Recent school leavers and Queenslanders looking to upskill or change careers are being encouraged to enrol in one of the 37,000 Fee-Free TAFE places available in 2023.

Almost all courses offered by CQUniversity (CQU) TAFE with Fee Free TAFE funding are available to Mackay residents subject to their eligibility, said CQU Deputy Vice-President VET Peter Heilbuth.

“There is a large cross section of courses available to Mackay residents in industry areas from accounting to visual arts, aged care to horticulture and many in between,” he said.

“Courses vary in their delivery type and are often a combination of online, online with work placement, online and on campus.”

Mr Heilbuth believes there will be a lot of students studying under this program who have studied before whether at TAFE or university, as the number of prior qualifications individuals hold are not a factor in their eligibility for a Fee Free enrolment.

“People who are looking to upskill for management roles would do well to look at our Certificate IV of Leadership and Management, for example, plus those who want to pursue their passion may take up the Certificate III in Horticulture or the Diploma of Visual Arts,” he said.

Federal Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor encouraged Queenslanders to make 2023 their year.

“Skills shortages are gripping the nation, and those running through Queensland reflect the specific characteristics of the state’s labour market,” Mr O’Connor said.

“It is vital that we support people locally to obtain the skills they need to fill job vacancies.”

TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mary Campbell said Queenslanders eligible for Fee-Free TAFE funding will have the opportunity to enrol in one of over 80 skill sets, certificates and diploma level qualifications currently on offer.

“Child care workers, welfare support workers, office managers and ICT technicians are all in high demand throughout Queensland, so it’s encouraging that the majority of our current enrolments are in sectors with recognised skills shortages,” Ms Campbell said.

For more information on TAFE Queensland and CQU’s Fee-Free Courses, visit www.cqu.edu.au, call 13 27 86 or visit CQU at their City or Ooralea campuses.

‍

Images:

Fee-Free courses are available at both Mackay City and Ooralea campuses

IT courses are some of the many being offered Fee-Free. Photos supplied

‍

By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

When you live in NQ, you are sadly no stranger to high insurance costs, but when it comes to insuring homes on working rural properties, farmers are really stuck between a rock and a hard place, and our governments need to get proactive on this issue.

We’ve just had a near-miss when it comes to a flood event, but this is North Queensland and floods happen, cyclones happen, and farmers, like everyone else, surely deserve the right to be able to affordably insure their homes against these events, that are simply part of the climate here.

It is scarcely credible, but there is little or no choice when it comes to securing an insurer. There are very restricted options when it comes to farmer's homes on-property.

Most insurers have walked away from farm residences that are on the same title as the rest of the farm. Of the choices that remain, the premiums of two are prohibitive - unaffordable - and do not cover for flood.

That leaves two options, and one of these insists – as part of a raft of strict requirements- that cyclone shutters be fitted to all windows. These cost over $1500 each. Most farmhouses don’t have these, and the cost is so prohibitive, it knocks that insurer out of consideration.

That leaves one player. They are known for good service and – in these times - a competitive price. But a monopoly, even if unintentional, is a monopoly. It is, in our opinion as growers, a market failure.

CANEGROWERS Mackay has a very hardworking insurance broker team, who are astounded by the unfair situation. Our Insurance Manager Geoff Youngs tells us that, as a broker, he’s committed to getting customers the best deal he can, but this is one instance where he cannot offer people comparison or choice. The team has made numerous complaints - without result - to those insurers and cluster groups that they deal with that do not offer fair - or any - coverage for farm domestic dwellings. The team cannot find a reason why this class of home is treated differently to other homes across the region.

Covering a home within the “Farm Pack” that covers the raft of other insurances needed by rural producers- machinery, sheds, public liability, theft, vehicle, material damage- effectively triples the cost of insuring the home compared to cost as a standard residential dwelling.

The situation is made more ridiculous by the fact that, were the house block on a separate title to the productive areas of the farm, most insurers would see their way clear to covering the dwelling, at a lower cost.

The situation is not new. Successive Governments have passed this issue on like a hot potato. While the Australian Reinsurance Pool scheme should have delivered a solution for all of North Queensland, what has resulted is reinsurance coverage for cyclones. It is merely intended to reduce premiums for cyclone coverage, and the federal body has no jurisdiction over any insurance company on their underwriting criteria. So, when it comes to farm domestic dwellings, it offers no improvement in resolving the issue of competitive underwriting of rural producers’ homes.

