Art has a remarkable ability to inspire, uplift, and awaken our inner creativity. The Mackay Festival of Arts, a vibrant celebration of artistic expression, provides a perfect avenue for our community to explore an artistic side, even if they weren't aware of it before. With a wide array of events and activities that cater to diverse interests, this festival invites you to immerse yourself in a world of imagination and cultural experiences.

The festival commenced with a burst of energy as the MECC transformed into a spandex-filled extravaganza last Saturday. "Werk It" by Circus Trick Tease, was an adults-only circus event known for its sass, swagger, colour, and acrobatic feats.

Throughout the week, the Civic Centre Precinct has blossomed into a vibrant hub of street food, craft beer, and sensational entertainment. From July 3 running this weekend until July 9, visitors have been treated to standout performances like "Le Coup" in the Japanese-inspired Ukiyo tent.

The festival's ongoing events continue to ignite the imagination and beckon individuals to explore their artistic passions. From a neon paint and sip session to a captivating live theatre production by Kucom, the possibilities for self-expression are boundless. And for those with a penchant for indulging in exquisite flavours, the gin tasting evening at the Seabreeze Hotel promises to be an experience to savour—a chance to immerse oneself in the complex world of botanical delights. That’s what I’ll be telling myself as I raise a glass or two, in the name of art, of course.

As the festival continues to unfold, take a moment to appreciate the remarkable opportunity the Mackay Festival of Arts provides to awaken your creative soul. Whether you're an avid art enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of artistic expression, this festival invites you to embrace the joy of creation.

Or, just indulge in some great food and drink and enjoy the colourful party atmosphere.

Amanda

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Provides The Magic Of Reading To All

An Andergrove resident has set up a small street library on Bedford Road, Andergrove where people can borrow, swap or take books at their leisure.

Lauren Costello is a high school teacher and owner of Brighter Learning Tuition and said she’s wanted to set up a street library for years.

“I’ve seen what children and families have access to in Mackay and not everyone has the money to be able to buy books,” she said.

“I thought if I put something out there that’s not only accessible but free, and people can take what they want and want they need, then it removes one of those major barriers for a lot of kids who don’t have the opportunity to get books and to read at home.”

Ms Costello has stocked the street library with something for everyone.

“I’ve made sure that there’s books for all ages and all abilities, so things from learning ABCs all the way through to adult murder mystery, romance, there’s a little bit of everything in there at the moment,” she said.

People are welcome to swap and contribute their own books, but Lauren is mindful that not everyone is able to do so.

“I’ll just keep replenishing it and if people want to borrow, they want to swap, if they find something they love and want to keep it, they’re more than welcome to,” she said.

Ms Costello also has a background in mental health and suicide prevention and has stocked the library with Grapevine Group’s Help-A-Mate cards, affirmation cards and other messages of positivity.

“People can come, they can develop a love of reading, but they also have access to something positive,” she said.

“It’s just another level of forming those connections within the community, because not everyone has someone.

“I hope people come and make use of it.”

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Lauren Costello has opened a street library in Andergrove. Photos supplied

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Mackay Regional Council will be undertaking service investigation works in Evan and Juliet streets, South Mackay.

The works will take place between Sunday, July 2, and Sunday, July 16 and will be completed as night works to minimise disruption to traffic and business in the area.

Council is in the detailed design phase for water main renewal projects in both areas and the works will include excavation works in specific areas to locate services.

Contractors HydroExcavac and SafeDig will complete the works on behalf of council.

Working hours will be between 6pm and 6am on the below dates:

• Juliet Street – Sunday, July 2 to Thursday, July 6

• Evan Street (between Stevenson Street and Prospect Street) – Wednesday, July 5 to Sunday, July 9

• Evan Street (between Prospect Street and Goldsmith Street) – Saturday, July 8 to Sunday July 16

• Juliet Street – Saturday, July 8 to Sunday July 16

The investigation works will be completed predominantly in the parking lane, and residents are asked to not park in these areas on the above dates. Driveways are not expected to be interrupted.

