A Mackay woman is ready to make a huge dent into her home mortgage after scoring $150,000 on an Instant Scratch-Its ticket she received from her husband for Christmas.

The top prize-winning $10 Unwrap The Cash Instant Scratch-Its ticket was purchased at Nextra Caneland News & Gift, Shop 2066, Caneland Central, 2 Mangrove Road, Mackay.

“My husband bought it for me for Christmas. I got him some Instant Scratch-Its tickets and he got me some,” the winning woman explained.

“But I didn’t end up scratching them until Boxing Day.

“When I saw the prize, I couldn’t believe it.

“I thought, ‘that can’t be right – I must be seeing things’.

“I had to get other people to confirm and to check it for me. It was just too good to be true. It’s incredible.

“We’ve still got a bit on the mortgage, but this will make a big dent.

“It’s a great way to start 2023.”

In FY22, there were 139 Instant Scratch-Its top prize winners across The Lott’s jurisdictions who collectively took home more than $14.51 million in top prizes.

During this same time, Instant Scratch-Its players enjoyed more than 28.7 million wins across all prize tiers worth more than $261 million. This equates to almost three-quarters of a million dollars won on Instant Scratch-Its every day.

Last financial year, Australia’s official lotteries contributed more than $1.6 billion via state lottery taxes and donations to help community initiatives, such as hospitals, health research, disaster relief and education.

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Images: RACQ CQ Rescue flew eight missions last weekend including retrieving patients from Keswick Island, Cape Hillsborough, Carmila and Olive Downs, bringing the total number of tasks already completed for 2023 to 18. Images supplied: RACQ CQ Rescue

While it’s revered around the world as a lucky number, eight ended up being an exhausting figure for our region’s rescue helicopter service.

It’s the number of missions flown last weekend alone by RACQ CQ Rescue, with rescue crews stretched across the length and breadth of our expansive Mackay, Isaac, Whitsunday region.

The incredible tally of rescue operations meant the helicopter service flew more than 2,300km in just two days. The busy weekend brings the total number of missions completed in the first nine days of the New Year to 18.

Two patients suffered life-threatening lacerations and blood loss in two serious accidents involving an angle grinder and a filleting knife last Sunday.

RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked to meet Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics on the oval at Carmila, about 80km south of Mackay, after a 68-year-old man suffered serious gashes to his hand and jaw while working with an angle grinder.

It was an incredibly lucky escape from what could have been a potentially life-threatening injury as the patient reported he was using a circular saw blade on an angle grinder to cut wood.

The tool ‘kicked back’ slicing both his hand and jaw, narrowly missing his neck.

He was treated, administered pain relief and transported to Mackay Base Hospital in a stable condition.

Then at 10pm Sunday, the rescue chopper was tasked to Hamilton Island, about 90km north of Mackay, to airlift a 60-year-old man who had lacerated his left thumb while filleting fish.

He sliced a chunk of flesh from the webbing of his hand between the thumb and forefinger and told the medical team had no feeling in his hand.

He was flown to Mackay arriving in a stable condition at midnight.

Earlier on Sunday, the Mackay-based chopper flew 270km to the new Pembroke mine site Olive Downs, 40km south-east of Moranbah, to airlift a 51-year-old Sunshine Coast man. The contractor suffered a cardiac issue and required urgent hospital treatment in Mackay.

RACQ CQ Rescue also flew more than 1100km on Saturday on four missions across the region, including two primary tasks on Saturday’s day shift which started with two back-to-back missions to treat and transfer two teenagers injured at popular local holiday spots.

RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked just after 9.30am by Queensland Health to assist a 16-year-old girl who had dislocated her knee at the bottom of a walking track at Cape Hillsborough.

The teen, from Rural View, was stranded on the beach with the tide coming in quickly. Walking back up the track or along the rocky shoreline was impossible.

After a 000 call, the Mackay-based chopper was dispatched with a doctor and critical care paramedic on board to fly 45km north to the popular national park and camping area. The chopper orbited the shoreline near Wedge Island several times before the decision was made to winch down a paramedic and rescue crewman onto the beach to secure the patient into a rescue harness. The teenager was then winched up into the helicopter and flown directly to Mackay Base Hospital in a stable condition.

