Indigenous businesses from across the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions will come together with local procurement representatives when the First Nations Business Expo returns to Mackay for its fifth year.

‍

Held during Indigenous Business Month, the expo is designed to bring Indigenous suppliers and potential buyers together, while supporting collaboration, relationship building and future business opportunities.

The event provides a space for Indigenous businesses to showcase their work, raise their profile and connect with procurement bodies and other businesses. It also helps local procurement representatives better understand the businesses operating across the region and their capabilities, as well as procurement requirements.

‍

Now in its fifth year, the growing expo highlights the role partnerships and community support can play in creating opportunities for First Nations businesses and supporting economic growth.

The expo will also allow businesses to identify areas where they may need further support, build their capacity and awareness, develop partnerships and establish potential future work prospects.

‍

Feedback from last year’s event described it as “An amazing showcase of the region’s indigenous capabilities” and “Very informative and helpful”.

Mackay and Region Aboriginal and Islander Development Association, better known as MARABISDA, will also be among the organisations represented at the event. The organisation works alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, children and carers, providing culturally supportive spaces and helping people access services, resources and opportunities while strengthening connections to culture, family and community.

‍

For visitors, the expo will provide a chance to meet local First Nations businesses and organisations and learn more about the services, products and capabilities available across the region.

‍

The event forms part of Indigenous Business Month, held annually from October 1 to 31 to recognise and promote the strength, innovation and impact of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses across Australia.

‍

The month highlights the contribution of Indigenous entrepreneurs and business leaders to Australia’s economy and cultural landscape, while encouraging conversations around economic self-determination and Indigenous business leadership.

The First Nations Business Expo will be held on Thursday 22^nd October, from 10:30am to 2pm at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre’s North Foyer.

‍

Attendance is free, with registration required.

‍

This year’s expo is sponsored by Mackay Regional Council and North Queensland Bulk Ports.

‍

What? First Nations Business Expo 2026
When? Thursday 22^nd October 10:30am-2pm
Where? MECC, North Foyer

‍

Breeanna Poxon from The Just Saying Project in the process of hanging each artist's work, including artist Kahmaia Haines. Photo supplied

‍

Mackay locals will have the chance to see women’s experiences of body image, confidence and self-perception transformed into visual art when Behind the Figures opens this Saturday night.

‍

The new selling exhibition by The Just Saying Project will officially open on Saturday 19^th September from 5.30pm to 8pm at JSP Home of Women’s Stories on Wood Street.

‍

The opening will also mark the first official exhibition at The Just Saying Project’s new gallery and community space.

Behind the Figures brings together eight local visual artists, each responding to original research exploring women’s experiences of body image, confidence and the moments they have missed because of how they felt about their appearance.

‍

The research explores the experiences of more than 100 women and explores topics including when body shame can begin, how appearance can influence confidence and participation in life, and experiences that have helped women develop an appreciation for what their bodies can do.

JSP Director and exhibition curator Bree Poxon said the exhibition was about taking the research beyond statistics and reconnecting it with the community.

‍

“Every work in our gallery started as a number in a survey. A statistic about shame, or confidence, or the age a woman first felt she did not measure up,” Ms Poxon said.

“What our artists have done is take that data and give it a body again.

‍

“This is JSP Home of Women's Stories' first official exhibition, and I can't think of a better way to open the gallery walls than by handing the research back to the community it came from.”

‍

Among the eight artists is Isabella Plant, who said art could help open conversations around topics that were not always easy to discuss.

“I have always felt art is a powerful tool for relaying important messages that can sometimes go unseen or aren’t always easy to bring up in conversation,” Ms Plant said.

‍

“That is why from concept to process and final product I have been beaming with pride to create an impactful sculpture that helps bring the numbers found in The Just Saying Project’s research around women’s body image to the forefront of viewers' minds and conversations.”

‍

The exhibition will also form part of a wider program at JSP Home of Women’s Stories, with the After Hours Art: Fragments & Form sessions giving community members a chance to explore the exhibition’s themes through art.

Mrs Poxon said the exhibition was intended to encourage visitors to consider the stories behind the statistics.

‍

“The exhibition asks visitors to look beyond the percentages, consider the women behind the figures and recognise something of their own story in what they see,” she said.

