The 2023 sugarcane crush is officially underway in the north of the state, with harvesters roaring into life across the Atherton Tablelands last week; as growers, harvesting crews and mill workers start the race to get Queensland’s 30 million tonnes of cane cut and crushed by the end of November.

Mackay’s mills are anticipated to fire up within the next fortnight.

"The weather is pretty spectacular at the minute. We have blue skies and cool temperatures, so perfect weather for harvesting," CANEGROWERS Tableland Chairman Claude Santucci said.

"The early cut cane from last year is looking really nice…if we can keep this weather and the mill has a good run, I'm hopeful we can have a pretty good 2023 season."

Tully Mill was the next cab off the rank when it fired up last week, with the remainder of Queensland’s 19 sugar mills coming online over the coming weeks.

Latest estimates put the crop at 30.55 million tonnes of cane, producing between 4 and 4.5 million tonnes of sugar, the majority of which will be exported to overseas markets in Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia.

With the world sugar price hitting record highs and forecasters predicting a drier winter this year, growers are optimistic that 2023 could be a bumper year for the industry, CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said.

“Last year we were pretty optimistic going into the crush, with prices on the up and a great crop in the paddock, but unfortunately things didn’t pan out the way we wanted,” Mr Menkens said.

“Poor weather, workforce shortages, and poor mill performance in some areas combined to cause major disruptions that ultimately led to the crush running through Christmas and well into the new year in some districts, and around one million tonnes of cane left unharvested.”

Mr Menkens said there was a very positive feeling around the industry at the minute, with the industry on the verge of a transition to a range of new and growing opportunities in the bioeconomy that rely upon sugarcane for feedstock.

“The export of raw sugar will always be the foundation of our industry, but we know there are many other complimentary opportunities that are emerging for the industry and we hope that this coming season, combined with a strong price, will provide the basis for new and increased investment into these exciting projects.”

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Harvesters are on the move and mills are a hive of activity as the sugar crush season readies itself throughout the Mackay region. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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By Amanda Wright

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The Queensland Government has teamed up with Qantas to unlock the state’s potential to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a critical component in airlines reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

Under a memorandum of understanding signed last week, the Queensland Government and Qantas will work together to further grow a local SAF industry.

This will include exploring how to fully leverage sugarcane and agricultural by-products for biofuels production and the potential for developing new feedstock sources and processes.

More broadly, the parties will focus on developing a Queensland-based SAF supply chain.

SAF is yet to be produced in Australia at commercial scale.

Qantas currently uses green aviation fuel sourced overseas and is targeting 10 per cent SAF in its fuel mix by 2030, and about 60 per cent by 2050.

In March this year, the State Government, Qantas and Airbus announced support for Jet Zero Australia to commence a feasibility study for a new biorefinery in Queensland, which could produce up to 100 million litres of SAF a year.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said that growing Queensland’s SAF industry is one of those opportunities that will fuel Queensland’s economic future and contribute to decarbonisation targets.

“With our rich supply of feedstock and skilled workforce, Qantas, and the world, has recognised Queensland as an ideal location to establish an Australasian SAF supply chain,” he said.

CANEGROWERS Mackay CEO Kerry Latter said the Deputy Premier’s announcement is positive for the sugar industry.

“This is a great opportunity to have our own sustainable aviation fuel industry and develop fuel security in Australia by manufacturing here in Queensland with a sustainable, locally-grown product,” Mr Latter said.

“It has great potential to develop into an export product.”

Mr Latter added that the government has continued to talk up the Mackay-Whitsunday region as a primary focus for development as a primary bio-futures manufacturing hub, and its sugar industry as a feedstock.

“The important factor is that all in the value chain, from paddock to port are rewarded: this will give growers the incentive to invest and increase their production to meet the demand,” he said.

“Mackay holds a strong position in the biofutures space, having been home for the QUT Bio-commodities Pilot Plant at Racecourse mill, which has been a proving-ground for a range of processes and technologies.

