A dedicated student from Mackay State High School was announced as the recipient of the 2024 Hill Family Scholarship this week, in honour of his great dedication to his academic achievements.

The Hill Family Scholarship provides vital financial support of $5,000 to one deserving student each year, who is embarking on their tertiary education journey within the fields of law, accounting, or commerce.

Year 12 Mackay State High School student Ned Gething won the 2024 scholarship, the accolade showcasing the young student’s leadership qualities, academic achievements and passionate commitment to pursuing a career in law.

“Access to the Hill Family Scholarship means I can place a greater focus on my studies, rather than worrying about where the money for textbooks or costs of living away from home might come from,” Ned stated.

“I’m excited to pursue this next chapter of my education and so grateful for the support a scholarship like this can provide to myself and my family,” he added.

The Hill Family Scholarship was established in 2021 by Mackay State High School alumni Karl and Sarah Hill and is a testament to their commitment of providing opportunities for regional youth.

The scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burdens associated with pursuing higher education, including living out of home costs, textbooks, equipment and travel.

As the Founder and Director of Results Legal, one of Queensland’s foremost specialist commercial litigation firms, Karl believes in the power of education and that students in regional areas should have equal opportunities to pursue their dream careers.

“We created the Hill Family Scholarship to ensure talented regional students do not get left behind from attending university due to financial constraints,” Mr. Hill said.

“From personal experience, we understand the unique challenges faced by students in regional areas aspiring to build careers in law, commerce and business. The financial hurdles of moving to a new city, securing accommodation, and adapting to a different environment can be daunting for young students out of home for the first time,” he said.

Previous Hill Family Scholarship recipient and Mackay State High School graduate, Pushti Shah, has just completed her second year of a Law degree at Griffith University in Brisbane and knows the challenges of leaving a regional centre to study in the city.

“Moving away for university was scary and a steep learning curve at first, but the support I received from the Hill Family Scholarship made it so much easier.

“Karl has also been a valuable mentor to really open the door for me within the law profession,” she said.

The Hill Family Scholarship supports creating opportunities that have a lasting and meaningful impact in the future.

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Founder and Director of Results Legal Karl Hill, Year 12 scholarship award recipient Ned Gething and previous recipient Pushti Shah

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I bought a car the other day and, as a sales person, it was an interesting experience.

I don’t like spending a lot of money on cars and, as someone with a 16-year-old son, a 20-year-old daughter and a wife, there’s not much left for me anyway.

So I decided on a budget. That budget would have got me a brand new four-cylinder Japanese or Korean SUV but I wanted something a bit better, sportier, something a step up from my old Toyota Aurion that was about to die a painful, age-related death.

I narrowed down my search and worked out what sort of “next-level” car I could get second-hand that would be around the same price as one of the popular new SUVs that everyone drives.

As I worked through my research on cars, I decided it would be either a BMW, Mercedes or Lexus.

I worked out what I wanted in terms of engine size, age and kilometres on the clock. I narrowed it down to specific models of those brands and from there my priorities became low kilometres and full service history.

I finally decided that the car I wanted was a Lexus IS 350 F Sport. I would have loved to buy local and pick up one from a car dealer in Mackay but there were none here.

Only a handful in my price range were available in the country and I was struggling trying to find one with low-enough kilometres on the clock. It was starting to drag on.

Suddenly I saw an ad for a beautiful-looking silver one with 22,000 kilometres on the clock. It was a bit above what I had budgeted for, but I rang the dealer in Brisbane for a chat. There had only been one owner, a woman who had just had just turned 80.

So; the sporty, mid-sized, 3.5-litre Lexus sedan with leather everything that I wanted with 22,000km on the clock, one older female owner and log books with full service history. Tick.

The only problem was that the price was higher than my budget. So what did I do? I bought the damn thing, of course.

And that’s the sales lesson. I was a hot buyer for a Lexus IS 350 F Sport and I was willing to go outside my budget when I saw one that stood out from the crowd.

No sales person could have talked me into buying a car I didn’t want. But when you put an exceptionally good version of what I want in front of me at a price that’s slightly higher than I wanted to spend … what happens then? I adjust and pay the price.

I will write about the salesman in a future column but suffice to say there was no hard sell, just answering questions, making it easy, not being pushy, not giving me a reason to walk away.

He “sold” the car but he allowed me to discover it, see for myself what was special about the vehicle. And he defended the price. I knew he would let me walk away if I wasn’t willing to come reasonably close to the price.

