The opportunity to join the rural generalist pathway in Queensland has brought self-professed country girl Dr Jessica Chambers up to Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

“I’m a country girl from north-eastern NSW, where I grew up on a little farm with a lot of animals,” Jessica said.

“My dad is a vet and I loved veterinary medicine. I could only imagine that practicing medicine with humans and interacting with people would be amazing, so that’s why I went into medicine.”

Jessica, who is from the Armidale area, started studying medicine straight out of high school at the University of Newcastle which really cemented the career path she wanted to take.

“I’m really passionate about rural medicine especially growing up in a town of about 20,000 we don’t just deal with the people who are from our area, but from the surrounds, and seeing what you can do for those people really made me want to give back to that community and help.”

“During my last year of university I did a longitudinal integrated clerkship - which was six months in a small town called Inverell about hour and a half north of my hometown (of Armidale).”

The clerkship gave Jessica an opportunity to experience rural generalist practice and she searched for the right place to begin her career on that pathway.

“Queensland is the place to do rural generalism. Queensland does it well and to the extent that the community needs, and that’s why I’ve come to Queensland,” she said.

“One of the benefits of coming to Queensland has been that we join the rural generalist pathway straight up as an intern. In New South Wales you can’t do that - you begin as a rural intern but that doesn’t feed onto the rural generalist pathway and having that career support right away.

“Working in Mackay also guaranteed rotations during the first two years in obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics and anaesthetics – (which) is just amazing and you are not guaranteed that in NSW if you do rural internships.”

For Jessica the rural generalist pathway was attractive as it offered an opportunity to care and support people throughout their lives.

“I love being able to get to know someone, getting to be their clinician and having a long-term relationship with them. Seeing them for maybe their reproductive health in their twenties, then being able to see them give birth to their babies and then seeing their kids grow up.

“I love that, and I can’t wait to be a part of someone’s journey through healthcare.”

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Image: Jessica Chambers

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Approximately 300 people gathered on the land of the Yuwibara people at Bluewater Quay throughout the morning of Thursday, January 26 to commemorate Survival Day.

The event, organised by Mackay Connected Beginnings (MCB), was the first of its kind to be held in Mackay.

The morning involved a march across the Forgan Bridge, a Welcome to Country by Uncle George Tonga and Smoking Ceremony by Peter Tonga, guest speakers and traditional dance, art and food.

MCB Manager Fiona Mann Bobongie, a Darumbal woman, spoke on the day alongside Andrew Doyle, Melanie Kemp and Raechel Ivey.

“We walked in remembrance of our ancestors and those who have fought for our people in the past but also looking to the future to make change,” Ms Mann Bobongie said.

“We remembered and reflected on the atrocities that have happened to our people from a range of things from massacres to displacement from our country, removal from our families.

“We’re still here; that was the message, after 60,000 years, we’re still here, and after all the atrocities, we are still here.

“We’re not only surviving but we’re thriving, too.”

January 26 remains a divisive date in Australian society, with Ms Mann Bobongie saying the date represents the start of the Aboriginal Australia’s downfall.

“90 per cent of our people were killed,” she said.

“Our land was taken, it was the fastest land grab in world history, and it was license to kill.

“Who would think we were still standing after that?

“And we never ceded sovereignty … we never gave it up, we were just invaded, but we took a positive stand of, ‘We are here and we’re still surviving, and we’ve never ceded sovereignty.’”

MCB was also supported by Mackay Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service, MARABISDA and Yuwi Yumba in organising the event.

Ms Mann Bobongie said the work of MCB, also known as Badi Yalobugu Yuribaya (Grow Children Strong), focuses on the future, building strength for family and community for generations to come.

“We’re very patient people,” she said.

“We want to sit and talk, we want to bring everyone together to understand that we have a holistic view of the world.

“We will come and we will go but we need to leave a legacy for our generations to come.”

Badi Yalobaga Yuribaya is a federally funded project for pregnant women and children from birth to school age designed to bring together fragmented and disjointed service systems and build community support for change to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families with holistic support and timely access to services.

For more information on Badi Yalobaga Yuribaya, contact 07 4962 3089 or email manager@badiyy.com.au.

