Community News

Property Point July 3rd

Property Point July 3rd

There are new things to consider when buying real estate in Australia. Up until last month, people buying real estate in Sydney really only considered the capital growth they were expecting to create within just a few years of making their purchase. Paying $1.2 million for an inner-city two-bedroom apartment didn’t matter so much if it was going to be worth $1.5 million two years later. It didn’t really matter that the crap rental returns you got for that price didn’t go anywhere near covering the mortgage because the old negative gearing benefit meant you could claim the losses on your tax. Things have changed. Negative gearing has gone and prices are dropping in Sydney … so that $1.2 million apartment doesn’t look so enticing any more, even though it’s now $1.1 million. Other cities have also been hit hard. Melbourne is now one of the cheapest cities in Australia to buy real estate. Although there are special Victorian reasons that come into play in that state. Victorians were bullied during COVID in a way that impacted small businesses in a disastrous way. The state’s debt is exorbitant, and no one seems to know how it gets paid back. Tobacco shops keep getting blown up by some underworld gang thing that the Government can’t control. They have metal boxes where people can hand in their machetes and that doesn’t appear to instil peace of mind in anyone. Terrible Governments end up having an impact and it definitely has had one on property prices in Victoria. A quick scan of on-line property sites shows you that you can pick up a decent two-bedroom unit in an inner-city suburbs like St Kilda and Collingwood in the $400,000s. I saw a three-bedder in St Kilda advertised in the $500,000s. While those prices might seem like great value, there are reasons the market is so low. People don’t trust the state Government and its management of the economy and the obvious concern would be that even though the prices might be low, there is no guarantee of capital growth. Capital growth has offered a warm embrace for investors in Australian real estate over many years. There has been an expectation that prices will go up. Obviously they will go up again but the questions is: Where will they go up, when and by how much? Unfortunately I don’t have the answer to that but I do find that when things get a bit blurry and uncertain, it’s good to stick to what you know … which, for me, is Mackay. We have several advantages over many other markets. Our median price for houses, in the $600,000s, is a lot lower than bigger cities so more affordable for local people who, by the way, still need somewhere to live. And, with the end of negative gearing and the banning of borrowing for property out of self-managed super funds, lower prices and strong rental returns should become a key factor in real estate investment. Yes, investors want capital growth but I feel the focus will probably shift more to rental yield and the monthly return on investment. Mackay’s rental returns are good and the purchase prices relatively low compared to other markets so there seems to me a good chance that our market will continue to be buoyed by those wanting to take advantage of that. Meanwhile the Mackay economy seems to be going well, driven by that crucial resource that is dug out of the ground and exported to countries that make steel. I got strong offers on three properties this week so there is a feeling that while there has certainly been a change driven by national political factors, our market is moving through it, adjusting to the new information and still bubbling along. The only thing I would say is that if any of you bump into David Crisafulli tell him to dump those high-level coal royalties.

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Nominations open for the 2026 REIQ Awards for Excellence

Nominations open for the 2026 REIQ Awards for Excellence

Queensland’s top real estate professionals and agencies are being called to step into the spotlight, with nominations now open for the Real Estate Institute of Queensland’s (REIQ) 2026 Awards for Excellence. REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the awards remained the state’s highest professional recognition in real estate and continued to adapt alongside the profession itself. “The REIQ Awards for Excellence are the pinnacle of professional recognition in Queensland real estate, and each year we ensure the program remains contemporary, inclusive and reflective of the full scope of our profession,” Ms Mercorella said. “This year, we’re delighted to add a new Multi-Office Network of the Year category, recognising real estate agencies that operate as a unified multi-office network. “It’s a category our members asked for, and it’s a great example of how the awards continue to evolve alongside the structure and sophistication of Queensland real estate businesses.” Ms Mercorella said there was even more incentive for members to nominate this year, with a pathway from the outset to national recognition in eligible categories through the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s (REIA) National Awards for Excellence (NAFE). The REIQ Awards for Excellence span individual and agency categories, with some split into regional and SEQ areas, across residential and commercial sales, property management, buyer’s agency, auctioneering, business broking, multimedia, innovation and community contribution. Ms Mercorella said real estate professionals throughout Queensland could now start preparing and polishing their award nominations with the clock now ticking down. It’s time to shine! Nominations close on Sunday 12th July 2026, with the winners announced at a spectacular awards gala on Saturday 31st October 2026 at The Star Brisbane. Nominate now via awards.reiq.com

