Every day local tour operators are out on the reef and, while their main job is to show visitors our beautiful ecosystems, these days they are also tasked with a bigger calling.

They play an important role in monitoring the reef by creating data which provides valuable information that documents the welfare of our precious marine environment.

Cruise Whitsundays along with a number of other local operators are working closely with the Great Barrier Marine Park to conduct regular assessment and stewardship at specific sites within the Whitsunday Marine Park. Cruise Whitsundays specifically has been tasked with keeping a watchful eye over Hardy Reef, which is the location of Reefworld the Cruise Whitsundays permanently moored pontoon located 39 nautical miles from the mainland in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

As part of their dedication to ensuring the health of the reef, Cruise Whitsundays in collaboration with their dive operator Reef Safari Diving, has a trained team of marine biologists and divers conducting weekly tourism surveys as well as quarterly Reef Health Impact Surveys (RHIS).

This information is constantly sent back to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks Association (GBRMPA) and used to compile data on the health of the reef. It can then be used as an early warning system of potential negative impacts on the reef.

Among other things the surveys count coral cover, watch for coral predators such as Crown of Thorns star fish and the Drupella (which is a tiny snail that eats the reef) and also for signs of coral bleaching.

“We report anything unusual and if, for example, there was a large outbreak of Crown of Thorns, then previously GBRMPA would send a specialist team to remove them. However, now our trained staff will be able to remove any predators on the spot and keep numbers under control and our reef healthy.” said Julia Farrell Reef Safari’s Master Reef Guide.

In addition to skilled professionals, there is also opportunity for Citizen Scientists to get involved in initiatives that protect and monitor the reef.

Anyone who has a favourite fishing spot or regularly heads out to the reef is asked to come forward and complete sightings through the “Eye on Reef” app created by The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. You can log marine life you see as well unusual activity.

Individuals do not need to be skilled for this type of data collection as its main purpose is to watch for change and degradation.

A recent report by AIMS (The Australian Institute of Marine Science) stated that the upper and middle Great Barrier Reef actually has more coral cover than when they first started taking records in 1986.

While much media can paint a “doom and gloom” story, it is important to look at the facts and it is statistics like this that inspires Julia to work with the reef.

“I always tell my staff that even if we can change just one per cent then we are making a difference,” she said.

“Martin Luther King didn’t say ‘I have a nightmare’ – he said, ‘I have a dream!’”

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Underwater monitoring proves invaluable in recording vital information for the health of the reef

Cruise Whitsundays conduct monitoring from their pontoon located on Hardy Reef, 39 nautical miles out to sea

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If you could change anything about Proserpine, what would it be and why?

Riley Rule, aged 21

I grew up in Prossie but recently moved to Bundaberg because I couldn’t get an apprenticeship here, so I guess if I could change anything it would be having more employment opportunities for young people here.

Other than that, I think Prossie has it all! I love going out to the dam, fishing, crabbing and four-wheel-driving – I hope one day I can come back to the area.

It’s hard to find a rental though and on an apprentice wage I would have to live with like five other people to be able to afford it! Luckily, I could live with my mum and dad though!

Patti Catling, aged 70

I was born in Prossie but moved away and only came back here a year ago. We grew up here when there were two cinemas in town and I miss that, although it is great to hear the entertainment centre has started showing movies again.

I can remember the days before the cyclone when they did lots of stuff there.

I would love to see an Aldi Supermarket here but other than that, I think it’s got everything we need for people at our stage of life – it’s got a real sense of community – people are ‘real’ here, it’s a real town with real people and I like that.

Richard Davidson and daughter, Mia, aged four

I’d like to see more activities for kids in the area, something to keep them entertained over the holidays and weekends like bowling or go karts.

We only moved here a month ago, on Christmas Eve in fact, but so far the town looks good, it feels safe and happy.

The people are nice and so far it is a good change from the Mornington Peninsula, which is where we moved from.

