Completely student led and student run, Proserpine State High School’s Seagrass Theatre and Music Company is gearing up for their 2024 production, reaching for new heights of performance, choreography, vocals, and costuming.

With over 90 students involved, including on stage, backstage, technical, front of house, and in the orchestra, the Seagrass Theatre and Music Company will be performing the inspiring ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’.

Established in 2021, Seagrass allows students to explore the whole theatre experience, and provides them with the opportunity to be in a production outside of the bi-annual whole-school musicals.

“Our passion for the theatre really led Seagrass to what it is today,” explained Year 11 student Allegra Bradley, the productions Head of Promotions, as well as one of the show’s narrators.

Telling the story of Joseph from The Book of Genesis, ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ follows Joseph, who is betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. Created by Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice, this is a must-see rock opera.

Year 10 student Wiremu Tairaki reprises his position as a minor role with a big character, coming on stage as the Pharaoh. This is his second school-based production, having performed on the school theatre stage initially with 2023’s production ‘Sweet Charity’.

“Theatre is something I am passionate about,” he explained.

Year 11 student Arwen Edwards-Bland returns to the stage with multiple roles in this production, often with 30-second quick changes and enigmatic characters. However, her biggest passion is choreography, having choreographed three of the dances for ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’, and teaching them to the cast.

In fact, Arwen’s future prospects involve moving into musical theatre, before opening her own dance studio and dance school.

“It’s always been a dream of mine,” Arwen explained. “Dancing is a passion of mine, and I really want to teach dance.”

With her natural talent for choreographing, Arwen is excited to take to the stage and showcase her skills to a packed audience.

Year 11 student Hayden Hudak comes on stage as Reuben, one of Joseph’s 11 brothers.

For Hayden, this production really excites him, as his passion aligns highly with the stage.

“I have been involved with Seagrass since its inception and have always been helping put together shows and helping at every single rehearsal,” he explained.

Hayden said he was looking to pursue theatre as a profession following secondary school, wishing to get onto Broadway.

Not surprisingly, Hayden’s childhood is closely tied with musical theatre, having been born in New York City, and spending time at the theatre with his parents. Hayden is well known amongst the cast and crew for his tips and tricks for the stage, and for always being a helping hand.

“We wish to thank Mr McDermid, Mrs Napier and all the teachers and staff who have assisted and mentored our students withing Seagrass,” Allegra explained.

Allowing equal opportunity for all students with varying interests, the Seagrass rehearses and performs from the purpose-built Performing Arts Centre at Proserpine State High School.

“It’s amazing how everyone gets behind us and supports us.”

‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ performances will be April 18 to 20, with three evening shows and one matinee on Saturday.

Tickets are going on sale in the upcoming fortnight. Keep updated via the Proserpine State High School Facebook page and website for more information.

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Some of the Seagrass Theatre cast, ready for the ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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Around town, Jaime Sparke is a notable figure, a much loved local and dedicated music fan, whose influence and impact is felt within the waves of the beats in the street.

He has become a regular face on the Airlie Beach Main Street, having moved to the region over 10 years ago, the temperature and climate agreeing with him and his active lifestyle, with many a local recognising him and his furry friend, Rocco.

Jaime’s diagnosis of cerebral palsy has not hindered his passion for life, with his active lifestyle including his job with the Airlie Beach Hotel in Band Promotions, his love for the beach and being outdoors, and spending time with his Rocco.

However, his primary mode of transport, a 20-year-old Honda Jazz, has outgrown its appropriateness, no longer supporting his needs, or catering to his lifestyle.

“The car isn’t entirely accessible,” explained Ben, a member of Jaime’s support family.

“Every time we use the car, we damage a part of Jaime’s wheelchair, and the car. And having Rocko riding on Jaime’s lap is cute, but not ideal.

“For the safety aspect, we would prefer something with a bit more space, something easier for Jaime to get into, and that we’re not damaging his chair too much.”

The NDIS specify they will only make the necessary modifications to a brand-new vehicle, something which Jaime and his family is unable to financially afford at this time.

With this in mind, Jaime has decided to crowd fund his way to a new car, hoping that people will support his desire for comfort and freedom which, in turn will enable him to give back more to the community he loves.

