Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Premier David Crisafulli visited Mackay's Northern Beaches this week, confirming the long-awaited Mackay-Bucasia Road and Golf Links Road intersection upgrade had progressed to detailed design. “We said we'd do it, and we are,” Mr Crisafulli said. The highly anticipated announcement comes as sweet relief for a lot of motorists, with this intersection seeing up to 30,000 vehicles pass every day, making it one of the most bottle-necked in the state. “We can get anywhere in half an hour in Mackay, but then when you put in 24,000 to 30,000 vehicles passing one spot on a roundabout which is not working well, we need to change that,” said state member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton MP. The $20M upgrade will transform the busy roundabout with traffic signals on all four approaches, supported by CCTV and queue-detection technology designed to improve traffic flow during peak periods. Additional turning lanes are also planned on Mackay-Habana Road, Mackay-Bucasia Road and Golf Links Road, with construction expected to begin early next year. “People will see shovels in the ground early next year after the wet season,” Mr Cristafulli said. “We want to deliver a project that a growing community needs, that it deserves, that's been crying out for the better part of a decade.” Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm has been a long-time advocate for upgrading the intersection, first calling for funding while in opposition before including the project as part of the State Government's election commitment. Throughout the planning process, Ms Camm also undertook community consultation, receiving more than 600 responses from Northern Beaches residents. Feedback from those surveys, alongside community meetings, helped push the project to the stage it’s at today. “I want to say thank you to the community and those particularly who are represented here today by Antoinette du Toit, a local resident,” Ms. Camm said. “It’s through her advocacy, through our community's joint advocacy, that we are here today delivering upon our $20 million government election commitment to upgrade.” For Northern Beaches residents like Antoinette, navigating the area's growing traffic has become an everyday frustration. “I think one of the biggest concerns for people is if there's an accident here, we can't get in or out,” Antoinette said. “They're [the State Government] listening to us, they see what we need and are actually progressing on it.” The project comes amid growing concern over the condition and capacity of regional Queensland roads, particularly the Bruce Highway. “It has been a national disgrace,” Mr Crisafulli said. “If you have a look at the infrastructure spend, then you realise how fair dinkum we are about it. “We are unashamedly passionate about making sure that rural and regional Queenslanders get their fair share of what they haven’t for many years, that we're not backing away from doing projects right across the board.”
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Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School (Facebook) Whitsunday Anglican School’s Kindy to Year 2 students enjoyed a fun-filled Athletics Carnival, with young athletes taking part in running, jumping and throwing events while showing plenty of enthusiasm, determination and House spirit. Supported by Senior School volunteers, the day celebrated participation, encouragement and the strong sense of community across the school. See more photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/little-legs-big-spirit-at-whitsunday-anglican-schools-kindy-carnival
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Leading Mackay real estate business REMAX Select has announced the appointment of highly respected business professional Samantha Self as General Manager. The appointment is set to further strengthen the agency's high-performing team across the Mackay region, with Principal Nikita Kinnane describing Ms Self's arrival as an exciting step forward for the business. “We are heading in a really exciting direction with our business, and I cannot be more excited to have Samantha join our leadership team to build on that momentum,” Ms Kinnane said. Ms Kinnane said the recruitment process was focused on finding a leader whose values aligned with those of the business, it was Ms Self's shared commitment to those values and vision that made her the ideal candidate. "Samantha will play an important role in shaping the future REMAX Select, bringing exceptional experience in property, management and leadership to help drive growth and innovation, and this will flow into enhancing every aspect of our business. "Importantly, Samantha shares our core values and commitment to putting Mackay first, and we share the same drive to really make impactful change, bring big city ideas and execute them in our own country girl way.” It was the core values of respect, integrity, collaboration, excellence and trust that Ms Self aligned with, sharing her goal to continue to build on the trust and integrity the agency has established in Mackay, while supporting the continued growth and development of both the team and business. “I’m excited to take on the role of general manager and work alongside Nikita and the entire team at REMAX Select,” Ms Self said. “REMAX Select has a strong team with exceptional talent which is highly