Local mascot, George the Monkey, has gone missing from the main street of Airlie Beach and staff believe he has been stolen and hidden somewhere.

On Friday evening, George was not put safely away inside the office like he would normally be, and opportunists have taken advantage of the mishap and allegedly stolen him.

“The last known spot George was seen was on someone’s Instagram post at 2am,” said Fergus Dunk from Sailing Whitsundays.

“We haven’t gone to the police yet because we are hoping someone will come forward and do the right thing,” he said.

“And there is a reward if they do!”

George has been the company mascot for 15-20 years and the subject of many tourist photos.

“I always joke there are more photos of George than there are of Whitehaven Beach!” said Fergus.

“We often see kids race over to see George and they are always pleased to see he is still here – people just love him!”

“He’s a character in the business and we just want to see him to come back.

“If you know anything, please let us know.”

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Local mascot, George the Monkey, was last seen at 2am with this man. Photo supplied

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The New South Wales and the Queensland State of Origin Shields stopped off in Bowen earlier this week, as part of their regional State of Origin Regional Tour.

Encouraging and sharing the love of rugby league, the shields were brought to Bowen by former Queensland Maroons Shane Webcke, Josh Hannay, and Brent Tate.

Stopping off for a quick break at the Big Mango, the Shields started their tour in Toowoomba on September 20, hitting Mackay on September 23, before stopping over in Townsville.

Bowen Tourism and Business Manager Leanne Abernethy said that thousands of people, of any age and culture, stop at the Big Mango every year.

“To date, we estimate 1.5 million people have taken a photo with our Big Mango, and now we can say 1.5 million people and two shields!”

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Stage 2 of the Airlie Beach Boardwalk upgrade, from the VMR Boat Ramp to Shingley Drive, is well underway, with demolition works completed early last week, and the new materials ready to be laid.

The construction of the new boardwalk, using composite fibre materials, began on Monday September 25.

The eco-friendly material will extend the boardwalk’s life cycle and reduce maintenance costs.

The new boardwalk will also be wider by one metre, allowing better ease of travel for users and reducing conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists and scooters.

Expected to be re-opened in early December, pedestrians are welcome to use the detour, behind Mirage Whitsundays, via Altmann Avenue and Shingley Drive in the meantime.  

Once completed, the hardwood timber from the old Boardwalk will be retained for future projects, with the existing footings used to ground the new Boardwalk.

Stage 1 of the Airlie Beach Boardwalk Upgrade, between Sorrento’s on the southern end of the Coral Sea Marina and the Coral Sea Resort, was officially reopened in June, earlier this year.

Both Stage 1 and Stage 2 were supported by the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grant, with the tender for works awarded to Plants Whitsunday.

Stage 3 of the Upgrade, along Broadwater Avenue, will be completed at a later date, when the Whitsunday Regional Council is able to secure grant funding.

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The scaffolding is now in place and ready for Plants Whitsunday to erect the new Boardwalk. Photo supplied

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Tourism Whitsundays is excited to announce its new Board of Directors for the 2023/24 term, at the TW Annual General Meeting held yesterday.

The AGM served as the catalyst for change for TW, welcoming four new members onto the Board of Directors, joining the existing directors of Julie Telford, Crystal Lacey, Jenn Honnery, Matt Boileau, Tom Young, and Daniel Gschwind.

Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton said an Annual General Meeting is the time to reflect on the successes of the previous year.

“The Whitsundays has delivered records in visitor spend, length of stay and interstate visitation, this is an incredible achievement.”

Mr Hamilton added, “We’re looking forward to seeing increased international visitation in the coming year as a result of these collaborative marketing campaigns and the increased airline capacity and lower fare prices.”

Tourism Whitsundays Chair, Julie Telford is excited for the incoming board members and the year ahead.

“The 2023/24 Tourism Whitsundays board brings together well-known industry leaders and people with a personal investment in the tourism industry. Their experience in the local industry is invaluable as the organisation works toward the 2032 tourism plan.”

