With Laura Knipe, from Tourism Whitsundays

The Whitsundays is home to some of the greatest tourism products in Australia, but how do you make your business stand out in this sea of excellence?

Whether you’re a small or well-established business, these marketing tips will put you on the path to generating outstanding marketing.

Content: Get the attention your business deserves with a combination of jaw-dropping visuals and user-generated content.

Work with local content creators to create scroll-stopping videos and images or encourage your guests to capture, post, and tag content of your product.

Sharing the real, unedited experience is an equally powerful way to showcase your strengths.

Data: Where you can, collect information from your guests, such as their age, state, occupation, and travel group status (singles, couples, families, etc.) to target your advertisements.

Log into ‘Meta Blueprint’ to learn how to target your social media activity to your most active markets.

Differentiation: Figure out what makes you and your business unique and shout it from the rooftops.

Answer the question: ‘How are you different from your competitors?’ and make sure the answers are clear in your marketing communications.

Lastly, regional tourism organisations provide marketing support to all levels of businesses. Members of Tourism Whitsundays can be included in domestic and international marketing campaigns to receive coverage across a wide range of channels.

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Peninsula Airlie Beach Brings Home National Award

For the second year in a row Peninsula Airlie Beach has received national recognition as Residential Manager of the Year – Short Term Accommodation runners-up at the ARAMA awards held down in Brisbane last month.

This latest accolade adds to their already weighty trophy cabinet, having taken out top gong for the same award last year followed by an Excellence In Customer Service Award at the at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards 2022.

This inspiring list of achievements is especially impressive considering Managers Paul and Fran Tuddenham have only been in the industry for two years.

Originally from Robina, on the Gold Coast, the couple worked in Banking and Management for over 20 years before starting a Mortgage Broking Business which they also operated for 20 years.

When they came to Airlie Beach on holiday, they took a tour of Peninsula and fell in love with the area and its stunning sea views.

Taking the career change in their stride, the couple took on the management rights of the complex and have never looked back.

Two years on and not only have they won several awards, but they have also substantially grown the business in that time.

“We have 42 units, 26 of which are in the rental pool,” explained Paul.

“When we came here, we had 12 apartments and have since grown to now manage 23 of them which is amazing!”

Paul says that the location itself makes his job and growing the business easy as Peninsula is perfectly positioned just a short 1.5-kilometre walk from Airlie Beach and has stunning views of the Coral Sea.

“You can see sea turtles off the balconies in the afternoon and all units have balconies that look out onto the Coral Sea or Coral Sea Marina,” he said.

“We love living here and we love our job – it sounds a bit cliché, but we just love building the business up, building relationships with tourism operators and we are getting a lot of repeat business.

“We find that people just love the more personal accommodation and business is really good.”

One significant change that Peninsula has adopted recently is that the units are no longer available to party-guests, with bucks and hen nights strictly prohibited.

This has created an environment where people are assured of a relaxing, quiet holiday escape where they can enjoy the serenity of the location without external noise.

Paul and Fran have also been nominated for the upcoming 2023 Whitsunday Tourism Awards which are due to be held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre in October.

They are hoping to take home another accolade, but if they don’t, Paul says living in such a beautiful location is reward enough.

“We love Airlie Beach, so many people haven’t even been here yet, but they should definitely come, and we will make sure we look after them.”

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Paul and Fran Tuddenham, Managers of Peninsula Airlie Beach. Photo supplied

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Aspiring nurses of Bowen have been given the green light, with TAFE Bowen now offering the Diploma of Nursing in the Bowen Health Hub.

Replicating a real-life hospital environmental, nursing students at the Bowen Health Hub will be able to get hands-on training for the duration of the 18-month course which is set to start on September 25.

“In Bowen, the Diploma of Nursing will be delivered online with some face-to-face training,” explained Melanie Clarke, Community and Health Faculty Manager for TAFE Queensland in Far North and North Queensland.

“During the course, students will participate in several week-long residential training blocks to gain practical, hands-on skills.

