Proserpine Museum’s photographic archives contain many delightful old photos of picnics held in the district in the past; picnics that provided families with the opportunity to rest and relax; to meet up with friends and acquaintances and to celebrate special occasions.
The Mill Picnic at Gracemere.
In our files we found several lovely old photos of families preparing to board the cane trucks for the journey to Gracemere Creek/Lake past the Kelsey Creek turnoff. People donned their best outfits – men in suits and hats and ladies in lovely dresses, hats and wearing high heels no less! They flocked to the sugar mill yard and made themselves comfortable for a ride on trucks drawn by a locomotive which took them to their destination.  Ironically, when cars became more plentiful and one would naturally assume that the popularity would grow with the ease of travel, the mill picnics were no more.
Picnics at Cannonvale Beach
In these early days with no bitumen on the road, the journey to the popular Boxing Day picnic at Cannonvale (then called Cannon Valley) was long and dusty. The dust hung in the air and covered the trees, but this did not deter eager locals and hundreds of people made their way there annually.
Another popular spot “out in the bush” of Cannon Valley at this time was a water spot used by schooners of old. It consisted of a fresh water spring below the tide mark, located a little north of the old stone jetty at the seaward end of “Cannon Valley” Beach and is clearly marked today on the boardwalk.
Picnicking on the river banks
The Proserpine River, along with such places as the O’Connell and Andromache Rivers, were frequented by many families on weekends. And sometimes it was just groups of women and children who ventured there for an afternoon tea and the chance to escape the tedium of their daily chores. The accompanying photo of a picnic on the river bank in 1917 is a classic example. No bathers or other “scanty” clothing at these gatherings! And clearly no concern about crocodiles.
School Picnics
And then there were the greatly anticipated school picnics!
The “Proserpine Guardian” (22 December 1934) contained this story about a typical school picnic.
“The Strathdickie School held its annual picnic in the school grounds on December 15th. The kiddies had a wonderful time, the public turning up in great style. The day was a record both in attendance and from a financial point, the weather being ideal. The ladies and the committee got ready early and worked hard giving the children ‘the day of their lives’. The committee kept the sports going merrily, egg and spoon races, skipping, high jumping and vaulting. The little ones racing on stilts was something to watch. The ladies were kept busy - sandwiches, cakes, fruit, soft drinks and lollies all day until the kiddies cried, ‘Enough!’ The presentation of books followed.
Skip [Elwyn] Parker, at the Cannonvale School from 1932 to 1942, remembered the preparations well. “The whole district stopped for the school picnics. The day before, we all brought scrubbing brushes and soap and spent the whole day scrubbing desks, stools, and the floors. They were occasions to be enjoyed by school children, parents and their grandparents.”
Such was the strength of the tradition of break up picnics that, in 1919, the Cannonvale School picnic went ahead even though the school was closed because there was no teacher.  
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Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

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A large group of community-minded people gathered at a special end-of-year BBQ breakfast last Friday morning where two local businesses presented generous cheques from recent fundraising activities.

The event was organised by Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) and Real Mates Talk, two local non-profit organisations which actively raise awareness and education for mental health in our community.

Kindly hosted by Shirtfront Solutions and Enzed Whitsundays, the BBQ was held in the shared carpark on-site and the BBQ meats were donated by Master Butchers Whitsundays.

During the breakfast Whitsunday Bald Eagles presented a cheque for $5000 which were the proceeds of the 2024 MC Classics Mega Raffle, with many of the Baldies out and about selling tickets throughout the year.

In addition, Whitsunday Property Buyers presented a cheque for $500 which was greatly appreciated.

All money donated will be used to fund suicide awareness initiatives in the community.

These include free counselling for families impacted by suicide, free weekly Breathing Classes open to anyone in the community and various other courses/training sessions in the community.

The regular Friday BBQs are also a place for the community to gather together, connect and ‘check-in’ with each other about their mental wellbeing.

