Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The photo of the week winner is Elise Dunckis for the theme ‘Off the Beaten Track’. Elise’s photo is of a night under the stars which, was taken in Morgan, South Australia. Next week’s theme is ‘Vintage’. Budding Photographers can enter by joining the Whitsunday’s Amateur Photographers group on Facebook. Contributed by Whitsunday Amateur Photographers
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Residents of the Greater Whitsunday Region are no stranger to the burden of box jellyfish. They have no brain; they pose a deadly threat and have been nearly impossible to detect in the water – at least until now. Growing up in Bowen, Dr Scott Morrissey’s passion for marine life was fostered by the town’s beautiful beaches and the opportunities they provided for underwater exploration. “I spent as much time as I possibly could underwater. I wanted to learn as much as I could about what I was seeing,” Scott said. With a robust education courtesy of Bowen State High School, Scott was able to foster his passion for marine life. Hig “Chemistry is okay but it’s like cooking to me. Physics was too much math. Biology was what I really enjoyed. It’s about building an understanding of how everything works together and why things are happening in the environment. It’s great learning biology because you can go outside and apply what you’ve learnt immediately. It definitely resonated with me.” Scott’s classic North Queensland grievances towards the threat of box jellyfish influenced a unique study path that eventually led him to producing groundbreaking research. “Box jellyfish are a huge pain in the backside, especially in summertime when you want to snorkel. The more I looked into jellyfish, the more I realised we actually know very little about them considering the threat they pose. So thought it would be a pretty cool place to start asking questions.” Following his undergrad studies at James Cook University in Townsville, Scott pursued further studies through a PhD leading to monumental research breakthroughs in the realm of jellyfish. “Jellyfish are basically invisible in the water. We know very little about what causes them to appear, when they’re going to appear and how many of them will be there. I wanted to try and create a new way to be able to detect them.” Scott applied general characteristics of biology to investigate the phenomena further. “When animals move through an environment, they leave behind their DNA in the form of things like skin, snot or blood. It’s like how forensic scientists scan for DNA at a crime scene. Our method is quite similar. We take two litres of water and filter it down, leaving us with a soup of DNA that’s been left behind by all animals in the area. We search through that and look to see if there is any jellyfish DNA and we use that as a means of detection.” This research will aid in risk management and monitoring safety around beaches. “The more we understand about them and what they’re doing – the better equipped we are to assess and manage risk. With normal species there is so much information related to population figures and movement that we don’t have with jellyfish. If we’re able to fill in that gap of knowledge, then we will have a complete understanding so that we can actually forecast likelihood of jellyfish in the area with greater accuracy.” The research is will also have broader application on both national and international levels. “We’ve been working with another group in Western Australia. They also have really nasty Irukandji jellyfish that love to sting tourists. We’ve been able to apply the technology to that species and it’s starting to be picked up internationally. There’s work being done in Thailand. The hope is we can continue the research and start looking at things such as are box jellyfish moving South.” Scott shows no signs of slowing down as he continues to consolidate his work. “I would love to be able to conduct our lab work on site to reduce delays. If we can test the water straight away, then we can get an answer on site in three hours as opposed to the three to four days it would take in a lab. I would love to get the process down to an hour or even 45 minutes. It would be great to even develop some sort of user-friendly tool that anyone could use.” Scott expressed gratitude to the support he’d received for his work. “I need to say thanks to Lions Australia, they fund 99% if this research.” The Bowen and greater Whitsunday community look upon Dr Morrissey with pride and keenly anticipate the amazing work he will no doubt continue to do. Captions Scott AKA Dr Morrissey – hard at work. Photo supplied
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ANZAC Day is one of the most important days on our calendar as a time for us, as a community, to pause, reflect and come together. Across the Whitsundays, services will be held in towns and communities from Bowen to Proserpine, Airlie Beach to Collinsville, and in our smaller rural areas. These gatherings are a chance for all of us to stand side by side and honour those who have served our nation and those who never returned. As Mayor, I have the privilege of representing our community at these services, but ANZAC Day belongs to everyone. It belongs to the families who have carried the legacy of service through generations. It belongs to the veterans who continue to serve our community in different ways. And it belongs to every resident who takes a moment to remember the sacrifices that have shaped the freedoms we enjoy today. Here in the Whitsundays, service and sacrifice are not distant concepts, they are part of our local story. From Gallipoli to the Western Front, from the Pacific to more recent conflicts, generations of Australians have answered the call to serve including men and women from right here in our region. This year, we also recognise the theme “Women in Service” acknowledging the vital role women have played, and continue to play, in defending our nation and supporting our communities. Among them are people like Commander Natasha Burney, who has ties to the Whitsunday community and served in Afghanistan — a reminder that the ANZAC spirit lives on in people from communities just like ours. Their stories remind us that the ANZAC spirit is not something distant, it is part of who we are as a community. ANZAC Day is also about connection. Standing shoulder to shoulder at a dawn service. Watching the march. Sharing a quiet moment with family, friends and neighbours. These traditions matter. They ensure that the service and sacrifice of past and present servicemen and women is never forgotten and that future generations understand the cost of the freedoms we often take for granted. Bring your family. Bring your children. Help pass on the meaning of this day to the next generation. Because remembrance is not just about looking back, it’s about ensuring those stories and values continue into the future. This ANZAC Day, let’s stand together as a community, united in respect and gratitude. Lest we forget.
