The mining community is in mourning following the tragic death of another worker at the Byerwen Mine site, located west of Glenden.

Emergency services were called to the site at approximately 1.10 pm on Thursday, August 22nd, where they discovered a man believed to be in his mid 50s suffering from critical injuries.

Bundaberg man, John Linwood (56), was fatally injured at the Byerwen mine site and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident involved a collision between a haul truck and a light vehicle, and the details surrounding the accident remain under investigation. It is understood that a loaded dump truck was ascending a ramp leading out of the pit at low speed when the light vehicle approached from behind and collided with it.

Macmahon, the company operating at the mine, has expressed deep sadness over the incident.

Michael Finnegan, Managing Director and CEO of Macmahon, said, "This is a tragic and sad incident which has impacted our whole team.

“We continue to support our people, especially friends and family of our deceased colleague, as well as the dump truck operator."

RSHQ CEO Rob Djukic said that as of Tuesday afternoon (27th August), Byerwen coal mine is able to resume activities provided it can maintain a safe operating environment.

“The RSHQ inspector who issued the directive to suspend the use of heavy vehicles is satisfied the requirements have been met,” Mr Djukic said.

“Our investigation into the incident that caused the fatality on Thursday 22 August is ongoing.

“We can also confirm that the incident involved an interaction between a light vehicle and a haul truck.
“Our investigation will look at what caused this interaction.”

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Photo source: Macmahon

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Whitsunday Anglican School’s 2024 Academic School Captain, Rohit Vaidya, was one of only
fifteen students in the State, and the only student from the Mackay and Whitsunday region, to
receive a Peter Doherty Award for Excellence in STEM Education, where he was celebrated for
his outstanding and innovative contribution to STEM education in Queensland.

Marking 21 years of the Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in STEM Education, the awards
recognise students, teachers, support officers, schools and education partners who demonstrate
their commitment to excellence in STEM education for their schools and communities.

Named after Professor Peter Doherty, a Brisbane-born Nobel Prize-winning scientist, the award
and scholarship program assists students in their continued pursuit of STEM education.

Attending the ceremony with his family, including his older brother Raj, an alumni of Whitsunday
Anglican School and previous Peter Doherty Award winner, Rohit said that he was humbled by
the award.

Rohit has been an advocate for STEM within the Whitsunday Anglican School community and
has embraced the countless opportunities provided by the school, and in the newly-opened
state-of-the-art STEAM Centre.

“It is truly an honour to be one of the fifteen students to have received this prestigious award,”
he said.

“I am looking forward to pursuing a career in medicine after school and continuing in the footsteps
of my older brother Raj and my father in specialising in cardiology.

“I really want to work in a rural or remote community because I believe that these areas require more specialist interventions and I want to strive to be the best doctor I can be.”

Principal, Mr Andrew Wheaton, said Rohit is an outstanding student, excelling in his academic
studies, particularly in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

“Rohit is a tremendous role model to our school community, and we are immensely proud of
his achievements. He is the embodiment of our school values, and as academic captain,
where he generously supports students from the Preparatory Year to Year 12 in their academic
studies.

“Since joining Whitsunday Anglican School in 2014, Rohit has proven himself as an impressive
young man with a bright future, immersing himself in every opportunity to advance a balanced
education, that has been accentuated by a passion for STEAM – Science, Technology,
Engineering, Arts (critical thinking, literature and The Arts) and Mathematics.”

Rohit’s contributions to STEM education are significant, including the JCU Heroes in Health
program, Australian Mathematics Competitions completed with Distinction in 2023, Opti-MINDS,
Science Olympiads, and he was awarded a scholarship for the Lions Medical Research
Foundation SPARQ-ed (Students Performing Advanced Research Queensland) program.

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Whitsunday Anglican School Deputy Principal (Teaching and Leaning) Natalie Sunner with award winning student Rohit Vaidya. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Rohit Vaidya receiving his award with Di Farmer MP, Minister for Education and Minister for Youth Justice and Michael De’Ath, Director-General, Department of Education. Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School (Facebook)