In 2025 these BBQ Breakfasts will continue one Friday per month beginning on Friday 21st February.

If you are concerned about your mental wellbeing or the wellbeing of someone you know, help is out there.

Locally, you can reach out to WSPN or Real Mates Talk via their Facebook pages.

You can also call the 24/7 Support Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 anytime.

Or Lifeline Australia on 131114.

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Whitsunday Bald Eagles presented a cheque for $5000 to help with suicide prevention in our community

Whitsunday Property Buyers presented a cheque for $500

Dylan Blackwood and Jack Loft
Brad Dean and Dan Graham
Ken Sharpe and Mark Stokes
Kev Fancke and Barb Hill
Whitsunday Property Buyers Drew Colliver and Lara Kell-Colliver with their baby Hames

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Queensland Premier David Crisafulli visited Mackay last week to address the growing issue of crime in the region. During his visit, the Premier stopped by Corry Cycles, a local business that has suffered repeated break-ins throughout the year. Highlighting the challenges faced by small business owners, he acknowledged the toll that ongoing crime has taken on their operations.

Premier Crisafulli reaffirmed his commitment to tackling youth crime, stating, "I made the promise before the election that we would put youth crime front and centre, and I’m honouring that promise.

“I wanted to come back to Mackay as early as possible after the tabling of those laws to let the city know that we are serious about driving change."

He emphasised the importance of addressing youth crime while also acknowledging the difficulties small businesses face.

"A small business owner who’s been broken into a couple of dozen times…that shouldn’t be the case," said the Premier.

"No one’s suggesting that you won’t have crime, but we have to turn the tide on it.

“It just can’t be more victims every single year."

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli met with Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton, Member for Mirani Glen Kelly and business owner Evan Corry at Corry Cycles in Mackay last week to discuss youth crime. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

‘Adult Crime, Adult Time’
Premier Talks Youth Justice Reform

The LNP state government introduced the Making Queensland Safer Bill into parliament earlier this month and the legislation has been considered by a parliamentary committee for a week before its fast-tracked and discussed this week.
The law changes include the LNP's "adult crime, adult time" policy, which would apply adult sentences to juveniles who commit certain serious offences, which includes dangerous use of a motor vehicle and burglary.

Premier Crisafulli stressed that stronger laws would send a clear message that there are consequences for criminal behaviour. However, he also highlighted the need for early intervention to prevent a lifetime of crime.

"It’s equally important to intervene early and try to turn people away from a lifetime of crime."

The Premier’s visit highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by businesses like Corry Cycles, which has experienced multiple break-ins in recent years. Evan Corry, co-owner of the business alongside his brother, Ryan, recounted a recent incident in which a thief stole a bike in broad daylight while staff were unloading a truck with Christmas stock.

“It’s disappointing and quite scary,” said Corry, who noted that his shop had been broken into nearly ten times this year alone, prompting him to invest tens of thousands of dollars in security upgrades.

Corry shared his frustration, and said, "You just shake your head.

“These people don’t even care anymore.

“They’re not afraid of the consequences."

Despite spending significant amounts on security, including metal bars and Crimsafe for windows, he continues to face the reality of frequent break-ins.

"To be honest, I got sick of sweeping up glass at 2am after break-ins…but now, it seems we also need to stand watch while unloading trucks, which is really disappointing," he added.

Member for Mirani Glen Kelly MP echoed these concerns, calling for action across both urban and rural areas.

"Crime just doesn’t only happen in the cities.

“Crime happens everywhere.

“When you go to bed at night, you want to sleep in peace…you don’t want to go to bed at night with one eye open."

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton MP also emphasised the importance of early intervention in tackling youth crime.

Premier Crisafulli also noted the need for better support for youth leaving detention.

"Stronger laws send a consequence that there is a repercussion for doing something wrong…but it’s equally important to intervene early and try to turn people away from a lifetime of crime."

He highlighted that more than half of those leaving youth detention currently lack access to a 72-hour plan.

