Well, what a whirlwind of activity around the region this month!

Firstly, I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to the team at the Whitsunday Coast Airport who not only smashed all records for passenger traffic through our fabulous airport this month, but also opened a new Freight Distribution Hub which will ensure our great produce reaches the markets in a very timely manner whether it be live mud crabs or mangoes.

Easter and the school holidays brought visitors from all corners of the world to the town of Airlie Beach. Everyone I spoke to had experienced a most enjoyable time in the laid-back atmosphere that is so integral to who we are and how we do it.

Anzac Day of course was observed across the region with huge crowds attending all services. Thank you to all of you who showed up to honour those who endured great sacrifice to protect our home nation.

This year’s Anzac Day was particularly significant for me as the wreckage of the Montevideo Maru was recently located deep in the ocean off the Philippines. My uncle, Milton Dowd, was a prisoner of war aboard this Japanese ship when it was sunk by an American submarine. The ship carried no markings that would have indicated to the submarine that it was carrying allied prisoners and wounded soldiers. This is just one example of the sadness and loss that these wars inflicted upon our servicemen and women.

At last week’s council meeting I put forward a Notice of Motion for the introduction of a six-month trial of an Off Leash Area on Boathaven/New Beach from 5.30am until 8.30am, excluding the Stinger Net and the area around it. Council approved a three-month trial which should not interfere with beachgoers; I hope the trial is a success.

Work has commenced on the upgrading of the Boardwalk from Sorrento’s to Coral Sea Resort, so please follow the signage to use alternate pathways; thank you for your patience.

And finally, we continue to enjoy visiting Cruise Ships and welcome their passengers and crews to the region.

Jan.

‍

What has been your experience with the current housing crisis?

1. Anthony Ciesiolka – Cannonvale

Since the pandemic, the cost of rent has just skyrocketed. And we’re forced to pay because there’s no other option.

And the actual application process is ridiculous. There are so many applications for houses, and people are offering more rent than advertised to get the place.

Rent going from $350 to $500 in a matter of two years, that’s crazy, especially when there’s no change to the property.

I think we need more housing, and not be selling land to commercial developments. Units are always a good option.

2. Peter Clapson – Jubilee Pocket

The housing crisis is a big problem. I’m lucky because I haven’t had a rental increase, and no one close to me has been affected, at least they haven’t told me.

But I think we need more government housing. They haven’t built more government housing for years, but they talk about it all the time. It just doesn’t seem to be happening. I know it won’t work for everyone, but it does help.

3. Veronica Black – Proserpine

There isn’t any way to fix this. I have no idea how to fix it. My daughter and grandchild have moved in with me because they couldn’t pay their rent anymore. She’s a single mum to a teenager and it’s bad.

I have no more rooms to house people either.

And the worse thing is that some people have money but no home.

4. Tahlia McNally – Cannonvale

I’m 18 and still live at home. I look at the rental market all the time.

I want to move out of home, but I balance working, studying and my social life. I can’t work full time because I have university.

And still, share houses won’t work because the rent it too high. In Cannonvale, there was only six houses for rent, and it’s too much.

I think there needs to be a cap on housing rent, to make it affordable for people.

5. Reuben Blakoe – Ayr

They’re not building enough houses and even people renovating can’t get people to finish the job. I don’t know if there’s not enough tradespeople. And interest rates keep creeping up. I worry about my daughter, because hers keeps increasing.

And it’s not going to stop.

I happen to have paid off my home, but we paid it off at 18 per cent, and paid over $3,000 in interest in three months, and only $100 off the principal.

It’s bad for our grandchildren too.

They need to make it easier for first home owners to get into the market but increasing the First Home Owner Grant will only put the government into more debt!

6. Patricia Alfword – Airlie Beach

I actually live on a yacht, have been for the past six years, so I haven’t been too affected by the housing crisis.

We’re currently refitting our boat and Airlie Beach has the best fees for that, so we have been here for 14 months, but we’re about to sail down to the Gold Coast next week.

However, the housing crisis is bad. Rent just continues to increase and I believe that one problem is that 70 to 80 per cent of rental properties don’t want pets, which is so hard.

