A Mackay school student has returned from Western Australia with a gold medal after succeeding at the 2023 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.

Nate McKinnon, a year 9 student at Whitsunday Anglican School, finished first in the U14 Male division on the weekend of March 25-26.

The achievement is the result of many hours of study and training, making Nate the first national gold medallist from the Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club and region.

Nate’s father grew up surf lifesaving at Maroochydore Surf Club and got Nate and his three siblings involved in the Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club six years ago, when Nate was eight.

“The culture (at Eimeo is) really good,” Nate said.

“It’s a really positive and a nice atmosphere to be in.

“Their support’s been really good with helping us getting over there and supplying us with boards.”

Nate attends Nippers at Eimeo every Sunday, also training four times a week at the beach and eight times a week at Pat Wright Swim School with his coaches Pat Wright and Greg Bourne, as well as his mother.

He found success at recent branch trials which qualified him for states earlier in March.

Nate then qualified for Nationals, travelling to Western Australia and finishing first.

“It was really nice to go to a new environment with different features and waves and beaches,” he said.

The championships tested his all-round ability in theory, live patient assessment and physical races, involving board, swim, tube and sprint races.

When it comes to preparation, Nate’s approach is a simple one.

“I just go out there and give it my best shot,” he said.

He said the excitement was palpable between him and his father when he won gold.

“I was really excited and surprised at the same time,” Nate said.

“(Dad) was really happy when we learnt that I got gold.”

Nate hopes to continue surf lifesaving throughout his life, striving to do return to Mackay with gold again next year.

“I’d like to keep doing surf lifesaving as I get older,” he said.

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Nate McKinnon won gold at the 2023 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships. Photos supplied

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The Greater Whitsunday Council of Mayors Suicide Prevention Taskforce has unveiled an innovative community-led suicide prevention model aimed at improving mental health care in the Greater Whitsunday region.

The Pathways Connect model is designed to work in alignment with all existing services, community groups and initiatives within the region.

"What has been developed is a community-led, early intervention suicide prevention pilot model, co-designed by community, industry, and government representatives from across the Greater Whitsunday footprint, and is intended to help our people find the right option, at the right time,” said Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson.

The Taskforce was established in response to the regions’ concerns about escalating suicide rates and the difficulties residents face in accessing appropriate mental health services.

"The most important aspect of this model is getting people to the right assistance or service for their individual situation,” said Lived Experience Representative Emma Rix.

“If we can do this, not only will it create a better experience for those who are struggling, but we will also ease the pressure on the services we have in the community.”

Over the course of 2022, Greater Whitsunday Communities worked alongside a diverse range of community members and service providers to design an outreach model to create better access to mental health resources.

“By providing early intervention and support through trained peers, it (the Pathways Connect model) enhances access to mental health services and aims to prevent suicide in the region,” said Greater Whitsunday Communities Executive Officer Carol Norris.

Greater Whitsunday Communities is now seeking financial contributions and partnerships to begin implementation of the pilot model, with the intention of working in alignment with all existing services, community groups and initiatives.

The Greater Whitsunday Council of Mayors Suicide Prevention Project Co-design Report can be publicly accessed at the Greater Whitsunday Communities website: www.greaterwhitsundaycommunities.org.au.

If this story raises any issues, please visit your regular GP, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, present at one of Mackay Hospital and Health Services’ Mental Health Units or, in a crisis, emergency departments.

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Back row L-R Fiona Bobongie, Courtney Wilson, Carol Norris, Karin Barron, Mackay Deputy Mayor Karen May, Deb Rae, Stephanie Zweers, Front L-R Whitsunday Mayor Julie Hall, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson and Isaac Mayor Anne Baker. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Banks across the region had staff dress up in colourful clown props last week to raise funds for an important cause.

Clown Doctors is a national program that provides highly trained, professional “medical clowns” to help uplift the spirits of sick kids by delivering doses of laughter and joy throughout hospitals.

The Commonwealth Bank branches at Caneland Central, Mount Pleasant, Proserpine, Airlie Beach and Bowen rallied with CBA branches across the country to raise much needed funds for Smile Month, the national fundraiser for the Clown Doctors run by The Humour Foundation.

“We’re really proud to support such a worthy organisation,” said CBA Caneland Branch Manager Elizabeth McLean (Geisler).

