Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm has stepped down from her role as Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, in an effort to prioritise her health and wellbeing. The announcement comes a fortnight after Ms Camm returned from six weeks of medical leave following major surgery, with the Whitsunday MP recognising she needed more time to recover. “This has been a considered and deeply personal decision,” Ms Camm said. “Having returned from six weeks of medical leave following major surgery I have come to recognise that my recovery still has some way to go and I need to prioritise my health and wellbeing.” “I sincerely thank the Premier for the opportunity to serve in his Government and for his support of my decision.” Ms Camm added in a presser outside of Parliament house in Brisbane, that the pressures of ministerial work had contributed to her decision to step down. This follows months of intense scrutiny over conditions for children in care and domestic violence prevention funding cuts had reinforced the importance of personal safety, especially in light of the recent attack on Victorian MP Helen Haines. “Public scrutiny and accountability are essential to democracy and to our institutions,” she said. “Harassment, threats, bullying and personal vilification are not and for the past year this has been my experience.” But during her time in the role, Ms Camm oversaw reforms to strengthen child protection, support foster and kinship carers and improve responses to domestic and family violence. Central to her child safety work was the Government’s response to the Child Safety Commission of Inquiry, which delivered 52 recommendations for improving the system. “The landmark Child Safety Commission of Inquiry was the turning point for the Child Safety system,” Ms Camm said. “There is much more work to be done, while early positive signs show we have stabilised numbers in the Residential Care system for the first time.” Her work in domestic and family violence included introducing laws for electronic monitoring of perpetrators to strengthen accountability, alongside her reporting a doubling of calls answered by DVConnect to help more people access support when they needed it. “After sitting with victims of domestic and family violence over many years through opposition and then in the ministry, I’m proud to have been part of delivering change that can help save lives,” Ms Camm said. In a statement following her decision, Premier David Crisafulli praised her work across both portfolios, describing the child safety inquiry’s reform roadmap as her greatest legacy and highlighting improved access to the domestic violence helpline. “I thank Amanda for her service to Queensland firstly as a Shadow Minister and then as a Minister,” Mr Crisafulli said. “Amanda took on an enormous task with a Child Safety system in crisis and a state in need of domestic violence reform. “With her dedication, passion and commitment, she has put Queensland on the road to repair both. “I speak on behalf of the Government, the LNP and all Queenslanders in wishing her the best in her recovery.” Ms Camm will continue serving as the Member for Whitsunday, reaffirming her commitment to the local community. “I remain committed to the people of Whitsunday as their Member of Parliament, and to supporting the Premier and the Government in delivering a fresh start for Queensland,” she said.
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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay A firmly enforced bioethanol mandate, backed by increased local sugarcane production, is essential to strengthening Queensland’s industry resilience, regional jobs, and Australia’s long‑term fuel security. Our region holds enormous potential: not only for producing sugar, but for renewable fuel, energy diversification, and national economic security. Queensland’s sugarcane industry has always been a cornerstone of regional prosperity, but today it stands at a crossroads. Global markets are volatile and input costs are rising, and at the same time, Australia faces increasing pressure to reduce emissions, strengthen domestic fuel supplies, and build more resilient regional economies. A properly enforced bioethanol mandate is one of the most effective tools we have to meet these challenges head on. Queensland already has a mandate in place, but compliance remains inconsistent. When fuel retailers fail to meet their obligations, growers, mills, and regional communities lose out on opportunities that should rightfully be flowing into our local economy. Bioethanol is not a theoretical solution: it is a proven, practical, and immediate pathway to cleaner fuel and stronger regional industries and economies. Countries like Brazil and the United States have shown that bioethanol can reduce emissions, stabilise fuel markets, and create thousands of rural jobs. In these countries, and across the world, bioethanol forms a substantially higher portion of retail fuel sales than this country has embraced. Queensland has the same potential, but only if the mandate is taken seriously and enforced