Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has officially released the full program for the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference, bringing together regional businesses and industry and government representatives for a day focused on practical ideas, future opportunities, and meaningful connections. The Chamber’s flagship event will be held from 8:30am to 3:00pm on Thursday 27 August 2026 across PCYC Whitsunday and Club Whitsunday in Airlie Beach. Chamber President Allan Milostic said the Conference continued to evolve as one of the Whitsundays’ leading business events because of its strong focus on practical relevance and regional collaboration. “This is about bringing together businesses, industries, educators, leaders, and emerging talent to have honest conversations about where the region is heading and how we build stronger businesses together,” he said. “We’re proud to showcase both local expertise and external perspectives that understand the realities of doing business in regional Queensland.” Chamber Vice President and Chair of the Conference Sub-Committee, Jannah Baker, said this year’s program had been intentionally designed to deliver practical value, stronger discussion, and real-world insights for businesses navigating change and growth. “The 2026 Conference is focused on practical conversations that matter to regional businesses right now – from workforce and leadership challenges through to AI, business growth, communication, and financial resilience,” Jannah said. “We’ve moved toward a more intensive program format this year, with deeper sessions, more interaction, and speakers who can share real experiences and practical strategies businesses can apply immediately.” The Conference will open with a plenary session featuring highlights from the Chamber’s Vision for the Whitsundays project, alongside a Rising Stars Panel showcasing local young employees, trainees, and apprentices discussing the future workforce and what they value from the ‘Whitsundays workplace’. Award-winning media and communications expert Ian Cohen from Cozalive Media will deliver the keynote presentation on building a brand that stands strong under pressure, drawing on decades of experience across major global sporting events, media, communications, and reputation management. Concurrent sessions throughout the morning will allow delegates to tailor their conference experience across a range of business-critical topics. Round One sessions include: Your Brand in Action – An interactive workshop with Ian Cohen exploring communication strategies, reputation management, and responding confidently under pressure. Future-Ready Business – A practical presentation with Rachel Hay (James Cook University) examining how businesses are using systems, automation, and AI to reduce administration and improve productivity, alongside research-backed workforce capability insights from JCU’s Professor Stephan Riek and Gabby Ryan. Connecting with Big Business – A panel discussion featuring the Australian Agave Project, Abbot Point Operations, and Bowen Rail Company, focused on how regional businesses can better connect with large-scale industry opportunities and own more of the value chain. Breakout sessions in Round Two include: The Future Workforce – An interactive workshop with Michele Tocci exploring psychological safety, team engagement, retention, and creating workplaces where employees feel confident to contribute. The Numbers That Matter – A practical financial session with Gus Walsgott (Rural Financial Counselling Service North Queensland) examining common business financial traps, profitability pressures, and cashflow improvement strategies. Your Brand in Action – A marketing-focused panel featuring Tolita Dukes (8 Seconds) and Melissa Ardern (The Creek Whitsundays) discussing visibility, AI, marketing systems, and what is currently working for regional businesses. The Conference will conclude with an interactive Long Lunch featuring business exhibitor showcases, activations and activities, networking opportunities, and major announcements. Event Details What: 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference When: 8:30am – 3:00pm, Thursday 27 August 2026 Where: PCYC Whitsunday and Club Whitsunday, Airlie Beach For sponsorship, exhibitor opportunities, or further information, contact the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry
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Year 12 student Ashlin Styles was recently selected as one of 93 young people aged 15–25 from 500 applicants to take part in the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament. Ashlin is the student representative for the Whitsunday electorate. Ashlin attended a three-day camp where she was officially sworn into Parliament and began working within her committee, Justice, Police and Corrective Services (JPACS), including Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. During the camp, Ashlin had the opportunity to meet various Members of Parliament. As part of the committee, students are developing a bill proposing a new standalone Act to provide better reintegration support for people leaving custody, addressing gaps in areas such as housing and ongoing support. Through this experience, Ashlin has gained a stronger understanding of how laws are created, along with skills in teamwork, leadership, and representing her community. She has also been placed on the refuting team for JPACS, where she will help review and propose amendments to the bill. Ashlin will return to State Parliament in September for a five-day parliamentary sitting and is excited to continue developing the bill whilst preparing for the final sessions. YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament is a program that grants people aged 16-25 the opportunity to represent the issues of young people in their electorate while learning about government processes in a mock parliament context. Photo supplied