Traffic control will be in place and motorists are asked to follow all signage in place. There will be some noise and dust due to plant and equipment on site.

If you have any concerns, please contact council on 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

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The area on Evan Street that will be affected by council’s investigation works

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Women Dominate Central Queensland Training Awards

By Amanda Wright

Women have dominated the 62nd Queensland Training Awards in the Central Queensland region, claiming all seven individual awards. This year's winners include outstanding apprentices, trainees, and vocational teachers. The regional winners will now advance to the State Final in September, with the chance to compete for national titles at the prestigious Australian Training Awards in November.

Among the recipients is Caitlyn Barnes, who secured the coveted Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year award. Caitlyn has spent the past four years working at Goonyella Riverside Mine, where she completed an electrical apprenticeship and an Advanced Diploma of Applied Electrical Engineering. Her on-the-job training involved working on electric trucks and draglines, and she also actively participates in a mentoring program for girls.

Abby-Rose Bowman, a student at Holy Spirit College Mackay, was named the School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year. She is currently pursuing a Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology and has already secured a job with NQ Autosparks. Abby-Rose aspires to inspire future generations, particularly young women, to enter the industry.

The announcement of the regional winners took place at the local Queensland Training Awards event held at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre on Saturday, July 1, 2023. The event celebrated the outstanding achievements and contributions of the region's skilled workforce.

Minister for Training and Skills Development, Di Farmer, commended the winners, stating, "The Queensland Training Awards highlight the region’s top achievers in training and showcase the power of skills.

“To have women taking out all seven individual awards is a significant achievement,” she added.

“Women play a critical role in the Palaszczuk Government’s Queensland Workforce Strategy, and there are many programs in our strategy that aim to increase their participation in the workforce, particularly in traditionally male-dominated trades."

Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert, expressed her pleasure at seeing the awards recognise high-achievers from across the region. She congratulated Abby-Rose Bowman on her victory and acknowledged McCarthy Panel Works in Mackay, which received the Small Employer of the Year award.

Mrs Gilbert also commended the Emerald Neighbourhood Centre for winning the Community Training Initiative of the Year with their impactful Get Set for Work program, which provides employment assistance to locals.

“In more than 40 years of operation the centre has had a mission to support and strengthen the social well-being of the local community. The centre welcomes everyone, builds connections with isolated and vulnerable people, and collaborates with other organisations to meet community needs,” she said.

“I wish our winners from Central Queensland all the best at the Queensland Training Awards state finals in September.”

The Queensland Training Awards received an impressive increase of over 40 per cent in statewide nominations compared to last year, resulting in more than 210 regional finalists being selected from over 800 nominations. Notably, Jennah Halley from Cairns, last year's Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year winner, went on to be named Australia's top apprentice.

Full list of Central Queensland winners:

Individual award categories

Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year – Caitlyn Barnes, Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician, Moranbah

Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year – Tennelle Bird, Certificate IV in Human Resources Management, Moranbah

Vocational Student of the Year – Stacey Mason, Diploma of Nursing, Gracemere, Rockhampton region

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year – Tayah Womal, Certificate III in Business, Moranbah

School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year – Abby-Rose Bowman, Holy Spirit College Mackay and NQ Sparks, Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology, Mt Ossa, Mackay region

Equity Student of the Year – Sharon Atkinson, Certificate III in Work Health and Safety, Blackwater

VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year – Trudy Berry, Sarina State High School, Koumala, Mackay region

Organisation award categories

Community Training Initiative of the Year – Emerald Neighbourhood Centre: Get Set for Work program, Emerald

Large Employer of the Year – NFR Holdings operating five McDonald’s stores, Northern Beaches, East Mackay, North Mackay, Andergrove and Food Court Canelands

Medium Employer of the Year – RGM Maintenance Rockhampton

Small Employer of the Year – McCarthy Panel Works, Mackay

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Caitlyn Barnes

Tenelle Bird

Abby-Rose Bowman

Trudy Berry

McCarthy Panel Works

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The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating a fatal, single vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway, two kilometres south of the Waverley Creek rest area.

