An innovative initiative aimed at breaking down gender barriers and fostering diversity in the resources sector has seen three inspiring trade workshops delivered in Mackay, Dysart, and Blackwater by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA).

Thanks to support from BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), about 40 Year 10 female students from across Central Queensland explored exciting career opportunities in the resources and energy sector through hands-on trade activities like auto electrics, pneumatics, welding principles, engineering measurement, engineering drawing, and mechanical.

QMEA Director, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said the ‘All Female Tradies for a Day’ events provided invaluable insights into the local mining industry while demonstrating how the sector is fostering diversity and inclusion in the workforce.

“These workshops brought together a diverse group of talented young women from Sarina, Mackay Northern Beaches, Pioneer, Moranbah, Dysart, Blackwater and Emerald state high schools who were eager to gain practical knowledge and explore potential career paths in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry,” Ms Jones said.

“Students got the opportunity to try out various trade roles in the safety of their classroom environment and work alongside experienced tradespeople and apprentices from BMA who shared their valuable expertise and personal stories of success in the resources sector.”

Blackwater Mine General Manager Dan Iliffe said the workshops were one of many initiatives to empower future female leaders to join the mining industry and pursue a rewarding career at BMA.

“Women now represent more than a third of BHP’s workforce and for the third year in a row, women have outnumbered men in BMA’s apprentice intake,” he said.

“We are determined to achieve gender balance that better reflects the broader community, and programs like this help encourage more women into the resources sector.”

Blackwater State High School Principal, Mrs Rebecca Vitale said the workshops cleverly showcased the many possibilities that await young women interested in pursuing trade careers in mining.

“The resources sector plays a critical role in our local community, and this learning experience helped highlight the equal opportunities available to females considering a vocational pathway after school,” Mrs Vitale said.

"Diversity and inclusion are critical to the future success of all industries – especially resources and energy. By inspiring and empowering young women, the QMEA and BMA are taking a significant step towards achieving a more balanced workforce.”

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Moranbah State High School

Pioneer State High School

Habitat Reef Modules Transforming Mackay’s Coastal Waters

By Amanda Wright

Reef Catchments has taken a significant step forward in its endeavour to deploy 30 Habitat Reef modules in the coastal waters off Mackay. This progress was achieved with the Mackay Regional Council finalising the ownership arrangements for the Habitat Reef modules, which are integral to the Turning Rubble to Reef project in the Mackay Whitsundays region.

Strategically positioned to enhance the marine environment, the Habitat Reef modules aim to create vertically complex reef ecosystems. These installations are designed to increase food resources and fish biomass, while also providing crucial nurseries for juvenile fish. Ultimately, the project seeks to support the long-term sustainability of local fish stocks.

Anglers and marine enthusiasts can look forward to encountering a diverse range of species at the new reef sites. Notable fish species include coral trout, grass emperor, striped bass, jewfish, golden snapper (fingermark), as well as small bait species like hardyheads and herring. Pelagic fish species such as mackerel and tuna are also expected to thrive in these waters.

The successful deployment of the Habitat Reef modules will not only benefit recreational fishing but also contribute to the overall health and ecological balance of the marine ecosystem. It is anticipated that these artificial structures will foster the growth of marine sessile organisms, including corals and oysters, and develop into self-sustaining reef ecosystems over time.

Chair of council’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee Cr Belinda Hassan said council is happy to support the project as it aligns with council’s strategic vision to make our region as one of the best fishing destinations in Australia.

“We know these Habitat Reef modules support fish stocks and grow coral, so to have 30 of them in our coastal waters, accessible to small boats and visiting anglers, will be a real coup for our region,” Cr Hassan said.

“We are blessed to have beautiful offshore islands and the Great Barrier Reef off our coastline, but accessing those requires considerable travel time in medium to large vessels,” she said.

“These modules will be a viable option for those in smaller boats and will help to spread out fishing pressure in our inshore waters.”

Kellie Best, Project Officer with Reef Catchments is delighted to have the support of Mackay Regional Council as a long-term project partner.

“Securing ownership of the Habitat Reef modules is a major project milestone and puts us one step closer to getting them into the water,” she said.  

The Habitat Reef modules have been specially designed by Catchment Solutions to provide complex vertical relief structures for both adult and juvenile fish and improve recruitment of marine sessile organisms such as corals and oysters.

“We expect that over time the Habitat Reef modules will develop into healthy functioning reef ecosystems,” Ms Best said.

