CANEGROWERS has congratulated Federal Trade Minister Don Farrell on taking the courageous decision to step away from free trade negotiations with the European Union rather than sign a bad deal for Australia’s farmers.

Minister Farrell was in Japan last month for the G7 Trade Ministers Meeting in Osaka, where it was anticipated an Australia-EU free trade deal might be done on the sidelines.

However, with agriculture strongly represented by the National Farmers’ Federation, CANEGROWERS and other ag bodies, Minister Farrell agreed that the terms on offer from the EU represented a poor deal for Aussie agriculture.

“Minister Farrell has led a team of officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade who have been working hard on this deal for the past five years. They have collaborated and consulted closely with industry at every step along the way and have always negotiated in good faith with the EU,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.

“Unfortunately, the EU has consistently failed to offer meaningful access for Australian agricultural produce, including sugar, and as expected, they put nothing new on the table in Japan.  

“We have been telling the Minister for months that no deal would be better than signing a bad deal, and I thank him and his team for listening to farmers and taking their concerns on board.”

Mr Galligan, who was in Japan with the NFF and working directly with government trade officials, said it took guts and determination to walk away.

“Ultimately the EU was unwilling to come to the table with a meaningful offer.

“It’s no small decision to walk away from a free trade agreement with one of the world’s largest trading blocs. It takes courage and I congratulate Minister Farrell for making the tough decision; I know the nation’s farmers will appreciate him taking a stand on their behalf.

“The bottom line is the EU needs sugar. They regularly import two million tonnes of raw sugar per year to meet their domestic demand. And European sugar refiners are crying out for access to the type of high-quality, sustainably produced sugar we produce here in Australia.  

“In the meantime, the growing Asian market will continue to be the main export destination for the bulk of our high-quality, sustainably produced raw sugar. While we are constantly seeking to open up trade access to premium markets, Asia will likely remain the key export partner for Australian sugar for many years to come.”

By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

The harvest should be winding up in the next few weeks. But it’s not.

It runs against sugarcane agronomy, and it runs against cane supply agreements.

Grower confidence is suffering under the influence of another long and arduous crush, potentially heading to a third consecutive year of harvesting into the Christmas curfew period, or at the least, cutting right up until Christmas.

It cuts against profitability, with a high likelihood of cane left in the paddock again as standover, with the sugar content of cane lowering after mid-November, and late-cut cane losing an important growth period so depleting the following year’s crop.

It comes down to some troubled mill performance. Very little time this year has been lost to wet weather, but we have seen quite a few breakdowns and below average throughput.

With current high prices and emerging new biocommodities markets for sugar and its bi-products, grower confidence by all rights should be at an all-time high. However, if milling to Christmas continues the industry will be on a downward spiral because growers don't see a future in growing a crop they can supply in a reasonable crushing timeframe. Even to not get the full potential of their crop.

A long season length dilutes that potential.

I’d go as far to say that the industry is burning cash. While some of Queensland’s millers have their act together, others need to spend the money, to invest as needed in capital works and maintenance that will keep the mills going. Our mills have for so long been unreliable and the reality is that this is cutting at the whole supply chain’s profitability.

For growers, we operate at the margins after taking a world price, and at the end of the day, growers - typically small agribusinesses- are wearing the cost. We wear the cost when the mill breaks down, we wear the costs of an unoccupied harvest labour workforce. And we wear the cost of productivity impacts.

We maintain a two-thirds interest in our sugar – the sugar made from our cane – it’s called Grower Economic Interest, or GEI. Millers, likewise, have a one third interest (MEI). It’s not a new approach, but it was further enshrined in the Sugar Industry Code of Conduct in 2017. It’s a vital industry tool that emerged from the fierce marketing debate that ensnared the sugar industry some eight years ago, and ensures clear lines of conduct and communication between marketers, millers, and growers. It was important at the time as it restored confidence for the regional grower families that are the very bedrock of Queensland’s sugar industry.

Without the Code of Conduct, large corporations with localized monopolies can have the upper hand in negotiations – even with strong advocacy bodies like CANEGROWERS at the negotiating table. The Code of Conduct has been a boon for industry, and has meant we get to continue to maintain the Australian way of doing business, on an equal footing.

We maintain that two-third GEI because we are the ones investing in crop cost of production, from soil heath to planting to environmental management to WHS to business costs to farm inputs to harvest costs. Because that's what we put in. It’s a shame not to be able to make the best of it.

