Get ready, rev-heads, for the Bullet Bikes Superstore Motorcycle Beach Races is returning for a day of methanol-fueled, nitrous-induced action.

Promising another unforgettable experience, this year’s event will showcase the best of beach racing where high-octane energy meets the creativity of world-class modifications and unique designs.

The competition is the only one in Australia of its kind and will feature an array of extraordinary race bikes, ranging from modified street bikes equipped with Nob Tyres to powerful 4-strokes boasting side-hanging turbos, as well as the awe-inspiring duel carbureted, fuel-injected, and nitrous-powered 500cc dirt bikes that will take your breath away.

"Beach racing is not just a sport; it's an art form," said event organiser Ann Hand.

"We're proud to host this gathering of fearless riders and their cutting-edge machines.

“The dedication and passion on display are truly inspiring."

Expect fierce competition as riders push the limits of speed and skill, displaying moments of great triumph and heartbreaking setbacks.

With the coveted title of ‘King of the Beach’ on the line, the question remains: will it be claimed by an ingeniously converted street bike hybrid or a heavily modified dirt bike?

An estimated crowd of around 5,000 people from all walks of life are set to experience an electrifying ambiance that will resonate through the mainland.

Whether you're a devoted racing fan or simply curious about the fascinating world of beach racing, this event promises something for everyone. Don't miss out on the chance to witness fearless riders and cutting-edge machines in action!

“It's not just a race; it's an experience like no other," exclaimed Ms Hand.

"We encourage everyone to mark their calendars and join us for this action-packed day of thrills and spills."

For more information and tickets, visit www.motorcyclebeachraces.com.au and prepare to immerse yourself in the adrenaline-fueled world of beach racing.

WHAT: Bullet Bikes Superstore Motorcycle Beach Races

WHEN: Sunday, August 27. Gates open from 8:00am, racing begins at 10:00am.

WHERE: Grasstree Beach

TICKETS: www.motorcyclebeachraces.com.au

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Event Organiser Ann Hand, Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson and Event Organiser Simon Currie. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Living with disability can be made easier with the right support networks, aids and equipment.

The Mackay Disability Expo, coming up next Friday (August 4), from 9am until noon, will feature a range of both local and out-of-town specialist exhibitors and will be a one-stop-shop for everyone with an interest in disability services.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the expo would be held in the Mackay Showgrounds big shed and would be free and easily accessible to all.

“This event has gone from strength to strength over the last three years,” Mayor Williamson said.

“It’s been tremendous to see it expand from a minor expo held in a community hall to a regional drawcard event,” he said.

“Last year, this event had an amazing atmosphere. There was a real buzz – people were getting some great info from the exhibitors but also taking part and watching some really lively classes from both Crossroad Arts and Groove Movers.”

Crossroad Arts will once again be hosting their ROAR program at the expo, which will be about exploring untapped imaginings through movement, sound and theatre making.

Groove Movers will also be putting on a display of movement and dance for people of all abilities and the Choir of Unheard Voices will be hosting a singing workshop.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the expo started as a way of offering local providers an inexpensive way to showcase themselves while also providing an opportunity for service providers and businesses to network and connect with each other.

“More than 19 per cent of Queenslanders live with some form of disability and more than 10 per cent act as carers, so there was a very real call for an expo of this nature,” he said.

“If you crunch the numbers, that means, in our region, more than 34,000 people could potentially require some level of assistance from the disability sector.”

Coffee and food will be available for purchase at the expo and parking is close, plentiful and disability friendly.

Demonstrations and activities will be held at the following times:

● Groove Movers – 9.30am to 10am

● Choir of Unheard Voices Workshop from 10am

● Crossroad Arts Roar Program – 10.30am to 11.30am

For more information on the event, residents are encouraged to follow Mackay Disability Expo on Facebook or head to council’s website.

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Mayor Greg Williamson with the Groove Movers crew at the 2022 Disability Expo

Police have charged a man after he was allegedly found with stolen weapons in Mackay last week.

It will be alleged between June 20 and 22 a Sarina house was broken into and three guns removed from a gun safe that was secured inside the house.

It will be further alleged on July 17 a South Mackay house was broken into and a gun safe containing firearms was forcibly removed from the house.

On Thursday, July 20, police located a white Holden Cruze with false plates on Shakespeare Street at South Mackay. The vehicle stopped in a shopping centre car park and police stopped behind the vehicle. When police approached the driver and asked him to turn the vehicle off, he reversed into the police car however officers were able to arrest the man and stop him driving away.

