Donations raised at Life Publishing Group’s sold-out Enchanted Garden fundraiser in October 2025 are now being distributed, with a total of $56,000 shared among eight charities doing vital work across North Queensland.

In the first handover, a cheque for $8,000 was presented to Ailen Lord, President of Fauna Rescue Whitsundays.

The funds will go to vital medical equipment, food and provisions for native wildlife rescued from our region, as the non-profit organisation rehabilitates injured, orphaned and sick animals with a goal to send them back to the wild.

Ailen would like to thank the community for their kind donations that evening.

“At first I didn't believe it,” she said.

“I was like, No, it can't be $8,000… then I went and read the email. We were really overwhelmed and very thankful because we normally don't get that much money to help us, and mainly, people don't even know what we're doing... It's just so nice.

“So, thank you so much everyone. And I know you don't actually see the impact you put towards donating this money. But it's huge, so I'll try to share some photos so you guys can see where that money goes and how the wildlife gets back out there thanks to this. So thank you so much, everybody.”

With the charity currently spending $10,000 on vet bills alone, and another $10,000 a year on food, the donation will go far to help the volunteers sustain the amazing work they do.

With a baby pinky brush-tailed possum tucked into her shirt as she accepted the cheque, it’s clear that Ailen and the team care deeply for the wildlife that surrounds the Whitsundays, and will continue to put their all into the cause.

Other animals the organisation rescues and rehabilitates include rock wallabies, birds, reptiles and native frogs, with a specialised frog hospital located in Mackay.

Ailen said plans are underway to establish additional outdoor enclosures for recovering wallabies, which can be difficult to house in volunteer homes. With continued community support, the team hopes to expand its facilities and make an even greater impact in the year ahead.

1 – Ailen Lord accepts $8,000 raised by last year’s fundraiser, with Life Publishing’s Rachael Smith and Trish Jandt. Photo: Suzanna Mcloughlin.

2,3,4 – Some of the cuties saved by Fauna Rescue Whitsundays. Photos: Facebook.

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Investment in skills and training is continuing to support local jobs and inclusive employment across the Whitsundays, with the Skilling Queensland for Work initiative helping community organisations deliver practical training and pathways into employment.

The program supports community-based organisations to provide training, mentoring and hands-on work experience for Queenslanders looking to enter or re-enter the workforce, while also delivering real benefits to local industries and communities.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said the program was helping create meaningful opportunities across the region.

“Programs like Skilling Queensland for Work are creating real pathways for people in our community to gain skills, build confidence and move into meaningful employment,” Ms Camm said.

“In regional areas like the Whitsundays, investing in local training and workforce development is essential to supporting businesses and strengthening our economy.”

In Cannonvale, Endeavour Foundation continues to support people with disability through tailored training and employment programs that build independence and job-ready skills.

“Endeavour Foundation does incredible work supporting people with disability to develop confidence and practical workplace skills,” Ms Camm said.

“These programs help ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in the workforce and be part of our community.”

Local industry groups, including Canegrowers, are also benefiting from workforce initiatives aimed at supporting the future of Queensland’s agriculture sector, helping build a pipeline of skilled workers for the region.

Ms Camm said continued investment in skills and training would deliver long-term benefits for the Whitsundays.

“By supporting local organisations and industry to deliver training and employment pathways, we are creating opportunities for individuals and building a stronger future for our region,” she said.

Amanda Camm with the Endeavour Foundation in Cannonvale

Photo supplied

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Renewable Energy Partners have withdrawn their proposal for the Proserpine Wind Farm, a 166-turbine project put forward in 2022. The project had reached final stages of planning before being dropped this month.

Renewable Energy Partners had pitched that the farm would generate enough renewable energy to power roughly 640,000 houses a year, whilst creating 250 jobs.

Their plans, however, created controversy amongst some locals who raised concerns about the impact of the farm on the environment, health, and the area’s liveability.

Protesters from the Whitsunday Wind Farm Action Group stated: “Today’s news that the Proserpine Wind Farm is not proceeding has understandably lifted spirits across the community.”

