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Six months after its release, the Government’s Energy Roadmap is beginning to deliver on its promise of more affordable, reliable and sustainable power across Queensland. The plan aims to put downward pressure on electricity prices while strengthening the state’s energy system through continued investment in coal, gas, renewables and storage. It also focuses on unlocking new supply, including exploring gas potential in the Taroom Trough and progressing key infrastructure projects. Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki said the roadmap was already achieving results. “The Roadmap is our plan to deliver new supply in the right places, at the right time, while keeping the lights on and putting downward pressure on prices,” Treasurer Janetzki said. “Power prices in Queensland are set to drop by about 10 per cent next financial year, in contrast with prices soaring under Labor by 19.9 per cent in a single year after the former Government failed to properly maintain power plants.” Since mid-2025, more than a gigawatt of new storage and renewable energy has become operational, with further developments underway. Market interest has also surged, with more than 50 parties engaging in proposals for new gas-fired generation projects. “There’s been overwhelming market interest with more than 50 parties engaged and over 10 gigawatts (GW) of prospective gas-fired generation identified across 17 projects, highlighting Queensland is open for business for new energy investment,” he said. The roadmap also includes initiatives such as the Investor Gateway and North West Energy Fund, designed to attract private investment and support long-term energy security across the state.
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Mackay Base Hospital has become one of three sites across Australia recruiting patients for a clinical trial investigating a potential new drug treatment aimed at improving recovery time following concussion. The clinical trial will assess the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication designed to treat concussion and potentially support faster recovery for those affected. Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Senior Staff Specialist (Emergency) and Principal Investigator Dr Sunday Sofola-Orukotan said concussion was a very common condition which could happen to anyone, anywhere, but was more frequently associated with contact sports such as football. “It’s very common with sporting activities and the rate of presentations of head injuries increases during the rugby season,” Dr Sofola-Orukotan said. Trial sub-investigator and Mackay HHS senior medical officer (emergency) Dr Olurotimi Akinola said concussion presentations in the ED could also be the result of falls and trips. “We see it very often in elderly patients,” Dr Akinola said. “That’s why a study like this is important because it gives us the opportunity to investigate whether a new treatment may improve a patient’s recovery outcomes.” “Generally, most patients with concussion recovered within a few days, but some experienced persistent symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and concentration and memory issues,” he said. “We see people with post-concussive syndrome who have had ongoing symptoms for months and it's affecting their livelihood and day-to-day activities,” Dr Akinola said. There are currently no approved pharmaceutical treatments for concussion available in Australia with recovery focused on rest and symptom relief. This clinical trial would investigate the safety and efficacy of a new drug in the treatment of mild traumatic brain injury and trial participants would receive either the investigational drug or placebo alongside standard care. During his training in Nigeria, Dr Sofola-Orukotan had been involved in another clinical trial and collected data for a study into reducing bleeding in traumatic brain injuries. “This study is very similar to what I’ve done before so I see it as an opportunity to bring this type of research to the Mackay region to benefit our patients,” he said. Anyone interested in learning more about the clinical trial can contact the Clinical Trials Unit on 4951 7561 or email mackay-clinical-trials@health.qld.gov.au Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) trial sub-investigator and senior medical officer (emergency) Dr Olurotimi Akinola, clinical trials nurse Alta Neethling and senior staff specialist (emergency) and principal investigator Dr Sunday Sofola-Orukotan. Photo supplied
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A caesarean birth can be planned, unexpected, calm, chaotic, welcomed, or deeply emotional. For many women, it is all of those things at once. Yet while there is often plenty of discussion about the birth itself, far less attention is given to what comes next… recovery. April is C-Section Awareness Month, a timely reminder that caesarean birth is not the “easy option,” nor is recovery something women should simply be expected to push through in silence. A caesarean is major abdominal surgery, performed at the same time a woman becomes a mother or welcomes another child into her family. In the days and weeks afterwards, women are often navigating pain, fatigue, sleep deprivation, feeding demands, changing hormones, and the enormous responsibility of caring for a newborn, all while healing from surgery. Many mums are surprised by how vulnerable they feel. Tasks that once seemed simple, like getting out of bed, laughing, coughing, lifting the baby capsule, or walking through the supermarket, can suddenly feel challenging. Yet because caring for a baby doesn’t pause for recovery, many women push on long before their body feels ready. What often goes unspoken is that healing continues well beyond the first six weeks. While the skin may appear healed relatively quickly, deeper layers of tissue continue to recover for months. The