Do you have enough supplies to last you three days in the case of a disaster?

Mackay Regional Council has joined forces with Woolworths to make it easier for Mackay region residents to organise their disaster supply kit.

Across the region’s eight Woolworths stores, each supermarket will have two dedicated aisle ends at the back of the store stocked with key items for household disaster kits.

Mackay Deputy Mayor Karen May said council had provided banners with tear-off shopping lists outside of Woolworths stores, for customers to take into the store with them.

“These shopping lists have been specially designed to list most of the key items that a household would need in an emergency,” Cr May said.

“We know that our region is vulnerable to some of the worst disasters, such as cyclones, floods and bush fires,” she said.

“It is essential that everyone has at least three full days of supplies, including water, non-refrigerated food items, medicines and toiletries.

“We recommend that an emergency kit is kept in a safe dry place at all times as we head into disaster season.”

Woolworths Mackay region Group Manager Petina Sarnadsky said inside the stores shoppers would find handy aisle signage that would highlight items from the list.

“Our Mackay team is here for their community and many locals will already be familiar with the role we play in disaster recovery to ensure households can restock their pantries with essentials,” Ms Sarnadsky said.

“While we’ll always work to get our stores open as soon as possible after a disaster, road closures and flood waters can mean some residents simply aren’t able to get to us, and that’s why we want to help them build up a supply of essentials that they can rely on,” she said.

The banners and shopping lists will be outside Woolworths stores around Mackay until November 15.

Visit the Disaster Dashboard at disaster.mackay.qld.gov.au for more information on how to Get Ready.

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Woolworths Mackay Region Group Manager Petina Sarnadsky and Mackay Regional Council Deputy Mayor Karen May launch the disaster kit shopping lists at Andergrove Woolworths

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With Queensland's bushfire season, the upcoming summer rains, and the looming cyclone season, farmers across the state are gearing up for a season of unpredictable challenges. It's a crucial time for primary producers to ensure the safety of their families, workers, and livestock.

The recent warmer winter weather has raised concerns about an increased bushfire risk, highlighting the need for preparedness.

To assist Queenslanders in facing these imminent natural challenges, disaster guides have become valuable resources. As the state prepares for potential adversities, proactive planning emerges as the key to resilience against nature's trials.

By taking steps now, producers can reduce the risk of disaster damage and financial loss.

The Queensland Government has disaster guides to help primary producers get ready for disaster season.

Tips include photographing assets in their pre-disaster condition and ensuring everyone on the property is familiar with the evacuation plan in the event of a natural disaster.

Producers should also ensure livestock have access to higher ground or are moved to safer ground or shelter with access to food and water ahead of an event.

Make sure you’ve got a financial plan including having adequate insurance cover, reviewing how you will manage orders, refunds and cancellations, and keeping financial reserves and emergency cash.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the Bureau of Meteorology has indicated that a high fire danger is likely to impact Queensland over the coming months.

“As a primary producer it’s critical you have plans to help support your business during a bushfire, as well as cyclones and floods,” Mr Furner said.

He urged pet owners not to forget about family pets in household or farm emergency plans.

“Keep emergency phone numbers handy for your local council, veterinarian, animal welfare agency and pet and advisory services and make sure your pets can be properly identified if they escape,” he added.

“If moving pets to safety, make sure you take plenty of food and clean water, bowls and toilet litter or old newspapers.

“If they are to be left at home, secure them in an appropriate confined space, preferably inside, elevated and under cover, and provide access to ample food and water.”

For more information on flood and cyclone preparations, such as local evacuation routes and public shelter arrangements, contact your local council.

Information on disasters for small business including primary producers is available at business.qld.gov.au/disaster-hub.

Primary producers who have been impacted by a natural disaster can report the impacts in the Queensland DAF Agriculture Disaster Impact Survey.

The survey helps DAF to contribute quickly to applications for assistance under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Assistance Arrangements.

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• Applications are open now for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award until 25 October 2023.

