Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Government have announced a $1 million project to construct women’s changerooms for the Rugby League Mackay & District playing fields in an aim to support the next generation of female players in the region amid an increasing demand for participation. The commitment to deliver the changerooms comes after local MP Nigel Dalton petitioned for the investment and was backed by more than 300 community members. The changerooms will also be adjacent to BB Print Stadium, the home of the Mackay Cutters, which is used by a range of other sports including rugby union and soccer for major fixtures. The project will be jointly funded by the state government and Mackay Regional Council and will include two fully-serviced changerooms with dedicated female amenities. Premier David Crisafulli said the new changerooms would provide greater dignity for women and girls wanting to play rugby league. “Every Queenslander who plays sport, regardless of their gender, age or ability, deserves to have access to changerooms and facilities,” Premier Crisafulli said. “Mackay is one of Queensland’s greatest rugby league nurseries and the growth of the women’s game in the region has been outstanding. “It’s imperative women and girls who play the game are made to feel as welcome as possible, and these new changerooms will make rugby league even more inclusive for the Mackay community. “This upgrade is overdue and our government is delivering the infrastructure local sporting clubs need to thrive, while creating more opportunities for women and girls to get involved in sport.” Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the new changerooms were a gamechanger for sport in the region. “Having the right infrastructure in place will attract more women and girls to want to play rugby league, and that is a huge win for Mackay,” Mr Dalton said. “This project is a direct result of listening to our local sporting clubs and the wider community over the past year. Time and again, people told me they wanted better facilities to support the growth of women's sport, and I'm proud we have been able to deliver on that feedback. “Having the new changerooms adjacent to BB Print Stadium means female participants using that venue, whether it be for rugby league, rugby union or soccer, will also be catered for. “This is a fantastic outcome for our community and for Mackay sport, and it's another example of what can be achieved when we listen to local people and deliver on their priorities.” Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the project was a significant win for local sport. “We’re seeing strong participation in women’s sport right across Mackay, and these new changerooms will make it easier for more women and girls to get involved and stay involved in sport,” Mayor Williamson said. “The Mackay Regional Council is pleased to partner with the Crisafulli Government on a project that will deliver benefits for local clubs and the wider community for years to come.” Mackay Cutters Board Member Emma Coburn said the upgrades would allow female players access to safe, modern and inclusive facilities that support their participation in the game. “We’ve seen incredible growth in women’s rugby league across Mackay, and having modern, dedicated female facilities is essential to supporting that growth,” Ms Coburn said. “This investment will help strengthen the pathway from grassroots participation through to representative rugby league and ensure the next generation of female talent can continue to thrive right here in our region.”
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A notorious Bruce Highway intersection long considered one of the region’s most dangerous blackspots is set for a major safety overhaul, with Premier David Crisafulli announcing plans to upgrade the Habana Road junction. The project forms part of the joint State and Federal Government’s $9 billion Bruce Highway upgrade program and will include a reconfigured intersection and road widening to improve safety and heavy vehicle access. Notorious intersection to be upgraded as part of Bruce Highway upgrades Premier David Crisafulli has announced a major safety upgrade to the notorious Bruce Highway intersection blackspot at Habana Road. The Premier visited the site on the morning of June 9th to share plans for the project, which will be funded by the $9 billion Bruce Highway upgrade program jointly delivered by the state and federal Governments. The intersection will be reconfigured to improve safety and boost capacity, with the road widened to improve safe heavy vehicle access. The site is a known crash hotspot, with four hospitalisations following serious incidents in the past decade, and many more accidents reported. Planning and design will now commence for the upgrade, with construction expected to commence in 2027. “We are delivering the safer Bruce Highway that regional Queensland has demanded and waited too long for,” Premier Crisafulli said. “This is about getting Queenslanders home sooner and safer, starting with the worst blackspots to boost safety on the Bruce.” According to Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm: “The Bruce Highway and Farleigh Habana Road intersection is notoriously dangerous, and these overdue upgrades for our community will deliver a major boost to safety,” “In addition to saving lives, this investment is ensuring we have the regional connectivity to support our tourism, mining and agricultural industries.” Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said he was proud to be part of a government delivering for regional communities. “These upgrades to the Bruce Highway are something the community has been calling for and now thanks to the Government securing a $9 billion program, it’s getting the critical upgrades it needs,” Mr Dalton said.