I think they need to think about the locals. Airbnbs and holidays homes are jacking up rent for the locals. It’s hard.

‍

‍

AWB First Aid First has everyone covered this month, offering their 4WD Outback First Aid Kit for only $160 for the entire month of May.

“I have this catchphrase ‘Everyone likes to Whitsundays’ because everyone here likes to go camping and fishing,” Andrew Barker, owner of AWB First Aid said.

One good thing is to have the kit, the next is to know how to use it, Andrew said.

“Which is why we offer training to go along with the kit.”

“We are now offering, once a month, a Saturday and a Monday night first aid training course, so that people who can’t make our regular times can get the training.”

The training courses offered through AWB First Aid First encompass all aspects of health, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, general First Aid, Emergency First Aid Response in an Education and Care Setting, and even Advanced Resuscitation.

“We also educate people on health issues, such as asthma and strokes, and sell tools and products that aid those conditions.”

AWB First Aid First also services the community, attending local events, and Andrew would also like to share that AWB First Aid First will be attending the Proserpine Show Ball, assisting any one who needs medical help.

To book into any First Aid course, ring 07 4945 3124 or visit their website awbfirstaid.com.au

‍

AWB First Aid First services the Whitsunday community with all first aid needs

When it comes to home repairs or renovation projects, many people choose to take the DIY route to save money. However, while the idea of saving some cash may sound appealing, the reality is that attempting to do it yourself can often end up costing you more in the long run.

Here are five advantages of using trades and professionals instead of trying to do it yourself:

1: Time-saving. Trades and professionals have the knowledge and experience to get the job done quickly and efficiently, leaving you with more time to focus on other things.

2: Quality workmanship. A professional's work is guaranteed to be of high quality, and you can rest easy knowing that the job has been done right the first time.

3: Safety. Some projects require specialised knowledge and equipment that may be unsafe for an untrained individual to handle. Hiring a professional ensures that the job is done safely and with minimal risk.

4: Resurfacing concrete with paint. If you want to update your concrete surfaces but don't want to replace them, consider resurfacing them with paint. This is a job best left to the professionals, as they have the knowledge and equipment to ensure a smooth, even finish that will last. Give Superior Paint a call to see how they can help you.

5: Professional cleaning of upholstery and carpets. Upholstery and carpets can harbour dirt, dust, and allergens that can impact your health. A professional cleaning service can remove these contaminants and leave your home looking and feeling fresh. Call Protect and Sanitise to see how they could help you.

‍

Anzac Day 2023

Cloudy, windy and rainy weather did little to prevent early morning Anzac Day events earlier this week, as thousands recognised that the conditions paled in comparison to what our diggers endured.

Services, marches and meaningful celebrations were held around the Mackay region from dawn to dusk; an opportunity for those who’ve served to reflect and a reminder to us all of their great sacrifice.

Veterans, family members, schools and organisations marched, some with badges proudly displayed, while many watched on, honoured and paid their respects.

Anzac Day is a day not to glorify war, but a day to reflect on the atrocities it has brought to so many families and the sacrifices made for Australia’s way of life.

See the photo gallery here

‍

In May last year, 92-year-old Mackay resident Claire McDonald called for an ambulance. At the time, Claire lived alone and wasn’t able to catch her breath that night.

“I had a heart attack, but I didn’t know I was having a heart attack,” Claire recalled.

Claire was brought to Mackay Base Hospital by paramedics before being transferred to the Cardiac Care Unit.

“The ambulance men were very nice to me and settled me down though I don’t remember a lot.”

Claire underwent an insertion of a stent, a small mesh tube that aids in holding open narrow passages in weak or narrowed arteries, restoring blood flow.

“I can’t find the words to express how thankful I am … all the staff were just exceptional,” she said.

“From the time they pushed that bed from the ambulance to the hospital, till the day the female doctor came around in the morning and said, ‘you can go home today’, they did nothing but 100 – 200 – 300 per cent good!

“You could not complain.”