Mackay Police reported that initial investigations indicate just after 7am on Monday July 3, a white Mitsubishi wagon rolled before coming to rest back on its wheels.

Senior Sergeant Tony McDowall confirmed the car had been travelling south towards Brisbane when it had veered off the road, crossing the centre line before leaving the road and rolling multiple times. A woman in her twenties was found deceased at the scene. A man in his twenties, thought to be the woman’s partner, was driving the vehicle and sustained chest and shoulder injuries. He was taken to Rockhampton Hospital in a stable condition.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw the crash or may have dash-cam footage of the white Mitsubishi on the highway before the crash, to contact them.

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RACQ CQ Rescue are ‘airing’ their frustration with local boaties who are needlessly wasting search and rescue resources with expired or incorrectly disposed of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs).

The Mackay-based helicopter crew are urging people with EPIRBs or PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons) to regularly check batteries and expiry dates and correctly dispose of them after the chopper was activated to a beacon search earlier this week, in the early hours of Monday morning.

Residents in East Mackay were no doubt alarmed by the low-flying helicopter about 5.30am on Monday July 3, after the service was tasked by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) that a distress beacon had been activated somewhere on the coast in East Mackay.

RACQ CQ Rescue departed base about 5.30am and homed in on the distress signal very quickly in the vicinity of Petrie Street, near Illawong Beach, but was unable to pinpoint an exact location from the air. The helicopter returned to base and the crew, including a rescue crewman and paramedic, were then forced to return to the East Mackay area and continue the search on foot using a Tetley hand-held homer.

Crews reported a lot of interference with the signal due to the proximity of the airport and large sheds in the area. The crew door knocked anyone with a boat visible in their yard and although they didn’t find the activated distress beacon, they did come across some other boaties with expired EPRIBs onboard their vessels.

RACQ CQ Rescue crew officer Ben McCauley said situations like this meant precious emergency resources were wasted looking for beacons which had been inadvertently activated, and subsequently, that the chopper would then not be available for a genuine emergency situation.

“It’s very frustrating for our crew - all beacon activations require an emergency response, even if the distress signal is coming from the dump or from a backyard,” Mr McCauley said.

The preferred method to dispose of out-of-date EPIRBs was to attend a Battery World store where they will be disposed of free of charge.

“Please regularly assess your EPIRB and make sure it’s in good working order,” he said.

“One of the most important things to check is the battery of your emergency beacon. All beacons have a finite battery life, so owners will either need to replace their beacon or have its battery changed by the manufacturer or authorised service agent if it’s past its expiration date,” he said.

If this was not possible, owners could easily disassemble the device and disconnect the internal batteries separating the parts prior to disposal. Expiration dates were printed on the side of the beacon.

RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked to at least half a dozen accidental EPRIB activations each year, Mr McCauley said.

“In the event EPIRBs expire or end up in rubbish and do get activated, locating and switching them off is a top priority for authorities as they may mask the signal of an EPIRB activation associated with a genuine distress situation,” he said.

“Please, don’t waste our time or money. Check the battery expiry date regularly and dispose of your emergency beacons correctly.

“Lives really do depend on it,” he said.

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The RACQ CQ Rescue crew are urging people with EPIRBs or PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons) to regularly check batteries and expiry dates and correctly dispose of them after the Mackay-based chopper was activated to conduct a beacon search very early on Monday morning

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Mackay Base Hospital’s use of voice to text software will feature on the international stage at a Sydney conference next week.

Chief Digital Director Medical Services Dr Pieter Nel has been selected from more than 950 submissions to present at MedInfo23, a world congress on medical and health informatics.

The former director of the Emergency Department has found a new passion in health information and supporting improved healthcare through technology. His presentation focuses on how Dragon Medical One is freeing up clinicians to spend more time with patients and less time typing up notes.

“Speaking at an international conference this size was always on my bucket list, so it is a huge honour to have been chosen,” Dr Nel said.

