The Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) has been announced as the venue for the 2023 Whitsunday Tourism Awards which is due to take place on Friday, October 20.

Based on feedback from last year, the highly anticipated 2023 event will take a different format and will be delivered cocktail-style, with a well-airconditioned venue for the award presentations.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Rick Hamilton, expressed his excitement for the new location.

"We are thrilled to be bringing the Whitsundays Tourism Awards to the Proserpine Entertainment Centre!” he said.

“We’re looking forward to a different style of event this year with two distinct elements to the evening – live music, canapes, and drinks on the lawn followed by the awards ceremony in the auditorium.”

Following an $18.8 million rebuild, the PEC provides The Whitsundays with a state-of-the-art facility that can seat up to 380 people in the auditorium and has international standard lighting, sound equipment, and professional backstage areas.

The event promises to be a night of celebration and recognition as business owners, management, and staff gather to honour the remarkable contributions and successes within The Whitsundays tourism industry.

In addition to the presentation of accolades, the evening will feature captivating entertainment, delectable food, and great networking opportunities.

For the first time this year, Tourism Whitsundays is excited to announce Bishopp outdoor advertising as the new event sponsor.

They would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to other sponsors Reef Gateway Hotel, Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper, TeePee Events, Whitsunday Transit, Bendigo Bank, Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce, ARN and BookEasy, whose generous support has made this significant event possible.

Tickets are on sale now: tourismwhitsundays.com.au.

WHAT: Whitsunday Tourism Awards

WHEN: Friday, October 20

WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre

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The Proserpine Entertainment Centre will host the 2023 Whitsunday Tourism Awards. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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The Proserpine Lions and Ladies Auxiliary celebrated their annual changeover dinner last week, at the Proserpine Leisure and Activity Centre.

Celebrating the incoming board of directors and congratulating the outgoing board of directors, the club also acknowledged their mammoth figure of $31,250 that had gone towards local community organisations.

The dinner was attended by Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor, Julie Hall, and included a series award presentations.

Lions President Joe Little was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the International President, Brian Sheehan, and a plaque of appreciation from the wider Proserpine Lions Club, for his continued commitment to being the president of the lions club for six terms.

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Proserpine Lions Club and past Lions District Governor Gary Kenny, with Mayor Julie Hall.
President of the Proserpine Lions Club Joe Little was recognised for his continued commitment to the club. Photos supplied

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The Proserpine Library has unveiled a new visual art exhibition, displaying the Heart Art Exhibit created by participants of the Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre.

The artwork created for the exhibit was a part of the participants art therapy, which allowed creative expression and an emotive release.

The art therapy also improves mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing by engaging self-expression in a safe and comforting environment, fostering social inclusion through the use of a group setting.

Hosted by the Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre, participants include ageing seniors and disabled residents in the Whitsundays community and provide and encourage them to make the best of their individual abilities.

Jayne Milne, Chief Executive of Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre said that the art group is a good outlet for the participants, and the ability to have their art viewed in a public setting is exciting.

“This opportunity gets some positivity back into their lives,” she said.

“It allows the centre to get a bit more exposure and all funds gathered are a bonus for the organisation.”

Robyn Batman, Team Leader for Proserpine Library said that Proserpine Library is proud to showcase to the community the artworks created by the participants of the Whitsunday Leisure and Activity Centre.

“The art therapy sessions and other activities provided by this organisation are vital to the communities wellbeing and supported by the Whitsunday Regional Libraries.”

The Heart Art Exhibition will be available for viewing until August 7, and all artwork is available for purchase.

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The Heart Art Exhibition showcases the artwork completed by the Whitsunday Leisure Activity Centre. Photo supplied

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The team at Whitsunday Mowers are looking after the Whitsundays this month, with ten per cent off any and all mowers off the floor, for the month of July.

Yes, this includes your standard push mower, your ride on mower, your zero turn and your electric mower, until stocks last.

Stocking premium names in the business, Whitsunday Mowers has some of the best knowledge in the business.

With a range of Toro, Cox, Victa, Bushranger, Razorback, Ferris, and Stihl machines, the staff are able to point you in the right direction, for a mower that best suits your needs.

Don’t forget to check their extensive electric range, which offer some of the best power, with the added convenience of no fuss charging at home.

“Once you’ve got an electric mower, all you need to do for maintenance is change the blades,” explained Wayne Drabsch, owner and manager of Whitsunday Mowers.

“And these machines can easily mow up to 800 metres with ease.”

Whitsunday Mowers are also the local Razorback dealer, experts with these machines of power.

“The Razorback range is compact and is more in the brush cutting world than the mowing world,” explained Wayne.

“Because they are as heavy duty as heavy duty comes - being a four-wheel drive, this thing can get into some pretty awesome places.”

