After spending the last couple of years at Queens Park, Mackay Rainbow Pride returns to its original home tomorrow, Saturday, June 17 for their annual Pride event.

“Back To The Bridge” is happening at Bluewater Quay tomorrow where attendees will march across the Forgan Bridge and back, showing off their colourful costumes and signs and increasing the visibility of the region's LGBTIQA+ community.

Festivities will continue at Bluewater Quay with markets, food, live music from The Feels and entertainment from drag performers Miss Lady Saint Diva and Evalyn Eatdith.

Support services Headspace and Feros Care will also be at the event.

“The event is to tell people there is a queer community here in Mackay and also for the queer community to know there is help here if you need,” said organiser Gary Thomas.

“Fortunately, these days it is certainly more acceptable to be ‘out’ at work and in public and events like this really help.”

Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their brightest outfits and create colourful signs for the march, with prizes on offer for Best Dressed, Best Dressed Pet and Best Pride Sign.

The free, family friendly event kicks off at Bluewater Quay from 3:00pm with an afterparty continuing into the night at the Gallery from 7:00pm.

Mackay Rainbow Pride is supported by Mackay Regional Council, Magpies Sporting Club, Sydney Street Markets, and Rema Tip Top.

WHAT: Mackay Rainbow Pride

WHEN: Saturday, June 17 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm

WHERE: Bluewater Quay

This is a free community event.

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Life can change in a heartbeat. But is your insurance adequate if the unthinkable happens?

It’s easy to convince yourself that it won’t happen to you. It’s also easy to tell yourself that tomorrow is the right time to insure your shiny new boat or increase your cover to protect your newly renovated house – but tomorrow may be too late.

Here are some of the life milestones that can affect your insurance. Take a moment to do a quick check.

• Let’s face it, buying a car, boat or motorcycle is a big purchase. It’s easy to get so intoxicated by that new-car smell that you completely forget to call your insurer. So, before you hit the road in your new vehicle, consider whether you’ll need comprehensive, third-party fire and theft, or third-party property insurance.

• It’s easy for things to go pear-shaped on an overseas holiday. And things can go wrong in Australia, too. Don’t assume you’ll receive reciprocal medical cover in a foreign country. Taking out travel insurance for your health and valuables is just as important as packing your suitcase.

• Moving out of home is a milestone worth celebrating. But don’t get so caught up in your new freedom that you forget to insure your possessions. If you’re moving, you’ll need to take out cover to protect everything from your mobile phone to the clothes on your back.

• Buying property is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. Ensure your investment is covered so it can be rebuilt or repaired if it’s damaged. Remember that you’ll need separate insurance to cover your belongings (contents) and your property (home).

• Becoming a landlord can feel daunting. Landlord insurance is different from standard home insurance as it provides a few extras to protect your income. You can be covered for problems such as loss of rent and malicious damage caused by tenants.

Talk to the team at Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank on 4943 2634 to learn more about insurance for all of life’s milestones. As a bonus, if you take out insurance by 30 June 2023 – then you have the opportunity to win up to 12 months' worth of cover! Terms and conditions apply.

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The Sarina Sugar Shed celebrated new releases at a special launch event last Saturday night.

The big-ticket item on the night was the newly released Cocktail Recipe Book, with goodies to match, including orange aromatic bitters, chocolate aromatic bitters, cocktail kits with handmade glass stirrers and dishes by Azure Glass, and Sugar Shed Cocktail candies, with champagne jelly beans.

Attendees were given exclusive access to the range of new products and were gifted a copy of the recipe book to take home.

“The team at the Sugar Shed have outdone themselves with their new cocktail book,” said Deputy Mayor Karen May, who attended the launch.

“It is literally bursting with cocktail recipes and ideas to get the Sarina Sugar Shed rums and liqueurs off the shelf and into some amazing cocktail creations.”

The new cocktail book was inspired by the Mackay community, according to Sarah-Jane Parrott, a Sugar Shed distiller.

“While at local events, we are often asked for cocktail making tips for our rums and liqueurs and it motivated us to write down some ideas and share our favourite recipes,” she said.

“The new cocktail guide lists 16 cocktail recipes, a number of which were my own and others are favourites from our team, which will help our customers create their own delicious drinks.”