Claire has since returned to her South Mackay home and enjoys regular care from the Community Health and Therapy Services (CHATS) and attends a weekly fall and balance group.

She’s doing well in her classes according to physiotherapist Michael Dalton, but she’s a bit annoyed that she’s still feeling ‘a bit weak’.

“I've neglected my unit for the simple reason that I've had to put me before the house,” Claire said.

“I like things neat and clean, so I was a fanatic in the house.

“When I have my next appointment with the doctor, I’m going to ask him for a tonic.”

‍

‍

Claire McDonald is grateful to the staff in the CCU of Mackay Base Hospital. Photo supplied

‍

Hi Readers

On the next page, you’ll read some profound words from the President of the RSL Mackay Sub Branch, Ken Higgins OAM. He said this to me while chatting quite frankly about his experience of being conscripted into the Australian Army during the Vietnam conflict at the innocent age of 20. The conversation genuinely changed the way I view war, veterans and commemorative occasions like Anzac Day.

I kept Ken’s story and stories just like his in mind on Anzac Day earlier this week, as the country stopped to reflect on the atrocities of war, the bravery it reveals in people and the sacrifices it forces people to make. Flick through the next few pages to see how the Mackay region marked this important day.

While telling Ken’s story to my father last weekend, he recommended The Odd Angry Shot, a 1979 Australian comedy war film following the experiences of Australian soldiers during the Vietnam War. While I haven’t had the chance to watch it, and I’m sure there are plenty of similarly important films, I thought I’d share his recommendation.

More and more of these Vietnam war stories will come to light throughout the year as the country commemorates 50 years since the 1973 proclamation of the end of Australian involvement in the Vietnam War. Services will be held by RSLs around the country, including right here in Mackay, in the month of August.

In the lead up to these services, Mackay Life hopes to work with Ken and the RSL Mackay Sub Branch to uncover the stories of Mackay’s Vietnam veterans. Personally, I’m looking forward to learning more about this conflict and sharing these stories with you.

‍

As the sun rose across the cane fields, a time of day symbolic of one of Australia and New Zealand’s most infamous military involvements, thousands gathered at dawn services across the region.

Anzac Day is a day to reflect on all veterans, all conflicts and all impacts made by war.

With a full timetable of services around Mackay and surrounds, people took every opportunity they could to commemorate the day.

“As a returned service person, I look at Anzac Day as a reflection on our service and the sacrifice of the 100,000 that died for our way of life in Australia, but also the hundreds of thousands that have been traumatised by war,” said Mackay RSL Sub Branch President Ken Higgins OAM.

“We need to honour those people who served and died but we also need to be mindful that war’s a horrible thing and not to promote it as a heroic thing.

“There are heroes in war, but that’s the consequences of war.

“Most veterans aren’t interested in war; what they’re interested in is peace.”

‍

Photo credit: KR Photos & Videos

Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Photos supplied: Mackay Regional Council

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

‍

Click for galleries below:

Mirani

mackay-district-australian-south-sea-islander-association

northern-beaches

walkerston-anzac

mackay-at-dawn-anzac

mackay-anzac

‍

Mackay could soon be the new location of a thriving biofutures industry thanks to government plans to create a new hub for producing sustainable plant-based resources in the region.

With growing global demand for cleaner fuels, this industry is booming as it assists the aviation, maritime and heavy vehicle sectors to decarbonise and transition to more sustainable fuel sources.

If plans go ahead, Mackay will become one of 13 SDAs (State Development Area) with other locations including Cairns, Townsville, Abbot Point, Gladstone and Bundaberg.

“Now more than ever, consumers, governments, shareholders, corporations and their supply chains are looking for solutions to reduce carbon footprints and ensure they can participate in decarbonised markets,” said Deputy Premier Steven Miles MP.

“Queensland has delivered Australia’s first sustainable aviation fuel, first containerised shipping and renewable diesel trials and we’re continuing to build our local biofuel market by working with the aviation, construction, maritime and transport sectors.”

Touted as the industry that brings the old and the new together, many innovations are refining traditional practices to create new products.

An example of this is using the biproducts of cane farming to create a new resource.

Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbery, said that a Mackay State Development Area would transform the region into a space where businesses could be brought together to form value chains in industries like biomanufacturing and bioenergy.

“These are the industries that could utilise our wonderful locally sourced, plant-based organic materials to make everything from fermented foods to aviation fuel,” she said.

“An SDA could be the key to unlocking future opportunities and creating good jobs in exciting new industries while protecting existing jobs in traditional industries like sugar.”

To kickstart the project, a Queensland Government project team has been formed to investigate whether a suitable site in the region could be declared as a State Development Area (SDA).

The project team will be led by Queensland’s Coordinator-General and will consider the potential for a site for what would become Queensland’s newest SDA.

It’s possible a decision about an SDA could be made late in 2023 and work on a development scheme for an SDA could begin in 2024.

‍

‍

Mackay could be a biofutures hub thanks to new government plans

‍

Mackay track cyclist Hamish Wright proved once again that he is a force to be reckoned with at the Australian Masters Track Cycling Championships, held at the Anna Meares Velodrome earlier this month. In the M4 category, Hamish emerged victorious in both the sprint and the keirin events, successfully defending the two national championship titles he had won in 2022. He also claimed a bronze medal in the scratch race, rounding off an impressive performance.

Though no stranger to winning, Hamish’s achievements this year meant more to the veteran racer, who had only welcomed his newborn son into the world 10 days prior to his competition.

“It was certainly an unconventional leadup to nationals compared with other years,” Hamish said.

“The focus the past few months has primarily been on welcoming our son Brydon into the world, so training had taken a backseat, particularly around the time of his birth when my wife and I navigated a new world of 2am feeds and endless nappy changes.

“But it added a new dimension to my determination, I had an extra 8 pounds and 2 ounces of motivation every time I hit the track.”

Hamish said his experience played a large part in defending his two national titles.

“The racing was hard, as you’d expect when you put yourself against the best in the country.

“In the keirin the gold was won on a photo finish, by approximately 1/1000th of a second. It came down to the throw of the bike,” Hamish added.

“In one of my sprint rounds, to progress into the final it came down to another photo finish. Those fractions of a second were the difference between gold and silver or bronze.”

"The level of competition at this year's championships was incredibly high, but that's what makes it so rewarding when you come out on top."

"Every race is a battle, and you have to be prepared to fight for every inch."

Having competed at the World Masters Track Cycling Championships in Los Angeles last year where he won silver and bronze, Hamish said that he’s unlikely to contest the championships this year.

“With a newborn our focus will be on family which gives me the opportunity to relax and work on building a solid foundation of strength and endurance for future goals,” Hamish said.

“I have my eye on competing in France in 2024 or 2025.”

‍

Hamish Wright said his newborn son Brydon was the extra motivation he needed to defend two national masters track cycling championship titles less than a fortnight after his son was born. Images supplied

Hamish Wright (centre) successfully defended his keirin title at the Auscycling National Track Cycling Championships

Hamish Wright in action in the sprint

‍

The region’s Youth Members had their first taste “of our state's democratic process” last week at the annual forum of the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament in Brisbane.

Newly minted Youth Member for Mackay Lilly Uhr attended the three-day event, taking part in the representation of issues of young people in their electorate while learning about government processes in a mock parliament context.

The St. Patrick’s College student met with the other 93 Youth Members from across Queensland at the April forum, including Sam Rogers, Whitsunday representative, and ex-Whitsunday Youth Member Sebastian Padget, now sitting for Hervey Bay.

At the meeting, Youth Members formed committees and discussed ideas. These committees meet again over the course of six months to eventually distil their ideas into bills, which are then debated in mock sittings at Queensland Parliament House by the youth members during the September–October mid-semester break.

The Youth Member for Mackay, Lily Uhr, said the first session in Brisbane Parliament last Friday was extremely engaging.

“It has been a great way to meet a lot of likeminded and interesting people,” she said.

“The highlights have to be the activities and being in parliament, which was fantastic.”

