Living as a woman in regional Australia can be tough, especially when it comes to pursuing your dreams in the business world.

But what's even tougher? Dealing with the "tall poppy syndrome" - a cultural phenomenon that cuts down successful people out of jealousy or resentment.

It's a toxic behavior that can hinder personal growth and damage the community at large. But don't worry, there are ways to rise above it and succeed.

Let's explore how you can beat the tall poppy syndrome and thrive in your business and your community.

1: Celebrate your successes. Don't downplay your achievements or try to hide your success out of fear of being judged or criticized. Instead, celebrate your victories, no matter how small they may seem. Share your successes with others, and don't be afraid to take credit for your hard work and accomplishments.

2: Surround yourself with positive people. Seek out supportive, like-minded individuals who share your passion for business and success. Build a strong network of colleagues and mentors who can offer guidance, encouragement, and inspiration when you need it most.

3: Stay true to your values. Don't compromise your values or beliefs in order to fit in or please others. Stay true to who you are and what you stand for, even if it means going against the grain or taking a different path than others.

4: Lead by example. Be a role model for others by demonstrating integrity, honesty, and hard work in everything you do. Lead with confidence and kindness, and show others that success is possible for anyone who is willing to work for it.

5: Keep learning and growing. Don't rest on your laurels or become complacent in your success. Keep pushing yourself to learn and grow and seek out new opportunities to expand your skills and knowledge. By staying curious and open-minded, you'll continue to thrive and inspire others along the way.

Remember, beating the tall poppy syndrome is not just about achieving personal success; it's about breaking down barriers and creating a more supportive, inclusive community for all.

By staying true to yourself, celebrating your successes, and lifting others up along the way, you can help pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for yourself and those around you.

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Surround yourself by supportive people. Photo: stock image

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With Shirlz Russell of Build Your F’Empire

As life gets busier and busier, women are finding it more difficult to manage their time, balance the juggle and be fully present at home and work.

Not that this affects women exclusively, but I feel women face the issue with a bit more scrutiny.

We try to do everything, we try to be everything, and there comes that realisation that you just can’t.

Sometimes you need to get the house cleaner and or find someone to do the ironing and be okay with it and it’s important not to feel like you’re failing because you can’t keep up with those things.

My mum lives with my family in a granny flat and I’m lucky because while I’ll do the cooking, she will do most of the washing and cleaning.

It’s her way of helping and it works beautifully for us.

Without those responsibilities or thoughts in the back of my mind, I’m able to focus on the tasks at hand, whether that be work or family.

Spending more time with my daughter is important to me; I want to be available whenever there’s something on at school, whenever she wins an award, whenever the tuckshop needs an extra hand.

Being able to manage and prioritse my time has been a gamechanger; cleaning is rarely at the top of my list, and I certainly couldn’t do it all without my mum’s help.

I find myself in a fortunate position that I understand isn’t available to everyone.

Yes, sometimes the budget literally doesn’t allow but if you focus your energy correctly, that can result in more income and more time to spend on whatever needs arise.

Sometimes it’s about sitting down and having a conversation, asking for the help you have available to you, whether that be a family member or a friend; it might not necessarily be paid help.

It’s about figuring out where your time is best spent.

In the last month or so, I was so wound up and ready to explode because I had so much on my plate; I am that person that keeps saying yes.

It got to the point where I took a day off, refreshed and reset, and the following day’s productivity went through the roof.

That was a really big reminder that we do need to take a step back sometimes and spend time on ourselves which will increase our productivity and presence in other facets of our life.

Shirlz’s Time Management Tips

• Think about what you value and where your time is best spent.

• Seek the help you need and don’t feel guilty for asking.

• Be strong enough to step away and reduce the interruptions in your day.

• Don’t be afraid to take some time to clear your head and reset.

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Welcomes Guest Speaker Nick Jorss, Bowen Coking Coal

Resource Industry Network is hosting its May Industry Briefing Lunch today, Friday May 5 in the Lancaster Room at Harrup Park Country Club.

The lunch presents guest speaker Nick Jorss, Executive Chairman of Bowen Coking Coal Ltd, a $500m ASX listed metallurgical coal exploration and development company.

Mr Jorss was the founding Managing Director of Stanmore Coal Ltd and led Stanmore’s growth from a coal exploration company through to production and which currently has a market value of over $3.0 billion.

