The Whitsundays region has seen unprecedented visitor growth, when compared with 2019 statistics.

Results gathered from the National Visitor Survey (NVS) for the year ending March 2023 showed massive growth and expenditure of visitors to the area.

Most impressive, the area has seen an increase of 41.4 per cent increase over three years, from 2019, and a visitor expenditure of $1.6 billion from 2022 till March this year.

According to the NVS, 59.6 per cent were interstate visitors, with 46 per cent being from New South Wales.

Big numbers brings big spending, with each visitor spending an average of $1,842 each while here, up 24 per cent, and staying on average for five and a half nights, compared to the previous four and a half nights from the year before.

This means people are staying in the region longer and spending more money on services, attractions, and activities.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Rick Hamilton is thrilled with the results.

"These remarkable records in visitor expenditure and interstate visitation underscore The Whitsundays' status as an unmatched holiday destination,” he said.

“Further to the records, for the first time since 2020, we have international visitor numbers.

“The region has welcomed 36,000 visitors, mostly from the UK and Europe, in the first quarter of 2023.

“These numbers show us that the international demand for The Whitsundays is strong, and we expect that demand to continue to grow in coming months.”

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2022-23 has seen unprecedented growth in visitors to the area. Photo supplied

Living on the family farm was always on the cards for Glenn Clarke, a born and bred Proserpine local.

Now four generations on the Glen Isla, just west of Proserpine township, Glenn has been growing and harvesting sugar cane for coming on 40 years now, since taking over operations from his father.

“The family moved here around 1921, from Conway way,” he explained.

Since then, the family has acquired 130 hectares of cane farming land, with Glenn usually harvesting between nine and 10 tons of sugar cane each year.

“This year is shaping to be a good crop too,” he said.

“I wouldn’t say a bumper crop but definitely a good one. The rain we’re getting at the moment is welcome, but we can’t get too much.”

Over the years, Glenn’s farm has faced increased hardships, including being almost completely flattened during Cyclone Debbie in 2017.

Nurturing the crop back to good health, he has seen much harvest success in coming years, and fosters a nature to help other cane farmers in the region.

Acting as the Chairman for the Proserpine branch of CANEGROWERS Board of Directors, Glenn often communicates with local sugar mills, including Wilmar and ensures the best for CANEGROWERS members.

He initially took on the Chairman position 10 years ago and has been a member of CANEGROWERS for 23 years now, and he isn’t slowing down any time soon.

“We look out for our members. We’re elected on to the board by our members, so we have to look out for them, and make sure everything is pointing in the right direction.”

Glenn is joined with his wife, who is a real estate agent for Ray White Real Estate.

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Proserpine local sugar cane farmer, Glenn Clarke, has been in the business for 40 years now. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

On July 22, Proserpine Historical Museum is launching a new display, Women of the Whitsundays.

This display acknowledges women, past and present, who have made significant contributions to the community and the celebration fittingly coincides with the centenary of the local Country Women’s Association.

Our early pioneering women were quite remarkable, yet it is a sad reality that the significant contribution they made to the community was often underestimated and certainly undervalued.

• They married young, had large families, and often died in their forties.

• They lived in slab huts with dirt floors and cooked on an outside open fire.

• They often contended with epidemics of measles, whooping cough and infantile paralysis when doctors were few and far between.

• They milked, churned butter and baked bread; they raised chickens and grew vegetables; they preserved fruit – to reduce bills.

• They were good managers, combining home duties with various social activities such as church groups, the hospital sewing group, Red Cross, and the Ambulance Association.

• Many were active and essential members of the business community.

• And they also worked beside the men in the fields cutting and planting cane.

One such early female settler was Mary Adelaide Atkinson.

This incredibly tough and resilient pioneer was born in 1862 in the small village of Millom in Cumberland, England.

In her early twenties, she travelled to Australia on her own on the immigrant boat “Shannon”.

As she suffered ill health, it was thought that Australia’s climate would be suitable for her.

But that was not where her journey ended.

In 1888, she married Robert Atkinson in Roma, Queensland.

They lived and worked in the Adavale area for some years before hearing of the opening up of sugarcane lands in Northern Queensland.

The pull of opportunities for a better life were strong so they decided to chance their fortunes in this emerging industry.

In about 1900, Robert, Mary and six children began the long journey north.

Two horse-drawn drays and some extra horses carried the family’s possessions.

Chickens were slung in cages under the drays.

Five or six goats that provided milk were driven along by the children.

