Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
At just 18 months old and weighing 17kg, Obi is a happy little guy with plenty of love and enthusiasm for life. Getting along well with children, other dogs and visitors, he has plenty of potential to become a much-loved member of his new family. Obi had a rough start to life and can still find the world a little scary at times, so he is looking for a patient and understanding family willing to help build his confidence and show him the ropes. He already knows his basic commands and walks confidently on the lead, making him a great companion for someone happy to continue guiding him as he settles into his new life. Once Obi gets to know and trust you, he will become an unshakeable little shadow, following his favourite person wherever they go. If you have the time, patience and love to give Obi the fresh start he deserves, contact his carer Char on 0402 540 612 to arrange a meeting. Alternatively, email LLTAGSandDogRescue@gmail.com to find out more.
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No city or region in Australia has been unaffected by the property market changes that have become obvious ever since the Federal Government introduced its budget in May, removing negative gearing from established housing and changing the capital gains tax rules. But some have been hit harder than others. The latest property market review by valuers Herron Todd White gives an extensive rundown of where particular regions sit as well as the nation as a whole. HTW chief economist Cameron Kusher pointed out in the September review that inflation continues to be a factor, not only in cost of living but also projected interest rate rises in the months ahead. He said: “National dwelling values fell by 3.1 per cent over the three months to August 2026, with capital city values 3.7 per cent lower and regional values falling by 1.2 per cent.” He said property market analyst Cotality estimates that over the three months to August 2026 “there were 14.6 per cent fewer property sales than the same period last year”. “Transaction activity has seen a much greater decline in the capital cities than in the regional markets; however, falls are broad-based,” he said. “Every capital city except for Hobart is seeing a higher volume of properties available for sale relative to a year ago, and only regional Tasmania and regional NT are seeing fewer total listings. “Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra have historically high listing volumes, and although they aren’t at historic highs elsewhere, Brisbane and Perth have seen annual increases of more than 50 per cent, and Adelaide has seen an annual increase of more than 40 per cent. “The heightened volume of stock for sale at a time in which there are fewer active buyers in the market means that those who are buying have less urgency and more choice. In turn, this means that they have greater scope to negotiate on price, and there are many properties that will take a long time to sell in this market or simply won’t transact. “In the regional areas, the longest median days on market are in NT, NSW and Victoria and the lowest are in WA, Queensland and Tasmania.” The HTW monthly review includes their very interesting property clock, in which they categorise where particular markets are in the property cycle. Sitting at 3 o’clock on the property clock in a declining market are Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. Sitting in the “starting to decline” category includes cities such as Alice Springs, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Several Queensland cities are included in the “peak of the market” category; Gladstone, Bundaberg and Toowoomba. And cities in the “approaching the top of the market” category include Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Townsville and the Whitsundays. What about the cities still sitting at 9 o’clock, the “rising market” category? Well, there aren’t nearly as many cities in that category as there were a few months ago but it still includes Mackay, Rockhampton and Emerald, among a few others. HTW can only go on the data in front of them, however agents on the ground experience the market as it happens. It is true that the Mackay market is behaving nothing like the free fall being felt in major cities like Sydney. The economy is going well, unemployment is virtually non-existent, rental vacancies are low and properties are selling. However, no agent in Mackay will tell you that right now Mackay is in a rising market. It’s still active and people are still buying but at the moment it’s not going up … it represents a great opportunity for those wanting to get into the market and investors seeking one of Australia’s best rental returns.