In his presentation, Mr Jorss will talk about:

• Bowen Coking Coal’s background and journey

• Information/update on the project

• Supply chain opportunities (or other)

• Business model – from mine to market

Nick is also the founding Chairman of Ballymore Resources Ltd, an ASX listed company drilling for copper, gold, and critical minerals in Queensland and is a co-founder and Director of Konstantin Resources Ltd, a private company exploring for gold, copper, and other metals in Serbia.

This event is proudly sponsored by Bravus Mining & Resources.

WHAT: RIN May Industry Briefing Lunch

WHEN: Today, Friday, May 5, Registrations open at 11.45am for 12 noon, concluding at 2.30pm

WHERE: Harrup Park Country Club, Lancaster Room

COST: Members $70 – Non-members $95

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Nick Jorss, Executive Chairman of Bowen Coking Coal Ltd. Photo credit: Glenn Hunt

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And What That Can Achieve

How many times have you heard Employers say that “kids today just don’t want to work” or “It’s impossible to find the right people”.

With covid in the past, and as the new reality of business sets in, it is time to start asking different questions, of ourselves, our peers and our industry.

What can we do better? How do we learn from leaders within our industry?  Why do we need to judge industries that market to employees better?

The automotive industry for the most part has, undervalued the importance of growing stronger together.  There are organisations that are leading the way in change and direction.

Auto Ready Training and the Careers Expo run by the MTAQ and held locally at McCarthy Panel Works was attended by over 120 people.

Students, Parents, Teachers, Trainers, Suppliers, Business owners and both local and state Government representatives.

It is a true reflection of what ingenuity and positive push can achieve.

It is time to grow the Automotive industry together, reach out and get involved.

Over the course of the Easter holidays 30 students had the opportunity to learn and understand about the workings around safety and mechanics of vehicles through hands on experience with 2 Qualified MTAQ Trainers

“We’ve learned about safety, about mechanical components of a car – the brakes, electrical systems and so – we are pulling apart engines at the moment, and we are learning about crucial things we might need to know,” said Daniel Yarnold, a student at Mackay Christian College.

“I really enjoyed this week,” he added. “I got to see the workplace, work with professionals from the industry . . . and I am more interested in the industry now because I can see how it all works and get an appreciation of it.”

Andrea McCarthy
Owner, McCarthy Panel Works

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Mackay is fast becoming one of Queensland’s fastest growing regions with more and more homebuyers flocking to embrace life’s simple pleasures.

With every caress of the sea breeze comes the promise of a relaxed, coastal lifestyle and East Point’s Dunes Harbour Beach is the ideal location to experience everything Mackay has to offer.

Combining a well-designed coastal masterplan with tropical modern highly sought-after beachside homesites seamlessly integrated with a lively urban hub, the new boutique community rests on nearly 9km of near continuous beach.

The unique neighbourhood merges into its surrounds, with over 35% of the community committed to open space, conservation and parkland surrounded by sea, river, and wetlands to ensure Dunes remains a pristine destination for years to come.

Just seven-kilometres from Mackay CBD and 13-kilometres from Mackay Airport, Dunes combines luxurious coastal residential living with practicality, alongside an urban hub, tourist node and recreational facilities on your doorstep.

From waterfront terraces to low-set beach bungalows, there will be a home to suit any lifestyle and make the most of life by the sea.

The development has already piqued the interest of locals, including Denis Cusack and In Sun Park, who were quick to purchase their slice of paradise at Harbour Beach.

“As soon as I drove through the Urbex development after being contracted there for a job, I couldn’t stop thinking about it,” Denis said.

“The location, lifestyle and allotment sizes ultimately sealed the deal, being by the beach, 10 minutes to the city and land size big enough for a lap pool – who could say no.”

The couple purchased a beachside lot within Sol Precinct at Dunes Harbour Beach, with plans to move into a spacious four-bedroom home by June 2023, featuring a media room and lap pool with views of the islands and ocean.

Many more locals and sea changers are following suit, the prospect of settling into an idyllic north Queensland lifestyle, filled with family days on the beach, fishing, boating and beachside dining too good to pass up.

Visit the website to learn more: www.dunesharbourbeach.com.au.

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East Point’s Dunes Harbour Beach promises the best of Mackay. Photo supplied

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Parents came forward in outrage last week as the content of a sex-ed video shown at a local high school was revealed to contain a cultural comparison that they believe sanctions paedophilia.

