At about 3:25am Tuesday morning (July 11) a business on Slade Point Road in Slade Point was allegedly broken into.

A white Mitsubishi Outlander, registration number MONNZA (previously reported stolen) was sighted pulling up in front of the business and three occupants exited this car.

Implements were used to interfere with a locked door to enable entry.

An interior audible alarm was activated which disturbed the intruders, who were in the process of attempting to force entry to a locked cabinet inside of the business.

The intruders returned to the stolen Mitsubishi as a result and left the area driving south on Slade Point Road. Keys were stolen from inside of the business.

All three intruders were completely covered with clothing (including their faces).

Anyone who might have information about this matter is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible. Police report number QP2301134429.

The CCTV image pictured displays the stolen Mitsubishi which was used by the intruders. Just after 12am on July 9 someone gained entry into a residential garage by forcing the roller door at an address on Seashore Crescent at Mackay Harbour.

The Mitsubishi that was parked inside the garage has been entered and stolen, as well as keys and bank cards.

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In a devastating blow for the Alligator Creek community, the General Store was reduced to ashes, blistered timber and piles of twisted iron as a fierce blaze tore through the building. The incident unfolded shortly after 2 o'clock on Monday morning, July 10, prompting an urgent response from emergency services.

Witnessing the intensity of the blaze, approximately twenty individuals from neighbouring structures were swiftly evacuated as a precautionary measure. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Local fire crews, equipped with five trucks, battled the inferno and successfully contained it before it could engulf the adjacent residential complex.

As authorities sift through the wreckage, the cause of the fire remains unknown at the time of print. In a bid to assist fire investigators from Rockhampton, the site has been declared a crime scene, allowing for a thorough examination to determine if any suspicious activity was involved.

The Alligator Creek General Store held a special place in the hearts of locals. Although it ceased operations in 2020 due to the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, memories of the store's delicious pizzas lingered fondly among the community. It was reported by Mackay Police that the establishment had been undergoing renovations.

As investigations into the fire continue, locals mourn the destruction of a treasured establishment that held cherished memories for many.

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A crime scene was declared at the Alligator Creek General Store after an early morning fire on Monday. Photo credit: Nell Thomsett: Photos by Nell

An artistic impression of the Alligator Creek General Store prior to closing in 2020

Over 5,000 students were inspired by some of the literary greats of Australia this week as the much anticipated and loved Whitsunday Voices Festival returned for another dynamic and engaging event.

Kicking off on Wednesday evening with a special launch party and smoking ceremony at the Festival Teepee, the event unfolded into an action-packed series of interactive sessions that saw 13 authors, poets and performers offer something unique to the region’s young audiences.

The festival is set to culminate this evening with the infamous Literary Dinner that welcomes keynote speaker Annabel Crabb.

A revered Author, Journalist and Producer, Annabel Crabb is the creative genius and presenter of a host of projects on ABC, including Australia Talks, Tomorrow Tonight, The House With Annabel Crabb, Kitchen Cabinet, Ms Represented and the popular TV history series Back In Time For Dinner.

Festival Manager, Mrs Tracey Gurdler, said she and the Voices team were “incredibly excited” to welcome Annabel Crabb, alongside a host of leading names in literature.

“Each year the Festival inspires students of all ages to put down their devices, get off social media and pick up a book – some of them for the very first time.

“To see children immerse themselves in the joy of literature, reading and writing is incredibly meaningful. For me, this is what the Festival is truly about.

“Generation Alpha is the first to grow up with devices in their hands. They are breaking new ground as a result of technological advances, however, us parents and educators are having to navigate this new technology era."

With this in mind, this year’s Litchat speaker, Louise Park, inspired teachers, parents and the wider community on Thursday afternoon.

Her session offered an insight into how the region’s children could have the best chance of literacy success with her presentation, "7 Steps to get Children Reading”, with scientific and research-based findings, stories and tips.

As a teacher, children's author and leading education consultant, Louise Park knows better than anyone how the goalposts have shifted over the recent years and the digital distractions of modern life.

