Ausgroup and Mackay Police Spread Cheer With Donations

In a heart-warming display of compassion, Ausgroup Industrial Services has extended a helping hand to Broken Ballerina this festive season. Recognising the challenges faced by those suffering domestic and family violence, Ausgroup has generously donated Christmas hampers to bring joy and comfort to those in need.

This gesture reflects a commitment to community well-being and exemplifies the spirit of giving. Even in challenging times, acts of kindness can illuminate the lives of those facing adversity, and this is a testament to the positive impact that businesses can have on local communities.

Christmas generosity in Mackay extends beyond the corporate realm, as officers from the Mackay police station join the noble cause of spreading holiday joy. Complementing Ausgroup’s efforts, these dedicated officers contributed by donating Christmas presents and food to both the Salvation Army and the Mackay Women’s Centre.

Their commitment to community wellbeing underscores the collective effort to make the festive season brighter for those in need.

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Lisa and Izzy from Ausgroup donate hampers to Broken Ballerina. Photo Credit: Broken Ballerina Inc.

Mackay Police donate food and gifts to Salvation Army and MWC. Photo Credit myPolice Mackay Whitsunday

Cannonvale's skateboarding scene just got a major boost with the completion of Stage 2 in the Skate Park upgrade project. The new addition, an exciting and challenging bowl, caters specifically to intermediate and advanced skaters, complementing the street style park introduced in Stage 1, which is perfect for beginners and those at the intermediate level.

Local skaters were overjoyed as the upgraded park officially opened its doors to the public last week. The addition of the new bowl transforms Cannonvale Skate Park into a competition-level facility, providing a space for skaters to hone their skills and showcase their talents.

To celebrate the completion of the project, Mackay’s Grind Shine Skateboard Shop, led by local pro skaters, hosted the inaugural Cannonvale Classic on Saturday. The event consisted of a day filled with skateboarding excitement, including lessons for newcomers, thrilling games, best trick competitions, fantastic prizes, a food truck to satisfy hunger, and live music that kept the energy high.

The support for the skate park upgrades came through the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grant Program, emphasising the commitment to fostering community engagement and providing recreational spaces that cater to various skill levels.

Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner looking to learn, the Cannonvale Skate Park is now equipped to cater to skaters of all levels, fostering a sense of community and promoting an active lifestyle among the youth.

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Freddie Hazlelton Leigh Krushka, Michael Downing, Sonia Richards, Deputy Mayor Gary Simpson, Andrew Willcox MP, Cr Jan Clifford, Sammy Hazlelton. Photo supplied

With Christmas Day only a few sleeps away, I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who shared their cherished Christmas traditions for my little one's first festive season.

After diving deep into the treasure trove of your awesome Christmas ideas, I've cooked up a festive cocktail of traditions. We're kicking things off with a sugary storm with the lolly run in Sarina. Sweetness and cheer? Count us in! He’s too little for lollies so we’ll pass them on to another nearby family, after Mum and Dad have sampled one, of course. Next up, we're tuning into the serene symphonies at the Christmas carols in Habana. Twinkling lights, soul-soothing melodies, and a sprinkle of magic in the air, it's going to be one enchanting evening. You can find out more about these events in our Event Guide on page 16!

On Christmas Eve I have some baking challenges planned, gingerbread men, melted snowmen cookies, sugar cookie painting and then prepping for the desserts I’ll be taking to a friend’s family lunch on Christmas Day.

Depending on the weather, there's a plan for a sun-kissed Boxing Day at the beach, where sandy toes and laughter will be the order of the day. And speaking of new traditions, my husband's secret wish for a smoker might just find its way under the tree this year for some Boxing Day brisket. Shh, don't let him know before Christmas morning!

Weather permitting, the Bluewater Lagoon beckons for a refreshing day of water play, a fitting break in our festive lineup. And while I may have been known for my power hits as an opening batsman in my cricket days, the Boxing Day test seems like a perfect fit for some relaxed holiday viewing with a cheeky eggnog or two. And maybe some leftover pavlova and trifle.

As we step into this season of warmth and togetherness, I'm incredibly grateful for your shared traditions that will enrich our little one's first Christmas.

