Amy Nichols, Guest Services Manager

For 12 years, Amy Nichols has been the parallel smile for Coral Sea Marina guests - when they beam, she beams; the happiness of the customers is her own.

In her role as Guest Services Manager, Amy is the gentle hand of the Marina, the welcoming gesture for its guests, guiding them back on boats or by foot “like old friends.” In the more than a decade she’s been with Coral Sea Marina, she’s seen its community grow and been a key part in cultivating its culture of exceptional service.

Like almost all those who call the Whitsundays home, Amy found herself here by chance, moving from Canada in her backpacking days of yore – the early 2000s. She arrived with experience in the service and hospitality industry, and – as is the same old story - soon fell in love with the region, but not just the place, the people: Amy met her husband in the Whitsundays’ land of sun-bleached sand.

“We started our amazing journey together nearly 18 years ago,” Amy said.

“Now, we’ve built our own home just outside of town and have two young beautiful children. I have a whole family unit here: my brother and sister-in-law moved here from Canada so we could be closer to each other. This is my home.”

In her almost two decades of time in Airlie Beach, she has seen it change – and nowhere has that change been more dramatic than at Coral Sea Marina.

“The services and facilities we offer have changed and since Paul [Darrouzet] arrived it has changed completely,” Amy said.

“He made it an entirely different experience to what staying at any normal marina would be, and as the Guest Services Manager, it has been rewarding to have assisted him in achieving this. Because of that, the Marina is a lot busier than it was when I started and the demand we have seen for berthing – even since Covid – is incredible. It is keeping the guest services team on their toes!”

The personal highlights of Amy’s career are almost daily – they’re the interactions with guests: “When loyal guest returns each year for their annual cruising holiday and they come into the marina office and greet the team like old friends, that’s special,” she said.

“Seeing the smile on a guest’s face or even hearing a smile over the phone by providing a level of service that exceeds expectations is not only rewarding but heart-warming.”

Coral Sea Marina, busy and bustling, is in great part the way it is because of Amy’s work. Of her tireless efforts, of her ability to welcome guests, of her love for her job.

“The marina feels – to me -like its own community,” Amy said.

“All its commercial operators and tenants, the cafes, the restaurants, day tourists, locals, and sailors – there’s something here for everyone. I think the Marina plays a big role in this community, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

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For Artspace Birthday Project

Artspace Mackay has enlisted the assistance of Crossroad Arts to help celebrate its 20th birthday in a big and bright way.

Crossroad Arts, along with local artists Donna Maree Robinson and Kate Brunner, facilitated a series of workshops teaching participants the skill of stop motion animation.

The animations will then be compiled into one piece of work to be projected onto the façade of Artspace Mackay, celebrating the gallery’s 20th birthday and Mackay Festival of Arts.

“We came up with a partnership to allow those members of our community that don’t always get opportunities like this to partner and give them some skills in creating their own digital animation films,” said Artspace Director Tracey Heathwood.

Students from Sarina State High School, Kutta Mulla Gorinna Special Assistance School and Crossroad Arts participated in weekly digital animation workshops throughout the month of March to create the work, titled ‘Time of Our Lives’.

“The theme of ‘time of our lives’ means what happens in our lives, what we did, things we’ve faced or things we’ve gone through,” said Kutta Mulla student Echo Hankin.

“Me and Elena put flowers because, in my culture, we have to dance with flowers in our hair.”

“I loved working on the animations and learning how to use the app and it was fun meeting all the new people,” agreed fellow student Theresa Malayta.

Crossroad Arts Director and CEO Alison Richardson said students have taken their own drawings and collage creations and used an application to create animations.

“It’s been very hands-on, very practical and the app that we’ve been using is very user-friendly,” she said.

“They’ve been looking forward to seeing what a largescale projection of themselves and their work will look like.”

Contemporary visual artist Donna Maree Robinson, who has had her work displayed Iceland, New York, London, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Kingaroy and Mackay will take the students’ work and edit it into a cohesive piece before projecting it onto the Artspace building.