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A Commemorative Ceremony marking the 83rd anniversary of Australia worst air disaster was conducted at the Bakers Creek memorial on Sunday 7th June. The B-17c Flying Fortress, a former bomber which had been converted to a transport aircraft, carrying 41 American military personnel back to ‘Maple’ (Port Morsby following their rest and relaxation leave in Mackay, crashed shortly after taking off from the Mackay airport before sunrise, at 6.02am, on the morning of 14th June 1943, in the area now occupied by the abattoir. There was only one survivor. The memorial which is located at the Bakers Creek Community Hall, less than a kilometre from the crash site, was unveiled and dedicated on 11th May 1992, and remembrance services have been conducted annually since that date. Following the arrival of special guests by WW2 Jeeps, American, Australian and 24 ‘Home State’ flags (representing the casualties) were marched on, with music provided by a band comprised of primary school students from several schools. A contingent of No.105 (City of Mackay) Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) followed the flags, and a guard of cadets was mounted at the corners of the memorial. The ceremony commenced with the Australian National Anthem and the American National Anthem, and an address by Mr. Greg Williamson, Mayor of Mackay Regional Council. An aerial tribute was provided by a Fly Past and ‘Dipping of Wings’ by a Tiger Moth aircraft from The Mackay Tiger Moth Museum. Piper Isaac Williamson, a member of the Mackay and District Pipe Band, played a lament as flowers of remembrance were being laid, and the last, representing the sole survivor by a staff member of the Dundula State Primary School. Taps and The Last Post were sounded by the Bugler, and the Ode to the Fallen recited following a minutes silence, after which Rouse was sounded. The ceremony concluded with a march past of the AAFC.
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After its busiest year on record and more than 300 missions already completed in 2026, BMA CQ Rescue is calling on Mackay and surrounding communities to help ensure the region's rescue helicopter service remains ready for the next emergency. The community-funded organisation this week launched its 2026 Annual Appeal, aiming to raise $280,000 to help offset rising operational costs and maintain its around-the-clock rescue capability. Based in Mackay, BMA CQ Rescue provides critical aeromedical, search and rescue, and emergency response services across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Demand for the service continues to grow. In 2025, crews responded to a record 778 missions and flew more than 339,000 kilometres across Central and North Queensland. So far this year, they have already completed more than 300 lifesaving flights. Chief Executive Officer Tim Healee said every mission represented a family facing one of the most challenging moments of their lives. “For 30 years, our crews have answered the call without hesitation, no matter the time, weather, or how remote the location,” Mr Healee said. “But every mission relies on the strength of our community. There will always be another accident, another medical emergency, another family needing help fast. And when that call comes, we must be ready.” While government funding supports part of the service, BMA CQ Rescue must still raise almost $7 million from the community each year to continue operating. The 2026 appeal centres on the story of 13-year-old Tallis Anderson, who suffered critical injuries in a serious motorbike accident near Moranbah. When the emergency call came through, BMA CQ Rescue crews responded rapidly, providing urgent medical care before transporting Tallis to Mackay for specialist treatment. For his family, the helicopter's arrival was a moment they will never forget. “You don't realise how precious they are until something like that happens,” Tallis' father Ryan said. Today, Tallis continues his recovery surrounded by family, something his parents believe may not have been possible without the quick response of the rescue crew. Mr Healee said Tallis' story highlighted why community support remains so important. “The people who need us tomorrow don't know it yet, but when that moment comes, our communities support means we can be there,” he said. This year's appeal also marks 30 years of service for the rescue organisation, which has become a vital lifeline for regional communities where distance can often mean the difference between life and death. Operating 365 days a year, the service now flies further and faster than ever before, thanks to its fleet of AW139 rescue helicopters. However, officials say continued community support remains essential to ensuring crews can respond whenever the next call for help comes. Community members can support the appeal by donating through the BMA CQ Rescue website via www.cqrescue.org.au. CAPTION: To help keep this vital service in the sky, residents are encouraged to support the 2026 Annual Appeal. Every dollar counts and could be the difference in someone’s life. Photo source: BMA CQ Rescue
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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.
Everyone has a right to be seen and heard, don’t they?
It was a privilege to attend the concert celebrating 15 years of the Choir of Unheard Voices on Sunday, October 1, 2023. The choir is a singing space where they sing with heart and laugh with joy. It is a safe and welcoming space for anyone who wishes to be there.
Wonderfully led by Margaret Ross and Carol Willis, the choir began as a project to change people’s lives through singing and is still changing lives 15 years on. The choir works within the community as a performance and teaching group and is an advocate for reducing stigma of mental health and disability by their presence, their songs and their stories.
Margaret and Carol are such humble people who do not do what they do for accolades. When Margaret and Carol were crowned as “Queens” at the concert, they were both uncomfortable about being in the limelight. They showed that they love what they do and the joy on the faces of the group and the audience is all they need. Quite simply, they do what they do to make a difference in the lives of people who are sometimes forgotten, unseen and unheard by the community.
It was fantastic to see the Groove Moovers supporting the choir during the concert. The Groove Moovers are a dance therapy group, and their dance is not choreographed, nor is their performance what you would typically think when you hear about a dance group. The group is all about the participants expressing themselves in a way their body wants to move without the need for words being said. Quite simply, the group can be a very therapeutic way of healing trauma.
For me, I loved the performances and the celebrations, and I felt the joy of the performers as they entertained the appreciative crowd that gathered to mark this very special milestone. If you are interested in finding out more about either group, check them out on their Facebook pages (Unheard Voices Collective and Groove Moovers).
Cr Fran Mann
Mackay Regional Council
There’s a heap of things to love about this weekend and I reckon you are going to have a few smiling faces at your place guaranteed.
