Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Makayla Groves and Bianca O'Brien are part of the commercial property team at Blacks Real Estate, supporting landlords, tenants and business owners across the Mackay region. Working as Commercial Property Managers, Makayla and Bianca assist with the day-to-day management of commercial properties, helping clients navigate leasing and property management requirements across retail, office and industrial spaces. Based at the agency’s Wood Street office, the pair work closely with business clients throughout the region as part of Blacks Real Estate’s commercial division. Makayla Groves can be contacted on 07 4963 2522, while Bianca O’Brien can be contacted on 07 4963 2525. CAPTION: Bianca O'Brien works with Blacks Real Estate as a Commercial Property Manager. Photo supplied Makayla Groves works as a Commercial Property Manager with Blacks Real Estate. Photo supplied
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Visitors to Gooseponds Park can expect improved access and connectivity, with major upgrade works set to begin on a replacement pedestrian bridge, new fencing and a renewed shared pathway. The project, to be delivered by D&M Composites Pty Ltd, will include replacing the existing footpath between Valley and Hicks streets with a widened 2.5-metre shared pathway, enhancing links to the popular Gooseponds circuit. Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the project is another example of the Queensland Government delivering for the state and supporting important upgrades for the community. “That’s why we made Works for Queensland funding permanent, to back local councils with the funding they need to deliver vital projects like this for their communities.” A new bridge, parallel to Malcomson Street, will be constructed one-metre higher than the existing bridge to provide increased flood immunity. The existing bridge will remain in place while the new one is constructed directly behind it. Some short traffic delays are expected on Malcomson Street. Traffic control will be in place. Pedestrians can detour via Glenpark and Meadow streets while the work is completed. New fencing will be installed and 23 new trees will be planted along Hicks Street. Work is due to take place between mid-June and late September, weather permitting. Mackay Regional Council have said they apologise for any inconvenience caused by the works and appreciate the community’s patience and understanding. Jointly funded by Mackay Regional Council and the Queensland Government. For more information visit www.connectingmackay.gooseponds-park-upgrades Major upgrades at Gooseponds Park, including a new pedestrian bridge, widened shared pathway, fencing and tree planting, are set to improve access and connectivity, with works expected to run from mid-June to late September. Illustrative image supplied.
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Improved safety, stronger infrastructure and greater resilience are on the horizon for motorists travelling between Mackay and Sarina, with the latest round of Bruce Highway upgrades welcomed as a significant investment in the region's transport network. Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly, said the upgrades form part of the historic $9 billion Bruce Highway funding agreement between the Queensland and Federal governments and will deliver lasting benefits for road users across Central Queensland. Mr Kelly said the Bruce Highway remains one of the most vital transport routes within the Mirani electorate, supporting thousands of vehicle movements each day, including freight transport, daily commuters, tourists, school buses and emergency services. “Roads are consistently the number one issue raised with me by local residents, and that's not surprising when the Mirani electorate contains over 400 kilometres of the Bruce Highway stretching from the Mackay city gates right through to Raglan Creek,” Mr Kelly said. “These upgrades are about improving safety, reducing road trauma and ensuring Queenslanders can get where they need to go safely and reliably.” Mr Kelly highlighted the importance of the Mackay to Sarina section of the Bruce Highway, particularly its role in connecting local communities, industry and freight movements throughout the district. “The Mackay to Sarina corridor is one of the busiest sections of highway in regional Queensland. It supports our agricultural sector, our mining industry via the Port of Hay Point, and the thousands of people who travel this route every week for work and family commitments.” “That's why it is fantastic to see significant investment being directed towards projects such as pavement strengthening at both the northern and southern entrances to Sarina, along with ongoing works at Bakers Creek.” Works at Bakers Creek include bridge resurfacing and repairs to expansion joints, helping improve skid resistance and road performance during wet weather. Mr Kelly said, “Many locals were concerned about the significant deformation that had developed in the road surface at Spider Creek. “The upgrades delivered there, including road widening, wide centre-line treatments and audio tactile line marking, will provide a much safer journey for motorists.” While the investment is a welcome boost for the region, Mr Kelly acknowledged that additional improvements are still required. “For too long, Queenslanders have had to accepted that travelling on the Bruce Highway means dealing with potholes, narrow sections and safety concerns.” “These upgrades are a major step forward, but nobody is pretending the job is finished.” “We will continue advocating for further investment because regional Queensland deserves a Bruce Highway that is safe, resilient and fit for the growing freight and passenger task it carries every day.” “Every upgrade matters. Whether it's a major highway project, a bridge repair or pavement strengthening, these investments help keep people safe and keep our regional economy moving.” For more information on the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program and Bruce Highway Upgrade Program projects, visit www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/bruce-highway-priority-projects Bruce Highway upgrades at Bakers Creek and Sarina will boost safety and strengthen a key transport link for Central Queensland motorists. Photo supplied
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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay A decade ago, Queensland Canegrowers was in the throes of a fierce defence of growers’ right to choice of sugar marketer. Now, the industry has been called to consider the future of the Code of Conduct that emerged from that industry debate. Growers retain an interest in the sugar produced from their sugarcane, and in the 2010’s, the industry moved away from a single desk marketer model with new marketers emerging. Some industry players wanted growers to market only through their miller. The situation was resolved through good support from some key politicians of the day – and particularly the then member for Dawson George Christensen – and through some strong and important industry tools including the 2015 “Real Marketing Choice” amendments to Queensland Sugar Industry Act, then at a Federal level in 2017 with the introduction of the Sugar Industry Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct requires parties to negotiate in good faith, and protects growers’ ability to choose who markets their Grower Economic Interest sugar, and provides access to pre-contract arbitration if negotiations break down. This week, submissions closed in the review of the Code of Conduct, with the Australian Government to consider these and consider whether the Code be allowed to sunset as scheduled on 1 October 2027, or be retained as is, or with changes made. CANEGROWERS is committed to the Code being retained in its current form. In our view, the current Code continues to provide an essential and balanced framework that promotes fair dealing, transparency and workable commercial discipline across the sugar supply chain. The review is intended to examine whether the Code is meeting industry needs and objectives. The Australian Government has described the Code as supporting fairness and transparency in commercial arrangements, and that objective remains as important today as when the Code was introduced in 2017. The underlying market conditions that justified its introduction have not disappeared. In most cane-growing regions, growers cannot simply switch counterparties if negotiations fail. Cane is perishable, harvest windows are tight, and freight economics limit alternatives. In that setting, the Code performs an important public policy function by establishing minimum rules of conduct and a framework for resolving bargaining impasses. Those protections are not redundant; they are fundamental to a fair negotiating environment. Importantly, the current Code is not an excessive or unworkable intervention. It does not remove commercial risk, guarantee outcomes, or prevent parties from pursuing their legitimate commercial interests. Rather, it sets baseline expectations for conduct, transparency and process in circumstances where bargaining power is uneven. In our experience, that balance remains appropriate. The Code provides a disciplined structure for negotiation while still allowing commercial parties to reach outcomes that reflect local conditions and business realities. It is critical that the Federal Government upholds this important industry tool, allowing us to retain the Australian sugar industry’s good reputation as an equitable, stable player in global sugar trade. The Sugar Industry Code of Conduct protects growers’ ability to choose who markets their Grower Economic Interest sugar. Photo supplied
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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.
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!
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