At Inaugural Eimeo Surf Club Event

Approximately fifty runners enjoyed ideal weather conditions and generous hospitality at the inaugural Mackay Road Runners event hosted by the Eimeo Surf Club. Participants tackled either a 5km or 14km course through the scenic and undulating suburbs of Eimeo, Dolphin Heads and Blacks Beach.

Mackay Road Runners Club President, Paul Tilse, extended his gratitude to the Eimeo Surf Club for their warm welcome, which included access to parking, amenities, delicious breakfasts, and breathtaking ocean views. The club also acknowledged the friendly staff for their exceptional service.

The event was expertly timed and managed by Julie Whibley and Rohan Miles, who coordinated the handicap starts based on formal club handicaps. Mick Vivian, the highest-placed backmarker, delivered an outstanding performance in the 14km run, recording the fastest time and the only sub-60-minute finish of the day. However, it was the reigning 10km Grove Handicap Champion, Justin Rule, who crossed the line first on handicap, narrowly edging out the fast-finishing Vivian. Joe Grech maintained his consistent form to claim third on handicap, followed by Shane Donnollan and John Rae. Celebrating her birthday, Jose Short split the top male finishers to cross next and also claimed fastest female honours in the 14km, narrowly ahead of Carolyn Mapes by thirty seconds.

The 5km runners also enjoyed a competitive field, with Lily Leven clocking the fastest overall time and finishing fourth on handicap. Gail Mackie showed impressive determination to take first place on handicap, followed by Craig Joynson in second, Alan Zamparutti in third, and Leven in fourth. Millie Bishop also recorded a solid time, as did Darrin Pullen, who looked injury-free in his run to finish ahead of Michael Feenaghty and Teresa Hackney. Notable performances also came from John Couldrey, Kayla Waugh, Lauren Connor, Leanne Connor, Ross Connor, Kim Saron, Fran March, David Isbister, and Stuart Sprott.

Special thanks were extended to Andrew Short for his early morning efforts in setting up the technical and challenging course. He was ably supported by volunteers Paul Tilse, David Isbister, Len Howarth, Joe Grech, Brendan Bishop, and Alan Zamparutti. Jo Hughes also made a valuable contribution, providing much-appreciated water station support for the 14km runners.

The club’s next event is the 30km Club Championship, taking place this Sunday at 6am from Northview Park Playground, Schapers Road, Glenella. The event also includes 5km and 15km distance options. All participants are reminded to wear their race bibs on the front and check in with timekeepers at least ten minutes prior to the start. A sausage sizzle will follow the event, and all are welcome. Casual race day fees are $10 for adults and $5 for juniors, with a $2 fee for members.

Mackay Road Runners also extended thanks to the many members who volunteered their time and energy at the successful 17th BMA Mackay Marina Run last weekend. The Marina Run Committee sincerely appreciates the club’s ongoing support and involvement, noting that the event’s success would not have been possible without them.

Contributed by Janelle Tilse

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A Season Of Celebration, Opportunity, And Community Spirit

It’s been an inspiring and action-packed few weeks across our region, full of energy, ideas, and community pride. From welcoming visiting ministers to celebrating local achievements in training, sport, education, and the arts—there’s so much to be excited about!

We were thrilled to host Assistant Minister for Finance, Trade, Training and Employment, Amanda Stoker. Her visit gave locals a valuable chance to share feedback on government programs, with insights heading back to Brisbane to help improve service delivery in our community.

A standout moment was recognising our finalists in the 2025 Central Queensland Training Awards. At Kool Beanz SUNS, we met Toni, their passionate Lead Educator, who showed us around their fantastic facility, featuring dedicated STEM rooms and purpose-built kindy spaces. As a finalist for Small Employer of the Year, Kool Beanz clearly prioritises nurturing both children and educators.

We also visited Intuition – The Art of Hair, another finalist in the same category. Apprentice Chelsea shared her positive training experience, made possible by salon owner Victoria’s hands-on leadership. Intuition’s repeat finalist status reflects their strong support for staff development.

Another highlight was visiting Ideal Placements Mackay, a regional finalist for Community Training Initiative of the Year. Their Women in Warehousing program provides practical training and employment pathways for unemployed or underemployed women. Sharee Pryce, one of their standout participants, is nominated for Equity Student of the Year after completing her Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations. Sharee’s determination to build a better future for her family truly showcases the power of inclusive training programs.

