Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
A single-vehicle bus crash has sadly claimed the life of one passenger at Gumlu, north of Bowen overnight. According to initial police investigations, at approximately 4pm on Thursday 14th May, a bus with 29 people on board was travelling south along the Bruce Highway from Cairns to Airlie Beach, when it left the roadway and rolled onto its side. Several other passengers were injured and transported to Townsville, Ayr, and Bowen Hospitals. The bus driver, a 70-year-old Mackay man, was transported to Bowen Hospital with minor injuries. As of Friday morning, three patients are confirmed to be in a life-threatening condition with one assessed on the scene and two airlifted to Townsville University Hospital. Multiple people were injured and transported to Ayr Hospital before being airlifted to Townsville University Hospital by Royal Flying Doctor’s Service. There are eight stable patients in Townsville whilst one remains in a stable condition at Ayr. The Bruce Highway has reopened at Gumlu. This tragic accident comes less than two years after a fatal bus crash on the same stretch of the Bruce Highway, which claimed the lives of three women in on June 3rd, 2024. On this occasion, a Greyhound bus with 33 people on board was travelling north along the Bruce Highway, also near Gumlu, when it crossed over to the wrong side of the road and into oncoming traffic. The bus struck a Land Cruiser station wagon travelling in the opposite direction. A 56 year old Townsville woman and two German women aged 21 and 33 passed away as a result of the incident. The 52-year-old bus driver from North Ward was charged with five counts of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death or grievous bodily harm, but was subsequently found not guilty. Anyone with relevant dash cam vision of incident last night is urged to contact police. Investigations are continuing
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So, what’s going on with the property market? The thing about the property market is that it doesn’t stand alone in its own little world untouched by the drama going on around it. And there is a fair bit of drama at the moment. Let’s get all the dramas to form a conga line and point them out one at a time. First there’s inflation, an annoying factor that adds to the cost of living and affects people’s ability to buy real estate. Right behind inflation, and I mean very close, is its brother in arms/partner in crime/long-time bedfellow, interest rates. Interest rates have been particularly pesky lately as the Reserve Bank pushes them up in an attempt to bring inflation down. The idea is to make housing less affordable so you can make housing more affordable. Then there’s a war in the Middle East. War is very good for business if you are a weapons producer and part of the military-industrial complex but it’s not very good for everyone else. It certainly isn’t good for confidence and housing markets are pretty big on the old confidence factor. So, not good. This particular war has the additional benefit of taking place in the Persian Gulf, where a fair portion of the world’s oil is transported from Middle East oil producers to the rest of the world. The war has created a traffic jam in the Strait of Hormuz, which is restricting the supply of oil, meaning that in a world of demand and supply the price of fuel at the petrol bowser has gone up significantly. Which means our old friends inflation and interest rates give us another wave from the conga line and remind us of another impact on the property market. The conga line of dramas was joined this week by the Federal Budget and its changes to negative gearing, up until now a key driver in property investment and the supply of rental properties. Nothing changes for people who had negatively geared properties up until Budget night. My Pommy colleague Andy Collins, the Sales Manager at Gardian real estate, pointed out after the Budget that there was no way the changes would include investors’ existing properties because too many politicians own investment properties and the pollies wouldn’t do anything to hurt themselves. It’s up to you whether you think Andy is a sniping little Pommy whinger or an astute judge of human nature. Or can he be both? What Andy correctly pointed out is that from now on investors will be looking for properties that provide such good rental returns that they are positively geared, removing the need for negative gearing. That’s where Mackay’s strong rental returns come into it. Investors from southern markets have been active in the Mackay market because of those rental returns. When they can get returns like $750 a week on properties they have bought for $650,000, those southern investors realise Mackay offers better opportunities than the high-priced, low-rent options in their own cities. Andy was suggesting that it is possible that the budget changes will spur even more investment activity in Mackay because the removal of negative gearing makes investments in other markets unviable. I will delve further into the status of the Mackay market in upcoming columns but there are a few initial points to make. There is no doubt that, like every other market, the conga line of dramas has had an impact and given buyers pause for thought. But we are still seeing strong buyer activity and properties selling. As always, the buoyancy of our coal market and the jobs and business it provides will continue to be a driver of our economy and a key factor in the property market. Will the budget changes create an additional spur to our market and bring more investors in or is that conga line going to have a bigger impact? Stay tuned over the coming months.