Thanks for reading throughout the year and for sharing your stories with us.

Don’t forget, it’s the local businesses who make this publication possible, so please support them to keep our pages turning.

This is our last edition for the year as we take a tiny break, our next newspaper will be back on Friday, January 5.

Have a magical Christmas and a safe and happy New Year.

Amanda

After an extensive period of construction, the Mackay Marina proudly unveiled the completed breakwater nib wall, marking a pivotal moment as the breakwater reopens to the public. This long-anticipated milestone ensures enhanced safety measures for vessels within the marina, improving secure moorings in all weather conditions.

The unveiling drew distinguished figures including Port Binnli Directors Malcolm Hall-Brown, Peter Hooke, and Neil Morris, alongside Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, State Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, Councillor Alison Jones, and North Queensland Bulk Port representatives.

"This completion signifies a significant milestone in our commitment to providing a top-tier facility," stated a representative of the marina. "We extend our gratitude to boat owners for their patience and contribution during construction, creating a safer harbor along the east coast."

Tom Hall-Brown, Project Director, expressed appreciation for the community's patience during the construction phase, emphasising the nib wall's remarkable scale.

"There's 85 thousand tonnes of rock in the wall, equivalent to around 11 Eiffel Towers," Mr. Hall-Brown noted.

Mackay Marina Manager, Ben Andersen, said they have a very safe haven now for people to leave their boats, with the nib wall construction designed to protect craft from large waves during storm and cyclone activity.

"The Nib Wall was a necessary investment," added Andrew Willcox, Federal Member for Dawson.

"Cyclone Debbie resulted in nearly $10 million in damages, impacting boat owners' insurance. This facility safeguards these assets, ensuring the protection of their investments," he added.

Julieanne Gilbert, State Member for Mackay, reiterated the project's approximate $10 million cost, highlighting its pivotal role in fortifying the marina against natural disasters and securing maritime assets.

FUN FACTS

More than 12,000 truckloads of rock were delivered, averaging 60 truckloads a day.

The wall is over 128m long and 35m wide which is longer and wider than most warships in the Australian Navy.

The heaviest rock placed was over 7t on the seaward side of the wall and is the size of a Landcruiser.

The rocks were all quarried from the Mt Bassett Quarry in Mackay.

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Community leaders and Port Binnli Directors join in the celebratory ribbon-cutting at the official opening of the Mackay Marina's completed nib wall. Photos supplied

Kuttabul’s Aging Bridge Takes Its Final Bow

By Eamonn Doyle

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Nestled quietly alongside the highway, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of commuters lies a relic from a bygone era. Many have driven past, and most wouldn’t even know it was there, but to the residents and farmers of Kuttabul, the bridge is an icon and an essential part of their day-to-day lives.

The Watt family has lived in Kuttabul for five generations. The family came to North Queensland in the early 1900s, relocating from the outskirts of Brisbane to the quiet town of Kuttabul. Ever since then, the family has been farming cattle and cane. This story isn’t unique to the Watt’s, most of the farms and properties scattered around Kuttabul are many decades old and are passed down from generation to generation.

The Kuttabul railway bridge was originally constructed when the railway line was built to connect Mackay and Proserpine, which then completed the line running from Brisbane to Townsville. The bridge was built in 1923, making this year the 100th birthday of the old timber thoroughfare. While still standing, the bridge is showing its age, and although it remains an icon of the community, its structural integrity is beginning to degrade.

The Watt family, and many families like them rely on precious infrastructure like the old railway bridge as a means of access to other areas. Harvesters and carting tractors use it constantly, alongside the regular vehicle traffic that depends on it to access the main road. The bridge not only acts as an access route for locals but has posed in the backdrop of wedding photos and graduation photos for many of the families in the area, further cementing its iconic status.

Although the bridge will always hold a special place in the hearts of all those who drive across its hardwood boards each day, it is set to be demolished. This is bittersweet news to the residents of Kuttabul. While they love the bridge dearly, its rapidly deteriorating condition means that it’s no longer safe to drive on, especially for heavier vehicles. Overall, the news the bridge was being torn down and replaced was happy news to all those who need it, and something that has been a concern of theirs for some time now.