“Mackay is well known for its large cane industry, excellent engineering and manufacturing sector, and port capabilities. We are central to sugar producing regions up and down the coast and so, although a greenfields location for fuel production, certainly offer logistical advantages transporting feedstock.

Mr Latter said the emerging SAF manufacturing sector, as with the emerging plant-based protein food manufacturing sector, both look to sugarcane products as a feedstock.

“There will be opportunities and high demand for the produce of all sugar-producing regions if the biofutures sectors are enabled to become as big as they could be.”

An Australian SAF industry could be worth $3 billion annually by 2030 and could create up to 15,600 jobs – mostly in regional areas – nationwide by 2050.

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CANEGROWERS Mackay CEO Kerry Latter

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Mackay Regional Council's 2023 Apprentice And Trainee Intake Program

Embark on a transformative professional journey with Mackay Regional Council's 2023 Apprentice and Trainee intake program. Gain invaluable on-the-job training, propelling your career towards a prosperous future.

Mackay Regional Council is offering an additional nine new positions as part of its 2023 Apprentice and Trainee intake.

Workplace diversity and flexibility are a major focus of the Apprentice and Trainee intake program.

Mayor Greg Williamson said, "The Apprentice and Trainee program offered by Mackay Regional Council provides a valuable opportunity for successful applicants to gain on-the-job training."

"Council is a fantastic place to work, and we encourage people from all walks of life to consider taking on a role in our workforce," Mayor Williamson added.

"This time round, roles will cover everything from event management to boilermaking and legal services – there is certainly something to pique everyone’s interest," he said.

"The apprentice and traineeships often lead to full-time work at Mackay Regional Council, and we are very proud to say we have many of our past apprentices and trainees still working here even 10 years later."

The mid-year intake is being coordinated by Hays Recruitment, with opportunities in a variety of industries at Mackay Regional Council, including:

● Business trainee

● Apprentice boilermaker

● Legal Services trainee

● Community Services trainee

● Event Management trainee

● Civil Construction trainee x 2

● Apprentice chef

● Apprentice plumber

Mackay Regional Council encourages applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, anyone re-entering the workforce, those from a non-English speaking background, individuals with a disability, impairment, or long-term condition, school leavers, or adult workers wishing to change careers or gain new skills.

Applications for the mid-year 2023 Apprentice and Trainee intake at Mackay Regional Council are open now, and more information can be found at mackay.qld.gov.au/traineeintake or at hays.com.au.

Applications close on June 9.

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2022 Live Production Services trainee Eddie Tiller is now working full-time in council’s Functions and Events team at the MECC

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In Creating Safe Work Environments

With the theme of ‘Shifting the Focus: Step back and look at things differently’, Resource Industry Network’s 2023 Safety Conference delivered practical tools and information pertinent to workplace safety while sharing expertise and skills on how delegates can put their new knowledge into action in their own workplaces.

The annual conference remains a powerful tool in helping businesses create and maintain safe work environments and this year’s event was no different.

Taking place on Friday, May 26 at the MECC, the event delivered an impressive line-up of industry leading experts ensuring conference-goers left up to speed with the latest knowledge in their respective safety topics.

Guest presenters for the plenary sessions included safety expert, leading scientist and best-selling author Professor Sidney Dekker, safety leader Petrina Hilton, Sentis CEO Anthony Gibbs and Cameron Stevens from Pocketknife Group, who presented on the topic ‘Debunking what it means to use technology in WH&S’.

The 2023 Safety Conference also included a selection of breakout sessions on topics including Identifying and Managing Psychosocial Hazards in the Workplace; Using Recognition to Drive Improved Safety Performance; the Mackay Cutters Culture and how they look at things differently; the Management of Fatigue within a Contemporary Resources Setting; the Anger Rage Regret Program and the Qld Government’s Regulator update on managing risks for coal mine workers.

