Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
At just 18 months old and weighing 17kg, Obi is a happy little guy with plenty of love and enthusiasm for life. Getting along well with children, other dogs and visitors, he has plenty of potential to become a much-loved member of his new family. Obi had a rough start to life and can still find the world a little scary at times, so he is looking for a patient and understanding family willing to help build his confidence and show him the ropes. He already knows his basic commands and walks confidently on the lead, making him a great companion for someone happy to continue guiding him as he settles into his new life. Once Obi gets to know and trust you, he will become an unshakeable little shadow, following his favourite person wherever they go. If you have the time, patience and love to give Obi the fresh start he deserves, contact his carer Char on 0402 540 612 to arrange a meeting. Alternatively, email LLTAGSandDogRescue@gmail.com to find out more.
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No city or region in Australia has been unaffected by the property market changes that have become obvious ever since the Federal Government introduced its budget in May, removing negative gearing from established housing and changing the capital gains tax rules. But some have been hit harder than others. The latest property market review by valuers Herron Todd White gives an extensive rundown of where particular regions sit as well as the nation as a whole. HTW chief economist Cameron Kusher pointed out in the September review that inflation continues to be a factor, not only in cost of living but also projected interest rate rises in the months ahead. He said: “National dwelling values fell by 3.1 per cent over the three months to August 2026, with capital city values 3.7 per cent lower and regional values falling by 1.2 per cent.” He said property market analyst Cotality estimates that over the three months to August 2026 “there were 14.6 per cent fewer property sales than the same period last year”. “Transaction activity has seen a much greater decline in the capital cities than in the regional markets; however, falls are broad-based,” he said. “Every capital city except for Hobart is seeing a higher volume of properties available for sale relative to a year ago, and only regional Tasmania and regional NT are seeing fewer total listings. “Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra have historically high listing volumes, and although they aren’t at historic highs elsewhere, Brisbane and Perth have seen annual increases of more than 50 per cent, and Adelaide has seen an annual increase of more than 40 per cent. “The heightened volume of stock for sale at a time in which there are fewer active buyers in the market means that those who are buying have less urgency and more choice. In turn, this means that they have greater scope to negotiate on price, and there are many properties that will take a long time to sell in this market or simply won’t transact. “In the regional areas, the longest median days on market are in NT, NSW and Victoria and the lowest are in WA, Queensland and Tasmania.” The HTW monthly review includes their very interesting property clock, in which they categorise where particular markets are in the property cycle. Sitting at 3 o’clock on the property clock in a declining market are Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. Sitting in the “starting to decline” category includes cities such as Alice Springs, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Several Queensland cities are included in the “peak of the market” category; Gladstone, Bundaberg and Toowoomba. And cities in the “approaching the top of the market” category include Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Townsville and the Whitsundays. What about the cities still sitting at 9 o’clock, the “rising market” category? Well, there aren’t nearly as many cities in that category as there were a few months ago but it still includes Mackay, Rockhampton and Emerald, among a few others. HTW can only go on the data in front of them, however agents on the ground experience the market as it happens. It is true that the Mackay market is behaving nothing like the free fall being felt in major cities like Sydney. The economy is going well, unemployment is virtually non-existent, rental vacancies are low and properties are selling. However, no agent in Mackay will tell you that right now Mackay is in a rising market. It’s still active and people are still buying but at the moment it’s not going up … it represents a great opportunity for those wanting to get into the market and investors seeking one of Australia’s best rental returns.