abdominal wall, scar tissue, core muscles, breathing patterns, posture, and pelvic floor can all be affected. Some women notice numbness around the scar, tightness, pulling sensations, back pain, weakness, bladder symptoms, or discomfort when returning to exercise. Others simply feel disconnected from their body, particularly their scar, and unsure where to begin. Scar care is another area many women are never taught about. Once the wound is fully healed and your medical team has cleared you, gentle scar massage can help improve mobility, reduce sensitivity, soften tightness, and support comfort as the tissues recover. Silicone therapy is also widely regarded as a gold-standard treatment for scar management, helping optimise scar healing and appearance. Early guidance can make a significant difference, particularly if the scar feels raised, tethered, numb, sensitive, or uncomfortable. These experiences are common, but they are not something women need to “just put up with.” One of the biggest myths around caesarean recovery is that if the baby is healthy and the scar looks fine, everything must be okay. But recovery is about far more than appearance. It is about how a woman feels in her body, how she moves, how she functions, and how confidently she returns to daily life. This is where support can make a meaningful difference. Pelvic health physiotherapy can help women recover strength, confidence, and comfort after a caesarean birth. That may include gentle core rehabilitation, scar mobility work, breathing retraining, guidance for safe return to exercise, lifting strategies, and addressing pelvic floor symptoms such as leaking, heaviness, or pain. Just as importantly, it can provide reassurance. Many women feel relief simply hearing that what they are experiencing is valid, understandable, and treatable. As a women’s health physiotherapist, I often meet mothers months or even years after their caesarean who say, “I thought this was just how it would be now.” But it doesn’t have to be. If you’ve had a caesarean birth, recently or years ago, and something still doesn’t feel quite right, a check-in with a qualified health professional can be a helpful next step. Your body has been through something significant, and it deserves care. This C-Section Awareness Month, let’s broaden the conversation. A caesarean birth is still birth. Recovery still matters. And mothers deserve more than being told to bounce back. Because healing well isn’t a luxury after birth — it should be the expectation. Text Box 2, Textbox Women's Health Physio Mackay admin@whphysiomackay.com.au 0476 616 324
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A duck walks into a newsagency, approaches the counter and asks the newsagent: “Do you have any corn?” The newsagent says: No, we don’t have corn. There’s a grain store a few doors up the street and they sell corn.” The duck says “okay, thanks” and waddles out. The next day the duck walks into the newsagency, approaches the counter and asks the newsagent: “Do you have any corn?” The newsagent says: “No, as I said yesterday, we don’t sell corn but the grain shop up the road sells it.” The ducks says “okay, thanks” and leaves the shop. The next day the duck waddles into the newsagency and approaches the newsagent and says: “Do you have any corn?” The newsagent is now sick of it. Exasperated, he says: “Look, mate we don’t sell corn! We are a newsagency! We sell cards and newspapers and lotto tickets. We don’t bloody well sell corn! If you want corn, you go to the grain store up the street and get your corn there.” The next day the duck walks into the newsagency. The newsagent sees him and thinks to himself, “right, if this friggin’ duck asks for corn again, I am gonna go off”. The duck waddles up to him and says: “Have you got any corn?” The newsagent is furious and has had enough. Now he’s shouting: “LISTEN MATE. WE DON’T SELL CORN! I’M SICK OF THIS. IF YOU COME INTO MY SHOP AGAIN AND ASK FOR CORN I AM GONNA GRAB YOUR HEAD AND NAIL YOUR STUPID DUCK BILL TO THIS COUNTER! The ducks says, “okay, thanks” and leaves. The next day the duck walks into the newsagency, goes up to the counter and says to the newsagent: “Have you got any nails?” The newsagent shouts in frustration: “No I don’t have any nails!!” The duck says: “Okay, do you have any corn?” Now that is one very annoying duck. In life, I try not to be as annoying as that duck. But there are some annoying things I do that I can’t eradicate. One of them is consistently turning up to photo shoots for a property I am listing. I use the same photographer for every listing and she is very good and knows what is required. Yet I turn up. Not on a two-bedroom unit I do for most houses because, even though I know the photographer is very good, I still need to tell her about the importance of certain features. I need to stress how important the shed is, how vital it is that we show how wide the side access is for buyers needing access for a boat or a caravan. Even if there isn’t a shed, I have to say something. “Listen I know there’s no shed but there is really good side access and look at all the space in the yard to put a shed. If you take a photo from over in that corner of the yard I reckon people will be able to see the side access and also the space that’s available for the shed in one picture.” It must be very annoying for a highly professional photographer who has done it thousands of times. It’s the same inside the house. I say things like: “If you take a photo from this angle in the family room, people will be able to see the lounge, dining and part of the kitchen and get a feel for the space.” Annoying. I know most agents consider attending the photo shoots a waste of time and maybe they’re right. For me, we only get one chance at a first impression and that’s the photos so let’s make sure they’re right. Even though the poor photographer has to turn up to a property and see that stupid duck waiting.