“On campus, students will train in the purpose-built Bowen Health Hub using industry standard equipment and tools.

“To ensure they are work-ready when they graduate, students will also complete a minimum of 400 hours of vocational placement in a health care facility or hospital,” Mrs Clarke said.

The Diploma of Nursing will be offered as a Fee-Free course, meaning eligible students will receive the training for free.

“We know that for some people the cost of training can be a barrier to pursuing their career goals, so Fee-Free TAFE is a great opportunity for locals seeking training,” she said.

Mrs Clarke said Diploma of Nursing graduates can choose to pathway to university.

“Our graduates are highly sought after and can enter the workforce when they finish their course or use their diploma training to pursue further studies such as a Bachelor of Nursing at university,” she said.

To enrol in the Diploma of Nursing at the TAFE Queensland Bowen campus, visit tafeqld.edu.au or call 1300 308 233 today.

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In A Symphony Of Talent

Mackay Eisteddfod 2023

After nine days and 37 sessions of performance across the MECC and Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, the first leg of the Mackay Eisteddfod has wrapped up.

The Eisteddfod will continue with drama and dance categories from October 1 to 14.

Read on to find a selection of results on page 20 and visit Mackay Eisteddfod Results on Facebook for full results.

Best Of The Best Shine At Mackay Eisteddfod

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For a full list of award winners, visit Mackay Eisteddfod Results on Facebook.