"We are going to ensure every single person has a 12-month plan, with six months of intensive support, to stop the repeat cycle," the Premier said.

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Queensland Premier David Crisafulli met with Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton, Member for Mirani Glen Kelly and business owner Evan Corry from Corry Cycles.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli

Evan Corry, co-owner of Corry Cycles. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Ever had one of those moments where you can see a disaster brewing, like something is about to go horribly wrong, but you’re powerless to stop it? That was me last week, watching my rogue shopping trolley at ALDI gain momentum on a car park slope that rivals the skate park around the corner—or at least, that’s how it felt at the time. Consider this a friendly PSA: the gradient at ALDI is not to be underestimated, and neither is a runaway trolley.
Picture this: I reach into my car to straighten another shopping bag that had fallen over, but when I turn to unload my trolley, it’s gone. I’m in jandals (thongs), wearing a dress, dealing with post-chemo numb feet and hands. I see my trolley that’s accelerating away from me on an angle like it’s in some kind of trolley Grand Prix. I immediately thought, “There’s no way I’ll make it in time.” But instinct took over, and despite looking like a spooked hippo who had just been fired upon by poachers (my sincerest apologies to any onlookers), I launched into a sprint. Considering I don’t remember the last time I actually ran any distance, this was already a surprise.
I thundered across that car park and with mere millimetres left, I put everything I had into a final lunge, arm outstretched as far as it would go…and stopped that trolley just 10 centimetres from a parked car.
Lesson learned: you never really know what you’re capable of until you’re forced to test your limits—whether it’s saving a car from an untimely dent or surprising yourself in other ways. Yes, I may have pulled a glute in the process, but I also proved to myself that even when you think you’ve hit your limits, there’s always a little more gas in the tank.
So, here’s my challenge to you for 2025: pick something you think you can’t do—or haven’t done yet—and give it a crack. For me, it’s composting. I’ve no idea where to begin, but I hear the council runs workshops, so that’s my starting point. It doesn’t have to be monumental; it just has to be meaningful. Whether it’s mastering sourdough, learning a language, or finally tackling that DIY project, push yourself a little further. Who knows? You might even save a trolley—or a car—along the way.
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Amanda

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Star 101.9 Mackay’s Christmas Auction, hosted by Rach and Jake, was a resounding success, raising an incredible $4,225 to support local families in need this Christmas season. The live charity auction, held on November 29, featured a range of exciting items, including two Broncos NQ membership packs, a 55-inch TV from Betta Mackay, a three-night stay at the Mirage Whitsundays, a thrilling ride in the new Stinger Police Car, and a scenic flight over the Whitsundays, all generously donated by local businesses.

The community rallied together to make a difference, with all proceeds going directly to Mackay Women's Services. The funds will support their Christmas Hamper drive, providing families in need with gift cards to select gifts and essentials for the holiday season.

A representative from Star 101.9 Mackay expressed their gratitude, saying, “A massive thank you to everyone who bid on the items for Rach and Jake’s Christmas Auction!

“Together, we raised an incredible $4,225, with all proceeds going to Mackay Women's Services.”

Mackay Women's Services also shared their excitement, saying, "Wow, what a whirlwind of a morning…this generous amount will go straight into our Christmas Hamper drive, where we'll transform it into gift cards so families can pick out the perfect gifts or essentials, they need this Christmas season.”

Both Mackay Women's Services and Star 101.9 Mackay extended a special thank you to the businesses who made this possible: Brisbane Broncos, Betta Mackay, Mirage Whitsundays, Queensland Police Service, and Sailing Whitsundays.

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Recent NAPLAN results highlight Whitsunday Anglican School’s commitment to an exceptional education for students, after ranking as the top secondary regional School in Queensland.