It was an arduous journey along bush tracks.

Robert’s short-term jobs on stations along the route replenished the coffers and the children were able to attend school or join station children in lessons.

Otherwise, Mary taught them what she could manage.

The hardships encountered are best illustrated by the fact that Mary was pregnant during most of the journey of about three years and lost three babies along the way.

Such sadness, a lack of medical assistance and related support as well as the isolation suffered particularly by Mary was typical of this era and the women pioneers.

Mary’s strength was also demonstrated in that she rarely rode on the drays throughout the entire journey – pregnant or not.

Upon their eventual arrival, in Strathdickie, the hardship continued.

A slab hut was built, and the land had to be totally cleared, cultivated, and planted.

With few tools and no machinery these tasks were hard physical work and Mary helped whenever she could.

When their sons enlisted and went to war, the farm was sold.

Mary moved to Chapman Street opposite where the Whitsunday Doctors’ Service operates today.

During her life, she was an active and well-respected midwife in the district.

She opened her home as a nursing home to attend to mothers in confinement.

In all, Mary herself had borne eleven children.

Mary was a true pioneer; a caring woman with a strong spirit; determined, resourceful and resilient.

She died in Proserpine on 29th April 1944 and is buried in the Proserpine cemetery.

We salute you Mary Adelaide Atkinson.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

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Mary Atkinson

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Local marine operators have been working alongside Traditional Owners on the latest Tourism Reef Protection Initiative funded by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).

The Reefsearch Team at Red Cat have been surveying 12 sites around the Whitsundays in collaboration with Traditional Owners and Descendants of the Ngaro, Gia, and Juru people of the Whitsundays Region.

“Being able to bring them to the sites and reconnect with their land has been nothing but incredible,” said a Red Cat team member.

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Statistically, your home is more likely to be broken into in the warmer months, so winter is the perfect time to consider investing in crime-busting measures to protect house and home.

Stay alert with sensor lights

Sensor and motion detection lights are a fantastic way of having security without spending the big bucks.

Often, having a motion light will deter would-be thieves, by thinking that someone is awake in the home, therefore increasing the risk.

Protect with a screen door

This one is too simple.

Having that one extra layer of a screen door on the front door just means no one can barge into the home when you answer the door.

Be safe with a deadbolt protector

Having a deadbolt is already one sure deterrent for thieves but having a deadbolt protector is a simple measure that stops anyone who attempts to pick the lock into your home.

Sliding over the deadlock, the protector stops the lock from turning, simple yet extremely effective.

Here are some other no fuss tips to protect your home:

- Don’t advertise your holiday plans

- Make sure to lock up the garage, shed and side gates

- Keep temptation away, by moving your valuables away from view through windows

And if considering an extensive home security system, reach out to Lightning Comms, who look after all things security, monitoring and cameras.

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Council is investing $128 million into its capital assets as part of the 2023-2024 capital budget, with a strong focus on roads, drainage and improving drinking water quality in regional areas.

That figure will include $58 million on renewing existing assets, $20 million on upgrades and $50 million on new assets.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council managed a diverse range of infrastructure assets valued at $3.7 billion and was responsible for the construction, upgrade and renewal of these assets.

“One of the largest capital outlays for the coming budget will be $21.5 million in drainage works, including the South Mackay Levee, Pioneer Levee (Rivers Edge to Heaths Rd) and Sarina northern trunk drainage upgrade,” Mayor Williamson said.

“These vital works will ensure we are prepared for extreme weather events,” he said.

“We are also investing a significant $6.5 million to improve drinking water quality in regional areas.

“This will include the $2.5 million Bloomsbury Water Supply Scheme and water quality improvement projects at Eton, Calen and Sarina.”

Chief Executive Officer Scott Owen said council’s 2023-2024 budget aims to deliver high-quality services and infrastructure while ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

“This year’s capital works program is one of the largest to date and focuses on improving the region’s infrastructure and amenities,” Mr Owen said.

“We have allocated funds to continue with the planning and implementation of sustainability and urban greening initiatives that will offer long-term savings to council,” he said.

“Including $220,000 to start an electric vehicle trail for our passenger fleet and investigate the transition to LED street lighting with Ergon.”