The incident gained traction when a teacher also allegedly came forward to claim they had been instructed to ask their class to draw lewd pictures and had to “endure completely inappropriate commentary” from teenage students.

A worried mother took to social media to vent her concern which prompted many parents in the community to ask whether they really understood the content of the sex education information given to their children.

Concerned mum Kristy Hodder said she received five phone calls from other parents following her social media post which vented her anger at what she alleges is overly graphic and inappropriate sexual references in sex-ed classes of Year 8 and 9 students.

Ms Hodder alleges that her Year 8 daughter returned home and told her that “we have a choice to be what sex we want” and “it is okay to not want to be the sex you are.”

While she recognises the right of people to choose their gender, Ms Hodder believes that her daughter, at just 13 years old, is too young and impressionable to be exposed to that information. Especially, when they had not previously raised the question independently.

She believes it could prompt or plant the seed and create more gender confusion.

Dissatisfied with the subject matter, Ms Hodder spoke to other parents, and it was soon revealed that similar experiences had allegedly occurred with the Year 9 cohort.

Crash Course, a YouTube channel that is largely trusted and widely used across many schools in the country, released a video called Sex and Sexuality.

It was played at the local school and contained content that, Ms Hodder says promotes paedophilia.

The section in question denotes that it is okay for young boys to give sexual favours to older men and reads as follows:

“For example, among the Sambia of the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea young boys perform oral sex on, and ingest the semen of, older men as part of a rite of passage to adulthood.”

While the statement is true, the question remains whether its inclusion in this context is an age-appropriate example to use when educating 13-year-old students about sex.

Allegedly, a letter by an unknown author has been sent to the school, detailing concerns and outlining further situations within the school.

An excerpt from the alleged letter which reads as if it was sent to the school principal says:

“I was completely revolted and angry. This curriculum item is condoning and promoting paedophilia. Paedophilia is illegal in this country. We all know the devastating and terrible effects of this scourge on young people.”

Further into the YouTube video, the commentary suggests that incest is only wrong because society has evolved to support the traditional family network and that it would be “confusing” if your dad was also your brother.

A spokesperson from the Department of Education said that they were aware of a letter circulating online around a health and physical education lesson that was delivered to one class.

“The lesson contained a video presentation regarding gender biology and gender expression, which was not endorsed by the department,” said the spokesperson.

“The school leadership team has confirmed that this video will not be used in future lessons.”

The alleged letter also detailed a separate instance where a male teacher allegedly expressed his astonishment that he had to instruct Year 9 Health boy students to “draw on a piece of paper with a pencil their ideal sex partner.”

In Ms Hodder’s opinion, this would not only objectify the opposite sex, but also put anyone who was confused about their sexual preferences into a difficult, potentially embarrassing situation.

The Department of Education confirmed the letter contained a number of other statements but stated these were all “incorrect”.

Ms Hodder said she wishes there was more transparency around the content of sex education given at schools.

“I think parents need to be fully informed,” she said.

“And not just see the outline of the content but also have the opportunity to see the videos before they are shown – I think parents need to be able to sign-off to say they are happy for their kids to watch it.”

The Department of Education concluded their statement by advising any other concerned parents to contact their school directly.

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It's just over a week away from the special time of year to give a shout-out to the woman or women that have your children, raise you, care for you and love you. Mother’s Day looks a little different for everyone though. For some, it’s a grandmother, aunt, a family friend or maybe it’s someone that isn’t with us anymore.

Given this is my last article ahead of this Mother's Day, I want to share some words for a woman who I’m so grateful for. My Aunty Kim has had a big hand in raising me, along with her own four children. I spent a great deal of time in her care growing up, she was essentially a second mother to me. She even took me in to live with her and her family during my final years of high school. She wasn’t having a bar of my teenage antics at the time and nowadays I can confidently say I wouldn’t be where I am or the person I am today without her influence and guidance.  

Now all her children are grown up, her motherly instincts still don’t stop. She is not only a family day-care provider but now, she’s a grandmother to two beautiful little boys and she plays a big role in their life as ‘Mummar’. She is a woman who loves and cares deeply for others which is so inspiring to me and so many around her.

I want to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all the mums, aunts, grandmothers and friends. I hope you all have a wonderful day and feel appreciation from all your loved ones.