Sport was also in the spotlight with a visit from Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tim Mander. I had the pleasure of showing him Mackay State High School’s five sporting excellence academies, where young athletes are training hard for the future. We also discussed exciting regional opportunities linked to the 2032 Brisbane Games and the new ‘You for 2032’ app, designed to connect locals with sports that match their skills and interests.

Looking ahead, we’ll welcome Minister for Arts and Education, John-Paul Langbroek, for the Between the Tides festival—a vibrant celebration of live music, local culture, and community spirit.

And don’t forget—the Mackay Show is just around the corner! I’ll be there with my mobile office, so please drop by for a chat. I’d love to hear your thoughts and say hello!

Left to right: Chelsea (Inutition – The Art of Hair Apprentice), Assistant Minister - Amanda Stoker and Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton and Assistant Minister Amanda Stoker, celebrating the Ideal Placements team and Sharee Pryce’s success in the Queensland Training Awards

Left to right: Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton with Toni Breadsell from Kool Beanz SUNS Harrup Park, and Assistant Minister Amanda Stoker

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton and Minister Tim Mander talking to students of Mackay State High School. Photo supplied

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The competition that combines artistic fun with serious safety messages is now open to all Queensland primary school children from Prep to Year 6.

Twelve different pieces of artwork from Queensland primary students will be chosen to feature in the calendar, with a different safety theme for each month.

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie said the competition is about creative young minds promoting the importance of farm safety.

“Raising awareness among primary school students and their communities about common safety hazards on farms and in rural settings is an ongoing campaign.

“Tragically, serious injuries and fatalities occur on farms and rural settings each year, the calendar serves as a creative and visual reminder covering overhead powerlines, being safe with electrical equipment, animal safety and the importance of washing hands after contact with animals.

"In the last year alone 26 Queenslanders lost their lives simply going to work. These aren’t just numbers—they’re 26 families left without a chance to say goodbye. The rural sector alone accounted for 10 of those lives.

“Our government backs our agricultural sector to continue to grow the economic output and that also means supporting safe and productive farming workplaces as well.

“We know many rural communities and schools have the calendar prominently displayed in the home throughout the year, educating Queenslanders of all ages to work and play safely on farm properties."

Member for Condamine Pat Weir said that the focus on rural safety around farms should never be forgotten.

“As someone who has been injured themselves from a farm accident, I know all too well the importance of the issue to local farming families,” Mr Weir said.

“It’s great that the focus is also about educating our next generation of farmers as well throughout primary schools in Queensland.”

Central Queensland’s Gogango State School’s teacher, Ms Wendy Thornton said the farm safety competition is a fantastic addition to our unit of work about farms.

“The students enjoy the challenge of illustrating farm safety aspects which are extremely important for each student to remember as they go about their daily lives in rural settings,” Ms Thornton said.

More than 40,000 copies of the calendar will be printed for statewide distribution. The competition is open until 27 June. The 12 winning entrants receive a $250 gift card and $500 for their school.

For information on how to enter and to download resources, go to WorkSafe.qld.gov.au.

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By Owen Menkens, CANEGROWERS Chairman

It’s been a big week in cane country. Harvesters are up and running in the Tableland and Bundaberg districts, marking the start of the 2025 crush.

For growers, there’s nothing quite like seeing the first cane bins filling up – it signals a new season, a fresh start, and hope for better days after a challenging run last year.

Across the rest of Queensland, farms are almost ready. Growers are fine-tuning gear, checking fields, and waiting for their local mills to fire up.

No matter where you are, there’s a shared sense of anticipation and relief to be getting on with it.

Last season was one of the most difficult in recent memory. Wild weather, breakdowns, and industrial action delayed the harvest so long that some districts were still cutting in January.

By the time it was over, about a million tonnes of cane had been left in the paddock – not for lack of effort, but because the system simply didn’t hold up.

But cane farmers are a resilient bunch. We’ve done what we always do – rolled up our sleeves and got back to work. We've replanted, repaired and prepared. And now we’re ready to go again.

The forecast for this year is about 28.5 million tonnes of cane across 13 growing regions.

That’s a little lower than last year, mostly due to the recent widespread flooding across North Queensland – especially around the Herbert River district – which destroyed large areas of cane.

Even so, the mood among growers is cautiously optimistic. We’ve done our bit. Now we’re relying on the mills, the weather, and the supply chain to help turn that hard work into returns.

That won’t be easy. Labour shortages are still hitting hard. Skilled workers – from harvester drivers and haulout operators to mill staff – are in short supply.

And it’s not just sugarcane – agriculture right across the board is feeling the pinch.