The conference will be held 8 – 12 July 2023 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney and is expected to attract more than 3000 Australian and international delegates. Dr Nel said he was excited to share data that quantified the benefits delivered by digital hospital technology. Data from the Dragon Medical One rollout shows that an average of one hour of clinical time is released a day for patient care.

Mackay Base Hospital has 419 licences under the Patient Flow Intensive Program for the recognition technology across the hospital including mental health, emergency, allied health and intensive care.

“Using this software is improving clinician satisfaction and reducing stress. It’s a big thing to be able to take your allocated breaks and to often go home on time.

“Any technology that supports the satisfaction of our clinical staff is important.

“It’s also going to be a fantastic opportunity to showcase Mackay Base Hospital as a progressive place to work,” Dr Nel said.

The conference is presented by the Australasian Institute of Digital Health on behalf of the International Medical Informatics Association.

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Chief Digital Director Medical Services Dr Pieter Nel and MBH Emergency Department Senior Medical Officer Dr John Hadok discussing the benefits of Dragon Medical One voice to text technology in saving time on administration tasks and enabling clinicals to spend more time caring for patients

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New Commercial Quotas Cripple Local Mackerel Fishers

By Rachael Smith

New fishing quotas that were introduced on July 1 have dramatically reduced the amount of mackerel permitted to be extracted by commercial and recreational fishers in the Whitsundays.

Most significantly impacted is the local mackerel fishing industry which has had their quota reduced from 600 tonnes to just 165 tonnes for the 2023 fishing season.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries said that the decision was made to “ensure recovery of Spanish mackerel stocks” that have dipped below 17 per cent of the estimated original biomass.

But local seafood restaurateur, Kev Collins, said that the new rules will be “Armageddon” for the fishing industry and that local Mackerel stocks are, in fact, plentiful.

“There’s Mackerel everywhere – they’re like fleas on a dog!” said Mr Collins.

“The truth is they get extra brownie points with UNESCO if they reduce quotas – they simply don’t want an extractive industry in a national park.

“They have an agenda which is to get rid of commercial fishing by cutting quotas.”

Mr Collins states that 33 per cent of the Marine Park has been a green zone since 2004 and that they were told this zoning was intended to bring the biomass back up to 100 per cent.

“It’s been 19 years! – How can it still be at 17 per cent?” he said.

“Mackerel are a common fish and the evidence used to create this 17 per cent has already been debunked.”

Mr Collins refers to a recent independent report by the Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) which he says found Mackerel stocks to be plentiful.

Trevor Draper, who has been a Mackerel fisherman in the area for 52 years said that there are plenty of fish out there, but they are not allowed to go anywhere near them.

“I’ve just about given up fighting as we’ve never won anything – there are plenty of Mackerel out there, but they are all in the green zones and we are not allowed anywhere near them,” he explains.

“These new rules have hit like a bomb – every one of the reasons they are using are a blatant lie, there is not one word of truth in any of it.”

Mr Collins added that there are other areas where sustainable commercial fishing takes place – he cited Indonesia where a similar size area to the Whitsundays has been fished and replenished naturally for generations without harsh quotas.

“They are the same size as us and are consistently taking 12,000 tonnes of Spanish Mackerel,” he said.

“They’ve been collecting data since 1992 and they still have enough.”

While the Mackerel industry is impacted now, Mr Collins warns that other types of fishing will soon follow.

“They are going to ban all in-shore netting by November as well,” he said.

“This means we won’t have any local Barramundi, Whiting, Brim, or Mangrove Jacks.

“I refuse to serve imported fish in my restaurant, so we are having to completely review the way we operate.

“We have lost 12 million serves of fish a year with these new rules!”

Mr Collins states that the reason for the in-shore netting ban does not make sense.

“They say that the nets are a threat to the dugongs, turtles and hammerheads, but last year they made a rule that fishers have to stay with their net,” he explains.

“That way, if a turtle gets stuck, they can let them out.”

“All these decisions are for the Green votes and the city seats – no-one is thinking about lost jobs and our local history which is also going to be lost.”

With the trade becoming increasingly unviable, there are less and less people starting out as Mackerel fishers and those that are already in the industry are left with redundant licences, challenging quotas and wasted investments.

