Specialising in the intricate field of revegetation and rehabilitation within the mining industry, MineMend draws upon its deep-rooted agricultural expertise with a primary mission of collaborating closely with clients to create safe and sustainable rehabilitated sites.

By leveraging their extensive knowledge and skills, MineMend transforms once-barren mining landscapes into biodiverse ecosystems capable of supporting native vegetation and grazing lands, with a focus on long-term sustainability for future generations of farmers and graziers to come.

At the core of MineMend's operations are their values of respect, integrity, cleanliness, focus, and excellence. These values guide every aspect of their work, ensuring that they uphold the highest standards of professionalism, environmental responsibility and community engagement.

Looking ahead to the next three years, by June 30, 2027, MineMend aim to rehabilitate more than 2000 hectares bi-annually across a diverse portfolio of over 30 mining sites throughout Queensland.

Through their steadfast commitment to these principles, MineMend continues to lead the way in sustainable land rehabilitation within the mining sector, making a positive impact on both the environment and the local communities they serve.

Transform coals mines into sustainable revegetated pasture by contacting MineMend today!

www.minemend.com.au
Socials: MineMend

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In the bustling heart of the Bowen Basin’s mining sector, the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) stands as a monumental mining event, attracting thousands of industry professionals and enthusiasts to the Mackay Showgrounds from 23-25 July 2024.
Recognised as Australia's largest regional mining exhibition and the largest in Queensland, QME has been a cornerstone of the mining industry in Mackay for over three decades. It is a biennial event that no one in the mining industry can afford to miss.

A Showcase of Innovation and Excellence
QME 2024 promises to be a grand showcase of supplier innovation and excellence, highlighting the world-class capabilities of Mackay and the broader Central Queensland region. With over 300 leading industry suppliers, attendees will have the opportunity to discover the latest products and services tailored to the mining sector's evolving needs. This year’s exhibition will also feature a unique Engineering Pavilion and masterclasses specifically designed to provide practical, professional development for engineers.

Networking and Industry Insights
QME isn’t just about the exhibits and masterclasses; it’s a prime opportunity for networking and making invaluable connections. The event will host several social gatherings, including the QME Opening Party and the prestigious Queensland Mining Awards, in partnership with the Bowen Basin Mining Club (BBMC). These events provide a relaxed environment for attendees to connect, share insights, and foster business relationships that can lead to future collaborations.

A Glimpse Into the Future of Mining
The exhibition will feature cutting-edge mining technology and sustainable solutions, crucial for meeting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) obligations. Engineers and other professionals will have the chance to see large-scale mining equipment from industry giants such as Hastings Deering, Komatsu, and Hitachi Construction Machinery. The decarbonisation showcase will present the latest innovations paving the way for greener mining practices.

The Mining House Pavilion
For those eager to hear directly from the industry leaders, the Mining House Pavilion will be a highlight. It will feature Australia’s leading mining producers, including Anglo American, BHP + BMA, Bravus, BUMA, Glencore, Mackellar Group, and Whitehaven Coal. These companies will share their latest initiatives and provide insights into the future of mining in Australia.

QME 2024 is more than just an event; it's a convergence of minds, technology, and innovation. It’s where the future of mining takes centre stage, and industry professionals can experience firsthand the advancements shaping the sector.

Celebrating Excellence: The Queensland Mining Awards
This year’s Queensland Mining Awards, scheduled for 24 July, will celebrate a decade of excellence in the mining industry. With a record-breaking 70 entries, the awards will recognise outstanding achievements across eight categories, culminating in the prestigious Queensland Mining Contractor of the Year award.

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Catching the attention of the engineering industry, the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME) has announced an engineering-exclusive masterclass series to be held at the 2024 event.

Alongside exhibitions, networking, and events, the 3 free-to-attend masterclasses will mark another reason for engineers across the sector to make their way out of the office and to the Mackay Showgrounds from July 23-25. The 2024 series will cover pragmatic approaches to supervision, practical hazard identification, and optimising belt conveyor systems.
 