Directly upon return to base about 11am, the helicopter crew was again tasked, this time offshore to Keswick Island, 30km east of Mackay, after reports a swimmer had suffered a suspected Irukandji jellyfish sting. The helicopter landed in the rain at the island airfield, near Basil Bay, and the 13-year-old, believed to be on holiday from Biggera Waters, was treated with pain relief and flown to Mackay Base Hospital in a stable condition. The teen was accompanied by a parent.

About 1.45pm Saturday, the helicopter flew to Collinsville to airlift a man with a serious cardiac condition and also later transported a patient from Clermont to Mackay Base Hospital who suffered injury from a fall from height while he was removing Christmas decorations at his home.

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Image: Caneland Central was named as the third worst car park in Australia for car park collisions according to data released by insurance company AAMI

Suncorp Group's AAMI brand has conducted an analysis of more than 21,000 AAMI car park insurance claims across Australia to reveal the most dangerous car park destinations.

Mackay’s Caneland Central came third in Australia and Mackay topped the list of Queensland suburbs for car park collisions.

AAMI’s data revealed that in Mackay, Thursday afternoon was the most likely time a car crash collision occurred, not surprising with late night shopping extending hours on that day.

Interestingly, when it comes to car park etiquette, the majority of Australians (59 per cent) say they would leave a note – regardless of how bad the damage was if they accidentally hit someone’s car in a car park and no one saw.

AAMI’s Top Tips for a prang-free parking experience:

o Take your time when parking or reversing out of a car space.

o Take particular care to watch out for children, especially when reversing.

o Watch out for stationary objects including pillars and trolleys.

o Obey the car park signage on speed limits and directional arrows.

o Don’t let impatience get the better of you and make sure you keep a safe distance between you and the car in front or reversing.

o Resist the urge to park quickly, particularly in shopping centre car parks where turning circles are a lot tighter.

o Avoid peak-times for shopping to avoid the crowds and increase your chances of finding a car park quickly.

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Do you have books you no longer need?

Or other items that could benefit remote indigenous communities?

The Hunters Initiative is a Mackay group inspired to help indigenous communities in remote parts of Queensland.

Local school groups and individuals have come on board, with generous donations of books, footwear and clothing to be distributed to those in need.

As well as collecting helpful items for remote communities, the Aboriginal Dance Group Tchundal Malar regularly visit local schools and childcare facilities to teach the younger generation about indigenous culture, educating people about different vibrations from the didgeridoo and stories to accompany traditional dance.

St Anne’s Catholic Primary School in Sarina is still accepting donations of books this month, which will be delivered to the Hunters Initiative in Mackay.

Images:

1 - St Anne’s Catholic Primary School Sarina donated books to the Hunters Initiative

2 – Mercy College Mackay donated 10 cartons of books to be distributed to remote indigenous communities

3 – Marvin Pace donated brand new shirts, polos, hats and football jerseys

4 – Wonder Kids Early Learning Centre donated rugby boots

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Photo 1: Jason Bradford accepting his Reef Conservation Champion Award at the 2022 Queensland Farmers Federation Awards

Photo 2: A fishway under construction on the Bradford property, south of Mackay

Working to improve wetlands within his grazing and sugar cane property has earned local landholder Jason Bradford recognition as a Reef Champion at the 2022 Queensland Farmers Federation Awards.

Mr Bradford, who owns a mixed enterprise property near Sandringham Creek, has been working with Reef Catchments over the years with funding from the Australian Government’s Reef Trust VII Coastal Priorities Project, which has allowed him to remove invasive weeds and construct fishways to improve connectivity between the freshwater and marine environment.

He said that in addition to these works, changes as simple as fencing and off-stream watering points can have dramatic results.

“Wire and water - those two things have allowed me to radically change how I manage the place and have resulted in benefits to the landscape and my operations.

“With the right infrastructure and the right management you can have a financially viable enterprise and also look after the environment. In fact, the two can go hand-in-hand - when it’s managed correctly, the natural landscape enhances the financial outcomes.

“My advice to other landholders is to look at your operations, and ask yourself if you’re doing everything you can to get the best of both worlds.”

Growing up on the property he now owns and manages, Mr Bradford’s connection to the land is what drives him to look after the natural environment while ensuring his farm continues to be successful.