“Clown Doctors do amazing things for sick kids in hospitals.”

The branch held a lolly raffle throughout the day as well as accepting donations from customers to raise funds.

“People have been so wonderful in their generosity in supporting such a worthy cause,” Ms McLean said.

The Clown Doctors program makes more than 230,000 visits each year to children in 22 hospitals across Australia.

CBA branches will host a variety of fundraising events and collect customer donations during the fundraising campaign between Friday March 31 and Friday April 28.

Tony Warner, CEO of The Humour Foundation, commended CBA’s ongoing commitment to helping the Clown Doctors.

“Over the past 20 years CommBank Staff Foundation has helped provide funds and build awareness of the wonderful work the Clown Doctors do,” he said.

“We’d like to express our sincere gratitude for all the fundraising efforts in CBA branches and its customers for their ongoing contributions – all funds raised allow us to continue to bring the magic of Clown Doctors to sick kids in hospitals across the country.”

Donations to The Clown Doctors can be made at any Commonwealth Bank branch throughout April or online at: commbank.com.au/clowndoctors.

Ms McLean added that CBA Caneland is proud to support local community groups through CBA Community Grants.

“We’ve had customers vote for a community group of their choice since January,” she said.

“The winner of those groups will get a $500 funding boost, and the runner-up will get $250.”

A new round of funding nominations will begin in July; visit https://www.commbank.com.au/about-us/opportunity-initiatives for more information.

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Elizabeth McLean (Geisler), Marissa Thompson and Shani Garioch of CBA Caneland Central delivered smiles aplenty. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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When Nanyima Aged Care invited residents to “make a wish”, Colleen and Ken Walker suggested fish and chips on the beach.

The local pair, who met at a Friday night dance as teenagers, have long loved the beach.

“My parents had a beach house, and we were down there all the time,” said Colleen.

“At that age, all the young ones were at the beach of a weekend.

“It’s just a lovely place with lovely people.”

“They’re just loving being out here in the fresh air having a meal with everybody in the community,” said Diversional Therapist Tanya Tooma.

“It actually boosts their confidence and self-esteem.”

When the aged care home contacted Scott Palmer at the surf club to book a lunch, he was ready to go “bigger and better”.

After lunch, residents were treated to punch on the beach and a toe-dip in the ocean thanks to the surf club’s beach wheelchair and buggy.

“We’re just trying to show that the surf club isn’t just the beach, it’s the whole community,” Scott said.

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14 Nanyima Aged Care residents enjoyed fish and chips at Mackay Surf Life Saving Club before dipping their toes in the water. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Schools across the region are now more informed about the hazards of screen time addiction, ‘sextortion’ and other digital dangers that are impacting the well-being of children.

The Australian Institute of Family Studies found that children between four and five average more than two hours of screen time per day.

By the time they reach their teenage years, this has risen to more than three hours during the week and over four hours per day on the weekend.

This means that up to 30 per cent of the average Australian child’s wake time is spent in front of a screen.

The Queensland Police-led educational sessions, which were presented to 4,718 students, 260 teachers and 210 adults/parents over the past few weeks, are aimed at informing our community about the signs and symptoms of screen addiction.

Led by internationally respected speaker and expert in digital addiction, Brad Huddleston, the talks have opened the conversation and inspired changes in behaviour for many students.

Brad has been facilitating annual Digital Rehab and Cyber Safety tours in the region for over a decade and he teams up with this year’s Citizen of the Year, Sergeant Nigel Dalton, to provide information on both the education and the potential legal dangers of online safety.

During the talks, Brad shows attendees images of the brain which illustrates the neuroscience of how our brains are impacted by excessive screen time.

“Limiting screen time doesn’t work,” said Brad.

“You have to actually detox – cold turkey – for between four and six weeks in order for the brain to return to normal.”

Concerned that extreme screen time can lead to behavioural issues and angry outbursts, Brad says that because a child’s pre-frontal cortex is not fully developed, when dopamine floods the pleasure centre of the brain they have “no brakes”.

Brad is concerned that as the ‘metaverse’ starts to gain traction in the form of 3D goggles and 3D reality – children will sink even further into addiction.

Children in this state lack empathy, constantly say “I’m bored” and need more and more to stimulate their brains.

