Driving strategic and positive change across the sugar industry is at the forefront of a collaboration of two of Australia’s leading cane organisations. By combining their strengths, Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) and the Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA) aim to better serve their members and secure a stronger future for the industry. Leveraging their collective expertise and resources, the partnership seeks to strengthen advocacy efforts and achieve more for sugarcane growers.
QCAR Chairman Charles Quagliata said the sugarcane industry will see significant benefits from the partnership between QCAR and the Australian Cane Farmers Association.
“By joining forces, we are securing a stronger future for the growth of the sugarcane industry across Australia. This marks a pivotal moment for our industry and by combining our strengths, we can better serve our members and drive positive change,” Mr. Quagliata said.
“Both QCAR and ACFA are committed to strong advocacy for sugarcane farmers, as well as supporting our growers to ensure they get the best possible outcomes for themselves and the next generation.”
The partnership will leverage the collective expertise and resources of both QCAR and ACFA to strengthen the sugarcane industry.
ACFA Chairman Don Murday said the unified approach will amplify the voice of the industry and enhances advocacy efforts to achieve more for the industry.
“We have a laser-sharp focus on working with both State and Federal Governments to ensure the interests of the industry are being considered and met,” Mr. Murday said.
“As part of that push, we are establishing district committees that will have a focus on enhanced regional representation to address some of those challenges and opportunities that aren’t currently being prioritised. The partnership shows our confidence in our collective credibility and capability to enhance outcomes for our members and the broader industry.”
Stephen Ryan has been appointed CEO of the joint venture.
“This signifies a new chapter for the sugarcane industry. We are committed to securing a prosperous future for all stakeholders through collaborative efforts,” Mr. Ryan said. 
“Together, QCAR and ACFA will spearhead positive change, nurturing industry expansion, and championing innovation, sustainability, and resilience within the sugarcane industry.”
With a shared commitment to advocacy, sustainability, and resilience, this collaboration is poised to lead the industry towards greater success and resilience in the face of challenges and opportunities.

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QCAR and ACFA pre-dinner get-together

QCAR and ACFA post-general meeting dinner

ACFA Chair Don Murday, QCAR ACFA CEO Stephen Ryan and QCAR Deputy Chair Christian Lago

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Last week, on April 23, a Senate committee studied the potential impact of Labor's proposed fresh food tax, highlighting concerns about its repercussions such as increased cost-of-living and higher grocery prices.

Michelle Landry MP and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said the fresh food tax, which is due to be implemented on July 1, is as an attack on families and farmers throughout Dawson and in the Capricornia.

Mr Willcox said the biosecurity protection levy will force farmers to pay for the biosecurity risks of international importers.

“This Senate inquiry and its outcome is crucial because this new tax will impact almost every single family and approximately 1,500 farmers and farm managers in our electorate of Dawson,” Mr Willcox said.

“The new tax makes absolutely no sense. It will hurt families in our electorate, and right across Australia at a time they can least afford it and farmers who are already under pressure.
  
“Farmers will be forced to pass on costs, meaning families will feel more pain at the grocery checkout.

Mr Willcox questioned the proposal, stating “In what parallel universe would a government charge its own farmers to pay for the risks their competitors are creating?”
 
Michelle Landry MP stands firm on the matter and said that every family and farmer deserved to feel angry that the fresh food tax had already been passed in the House of Representatives.

“The Nationals will continue to fight this senseless new tax,” Ms Landry said.

“We will fight for families and we will fight for farmers, especially when it comes to taxes that impact food prices.”

Nicholas Holland, a local grazier emphasised that farmers are already battling significant challenges and will now have to deal with another layer of bureaucracy hitting their bottom line.

“This Fresh Food Tax is unfair to Australian farmers. Why should we be forced to pay for the
biosecurity of international competitors?

“The levy will add another layer of pressure to our already tight margins, which inevitably
will force the producer to pass the cost onto consumers,” Mr Holland said.

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Join us as Mackay Musical Comedy Players & Dalrymple Bay proudly present their captivating production of "Into The Woods"!
 
Set in a mysterious forest, this musical mash-up of classic fairy tales follows the intertwining stories of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel, as they each venture into the woods to fulfill their deepest wishes. But as their paths cross, they encounter a cunning Witch who sets them on a quest to reverse a curse and find happiness.
 
Immerse yourself in the magic at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music on May 23rd, 24th, and 25th, 2024, for an unforgettable journey filled with wonder and whimsy.
 