Thursday, August 10

SESSION 1 - MECC THEATRE

S1 - Choral Singing for Schools Year 1 and Under

GOLD Mackay West State School

BRONZE Mackay North State School

S2 - Choral Singing for Schools Year 2 and Under

GOLD Victoria Park State School

GOLD Whitsunday Anglican School – Whitsunday Piccolos

BRONZE Emmanuel Catholic Primary School

BRONZE Mackay North State School

S4 - Choral Singing for Schools Year 4 and Under

GOLD Whitsunday Anglican School – Whitsunday Mezzo Coro

GOLD Emmanuel Catholic Primary School

SILVER Mackay West State School Choir

SILVER Eimeo Road State School Choir

SILVER Fitzgerald SS

SESSION 2 - MECC THEATRE

S5A - Choral Singing for Schools Year 6 and Under

GOLD Fitzgerald SS

SILVER Whitsunday Anglican School – Whitsunday Cantare

SILVER Emmanuel Catholic Primary School

BRONZE St John’s Catholic Primary School Choir

S6 - Choral Singing for Primary Schools Open

SILVER Emmanuel Catholic Primary School

SILVER Bucasia State School

BRONZE St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

SESSION 3 - MECC THEATRE

S35 - Modern Solo 13 Years

1st Madelyn Shepherd

2nd Harry Hayes

3rd Maria Attard

S36 - Modern Solo 14 Years

1st Matilda Turner

2nd Sanvi Rana

3rd Senara Wasalthilaka

S37 - Modern Solo 15 Years

1st Elise Doherty

2nd Billie Little

3rd Sophie Reilly

S38 - Modern Solo 16 Years

1st Lexis Tapp

2nd Cohen Goodson

3rd Lily Wardrop

S14 - Folk Singing Group for Secondary Schools

1st Mackay North State High School

2nd St Patrick’s College Folk Choir

S12 - Choral Singing for Secondary Schools Hymn and Folk

1st St Patrick’s College Choir

2nd Whitsunday Anglican School Snr Vocal Ensemble

3rd Catherine McAuley College Mackay

SESSION 4 - MECC THEATRE

S11 - Choral Singing for Secondary Schools Open

1st Catherine McAuley College

2nd St Patrick’s College

3rd Mackay North State High School

S15 - Jazz/Modern Vocal Group for Secondary Schools

1st Mackay North State High School

2nd St Patrick’s College

3rd Catherine McAuley College

S20 - Open Chorus

1st With One Voice Mackay

S21 - Folk Singing Group Open

1st Grace Notes

2nd Dance Express

S22 - Jazz / Modern Group Open

1st Dance Express

2nd With One Voice Mackay

3rd Grace Notes

S39 - Modern Solo 17 to 25 Years

1st Isabella Davison

2nd Dana Falzon

3rd Meg McDonald

Friday, August 11

SESSION 5 - MECC THEATRE

S7 - Choral Singing for Primary Schools Enrolment 150 or less

BRONZE Chelona State School

S8 - Choral Singing for Primary Schools 151 to 300

GOLD Alligator Creek State School

GOLD Carlisle Adventist College Yr 3/4

SILVER Carlisle Adventist College Yr 1/2

BRONZE Carlisle Adventist College Yr 5/6

S3 - Choral Singing for Schools Year 3 and Under

GOLD St Brendan’s Mackay

GOLD Victoria Park State School

SILVER Fitzgerald State School

SILVER Proserpine State School

BRONZE Bucasia State School

BRONZE St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School

SESSION 6 - MECC THEATRE

S5B - Choral Singing for Schools Year 6 and Under

GOLD Mackay North State School

GOLD St Brendan’s Mackay

SILVER Proserpine State School

BRONZE Slade Point State School

BRONZE Marian State School

S10 - Folk Singing Group for Primary Schools  

GOLD Fitzgerald State School

GOLD Whitsunday Anglican School – Whitsunday Litra Mae

GOLD Proserpine State School

SILVER Marian State School

SESSION 7 - MECC THEATRE

S48 - Solo from any Musical, Operetta or Rock Opera 11 Years

1st Henry Miller

2nd Harriet Wheaton

3rd Kalli Lincoln

S49 - Solo from any Musical, Operetta or Rock Opera 12 Years

1st Kiara Knowles

2nd Emily Chandler

3rd Georgina Baira

S50 - Solo from any Musical, Operetta or Rock Opera 13 Years

1st Emily Franettovich

2nd Madelyn Shepherd

3rd Callyn Grady

S51 - Solo from any Musical, Operetta or Rock Opera 14 Years

1st Sanvi Rana

2nd Lacey Dahl

3rd Gabriella Ruggeri

S52 - Solo from any Musical, Operetta or Rock Opera 15 Years

1st Elise Doherty

2nd Hannah Stevenson

3rd Billie Little

SESSION 8 - MECC THEATRE

S53 - Solo from any Musical, Operetta or Rock Opera 16 Years

1st Lily Wardrop

2nd Lexis Tapp

3rd Cohen Goodson

S54 - Solo from any Musical, Operetta or Rock Opera 17 to 25 Years

1st Meg McDonald

2nd Cara Pace

3rd Nicole Pillhofer

S40 - Modern Solo Open

1st Brandi Illguth

2nd Sharon Thompson

3rd Nicole Pillhofer

Saturday, August 12

SESSION 10 - MECC THEATRE

323A Premier Irish Jig 15 Years and Under

1st Olivia Knight

2nd Harper Mason

3rd Annika Wallace

323B Premier Irish Jig 16 Years and Over

1st Chloe Barnham

2nd Tullia McDonald

3rd Tamlyn Evans

300 Primary Pas De Basques

1st Amber Rowe

2nd Briar-Rose O’Donnell

3rd Henry Rowe

303A Beginners Highland Fling 10 Years and Under

1st Anna O'Riely

2nd Amelia Shipston

303B Beginners Highland Fling 11 Years and Over

1st Caitlin Yore

308 Novice Highland Fling All Ages

1st Gabrielle Reading