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The harvest will roll on well into December. Photo credit: CANEGROWERS Mackay

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With chiropractic care as the largest natural health profession in the world, Experience Healing is the leading choice in treating and maintaining physical health for people of all ages.

Experience Healing Chiropractic Centre has provided the Mackay region with the best chiropractic care for over eight years and counting.

Experience Healing believes in correcting the pillars of physical health, movement, strength, posture and balance. When these pillars are improved, pain is reduced and optimal physical health is restored.

Aiming to reduce the physical stress from everyday life, Experience Healing will allow you to thrive by alleviating pain, identifying where it stems from and treating the root cause.

Experience Healing offers relief through a range of services, including sports injury management, fascial cupping, laser therapy and chiropractic adjustments. They also stock a range of natural medicines by Metagenics to optimise your health to its full potential.

Experience Healing is dedicated to providing the quickest path to recovery by ensuring the root cause of your pain is found and addressed.

If you are in pain or feel like your body isn't functioning as well as it could be, listen to the signs and get in touch with Experience Healing, it will be the first step to feeling your absolute best.

Get on the road to recovery with Experience Healing by calling 0749 524 400.

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Experience Healing Chiropractic Centre provide the best natural remedies in Mackay.

Photo supplied

Bell's Palsy Recovery

Bell's Palsy often manifests as sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, leading to drooping features, difficulty in speech, and eye-related problems.

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, has gained recognition for its effectiveness in addressing the symptoms of Bell's Palsy.

Bell's Palsy is a neurological condition that can strike without warning, causing temporary facial paralysis and a host of associated discomforts. It is something the team at Art of Acupuncture sees quite commonly.  

It is often caused by inflammation of the seventh cranial nerve resulting in temporary paralysis. Bell's Palsy is a challenging and frustrating condition, but there is hope for those affected. One promising avenue for relief is acupuncture.

Acupuncture, a holistic approach rooted in centuries of tradition, offers a ray of hope for patients seeking to regain control of their facial muscles and ultimately their lives. When combined with conventional medical treatments, acupuncture can be a valuable ally in the battle against Bell's Palsy.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points along the body's meridians. These needles stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms and improve blood flow, which can aid in the recovery process for Bell's Palsy patients.

Moreover, acupuncture is believed to reduce inflammation, boost immune function, and promote overall relaxation, contributing to the patient's overall well-being during their recovery journey.

It is crucial for those diagnosed with Bell's Palsy to consider acupuncture as a complementary therapy, in consultation with their healthcare provider, to increase their chances of a speedier and more complete recovery.

Many individuals have reported significant improvements in their Bell's Palsy symptoms, including enhanced facial muscle control and a reduction in pain.

If you or anyone you know would like to know more about how the Art of Acupuncture clinic can help, please give them a call on 0421 185 041.

Bob Wong

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Bell's Palsy, also commonly known as facial paralysis

Photo supplied

I was talking to a young female friend recently and she told me she had left her car in a 30-minute parking zone and that time-period had already lapsed. But she was having fun and didn’t feel like bothering with the car so she was going to “risk it for the biscuit”.

I might have been hiding under a rock but I hadn’t heard the term before. I liked it and it is one of those terms where you can work out what it means.

That’s not the case with a lot of the terms Millennials and some Gen-Xers use where, thanks partly to texting and social media, a whole new language of acronyms and abbreviations has emerged and if you’re not in the know you don’t have a clue what people are talking about.

IMO (in my opinion), trying to understand the new language can be a CWOT (complete waste of time) and leaves me SMH (shaking my head) FWIW (for what it’s worth).

People who don’t understand this modern communication might experience FOMO (even I know that one) but others who couldn’t be bothered with any of it could experience JOMO (joy of missing out).

My 16-year-old son referred to something I said the other day as a “flex”. Someone tried to explain what that means but I still don’t really get it. I do find there is a bit of strategy of KPC (keeping parents clueless), which is quite nasty of the little brats.

When words and terminology are unclear there is a breakdown in communication. That might be okay by today’s kids but the industry I work in relies on clear, concise communication.

Good communication is vital whether you are dealing with a seller, appraising their house, suggesting a marketing and sales strategy, giving feedback from an open house or talking to a buyer about the features of a property, explaining price expectations, or negotiating a deal.

