Hold onto your hats (or sunscreen), because the humpback whales have rolled into town, and boy, are they making waves – literally! It's that splendid time of the year when our coastal waters transform into a magnificent stage for these gentle giants. And let me tell you, they're putting on a show that deserves a standing ovation.

There’s plenty of action to be seen from the land. Lambert’s Lookout at Slade Point is a popular location due to its elevation, but if you look carefully at the horizon for the blowhole spray you can see them from most beaches. I had the delight of spotting them from Daydream Island last weekend at sunset. A pod put on an impressive display for my Kiwi friends who were extremely excited to see the mammals play near Lover’s Cove.

If you’re seeking a closer look, the Coral Sea is nature's own aquatic classroom, and we're all invited. A friendly reminder to boaties, while we're all for your salty escapades, let's remember that our maritime friends appreciate some personal space. Think of it like bumping into a celebrity – you admire from a respectful distance, right?

There are some rules to make sure we all coexist harmoniously. If a curious whale decides to glide over for a closer look, just ease up on the throttle and keep your speed around six knots or less. And if Mr. or Mrs. Whale gets a little too cosy, switch off those engines or gently retreat. The Department of Environment and Science has the specific rules listed on its website.

Here's to a whale of a time – may your encounters be respectful, your memories lasting, your sunscreen well applied and may you catch a ‘fluke’ on camera. Happy whale watching!

Amanda

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Paying it forward is the good deed that’s taking the fast-food drive-throughs of the world by storm, and one local gentleman has been recognised for doing it regularly.

Kat Simonsen recently posted in a local “Mums and Bubs” Facebook group after visiting the Red Rooster Mount Pleasant drive through where her purchase of $33 had been paid for by the driver in front.

Ms Simonsen shared details of the car, hoping to find its owner and share her appreciation.

“Would appreciate anyone who knows him or where he may work so I can thank him,” she wrote.

“Such a nice gesture.”

While the gentleman in question was later confirmed to not be a Facebook user and, indeed, not be a member of said “Mums and Bubs” group, his mother certainly was.

“This is my son, and he does this on a regular basis,” Kristy Saron commented.

“He has a beautiful heart and soul.

“Unfortunately, he is not on Facebook, but I can pass this on.

“I’m glad you got to experience a time of my son paying it forward.

“He will love to hear this.”

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At Mater Mackay

A ground-breaking robotic surgical system which will deliver state-of-the-art medical care to local patients has arrived at Mater Private Hospital Mackay.

The da Vinci X robotic system, which has been used to perform more than nine million urology, gynaecology, colorectal, cardiac, head, neck and thoracic surgeries worldwide, will begin operating in Mackay next month.

Mater Private Hospital Mackay Acting General Manager Chris Junge said the arrival of the world class system was a significant milestone for health care in Central Queensland.

“Robotic-assisted surgeries are becoming common in capital cities to improve patient outcomes, and it is exciting that the Mackay community is now able to benefit from these surgeries too,” Mr Junge said.

Mr Junge added that the da Vinci X surgical system was made possible by community fundraising conducted by Mater’s philanthropic arm, Mater Foundation.

“I want to thank everyone who has donated to Mater for helping to bring this technology to regional Queensland,” he said.

Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said regional Queenslanders deserved equal access to the latest surgical technology and know-how.

“Thanks to community generosity, Mater is cementing itself as a leader in robotic-assisted surgeries in Queensland by investing in several surgical-assistive robots in Central Queensland,” Mr Thomas said.

“The da Vinci X will join the Stryker Mako and Zimmer-Biomet ROSA systems at Mater Private Hospital Mackay, which have also been proudly supported by community fundraising through the Mater Foundation.

“This is a story of the community coming together, including people who purchase a ticket in a Mater Prize Home for $2, people who support events like Mater Giving Day, and philanthropists, all united by the goal of improving patient outcomes.”

“Mater Foundation will continue to fund vital equipment as well as healthcare services to regional hospitals across Queensland to ensure that every Queenslander, regardless of where they live, has access to the best possible healthcare.”