But he knew, and I knew, that I wasn’t walking away. I’d found what I wanted and I was willing to stretch the budget a bit to get it. He had matched a good product with a keen buyer and defended the price. Our jobs aren’t that different.

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Festival Fever is the theme, $1000 dollars is the prize and the front cover of the 2024 Mackay Festival of Arts program is the canvas.

The Mackay Festivals team is calling on artists, graphic designers, freelance creators, hobbyists, beginners and everyone in between to show off their creativity, imagination and artistic skills.

The winning artwork will be featured on the cover of the 2024 program and will inspire the branding of the 2024 festival. The winning artist will also receive $1000 in prize money and two VIP tickets to the Festival Launch Party.

Designs will be judged by a panel of judges who will shortlist the finalists.

Once announced, the shortlisted designs will land on the Mackay Festivals Facebook page where our community will select the winner.

Mayor Greg Williamson said it was tremendous to be championing local art and artists as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts.

“The Mackay Festival of Arts is all about celebrating arts and culture in our region, so why shouldn’t our program be a canvas to showcase amazing talent and creativity,” Mayor Williamson said.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for an artist to receive some amazing exposure on a medium that celebrates art, expression and creativity,” he said.

Festival and Events Coordinator Sarah Porter said the competition was a natural evolution for the program.

“We’ve had some amazing designs in the past that incorporate, or are inspired by, the shows and acts we program for the festival,” Ms Porter said.

“Our vision is for the festival program to be a piece of art in its own right – for it to be a collectors’ item,” she said.

“One of the best ways to do that is for it to showcase an original artwork.

“We are looking for your interpretation of next year’s theme, which is ‘Festival Fever’ and how that resonates with you.

“This is your chance to demonstrate your unique talent and vision and be recognised in the vibrant arts community.

“Don’t be afraid to be bold and bring the colours to life.”

For design requirements, terms and conditions and to apply, visit themecc.com.au/designcomp

Applications close on Sunday, December 3, 2023.

The Festivals and Events Team will contact each applicant once all submissions have been reviewed by the judging panel on December 6, 2023. Should you have any queries, please contact the team on 4961 9777.

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I have, and I do it quite often.

Let’s just say I don’t have great willpower. I say that because 10 weeks ago I was shopping for Christmas decorations with my kids, and we bought a gigantic wooden advent calendar with all the sliding drawers for gifts to put in each one for the month.

When we got that, I thought wouldn’t it be great to have little chocolates to put in each drawer, so I decided to grab one of those big mixed boxes of sweets. It has a few dozen little parcels of greatness wrapped up in the box and since September the box has been sitting in my pantry ready for December.

Thing is I haven’t touched it. I haven’t eaten any. I haven’t even opened the box at all in all this time. In some ways it’s been a test for me to test my willpower because normally, if food is in front of me, I’ll eat it. Simple.

This time however I haven’t. It’s still there staring at me each time I open the door and grab the rice and mixed herbs, but chocolate is a no go.

Should I be proud? I reckon yes.

So, the thing is, two weeks ago I volunteered some afternoon time on a Sunday to help out a bunch of young musicians at their end of year gathering and I was given the same box of chocolates as a gift to say thanks for your time. Alex, I thank you for this, but since then, I’ve had that box on my desk, staring me in the face every day and I again have not touched it, let alone opened it at all.

I reckon I need a medal.

Rewind to winter and I would have smashed those boxes in a couple of days and felt guilty for doing it afterwards, but now having this test of two boxes of chocolate gifts is both torture, and pleasure at the same time.

In saying all this, I want you to know, if you’re heading up to Mt P tomorrow to do some Christmas shopping, and a box of chocolates stares at you from the end of the aisle, smile and walk away. You don’t need it.

Your belly will thank you for it later, and I guarantee your bank balance will as well.

On that note, I’m off to watch YouTube clips of the Cadbury factory in the UK and dream a little. Perhaps even drool.

Have fun, Rob.

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!

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Sporting fans from across the region gathered at a special fundraising event earlier this week, the crowds eager to meet two sporting legends, Ivan Cleary and Kerry Boustead, who shared their inspiring stories.

Held at Souths Leagues Club, the event was also an opportunity to connect with recently announced mayoral candidate, Steve Jackson, who was available to answer questions.

The audience enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere at the sold-out event, with a seafood and meat buffet, drinks and desserts, auctions and raffles.

Ivan Cleary and Kerry Boustead were soon welcomed to the stage to discuss their histories with rugby league as well as answering some burning questions from enthusiastic event-goers.