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Locals gathered in Mackay last Saturday for the annual March For Life, which brought together supporters of the pro-life movement. The march began at Harbour Road before finishing at Caneland Central Park, where attendees heard from guest speakers and community representatives. Among those attending was Cherish Life Queensland CEO Matthew Cliff, who travelled from Brisbane for the event. Operating since 1970, and formerly known as Right to Life Queensland, Cherish Life is one of Queensland's longest-established pro-life organisations, with branches throughout the state, including Mackay. Mr Cliff, who has been CEO for around four and a half years, said the organisation's work centred on two key areas of education and advocacy, aiming to encourage greater understanding of its pro-life position, while engaging with elected representatives and participating in public discussions about abortion. Mr Cliff said the organisation also connected women experiencing unplanned pregnancies with other services that could provide practical and emotional support. Though Cherish Life do not offer direct assistance themselves, they refer women to services like Hope's Dream, a Christian-based, non-profit charitable organization which provides pregnancy counselling and support. “The rallies are really a good way of bringing public awareness,” Mr Cliff said. “It's an opportunity for people who support the pro-life movement to demonstrate why this is important to them.” Mr Cliff said his own Christian beliefs played a role in shaping his position, with his views centred on the belief that human life is valuable from conception. “The Christian method in which I believe as the CEO of Cherish Life Queensland is to walk in grace and truth, and truth in love, and that all human life from conception is valuable,” he said. The Mackay event featured several speakers and representatives, including Mr Cliff, Australian Christian Lobby Assistant Director Daniel Adsett, Family Voice Australia Queensland Director Andrew McColl, Lighthouse Church Mackay Pastor Jai Wright and St Joseph's Catholic Church Associate Pastor Rev. Fr. Raju Mandothparambil. While Cherish Life advocates against abortion, other organisations take a different view of reproductive rights. CEO of Queensland pro choice organisation Children By Choice Anjulee Singh shared: “Children by Choice believe all people have the right to make decisions about their own body and health care. “Abortion is legal healthcare and should be accessible without barriers regardless of where you live.” The organisation advocates for accessible reproductive care in regional communities, claiming that stigma and privacy concerns can make it hard to ask for help, and can prevent women from pursuing the healthcare they are entitled to. “Everyone has the right to make their own decision about their pregnancy, whether that means continuing, ending, or considering adoption,” the organisation states. “Support should be non-judgemental, confidential, and respectful.” The differing perspectives come amid ongoing public and parliamentary debate about reproductive rights in Queensland, including discussions involving Mackay MP Nigel Dalton, who earlier this year crossed the floor in opposition to restrictions on parliamentary debate about abortion. Photo source: Cherish Life QLD - Mackay Branch
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Mackay beachgoers are encouraged to put their photography skills to good use, with the arrival of two new monitoring stations giving community members a hands-on role in tracking changes to the coastline. Eimeo Beach and Lambert’s Beach are the first locations to introduce the newly installed CoastSnap poles, which feature a phone cradle where residents and visitors can position their phones, capture an image of the coastline and upload it through the CoastSnap app. Photos taken from the same position over time will help build a long-term record of sand movement, beach erosion and recovery, providing valuable information to support future coastal management. Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the project, led by the University of New South Wales, would give council access to valuable monitoring data while allowing the community to get involved. "It's easy to use. You just follow the barcode. And you can do it anonymously, you don't have to put your name on it," he said. Mr Williamson said the photographs and accompanying observations would help build a detailed picture of how the region's beaches change over time. "If everybody does that every day, just imagine the record that we're going to have via the University of New South Wales to manage this in the future," he said. "This is just another tool for us to be able to effectively manage the 31 beaches we've got in our region." Council's Coordinator of Waterways and Coastal Planning Robyn Burkett said the initiative formed part of the Mackay Coast Our Future project, helping council better understand coastal conditions and plan for future changes. "It's about monitoring our beaches, and community education, so that's why we're encouraging people to come along, snap a photo, and learn more about coastal hazards and how our coastal processes work in the Mackay region," she said. Ms Burkett said ongoing monitoring would help determine how much sand was lost during storm events, whether beaches recovered naturally and when intervention might be needed. "Having good information now, when we experience a storm event, looking at what those changes are, and how much sand is lost, whether it will recover over time, or whether it needs intervention is really important." The CoastSnap initiative was founded in 2017 as a pilot project by the University of New South Wales, with more than 100 poles now installed across 16 countries. The two Mackay stations were funded by council, with further locations being considered for the region. To learn more, visit www.coastsnap.com or visit connectingmackay.com.au/mackay-coast-our-future. L-R - Robyn Burkett, Coordinator Waterways and Coastal Planning for Mackay Regional Council, Kylie Cauchi, Waterways Planning Advisor for Mackay Regional Council and Mayor Greg Williamson of Mackay Regional Council, testing out the new CoastSnap pole at Eimeo Beach. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara The impact of tropical cyclone Debbie in 2017. Supplied by Mackay Regional Council
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Two-way traffic will return to Pioneer Street from Sunday (November 12) as upgrade works continue at the intersection of Holts Road and Pioneer Street.
The works are being undertaken to improve safety and traffic flow, and are expected to be completed in mid-December, weather permitting.
In the second stage of works at the intersection, traffic will again flow in both directions, however traffic control will be in place at Holts Road and there will be a reduction to the speed limit.