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With more than three decades of experience and deep roots in the land, Royce Dunn brings unmatched insight to rural property across the Mackay region. Joining Blacks Real Estate in 1991, Royce is a licensed real estate agent and auctioneer, who has spent the past 25 years as Director leading the agency’s rural department. Over that time, he has built a strong reputation for his knowledge across all areas of property sales and marketing, from farmhouses and grazing land to residential subdivisions. Coming from a rural background and operating his own small farm, Royce understands the realities of life on the land, and the expectations that come with it. That lived experience allows him to connect with clients on a practical level, offering advice that is grounded, honest and tailored to the needs of farming families. Known for his straightforward approach and strong work ethic, Royce is committed to delivering results, working closely with clients to navigate the complexities of rural property transactions and achieve the best possible outcome.
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From wildlife caring, to country kitchens or supporting people with disability – a world of volunteering opportunities awaits at this year’s Volunteer Expo! This year’s event is set to be one of the biggest on record, with 55 community, support and other organisations have registered. The Volunteer Expo is being held at the Mackay Showgrounds on Sunday, May 17 from 9am until midday. Deputy Mayor Karen May said volunteering is at the heart of sustainable and supportive communities. “There are so many benefits to volunteering – from the people and organisations being supported, to those who so generously donate their time and skills. It increases community and individual wellbeing and drives positive change in the community,” Deputy Mayor May said. “What’s great about events like our Volunteers Expo is it gives people a one-stop shop to see what’s out there – and it could be something you’d never thought of,” she said. “Feedback from previous years shows how valuable this expo is to our community groups, with one organisation signing up more than a dozen volunteers on the day.” Data from Volunteering Queensland shows that for every $1 invested in volunteering, there’s a $4.70 return to the community. More than 110,000 jobs were created in 2024 through spending on volunteering – with the sector worth more than $117-billion to the state economy. Cr May said volunteering gives people to build on their passions while learning new skills and meeting new people. “It also opens up opportunities beyond the organisation a person volunteers with – it can help build new professional relationships and create new connections,” she said. “Data from Volunteering Queensland shows the overwhelming majority of people (64 percent) volunteer because they want to help others and the Volunteers Expo has dozens of options for people to help others. Entry to the Mackay Volunteer Expo is free. For more information, visit the event page on Facebook
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Community Owned Response to Eliminating Suicide, better known as CORES Queensland, is gearing up for another free, community focussed workshop for local residents.
This two-hour workshop will focus primarily on self-care and mental wellbeing, providing skills and resources to develop an individualised self-care and mental wellbeing plan, which includes activities to enhance physical, emotional and mental health on a daily basis.
The workshop will also explore the concept of self-care and mental wellbeing, how to identify personal signs of stress and simple strategies that can be used to manage individual stress levels on an everyday basis.
For more information, contact CORES at adminqld@kentishrc.com.au or phone 0448 894 525.
WHAT: Self Care & Mental Wellbeing Workshop
WHERE: Proserpine Community Centre, 36 Gardenia Street
WHEN: Thursday, March 21, from 1pm to 3pm
Cost: Free
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/3OXYnlM
Photo credit: Bronte Hodge and Rachael Smith
Proserpine State School student, Sophie Dening, has decided to cut her hair for kids with cancer.
Getting the big snip last Friday, Sophie has sent off the fallen locks to be repurposed into a wig for a child with cancer.
“I have beautiful hair with such a unique colour,” Sophie explained on her fundraising blog.
“I wanted to share my beautiful hair with someone who needs to feel beautiful.
“Kids with cancer unfortunately lose their hair due to necessary medical treatments to make them better. If one little girl could have a wig made from my hair, I know it would make her smile (and me),” she explained.
“I started growing my hair and this journey a couple of years ago so I could have it long enough for me to still have a bob cut when I get the big chop.”
Having been sent off last week, Sophie’s hair will arrive at the Wigs 4 Kids wig partner, Ella Wigmakers, to be constructed into a wig for a child with cancer.