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Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
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Crowds from all over the region visited the Bowen Come n Try event last weekend, some visitors from as far afield as the Burdekin and Mackay regions.
Families and children enjoyed the many activities on offer, one of the most popular was the Wildlife Whitsundays pop-up and the fun train ride.
The drumming class was also an exciting activity.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said it was great to see such a big crowd attended the Try Bowen Event.
“There were people of all ages and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.”
“It was pleasing that so many people travelled from Airlie Beach and the Burdekin to take part.
“We thank Whitsunday Regional Council for hosting the event in Bowen.”
Photo credit: Daniel Heggie and Whitsunday Regional Council
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Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.
Plucking little seedlings out of the ground, roots and all, is something I still struggle with today but it is essential for a strong, pest and disease free vegetable garden.
Over planting is going to reduce air flow, encourage fungal growth, cause root competition and prevent foliage from being exposed to sunlight which is needed to dry off moisture and will reduce your plant’s ability to produce starches and sugars that give your vegetables flavour.
If you have planted from seed (as I always do), chances are you have too many seedlings popping out of the ground.
It is easy to get caught out planting from seed. There are more seeds in a packet than you need, so the temptation is to be liberal and throwing in a few extras too close together is inevitable (unless you are extremely self-disciplined). Don’t stress, this is not a terrible practice as it enables you to thin out the weakest seedlings, leaving you with a plethora of strong plants.
So, cull now! Well, cull if they have their second set of leaves.
Imagine that seedling fully grown. Give it space from its companions. Look for the one that seems to be the strongest and remove any others around it.
This is the child you get to pick! And nurture to maturity. Choose well.
Be careful not to disturb the roots of seedlings you want to keep. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, so make sure you water your garden bed after you have completed the removal of additional plants, as this helps them settle into the soil again and remove any large air pockets that you may have created.
Your new seedlings will grow very quickly, this makes them hungry feeders. They are going to require more assistance now than they will for the rest of their growing and producing lives. They’re going to need protection from the Whitsunday’s intense sunlight, on our blue sky beautiful days, which are numerous as we head into the picturesque Whitsunday winter. And they are going to require food themselves!
So, from three to four weeks out of the ground, I start liquid feeding with a weak solution of Seasol, once a fortnight.
I also use shade cloth over just about all of my garden beds - 25% shade cloth is optimal.
Not only does this assist in keeping the soil moist (yes, I hate that word too but it does describe the amount of water needed well), but it is also a fantastic barrier from pests, especially grasshoppers and cabbage moth! I could not produce a successful patch without a shade cloth. Give it a go.
By Amanda Wright
With the scent of fresh mountain dirt in the air as tyres tore through trails and the hum of wheels sliding across the high-speed pump track, the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails were officially unveiled in a community ceremony last Sunday. This opening marked not just the inauguration of a new outdoor attraction, but the birth of a haven for mountain biking enthusiasts and the ticket to increased tourism potential for the Pioneer Valley beyond its natural assets.
Members from the MAD Mountain Bike Club, Mackay Cycling Club, Mackay Cycles and Corry Cycles united for the official opening of the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails. Photo credit: Amanda Wright
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, one of the many driving forces behind the Finch Hatton trail project, expressed his joy during the opening ceremony to see the vision of two men from the local mountain biking club come to fruition.