respected throughout the community and I’m excited to be part of its continued success.” Ms Self steps into the role after eight years as retail manager of the largest shopping centre in northern Australia. During that time, she was the key driver of building positive, collaborative relationships with retailers, creating an environment where retailers were genuine partners in success. Having led sales performance analysis and market insight initiatives, Ms Self said she looks forward to applying her knowledge and experience to support the continued success of the REMAX Select team. “I am dedicated to empowering our team members through training and development opportunities, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed,” she said. “My goal is to continue to foster the team’s culture of professionalism, responsiveness and customer-first approach and I look forward to collaborating with our talented agents and staff to create a dynamic and successful environment here at REMAX Select.” REMAX Select is an award-winning real estate business, recently recognised as the 2025 REIQ Medium Agency of the Year and finalist at the 2026 REIA National Awards for Excellence. The office consistently ranks in the National Top 10 Offices in the REMAX Australia network, recognised as the #3 individual office for commissions and transactions at the REMAX Australia Annual Awards 2025 earlier this year, where they were also named a finalist for the network’s community service award and special achievement in marketing for an office award. REMAX Select is located at 133B Victoria Street, Mackay. Contact (07)4829 4612 or visit remax.com.au/select/ for an award winning real estate experience. Newly appointed General Manager, Samantha Self (Left) with REMAX Select Principal Nikita Kinnane (Right).
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In 2000, Peter and Denise Phillips laid the foundation for what would become one of Mackay’s most recognisable holistic, all in one property, insurance and financial services ecosystem. Starting as a Mortgage Choice franchise, Gardian was built on a commitment to helping people make confident financial decisions with local people in the know! Over the decades, that foundation has steadily evolved. Today, Gardian encompasses a wide range of services, including all manner of finance, general and business insurance, financial planning, real estate sales, property management, and commercial sales, management and leasing. What began as a single offering has grown into an integrated business model serving individuals, families, businesses, and community across the region. Now, the organisation enters its next chapter. After many years at the helm with her late husband Peter, Denise Phillips will step down from her role as Managing Director. Her leadership has been central to Gardian’s growth — not just in size, but in culture, reputation, and its connection to the local community. Taking over the role is Ben Phillips, Owner/Director and Head of Gardian Finance. Having been closely involved in all aspects of the business and its clients, he brings both continuity and a forward-looking perspective to the position. Leadership transitions often mark defining moments for organisations. In this case, the change represents both the continuation of a strong legacy and the opportunity to build on it. The evolution of Gardian — from a small franchise to a diversified advisory group — reflects the importance of adaptability, strategic growth, and staying aligned to core values to the community. For the Mackay business community, this transition highlights the strength of long-term vision and succession planning, particularly within locally grown enterprises. It also reinforces the impact that leadership grounded in community and relationships can have over time. As Gardian moves forward under new leadership, it does so with deep roots, a clear purpose, and a platform built for continued growth.
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Police are seeking the assistance of the public as they investigate a fatal house fire that claimed the lives of the sole owner-occupant and his two dogs.
Emergency services were called to a property on Grant Street at 6:30pm, Saturday, August 19, after neighbours reported flames coming from the building to triple zero.
The body of 59-year-old Mark Gallagher was located inside the destroyed dwelling over 24 hours later once the fire had been extinguished and the property was certified safe for police to investigate.
Mr Gallagher, an employee at a local club, lived at the property alone with his two dogs.
Police investigations have established that he finished work at around about 8:30am that morning and was sighted at IGA West Mackay at 9:30am.
“What police are asking for assistance with is anyone who may have had any contact or seen Mr Gallagher between the hours of 9:30am on Saturday morning and 6:30pm when that fire started,” said Detective Acting Inspector Chris Eaton.
Police believe the fire originated centrally in the dwelling and are awaiting forensic examination results to confirm the cause of the blaze.
“It’s an old Queenslander style house, so when those particular buildings are destroyed by fire, it’s quite difficult to establish and does take some time for our forensic people,” said Mr Eaton.
Mr Eaton said Mr Gallagher had lived in Mackay for some time and was well known in the community.