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REVEALING COUNCIL’S
BLUEPRINT FOR GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY

- Mackay Regional Council Unveils $420 Million Budget

- ORGANISATIONAL REALIGNMENT PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE

- Council Balances Ambitious Projects With Long-Term Financial Sustainability

- COUNCIL APPROVES RATES RISE IN FINELY TUNED BUDGET

- CAPITAL BUDGET INVESTS HEAVILY IN DRAINAGE AND REGIONAL WATER QUALITY

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Mackay Base Hospital's Future Funding Relief

By Amanda Wright

Navigating the labyrinthine car parks of Mackay Base Hospital has been a nightmarish ordeal for patients, visitors, and staff alike. But the days of this hellish game of hunting are now numbered, with the State Government announcing last week that its vision for a revitalised health haven for Mackay has been backed by more than $600M from its budget announcements, which includes plans for a multi-storey car parking building.

The drawback to easier parking access is that it will come at a cost to users, with the facility being government owned and operated. The cost per day isn’t yet confirmed, however Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick indicated it would be more than $10 per day.

“In our most recent public hospitals it’s been a maximum of $13 per day,” the Treasurer said.

Preliminary work and analysis have already begun to ensure that future car parking demand and access needs for staff, patients and visitors to the health facility is met. Treasurer Dick said the first step will be community consultation and the planning will take approximately one year, then once construction begins it will take around two years to complete.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said she had first hand experience navigating Mackay Base Hospital’s car park in search of a space and welcomed the Treasurer’s commitment to easing the issue for staff, patients and visitors of the public health facility.

“There are people who are frail who can’t park down the road like I had to today, they need access to closer parking spaces,” she said.

“I have been advocating for this for many years so it’s exciting to see it happening in health across our district.”

Mackay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Susan Gannon said that the hospital’s staff, patients and visitors will be incredibly happy to know there is an end in sight to the facility’s car parking challenges.

“We know on some days it can be hard to find a park, particularly when we have big specialist outpatient clinics, and that this is frustrating for everyone,” she said.

The car park will boast over 1,000 spaces, with a provision of $75 million allocated in this year's budget for its construction costs.

The eagerly anticipated project seeks to significantly augment the existing capacity and fortify the $256.1 million expansion and enhancement plans for the Mackay Hospital site. With completion scheduled for 2026, the expansion aims to accommodate the growing demand for healthcare services by incorporating 128 new patient beds across specialised paediatric, medical, and surgical wards.

Treasurer Dick said that car parking is the last thing patients and visitors to hospitals should be worried about.

“A new multi-storey car park at the Mackay Base Hospital will make life easier for the local community, while supporting jobs during construction,” he said.

Ms Gilbert added that it’s great to see another investment in the Mackay Base Hospital.

“We have already announced the $256.1 million expansion and improvement to the hospital site, and the new car park will make it easier for the community to use this facility,” she said.

Ms Gannon added that the demand for car parking has steadily increased as the hospital brought on new services, which in turn means they are employing more doctors, nurses and support staff.

“As we provide an increasing amount of care for our community and build an additional 128 beds, this demand will only grow,” she said.

“I acknowledge that construction will create additional parking pressures so the health service will now start to consider mitigation strategies such as off-site parking to minimise this disruption.”

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State Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick, MP Charis Mullen and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert announced funding for a multi-storey car park for Mackay Base Hospital

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Chances Op Shop have turned to Facebook to thank some recent donors, including Councillor Martin Bella who orchestrated the donation of a whole beast.

“Cr. Marty Bella came to us a few weeks ago with an idea,” the Facebook post read.

“He wanted to purchase a beast for us through generous donations from people he knew, most of whom were farmers or in the agriculture industry.”

“We are so grateful to all of the people involved in making this possible.

“Meat is one of our largest costs and this donation will go a long, long way.”

Chances Op Shop have also recently shared their gratitude to Country Women's Association Mackay for their donation of $200, Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert who donated 15 pizzas for a State of Origin night, and the ladies at Scope Mackay for their donation of lightweight swags.

The op shop serves as a fundraising initiative of Australian Street Aid Project, utilising the funding from the op shop to provide essential homelessness services.

Offering a daily breakfast and lunch service, homelessness healthcare, a drop-in lounge, essential items and more, Australian Street Aid Project aims to promote dignity and positive social interactions in an inclusive and welcoming environment which enables people to exit the cycle of homelessness and increases their chances of leading a fulfilling life following their homelessness experience.

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Councillor Martin Bella organised the donation of a beast to Chances Op Shop. Photo supplied

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When Tanell Thomsett noticed her nine-year-old daughter, Millie, was feeling unwell one Friday night, she initially thought it was just a common virus. However, by Sunday, it became clear that Millie's condition was more serious. She was quickly rushed to Mackay Base Hospital via ambulance for urgent medical attention.