• The Rural Women’s Award supports Australian women to use and develop their skills to benefit their industries and communities.

• The AgriFutures Australia Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant is open to provide professional development support to rural women to bring their idea, cause or vision to life.

Applications are now open for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, a platform designed to empower women engaged in rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities. The recent national gala event in Canberra witnessed the representation of Queensland's own Emma-Louise Gibbons, this year's Queensland Rural Woman Award winner.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the awards are a fitting tribute to the many women providing leadership and inspiration across our rural communities.

“Our Queensland finalist, Emma-Louise Gibbons, is a fine example of what is being achieved by so many women in the agriculture sector right across our state,” he said.

Nikki Davey, a visionary tech entrepreneur and innovator from Victoria, claimed the national title, epitomizing the award's mission to honour courageous leadership by rural women.

John Harvey, the Managing Director of AgriFutures Australia, emphasised the award's significance, stating, "The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award provides a platform to inspire and support Australian women to use and develop their skills to benefit their industries and communities, and can open doors to professional development and Alumni networks."

For over 15 years, Westpac has been a dedicated platinum sponsor of the Rural Women’s Awards. The Queensland winner is set to receive a $15,000 grant to advance their work and has the opportunity to vie for an additional $20,000 grant at the national level.

Peta Ward, National General Manager of Agribusiness at Westpac, congratulated Nikki Davey and runner-up Michelle Leonard for their achievements, stating, “Congratulations to Nikki Davey and runner-up Michelle Leonard for not only being awarded the national titles, but for demonstrating the new opportunities women in rural areas are creating, which are helping to drive changes in our regions.”

The newly-appointed state sponsor, the Queensland Country Women’s Association, will offer a $2,000 grant to Queensland’s finalists, in addition to facilitating access to professional development opportunities and alumni networks.

Alongside the Rural Women’s Awards, AgriFutures Australia extends the Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant as a valuable leadership and development opportunity for rural women who may not yet be ready to apply for the award. This grant provides a bursary of up to $7,000, fostering professional development and spurring innovation within rural industries, businesses, and communities.

Applications for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award will remain open until Wednesday, October 25, 2023. Minister Furner encouraged women in Queensland's agriculture and rural industries to consider participation, emphasising, “I encourage Queensland women in agriculture and other rural industries to have a look at the inspiring stories of our previous winners and consider putting their hands up for next year’s awards.”

For comprehensive details regarding the application process and eligibility criteria, please visit the AgriFutures website.

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Victorian rural tech entrepreneur, Nikki Davey, has been named the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National Winner with NSW Artistic Director Michelle Leonard announced as National Runner Up

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The ABS released the Lending to Households and Businesses data for August 2023 earlier this week, which provides statistics on housing finance commitments. It also released its monthly building approvals data for the same month for detached houses and multi-units covering all states and territories.

“Housing and finance data continues to be weighed down by the interest rate increases that the RBA commenced more than a year earlier,” added Mr Devitt.

“In the three months to August 2023 lending for the purchase or construction of a new homes was 30.3 per cent lower than at the same quarter a year earlier.

“Despite a small rise in building approvals in the month of August, building approvals remain 17.5 per cent lower in the latest three months compared to a year earlier. This includes a 15.8 per cent decline in detached houses and a 20.3 per cent decline in multi-units.

“This decline in building activity is in contrast to the low level of unemployment and strong population growth.

“The impact of the RBA’s tightening cycle is not expected to produce a trough in new house commencements until the second half of 2024.

“Any further increases in interest rates will deepen and prolong this trough,” concluded Mr Devitt.

In original terms, the total number of loans for the purchase of construction of new homes in the three months to August 2023 declined in all jurisdictions compared to the same quarterly period a year earlier, led by the Australian Capital Territory (-76.5 per cent) and the Northern Territory (-70.1 per cent), and followed by South Australia (-36.0 per cent), New South Wales (-32.0 per cent), Victoria (-29.1 per cent), Queensland (-28.5 per cent), Tasmania (-27.3 per cent) and Western Australia (-18.9 per cent).