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Last week, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry represented the region’s business community at a roundtable with the Queensland Minister for Small and Family Business, Steve Minnikin, alongside the Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Queensland Cross-Border Commissioner, peak state and national industry bodies, and regional Chambers of Commerce. The roundtable provided an important opportunity for knowledge exchange, bringing forward real-world examples and discussing targeted, practical interventions to address both the short- and long-term impacts of the current fuel situation. The Chamber’s focus was clear: ensuring a strong regional perspective was part of the conversation. Being at the table means more than representation, it’s about shaping outcomes. By engaging directly with decision-makers, the Chamber ensures local priorities are heard, understood, and acted upon for the benefit of the entire Whitsundays community. Chamber President Allan Milostic said it was critical the region remains at the forefront of discussions. “These conversations are where real advocacy begins. Being part of these discussions ensures the concerns of our region are not only heard but can be elevated at both state and federal levels where decisions are made,” he said. Data from Business Chamber Queensland highlights the scale of the issue, with 95% of Queensland businesses reporting impacts, and more than 70% experiencing major or severe challenges. Allan said the situation is rapidly escalating for regional communities. “We are hearing from businesses experiencing supply chain challenges more significant than those during COVID lockdowns. Flights into the region are being reduced, impacting both tourism and freight. At the same time, consumer confidence is being reported lower than during COVID, affecting discretionary spending and travel commitments, with a noticeable shift toward online purchasing,” he said. “The high cost of living and high cost of doing business existed before the fuel crisis, they are now being amplified.” Locally, the impacts are being felt across all sectors, with flow-on effects for businesses, workers, and the broader community. The Chamber is encouraging practical, community-led responses: Shop local first to keep the regional economy viable. Take a measured approach to fuel purchasing to avoid unnecessary strain on supply. Maintain critical services such as public and school bus networks. Support young people, trainees, and apprentices to access transport to work. For businesses to seek professional financial advice and be cautious of predatory lending or quick loan offers. The Chamber is also reinforcing key advocacy priorities, including: Fuel security — addressing both pricing and supply, including sovereign capability and international supply chains, to ensure certainty for agriculture, tourism, health, and transport sectors. Access to reliable, real-time information — including clear, centralised public reporting to support informed decision-making at a regional level. Have Your Say To strengthen its advocacy, the Chamber is calling on regional businesses to share their experiences. Businesses are invited to complete a short survey to help inform ongoing advocacy efforts and ensure the real impacts of the fuel crisis are clearly communicated to all levels of government. Contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry
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changing societal attitudes, supportive policies, and technological advancements, Australian women are making remarkable strides in the business world. In 2023, these fierce entrepreneurs are rewriting the rules and leaving a lasting impact on various industries. We take a look at five inspirational women in business who have blazed impressive paths in business.
Katie Page (Harvey Norman) Net Worth: $80 million; Harvey Norman revenues – $2.547 billion
Named 4th in ABR’s list of “50 most powerful women in business” 2015.
Katie Page, the CEO of Harvey Norman Holdings, has proven herself as a powerhouse in the retail industry. Managing a network of 277 stores in eight countries, Katie's influence extends far beyond her business. She is an active promoter of women in sports, and her advocacy has made a significant impact on female representation in sports leadership roles.