Kaley

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Are you starting your career, looking for a change or wanting to do more of what you love but drive your career forward?

Mackay Regional Council is an exciting organisation with a large workforce of approximately 1100 staff and a diverse range of career opportunities. Council encourages and aids its employees to maintain work/life balance so you can create an idyllic lifestyle for you and your family. Home every night? Yes, please!

Working for council, you will find fulfilling opportunities that allow you to work with purpose and make a difference to your community. No long work commutes, along with attractive employee benefits and training and development opportunities makes council a competitive employer of choice in our region.

You can jump straight in and apply for a current vacant position by scrolling through the list on council’s webpage or check out the Graduate Program, Apprenticeship and Traineeship Programs or apply for work experience, academic bursaries or work placement.

The 2023 apprentice and trainee mid-year intake is planned for July 2023. Excitingly, this represents a 50 per cent increase in the total number of apprentices and trainees employed, making council increasingly attractive as an employer of Mackay residents and school-leavers.

The 2024 intake for the new Graduate Program was launched in March across eight professional streams. It offers permanent employment and a two-year professional development program focused on engineering-based roles and other professional roles that are increasingly difficult to fill in the current labour market.

Aimed at developing and nurturing the next generation of leaders, coaching and mentoring is provided from experienced professionals with rotations and exposure across different business units to broaden their capabilities, develop their industry knowledge and explore various career pathways.

Work experience is a valuable way to help you make informed decisions about your career or explore a change in career direction. At council, secondary and tertiary students can gain valuable work experience across a range of sectors.

So, if you’re in the job market consider Mackay Regional Council. A diverse workforce is important, and council encourages applications from school leavers through to mature age. There is potentially something for anyone willing to have a go.

Contact council today to explore a secure, satisfying career opportunity, living right here in the heart of the beautiful Queensland coast.

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Cr Michelle Green
Mackay Regional Council

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Hi Everyone,

This week I would like to talk about the power of words and reading to create change in our community.

For the past few weeks, my mum has been visiting my son’s school and reading with his class.

She takes each individual student and spends about 10 minutes helping them to read, talking about the books and encouraging them to fall in love the written word.

Of course, like many other retirees, she would rather be sitting in a café, drinking coffee, happily immersed in a good book.

But as is typical with my mum (and the reason I love her so much), she puts the children first and the community first, spending her time patiently waiting for each stilted word to emerge from a six-year-old’s mouth instead.

What a legend!

In this week’s edition of the paper, we cover three stories that also illustrate the power of words and reading.

On page 10 we celebrate the win of a group of local dog-owners who successfully campaigned for an off-leash dog zone at Boathaven Beach.

We covered their plight in the paper a couple of weeks ago and it was very rewarding to think the newspaper played a small part in helping create change for them.

On page 6, we share Dr Melissa McCann’s powerful words as she brings awareness to people suffering from alleged adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines.

It’s amazing to think that a Whitsundays-based doctor is leading the charge on a nationally significant Class Action lawsuit.

Finally, the most controversial ‘word related’ article this week is of course our front page and the shocking revelations about the content of a sex-ed video that has been shown at a local school.

The full story can be read on page 3.

Words can be used to draw attention, raise awareness, and help others – hopefully these stories open your mind and show you how much power you have if you speak up.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen” (Winston Churchill)

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When a family of five arrived in the Whitsundays to settle down after three years home-schooling and travelling around the country, they did not expect to be part of our latest Good Deed story.

Lex Davis drove his 42-foot bus into a Proserpine Caravan Park last weekend and unfortunately the length of the family vehicle had not been added to the booking.

“It was no-one’s fault,” he said.

“They had changed managers and I know them both really well, they are lovely people, it was just an accident.”

With no sites able to accommodate such a long vehicle the family were left without the amenities and community they had been looking forward to enjoying.

The caravan park allowed them to use the non-camping area for one night and recommended they ask for help on social media.

Lex wrote a post on the community chat page and was instantly overwhelmed by the response.

“It blew me out of the water!” he said.

“We had over 80 replies of people offering their backyard and saying we could stay as long as we needed.

“When we visited last time, the community here were the same – so welcoming – and this is the reason we decided to come back and settle down here.”

Ironically Lex has since had an issue with his gear box and has been unable to move the bus while it is undergoing repairs.

He says, however, that he is still receiving messages and is grateful for every single person who has reached out to help.