We bought a house here and heard good things about St Catherine’s School so are feeling pretty good about the area overall.

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Friendship, community and contribution are three of the key benefits of becoming an auxiliary fire fighter at Proserpine Fire Station according to the existing team who are currently looking for between three and four new recruits.

Offering maximum flexibility around your current work, an auxiliary position means you can work part-time in this paid role and be ‘on-call’ in your downtime.

New recruits also receive fully paid training which includes a two-week course in Yeppoon where they learn to respond to real life emergency situations such as navigating buildings full of smoke and working with breathing apparatus.

Of course, getting paid is not the reason most people choose this sort of job, it is more of a calling to serve.

“For me it’s about helping the community, we do it for the people, to give our time back,” said Emanuele Ventura (known as Ace to his team mates).

Ace is originally from Italy but moved to Australia in 2005 and to the Whitsundays in 2007, following his love of nature.

“Being an auxiliary fire fighter is more than being called out to emergencies,” said Ace.

“We also interact with community which is my favourite part – we provide a community service for schools, we do Colour Runs and of course the Santa Run!”

Fellow ‘Firie’, Keith Thomas started in the role in March last year and says his main motivation was to make sure he is there for his daughter and any other local kids if they need help.

“My daughter’s a teenager now so she’ll be one of the people driving around,” explains Keith.

“I wanted to be there for her or any of her friends if there was an incident.”

Keith works at the Proserpine Sugar Mill and says they are very flexible, making allowances when he gets a call out.

Meanwhile, Ace works at the mines and managers his commitment to the local fire station by working it within his seven-on-seven-off roster.

Lieutenant Chris Harvey has been an auxiliary fire fighter since he was just 20 years old.

He used to work at Proserpine Sugar Mill as well, and has just transferred to the mines, which enables him to contribute more to the fire station in his downtime.

“I like to be involved in the community through many aspects,” said Chris.

“We go to everything a permanent station would from structure fires to car accidents to alarms at the hospital or nursing home or airport.”

The current Fire Station is a new facility, officially opened in March 2018 and built to replace the old station which was over 50 years old and located in Proserpine Main Street.

The station takes between 150 and 190 calls per year, roughly three a week.

There are two fire trucks operating and they currently have 16 fire fighters on-staff, but are looking for at least three more.

“You don’t have to be Superman, or big built,” jokes Chris.

“All shapes and sizes can help – in fact smaller people can get into a car easier!”

Anyone interested in becoming an auxiliary fire fighter is requested to call the Mackay Fire Station, who will show you through the application process and then invite you to attend the regular training session at the Proserpine Fire Station on Wednesday evening.‍

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Fire Fighter Emanuele (Ace) Ventura, Lieutenant Chris Harvey and Fire Fighter Keith Thomas. Photo credit: Rachael Smith.

Two fire trucks operate from the new fire station which opened in 2018

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On the highway on the northside of Proserpine is the Whitsundays Visitor Information Centre, the local hub of knowledge for the region.

Here you will meet passionate locals who love sharing information about the area and assisting with non-biased tour advice that will help you make the most of every experience.

When you are a visitor to our region or, perhaps have a family member staying with you and want to give them an opportunity to see the full extent of experiences available, the Whitsundays Visitor Information Centre is the best place to talk to the experts.

Conveniently located on the Bruce Highway, next door to the Whitsunday Gold Coffee Plantation, you can make this a destination to explore as well as a location to source knowledge.

Stop for a coffee and cake or perhaps some lunch, watch the children interact with the friendly animals at the farm or take them into the on-site indoor and air-conditioned play centre.

When you’ve finished there, make sure you head to the information centre and say hello to Dea and the team who would love to answer any questions you may have.

Originally from Estonia, Dea has been living in Australia for 10 years.

Like many before her, she arrived as a backpacker and now has a family of her own, with a beautiful eight-year-old daughter.