Work will take place between 6am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. Some weekend work may also be required.
There will be some noise and dust disturbances with various plant and equipment on-site.
This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Black Spot program.
For more information go to connectingmackay.com.au
Deborah Heron works for a local Mackay organisation called Connect 2 Wellbeing, who assist vulnerable people to access vital services around our region from hygiene and food assistance, to housing and legal aid.
A reluctant gentleman and regular client of Deborah’s had been to visit a few places in town, where he didn’t feel as supported or respected as he should have.
After a recent trip to Whitsunday Foodbank Mackay, located at 352 Bridge Road in West Mackay, the man sent an email to Deborah commending the positive experience he received at the charitable organisation on his visit.
The man stated, “I was given a warm welcome by volunteers, it was a very bright and warm atmosphere.
“There was assorted foods, enough options to cater for most diets and fifty per cent off retail prices.
“There wasn’t a limit on groceries, I definitely will make this my regular weekly shop,” he said.
Living in supported accommodation with four strangers, the man felt seen at Foodbank and was treated with the respect and compassion he deserves.
“To be able to go to Foodbank and feel supported and welcomed, he has come back with a glowing recommendation and glowing experience,” Deborah commented.
It is vital to our community to have these organisations to rely on when times are tough, especially with the cost of living crisis seeing many who are in dire need of support.
Congratulations to Whitsunday Foodbank Mackay for going above and beyond to offer a compassionate service and leave customers with a smile.
Whitsunday Foodbank Mackay
It's a Wednesday morning, triple deadline week – the kind where your schedule is so tight you can hear it creaking like an old rocking chair. The newspapers need to go to print, the printers are waiting, and the distribution clock is ticking. Plus, we're on the final stretch of getting Core Magazine ready for print, too.
And then, out of the blue, the telecommunication deities decide to hit the snooze button. An Australia-wide Optus outage? Really? It's like they've chosen the worst possible moment to test our patience.
Thankfully, the majority of our team have their telecom allegiance with Telstra, feeling all smug as they continue to scroll, chat, and call while I find myself plunged into what feels like an apocalyptic darkness, disconnected from the world. The internet refuses to connect, my phone becomes an expensive paperweight, and I start to wonder if smoke signals and carrier pigeons might be making a comeback.
As the blackout stretches on, my eyes stay glued to the ticking deadline clock. At 9am, I have no choice but to bundle my little one into the car and embark on a quest for an elusive Wi-Fi haven, preferably one running on Telstra's network.
Yet, amid the frantic hunt for connectivity, there's something sobering about the whole experience. We've become so dependent on computers and the digital realm that a mere blackout makes us feel like helpless cave-dwellers. No offense to our ancestors, but we've grown used to a certain level of convenience.
The Optus meltdown does raise some intriguing questions. It's a stark reminder of why physical cash should remain legal tender, and why businesses should be obligated to accept it. The growing number of businesses refusing to take cash might, in fact, be a dangerous path we're treading.
In the meantime, I'll sip my fifth coffee of the day, trying not to feel like a freeloader as I adapt to this sudden twist in our digital age saga. After all, when the Telecom Gods hit snooze, there's only so much we can do but ponder life's curiosities while we await their wake-up call.
Amanda
Exciting news for the Clermont community as a permanent doctor will begin practicing at the Clermont Multi-Purpose Health Service (MPHS). This significant development is a welcomed relief for the locals and has garnered enthusiastic support from community advocate group Clermont4Doctors.
Mackay HHS Executive Director of Public Health and Rural Services Terry Johnson said both organisations had been working hard to attract more permanent doctors to the area.
“We are thrilled to announce that Dr Tim Lane has been appointed to the position of Senior Medical Officer (SMO) at Clermont and he has made a permanent move to town with his family,” Ms Johnson said.
“Dr Lane has previous experience in the Northern Territory and in Queensland in both remote and regional facilities.
“He has worked in a number of rural and regional areas including Bundaberg and Gin Gin.
“Dr Lane is also interested in general practice and primary health care, and we will be working with Tim to see how we can support his interest in this.”
Dr Lane commenced at Clermont MPHS on Monday, 6th November.
The Clermont MPHS will continue to be served by visiting locums to support Dr Lane and share the workload at the facility while we undertake further medical recruitment.
Clermont4Doctors Project Worker Janelle Otto said it was a very good outcome for the Clermont community.
