Year 10 students in Rockhampton and Mackay were given a taste of tradie life when they recently participated in the Try a Trade event hosted by WorldSkills Queensland, Construction Skills Queensland - CSQ and CQU.

CQU WorldSkills Coordinator, Jackie Campbell said it was wonderful to see educational institutions and industry partners coming together to provide students with a practical understanding of the different trades on show.

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Photos supplied: CQUniversity

Mackay Police Dog Squad has welcomed its newest team member, with Police Dog Cobra (PD Cobra) joining the force.

Cobra has been in Mackay for approximately three months, finishing his final training and development with Sergeant Jacob Bates and PD Griffin.

"Recruit" Dog Cobra was recently signed off and officially promoted to "PD" Cobra after a series of assessments at a Police Dog Training Course he and Sergeant Bates attended in Brisbane.

PD Cobra will now serve the Mackay and Whitsunday community working with his handler Sergeant Bates as an operational Police Dog in the Mackay Whitsunday Police Dog Squad.

PD Griffin will continue to work as an operational Police Dog with Sergeant Bates until his retirement later in the year.

“We are excited to have PD Cobra as a part of the team,” Sergeant Bates said.

“He has already proven himself and is exceeding expectations.

“While I don’t think PD Griffin is ready to hand over the reins just yet, it is an exciting and promising time having Cobra on board.”

PD Cobra is a general-purpose Police Dog, used for tracking and locating people of interest which includes missing persons.  

He can also work to apprehend violent offenders as well as work closely with first response police in a variety of circumstances.

Remember, if you see Police Dog teams working at any hour of the day, remain inside your homes and keep your dwelling secure.

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Police Dog Cobra

PD Griffin and PD Cobra. Photos supplied

Whitsunday Anglican School proudly played host to internationally acclaimed jazz great James Morrison recently.

Four of the School ensembles were excited to share the stage with The James Morrison Quartet at the Friday August 4 concert under the stars at the school.

Brass students from years 5 to 12 also enjoyed a special workshop with James Morrison before taking to the stage later that night.

Principal Andrew Wheaton spoke with enthusiasm about bringing a music legend to Mackay, and for his students to experience this opportunity.

“We are excited to have one of the world’s foremost jazz musicians inspire our young musicians,” Mr Wheaton said.

“Music is such a gift and James’ passionate stories shared this love through his teachings, and down to earth nature that encourages a lifelong love of music.”

A significant lynchpin of the event’s success was Head of Arts Faculty Mrs Kate Van Nunen who was instrumental in bringing the one-night concert and student workshops to fruition.

“At Whitsunday Anglican School we understand the importance of music in a child’s development and the neurological pathways learning an instrument opens,” Mrs Van Nunen

“To have the brilliant James Morrison at Whitsunday Anglican School is a career highlight for me personally and I’m sure will be imprinted on our young students forever.”

At the James Morrison Quartet jazz under the Stars concert, the talented Whitsunday Anglican School ensembles were proud supporting acts.

Students from years 5-7 were surprised when James Morrison snuck into the Trombone section in their second song.

The Whitsunday Winds and Senior Concert Band performed beautifully; the power of 60-plus members stunning the audience with their confidence and talent.

Off the back of their recent Gold at the CQUniversity Students Jazz Festival, the Whitsunday Anglican School Big Band then hit the stage with five polished pieces.

Students were ready to hold their own in the first piece with outstanding solo performances from Year 11 students Harrison Rourke (Baritone Saxophone) and Marley Clear (Trumpet).

James Morrison joined the students for the remaining songs, raising the energy to new heights, before playing with his renowned Quartet to the joy of the packed 700-plus crowd.

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Jazz icon James Morrison joined Whitsunday Anglican School students onstage before performing with his renowned quartet. Photos supplied

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has thrown his support behind the announcement that a future Coalition government will commit $250 million in funding over the next four years to improve the lives of future sporting stars nation-wide.

Mr Willcox believes the commitment will make a lasting difference to the community and the lives of Dawson’s up-and-coming sporting stars.

“In rural and regional areas, unfortunately, sporting clubs and facilities are sometimes severely underfunded and under resourced,” he said.

“Too many young girls and women are disadvantaged when it comes to sport participation … this funding will help bridge the gap and will provide proper facilities for these groups.

“This package is aimed at improving sporting facilities where young families live and where participation in sport is vital.”

Under this new plan, the Coalition will invest $250 million to reduce barriers to participation for women and girls and is asking for support from states and territories to match the funding and bring it to a total of $500 million.

Recipients would need to demonstrate co-funding of at least 20 per cent of the project cost.