Resource Industry Network general manager Dean Kirkwood said it was no secret that workplace safety had been cast under a huge spotlight this past couple of years.

“Workplace accidents take an enormous toll on families, work colleagues and the extended community,” Mr Kirkwood said.

“Given the rate of workplace accidents experienced in our industry, it is even more critical that business and industry invest their time to attend.

“We consistently have great feedback from the day, and it is well supported by the mining houses, industry contractors and local suppliers, all striving for safer workplace outcomes.

“Safety is about leadership.

“If businesses want to achieve improvements in health and safety, effective engagement with their workforces is vital.”

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Resource Industry Network delivered the 2023 Safety Conference at the MECC last month

Professor Sidney Dekker

Petrina Hilton

Anthony Gibbs and Cameron Stevens. Photos supplied

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Within The Wider Automotive Industry And What That Can Achieve

How many times have you heard employers say that “Kids today just don’t want to work” or “It’s impossible to find the right people”?

With Covid in the past, and as the new reality of business sets in, it is time to start asking different questions, of ourselves, our peers and our industry.

What can we do better? How do we learn from leaders within our industry?  Why do we need to judge industries that market to employees better?

The automotive industry for the most part has, undervalued the importance of growing stronger together.  There are organisations that are leading the way in change and direction.

Auto Ready Training and the Careers Expo run by the MTAQ and held locally at McCarthy Panel Works was attended by over 120 people.

Students, parents, teachers, trainers, suppliers, business owners and both local and state government representatives.

It is a true reflection of what ingenuity and positive push can achieve.

It is time to grow the Automotive industry together, reach out and get involved.

Over the course of the Easter holidays, 30 students had the opportunity to learn and understand about the workings around safety and mechanics of vehicles through hands-on experience with two qualified MTAQ trainers.

Daniel Yarnold, a student at Mackay Christian College said, “We’ve learned about safety, about mechanical components of a car – the brakes, electrical systems and so – we are pulling apart engines at the moment, and we are learning about crucial things we might need to know.

“I really enjoyed this week,” he added.

“I got to see the workplace, work with professionals from the industry and I am more interested in the industry now because I can see how it all works and get an appreciation of it.”

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Students from CQUniversity in Mackay recently tested their mettle in a workshop that challenged their metal fabrication skills. The task at hand? Crafting pot belly stoves from flat sheets of steel.

Courtney Pollard, a 25-year-old apprentice boilermaker at Mackay Sugar, expressed her delight in acquiring new skills and the gratification of seeing tangible results.

"To have something to bring home and be proud of is a huge highlight of being a boilermaker.

“I like the different variety of work we get to do in our training. It’s very refreshing learning new skills every day,” she said.

Meanwhile, Simon Nell, another student, brought some culinary flair to the workshop by treating his peers to sausages and a rack of ribs, cooked in his very own pot belly stove.

According to their instructor, Chris Weeks, the students approached the project with careful planning. In the initial week, they honed their skills in geometric development, learning how to draft various templates. In the following week, they put their designs into action, transferring the templates onto 5mm sheet plates and expertly shaping the steel through pressing and rolling techniques. The final stage involved assembling the parts and allowing room for creativity in designing doors, hinges, smokers, and lids for the stoves. Some students demonstrated exceptional inventiveness in their designs.

Weeks expressed his satisfaction in witnessing the students' progress and growth over the years.

“Once they see the finished product they are super proud and the best part about my job is seeing them progress over the years and ultimately transform into the young tradespeople of the future.”

The workshop not only fostered technical skills but also instilled a sense of pride as the students beheld their completed pot belly stoves, tangible symbols of their craftsmanship. With their dedication and creative spirit, these students exemplify the promising future of skilled trades.

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Fourteen Metal Fabrication students built pot belly stoves as part of the final week of their training at CQU Mackay

Devlin Robinson

Joshua Urmson

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It’s another JAM-PACKED weekend around Mackay and the Whitsundays!