with the consistency it deserves. For Mackay, the benefits are clear. Our region is one of Australia’s most productive sugarcane hubs, with the land, infrastructure, climate, and expertise to support a thriving biofuels sector. Increased demand for bioethanol directly translates into increased demand for sugarcane. That means more cane in the ground, more certainty for growers, and more throughput for our mills, and we all know that milling is a volume game. This in turn supports jobs from the paddock to the processing line. But the opportunity extends far beyond economics. A stronger bioethanol industry enhances national fuel security, reducing Australia’s reliance on imported fuels. At a time when global supply chains are increasingly unstable, producing more of our own fuel is not just smart policy, it is essential. Every litre of bioethanol produced in Queensland is a litre of fuel Australia does not have to import. To seize this opportunity, we must also focus on increasing local sugarcane production. The industry cannot diversify, innovate, or expand into new markets without a reliable and growing supply of cane. More cane means more flexibility for mills, more investment in advanced manufacturing, and greater capacity to produce not only sugar and ethanol, but also bioplastics, green electricity, and other high value products. Growers are ready to meet this challenge. With the right policy settings from all levels of government, including a robust and enforced bioethanol mandate, we can plant more cane, improve productivity, and strengthen the long‑term viability of our region. But growers cannot do it alone. We need government to ensure the mandate is upheld, fuel retailers to meet their obligations, and industry partners to continue investing in innovation and infrastructure. Mackay has the land, the people, and the expertise to lead Queensland’s next era of renewable energy and agricultural diversification. What we need now is the policy certainty that comes from a mandate that is not only written into law but actively enforced. A stronger bioethanol mandate is not just good for growers it is good for Queensland, good for regional jobs, and good for Australia’s fuel future. The time to act is now. Bioethanol can use sugarcane by-products including molasses, bagasse, mill mud as well as plant material. Image: AdobeStock
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Marketing strategy boils down to answering four questions: What does your business want? > The goal. Who can help you achieve your goal? > The audience. What do you need to tell your audience so that they can help you achieve your goal? > The message. Where do you need to put your message so that your audience sees it? > The delivery. But how do you actually go about answering those Q’s? Like anything, the broad strokes are more complicated in practice but it’s a good framework to come back to when you’re planning your next marketing activity. Start by drilling down + identifying a measurable goal that you can work towards. Vague + lofty goals are okay, but without a clear way to track your progress, achieving them will be pretty tough. For example, tracking how many enquiries you get + the quote conversion rate can be useful info to have as a baseline. That way, if you do a targeted campaign to attract more work, you can see if it meaningfully pushed the needle in the right direction! Next, really empathise with who can help you achieve those goals. Try to build up a target customer in your head. How old are they? What do they want from your business? What are they interested in? The more specific you are, the easier it’ll be to craft messaging that will actually appeal to that person. Once you’ve defined your goal + who can help you achieve it, you’ve got to tell them how to help you do it. Your messaging should be the key information that your audience needs to know about your business. This is where you focus on not only what your customers want to know about you, but how your business is different to all the others out there. Your messaging should change based on the people you’re targeting. Lastly, the delivery. Where does your target market frequent? Do they use socials? Are they constantly listening to the radio? Do they frequent the pub on a Friday arvo? Once you know where they go, you can start figuring out how to get your message there. While socials are a great option, they’re not the only one. Billboards, coasters, or a flyer that sits on a wall somewhere are all effective options. But if that all sounds like too much effort, you can always reach out + talk to us. We’ll help you figure it out 😉 Taren McAuley
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I’m eager to know and share in the festive joy!
I’m on a quest to uncover your ultimate Christmas traditions—whether they’re quirky, heart-warming, or downright hilarious. Why, you ask? Well, this year’s Christmas isn’t just about me anymore, it’s the first with our son, who will be almost 9 months old. I’m determined to create traditions that’ll make him giggle, ponder, and possibly spill his milk in astonishment.