Whitsunday Anglican School was featured in the top 25 NAPLAN rankings attaining 10th for Year 9 and 24th for Year 5. Principal Mr Andrew Wheaton said he believed that the school’s phenomenal outcomes were driven by Whitsunday’s exceptional teachers, who are committed to academic growth for every student, which is strongly grounded in evidence-based research and practice.

"We are truly dedicated to fostering academic growth through a focus on personalised learning that is realised through effort and continuous improvement—ensuring that every student has opportunities to make progress and reach their potential.

"Although we take pride in these results, the true heroes are our exceptional educators, who work tirelessly every day with our students—not only to achieve high levels of literacy and numeracy but also to apply these skills in critical and creative ways."

Mr Wheaton said the school invests in specialist teachers who are experts in their disciplinary field; and works diligently to develop partnerships with leading educational institutions to inform evidence-based decision-making.

Critical to this success is a strong culture of learning in the classroom.

“We have partnered with The University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of Education to research innovative learning environments that impact the way our teachers teach and develop deep learning.

“We’re also conscious that strong academic outcomes are balanced with a focus on the student’s emotional intelligence, and we proudly partner with Swinburne University to implement an evidence-based Emotional Intelligence (EI) programme for our students.

“Balance through cocurricular pursuits in the Arts, music and sport is also critical for ensuring that our students perform at their best.

“As a school we view NAPLAN holistically and do not see it as a sole indicator of performance by any means.

“However, it is a strong measure of the exceptional work being done in our classrooms to progress our students’ literacy and numeracy at Whitsunday Anglican School.”

Mr Wheaton added, “Our approach to learning is multifaceted where creativity and innovation were also fundamental to the school’s progress.

“Central to the School’s approach is an understanding that critical skills required for future success include creativity, curiosity, and innovation.

“We invite our students to develop a new way of thinking that is engaging, multifaceted and inclusive, with diversity of thought and global-mindedness.

“Critical thinking and problem-based learning is a real focus area, and we have captured this in the build of our new award-winning STEAM Centre, opened in late 2023.

“The STEAM Centre has been a tremendous vehicle to inspire our students with critical skills for the future and it is designed to link in with the region’s industry strengths in STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Design, and Mathematics.

“From its inception, the school had the vision to design a cutting-edge, research driven educational building that will inspire innovative teaching and learning into the future,” Mr Wheaton said.

“At Whitsunday we are confident that our regional students receive world class educational
opportunities, and these NAPLAN results are further evidence of this.”

To determine how each school performed in 2024, the scores for all five test subjects for the student cohort (Yr 5 or Yr 9) were combined and the average found. Special schools, schools with fewer than 20 students enrolled, and schools that did not report any results for NAPLAN subjects were excluded from the analysis.

The figures were independently compiled from the Federal Government's MySchool website. Data was not collected for Western Australia.

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Whitsunday Anglican School topped NAPLAN rankings as the leading regional school in Queensland, driven by exceptional teachers, personalised learning, and a strong academic culture. Photo credit: Whitsunday Anglican School

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Throughout his early years of primary school, being on the spectrum, Logan Ivory’s educators needed strategies to help him through moments of unease.
The advice given to them was "Give him blank paper, pencils and a quiet corner...".
That advice was the catalyst for an amazing creative journey that will see him headlining his own Community Showcase Exhibition to celebrate International Day of People with Disability.
The exhibition will launch on Monday, December 9, in the Jubilee Community Centre and will showcase the evolution of Logan’s art practice.
The launch will run from 5pm to 7pm and residents can register to attend via Eventbrite.
Mayor Greg Williamson said Logan has pursued this creative journey with support from his mum and local artist Kylie Ferriday, who introduced him to the world of paint.
“He has never looked back, and now attends weekly art classes and paints and creates in his spare time,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Logan is also a leader in our community having recently been elected to the Mackay Youth Council as part of the Young Mayors program,” he said.
“The theme for International Day of People with Disability 2024 is ‘Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future’.
“It’s tremendous to be able to give a big community shoutout to Logan who has taken a disability and focused it into a catalyst for creating fantastic artworks.
“And in doing so he has gained the self-confidence and experience to take on a leadership role within our youth community.
“I would like to invite everyone to come along and help us recognise this talented young artist's achievements as we celebrate his creativity and leadership as a young person with disability.”
Logan’s exhibition will run until Friday, December 20.
This Community Showcase is supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a partnership between the Queensland Government and Mackay Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