There’s plenty to keep the family entertained around the district over the next few days.

The Mackay Hospital Foundation’s Family Fun Day is happening this Sunday from 10-2pm at BB Print Stadium, the Star team and I will be there so come and say hi!

I’ll also be at the BMA Mackay Marina Run on Sunday from 6.30am-9.30am gasbagging at the finish line. Remember there’s still time to register if you haven’t convinced yourself just yet to take part – it’s for a great cause with funds raised supporting the Leukaemia Foundation.

To get you ready for whichever run you’re taking part in – whether it’s the 3km kids dash, 5km fun run or one of the more advanced runs – I have shared my top 3 songs from my personal playlist that motivate me when I get out to pound the pavement.

1. Drake – Sticky: this one sets a good pace for me and honestly, I feel cool when I’m listening to it which means I can focus less on how much my legs are hurting and more on putting one in front of the other!

2. Doja Cat – Woman: If you’re looking to get your heart rate pumping this one has a rate of 108 BPM and if you want to go faster, move yourself to the track double time for a 216 BPM run.

3. Cardi B – Up: You’re probably starting to sense a theme here; my playlist is multiuse. You can use it to get ready for a night on the town or to motivate your workout. Cardi B’s Up has a very distinct rhythm and upbeat tempo that is a great song to put on when you feel yourself slowing down and struggling through the last legs of your run.

I hope that my list can assist you in crossing the finish line a little faster and with a bit more of a spring in your step!

Kaley

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Are you ready to tackle tax time?

From that morning iced coffee to grabbing the tools you need, it's important to know which of these expenses are claimable. Lucky for you, Porters Mitre 10 has your back with the ultimate guide to help you determine which expenses are eligible for claiming.

Let's start with protective clothing. As a tradie, personal protective equipment (PPE) is your trusty sidekick, and the best part is, it's tax deductible! Whether it's steel-cap boots, safety glasses, gloves, hard hats, and any other essential safety gear that shields you from work-related risks, you can claim them as deductible expenses. Safety first, folks!

Now, let's talk about tools and equipment.

Good news! You can deduct the expenses for the tools and equipment you need to get the job done.

If their value exceeds $300, you can claim a deduction for their depreciation over time. For costs under $300, you get an immediate deduction. That means your ladders, tape measures, hand tools, power tools, and all their useful accessories are eligible for tax deductions. Isn't that handy?

And for all the tradespeople who brave the great outdoors, there's a ray of sunshine for you too! You can claim a portion of the sun safety expenses directly related to your work. Sunscreen, sunhats, sunglasses – all the essentials that protect you from those harsh rays – can be included in your deductions. Stay safe under the sun!

By understanding and making the most of these deductible expenses, you can minimise your tax liability and potentially increase your tax refunds. Keep those records accurate, and don't hesitate to consult with a tax professional to ensure you're maximising your benefits.

Ready to stock up on all your tradie essentials? Head over to Porters Mitre 10 and explore our full range in-store. Your future tax refund will thank you!

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May Help Construction Industry Weather A Perfect Storm

Rising material prices, labour shortages, interest rate hikes and rainy weather have created a perfect storm for the construction industry in the past 12 months, sending many builders to the wall.

Of all these factors, weather is the one that most people would cite as being beyond human control. However, a new study from Australia and the UK  suggests this may not be the case.

Engineers from Aston University, Birmingham, and the University of South Australia (UniSA) have calculated the potential cost savings for builders using modular production techniques where much of the construction happens offsite in controlled conditions.

Buildings are produced in modules in a factory, using the same materials and building codes, but completed in about half the time, with less waste and no building delays due to poor weather.

The researchers produced a cost model that estimated the impact of weather by season on each building activity, including portions of the build (such as bathroom pods) up to the entire structure.

