Film & Arts Mackay committee members met up with Linda and Elsa from All Abilities Mackay and Councillor Alison Jones to present a donation of $2,564 raised at the first Film & Arts Mackay film event of the year on 2nd February. Two films were screened at this event, the thought-provoking short film The Silent Child followed by the hilarious Red, White and Brass.  

An enormous thanks to all attendees and members for their generous support on the night.

Film & Arts Mackay is a not-for-profit organisation that screens independent and foreign language movies once a month. For more information visit filmartsmackay@weebly.com.

All Abilities Mackay aims to enhance opportunities and experiences for people with disabilities in Mackay by filling in gaps in services, training, workshops, carer connection and fun skill-building activities for the chronically ill, disabled and socially disadvantaged. 

For further information on the valuable service provided by All Abilities Mackay, please visit their website: https://www.allabilitiesmackay.org.au/

Caption: Linda and Elsa from All Abilities Mackay and Councillor Alison Jones present donation to the first Film & Arts Mackay event of the year

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Mackay Life readers will recall local actor Geoff Stewart-McLean sacrificing his hair to play the part of the balding David Horton in Kucom Theatre’s productions of The Vicar of Dibley (2018) and The Vicar of Dibley II (2022). It takes a certain kind of dedication to shave for a stage role – but Lani Seaton, who plays the female lead in Kucom’s April production The Murder Game, is going one step further and donating her lovely long locks to charity.

Every March, thousands of Australians step up to shave their head for the World's Greatest Shave, sponsored by the Leukaemia Foundation. It's the ultimate act of support for people facing blood cancer and at the Kucom Theatre Happy Hour on Friday 22 March, our very own Lani will succumb to the clippers, wielded by fellow Kucom member Michael Brennan of HMB Barbers.

Lani said, “I have chosen to do this because I want to help those facing blood cancer, and their families too. I've been thinking about doing it for quite a while, and finally decided to actually go ahead with it. My parents have shaved their heads for the cause a number of years ago, and I have a friend who shaved her head for the cause a few years ago too.

“Seeing those around me do it has encouraged me to think about doing it myself. I also love the idea of being able to donate my hair to make wigs for those who need them. I think it will be a very rewarding experience and also help people in need.”

We encourage Kucom members and guests to come along, grab a drink or two at our licensed bar, and lend their support to Lani.

You can donate to Lani at http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/laniseaton

What: Lani Seaton will participate in the World’s Greatest Shave to raise funds for blood cancer.

When: Friday 22 March, 6.00 to 7.30pm
Where: Kucom Theatre, 1 Snow Wright Court, Andergrove

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Caption: Lani Seaton ready to shave her hair to support the leukemia foundation.

Caption: World’s Greatest Shave poster - How to donate.

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Four helpless kittens were reportedly dumped at a local service station undergoing renovations late last Saturday. The team at Mackay Pet Recue Inc once again made it their mission to save the kittens from despair after discovering that the baby felines were underweight and starving with no mother cat nearby or in sight.

Carers suspect that these homeless kittens were once owned by a family given that they were too friendly and tame to be feral, concluding that the kittens were dumped relentlessly.

In fury of the poor act, the team brought the kittens back to their sanctuary and offered a safe place to stay, good quality food to eat and gentle human care to restore the faith in the traumatised kittens.

“Allowing a small kitten to die of neglect and starvation is an extreme act of cruelty,” a member of Mackay Pet Rescue Inc commented.

“These are domesticated kittens; they can be picked up and handled.

“They are not feral, they do not bite or scratch, they are just scared, and shame on the person who did this to them!”

Now thriving, the kittens have been named; Lylah, Rylan, Myah and Rykah. In a span of just 24 hours, the kittens were said to be rapidly healthier and happier after finding comfort and a sense of security in the hands of their foster carer.

They will soon be available to go to their forever homes.

Please contact Rissa on 0412 991 492 to arrange a meet and greet.

Animal Co-ordinator for MPRI commented, “I have nothing but admiration and thanks for the foster carers who continually put up their hand to take in dumped kittens.”