“It’s always amazing to see what people create,” Ms Robinson said.

“I think it reflects a lot about their personalities or their experiences in life.

“Once they get the skills, they roll with it, and you can see some of the really beautiful aspects of people’s creative minds and abilities and talents.”

Time of Our Lives will be projected onto Artspace Mackay for all to see every night from Monday, July 3 to Friday, July 9.

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Kutta Mulla Gorinna Special Assistance School students Echo Hankin and Elena Murray Larrance

Crossroad Arts Director and CEO Alison Richardson leading the digital animation workshop. Photos supplied: Mackay Regional Council

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Jacqui Henderson, Guest Services Agent

If there is a throughline for each of Coral Sea Marina’s longest-serving staff, it is their devotion to the ocean; their affinity for the big blue.

Jacqui Henderson is no different: her career in the Marine Industry began in 1991 in her home country of New Zealand, where she operated a power boat and trailer yacht business. And ever since, it’s been one long love affair with the sea.

Traveling to Australia from New Zealand in the early 2000s, Jacqui and her husband were on a mission to manoeuvre the country, planning to circumnavigate it with their own trailer yacht, having sold their business back in their homeland. Having heard that Airlie Beach was a sailing destination – that familiar story - they made it their first stop, intending to be here for no more than six months. That was 22 years ago: “We never left”.

“When we decided to stay in Airlie, I first worked on the overnight Skippered Charter Yachts for a couple of years,” Jacqui said.

“Then land-based working for a Bare Boat Charter Company - which was seasonal – and in the off season I joined my husband who was looking after a private 48’ Bavaria yacht and sailed the vessel to Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne where we did corporate day trips for the owners then returned to Airlie.”

After years in the marine industry, Jacqui felt she needed a change, and sought a position working for a local Landscape Architectural firm. “Only, I came to the realisation that I needed to be close to the Ocean,” Jacqui said. “I then applied for a position at what was Abell Point Marina [now Coral Sea Marina] and have been here ever since.”

It was Jacqui’s passion for excellent customer service – as well as her expert sailing experience – that lent her the perfect credentials for her perfect position at the Marina; one she’s held for 12 years. And it’s changed markedly since her arrival: the Marina was soon to be invested in heavily after she began. It became one of Airlie Beach’s most iconic sailing ports and recognised as a world-class destination – something the little town she arrived in 22 years ago could never have imagined.

“When Paul [Darrouzet] purchased the Marina in 2013, he had a vision,” Jacqui said.

“And he has been able to achieve it. I am very proud to be part of this team, and the recognition of continually taking out world standard awards, that’s just the icing on the cake.”

When she’s not working weekends at the Marina in her role, her weekdays are spent in the arts of peaceful solitude, connection with nature and self: yoga, art, paddle boarding, kayaking. In fact, once a month, Jacqui teaches an Art Class at the Ocean Club at Coral Sea Marina, bringing all her passions together.

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Year 10 students from St Patrick’s College Mackay recently spent a productive week exploring their career goals and interests through Work Experience.  

With the guidance of the College’s Careers & VET Head of Department Cherie Hess and Teacher Assistant Vikki McGrath, some 249 students secured placements in an array of occupations with the diversity of the locations demonstrating the variety of students’ career interests.

Placements were found locally and in the wider community with some students travelling as far as Brisbane, Sarina, Hay Point, Eton, Mirani, Leap, Dumbleton and Seaforth and were processed by the local KP Placement Agency.

“Work experience is a valuable opportunity for Year 10 students to gain insight into the world of work and understand the expectations of the workplace,” said Mrs Hess.  

“It gives students an opportunity to explore connections between their school studies and career pathways, while also assisting them to become more aware of the realities of the workplace and to develop skills, knowledge, and experience that will benefit them in their future careers” she added.