What’s your festive secret sauce? Whether it’s an offbeat Christmas Eve ritual involving reindeer socks or a post-Christmas feast sandcastle contest, I’m all ears! Oh, and a burning question: in homes without fireplaces, how does Santa work his magical entry? Is there a secret kangaroo expressway we’re missing?
Traditions are the delightful sprinkles on the holiday cupcake—those quirky rituals that make our hearts merry. Take, for instance, my recent Kiwi holiday home where I tooted my way through the Kaikoura tunnels. Yep, it’s a Kiwi tradition. And just this week, as our home got a fresh concrete slab in the backyard, my little one's footprints and initials now grace our territory. I guess you could call it the foundation of our traditions!
Now, speaking of festive shenanigans, I’ve been invited to an Aussie Christmas blowout at a friend's family farm. Since my folks are far, far away, it's all about diving headfirst into the Aussie festivities! They’ve asked for a classic Kiwi lolly cake, but I couldn’t resist adding a touch of Kiwi flair with a pavlova. I'm also attempting my first trifle. Disaster or masterpiece? Only the North Pole elves know!
But hey, I'd love to hear about your Christmas traditions. Even better, share a photo from past years and tell me the story behind it at amanda@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com. In next week’s edition, our last for 2023, I’ll create a collage of your cherished traditions, capturing the true essence of this festive season.
We will also share a selection of Santa photos, so if you managed to grab a snap with the jolly man in red, send them to me with the names of everyone in the photo.
Here’s to traditions, magical memories, and sharing the laughter that truly makes this season magical!
Warm festive wishes,
Amanda
Nine young girls recently graduated from an action-packed Project Booyah in Mackay. The 16-week community-inclusive police mentoring program offered a unique blend of education, work experience, and adventure-based learning.
Teaming up with multiple local community groups, the cohort first collaborated with Mad Cow Coffee, who provided their time, resources, and knowledge, to teach our young ladies the skills required to make the perfect coffee over a four-week Barista course.
This not only earned the girls’ certificates for their resumes but also enhanced their communication skills and confidence. They showcased their coffee-making and customer service skills at Mackay’s Local Farmers Market, receiving positive feedback and some of the ladies have even obtained job interviews from their interactions.
Further expanding their skills, the girls attended the Mackay Woodturners Association for a crash course in woodturning, making hand-crafted wooden pens with guidance from experienced members. Frank and the Woodturners Association selflessly offered their time and resources to teach them the basics of using the lathe and other tools in the workshop. The final product was a hand-crafted wooden pen that gave the girls a sense of ownership and pride in what they had achieved.
The girls were also exposed to the world of virtual reality by Senior Constable Jaime Brooks, who delivered a Drive to Thrive Road Safety VR session, educating the group on road rules and safety. The girls enthusiastically participated, engaging in the session, and learning the effects of operating a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating substance.
To culminate an exceptional semester, Project Booyah Mackay partnered with Whitsunday Water Police to surprise the girls with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Whitehaven Beach aboard Police Vessel Damian Leeding. The girls expressed their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity, building rapport with police officers and showing genuine interest in their roles.
Program Coordinator Senior Constable Keiran Horsfall was overwhelmed with pride seeing his cohort graduate and is excited to see what the future holds for them.
“Project Booyah doesn’t use a cookie cutter approach, we base our course content around the cohort that we have to achieve the best outcomes for them, “he said.
“The blend of education, work experience, but also knowing when to have fun is intentional. It’s not just about preparing for a job or school; it’s about preparing for life.
“The nine graduating girls have had a lasting effect on me and I’m certain the program will have a lasting effect on them.
“Seeing these young girls graduate with new skills and confidence is the greatest reward.”
Senior Constable Keiran Horsfall’s leadership, coupled with community collaborations, has not only empowered these young women with practical skills but has also opened doors to exciting opportunities and career prospects.