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Makayla Groves And Bianca O’Brien Support Mackay Commercial Property Clients

Makayla Groves And Bianca O’Brien Support Mackay Commercial Property Clients

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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Coalition Commits To Permanent Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund

Coalition Commits To Permanent Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund

The Coalition has pledged to make the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) a permanent institution, arguing the move would provide long-term certainty for regional investment, infrastructure and jobs across Northern Australia, including Mackay. The announcement follows the Federal Government's decision to extend the NAIF for a further 10 years, rather than permanently removing its sunset clause. Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said while the Coalition would support Labor's legislation, it believed the independent review's recommendation to make the facility permanent should be adopted. “The Developing Northern Australia is a proud LNP achievement,” Senator Canavan said. “Despite naysayers at the time, Northern Australia has remained on the agenda ever since. I am personally proud to have introduced the original Northern Australia legislation in 2016, with the policy built on the work that was done by LNP Members of Parliaments such as former Senator Ian Macdonald and former MP Warren Entsch. “Unfortunately, Labor is now kicking the can down the road. Northern Australia shouldn’t have to fight every decade to prove it is worthy of investment. “The independent review recommended making the NAIF permanent because it works. The Coalition established the NAIF in 2016, and we will make it permanent because Northern Australia should have long-term certainty for investment, jobs and economic growth.” Since its creation, the NAIF has supported 33 projects with $4.3 billion in finance commitments, helping deliver more than 18,000 jobs and an estimated $33 billion in public benefit across Northern Australia. Those investments include upgrades to airports in Darwin, Alice Springs, Townsville, Cairns and Mackay, along with projects supporting agriculture, mining and manufacturing. Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Senator Susan McDonald said permanent funding would continue to drive regional development. “Labor talks about Northern Australia, but the Coalition backs it with lasting investment,” Senator McDonald said. “The NAIF has transformed communities, unlocked private investment and created jobs across the North. Making it permanent sends a clear message that the Coalition believes in Northern Australia’s future and won’t treat its development as a temporary priority.” “Governments come and go, but Northern Australia’s importance will never diminish,” she said.

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KCs rec

Did you know?

October 19, 2023

Council offers financial assistance for Junior Elite Athletes to assist with costs associated with attending a sporting competition when they are representing North Queensland, Queensland or Australia.

To be eligible, Junior Elite Athletes must be aged 18 years or younger at the time of the competition and have been living in the Whitsunday Region for at least 12 months or more.

The level of funding available is based on a progressive scale, meaning the higher the representation, the larger the financial support available.

For more information, head to the Grants and Community Assistance section of Council's Website.

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Help A Soldier Get His Headstone

October 19, 2023

Following her war memorial research and documentation, Lyn Burke is reaching out for local’s help.

Lyn Burke, and her associate Lloyd Fox, have dedicated much of their time to uncovering the local servicemen and women of the Whitsundays.

They are dedicated to ensuring a suitable resting place for them and giving a reprieve to their families.

Recently, the pair discovered several names of men who do not have a headstone, and their graves are only marked with white crosses, within Proserpine Cemetery.

The Whitsunday Old Iron Restorers Club have embarked on a project to install headstones on these graves and while Lyn and Lloyd have managed to find family members of most of the men to ask permission to instal the headstone, some remain unknown.

“We hope to give each of the men a headstone, however, we wish to reach out to family first and get their permission,” Lyn said.

“If no family steps forward, we will move forward with the headstones, but I wish to try every avenue beforehand.”

To claim a serviceman as family, please contact Lyn Burke on 4947 2647, or lynburke03@gmail.com

Do you know these men?