No matter the yard, from the standard 800 square metre residential plot to big paddocks and rural land blocks, the extensive range available from Whitsunday Mowers has something for everyone.

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With ten per cent off mowers at Whitsunday Mowers, now is the perfect time to upgrade. Photo supplied

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This beautiful family home is perched against a backdrop of rainforest, nestled in a private location in Sugarloaf. The property is set on an 8.5-acre block surrounded by tropical gardens, fruit trees, seasonal waterfalls, and ponds.

Some features include:

- Three bedrooms, master with renovated ensuite and walk in robe

- Large modern kitchen

- Spacious open plan living/dining area

- Full length front verandah

- Family bathroom

- Office

- Three carport spaces

- One bedroom guest cottage with bath and toilet

- Polished timber floors throughout

- 55,000 litre pool

- Good bore

- Approx. 120,000 litres of tank water suppling the house

- Three bay Colorbond shed approx. 9m x 6m

Recently renovated and looking for a new family, this stunning property offers the lifestyle you've been dreaming of.

For more information or to arrange a private viewing please contact Troy Liesch on 0428 646 599 or email troy@whitsundayrealty.com.au

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Elizabeth Nicolson nee Miller was born in Bowen March 12, 1884. She married Angus DeSalis Nicolson on June 17, 1914. Initially, they went to live with her family in Argyle Park, Bowen (near Queen’s Beach).

The Nicolson family association with Lindeman Island began in 1923 when Angus went to the island and saw its potential for tourism and established a rudimentary camp for visitors.  Elizabeth purchased the licence to the island in her name that year a precursor to Lindeman becoming the first of the Whitsunday Island tourism resorts.

With their three children – Lachlan De Salis born 1915, Donald Archibald (Archie) born 1918, Elizabeth Margaret (Betty) born 1921 – Elizabeth travelled via coastal steamer, QGS Relief, the primary transport mode to the islands, and joined Angus on Lindeman Island in 1925.

For a young family, Lindeman Island was quite isolated in terms of access to many mainland advantages such as medical care and schools. With a young family, Elizabeth no doubt experienced many tense times weathering the storms of childhood illnesses and injuries in the very early days.  If Angus was away on the island’s boat, Aladdin, it was extremely difficult to obtain medical help. The nearest doctor was a slow boat’s sail to the mainland.  

The Relief, the government lighthouse vessel, called once per month or a passing ketch could be hailed.  However, the children had a lot of fun and were quite healthy being brought up on physical activity, home grown produce and well away from coastal epidemics. When of school age, they began correspondence school with the task of teaching falling to their mother, Elizabeth.

It must be said though that Lindeman was not a lonely place as it was popular with boats passing through and had a welcoming reputation.  

Elizabeth worked in partnership with Angus to manage the island grazing business (already established) and develop a base for tourism – their shared dream for the island. In 1926, they obtained a special lease for fourteen years for grazing purposes.

In the early days, the family lived in the residence built by the former owners, the Addisons, and adapted to life on an isolated island – running sheep; obtaining water from the island’s wells and springs; growing a variety of fruits and vegetables – gradually adding facilities to cater to tourists including the Embury scientific expeditions which began in 1928.

In 1932, Elizabeth and Angus applied for a new lease to develop tourism on the island which by then had ‘comfortable grass cabins, electric light and running water in every room.’ In 1934, Elizabeth took on the role of island secretary for syndicate formed with Gordon-MacLeod of Sydney, the Nicolsons and Mel Ward, expert in marine zoology.

Eventually, in 1938, Elizabeth and Angus, bought out other shareholders and divided them equally amongst the children and themselves.  Until her passing in 1958, the business would be a shared family venture. All children, their spouses and her grandchildren remained involved and lived on the island during her lifetime.

Elizabeth lived to see the dream that she and Angus had worked towards, where the island, set in the waters of the beautiful Whitsunday Passage, was transformed into a highly popular resort with all the facilities needed to attract tourists from far afield - built accommodations, dining hall, recreation lounge, tennis court, golf course, air strip, and the island’s own boats.

Even royalty knew about Lindeman. In 1954, the Royal yacht Britannia anchored off Lindeman and Queen Elizabeth II swam in the waters nearby, during her visit to Australia.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

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Australian Street Aid Project were the recipients of a record $75,000 grant at last Friday’s annual Mackay Community Foundation (MCF) grant presentation in the Jubilee Community Centre.

The sizeable grant, the largest issued to date in MCF’s twenty-year history, will assist in funding the PINK Sleepbus for Mackay.

Dianne Smith, Client Services Manager of ASAP, accepted the $75,000 certificate from MCF Board Member Ian Joblin and said the funding would provide an option for females and children to obtain a safe night’s sleep while being supported by an all-female volunteer Sleepbus team.