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Mackay Writers is hosting a special Memoir Writing Workshop with esteemed Queensland writer Edwina Shaw on Saturday, August 31, and Sunday, September 1, at the Seabreeze Hotel, Lamberts Beach. Shaw, known for her fiction, memoir, and screenwriting, brings a wealth of experience to the event. Her novel Thrill Seekers was shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Award for New Writing, and she has over 40 stories published internationally. With years of teaching under her belt, including at the University of Queensland and Queensland Writers Centre, Shaw is eager to guide participants through the craft of memoir writing.
The workshop will feature four sessions across the weekend. On Saturday, participants will explore their personal stories and delve into the art of character and dialogue. Sunday’s sessions will focus on developing a plot and navigating the publishing process. It’s an opportunity for both aspiring and seasoned writers to refine their skills and explore new storytelling techniques.
Complimentary morning and afternoon teas will be provided, and Saturday evening will include wine and nibblies courtesy of DBCT. Participants can also enjoy a 10 per cent discount on rooms at Seabreeze Hotel, perfect for those wanting to make a weekend of it.
Supported by the Mackay Regional Council and the Queensland Government, this event is made possible through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF). Mackay Writers, going strong after 35 years, welcomes new members. For registration forms, email Mackay Writers at mkywriters@gmail.com.

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Mackay Regional Council has ordered a new half pipe for the Brewers Road Skatepark in Sarina to replace the existing unit, which has become structurally unsafe due to vandalism and misuse.
The equipment in the skatepark is designed for skateboards, scooters, roller blades and bicycles but there have been reports of motorbikes using the facility.
Unfortunately, the replacement unit is not expected to arrive until December.

In the meantime, the vandalised equipment has been cordoned off for safety reasons and will be removed. However, the rest of the skatepark is open and available to be used by the community.

Mayor Greg Williamson said it was disappointing to see the recent spike in vandalism of public facilities across the region.

“Over the last month we’ve had almost $20,000 in damages inflicted on public property,” Mayor Williamson said.

“In Sarina, two sets of public toilets have been damaged and the Sarina Museum has had the windows smashed in and the exterior vandalised,” he said.

“The shade sails in Apex Park in Sarina have also been slashed and we have been quoted more than $10,000 to replace them.

“Meanwhile in Woodlands District Park in Andergrove, the barbecues have been repeatedly covered in burnt plastic.

“Not only do ratepayers have to foot the bill for these repairs, but it means a number of our public facilities are now out of action.”

Council has been consulting with local authorities about these matters.

Residents are being asked to report any suspicious activity in public areas to the police immediately.

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The vandalised equipment at the Brewers Road Skatepark has been cordoned off for safety reasons and will be removed, however, the rest of the skatepark is open and available to be used by the community

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Mackay is piping excited for another Scottish party against the beautiful blue backdrop of the Pioneer River as the annual Mackay Scottish Bluewater Fling swings into full motion this weekend!

The Bluewater Fling is a free, outdoor, family-friendly community event sponsored by the Mackay Regional Council that celebrates Mackay’s Scottish heritage. The event showcases local and visiting performers, featuring pipe bands from across Queensland, Celtic rock and Folk bands, soloists, and Highland dancers.

A number of stalls selling Scottish wares and foods and an on-site licenced venue will also keep the crowds entertained.

Official Entertainment will commence at 1.30pm on Saturday 31st August and will finish around 4.30pm at the Bluewater Quay. Performers and supporters will then move to a local indoor venue for the free ‘Fling Afterparty Ceilidh’ where live music and Ceilidh dancing will get the party started until late evening.

One of the highlights of the Bluewater Fling’s programme is the massed bands parade across the Forgan Smith Bridge starting at 2pm which spans the iconic Pioneer River.

The annual event is an opportunity for pipe bands from North and Central Queensland to come together and share their passion for the pipes and drums.

For the first time in nearly 100 years, bagpipes bought by the people in Mackay in 1916 and played on the Western Front during WWI will be on display. These bagpipes were recently located in America and have been purchased by the Mackay RSL Sub Branch.

Mayor Greg Williamson advises locals to “get in early.”

“This is a great celebration for the whole family…to have seven bands of pipes and drums represented here and of course the special guests this time around, the pipes and drums of the Police Juvenile Band… we’re very excited to welcome them to Mackay!”

Since its inception in 2016, the event has continued to grow each year and has expanded to include additional free events over the course of the Scottish Festival weekend, including a meet-and-greet on Friday night the 30th August at Goanna Microbrewery, 2 Victoria Street and a rambunctious ceilidh on the Saturday night at Goosies Sport and Recreation Club, 74 Malcomson Street.

For more details on the event, head to www.bluewaterfling.com.  