“This is a great step forward in improving the community’s access to doctors so they can get the care they need, when they need it,” Ms Otto said.
“Clermont4Doctors will continue to support further medical recruitment and any doctors interested in finding out more about our community are invited to contact us.”
Dr Lane is excited about the move to our region.
“I am committed to rural health, and I look forward to giving my time and energy to supporting the Clermont community,” Dr Lane said.
Dr Tim Lane, left, has taken up residence in Clermont with his family (partner Freddy and baby son Dominic)
This Saturday on 11th November marks Remembrance Day. Every year at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, millions of people around the world pause in silence to remember the sacrifices made, and to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty.
The Mackay Tiger Moth Museum will be hosting a flyover Jubilee Park Cenotaph in Mackay, during the RSL service with Tiger Moth planes (VH-CYA and VH-IVN) in action, both having served in the Second World War with one in active service as a spotter reconnaissance in New Guinea.
The RSL Sub Branches across Queensland invites veterans and their families to join in remembering fallen service personnel.
Read our guide to discover the services in Mackay and surrounds, to allow you to pay your respects on this upcoming Remembrance Day. All Remembrance Day ceremonies will include the laying of wreaths, the playing of the Last Post, and the observance of a minute's silence at 11am.
Mackay
When:
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where:
Cenotaph at Jubilee Park, Alfred Street
Contact
Name: Nichole Hood
Phone: 0499567297
Email: info@mackay.rslqld.net.au
Northern Beaches
When:
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Where:
Opposite Playground at Bucasia Esplanade, Seaview Park
Contact
Name: Ruth Wickham
Phone: 0401416943
Email: ruth.wickham@farleigh.rslqld.net.au
Walkerston
When:
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location:
Anzac Park on Bridge St
Contact
Name: Gail Clark
Phone: 0407127256
Email: gail.clark@walkerston.rslqld.net.au
Seaforth
When:
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Location:
Cenotaph at Palm Avenue
Contact
Name: Ron Cameron
Phone: 0417933348
Email: ronaldcam@bigpond.com
Marian
When:
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Location:
Marian Community Wall Memorial Hall, 17 Daly Street
Contact
Name: Marian Sub Branch
Phone: 0458543486
Email: robert.murry@marian.rslqld.net.au
Mirani
When:
10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
Location:
Mirani Cenotaph at Railway Park Mirani, Mackay Eungella Road
Contact
Name: Jan Lindbergs
Phone: 0488783214
Email: jan.lindbergs@mirani.rslqld.net.au
Calen
When:
10:45 AM - 1:00 PM
Location:
42 McIntyre St
Contact
Name: Barbara Farren-Price
Phone: 0436602496
Email: barb.farren-price@sthelens.rslqld.net.au
Other ways to be involved on Remembrance Day include donating to the Poppy Appeal, wearing a poppy of remembrance and volunteering.
On Remembrance Day or any time of year, volunteering at your local RSL Sub Branch is a great way to support veterans and their families.
A significant accommodation precinct is being proposed at Mackay Airport, with concept developments underway in partnership with Greater Whitsunday Communities and Regional Development Australia.
The concept was introduced during a strategic meeting at the Housing Summit in August, hosted by Greater Whitsunday Communities and Regional Development Australia to identify the issues faced in our region and allow key stakeholders to identify solutions.
Innovation through collaboration was a key focus of the Housing Summit, identifying Mackay Airport as a spearhead for future opportunities. A prominent solution was the Housing Action Plan, with the Mackay Workforce Accommodation Precinct introduced to hopefully create more affordable housing.
Key local stakeholders say the development would help to relieve the critical strain on workforce accommodation options in the region, which is impacting employers, their operations and overall economic viability.
Executive Officer of Greater Whitsundays Communities, Carol Norris stated, “What we’ve discovered in our collaboration, is that there is a real gap in social infrastructure, and that starts with housing.
“We need to improve the liveability of our region.”
Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles said, “As a crucial gateway to the Mackay region, Mackay Airport is committed to supporting economic growth and enhancing the overall experience for workers and residents alike.
“To this end, we are exploring the overall demand for development of a permanent workers accommodation precinct on a designated portion of airport land.
“Concepts have been done, and we want to work with interested parties to develop those further. We want to make sure we get it right so we can deliver exactly what is needed for the community’s workforce.
