Community News

Back our regional economy with bioethanol

Back our regional economy with bioethanol

By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay A firmly enforced bioethanol mandate, backed by increased local sugarcane production, is essential to strengthening Queensland’s industry resilience, regional jobs, and Australia’s long‑term fuel security. Our region holds enormous potential: not only for producing sugar, but for renewable fuel, energy diversification, and national economic security. Queensland’s sugarcane industry has always been a cornerstone of regional prosperity, but today it stands at a crossroads. Global markets are volatile and input costs are rising, and at the same time, Australia faces increasing pressure to reduce emissions, strengthen domestic fuel supplies, and build more resilient regional economies. A properly enforced bioethanol mandate is one of the most effective tools we have to meet these challenges head on. Queensland already has a mandate in place, but compliance remains inconsistent. When fuel retailers fail to meet their obligations, growers, mills, and regional communities lose out on opportunities that should rightfully be flowing into our local economy. Bioethanol is not a theoretical solution: it is a proven, practical, and immediate pathway to cleaner fuel and stronger regional industries and economies. Countries like Brazil and the United States have shown that bioethanol can reduce emissions, stabilise fuel markets, and create thousands of rural jobs. In these countries, and across the world, bioethanol forms a substantially higher portion of retail fuel sales than this country has embraced. Queensland has the same potential, but only if the mandate is taken seriously and enforced with the consistency it deserves. For Mackay, the benefits are clear. Our region is one of Australia’s most productive sugarcane hubs, with the land, infrastructure, climate, and expertise to support a thriving biofuels sector. Increased demand for bioethanol directly translates into increased demand for sugarcane. That means more cane in the ground, more certainty for growers, and more throughput for our mills, and we all know that milling is a volume game. This in turn supports jobs from the paddock to the processing line. But the opportunity extends far beyond economics. A stronger bioethanol industry enhances national fuel security, reducing Australia’s reliance on imported fuels. At a time when global supply chains are increasingly unstable, producing more of our own fuel is not just smart policy, it is essential. Every litre of bioethanol produced in Queensland is a litre of fuel Australia does not have to import. To seize this opportunity, we must also focus on increasing local sugarcane production. The industry cannot diversify, innovate, or expand into new markets without a reliable and growing supply of cane. More cane means more flexibility for mills, more investment in advanced manufacturing, and greater capacity to produce not only sugar and ethanol, but also bioplastics, green electricity, and other high value products. Growers are ready to meet this challenge. With the right policy settings from all levels of government, including a robust and enforced bioethanol mandate, we can plant more cane, improve productivity, and strengthen the long‑term viability of our region. But growers cannot do it alone. We need government to ensure the mandate is upheld, fuel retailers to meet their obligations, and industry partners to continue investing in innovation and infrastructure. Mackay has the land, the people, and the expertise to lead Queensland’s next era of renewable energy and agricultural diversification. What we need now is the policy certainty that comes from a mandate that is not only written into law but actively enforced. A stronger bioethanol mandate is not just good for growers it is good for Queensland, good for regional jobs, and good for Australia’s fuel future. The time to act is now. Bioethanol can use sugarcane by-products including molasses, bagasse, mill mud as well as plant material. Image: AdobeStock

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Four steps to a marketing strategy (that works!)

Four steps to a marketing strategy (that works!)

Marketing strategy boils down to answering four questions: What does your business want? > The goal. Who can help you achieve your goal? > The audience. What do you need to tell your audience so that they can help you achieve your goal? > The message. Where do you need to put your message so that your audience sees it? > The delivery. But how do you actually go about answering those Q’s? Like anything, the broad strokes are more complicated in practice but it’s a good framework to come back to when you’re planning your next marketing activity. Start by drilling down + identifying a measurable goal that you can work towards. Vague + lofty goals are okay, but without a clear way to track your progress, achieving them will be pretty tough. For example, tracking how many enquiries you get + the quote conversion rate can be useful info to have as a baseline. That way, if you do a targeted campaign to attract more work, you can see if it meaningfully pushed the needle in the right direction! Next, really empathise with who can help you achieve those goals. Try to build up a target customer in your head. How old are they? What do they want from your business? What are they interested in? The more specific you are, the easier it’ll be to craft messaging that will actually appeal to that person. Once you’ve defined your goal + who can help you achieve it, you’ve got to tell them how to help you do it. Your messaging should be the key information that your audience needs to know about your business. This is where you focus on not only what your customers want to know about you, but how your business is different to all the others out there. Your messaging should change based on the people you’re targeting. Lastly, the delivery. Where does your target market frequent? Do they use socials? Are they constantly listening to the radio? Do they frequent the pub on a Friday arvo? Once you know where they go, you can start figuring out how to get your message there. While socials are a great option, they’re not the only one. Billboards, coasters, or a flyer that sits on a wall somewhere are all effective options. But if that all sounds like too much effort, you can always reach out + talk to us. We’ll help you figure it out 😉 Taren McAuley

