Hi Everyone,

I do love receiving letters from readers!

The good, the bad, the entertaining and the hilarious are all welcome!

I especially love receiving letters in response to an Editor’s note I have written – I guess this is because it’s proof that I am doing my job well – something I wrote resonated with someone else.

And that is all I aspire to achieve – to connect – for connecting with the community is at the core of everything we do.

This week a gift from 86-year-old resident, Jo Kane, was waiting for me in my inbox on Monday morning.

Inside was her latest poetry submission; the style and flavour of all her poems always makes me smile.

At the end of the email, Jo responded to the question that I asked you all last week – what can we do more to provide a better service to you?

Her feedback: how about asking your readers to submit their favourite humorous or philosophical sayings?

As a lover and collector of quotes for many years, I loved this suggestion.

Sayings and quotes make you think, they open your mind up to new ideas, they change your perspective, they make you laugh.

Jo included a quote of her own, selected and inspired by her own life as a teacher.

It read: “Fifty years from now it won't matter what kind of house

you lived in, what sort of car you drove, or how much money you had in

the bank.  What will matter is the difference you made in the life of a

child.”

I couldn’t agree more!

Do you have a favourite quote or philosophical sentiment you’d like to share? Please send it in and we’ll publish it for all the community to enjoy.

Rach

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North Queensland’s emerging Aussie rules talent will get the rare opportunity to play at the state’s newest stadium with Great Barrier Reef Arena to host the 2023 and 2024 StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup North Queensland Championships.

The North Queensland Championships will bring the best schools together from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, and Capricornia to battle it out for a spot at the state finals later in the year across six male and female divisions.

“To be part of a competition that allows students to be part of a genuine statewide competition with approximately 14,000 other kids is a wonderful opportunity,” said AFL Participation & Programs Manager - Schools & Diversity, Damien Mitchelmore.

“Any opportunity to play at a championship event is an opportunity to be noticed.

“We were excited about the quality of the venue and the wonderful region that Mackay is, so we’re absolutely thrilled that Mackay Regional Council have supported us in bringing the event here for two years.”

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said Mackay was well-known for growing and developing young and emerging athletes.

“We’re thrilled to have 13 schools and 33 teams participating in the StreetSmarts AFL Queensland Schools Cup this year,” Mr Williamson said.

“We expect that this will be a fantastic event for the Mackay region across the board; for local tourism, as well.”

The North Queensland Championships will be held at Harrup Park from August 15-16 leading into State Finals on the Sunshine Coast in October.

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AFL Participation & Programs Manager - Schools & Diversity Damien Mitchelmore and Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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It is not every day a stranger offers to pay for your groceries.

Definitely not for local mum of two and Social Worker, Tash Frew.

Coming from the hospital with her three-year-old and her two-year-old, one of which had just had their dislocated elbow from a trampoline accident relocated, the last thing she needed was for her phone to have no service, and not be able to pay for her groceries.

“I was just so overwhelmed,” Tash said.

The children were struggling and were messing around and not sitting still which was making the situation even more challenging.  

That was until another local lady, Nicole Polley stepped into the checkout line behind Tash and began making silly faces at the kids, distracting them for Tash so she could focus on the groceries.

“She was keeping them busy and happy,” said Tash.

It was a few minutes later, however, when Tash’s phone wouldn’t work to pay the supermarket bill, that Nicole did something truly amazing - she stepped forward and paid for the family shop.

“I offered to transfer her the money afterwards, but that timed out too!” said Tash.

“And then she said, ‘Nah, don’t worry about it’.”

In an already overwhelming week, Tash was blown away by the kindness.

“I cried all the way home.

“In my line of work, I am usually working to help people, not the one getting the help.

“It was so beautiful. I am super grateful. And I will pay it forward when the time comes.”

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Kindness from one local to another local. Photo: Shutterstock

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As the days get cooler and the summer tan fades, the potential signs of skin cancer become much easier for doctors to identify, making winter the perfect time to get your skin checked.

The tropics are notorious for damaging sun, with doctors advising Queenslanders to get their skin checked at least once a year, although if any changes are noticed on the skin between these checks, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Things to look out for include any moles or lesions on the skin that have suddenly appeared or changed – whether that be growing in size, darkening in colour, itchy or simply looking unusual compared to other moles.