"Louise Park will demonstrate how we can maximise both digital and traditional forms of reading, as well as preparing easy to navigate plans for our child or student," explains Tracey.

Also in attendance at this year’s event was Isobelle Carmody (Evermore and Scaterlings), alongside festival favourites like the Shake & Stir Theatre Co.

During the Festival, author, illustrator, screenwriter and producer, Mick Elliot, launched his first children's book at the Festival - Dads & Dogs.

Mick’s fabulously entertaining and animated presentations come with the warning, “Prepare to have your brain stretched until it explodes!” as he shares his inspirations behind his books and reveals how he discovered the secret power of storytelling.

Again this year, children in remote and regional areas were not forgotten, thanks to the community-focused Winchester Foundation, that funded the attendance of approximately 500 rural and remote children.

Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival has been made possible by support from Major Festival Partner Daly Bay, Literary Dinner Partner Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure and key partners BHP/BMA, Whitsunday Anglican School and Whitsunday Anglican School Foundation, and the more than 50 local business partners.

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Keynote speaker, Annabel Crabb, is set to delight the audience at the Literary Dinner this evening. Photo supplied

Students discovering the joy of books at the 2022 Whitsunday Voices Festival. Photo supplied

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Amidst the bustling world of storytelling, a dynamic duo from Mackay has woven their creative threads together to produce a captivating children's book, inviting readers on an adventure.

Debbie Brooker, a writer from Mackay, has found inspiration in everyday life, using her keen eye for detail and ability to craft engaging stories to capture the imaginations of young readers. Encouraged by compliments on her letters and articles, Debbie set out to write stories for children, leading to the publication of her first book, 'Flowers for Penny,' in 2018. Since then, she has released two more children's books, 'Too Many Words' and 'Jemima's Surprise,' as well as a young adult novel titled 'Thoughts are Free.' Now, she celebrates the launch of her fifth book, another delightful children's story, titled 'Dog Gone.'

'Dog Gone' is a heartfelt tale based on a true story, revolving around the misadventures of Zoey, a beloved Jack Russell who goes missing. Determined to find their furry family member, Zoey's owners embark on a search, assuming she can't be far away. Despite her popularity in the neighbourhood, no one has spotted her. The question remains: Where could Zoey be?

This children's book holds special significance for Debbie and her family, as it is inspired by one of their own pets. The collaboration between writer and illustrator for 'Dog Gone' is truly a local one, with both the publisher, InHouse Publishing, and the talented illustrator, Sharon Ruhle, hailing from Mackay. Sharon, a former secondary school teacher, enthusiastically took on the challenge of illustrating her very first children's book when approached by Debbie. Although relatively new to the world of art, Sharon has been exploring her passion for various artistic mediums since retiring in 2021, even earning an award and garnering praise from fellow artists.

The successful collaboration between a Mackay author and a Mackay artist has culminated in the release of 'Dog Gone' this month. While an official book launch is being planned, copies of the book are already available at local Mackay stores, including Déjà vu, Let the Children Play Toyshop, NQ Babies & Kids Market Store, and Melba House at Marian.

This heartwarming tale promises to captivate readers of all ages, celebrating the bond between humans and their four-legged companions.

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Author Debbie Brooker and Illustrator Sharon Ruhle

RACQ CQ Rescue airlifted a man with spinal injuries to hospital after a high-speed waterskiing accident at Kinchant Dam last weekend.

The rescue helicopter was tasked by Queensland Health that a 46-year-old Eimeo man had suffered serious injuries after falling while skiing at the dam, about 35km west of Mackay. RACQ CQ Rescue, with a doctor and Critical Care Paramedic on board, arrived on scene within 10 minutes of departure from Mackay Airport and landed in the car park of the Kinchant Dam boat ramp.

The patient had been pulled from the water by the occupants of the boat which had been towing him and was taken to the boat ramp to meet an ambulance and be transferred to the helicopter. The man was flown to Mackay Base Hospital in a stable condition accompanied by his wife.