The State and Federal Government apply both GST and Stamp Duty to these products, further driving up costs.

Living where you farm is part of what keeps our rural communities strong, and part of what makes being a farmer an attractive proposition.

We call upon our elected representatives to all levels of government to step in and argue for our North Australian farmers. If the private market cannot create competition, then the Government needs to re-institute Government Insurance. North Australian communities need insurance solutions that work.

‍

Image: Farmers are stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to insuring their on-farm home. Picture: Contributed

‍

‍

An apprentice and trainee program that helps futureproof Isaac region’s skills and knowledge continues to shine as 11 fresh-faced employees start their new careers.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker welcomed the new apprentices and trainees at Moranbah Community Centre last month.

“This is a great opportunity for this group of vibrant individuals to pave their way as our Council delivers in a changing world,” Mayor Baker said.

“At Isaac Regional Council how we do that as a team and with our communities’ matters.”

Council has onboarded 59 apprentices and trainees between 2017-2022 with a completion rate sitting around 85 per cent.

The new employees will be based in various positions from compliance to community engagement and traditional trades such as plumbers and electricians in Moranbah, Dysart, and Clermont.

CEO Jeff Stewart Harris PSM said Council’s mission is to pursue long-term sustainable futures for Isaac communities.

“Community focus, caring, teamwork and a positive work ethic will be the four values the 11 apprentices and trainees will be tasked with in going about their day-to-day work,” Mr Stewart-Harris said.

“We are committed to working safely and caring about the wellbeing of our people and communities.

“We believe that people matter, and Council officers have the opportunity to teach and mould our trainees and apprentices into exactly what we require so they become an integrated part of our organisation culture.”

Council’s 2023 Energise Your Career trainee and apprentice program is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.

Council offers a range of career and employment opportunities for school leavers, professionals, and tradespeople at family friendly locations throughout the region. Visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au/employment, call 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227) or email recruitment@isaac.qld.gov.au for more information.

‍

The Australian Government has earmarked more than $3 million for community infrastructure and signage projects across the Isaac region. The funds will be used towards 18 local assets and existing infrastructure to enhance community wellbeing in the geographically challenging area.

The Australian Government said these projects help to make communities better, from historical preservation projects in Clermont to light replacements at Middlemount’s sporting facilities.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said improving essential infrastructure plays a pivotal role in local communities.

“This funding will deliver upgrades to pool fencing, historic building rectification projects, lighting replacements and upgrades at local sporting fields plus tourism signage,” Mayor Baker said.

“We will continue to work together towards enabling strong, vibrant, diverse and sustainable communities and look forward to working collaboratively with the Australian Government to deliver the projects that will make a difference in our communities.”

The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King said getting shovels in the ground on local construction projects was important for maintaining jobs and economic growth in Central Queensland.

“This funding provides a vital boost for communities throughout the Isaac while delivering important projects that will benefit residents for years to come,” Ms King said.

“Every single job that the Australian Government supports makes a difference in our local communities in the coalfields.”

The projects are:

o Upgrade Clermont Swimming Centre car park

o Upgrade Middlemount Pool car park

o Upgrade fencing at Nebo Pool

o Revitalising the Nebo Memorial Hall, administration, library, and Historic Nebo Museum

o Restoring the Pioneer Slab Hut at Clermont Historical Centre

o Pool fence upgrades at Greg Cruickshank Aquatic Centre and Glenden Pool

o Renewing tourism signage around the region

o Copperfield Store rectification project

o Town Entry Statement for Nebo

o Dump point alarm system at Carmila and St Lawrence

o Upgrading recycled water pipeline at Eastern Sporting Fields, Moranbah

o Replace solar lighting at Centenary Park, Clermont

o Refurbish the amenities block at Rose Harris Park, Clermont.

o Moranbah Town Square lighting upgrade

o Light replacement at Middlemount touch fields

o Light replacement at Middlemount netball courts

o Light upgrade at Middlemount rugby league fields

o Footpaths and parking accessibility upgrades at Centenary Park, Nebo.

The 18 Isaac Regional Council projects were made possible through the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

‍

‍

Image: The car park at the Clermont Swimming Centre is one of 18 Isaac Region projects to receive Federal Government funding

‍

The wider Nebo community will gather for a weekend of cricket-inspired family fun tomorrow, Saturday, February 4, with a much more important message at the heart of the event.