“I want to thank outgoing Board Members; Trevor Rees, Arpad Romandy, Greg McKinnon, and Craig Turner for their contribution to the Board over the last 12 months. Their knowledge and insights have helped navigate our industry through an extraordinary year of recovery,” Mrs Telford said.

Visit mackayandwhitsundaylife.com to discover which four local faces have joined Board of Directors.

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The Whitsundays has received a glowing report card from the National and International Visitor Survey (NVS and IVS), cementing the region as a popular destination for holidaymakers.

Over the year, prior to June 30 2023, The Whitsundays had 765,000 domestic visitors choosing to come into the region, an increase of 11.7 per cent from the last three years, and each spending on average 5.5 nights in the area.

While international visitor numbers are down, The Whitsundays welcomed 68,000 international visitors, spending an avenge of 8.6 nights, an increase of 1.7 nights when compared to the same period in 2019.

These visitors saw $1.3 billion in Overnight Visitor Expenditure (OVE), which is an increase of 29.3 per cent over the last three years, and a 51 per cent increase on pre-pandemic Overnight Visitor Expenditure.

The Survey also reflects the $1,724 individual spend per person, which is a 19 per cent increase over the last three years.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Rick Hamilton expressed his excitement about these remarkable achievements, stating, "These results, while not record-breaking this time, underscore The Whitsundays' status as an unmatched holiday destination.

“As the economy tightens, we are seeing a slight decrease in expenditure, directly related to holiday spend in region. However, the length of stay and visitor numbers remain strong.

“We are immensely proud of our region's world-class tour operators, accommodations, and businesses that contribute to delivering outstanding experiences for all visitors, regardless of their budget," Mr Hamilton said.

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Record numbers have been checking into The Whitsundays, for the year up to June 30 2023. Photo supplied

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With Bowen Rocket Launch Site

Excitement is building ahead of the much-anticipated launch of Gilmour Space Technologies’ rocket ship, with the inaugural flight expected to depart from its base in Bowen before the end of the year.

If the launch is successful, Australian company Gilmour Space, could be the first to send a hybrid-rocket into space, and currently the race is on to see which global entity can get there first.

Hybrid rockets use a mixture of solid fuel and liquid oxidiser, and despite being commonly used at universities, they are renowned to be difficult to scale up.

“It’s new rocket tech and it’s hard to scale but we’ve managed to do it,” said Michelle Gilmour, Director Marketing and Communications for Gilmour Space Technologies.

“We chose the hybrid model because it is safer and cheaper to develop – we’re very close to getting the rocket on the pad which is the first step to success.”

Gilmour Space have built two rockets and are aiming to send two shipments to low-earth orbit in 2024.

Their plans are to increase this to between three to four in 2025 and up to 10 rockets in the years after.

Each payload will be transporting a satellite anywhere between 500 kilometres and 2000 kilometres into space.

They could contain communication, observation, fire detection, water management satellites, to name a few.

Mayor Julie Hall said the venture will contribute over $4 million into our local economy and create ongoing contracts for up to 20 local businesses.

"I am so excited that our region will get to be part of such a fundamental and life changing experience,” she said.

"We are expecting to see over 80 Space Tech officials and anywhere between 5,000 to 10,000 visitors arrive in Bowen for the official launch of the first information rocket.”

Whitsunday Mayor Julie Hall and Isaac Mayor Anne Baker take a tour of Gilmour Space Technologies’ base in Bowen. Photo supplied

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There’s plenty of activity around town with school holidays filling accommodation places around the region creating a real buzz throughout both Airlie and Proserpine.

Airlie Main Street - Chamber met with Council CEO Warren Bunker last week regarding maintenance, restoration works, and traffic management in Airle Beach.

Our region welcomes around 900,000 visitors annually and there are plans to increase cruise ship visitation to over 100 annually. To ensure a world-class experience for both residents and visitors, Council is current seeking community input on upgrades to pedestrian safety, traffic flow, and parking within Airlie Beach precinct.

The Main Street of Airlie Beach has the potential to rival other renowned destinations, such as Hastings Street in Noosa. The needs of visitors and traders need to take precedence over through traffic. The Main Street should be considered as an access to the recreational facilities and business offerings provided in Airlie Beach and not as a through road.

