OPINION PIECE

The Federal Government has run out of excuses after officially breaking its election promise to reduce household energy bills by $275 following the release of draft regulated electricity prices last week.

The draft Default Market Offer has confirmed that Labor has fallen short by up to $1,027 of its promised price reduction for everyday households, equivalent to a 37 per cent increase since Labor came to power.

Small businesses have also been hit hard by Labor’s spiralling energy crisis with bills soaring by up to $2,047 since Labor made its fatal promise.

As a sign of the suffering faced by everyday Australian households, startling new numbers from the AER have also revealed 116,753 people have been placed into hardship due to their skyrocketing energy bills and 192,459 people are now in energy debt.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said, “Labor was elected on a promise that it would reduce household electricity bills by $275 but instead Australians are now paying among the most expensive bills in the world.

“This is simply unaffordable for residents in my community who are already suffering under Labor’s out of control cost-of-living-crisis.”

The Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy Ted O’Brien claimed Labor’s broken promise on energy prices was “unforgiveable”.

“The Australian people deserve nothing less than a complete and unreserved apology from Prime Minister Albanese for making households and businesses pay for his failures.

“Labor has lost all credibility on energy prices and has completely shattered its trust with the Australian people.

“Labor has failed to deliver on its all-important promise to reduce energy prices by $275 on 2021/22 levels and now owes the average Australian household up to $1,027.”

Shadow Minister for Energy Affordability and Western Sydney, Melissa McIntosh said, “after dodging questions on Labor’s $275 power price promise there is now nowhere left for the Prime Minister to hide,” Mrs McIntosh said.

The draft DMO, released by the Australian Energy Regulator, sets the ‘reference price’ for electricity bills for the 2024-2025 period and will now be consulted on before the final determination is made in coming months.

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Image supplied. Authorised by Ted O’Brien, LNP, Maroochydore, Qld

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On the morning of March 16, Lena and her son, Charlie, decided to go out for the day, however, whilst out, life took a sudden detour and shook up the reality of a normal life for the mother and young son. The faulty aircon system above the fridge in the kitchen caught alight, vastly spreading to the room and through the rear of their Andergrove home.

The laundry, along with the kitchen and all of the contents within the area was destroyed in minutes. The rest of the home was majorly affected by smoke and water damage and in addition, the house was contaminated with toxins from the burnt chemicals.

First responders extinguished the flames before the fire spread to the neighbouring properties, however, unfortunately, Lena’s rental property was deemed unfit to inhabit.  

Despite this, Lena said she is grateful to her quick-thinking neighbours who rescued the family cat.

“I'm incredibly grateful to my neighbours who all chipped in to act quickly and ensure my cat got out safely,” she said.

Losing all furniture items from laundry through to the kitchen appliances, her entire wardrobe, clothing and bedding, Lena said everything was either burnt or damaged by smoke and water.

She said it was a small miracle that a majority of her sons’ toys were low to the ground and remained relatively undamaged, able to be saved with “some elbow grease and helping hands.”

The rest of the family’s basic living needs, however, had completely disappeared and Lena was left with nothing.

Deciding to take to social media, she posted on a community Facebook page, asking for help.

“As much as I hate to ask for a handout, I know my son and I will need a hand-up, especially in this rental and cost of living crisis,” she said in the post.

“Thanks to the kindness of our community, we have been given a fridge, clothes, toys and a single mattress for my son.

“We have no kitchen appliances or dinnerware, glasses or cutlery, we need linen, size queen and king single and kids’ books.

“We need everything a home needs, really.”

“The thing that has upset me the most has been losing my sons two mellowmats, as they were not cheap and he learnt to crawl and walk on them,” she added.

Relying on others and reaching out for community help doesn't come easily, however, a magnitude of wonderful locals quickly jumped on board to lend a helping hand, offering furniture, household items and immense support to Lena and her son Charlie in this challenging time.

If you have any donations that could help, you can kindly drop off items at White Picket Realestate, Shop 4, 28 George Street Mackay.