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Locals gathered in Mackay last Saturday for the annual March For Life, which brought together supporters of the pro-life movement. The march began at Harbour Road before finishing at Caneland Central Park, where attendees heard from guest speakers and community representatives. Among those attending was Cherish Life Queensland CEO Matthew Cliff, who travelled from Brisbane for the event. Operating since 1970, and formerly known as Right to Life Queensland, Cherish Life is one of Queensland's longest-established pro-life organisations, with branches throughout the state, including Mackay. Mr Cliff, who has been CEO for around four and a half years, said the organisation's work centred on two key areas of education and advocacy, aiming to encourage greater understanding of its pro-life position, while engaging with elected representatives and participating in public discussions about abortion. Mr Cliff said the organisation also connected women experiencing unplanned pregnancies with other services that could provide practical and emotional support. Though Cherish Life do not offer direct assistance themselves, they refer women to services like Hope's Dream, a Christian-based, non-profit charitable organization which provides pregnancy counselling and support. “The rallies are really a good way of bringing public awareness,” Mr Cliff said. “It's an opportunity for people who support the pro-life movement to demonstrate why this is important to them.” Mr Cliff said his own Christian beliefs played a role in shaping his position, with his views centred on the belief that human life is valuable from conception. “The Christian method in which I believe as the CEO of Cherish Life Queensland is to walk in grace and truth, and truth in love, and that all human life from conception is valuable,” he said. The Mackay event featured several speakers and representatives, including Mr Cliff, Australian Christian Lobby Assistant Director Daniel Adsett, Family Voice Australia Queensland Director Andrew McColl, Lighthouse Church Mackay Pastor Jai Wright and St Joseph's Catholic Church Associate Pastor Rev. Fr. Raju Mandothparambil. While Cherish Life advocates against abortion, other organisations take a different view of reproductive rights. CEO of Queensland pro choice organisation Children By Choice Anjulee Singh shared: “Children by Choice believe all people have the right to make decisions about their own body and health care. “Abortion is legal healthcare and should be accessible without barriers regardless of where you live.” The organisation advocates for accessible reproductive care in regional communities, claiming that stigma and privacy concerns can make it hard to ask for help, and can prevent women from pursuing the healthcare they are entitled to. “Everyone has the right to make their own decision about their pregnancy, whether that means continuing, ending, or considering adoption,” the organisation states. “Support should be non-judgemental, confidential, and respectful.” The differing perspectives come amid ongoing public and parliamentary debate about reproductive rights in Queensland, including discussions involving Mackay MP Nigel Dalton, who earlier this year crossed the floor in opposition to restrictions on parliamentary debate about abortion. Photo source: Cherish Life QLD - Mackay Branch
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Mackay beachgoers are encouraged to put their photography skills to good use, with the arrival of two new monitoring stations giving community members a hands-on role in tracking changes to the coastline. Eimeo Beach and Lambert’s Beach are the first locations to introduce the newly installed CoastSnap poles, which feature a phone cradle where residents and visitors can position their phones, capture an image of the coastline and upload it through the CoastSnap app. Photos taken from the same position over time will help build a long-term record of sand movement, beach erosion and recovery, providing valuable information to support future coastal management. Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the project, led by the University of New South Wales, would give council access to valuable monitoring data while allowing the community to get involved. "It's easy to use. You just follow the barcode. And you can do it anonymously, you don't have to put your name on it," he said. Mr Williamson said the photographs and accompanying observations would help build a detailed picture of how the region's beaches change over time. "If everybody does that every day, just imagine the record that we're going to have via the University of New South Wales to manage this in the future," he said. "This is just another tool for us to be able to effectively manage the 31 beaches we've got in our region." Council's Coordinator of Waterways and Coastal Planning Robyn Burkett said the initiative formed part of the Mackay Coast Our Future project, helping council better understand coastal conditions and plan for future changes. "It's about monitoring our beaches, and community education, so that's why we're encouraging people to come along, snap a photo, and learn more about coastal hazards and how our coastal processes work in the Mackay region," she said. Ms Burkett said ongoing monitoring would help determine how much sand was lost during storm events, whether beaches recovered naturally and when intervention might be needed. "Having good information now, when we experience a storm event, looking at what those changes are, and how much sand is lost, whether it will recover over time, or whether it needs intervention is really important." The CoastSnap initiative was founded in 2017 as a pilot project by the University of New South Wales, with more than 100 poles now installed across 16 countries. The two Mackay stations were funded by council, with further locations being considered for the region. To learn more, visit www.coastsnap.com or visit connectingmackay.com.au/mackay-coast-our-future. L-R - Robyn Burkett, Coordinator Waterways and Coastal Planning for Mackay Regional Council, Kylie Cauchi, Waterways Planning Advisor for Mackay Regional Council and Mayor Greg Williamson of Mackay Regional Council, testing out the new CoastSnap pole at Eimeo Beach. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara The impact of tropical cyclone Debbie in 2017. Supplied by Mackay Regional Council
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In her 45 years working at Proserpine Hospital, Leigh Ironside has witnessed many incredible and dynamic changes in the nursing profession.