His next of kin, both locally and interstate, have been contacted.
“We’re really trying to establish, was he at home throughout the course of that day, had he been out, that will just narrow down our time frame and hopefully assist our investigators.”
If you have any information regarding Mr Gallagher, contact Policelink at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au or call 1800 333 000.
Quote this reference number: QP2301377124.
A Grant Street property was destroyed by fire last weekend, claiming the lives of 59-year-old Mark Gallagher and his two dogs
Detective Acting Inspector Chris Eaton is calling on members of the public for information. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
With a passion for client satisfaction, Kate Paton has developed a varied and successful career with Inspire Accounting and Business Services, recently being announced as the firm’s newest Director.
Kate joined the Inspire team over ten years ago, starting as a trainee accountant straight out of school.
Now, at 28-years-old, she is the firm’s youngest Director and has become a driving force, a beacon of inspiration within the firm.
“My team at Inspire are like my family,” Kate said, reflecting on the last decade fondly.
“The development they’ve given me, I don’t think I would’ve got anywhere else, and I wouldn’t have progressed so quickly anywhere else.”
With two children under three years of age, Charlotte and Luke, Kate’s work-life balance is a busy one, but she said she couldn’t do it without the support of her husband, Lochlan, her parents, and the rest of her network.
“I’ve got a big support team, my husband, my parents, everyone who helps out, who I wouldn’t be here without,” she said.
Managing over 150 clients throughout the region, Kate has a talent for mentoring medium to large sized businesses, with expertise in strategic planning and coaching.
She genuinely cares about her clients and wants to help them succeed both professionally and personally, saying the most common issue she sees is clients not getting their accountant involved early enough.
“What we try and drill into our clients is if they’re ever going to do anything or they think there’s a problem, we’re just a phone call away and we’ll try and get on the front foot,” she said.
Contact Inspire Accounting and Business Services on 07 4914 2400 to learn more about their services.
Inspire Accounting and Business Services Director Kate Paton
The stage is set for a celebration of our region’s industry movers and shakers as the finalists of the 2023 Resource Industry Network (RIN) Awards step into the spotlight.
With keen eyes and careful consideration, the judging panel has unveiled an impressive lineup of 17 finalists spanning seven categories. These awards stand as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the local resources services sector and its intricate supply chain.
The Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region proudly houses a dynamic METS hub, and the RIN Awards stand as a grand salute to the outstanding contributions that keep the industry, the community, and the region thriving.
As anticipation mounts, the RIN Awards Gala Dinner, slated for September 1st at the MECC, promises an exceptional evening to honour and applaud the individuals and businesses that make our region soar.
The 2023 RIN Awards finalists in each of the seven categories are:
Safety Foremost Award (sponsored by Diacon Australia)
• Aurizon
• Ausgroup Industrial Services (QLD) Pty Ltd
• QCCS Pty Ltd
Connecting in the Community Award (sponsored by Local Buying Foundation)
• Wisely Group
• Field Mining Services Group
• BOQ Mackay
Manufacturing Excellence Award (sponsored by Queensland Manufacturing Hubs Program)
• Torque Enterprises
• Linked Group
• Field Engineers
Standing Out from the Crowd Award (sponsored by Onsite Training Australia)
• Melissa Egan – BOQ Mackay
• Charlotte Nash-Stewart – Field Engineers
• Joseph ‘Joey’ Lewis – Sojitz Blue
Striving for Diversity Award (sponsored by BHP Mitsubishi Alliance)
• Intelics
Champion Culture Award (sponsored by Field Mining Services Group)
• Wisely Group
• Mackay Sugar
• Vex Engineering
Innovation for Export Award (sponsored by Trade & Investment Qld)
• Village National
The finalists reflect a broad range of initiatives around innovation, manufacturing, diversity, community, culture, safety, and individual excellence.
“As an organisation that represents the resources services and manufacturing sectors, we value the effort it takes to submit nominations and we wish everyone the best of luck on the awards night,” Resource Industry Network general manager Dean Kirkwood said.
RIN has secured media personality, journalist, and broadcaster Tony Squires as the keynote speaker for the gala dinner, with comedian Kat Davidson as emcee.