Mackay Booyah girls making coffees with Sonia from Mad Cow Coffee
Booyah girls and Mackay Woodturners members with their handmade wooden pens
Booyah girls using the lathe to make wooden pens
Trying out the VR headsets
Mackay Booyah girls aboard the Damian Leeding vessel
Photo credit: myPolice Mackay
Nine young girls recently graduated from an action-packed Project Booyah in Mackay. The 16-week community-inclusive police mentoring program offered a unique blend of education, work experience, and adventure-based learning.
Teaming up with multiple local community groups, the cohort first collaborated with Mad Cow Coffee, who provided their time, resources, and knowledge, to teach our young ladies the skills required to make the perfect coffee over a four-week Barista course.
This not only earned the girls’ certificates for their resumes but also enhanced their communication skills and confidence. They showcased their coffee-making and customer service skills at Mackay’s Local Farmers Market, receiving positive feedback and some of the ladies have even obtained job interviews from their interactions.
Further expanding their skills, the girls attended the Mackay Woodturners Association for a crash course in woodturning, making hand-crafted wooden pens with guidance from experienced members. Frank and the Woodturners Association selflessly offered their time and resources to teach them the basics of using the lathe and other tools in the workshop. The final product was a hand-crafted wooden pen that gave the girls a sense of ownership and pride in what they had achieved.
The girls were also exposed to the world of virtual reality by Senior Constable Jaime Brooks, who delivered a Drive to Thrive Road Safety VR session, educating the group on road rules and safety. The girls enthusiastically participated, engaging in the session, and learning the effects of operating a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating substance.
To culminate an exceptional semester, Project Booyah Mackay partnered with Whitsunday Water Police to surprise the girls with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Whitehaven Beach aboard Police Vessel Damian Leeding. The girls expressed their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity, building rapport with police officers and showing genuine interest in their roles.
Program Coordinator Senior Constable Keiran Horsfall was overwhelmed with pride seeing his cohort graduate and is excited to see what the future holds for them.
“Project Booyah doesn’t use a cookie cutter approach, we base our course content around the cohort that we have to achieve the best outcomes for them, “he said.
“The blend of education, work experience, but also knowing when to have fun is intentional. It’s not just about preparing for a job or school; it’s about preparing for life.
“The nine graduating girls have had a lasting effect on me and I’m certain the program will have a lasting effect on them.
“Seeing these young girls graduate with new skills and confidence is the greatest reward.”
Senior Constable Keiran Horsfall’s leadership, coupled with community collaborations, has not only empowered these young women with practical skills but has also opened doors to exciting opportunities and career prospects.
Mackay Booyah girls making coffees with Sonia from Mad Cow Coffee
Booyah girls and Mackay Woodturners members with their handmade wooden pens
Booyah girls using the lathe to make wooden pens
Trying out the VR headsets
Mackay Booyah girls aboard the Damian Leeding vessel
Photo credit: myPolice Mackay
Petition To Halt Works
Residents of the region are encouraged to sign the ‘Save Eungella’ petition, to halt the proposed construction of a pumped hydro scheme, backed by the Queensland Government.
The petition is a part of Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry’s Save Eungella campaign and aims to preserve the rich biodiversity of Eungella for wildlife and the local community.
According to Ms Landry, the government is hastily pursuing a target of 70 per cent of renewable energy by 2032.
“However, in their urgency for renewable energy, both levels of government are jeopardizing untouched wilderness, valuable agricultural land and mental wellbeing of locals,” Ms Landry explained.
“In their rush to renewables, Labor is investing billions of dollars to build the world’s largest pumped hydro scheme right in the heart of one of Australia’s most diverse rainforest wilderness areas. It will completely decimate the habitat of iconic native animals, such as the platypus and northern quoll. Once Eungella, land of clouds, is under water, we will never get it back,” she said.