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Logan Ivory has taken a disability and focused it into a catalyst for creating fantastic artworks.
Photo credit: Jen Porter Photography

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‘A Very Merry YarnBomb’ has struck Northern Beaches, bringing the festive and community spirit to Bucasia Esplanade. ‘A Very Merry YarnBomb’ is a crocheted public art installation completed by a group of volunteer women who attend a Friday morning Crochet and Conversation Gathering at the Beachfront Bar & Restaurant each week for the last five months.

What started as a small vision to inspire creativity and community wellbeing, grew into a vibrant and festive large-scale project and a thriving community of women with a strong bond. The installation is not just an artwork for viewing and spreading Christmas cheer. The women have crocheted specific features into the artwork, which a Scavenger Hunt has been created from, with prizes on offer thanks to the generous donations of local businesses.

Entry forms can be collected from, and entered in the competition at the Beachfront Bar & Restaurant and KBs Barbershop in Bucasia. The Scavenger Hunt creates the invitation for a fun and FREE family outing or a nice immersive stroll for adults through the installation. Thanks to Mackay Northern Beaches Lions, Plant Engineering Solutions, Toomas Drycleaners, CARE4MH, Beachfront Bar & Restaurant and Jamie Wilcox Art for sponsoring prizes. The installation will be on display for all of December, however the Scavenger Hunt Competition will close on Sunday 22nd December at 4pm.

‘A Very Merry YarnBomb’ has been a collaborative effort through group donations and a small funding grant from the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) which allowed for the engagement of Tracey Robb Arts to mentor the group in its first community YarnBomb and host a number of ‘FREE Learn to Crochet Workshops’. 

Rebecca Cooper, one of the event’s organisers, said, “Thank you to Mackay Regional Council and the State Government for supporting our vision for a more connected community through arts initiatives and Greater Whitsunday Communities for auspicing the project.

“The Northern Beaches Community Network and Mackay Northern Beaches Lions are proud to have guided this project for the community.”

The Network and Lions collaboration are currently seeking ideas for community wellbeing events in 2025 and would love to hear from motivated individuals who want to be involved in big and small ways in creating a more connected and active community. 

For specific opening hours, check out their Facebook page
Competition terms and conditions apply.

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‘A Very Merry YarnBomb’ has transformed Bucasia Esplanade into a festive crocheted art installation, featuring a scavenger hunt with prizes donated by local businesses, on display throughout December. Photos supplied

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Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday businesses and community organisations will have better access to the tools and training they need to grow and thrive in an increasingly digital market thanks to funding secured by Split Spaces.

Split Spaces Manager Kirra Tully said the funding would enable Split Spaces to provide valuable training to enhance digital innovation for businesses, start-ups, and communities throughout the entire Mackay Isaac Whitsunday (MIW) region.

She said the REP program aimed to drive regional growth by enabling organisations like Split Spaces to promote digital transformation and innovation.

“This funding is a significant step for our region,” Ms Tully said.

“It will allow us to enhance digital innovation and provide essential tools for local businesses to thrive in the digital economy.

“This is training that businesses across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions have been calling for, for a long time.

“Now, we have the opportunity to deliver this in a way that suits businesses and provide clear and useful training they can immediately use to work more effectively and efficiently in their businesses.”

Ms Tully said other key initiatives to be delivered as part of the training included:

Enhancing Digital Capacity: Digital toolkit to provide local businesses with insights to improve their digital maturity and operational efficiency.

Tech Verge Event: To showcase the region's innovation capabilities across small business month.