"It was a fantastic idea that came to the council in 2016. Iain Masters and the late Jeff Rafferty from MAD Mountain Biking Club saw the potential of our top end of the valley, and how it could be transformed into a world-class mountain biking destination,” Mayor Williamson said.
"The whole Council at that stage, including the officers, said that this is going to be a great thing for the valley.”
Mayor Williamson also acknowledged former councillor Justin Englert for being one of the project's most passionate spokespeople over his two terms in council, advocating for its advancement at every opportunity.
The collaborative effort of the community, local authorities, and stakeholders over the years transformed this vision into a reality, culminating in the development of world-class mountain bike trails.
Mayor Williamson emphasised the economic benefits of the trails, saying, "These trails will put Mackay on the national and international map as a mountain bike destination."
He also acknowledged the significant financial investments made by both the state government and the council, amounting to around 13 million over several years.
“It’s too much for one budget, but over six or so years, it’s possible,” he said.
Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert, expressed her delight at the project's completion, noting, "It's a wonderful day to celebrate."
She also commended Mayor Williamson's vision and persistence in pushing the project forward, stating, "Mayor Williamson has been talking to the state government about stage two with our paths and trails funding."
Stage two, will be an 82-kilometre network that spans from Eungella to Finch Hatton and takes in Australia's longest stretch of subtropical rainforest. Planning and investigation works are underway and will continue until 2025. Construction is forecast to commence in 2026.
The day's festivities included market stalls, food vendors, and family-friendly activities, with the community invited to bring their bikes, have a go on the pump track and check out the fantastic trails that are open for everyone to use.
"This is a fantastic occasion for us as a community,” Mayor Williamson said.
He also highlighted the historical significance of the trailhead site, which was once part of the original Cattle Creek mill, now restored to serve as the administration building for future events.
"The trailhead site will be a place where you start and finish your mountain bike adventure and enjoy a family day out.
“Finch Hatton will be the best trailhead town in Australia.”
As riders of all ages geared up for an exciting day on the trails, the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails became a hub of community spirit. The bustling opening day showcased the importance of shared passion in bringing this thrilling project to life.
Representatives from Mackay Regional Council celebrated the official opening of the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails. L-R: Cr Namarca Corowa, Cr Heath Paton, Cr Ash-Lee Johnson, Mayor Greg Williamson, Deputy Mayor Belinda Hassan, Cr Alison Jones, Cr Nathenea McRae, Cr Karen May. Photo credit: Amanda Wright
Mayor Greg Williamson and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert revealed the plaque for the official opening of the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails
The community enjoyed the festivities at Finch Hatton, strolling the markets or riding the pump track. Photo credit: Amanda Wright
In a momentous week for our beloved Mackay, we've witnessed the unveiling of two projects that herald a new era of prosperity and vitality for our region. With Prime Minister Albanese’s visit earlier this week, Mackay's Riverside Revitalisation Project was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new river pontoon, transforming what was once an industrial precinct into a vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike.
It's the start of a significant plan for River Street, which will eventually transform into a bustling precinct all the way to Binnington Esplanade and Town Beach, connecting the city's heart to our underutilised natural beauty.
But that's not all. Nestled amidst the verdant beauty of the Pioneer Valley, the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails were also officially unveiled in a spectacle of excitement and anticipation. What began as a vision shared by two local mountain biking enthusiasts has blossomed into a world-class attraction, beckoning adventurers from far and wide to explore our natural wonders.
Beyond the ceremonial formalities of these unveilings lies an excited buzz: the economic windfall and renewed sense of purpose that these projects bring to our doorstep. As our region evolves and our tourism offerings expand, so too do the opportunities for growth and prosperity. It's a moment to reflect on how far we've come and to look forward with unbridled optimism to the possibilities that lie ahead.
Have a great week, Mackay!
Amanda
During the months of January and February, Harrup Park committed to supporting the Far North Queensland flood relief.
For every main meal served in the Bistro during this period, the venue pledged to donate $1 towards the cause.
This initiative stemmed from the aftermath of Cyclone Jasper, which devastatingly caused destruction to numerous residential communities in Far North Queensland last year.