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Image: Signs and chants spread the message of the Survival Day March held last Thursday, January 26 on the land of the Yuwibara people. Photo credit: Light Photography

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A new program aimed at skilling locals is offering a solution as Queensland’s Resource and Infrastructure sector grapples with a skills shortage.

MRAEL and Capricornia Training Company (CTC), part of the IntoWork Group, will deliver ‘Step into Resources and Infrastructure’ in Mackay and Rockhampton, a program which will see locals develop employability skills and confidence to prepare them to enter the workforce using a combination of industry specific training, work readiness and employment support.

Metal fitters, machinists, drillers, miners, truck drivers, electricians and shot firers were the most in-demand occupations according to the National Skills Commission’s 2022 Skills Priority List, equating to 30 per cent of national job ads listed in Queensland.

MRAEL and CTC CEO Christine Zechowski said the program is specifically designed to help locals prepare to join the workforce, ensuring they develop relevant skills to meet current and future demands within the industry.

“Participants of the program undertake a Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure Work Preparation, delivered by an approved Registered Training Organisation, and are supported by program mentors with employability and work readiness training – aimed at preparing them to successfully join or rejoin the workforce,” she said.

Ms Zechowski said the program helps participants feel more confident in job hunting, networking with employers and on-the-job work experience with support from MRAEL’s assistance.

“This project is holistic and provides participants with industry specific skills, experience and qualifications through accredited training as well as employability skills, job search techniques and life skills,” she said.

Step into Resources and Infrastructure will be available to people aged 25 and over in Mackay.

The programs have been funded through the State Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative which assists up to 15,000 disadvantaged Queenslanders each year to gain skills, qualifications and experience to enter and stay in the workforce.

The next program will run in Mackay from February 6 to April 21.

For more information, go to MRAEL’s Facebook page, or email people@mrael.com.au.

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Image: Queensland’s Resource and Infrastructure sector is experiencing a skills shortage that a new program plans to address. Photo supplied

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Similar to Code Clearing – As technology in our cars continues to expand - it is helpful to have an understanding of why and how these calibrations play a part in the repair process.

You may have heard the acronym ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System)

Put simply, radar detection units that are in your vehicle are there to assist the driver avoid a collision, they also enhance protection for pedestrian and cyclist safety.

They work by bouncing radio waves off of objects in the path to determine distance or speed.  

So for example, the active (adaptive) cruise control assists to control your speed by reacting to the speed of the vehicle in front.  As they slow, so do you. If your radar is not directed exactly at the correct angle, it cannot identify the correct object or speed ahead.

Similarly, lane change assist works by bouncing radio waves off objects that are near to the side of the vehicle, providing an alert if there is an object in the vicinity. If the angle of the radar unit is directed incorrectly, there is a heightened possibility of collision.

Manufacturers have procedures to consider when repairs are needed.

These include items that may require replacement after impact like the bracket system to ensure the accurate repositioning of the radar unit.

Even the paint thickness (microns) plays a part, if the paint has too many layers or is applied incorrectly it impedes the distance that the sensor can project through, effectively shortening the distance or changing the angle.

Calibrations can require connections to scan tools, sight boards and targets and also involves dynamic testing which requires driving the vehicle in a range of traffic conditions to allow the vehicle to ascertain its position in relation to the road, other uses and sign posts. These road tests are critical to confirm correct operation, and can take up to 40 minutes to run through the entire system.

Calibrations carried out by qualified technicians can provide assurance that these systems are back to optimum performance post repair.

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Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) are building career-based classroom learning with Greater Foundations23, a professional development event for educators across the Greater Whitsunday region.

Greater Foundations23 will be held on March 3 at the Resources Centre of Excellence and is aimed at improving educators’ knowledge of the wide range of career opportunities available in the Greater Whitsunday region.

Greater Whitsunday Alliance Chief Executive Officer Ms Kylie Porter said the event will give teachers and educators the understanding from industry leaders, the breadth and depth of future career opportunities available in the region.

“Greater Foundations23 is about giving our local educators real world industry intelligence that they can use in the classroom to empower students to think differently around the jobs in the Greater Whitsunday region,” Ms Porter said.

“Students can’t be what they don’t see, and this event is about giving teachers the skills and confidence to apply professional career-based knowledge to help influence their students, when it comes to their future careers.”