Fostering Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships among regional stakeholders to create a collaborative innovation ecosystem.

Supporting SME Growth: Offering tailored mentoring and workshops to equip businesses with the skills and resources needed for effective digital scaling and innovation.

“These initiatives reflect the strategic goals of the Split Spaces Future Growth Strategy,
positioning the MIW region as a leader in digital growth,” Ms Tully said.

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Artspace Mackay needs your help to create the next City Centre mural.
Residents are being encouraged to enter their idea of the perfect “Mackay Moment”.
It may be a photo or a story, a place or even an animal that you feel captures Mackay.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the installation of other murals in the City Centre had activated area and created a real buzz.
“Following the completion of the latest mural – BeeMindful – public art guided walks conducted by Artspace Mackay have seen a huge increase in numbers,” Mayor Williamson said.
“We are so pleased to see that these murals really are helping to build interest in our city. Tour numbers are now consistently at capacity, with 20 people signing up,” he said.
“Many participants in the tours are visitors to our region, so we know that they are then naturally spending more time and money in the area before and after the tour.
“The next mural will be a fabulous addition to our series of City Centre murals which help to connect our city and activate areas identified in the PDA.
“We know that murals are artworks with limited lifespans but that’s a large part of their appeal, because they can evolve and change with our growing city.
“Not only will we have a mural that locals have had a part in creating, but the artists completing the mural will hold workshops with our local upcoming artists, helping to build their skills for the future.”
To submit your ideas, head over to the Artspace Mackay website.
Submissions close on Sunday, January 5, 2025 with artists scheduled to commence planning in May 2025.
Even if your image is not selected, it may still be used for promotional purposes on council’s platforms. All images selected will be credited.
A bit about the artists…
Nationally renowned Queensland street artists, the Brightsiders will be completing the mural and, while in the region, will be holding workshops with our local artists.
The Brightsiders have an impressive portfolio of public artworks, including the Fifth Lane in Mackay City Centre, the Airport Train line mural in Brisbane (which locally born artist Dylan Mooney assisted in creating), the Yelarbon grain silo mural and the Point Cartwright water reservoir mural, located on the Sunshine coast.

The spectacular “BeeMindful” mural, which connects Wood Street Park with Seventh Lane

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Mackay Regional Council will begin work upgrading Alsatia Park in Walkerston this week, weather permitting.
Works will commence on the western side of the park and this area will be fenced off. However, the playground, skatepark and half basketball court will remain accessible. 

Mayor Greg Williamson said the work being completed was based on feedback that was gathered in 2022.

“We will be constructing new footpaths and installing new public toilets to make the park more accessible, including a unisex disability cubicle and unisex ambulant toilet,” Mayor Williamson said.

“A new children’s playground will be installed to cater for a wider range of ages and it will be relocated away from the skatepark,” he said.

“For the older kids, we will be improving the skatepark’s half-pipe and riding surface and installing a new backboard and hoop at the southern side of the basketball court.

“We will also convert the shelter next to the skatepark into a hang-out space featuring a table tennis table.”

Other work being carried out as part this project will include the installation of additional seating and new shelters, new football posts, a drinking bubbler with a dog bowl, additional bins and fencing, drainage improvements, shade trees and new signage.

Vassallo Constructions Pty Ltd will be completing this work on behalf of council.

No works will occur from late-December to early-January. 

Works will recommence from Monday, January 6, 2025, and are expected to be completed by mid-April, 2025, weather permitting. The entire park will be closed during this time.  

Works will be undertaken from Monday to Friday, between 6.30am and 6.30pm throughout the construction.
As part of these works, some trees will be required to be removed. However, they will be replaced with native tree species.  

There will also be some noise and dust disturbances with various plant and equipment on-site.  

For more information on this project visit connectingmackay.com.au/alsatia-park-upgrade.

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Earlier this month, approximately 90 stakeholders from across the port industry and local community gathered at the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club to celebrate their collective achievements at the North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) end-of-year stakeholder event.
 