However, they highlighted, other ongoing wind projects remain on their radar – namely the Mt Challenger Wind Farm, a turbine development proposed by Alinta Energy.

This proposal involves two separate project locations at Mt Challenger and Crystal Brook/Kelsey Creek with plans for up to 30 industrial wind turbines, each reaching approximately 240 metres in height.

Several of the proposed turbine locations are close to existing rural homes and properties, with some situated within 1.5 kilometres of residences and less than 9 kilometres from Proserpine.

Alinta calls the project “a powerful opportunity for the region”, which is “committed to making a positive impact in communities.”

According to their website: “The project is expected to bring a range of benefits, including jobs across construction, operations, and decommissioning phases; upgrades to essential services like roads and emergency response; and contributions to initiatives led by the community itself.”

At time of publication, a petition against the Alinta Energy development has garnered 4,493 signatures.

“This conversation isn’t over,” Whitsunday Wind Farm Action states.

“We ask: If a project in a more suitably located area has been deemed unviable, and the region is already described as “chock-full” of wind proposals, why does a proposal situated closer to homes, scenic corridors and established rural communities continue to move forward?”

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, met with the group this week to hear community concerns.

“We are grateful to Andrew and his team for standing with us, for acknowledging our concerns, and for committing to continue advocating on our behalf,” the group published.

“This community is resilient, informed, and united — and we will continue to stand up for our homes and our future.”

Photo Source: Whitsunday Wind Farm Action Group

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Controlled water releases were underway over the weekend at Kinchant Dam as authorities responded to ongoing and forecast heavy rainfall across the dam’s catchment.

In the early hours of Wednesday, 18 February, Sunwater confirmed release rates would increase from approximately 648 megalitres per day to around 1,250 megalitres per day in preparation for further weather impacts.

Sunwater warned the increased flows may contribute to localised flooding downstream, with reports of minor impacts already circulating since Tuesday, 17 February. Residents in affected areas were urged to remain vigilant as conditions continued to evolve.

Excess water releases commenced at 8:45am on Wednesday after the dam reached its maximum operating level of 87 per cent. Earlier advice issued on Tuesday morning indicated the dam was likely to reach this threshold later that day, with flows expected into Sandy Creek.

At that time, residents downstream of the dam — including those near Sandy Creek, Mirani and Eton — were advised to stay informed and monitor conditions closely. Water flows were expected to impact Antoneys Crossing and Curran’s Crossing, with increased flows forecast within six to 12 hours.

Catchment levels have been rising steadily throughout February. On the morning of Wednesday, 4 February, Sunwater reported the dam peaked at 56.69 metres, reaching 80.30 per cent capacity. By that afternoon, levels had increased to 82.26 per cent.

The most significant rise was recorded on Monday, 16 February, when levels jumped from 83.92 per cent to 87.10 per cent in just 24 hours.

As of Wednesday, 25 February, the catchment was sitting at 84.68 per cent capacity, holding 61,169 megalitres of water at a height of 57.03 metres - just 1.18 metres below the dam’s spillway level.

On Sunday, 22 February, after almost five days of releasing excess water, Sunwater confirmed Kinchant Dam had now returned to regular operating conditions, and releases have now ceased after the catchment recorded a capacity of approximately 84 per cent.

“Sunwater’s thoughts are with any communities in Queensland who may be experiencing flooding due to extreme weather,” said a Sunwater spokesperson.

“Due to recent rainfall across North and Central Queensland, several Sunwater dams are spilling or close to capacity, and minor releases from Kinchant Dam ceased on Sunday 22 February.”

Earlier this week, on Wednesday, 25 February, Peter Faust Dam reached a capacity of 96.72 per cent, 16.81 per cent below the historical high recorded in late March, 2011 of 113.53 per cent.

Sunwater assured they do not expect Peter Faust Dam to spill based on current forecasts, however warned conditions could change rapidly and are urging residents to prepare for potential flooding.

“Sunwater is closely monitoring conditions across dam catchments and liaising with Local Disaster Management Groups as necessary. We will continue to provide updates regarding individual dams as per Emergency Action Plan requirements,” the spokesperson said.