Ms Porter said the Greater Foundations23 was just one of the many projects GW3 are leading to ensure the Greater Whitsunday region has an adaptable workforce ready for the future.

“Whatever industry our region will be home to in the future, whether it be biomanufacturing, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, tourism or agtech, a skilled, engaged and motivated workforce will be the common denominator.

“As the peak independent economic development organisation for the Greater Whitsunday region, GW3 are committed to creating opportunities for the region to reach its full potential and educating our young people is central to that,” Ms Porter said.

Along with learning about the skills and mindset needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow, curriculum expert Nicole Dyson from Future Anything will empower teachers and their colleagues to unlock future-focused pathways that guide students from classrooms to new careers across the region. This project is part of the Mackay Regional Jobs Committee action plan. The Mackay Regional Jobs Committee is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.

Event Details

Date: Friday March 3, 2023

Time: 8.00am for an 8.30 start until 3.15pm close + Wild Cat tourism adventure and networking drinks commencing at 4.00pm

Venue: Resources Centre of Excellence + Wild Cat (departing Mackay Marina)

Tickets: $99/head + 40/head for tour and networking. Professional development ticket prices includes lunch and morning and afternoon tea. Wild Cat ticket includes harbour and port tour, drinks and canapes.

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At Get Real Workwear & Safety, we understand the importance of protection and comfort in safety footwear to avoid injury and exposure to the elements.

We proudly stock the largest range of workwear boots in the region, including the market leading safety footwear brand ‘Blundstone’ – known for their comfort and fit.

Choosing the right work boot for you is the key to being comfortable and safe on site. Uncomfortable boots can cause significant distraction, leading to a focus on pain and discomfort in your feet, rather than on the task at hand. This is a serious safety concern that can lead to increased injuries.

We suggest trying on a few different pairs of work boots to find your most comfortable fit. Too short or narrow will crowd your feet, and too big or wide will allow for too much movement, leaving you with blisters and hot spots.

The fitting process is a vital step. When choosing fit-for-purpose comfortable boots, we recommend ensuring your boot has the following:

• Airflow and breathability— breathable materials and zoned footbeds that activate ventilation, moisture control and provide full-body cushioned comfort.

• Sole Design & Material— a tread pattern and outsole material that provide slip-resistance and optimum grip, appropriate for the work conditions you may face

• Over-arching comfort design—engineered to provide cushioning and support, reducing workplace fatigue and orthopaedic problems in lower back, legs, and feet.

As you’ll be wearing these boots day in and day out, it’s essential that they provide adequate support and fit well enough to prevent blisters and other foot problems. Our range of footwear are fit-for-purpose work boots that you can be confident will protect you.

Check out our full range, including the latest Blundstone RotoFlex range, at Get Real Workwear & Safety today.

www.getrealworkwear.com.au

Unit 2, 203-215 Maggiolo Drive, Paget QLD 4740

(07) 4998 5241

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Queensland Health has established a supplier panel of major construction companies to accelerate the delivery of three new hospitals and nine major hospital expansions under the State Government’s Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan.

12 construction companies have been shortlisted as potential tenderers for three new hospitals and nine major hospital expansions totalling more than $8 billion worth of capital works.

In regional Queensland, works include new hospitals in Bundaberg and Toowoomba and major expansions of Townsville, Cairns and Mackay hospitals.

The Mackay Hospital expansion will cost $250 million and create an additional 128 beds. It is estimated to be completed in the second half of 2026 and will create around 610 construction jobs.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said the State Government’s new hospitals and major expansion projects were full steam ahead.

“Since the Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan announcement last year, Queensland Health has engaged in a robust and collaborative process with the construction sector to begin delivering the program,” the Minister said.

“The building contractor shortlist of 12 was established based on an expression of interest process and through Queensland Health’s broader engagement with industry.

“This engagement has meant the tender process to-date has been efficient, transparent and ultimately, competitive and fair.”

The tender process will run for up to 12 weeks depending on the scale of the projects, with contracts expected to be announced from April 2023.

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Australia’s biggest mining company, BHP, confirmed last month that significant new investment in Queensland is on hold because of the State Government’s decision to lift coal royalty tax rates to the highest in the world.

In a quarterly operations review released to the ASX, BHP said: “The Queensland Government’s decision to raise coal royalties to the highest maximum rate in the world makes Queensland uncompetitive and puts investment and jobs at risk.