“It’s like a drug,” said Brad.

“They need to do more to achieve the same result and they get angry when you take the device away.”

During the sessions, Nigel also talks about ‘sextortion’ and while they were visiting local schools, two cases came in where unsuspecting teenagers had been targeted.

Sextortion largely involves an online relationship where a youngster is encouraged to film intimate acts and nudity then send the images or video to their online lover.

When the content is received the scammer will blackmail the teenager for money.

In one local case, a boy gave the scammer $500 of his savings and was only caught when he attempted to use his mother’s credit card.

As most of this originates from offshore perpetrators it is almost impossible for anyone to get their money back.

The Digital Rehab and Cyber Safety tour visits schools from Bowen to Sarina every year.

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Sergeant Nigel Dalton educates students about ‘sextortion’

Internationally respected speaker and expert in digital addiction, Brad Huddleston. Photos supplied

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Vehicles have been clamped and seized in the latest attempt by the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) to recover outstanding fines.

SPER’s field enforcement officers recovered more than $400,000 in unpaid fines and penalties from debtors across Mackay and payment plan commitments of a further $1.8 million.

SPER Enforcement Director Kim Easton said the operation resulted in the seizure of 21 vehicles.

“SPER officers clamped and seized vehicles from Mackay and the surrounding areas, including St Helens Beach, Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket and Sarina,” he said.

“Most of the owners of these vehicles have now paid their debts, however there are still some who continue to avoid their obligations.

“Three of these vehicles will be sold at auction because the owners refused to pay.”

Mr Easton said there was a simple way to avoid this type of enforcement action.

“The best thing to do is pay your fine on time, otherwise our officers will take the necessary steps to enforce the law,” he said.

“If you don’t act, you can have money taken from your wages or bank account or have SPER officers visit you at your home or workplace to seize your vehicle to recover what you owe.”

Mr Easton said SPER is always willing to have a conversation with people about their debt, but they need to act.

“Anyone who is having trouble paying for whatever reason should contact SPER on 1300 365 635 to discuss their payment options and avoid enforcement action,” he said.

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Australia’s newest airline’s newest twice weekly flight from Cairns to Mackay touched down in the Sugar City on Wednesday last week.

Customers onboard the low-cost Bonza Airline connection were both travelling for holidays and to visit friends and family.

According to Bonza CEO Tim Jordan the airline’s newest flight path embodies the company’s goal: changing behaviours of travellers by making air travel accessible to the many, not the few.

“From just $49 per person, you can ditch the nearly nine-hour drive between Cairns and Mackay,” he said.

“Why would you battle the Bruce Highway when you don’t need to?”

The North Queensland Airports Group CEO Richard Barker – whose company owns and operates both Cairns and Mackay Airports - greeted travellers to both regions.

“Providing non-stop flights between Cairns and Mackay will give travellers the option of cost-effective flying, whether that be for leisure, visiting friends and relatives or the cost-conscious business traveller,” he said.

“Cairns is the home for many fly in, fly out mine workers who travel to Mackay and onto the Bowen Basin. I am sure the flights will be welcomed by them.”

Today’s flight is the ninth to be introduced by Bonza, and Mr Jordan said there is more to come as the airline launched its second base in Melbourne (Tullamarine airport) on the Thursday.

“[Tullamarine] includes an additional 12 routes including Melbourne to Mackay,” he said.

“That twice weekly service will kick off on 23 May as Victorians go in search of winter sun.”

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Budget airline Bonza’s newest flight in a Cairns Mackay connection landed last week for the first time

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It’s been almost four weeks since one-year-old Amity Buchanan ingested a button battery which became lodged in her throat, causing metal shards to come dangerously close to her aorta and boring an eight-centimetre burn into her oesophagus.

She was lucky to survive and since then, her parents have been on a rollercoaster ride of emergency airlifts, surgery, scans, scopes and medical appointments.

Finally, there is a glimmer of hope now that their daughter’s recovery can begin.

The family are based at the Ronald McDonald House in Southbank, Brisbane, so they can be close to the hospital.

Amity’s mother, Jemma Gultzow, says her daughter is eating only pureed food and that, although she is “in good spirits”, it is difficult watching her child deprived of what she once loved.