Ms Uhr is part of the T.O.R.C.H. Committee (Transport, Outreach, Regional Communities, and Housing) and said her group had begun discussing building community up in areas that lost it during the Covid pandemic.

“I think our community itself is disconnected since Covid I would love to see more areas for youth to hang out,” she said.

“We’re also looking into social housing, disability housing, and homeless shelters.

“For me, personally, I’m passionate about disability housing – I play a role in disability sport in Mackay and have met people who have struggled to find housing. That’s why I chose this portfolio.”

State Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm said she was looking forward to supporting Lily – who lives within her electorate of Whitsunday - Sam, and Sebastian as they commence their Youth Parliament journey.

“This role is critical because youth represent a large proportion of our community and there is a significant amount of legislation that impacts young peoples' lives every day,” Ms Camm said.

“In the past this programme has developed ideas and policy that has become legislation. I look forward to seeing the bills that are debated this year.”

Former Whitsunday Youth Member Sebastian Padget, now representing Hervey Bay, will work on the Regional Development and Manufacturing, Resources, Agriculture, Trade and Investment Portfolio alongside Youth Member for Whitsunday, Sam Rogers.

“In my portfolio, I’m excited to work alongside the Youth Member for Whitsunday, Sam Rogers, who brings a lot of knowledge and enthusiasm to the table,” Mr Padget said.

“The Queensland Youth Parliament’s a great way for the young people in our region to get our voices down to Brisbane.”

The Youth Parliament will work for the next six months before meeting again in September.

‍

‍

State Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm with Mackay Youth Member Lily Uhr at the recent three-day sitting of the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament

The annual event sees Youth Members from across Queensland converge at state parliament in Brisbane to distil their ideas into a bill in a mock form of the democratic process

‍

Tuesday, April 18 2023, will forever be marked in history for Pioneer Dolphin, Jade Bounden. She described her travels to the Gold Coast for the Australian Swimming Championships for the 50 metre freestyle event as an incredible experience, rubbing shoulders with Olympic Royalty like Shayna Jack, Meg Harris and Emma McKeon to name but a few.

Jade will no doubt be back again next year, stronger again! Jade and her family thanked her club for the overwhelming level of support received from home. We congratulate Jade – her commitment and love for the sport of swimming is admirable.

Contributed by Pioneer Swim Club

‍

Jade Bounden at Gold Coast Aquatic Centre

‍

FOR families looking for their child’s secondary education, St Patrick’s College Mackay is rich in opportunities.

Established in 1929, St Patrick’s has a long history of offering excellence in schooling.

The College will hold an informative Open Night next Tuesday May 2 at their Mercy Campus in Penn Street Mackay from 4pm to 7pm for interested students and their families.

You can view the subject displays, chat to teachers, admire students’ work and join in the classroom activities or even collect College memorabilia as you move between displays.

Students and staff will offer an opportunity to experience learning in a dynamic and exciting environment and to answer any questions about life as a student at the school.

Prospective parents and students who are new to the College are invited to participate in a tour of the facilities and in physical challenges in the Pavilion or collecting stamps for the treasure map.

You can appreciate performances by the College Choir, Band, Drum Corps, Strings, Dance Troupe, Concert Percussion, Handbells and College Ensemble.

Come along and meet the Leadership Team and be there for the Treasure Map prize draw at 7pm at the Pavilion offering first prize $200 City Beach Gift voucher; 2nd prize $100 City Beach Gift voucher and 3rd prize $50 City Beach Gift voucher.

Enjoy the FREE sausage sizzle, tea and coffee, wine and cheese for the adults and there’ll be popcorn and snow cones for sale to support the St Vinnies Committee.

The College is ideally located close to Mackay’s burgeoning Sports precinct with Multi Sports Basketball & Netball Stadium, BB Print Stadium, Junior League Fields, Harrup Park cricket fields, netball courts plus soccer and hockey fields nearby as well as the Paget Business District.

Enquiries (07) 4969 4199.

‍

ACCORDING to Yvette Jeffs, nothing picks you up when you are down like doing a good deed for those in need.