“Being a typical mum of three children I just thought she had a tummy bug or something,” Ms Thomsett said.

“We had gone out of town for the weekend, but once we got back to Mackay I realised she was really sick,” she said.

After thorough testing, doctors determined that Millie was likely suffering from a kidney infection, which required her to stay at Mackay Base Hospital for five nights. Reflecting on that challenging week, Ms Thomsett shared, "Lots of antibiotics, sleepless nights, and high temperatures."

Ms Thomsett stayed by Millie’s side for two nights in hospital before discovering the Ronald McDonald House Family Room.

“It was so comforting to know you had people here to help you out,” Ms Thomsett said.

Amidst the difficulties, the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital played a pivotal role in alleviating the burden for Ms Thomsett, Millie, and their entire family.

Ms Thomsett expressed her gratitude, saying, "It was just amazing. My husband would bring the kids up at night after they had finished work and sport. We were able to eat as a family and spend time together. I was able to see our other two kids, and they were able to see their sister."

The volunteers at the Ronald McDonald Family Room made a significant impact on the family's experience.

Ms Thomsett praised their dedication, saying, "They were amazing. They washed my clothes for me. I walked in with a bag of clothes, and they said, 'here, we'll do that, sit on the couch, have a nap'."

One volunteer, Ruby, stood out in particular for helping distract Millie from her medical ordeal. Ms Thomsett recalled, "It was so beautiful to see young Ruby in there when we went over one afternoon just to get a break from being in the hospital. She sat there and played Minecraft with Millie, and I was very grateful for that because I don't understand video games at all!"

Fortunately, Millie has made a full recovery and no longer requires antibiotics. Ms Thomsett expressed her relief, stating, "We're finally off antibiotics, which we're very happy about. Hopefully, we don't have to use the amazing service again, but we're so grateful it's there if we do."

After experiencing the invaluable support of the Ronald McDonald Family Room, Ms Thomsett is now urging the community to consider donating to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia this tax time. She exclaimed, "If you ever wonder where to make a donation, it's definitely to this amazing charity!"

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Millie Thomsett at Mackay Base Hospital

Millie and brother Eli (12 years old) playing video games in the Ronald McDonald House Family Room

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By Sam Gillespie

For one afternoon a year, Therese Russell and her sister Grace invite friends and supporters to the riverbanks of Dumbleton for their annual afternoon tea and cent sale.

It’s an opportunity for friends to get together for a wholesome afternoon in the outdoors while raising much needed funds for cancer research and treatment.

The sisters have been hosting the event for 21 years and Therese estimated over $30,000 has been raised in that time.

“Over the last 10 years, we’ve been donating to the McGrath Foundation because we like the idea of nurses who go out and help women who’ve had breast cancer and their families,” Therese said.

It’s become an event that people look forward to every year.

“It’s our supporters who keep us going, the people who come along, donate prizes and enjoy the afternoon, plus we like to do something for charity,” Therese said.

“We really appreciate the support we get from businesses and the individuals that come.”

Hosting this year’s event at the start of June, Therese and Grace welcomed donations from businesses and supporters for a raffle and cent sale, raising over $2,500 for the McGrath Foundation.

Therese said the sisters started hosting the morning 21 years ago after family members were affected by cancer.

“What we have to do for one afternoon a year is nothing compared to the suffering people go through with cancer treatment,” she said.

“That’s what drives me every year.

“You want your house to look nice, you want your garden to look nice and I stop and think, ‘Anybody who’s going through cancer would much rather be doing what I’m doing than go through what they’re going through.’”

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Therese and Grace

More than $2,500 was raised at the annual afternoon tea and cent sale in June. Photos supplied

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The Post-Footy Journey Of Steve Jackson

By Sam Gillespie

He’s known for scoring one of the most famous grand final tries in rugby league history and after almost three decades of owning Lenard’s franchise's post-footy career, Steve Jackson has announced his candidacy for Mayor of Mackay.

Jackson was born in Mackay in 1965, growing up in a sporty family where weekends were spent playing rugby league, soccer, basketball and Australian rules, before he made the decision to pursue rugby league at the age of 14.

Playing representative football throughout his junior years, he made his first-grade debut for Magpies in 1985 before getting the opportunity to sign with the Canberra Raiders in 1986.

Playing a series of reserve grade games under Wayne Bennett led him to achieving his lifelong dream of playing in a grand final.

