The final Councillor to be recognised for their service at the Local Government Conference next week is former mayor of Bowen Shire and Whitsunday Regional Council Councillor Mike Brunker.

Local Government is described as the grassroots of politics and Councillor Michael Brunker this year celebrates 25 years of remarkable grassroots service to our region.

Cr Mike’s journey into politics started in 1994 when he ran for Councillor at Collinsville to oppose a plan to shut Collinsville’s council depot in 1994.

He won the election and won the battle to keep the Collinsville Council depot open and it is still open today.

Never one to take a backward step when standing up for his community Mike stepped up to the plate and ran for Mayor of the Bowen Shire Council in 1997.

Again, he won and has held the Mayoral role of Bowen Shire Council and then the amalgamated Whitsunday Regional Council for 15 of the last 26 years.

Mike lost the Local Government election in 2012 when running for a second term as Mayor of the newly amalgamated Whitsunday Regional Council.

However, he was back in the chambers at the next election in 2016 when elected Bowen Divisional Councillor and has held that position since.

Over the course of his political career, Mike built a strong network across the three tiers of government which allowed his leadership and advocacy skills to deliver positive outcomes for his community.

His passion for community development and his commitment to the betterment of the lives of his constituents have been his guiding principles.

His biggest achievement, which is still delivering outcomes today, was convincing the Beattie Government to declare the 16,000-hectare Abbot Point as a State Development Area (SDA) in 2008.

Cr Mike presented the Government with an industrial land-use study, which found there was a unique opportunity that the 6,000 hectares adjacent to the deepwater port was one of the most ideal sites for a greenfields industrial area on the east coast.

The Port of Abbot Point now has a coal export capacity of 50 million tonnes per annum. It comprises rail in-loading facilities, coal handling and stockpiling areas and a single trestle jetty and conveyor connecting to two offshore berths and two ship-loaders which are located 2.8 kilometres offshore.

The benefits of that decision back in 2008 continue with the countdown to the first rocket being launched in 2024 by Gilmour Space Technologies from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport.

Thank you, Councillor Mike Brunker, for 25 years of exceptional service.

From Mayor Julie Hall.

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Council offers financial assistance for Junior Elite Athletes to assist with costs associated with attending a sporting competition when they are representing North Queensland, Queensland or Australia.

To be eligible, Junior Elite Athletes must be aged 18 years or younger at the time of the competition and have been living in the Whitsunday Region for at least 12 months or more.

The level of funding available is based on a progressive scale, meaning the higher the representation, the larger the financial support available.

For more information, head to the Grants and Community Assistance section of Council's Website.

Following her war memorial research and documentation, Lyn Burke is reaching out for local’s help.

Lyn Burke, and her associate Lloyd Fox, have dedicated much of their time to uncovering the local servicemen and women of the Whitsundays.

They are dedicated to ensuring a suitable resting place for them and giving a reprieve to their families.

Recently, the pair discovered several names of men who do not have a headstone, and their graves are only marked with white crosses, within Proserpine Cemetery.

The Whitsunday Old Iron Restorers Club have embarked on a project to install headstones on these graves and while Lyn and Lloyd have managed to find family members of most of the men to ask permission to instal the headstone, some remain unknown.

“We hope to give each of the men a headstone, however, we wish to reach out to family first and get their permission,” Lyn said.

“If no family steps forward, we will move forward with the headstones, but I wish to try every avenue beforehand.”

To claim a serviceman as family, please contact Lyn Burke on 4947 2647, or lynburke03@gmail.com

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Do you know these men?

WW1                                                                     Number                               Battalion                              DOD

ANTHONY JAMES ARENA                              3288                                       5^THLHR                                 7.12.193              

FREDERICK HERBERT DAVIS                          4661                                       30^THBATT                            24.1.1970

ALBERT GREEN  LIEUTENANT                      4                                              HQ                                          28.8.1937            

JOHN HARRINGTON                                        1910                                       2^NDBATT                              15.9.1933

JOSEPH LEARY                                                    7600                                       14^THBATT                            8.9.1922

EDWARD PACKETT                                           BOARW & 2228                49^THBATT                            6.8.1945              

THOMAS PUGSLEY                                           3905                                       4^THPIONEER                       26.12.1944

THOMAS REID                                                    BRITISH ARMY                   -                                              17.11.1940                          

GEORGE USHER                                                218/Q224684                      11^TH LHR                               17.2.1948

WW2

EDWARD JACKSON                                          Q34502                                 31^STBATT                             10.4.1972

ALEC LENNIG                                                     QX27703                              2/56 LAD                              29.12.1961

SYDNEY MCNEILL                                             123518                                  A/FORCE                              21.11.1978

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Bowen Student Leader Recognised With Prestigious Awards

Bowen State High School Year 12 School Caption, Danzel Lewis has been awarded the prestigious Order of Australia Association (Queensland Branch) Secondary Schools Citizenship Award.