“We would urge the community to remain vigilant near rising water courses and listen to advice from councils and emergency services - and if it’s flooded, forget it.”

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring Kinchant Dam storage levels, tuning in to ABC Tropical North on 101.1 FM, and checking local updates, road closures and evacuation information through Mackay Regional Council’s Disaster Dashboard. River and rainfall conditions can also be monitored via the Bureau of Meteorology.

In an emergency, residents should call Triple Zero (000). For flood assistance, contact the State Emergency Service on 132 500 or through the SES Assistance QLD app.

1. Peter Faust Dam reached a capacity level of 96.72 per cent earlier this week. Photo credit: Cr John Collins
2. Water releases at Kinchant Dam have now ceased. Photo source: Sunwater

Local mum, business owner and soccer lover, Sonya Quod, is swimming 32 kilometres at Proserpine Pool this February to raise money for Starlight, a charity dedicated to bringing moments of joy to hospitalised children.

When we spoke to Sonya on Monday, she had just five days left of the challenge and was feeling the fatigue – but not letting it get in her way.

By committing to swim 22 lengths of the 50m pool every day for 28 days, Sonya has raised a whopping $5,534 for Starlight, a cause that is close to her heart.

Sonya’s then 11-year-old daughter, Arista, became gravely ill after contracting mycoplasma pneumonia with a secondary mucositis infection.

She initially spent some time in Proserpine Hospital before being moved to Mackay, and eventually was airlifted by the Royal Flying Doctor Service to Brisbane for life-saving treatment.

Arista’s hospital stay went on several months, and for a time she wasn’t allowed visitors. When this changed the Starlight Volunteers began visiting her, bringing much-needed brightness to an otherwise difficult time.

“They would come around to the rooms and do entertainment, they’d sing and dance, telling jokes and doing magic tricks,” Sonya explains.

“And they also had a Starlight Room where you could go with your kids to get a break from the hospital. It’s amazing. It’s so bright and bubbly, and there’s music… They’re just amazing at what they do. Everyone walked out of there with a smile on their face, no matter how sick they were.”

When Sonya saw Starlight’s Super Swim campaign on Facebook, she knew she wanted to get involved.

“I've always been a water baby,” she says.

“That's why I thought I could do this challenge, even being busy as a mom and running the business. I thought, I can just do some laps, and that's my way of giving back.”

Alongside raising money for Starlight, Sonya says the challenge has been great training leading up to soccer season. With the pool also providing great exercise for Arista’s lungs following her sickness, Sonya’s spending even more time there, now working for Aquatic Rush, teaching little ones to swim.

Sonya is proud to be one of over 13,600 swimmers supporting the cause, and has even found herself in the Top 15 on the fundraiser leaderboard.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to my family and friends for their support throughout the challenge,” Sonya says.

“Some days I needed a little support crew to get me through. Also, thank you for the amazing donations – it has blown me away. It will go to the children and families doing it tough.”

To donate, and find more information about how you can support the cause, scan the QR code below.

1- Sonya Quod, super mum swimming for Starlight. Photo: Suzanna Mcloughlin

2 – Arista with the starlight entertainers bringing joy to Queensland Children’s Hospital. Photo supplied.

3 – Volunteers visit children in need of a smile. Photo supplied.

4 – Starlight arrives with a song, joke, or magic trick to make the hospital a brighter place. Photo supplied.

5 – Scan here to donate

Residents across the Whitsunday and Burdekin shires, alongside the Molongle Creek Boat Club (MCBC) and the wider Cape Upstart community, are calling on the State Government to honour a long-standing commitment to provide reliable all-tide access at Molongle Creek.

The Molongle Creek access channel is the only marine gateway to Cape Upstart, which is home to approximately 240 sea-access-only properties. The channel is a critical link to the mainland for residents, emergency services, visitors and fishers, with estimates showing between 15,000 and 20,000 vessels use it annually.

Despite its importance, locals say the channel no longer delivers the all-tide access promised during the 2016 state election and formalised in a 2021 handover to government.