In seasonally adjusted terms, building approvals in the three months to August 2023, compared to the same quarterly period a year earlier, declined in New South Wales (-25.7 per cent), followed by Tasmania (-25.5 per cent), Western Australia (-24.5 per cent), Queensland (-19.8 per cent), South Australia (-9.6 per cent) and Victoria (-8.0 per cent). In original terms, the Northern Territory also declined (-54.1 per cent), while the Australian Capital Territory saw the only increase (+0.3 per cent).

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Your Insurer's Role

As our vehicles become increasingly technologically advanced, it's crucial to grasp the significance of code clearing and calibrations in the context of automotive repairs and insurance claims. Understanding how these processes factor into pre, mid, and post-repair stages can make all the difference.

Manufacturers issue specific position statements that dictate how these procedures should be carried out. Some manufacturers emphasize their importance by using words like "MUST" or "ESSENTIAL" in their directives, while others opt for terms like "recommend" or "suggested." This variation can lead to potential discrepancies, especially when dealing with insurance companies that rely on "Average Cost of Repair" calculations.

Let's illustrate this with a real-life example: an insurer's directive regarding a recent repair. In this case, the insurer's stance was that a scan was unnecessary if no dashboard faults were evident, citing a lifetime warranty on all repairs. However, the manufacturer's position was clear: all vehicles undergoing collision damage assessments must undergo Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) testing during the repair estimation process. Furthermore, a post-repair scan is required to ensure that faults have been rectified and no new ones have arisen during repairs.

Conducting a pre-repair scan can reveal hidden issues that might not be immediately apparent. A post-repair scan serves to reset your vehicle's systems and validate the full functionality of safety features, sensor modules, and battery systems. It's essential to note that not all fault codes trigger dashboard warning lights. Some may be classified as hard faults, persisting until addressed, potentially distracting from genuine future concerns.

Andrea McCarthy

McCarthy Panel Works

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The Greater Whitsunday region is forging a new path with the launch of the Decarbonisation Accelerated project.

The Decarbonisation Accelerated project is taking a regional economic approach to encourage businesses and industries to start their decarbonisation journey.

Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) chief executive officer Ms Kylie Porter said the Decarbonisation Accelerated project is one of the first of its kind in Australia, where a whole-of-region approach to decarbonisation is being taken.

“Our region is focused on seizing the opportunities that global decarbonisation brings.

“All current evidence indicates that while the metallurgical coal industry will remain strong for many decades, we still need to decarbonise our industries at the same time.

“The purpose of Decarbonisation Accelerated is to secure the future viability of our traditional sectors, by supporting businesses on the pathway to decarbonisation, while at the same time, creating opportunities in emerging sectors which have decarbonised principles.”

Ms Porter said some of those new emerging sectors include renewable energy, critical minerals, biomanufacturing and aerospace.

“Our vision is by 2025, is the Greater Whitsunday region, through reducing carbon output, will have continued

to diversify its economic base to ensure long-term economic prosperity,” she said.

Ms Porter said decarbonisation is essential in ensuring the Greater Whitsunday economy and its population can continue to attract investment and participate in global supply chains.

“We want our region to be recognised as a global hub of leading decarbonisation practices,” she said.

The Decarbonisation Accelerated project is a partnership between Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) and the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE), along with major funding partner the Local Buying Foundation (LBF).

Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) Mr Steven Boxall said the initial focus of Decarbonisation Accelerated will be the METS sector and their critical role in supporting the coal sector decarbonise.

“The METS sector also stand to gain new options from the diversification opportunities that will come from

decarbonisation.”

Mr Boxall said our region has a major role in achieving a new direction with mining companies working hard to

decarbonise their operations.

“Mining companies are changing their business models and what they do around decarbonisation,” he said. “When you think about it, the path to decarbonisation impacts the entire Australian resources sector.