“Food was a big part of her life and it’s sad to see her not able to eat proper food that she loves,” said Jemma.

Despite this, Jemma feels grateful that Amity is still alive, especially since she discovered there have been three known cases in Australia where children have died from ingesting a button battery.

She realises how lucky they are and feels frustrated that her concerns were not addressed by the medical team at Mackay Base Hospital sooner which could have lessened the damage caused by the battery.

“We are extremely disappointed, in fact angry – we feel that Amity was neglected by the doctor,” explains Jemma.

“She presented to the hospital within an hour of ingesting the battery, her symptoms could have been lessened if the proper procedures had been done straight away.”

“I Thought She Was Going To Die In My Arms”

Amity was at home playing in the walk-in wardrobe while her mother was less than two metres away on the nearby bed.

Within a couple of minutes Amity came to Jemma holding a polyester bean, part of a bean bag she had received as a birthday present a few weeks earlier.

Jemma states that she did not see her eat it.

Within five minutes, however, Jemma could hear a strange whistling sound when Amity breathed and a few minutes later she was vomiting.

Calling an ambulance, little Amity was rushed to hospital but after a long wait and a quick examination that did not include an x-ray, Amity was sent home.

This frustrates Jemma, because protocol for a child who is thought to have ingested an item is usually an x-ray and although she did not see Amity ingest anything, the rapidity of the symptoms made her think something had been ingested.

Eventually it was discovered to be a battery from an old electronic car key.

Amity’s father, Daniel, took the family home for the night, but when her condition worsened the following day, they went to their local doctor who referred them for an x-ray at the hospital.

Upon presenting for the second time, Jemma said they were confronted by the same doctor who had dismissed them the day before.

Jemma said that once again they waited for over 40 minutes, despite Daniel imploring the staff to help.

She alleges that the doctor showed them his list of emergency patients implying that Amity’s condition was not serious enough to warrant his immediate attention.

When they were finally granted an x-ray, Jemma says that the doctor was rude and did not give directions on where they needed to go.

As soon as the x-ray was ready, however, they could see the circular shape of the button battery and the situation escalated quickly.

Jemma says they mentioned how rude the previous doctor was and were offered a different doctor which she agreed to.

She then states that the previous doctor came back into the room and confronted them.

“He was so nasty to us,” said Jemma.

“He came back into the room intimidating us and asking why we had asked for a new doctor – it was awful.”

Fortunately, after this encounter, Amity was flown to Townsville Hospital where she was rushed into theatre and the battery removed.

She was then flown down to Brisbane where she is still recovering.

“I am not a medical professional, and I did not once say that I had seen her ingest the polystyrene bean,” said Jemma.

“I feel like that has been used to throw the blame back on me.”

Mackay Base Hospital released a statement earlier this week stating they would be undertaking a preliminary review of the care provided.

“A more extensive review is still ongoing as part of our usual established internal patient safety processes,” said Mackay Base Hospital Interim Chief Executive Dr Charles Pain.

“We will also be communicating with the family as part of this.”

Dr Pain confirms that the hospital followed the state-wide guideline that provides clinical guidance for all staff involved in the care and management of a child presenting to emergency with a suspected or confirmed ingested foreign body.

“The critical question that has arisen in the Mackay case is about the decision not to initially x-ray,” he said.

“When a doctor is making that judgement, they will be guided by the history that is given about what the child has eaten and if a doctor is given a clear story that they’ve eaten a particular thing, then they won’t want to expose that child to radiation from an x-ray.

“From our initial investigation I believe the decision not to x-ray was an appropriate judgement to make based on the information presented and the clinical examination of the child.

“However, one thing we will do from now on is to specifically ask the parent if they witnessed the child swallow the object. If they did not, it will influence our decision on whether to x-ray.”

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Baby Amity in hospital after the operation to remove the battery

Baby Amity with her parents, Katherine and Daniel

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A young Sarina boy had a lucky escape following a sudden encounter with a snake outside his school on the last day of term.

Last Friday, four-year-old Izaiah was running to the school gates with his older brother, Oden, when a snake wrapped around his leg before darting off to hide under a nearby parked car.

His mum, Katherine, feared the worst when she heard a terrible scream.

“We arrived at school and he’s gone ahead with his older brother and all of a sudden, I hear screaming and shouting saying ‘it’s a snake, it’s a snake’,” she said.

