Originating from a passion to work for herself, chef by trade Tara Sobott, established Coastal Food Design, a specialist catering company primarily operated through her food van.

Since setting up shop in 2020, the business has evolved to encompass the food van and event catering, including corporate dinners, parties, weddings, and even the superyachts.

And now in 2023, Tara and the business has been recognised in the Australian Wedding Industry Awards, receiving Highly Commended in the Wedding Caterer category.

“It feels great to be recognised,” said Tara.

“We are a hardworking team who always strives for our best, and it’s great to receive this award.”

Tara believes that what sets Coastal Food Design apart from other caterers is their dedication to their client.

“We love having a great end result, with happy clients and happy guests,” she said.

“They say food brings people together, and we love being a part of that, especially for a fantastic and exciting event such as a wedding.”

Approximately 60 per cent of Coastal Food Designs event catering consists of weddings and the business has flourished, being flexible and open to follow their client’s dream and direction for their special day.

They have found that trends have fluctuated, and wedding parties are favouring simpler menus, featuring canapes, and grazing boards, however a more formal sit-down menu is always a great move in Coastal Food Design’s books.

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The team behind Coastal Food Design recognised in Australian Wedding Industry Awards. Photo supplied.

Famed for its professionalism and child-centred approach to babysitting, it is no wonder that Airlie Beach Babysitting By Danielle took out the top gong in the Wedding Services Category at the Whitsundays and Mackay Wedding Industry Awards last week.

Servicing the Whitsundays child-care needs for over 13 years, Airlie Beach Babysitting By Danielle can babysit almost any size of group and for any occasion.

“We are really flexible and can tailor make our packages and activities around you,” said Director Danielle Shea.

“We can look after almost any size group and can come to one of the local wedding venues or any of the local hotels and resorts.”

Danielle has between 15 and 20 babysitters available, and each holds a BlueCard and first aid certificate, and are either a qualified childcare worker or have a teaching degree.

The easy-to-use website booking system allows guests to browse the choice of babysitters and read short profiles on each so you can find the best fit for your family.

Danielle says she is thrilled to win the recent award and that she enjoys being the exclusive babysitting provider to the majority of local wedding venues.

“It’s really good to be part of the Whitsundays Wedding industry,” she said.

“I love working alongside everyone and it is very nice to be recognised.”

Each booking is unique for Danielle and her team, and they always bring a range of activities to keep your little ones happy and entertained while you enjoy some well-earnt time with other adults.

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Airlie Beach Babysitting By Danielle, Director Danielle Shea. Photo supplied

For 25 years, Kylie McIntosh has played roles in countless happy unions, from wedding planning, stylist and now as a marriage celebrant for the past seven years.

With over 600 weddings, from Cairns to Airlie Beach, in her resume, Kylie does anything and everything for her couples.

“It’s like the biggest natural high you can get, and it’s not just the couple, it’s the moments between the parent and child, or brothers and sisters. I feel all of that,” Kylie said.

Kylie shows the couples through the entire paperwork process, making sure everything is submitted. before focusing on the fun side, such as music, the overall feeling for the ceremony, and the script.

“The ceremony, the script, everything is all personalised to the couple,” she explains.

Kylie tends to specialise in interstate and destination weddings.

“I attract a lot of couples wishing to have intimate weddings, from interstate and regional areas. However also couples with large groups who really want to their wedding guests to have the best experience possible.

“I bring an awesome vibe to my weddings that couples and their guests really appreciate.”

Kylie was recently awarded winner of the Marriage Celebrant category in the Mackay and Whitsundays Wedding Industry Awards.

This is Kylie’s third time achieving first place and she is grateful for the award.

“When I won the first time, it was more like ‘how?’ - I am just so lucky and grateful that the couples even wanted to vote,” Kylie said.

“And now three awards in three years, it’s incredible, especially because there are so many deserving celebrants.”

“I am just so happy, and the word I’m looking for is grateful, I am so grateful.”