“The lack of all-tide access severely restricts people’s access to their properties at Cape Upstart,” said Molongle Creek Boat Club Commodore Ken Betteridge.

Built by Volunteers, Handed to Government

The Molongle Creek Boat Club was formed in 1962 and spent decades developing and maintaining the facility through volunteer labour, private funding and club-owned machinery. In 2021, the club formally surrendered its lease and gifted all assets, valued at $2.84 million, to enable public funding and long-term government management.

In return, the State Government assumed responsibility for maintaining an all-tide access channel, boat ramps and supporting infrastructure.

However, long-time members say concerns raised during the design phase were ignored, particularly warnings that the chosen alignment would be vulnerable to flooding and sediment infill.

“Molongle Creek Boat Club’s lobbying secured funding for an all-tide channel, however, due to various government departments, the placement of the channel was restricted to where it is now,” Mr Betteridge said.

“The choice presented to us was a channel where it is – or was – or no channel at all.”

Within months of completion, wet-season flooding filled the channel with sediment, significantly reducing its depth. While temporary maintenance improved access in 2022 and 2023, a major wet season in 2024 again rendered the channel largely unusable. No maintenance funding has since been allocated.

Locals say vessels that once accessed the channel on a 1.7-metre tide now require tides of 2.4 metres or higher, eliminating reliable daylight access on many days.

“All-tide access?” one resident said. “It’s anything but.”

Safety Concerns Escalate

The deteriorating access has raised serious safety concerns, particularly during peak holiday periods and medical emergencies.

Residents have historically transported sick or injured people by boat to meet ambulances at Molongle Creek, but only when tides permit. When tides are out, emergency helicopter access is required.

“There have been quite a few medical incidences where the access to Molongle Creek was tidally available – if no tide, the emergency helicopter was luckily available,” Mr Betteridge said.

In another recent incident, two young boys were stung by Irukandji jellyfish at Kingfish Bay. Locals say the outcome could have been far worse had the tide been out.

Calls for Practical Solutions

The Molongle Creek Boat Club says solutions already exist, particularly the construction of a protective bund wall using rock or geotextile bags; a method proven at the site, where a small barrier has reduced sediment infill for more than 25 years.

“There are approximately 240 dwellings at Cape Upstart that use Molongle Creek as their main, and only access port – a 365 day all-tide access channel will definitely improve the safety of the whole community,” Mr Betteridge said.

“We need a bund wall sooner rather than later.”

Local State Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the former government failed to deliver on its election promise.

“Promises were made and expectations were built on those promises. Clearly those expectations were not met and, clearly, the promises made were broken,” Mr Last said.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox described the facility as vital regional infrastructure and said a permanent engineering solution was required.

“In my assessment, a permanent infrastructure solution is required to address the siltation issues,” he said.

Maritime Safety Queensland confirmed the channel continues to be impacted by natural flood flows and said long-term management options are being developed in consultation with stakeholders.

Community Patience Wearing Thin

After more than six decades of volunteer stewardship and a multi-million-dollar asset handover, locals say the issue is no longer about future planning, but about honouring commitments already made.

As one MCBC member put it, “We carried this facility for decades. Now we’re asking the government to carry out its commitment.”

1. Drone footage captured on 3 February illustrates the significantly reduced tidal access. Photo source: Molongle Creek Boat Club
2. “Disappointing to say the least,” says Molongle Creek Boat Club Commodore, Ken Betteridge, about the channel’s current condition. Photo credit: Epic Pics
3. Molongle Creek Boat Ramp is located approximately 60 kilometres north of Bowen. Photo source: Molongle Creek Boat Club

On Thursday 12 February, the Bowen Fire and Rescue Station received a state of the art $1.15 million Type 3 fire truck, the best appliance the team had ever seen. The appliance was provided for by the government to support fire rescue initiatives across the region.

Both Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins and State Member for Burdekin Dale Last, were present at the event, with Mr Last handing over the keys – a ceremonial gesture to mark the start of a great endeavour.