Matt Moore, Fisheries Ecologist with Catchment Solutions said the monitoring results of the Pioneer River bommies, consisting of 45 Habitat Reef modules, demonstrated the reef design and project had been a huge success, both in terms of increasing populations of iconic recreational fishing species at the sites, like barramundi and mangrove jack, and providing habitat for juvenile fish species.

For more information visit www.reefcatchments.com.au

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Reef Catchments Project Officer Kellie Best

In Tribute Of CANEGROWERS Mackay CEO Kerry Latter

By CANEGROWERS Mackay

It is with deep sadness that CANEGROWERS Mackay advises that our CEO and dear friend and colleague Kerry Latter has died on Sunday 17 June, following a short and intense battle with cancer.

CANEGROWERS Mackay Chairman Kevin Borg said Mr Latter had fought his illness valiantly.

“We extend our deepest sympathies and support to Kerry’s family and friends during this difficult time,” he said.

“In speaking to Kerry during his last days, I can tell you that Kerry counted the CANEGROWERS community as part of his family. He was a compassionate and strong leader of our organisation.”

Mr Latter has been an important part of the Mackay Region’s business and agricultural community.

He has contributed significantly to the sugar industry as a forceful advocate of the interests and needs of the sugarcane growing sector, particularly across major issues such as sugar marketing, the Federal Sugar Industry Code of Conduct, sustainability and environment, and more recently, the development of a biofutures sector in the Mackay Region, with particular interest in advocating a premium for growers contributing sugarcane feedstock for use in plant-based protein manufacturing and biofuels.

He had recently served on the Greater Whitsunday Biofutures Leaders Group, Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Agribusiness Future Alliance Project, within the Healthy Rivers to Reef Program, Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program management committee, Great Barrier Reef Foundation (GBRF) Steering Committee and the Queensland Canegrowers Organisation Trade and Economics Committee.

He had also served on Mackay Regional Council Rural Affairs Committee, Mackay Whitsunday Rural Water Supply Strategy and the Mackay Effluent Reuse Project.

“Kerry was a strategic thinker- always quick to identify and analyse problems and needs, then to develop a strong solution,” Mr Borg said.

“He had a reputation as a bit of a Blue Heeler. Once he got hold of a problem, he was absolutely tenacious in seeing it through to resolution.”

He was also a passionate advocate for members, supporting them in dispute resolution, and to attain aspirations in productivity, sustainability and community recognition.

Mr Borg said that his knowledge across a broad range of business, industrial relations, community engagement and education areas had been a significant support to elected CANEGROWERS Mackay representatives and members over many years.

“Kerry leaves behind a legacy of advocacy in agri-politics that the whole sugar industry can aspire to. We also value what Kerry has done for the Mackay region, as one of its eminent business and community leaders,” Mr Borg said.

Kerry Latter had been CEO of CANEGROWERS Mackay since 2008, and in the past operated two small businesses, and served as IPA Australia’s General Manager-Job Network Queensland, Deputy CEO of CHR Group, and CEO of Pioneer Permanent Building Society 1998-2003, building on over a decade’s contribution in management to the building society/banking sector.

This followed attainment of a degree in Commerce at Griffith University, following 13 years with the Royal Australian Air Force, where he was Senior Non-commissioned Officer – Educational Procedures Management. Mr Latter was a Queens Scout.

He is survived by his two beloved daughters, his mother and siblings.

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Kerry Latter

Kevin Borg and Kerry Latter at the 2018 Sarina Show

Ron Gurnett, Kerry Latter and Dan Morgan during haulout training in 2018

Mackay Show - Champion Stool of Show 2022 presented by Kerry Latter to Charlie Townley

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The Townsville 500 is coming up fast – Mark Winterbottom fast.

This year is one for the books, with Winterbottom (Frosty) in the driver’s seat, Team 18 has the only Camaro Show cars in Australia. Repping the iconic DeWALT branding, the new vehicle is set to make Australian Supercar history.

Yet to purchase tickets? Porters Mitre 10 has your back! They’re giving you the opportunity to win passes to this year’s event and there’s multiple ways to win.

Enter to win a V8 Supercar experience for two at Porters Mitre 10 Mackay, Northern Beaches or Whitsunday by simply purchasing any DeWALT product.