Oakenden mechanic George Elcombe, 50, has already undergone robotic-assisted surgery with a similar system at Mater Private Hospital Townsville to remove prostate cancer.

Mr Elcombe said having access to the technology locally was a big coup for the region.

“I went to my GP and he referred me to urologist Dr Kenny Rao,” Mr Elcombe said.

“Through the tests, I discovered it was stage two cancer in my prostate.

“Dr Rao explained what was involved in robotic-assisted surgery and I agreed to that. In the end, I wasn’t even in the hospital for four days.”

Dr Rao said he had already performed more than 100 da Vinci procedures in Townsville, resulting in less pain and faster recoveries for patients.

“Being able to offer this very advanced level of surgery in Mackay, where our patients can stay close to their loved ones, is really exciting,” Dr Rao said.

“Surgical robots do not replace the role of surgeons, but they enhance the surgical experience for both clinicians and patients as they enable smaller incisions, greater manoeuvrability and, in many cases, shorter hospital stays, less pain and faster recovery times.”

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Mater Private Hospital Mackay Acting General Manager Chris Junge (left) and Adam Brown from Device Robotics watch the da Vinci X robotic system during a practice display at Mater Private Hospital Mackay. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Year 10 students in Rockhampton and Mackay were given a taste of tradie life when they recently participated in the Try a Trade event hosted by WorldSkills Queensland, Construction Skills Queensland - CSQ and CQU.

CQU WorldSkills Coordinator, Jackie Campbell said it was wonderful to see educational institutions and industry partners coming together to provide students with a practical understanding of the different trades on show.

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Photos supplied: CQUniversity

Mackay Police Dog Squad has welcomed its newest team member, with Police Dog Cobra (PD Cobra) joining the force.

Cobra has been in Mackay for approximately three months, finishing his final training and development with Sergeant Jacob Bates and PD Griffin.

"Recruit" Dog Cobra was recently signed off and officially promoted to "PD" Cobra after a series of assessments at a Police Dog Training Course he and Sergeant Bates attended in Brisbane.

PD Cobra will now serve the Mackay and Whitsunday community working with his handler Sergeant Bates as an operational Police Dog in the Mackay Whitsunday Police Dog Squad.

PD Griffin will continue to work as an operational Police Dog with Sergeant Bates until his retirement later in the year.

“We are excited to have PD Cobra as a part of the team,” Sergeant Bates said.

“He has already proven himself and is exceeding expectations.

“While I don’t think PD Griffin is ready to hand over the reins just yet, it is an exciting and promising time having Cobra on board.”

PD Cobra is a general-purpose Police Dog, used for tracking and locating people of interest which includes missing persons.  

He can also work to apprehend violent offenders as well as work closely with first response police in a variety of circumstances.

Remember, if you see Police Dog teams working at any hour of the day, remain inside your homes and keep your dwelling secure.

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Police Dog Cobra

PD Griffin and PD Cobra. Photos supplied

Whitsunday Anglican School proudly played host to internationally acclaimed jazz great James Morrison recently.

Four of the School ensembles were excited to share the stage with The James Morrison Quartet at the Friday August 4 concert under the stars at the school.

Brass students from years 5 to 12 also enjoyed a special workshop with James Morrison before taking to the stage later that night.

Principal Andrew Wheaton spoke with enthusiasm about bringing a music legend to Mackay, and for his students to experience this opportunity.

“We are excited to have one of the world’s foremost jazz musicians inspire our young musicians,” Mr Wheaton said.

“Music is such a gift and James’ passionate stories shared this love through his teachings, and down to earth nature that encourages a lifelong love of music.”

A significant lynchpin of the event’s success was Head of Arts Faculty Mrs Kate Van Nunen who was instrumental in bringing the one-night concert and student workshops to fruition.

“At Whitsunday Anglican School we understand the importance of music in a child’s development and the neurological pathways learning an instrument opens,” Mrs Van Nunen

“To have the brilliant James Morrison at Whitsunday Anglican School is a career highlight for me personally and I’m sure will be imprinted on our young students forever.”