Later that evening, the crew were tasked to airlift a 19-year-old from Collinsville who had suffered pelvis, spinal and chest injuries when his dirt bike smashed into another crashed bike on a private property. He was flown to Mackay Base Hospital by RACQ CQ Rescue about 9pm. Upon return to base, the service was then tasked to fly 280km south-west to pick up a cardiac patient from Clermont hospital and transfer them to Mackay Base Hospital. The chopper then departed base again early the next morning to return to Clermont to airlift another patient in need of medical treatment in Mackay.

It caps off a busy weekend which started on Friday when RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked by Queensland Health to fly about 200km south-west of Mackay to a horse fall accident near May Downs. A 51-year-old man had fallen from a horse while working on a remote property about 2pm and suffered a broken hip. The rescue helicopter, with a doctor and Critical Care Paramedic on board, was landed on a dirt road near the property to meet the ambulance. The patient was administered pain relief and was flown to Mackay Base Hospital in 45 minutes in a stable condition.

It was one of eight missions and 2500km flown since Friday and one of four missions completed in just 24 hours on Sunday.

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An Eimeo man was pulled from the water and later flown to Mackay Base Hospital by RACQ CQ Rescue with spinal injuries after a waterskiing accident at Kinchant Dam. Photo credit: RACQ CQ Rescue

A serious vehicle collision at Alexandra on the Peak Downs Highway earlier this week, on Tuesday, resulted in both a disruption to water supply in Walkerston and an ongoing police investigation into the crash.

Mackay Police reported that initial investigations indicate a white Toyota Corolla travelling west on Mackay Eungella Road towards Walkerston turned right onto Palms Road and collided with a green Toyota Landcruiser travelling westbound. The Toyota then collided with an oncoming Nissan Navara travelling eastbound.

The crash left the three drivers injured, requiring transportation to Mackay Base Hospital for medical attention.

Of the injured drivers, a 67-year-old South Mackay woman was later flown to Townsville Hospital for further treatment. Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision and are appealing to anyone who witnessed the crash or possesses relevant dashcam footage to come forward with information.

The consequences of the crash extended beyond the immediate collision. As a result of a vehicle colliding with the water pump station located opposite the Walkerston cemetery, the building sustained significant damage, affecting the town's water supply. The water pump station damage rendered it inoperative, leaving the reservoir as the sole water source for Walkerston.

In response to this disruption, residents of Walkerston were urged to minimise their water consumption.

The council worked to assess the structural integrity of the damaged building before the vehicle could be safely removed. Power was disconnected, and necessary measures were taken to ensure the safety of on-site chlorine.

For additional information and updates, residents are encouraged to contact the council at 1300 MACKAY (622 529). Meanwhile, the police investigation into the three-vehicle collision continues as authorities seek to determine the cause and sequence of events leading to the crash.

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A water pump station opposite the Walkerston Cemetery sustained damage after a vehicle involved in a car accident on the Peak Downs Highway hit the structure following a three-car incident last Tuesday

If you’re into bags, the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre is the place to be.

The centre is featuring its large range of bags and purses, all handcrafted locally by its talented crafters.

“We’re proud of our crafters and the skill and devotion they all put into their work,” centre manager Jenny Costello said.

“And our prices and quality stand up well against the imported goods you can buy in the shops.”

The centre is a non-profit cooperative run totally by volunteers in heritage buildings at Sarina’s Field of Dreams Parkland and is open 9-1 Monday to Saturday.

It also opens on Sundays when the Sarina Showgrounds markets are on.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Volunteers Lyn Bradford and Helen Stewart with the display of bags and purses at the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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Sarina Bowls Club’s Johnston Shield commenced its 75th year with an unexpected twist. Originally scheduled to kick off on Tuesday, July 4th, the competition faced a setback due to inclement weather conditions. However, the determined participants regrouped, and the games were rescheduled for Thursday, July 6th and Friday, July 7th.

A total of 11 clubs took part in the historic tournament, showcasing their skills on Thursday. As the competition progressed, the field narrowed down, leading to the semifinals held on Friday morning, and eventually culminating in the eagerly anticipated finals in the afternoon.