Kids with Cancer Foundation support children and young families of pre-teen children, between the ages of 0 to 12 years old, that are experiencing financial difficulties due to their child being treated for cancer, along with doctors, nurses, social workers, and cancer research.
1. Sophie Dening’s big chop
2. Sophie sending off her hair donation, for her hair to be constructed into a wig for a child experiencing cancer. Photos supplied
Another massive name is Australian literature will be gracing the Whitsundays Writers Festival stage, with Christos Tsiolkas recently announced to attend.
Prepared for the September festival, Melbourne based author, Christos Tsiolkas has penned nine novels, and is an accomplished playwright, essayist, and screenwriter.
His novels include ‘The Slap’, which won Overall Best Book in the Commonwealth Writers' Prize 2009, Australian Literary Society Gold, and 2009 Australian Booksellers Association and Australian Book Industry Awards Books of the Year.
With ‘Loaded’, ‘The Jesus Man’, and ‘Dead Europe’ winning the 2006 Age Fiction Prize and 2006 Melbourne Best Writing Award and ‘Barracuda’ and ‘Damascus’ winning the 2019 Victorian Premier's Literary Award for Fiction, and 7½ won the Melbourne Prize for Literature.
‘The Slap’ and ‘Barracuda’ were both adapted into celebrated television series.
Christos’ most recent novel is ‘The In-Between’, released in 2023.
“We planned for the best and we are attracting Australia’s leading authors,” said Festival President Karen Jacobsen.
“We are very excited to announce Christos’ attendance and we know he will bring many excellent insights for Festival attendees.
“My only advice for those who might experience Festival FOMO is to subscribe to receive Festival news from our website, so you don’t miss out!’ Karen said.
The Whitsundays Writers Festival is a premier literary event dedicated to fostering creativity, dialogue, and appreciation for the written word. Bringing together acclaimed authors, aspiring writers, and avid readers, the Festival celebrates the diverse tapestry of storytelling while showcasing the natural beauty of the Whitsundays region.
The Festival, spanning three days from Friday, September 6, to Sunday, September 8, 2024, will also feature the prestigious Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards. The Heart Awards provide well-deserved recognition and financial rewards to talented writers for best unpublished manuscript, short story, poetry, and book design.
WHAT: Whitsundays Writers Festival
WHEN: 6-8 September
www.whitsundayswriters.com
Christos Tsiolkas announced to join Whitsundays Writers Festival roster. Photo supplied
Join Black Dog Ride and PCYC Whitsundays this March for the iconic annual 1 Dayer event, which aims to start a national conversation about depression and suicide prevention.
The 1 Dayer event looks to have the riders of Black Dog Ride unite under one banner, with one voice on one single day to amplify a national message of hope, awareness and prevention.
Registration for the event includes 1 Dayer patch, a round 1 Dayer 2024 participation bike sticker and a Black Dog Ride bike sticker.
Black Dog Ride began in 2008, following founder Steve Andrews’ hearing of two mates’ wives suffering from depression and succumbing to the illness.
He had always dreamed of competing a ride around Australia, but lacked a purpose, that would fuel the ride.
The inaugural Black Dog Ride occurred in 2008, with Steve kicking off in Busselton. 26 days later, and over $34,000 raised, he had been successful.
Since then, Black Dog Ride sub-groups have spread across Australia, bonding over the love of bikes and camaraderie.
The annual Black Dog Ride allows all riders to come together, and as a national organisation, start the national conversation for suicide prevention and depression.
To register for the 1 Dayer event, visit https://bit.ly/4c3lVzJ
For more information, contact the local contacts for Black Dog Ride on Whitsundays@blackdogride.org.au
WHAT: Black Dog Ride’s 1 Dayer
WHERE: PCYC Whitsundays
WHEN: Sunday, March 17, from 7am
REGISTER: https://bit.ly/4c3lVzJ
This St Patrick’s Day, head to the Airlie Beach Hotel for one Sunday of the absolute best Irish jigs, with one of the best Irish tribute bands ever to escape Ireland!
Rattle and Hum is Australia’s premier U2 Tribute band, with the perfect recreation of the iconic band’s hits, with smooth beats and near-pristine tunes.
Formed in the midst of the mid 90s and crafting their sound and stage presence throughout the 2000s, Rattle and Hum’s unbelievably accurate renditions of U2 are sure to get Airlie Beach Hotel’s patrons excited this St Patricks Day.