NQBP CEO Brendan Webb thanked attendees for their strong teamwork, resilience, and adaptability during 2024. Mr Webb also shared NQBP’s significant economic contributions to the port communities and Queensland, with the Ports of Hay Point and Mackay facilitating around 47,000 jobs and an economic contribution to the state of more than $22.2 Billion.
 
Also announced on the night were the fourteen recipients of NQBP’s Community Fund for this year, another reflection of NQBP’s commitment to their port communities. 

North Queensland Bulk Ports is a government-owned corporation with ports at Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point and Weipa. NQBP delivers essential port services for the benefit of the people of Queensland. Their ports connect North Queensland to the world while balancing the needs of their iconic surroundings, communities, and stakeholders.

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NQBPs Board Chair Jane McTaggart

NQBPs CEO Brendan Webb

Mackay Surf Lifesaving Clubs Peter Marshall, NQBP CEO Brendan Webb, Daltug’s Andrew Ramsamy

Cr Ash-Lee Johnson, Aurecon’s Steve Cutting, Mackay Marina Run’s Tim Magoffin and BMAs Brett Ross

Ben Line Agencies Danielle Murray, NQBP Deane Alty, Stella Maris Pauline Harris and Ben Line Agencies Ashley Cage

Daltug’s Andrew Ramsamy, NQBPs Carissa Mansfield, DBCTs Glenn Anderson

NQBPs Belinda Kenny, Andrea Ranson and Mackay Isaac Tourisms Emmagen Mula

NQBPs Monica McKendry, Tropical Exposures Amanda and Ben Bishop

NQBPs Nick McDougall with Debbie Ellwood and Michael DePinto

Wisely’s Chris Bugjea, Daniel Sanderson, NQBPs Hossein Saadai and Wisely’s Dan Wisely

Vassallo’s Damian Vassallo, Stantec Tracey Doyle, GHD Stephanie Somerville

QCS Brent Casey, NQBPs Paul Heagney, Mackay Sugars Carl Morton

NQBPs CEO Brendan Webb and Board Chair Jane McTaggart with Maree Sturdy from Zonta Club of Mackay

NQBPs CEO Brendan Webb and Board Chair Jane McTaggart with Peter Marshall from Mackay Surf Lifesaving

NQBPs CEO Brendan Webb and Board Chair Jane McTaggart with Pauline Harris from Stella Maris Seafarers

NQBPs CEO Brendan Webb and Board Chair Jane McTaggart with the Crossroad Arts team