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Businesses have the chance to breathe new life into their building facades and enhance the overall experience for residents and visitors alike.

This council initiative, which has been in place for nine years, supports quality facade improvement works.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the Facade Improvement Grant was a collaborative effort between council and local property owners and business operators.

“By working together, we strive to encourage the revitalisation of commercial facades, infusing new vibrancy into the region's business districts,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Successful applicants will be eligible for a co-contribution of up to 50 per cent of the total project costs,” he said.

“Businesses can receive funding support of up to $5000, making it easier to embark on the facade enhancement projects they envision.”

The grant covers a wide range of improvement projects including:

● Painting of facades and exterior walls visible to the public realm.

● Restoration of historic buildings.

● Installation of new business signage.

● Renovation of entrance ways, doors, tiles and other facade elements.

● Installation of external awnings, lighting and street-visible windows.

To be eligible for a grant, applicants must meet specific criteria outlined in the guidelines, which can be found online at discovermackay.com.au/businesssupport.

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Tempus Studio, in Romeo Street, underwent a dramatic transformation thanks

to a Facade Improvement Grant in 2022

Reef Catchments, the Natural Resource Management organisation for the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region, has been awarded $3.5 million from the Australian Government Saving Koalas Fund to expand and improve koala habitat in Sarina.

According to Reef Catchments Coordinator, Kira Andrews, “Our project provides meaningful support that enables the community to plant koala food and habitat trees for the creation of sustainable koala friendly corridors.”

The project also allows Sarina landholders to treat weeds such as lantana and guinea grass which pose a significant fire risk to koala habitat and choke out native trees.

“While there has been considerable attention and support for Southern Queensland koalas, this project represents the federal government’s first significant investment into koala conservation in the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac natural resource management area,” said Ms Andrews.

This investment was made possible by the commitment of the Sarina community to build and maintain connected landscapes to protect and conserve local koalas.

“We want to talk to local Sarina landholders who are interested in establishing koala habitat corridors across their properties,” Ms Andrews said.

“Reef Catchments is also looking for landholders who want help to manage weeds that are encroaching on nearby, established koala habitat.”

Charley Geddes, a local koala researcher based in Nebo, has identified over 400 koalas in and around Nebo. She has found koalas in all the places you would expect and many places you would not.

Charley says, "Every tree is important. Koalas only eat the leaves of a select few tree species - primarily eucalypts - so every single koala food and habitat tree that we can preserve, or plant is an opportunity to create a better future for koalas in our region."

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Photo credit: Charley Geddes

Mackay Police reported that between 3:00pm and 5:56pm on August 15 someone had broken into a home on Nine Mile Creek Road at Hampden.

“Entry was gained into the house which is situated on an elevated block through either the front or back door which were both later discovered open,” police said in a statement.

Nothing has been confirmed as stolen at this time.

This is not a location where police typically see activity of this nature and they are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or who has information to come forward.

The police report number to refer to is QP2301351614.

HOME BREAK IN, MARIAN

Mackay Police reported that between 2:00 and 6:00am on August 12 someone had broken into a home on Collett Court in Marian.

“The front door has been pried open and keys have been taken from a "key bowl" in the kitchen,” police reported.

“The keys have been used to steal a white coloured 2014 model Honda CRV which was parked in the driveway.”

The stolen Honda was found abandoned on Riverside Drive in Cremorne (Mackay) at about 10:20am on August 13. Minor damage had been sustained to the bonnet.

Police said the stolen car has been forensically examined.

Anyone who might have information about the original offence or the dumping of the car in Riverside Drive is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible. The police report number to refer to is QP2301329889.

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The official opening of the Seaforth Esplanade Redevelopment will take place next month, on Saturday, September 2, from 9.30am to noon.

Be one of the first to try the new playground and waterplay area and enjoy the free entertainment on offer including live music, face painting and the Seaforth mini markets. There will also be a free fishing clinic thanks to Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance. Bring your own rod or reel. Places are limited and bookings are essential.

Don’t forget to bring your togs and towel to make a splash at the grand opening of this exciting new facility.

The official opening will be held from 9.30am to 10am and the free entertainment will kick off from 10am to noon.

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program in association with Mackay Regional Council.

Learn more about this project at www.connectingmackay.com.au/seaforth-esplanade.

Old Playground Equipment To Be Decommissioned

Seaforth and surrounding communities are advised that playground decommissioning works are planned for mid-August.

Council’s parks team will be removing the existing ageing play equipment and fabric shade structures in both Seaforth Camping Reserve and Jim Adams Memorial Park as well as the fencing at Jim Adams Memorial Park.