Mackay and District National Servicemen’s Association has donated a massive $17,000 to seven local charities.
The National Servicemen Association of Australia (NSAA) Mackay and District Branch was formed in Mackay in 1996, with 40 former National Servicemen in membership, who were a part of the 1951-1959 National Service Scheme and the 1964-1972 National Service Act.
On Tuesday this week, the NSAA Mackay and District donated $17,000 for local charities, with CQ Helicopter Rescue receiving $5,000, while Meals on Wheels Mackay, Ronald McDonald House Centre, Prostrate Cancer Support Group, St Vinnies Men’s Hostel Mackay, Salvation Army Mackay Corps, and Domestic Violence Resources Services Mackay all receiving $2,000 each.
These donations ensure the continued work of these organisations to the support local Mackay and District residents.
To learn more about the NSAA Mackay and District Branch, contact the Branch on priestfam1937@spin.net.au
The NSAA Mackay and District gifting their donations to seven charities. Photo supplied
Centenarian and Order of Australia Medal recipient, Allan Quartermaine, has encouraged the community to get behind the 81st annual Legacy Week, happening from August 27 to September 2.
As 2023 commemorates a century of Legacy Australia, the former Legacy Mackay President remains a beacon of unwavering support for Legacy Week, an enduring national initiative established in 1942.
The week-long event galvanizes vital funds to underpin Legacy’s mission: caring for the families of Australia’s dedicated service personnel.
Rooted in a promise forged among diggers during WWI to protect and support one another's families, Legacy and its dedicated volunteers, known as Legatees, have upheld this vow for generations.
A living embodiment that age is merely a number, Mr Quartermaine is a staunch advocate for the cause, rallying the community to contribute to Legacy Week's impact.
Over six decades, he has tirelessly championed Legacy's cause, leaving an indelible mark on roles such as Secretary and Chairman of Legacy Sunshine Coast, Trustee of Legacy Brisbane, and President of Legacy Mackay.
Allan's commitment as the organization's longest-serving Legatee endures, as he lends his insights as a consultant to the present management committee.
Allan's journey of service began early, enlisting in the Royal Australian Navy at a tender age of 17.
His responsibilities encompassed perilous minesweeping duties in the Pacific during WW2 before, post-war, his focus pivoted towards community service.
Yet, it's his dedicated work with Legacy that he deems the pinnacle of his contributions.
Legatees and volunteers will be selling badges and other memorabilia at stalls across Caneland Central, Parkside Plaza, Marian, Proserpine and Sarina from August 27 to September 2.
Centenarian, Order of Australia Medal recipient and former Legacy Mackay President Allan Quartermaine. Photo supplied
From much-needed community facilities and retail projects to beautiful family homes and seaside abodes, the Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday 2023 Housing & Construction Awards showed off craftsmanship and stylish detail in construction.
The best of the best in the building and construction industry were celebrated at the Awards held at the Mackay Convention Centre on Saturday, 12 August.
Fergus Builders dominated the Construction Awards, scooping a third of the awards on offer by taking out the Community Accommodation for Specialist Disability, Aged Care and Nursing Homes, Commercial/Industrial Building from $5 million up to $10 million and Commercial fitout up to $5 million categories. Fergus also won two Housing awards to take its grand total to five, winning the Display Home over $550,000 and Best Use of Steel Frame Housing categories.
Michelle Thompson from Porters Glass & Aluminium was awarded the Women in Building title.
Morris Constructions snapped up the prestigious House of the Year Award for the coastal luxury home, The Coral Sea House.
Paynters delivered a landmark project with the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, winning them the McInnes Wilson Lawyers Project of the Year, as well as the Best Sporting Facility Award.
Dixon Homes took out the Individual Home from $500,000 up to $750,000 for its Sugarfield Residence in Ooralea.
Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Regional Manager, Malcolm Hull congratulated the winners across all 28 categories.
“The spirit of achievement, dedication and exceptional quality of workmanship has inspired our 2023 Housing & Construction Awards program – Shining Bright. This year's projects prove our members are truly innovative and dedicated to building the best for the region.