“I had a quick look and could see what I thought could be a bite, it was a red dot and was weeping so I wasn’t going to take any chances.”

In her panic Katherine bundled the four-year-old into the car for the 10-minute drive to Sarina Hospital.

It was only after arriving at hospital and talking to doctors that she remembered first aid advice she had heard but forgotten in the panic.

“In hindsight I should have called an ambulance and waited for them, but I panicked,” she explains.

Izaiah was transferred from Sarina to Mackay Base Hospital’s Emergency Department for a series of blood tests over 12 hours to confirm the snake did not envenomate him.

Katherine and dad Matt were at his bedside all day and said while Izaiah was a bit traumatised he was looking forward to going home.

“They’ve taken great care of us at both hospitals,” said Katherine.

“Izaiah was just bored and keen to get home for the holidays!”

Mackay Base Hospital Emergency Department Senior Medical Officer Dr Pushpa Nettle said it was still warm enough for snakes to be on the move.

Dr Nettle said the best advice was keep the person who has been bitten still and call 000.

“Apply a firm bandage over the bite site and then bandage the entire limb starting from the toes or fingers – and go up,” she said.

“Don’t ever run the risk of ignoring a snake bite based on an assumption the snake is non-venomous. Treat all snake bites as serious and call 000.”

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Four-year-old Izaiah with his parents Katherine and Matt. Photo supplied

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Mackay motorists are advised to take extra care on the roads over the Easter holidays to ensure everyone in the family returns home safely to loved ones.

To assist in initiating this important safety advice, Queensland Police Service (QPS) Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream has joined forces with Emergency Services to launch the Easter Road Safety campaign.

Operation Victor Easter commenced on Saturday, April 1 and will run until Sunday, April 16, covering the entire Easter long weekend, which is expected to be a busy time on Queensland’s roads.

During this time Police will be conducting targeted operations and maintaining a highly visible presence on highways and roads to reduce trauma and fatalities across Queensland.

QPS Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream said the school holiday periods always see increased traffic on the roads with families eager to get to their destinations and travelling in unfamiliar areas.

“Day or night, ensure you drive to the conditions. Don’t speed or drive affected by drugs or alcohol,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Stream said.

“We know that we can significantly reduce fatal crashes if motorists avoid the fatal five behaviours: speeding, drink or drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, driving tired and distracted driving.

Over the Easter long weekend last year, sadly one Queenslander lost their life and 60 injury crashes were recorded across the state, often resulting in life altering injuries.

“One life lost is one too many so please be careful. Every decision you make behind the wheel counts,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Stream said.

“And remember, there is no second chance if you make a fatal decision behind the wheel.”

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A three-day Innovative Grazing Forum will once again attract attendees and exhibitors from across the state.

The Grazing Forum is a one-of-a-kind event in the Mackay Region, with innovative ideas and methodologies to enhance grazing practice at the core of its program.  

Celebrating its 10th year, the forum boasts notable industry speakers, stallholders, two practical on-site field days and plenty of networking time.

“As the only large-scale grazing event in our region, Reef Catchment’s Grazing Forum has brought landholders and industry specialists together for more than a decade,” said Reef Catchments Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator Gillian Barbat.

“Attendees catch up on the latest industry innovations, engage and network with fellow graziers and hear speakers from across the country”.

The forum will welcome Director of Nature’s Equity Dick Richardson to the region as the 2023 keynote speaker.

Also presenting at the forum will be 2022 Farmer of the Year Mike Taylor, Senior Beef Extension Officer Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) Jim Fletcher, DAF’s Lara Landsberg, Project Officer at Reef Catchments Carlos Bueno and Recipient of the 2022 Queensland Farmers Federation - Reef Conservation Champion Award Jason Bradford.

“The forum features an inspiring line-up of stallholders across the three days and offers plenty of time to connect with industry specialists, network with other graziers and to discover ways to invigorate grazing enterprises,” Ms Barbat said.

“With two field days sandwiched around the conference day, there’s plenty of opportunities to discover methods and practical ideas on integrating innovation into grazing management.”

This years’ event will include a pre-event field morning, to demonstrate the forage crop trials benefiting production quality and quantity – a segue to the more formal presentations the following day.