WW1                                                                     Number                               Battalion                              DOD

ANTHONY JAMES ARENA                              3288                                       5THLHR                                 7.12.193              

FREDERICK HERBERT DAVIS                          4661                                       30THBATT                            24.1.1970

ALBERT GREEN  LIEUTENANT                      4                                              HQ                                          28.8.1937            

JOHN HARRINGTON                                        1910                                       2NDBATT                              15.9.1933

JOSEPH LEARY                                                    7600                                       14THBATT                            8.9.1922

EDWARD PACKETT                                           BOARW & 2228                49THBATT                            6.8.1945              

THOMAS PUGSLEY                                           3905                                       4THPIONEER                       26.12.1944

THOMAS REID                                                    BRITISH ARMY                   -                                              17.11.1940                          

GEORGE USHER                                                218/Q224684                      11TH LHR                               17.2.1948

 

WW2

EDWARD JACKSON                                          Q34502                                 31STBATT                             10.4.1972

ALEC LENNIG                                                     QX27703                              2/56 LAD                              29.12.1961

SYDNEY MCNEILL                                             123518                                  A/FORCE                              21.11.1978

 

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Inspiring And Dedicated

October 19, 2023

Bowen Student Leader Recognised With Prestigious Awards

Bowen State High School Year 12 School Caption, Danzel Lewis has been awarded the prestigious Order of Australia Association (Queensland Branch) Secondary Schools Citizenship Award.

Nominated by Bowen State High School Principal Robert Harris, Danzel was honoured with the award for his outstanding and dedicated service within the school campus as well as in the wider Bowen community.

In his nomination, Mr Harris explained that Danzel is the only First Nations’ student to be elected as school Captain, a regional finalist in the 2023 Queensland Training Awards, in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year category, and the first indigenous student to undertake a Certificate III in Business with local civil earthmoving and quarry business Hillery Group in Bowen.

“Danzel is inspirational in motivating younger indigenous students to value the importance of education,” Mr Harris wrote in his nomination.

“Danzel instigated a project this year, where he has written and presented letters to Year 7 to 11 students who have improved in their subject results, effort, and behaviour. During Term 2 this year, Danzel approached the school administration to speak to the entire school body about mental health impacts of bullying and domestic violence. This was a powerful message, and he was commended by staff for this courage to speak up against bullying and violence. This has led to more students feeling confident to stand up against bullying and reporting incidences.”

The Secondary Schools Citizenship Awards received 94 nominations from across Queensland, with Danzel one of 12 students to be a recipient.

Danzel himself was unaware that Mr Harris had nominated him for the award, and it was even more a surprise to be one of the 12 students to receive the award.

“It was a very overwhelming moment to find out that I was one of twelve students out of the whole state to be recognized for what I thought was modest community work,” Danzel explained.

He further explained that his passion and drive to service the school and community stemmed from his upbringing.

“The passion to serve my school and community comes mainly from the way I was brought up by my culture (being of Aboriginal and South Sea Islander heritage), my family, and my faith. They all taught me the importance of patience, kindness, empathy, respect, and serving others, especially my elders.”

For Danzel, this recognition feels weird.

“I still feel weird looking at the award plaque sitting on my desk. I don’t feel like I’m special or have done anything extremely outgoing to receive it. I just do what I love and live the way my family, my culture and my faith have taught me to live.”

Bowen State High School student Danzel Lewis and Principal Robert Harris at Parliament House in Brisbane, accepting his Secondary Schools Citizenship Award. Photo supplied

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Positive Mind And Positive Mindset

October 19, 2023

Mental Health Week At Proserpine State High

Proserpine State High School celebrated Queensland Mental Health Week, hosting their second annual Healthy Mind, Body, and Soul Expo.

Joined by local organisations, Womens Well Co, PCYC Whitsunday, Whitsunday Libraries, and Whitsunday Sailing Club, were the Year 10 Business Students who showcased their entrepreneurial spirit by selling goods at market stalls.

The music students also rocked out on stage.

“We’ve got a range of community organisations that promote different healthy living options, as well as sporting clubs, and different clubs that are in the school,” explained the Expo organiser and school Guidance Officer, Karen O’Keefe.

“Deadly Choices, our music groups performing, our student leaders handing out pizzas, and our LGBT+ club handing out fairy bread – everyone got involved and it was a wonderful day.”