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Caption: Four domesticated kittens found starved and underweight at a local service station undergoing renovations with no mother cat in sight

Caption: two of the four kittens now happily in the safe and loving security of a foster carer. To learn more about adoption, ring the number provided or visit the MPRI Facebook page. Photo credit: Mackay Pet Rescue Inc (Facebook)

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Photo credit: Coffee and Hops

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After a sold-out event last year, Legends On The Lawn returns in 2024 with an iconic all-Australian line-up. Featuring ICEHOUSE, Jet, Jon Stevens, Pete Murray, Baby Animals, 1927 and Bachelor Girl, the one-day festival is back in June and by all reports, it is guaranteed to sell out early!

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said after the success of the 2023 Legends On The Lawn it was fantastic to see such huge names stepping out once more for the 2024 event.

“With Australian music royalty ICEHOUSE, Jet, Jon Stevens and Pete Murray, as well as crowd favourites Baby Animals and 1927, it’s certain to be an epic live music event that will benefit our community and our economy.

“Legends On The Lawn is shaping up to be a major drawcard for our region, attracting visitors who will also have the opportunity to experience all of the natural attractions on offer, including platypus spotting, sunrise on the beach with kangaroos and exploring our pristine beaches and tropical rainforests.”

Harrup Park CEO Adrian Young agreed. “We’re extremely excited to be involved in one of the best line-ups ever assembled in North Queensland,” he said.

“Last year’s event was outstanding and we expect 2024 to be even better!”

ICEHOUSE is one of Australia’s most iconic bands, well known and loved by audiences across generations, playing to sell-out, capacity audiences in Australia, New Zealand and throughout the world. Formed by Iva Davies, the band’s frontman and musical creative force, ICEHOUSE went on to have an amazing 28 Platinum albums, eight Top 10 albums and over thirty Top 40 singles. 

Unofficial Australian anthem, Great Southern Land, has been a part of almost every Australian’s summer soundtrack for the past 40 years and in 2014, it was inducted into the National Film and Sound Archive’s Sounds of Australia registry.

JET, originally hailing from Dingley in Melbourne, quickly conquered the world after forming in 2001, selling more than 6.5 million albums globally and securing 10 x Platinum certification in Australia and Platinum in the USA and UK for their 2003 debut album ‘Get Born’. The album produced a string of classic singles in ‘Are You Gonna Be My Girl’, ‘Rollover DJ’, and ‘Look What You’ve Done’ and netted the band 6 x 2004 ARIA awards. Both ‘Are You Gonna Be My Girl’ and ‘Cold Hard Bitch’ peaked at number 1 on the US Modern Rock singles charts and propelled the band to the top of festival bills and charts around the world.

In 2023 Jet’s greatness was formally recognised at the 37th ARIA AWARDS.

JON STEVENS returns to Mackay again to thrill audiences far and wide with the Noiseworks & INXS Collection, which pays homage to the bands that helped cement him as Aussie rock royalty. With a career that spans more than four decades, Jon has a swag of solo hits to his name, as well as songs which have become all-time favourites from his time with bands Noiseworks, INXS and the Dead Daisies. His performance will feature hit after hit and have punters on their feet from start to finish.

PETE MURRAY is one of an elite group of Australian artists to have sold over 1.2 million records across his illustrious, 20-plus year career in music. He has also achieved 3 ARIA chart-topping albums to date (2003’s ‘Feeler’, 2006’s ‘See The Sun’ and 2008’s ‘Summer At Eureka’) and has been nominated for a whopping 17 ARIA Awards.

With a long list of radio hits and 7 albums under his belt, Pete Murray has always been a crowd favourite everywhere he plays. His string of hit singles – ‘Feeler’, ‘So Beautiful’ and ‘Opportunity’ to name just a few – continue to soundtrack life’s precious moments and Pete often receives feedback that certain songs, particularly ‘Better Days’, have saved lives.

“There’s no greater appreciation for your song than your lyrics keeping someone alive; that’s just the best thing you could ever hope for,” he acknowledges.

THE BABY ANIMALS exploded onto the Australian music scene in 1991 with their debut album spending six weeks at number one, eventually going eight times platinum and becoming the highest-selling debut Australian rock album until the release of Jet's 'Get Born' album 12 years later.