But the unforgettable U2 tracks won’t be the only things on the set list, with Rattle and Hum ready to belt out classic Irish jigs and the perfect St Pats tracks, before they smooth out the afternoon with a special guest set-list of Coldplay, which always ends a Sunday afternoon off right.
Sure to be a sell-out show (with free entry!) reserve a table now with the team and be ready for all the action!
WHAT: St Patricks Day: Rattle and Hum
WHEN: Sunday March 17, from 2pm to 5.30pm
WHERE: The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel
TICKETS: Absolutely Free But It’s Recommended To Reserve A Table!
Don’t Miss The Saturday Set!
Rattle And Hum
Saturday March 16, from 2pm to 5pm
With passion dedication and commitment, Daniel Spurway has set his sights on supercar racing, the natural evolution of his karting career.
It all started in 2018, when Daniel found himself behind the wheel of a kart and for the first time discovered the thrill of driving on the competitive track, and he hasn’t looked back once.
“I wouldn’t call it a passion,” Daniel shared.
“It’s more like a life-long obsession with racing.”
Closing out the chapter of kart racing in 2023, with 12 wins and 37 podium finishes spanning his karting career, Daniel decided that car racing was the next step for him, and rather than waiting for the pros to approach him, he would go knocking on some doors.
“I’m happy with all that I accomplished in kart racing. I am proud of making it to the NQ Championship in 2022, and for competing in the QLD State Cup.”
Now turning his efforts to getting into the support category league of Aussie Racing Cars, Daniel is chasing the rush of powerful engines.
Aussie Racing Cars is just one stepping-stone in Daniel’s progression, with the goal of racing in the Supercar Championships the ultimate goal.
“To be able to be on the tracks that my heroes have raced on, that’s what I’m after.
“To be in the league with some of the best, that is my major dream.”
Daniel is open to local sponsorships, to propel him further in his racing career.
“To be able to race in the big leagues, that would mean the world to me. And to have long-term sponsors behind me means that I can achieve my dreams of racing alongside my heroes.
“Racing is something that came to me at an early age.
“Racing is something that me and my dad bonded over, and it was something that helped me through tough times.
“It allowed me to escape my life for a time, when all I had to focus on was taking the next turn, then the next then the next.
“Any assistance I will always appreciate.”
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Richard from Freem Racewear, who’s always been looking out for me with our racewear.”
Daniel’s Fastest Speeds:
“In my kart, I once hit 120 kilometres, and in the Scholarship Series Toyota 86, I got up to 220 to 230 kilometres, which was incredible.”
1. Daniel Spurway, at the 2024 Toyota 86 Scholarship Series
2. Daniel’s karting career ending with 12 wins and 37 podium finishes. Photos supplied
Local youth sports coaching organisation Next Stars Sports Academy isdelighted to announce the extension of their partnership withMomentum High Risk Training (Momentum HRT) for an additional 12months, marking a significant milestone in their collaboration.
Overthe past year Momentum HRT has served as the proud naming rightspartner of Next Stars' Momentum Speed Squad demonstrating theirdedication to fostering athletic excellence within the community.With this renewed commitment Momentum HRT's support will nowencompass the entirety of Next Stars' coaching programs expandingtheir impact and reach across the Whitsunday region.
Thecontinued partnership between Next Stars and Momentum HRT underscoresa shared vision of empowering youth through sports, emphasising bothphysical and emotional development.
Lukeand Jacqui Shields, the owners of Momentum HRT, said, "We arethrilled to extend our partnership with Next Stars! We have witnessedfirsthand the exceptional coaching and mentorship that has beenprovided to our own children and together we look forward tofurthering the positive impact we can make in the lives of youththroughout the Whitsunday region.”
TimOberg from Next Stars said, “I have loved collaborating with Lukeand Jacqui from Momentum HRT over the last year and am excited aboutthe impact we can achieve with this enhanced partnership. I’m afirm believer in the power of shared values and I know that MomentumHRT and Next Stars are perfectly aligned in that regard.”
Forfurther information regarding Next Stars Sports Academy seewww.nextstars.org.