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Wedding celebrant Kylie McIntosh celebrates receiving top award in Mackay and Whitsunday Wedding Industry Awards. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

For the past 16 years Sundowner, now part of the Iconic Whitsunday Adventures group, has been at the heart of wedding parties, hosting a variety of pre-wedding celebrations, intimate ceremonies and fabulous hens and bucks nights.

Winning Best Hens and Bucks Party at the Whitsundays and Mackay Wedding Industry Awards is testament to this iconic local venue.

“We love throwing a good party! Sundowner is a great venue, and our bucks and hens parties are always fun and interesting,” said owner Nicole Graham.

“Sundowner is a local favourite from Townsville to Sarina, and out west to the mines, and we are thrilled to be recognised.”

Sundowner is a party pontoon boat that can host up to 48 people in a private booking or welcomes small groups as part of their evening sunset tours.

Famous for its comfortable and casual atmosphere, Sundowner can create your party, your way.

Guests are invited to bring their own music and party games when booking a private function.

There is a licenced bar onboard and option for either a catered affair or a BYO food package if you want something specific.

Private charters can be booked any time of the day or evening and two-hour sunset cruises depart most days at 4.30pm during the winter months.

The stable vessel has all-weathering awnings and shelter if needed.

The cruise takes you around Pioneer Bay offering guests a scenic tour while enjoying a lively celebration.

Available for any type of celebration, from intimate proposals to milestone birthdays, work functions to graduation parties, Sundowner is a unique and exciting way to commemorate any life moment, whether big or small.

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Bucks night fun aboard Sundowner. Photo supplied

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Resilience and compassion are two themes which burn brightly in this week’s edition, from initiatives to strengthen our homes to protect our most vulnerable to showcasing the power of unity and collective action.

Annual gala Shades of Women brought together women from across the Mackay Region for an inspiring evening of empowerment and support. Not only did the event celebrate the strength and achievements of women, but it also raised crucial funds to aid women and children affected by domestic violence. It stands as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of sisterhood and the determination to create a safer society.

On page 5 we delve into the Household Resilience Program, a vital initiative aimed at fortifying homes and protecting low-income homeowners in cyclone-prone coastal communities. With a recent funding boost of $20 million from the Federal Government, the program's reach will be extended, enabling more families to access the resources they need to make their homes safer and more resilient.

These actions underscore the unwavering spirit of our community, where individuals and organisations join forces to uplift and protect one another.

Also, make sure you’re listening to STAR 101.9 Mackay as they reveal the top three ‘dad bods’ in Mackay and the Whitsundays on Monday. Off the back of Scotty’s swimming video going viral, we thought it would be a great idea to champion refreshingly real people in our community, so in next week’s edition we will be printing a double page spread of our region’s best ‘dad bods’ including the top three winners. There are great prizes on offer so make sure you visit Star’s Facebook page or website for details!

Amanda

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‘Paying it forward’ is a good deed that not only brightens someone else’s day, it can also initiate a chain reaction of good deeds and good vibes.

Stacey Read recently witnessed this at BP Rural View.

“To the very kind guy that paid it forward by paying for an elderly man’s fuel today at BP northern beaches,” she wrote on Facebook.

“The gentleman whose fuel you paid for would like to say a huge thank you and thank you very much for your kindness.  

“He was very stunned and very grateful.  

“What an amazing and kind person you are.  

“Hope you have a great week.

“Happy to see kindness in such hard times.”

Stacey wasn’t the only one impressed with the selflessness of the gentleman.

The post attracted over 500 likes in Mackay Noticeboard and many comments sharing appreciation of the post and the gesture.

“It's amazing how posts like this brighten my day,” one person wrote.

“From feeling down I feel so content knowing that there really is kindness in this world.

“Thanks for sharing.

“It makes me wonder how one act of kindness can affect how many people?”

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BP Rural View. Photo supplied

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A torch relay that has made its way from Pozières, France, through London and around Australia came through Mackay last Wednesday, May 31 to mark 100 years of Legacy Australia.

23 locals, all with a connection to Legacy Australia, carried the torch throughout the town, ending in a service held at Jubilee Park.