Having spent most of her life working in marketing, Dea came to The Whitsundays and fell in love with the region and its friendly people.

She has been involved in the local tourism sector for several years and to continue her career at Tourism Whitsundays was a natural step.

She joined the team in March last year and got appointed as the manager of the information centre in September.

“I love helping our visitors and doing my best to give them a wonderful experience of our region,” said Dea.

“Together with the amazing volunteers, we love sharing local knowledge and interacting with different travellers who all have their own story to share.”

View a selection of accommodation and tour options, read maps from a range of regions or source ideas for adventures and walks in nature.

The team can help you book, decide where to travel next and create personal itineraries for you to enjoy.

“We offer personalised recommendations to each visitor, to make sure they have the best time in The Whitsundays,” said Dea.

“And if we don’t have the answer, we can definitely find someone who does!”

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Dea and her friendly team will greet you at the Whitsundays Visitor Information Centre

From Cooktown to the Whitsundays, Dr Hannah Trimble’s CV looks like a road map of North Queensland, tracking down the coast until Proserpine Hospital finally caught her heart.

With a passion for rural and remote health issues, Hannah is a proud product of the first intake of the JCU School of Medicine and completed her internship at Cairns Base Hospital in 2006.

After this she took a position as junior health officer in Atherton in 2007, followed by positions in Mareeba, Burdekin and Bowen.

Contemplating a career as either an emergency department or orthopaedic specialist, Hannah decided instead to pursue a future in rural health care when she met her husband in Proserpine in 2015.

“I realised that tertiary hospitals were not in my future, and I also thrived in my time in rural hospitals,” she explained.

“I love the challenge (of being a rural generalist) and not knowing what will come through the door and what we will have to deal with.

“There is great satisfaction in knowing that you and your team made a difference.

“This allows me to do the job I had once imagined as an emergency specialist in the location I want, and I think with more satisfaction”

Hannah now has two children with her husband and the family recently bought a farm in the area.

All her skills and experience have been leading towards her current role which is Acting Director of Medical Services at Proserpine Hospital.

“It is a real team here in Proserpine,” said Hannah.

“We respect and appreciate each other, and this is all staff, not just medical.

“When there is a very unwell patient there is just us and we really do have highly developed skills to deal with whatever comes through the door, sometimes for many hours and with far less resources until that patient is retrieved to more definitive care.”

Hannah has a message for anyone planning to study medicine.

“Come and taste rural!”

Dr Hannah Trimble, Acting Director of Medical Services at Proserpine Hospital. Photo supplied

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Originally from New Zealand, Brigitte developed a passion for art when she was just six years old, but it wasn’t until she went to high school that she started to refine her talent.

Her future, however, would take her travelling around the world and she lived in London for five years before returning to Australia.

It was starting a family that really allowed Brigitte to reconnect with her art and she used any spare time she had to develop her skills and take on commission requests.

Drawn to realism, Brigitte loves working with images and transforming them into a piece of art that is an almost exact replica of that image, only very skilfully hand-drawn instead.

This type of art takes great talent to perfect, and Brigitte says that the precision involved in completing the end product is very rewarding.

She loves nature and her pieces include a school of Clown Fish swimming and a Majestic Sea Turtle gliding through dark waters.

She has also recently completed a piece called ‘Hands of Time’ which is a more abstract artform and she loves experimenting with different mediums.

Brigitte can create art in charcoal, acrylic paint, coloured pencils, pastels and watercolour.

She is also a Project Artist for the Great Barrier Reef Festival.

Having just taken up an ‘Artist in Residence’ spot at the 3 Little Birds Espresso and Creative Hub, which has just launched an art space called Airlie Create and Connect, Brigitte is looking forward to welcoming students to her new art lessons soon.

“I love working with kids and seeing them feel proud of themselves when they complete a piece of art,” said Brigitte.