“A big thank you to all the people who donated items, gift cards and offered kind words, you all changed the trajectory of mine and my little boys life after a devastating event.

“A Special thank you to local businesses: Jeremiah Bullfrog, Woolworths Andergrove, White picket realestate and Cool Mango who donated either their time, gift cards or items to help us rebuild and start over,” Lena said.

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Lena with her son Charlie lose everything in Andegrove house fire, but community rallies behind them to help rebuild their lives.

Image Supplied

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Tropical Queenslanders have been urged to take extra pre-cautions when taking their four-legged friend on beach walks, after a dog recently swallowed a blue button jellyfish and fell ill due to the toxic creature in South East Queensland.

Blue button jellyfish are described as coin-sized creatures that tend to wash ashore after heavy winds or large tides and as a result, will float close to the water surface.

The toxic species have reportedly washed up at Blacks Beach Mackay and high risks have been raised to not only dog owners, but beach walkers in general.

While research states that they are not deadly to humans, they can still cause skin irritation and have recently proved to be harmful to dogs.

Their tentacles are made up of millions of stinging cells that act like a harpoon, causing pain and swelling in the throat through to the oesophagus and stomach of dogs.

Typically, between November and May, our region becomes a hotspot for various types of jellyfish as the water warms up and worsens during windy weather conditions.

As we power through the months of stinger season, beachgoers and residents are advised to always wear stinger suits when swimming and are encouraged to take extra attention to pets and children when walking near shorelines.

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Image of Blue Button Jelly Fish. Photo supplied

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In a devastating news update, police have confirmed the body of a man reportedly found at McCreadys Creek around 9.30am on March 21, was that of missing 38-year-old Mackay man, Scott Billingham.

In earlier reports, Mackay detectives were on the search for Mr Billingham after he reportedly went missing on Friday, March 8 around 4pm.

Scott was last seen at an address on Andergrove Road, Andergrove and had not been in contact with friends or family since.

Major concerns were raised for his welfare due to a medical condition he endued along with the length of time he’d been missing, which was said to be out of his character.

Throughout the investigation, Mackay detectives tirelessly pursued leads and appealed to the public for assistance in an attempt to locate him.

On Wednesday, March 20, Mackay Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Eaton appealed to members asking for any information from the public that could assist with the investigation.

“Police are seeking information from members of the public who may have seen Scott in the Andergrove area at approximately 5:10pm On Friday, the 8th of March.

“On the following day, Saturday the 9th, a male person was seen bathing or swimming in the McCreadys Creek area,” said the report.

Police investigations are still ongoing and as such anyone with any further information is urged to contact police immediately.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

In the wake of this devastating news, the community mourns the loss of Scott Billingham.

Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this heart-wrenching time.

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Scott Billingham was missing for over 10 days before his body was sadly found last week. Photo supplied

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The Queensland Government’s Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund (MIIFF) has just allocated funding to 171 projects in the Mackay Local Government area where six projects have been approved a total of more than $1.4 million through the program. 

Local sport and active recreation facilities will be made safe, accessible, inclusive and more efficient, through the Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund (MIIFF). 

New changerooms at Mackay Brothers Football Club, upgraded lighting at Mackay Cricket Association, Mackay Tennis Association for pickleball and Western Suburbs Rugby League Football Club, and upgraded amenities at Mackay Hockey Association are just some of the projects set to receive a share of funding through the $45 million program. 

The program supports two categories: 

Inclusive and Accessible – to support new and upgraded female changerooms and amenities that meet universal design principles 

Safe, Quality and Efficient – to support new, upgraded and end-of-life field of play and ancillary facilities to meet activity requirements at a community level.  
Sport Minister Michael Healy said, “The Miles Labor Government’s top priority is the health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders,”
“I’m thrilled that 171 projects state-wide will receive funding to improve facilities and get more Queenslanders active. 

“This funding helps to make physical activity more accessible and includes female changerooms,” Minister Healy added. 