Ivan Cleary is currently the head coach of the Penrith Panthers and an influential figure in rugby league. He has certainly left a mark on the sport, having coached the Warriors from 2006 to 2011, the Penrith Panthers from 2012 to 2015, and the Wests Tigers from 2017 to 2018 and returning to the Panthers in 2019.

His coaching record is a testament to his skills, with a remarkable 77 per cent wins – an impressive achievement in the competitive world of rugby league.

More than just a coach, Ivan Cleary opened up about his personal battle with mental health during his career. In sharing his struggles, Cleary has become an advocate for awareness in the rugby league community, emphasising the importance of mental well-being in the high-pressure environment of professional sports.

Meanwhile, fellow speaker and sports legend Kerry Boustead, burst onto the rugby league scene as a member of Queensland's first-ever State of Origin team. His debut marked the beginning of a successful career, solidifying his status as an international rugby league star.

Boustead's commitment and skill on the field quickly earned him a reputation as one of the game's standout players. His contributions during his tours showcased remarkable talent on the global stage, earning him respect and admiration from fans and peers alike.

In the world of rugby league, figures like Kerry Boustead and Ivan Cleary leave a lasting legacy that transcends their statistics and victories. Events such as League of Legends fosters an important discussion, allowing for the broadcast of impactful stories from within the rugby league community.

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MC Anton alongside rugby league superstars Ivan Cleary and Kerry Boustead

Legends of League was a stand-out event for the Mackay region’s avid sporting fans

Guests enjoyed a thrilling round of raffle draws in support of Steve Jackson for Mayor of Mackay

Photo credit: Sinead Porter

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

It has been saddening to see the many bushfires hitting rural communities across Queensland in recent months.

Like any natural disaster, bushfires hit hard on farming businesses, sometimes undoing the work of generations.

It’s also saddening to hear of cane farmers losing part or all of their crop, and doubly so to hear that they have not had crop insurance. Growers invest a great deal in bringing a crop to harvest, in terms of soil health, fertilising, pest and weed management, possibly irrigation. There could be a loss of essential infrastructure. To lose it all and the profits that go with it is a huge loss to the grower’s livelihood.

CANEGROWERS membership comes with crop insurance coverage for accidental fire, transit and hail incidents on all cane areas under the membership. In the last financial year, we had six local agribusinesses make claims.

In 2022 CANEGROWERS included free crop insurance as a part of the CANEGROWERS levy, and this introduction was seen as a landmark benefit for members, covering for $35 per tonne and no excess. CANEGROWERS has used our strong membership base and experience in the insurance market to develop this competitive product and the premium is paid by the CANEGROWERS organisation.

We all know it is a tough insurance environment out there and being able to take advantage of a blanket coverage returns enormous benefit in both premium and claim processing for our members.

Farmers, like all North Queensland residents, have a hard time getting affordable coverage for their homes and businesses.

But crop insurance is a form of income protection, and whether you are a CANEGROWERS member or not, it’s something to really consider as an important part of your business planning. Farmers are, after all, small business people who happen to farm.

And as small businesspeople, you owe it to yourself to have developed a decent business plan that covers realistic risk assessments from everything to natural disasters to succession planning to fluctuations in sugar and farm inputs pricing. For CANEGROWERS members, there’s access to the Business Essentials program to assist with that, but there is plenty of assistance out there for rural producers, including services like the Rural Financial Counselling Service, which has a range of free services, and Government financial assistance programs like the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

In farming, we get very caught up in the day-to-day of running our operation: planting, harvesting, getting our machinery running in prime order.

Making sure our risk areas are planned for and covered is an important part of making sure our agribusinesses survive and thrive.

CHRISTMAS CURFEW LOOMING

It is concerning to note that the likelihood of the Crush running into the Christmas Curfew period, from noon Christmas Eve to January 3. We remind Harvest Contractors of the importance of gaining clearance by obtaining a permit from NHVR to operate applicable heavy vehicles on public roads during this time by 1 December.

We also thank the community for their patience to expect harvest activity around Christmas to continue in some areas, and urge safe and cautious driving.

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Unplanned fires can take a deep toll on farming businesses. Pictures: MCL

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Celebrating Mackay's Man of the Year

In a world where conversations often revolve around physical health, what about the well-being of men's minds? Shed Happens, with major sponsors DGH Engineering, recently sparked discussions on this critical topic, bringing together 141 individuals at an International Men's Day Breakfast, under the banner of "Health & Well-being for All Generations of Men."