“It shows the overall admiration that the public have for the veteran community who go out in uniform and carry out their duties for the nation and sometimes don’t come home,” said Vietnam War veteran and former Legacy Mackay President Keith Payne VC.

Legacy Mackay supports approximately 180 beneficiaries and is looking for volunteers.

“Mackay is an important element in the relay,” said Legacy Australia CEO Graham Boyd.

“What we’re finding is that veteran’s families need help in body, mind, spirit and social interaction, it’s not just money, so Legacy is always there to look after veteran families.”

Those interested in volunteering can contact President Les Palmer on 0437 451 635 or visit the office at 94 Nebo Road on Mondays and Fridays.

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23 locals relayed the Legacy torch throughout Mackay last Wednesday. Photos supplied

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The Salvation Army is urging everyone to get involved in this year’s Red Shield Appeal, with funds raised locally staying local to support community services and programs in Mackay.

The Mackay Corps hosted a lunch last Friday, inviting the business community to come together and hear about the work of the Salvation Army and to help invest into the community.

The event is the local charity’s major fundraiser of the year, seeking contributions to assist in funding programs like welfare programs, a community support worker, community lunches, community support and a pantry for those in need.

“We’re also looking at what the future holds, so today’s about helping the Salvos explore what needs to happen in the community into the future as well,” said Mackay Salvos Corps Officer Auxiliary Lieutenant David Dobbie.

“We can’t do what we do without the community and the generosity of community and business partners.”

Keynote speaker and Mackay rugby league legend Renae Kunst was honoured to be invited to speak, discussing her journey, the hurdles she overcame as a woman in sport and the positive contribution that sport can make on society.

Her role with Queensland Rugby League embeds her in the community, giving back to a community and a sport that she says has given so much to her.

“I’m passionate about community and anything I can do to advocate for the wonderful work the Salvos do, I’m happy to be a part of,” Ms Kunst said.

“I think it’s important to acknowledge that we’ve got plenty of people who struggle in our community and collectively, we need to work together as a community to assist in any way we can.”

To donate or volunteer for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, or if you need support from The Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS.

You can also donate at any Salvos Store or scan the QR code.

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Mackay Salvos Corps Officer Auxiliary Lieutenant David Dobbie, Chair of the Red Shield Appeal Mackay Launch Event Cathy Sullivan and Corps Officer Auxiliary Lieutenant Belinda Dobbie. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Mackay Regional Council is offering significant discounts to responsible pet owners who get in early to ensure their pet’s registration was up to date.

Mayor Greg Williamson said residents who register their cats and dogs during the registration discount period in June can claim a reduction in fees ranging from 30 to 50 per cent.

“Registering your pet is an important part of being a responsible pet owner as it ensures that if your pet goes missing, we have your most up-to-date contact details so we can return your pet to you as soon as possible,” he said.

“Pet registration fees are also put towards the costs of running council’s Animal Management Centre, which provides care for lost pets.”

Council is running a photo competition for residents with registered animals to celebrate the discount period.

“We are encouraging pet owners to share photos of themselves and their pets practising responsible pet ownership,” Mayor Williamson said.

“This could be anything from taking your dog for a walk on a leash, playing in an off-leash dog park or a photo of your pet sporting a collar with a council pet registration tag.

“We will choose one winner each week and they will take home a $100 voucher from a local pet store.”

Pet owners should receive their pet registration renewal letters in the mail soon.

Please call 1300 MACKAY (622 529) for more information.

Did you know?

Council is currently running a desexing rebate where residents can claim $150 off the cost of desexing their dog and $75 off the cost of desexing their cat if they have been desexed in the last 60 days. Visit mackay.qld.gov.au/desexingrebate for details.

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A local artist has had his work showcased with the release of a second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) unveiled by North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) last week.

Launched during National Reconciliation Week, Acting Chief Executive Officer Belinda Kenny said the NQBP Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 to 2025 will further strengthen NQBP’s existing relationships with Traditional Owners in its port communities throughout Queensland.