The Baby Animals launched back onto the scene in 2013 with their third album (the first in 20 years), ‘This Is Not The End’, a genuine rock album with a return to classic Baby Animals form that their fans loved. The band has struck a familiar pose with their enigmatic singer Suze DeMarchi and her talismanic guitarist Dave Leslie returning for action. They’re joined with Dario Bortolin on bass and Mick Skelton on drums. 

1927, Australian pop rock legends, formed in 1987. In 1988 their album ‘...Ish’ went multi-platinum number-one. Front man Weideman reformed the band in 2009 with a new lineup. Fast forward to 2024 and the wheels are well and truly back on! “The last 10-12 years has been very fulfilling for me. I’ve taken the band to a different audience.” Indeed the demographic of 1927 has changed and developed.

BACHELOR GIRL is one of the biggest and most loved Australian acts of the 90’s and early 2000’s, enjoying international acclaim particularly in Asia, Scandinavia and the U.S. (including signing with Clive Davis at Arista Records). Standing out with their exceptional songwriting and Tania’s warm, powerful vocal, APRA recently reported a massive achievement for the band – their hit single ‘Buses and Trains’ being the most played Australian composition on Australian radio in the last 25 years.

The 2024 Legends On The Lawn is guaranteed to sell-out – grab your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

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Tickets for Legends on the Lawn go on sale at 9am QLD time on Thursday 14th March through Ticketmaster and are only available through authorised ticket outlets listed. Patrons are advised not to purchase tickets from Viagogo or other Third Party Sellers, as fraudulent tickets will not be honoured.

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Caption: Featured artists: ICEHOUSE, Jet, Jon Stevens, Pete Murray, Baby Animals, 1927 and Bachelor Girl

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Neighbour Day began in Melbourne in 2003 after the remains of an elderly woman were found inside her suburban home, more than two years after her death.

Council is committed to ensuring sad incidents like that will never occur in our community.

Every March, residents in our region are encouraged to be “Legendary Neighbours”.

Community Services Director Janine McKay said council’s Legendary Neighbour campaign had two parts.

“We are aiming to bring regional areas together with our free Cuppa with your Neighbour events at Homebush, Finch Hatton, Shoal Point, Sarina Beach, Calen and The Leap,” Ms McKay said.

“These are really informal events where we use a local coffee vendor to provide some free cuppas in an area and invite residents to come along and meet each other and chat with a council Community Development Officer,” she said.

“The other part of the Legendary Neighbour campaign encourages residents to host their own neighbourhood gathering with one of our Legendary Neighbour Party Packs.

“Each pack includes a $100 MeatCo barbecue voucher and all the odds and ends you need to host a fun get-together with people in your street who you might not know yet.

“There are 10 packs up-for-grabs and all you need to do to apply for one is head to the council website and tell us why you want to get to know your neighbours..

“The whole campaign is about building a more connected community, because connected communities look out for each other and are more resilient.”

Cuppa with your neighbour events will be held on:

   • Thursday, March 21, 7.30am to 9.30am - Homebush State School.

   • Friday, March 22, 8am to 10am - The Gift Shed (Finch Hatton).

   • Monday, March 25, 9.30am to 11.30am - Shoal Point Park, Shoal Point.

   • Tuesday, March 26, 9am to 11am - Sarina Beach Foreshore (Owen Jenkins Drive).

   • Wednesday, March 27, 8.30am to 10.30am - Vic Bridger Park, 3 McIntyre Street, Calen.

   • Thursday, March 28, 9am to 11am - The Leap Tea Room, The Leap.

For more information or to apply for a Legendary Neighbour box, head to  mackay.qld.gov.au/legendaryneighbour

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Showtime presents this spectacular music tribute and full-scale stage production honouring the one and only King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Celebrate Jackson’s creative genius and unsurpassed talent with riveting live performances evoking his early days as a member of the Jackson 5, his groundbreaking theatrics in the 80s and his continued domination of pop culture into the 21st century.

Songs include Thriller, Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal, Bad, Beat It, ABC, Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough, Human Nature, PYT, They Don’t Really Care About Us and many more.