“We see strong long-term demand from global steelmakers for Queensland’s high quality metallurgical coal, however in the absence of government policy that is both competitive and predictable, we are unable to make significant new investments in Queensland.

“This increase to royalties will impact the local businesses, suppliers and communities in Central Queensland where we operate.”

Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said this is a massive blow to Queensland, calling on the Queensland Government to urgently review its decision to suddenly increase coal royalty rates mid-last year.

“It’s a classic case of a government killing the golden goose in exchange for a short-term tax hit,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“You can’t over-tax an industry, let alone Queensland’s most important economic driver, and expect business to continue as usual.

“We know other mining companies are also reviewing their investment exposure in Queensland.”

Mr Macfarlane said resources companies pull their weight economically and socially in Queensland, and have done for decades.

“Our mining and energy sector is the number one contributor to the state economy, number one regional employer and number one export industry,” he said.

“We support the jobs of 450,000-plus Queenslanders and 14,000-plus businesses, who all pay taxes to help fund doctors, nurses, teachers and other government services.  

“Last financial year, our industry contributed a record $94.6 billion to the state economy, which included a record $9 billion in royalties collected under the previous royalty tax regime.

“Unfortunately, this could all be about to change.

“Queensland’s coal royalty taxes are now completely out of step with the rest of the world, and even within Australia.

“Some of the world’s biggest mining companies, and this includes BHP, Glencore and Peabody, have now backed off or are rethinking their investment in new projects, as they reassess the stability of our local investment climate and the State Government’s attitude towards the resources sector.”

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Image: Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane has called on the Queensland Government to review its decision to increase coal royalty rates. Photo supplied: QRC

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Recent school leavers and Queenslanders looking to upskill or change careers are being encouraged to enrol in one of the 37,000 Fee-Free TAFE places available in 2023.

Almost all courses offered by CQUniversity (CQU) TAFE with Fee Free TAFE funding are available to Mackay residents subject to their eligibility, said CQU Deputy Vice-President VET Peter Heilbuth.

“There is a large cross section of courses available to Mackay residents in industry areas from accounting to visual arts, aged care to horticulture and many in between,” he said.

“Courses vary in their delivery type and are often a combination of online, online with work placement, online and on campus.”

Mr Heilbuth believes there will be a lot of students studying under this program who have studied before whether at TAFE or university, as the number of prior qualifications individuals hold are not a factor in their eligibility for a Fee Free enrolment.

“People who are looking to upskill for management roles would do well to look at our Certificate IV of Leadership and Management, for example, plus those who want to pursue their passion may take up the Certificate III in Horticulture or the Diploma of Visual Arts,” he said.

Federal Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor encouraged Queenslanders to make 2023 their year.

“Skills shortages are gripping the nation, and those running through Queensland reflect the specific characteristics of the state’s labour market,” Mr O’Connor said.

“It is vital that we support people locally to obtain the skills they need to fill job vacancies.”

TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mary Campbell said Queenslanders eligible for Fee-Free TAFE funding will have the opportunity to enrol in one of over 80 skill sets, certificates and diploma level qualifications currently on offer.

“Child care workers, welfare support workers, office managers and ICT technicians are all in high demand throughout Queensland, so it’s encouraging that the majority of our current enrolments are in sectors with recognised skills shortages,” Ms Campbell said.

For more information on TAFE Queensland and CQU’s Fee-Free Courses, visit www.cqu.edu.au, call 13 27 86 or visit CQU at their City or Ooralea campuses.

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Images:

Fee-Free courses are available at both Mackay City and Ooralea campuses

IT courses are some of the many being offered Fee-Free. Photos supplied

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

When you live in NQ, you are sadly no stranger to high insurance costs, but when it comes to insuring homes on working rural properties, farmers are really stuck between a rock and a hard place, and our governments need to get proactive on this issue.

We’ve just had a near-miss when it comes to a flood event, but this is North Queensland and floods happen, cyclones happen, and farmers, like everyone else, surely deserve the right to be able to affordably insure their homes against these events, that are simply part of the climate here.

It is scarcely credible, but there is little or no choice when it comes to securing an insurer. There are very restricted options when it comes to farmer's homes on-property.