Throughout the week, the school also hosted art therapy sessions, drumming circles, and indigenous art groups.

The team from PCYC Whitsundays sharing safe driving with intoxication goggles.2:

Whitsunday Sailing Club promoting the art of sailing as a fantastic hobby

The PSHS Weightlifting club trailing new competitors

Girls giving the drumming circle a go

Whitsunday Counselling and Support with mindful rock painting

Whitsunday Libraries sharing the love of reading with students. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

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CREW WINCHED INTO FINCH HATTON GORGE TO INJURED WALKER

October 12, 2023

RACQ CQ Rescue has this afternoon winched a medical team down onto rocks in a clearing in thick rainforest at Finch Hatton Gorge to treat a seriously injured walker.

The Mackay-based helicopter was tasked by Queensland Health just after midday after a 000 call alerted authorities that a man had fallen on a walking track at the popular tourist spot in the Pioneer Valley and suffered serious leg injuries.

The RACQ CQ Rescue crew used co-ordinates provided by fellow walkers to fly directly to the heavily-wooded location, near the Wheel of Fire waterfall, about 70km west of Mackay.

After a five-minute aerial search of the rocky waterway and thick rainforest canopy, the man’s walking party was spotted near the waterway below by the helicopter crew.

Given the flat rocks below and an adequate clearing in the dense canopy, a decision was made to winch the rescue crewman and Critical Care Paramedic down to the scene.

As the helicopter hovered about 40 metres overhead, a rescue crewman was winched onto rocks near the shallow waterway. A Critical Care Paramedic then followed, winched down from the helicopter onto large rocks near a waterfall, using hand signals to communicate with the crew above about a landing position.

After both crewmen were safely on the ground, a third winch delivered a stretcher and medical equipment down to the medical team.

As SES crews and ambulance officers arrived on scene, the decision was made by the medical team to walk the injured man out of the forest on a stretcher instead of winching him.

After 50 minutes on scene, the helicopter returned to base while crews on the ground carried the injured walker to a waiting ambulance, which then transferred him to Mackay Base Hospital.

RACQ CQ Rescue winched a rescue crewman and Critical Care Paramedic down to assist a seriously injured walker at Finch Hatton Gorge today. Photo supplied: RACQ CQ Rescue

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Engineering Teacher Becomes New MCC Principal

October 12, 2023

New Principal of Mackay Christian College, Bevan Little, has penned an open letter to the community regarding his recent appointment.

Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, Students, Friends, and Associates of Mackay Christian College,

What an honour and privilege to be appointed Principal of Mackay Christian College (MCC). I want to express my heartfelt thanks to those who reached out by text, email, and Facebook to offer kind words of support and encouragement to me and my family as we begin a new chapter in the life of our school. I would also like to thank Ps. Rob Booth-Jones and the Board for their confidence in me to lead Mackay Christian College moving forward.

My journey at the College began in 2012 when I was encouraged to teach Engineering in the Trade Training Centre (TTC). I was at a crossroads in my career as a tradesman, and at that time, founding Principal Dr Craig Murison and TTC Director Mr Peter Hopper offered me the opportunity of a lifetime to study and work to make a difference in the lives of young people. I began to understand the importance of education, where Christian values guide how you live, work with others, and behave. At MCC, our values of Christlikeness, Learning, Excellence, Attitude and Respect (CLEAR) are more than just words we profess; we seek to practice (live out) these beliefs as staff and students.

Fast forward, with various experiences within education under my belt, the opportunity to be entrusted as the Principal of Mackay Christian College is one I do not take lightly. Our goal as a College is to continue the legacy of providing quality, values-based education that positively impacts students into the future.

I sincerely thank Dr Lesley Tunnah, who entered the Acting Principal role in Term 3 2023. Dr Tunnah has been a reassuring presence and an encouragement that “God who began a good work in our College has great plans ahead”.

Special mention to our Executive team, teaching staff and non-teaching staff. Our school would not have traversed through challenges this year without their unwavering commitment to our students and one another.

I look forward to partnering with you to support your child in discovering and growing in their potential in the months and years to come.