“One of the cocktail recipes is named in honour of the late Trudy O’Rourke, who was an amazing tour guide for many years at the Sugar Shed and greatly missed by all the team.”

The Sarina Sugar Shed Cocktail Book is available at the Sarina Sugar Shed gift shop at the Sarina Field of Dream Parklands.

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Great turnout for Sarina Sugar Shed Cocktail Book launch. Photo supplied

A revamp of aged care facilities at Collinsville’s Multi-Purpose Health Service has been warmly welcomed by residents who have now had a month to settle back into their own rooms with the added benefit of individual ensuites.

Allan Smyth, a jack-of-all-trades bushman - drover, stockman, camp-drafter and yard builder - is one who appreciates the new facilities.

“I didn’t complain about sharing, but it’s much better to have your own bathroom,” he said.

89-year-old Allan, who was previously living at Gleneva Station 150km southwest of Collinsville, took up residence about 12 months ago.

“I’ve seen Queensland from the back of a horse, but now I’ve had half a lung taken out and got a leg full of iron (from a bad fall on tiles)’, Allan said.

“I used to live out bush, but they (family) didn’t want me back out there.”

Another resident who welcomes the change is Joan Sellings.

“It’s been marvellous having our own bathroom,” Joan said.

“It’s really lovely.”

Joan is a born-and-bred Collinsville resident who has been at the facility for a few years.

Collinsville’s Director of Nursing Ben Lawrence said the facility’s six current residents were all happy to be back in familiar surroundings after the four-month renovation phase.

“This is a much better arrangement for our residents; it’s less disruptive,” Mr Lawrence said.

“Individual ensuites not only offer our residents greater dignity, but it also means we don’t have to move residents if there’s a need for isolation because of infection concerns.

“Overall, it’s a great improvement for the Collinsville MPHS and the community we care for.”

By Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Allan Smyth

Revving engines and exhilarating races await at the Mackay and District Kart Club, but recently, the track has hit a few bumps – quite literally.

The racing club is in urgent need of track repair, with several significant bumps causing issues for both go karts and drivers.

With the club set to host a 16-hour overnight enduro round of the Queensland Pedal Prix Super Series, which will include human powered vehicles from schools around Queensland, something had to be done to smooth these obstacles.

Council was more than happy to assist with its latest round of Community Grants.

Community Grants Committee chair Cr Laurence Bonaventura said the committee was pleased to be able to approve a $29,999 Minor Infrastructure grant to kick start repairs.

“Mackay and District Kart Club is actually the largest independent kart club in Queensland, and that’s largely due to the club’s ability to cater for beginners,” Cr Bonaventura said.

“The current issues with the track have a real potential to jeopardise that, and the club’s ability to hold enduro events,” he said.

“This funding will allow the club to repair some of the main bumps and then open the facility up for more events and expanded participation.”

The Kart Club was one of 25 local not-for-profits to share in $167,305 for this funding round.

Also receiving a substantial grant was Pioneer Swimming Club, which received $18,000 towards the purchase of six bulkhead lane dividers to effectively divide the pool’s 50m lanes into multiple 25m lanes.

Kelley Porter from the Pioneer Swimming Club said the dividers would allow swimmers to be able to train for short course format events (25m) in their home pool.

“And our swimmers will be able to properly practise tumble turns for these races, rather than having to guess where the middle of the pool is,” Mrs Porter said.

“As well as training, we will be able to host our own short course carnival at the Pioneer Swim Centre – which will bring swimmers from the NQ region to Mackay to compete,” she said.

Grasstree Beach also has a reason to celebrate, with $15,500 awarded towards the development, creation and installation of a public art mural along the Grasstree Beach foreshore.

“Council is excited to see this mural come to fruition,” Cr Bonaventura said.

“The Grasstree Beach foreshore is already a well-used location for food swaps, the motorbike races and community gatherings, so it’s great to see the progress association investing in the beautification and revitalisation of the area,” he said.