Each main meal ordered by guests and members during January and February contributed directly to aiding those who were affected by the natural disaster. Together, through collective efforts, the venue managed to raise an impressive total of $5,177 for Operation ClubsCare, a significant contribution to ongoing flood relief within the region.
Participating in Clubs Queensland Operation ClubsCare was a source of immense pride for the venue. It not only demonstrated their commitment to supporting the community in times of need, but it also makes a tangible difference in the lives of those who were impacted by the cyclone.
Sharing this remarkable achievement to Facebook, Harrup Park stated, “We are proud to have participated in Clubs Queensland Operation ClubsCare and thank our wonderful members for their support!”
Harrup Park raised a whopping $5,177 by donating $1 out of every main meal served to support the Far North Queensland Flood Relief. Image Sourced (Harrup Park Facebook)
With an estimated 6,000 homeless defence personnel in Australia, the issue of veteran homelessness is a pressing concern that demands attention.
Shockingly, only 1.1% of veterans access homeless support services, compared to 3.4% of the general population. Current and former service personnel experience homelessness at a rate three times higher than the broader population, highlighting a significant issue that most are unaware of.
16-year-old cadet, Murray Macgroarty has taken on the mission to raise awareness and tackle the problem of defence veterans' homelessness head-on. His approach involves connecting resources, services and funds to veterans through a coordinated and comprehensive strategy.
‘Just Keep Marching’ symbolises the beginning of Murray's focused efforts to combat this pressing issue.
Driven by a deep desire to give back, Murray's inspiration has been fuelled by conversations with current serving members, diggers, community leaders such as Mayor Greg Williamson and the active support of organisations like the Mackay RSL and Finch Hatton RSL Sub Branches. Together, they aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who have sacrificed so much in defence of our country.
“There’s not a lot of recognition for veterans’ homelessness,” Murray remarked.
“Those guys wouldn’t think twice about stepping in front of a bullet for us - in the defence of our country, so we should have a solid think about how we can give back to them.”
To support the cause, Murray will be embarking on a 382-kilometer march around the Blue Water Trail with former veterans, locals and supporters, to not only raise awareness, but to call to action a solution in light of defence veterans' homelessness.
By coming along, or joining Murray on his march, individuals can play a crucial role in making a difference in the lives of veterans who have served our country with dedication and sacrifice. It's time to continue the march from where our veterans left off, ensuring that they receive the support and care they deserve.
There is a $5 admission fee that will go directly towards veterans in need. Those who are interested in participating are encouraged to come along and support the cause and what better way to start than by coming together over a home baked afternoon tea, symbolising the unity and camaraderie that defines our country’s legacy.
16-year-old Murray Macgroarty will march an estimated 382-kilometers to raise awareness for veterans’ homelessness. Photos credit: Hannah McNamara
Following the announcement of the Mackay Base Hospital expansion project and subsequent relocation of the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia are proud to announce a major extension for their care of sick and injured children in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays region.
The Charity has introduced the launch of the RMHC Hospitality Cart, operating at the Mackay Base Hospital to continue servicing families with sick and injured children when they need it most.
The RMHC Hospitality Cart delivers care items at no cost to sick or injured children and their families in the Children’s Wards including the Paediatric Ward, Paediatric Oncology Day Unit, Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and more.
Samantha Baker, Community Engagement Executive for RMHC Mackay and the Whitsundays said, “we have an amazing team of volunteers every week and it’s filled by kind donations from the community as well as our three amazing sponsors on board, which really helps with purchasing all the items and making sure it’s fully stocked every single day.
“Any family member that has a child receiving treatment here can get items off the cart, it’s not just for the patient, but also for the family and siblings as well,” Samantha added.
“We have so many amazing toys, snacks and meals for families at no cost at all so that just takes a massive financial burden off them and gives them and their kids some things to do.”
In the last 12 months, over 4,730 families have been supported by the RMHC Hospitality Carts, with over 15,290 care items supplied.
Volunteers say that “the children’s faces light up like Christmas when they see the toys.”
Dr. Charles Pain, Chief Medical Officer, Mackay Base Hospital with Samantha Baker, Community Engagement Executive for RMHC Mackay
RMHC North Australia Hospitality Cart Volunteers Sue Bartlett and Sue Trask
Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
In the lead up to ANZAC Day, RSL Queensland launched its ‘Postcards of Honour’ initiative for the second year, encouraging Queensland’s youngest generation to express their personal connection to ANZAC Day through writing and illustrations.