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert commented, “Our clubs and sporting facilities are very much at the heart of our community and this funding will ensure they are open and accessible to even more people. 

“It’s terrific that six projects in the Mackay Local Government area are receiving a total of more than $1.4 million through the Queensland Government’s Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund. 

“I’d like to acknowledge each of the local organisations who were successful with their applications, and I encourage all of our community members to take advantage of improved and more accessible facilities when the projects are finished,” Mrs Gilbert said. 

“Regardless of age or ability, an active community is a healthy community, and the Queensland Government is supporting Mackay in being more active more often.” 
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Mackay Tennis Association is among five local sporting organisations to receive state government funding to improve safety, accessibility, inclusiveness and efficiency at its club

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chAt just 19 years old, Mackay local Tamlyn Evans has received a once in a lifetime opportunity in the world of dance, earning the honour of representing Australia at the well-regarded Washington Tattoo in the U.S.
Selected as one of only 11 dancers, she will travel to America in April with the international highland dancing team, OzScot Australia.
Tamlyn's passion for dance ignited at a young age, encompassing Scottish highland dancing alongside ballet and contemporary forms which have led to this exciting international selection.
Recognising the demanding nature of highland dancing, Tamlyn has tirelessly trained, honing in on her strength and stamina to meet a rigorous performance schedule.
The highlight of Tamlyn's trip will undoubtedly be her performances at the Washington Tattoo in Washington DC, where she will also grace the historic grounds of Washington House. Additionally, Tamlyn will partake in the New York Tartan Day Celebrations, adding further prestige to her international debut.
Sponsored by the Scottish Government, the Washington Tattoo's Tartan Day Tattoo D.C. 2024 promises to be a memorable event held on April 2nd at the renowned Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Centre. This occasion marks the first time OzScot has held The New York Tartan Day Parade.  
Beyond her performances, Tamlyn will engage with students at various schools during educational sessions, further enriching her experience abroad.
As she departs on March 31st and returns on April 10th, Tamlyn's journey represents not only a personal achievement but is also a testament to the talent that lies within the Mackay region and her success is an inspiration to aspiring performers within the local dance community.
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Contributed By Tracy Evens

19-year-old Tamlyn Evens set to embark on a thrilling international journey as she represents her home country in the world of highland dance.
Image Supplied

Storytelling, poetry, drawing, painting, photography, film and more…the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership invites local creatives of all ages and abilities to take part in the Submerged in Our Region competition to celebrate 10 years of waterway health in our region.  
Entrants will get the chance to have their work showcased at a five-day exhibition in July as part of the 2024 Mackay Festival of Arts program and be eligible to win one of five prizes - including a $1,000 Artist Development Bursary.
The competition encourages the community to connect with their local waterways, and capture their surroundings in various mediums.
Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership Executive Officer, Jaime Newborn, said reaching 10 years was a great achievement and the Partnership wanted to celebrate the milestone with the community.
“The community is a major driver behind the Partnership and why we produce a Waterway Health Report Card each year. Bringing together waterway data is about providing the local community with a regionally specific condition report, and using that to inform how waterways are managed,” she said.
“An art exhibition focused on waterways is a great way to spark conversations about the health of our rivers, creeks and oceans and the vital life and industries they support.
“In the scientific community, we are used to looking at our environment through an evidence-based lens, but art is also an effective way of communicating what’s important to us.
Submerged in our Region will exhibit at CQUniversity’s Gallery-31, from July 25th to 30th, with artwork by Gallery-31 Curator Glenda Hobdell and collaborators featuring as the show’s centrepiece.
One of Glenda’s previous joint exhibitions, Anthropocene, was featured at the Great Barrier Reef Festival in 2022, to get people thinking about the Reef and the need to protect it for future generations.
“I have very fond memories of diving on the Great Barrier Reef, and to see how it’s changing due to impacts of climate change is devastating. This significant issue was the driving force behind Anthropocene, an immersive installation that involved collaborating with other like-minded artists,” Ms Hobdell said. 
 