The event wasn't just a morning meal; it was a celebration of mateship and men's mental health. Phil Hall earned the title of Mackay's 2023 Man of the Year, while finalists Ken Rehbein and Patrick Thaiday were recognised as standout contributors to the community.

Shed Happens' commitment extended beyond accolades, as they generously donated $3,000 each to three vital organisations—the Neighbourhood Hub, Mad Cow Coffee, and Vinnies Men’s Shelter—advocating for the betterment of men's well-being. Amidst the celebration, the event embraced an inspiring interview with Ian Rowan, former CEO of RACQ CQ Rescue, whose words resonated with the essence of resilience, camaraderie, and the significance of supporting men's mental health. Another highlight was the auction of three works of art from the IMD art exhibition.

Closing their annual meet with a twist, Shed Happens hosted 'Ladies Night' to showcase their initiatives. Acknowledgments were handed out, including a meaningful painting titled 'Someone to Look Up To' presented to MCC, a 'Champion Shed Man' award to Wayne Uhlmann, and a Certificate of Appreciation to Tender Cut Meats for their unwavering support.

Shed Happens stands as a beacon for nurturing camaraderie and prioritising men's mental health. Their initiatives underscore the importance of fostering a supportive community and providing a platform where mateship and well-being intersect.

Meet the Finalists

Phil Hall

Winner: Phil Hall, hailed as the 2023 Mackay Man of the Year, embodies dedication and compassion in his roles as a long-serving Chaplain at Mackay State High School and West Mackay Primary School. Phil's commitment extends far beyond traditional roles, as he spearheads programs that enrich the lives of children facing adversity.

At the heart of his initiatives lies the 'Strength' program, a transformative endeavour aimed at supporting teenage boys navigating challenging circumstances—be it academic disengagement, social and emotional hurdles, or a lack of conventional support systems. Through innovative strategies involving camping at Camp Eagle, hands-on activities like gardening and mechanics, Phil creates a platform that encourages dialogue, fosters camaraderie, and empowers these young men to achieve success.

Phil's approach isn't just about offering guidance; it's about fostering resilience and providing a safe space for boys to flourish despite obstacles. His tireless dedication and innovative programs have become instrumental in shaping the lives of these youths, creating pathways toward brighter futures.

Ken Rehbein

Finalist: Ken Rehbein, a standout finalist for the 2023 Mackay Man of the Year, epitomises a life steeped in unwavering dedication to family, career, and community service. Originally hailing from Bundaberg, Ken's journey is marked by an impressive array of contributions across various spheres.

Ken's commitment to community welfare shines through his volunteer work spanning decades. He has lent his support to community organisations such as the Surf Lifesaving movement, Rotary, QATB, RACQ, and has served as a Justice of the Peace for an impressive half-century. Notably, his forward-thinking approach has found an outlet in his current role as a proactive member of the Neighbourhood Watch Advisory Committee, demonstrating a keen interest in enhancing community safety and well-being.

Beyond his significant community involvement, Ken's enduring partnership with his wife Claire stands as a testament to his values of commitment and loyalty. Their 59 years of marriage have been blessed with the joy of raising two daughters, a testament to Ken's dedication to family and the enduring bonds he cherishes.

Patrick Thaiday

Finalist: Patrick Thaiday, a finalist for the title of Mackay's 2023 Man of the Year, stands as a proud Torres Strait Islander with ancestral roots spanning from New Caledonia to Jamaica. Within the indigenous community, Patrick is a revered figure celebrated for his unwavering commitment to both family and the development of youth through the art of dance.

His vibrant enthusiasm is infectious, evident in his dedication to various youth-oriented projects over the years. Patrick's vision and passion have driven initiatives that not only celebrate cultural heritage but also empower young minds through creative expression.

Patrick's journey embodies a legacy of cultural pride, community engagement, and a heartfelt commitment to guiding the youth toward a brighter future. As a respected figure within the indigenous community, his influence and dedication speak volumes.

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DGH 2023 International Men's Day Breakfast – Mackay Man Of The Year

Photo credit: Liz Andrews Photography

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From left: Major sponsor Dave Hackett DGH Engineering; Ken Rehbein; Phil Hall; Patrick Thaiday; Frank Cowell. Photo credit: Liz Andrews Photography

Donation To Mackay Christian College for their continued support and use of their buildings. Artwork by Ben Ranson - Mackay Art Society

Wayne Uhlmann received the trophy for ‘Champion Shed Man’

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GW Industrial had its’ first beginnings in 1982. Current owner and director, Shelley Walsh purchased the company formerly known as Geoff Walsh Engine Parts from her father in 2007.