The second field day, post-conference, will focus on an enterprise where attendees can explore on-farm hydrology and regenerative grazing practices.

“Bringing together landholders, industry experts and agencies will be the highlight for me,” Ms Barbat said.

“We’ll be connecting folk, growing their network of support and information while offering examples to motivate them on their own individual journey.”

The three-day event will run from April 18-20, each day involving the following:

• April 18 – Field Day – GRT, legume & pasture improvement trial – Habana

• April 19 – Conference – Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre

• April 20 – Field Day - Hydrology focused enterprise, off-grid, biodiversity – Bowen region

Held by Reef Catchments, the Innovative Grazing Forum is supported with funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program and Glencore.

WHAT: 10th Annual Innovative Grazing Forum

WHEN: April 18-20, 2023

TICKETS: Eventbrite

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Reef Catchments Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator Gillian Barbat

Keynote speaker Dick Richardson, Director of Nature’s Equity. Photos supplied

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A local retirement village is realising the health benefits of encouraging residents to join together and walk their dogs in its safe and familiar environment.

A group of 11 dogs and their owners all enjoy going for walks around Breezes Retirement Village each day.

From a cute Dachshund to a Miniature Fox Terrier, a Toy Poodle to a Maltese Shih Tzu cross and Terrier Mix, there are plenty of breeds – and fast friendships are formed both between pets and their owners.

Resident, Sally James, who has lived in the village for 13 years, says she walks about a kilometre daily with fellow residents.

“The dogs promote friendship, fitness, menu planning and socialisation among us all,” she says.

“We often meet up with people afterwards.

“The three of us walk around while our fur babies are spoiled enroute with treats as they enjoy their daily exercise.

“We talk about everything and anything and for the dogs, it’s become like their happy hour.”

Sally says there are many flow-on benefits to having a pet such as fostering positive mental health.

“Keisha is part of my surrogate family and calms me if I’m feeling anxious,” she says.

“A dog offers security, companionship and helps motivate you to exercise.”

Fellow dog walker Errol has lived in the village for 12 months and says he has quickly met new friends thanks to his pooch.

“Meeting up with the ladies here has got me involved in the village and I talk to a lot of other people I wouldn’t have talked to otherwise,” he says.

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Residents at a local retirement village forge friendships over their mutual love of dogs. Photo supplied.

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The variety of adrenaline-pumping challenges in multisport adventure racing has seen the concept skyrocket in popularity around the world.

Adventure racing can include mountain biking, kayaking, road cycling, trail running and orienteering, and Mackay’s ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge involves them all.

“Being able to work as a team across many sporting disciplines rather than the emphasis being on individual achievement is what attracts many people to adventure racing,” said Event Director Nikki Giles.

ZACH MACK Adventure Challenge was established in 2013 following the sudden passing of local adventure enthusiast Zach Roberts.

The challenge was started by Peter Lister, a former teacher at Mackay Christian College where Zach went to school and since then, it has grown in size and popularity with locals and adventure seekers from across the nation embracing the challenge.

“Mackay’s Pioneer Valley is the perfect playground for an adventure race like ZACH MACH,” Ms Giles said.

“The stunning rainforest is a haven for trail runners, Mia Mia is a mountain biker’s dream, Teemburra Dam is great for the kayak leg and the green cane paddocks that line the sealed roads are a spectacular back drop for road cycling.”

The event is held across the second weekend of May with the ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge on Saturday, May 6 and MINI MACH, an enticer course designed for ages 7+ and including mountain biking, trail running and orienteering, on Sunday, May 7.

Competitors can register for all stages or select any of the four disciplines (mountain bike, kayak, trail run and road bike) as an individual, pair or a team.

Registration and event details can be found at www.tri-activ8.com.au/zachmach.

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Adventure racing continues to sweep the Mackay region

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Easter time is now in full swing and I would like to disturb your peace by raising a contentious opinion. Hot cross buns are not good. Now, hear me out. There are alternative types that can be made into something yummy, but the humble traditional fruit hot cross bun is not even good.