Offering skin cancer checks, diagnosis, surgery, sun damage repair and mole removal, the expert team CQ Skin Cancer Centre is here to guide you through the process.

Drs Keith Van Den Heever, Kerry Summerscales, Rajaswi Sainju and Htike Aung are all qualified with advanced university certifications in skin cancer medicine.

CQ Skin Cancer Centre is also the only clinic in the region offering total body photography, a full body mole mapping technology that takes a series of photos of the entire skin surface to be compared from a baseline image over years, immediately identifying anything out of the ordinary.

Experience shorter wait times and thorough service by booking your skin check this winter.

Find CQ Skin Cancer Centre at 11 Downie Avenue, Bucasia, contact the clinic at 07 4954 7755 or visit skincancercentres.com.au/mackay to book your skin check today.

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The dedicated team at CQ Skin Cancer Centre urge Queenslanders to get their skin checked this winter

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This June 22, celebrate empathy, connection, and kindness and with fifth annual b kinder day.

b kinder day is built on the foundations laid out by a driven 12-year-old girl, who tragically passed away in an accident in May 2016.

Inspired by the passions and dreams of 12-year-old Billie Kinder, b kinder day is a day dedicated to connection and reconnection, of inclusivity, of respect, and of kindness.

In our region, seven local schools have signed up to the initiative, commemorating Billie’s passions and spreading kindness locally.

b kinder day will have students pen cards of kindness and love to someone they care about, either writing or drawing how they feel.

Since 2016, 80,000 b kinder cards have been sent around the world, spreading kindness from the heart of Australian schools.

Schools are also encouraged to participate in other avenues to spread kindness, including visiting nursing homes, planting sunflowers, and passing toys of kindness.

The seven local schools that have signed up to the b kinder foundation will also establish a student leadership team that oversees the day, as well as creates a kindness space within the school.

Each school will foster a kindness recognition initiative to continuously feed kindness back into campus, and share the values of the b kinder foundation into the community.

Local businesses are also encouraged to sign up for the day, pen their own kindness cards with staff or customers and spread kindness in their own networks.

WHAT: b kinder day

WHEN: June 22

REGISTER: bkinderfoundation.org

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b kinder day celebrates spreading kindness in communities and around the world. Photo supplied

In a world where dreams often lay dormant, one determined individual from Mackay defied the odds and embarked on an educational journey of self-discovery.

Sheena Shaxson rewrote the narrative of her life, embracing the transformative power of education to become a teacher.

"CQUniversity has given me the opportunity to follow my dreams and become a teacher," said Ms Shaxson, reflecting on her journey.

"Although my path took unexpected turns, I'm grateful for the support and guidance I received along the way."

Having initially enrolled in 1993 with aspirations of becoming a high school science teacher, Sheena's educational journey was put on hold. However, her determination never wavered, and more than two decades later, she proudly received her testamur at the recent 2023 Mackay graduation ceremony.

Recalling her transformation, Ms Shaxson shared, "I am vastly different from the person I was before I began my course.

“Returning to my studies as a mature student was challenging, but CQUniversity made the transition seamless with their unwavering support."

Through a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course and a Bachelor of Education (Primary), Sheena navigated her way back into the education environment.

"I started as a teacher aide, working closely with passionate teachers who inspired me to pursue my dreams," she revealed. Overcoming her reservations, she embraced the Bachelor of Education program.

Acknowledging the hurdles she faced, Ms Shaxson expressed her gratitude for the lecturers who provided the resources she needed and answered her countless questions.

"There were days when it felt like time wasn't on my side, but I learned to manage my schedule effectively, striving for a balanced life," she explained.

Financial assistance played a crucial role in her success. The CQUniCares Student Support Scholarship and the Australian Literacy Educators Association (ALEA) Mackay Prize provided her with the much-needed financial aid, enabling her to pursue her studies without financial burdens. Her exceptional academic performance in English earned her recognition from ALEA, further boosting her confidence.

As she embarked on her teaching career, Ms Shaxson felt grateful for the early recognition she received.