At the James Morrison Quartet jazz under the Stars concert, the talented Whitsunday Anglican School ensembles were proud supporting acts.

Students from years 5-7 were surprised when James Morrison snuck into the Trombone section in their second song.

The Whitsunday Winds and Senior Concert Band performed beautifully; the power of 60-plus members stunning the audience with their confidence and talent.

Off the back of their recent Gold at the CQUniversity Students Jazz Festival, the Whitsunday Anglican School Big Band then hit the stage with five polished pieces.

Students were ready to hold their own in the first piece with outstanding solo performances from Year 11 students Harrison Rourke (Baritone Saxophone) and Marley Clear (Trumpet).

James Morrison joined the students for the remaining songs, raising the energy to new heights, before playing with his renowned Quartet to the joy of the packed 700-plus crowd.

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Jazz icon James Morrison joined Whitsunday Anglican School students onstage before performing with his renowned quartet. Photos supplied

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Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox has thrown his support behind the announcement that a future Coalition government will commit $250 million in funding over the next four years to improve the lives of future sporting stars nation-wide.

Mr Willcox believes the commitment will make a lasting difference to the community and the lives of Dawson’s up-and-coming sporting stars.

“In rural and regional areas, unfortunately, sporting clubs and facilities are sometimes severely underfunded and under resourced,” he said.

“Too many young girls and women are disadvantaged when it comes to sport participation … this funding will help bridge the gap and will provide proper facilities for these groups.

“This package is aimed at improving sporting facilities where young families live and where participation in sport is vital.”

Under this new plan, the Coalition will invest $250 million to reduce barriers to participation for women and girls and is asking for support from states and territories to match the funding and bring it to a total of $500 million.

Recipients would need to demonstrate co-funding of at least 20 per cent of the project cost.

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Businesses have the chance to breathe new life into their building facades and enhance the overall experience for residents and visitors alike.

This council initiative, which has been in place for nine years, supports quality facade improvement works.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the Facade Improvement Grant was a collaborative effort between council and local property owners and business operators.

“By working together, we strive to encourage the revitalisation of commercial facades, infusing new vibrancy into the region's business districts,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Successful applicants will be eligible for a co-contribution of up to 50 per cent of the total project costs,” he said.

“Businesses can receive funding support of up to $5000, making it easier to embark on the facade enhancement projects they envision.”

The grant covers a wide range of improvement projects including:

● Painting of facades and exterior walls visible to the public realm.

● Restoration of historic buildings.

● Installation of new business signage.

● Renovation of entrance ways, doors, tiles and other facade elements.

● Installation of external awnings, lighting and street-visible windows.

To be eligible for a grant, applicants must meet specific criteria outlined in the guidelines, which can be found online at discovermackay.com.au/businesssupport.

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Tempus Studio, in Romeo Street, underwent a dramatic transformation thanks

to a Facade Improvement Grant in 2022

Reef Catchments, the Natural Resource Management organisation for the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region, has been awarded $3.5 million from the Australian Government Saving Koalas Fund to expand and improve koala habitat in Sarina.

According to Reef Catchments Coordinator, Kira Andrews, “Our project provides meaningful support that enables the community to plant koala food and habitat trees for the creation of sustainable koala friendly corridors.”

The project also allows Sarina landholders to treat weeds such as lantana and guinea grass which pose a significant fire risk to koala habitat and choke out native trees.

“While there has been considerable attention and support for Southern Queensland koalas, this project represents the federal government’s first significant investment into koala conservation in the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac natural resource management area,” said Ms Andrews.

This investment was made possible by the commitment of the Sarina community to build and maintain connected landscapes to protect and conserve local koalas.

“We want to talk to local Sarina landholders who are interested in establishing koala habitat corridors across their properties,” Ms Andrews said.

“Reef Catchments is also looking for landholders who want help to manage weeds that are encroaching on nearby, established koala habitat.”