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The written word will take centre stage in Cannonvale this September as the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival returns with a programme celebrating regional storytelling, creativity and the power of local voices. Opening the festival is a panel discussion sure to resonate with aspiring writers and avid readers alike: Is There a Book in You? The session will explore the realities of turning an idea into a published work, with three regional authors sharing their personal journeys through creativity, self-doubt and the publishing process. Festival Director Richard Evans said the event reflects the festival’s commitment to championing writers from across the Greater Whitsunday region. “This year’s festival is about backing our region’s writers, stories and creative identity,” he said. “The quality of writers living across the Greater Whitsunday region is exceptional, and this panel is designed to give audiences an honest and inspiring look at the writing and publishing journey.” The panel features Mackay-based fantasy author A. L. Tippett, thriller writer and former teacher Greg Bourke, and Whitsunday Life’s very own Rachael Smith, whose book Surviving Cancer: A Working Mum’s Guide documents her experience balancing cancer treatment, motherhood and work. Beyond the opening discussion, the one-day festival will include keynote presentations, literary award announcements and Stories by the Sea, a free community celebration featuring regional authors, live music, children’s activities, book swaps and more. What: Whitsundays Writers Festival When: Sunday 13th September 2026, 10.30am–4.30pm Where: Whitsunday Marine Club
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As cost-of-living pressures, housing insecurity and social isolation continue to impact more local families, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre Executive Officer Rebecca Woods says community connection has never been more important. “Connection is at the heart of everything we do,” Ms Woods said. “Watching people move from crisis toward hope and connection is a powerful reminder of why community-based support matters so much. Sometimes even small acts of support, kindness and human connection can have a lasting impact and while crisis support is important, we also know that strong communities are built through relationships, inclusion and opportunities for people to feel they belong.” One story that has remained with the team involved a local family who first became connected with the Centre through volunteering opportunities. What began as a chance for the eldest son to build employment skills and confidence gradually evolved into something much greater, with both his sister and mother later becoming involved as well. Ms Woods said the experience highlighted the powerful ripple effect community support can have, with the family gaining confidence, social connection, improved wellbeing and a renewed sense of purpose through their involvement with the Centre. “Stories like this remind us that the impact of community support extends far beyond immediate assistance,” she said. “Sometimes the greatest outcomes come from creating spaces where people feel valued, included and empowered to grow.” Across the Whitsundays Shire, many individuals and families are struggling to keep pace with rising living costs, including rent, groceries, fuel, electricity and insurance, while housing insecurity and a shortage of affordable rentals continue to place enormous pressure on households. Accessing support services can also prove challenging in regional communities, particularly for those experiencing social isolation, limited transport options, mental health concerns, family stress or domestic and family violence. Ms Woods said demand for support services had increased significantly in recent years, particularly following the impacts of COVID-19, ongoing housing shortages and rising living costs. “We are seeing more people seeking emergency relief, financial assistance, referrals, advocacy and help navigating increasingly complex systems,” she explained. Importantly, Ms Woods said the demographic of people seeking assistance had also broadened, with more working individuals and families now requiring support despite being employed. “Housing stress is one of the most consistent issues we encounter,” she said. “Even people with stable incomes are finding it difficult to secure affordable accommodation, and that uncertainty affects every aspect of wellbeing — from mental health to family relationships and employment stability.” Despite the growing challenges, Ms Woods said the Centre continued to focus not only on crisis support, but also on fostering connection, inclusion and belonging throughout the wider community. “The Neighbourhood Centre provides welcoming spaces where people can come together, participate in programs, share experiences, build friendships and access support without stigma,” she said. “Whether it’s through workshops, volunteer opportunities, social groups or even informal conversations over a