“I spent many hours down here exploring and I guess I fell in love with it. It’s in my blood. I spent a lot of time in the marine environment here, in the creek fishing and exploring. It was really a great childhood,” he said.

“Because the property is on the highway and it’s pretty visible, people see the work happening and they ask me all the time, what are you doing here, and why are you doing it. For me, it’s about the ability to bring a vision to life.

“We’ve got an asset here that’s pretty special, and I think if it was in the best condition it could possibly be in, in terms of biodiversity and function, what would that look like? That’s what I’m aiming for.”

Reef Catchments’ Project Officer Carlos Bueno said he nominated Jason for the award as he was a great advocate for improved practice and a great example for fellow landholders.

“From the outset of this project, Jason has been fundamental in exchanging knowledge, learnings and experiences,” he said.

“Jason’s presence and active participation has influenced the engagement of his neighbours and greater network. He has been very vocal in sharing his knowledge and vision to other landholders and stakeholders, allowing for a greater understanding of this sub-catchment area.”

The Reef Champion Awards is an initiative of the Queensland Farmers Federation with support from the Australian and Queensland governments. The awards recognise and celebrate the achievements and efforts of outstanding individuals and organisations who have taken action to improve the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef.

Read more about this project at www.reefcatchments.com.au/projects/coastal-priorities-project/.

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Images:

1 – Award winners from the 2022 JSP Women’s Awards with JSP Founder Fallon Drewett central

2 – JSP Founder Fallon Drewett. Image credit: Coffee & Hops

It’s time to give a shout-out to the ladies in your life who make a difference.

Off the back of a highly successful launch in 2022, the Just Saying Project (JSP) is calling for nominations for its JSP Women’s Awards – and nominations close this Sunday.

JSP Founder Fallon Drewett said it is a chance to recognise the women who fly under the radar, that go about their work and projects often unnoticed.

“These awards are for every woman and their big and small wins. It is a way to showcase the role women play in our lives and a perfect way to celebrate International Women’s Day.”

It’s not necessarily about grand gestures or milestones, these awards are curated to recognise the women who keep showing up, for themselves and others, every day.

Award categories are designed to champion women from an array of lifestyles.

The Resilient Rebel

A woman who has been through adversity and has spun her pain into something beautiful. This is a woman who is a rebel at heart and has decided to live her life differently, and march to the beat of her own drum. This award is for the woman in your life who has stood her ground and inspired others around her to be resilient; to learn from life’s challenges and keep moving forward.

The Visionary

A woman who leads by example and demonstrates exemplary leadership. This woman has made significant contributions to her work and community. She is not afraid to make waves; is respected and leads the way for inclusion and diversity in the Greater Whitsunday region. This woman is helping change the landscape for women across industry, career or business.  She is a change maker, respected in her fields, friendships and community. She is a mentor and is an advocate for women's rights.

Magic Maker

A woman who has a passion for and contributed to the arts, through performing, visual arts, fashion, photography, broadcasting and literary community. Their talent, whether emerging or well-known, is used to make an impact in the lives of others through their creativity. This woman has the ability to create magic and inspire others to be the best version of themselves through the power of art and the skill to make people rediscover hope.

Health And Wellbeing Warrior

A woman who has a purpose and a passion for health and wellbeing. A woman inspires through her work in health, medical or fitness careers. Perhaps they are a woman who leads by example through sport or advocacy work with mental health and/or charity.

The Modern Muse

In the era of social media, this is a woman who is a muse for other women. This woman inspires other women through her dedication to positive body image, fosters self-esteem in others, and encourages other women to be who they are. This woman is a truth teller, a woman who doesn’t need filters or reel highlights, someone who uses her voice for the greater good for women, their rights and creating a space for them to love who they are. Her voice and words are helping to create lasting change.

The Mother Of All Mothers

This category is to recognise a Mum in the Greater Whitsunday region, who is a formidable role model as a mother and a woman. A woman who volunteers her time, and gives back to her community. A woman who leads by example, who shows what it means to be a modern Mum. Maybe she is a mother who has worked hard despite adversity or hardship. A woman who might be a single mother, a foster or adoptive mother, a woman who is a female figure we can all learn from.