“This is not something that’s going to slow us down, but instead, speed us up. And we have a major role to play, not just locally, not just nationally, but globally, in achieving the path to decarbonisation. Without our region, a lot of this can’t happen.

“The win for us is at a community level, by securing the economy of our region and the jobs of the future. It’s a big challenge but it’s a great opportunity for Greater Whitsunday,” Mr Boxall said.

The Decarbonisation Accelerated project will officially launch on Friday October 6 at the Resource Centre of

Excellence with special guest speaker BMA Head of Supply, Jessica Simpson.

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Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) chief executive officer Ms Kylie Porter. Photo credit: Coffee & Hops

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“Safety on site in the construction industry is a core aspect of the day-to-day work builders and tradies manage in building the homes we all live in and enjoy.”

The construction industry has made significant strides over the last two decades in managing safety on site and workplace safety incidents are continuing to trend downwards, according to Simon Croft, HIA Chief Executive Industry & Policy.

October is National Safe Work Month, and Mr Croft says that whilst safety should always be front of mind, it provides an important opportunity either as a reminder, or just a good reason to take time to reflect and discuss safety on site.

“HIA will be undertaking a range of activities throughout October to support the residential building industry including safety videos, sharing our extensive safety information resources and tools, to help the industry keep sites and workers safe,” he said.

“Workplace health and safety rules builders and tradies need to navigate, are getting more and more complex, and extending beyond just physical hazards to cover physiological hazards and risks.

“Therefore, it is essential the building industry continue to take steps to manage risks, keep workplaces and workers on site safe and healthy as well as understanding their safety obligations.

“HIA encourages everyone walking on site to think about safety as a shared responsibility – if you see something like a scaffold plank been moved or a piece of timber that may create a potential trip hazard – don’t walk by it, help to remedy or get assistance in doing so,” concluded Mr Croft.

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With storm season upon us, Ergon Energy Network’s vegetation management crews have been out in droves, trimming branches away from powerlines to reduce the risk of outages and they are urging the community not to plant tall tree species near the electricity network.

Trees and branches contacting the power network can be one of the most common causes of outages during severe weather, according to Vegetation Management Officer Tim De Vries.

“Severe weather often brings with it high winds that not only snap branches from trees and fire them like missiles into the electricity network, it can also cause large trees to fall over powerlines,” Mr De Vries said.

“This is why our crews continue to prepare the network for storms by trimming branches, and in some cases removing trees altogether, because if they don’t high-risk vegetation could cause significant network damage and prolonged power outages.

“We also work closely with councils when we carry out these tasks and only use very experienced vegetation management teams and qualified arborists when more intricate jobs are undertaken.”

Mr De Vries said the community can also greatly assist in preventing power outages by never planting tall plant species near or under the electricity network.

“Every year our crews have to attend power outages caused by a tall tree or fast-growing species such as bamboo that someone has planted too close to the network,” he said.

“These not only take out power during severe weather, they can also be a community danger if they bring down powerlines or a child climbs the tree and contacts the electricity network.

“Before people plant trees, we encourage them to take a look at our Plant Smart webpage which shows a wide range of safe species that won’t affect the electricity network and won’t require our crews to prune or remove them at a later date.”

More information about safe species of trees can be found at www.ergon.com.au/plantsmart

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The powerlines glowed red during this recent fire in Maryborough

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For Glencore Indigenous Employment Pathway Program

Following a successful 2023, the new intake for the Glencore Indigenous Employment Pathway Program will commence once again in early 2024.

The program is structured to provide participants with the experience and job-readiness skills for a successful career in the mining industry.

All Indigenous Australians who live in or have connection to the areas where Glencore operate are welcome to apply.

These include the mines in the Bowen Basin and in the Upper Hunter Valley in New South Wales.

This month, nine participants graduated from the New South Wales Indigenous Employment Pathways Program (IEPP) having completed the 26-week job-readiness training.

Glencore Indigenous Programs Coordinator Carrie Bendeich said the graduates have gained essential job skills and developed a strong foundation for their future careers in the industry.