‍

What? Behind the Figures Opening Night
When? Saturday 19^th September, 5.30pm to 8pm
Where? JSP Home of Women’s Stories, Shop 5, 31 Wood Street, Mackay

‍

For more information, visit www.thejustsayingproject.com

‍

Sugarcane disease management will be put under the spotlight next month as Sugar Research Australia (SRA) prepares to update growers and millers on Fusarium wilt and new research aimed at improving its control.

‍

SRA will hold a national online industry update on Tuesday 13th October, bringing together biosecurity, disease screening and research specialists to discuss the disease and answer questions from the sugar industry.

‍

The session comes as SRA begins a new research project focused specifically on Fusarium wilt control, led by Manager Biosecurity and Disease Screening Dr Shamsul Bhuiyan.

The research is particularly relevant to major sugar-producing districts including Mackay, where disease management remains an important part of maintaining cane productivity.

‍

Mackay Regional Council estimates around 80,000 hectares of cultivated land across the region is dedicated to sugar production, with approximately 69,000 hectares harvested for cane.

‍

Disease management is already a major focus locally, with Mackay Area Productivity Services (MAPS) providing growers with advice and plant protection services covering diseases, pests, varieties, nutrition and other productivity issues.

‍

SRA's Central District Productivity Plan, covering Mackay, Plane Creek and Proserpine, also identifies improving the industry's understanding and management of pests and diseases as a regional priority.

Research and variety development are another part of that defence.

‍

SRA's Central Region breeding program targets the needs of the Mackay, Plane Creek and Proserpine industries, with potential varieties assessed for productivity and resistance to diseases before reaching commercial growers.

‍

In August, SRA reported disease screening was progressing for a range of sugarcane threats including smut, leaf scald, Fiji gall, red rot, mosaic and Pachymetra, alongside the newly agreed Fusarium wilt project.

‍

The organisation is also working to get improved varieties to growers sooner, with around 100,000 seedlings progressing across its northern, Burdekin and Central regions during August.

For Mackay growers, the upcoming Fusarium session adds to a broader focus on preventing diseases from eroding productivity in one of Australia's major cane-growing districts.

‍

The 30-minute Fusarium Wilt: Australian Industry Update will run online from 11am to 11:30am on Tuesday 13th October.

‍

SRA Manager Biosecurity and Disease Screening Dr Shamsul Bhuiyan, Central District Manager Dylan Wedel and General Manager Research and Development Dr Tinashe Chiurugwi will present, followed by a question-and-answer session.

‍

Registration is available through Sugar Research Australia.

‍

Concerns over the spread of leucaena across Mackay and other parts of Central Queensland have prompted a Queensland Parliament petition calling for greater recognition and coordinated management of unmanaged and naturalised leucaena.

‍

Sponsored by Member for Mirani Glen Kelly, the petition is calling for greater investment in surveillance, containment, control, research and community awareness, with more than 750 signatures gathered so far.

‍

An error in last week’s printed edition stated the petition closed in September. The correct closing date is October 24, 2026. The petition is listed as 4670-26 Leucaena as a significant emerging environmental and biosecurity threat.

‍

Photo supplied

‍

Insights from nbn reveal a large percentage of Mackay businesses may still be relying on a residential broadband plan for their nbn service. 

‍

As Australian businesses increasingly rely on digital tools to connect with customers, collaborate with teams and operate efficiently, many Mackay businesses could be missing out on the benefits of an nbn plan built to better suit their business needs.

Head of nbn Regional Engagement QLD, Kylie Lindsay, said businesses should regularly assess whether their connectivity solution is still fit for purpose and review whether they are on the nbn technology available to them that best meets their needs.

"The way Australians live and work continues to evolve. Many businesses now rely on cloud services, video collaboration, and digital customer experiences every day, creating greater demand for reliable upload performance.

“In a typical household, download speeds are important to support video streaming, gaming and watching sport online. By contrast, business need upload speeds to support increasingly complex operations, disperse workforces that collaborate online through cloud-based applications and video conferencing, and the retrieval of large files and information.”

Businesses typically upload 200% more data than residential users relative to their download usage. While residential users upload around 1GB for every 9GB downloaded, businesses upload around 1GB for every 3GB downloaded.