The Cannonvale Cannons had a very successful weekend at the NQ Swimming Championships held in Mackay. The Cannons thoroughly enjoyed the relays on Friday night and were very excited with their medals. On Saturday morning, the Cannons started the day on a high, winning the annual March Past. The swimmers looked amazing in the caps and capes. To top off the championships, the Cannonvale Cannons accrued the highest number of points and were named the Champion Club.
Congratulations to Jax Clayworth, Don Algie and Jacob Bell for being awarded Age Champions.
Zane Clayworth, Zachary Trefz, Levi Smith, Addie Sanders, Charlie Doherty, Eric Mulliss, Koa Harland, Thomas Ganter Evie Doherty, and Harris Delac swam PBs in just about all their events. Charlie Doherty, Thomas Ganter, Remy Hedges, Holly Perrin, Jy Parkinson Anisa Helou, Ehsan Helou, Noah Maltby, Tora Delac, and Jack Ganter made finals for all his events and won a swag of medals. Dylan Reynolds was thrilled to make finals for four of her events.
Ruby Harland, Indi Smith, Alex Trefz, Eloise Chegwidden, and Isabella Pisaniello swam excellent Backstroke setting PBs or achieving medals. Celeste Orenshaw, Maeve Dicheria, and Andie Reynolds were outstanding in the Breaststroke and Butterfly events. Isaac Pisaniello's best events were his last three in which he swam PBs and earned medals. Declan Dichiera was very happy with his silver medals. Matilda Nicholes’ best swim was 100m Freestyle which she swam in under 1min 20sec.
Coaches Ken Crittenden, Mark Erickson and Rylee Erickson were very impressed with all the swimmers and their exceptional achievements. The coaches were very proud of all the swimmers and were thrilled with the Cannons being named the Champion Club. Congratulations to all the swimmers and a big thank you to all the wonderful parents for their support.
Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen.
1. Team Cannons at NQ Champs
2. Cannons at NQ Champs
3. Boys Relay team
4. Senior Mixed Relay Team. Photos supplied
As the wet continues, maintaining a consistent fitness routine can become a challenge with the unpredictable weather. However, there are plenty of ways to stay active and keep fit, even when the rain is pouring down.
1. Embrace indoor workouts: Take advantage of indoor facilities such as gyms, fitness studios, or even your own living room. From cardio exercises like jumping jacks and burpees to strength training with dumbbells or resistance bands, there are countless workouts you can do indoors to keep your fitness levels up.
2. Try swimming: If you don't mind getting wet, swimming is an excellent way to stay fit during the wet season. Swimming provides a full-body workout and is gentle on the joints, making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
3. Dance it out: Put on your favourite music and dance around your living room. Dancing is not only a fun way to stay active but also an effective cardio workout. You can follow along with dance workout videos online or simply freestyle and let loose.
4. Take up a new indoor sport: Consider trying indoor sports such as indoor boxing, basketball, or badminton. These activities provide a great workout while keeping you protected from the rain.
5. Invest in home workout equipment: If you have the space and budget, consider investing in home workout equipment such as a treadmill, stationary bike, or rowing machine. Having these tools at home makes it easier to stay active regardless of the weather outside.
Collinsville is excited to welcome a new nurse graduate into their community this year.
Shakarna grew up in Clermont, near Mackay, and during high school, she was unsure what she wanted to do as a career.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do in high school, but I started a double degree in nursing and midwifery in Townsville,” Shakarna said.
“But that was difficult financially, so I dropped back to nursing only, got work as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) and completed by degree part-time.”
Shakarna completed her studies over six years, working during her studies.
During this time, Shakarna also benefited from three years of practical experience working as an Assistant in Nursing at the Clermont Multi-Purpose Health Service.
Having relocated to Collinsville earlier this year, Shakarna is enjoying the tight-knit community.
“There have been lots of learning opportunities and the community has been very welcoming,” she explained.
Shakarna will join a host of confident, compassionate, and knowledgeable nursing and health staff in Collinsville.
Shakarna is joining the health team of Collinsville. Photo supplied
Some tips on Navigating safely – and remember that as the skipper, you are responsible!
• Visibility: Operate slowly in rain, fog, mist, smoke and glare. Take special care when travelling at night as potential hazards are harder to see. Ensure you operate at a safe speed.