Five years later, the automotive division was sold to Burson Auto Parts and the rebranded GW Industrial, focused on supporting the industrial sector. Build - Farm - Mine was born.

The business takes pride in their commitment to excellence and services a wide range of industries in Mackay and the Bowen Basin, offering the highest quality parts from trusted brands.

GW Industrial is more than just a shop for engine parts. Whether you’re a farmer, a fitter, or a tradie, the team have got you covered. With an extensive inventory boasting an immense rang from water pumps to pistons, gaskets and goo, they will ensure that you find exactly what you need for your equipment or next project.

With a combined forty-five years of industry knowledge at GW industrial, the team are trained as spare parts interpreters specialising in industrial sales, and will go the extra mile to get you the right parts at the right time. They will keep you moving, whether it’s a machinery breakdown on a mine or a scheduled tractor service on your farm.

Preparing for the worst is never easy, but GW Industrial take the pressure off by supporting you to be prepared for storm season.

In addition to stocking parts for diesel engines, tractors and industrial equipment, GW Industrial sell a wide range of generators, from quiet petrol inverters suitable for camping to diesel-run units for complete power back-up solutions. Every box is ticked, including breakdown parts and servicing requirements such as filters, fanbelts, oils and additives.

In preparation for storm season, it is important to run your generator dry until you are finished using it and regularly change the fuel out, using a fuel additive for the best results.

A common mistake is buying a generator too big or too small for your needs. Overloading your generator will kill it, while running it under load for an extended period will also shorten its life. Talk to the team who understand power at GW industrial.

A hot tip for customers in maintenance and upkeep of their engines is to ‘treat it like a pet’. Get it checked, service it regularly. Don’t ignore it for months expecting it to ‘purr’ for your first go.

GW Industrial have a strong passion for the customer-first approach, with Operations Manager Wendy Evans stating, “We love our customers, the technical support we receive from our suppliers, and the changes we have seen over the years with how we do our job.

“Moving from hard copy parts books and manuals to online real time inventory management programs, we can offer support to our customers, changing over the years to a tech savvy service.

“Our customer service is a source of great pride and something we believe gives us a difference.”

GW Industrial have held long-term dealerships in Kubota, Perkins, Yanmar, Hatz and Kohler and are recipients of numbers service and sales awards, demonstrating dedication to their customers.

With competitive prices and reliable products, you can trust GW Industrial to keep your engines running smoothly.

Visit the store on 287 Nebo Road and experience the difference of GW Industrial, your go-to destination for engine part needs in Mackay.

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Director Shelley Walsh at the GW Industrial storefront on Nebo Road, Mackay

Photo supplied

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Students of Whitsunday Anglican School celebrated the last day of their schooling career last week with a special day ceremony to commemorate their achievements and a 'Walk of Honour’ to highlight their success.

The assembly, led by Year 12 school captains reflected on the years of learning, love, and laughter within the graduating class of 2023.

Students from each faction—Trinity, Barnabas, Charles and Ambrose—were presented on stage, with Charles earning the title of Champion House.

Whitsunday Anglican School united the year groups from Kindergarten to Year 11, with students forming a guard of honour for the Year 12’s as they made their final walk through the school gates.

The occasion held sentimental value for both students and parents, an emotional moment to celebrate the transition to the next phase of life.

To bid farewell, the Year 12 graduates participated in a hat toss—a symbolic gesture to mark the end of a significant school year.

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The Year 12 graduating class of 2023 during the hat toss

Students lined the pathways and graduates hug it out on their final day of school

Year 12 Captains and staff address the school assembly  

Photo credit: Sinead Porter

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Kevin Hewitt, better known on the bowling green as ‘Kev’, has played 97 test matches for Queensland.

He grew up on a dairy farm with his two brothers and parents, Harvey and Phillis Hewitt, who were well-known for delivering milk to local cafés around Mackay. When Kev’s parents unfortunately passed during his teen years, the farm was converted to cane.

Kev began to play lawn bowls in his free time at the age of twenty-one and found a love for the sport. He started competing at twenty-four, teaming up with his Uncle Alan Sommers around this time.

At age twenty-seven, he entered the Single State Championships. Kev’s first big win was the Easter Pairs and the Vickers Cup of Open Pairs in 1975.

