By Paul Gellatly

The Save the Jetty Committee took to the floor at the most recent Bowen Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Chairman of the group, Tony Bale talked about progress on the project and a Queensland Government $50 million commitment to the jetty, and a Bowen survey to gauge community reaction to the project.

Mr Bale said the historical jetty was "as significant as mangoes" to Bowen.

The jetty received a makeover in the early 2000s by North Queensland Bulk Ports to make the walkways safer, but "unfortunately, it does need a bit of care now".

The jetty, opened in 1867, was an early user of the Monier steel-reinforced concrete construction method, but this has proved so durable that demolition would be an expensive option.

The present operator, NQBP, is moving from the site to be closer to the Adani/Bravis facility at Abbott Point, and if a new resident operator cannot be found, the structure must be demolished.

Mr Bale said NQBP had already set aside $18 million for this purpose.

However, in pursuit of its goal of preserving the jetty, Mr Bale said the committee had sought ideas for new uses of the jetty and 52 ideas were received.

Mr Bale said the project had received a $50 million boost with an offer by Transport Minister Mark Bailey for a $50 million grant taken from Abbott Point royalties.

Mr Bale said the Save the Jetty Committee had been working alongside this to develop a better use for the jetty, "and as we all know, everyone wants to save the jetty.

"In this process, we want to find the sweet spot in what is desirable, feasible and viable," he said, without causing an unnecessary burden for ratepayers.

An engineering inspection to begin later this month will gauge the state of decay in the jetty to determine what can be built there.

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Tony Bale has some good news about plans to repurpose Bowen's crumbling jetty. Photo credit: Paul Gellatly

The Cannonvale skate park is in the midst of its highly anticipated renovation, which is set to heat up the tricks and flips completed by local skateboarders in the community.

The Whitsunday Regional Council anticipate that the works will be completed by mid-December, subject to weather, and will see a great benefit the community.

“The works were required as the previous skatepark wasn’t fit for purpose for skilled skaters, with quarter pipes that were of too steep a gradient and poor drainage,” a council spokesperson explained.

“The project has been a work in progress since consultation with local skaters helping to refine initial concepts for the park in October 2021. Refinements to the design led to the completion of stage 1, that is a street style park for beginner to intermediates, in August 2022,” the spokesperson said.

“Stage 2 is a more complex bowl, providing a greater challenge for intermediate and advanced skaters.

“The upgrade courtesy of the Australian Governments Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grant will support skaters of all expertise and be another awesome recreational outlet for our youth and young adults.

“Stay tuned for our upcoming opening event, to be announced once the anticipated completion date is confirmed by our local contractor.”

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The extensive works being completed at the Cannonvale Skate Park. Potos supplied

Being a member of Tourism Whitsundays comes with all sorts of benefits and there's generally an extra few we come up with during the year!

This year we've held three member workshops, one a month in September, October and November.

These workshops are exclusive to our members and run by people we work with.

In September we held a marketing workshop with our agency, Wavemaker.

Here, the Managing Director presented a workshop on the markets and trends they are seeing.

In October, our PR agency, Verve PR came to the region to present a PR 101 to our members.

This workshop helped attendees to understand the foundations of working with media and how to best get coverage in traditional media forms.

Earlier this week we held the third event which was a digital marketing workshop that covered off the foundations of digital marketing.

Run by our team, this workshop gave attendees a great understanding of the most commonly used digital marketing channels and how the previous two workshops can help to bolster your digital marketing approach.

The feedback we've received is hugely positive and we're absolutely happy to share the knowledge, connections and expertise we have access to with our members to ensure that The Whitsundays continues to captivate audiences and visitors around the world.

We're currently reviewing a calendar of workshops for next year. Watch this space!

From Laura Knipe, Marketing Manager at Tourism Whitsundays.

Manager of Customer Service

Whitsunday Regional Council

Council strives to serve the needs and interests of our community so effective customer service is an important means of engaging with residents, understanding their concerns, and addressing their issues.

This week we meet Whitsunday Regional Council’s Manager Customer Service, Shane Douglas.