cup of tea, these moments of connection help reduce isolation and strengthen community wellbeing.” Beyond direct support services, the Centre also hosts a broad range of outreach programs, allied health services, support groups and community-led activities aimed at improving local access to support while encouraging social connection. These include employment support services, counselling programs, health and wellbeing initiatives, volunteer Justice of the Peace services, fitness and social activities for seniors, children’s programs, creative groups and community gatherings. Ms Woods said providing a central and welcoming community hub helped ensure residents could access important services locally, particularly those experiencing financial hardship, disability, transport limitations or social isolation. “For many people, simply knowing there is a safe and supportive place they can walk into makes a real difference,” she said. Looking to the future, Ms Woods said her hope was for a Whitsundays community where everyone feels supported, connected and able to access help when challenges arise. “We want to see greater housing stability, stronger mental health supports, increased opportunities for young people and families, and a community where no one feels alone during difficult times,” she said. Ms Woods encouraged locals to support the work of the Neighbourhood Centre through volunteering, donations, attending community events, supporting local initiatives or simply checking in on neighbours who may be struggling. “Community wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility, and some of the most meaningful change happens when people come together with kindness, understanding and a willingness to help,” she said. “At the same time, there is a strong sense of resilience within our community. People genuinely care about one another, and we continue to see neighbours helping neighbours during difficult times.” CAPTION: Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre Executive Officer Rebecca Woods says connection, inclusion and community support are more important than ever as local families continue to navigate rising living costs and housing pressures. Photo source: Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre
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The new Mackay Hospital and Health Board came together on Thursday, 5th October to introduce themselves to health service personnel, appointed to set the strategic direction and oversee the management of Mackay Hospital and Health Service.
The event was kickstarted with a Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony conducted by Elder Uncle Phillip Kemp, to the sound of the didgeridoo, played by Toasie Cora. Alongside this was a performance by the Tchundal Malar Dance Company.
This was followed by a traditional Torres Strait Islander prayer by Aunty Matilda Christian, asking for support and guidance on behalf of the new team of Board members to provide governance for the health service, in both Merian Mir and English languages.
Members include Board Chair Helen Darch, Deputy Chair Kerry Maley and Members Maud Chapman, Bill Cooper, Dr Luke Lawton and Dr Peter O’Mara.
Board Chair, Helen Darch OAM is an experienced board member in both government and not-for-profit sectors, with over thirteen years in the industry.
When Helen received the opportunity to apply for the Mackay Board, she was excited to come in with a broader experience to a team of exceptional people.
Helen’s aim is, “To try and unpack some of the challenges of regional Queensland and its health, and to advocate for change for our community.
“In this first phase, our key focus is to go and listen to staff, to our community, to our politicians to actually understand what is really not working well, what people really need and how best to step in and work together to fix it.
“The past is the past, we must learn the lessons from that to make sure that we are building a far better future for our community.
“I can’t undo what’s happened, but I am absolutely determined that we are going to change things.”
The six-member Board brings a vast range of experience across the fields of emergency medicine, business, nursing and law. This newly assembled team strives to create positive change for the future of Mackay Hospital and Health Service.
The new Mackay Hospital and Health Board
Mackay HHS Chief Executive Susan Gannon
Tchundal Malar dance group
Smoking ceremony. Photos supplied by Mackay Hospital and Health Service
GetReady Queensland has partnered with Mackay Regional Council, calling on local residents to stock up their emergency kits and get their emergency evacuation plans in place, before a natural disaster strikes.
Know when to go
Keep track of emergency warnings - Tune in to the official emergency broadcaster ABC Tropical North 101.1FM, or opt in for notifications from the Mackay Emergency Dashboard.
Know where to go
Identify which family, friends, or commercial accommodation you would go to. Make sure you let someone know where you have evacuated to and that you arrived safely.
Know how to move
Identify the safest route and consider potential hazards. If you are elderly or have a disability, use the Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness resource.
Know what to take
Consider what you would pack for a remote camping trip and don’t forget the essentials.
Know your neighbours
Often, neighbours will be your first responders in a disaster event and can assist with preparing your home before disaster strikes.