Kevin was only the fourth player in seventy-two years to win the coveted State Singles title twice, both in 1976 and 1977, with his name going down as one of the greats.

Kev also won in the following two years, first the State Pairs in 1978, and the State Fours in 1979.

He teamed with his Uncle Alan once more in 1978, winning the State Pairs Champions. Subsequently qualifying to represent Queensland to play in the Australian Champion of Champions, where they went on to win the Pairs.

Kev won the State Fours Champions in 1979. The same year, he was invited to play in Newcastle to contest one of the first televised bowls tournaments, the NDBA-NBN TV All Stars Bowls Tournament with international players.

He also won the Whitsunday Singles Championships five times, the Whitsunday Pairs Championships five times and Whitsunday Fours Championships at least four times.

He was well-known as the most impressive of any player since World War II and was regarded for International Honours as an Australian representative, where he won numerous Mackay District Championships over many years.

In 1982, Kev won the Penfold Mazda Invitation Singles Bowls Classic Final with a score of 31-28 in Victoria, where it took nearly seven and a half hours in two games to see him win the Classic Singles Bowls Tournament.

The same year, Kev won another intrastate badge. Between 1972 to 1979, the Mackay District won the State District Sides Championships five times, with Kev and Pat Herlihy as the only Mackay players to have won five championships.

Kev got the chance to celebrate his eightieth birthday at Mackay Bowls Club last week with a group of his close family as well as bowling buddies from over the decades.

It was an emotional night of reminiscing for Kev, looking back on his monumental sporting achievements, as well as his personal accomplishments.

A true icon in Mackay's sporting realm and a revered figure within the lawn bowling community.

By Sinead Porter

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Kevin Hewitt and his bowls buddies. (L-R) Bruce Bridger, Col Bovis, Barry Paskins, Jack Mundy, Lyn Tait, John Potter, Kevin Hewitt, Glen Francey, Trevor Dutton, Ted Gill, Col Tait and Pat Deagan

Lawn bowling legend, Kevin Hewitt in his early days with the Royal Queensland Bowls Association

Kev's extensive collection of winning badges

Greetings from the enchanting landscapes of Aotearoa! Taking a breather here in my homeland has been nothing short of a soul-soothing adventure—a reminder of the therapeutic powers of switching off and embracing the Kiwi way of life.

Our journey began with a scenic flight into Queenstown, before driving the scenic winding roads to mid Canterbury. Living in the shadows of these awe-inspiring mountains, you can't help but feel like a hobbit in a Lord of the Rings sequel. It reminded me that in New Zealand, nature doesn't just knock at your door; it struts in with a dramatic entrance.

Sure, we passed some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, Lakes Ruataniwha, Wanaka, Pukaki, and Tekapo—each one a masterpiece in its own right. But let's get to the real highlight: a pilgrimage to the "best pie shop in the world," the Fairlie Bakehouse, before closing time. Word of advice: try the pork belly and apple sauce pie—it's a flavour explosion that should come with a warning label.

For tourists, Queenstown might be the headliner, but for me, the real magic of New Zealand lies in the everyday charm that's sprinkled all over the country. The local fish and chip shop, where my love story began, was like a beacon of comfort in a sea of adventure when I saw it still stood.

But, amidst the jaw-dropping scenery, it's the little joys that make a holiday home truly special. As my nieces and nephews enthusiastically show our 7-month-old son the ropes of Kiwi life, starting with befriending newborn lambs, I'm reminded that slowing down and savouring the quirky moments is the real treasure of life.

As Christmas approaches which can be a stressful time for many, it’s a reminder that the little moments matter the most.

Amanda

Brenda-Lee McDougal has worked tirelessly for over twenty years in a labour of love to recognise orphans and abandoned children who have been lost in the foster care system.

Brenda-Lee’s husband Scott sent an email to the Jay and Dave Breakfast Show, hosted by the Triple M Mackay radio station to acknowledge his wife’s efforts in installing a memorial park bench at Royal Sands Park.

Scott stated, “I think she deserves some recognition as she has done this good deed and fought tooth and nail”.

“She still works hard to help out underprivileged and homeless people in our region.”

Brenda-Lee joined the Jay and Dave Breakfast Show to comment on her project.

Brenda-Lee stated, “Previously I was in Ayr, I was placed into care when I was eight years old.

“Unfortunately, I ended up in some bad places, and then I ended up in some really good places, that made me who I am today.”