“Mackay’s workforce industries are suffering from the lack of accommodation within Mackay. When they do employ people to come to the region, as we know there is very low rental occupancy rates as well as permanent housing available.
“This would offer that permanent solution for workers coming to Mackay. I believe this could be the catalyst to kick it off and look at those permanent, long-term housing solutions in Mackay.”
The accommodation precinct would be strategically located within the airport precinct, offering convenient access to the terminal and industrial areas, including flexible accommodation options with a mix of studio, one bed and two bedroom units.
Chief Executive Officer of Regional Development Australia, Jeff Stewart-Harris stated, “The housing situation in [the] region is a common problem across Australia. What we need to be able to do to grow as a region, is to get the workforce accommodated.
“What we know is that this region has an economic output of over $22 billion, and that’s being strained by housing.
“We know that there are more than 20,000 non-resident workers in the region throughout the year, many of those who would like to be part of the community who can’t be because of this.
“What’s being proposed by Mackay Airport is to test the market to see who would be interested in being able to solve their piece of the puzzle in part of a bigger picture.
“Interest is there, it’s about finding ways to create new supply,” he said.
Mackay Airport invites qualified and interested parties, companies and organisations to come forward to submit expressions of interest and work with us on this concept and lease the purpose-built accommodation.
Interested groups are being invited to submit an EOI by the end of November.
Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles, Chief Executive Officer of Regional Development Australia, Jeff Stewart-Harris and Executive Officer of Greater Whitsundays Communities, Carol Norris discuss a new accommodation precinct
Photo credit: Sinead Porter
Mockup for the Mackay Airport Village design concept
Mockup for the Mackay Airport Village communal space design concept
Photos supplied
Last month, the Endeavour Foundation hosted an empowering event for people in the community living with disability, the Business Solutions Employment Showcase. This occasion provided a unique window into the world of fulfilling work opportunities for individuals living with disabilities.
During the event, attendees had the chance to see firsthand the dedication and expertise that the foundation's team brings to various work areas. From assembly work to document destruction and even painting of stakes and pegs, it was evident that this organisation provides valuable support and fosters an inclusive workplace environment.
The Rotary Club of Mackay played a pivotal role in the event by presenting supported employees with "Pride in Workmanship Awards." Ten supported employees were honoured with Rotary medallions, recognising their valuable contributions to the team, while staff received well-deserved Valued Employee certificates.
The event also received support from organisations like Blackwoods, who share a commitment to assisting businesses in the community. Blackwoods has a strong history of supporting local businesses and has dedicated itself to helping Endeavour Foundation to offer opportunities for people with disabilities to work, develop skills, earn an income, pursue their interests, and engage with the community.
Supported Employment embodies a beautiful symbiosis, offering tailored business solutions to local businesses while creating life-changing opportunities for people with disabilities.
Back row (L-R): Linda Tuckerman – Leadership Award, Frank Gilbert (President of the Mackay Rotary Club), Jason Roseblatt – Team Player Award, Rommaney McAullay, Robert Pethebridge – Attendance and Punctuality Award, Rosemary Campbell – Employee Wellness Advocate Award, TJ Straw – Quality Assurance Award
Front Row (L-R): Peter – Safety Champion Award, Blake Heinrich – Customer Service Excellence Award, Jordan – Mentorship Award, Brendan Blomfield – Problem Solver Award
Staff valued employee certificates
Representatives from Blackwoods with two supported employees
Everyone enjoyed socialising around the barbeque
Detectives have charged a man after he allegedly stole two rural fire trucks in separate incidents near Mackay over the past week.
It will be alleged on October 31, the man broke into the Sarina Marlborough Rural Fire Brigade on Tara Creek Road and stole a Nissan Patrol rural fire vehicle and other equipment.
It will be further alleged on November 4, the same man broke into the Victoria Plains Rural Fire Brigade on Victoria Plains Road and stole an Isuzu NPS 3007 fire truck.
After information was received from members of the public, police located the Nissan Patrol in bushland at Sarina Beach Road near Campwin Beach Road on November 4.
On Sunday, November 5, police executed a search warrant at Keilbach Court in Sarina where they seized emergency lights from the Isuzu truck, hidden in the house.
Police subsequently attended an unoccupied property at Marlborough Sarina Road at Sarina Range and located the Isuzu covered by a tarpaulin. It will be alleged the dashboard and parts of the truck had been extensively damaged and the body of the vehicle painted with white house paint.