The 2024 engineering masterclasses are relevant to different aspects of the role of engineers. In the session focused on supervision, Statutory Trainer and Assessor Hamish Beattie will speak to the broad number of personnel responsible for safety, welfare, productivity, and compliance. He will discuss how a mining organisation can plan for efficiency and profitability through effective supervision.
 
In a more practical workshop on bulk material handling, engineers will explore the role of belt conveyor component testing in designing and optimising conveyor systems, as well as typical issues and how they can be prevented.

Dr Priscilla Freire of TUNRA Bulk Solids, a non-profit specialised consultancy based at the University of Newcastle, says that the masterclasses planned for QME are designed to be practical, engineering-specific and made to complement some of the technologies on display at QME.

Speaking about the 2-hour TUNRA Bulk Solids workshop, Dr Freire says, "When you're attending an event like QME and being exposed to new technology, gaining an understanding of how the combination of material and components affects belt conveyor utilisation is important, especially to optimise and streamline your belt conveyor operations."
 
Entry to QME 2024 is entirely free, but the masterclasses require registration. The sessions will benefit engineers at every level, from students and graduates to management and site personnel. See the full program and register to attend at www.qmeexpo.com.au.

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A remarkable showcase of local talent mixed with deep-rooted culture is now on display at Jubilee Community Centre just in time for NAIDOC Week celebrations, marking a significant milestone in Leon Namai’s art journey.

The exhibition was officially unveiled last Friday in collaboration with local talents Donna Robinson and Tree Djinn.

Leon showcased a collection that captivated viewers with its fusion of cultural themes and contemporary expression. Reflecting on his trajectory, Leon recalled his artistic origins with a debut group show on Thursday Island during his TAFE years in 2003.

The current exhibition represents a culmination of growth and collaboration, particularly enriched by Donna Maree Robinson's guidance through the RADF program and Tree Djinn's creative contributions, notably highlighting elements like "Bunya" trees and electroculture rods.

The evening commenced with a warm Welcome to Country by Uncle Philip Kemp, honouring the cultural heritage of the "YUWI" People, followed by Tracy Heathwood, director of Artspace Mackay who officially opened the exhibition.

Leon extended a heartfelt gratitude to his supporters including Rebecca Cooper, Yoga with Bec, The Wilde Collective House of She and the Northern Beaches Our Community for their invaluable contributions. Their support, along with RADF, Arts Queensland and Mackay Regional Council, ensured the exhibition's success which will remain open throughout weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM until the end of July.

Leon sincerely invites the community to experience the vibrant celebration of art and culture at the exhibition.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and joy from the incredible support and turnout at the opening of my art exhibition,” said Leon.

“I warmly invite everyone to come and experience the celebration of art and culture during this special month.

“Thank you once again to everyone who attended and supported this event. Your presence and encouragement mean the world to me.”

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Visit Jubilee Centre during week days from 8.30am-4.30pm to view Leon Namai's vibrant fusion of cultural themes and contemporary expression, alongside collaborations with Donna Robinson and Tree Djinn. Photo source: Arts Mackay (Facebook)

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The Mackay Base Hospital courtyard was alive with cultural vibrancy during the NAIDOC celebrations held on July 4th, organised by the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit.

The event drew a large crowd who gathered to experience traditional dancing, singing, and ceremonial performances that honoured Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Attendees were treated to captivating performances by the Tchundal Malar Aboriginal Dance Troupe and the Mackay Torres Strait Islander Cultural Group, accompanied by the soulful tones of the didgeridoo played by Toasie Cora.

“Being a coastal town, some of the dances and stories relate to this area as well, it’s important that our younger generations get involved, Toasie Cora said.”

“Our theme this year is ‘Keep The Fire Burning’ and it’s important to show not only the community our young indigenous kids as well, that it’s still alive and to keep it going.”

Activities such as weaving demonstrations and Aboriginal rock painting engaged participants of all ages, providing opportunities to learn and appreciate Indigenous traditions.