Police will allege a search of the ute located six firearms from the South Mackay house and one from the Sarina residence along with a quantity of ammunition and dangerous drugs.

A 26-year-old Mackay man has been charged with two counts each of break and enter, possession of weapons and receiving tainted property (firearms). He has also been charged with three counts of possession of dangerous drug (methylamphetamine, Diazepam and cannabis), and one count each of assault occasioning bodily harm, possess explosives (ammunition) possession of tainted property (cash), receiving tainted property (registration plates) and possession of property suspected of been stolen (tools).

He will reappear in the Mackay Magistrates Court on August 16.

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Stage Two of Thriive Program Builds Confidence

Stage two of the Women in Leadership Thriive program by Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays (RDA GW) is now in full swing.

Spearheaded by RDA GW Project Manager, Nic Willis, the program aims to tackle the under-representation of women in leadership roles within regional areas. Through a range of workshops, masterclasses, mentorships from local and regional leaders, and valuable industry networking opportunities, the program strives to empower and uplift aspiring women leaders.

Nic Willis said the program to date has “been a real eye opener”.

“Women at all levels underplay their capacity and capabilities, often feeling that they cannot display their true confidence in roles and tasks.

“The program seeks to support the women involved to stop second guessing their abilities and instead take calculated risks, explore opportunities and above all understand they have the skills and capability to achieve their aspirations.”

Stage one was funded by the Local Buying Foundation (LBF), a BHP-established foundation that supports regional programs facilitating workforce development, innovation and building the industry.

After requests from the stage one participants for continued development and support, RDA GW developed a stage two for the program that will continue to be supported by LBF.

LBF Project Officer Sarah Miotto said that LBF is “thrilled to provide ongoing support” for the Women in Leadership Thriive Program in Mackay.

“After witnessing the success of the initial six-month program, which attracted influential leaders within the community and created demand for continued mentoring and leadership development, the LBF Advisory Committee recognised the value in the continuation of this exceptional initiative.

“This program aligns with the LBF intent and commitment to supporting projects and programs which build regional business communities.”

The twenty-five stage one participants will continue to develop their personal and professional skills in stage two through the program’s workshops and mentoring over the next five months.

To keep up to date with the Women in Leadership Thriive program and RDA GW’s other initiatives, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rdagw.

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Back Row – Amy Hayward, Cr. Michelle Green, Shannon McKenzie, Debbie Knight, Adrienne Bradshaw, Rebecca Flor, Nikki Wilson, Nicole Bradley, Janine Wood. Middle Row - Kimberley Staffsmith, Roxanne Mackenzie, Amy Finnis, Andrea Davis, Caitlyn Lamont, Rachel Barbeler, Bonnie Davis. Front Row – Nic Willis, Judy Porter (Facilitator)

Community Bank Sarina Supports Education With Scholarships

Fuelling local ambition and empowering educational dreams, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank took centre stage as they awarded scholarships to three outstanding CQUniversity students at the Ooralea campus presentation this week.

These scholarships are an integral component of the Bank's Community Engagement Programme, embodying its commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering educational and professional growth within the community. By providing essential financial support and unwavering encouragement, the scholarships empower students to pursue their chosen vocations while continuing their studies and contributing to the local workforce.

Offered on an annual basis, the scholarships are open to students in their first year at CQUniversity, offering them the opportunity to apply for either the Vocational and Educational Training (VET) Apprenticeship scholarship or the Higher Education scholarship. This thoughtful selection ensures that aspiring individuals across various fields of study can benefit from the program's support in fulfilling their academic and career aspirations.

The total value of the CQUniversity scholarships awarded in 2023 was $14,000.

Community Bank Sarina Board Chair Karen May said these students shone with their enthusiasm about their studies and staying close to home to achieve their career aspirations.

“We know that students who study and get their trade qualifications and degrees in the region are more likely to stay and work here,” she said.

“Scholarships aren’t just about financial assistance, it’s about helping these students navigate opportunities that arise and connecting them with business and industry, potentially creating future leaders in our community.”

Recipient of a Higher Education scholarship Chloe Paul, said it was a huge honour to receive a scholarship to complete her Bachelor of Agriculture.

“I’ve chosen a Bachelor of Agriculture because of my passion for cattle genetics, and I aim to be well known in the agriculture industry for my contributions to bovine reproduction,” she said.

“It means a great deal to me to have the support from the area that I have grown up in and live in, and this scholarship will provide invaluable support while I complete my studies.”