That’s why CANEGROWERS is working with our local offices and the Queensland Farmers’ Federation to help address the shortage. Because no matter how good the crop looks, it doesn’t mean much if we don’t have the people to move it.

Last week also gave us the chance to keep up our pressure on the government in another critical area – disaster support.

Queensland’s Minister for Primary Industries, Tony Perrett, visited Ingham for the Link2Country Expo and a Community Cabinet meeting. While there, he met with growers still dealing with the impacts of the summer floods.

We made our position clear – disaster support needs to reflect the way farming works in 2025.

Right now, some growers are being ruled out of disaster funding because they earn part of their income from agricultural support services – things like planting or harvesting for other farms. But that’s still farming. And it’s often what helps keep smaller operations afloat.

After the floods, this issue hit home hard. Some farmers were denied help simply because their income didn’t fit the current rules.

That’s why CANEGROWERS, alongside the QFF, is fighting to modernise the rules under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. The system needs to catch up with the reality on the ground and make sure no grower is left behind when disaster strikes.

We’re grateful the Minister took the time to visit and listen. But now we need more than goodwill – we need action.

As crushing ramps up across the state, we’re keeping our eyes on more than just the crop.

We’re focused on securing the long-term future of this industry – one where growers are backed by fair systems, strong support, and a shared belief in the value of what they do.

Here’s to a smoother season ahead and a fairer go for every grower who puts in the hard yards.

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As we mark National Men’s Health Week, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank reflects with pride on the many years of support provided to the Sarina and District Community Men’s Shed.

In 2014, Community Bank Sarina provided a community grant to lay the foundations – quite literally – for the Sarina Men’s Shed location that is now the organisation's home. Close to $100,000 in funding supported essential infrastructure that enabled construction to begin and by 2015 it was operational.

Sarina Men’s Shed Chair Jon Eaton said that without the support from Community Bank Sarina the Men's Shed would not have been able to achieve their ambitions as a group.

“We are so thankful and will be forever grateful to Community Bank Sarina,” Mr Eaton said.

Since then, the shed has evolved into much more than a building. It’s a safe and inclusive space where men can share stories, build skills and support each other through life’s challenges. From health conversations to hands-on projects, the shed fosters belonging, reduces isolation and strengthens men’s wellbeing.

The shed plays an active role in the wider community, with members regularly contributing their time and skills to create furniture for local schools, build items for hospitals, kindergartens and support community events with custom projects and repairs.

Community Bank Sarina believes in funding initiatives that have a long-lasting impact and The Sarina Men’s Shed is a perfect example of this. It’s a testament to what’s possible when local people invest in local ideas, with real support and shared purpose.

As a profit for purpose organisation, Community Bank Sarina is proud to have stood alongside the Men’s Shed to continue supporting programs that prioritise connection, resilience and men’s health in our region.

Sarina Men’s Shed members enjoy a monthly BBQ and have an upcoming open day – stay tuned to their Facebook page for more details at https://www.facebook.com/SarinaMensShedQld.

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Two Sarina Men’s Shed members working together on a community project.  Photo supplied

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One thing I’ve come to really value in my role as Councillor is how often a simple conversation can make a difference. Whether it’s chatting to someone at my market stall, a message on Instagram or sitting down for a coffee with a local community group, these everyday moments are where the real work of a Councillor happens!

People sometimes imagine that Councillors spend most of their time in council chambers, debating complex policies or poring over budgets. While meetings and reports are 100 per cent part of the role, in my opinion the heart of local government is much closer to home. It’s about listening to you, the people who live in this community and understanding your concerns and making sure your voices are heard.

That is the role. Councillors are here to represent you. To listen, ask questions and make sure your voice gets into the room where decisions are made.

I’ve learned over time that local government works best when it’s truly a two-way street. When we work together, we can make real progress – not just on the big projects, but the everyday things that improve quality of life in our community.

I want to encourage everyone to get involved in their local community in whatever way feels right. Maybe it’s volunteering for your kid’s sports team, joining a local group, lending a hand at a fundraiser, or just showing up to a community event. It all makes a difference.

Local democracy isn’t about voting every four years – it is ongoing communication and connection. When we work together, we can tackle the issues that matter most and build a region we’re all proud to call home.

I am not just working for this community, I am living and raising my family in it too.

I work for you. Whether that is fixing something that’s broken, backing great local ideas or pushing for better community orientated outcomes, my role is to stand up for the people who live and work here every day.