People wait with bated breath for these to hit the shelves on boxing day. I understand these are probably the best sellers at this time of year in all our favourite bakeries but, regardless of what the stats say, I’m calling it how it is. I have never understood the hype and, in fact, I’ll go so far as to say I have never eaten a hot cross bun by choice. Last year I used my subjective tastebuds to help find the best hot cross bun in Mackay and the Whitsundays along with a panel of bun lovers. While a noble and exciting endeavor for many, it simply reaffirmed to me that I will never enjoy a hot cross bun despite how ‘good’ it is in terms of what they’re meant to taste like.

Chocolate, on the other hand, I am a huge advocate for, and I encourage you to consume as much as you can across the long weekend. Also, while there’s still time and if you haven’t already, jump onto the Star 101.9 website and register yourself for Star’s Shop Til You Drop. We are giving one person and their friend a $10,000 trip to Los Angeles! Flights, accommodation, spending money - it’s all sorted. It could be all yours so don’t miss out!

If you have already registered you need to keep it locked on Star because your name could be broadcast in our boarding calls and you need to ring 1300 89 19 29 in time to get your name on the shortlist.

Happy Easter to you all!

Kaley

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Following an 11-month trial period, a brand-new Freight Distribution Centre was officially opened at Whitsunday Coast Airport on Monday.

The new service will transport high-yield perishable produce such as seafood, fruit, and vegetables to major urban centres such as Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane.

This means that suppliers can go crabbing in the Whitsundays in the morning and sell their produce at the Sydney Markets in the afternoon.

For almost a year Whitsunday Coast Airport has been trialling its new fresh produce cargo program and due to its success, they have opened the doors to a dedicated facility which will receive and send produce to and from the Whitsundays.

From mud crabs to mangoes, and almost any type of live, perishable, or precious cargo, the airport can now manage the efficient and safe transfer of produce.

Whitsunday Regional Council Chief Operating Officer Aviation and Tourism, Craig Turner, explains that there are many advantages of the new offering.

Not only does this add a new revenue stream to the Council-owned facility, which directly benefits ratepayers, it also allows farmers and suppliers to command a higher yield by delivering fresher, better-quality produce.

“Some mango farmers have reported that up to 30 per cent of their freight can be damaged when travelling to markets by road,” said Craig.

“Using air freight can deliver produce to market quicker and more cost effectively than ever before.”

In addition, placing produce into the underbelly of the plane means that airlines are less likely to cancel flights as the double revenue stream makes the service twice as valuable.

This will in turn make air transport to and from the Whitsundays more reliable for both tourists and locals.

So far, Craig and his team have confirmed a freight service with Virgin, Bonza and Skytrans.

They are still waiting on confirmation from Qantas.

Registered Air Cargo Agents, Whitsunday Coast Airport staff have undergone training to create a system that is efficient and fully compliant with national standards.

The airport is one of only two in Australia to handle the management of air freight rather than outsourcing to an external contractor.

This means they can quality control every step in the process, from meeting the flights to storing the produce and sending it off again.

Most items are only sitting at the facility for a few hours before they are sent off again.

Craig says that he hopes to “bolt on” additional services as the demand builds and that he can anticipate it leading towards transport services from the depot to local restaurants and onto ferries which will transit to nearby island resorts.

Not only does air freight increase the freshness and quality of produce, it also reduces its travel time and overall carbon footprint.

Often produce travels from Cairns down to Brisbane before then being sent back up to the Whitsundays.

“This can mean an entire week of unnecessary travel time,” said Freight Officer Paul Knott.

While their focus is centred around live or perishable produce, the cargo depot can transport other items including pets and animals, unaccompanied baggage, valuable possessions and parcels.

Craig says they can also handle parcels from Amazon and other online purchases which can dramatically decrease waiting time for residents.

Since inception, the cargo service has transported 28 tonnes of live mud crab around the country.

But it also works the other way around.

“Just this morning we had a call from a crayfish company in Tasmania booking 25 kilos of lobster onto a flight,” said Craig.

“This is a great sign for us, and I think it reinforces that there is a high demand for the service.”

The new air freight facility was largely funded by the Federal Government with in-kind contribution from the Whitsunday Regional Council.

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Transporting fresh local produce to markets across Australia: Whitsunday Regional Council Chief Operating Officer Aviation and Tourism, Craig Turner and Freight Officer Paul Knott. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Whitsunday Regional Council Chief Operating Officer Aviation and Tourism, Craig Turner and Freight Officer Paul Knott. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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