Directed by the talented Vicky Bobeldyk, with Suzannah Elliott Haynes as assistant director and Sandy Conroy as the Musical Director, this timeless tale weaves together beloved fairy tale characters as they journey "Into The Woods" to chase their dreams and desires.
 
Featuring a stellar cast of local performers, including returning stars like Josiah Benedito-Taotafa, known for his previous role as Seymour in "Little Shop of Horrors", Danielle McCully as the Baker's Wife, Anthony Edwards as the Baker, and Cicely Baira as the Witch, this production promises to captivate audiences with their exceptional talent and community spirit.
 
Despite challenges like the MECC’s temporary closure, our community's spirit remains strong! Our dedicated cast and crew have worked tirelessly to bring this show to life on a different stage, ensuring that the magic of "Into The Woods" shines bright for all to enjoy. Their commitment reflects the heart of our community, promising an unforgettable experience for all ages.
 
Don't miss out on this incredible community event, tickets are selling quickly! Tickets are available from $24 to $48. Be sure to grab yours from the links on the Mackay Musical Comedy Players Facebook page. Let's come together as a community and create memories that will last a lifetime!
 
Tickets are available through the Mackay Musical Comedy Players website, or by visiting https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1199116 .
 
Join us in celebrating the rich history of Mackay Musical Comedy Players, who have previously delighted audiences with productions like Shrek, Mamma Mia, and The Addams Family. Let's continue this tradition of excellence and support local talent as we venture "Into The Woods" together!
 
If you are having difficulty purchasing tickets, please contact Andrea Bye on 0427 552 615.

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Pictured (top to bottom and left to right): Georgina Baira, Billy Anderson, Danielle McCully, Anthony Edwards, Josiah Benedito-Taotafa, David Goodwin, Elise Doherty and Meg McDonald

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Ergon Energy Network and Energex are asking everyone to Look Up and Live after an alarming number of contacts with poles and wires already this year. 
 
“It’s frightening that we are only a few months into the year and there’s been 175 potentially lethal cases of vehicles coming into contact with poles and wires on our networks,” Area Manager Chris Graham said. 
 
“So many of these incidents could have been avoided with a bit more attention given by the driver of the vehicle or equipment. 
 
“Sometimes people are so focused on a task they don’t see the inherent dangers around them. 
 
“It just takes a momentary lapse in concentration and suddenly you’re facing the risk of electrocution, so it’s important to take the time to assess the area you’re working in, especially the location of any power poles or lines.” 
 
Motor vehicle accidents make up almost a third of the contacts  (58 incidents) while road transport accounted for 36 incidents, vegetation management 25 incidents earth moving activities caused 18 incidents. 
 
“Ergon Energy Network and Energex are continuing our safety campaign, asking people working around powerlines to Look Up and Live and if you accidentally contact a power pole or wires, STAY in the vehicle if safe, CALL Triple Zero and WAIT for help.” 
 
“You really need to look out for powerlines when you’re working because poles and wires can blend into the surroundings, but the risk is real and if you ignore it the consequences can be devastating. 
 
“If you are involved in an incident that brings down powerlines, stay in the vehicle, call Triple Zero and wait for help.”

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Breakdown by area 
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South East Queensland 
57 
Central Queensland  
27 
North Queensland 
23 
South West Queensland 
19 
Wide Bay 
17 
Sunshine Coast  
17 
Far North Queensland  
15 

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Get ready for an unforgettable cinematic experience as Flickerfest returns to Mackay!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 11th, at 7:30 PM to engage in the Best of Australian Shorts. Please note the change in schedule, as this event typically takes place on Fridays.

Celebrating its 33rd year, Flickerfest, Australia’s only Academy® Award and BAFTA qualifying short film festival, and the country’s largest Australian & International short film competition, screens the best of shorts from Australia and the world, selected from 3,400 entries; ensuring the presentation of A-list short film programmes recognised amongst the best in the world.

Flickerfest screens for 10 days under the summer stars at Bondi Beach in January, with selected highlights of the most entertaining and innovative short films from Australia & around the world touring the country on a 40-venue national tour from Feb - Oct 2024.  

Flickerfest returns to Mackay with this annual one-off chance to see the Best of Australian Shorts programme officially selected for Flickerfest National Tour, before these films continue their journey around the world.

Don’t miss out on this chance to immerse yourself in the artistry and creativity of short filmmaking. Book now for an evening of entertainment, inspiration, and discovery at Flickerfest’s Best of Australian Shorts.