If you love fast cars, and the smell of smoke, head out to Palmyra because you’ll be happy to know there will be drag action happening. Head towards Walkerston, and if you get close to Finch Hatton you’ve gone too far.
But hey if you’re up around The Gorge, you might as well keep driving and head up to Eungella. The temperature is just perfect, the birdlife is going off their heads, and the platypus are just waiting to be found at Broken River. It’s a magic spot to be in spring. You can sneak up on our Aussie mammals “getting to know each other” and can I say by personal experience, when they see you looking at them, they get all embarrassed and hide away again. It happens to us all, really it does.
One of the biggest events this weekend is happening at Walkerston Wests Leagues Club. The annual Run for Mi Life event. Sure, it’s an event where you can run, walk, crawl or even do a piggy-back together.
It’s an annual event raising awareness and money to tackle mental health around our district. Our region lost a great bloke Matthew Ivory back in 2012 and this event is to remember him, and to tackle mental health head on, plus save lives each day.
If you can sign up and run the 3k, 5k and 10k events that would be great. Bring your dogs so they can walk you, bring your prams too and let the kids walk with you as well. It’ll be a great morning filled with tears, smiles and lots of hugs.
Unfortunately, I can’t be there as I’ll be in Sydney yet again this year. That’ll be four times this year which I think is a record. This Sunday morning at the same time, I’ll be waking up from the annual ACRAS, which is our national radio awards, of which 4MK is a finalist in the Best Community Campaign when we helped All Abilities Mackay with 4MK’s Kilometre of Coins. The boss is sending me down tomorrow morning with my black suit all at the ready. I’ll let you know how we go.
That’s about it from me for now, I’m off to get ready for tonight’s big gala event at the MECC for the annual Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards. The black tie will get a run tonight as we cheer on and thank everyone who goes above and beyond for our beautiful region.
Hospitality legends, accommodation providers, tourist experiences of a lifetime and everyone involved in tourism will all be showcased tonight and I’m looking forward to it. I’m a current board member of MIT and I’m proud to be a small part of what is just something very special happening right here in our own backyard.
Remember we are all involved in tourism. All of us. Spread the word about why this is the best place to live on earth.
You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!
Hundreds of football fans flooded into the newly opened Whitsunday Sportspark Club House on Sunday to watch the Australian Rugby League Team’s training session.
And, while the Kangaroos showed their skills, so too did a young Whitsunday resident who proved his knowledge of football stats surpassed even some of the team’s own players.
For the past six days, the Australian Rugby League Team have been training at the Whitsundays Sportspark ahead of their big game against Samoa tomorrow night.
Spotted at many local venues, the team have been kind and accommodating to all their fans, obliging the crowd by signing countless shirts and footy balls.
One fan, however, got the five-star treatment when he amazed legendary coach Mal Meninga and Captain Daly Cherry-Evans with his aptitude for remembering every detail of each round played this season.
Quizzed by both footy idols, seven-year-old Rocco Gomez who attends St Catherine’s Catholic College, was able to answer every question asked.
“He did an amazing job - my mind was blown because I asked him what I thought were going to be some pretty tricky questions that I thought was going to stump him, but they just didn’t!” said Daly Cherry-Evans.
“He’s got an amazing gift and I’m sure he’s going to put it to good use one day and keep tricking people!”
Rocco’s dad, Andrew said his son’s amazing ability to remember footy stats extends to other important life moments.
“He’s a big stat man and he just lives and breathes it!” he said.
“He really enjoys sitting down and watching the games, the highlights, everything on YouTube, he takes it in, and it just stays there.
“And not only does he remember what happened in the rounds, he also remembers what happened that weekend in our lives, it’s amazing!”
Troy Thompson, Manager of the Kangaroos, said that it was great to meet Rocco and the broader Whitsunday community.
“The response from the community has been overwhelming and being able to take the team to a regional location really freshens them up,” he said.
“To be able to use the Whitsundays Sportspark has been phenomenal and the guys at the Airlie Beach Hotel have been very accommodating too.”
President of Whitsunday Sportspark, Justin Butler, said it was wonderful to see the newly opened facility attract such a high-profile sport already.
“That’s part of what the spending was all about, not just developing the community but also bringing that tourism type sport here - it’s huge for the town.
“Rugby League have just grabbed the facility and the quality playing field we have, and I’ve calculated that they’ve used about 250 room nights in town.
“We hope to attract many more higher-level sports and pre-season camps to the region and have already asked them to spread the word around.”
7-year-old Rocco Gomez stunned the Australian Rugby League team with his incredible knowledge of the sport. Photo credit: Norina Jane
Rocco Gomez sat down with footy legend Mal Meninga who was amazed at the young boy’s ability to recall stats.
Kangaroos Captain, Daly Cherry-Evans, filmed a pop-quiz with Rocco for Whitsunday Life
The new Whitsunday Sportspark Club House was a fantastic location for crowds to gather and watch the training session
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