All eight Woolworths stores across Mackay will have two dedicated aisles featuring key items for household disaster kits, as well as tear-off shopping lists.
To find a more detailed summary of advice and information, visit www.mackay.qld.gov.au/getreadymackay.
GetReady stall geared up for the Seniors Expo. Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council
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Women dressed in their most vibrant pink outfits gathered at an exclusive event over the weekend to show their support for breast cancer awareness and fundraising.
Usually held on the 28th October is Pink Ribbon Day, an annual event hosted to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
This past Sunday, October 8th, a group of thirty-five local women eagerly joined the nationwide event ahead of schedule, uniting in their finest pink attire to rally behind the cause.
The event consisted of a morning tea spread, as well as a bidding auction.
A group of small businesses, as well as attendees provided a donation of prizes for the auction, including Debbie’s Seafood, Reef Contracting, Suterbly Crafted and Fancy Pants Ranch.
Collectively, the team managed to raise an impressive sum of $3,482, a remarkable effort from everyone involved.
Main host and organiser, Cheree Ridolfi, commits herself to a different fundraising event each year, dedicated to spreading awareness for various charities.
Last year, Cheree had a close friend who was battling breast cancer. This hit close to home, inspiring her to host the Pink Ribbon Day event.
Cheree commented, “We have some amazing women in our life who we hold close to our hearts and we would hate to lose any of them to breast cancer.”
“It means that one day, when we hopefully find a cure, we can say we helped towards that cure because every little bit helps.”
Cheree’s most memorable moment was the banter between the ladies while holding the auction, stating, “They are a great bunch of ladies and we are lucky to call them our friends.”
Cheree appreciates her supporters braving the strong winds to provide vital support to those battling breast cancer. She aims to raise awareness and promote regular checks.
A variety of donations supplied for the event
(L-R) Host Cheree Ridolfi, Natalie Fitzgerald, Debra Goodall and Raechel Gribbin
(L-R) Sophie Gribbin, Tiaani Blunt and Sarah McGrath
(L-R) Leonie Goody, Tammy Molloy, Sonya Turner and Jackie Bella. Photo credit: Sinead Porter
Teams will be revving up for the Spring Shitbox Rally, held from 13th to 21st October 2023. They will be piloting beat-up cars valued under $1500, zooming from Port Douglas to Adelaide over rugged roads for a charitable cause.
This event is considered to be representative of the ‘bumpy ride’ that people diagnosed with cancer might be experiencing, like needing a few adjustments along the way, having faith that you'll make it to the other side and having people along the journey to pick you up when you need a hand.
The Mackay side of the Shitbox Rally teams include ‘Not Lost - Just Looking’, ‘Leketek Mackay’, ‘Whiskey Business’, ‘Hakuna Matata’, ‘Team Ramrod’, ‘The Bozlicks’ and ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’.
Mackay teams look forward to the adventure, where they have a chance to meet new and like-minded people and see the countryside.
In the weeks ahead, we'll provide an update on how the Mackay teams fared tackling the rough terrain.
The Shitbox Rally event raises money for the Cancer Council, to go into numerous research projects, in total raising over $2 million this year so far. Donations can be made via shitboxrally.com.au
Shitbox Rally cars gearing up for an epic road trip. Photo supplied.
Queensland is taking a major stride towards training and re-skilling its future workforce for the renewable energy sector with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Queensland Hydro and the Mackay-based Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE). This collaboration aims to address the future skills training needs of the resources sector and support Queensland's transition to renewable energy systems.
Queensland Hydro, a publicly owned entity established by the Queensland Government to develop, operate, and maintain long-duration pumped hydro energy storage assets, is at the forefront of the state's energy transition. The 2GW Borumba project, located near Imbil west of the Sunshine Coast, and the proposed 5GW Pioneer-Burdekin project west of Mackay play pivotal roles in Queensland's renewable energy future.