Porters Mitre 10 stocks a wide range of DeWALT products, from tape measures to drill sets whatever you need, they have you covered. One lucky customer will receive two three-day passes with pit access, a hot lap with Mark Winterbottom, a DeWALT 2-piece Powerstack Kit and two Team 18 merchandise kits. Act fast, winners will be drawn on 29 June.

But that’s not all Porters Mitre 10 has up their sleeve. Frosty’s supercar will be on display from 9am to 4pm on Thursday 29 June at Porters Mitre 10 Mackay. Plus, you’ll have another chance to win a double pass to the Townsville 500 in the pit-stop challenge. Be the quickest to change a tyre on the day to instantly win double passes!

With specials and product demos on DeWALT and many more prizes to be won on the day – you don’t want to miss this. Come down to Porters Mitre 10 Mackay on the 29 of June to join in on the action.

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Mackay Christian College, in collaboration with Gateway to Industry and local sponsor Cummins, offered the Women Who Weld (WWW) course on Friday, 16 June.

The course aimed to provide women interested in welding with an opportunity to learn more about the field and its potential career prospects.

During the one-day program, participants were introduced to the basics of welding, including an overview of its functioning and the safety measures associated with the equipment used. They also received an introduction to MIG welding.

Cummins representatives addressed the students, and the presence of two female apprentices added value by showcasing the possibilities available in the field.

By the end of the course, all participants successfully completed a project to take home, ensuring a practical application of the skills learned.

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Show season has hit the region.

Last Sunday, June 18, the Pioneer Valley Show returned toFinch Hatton for its 59th year, showcasing the best in agriculture,entertainment and food.

Kidzone offered plenty of action for the little ones, whilewoodchop, horse and motorbike events kept onlookers intrigued at the ring.

Australian Idol finalist Damien Agius serenaded crowds, theday closing with an epic fireworks display.

Later in the week, the show moved on to Mackay, running fromTuesday, June 20 to Thursday, June 22, the show holiday giving everyone achance to make the most of it.

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Fun and games at the Pioneer Valley Show. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Well, I would have to say yesterday was the best day because it was the shortest day of the year, and you know what that means now? More sunshine! I love it.

Why?

We’ve really got it lucky right now around Mackay and the Whitsundays. Yesterday we wrapped up a big three days at the Mackay Show. I don’t think I’ve eaten so many buckets of chips in one day, more than I ate on Sunday at Finch Hatton for the annual Pioneer Valley Show. That was incredible too.

I’ve been very lucky to have been asked to come up each year and jump on the microphone at the Finch Hatton Showgrounds to be their ground announcer. That’s the job that Angus used to do for a hundred years before he retired, and now I’ve assumed the role, but there’s one difference. He knew a lot about animals. I know nothing. Each year I just wing it and have some fun. I hope I made a few people smile on the day anyways.

On that note, Show Whitsunday is on today and tomorrow in Proserpine, so check out all the fun, and then we’ve got a break until August when it’s the turn of the Sarina Show at the showgrounds to come alive. How lucky are we right now!

If you are looking for something great to do in Mackay as well this weekend, check out the Be Social Fest on tomorrow at Harrup Park with a full lineup of bands including Grinspoon making some great noise in South Mackay. There’s no excuse to stay at home this weekend.

Next weekend we’ll be at the Bluewater Quay for our huge Riverfront party. That’ll be a great Saturday, then the Mackay Festival of Arts pretty much starts up with so much entertainment over a few weeks including the biggest day at Queens Park with the Food and Wine Day. It’ll be massive with Conrad Sewell here in South Mackay! Don’t miss it.

As you can see it’s a busy time of the year. Get out and have some fun and enjoy each other’s company.

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

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One of my roles as a councillor is to attend the Road Accident Action Group (RAAG) meetings.

Together with Cr Russell Seymour, we lend our support to assist RAAG in achieving its vision, which is ‘to reduce road trauma through collaboration and advocacy of road safety awareness, leading to improved outcomes for all road users’.

RAAG is a volunteer-run, non-profit organisation operating for the past 20 years with a strategic goal of reducing road crashes and fatalities in the Mackay, Isaac and Bowen Basin region.

RAAG has run numerous educational and awareness campaigns over the years. Current projects include their ‘Wide Load Education’ campaign, supported by Glencore – Hail Creek.

This campaign involves creating large permanent signs placed at rest areas throughout the region to assist road users in understanding how to approach situations involving wide loads on the road. The installation of all 21 signs has been carried out by volunteers.