The event brought together traditional elders, community members, hospital staff, patients, members of the Mackay Hospital and Health Board and police liaison officers. They joined in celebration and unity, enjoying the diverse cultural displays and interactive activities.
Gratitude was expressed to the Mackay Hospital Foundation and the Mackay Regional Council for their crucial support in ensuring the event's success.

Acting director of Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Health at the Mackay Base Hospital said “It’s absolutely important for all our staff here at the MHHS to celebrate NAIDOC, it’s a tremendous time to be able to share our knowledge and our cultures.”

NAIDOC Week is celebrated nationally from July 7 to 14

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Attendees gathered at the Mackay Base hospital court yard last Thursday to acknowledge and celebrate NAIDOC week. The theme of this year is ‘Keep The Fire Burning.’ Photo credit: Hannah McNamara and Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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There are compliments and there are compliments.
When the compliment comes from your mum, it’s nice but … well you know, it’s from your mum.
Like the time I brought home a useless wooden box that I had “crafted” in a manual arts class at school. It was an ugly insult to the woodwork industry and had a stupid lid that wouldn’t close because the sides were uneven.
“Oh, darling that’s fantastic,” my mother said. Thanks mum.
The best, most credible compliments come from people who work and succeed in the same area as the person they are complimenting. Artists complimenting fellow artists, builders complimenting fellow builders, footballers complimenting fellow footballers.
I follow AFL footy and there is a specific compliment you sometimes hear when a footballer is asked his view on another player.
The compliment is: “I love the way he goes about it.”
There are some nuances to that compliment. The player being interviewed is not saying the other player is “the most spectacular”, “the fastest runner”, “the biggest kick”, “the highest mark”.
The comment, “I love the way he goes about it”, means that the player giving the compliment admires the discipline of the other player, the effort he consistently puts in, his focus on the small but important things (the one-percenters), his willingness to sacrifice his individual game for the benefit of the team, his desire to do the hard things (the tackling, the chasing) that don’t win awards but are vital for success.
Now I work in real estate and if I had to pick one agent to whom I would apply the term, “I love the way he or she goes about it”, it would be my friend and colleague Mick McLeod.
Mick works as a buyer’s agent as part of Ben Kerrisk’s team at Gardian and I love the way he goes about it because he is hard-working, consistent, determined, focused and always doing the best he can for buyers and sellers.
You will always see Mick armed with printouts of emails, texts and inquiries from buyers that he calls every day to follow up on private inspections and open homes and to try to match buyers with our listings.
Mick will work with buyers for months trying to find them a Gardian property that suits them. He is relentless but not pushy, so he sticks at the job but doesn’t make buyers feel that he is hassling them.
He is confident but not arrogant, so he has the self-belief you need to pick up the phone and make calls to strangers but his low-key, modest manner makes it a pleasant experience for everyone he deals with.
He is also even-tempered, a vital trait in a business with soaring highs and plunging lows that can make or break your day. If you bump into Mick and have a quick chat you wouldn’t know whether he has just sold a $1m property or whether that contract has just crashed. Stay calm and focus on the job.
Mick isn’t a flashy show-off but an insightful agent who understands and connects with people and follows the process that we know produces good, consistent results.
Anyone who works hard needs to be able to turn off and, if it’s late on a Saturday afternoon and the work’s been done you might spot Mick with a Great Northern in front of him with one eye on the last race at Caulfield and the other on the rugby league.
Later in the night there’ll be stories about growing up in Flaggy Rock and his days as a tearaway opening bowler … which means it’s time for you to go home.

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Around 3,000 people had an absolutely crab-ulous foodie, culture, art and nature adventure at the award-winning three-day 2024 St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend earlier this month.

Popular television personality Costa Georgiadis, Queensland’s food ambassador and professional chef Matt Golinski, Australia’s most loved First Nations dancer Patrick Thaiday, chart-topper Jeremy Marou from Busby Marou, Golden Guitar winner Brad Butcher and rising country star Loren Ryan were among some of the biggest drawcards.