If you are an artist or would like to enrol your child in art lessons head down to Airlie Create and Connect to speak with Brigitte who will be there most days.

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Local artist Brigitte Peel with her piece ‘Hands of Time’

Caption: Teen Shed Mackay members enjoyed a day at Wake House Australia. Photo credit: Photos by Nell

Offering a safe space for all teens to socialise, Teen Shed Mackay is proving that you can get teenagers outdoors and teach them new tricks.

Their latest excursion was to Wake Park Australia in Andergrove, where teens from roughly 12 to 18 could meet new friends and challenge themselves to the skill of wakeboarding.

Teen Shed Founder Lisa Versaci said Teen Shed’s mission is to help teenagers lead healthy, happy and safe lives.

“We want to create a space where we can empower and nurture teenagers, support and guide them, listen to and enjoy them,” Lisa said.

“Our goal is to reach as many local teenagers as possible, to inspire them to reach their full potential through peer-inspired environments, social inclusion and relationships.

“The reason why we do what we do is I got tired of hearing teenagers complain about living in Mackay saying there’s nothing to do, when there is so much to challenge them. They just need that guidance and inspiration, so our activities are age-appropriate and provide the fun and challenge they are craving.”

TEEN SHED MACKAY
Inspiring The Next Generation To Do More

Caption: Teen Shed Mackay enjoyed a day of friendships and challenges at Wake House Australia as part of the group’s regular outings. Photo credit: Photos by Nell

Teen Shed Mackay is an inclusive space for all teenagers to meet and mingle, with no prerequisites on who can and can’t join in on the group’s activities.

Lisa Versaci said it’s simply a place where teenagers can have a voice, grow through self-discovery and lead enriching lives through a number of community-inspired activities.

“We want to work with our local community to provide personal development skills for our teenagers to survive and thrive throughout the teenage years,” she said.

“To raise awareness around teen issues and format strategies which can be applied to improve their development, life skills, health and wellbeing.

“Also to increase the positive representation teens have within the community by participating in fundraising, volunteer and community activities.”

Recently members of Teen Shed Mackay have been making sleeping mats for homeless people by recycling plastic bags. The group also regularly cook breakfast at Orange Sky for the homeless, they volunteer at Run 4 Mi Life by handing out water bottles throughout the event and volunteer at Rumble on the Reef.

“The kids really want to be an important part of the community and volunteer more, so any event or organisation is welcome to reach out,” Lisa said.

As well as volunteering opportunities, Teen Shed members enjoy a varied range of activities, from outdoor adventure to art and craft, catering for all teen personality types.

“Activities are constantly changing but will include discos, movie and karaoke nights, reading groups and craft sessions, cooking sessions and training skills. We are hoping to make the Wake House day a regular outing as well as the Ninja Hub,” Lisa said.

There are sponsorship opportunities for businesses looking to support our local teenagers, keep an eye on the Teen Shed Mackay Facebook page for more information, or email Lisa at teenshedmackay@gmail.com.

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A generous donation to the Neighbourhood Hub was more than enough for Brent Stephenson to be nominated for this week’s Good Deed Feed, but this generous local with a passion for fishing went one step further just before Christmas.

Through his fishing apparel brand, Mudskippa, members of Mackay’s fishing community donated their second-hand fishing gear as part of Mudskippa’s ‘Combos4Kids Mackay’ initiative.

A range of gear was donated to the Neighbourhood Hub to give less fortunate children the opportunity to go fishing.

On top of this initiative, Brent donated a fishing charter and Tackle World gift vouchers to those in need.

He had been donated a full-day fishing charter for two people, which he wanted to gift as a Christmas present to someone who was genuinely struggling. He also purchased four Tackle World gift cards to give to four more people who may need a Christmas gift for their child.

His generosity was posted on the Mackay Noticeboard on Facebook on Christmas Eve, a kind gesture which no doubt made Christmas a little brighter for in-need Mackay families.