By Cr Ash-Lee Johnson

📞 0432 673 012

📧 cr.ash-lee.johnson@mackay.qld.gov.au

📷 @cr.ash_lee.johnson

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In a significant step towards supporting vulnerable Queenslanders, the Queensland Government has officially opened a purpose-built Vulnerable Persons Hub in Mackay — a place designed to offer compassion, connection, and coordinated care for those in crisis.

By bringing together key specialist units under one roof, the Hub will deliver a unified, trauma-informed response that places safety, dignity, and recovery at the forefront.

Inside the thoughtfully designed facility are two dedicated safe rooms, including a child-friendly space, built to offer a calm and secure environment for police interviews and support service interactions.

Police will work closely with external agencies and non-government organisations based at the facility on a rotating basis, to strengthen collaboration and extend wraparound care to those in need.

**Key teams based at the Hub include:

Mackay Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Unit

DFV High Risk Team

District Crime Prevention Coordinator

Crime Assessment and Management

Victim Engagement Team

Liquor Enforcement and Proactive Strategies

Volunteers in Policing

Police Liaison Officers

The LNP has criticised the former Labor Government’s record on domestic and family violence, claiming that incidents rose by 218% over the past decade, with Queensland Police responding to a DFV incident every three minutes.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the Queensland Government was taking critical action to better support victims and address unacceptable rates of domestic violence.

“The Vulnerable Persons Hub is more than a building; it’s a commitment to early intervention, to community safety, and to providing the most vulnerable Queenslanders with the support and dignity they deserve,” Minister Purdie said.

“Today marks a major milestone in our commitment to victim-centric policing and early intervention, setting a new benchmark for how police and support services work together to protect victim-survivors.

“I would like to thank all the frontline police and support staff who have contributed to this important initiative.

“The Mackay Vulnerable Persons Hub is a significant step forward for policing in Queensland, and a proud milestone for the Mackay community.”

The facility is not open to the public for walk-ins and operates strictly by appointment to maintain the confidentiality, safety, and dignity of victim-survivors.

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Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie was in Mackay to officially open the new Vulnerable Persons Hub — a purpose-built facility designed to provide a safe, trauma-informed response for Queenslanders in crisis

The Hub brings key police units together under one roof to offer a unified approach to victim support, ensuring the safety, dignity and recovery of the state’s most vulnerable are always front and centre. Photos supplied

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The Greater Whitsunday region is once again taking bold steps toward a low-carbon future with the return of its highly anticipated event, "Decarbonisation Accelerated: Continuing the Conversation".

Following the success of last year's sold-out Decarbonisation Accelerated Summit, this year's event will deepen the discussion around practical decarbonisation strategies and amplify regional voices in the national conversation. Attendees will engage in dynamic discussions on:

Strategic Flexibility in a rapidly changing business environment.
ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) as a driver of responsible growth.
Diversification of the METS sector to unlock new opportunities.
Technology Transformation and carbon-reducing innovations.
From Strategy to Action: Implementing sustainability for long-term success.

Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) Chief Executive Officer Ms Kylie Porter said this event is more than just conversation—it's about collaboration and action.

"We're bringing together some of the brightest minds in sustainability and innovation to help local businesses stay competitive and future ready," said Ms. Porter. She added, "We know that the environment and narrative around carbon emissions and technologies is changing, and this event is about cutting through the talk and identifying what's real for 2025 and beyond".

Featured Speakers Include:

Neil Glentworth – Strategic Thought Leader and Data Driver
Dr Michael Simioni – APAC Regional Decarbonisation Leader, GHD
Katrina Dent – CEO, Reef Catchments
Dr Vanessa Rauland – National Climate Director, ICN
Paul Hodgson – Executive Director Regional Futures – Energy Transitions, CQUniversity
Mick Liubinskas – Climate Tech Advisor, Climate Salad
Kevin Kane – Managing Director, Broadstrokes

Ms. Porter noted that as industries embrace sustainable practices, events like this are vital to ensuring regional voices are not only heard but are leading innovation from the ground up.

"The core focus of this year's event will be how to take strategy to action and the sustainable steps in between," said Mr Steven Boxall, Chief Executive Officer of Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE).

Mr. Boxall further stated that the regional focus on METS sector diversification, future industries, and ESG implementation underscores the importance of collective, strategic action in building regional resilience.

"It's a unique opportunity to hear from the people who are actually out there doing the work—solving problems, driving investment, and building a low-carbon economy from the regions outward," he said. He also highlighted that "in addition to the speaker sessions, the event will also highlight local projects and innovation case studies, showcasing how the Greater Whitsunday region is putting theory into action".