What: Mackay Scottish Bluewater Fling
When: Saturday 31 August
Where: Bluewater Quay

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Massed pipe bands will march across the Forgan Bridge at 2pm Saturday 31 August 2024
Piper Derek Martin with Piper and event emcee Ian Dean, Mayor Greg Williamson and Piper and event coordinator Deb Orr. Photos supplied

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A stellar trade performance over the past 12 months is the icing on the cake for the Port of Mackay as it celebrates 85 years since its official opening.
Total trade through the port reached 3.58 million tonnes in 2023-24, compared to 3.51 million tonnes for the same period last year and just shy of the record 3.59 million tonnes in 2021-22.
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) CEO Brendan Webb said the buoyant trade performance highlighted how the publicly owned port is powering into the future.
“Since the start, the Port of Mackay has been a pivotal hub for trade in North Queensland, and this year is no exception,” Mr Webb said.
“In 2023-24 petroleum, the top traded commodity, saw its highest-ever volume at 1.85 million tonnes, surpassing the 1.84 million tonnes of 2021-22.
“Agricultural commodities continued to trade strongly, with sugar (1.04 million tonnes), and grain (334,729 tonnes) amongst the top three trades.”
The official opening of Mackay Harbour by the Honourable W. Forgan Smith, the then Premier and Member for Mackay, on 26 August 1939 was a pivotal point in the region’s development. The Port of Mackay is poised to once again play a pioneering role in the region’s prosperity.
“The Port of Mackay has been there every step of the way as our region has established itself as a cornerstone for mining and trade in Northern Queensland,” Mr Webb said.
“Looking to the future, the Port of Mackay will be key to enabling the development of projects critical to the State Government’s decarbonisaiton targets and the Energy and Jobs Plan.
“There is a suite of proposed renewable energy projects slated for development across the region that will require imports through the Port of Mackay to come to life.
“We stand ready to embrace the development of renewable energy as the next big economic cornerstone that will drive prosperity for our region and Queensland as a whole.”
The consistent strong results in throughput is a testament to the dedication and hard work of NQBP’s people and port partners who keep trade flowing safely and efficiently.
NQBP is a Queensland Government-owned corporation responsible for the ports of Mackay, Abbot Point, Hay Point, and Weipa in far north Queensland. Overall trade across NQBP’s ports remained strong at 151.82 million tonnes (Hay Point 96.24 million tonnes, Mackay 3.58 million tonnes Abbot Point 34.66 million tonnes and Weipa 17.34 million tonnes). For further information on tonnage volumes, visit NQBP’s website.

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The Port of Mackay
The opening of the Port of Mackay in 1939 as printed in the Sydney Star

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Work is commencing on a major commercial precinct adjacent to Mackay Airport.

Vacant land bordering Milton Street will be transformed into a purpose-built business, retail and mixed-use service hub, offering an array of new industry opportunities and injecting millions of dollars into the local economy each year.

Mackay Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said the long-term project, titled ‘Milton Precinct’, was strategically located near existing and emerging growth areas, maximising its potential.

“Milton Precinct is being developed at a highly visible location between the Mackay CBD and Bakers Creek emerging community zone, less than 1km from the Mackay Airport terminal and less than 5km from CQ University,” he said.

“It is also accessible to both the Bruce Highway and Peak Downs Highway, and the rail line.

“We expect this valuable, central proximity to drive long-term supply and demand opportunities for a range of businesses and services, positioning Milton Precinct as a catalyst for new industry and employment.”

A range of businesses are expected to operate from Milton Precinct when construction is complete, including retail, food and beverage offerings, short-term worker accommodation, health care and other service providers and light industrial. Expressions of interest are now being received from interest parties.

Milton Precinct is estimated to provide $134.1 million to the local economy in the first 10 years of operation and new businesses at the site are expected to generate $42.5 million in output per year.

The development is supported by a loan from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF).

NAIF Chief Executive Officer Craig Doyle said, “We are delighted to support the Milton Precinct project.

“Efficient and modern airport precincts are vital for promoting tourism, facilitating business, and enhancing the movement of goods, all of which contribute to regional economic growth and public benefit.”

Milton Precinct will follow a staged, long-term development schedule, with the first phase now underway to establish a new road and civil services, opening 25,000 square metres (sqm) of serviced lots.

Local family business Vassallo Constructions has been engaged to deliver the first tranche of works.

Operations Manager Damian Vassallo said it was fantastic to be involved in a project that would bring significant benefit to Mackay.