The removal of this equipment will coincide with the opening of the highly anticipated $8.6 million Seaforth Esplanade redevelopment project which includes a new junior and senior playground as well as an exciting water play area.

Jim Adams Memorial Park will remain an open space to continue to honour the contribution made by Cr Jim Adams to the Seaforth community.

The removal of the playground at the Seaforth Camping Reserve will enable additional camping sites to address some of the sites that were lost due to the new Coastal Walk.

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Artist impression

With hearts brimming with anticipation, proud parents throughout the Mackay region are rejoicing as they welcome an influx of newborns into their lives. At Mater Mothers’ Private Mackay, the month of July witnessed the advent of 33 newborns, each one an embodiment of pure potential and promise.

As the nursery echoes with the symphony of tender gurgles and tiny yawns, it is evident that these newcomers have seamlessly "pacified" their way into the hearts of all fortunate enough to witness their debut.

Mackay Private Hospital Acting General Manager Chris Junge said the new arrivals were given a big welcome into the world by their parents who were eager to meet them.  

Andergrove mum Jessica Corsaro welcomed her second baby Julius on 25 July and said he was a “beautiful addition to the family”.

“Julius has an 18-month-old big sister Audrey who absolutely adores him,” Mrs Corsaro, 37, said.

“He is very loved. Julius weighed 3.6kg when he was born and is the eighth grandchild on my side and 12th grandchild for my in-laws.”

Other babies born at Mater Mothers’ Private Mackay this year include little Alfie and Ellidy.

Mr Junge said data showed 451 babies were born at Mater Mothers’ Private Mackay last year.

The most popular names for babies born at Mater Mothers in 2022 were Charlotte for girls and Oliver for boys, he said.

Most popular girl names in 2022 for Mater Mothers’:

1. Charlotte

2. Olivia

3. Sophie

4. Isabella

5. Mia

6. Isla

7. Eleanor

8. Lily

9. Ella

10. Georgia

Most popular boy names in 2022 for Mater Mothers’:

1. Oliver

2. Henry

3. Theodore

4. Charlie

5. Thomas

6. Leo

7. Noah

8. Jack

9. Alexander

10. Harry

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Jessica Corsaro with little Julius. Photo supplied

Baby Ellidy was born on 1 May at Mater Mothers' Private Mackay. Photo supplied

Be Social Fest went off with a bang in June and the good vibrations are still being felt throughout the community.

The rapidly growing music festival brought Grinspoon, San Cisco, Mallrat and more to Mackay, providing an epic day of live music while raising funds for a good cause.

Festival organisers recently made a donation of $7,548 to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia, thanking RMHC, McDonalds Mackay and staff members Samantha, Sarah and Niki for their support of the event.

Posting on social media, Be Social Fest wrote: “One of our core values is the commitment to giving back to the Mackay Community in various ways.

“As one of the largest non-touring music events in NQ, we have the opportunity to engage with the community on multiple levels, and we take great pride in being a part of its growth.”

The post went on to thank those who attended Be Social Fest as well as major sponsors LiSTNR, Mackay Regional Council, Queensland Tourism, Hawk Hire, Queensland Mental Health Commission, MECC, The Dispensary and City Fitness.

“We are deeply appreciative of everyone’s involvement and assistance in making this event and contribution a reality.

“Together, we are making a positive impact on our community, and we look forward to continuing our journey of giving back and growing an event that Mackay can call its own!”

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Be Social Fest recently made a donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia. Photo supplied

North Mackay’s Pioneer Swim Centre will close its gates for the month of September for scheduled maintenance work.

The work will include levelling the deep end of the 50m pool, expansion joint renewal, pool tile renewal, recoating the children’s pool water features and repairs and maintenance to the grandstand.

Residents are reminded that Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex in Ooralea will remain open during this time, while Memorial Swim Centre on Milton Street and Bluewater Lagoon are scheduled to reopen on September 1 following winter maintenance.

Maintenance work is also being carried out at Sarina Swim Centre and is expected to reopen by early October, weather permitting.

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Energise your local community hub or Mackay’s town centre with a touch of magic courtesy of the Activate My Place! (AMP!) Placemaking Grants. As these grants take centre stage, they are your passport to rejuvenating your surroundings, stitching together vibrancy and vitality in a symphony of transformation.

Mayor Greg Williamson said if residents had the vision or passion to transform public spaces and bring communities together, then council wanted to hear from them.

“Our communities are the lifeblood of our region, and we believe that strong, vibrant places can drive economic development, ignite community pride and enrich the lives of everyone around us,” Mr Williamson said.

“AMP! is more than just a grants program; it's about turning public spaces into captivating hubs.