Participants can expect robust discussions, practical takeaways, and networking opportunities with leaders from business, government, academia, and the community in attendance. The event will also introduce the newly appointed Greater Whitsunday ESG Service Providers, offering attendees direct access to expert support and guidance.

Ms. Porter emphasised, "This is a must-attend event for businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve, remain competitive in evolving supply chains, and contribute to a sustainable future for the Greater Whitsunday region".

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Location: Resources Centre of Excellence, 65 Crichtons Road, Paget, Mackay
Time: 8:00 am - 1:30 pm
Register now to be part of the conversation and help shape the region's decarbonisation journey.
Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/continuing-the-conversation

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Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank celebrated 20 years of community impact in our region with a special celebration on Saturday, 7 June – acknowledging the many people who’ve been a part of this momentous journey. Directors, former directors, staff, shareholders and community leaders gathered to reflect on the milestones achieved and Community Bank Sarina’s proud record of reinvesting over $4.2 million into local organisations and initiatives since opening in 2005.

The night also featured a lucky door prize of a personal prize back and the chance to nominate two not-for-profits for a $1000 donation each. The prize was won by scholarship recipient Jordan Ruddell, who selected the Sarina Army Cadets and the Sarina Men’s Shed.

Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank directors (L–R) Nicholas McDougall, Ann Fordyce, Karen May, Maree Franettovich and Rainee Shepperson gathered to celebrate 20 years of local reinvestment and community connection at a special anniversary event on Saturday. Photo credit: Joshua Nay, Rebel Nation

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See the photos here:

Mackay Regional Council has reassured the Sarina community that its museum items will be returned to the township once a project documenting the items of significance is completed.

Mayor Greg Williamson said that complex process was expected to be completed in about six months and the collection would then be returned to Sarina.

“The museum rationalisation project is, for want of a better term, a ‘stocktake’ of our museums collections,” Mayor Greg Williamson said.

“This has been a mammoth task, which began with Pioneer Valley Museum before moving onto Mackay Museum and now Sarina," he said.

“Lessons learnt from the work at Pioneer Valley and Mackay showed the process can be done quicker and easier if the collection is moved off-site, which is what we have done with Sarina.

“There has been community angst in Sarina, and we acknowledge that we may not have communicated sufficiently with residents about this project.

“That has contributed to fears that the museum collection was being taken to Mackay permanently.”

Mayor Williamson said that was not the case and council had been making that clear in meetings with stakeholders.

The latest meeting was with the Sarina Progress Association in Sarina earlier in June, attended by the Mayor and councillors and senior council staff.

“An important part of this process is that, as well as identifying significant items of interest in the collection, it will also highlight what the gaps are, and we’ll be able to put the call out to the community to try to fill those gaps," he said.

Although the museum collection will be returned to Sarina, it may not be put back into the old Sarina Museum building in the Field of Dreams, as it is not currently fit-for-purpose for protection and conservation of a museum collection.

Mayor Williamson said council was also undertaking in parallel a process to look at the entire Sarina Field of Dreams precinct and how it could be reinvigorated.

“We’re not saying the museum collection will definitely not return to that old building, but we want to look at all options to ensure optimum use of that precinct.

“We are committed to working with the community every step of the way on future improvements to Sarina Field of Dreams.”

Mayor Williamson said council was also continuing work on options for an interim regional museum.

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Staff are currently working on the museum rationalisation project, with a focus on the Sarina collection. Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

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Seagrass is thriving off the Isaac region’s coastline according to the latest monitoring data collected by the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership.

Researchers have been able to track seagrass condition off Clairview’s coastline for the past seven years, thanks to continued investment from Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd (DBCT P/L, also known locally as Daly Bay) and Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure (DBI).

Principal Research Scientist at James Cook University’s Centre for Tropical Water and Ecosystems Research (TropWATER), Professor Michael Rasheed has led the collection of seagrass data since monitoring began in 2017.

Using a low-flying helicopter, Professor Rasheed and his team survey at least 145 intertidal sites across three meadows – two along the shoreline, and one at Flock Pigeon Island.

“After seven years of the annual monitoring program, seagrasses in the Southern Inshore Zone are in some of the best condition to date, indicating a healthy marine environment, with water quality and environmental conditions favourable for seagrass growth,” Professor Rasheed said.

“In the latest data, we are seeing some really positive signs with the two mainland meadows recording their highest ever results for area and biomass indicators.

“The southern mainland meadow in particular has shown a continuous expansion in spatial area year-on-year since 2017, which is great to see.”

DBCT P/L Manager of Safety, Risk and Environment Ricci Churchill has experienced the seagrass field work first-hand.