If you’re passionate about fishing, Mudskippa is more than a brand, it’s a community. Check it out at mudskippa.com.au.

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Seeing the list of nominees in this year’s Australia Day Awards was a jaw-dropping moment.

As I scrolled through the pages and pages of names, I saw many people I recognised, and many people who were nominated more than once or in multiple categories. But it was the sheer number of overall nominees that left me with a feeling of awe and respect for our community.

Most of these people go about their day with little pomp or praise. They do what they do because they have a genuine passion for what they do, and go out of their way to help others.

I read a negative comment online with a resident asking why council didn’t concentrate on ‘more important things’, and I thought to myself, what could be more important than recognising the people who go above and beyond in our community? They are the very people who promote change, they speak up for others, they push for improvement, they help people in need, they represent our town on international stages. They are the pieces of fabric that come together to make a diverse tapestry of culture and care for the region.

We have a full list of the 2023 Australia Day award nominees on page 11 of this edition.

I don’t know about you, but if it means I have to put up with a pothole or two in order for these people to be thanked, I’ll take the bumpy road any day.

Amanda

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Happy New Year!  

I hope everyone has had a fantastic time over the festive season and if you are lucky enough to still be on holiday, please stay safe and enjoy your well-earned break.

2022 was a big year.

The start of the year saw our borders reopen and families reuniting at long last. It was the year that we farewelled our beloved Queen Elizabeth II and welcomed our new King Charles III to the throne. In 2022 our mighty NQ Cowboys came so close to the premiership. Fingers crossed that the silverware falls into the right hands in 2023.  

Of course, it was also the year our nation’s political leadership changed. I respect peoples’ choice to elect a Labor Government under Albanese, however I have significant concerns about the direction that Labor is leading us.

The Dawson region punches well above its weight in terms of tourism, agriculture and mining. Our resources sector, made up of our hardworking men and women, contributes in droves to the wealth and prosperity of our nation, keeping our lights on and our businesses running.

In the last days of 2022, Federal Labor introduced price caps to our coal and gas supply. History has shown that this jeopardises supply, jobs and businesses, and discourages investment. It’s not good news. This issue is squarely in my sights, and I will continue to hold the Government to account on their promise of cheaper (and reliable) energy for all Australians.

In 2022, the previous Liberal National Government committed to key projects being delivered locally including $5 million set aside for veterans’ wellness, including a new RSL for Mackay.

It was disappointing when Labor revealed they were canning projects from across our region. But it’s not game over. I will continue to put pressure on the Government to fund these much-needed services across Dawson.

Speaking of pressure, when Labor turned their back on the north through the abolishment of the Northern Australia Committee, along with my Coalition colleagues, I made a racket of this disgraceful decision. Within a week, it was reinstated. I am proud to be on this committee, which works to ensure the north gets a fairer share of government spending.

Another win for our region includes the Coalition’s Ag Visa agreement with Vietnam being honoured. This shows even in opposition we can achieve for our regions.

I’m 100 per cent committed to growing a stronger future for Dawson. There is a lot of hard work ahead but none I will shy away from.

As your Federal Member for Dawson, I want to hear from you about your ideas and insights for our region. I’m here to take your voice to Canberra and fight for our great region.  

Member For Dawson Andrew Willcox

Andrew Willcox’s office is at Level 2/45 Victoria Street, Mackay. His office is contactable on 4944 0662 or via email at andrew.willcox.mp@aph.gov.au

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HOME BREAK IN AND CAR THEFT, MARIAN

Between 11pm on January 9 and 6:30am January 10 a home on Treloar Place in Marian has been broken into leading to the theft of a car.

Entry was gained into the home after damage was sustained to the two front doors.

Once inside the intruder has located and stolen a set of car keys. These keys were used to steal a car which was parked in the home driveway.

The stolen car is a gold/brown coloured 2018 model Nissan Navara dual cab, registration number 519 FX4 (nil image available to share)

Two large tyres are fitted to the rear of the stolen car.