Janine Allis (Boost Juice) Net Worth: (upwards of) $66 million; Retail Zoo revenues – $350 million
Janine Allis' journey from selling juice from her home to building an empire of 550 Boost Juice stores worldwide is truly inspiring. Not only is she a successful entrepreneur, but she is also the part-owner of Retail Zoo, the parent company of Boost Juice, Salsa’s Fresh Mex Grill, Betty’s Burgers, and Cibo Espresso.
Melanie Perkins (Canva) Net Worth: $6.5 billion
Melanie Perkins, the CEO, and Co-founder of Canva has taken the tech world by storm. Canva, an online design and publishing tool, is valued at an impressive $40 billion in 2021. Melanie's vision and leadership have played a pivotal role in Canva's incredible success.
Kayla Itsines (Sweat App) Net Worth: $64 million
In the Times list of “30 most influential people on the Internet” 2016.
Kayla Itsines has gone from being a personal trainer in Adelaide to creating one of the world's most successful fitness apps, Sweat. At just 29 years old, Kayla's entrepreneurial journey is a shining example of leveraging technology to build a thriving business.
Diana Williams (Fernwood Women’s Health Clubs) Net Worth: Turnover more than $75 million/year
In 1989, Diana Williams was a stay-at-home mom in Melbourne when she realized the need for a female-only gym. She opened her first gym in Bendigo, Victoria, and 30 years later, Fernwood Women's Health Clubs has grown to 70 clubs across Australia with 73,000 members. Diana's vision for women's fitness has made her business a phenomenal success.
These five women are just a glimpse of the many remarkable female entrepreneurs in Australia. With their determination, innovation, and leadership, they are paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic business landscape in the future.
Janine Allis
Melanie Perkins
Kayla Itsines
A local teacher and business owner has aimed to simplify teaching maths to children with a brand new, innovative approach to times tables.
Nicole Batzloff, AKA Mrs B, has utilised her hands-on teaching experience by designing and trademarking a Sensory Hundreds Chart, an innovation in maths resources she believes will advance children years.
Offering kids the opportunity to “know your times tables in 10 days”, the new times tables method leverages off the multisensory resource to give children an understanding of their times tables, like no other method has ever done in the past.
“We all know how important times tables are for success in mathematics and for years, we have taught and learned them by rote,” Mrs Batzloff said.
The method still includes a host of traditional and brand-new rote activities but is underpinned with the multi-sensory hundreds chart, providing children a real framework for understanding times tables in a way no other method has ever done in the past.
Mrs Batzloff employed an often-encouraged hands-on approach to mathematics learning experiences, giving children the opportunity to explore their times tables in a hands-on way.
She said that not only does it help children fully grasp times tables but also enhances their overall mathematical fluency by combining sensory learning with whole-brain engagement.
The innovation was recently showcased on Mrs Batzloff’s TikTok channel, garnering an astounding 100,000 views within 48 hours.
Visit mrsblearningresources.com.au for more information.
Nicole Batzloff, AKA Mrs B, has conceptualised a Sensory Hundreds Chart to assist learning times tables
In the tapestry of our professional lives, there exists a thread that weaves magic and transforms dreams into reality. It's called mentorship, and it holds the key to unlocking untapped potential within us.
Imagine having an expert by your side, someone who has walked the winding roads you tread now and emerged victorious. A mentor, a beacon of knowledge and experience, offering guidance and support as you navigate the complexities of your career. The bond between mentor and mentee is more than just a passing relationship; it's an emotional connection, a nurturing embrace that fuels your growth.
Finding a mentor may seem like searching for a needle in a haystack, but fear not, for the universe has a way of bringing kindred spirits together. Seek out networking events, join professional organisations, or simply reach out to someone whose wisdom you admire. Embrace vulnerability and initiate that first conversation, for mentorship often blossoms from genuine connections.
But wait, there's more. Enter the benevolent force of sponsorship - a powerful ally that takes mentorship to the next level. A sponsor is like a knight in shining armor, advocating for your career advancement and opening doors to opportunities you might never have imagined. They see your potential, and through their influence, they pave the way for your success.
How does one find a sponsor, you may wonder? It often begins with excellence in your craft and building a reputation that shines like a beacon. As you excel, your work speaks volumes, and it catches the discerning eye of potential sponsors. But, like mentorship, sponsorship flourishes in the fertile soil of authentic relationships. Embrace networking, engage with influencers, and show genuine interest in their endeavors.