Tourism, technology and a transient population had reshaped healthcare delivery in the Whitsunday region since the Proserpine local began her hospital-training at Mackay Base Hospital in 1979.
She commenced full-time work at Proserpine Hospital in May 1982.
“I’ve seen many colleagues I’ve worked with start their careers, get married, have babies and then their babies actually come to work here – it’s very generational at Proserpine,” Leigh said.
The number of patients presenting to the small rural hospital had increased significantly over four decades, as had the acuity.
“Patients used to come with one health issue – now they have several illnesses and with an ageing population, there’s a much greater degree of co-morbidity.”
On public holidays the rural hospital was extremely busy – the cost of GPs and long wait times had also changed the face of primary healthcare, Leigh said.
“We generally see be between 60 and 70 people every day in the ED here, for a range of conditions,” she explained.
“Once upon a time GPs stayed in the area and saw many generations of the same family – that just doesn’t happen anymore.”
As a clinical nurse in the busy emergency department, Leigh is impressed by the standard of care and the rural hospital’s response to major incidents in the region.
“I’ve seen some really impressive responses to large trauma cases; how the entire staff mobilise and really pull together to triage,” she said.
“I worked triage a few years ago after a serious bus accident – it was incredible to see the whole staff response to such a terrible incident and how teams were allocated to each individual patient and were met upon arrival.
“Bloomsbury has always been major fatigue zone on Bruce Highway – we’ve really seen a huge increase in the number major traumas coming here over the years.
“The retrieval process has undergone phenomenal change – a transfer used to be done by road ambulance once a week. Now the helicopter flies into Proserpine several times a week.”
Growth in the tourism industry had changed the dynamics of the hospital, the staff and consumers.
“During Christmas and over New Years the region gets an influx of about 8000 people – that puts significant pressure on our ED and hospital,” Leigh said.
“A lot of people visit the Whitsundays and end up moving to the region – who wouldn’t want to live here in paradise?”
Leigh’s passion for rural nursing started early in life. Her mum was a nurse and midwife and she had several aunties who were nurses.
“When I was still at school, mum got permission from the matron for me to work here at Proserpine as an Assistant in Nursing over Christmas and during the school holidays,” she said.
“That’s how I learnt to take blood pressure, make beds and shower and feed the oldies. It’s how I knew that I really wanted to do this as a career.
“Times have changed. Gone are the days of no-aircon and wearing those starched white nurse dresses and stockings.
“When I first started nursing there was only computers in the office; so ieMR (digital records) would definitely have to be one of the biggest changes I’ve seen in my nursing career in addition to medical equipment.”
Leigh admits she considered retirement after a health scare last year, but still enjoys the pace and face-to-face demands of nursing. She remains invested in her patients, in the hospital and the community itself.
“I have no children so work is my socialisation,” she said, “but I love that at Proserpine you aren’t just a number – we really get to know our patients and they become part of our family.
“At a rural hospital like this we get to experience a bit of everything, from surgical to paediatric, and that’s very appealing to the next generation of the healthcare workforce.”
Contributed with thanks to Mackay Hospital and Health Service.
Leigh Ironside has witnessed many incredible and dynamic changes in the 45 years she has worked at Proserpine Hospital. Photo supplied
This week
Season to date
Cane crushed
97,268
968,604
Average bin weight
9.66
9.61
CCS
14.38
13.99
Cane variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q208
20.8
15.01
Q253
9.7
13.96
Q240
15.3
14.13
KQ228
5.1
13.89
Q183
14.1
14.55
SRA12
2.1
14.14
SRA9
10.2
14.79
Q247
1.1
13.47
Comments
Proserpine Mill processed 97,268 tonnes of cane for the week, which is the highest factory throughput since 2020. Thanks to all sectors of the industry for working together to achieve this great result.