“Queenslanders are rightly concerned about how much these renewable projects are going to be affecting our wonderfully unique environments, particularly projects which will be constructed in one of Australia’s most ecologically diverse areas.
“Not only is this impacting the habitat of native animals, but it is also forcing locals from their homes,” Ms Landry said.
“Meanwhile, those residing in close proximity contend with devaluation of their land, disruptions to their lives, and the challenging toll on their mental health.”
Residents can find the ‘Save Eungella’ petition here: michellelandry.com.au/saveeungella.
Charlene and Joe Slack with David Littleproud and Michelle Landry. Photo supplied
Mackay police have charged a 46-year-old woman following a two-year investigation into the suspicious death of a child at Munbura, near Mackay on August 29, 2021.
Emergency crews were called to a Munbura Road address on that date, after a four-year-old child, Tarrin-Macen O'Sullivan, was reported to have drowned in a backyard pool.
After extensive investigations through Operation Tango Anise, detectives will now allege the four-year-old child died before entering the pool.
Last Friday, December 8, detectives from the Mackay Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU) arrested the mother, 46-year-old Tara Richardson, at a South Mackay address.
Ms Richardson has been charged with one count of murder (domestic violence offence) and one count of misconduct with corpse by interference.
Tarrin-Macen O’Sullivan. Photo source: Facebook
Mackay Airport is celebrating Christmas early this year, gifting a total of $10,000 to five charities.
Each will receive their share of $2,000 of five different charities and not-for-profit organisations.
With the public able to vote for the charities up until yesterday, Thursday 14, the ‘Mackay Airport Making Christmas a Little Brighter’ campaign is aimed to promote and support smaller charities.
Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles said the new initiative would aim to support lesser-known charities who may be overlooked during typical festive season fundraising.
“Charity donations are often more frequent during the Christmas period; however, community groups with limited marketing capacity often miss out on this much needed money,” he said.
“Many smaller organisations across our region do vital work that can improve people’s lives immeasurably. A donation to these groups can make a real difference to their bottom line and enable them to extend their reach to more people in need.”
“We plan to make this initiative an annual and evolving event. Along with providing financial support, we hope this campaign will help to increase awareness around the many charities and projects that are doing important work around our region.”
Each successful organisation will be handed a life-size cheque of $2,000 in the lead up to Christmas, delivered by a Mackay Airport representative and Santa himself.
The five public chosen charities will be announced on Wednesday, December 20.
Santa Claus with Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles, with the $10,000 cheque for charities. Photos supplied
She’s only 11 weeks old, but baby Rosie Connell already starred in her first role last Friday at Mater Private Hospital Mackay.
Rosie fulfilled the role of Baby Jesus in Mater’s annual nativity play, which has become a tradition at the facility performed for Mater staff and patients – and starring the children of Mater People.
Rosie’s mother, Mater Private Hospital Mackay Registered Nurse Jasmine Connell, said she was thrilled to have both her children starring in the nativity play for the first time.
“Even though I’ve worked at Mater Mackay for 12 years, this is the first year that I’ve had the chance for my children to be in the nativity play, which is performed every year,” Ms Connell said.
“Rosie played baby Jesus while my eldest, who is five years old, played one of the angels.
“I’m on maternity leave with Rosie at the moment, but am normally a registered nurse on our surgical ward.
“One of the reasons I enjoy working at Mater is the family environment, which is reflected in the staff and our families being able to come together for the nativity play.
“I also feel the nativity play is a fantastic way to give insight to the true meaning of Christmas and Mater’s own Mission of providing compassionate care to our community.”
Mater Private Hospital Mackay Acting General Manager Chris Junge said he was proud the nativity play tradition was continuing.
“Mater Mackay’s nativity play has been performed annually for more than 30 years by Mater staff and their families, and is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate our Mater People, entertain our patients and visitors, and reflect on the meaning of Christmas,” Mr Junge said.