Booking in advance not only assists with planning and catering but also ensures a seamless experience on the night, with reduced queues.

To secure your spot, tickets are available online at  https://www.trybooking.com/CRFEP

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Indulge in sweet delights from Mint and Mauve Confectionery, your go-to for Mackay-based baked goods this Mother’s Day! From heavenly cheesecake brownies to melt-in-your-mouth fudge and heart-shaped brownies, Mint and Mauve have got your cravings covered. Pre-order your favourites by May 8th to secure your goodies, as stocks are limited. Plus, explore their new grazing boxes, perfect for a picnic or casual high tea, (pre-orders essential). For those last-minute surprises, you can visit their pop-up shop on May 10th at Canelands. Treat your mum to something special from Mint and Mauve this Mother's Day!

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With a passion for gift-giving and a love for bringing people joy, Cherish Hampers & Gifts has intricately crafted the ultimate gift-giving experience for you, with multiple hampers and goodies on deck and an option to create your own, they’ll have the perfect gift for your loved one this Mother’s Day, along with every other occasion.  

What sets Cherish Hampers & Gifts apart is their heartfelt desire to include local products and support small businesses. In February 2022, the owners of Cherish Hampers & Gifts brought to life their vision of crafting beautiful hampers, using products from small businesses within the region as well as small businesses Australia-wide. Cherish Hampers & Gifts aims to create hampers that showcase Australian families, bringing joy to not only the purchaser and recipient but also to the families who crafted the products.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, Cherish Hampers & Gifts has a wide range of gifts to suit your cherished mother. Whether they’re a green thumb in the garden, a master chef in the kitchen who admires cooking or just an overall selfless mum who would appreciate a little pampering, Cherish Hampers & Gifts has everything you need to give the best present this Mother’s Day.  

The most popular top-selling hampers are brimmed with locally sourced delights, including desired sauces, fudges and chocolates. With an extensive selection of pre-designed hampers and the flexibility to customise your own, this personalised touch allows you to create a unique hamper, tailored to ensure a memorable and meaningful gift-giving experience.

“Our Create your own option is one of our most popular hamper choices, customers can explore our large range of products to choose what best suits the recipient. This also offers the option to easily stick to your budget.”

It has also been said that there is a stocked fridge up to the brim with sought-after chocolates from the locally famous ‘The Chocolate Leaf,’ just waiting to be savoured so get in quick!

Cherish Hampers & Gifts champions multiple small businesses across the Mackay region and is continuously seeking out new suppliers to enhance its diverse offerings.  

Check out their clearance range for a great deal on locally loved items, featuring heavily discounted price tags that won't be restocked once sold out.

Need shipping options? They ensure convenient delivery within the Mackay Region, offer hassle-free click & collect options and provide flat-rate shipping across Australia, ensuring that their cherished hampers and gifts can be enjoyed by customers nationwide.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Cherish Hampers & Gifts, where passion meets joy in the art of gift-giving. Show your love with locally sourced delights and support small businesses today!

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Indulge Mum in a thrilling day at the races this Mother's Day weekend! The Amateurs Race Day promises an unforgettable experience of live local racing, vibrant Fashions on the Field, and an atmosphere buzzing with excitement on Saturday, May 11. Immerse yourselves in the glamour of trackside festivities. Sip champagne at the exclusive Champagne Bar or revel in the excitement from the Winning Post Trackside Marquee. For a more intimate affair, opt for a private Marquee or embrace the lively ambience of General Admission. Treat Mum to a day filled with thrills, laughter, and the joy of shared moments at the races.

Morning Tea, Hoy, and Mini Cent Sale

Come and celebrate Mother's Day with the Calen QCWA ladies. Enjoy a wonderful Morning tea followed by Hoy and a Mini Cent Sale on Wednesday, May 15 at 120 McIntyre Street, Calen. $10.00 admission for a 9.30am start.

Markets For Mum

Treat Mum to a delightful day out at the Eungella Community Markets, a vibrant showcase of local talent and produce. Indulge in a home-style brunch, sip on barista coffee, and explore an array of unique stalls offering everything from handmade crafts to artisan body soaps. With family-friendly picnic areas and a bustling atmosphere, it's the perfect setting for a relaxed Sunday outing. Join us in celebrating community spirit and the memory of Ruth Micallef. Sunday, May 12. 9am – 1pm.