A 22-year-old Ilbilbie man has been charged with two counts each of break and enter premises, stealing of vehicle, unlawful use of motor vehicle, wilful damage and driving whilst licence suspended. He has also been charged with one count each of evade police, possession of tainted property and possession of explosive (ammunition).
Police arrested a 27-year-old man following an alleged grievous bodily harm incident in Mackay on November 4.
It will be alleged around 3pm, five people who are known to each other became involved in an altercation along Juliet Street. It was reported that the man allegedly stabbed three people.
A 23-year-old Mackay man and a 21-year-old Mackay man sustained non-life threatening wounds and a 36-year-old Mackay woman sustained a minor facial injury as a result of the incident.
A 28-year-old Mackay man was not physically injured.
Police attended and located a 27-year-old Bucasia man nearby.
He has been charged with one count of wounding, three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of common assault.
The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating a serious traffic crash that occurred in St. Lawrence on November 7.
Initial information indicates a truck has left the Bruce Highway and crashed with a tree near Wumalgi Road around 7am.
The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, a 55-year-old Rural View man, was flown to Rockhampton Hospital in a critical condition.
The Bruce Highway was closed in both directions for a period of time while investigations were ongoing.
Anyone with information about the crash, or who has dashcam vision, is urged to contact police.
One person has died following a single vehicle crash near Habana on November 3.
Initial information indicates a Mitsubishi Triton was travelling along Mackay - Habana Road around 10:45am when it left the road.
The driver of the vehicle, an 84-year-old Andergrove man died at the scene.
Forensic Crash Unit investigations are continuing.
Forensic Crash Unit officers are investigating after a man died in a single vehicle roll over north of Sarina on 1st November.
Initial investigations indicate at 3.25pm a 4WD utility was headed south on the Bruce Highway just past Sarina Homebush Road when the vehicle has left the road and rolled several times.
A male passenger died at the scene.
The male driver was transported to Mackay Base Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigations are continuing.
Police are appealing for witnesses after a 45-year-old Sarina man was allegedly assaulted during a road rage incident in Andergrove on 6th September.
Emergency services were called to a shopping centre carpark along Campbell Street at approximately 5pm following reports of an altercation involving two drivers.
Upon arrival, a 45-year-old man was located on the ground next to his white Holden Commodore sedan with serious injuries.
He was transported to Mackay Base Hospital for treatment.
It will be alleged the man was pulled from his vehicle and struck multiple times by a 42-year-old Andergrove man who then left the scene in a black Nissan Dualis.
It will be further alleged prior to the assault, an altercation occurred between the occupants of the two vehicles while they were travelling along Sams Road and Glenpark Street.
On September 11, police arrested the 42-year-old Andergrove man.
He has been charged with one count of assault occasioning bodily harm and is due to reappear at Mackay Magistrates Court on January 24.
Mackay detectives are appealing to witnesses, particularly anyone with relevant vision of the two vehicles at the time of the alleged incident, to come forward.
Following the informational video released by the State Emergency Services – Mackay Regional Unit, an emergency kit is necessary during disaster season.
Fires, flooding or cyclones could force you out of your home, or keep you stuck there for an extended period of time.
Your kit should include these basics, but you can think about what items your family might use if you had to stay at home for up to three days.
• Food items include bottled water and non-perishable canned food (And don’t forget a can opener!)
• Non-powered items such as a torch, portable phone charger and cable and portable radio are important if there is a power outage, as well as spare batteries.
A portable radio is vital to listen in to emergency broadcasting.
• Important documents could include emergency contact numbers, passports and insurance documents.
• A first aid kit and medications are vital in an emergency, you can also pack hygiene supplies such as a toothbrush, soap and toilet paper.
• If you have a pet, don’t forget! They need their own supplies too, such as food and water, bowls, a leash and a lightweight crate for transportation.
• Disasters can be scary, but they can sometimes be boring too. Pack a few entertaining items such as a good book, playing cards or board games.
Water supplies could stop working. You can’t get to the shops or maybe you can, but the shelves are bare when you get there. Avoid being ill-prepared by stocking up on essentials before a disaster strikes.
You can also include more items, particularly if you live in a remote area. Think about your situation and pack a kit that is right for you.
Keep your kit in a strong waterproof storage container and store it in a safe place in your home that you can get to easily in the event of an emergency.