Nominated by Bowen State High School Principal Robert Harris, Danzel was honoured with the award for his outstanding and dedicated service within the school campus as well as in the wider Bowen community.

In his nomination, Mr Harris explained that Danzel is the only First Nations’ student to be elected as school Captain, a regional finalist in the 2023 Queensland Training Awards, in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year category, and the first indigenous student to undertake a Certificate III in Business with local civil earthmoving and quarry business Hillery Group in Bowen.

“Danzel is inspirational in motivating younger indigenous students to value the importance of education,” Mr Harris wrote in his nomination.

“Danzel instigated a project this year, where he has written and presented letters to Year 7 to 11 students who have improved in their subject results, effort, and behaviour. During Term 2 this year, Danzel approached the school administration to speak to the entire school body about mental health impacts of bullying and domestic violence. This was a powerful message, and he was commended by staff for this courage to speak up against bullying and violence. This has led to more students feeling confident to stand up against bullying and reporting incidences.”

The Secondary Schools Citizenship Awards received 94 nominations from across Queensland, with Danzel one of 12 students to be a recipient.

Danzel himself was unaware that Mr Harris had nominated him for the award, and it was even more a surprise to be one of the 12 students to receive the award.

“It was a very overwhelming moment to find out that I was one of twelve students out of the whole state to be recognized for what I thought was modest community work,” Danzel explained.

He further explained that his passion and drive to service the school and community stemmed from his upbringing.

“The passion to serve my school and community comes mainly from the way I was brought up by my culture (being of Aboriginal and South Sea Islander heritage), my family, and my faith. They all taught me the importance of patience, kindness, empathy, respect, and serving others, especially my elders.”

For Danzel, this recognition feels weird.

“I still feel weird looking at the award plaque sitting on my desk. I don’t feel like I’m special or have done anything extremely outgoing to receive it. I just do what I love and live the way my family, my culture and my faith have taught me to live.”

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Bowen State High School student Danzel Lewis and Principal Robert Harris at Parliament House in Brisbane, accepting his Secondary Schools Citizenship Award. Photo supplied

Mental Health Week At Proserpine State High

Proserpine State High School celebrated Queensland Mental Health Week, hosting their second annual Healthy Mind, Body, and Soul Expo.

Joined by local organisations, Womens Well Co, PCYC Whitsunday, Whitsunday Libraries, and Whitsunday Sailing Club, were the Year 10 Business Students who showcased their entrepreneurial spirit by selling goods at market stalls.

The music students also rocked out on stage.

“We’ve got a range of community organisations that promote different healthy living options, as well as sporting clubs, and different clubs that are in the school,” explained the Expo organiser and school Guidance Officer, Karen O’Keefe.

“Deadly Choices, our music groups performing, our student leaders handing out pizzas, and our LGBT+ club handing out fairy bread – everyone got involved and it was a wonderful day.”

Throughout the week, the school also hosted art therapy sessions, drumming circles, and indigenous art groups.

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The team from PCYC Whitsundays sharing safe driving with intoxication goggles.2:

Whitsunday Sailing Club promoting the art of sailing as a fantastic hobby

The PSHS Weightlifting club trailing new competitors

Girls giving the drumming circle a go

Whitsunday Counselling and Support with mindful rock painting

Whitsunday Libraries sharing the love of reading with students. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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RACQ CQ Rescue has this afternoon winched a medical team down onto rocks in a clearing in thick rainforest at Finch Hatton Gorge to treat a seriously injured walker.

The Mackay-based helicopter was tasked by Queensland Health just after midday after a 000 call alerted authorities that a man had fallen on a walking track at the popular tourist spot in the Pioneer Valley and suffered serious leg injuries.

The RACQ CQ Rescue crew used co-ordinates provided by fellow walkers to fly directly to the heavily-wooded location, near the Wheel of Fire waterfall, about 70km west of Mackay.