Brenda-Lee has been fighting to grant awareness of foster children who are lost in the system, more specifically in regards to a foster home that was located in Bucasia.

She hopes to shed light on some failing institutions and get them banned for good, commenting that some ‘have eighteen to one room’.

The bench and plaque dedicated to Brenda-Lee’s mission resides at Royal Sands Park, and she hopes that people can ‘sit down, see the plaque, self-reflect and think about others that are less fortunate.’

Kudos to Brenda-Lee for shedding light on an important issue and fostering a strong voice in our community for children who have been forgotten.

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Brenda-Lee sits on the newly-established bench at Royal Sands Park

Photo credit: Triple M Mackay

A multi-million-dollar specialist training facility for heavy automotive trades at the CQUniversity Mackay Ooralea campus is expected to be operational by Term 2, 2024.

The 1,610 sqm site will include workshop space, teaching areas, staff spaces and specialist equipment including an air brake simulator, hydraulic training stations, transmission training simulators, diesel engine benches and an air suspension training stand for trucks.

The facility will also enable the University to almost triple its student capacity in the trade discipline from 140 to more than 400 students.

CQUniversity will deliver heavy automotive trade courses including Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Diesel Fitting), Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology and Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology, in full within the Mackay region.

Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said the new facility will contribute to the regional economy and allow the public training provider, CQU, to continue changing lives and supporting communities and industry through skills-based training.

“By boosting training capacity, the redeveloped trade training centre will supply a pipeline of qualified heavy automotive professionals, crucial to keeping the region’s industries running,” she said.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the new facility is an important addition for Mackay and its future workforce.

“Once the upgrade is completed, final year apprentices will no longer have to travel for up to four hours to Rockhampton or Emerald to complete required training blocks, saving them time and money.

“It will provide heavy automotive trade apprentices with a purpose-built training space, plus more than $2.4 million worth of the latest industry-related tools, resources and technology and help cater for an average year-on-year student growth of 15 per cent in the heavy automotive discipline over the past five years in the Mackay region.”

Peter Heilbuth, Deputy Vice-President, VET and Business Development at CQUniversity said the development of this facility is much needed in the region as local industry and the community rely heavily on skilled trade professionals to keep the economy and key industries running.

“The facility will deliver apprentices and trainees world-class facilities and equipment to ensure they get the most out of their training experience. This better prepares them for their future careers and the needs and expectations of industry. This will also have a positive impact on their employers as apprentices will be trained using the latest resources and technology,” he said.

“We are thankful to the Queensland Government for their support of CQUniversity and skills training in the CQ region.”

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L-R: CQU Associate Dean for the School of Trades Rob Buttery, CQU Associate Vice-President of the North Queensland Region Rob Brown, Local MP The Hon Julieanne Gilbert and CQU Deputy Vice-President of Vocational Education and Training Peter Heilbuth. Photo credit: Bill Jewell. Source: CQU

For Immediate Patient Care Solutions

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The closure of the helipad at Mackay Base Hospital for three years presents significant challenges for the region’s rescuers and a potential risk to patient care.

The $250 million upgrade of the hospital commencing in January 2024. which includes a new roof-top helipad was very welcomed but was a huge concern for RACQ CQ Rescue which would be unable to land onsite in Mackay to transfer patients.

“Conducting patient transfers at the Mackay Airport was “unacceptable” and would place considerable strain on an already stretched Queensland Ambulance Service, as well as blow out hospital transfer times. It could also be potentially very detrimental to patient care outcomes,” RACQ CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee said.

The community-funded rescue service was strongly advocating for an alternative temporary helipad to be constructed on site at the hospital and had the full support of corporate supporters, including many heavy weights from the state’s mining industry.

“To be unable to take a critically ill patient directly to the Mackay Base Hospital is just not an acceptable situation, considering we are talking a three-year period here,” Mr Healee said.

“Conducting a patient handover to ambulance crews at the Mackay Airport will also significantly increase the time it takes to get a patient to the hospital and places additional pressure on Queensland Ambulance Service crews,” he said.

“We have been attempting to engage with various stakeholders including the Mackay base Hospital on this issue for quite some time now, but at this stage there is still yet to be an acceptable outcome.”

An urgent and combined effort between multiple stakeholders, including Queensland Health, the State Government and Mackay Regional Council, was needed to reach an agreement.

“At the end of the day, our lifesaving service relies heavily on community support and we are doing our very best to advocate for our patients and prioritise their care in this region,” Mr Healee said.