“I was so grateful to join the JCU TropWater scientists as they completed their seagrass surveys a few years ago, and to experience it knowing that the research is possible thanks to funding from DBCT P/L and DBI,” Ms Churchill said.

“At DBCT P/L, we are very proud of our investment into the Southern Inshore Monitoring Program, because prior to 2017 there was no data available for seagrass, coral or water quality in this reporting region.

“Now, after almost a decade of monitoring, we have a strong dataset that continues to grow, and the ability to provide meaningful information to the community about the health of the local marine environment.”

Most recently, DBCT P/L and DBI committed $415,000 to fund the Southern Inshore Monitoring Program for an additional three years, ensuring the collection of data on coral, seagrass and water quality through to June 2026.

DBI Site Manager Tim Ffrost said supporting the monitoring program was a natural fit for DBI.

“Our operator, Daly Bay first introduced the Southern Inshore Monitoring Program to us in 2019, and straight away we saw it was a natural fit, and we were really excited to be involved,” Mr Ffrost said.

“The marine environment is critically important and being able to contribute to ongoing monitoring and data collection of this ecosystem ties back to one of our key objectives of understanding and protecting the condition of our local environment.

“We also see a lot of value in local partnerships because by collaborating and pooling resources like we’ve done with this program, you can achieve greater outcomes for both the environment and the community.”
The latest seagrass grades will be published in the Healthy Rivers to Reef Waterway Health Report Card, due for release in July 2025.

For more information on the Southern Inshore Monitoring program, visit www.healthyriverstoreef.org.au.

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DBCT P/L Manager of Safety, Risk and Environment Ricci Churchill and DBI Site Manager Tim Ffrost look at the latest Southern Inshore results. Photos supplied

JCU TropWATER team Chris Van de Wetering and Professor Michael Rasheed undertaking seagrass field surveys at Clairview

Cinzia Cattaneo, Jaime Newborn (Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership), Professor Michael Rasheed (JCU TropWATER), Ricci Churchill (DBCT P/L), Tim Ffrost (DBI) and Chris Van de Wetering (JCU TropWATER)

JCU TropWATER’s Chris Van de Wetering records seagrass data while up in the helicopter

A helicopter is used to survey the large areas of seagrass off the coast of Clairview

An aerial view of the Southern Inshore Marine zone at high tide

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Country Fest Queensland Saddles Up For A Massive Weekend In Bloomsbury

With cowboy boots dusted off and the sweet scent of fresh-cut grass in the air, Country Fest Queensland is set to roll back into Bloomsbury from June 27–28, promising two days of music, mateship and good old-fashioned country hospitality under the stars.

The paddocks are primed, the line-up’s locked in, and the buzz is building – from long-time fans to curious first-timers, there’s plenty to be excited about.

Among them is Mackay local Bianca O’Connor, who scored VIP tickets online.

“We’re big fans of James Johnston,” said Bianca.

“They’re bringing country music to the northern region of Queensland and I think it’s great to support local and international artists… they’ve really given us an opportunity to see live music again.”

For headline act James Johnston, the event strikes a chord on a personal level.

“Country Fest Queensland is everything I love about country music,” he said.

“It’s out underneath the stars, there’s plenty of beer… there’s bucking bulls and great country music.”

Fresh off the back of chart-topping tracks like Raised Like That, Johnston’s grounded, storytelling style continues to resonate.

“My songs are stories from my upbringing or the life I’m living now,” he said.

“I just bought a little farm with my family, and I’ve got a bunch of new songs coming out about those stories.”

Now living in the Sunshine State, Johnston says returning to the Mackay region always feels special.

“Country music is born in regions like Mackay… I feel like I’m just part of the crowd.

“For so many years, I used to be out there watching events like this… now the fact that I get to be on that stage singing my songs, it always makes it really special.”

Behind the scenes, excitement is also running high.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said council is proud to support the event for a third year.

“This isn’t just a music festival – it’s a celebration of the region and a boost for our local economy,” he said.

“We’re expecting more than 4,000 people, and with weather like this, you never know… they might just stay for a while!”

Festival Director Regan Anderson said the program encourages campers to arrive early and soak up the atmosphere.

“It’s got a real honky tonk feel to it,” he said.

“We’ve got people coming from across the country – and even New Zealand. The line-up’s phenomenal, and the PBR bull riding will be absolutely world-class.”

From Max McNown to Randy Houser, the stage is stacked and the vibes are strong.

“It’s gonna be a hell of a night,” Johnston said.

“I’m just excited to see everyone out there.”