Anyone who might have information about the current location of the Nissan Navara or the offence itself is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible.

Refer to police report number QP2300052109.

Police again urge vehicle owners to consider storing their car keys in secure and out of sight locations within the home as thieves continue to show interest in seeking them out.

BREAK IN, NEBO

The secured door of a workshop on Braeside Road in Nebo has been forced open with an implement, resulting in damage to the locking mechanisms.

This happened between 4pm on January 7 and 4:30pm on January 8.

The intruder has stolen several Milwaukee commercial tools and batteries from a shelf inside the workshop.

Anyone who may have information about either the current location of the stolen items or the offence itself is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible.

Police report number QP2300045622 refers.

HIGH SPEED INCIDENT, MIDDLEMOUNT

A 37-year-old resident of Sarina has been stopped by police for an alleged speeding incident in a Toyota landcruiser at about 10:25am January 5 on Fitzroy Developmental Road in Middlemount.

The alleged speed was 142 kilometres an hour in a 100 kilometre an hour speed zone (42 kilometres above the posted speed limit).

Police have issued the driver with an on the spot fine of $1,653 and the loss of 8 demerit points.

Police will continue to perform speed enforcement patrols across the Mackay police district and are encouraging all drivers to work towards keeping roads as safe as possible in 2023.

HOME BREAK IN AND VANDALISM, MORANBAH

Someone has gained entry into a home on Leslie Drive, Moranbah via an unlocked door.

Once inside, the intruder has spray painted a wall and a bench. Some contents were disturbed and thrown onto the floor also. Nothing has been confirmed as stolen at this time.

Entry was gained between 12am on January 3 and 10am on January 4.

Anyone who might have information about the matter is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible.

Please refer to police report number QP2300019906

HIGH SPEED INCIDENT, KOUMALA

A 38-year-old male who resides in Cairns city has been stopped by police for an alleged speeding incident at about 2:51pm on January 9 on the Bruce Highway at Koumala.

It's alleged police were performing speed enforcement patrols by way of mobile radar when the speed of a Jaguar sedan was checked as being 145 kilometres an hour in a 100 kilometre an hour speed zone (45 kilometres an hour above the speed limit).

After police spoke with the 38-year-old driver, he was issued with an on the spot fine of $1,653 and suffered the loss of 8 demerit points.

"There is often only a small chance of a positive outcome while travelling at very high speeds on our roads here in the Mackay police district," Sergeant Nigel Dalton from the Crime prevention unit said.

"The risk to yourself and other road users is undeniable. Speeding will not be tolerated, it's that simple," he added.

BUSINESS BREAK IN, MACKAY CITY

A business situated on Macalister Street in the Mackay city area has been broken into and vandalism has taken place inside.

Entry was gained after an implement was used to force a locked door. This happened between 11pm on January 8 and 10am on January 9.

Once inside, tea pots and multiple bottles of spirits have been thrown onto the floor as was a cell phone.

It does not appear that anything has been stolen.

Anyone who might have information about the matter is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible. QP2300047501.

CAR THEFT, NORTH ETON

A car has been stolen from an open farm shed at a property on Kinchant Dam Road in North Eton between 9:00am on January 6 and 3:30 pm on January 8.

The stolen car is a silver coloured 2004 model Honda accord sedan, registration number 978 CJ5.

The victim became aware of the theft when he was advised the car had been sighted driving erratically - a check of the farm shed at that time revealed the car was stolen. The keys for the stolen car were stored within the shed.

Anyone who might have information about either the current location of the stolen car or the offence itself is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible. Refer to police report number QP2300043754.

DRIVER UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF LIQUOR, NORTH MACKAY

A 28-year-old resident of Kuttabul has been arrested and charged for an alleged drink driving offence.