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Greater Whitsunday Communities can fill them for you!
The Greater Whitsunday Housing Alliance has rallied residents to step up and fill a gaping accommodation hole by renting their spare bedrooms to teachers hoping to live and work in the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday regions.
Greater Whitsunday Communities (GWC) Chief Executive Carol Norris said the Housing Alliance, operated by GWC, was appealing to individuals, families and community members linked to the region’s schools and care organisations, with a room or granny flat to spare to take in a lodger.
Mrs Norris said the critical shortage in affordable rental accommodations throughout the region was making it almost impossible for teaching, care and support staff arriving in the region to find a place to call home.
“We have some dedicated and highly skilled people coming to our region through December this year and then early next year to work in our education and care sectors and they have nowhere to live,” Mrs Norris said.
“It’s not good enough. This is a gap that has not been filled by the State Government, so we are hoping that under a new government, we will see something actioned to better support the housing needs of these vital workers coming to our region.”
Mrs Norris said the number of rental properties available throughout the Greater Whitsunday region had dropped by about 40 per cent in the last 24 months.
She said this, coupled with the slow pace of new houses being built, was making it extremely challenging for people moving to the region for work to find accommodation. However, she said Greater Whitsunday Housing Playbook showed there were many people in the region with spare bedrooms.
“With this in mind, the quickest way we can help employers bringing new staff to the region is to encourage people to consider taking in a lodger, Mrs Norris said.
“Already, GWC is helping care organisations to house some of their nurses and carers with women over 55 years of age being assisted to sustain their tenancies as their rents continue to rise.
“This is vital to enable care organisations to grow and deliver services in our community.”
Mrs Norris said the Greater Whitsunday Housing Alliance had reported most schools in the region had been asking the parents of their students to help house teachers.
“School principals and teachers are taking to Facebook to find lodgings for newcomers.”
Mrs Norris cited a Facebook post from Sian Burrows at Northern Beaches State High School, which stated: “We attract quality teachers to Mackay and our school, but availability of accommodation means that they then cannot find somewhere to live (and can’t come!).”
She said the problem was further compounded by the fact many existing teachers in the region had not been able to find accommodation.
“Some of our regions’ existing teachers cannot find somewhere to live because their landlords have sold their home to owner-occupiers,” she said.
“Teachers are forced to move out and then they cannot find anywhere else to live.
“If schools cannot attract and retain teachers it affects the stability and consistency of tutelage and quality of education our children receive.
“Similarly, If carers cannot attract and retain nurses and carers it affects the quality of care our elders and disabled in the community receive.
“This lack of affordable housing is having an impact on the levels of service available in our region and peoples’ willingness to live here and visit.”
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Anyone with spare rooms or a granny flat, who are willing to consider taking in a lodger, should contact Greater Whitsunday Communities, via tonia@gwcommunities.org.au

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For over 75 years, Ron “Mengie” Meng has been a cherished figure in the Victoria Park State School community. As a former student, proud graduate and lifelong supporter, Mr Meng’s bond with the school has only deepened with time.

Last Thursday evening, he made a remarkable contribution to the school’s tradition of celebrating academic excellence, donating $5,000 to fund future Ron Meng Academic Excellence Shields at the year 6 graduation awards ceremony.

“I started at Victoria Park in Grade One after moving schools a couple of times,” he reminisced.

“It was at Victoria Park that I was given the nickname Mengie, and it has stuck with me 75 years later.

“I am 85 years old now and I'm still known around town only as Mengie.”

For Mr Meng, the school was more than just an academic institution, but rather a place that shaped his character and gave him lifelong memories. He fondly recalls playing cricket on the school grounds, including one memorable match where his powerful hit shattered a passing car’s windscreen.

"My effort was enough for us to win the match,” he chuckled.

Beyond academics and sports, Meng was also instrumental in building the school’s first swimming pool.

“I sold tickets at the Metropolitan Hotel on Friday afternoons after school to help fund the construction of the Victoria Park Swimming Pool,” he shared.

“To this day, I’ve never stepped foot in that pool, but thankfully, my grandchildren learned to swim there.”

In 2002, Meng initiated the Academic Excellence Shield to celebrate the achievements of the school’s top students. The shield has since become a symbol of dedication, perseverance, and success, with engraved names inspiring generations of learners.

“The Head Teacher mentioned they couldn’t afford another one, so I said, ‘Leave it to me.’”

This latest donation ensures the tradition continues, with new shields now proudly bearing Mr Meng’s name.

His grandson, Dylan Meng, and Dylan’s wife, Holly, attended the recent presentation to show their support. Dylan highlighted his grandfather’s dedication, calling the initiative “a fantastic way to encourage students,” and “something to strive for.”

Victoria Park State School Principal Sarah Mutton praised the shield’s impact.

“The Academic Excellence Shield recognises outstanding student achievements in academics, extracurricular involvement, and results from diagnostic testing,” she said.

“Recipients receive a medallion, their name on the school’s honour board, and a place on the perpetual shield donated by Mr Meng.”

It’s no doubt that Mr Meng's generous contributions will be highly cherished by the teachers and students of Victoria Park State School for years to come.

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For over 75 years, Ron "Mengie" Meng has supported Victoria Park State School, recently donating $5,000 to continue the Academic Excellence Shield tradition. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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