The event is proudly brought to the region by Isaac Regional Council in partnership with the Koinmerburra Aboriginal Corporation, community, industry and government partners.

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Photo credit: Isaac Regional Council

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For me, school holidays looked a little different this time with my mum travelling over from Perth to visit, which was amazing.
We had a beautiful time visiting Bowen and just spending time together. She soaked up so many cuddles with the kids, and we created some great memories. I'm extremely grateful that she is able to travel from Perth to Mackay a couple of times a year. Yet, every time she goes, I feel like a little kid who gets upset and misses her mum.
I've always been terrible at goodbyes, but since having children of my own and watching them play with their G'ma, I find it so hard to say goodbye. Here I am, a 30-year-old woman with two kids, crying as I drive away from Mackay airport after saying bye. What’s wrong with me?!
The goodbye hits a little different this time as we aren't sure when we will see each other next, and it’s likely to be six months away. I understand six months isn't a lot to some, and my heart goes out to those who travel further and go longer between visits. But I think of how much little kids grow in that time, and how it’s just not the same having her not be at every birthday, Christmas, or important event in our lives.
Not to mention having a live-in babysitter so I can enjoy my coffee hot for once and actually finish a conversation with my husband. But for now, we have no answers for change, as we haven’t for the last ten years of living apart. Here I was, thinking that after ten years things would be easier or we would have figured out a way to live in the same state. Well, no, here we are.
However, the glass half full is, thank God for FaceTime, and I'm lucky we are all healthy and able to travel across Australia.
Anyone else living away from loved ones, I feel you!
In the meantime, it’s cold coffees. Haha.
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Rach

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The much anticipated and loved Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival has returned for its 20th year this weekend, with the Mackay region once again hosting some of Australia’s best literary talent.

Whitsunday Voices is the largest youth literature festival in regional Queensland, with over 17,000 seats booked for school students from as far as Townsville to Rockhampton.

Renowned for its quality fun-based learning and cultural experiences, over 87 schools will enjoy this year's lineup with fourteen presenters, authors, poets, illustrators and performers including Kate Ceberano, Belinda Murrell, James Foley and Nick Earls.

With workshops and sessions catering for students from Preparatory to Year 12, there is something for everyone with over 80 program sessions and workshops during the two-day Voices Festival event, to share the wonder of books and reading.

Festival Manager, Mrs Tracey Gurdler, said the Voices Festival team were incredibly excited to bring the 2024 Festival to fruition and to play a part in the journeys of the region’s youth in writing and literature.

“A personal highlight is watching the students faces light up as their favourite authors hit the stage, encouraging the next generation of readers and storytellers,” Mrs Gurdler said.

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The 20th annual Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival is set to commence this Thursday, July 11th and Friday, July 12th!