We’ve now processed close to 970,000 tonnes of cane for the season, representing about 56 per cent of the total estimated crop.
The average weekly CCS came in slightly below budget at 14.38 units.
The highest CCS was 17.16 units from a rake of ratoon Q208 from the Kelsey Creek productivity district.
Please remember to use your train brain and always take care around our cane rail network.
A fully loaded cane train can take up to one kilometre to pull up. Our cane trains work around the clock, seven days a week.
Peter Luke
Cane Supply Manager
Proserpine Region
This October, Proserpine YouthSpace is offering a vibrant lineup of activities designed to engage young people in fun, creative, and health-focused experiences.
YouthSpace, located at 65 Marathon Street (Old St. Cath’s School), will host a variety of workshops and social sessions throughout the month.
YouthSpace activities are scheduled every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, with great events on Fridays. The calendar is packed with exciting options such as art workshops, fitness sessions, and Halloween-themed fun.
October Highlights
• Mental Health Week LEGO Challenge (Wednesday 9 October and Thursday 10 October, 3:00-5:00 PM): In support of Mental Health Week, there are two sessions that will inspire creativity while promoting mental wellness through a LEGO challenge.
• Zentangle Drawing (Wednesday 23 October, 3pm – 5pm): A calming and mindful drawing activity, perfect for young people to relax and explore new artistic techniques.
• Halloween Craft & Party (Tuesday 30 October and Thursday 31 October, 3pm - 5pm): Celebrate Halloween with spooky crafts on the 30th, followed by a Halloween party with food and fun on the 31st.
In addition to these special events, there will be ongoing Youth Fitness Bootcamps every Tuesday to help young people stay active and ‘Chat n’ Chill’ sessions for informal socialising.
Outreach and Support
Proserpine YouthSpace also offers one-on-one support for young people by appointment in surrounding areas Cannonvale, Airlie Beach, and Jubilee Pocket.
For more information or to register for the activities, contact YouthSpace at 0458 438 169, or visit them on social media.
There’s always an action-packed program at Proserpine Youth Space. Photo sourced: Facebook
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Imagine charting your own course through crystal-clear waters, relaxing on secluded beaches, and exploring the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park—all with a crew of your choice. Welcome to bareboating in The Whitsundays, an adventure that offers unparalleled freedom to experience one of Australia's most breathtaking regions.
Bareboating involves hiring a fully equipped, self-contained boat—either a yacht or a catamaran—and operating it yourself with your friends or family as your crew. Experience the ultimate freedom as the captain of your voyage.
A common question is whether a boating licence is required to bareboat in The Whitsundays. Unlike other parts of the world, no formal licence is needed. Charter companies offer comprehensive briefings at the start of your trip and you can contact the mainland by radio during your journey. As long as you show basic boating knowledge and a willingness to learn, you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable journey.
Bareboating in The Whitsundays allows you to explore our 74 stunning islands free from set itineraries so you can chart your own course and set your own pace. This flexibility enables access to secluded locations, hidden coves, and lesser-known areas that larger tour groups can't reach. You can customise your adventure based on your interests—whether it’s snorkelling, hiking, or simply relaxing.
For more information on bareboating, visit: www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au/bareboating/
Contributed by Tourism Whitsundays
Charter your own boat with bareboating in the Whitsundays, Photo supplied
Meet Biscuit, a joyful 12-month-old Kelpie x Foxie eager to find his forever home! He’s a smaller medium-sized pup who loves fetch and needs a yard to run in. Known as ‘Bikky’ by his foster family, he’s doing well with training—he sits patiently for dinner until given the release word “ok.”
Biscuit enjoys cuddles, is food motivated, and is learning to control his excitement. He gets along with his foster sister Rita but is cautious around other dogs, so positive exposure is key. With strong recall and energy to spare, he’d thrive in an active home with high fences.
Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc also offer a desex and vaccination health care card program which ensures that every pet gets desexed and vaccinated at an incredibly discounted price – get in touch to find out more!