Get the full Michael Jackson concert experience with triple-threat performer Garth Field – electrifying in his role as Jackson – plus a live band, choreographed dancers, authentic costumes, state-of-the-art sound and theatrical lighting, vision and effects.

Truly a mind-blowing stage production – not to be missed!

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In 1886 The Kungurri turntable was built by Cowans Sheldon in England.  It is a 40ft turntable and its job number was 1492.  There were two turntables shipped to Australia back in the day. The sister turntable now resides down south and there are now only a handful of these still working in Australia.

Councillor Alison Jones shared how this piece of history found its way to the Finch Hatton mountain bike trails.

“I remember in my previous term of council former Cr Dave Perkins mentioning that he and the Pioneer Valley Rotary Club were taking a look at it and thinking about how it could be repurposed,” Cr Jones shared.

“Years later here I am in a briefing about the Mountain Bike Trails and design of the Finch Hatton Trailhead and the Director Jim Carless says, ‘We really need a piece of large equipment that is representative of the valley from years gone by’ and so I had a quiet chat with Cr Bonaventura and contacted Dave Perkins to see where I needed to find out more information about the turn table.”

Mackay Sugar had the turntable stored in a yard after it was removed to allow for a road widening.

“With all the people we had called to get the information, we had created a following which we called the KTTG and this small group were on-site checking it out and were keen to help Mackay Sugar restore her,” Cr Jones said.

Councillors Bonaventura and Jones approached Mr Carless, who agreed that using the KTT as a feature in the trailhead would be a fitting tribute to its heritage.

KTTG are now trying to gather the stories to be documented on-site.  

“Last year, one of my Facebook posts on the KTTG attracted a comment from Albert Ramsamy, who at the age of 14 said he used to turn the rail motor on the turntable back in the day. These were exactly the stories we needed,” Cr Jones said.

While the turntable is locked, the KTTG are hoping that once a year they may be able to run a challenge to see who can turn the table the fastest.

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Caption: Members of the Kungurri Turntable Group on-site at the Mountain Bike Trailhead in Finch Hatton during the installation of the historic turntable. Photo supplied: Alison Jones

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Amidst the anticipation, the winners of the 2024 JSP Women's Awards were revealed at a gala dinner earlier this month, each embodying extraordinary resilience, courage, and innovation. These individuals, recognised across various categories, stand as shining examples of the diverse talents within our community:

WINNERS

Mother of All Mothers: Marnie Louise

Woman Who Breaks the Mould: Adrienne Bradshaw

Health and Wellbeing Warrior: Lauren Neill

Magic Muse: Samantha Munt

Resilient Rebel: Haley Crofts

The Equaliser: Rob Coco

Rising Star: Codie Ebner

From challenging societal norms to advocating for vital causes, each winner has left a mark on our collective consciousness.

This year's event marked a significant milestone in the awards' history, with organiser, Fallon Drewett, proud to witness its evolution to new heights. It's a testament to the power of storytelling, with every nominee, finalist, and winner embodying the grit and determination that inspires us all.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, the JSP Women's Awards serve as a rallying cry for empowerment and progress. It's a space where dreams are nurtured, barriers are shattered, and aspirations are kindled. These awards remind us that greatness resides within each of us, waiting to be unleashed.

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1: Resilient Rebel winner, Haley Crofts

2: Health and Wellbeing Warrior winner, Lauren Neill

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Two women at the helm of the Mackay Hospital Health Service are inspiring an entire workforce to new heights and demonstrating what can be achieved with hard work and perseverance.

MHHS chair and board member Helen Darch OAM and chief executive Susan Gannon are among the 83% female workforce at the Mackay Hospital Health Service.

Both agree International Women’s Day today is an ideal time to reflect on and highlight the important role of women in the workforce and within the community.

“It’s amazing to see the number of women in our service and the many and varied contributions they are making towards a better future,” Ms Gannon said.

“Women have so much to contribute and the way they look at things really matters.”

It was considered somewhat rare to have women in chief executive and chairperson roles and helping to set the strategic direction and oversee the management of Mackay HHS.