Six Ducks & a Yarn is a community cricket event providing a day of family fun, entertainment and cricket while raising awareness and funds for mental health throughout the community.

“It’s a charity cricket match to get the community, the rural community, the mining community, businesses, just to reconnect and have a good family day but also to let people know they’re not alone, we’re all here to help one way or another,” said event organiser and Nebo Medical Action Group President Joy Cooper.

The day will feature Super 8 style cricket matches with 10 teams from Nebo, Mackay, Coppabella and Glenden registered.

Cricket legend Michael Kasprowicz will be having a game as well as presenting a guest speech and Bek Andrews and Mango Junction will be partying through the evening with live entertainment.

There are prizes for the best dressed team and best team name on offer plus free kids entertainment including dodgem cars, a water slide and cricket activities provided by Mackay Whitsunday Cricket.

Free camping is also available for those hoping to make a weekend out of the event.

The community has jumped on board with the event, with local groups providing food and drink stalls including Nebo/Sarina Range CWA, Nebo Pony Club, St Lawrence/Nebo Polocrosse Club and Nebo Bushman’s Carnival Committee.

“We’ll also have donation buckets around the area so that we can donate to a mental health charity who can come and help services to our community,” said Ms Cooper.

“It’s just a good weekend for everyone to have fun and get involved.

“Let’s start the year off on a good note.”

The event has been organised by the community with the assistance of Greater Whitsunday Communities, Isaac Regional Council, Queensland Cricket and the Queensland Government through their Queensland Health TRACC program funding.

As part of the funding provided by the TRACC Program, The Nebo Medical Action Group have been able to implement three mental health projects, with Six Ducks & A Yarn being the first.

The second project is the Cowboys Resilience Program, starting in term one, with schools from Nebo, Glenden, Coppabella, Valkyrie and Clarke Creek getting involved.

The Resilience Project delivers emotionally engaging programs to schools providing practical, evidence-based, positive strategies to build resilience and happiness through a combination of presentations, wellbeing journals, school curriculum, teacher diaries and their app.

The third project will be a series of mental health first aid courses in the region, which has already gotten underway with 10 people attending a class in Glenden last year.

“They’re the people that we can call upon to go sit with people and try and put them on the right path or just someone to sit down and have a cup of coffee with,” said Ms Cooper.

A class will be held in Nebo later this year with a date to be announced, aiming to raise awareness and support for mental health in the rural community.

“We all do personally, no matter who we are, have times where we feel lost and we just don’t know where to turn to,” said Ms Cooper.

“If we can put it out there that these are the people that can help you and get those services to come to Nebo, so they feel comfortable in their own community, that’s even better.

Mental health agencies will be present at Six Ducks & a yarn, providing information to attendees on where they can seek support.

“Our main aim is to break the stigma of mental health because it is a serious medical condition but also, we just want people to come and have fun, bring your chairs, be sun safe, there is also free camping available as well … we don’t want people to be on the road late at night,” said Ms Cooper.

WHAT: Six Ducks & a Yarn Community Family Fun Day

WHERE: Nebo Showgrounds

WHEN: Saturday, February 4, gates open at 1:00pm

This is a free community event.

‍

Image: Michael Kasprowicz, who played cricket for Queensland and Australia, is the special guest at Six Ducks & a Yarn, a day of cricket, family fun and mental health awareness

‍

After nine years in Nursing and Midwifery, Amy Kinlyside has taken the next step in exploring her passion for care and compassion.

Nude Aesthetics has been operating in Mackay since November 2022 and offers patients a high level of care and professionalism on their cosmetic journey.

“I’ve always enjoyed making people feel better about themselves,” said Amy.

Nude Aesthetics offers Cosmetic Injectables, PDO threading, IV Vitamin Infusions, IM Booster Shots, Chemical Peels, PRP and Vampire Facials, as well as stocking the best in affordable, Australian made skincare products.

It’s Amy’s friendly, empathetic and compassionate approach that makes her services stand out, always putting herself in the shoes of her patients.

“I like that I’m not just here to perform a procedure,” she said.

“I’m here to get to know the patient as well.

“I’m not here to rush, I make sure my patients are given the chance to talk, make them feel comfortable and listen to what they’re after.