The truck is the first of its kind to be delivered to the Bowen Station and is considered a jack-of-all trades appliance, built with the capability of responding to structural, petrol, chemical and grass fires. Additional features include modern road crash equipment as well as extra space for specialised rescue features, allowing the crew to respond more efficiently to a variety of emergencies.

“Our firefighters go above and beyond for this community, and this new appliance gives them the modern, reliable equipment they need to do their job with confidence and capability,” said Mr Last.

Queensland Fire Department (QFD) Assistant Commissioner Michael O’Neil said the

new fit-for-purpose appliance would help Bowen firefighters continue providing first-

class frontline services to their community.

“Firefighters in Bowen can be called to help people in need right across the

Whitsunday region, from Proserpine to the south, inland to Collinsville and north to

Gumlu,” he said.

“This appliance is a valuable asset to the continued service delivery for Bowen and

surrounding communities, and the crews have undergone extensive training to

ensure they are familiar with the appliance and ready to use it well.”

Overall, it was a great occasion with local and regional firefighters present to show their gratitude. The boost to important infrastructure ensures that more emergency and rescue calls can be responded to with efficiency and consistency.

1. Member for Burdekin Dale Last. Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi
2. Dale Last MP handing over the keys. Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi
3. The team with Dale Last MP and Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins. Photo credit: Sebastian Conidi

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Ivan Lizarralde, owner of Blue Peace pest control, recently stumbled across a Whitsunday Life article highlighting Vari ‘Bi Bi’ Galletly’s dedicated work with children in Tanzania and was inspired to act.

Ivan makes a donation every year and was looking for his 2026 cause, seeking a trustworthy organisation that ensures all funds go directly to the person in need.

When he read about Vari’s House of Happiness, a home that gives kids in Tanzania care and access to education, he decided he’d found exactly what he was looking for.

The article detailed Vari’s mission to help Simon, one of the orphanage’s wards, on his journey to train to become a pilot. This in particular caught Ivan’s eye.

Ivan flies planes himself, as a hobby and through Blue Peace, visiting the islands to conduct pest inspections.

“I know what joy it is and what a beautiful thing it is to be up there in the air and help others.” Ivan says. “I just thought it was one way to give back to humanity. And Vari, she's amazing.”

Thanks in part to Ivan’s amazing generosity, Simon will be leaving Tanzania for Johannesburg in the coming days, where he will train for his dream career.

Tax-deductible donations to the organisation can be made here: https://www.gdg.org.au/DonateJ602NH

1 - Ivan’s love of flying inspired him to support Vari’s mission.

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Hi Everyone,

Earlier this week, my mum and a friend were discussing how disappointing it is that the English tabloids are dominated by stories about a disgraced prince and alleged sexual predator. Especially when there is so much more worth talking about.

I couldn’t agree more.

If you read this paper regularly, you’ll know we focus on positive community news. It’s not just a preference; it’s our business model. And people clearly love it too.

Over the years, we’ve discovered there’s no shortage of uplifting and inspiring local news stories, even in a small community like ours. Imagine if national headlines were filled with stories that celebrate generosity, resilience and creativity. There are certainly enough of them around if only you open your eyes to take a look.

This week brought two wonderful reminders of that.

The first was meeting a baby wombat cradled in the arms (and, to our surprise, tucked safely inside the bra) of Ailen from Fauna Rescue Whitsundays. She keeps rescued joeys close to incubate and nurse them back to health.

You can read more on page 10 about how our company presented Fauna Rescue with $8,000. This donation is part of the $56,000 raised at our Enchanted Garden fundraiser in October. Thanks to the generosity of our community, seven local beneficiaries will each receive an equal share. We’ll be introducing them in print and online over the coming weeks.

The second inspiring moment was attending the Whitsundays Writers Festival focus group on Sunday. I was thrilled to see our two young journalists there, alongside our Sales Manager Trish, who serves on the advisory board with me and other passionate locals.

The committee has one bold goal for the Whitsundays Writers Festival: to become Australia’s best and largest regional writers festival. I admire their ambition, their vision and belief in our region.

Here’s to keeping the good news shining bright in our region!