“NQBP has been actively engaging and building relationships with the Traditional Owners of the land and sea at each of our ports over several decades,” Ms Kenny said.

“This includes the Traditional Owner groups of Juru at Abbot Point, Yuwi at Mackay and Hay Point and the Algnith and Wik Waya at Weipa.

“Our second Innovate RAP, endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, extends our engagement and is a further commitment to actions that aim to lead to positive outcomes for the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities within our port areas.

“We are proud of our achievements to date which have included changes to procurement policies that have led to a $1.7 million spend with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses last financial year, and also to significant employment opportunities during major projects.

“Working directly with Aboriginal businesses we have also facilitated business development and technical capacity as well as the further development of critical skills in environmental management. “We will strive to expand on these achievements in line with our vision for reconciliation in building sustainable and meaningful partnerships and relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

The RAP features original artwork Making Connections and was prepared for NQBP by artist and designer, Robert Paul, a Juru man born in Bowen.

The artwork shows NQBP’s four ports “making connections” - working with communities, and creating opportunities on country within the regions to which the ports’ trades are connected.

The different patterns within the port symbols depict many interested trading parties and show how NQBP is connecting Queensland to the world through its ports.

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North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) RAP Working Group members launched the second NQBP Reconciliation Action Plan 2023 - 2025 during National Reconciliation Week. From L-R – NQBP’s General Manager Commercial and Maritime Services Darren Brownsey, Luke Galea, Board Director Andrea Ranson, John Clark, Debbie McDonald, Luke Sorensen, Rachel Turvey, Emilie Power and Julie Keane

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After 11 years of unemployment Butchulla man Brian Darby is thriving in his new job at Thomas Borthwicks & Sons.

Brian secured employment after taking part in Moving the Mob, an intensive pre-placement training program created to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Mackay region.

Powered by MRAEL through IntoJobs (part of the IntoWork Group), Moving the Mob has been co-designed with First Nations Program Facilitators to provide support and assistance specific to the needs of unemployed First Nations people, in a culturally safe environment.

Previously, 46-year-old Brian struggled to keep a job for more than a week but he loves his new role as a packer at Borthwicks.

"I love it.

“At the moment, I am stacking boxes of meat onto pallets and that suits me fine. It keeps me healthy and makes me stronger. I like to do work that builds my body and keeps me fit."

Brian's favourite thing about Moving the Mob program was learning self-respect and budgeting.

"Basically, how to keep everything balanced in life. It was really good communication between everyone involved; goals were all set out and what we wanted to achieve in the course. It was a very happy-natured course."

MRAEL Business Growth Partner Jason Allen said MRAEL consulted a range of First Nations representatives when developing the program to ensure it was both culturally safe and appropriate to reflect First Nation People’s specific needs.

“Our program is not about accreditation, it's not about even employability. It's more about their story and where they are at and empowering them to get to the next stage. The program is designed to motivate, engage, and develop a personal ‘story’ of each participant so we can further develop them to gain employment.”

The program covers off on personal and employment related goal setting and skills around money management, health and wellbeing, work readiness, local labour market information and access to further accredited training based on each individual needs.

With the pilot program held in Mackay, Mr Allen said MRAEL aims to expand the program to other Queensland regions and across Australia.

“We want to launch this across Australia to help as many First Nations people as possible to reach their employment goals.

“We’re looking forward to seeing this program roll out to other First Nations communities and support their unique needs.”

The next program will run in July, with applications closing on 30th June 2023. For more information call Intojobs Mackay on 1300 115 627.

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Moving the Mob participants

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Stronger, Safer, More Affordable Homes

By Amanda Wright

Quick Points

● $20 million Federal Government boost for Queensland’s Household Resilience Program.

● Builds on State Government’s $50 million of investment in the program to date.

● Up to 1,100 additional low-income homes in North and Central Queensland to be safer and more secure.

● Reduces insurance premiums by building resilience to natural disasters, especially cyclones and severe storms.