“Dougo” as he is better known to his friends has been with Council for seven years and had previously worked in management positions across a variety of backgrounds for 22 years.

In his words, “I had a desire to give back to my community and being a part of grassroots local government allows me to do that every day”.

“My ambitions were to ensure open and honest communication with residents was treated as a priority because providing information about council activities, decisions, and initiatives through exceptional customer service helps ensure transparency and accountability. Helping customers get from reporting an issue to resolving it and removing the need for service all together is what great Customer Service is all about.”

“Customer service is the bridge that connects Council to its community. My role includes overseeing our Customer Service counters in Cannonvale, Proserpine, Bowen and Collinsville, along with our afterhours call centre and online services,” he said.

Whitsunday Regional Council received 52,361 calls, 23,611 visitors to our branches and logged 23,501 requests for service last year. With the push for digital services across all sectors, WRC’s next stage is to reduce cost through emerging digital services while balancing the need to remain accessible to all our residents.

Shane said that while his role can be challenging it is also rewarding as he gets to lead a fantastic team and has been sought after as guest speaker at customer service conferences in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, and New Zealand.

“Customer service is not just about providing information or resolving issues; it's about building trust, and ultimately creating a community where residents feel heard, valued, and well-served.”

In his spare time, ‘Dougo’ can be seen on the cricket field and coaching junior Rugby League and Union teams or out on the water fishing and crabbing.

This week is National Recycling Week, a time for us all to think about how we can work together as a community towards a greener and healthier Whitsundays.

Have you ever wondered what happens to your recyclable products after they go into your yellow bin and get picked up by your bin man?

Our truck drivers take your recyclables to the MRF (Materials Recovery Facility) in Mackay where they are sorted and processed. Once the items in your bin have been separated, they can be sent away to be used to make new items such as car parts, benches, pens, carpets, clothing and more!

Being a small region, we do not collect enough materials to have our own local MRF facility. By teaming up with the MRF in Mackay, we can make sure that our Whitsunday recyclables have the best opportunity to become something new! Using recyclables to make new products greatly reduces the amount of energy needed during the manufacturing process, helping to keep our planet heathy and to conserve natural resources.

For more information on how to recycle right in the Whitsundays, head to the Waste and recycling section of our website.

Remembrance Day was commemorated across Australia last weekend, with the region hosting ceremonies in Proserpine, Cannonvale, Bowen, and Collinsville.

It has been 105 years since the Armistice of World War 1, when the conflict in Europe came to an official end.

Proserpine RSL Marks 100 Years

Last Saturday also marked 100 years of the Proserpine RSL Sub Branch.

The RSL has seen various waves of rise and decline over the years, with it shutting its doors for a time in 2014 before reopening in 2018, much to the happiness of local servicemen and women and the community.

Currently there are about 65 members on the books, from all walks of service life.

“We’re a big mixture of members,” Brian Dunlop, League volunteer, said.

With two large commercial kitchens, two bars, well equipped function room, and plenty of space, the Proserpine RSL is a central hub of activity.

“We’ve got big plans to reinvigorate the community, using the building and the RSL, so watch this space.”

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Bowen RSL Remembrance Day Commemorations. Photos supplied

Proserpine RSL Remembrance Day Commemorations. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

The dry season is upon us and looks like it is going to stick around for a while.

We have been advised that temperatures may be warmer than usual, and rainfall less than average, well into the new year.

So, November through to February kitchen gardens in the Whitsundays may be a little more challenging than the norm. On a positive note, that might result in a sunny Christmas day. Silver lining!

My focus right now, is on soil improvement and planning for the next growing season.

That does not mean you won’t see anything growing in my patch but what it does mean, is the morning watering ritual is more important than ever.  

Every morning without fail, get up and water. Consistency pays off.

If you are on tank water (like me), that means very careful consideration as to what food I will be growing throughout the coming months, consolidating growing areas.

Corn is my go-to this time of year. Here in the tropics, it will grow any time of year.

But corn are fast growers, so you’ll need to feed and water them “consistently”.

Have you tried a dwarf variety? I hadn’t until this year, and I’ve been really impressed!  Growing only 1m tall, it produces cobs around 15cm long.