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Property Point

Property Point

It’s interesting how Australian states have different rules and approaches in an attempt to achieve the best result for their citizens. In Queensland we have the “adult crime, adult time” approach to youth offenders, an approach with which some will agree and others disagree. Youth crime has become a significant issue throughout the country and certainly became a concern in places like Townsville and Cairns, which led to the change in how sentencing is assessed. Victoria seems a bit different and it is true that that state has challenges that Queensland doesn’t face. We don’t seem to have a problem with youth gangs armed with machetes so we do not require the same measures as they do in Victoria. In Victoria there are special boxes scattered around the place where people can hand in their machetes. Getting machetes off the streets is an important part of the fight against crime in that state. The different approaches also extend to real estate, particularly with the rules around auctions. In Queensland the seller of a property sets a reserve prior to auction but this price is only revealed to the auctioneer and the sales agent. Queensland law dictates that the reserve price cannot be revealed to any potential buyers. The rules in NSW and Victoria are different, with Victoria’s law changing in the past week to make it compulsory that sellers make the reserve public seven days prior to the auction. In one state it is illegal to reveal the reserve and in another state it is compulsory. Glenn Price, director of Price Buyers Agents, told real estate online publication REB that buyers wanted to know price expectations before spending time checking out a property. “The buyers I work with all say the same thing. They want to know what the vendor is expecting before they burn a Saturday standing in a backyard for an unrealistic number,” Price told REB. “If buyers know the number a week out, low-ballers stay at home and people who turn up are serious bidders.” There were only 500 auctions in Melbourne following the introduction of the new law compared to 700 the week before. Price said that some sellers might now be avoiding auctions because the don’t want to show their hand. He also pointed out that Queensland was now out of step with Victoria and NSW. Queensland’s auction clearance rate dropped to 17 per cent and Price said the fact that bidders don’t know the reserve could be an issue. “Based on the clearance numbers right now, Queensland’s market is a bit of trouble; that’s due to a host of other factors. Bidding blind on top of that doesn’t help,” he told REB. It is worth noting that Price is a buyer’s agent and that role is different to that of a listing agent, who is predominantly focused on getting the best result for the seller. The argument in favour of leaving the reserve confidential is that the open market is left to determine the true value of a property. That could be higher or lower than the reserve. It’s also worth remembering that while a seller sets a reserve, where the property will be sold to the highest bidder above that price, the vendor still has the option of selling at a lower price. Gardian’s auctioneer, Gordon Macdonald, will have a conversation with a seller if bidding stalls and the reserve has not been reached, which enables the vendor to assess the state of play and perhaps look at bids below that reserve price. Plenty of buyers would not turn up to an auction if the reserve was revealed and they felt it was too high … only to discover later that the property sold within the buyer’s budget at a price below the reserve. Too much meddling from governments or not enough?

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Pet Of The Week: Cozi

Pet Of The Week: Cozi

If you have a soft spot for big dogs and beautiful brindle coats, four-month-old Cozi might just be the perfect addition to your family. A Mastiff cross, Cozi is an intelligent, fun-loving pup with a gentle nature and plenty of playful energy. She's particularly fond of anything involving water. With her gentle temperament and affectionate nature, Cozi has all the makings of a wonderful family companion. Still enjoying the fun-filled puppy stage, Cozi will need a family committed to continuing her training and helping her grow into the best girl she can be. Contact her carer Aaron on 0400 821 800 to arrange a meeting, or email LLTAGSandDogRescue@gmail.com.

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blacks rec

Targeting Inflammatory Protein Could Help Treat Severe Asthma

March 7, 2024

Just weeks after news of a sharp national spike in asthma deaths – with South Australia recording the highest increase in a single year (88%) – scientists have revealed a promising new treatment for the chronic lung disease.