“Board members of hospital and health services were primarily male in the past, but the gender balance is now really shifting,” Helen said.

Awareness campaigns like International Women’s Day, with the theme of ‘Count her in’, served as the ideal opportunity to acknowledge how times and perspectives had changed. 

“It’s a day when we note just how far we’ve come from having to seek permission to work, to actually reversing the roles in lots of ways,” Helen said.

“Today is really about celebrating how far we’ve come in recent times, but to also acknowledge there’s still a way to go in terms of ingrained attitudes and equality,” she said.

With more women drawn to the medical profession today, the workforce was seeing a “changing of the guard”. 

“More females are training as doctors than ever before, This will lead to a change in culture in a previously male-dominated profession,” Susan said.

“In the metropolitan areas, the ratio of female doctors now coming through the ranks is at about 50%.”

Both women are proud to acknowledge and celebrate the predominantly female workforce at Mackay HHS.

“I think it’s fabulous to have Susan as the chief executive of the health service because, as they say, you can’t be what can’t see,” Helen said.

“Our workforce has the incredible opportunity to see women in these senior roles and to say, one day I too can be a chief executive or have a senior role here. It’s all possible,” she said.

To mark International Women’s Day, Mackay HHS staff wore purple on the day.

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By Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Caption: MHHS chair and board member Helen Darch OAM and chief executive Susan Gannon.

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Three engineers, a dragline operator and a workplace support manager have taken out this year’s Resources Awards for Women.

The event was hosted on International Women’s Day by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) to celebrate the contribution of women to the state’s number one export industry. 

The QRC was pleased to welcome Queensland Premier Steven Miles to the event, who presented this year’s Exceptional Woman in Queensland Resources award to Head of BHP’s Global Resource Engineering Excellence, Sonia Winter. Sonia’s outstanding career in resources began 20 years ago when she was one of the first women employed through BHP’s graduate mining engineer program. She spent many years working in Central Queensland as a mining engineer, including as General Manager of Poitrel coal mine.

The event featured an array of high-achieving women led by global business leader and keynote speaker BHP President Australia Geraldine Slattery, and new QRC Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson.

Ms Hewson said the number of women working in Queensland’s resources sector had almost doubled over the past 20 years to reach a record 22.1 per cent (8,552 FTE) of the industry’s total workforce. 

“The resources sector is making good progress towards reaching our target of 30 per cent female participation by 2026, but our members are working hard to employ more women at a faster rate to meet this milestone,” Ms Hewson said. 

“26.1 per cent of Executive Management positions in Queensland’s resources sector are now held by women, which is almost double the level of representation in 2015-16, with the proportion of women working in operational and production roles growing by 58 per cent over the same period. 

“Significantly, the number of women in trade roles has increased by almost 40 per cent over the past year, in a clear sign our industry is becoming more diverse and inclusive in its attraction, recruitment and retention programs." 

This year’s Exceptional Young Woman in Queensland Resources Ashara Moore is a FIFO engineer who works at BHP’s Saraji coal mine in Dysart. After starting her career as the sole engineer on construction projects in remote areas, Ashara is now a portfolio lead where she heads a team of engineers and is responsible for over $45 million in capital projects. 

Moranbah State High School Year 12 student and school captain Lexi Croce is this year’s Exceptional Female QMEA Student. The QMEA is the education arm of the QRC which delivers STEM and trade workshops and camps to students at 100 Queensland schools. Lexi has been actively involved with QMEA programs and is a member of her school’s STEM Innovation Experience Team which won last year’s state competition. She is driven by the idea of finding electrical solutions to make mining operations more efficient and environmentally friendly.   

Caption: Moranbah State High School Year 12 student Lexi Croce is this year’s Exceptional Female QMEA Student

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Last week, as the world geared up to celebrate International Women's Day, the Resource Industry Network (RIN) hosted its annual business luncheon at the MECC in Mackay. With the global theme of "Inspire Inclusion," the event aimed to recognise and empower women while fostering a more inclusive workplace environment.

Dean Kirkwood, the General Manager at RIN, emphasised the importance of creating an inclusive workforce.