You can add the kernels to salads, soups or fried rice. Or simply lightly steam the entire cob and add butter! YUM! Better still, pick straight off the plant and eat it raw!

Corn germinates quickly in the warmer months, so you’ll see germination somewhere between 4 – 10 days. Each stem growing one cob (sometimes two).

I throw cardboard or cloth over my seeds until I see them break through the earth as this helps keep the soil from drying out. The seeds do not need sunlight to germinate but once they pop out of the ground, I exchange cardboard for a 20-30% shade cloth.  

They do like a full sun position, but our sun can be intense in the early afternoon, so a little shade prevents stress.

Did you know that corn is wind pollinated? I plant them around 50cm apart from each other to ensure good pollination as missing kernels on your corn cob are a result of some flowers not being pollinated. With a morning, daily water, you’ll have corn ready to pick within 12 weeks!

Last year I had a lot of readers let me know that they loved this salad dressing and I do too, so I thought I’d put it out there for all those people who didn’t get around to giving it a go:

RECIPE – GINGER & CARROT DRESSING

I hear a lot of people describe salads as boring!

A great dressing will transform ANY salad, so I’m sharing a dressing I’ve come across that you can use on your kitchen garden pickings.  It’s quick and easy and can be kept in the fridge for up to three days.

Ingredients

3 Carrots – peeled and chopped into small pieces

30g Fresh ginger – peel and chop into small pieces

15ml Honey

10ml Soy Sauce

30ml Rice Vinegar

1 Tablespoon White Miso

70ml Olive oil

30ml Lime Juice

50ml water

Salt & Pepper to taste

Simply place all the ingredients in a food processor or use a stick blender and blend until its completely smooth

Pour over combined – Spinach leaves, sliced avocado and Lebanese cucumber, basil leaves, red onions and roasted seeds of your choice.   Or add anything you want!

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Corn can be ready to pick in 12 weeks!

Salads are never boring with the right dressing

Salad dressing can be quick and easy to make

James Grech, Hamish Wright, Kimberley Doyle and the Mackay Rowing Club emerged as the best in North Queensland, representing Mackay Regional Council at an illustrious dinner last weekend celebrating the best in sport for 2023.

The MECC came alive on Saturday night as hundreds of sporting heroes from across the state attended North Queensland’s premier sporting awards event.

A number of Mackay athletes, teams and volunteers took home top honours at the MM Electrical NQ Sportstar Awards, an annual awards event held at different regional towns each year.

James Grech won the Service to Sport award, Hamish Wright took out the Masters Sportstar of the Year, Volunteer of the Year was won by Kimberley Doyle and the Mackay Rowing Club took out the Senior Team of the year.

From Local Fields To North Queensland Glory

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said he was excited to see such a large number of our sporting greats receive recognition.

“The last time these awards were held in the Mackay region was in 2012, so it was exciting to have the event return to Mackay for 2023,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Our region punches above its weight in sporting excellence and it was amazing to see our region win first or second place, for seven out of 11 categories on offer,” he said.

North Queensland Sports Foundation CEO Stephen Farrell said it was an unforgettable evening of celebration, recognition and inspiration.

“The event was a resounding success, with emcee Glen “Minty” Mintern and world class VIP guest speaker, Brooke Hanson OLY OAM keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats,” Mr Farrell said.

“The prestigious annual event brings together sporting enthusiasts, athletes and community leaders to honour and celebrate the region's exceptional sporting talent,” he said.

“The 2023 MM Electrical NQ Sportstar Awards serves as a platform to recognise and applaud outstanding achievements and dedication to sports.

“The winners and runners-up have demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication and contribution to their respective sports, and we applaud them for their achievements.

“This year's gala event also marked a significant milestone - the 40th anniversary of the NQ Sports Foundation, and the MECC was decorated to celebrate the occasion.

“The awards event would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, partners and unwavering enthusiasm of the local sports community, which we deeply appreciate.”

Guest speaker Brooke Hanson OLY OAM, gold and silver Olympic swimmer and Order of Australia Medal recipient, shared her inspiring journey and insights from her illustrious career at the event. Her words resonated with the attendees, reminding everyone of the importance of dedication, perseverance and the pursuit of excellence in sports and life.