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There are two exciting events in the Mackay Festival of Arts where you can sing and dance like no one is watching.
Massaoke OZ is a mind-blowing, high-energy live music experience that will have you singing your heart out to the biggest hits of the 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond.
Acting Executive Manager MECC and Events Jemma Carey said Massaoke was karaoke on a massive scale and the atmosphere that built at the shows was electrifying.
“Massaoke started life in a London pub basement as a live band sing-along called ‘Friday I’m in Love’,” Ms Carey said.
“They had printed song sheets for the audience, and it was really just a pub sing-along,” she said.
“Within a few years the team had added the big screen and restyled themselves as Massaoke.
“They then took the show global and became famous for their high-energy stage shows and extraordinary outfits.”
Massaoke OZ will be giving Mackay audiences the chance to bring the sing like never before and unleash their inner rock star at the MECC on Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20.
Deputy Mayor Belinda Hassan said there was a particular buzz around the Saturday show which opened an hour earlier than the Friday show.
“On Saturday night the foyer will open from 6.30pm and the show starts at 7pm, because Massaoke OZ is the official Wisely Wine and Food Day afterparty,” Cr Hassan said.
“After a day of relaxing on the Queens Park lawn, it’ll be the perfect way to take things up a notch,” she said.
“I’ve had a look at the set list and it’s full of hits that will have everyone singing along – lots of karaoke must-haves like Bohemian Rhapsody, Livin’ on a Prayer and even John Farnham’s classic You’re the Voice.”
Cr Hassan said the appeal of Massaoke was it created a judgement free space where everyone could join in.
“And it’s not the only Festival of Arts event to tap into the appeal of being able to express yourself,” she said.
“No Lights No Lycra takes it to the next level – you can literally dance like no one is watching, because no one can see you.
“They crank up the music and make the room pitch black.”
Initially created by dancers in Melbourne, this kind of dance party is now a phenomenon throughout the world. So, if you love to dance, but don’t want anyone to see you do it, then head along to the Performing Arts Centre, Northern Beaches Mackay State High School on Wednesday, July 24, from 6.15pm.
No Light No Lycra tickets are just $10.
Also running over this coming week of the Mackay Festival of Arts is:
   • Annie Jnr, a musical theatre production based on the Broadway Musical, Annie. Proudly bought to you by Mackay Fame Talent School on Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14, at the CQU Conservatorium of Music.
   • Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub – four nights of free music at Bluewater Quay, running nightly until Sunday, July 14.
   • Neon Fireworks Paint and Sip Night – Saturday, July 13, from 6pm at the Creative Art Studio.
   • The Sarina Small Halls Concert, featuring Canadian duo Quote the Raven, Australian folk singer Hailey Calvert and local Tiffany Grace – Saturday, July 13, at the Bob Wood Cultural Hall.
   • Graeme Connors – My Lyrical Life 50 Years On will be at the MECC on Saturday, July 13.
   • The Appleton Ladies' Potato Race is at Kucom Theatre from July 18.
For more details on any Mackay Festival of Arts event, visit themecc.com.au/festivals

Massaoke OZ will be giving Mackay audiences the chance to bring the sing like never before.  Image credit: Luke Dyson Photography
Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub map
Graeme Connors – My Lyrical Life 50 Years On

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Calling all high school students!
Get ready to put your journalistic skills to the test.
As part of the Mackay Careers Expo, Mackay Regional Council will be holding a competition for students to interview the Mayor and CEO and receive a $100 gift card to celebrate!
Mayor Greg Williamson said council was excited to launch this competition to encourage the future leaders of our community to start getting involved in local government.
“The competition is open to all students in years 10 to 12 and it’s not just for students looking to pursue a career in journalism” Mayor Williamson said.
“It’s a great opportunity for students who want to practise their public speaking and interviewing skills and is a great insight into the functions of local government and the career paths available here at council,” he said.
Students can submit their “toughest questions for the Mayor and CEO” as individuals or a group submission, in a written or video format.
If you would like to take up the challenge, head to mackay.qld.gov.au/interviewcomp to submit your entry.
The Mackay Careers Expo will be held at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) on Thursday, August 15, from 10am to 11am.
Council will once again have a stall at the expo, so drop in to meet the team!

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A new initiative to streamline the tourism experience and provide unparalleled customer service to all Whitsunday visitors has been launched by a forward-thinking local marketing agency 8 Seconds, in collaboration with Tourism Whitsundays.

The project is the brainchild of Tolita Dukes, Director of 8 Seconds, who was inspired to give local industry the tools to provide exemplary customer service by helping operators deliver best practice and sharpen their people skills.

Crystal Walton, Paige Moore and Jade Richardson from Tourism Whitsundays, Tolita Dukes from 8 Seconds, Julie Telford Chair of the Board for Tourism Whitsundays and Alyssa Turner and Rosanagh Gallivan from Tourism Whitsundays. Photo credit: Norina Jane

More Bang For The Tourist Buck!

Taking the lead in this exciting new ‘Customer Service Hero’ initiative is Tolita Dukes from 8 Seconds, a highly regarded marketing agency which has offered business coaching and advice to Whitsunday businesses for over 11 years.

Determined to help drive the visitor experience in the Whitsundays so it can become more streamlined, Tolita created a course that will educate workers on how to provide best practice experiences.