After a five-minute aerial search of the rocky waterway and thick rainforest canopy, the man’s walking party was spotted near the waterway below by the helicopter crew.

Given the flat rocks below and an adequate clearing in the dense canopy, a decision was made to winch the rescue crewman and Critical Care Paramedic down to the scene.

As the helicopter hovered about 40 metres overhead, a rescue crewman was winched onto rocks near the shallow waterway. A Critical Care Paramedic then followed, winched down from the helicopter onto large rocks near a waterfall, using hand signals to communicate with the crew above about a landing position.

After both crewmen were safely on the ground, a third winch delivered a stretcher and medical equipment down to the medical team.

As SES crews and ambulance officers arrived on scene, the decision was made by the medical team to walk the injured man out of the forest on a stretcher instead of winching him.

After 50 minutes on scene, the helicopter returned to base while crews on the ground carried the injured walker to a waiting ambulance, which then transferred him to Mackay Base Hospital.

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RACQ CQ Rescue winched a rescue crewman and Critical Care Paramedic down to assist a seriously injured walker at Finch Hatton Gorge today. Photo supplied: RACQ CQ Rescue

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New Principal of Mackay Christian College, Bevan Little, has penned an open letter to the community regarding his recent appointment.

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students, Friends, and Associates of Mackay Christian College,

What an honour and privilege to be appointed Principal of Mackay Christian College (MCC). I want to express my heartfelt thanks to those who reached out by text, email, and Facebook to offer kind words of support and encouragement to me and my family as we begin a new chapter in the life of our school. I would also like to thank Ps. Rob Booth-Jones and the Board for their confidence in me to lead Mackay Christian College moving forward.

My journey at the College began in 2012 when I was encouraged to teach Engineering in the Trade Training Centre (TTC). I was at a crossroads in my career as a tradesman, and at that time, founding Principal Dr Craig Murison and TTC Director Mr Peter Hopper offered me the opportunity of a lifetime to study and work to make a difference in the lives of young people. I began to understand the importance of education, where Christian values guide how you live, work with others, and behave. At MCC, our values of Christlikeness, Learning, Excellence, Attitude and Respect (CLEAR) are more than just words we profess; we seek to practice (live out) these beliefs as staff and students.

Fast forward, with various experiences within education under my belt, the opportunity to be entrusted as the Principal of Mackay Christian College is one I do not take lightly. Our goal as a College is to continue the legacy of providing quality, values-based education that positively impacts students into the future.

I sincerely thank Dr Lesley Tunnah, who entered the Acting Principal role in Term 3 2023. Dr Tunnah has been a reassuring presence and an encouragement that “God who began a good work in our College has great plans ahead”.

Special mention to our Executive team, teaching staff and non-teaching staff. Our school would not have traversed through challenges this year without their unwavering commitment to our students and one another.

I look forward to partnering with you to support your child in discovering and growing in their potential in the months and years to come.

God Bless

Bevan Little

Principal

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Left to Right: Ps Rob Booth-Jones, Mr Bevan Little

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In recent weeks, parcels have mistakenly ended up at the wrong addresses, prompting the local community to unite in an effort to return these items.

Among these incidents, Anneliese experienced a delivery mishap when her parcel, intended for Moranbah, was mistakenly delivered to Slade Point without a signature.

The confusion stemmed from Australia Post, as both Mackay and Moranbah have many identical street names.

Local commenters on Facebook community pages took action to identify the parcel's intended recipient, with individuals volunteering their assistance.

Comments included, “I can post on the local Slade Point page for you.”

“I could call past and knock tomorrow?”

“I am travelling from Mackay tomorrow morning, if you find it and need it brought to you.”

The search concluded on a positive note with, "I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all who offered their assistance. I'm happy to report that the parcel has been located."

Great work, Mackay!

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Parcel mishaps increase over recent weeks

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Feeling lucky this week? Well, your stroke of good fortune might be a mere mouse click away. No need to buy a lottery ticket or scour the ground for lost change. Just head over to the Public Trustee website, type in your name, and see if serendipity has your back.

Now, I know what you're thinking – "Unclaimed money? That's only for folks tangled up in grand estates and long-lost relatives, right?" Wrong! You see, there's a treasure trove of unclaimed cash from all corners – electricity companies, government payroll systems, public departments, housing groups, and even insurance providers.

But why does this money remain unclaimed? The answer's simpler than you might think. People tend to forget to update their address with every nook and cranny they've ever been associated with. Moving house? Well, that's a recipe for lost cash. And businesses? If they can't track you down, they must relinquish owed funds to the Public Trustee for safekeeping.