Paint N Sip

"Generations Painting: A Mother's Day Celebration" at Northern Beaches Bowls Club promises delightful family memories. Join a Bottletops & Brushes' artist for step-by-step guidance in recreating a beautiful painting together. Indulge in a delectable High Tea Buffet and enjoy bubbly drinks upon arrival to set the festive mood. Sunday, May 12, from 2:30pm.

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The Vintage Farmhouse Kitchen welcomes you this Mother’s Day to join in on a special celebration over May 11th and 12th to indulge in an enchanting Mother's Day High Tea that promises an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages.

At the heart of the Vintage Farmhouse Kitchen lies a welcoming Cottage in the midst of the Pioneer Valley, where High Teas are held and wonderful memories are made. Priced at $59.50 per person, this unique experience transports guests to a realm of homemade delights and artisanal treats. From the moment you step onto the cottage deck, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality, where every detail is crafted with care.

Treat yourself and your loved ones this Mother’s Day with an array of delicacies lovingly prepared by the skilled hands of the Vintage Farmhouse Kitchen team. Indulge with some freshly baked scones, topped with dollops of Chantilly cream with your choice of strawberry or raspberry jams as you sip on unlimited tea, coffee and cold drinks.  

Amidst the laughter and chatter, cherished moments are immortalised by the talented onsite photographer, Loren Vanzella, who captures a mini photoshoot, the essence of familial bonds and shared joy with each click of the camera. Call Loren on 0438130962 to book.

For those with dietary restrictions, the Vintage Farmhouse Kitchen extends a heartfelt welcome, offering alternative options to accommodate various needs.

In the essence of the Vintage Farmhouse Kitchen, Mother's Day transcends mere celebration, offering a unique space for homemade goodies, familial love, and cherished memories that linger long after the final crumbs have been savoured.

Mark your calendars and gather your loved ones for a delightful Vintage Farmhouse Kitchen experience this Mother’s Day, where laughter and heartfelt conversations are had and where the love for family, friends and not to mention scones, coffee and tea never ends!

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‘All Natural, All Fresh’ in an all-new location, with an all-new look, Flavours of Vietnam is now open on 18 Nelson Street. Specialising in Vietnamese Cuisine, this unique dining experience loved by many locals, trails back to 2018, when Owner Mina Dang first opened the restaurant with a spark of passion that ignited from her Vietnamese heritage.

From a young age Mina would often spend time in the kitchen alongside her mother, Kim, which later instilled a profound enthusiasm for culinary arts.

With over twenty years of experience in the culinary industry, Mina specialises particularly in Vietnamese cuisine, given the style she grew up learning as it was a large part of her culture.

Flavours of Vietnam is loved by many Mackay residents and visitors alike, in specific Mina says the most popular dish…that you should definitely try…is their assortment of Pho – a traditional Vietnamese Soup.

With great success, also comes challenges, and Mina finds the level of challenge fluctuates based on the location. She says that one of the primary obstacles encountered with Flavours of Vietnam involves securing the appropriate products, which can be particularly challenging in this region. To address this, Flavours of Vietnam has proactively engaged in direct sourcing from companies and arranged for dedicated truck deliveries to Mackay.

Throughout Mina’s career, she has cherished numerous memorable experiences, especially those shared with the friends she made along the way. She says she is very fortunate to remain in touch with many of them to this day and is grateful for their ongoing support in her business endeavours.

When she’s not perfecting her culinary expertise, she’s spending time with her family, who she says have been a constant source of support throughout her journey towards owning and operating her own Vietnamese restaurant. Along with other remarkable traits and interests, Mina says she is also quite creative and studied nail artistry in previous years.

Mina finds great joy in her customers who have supported Flavours of Vietnam since the day it opened in 2018, after years of planning a dream which has now come true, she is extremely grateful to be able to bring a part of her culture to the community.

“We’re very grateful towards the community and we pride ourselves on sourcing quality products and supporting the local businesses where we can.”

Looking for an extravagant place to dine this Mother’s Day? Mina invites you to experience the newly upgraded local favourite now at 18 Nelson Street Mackay and taste the culinary excellence that has been intricately crafted over the years to bring you the ‘Flavours of Vietnam’.

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Mina with the support of her mother, Kim

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When a restaurant produces over 1000 meals a day, the kitchen has to run like a well-oiled machine and at Laffos, it does. 
 
Hailing from the Philippines, Laffos' head Chef, Michael Palamores, and his team operate a highly efficient kitchen, turning over huge volumes of stock and meals daily. 
 