If you believe you can provide Biscuit with the loving home and secure fencing he deserves, please reach out to Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc: bowencollinsville@gmail.com
Rehoming fee: $650
Age: 12 months
Sex: Male
Breed: Kelpie X Foxie
Other dogs: No but is being introduced
Cats: No
Fences: 5ft
Life in Motion is set to make an exciting appearance at this year's Seniors Expo, offering visitors an inside look at how their Exercise Physiology services can greatly improve the health and well-being of older adults.
As an allied health provider, Life in Motion addresses a wide range of senior health needs, from balance and falls prevention to diabetes management, neurological rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation, bone health, dementia management, and much more - all through individually tailored exercise programs.
Attendees will get the chance to learn more about the state-of-the-art equipment used in their privately owned facility, which is designed specifically to improve the quality of life and overall wellbeing of their clients. Life in Motion will be showcasing its brand new, innovative rehabilitation machine, proven to deliver outstanding results to clients living with a history of stroke or various neurological conditions.
The friendly team will be on-site to discuss their facility and services, including a High-Risk Balance and Falls Prevention program launching in 2025. With a focus on improving strength, coordination, balance, and mobility, this program offers essential support to at-risk seniors.
If you’re ready to boost your physical, mental, and social well-being, be sure to visit Life in Motion at the Expo to learn how these impactful services can enhance overall quality of life.
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Shocking statistics show that two out of every three Australians will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, and people over 55 are at the highest risk.
That’s why the first 100 visitors to the CQ Skin Cancer Centre stand at the upcoming Seniors Expo in Mackay will receive a special voucher to save $20 off their full-body skin cancer examination!
CQ Skin Cancer Centre is part of Australia’s leading network of skin cancer clinics, which has been operating for twenty years and conducts over 200,000 skin checks annually across the country.
With a dedicated team of four doctors trained in advanced skin cancer medicine, the centre provides essential services such as total body photography, mole removal and both surgical and non-surgical skin cancer treatments.
Total body photography is a cutting-edge tool designed for comprehensive skin cancer detection in high-risk patients. This technology allows for the monitoring of changes in moles over time, facilitating early diagnosis and providing peace of mind.
Unfortunately, many Queenslanders remain unaware that they live in the melanoma capital of the world. With melanoma diagnoses in Mackay 119% above the national average, it’s absolutely crucial for seniors to prioritise their skin health.
CQ Skin Cancer Centre is dedicated to educating Australians about the risks of skin cancer, working towards a vision of better outcomes for everyone and ensuring that no one suffers
from this largely preventable disease.
Visit their stand to learn more about skin cancer prevention and take advantage of their special offer on skin examinations!
A brave mama cat and her six kittens have found refuge with Mackay Pet Rescue Inc. after a challenging start to their lives.
Last Tuesday afternoon, the mother cat, who is severely malnourished and skeletal thin, was discovered in a shed with her two-week-old kittens. The kind person who initially found the cats attempted to give away the vulnerable family to shoppers in the carpark of Petbarn in Greenfields.
Thankfully, the compassionate Petbarn staff stepped in, recognising the urgent need for extensive care. They then encouraged the finder to surrender the cats to Mackay Pet Rescue Inc.
In a quick response, a foster carer arrived at Petbarn to rescue the family, and now, they are safe and sound in a caring environment, where they have access to a soft bed and much-needed food.
The rescue organisation is dedicated to ensuring that both the mother and her kittens receive the care and nourishment they deserve. And with continued support, this fury family will have the opportunity to thrive and find their loving ‘fur-ever’ homes. As they begin their recovery, updates on their progress will be shared to the Mackay Pet Rescue Inc Facebook page.
If you'd like to support the great work being done by Mackay Pet Rescue Inc, donations are greatly appreciated.
You can contribute by visiting www.mackaypetrescueinc.com.au/support/
It is pretty easy is to identify when and where my vague dislike of heights turned into a full-on, socially embarrassing fear and hatred of heights; on the 40th floor of a Hong Kong skyscraper when a very powerful typhoon hit what was then the British colony in the 1990s.