Rach

Quote of the Week “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot” Michael Altshuler

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Adventure meets wonder as Alexander Gall and Sina Cheung prepare to sail from Australia this April on an epic global mission to revive coconut culture across 12 countries. The duo will journey to remote islands and coastal communities, establishing coconut cultural centres and championing self-sufficient living powered by nature.

Alex’s passion was sparked 15 years ago, running a bustling coconut bar in North Queensland. Now, the pair will embark on a great odyssey across the globe promoting their passion for coconuts and sustainability.

Alexander Gall and Sina Cheung are about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. Aboard their boat, they plan to visit 12 different countries, establishing coconut cultural centres in each country with a focus of educating and spreading passion for coconut farming.

‘We want to find out if coconut culture is still alive in villages and islands around the world”, said Alex.

The ambitious project will see the pair sail around the world to foster coconut culture and teach people how to best make use of the plant. At the core of this endeavour is a wealth of inspiration from years of firsthand experience with coconuts and the influence of history.

The inspiration came first from Thor Heyerdahl, a Norwegian explorer whose wooden raft is currently located at the Museum of Sydney. The adventurer famously sailed through Peru to French Polynesia in 101 days.

“I said well, if that’s going to work on a wooden raft, then it might work on a bamboo catamaran as well.”

Over the course of their journey, the pair plan to build a great bamboo catamaran.

“We want to make a sustainable living headquarter out of bamboo. We’re going to find some of the biggest bamboos in the world and build a catamaran of up to 33 metres. We want to make a good first impression when we arrive at villages,” Alex explained.

“We don’t want them to see us as a white catamaran with a champagne bottle, but rather a bamboo boat full of coconuts”.

Alex’s passion for coconuts began 15 years ago in Airlie Beach, when he opened a coconut bar as a backpacker.

“I was 21 at the time. I had just finished the army and was climbing coconut trees every day,” he said.

“My friend and I ended up at Rusty’s Markets in Cairns running a coconut bar for free years, selling around 800 coconuts a day. With that, I received a lot of education about coconuts. My head was full of coconuts after three years”.

Part of the project will see Alex and Sina will film a documentary to record the experience.

“I studied film and documentary in Los Angeles to prepare for this project,” Alex noted.

“We’re going to be connected to Starlink. We will have live updates on social media. The documentary will consist of 13 episodes and will start in Australia”.

Beginning in Australia, the couple will start in the Torres Strait Islands to gauge the coconut culture. From there they plan to sail across the Philippines, Bali, Thailand, India, Zanzibar, the Caribbean Islands, Panama, Hawaii and Papua New Guinea.

Speaking to Sina, she reiterated the emphasis on being self-sustainable, relying on nature over human resources.

“We want to learn how to be self-sustainable and live on boat. We’re not paying rent; we rely on what we have in nature. We’ll look for leaves that we can eat, vegetables we can grow, fish we can catch”, she said.

The couple will likely leave Australia around April directly from the Whitsundays.

“Come join us on this journey and help villagers create this coconut culture centre,” said Alex.

“Support them, go there, ask for the coconut boy.  Ask for the grandma who’s going to cook you something with the coconut. Instead of asking for coca cola in the fridge, ask for the coconut”.

Captions

Alex and Sina preparing for their grand journey

Photo Credit: Suzanna McLoughlin

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After an exciting and closely fought semi-final on Wednesday 20 February, two standout North Mackay Ladies Bowls Club teams progressed to contest the 2026 Championship Fours Final on Thursday 21 February.

The first team featured lead Brenda Trannore, second Narell Schmidtke, third Pam Spencer (substituting for Phyllis Cooper), and skip Carmel Bell. They faced a strong opposing side made up of lead Min Andrew, second Sue Beale, third Michelle Stockton (substituting for Marie Duck), and skip Jean Zamparutti.

Spectators were treated to another nail-biting encounter, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and sportsmanship throughout the match. The final was played at a high standard, with “beautiful bowls” delivered consistently from start to finish, keeping the audience engaged right through the contest.

After a hard-fought 21 ends, Team Carmel Bell claimed victory by the narrowest of margins, sealing a well-earned championship win. The result was met with warm applause from an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd, who acknowledged the outstanding efforts of all players involved.