The RCOE serves as a hub for connecting experts in research, technology, education, and mining equipment, technology, and services (METS) to shape the future of the resources sector. This partnership aligns with the core objectives of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, which seeks to create employment and training opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
Julieanne Gilbert, Member for Mackay, expressed enthusiasm for the training opportunities, stating, "The collaboration between Mackay's Resources Centre of Excellence and Queensland Hydro is a massive boost for local jobs and will ensure that the workforce for the renewable sector is trained and ready for the challenge of these new projects."
Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack emphasised the importance of the partnership, saying, "We want to support workers looking to transition into roles in the energy sector with the right opportunities for skills and training. This MOU covers a range of goals and project outcomes around the areas of training, innovation, and research and development.
“We want as many workers as possible on our projects at Pioneer-Burdekin and Borumba to come from Queensland and from within the energy sector. For those looking to transition into roles in the energy sector, we want to be able to support them with the right opportunities for skills and training.”
Steven Boxall, CEO of the Resources Centre of Excellence, expressed excitement about the collaboration's potential, stating, "We have the skills, expertise, and first-class facilities with a training platform to work with Queensland Hydro to ensure their future workforce has access to a range of innovations for traditional jobs and the skills training to prepare them for Queensland Hydro's major projects."
“The team at the Resources Centre of Excellence is very excited to bring this MOU and collaboration to life after many months of discussion. I believe the RCOE is the ideal partner for Queensland Hydro as being based in Mackay, we’re ideally placed to help facilitate the transition from traditional energy sector jobs to the new clean, green energy sector.”
"The Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro project is a long-term game-changer for the Mackay region as the largest infrastructure project in Queensland's history, and it's exciting to see that the benefits from the Queensland Hydro project continue to flow to our region," added Mrs Gilbert.
This partnership between Queensland Hydro and RCOE represents a significant step towards building a skilled and prepared workforce for Queensland's renewable energy sector, aligning with the state's ambitious renewable energy goals.
Signing of the MOU at the Resources Centre of Excellence, L-R: Queensland Hydro CEO Kieran Cusack, CEO of the Resources Centre of Excellence Steven Boxall, Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert
Two Feet & A Heartbeat returns strong again in 2023, an annual four-kilometre walk organised by HeartKids to commemorate the four lives lost to congenital heart disease (CHD) in Australia each week.
This event will take place on 15th October, with the tribute not only to raise awareness, but to bring together families to celebrate the lives of heart kids while remembering children who have tragically lost their fight against CHD.
HeartKids is a national health charity, working with health professionals to provide lifelong support for those with congenital heart disease and their families Australia-wide.
Lesley Jordon, CEO of HeartKids said, “Having dedicated my life to children’s health and welfare, the Two Feet & A Heartbeat event is close to my heart.
“With 3,000 Australians diagnosed with CHD this year, the significance of community and support stands unrivalled.”
This year’s campaign aims to rally 4,500 participants with a fundraising goal of $350,000 across each of the events nationally.
Money raised through the walk goes back into the community through HeartKids, including delivering in-hospital and family support programs, camps for children living with CHD, and vital education days and peer support programs.
HeartKids invites everyone to participate in the Two Feet & A Heartbeat event. Every step you take will make a difference. To register for Two Feet & A Heartbeat, visit: https://www.twofeetheartbeat.org.au/
Two Feet & a Heartbeat Walk. Photo credit: HeartKids
This October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with Mackay Hospital and Health Service encouraging eligible women to be breast-aware and take advantage of the free BreastScreen Queensland Program.
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in female patients, with around one-in-seven women diagnosed in their lifetime.
The best way to detect early signs of breast cancer is to have a routine breast screening conducted, which allows treatment to be more effective.
Women aged 50-74 are encouraged to have a mammogram every two years. However, women aged 40-49 and those over 75 are also eligible for screening with BreastScreen Queensland.
‘Freya’ the BreastScreen mobile service will be making stops around our local community throughout October:
● 9 – 13 October | Marian – Marian Town Centre
● 17 – 30 October | Greenfields – Beside Autobarn
● 31 October – 3 November | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service – 9 River Street, Mackay
Swelling, skin thickening or redness, warmth and itching, nipple changes or discharge or breast pain lasting for more than three to four weeks as well as lumps can all be possible symptoms of the early stages.