You can find more information about household emergency kits at getready.qld.gov.au/check-out-what-you-need
Mackay Regional Council have geared up their disaster preparedness, hosting their Disaster Ready Saturday event last weekend at Caneland Shopping Centre.
Seeing over 1200 people stop by the event and collect new and up-to-date disaster preparedness material, attendees were also able to check in with Australian Red Cross, Ergon Energy, Sunwater, SES and the Mackay Hospital and Health Service.
Visitors received important information regarding the Council’s Emergency Action Guide booklet.
Storm Season for the Mackay region is November to April, and it is best to construct a Household Evacuation Plan, including know where to go, know how to go, know where to go, know what to take, and know your neighbours, as well as be subscribed to the Emergency Dashboard.
Sarina Neighbourhood Centre and Aurizon are putting the call out to the community to help make a better Christmas for those doing it tough.
Sarina residents are asked to donate Christmas gifts, holiday season items and nonperishable hamper items to help bring joy and comfort to those in need during this festive time.
Deputy Mayor Karen May said unfortunately Christmas wasn’t a festive time of year for everyone in our community.
“While most of us look forward to exchanging gifts, feasting and relaxing; for some people Christmas is a really hard and stressful time,” Cr May said.
“Christmas drives, like this one, make such a difference – they mean presents to unwrap and food in the pantry for people who would otherwise really struggle,” she said.
“What we are hoping is that people will just put one extra item in their trolleys this year – an extra toy, another Christmas pudding or a second box of crackers.
“Drop them at the Sarina Neighbourhood Centre and we will ensure they go to a family who needs a hand up this festive season.
“Anything you can give is appreciated.”
The Sarina Neighbourhood Centre Christmas appeal runs until Friday, December 8.
Donations are welcome during opening hours (9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday).
For more information, contact the team on 4961 9290.
You couldn’t wipe the smiles off the faces of Sarina State High School (SSHS) students Sophie Steindl and Jacob Adams after they received a Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Senior Schooling Scholarship last week.
Presented at the annual SSHS Awards Presentation Night, Community Bank Sarina sponsored two $2000 scholarships which provide funding for excursions, textbooks, and technology and also encourages students’ dedication to both their education and community involvement.
Community Bank Sarina has been partnering with SSHS since 2017 to provide scholarships and a variety of annual awards for students.
Community Bank Sarina Board Deputy Chair Maree Franettovich said the purpose of this community investment was to support young people and allow them to focus on their talents.
“Scholarships can be the bridge to a world of opportunities for students, they open doors and give every student a fair shot at success,” Ms Franettovich said.
“Whilst there were many strong applications, we are very pleased to have named Sophie and Jacob as the 2024 SSHS Senior Schooling Scholarship recipients.”
Scholarship recipient Jacob thanked Community Bank Sarina for giving back to the community and said this Scholarship had further fuelled his passion to chase his dreams.
“After school I hope to study engineering at university and pursue a sporting career in either NRL or sprinting. I’d like to aim to be in the Olympics one day,” he said.
“This Scholarship will help get my name out in the community and I look forward to representing Sarina and the Bank at events as well.”
Scholarship recipient Sophie was grateful to Community Bank Sarina for the opportunity and said she would utilise the scholarship to pursue a career in the medical field after Grade 12.
“This scholarship will provide the funding for me to complete further education in the health sector,” she said.
“I think it’s great that these scholarships provide kids like me with educational opportunities they might not have thought was available.”
Community Bank Sarina also offer CQUniversity scholarships annually and applications opened on 1st November. For more information see the Community Bank Sarina Facebook page or contact executive@sarinacommunity.com.au.
Maree Franettovich, Sophie Steindl, Jacob Adams, Charmaine Matsen and Ann Fordyce
Consolidating your savings
Ah, savings. We all want more. Just when you think you might be getting somewhere, that’s often when bills and repayments, rent and other expenses are ready to bring you back to reality. So, how can you start ascending the savings summit and, most importantly, continue climbing?
Customise
Saving means different things to different people. Because – and this shouldn’t come as a shock – we’re all different.
Firstly, you need to have a glance at what you’re spending your money on. A quick look over your account statements should bring to light some of your money habits. It might remind you that you’re an absolute bargain hunter. It could also shine a spotlight on some less than necessary buys too. Whoops!
But that’s okay. Figure out your cash flow first, so you can get an idea of where your money’s going.
Our app gives you a simple and visual look at your account, offering you a straightforward view of your comings and goings.