For premises served by an eligible nbn technology, nbn also offers specialised installation and support experiences on eligible nbn business plans, including after-hours appointment options, installation by business-grade technicians  and, for premises upgrading to nbn full fibre, the option to have the nbn connection box placed up to 30 metres inside the building from the premises attachment point or nbn utility box (whichever is relevant).

Businesses are encouraged to check their addresses at nbn.com.au/checkregional to see what nbn technology and upgrades may be available at their premises. 

‍

Mackay is positioning itself for growth in the critical minerals sector, building on the region’s established resources, manufacturing and industry capabilities. Photo source: Mining Australia

‍

Mackay's push to grow its critical minerals sector could benefit from new Queensland laws designed to fast-track major projects, while maintaining protections for the state's prime agricultural land.

‍

The State Development and Public Works Organisation (Critical Minerals) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 passed Queensland Parliament with amendments on 26th August, introducing a new State Strategic Project framework aimed at streamlining major developments.

The changes have particular relevance for Mackay, where critical minerals have been identified as an emerging industry alongside the region's established mining, agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

‍

Mackay Regional Council's Building Our Future – Powered for Growth campaign puts the value of the regional economy at $15.3 billion and identifies critical minerals among the industries offering opportunities for future growth.

‍

Council is also advocating for investment in industrial land, State Development Areas and further development of the Resources Centre of Excellence.

When the campaign was launched in May, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the region already had many of the foundations needed to capitalise on further investment.

‍

“Mackay stands at a pivotal moment – we have the scale, workforce and industry capability to deliver nationally significant outcomes,” Cr Williamson said.

“With the right partnerships and targeted investment, we can unlock even greater opportunities for jobs, economic growth and community wellbeing.”

‍

However, moves to accelerate major projects initially prompted concerns from Queensland's agricultural sector.

On 25th August, the Queensland Farmers' Federation called for amendments preventing the new framework from diminishing protections applying to Priority Agricultural Areas and Strategic Cropping Land.

‍

The following day, the legislation passed with an amendment ensuring a Regional Interests Development Approval (RIDA) remains a protected instrument where required.

The Queensland Government says the protection means the new framework cannot use a modification order to remove a required RIDA, maintaining safeguards for regional interests including strategic cropping and prime agricultural land.

‍

QFF welcomed the change after the legislation passed.

‍

“By retaining the RIDA as a protected instrument for our state's strategic cropping and prime agricultural land, the Queensland Government has listened to farmers and shown that it will not be sacrificing our state's best farming land for other uses,” QFF CEO Kylie Porter said.

‍

The legislation does not automatically approve projects declared State Strategic Projects, with existing environmental, planning, resources and other approvals still required.

‍

For Mackay, the changes arrive as the region looks to capitalise on emerging industries without losing sight of the agriculture, resources and manufacturing sectors already underpinning its economy.

‍

MP Andrew Willcox has said a recent Coalition housing plan could help regional communities like Mackay unlock more homes. Photo supplied

‍

Willcox Supports Coalition Plan To Unlock New Homes And Infrastructure

‍

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox says a new Coalition housing plan could help regional communities such as Mackay unlock more homes by funding the infrastructure needed to support new development.

‍

The Coalition has committed to guaranteeing $1.5 billion of its proposed $5 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund for regional, rural and remote Australia.

The broader fund is intended to provide infrastructure such as roads, water, sewerage and power, with the Coalition saying it could help unlock up to 400,000 new homes nationally. The Coalition has previously estimated its regional allocation could help unlock up to 120,000 homes across regional Australia.

‍

Mr Willcox said the commitment was particularly relevant to Mackay and other regional communities where housing supply and affordability remained under pressure.

“Mackay is a growing regional city, but growth means nothing if workers cannot find a home and families cannot afford to live here,” Mr Willcox said.

‍

“We need houses, but we also need the roads, water, sewerage and other infrastructure that make those houses possible.”

“That is where the Federal Government needs to step up. You cannot ask regional councils to carry the cost of growth while taking away funding they rely on to deliver the infrastructure our communities need.

‍

“Mackay and the regions are doing the heavy lifting for the Australian economy. We should not be told to grow, and then left to work out how to pay for that growth ourselves.”