“I hope that all stakeholders can come together urgently and agree on a better solution for the safe transfer and treatment of our ill and injured in Central Queensland.”

Amanda Camm MP, Member for Whitsunday said she supports RACQ CQ Rescue Service in calling on the State Government to give a commitment to the people of the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions that the helipad at the Mackay Base Hospital will remain operational during the hospital’s redevelopment period over the next three years.

“The decision to close the helipad has been made with no community consultation, with no consultation from key stakeholders or emergency personnel,” Ms Camm added.

“In emergency situations minutes and seconds count. It is essential for our rescue services to be able to land within close proximity to the emergency care at the hospital. Having to land at the Mackay Airport and have patients transported to the hospital by Queensland ambulance is unacceptable and will risk lives.

“I’m calling on the Minister to work with the Mackay Hospital Health Service and the local community and local experts to find an acceptable solution which will ensure the helicopter can land within close proximity to the hospital during the renovation period.

“Our community pours significant funding into the CQ Rescue Service every year and they deserve to have it operating at full capacity, giving them the best chance in an emergency,” Ms Camm said.

“In a region where we have experienced road accidents, shark attacks, mining and farming accidents, lives have been saved because our rescue helicopter has been able to land in close proximity to the hospital.

“We cannot afford to risk losing this service for the next three years”.

In a statement issued on Facebook, Mackay Hospital and Health Service said that the helicopter landings at Mackay Base Hospital have temporarily relocated to the Mackay airport “at the request of CQ Rescue and Babcock Aviation”.

“This is due to their concern with early site works associated with the expansion of the hospital,” the statement read.

“CQ Rescue has conducted a risk assessment, and we are working with them to have landings restored to the Base Hospital for an interim period.”

The statement mentions that the $250 million Mackay Base Hospital expansion project includes provision for a new permanent onsite helipad.

“This expansion will deliver an additional 128 beds which are expected to come online in mid 2026,” the statement continued.

“These new beds are urgently needed to help support the growing healthcare needs of the region.

“The current helipad is adjacent to the construction site and cannot remain in use during the construction period.

“Mackay HHS has engaged an external aviation consultant to assess all options for helicopter landings during the construction period from 2024 - 2026. Once this advice is received, we will be in a position to make a fully informed decision on the best outcome for our community.

“The aviation consultant has engaged with stakeholders such as Queensland Ambulance Service, CQ Rescue and Retrieval Services Queensland (who coordinate the movements of patients between hospital facilities).

“We reassure the community that the safety of patients and the helicopter crews will be the top consideration as we identify helicopter landing site options.”

To date, RACQ CQ Rescue has completed 629 missions this year. By the end of the year, this completed missions figure will far surpass the services’ second busiest year on record of 630 missions in 2022.

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RACQ CQ Rescue says the closure of the helipad at Mackay Base Hospital for three years presents significant challenges for the region’s rescuers and a potential risk to patient care. Photo credit: RACQ CQ Rescue

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm says it is unacceptable to not be able to land onsite at Mackay Base Hospital due to hospital redevelopment as proposed for the next three years. Photo credit: Office of Amanda Camm MP

Last week, Mackay RSL observed Remembrance Day with a poignant pre-game service at Harrup Park before the WBBL game. This moment was not just about sports; it encapsulated the community's dedication to honouring the historical significance of November 11th.

Remembrance Day, originally marking the end of World War I, now stands as a global tribute to the sacrifices made by millions in various conflicts. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month remains a universal moment of silence, a sombre acknowledgment of the estimated 9 to 13 million lives lost during World War I and countless more in subsequent conflicts.

On November 11, 1918, the guns of the Western Front finally fell silent, bringing an end to over four years of relentless warfare. This poignant moment, marked by the signing of the armistice, symbolizes the hope for lasting peace after a conflict that mobilized more than 70 million people.

The legacy of Remembrance Day extends beyond historical events; it serves as a reminder of the enduring commitment to peace and a tribute to the spirit that rises from the ashes of conflict. Lest we forget, we honour and remember those who gave their all so that others might live in a world free from the shadows of war.

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Padre Jim Brown, President Ken Higgins OAM, Nichole Hood Secretary and Les Palmer President of Legacy and Veteran Support Group after they have laid their respective wreaths

WWII New Guinea Veteran, 99-year-old Kevin Doyle being presented with his dedication of Service by President Ken Higgins OAM

RSL members during the pre-game service at the WBBL at Harrup Park. Photos supplied by Mackay RSL