We are strongly advocating increased precinct ambience and better presentation of street facades, better parking, and pedestrian safety by installation of pedestrian crossings, increased signage directing large vehicles and through traffic into Waterson Way, and better way finding signage in Airlie.

Vision for the Whitsundays – The research phase of our Vision for the Whitsundays project is open, and we invite you to have your say on our economic future. You can participate by providing a formal submission, completing a quick online survey, or participating in an engaging focus group. The Chamber team recently spent a morning with student leaders from the Prosperine State High School. Other focus groups happening in the coming weeks focus on Sustainability & Resilience, Future Workforce, Economic Growth, and Innovation. See our website for more details.

Chamber on Tap – Our recent event showed the Chamber’s commitment to economic growth in the region. An insightful evening was had by over forty attendees with topics covering a wide range of topics including mentoring for growth, business wellness coaching and more.

AGM – Our Annual General Meeting and Chamber Connect meeting is scheduled for 7:30am-9am Thursday 19 October at Whitsunday Green Golf Club and everyone is welcome. At the AGM, two major resolutions are being presented for consideration – a new name for the Chamber and Constitution that will set the foundation for a contemporary and inclusive organisation. Following the AGM will be a presentation by the CEO of Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays Rob Cocco providing. Registrations are now open, visit our website to book your spot.

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NQ Sportstar Awards To Honour Athletes And Achievements

The Mackay region is getting ready to celebrate the rising sports stars of North Queensland.

Nominations closed on September 1 for local sporting stars to be nominated for the MM Electrical NQ Sportstar Awards and the list of nominees was revealed last week at a media launch at Mackay ARC.

Mackay Regional Council councillor, Laurence Bonaventura, who is also North Queensland Sports Foundation director, attended the launch and said this year was the 40th anniversary since the foundation was established and the 32nd annual awards ceremony.

“The MM Electrical North Queensland Sportstar Awards are the longest running dedicated sporting awards in Queensland and council is proud to be hosting this special celebration of the foundation at the awards this year,” Cr Bonaventura said.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our local sporting heroes to be recognised in their hometown at the awards and we’re excited with the sporting talent who have been nominated to represent the sugar city,” he said.

RISING NQ SPORTS STARS TO BE CELEBRATED AT AWARDS EVENT

North Queensland Sports Foundation CEO Stephen Farrell said he was thrilled to be in Mackay for the media launch and looked forward to the main event.

“The inaugural NQ Sportstar Awards took place in 1990 and recognises the remarkable accomplishments of our regional athletes from across Northern and Northwestern Queensland,” Mr Farrell said.

“Many of Australia’s best athletes originated from regional Queensland and the NQ Sportstar Awards showcases their hard work and determination on their path to reach the elite level,” he said.

“The Awards also acknowledges the valuable efforts of the individuals behind the scenes who make these achievements possible through volunteering.

“The NQ Hall of Fame inductee for 2023 will also be announced on the night of the event and added to the list that includes Cathy Freeman, Pat Rafter and Lawrie Lawrence.”

This year’s nominees from across North Queensland are of a high calibre, with at least 19 of the nominees having attended a world championship event.

This year, the awards will be held on Saturday, November 4, at the MECC. The special guest keynote speaker is Olympic champion swimmer Brooke Hansen OAM.

Tickets to the annual awards event are on sale now at themecc.com.au.

List of Mackay region nominees for the MM Electrical NQ Sportstar Awards:

> NQ Sportstar of the Year (Award sponsor - Consolidated Engineering Plastics Products)

● Jade Bounden

● Janee Emms

● TJ Straw

> NQ Junior Sportstar of the Year (Award sponsor - Anything Environmental)

● James Allen

● Monique Bobongie

● Jacob Cockayne

● Kaiden Neilsen

● Shaylah Pershouse

● Toby Rule

● Dylan Secher

> NQ Masters Sportstar of the Year (Award sponsor – City Fitness)

● Therese Clancy

● Justin Rule

● Hamish Wright

> NQ Sportstar Junior Sport Team of the Year (Award sponsor – Struddys)