From purchasing and rostering through to equipment maintenance, Michael’s dedication to excellence is a rare commodity.  
 
However, the kitchen staff at Laffos true passion is what they put on their customer's plates. It must be fast, and it has to be fresh. 
 
They thrive on the challenge. 
 
So, when Michael approached Mark (Laffo) about putting his own dish on the predominately pizza and modern Australian menu at Laffo’s, Mark was thrilled to accommodate him. 
 
Michael’s pork belly adobo was added to the menu last month and the dish has certainly been a crowd favourite. 
 
A traditional Filipino favourite, Pork Belly Adobo holds a special place in Michael's heart, evoking memories of family gatherings and shared meals. With a modern twist, Michael has elevated this beloved dish to new heights, presenting diners with succulent pork belly bathed in a rich and flavourful adobo sticky sauce that is simply irresistible.
 
Since its introduction to the menu last month, Pork Belly Adobo has become a crowd favourite, garnering rave reviews and leaving patrons craving more. Served alongside steaming rice and crisp greens, this dish embodies the perfect harmony of flavours and textures, a true testament to Michael's culinary prowess and dedication to his craft.
 
As the community continues to flock to Laffos for fast service and fresh meals, Michael stands proudly behind his new addition to the menu, a testament to the enduring power of home cooking and the artistry of a talented chef.

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Introducing Bree Cook…the ultimate event manager for all your function needs at The Dispensary.
Bree’s Event Management career began right after she completed university, where she studied a Bachelor of Public Relations and Organisational Communications at Charles Sturt University Bathurst. With eleven years of experience up her sleeve, she has spent the past six years with NE Food and The Dispensary.  
What Bree loves most about her role, is that each event and function is unique and different. She says there are never two the same which always keeps it interesting. Her enthusiasm for organising and perfecting functions for her customers reflects from her desire to gather people together over food, wine and good company.  
Bree and the team at The Dispensary strongly aim to exceed customer expectations. They cater to their clients to the highest standard and to the best of their ability, ensuring the event runs as smoothly as possible.  
Expect the unexpected, as The Dispensary is known to put on quite a show and give it their all, boasting extensive attention to detail, high-quality food and top-notch customer service.  
Apart from her partner and her cocker spaniel, Maverick, Bree finds immense joy and satisfaction in seeing her vision come to life after months of planning and execution. As she reflected, "It is so fulfilling bringing a vision to life after months of planning and really executing it for the attendee or client."  
For her, each event, whether it be an engagement party, anniversary, or birthday celebration, is an opportunity to alleviate stress and make the process as simple as possible for her clients. With a commitment to producing the best outcome, Bree and her team consistently aim to transform the daunting task of event planning into a smooth and enjoyable experience, ensuring that every occasion is memorable and effortless.
Bree says The Dispensary function spaces really are one of a kind.  
Choose from The Residence, which has a rooftop deck and indoor lounge with an inner-city Melbourne feel. Another option is The Cellar, offering an unforgettable intimate experience that will have you coming back for more. Or lastly, choose the Dining Room - a perfect option for long lunches and seated dinners.  
All of The Dispensary’s upcoming events are released in their weekly email newsletter so if you don’t want to miss out, sign up to receive what’s new and coming soon. Some sell out very quickly so visit their website to access them. Additional promotions are posted on social media.  
If you require further information or you would like to learn more about their function packages, you can visit their website.  
To book a function or if you have any questions, an email can be sent to events@thedispensarymackay.com.au.

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By Paul Gellatly

"Keep clear of the 35-tonne flamey thing in the sky," is the admonition from Gilmour Space as it begins the complicated countdown to the launch of its Eris rocket from its launchpad just north of Bowen.

The Aussie larrikin but memorable phrase belies the enormous premium the spaceport venture start-up is placing on safety around the rocket's launch path, which was described in detail by Gilmour Space representatives at a special meeting of the Bowen Chamber of Commerce on April 22.

The wine and cheese evening reciprocated the town business community's keen interest in the project, with around 120 people - the largest audience yet hosted by the chamber at the Larrikin Hotel - filling out the function room.

Excitement is building for the launch as Gilmour Space navigates endless regulatory hurdles as it "dares to dream" on developing a sovereign aerospace capability Down Under. Gilmour Space co-founder James Gilmore told the audience that the pay-off, if the company's efforts succeed, could be a considerable share of the demand for launch vehicles for the predicted 10,000 satellites needing to be hoisted aloft during the next 10 years.