“It’s humbling – everyone was extraordinarily kind, and we are totally overwhelmed.”

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‍Against Adverse Effects Of COVID Vaccine

A Whitsunday doctor is taking the lead on fighting for the rights of people who have suffered loss and damage as a result of being injected with one or more of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Dr Melissa McCann is launching a nation-wide Class Action lawsuit to fight what she believes to be a failing government compensation scheme and unsafe vaccine.

For the past 10 years Dr McCann has practiced as a GP in the Whitsundays and she now chooses not to administer COVID vaccinations since witnessing first hand serious adverse events after these vaccines; and also following the introduction of mandates which she believes interfere with informed consent and medical ethics.

Since the vaccination became available, Dr McCann has witnessed an unusually large amount of patients presenting with adverse effects such as chest pain, blood clots, miscarriages and strokes shortly after receiving a COVID vaccination.

Deciding to speak up and take the matter to the government, Dr McCann wrote a series of letters to Dr Brendan Murphy, Department of Health and Aged Care Secretary, and the Former Deputy Secretary of Health Products Regulation Group Adjunct Professor John Skerritt.

“I asked them to cease the program and review safety issues,” she explained.

“But I was told the ‘events were coincidental’ and that a certain amount of adverse effects were expected with the widespread rollout of a new vaccine.”

Dissatisfied with the response, Dr McCann began speaking to other doctors around the country and discovered that they had also witnessed a disproportionate amount of patients presenting with adverse effects.

“It’s difficult for doctors to talk openly about this,” said Dr McCann.

“Many are very afraid to speak up.”

Despite this, Dr McCann managed to gather 14 signatures from other GPs, specialists, and Emergency Department doctors from all around Australia, who all supported her claim.

She sent another letter, and in April received another dismissive response.

This prompted her to start legal action.

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A total of 13 properties belonging to individuals who had not paid their rates were auctioned by the Whitsunday Regional Council last Friday.

The properties in question were a mixture of private dwellings and vacant land.

A Council spokesperson said that arrears needed to “be at least three years for dwellings” and “12 months for vacant land or commercial properties”.

“The process to auction properties only eventuates after every measure has been taken to help the ratepayers clear their outstanding debt,” said the spokesperson.

“Correspondence and conversations take place during the six months up to the auction date.

“Council works closely with the impacted ratepayers prior to this action being taken assisting to facilitate payment arrangements before it reaches the auction listing.”

Once a property reaches the auction listing, Council officers again work with the ratepayer and provide all relevant information on other authorities that may be able to offer financial support or advice if they cannot source payment.

This is the first time in several years that Council has proceeded with the Intention to Sell process, opting not to pursue this during the pandemic-affected years in order to provide some reprieve to an already struggling community.

This year, however, Council decided it was time to reinstate the process.

“It is important for Council to undergo the Intention to Sell process in order to ensure that outstanding rates arrears aren’t increasing which puts a burden on all other ratepayers who pay their rates on time,” said the spokesperson.

Outstanding rates will be “recovered from the sale proceeds” if a property sells.

The Local Government Act 2009 and Local Government Regulations 2012 states that Council does not need to ensure the property is vacant during this process.

There was one signed contract agreement entered into at the auction held on Friday, April 28.

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In a mammoth effort, the Cut Out Party in Proserpine has donated $38,000 to RACQ CQ Rescue.

The annual Cut Out Party, which was held in March, celebrates the sugar industry and raises funds for a vital charity in the region each year.

Organising committee member, Amanda Hadlow, said that the event attracted about 250 attendees from across the region.

“The event was an opportunity for the community to come along, share a meal and a few drinks and have a catch up with everyone in the industry whilst reflecting on the last 125 years of sugar in our community,” Amanda said.

The event took 10 months of tireless planning, and was postponed twice, before taking place earlier this year.

The committee is proud to have raised the massive amount for a worthy charity.

“If these funds save one life, it will be worth it,” Amanda said.

“RACQ CQ Rescue does incredible work, day in and day out, and we often see it flying overhead.

We are incredibly proud to play our part and support this community and a lifesaving service which we all hope to never have to use,” she said.

The event included a charity auction, overseen by Robert Murolo from Elders Rural Mackay, and comprised a series of prize donations from attendees, local companies, businesses and organisations, and sponsors.

“We are lucky to live in such a great community. Small towns are just great and incredibly generous too,” Amanda said.