The Rising Star

This is for a young woman who is the face of #thefutureisfemale. A young woman who is making an impact in their community inspiring other young women and girls to follow their dreams, take action and stand up for what they believe in. This award is for a disrupter, performer, athlete, volunteer or trailblazer. This award is for young women aged 15 to 25 years old.

Remind you of anyone? If so, get your nomination in by visiting thejustsayingproject.com.

Nominations close 11:30pm Sunday, January 15, 2022.

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Australia Day Awards Attracts Overwhelming Nominations

An impressive list of Mackay residents has been revealed for the 2023 Australia Day Citizen of the Year Awards, hosted by Mackay Regional Council.

From encouraging others to building resilience, volunteering, excelling in sport or being a voice for others, the list of nominees showcases their dedication to the community.

This year, the most highly contested categories include the Lori Burgess Community Volunteer Award, the Citizen of the Year Award and the Community Group Award.

The list of nominees across all categories displays undeniable talent and heart, people who have proven throughout 2022 that despite facing adversity, there are opportunities to rise above.

All award winners and nominees will be recognised at a special awards ceremony at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre on Wednesday, January 25.

2023 Australia Day Citizen of the Year Nominees

Citizen of the Year

Lauren Costello

Dr Kerry Summerscales

Djordje (George) Banic

Fallon Drewett

Geoffrey Baguley

Dr Judith Wake

Earl Neilsen

Murray Gibbs

Luke Mathews

Penny McMahon

Edie Weiss

Frances Eiteneuer

Col Benson

Krysten Butcher

John Mansfield

Tegan Philpott

Kathryn Andrews

Stephen Oberg

Eunice Armstrong

Jody Burrows

Katrina Hoare

George Newton

Raj Sharma - Roshni Restaurant

Nicole Pasquale

Tracey Hackfoorte

Kay Thrupp

Gary Minter

Robert Kidd

Narelle Klazema

Doug Petersen

Jay Shipston

Leslie Kemp

Allison Blines

Justin Rule

Linda Nugent - Coach of the Stingers, Mackay Dragon Boat Club

Brenda Windsor

Nigel Dalton

Young Citizen of the Year

Adam Lamb

Keira Brown

Matthew Vella

Dominic de Moura McCarthy

Tayla Hunt

Sana Syed

Clancy Morgan

Sara Marie Herringe

Rosie Cook

Benjamin Penning

Tiffany Vella aka Tiffany Grace Music

Clancy Morgan

Arts and Culture Award

Tiffany Vella aka Tiffany Grace Music

Clancy Morgan

Max Kingsbury

Clancy Morgan

Sara Marie Herringe

Rosie Cook

Zoe McLellan

Alison Richardson from Crossroad Arts

Glenda Hobdell

Tiffany Vella

Geoffrey Baguley

Community Group Award

Happy Paws Happy Hearts

Special Olympics Mackay Fire

By Your Side: Chronically Ill Ladies

Mackay Riding for the Disabled

The Scout Association of Australia, Queensland Branch, Hibiscus Coast District

Australian Street Aid Project Ltd

Mackay Northern Beaches Neighbourhood Watch

Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated

Australian Navy Cadets

Project Booyah Mackay

Pioneer Valley Machinery Preservationists Inc

Orange Sky Laundry Mackay

St Anne's P&F aka FOCUS Group

Queensland Multicultural Lions Club

Rotary Club of Mackay North Inc.