The thing about skyscrapers is that they are designed to sway with the wind when they are hit by typhoons, hurricanes or cyclones.
While this is a life-saving engineering feature that I celebrate, the experience of lying face-down on the floor, swaying back and forth on the 40th level of building is not as much fun as it sounds.
You’re in Hong Kong so you try to remember those Chinese proverbs that are all about bending and adjusting rather than resisting and snapping: “The green reed which bends in the wind is stronger than the mighty oak which breaks in a storm.” Crap like that doesn’t help.
Years later I surveyed the scene after a Mackay cyclone and noticed uprooted gum trees on one side of the street and a perfect row of unaffected palm trees on the other. While that was interesting, it didn’t change my fear of heights, which is now ingrained.
When I first started going out with my wife Sonia we had a trip to Cains and she arranged a trip on the skyrail up to Kuranda.
At that early point of our relationship I hadn’t broached the subject of my fear of heights and as we made our way up the mountain hanging in the air in a metal box attached to some piece of cable, I apparently transformed into a different person.
As I sat there frozen like a statue, not moving, talking or looking out, she thought there was something deeply wrong, perhaps with our relationship. She didn’t know that I was just a sook. She does now.
So do my kids, which is probably even worse.
When they were young I was with them at the Mackay Show and thought I could do the ferris wheel. I struggled through and tried, fairly unsuccessfully, to hide my phobia.
Some years later I tried it again on the one in Brisbane. That was a complete fail as the kids realised what was going on and went out of their way to make it worse by jumping around and trying to get me to stand up.
These days I don’t even try. From time to time I have to sell a unit in Mackay that is too high for my liking. I’m okay inside the unit but I won’t go out to the balcony and look over the hand rail.
“Step out to the balcony and have a look at the fantastic view,” I suggest to buyers as I plant myself in the lounge room.
I’ve sold a few and no one seems to have noticed that I never joined them on the balcony.
The problem with high-rise unit blocks is the insurance and the impact that has on the body corporate cost. It is a different story when it comes to those older unit blocks in our inner suburbs, mainly Mackay city, and East, West and South Mackay.
Those complexes don’t have anywhere near the insurance costs and body corporate fees are usually around the $3000 a year mark, which includes building insurance.
It’s a completely different market to the high-rise blocks but I feel those older, low-set units in the inner suburbs are great value, particularly for older people wanting to downsize and younger buyers wanting to break into the market.
You can still pick up a two-bedroom unit for under $300,000, which is pretty good in what is a hot real estate market.
And you usually get a courtyard … mercifully, on the ground floor.
I’ll be doing it this weekend, because my baby brother Graham has just turned the big 50 on Tuesday this week, and he’s here in Mackay with his family to celebrate.
A few months ago, I got a call from Graham in Sydney wanting to know if I would be around in October, because they were thinking about coming up to Mackay and the Whitsundays to say hello, and to celebrate an important birthday.
I will be honest, I thought it was unexpected, as it would have only been a few weeks since I saw them last when I was down to run the Sydney Marathon. He said it was all fine because, they had not been back to Mackay for years to visit family, so it would be a terrific opportunity.
So, here we are, Friday! Graham, Karina and Sophie all flew in last night and today, and are ready to take on everything we have in store.
My boss Scott suggested that I take today and Monday off so I could spend quality time with all of them, so today we are heading up to Cape Hillsborough for the wallaby sunrise experience, then hightailing it up to Airlie and the Whitsundays for a day of fun, sand, and water. We might be jumping on a boat, or even just swimming around the lagoon. It will be a fun day. Tonight, I’ll get to showcase my BBQ skills at my place, so if you see any of us at the hospital, things haven’t exactly gone to plan.
Over the weekend we will be busy. The Pioneer Valley, Finch Hatton, Eungella, Sarina Sugar Shed, Wakeboard Park, Marina, Eimeo Pub, Harrup Park, Magpies and more are all on the list of places to visit and experience. I cannot forget the big birthday dinner feast on Saturday night at mine. All the family members will be there, so I am sure Graham will have an exciting time.
