A central Queensland mine has been recognised by its peers at the Queensland Mining Industry Innovation and Health Awards held on the Gold Coast last month.

Anglo American Dawson Mine CHPP Engineering Coordinator Matthew Downing, along with the Dawson CHPP (coal handling and preparation plant) team, won the People’s Choice category for their work using artificial intelligence to eliminate cable belt dislodgements.

The adaptation of artificial intelligence to eliminate cable belt dislodgments and avoid chip failure when transporting raw coal along a conveyor was acknowledged for its improvements to the mine’s safety and efficiency.

Mr Downing explained the 27km cable conveyor transporting raw metallurgical coal across Dawson Mine comprised two steel wire roles that carried sections of rubber conveyor belts, joined together by clips.

He said because they were prone to regular dislodgements as clips failed or broke, hundreds of meters of belt would bunch up following a failure by the clip.

“Since implementing this technology, we haven’t missed a failing clip and the issue of belt dislodgements have been totally eliminated,” Mr Downing said.

“The time for a technician to review clips for each cable belt has been reduced to five minutes – and can be done remotely.”

Mr Downing said the team first came up with the idea of using a camera to take photos at specific intervals and trialed different cameras to capture belt pictures while the conveyor ran at full speed.

“(Clip failure) caused significant damage, released large amounts of energy and would take days to repair – not to mention lost product in the process,” he said.

“During repairs teams could be exposed to hazardous work environment and high-risk manual handling tasks.”

Anglo American Australia CEO Daniel van der Westhuizen congratulated the team for developing an innovative solution to a significant and costly challenge for the business.

“Congratulations to Matt and the Dawson team, for their work in developing an important safety and efficiency solution that not only saves significant people hours, but removes individuals from exposure, and can be simply replicated to other conveyors attached to coal handling and processing plants.”

The awards were held as part of the Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference, the biggest annual event of its type in the Southern Hemisphere, attended by over 1,100 delegates.

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Matthew Downing and the Dawson CHPP team were awarded for using artificial intelligence to eliminate cable belt dislodgements. Photos supplied

More than 20 years of painstaking research into soybeans is paying dividends for Queensland’s sugar growers.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) is working closely with the farming sector and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GDRC) to double soybean production within three years.

DAF Principal Farming Systems Agronomist Neil Halpin said the research findings show soybeans are a great fit in high-rainfall coastal and hinterland areas such as Bundaberg, Mackay and the Burdekin for farmers wanting a legume rotation crop.

“Our department has been involved in a range of soybean research projects over the last 20 years or so and we’ve come to understand just how valuable this legume is in the sugarcane farming system,” Mr Halpin said.

“Research that was undertaken as part of the ‘Sugar Yield Decline Joint Venture’ has shown that cane farmers can expect a 10% yield increase in the plant cane crop following a well-grown soybean crop compared to a plough-out re-plant.

“In fact, our research shows that the yield increase continues through the ratoon cycle and that the monoculture plots were due for plough-out a year earlier than our legume rotation plots.”

Mr Halpin said the DAF research also showed that a well-grown crop of soybeans can return 300kg of plant-available nitrogen to the soil for the following crop to use if green manured.

“Growers who are growing soybeans for harvest can gain extra income from the soybeans and still expect 60kg or more of ‘free’ nitrogen for their next crop,” he said.

By improving soil health and the soil’s biological, physical and chemical fertility, growers can increase sugarcane yield, thereby improving input use efficiency, improving profits for the farmer while reducing environmental loss pathways.

Mr Halpin said the soybean expansion project jointly funded by DAF and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) will hold several pre-season and in-season soybean agronomy field days beginning in November 2023.

Growers who are interested in more details about upcoming events are urged to subscribe to the DAF Soybean Update by emailing their details to carla.atkinson@daf.qld.gov.au

Long-term soybean growers Jeff and Judy Plath from Childers believe the benefits soybeans offer their farming business go well beyond a simple pay cheque for their crop.