The beauty of mentorship lies not just in the opportunities they provide but also in the reciprocity of growth. As mentees, we absorb the wisdom of our mentors, but in turn, they are invigorated by our fresh perspectives and enthusiasm. Similarly, sponsors find fulfillment in watching their protégés soar, knowing they played a pivotal role in shaping their destinies.
So, my dear dreamers and achievers, embrace the transformative power of mentorship. Allow these guiding stars to illuminate your path and ignite the fire within you. Together, we shall ascend to greater heights, leaving a trail of inspiration for those who follow.
With heartfelt encouragement, Queens,
Shirlz x
CaneRise brings together the great work of cane farmers and industry in the Mackay Whitsunday region to reduce runoff, and improve soils and water quality in the region.
It’s a new website (canerise.com.au) featuring stories and tools to help cane farmers in the Mackay Whitsunday region grow their productivity through sustainable practices.
Established as part of a Great Barrier Reef Foundation Reef Trust Partnership project, it recognises practices that are working to improve water quality in reef catchment areas.
More than 460 landholders throughout the Mackay Whitsunday region alone have taken part in free Reef Trust Partnership-funded projects over the past few years.
We have seen benefits for farmers—with savings to time and money— as well as benefits to the environment. We now have the opportunity to share this widely through the CaneRise site.
The build of CaneRise responds to research which identified a need to have information about resources for sustainable practices in the Mackay Whitsunday region in one place, that cane farmers can more easily find and access.
The site includes existing tools that can help farmers improve practices, but can often be harder to find. This includes calculators for fertiliser blends and application, tools to support economic decision making, and resources to make data collection and record keeping easier.
It also showcases industry best practice frameworks such as Smartcane BMP and 6 Easy Steps, which many local growers have been implementing and seeing benefits for over almost a decade.
And many of these practical tools and practices come from local farmers themselves. Sarina grower, Ron Gurnett, built a high rise sprayer, modified from a cotton picker. The high rise gives more flexibility in his spraying routine, saving time and money, and improving the land for the future.
Find more stories like this on CaneRise.com.au, and keep up to date with the latest resources and tools by signing up on the website for updates.
Sarina grower, Ron Gurnett
With property owners getting set for hazard reduction burns in the lead-up to bushfire season, Ergon Energy Network and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) are urging them to take extra precautions around the power network.
Ergon Work Group Leader Craig Maddy highlighted the dangers of fires getting too close to power poles and other electrical assets when people conduct burns.
“More than a dozen power poles were brought down by landowner’s burns getting out of control last year, bringing down powerlines and cutting supply to entire communities in some cases,” Mr Maddy said.
“In addition to the inconvenience of widespread power disruptions, fallen powerlines can cause serious injury or even death to people and livestock that come into contact with them.
“Just as troubling is a power pole that’s only partially burnt because it will be significantly weakened and potentially snap during high winds or storm activity without warning.
“So we’re asking any landowners who are about to burn to ensure vegetation is cleared within a five metre radius of the base of a pole.”
Rural Fire Service A/Assistant Commissioner Peter Hollier said taking precautions before and during hazard reduction burns could significantly minimise the risk of damaging property and electricity infrastructure.
“It is imperative landholders are well aware of their surroundings and remain vigilant to ensure they, their families and properties are safe while conducting any bushfire mitigation work,” Mr Hollier said.
“To minimise the chances of fire damaging power poles and property, I would encourage property owners to trim or clear any long grass, foliage and rubbish around their electricity infrastructure and remain with any planned burns they carry out.
“If your council area is not currently drought declared, dampening the radius with water can also reduce the chances of accidental damage to property.
“Remember, you will need to apply for a free permit from your local fire warden before lighting a fire larger than two metres in any direction.
“For more information around bushfire preparedness head to qfes.qld.gov.au.”
In the event of a fire always dial triple zero.
By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay
A grower’s interest in the sugar they produce doesn’t end when cane is supplied to the mills for processing. Cane Supply Agreements include Grower and Miller Economic Interest clauses, which mean that growers can use the marketer of their choice to forward price their sugar on the commodities-based Intercontinental Exchange (ICE).
Thus, through a cane pricing formula, growers and millers share the risks and rewards.