The savings come in at approximately AUD$40,000 (£21,000) on a build worth $6.4 million (£3.4m). This 0.6 per cent saving may initially seem minor but takes on significant meaning in the current climate where average construction profit margins are just 4.2 per cent.

The findings are published in the International Journal of Sustainable Building Technology and Urban Development.

Co-author of the paper Dr Ki Pyung Kim, a senior lecturer in STEM at UniSA, says weather is often identified as one of the top causes for delays and subsequent cost increases in the building industry, affecting 45 per cent  of projects worldwide.

“By removing many of the onsite activities and replacing them with modules built offsite, builders can minimise construction delays caused by weather, thereby keeping the costs from blowing out,” Dr Kim says.

Incessant rain in Australia’s eastern states throughout 2022 led to construction costs ballooning, according to the Property Council of Australia, exposing builders to unbudgeted increases and heavy losses.

However, rainfall is the not the only key weather pressure for the construction industry.

“There are many pressures on the construction industry right now, including lack of skilled labour, reductions in profit margins, lack of sustainable materials and low productivity. The financial implications of weather are rarely considered except in extreme cases as the client normally bears the cost,” Dr Kim says.

While modular construction techniques have several benefits – including faster builds and a more controlled working environment which protects high-quality materials from the weather – there are some drawbacks: a limited supply chain and lack of flexibility in both design and supply. The upfront costs of modular components are also expensive, but this needs to be weighed up against losses incurred by weather holdups.

“The global housing sector is dominated by traditional construction methods, but the industry is approaching a crisis point – particularly in relation to a skills shortage – that may force a change to modular and other offsite techniques,” Dr Kim says.

“The Federal Government has set a target of delivering one million affordable homes over five years from 2024. To ensure this target is met, Infrastructure Australia has mandated modular construction for 80 per cent of social housing projects by 2030.”

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Laffos Bar and Pizzeria is helping to ignite a compassionate movement that combines gastronomic delight with social impact. Throughout the month of June, Laffos will pledge a generous $5 from every large pizza sold to the Grapevine Group, bolstering their unwavering commitment to local suicide training and awareness initiatives.

The Pizza for a Purpose campaign will launch with a tantalizing pop-up restaurant extravaganza on Saturday, June 3, aiming to galvanize the community and raise awareness for the cause.

The funds raised by this noteworthy initiative will play an instrumental role in sustaining Grapevine's life-saving courses, including the invaluable free 3-hour safeTALK training. With these resources at their disposal, Grapevine can continue equipping individuals with the knowledge and confidence to identify warning signs of suicide and provide essential assistance to those in need.

Grapevine Group President, Debbie Knight, passionately emphasises the significance of this training for the community: "Training like this is vital for the community. It's all about being aware of the warning signs of suicide and feeling confident to assist someone who is struggling,” Ms Knight said.

The free group safeTALK sessions or 1-hour Suicide Mythbusters toolbox talks are also available and can be delivered at workplaces, sports or community organisations.

“Without our supporters we would never have been able to reach our milestone of having 6,500 locals go through the training program.

“Getting this many people in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions trained is a testament to how much the community cares about each other.” Ms Knight said.

Members of the public are encouraged to go down to Laffos on June 3 for a raft of pizza-eating competitions with all food supplied by Laffos.

From 9.30am selected children between the ages of 7 to 11 years will enter a pizza eating competition with the chance to win a $100 Caneland gift voucher prize. This will be followed at 10am by a supporter’s pizza eating competition with Pizza for a Purpose's valued sponsors. Then at 10.30am selected children from 12 to 16 years of age will have their own pizza eating competition and will also be in the running to win a $100 Caneland gift voucher prize. Between 11am and noon, 12 lucky Star 101.9 winners will have Laffo himself serve them lunch of pizzas and platters.

For more information on this competition, visit Star FM’s Facebook or www.star1019.com.au.