Congratulations were extended to both teams for delivering a memorable final that showcased the very best of competitive bowls.

1. Pam Spencer, Narell Schmidtke, Carmel Bell, and Brenda Trannore. Photo supplied
2. Min Andrew, Sue Beale, Michell Stockton, Jean Zamparutti, Carmel Bell, Narell Schmidtke, Brenda Trannore, and Pam Spencer. Photo supplied

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The holiday period, actually the entire summer, was punctuated by the massacre of 15 people at Bondi Beach.

It created a jolting re-set of the Australian psyche, an event that has shaken up our easy-going nature and long-held belief that we Aussies are somehow immune from such atrocities.

The ramifications will reverberate for many years to come and they are playing out now on the political stage as ISIS brides and immigration levels are debated.

The immigration issue had already been contentious because many people felt the increased levels in recent years had added to the competition for housing and had pushed up prices in that area as well as for goods and services generally.

Many people were already feeling that “mass migration” was out of control and a massacre of Jewish Australians by people alleged to be Muslim extremists has added to the calls for an immigration re-set.

These things should constantly be reassessed and examined to see what benefit or damage is being created in this country by immigration policies.

One thing most of us would agree on is that we expect those who migrate to Australia to be attracted to - and seek to support - our freedoms, democratic traditions, tolerance and, well, the “Australian way”.

What we don’t want is for people to come here and attempt to fundamentally change the nature of a country whose traditions have established a nation that, while not perfect and still a work in progress, can hold its head high as one of the great achievements in the long march of human history.

Around the time of the Bondi massacre and with the immigration reverberations playing out, I sold a house to a husband and wife from a southern city. They were investors and, while I had not met them face to face, their names indicated their ethnicity was sub-continental.

I had only spoken to the husband and throughout the process of buying the property he had been friendly and pleasant but also well-researched on our market.

When their finance and building and pest report had been approved, he told me they wanted to visit the property and asked if they could do a “prayer ceremony” in the house, which was vacant.

I was happy to make the arrangements and a week or so later they arrived in Mackay and I met them at the property. They were a delightfully friendly and pleasant couple and I enjoyed meeting them and showing them the house.

I stepped outside to allow them to conduct their prayer ceremony in private and we caught up later for a coffee.

What felt like a 20-minute catch-up turned out to be a stimulating and absolutely engaging two-and-a-half hour conversation that straddled their lives, my life and various stories about our respective journeys.

It struck me that there are two sides to the immigration debate; on one hand there is the understandable backlash when certain people spread hate and don’t uphold their end of the bargain with the Australian people who have invited them into this country.

On the other hand there are those who peacefully, gently add their traditions to the cultural melting pot without turning against what we stand for.

Post-colonial Australia is the story of the benefits of immigration and it continues a fascinating culinary, fashion, artistic and cultural transformation of modern Australia.

We must fight to defend our borders and our nation from those who would undermine the freedoms, tolerance and democratic traditions that define us as Aussies.

But as this real estate agent can attest, a gentle prayer ceremony in a suburban Mackay house shows that the right immigrants respect and assimilate while continuing to embrace their own beliefs and traditions. And that is a good thing.

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The Government has announced a further $500 million investment to fast-track new housing developments across Queensland, as part of its push to address the state’s ongoing housing shortage.

The funding forms the second round of the landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund, allowing councils and landowners to apply for support to unlock land and deliver critical infrastructure needed for new housing projects. The initiative has already unlocked land for 98,000 homes statewide, with councils describing the program as a “gamechanger”.

The funding is aimed at accelerating essential infrastructure such as roads, water, sewerage and power, helping remove barriers that have slowed housing supply and pushed prices higher in recent years. At least half of the funding is reserved for projects outside south-east Queensland, ensuring regional communities also benefit.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the investment was a critical step in responding to the housing challenge.

“The reality is Labor’s Housing Crisis has left this state in a residential race against time,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

“More homes across the State are needed and fast, and a key way we can play our part is to unlock land and break down barriers that have been holding back councils and the industry.”

