsustainable pace.

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We must also boost housing supply. The Coalition will establish a $5 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund to deliver essential infrastructure, including water, sewerage, utilities and access roads. Thirty per cent of the fund will be dedicated to regional areas, helping councils unlock up to 400,000 new homes nationwide.

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We will also reduce building costs by making the 2022 National Construction Code energy and accessibility mandates optional, cutting up to $70,000 from the cost of a new home and unlocking an estimated 120,000 homes over the next decade.

An immigration system must serve the nation, not strain it.

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By Cr Namarca Corowa

When people think about council decisions, they often picture the vote, but the reality is quality decisions are built long before anyone enters the council chamber.

Think about buying a home. Very few people would inspect a property for five minutes and immediately sign the contract. Most of us would take time to look carefully, ask questions, compare options, speak with people we trust and reflect before making such a significant commitment.

Why? Because we know that good decisions are rarely rushed. Good decisions don't simply depend on the person making them. They also depend on the environment in which they're made.

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Local government is no different.

Councils make decisions that affect thousands of people, our roads, parks, libraries, sporting facilities, planning, disaster recovery, community services and the long-term financial sustainability of our region. These are rarely simple choices with obvious answers.

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That's why good governance isn't just about reaching a decision. It's about creating the conditions for good decision-making.

In my view, those conditions include timely access to important information, the opportunity to ask questions, enough time to consider different perspectives and an environment where respectful disagreement is welcomed rather than avoided.

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Healthy disagreement is often evidence that people are taking their responsibilities seriously. When people with different experiences respectfully challenge one another's thinking, assumptions are tested, blind spots become visible and ideas are refined. The result isn't always agreement, but it is often a stronger decision.

The goal isn't consensus - it’s a shared understanding. Healthy deliberation doesn't eliminate disagreement it helps ensure that disagreement is informed, respectful and constructive.

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We live in a world where negative news is constant. Social media, television and even everyday conversations can leave us believing that everything is broken. While it's important to acknowledge genuine challenges, it's equally important not to lose sight of the many good things happening around us.

Every day, volunteers give their time, community groups strengthen neighbourhoods, local businesses invest in our region, families support one another and countless acts of kindness happen without ever making the headlines.

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If we only focus on what's wrong, we risk overlooking opportunities. If we only focus on what's right, we risk ignoring problems that need attention.

No council will ever have every answer, and no councillor will ever have perfect information. Leadership often requires making decisions with uncertainty. The challenge is finding the balance and having the conviction to make important decisions when the time comes.

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Ultimately, our community doesn't elect councillors simply to vote. They elect us to ask questions, to hear the answer and consider the balance. They elect us to reflect our community’s voices. They ultimately elect us to think.  That means creating an environment where understanding comes before judgement, where healthy disagreement is recognised as a strength, where optimism is grounded in reality and where thoughtful deliberation has the opportunity to occur before the vote is ever taken.

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Photo source: Queensland.com

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Water play will be on hold for a few weeks, with Bluewater Lagoon closing from Monday, July 13, for its annual maintenance and repair program.

The popular attraction is expected to reopen on August 13, with the closure allowing for essential upkeep. Any changes to the schedule due to weather or unforeseen circumstances will be communicated to the community. 

Included in the schedule of works this year is:

• Upgrades to the children’s area including repairing the liner of the pool and re-waterproofing the splash pad

• Plant room maintenance

• General grounds and facilities upkeep

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The works are essential to ensure the facility remains safe and operational and continues to provide a high recreational experience.  Council apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

Alternative swimming opportunities are available at the Mackay Aquatic Recreation Centre and the Memorial Pool.

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