Primarily communicating through sign language, Ben translated for Jaime, explaining that Jaime is looking forward to riding shotgun in the new car, as well as sleeping in the car comfortably when travelling around

“Jaime is also excited to go on more road trips,” Ben translated.

“On our last road trip, he got a lasting piece of memorabilia, a tattoo of Rocko that he just loves.”

Having a new vehicle will provide freedom and comfort to Jaime.

“Jaime’s a bit of a local celebrity, and we all appreciate the people who have donated to the cause,” Ben explained.

To donate to Jaime’s new ride, please scan the QR Code here.

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1. Jaime Sparke with Rocco riding shotgun

   2. Jaime and Rocco at work at the Airlie Beach Hotel

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Last month I confessed to my dislike for setting goals – this month I’m professing my love for feedback!

And not just positive feedback – feedback which, when phrased the right way, is constructive, motivating and provides a clear pathway to creating tangible positive outcomes.

Negative, positive, constructive, and those hideous 360s – all feedback can be fraught with danger if it doesn’t land the right way and can result in further discord in the workplace than previous. Here’s some simple rules in providing constructive feedback to help you navigate your way to successfully build engagement, trust and growth.

   1. It’s about the behaviour – not the person. Discuss feedback objectively rather than create a personal attack on a team-mate. i.e. “You’re always late” vs “Do you think your Ops Manager role could be ready to roll by 8am each morning? If so, what’s stopping this from occurring?” The second scenario creates a safe entity to discuss further rather than having to defend your actions (which may occur in the first scenario).

   2. Feedback is a dialogue – not a directive. This means you are entering into a two-way discussion where you need to invite them to contribute to the discussion. If you simply give feedback and end the discussion you have only posited your point of view. This can alienate many people and create resentment if they have not been given a space for their perspective and to be heard.

   3. Listening creates space to learn – so learn to listen rather than continually provide your perspective.

   4. Create trust in workplace relationships – to be open to critical feedback we need to trust the person has our best interest at heart

   5. How often do you ask for feedback on your own performance? Not only will you gain insights into how others perceive you, you will undoubtably find new areas to grow in.

   6. Positive effort should praise effort as well as ability – some people may never kick the goals you set out for them but should still be recognised for the amount of effort they put in to the job at hand.

   7. Strong workplace relationships are built on a culture of honest, respectful feedback

   8. And lastly, everyone loves receiving positive feedback, but many just forget to give it ... don’t be that person.

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Holy cow – blink and it is the end of February! 2024 is charging ahead! Have you settled in and hitting your stride? Or are you still trying to get a handle on the year?

An essential quality for everyone in business is endurance – from starting a new business, having big goals to achieve, or just your to do list. Endurance in businesses means owners, operators, and their teams have the willingness to stick it out and the ability to work through challenges productively. Like any endurance athlete, businesses need to work on their strengths, fitness, and resilience to be the best and on top of their game. Looking after you and your team’s physical and psychological health is a great starting point for endurance building. While the year might be moving quickly for some, we have many months ahead. 

Just in case you missed it, the Whitsunday Regional Council election campaign is on.

The Chamber congratulates all Mayoral and Councillor candidates for stepping forward and their commitment to serving our community. As in the past, the Chamber will once again provide our members the opportunity to meet the mayoral candidates to explore specific issues relating to business, industry, and economic development. Event details are available on our website. This will be a member only event – focussed on business and economic issues specifically relating to local business and industry.

Post-election, the Chamber looks forward to briefing our newly elected representatives on our Ten Point Advocacy Plan. The purpose of the Chamber’s advocacy plan is to reflect and clearly articulate the major issues of shared aspiration and concern for the Whitsunday business community as a way of influencing decisions across all levels of government.

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With Allan Milostic, President, Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce & Industry

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By Paul Gellatly

At last week’s Bowen Chamber of Commerce meeting, Sean Brown, CEO of Bowen Pipeline Company, outlined his vision for a $600 million, 115km pipeline from the Burdekin to Bowen, using on-site extracted HDPE plastic pipeline yielding a 45 per cent cost saving and a five-million km reduction in B-double truck movements.