“I saw the immediate benefits of soybeans in our farming system when I first grew them around 20 years ago,” said Mr Plath, who has incorporated the popular legume into his cane farming rotation ever since.

“Not only do soybeans supplement our income, they also improve our soil structure, return nitrogen to the soil, and allow us to reduce cultivation in our farming system.”

The Plaths use a zero-tillage planting system that allows them to plant the soybeans directly through the trash from the previous cane crop.

After the soybeans are harvested, the soybean trash is left intact for as long as possible to protect the soil from erosion, conserve soil moisture, improve soil organic matter levels, and allow strategic release of the nitrogen stored in the soybean plant material.

This practice better aligns the release of nitrogen from the soybean residue with when the sugarcane crop needs it.

“Prior to planting sugarcane, I cultivate the soybean paddock with two passes, which saves time and money and conserves moisture and nutrients in the soil,” Mr Plath said.

“Occasionally the seasonal conditions mean I need to cultivate earlier, or more often, but in general over the last 10 years or more I have been able to plant most of my soybean blocks back to sugarcane with minimal cultivation.”

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In the pursuit of a pain-free and vibrant life, our bodies demand consistent check-ups to avert potential discomfort and injury down the road. For nearly a decade, Experience Healing has stood as a beacon of wellness in the Mackay community, delivering meticulous, thoughtful, and unwavering chiropractic care. With open arms, they welcome patients into a nurturing and inviting space, where helping people is the number one goal.

At the helm of Experience Healing stands Chiropractor Dr Mathew Tibbitts, an individual who brings a distinctive perspective to chiropractic care. Leveraging his extensive background in personal training, he draws on practical insights into the mechanics of the human body, ensuring that patients depart not just with immediate relief but armed with tools and knowledge for sustained recovery.

Dr Mat underlines the core principles at Experience Healing: “Movement, strength, posture and balance." By addressing deficiencies in these areas, the team endeavours to eradicate pain signals. They strive to not only alleviate pain but also correct overall posture and balance, encouraging patients to embrace regular care. Treatment techniques include chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work, dry needling, cupping therapy, and a laser therapy that can only be found at Experience Healing.

Collaborating with Dr. Mat is a dedicated team, including Manager Kristy and Chiropractic Assistants Tanisha and Miranda. Miranda, also a full-time chiropractic student, showcases Experience Healing's commitment to nurturing the next generation of chiropractic talent. As the practice expands, plans are underway to welcome a dedicated Massage Therapist and a second full-time Chiropractor to the team. Recent renovations have transformed Experience Healing into an inviting space for both patients and staff. Looking ahead, community engagement takes centre stage with sponsorship, fundraising events, and forging partnerships with local businesses.

Dr. Mat's profound dedication to patient well-being propels his mission. Establishing a profound bond with his patients, he ensures their comfort, even amidst pain. No matter the ailment, Experience Healing is ready to offer relief.

You can contact Experience Healing by calling 07 4952 4400 or visiting their website experiencehealingchiro.com.au

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Back pain can be experienced anywhere along the spine and can range in intensity from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp or shooting pain.

It’s a relatively common ailment and can be managed effectively with the right treatment.

Dr Bob Wong of Art of Acupuncture said most of his back pain patients have had chronic pain for a very long time, and acupuncture can provide a unique treatment to ongoing problems.

“Many of our patients have tried the conventional approach, not had great success and are looking for an alternative approach to healing,” he said.

After an initial examination, Dr Wong will complete a patient’s health history and see if there is any structural damage before mapping out a treatment plan to get the patient out of pain and enjoying life again.

“Treatment may include acupuncture, cupping, or herbs to reduce pain and inflammation in the back and then retrain the brain and body to heal itself,” said Dr Wong.

Back pain can stem from a variety of sources but there are three common day-to-day factors.

Firstly, physical: pain from structural issues such as bulging discs, pinched nerves or trauma from a tear or sprain.

It can also be from postural issues from long hours at a desk or work-related injuries.