"I was offered a teaching position at a local primary school even before my graduation," she shared with excitement.

"Now, I have the opportunity to create a safe and nurturing space for my students, just like my teachers did for me."

Her story is a reminder that age should never be a hinderance from pursuing dreams and making a positive impact.

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Sheena Shaxson. Image supplied CQUniversity

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This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Mackay & District Senior Citizens Association Inc.

To celebrate, we will be having a 50th Anniversary Ball at the Senior Citizens Hall, 58 Macalister Street Mackay on Saturday 24th June at 7.30 - 11.00 pm.

We would like you to wear something gold or black or something from the 70's era to mark the occasion.

Dust off those ball gowns and come along and trip the light fantastic to the live band playing the dance music.

For more information, please phone Val on 0408075877.

Also, we are having a 50th Anniversary Luncheon on the Thursday 29th June at Souths League Club, Milton Street, Mackay 11.30 for 12.00 noon lunch.

For information, please phone Lyn on 0419668652

You are very welcome to either or both of these celebrations.

Come along and have an enjoyable time with old and new friends.

Contributed by Lyn Coburn

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Once being discharged from the Australian Army in 1968, Kevin Plumb, affectionately known as ‘Kev’, became a member of RSL Queensland.

Now, Kev has committed lifelong service to RSL Queensland, being an active member since 1971, with the Sarina RSL Sub Branch.

He then moved to Vice President of the Mackay RSL Sub Branch, then promoted to President.

“I had a few issues from Vietnam, and my roles within the RSL gave me something to put my mind to,” he said.

Kev is dedicated to veteran care and welfare, often putting himself out there to correct issues that are brought to his attention.

“When I served, we had to pay for all our parcels and letters to come back to Australia, and the same applied for all incoming mail from family,” he said.

“I went to my State Member, then he went to his Federal Counterpart, and they made sure that they did away with any overseas postal costs for overseas service personnel and their families.

“That is something that continues to this day.”

This dedication to veteran advocacy also sees Kev volunteer as a Pension and Welfare Officer, helping returned veteran and servicemen and women understand entitlements, submit claims, and share their journeys.

In February 2023, Kev was recognised with the Meritorious Service Medal, the highest honour of RSL Australia, for his commitment to the veteran community.

“I can tell you truthfully, this was a total shock,” he said.

“It was a very emotional night, and I was pleasantly surprised.

“I just felt warm within my heart to think my effort had been acknowledged.”

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Kevin Plumb, receiving the highest honour of RSL Australia for commitment to veteran affairs. Photo supplied

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Simon Hood

Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

GEI pricing mechanism selection for 2023 season closed at the end of April, with growers choosing overwhelming to stay with forward pricing as opposed to pool products. This is despite the Wilmar Production Risk Pool delivering growers a final price of 622/t Actual in 2021 and currently forecast at $718/t Actual for 2022 season!

We have done some high-level analysis of the 2022 season now that grower pricing has been finalised for the Call, Target and GMPRS mechanisms – with some outstanding results.

Across all regions, Target price growers achieved an average of $546/t Actual with a range of fixations from $388 - $850/t Actual.

For growers using the GMPRS option for the 2022 crop, the average was $653/t Actual (range $552 - $850/t Actual) for their final 27 per cent of production. To determine the all-up Actual price, growers need to add the Allocation Account for Target and GMPRS, which is currently forecast around $38.50/t Actual.

To help growers with forward pricing decisions, we are compiling a longer-term analysis on the ranges and outcomes of grower Target pricing results over the years, which we will distribute shortly. Already we have seen a wide range of prices offered across the current three forward years.

For 2023, our Target growers have been selling into the rising prices, with less than 10 per cent of nominated GEI tonnes still to be fixed.

Commitments to our popular GMPRS mechanism grew again this year. Indicative pricing opened around the $810/t Actual level with some growers locking a portion of the tail end of their crop in at these levels. Most are sitting back and waiting to see how the season unfolds before getting too heavily committed on price for the cane production that is most at risk of delivery.