The St Patrick’s students spent time experiencing workplaces including trades, tugboat operators, daycare centres, outdoor activity camps, hair salons, law firm, optometrist, pharmacies, fitness centres, allied health, real estate agents, vets, dance teachers, diesel fitters, builders and many more varied forms of employment.  

As a result of seeking Work Experience places, four students – Billy Cruden (HPHFM); Elliott Hamilton (Mac’s Engineering) and Zed Stickland (Ryan Scott Building) have been offered school-based apprenticeships while Rebekah Papavasiliou was offered a part-time administrative position at the Mackay electorate office of Dawson MP Andrew Wilcox.          

One female student will be completing her Work Experience in Week 10 from March 28-30 at the Army Aviation Familiarisation program with Defence at the Swartz Barracks in south-east Queensland.                                                                                              

Fifty students completed their Construction White Card.

“Each student was contacted by a staff member in person to speak to both the employer and student to ascertain how the student was coping in the world of work, “ said Mrs McGrath.

“Students also completed a log book as a way of reflecting on their Work Experience and employers completed an assessment of the student” she added.

The College received positive feedback from employers who commended the students on their work ethic, punctuality and people skills with many bosses keen to obtain their services on a permanent basis.

“We would like to thank each employer for the valuable contribution to students’ career planning and research provided through work experience,” said St Patrick’s College Principal Janelle Agius.

“Our Year 10 students are to be commended for their initiative to seek out Work Experience in these challenging times and the Careers Team hopes they have enjoyed and benefited from their week,” Mrs Agius added.

By Chris Karas

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St Patrick’s College Year 10 student Gabrielle Roberts (left) completed work experience at the Peak Family Chiropractic in West Mackay

St Patrick’s College Year 10 student Billy Cruden (left) with Heath Paton Hair For Men (HPHFM) barber shop owner Heath Paton. Photos supplied

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Gemma Mee, Finance Administrator

Picture it: plate glass water around mountainous islands, like impressionistic green dollops of paint on plates of golden sand, surrounded by blue swirls. When anyone ventures on the seas, the tranquillity of it calls imagination to stretch its legs, and no one knows that better than Gemma Mee.

Born in Brisbane and growing up in the Redlands, Gemma would soon fall in love with the sailing lifestyle after her family moved to the Whitsunday region in 1981. She had little choice: her family lived and worked in a yacht on the water, her first real job was with Yachting World – a bareboating company at Shute Harbour – and every few years she would sail south to Mooloolaba and work for Tourism Queensland at Alexandra Headland. Love for the ocean was the perfect response.

If any of Coral Sea Marina’s staff has an expertise in the ocean, it’s Gemma. From ’92 to ’96, she circumnavigated the globe on her family’s 35-foot yacht, and on her return, she found her appreciation for her “own back yard.”

“After all that - believe it or not - one of my passions now is sailing around the Whitsundays when we can,” Gemma said.

Working at Coral Sea Marina was a job brought to her on the tides; it was meant for her. So, when Coral Sea reached out 12 years ago, Gemma dived in, head first.

“What I love about it most is how busy and diverse every day is -- there are no ‘groundhog’ days at Coral Sea Marina,” Gemma said.

“I have experienced huge changes here over the past decade. I believe our most significant milestone at the Marina was when Paul purchased it in 2013. He had the vision and was prepared to finance the upgrading of the marina, and although it has been a busy time, it has also been very satisfying and rewarding to see the changes.”

Although her role as Finance Administrator doesn’t see her out on the water too much professionally, Gemma still heads for the seas with her husband on wooden vessels.

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Hidden amongst the trees at Ooralea’s Muller Park, miniature trains weave along miniature tracks, welcoming passengers young and old to ride.

Simon Hamelink grew up near the park where the Mackay Society of Model Engineers have been operating for between 30 and 40 years.

“It was only around the corner from where I lived with mum and dad,” Mr Hamelink said.

“As I moved out of home, I had two kids who became interested as well.”