CQUniversity Associate Vice-President NQ Rob Brown said he was happy to see the long-term partnership between Community Bank Sarina and CQUniversity continue to provide young people educational and networking opportunities.

“Scholarships provide encouragement for students by providing an investment in their future,” he said.

“Since 2012 we have partnered with Community Bank Sarina, and they have continued to tailor their scholarships to keep pace with the business and industry needs in the region.” he said.

VET (Apprenticeship) scholarship recipient, Seumus Andrews, said he isn’t sure which path he will take after he completes his Cert III in Parks and Gardens at North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation, but knows the scholarship will provide plenty of opportunities for growth.

“It was an incredible feeling to be selected for this scholarship and I would encourage other students to apply.”

“A lot of people may think applying for a scholarship is beyond their abilities but there’s no harm in giving it your best shot.”

Brooke Vella is completing an Electrical Apprenticeship at Aurizon and plans to be an Electrical Engineer. She gratefully received a VET (Apprenticeship) Scholarship to help forge this career path.

“I wanted hands-on experience in the industry first and this apprenticeship has been a fantastic way to do so. I want to thank Community Bank Sarina for this opportunity, and I will make the most of it.”  

Community Bank Sarina will open applications for their Sarina State High School scholarships in August, to find out more email executive@sarinacommunity.com.au.

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(L-R) Maree Franettovich, Charmaine Matsen, Cr Karen May (Community Bank Sarina), Seumus Andrews, Chloe Paul, Brooke Vella (scholarship recipients), Ash-lee Johnson (Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce), Rainee Shepperson (Community Bank Sarina) and Prof. Rob Brown (CQUniversity)

(L-R) 2023 Community Bank Sarina CQUniversity scholarship recipients Chloe Paul, Brooke Vella and Seumus Andrews

A female motorcyclist was taken to Mackay Base Hospital in a serious condition after a crash at Chelona last week.

Mackay Police reported that preliminary inquiries indicate two motorcyclists were headed northbound on the Bruce Highway around 3.10pm. They overtook a number of vehicles and as they returned to the lane, collided with each other causing both riders to lose control.

One of the riders, a 47-year-old Rockhampton woman, was transported to the Mackay Base Hospital where she was reported to be in a serious condition.

The second rider, a 49-year-old Rockhampton man, was also transported to the Mackay Base Hospital in a stable condition.

Investigators are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam vision to contact police.

There was no reference number provided by police for this incident.

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Under the Radar: High-Speed Rental Car Leads To Sarina Drugs Bust

Last weekend police charged two men with drug related offences, after officers intercepted a rental car for speeding in Sarina on July 22.

Officers intercepted the allegedly speeding Toyota Rav4 on Broad Street just before 10pm, before a subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered three kilograms of methamphetamine, two grams of cocaine and more than $9000 in cash.

A 25-year-old New South Wales man has been charged with two counts of possessing dangerous drugs.

A 19-year-old New South Wales man has been charged with one count of possessing dangerous drugs.

The duo appeared before the Mackay Magistrates Court on July 24.

Police reported the 19-year-old driver was also issued a traffic infringement notice for speeding (101km/h in a 70km zone, $1161.00) on the Bruce Highway.

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Police seized methamphetamine, cocaine and cash from a speeding rental car last weekend

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Services of Remembrance will be held at every grave or commemorative plaque site across Australia on August 3 to mark 50 years since the withdrawal of Australian combat troops from the Vietnam conflict.

Vietnam veteran and President of the Mackay RSL Sub Branch Ken Higgins OAM and fellow Vietnam veteran and President of the Veterans Support Group Les Palmer have been working together to prepare for the Vietnam Veterans Vigil, to be held at 11:00am, Thursday, August 3 at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Jubilee Park.

The Vigil will pay tribute to the 523 that died during the Vietnam conflict, particularly six from the Mackay region and surrounds.

“The tragedy of losing 523 people was bad, but for us to forget them is worse,” said Mr Higgins.

“We need to remember they gave their lives in the service of the country and they should be remembered for that.”

Following the Vigil, a formal service will be held at Jubilee Park on Friday, August 18 at 5:30pm in line with the Australian Government’s national Commemorative Service earlier that day.

A memorial gathering at Harrup Park will follow that evening, featuring rolling tribute footage captured in Vietnam.

“More than 60,000 Australians served in Vietnam, over 3,000 were wounded and 523 lost their lives in the longest conflict Australia was involved in during the 20th Century,” Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said.

“This was a war that was at times contentious at home, and for some veterans their service was not recognised as it should have been.