Australian researchers have found that a family of proinflammatory molecules called beta common cytokines control inflammation and scarring of the airways (fibrosis) in severe and steroid-resistant asthma.
 
They believe that a human therapeutic antibody called trabikihart could be the key to effectively blocking the inflammation and scarring. 
 
The findings, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, are a result of a joint study led by researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), in collaboration with researchers from CSL and SA Pathology.
 
Joint study leader Dr Damon Tumes, Head of the Allergy and Cancer Immunology Laboratory in the Centre for Cancer Biology*, says the findings are significant.
 
“Inflammation and tissue damage in severe asthma is caused by several types of immune cells that enter the lungs due to allergens, viruses and other microbes that interact with the airways,” Dr Tumes says.
 
“In some people, the inflammation is resistant to steroids – the first treatment option for controlling severe asthma.
 
“Currently, limited treatment options are available for severe asthma. New and existing drugs often only target single molecules when multiple overlapping cells and inflammatory pathways are responsible for asthma.
 
“Targeting multiple inflammatory cytokines with a single drug may be the key to treat and control complex and severe chronic airway disease.”
 
The most recent statistics show a 30% rise in asthma-related deaths (467 people) nationally in 2022, with South Australia recording the most drastic increase at 88%.
 
According to experts, most of the deaths were preventable and were linked to people not having treatment on hand, or using it as prescribed, especially inhaled corticosteroids.
 
2022 marked the highest asthma deaths since 2017, partly driven by the post-Covid return of viral respiratory infections which are associated with increases in asthma hospitalisations.
 
Widespread rainfall, triggering an increase in fungal spores and pollen, is also a factor.
 

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Medicine With Dr Mags So What Is Good Health?

March 7, 2024

Lots of people ask me and want to be the best they can be and it always seems that healthy people often want to cut out things like sugar, (and that is just one type of carb that causes weight gain for example) and those who might be unhealthy or have a medical illness want to add things in like vitamins.

Health is an individual issue to us all and The World Health Organisation states the definition of Health is "a state of complete, physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity".

So many people see themselves as healthy, yet have a chronic disease or even cancer. Then others are in tip-top shape physically and on their blood work, and other investigations, but still feel unwell within themselves and can be suffering from Health Anxiety.

With so many social media pages, influencers and search engines having information on medical conditions, whether the condition is rare or not, there can be a lot of mis-information and anxiety.

Just hit the news recently, 60 Day Prescriptions - WHAT IS THIS ABOUT?

From this week, there are even more Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines available for 60-day prescriptions. This includes medicines for what we call "Chronic" stable ongoing health conditions such as endometriosis, breast cancer, heart failure, epilepsy and more.

Ask your GP if a 60-day prescription is appropriate for your medical care and this will help your hip pocket too in these days of rising costs across the board.

To see the list of medicines now available, visit health.gov.au/cheapermedicines

Lastly, it's Epilepsy and Melanoma Month - so be aware of what to do if someone has a seizure and get a skin check for any suspicious-looking moles and be SUNSMART.

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Yours in Good Health

Dr Mags

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Local Heroes Save Abandoned Puppies

March 7, 2024

After receiving a call late last Thursday, Mackay Pet Rescue Inc jumped at the opportunity to save a bunch of abandoned baby puppies.

Zakary Meiert, a real estate agent, put an urgent call out on social media seeking assistance, when he found the newborn puppies abandoned at a vacant property in Sarina.

In an attempt to welcome the newborn pups to a temporary refuge, member Robyn prepped a heated incubator and warm milk while others quickly fetched new bottles, supplies and treats from the vet, ensuring everything was ready for when the newborn pups were set to arrive.

Upon arrival, the team made a required stop at the vet to check on the smitten pups, specifically providing extra care to one who had a suspected low body temperature, requiring subcutaneous fluids.

Since the check in at the vet, the puppies were consistently fed and toileted and are now safe and nestled inside the confined security of a foster home.

Cheryl, a seasoned neonate puppy carer, went above and beyond, driving from Kuttabul to take the puppies under her wing. Cheryl and her partner have committed their time to monitor the pups and feed them around the clock in the upcoming weeks as they grow into little mischief makers.

“We are so grateful to Cheryl and her partner for stepping up to help.