2nd Laycee Mason

3rd Marley Brown

313 Intermediate Highland Laddie All Ages

1st Xeaicha Hutchinson

2nd Trinity Lowe

301 Primary Pas De Basques and High Cuts

1st Amber Rose

2nd Briar-Rose O’Donnell

3rd Henry Rowe

315 Intermediate Barracks Johnnie All Ages

1st Layla Brown

2nd Xeaicha Hutchinson

304A Beginners Sword Dance 10 Years and Under

1st Amelia Shipston

2nd Anna O’Riely

3rd Lauren Norgate

304B Beginners Sword Dance 11 Years and Over

1st Zoe Ferguson

2nd Caitlin Yore

309 Novice Sword Dance All Ages

1st Laycee Mason

2nd Gabrielle Reading

3rd Chloe Schatkowski

314 Intermediate Seann Triubhas All Ages

1st Lilly-Louise Foslund

2nd Layla Brown

3rd Trinity Lowe

322A Premier Sailors' Hornpipe 15 Years and Under

1st Olivia Knight

2nd Harper Mason

3rd Lily Williamson

322B Premier Sailors' Hornpipe 16 Years and Over

1st Brooke Elliott

2nd Chloe Barnham

3rd Isabella Yore

302 Primary Highland Fling

1st Briar-Rose O’Donnell

2nd Amber Rose

305A Beginners Seann Triubhas 10 Years and Under

1st Amelia Shipston

2nd Lauren Norgate

3rd Anna O’Riely

305B Beginners Seann Triubhas 11 Years and Over

1st Caitlin Yore

2nd Zoe Ferguson

3rd Sophia Benton

310 Novice Seann Triubhas All Ages

1st Laycee Mason

2nd Scarlett O’Donnell

3rd Marley Brown

316 Intermediate Sailors' Hornpipe All Ages

1st Xeaicha Hutchinson

2nd Trinity Lowe

3rd Layla Brown

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Choral and Vocal Major Award Winners Back Row L-R Billy Anderson, Nicole Pillhofer, Madelyn Shepherd, Meg McDonald, Lily Wardrop, Sanvi Rani, Brandi Illguth, D’Arne Sleeman (Adjudicator), Front Row L-R Jeanie Elliott, Hope Gage-Riri, Lacey Cheyne. Photo supplied: Mackay Eisteddfod Association Inc

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More than 150 stakeholders in attendance at the Greater Whitsunday Housing Summit last week were presented with a comprehensive schedule of information outlining the multifaceted housing crisis confronting the Greater Whitsunday region.

The aim of the Summit was to seek to develop solutions to the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday regions’ housing issues in line with the priorities identified at the Housing Roundtable in December 2022.

As major event sponsors, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Director Ann Fordyce said the material presented and discussions highlighted what an “extremely complex dilemma” housing is – both currently and in our region’s future.

“Housing is critical for our economic and community development,” Ms Fordyce said.

“Our population has grown significantly in recent years, and housing and infrastructure has not kept up with the demand.

“With more people moving to the area, additional pressure is being applied to the region’s increasing demand for social and affordable housing.”

The Summit was an initial working step in formulating and implementing solutions that will take into account the many facets of the housing crisis.

“Collaborative solutions are required. This is not a situation where one organisation will be able to provide a complete, all-over solution. There are many important issues to be taken into account and actioned, such as housing availability to all demographics, diversity of choice and the required infrastructure support relative to population growth.

“Finding workable solutions will require buy-in and action from all levels of government, as well as the private sector, because this critical housing issue impacts every aspect of our region’s economic development.

“As a community bank, Community Bank Sarina supports a collaborative approach to identifying solutions to our region’s housing crisis and we look forward to seeing the strategic outcomes.

“We see the next steps being realistic and actionable solutions enabling partnerships to coordinate, promote and facilitate opportunities to increase housing supply, including the delivery of social and affordable housing outcomes.”

Amanda Camm MP, Member for Whitsunday congratulated the Greater Whitsunday Communities for hosting the Housing Summit.

“To see the breadth and diversity of stakeholders who made valuable contributions to the discussions, highlights the real impact the housing crisis is having across community, industry and development sectors in the region,” Ms Camm said.

Ms Camm said it was disappointing that the State Housing Minister was only able to attend the opening.

“And didn’t make time to hear from the locals in the room who clearly outlined the impacts the crisis was having on the region and also provided local solutions that may help alleviate the problem,” she added.

“Until this housing issue is addressed the challenge for all industries will be the challenge of attracting workforce to our region. It is going to take a collaborative, region specific approach to finding a solution.