The pipe is to be extruded in 100m lengths and laid in a cutting that follows an old stock route for much of the way, which will simplify the approvals process. It will end at the Don River and will have 72 branches, many going to agriculture, which will ensure that the growing season can be extended from eight months a year to the entire year, and additional job certainty for farm workers. It will also allow opening up of a 400,000ha area south of Home Hill to high-value cropping.

BPC is in consultation with Sunwater to take a minimum of 80,000ML a year from the Burdekin dam total of 195,000ML available, providing a boost for agriculture, aquaculture, construction and others. The Burdekin water could also be used to top up Bowen's supply from Proserpine when needed.

Mr Brown said the company was seeking equity funding for the project, based on a model that he said aligned with industry expectations and timetables.

Another beneficiary could be the proposed HyNQ North Queensland Clean Energy hub, where water could be supplied for hydrogen production.

Mr Brown said the Federal Government had contributed $5 million to advance the business case, which was to be lodged in the next few weeks. He acknowledged the support of state ministers for agriculture, Mark Furner, and water, Glenn Butcher, and local member Dale Last.

"We hope that the (state) ministers will decide the project before the election," he said.

"We should be ready to start 12 months after that."

The meeting also farewelled Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor, Cr Julie Hall, who is retiring ahead of the March local government poll.

Cr Hall outlined some of her achievements during her term, which included expansion of the Proserpine airport terminal and increased flight services, and the Shute Harbour marine terminal, and the "tiny homes" project for older women.

Chamber chairman Bruce Hedditch paid tribute to Cr Hall for overriding the perceived alternating funding biases between north and south in the region, adding that: "You brought us all together."

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Most countries have a system to encourage citizens to save for their retirement. In the USA they are called 401K Accounts, and, in the UK, they are called Pension Accounts. In Australia we call our system the Superannuation system.

Is our super system a good system? Would we get a gold medal in the ‘Super Olympics’?

When assessing a retirement system, the big questions are, how much investment choice and flexibility you have, and what access to your money you are giving up in return for the tax incentives offered. In Australia all types of super products operate under the same legislation around access and tax, but different types of products have more investment choice and better tax management. In this article we’ll focus on the overall system and next month we’ll delve into the different types of super products - industry funds, retail funds and self-managed funds.

Investment Choice. Like their UK and USA based competitors, Australian super funds can invest in a wide range of investments both directly and via managed accounts.  You can invest in traditional assets like cash, fixed interest, shares and property as well as the newer, less proven trading investments like currency and crypto.    However, all investments must be for the sole purpose of funding the members retirement and there are rules to stop schemes to derive any benefits from your super investments before retirement. In all three country’s systems it is possible to borrow or gear to help purchase investments in your super account. On these criteria, our system is pretty good and line ball with the USA and UK.

Where our system really shines is regards tax benefits and access. There’s always a trade-off for the generous tax benefits of super in losing access to your money until retirement. In our system the tax benefits are huge, personal marginal tax rates for the bulk of people working full time are in the 34.5% bracket ($45,000pa to $120,000pa) with higher income earners, like miners, often in the second highest bracket on 39% ($120,000pa to $180,000pa). Our super system is attractive in the accumulation period, pre age 60, where interest and deductible contributions are taxed at 15%. Even more so in the pension period post 60 and retirement where there is 0% tax on interest earned and 0% tax on pensions or lump sums drawn out.  Full, tax-free access to your money in retirement.  

Based on the unrestricted access to your money and a zero-tax rate in retirement, our super system is world class and takes out the gold medal at the ‘Super Olympics’.

If you think you could benefit from a discussion with a Financial Planner, give us a call on 49467359 of visit www.eclipsefp.com.au  

There’s no obligation, the first meeting is free and all fees are spelled out clearly in advance.  If you’re not sure, try coming to our Retirement Planning seminar in April, keep an eye on our Facebook page and this paper for details.

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This week marked the start of our latest campaign aimed at boosting visitation through the traditionally quieter periods. We have kicked off with a billboard outside Brisbane Airport and a sponsorship of ‘The Daily Aus’ newsletter and Podcast to target the under 35 demographic nationally.

If you travel outside The Whitsundays in the coming weeks and months, keep your eyes peeled for our world-class Whitsundays experiences and accommodation operators in ads on social media.

They are also on display banner ads on websites and on bus stops and billboards, on the radio and even on the television in our key market areas – Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne!