Also receiving funding were several exciting events that have the potential to draw people to our region. These included:

• The Sarina Coconut Festival on September 9 ($4000)

• Super Summer Clinic at the Pioneer River Valley Pony Club in November ($7200)

• Eungella Ceilidh on June 10 ($4600)

• Mackay Bluewater Fling on July 8 ($7500)

• Mack PopCon pop culture convention on July 22 ($7500)

• Mackay Open Chess Tournament on May 27 and 28 ($2500)

• Inline Roller Hockey Tournament ($4200)

• Mackay International Film Festival from August 4 to 6 ($4000)

• 80th Anniversary Bakers Creek Memorial Sunrise Ceremony ($1028)

Other community groups receiving funding were:

• Special Olympics Australia Mackay - $1500 towards travel costs for the Special Olympics World Games in Germany

• Pioneer Valley Rail Trail - $5000 towards the development of a scoping study for the development of a rail trail in the Pioneer Valley

• Rotary Club of Mackay West - $2500 towards a swap meet and community markets

• Pioneer Valley Mens Shed - $6300 for a dust collector and fluming

• Mt Ossa Community Hall Committee - $1664 for a fridge

• Sarina Western Performance and Equestrian Club - $18,000 towards portable, temporary PVC fencing

• Pioneer Tennis - $18,265 towards improving storage capability and a solar system

• Mackay and District Senior Citizens Association - $825 for a colour printer

• Latin Madness - $1500 for audio equipment

• Sugar City Art Deco and Modernism Society - $1500 for audio equipment

• Pioneer Valley Arts - $1500 for computer and tablet equipment

• DAS Netball Club – $1358 for a laptop

• Mackay Toastmasters Club - $1365 for a laptop

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The Mackay and District Kart Club was one of 25 local not-for-profits to share in $167,305 worth of council Community Grants this funding round

Mackay Regional Council is about to begin work upgrading drainage along Barton Street, West Mackay, to help reduce the flood risk to properties in significant wet weather events.

Large machinery will require access to the area as part of this project.

As a result, some non-native species of trees including two large poinciana trees, one large teak tree and a small poinciana tree are required to be removed from the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens parkland.

Some ground vegetation will also require removal.

The tree removals will take place from Monday, June 19, to Thursday, June 22, and they will be replaced with local Indigenous species once the drainage works are complete.

The drainage works will start in the Botanic Gardens and will commence shortly after the tree removals. Construction will then move to the southern end of Holland Street and a section of Barton Street in late September, weather permitting.

During this time traffic changes will be in place along Lagoon Street.

Pedestrians are advised that the shared path along Lagoon Street will remain open during the drainage work. However, two paths to the south and one path to the east of the area of the works in the Botanic Gardens will be closed.

There may also be some temporary path closures while equipment and materials are being transported to and from the site.

Pedestrians are being asked to follow all the signage in place and detour around the area during the tree removals and drainage work.

Council apologises for any inconvenience caused by this project.

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Non-native trees will be replaced with Indigenous species at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Communities across Australia trying to come to grips with feral cats and foxes will be better equipped with the release of two new planning guides by the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions.

“Recent research shows that feral cats and foxes kill and eat 697 million birds, 510 million reptiles, 1.4 billion mammals and well over 1.1 billion invertebrates every year”, said Ms Gillian Basnett, National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordinator with the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions

“Their populations are huge: it’s estimated that the number of feral cats ranges seasonally from 1.4 and 5.6 million, and the number of foxes is steady at about 1.7 million. Fox and cat numbers vary across landscapes, with higher numbers in agricultural, peri urban and urban areas where there is more food.

“These invasive animals threaten our native animals with extinction: at least 140 species are threatened by feral cats; 95 species are threatened by foxes.

“They also spread disease: feral cats spread toxoplasmosis which can infect any animal or bird, it doesn’t discriminate between wallabies, bandicoots or sheep.

“Together with another disease, Sarcocystis, toxoplasmosis spread by feral cats is estimated to cost farmers more than $12 million a year. Throw in predation by foxes and you add a further $28 million in costs a year”, said Ms Basnett.

Ms Basnett has found that there is huge community interest in controlling feral cats and foxes but often the first question she is asked is, ‘what can we do about it?’.

The new Planning Guide for Feral Cat Management in Australia and its companion, the Planning Guide for Fox Management in Australia have been written to help land managers, community groups, pest control professionals, biosecurity organisations and others ask the right questions and find the right answers that suit their circumstances and resources.