“I know what it’s like to hate needles, so I always try to find the most gentle approach.”

Amy has established a comfortable, friendly and safe environment for patients to share their stories and become their best selves.

Her gentle yet confident touch puts patients at ease, as does her assured and professional approach to discussing procedures.

Amy ensures she is always studying to keep her knowledge and skills up to date with the latest treatments and achieves the best individualised outcomes.

Visit Nude Aesthetics on Facebook and Instagram to find out more about Amy’s services and opening hours.

To celebrate Valentine's Day, Amy is giving away a $250 voucher, with entries closing on February 14 at 12:00pm.

Find Nude Aesthetics Mackay on Facebook or nudeaesthetics_amy on Instagram to find out more and to enter.

‍

Image: Amy Kinlyside is a Cosmetic Injector who cares

‍

As a kid growing up near Sarina, our drinking water came from an old, galvanised iron tank with rust holes plugged with chewing gum.

We thought this was great as we weren’t usually allowed gum. When its perforations gave a colander a run for its money, and no amount of Juicyfruit could stem the flow, we replaced it with a concrete permacrete tank. The joy of the ever-cool water straight from the tap!

When attending school at St Anne’s, we experienced town water for the first time. It was atrocious. A glass of water, sometimes cloudy, if left to sit would result in nearly a centimetre of sediment in the bottom. There was an old tank in a sad state of repairs and drinking from it was forbidden but we would risk the wrath of the Sisters for a drink – mosquito wrigglers and all.

I have drunk from water holes while mustering where swiping away the scum from the top of the water was necessary to get to something that was even suggestive of being liquid. Western bores were so bad that you had to hold your nose to drink!

It is with great pride that I welcome the opening of the Koumala water treatment plant. While Mackay water often wins awards, both Calen and Koumala are at the other end of the scale. Calen has a treatment plant, while until now Koumala did not.

There is a long story to how it came to being, with more than a few fights along the way.

To some who said they did not see the plant as important, I pointed out that their children attended the school as anecdotally, I had heard stories of kids becoming dehydrated after they ran out of water brought from home rather than drinking from the town supply.

While the water may not be as perfect as some would desire, it is a tremendous improvement as the graph shows. Unfortunately, there is only so far you can go until you risk salinity.

Anyway kids, I just hope that after running around at lunch, you can have a drink straight from the tap.

Sometimes the simple things are the sweetest.

Cr Martin Bella

Mackay Regional Council

‍

How time flies when you’re having fun!

It only feels like it was yesterday that we were unwrapping Xmas presents, eating way too much ham, and sleeping after watching just two hours of cricket on the TV. Fun times.

Right now, as it’s now the month of love, we are getting things set for Valentine’s Day which involves everything chocolate and very expensive dinners without the kids. Enjoy that if you have to organise anything. I hope it goes well. Please don’t ask me for any directions. I’m not the person to ask about love. Honest.

The only thing I wouldn’t recommend you do is anything that could hurt the other person. I’d scrub off skydiving from any list. Same goes for a supercar drive down south. Not the best, in my eyes of course. Also I would say a complete no to a full bodied spray tan experience just as you’re going to wear some white outfit out on this romantic night of nights.

It’s just a thought. You can do whatever you want, but don’t tell me you were not warned.

One other thing that’s happening very shortly is the year of sport in Mackay and the Whitsundays.

This time of the year is when sports have all their sign-on days and the like. Remember council is doing their Sports Expo and Sign-On Day on the 12th, so if you’re keen to play something new, get down there and say hello. I’ll be there on the hockey stand so feel free to ask me for any tips. I’ll write all I know on a postage stamp for you.

Just about every sport in the area will be there. Rugby league, swimming, soccer, netball, table-tennis, AFL, golf, wakeboarding, running, sailing, and more all in the one place at the MECC. Bring the kids along and get involved in a sport that will make you fitter, plus it will give you stacks of new mates too! It’s a double win!

I’ve had a go at a few sports over the years like swimming, table tennis, gridiron, soccer, league and more but I can tell you any sport that you pick is going to be great for you moving forward, and your family. You’ll be more social, happier and more in debt than ever before.

Don’t knock it until you try it.

Let me know how you go.

Before I go, wishing my late Mum a happy birthday for Wednesday just gone. She was an amazing hockey goalie back in the day when the only protective gear they had were rubber gardening gloves, some padding on the knees, and a sharp mouth.