“Whether you have ideas for art installations that inspire wonder, communal spaces that foster togetherness or initiatives that celebrate our cultural heritage – AMP! is your platform to shine.”

In the past, AMP! has already witnessed the revival of forgotten laneways into artistic showcases like Fifth Lane and the Indigenous Meeting Place and Healing Garden at Mackay Base Hospital.

Mayor Williamson said council’s Economic Development team were excited to work with residents and businesses to identify projects that would breathe new life into every corner of our beloved region.

If you’re ready to make a difference, take the first step and apply for an Activate My Place! (AMP!) Placemaking Grant today.

Project funding is competitive, and applications must address the program’s selection criteria. Previously successful applications have received funding in the range of $3000 to $15,000. Read the guidelines by visiting discovermackay.com.au/invest and apply by September 30.

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The revival of Fifth Lane was made possible by an Activate My Place! (AMP!)

Placemaking Grant

By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

It is always positive to see government investing in the sustainability of the sugar industry.

As growers, we know it is all-important that farm inputs - like fertiliser – stay in the ground where we need them working towards increasing productivity and profitability, and not making its way off farm during rain and into creeks and on to the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.

The Queensland Government just recently announced funding of $3.6M over 2.5 years for the Sugarcane Practice Change Program. While that funding is appreciated, it is concerning to see that again, the Government has not consulted with the sugar industry to gain our views on what would give them more bang for their buck. It is also disappointing that the program is more about driving projects that offer agronomy/ extension advice, and less about practical on-the-ground activities that allow farmers to deliver practice change. Actual practice change is what delivers benefits to improved water quality.

The sugarcane growing sector already has a range of strong best management practice programs like Sugar Research Australia’s Six Easy Steps (6ES), and the productivity services-delivered Smartcane BMP.

Both are quality programs that work well together to assist farmers to refine their nutrient, chemical and soil management for positive environmental and profitability outcomes. The programs are internationally acknowledged as delivering positive environmental outcomes and are in fact the cornerstone that makes the Queensland sugar industry attractive to bio-commodities companies working in sustainable/renewable foods, fibres and fuels. The cane industry has been successful in developing these programs, and now other ag sectors, like horticulture are looking to our industry as a beacon.

Announcements like the Pivotal Ingredients precision fermentation plant-based “milk” protein manufacturing facility set for start of construction in 2024 come off the back of the region's sugarcane growing sector’s sustainability credentials.

Growers are concerned about runoff, and I guess the industry has come a long way in 12 years since we first started looking at the impact of agricultural practice on water quality. In that time, CANEGROWERS district offices have connected coastwide with Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnerships – like our own Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac regional one, of which CANEGROWERS Mackay is not only a partner member, but highly active within the partnership.

Many growers are now fully accredited under BMP, many more are somewhere along the BMP journey. Lots of those same farmers have completed 6ES, and/or worked with other nutrient management programs. The commitment is there. But at times the capacity to fully finance what can be quite costly machinery is not practical within the farm’s finances.

We encourage Government to engage with organisations like CANEGROWERS and learn what it is that growers are expressing a need for when it comes to meeting reef water quality targets. To see what we think this funding criteria should be. To learn about the different issues on the ground for different growing regions. Queensland is large, and diverse. The water quality issues for a wet tropics region like Tully are not the same for a cooler, drier region like Bundaberg, for example.

You can have all the extension advice in the world, but if people can't find the money to implement that - to buy the equipment needed to implement the advisable changes, then it could be wasted taxpayer money, and that's a real big concern.

In CANEGROWERS, we listen to our members, and it isn’t more advice that they are asking for. It’s financial support to afford the very necessary precision agriculture equipment that will help with highly accurate delivery of chemicals and fertiliser. It’s support to engage in earthworks that helps to create retention and treatment dams, to conduct revegetation projects that can act as a buffer between paddock and streamlines. To invest in precision irrigation equipment that informs highly effective crop water use and nitrogen use efficiencies.

Projects that will make a real difference on the ground - and in the water.

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Practice change that benefits water quality requires substantial investment by growers. Options include GPS guided high-rise spray tractors that offer the capability to precisely control rate of delivery and appropriate timed weed control. Photo Contributed RCL

Pivotal Ingredients has teamed up with the local sugar industry in Mackay to tap into the growing global demand for sustainable animal-free dairy products.

Pivotal Ingredients is excited to announce its vision to build a state-of-the-art fermentation facility in Mackay, Queensland and is partnering with local sugar producers to help make this project a reality.