Hundreds of Mackay and Whitsundays residents will now have increased access to assistance in fortifying their homes, thanks to a much-anticipated expansion of the Household Resilience Program. This initiative, designed to support low-income homeowners in cyclone-prone coastal communities, has received a welcome funding boost that will extend its reach to even more households.

Launched by the Queensland Government in 2018, the Household Resilience Program has already proven its effectiveness by assisting over 4,300 vulnerable households in strengthening their homes built prior to 1984. By reinforcing these structures, residents can better withstand the extreme weather conditions experienced in the state.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert MP said, “Many Mackay and Whitsundays people remember only too well the devastation of Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017, both of which caused major damage to older homes.

“To date, 433 households in the Mackay region have been awarded grants of up to $11,250 to cover 75 per cent of the total cost of resilience works.”

One notable outcome of the program is the reduction in insurance premiums for participants. Recent data revealed that approved works achieved an average reduction of 10.3 per cent, demonstrating the program's success in mitigating risk and enhancing overall household resilience.

This is good news for locals, like Mackay homeowner Audrey Wardrop who said the program has been a “real Godsend”.

“I knew the old roof needed to go – but getting the money when you’re on a pension is difficult.

“Now at least I can go to bed and sleep and not have to worry when I hear the wind.

“It meant I didn’t have to worry about tradesmen turning up or all the other pieces that go with a major bit of work like this.

“It really was wonderful, and I am so happy and so grateful.”

The new funding injection of $20 million from the Federal Government will enable the program's extension for up to three years, providing an opportunity for more families to benefit. It is estimated that this additional funding will facilitate resilience works for approximately 1,100 more homes.

Federal Treasurer, Jim Chalmers said that building more resilient homes is the key to building stronger communities in north Queensland.

“This boost will help more people to put protections in place to limit the damage when storm season rolls around,” Mr Chalmers said.

“Disaster response and recovery is important but if we can make homes more resilient and resistant to the kind of wild weather which has become more frequent in these parts in recent years, Queenslanders will be much better off.”

Eligible works covered by the program encompass a range of vital upgrades and replacements, including roof, garage door, and house frame enhancements. Additionally, measures such as roof structural strengthening using external over-batten tiedowns, as well as window protection installations like cyclone shutters or screens, are part of the program's offerings.

Low-income Queenslanders who own older homes located within a 50-kilometer radius of the coast, spanning from Bundaberg north to the Northern Territory border, are encouraged to explore the opportunity and consider applying while funding remains available.

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Mick De Brenni, Energy, Renewables, Hydrogen Minister and Public Works and Procurement Minister, local resident Audrey Wardrop and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert MP

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Leading mental wellbeing and suicide prevention not-for-profit charity, selectability, has welcomed a new General Manager, service development to support its continued expansion in regional Queensland.

The new General Manager, Matt Kinnane was appointed to create and develop multiple new services to meet the diverse mental wellbeing and suicide prevention needs of regional Queenslanders.

CEO, Debra Burden said the rapid growth of the company prompted the move, which required a dedicated industry expert.

“We are delighted to welcome Matt to the executive team,” Mrs Burden said.

“Matt’s proven track record in disability across North Queensland leaves him well-placed to drive the expansion of our services.

“The new services will address areas of demand and unmet need across our footprint.

“Services like social housing are particularly important with the current housing crisis leaving many of our consumers homeless or in insecure housing.”

Matt Kinnane said he was delighted to join the selectability team to lead the development of new services.

“selectability has seen substantial growth in the last 12 months, so I am looking forward to working with a strong workforce to improve the wellbeing of our consumers,” Mr Kinnane said.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to apply my skills and experience to deliver new services to the individuals and communities that need them most.

“I have been a part of this sector for a long time, and I am passionate about creating opportunities for those in regional and remote areas, ensuring they have access to high quality support locally.”

Mr Kinnane brings over two decades of strong leadership to the selectability executive team, including extensive experience in finance, social services, and disability.

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General Manager for Service Development Matt Kinnane

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North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) launched its 2023-24 Community Fund today, Friday June 9.