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Mark (Laffo) Laffin

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Mackay recently celebrated National Volunteer Week (NVW), which is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. I recently had the pleasure of celebrating with some of our volunteers during NVW and I have to say, what a sense of joy and kindredship was enjoyed by all (myself included). It was lovely to sit in the company of these wonderful individuals all contributing to their community in such a positive manner, and actually having fun! The joy of getting my hands in the dirt and planting daisies at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens was immeasurable and took the cares of the world away (at least in that moment).

It is widely known that being a volunteer has lots of benefits to the overall wellbeing of an individual. Volunteering can provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction and it can alleviate symptoms of depression. Doing good for others and the community, provides a natural sense of accomplishment. You can find friends, connect with your community, and learn new skills.

Our council recognises and values our many volunteers for their contribution, unique talents, skills, and knowledge to enhance the services we provide to the community. We have opportunities for you to join as a volunteer in any area of interest to you, the individual, whether that be within our libraries, museums, gardens, arts, or entertainment centre. All you need is a genuine interest, time, and a passion for your community.

Of course, there are many worthwhile organisations in our local community who would more than welcome the services of caring volunteers.

I truly believe our unpaid volunteers are often the backbone and glue that holds a community together. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organisations in need.

So, why not volunteer your time to a worthy charity, organisation, or service right here in our amazing community.  The benefits could just give you a whole new outlook on life, energy, and enthusiasm you didn’t know you had. You will get back far more than you give.

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Cr Pauline Townsend

Mackay Regional Council

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Women have made great strides in the workplace in recent decades, but they still face a number of challenges. Here are the top 5 challenges women can face. By understanding these challenges, employers can better support their employees to succeed.

1. Unequal pay. Women in Australia still earn less than men for doing the same work. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, women earn 81 cents for every dollar that men earn. This gap is even bigger for our indigenous women. For example, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women earn 63 cents and women from culturally diverse backgrounds earn 74 cents for every dollar that white men earn.

2. Lack of advancement opportunities. Women are underrepresented in leadership positions in Australia. According to a study by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, women hold only 25 per cent of senior management positions and only 15 per cent of CEO positions in ASX 200 companies. This lack of advancement opportunities is due to a number of factors, including unconscious bias, lack of sponsorship, and work-family conflict.

3. Sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is still a problem in the Australian workplace. According to a study by the Australian Human Rights Commission, 1 in 5 women have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. Sexual harassment can have a devastating impact on women's careers, mental health, and physical health.

4. Work-life conflict. Women are more likely than men to be responsible for caregiving duties, such as taking care of children and elderly parents. This can lead to work-life conflict, which can make it difficult for women to balance their work and personal lives.

5. Unconscious bias. Unconscious bias is a type of prejudice that people hold without realising it. This bias can lead to women being treated differently in the workplace, such as being passed over for promotions or being given less challenging assignments.

These are just a few of the challenges that women face. It is important to remember that these challenges are not insurmountable. There are a number of things that can be done to address these challenges, such as:

• Enacting pay equity laws. Pay equity laws would help to close the gender pay gap.

• Creating more opportunities for women's advancement. Companies can create more opportunities by providing mentorship and sponsorship programs, and by developing flexible work arrangements.

• Providing training on sexual harassment prevention. Companies can provide training to help employees understand what constitutes sexual harassment and how to report it.

• Supporting work-life balance initiatives. Companies can support work-life balance initiatives by providing flexible work arrangements, such as online meetings, work-from-home days, and by offering on-site childcare.

• Raising awareness of unconscious bias. Companies can raise awareness by conducting training programs and by creating a culture of inclusion.

By addressing these challenges, we can create a more equitable and inclusive workplace for all.

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A local condiment connoisseur has taken out four awards at the recent Mr Chilli Awards 2023.

This is the fifth year Michelle Camilleri has secured several places in the competition, open to the chilli community of Australia and New Zealand, saying “in the chilli business, this is huge.”

