Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
OPINION PIECE from the office of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox There is no question that immigration into Australia is out of control. The government’s numbers are too high, and standards are too low. A sustainable migration program must consider our capacity to provide housing, healthcare, infrastructure and the essential services everyone relies on, and Australians must come first. But Labor’s decision to target Working Holiday Makers Visa holders is not the answer. These people filling vital gaps in our workforce are not the cause of Australia’s housing crisis. In many cases, they are living in accommodation provided by the very businesses that employ them. The National Farmers’ Federation has made the point that Working Holiday Makers generally stay in hostels, caravan parks or purpose-built on-farm accommodation. Resorts usually have on-site staff quarters. They are not the source of Australia’s housing shortage. So why is Labor making it harder for them to come here, when these workers fill genuine jobs that regional Australia holds? Working Holiday Makers fill approximately one in seven farm jobs nationally and are particularly important during peak agricultural periods, which for Dawson, it is right now! Farmers rely on these workers to plant, pick, pack and harvest the produce that ends up on Australian supermarket shelves. Having run one of Australia’s largest tomato farms, at times Working Holiday Makers made up more than 50 per cent of my workforce. Without them, much of our crop simply would not have been picked in time and rotted in the paddock. Some may say, why not employ the Australians who don’t have a job and are on “the dole”? Can I say, this does not work. Most farmers will employ Aussies over travelling backpackers, but many either don’t want to do the work or don’t turn up after the first day. Who picks the fruit or veggies then? Farmers are already warning that visa delays are leaving them without workers. The NFF says approvals that once took days are now facing processing times of up to three months, and this time frame can be the difference between harvesting a crop or losing it. That should concern every Australian already feeling the pressure at the supermarket checkout. The same problem is playing out in tourism. Across Dawson, Working Holiday Makers are an important part of the workforce supporting tourism and hospitality, particularly in the Whitsundays. They help fill shifts, work in hotels and restaurants, support tour operators and keep businesses running through their busiest periods. They also contribute to the local economy. They spend money on food, fuel, attractions and tours, supporting the small businesses that depend on a strong visitor economy. That is why tourism and business leaders across North Queensland are raising the alarm. They understand what happens when a regional business cannot get enough staff: opening hours are reduced, and services are cut, creating a downward spiral. We do need to reduce migration to sustainable levels. We need stronger integrity measures, and we need to crack down on rorts. But responsible migration policy means understanding which parts of the system are creating pressure and which parts are helping Australia function. Working Holiday Makers are not the problem. They are part of the workforce solution for regional. Australia. People have had a gutful of watching their standard of living go backwards. Groceries, fuel, housing and everyday expenses are already putting enormous pressure on families. The last thing Australians need is another reckless policy that makes it harder to produce food, harder to run regional businesses and harder for tourism operators to find the workers they need.
Read the full storySomeone sold a house in Sydney last week for $9 million less than they bought it for four or five years ago. The sellers had bought the property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for $29 million and sold it for $20 million in a sale forced by their bank. I imagine the sellers are a little disappointed by the government’s decisions on negative gearing and capital gains tax and feeling pretty hurt by the increased interest rates. Australia’s interest rates are on the rise and are now sitting at levels not seen since 2011. Increased cost of living is hurting people around the country and interest rates are playing into that. But the impact of interest rates is not felt evenly around the country. The far-higher property prices mean people in the major cities suffer much more than regional areas with the rates increase. That is certainly not to say people in Mackay are unaffected by the cost of living; it’s just that the impact of interest rates increase on a $400,000 mortgage is much less than the impact on a $1m mortgage. There are other Mackay-specific factors that are in play when discussing the current housing market. The big factor is the role of coal in our economy. Most of the coal extracted and exported from our region is coking coal, which is used to make steel. The price of coking coal is around $280 a tonne, which is about 50 per cent up. Good activity in the coal market translates to good news for the Mackay economy, as it is an economic engine that other cities and regions just don’t have. Good activity in Bowen Basin flows throughout the Mackay economy; Paget workshops, transport, suppliers and related businesses all benefit. But so do other, non-mining-related businesses as they benefit from the general confidence and spending that goes on. The strong mining activity also means mines need to keep their staff levels up and that means more people moving to Mackay. Of course, Mackay is much more than a coal mining town but if the coal sector is going well those other areas definitely benefit. It is a confidence boost for Mackay people looking to get into the housing market and those wanting to upgrade or downsize. It also means continuing strong demand from people wanting to rent a property and it will be interesting to see what sort of activity that creates from investors. Investors have walked away from the big-city markets because they can no longer use negative gearing on established properties that do not have a sufficient yield to be positively geared. Negative gearing has never been a big thing in Mackay because our prices are lower and rental returns continue to be strong so many investors have a positively geared property. Around the country everyone is nervous about the state of play and the probability of more interest rate rises. But strong coal prices and an economy that is performing well mean Mackay might just be presenting an opportunity for buyers and sellers that doesn’t exist in other parts. I remember when national confidence was flying high and Mackay prices were going up significantly that many buyers were saying “I wish we had bought a while ago when the market wasn’t so hot”. I’m not armed with a crystal ball so I’m not here to tell you what is going to happen but I suspect there is a very good buying window right now for those looking for an opportunity.