Safe Sleep Mackey was formed last November in response to the current housing crisis to deliver short term solutions for people without a safe place to sleep.

ASAP are committed to providing immediate relief and support to people experiencing homelessness. It was one of eight local non-profit organisations to receive grants totalling $169,000 on the day.

Transforming Lives
Mackay Community Foundation Grants Fuel Social Impact

The Mackay Community Foundation provides an opportunity for individuals, families and businesses to make donations to support those in need in the region, both now and in the future.

Not for profit organisations in the region apply for grants to fund charitable projects that align with the aims of the Foundation.

Since 2003, the Foundation has provided a total of $1.6 million in grants thanks to the Mackay community’s commitment to “Give Where You Live”.

MCF Board Chair Frances Easton said that the other seven grants in this year’s round were “just as worthy”.

“Each year we are able to increase our level of grants, thanks to the generosity and vision of Mackay businesses, families and individuals,” Ms Easton said.

ASAP strives to build community and bring hope, encouragement, and purpose to the lives of those they serve whilst creating opportunities which enable pathways out of homelessness.

They aim to promote dignity and positive social interactions in an inclusive and welcoming environment which enables people to exit the cycle of homelessness with as little trauma as possible, increasing their chances of leading a fulfilling life following their homelessness experience.

KIDNEY SUPPORT NETWORK were the recipients of a $28,545 grant for its Renal Patient Transport Service.

The funding will help replace an ageing vehicle that assists to transport renal patients to and from hospital appointments for their dialysis three times per week.

Paula O’Neill, KSN Operations Manager, accepted the grant from Wayne James of Next Accounting and a founding director of the MCF.

Kidney Support Network has been providing quality support to Queenslanders who are impacted by chronic kidney disease (renal failure) since 1981.

SELECTABILITY received a $20,000 grant to support its River 2 Reef Ride for Young People.

This project is to take a group of ten disadvantaged young people and train the participants up to be successful in completing the River 2 Reef Ride during October this year.

The aim of the project is to build a sense of participation and community amongst the group and to develop teamwork and communication strategies that enforce positive outcomes.

Carl Holland, the Bike Shed Co-ordinator for Selectability, accepted the grant from named fund donor Frank Attard of Key Solutions Group.

RONALD McDONALD House Charities North Australia were the recipients of a $14,400 grant to fund its Learning Program.

The grant will cover costs of 40 hours of tutoring for six local Mackay students.

Aim is that each student has improved numeracy and literacy skills and to make the journey back to school as smooth as possible.

These children will have missed a large amount of schooling due to cancer treatment and this tutoring will provide a much-needed boost to their confidence and self-esteem.

Samantha Lee from Ronald McDonald House accepted the grant from Geoff O’Connor of SBB Partners.

CROSSROAD ARTS were the recipients of a $10,000 grant to help fund the Loose Ends Event that is part of celebrations for International Day for People with Disability.

This would include venue hire, artists, artist support and an AUSLAN interpreter. Loose Ends was initiated in 2018 to address the gap for inclusive nighttime activities in the CBD for young people with disability.

It was also designed to be a place for people to socialise, be entertained and have opportunities to meet new and different people. For many groups the Loose Ends evening is an event to work towards celebrating diversity, access and inclusion.

Lesa Walker, Company Administrator of Crossroad Arts, accepted the grant from Luke Phillips of Gardian Group.

PHOENIX PLACE was the recipient of a $9,720 grant to support its Driving Equity project.

This project will fund the modification of a vehicle and training of an existing qualified driving instructor to provide local access to specialised driving lessons for people with a disability.

Objectives and aims are to provide local opportunity for people with a disability to enhance and improve their independence, participation and employability and reduce their reliance on family carers and paid carers.

There is no service in Mackay at present and people need to travel to Townsville or Rockhampton as the closest points for driver training.

Phoenix Place representative Janice Quadrio accepted the grant from Ben Chick of named fund donor Explore Property.

MACKAY COMMUNITY VISITORS ASSOCIATION were the recipients of a $5,500 grant.

The MCVA provides great work in the community in supporting the elderly with their services.

In aid of assisting with these services and continuing to operate to the highest possible standards this grant will fund much needed IT equipment such as two desktop computers, a new printer and server.

MCVA promotes inclusion, participation and friendship for people who are feeling isolated in aged care facilities or in their own homes.

They aim to enhance the lives of clients who experience limited contact with family and friends, experience mental health issues, cultural barriers, mobility issues, disabilities, illness or isolation.

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY were the recipients of a $5,000 grant to again support its UniCare MCF Emergency Grant scheme.