“When you are doing something you love, you don’t need recognition, but I must say I was super excited to receive the email to say I had won again,” Michelle added.

Michelle started her business, One Hungry Mumma, in 2015 while on maternity leave and in no rush to return to work, although she never imagined what it would become.

She started creating her own range of sauces, chutneys, pickles and spices utilising the fresh produce from her Finch Hatton garden.

The business grew to become Michelle’s full-time career, her unwavering passion for good produce, quality ingredients and connecting people through a simple home cooked meal on show.

While Michelle's condiment line of products found on shelves locally and online are still her heart and soul, Michelle and her husband Dave have expanded their business in Finch Hatton to include cooking classes, small group themed dinners and catering with the hope to educate, inspire and connect her community and visitors to their region.

One Hungry Mumma Mr Chilli Awards 2023

Chilli Jam

Spicy chilli jam – 1st place

Chilli Salt

Holy Habanero Salt - 2nd place

Chilli Peanuts

Mumma’s gone nuts - 2nd place

Chilli Salsa

Salsalicious - 3rd place

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With Shirlz Russell of Build Your F’empire

‘Empowerment’ is the number one word that arises when I discuss my 10 Point Checklist for Personal Financial Wellbeing.

I call it a ‘Wellbeing’ checklist because it’s about feeling happy, content and empowered about your finances.

This is basically the way me and my family operate in our lives; a tried and tested guide to managing finances responsibly and realistically.

It’s a simplified method aiming to eliminate any fear or stress you may feel about money.

One of my top tips is to establish a bills account to take away the pressure away from the everyday.

This can be achieved by figuring out how much your bills cost per your pay cycle, putting that money away each time you get paid and setting up as many direct debits from that account as you can so that when bills come in, there’s no stress.

Another contributor to that financial stress can be credit card debt.

Where possible, try to reduce those consumer type loans and prioritise these debts each pay cycle – interest free is a great tool, providing you pay it off within the timeframe.

Being adequately insured is also very important while reviewing your insurance regularly to identify any savings to be made.

Insurance is often something people drop when their budgets are tight, but being insured is a huge contributor to financial and mental wellbeing.

Budgeting is basic, we all talk about it, but not many people actually have one that is honest and correct.

It’s important to make sure that absolutely everything is included and its important to stick to it, especially if you’re working towards financial goals.

Included in my budget is ‘play’ money where I pay myself an allocation of the budget to go towards things like getting my hair done, going out for coffee, that sort of thing.

This way, it’s an allocated amount and I’m not overspending and if I do overspend, I’m aware of it.

If you’re interested in learning more about my 10 Point Checklist for Personal Financial Wellbeing and would like a PDF copy of the list, reach out to me at shirlz@buildyourfempire.com.au.

My 10 Point Checklist For Financial Wellbeing

1. Establish a Rainy Day Fund

2. Pay Bills from a Bills Account

3. Prioritse Credit Card Debt

4. Review Insurances

5. Budget Correctly and Realistically

6. Pay Yourself

7. Familiarise Yourself with your Superannuation

8. Discuss Legal Will & Estate Planning

9. Grow Your Assets

10. Plan Your Retirement

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There have been several reports of the infamous ‘Bitumen Bandits’ operating in the region, with local businesses and homeowners warned that the seemingly friendly tradies are in fact scam-artists.

One local business says they believe they were dealing with ‘Bitumen Bandits’ when they were deceived and left with a poorly laid carpark that will now need to be completely pulled up and replaced.

The business said they were also sent an invoice for twice the quoted price and then bombarded with a series of threatening phone calls and text messages when they did not send through immediate payment.

Approached by a friendly tradie with an English accent, Norina Kent from Whitpro Group, never suspected that this easy-going encounter was in fact the beginning of a nightmare for her and her business.

“They seemed like honest guys, very approachable and happy to take on additional works in town to off load some excess bitumen,” she said.

The tradie allegedly told Ms Kent that he had leftover product from a previous job and could lay the bitumen carpark at a discounted price.