Secretary of the Walkerston/Pleystowe RSL Sub Branch, Dan Peters paid St Johns Catholic Primary School a visit to share his stories and insights on ANZAC day while educating the students by answering their questions and teaching them about the importance of ANZAC Day.
Mr Peters said, “This activity of ‘Postcards of Honour’ gives the kids an insight on what it’s like to write to somebody during the War as well as what the families went through back then.
“I think it’s important that we keep reminding these younger generations of what these guys went through in World War I and World War II,” he added.
Year 4, St Johns Walkerston students eagerly wrote and designed their own personalised postcards to participate in a pretend send off, in recognition of the vital support that letters and postcards have played throughout Australia’s military history.
RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM said he was pleased to see the age-appropriate initiative continue and grow year-on-year, providing a meaningful opportunity for thousands of students across the state to remember those that went before us and how the past has impacted our futures.
“It may seem like a small gesture, but the postcards acts as such a meaningful keepsake and are truly valued by the veterans who receive them,” MAJGEN Day said.
For more information on how to get involved and to download your own ‘Postcard of Honour’, visit rslqld.org/postcards-of-honour.
Year 4 students from St John’s Catholic Primary School in Walkerston penned their treasured postcodes in honour of ANZAC day.
Secretary of the Walkerston/Pleystowe RSL Sub Branch, Dan Peters
Creativity sparked as Year 4 students presented their wonderful postcard designs.
Photo Credit: Hannah McNamara
“The Albanese Government promised programs to support the regions, but after almost two years there is nothing to show for it.”
These are the words of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox who believes the Dawson community is suffering from the government’s failure to allocate grants for much needed community infrastructure projects.
“The Labor Government in Canberra has imposed a two-year funding drought on regional communities as a result of the Prime Minister’s decisions to abolish programs designed to strengthen rural, remote and regional Australia and a failure to deliver initiatives of their own,” Mr Willcox said.
He goes on to say that “right across the nation, regional councils and community organisations have been waiting more than 40 weeks since Labor opened the so-called Growing Regions Program, and over nine months later not one application has been approved and funded.”
“By failing to award grant moneys under this program, Labor is effectively stealing $300 million in much needed funding from the regions,” Mr Willcox added.
Mr Willcox said this is not the only program the government has failed to deliver, with not a single grant approved in the first assessment round of the $400 million Precincts and Partnerships program, undertaken in September/October last year.
“The Government is starving the regions of funding. Over Labor’s first two years in office, they have stripped more than $20 billion in infrastructure and programs from regional communities,” Willcox added.
“Labor has abolished or allowed to lapse important job and community building programs such as the Building Better Regions Fund, Community Development Grants, Regionalisation Fund, Roads of Strategic Importance Program, and the Stronger Communities Program, just to name a few.”
Willcox is currently developing a Dawson project register, and is strongly urging any community organisation, not-for-profit, or sporting club who does have a project in the works and has applied for this funding to contact his office and register their project to ensure they are the first to know about any current or future grant and funding opportunities that become available.
“For anyone who would like to be added to this register, they can contact my office via email at Andrew.Willcox.MP@aph.gov.au.”
Opinion Piece
The Festivals Australia program, administered by Australian Government, is injecting $1.4 million into festivals across Australia, including the Mackay region, to support a diverse array of artistic endeavours.
One recipient of this funding is the Mackay Film Festival for Youth, which will host the Pioneer Valley Acting and Screen Production Weekend Community Workshop.
This workshop aims to enhance digital storytelling skills, covering scriptwriting, acting, producing, directing, editing, and post-production.
The resulting productions will be showcased at the Pinnacle Playhouse Red Carpet Community Screening Event during the Mackay Film Festival for Youth.
Another initiative supported by the program is the Sunset Cultural Experience organised by the Issac Regional Council.
This event will kick off the St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend Event, offering a platform to showcase First Nations culture through music, dance, storytelling, and gourmet interpretations of traditional bush tucker.
One of the primary objectives of the Festival Australia program is to nurture local talent and strengthen community bonds through artistic expression.
By facilitating access to art and culture in areas that might otherwise have limited opportunities, the program strives to create a more inclusive cultural environment and showcase local talent.