Another of their campaigns is the ‘Work Out Visibly’ campaign, funded by the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, and will see 10,000 high visibility items distributed across our communities.

Volunteers are critical to the ongoing operations at RAAG and without them they would not be able to achieve their vision. All executive, committee and member positions are volunteers. They welcome new members and volunteers to become involved.

If you are passionate about road safety, RAAG would love to hear from you. Being a volunteer with RAAG will allow you to have a positive impact on the community, work with other like-minded people to achieve a fatality-free future for our roads and utilise your skills, knowledge, and experience to promote change.

If this article has raised your interest, please consider attending a RAAG meeting held on the second Thursday of each month from 10am to noon at the Resources Centre of Excellence (65 Crichtons Road, Paget). For more information or any questions, send an email to admin@raag.com.au, visit raag.com.au or find them on Facebook. Alternatively, you can call me, Cr Laurence Bonaventura on 0427 638 673.

Cr Laurence Bonaventura

Mackay Regional Council

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Coal Royalties Breathe New Life Into 150-Year-Old Structure

The future of the Bowen Jetty is looking more certain thanks to a significant cash injection which will ensure the longevity of the iconic wooden structure as it transitions to a new and exciting future purpose.

Coal mining royalties and the recent State Budget have allocated $50 million to future proof this vital asset, the government recognising the importance of the wharf for recreation and tourism.

The Bowen community are celebrating this week with news that their much-loved, 150-year-old jetty now has the adequate funding to plan for a sustainable future.

Currently the 640-metre-long structure is controlled and maintained by North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) who moor three tugboats at the jetty.

Plans to permanently relocate these tugboats to Abbot Point have created uncertainty for the future of the wharf, and questions as to who will be responsible for its high maintenance costs.

Bruce Hedditch, President of the Bowen Chamber, said the chamber had been advocating for the funding for the jetty since 2016.

“This is a wonderful result for the Bowen community, it’s absolutely magnificent and I applaud the decision,” he said.

“Money is now available for proper planning and development, which is the way it should be.”

Mr Hedditch said that the relocation of the tugboats will likely take between five and 10 years and he is looking forward to working with other stakeholders to plan a bright new future for wharf.

“The Jetty is nearly as old as Bowen, at one point there were 600 wharfies working there!” he said.

“There is a lot of history there and we are looking at places like Busselton Jetty and hoping to make our jetty a leading tourist attraction too.”

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall applauded the funding announcement and said that Council looks forward to working with NQBP to explore a viable and sustainable solution to save the jetty.

“This funding now gives all stakeholders the opportunity to further investigate options for the jetty,” she said.

NQBP Acting CEO Belinda Kenny thanked the Queensland Government for its significant funding contribution towards the future of the Bowen Wharf.

“The $50 million injection in the State Budget will breathe new life into the Bowen Wharf,” she said.

“With this significant funding, visitors and locals alike will benefit from a revitalised public facility for generations to come.

“NQBP will soon commence engagement with stakeholders and the local community to shape the future of the wharf revitalisation project.”

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey said that the government recognises the importance of the wharf as a recreational asset for families, boaties, fishos, walkers, photographers, and visitors to the region.

“The Bowen Wharf has played a significant role in Queensland’s history and the Bowen community for 150 years,” he said.

“We want to get this right, so following today’s investment, there will be extensive stakeholder and community consultation on planning and design and input into a business case that delivers the best outcome for the community.”

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Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, Whitsunday Mayor Julie Hall, and North Queensland Bulk Ports Acting CEO Belinda Kenny in Bowen for the announcement of the funding on Tuesday. Photo supplied

Local stakeholders and dignitaries gather at celebrate the $50 million funding announcement at the Bowen Jetty on Tuesday. Photo supplied

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The Whitsunday Dirt Riders community is rallying around to support Proserpine local and Supermoto Australian Champion Andy McLiesh who suffered severe injuries following a motorbike accident earlier this month.

The father of two had been riding in Mackay on a fateful Friday, June 2, when he had a serious motorbike accident resulting in a crushed spinal cord.

For the past three weeks he has been in hospital, with his wife Tammy barely leaving his side.

The family are now planning to travel down to Brisbane where Andy will receive specialist care and rehabilitation that will hopefully allow him to regain some kind of movement, possibly even walk again.

Andy has already been through surgery to begin the rehabilitation process.

“Even though he’ll never be like what he was, I’m hoping this surgery will do something, bring some feeling or movement or honestly just anything,” said Tammy before the operation.