In Yvette’s case, “those in need” are injured and orphaned wildlife – wallabies, kangaroos, pademelons, possums, birds and other down-on-their-luck natives.

Yvette, a senior carer with the Australian Wildlife Rescue Service, will be bringing some of those rescued animals to the 2023 Mackay Volunteer Expo at the Big Shed in the Mackay Showgrounds.

The expo will be held on Sunday, May 7, from 9am to noon.

“We love the Volunteer Expo,” Mrs Jeffs said.  

“Last year we signed on six new wildlife carers and spoke to heaps of people,” she said.

“We can’t wait to see everyone there again this year and we are always looking for more volunteers.”

Mrs Jeffs said becoming a wildlife carer didn’t require any special skillsets.

“New carers are partnered with a senior carer as a mentor, and we usually start them off with easier animals, like a possum or bird,” she said.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council created the expo as a way to improve community connectivity.

“We can connect more than 700 prospective volunteers with upwards of 50 volunteer-run organisations at this event,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The Volunteer Expo is a sensational opportunity for not-for-profit organisations to showcase the amazing work they do for our community,” he said.

“Likewise, it is a great chance for residents from all walks of life to discover what a volunteer role can bring to their lives.

“If you are new to the workforce, a volunteer role is amazing for upskilling and building a resume, and if you’re new to our region, volunteering is a tremendous way to build a circle of friends.

“For retirees, volunteering is a great way to stay active, socialise and share skills with those who have similar interests.”

Entry to the Mackay Volunteer Expo is free.  

For more information, follow Mackay Volunteers Expo 2023 on Facebook.

The 2023 Mackay Volunteer Expo is an initiative of Mackay Regional Council and is proudly supported by Mackay and Whitsunday Life, ABC Tropical North and Seven Mackay.

‍

Yvette Jeffs (pictured left) and the Australian Wildlife Rescue Service team will be at the 2023 Mackay Volunteer Expo.  The team recruited six new carers at the expo in 2022.

‍

Over 100 hours of bed time has been saved at Mackay Base Hospital thanks to the hospital’s newest initiative to improve patient flow and provide a better experience for those who are ready to leave hospital.

The Transit Care Hub (TCH), located on the hospital’s ground floor adjacent to the main entrance, acts as a departure waiting room managed by nursing staff for patients who are ready to head home but may be waiting on medication, transport or documentation.

The TCH opened on March 13, welcoming over 100 patients over that time, and Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Chief Operating Officer Sharon Walsh said its already proving its worth.

“What we are seeing even in these early stages is that it is providing a better flow of patients out of our acute wards and the emergency department, which means we are freeing up beds for other patients who need our care,” Ms Walsh said.

“On average our patients who are ready to leave us and just need to wait for medication, or a family member to pick them up, are spending about an hour and a half in the TCH, and we’re freeing up about 6 hours a day of bed availability.”

“Those patients don’t need to be in a ward bed, and we can provide a nice area for them to sit and wait,” added Clinical Nurse Consultant Kaylene Chetham.

“For us to be able to do that, it allows the bed managers to be able to move patients from the emergency department to the bed on the ward a lot quicker.”

The Innovation and Redesign Unit was initially tasked with putting together a submission for the Patient Flow Intensive Program, implementing five projects to improve hospital efficiency and patient flow.

“There were a lot of bed-block issues and these projects gave us the opportunity to look at the backend of the hospital and how we can get the flow from the wards to discharge,” said Innovation and Redesign Unit Director Toni Simmons.

“It’s not just one thing that’s going to fix everything, it’s everything working together as a whole.

Other projects to come out of the Patient Flow Intensive Program include digital communication technologies, inpatient telehealth programs, nurse-criteria-led discharge and power plans.

‍

‍

Mackay Base Hospital staff at the opening of the Transit Care Hub, from left, Kaylene Chetham, Seona MacDonald, Chloe McNamee and Emma Hess

Mackay Hospital and Health Service Chief Operating Officer Sharon Walsh cuts the ribbon to officially open the new Transit Care Hub. Also, from left, are staff Emma Hess, Chloe McNamee and Kaylene Chetham. Photos supplied

‍