Minister for the Arts Tony Burke said, “Festivals – at their best – are about building community, sharing stories, and creating memories. They put artists on a bigger stage, with a brighter spotlight.”
“This program helps support that right across Australia, making sure these opportunities aren’t just for people in capital cities,” said Mr Burke
An initiative supported by the The Festivals Australia program is the Sunset Cultural Experience organised by the Issac Regional Council
Mackay Regional Council announced last week that the Bluewater Lagoon will close from Monday, April 29, until early September 2024 for significant upgrade work.
Contractors will be completing work to replace the existing surface of the main and top lagoons with a new lining and tiles.
Council said that the existing Quartzon lining of the lagoon’s floor is being replaced with a Polyvinyl Chloride membrane system that will reduce maintenance requirements at the facility.
This follows on from the work completed last year, which involved relining the children’s pool with the new finish.
This work has been scheduled to be completed during the winter maintenance period to avoid unnecessary inconvenience to the public.
Residents are also advised that the Bluewater Lagoon’s kids’ pool and splash pad are also currently out of action.
The pool pump is in need of repairs that may take several weeks to complete as there are parts that need to be ordered from an overseas supplier.
As a result, the kids’ pool and splash pad will remain closed for the rest of the season.
Mackay Regional Council says it apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and thanks the public for its understanding and patience.
The Memorial Swim Centre and Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex will remain open as usual over the winter period.
The Bluewater Lagoon will close from Monday April 29, reopening in September 2024. The children’s pool and splash pad are already closed and will remain closed until September. Photo credit: Amanda Wright
A $1 million fund to enhance social and community life in the Isaac region has been unveiled at today’s (20 April) inaugural Pembroke Resources Community Expo in Moranbah.
Pembroke Chairman and CEO Barry Tudor said the new Pembroke Community Partnership Program fund was created to ensure the local area continued to benefit from the opening of the Olive Downs Complex for generations to come, with funding being provided to projects identified, prioritised and supported by local residents.
“The Olive Downs Complex is already working in strong partnership with the local community by creating and supporting hundreds of jobs, prioritising local procurement whenever possible and providing our workforce with a genuine choice to live within the Isaac Region,” Mr Tudor said.
“Today, we are proud to announce the next step in working together to build a stronger community, through the $1 million Pembroke Community Partnership Program.
“This is stage one of the fund, which will run over the next five years to help ensure the local community reaps the benefits of having the Olive Downs Complex operating in their region. Projects of interest could include those focused on improved health, welfare and employment outcomes as well as improved social infrastructure.
“Another priority for us is reducing unnecessary red tape so it’s as easy as possible for locals to decide how and where this funding is spent for the future benefit of the community.”
Mr Tudor said the Pembroke Community Partnership Program was in addition to other contributions the Olive Downs Complex was making to the region through job and training opportunities, local purchasing whenever possible and leading-edge environmental stewardship.
“The local community is rightly proud that the high-quality steel-making coal being produced by Olive Downs is supporting our national and state economies, as well as much-needed infrastructure across the world. Our Community Partnership Program will ensure those economic benefits are delivered at the local level as well,” he said.
In addition to these community benefits, the Olive Downs Complex will make a significant contribution to the local, state and national economies. The project is estimated to contribute more than $10 billion in royalties for the Queensland Government over its projected 79-year life.
Photos supplied
GUEST SPEAKER: Stephen Andrew MP with current, irrefutable information.
Across this great nation of ours, we are rising up to “Say NO to Digital ID”.
Digital ID means every one of us will be under total control of the government:
• The government will track your every movement 24/7
• The government will keep a record of every cent you spend and reward or punish you accordingly
• The government will control what you buy and even IF you can buy
• The government will control where you go, who you see and what you do with your time
• The government will have total control over your medical details with a data bank of information that can be easily hacked, shared or sold without your permission or knowledge
• The government will require permit for everything (eg: to own a bee hive, enter a national park, have more than six chickens)
• Microchips will be inserted in your body
We say NO, NO, NO!!!!
Join us, add your voice to ours, and put a stop to this globalist ideology.
WHAT: Say No To Digital ID
WHEN: Sunday 5 May at 11am
WHERE: Bluewater Quay, Mackay
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