The Johnston shield follows a unique format, requiring each club to field a team of seven bowlers. This team composition consists of players engaged in fours, pairs, and single games. To secure victory, a club must win at least two out of the three formats.

Throughout the tournament, there were several nail-biting moments, with some clubs falling just short of clinching victory on the final shot. These intense battles kept spectators on the edge of their seats, none more so than the dramatic final clash between City Club and Marian Club.

Marian Club's singles team emerged triumphant, giving them a crucial advantage. With the fours team lagging behind, the pairs team needed to secure victory to swing the balance in their favour. In a tension-filled encounter, the pairs match reached its climax with both teams locked at 20-all on the last end. It was the Marian ladies who showcased their mettle, scoring an impressive four shots to claim the overall victory.

The jubilant Marian Club celebrated their hard-fought win, marking a momentous occasion as they had not held the shield since 1976. The prestigious shield was presented by the granddaughters of the original Johnston family, Alison Graham, and Margaret O’Neil.

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Marian Ladies Bowls Club won the Johnston Shield hosted by Sarina Bowls Club. L-R: Back:  Sandra Zarb, Helen Pietzner, Joan Vickers, Lyn Jackson, Doris Fry and reserve Beryl Markey. Front: Alison Graham, Annette Hanson, Judith Miller and Margaret O`Neil

Community members will be receiving more sausages with the new Rotary Club of Sarina Inc barbeque trailer that was recently refurbished.

The Rotary Club of Sarina Inc partnered with Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank to have their community barbecue trailer refurbished to use at fundraising events, but also for community organisations to hire for their own events.  

Community Bank Sarina Board Chair Karen May said the reasoning behind the sponsorship is to “support local groups who positively impact and help others in our community”.

“We partnered with the Rotary Club over 10 years ago to develop this barbeque trailer for them to use at events and for community groups to hire as well throughout Sarina and the local districts,” Ms May said.

“Community Bank Sarina decided to partner with the Rotary Club again this year to refurbish the trailer, to be used at local events for another 10 years.”

Rotary Club Sarina President John Nielsen, said without support of Community Bank Sarina for projects such as this, it would be very difficult to continue their work in the community.

“The trailer will not only be utilised by Rotary Club Sarina for events but is available for community use, to be borrowed for sporting events, charity events or fundraisers.”

“The trailer was looking quite shabby with old paintwork; a lot of rust and old tires and we are thankful for this grant from Community Bank Sarina to update it. The trailer now looks like new and is a great promotional tool for Rotary, encouraging locals to get involved in more community work.”

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Community Bank Sarina’s Karen May presenting a refurbished barbeque trailer to The Rotary Club of Sarina Inc’s John Nielson in front of Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank

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The family pool was the inspiration for a dip into the world of art for Mackay’s Joy Hold.

Joy was one of seven artists displaying their works in June at the Sarina Art Gallery, which was followed by another display starting early in July.

Joy said she didn’t get into art until about six years ago, when she became semi-retired.

“I decided I’d try to paint a seascape on a canvas around our pool,” she said.

“It’s five metres long and two metres high, and it’s got whales, sharks, turtles and pelicans.”

Husband Trevor was suitably “surprised and impressed” by her effort and she went on to join an art group at the U3A in Mackay.

“I enjoy it, I was painting two to three times a week, now if I see something I want to paint I just paint it – I like birds, fish, sealife and landscapes.”

Also displaying their art were Tia Gabriellah, Donna Phillips, Margo, Ailsa Hall, Julie Anderson and Taliah Verheyen.

The Sarina Art Gallery is open 10-3 daily during exhibitions, and entry is free.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Joy Hold with her painting Wedge Tail Eagle, on display at the Sarina Art Gallery

Other works by local artists. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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There’s a reason why rural towns, like Sarina, have a certain charm that make you feel right at home – it’s the sense of community.

One of Sarina’s longest standing organisations, the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA), is celebrating its centenary this year. QCWA Sarina has been bringing women together and fostering friendships through regular catch ups such as its craft meetings, often donating the creations to people in need, including patients at Sarina Hospital.