"We believe that creating an inclusive workforce is not only the right thing to do but is essential for driving innovation in today's business environment. It has also been proven that having women in the workplace increases safety and productivity,” he said.

The highlight of the luncheon was the keynote address by Dr. Catherine Ball, an Associate Professor renowned for her multifaceted contributions at the nexus of technology, innovation, and sustainability. Holding a BSc Honours in Environmental Protection and a PhD in Spatial Ecology, she brings a wealth of expertise to her endeavors. Dr. Ball's work extends beyond academia, as she serves as a company director on global projects that leverage emerging technologies to address humanitarian, educational, and environmental challenges. With a passion for creating businesses and championing movements, she collaborates with peers and advises game-changers across various industries. Dr. Ball's influence extends far beyond traditional boundaries, as she is a sought-after voice in the startup, futurist, and tech spheres, where she connects individuals from diverse backgrounds around common themes and shared visions for a brighter, more sustainable future.

Attendees were particularly impressed by the diverse panel discussion led by MC Kylie Porter, featuring esteemed figures like Larnie Mackay, Dr. Elissa Hatherly, Kathy Searle, and Dr. Bell. Their discussions touched upon breaking barriers for women in the workplace and the importance of fostering meaningful participation and decision-making opportunities for women.

The event also served as a platform to champion the UN Women theme of "Count Her In. Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress." It was a rallying call to empower women to have a voice and agency in driving positive change in workplaces and communities.

Reflecting on the event, participants left feeling motivated and empowered, recognising the crucial role women play in shaping the future. The vibrant atmosphere, insightful discussions, and inspiring presentations reaffirmed the commitment of the Resource Industry Network to advancing gender equality and inclusion in the region's workforce.

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Photos supplied: Resource Industry Network

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By Amanda Wright

Last weekend, the Zonta Club of Mackay Inc. hosted its annual International Women’s Day luncheon to celebrate and recognise girls and women worldwide.

Club President Fiona Koutlis said the lunch celebrates the strides that have already been made towards equality and a life where women can live free from discrimination and violence.

“Where women can live life to its fullest,” she added.

The UN Women International Women’s Day theme for 2024 is ‘Count her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress’. Count her In will examine the pathways to greater economic inclusion for women and girls everywhere.

“Our work towards equality will continue until every girl and woman knows how it feels to be equal,” Fiona added.

The luncheon’s MC was Miki-Ponting-Boyd who delivered a thoughtfully balanced speech on women’s rights here in Australia and across the world, injecting intelligent humour while keeping the audience enthralled with poignant information about equality.

Guest speaker, Judy Porter brought pivotal understanding of why the gender gap exists, examining a range of traits, both learned and biological, examining why men are more likely to strive for promotions while women tend to step aside. Her business experience coupled with her passion for ‘what drives behaviour’ enabled her to deliver a thought-provoking presentation to empower women to strive for better.

In addition to silent auctions, a raffle and entertaining trivia, the Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs Award was announced, which encourages young women from 16-19 to participate in public affairs. The award recognises those who take exceptional strides in the community to volunteer, lead and empower women through service and advocacy.

Evelyn O’Brien from St Patrick’s College was announced the 2024 winner. In accepting her prize, Evelyn told the audience the prize money will go towards her educational endeavour this year of studying law in the UK. Runner up was Bridget Wright from Sarina State High School.

Meet The Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs Award Finalists

Eleena Joe

Holy Spirit College

Eleena Joe is a grade 12 student with a passion and dedication for women’s advancement in the field of public service.

“My personal aspirations include staying committed to successfully achieve my goal of becoming a student at James Cook University Townsville.

“I am also dedicated to continuing my active involvement in volunteer work at aged care homes and rehabilitation hospitals.

“My overarching goal is to align my passion for healthcare, women empowerment and community well-being with meaningful and hands-on contributions.”

Kira Hurrell

Mirani State High School

Kira is a year 11 student who has been an active member of the school Z Club for several years and has held the executive position of Treasurer in 2023 and 2024.

She enjoys the idea of activism and politics.

“An ideal career in the future would include something that involves helping people, whether through scientific discoveries or creating my own organisation towards human rights,” she said.

