Onlookers at Airlie Beach’s Whitsunday Sailing Club witnessed a spectacular save on Sunday when a catamaran broke free from its mooring and was pushed by rough seas straight toward the rocks, saved at the last second by the quick thinking boatie on board.

Commercial skipper Tony Ritter was watching from the Sailing Club with other parents as their children’s junior sailing session had been moved indoors.

The group was discussing the catamaran which had been slowly drifting towards the shore and was now approximately 400m from it’s original mooring, but didn’t realise anyone was on board.

The vessel’s owners were indeed away, but Whitsunday Sailing Club regular Andy had offered to check out a broken tender, so was on board at the time of the squall.

The wind swelled to 38 knots and rain began to pour, as the boat suddenly broke free.

Tony describes how Andy jumped into action, getting an engine started at the last second, steering the catamaran away from the rocks.

With just one engine kicking in, the boat swung around to settle on the pontoon where Andy could regain control, instead of hitting the concrete boat ramp. It was a gutsy move, that may well have saved the boat from wreck.

“People online are always quick to criticise. They say ‘why was it out there’, but there’s always a story,” Tony said.

“It happened so fast. Andy had 30 seconds to a minute to get the engine started and make a decision, with adrenaline pumping.

“He’s a generous, humble, quiet man, always around the yacht club, who would do anything to help anyone. He calmly stepped off the yacht afterward, like getting out of a supercar that had just rolled.”

Andy has now moved the boat to safe waters. Tony captured a video of the incident which can be viewed on his Facebook page.

facebook.com/tonezone88

CAPTION: 1- The unmoored boat, heading for the rocks as seen from the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

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A critical offshore medical emergency in the Whitsundays on the afternoon of 5 March, prompted a swift and highly coordinated response from an aeromedical rescue crew, highlighting the vital role of emergency services in some of Queensland’s most remote locations.

The incident unfolded when a man aboard a cruise ship became critically unwell while the vessel was at sea and unable to access a nearby port. With time of the essence, a rescue helicopter was tasked to the scene to deliver urgent medical care.

Upon arrival, the helicopter crew conducted multiple winch operations to deploy a paramedic, doctor and aircrewman onto the deck of the ship. Once on board, the medical team immediately began stabilising the patient while the aircraft remained overhead.

To maximise the helicopter’s available flight time before refuelling became necessary, the cruise ship was manoeuvred closer toward Mackay as treatment continued on deck. This coordination allowed the rescue crew to remain airborne long enough for the patient to be prepared for evacuation.

Once stabilised, the patient was carefully winched from the vessel into the helicopter and flown to Mackay Base Hospital, where he was handed over for further critical care.

The operation showcased the extraordinary teamwork required for complex offshore rescues, with pilots, aircrew and medical staff working seamlessly together under challenging conditions.

Missions such as these demonstrate how emergency crews bring lifesaving care to people in need, no matter how far from shore they may be.

BMA CQ Rescue have been referred to as a community funded lifeline in the sky. Based in Mackay, the rescue helicopter service operates 24/7, 365 days a year, reaching the vast and remote corners of Central and North Queensland. The highly trained crew responds when every second counts, providing critical aeromedical care to urgent search and rescue missions. Whether it’s a serious accident, a medical emergency or a search and rescue operation, the team is dedicated to keep the region safe.

As a non-for-profit charity organisation, BMA CQ Rescue are reliant on donations, and therefore every little contribution helps. The group do vital work that saves lives and provides urgent care in extreme situations.

Captions

Crews from BMA CQ Rescue performed a winch rescue from a cruise ship in the Whitsundays during a critical offshore medical evacuation on 5 March. Photo source: Facebook

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International Women’s Day celebrations across the Whitsundays have highlighted the strength, leadership and community spirit of women in our region - and now new opportunities are opening to help local women take the next step in their careers.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said the celebrations were a wonderful reminder of the important role women play in shaping communities across the region.

In Proserpine, the Lions Club and local volunteer Lyn Burke organised an International Women’s Day luncheon which quickly sold out, with more than 140 tickets snapped up by locals eager to celebrate the occasion together. While heavy rain unfortunately forced the event to be postponed on the day, organisers are already working on a new date so the celebration can still go ahead.

Meanwhile at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, the Zonta Club of the Whitsundays hosted a successful International Women’s Day event recognising two local women for their contributions to the community.

Ms Camm said the events reflected the strong community spirit across the Whitsundays.