It is time for the residents of Kuttabul to say goodbye to the iconic bridge. Access to the road and surrounding farms will be easier and safer for all those who need it, and the old railway bridge will become a fondly remembered landmark from a time that has now passed by.

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The old railway bridge. Photo credit: Eamonn Doyle

The deteriorating timber of a local landmark. Photo credit: Eamonn Doyle

Vulnerable Isaac families facing cost-of-living pressures this Christmas will receive food relief through a $158,000 Community Pantry partnership.

Anglo American has partnered with Emergency and Long-term Accommodation Moranbah (ELAM) to help provide emergency relief to families and individuals in crisis across the Isaac region.

The two-year Community Pantry and Emergency Relief partnership delivers food relief measures under five initiatives.

• $26,000 in funding to stock and maintain ELAM’s Community Pantry with non-perishable groceries

• $52,000 in funding for click and collect orders of fresh produce, dairy products, meat, personal hygiene and baby formula

• $80,000 in funding for ELAM’s Food for Thought Program, which includes 65 breakfasts and lunches delivered daily to school students in Moranbah and Coppabella

• Weekly provision of 25 frozen meals from Grosvenor Village

• Staff donations of non-perishable goods

ELAM manager Tracy Chapman said the increasing cost of living was adding further pressure to families and individuals who were already struggling to make ends meet.

“ELAM has experienced a significant demand for emergency relief over the past 12 months, and the cost of living is putting families under increasing financial stress,” she said.

“Most of our clients are living from pay to pay after using their savings.

“Christmas adds extra strain on an already stretched budget and, in some cases, people may have to skip gifts all together.”

Anglo American Australia CEO Dan van der Westhuizen said Anglo American was pleased to partner with a like-minded organisation that shared the company’s purpose.

“ELAM’s mission to empower Moranbah’s most vulnerable residents to achieve independence through the provision of social support directly aligns with our objective to improve liveability in the areas where we operate,” he said.

“We hope the Community Pantry means every family can have a memorable Christmas no matter their circumstances.”

Under ELAM’s Community Pantry initiative, community members experiencing food insecurity can visit Moranbah Youth and Community Centre to collect pantry goods free-of-charge.

This service is supplemented by a click-and-collect order for fresh produce, dairy products, meat, personal hygiene items and baby goods.

Donation bins have been installed at Anglo American’s Moranbah North and Grosvenor mines to collect staff donations of non-perishable pantry goods, which help in keeping the pantry fully stocked.

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L-R: Tony Oliva - Grosvenor Mine, Tracy Chapman - ELAM, and Paul Stephan - Grosvenor Mine. Photo supplied: Anglo American

Whitsunday Regional Council have moved to allow Council Chief Executive Officer, Warren Bunker, to enter negotiations with Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) to transfer the Shute Harbour Boat Ramp from state ownership to Council’s.

The Shute Harbour Boat Ramp is currently owned by the State of Queensland and was constructed in late 2021. Since its construction, the Council has received complaints of the useability of the structure, with the main complaint being in relation to the fixed structure being poorly designed for fluctuating tides and accessing vessels safely.

The primary reason that State went with the fixed structure design was due to the location’s exposure to strong winds and cyclonic wave action.

While in the State’s hands, the Council had the obligation to inspect and maintain the boat ramp, using approximately $25 thousand per annum in ratepayers’ money.

In early 2023, Council met with MSQ and Department of Transport and Main Roads to propose Council take over the boat ramp, at nil-cost, so that Council can move forward will a more community-minded approach to design, including the installation of a floating pontoon, which can be easily removed in the event of adverse weather conditions.

In May 2023, MSQ agreed to fund the removal of the existing structure, and then transferring ownership to Council at nil-cost.

At the Ordinary Council Meeting last week, Councillors discussed the proposal for Mr Bunker to engage in negotiations with MSQ to transfer ownership.

Mayor Julie Hall explained how pleased she is that this motion has finally been presented to Council.

“I am very supportive of this,” she explained.