“We live and work locally and our business success is driven by the community, so it’s meaningful to be part of a major project like Milton Precinct which will produce so many opportunities across our region,” he said.

“The work we are doing at Milton Precinct is not expected to cause any notable disruptions to residents or the general public.

“Construction will occur only during daylight hours and public access to Mackay Airport will not be impacted.”

Further information about Milton Precinct is available at miltonprecinct.com.au.

MILTON PRECINCT – KEY FACTS
• Stage 1 construction due for completion in 2025, cost of $9.7 million
• First tenancies expected to open in 2026
• Further development throughout 2026, 2027, 2028
• All commercial operators to come online across 10-year period
• Precinct estimated to provide $134.1 million to the local economy in first 10 years
• New businesses expected to generate $42.5 million in output per year
• More than 200 jobs created during overall construction phase
• Businesses at Milton Precinct estimated to support additional 280 onsite jobs.

Artist impression of the ‘Milton Precinct’. Images supplied

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The importance of strong biosecurity is being emphasised to the next generation of agricultural industry leaders, with 40 high school students given the opportunity to join the 2024 Biosecurity Youth Summit.

Fostering an understanding among our upcoming generation of the importance of biosecurity in everybody’s lives is critical to safeguarding Queensland’s economy, environment and way of life.
The Youth Summit is part of the Miles Government’s $21.7 million funding for biosecurity preparedness, with this week’s event supported through a $50,000 sponsorship.

National Biosecurity Week emphasises the significance of biosecurity in the protection of our environment, food supply and economy, and is an opportunity to highlight the collaborative efforts of government, industry and the community in raising biosecurity awareness and promoting biosecurity practices.

Another key initiative being announced as part of the week is the expansion of the Biosecurity Mates Ambassador program.

The three new ambassadors bring unique skillsets and experience and will build on the work of the existing 6 ambassadors by driving community awareness of biosecurity.

The three newly appointed Biosecurity Mates ambassadors are; Kayvan Etebari, Senior Lecturer, Entomology and Insect Molecular Biology, University of Queensland; Brigid Price, Business Manager, Price Cattle Company and Andrew Williams, Invasive Animal Officer, Gold Coast City Council.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said it was only fitting that the flagship event of the inaugural National Biosecurity Week is being held in Queensland – Australia’s powerhouse of agriculture and the front lines of the nation’s biosecurity efforts.

“With the inaugural Biosecurity Youth Summit at the Gold Coast we’re highlighting the importance of biosecurity to the next generation,” he said.

Dr Samantha Allan, CEO Animal Health Australia said, “We’re excited to be partnering with Biosecurity Queensland on the inaugural Youth Summit.

“We know that biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility, so this year’s summit is about welcoming the next generation into our Biosecurity Collective fold, and hearing their fresh ideas.

 “The inaugural 2024 Biosecurity Youth Summit will provide the opportunity to listen, inform and include young people on biosecurity matters,” Dr Allan said.

“It will provide the opportunity for meaningful feedback to the Biosecurity Collective.” 