The Mackay Society of Model Engineers is inviting the public to an open run this Sunday, April 2 from 10:00am to 2:00pm, as well as the following Wednesdays during school holidays.

Mr Hamelink said it’s the perfect opportunity to become familiar with the electric, petrol and steam locomotives used and owned by the club.

Picnics are welcome and a gold coin donation and closed in shoes are required to ride on the trains.

“My interest is around seeing the kids’ faces light up as we ride around,” Mr Hamelink said.

“I enjoy interacting with them, getting them to come over and toot the horn and just getting them involved.”

The club also cater to private functions on Saturdays, costing $90 for a two-hour session including a private train and a driver for up to 50 people.

Mr Hamelink said the club is looking for more people to get involved to ensure its future.

The club holds weekly Monday working bees and you can find the Mackay Society of Model Engineers on Facebook for more information.

WHAT: Miniature Trains Public Run Day

WHEN: Sunday, April 2, Wednesday, April 5 and Wednesday, April 12 from 10:00am to 2:00pm

WHERE: Muller Park, Ooralea

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Kids and kids at heart are welcome to MullerPark on Sunday for a miniature trains public run. Photo supplied

Trent Ridout-Allen, Asset And Operations Manager

Paradise – what’s not to love? Trent Ridout-Allen knows that best.

For 10 years, he’s been in dreamland, taking on the role of Coral Sea Marina’s Operations and Asset Manager, maintaining and looking after one of the world’s best marinas – living in “the place where anyone would choose to take their holiday” too. How could you say no?

Growing up in Canberra, Trent was land-locked, but was destined for marina work. As soon as he could, he was Gold Coast-bound. There, he worked at Sanctuary Cove Marina and would soon have his first taste of Airlie Beach in 2008 working at Abel Point Marina– and it’s safe to say it stuck in his mind.

After that year, he headed back south to Horizon Shores Marina, a few hundred kilometres below Brisbane. The appeal of Airlie Beach, however, was too much to bear and he headed back to the Whitsundays for a role at Abel Point Marina, one month prior to Paul Darrouzet’s takeover.

“I knew that I need to come back here and when there was an opportunity, I took it,” Trent said.

“Since then, Coral Sea Marina has become a hub for the region and a place that everyone here should be proud to show their closest friends and family. Taking pride in where I work and, every day, learning more about the marina is what I enjoy -- there are never two days alike.”

Over his decade at Coral Sea Marina, Trent certainly has a lot to be proud of, overseeing beautification and changes galore, with one of his proudest achievements the opening of ‘The Gardens’, turning what was once a dredge-settling pond into an iconic spot for the region.

“It’s now the wow moment as everyone drives over the hill,” Trent said.

“When people can first see the ocean framed by a beautiful greenspace and the superyachts. That is one of my crowning achievements.”

When he’s not contributing to the Marina’s ever-improving assets and landscapes, maintaining and growing them, Trent enjoys Airlie Beach in the best possible way. Like he says: “Boating and fishing are the reason for living in this region.”

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Young people who are interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry are invited to come along to the MTA Queensland Auto Career Evening which is due to be held at McCarthy Panel Works on Wednesday evening.

With the introduction of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in recent years, there are a lot of changes happening within this exciting industry.

The Expo is an opportunity for people to connect with employers, learn more about the different careers available and vocational pathways that can lead to the next step in securing an apprenticeship.

On the night, The Snap-On Pantech Truck will be attending which will showcase the latest scanning equipment, there will also be Nissan and Tesla vehicles on-site and attendees will see the latest calibration machines.

There are over 40 trades and roles within the sector and Andrea McCarthy, who sits on the board of the Motor Traders Association of Queensland, says she is passionate about helping young people realise their potential.

“I have first-hand experience of how tight the labour market is at the moment,” she said.

“I want to help give people more opportunity to talk to employers so they have a direct link to the industry – this is bigger than McCarthy Panel Works, this is for the industry as a whole.”