My goal is to make Graham’s quick birthday weekend the best ever, so when they jet back to the big smoke on Monday, they leave with smiles, a few extra kilos in their bellies and a warm heart after seeing the extended North Queensland family.
Oh, if you remember Graham Kidd, and you went to school with him at Central State School in the early 80s, get in touch.
On a last note, having family around you is paramount as we get older. I have certainly been reminded of that after we lost Mum, and of course Dad’s recent issues with his ticker. Any chance you get to share with family must be at the top of the list of to-dos right now.
Happy 50th birthday Graham. Love you mate.
You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!
Detectives from the Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch have charged a 33-year-old man following the death of a 64-year-old man in East Mackay yesterday, October 3.
Emergency services were called to a Rae Street address around 3.40pm, following reports a 64-year-old East Mackay man was unresponsive.
The man was later declared deceased at the scene.
A 33-year-old Mackay man was taken into custody at the scene and has been charged with one count of murder.
He is due to appear before Mackay Magistrates Court today, October 4.
Proserpine Café owner Joanne Klose has returned from a sensational trip to Uganda and she cannot wait to tell the Whitsunday community about the trip.
Joanne travelled to Uganda with 29 others with Mission Abundance to support two charities in Uganda, Kyampisi Childcare Ministries (KCM) and Bridge Christian Ministries (BCM).
Mission Abundance is helping these charities by building a new rehabilitation centre, giving over a thousand people access to free health care, and supplying clean drinking water.
Joanne also asked the Whitsunday community if they could donate bathing suits to give to Ugandan children and was thrilled by the response enabling her to make some very special in-person deliveries.
Joanne Klose in Uganda, Photo supplied
Joanne Klose, owner of Little Vintage Café in Proserpine has recently returned from her trip to Uganda, and what a journey!
Joanne is a member of Mission Abundance and they support two charities in Uganda - Kyampisi Childcare Ministries (KCM) and Bridge Christian Ministries (BCM).
Of the hundreds of members, 30 of them were able to visit Uganda and volunteer their time to make a difference in the remote communities of Kyampisi and Nateete.
Before her departure Joanne reached out to the local community and invited people to donate bathers so she could bring them over for Kyampisi children to wear.
Hoping for 50 sets of togs, the Whitsunday community more than delivered – the donations over double what she had anticipated – enabling her to take 108 bathers over to Uganda.
Joanne had previously visited the Ugandan children’s rehabilitation centre in 2023 and witnessed first-hand how they care for children who have had traumatic experiences.
As part of their rehabilitation the children swim and enjoy time in the on-site pool.
“The kids would go in the pool in groups, they would get out and have to hand their bathers over to the next group and so on,” explained Joanne.
“This inspired me to want to give them some more bathing suits so they could all go in the pool together!”
Joanne and the other volunteers also worked on the rehabilitation centre while she was there, once complete it will be the largest children’s rehabilitation centre in East Africa.
On both visits to Kyampisi, Joanne has worked on the build team but this visit, constructing the rehab centre is not all she did.
While in Uganda, she was also proud to be part of the community medical camp day.
This is the third medical camp that has been set up over the years and this year, incredibly, they were able to treat 1305 people in 11 hours.
The medical camp day is kindly funded by the 30 members that are selected to go.
The new rehab centre and medical day is all a part of the same project and since the charity organisations have started supporting them, they have built a medical clinic, church, boarding rooms and schoolrooms.
Joanne has been lucky enough to go to Uganda for two years in a row and before the charity arrived the community of Nateete were drinking sewerage water. This meant there was lots of sickness and some children sadly died.
In 2023 they supplied Nateete with clean drinking water and Joanne says seeing the Nateete community welcome them back has been unbelievable.
“When we went there in 2023 we walked down Nateete and they did not want us there, you could see it,” Joanne said.
"We had armed guards with us as we walked down, and it felt really eerie. You could tell that to them, we were just the group of white people taking photos.
“This year, just from having that clean water, they were waving at us and giving us massive hugs.
“The hugs and the love they give you, it is so heartwarming. It really is, I don't know another way to explain, it's amazing.”