At about 4:38am on January 8 it's alleged that police stopped a Nissan utility on Sams Road when they observed its headlights were turned off and it was swerving within its lane.

It's further alleged that the driver was subjected to a roadside breath test which returned a positive reading. The driver was detained and taken to the Mackay police station for a further test.

It's alleged the 28-year-old's breath alcohol concentration was determined as being .206% (more than four times the legal limit).

The driver was charged with being under the influence of liquor and will appear at the Mackay Magistrates Court to have the matter heard on January 24.

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Image: Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox at the Holts Road and Pioneer Street intersection in Richmond

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox has slammed the Federal Government for stripping $69 million from the Black Spot Program.

The road safety scheme provides funding towards lifesaving works on identified crash zones which drastically decreases road incidents in hazardous areas.

Mr Willcox said the decision was a demonstration of poor governance and Labor’s disregard for Regional Australia.

“Last year Australia’s road toll reached over 1,190. People are dying on our roads every day, and if these incidents can be prevented, they should be. Bringing down the national road toll must be a top priority for all sides of politics, but that doesn’t seem to be the case for the Albanese Government,” Mr Willcox said.

“In rural and regional Australia, the Black Spot Program has had an enormous impact.

“Dangerous intersections in Dawson like Richmond and Holts Road in Glenella will miss out as a result of the Labor Government’s cuts. The previous Coalition Government allocated $1.8 million to this section in April 2022 to improve the safety.

“Regional councils have thousands of kilometres of road to maintain, and this federal funding makes a monumental difference to deliver safer roads and intersections.

“I’m calling on the government to reinstate this funding at the upcoming Budget in March.”

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A Mackay woman is ready to make a huge dent into her home mortgage after scoring $150,000 on an Instant Scratch-Its ticket she received from her husband for Christmas.

The top prize-winning $10 Unwrap The Cash Instant Scratch-Its ticket was purchased at Nextra Caneland News & Gift, Shop 2066, Caneland Central, 2 Mangrove Road, Mackay.

“My husband bought it for me for Christmas. I got him some Instant Scratch-Its tickets and he got me some,” the winning woman explained.

“But I didn’t end up scratching them until Boxing Day.

“When I saw the prize, I couldn’t believe it.

“I thought, ‘that can’t be right – I must be seeing things’.

“I had to get other people to confirm and to check it for me. It was just too good to be true. It’s incredible.

“We’ve still got a bit on the mortgage, but this will make a big dent.

“It’s a great way to start 2023.”

In FY22, there were 139 Instant Scratch-Its top prize winners across The Lott’s jurisdictions who collectively took home more than $14.51 million in top prizes.

During this same time, Instant Scratch-Its players enjoyed more than 28.7 million wins across all prize tiers worth more than $261 million. This equates to almost three-quarters of a million dollars won on Instant Scratch-Its every day.

Last financial year, Australia’s official lotteries contributed more than $1.6 billion via state lottery taxes and donations to help community initiatives, such as hospitals, health research, disaster relief and education.

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Images: RACQ CQ Rescue flew eight missions last weekend including retrieving patients from Keswick Island, Cape Hillsborough, Carmila and Olive Downs, bringing the total number of tasks already completed for 2023 to 18. Images supplied: RACQ CQ Rescue

While it’s revered around the world as a lucky number, eight ended up being an exhausting figure for our region’s rescue helicopter service.

It’s the number of missions flown last weekend alone by RACQ CQ Rescue, with rescue crews stretched across the length and breadth of our expansive Mackay, Isaac, Whitsunday region.

The incredible tally of rescue operations meant the helicopter service flew more than 2,300km in just two days. The busy weekend brings the total number of missions completed in the first nine days of the New Year to 18.

Two patients suffered life-threatening lacerations and blood loss in two serious accidents involving an angle grinder and a filleting knife last Sunday.

RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked to meet Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics on the oval at Carmila, about 80km south of Mackay, after a 68-year-old man suffered serious gashes to his hand and jaw while working with an angle grinder.