“The Australian Government is honouring those who served, and throughout this commemorative year will specifically recognise and honour the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans and their families.”

Read on to learn about the six local soldiers who lost their lives during the conflict.

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Pte. Trevor Ralph Black

Service: Australian Army

Date of birth: September 3, 1947, in Mackay

Hometown: Mackay

Occupation: Soldier

Date of Intake: April 3, 1968

Army Employment: Rifleman

Operational Service: South Vietnam

Enlisted: May 19, 1968

Tour of Duty: November 26, 1968 – January 6, 1969 1st Australian Reinforcement Unit; January 7, 1969 – April 8, 1969 A coy, 9th Battalion, RAR

Date of Death: April 8, 1969 in Long Khanh Province, South Vietnam

Resting Place: Bowen General Cemetery

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Pte. Francis John Fewquandie

Service: Australian Army

Date of birth: September 30, 1944 in Mackay

Occupation: Soldier

Hometown: Walkerston

Date of Enlistment: February 6, 1967

Army Employment: Rifleman

Operational Service: South Vietnam

Embarked: April 1967 onboard HMAS Sydney from Australia

Tour of Duty: May 8, 1967 – December 4, 1967 2nd Battalion RAR

Date of Death: December 4, 1967 in South Vietnam

Resting Place: Walkerston Cemetery

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Cpl. Frederick William “Bushy” Hoare

Service: Australian Army

Date of birth: August 19, 1939 in Rockhampton

Occupation: Soldier

Hometown: Mackay

Date of Enlistment: June 7, 1960

Army Employment: Rifleman

Operational Service: Indonesian Confrontation, Vietnam

Tour of Duty: 1962 – 1966 Indonesian Confrontation; May 14, 1966 – September 7, 1966 Headquarters, 1ATF; May 7, 1966 – February 28, 1967 9 Platoon, C Company, 5th Battalion, RAR; May 8, 1969 – August 4, 1969 6th Battalion, RAR

Date of Death: August 4, 1969, in South Vietnam

Resting Place: Mount Bassett Cemetery

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LCpl. Paul Leslie Smith

Service: Australian Army

Date of birth: August 21, 1949 in Mackay

Occupation: Builder’s Labourer, Soldier

Hometown: Mackay

Date of Enlistment: 1969

Army Employment: Rifleman

Operational Service: South Vietnam

Tour of Duty: January 27, 1969 – July 5, 1969 7 Platoon, C Company, 5th Battalion, RAR

Date of Death: July 5, 1969, in Long Binh, South Vietnam

Resting Place: Mount Bassett Cemetery

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Pte. Donald Leslie Thompson

Service: Australian Army

Date of birth: September 14, 1949 in Mackay

Occupation: Soldier

Hometown: Mackay

Date of Enlistment: Unknown

Army Employment: Rifleman

Operational Service: South Vietnam

Embarked: May 1970 onboard HMAS Sydney from Australia

Tour of Duty: May 12, 1970 – August 2, 1970 2nd Battalion, RAR

Date of Death: August 2, 1970 in South Vietnam

Resting Place: Mount Bassett Cemetery

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Pte. Brian Thomas Young

Service: Australian Army

Date of birth: December 25, 1946 in Brisbane

Occupation: Soldier

Hometown: Brisbane

Date of Intake: April 19, 1967

Army Employment: Rifleman

Operational Service: South Vietnam

Embarked: May 1970 onboard HMAS Sydney from Australia

Tour of Duty: March 26 1968 – 16 May 1968 1st Battalion, RAR

Date of Death: May 16, 1968 in South Vietnam

Resting Place: Allambe Memorial Park

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In an ambitious effort to tackle key challenges facing beef productivity in northern Australia, the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) has joined forces with MLA in a groundbreaking $24.4 million partnership. The collaboration aims to combat three critical threats: pasture dieback, land condition decline, and pasture rundown.

The Queensland Pasture Resilience Program (QPRP) will spearhead research, development, and extension activities throughout QLD over the next five years, with additional support from the Australian Government through the MLA Donor Company (MDC).

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the partnership is about helping producers build on their world-leading success.

“The program will form the centrepiece of the Queensland Government and MLA’s feedbase investment in Queensland,” Mr Furner said.

“With a heavy focus on adoption, this program will give graziers the skills they need to improve the sustainability and profitability of their businesses, and that means good jobs for Queenslanders.”