“This year’s field is diverse, from stunning renovations and beautiful new builds to important community facilities like the TAFE Agricultural Centre and Great Barrier Reef Arena – there’s really nothing Master Builders can’t accomplish.
“It doesn't matter whether they've taken an Award home this year or not. Each of our 2023 entrants is a part of the Master Builders family and helps cement why we're so widely trusted and respected," he said.
BUSSQ Building Super President's Award – Lowcock Builders for Queens Bay Home (Bowen)
McInnes Wilson Lawyers Project of the Year – Paynters for Great Barrier Reef Arena (Mackay)
House of the Year – Morris Constructions QLD for The Coral Sea House (Airlie Beach)
Building the dreams of clients is what has kept Fergus Builders going from strength to strength over their illustrious 40-year history.
Taking pride in designing and delivering high-quality new homes as well as commercial and industrial premises for Mackay and surrounding districts, Fergus Builders’ dedication was recognised at the recent Master Builders Housing & Construction Awards, receiving a massive five awards for the Mackay & Whitsunday regions.
Each accolade clearly highlights Fergus’ diverse capabilities on a wide variety of projects, whether it be display homes, community accommodation or industrial facilities.
A highlight of the evening came from receiving the Display Home over $550,000 award for ‘Palmview’, located in Beaconsfield.
The build was carefully designed to incorporate Accessible Housing requirements and Fergus is proud to showcase the final product.
‘Palmview’ is a homely, generously proportioned and positioned house, with the finishes of the display home proof that Fergus take pride in attention to detail and quality workmanship.
Fergus are frequent contributors to the patchwork of Mackay’s urban expanse, their craftmanship on the South Mackay Community Home project receiving Best Use of Steel Frame Housing and Community Accommodation for Specialist Disability, Aged Care and Nursing Homes awards.
The construction of the home adhered to strict guidelines for disability access that was inspected and approved at design, rough-in and final stages.
A unique challenge then came in the form of the Jaws Facility in Paget, for which Fergus was awarded the Commercial/Industrial Building from $5 million up to $10 million award.
Being over 18 meters from ground level to gutter height, the facility is now one of the highest industrial sheds in Paget.
The height coupled with the proximity of the building to rear and side boundaries meant Fergus Builders had to work closely with the neighbouring premises for access when installing wall sheeting and roof drainage to the factory but, with the support of local suppliers and trades, Fergus Builders were able to deliver this project on time and within the client’s budget.
Fergus’ versatility was again showcased through receiving the award for Commercial fit out up to $5 million.
The timeline of the project was critical to allow the client sufficient time to move out of their current premises and into the new office space by a fixed date.
Throughout the project, Fergus Builders were able to facilitate several design and material changes that allowed the project to be completed on time and offer cost savings to the client without taking away from the design intent of the project.
Fergus Builders has been part of the prestigious Master Builders Awards since 2008 and prove their versatility and dedication year on year.
Celebrating 40 years in 2023, Fergus Builders continually proves itself as a leader in providing buildings of high quality, innovative design, and superb value.
Display Home over $550,000 – Fergus Builders for Palmview (Mackay)
Best Use of Steel Frame Housing – Fergus Builders for South Mackay Community Home (Mackay)
Community Accommodation for Specialist Disability, Aged Care and Nursing Homes – Fergus Builders for South Mackay Community Home (Mackay)
Commercial/Industrial Building from $5 million up to $10 million – Fergus Builders for Jaws Industrial Facility (Paget)
Commercial fit out up to $5 million – Fergus Builders for Mackay Office Fit Out (Mackay)
Fergus Builders received five awards at the recent Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards
Mackay Regional Council's free native plant program gives ratepayers the opportunity to add a native touch to their gardens with the ability to receive up to four free plants of their choice per year.
For those in a rural locality, it’s a good opportunity to get top value locally native plants for your creeklines and windbreak areas.
Simply come along to the Mackay Natural Environment Centre at 6 Swayne Street, North Mackay and bring your rate notice and a bag/box to take your plants home.