Kids nowadays don’t have any idea how good they’ve got it really do they!

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

‍

If I had taken the Groucho Marx approach when I was offered a job at Gardian I would have made a regrettable decision and missed out on a great opportunity.

For those of you aged under 100, Groucho Marx was part of the famed comedy trio of the Marx brothers.

There is a famous quote from Groucho Marx where he explains why he doesn’t want to be a member of a particular club.

The quote varies depending on the source but it is said to be a letter to the board of the club and it goes something like: “I don’t want to belong to any club that would accept me as a member.” Boom boom.

Seven years ago former Gardian director and real estate principal Eric Rickman took me to lunch at a fabulous bistro-style French restaurant in St Kilda and offered me a job at Gardian.

The fun response would have been to say: “I refuse to join a company that would accept someone like me as an employee.” Using our French waiter’s accent would have been even better.

But I didn’t do that. I wanted to join Gardian and after a quick post-lunch chat with CEO Peter Phillips I was on board and started within a couple of weeks.

There are a number of things that determine whether you are going to enjoy working at a particular company: earning capacity, management support, resources to do your job properly and culture being among the key factors.

Culture is a big one and it needs another column on another day to do that topic justice.

One of the other key factors that determine how you feel about a job or company - and culture helps determine this - is the people that are attracted to, and welcomed by, a particular company. The people you work with.

A good way to work out whether you like them is how you feel when you come back from holidays. I came back from holidays a couple of weeks ago and it was a case of re-engaging with good friends and setting forth together on another year of opportunity in a job we all enjoy doing together.

Whether they are in real estate, insurance or the finance areas, it is good to be back with friends and launching into the 2023 adventure.

There are companies, including some real estate agencies, whose staff compete against each other rather than work as a team and group of friends who want the best for each other and their clients.

I know that if I need a hand with a busy open house, another agent to do a private inspection because I have already got another one at the same time, or another Gardian agent to help find an extra buyer for a property I am selling, my friends and colleagues have got my back.

That’s great for me and great for my clients.

‍

Skip the awkwardness of Valentine's Day with a first date that lets you both get to know each other without Cupid's interference. A casual outing or taking advantage of a holiday deal can lead to a successful rendezvous. From free desserts at a local restaurant to low-key activities, there's a Valentine's Day option for every potential couple.

Organizing the perfect first date can be a challenge, but it's crucial if you want to make a great impression. Dating app Dua.com's relationship expert Valon Asani analysed worldwide Google searches for the most popular date ideas. Here are the top 8 picks:

Bowling - The undisputed winner with 1,640,000 average monthly searches, it offers fun and a laid-back atmosphere with great food and a lively setting.

Mini Golf - A great sports-based option, with 488,000 average monthly searches, it allows for some competition while still keeping things real.

Theatre Dinner - A unique pick, this option brings a touch of class as well as hilarious fun.

Aquarium - A serene and tranquil atmosphere, with 382,000 average monthly searches. While we don’t have one in Mackay, it can be a great option if you’re headed up or down the coast.

Arcade - A throwback location with 364,000 average monthly searches, it's perfect for a 90s/2000s vibe.

Wildlife - Animals are a crowd-pleaser and a trip to a petting zoo or wildlife sanctuary, with 359,000 average monthly searches, can be a great icebreaker.

Museum - A timeless romantic option with 353,000 average monthly searches, it's perfect for art and history lovers. Bonus – it’s a great place to escape the heat.

Karaoke - For those who don't mind being bold, karaoke is a fun option with 291,000 average monthly searches. If you’re not quite that bold, then check out our gig guide for live music options.

Remember, simple can also be best, don't underestimate the appeal of a picnic at the beach, a romantic restaurant or home-made pizza.

‍

Hoping to make a lasting impression, or looking to re-ignite a spark? Humour can be a great way to break the ice on Valentine’s Day.

While these lines may seem cheesy, they can still be a fun way to express your feelings and make someone smile on Valentine's Day. Just be sure to use them with a sense of humour and be prepared for a light-hearted response.

"Are you a magician? Because whenever I look at you, everyone else disappears."

"Do you have a map? I keep getting lost in your eyes."

"Are you a time traveler? Because I can see forever with you."

"Is your name Google? Because you have everything I've been searching for."

"Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?"

"Excuse me, but I think you dropped something - my jaw."

"Are you a bird? Because you've got me soaring."

"Do you have a sunburn, or are you always this hot?"

"Do you have a Band-Aid? I just scraped my knee falling for you."

"Are you a work of art? Because you’re a masterpiece."

‍

Australia's newest low-cost airline, Bonza, has officially announced the launch of its flight services to several regional destinations across the country.

As part of a phased rollout, the airline has made available flights to 12 destinations on 15 routes, with prices starting as low as $49 per person, one way.

Starting today Mackay and Whitsunday residents will be able to fly direct to the Sunshine Coast three times a week for as little as $59 one-way.

In addition, there will be two flights a week from Mackay to Cairns and two flights a week from the Whitsundays to Newcastle.

The first flight from Sunshine Coast to the Whitsundays will take off on Tuesday, January 31.

It will be February 14 when the first flight lands in Mackay.

“The wait is over! 2023 is the Year for Allstralia, with low cost air travel to many holiday spots, some of which are relatively undiscovered,” said Carly Povey, Chief Commercial Officer at Bonza.

“It’s time to see more of your own backyard for less!”

“We’re delighted to be delivering on our commitment to make air travel more accessible.

“We promised choice and better connectivity to the regions for less and we’ve been beyond delighted with the support for our mission.

“Today we start making travel a possibility for the many, not the few.

“Forget connecting flights or your bum going numb in the car, Bonza is here to take Aussies from A to B without the C (cost and complexity)”.

So, what are you waiting for? Download the Fly Bonza app and start planning your next adventure today! Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore Australia's hidden gems at an affordable price with Bonza.

‍

‍

‍

Nigel Dalton’s impact on the Mackay community has been immense.

From teaching children road rules, teenagers how to stay safe online or at schoolies, or redirecting disengaged youth from reoffending, Nigel’s work saves lives and makes our community a better place.  

For his work as our local Police District Crime Prevention Coordinator and for the considerable volunteer community work he undertakes, Nigel was named the 2023 Mackay Regional Council Citizen of the Year at the Australia Day Awards Gala at the MECC on Wednesday night.

Also recognised on the night was 2023 Young Citizen of the Year Keira Brown.

Keira is an active member and current coordinator of the Valley District Youth Council who volunteers countless hours to run events, fundraise and support her community.

The 2023 Lori Burgess Community Volunteer of the Year is Mackay Riding for the Disabled coach of 30 years Jody Burrows.

MACKAY’S LOCAL HEROES

Recognised At Australia Day Awards

Mayor Greg Williamson said the judging panel was blown away by the number and quality of nominations submitted this year.

“Honestly, there were dozens of nominees who the judges felt were worthy of taking home these awards,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Narrowing the selection down was no small task and is a real testament to just what an incredible community we have in our region – there are just so many amazing people doing tremendous things,” he said.

“However, what Nigel has done in our community over the last two decades is remarkable and the judges had no reservations in naming him our 2023 Citizen of the Year.

“Coming from a background of policing in the Royal Ulster Constabulary during the Northern Island conflict where he had friends and mentors murdered, Nigel could easily have become hardened and bitter.  

“Instead, he carries a message of forgiveness, kindness and healing that comes across in all his dealings with the community.

“Through his work with more than 8000 school students each year, plus PCYC, Safety Circus, Shed Happens, Neighbourhood Watch, the Mackay Mosque, Street Chaplains and many more, Nigel has helped to make our community safer and instil real trust and appreciation for our local police service.”

Mayor Williamson said there were 173 nominations across all of the eight categories.

“I would like to personally thank the 87 individuals who submitted nominations – and many of them submitted multiple nominations – because without you we couldn’t have these awards and we couldn’t recognise these tremendous community members,” he said.

The full list of 2023 Mackay Regional Council Australia Day Award recipients are as follows:

Citizen of the Year: Nigel Dalton

Image: Nigel Dalton is a familiar face at most community events, like the Disability Expo in 2022, where he is the face of community crime prevention

Sergeant Nigel Dalton is the Police District Crime Prevention Coordinator as well as being an active community volunteer.

Sergeant Dalton has been working in the Crime Prevention office since 2006 and he has shown enormous dedication to the role, often working almost as many hours off the clock as he does in the office. He has implemented a strong education plan for students of all ages, as well as working closely with business and community groups, Neighbourhood Watch members, victims of crime and other like-minded organisations and government departments.