“We have one shot to find a solution, and by owning and improving this asset, we can increase user-ability for community benefit.”

Councillor Gary Simpson was supportive of the motion as well.

“This has been an issue for three years, and it’s a serious problem for many boaties in the area. This is a great initiative.”

Director of Commercial Business Craig Turner explained that the removal of the existing structure would align with the installation of the new pontoon, and would most likely occur in a few months, after cyclone season.

Councillor Clay Bauman supported the motion, saying “This really does fix an issue that is directly affecting residents. This is a reputational risk, but we’re stuck with it and now we have the chance to fix it.”

However, Councillors Michelle Wright, John Collins, and Mike Brunker were not supportive of the motion.

Cr Wright believes that money would be best suited to address local issues; “We really need to consider where we’re spending our money. We can’t afford to look after local roads, let alone take on another asset.”

Cr Collins and Cr Brunker believe that taking on a new asset, one with pre-existing issues was the wrong move.

“This is not our problem,” Cr Collins explained.

“We should not be spending money on things that are not our problem. We informed the State on the design, and the issues, they went ahead anyway.”

Cr Brunker explained that “We shouldn’t go rushing in. We put up with it a little longer, than bring it up at the State election.”

Cr Brunker also suggested an amendment of erecting a sign at the boat ramp, highlighting the ramp belonging to the State Government, with a number printed to send complaints to.

This amendment was thrown out.

“This amendment is a punch in the face to the State,” said Mayor Hall. “I won’t be supporting this amendment.”

Despite all this discussion, local boaties welcome the development.

“The current design is an engineer’s disaster,” Danny Hackett, local fisherman and boaty, described.

“It is absolutely useless and not functional at all. When the tide comes in, the walkway is completely underwater, and it causes a bottleneck, because only one person at a time can actually use the ramp.

“It’s a fantastic idea to have the floating pontoon. I would utilise it so much more if it did,” he said.

“The biggest aggravation for boaties is the bottleneck of getting out of the water after a long day. A floating pontoon is easier to access, no bottleneck, and no big line-ups.”

Council officers estimate that the initial capital expenditure for the works would be between $1.18 and $1.54 million, to construct a 47 metre, 2.5-metre-wide floating pontoon.

The continued costings would be approximately $82 thousand per annum for operational and maintenance costs.

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The Shute Harbour Boat Ramp walkway causing chaos. Photos supplied

Whitsunday Anglican School Celebrates Top Achievers

By Eamonn Doyle

In a moment of achievement and distinction, Whitsunday Anglican School is revelling in the outstanding success of five students who secured remarkable ATAR results. This triumph not only highlights the dedication and academic abilities of these students but also the commitment of Whitsunday Anglican School to providing quality education.

The highest result was achieved by student Parsa Shahidzadeh, who was delighted with a perfect score of 99.95, the highest possible result, and a score only shared by 34 other students in Queensland.

Deputy Principal Natalie Sunner praised the students and stated that a large majority of the cohort was able to achieve a 90-plus ATAR. She attributes this to dedicated students, and notes that “Whitsunday Anglican School strives to ensure that the teachers they employ are experts in their field.”

The school aims to provide a cohesive experience for the students, from junior school through to high school, and emphasises a strong culture of teaching and learning that extends from K-12.

Ms Sunner believes that these results are a testament to the rigour and support of the school’s curriculum, and the school’s ability to offer subjects that are geared towards achieving high-level results.

Principal, Mr Andrew Wheaton, said the results were a testament to the Year 12 cohort’s dedication and hard work in their final year, and the high-quality teaching team at the School, where there was a strong commitment to academic growth, effort and attaining a personal best in all pursuits.

“My congratulations to our Class of 2023! These are impressive results, and I speak on behalf of the wider School community that we are very proud of you all,” Mr Wheaton said.

“At Whitsunday Anglican School, our commitment to academic improvement and a balanced education empowers us to support our young men and women to consistently realise their goals and aspirations.

“To see this come to fruition with the release of ATAR scores and subject results today fills me with great pride.

“My congratulations must also go to the extraordinary teachers who have supported the students on their journey, setting strong foundations over many years to achieve these outstanding results.”