“Art is about reflecting what is going on in the world socially, and environmentally. It’s essential that we continue to create art and in doing so, make these statements to raise awareness.

“Waterways, and water in general, provide a significant concept to explore artistically because of its importance to our country and to the world. We don’t live without water. It’s our lifeblood.”

Mrs Newborn said the exhibition could not occur without the support of the local community and Partners.
“We are very grateful to the many Partners we have in diverse sectors, all working together with a focus on waterway health in our region.
“Thanks to one of our long-standing Partners, CQUniversity, for allowing us to showcase our exhibition in their state-of-the art gallery, and to Red Cat Adventures and Artspace Mackay who have kindly donated two of the prizes.”
Entries for the Submerged in our Region exhibition close on Friday 7th June 2024. For more information about the competition visit www.healthyriverstoreef.org.au.
ENDS
Media contact:
Jaime Newborn
Executive Officer
P: 0437 868 361
E: jaime.newborn@healthyriverstoreef.org.au
Photo: see below & attached
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CQUniversity Gallery-31 Curator Glenda Hobdell and Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership Executive Officer Jaime Newborn.

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Amidst the shadows of despair, 25-year-old Jess has found a glimmer of humanity and recognition from local business owner Kylie after Jess had been forced to sleep on the streets due to having nowhere else to call home. Kylie recognised the young girl outside her business and offered to help her by initiating a GoFundMe campaign with the aim of securing funds for housing and other essential items to support Jess's needs.

Due to no fault of her own, Jess has been homeless for the last four months and since having no place to call home, her phone and wallet were stolen from her whilst enduring terrible circumstances on the streets of Mackay.

Jess is registered with all organisations, but community centres are prioritising women with children during this heart-breaking rental crisis.

Kylie, owner of Art Haus has kindly asked the community of Mackay to chip in and ‘dig deep’ to raise money for Jess to be able to get back on her feet and find a room to rent.

Jess is a qualified barista and also has experience in aged care.

Kylie describes her as having “a beautiful warm loving energy” and wants nothing more than for the community “to come together to give her a hand to get her back on her feet.”

“She needs a room to live, a job, clothing, a phone and a bike for transport would be wonderful too.

“Let’s help this beautiful girl! I know she will make us all very proud.”

To donate or assist Jess in any way, please visit GoFundMe – Help Beautiful 25yo Jess get off the streets, organised by Kylie Ferriday.

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25-year-old Jess, battling homelessness due to no fault of her own, to help her in this challenging time, please visit her GoFundMe to donate.

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Friday, March 22 was National ‘Ride to School Day,’ Australia’s biggest celebration of active travel, and schools throughout the region, from Seaforth to Sarina, joined more than 870 schools participating nationally.

Ride2School is a nationwide program organised by Bicycle Network, designed to support schools to encourage, empower and enable more students to get physically active on their journey to school, giving them the opportunity to create healthy habits for their future whilst teaching the importance of safe riding.

Statistics suggest that over the past 40 years, the overall number of children who are physically active on a daily basis has significantly declined. In the 1970’s, studies show that eight out of ten students rode or walked to school, but today that number has dropped to just two out of ten.

In light of the program, students and teachers from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School lined up their bikes and scooters on the day, beginning at the Pioneer Swimming Pool car park in North Mackay, and rolled along the Goose Pond pathway, meeting back at the school to share morning tea.

Assistant Principal, Marcelle Price said, “it’s important for students to learn how to ride their bike to school so they know the road rules and how to keep safe, also having parents come along is a great engagement activity”.

“It’s a great community event where we can all come back and celebrate with morning tea together.”

The Mackay Council funded the free breakfast for St Joseph’s students and families. Local bike company, Corry Cycles also kindly contributed to the program by donating a bike to the Mackay council as a prize for participants.

School captains, Paris Housden and Will Casey said “Thank you to the Mackay Council for donating the morning tea and thank you to Cory Cycles as well”.