The Expo has a capacity of 100 people and 70 people have already registered so, if you are interested in attending, scan the QR code to reserve your space.

WHAT: MTA Queensland Auto Career Evening

WHERE: McCarthy Panel Works, 2 O’Loughlin Street, North Mackay

WHEN: Wednesday, April 5 – 4.30pm – 7pm

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The Queensland State Government will install new environmentally friendly public moorings across the Whitsundays to protect The Great Barrier Reef.

Thirty public moorings will be installed by Townsville-based company Pacific Marine Group to reduce harmful anchoring in the Great Barrier Reef and improve access to the World Heritage Listed site.

Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Meaghan Scanlon said the Reef’s status as Queensland’s most iconic natural asset requires investment designed to protect it, “while also supporting a sustainable reef-based tourism industry.”

“There are now 309 public moorings and 289 reef protection markers throughout the Great Barrier Reef that can be used by recreational boaties and reef-based tourism operators,” Ms Scanlon said.

“Investing in eco-friendly moorings is not just good for the environment, but also good for the local economy as it attracts eco-conscious tourists who are willing to pay for sustainable tourism experiences.”

Ms Scanlon said the moorings help reduce the impact of boat anchors on coral reefs, seagrass beds and other sensitive marine habitats, which in turn supports the long-term health and resilience of these important ecosystems.

More of the environmentally friendly vessel moorings will be located at key points on the Reef to provide safe and sustainable access to some of the Whitsundays’ most popular snorkelling and anchorage sites.

Pacific Marine Group has been awarded the contract to carry out the installation works which are expected to take place in May this year.

Steven Jones, Business Development Manager at Pacific Marine Group, said the company had installed over 400 of its Environmentally Friendly Moorings all along the Great Barrier Reef, with many now up to 30 years old and performing as well as the day they were installed.

"This project will use all North Queensland local supplied labour and materials, with the planning, procurement and fabrication phase employing around 15 people, and the site installation phase also employing around 15 people between the marine crew, diving crew and Management crew,” Mr Jones said.

“Our unique Environmentally Friendly Mooring system continues to provide positive environmental outcomes by providing an alternative to vessels dropping anchors in sensitive marine environments.”

More information about public moorings in the Whitsundays and across the Great Barrier Reef, including maps, GPS positions and vessel size classes is available at https://bit.ly/3JQJpdX

The public mooring project is part of the Government’s $3.9 million Reef Trails project to reduce anchor damage on coral reefs and improve public access to the Great Barrier Reef.

The moorings will be managed and maintained through the Reef Joint Field Management Program, which is funded by the Queensland and Australian governments to deliver crucial on-ground actions to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

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The Queensland Government plans to install thirty environmentally friendly public moorings in the Whitsundays in May

One month until I’ll be in Brisbane for Magic Round. One month until Dad comes up to say hello to the grandkids. It will be three months until I head down south with my daughter to see Lizzo, and 5 months until I have to run a silly amount of k’s for the Sydney Marathon.

This year is turning into one of the best and busiest on record. I’m excited for it to all happen.

But I can’t stop thinking about Easter next week, because it will be a chance to see my kids, have some days off and relax, and eat a fair bit of chocolate.

It’ll be a pretty busy time around the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays regions too, because everyone will be getting out and about to explore the area. From camping at Eungella, to grabbing a cabin at Broken River or Cape Hillsborough, or even pitching a tent at Seaforth, we surely have it all.

If I may make a suggestion, flick the radio on 4MK, and I’ll give you plenty of chances to win some school Easter Holidays stuff in the breakfast show, then you can get in the car with the family and just drive and stop somewhere that looks interesting.

You know the feeling when you drive up the road, and you go past something that you’ve never noticed before? Like the sheep heading to Seaforth? Perhaps the hay bale art sculptures out near Sarina? What about the colourful signs along the road heading off to Habana?