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A local Mackay and Sarina based model has created a dress out of newspapers, including Mackay Life, for her upcoming pageant, representing her region and hometown on the runway as she vies for Miss Diamond International in Brisbane. Zoe Place will be competing this weekend in the three-day event, beginning this Friday 2nd October and ending on Sunday 4th October. The young model spent around a month creating her eco-fashion outfit, using old newspapers as the main material and transforming them into a bodice, skirt and flowers. Red elements were also incorporated into the design to give the dress a bold and glamorous pageant feel. Zoe said, “The entire concept was really about taking something that would normally be thrown away and turning it into something beautiful and meaningful.” Her eco-fashion creation will form part of a busy weekend in Brisbane, with the Miss Diamond International event including photo shoots, interviews, an eco-fashion show and the final pageant. Zoe has been preparing for the event by practising her strut and walking, preparing for interviews and getting comfortable in the different outfits she will wear throughout the weekend. Alongside her love of modelling, pageantry has also provided Zoe with a platform to raise awareness about causes close to her heart, including mental health, while fundraising for Beyond Blue. “Pageantry has given me more of a platform to combine my love for modelling with something that is really important to me.” “When I first started, I was more nervous about putting myself out there and worried about what others would think about me – but I’ve changed a lot through my journey in pageantry.” “Pageantry has also taught me that it’s not about how you look on stage. It’s about the person you are when you step off it.” “Every woman has their own unique journey and that journey is something we should all be really proud of.” “To me, it represents confidence, empowerment, kindness, and using your voice to make a difference.” Zoe said she was looking forward to meeting the other contestants, making new connections and creating memories. “I’m definitely looking forward to meeting all the new contestants and making new connections and creating memories that I will carry with me for a lifetime.” While Zoe hopes to eventually move to the city, her sights are set even further afield, with a dream of one day walking in New York Fashion Week. Mackay and Sarina local Zoe Place has created an eco-fashion dress from recycled newspapers, including Mackay Life, ahead of her Miss Diamond International pageant in Brisbane. Photos supplied
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Trends, reels and the endless cycle of always wanting more has quietly bombarded the minds of countless social media users of all ages, but one former Mackay local has made it her mission to help others understand the effects of social media and find practical ways to break free from online addiction. Alexis Zahner is in Mackay over the next week to teach upcoming generations about social media and the effects it can have on the mind, particularly on identity, self-discovery, as well as the marketing strategies that get viewers hooked and influence their decisions. It is something Alexis knows first-hand can be a useful tool, but also a great disruption to authenticity and the world as we see and experience it. Alexis will hold a free meet and greet and book launch today, Friday 2nd October, at 5.30pm at the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club, where she will give a talk and answer questions relating to her debut book, Real: Reconnecting to Yourself in a World of Likes and Lies. A former Mackay girl, Alexis spent the past 15 years working across business psychology, marketing and media, with her interest in social media influence beginning during her university studies at James Cook University in Townsville. Her own experience as a social media user, travel blogger and influencer eventually led her to question how much of her identity, decisions and values were being shaped by what she saw online. “The tipping point came for me about 3 years ago when I had this feeling that I couldn't separate influence from my own personal decision making,” she said. “I couldn't separate my own likes, dislikes, values, relationships from what I was being exposed to and being influenced by online.” “I found that I needed to take some time away from social media to recalibrate what was important to me and sort of reconnect and come back to myself.” Alexis said she understood the feeling of questioning who you are outside of social media. “I know what it feels like to live a life under the influence of social media and have that