Mayor Greg Williamson also said one of the highlights of the evening was the induction of two distinguished Mackay individuals into the North Queensland Sports Foundation Hall of Fame.

“The honour went to Tracey Belbin and George Moore, both of whom have made invaluable contributions to the sports community,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Their dedication and outstanding achievements have left an indelible mark on the Mackay and North Queensland's sporting landscape,” he said.

Winners and runners-up for each category at the 2023 MM Electrical NQ Sportstar Awards include:

> Senior Sportstar of the Year sponsored by Consolidated Engineering Plastics Products

Winner: Jake Doran, Townsville City Council Athletics

Runner up: Janee Emms, Baton Twirling, Mackay Regional Council

> Rural and Remote Senior Sportstar of the Year sponsored by Fitzroy Mining

Winner: James Lowe, Muay Thai, Charters Towers Regional Council

Runner up: Campbell Hodson Charters, Rodeo/ Team Roping, Charters Towers Regional Council

> Junior Sportstar of the Year sponsored by Anything Environmental

Winner: Ciara Storch, Boxing, Isaac Regional Council

Runner up: Monique Bobongie, Basketball, Mackay Regional Council

> Rural and Remote Junior Sportstar of the Year sponsored by Wilmar Sugar

Winner: Cade Ferguson, Rodeo, Cloncurry Shire Council

Runner up: Kiera Wiseman, Waterskiing, Burdekin Shire Council

> Athlete with a Disability sponsored by DGH Engineering

Winner: Samuel Le Feuvre, Athletics, Charters Towers Regional Council

Runner up: TJ Straw, Basketball and Powerlifting, Mackay Regional Council

> Masters Sportstar of the Year sponsored by City Fitness

Winner: Hamish Wright, Track Cycling, Mackay Regional Council

Runner up: Julie Dunn, Outrigging, Cairns Regional Council

> Senior Team sponsored by Mackay Regional Council

Winner: Mackay Rowing Club - Sculling mix quad double rowing, Mackay Regional Council

Runner up: Cooktown Underwater Hockey Team (Senior), Cook Shire Council

> Junior Team sponsored by Struddys

Winner: Cooktown Underwater Hockey Team (Junior), Cook Shire Council

Runner up: 11-12 Boys Northern Rugby League, Townsville City Council

> Volunteer of the Year sponsored by Queensland Hydro

Winner: Kimberly Doyle, Basketball, Powerlifting and Table Tennis, Mackay Regional Council

Runner up: Jack Baldwin, AFL, Mackay Regional Council

> Service to Sport sponsored by Struddys

Winner: James Grech, Track and Field (Athletics), Mackay Regional Council

Runner up: Joesph Pennisi, Rugby League, Hinchinbrook Shire Council

> Sporting Excellence sponsored by JMS Aquatics

Winner: Grace Grandcourt, IPSC Pistol Shooting, Mareeba Shire Council

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Mackay’s winners and runner-up’s at the MM Electrical NQ Sportstar Awards. L-R (front): Jack Baldwin (AFL), Hamish Wright (track cycling), Councillor Laurence Bonaventura. L-R (back): Councillor Fran Mann, Mayor Greg Williamson, Kimberley Doyle (Special Olympics), TJ Straw (basketball and powerlifting), James Grech (athletics), Janee Emms (baton twirling), Therese Clancy (rowing), Councillor Belinda Hassan. Photo credit: Liz Andrews Photography

Hamish Wright, track cycling: Masters Sportstar of the Year sponsored by City Fitness

James Grech, athletics: Service to Sport sponsored by Struddys

Mackay Rowing Club, Sculling mix quad double rowing: Senior Team sponsored by Mackay Regional Council. Photos: Liz Andrews Photography

Two-way traffic will return to Pioneer Street from Sunday (November 12) as upgrade works continue at the intersection of Holts Road and Pioneer Street.

The works are being undertaken to improve safety and traffic flow, and are expected to be completed in mid-December, weather permitting.