The ‘Customer Service Hero’ initiative was launched this week, and it invites operators to sign their workforce up to a 30-minute online course which covers topics such as conflict resolution, meet-and-greet etiquette, crisis management and customer service best practices.

“This bold industry initiative aims at elevating the skills of all tourism professionals in region through innovative online accreditation,” explained Tolita.

“This not only benefits tourists but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement within the Whitsunday's tourism industry.

“The Customer Service Hero program aims to raise our already high standards across the board, by educating and encouraging consistent customer service excellence region wide, whether your guests are catching a transfer, ordering a coffee, or boarding a day cruise.”

Elizabeth Hackett, Executive Chair of Australian Adventure Tourism Group, applauds the program's potential to transform the industry.  
 
"The creation of the Customer Service Hero Program is set to be a game changer for the service industry. It is a timely introduction of a program needed to ensure our region and our state are leading the way in customer service.”   
 
“This program will serve as a critical resource for small business as well as provide benchmark standards to the broader industry. The program will offer all stakeholders a clear pathway with accountability for being a successful part of the change our industry needs to see.”

Julie Telford, Chair of the Board for Tourism Whitsundays said she encourages all stakeholders to seize this opportunity for industry leadership and pioneering excellence in customer service region-wide.

“As one of Queensland's premier destinations, known for its stunning landscapes and award-winning experiences, delivering exceptional service is essential to our brand,” she expressed.

“We are thrilled to partner with Tolita to roll out this program, as it will play a crucial role in establishing a foundational shift in our customer service culture, ensuring the best possible customer experience.” 

8 Seconds manages all aspects of the program and, with the upcoming Olympics in sight, the rollout ensures The Whitsundays shines brightly during this global spotlight. 
 
“Together, we can elevate The Whitsundays to new heights of service excellence which is so critically important in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics,” states Tolita. 
 
“The Customer Service Hero Program marks a pivotal moment for our industry - it's not just about improving service; it's about cementing The Whitsundays as a global destination of choice, ensuring our region thrives.”
 
The Customer Service Hero program is a cost-effective option for tourism businesses, with pricing starting from $29 per person for Tourism Whitsunday members and $37 for non-members. In addition, $2 from each booking will be reinvested into Tourism Whitsundays.  Beyond the initial training, the program offers annual updates to keep participants ahead of industry trends. Find out more, visit customerservicehero.com.au

In short,
the Customer Service Hero Program is:

   • Fast and efficient: Online training takes just 30 mins.
   • Affordable: This is training on a budget, at $29 for Tourism Whitsunday Members, and $37 for non-members.
   • Results Driven: Customer Service translates all about sales, and repeat business.
   • Process-Focused: Consistency is key, with extra templates and resources provided to support process-driven customer service excellence.

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Tolita Dukes, Director of 8 Seconds and Julie Telford, Chair of the Board for Tourism Whitsundays launching the initiative earlier this week. Photo credit: Norina Jane

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Unexpected acceleration while performing a U-turn on a steep incline was cited as one of the contributing factors that could have caused the golf buggy accident that resulted in the death of newly wed Marina Hanna on Hamilton Island two years ago.

Ms Hanna’s husband of 10 days, Robbie Awad was at the wheel on that fateful day in June 2022 and was subsequently charged with driving without due care and attention causing death, pleading not guilty to the charge.

He did, however, plead guilty to failing to wear a seatbelt, failing to ensure a passenger was wearing a seatbelt and using a mobile phone while driving.

Mr Awad’s hearing took place at Proserpine Court House last week and an ABC Tropical North report stated that Mr Awad had been using his mobile phone earlier whilst driving, but it was back in his pocket at the time of the accident.

The court also heard an account of what unfolded in the minutes surrounding the incident, details of which had previously not been made public.

Mr Awad’s Sydney defence lawyer Phillip Boulten asserted that the accident was largely caused by the buggy accelerating unexpectedly when it was part way through a U-turn on a steep incline.