Whether you are new to BreastScreen or due for your next screen, it's easy to make an appointment by calling 13 20 50 or online via www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au.
Appointments are available at the BreastScreen Queensland Mackay Service from Monday to Friday.
This service is a check-up, if you have noticed any breast changes that concern you, you should talk to your doctor before booking a breast screen appointment.
‘Freya’ the BreastScreen Queensland van. Photo credit: Mackay Hospital and Health Service
Sarina’s tight-knit community is a result of committed and passionate locals, focused on the progression of our region and the people who call it home. Mary-Therese Watson is the embodiment of this passion, uplifting and supporting the community through her role as President of the Queensland Country Women’s Association’s (QCWA) Sarina Branch.
Mary-Therese leads the charge when it comes to empowering and inspiring women through friendship, education, connection, and advocacy – a vision that Ruth Fairfax, Founder of the QCWA had at its start, which is still relevant today.
“Over the years, many women have worked hard to continue the work of QCWA - to bring women together to support communities, to celebrate their interests, and to forge friendships in respectful and caring environments,” said Mary-Therese.
Celebrating its centenary this year, the QCWA Sarina Branch is a highly relevant and integral part of the community, with support from its 30 members, locals, and Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank.
Community Bank Sarina has been a key supporter of QCWA Sarina Branch for many years, and has recently sponsored several centenary celebrations, including a Race Day and High Tea, and soon a visit to a local Kindergarten to celebrate Queensland Senior’s Month.
Mary-Therese said the QCWA Sarina Branch members were grateful for Community Bank Sarina’s support in upskilling, as well to sell tickets online and for providing raffle prizes for events.
“The support Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank provides to groups like ours ensures the local community grows and is appreciated.”
This month offers another opportunity for the community to thank women like Mary-Therese and organisations that support women for their unwavering efforts, with the occurrence of International Day of Rural Women on October 15.
This day serves as a platform to address the unique issues that women in rural areas face across the world and is an opportunity to amplify their voices, something which Mary-Therese and the many volunteers at QCWA assist with closer to home.
Community Bank Sarina thanks Mary-Therese for her relentless efforts in upholding the values that make the QCWA Sarina Branch the network of support it continues to be.
Keep up to date with Community Bank Sarina’s community initiatives by following them on Facebook – www.facebook.com/communitybanksarina
QCWA Sarina Branch centenary cake cutting
Congratulations to Year 8 student from Sarina State High School, Matilda Davies, who competed in the Junior Women’s National Inline Hockey Competition.
Her team placed second in the event, held in Browns Plains over the school holidays.
Such an incredible accomplishment, great work Matilda.
Matilda Davies alongside National Championships 2023 banner
Matilda Davies in action at the ice-skating rink
Koumala State School (SS) has celebrated a century of shaping generations of student’s education and the local community this year.
To commemorate this special occasion, the Koumala SS Parents & Citizens Association (P & C) held a centenary event last month, where past students, teachers, staff, and the local community were invited to reminisce and celebrate.
The celebration included activities such as planting a centenary tree, laying a new time capsule, live entertainment, student performances, and memorabilia displays.
The Koumala SS P & C has also compiled a centenary booklet that highlights stories, photos, and accomplishments of the school’s students over its long lifetime.
Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank sponsored the centenary event and printing the centenary booklet, a unique keepsake that has been well received by the school community.
Community Bank Sarina Chair Karen May congratulated the school on this remarkable achievement.
“Koumala State School is a wonderful example of what a school dedicated to students and their families can provide for a small community, and what an incredible legacy this creates over time.
“We are proud to support this school‘s commitment to fostering a bright future for Koumala’s youth over the past century and we know they will continue this for many more years to come.”
Koumala SS Centenary Advisor Committee member, Janine Borg, said it was wonderful to see people catching up with old friends and teachers at the event, and past students were able to see how the school had changed over time.
“The costs for these activities can add up for a small school but the sponsorship from Community Bank Sarina enabled us to make these activities a reality.
“The school has had many families with multiple generations attending, so the booklet is a wonderful memento for them to keep passing on.