existential crisis of thinking to yourself, who am I? What do I like? What's the kind of life I want to live? and struggling to separate myself from influence.” Alexis is particularly passionate about reaching teenagers, who she says are in an important stage of identity development, and will share this message with Mackay high school students during her upcoming school talks. “Teenagers are really easily influenced by social media. So it's a really important age where we start educating them – not just on the mental health repercussions of things like social media and how it shortens their attention span, but how it actually influences who they become.” “If you're asking yourself these questions, it's not your fault. Social media is actually geared to create this impact on you.” Alexis encourages people of all ages to “start expanding beyond what you see on the platform.” “Dare to indulge in the things that you've always been curious about or things you used to love,” she said. “Don't be afraid to put the phone down to let yourself be curious and have fun.” What: Alexis Zahner's 'Real' Book launch When: 5.30pm Friday 2nd October 2026 Where: Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club Former Mackay local and author Alexis Zahner is returning home to share her experiences with social media and her debut book, Real. Photo supplied
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Allan Milostic. Photo supplied: Julia Evans.
We’ve officially kicked off event season, and there’s a fantastic few months ahead for the Whitsundays.
From the recent Between the Tides Music Festival, through to the Airlie Beach Marathon Festival, Triathlon Festival, Great Barrier Reef Festival, Airlie Beach Race Week and Hamilton Island Race Week, our region is once again showcasing everything that makes the Whitsundays such an incredible place to live, work and visit.
And the excitement continues, with Whitsunday Trail Fest, Whitsundays Writers Festival, and Airlie Beach Festival of Music bringing even more visitors, energy, and activity to our region in the coming months.
It’s important to remember these events are not just happening at ‘the Beach’, one part of the Whitsundays – the benefits flow throughout our entire region. They bring visitors through our towns, support local businesses, create community pride, and provide valuable exposure that helps put the Whitsundays on the map.
The impact of these events is often much bigger than what we see on the day. Behind every successful event is a huge effort from organisers, volunteers, sponsors, and local businesses who invest their time, money, and resources to make them happen.
On behalf of the Chamber, thank you to everyone involved. Your commitment creates experiences that benefit our whole community.
Our local businesses play a huge role in making these events possible through sponsorships, partnerships, and financial support. This investment helps create opportunities for everyone and contributes to the long-term strength of our regional economy.
As a community, we can show our support by backing the businesses that support us – make a purchase, leave a review, share their stories online, or recommend them to family and friends.
Together, our events and our businesses continue to make the Whitsundays a vibrant, connected, and thriving place to live and visit.
Dr Hany Mohamed. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
After spending almost 20 years caring for patients in Egypt and Kuwait, Dr Hany Mohamed has brought his experience to the Whitsundays, where taking the time to listen is at the heart of his practice.
Coral Coast Doctors has quickly established itself as a trusted provider of affordable healthcare in the Whitsundays, being a fully bulk-billed practice, even off lower rate cost in order to prioritise patients getting the care they need.
“We try to listen to the patient very carefully, give everyone his time,” said Coral Coast Doctors General Practionier, Dr Hany Mohamed.
"If someone doesn’t have Medicare, we always try to work with them to make healthcare as affordable as possible.
“I hope that the cost will not be an issue for anybody here in our community.”
Since joining Coral Coast Doctors, Dr Hany has become a valued member of the team, spending his first three months in Bowen before relocating to the Cannonvale clinic. Before moving to Australia, Dr Hany worked for almost two decades in both general practice and emergency medicine across Egypt and Kuwait.
Known for his calm and compassionate manner, Dr Hany believes that understanding the whole person—not just their symptoms—is essential to delivering high-quality healthcare.
“Patients don’t always realise that some symptoms can be linked to other underlying health issues,” Dr Hany said.