The arrangement is also enshrined in the Federal Sugar Industry Code of Conduct, and, in Queensland, the Sugar Industry Act 1999. The Code of Conduct, overseen by the ACCC, is a vitally important instrument, maintaining equity and certainty around regulation and expected conduct between growers, millers, and marketers.
The Code was hard-fought-for by CANEGROWERS and the Australian Cane Farmers Association (ACFA), to keep in place the transparent, not-for-profit, industry-owned sugar marketer QSL. The need for a Code of Conduct (CoC) came about as a result of the industry moving into a deregulated environment in the past decade, giving millers a potential added advantage as monopoly marketers. The CoC set out obligations for supply contracts between millers and growers, and on-supply agreements from millers to marketers, maintaining a balance in the marketing of Grower Economic Interest (GEI).
The economic interest split, broadly speaking, is about 70% GEI to 30% MEI. From there, growers can opt to forward price their GEI out three years at varying amounts according to the certainty of harvest and supply capitalising on current strong prices into the future. Or, they may choose just to keep their pricing in line with the current harvest. Forward pricing is not unique to sugar- other agricultural commodities use the strategy. To that end, growers are making decisions on even a daily basis in an effort to maximise their income.
For the past year, sugar prices have been very strong, climbing up over the $800 per tonne to a recent April high of $842/tonne. It’s a long way from the $350/ tonne on offer in 2020. While prices remain strong, the market has been somewhat fickle of late. There are still opportunities for growers pricing their Production Risk pool if they have filled all of their target pricing. Of course, it’s important to note that while market price is riding high, the price growers actually receive is less.
There are a range of factors that influence sugar price, from the progress of crops and harvests across sugar producing nations like major players like Brazil and India, to Thailand, Australia, USA, EU, Pakistan and Russia. Further influences include ethanol production from sugar, exchange rates, Reserve Bank decisions, free trade agreements, shipping, cost of production (eg: fuel, fertiliser) to name a few.
Even the Russian war in Ukraine is an influence, as it affects fertiliser prices and is a driver OF global food inflation, with mounting pressure on grain supply. The Ukraine has been a vitally important supplier of the world’s grain- used across human and livestock food.
Indicators are that despite that recent bearish behaviour of the market, prices are remaining strong. There remains a high demand for sugar, while countries like India and Thailand grapple with a delayed monsoon, and the Brazilian sugar industry struggles to move sugar from port (where it competes with other commodities like corn) and has had reduced sugar recovered per tonne of cane this harvest, due to harvesting of immature crops.
Locally, CANEGROWERS Mackay wants to see the best for our members’ opportunity to capitalise on the high sugar price. That means getting our full crop away, currently hampered by rain events across July, and by poor mill performance. We can’t do anything about the weather, but millers can invest in their mills sufficiently to have them work reliably and efficiently. CANEGROWERS Mackay grower representatives have been highly vocal with millers in Mackay and Plane Creek on this subject.
The predicament for growers in Mackay and Plane Creek with the repeated rain events and decreased mill performance both this year and the preceding two years, is that it is difficult to make decisions on forward pricing. Forward pricing comes with a risk factor if the grower is not able to get all of that crop away. If any growers do have concerns, we urge them to talk to their marketer rep sooner rather than later to explore solutions.
Growers can forward price their sugar with the marketer of their choice, based on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). Photo credit: Kirili Lamb
A cohort of 260 Central Queensland high school students took part in the state’s first ever STEM Big Day Out which puts the spotlight on a whole new era of exciting careers for young people in the resources sector.
Students received an insight into the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) through a unique program developed by the Queensland Resources Council’s education arm, the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) and supported by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).
The QMEA is rolling out the model nationally with the support of BHP through a program called ARISE, which aims to connect young people with future career opportunities in the resources sector.
Spread over two days and five schools, the initiative will see Year 8 and 9 students working in teams guided by QMEA and BMA representatives to solve a series of real-world puzzles and challenges related to the resources sector.
Moranbah State High School hosted their STEM Big Day Out earlier this week on August 1, which involved the school’s entire Year 8 cohort of 160 students.
This was followed by another STEM Big Day Out on August 2, hosted this time by Sarina State High School and involving 100 students from Sarina, Mackay, Pioneer, and Mackay Northern Beaches state high schools.
Michelle Pole, Principal of Moranbah SHS, said students were excited to be part of this inaugural event, especially on their home ground.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to stir the students’ passion for STEM subjects,” she said.