Most insurers have walked away from farm residences that are on the same title as the rest of the farm. Of the choices that remain, the premiums of two are prohibitive - unaffordable - and do not cover for flood.

That leaves two options, and one of these insists – as part of a raft of strict requirements- that cyclone shutters be fitted to all windows. These cost over $1500 each. Most farmhouses don’t have these, and the cost is so prohibitive, it knocks that insurer out of consideration.

That leaves one player. They are known for good service and – in these times - a competitive price. But a monopoly, even if unintentional, is a monopoly. It is, in our opinion as growers, a market failure.

CANEGROWERS Mackay has a very hardworking insurance broker team, who are astounded by the unfair situation. Our Insurance Manager Geoff Youngs tells us that, as a broker, he’s committed to getting customers the best deal he can, but this is one instance where he cannot offer people comparison or choice. The team has made numerous complaints - without result - to those insurers and cluster groups that they deal with that do not offer fair - or any - coverage for farm domestic dwellings. The team cannot find a reason why this class of home is treated differently to other homes across the region.

Covering a home within the “Farm Pack” that covers the raft of other insurances needed by rural producers- machinery, sheds, public liability, theft, vehicle, material damage- effectively triples the cost of insuring the home compared to cost as a standard residential dwelling.

The situation is made more ridiculous by the fact that, were the house block on a separate title to the productive areas of the farm, most insurers would see their way clear to covering the dwelling, at a lower cost.

The situation is not new. Successive Governments have passed this issue on like a hot potato. While the Australian Reinsurance Pool scheme should have delivered a solution for all of North Queensland, what has resulted is reinsurance coverage for cyclones. It is merely intended to reduce premiums for cyclone coverage, and the federal body has no jurisdiction over any insurance company on their underwriting criteria. So, when it comes to farm domestic dwellings, it offers no improvement in resolving the issue of competitive underwriting of rural producers’ homes.

The State and Federal Government apply both GST and Stamp Duty to these products, further driving up costs.

Living where you farm is part of what keeps our rural communities strong, and part of what makes being a farmer an attractive proposition.

We call upon our elected representatives to all levels of government to step in and argue for our North Australian farmers. If the private market cannot create competition, then the Government needs to re-institute Government Insurance. North Australian communities need insurance solutions that work.

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Image: Farmers are stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to insuring their on-farm home. Picture: Contributed

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An apprentice and trainee program that helps futureproof Isaac region’s skills and knowledge continues to shine as 11 fresh-faced employees start their new careers.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker welcomed the new apprentices and trainees at Moranbah Community Centre last month.

“This is a great opportunity for this group of vibrant individuals to pave their way as our Council delivers in a changing world,” Mayor Baker said.

“At Isaac Regional Council how we do that as a team and with our communities’ matters.”

Council has onboarded 59 apprentices and trainees between 2017-2022 with a completion rate sitting around 85 per cent.

The new employees will be based in various positions from compliance to community engagement and traditional trades such as plumbers and electricians in Moranbah, Dysart, and Clermont.

CEO Jeff Stewart Harris PSM said Council’s mission is to pursue long-term sustainable futures for Isaac communities.

“Community focus, caring, teamwork and a positive work ethic will be the four values the 11 apprentices and trainees will be tasked with in going about their day-to-day work,” Mr Stewart-Harris said.

“We are committed to working safely and caring about the wellbeing of our people and communities.

“We believe that people matter, and Council officers have the opportunity to teach and mould our trainees and apprentices into exactly what we require so they become an integrated part of our organisation culture.”

Council’s 2023 Energise Your Career trainee and apprentice program is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.

Council offers a range of career and employment opportunities for school leavers, professionals, and tradespeople at family friendly locations throughout the region. Visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au/employment, call 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227) or email recruitment@isaac.qld.gov.au for more information.

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The Australian Government has earmarked more than $3 million for community infrastructure and signage projects across the Isaac region. The funds will be used towards 18 local assets and existing infrastructure to enhance community wellbeing in the geographically challenging area.

The Australian Government said these projects help to make communities better, from historical preservation projects in Clermont to light replacements at Middlemount’s sporting facilities.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said improving essential infrastructure plays a pivotal role in local communities.

“This funding will deliver upgrades to pool fencing, historic building rectification projects, lighting replacements and upgrades at local sporting fields plus tourism signage,” Mayor Baker said.