“This program is designed to create opportunities and inspire Indigenous Australians to reach their career goals,” Carrie said.

“The graduation ceremony marks a significant milestone for our graduates, who are now job-ready and poised for career success.”

The IEPP is divided into two stages: training and job readiness.

These stages include inductions, medicals, life-skills, leadership training, and on-site work experience, offering career opportunities in a range of roles, from operators to warehouse assistants, trades assistants, and bench support.

To be eligible for the program, applicants need to be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australians who live in or have connection to the areas where Glencore Coal Australia operates.

They also need to either be working part-time, or unemployed and actively seeking full time employment, be prepared to participate in an assessment/interview process, hold a current driver’s license and be able to meet Coal Board Medical requirements.

The program is divided into two phases, the first phase provides participants with back-to-work skills, mine site compliance safety training and a range of life skills.

The second phase includes training and work experience that aims to get participants job-ready.

At the completion of the 26-week program, participants will have fulfilled the requirements to obtain a Certificate II in Surface Extraction, as well as other employment ready skills.

Further information or to learn more about the program, please contact: Carrie Bendeich

Indigenous Programs Coordinator by emailing carrie.bendeich@glencore.com.au.

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New intake for the 2024 Glencore Indigenous Employment Pathway Program is expected to open early next year. Photo supplied

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Mackay Regional Council is taking steps to make the popular Mackay Seniors expo more accessible to regional seniors.

This year, council will be running free buses from Sarina and Mirani to the event at the Mackay Showgrounds.

The Mackay Seniors Expo is held in the Showgrounds’ big shed on Tuesday, October 10, from 9am to noon.  

The expo is free to attend and will feature about 70 exhibitors covering everything from retirement homes, healthcare and funeral homes to services, products, recreational activities, mobility aids and support groups.

Deputy Mayor Karen May said the Mackay Seniors Expo had so much to offer seniors, but travelling was a real obstacle for many regional seniors.

“This year we have a 50-seater bus running from Broad Street bus stop in Sarina at 8.45am and a 57-seater running from the Mirani Town Centre council office (20 Victoria Street) at 8.30am,” Cr May said.

“Both buses are completely free and will take residents to the expo and then drop them back at noon to the pickup point,” she said.

Booking isn’t required, just be at the bus stop in time for pick up.

Cr May encouraged all seniors to take the time to visit the expo.

“There is nowhere else that you will find so many seniors services, businesses, groups and clubs in one place,” she said.  

“The atmosphere is relaxed, and the acoustics are great in the big shed – there’s plenty of room to explore the booths and you can have conversations without needing to yell.”

Two coffee vans and the Mackay Host Lions Club (sausage sizzle) will be providing refreshments and food.  

For more information, head to council’s website – www.mackay.qld.gov.au/seniors-expo

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Debbie Cruikshank and Lorraine Quint enjoyed the exhibitors at the Mackay Seniors Expo 2021

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Hey there, budget-savvy ladies! Big news on the money front – the Reserve Bank of Australia has hit the pause button on interest rate hikes again this month. What does that mean for us, the superheroes managing the family budget? Let's break it down.

Think of interest rates like the heartbeat of the economy. They affect everything from home loans to how much we spend on groceries. The RBA decided to keep things steady, knowing the world economy is a bit shaky. So, how can we make the most of this breather and keep our family budgets strong?

First off, let's be money wizards! Take a look at our budgets, figure out what we really need, and save a little for surprises. Having some money tucked away helps when unexpected things pop up.

If you're a homeowner, fixing your mortgage rates could be a cool move. Since interest rates are taking a break, locking in a rate now can keep things steady and protect us from any future rate increases.

Time to be money explorers! Look into different ways to invest your money, and this includes your super. The traditional methods aren’t necessarily earning you the best returns. My favourite method is buying property with your super. It’s a safe way to dramatically boost your retirement nest egg, providing your property is well-located. It's like having the ultimate backup plan.