Tickets are selling fast…so dust off your boots, round up your crew, and get set for a weekend of live music, open skies and pure country magic!

Get your tickets now at www.countryfest.com.au

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Country Fest Queensland returns to Bloomsbury on June 27–28, promising two days of unforgettable country music, mateship, and down-to-earth hospitality, featuring headline act James Johnston and a lineup sure to bring the region alive under open skies. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Respected Detective Hangs Up The Badge

By Hannah McNamara

What began as a fascination with the police force while watching the popular TV show Cops in the ’90s has transformed into a legacy spanning nearly three decades: one marked by blood, sweat, and a quiet commitment to uncovering some of the region’s most confronting crimes.

Retired Detective Sergeant Paul Arnold officially signed off last Wednesday during an emotional “piping out” ceremony held at Mackay Police Station, where officers past and present gathered to honour his service and bid farewell.

When asked how he got involved in the police force, he humorously said “It’s a bit cliché, but it was all because of a TV show called Cops.

“I applied for the job in my local area and to my surprise, I was successful,” said Mr Arnold.

Known for his steady leadership, mentorship, and unshakeable ties to the Mackay community, Mr Arnold’s retirement at age 60 brings to a close a distinguished chapter in Queensland policing.

Many officers across the region count Mr Arnold as a pivotal figure in their careers.

District Officer Superintendent for Mackay and the Whitsundays, Dean Cavanagh, reflected on his early years under Arnold’s guidance.

“I was a young detective under Paul – I learned a lot from him,” he said.

“It’s sad to see someone with so much experience leave, but it’s exciting to see him start a well and truly well-deserved retirement.”

“It’s fantastic to see him reach that milestone…especially in investigative roles, which are very demanding.”

For Mr Arnold, the day brought mixed emotions. Grateful for the recognition, he was deeply moved as he reflected on the people, moments, and memories that had shaped his career.

“I wonder where the years have all gone,” he pauses.

“I’ve had a wonderful time in the police service,” he said.

“I’ve done things that other people won’t do. I’ve seen things that a lot of people don’t want to see, or never get the opportunity to see…But what I have had is the privilege of working with some incredible people along the way.”

Mentorship, he said, was one of the most fulfilling aspects of the job.

“To have had the opportunity to teach and mentor people and watch them progress in the organisation…it’s a great privilege.”

One case that left a lasting mark on him was the death of Jason Garrels in 2012 – a tragedy that brought the community together in pursuit of justice.

“There’s probably one job that stands out, and that is the death of Jason Garrels,” Mr Arnold said, as tears filled his eyes.

“The courage of that family, and Michael Garrels in particular, was… it was just an incredible job to be involved in.

“To watch groups of people come together to get the result… was very touching, and it’s a case I’ll never forget.”

Among the heavy cases were lighter moments too, like the time he solved a robbery involving a not-so-clever disguise.

“I had an armed robber who had used a sock to mask his face – with eyeholes cut out,” he laughed.

“He vehemently denied committing the offence, but when he took his shoes off in the interview room… he had one sock on.”

“That ultimately led to searching his room and finding the other sock – with the eyeholes cut out... And from that, it led to a successful arrest and conviction.”

After officially graduating from the Oxley Police Academy in 1996, Mr Arnold served in South Brisbane before taking up a permanent position at West End Station. He transferred to Mackay CIB in 2000 and spent the next 25 years dedicated to the Mackay CIB and CPIU teams.

While his journey began with Cops on TV, it unfolded into something far more profound.

“It’s been way better than Cops,” he smiled.

With retirement now officially underway, Mr Arnold is planning to spend quality time with his wife, three children, and his first grandchild – Albie Paul, who proudly carries his grandfather’s name.

“I’ve got a new grandson I’d love to spend some time with, and my family... and we’ll do some travel.”

And while their travels may take them far, Mr Arnold says Mackay will always be home.

“Where we end up, I’m not sure… but I look forward to the journey.”

His parting wisdom to the next generation of officers is to “Work hard. Be inquisitive. And have the courage to stand by what you believe in.”

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Masquerade Mayhem At Catherine McAuley College

Don your mask, lace up your finest frock, and prepare for an evening of intrigue, illusion and ill-fated love – because the bard himself is calling you to Catherine McAuley College for a night like no other.

On Saturday 21 June, the CMC Murder Mystery will whisk guests away to 16th-century Verona, where a grand masquerade ball is being held to celebrate the union of Juliet Capulet and the mysterious Count Erfit. But as history has shown – where there are masks, there may also be murder.