God Bless

Bevan Little

Principal

Left to Right: Ps Rob Booth-Jones, Mr Bevan Little

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Vanishing Act: Lost Parcel Makes a Comeback

October 12, 2023

In recent weeks, parcels have mistakenly ended up at the wrong addresses, prompting the local community to unite in an effort to return these items.

Among these incidents, Anneliese experienced a delivery mishap when her parcel, intended for Moranbah, was mistakenly delivered to Slade Point without a signature.

The confusion stemmed from Australia Post, as both Mackay and Moranbah have many identical street names.

Local commenters on Facebook community pages took action to identify the parcel's intended recipient, with individuals volunteering their assistance.

Comments included, “I can post on the local Slade Point page for you.”

“I could call past and knock tomorrow?”

“I am travelling from Mackay tomorrow morning, if you find it and need it brought to you.”

The search concluded on a positive note with, "I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all who offered their assistance. I'm happy to report that the parcel has been located."

Great work, Mackay!

Parcel mishaps increase over recent weeks

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Could You Be Owed A Small Fortune?

October 12, 2023

Feeling lucky this week? Well, your stroke of good fortune might be a mere mouse click away. No need to buy a lottery ticket or scour the ground for lost change. Just head over to the Public Trustee website, type in your name, and see if serendipity has your back.

Now, I know what you're thinking – "Unclaimed money? That's only for folks tangled up in grand estates and long-lost relatives, right?" Wrong! You see, there's a treasure trove of unclaimed cash from all corners – electricity companies, government payroll systems, public departments, housing groups, and even insurance providers.

But why does this money remain unclaimed? The answer's simpler than you might think. People tend to forget to update their address with every nook and cranny they've ever been associated with. Moving house? Well, that's a recipe for lost cash. And businesses? If they can't track you down, they must relinquish owed funds to the Public Trustee for safekeeping.

Speaking of which, the Public Trustee is like the benevolent guardian of unclaimed riches. They're holding on to unclaimed money from a variety of sources, including our very own Queensland Government departments and agencies (yes, including hospitals and correctional centers), accountable individuals or businesses under the Public Trustee Act 1978, and other players like solicitors, real estate agents, accountants, and nursing homes.

We've all felt the pinch of life's rising costs, and it seems like every cent counts. So, why not give the Public Trustee's 'Unclaimed Money' section a whirl? Who knows, a little windfall might be your reward for being financially responsible and updating your address promptly. In the game of life, it's your move.

Amanda

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Runners Triumph Over Challenging Terrain In Trail To Triumph: Tony's Journey

October 12, 2023

Last weekend, a group of resilient ultra-athletes embarked on a remarkable journey, conquering 250 kilometres of rugged terrain in the annual 'Trail To Triumph: Tony's Journey' event. This inspiring endeavour pays tribute to the late Tony Britton, a beloved figure in the community and a passionate advocate for youth development.

Tony Britton, who was named Citizen of the Year in 2014, dedicated over four decades to mentoring young individuals and fostering community bonds. His life was tragically cut short by Mesothelioma, a rare and incurable cancer caused by asbestos exposure. In his honour, his son Mat initiated 'Trail To Triumph,' an annual event aimed at commemorating his father's legacy while raising funds and awareness for Mesothelioma.

The gruelling three-day journey began in Moranbah and culminated in Mackay via the challenging Eungella region. Runners faced daunting elevation changes and varying terrains throughout the course, making it a true test of endurance.

Day 1 covered an impressive 112.7 kilometres, including segments from Moranbah to Redhill Road, followed by Pipeline Road stretches. Day 2 proved equally demanding, with participants covering 80.3 kilometres from Lizzie Creek Road to Mackay – Eungella Road, passing through picturesque locations like Eungella Township and Finch Hatton. The final leg on Day 3 encompassed 52.7 kilometres from Gargett, concluding at the Bluewater Trail in Mackay.

A select group of determined runners successfully completed the entire 250-kilometre journey, including Jen Lewis, Kyle McLennan, Anthony Gordon, Anthony McDonald, Steve Kozlowski, Sam Ford, Scott Martin, and Stuart Steele. Joining the full-time pack were sponsors and supporters who ran legs of varying distance depending on ability to support the ultra-marathon runners.