“We could not have achieved this result without the support of so many businesses associated with the sugar industry, the farmers, harvesters and milling sector.”

RACQ CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee said, “It is reassuring to know local people and industry see the value of donating and supporting our helicopter that is so vital in a time of crisis.”

“We are incredibly fortunate to receive such sweet support and donations like this are an enormous help to ensuring help is available to anyone, anywhere, anytime, throughout Central Queensland.”

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A group of passionate dog-owners, who meet at Boathaven Beach each morning, are celebrating as their appeal for a leash-free zone has been granted by Council.

Just two weeks ago, the group had been warned by inspectors that a fine of $287 would be imposed for any dogs found without a lead or swimming within the stinger net.

Previously they had been enjoying good company and leash free time at the beach without realising it was forbidden.

Deciding to fight for their rights, the group contacted this paper to gain exposure and then several individuals wrote personal letters to Council.

They also spoke directly to Councillor Jan Clifford who jumped up to support their cause.

“Jan was fantastic!” said group member, Norma Strang.

“She entered a Point of Notice for us and stood up in the Council meeting.”

During the meeting Ms Clifford asked Council for a six-month trial permitting a designated off-leash dog walking and swimming area at Boathaven Beach.

Following a lengthy discussion, it was decided to reduce the term to three months instead of six.

Five out of seven Councillors voted to approve the motion.

This means Airlie Beach centre has its first off-leash on-beach designated dog area, and the group are thrilled that their morning ritual can continue.

“We are absolutely over the moon!” said Norma.

“I hadn’t been going to the beach like I normally would because I just didn’t want the confrontation.

“The decision to give us a trial really takes the pressure off – we don’t have to worry any more – even the inspectors said they were happy too!

“The next question I have for Council is - how is the trial going to be assessed? What do we have to do to get the trial period approved and for it to become permanent?”

Norma is also worried about the behaviour of other dog-owners and hopes that everyone respects the beach.

“What happens if other people come down here and don’t behave well?” she said.

“I’d like to know what criteria Council are going to use to judge their decision.”

For now, the group are thrilled with their reprieve and happy not to be “looking over our shoulders” for the next three months.

The three-month trial allows dogs to roam free and swim outside the stinger net at Boathaven Beach between 5.30am and 8.30am every morning.

Off-Leash Dog Walking Zones:

• Cannonvale Beach (Eastern end) from 5am-8pm daily (except from 8am-9am and 2.30pm-3.30pm on school days).

• Shingley Beach (Eastern End Only), Airlie Beach

• Queens Beach, Bowen

• Doughty Creek Mouth, Bowen

• Kings Beach, Bowen

• Denison Park, Bowen

• Bicentennial Park, Cannonvale

• Galbraith Park, Cannonvale

• Whisper Bay Boat Ramp, Cannonvale

• Wildlife Park, Jubilee Pocket

• Keith Johns Estate Park, Proserpine

• Hydeaway Bay

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The group of dog-owners are thrilled about Council’s decision to allow a three-month trial of a leash-free zone at Boathaven Beach. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

With the La Niña that has been forecasted for the past three wet seasons, many locals believe that we missed out. While we may have missed out locally, many parts of Australia had a successful La Niña season.

What is a La Niña? It is where the water is cooler on the southern American part of the Pacific Ocean and is warmer in the Northern Australasian parts of the Pacific Ocean. As the water evaporates, it causes rain, which causes above average rainfall throughout a season. Sometimes a lot at once which can cause flash flooding.

This is what was experienced throughout Qld, NT and Northern WA over the past three wet seasons. The southern areas of Qld near Gympie experienced floods last season which had devastating affects and cut off highways and railways to Central and North Qld.

While we did miss out from the flooding affects and above average rainfall of La Niña, other parts of Australia didn’t. BoM’s La Niña warning was country wide. Not locally.

We are now moving to an El Niño phase. Which then means opposite of La Niña. Below average rainfall. Possibility of droughts, bush fires and severe thunderstorms. This is currently forecast to last for the next wet season or two.

On the bright side, Mackay and the Whitsundays can sometimes be in the best spot as we are likely to get some rain and some thunderstorms every time the wet season comes around.

Remember for all your local, accurate and up to date weather info to follow L&K Mackay Severe Weather on Facebook.

Contributed by Liam Leonard from L&K Mackay Mackay Severe Weather

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