This adults-only soirée promises an evening dripping in drama and decadence, with guests assigned their secret identities on arrival. Will you be a Capulet, celebrating in splendour? Or a Montague, crashing the party in disguise? You’ll find out when you enter the grand hall.
Amid the candlelight and whispers, one thing is certain – a crime will unfold, and you’ll be part of the story to uncover who’s behind it. Was it a jealous suitor? A bitter cousin? Or a love-struck rogue with vengeance in their heart?

Your ticket includes a welcome drink, a lavish three-course meal catered by Sinful Kitchen, and a night of captivating entertainment. There will be a bar onsite with drink tokens available for pre-purchase to keep the revelry flowing.

Costumes of all kinds are welcome – just don’t forget your mask. After all, in Verona, nothing is quite what it seems.

So rally your fellow nobles (tables seat ten), dust off your cloak, and prepare to step into Shakespeare’s world – where passion burns bright, secrets run deep, and not everyone makes it out alive.

Only five tables remain, and tickets are disappearing faster than Romeo at curfew.

Catherine McAuley College Murder Mystery Masquerade Ball
What: An immersive masquerade ball with a Shakespearean twist, featuring a murder mystery to unravel. Guests will be assigned secret identities upon arrival and will enjoy a welcome drink, a three-course meal by Sinful Kitchen, and captivating entertainment.
When: Saturday, 21 June 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM AEST
Where: Catherine McAuley College, 239 Nebo Rd, West Mackay
Tickets: Available now via Humanitix.
Please note: This is an 18+ event. Parking is available via the Nebo Road entrance and at the rear of the building with access on Field Street. The Field Street access will be locked after midnight.

Don't miss this unforgettable evening of mystery and masquerade!

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Soon after I arrived in Mackay I was talking with a middle-aged couple who mentioned they had been to a particular restaurant and, not being familiar with the local cuisine, I asked what the food was like.
“The meals aren’t very big,” the wife said.

In other parts of the world I’d heard criticisms such as “the steak was tough” or “the fish was oily”.
My friend Mick tells the old joke about the bloke at a Chinese restaurant who complains to the waiter that “this chicken is rubbery”.

“Ah, thank you very much,” the waiter replies. You’ve got to be shamefully politically incorrect to even get that joke. It’s disgusting and I don’t know why I laugh every time Mick says it when we’re eating Asian food.
But the scathing comment from the locals I asked about the food at a particular restaurant was not that the food was bad, just that the meals weren’t very big.

I’ve noticed that in some restaurants, those known for “fine dining”, the quantity of food seems to be less important than the quality.

However, I get it … you don’t want to pay for a meal and leave the restaurant feeling hungry. Mackay practicality.

It was an early signal to me that Mackay people tend to like big things.  When I first arrived, Holden still made cars and apparently Mackay had the highest per capita ownership of Club Sports. They liked big V8s.
These days they are more into big 4WDs and SUVs. Witness the number of RAMs and other monster trucks on the road.

The belief that big is better became an issue a few years later when certain residential developments with much smaller blocks were taken to the Mackay market.

Precincts such as the Woodlands Estate in Andergrove, Plantation Palms in Rural View and Blacks Beach Cove were all designed with smaller blocks than the usual Mackay offering.

While Mackay home-owners were accustomed to typical 700-800+sq m blocks, suddenly there were blocks of 300-500sq m. They were a bit like those meals at the Mackay restaurant I mentioned, not very big.

In those days many of those properties were snapped up by investors and rented out. Many of us, me included, said Mackay people were never going to buy those properties because they want big blocks, properties where you can fit a shed and get access for a boat or a caravan.

And it is true that many Mackay people did not want them. They wanted bigger blocks and the space they offer for vehicles and boys’ toys.

But over the past year properties have been selling in those estates in the high $500,000s, $600,000s and $700,000s. The blocks are small and they’re not for everyone but Mackay is showing that the market is more diverse than we thought.

Not everyone has a caravan, a big boat and a massive 4WD. Mackay has changed … there is now a terrific, divergent ethnic mix that makes the place more interesting and culturally complex. Many of those people have different requirements to the typical old Mackay buyers.

We have had an influx of young professional people from southern cities who have also helped break the mould.
And there are plenty of older people who want to downsize to something modern and low-maintenance and they are snapping up properties on smaller blocks.

So while many Mackay people will still focus on the size of the meal and the car and the block, we are changing. Many busy Mackay people want the convenience of a smaller block with a modern home that requires little maintenance.

In Mackay it’s no longer one size fits all.

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