It might come as a shock to some young people but sometimes a text won’t cut it. You actually need to pick up the phone and talk to someone because what you are saying might lead to questions, the need for clarification. There might be a level of nuance or emphasis in the words that make the meaning clearer, more concise in a way that a text can’t achieve.

Of course texting and emailing have their place and there are times when you don’t need to bother someone with a phone call.

But the important moments, when it’s decision time, when an agent needs to earn their money, that’s when the texting needs to stop and it’s time to talk. And the words need to be clear, convey a meaning that the buyer or seller understands.

Take this sentence: “I didn’t say you should kill him”.  The meaning of the sentence changes completely depending on which word you emphasise.

I didn’t say you should kill him … I didn’t say you should kill him  … I didn’t say you should kill him … I didn’t say you should kill him …  I didn’t say you should kill him … I didn’t say you should kill him … I didn’t say you should kill him.

Clear communication is vital in my business because, while it’s not life and death, we are talking about people’s most important assetts and we can’t just risk it for the biscuit.

Christmas is a magical time for families, filled with joy and cherished moments. Yet, for busy mumpreneurs juggling the demands of business and family life, it can also be a period of financial stress. Balancing the costs of gifts, decorations, and special meals while running a business can seem overwhelming. Fear not, fellow mumpreneurs! Here are five money-saving strategies to help you enjoy a memorable Christmas without draining your budget.

1. Strategic budgeting: Start by creating a clear and practical budget. Factor in all your expenses, from gifts and decorations to meals and entertainment. A budget will be your guiding light, ensuring you don't overspend during the festive season, leaving you with financial peace of mind in the New Year.

2. Embrace the DIY spirit: As a mumpreneur, you’re likely to have a creative streak. Consider crafting homemade gifts for your loved ones. Handmade presents carry a personal touch, and they can also save you a significant amount of money. Some of my personal favourites include homemade candles and baked goods, sauces and spice rubs & personalised crafts.

3. Simplify gift-giving: Suggest a Secret Santa or gift exchange within your family or friend circle. Each participant draws a name and buys a gift for one person, lightening your gift-giving load while still fostering the holiday spirit.

4. Experiences over material items: Consider gifting experiences rather than traditional presents. Tickets to a show, a spa day to unwind, or cooking classes to enhance culinary skills can be more memorable than material gifts. Plus, they often come at a lower cost.

5. Collaborative gatherings: Hosting festive gatherings can be time-consuming and expensive. Instead, opt for a potluck-style event where every guest contributes a dish (or beverage!). This not only lightens your load but also adds variety to the feast.

For us busy mumpreneurs, this festive season is about striking a balance between family, business, and personal well-being. By embracing these tips and focusing on the true spirit of the holidays - spending time with loved ones - you can celebrate a meaningful and budget-friendly Christmas that leaves you with more joy and fewer financial worries.

OPINION PIECE

I am a single mum, in my 40s, with two primary school-aged kids.

I was approached to run for public office when they were only toddlers. I named all the reasons under the sun why I didn’t belong as a councillor.

But I do.

My experience, not only as a mother with a young family, but an individual with layers of knowledge from the health and resources sectors, brought a unique perspective to the council chamber. My influence has directly resulted in outcomes that may have been unseen; missed opportunities for my community.

I am a firm believer that “many different flowers maketh a bouquet”. Going are the days of only older, white men making the decisions for all. People want to look to their leaders and see themselves around the table. When there is depth and diversity among our leaders, the whole community benefits from their collective decision making.

Intergenerational depth is important and I’m not suggesting our older, white men no longer belong. We need their wisdom, as much as we need the insights and experiences of people with a disability, people from a non-English speaking background, an Indigenous voice and a range of generational perspectives.

Our region may be an anomaly in terms of female representation (two thirds of our mayors are female; two thirds of our councils have more than 50 per cent female representation; two thirds of our state members are female, and half of our federal members are female). But maintaining the pipeline is always challenging.

Women for Election is a national, non-partisan organisation on a mission to increase the number of women running for public office in Australia.  They are travelling around the country to deliver training designed to inspire and equip more women to run for public office.

The Mackay workshop will be held on November 14 and more information can be found here: wfe.org.au/equip-power-edition-mackay

In my opinion, a great councillor is curious, has the ability to see the bigger picture and has exceptional communication skills. You do not need an economic or legal background, or years running your own business. Councillors are guided by experts, and by the voice of their community. Like any role, you learn on the job, growing with every new experience.