“We will continue to work together towards enabling strong, vibrant, diverse and sustainable communities and look forward to working collaboratively with the Australian Government to deliver the projects that will make a difference in our communities.”

The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King said getting shovels in the ground on local construction projects was important for maintaining jobs and economic growth in Central Queensland.

“This funding provides a vital boost for communities throughout the Isaac while delivering important projects that will benefit residents for years to come,” Ms King said.

“Every single job that the Australian Government supports makes a difference in our local communities in the coalfields.”

The projects are:

o Upgrade Clermont Swimming Centre car park

o Upgrade Middlemount Pool car park

o Upgrade fencing at Nebo Pool

o Revitalising the Nebo Memorial Hall, administration, library, and Historic Nebo Museum

o Restoring the Pioneer Slab Hut at Clermont Historical Centre

o Pool fence upgrades at Greg Cruickshank Aquatic Centre and Glenden Pool

o Renewing tourism signage around the region

o Copperfield Store rectification project

o Town Entry Statement for Nebo

o Dump point alarm system at Carmila and St Lawrence

o Upgrading recycled water pipeline at Eastern Sporting Fields, Moranbah

o Replace solar lighting at Centenary Park, Clermont

o Refurbish the amenities block at Rose Harris Park, Clermont.

o Moranbah Town Square lighting upgrade

o Light replacement at Middlemount touch fields

o Light replacement at Middlemount netball courts

o Light upgrade at Middlemount rugby league fields

o Footpaths and parking accessibility upgrades at Centenary Park, Nebo.

The 18 Isaac Regional Council projects were made possible through the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Image: The car park at the Clermont Swimming Centre is one of 18 Isaac Region projects to receive Federal Government funding

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The wider Nebo community will gather for a weekend of cricket-inspired family fun tomorrow, Saturday, February 4, with a much more important message at the heart of the event.

Six Ducks & a Yarn is a community cricket event providing a day of family fun, entertainment and cricket while raising awareness and funds for mental health throughout the community.

“It’s a charity cricket match to get the community, the rural community, the mining community, businesses, just to reconnect and have a good family day but also to let people know they’re not alone, we’re all here to help one way or another,” said event organiser and Nebo Medical Action Group President Joy Cooper.

The day will feature Super 8 style cricket matches with 10 teams from Nebo, Mackay, Coppabella and Glenden registered.

Cricket legend Michael Kasprowicz will be having a game as well as presenting a guest speech and Bek Andrews and Mango Junction will be partying through the evening with live entertainment.

There are prizes for the best dressed team and best team name on offer plus free kids entertainment including dodgem cars, a water slide and cricket activities provided by Mackay Whitsunday Cricket.

Free camping is also available for those hoping to make a weekend out of the event.

The community has jumped on board with the event, with local groups providing food and drink stalls including Nebo/Sarina Range CWA, Nebo Pony Club, St Lawrence/Nebo Polocrosse Club and Nebo Bushman’s Carnival Committee.

“We’ll also have donation buckets around the area so that we can donate to a mental health charity who can come and help services to our community,” said Ms Cooper.

“It’s just a good weekend for everyone to have fun and get involved.

“Let’s start the year off on a good note.”

The event has been organised by the community with the assistance of Greater Whitsunday Communities, Isaac Regional Council, Queensland Cricket and the Queensland Government through their Queensland Health TRACC program funding.

As part of the funding provided by the TRACC Program, The Nebo Medical Action Group have been able to implement three mental health projects, with Six Ducks & A Yarn being the first.

The second project is the Cowboys Resilience Program, starting in term one, with schools from Nebo, Glenden, Coppabella, Valkyrie and Clarke Creek getting involved.

The Resilience Project delivers emotionally engaging programs to schools providing practical, evidence-based, positive strategies to build resilience and happiness through a combination of presentations, wellbeing journals, school curriculum, teacher diaries and their app.

The third project will be a series of mental health first aid courses in the region, which has already gotten underway with 10 people attending a class in Glenden last year.

“They’re the people that we can call upon to go sit with people and try and put them on the right path or just someone to sit down and have a cup of coffee with,” said Ms Cooper.

A class will be held in Nebo later this year with a date to be announced, aiming to raise awareness and support for mental health in the rural community.