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay
If you were following the recent action in Paris, you may have noticed the dazzling blue of the turf on the hockey fields of the Olympics. Called Poligras, it’s a carbon-neutral synthetic turf - and it was 80 per cent sugarcane-based. It’s an interesting fact that as the world looks for ways to get away from plastics, biodegradable products that source sugarcane are now genuinely part of the solution. 
It’s exciting to see these emerging uses for sugarcane as it is a fast-growing tropical grass, so it suits a world looking towards more renewable fuels and fibres. To add to this, the catering industry – driven by government policy on single-use plastics to some extent - has made a major change by introducing reusable cutlery and packaging to material made from biodegradables and compostables. It's positive to look down at your takeaway coffees and sandwich boxes and see the “made from sugarcane” branding.
During the Covid period, restaurants and hotels saw the benefits of supplying customers with disposable biodegradable utensils to help halt the spread of the virus. Since this move, the renewable /disposable utensil and packaging industry has grown to take up a 30% share of that market in 2023.
But, by and large, these are being manufactured overseas with only a company called BioPak that produce in our own country. There are some things that need to happen for Australia to gain an opportunity to take advantage of this massive consumer shift.
First and foremost, we need sugarcane pricing formulas that deliver a return to the producer on value add. Right now, growers are paid on CCS. They are paid for the sugar with only minimal benefits for any further products produced, so there is little return for the growers where there are value adds from the plant we grow and supply – molasses, ethanol, bagasse for fibre or fuels like Sustainable Aviation Fuels or cogen electricity supply to the grid.
Mackay Sugar had a ground-breaking model in the PRS (Percentage Recoverable Sugar) cane payment system, that covered the cane’s sugar content, but also delivered a percentage return on value adds like molasses and cogen. It was introduced in 2005, when the mill was still a cooperatively grower-owned company, and there was a strong interest in mutual benefits and an emerging trend for value-add-on sugar. It was replaced by a return to the CCS model in 2019, as part of the deal with Nordzucker to take on Mackay Sugar.
Nonetheless, PRS remains a great starting point for a new model of cane pricing.
Other millers have never ventured into this space and have continued using the CCS-based system which was devised in 1888 by the Colonial Sugar Refining Company (CSR), and its intent then was to benchmark mill efficiency but was adapted to cane payments. That formula has served us well in the past but is very fast becoming /if not already outdated for this modern era of emerging new technologies and sugarcane-based products. Simply, “sugar ain’t sugar” anymore.
No grower wants something for nothing, and growers invest in their productivity. But it is important that growers are remunerated for ALL useable parts of the sugarcane they grow. Not just the sugar. Just as strong mill reliability will encourage growers to further invest in increasing supply by expanding crop area, so too will reasonable returns on the full sugarcane product.
It is positive to see governmental policy and programs shifting towards reinstating Australia’s manufacturing capabilities. It is positive to see research facilities like the QUT Biocommodities Pilot Plant, and the planned Future Industries Hub at the Resource Centre of Excellence in Paget developing technologies to support new manufacturing streams for sugarcane.

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Sugarcane was a primary ingredient in the synthetic turf used in Hockey at the Paris Olympics

Bagasse is a waste fibre from sugarcane processing that can be used in SAFS and bioplastics

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This week
Season to date
Cane crushed
60,190
377,048
Average bin weight
3.91
3.85
CCS
13.96
13.16
Cane variety performance for region
Variety
%
CCS
Variety
%
CCS
Q183
29.1
13.91
Q253
17.4
14.18
Q240
11.2
13.71
SP80
2.1
13.63
Q208
15.2
14.27
SRA9
4.4
13.75
KQ228
7.2
14.51
Q242
2.8
12.43
Comments:
Plane Creek Mill processed just over 60,000 tonnes of cane for the week, bringing the season total to just over 377,000 tonnes.
Average CCS rose by 0.87 of a unit over the previous week, closing out at 13.96 units. The year-to-date average is now sitting at 13.16 units.
Standover cane made up six per cent of the week’s cane supply.
The highest CCS honour for the week was a rake of Q253 1R from the Bollingbroke productivity area with a CCS of 16.0 units.
Please remember to use your train brain, obey all signs and signals, and always give way to cane trains.
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Lindsay Wheeler
Cane Supply Manager
Plane Creek Region

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The newly established network of Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators will connect stakeholders with others in the industry and share information on sustainable agriculture practices.

The facilitators are employed by local Natural Resource Management organisations funded through the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program and will support the program’s broad climate-smart sustainable agriculture outcomes.

Deputy Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Policy, Matt Lowe, said the $40.7 million investment in the network of facilitators, spread across 52 regions Australia-wide, ensures there is a designated point of contact for farmers, landholders and community groups.

“We understand there’s a lot of information out there and that support is needed on the ground to ensure everyone has access to the latest and most helpful information,” Mr Lowe said.

“The facilitators will provide one-on-one support for farmers and landholders, providing them with available information and funding opportunities, as well as connecting them with others in the industry.

“Our industry has made great strides in becoming more sustainable, and this network will further support us in achieving our climate-smart goal.

“The facilitators will work closely with our network of Regional Soil Coordinators, also funded through the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.

“Together, the facilitators and Regional Soil Coordinators will ensure our valued stakeholders on the ground have a point of contact on all thing’s climate, sustainability and soil.”

For more information, visit: agriculture.gov.au/climate-smart

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Not only is Spring starting tomorrow, but there are hundreds of families outside enjoying the weather because it’s finals fever for so many sports.

We’ve got grand final hockey action down off Bridge Road. Hundreds of kids and families are getting into the stick action to see who comes out on top. If you are looking for the next Aussie player to grab the green and gold jersey for Brisbane 2032, don’t come looking at my A4 men’s Arsenal team. Well not yet anyway. You will find out more in a few years, that’s all I can say.