You can get involved and help children in need at missionabundance.org, sponsorship of a child is $100 a month and Joanne has plans to place a child sponsorship wall in her Proserpine Café.
Joanne Klose back at her Proserpine Café after a successful charity trip to Uganda, Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Hi Everyone,
By the time you are reading this I will be on my honeymoon in Melbourne!
As many of you will know, I got married in August, but with family visiting from all over the country and the world, we decided to spend time with them after the wedding, electing to have our honeymoon now instead.
We have two nights in the city, followed by three nights at Hepburn Springs where we will enjoy six and a half hours of spa treatments! Indulgent? Absolutely!
A big thank you to my mum for looking after my son and my dog – both of whom are young and energetic – but a lot of fun and hopefully not too much of a handful!
Here in the region the campaign race ahead of the imminent State Election is certainly heating up and we are getting calls daily to attend a range of photo opportunities with politicians racing around trying to maximise votes.
It’s certainly an exciting time and also a time of substantial election promises where all parties pledge funding for key projects in the region, each candidate illustrating what they can do if elected.
If you have a great cause or serious issue you wish to be resolved in the community, now is an excellent time to speak out – chat to a local candidate and see if they would be willing to get behind it.
One election promise this week is that the Bowen Jetty will go ahead no matter which of the two main parties are elected at the end of the month - this is a huge win for our region!
This iconic local landmark deserves to have a vibrant future, one where it can become a hub for tourism and a recreation honeypot for the community.
I am so pleased to hear that its next stage of life, following years working with the tugboats, is now going to be spent in such a joyful way.
Well done North Queensland Bulk Ports and other community groups for driving the project forward.
Enjoy your retirement Bowen Jetty, you deserve it!
Rach
Quote of the Week “Nobody wins unless everybody wins” (Bruce Springsteen)
Understanding that nobody should be alone for Christmas, Whitsunday local and retiree Michael Thomas recently posted on Whitsundays Noticeboard inviting fellow locals to an ‘orphans’ Christmas party.
He expected a group of people to be interested, but you can imagine his surprise when the post garnered 440 reactions and 151 comments.
“It blew way past my imagination!” laughed Michael.
“I'm still doing lunch for Christmas but it is going to be limited to 40 people in my backyard.
“If I can make 40 people happy on Christmas Day, you don't want much more than that.
“I just thought, I had put money into Christmas funds before, but this year, I thought I'd like to do it myself.
“I don't want to go to the pub for Christmas, I would like to at the end of the day go, yeah everybody enjoy themselves, that's what I want to see.”
Michael is asking for a contribution of $40 a head, but said this Christmas party is not for money, he just wants to “make it happen”.
Due to the response Michael said he is going to start monthly meets.
Naturally Michael cannot host over 400 people in his backyard, but the Facebook post has shown that there is demand for groups to meet.
“We really need to do something about this and just get some people together, just so that they can make new friends,” explained Michael.
“I think it will get people together, maybe make new friends and you never know what could happen out of it.”
Plans for the new $68 million Bowen Jetty have been revealed.
The project will see a new jetty construction that will revitalise the asset and the precinct for the community.
The project will see the construction of a modern jetty that has been designed in line with extensive community consultation, and that will feature a host of public amenities while honouring the rich, 150-year-old history of the structure.
Anne Baker, Labor candidate for Burdekin expressed excitement about the announcement:
“This is a fantastic announcement for North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) and our broader community and shows Labor’s commitment in delivering on, and maintaining the rich heritage of our community.”
“This project, that will see the construction of a modern jetty, will help transform the Bowen coastline for future generations to enjoy, and attract tourists to this beautiful part of Queensland.
“By investing in local infrastructure, we are investing in our local communities and with the Bowen Jetty project, we are protecting our local ecosystems.”
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Bart Mellish stated:
“The Miles Labor Government understands the importance of this historical asset for the Bowen community.”
“This investment will ensure its future for many generations to come.”
NQBP CEO Brendan Webb also added:
“This has been a collaborative effort between NQBP, the Queensland Government, Whitsunday Regional Council and the Bowen community.”
Supplied by Labor
Anne Baker, Labor Candidate for Burdekin
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