“My role is to understand the bigger picture and identify what may be contributing to their concerns.”
David Roberston. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.
The Whitsundays community had the opportunity to hear from Bendigo Bank's Chief Economist, with locals gathering to gain a better understanding of the economy and the financial issues affecting households and businesses.
Leading the discussion was Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Chief Economist David Robertson, whose engaging and easy to understand approach has made him one of Australia's most recognised economic commentators.
“I'm pleased that people are taking such an interest,” David said.
“I can see why, as it's more relevant than ever.”
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The event hosted by Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine brought together community members from all walks of life to share food and refreshments before settling in for a presentation on our current economy, covering interest rates, employment trends, property values, the Australian dollar, the global economy and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
“I am optimistic,” David said when referring to the future of the economy.
“I think technological advancements over the decades have always been positive for any economy.”
Following the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, discuss local concerns and hear David's perspective on the issues shaping the nation's economic outlook.
Audience questions covered everything from the housing market to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, with many keen to understand how the technology could shape the future for younger generations.
“It was great to have a Chief Economist in the Whitsundays to give an update on the local, national and global economy, and be able to ask questions directly,” said Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy.
“As there have been varying views in mainstream media about the changes to negative gearing and Capital Gains Tax, the conflict in the Middle East and rising interest rates, David’s presentation painted a clear picture, presented in a way that was easy to understand.”
Mr Robertson said technological change had historically been a positive force for the economy, despite the challenges that come with rapid innovation.
"I think technological advancements over the decades have always been positive for any economy, it's innovation that keeps improving standards of living," Mr Robertson said.
"It's a case of how we leverage the technology, benefit from it, not be left behind and not be adversely impacted by it.
“We need to keep on the right side of it and for young Australians, I'm sure that's what most are trying to do.”
On the weekend of the 25th & 26th July our award-winning not-for-profit Airlie Beach Triathlon celebrates its 26th year, becoming one of Queensland's longest running multi-sport events.
At the start of 2023 the event was heading in the same direction as the Bowen and Yeppoon Triathlon events... dead in the water!
I volunteered to become the Whitsunday Triathlon Club President and Race Director alongside a team of club members and the journey began to reinvigorate the event.
A detailed professional plan was prepared to ensure the sustainability of the event; something missing in the past.
From day one it was imperative the triathlon source a suitable naming partner. If it was not for the generous financial and intellectual support from Paul Darrouzet and Coral Sea Marina Resort the event would have collapsed. 22 years of deep triathlon history would be gone in a flash and local juniors would lose meaningful opportunities.
Now, the number of amazing local corporate sponsors exceeds 50.
In 2024, the Whitsunday Triathlon Club was granted a prestigious award from Queensland Triathlon for "Club Initiative of the Year".
In 2025 the Airlie Beach Triathlon claimed runner-up status in Australia as judged by AusTriathlon for "an event with under 500 participants".
In January 2026 for the first time in 25 years, Tourism and Events Queensland made a substantial investment into our event, acknowleging its ability to generate local economic activity in our region, attract additional external visitation and drive social and community outcomes whilst enhancing the profile of the Whitsundays.
In February the sponsorship agreement was reached. This was music to our ears and a wonderful acknowledgement of all our hard work!
In May 2026 our event also received unprecedented sponsorship from Whitsunday Regional Council. These wonderful contributions have assured its long-term survival.
A key driver of all of this success has been our best-in-the-world Event Management Team. Their talent, commitment, skillset, expertise and passion are just remarkable!
We look forward to seeing you at this year's event.
Saturday will kick off with a carnival atmosphere as our Junior Triathlon begins at 2pm, catering for 5 to 8-year-olds, 9 to 11s and 12 to 15s, all within the safe and secure precinct of the Lagoon and the closed Broadwater Avenue (up to the Coral Sea Resort). A spectacle to watch, with two junior bikes to be won. Kids are encouraged to have a go, and EVERYONE IS A WINNER!
Next, we hold the Open Water Swim. A fun event for all levels, we’re even incorporating an "Anything Goes" category for the flounders and would-be's!
On Sunday we hold the main event with three triathlon distances - an Enticer, Sprint and Standard/Olympic distance.