Just Saying Project

Special Olympics Mackay Fire

SNAGS Special Needs and Group Support

North Mackay Saints AFC

St Paul's Uniting Church, Mackay, Queensland, Uniting Church in Australia

Save Our Northwall

Sana Syed

SNAGS Special Needs and Group Support

Habana Carols Under the Stars subcommittee of HADPA

Environmental Achievement Award

Dr Judith Wake

Earl Neilsen

Earl Neilsen

Robert Gregg

Murray Gibbs

Suzanne McCormack

Luke Mathews

Penny McMahon

Edie Weiss

Frances Eiteneuer

Save Our Northwall

Irene Champion

Robert Gregg

Lori Burgess Community Volunteer Award

Col Benson

Krysten Butcher

John Mansfield

Tegan Philpott

Kathryn Andrews

Stephen Oberg

Eunice Armstrong

Jody Burrows

Katrina Hoare

George Newton

Raj Sharma - Roshni Restaurant

Kelvin Richard Clulee

John Edwards

Wendy Baynton

Carmelo Pasquale

Kimberly Doyle, Special Olympics Mackay

Brenda Windsor

Nicole Pasquale

Tayla Hunt

Kathryn Andrews

Tracey Hackfoorte

Kay Thrupp

Gary Minter

Neil Wallace

Dominic de Moura McCarthy

Lisa Jamison

Karen Turner

Robert Gregg

Robert Kidd

Narelle Klazema

Damien Watts

TJ Straw

Matthew Vella

Doug Petersen

Jay Shipston

Leslie Kemp

Jeanne Ronald - Bakers Creek AFC

Les-Lee Reid

Allison Blines

Keira Brown

Peter Bonaventura

Denise Scarpelli

Robert Gregg

Senior Sports Award

Luke Van Den Heuvel

Hamish Wright

Kelvin Richard Clulee

Justin Rule

Janine Wood

Linda Nugent

Brenda Windsor

Tara Smyth

TJ Straw

Nigel Dalton

Jeanne Ronald

Les-Lee Reid

Young Sports Award

Cooper Whitestyles

Jaxon Maluga

Rosie Cook

Harper Shields

Adam Lamb

Luke Reedman

Connor Parish

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An ATV was upended in a failed escape attempt at the Magpies Sporting Club in Glenella last Sunday night

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Brazen thieves have broken into the shed of a popular Mackay sporting club earlier this week, but the escape seemingly didn’t go to plan.

Jock Hansen, Facilities Manager at Magpies Sporting Club said thousands of dollars’ worth of damage had been caused to club facilities and a new ATV.

It’s believed the thieves broke into an equipment shed on the Magpies Sporting Club grounds and attempted to use the club’s ATV, which was locked in the shed, to escape with petrol and power tools.

With damage sustained to a padlocked gate, it’s thought the thieves tried to use the ATV to ram the gates open. When unsuccessful, they then turned their attention to a fence, however were unsuccessful at breaking through, with the ATV getting caught in mesh wiring and upending into a vertical position.

It is thought the unknown assailants then escaped on foot with petrol and power tools, which are missing from the equipment shed. The ATV was a new vehicle and was the club’s first aid transportation.

Police are calling on the public to share any information they may have, or to submit dashcam footage from last Sunday evening (January 8) if they drove past the sporting club in Glenella.

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Are you a farmer experiencing financial difficulty from recent flooding events, labour shortages or rising input costs?

You may be eligible for the Farm Household Allowance (FHA).

FHA is an Australian Government support package for farming families doing it tough.

Applying for the FHA can provide you with financial breathing space while you work through flooding events on crops, animals and pasture, and labour shortages – especially during harvest time.

Every eligible person gets paid the full allowance.

The program provides eligible farmers and their partners with a package of assistance that includes:

• up to four years of fortnightly income support (in every 10 year period)

• ancillary allowances such as Pharmaceutical Allowance, Telephone Allowance, Rent Assistance and Remote Area Allowance

• a professional financial assessment of the farm business (worth up to $1,500)

• funding to help develop skills, access training and pay for professional advice (up to $10,000 and can include reasonable travel and accommodation to undertake training).

• regular support of a case manager.

You can get Farm Household Allowance for up to 4 years (1,460 days) at any time between 1 July 2014 and 30 June 2024. You can apply for your second tranche of four years from 1 July 2024.

FHA gives you time to improve your circumstances. You do not have to receive all payments in one go. You can stop and start your payment as many times as you like. Stopping and deferring your payments can save them up for future hardship.

You will also get ongoing support from your own:

Farm Household Case Officer (FHCO)

Rural Financial Counsellor (RFC) (if you choose).

To find out if you’re eligible for FHA, call the Farmer Assistance Hotline on 132 316 between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday – or visit: https://fal.cn/3uTWa.

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By the end of the school holidays, you may be feeling a little frustrated.

The excitement of Christmas has been and gone, finances may be a little tight, and the kids have been ‘bored’ ever since they left school.

While it’s tempting to keep them occupied online, there are some simple activities families can do together to break the boredom. As an added bonus, they’ll help everyone to get fitter and feel better.