Nigel was awarded the Queensland Police Liaison Officer Award in 2017.

His Police District activities are outstanding, particularly Choices and Safety Circus safety talks across various age groups.

He recently led, created and launched a new assault reduction project “Anger Rage Regret” in the Mackay Police District.

Young Citizen of the Year: Keira Brown

Keira Brown is the current coordinator of the Valley District Youth Council. Keira has been instrumental in working towards the group’s main goals of giving a voice to Pioneer Valley youth, developing leadership and building a regional youth community.

Keira has recently become heavily involved in the YOL1000 initiative and in the initial planning stages of the Young Mayors project. Her feedback and opinions with these projects have been extremely valuable.

She often represents the youth of the Valley at events in Mackay and further afield. She is also a member of her school’s Zonta Club and has been a coach and umpire in club netball for teams younger than herself.

Lori Burgess Community Volunteer Award: Jody Burrows

Mackay Riding for the Disabled is a not-for-profit organisation that is fully self-funded by fundraising and donations. It is run fully by volunteers, and one of the longest serving and most committed volunteers is Jody Burrows.

Jody has been a consistent force within this organisation for nearly 30 years. She is the coach that holds the necessary qualifications required to hold the riding lessons.

At a minimum, Jody ensures lessons run every second Tuesday. In all those years, volunteers report that Jody has only ever cancelled lessons once – and that was due to a cyclone.

Arts and Culture Award: Alison Richardson

Alison Richardson is the artistic director and CEO of Crossroad Arts.  She is passionate about creating opportunities for people with disabilities who are serious about developing their skills in contemporary performance.  

She brings to Crossroad Arts more than 15 years of experience in the inclusive arts, theatre and disability sector. She has held various positions, including Creative Programs Coordinator for Accessible Arts, Creative Director for Beyond the Square at Riverside Theatres and Access and Inclusion Coordinator for Vivid Sydney and Sydney New Years’ Eve. She has also worked extensively as a theatre director and tutor for community theatre companies.

Alison has a pivotal role in offering a rich and diverse arts program to Mackay and she has been the driving force of many outstanding local performance events.

Alison also presents a rich array of workshops and regular activities in our community.

Environmental Achievement Award: Dr Judith Wake

Dr Judith Wake’s life’s work has been focused on preserving, protecting and studying the local environment. Prior to retiring, Dr Wake was a member of CQUni's Land and Water Management Centre and in that role undertook vital research on mangroves in the Mackay district. Since retiring she has continued similar work on a voluntary basis.

For quite a few years Dr Wake has been contributing to the Healthy Rivers Partnership and the Reef Catchments groups. For much of that time, she was a member of the Technical Working Group that provides scientific advice on the assessment of river/reef health. For three years she was chair of that group.

She is a long-time member of Native Plants Queensland (formerly SGAP) and vice-chair of the Mackay group. She is an active member of their management committee and regularly contributes to environmental events they support. She also volunteers with their Propagation Group at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.

Community Group Award: Pioneer Valley Machinery Preservationists Society

The Pioneer Valley Machinery Preservationist Society is a group that has a strong sense of community. Members are constantly looking after each other. They assist each other to finish projects or find parts, they share transport to shows and events and they are always watching out for members’ health and well-being.

The group is also integral in the preservation of local history. They are actively restoring local farming history and preserving this for future generations at their own cost.

They also educate the community at events and older members are always teaching new members new skills. Younger members who have joined are being taught skills in problem solving, restoration, machinery, fitting, research and more.

Senior Sports Award: Brenda Windsor

Brenda Windsor has dedicated countless hours and kilometres to raise money and shine a spotlight on the child protection work that Bravehearts do. She has run their 777 twice now and intends on doing it again in 2023.

The 777 involves running seven marathons, in seven states, over seven consecutive days. Each time she has had to raise $10k to be able to participate and in doing so has held numerous raffles. She even ran 77.7km (from Koumala to Mackay) to raise funds. She finished this run at Sarina State High School where she was cheered on by all the staff and students.

Brenda volunteers at Parkrun Mackay and has run over 180 events herself, often with her grandkids.