She also has a passion for dance and drama and participates in a wide range of cultural activities within the school.

Bridget Wright

Sarina State High School

Bridget is a year 12 student and this year was elected by her peers to represent her school as School Captain. She has been an active member of the school’s student council since year 7 and has been a member of the Sarina Zonta Club throughout her schooling.

Alongside her school captaincy, Bridget was also voted as the Mayor of the Mackay Youth Council, the first democratically elected youth council of its kind. She was elected by the eleven fellow councillors and as such works closely with the Mackay Regional Council to ensure the youth of Mackay are supported.

She is passionate about increasing women’s representation in leadership roles in the business sector and politics, through access to programs and initiatives to create strong and driven women.

Bridget’s goals include completing a Business degree where she aims to work in the economics field, working internationally to strengthen Australia’s international relationships.

Chloe Nielsen

Sarina State High School

Chloe is a year 12 student and in 2024 was elected by her peers to represent her school as part of the Student Executive. She is actively striving to initiate a mentorship and mental health program where junior students can reach out for assistance from senior students.

She is also an active member of the woder community. She volunteers time to the Sarina Library, assisting staff and has been asked to contribute to community outreach programs and increasing youth involvement in the library. She also volunteers at the Sarina Hospital where she offers companionship and support to senior citizens during their stays alongside assisting staff.

Her goal is to complete a Bachelor of Biomedical Science/Sciences as a dual degree at the University of Queensland with honours and then complete a PhD majoring in Microbiology and minoring in Neuroscience.

Evelyn O’Brien

St Patrick’s College

Evelyn is a school captain, a member of the Mackay Youth Council, an Ambassador for the Puch-up Challenge and an Ambassador for UN Youth Qld.

“I have competed in the Senior Mackay debating competition and am a current member of Reef Guardians,” she said.

She is an active member in the community, participating in a multitude of sports and performing arts endeavours whilst achieving high marks across all academic subjects.

She intends to study a dual degree in Law and Humanities at the University of Queensland to lead to a career in law.

“As an international postgrad study, I hope to become a Rhode Scholar at the University of Oxford and study a master’s degree in Diplomacy. This level of education will support my transition from law into politics.”

Lilly Uhr

St Patrick’s College

Lilly is a year 12 student and this year is a YMCA Youth Parliament Ambassador following being the Youth Parliament Member for Mackay last year. She is President of St Patrick’s Zonta Club and is a DSARM Charity member and volunteer.

As well as volunteer and academic roles, Lilly is a player, umpire and coach for North’s Netball and a player in the Mackay Machines, a local wheelchair basketball team. She’s also a regional member of the Make It 16 program.

She aspires to study medicine or occupational therapy while continuing to advocate for disability equality. She hopes to work rurally to bridge the gap in rural health services. She also hopes to coach disability sports in a rural community while advocating for women’s rights and helping to fight homelessness. She also intends to run for local government.

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Captions:

Student finalists: The six student finalists L-R: Chloe Nielsen, Lilly Uhr, Eleena Joe, Bridget Wright, Evelyn O’Brien, Kira Hurrell. Photo credit: Cherrie Hughes Social Media & Photography

Winner Evelyn O’Brien being congratulated by Zonta Club of Mackay Inc. members, with runner-up Bridget Wright (right)

MC Miki Ponting-Boyd entertained the tables of attendees at the luncheon

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One of my hockey mates Gareth is having his 40th birthday party tomorrow night. For anyone living near Milton Street High School, get ready. There could be some music and noise, but I’m sure the events will be very low-key. Honest. Trust me, I work in radio.

One of the other events this weekend is on tonight at the Mackay Turf Club. Their big Sugar Awards are on, and I’ll jump on the mic to help it all flow along in my own way.

This weekend we’ve got markets at the showgrounds, beach markets around Bowen and Seaforth over the next few weeks, and with Easter just around the corner, stacks of events are being planned to get the most out of the weather, especially if you’re camping at Eungella or Seaforth. Get your gear ready now.

One thing I’d like to mention in this article today, and it brings a tear to my eye as I write this down.