For those unable to join the ultra-marathon, a virtual run was also available, allowing participants to contribute from the comfort of their own surroundings. The 'TTT VR challenge' encouraged individuals to set their own goals and accumulate kilometres during the event weekend of October 6-8, 2023.

'Trail To Triumph: Tony's Journey' continues to inspire the community while raising vital awareness and support for Mesothelioma research and advocacy. Since 2014, more than $430,000 has been raised in the honour of the late Mr Britton.

Jen Lewis, Kyle McLennan, Anthony Gordon, Anthony McDonald, Steve Kozlowski, Sam Ford, Scott Martin, and Stuart Steele completed the 250km journey. Photo credit: Trail to Triumph Facebook page

Vision from the 2023 Trail to Triumph ultra-marathon

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Significant Head Injuries Sparked Glenella Murder Investigation

October 12, 2023
By Amanda Wright

A woman has been charged with murder following the death of a woman in Glenella on Thursday, 5th October.

Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) was called for assistance to a Burge Court property in Glenella at approximately 10:45am.

Detective Inspector (DI) Novosel said QAS responded in response to the call saying an elderly woman had had a fall.

“On attendance of that address they identified that the injuries they observed on the deceased person were not consistent with that of a fall and consequently requested that police attend,” she said.

DI Novosel said that the injuries sustained included “significant head injuries”.

“Police attended and located a number of people at that address, including a 55-year-old woman, she was taken into custody and has since been charged with one account of murder in a domestic violence setting,” she said.

A crime scene was declared.

The 55-year-old woman was confirmed by DI Novosel as being the daughter of the 73-year-old. Both women are from Bundaberg and were visiting family in Mackay. They had been in Mackay for around two days staying with family before the alleged incident. They had been staying within the Burge Court address, the 73-year-old had a temporary makeshift bedroom in the garage and that is where the deceased was located by Queensland Ambulance paramedics.

DI Novosel confirmed that the 55-year-old woman is known to police, but there is no domestic violence history reported between the deceased and the accused.

Police said that there are children that live at the Burge Court property but they believe no children were present when they think the alleged incident took place.

The occupants of the Burge Court property were also not believed to have been home during the alleged incident in what was described as a ‘normal morning’ before they left to do their daily business.

DI Novosel said it was confirmed by the occupants that the 73-year-old had been “alive and well” earlier that morning.

She confirmed that neighbours had been canvassed and that some had been able to provide police with information.

DI Novosel said at this stage no weapon had been found consistent with their investigation.

The 55-year-old Bundaberg woman was charged with one count of murder (domestic violence) and appeared in the Mackay Magistrates Court last Friday morning.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, you should report it to police.

Support and counselling is available from the following agencies:

DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811

DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636

1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732

Detective Inspector Emma Novosel

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ASHA Conference Explores Fascinating Insights In Historical Archaeology

October 12, 2023

The Australasian Society for Historical Archaeology held their 2023 ASHA Conference at Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre from 19th to 23rd September, with a theme of ‘The past in the present for historical archaeology.’

The 2022 ASHA Conference was held in New Zealand. This year, Mackay had the privilege of hosting the event.

The conference drew in a large crowd of fascinated community members, encouraging reflection on the complex dynamic between the information about our past and how it is understood and accepted in the present.

The sessions and presentations included research with relevance to contemporary issues, community-led projects, public interpretation of archaeological heritage, and evolving values in significance assessment.

Keynote Speaker, Jeff Cheng, spoke about his decade-long study uncovering invaluable insights into both Japanese and Bunun cultural heritage sites, which bear immense significance for contemporary indigenous communities.

With a presentation titled ‘The Past in the Present of the Bunun Country, the Lakulaku River Basin’ explaining Taiwan’s inhabitancy of Austronesian-speaking people before the arrival of colonizers.

Heritage practice lives in the tension between intangible and social values and the materiality of the archaeological record. Many believe historical archaeology only relates to a neutral gathering of evidence that explains the past.

However, the sites and objects in fieldwork, labs and museums comprise important places that resonate directly with living communities.

Sites and objects exist in relationship with communities in the present – not only human but also non-humans such as plants, animals and rivers.