● Brothers Bulldogs Mackay

> NQ Sportstar Senior Sport Team of the Year

● Mackay Fire, Women's Social Basketball

● Mackay Rowing Club - Sculling mix quad double

> NQ Sportstar Athlete with Disability (Award sponsor – DGH Engineering)

● Izabella Wills

> NQ Service to Sport (Award sponsor - Struddys)

● Susan Davies

● James Grech

● Joel Khalu

● Peter and June Thiele

> NQ Sport Volunteer of the Year

● Jack Baldwin

● Darryl Barker

● Kimberley Doyle

● Phil Dreghorn

● Anthony Porter

● Michelle Tickle

● Joyce Wallace

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Getting ready to run towards the MM Electrical NQ Sportstar Awards being hosted in Mackay in November are, L-R: Cr Pauline Townsend, Cr Justin Englert, Cr Belinda Hassan, Cr Alison Jones, Cr Laurence Bonaventura, Toby Rule, Ben Ross, James Galea. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Cr Justin Englert, Cr Laurence Bonaventura, Cr Fran Mann, Ben Ross, Cr Belinda Hassan, NQSF CEO Stephen Farrell, Cr Pauline Townsend, James Galea, Cr Alison Jones, and Toby Rule at the MM Electrical NQ Sportstar Awards media launch. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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A Woolworths bakery worker in Ooralea has gone above and beyond this week, committing an act that earnt her some ‘brownie points’ on a local community forum.

Racheal Van Damme took to the Mackay Noticeboard Facebook page to commend a mystery staff member on her thoughtful actions.

Racheal states, “To the beautiful lady who works at Ooralea, who asked if I needed help while I was looking at cakes for my daughter’s birthday.

“[She] took the cake to the counter along with the flowers and chocolates we already had in our hands and then gifted them to us! You are amazingly kind and a beautiful soul.”

Locals in the comment section quickly began the search, naming Patty Ungerer as the selfless employee, who put everyone in positive spirits after reading Racheal’s post.

Others responded in delight, with comments such as, “A beautifully kind and thoughtfully selfless lady.”

“That is awesome, I hope Woolworths congratulates her. Great PR for them.”

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Gifted presents from local Woolworths employee. Photo credit: Racheal Van Damme

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Imitation, they say, is the sincerest form of flattery. And if that's the case, then we should all be glowing with pride here in Mackay and the Whitsundays. Why, you ask? Because our community newspaper has not only captured hearts and minds in our neck of the woods but has also ignited the spark of inspiration elsewhere. This week, we proudly ushered in the debut edition of Burdekin Life, a new weekly community newspaper. Folks in the Burdekin had come across Mackay and Whitsunday Life and wanted something similar for their community. After months of planning, and relocating our journalist Sam to Home Hill, we were able to make their request a reality.

For those who have been with us from the beginning, you'll know that Mackay and Whitsunday Life has been delivering stories that matter for more than three years now. Our recipe for success? A generous helping of positive reporting, a focus on community storytelling, and a commitment to giving voice to those who might not otherwise have a platform. It's a formula that works, one that puts our friends and neighbours in the spotlight rather than the glitzy world of Hollywood celebrities.

In an era dominated by the endless scroll of social media and the clamor of instant news, where it's often hard to distinguish fact from fiction, we strive to offer a breath of fresh air. While sensationalism and celebrity gossip may grab eyeballs, they do little to nourish our souls. Whereas we're proud to offer something different – a chance to celebrate the unsung heroes in our midst, the everyday people who make our community special.

As we embark on this new adventure with Burdekin Life, we extend our gratitude to you, our readers and advertisers. Your support has not only made Mackay and Whitsunday Life a cherished part of our community but has also inspired others to follow suit. We'll keep doing what we do best – shining a light on the positivity, resilience, and heart of our region.

Amanda

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Whitsunday Anglican School’s 2023 School Captain, Lily Mifsud, was one of only twelve students in the State to receive a Secondary Schools Citizenship Award by the Order of Australian Association, presented at the recent ceremony at Queensland’s Parliament House, where she was honoured for her service to the community.