“It is fantastic to see people coming together to celebrate and support the women who make such a difference in our community,” Ms Camm said.

At the same time, Ms Camm said there was exciting news for women looking to grow their careers, with Round 2 of the Women’s Career Grants opening on 23 March.

The program provides one-off grants of up to $5,000 to help women overcome financial barriers when returning to work or taking the next step in their careers.

The funding can assist with costs such as workwear, childcare, training, recertification, tools or technology.

More than 1,000 Queensland women were supported in the first round of the program.

Expressions of interest are now open ahead of applications opening later this month at womenscareergrants.com.au.

Ms Camm encouraged local women to take advantage of the opportunity.

“This program is about supporting women to step back into the workforce, build their careers and create greater financial security for themselves and their families,” she said.

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Electorate Office.

Captions

Lyn Burke and Lions – International Women’s Day

Photo supplied

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The Whitsundays was proudly represented by some of its finest tourism operators at the 2026 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, held in Perth last Friday night.

Four local businesses were named finalists at the national awards after first taking out honours at the state level last year. Pinnacles Airlie Beach was a finalist in the Self-Contained Accommodation category, Iconic Whitsunday Adventures was a finalist in Tour & Transport Operators, Shute Harbour Marine Terminal was a finalist in the Tourism Retail, Hire & Services category and Whitsunday Escape was recognised in the Unique Accommodation category.

While none of the local operators took home a national award on the night, reaching the national stage after winning at the state level remains a significant achievement.

The Australian Tourism Awards bring together the country’s leading tourism operators, celebrating excellence, innovation and outstanding visitor experiences across the industry.

This year the awards featured 26 categories, ranging from Major Tourist Attractions, Festivals & Events, Ecotourism and Cultural Tourism to Accommodation and Food Tourism, with a total of 179 finalists nationally.

“These finalists demonstrate the quality, creativity and dedication that make the Whitsundays a world-class tourism destination,” said Tim Booth, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Whitsundays.

“Their achievements highlight the diversity and innovation in our region and set a high benchmark for the industry nationally.”

Local Tourism Operators Shine On National Stage

“Congratulations to all the winners and those nominated at the Australian Tourism Awards held in Perth last night,” said Pinnacles Airlie Beach in a Facebook post over the weekend.

“It was a great night celebrating industry, and we are so proud of our team and being able to represent Queensland.”

Owners of Iconic Whitsunday Adventures, Nicole and Jeremy Graham, said it was an incredible honour to represent Queensland on the national stage alongside some of the country’s most respected tourism operators.

“Being recognised as a finalist at the Australian Tourism Awards is something we are incredibly proud of,” said Nicole Graham.

“To represent not only the Whitsundays but also Queensland at a national level was a very special moment for our business and our team.”

The event was made even more meaningful for the family as their children, Georgie and Bracken, were able to attend the awards with them.

“Our children have grown up alongside the business and have seen firsthand what it takes to run a tourism operation in a seven-day-a-week industry,” Nicole said.

“Taking them with us to the national awards was incredibly special. They’ve been part of the journey, and it felt right that they could share that moment with us.”

Nicole said the recognition was a reflection of the passion and dedication of their entire crew.

“Our team are the people creating unforgettable experiences for our guests every single day. To be recognised at both the state and national level is something that belongs to all of them.”

The Qantas Australian Tourism Awards recognise operators who deliver unforgettable visitor experiences, drive innovation and contribute to the growth and sustainability of their destinations.

The Whitsundays’ representation across four categories underscores the region’s strength as a leading tourism destination.

“The commitment of these businesses to creating memorable and unique experiences is what makes The Whitsundays so special for visitors from across Australia and the world,” Mr Booth added.

Captions:

1: The Graham family from Iconic Whitsunday Adventures. Photo supplied

2: The team from Pinnacles, Airlie Beach. Photo supplied

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In the pouring rain last week, veteran visitor and honourary local to the Whitsundays Jan Smith was searching for her son-in-law in a drenched carpark at a nearby shopping centre.

Spotting a white Ute that looked exactly like his, she swung open the door and jumped straight into the vehicle, ready to be driven home in the dry comfort of what she thought was his car.

When she turned to look at her son-in-law, however, she instead found a young man in his twenties beaming at her with a wide, friendly grin.

“I think I might have gotten in the wrong car!” she said, laughing at the mistake.

“That’s ok,” he replied. “Are you alright? Can I help you find the right car?”