So many gems in our backyard. We just need to find them.

If you’re unsure of where to go, go and see our wonderful volunteers at the tourism info centres. There’s the Field of Dreams in Sarina, the Bluewater Lagoon on River St. We’ve also got places to see at Bowen, Clermont, Airlie, Proserpine and more. Call in and see what you can do.

Here’s a few must dos over the next two weeks. Wakeboarding at Beaconsfield, Forest Flying at Finch Hatton, Beach Walks at sunrise at Bucasia, Feed the ducks at the Gooseponds, Walk the rainforest trail at the Botanic Gardens, and also grab a coffee at the Proserpine Bakery.

There’s so many hidden beauties in our area, we just need to flick the TV remote off, jump off the lounge, get in the car and drive. Plus have fun.

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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The rental crisis is real in Australia and in Queensland and Mackay is no exception to the rest of the country.

Anyone who is renting or looking for a rental property will be aware of the challenges and costs involved.

It is a perfect storm for renters because landlords are facing increased costs because of interest rate rises … their mortgage payments have gone up and they are looking to increase rents to help cover the extra expense.

This coincides with a lack of available rental properties so the old story of economics, demand and supply, comes into play and landlords are able to increase rents and take advantage of the lack of supply.

In Mackay, and in many parts of the country, rental vacancies are around the 1 per cent mark.

Meanwhile the Queensland Government is wanting to be seen to do something about the crisis in this state.

The Government recently announced a plan to limit rent increases to once a year. While that might provide some certainty for renters, it is not going to stop the increases nor deal with the lack of supply; in fact it could contribute to a dwindling of supply and make things worse.

Demand and supply is the thing and governments need to create an environment where new residential houses and apartments are built.

Michael Matusik, the excellent real estate commentator, recently addressed the issue in his regular comment piece the Matusik Missive.

He said: “Rising costs, labour shortages alongside fixed price contacts has stuffed up a lot of building businesses, with many facing the wall.

“Some major construction firms are now thinking of pulling out of the residential sector altogether.

“Working for the practice isn’t fun for anyone and even when there is a profit it is increasingly negligible making it hardly worth the risk.

“Yet all states and territories – with the exception of Victoria and the ACT – aren’t building enough new dwellings to cater for underlying demand. See charts 3 and 4.

“Over the past year we approved some 187,000 new dwellings but we needed 220,000 or 33,000 more.”

When the Greens and state governments talk about limiting rents we have to remember that the socialist approach has a history of failure in pretty much all walks of life and what governments should be doing is creating an environment that encourages a greater supply of rental properties.

Let demand and supply do its job and get the balance right between a decent return for investors and more affordable rental costs for tenants.

Post-Covid immigration is about to crank up so things are not going to get better.

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The first in a series of guided nature walks took place last week on the Glen Isla Wetlands and participants were excited to see a range of wildlife living peacefully within the serenity of our natural environment.

Members of the Whitsunday Conservation Council (WCC) have a series of exciting events to look forward to in the coming year.  

“There will be something for everyone,” said walks coordinator Suzette Pelt.

“We’ll have a night spotting walk for children during winter school holidays and a series of bird watching and photography walks in different seasons, with opportunities for spotting migratory birds and the changes in vegetation that attract different wildlife.”

“Our first walk, on private property on the Glen Isla wetlands, gave birders some fantastic viewing and photographic opportunities, along with the enjoyment of getting out into nature at the end of the wet season.”

The walk was guided by Dale Mengal of the Wildlife and Plants of the Whitsunday and Mackay region, along with reptile expert Kylee Gray.

The group of 20 nature lovers, enjoyed a fantastic few hours walking through often boggy ground, to get to the best spots.

If you are interested in finding out more information about future events, sign up for the Whitsunday Conservation Council via their website.  

Membership is just $1 and the group is run by volunteers who have a wealth of information.

Members will also receive regular newsletters with what’s happening in the environmental space.