“The Government must let regional stakeholders drive the response and not just dictate a one size fits all response from Brisbane.

“The Labor Government’s ongoing announcements and lack of delivery have been disappointing over the last two years.

“We have a 2-billion-dollar housing investment fund and not one cent has been used to build a home in regional Queensland.”

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Deputy Mayor Karen May, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm and Carol Norris, Executive Officer of Greater Whitsunday Communities attending the Greater Whitsunday Housing Summit

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NQ's Rock'n Country once again delivered a weekend of loud, energetic, and boot-scooting live country music last weekend.

The music of Shannon Noll, Morgan Evans, Troy Cassar-Daley, and Adam Brand was heard across the city of Mackay, emanating from the busy hub of the Mackay Showgrounds.

While locals and visitors alike enjoyed a weekend of country bangers, they were also playing their part in raising funds for Variety - the Children's Charity of Queensland.

NQ's Rock'n Country made a donation of $30,000 to Variety which will be used to support children who are sick, disadvantaged, or who have a disability.

Money was also raised through auctions and donations throughout the day.

The festival aligned with the 2023 Variety Bash, travelling from Toowoomba to Cairns, with the Variety Bashers stopping in and dancing their lay day away.

Congratulations to all who contributed to this great cause!

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NQ's Rock'n Country donated $30,000 to Variety Queensland. Photo supplied

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The pressing issue of the housing crisis demands immediate attention and proactive solutions. With the cost of building a home set to rise on October 1, 2023, the timing couldn't be more critical. As we grapple with the housing shortage, the Master Builders Association says the decision for the Queensland Government to introduce livable housing and energy efficiency provisions adds an extra burden to an already challenging situation. While other states have recognised the economic climate and housing crisis and postponed changes, the Queensland Government has chosen a different path.

The Master Builders Association added that the ramifications of these changes are substantial, potentially increasing the cost of building by $20,000 to $30,000. This comes on top of the 42 per cent rise in costs over the past three years. As the housing crisis deepens, adding further complexity and financial strain on prospective homeowners seems counterintuitive. Despite the economic challenges, local builders celebrated earlier this month at the Mackay & Whitsunday Master Builders Awards. You can read about some of the success on pages 10 – 13.

In light of these challenges, it's heartening to see efforts on the community level to address the housing crisis. The recent Greater Whitsunday Housing Summit gathered over 150 stakeholders to delve into the multifaceted housing issues in the region. Acknowledging the complexity of the situation, the summit aimed to formulate solutions in line with community priorities. Collaborative efforts involving all levels of government and the private sector are essential to tackle this crisis head-on. You can read more about this on the opposite page.

As we face the housing shortage, I believe all levels of government, businesses and individuals must come together to offer realistic and actionable solutions. The crisis impacts every aspect of our economic development, from attracting a skilled workforce to ensuring affordable housing for all demographics.

The housing crisis is a call to action, and now is the time for our leaders to step up and provide the necessary support and solutions. The welfare of our communities and the future prosperity of our region depend on it.

Amanda

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The Whitsunday STEM Challenge invited young women and their families to learn, network and become inspired at a Women in STEM event earlier this week.

Hosted at Whitsunday Anglican School as part of National Science Week, the event aligned with the national theme of ‘Innovation: Powering Future Industries’.

Event Coordinator Leanne Williams said Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) was important for students in this contemporary world with the rise of new technologies.

“This is to inspire our next generation to think outside the square on different available careers,” she said.

“Students need to learn the ability to understand and apply data and develop solutions to complex problems and this event aims to encourage an interest in science pursuits, especially among our young women.”

Students were offered the opportunity to take part in activities linked to STEM careers including virtual reality, robotics, drones, and forensics.

Four guest speakers of different backgrounds also presented to the group before engaging in a panel discussion and Q&A, including keynote speaker Nicola Grobler (Careers with STEM), Rebekah Rhoades (mechanical/CPEng accredited), Emma Jones (Environmental Management) and Kirtee Nadaraja (medical science).