Where to from here as far as price is concerned? Right now, both the AUD and #11 appear to have reached a happy place. The AUD is locked in a trading range of 66-68 cents while the market works out the next move on US and AUS central bank rates decisions.

Similarly, sugar is establishing a 25.50 to 26.50c/lb trading range as focus remains on the output of Brazil’s crush and the speed at which sugar can get to market. We know this hiatus won’t last long, but it is nice to take a breather after an extremely volatile time on both markets.

For any queries, please contact Proserpine Grower Marketing Consultant Shirley Norris on 0437 803 019. Plane Creek growers can contact Angus McKerrow on 0419 238 536.

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Simon Hood

This graph shows the range of forward prices achieved by growers for the 2022 season, the average forward prices achieved, and the highest and lowest indicative prices for the season

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

It seems as though the 2022 harvest has only just finished, but the 2023 harvest will roll out in the coming weeks.

Gear and heavy vehicles will already be moving around cane farming areas, and across the loco network, so it is important for the community to start thinking crush safety on the roads, and be on the lookout for harvest vehicles, and be patient if they encounter slower moving vehicles like tractors.

Every year, farmers send us dash cam footage of some crazy overtaking behaviour around haulout tractors, often wildly overtaking into oncoming traffic. We understand that everyone has places to be, and that coming up on a tractor when travelling at speed on a rural road can pose an obstacle. We urge drivers to expect that unexpected moment across harvest season, and be prepared to drive defensively: to be able to slow down and take a look ahead, and overtake safely and sensibly when safe.

If you are in any doubt about what tractor drivers and other road users are contending with- take a look at the dash cam stills with this column!

Likewise, take time for a proper look when crossing cane train lines. They are a long, large vehicle that CANNOT stop very quickly.

This year will bring an additional element, with Mackay Sugar introducing early and late lines. This will mean that haulout vehicles and locos will be on the move from as early as 2am and through to late night, adding the hazard of darkness. Please be very mindful of this when driving in cane farming and tramline areas.

Locos, haulout tractors, trucks moving harvesters- they are all part of a network that is earning export dollars for our region, and which is becoming more and more integral to the developing decarbonising economy as a sustainable source for fuels, bio-plastics, novel protein sources and more.

We also remind all those working in the sugarcane industry to take care- in the paddock, at the siding, on the road and in the shed. It would be excellent to see a harvest free of any significant workplace incidents. Families are the heart of our farming sector, and we want to see everyone home safe to theirs, every day.

Assuming all mills start on schedule, the crush will begin with Farleigh Mill on 1 June, then Marian Mill and Wilmar Plane Creek on 6 June, followed by Racecourse Mill on 8 June. Marian Mill will begin on one train, with the second scheduled to be running from 14 June.

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Dashcam stills showing dangerous overtaking behaviour

Photo credit: Kirili Lamb.

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Orange was seen scattered across workplaces, schools and throughout the community on Wednesday, April 17 for Wear Orange Wednesday, a day to thank SES volunteers.

SES Mackay Group Leader Jo-Ann Clout said the day is a reminder to the community that the SES is training year-round and are ready to go should a disaster strike.

“It’s just about giving the community a heads up that there are people within their workplaces or neighbourhoods who are giving up their time to help out,” she said.

“Just because we don’t walk around in our orange uniforms all the time, doesn’t mean we’re not there in the community.”

SES Mackay Group will be at the 2023 RACQ CQ Rescue Emergency Services Day, an event at which Tatiana Hogan signed up to volunteer four years ago.

“I went for a look, I knew I wanted to do some sort of volunteering, but I didn’t know what exactly,” she said.

“The SES were there, and it just stuck out to me.

“I wanted to do something where I could help the community, be a part of a team, meet some new people, learn some new skills and this was the perfect place to do so.”

Upon signing up to the SES, volunteers go through three months of probation in which they complete core subjects including workplace health and safety, code of conduct training, storm damage and rescue operation training and first aid.

“There’s a lot of life skills you can use here, out in the community and for yourself at home,” said volunteer Warren Ponmoon.

“Even if you leave, you can help yourselves when it comes to storm damage and that’s one less phone call to SES.”