Speaking of which, the Public Trustee is like the benevolent guardian of unclaimed riches. They're holding on to unclaimed money from a variety of sources, including our very own Queensland Government departments and agencies (yes, including hospitals and correctional centers), accountable individuals or businesses under the Public Trustee Act 1978, and other players like solicitors, real estate agents, accountants, and nursing homes.

We've all felt the pinch of life's rising costs, and it seems like every cent counts. So, why not give the Public Trustee's 'Unclaimed Money' section a whirl? Who knows, a little windfall might be your reward for being financially responsible and updating your address promptly. In the game of life, it's your move.

Amanda

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Last weekend, a group of resilient ultra-athletes embarked on a remarkable journey, conquering 250 kilometres of rugged terrain in the annual 'Trail To Triumph: Tony's Journey' event. This inspiring endeavour pays tribute to the late Tony Britton, a beloved figure in the community and a passionate advocate for youth development.

Tony Britton, who was named Citizen of the Year in 2014, dedicated over four decades to mentoring young individuals and fostering community bonds. His life was tragically cut short by Mesothelioma, a rare and incurable cancer caused by asbestos exposure. In his honour, his son Mat initiated 'Trail To Triumph,' an annual event aimed at commemorating his father's legacy while raising funds and awareness for Mesothelioma.

The gruelling three-day journey began in Moranbah and culminated in Mackay via the challenging Eungella region. Runners faced daunting elevation changes and varying terrains throughout the course, making it a true test of endurance.

Day 1 covered an impressive 112.7 kilometres, including segments from Moranbah to Redhill Road, followed by Pipeline Road stretches. Day 2 proved equally demanding, with participants covering 80.3 kilometres from Lizzie Creek Road to Mackay – Eungella Road, passing through picturesque locations like Eungella Township and Finch Hatton. The final leg on Day 3 encompassed 52.7 kilometres from Gargett, concluding at the Bluewater Trail in Mackay.

A select group of determined runners successfully completed the entire 250-kilometre journey, including Jen Lewis, Kyle McLennan, Anthony Gordon, Anthony McDonald, Steve Kozlowski, Sam Ford, Scott Martin, and Stuart Steele. Joining the full-time pack were sponsors and supporters who ran legs of varying distance depending on ability to support the ultra-marathon runners.

For those unable to join the ultra-marathon, a virtual run was also available, allowing participants to contribute from the comfort of their own surroundings. The 'TTT VR challenge' encouraged individuals to set their own goals and accumulate kilometres during the event weekend of October 6-8, 2023.

'Trail To Triumph: Tony's Journey' continues to inspire the community while raising vital awareness and support for Mesothelioma research and advocacy. Since 2014, more than $430,000 has been raised in the honour of the late Mr Britton.

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Jen Lewis, Kyle McLennan, Anthony Gordon, Anthony McDonald, Steve Kozlowski, Sam Ford, Scott Martin, and Stuart Steele completed the 250km journey. Photo credit: Trail to Triumph Facebook page

Vision from the 2023 Trail to Triumph ultra-marathon

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By Amanda Wright

A woman has been charged with murder following the death of a woman in Glenella on Thursday, 5th October.

Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) was called for assistance to a Burge Court property in Glenella at approximately 10:45am.

Detective Inspector (DI) Novosel said QAS responded in response to the call saying an elderly woman had had a fall.

“On attendance of that address they identified that the injuries they observed on the deceased person were not consistent with that of a fall and consequently requested that police attend,” she said.

DI Novosel said that the injuries sustained included “significant head injuries”.

“Police attended and located a number of people at that address, including a 55-year-old woman, she was taken into custody and has since been charged with one account of murder in a domestic violence setting,” she said.

A crime scene was declared.

The 55-year-old woman was confirmed by DI Novosel as being the daughter of the 73-year-old. Both women are from Bundaberg and were visiting family in Mackay. They had been in Mackay for around two days staying with family before the alleged incident. They had been staying within the Burge Court address, the 73-year-old had a temporary makeshift bedroom in the garage and that is where the deceased was located by Queensland Ambulance paramedics.

DI Novosel confirmed that the 55-year-old woman is known to police, but there is no domestic violence history reported between the deceased and the accused.

Police said that there are children that live at the Burge Court property but they believe no children were present when they think the alleged incident took place.