Jan politely declined and jumped back out into the now lighter rain to continue her search for the correct vehicle.

A few minutes later she noticed the same young man approaching her.

“Are you sure you’re ok?” he asked, once again offering to help in any way he could.

Fortunately, at that exact moment Jan spotted her son-in-law heading towards them. He had been waiting a little further along since the agreed pickup time and had seen her.

Jan said goodbye to her good Samaritan, but the moment stayed with her long after.

Not only did it give her a funny story to share with friends and family about accidentally jumping into a stranger’s car, it also a reminder of the kindness that is everywhere in our community.

“To think he would get out of his vehicle again to check on me, what a lovely young man,” she said.

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Our Mackay journalist said to me this week that perhaps we should mention the conflict in Iran and how it is beginning to cause concern locally.

I think she’s absolutely right.

Sometimes living here in the Whitsundays can feel like we exist in a small, beautiful bubble, a tropical microcosm somewhat removed from the chaos and tragedies unfolding around the world. But even here, thousands of kilometres away, we are starting to feel the ripple effects of events happening in the Middle East.

Fuel prices have sky-rocketed, groceries seem to be getting more expensive by the week, and there’s a general sense of uncertainty in the air. Conversations that once centred on weekend plans or the weather are now touching on global tensions, oil prices and what it might all mean for Australia.

For many of us, this is probably the first major global event since COVID that has made us collectively sit up and pay attention again. It’s understandable that people feel a little uneasy, wondering how something so far away could affect our businesses, our jobs and our daily lives.

At the same time, it is worth remembering that while we may be feeling the pressure economically, others around the world are facing circumstances far more confronting. For people living in regions directly affected by conflict, the uncertainty is not about petrol prices or grocery bills, but about safety, stability and survival.

That perspective doesn’t make the pressures we are feeling here any less real. Challenges are always relative to where we stand. But it does remind us how fortunate we are to live in a place where, despite global tensions, we can still wake up to the beauty of the Whitsundays, go about our daily lives and feel safe within our community.

Perhaps in times like these, the best thing we can do locally is look out for one another, support our businesses and remember that even when the world feels unsettled, our community remains one of our greatest strengths.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “You may kill me with your hatefulness. But still, like air, I’ll rise” (Maya Angelou)

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Whitsunday local Jure Portelli has made history as the first ever Australian to be selected for the incredibly prestigious Honda Racing School Suzuka Formula Class. At just 17 years old, she is also the only female driver to be selected for the 2026 intake.

This incredible opportunity only seeks out the top racing talent and has launched careers of Indy 500 and Formula 1 drivers. Jure managed to beat fierce competition, securing her place in the advanced course against only a few dozen of the most talented up and coming drivers in the world.

This wonderful achievement is making the region incredibly proud as we eagerly anticipate the next stages of her undoubtedly fruitful career.

Local Talent Makes History

Jure Portelli Becomes First Australian at Honda Racing School Suzuka

North Queensland is celebrating a remarkable achievement in the world of motorsport. Seventeen-year-old Jure Portelli has made history as the first Australian ever selected for the prestigious Honda Racing School Suzuka Formula Class. Even more inspiring, she is the only female driver in this year’s intake.

The Honda Racing School in Japan is known worldwide for nurturing some of the best young racing talent. Led by Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato, the program has helped launch careers like that of Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda. For Jure, this opportunity follows a tough competition against 30 drivers from across the globe, which included two days of intensive testing. Only 10 made it to the next stage, and after further trials, Jure secured her place in the advanced course.

This achievement reflects not just Jure’s skill, but her dedication and versatility. She has honed her driving across many disciplines—from endurance racing and rally to training with the Ferrari Driver Academy. Her journey began in local karting, and in just five years she has reached the world stage.

To take this next big step, Jure will be relocating to Japan to complete her training. This comes with considerable costs for travel, living, and coaching. As a grassroots racer supported primarily by her father, who also serves as her mechanic, Jure is now calling on the local community for sponsorship and donations to help make this dream a reality.

Her story is one of passion, family support, and sheer determination. It’s a proud moment for North Queensland and a wonderful example of what young people from our region can achieve with the right support.

Let’s rally behind Jure Portelli as she races toward an exciting future, representing our community on the international stage.

Captions

Photo supplied

Queenslanders are being reminded that simple home maintenance can play a key role in protecting properties during severe weather events.

Advice from Get Ready Queensland encourages residents to keep their homes well maintained throughout the year to improve resilience during cyclones, storms and flooding.