“Many people are daunted by planning — it’s a bit dull, it’s a bit dry, it seems too complex — and they just want to hook in and start controlling feral cats and foxes from day one”, said Ms Basnett.

“A useful plan doesn’t need to be long and complicated: a map to get you started, a list of everyone involved, details about why you want to control the pests, and a calendar of who is doing what, when.”

The new planning guides provide a framework for people to make decisions and to select management options that suit their circumstances.

“People might want to bait, shoot and trap, or invest in exclusion fencing, or habitat improvements and rabbit control. It depends on what they can commit to and what works for them”, said Ms Basnett.

People interested in the new planning guides can find them online at https://pestsmart.org.au/pest-animals/glovebox-guides-order-form/. Also available to help communities record pest animal sightings and control activities are the free FeralCatScan and FoxScan apps which can be found at https://www.feralscan.org.au/

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Foxes threaten 95 native species with extinction. Credit Ballard

By Amanda Wright

As the relentless march of Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) threatens to wreak havoc on Australia's ecosystem and economy, concerned voices are growing louder, demanding urgent action from all levels of government. A recently released report has shed light on the failure of the current eradication program, sounding the alarm for the need to redouble efforts in containing this menacing invasive species.

CANEGROWERS has called on federal, state, and territory governments to intensify their efforts to combat Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) following the release of a long-withheld report revealing major shortcomings in the current eradication program.

The report, which remained undisclosed for two years, delivers a grim assessment, stating that the existing strategy is incapable of eradicating RIFA and preventing the global super-pest from spreading beyond southeast Queensland.

"To prevent RIFA spreading beyond SEQ, building up more around Brisbane, and eventually becoming entrenched throughout Australia, a larger, more comprehensive and inevitably more expensive program will be needed," the report warns.

Failure to take immediate action would have dire consequences, including major public health impacts and billions of dollars' worth of damage to Australian agriculture and the wider economy.

In light of the report's findings, the report suggests that if governments are not serious about eradicating or containing RIFA, the national eradication program should be phased out and a state-by-state management approach should be implemented.

CANEGROWERS Environment and Sustainability Senior Manager Mick Quirk emphasised the seriousness of the situation, stating, "Red Imported Fire Ants are one of the worst invasive species to ever reach Australia, and failure to eradicate them would have dire consequences for the entire community."

Quirk further criticised the current fire ant program, describing it as "not fit for purpose" and "grossly under-resourced." He questioned the two-year delay in responding to the report's recommendations, calling for urgency and transparency in addressing the issue.

"We call on all states and territories and the Federal Government to recommit to a properly funded and coordinated national program that will eradicate fire ants once and for all. Failure to do so will have a devastating impact on a whole range of agricultural industries and on the Australian way of life," Quirk added.

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While the Mackay region experiences a milder winter compared to other parts of Australia, it is the perfect time for home and garden maintenance projects, with cooler temperatures and less reliance on air conditioning.

● Irrigation and watering: Adjust your irrigation system or watering schedule to account for the change in water requirements during the cooler months. Avoid overwatering and adjust the frequency and duration of waterings to suit.

● Prune and trim plants: Winter is an ideal time to prune and trim trees, shrubs, and hedges. Remove dead or diseased branches, shape the plants, and thin out dense areas to promote healthy growth.

● Mulch garden beds: Apply a layer of organic mulch to garden beds to conserve moisture and insulate plant roots during the cooler winter months. Mulching also helps suppress weed growth and adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down over time.

● Check roof and gutters: Inspect your roof and gutters for any signs of damage or leaks before the wetter months.

● Pest control: Winter can bring certain pests seeking warmth and shelter. Seal any gaps or cracks in your home's exterior to prevent their entry and engage a pest control expert to inspect your property. Don’t forget about your annual termite inspection.

● Check air conditioning systems: While heating may not be as critical for Mackay winters, it's a good time to check and service your air conditioning systems. Clean or replace filters, inspect units, and make repairs.

With the easing of temperatures, now is a great time to maintain some crucial aspects of the home to prepare for the warmer months ahead.