The community spirit doesn’t stop there, QCWA Sarina is hosting many events for its centenary year, including High Tea - 29 July, Scone Day - 11 August, Race Day - 5 September and a Crafts Expo in October.

The centenary and its celebrations are sponsored by Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank acknowledging QCWA Sarina’s 100 years of community service.

Alongside the sponsorship, Community Bank Sarina has provided QCWA Sarina with a marquee – to help with sun safety at its events. Other organisations who have received a marquee and signage package from Community Bank Sarina included:

• Friends of St Helens Beach Environment

• Grasstree Beach Progress Association

• Kalyan Youth Service

• Koumala Bushman’s Carnival

• Orange Sky

• Safe Sleep Mackay

• Sarina & District BMX Club

• Sarina 131 Army Cadet Unit

• Sarina Bird Club

• Sarina C&K Kindy

• Sarina Poultry Club

• Selectability Sarina

Without the support of local businesses and active volunteers, community organisations wouldn’t be able to do what they do best – bring a community together. Community Bank Sarina is proud to support local organisations and enable them to continue fostering connections in the community. If you’re interested in attending QCWA’s upcoming events, stay up to date by following them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QCWASarinaBranch.

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A national honey bee genetic improvement program will continue until at least April 2024, with Plan Bee announcing it has been extended for another year.

Delivered as part of the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Rural R&D for Profit Program, the program will continue its mission of establishing a national honey bee genetic database to improve the productivity and profitability of Australia’s agriculture sector.

The program, which began in 2020, has made significant progress in furthering the adoption of modern genetic selection practices in Australia.

Plan Bee Program Lead Paul Blackshaw said the extension allows the program to launch a series of planned initiatives that could have immeasurable long-term impact to the quality of Australia’s honey bee stocks.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue the vital work of Plan Bee,” he said.

“We’re currently preparing to launch version two of the Plan Bee Breeding Manual, a vital resource which is already helping beekeepers and breeders to unlock the potential of modern science to improve the quality of our honey bees.

“This resource helps breeders select from desired traits, including pest and disease resistance, future-proofing the industry from threats like varroa.”

Beekeepers are encouraged to participate in the program, with the project team continuing to seek input from the beekeeping industry.

“We are always looking to work closely with breeders across the country to build our national genetic database,” Mr Blackshaw said.

“With each contributing bee breeder, our data set improves, allowing us to make better choices when selecting for traits.”

The benefits of a successful national genetic improvement program transcend the honey bee industry, with around 65% of agricultural production in Australia depends on pollination from honey bees according to the 2010 report Pollination Aware, The Real Value of Pollination in Australia.

“Whether it be pollination productivity, resistance to disease, or ability to stay active for longer, genetic selection helps bee breeders, beekeepers and growers to become more productive and sustainable,” Mr Blackshaw said.

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Plan Bee Researcher, Nadine Chapman examining a colony of bees

Access to healthcare is an issue all too familiar with the rural communities of the Mackay region.

Whether it’s a lack of appropriate services, time or a laissez-faire attitude, farmers often face many barriers when it comes to seeking health care, with researchers at the University of South Australia (UniSA) saying chronic pain is an often-ignored ailment for farmers.

Untreated, chronic pain can cause serious distress and diminished productivity but a team of UniSA experts are looking to improve the way chronic pain management strategies are delivered in rural communities by exploring what it means to Australian farmers.

Rural health expert, UniSA’s Associate Professor Kate Gunn, said the study will address a serious gap in pain management among farmers.

“Agriculture is a great industry to work in, but one of the down sides is the physical injuries that can result, which can have long term consequences on farmers’ ability to work, and their wellbeing” she said.

“Musculoskeletal disorders are very common in this group and due to the unrelenting nature of farm work, farmers often return to work without accessing best-practice treatments, and without being aware of what this means for their long-term health and wellbeing.