Let’s get moving!

Apptivities

Let’s face it, dragging kids away from their screens can be a challenge, so what if you combined screen time with fitness?

There are a number of apps that make getting active fun. Pokemon Go has been around for years now and is still a fun way to get walking. Catch imaginary creatures on your screen as you walk, and visit public places like parks to top up with special items. It’s amazing how far the kids will want to walk to ‘hatch an egg’ to get a new Pokemon!

Treasure Hunt

Whether you create a competition to see how many shells can be collected at the beach, or create an actual treasure hunt with clues and prizes, these mystery games can eat up hours of a day and keep the kids active for longer than they realise.

Get Crafty

Remember Mary Poppins? Well, there’s still joy in flying a kite, especially if it’s one the kids had a hand in making themselves. Scour the internet for instructions on how to build a kite, then pick a breezy day to try it out down at the beach. Pack a cricket set or frisbees and watch the hours melt away.

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Images: Artist impression of the new Muscle Garden gym opening soon in Bucasia

Kay Nyenuh

Hi, this is Kay from Muscle Garden.

I’m very excited to announce that we will be opening our fourth gym - Muscle Garden Bucasia this April!

When I first started Muscle Garden Personal Training right here in parks around Mackay in 2012, I had no idea that we’d be where we are today - three gyms in Mackay, Marian, Andergrove and a fourth, Bucasia opening soon!

And I’m very grateful for all the support we’ve received from our town so far.

It is this support that has helped us to be in the position where we are able to reach more everyday people and make fitness accessible for them in an environment that is free of intimidation, where they feel welcomed, comfortable and supported to train so they can achieve their health and fitness goals.

As much as we’d love to open Muscle Garden Bucasia sooner, our hands are tied. We have to wait for our state-of-the-art technogym gear to be delivered from Italy - pushing our official open date to either April 16th or 29th.

Muscle Garden Bucasia is located in the Hibiscus Shopping Centre on 52 Downie Avenue.

We will be open 24/7 with plenty of parking. We will also run some of our beloved classes in Bucasia, and as with our existing facilities, Fitness Passport members are gladly welcomed.

We are currently looking into the possibility of providing a space for parents to leave their kids while they workout. It is something we hope to confirm over the coming weeks.

Members are now welcomed to take advantage of our presale offer. Join today and pay absolutely NOTHING until we open. $0 Joining Fee plus a FREE 2023 Muscle Garden T-shirt/Singlet.

Can’t wait until we open? No problem! Join today and start using our existing branches in Mackay, Marian and Andergrove on our Premium Membership option and lock in a discounted rate of $20.95 per week! That’s a saving of at least $7 per week!

The discounted flat rate will not change for the life of your contract. But you must sign up before February 28th, 2023 to lock it in!

Go to musclegarden.com.au/bucasia-gym/ for more details or contact us at info@musclegarden.com.au / 07 49440119.

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The start of a new year can unveil a mixed bag of emotions for many people.

While some are excited at the prospect of a fresh beginning to set themselves up for a better year than last, others struggle with financial strain following Christmas, loneliness of partners returning to work and back-to-school anxiety.

Sometimes the smallest changes can bring about the best outcomes for your mental health and wellbeing.

1. Don’t Hold It In

Bottled up emotions tend to explode like a bad batch of ginger beer. Instead of letting problems simmer, talk them through with someone you can trust. Often we feel a situation is ‘all on us’, yet, talking to a friend, colleague or partner may present a solution you hadn’t considered. As they say, a problem shared is a problem halved.

2. Make time for self-care

Choose a list of things that make you happy and schedule them into your lifestyle, as if they are just as important as other tasks, because they are! It could be a weekly bath, a weekly walk on the beach, a monthly massage or time daily to read a book. Clarity through relaxation will help you to tackle life’s bigger issues.

3. Set achievable goals

If you are struggling financially, seeking the help of a budget guru may help you to get your bank balance back on track. Often this stems from setting achievable goals and brainstorming solutions to help you cut back on unnecessary items while you get your bills under control.

The new year does not have to be a brand new you straight away.

These things take time.

If you find yourself not making progress over time, consider reaching out to a mental health professional to arm you with the tools you need to unlock your potential.