In the second stage of works at the intersection, traffic will again flow in both directions, however traffic control will be in place at Holts Road and there will be a reduction to the speed limit.

Work will take place between 6am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. Some weekend work may also be required.

There will be some noise and dust disturbances with various plant and equipment on-site.

This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Black Spot program.

For more information go to connectingmackay.com.au

Deborah Heron works for a local Mackay organisation called Connect 2 Wellbeing, who assist vulnerable people to access vital services around our region from hygiene and food assistance, to housing and legal aid.

A reluctant gentleman and regular client of Deborah’s had been to visit a few places in town, where he didn’t feel as supported or respected as he should have.

After a recent trip to Whitsunday Foodbank Mackay, located at 352 Bridge Road in West Mackay, the man sent an email to Deborah commending the positive experience he received at the charitable organisation on his visit.

The man stated, “I was given a warm welcome by volunteers, it was a very bright and warm atmosphere.

“There was assorted foods, enough options to cater for most diets and fifty per cent off retail prices.

“There wasn’t a limit on groceries, I definitely will make this my regular weekly shop,” he said.

Living in supported accommodation with four strangers, the man felt seen at Foodbank and was treated with the respect and compassion he deserves.

“To be able to go to Foodbank and feel supported and welcomed, he has come back with a glowing recommendation and glowing experience,” Deborah commented.

It is vital to our community to have these organisations to rely on when times are tough, especially with the cost of living crisis seeing many who are in dire need of support.

Congratulations to Whitsunday Foodbank Mackay for going above and beyond to offer a compassionate service and leave customers with a smile.

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Whitsunday Foodbank Mackay

It's a Wednesday morning, triple deadline week – the kind where your schedule is so tight you can hear it creaking like an old rocking chair. The newspapers need to go to print, the printers are waiting, and the distribution clock is ticking. Plus, we're on the final stretch of getting Core Magazine ready for print, too.

And then, out of the blue, the telecommunication deities decide to hit the snooze button. An Australia-wide Optus outage? Really? It's like they've chosen the worst possible moment to test our patience.

Thankfully, the majority of our team have their telecom allegiance with Telstra, feeling all smug as they continue to scroll, chat, and call while I find myself plunged into what feels like an apocalyptic darkness, disconnected from the world. The internet refuses to connect, my phone becomes an expensive paperweight, and I start to wonder if smoke signals and carrier pigeons might be making a comeback.

As the blackout stretches on, my eyes stay glued to the ticking deadline clock. At 9am, I have no choice but to bundle my little one into the car and embark on a quest for an elusive Wi-Fi haven, preferably one running on Telstra's network.

Yet, amid the frantic hunt for connectivity, there's something sobering about the whole experience. We've become so dependent on computers and the digital realm that a mere blackout makes us feel like helpless cave-dwellers. No offense to our ancestors, but we've grown used to a certain level of convenience.

The Optus meltdown does raise some intriguing questions. It's a stark reminder of why physical cash should remain legal tender, and why businesses should be obligated to accept it. The growing number of businesses refusing to take cash might, in fact, be a dangerous path we're treading.

In the meantime, I'll sip my fifth coffee of the day, trying not to feel like a freeloader as I adapt to this sudden twist in our digital age saga. After all, when the Telecom Gods hit snooze, there's only so much we can do but ponder life's curiosities while we await their wake-up call.

Amanda

Exciting news for the Clermont community as a permanent doctor will begin practicing at the Clermont Multi-Purpose Health Service (MPHS). This significant development is a welcomed relief for the locals and has garnered enthusiastic support from community advocate group Clermont4Doctors.

Mackay HHS Executive Director of Public Health and Rural Services Terry Johnson said both organisations had been working hard to attract more permanent doctors to the area.

“We are thrilled to announce that Dr Tim Lane has been appointed to the position of Senior Medical Officer (SMO) at Clermont and he has made a permanent move to town with his family,” Ms Johnson said.

“Dr Lane has previous experience in the Northern Territory and in Queensland in both remote and regional facilities.

“He has worked in a number of rural and regional areas including Bundaberg and Gin Gin.

“Dr Lane is also interested in general practice and primary health care, and we will be working with Tim to see how we can support his interest in this.”