“As much as we provide a service, we’re also a training organisation, and in the background, we’re training people continuously, and that’s all done by volunteers,” added fellow volunteer Peter Schmid.

Mr Schmid’s favourite part about volunteering with the SES is the camaraderie and support.

“I think anyone can succeed in the SES,” he said.

“You come to a group that has this culture already, I think we can build resilience in people.”

For volunteer of 24 years Gail Hambleton, it’s the sense of achievement and satisfaction.

“It’s also that recognition you get,” she said.

“You feel good.”

For more information about volunteering with the SES, find State Emergency Service - Mackay Regional Unit on Facebook and click Sign Up.

The group will also be at the 2023 RACQ CQ Rescue Emergency Services Day happening at Harrup Park on Sunday, May 28 from 10am to 2pm.

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Warren Ponmoon, Tatiana Hogan, Jo-Ann Clout, Gail Hambleton and Peter Schmid

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Situated among the trees in North Mackay, Mackay Riding for the Disabled (RDA) provides the unique experience of riding a horse to those living with a disability but the not-for-profit organisation is in desperate need of volunteers to continue the service.

The dedicated team of volunteers provide both recreational and therapeutic horse riding programs for children and adults with disabilities, facilitating fortnightly lessons to special schools, community groups and other participants.

Coach of 30 years Jody Burrows said that one rider may require up to four people to support them on that one horse.

“If we don’t have enough volunteers, the participants don’t get as long a ride as they normally would,” she said.

“It breaks my heart when we see horses tied up there with saddles on, people sitting there who would love to have a ride and not enough people to help.”

Ms Burrow’s role is an all-encompassing one, ranging from preparing the horses, managing volunteers, assisting riders and participants and making sure everyone has a wonderful day.

With a varying list of tasks required, many volunteers fill many roles depending on the needs of the animals, the grounds and the participants.

“As far as volunteering goes, it’s not just horses,” said Ms Burrow.

“We have a wide range of roles including gardening, bookwork, and kitchen duties.

“If you’re not a horse person, it doesn’t matter, because we train you.”

Mary Steel has volunteered in a variety of roles including maintenance, fundraising, and currently manages the horses, saying there are many benefits to the variety involved in RDA.

“You can get fit and healthy, you're outdoors, you can make friends, you learn a lot,” she said.

“Coming here as a volunteer, you learn about disabilities so you can then get a job in that field.

“What makes people feel good in themselves is doing something for somebody else without expecting anything in return, but you still get lots of thank yous, hugs and high fives.”

To find out more about volunteering with Mackay RDA, email mackayrda@bigpond.com or call 07 4944 0066.

“Come down, have a look and see what you think,” said Ms Burrow.

“We’ve got the facilities, we’ve got the gear, we just need the people.”

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Volunteers fill a number of roles and complete a variety of tasks at Mackay Riding for Disabled

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Mackay locals, long time tennis friends and valued volunteers Mavis Liddell and Pam Keune both celebrated 30 years of volunteering at Mackay Hospital Foundation last week.

Ms Keune has a long history of volunteering, starting at both Friends of the MECC and Mackay Hospital Foundation after returning to Mackay from a stint in Townsville.

“Our youngest was just starting uni, so I didn’t have any schools or sports to get involved in, but I still wanted to volunteer,” she said.

From tuckshops to tennis canteens to the base hospital, Ms Keune has a passion for volunteering, filling roles in the hospital canteen, mail delivery, gift shop and information desk over the years.

“I just love helping people,” she said.

“Especially at the hospital, you have a lot of people who are very sad because they have people sick, so I try to do anything I can to help them.”

Similarly, Ms Liddell began volunteering as something to fill time while her son played rugby league.

A former employee of Queensland Health, Ms Liddell also started in mail delivery and covered a variety of roles over her 30 years.

“I like being with people and I like working in hospitals,” she said.

“There’s always somebody who needs help or information.”

Mackay Hospital Foundation recognised their volunteers at a lunch held last week during National Volunteer Week where 38 of the foundation’s 80 volunteers gathered.

Community Engagement Officer Brenda McFadzen said the lunch was an opportunity to thank the volunteers for their years of service.