We’re giving a taste of The Whitsundays to all the soon-to-be shivering residents of Australia’s southern states and our fellow Queenslanders down south.

Last week I celebrated my one-year anniversary at Tourism Whitsundays, which also marks one year of living in The Whitsundays – where has the time gone?

In the last year I haven’t stopped pinching myself – I can’t believe that I am lucky enough to call this region home. If you haven’t been out to experience the beauty in our backyard recently, this is your sign to get out there!

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Are you a Bowen local, with a passion for the region, an interest in writing and storytelling, and desire to give back to the local youth?

If so, the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre has the program for you!

The idea for the Program stemmed from a team chat where it was noticed that Bowen’s youngest didn’t know much about local traditions and history.

“Our children don’t know a lot of the traditions that Bowen has, things that the older in our community just inherently know,” explained Stephanie Cora, Bowen Neighbourhood Centre’s Executive Officer.

“The Bowen Collective is about story, of sharing stories that are central to Bowen.”

From this conversation, the team decided to introduce The Bowen Collective as a short 10-week program, where locals get together to create, illustrate, and write children’s books, covering Bowen’s history, traditions, and folklore.

“It’s for locals by locals,” Stephanie said.

“Our goal is for these books to go into our local schools for students to read, for teachers to use, and for our children to grow more knowledgeable about the beautiful town they live in.”

Organised and hosted by Bowen Neighbourhood Centre, the Bowen Collective is looking for volunteers and participants to take part in the program.

Contact the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre for further information on 07 4786 2111, or info@bowennc.org.au.

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Expressions of interest close Friday March 1

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With two more months of cyclone season on the cards on the first half of 2024, now is the best time to get cyclone prepared, with Scott and Lisa Raisbeck of Bowen Small Motors ready and prepped to get you and your family best equipped.

Scott’s number one necessity during a cyclone is a capable and appropriate generator.

“And even outside of cyclone season, we have enough power blackouts, that having a generator handy is great in any emergency,” he explained.

“However, having a generator is great, but making sure to maintain is the best thing to keep it going.”

Scott’s top tips for maintaining your generator:

“Use good fuel. We use 95 Octane, but don’t use 98, because it’s too high in octane.

“When you’re not using the generator for months at a time, change the fuel regularly. Or, remove all the fuel and leave it until you need it again in the summer months.

“If you prefer to leave it full of fuel, in the case of an emergency, get a good stabilizer, which makes your fuel last longer.”

Scott typically sees an influx of generator repairs as a warning is called for a potential tropical cyclone, for issues that are simple to avoid.

“Keeping your generator well maintained, with either a stabilizer in the fuel or empty when not used makes sure that no blockages can interfere with the carburettor,” Scott explained.

“It is also a good thing to check your air filters frequently. This is a simple thing but can cause a pain of issues.”

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Scott Raisbeck, looking after your generator this cyclone season. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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Perfect for the older Bowen locals, the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre is eager to launch their Stay Connected program which helps participants use technology effectively.

Designed for Bowen locals over the age of 55-years-old, the Stay Connected program is a weekly program, that will run for 12-months, with small, yet intimate classes, where the program coordinators can ensure each participant is confident and able to navigate the week’s topic effectively.

“We’ve designed this program to assist individuals to navigate the internet,” Bowen Neighbourhood Centre Executive Officer, Stephanie Cora explained.

The program will cover how to use different smart phones, including Apple and Android devices, iPads and tablets, and integral websites and apps that are incredibly useful to modern life.

These apps include MyGov, HotDoc and other health related apps, email, online shopping apps for Woolworths and Coles, and the Whitsunday Regional Council Disaster Dashboard.

“We have this program kicking off in March, so please register your interest today,” urged Stephanie.

The program will also include cheat sheets of the week’s session, so that participants can easily reflect and remember the completed topics.

“It’s so handy. Put the cheat sheet on the fridge and if you forget something, it’s just right there!”

Contact the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre to register today.  

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Register your expression of interest by calling the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre on 4786 2111

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Anyone in the community that wakes up in the morning feeling sad, lost or alone is encouraged to reach out and come along to the On The Men-d Support Group which takes place at the Skatepark in Cannonvale every Wednesday.

Initially a men’s group, the support network is now open to everyone regardless of gender.