“Thank you also to Zak and Glenda for saving the puppies and for bringing them from Sarina to Eimeo so that they could be surrendered into foster care,” commented a member from Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated.

For updates in upcoming weeks, visit their Facebook for donations or any other inquiries.

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Caption 1,2,3: Three abandoned newborn puppies rescued by the team at Mackay Pet Rescue Inc

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Free Showcase Of Woodworking Crafts

March 7, 2024

Pop in and see the incredible work of Mackay Woodturners on Saturday, March 16th and Sunday, March 17th, for an exciting showcase of woodworking crafts! Entry is FREE and commences from 9am to 3pm, so don't miss out on an opportunity to witness captivating demonstrations and browse a wide array of wood crafted items.

Located off Beaconsfield Road in Andergrove, Mackay Woodturners will feature demonstrations and sales of various woodworking techniques including woodturning, scroll sawing, intarsia, carving, and pyrography.

Watch as skilled craftsmen showcase their talents, providing insights into the intricate process of transforming raw wood into stunning pieces of art.

Of particular interest, there will be a live demonstration of slabbing a large log into thinner pieces, followed by the transformation of wood into unique items such as bowls or exquisite fountain pens. This captivating process will be shown from start to finish, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship involved.

As Easter approaches, talented member, Kevin Hutchison, will be using the scroll saw to create charming Easter Bunny characters. These delightful creations will be available for purchase, offering children the opportunity to personalize and colour to their own design.

Don't miss this exciting event where creativity meets craftsmanship, and where you can find the perfect handcrafted treasures to adorn your home or to give as unique gifts.

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Caption: An example of the amazing crafts that members of the Mackay Woodturners have created

Caption: Kevin Hutchison crafting easter bunny characters for the upcoming Easter Expo

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Mobile BreastScreen Service Heads West

March 7, 2024

Mobile BreastScreen Service Heads West

BreastScreen Queensland's free mobile screening service will hit the road this month visiting rural communities across the Isaac region. The service ensures women in rural areas have access to the latest in screening mammography technology to help detect breast cancer in very early stages.

Women in Middlemount, Dysart, Clermont, Collinsville and Moranbah are encouraged to book appointment now for their breast check-up with the mobile screening truck set to hit the road in early March. The screening is free, only takes about 30 minutes and doesn't require a doctor referral, BreastScreen Queensland Clinical director Dr Wendela Schimmer said.

"These exams aim to detect breast cancer in early stages when treatment can be more effective. The earlier breast cancer is found, the better chance you have of surviving it," she said.

Dr Schimmer said breast screening was provided to women who are aged 40 years and over and haven't notice any changes to their breasts.

"While evidence shows that women aged 50 to 74 derive most benefits from screening every two years, women aged 40 to 49 and 75 years and over are also eligible to utilise the service," she said.

"It's important for women to know that nine out of 10 women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of it."

Regular screening was the most effective and proven method for intervention for reducing breast cancer morbidity and mortality, Dr Schimmer said.

The mobile screening service will be in Middlemount from March 11 to 14, Dysart from March 18 to 25, Clermont March 27 to April 16, Collinsville from April 3 to 12 and Moranbah from April 18 to May 2.

The service will be on site in various other locations including Nebo, Walkerston, Seaforth, Calen and Mirani, later in the year.

Book now on 13 20 50 for your free appointment at one of the BreastScreen Queensland mobile screening service locations or online at www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au.

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Caption: BreastScreen Queensland Clinical director Dr Wendela Schimmer

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Property Point

March 7, 2024

What’s worse than finding a worm in your apple?

Finding half a worm in your apple. Boom boom.

It was never a particularly funny joke but those of us who were kids in the 1970s did get it and understood how you could end up with half a worm in your apple.

We were familiar with occasionally finding an insect or something wriggly in a piece of fruit … it was rare but we knew the joke meant that having half a worm in your apple meant you had taken a bite and eaten half a worm.

These days I don’t reckon kids would get the joke. Yes, some of them seem to be surly and very serious but it’s not that; it’s that they would never have been exposed to something as disturbing as an insect or something wriggly in a piece of fruit.

That’s because we now live in a sterile world where everything is sprayed to within an inch of its life. Agricultural produce is poisoned to perfection … so you are never going to see an insect, let alone a worm, in an apple.