He said the Fund was already delivering results, alongside rising housing approvals and commencements across the state.

Logan City Council Mayor Jon Raven said Round One funding was already making a difference locally.

“The support of the Queensland Government is absolutely critical to fast growing cities like ours,” Mayor Raven said.

Local Government Association of Queensland CEO Alison Smith also welcomed the program, encouraging councils to apply.

“Round One has already proven to be a gamechanger,” Ms Smith said.

Round Two of the Residential Activation Fund opens at 10am on Monday, 23 February 2026.

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By Cr Heath Paton

The wet season has certainly been in full swing around our region to start off the year.

January and February typically bring the highest rainfall totals, driven by tropical systems and monsoonal flows, and while meteorologists anticipated aboveaverage falls, the increased cases of flooding across the Pioneer Valley, coastal lowlands and surrounding rural areas has impacted many.

During and after heavy rainfall, floodwaters present serious dangers even for experienced motorists and residents who know the roads well. It’s crucial to reinforce the “If it’s flooded, forget it” message. Just 30cm of moving water can wash away a small vehicle, and flooded roads often hide damaged surfaces, deep potholes or fast underwater currents.

With Eungella and the highlands as our backdrop, rapid rises can occur from upstream rainfall with very little warning to those near creeks and drainage channels, increasing the risk of both danger and isolation.

Staying informed is one of the most effective ways to stay safe during our wet season. Residents are encouraged to make full use of council’s Emergency Dashboard, which provides realtime updates on road conditions, weather warnings, flood cameras and storm tide information. Council also offers an optin notification system, allowing residents to receive emergency alerts directly to their phones or inboxes – an invaluable tool during severe weather events. By subscribing, locals can ensure they’re receiving accurate, timely information from an official source throughout the season.

While Mackay’s summer rains are vital for agriculture, water supply and the lush landscapes our region is known for, they also come with operational challenges across council’s outdoor teams. A huge shoutout must go to our mowing crews, who have been working tirelessly between showers to keep parks, roadsides and public spaces under control. With constant rain and intense growing conditions, staying on top of mowing is no small feat, and their efforts help keep our region tidy and safe.

We also extend our appreciation to our Vector Control crews, who have been monitoring and treating key mosquito hotspots across the region. Persistent rainfall creates ideal breeding conditions, and their proactive surveillance and treatment programs play a crucial role in reducing mosquito populations and protecting community health.

By staying informed, staying prepared and looking out for one another, our community can remain safe and resilient throughout the 2026 wet season.  And, in the meantime, I’m off to mow my yard because while I typed this, it just grew another 10cm!  

Let’s Chat – Council Connect

Residents can catch up with councillors in person at upcoming Let’s Chat - Council Connect sessions held across the region.  The next session will be held at Midge Point Tavern on Tuesday, March 3.

Details on upcoming sessions can be found on the Connecting Mackay website.

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Balancing university study with a cadetship at a local accounting firm is challenging – but for Brooke Jensen, the support of a Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Higher Education Scholarship has made all the difference.

Each year, Community Bank Sarina invests in local students through scholarships as part of its Community Engagement Program – supporting young people to pursue higher education and apprenticeships while strengthening the future workforce of our region.

For Brooke, the Community Bank Sarina higher education scholarship has eased financial pressure and created space to focus on both her studies and her long-term career pathway.

"This scholarship has given me the confidence to really focus on my studies and cadetship,” Ms Jensen said.

“It’s supported my commitment to keeping my work and academics on track, while approaching everything with a strong work ethic."

DGL Accountants Director Elizabeth Dent said the scholarship supported Brooke’s continued development both academically and professionally.

“We’ve noticed Brooke really coming into her own – more confident and capable in everything she does," Ms Dent said.

"This scholarship has reinforced what she’s capable of reflecting in her steady growth and understanding of the accounting industry."

By supporting students like Brooke, Community Bank Sarina is contributing not only to individual success but to the economic strength and sustainability of the region.

Applications for the 2026 CQUniversity Scholarships for degree studies and apprenticeships close 28 February. Send yours to executive@sarinacommunity.com.au.

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