On Monday we got to say ‘until next time’ for a lovely young man, taken way too early in life. His name is Jai Patrick Degue, and he was just 14 years old. In 5 day’s time, he would have turned 15.

Jai had a smile that would light up a room, a personality to match, and the cheekiness that we can all say, we loved. A couple of weeks ago Jai had a cardiac episode that he never recovered from, and on Monday his family Sarah, Nev, Bruce, Jesse, Yvette and their entire extended family said their goodbyes.

What made it even more special for me, was that last week Sarah and Bruce, after speaking with Nev asked me to officiate Jai’s service. I took it as an absolute honour, and whilst it was emotional to do, I hope I showed respect to Jai and his loved ones, whilst also bringing out some of his wonderful, colourful life that everyone loved.

From seeing the Newhaven Chapel full of people, and then seeing double that outside during the service makes you feel OK that this young man was truly loved in our community.

There were plenty of tears, and there will be more to come, but after hearing the stories about Jai, what he got up to, how he loved Nutella, coffee and that daily banana, it makes you look at life in a different way. Let’s live our lives today. Not tomorrow. Today.

Tell those around you how much they mean to you, laugh a lot, cry more, ruffle someone’s hair up, because you’re tall, treat people with the utmost respect, and please if you’re playing D&D with anyone, keep a thought for Jai. He was a master at it.

Rest in peace young man.

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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It’s that time in the election cycle when citizens can metaphorically pick up their baseball bats and head to the polls.

It can be a lot of fun for the populace to get together like a gang of marauding bullies and head to the Showgrounds or local schools and give the elected representatives a good going over.

Sometimes the electoral flogging is well-deserved and a local member, councillor or mayor is punished for their ineptitude or for simply failing to get the results that had been expected. Thwak!

This weekend it’s council elections and I reckon there will be a few bruises when we see the aftermath next week. It will be interesting to see who’s left standing but I reckon there are going to be some new faces.

I won’t comment on the mayoral race for one very good and sound reason; I know and like all three candidates and I’m a wimpy little chicken who hasn’t got the guts to state publicly what he thinks.

Having said that, I would suggest that whoever is preparing the council name tags can safely order one that says, Cr G Christensen. That should make it interesting.

Other elections are coming up; the Federal Election will be early next year and the State Election will be held in October this year.

Whether it is local, state or federal governments, we all have our opinions and biases and things we look for in our representatives. And, as long as you don’t vote Greens or Teal, I respect your views. (Come on that’s a joke … kinda.)

But whoever we vote for, I think one of the main things we all want is for the interests of our city and region to be represented properly, for Mackay to be given the opportunity to be the best it can be.

Former US president Bill Clinton had a succinct and powerful way of describing what, in the end, was truly important politically: “It’s the economy, stupid.”

The economy is really a matter for state and federal governments and the electorate will express its view on their performance when it’s time to vote.

As a Mackay person and real estate agent, I expect both levels of government to do everything they can to boost our economy, create the opportunities that will support families, generate apprenticeships and sustain our city in the years ahead.

Diversification of our economy is vital to sustain us by applying our skills to new areas as the world changes, but it is also important that governments support and promote the coal industry and the local businesses that are inextricably linked to it.

A healthy coal sector creates work opportunities for miners and their families who move to - or decide to remain in -  Mackay but those people need services and that also generates work for hairdressers and plumbers and carpenters and mechanics and accountants and teachers and … the list goes on in a perfect storm of capitalist energy.

The real estate sector and those who own property in this town benefit from this dynamic but governments have let us down in a couple of areas.

The state government has been absolutely hopeless at explaining to the nation that 70 or 80 per cent of the coal we produce in our region is coking coal, which is used to make steel. Not thermal coal for power plants. Steel-making coal, you know, the good stuff.

There are other things that need to be addressed that are a matter for the State Government because they are elected to support our economy, help facilitate the business and employment opportunities and address related problems such as housing.

Yes, I am pushing for a strong real estate sector but that also means an energetic, growing economy that provides opportunities for tomorrow’s Mackay school-leavers.

The great thing about elections is that we get to make a judgement and, if necessary, a change.

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