Someone pointed out the other day that you don’t get nearly the number of insects splattered on your windscreen on a long drive as you did a few decades ago. And that’s not because insects have improved their evasive skills. I’m not sure all this is a good thing, the natural thing.

But it is definitely a sign of changing times. Don’t get me wrong, not all change is bad. Some change is significant and we don’t know where it’s going but we have to embrace it, or at least work with it.

Digital technology is creating significant change in the real estate industry and definitely improving the service we can offer buyers and sellers.

We can provide more information at the click of a button about a property, a neighbourhood, a market than anyone would have dreamt of even 10 years ago. This is an exciting thing to be part of and I enjoy using technology that provides a better result for clients.

When I do an appraisal on a potential seller’s property, it includes a comparative market analysis that shows, in digital form, relevant nearby properties including photos my client can click on and flick through and lots of detail about those properties and the market.

It all helps the potential seller get a good picture of the market and arm themselves with information they need before listing their property.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has suddenly become a significant part of the picture in the world generally and specifically in the real estate industry.

It is moving quickly and it is fascinating to see how it can be applied to improve the service we can now offer buyers and sellers.

At Gardian we are starting to work with AI apps that create better exposure for our client’s properties, reaching more of the people who are potential buyers for a listing.

The technology works out where to direct the social media marketing so that it has more chance of reaching genuine potential buyers for a particular property, creating more competition and helping us get the best possible result for our clients.

Embracing the technology improves the service I can offer but, having said that, some things haven’t changed. This is still a relationship business. It is still about trust, work ethic and personal communication with buyers and sellers.

While the technology might be intelligent and artificial, the agent needs to be authentic and available. Nothing beats picking up the phone and talking to a buyer or seller.

Yes, the worm has turned, but not that much.

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Rugby Reflections Is There Hope For The Wallabies?

March 7, 2024

As you may have heard on Star breakfast, I enjoy my sport. Cricket, rugby, league, the trifecta. It's the end of summer and cooing over numbers, stats and ‘how good does it look’ takes a back seat for big hits, big tries and who gets picked for rep sides.

Super rugby is back! The Reds looked good for most of their game against the Hurricanes, The Waratahs beat a powerhouse Crusaders, and the game between the Rebels and the Force was exciting. What a time it is to be a Wallabies fan.

The Eddie Jones era is over and the question now is... What’s next? Does new coach Joe Schmidt continue picking youth, or does he sprinkle in experienced players when Wales and Georgia hit our shores in July before the rugby championship.

Mass changes need to be made not just with the squad but the attitude around the Wallabies. A once proud organisation now sits at 9th in the world rankings and seems to be losing momentum with fans. Joe Schmidt has a lot of work to do before July.

Youthful players like Carter Gordon, Tate McDermott, Angus Bell, Max Jorgenson, Lachlan Lonergan and Mark Nawaqanitawase should all be receiving calls from Schmidt for the first Wallabies camp of 2024. Experienced players like Nick White, Tanelia Tupou, Will Skelton, Samu Kerevi when fit and Michael Hooper, will bring a balance to a side left rudderless after a very disappointing world cup.

Wales is a tough first assignment but I believe, and call me crazy, the Wallabies can come back. A series draw 1-1 with Wales, a win over Georgia and a positive record in the rugby championship are all achievable and it's what the Wallabies need before the Lions in 2025 and RWC 2027 in Australia.

It's the hope that kills you supporting the Wallabies, but don't give up yet.

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Jake

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Silence Broken On Gender Pay Gap

March 7, 2024

The exposure of the gender pay gaps in large Australian organisations is a turning point for gender equality, but more must be done to hold employers to account, says an Australian researcher.

Workplace diversity expert Professor Carol Kulik says the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA’s) release of gender pay gaps for large Australian employers is a great first step but its impact will depend on the actions of organisations to narrow the disparity.

The WGEA – a statutory agency responsible for promoting and improving workplace gender equality –published gender pay gaps for Australian private sector employers with 100 or more employees last week. It is the first time large organisations will have their gender pay gap data exposed.

In 2023, the WGEA reported that the average gender pay gap was 21.7 per cent, meaning women in Australia are earning, on average, $26,393 less a year than men.

Professor Kulik says the revelation of gender pay gaps in large corporations is a pivotal moment in advancing gender equality.