Last year the $5,000 grant supported seven students who were in need of financial support for various reasons and continued on with one graduating and the other six still enrolled and studying.

By extending this grant the Foundation can continue to assist students financially who come into an emergency crisis so as to assist them with their studies.

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Mackay Community Foundation board chair Frances Easton with the 2023 grant recipients:  CQUniversity Unicare Emergency, Mackay Community Visitors Association, Phoenix Place Inc., Crossroad Arts, Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia, Selectability, Kidney Support Network and Australian Street Aid Project

ASAP Caption: Diane Smith and Ash Hilder from the Australian Street Aid Project receiving a $75,000 grant from Ian Joblin, board member for the Mackay Community Foundation

Kidney support network Caption: > Mackay Community Foundation co-founder Wayne James of Next Accounting presenting a 2023 grant to Kidney Support Network CEO Paula O’Neill

Selectability Caption: Carl Holland, the Bike Shed Co-ordinator for Selectability, accepted a $20,000 grant from named fund donor Frank Attard of Key Solutions Group, presented by Mayor Greg Williamson

Ronald McDonald House Caption: Samantha Lee from Ronald McDonald Charities North Australia receiving a 2023 grant from individually named fund donor Geoff O'Connor, also representing named fund donor SBB Partners

Crossroad Arts Caption: Lesa Walker and Georgia Knoll from Crossroad Arts accepting a grant from named donor Gardian, represented by Luke Phillips

Phoenix Place Caption: Phoenix Place representative Janice Quadrio accepted the grant from Ben Chick of named fund donor Explore Property

MCVA Caption: MCVA were the recipients of a $5,500 grant

CQU Caption: Leanne Williams, CQU Campus Co-ordinator, accepted the grant from Whitsunday Anglican School students Sabrin Sekandar and Imogen

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Earlier this week, the local community came together to commemorate NAIDOC in a truly remarkable event. The morning was filled with a vibrant display of cultural pride and unity at Mackay Regional Council’s annual Flag Raising Ceremony, as attendees were treated to captivating performances by the Tchundal Malar Dance Group and the Torres Strait Island Dancers.

The rain didn’t dampen spirits as the event moved inside to escape the intermittent showers. The festivities commenced with a Flag Raising Ceremony at the Civic Precinct, where esteemed community Elders, including Merle Barba, Arthur Ahwang, and Pat Corrie, played a significant role in the proceedings.

The excitement continued as the Tchundal Malar Dance Group took to the stage, showcasing their traditional dance moves and mesmerising the audience with their rhythmic beats. The performers skillfully brought to life the rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions of the First Nations community.

The Torres Strait Island Dancers also graced the event with their awe-inspiring routines. With their vibrant costumes and graceful movements, they transported the crowd to the stunning islands of the Torres Strait, showcasing the beauty and diversity of our Indigenous cultures.

The event served as a powerful reminder of the significance of NAIDOC and the ongoing journey towards reconciliation and cultural preservation. It was a testament to the strength and resilience of the First Nations community, and a celebration of their rich contributions to our society.

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NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony. Photo Credit: Mackay Regional Council

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At Cape Hillsborough

Queensland National Parks are working with Yuwi Land and Sea Rangers to protect the cultural heritage of Cape Hillsborough National Park.

The Yuwibara, or Yuwi, people are the traditional custodians of the lands that make up the Mackay region, their traditional lands covering an extensive area from the O’Connell River in the north, to Eungella National Park in the west, Cape Palmerston National Park to the south and sea and coastal Country to the east.

Cape Hillsborough National Park has several areas of cultural significance to the Yuwi People, including a site containing a large shell midden, a distinct concentration of shells containing evidence of the Yuwi Peoples’ long-standing connection to the area.

The National Park has an increase of a weed species growing around the midden site after extensive rainfall in early 2023.

Yuwi Elders, knowledge holders, and the Ranger teams met on site to discuss different options to remove the weeds with minimal impact to the significant cultural site.

It was decided that using temporary plastic sheeting to suppress the weeds and seeds over time was the perfect sensitive approach to restoring and protecting this site.

To install the material, Rangers worked from outside the fence line, carefully laying the sheets across the site and minimising their impact.

Over the next few months, Rangers will continue to monitor and assess the site.

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Photo credit: Mike Griinke © Queensland Government

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amanda

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Provides The Magic Of Reading To All

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Women Dominate Central Queensland Training Awards

By Amanda Wright

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full list of Central Queensland winners:

Individual award categories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Organisation award categories

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

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

Medium Employer of the Year – RGM Maintenance Rockhampton

Small Employer of the Year – McCarthy Panel Works, Mackay

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Caitlyn Barnes

Tenelle Bird

Abby-Rose Bowman

Trudy Berry

McCarthy Panel Works

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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