It was an incredibly lucky escape from what could have been a potentially life-threatening injury as the patient reported he was using a circular saw blade on an angle grinder to cut wood.

The tool ‘kicked back’ slicing both his hand and jaw, narrowly missing his neck.

He was treated, administered pain relief and transported to Mackay Base Hospital in a stable condition.

Then at 10pm Sunday, the rescue chopper was tasked to Hamilton Island, about 90km north of Mackay, to airlift a 60-year-old man who had lacerated his left thumb while filleting fish.

He sliced a chunk of flesh from the webbing of his hand between the thumb and forefinger and told the medical team had no feeling in his hand.

He was flown to Mackay arriving in a stable condition at midnight.

Earlier on Sunday, the Mackay-based chopper flew 270km to the new Pembroke mine site Olive Downs, 40km south-east of Moranbah, to airlift a 51-year-old Sunshine Coast man. The contractor suffered a cardiac issue and required urgent hospital treatment in Mackay.

RACQ CQ Rescue also flew more than 1100km on Saturday on four missions across the region, including two primary tasks on Saturday’s day shift which started with two back-to-back missions to treat and transfer two teenagers injured at popular local holiday spots.

RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked just after 9.30am by Queensland Health to assist a 16-year-old girl who had dislocated her knee at the bottom of a walking track at Cape Hillsborough.

The teen, from Rural View, was stranded on the beach with the tide coming in quickly. Walking back up the track or along the rocky shoreline was impossible.

After a 000 call, the Mackay-based chopper was dispatched with a doctor and critical care paramedic on board to fly 45km north to the popular national park and camping area. The chopper orbited the shoreline near Wedge Island several times before the decision was made to winch down a paramedic and rescue crewman onto the beach to secure the patient into a rescue harness. The teenager was then winched up into the helicopter and flown directly to Mackay Base Hospital in a stable condition.

Directly upon return to base about 11am, the helicopter crew was again tasked, this time offshore to Keswick Island, 30km east of Mackay, after reports a swimmer had suffered a suspected Irukandji jellyfish sting. The helicopter landed in the rain at the island airfield, near Basil Bay, and the 13-year-old, believed to be on holiday from Biggera Waters, was treated with pain relief and flown to Mackay Base Hospital in a stable condition. The teen was accompanied by a parent.

About 1.45pm Saturday, the helicopter flew to Collinsville to airlift a man with a serious cardiac condition and also later transported a patient from Clermont to Mackay Base Hospital who suffered injury from a fall from height while he was removing Christmas decorations at his home.

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Image: Caneland Central was named as the third worst car park in Australia for car park collisions according to data released by insurance company AAMI

Suncorp Group's AAMI brand has conducted an analysis of more than 21,000 AAMI car park insurance claims across Australia to reveal the most dangerous car park destinations.

Mackay’s Caneland Central came third in Australia and Mackay topped the list of Queensland suburbs for car park collisions.

AAMI’s data revealed that in Mackay, Thursday afternoon was the most likely time a car crash collision occurred, not surprising with late night shopping extending hours on that day.

Interestingly, when it comes to car park etiquette, the majority of Australians (59 per cent) say they would leave a note – regardless of how bad the damage was if they accidentally hit someone’s car in a car park and no one saw.

AAMI’s Top Tips for a prang-free parking experience:

o Take your time when parking or reversing out of a car space.

o Take particular care to watch out for children, especially when reversing.

o Watch out for stationary objects including pillars and trolleys.

o Obey the car park signage on speed limits and directional arrows.

o Don’t let impatience get the better of you and make sure you keep a safe distance between you and the car in front or reversing.

o Resist the urge to park quickly, particularly in shopping centre car parks where turning circles are a lot tighter.

o Avoid peak-times for shopping to avoid the crowds and increase your chances of finding a car park quickly.

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