Changing the understanding of the value and meaning of cultural heritage assists in shaping important debates within the world of historical archaeology.

The ASHA Conference also celebrated the following esteemed winners of various historical and archaeological-related awards:

● Best paper – Cassie J Gordon, Being-in-the-Roadside – Roadside Memorials as Artefacts of Contemporary Personal Heritage

● Best student paper – Ramona Lola Angelico and Angela Goh-Smith, ‘A Chinese Den’: The archaeology of intimate exchange in Jones Lane.

● Best poster – Hilda Maclean, No further “Visitations from God”: Classifying Queensland colonial deaths with the Nosological Index

● Best photograph – Tracey Martens, ‘Plain weave silk fabric excavated from a Victorian era cesspit in Melbourne CBD’

● Bursary recipients – Yongjun Qiu and Ramona Lola Angelico

Keynote Speaker Jeff Cheng

Mayor Greg Williamson of Mackay Regional Council announces opening remarks

Members of the ASHA Conference 2023

Busy hall of eventgoers at the ASHA Conference 2023 (Photo Credit: Australasian Society for Historical Archaeology)

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Cuboree Chronicles Of Adventure

October 12, 2023

A thrilling adventure awaited 15 Cub Scouts, 1 Venturer Scout, and 7 adults, including leaders and helpers from Hibiscus Coast District, as they embarked on the 7th Queensland Cuboree from September 17th to 22nd, 2023. Originating from Banksia, Mackay City Central, Sarina, and Proserpine Cub Scout Sections, this ultimate holiday was filled with camaraderie and unforgettable experiences.

The biennial Cuboree, held at Maryborough Showgrounds, brought together around 1000 attendees, comprising approximately 780 Cub Scouts and various leaders and adult helpers. As the most significant and exhilarating camp for Cub Scouts, Cuboree offers a unique opportunity to create lifelong memories.

Under the theme "Choose Your Adventure," the camp featured subcamps named Circus, Universe, Bizarre, and Sea, creatively spelling out "CUBS." An additional sub-camp called "Adventure" catered to Scouts and Venturer Scouts attending as helpers, while "Oasis" accommodated Activity Leaders and Adult Helpers. The youth participants slept in 8-person bell tents, with daily awards for the cleanest tent.

Activities galore were on offer, and it followed the CUBS theme of:

Create your own adventure, which were STEM activities, rope bridge, rope maze, catapult building, ciphers and marble races.

Up, Up and Away, was exploring Maryborough, a joy flight, steam train, damper making and heritage style games in Queens Park. Of great interest at the Museum the Cub Scouts were able to hear the story of how Keith Payne, VC AM earned his Victoria Cross Medal. Another very interesting story was about Able Seacat Simon and how he earned the Dickins Medal.

Beyond Base, bottle rockets, paper planes, games and the very popular colour explosion was held.

Seabound, was an all-day at Hervey Bay foreshore, swimming, fishing, sandcastles, and giant games. These activities were run by the Hervey Bay Sea Scouts.

Evenings were not devoid of excitement, with activities including the Opening Ceremony, a disco night, a STEM Magic Show, a Subcamp movie night, and a promotional video for the 2025 Australian Jamboree, also to be held at Maryborough Showgrounds. Many Cub Scouts who attended Cuboree will be eligible for the Jamboree.

With anticipation, leaders and younger Cub Scouts are already looking forward to the next Cuboree in 2025.

Contributed by Mary Wallace, DL, Hibiscus Coast District

MCC and Banksia cub scouts

Proserpine cub scouts

Joy flight

Steam train

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Mastering The Art Of Sandbagging

October 12, 2023

Storm and cyclone season in Queensland runs from October to the end of April. During this time, flooding is more likely to impact the state.

Sandbagging is a helpful solution to divert water away from your property and preventing floodwater damage.

The State Emergency Service Mackay Regional Unit operates two sandbagging machines. One electric machine at their headquarters and a mobile, trailer-mounted machine that is transported around the local region.

You can buy sandbags from local hardware stores. Alternatives include fertiliser or potting mix bags, old pillowcases, plastic shopping bags and plastic downpipe bags.