Established by qualified counsellor, Bob Eden, the informal weekly catch-up is an opportunity for people to share their thoughts and feelings in a safe and respectful space.

“It’s all about expressing your feelings and helping you heal,” said Bob.

“If you want to share, then share, if you don’t want to, then don’t, it’s totally up to you.

“This is a safe place of non-judgement where everyone will feel acceptance and validation.”

Bob started his own mental health journey in 1984 when he began suffering with depression, a condition he battled for 20 years.

During this time, he was “locked into anti-depressant addiction” and living in a system which he believes “wanted customers not cures”.

It took him many years to realise that what really helped him was talking and sharing his experiences with others.

This is the main impetus behind his support group where the philosophy of the talking stick offers everyone in the group a voice to share their stories if they wish.

The support group takes place every Wednesday at the Skatepark in Cannonvale at 10am.

There is also a meeting every Saturday at 7am via zoom.

For more information about the group, please contact Bob directly on fideliobob@hotmail.com or call him on 0458 772 726.

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WHAT: On The Men’d Support Group

WHERE: Cannonvale Skatepark

WHEN: Every Wednesday at 10am

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Caption: Bob Eden started the support group to encourage other people to share their stories. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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• Check the weather, check the weather, check the weather! – and if you are in any doubt, don’t go out!

• Visibility: Operate slowly in rain, fog, mist, smoke and glare. Take special care when travelling at night as potential hazards are harder to see. Ensure you operate at a safe speed.

• Other boats: Slow down in busy areas and when near moored or anchored boats, and remember — working boats and larger ships may have difficulty manoeuvring.

• Navigation hazards: Slow down in shallow areas and when boating in unfamiliar water. Water depth can vary and change quickly, particularly around reefs.

• Wind, waves and currents: These may affect the boat’s stopping and turning ability. The type of motor, hull and design will all impact on the boat’s manoeuvrability.

• Check your navigation lights are working and fitted correctly and use them after dusk or in times of reduced visibility.

How to avoid marine incidents

Most marine incidents are avoidable, and are often caused through inattention, lack of knowledge and experience, or complacency of the skipper. Remember, if you are the skipper, you are responsible!

Collisions

   • Know at least the basics of the give way (COLREGS) regulations on the water, and obey them at all times.

   • Make your intentions clear - actions must be clear and deliberate so other skippers can see your intentions. Never assume the skipper of another boat will observe the rules; always be prepared to take action to avoid a collision.

   • Keep a proper lookout – a proper lookout, through sight and sound and all available navigation tools, must be kept at all times. Slow down and take extra precautions in bad weather, restricted visibility and the hours of darkness to assist with the early detection of other boats in the area.

   • Assess risk of collision and take action - use all means available – sight, sound, radar, plotter - to assess whether other boats pose a risk of collision. If a risk of collision exists take early, positive action (changing course and/or speed) to eliminate the risk. Never assume the other boat will automatically ‘give way’.

Groundings

   • Know the waterway – plan your trip and use navigational aids such as charts, GPS and navigation beacons.

   • Pay attention – many groundings occur because the skipper misreads a beacon through inattention.

   • Tides – the height of the tide may mean some areas are unnavigable at certain times. Check before you venture out.

Check out Maritime Safety Queensland’s free Recreational Boating Handbook, available from any MSQ office, or online at the MSQ website.

VMRW membership is cheap insurance at just $90. You can join online at https://vmrwhitsundays.com.au/join/ and your membership helps to keep us going in case you need us. We hope you don’t – but we are here 24/7/365 if you do!

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Rescue.

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Caption: Hilarious images of boating mishaps. Please note; none of these happened in the Whitsundays. Photos supplied

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By Hannah McNamara

A number of lucky participants are getting ready to take flight in the upcoming 2024 Mackay Airport Twilight City Run with a chance to snap up free return flights from Bonza, just for taking part.

This year, the event aims to not only break records, but to break barriers, rallying support for the Leukaemia Foundation and providing hope for those affected by blood cancer.

The all-inclusive 5km fun run is designed for everyone to come along, simply just to have fun and connect with the community whilst raising funds for the Mackay Leukaemia Foundation.