The occupants of the Burge Court property were also not believed to have been home during the alleged incident in what was described as a ‘normal morning’ before they left to do their daily business.

DI Novosel said it was confirmed by the occupants that the 73-year-old had been “alive and well” earlier that morning.

She confirmed that neighbours had been canvassed and that some had been able to provide police with information.

DI Novosel said at this stage no weapon had been found consistent with their investigation.

The 55-year-old Bundaberg woman was charged with one count of murder (domestic violence) and appeared in the Mackay Magistrates Court last Friday morning.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, you should report it to police.

Support and counselling is available from the following agencies:

DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811

DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636

1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732

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Detective Inspector Emma Novosel

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The Australasian Society for Historical Archaeology held their 2023 ASHA Conference at Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre from 19th to 23rd September, with a theme of ‘The past in the present for historical archaeology.’

The 2022 ASHA Conference was held in New Zealand. This year, Mackay had the privilege of hosting the event.

The conference drew in a large crowd of fascinated community members, encouraging reflection on the complex dynamic between the information about our past and how it is understood and accepted in the present.

The sessions and presentations included research with relevance to contemporary issues, community-led projects, public interpretation of archaeological heritage, and evolving values in significance assessment.

Keynote Speaker, Jeff Cheng, spoke about his decade-long study uncovering invaluable insights into both Japanese and Bunun cultural heritage sites, which bear immense significance for contemporary indigenous communities.

With a presentation titled ‘The Past in the Present of the Bunun Country, the Lakulaku River Basin’ explaining Taiwan’s inhabitancy of Austronesian-speaking people before the arrival of colonizers.

Heritage practice lives in the tension between intangible and social values and the materiality of the archaeological record. Many believe historical archaeology only relates to a neutral gathering of evidence that explains the past.

However, the sites and objects in fieldwork, labs and museums comprise important places that resonate directly with living communities.

Sites and objects exist in relationship with communities in the present – not only human but also non-humans such as plants, animals and rivers.

Changing the understanding of the value and meaning of cultural heritage assists in shaping important debates within the world of historical archaeology.

The ASHA Conference also celebrated the following esteemed winners of various historical and archaeological-related awards:

● Best paper – Cassie J Gordon, Being-in-the-Roadside – Roadside Memorials as Artefacts of Contemporary Personal Heritage

● Best student paper – Ramona Lola Angelico and Angela Goh-Smith, ‘A Chinese Den’: The archaeology of intimate exchange in Jones Lane.

● Best poster – Hilda Maclean, No further “Visitations from God”: Classifying Queensland colonial deaths with the Nosological Index

● Best photograph – Tracey Martens, ‘Plain weave silk fabric excavated from a Victorian era cesspit in Melbourne CBD’

● Bursary recipients – Yongjun Qiu and Ramona Lola Angelico

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Keynote Speaker Jeff Cheng

Mayor Greg Williamson of Mackay Regional Council announces opening remarks

Members of the ASHA Conference 2023

Busy hall of eventgoers at the ASHA Conference 2023 (Photo Credit: Australasian Society for Historical Archaeology)

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A thrilling adventure awaited 15 Cub Scouts, 1 Venturer Scout, and 7 adults, including leaders and helpers from Hibiscus Coast District, as they embarked on the 7th Queensland Cuboree from September 17th to 22nd, 2023. Originating from Banksia, Mackay City Central, Sarina, and Proserpine Cub Scout Sections, this ultimate holiday was filled with camaraderie and unforgettable experiences.

The biennial Cuboree, held at Maryborough Showgrounds, brought together around 1000 attendees, comprising approximately 780 Cub Scouts and various leaders and adult helpers. As the most significant and exhilarating camp for Cub Scouts, Cuboree offers a unique opportunity to create lifelong memories.

Under the theme "Choose Your Adventure," the camp featured subcamps named Circus, Universe, Bizarre, and Sea, creatively spelling out "CUBS." An additional sub-camp called "Adventure" catered to Scouts and Venturer Scouts attending as helpers, while "Oasis" accommodated Activity Leaders and Adult Helpers. The youth participants slept in 8-person bell tents, with daily awards for the cleanest tent.

Activities galore were on offer, and it followed the CUBS theme of:

Create your own adventure, which were STEM activities, rope bridge, rope maze, catapult building, ciphers and marble races.