Projected to create an estimated 500 construction jobs and about 80 ongoing biotech jobs in the Mackay region, the proposed Pivotal facility will use locally sourced sugar cane to power its cutting-edge fermentation processes. A global race is underway to meet surging consumer demand for sustainable, animal-free dairy products.

Powered by Queensland-grown sugar, Pivotal’s facility will utilise precision fermentation techniques to manufacture dairy proteins such as whey or casein. These proteins can then be used to make lactose-free ice-cream, cream cheese, protein bars, and beverages for sale around the world. The new technology has the potential to transform Queensland into a world-leading supplier of fermentation-derived dairy proteins, capturing a significant slice of the $US600 billion global dairy industry.

It will also position Mackay as a hub for value-added processing and food production.

Pivotal Ingredients CEO Jeff Goodwin said he was particularly excited by the opportunity to boost the long-term sustainability of the sugar industry.

“Coming from a family with a background in the sugar industry and regional Queensland, this proposal will ensure long-term opportunities for the local economy,” Mr Goodwin said.

“What excites us about Mackay is the close proximity to sugar feedstock, the synergies with local sugar milling industry and the Queensland Government’s biofutures vision.”

Canegrowers Mackay chairman Kevin Borg applauded the proposal, noting it had the potential to put Mackay producers at the forefront of global changes.

“The local sugarcane industry welcomes projects like this that will ensure producers can continue to flourish and capture the global demand for new products that utilise sugarcane,” Mr Borg said.

Kylie Porter, CEO of Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3), the peak economic development agency for Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday backed the potential of the project.

"The proposed fermentation facility by Pivotal Ingredients represents an incredible opportunity for the Mackay region. This project not only creates significant job opportunities but also positions Mackay at the forefront of the global biotech industry,” she said.

“We welcome this initiative and look forward to working with the proponents and the State and Federal Government to make this a reality.”

Pivotal Ingredients is actively engaging with large investors and collaborating with the government to bring this pioneering proposal to fruition.

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Artist impression of a fermentation facility which could be based in Mackay to meet demand for animal-free dairy products

Walkerston’s Vietnam Veteran William Lake was, at lastweek’s local RSL meeting, presented with a commemoration medallion andcertificate marking the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvementin the Vietnam War.

Today, the 18th of August, is Vietnam Veterans'Remembrance Day. Also known as Long Tan Day, this day was marked by Vietnamveterans as a day to commemorate the fallen at the 1966 Battle of LongTan.  

Bill, as all nineteen-year-old Australian men back then -between 1965 and 1972, had to register for national service. Servicemenconscripted under this scheme were known as 'Nashos'. Names of potentialconscripts were selected bya birthday ballot, where numbered wooden marbles were drawn by lottery from abarrel.

The Menzies Government had concluded that Australia hadinadequate Defence manpower and aimed to increase the strength of the Army to33,000 by the end of 1966 by introducing national service.

There were many ‘conscientious objectors’ resistingmilitary service. These people were prosecuted criminally for refusal to complywith draft board orders.                                                          

The Australian Servicesinvolvement in the Vietnam War was at that time, quite a controversial subjectin Australia. For some veterans their service was never recognised as it shouldhave been. Upon returning home, there was no debriefing, it was ‘just go hometo your family and deal with life as best you can’.                    

Many soldiers who had servedin Vietnam never spoke about that time as they were treated quite badly, evensometimes mocked, mainly in the bigger cities of Australia. Fortunately, thiskind of abhorrent behaviour was not apparent in the much smallercommunities.                                                                            

Sadly, it was not until 15years after the end of the Vietnam war, in 1987, that Australian servicemen,and women, were duly recognised and given a Welcome Home parade where about25,000 veterans marched in Sydney.

The date of August 18 was recognised by Australian Vietnamveterans as a day to honour and acknowledge all those who served and died inVietnam. It was formally recognised as Vietnam Veterans' Day in 1987 with thethen Prime Minister Bob Hawke's announcement after the Welcome Home parade.

In 1992 a National Memorialfor the Vietnam War was established in Canberra.

Bill Lake’s birthdate waspicked out of the barrel when he was nineteen, but like so many otherconscripts, his joining the military services - training at Singleton,Canungra, and Shoal Water Bay, and then stationed at Lavarack Barracks inTownsville, before his battalion was sent to the Vietnam War - was postponed fora year until Bill had finished his apprenticeship in Walkerston.  

Bill has lived most of hislife in Walkerston; with only short periods residing in other parts of thecountry. He and his wife now live in the house right next to their first home -where they and their children lived for many years.

One could say that – in manyways – Bill’s uncharted circle of life has come back to where it began yearsago…and it is by no means finished yet!

Contributed by Bente McDonald

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