“We have a long road ahead of us, but if anyone can beat that one per cent it’ll be my husband!

“He is still alive and with us and that is all that matters. He is also cracking those Andy jokes and being a smart ass to all the nurses, so we haven’t lost him!"

The last few weeks have been traumatic for family, friends and the broader community as Andy has been moved to different hospitals.

He is now waiting for his broken ribs, fractured shoulder, and bleeding lungs to heal enough for the rehabilitation to officially begin.

It will be a long road for Andy, and loss of earnings could well have compounded the stress for him.

Fortunately, the Whitsunday Dirt Riders and Whitsunday Moto Sports Club, both of which Andy has been heavily involved in, are rallying around to help.

On Saturday, June 24, Whitsunday Dirt Riders are having a Dirt Track race meet to raise funds to help the family through these difficult times.

All gate entry donations will go to the family along with $5 from each registered rider on the night.  

They will also have a raffle where attendees can win a 2023 KLX110 Auto Bike.

In addition, Andy’s sister, Coral McLiesh, has started a GoFundMe page which has raised over $32,000 so far.

All money raised will go towards Andy’s medical bills and any expenses.’

WHAT: Dirt Track Meet and Andy McLiesh Fundraiser

WHERE: Whitsunday Dirt Riders Club at Dray’s Park

WHEN: Saturday, June 24 from 3pm

GATE ENTRY: $5 donation at the door

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Andy, his wife Tammy and their two boys in happier times. Photo supplied

Andy McLiesh racing professionally in July last year. Photo supplied

Arecent event at the Whitsunday Dirt Riders Club. Photo supplied

Hi Everyone,

They say that when something awesome is about to happen, something else comes along to challenge you, to make sure you really deserve the prize.

This week it was an ear infection, specifically my son’s ear infection, a week before we are due to fly to Thredbo for a snow holiday.

Of course, every doctor’s surgery in town was completely booked out this week, with the public holiday making it impossible to get him in anywhere.

So, with my son in tears in the back seat, we drove to Proserpine Hospital on Monday night.

Multiple games of Top Trumps, a little Netflix and three hours later we got to see a doctor who confirmed it was indeed an ear infection and gave us the last bottle of antibiotic ear drops they had. Phew!

We left the Emergency Department marvelling at how our little country hospital does so much.

They were clearly under the pump, but they still managed to service the needs of a community that are suffering from a severe doctor shortage.

And all for free, we did not pay a cent, even for the drops.

While we were there, a nurse confirmed that one of the main reasons they are busy, especially with so many ‘minor cases’, is because it is impossible to get a same day doctor’s appointment.

What are we going to do about this?

I understand there are government incentives offering bonuses to doctors who move to regional areas, but so far this does not appear to have made a difference.

Recently, a massive budget cut impacted pharmacies around the country when prescriptions changed to 60 days instead of 30, halving their prescription fees.

Could this loss have been counteracted with another policy that perhaps trained pharmacists to diagnose basic illness such as ear infections?

A simple online check list of what a doctor would ask, and we could have received medication without clogging up the Emergency Department at the hospital.

Could doctor’s surgeries be required to reserve three appointments per day for emergency yet standard illnesses that require immediate prescription?

Do you have thoughts on this? Write to rachael@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com.

Rach

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The Tiny Homes Project has been given a big financial boost this week with news that an $82,500 FutureSteps grant will inch them one step closer to their goal of $750,000.

The project’s mission is to construct four ‘tiny homes’ in Proserpine for women over 55 who are struggling with homelessness.

Whitsunday Regional Council has donated the land and the dedicated committee from the Tiny Homes Project have been hosting fundraisers and applying for grants to pay for the construction of the one-bedroom single-storey homes.

Joanne Moynihan, CEO of the Whitsunday Housing Company says that with the help of this recent grant, the Tiny Homes Project is “over a third of the way” to reaching their financial goal.

“This is a huge boost for us and moves us closer to our target amount,” she said.

“Hopefully this means we can start construction before the year is out.”

The FutureSteps, Land Lease, Bendigo Bank grant is given to charities that create new transitional or long-term housing for people at risk of or are experiencing homelessness.

Fundraising Coordinator for Tiny Homes Project Sandy Clark said this is the first grant that has been awarded to the project and she is over the moon.

“We have plans to raise all of the money for the build this year and we are so thankful,” she said.  