However, further actions are imperative to ensure employers with pay gaps are held accountable, Prof Kulik says, “We now must be asking employers, in what roles and what levels of employment are pay gaps most prevalent? How are you (the employer) supporting employees’ caring responsibilities? What are you doing to ensure women move into roles where they are paid more? How long will it take for you to close your pay gap?

“Until we show employers that their pay gaps influence our behaviour, they are unlikely to make the changes needed to narrow pay gaps.”

History shows that organisations do respond to regulatory pressure. In 2010, the ASX Corporate Governance Council started requiring ASX-listed entities to report the gender composition of their boards and executive teams, leading to a spike in female appointments to senior roles.

However, the appointments generated a new inequity, because female executives were paid less than their male counterparts.

“Instead of women being paid more, men were paid less,” Professor Kulik says. “Pay is an important motivator of employee performance, so a smart employer will close pay gaps by allocating separate funds to that purpose, rather than drawing funds from its rewards budget.”

Employer gender pay gaps are available on individual employer pages on WGEA’s Data Explorer.

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Caption: Professor Carol Kulik 

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Moranbah Student A Finalist In Queensland Resources Women’s Awards

March 7, 2024

Students passionate about the world of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) are amongst the finalists for the Queensland Resources Awards for Women - an annual event celebrating the achievements of women in the resources sector.

 

Lexi Croce from Moranbah State High School is among the 2024 finalists alongside students from the Gold Coast and Bundaberg.

 

The annual Resources Awards for Women celebrate the contribution women are making to the state’s $116.8 billion resources sector and are facilitated by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ).

 

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said the three students were worthy finalists and great advocates for the resources sector.

 

“Lexi, Aileen and Cadence have got different areas of interest in the resources and energy sector, but they have all displayed a commitment to the future of the industry and shown leadership skills as ambassadors for the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy this year,” said Ms Jones.

“I am sure they will be part of the next generation of innovators and leaders who will contribute to increasing the long-term sustainability of the resources and energy sector.”  

 

“I am also delighted all three finalists are participating in our six-month QRC/WIMARQ Girls in Resources Leadership Skills (GIRLS) mentoring program where they will have the opportunity to get guidance and advice from an industry professional.”

 

Lexi Croce is a School Captain at Moranbah State High School and has actively pursued her interest in STEM studies throughout secondary school, including being a member of her school’s successful Moranbah High STEM Innovation Experience team which won the Queensland competition in 2023. Lexi said she was driven by the idea of finding electrical solutions to make mining operations more efficient and environmentally friendly.

 

“The mining and energy sector powers our world and I’m keen to be a part of the drive to create a more sustainable future for the industry,” said Lexi.

  

The winner of the student award will be announced at the QRC/WIMARQ International Women’s Day Lunch today (Friday 8 March) in Brisbane, which features global mining leader and BHP President Australia Geraldine Slattery as keynote speaker.

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Caption: Lexi Croce, a School Captain at Moranbah State High School, is a finalist in the Queensland Resources Awards for Women

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MAREE FRANETTOVICH DIRECTOR/FOUNDER – CAREERFORCE AUSTRALIA

March 7, 2024

On the bigger stage, the women’s movement has won hard fought gains including the ‘right to work’, greater equity and opportunity, and let’s not forget the ‘right to vote’.

At the personal level, the enduring challenge for women to ‘give it a go’ and pursue opportunities is lack of self-belief, confidence and courage to act. For all my years working in career development, these issues persist across the generations. Women defer not only to men, but also other women, or simply choose not to act, regardless of career stage, age and experience. Believing in ourselves needs constant attention and this was Sandy’s key lesson.

After working in casual employment, Sandy (located in a prosperous regional centre with a range of industries) was interested in returning to a more permanent office job – but had been holding herself back. With the perception that employment prospects would drop when you get to a ‘certain age’ and also not feeling completely confident in her ability, Sandy was ready to ‘accept’ her current work situation instead of pursuing her goal. An opportunity presented for Sandy to join a personal development program, which took a leap of faith. She found the program to be hugely beneficial, not only the practical elements of job seeking, but also the personal coaching to focus on identifying and leveraging her strengths and building confidence. Finding the courage to apply and secure a new job has helped Sandy also see the advantages of her considerable experience.

“Don’t let age be a barrier – believe in yourself and what you bring to the table.”