“The program will foster teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills, and enable students to make connections between STEM subjects and how they’re relevant to future careers in the resources sector.”
Team challenges include solving riddles based on the periodic table to promote critical thinking to increase students’ knowledge of chemical elements.
Along with opportunities to explore pulley mechanics, control robots and engineer machines to consistently select samples, students will have plenty of fun as they harness their creativity and develop analytical and strategic thinking skills.
QMEA’s Manager of Skills and Education, Matthew Heskett, said BMA’s involvement in the program in Queensland added an extra dimension to the STEM activities planned.
“Being able to personally interact with BMA staff will give students a lot of insights into the real-world applications of the skills they’re developing in the classroom,” he said.
Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd (DBCT P/L) is making a meaningful difference in the lives of First Nations students at CQUniversity. The company's generous $5,000 donation last year launched a bursary program for Mackay-based First Nations students pursuing the Certificate II in Engineering Pathways course.
Since its inception, the bursary program has been a lifeline for 21 First Nations students, providing essential support to excel in their vocational studies. Levi Fallon, Keegan Zaro, and Xavier Anson-Kissier are among the latest recipients of this initiative.
At a presentation on July 19, the three students each received $500, proving to be a game-changer in their educational journey.
Levi expressed his gratitude, saying, "The money will definitely help me with my transport costs to get to the Mackay Ooralea Trades centre each week and also with the cost of some new PPE."
Keegan shared his appreciation, stating, "This will help a lot. I can buy all the safety gear needed like safety boots and work pants.
“After I complete this course, I want to continue my studies to complete Year 12 and graduate from high school. After I graduate, I want to apply to the Navy and become a Navy Seal as a career."
Xavier echoed their sentiments, adding, "When I have completed Year 12 and graduate from high school, I am hoping to get an apprenticeship as a diesel fitter. I would also be keen to work at Aurizon on the trains."
DBCT P/L CEO, Steve Rae, emphasised the company's commitment to supporting future workers, especially those facing potential barriers to entering the workforce.
"We want to ensure young First Nations people in Mackay who have an interest in trades and engineering have what they need to be successful in this space," he said.
L-R: Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal (DBCT) Start TAFE Now Bursary recipients Keegan Zaro, Xavier Anson-Kissier, and Levi Fallon with DBCT Public Relations Officer Emilie-Jain Fitzpatrick
World-class simulation training is helping North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) marine pilots stay at the top of their game more than 950 kilometres from their home ports.
NQBP’s pilotage team joined terminal operators and tug masters to test their limits at the Queensland Government’s Smartship Australia facility in Brisbane using virtually recreated ports of Hay Point and Mackay.
NQBP Acting CEO Belinda Kenny said the port industry collaboration saw stakeholders undertake state-of-the-art shipping simulations over two days.
“Working with Maritime Safety Queensland including the Regional Harbour Master, terminal operators, and towage operators, we explored our operational limitations in a safe environment without any disruptions to trade,” Ms Kenny said.
“This simulation training leads to real-world improvements to our port operations.
“The simulations brought to life the berthing of virtual vessels up to 300 metres in length in all types of weather conditions and loading capacities.
“Navigating ships in and out of our ports is a complex and specialised job. Our pilots handle more than 2,800 shipping movements a year. So, it’s vital to be able to hone their skills alongside port stakeholders,” Ms Kenny said.
“NQBP continues to lead the way in pilot competence and safe pilotage integrating innovative approaches to their professional development including simulation training.”
Smartship Australia Director and Principal Instructor Captain Peter Listrup said modern marine simulation systems played a key role in improving safety and efficiency outcomes for port operations.
“Simulation provides a zero-risk training environment for marine pilots to develop and enhance their piloting skills,” Captain Listrup said.
“Smartship Australia welcomes working with forward-thinking organisations like NQBP.”
Marine pilots from North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) are staying at the top of their game with the aid of world-class simulation training
Auto Women
This was established in 2022 by the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland). It works to provide a supportive environment for women working across the automotive industry to network and grow.
Our vision is to empower women in the Automotive Industry to reach their full potential.
Auto Women is committed to encouraging and empowering women to strive for maximum capacity to achieve success on their own terms. We will provide opportunities for women to connect with like minded professionals to support each other to contribute to their personal and professional development.
https://www.mtaq.com.au/auto-women/
Industry Workforce Advisory
MTA Queensland has been selected as the Industry Workforce Advisory organisation for the automotive industry, reporting directly to the Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training.