If you or your family are invested in other sports like league, AFL, soccer, netball, table tennis, chess, or the incredibly stressful energetic sport of darts, I wish you all well.

While all this sport is fun, and you do get to go outside and enjoy each other’s company, you can’t get away from the highlight of this weekend, Father’s Day.

Sunday is a chance to say thanks to your Dad and make him feel special for at least 24 hours. We know the other 364 days of the year are all for the Mum’s of the world, and rightly so. They brought us into existence, so they deserve every day.

Dads however do not have that luxury, so this one day in September, show him some love and make him feel like a king.

If you are unsure how to help him out on Sunday, come and join me at Dad’s Day in the Valley. The annual tradition in Mirani with the Pioneer Valley Car Club does a few wonderful things on the weekend. It gets us all outdoors. You get to see a whole bunch of cool cars and bikes in one place. The kids get to have some fun with the rides, you get to grab some good tucker, and you help a fantastic car club that gives so much back to the whole Mackay and Pioneer Valley.

This event has been going on for so long now, I’ve forgotten how many years we’ve clocked over. I’m sure Ian will tell me on Sunday as we broadcast live from the main street outside the Police station.

Bring the family along and come and say hi. I guarantee it will be worth your while. We’ve got some cool prizes to win, that’s for sure.

Oh, and speaking of Dad’s, thank you to everyone who has reached out about my Dad, David. Your prayers were answered, because on Monday last week, he was released from hospital and is now back home with his brand-new friend. His 4-wheeled walker called Bluey. He will get his strength back soon, and I’ll get to see him again in September when I head down to run the Sydney marathon.

The last month has been a rollercoaster of a ride. This Father’s Day will be extra special in so many ways for our family. If anything has come out of my Dad's heart attack, it’s that life is too short. Live for today, hug who you want to, and tell those close that you love them. It may be your last chance to do it.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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One of Mackay’s most famous entertainment venues is The Dispensary, an outstanding spot for a meal or a drink and a place to catch up with friends.
Its business model was a bit different a few years ago, when it included a seriously “high-end” restaurant that offered dishes that many customers had not experienced in Mackay.
For diners who were accustomed to dishes like “crumbed steak” and “chicken parmy”, it was akin to entering a new world with terms like “degustation”, “confit” and “jus”.
Anyway, I was at the restaurant with my wife and a group of friends this night some years ago. We had examined the menus and the waiter came along to take our orders.
The first person he went to was my mate Lawrie, a builder who is more at home shooting feral pigs than sampling succulent pork belly at a flash restaurant with subdued lighting.
Don’t get me wrong, Lawrie’s no dill. He’s an intelligent bloke in his early 60s who loves and plays music and has an insightful understanding of politics. We share a protective love of the freedoms of Western democracies such as Australia and often chat about such things over a quiet beer.
But, when he looked at the menu at The Dispensary that night, it was like a foreign language. When the young waiter asked him what he wanted, Lawrie said: “Can I get a carpetbag steak?”
There was silence as we all stopped, mouths slightly open, waiting for the waiter’s response. Lawrie had gone rogue and ordered a dish from the 1970s that definitely didn’t have a place on The Dispensary’s menu.
The waiter said: “That should be fine sir, I’ll just confirm that with the chef.”
He returned a couple of minutes later and said: “Yes sir. The chef said he would be happy to do the carpetbag steak. Would you like a side-dish with that?”
Lawrie was happy and thoroughly enjoyed his carpetbag steak. (For those who don’t know, it is a piece of steak stuffed with oysters.) I was impressed with the service and the culinary pivot to accommodate something that wasn’t on the menu.
At the end of the night I thanked the waiter for arranging the carpetbag steak.
He said: “I didn’t even know what it was. I’d never heard of a carpetbag steak but the chef knew what it was and was happy to do it.”
I thought then, as I do now, that the “carpetbag incident” was a great example for people in business, and certainly in real estate, of how to treat your customers and clients.
We get caught up in what’s on our menu, on what we want to provide, rather than focusing on what the customer or client wants.
The response by the waiter and the chef at The Dispensary that night did several things: It created a happy customer who was not made to feel uncomfortable, it confirmed in my mind and the minds of my fellow diners that The Dispensary was a class act with the customer at the centre of everything they do and it showed that they have staff who are nimble, accommodating and unpretentious.
There are some things you can’t do, can’t accommodate, in business and real estate. If Lawrie had asked for a piece of moose rump, done medium rare … well, sorry they just can’t do that.
If you have a 2mx3m garden shed out the back and you want me to advertise it as a “granny flat” … well, sorry I just can’t do that.
But in restaurants and real estate it’s important to listen to what the customer wants and, like the waiter at The Dispensary, do everything you can to accommodate it.