“If we didn’t have our volunteers, we certainly wouldn’t run,” she said.

“I love the different personalities and walks of life, there are so many characters.”

Mackay Hospital Foundation is always looking for new volunteers to fill a variety of roles from the information desk, gift shop or convenience trolley to playing Santa at Christmas or the Easter Bunny at Easter.

Both Ms Keune and Ms Liddell urge others to get involved.

“You’ll get as much out of helping other people as they do,” said Ms Keune.

“You make lots of friendships along the years,” added Ms Liddell.

More information can be found at www.mackayhospitalfoundation.com.au or at the hospital’s information desk.

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Mavis Liddell and Pam Keune celebrated 30 years of volunteering at Mackay Hospital Foundation at a National Volunteer Week lunch last week. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Exciting new plans are on their way for the next instalment of the Cruise Whitsundays’ Great Barrier Reef Festival which is due to take place in August.

The mammoth four-day festival, from Thursday August 3 to Sunday August 6, has a jampacked program of events and experiences, sure to impress locals and visitors alike.

This years’ theme of Whales reinforces the festival’s ideals of creating both a fun and educational event that features environment-based learning workshops and interactive eco-education platforms, carnival-style attractions, art, food, live music, fireworks and more.

The theme is especially significant as The Whitsundays has been named a Candidate Whale Heritage Site by the World Cetacean Alliance.

Many of the Festival events will centre on Humpback Whales, as thousands of humpbacks make their annual migration to The Whitsundays.

Great Barrier Reef Festival Chair, Margie Murphy, said that she is excited to be bringing another action-packed Reef Festival to take over Airlie Beach again this year.

“This is a truly inclusive event, and we encourage the whole community to get involved,” she said.

A key component to the event this year will be an immersive, educational full-day cruise to Hardy Reef with Cruise Whitsundays which will be hosted by 10 Master Reef Guides on Saturday, August 5.  

Hosting this event allows event sponsors, Cruise Whitsundays, to promote education and eco-tourism.

Renee Branton-Brown, Sales and Marketing Manager of Cruise Whitsundays said that Cruise Whitsundays takes its role of reef custodians very seriously.

“We are ecstatic to host our award-winning Great Barrier Reef Experience alongside the largest cohort of Master Reef Guides for the festival this year,” she said.

“Reef education is imperative for everyone to understand the important role we all play in protecting this natural wonder.

Rick Hamilton, CEO of Tourism Whitsundays said, “The Whitsundays is the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef, and this event is when the whole community gets together to celebrate that.”

WHAT: Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival

WHEN: August 3 - 6

WHERE: Across Airlie Beach

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Popular festival celebrating the Great Barrier Reef has been scheduled for 2023. Photo supplied

For Out-Of-This-World Fostering Experience

When a lack of services for pets without a family became apparent, Mackay Animal Rescue Society Inc. (MARS) was formed, becoming a haven for the dogs and cats of the Mackay region since January 2011.

MARS is a not-for-profit registered local charity committed to providing animals with a second chance by taking them into loving and safe foster homes and providing them with the care they need until they find their new home.

Led by President Rachael Darmanin, Treasurer Sherrie Screen and Secretary Denise Home, MARS rehomed 451 dogs and cats in the last financial year.

“Foster carers are the backbone of MARS,” said Ms Home.

“We rely heavily on them as these wonderful people give a temporary home to cats and dogs in care, while actively assisting in finding a new forever home.”

All foster animals in care are health checked, microchipped, vaccinated, wormed, flea treated and desexed, with all vet costs covered, ensuring that all MARS fosters are healthy and ready for adoption when their perfect match comes along.

“I started fostering as too many dogs were being let down and forgotten,” said foster carer Kailey Anderson.

“By fostering, I have an opportunity to choose their forever family so they have a chance at a longer and happier life.”

“When your foster finds their new home there is no greater feeling than knowing you helped save a life,” added Ms Home.

Find more information about fostering and volunteering for MARS at mackayanimalrescue.com.au or Mackay Animal Rescue Society on Facebook.

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Foster carer Kailey Anderson with her foster puppies

Diana Ralph and Rachael Darmanin with their foster kittens at adoption day

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