It was argued that Mr Awad had noticed the buggy was running low on battery and not operating correctly when he decided to turn around so he could return to their accommodation at the island’s five-star qualia resort.

Mid-way through this turn, which was on a hill, the buggy allegedly jolted forward and accelerated, at which point Mr Awad lost control and the vehicle flipped on its side trapping Ms Hanna underneath.

It is understood that she sadly died straight away.

The ABC court report stated that Police prosecutor Sergeant Linden Pollard detailed how the buggy flipped because of the driving speed and the angle of the road.

The court questioned whether Mr Awad could have chosen a safer way to turn the vehicle with Magistrate O’Callaghan ultimately concluding the cause of the accident was downwards topography, gravity and the struggling performance of the gold buggy.

While it was uncovered that there could have been a better way to perform the U-turn, it was decided that unexpected acceleration could likely have caused a similar result.

Mr Awad was found not guilty of driving without due care and attention causing death, but he was fined $3483 for both buggy passengers failing to wear seatbelts and using a mobile phone while driving.

A Hamilton Island spokesperson said: “our deepest thoughts and condolences remain with Robbie Awad and the family and friends of Marina Hanna”.

“The safety and well-being of our guests, residents and employees continues to be our highest priority.”

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Robbie Awad and Marina Hanna on their wedding day, just 10 days before Ms Hanna died in a golf buggy accident while they were honeymooning on Hamilton Island. Photo: Facebook

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Hi Everyone,

Back to school this week and many parents (and grandparents) may be feeling relieved to have the routine returned – I know I am! Although I love the holidays, I think children get so much from school these days, not only connection with friends but also mental stimulation that both challenge and invigorate them.

My son, however, certainly didn’t realise this new routine was a welcome addition when he woke up on Monday morning. In fact, he promptly informed me that he hated school, followed by - “this is the worst day of my life!”

Thankfully, we pushed through the morning and as suspected, when his dad picked him up, he was told he’d had a “wonderful day!”

I asked him about it later that evening and I found the one thing he chose to mention to be very interesting.

He said they had a class where they were told to look in a mirror and say three positive things about themselves – one of his was that he was brave, which I thought was lovely as he definitely has to dig deep with daily challenges.

I love that positive affirmation and mental wellbeing is part of the curriculum these days and the fact that it was a highlight of the day for my son really reinforces that it’s not only important but also working.

It got me thinking about my own little rituals – one of them is in the shower each morning where I imagine the water is good vibes washing over me for the day. As I wash my face, I list the things I want to embody – good health is always first, but I also add things like confidence, compassion, energy, ability.  

This little routine really sets me up for the day – what routine do you have? Or what routine could you start?

Rach

Quote of the Week: “I breathe in confidence and exhale fear” (Stevie M Starks)

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This week’s Good Deed goes to Whitsunday Coast Airport (WRC) which has just announced news that it has broken the 500,000 annual passenger barrier for the first time in its 73-year history.

A gateway to the region, Whitsunday Coast Airport plays a vital role in bringing tourists to town and it has adapted to significant increase in traffic over the past three years, recording 280,000 guests in 2021 and jumping to a whopping 507,000 this year.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said breaking the 500,000-passenger milestone is a testament to our Whitsunday region’s tourism appeal and the airport’s commitment to providing an exceptional experience for all travellers.

“The sky really is the limit, and the new record is a clear indicator of our airport’s essential role in supporting tourism and economic growth in the region.”

WRC Director of Commercial Businesses Craig Turner said increased flight frequencies and adding more new routes were key to the record passenger numbers.

“It is exciting that, despite the collapse of Bonza earlier this year, we have still set a new annual record and, with direct Adelaide flights starting in September, it is vital that we continue to explore new tourism markets,” he said.

“While my airport team will celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on ensuring every passenger enjoys a top-tier experience from take-off to touchdown while also expanding our reach to welcome more visitors to the stunning Whitsundays.”

“The Whitsunday Coast Airport's role extends beyond just tourism. It is a vital link for business travel and freight, ensuring that our region remains connected and competitive.”

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