“Our Mater People embody our vision to empower people to live better lives – and in Mackay we are very proud to put these values into action and provide opportunities for our staff and their families to feel supported.”
Mater Mackay’s nativity play has been performed annually for more than 30 years. This year, baby Rosie Connell starred as Baby Jesus. Photos supplied
Excitement was palpable in Mackay last week, with the Wiggles performing at the MECC, as part of their national The Wiggles’ Wiggly Big Day Out Tour. During the show, there was a special message, supporting the upcoming free kindy for 2024.
A partnership between the Queensland Government and The Wiggles, the advertising campaign showcased the free kindy initiative, beginning January 1, 2024 for eligible families.
It is estimated that 64,000 children will benefit from this initiative, and have access to quality early education program in the year before Prep, for 15 hours a week, 40 weeks a year.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert was excited to spread the message in Mackay alongside The Wiggles.
"Free kindy is a huge investment and historic reform from the Queensland Government which will see local Mackay families saving up to $4,600 per year,” she explained.
"It's important that Queensland families know kindy will be free, inclusive and accessible from the start of next year, so that every child can get a strong start to their learning."
"Who better to help us share this fantastic message, than Australian children's musical icons — The Wiggles?
"It's terrific to have The Wiggles on board to share this important message and inspire audiences to enrol in free kindy from 2024."
One lucky local family was also given the opportunity to meet The Wiggles in Mackay.
Families can learn more about kindy and use the Free Kindy Finder online tool to search for a free kindy location by searching 'Free Kindy Queensland.'
To find your local approved and free kindergarten, search 'Free Kindy Queensland' or visit www.qld.gov.au/FreeKindy
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert was at the MECC to help The Wiggles spread the message of ‘free kindy’ beginning in 2024
The visionary leader of Australia’s largest resource region announced her retirement from local government in Queensland last week.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker broke the emotional news that she has made the decision not to contest the local government elections in March 2024.
Mayor Baker, who is one of Queensland’s most respected local government leaders, is known as a powerhouse community champion for her monumental lobbying and her authentic approach of putting people before politics.
Council CEO Ken Gouldthorp described Mayor Baker as the political architect steering the ship for over a decade and the driving force behind a series of remarkable achievements.
“The Isaac region’s trajectory has been forever altered under her visionary guidance and she leaves a legacy that lays strong foundations for Isaac’s next chapter,” Mr Gouldthorp said.
“As we bid farewell to an Isaac icon, we salute Mayor Baker for her indelible mark on our region's history.
“Her inspirational legacy and authentic human approach to leadership is not just a chapter in our story, but a dynamic force that will resonate for generations to come.”
Mayor Baker, who has lived in the Bowen Basin for 40 years, shared her heartfelt thanks to her communities, Councillors and Council staff that have supported her throughout her career.
“After nearly 17 years representing the Isaac region, and the last 12 of those as Mayor, I have made the decision to retire from Council,” Mayor Baker said.
“It has been a wild ride and I have put my heart and soul into fighting for Isaac, getting up every day to do my best for the community I love.
“I've cherished every moment of being Mayor, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for our incredible region.”
At the end of a term filled with monumental achievements including saving Glenden, successful lobbying for a new hospital and securing over $120M in funding for our communities, Mayor Baker plans to take a break and spend time with family and friends.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker will not contest the 2024 local government elections. Photos supplied: Isaac Regional Council
As consumers, our choices profoundly impact the economic and social landscape of our region. Shopping locally in Mackay isn’t merely a transaction, it’s an investment back into the community that we so proudly belong to.
There are a multitude of benefits to shopping locally and within your community, and this is far from an exhaustive list, but it does illustrate just how much of a difference your hard-earned money can make to the world and the people around you.
1. Economic Empowerment
Mackay’s local businesses are the lifeblood of the community, contributing significantly to the economic health of the region. In a survey conducted in Australia in 2021, the leading reason among respondents for shopping locally was to keep money in the local community, with around 54 per cent of respondents indicating this.