“We organise this for health and fitness and also because we need to be safe on the roads and be safe when we ride to school.”

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St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School students, parents and teachers gathered at Pioneer Swimming Pool carpark to participate in the nationwide Ride to School Day

Students beginning the roll race to school!

Children racing (safely) through the Goose Ponds pathway

School captains, Paris Housden and Will Casey
Scooters ready for take-off!

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Photo Credit: Hannah McNamara

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Taskforce Guardian, a newly launched rapid response team, has commenced operations in Mackay.

Collaborating with committed Youth Justice professionals and local Police enforcement, the task force aims to address recurring property offenders and enhance community safety.

Approximately nine young people Between March 11 and 17 were apprehended on 38 offences, predominately for property and bail offences.

Specialist Police worked in conjunction with Youth Justice workers and frontline Police conducted numerous engagements including bail checks, breaches of bail, street checks, and warrants.

Taskforce Guardian also works with key support services and local resources to engage at-risk youth with relevant programs, focusing on health, education, disability services and First Nations initiatives.

Mackay District Officer Superintendent Graeme Paine said the operation had assisted frontline police with both crime prevention and crime reduction.

“Having Taskforce Guardian in Mackay provides us with additional boots on the ground to continue disrupting youth offending and anti-social behaviour,” he said.

“Together we were able to saturate known hotspots while also using it as an opportunity to engage with local youth and refer them to appropriate support services.”

The borderless nature of Taskforce Guardian allows the team to deploy wherever support is needed throughout the state, at any given time.

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Winner of 9 Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, Fiddler on the Roof is the brainchild of Broadway legends, Jerome Robbins and Harold Prince; songwriters, Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick; and book writer, Joseph Stein. Touching audiences worldwide with its humour, warmth and honesty, this universal show is a staple of the musical theatre canon. Next month, the Mackay Choral Society is bringing this classic to the CQCM Theatre over three days.

Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centres on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colourful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instil them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof's universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness.

Isobel Gillman said that cast members, chorus and musicians have been busy rehearsing since January under the expert direction of Nicole Thomson and Ken Brown and our invaluable accompanist Professor Judith Brown AM.

“The production crew are pushing ahead with sets, props and costumes ready to bring you a polished show with wonderful singing,” she said.

“We will even have a real live Fiddler on the Roof!

“Ken Brown is magnificent as Tevye supported by his lovely wife Golde (Cecilia Hyde) and the antics of their five daughters and various boyfriends will have you laughing and crying!

“The evergreen Ken Martin OAM will be front of stage as usual and we are delighted that many of our new, younger members have thrown themselves enthusiastically into supporting this production.”

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What: Mackay Choral Society is proud to present Fiddler on the Roof
When: Friday 5th April 2024 at 7:30PM, Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th April 2024 at 2:00PM
Where: CQCM Theatre, 151 Boundary Road, Ooralea Qld 4740
Ticket Prices: Adult $35, Concession $30, Children $20
Book at: www.trybooking.com/COONC or call 0422 264 397

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Bernadette Buckley
SHAINDEL
Motel’s Mother
Joe Li
THE FIDDLER
Nerida Hansen
GOSSIP GIRL
Amelia Webber
GOSSIP GIRL
& SASHA

FEATURED VILLAGERS
Karen Brett, Jill MacDonald, Denise Schmid, Ron Williams

VILLAGERS
Isobel Gillman, Daphne Goodson, Krystal Hyde, Varni Keioskie, Nadia Keisho, Sarah Pillhofer, Shona Rosser, Anneliese Slack, Nikki Smith

CHORUS
Anne Atkinson, Thomas Block, Kerry Brannan, Tracie Donnelly, Lynn Gallant, Rae Halpin, Lauren Menzies, Caryll Schofield, Sharon Schoneveld

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Mother Cat Ezme and her one and only kitten Lovebug were recently found abandoned in a playground just a few hours after Ezme gave birth. With no human in sight to help, Ezme quickly went into mother-mode and protected her baby kitten by cradling him in an attempt to shield him from the rain.