If I have inspired you to contemplate running for office in the 2024 elections, reach out for a chat if you’d like to know more about my experience in local government.

Councillor Michelle Green

Mackay Regional Council

OPINION PIECE

We love Friday’s. They are one of the better days that end in Y. But do you know why Friday is such a good day?

Have a look around you. Do you see something that makes you smile? A photo on the wall? Kids play stuff all over the front yard? Grass that hasn’t been cut in a few weeks? Maybe a washing basket on the laundry floor that’s overflowing? That’s the stuff we love. It’s real life, and without all that stuff, where would we be?

The last few weeks have reminded me to be thankful for what we have in front of us. Not next door. Not on the phone screen you’ve just been scrolling through. No, your life.

The kids might be yelling at each other, and let me tell you, if they are teenagers, and they are talking to each other by screaming, that’s not such a bad thing. The house might look like a pig pen, but it’s home. I reckon we should all appreciate what we have and feel lucky for just that.

That said, if you have some free time, grab the family, jump in the car and get outside. How’s this for a few great things to do this weekend.

Paxton’s have got their markets on tonight. River Street will come alive as always so bring the family down and get some Xmas shopping done. Palmyra Dragway is doing a big weekend of racing with guaranteed smoke and revving noises coming from the cane fields.

Northview State School has a movie night on tonight, and Vic Park has their annual Xmas Fair tomorrow next to Queens Park. I can’t wait to see who will win the 3000 hams and even check out how many sweat beads I can see from Santa’s hat. Just saying.

Seriously there are so many things to keep you occupied over the next few days.

One last one for you if you’ve never done it before. Take a walk up to the top of The Leap. I took my son up there last week and he loved it. Having a 22-year-old say that is music to my ears. You can also take a stroll up to the Wheel of Fire at Finch Hatton for a swim. Councillor Michelle Green did it last week and loved it too. Good for the body and soul I reckon.

Remember, whatever you do, be kind and have fun!

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

Celebrated At 20th Baby Welcoming Ceremony

Bouncing babies, proudly held by excited parents, were officially welcomed to the Bowen community on Sunday at a special ceremony hosted by the local Lions Ladies. The festivities took place at Hensen Park where each family was invited onto the stage and presented with a certificate, gift, and small tree by Mayor Julie Hall.

The event, which began 20 years ago, has become an annual tradition ever since the Bowen Hospital Maternity Ward closed

“We feel that welcoming the babies into the community is important as most of them are not born in their hometown anymore,” said Bev Dyne from Bowen Lions.

“It is lovely to see families coming back again with each new sibling.”

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25 beautiful Bowen babies were officially welcomed into the community on Sunday. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

View the Photo Gallery here

Hi Everyone,

The atmosphere in Airlie Beach is certainly reaching fever pitch right now!

With the Airlie Beach Festival of Music taking over the town this weekend, musicians from around the country will be gathering to put on a show like no other.

For full details of the event check out our huge nine-page feature inside this paper for profiles on many performers and a festival map showing the location of each of the 15 venues.

Congratulations to our journalist, Bronte, who has spoken to countless musicians over the past few weeks, interviewing both legendary house-hold names and aspiring musos with the same charm and charisma.

The office has enjoyed listening to her on the phone laughing with performers and getting them excited about the weekend.

Another one of my favourite experiences in putting the paper together for you all this week was spending Sunday morning in Bowen.

Not only did we get to take our puppy swimming at Horseshoe Bay, I was also privileged to watch 25 little babies be officially welcomed into the community.

Without a maternity ward in Bowen, the local Lions Club Ladies have taken it upon themselves to formally welcome newborns.

This tradition has been going for 20 years and it was wonderful to see all these beautiful little cherubs proudly held in parent’s arms and celebrated by the broader community.

Congratulations this week also goes to the newly graduated Master Reef Guides – seven local tourism staff recently received the accreditation - their new skills will now give so much depth and meaning to the overall visitor experience.

The diversity of our local community always amazes me each week and I think it is in putting this newspaper together that we witness first-hand how much is happening!

From babies to music festivals to reef guides – the Whitsundays truly is a vibrant and exciting place to live with a large sense of community at its heart.

Quote of the Week: “Be like a pineapple: Stand tall, wear a crown and be sweet on the inside” (Author unknown)

When you’re travelling down Faust Street in Proserpine, be sure to keep your eye out for the bright orange fridge, that adorns the front garden on one of the properties.