Basic maintenance tasks such as checking roof conditions, clearing gutters and trimming overhanging tree branches can help reduce the risk of damage when extreme weather strikes. Ensuring gutters and downpipes are free from leaves and debris allows water to drain properly and prevents overflow during heavy rainfall.

Residents are also encouraged to repair any loose fittings, rusted areas or damaged timber around their homes to strengthen structures before storm season arrives.

Insurance is another important step in preparing for disasters. Queensland is the most disaster-affected state in Australia, with communities regularly experiencing events such as cyclones, floods and bushfires. Authorities recommend reviewing home and contents insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage.

Preparing ahead of severe weather warnings can also make a significant difference. Homeowners are advised to secure outdoor furniture, toys and other loose items that could become dangerous in high winds. Vehicles should be parked in sheltered areas away from trees, waterways and powerlines.

Sandbags may also help reduce flood impacts if placed correctly around entry points such as doors and garages. Residents should also identify the safest room inside their home to shelter in during a storm, ideally away from large windows.

Checking on neighbours, particularly elderly residents, and ensuring pets and livestock are moved to safe areas are also important steps during extreme weather.

By staying prepared and maintaining homes regularly, Queenslanders can reduce risks and better protect their families and property when severe weather occurs.

CAPTION: Clearing your gutters is a simple, yet effective way to prepare your home ahead of severe weather. Photo source: Shutterstock

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The Queensland Government has opened the second round of its Residential Activation Fund, making $500 million available to councils and landowners to help deliver infrastructure needed for new housing developments across the state.

The funding forms part of the government’s $2 billion Residential Activation Fund, which aims to support the construction of new homes by ensuring essential infrastructure such as roads, water, sewerage and power are in place to enable residential development.

To date, the program has helped unlock land for approximately 98,000 homes across Queensland through a combination of construction and planning projects.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the funding would help accelerate housing supply by supporting the infrastructure required for new developments.

“More homes across the State are needed and fast, and a key way we can play our part is to unlock land and break down barriers that have been holding back councils and the industry,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

“The Residential Activation Fund is literally making inroads, by providing funding to get the foundations right and generational infrastructure like roads, water, sewerage and power in place, so builders can get building and more Queenslanders have a place to call home.

“Queensland is open for business and we call on councils and landowners to come to us with their projects.”

Local Government Association of Queensland CEO Alison Smith encouraged councils to apply for the funding to help accelerate housing supply in their communities.

"Councils are playing their part to increase housing supply through zonings and approvals, but infrastructure is often the missing ingredient," Ms Smith said.

"Councils had called for enabling infrastructure funding, and the creation of this Residential Activation Fund is helping to meet council needs. Round One has already proven to be a gamechanger that is helping councils to tackle this infrastructure 'gap' and we applaud the State Government for this initiative.”

The second round of funding is open to councils and landowners seeking support for infrastructure that will enable residential developments and support growing communities across Queensland.

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LEGENDS ON THE LAWN is thrilled to announce the next stellar line-up for their outdoor show. The next concert will be headlined by Australian music icon, Jimmy Barnes, and supported by crowd favourites Jon Stevens (The Noiseworks/INXS Collection), Birds Of Toyko, Baby Animals, Busby Marou and Bachelor Girl.

Mayor Greg Williamson said that after record attendance last year, LEGENDS ON THE LAWN was back for its fifth year in Mackay and had cemented its place as the region's biggest music festival.

“LEGENDS ON THE LAWN has a fantastic formula that works, a tremendous lineup of iconic Australian artists, beautiful outdoor location and a festival delivered like a well-oiled machine,” Mayor Williamson said.

“And what an incredible lineup we have this year, we’re excited to see Harrup Park packed once again in 2026 and look forward to welcoming thousands of passionate music fans to the Mackay region.”

Jimmy Barnes is the heart and soul of Australian rock and roll. He has 22 #1 albums, more than The Beatles, and he has sold more records in Australia than any other local artist. For over 40 years he has delivered some of the country’s most intense and iconic live performances both as a solo performer and as front man for the legendary Cold Chisel, leading him to be inducted into the ARIA Hall of fame … twice. He is truly in a league of his own.

Back by popular demand is Jon Stevens with The Noiseworks & INXS Collection Tour. Jon is back performing songs from the legendary bands that catapulted him into Aussie Rock Royalty.

The performance will bring hits like Take Me Back, New Sensation, Touch, Don’t Change, Hot Chilli Woman, Never Tear Us Apart, No Lies and much more.