Open days:
Friday, August 25, 9am to 3pm
Saturday, August 26, 9am to 12pm
Extra plants can be purchased for $3 each (eftpos only) by ratepayers and non-ratepayers.
2023 is already a year dotted with highlights for the Porters Group, as the local family-owned hardware business celebrates 140 years, and Michelle Thompson has just added to the rich tapestry of family history.
A member of the Porter family, Michelle is the Commercial Estimator in the Glass and Aluminium Division, and recently received the Women in Building Award at the Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards.
“It’s a really nice honour to be recognised,” Michelle said.
“There are so many women coming through in this industry.
“It’s encouraging to see women in construction across various roles, so it’s really nice to be acknowledged for the part that I’m playing.”
Michelle’s role involves quoting new jobs and following them through the manufacturing stage all the way to installation.
With a willingness to grow and learn within the business, she has earnt the respect of her customers, colleagues, and industry professionals through a focus on building relationships and following things through to ensure positive outcomes.
Michelle’s role comes with variety, collaboration, and innovation, and she loves what she does.
“We can work on anything from day care centres to schools to retail, so no two jobs are the same,” Michelle said.
“Some are smaller, some are bigger, and we work with various different builders locally and from out of town.
“I don’t do my job on my own, I’ve got a really great team that I work with so that makes it easier to do my job.”
Find out more about the Porters Group at www.porterscando.com.au.
Michelle Thompson received the Women in Building Award at the Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards. Photo supplied
Dixon Homes is very proud to receive the 2023 Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Award for Best Individual Home from $500,000 up to $750,000. This award and our many other awards in previous years (including Best Display Home, Best Renovation, and other individual home category awards) is testimony to Dixon Homes’ ability to be versatile, on trend and accommodating.
Our team worked tirelessly with our client to design and create this truly beautiful custom designed home, focusing primarily on storage and space for a young family whose desire was to build their forever home. Particular attention was concentrated on materials and products that would have an everlasting appeal and durability. Most importantly, the home was designed to suit our Queensland climate, with the southward facing alfresco which opens up entirely through corner stacking doors to the internal living/kitchen/dining area. The high raked ceilings with fixed windows on the higher points allow plenty of natural light into the living space. Large openings to the bedroom wing of the home and to the media room add to the spacious outcome. There is definitely no shortage of storage throughout the home with large walk-in robes to the children’s bedrooms and massive his & hers robes for the master. The walk-in linen is a bonus along with storage both in media and the children’s retreat. The kitchen and butler’s pantry are what most women dream of with functionality, open to the living area, plenty of light and the centrepiece of the home. A perfect combination of Polytec Woodmatt finish, laminate and stone that are complimented by matt black trimmings.
Alpine Grigio Lappato Tiles were the durable choice of flooring in the entry and living areas with a cosier choice of carpet for the bedrooms and media. Allowing more light and maintaining the on trend look, this house welcomes you with a fully glazed aluminium front entry door.
Although a franchise, Dixon Homes are and have been a family owned and managed construction company in Mackay since 2003. We are proudly debt fee and are quality assured with ISO.9001:2015 management systems for home design and construction.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Master Builders Queensland, the judges and all the Dixon Homes staff, subcontractors, and suppliers for helping us to achieve this award.
Sugarfield Residence
Oncology nurse and clinical trials coordinator Carli Shaw has cared for hundreds of people in our community during their cancer journeys.
She understands the physical toll the disease takes on not only patients but their families.
What she didn’t understand and wanted to know more about was the impact of what is commonly called ‘brain fog’ or ‘chemo brain’ so she has spent the past four years researching this hidden affliction.
“I’d see all the patients with ‘chemo fog’ and be hearing things like ‘I tell my kids the same things 15 times and now they don’t listen to me’,” Carli said.
“I posed the research question ‘How does cancer-related cognitive impairment after chemotherapy impact daily life?’”
Carli was recently recognised for her efforts, with her paper taking out a top award at the 25th Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA) Annual Congress in Adelaide in June.
Her research involved interviews with participants from across Australia.
“Cancer patients are trying to figure out who they are, after this shock,” Carli said.