Helpless and alone, Ezme and her newborn baby were stranded in the dreary rain needing urgent care as Lovebug was alarmingly tiny and weak.

Thankfully, a nearby resident noticed the two felines in the park and quickly acted on aiding them by transferring them to Northern Beaches Veterinary Hospital.

Since saved, Ezme has blossomed and is loving the meals and affection. Carers say, “she has a very happy smile and Lovebug has thrived.”

Ezme’s kitten is the only one at the milk bar and is loving the advantages of having his mother’s love all to himself.

Both Ezme and Lovebug will get all their required vet work done prior to adoption.

To keep helpless animals like Ezme and Lovebug off the streets and into a loving home, donations can be made through the Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated Website or Facebook page. The team dedicate their time to ensure stray or stranded animals are given a second chance at life but are in need of funds to cover medical, food and care expenses to continue their great mission.

To adopt Ezme and Lovebug, please register your interest in this delightful little family by contacting Rob’s on 0400 239 039.

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Ezme, Mother Cat
Lovebug – kitten of Ezme
To donate to Mackay Pet Rescue Inc, scan the QR code

Photo Sourced from Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated (Facebook)

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Registered nurses Aswin Prasannakumar and Chithranjana Chandrasenan, are delighted to discover a side of familiarity in Mackay, where the warm climate, lush greenery and scenic beaches remind them deeply of their homeland in Southern India. Yet, it’s the gracious welcome from their colleagues and the warm introduction to the local Indian community, that makes them feel at home.

The couple arrived earlier this year in mid-February and are eager to find a place to call home so they can be reunited with their 14-month-old daughter Janvi who is in the hands of their family in India.

After spending the last four years working in Nottingham in the United Kingdom, Cithra (Chithranjana shortened) said, “Mackay is very friendly; it’s very calm and quiet here compared to the UK and the people are all very nice”.

They decided to leave the UK for a warmer climate when their “baby started developing eczema which is very common because of the weather in the UK”.

“This was when we first thought about moving to somewhere really hot like Australia.”

Through a nursing agency, the couple became part of an international recruitment program and were drafted into a group of registered nurses to be based in Townsville. They were both keen to work within their nursing specialities; intensive care for Aswin and coronary care for Chithra.

“We had our applications transferred to Mackay and were then reinterviewed,” Aswin said.

“It was a blind decision to come to Mackay, but we are really so happy we did.”

One of the greatest challenges they face as a parent, is being separated from baby Janvi while they settle into their new lifestyle in Mackay.

“We came to this country not knowing anyone. It hasn’t been easy, but we are very happy to be here and to be preparing a very good future for our daughter,” Chithra said.

The couple, who have permanent residency and a three-year contract with MHHS, are now looking forward to moving out of staff accommodation, setting up their home and reuniting with their daughter.

In the next few months, Aswin is looking forward to doing some fishing, playing cricket and hopefully having a few wildlife encounters.

“It’s on our bucket list. A lot of our friends and past patients in the UK keep asking if we have seen a kangaroo yet,” he said.

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Contributed By Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Aswin Prasannakumar and Chithranjana Chandrasenan, registered nurses at Mackay Base Hospital
Image Sourced from Mackay Hospital and Health Service (Facebook)

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An upcoming exhibition and publication will showcase landscapes, portraits, weaving, interpreted cultural stories and imagery from four local Mackay artists. The exhibition will also include collected stories, photographs and portraits from Elders sourced from the Multicultural community in the Mackay region.

Mangrove is a visual arts exhibition which will be a collaboration of four women artists, Veronica Ah-Wang, traditional owner of Yuwibara country, Visual Storyteller; Janet Ambrose, descendant of the Portugees-Israelitische Kerk (Portuguese Israelite Church) Sephardic Jews, Artist and Curator; Marion F. Healy, Australian South Sea Islander, Watercolourist and Portrait Artist; Anita Wano- Sumner is of Torres Strait Islander descent. Anita is a Weaver of natural fibres and dressmaker of the traditional Augemwali (Torres Strait Islander dress).