“Thanks to Paul Wronski and Joanne Moynihan who worked on the application with me - let’s hope there are more to come.”

The Tiny Homes Project is also hosting a ‘Let’s Do Latin’ Fundraiser at the Whitsunday Sailing Club lawn on Saturday July 8. There are still tickets available here: https://bit.ly/Lets-Do-Latin

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The Whitsunday Island tourism offering is about to get even more diverse following the announcement in the recent state budget that $3.9 million has been awarded to upgrade the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail.

This scenic and cultural trail spans the three main islands of Whitsunday, Hook, and South Molle and offers stunning views of Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Tongue Bay, and Lookout Beach with views over Solway Passage and the surrounding islands, and a whole lot more.

Upgrades will allow for easier navigation of these walking tracks, making them more accessible and user-friendly to tourists.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP said she is looking forward to taking a stroll when the upgrades are complete.

“This is a key walking trail that showcases the world-class beauty of the Whitsunday Islands,” she said.

“I have been calling for walking trail upgrades for several years now and I am pleased to see $3.9 million has been allocated in the 2023–24 budget, amounting to a $5.7m total spent to extend this major track.”

“This investment will ensure visitors and locals alike will be able to soak up the sights of the Whitsundays in a healthy and active way with walks to suit all levels of fitness and ability.”

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The recent state budget awarded $3.9 million to upgrade the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail. Photon supplied

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Traditional Owners Bring Community Together

By Rachael Smith

The inaugural Welcome To The Whales Event took place on the Airlie Beach Foreshore on Friday night and hundreds of people gathered together to celebrate the arrival of these majestic mammals in our region.

A formal welcome was offered by Traditional Landowners who performed a traditional dance, encouraging the children to join in and learn about the culture.

During the festivities, attendees could also leave their handprint on a beautiful whale painting and many people chose to receive traditional indigenous face painting.

Steeped in cultural history, the Welcome To The Whales event was made richer by the ancestral knowledge and input from Traditional Landowners who hosted the festivities.

Traditional Landowners worked closely with Great Barrier Reef Master Reef Guides to create an authentic community event that was a union of historic significance and modern knowledge.

Whitsundays-based Master Reef Guide and Director of Little Fish Tourism Development, Crystal Lacey, said that last Friday’s welcome to the whales ceremony on the foreshore of Airlie Beach was truly very special.

“It felt like pure magic!” she said.

“All in attendance witnessed the passion and deep cultural respect of whales that our Traditional Owners have.

“We’re so grateful to them for allowing us to share in their knowledge and customs.

“Through the ceremony, The Whitsundays community and our Traditional Owners ignited an important flame of connection; and moments like these are just inspirational and so unifying.

The Great Barrier Reef Festival also hosted an Immerse interactive arts and craft workshop where guests could get creative and make coral for the upcoming festival’s art installation.

After the main ceremony, the crowd enjoyed an educational video by the Master Reef Guides on the large outdoor cinema screen.

Following this, families gathered with their picnic blankets and warm jumpers, sitting on the grass to watch the alfresco screening of The Snail and the Whale movie.

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Traditional Owners performed a mesmerising dance to welcome the whales

A traditional song created an authentic cultural experience for the crowd

A smoking ceremony marked the beginning of the festivities.

Children joined in the fun! Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Over 90 Anaesthetists visited Airlie Beach last week to attend an annual conference that was organised by a small and dedicated team of doctors from Mackay Base Hospital.

The conference has been hosted by Coral Sea Marina Resort for the past five years, halting for only one year during the pandemic.

What began in 2018 as an event for around 50 people has now expanded to over 100 attendees in recent years.

“It’s becoming more and more popular each year,” said organiser Dr Suresh Singaravelu from the Mackay Hospital.

“It’s a great venue for our meetings and a wonderful location to explore the Whitsundays.”

The Anaesthetist’s conference has expanded largely because of increased collaboration with affiliate groups such as the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine.

This year Professor Bernhard Riedel was the keynote speaker who spoke on how regional and rural healthcare professionals can contribute to national research and why it is important to create better healthcare.

He also spoke on how a type of Anaesthesia can influence the survival from cancer.

During the three-day conference, there were also a series of practical workshops and a little time for everyone to relax, unwind and enjoy the area.

Attendees took a sunset cruise around the bay and also played a game of volleyball on Shingley Beach.

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Over 90 attend Anaesthetists Conference at Coral Sea Marina. Photo supplied

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