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Are you getting ready to marry the love of your life but not sure where to begin planning your special day?

Are you planning an event or function but don’t know what services and vendors are available in the region?

The Mackay Weddings & Events Expo is the event for you!

Celebrating 10 years in 2023, the Mackay Weddings & Events Expo has grown to become the region’s number one platform for letting locals know what businesses are available for your wedding or event.

“The aim is to have local exhibitors in the wedding and events industry help the community plan their special wedding or event,” said organiser Tez Grantham of Wedding Excellence by Tez.

Over 50 local businesses will be sharing their stories, services and products at the 2023 expo, including venues, celebrants, cake chefs, photographers, cars, marquee, drinks and food providers, so no matter where you are in the planning process, the expo will have something for you.

There will be an entry fee of $5 with all proceeds going to the Trudy Crowley Foundation’s Palliative Care Sanctuary fund.

“That was Trudy’s dream,” said Tez.

There are also prizes to be won on the day with raffles and a lucky door prize.

Food, coffee and beverage vendors will be available as well as a fashion parade at 1:00pm, making the Mackay Weddings & Events Expo a great day out.

“People don’t get married every day, so come and get all the information and guidance you need,” Tez said.

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The Walkerston Bypass project is making significant strides in shaping the future of the Walkerston community. Recently, Year 6 students from Walkerston State School had the privilege of being visited by representatives from Fulton Hogan, who provided valuable insights into the project. As part of their HASS unit this term, the students have been focusing on the Walkerston Bypass, learning about the various jobs involved, as well as the importance of safety and sustainability.

Set to be completed in late 2024, the Walkerston Bypass boasts several key features that will enhance the local infrastructure. One of the highlights is the construction of a new bridge, which will provide improved flood immunity over Bakers Creek. This addition will ensure better connectivity and accessibility for the community, even during challenging weather conditions.

In addition, the bypass will include three new road overpasses, allowing the local cane railway network to pass seamlessly underneath. This strategic design not only enhances safety but also helps redirect heavy vehicles away from local schools, retail establishments, and medical facilities in Walkerston. By eliminating heavy vehicle and local traffic interactions within the town, the bypass aims to reduce congestion and create a smoother flow of traffic.

The Walkerston Bypass project aligns with existing infrastructure developments, including the Peak Downs Highway–Eton Range Upgrade and Mackay Ring Road (Stage 1). Together, these projects form an integrated network that improves connectivity, enhances safety, and supports the growth and prosperity of the wider community.

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Sarah and Jarred from Fulton Hogan visited Year 6 students at Walkerston State School to talk about the Walkerston Bypass project

Finding the perfect wedding dress is often a dream come true for brides-to-be. With countless options and styles available, it can be an overwhelming process. Fear not! We've gathered some valuable tips to help you navigate the exciting journey of finding your dream gown and saying "yes" to the dress.

Research and Inspiration: Start by gathering inspiration from magazines, websites, and social media platforms like Pinterest. Create a mood board of styles and details that speak to your personal taste.

Set a Budget: Determine your budget early on and stick to it. Consider the cost of alterations and accessories, as they can significantly impact your overall spending.

Start Early: Begin your dress search at least 8 to 12 months before your wedding date. This will allow ample time for fittings, alterations, and any unexpected delays.

Shop with a Trusted Entourage: Select a few close friends or family members whose opinions you value and trust. Too many conflicting opinions can be overwhelming, so keep your group small and supportive.

Be Open to Trying Different Styles: While it's great to have an idea of what you want, don't limit yourself. Be open to trying on dresses outside your comfort zone, as you may be pleasantly surprised by what looks amazing on you.

By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to embark on your bridal gown journey and find the dress of your dreams.

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Love is in the air and wedding bells are ringing!

Prepare to be swept off your feet at the Mackay Weddings and Events Expo, where dreams come true and love stories unfold.

Save the date for Sunday, 2 July, at St Pats Parish Hall on River Street, as this immersive event transports you into a world of pure wedding and event magic. Step into a wonderland of romance, where creativity, elegance, and inspiration collide, setting the stage for the wedding of your dreams.