“We all do personally, no matter who we are, have times where we feel lost and we just don’t know where to turn to,” said Ms Cooper.

“If we can put it out there that these are the people that can help you and get those services to come to Nebo, so they feel comfortable in their own community, that’s even better.

Mental health agencies will be present at Six Ducks & a yarn, providing information to attendees on where they can seek support.

“Our main aim is to break the stigma of mental health because it is a serious medical condition but also, we just want people to come and have fun, bring your chairs, be sun safe, there is also free camping available as well … we don’t want people to be on the road late at night,” said Ms Cooper.

WHAT: Six Ducks & a Yarn Community Family Fun Day

WHERE: Nebo Showgrounds

WHEN: Saturday, February 4, gates open at 1:00pm

This is a free community event.

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Image: Michael Kasprowicz, who played cricket for Queensland and Australia, is the special guest at Six Ducks & a Yarn, a day of cricket, family fun and mental health awareness

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After nine years in Nursing and Midwifery, Amy Kinlyside has taken the next step in exploring her passion for care and compassion.

Nude Aesthetics has been operating in Mackay since November 2022 and offers patients a high level of care and professionalism on their cosmetic journey.

“I’ve always enjoyed making people feel better about themselves,” said Amy.

Nude Aesthetics offers Cosmetic Injectables, PDO threading, IV Vitamin Infusions, IM Booster Shots, Chemical Peels, PRP and Vampire Facials, as well as stocking the best in affordable, Australian made skincare products.

It’s Amy’s friendly, empathetic and compassionate approach that makes her services stand out, always putting herself in the shoes of her patients.

“I like that I’m not just here to perform a procedure,” she said.

“I’m here to get to know the patient as well.

“I’m not here to rush, I make sure my patients are given the chance to talk, make them feel comfortable and listen to what they’re after.

“I know what it’s like to hate needles, so I always try to find the most gentle approach.”

Amy has established a comfortable, friendly and safe environment for patients to share their stories and become their best selves.

Her gentle yet confident touch puts patients at ease, as does her assured and professional approach to discussing procedures.

Amy ensures she is always studying to keep her knowledge and skills up to date with the latest treatments and achieves the best individualised outcomes.

Visit Nude Aesthetics on Facebook and Instagram to find out more about Amy’s services and opening hours.

To celebrate Valentine's Day, Amy is giving away a $250 voucher, with entries closing on February 14 at 12:00pm.

Find Nude Aesthetics Mackay on Facebook or nudeaesthetics_amy on Instagram to find out more and to enter.

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Image: Amy Kinlyside is a Cosmetic Injector who cares

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As a kid growing up near Sarina, our drinking water came from an old, galvanised iron tank with rust holes plugged with chewing gum.

We thought this was great as we weren’t usually allowed gum. When its perforations gave a colander a run for its money, and no amount of Juicyfruit could stem the flow, we replaced it with a concrete permacrete tank. The joy of the ever-cool water straight from the tap!

When attending school at St Anne’s, we experienced town water for the first time. It was atrocious. A glass of water, sometimes cloudy, if left to sit would result in nearly a centimetre of sediment in the bottom. There was an old tank in a sad state of repairs and drinking from it was forbidden but we would risk the wrath of the Sisters for a drink – mosquito wrigglers and all.

I have drunk from water holes while mustering where swiping away the scum from the top of the water was necessary to get to something that was even suggestive of being liquid. Western bores were so bad that you had to hold your nose to drink!

It is with great pride that I welcome the opening of the Koumala water treatment plant. While Mackay water often wins awards, both Calen and Koumala are at the other end of the scale. Calen has a treatment plant, while until now Koumala did not.

There is a long story to how it came to being, with more than a few fights along the way.

To some who said they did not see the plant as important, I pointed out that their children attended the school as anecdotally, I had heard stories of kids becoming dehydrated after they ran out of water brought from home rather than drinking from the town supply.

While the water may not be as perfect as some would desire, it is a tremendous improvement as the graph shows. Unfortunately, there is only so far you can go until you risk salinity.

Anyway kids, I just hope that after running around at lunch, you can have a drink straight from the tap.

Sometimes the simple things are the sweetest.

Cr Martin Bella

Mackay Regional Council

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