The Secondary Schools Citizenship Awards is presented to those secondary school students in Queensland who have demonstrated outstanding service to their schools and to their communities.

Presented by Guest of Honour, The Honourable Paul de Jersey AC CVO KC, Former (26th) Governor of Queensland, Lily said that she was humbled by the award.

Guided by the quote, “Do all the good you can, and make as little fuss about it as possible”, Lily embodies the values of kindness, enthusiasm, and service to others, through a devoted commitment to community, cultural, academic, leadership, music and sporting endeavours.

“I was raised to do what is needed to be done without the need for recognition, simply because there is a job that needs doing.”

“It is amazing to be recognised at this event alongside other student peers.” she said.

Principal Mr Andrew Wheaton said Lily is the embodiment of humility and dedication. Even with the responsibilities as the 2023 School Captain in her final year of schooling, she continues to serve with commitment.

“Lily is a tremendous role model to our community, and we are immensely proud of her achievements throughout her schooling journey.”

“Since joining the Whitsunday Anglican School Boarding family in 2018, Lily has selflessly served as an exceptional ambassador for the School and wider community.”

Lily’s service achievements are significant, including the Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp for children with special needs, an executive role on the Interact Club, being appointed Youth Member of Burdekin as part of the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament and participating

in the Bond University High School Model United Nations Conference in 2022 and 2023.

Hailing from “Undara Downs Station”, Kilcummin, 60 kilometres north of Clermont, Lily is proud

to be an active contributor to community service in her rural region.

She has continued to volunteer her time at various events including the Kilcummin State School End of Year Function, the Clermont Gold Cup Camp Draft, and supports the youth of the region by coaching and umpiring netball for the Clermont Netball Association.

The Order of Australia Association Secondary Schools Citizenship Awards 2023 was held at Queensland Parliament House on Friday 15 September.

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The Honourable Paul de Jersey AC CVO KC, Former (26th) Governor of Queensland and Whitsunday Anglican School Principal, Mr Andrew Wheaton, congratulates Lily Mifsud, Year 12 student and recipient of an Order of Australia Association Secondary Schools Citizenship Award

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Mackay has been host to a spike in violent crime recently, leaving residents concerned for their safety.

Within the last 10 days, police allege three instances of violent crime have occurred within Mackay.

On Friday September 15, police allege that four men were outside a Rural View address, when they were confronted by a group of unknown people.

The two groups entered a verbal confrontation before it is alleged that one of the unknown groups stole one of the men’s handbags, which contained several items of property.

The groups entered a physical altercation, with all four men receiving injuries of varying degrees of severity.

Two men were transported to Mackay Hospital.

On Tuesday September 19, police allege two other instances of violent crime occurred.

Mackay Police reported that a man attended a massage business on Nebo Road and threatened a female employee with a firearm, before fleeing with a sum of money and cards.

Later the same day, police allege the same man attended a home business on Prospect Street and threatened a female worker with a knife before fleeing with a quantity of cash.

Neither woman was physically harmed, and the 30-year-old Mackay man was later arrested by police, without incident.

He has been charged with two counts of armed robbery and one count each of fraud, possessing dangerous drugs, and failing to appear in accordance with an undertaking.

Man Charged With Traffic Accident Causing Death

Police have charged a 28-year-old New South Wales driver with one count of driving without due care and attention causing death.

The accident, occurring on the morning of September 16, saw a Toyota Corolla, driven by the 28-year-old man, turn onto Cathu O’Connell River Road in front of a motorbike.

The 71-year-old Bakers Creek man passed away due to the accident.

The 28-year-old man has been summoned to appear before Mackay Magistrates Court in November.

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Local construction company, CiteCon, have partnered with homelessness support charity, Orange Sky, to take part in the ‘Sudsy Challenge’ this September, raising funds and awareness of homelessness in the Mackay region.

Orange Sky provides free mobile laundry services for people experiencing hardships and isolation in Mackay and across Australia.

New research by Orange Sky reveals that one in three Australians have been severely impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.