Dr Lane commenced at Clermont MPHS on Monday, 6th November.

The Clermont MPHS will continue to be served by visiting locums to support Dr Lane and share the workload at the facility while we undertake further medical recruitment.

Clermont4Doctors Project Worker Janelle Otto said it was a very good outcome for the Clermont community.

“This is a great step forward in improving the community’s access to doctors so they can get the care they need, when they need it,” Ms Otto said.

“Clermont4Doctors will continue to support further medical recruitment and any doctors interested in finding out more about our community are invited to contact us.”

Dr Lane is excited about the move to our region.

“I am committed to rural health, and I look forward to giving my time and energy to supporting the Clermont community,” Dr Lane said.

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Dr Tim Lane, left, has taken up residence in Clermont with his family (partner Freddy and baby son Dominic)

This Saturday on 11th November marks Remembrance Day. Every year at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, millions of people around the world pause in silence to remember the sacrifices made, and to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty.

The Mackay Tiger Moth Museum will be hosting a flyover Jubilee Park Cenotaph in Mackay, during the RSL service with Tiger Moth planes (VH-CYA and VH-IVN) in action, both having served in the Second World War with one in active service as a spotter reconnaissance in New Guinea.

The RSL Sub Branches across Queensland invites veterans and their families to join in remembering fallen service personnel.

Read our guide to discover the services in Mackay and surrounds, to allow you to pay your respects on this upcoming Remembrance Day. All Remembrance Day ceremonies will include the laying of wreaths, the playing of the Last Post, and the observance of a minute's silence at 11am.  

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Mackay

When:

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Where:

Cenotaph at Jubilee Park, Alfred Street

Contact

Name: Nichole Hood

Phone: 0499567297

Email: info@mackay.rslqld.net.au

Northern Beaches

When:

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Where:

Opposite Playground at Bucasia Esplanade, Seaview Park

Contact

Name: Ruth Wickham

Phone: 0401416943

Email: ruth.wickham@farleigh.rslqld.net.au

Walkerston

When:

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Location:

Anzac Park on Bridge St

Contact

Name: Gail Clark

Phone: 0407127256

Email: gail.clark@walkerston.rslqld.net.au

Seaforth

When:

10:45 AM - 11:30 AM

Location:

Cenotaph at Palm Avenue

Contact

Name: Ron Cameron

Phone: 0417933348

Email: ronaldcam@bigpond.com

Marian

When:

10:45 AM - 11:30 AM

Location:

Marian Community Wall Memorial Hall, 17 Daly Street

Contact

Name: Marian Sub Branch

Phone: 0458543486

Email: robert.murry@marian.rslqld.net.au

Mirani

When:

10:45 AM - 11:15 AM

Location:

Mirani Cenotaph at Railway Park Mirani, Mackay Eungella Road

Contact

Name: Jan Lindbergs

Phone: 0488783214

Email: jan.lindbergs@mirani.rslqld.net.au

Calen

When:

10:45 AM - 1:00 PM

Location:

42 McIntyre St

Contact

Name: Barbara Farren-Price

Phone: 0436602496

Email: barb.farren-price@sthelens.rslqld.net.au

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Other ways to be involved on Remembrance Day include donating to the Poppy Appeal, wearing a poppy of remembrance and volunteering.

On Remembrance Day or any time of year, volunteering at your local RSL Sub Branch is a great way to support veterans and their families.

A significant accommodation precinct is being proposed at Mackay Airport, with concept developments underway in partnership with Greater Whitsunday Communities and Regional Development Australia.

The concept was introduced during a strategic meeting at the Housing Summit in August, hosted by Greater Whitsunday Communities and Regional Development Australia to identify the issues faced in our region and allow key stakeholders to identify solutions.

Innovation through collaboration was a key focus of the Housing Summit, identifying Mackay Airport as a spearhead for future opportunities. A prominent solution was the Housing Action Plan, with the Mackay Workforce Accommodation Precinct introduced to hopefully create more affordable housing.

Key local stakeholders say the development would help to relieve the critical strain on workforce accommodation options in the region, which is impacting employers, their operations and overall economic viability.