“I used to watch grand finals since I was five years old in Mackay … here I was playing in the top league in the country in a grand final, so I wanted to give it everything I had,” he said.

Coming off the bench in the 1989 decider against the Balmain Tigers, Jackson scored a match-sealing try that has become a part of rugby league history.

With a 15-14 lead with mere minutes to go, Mal Meninga collected a desperate Balmain grubber and promoted the ball to Jackson who barged his way off defender after defender.

“All I can remember thinking was, ‘I can score a try in a grand final here,’ and I reached out, popped the ball down with my left hand, looked up and saw a young Bill Harrigan pointing his arm and blowing the whistle,” he recollected.

“I remember putting my head down, it was right on the try line, and I remember saying, ‘I made it, I made it, I made it.’

“It was a dream come true.”

Jackson’s career took him to Western Suburbs Magpies, Gold Coast Seagulls and State of Origin before injury forced him to retire in 1994.

He returned to Mackay in 1995, taking on a coaching position at Magpies, but faced a dilemma often experienced by footy players at the end of their careers.

“When I retired, I not only lost the game, I lost my wife, I lost my job, so I went from the penthouse to the outhouse in 12 months and it was a dark place for me,” he said.

“The resilience I learnt in rugby league got me through.”

At 32, Jackson remarried before opening Lenard’s Mount Pleasant in 1997 and purchasing Lenard’s Caneland Central in 2018.

“The business then saved me because there was a light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

“What I’ve put in place from football is the same principles and discipline in my business.”

After 27 years in business, both poultry and real estate, Jackson welcomes his next challenge: running for Mayor of Mackay.

“Greg Williamson’s doing a fantastic job, but sometimes change might be needed and I believe Mackay is a sleeping giant,” he said.

Going from challenge to challenge and strength to strength, Jackson’s advice from someone who’s experienced it all is to always have a dream.

“If I’d have told people when I was 15 years old listening to State of Origin on the radio that I was going to play nine games for Queensland and play in a grand final they would’ve laughed at me,” he said.

“But look what happened.”

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Rugby League Legend, Lenard’s Franchisee and Mayoral Candidate Steve Jackson. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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The Mackay Festival of Arts has begun and the first week will be packed with the soulful Jazz Brunch, awe-inspiring circus Le Coup, the hilarious High Tea with Booff and plenty more.

The first official festival event will transform the MECC into a high-energy spandex romp on Saturday, July 1.  Werk It by Circus Trick Tease is an adults-only circus event that is known for its sass, swagger, colour and acrobatic feats.  

The Friends of the MECC Jazz Brunch, on Sunday, July 2, is a much more relaxed affair.

Mayor Greg Williamson said this year a sensational collaboration between Conjazz, the exceptional Australian jazz vocalist Gregg Arthur and renowned jazz pianist Peter Locke would have the crowd enthralled.

“And, of course, the array of delicious brunch delicacies never disappoints!” he said.

However, the Mayor said the hero event for the first week of the festival was the Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub.

“The Civic Centre Precinct will transform into a hub of street food, craft beer and sensational entertainment from Monday, July 3, through to Sunday, July 9,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The shows at the Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub are unlike anything we’ve had before,” he said.

“There’s a lot of excitement around having Le Coup in the Japanese-inspired Ukiyo tent.

“This is a show with a lot of really intense, death-defying stunts – they are swallowing swords, cracking whips and breathing fire.  

“It’s billed as ‘fight night at the circus’ and with the intimate atmosphere of the Ukiyo tent, audiences really will be ringside for the action.”

Festival and Events coordinator Sarah Porter said High Tea with Booff was also an intimate show – one that promised front row seats to every attendee.

“Each show has just 10 tickets; you are literally at a tea party with this eccentric, charming, larger-than-life character named Booff,” Ms Porter said.

“No two shows are the same – he goes off script, improvises and interacts with his audience in a way that is really original and hilarious,” she said.

“Grab your friends and come along, because High Tea with Booff is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.”

Also on show at the Civic Precinct is a captivating digital animation projection.

Crossroad Arts and local new media artist Donna Maree Robinson facilitated a series of workshops with students and community members from all walks of life to create an animated artwork called ‘Time of our Lives’ that will be projected onto the façade of Artspace Mackay.

The artworks are the participant’s interpretation of how they mark time and special occasions and features original artworks by local botanical artist Kate Brunner.

Time of our Lives will be projected from 6pm to 8pm every evening from July 3 to July 9.