A total of $60,000 in funding is available for initiatives across NQBP’s port communities of Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point (Bowen), and Weipa.

NQBP Acting Chief Executive Officer Belinda Kenny said the annual NQBP Community Fund supports local groups and organisations in delivering valuable initiatives that make a real difference in their communities.

“NQBP values the importance of giving back to the communities in which it operates and has proudly provided more than $1 million in community sponsorships and donations over the last decade,” Ms Kenny said.

“The NQBP Community Fund provides funding opportunities for community events, programs and activities that benefit our communities and promote the goals of NQBP.

“Last year, the NQBP Community Fund supported nine community initiatives including sailing experiences and barista courses for persons with disabilities, science and technology school projects/education, and more.

“We’re proud to see the NQBP Community Fund at work within our port communities, with each initiative promoting our values of Excellence, Unity, Respect, and Integrity.”

Pine Islet Lighthouse Preservation Society president, Brian Osborn, said the sponsorship received via the 2022-23 NQBP Community Fund has enabled the volunteer group to complete a Conservation Management Plan for the historic lighthouse located at the Mackay Marina.  

“With NQBP’s support, we have been able to obtain expert advice on the nature and extent of works required to repair and maintain the Pine Islet Lighthouse and preserve the iconic structure’s heritage values,” Mr Osborn said.

“The Lighthouse is almost 140 years old and is a key piece of the local maritime history, so it is wonderful, and quite fitting, to have the local port authority (NQBP) supporting the Lighthouse’s preservation.”

NQBP is a Queensland Government-owned corporation responsible for the ports of Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point and Weipa in far north Queensland.

The NQBP Community Fund is open to non-profit groups and organisations, and registered charities, and seeks to support events, programs and activities that align with NQBP’s vision to be a global leader in the sustainable facilitation of port trade and its values of Excellence, Unity, Respect and Integrity.

Applications that identify a community or environmental need, and are consistent with or promote the principles of diversity and inclusion are encouraged.  

Applications for this year’s NQBP Community Fund close on 10 July 2023.

For further details or to apply visit www.nqbp.com.au.

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Proud 2022-23 NQBP Community Fund sponsorship recipients Pine Islet Lighthouse Preservation Society volunteers Stephen Wallace and Brian Osborne standing alongside the iconic Pine Islet Lighthouse

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Shaun Killian is obsessed with studying, reading, improving his knowledge and using it to help others.

A teacher for most of his life, Shaun ran into health complications that altered his path and led him to a career in web design, starting his business WEBsmall Website Design in 2021.

Shaun started teaching in Collinsville in 1991 and spent most of his teaching career as a Tech Coordinator.

“As schools got more and more invested in technology, I remained as Computer Coordinator in many schools and was comfortable teaching teachers about it as well as teaching kids,” he said.

Shaun’s long career as a teacher came to an end in 2012 when he had a heart attack in front of his year 7 class at a Sarina primary school.

He waited four years for a heart transplant and used this time to spread his wings and expand his knowledge.

“I was constantly studying and reading research about effective teaching, and I turned it into user-friendly advice based on research in a blog, so I learned how to do everything myself,” he said.

Shaun underwent a heart transplant in 2016 but it wasn’t without complications, ultimately spending 495 days in hospital and losing both of his legs.

After six months of focussing on his health back in Mackay, he decided he wanted to capitalise on over 15 years’ experience in websites and embark on a new career.

“I started helping friends and colleagues with websites and working on a few more of my own,” he said.

“The thing I get from work is helping people, whether it’s helping kids learn or helping small businesses grow, and it was a way I could help people given my physical circumstances.”

WEBsmall Website Design assists small businesses to launch or grow their online presence, offering more than just a website.

“I actually want to help them and to do that, I need to understand the business, the business owners, what they need from a website and give them advice as if their business is my business,” Shaun said.

Whether it’s launching a new website or improving a current one and increasing clicks, Shaun loves to see people and businesses succeed.

Visit websmall.net to find out more.

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Shaun Killian learning to use prosthetic legs after losing his following a heart attack. Photo supplied

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