Delight in the presence of the region's most talented wedding professionals, each a master of their craft and ready to bring your unique vision to life. From wedding planners who can turn dreams into reality to renowned photographers who capture love's most tender moments, this gathering of industry experts is a treasure trove of inspiration and expertise.

With the best-of-the-best under one roof, the Mackay Weddings and Events Expo is your personal portal to a world of wedding wonders.

With a modest entry fee of just $5, all proceeds will be graciously donated to the Trudy Crowley Foundation.

Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to embark on a journey of imagination, creativity, and pure celebration. Join us at the Mackay Weddings and Events Expo and let your event dreams come to life.

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Last weekend, Walkerston Rotary Club celebrated 5 Years of Little Street Libraries.

June 10, 2018 was the installation and Grand Opening of the club's first little library.

A Little Street Library is a place where one can swap books – ‘Take a Book, Leave a Book’!

Walkerston Rotary’s first little library was established in Stevic Street, Valley View Estate – and proved a success, literally from its first day!

Today the little library family has grown to ten branches, established in Walkerston and the surrounding areas - from Finch Hatton to North Mackay - all very popular and well used.

The popularity of different titles, whether adult or children’s books, varies according to the demographics of the population of the different areas.

The first little library was manufactured from a flat-pack kit, painted with bright colours.

With number two library, club members became quite innovative, modifying a disused storage box.

One could possibly liken the progressive change of this container to the much-loved literary classic fairy tale of the ‘ugly duckling’ morphing into a ‘beautiful swan’!

Subsequently, with the following eight little libraries, club members, and friends, became much more adventurous with designs and colours.

Of course, Little Street Libraries would not work without lots of books; these have been donated in abundance by some wonderful people, and still are!

The stash of books accumulated is of such a size that the contents of all the little libraries can be rotated on a regular basis - in addition to the automatic changes which occur when one item is swapped for another by little library users.

Little Street Libraries are a symbol of trust and hope, a small nook of ideal literary bliss; beautiful homes for books, all kinds of books - a window into the collective mind of the community they are placed in.

Books come and go; no one needs to check them in or out.  Walkerston Rotary’s Little Street Libraries are Free to all community members – it’s a 24/7 Self-Service.

Contributed by Bente McDonald

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WalkerstonRotary’s Little Street Library are located at:

Finch Hatton Central, FinchHatton

54 Katey Crescent, PioneerLakes, Mirani

Melba House,Mackay-Eungella Road, Marian

9 Boundary Street, Eton

25 McColl Street,Walkerston

32 Stevic Street, ValleyView Estate, Walkerston

28 Woden Crescent,Cuttersfield, Ooralea

403 Bridge Road, WestMackay

14 Juliet Street, South Mackay

14 Ernest Street, North Mackay

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Launch of the first Little Street Library - June 10, 2018

Launch of the Finch Hatton Little Library – March 8, 2022

Number Ten - Vinnie's Little Street Library Launch – September 23, 2022. Photos supplied

From thoroughly researching a couple’s love story and providing heartfelt, funny and personalised ceremonies to stepping aside so as to not be in the background of that all important first kiss photo, Monica Galea Marriage Celebrant has thought of it all.

It’s Monica’s attention to detail that makes her ceremonies unique, something she’s prided herself on since officiating her first wedding – her best friend’s wedding – six years ago.

“I used to go to the expos with her after my own wedding and realised I love wedding stuff,” Monica said.

“That just kick started it and I just love it.”

Monica loves getting to know the people she’s marrying and will entwine their story of love and romance throughout the ceremony.

“That’s my focus when I do the ceremonies, I make the ceremony about them and their story,” she said.

“It’s about them, how they met and where they’re going.”

Based in Calen, Monica is experienced in doing weddings throughout the Mackay and Whitsunday regions and is excited to meet you at the Mackay Weddings & Events Expo.

After launching the emcee side of the business at last year’s expo, Monica is teaming up with a fellow celebrant for another exciting announcement at this year’s expo.

“I'm teaming up with Bianca from Say I Do Celebrancy and we are launching our brand new business venture at the expo,” she said.

“It involves a chat, a cocktail and a strong desire to want to have a good time.

“To find out more, make sure you come and have a chat with me at the expo!”

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Monica Galea Marriage Celebrant. Photo supplied