“As a normal individual before cancer, you know who you are.
“Then cancer comes in and you’ve instantly got this brand-new identity that knows nothing.”
While forgetfulness was one of the effects of brain fog, it was just one part of the story.
“Participants have said that they're now the child and their kids are the parents,” Carli said.
“They’re spoken down to because they’re forgetting or getting mixed up with appointments and things.
“Nearly everybody described needing to change their profession or change roles within their profession because they think they couldn’t cope with the cognitive load going back to work.
“And because it's an invisible symptom, they felt the need to justify it or wondering whether they're making it up.
“And it's not something we can do a test on and say yes, this is what it is.”
Though there’s no consensus on what causes ‘brain fog’ Carli said that seeking to recognise and understand the issue was beneficial.
“I thought it was going to be really easy to answer,” Carli said.
“Although this is known, it’s a new area of study and I think it’s the formalisation of what is happening for patients.
“Every participant thanked me for being able to share their story. Quite a few said it had been really cathartic.
“I found it really challenging to hear some of these stories.”
The next step for Carli is to complete her doctorate on the subject and produce a 100,000-word thesis.
“Essentially it will be a case of now here’s the problem, how do we fix it?” Carli said.
Carli was also nominated for a People’s Choice award at the recent Mackay HHS staff recognition event.
Contributed by Mackay Hospital and Health Service.
Carli Shaw has been recognised for standout chemotherapy research
Carli has completed hundreds of interviews with cancer patients, to tackle ‘chemo brain’. Photos supplied
Pioneer Valley’s longest-established educational institution Eton State School celebrated its 140th anniversary in style last weekend, demonstrating that while it may be small in size, it’s big in heart and heritage.
A large gathering of 250 including former pupils from bygone eras and their families flocked to the historic landmark to mark the school’s important milestone.
Visitors basked in the brilliant winter’s sunshine as they took a trip down memory lane – enjoying a school tour, time capsule, performances from current pupils, a fascinating memorabilia room display, cake cutting and delicious afternoon tea and dinner.
Cake cutting featured members of the Burgess and Sutton families who can boast five generations at the school.
Samuel Levi Edward Sutton – known as Ted – was a pupil in the original Eton State School class followed by Edward Thomas ‘Eddie’ Sutton; Leslie Robert ‘Bob’ Sutton; Emily Jane Lette; Sienna Jane Lette and Maggie Jade Lette.
The Burgess family features Madeline Butt (nee Larson), Iris Frease, Margaret Burgess, Nathan Burgess, Justin Burgess, Heath Burgess, Owen Burgess and Rylen Burgess.
Eton State School opened on August 20 back in 1883 with an enrolment of fifty students.
Through the years, the school has remained on the same site.
The school stands as part of a family orientated community with strong beliefs in the role and purpose of education that the school has provided to many students over the years.
It is evident that the community holds the school in high regard with generation after generation of families attending for an education rich in old school values and academic results.
Currently the school has 24 pupils.
Last Saturday’s event proved a resounding success – thanks to the tireless work behind the scenes of a highly efficient organising committee led by School Principal Noel Reynolds, P & C president Shane Cook, treasurer Ellen Cook, Claire Cook, Emily Lette, Kate Mann, Kay Thornton, Ronda Williamson, Margaret Burgess, Joan Ruffell, Ann Lutz and Tamara Cole.
Photo credit: Chris Karas
This sounds like a cliché, but I reckon Father’s Day is every day. I love having kids and being a dad.
Sure, at times they give me the “you know whats”, I wish they would stay away from screens more, and actually listen better … or at all.
Being a dad gives you the excuse of being able to make funny noises and blame it on pets and other people. You can pull a jumper over your head and tell the kids they can’t see you – other dumb stuff like that, just to make your little people laugh.
Moving towards teen years as we currently are, is providing challenges though, the access to online games, purchasing a Nintendo, and YouTube channels have taken over our lives. Switch them off for a few hours and the kids go crazy, but when you tell them 18 months ago you had no Nintendo or laptop, and you managed to find something to do, they seem to forget those days.