“I feel sorry for the young guys – poor buggers – trying to make this work these days there is no compensation, and the licences? – who knows what they are worth?” said Mr Draper.

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Spanish Mackerel quotas for commercial fishers have been reduced from 600 tonnes to 160 tonnes this season. Stock image supplied

Caption: Kevin Collins owner of Fish D’vine in Airlie Beach, Trevor Draper, Mackerel Fisherman of 52 years and Matt Calder owner Fishi, a fresh seafood supplier.

Mackay's Channel 7 Building Sold

Mackay's iconic Channel 7 building has been successfully sold in a historic deal, marking a significant milestone for the local property market. Blacks Real Estate and Colliers International, the driving forces behind the sale, are delighted to announce this exciting development that paves the way for future growth in Mackay's bustling CBD.

The negotiation of the sale was a result of the collaborative efforts of Peter Wheeler, Managing Director of Colliers International, and Greg Lewis, Director of Blacks Real Estate Mackay.

Nestled in the heart of Mackay's CBD, the Channel 7 building stands as a living testament to the city's vibrant history. Since its launch as MVQ6 on August 9, 1968, this architectural gem has witnessed numerous milestones and technological advancements. It holds the distinction of being the first to introduce a videotape machine and full-scale colour transmission, revolutionising the television industry's production and consumption practices.

However, the significance of the Channel 7 building goes far beyond its technical achievements. It serves as a poignant symbol of the community's deep connection and acts as a reminder of the region's rich television industry history. Its story stretches back even further to March 1960 when Mackay Television Development Pty Ltd was established, marking a pivotal moment in the local media landscape.

Mr Lewis confirmed the building had been sold to an out-of-town investor who already owned other property in Mackay prior to this sale.

“This sale demonstrates the confidence in Mackay from property owners who already own property here,” he said.

He confirmed the approximately 1400m2 building will be renovated for long-term leases.

“The lease areas can also be downsized to multiple smaller tenancy, with the luxury of a total of around 30 onsite car parks at the rear of the building and a two car or light truck secure loading dock.”

Comprising a two-level office building and a warehouse/garage, the Channel 7 building once served as the proud home of Channel 7. Its commercial designation as "CC2, City Mixed Use Precinct" under the Mackay Regional Council zoning plan further solidifies its importance within the local context.

The successful sale of this cherished property not only acknowledges its historical significance but also ushers in exciting possibilities for future development in the heart of Mackay. It is a momentous occasion where the preservation of local heritage converges with the ever-evolving landscape of real estate in the city. Its recent sale marks a significant chapter in its timeline, further highlighting its local importance and the immense potential it holds for future development.

For those interested in leasing this prestigious property, Blacks Commercial welcomes inquiries.

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Mackay’s Channel 7 building on Victoria Street has been sold. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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By Amanda Wright

Stepping onto the vibrant canvas of Mackay's cultural landscape, MP Leeanne Enoch, the Minister for Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities, and the Arts, embarked on an artistic expedition last week. Accompanied by the Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert, the Minister's visit was a brushstroke of exploration, highlighting the city's artistry and fostering a deep connection with the community.

During her visit, Enoch and Gilbert immersed themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Mackay. A stop on their itinerary was Crossroad Arts, an organisation dedicated to inclusive arts programs and practices. The Minister was visibly impressed as she toured the performance venue and marvelled at the ongoing exhibition called HeART(Beats). This thought-provoking exhibition aimed to raise awareness about accessibility and emphasized the importance of incorporating access into everyday practices. Minister Enoch encouraged visitors to experience the exhibition firsthand, which will be open until August 4th.

Continuing their cultural expedition, the MP’s visited backstage of the groundbreaking performance titled 'Breathe In' at Crossroad Arts, meeting lead performer Brenden Borellini, who also serves as an artist in residence and ambassador, along with second lead performer Georgia Cranko.

'Breathe In' showcased the organisation's commitment to accessibility, with each performance accompanied by captions, Auslan interpretation, and audio description. The Minister commended Crossroad Arts for their dedication to fostering creative expression and inclusivity among artists with and without disabilities.