The aim of the program is to provide tailored workforce planning assistance to small and medium employers, enabling them to address workforce challenges, diversify their workforces, and support workforce and productivity growth.
This may include identifying recruitment strategies to expand applicant pools and consider underrepresented cohorts such as migrants, skilled migrants, young people, first nations, and/or those with a disability.
The Industry Workforce Advisor role will run from 7 November 2022 to 31 December 2025.
Industry Skills Advisor
MTA Queensland has been selected as the Industry Skills Advisory organisation for the automotive industry, reporting directly to the Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training.
Industry Skills Advisors will engage with employers, small business and industry stakeholders to provide high quality, evidence-based industry advice and intelligence about current and emerging industry direction, regional skills needs and training solutions, job growth and employment opportunities.
The Industry Skills Advisory role will run from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2023.
https://www.mtaq.com.au/industry-engagement/
Information of additional projects including the Transit Lane School to Work Project is available online: https://autoschoolconnect.com.au/blog-post-2/
One of the things I like about life is having a range of friendships with people from different age groups and an array of different socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Life is more interesting when you can have a laugh just as easily with the 90-year-old bloke who lives on the corner, the 21-year-old tattooed pommie hairdresser who is up for a chat while she has a vape outside the restaurant, the 45-year-old miner who is enjoying a Friday night beer at the pub after returning from over the hill or the 60-year-old Maltese cane farmer who is annoyed about too much/too little rain.
The mix of people don’t have to be your best friends, just people you get on with and have a connection with when you see each other.
And it can be pretty much anyone, with the obvious exceptions of Collingwood supporters and politically correct left-wing tyrant bullies with no sense of humour.
But even that isn’t quite true … I have met some quite decent Collingwood supporters over the years.
One of the great things about being a real estate agent is that you have to deal with all types of people. You don’t have to become best friends, but you need to create a connection and get on in a way that allows you to work together to get a deal done.
A friend of mine runs a small business in Mackay. He is what my mother used to call a New Australian. He speaks with an accent and comes from working class roots but he’s got money because he works hard and his business is successful.
He told me that he was pretty much ignored by a real estate agent at an open house recently and he felt it was because the agent assumed he didn’t have the money to buy that particular property. Not true.
I find that one of the most enjoyable aspects of real estate, as in life generally, is coming across a mix of people, ranging from business executives, stay-at-home mums, stay-at-home dads, doctors, truck drivers, artists, mechanics, builders, office workers and teachers to scientists, florists, miners and lollypop ladies.
An agent needs to connect with all of them and take them comfortably on the journey of buying or selling a property.
It is a great advantage if you tend to get on with all types of people, which means you can be authentically yourself and not be forced to pretend to be someone/something different.
That’s almost always the way it plays out for me. And when a politically correct, left-wing, Greens-voting, coal-hating, pillar of today’s cancel culture wants to buy a house I am selling … well, this little agent knows when to shut his mouth and not let his opinion get in the way of a good sale.
I’ve always aimed to “dream big” in life. Dreaming big has taught me that amazing things happen when you adopt this mind set. From starting up my own successful consulting business for almost 13 years, to being successful in the 2020 Local Government election and now working in my role as councillor, a privileged position that has been challenging at times, but also richly rewarding.
So, what is my next “dream big” project?
Through my involvement with the Trudy Crowley Foundation, as Chair, the board of directors have always dared to dream big.
From formation in 2018, we have employed a part-time, fully qualified palliative care nurse; employed a part-time counsellor, who specialises in oncology counselling and emotional support; opened the Trudy Crowley Community Cancer Support Centre in February 2023; employed a second fully qualified palliative care nurse in March this year and will be employing a third fully qualified palliative care nurse in 2024. All free services to our patients.
Dreaming big has achieved these amazing results. But we believe in dreaming bigger and chasing more audacious goals!
Our next ‘dream big’ project is to bring our vision of the Trudy Crowley Palliative Care Sanctuary to fruition. The sanctuary will provide respite and end-of-life care for patients undergoing oncology treatment and will include eight bedrooms (one allocated for children), non-denominational chapel, kitchen and amenities room. It will be a tranquil haven for palliative care patients to be cared for with dignity, compassion and respect.
Our partners are fully behind this dream and support the need for this facility within our community.