Mechanical Engineer at BMA’s Broadmeadow Mine Rebekah Rhoades hoped to inspire the next generation to follow a career in STEM, saying “you can’t be what you can’t see.”

“I didn’t have the understanding of the resource sector growing up and wasn’t guided in that direction at all,” she said.

“I want to make it visible that we’re (women in STEM) are in existence.

“Our biggest benefit is the lower high school age bracket, so they can start studying the prerequisites and feel safe to do that.”

Year 11 Whitsunday Anglican School student Kashmala Kahn was eager for the opportunity to network and learn about STEM careers, an opportunity she said is rare.

“There’s not many opportunities like this where you get to meet other women who are interested in STEM, specifically robotics,” she said.

“Hopefully I can help my younger friends see that it’s alright to take part in this type of things.”

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Councillor Michelle Green (Emcee) with guest speakers Rebekah Rhoades, Kirtee Nadaraja, Emma Jones, and Nicola Grobler

Students from Mackay, Sarina, and Proserpine attended the event, partaking in robotics, VR, drones, and forensics

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Commemorating The 50th Anniversary Of The End Of Australia's Involvement In The Vietnam War

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Hosts Confidence Boosting Pageant

When local model Jenna K took on the role of Mrs Charity Oceania 2023, she vowed to use her platform to raise money and awareness for causes close to her heart and help women of all ages with their confidence, mindset and self-love.

One aspect of this mission was the Beeyoutiful Charity Pageant, an event held on Saturday, July 22 offering the people of Mackay the opportunity to improve their confidence while raising funds for BreastScreen Queensland.

Entrants were invited to a confidence and mindset masterclass throughout the morning, before returning that evening to show off what they’d learnt.

17 participants aged between seven and their late 60s entered across four categories: Little Miss Beeyoutiful, Junior Miss Beeyoutiful, Ms Beeyoutiful and Classic Beeyoutiful.

“I was mindful that the people who were entering might not have done anything like that before, so I wanted to provide each entrant the best chance possible to show their confidence onstage later that evening,” Jenna said.

“When they came back in the evening, I noticed a very high level of confidence they had gained and even a week after, I had parents contacting me saying they see a difference in their daughter and the event really helped with their confidence and self-esteem.”

Entrants walked the runway in pink wear, fun fashion wear and evening wear and were judged on a variety of criteria before winners were named across categories and other prizes were awarded.

Little Miss Beeyoutiful went to Madison Kennedy, Wren Forbes was named Junior Miss Beeyoutiful, Ms Beeyoutiful went to Crystal Sweeney while Judy Cook was crowned Classic Beeyoutiful.

The event raised $2,038.95 for BreastScreen QLD Mackay through the Mackay Hospital Foundation.

“It was an amazing event and it definitely helped to have the event with my current title to show that I’m not just someone who wears a crown and sash but I’m actually someone who wants to make a difference in her community and to other people’s lives,” Jenna said.

“I’m really excited to do it next year because I can see the impact it’s made on young women’s lives.”

Jenna will continue her campaign of kindness before she represents Oceania at Charity Pageant Intercontinental in Perth next year.

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Back row L-R Wren Forbes, Judy Cook, Jenna K and Crystal Sweeney, front row Madison Kennedy

17 women aged between seven and their late 60s participated in the pageant

Photo credit: Marty Strecker Photography

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Investigations continue for a two-vehicle car accident near Alligator Creek, just past 7am on Friday, August 18.

Initial police investigations indicate that a Hyundai Palisade was turning onto the Bruce Highway from Perry Road, when it collided with an oncoming Toyota Landcruiser, which was travelling north.

The Toyota swerved before losing control and rolling multiple times down an embankment.

The three occupants of the Toyota were taken to Mackay Base Hospital.

The 19-year-old male driver and one passenger, a 45-year-old man, were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The second passenger of the Toyota, a 29-year-old man, was later transported to Townsville Hospital, after sustaining critical injuries in the accident.