As well as improving land condition through sustainable grazing land management, the program will encourage greater adoption of pasture legumes, which reduces methane emissions intensity. This will support the red meat industry’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2030 and the Queensland Government’s Low Emissions Agriculture Roadmap 2022-2032.

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) managing director Jason Strong said, “Pasture is the foundation of profitable and sustainable beef production, and the QPRP is strengthening our pasture systems from the ground up.

“The QPRP is a long-term partnership that will tackle major issues including pasture rundown, declining land condition and pasture dieback with practical research and adoption activities, creating a pathway to help producers lift their productivity,” Mr Strong said.

“It will also link strongly with the industry’s goal of being carbon neutral by 2030 (CN30), as resilient and productive pastures are a key component of the CN30 target.”

Pasture legumes improve the productivity of native and sown grasses that are in good condition, boosting profitability. They can also help manage pasture dieback, pasture rundown and declining land condition.

Capitalising on DAF’s world-leading research and extension expertise, the Queensland Pasture Resilience Program will help grazing businesses improve:

• land condition and carrying capacity

• animal growth and reproduction rates

• capacity to manage drought

• carbon market opportunities and methane reduction

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National Program Equips Growers Against Fall Armyworm Onslaught

By Amanda Wright

To bolster growers' efforts against fall armyworm, a nationwide coordinated program has been launched to curb the pest's population and minimise its impact.

Led by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and delivered with co-investment from Hort Innovation, the $2.1 million initiative will arm vegetable growers with the tools and knowledge they need to wage war on the ravenous pest.

Through regionally based area-wide management groups, on-farm activities, and workshops, the program aims to cultivate collective knowledge about the pest and its effective management strategies.

Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries senior scientist Dr Heidi Parkes said the program brings research and industry experience in fall armyworm management from across Australia and the globe to multi-industry growing regions nationally.

“Workshops and learning activities with industry will be underpinned by world-class research to ensure impacted growers are getting the most up to date information available,” she said.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the initiative demonstrates the Queensland Government’s commitment to delivering a successful and integrated fall armyworm management strategy.

“Our growers are on the front line when it comes to managing fall armyworm, so it is important that we support them with science-based practical management tools,” he said.

“Getting the science right is vital, and it is just as important to get the right information about fall armyworm management into the hands of our farmers.

“This program will ensure they can easily access the latest industry information and resources to maximise their efforts against this pest.”

Fall armyworm was first detected in Australia in the Torres Strait in January 2020 and has since spread to every state and territory except South Australia.

Hort Innovation chief executive officer Brett Fifield said that Fall armyworm is here to stay.

“We are equipping the vegetable industry with what they need to reduce the pest’s impact while remaining productive and profitable,” Mr Fifield said.

“This program will accelerate our response towards the pest by rapidly bringing cutting edge science into vegetable growers management tool kits, advancing best practice management for vegetable growers and ensuring this new knowledge is communicated widely.”

To date, fall armyworm has caused significant crop losses in sweet corn, maize and sorghum. A number of other horticultural, grain and fodder crops have been impacted to a lesser degree.

Discussions are underway with grains and cotton industries to expand the program to broadacre crops grown in regions with vegetables to enhance area-wide management of this pest.

AUSVEG chief executive officer Michael Coote said the program will bolster the resilience of vegetable growers and position the industry for ongoing success.

“Since fall armyworm arrived on our shores, vegetable growers have quickly stepped into action to combat the pest,” Mr Coote said.

“This investment will fortify our industry against fall armyworm’s impact and ensure that there are no disruptions to the supply of fresh produce to Australians.”

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Mackay Sugar’s Awesome Foursome Celebrate 50-Years

July is filled with nostalgia for three Mackay Sugar employees who are this month celebrating 50 years since they started with the company.

Commencing employment in 1973, the three men – Allan, David and Rodney – join fellow employee Phillip, who started at Mackay Sugar in 1971, in achieving the remarkable milestone.

“This is an incredibly unique story about the longevity, dedication and passion of four local Mackay residents who have committed their entire working lives to the sugar industry,” said Mackay Sugar General Manager People & Culture, Carissa Mansfield.

“Seeing an employee reach a 50-year milestone in any organisation is unique in itself, let alone four people in the one company, and three of them in the same month,” she said.

“These employees have seen so much change, resilience and growth during their careers at Mackay Sugar, not just within the industry but across the region,” explained Mrs Mansfield.

Phillip commenced his career at Mackay Sugar as a cane inspector and in the stores at Marian Mill on 29 December 1971 when he was 18 years of age. Phillip later went on to start a fitting and turning apprenticeship in 1972 and has been working as a fitter ever since, currently maintaining our locomotive fleet.