“The mangrove is symbolic in this project as its about removal from place, and settling in new lands just how a seed pod from the mangrove does,” explains Janet Ambrose.

“Mangrove is about peeling back the layers of the migrations of many nations living in Australia, its perception of who we are and who we think we are.”

Artworks will display paintings in watercolours, oil painting, pastels, drawings in pencil and charcoal. Paper, canvas, and gathered natural materials will be also used. The weaving work will be of sculptural forms in raffia and natural materials found in the environment.

The project begins with deep engagement with Elders, supported by paid Cultural Advisors, and partnerships where necessary, with key Multicultural organisations.

Each artist will tell a story of their cultural history through their own arts practice, with permissions gained on the landscape work of Janet Ambrose from Cultural Advisors, paying particular attention to sensitive sites in the region.

Notable support has come from The Neighbourhood Hub on George Street, Li Xianghong, Chairperson, Chinese Community Mackay and Local Elders confirming their support: George Tonga, respected Elder of the Yuwibara Country, Vivien Hanrahan, celebrated volunteer and respected Elder of the Filipino community, Doug Mooney, Elder of the Aboriginal and Australian South Sea Islander community, Philip Kemp, Elder and Traditional Custodian of Yuwibara Country.

This work will be displayed at Gallery 31, CQ University, Sydney Street from April 10 to April 26.

Workshops and artist talks will be conducted by the artists and stories will be gathered from the Multicultural community and compiled into a publication, accompanied by photographs of artworks, weaving work and photography of the progress of works by Veronica Ah-Wang, Janet Ambrose, Marion F. Healy and Anita Wano-Sumner.

“This exhibition examines the generations of the many people and their cultural existence in the Mackay region.

“We thank the participants for giving their time and being a part of this exhibition.”

The participants will have a deep engagement with the project in advising the direction the project takes to ensure correct documentation of stories and consultation with known histories.

The exhibition and publication will be a valuable resource to the Mackay community in the recording of stories of Elders who have contributed greatly to the community.

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(Left to Right) Veronica Ah-Wang, Marion F. Healy, Anita Wano Sumner and Janet Ambrose. There will be photos of the Mangroves in the exhibition by Nadine Tass 

Photo Credit: Cherrie Hughes Social Media & Photography.

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Australia’s farm, fisheries and forestry sectors are set to rebound in 2024-25. The most recent Agricultural Commodities and Australian Crop reports are predicting that the gross value of production in 2024–25 will again increase after poor seasonal conditions affected outcomes in 2023-24.

Executive Director of ABARES Dr Jared Greenville said a rebound of up to 6% is predicted, bringing the gross value of Australian farms, fisheries and forestry to $90.8 billion, the third highest on record.

“The gross value of Australian crops production, as well as livestock and livestock products, are both estimated to increase to $48.7 billion and $36.2 billion respectively,” Dr Greenville said.

“For our livestock production and livestock products industries, this is a record high and the result of expected favourable climate conditions and improving prices.

“Above-average summer 2023–24 rainfall and subsequent build-up of soil moisture reserves in eastern Australia is expected to provide a good incentive for planting ahead of the 2024–25 winter crop season,” Dr Greenville said.

“Broadacre farm cash incomes are also set to rebound in 2024-25 to $192,000, after significant falls in 2023–24.

“The forecast improved growing season climate conditions and the expected turnaround in livestock prices in 2024–25 will drive increases in farm income.”

While the 2024–25 outlook is favourable for production, forecasts predict exports will continue to decline.

“In 2023–24 the value of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry exports is forecast to fall by 13% to $71.6 billion, but this follows the record high the industry experienced the previous year.

“This decline is expected to continue, with an additional 5% decline expected, leaving the 2024–25 value at $68.1 billion.”

The most recent Agricultural Commodities Report and the Australian Crop Report can be read on the ABARES website.

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