The non-competitive race is solely aimed to give all participants a chance to win a free bonza return flight, no matter if you place first, third or last position in the race! You’ve got to be in it to win it, so come along and support an amazing cause.

Will you run, walk, dance…or fly?  

Caption:

Participants in the upcoming Mackay Airport Twilight City Run could snap up free return flights from Bonza, just for taking part. Attendance in 2024 is tipped to surpass last year’s record-breaking turnout. Pictured L-R (back row) Keen participants Chrissy Evangelou, Glen Harmer, Tegan Philpott, Jenny Harmer, BMA Mackay Marina Run Event Director Tim Magoffin and Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles gathered at Mackay Airport ahead of the event on March 1.

Pictured L-R (front row) Krystal DeMaid, Andre, age 8, and Willow, age 7. Photo credit: Kai Millen, Life Media Productions

Win A Flight By Helping The Fight

The upcoming 2024 Mackay Airport Twilight City Run is hosting a 5km fun run on the 1st of March to raise funds for the Mackay Leukemia Foundation. All are invited to participate with three return flights from Bonza airlines up for grabs! The winners will be drawn after the race, ensuring that everybody has a chance to win. To strictly focus on fun, times of the race will not be recorded to ensure everybody, including all fitness levels, ages and abilities have the opportunity to have a good time with the potential of being selected as the lucky winner.

It comes as organisers prepare for the popular, inclusive event to be bigger and better than ever, with attendance tipped to surpass last year’s record-breaking turnout.

Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles said the annual 5km fun run, offers something for everyone. He highlights the greatness of the all-inclusive event and is excited to see everyone there.

“We really encourage everyone to come along whether you’re running, walking, pushing a pram or walking the dog, whatever you like.

“There’s teams and groups now as well so I encourage everyone, families, friends, even work mates to come along and have a great time,” Mr Miles said.

“The Mackay Airport Twilight City Run is an excellent, family-friendly event that caters to all ages and abilities, bringing our community together in a fun, healthy way,” he added.

“We are thrilled to continue our support for this fantastic event, which promotes wellbeing and raises money for a vital cause, while also providing another excellent incentive for visitors to stay and play in our region.

“Bonza has connected us directly to more destinations across Australia and it’s never been easier to plan a holiday here,” Mr Miles said.

All registrations in the Mackay Airport Twilight City Run will go in the draw to win one of three return Bonza flights for two to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast or Melbourne.  

Bonza Chief Executive Officer Tim Jordan said, “Bonza is all about connecting communities and we're happy to get behind the Mackay Airport Twilight City Run and the legends who take part in supporting such an important cause.

“The Mackay community has embraced Bonza since we launched last year and we want to give back.”

All proceeds from the Mackay Airport Twilight City Run, held in the lead up to the BMA Mackay Marina Run, will be donated to the Leukaemia Foundation.

More than $600,000 has been raised since the run began, a figure tipped to grow significantly in 2024 with a record number of participants expected.

BMA Mackay Marina Run Event Director Tim Magoffin says, “we hope to keep adding to that.”

Mr Magoffin explains his excitement for the event whilst underlining the impactful message of what the foundation aims to achieve. He emphasises the focus of the Mackay Airport Twilight City Run is to have fun and get involved in the community.

“We don’t get too serious about it. The focus is only on fun and community engagement,” he said.

He expresses his gratitude to the organisations who have helped expand the charity event and has high hopes for a rapidly growing future. He claims the Mackay Airport Twilight City Run was an instrumental contributor to annual fundraising efforts.

“Thanks to the sponsorships of the organisations like Mackay Airport for their service to help raise funds.

“Currently, 53 people are diagnosed with blood cancer, including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, every day in Australia, and this number is anticipated to nearly double by 2035,” he said.

“Collaborative community initiatives, such as the Mackay Airport Twilight City Run, help to provide vital support for anyone impacted by blood cancer.”

Participants are also invited to raise their own additional funding by setting up a page on the Mackay Marina Run site and dedicating their run to the Leukaemia Foundation.  To register for the Mackay Airport Twilight City Run, visit mackaymarinarun.com and click on the ‘Events’ tab. All are encouraged to come along and support the great cause!

Caption 1: 0866 – Tim Magoffin speaking on the importance of the charity event

Caption 3: 0876 – The team of local legends, ready to take flight! Photo Credit: Hannah McNamara

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The family of a man discovered deceased in the back of his vehicle has chosen to speak out following revelations that police are treating the death as non-suspicious.