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Le Coup will be performing death-defying stunts in the Japanese-inspired Ukiyo tent as part of the Festival of Arts

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Inclement weather wasn’t going to get in the way of a successful Whitsunday STEM Challenge held in Mackay recently.

Seventeen teams had travelled from Goondiwindi, Bundaberg, Emerald, Sarina, Calen and Townsville to participate in the annual Pedal Prix race, which was called off on day two due to bad weather.

CQUniversity campus coordinator and secretary for Whitsunday STEM Challenge, Leanne Williams said 10 hours of racing at the Mackay Kart Track had been completed before the race had to be cancelled.

“That was sufficient time of racing for us to be able to finalise the winners,” Ms Williams said.

“There were over 200 people at the track to cheer on the students and the vibe was fantastic,” she said.  

“There was amazing teamwork from the students. One school lost a vehicle due to their steering snapping and another school had a lot of vehicles in the race and invited the team to join them!”  

Mackay Northern Beaches took out the senior boys’ trophy for the third year and Emerald took home three trophies including best school-built vehicle.  

The event formed part of the annual Festival of STEM (FoS) Challenge which is now in its fifth year.

General Manager of BMA’s Hay Point Coal Terminal, Linda Murry said BMA was proud to support the Festival of STEM, which encourages the next generation to consider STEM careers.

“During the festival students were exposed to STEM in a fun environment and learnt new skills from the various competitions,” Ms Murray said.  

“Programs like the Festival of STEM provide excellent insights into STEM career pathways for future generation of school leavers.”

More than 400 students registered to compete in the F1 in schools, drones and robotics competitions held later in the week.

Teams travelled from as far as Bowen and Townsville along with many students travelling from Sarina and the local high schools.

“This year the Whitsunday STEM committee has gifted robotic equipment to three different pioneer valley primary schools so they can learn new coding skills and compete in the Mackay competition,” Ms Williams said.

“Local sponsors joined CQUniversity to share career pathways with the students who attended.”

By CQUniversity

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Hundreds of students participated in the 2023 Whitsunday STEM Challenge and Pedal Prix

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By Amanda Wright

State Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick visited Mackay last week, to break down where an infrastructure spend of $623.4 million for the Mackay-Whitsunday region would happen, on top of the 2023-24 State Budget $613.1 million for the Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

After announcing the $75M provision in the budget to cover Mackay Base Hospital’s multi-level car parking building (as covered on page three), Treasurer Dick also visited the Resources Centre of Excellence to view plans for the Stage 2 development. He also spoke at the MECC as part of the Queensland Budget and Economic Outlook event co-hosted by the Greater Whitsunday Alliance and the Queensland Treasury and Trade and Investment Queensland before visiting council chambers to speak briefly at the start of the Mackay Regional Council’s annual budget meeting.

The lunch event held at the MECC was attended by more than 80 Mackay and Whitsunday government, industry and community leaders to hear from the Treasurer about the regional action plan for the Greater Whitsunday region after the 2023-2024 Queensland Budget announcement earlier in the month.

The Mackay event was one of a series of six visits by the Treasurer where he briefed attendees on the Queensland Budget and the Economic Outlook for the 2023-2024.

Speaking at council’s budget meeting, Treasurer Dick said that his presence at council and the councillor’s attendance at the economic outlook event at the MECC is an indication of the great partnership that exists between state government and local government.

“Our state government can not work without those effective and productive relationships,” the Treasurer said.

He wished the councillors well with their deliberations for the budget as he emphasised that when it comes to public entities, it is the people’s money that is being spent.

“The truth is, it’s not our money,” he said.

“I have a sign in my office, it’s a saying that my old father who has now passed used to say, ‘It’s other people’s money’, and you always have to remember that, to use it in a disciplined way for our people.”

The Treasurer said we can all take confidence in the great future that exists for Queensland and for Mackay, coming out of COVID better than anywhere else in the country.

“Record surplus, low debt profile and now giving back to the people with the biggest capital works program in our state’s history, $89B which is $30B more than our budget last year over the next four years.

“The future is bright in Queensland.”

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L-R Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, Resources Centre of Excellence CEO Steven Boxall, Treasurer Hon. Cameron Dick and Assistant Minister for Treasury Charis Mullen look over Stage 2 plans for the Resources Centre of Excellence

Mayor Greg Williamson speaks with the Treasurer Hon. Cameron Dick and Assistant Minister for Treasury Charis Mullen at the MECC during the Queensland Budget and Economic Outlook event

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