“They advised that the normal rate was $65/m2 but to use up the excess product they would reduce the rate to $35/m2,” she explains.

The tradie then proceeded to give a verbal quote for a dedicated area but despite being asked to send the quote via email, it did not eventuate before they commenced work, with the tradies insisting that it had been sent.

“Oddly enough, the invoice came through immediately after the job was completed but it was for more than double the originally quoted price.”

Ms Kent alleges that she then received multiple phone calls asking for payment and can understand “why some people simply pay when the tradies become threatening, as it can be very intimidating to be told they are going to come after you if you don’t pay up immediately”.

Upon inspecting the job, Ms Kent and her husband, Tim Perkins, said they could see it was not done to standard, and the bitumen was patchy, with some areas only dry stoned (not sealed at all).

Ms Kent met with one of the tradies and within a half hour conversation, she reports she was offered a $10,000 discount with a promise to repair the areas of concern.

“It was then that I knew something was up,” said Ms Kent.

“No-one offers that kind of discount if they know they have done a good job and without having to speak with management, he said he would get in trouble, but he would wear it”.

Suspicious and concerned about numerous inconsistencies, the couple then asked an independent town planner to take a look.

The contractor confirmed their fears - the surface had not been swept prior to laying and the aggregate had not been pre coated which resulted in the bitumen not adhering to the surface, which is evident in the surface now lifting easily.

The entire carpark was allegedly going to fall apart with traffic use and would need to be replaced.

When Ms Kent stated she wanted an independent assessor to advise if the job had been completed to standard before paying, she alleges receiving 17 texts and abusive phone calls threatening property and personal damage if payment was not made immediately.

“At that point I went to the police, and it was then I received confirmation that we were not their only victims with many others scammed.” she said.

Ms Kent connected with two other locals who appeared to have had been approached by the same tradies. One lady had already paid $21,000 for a driveway they were quoted $14,000 for.

Within a short time, the lady said to Ms Kent that her driveway became patchy and, when the tradies came to look at the work, they offered $7000 money back.

Ms Kent says she believes the money has not been returned so far.

Police say that there are incidents similar to these occurring from Cairns to Mackay and that community members need to be on high alert.

The tradesman involved with the Whitsundays’ incidents was contacted but declined to comment.

Multiple Scams: Police Advise Caution

Queensland Police Service (QPS) said that while the bandits’ sales pitch tactics may vary, there are some things to be aware of:

• They proactively approach residents by going door to door.

• They may speak with a strong Irish accent.

• The quoted amount will literally be ‘too good to be true.’

• They may claim the reason they can perform the job cheaply is because they have leftover bitumen from a previous job.

• They may pressure residents to accept the deal, and even become aggressive or say the deal is only valid for that day.

• They may quote a reasonable price however, upon completion demand a higher payment.

• They may demand payment that day.

• If a deposit is made, they often vanish before commencement of the job.

QPS also offer tips for residents to avoid this scam and similar ones:

• Research the company through the internet and newspaper advertisements.

• Speak to family, friends and neighbours who may also have been approached.

• Obtain a written quote from the company.

• Do not provide payment before the job is complete and to a satisfactory level.

• Do not feel pressured to make a decision that day and feel comfortable to decline the offer.

• Reputable businesses should be happy to provide their contact details and perform the job at an appropriately agreed time and date.

• If you identify that the offer turns out to be legitimate, you can always say yes later.

• Trust your gut instinct.

A text allegedly received from the tradesman:

Pay your bill, you will regret knocking me, I will cost you triple the amount you owe over time. I will not stop tormenting you. You got a big delivery of sh*t coming very soon. Game is on.

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Norina Kent and Tim Perkins from Whitpro Group are extremely disappointed with the tradies who they believe are con men just after a quick buck

Norina Kent from Whitpro said that the carpark surface will now need to be completely replaced

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