These young students have not only distinguished themselves but brought honour and recognition to their school, teachers and the Mackay region.

Annalisa Vitale: Aspiring Medical Professional with a 98.05 ATAR

Annalisa Vitale has emerged as a standout student with an impressive ATAR of 98.05.

Expressing a keen interest in the field of medicine, Annalisa aspires to study at James Cook University. Her favourite subjects, biology and chemistry have not only contributed to her exceptional score but have also laid an excellent foundation for a future career in medicine.

Theo Sebastian: Future Rural GP with a 99.25 ATAR

Theo Sebastian, achieving a remarkable ATAR of 99.25, stands as a testament to academic excellence and visionary thinking. With aspirations to study medicine and become a rural General Practitioner, Theo’s favourite subjects of maths and science have played a pivotal role in shaping his academic journey.

Jay Gauneker: A Mathematics and Physics Enthusiast with a 99.8 ATAR

Jay Gauneker has set the bar high with an exceptional ATAR of 99.8. With a passion for physics and mathematics, Jay aims to pursue a career in medicine, seeking education in Brisbane. Jay’s commitment to his favourite subjects has not only contributed to his outstanding ATAR but also reflects Whitsunday Anglican School’s commitment to providing a learning environment in which students can excel.

Mikayla Camilleri: Pursuing Medical Science with a 98.25 ATAR

Mikayla Camilleri, with a commendable ATAR of 98.25, is poised to embark on a journey in Medical Science at QUT. Mikayla’s favourite subjects, French and Literature, may seem far away from her tertiary education goals, but they showcase the diversity of interests that are cultivated at Whitsunday Anglican School. Mikayla’s academic achievements and aspirations underscore the school’s commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals with a passion for learning.

In celebrating the accomplishments of these students Whitsunday Anglican School reinforces its dedication to providing a supporting environment that empowers students to excel in their academic pursuits, and praise for the support that the teachers and staff at Whitsunday Anglican School provide is a true commonality between these successful students, as they prepare for the academic journey ahead.

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Back: Head of Junior School Mick Martin, Deputy Principal Natalie Sunner

Front (left to right) Mikayla Camilleri, Annalisa Vitale, Theo Sebastian, Jay     Gaunekar. Photo credit: Eamonn Doyle

Annalisa Vitale. Photo Credit: Eamonn Doyle

Theo Sebastian. Photo Credit: Eamonn Doyle

Jay Gaunekar. Photo Credit: Eamonn Doyle

Mikayla Camilleri. Photo Credit: Eamonn Doyle

Graduation Day! Photo Credit: Whitsunday Anglican School

DRINK DRIVER, RURAL VIEW

A 44-year-old male resident of Bucasia has been issued with a notice to appear in court for an alleged drink driving matter following an incident at 4:00am on December 16 at Mackay Bucasia Road in Rural View.

It's alleged that patrolling officers observed a Ford Ranger dual cab swerving over both lanes and then travelling along the shoulder of the road.

The vehicle was stopped and officers spoke to the 44 year old male driver who was subjected to a roadside breath test.

As a result, he was detained and taken to the Mackay police station where a further test showed the driver's alleged blood alcohol reading to be .16%.

Police served the driver with a notice to appear at the Mackay Magistrates Court on January 8, 2024 for the alleged offence of driving while under the influence of liquor.

All motorists should be aware that tests for drink and drug driving are being conducted at all hours of the day.

THEFT OF WIRING, NEBO

Between December 7 and December 14 someone has stolen wiring from a business location on Braeside Road at Nebo.

An intruder has entered a business site and damaged a large quantity of cabling to remove the internal wiring.

Anyone who might have information about the matter is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible - police report number QP2302088042.

If Australia goes into a recession during 2024, how prepared is your family?  How will it affect your job or business?  How will it affect your super or pension?