In light of this fact, the not-for-profit organisation is calling for Australians to register for the Sudsy Challenge, to raise awareness and funds for people doing it tough.

The Sudsy Challenge runs throughout September, aiming to raise funds for people experiencing hardship. Participants of the challenge are encouraged to ‘keep their kit on’ for three consecutive days, in a bid to spark real conversations on the topic of homelessness.

CiteCon held a BBQ in honour of their tremendous efforts this week, encouraging open conversations between their staff about homelessness and the power of communication and community spirit.

Co-Founder and Finance Manager of CiteCon, Rebecca Gardner states, “Suicide rates in the construction industry for 19-25 year-old men is astounding.

“Those young men might end up on the street, or something happens in their lives and this might help them. So for us it’s full circle, that’s why we support it.”

Rebecca said it is humbling to be a part of an event like this

“It opens your eyes and makes you realise, there are a lot of people out there in need,” she said.

“It’s good for our team to be able to support a cause like this. I’d really like to see a Mackay challenge, all you’re giving is your energy and communication.

“It would be great to see everyone get involved.”

CiteCon has raised more than $9,000 in just three days. They are in the top four of the Sudsy Challenge teams across Australia and New Zealand, for the second year in a row.

Lisa Jamieson, Mackay Service Leader at Orange Sky, says that having open conversations is the biggest key to battling the misconceptions surrounding homelessness.

Lisa stresses that it is important to provide a safe space for people to feel connected with their community and realise they are not alone in facing their everyday battles.

Through The Sudsy Challenge, individuals can rally up their friends, colleagues and peers together to make an even bigger impact in the lives of people doing it tough, to strengthen bonds and create lasting change.

Orange Sky encourages the local community to register for the Sudsy Challenge, to raise awareness and funds for homelessness. For more information and to get involved in The 2023 Sudsy Challenge, visit thesudsychallenge.com.au.

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Mackay Service Leader at Orange Sky, Lisa Jaimeson and Co-Founder and Finance Manager of CiteCon, Rebecca Gardner.

Project Manager, Michael White, cooking up a barbeque breakfast for the CiteCon team.

CiteCon team attending their morning BBQ alongside Lisa Jaimeson.

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Some of the best in business gathered at Magpies Sporting Complex for a pivotal event that would not only reflect on the past but also cast an astute eye toward the horizon.

The Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce's Annual General Meeting convened with a sense of purpose, drawing over 30 local member businesses keen to grasp the Chamber's accomplishments and vision. At the forefront of discussions lay an impending storm on the political landscape – the 2024 elections, potentially bringing forth three pivotal polls. Against this backdrop, the Chamber stood resolute in its role as a voice for the local business community, poised to pose the hard-hitting questions essential to Mackay's future.

Chamber President, Geoff O’Connor delivered the year in review, outlining the Chamber’s proactive approach to advocacy.

“We want to make sure we have an ear to the ground on exactly what is happening in the region, and with 2024 bringing with it 2, possibly 3 elections, it is more important than ever we are poised to ask the difficult questions of all levels of government.”

“We are continuing to drive the rejuvenation of the City Centre, our passion project, by supporting the Mackay City Heart Collective and continuing to work toward a Designated Migration Agreement - a small step toward addressing the skills shortage.”

Geoff noted that last year's special resolution to extend the term of the management team to two years really enabled the committee to continue its vision to “To build and sustain a thriving business community through strong leadership.”

Vicki Smith gave an update on the Chamber Strategic Plan and told the engaged attendees that “Instating and committing to the processes and KPI measures created from the strategy document has elevated the Chamber’s approach to governance and management – promoting long-term sustainability and securing the future of this iconic and important organisation.”

The Mackay Region Chamber Management Committee consist of:

Ash-Lee Johnson (Mackay Regional Council), Maree Sturdy (Treadwell Tyres), Katie Duncan (McKays Solicitors), Geoff O’Connor (SBB Partners), Madeleine Connors (NE Foods | The Dispensary), Elizabeth Dent (DGL Accountants), Cathy Sullivan (Mount Pleasant Centre), Vicki Smith (Concept Consulting), James Wortley (EFS Financial Services)

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