• Other boats: Slow down in busy areas and when near moored or anchored boats, and remember — working boats and larger vessels may have difficulty manoeuvring.
• Navigation hazards: Slow down in shallow areas and when boating in unfamiliar water. Water depth can vary and change quickly in and around reef areas, and also in freshwater.
• Wind, waves and currents: These may affect the boat’s stopping and turning ability. The type of motor, hull and design will all impact on the boat’s manoeuvrability.
• Check your navigation lights are working and fitted correctly. We did have to assist one boat with the nav lights on the wrong sides! Did not know if he was coming or going!
Collision rules: The ‘International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea’ (COLREGs) are the traffic laws of the sea. They give clear indication about passing, approaching, giving way and overtaking to avoid collisions with other boats. All boat skippers must thoroughly understand and apply the rules in all situations.
Channels: When navigating in narrow channels, all boats should travel on the starboard (right-hand) side of the channel and pass oncoming boats on the port (left) side. If plenty of distance separates two passing boats, there’s no need to deliberately alter course to pass to the right of the other boat. The rule is simply there to remove doubt in the event of a close situation. Small boats (including sailing boats) should keep clear of large boats that have limited room to manoeuvre in channels.
Giving way: All boats, whether power or sail, must always take action to avoid a collision. Power boats ‘Look all around, give way to the right, turn to the right and stay to the right’.
Head on: When meeting head on, both boats are required to alter course to starboard (right), never to port (left). Any turn should be large enough to be obvious to the other boat.
Overtaking: If you are overtaking a boat, you can do so to either side of the boat you wish to pass.
However, you must keep well clear of the boat you are overtaking. This applies to both sail and powerboats. In narrow channels you must be particularly careful when overtaking. In all instances, make sure you do not cut in front of the boat you have overtaken.
VMRW membership is cheap insurance at just $90. You can join online at https://vmrwhitsundays.com.au/join/ .
1. If Head on, alter course to starboard 1
2. Boat Collision
3. Power gives way to sail - usually! Photo supplied
March is on us which means Autumn has arrived and wet season is well underway, and because our hardcover is still a while away, and we still cannot control the weather, Tuesday and Wednesday Jackpot afternoon bowls and Business House Bowls were all cancelled.
So we had some respite for Friday and practice was available for all members.
Saturday morning Scroungers was run by Eric Barnard on his return from South Africa and first round winners were Margo Stanley, Harry Quod, and John Trembath with Harry Quod a standout winner, whilst the B Division was fought out by Eric Barnard and Tony Whitehorn with Eric proving too strong on the day.
Sunday afternoon Social bowls saw a strong field amass and we welcomed Paul Tobias back from his canoe holiday and great games were played but the outstanding team of Mark Mawson at lead and Tony Kelly as skip soundly beat all comers and it was John Anderson who ended up with the prestigious Health Hub award.
Saturday morning saw the Men’s singles rounds being played between John Brown against Ted Cullen marked by Tim Taylor and John came back in the latter stages of the game for a great victory as the photo shows.
John Brown with match referee Tim Taylor. Photo supplied
Arthur Gutteridge, an eighty-seven-year-old resident of Mackay, has raised a significant concern regarding the accessibility challenges faced by elderly locals due to the construction of a new bus-stop area in front of Caneland Central on Mangrove Road.
Despite assurances of enhanced safety and accessibility, Arthur highlights the impractical and worrying reality that many older individuals endure with the new designated bus stop.
Expressing his concerns through letters to various authorities, Arthur feels ignored and unsupported, emphasising the vital importance of flat ground for individuals with mobility issues. He argues that the back entrance of Caneland Central, where the bus stop used to be, provides safer access for pensioners, parents with prams, and those with mobility impairments.
Cover caption: Arthur Gutteridge, 87, voices concerns over accessibility challenges at the new bus stop outside Caneland Central, highlighting the importance of safety and flat ground for elderly residents and individuals with mobility issues. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
By Hannah McNamara
Eighty-seven-year-old Arthur Gutteridge has spoken out about a crucial problem that Mackay local ‘oldies’ are currently facing in regards to transportation changes at Caneland Central Shopping Centre.