Minimise
Once you know how your pay cheque is being spent, you can start setting aside what’s essential to you and what isn’t. If your bank statements are suggesting that some changes are in order, that’s achievable!
It might be helpful to put your expenses into categories. Highlighting your different expenses will demonstrate what should stay the same, what you can cut back on, and maybe even what you can eliminate all together.
Keep in mind that some expenses will change while others will be consistent. But even the consistent expenses can be reduced such as phone bills, utilities and groceries to name a few. So, being flexible and adaptable could go a long way, especially if you’re able to lessen some of the bigger costs like insurance and housing.
Organise
Try and identify a few saving targets. And again, this should be tailored to you. No one knows what you’re after better than you. And by simply setting some goals for your savings, it’ll help inspire some change in your spending habits.
Set both short and long-term goals. Short-term targets might be within one to five years away. They might include things like appliances, technology or furniture. But could be a little bigger in the form of travel or reducing debt.
Short-term goals will also help train your goal setting habits and reward you when you fulfil what you set out to achieve. Long-term goals might be reserved for larger targets like cars, a house deposit or investments.
Once you get going, you might realise that the saving ascent isn’t as steep as you first thought. If you want more personalised help and advice on how to increase your savings, visit the Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Branch team at 37 Broad Street, Sarina or call us on 4943 2634.
Look out Cockroaches, Sarina’s Buffy the Cane Toad is on the march.
More specifically Sarina’s tribute to one of Australia’s greatest ecological disasters, the dreaded cane toad, is the subject of a post card prepared by Sarina Arts and Crafts volunteer Owen Bromley.
A range of cards by Owen and other volunteers are available at the centre, and Blues supporters could even find them featuring Buffy turning up in their letterboxes if visitors from NSW are game enough to buy them.
Owen has made ‘countless’ cards depicting Sarina scenes in nearly 30 years of supporting the centre, and as he’s a big supporter of Queensland State of Origin, Buffy was a subject he’s wanted to do for some time.
Buffy is enough to scare any Cockroach supporter, as the Blues were known in the early days of Origin clashes with the Queensland Cane Toads, standing more than a metre tall and guarding the northern gateway to Sarina in Broad St.
He was the brainchild of a former Sarina Shire councillor the late Jean Coleman, who with her husband Bevan ran the Tramway Motel on Sarina’s northern outskirts.
Friends who knew them said motel guests were always amazed by the size and number of cane toads sitting around the street lights so Bevan and Jean decided to make up a giant cardboard toad which featured on floats in Sarina’s annual Mardi Gras and Mackay’s Tourist Festival parades in the 70s and 80s.
Buffy won the Mardi Gras award for best float in 1986 and was then donated to Sarina Shire which made a fiberglass replica of it as a tourism drawcard – and something to scare Blues supporters.
A final word on Buffy from a plaque at his statue: “Since his construction Buffy has seen glory, shame, neglect, resurrection and finally recognition as a tourism attraction.”
Maroons supporter Owen Bromley with Sarina’s Buffy the Cane Toad, which features on post cards made by Owen and available at the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre. Photos: Charlie Payne
Post cards by Owen Bromley
Buffy the Cane Toad is an avid supporter of Sarina’s role in Queensland’s proud State of Origin heritage.
No fewer than seven players originating from Sarina have represented Queensland in Origin and national rugby league teams and the latest three were recognized in a plaque unveiling at Buffy’s site last week. The event was emceed by rugby league great and Mackay region councillor Martin Bella.
Daly Cherry-Evans has played 22 Origin matches and 18 Tests and Reuben Cotter 40 Origins and two Tests.
Brianna Clark became the first female Origin player from Sarina in 2021 and has played five Tests.
An earlier plaque honours four others – Dale Shearer (22 Origins, 20 Tests), Kevin Campion (4 Origins), Martin Bella (21 Origins, 9 Tests) and Wendell Sailor (14 Origins, 11 Tests).
After the unveiling, the Sarina Rugby League Club and the Sarina Neighbourhood Centre hosted the “Happy As” barbecue and mini expo to celebrate Men’s Health Awareness Month (Movember).
Mayor Greg Williamson said Movember is a fantastic month-long campaign that encourages men to engage in activities to raise awareness about men’s health.
“It aims to challenge the stigma around men’s health issues, spark conversations and promote early detection and intervention.”
Photo credit: Sarina Rugby League Football Club
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