Mr Willcox said the housing shortage was not simply a problem for people looking for somewhere to rent, it was increasingly a barrier to attracting workers and growing the regional economy.

‍

“If a nurse, teacher, tradesperson or young family cannot find an affordable place to live in Dawson, eventually they will look somewhere else.

‍

“That means housing is not just a social issue, it is an economic issue.

“Businesses cannot expand if they cannot attract workers. Industries cannot grow if workers have nowhere to live.

‍

“We need to stop thinking about housing as simply putting roofs over people's heads. Housing is the infrastructure of economic growth.”

Mr Willcox said the Coalition would continue pushing for investment that allowed regional communities to grow without placing an unfair burden on local ratepayers.

‍

“People in Dawson should not have to choose between paying more rent and leaving the community they call home,” he said.

‍

“We need more homes, more infrastructure and more certainty for the councils responsible for delivering it.”

‍

By Cr Belinda Hassan

‍

We probably don’t give much thought to our rubbish once we wheel the bin to the kerb or drive away from a waste transfer station. But managing our region’s waste is a significant and growing cost to council – and ultimately, to ratepayers.

‍

In 2026/27 alone, council is facing an additional $665,000 in waste service costs due to increases in the Queensland Government Waste Levy, and a reduction in the subsidy council receives towards that levy. The purpose of the levy is simple –to encourage all of us to send less waste to landfill and recover more of the resources contained within it. And that requires something of a mind shift.

We readily pay postage or delivery fees when we order something online, sometimes without giving it a second thought. Yet when the box arrives, we can be reluctant to accept that there is also a cost involved in dealing with the packaging – and eventually the product itself – when we no longer want it.

‍

Waste doesn't disappear simply because it leaves our property. It has to be collected, transported, sorted, recycled where possible and, as a last resort, safely disposed of in landfill. Modern landfills also require substantial infrastructure to protect our environment, including systems to manage leachate, stormwater and landfill gases.

That's why resource recovery is so important.

‍

Council's new operator at our waste transfer stations, Outlook Australia, brings an exciting social and environmental dimension to this challenge. Outlook operates one of Australia's largest waste management social enterprises, creating employment opportunities for people who may otherwise face barriers to entering the workforce, including people with disability, those experiencing long-term unemployment or mental health challenges, and migrant and refugee workers. In fact, more than 70 per cent of their social-enterprise staff come from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds, and profits from Refindit are reinvested into employment and training opportunities.

‍

Through Refindit by Outlook, items that might otherwise have ended up in landfill can instead be recovered, reused and given another life. At Paget, residents can drop off suitable pre-loved goods for assessment and, if accepted, at no charge. Those items can then be resold through the Refindit reuse shop – everything from furniture, tools and building materials to books, bikes, clothing and toys.  

‍

It's a great example of the circular economy in action: reducing landfill, making affordable goods available to our community and creating meaningful employment at the same time. Find them at 42 Crichtons Rd, Paget, Thursday to Sunday, from9am to 4pm. Open seven days for donations and recycling drop-off.

‍

We all have a role to play. Before throwing something away, ask: can I reuse it, repair it, recycle it, donate it or find someone else who can use it?

‍

Because the cheapest – and most sustainable – waste to manage is the waste we don't create in the first place.

‍

I spent the past week in Melbourne visiting clients, capturing behind-the-scenes content for an emerging talent and connecting with inspiring business owners.

‍

Before each day shifted into full gear, I took the opportunity to walk through the city, choosing a different route each morning. Melbourne offers an incredible contrast of landscapes from the old-world charm of its historic buildings to the bold, colourful street art that brings its famous laneways to life.

‍

However, it wasn’t the architecture or artwork that captured my attention most. It was the people.

‍

Thousands moved through the city on their way to work, school or university, yet almost everyone appeared to have AirPods or headphones firmly in place.

‍

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a great podcast or an energetic ’80s playlist as much as anyone. But it made me wonder: when did we become so disconnected from the sounds of the world around us?

‍

Few people were looking up or absorbing the rhythm of the city, the hum of busy cafés, the wind moving through the trees, flower trolleys rolling towards market stalls or the familiar bell of a tram arriving at the platform.