Executive Officer of Greater Whitsundays Communities, Carol Norris stated, “What we’ve discovered in our collaboration, is that there is a real gap in social infrastructure, and that starts with housing.

“We need to improve the liveability of our region.”

Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles said, “As a crucial gateway to the Mackay region, Mackay Airport is committed to supporting economic growth and enhancing the overall experience for workers and residents alike.

“To this end, we are exploring the overall demand for development of a permanent workers accommodation precinct on a designated portion of airport land.

“Concepts have been done, and we want to work with interested parties to develop those further. We want to make sure we get it right so we can deliver exactly what is needed for the community’s workforce.

“Mackay’s workforce industries are suffering from the lack of accommodation within Mackay. When they do employ people to come to the region, as we know there is very low rental occupancy rates as well as permanent housing available.

“This would offer that permanent solution for workers coming to Mackay. I believe this could be the catalyst to kick it off and look at those permanent, long-term housing solutions in Mackay.”

The accommodation precinct would be strategically located within the airport precinct, offering convenient access to the terminal and industrial areas, including flexible accommodation options with a mix of studio, one bed and two bedroom units.

Chief Executive Officer of Regional Development Australia, Jeff Stewart-Harris stated, “The housing situation in [the] region is a common problem across Australia. What we need to be able to do to grow as a region, is to get the workforce accommodated.

“What we know is that this region has an economic output of over $22 billion, and that’s being strained by housing.

“We know that there are more than 20,000 non-resident workers in the region throughout the year, many of those who would like to be part of the community who can’t be because of this.

“What’s being proposed by Mackay Airport is to test the market to see who would be interested in being able to solve their piece of the puzzle in part of a bigger picture.

“Interest is there, it’s about finding ways to create new supply,” he said.

Mackay Airport invites qualified and interested parties, companies and organisations to come forward to submit expressions of interest and work with us on this concept and lease the purpose-built accommodation.

Interested groups are being invited to submit an EOI by the end of November.

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Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles, Chief Executive Officer of Regional Development Australia, Jeff Stewart-Harris and Executive Officer of Greater Whitsundays Communities, Carol Norris discuss a new accommodation precinct

Photo credit: Sinead Porter

Mockup for the Mackay Airport Village design concept

Mockup for the Mackay Airport Village communal space design concept

Photos supplied

Last month, the Endeavour Foundation hosted an empowering event for people in the community living with disability, the Business Solutions Employment Showcase. This occasion provided a unique window into the world of fulfilling work opportunities for individuals living with disabilities.

During the event, attendees had the chance to see firsthand the dedication and expertise that the foundation's team brings to various work areas. From assembly work to document destruction and even painting of stakes and pegs, it was evident that this organisation provides valuable support and fosters an inclusive workplace environment.

The Rotary Club of Mackay played a pivotal role in the event by presenting supported employees with "Pride in Workmanship Awards." Ten supported employees were honoured with Rotary medallions, recognising their valuable contributions to the team, while staff received well-deserved Valued Employee certificates.

The event also received support from organisations like Blackwoods, who share a commitment to assisting businesses in the community. Blackwoods has a strong history of supporting local businesses and has dedicated itself to helping Endeavour Foundation to offer opportunities for people with disabilities to work, develop skills, earn an income, pursue their interests, and engage with the community.

Supported Employment embodies a beautiful symbiosis, offering tailored business solutions to local businesses while creating life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities.

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Back row (L-R): Linda Tuckerman – Leadership Award, Frank Gilbert (President of the Mackay Rotary Club), Jason Roseblatt – Team Player Award, Rommaney McAullay, Robert Pethebridge – Attendance and Punctuality Award, Rosemary Campbell – Employee Wellness Advocate Award, TJ Straw – Quality Assurance Award

Front Row (L-R): Peter – Safety Champion Award, Blake Heinrich – Customer Service Excellence Award, Jordan – Mentorship Award, Brendan Blomfield – Problem Solver Award

Staff valued employee certificates

Representatives from Blackwoods with two supported employees

Everyone enjoyed socialising around the barbeque