There is a very strong possibility that Australia will have a recession soon.  Like most of the world, the huge handbrake central banks have put on economies with much higher interest rates are starting to bight.  With monthly loan repayments rising by around 50% and those increases flowing on to rents as well, families have less to spend and are cutting things back in their budgets.  Less spending means less economic growth and if growth across Australia is negative for two consecutive quarters, that is deemed a recession.  Other than during Covid, we haven’t had a recession in Australia for decades.  History tells us that recession almost inevitably follows periods of interest rate increases within 3 years.

It's time to think about how a recession will affect your business or the business you work for.  As we’ve seen several times in the last 5 years, the demographic mix of visitors to town could change, more young people and retirees who don’t have home loans and less middle-aged family people with home loans.  Less discretionary spending means businesses selling goods and services that could be deemed luxuries or toys will see less demand.  Can you pivot your marketing towards those consumers with little or no home loan who won’t be as badly affected?  Are you ready to be nimble with your staffing levels and expenses to trim them quickly if sales fall?

Sometimes recessions spill over into the share and property markets.  This doesn’t happen all the time so ‘selling out’ of growth assets like shares and property in your super isn’t sensible.  Major studies throughout history have shown that people who try to ‘time markets’ and buy low and sell high end up worse off than those who buy and hold.  If it was easy to time markets, we would all be rich.  No one’s crystal ball is reliable in the long run.  

There are however ways to prepare your super or super pension.  Understand what you’re invested in and having strategy to deal with market crashes is key.  Come in and we will review your existing investments and explain our 3 Bucket Protection Strategy for free.  Now is the time to ensure you have a steady hand on the tiller as the weather looks like turning nasty…

If you think you could benefit from a discussion with a Financial Planner, give us a call on 49467359 of visit www.eclipsefp.com.au   There’s no obligation, the first meeting is free and all fees are spelled out clearly in advance.  If you’re not sure, try coming to our Retirement Planning seminar in February, keep an eye on our Facebook page for details.

Last Christmas Baden Day created a Grinch costume, dressed up and visited sick children in hospital.

This budding young actor, playwright, dancer, singer and gymnast has a passion for costume design – in fact, he has his own brand “Baden Day Theatrics and Design”.

Over the last six years he has made more than 50 costumes.

Baden is the MECC’s Jack Sturgeon Bursary recipient for 2024. He was awarded the bursary at a special morning tea last week, Wednesday, December 13.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Baden was a tremendous example of a young person who was immersed in the performing arts.

“Baden has been a member of Mackay Musical Comedy Players since he was 11 and he has actually written an original work, Rise of Hook, which received two awards at the North Queensland Townsville Festival of One-Act Plays,” Mayor Williamson said.

Also presented with a bursary, for $3000, at the morning tea was the winner of the 2024 Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary, Georgia Farlow.

“Georgia is an emerging cinematographer, director and production designer who is determined to bring a fresh approach to storytelling to the screen,” Mayor Williamson said.

“She is currently studying her second year of a Bachelor of Film and Screen Media Production at Griffith University’s Queensland College of Art, Brisbane,” he said.

“Despite still studying, Georgia has almost a dozen production credits in her portfolio and has won seven art awards including the Woollam Mackay Art on Show Award for emerging artists for the last two years.”

Judges for the Artspace Foundation Bursary also awarded a $1000 Highly Commended prize to Emma Reginato.

Emma is completing her first year of a Bachelor of Visual Arts at Griffith University and aspires to be a secondary art teacher and has moved to Brisbane to pursue studies towards this career.

She is exploring textiles and painting in her emerging arts practice and will use the 2024 bursary prize to purchase art materials for future masterpieces.

The Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary is a $3000 bursary for tertiary students currently studying visual or creative arts.

Artspace director Tracey Heathwood said this bursary was geared towards visual arts students looking to take their tertiary study to the next level.

The MECC’s $1000 bursary, which is named in honour of the co-founder of the Mackay Musical Comedy Players and life-long supporter of the arts, Jack Sturgeon, is for school graduates applying to study performing arts.