Junior Sports Awards: Connor Parish

Connor Parish has been racing BMX since he was six years old.  To the Mirani High School student, BMX is life, and his goal is to be chosen in the 2032 Olympic team.  With a slew of local wins and high placings in regional, state and national competitions, he’s on the right track.

Connor and his brother Aiden recently competed in the Oceania BMX Championships in Brisbane where they qualified to represent Australia at the World Championships.  Connor brought home a second (24”) and fourth (20”) at the competition.  

The pair then travelled to Nantes, France in July 2022 where they competed alongside 3000 other riders from all over the world and rubbed shoulders with some of their idols. Connor made the semi-finals (24”) and he also qualified for the 20” competition.

‍

Caption 1: Teen Shed Mackay assisted Orange Sky over the summer holidays by cooking breakfast every Wednesday and Friday

Caption 2: Cliff and the team at George St Butcher Shoppe generously donated meat to Orange Sky

Caption 3: Mercy and St Patrick’s College Brekky Van’s services resumed this week. Photos supplied

It’s been a busy summer for some local businesses and community groups, with Orange Sky Laundry expressing their appreciation for the community’s support over the holidays.

The Teen Shed Mackay assisted Orange Sky each Wednesday and Friday morning, doing the breakfast shifts while the Mercy and St Patrick’s College Brekky Van went on school holidays.  

The Brekky Van generously donated the food while four to six Teen Shed members cooked and served up breakfast each shift.

“They’re really sad that they can’t keep doing it,” said Teen Shed Mackay Founder Lisa Versaci

“We made some amazing friendships with the disadvantaged people, and they were really, really lovely.

“Our whole thing is trying to get our kids volunteering and out into the community to see that there are other situations besides what they’re going through.

“There should be more places where 12–18-year-olds can volunteer because I feel it’s very important for those kids to see life in a different perspective.”

The Christmas breakfasts were added to with donations from the George St Butcher Shoppe for some added protein on the BBQ.  

“Cliff and his team have been great supporters and always make sure that there are snags to go on the barbie!” said Orange Sky Mackay Service Coordinator Lisa Jamieson.

A big shout out also has to be made to the year one’s at St John's Primary School Walkerston for their donations to the Brekky Van of healthy breakfast packs, consisting of cereal, milk and juices.  

“These breakfast packs were gratefully received by our Friends to help them out at Christmas, when a number of the support services are not available,” said Ms Jamieson.

Orange Sky welcomed year 10-12 Mercy and St Patrick’s College students back to the Brekky Van this Wednesday, January 25, resuming their regular Wednesday and Friday shifts.

“While breakfast is happening, our washing machines are being kept very busy,” said Ms Jamieson.

“As soon as a load is finished, another one is started, to help ensure that we can get as many loads washed as possible during the shift.”

Orange Sky laundry shifts operate from 7:00-11:00am on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays in Mackay and 9:00-11:00am on Mondays and Thursdays in Sarina.  

Each fortnight, a night shift is held on Mondays from 5:30-7:30pm with the next night shift to be held on Monday, February 6.

‍

Caption 1: Mackay and District Turtle Watch created pathways in beach debris to allow turtle hatchlings access to the water at North Wall Beach

Caption 2: A mysterious post with a memorial to a former PM was also found on the beach. Photos supplied

When many returned to the beach after last week’s heavy rain, they were met with large piles of debris, washed up onto the beach in a row as the water reached high tide overnight.

This proved difficult for even the tallest of people to step over, meaning newly hatched turtles wouldn’t stand a chance of traversing the obstacle.

Mackay and District Turtle Watch volunteers and members of the public stepped into action last week in a great display of community effort, making pathways in the washed-up debris at North Wall Beach for the soon-to-hatch turtles to be able to make their way back to the water.

While on their mission, volunteers came across many interesting items washed ashore including a post with a plaque on it.

The plaque reads: “10, Joseph Lyons, 1932-1939”.

The plaque refers to Joseph Lyons, who served as Australia’s tenth Prime Minister between 1932 and his death in 1939.

“I don't know where there is an outdoor display of PMs (except in Ballarat!), but no doubt someone will,” commented one person on Facebook.

“It doesn't look that old. I can't imagine anywhere public this may have come from,” added another.

The post has been placed above the high tide line in the hope that someone will claim it.

Mackay and District Turtle Watch has asked anyone who is missing it to get in touch via Facebook and they can pass on more accurate location details.

‍