For more information call Suzette Pelt WCC nature walks coordinator on 0419768195

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A group of ‘birders’ enjoy a walk in nature at the Glen Isla Wetlands

The majestic Magpie Goose

The tiny Red Backed Fairy Wren

The regal Brahminy Kite

Photo credit: Debbie Smith

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In 2020, I expressed an interest in being the council representative on (PCL) Pioneer Catchment & Landcare Group Inc Management Committee. I have to say that being part of this committee is so rewarding and I have learnt so much, but still have much more to learn. The committee is made up of some very passionate people who bring skills, knowledge and experience to the committee and that is what makes it successful. Add to this the amazing PCL staff who come to work each day with a positive mind set, and we have a dynamic organisation that is very much looking to the future and the longevity of PCL, and how we can contribute to ensuring the natural environment in this region is cared for and protected well into the future.

PCL is a non-profit community based, natural resource management organisation. It was formed in the early 1990’s as one of the first catchment groups in Queensland and was then called Pioneer Integrated Catchment Management Association (PICMA). The Pioneer Catchment area includes sub-catchments of all coastal streams from the Whitsunday region in the north to Sarina and the Isaac region in the south and extends west to Eungella and the Clarke Connors Range.

Pioneer Catchment and Landcare promotes the planned and sustainable natural resource management of the Pioneer catchment lands, rivers and coastal regions. We do this in many ways including:

• Fostering connections between landholders, community groups and government agencies in land, water and vegetation management activities

• Promotion of community and government understanding of the interactions between land use, water, soils, vegetation and wildlife

• Promotion of the value of a coordinated, catchment-wide approach for managing resources

• Identification and prioritisation of interrelated land and water resource issues in the catchment

• Encouraging and promoting regenerative agricultural practices

• Encouraging conservation of native flora and fauna

If you would like to see some of our current activities, check out the group on Facebook. If you want to chat about becoming a member or a volunteer, contact us on coordinator@pioneercatchment.org.au or admin@pioneercatchment.org.au or phone the office on 4944 1979.

Cr Fran Mann

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

The Mackay region is steamrolling towards the 2023 crush and now is the time to get on board with CANEGROWERS Mackay’s Haulout Driver training courses.

There is a high demand for haulout drivers at farms across the region during harvest season, and CANEGROWERS Mackay goes out hard to attract labour from the local workforce, but also from outside the region, with travelling rural workers and “working holidayers like backpackers and grey nomads.

Training is an important part of helping make sure we have the harvest workers we need, and CANEGROWERS Mackay has developed an outstanding grower-led, RTO-backed training course. The course was developed and is delivered by fully qualified trainer growers who have had a longstanding connection to the program.

Last year, the two four-day courses attracted people across different ages, backgrounds and genders, we are hoping to see that again when they run on 2 and 8 May, training 20 people new to the cane harvesting sector.

This training is important for our members, for new workers, and for our industry. For over 14 years we have run this training program, which builds safety and capability in people looking to join the cane harvesting sector.

While you can drive the haulout tractors on a C class driver’s licence, these are big machines that have their own demands. We want new drivers to be safe, competent, and confident behind the wheel, and working with experienced grower harvesters, on the farm with real machinery, gives them a great start.

Last year a collaboration between Queensland Agricultural Workforce Network (QAWN) supported running a second course for the first time, bolstering the original course funded by the Queensland Government through its Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

We are proud to say that because of that success, the Queensland Government has not only funded us directly for two courses in 2023, but that this will extend for the next three years. That means, over the next three years, CANEGROWERS Mackay is assured of 60 trained haulout drivers being supported into the region’s sugar industry, responding to ongoing critical labour shortages at harvest season.

The courses are fully funded (ie: free for participants) and open to a wide range of job-seekers, with women returning to the workforce, ATSI and under-employed workers all encouraged to apply.

Training is backed by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) trainer-assessor, and participants will also gain four units of competency towards a Cert II in Rural Operations.