All three men are from Sarina.

The driver of the Hyundai, a 30-year-old Sarina woman, was not physically injured.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any relevant footage is encouraged to reach out to police.

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By Amanda Wright

In a shellebration of conservation, Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey has given local turtles a fin-tastic win by expanding the protective boundaries of the Mackay Port to include the North Harbour Wall.

This flipper-friendly decision ensures that Mackay’s turtles will continue to nest and hatch in their coastal haven for generations to come.

Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert, celebrates this decision as a triumph for the local community.

The Port of Mackay, Queensland's fourth largest, plays a pivotal role in servicing the region's mining and agricultural sectors, boasting one of the world's largest bulk sugar terminals.

In October 2022, the State Government began consultation on the master plan for the port, seeking input from the community about how the Port can further drive economic prosperity for central Queensland.

Over the 14 weeks, four community information sessions were held, with over 160 submissions received by the Transport and Main Roads Department.

In response to the community feedback received, the Queensland Government has taken action to protect a Queensland icon, the turtles of Mackay.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said that having travelled extensively in Mackay, speaking with the local member and the community, he heard how important it was to protect the turtles that nest and hatch along the North Harbor Wall of the Mackay Port.

“That is why I have added this area to the Port’s environmental protection zone, which will ensure the Mackay turtles have a safe place to call home for generations to come,” Minister Bailey said.

Assistant Minister for State Development and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said that hundreds of turtles are known to nest and hatch along the North Harbor Wall of the Mackay Port.

“The master planning that is being done is an exciting opportunity for Mackay, bringing with it future development, jobs and prosperity for the Region,” Mrs Gilbert said.

“I am proud to be part of a government that balances the needs of our growing community, while also protecting our beautiful natural environment.

“That is why I welcome the Transport Minister’s decision to protect the Mackay turtles, including the nesting and hatching area in the Mackay Port’s environmental protection zone.”

Minister Bailey said in the coming months he would share future news about the Port of Mackay’s master plan.

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Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert is celebrating the Transport Minister’s decision to include the North Harbour Wall of the Mackay Port in the environmental protection zone of the Port to protect local turtles

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By Amanda Wright

Steering the course for enhanced healthcare in the region, a fresh chapter unfolds as a new six-member Board takes the helm of the Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

With a diverse array of expertise spanning emergency medicine, business, nursing, and law, these board members herald a promising era of leadership. Their appointment marks a decisive step following the dissolution of the previous Board in November 2022, signalling a renewed commitment to quality healthcare and community well-being.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman has announced the new board, which will be led by Helen Darch OAM, an experienced board member in government and not-for-profit sectors.

Membership also includes highly respected emergency physician Associate Professor Dr Luke Lawton, and Head of Nursing and Midwifery at James Cook University Dr Maureen Chapman.

The new board, which will set the strategic direction and oversee the management of Mackay HHS, consists of:

• Helen Darch OAM (Chair)

More than 13 years of Board experience, including with Metro South HHS

• Kerry Maley (Deputy Chair)

A qualified Advanced Social Worker with over 25 years’ experience in community service delivery in the public and private sectors

• Dr Maureen Chapman

Based in Mackay, she completed a Bachelor of Nursing in the US in 1995 and also holds a Master of Nursing Studies and Education Doctorate

• Associate Professor Dr Luke Lawton

Formerly Director of Emergency Medicine at Townsville HHS, Dr Lawton’s experience includes serving as an independent expert witness providing opinions to state coroners’ courts, top tier national health panel defence firms, Crown law, and major plaintiff firms

• Dr Peter O’Mara

A General Practitioner specialising in Indigenous health. He is the past President of the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association

• William Cooper

Mr Cooper has strong governance, legal and finance and board experience across a range of Mackay based organisations and community groups and was named Mackay Citizen of the Year in 2005

Minister Fentiman said the appointment of the new Board is a crucial step forward in driving service improvements and cultural change within Mackay HHS.