The orange fridge, hidden by hedges and leaves, is particularly special because it is a big ‘little free library’ created by Gabby Sinclair.

Setting up the fridge six months ago, Gabby used it give away books she had stashed around her home.

“Being related to my father, I have inherited a slight hoarding problem! I had most of the books from when I was little and from my kids,” Gabby explained.

Instead of sending the books to the op shop or the garbage bin, she decided to create a little free library.

“I thought about an old fridge. I put a post on Facebook, asking for a broken fridge, and received plenty of messages. We picked one up and decided to paint it bright orange,” she said.

“We wanted to make it stand out on the street. Silly me also sprayed the door seals, so now it’s a bit sticky, sorry guys!”

Initially unsure if the fridge was being used, she checked on it last week.

“I saw so many new books gracing the shelves. This just made me so happy.”

From what started as a simple idea to share old books has developed to a local legend.

“Many a night I’ve heard people at the fridge, possibly on a late-night stroll home from the pub, going through it,” Gabby laughed.

“I just thought it was a nice idea to share with anyone interested in reading.”

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The orange fridge on Faust Street in Proserpine, be sure to check it out! Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

It has been a whirlwind of a year for 24 Whitsunday youth, who are now on the cusp of finishing their year-long specially tailored Coxswain course, offered through Red Cat Adventures, Queensland Government’s Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) program, Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre (WMTC) and Whitsunday Sailing Club.

About to undertake their final examinations of the course, the cohort of 25 Airlie Beach and Proserpine youth are eager to receive their qualifications and get out on the water, with some already accepting positions with Red Cat Adventures.

It was last year that Asher Telford of Red Cat Adventures realised the lack of local youth maritime training and decided to help.

“Coming out of COVID, we were very short staffed across the industry, and because of COVID a lot of our local kids went into tourism, the mines, and other unaffected industries,” he explained.

“So, I wanted to put together a training for kids. These kids know the area, have often grown up around boats and the water. And for me, it has been a very emotionally rewarding experience.”

Terrance Smith from Whitsunday Sailing Club believes that this experience is amazing for students.

“This opportunity is amazing, especially when these kids will leave school with well-paying jobs. And it’s not just tourism, but oil and gas, marine parks, super yachts.”

Year 11 Proserpine State High School student, Jasmine Gerlofsma was excited to take part in the program.

“I feel really privileged to be a part pf this opportunity. It’s very awesome that it’s being offered through school. I’ve always wanted to work on boats and just having your Coxswains opens so many doors.”

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The youth Coxswains trainees, completing the inaugural cohort with Red Cat Adventures, Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre and Whitsunday Sailing Club. Photo Credit: Bronte Hodge

This Saturday November 11 we mark 105 years since the Armistice of the First World War. We remember those who served, those who sacrificed their lives, and those who helped in the war effort.

Airlie Beach:

Held at the Cannonvale Cenotaph on Coral Esplanade with the service starting at 10.40am.

Proserpine:

Held at the Proserpine Cenotaph on Main Street, with the service beginning at 10am.

Bowen:

Held at Bowen RSL Subbranch, on Williams Street, with the service beginning at 10.45am.

One lucky Airlie Beach resident has won big at the Melbourne Cup races.

Holed up in the Airlie Beach Hotel, Zach Murray, a manager of a hospitality venue in town, tested his luck and placed a bet on horse, Without a Fight.

A little while later he received the shock of his life when he came home with a win of $8,000.

“A pretty decent win,” is how Zach described it, having just booked himself and his partner and family a cruise ship holiday.

“We’re cruising to Vanuatu, so we’re planning on having a lot of fun and spending up big.”

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Zach Murray has unexpectedly won at Melbourne Cup races. Photo supplied

Bowen Wounding

Police are investigating an alleged wounding incident in Bowen on Saturday night, November 4.

Initial investigations indicate around 8:30pm, a disturbance occurred between a group of people near the intersection of Herbert Street and George Street.

During the altercation, an 18-year-old Bowen man sustained four puncture wounds to his back.

Emergency services arrived a short time later, with the man being airlifted to Townsville University Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.

A 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy, both from Bowen, have been charged with grievous bodily harm and will appear in Bowen Childrens Court.

E-Scooter Incident, Cannonvale

A male in his 30s with an arm injury was transported stable to Woorabinda Hospital following an e-scooter incident on Eshelby Drive, in Cannonvale, at 8.38pm, on Friday November 3.