Being overweight can also cause pain due to the extra pressure it puts on the lower back.

Secondly, back pain can come from emotional stress which triggers an inflammatory response from the body.  

Thirdly, diet and lifestyle, including inflammatory foods such as sugar, alcohol, and ultra processed foods, can cause back pain.

If you are experiencing pain for more than several weeks, Dr Wong recommends checking in with your local GP who may recommend physio exercises or rest and heat packs.

If there is still no progress, they may recommend a scan or some imaging to look for structural damage.

Dr Wong recommends gentle stretches and acupressure to treat back pain at home and has developed online resources to aid these exercises.

Visit www.tiktok.com/@art_of_acu_ or www.youtube.com/@art_of_acupuncture to find out more.

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Cancer Council volunteers in Cairns were joined by Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman last week to celebrate Daffodil Day, the organisation’s iconic fundraising initiative to support those affected by cancer.

It comes as data from the Queensland Cancer Register (QCR) has revealed a significant decline in cancer mortality rates among Queenslanders.

The state-wide decline over the last five years can be attributed to various factors, including significant progress in cancer treatments (specifically in immunotherapy), the efforts of committed healthcare providers, investments in prevention initiatives, and enhanced diagnostics using genomic sequencing.

“We know five-year cancer survivorship rates among Queenslanders have increased from just over 50% in the 1980s to over 70% within the last five years,” said Cancer Council Queensland’s Chief Operating Officer Balveen Ajimal.

“We also know one third of all cancers can be prevented simply by modifying lifestyle factors.

“Each year, more than 32,000 Queenslanders are diagnosed with cancer.

“We are using data from our award-winning Cancer Atlas to understand the needs of cancer patients across Australia and develop the right support services for all Queenslanders affected by cancer, regardless of where they live.”

The Cancer Alliance Queensland (CAQ), which manages the QCR, has developed an interactive dashboard to allow public access to key incidence, mortality, and survival data for Queensland.

The Cancer Data Explorer shows that from 1994 to 2020, there was a 27% decrease in the cancer death rate, resulting in nearly 37,000 fewer deaths than anticipated.

“A decline in cancer related deaths offers hope and optimism to the thousands of individuals and families affected by the disease here in Queensland,” said Health Minister Shannon Fentiman.

“This is a credit to the commitment of clinicians who treat cancer, our advancements in research and medical technology, as well as our investments in prevention programs.  

“Despite this progress, we know that emerging activities like vaping and continued exposure to the sun pose a risk to increasing cancer rates.

“We will continue to support charities like Cancer Council Queensland to build awareness and provide support to those affected by cancer.

“We know that cancer diagnosed at an early stage is more likely to be treated successfully.

“Please seek support from a health care professional if you’re concerned.”

Queensland Cancer Control Safety and Quality Partnership Chair Euan Walpole said there have been significant advancements in cancer treatments in the past five years, particularly in the field of immunotherapy.

“Breast cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, but thanks to improved screening methods and treatment advances, mortality rates have decreased,” he said.

“In Queensland since 2013, mortality due to melanoma of the skin has decreased by 41% overall.

“These improvements are thanks to the introduction of immunotherapy trials.”

Visit www.daffodilday.com.au to learn more about Daffodil Day and to donate.

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Photo supplied: Shannon Fentiman MP

Mackay Base Hospital is anticipating the return of obstetrics and gynaecology specialist trainees in 2024.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) has advised the health service that trainees in their third or fourth year of Basic training are now going to be able to rotate through Mackay Base Hospital.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Charles Pain said the health service was delighted to hear trainees would return.

Mackay Base Hospital has not had accredited trainees since June 2021 and was given a list of actions to improve staffing, support for trainees and workplace culture.

“The College provided 21 conditions to meet, and they are happy with our significant progress towards meeting these,” Dr Pain said.

“Most of their conditions have already been met with the remainder listed as To Be Confirmed once the trainees are in place,” he said.