A newly constructed bus-stop area is now in use, located at the front of Caneland Central on Mangrove Road where it is said to be safer and easier for everyone to access.
Arthur has highlighted the potential risks of the new bus stop, underlining the impractical, brutal reality of what ‘oldies’ are forced to endure following the construction of the new designated bus stop.
In an attempt to keep the old designated bus area, Arthur has written a letter to multiple people in authority to express his concerns, where he said he was completely ignored by several individuals, leaving him feeling unheard and unsupported despite having good reasoning behind his appeal.
“One time we were a person, then we were a number and now we’re a nobody,” Arthur explains.
“It’s the old Aussie way of saying she’ll be right, but it’s not alright.”
“They expect me to walk all that way and up the ramp with my wheelie walker, my feet and back are no good, like a lot of other oldies.
“We have no way of getting into the front of Canelands.”
He emphasises the vital importance of a flat ground as many locals cannot withstand the pain of walking up an inclined slope, such as ramps or a staircase. This problem not only affects him, but many other older residents as he voices his concern, stating a valid point that the back entrance of Caneland Central provides safer access for all individuals, including pensioners, parents with prams as well as those with mobility and balance issues.
Arthur says, “With access points such as banks, internet services, insurance and other necessities close by what more could us oldies wish for.”
The new bus stop area in comparison requires individuals to walk a further distance, from the front of Mangrove Road to the main Woolworths entrance, where locals are then forced to walk up a flight of stairs or a ramp to gain access to the centre. For the average Jo, walking up a ramp seems easy enough, but for Arthur and many other locals, it is painful and can take hours, or even days to recover from the agony and discomfort stemming from sore feet, knees or a bad back.
“This means a spell in the afternoon, or two to three days to get over the trip if we have to use the front entrance,” Arthur says.
To combat this issue, Arthur suggests turning the new designated bus area into a taxi rank, keeping bus drivers, passengers and pedestrians safe.
Whilst government officials claim to provide a safer and accessible bus stop for all bus users, bus drivers and oncoming traffic, Arthur replies: “What a joke, those buses have to get out into two lanes,” highlighting the potential risk of increased accidents as buses pull out onto Mangrove Road, into high traffic conditions.
Additionally, Arthur vocalises his concerns of parents getting off the bus with children who could possibly wander off onto the busy street, stating that the back entrance of the shopping centre is less congested and far safer for all Mackay residents.
Caption: Artist impression of the new bus stop on Mangrove Road
Arthur Gutteridge says the new bus stop makes accessing Caneland Central Shopping Centre more difficult for people with mobility issues
As I reflect on my recent anniversary celebrations, marking a milestone in my own personal journey of partnership and commitment, it struck me—12 years of marriage is no small feat. Yet, in the grand scheme of things, it pales in comparison to the monumental achievement of SH Tait & Co, as they proudly celebrate a remarkable 100 years in business.
Imagine, a century of navigating the intricate labyrinth of finance and taxation, weathering economic storms and emerging stronger with each passing decade. It's a testament to resilience, foresight, and unwavering dedication—an inspiring legacy that echoes through the halls of Mackay's business history. Read more on pages 12-13.
And let's not overlook the man behind the curtain, Peter Tait, whose leadership and vision have been instrumental in steering the firm through the ever-changing tides of commerce. Not only a master of numbers, but also a pillar of philanthropy, his contributions to the community are as noteworthy as his business acumen. We extend our felicitations to Peter Tait and directors Adam Parrish, Monica McKendry, Stephen Amos, Kristelle Lamb, and John Philps for their invaluable contributions to the firm's enduring success. May their legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
Now, moving on from numbers and bottom lines—let's indulge in the flavours of Mackay's culinary scene with our Taste of Mackay feature (pages 22-23). From tantalising treats to hidden gastronomic gems, consider it your roadmap to culinary bliss. We've got the inside scoop on where to indulge your taste buds like a true Mackay epicurean.
And as we gear up for the JSP Women's Awards this weekend, I can't help but feel a surge of excitement to raise a glass (I’m still buzzing after P!NK’s Gold Coast concert) to some of the most awe-inspiring women in our midst. Here's to celebrating their achievements, toasting their tenacity, and revelling in the collective brilliance of our community's leading ladies.
Until next week,
Amanda
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