Sometimes you just need that someone ’on your side’ to believe in you and provide dedicated support to ‘give it a go’. Many of us have our trusted inner circle to lean on, however there is great benefit in an independent trusted adviser. A personal career guide is totally dedicated to you, providing a confidential space to explore self, and opportunities, including an action plan for career goals and next steps. If you want to take those steps for yourself, visit my website and get in touch.

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The Just Saying Project 2024 Women’s Awards

March 7, 2024

Photo credit: Marty Strecker

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Free MenB Vaccine For Queensland Infants And Teens

March 7, 2024

The Queensland Government is investing $90 million over three years to rollout around 450,000 free potentially lifesaving meningococcal B (MenB) vaccines for infants, children and adolescents.

Last year, Queensland recorded 36 cases of meningococcal B disease and two cases have been recorded this year to date.

This serious infection can lead to complications from invasive meningococcal disease which can cause significant illness, disability, and death.

Distribution of these vaccines is underway to vaccination providers to manage the rollout of the new program.

Year 10 students are among the first to receive the vaccine through scheduled Queensland School Immunisation Program visits.

All infants and children under two, and adolescents aged 15 to 19, can now access the vaccine, in line with the Queensland Government’s commitment to implement the program in the first quarter of 2024. 

This builds upon the existing program offering the meningococcal ACWY vaccine, providing even broader protection.

The state-funded MenB program will be delivered through registered vaccination service providers including general practitioners, community vaccination clinics, pharmacies, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services.

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said these vaccines will save lives.

“As Queensland families face tough decisions as a result of national cost of living pressures, the Queensland Government is ensuring the health of our future generations is not being compromised as a result.”

Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman said, “We know the meningococcal B strain can progress rapidly and cause serious disability or death.

“The health of Queenslanders is our top priority and this investment will ensure nearly half a million infants, children and adolescents will be eligible to receive the MenB vaccine this year for free.

“I would like to thank the brave parents who tirelessly advocated for this program after experiencing unimaginable loss.

“Their courage and determination have directly resulted in this lifesaving initiative.” 

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard said he encourages all parents with eligible children to take the opportunity to vaccinate their child against all vaccine-preventable strains of meningococcal – A, B, C, W and Y.

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Caption: Deputy Premier Cameron Dick and Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman at Browns Plains State High School, one of the first schools in the state to provide students with the MenB vaccine

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Win The Chance To Get Wiggly!

March 7, 2024

One lucky Queensland kindy will win a visit from iconic children’s band The Wiggles as part of a campaign to help children learn about electrical safety.

Entry into the competition is simple, with children, parents, guardians and educators encouraged to take a photo or video that highlights why electrical safety is important using messages from The Wiggles’ song Electricity!

The Queensland Government first partnered with The Wiggles in 2022 to teach children about electrical safety, with the pair joining forces once again in 2023 to spread the free kindy message to Queensland families.

Thirteen competition runners-up will receive family passes to The Wiggles’ April concert in Brisbane.

Minister for Industrial Relations Grace Grace said the government wants Queensland children to understand the dangers of electricity.

“The Wiggles shared the Miles Government’s Free Kindy message to thousands of Queenslanders and their song Electricity! has been viewed over four million times,” she said.

“This competition is a rare opportunity to dance along with The Wiggles at your local kindy and as the honorary Pink Wiggle, I can’t wait to see plenty of creative entries.”  

Minister for Education Di Farmer said, “We know how important the early years are to a child’s life – that’s why the Miles Government made kindy free.

“It is important to teach children safe habits while they are young and The Wiggles’ song Electricity! does exactly that.”

Blue Wiggle Anthony Field said that for more than 30 years, The Wiggles have educated and entertained children and their families through music, song and dance.

“We’ve created a new song about electricity that we hope will have a positive impact on children and help to keep them safe.”

You can read more about the competition here: https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/Wiggles

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Bowling Bliss Mackay's Australia Day Carnival Triumph

March 7, 2024

Despite the initial setback due to weather, the Australia Day Carnival finally took place on Saturday afternoon under clear skies. The green was bustling with excitement as two groups of bowlers gathered to participate. One group consisted of seasoned bowlers, while the other included a mix of new bowlers and a few experienced ones to guide them.

Sponsored by the Mackay Regional Council and Karyn Shepherd from More Air, the afternoon featured two games of 11 ends each. Following the first game, winners faced off against each other while losers competed in their own bracket.