Formed in Perth in the early 2000’s, Birds of Tokyo have grown from independent roots to become one of Australia’s most popular contemporary rock bands.

Since their 2008 breakthrough Universes, all five of the group’s albums have reached the ARIA top 3 including two #1 hits: March Fires (2013) and Human Design (2021). Classic songs like “Good Lord”, “Plans”, “Lanterns”, “Two Of Us”, “Brace” and “Unbreakable” have all been top 10 airplay hits and more than seventy of their tracks have featured on Triple J.

It has been 35 years since one of Australia’s most revered rock bands, Baby Animals, burst onto the scene with the release of their 8x Platinum, ARIA Award winning, self-titled debut album, featuring iconic hits ‘Rush You’, ‘Early Warning’, ‘Painless’ and ‘One Word’.

Their album went eight times platinum and won three ARIA Awards – Best Album, Best Debut Album and Best Debut Single.

Busby Marou are one of Australia’s most loved live acts, known for their unique blend of heartfelt storytelling, soaring harmonies, and exceptional musicianship. Tom Busby (Rockhampton, QLD) and Jeremy Marou (Torres Strait Islands) have been playing together for two decades, forging a deep musical connection that shines on stage and in the studio. With five critically acclaimed albums, including an ARIA #1 and multiple ARIA-charting releases, their songs have amassed millions of streams and won a fiercely loyal fan base.

Formed in 1992 by Tania Doko and James Roche, Bachelor Girl became one of Australia’s most loved acts of the 90s and early 2000s, achieving major success locally and internationally, including signing with Clive Davis at Arista Records.

Still delivering a hit-filled, dynamic live show, Bachelor Girl remain a vital force in Australian music and are currently working on a major new project set to be announced soon.

All Ages Show. Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

What: LEGENDS ON THE LAWN 2026

When: Saturday 30th May

Where: Harrup Park, Mackay Qld

Tickets: Www.Ticketmaster.Com.Au

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Waiting for God is a British sitcom that ran on BBC1 from June 1990 to October 1994 starring Graham Crowden and Stephanie Cole as Tom and Diana, two spirited residents of a retirement home who spend their time running rings around the home's oppressive management and their own families.

The show, written by Michael Aitkens, became so successful that it not only ran for five series, but is still repeated on various channels in several countries including the UK, New Zealand, and Australia.

Now the stage version of Waiting for God, also written by Michael Aitkens, is coming to Kucom Theatre, and director Bronwyn Grannall – whose productions of The Vicar of Dibley delighted Mackay audiences in 2018 and 2022 - will be holding auditions at Kucom on Sunday 22 March.

For more information as it comes to hand, visit the Kucom Facebook page.

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Meet Scooby-Doo 🐾

This handsome 1-year-old Rottweiler cross is bursting with love, loyalty, and personality! Scooby has spent the last few months in care getting all his vet work done and learning how to be the best boy he can be. Now, he is ready to trade kennel life for a home and a family of his own.

Scooby is a sweet and affectionate companion who thrives on being close to his people.  The big softie does experience some separation anxiety when left alone — he just loves company too much.

Because of this, Scooby’s ideal home would be with a family who’s home often and ideally has another calm, desexed dog to help him feel safe and secure.

This gorgeous boy is microchipped, fully vaccinated, and desexed, and he’s now ready to find his forever family.

Scooby is the kind of dog who will greet you with a wagging tail every day and never leave your side. At just one year old, he’s just a pup, with plenty of time to grow, learn and love – all he needs is someone willing to give him that chance.

If you’ve got room in your heart (and on your couch) for a loyal best friend, Scooby-Doo would love to meet you.

Please contact Aaron T 0400 821 800 to arrange a meet and greet.

1- Can you give this gorgeous boy the love he deserves?

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There is no business owner who has never said this sentence at least once: “We need more enquiries.”

The first reaction is usually more ads, more social media, more marketing.

But sometimes the real problem is much simpler. And when that happens, they move on to the next business very quickly.

Here are three common reasons businesses struggle to generate enquiries.

First: You’re not showing up where people are searching.
Most customers start on Google. If your business doesn’t appear when someone searches for your service in your area, you’re missing opportunities. A well-optimised Google Business Profile and strong reviews can make a huge difference.

Second: Your message isn’t clear.
When someone lands on your website or social media page, they should instantly understand what you do, who you help, and how to contact you. If visitors have to search for basic information, many will simply move on.