Dr Pain said the College was also happy with progress made to recruit senior staff in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

“We have submitted regular progress reports to the College advising of our implementation of their recommendations and they have commended us for the marked improvement they have seen.

“We will welcome two more staff specialists in August and December, giving us seven Senior Medical Officers in Obstetrics and Gynaecology,” he said.

Mackay has recently become part of a new regional training hub with Townsville and Cairns to support training O&G specialists.

Mackay will have two, third- or fourth-year trainees, with Townsville and Cairns providing training for all year levels.

“This is important from a recruitment and retention perspective – if doctors can complete all of their speciality training in north Queensland, we hope they will choose to continue working here and this will help contribute to the sustainability of services,” he said.

The College will visit Mackay in late 2024 for a Reaccreditation Review Visit.

“I would like to thank staff in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the broader Women’s Health Unit for their hard work to achieve re-accreditation. It has not been an easy time, but I am confident that under the leadership of Acting Clinical Director, Dr Leigh Grant, we will continue to go from strength to strength.”

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Mackay Hospital and Health Service

The good thing about Father’s Day weekend is that I (the father) get to decide what my son does with me for the whole weekend. So, last weekend James and I spent one morning supporting the Mackay Community Visitors Association (MCVA) in a fundraising opportunity.

The Mackay Golf Club holds a charity golf day every year and spreads the funds raised to 10 local charities and not-for-profits. The MCVA is a beneficiary this year and we needed to supply two volunteers to assist with registration and the selling of raffle tickets.

I volunteer my son for about three to four charity events each year. He used to protest, but he doesn’t anymore… well not as much. I think he has started to realise the personal benefits of volunteering.

Volunteering is on decline around the world for many reasons and many service organisations are now ceasing to exist. There are not many young people coming through to replace the older generations when they step down. This will leave our generation without the many services provided by volunteer organisations when it’s our turn to retire or when we can no longer support ourselves.

Healthdirect.gov.au says volunteering can give our kids a sense of achievement and purpose, help them feel better about themselves by improving self-esteem and confidence; help combat stress, loneliness, social isolation and depression. It can help them meet new people, which can help them feel more connected and valued.

We can expose our kids to service through volunteering in many ways and then it’s up to them how they live their lives. As a child, my parents put me in Cubs, Scouts, Nippers/Surf Life Savers, our footy club and Cadets and I’ve been volunteering with many organisations ever since.

Volunteering helped me understand my purpose. I’ve made lifelong friends and it even helped me get two paid jobs because employers seem to like giving jobs to people connected to their communities. I want all of that for my son as well. I want these things for all of our kids, so talk to them about volunteering – it may set them up for life.

Cr Justin Englert

Mackay Regional Council

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Kicks Off At Cannonvale State School Tonight

Hundreds of excited students are busy practicing lines and rehearsing their moves ahead of this evening’s first performance of Matilda Jr the Musical at Cannonvale State School.

An adaption of the Roald Dahl book and multi-award-winning stage performance written by Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin, the show will be full of music, dance, fun, laughter and of course many hilarious moments when Mrs Trunchbull’s antics cause chaos.

Saskia Hoey from Year 5 plays the scary principal, Mrs Trunchbull, and says she was thrilled to be given the part after participating in two previous school musicals.

“I am really looking forward to seeing everyone have a good time!” she said.

Willow Hammond, who plays Matilda, says she was surprised to be picked for the main role.

“I love singing and acting so I thought I’d go for one of the mains, but I was so surprised to get Matilda,” said Willow.

“I love being on stage, not just dancing, but acting too.”

The famous cake eating scene features Year 6 student, Cruze Nahas, who plays Bruce.

“It’s been great being part of the musical because I have really conquered my fears, I get really nervous, but I love singing!” he said.

Torben Bradley plays Eric and divulged that he decided to be part of the musical because his sister bet him $50 he wouldn’t get a part as a main.

Delighted to prove her wrong, Torben loves his role where he gets Mrs Trunchbull to drink a newt.

One of the most famous scenes is undoubtedly the moment that Amanda Thrip is swung around by her pigtails.