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From left, Venue and Events Operations Manager (MECC and Events) Jemma Carey, Jack Sturgeon Bursary recipient Baden Day, Mayor Greg Williamson, Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary recipient Georgia Farlow, Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary Highly Commended Emma Reginato, Leonie Wood (judge) and Artspace Mackay Director Tracey Heathwood

Sarina Beach's Carols by Candlelight

Sarina Beach was the spot to be last weekend as the Sarina Beach Surf Lifesaving Club threw a ripper of a party with its 10th Annual 'Carols by Candlelight' on December 16th.

Picture this: Christmas tunes, beach vibes, and folks rocking wooly Santa hats while wiggling their toes in the sand – pure Aussie summer festivity!

Jay and Dave from Triple M were on fire, hosting the night and keeping the crowd hyped. The performers lit up the stage, belting out everything from classic carols to modern hits. And where else but in Sarina can you croon along to carols with the ocean as your backdrop?

Food vans dished out treats, drinks flowed, and glowy stuff added a touch of sparkle. But hold on, it wasn’t just the carols; this bash had a Mega Christmas Raffle, Christmas Ham Wheels, and guess who dropped by? Yep, Santa himself made a grand entrance, spreading cheer and ho-ho-hos.

Under the starry sky, the community soaked up every bit of this coastal Christmas bash. It was all about the magic of the season, bringing everyone together for a night of laughter and festive feels. The 10th 'Carols by Candlelight' at Sarina Beach was the ultimate Aussie celebration, where the beach met the holiday spirit in perfect harmony.

Photo credit: Photos by Nell

A growing family, an investment purchase or a seachange - whatever the reason is, buying a new home is a big step in anyone's life. While the process can feel overwhelming, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank can help you every step of the way. Knowing how to prepare for a home loan makes the process simple and straightforward.

The Community Bank Sarina team have shared their home loan tips so that you can avoid any unexpected roadblocks.

1. Know your spending habits: If you’re seriously thinking about home ownership, it’s important to take a step back and look at your current spending habits. This doesn’t mean you need to dramatically change the way you spend your money. But it might mean you need to exercise some caution with your purchases. You need to demonstrate that you’ll be able to meet your mortgage repayments and proving you can responsibly manage your money will certainly help.

2. Know your credit: Applying for a home loan will always trigger the bank’s lender to assess your credit file. In a way, your credit file is like a resumé and if it isn’t in the best shape, it can be improved. By consistently meeting your future obligations, such as paying bills on time, you’re likely to raise your credit score. It’s important to check your credit file regularly to make sure you’re not receiving any unfair or incorrect results.

3. Know what you can borrow: It’s also crucial to know what your potential “borrowing power” is. Borrowing power is a combination of your income, credit history, and your monthly living expenses like bills, groceries, clothes, subscriptions, healthcare etc. Remember to include all your regular payments, including direct debits that you might otherwise not give much thought to, such as streaming subscriptions, gym memberships, and insurance.

Pre-qualifying is a process that you can use to figure out how much you can borrow before you apply for a home loan. Pre-qualifying will give you a good idea on where you stand and will help you to narrow down which type of properties and suburbs might suit you best.

There’s a lot that goes into getting a home loan. While it can be incredibly rewarding, it can take time – that’s why it’s important to have support from a bank you can trust. For more helpful advice on home loans, follow Community Bank Sarina on Facebook at facebook.com/communitybanksarina.

By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

With Christmas just a few days away, it seems timely to make a few Christmas wishes for the region’s sugar industry as we head into 2024.

● May four mills run sweetly: it’s been another crush run into overtime. Hopefully, our mills get some serious work done on the mills across the shut-down period- both in terms of capital works and maintenance. And investing in their reliability so that we can run an efficient industry with a whole-of-value-chain reward.

● May we finish the 2024 crushing well before Christmas, giving a great start for the 2025 crop.

● May our sugar terminals - those critical industry assets that keep exports flowing to market - stay in the transparent operating arrangement that the sugar industry designed. If it ain’t broke, it doesn’t need fixing. We would like to see the dispute over STL’s planned insourcing settled, giving the industry a break from upheaval and moving on as a united industry.