If you prefer just one sport discipline, get a team together. It’s a great pathway into this amazing endurance sport.
My triathlon journey started in late 2017. Up until then I was only a casual runner and I needed more inspiration - this one sport was not enough of a challenge for me and I was not confident enough to run ultra events at my age. I needed more stimulation. Triathlon fitted the bill and now it is in my DNA.
Don't miss your opportunity to become a triathlete or be a member of a triathlon team on the weekend of the 25th & 26th July.
All race entry information can be found at airliebeachtriathlon.com.au
Jake Flaherty, Steve Obst and Justin Butler.
In recent years, many Australians—particularly those approaching or already in retirement—have been asking the same question: How do I protect my super and pension against market downturns?
It’s understandable. Since the COVID shock, we’ve seen ongoing uncertainty driven by rising interest rates, stubborn inflation, and global instability. While the reasons may differ from one cycle to the next, the impact on investor confidence is often the same.
A common reaction during volatile periods is to move to cash at the first sign of trouble. On the surface, it seems sensible—avoid losses and wait for markets to recover. The reality, however, is far less straightforward.
Market falls often happen quickly, and recoveries can be just as rapid. Some of the strongest gains occur in the early stages of a rebound, when sentiment is still negative. The challenge is that consistently timing when to get out—and more importantly, when to get back in—is incredibly difficult.
Even professional fund managers regularly get this wrong. There are also costs involved in switching investments. While not always obvious, transaction costs and spreads can reduce returns over time, particularly if decisions are made under pressure.
For younger investors still building their super, market downturns can actually work in their favour. Regular contributions continue, allowing them to buy investments at lower prices.
Retirees, however, face a different challenge. Drawing a regular pension means selling assets to fund income. If markets are down, this can lock in losses at exactly the wrong time.
This is why having a strategy in place is so important.
One approach we’ve used successfully over many years is to quarantine a portion of a retiree’s portfolio into cash and more conservative investments. This creates a buffer, allowing pension payments to continue without needing to sell growth assets during downturns.
Market volatility is a fact of investing—but with the right plan, it doesn’t have to derail your retirement.
If you’d like an obligation free review of your financial situation, call us for an appointment at our office in Carlo Drive, Cannonvale today.
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 16th July.
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.
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.
Before the repairs operations. Photo supplied: Whitsundays Regional Council.
By Zach Houtenville
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.
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.
“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."
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.
“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.
“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.”
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.
"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."
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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
After it was Stolen. Photo supplied: Bowen Delta Rural Fire Brigade
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.
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.
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.
“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.
“I would expect our justice system to hold those offenders to account in accordance with community expectations.”
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.
"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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
"Especially for our community too, that's the sad thing there.
“They're missing out on something that could potentially save a life or property."
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.
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.
“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.
“The Crisafulli Government is strengthening our workforce and ensuring businesses across the Whitsundays have access to skilled employees now and into the future.”
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.
"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.
The latest graduates mark the third intake delivered by Community Solutions over the past 12 months through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.
During that time, students have completed qualifications in Individual Support, Resources and Community Services, with several already securing employment after finishing their training.
"This program opens doors for people to access training, skills and opportunities that can help them achieve their employment goals," Karen said.
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.
Robin Dukes and her pug, Meg.
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.
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.
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.
The woman didn’t hesitate to help, even with her kids in the back expecting a trip to the skate park.
"She didn't even question who I was, just said, 'Get in the car, I'll take you home right away,’” Robin said.
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.
"She really went out of her way for me, and I just thought it was amazing."
Andrew Black has spent more than two decades with Blacks Real Estate. Photo source: Blacks Real Estate
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.
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.
Operating from offices in Mackay and Dysart, Blacks Real Estate services residential, commercial, rural and industrial clients across the region.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Although, if the FIFA president was the agent and Donald Trump was the second buyer there might be some flexibility.
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.
You boost something because business feels quiet.
You update your website because someone told you it might help.
You try another platform because everyone else seems to be there.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Marketing does not have to feel so messy.
Sometimes you just need someone to help you sort through it.
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.
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.
2026 Champion Exhibitor of Show Lachlan McLennan accepts the trophy from Ian Dodd of Walterscheid_IMG_4249. Photos supplied
By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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