We were able to make some interesting observations during last year’s running of the course, which included the participation of older workers just past - or near - retirement age. Several had worked across other agricultural sectors in their career and were now looking to the pleasures of the warmer winter climate of Mackay.

Older workers have a great deal to offer: they are typically reliable, and more careful with equipment. They come with a lifetime of working experience, and the seasonal work suits the work/life balance they are looking for

There have been significant shifts in employment trends over recent years, and this avenue into agriculture also presents a great opportunity for people looking to shift industries.

To find out more, and to register for screening, contact CANEGROWERS Mackay Training Co-ordinator Deborah Fowler on 4944 2600. Applications close Friday, April 14. You can read more on the web at mackaycanegrowers.com.au.

This training is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through its Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

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Grower and lead trainer Ron Gurnett talks trainees through features of a harvester in last year’s training CAPTION 2: Training is a mix of practical and theory. Photo credit: Kirili Lamb

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“Breadalbane”, “Cricklewood”, “Abydos”, and “Therallie” were the names of properties in Glen Isla owned by the district’s early settlers. The Waite brothers, George Augustus (Gus) and Charles Beveridge, owned Breadalbane, a name still in use today.

George and Charles were graziers who were amongst the first men to take up land in the area, their initial purchase being in 1873. The Waite brothers’ holding comprised all the land between the river and Main Street, back towards the show-grounds.  It was densely covered in scrub and included the area where the water tower now stands.  The Waites were big land holders, also taking up Crystalbrook and Cannon Valley runs.

The brothers played a pivotal role in establishing the sugar industry in Proserpine. When the Proserpine Central Sugar Mill finally got underway in 1897, after a decade of disappointment following the collapse of the Crystal Brook Sugar Company, the cost far exceeded the amount of security the farmers could provide. It was largely due to the generosity of Gus Waite that the problem was solved in an exceptional way.  He made 3000 acres of his own estate available to be surveyed and sold for farm blocks thus securing sufficient debentures to meet the required government valuation and he chaired the meetings which requested government assistance. What an achievement on that memorable occasion on September 16, 1897 when Lena Waite, wife of G.A. Waite, cracked the proverbial bottle of champagne.

While both Gus and Charles Waite were civic minded, it was Gus who made the most notable contributions to the district. He took part in anything to improve the town.  Before there was a hospital or a dentist, his services were often called upon, particularly to pull teeth, as he had had some medical and dental training in his youth. He was President of the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Show Association, Hospital Board, Ambulance Committee and the Proserpine-Bowen Tramway Board.

Gus Waite was Chairman of the Wanagaratta Divisional Board 1888-1891; 1893-1894 and 1898-1899. In 1910, he was on the first Proserpine Shire Council when it separated from Bowen and from 1913-1914, he was Shire Chairman.  During his first year, he informed councillors that many angry men had threatened his life if a road was not put through to the show-grounds.  Councillors Waite and Biggs moved that a road be formed as speedily as possible and the motion was carried unanimously.  In later years, this road was named Anzac Road in remembrance of our fallen soldiers from World War One. In early 1914, Gus Waite was again on the Council in Number 1 Division.

It was not only farmers who benefitted from Gus Waite’s magnanimous gestures.  In 1912, the Show committee leased property owned by Gus – the value of the land was £140 with rates £4/1/8d yearly. Dr Anderson, our first resident doctor, bought land from him on which to build the homes, Parkfields and The Grange.

George Augustus Waite was a man among men.  By the time of his passing on September 28, 1914, the town had a hospital, a good school and many businesses, in no small measure due to his efforts. It is fitting that his tombstone sits at the entrance to our cemetery and is inscribed with the words “The Father of Proserpine”.

The descendants of the two Waite brothers now live far away from Proserpine but we are reminded of their influence and contribution to the district by Waite Street which is named in their honour.                                                

Story courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum and photo courtesy Whitsunday Regional Council.

George Waite

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