‍

The world has undoubtedly become a symphony of noise. Messages, opinions and content come at us every day like a freight train. It’s understandable that people want to switch off. However, for businesses, this makes what people choose to listen to and what they actively tune out more important than ever.

Your marketing is no different.

‍

You can fill the silence with countless words, familiar phrases and language borrowed from competitors. But if your message sounds like everyone else’s, it simply becomes more noise for your audience to ignore.

‍

Effective marketing begins with the message.

It’s easy to jump straight into the creative and become excited about visual content, colours, photography and design. But if what you are saying doesn’t connect, no amount of beautiful creative will make it memorable.

‍

After three decades in the creative and marketing industry, I have seen the right words transform businesses. Consider some of the world’s most recognisable lines:  

• Just Do It - Nike
• I’m Lovin’ It  - McDonalds
• Because You’re Worth It - L’Oréal  
• Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands - M&M’s  
• Eat Fresh - Subway  
• Lowest Prices Are Just the Beginning - Bunnings Warehouse
• The Fresh Food People - Woolworths

‍

They are short, distinctive and instantly connected to the brands behind them.

If you are serious about building a brand people notice, remember and trust, begin with what you want to say and why your audience should care.

‍

In a world where everyone is competing to be heard, don’t simply add to the noise. Create a message worth listening to.

I’d love to help. Contact the team at redhotblue and let’s put words into actions.  

‍

Photos supplied by Mackay Hospital and Health Service

‍

For three decades, women across Mackay and the wider region have walked through the doors of BreastScreen Mackay for a check that could make all the difference.

‍

The service marked its 30th anniversary earlier this week with a small celebration at its Wellington Street facility, bringing together current and former staff, Mackay Hospital and Health Service clinicians and staff, Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson and Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton.

‍

Since opening in 1996, BreastScreen Mackay has carried out more than 225,000 breast screens, alongside more than 14,300 assessment attendances and 1,274 diagnoses.

BreastScreen Mackay Clinical Director Dr Wendela Schimmer said the figures represented much more than numbers, reflecting three decades of early detection, changing technology and connections with women throughout the region.

‍

“When the service commenced, mammograms were captured on film and processed in a darkroom. In its first year, 1985 women were screened here in Mackay,” Dr Schimmer said.

‍

The number of screenings has continued to grow across the decades, with 53,801 recorded at the Mackay facility between 1996 and 2005, 76,618 between 2006 and 2015, and 87,685 between 2016 and 2025.

Technology has also changed considerably since those early days. A Hologic Selenia Dimensions system with 3D breast tomosynthesis was installed at the clinic in 2018, further expanding the service’s screening capabilities.

‍

For women living outside Mackay, access has also been taken on the road.

BreastScreen Mackay’s mobile screening bus, Freya, began travelling throughout the region in 2019 and has since hosted more than 20,000 screening attendances. The bus was upgraded in 2023 with a Siemens Mammomat Revelation mammography unit.

‍

The service’s reach expanded again in 2024, when Bowen and Collinsville were added to its catchment.

‍

While the equipment may have changed, Dr Schimmer said encouraging women to attend screening remained an important part of the service’s work.

‍

“The service also continues to encourage eligible women to overcome common barriers to screening, including cultural barriers, fear and the belief that screening is unnecessary if you don’t have a family history of breast cancer,” she said.

“Early detection through screening remains one of the most important tools in the fight against breast cancer.”

‍

The 30th anniversary event included speeches, a cake cutting, plaque reveal and the launch of the Sista Shawls initiative.

‍

A photo display in the facility’s foyer also captured the journey from 1996 to today, showcasing the people, technology, mobile services and milestones behind three decades of screening in the region.

And despite the changes over the years, the reason behind the service remains simple.

‍

“Every screening represents an opportunity to detect breast cancer early, when treatment can be more effective.”

BreastScreen provides free screening every two years for women aged 40 and over, with women aged 50 to 74 actively invited to participate.

‍

It's been another busy few weeks across Mackay, with Child Protection Week providing an important opportunity to reflect on the responsibility we all share in keeping children safe, alongside a range of activities involving local schools, community groups and organisations.

‍

This week I had the pleasure of meeting with students from Mackay State High School during their visit to Queensland Parliament in Brisbane. School visits to Parliament provide a unique opportunity for young people to learn about our democratic system, ask questions and gain a firsthand understanding of how government works. It was wonderful to see the students so engaged and interested in the parliamentary process.