The MP’s also had the pleasure of participating in Lunchbox Yarns, an initiative held in collaboration with the Department of Treaty, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Communities, and the Arts, and Mackay Regional Council. Led by gifted musician Namarca Corowa, this engaging program featured ukulele lessons and celebrated the artistic talents of First Nations artists. The Minister expressed her appreciation for the initiative, which was made possible through the Regional Arts Development Fund.

Lastly, the Minister paid a visit to the Neighbourhood Hub, a vital community centre connecting residents with external services and providing programs and food relief. Acknowledging the centre’s significant role in supporting those in need, Minister Enoch commended the Mackay Neighbourhood Hub and its dedicated team for their invaluable contributions to the local community.

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1 MP’s Leeanne Enoch and Julieanne Gilbert visited the Neighbourhood Hub, Crossroad Arts and Lunchbox Yarns during Minister Enoch’s cultural visit to Mackay last week. Photos supplied

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Hiding behind a blanket of welcoming palm trees, a tropical oasis awaits, transporting you to another world mere minutes from the centre of Airlie Beach.

Kipara Tropical Rainforest Retreat is ideally located at Jubilee Pocket, close enough to everything you could want for your Airlie Beach adventure but far enough to experience a quiet escape in the rainforest.

With over 20 years of history, Kipara Tropical Rainforest Retreat welcomed new management last year, with the installation of brand-new accommodation options completed in December 2022 offering everything from spacious queen rooms for a romantic couple’s getaway to two-bedroom villas for family and group adventures.

The retreat rests on three tiers of paradise, with each one feeling more and more removed from the outside world.

Close your eyes and tune into the relaxing rustle of tree leaves and the beautiful calls of local birdlife while making friends with the local wildlife, with goannas and ‘Kipara’, an Australian Aboriginal term translating to Bush or Scrub Turkey in the Luritja Tribe dialect, also calling the retreat home.

While it feels like you’re nestled in a world away from your own, Airlie Beach is only two kilometres away, making Kipara the perfect base to experience the best of everything the Whitsundays has to offer.

With Shute Harbour in one direction and Airlie Beach in the other, Kipara is ideally located no matter what adventure is enticing you.

The kind, helpful and informative staff can assist you to find the perfect tour or experience to make your holiday one to remember, whether it’s exploring the Whitsunday islands, snorkelling over the Great Barrier Reef, indulging in a beachside shopping spree or enjoying a relaxing drink in one of Airlie’s many lively bars.

For those wanting to experience everything the retreat has to offer, there are board games, table tennis and bikes available for hire, with the pool area undergoing exciting renovations expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Embrace the beauty of Airlie Beach and surround yourself in nature at Kipara Tropical Rainforest Retreat.

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Almost one hundred passengers were left stranded at Whitsunday Coast Airport on Tuesday evening after their Jetstar flight was cancelled due to an engineering issue.

With limited local accommodation options due to already high occupancy rates over the school holidays, the passengers were left with nowhere to stay.

Fortunately, our local community-owned and Council-operated airport were able to provide them with a “safe and dry” place to stay for the night.

Whitsunday Coast Airport Manager, Craig Turner, said that he and his team were on-hand until 1am Tuesday night and returned at 6am to assist passengers.

“It was an unfortunate situation, but our priority was to ensure that people were looked after in a safe and controlled environment,” he said.

“Our only focus was to lessen the impact on visitors, we just went into fix-it mode, offering free water and help with anything they needed.”

The Airport Café, Taste Whitsundays, was open until 11pm that evening and re-opened at 6am to serve coffee and breakfast rolls.

Airport security was also extended overnight.

“The whole team – from the café to the cleaners and security staff – I am so proud of all of them,” said Mr Turner.

“There are two ways to look at a situation and collectively we banded together to make the best of it.”

A Jetstar statement said they had been unable to fly in an engineer to fix the problem on the plane that evening due to bad weather.