“This new study is all about giving farmers a voice so that we can gain insight into how they perceive chronic pain, how it impacts upon their work and life, and importantly, how they would like to be assisted to manage it, in a way that fits with their preferences and lifestyles,” Ms Gunn said.

“This is important because there are practical things people can do for themselves and with health professional input, that research has shown really do help.”

The research team, which includes PhD student Indika Koralegedera and Dr Gemma Skaczkowski, is now looking to connect with farmers who have experienced chronic pain and will talk in confidentiality about its impact on their life and work.

For further information, please email Assoc Prof Kate Gunn kate.gunn@unisa.edu.au or PhD student Indika Koralegedera indika.koralegedera@mymail.unisa.edu.au.

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PhD student Indika Koralegedera (right) pictured with co-supervisor Dr Gemma Skaczkowski. Photo supplied

The Sarina Equestrian Vaulting team made an impressive debut at the Queensland State Vaulting Championships held over the weekend of July 1-2. Demonstrating their exceptional skills and artistry, the team showcased the captivating sport of horse vaulting, which combines the grace of gymnastics with the finesse of horsemanship.

Vaulting, often referred to as gymnastics on horseback, provides a unique platform for both individual and team participation in the world of equestrian sport. It encompasses a harmonious blend of gymnastic manoeuvres and equestrian finesse, honing a rider's seat, balance, rhythm, coordination, and confidence on horseback.

The Sarina Equestrian Vaulting team travelled to Beaudesert for the championships, marking their first-ever participation in a competition featuring renowned vaulting teams from across the region.

Day one of the championships kicked off with the Preliminary Individual category, where the Sarina team immediately made their mark. Sienna displayed exceptional talent, securing an impressive 3rd place. Holly followed closely in 5th place, while Sophie showcased her skills to earn a commendable 7th place.

Building on their success, the team embraced the challenges of Day two, which featured the Individual Barrel Preliminary/Pre-Novice events. In Group one, Sophie once again impressed with her skill, securing an admirable 8th place. In Group two, Sienna continued to shine, claiming 7th place, while Holly demonstrated her artistry and dedication, earning the 11th spot.

The camaraderie and sportsmanship on display were truly inspiring, with Aceline Equestrian even providing a horse for the Sarina team to use. The judges, recognising the team's enthusiasm and eagerness to learn, invited them to sit at the judges' table, gaining invaluable insights into the judging process and pencil work.

To see equestrian vaulting performed here in the Mackay region, the vaulting team will be demonstrating the sport at the upcoming Sarina Show.

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The Sarina Equestrian Vaulting team. L-r: Amy (coach), Holly (vaulter), Sophie (Vaulter), Sienna (Vaulter), Nicole (coach/lunger). Photos supplied

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Australia's first raw sugar shipment to the United Kingdom in 50 years commenced on Monday, (July 10), opening a crucial market for Queensland's sugar industry. Under the recently implemented Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA), tariff-free raw sugar exports to the UK have resumed, gradually increasing until tariffs are fully eliminated in 2031.

Industry-owned sugar marketer, Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL), made the first Australian raw sugar sale under the agreement. The milestone shipment, produced in the Burdekin region, will be sent to Tate & Lyle Sugars' refinery on the Thames in London.

QSL Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Greg Beashel said the sale was underpinned by a united industry approach, with other Australian quota holders to the UK making their new UK quota allocation available to QSL for the milestone shipment which reinvigorates a market effectively lost when the UK joined the European Economic Community (EEC) common market back in 1973.

“Up until that point nearly a third of Australia’s sugar exports had gone to Britain, but this came to an end when the European Union (EU) restricted our market access through relatively high tariffs, and we pivoted towards alternative markets in Asia and North America,” Mr Beashel said.

“We’re optimistic that this sale is the first step towards reopening what is essentially a whole new market for Australian sugar producers, with Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) data showing the first full tariff-free quota year in 2024 could see the value of Australian raw sugar exports to the UK reach $74 million, up from effectively nothing during the past five years.”

The shipment is scheduled to arrive at Tate & Lyle Sugars’ Thames refinery in London on 10 September.

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