‍

Last week, I also attended a number of Child Protection Week events, including the Lotus Place CQ Remembrance Day ceremony and Party in the Park. These events highlighted the importance of creating safe, supportive environments where children and young people can thrive, while recognising the vital role our community plays in protecting and supporting local families.

‍

‍

Community safety continues to be a priority for many local residents, which is why I'm encouraging people to get involved in our upcoming Secure Your Home Day event at Wake House Australia in Andergrove on 23 September at 3:00pm until 4:45pm.  

‍

Delivered in partnership with Northern Beaches Neighbourhood Watch, the event will provide practical advice on home security, crime prevention and CCTV registration. The event is designed to help residents protect their homes, keep our children safer on our roads, reduce opportunities for theft and connect with others who share an interest in building safer communities.

There has also been encouraging news on the crime front, with the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data showing a decline in the number of crime victims across Queensland over the past 12 months. While there is always more work to do, any reduction in crime is positive news for families, businesses and communities across our region.

‍

While community safety remains important, it's equally important to celebrate local successes. I'd also like to congratulate local business owner Danny Aprile from Happy Bagel, who has been named a finalist in the 2026 AusMumpreneurAwards in the Tourism and Hospitality category.

Many locals will know Danny from the markets, where her handcrafted bagels have become a favourite. What started in her home kitchen has grown into a thriving small business, and she will now proudly represent Mackay on the national stage in Sydney later this month. We wish Danny every success and thank her for showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit that makes our region so special.

‍

‍

Supporting local community groups also remains an important focus. Round 127 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund is now open, providing eligible organisations with an opportunity to secure funding of up to $35,000 for projects and equipment that benefit the community.

‍

Recently, I visited the Magpie District Dog Obedience Club to see the new ATV purchased with support from a previous funding round. It was great to see firsthand how these grants deliver practical outcomes for local organisations and help volunteers continue the important work they do across our region.

As always, if I can assist you with any State Government matter, please contact my electorate office.

‍

Nigel Dalton MP
Member for Mackay

‍

The Mackay Malayalee Association (MMA) celebrated Onam on 5th September at Tommy Webster Memorial Hall in Walkerston, bringing community members and guests together for a day of cultural performances, traditional food and family activities.

‍

MMA is a non-profit organisation representing people from Kerala, a southern state of India. Onam is celebrated by Malayalees around the world and honours the legendary King Mahabali’s annual return to visit his people.

‍

The celebrations began with a welcome address from MMA President Nidheeshkumar, followed by a ceremonial lamp lighting led by chief guest and Mayor of Mackay Regional Council Greg Willimson.

‍

Mayor Willimson was joined for the ceremony by Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton MP, Council Community Development Officer Tamara Flynn and Mackay Indian Association President Oilver Sabu.  

The event featured a range of cultural performances, including the traditional Thiruvathira dance, as well as presentations by adults and children.

‍

Senior community member Ledger Zacharia Fernandez was also honoured during the event, while MMA Secretary Jinoop Palakkunnel delivered the vote of thanks.

Following the performances, guests enjoyed a traditional Onam feast before taking part in outdoor games for families and children. Tug-of-war competitions for both men and women added to the day's activities.

‍

The celebration brought together members of Mackay’s Malayalee community to share Kerala’s traditions, culture and food while strengthening community connections.

‍

Mackay’s Malayalee community came together to celebrate Onam with traditional food, cultural performances, family activities and community spirit. Photo credit: Reji Rajan

‍

‍

Image for illustrative purposes only. Photo source: Shutterstock

‍

By Hannah McNamara

‍

Youth mentoring program Project Booyah is sparking discussion in Mackay, with concerns being raised by local parents about the reduced role of Queensland Police Service officers in the program.

‍

The program, which has been operating in Mackay since 2021, supports disconnected and at-risk young people through mentoring, practical skills, education, training and employment opportunities, with the aim of building confidence, resilience and stronger connections with the community.

‍

Project Booyah has traditionally been delivered through a partnership between the Queensland Police Service and PCYC, with police officers playing a hands-on role alongside youth workers.

It is understood that new changes mean the program’s delivery will now sit with the youth workers, with police being involved in a reduced capacity compared with their previous hands-on role.