2. Job Creation
Employment opportunities are crucial for the well-being of the region. Small stores, cafes, news agencies and other locally owned businesses are often major contributors to job creation. By choosing to shop locally, you’re helping to expand the opportunities for everybody, and that’s always a good thing.
3. Unique Local Offerings
Mackay boasts a multitude of small and family-owned businesses that each have their unique wares. Locally sourced produce and artisanal crafts are only a sample of the rich diversity of offerings that can be found when exploring the city. Offerings like this often won’t be available in many chain stores. Not only does this enhance the shopping experience, but also adds character to the community.
4. Environmental Impact
Beyond the economic advantages, shopping here in Mackay will also help reduce your carbon footprint. Have you ever considered the environmental impact of having goods shipped from large chain stores over long distances? Shopping locally and supporting small businesses often means you’re helping to reduce carbon emissions and helping to contribute to an eco-friendly community.
5. Community Connection
Local businesses not only provide a unique shopping experience, but they also provide a fantastic gathering place for locals and help foster a sense of homeliness and belonging among Mackay residents. As you shop locally, you’re not just buying goods, you’re investing in the social fabric of this great community.
By choosing to shop locally, you become an active participant in the growth of our community. Every local purchase you make sends a ripple of positive impact throughout Mackay, creating a community we can all take pride in.
Every year, the Rotary club of Walkerston is responsible for quite a few local awards.
Recently presented was the Dux Awards at both of the local primary schools.
At Walkerston State School it was presented to Frankie Cunningham, and at St John’s Catholic School to Khloe Noy. Congratulations to both girls!
Also every year, the club presents the Cliff Andersen Memorial Sports Trophy to an outstanding sportsperson.
Cliff Andersen was, for many years, a councillor on the Pioneer Shire Council representing the Walkerston region. He was also a very keen sportsman both playing and coaching tennis. Following his death, Councillor Andersen’s family donated the Cliff Andersen Memorial Sports Award perpetual trophy to Walkerston Rotary Club. This was to be presented to a local sportsperson who had achieved above average success in his or her chosen sport/s. The trophy was first presented in 1993.
The 2023 Cliff Andersen Memorial Sports Award was rather special this year, by way of being multiplied by two! It was presented to twelve-year-old twins Aiden and Noah Porter, two very high achievers in local athletics, and beyond.
The club's Community Service Award was presented to Carmel Baretta, a highly accomplished and very well-known local identity, especially in the Italian and Maltese circles. Carmel has worked tirelessly for many years, volunteering in many local community groups, including the Italian and Maltese descendants’ community groups.
International Men’s Day, held on the third Sunday of November, was celebrated with a very successful ‘Sunday Session’. Hopefully the first of such to be organised by the Club.
This came about from a wish expressed by this year’s club president, that he ‘would really like to set up an event focussing on men’s health’. A clever club member suggested the not overly publicised International Men’s Day for the date.
From there the concept developed at a fast pace, gaining lots of community and business support, then culminating in a lazy relaxing Sunday afternoon of ‘Blokes Celebrating Blokes’, with great company, good food, and excellent speakers.
Walkerston Rotary Club wishes to thank Mackay Life Newspaper for its much-appreciated support throughout 2023 via the Walkerston Wonders page.
Season’s Greetings to everyone!
Contributed by Bente McDonald
Dux Award recipient at Walkerston School, Frankie Cunningham, presented by Club Youth Director Bente McDonald
Dux Award Recipient at St John's School, Khloe Noy, presented by Club Director Ray Borg
Cliff Andersen Sports Award recipients, Aiden and Noah Porter
Walkerston Rotary's Community Service Award recipient, Carmel Baretta
We have everything you need this gift giving season – from stunning giftware and pots, to a diverse selection of plants and garden essentials. Explore the latest Weber Q range, ideal for those last-minute Christmas gifts. Dive into the largest assortment of YETI products in Mackay, perfect for surprising your loved ones!