Allan was only 15 years old when his career in sugar began, starting work on the weighbridge and as an uncoupler at the historical Cattle Creek Mill on 11 July 1973. Over the years, Allan also completed a variety of roles during the slack season, including cane measuring and mapping, and he now works at Marian Mill as a Weighbridge Clerk.

David, who is currently on well-deserved long service leave from his role as Assistant Boiler Operator at Racecourse Mill, joined the company as a “Lab Boy” on 16 July 1973 when he was 17 years old, tasked with collecting samples from inside the mill and running them to the lab for the sugar chemists to test.

Rodney started as a Laboratory Assistant at Marian Mill on 20 July 1973 at just 15 years of age before progressing through various production roles, completing an adult apprenticeship, and is now holding the position of Shift Supervisor and Boiler Area Supervisor at Farleigh Mill.

Rod’s three sons have followed in his footsteps and now work at Mackay Sugar in various trade roles.

Several significant events have taken place in and around Mackay during the 50 years that these men have worked at Mackay Sugar, including the opening of Canelands Central (1979), the start-up of the then-largest coal terminal in the world at Dalrymple Bay (1984) and the opening of the sugar refinery at Racecourse Mill (1994) as well as more than a dozen cyclones and several major flood events.

During that time Mackay Sugar has also gone through significant change, including moving from a co-operative to an incorporated company in 1986, closing North Eaton Mill (1988), Cattle Creek Mill (1990) and Pleystowe Mill (2008) and then securing one of the world’s leading producers of sugar, Nordzucker Group, as Mackay Sugar’s major shareholder in 2019.

“Mackay Sugar is as much a part of the local landscape as we are a part of the community, and nothing highlights this more than seeing four employees choose to spend their entire working careers in our business,” said Mrs Mansfield.

In addition to the half-century long careers this year, Mackay Sugar is home to a further 46 employees who have greater than 30-years’ service with the company.

“We’re very proud to be such an important part of our region's history, and its future, and we look forward to seeing many more of our employees enjoying long-term careers in our business,” said Mrs Mansfield.

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Allan Moule, Marian Weighbridge Clerk

David Ebner, Assistance Boiler Operator

Rodney Wallin - Farleigh Shift Supervisor

Troy, Rod and Michael Wallin - Farleigh Mill

Mackay City Central Joey Scout Harrison Doyle was recently presented with the highest award for the Joey Scout Section, the Joey Scout Challenge Award, at an All Section Camp on a property at Gargett.

Harrison joined scouting in May 2021 and has learnt a lot over the last few years, from learning to fish and building his own garden bed to creating art and trying meditation.

He has earned many Special Interest badges including Adventure & Sport – Fishing; Arts & Literature – Creative Art Techniques; Creating a Better World – Responsible Pet Ownership; Environment – Native Gardening; Growth & Development; and STEM & Innovation – Solar System Model.

While a Joey Scout, Harrison also organised and participated in an Adventurous Journey, where he took other Mackay City Central Joey Scouts to the Botanical Gardens for a bushwalk.

The group went bird watching, learned how to identify various plants and trees found at the Botanical Gardens and tested their orienteering skills.  

A special cake was cut and served to celebrate the special occasion.

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Harrison Doyle was recently presented with the Joey Scout Challenge Award

Harrison with his family

Harrison teaching the Joey Scouts about planets. Photos supplied

Greater Whitsunday Housing Summit - OPINION PIECE

Greater Whitsunday Communities (GWC) and Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsunday (RDA) have partnered and initiated the housing project to identify collaboratively a solution to the housing stress being felt across the Greater Whitsunday region.

Stakeholders from across the housing industry came together in October 2022 to guide the project. The first initiative in December 2022 was to hold a housing round table where the following key themes emerged from the consultation:

1. availability as well as choice and diversity

2. affordability

3. consumer needs

4. roles and responsibilities.

A social and emergency accommodation working group has also been established to investigate safe sleeping spaces, storage facilities and mapping possible options for repurposing of housing.

Urbis have been engaged to carry out a research component to identify the baseline data and look at the current and future needs of all sections of the housing supply chain.  The research has shown that there are around 1600 people on the social housing waitlist, 30 per cent decline in rental stock, one in four households in rental stress, 1452 households in mortgage stress, 16 per cent higher build cost in the region and housing supply is decreasing.