Knowledge is power, and it's our superpower! Keep an eye on what's happening in the money world. Changes in rules or big news from other countries can affect us. Get some advice from money experts if you need it – they're like your financial superheroes!

Lastly, let's be flexible and tough, like superheroes in movies. The money world can be a bit crazy sometimes, but if we stay open to new ideas and ready to adapt, we'll come out on top.

In a nutshell, the break in interest rate hikes is like a mini-vacation for our budgets. By being smart with our money, exploring different ways to grow it, staying informed, and being flexible, we're not just surviving – we're thriving!

You've got this, Queens! 💪💰

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By Shirlz Russell

from Build Your F’empire

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OPINION PIECE

If you couldn’t believe how fast this year was going already, here’s some crazy news for you. We’re almost halfway through Spring!

That means the weather is warming up and it’s almost ‘suns out buns out’ time. And there’s nothing better than a couple of cold ones with good company at the pool or the beach with the perfect sunny soundtrack.

Something about me is I love to find some hot new music for us to add to our summer playlists and I wanted to dedicate today’s column to my top 3 faves right now.

1. Tyla – Water: Tyla is a newcomer in the music scene who has grabbed the attention of people all over the internet. Starting as a TikTok trend Water has wormed its way into my brain so far, I don’t think it’ll leave until winter.

2. Drake ft. SZA – Slime You Out: The new Drake album dropped yesterday (6th Oct) and honestly there’ll be more songs from ‘For All The Dogs’ that will be added to my summer playlist but for now I recommend wrapping your ears around his new ‘old drake’ music. That’s right, he’s making the music that we all enjoyed listening to and heard more of on the radio before he got into a harder rap style.

3. Troye Sivan – Got Me Started: Who doesn’t love some Aussie music?! Troye has been delivering the goods when it comes to your summer energy the last few weeks and ‘Got Me Started’ honestly makes me want to strip off to my bikini and dance around the pool with all my mates. Get around this song, it goes off – Happy listening!

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Ahead of the RSPCA’s major annual fundraising appeal, ‘Give To Get Them Home’, this Thursday, 5th October, the organisation is calling on Mackay locals to dig deep and help find the ‘purr-fect’ home for neglected, homeless and abused animals.

A new report from RSPCA Queensland states that there has been a 26 percent decrease in applications to adopt a pet in 2022/23. This has happened through the rising cost of living, with more people surrendering their animals.  

With 42,000 animals requiring RSPCA Queensland’s assistance every year, there has never been a more important time to get involved.

Mackay local, Christine, is familiar with the adoption process after she adopted a pair of blind dogs who were desperately in need of a compassionate home.

Honey, a nine-year old blind dog was surrendered with a euthanasia request and consent to rehome. While in the care of the RSPCA, Honey met Teddy, a three-year-old fellow blind dog who was in the same predicament.

It was fate that coupled these dogs together, and with Christine’s heart-warming compassion for animals, she has adopted the inseparable pair to give them a deserving forever home.

The RSPCA is seeing a direct impact on pet adoptions, with animals spending more time in shelters.

Emma Lagoon, spokesperson for RSPCA Queensland states, “With inflation rising, we’ve seen a direct correlation with a decrease in applications to adopt.

“At the same time, we’re seeing more pet owners telling us they can no longer afford or that they cannot find suitable housing for themselves and their pets.”

A call has been put out to the community of Mackay to assist in providing lifesaving treatment and forever homes for these animals that would otherwise be euthanised or neglected.

“The RSPCA relies on the generosity of the community to help support the care of animals, with no donation being too small,” said Ms Lagoon.

All donations will be doubled by the organisation’s generous sponsors.

On average, it costs the RSPCA $600 to help care for an animal while they wait for a new home.

“All funds raised will go directly towards rescuing, rehabilitating, retraining, and rehoming all the animals that come through the doors of RSPCA Queensland.” says Ms Lagoon.