Mia Berry plays this character and said she loved the whole experience.

“I love the whole thing and practicing with everyone, and all the sets have been amazing,” she said.

“It’s my first time as a main and I love singing!”

Meanwhile, Brodie Lambie from Year 6 plays Nigel, the young boy who gets covered in a blanket of coats.

“I’ve always wanted to be a main and this is the year!” He said.

Willow Thompson is Hortensia and, having watched her three sisters perform in musicals over these years, is thrilled to have an exciting role.

“I love having a microphone and being on stage – it’s really cool!” she said.

Evie Berry from Year 5 plays Lavender and says she loved meeting all the mains.

Charlotte Behnck said her favourite part was spending time with friends and making new friends.

With Director Angel Kanniah at the helm and a sea of other teachers, parents, and volunteers all behind the scenes, the musical is bound to be a huge success.

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Willow Hammond plays Matilda and Saskia Hoey plays Mrs Trunchbull in the incredible Matilda Jr the Musical which debuts this evening. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Willow Hammond, who plays Matilda and Saskia Hoey who plays Mrs Trunchbull, lead the show at Matilda Jr the Musical. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

The main characters starring in the show

Cannonvale State School preps love performing in their first show as the ‘Miracles’ in Mummy Says I’m A Miracle

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The man accused of killing three family members in Bogie, west of Bowen, last year has attempted to represent himself at court this week saying that he was unable to get legal aid because he was told he didn’t have enough paperwork.

On Tuesday Darryl Valroy Young appeared in Bowen Magistrates Court and his case was adjourned until next Tuesday.

It has been over a year since he allegedly murdered married couple, Mervyn and Maree Schwarz along with Maree’s son Graham Tighe.

Maree’s other son, Ross Tighe, was also shot but managed to escape, driving over 40 kilometres to raise the alarm.

Mr Young appeared by video link from Townsville Correctional Centre on Tuesday and an ABC News court report stated that he tried to represent himself because he was refused legal aid as he didn’t have enough paperwork.

The matter was adjourned once again, but Acting Magistrate Ron Muirhead told Mr Young he could not continue to delay.

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Hi Everyone,

It is so wonderful to hear that the Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church has raised $250,000 in their Brick By Brick campaign to fund the rebuild of their church.

To think this massive sum of money was raised in just four weeks, however, is astounding!

From individuals purchasing one brick to larger entities buying 250, the whole community has come together, getting behind this important building that not only holds church services but also provides a local hub and meeting place for all to enjoy.

While less and less people identify as being religious these days, Christianity remains the biggest religion in Australia, at 43.9 per cent of the population according to the Bureau of Statistics 2021 survey.

I come from a mixed family, my dad a staunch atheist and my mum a practicing Christian.

When my mum and I are together, I attend church with her every week, but I have to confess, when she’s not here to keep me honest, my attendance slips.

Despite this, I love the inclusivity of the Christian Church and always try to live by its morals.

I think that’s what I love most about love the concept of the new building that will become Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church.

It is not just a space for practicing Christians, it will be open to all denominations, and it will become a central location where everyone in the community feels welcome.

And while it will of course always be a sacred space, it will also be a gathering place for merriment and celebration, a venue for everyone to get together.

This means that, while many of us do not attend church on a weekly basis, it will still play an important role in all our lives.

Rach

“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness” (Dalai Lama)

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When a honey-mooning couple embarked on an underwater adventure in the Whitsundays, they never dreamt that their day would become part of a lifelong memory, and not just for the incredible marine life they saw.

It was while snorkelling in Saba Bay, that the groom’s ring had somehow slipped off and disappeared into the water.

Distressed and disappointed, the couple’s only option was to return to the mainland, thinking the wedding ring had been lost forever.

“They were very casual but you could tell they were upset,” said Nicole Rosser from ZigZag Whitsundays.

“When items get lost under the water, they don’t often come back, but when our crew returned to the same spot the following day, they were determined to have a look.”