The body was found inside a LandCruiser near East Point Drive around 1:15 PM on Saturday, 10th February. Detectives cordoned off the area and police have indicated they are not treating the circumstances as suspicious.

Before the tragic event, the man's LandCruiser had been stolen, with a family friend saying this added to his distress amid struggles with mental health issues.

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Caption: An image of the LandCruiser found near East Point shared on social media

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Heartbreaking Discovery Treated As Non-Suspicious

Expressing their devastation, the family disclosed that the theft was the tipping point for the man. A statement released by family friend Bernie Turner on Facebook on behalf of the grieving family conveyed their sentiments, condemning the thieves who pushed the man over the edge.

“To the lowlifes that stole he’s [sic] car, yes, you know who you are, you having [sic] finally pushed someone to breaking point,” Mr Turners post read.

Just before his passing, the man had sought help in locating his stolen vehicle, posting on social media.

Members of the public recognised the abandoned car as the missing LandCruiser from the online plea, leading them to alert the authorities after making the tragic discovery at East Point. However, the vehicle had since been returned to the owner and Mr Turner said the deceased man was the owner of the vehicle.

As the investigation unfolds, police will compile a report for the Coroner, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

Caption: This post was shared on a local crime watch page on Facebook by the LandCruiser’s owner after the vehicle had been stolen

Fatal Police Shooting In Ilbilbie

A man was fatally shot by police earlier this week, on Monday morning, 12th February, in Ilbilbie.

Queensland Police reported that they were called to a Greenhill Street business shortly before 11am where they located a man armed with a firearm.

During the incident, the man threatened officers and was subsequently shot by police.

The 39-year-old NSW man was declared deceased at the scene.

A crime scene was declared at the address and police investigations are continuing.

This matter is under investigation by Ethical Standards Command on behalf of the State Coroner, with the investigation subject to oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.

Fatal Traffic Crash Near St Lawrence

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating after a 38-year-old man died following a two-vehicle traffic crash near St Lawrence on 7th February.

Initial investigations indicate at approximately 7.10pm, a Subaru Impreza was travelling south along the Bruce Highway near Wumalgi Road when it crashed into a MG HS Wagon, travelling north, and caught fire.

The driver and only occupant of the Subaru, a 38-year-old man, was declared deceased at the scene.

The driver of the other vehicle, a 32-year-old woman, and a 33-year-old female passenger, received non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Rockhampton Hospital.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances of the crash.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage is urged to contact police.

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Local elections are approximately four weeks away and shortly you’ll see candidates for the roles of Mayor and Councillor ramp up their campaigns.

Early voting will run from Monday, 4 March to Friday, 15 March 2024 (excluding the weekend) and Election Day will be on Saturday 16th March where polling booths will be open from 8am until 6pm.

Remember, it’s compulsory to vote in local elections for all Australian citizens aged 18 years and over, and this is regardless of whether you are a tenant or property owner. Another myth circulating is that you can not vote if you are not vaccinated, this is not true, vaccination status does not determine eligibility to vote.

Local elections are possibly the most important vote you can cast, because the decision of the public will influence who calls the shots for the Mackay region, so consider what’s important to you. It’s not all roads and rubbish either, our local council are the ones who invest in playgrounds, recreational reserves and work on attracting exciting events to come to Mackay, so how well we live is largely determined by our local council.

One point I like to keep in mind, is that there are two ways to cut the cost of rates, or minimise rate rises. That’s to cut services, or to increase the liveability of the region to increase the rate-paying database. The more people, the more income the council receives, to make Mackay both a fun place to live and an attractive destination for tourists to boost the local economy.

You will likely see campaigns running on both of these points, whether the candidate believes in cutting costs or whether they believe in investing in liveability.

It’s all a delicate balancing act and I don’t envy the decisions our council, whomever elected, will have to make to keep Mackay both a prosperous and affordable place to live.

In the next few weeks you will notice an increase in local election advertising and paid editorial. If you are a candidate who hasn’t yet received an advertising package from us and you would like the opportunity to have your say, please reach out to our advertising team via the details on the side of this page.

Amanda

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