Fundraising has begun and we require $2m to find the perfect piece of land. We are seeking companies or individuals willing to pledge money for one bedroom, which will bear their name.
This is a massive dream big project and will take some years to achieve. However, nothing has ever been achieved by thinking small and I firmly believe in my heart, this vision will become a reality for our community.
https://www.trudycrowleyfoundation.com.au/
Cr Pauline Townsend
Mackay Regional Council
With live music, singalongs, a fashion parade, lunch, tea and coffee, Mackay 50’s & Better celebrated Christmas in July in style.
Attendees were invited to wear an apron; the funnier and naughtier, the better.
Annette Worthington provided music and laughs throughout the morning, while the best dressed were judged before all indulged in a delicious Christmas feast at Goosies.
For more information on Mackay 50’s & Better, contact Garry and Margaret on 0400 242 779.
Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
If you’re a bit tired reading this as you had a late night at the Human Nature show at the MECC last night, get ready for this.
If you have no plans for tomorrow, let me tell you, this will be awesome.
Saturday will be a great day to get up early because the annual day to raise money for Jeans for Genes Day is happening and we want you and the family to be part of it.
It’s the annual Kilometre Burpee Challenge with Christine and Col running the event.
A few years ago, I got a call from Christine on 4MK, asking if I would volunteer some time on the microphone to rev the crowd up as a whole bunch of legends do burpees outside the council building on Gordon St early on a Saturday in August. Of course, I said yes, and here we are three years later, and we are going stronger again.
All it takes is teams of how many you want, doing burpees after burpees going to reach one kilometre on the grass. Sounds easy right? Nope, but you know what, that’s why it’s like this.
Jeans for Genes Day is all about finding a cure for kids with cancers, and disorders which makes it difficult for them to lead a well, easier life. These kids get hit for six, their families get smacked out of the park every day, and they get back up again and do it all over again 365 days a year. So, there is the reason we do burpees. You get smacked down, and you get up again.
If you want to join us, come down after 7:30, and get ready to go after 8am. It will be fun. I’ll have the microphone so you’ll know it will be.
Once it’s done you can come to the Sarina Show because that’s where I’ll be heading to do the 4MK show live, and there’s something different this year. I’ll be putting some of my cooking up for judging to bag an award. What will I have with me? Scones? Jam Drops? Cakes? You’ll have to wait and see, and maybe join me at the Sarina Showgrounds and taste test some with the QCWA ladies too!
Oh, and yes, I’ll have to taste them myself too! Only if I must.
Enjoy the weekend, and the next time we catch up, I’ll tell you how you can have dinner on the runway at the Mackay Airport for a wonderful cause.
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!
Hi Everyone,
Three years ago, when News Corp announced they were shutting 14 regional newspapers overnight, three of which were located in the Whitsundays, our region instantly lost all its printed weekly news.
Friends could no longer gather to complete the newspaper’s weekly crossword, die-hard TV guide fans could no longer circle their favourite shows in ink, but more than that – the local community had lost its connection.
Whose kid had competed in what sport? What’s going on in the local property market? Whose playing at The Pub on the weekend? What local causes do we all need to get behind?
Overnight, all this was gone.
And while the internet is great at giving us national news and celebrity gossip, there is still nothing that can replace a printed weekly newspaper as the only source of local news gathered by local journalists.
This was evident in January this year when I received a call from a guy called Neil who was part of the Economic Development Group in the Burdekin.
He told me he loved what we do and implored us to start a similar publication in his region, assuring me we would have strong support from the local community.
I passed him over to our publisher Bec Douthwaite, and after months of discussion, it was decided that we would launch a new publication called Burdekin Life.
The new newspaper will have a very similar format to this one, but of course it will be entirely local to the Burdekin, with a full-time journalist living in the region.
For the past few months our team has been contributing to its launch and we are all heading there on September 28 to personally deliver and present the first edition.
For many of the team, the launch has involved considerable effort and planning – a whole new newspaper has been designed, advertising spots have been filled and one member of our team has moved up to the region to be Burdekin Life’s new journo.
As we celebrate this newspaper’s third birthday this week, it is exciting to now be embarking on a fresh challenge, one that will take commitment and dedication from everyone involved.
Thanks to all the team, and especially our publisher Bec who continues to back her dreams and bring us all along for the ride!
Rach
Quote of the Week: “Do one thing every day that scares you” (anonymous)
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