“I’m pleased Mackay HHS has been able to attract such experienced, knowledgeable and well-respected people to the Board and I know they will make a positive impact,” she said.

The new board takes over from the Mackay HHS administrator Karen Roach, who was appointed in November 2022 following the dismissal of the previous board.

“I want to thank Karen Roach for her work as Mackay HHS administrator, which has been instrumental in ensuring appropriate governance is in place for the Mackay HHS,” Minister Fentiman said.

“Ms Roach will continue to help with the transition to the new Board as an adviser appointed under the Act for one month."

The establishment of the new Board follows the appointment in June of experienced health professional Susan Gannon as chief executive.

Minister Fentiman also said the new board and chief executive will play a critical role in overseeing the implementation of reforms stemming from the Mackay HHS’ obstetrics and gynaecology review.

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A new Mackay Hospital and Health Service board will be led by Helen Darch OAM

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Police are seeking the assistance of the public as they investigate a fatal house fire that claimed the lives of the sole owner-occupant and his two dogs.

Emergency services were called to a property on Grant Street at 6:30pm, Saturday, August 19, after neighbours reported flames coming from the building to triple zero.

The body of 59-year-old Mark Gallagher was located inside the destroyed dwelling over 24 hours later once the fire had been extinguished and the property was certified safe for police to investigate.

Mr Gallagher, an employee at a local club, lived at the property alone with his two dogs.

Police investigations have established that he finished work at around about 8:30am that morning and was sighted at IGA West Mackay at 9:30am.

“What police are asking for assistance with is anyone who may have had any contact or seen Mr Gallagher between the hours of 9:30am on Saturday morning and 6:30pm when that fire started,” said Detective Acting Inspector Chris Eaton.

Police believe the fire originated centrally in the dwelling and are awaiting forensic examination results to confirm the cause of the blaze.

“It’s an old Queenslander style house, so when those particular buildings are destroyed by fire, it’s quite difficult to establish and does take some time for our forensic people,” said Mr Eaton.

Mr Eaton said Mr Gallagher had lived in Mackay for some time and was well known in the community.

His next of kin, both locally and interstate, have been contacted.

“We’re really trying to establish, was he at home throughout the course of that day, had he been out, that will just narrow down our time frame and hopefully assist our investigators.”

If you have any information regarding Mr Gallagher, contact Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au or call 1800 333 000.

Quote this reference number: QP2301377124.

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A Grant Street property was destroyed by fire last weekend, claiming the lives of 59-year-old Mark Gallagher and his two dogs

Detective Acting Inspector Chris Eaton is calling on members of the public for information. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Inspire Accounting Welcomes New Director

With a passion for client satisfaction, Kate Paton has developed a varied and successful career with Inspire Accounting and Business Services, recently being announced as the firm’s newest Director.

Kate joined the Inspire team over ten years ago, starting as a trainee accountant straight out of school.

Now, at 28-years-old, she is the firm’s youngest Director and has become a driving force, a beacon of inspiration within the firm.

“My team at Inspire are like my family,” Kate said, reflecting on the last decade fondly.

“The development they’ve given me, I don’t think I would’ve got anywhere else, and I wouldn’t have progressed so quickly anywhere else.”

With two children under three years of age, Charlotte and Luke, Kate’s work-life balance is a busy one, but she said she couldn’t do it without the support of her husband, Lochlan, her parents, and the rest of her network.

“I’ve got a big support team, my husband, my parents, everyone who helps out, who I wouldn’t be here without,” she said.

Managing over 150 clients throughout the region, Kate has a talent for mentoring medium to large sized businesses, with expertise in strategic planning and coaching.

She genuinely cares about her clients and wants to help them succeed both professionally and personally, saying the most common issue she sees is clients not getting their accountant involved early enough.

“What we try and drill into our clients is if they’re ever going to do anything or they think there’s a problem, we’re just a phone call away and we’ll try and get on the front foot,” she said.

Contact Inspire Accounting and Business Services on 07 4914 2400 to learn more about their services.

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Inspire Accounting and Business Services Director Kate Paton

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