Laughter and camaraderie filled the air as participants enjoyed the friendly competition and the opportunity to spend time outdoors. Despite the delay, it turned out to be a great afternoon for everyone involved, showcasing the spirit of community and sportsmanship.

Upcoming Events:

On Friday, March 8th, the day begins with Ladies Social Play at 1pm,

Followed by the CH/CH Triples event at 1:30 PM, featuring E. Clemett, J. Nelson, and R. Schatkowski against K. Dunn, C. Savage, and K. Burns.

The weekend continues with a Mixed Fours and Mixed Pairs Carnival on Saturday, March 9th commencing from 1pm, and two games of Mixed Pairs on Sunday, March 10th starting at 11am.

RESULTS
Winners of winners Bowlers: Alan Bartlett, Col Stevens, Tony Hollows.
Winner  of Losers: Doug Wootton, Tony Gibson, Silver Fox.
Non Bowlers More Air Winner of Winners: Ben, Hailey, P Molloy Chris Molloy
Winner of Losers: Cam, Karyn, Janice , Shep. 

Club Results
Thursday Scroungers (16) N.Holt def B.Williams (20-5)
Friday Ladies Social Results:
C.Marks, B.Jenner, R.Schatkwoski def L.JENNER, D.Mezzen, J.Caban.
P.Nelson, M.Mayfield, D.McMamara  de f V.Edwards, J.Nelson, B.Robertson.
Men's A Pairs : A.Lovern, N.Holt def G.Thomsen, T.Mayfield  (28-7)
R.Dunstan, S.McMillan  def  S.Makin, C.Molloy   (30-15)
Men's A Fours: T.Gibson, K.Tranberg, G.Edmonds N.Wilson   def  G.Wynd, A.Shepherd,
D.Wootton, B.BRIDGER.

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Contributed by Mike Irving.


Caption: Players gathered together to play a game of bowls at the postponed Australia day event.

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Ladies In League Kick-Start The BMD Premiership

March 7, 2024

In a historic move for the Mackay Cutters, this will mark the first ever time that the team will run three female divisions. This significant development comes as the Mackay Airport continues its major sponsorship of the Cutters, coinciding with the start of their season, which aligns with International Women’s Day celebrations, this upcoming weekend.

Leading the charge for the Mackay Cutters is 22-year-old Emma Manzelmann, a highly respected captain and player on the team. Emma expresses her excitement about the upcoming game, emphasizing the unique atmosphere of North Queensland compared to other regions. She believes that people will truly enjoy the experience of rugby league in the region.

“I think being in North Queensland is such a different atmosphere to being down south, I think people would really enjoy it up here,” Emma says.

For Emma and her fellow female rugby league players, the expansion of pathways into professional training from the under-17 level is said to be a game-changer. This opportunity not only enhances their development but also opens doors to a multitude of career opportunities in the sport.

“I think it just helps develop the girls even more, having that pathway where they can get professional training right from under 17s, it just opens up so many opportunities,” Emma explains.  

As the Mackay Cutters gear up for their first game this Friday, Emma acknowledges the significance of being part of the main game for the premiership season opener, highlighting the excitement surrounding the event.

Mackay Cutters Chief Executive Officer, Mitch Cook says “It’s just such a great opportunity for future female rugby league players in Mackay, and we’re pretty excited to see what this upcoming season will bring.”

Reflecting on the expansion of women's rugby league, Emma emphasises the importance of providing role models for younger players. She hopes to inspire the next generation of female athletes and be a source of support and guidance for them as they navigate their own journeys in the sport.

While the expansion of opportunities for female players is a positive step forward, Emma advocates for a steady and sustainable approach to growth. She believes that maintaining a balance between expansion and careful development is crucial for the long-term success of women's rugby league in the region.

The ladies in league are set to kick off from 6pm on Friday, the 9th of March. As the Mackay Cutters commence this ground-breaking season, they are not only making history but also paving the way for future generations of female rugby league players to thrive. With passion, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, Emma and her teammates are poised to leave their mark on the field and inspire others along the way.

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Caption: Mackay Cutters Chief Executive Officer, Mitch Cook

Caption: Captain of the women’s Mackay Cutters team, Emma Manzelmann

Caption: A team of women’s rugby league players ready to kick-start the game

Caption: The women’s rugby league team with Mackay Cutters Chief Executive Officer, Mitch Cook. Photo Credit: Hannah McNamara

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