And parents, just wondering, is anyone else not a huge fan of pretty much all school work and homework being computer based?
It’s so easy for the kids to have another tab open, that when you walk away, for another window to be opened up, and instead of doing their English homework they’re actually watching Mr Beast give away hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Whatever you do for Father’s Day, whether it’s breakfast in bed, a BBQ, fishing in the boat or just mowing the lawn so you get time to yourself, make sure you enjoy it.
Scotty
Catch the Star breakfast show - Scotty and Rach with Kaley - from 5am, Daytimes with Johnny, Will & Woody from 5pm and the Kyle and Jackie-o Hour of Power from 7pm every weekday!
The Sarina community has banded together to support revitalisation and regeneration of two beloved beaches, as part of protection for the Great Barrier Reef plan.
Off the back of 10 community-led prompts detailed by the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Reef Community Action Plan (CAP), the Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association (SLCMA) has held a coastal rehabilitation project, calling for volunteers and locals to help out.
Working to revitalise and rejuvenate the Sarina Coast, the event saw improvement of ground conditions and prompted resilience at Carmila and Grasstree beaches.
SLCMA Coordinator Saskia von Fahland said it was great to see the CAP process come to fruition and lead to meaningful activities being undertaken in the catchment.
“Our local CAP project was a great opportunity to undertake a range of on-ground activities at local beaches and engage with the local community to raise awareness of the importance of having a healthy, resilient coastal zone, as the interface to the marine environment,” Ms von Fahland said.
Alongside volunteers and local residents, SLCMA planted 300 trees, removed an excess of 90 kilograms of invasive plants, and discovered and removed 55 kilograms of marine debris.
The Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Reef Community Action Plan was developed by Reef Catchments, to empower communities to come together and conserve and protect the Great Barrier Reef.
The top main priorities of the plan are climate change, litter and waste, revegetation, and water quality.
Of the 10 strategies outlined in the plan, only two of the strategies have evolved to on-ground projects.
Grasstree Beach community beach clean-up. Photo credit: Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association
Those readers under a certain age will not have heard of a movie called Cool Hand Luke. Some of you might not have heard of its lead actor, Paul Newman, which is a shame because the film and the actor are worth seeing.
For those not in the know, Paul Newman was a superstar and fine actor who looked a bit like me except he had more hair, piercing blue eyes, a chiselled chin, a slim athletic build, a smile that women would swoon over and a natural charm and charisma that meant women wanted him, and men wanted to be him.
Cool Hand Luke was set in a Florida prison that was a statement in brutality and punishment and the key theme was the defiance of Luke, played by Newman.
There are several excellent scenes; I watched the film on TV as a teenager and I quite enjoyed the car washing scene involving the prison governor’s daughter.
And there is a scene where the prison governor hits and prepares to punish rebellious Luke.
In the scene he says: “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.”
The line became part of the lexicon of the 1970s and 1980s and if there was a mix-up over something someone might say, “what we’ve got here is failure to communicate.”
In real estate, communication is everything, but it comes in many forms. How I communicate with clients is largely determined by what they prefer.
Often someone’s age is the key determinant. It is stating the bleeding obvious that people in their 20s and early 30s generally prefer texting. Other clients are happy with the occasional text but prefer important conversations to be verbal, which is what I like.
I have an older client who doesn’t have a mobile phone so the only way I can contact him is on his landline. He lives in a fairly big house and his hearing isn’t fantastic so sometimes he doesn’t hear the phone. I used to leave a message on his answering machine but he doesn’t know how to retrieve the messages … or, perhaps he just doesn’t want to bother with it.
So now, when he doesn’t answer the phone I set aside a bit of time later in the day and drop around and see him. He lives near me so if he isn’t home when I swing by I go back later in the day when I am home.
It means that we plan the upcoming sale of his house face to face. We chat about other things as well but the time is spent productively moving things forward.
When the property goes on the market I will no doubt be dropping around to discuss feedback from buyers and any offers we get. We’ll be doing it face to face.
In a world where everything has been changed by technology it is crucial that an agent works out what the client wants and that what we have is never a failure to communicate.
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