ZigZag regularly complete environmental surveys of the reef and so they used the opportunity to scour Saba Bay for their studies and also to try and find the ring.

Miraculously, the ring was found glittering on the seabed sometime later.

“The crew were absolutely astounded!” said Nicole.

“And when we told the couple they were happy, stunned and appreciative – fortunately, they were still in town and were able to meet the boat at the jetty, collecting the ring just 15 minutes before they had to leave for the airport!”

“Your special moments are our special moments too. We're more than just a tour—we're a community, and we take care of each other.”

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Wedding ring retrieved from the ocean and returned to the happy honeymooning couple. Photo: Supplied

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International Artists Inspire At Special Event

The annual Whitsundays Songwriter Festival and Residency has concluded, following a massive success with a sold-out performance event at Paradiso on Saturday evening.

With headliners Mark Sholtez, Toni Childs, and Vika and Linda joining as the professional mentors, 11 aspiring songwriters engaged in a week of dedicated support and encouragement, producing music with their idols.

The culmination of the event was the Concert and Conversation showcase, held at Paradiso Restaurant on Saturday evening, where each aspiring songwriter was given the stage to perform an original song they’d developed over the week to a live audience.

Karen Jacobsen, Co-Founder of Whitsunday Songwriter Festival and Residency said the week helped aspiring songwriters develop their original music alongside professionals that have been involved in the industry for years.

“The mission of the festival is to create and support a new generation of songwriters, and make opportunities for regional Australia, that big cities have,” she explained.

“We bring these industry connections to the regions and create a thriving hub of music and song writing here in the Whitsundays.”

On the final evening, all the songwriters performed two songs together and two songs developed during the residency.

“Brand new music is always exciting, and these songs were quite raw,” said Karen.

“One celebrated music and the art of songwriting, the other was about heartbreak, the age-old topic for all.

“It was a wonderful evening and the audience was moved to tears.”

Karen explained that each artist on the residency created new music, with even the mentors writing new songs we can expect to hear in upcoming albums.

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Vika Bull, Toni Childs, Karen Jacobsen, Mark Sholtez, Francesca de Valence, and Linda Bull. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

A 43-year-old Proserpine woman has been charged, following a fatal car accident which occurred when her ute crossed onto the wrong side of the road and collided with a station wagon, on Strathdickie Road, on the evening of August 20.

A 67-year-old Dingo Beach man was the driver and sole occupant of the station wagon and unfortunately died at the scene.

The Proserpine woman was taken to Townsville Hospital and was later charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance.

So far this year Mackay and Whitsunday Police have intercepted over 670 drink drivers across our region, which is a similar figure from this time last year.

“Traditionally we see an increase in the drink driving offences as we approach Summer and the Christmas holidays,” said Shane Edwards, Senior Sergeant of Highway Patrol Mackay.

“Drink Driving is a significant contributor to the fatalities on our roads in Queensland with over 30 per cent of drivers and riders involved in fatal traffic crashes being over the legal limit.

“Alcohol impairs a drivers/riders reaction time along with their ability to make smart decisions.

“We have had 13 deaths on our Districts roads in 2023 and drink driving is being investigated as a contributing factor in around 50 per cent of those incidents.”

Mr Edwards and the Mackay Whitsunday Police urge drivers to not drink and drive.

“Have a designated driver if you plan on going out with friends

“If you see that friends have been drinking don’t let them drive, you could be saving their lives as well as other members of public.”

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Community spirit has far surpassed even the wildest of dreams of Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church whose Brick By Brick campaign has raised an astounding $250,000 in just four weeks.

This exceptional community effort means that the construction of the new church could begin early next year.

“We need the contract to be signed by mid-November and now that we have the funds in place we will be approaching architects and consultants in the next few weeks,” said Reverend Suzy Sutton.

“Builders can be looking out for tenders from October and contracts will be signed by the end of that month!”

Steeped in history, a church has been located at the corner of Main and Herbert Streets in Proserpine since 1899 when local families worked together to construct the building.