When they realised passengers were stranded, Jetstar said they put on a special flight that night to try to fly passengers who couldn’t find accommodation to Brisbane.

Unfortunately, this flight was unable to land in Proserpine due to fog.

By midday on Wednesday the majority of passengers had checked into flights and Mr Turner said he anticipated everyone would be able to transit from the airport over the course of the day.

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Hi Everyone,

It’s great to be back in the Whitsundays after a week in the snow – it’s always exciting going on holiday, especially skiing, but returning home and seeing the sparkling blue sea always reminds me how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful part of the world.

It was my first time skiing the Australian Ski Fields and the first time my six-year-old son had put on a pair of skis. We enrolled him in a full-day ski-club lesson, after which he returned excited and triumphant, his teacher saying he had done a wonderful job on the magic carpet kiddie slope.

The following day, however, we needed to get him up the chair lift for the slightly longer, but equally flat, kiddie run.

Faced with this new challenge and outside his comfort zone, he was adamant he would not go up the chair lift. The more I insisted, the more he started to cry until a full-blown meltdown ensued.

We then spent 10 minutes with me looking like the worst mum in the world trying to drag a terrified child up the lift.

Eventually, we stepped out of the thickening crowd and took a breath.

After much thought I told him that if he ever wanted to see technology again for the rest of his life, he would be coming up the chair lift with me right now.

I have to admit it was not my proudest moment, but it worked.

Within seconds I could see the fear of losing technology give way to resigned fate and the next thing I knew, he had allowed me to help him put his skis back on.

A minute later we were on the lift. Ten minutes later I had him between my legs skiing gently down the mountain. An hour later he was in front of me whizzing down the slope by himself, singing a song and asking to go again and again.

It was one of the best days of my life.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Don’t live the same year 75 times and call it a life” (Robin Sharma)

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Community minded local Greg Smith hosted a Cancer Council Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea last Thursday.

Taking place at Fitness Venue in Cannonvale, and servicing people pre and post workout and other community members, the morning tea saw over 30 people attend, raising $675 between monetary donations and fundraising for the donated raffle.

The Whitsundays Lions donated the big raffle basket, full of goodies including biscuits, chocolates, and self-care items, with the Whitsunday Quota Club and Tropix Photography also donating raffle prizes.

Guests were welcomed with a massive array of sweet and savoury treats, tea, coffee, and a few rounds of trivia to round out the morning.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is Cancer Council’s annual fundraising appeal, where money donated goes towards three central pillars - research, support, and prevention.

Research investment has increased survival rates of 49 per cent in the 1980s to 69 per cent today.

Due to donations gathered from Biggest Morning Teas, Australia and the Cancer Council is set to be the first country to completely eliminate cervical cancer by as early as 2028.

Cancer Council supports the close to 150,000 Australians currently living with cancer, by providing practical and emotional support via the help line, funding accommodation, transporting patients and their carers to treatment, and offering financial and legal advice to people affected by cancer.

The third last pillar of donations is funding prevention campaigns as one third of cancers are preventable.

These campaigns include SunSmart Schools, Bowel Cancer Screening, Anti-Smoking Campaigns and Cervical Cancer Screening.

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Big turnout for community Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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Mackay Regional Council is seeking proposals for the construction of key water infrastructure in Bloomsbury.

The call for tenders is for the construction of an 11-kilometre water main from Midge Point to Bloomsbury.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the project was a significant investment in water infrastructure and would improve water quality and supply for residents in the area.

“We are excited to provide the best possible long-term solution for residents in the Bloomsbury region,” Mayor Williamson said.

“We are currently having to regularly cart water to Bloomsbury to service this part of the region,” he said.

“This, of course, is not sustainable long-term and we are pleased to be able to provide a solution for the region.”

In recent years the network has seen major improvements including the installation of a new water main in Midge Point as well as the Kelsey Creek Water Treatment plant upgrade.

Interested parties can refer to QTenders for more information.

Works are expected to commence late 2023 and are proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Building our Regions program and Mackay Regional Council.

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An 11-kilometre water main is set to be constructed from Midge Point to Bloomsbury

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