Ensure you only fill your sandbags ¾ full, so they are not too heavy to lift and provide a flat layer for stacking. Place a plastic tarp down before you start to provide a barrier.

The SES encourages self-reliance from our community to reduce requests for assistance.

Access to emergency sand stockpiles in Mackay and surrounding areas:

● North Mackay – Norris Road reserve

● South Mackay – BB Print Stadium overflow car park on Leisure Street

● West Mackay – Hume Street and 374 Shakespeare Street

● Sarina – SES Facility – Brewers Road

● Seaforth – Community Centre, 1 Elizabeth Street

● Armstrong Beach – Rural Fire Brigade Shed

● Calen – Church St

● Campwin Beach – SES Facility - 103 Campwin Beach Road

● Finch Hatton – SES Facility, 17 Letchford Street

● Grasstree Beach, 40 Zelma Street

● Koumala – SES Facility, Bull Street

● Midge Point – SES Facility, 1503 Midge Point Road

● Mirani – Corner of Victoria and Augusta streets

You can find out more information through the Mackay Regional Council or SES websites.

Sandbagging reduces floodwater damage to your property

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Charting Our Healthcare Future

October 12, 2023

Meet The New Mackay Hospital And Health Services Board

The new Mackay Hospital and Health Board came together on Thursday, 5th October to introduce themselves to health service personnel, appointed to set the strategic direction and oversee the management of Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

The event was kickstarted with a Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony conducted by Elder Uncle Phillip Kemp, to the sound of the didgeridoo, played by Toasie Cora. Alongside this was a performance by the Tchundal Malar Dance Company.

This was followed by a traditional Torres Strait Islander prayer by Aunty Matilda Christian, asking for support and guidance on behalf of the new team of Board members to provide governance for the health service, in both Merian Mir and English languages.

Members include Board Chair Helen Darch, Deputy Chair Kerry Maley and Members Maud Chapman, Bill Cooper, Dr Luke Lawton and Dr Peter O’Mara.

Board Chair, Helen Darch OAM is an experienced board member in both government and not-for-profit sectors, with over thirteen years in the industry.

When Helen received the opportunity to apply for the Mackay Board, she was excited to come in with a broader experience to a team of exceptional people.

Helen’s aim is, “To try and unpack some of the challenges of regional Queensland and its health, and to advocate for change for our community.

“In this first phase, our key focus is to go and listen to staff, to our community, to our politicians to actually understand what is really not working well, what people really need and how best to step in and work together to fix it.

“The past is the past, we must learn the lessons from that to make sure that we are building a far better future for our community.

“I can’t undo what’s happened, but I am absolutely determined that we are going to change things.”

The six-member Board brings a vast range of experience across the fields of emergency medicine, business, nursing and law. This newly assembled team strives to create positive change for the future of Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

The new Mackay Hospital and Health Board

Mackay HHS Chief Executive Susan Gannon

Tchundal Malar dance group

Smoking ceremony. Photos supplied by Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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Stay Alert: The Crucial Importance of Emergency Preparedness

October 12, 2023

GetReady Queensland has partnered with Mackay Regional Council, calling on local residents to stock up their emergency kits and get their emergency evacuation plans in place, before a natural disaster strikes.

Know when to go

Keep track of emergency warnings - Tune in to the official emergency broadcaster ABC Tropical North 101.1FM, or opt in for notifications from the Mackay Emergency Dashboard.

Know where to go

Identify which family, friends, or commercial accommodation you would go to. Make sure you let someone know where you have evacuated to and that you arrived safely.

Know how to move

Identify the safest route and consider potential hazards. If you are elderly or have a disability, use the Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness resource.

Know what to take

Consider what you would pack for a remote camping trip and don’t forget the essentials.

Know your neighbours

Often, neighbours will be your first responders in a disaster event and can assist with preparing your home before disaster strikes.

All eight Woolworths stores across Mackay will have two dedicated aisles featuring key items for household disaster kits, as well as tear-off shopping lists.

To find a more detailed summary of advice and information, visit www.mackay.qld.gov.au/getreadymackay.

GetReady stall geared up for the Seniors Expo. Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

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