In 2022, RSPCA Queensland had more than 2,100 Queenslanders donate during their ‘Give To Get Them Home’ appeal, helping raise more than $540,000 which is enough money to help over 1,000 animals in need. This year RSPCA Queensland is aiming to raise $600,000.

Make a big difference to an animal’s quality of life today. To donate to RSPCA Queensland or for more information about RSPCA’s Give To Get Them Home appeal, visit www.rspcagivingday.com/qld, call (1300 777 221), or check out @RSPCAQLD on social media.

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Mackay local, Christine, and her fur-ever friends, Honey and Teddy (Photo Credit: RSPCA Qld)

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OPINION PIECE

How awesome is it that we all have it and we need to use it in our everyday lives?

Take a moment to think about the world, and all the amazing things that are in it, all come from people using their imaginations.

For example, Richard Branson by his own admission was dyslexic with a failure to understand schoolwork. An enlightened Branson said he had one thing, and we all have it our imagination and to dream big and make your imagination be your main thing to learn about everything in life.

I agree with him! I was given a gift of a high IQ of 171. I have 400 or more book titles.

I wake up at night ,and my imagination takes over my sleep. I think that stories have a life of their own. They find you, just as much as you find them, for 30 years like my book “The Adventures Of Kelley The Kelpie” laid in my office drawer until the story flew like a bird, finding me at the right moment.

For me writing for children is the greatest privilege on earth, and my quest as a writer is to play some small part in trying to get the children of today to read more books with the same excitement and wonder that I read them when I was a kid.

There’s a wealth of research to show that the two key factors in a child’s later economic success let alone their happiness. Children are natural philosophers, naturally curious. My grandsons Levi, Henry and Gatlin are always asking me questions, “Why Nanny?” is their favourite saying, it makes for a fascinating writing challenge.

Always feed their imaginations. I let my grandsons flourish their imaginations. They are my best teachers. Walt Disney said laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.

My quote for the month “Life is full of possibilities decide what you want.” Use your imagination. Never lose sight of your goals. Imagination is the key to your success. Go For It.

Rose-Marie Dusting.

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Mackay is a hub of natural beauty and adventure waiting to be explored. Whether you're seeking a day trip or a tranquil retreat, we've compiled a list of hidden gems around Mackay that promise unforgettable experiences.

Seaforth: A Coastal Paradise

Located a mere 35 kilometres northeast of Mackay, Seaforth is a quaint coastal town that beckons travellers with its pristine beaches, fishing hotspots, and breathtaking natural landscapes. The town boasts one of the region's few swimming enclosures, ensuring a safe dip during high tide. Surrounded by national parks and reserves, Seaforth offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting. Don't miss the Red Cliff Islands – two islands north of town, accessible during low tide. With a population of just over 500, Seaforth is your ticket to a serene lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle.

Cape Palmerston: Tranquil Coastal Beauty

Cape Palmerston beckons travellers seeking tranquillity amidst coastal splendour. This coastal region offers breathtaking ocean views and diverse landscapes. Activities include swimming, fishing, and hiking amidst diverse flora and fauna. Explore the local wildlife and meander through picturesque scenery. Various campsites await those who wish to spend a night immersed in nature.

Isaac Region: An Authentic Outback Experience

Known for its rugged landscapes, rich heritage, and vibrant wildlife, the Isaac region offers a unique outback adventure. Guided tours of colossal coal mines reveal the industry's history and practices. Explore stunning national parks like Peak Range National Park, featuring the Wolfang and Gemini Peaks popular among hikers. Adventure enthusiasts can camp, fish, and four-wheel drive. Towns like Nebo and Moranbah offer their own attractions, making them worthy stops along the way.

Blacks Beach: Paradise On Your Doorstep

Known for its breathtaking beauty, this idyllic stretch of shoreline offers a serene escape for locals and tourists alike. With its gentle waves and pristine waters, Blacks Beach is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. For absolute beach frontage, comfort and affordability, why not make it a staycation with a night or two at Comfort Resort Blue Pacific?

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Blacks Beach, Mackay

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