For the DIY enthusiasts, our store boasts a comprehensive collection of power tools and outdoor equipment from renowned brands like STIHL, Milwaukee, Makita, Dewalt, and much more.
Whether you're planning home projects during the Christmas break or seeking gifts for Mum, Dad, or the whole family, we have a wide variety to choose from.
Take a break at Charlies Café with a cup of coffee while you browse our beautiful store, and don't miss our extensive outdoor furniture range.
Make this holiday season special with Porters! Full list of festive trading hours can be found on our website www.porterscando.com.au
Hello Walkerston, it's time to get your armchairs and BBQ's ready, the great annual Walkerston Fire Station lolly run will be happening Saturday 16th December from 2pm.
If you would like to donate any money or lollies to Santa, please drop them into Walkerston Fuel (please ensure they are individually wrapped).
The travel route and street listing will be posted to the Facebook event on the day so you can see Santa's route.
With wet weather conditions combined with warming temperatures in the Mackay region this means ticks are out in full-force, with RSPCA Queensland warning pet owners of the potential dangers these parasites can pose to pets.
Ticks cause severe illness in our pets and in the worst cases, can lead to death. They may be small, but they are one of the most dangerous parasites affecting domesticated animals.
RSPCA Qld Veterinary Hospital Manager, Emma MacDonald said there were many tick preventative products available which repel or kill ticks, protecting pets from the deadly paralysis tick.
“Keeping up to date with prevention all year round is the best way to protect our pets.
“Remembering ticks can be fatal and knowing the signs to ensure that treatment can be given quickly will also ensure a better chance at survival for our animals.
“Checking your pet daily and thoroughly from nose to tail, running fingertips through coat and checking in ears, between paw pads, under armpits and all over the body.
“If a tick or a crater is found and your pet is showing clinical signs of tick paralysis, take them to your vet immediately.” Emma said.
Tick paralysis symptoms include:
• Loss of coordination in the hindlegs.
• A change in the bark or the meow of the animal
• Retching, coughing and vomiting
• Excessive drooling and salivation
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty breathing
A statement from Mackay Veterinary Clinic stated, “Living in North Queensland, our pets really do brave the elements with the heat, snakes, leptospirosis, heartworm and this time of year - paralysis ticks.
“Paralysis ticks are certainly on the move early this year and are packing an extra punch as we start to see more and more pets arrive at our hospital for treatment.”
Northern Beaches Vet Hospital commented, “One of the main questions we get asked about ticks is how to identify which are paralysis ticks and which are bush/brown or cattle ticks.
“The best way to tell them apart is by the legs. The paralysis ticks have legs near the head in a V-shape, whereas the bush/brown or cattle ticks have the legs spaced out around the body.”
A good rhyme to remember the difference between ticks is ‘Spaced Out Arms Do No Harm, Legs Near The Head - Get the Vet out of Bed!’
Two confronting cases of neglect from North Queensland, Colby and Conrad, have demonstrated how seriously a pet’s condition can deteriorate if ticks are left untreated.
RSPCA Queensland Inspectorate Team Leader Ben Newman said his team were shocked and saddened at the condition of the two puppies found with a heavy tick burden.
“These puppies had a large burden of ticks and needed urgent veterinary treatment.
“If left untreated, ticks are deadly. We frequently see similar cases like this that result in the death of an animal due to paralysis ticks, anaemia from large burdens of ticks, or disease caused from tick bites.” Ben said.
Colby and Conrad have made a full recovery after veterinary care and are now available to adopt from RSPCA Mackay.
A visual guide to identify and differentiate between the types of ticks. Photo credit: Northern Beaches Vet Hospital
Before images showing the terrible neglect to Colby and Conrad from multiple ticks
Colby and Conrad have been treated for ticks and are available for adoption from the RSPCA
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