“Any income generated from both the event and booklet is invested straight back into the school, meaning the bank's support will go even further to support current students.”
The centenary booklet is now available to purchase via the Koumala State School P & C Facebook page: www.facebook.com/kss100years2023.
Community Bank Sarina Chair Karen May at Koumala State School’s centenary
To celebrate Mental Health Week and to promote positive mindfulness, students at Sarina State High School spent their lunch break building terrariums to take home and care for.
An excellent initiative to encourage self-care and support Mental Health Week awareness.
Students from SSHS with their newly built terrariums
Students get busy with their Mental Health Week project
A mobile health unit with specialised medical equipment is coming to Mackay and Proserpine next month, offering free lung checks to former and retired Queensland mine and quarry workers.
The mobile health unit, known as HEART5, features state-of-the-art medical equipment to provide the required screening examinations.
That includes a lung function test and chest X-ray, and follow-up tests needed to investigate possible abnormalities, such as high-resolution CT scans, if required.
HEART5 is operated by Heart of Australia in partnership with Resources Safety and Health Queensland, and the Queensland Government.
Since its launch in February 2022, free checks on board HEART5 have helped detect mine dust lung disease in former workers across regional and remote Queensland.
“I really urge all former and retired mine and quarry workers to have their free lung check,” said RSHQ’s Executive Director of Occupational Health Dean Barr.
“Lung disease can sometimes take 10 years or more to develop after a worker finishes in the industry.
“If you are diagnosed early that means you can access treatment as soon as possible, potentially slow the progression of disease, and apply for workers’ compensation entitlements.”
Eligible former Queensland mine and quarry workers are entitled to one free check at least every five years, for life.
Former workers can request a free lung health check at a local authorised doctor or on-board HEART5 by contacting the Mine Dust Health Support Services on 1300 445 715.
Upcoming 'HEART 5' dates and locations:
Proserpine
Whitsunday Gold Coffee, Bruce Highway, Proserpine: 8 November 2023
Mackay
Resources Centre of Excellence, 65 Crichtons Road, Paget: 9-10 November 2023
The harvest season brings with it certain risks, not just for farming and harvest crews, but also at times for the community.
In recent weeks, and across the state, we have seen a variety of accidents, on farms, on roads and on the cane rail network.
It is always saddening to see people hurt in the course of their work, or in the course of just getting about their daily business.
October is Safe Work month, so it is timely to think about the highly varied workplaces that we find in agriculture, and particularly during the cane harvest season. Our workplace is out in the paddock, in the shed, out on the road and in the sidings. Often our workplace is also our home.
We are now five months into the crush, and milling performance issues mean that we are well behind where we should be, and that the crush is likely to butt up against Christmas once again. There’s a long haul ahead yet.
So, it’s no time to become complacent about safety.
For growers and harvest crews, who are dealing with the challenges of facing that extended crush season, who might be working in the dark on early or late starts, who might be becoming frustrated if they are supplying to a mill that has stopped and started with delays all crush long. And there’s the older folks in the industry, some in their 70s and 80s – and there are plenty of them - who are grappling with all those factors plus the effects of age. All round, there is tiredness, there is frustration. There is the anxiety that once again, a portion of our crop - our livelihood - will stand unharvested in the paddocks.
But it is vital to keep our minds on the job. There’s no room for shortcuts or lapses in concentration. We want to see that every day, every person working in our industry goes home safely to their loved ones.
On top of the risks on the ground, it is timely to also remember the Look Up and Live message around power lines, whether people are moving harvest gear or irrigation equipment.
There are plenty of resources out there to help people improve their safety practices. Ergon offers a great free app that uses GPS to help pinpoint power line hazards, with a video how-to guide. Just Google it and it will be easily found.
And CANEGROWERS members, don’t forget your membership gives you access to tailored sugarcane growing industry Workplace Health and Safety resources via the local and state website’s members area.
To the community, we ask for your continued patience and vigilance with what can be slow moving large vehicles across the road and loco network. To take care and be vigilant when getting around our harvest vehicles, when crossing tramlines. This year, there is movement almost any time of day around the farms and mills.