Key areas have been identified from the research: possible formation of a housing alliance, collaboration and partnerships, enabling the market, increasing social and affordable housing, planning and infrastructure, government leadership and advocacy action.  These will form the bases of the co-design workshops at the summit.

The housing summit will be held on August 15 at the Mackay Turf Club. Currently, there are 120 attendees registered to participate in the summit. The summit will use the Urbis research to develop solutions to address the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday housing issues.

If you have an interest or are part of the housing supply chain e.g., local, state and federal governments, developers, builders, not-for-profit housing providers, industry bodies, housing support services, real estate agents please consider registering to attend the summit to be part of the housing solution.

www.greaterwhitsundaycommunities.org.au

Housing Summit: August 15, contact Greater Whitsunday Communities to register.

Cr Karen May

Deputy Mayor

Mackay Regional Council

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Hello Everyone,

Well, there is certainly a lot going on during our cool winter months – in fact, last weekend we attended seven events!

From the sparkling dresses twirling around the dancefloor at the Mayor’s Ball to the delightful gardens at the Orchid Society’s Field Day, the excited squeals of children at Cannonvale State School Fete, the elegance of the Coral Sea Resort Long Table Lunch and the launch of the Women of the Whitsunday Display at Proserpine Museum – it was a whirlwind snapshot of the fantastic diversity of events in our region.

Our team booked a table at the Mayor’s Ball on Saturday night, and it was wonderful to get together socially, connect with other people in our community and of course help raise money for two important charities in our region.

Congratulations to the Mayor on a successful event and thanks for making it so personal by greeting us all individually at the door!

This week’s newspaper is an enormous 96-pages – the biggest we’ve run in a few months – so make sure you check out the huge 11-page Great Barrier Reef Festival inside.

I’d like to finish this Editor’s note with a personal thank you to the Edwards-Bland family who bravely shared their story with the community this week.

As many of you will know they lost their 12-year-old son, Stirling, in a car accident last year.

I appreciate them trusting me to write such an important story for them and for finding the strength to reach out to the community.

There were a few tears in the office this week as we wrote and read the story and I believe it is during sad and tragic times that we all need to pull together, show our support for one another and let others know they are not alone.

I hope Stirling’s story allows his family to feel that love and connection to the broader community and also helps us all remember what an incredible young man Stirling was.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” (Charles R Swindoll)

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When Hawkeye Rick was walking along Shute Harbour Road last Wednesday, July 18, carrying with him a heavy Food Relief Box, he knew he was going to struggle with the three kilometre walk home.

“I was just thinking ‘this is gonna be a long walk’, when some one just pulled over,” Rick explained.

Behind the wheel Neil Borellini, a born and bred Whitsunday local.

“He offered me a lift and even took me all the way to my door stop,” Rick said.

However, helping a stranger is a no-brainer for Neil.

“I was taught to help people out when they’re struggling. It’s the way I’ve always been,” said Neil.

Rick was so thankful for the nice gesture that he went to Facebook group ‘Whitsundays Chat’ to share Neil’s kindness.

“He deserved some public recognition, because you don’t see a lot of that anymore,” Rick said.

Since then, Rick’s post has garnered a fantastic reaction, with over 250 likes.

“It’s good that sort of action has such a generous action,” said Rick.

“I never expected any sort of recognition, but it was very nice of him,” explained Neil.

“I didn’t know I left such an impression!”

Just a few months prior, Neil also helped a German backpacker, whose “backpack was bigger than her”.

“I picked her up near the Port of Airlie and dropped her off near Base, the backpacker’s accommodation in Airlie Beach, which is quite a walk.”

Neil has lived in Airlie Beach all his life and “whenever I can help, I do”.

“I’m a lot less useful that I used to be, but I will help when I can!” he said.

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Drunk Driver Convicted Of Death

By Rachael Smith

It’s been almost 14 months since the tragic day that local 12-year-old boy, Stirling Edwards-Bland, lost his life when a drunk driver ploughed into the family car.

Since that time, his twin brother, older sister, and parents have been trying to process and grieve, while dealing with the injustice of Stirling’s loss.

“We will continue to struggle with Stirling’s loss as long as we live,” said his father, Simon Edwards-Bland.

“He was a shining light in our lives, and we miss his bouncy energy, cheeky smile, and words of ‘I Love You’ before he went to bed at night.”

On July 12 this year, the drunk driver, Graham Anthony Hanson, was convicted of manslaughter and jailed for 11 years, 80 per cent of which he must serve.

During the hearing, held at the Supreme Court in Mackay, it was discovered the Townsville-based man had consumed between 12 and 14 cans of full-strength beer in the three hours leading up to the incident.