‍

Parent Kristy Lee Fox, whose daughter completed Project Booyah earlier this year, has publicly raised concerns about changes to the program.

‍

“This is not about PCYC versus QPS,” Kristy said.

“The PCYC youth workers do an incredible job and are an important part of Booyah. What we are fighting for is to preserve the partnership that already works and, particularly, the direct, hands-on involvement of QPS officers with the young people throughout the program.”

‍

Kristy said her daughter’s experience had highlighted the importance of the relationship between participants and police.

“When she was recently asked whether she would have done the program if it wasn’t for the police officer who led her cohort, her immediate answer was ‘No.’

‍

“I completely understand the importance of frontline policing, but I also believe prevention is frontline policing,”  Kristy added.

“Putting police back on the streets shouldn't mean taking them away from the young people we're trying to keep off those streets.”

‍

Kristy has also called for more information about how the changes will affect the program, including whether graduates, families and those delivering Booyah were consulted.

‍

“I also think it is important that people understand Booyah isn't about replacing parents. Young people can become at risk for many different reasons. Recognising that your child is heading down the wrong path and reaching out for additional support is part of responsible parenting.”

Earlier this year Senior Constable Keiran Horsfall described the partnership between QPS and PCYC as valuable to helping young people move forward.

‍

“QPS and PCYC work in partnership to help disengaged young people gain experience and qualifications, with the aim of helping them build better lives,” he said.

For many of the young people and families who have experienced it, Project Booyah has been described as “life-changing”.

‍

Kristy said she had seen the impact of Project Booyah firsthand through her daughter, watching her confidence grow, develop resilience and gain a different perspective on her future.  

‍

“As a parent, I will forever be grateful for what Senior Constable Keiran and the Project Booyah team did for my daughter.”

‍

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the project had seen great success. He shared that a former Queensland Police Commissioner had conducted a 100-day review linked to the changes, which included efforts to return as many police officers as possible to frontline duties.

“As far as I understand, the police will still have involvement. They won’t have the administration behind it, but uniformed police will still be involved in the project,” he said.

‍

“I hope those fears will be put to rest, because police will still be involved, but it just won’t be somebody who is administrating the whole course or project.”

‍

“The police will be in there regularly, engaging with the youngsters and helping them on their way to become much better citizens.”

‍

With changes on the horizon for the program’s delivery in Mackay, questions remain around how the new model will operate and whether the strong relationships built between young people and the police will continue.

‍

A petition titled ‘Keep Project Booyah Police-led’ has also been created, with 387 signatures recorded at the time of print.

‍

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson with representives from Chances House and Rotary North. Photo source: Chances House Mackay

‍

A local woman who purchased just three tickets in the Chances House Community Car Fundraiser has walked away with a brand-new set of wheels.

‍

The winner, who has recently retired, had previously spoken with Chances House about how she and her husband could support the organisation.

‍

With approximately 70,000 tickets sold across the fundraiser, Chances House representatives said they were delighted to see the winning ticket go to someone who had already shown an interest in supporting the local community.

“She purchased just three tickets...proof that you really do have to be in it to win it!” a Chances House representative said.

‍

The fundraiser, made possible through North Jacklin Motor Group and the Rotary Club of Mackay North, provided a valuable boost to Chances House, with ticket sales through the organisation raising $3,000.

‍

The funds will go directly towards supporting local people experiencing homelessness, adding another positive outcome to the community initiative.

Chances House thanked everyone who purchased tickets through the organisation and congratulated the winner on her new car.

‍

‍

A 31-year-old woman, identified as Payge Leembruggen, was found deceased near Mackay Harbour North Wall shortly after 8am on Tuesday 15th September, with police seen throughout the day investigating amongst the sand dunes to the far left of the recently renovated section of the beach.

‍

Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch detectives are now appealing for public assistance as investigations continue into the circumstances and cause of her death.

She was described as Caucasian, approximately 178cm tall, with brown hair, and was last seen wearing a white top, bright red trousers and a red bow in her hair.

‍

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen or had contact with Payge between September 11 and September 15, or anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

‍

Read more here: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/article/tragedy-at-mackays-north-wall-beach-woman-in-her-30s-found-deceased