Up, Up and Away, was exploring Maryborough, a joy flight, steam train, damper making and heritage style games in Queens Park. Of great interest at the Museum the Cub Scouts were able to hear the story of how Keith Payne, VC AM earned his Victoria Cross Medal. Another very interesting story was about Able Seacat Simon and how he earned the Dickins Medal.

Beyond Base, bottle rockets, paper planes, games and the very popular colour explosion was held.

Seabound, was an all-day at Hervey Bay foreshore, swimming, fishing, sandcastles, and giant games. These activities were run by the Hervey Bay Sea Scouts.

Evenings were not devoid of excitement, with activities including the Opening Ceremony, a disco night, a STEM Magic Show, a Subcamp movie night, and a promotional video for the 2025 Australian Jamboree, also to be held at Maryborough Showgrounds. Many Cub Scouts who attended Cuboree will be eligible for the Jamboree.

With anticipation, leaders and younger Cub Scouts are already looking forward to the next Cuboree in 2025.

Contributed by Mary Wallace, DL, Hibiscus Coast District

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MCC and Banksia cub scouts

Proserpine cub scouts

Joy flight

Steam train

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Storm and cyclone season in Queensland runs from October to the end of April. During this time, flooding is more likely to impact the state.

Sandbagging is a helpful solution to divert water away from your property and preventing floodwater damage.

The State Emergency Service Mackay Regional Unit operates two sandbagging machines. One electric machine at their headquarters and a mobile, trailer-mounted machine that is transported around the local region.

You can buy sandbags from local hardware stores. Alternatives include fertiliser or potting mix bags, old pillowcases, plastic shopping bags and plastic downpipe bags.

Ensure you only fill your sandbags ¾ full, so they are not too heavy to lift and provide a flat layer for stacking. Place a plastic tarp down before you start to provide a barrier.

The SES encourages self-reliance from our community to reduce requests for assistance.

Access to emergency sand stockpiles in Mackay and surrounding areas:

● North Mackay – Norris Road reserve

● South Mackay – BB Print Stadium overflow car park on Leisure Street

● West Mackay – Hume Street and 374 Shakespeare Street

● Sarina – SES Facility – Brewers Road

● Seaforth – Community Centre, 1 Elizabeth Street

● Armstrong Beach – Rural Fire Brigade Shed

● Calen – Church St

● Campwin Beach – SES Facility - 103 Campwin Beach Road

● Finch Hatton – SES Facility, 17 Letchford Street

● Grasstree Beach, 40 Zelma Street

● Koumala – SES Facility, Bull Street

● Midge Point – SES Facility, 1503 Midge Point Road

● Mirani – Corner of Victoria and Augusta streets

You can find out more information through the Mackay Regional Council or SES websites.

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Sandbagging reduces floodwater damage to your property

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Meet The New Mackay Hospital And Health Services Board

The new Mackay Hospital and Health Board came together on Thursday, 5th October to introduce themselves to health service personnel, appointed to set the strategic direction and oversee the management of Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

The event was kickstarted with a Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony conducted by Elder Uncle Phillip Kemp, to the sound of the didgeridoo, played by Toasie Cora. Alongside this was a performance by the Tchundal Malar Dance Company.

This was followed by a traditional Torres Strait Islander prayer by Aunty Matilda Christian, asking for support and guidance on behalf of the new team of Board members to provide governance for the health service, in both Merian Mir and English languages.

Members include Board Chair Helen Darch, Deputy Chair Kerry Maley and Members Maud Chapman, Bill Cooper, Dr Luke Lawton and Dr Peter O’Mara.

Board Chair, Helen Darch OAM is an experienced board member in both government and not-for-profit sectors, with over thirteen years in the industry.

When Helen received the opportunity to apply for the Mackay Board, she was excited to come in with a broader experience to a team of exceptional people.

Helen’s aim is, “To try and unpack some of the challenges of regional Queensland and its health, and to advocate for change for our community.

“In this first phase, our key focus is to go and listen to staff, to our community, to our politicians to actually understand what is really not working well, what people really need and how best to step in and work together to fix it.

“The past is the past, we must learn the lessons from that to make sure that we are building a far better future for our community.

“I can’t undo what’s happened, but I am absolutely determined that we are going to change things.”

The six-member Board brings a vast range of experience across the fields of emergency medicine, business, nursing and law. This newly assembled team strives to create positive change for the future of Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

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The new Mackay Hospital and Health Board

Mackay HHS Chief Executive Susan Gannon

Tchundal Malar dance group

Smoking ceremony. Photos supplied by Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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