There are many safety issues across harvest - on the road, in the siding and around the railways. Photo credit: Kirili Lamb
On World Mental Health Day, Beyond Blue is sharing mental health coaching tips to help people navigate everyday life stresses.
NewAccess Mental Health Coach Gemma Danahay supports people using a low intensity CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) coaching program, developed by Beyond Blue.
“More and more people are coming to me due to financial stress, as cost of living pressures escalate. The other main issues are relationship problems, work stresses, and grief and loss and sudden life changes,” Ms Danahay, who works with Lives Lived Well in Queensland said.
Here are five practical coaching tips to help relieve stresses that can build up.
● Deal with problems one at a time - breakdown problems into bite-size pieces
● Notice common thinking traps – all or nothing thinking, self-blame, repetitive thinking
● Have realistic goals – make it achievable, it doesn’t have to be perfect
● Balance is key - schedule pleasurable activities as well as work/family commitments
● Healthy habits - keep both body and mind healthy
● Beyond Blue’s lead clinician Dr Grant Blashki says there are multiple benefits to using low intensity CBT and problem solving to support our mental health.
“People who are using the skills are often able to reduce their negative thinking patterns, the severity of their symptoms, and find that they develop new coping skills that they can apply to other problems in their lives,” Dr Blashki said.
“A structured approach helps people to stay focused on their goals and people often come away feeling quite empowered that they have some new strategies to manage common stresses in life.
“An added benefit is these are skills that are useful in relationships, in parenting, and even in a workplace context and help people to be able to zoom out and look at thoughts, feelings and actions in day-to-day situations.”
Developed by Beyond Blue in 2013, NewAccess provides support for mild to moderate anxiety, depression, and life stresses, using specially trained and clinically supervised mental health coaches. It’s free and doesn’t require a GP referral.
Phone 1300 22 4636 or visit beyondblue.org.au/getsupport for Beyond Blue Support Services.
Someone pointed out to me the other day that young people would not know what a “carbon copy” is because they would never have come across a carbon copy of anything.
The move to the digital age has made carbon copies redundant, however, in an excellent twist of irony and a delightful merging of old with new, we still use the term CC when copying people in on emails.
Those same young people probably would not know that CC is an abbreviation of carbon copy.
By way of a short history lesson and for those resilient youngsters who are still sticking with my train of thought, a long, long time ago before personal computers and before emails, our letters and other forms of communication were often produced on paper.
It was a time even before photocopiers. Let’s not even go into telegrams. Stop.
Anyway, to provide a copy of a letter or document, a carbon copy was created by putting the typed letter or document directly over carbon paper so the imprint came out in the carbon paper below. The carbon copy was an exact replica of the original that was placed above it and could be provided to those who needed to be given copies, or “copied in” as we would say these days.
I know most readers know all this but we often forget the blissful ignorance of youth and it is important not to exclude the dear things.
I heard a slightly gossipy friend of mine labelled a “town crier” the other day and his young friend said: “That’s right, you’re such a sook. You get upset about everything.” We had to explain that a town crier was not someone who spent all day blubbering.
In the real estate world it is important, as an agent, to understand the age and demographic of the people you are dealing with.
Younger buyers have expectations of things that are not necessarily important to older people and whether you agree or disagree with what that person expects or desires, the point is that is what they want.
Younger buyers “these days” tend to expect more modern fittings and fixtures in a way that young people 30 years ago did not expect. There’s no point in judging that and telling them they should be satisfied with something dated because the important thing is that they get in the market and “it’s better than renting”.
My wife recently told a young friend that we were going to be moving out of our house for a week because our bathroom was being renovated. Her young friend looked at her with a blank stare as if to say: “why would you do that?”
My wife realised that the young friend had never lived in a house with one bathroom and assumed we would use the second bathroom while the reno was being done.
I love living in West Mackay and I’d rather live in my one-bathroom house than move somewhere else bigger and flasher (sorry kids) but that’s just me.
It’s different for other people and the important thing as an agent is to understand what other people, younger or older, want and to focus on their needs. Copy that.
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