Third: There’s no clear next step.
People need direction. Make it easy for them by clearly inviting them to enquire, request a quote, or book an appointment.

And here’s something many businesses never do: ask the customers who didn’t choose you why.
A quick, polite follow-up can reveal valuable insights. The reason might surprise you, sometimes it’s response time, unclear information, or something small that can easily be improved.

The truth is, generating enquiries isn’t always about spending more. Often it’s about doing the basics very well and learning from the customers you already have.

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By Cr Anne Baker

Over recent weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to attend a number of council briefings, stakeholder meetings and community gatherings across our region – and if there’s one clear message emerging, it’s this: despite challenges, our region continues to push forward with determination and optimism.

Council briefings have been particularly valuable, providing insight into the scale of work underway and the complexity of decisions being made. With several serious rain events impacting communities, road infrastructure has understandably been front and centre. Flooding and water damage have tested sections of our local and regional road networks, creating disruptions for families, businesses and freight. Restoration efforts are ongoing and, while there is still work to be done, the coordinated response between council teams, contractors and state agencies has been commendable.

These rain events have again highlighted the importance of resilient infrastructure. Investment in road upgrades, drainage improvements and long-term planning is not just about convenience – it’s about safety, economic stability and community connection.

At the same time, it’s encouraging to see continued momentum in development across the region. There is a growing sense of confidence, with new projects and proposals reflecting both population growth and industry expansion. Development, when carefully planned, strengthens our towns, supports local employment and enhances liveability.

One of the most significant long-term opportunities remains the Mackay region’s Critical Minerals Hub project. The establishment of a dedicated hub positions our area as a strategic contributor to emerging global supply chains, particularly as demand grows for minerals essential to renewable energy technologies and advanced manufacturing. The potential economic benefits – jobs, investment and diversification – are substantial.

Complementing this is the continued discussion around port expansion at the Port of Mackay. Expansion plans represent more than infrastructure growth; they signal long-term confidence in our region’s export capacity and industrial future. A stronger port enhances trade, supports local producers and reinforces our standing as a key logistics gateway for Central Queensland.

Beyond infrastructure and industry, some of the most valuable conversations have taken place at community stakeholder meetings and Progress Association gatherings. These forums are where grassroots ideas are shared, concerns are raised and local leadership shines.

One particularly uplifting highlight was attending the fantastic charity event in Sarina supporting Variety - the Children’s Charity. The spirit of generosity on display was inspiring. Events like these remind us that while infrastructure and development are essential, it is community spirit that truly defines our region. The funds raised will make a meaningful difference to children and families doing it tough, and the enthusiasm of participants and supporters alike showcased the heart of Sarina.

Across briefings, project updates and community events, there is a consistent theme: resilience paired with ambition. Yes, we face weather challenges. Yes, infrastructure requires ongoing investment. But there is also growth, collaboration and forward thinking.

There is much work ahead – but there is also much to be proud of.

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Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” and for good reason. It is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in Australia, yet most people with early glaucoma have no symptoms at all.

During World Glaucoma Week (8–14 March 2026), it’s a timely reminder that protecting your vision starts long before you notice a problem.

Glaucoma occurs when damage affects the optic nerve, the part of the eye that carries visual information to your brain. In many cases this damage is linked to pressure inside the eye, but it can also occur even when eye pressure is within the normal range. The worrying thing is how quietly it develops. There is usually no pain, no redness and no sudden blur. Instead, glaucoma slowly reduces your peripheral vision, often without you realising anything has changed.

By the time noticeable vision loss occurs, permanent damage has already happened. The good news is that when glaucoma is found early, treatment can greatly slow or even prevent further sight loss. That is why regular eye examinations are so important especially if you are over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, are highly shortsighted, or have health conditions such as diabetes.

Modern technology now lets us detect glaucoma much earlier. At our clinic, we use Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)  a scan sometimes described as a lightbased ultrasound. It measures the thickness of the fine nerve layers at the back of the eye with great accuracy, helping us pick up early signs of damage before vision is affected.

As an independent optometry practice, our focus is on thorough, personalised care. Appointments are unhurried, allowing time to check risk factors carefully, explain results in plain language and agree on a management plan if needed. I have also completed an Advanced Certificate in Glaucoma, giving extra training in detecting and monitoring this complex condition.

Glaucoma may be silent but your eye examination shouldn’t be optional. Early testing could make all the difference to protecting your sight for years to come.

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