Charley Geddes, a local koala researcher based in Nebo, has identified over 400 koalas in and around Nebo. She has found koalas in all the places you would expect and many places you would not.

Charley says, "Every tree is important. Koalas only eat the leaves of a select few tree species - primarily eucalypts - so every single koala food and habitat tree that we can preserve, or plant is an opportunity to create a better future for koalas in our region."

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Photo credit: Charley Geddes

Mackay Police reported that between 3:00pm and 5:56pm on August 15 someone had broken into a home on Nine Mile Creek Road at Hampden.

“Entry was gained into the house which is situated on an elevated block through either the front or back door which were both later discovered open,” police said in a statement.

Nothing has been confirmed as stolen at this time.

This is not a location where police typically see activity of this nature and they are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or who has information to come forward.

The police report number to refer to is QP2301351614.

HOME BREAK IN, MARIAN

Mackay Police reported that between 2:00 and 6:00am on August 12 someone had broken into a home on Collett Court in Marian.

“The front door has been pried open and keys have been taken from a "key bowl" in the kitchen,” police reported.

“The keys have been used to steal a white coloured 2014 model Honda CRV which was parked in the driveway.”

The stolen Honda was found abandoned on Riverside Drive in Cremorne (Mackay) at about 10:20am on August 13. Minor damage had been sustained to the bonnet.

Police said the stolen car has been forensically examined.

Anyone who might have information about the original offence or the dumping of the car in Riverside Drive is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible. The police report number to refer to is QP2301329889.

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The official opening of the Seaforth Esplanade Redevelopment will take place next month, on Saturday, September 2, from 9.30am to noon.

Be one of the first to try the new playground and waterplay area and enjoy the free entertainment on offer including live music, face painting and the Seaforth mini markets. There will also be a free fishing clinic thanks to Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance. Bring your own rod or reel. Places are limited and bookings are essential.

Don’t forget to bring your togs and towel to make a splash at the grand opening of this exciting new facility.

The official opening will be held from 9.30am to 10am and the free entertainment will kick off from 10am to noon.

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program in association with Mackay Regional Council.

Learn more about this project at www.connectingmackay.com.au/seaforth-esplanade.

Old Playground Equipment To Be Decommissioned

Seaforth and surrounding communities are advised that playground decommissioning works are planned for mid-August.

Council’s parks team will be removing the existing ageing play equipment and fabric shade structures in both Seaforth Camping Reserve and Jim Adams Memorial Park as well as the fencing at Jim Adams Memorial Park.

The removal of this equipment will coincide with the opening of the highly anticipated $8.6 million Seaforth Esplanade redevelopment project which includes a new junior and senior playground as well as an exciting water play area.

Jim Adams Memorial Park will remain an open space to continue to honour the contribution made by Cr Jim Adams to the Seaforth community.

The removal of the playground at the Seaforth Camping Reserve will enable additional camping sites to address some of the sites that were lost due to the new Coastal Walk.

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Artist impression

With hearts brimming with anticipation, proud parents throughout the Mackay region are rejoicing as they welcome an influx of newborns into their lives. At Mater Mothers’ Private Mackay, the month of July witnessed the advent of 33 newborns, each one an embodiment of pure potential and promise.

As the nursery echoes with the symphony of tender gurgles and tiny yawns, it is evident that these newcomers have seamlessly "pacified" their way into the hearts of all fortunate enough to witness their debut.

Mackay Private Hospital Acting General Manager Chris Junge said the new arrivals were given a big welcome into the world by their parents who were eager to meet them.  

Andergrove mum Jessica Corsaro welcomed her second baby Julius on 25 July and said he was a “beautiful addition to the family”.

“Julius has an 18-month-old big sister Audrey who absolutely adores him,” Mrs Corsaro, 37, said.

“He is very loved. Julius weighed 3.6kg when he was born and is the eighth grandchild on my side and 12th grandchild for my in-laws.”

Other babies born at Mater Mothers’ Private Mackay this year include little Alfie and Ellidy.

Mr Junge said data showed 451 babies were born at Mater Mothers’ Private Mackay last year.