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By Hannah McNamara

Last Sunday evening, Vietnam veterans, families of veterans, and members of the public gathered at the Mackay City Cenotaph, Jubilee Park to acknowledge the fallen soldiers who sacrificed their life in Vietnam, as well as those who are still standing with us today.

Vietnam Veterans' Day is celebrated annually on the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, at 5.30pm, on August 18 - this specific time and date holds significance as it is said to be when Australian forces had contact with the enemy.

This battle played a crucial part in Australia’s military history and is described as one of the most intense conflicts for those who served in the Vietnam War.

Vietnam veterans gather in solidarity to honour fallen comrades at Mackay’s Vietnam Veteran’s Day service. Photo credit: Graham Jackson, Mackay RSL Sub Branch

Mackay Reflects On The Legacy Of Vietnam Veterans Day

The sacrifice of war is a solemn reminder of the heavy price paid for peace.

Each life lost on the battlefield represents not just a fallen soldier, but a family forever changed, a future left unwritten. The weight of their sacrifice lingers in every moment of freedom we enjoy, a silent testament to their bravery and the unshakable duty they carried.

Acknowledging the sacrifice made by soldiers in Vietnam, Meecham Philpott from ABC Tropical North shared his deepest gratitude at the ceremony, as locals paid their respects to the people who laid down their life for the united, peaceful country as we know it today.

“So many Australian men from all different ethnicities…they were all there united with 190 other different ethnicities, which is the strength of Australia, it’s what makes our country great,” said Philpott.

“On behalf of 27 million Australians, to all of you that served in Vietnam, I just want to say thank you, and I want you to know that what you did has made a difference…certainly in my life, my kids’ lives and my grandchildren’s lives.”

Mr Philpott also noted the ever-growing talent that the community has seen recently in the young men and women of Mackay who are excelling at an international level.

Despite the horrific circumstances that were endured by our Vietnam soldiers, the opportunity for younger generations today has been paved, with an overwhelming thanks to those who put their life on the line so that the children and families of Australia can live a life of choice, peace and unity. In their honour, we must remember that the peace we cherish today was forged through unimaginable hardship and loss, a gift from those who gave everything for a cause greater than themselves.

In honour of our Vietnam Veterans who served;
We Will Remember Them
Lest We Forget

During a heartfelt Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony last Sunday, appreciation was shown for the peace and unity that our soldiers bravely fought to secure for Australia. Photo credit: Graham Jackson, Mackay RSL Sub Branch

Mackay RSL friends, family and spouses of 6RAR and 1st and 2nd tour at Mackay RSL Illawong Headquarters last Saturday, most of which travelled from across the country to celebrate Vietnam Veterans Day together in Mackay. Photo source: Mackay RSL Sub Brance (Facebook).

There’s a special kind of magic in watching two people you care about commit to a lifetime of love. Last Saturday, our very own Whitsundays editor, Rachael, tied the knot with her beloved Matt at the stunning Paradise Cove, surrounded by the beauty of nature—and even more so, the beauty of their love.

As they embraced their vows, a line from a favourite poet comes to mind: “The best part of love is not just in being adored, but in the reflection you see of yourself in the eyes of the one who adores you. In their gaze, we find the parts of us we never knew were worth loving.” Rachael and Matt are a testament to this—each seeing the beauty in the other that we all cherish, even when they themselves couldn’t see it.

The celebration wasn’t just about two hearts joining, but two families coming together, sharing stories, laughter, and just the right amount of good-natured ribbing. Rachael’s mum kicked off the festivities with a toast that had everyone in stitches, beginning with, “Good evening ladies, and gentlemen... and Australians,” poking fun at the charming British-Aussie divide. It was a night filled with humour, joy, and the overwhelming sense that when you have love, nothing else really matters.

Here’s to Rachael and Matt—may your love continue to grow, seeing the best in each other and embracing all that life has to offer together. Cheers to the newlyweds!

Amanda

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