An ABC news report of the court hearing stated that he had been travelling from Townsville to Midge Point to sell a quad bike, when he stopped at a bottle shop in Bowen to buy a carton of full-strength beers.

Three hours after the crash, the driver recorded a reading of 0.210 per cent and it is believed this could have been up to 0.3 per cent at the time of the incident.

During the hearing, the court also heard this was not the first time the man had been caught for drink driving, with five separate incidences recorded across three different states.

While listening to the driver during the hearing, Stirling’s parents said that they did not see any true remorse expressed.

“He was remorseful because he had to be, but I don’t buy into it at all,” said Simon.

“He forgot to bring a letter he had supposedly written, and I don’t know how that happened because he had a lot of time on his hands to fold up a piece of paper and stick it in his back pocket.”

Both Stirling’s parents said they found it hard to feel “happy” at the conviction, although they confirmed it was at the upper end of what they were told they could expect.

“Stirling should be here with us,” said his mum, Tracy.

“The sentencing was a door closed, in terms of allowing us and the Whitsunday community to see some accountability and justice but we still have a long road ahead of us.”

“No amount of time will ever bring what we’ve lost back,” said Simon.

During the hearing, Simon read out an impact statement which he said was more like a eulogy.

In the statement he detailed how traumatic it had been for Tracy and for Stirling’s twin brother who had been travelling in the vehicle at the time of the incident.

“Tracy and Austin are still struggling with Survivors guilt, it is hard for them to understand how they walked away with minor injuries, while Stirling lost his life,” he explained.

“Austin was sitting next to Stirling in the back of the car, stuck for a time, and aware that Stirling had probably already gone, due to un-responsiveness.

“This is something he will have to live with for the rest of his life and isn’t something that any 12-year-old should have to deal with.”

Stirling’s family decided to share their story with the community as a way of saying thank you for all the support and love they received from both friends and strangers in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.

While they prefer to stay under the radar and process their loss privately, they also acknowledge the community’s shared grief, especially those whose lives were touched in some way by Stirling.

During the court hearing Stirling’s dad, Simon, read out an emotional speech that showed the depth of the family’s loss, but also gave an insight into the incredible person Stirling was.

Known as an empath and a protector, Stirling touched the lives of many.

At school, he frequently stood-up for anyone who was being bullied and was known to unconditionally support anyone in his peer group.

“There are many entries in Stirling’s books of condolence from children he knew, saying he’d stepped in to help when they were being picked on, and that he always had a smile for someone who was having a bad day,” said Simon.

Stirling was born with a cleft lip and palate which meant lots of trips to hospital and several operations during the course of his life.

On each trip, a highlight of the visit to the Children’s hospital in Brisbane was spending a large portion of spare time after his appointments at the Starlight foundation, where he loved playing computer games with similarly sick children.

“Where we, as adults, may have seen a child disfigured in some way from a nasty accident or suffering from the effects of treatment for cancer, Stirling saw another like-minded child who wanted to play games, and perhaps forget about the rigours of the day or what was to come,” said Simon.

“This exposure to sick children, we believe, humbled Stirling, and formed the core of his personality.”

Stirling was also a passionate animal-lover who dreamt of being a vet one day.

He begged his family for a pet dog for many years and his wish was finally granted in 2021 when they brought home Lloyd.

“He and his dog Lloyd were inseparable for one year prior to the incident,” said Simon in the statement.

“It is hard to spend time with Lloyd without feeling a great sadness, that it should be Stirling nurturing Lloyd instead of us. If Stirling were here today, he would be pushing us for more animals.”

It is for this reason that the family have decided to use the money donated by the community after the accident to create a Dog Exercise Park in Cannonvale.

“Every day after school Stirling took Lloyd to the dog park next to the school in Cannonvale,” said Tracy.

“So, we wanted to remember him there by providing something that the community can enjoy.”

So far, one piece of equipment has arrived, and the water fountain is already a popular spot for lively dogs.

Soon there will be a memorial plaque laid at the fountain with a QR code where visitors can scan and read a story about Stirling and his life.

The water fountain will soon be joined by exercise equipment including a tunnel, ramp, jumps, and weave poles.

Once everything is in place Stirling’s family would like to invite the community to bring their dogs to check out the equipment.

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Stirling Edwards-Bland (left) with his family. Photo supplied

Stirling Edwards-Bland will always be remembered as an empath and a protector, touching the lives of many. Photo supplied

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