The most popular names for babies born at Mater Mothers in 2022 were Charlotte for girls and Oliver for boys, he said.

Most popular girl names in 2022 for Mater Mothers’:

1. Charlotte

2. Olivia

3. Sophie

4. Isabella

5. Mia

6. Isla

7. Eleanor

8. Lily

9. Ella

10. Georgia

Most popular boy names in 2022 for Mater Mothers’:

1. Oliver

2. Henry

3. Theodore

4. Charlie

5. Thomas

6. Leo

7. Noah

8. Jack

9. Alexander

10. Harry

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Jessica Corsaro with little Julius. Photo supplied

Baby Ellidy was born on 1 May at Mater Mothers' Private Mackay. Photo supplied

Be Social Fest went off with a bang in June and the good vibrations are still being felt throughout the community.

The rapidly growing music festival brought Grinspoon, San Cisco, Mallrat and more to Mackay, providing an epic day of live music while raising funds for a good cause.

Festival organisers recently made a donation of $7,548 to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia, thanking RMHC, McDonalds Mackay and staff members Samantha, Sarah and Niki for their support of the event.

Posting on social media, Be Social Fest wrote: “One of our core values is the commitment to giving back to the Mackay Community in various ways.

“As one of the largest non-touring music events in NQ, we have the opportunity to engage with the community on multiple levels, and we take great pride in being a part of its growth.”

The post went on to thank those who attended Be Social Fest as well as major sponsors LiSTNR, Mackay Regional Council, Queensland Tourism, Hawk Hire, Queensland Mental Health Commission, MECC, The Dispensary and City Fitness.

“We are deeply appreciative of everyone’s involvement and assistance in making this event and contribution a reality.

“Together, we are making a positive impact on our community, and we look forward to continuing our journey of giving back and growing an event that Mackay can call its own!”

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Be Social Fest recently made a donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia. Photo supplied

North Mackay’s Pioneer Swim Centre will close its gates for the month of September for scheduled maintenance work.

The work will include levelling the deep end of the 50m pool, expansion joint renewal, pool tile renewal, recoating the children’s pool water features and repairs and maintenance to the grandstand.

Residents are reminded that Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex in Ooralea will remain open during this time, while Memorial Swim Centre on Milton Street and Bluewater Lagoon are scheduled to reopen on September 1 following winter maintenance.

Maintenance work is also being carried out at Sarina Swim Centre and is expected to reopen by early October, weather permitting.

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Energise your local community hub or Mackay’s town centre with a touch of magic courtesy of the Activate My Place! (AMP!) Placemaking Grants. As these grants take centre stage, they are your passport to rejuvenating your surroundings, stitching together vibrancy and vitality in a symphony of transformation.

Mayor Greg Williamson said if residents had the vision or passion to transform public spaces and bring communities together, then council wanted to hear from them.

“Our communities are the lifeblood of our region, and we believe that strong, vibrant places can drive economic development, ignite community pride and enrich the lives of everyone around us,” Mr Williamson said.

“AMP! is more than just a grants program; it's about turning public spaces into captivating hubs.

“Whether you have ideas for art installations that inspire wonder, communal spaces that foster togetherness or initiatives that celebrate our cultural heritage – AMP! is your platform to shine.”

In the past, AMP! has already witnessed the revival of forgotten laneways into artistic showcases like Fifth Lane and the Indigenous Meeting Place and Healing Garden at Mackay Base Hospital.

Mayor Williamson said council’s Economic Development team were excited to work with residents and businesses to identify projects that would breathe new life into every corner of our beloved region.

If you’re ready to make a difference, take the first step and apply for an Activate My Place! (AMP!) Placemaking Grant today.

Project funding is competitive, and applications must address the program’s selection criteria. Previously successful applications have received funding in the range of $3000 to $15,000. Read the guidelines by visiting discovermackay.com.au/invest and apply by September 30.

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The revival of Fifth Lane was made possible by an Activate My Place! (AMP!)

Placemaking Grant