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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Cr Michelle Green
Mackay Regional Council

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Hi Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

What a legend!

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

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

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

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

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

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

The full story can be read on page 3.

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

Rach

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

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

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

“It was no-one’s fault,” he said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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‍Against Adverse Effects Of COVID Vaccine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Many are very afraid to speak up.”

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

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

This prompted her to start legal action.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five out of seven Councillors voted to approve the motion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Off-Leash Dog Walking Zones:

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

• Shingley Beach (Eastern End Only), Airlie Beach

• Queens Beach, Bowen

• Doughty Creek Mouth, Bowen

• Kings Beach, Bowen

• Denison Park, Bowen

• Bicentennial Park, Cannonvale

• Galbraith Park, Cannonvale

• Whisper Bay Boat Ramp, Cannonvale

• Wildlife Park, Jubilee Pocket

• Keith Johns Estate Park, Proserpine

• Hydeaway Bay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan.

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What has been your experience with the current housing crisis?

1. Anthony Ciesiolka – Cannonvale

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

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

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

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

2. Peter Clapson – Jubilee Pocket

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

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

3. Veronica Black – Proserpine

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

I have no more rooms to house people either.

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

4. Tahlia McNally – Cannonvale

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

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

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

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

5. Reuben Blakoe – Ayr

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

And it’s not going to stop.

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

It’s bad for our grandchildren too.

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

6. Patricia Alfword – Airlie Beach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Anzac Day 2023

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

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

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

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

See the photo gallery here

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“You could not complain.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hi Readers

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

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

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

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

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

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