"There are still a few government regulations and licences to be approved" before launch, Mr Gilmour said, adding that he couldn't as yet provide a precise launch date, as hopes for May 4 have been dashed.

Satellites of all kinds could one day be launched from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport.

While Mr Gilmour said the plan was for the 23 metre, three-stage Eris rocket making low earth orbit of around  500km with about 11.25 orbits a day, he was careful to hose down expectations for the success of the initial launch. "Do you know how many aerospace companies have been successful on their first launch?" he asked. "Zero".

With a potential mission failure back of mind, Gilmour Space has prioritised launch safety around the flight corridor, which leads in a northeastern direction from Bowen across the Coral Sea, and has committed to advising the community about the momentary disruption to land, sea and air movements as the rocket makes its bid for earth orbit.

Gilmour Space's range safety officer Gavin Macaulay and launch site operations manager Adam Williams also introduced themselves to the audience.

Mr Williams said in an explosion of the rocket at launch, the blast would blow in car windows at 900m. If it reached altitude and exploded, the risks from debris were high to land, air and sea traffic. "On launch day, let's just not be there," he said.

Gilmour Space's plan is for all traffic in the launch zone to be excluded 15 minutes before the launch, to 15 minutes afterward.

The Eris rocket has been erected in vertical position, allowing for all pre-launch checking bar the actual launch. Once in orbit, the rocket will deploy a test ''payload", which will remain in orbit for about 20 days before re-entering Earth's atmosphere, and burning up.

Gilmour Space designed and built the rocket to its own design and it is built from more than 80 per cent Australian components. It uses a hybrid fuel system comprising a plasticised propellant with a hydrogen peroxide oxidiser, to provide oxygen for combustion drive in the airless environment of space orbit.

Mr Gilmour said the company's dream extended to sending up to five astronauts into space in a rocket launched from the Bowen space port facility by the end of this decade. "I'd like to go up myself," he said before adding wistfully, "I'd also like to come back!"

Adam Williams promised an auditory and visual treat for Bowen when the Eris rocket does lift off, with all of the town being able to witness the spectacle.

He said all the latest advice about the pending launch could be obtained from the Gilmour Space website gspace.com or through its Facebook page.

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Bowen Chamber of Commerce chairman Bruce Hedditch with (from left) Gilmore Space's range safety officer Gavin Macaulay, company co-founder James Gilmour and launch site operations manager Adam Williams. Photo credit: Paul Gellatly

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The Cannonvale Cenotaph came alive through the break of dawn last Thursday when 4000 people converged on the grassy banks to say thank you to the men and women who have given their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

With a population of 7,432 according to the Bureau of Statistics Census of 2021, this incredible figure means that over half the population of the Greater Airlie Beach area got out of bed that morning to attend the Dawn Service.

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The Cannonvale Dawn Ceremony for ANZAC Day saw the best turn out in several years. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Hi Everyone,

Life is a rollercoaster, and sometimes it can be a crazy ride.

Often, we have thrilling highs, but sadly there are times when we all have to endure significant lows.

This week our small team was rocked by the news that our much-loved Mackay Life Editor, Amanda Wright, has been diagnosed with Bowel Cancer.

You can read her own account which she has bravely decided to share in her Editor’s Note on the flip side of this paper.

As many of you will know, I was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer five years ago and this news has proven that lightning can indeed strike twice within a small team.

One in 10 people diagnosed with Bowel Cancer are under the age of 50, so if you are experiencing irregular bathroom behaviour, any unusual aches and pains, bleeding or discomfort please get it checked out.

Both Amanda and I experienced a period of time where we were told by our GP’s that it was “probably nothing” and we were “too young” for Bowel Cancer, only to find out we had it.

If we had been diagnosed earlier, it would have been much less complicated. You are allowed to question your GP’s advice, be your own advocate and take your health into your own hands. This is a lesson we both learnt the hard way.

Changing pace now, I’d just like to say what an absolute honour it was to document the Anzac Day events this year.

The Dawn Ceremony at Cannonvale was incredible and to think over 50% of the Greater Airlie Beach Area population made their way down to the Cenotaph in the dark, to be greeted with such a crowd as the dawn broke through – it was a very humbling experience for everyone involved.

We all missed Billy Rose, who sadly passed away earlier this year. His humour and character will always be remembered, and it was lovely to see his family place a wreath at the Airlie Beach Cenotaph in his honour.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “How can I be the best part of someone else’s day?” (Ben Crowe)

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