● Biofutures: Some great progress has been made towards seeing this established in our region, and it’s to be hoped that this continues. There need to be some nuts-and-bolts discussions on how this will work out for all parties in the supply chain. We look forward to the strong possibility that we will see a shovel in the soil for the region’s first precision fermenter production line, and the real birth of a fledgling new industry for the region that is aligned to cane growing as a renewable source of feedstock. An industry that will bring new kinds of jobs, education and training that align with and upskill on traditional trades and technical services.

● May sugar prices stay high: People get pretty excited about the high sugar price. It’s great, but only if you actually get that price and get all your cane milled into sugar. It’s been an almost unprecedented run on these high prices, and the market experts are expecting it to hold- which means there are some good profits to be made in the self-managed harvest pool by taking the spot price, and forward pricing the 2024 crop. A vibrant cane-growing sector has great economic flow-on for local businesses.

● As an organisation, CANEGROWERS Mackay plans to remain a strong part of this region. We represent around 750 farming families and enterprises, and that’s important. But it’s important that the wider community is part of our heart. We look forward to another year of BEING committed to a part of the fabric of the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac community and culture, supporting our local people, events and causes, contributing to the regional economy.

And, most important of all, may the people of Mackay region, and particularly our farming, harvesting, milling families and support services who make the sugar industry tick, have a peaceful and safe Christmas, and may we all enjoy a prosperous 2024.

After breaking the $1 million mark for donations earlier this year, the Mayor’s Charity Ball committee has announced the beneficiaries for the 2024 event.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the aim of the event was to fund two charities for two years to enable significant funds to be raised for each charity and to make a real difference in our community.

“Proceeds will be split 50-50 between Australian Street Aid Project and new beneficiary Grapevine Group,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Ronald McDonald House Charities Mackay drops out this year after completing their two-year tenure, but it’s exciting to see the positive impact of the new family room at the Mackay Base Hospital,” he said.

“Australian Street Aid Project is continuing on for their second year, which is timely, as homelessness support continues to be in high demand for the Mackay region.”

Australian Street Aid Project (ASAP) was established in 2018 by Mackay nurse Kayleigh Brewster.

She said she was thrilled to be able to continue as a charity for the 2024 event.

“We feel humbled to have the opportunity to be part of the Mayor’s Charity Ball again this year,” Ms Brewster said.

“With such an increase in homelessness in our region and a high demand for our many services, the funds donated will go a long way to continue to help local people who are doing it tough,” she said.

“As a local charity which does not receive state or federal government funding, events such as the Mayor’s Charity Ball make it possible for us to continue offering our homelessness services to vulnerable people in our region.

“This funding will enable us to continue offering support such as meals, healthcare, case management and a safe ‘place to be’ for people who are experiencing primary homelessness.”

Grapevine Group training coordinator Edie Weiss said the group was buzzing with excitement after hearing they were selected as a charity for the Ball.

“Next year will also be a special milestone for Grapevine Group as 2024 marks our 20th anniversary,” Ms Weiss said.

“We are very grateful to be selected as a beneficiary and be given not just a fundraising opportunity but also an opportunity to build awareness of the importance of suicide prevention within our community,” she said.

“This donation will allow us to continue to provide life-saving training to our local region and expand our network of trainers.

“To date, Grapevine has trained 6600 people, but many more need to be suicide aware, so attempts can be prevented and those struggling can find the vital support they need.

“The theme of our first fundraiser was ‘Have a ball and make a difference’ and that’s what we would like to encourage Mackay to do for the 2024 Mayor’s Charity Ball.”

Platinum partners for the 2024 Mayor’s Charity Ball include long-term sponsor DGH Engineering, Fergus Builders and Daly Bay.

Gold sponsors include Allure Laser and Skin Studio, Southern Cross Industrial Group, Champ Group, Key Solutions Group and BMA.

Long-term silver sponsor Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure has also come on board again for the 2024 event, as well as new sponsor CQ Soil Testing.

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Left to right - Brendan Hughes (Mayor’s Charity Ball committee member), Edie Weiss (Grapevine Group Training Coordinator), Kayleigh Brewster (Australian Street Aid Project Director), Tracey Dean (Mayor’s Charity Ball committee member), Janine Jacobson (Mayor’s Charity Ball committee member) and Mayor Greg Williamson