It is only fitting now that the community have pulled together once again to continue this legacy.

Irreparably damaged in the 2017 Cyclone Debbie, the Uniting Church was demolished in 2021.

Since then, the congregation has worshipped at a temporary location, a community hall at the end of the street.

Launching the Brick By Brick fundraiser on August 1, the community were encouraged to participate in the much-needed rebuild.

Individuals could become Community Champions and purchase a “$100 brick” and larger entities could scale right up to “Platinum”, purchasing 250 bricks for $25,000.

Rev Sutton said that she was thrilled to find out at least three platinum sponsors had come on board, but that all the individual sponsors were just as appreciated for their kind and supportive gestures.

“This amazing result means we can step forward confidently,” she said.

“We can’t believe it and all we can say is praise God!”

While Rev Sutton says she cannot wait to see the community enjoying the facility.

“The church will be multi-purpose and provide a space for many,” she said.

“It will be a hub for social life, dinners, meetings, families, markets and concerts.”

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The old St James Church before it was demolished in 2021. Photo supplied

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Endurance athletes from around the country are flocking into the region this week ahead of the Accom Whitsunday Trail Fest which is due to kick-off on Sunday morning.

With a variety of off-road racing events, the Trail Fest offers something for everyone, from beginners and children all the way through to experienced athletes looking to bring home a trophy.

Organised by the Whitsunday Running Club, the event is now in its 18th year and 2023 is expected to be another huge event with 120 participants registered.

Race Director Andrea Farley said she is thrilled to see competitors come from around the country and even some international guests attend this year.

“Trail Fest is a great way to explore our national parks and celebrate our region,” she said.

“It a community event, supported by local sponsors and run by volunteers from the Running Club.”

The most ambitious race on the event day calendar is the 58-kilometre Shokz Ultra which is now in its sixth year and has become a popular challenge for members of the Australian Trail Running Community.

A traditional favourite is the 28-kilometre Accom Whitsunday Trail which started back at Trail Fest’s inception in 2005.

The original and still most popular distance, this race is a point-to-point run from Brandy Creek to Airlie Beach.

Current records are held by women’s champ Montanna Mcavoy who completed the trail in 2.37.06 hours in 2022 and men’s reining champ Sam Stedman who completed the trail in 2.29.44 back in 2021.

This race maintains its position as the Whitsundays preeminent off-road race, attracting trail runners from Australia and overseas.

While many of the events are challenging for experienced runners, there is also something for beginners and children, with a range of other events perfect for those wanting to give trail running a go.

The Honeyeater Ray White Challenge 10.5-kilometre challenge is quickly becoming a popular favourite trail run for beginner runners and, while it is a challenging run, ascending into the clouds towards the lookout, the view atop is as rewarding as the race.

Children are invited to enjoy a fun and lively race at the Tarkine Kids Beach Bash which runs along the Airlie Beach Foreshore to the Dugong then back towards the start and then another lap along the beach.

At approximately 1400 meters, the race is challenging but also achievable for children from 4-12 years of age.

The day’s event concludes with the popular Survivors Beach Bash which is open for participants who ran the 28-kilometre, 58 kilometre, or volunteers.

This fun run is a great way to celebrate the event and the first male and female will win lucky dip prizes.

Winners of each category will receive a medal and there are cash prizes for anyone who beats an existing record.

The community are also invited to come down and watch or participate on the day.

RACE TIMES:

4:30am      Competitors for 58 km meet.

5:00am      START – 58 km race.

5:00am      Competitors 28 km meet.

5:30am      28 km bus leaves from Race Precinct to Brandy Creek

6:30am       START – 28 km from Brandy Creek

8:30am      Race Briefing for Honeyeater Challenge

9:00am       Honeyeater 10.5

10:30am     Kids Beach Run

1:00pm       Presentations

2:30pm       Survivors Beach Bash

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Trail Fest organisers, Andrea Farley, Chris Harvey, Robyn Corrigan, and Liv Compton, Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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