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Switching the painkiller codeine to a prescription-only medicine in 2018 led to a 37 per cent overall drop in its consumption across Australia, according to new findings from wastewater sampling published in the journal Addiction.

The samples, taken from 49 wastewater treatment plants, which cover catchment areas for 10.6 million Australians, show the dramatic effect of withdrawing the country’s most misused legal opioid from pharmacy counters, cutting dependency, and potentially saving lives.

Scientists from the University of South Australia and University of Queensland compared wastewater samples taken between 2016 and 2019, 18 months before and after codeine was rescheduled and low-dose formulations removed from over-the-counter (OTC).

Codeine concentrations were converted to per capita consumption estimates, revealing an immediate decrease of 37 per cent nationally after the rescheduling and between 24 per cent and 51 per cent in all states and territories.

UniSA scientist Associate Professor Cobus Gerber says the samples – representing 45 per cent of the country’s population – demonstrate the effectiveness of the Federal Government’s decision to take tough measures on the popular painkiller.

Opioids are among the most widely used analgesic medicines globally, with more than 61 million people using them in 2018.

Their misuse is responsible for two thirds of all drug-related deaths, due to abuse and dependence.

Codeine has been the most widely used legal opioid in Australia, with its per capita use steadily increasing. 2013 data showed Australia took more codeine as a country than the United States, despite having roughly seven per cent of the population.

The study is the first to evaluate a national drug policy change via wastewater sampling.

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Welcome to 2023!

This is my first article of the year and I’m setting the intention in writing that it’s going to be a good one.

While I cannot guarantee that, because some things are out of our control, what I can guarantee is that you’ll have plenty of fun and laughs to listen to every weekday morning starting the 23rd of January! This is when the new brekkie show, Scotty and Rach with Kaley, returns to the airwaves. Rach is off on maternity leave with a new bundle of joy so I’ll be keeping her seat warm.

I do not have children myself but I know all you parents out there that are starting to return to work probably want to pull your hair out and crawl your way to the finish line that is school holidays, and with that comes back to school shopping! I’m only 27 so I still have fond memories of that time. The new pencil case and bag – that have to be aesthetic and match, otherwise what’s the point!

Who doesn’t love the smell of a new pencil and the way a fresh pen glides across the paper, new books, shoes and uniforms as well! One thing my mum used to do when I was in school is make sure I had themed books. I still remember to this day her staying up way too late after getting all her jobs done for the day to cover my books in contact. It was mainly cartoon themed – my favourite was the pink SpongeBob contact she did one year.

But is that still a thing? Or is everyone just going raw nowadays?

If you do cover in contact let me know about it at Star 101.9 Mackay on Facebook or Instagram.

Happy New Year to you,

Kaley

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Well, it’s hard to believe the Christmas holidays are over.  I hope that everyone had a great Christmas break and that 2023 is prosperous for everyone.  

We are continuing to progress our major capital liveability projects.  December saw the completion of the first stage of the River Wharf project, the development application lodged for the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trail, architects appointed to undertake the detailed design for the Northern Beaches Community Hub stages 1A and 1B, and civil works have begun for the road and drainage works.  The Seaforth Esplanade upgrade is progressing well, along with the upgrade to Woodlands Park.  Council has more than 700 projects in its Capital Works program for this financial year.  However, COVID-19, inflation and shortages of material and human resources continue to impact the delivery of the program.

Let’s turn our focus to Australia Day.  The awards night is held on Wednesday, January 25, where the Australia Day Award recipients for 2023 will be announced.  I’d like to congratulate all nominees and thank those who have taken the time to nominate someone.  A citizenship ceremony will then be held Thursday morning to welcome new Australian Citizens to our region.

Council also offers grants to community organisations to hold Australia Day events.  This funding will support 13 true-blue Australia Day celebrations by local not-for-profit groups. Be sure to attend one or a few of the following events:

● Armstrong Beach Progress Association – 2pm to 8pm, Llewellyn Hall

● Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club – 11am to 2pm, Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club

● Finch Hatton Progress Association – 10am to 3pm, Finch Hatton Showgrounds

● Habana and Districts Progress Association – 3pm to 7pm, 1091 Mackay-Habana Road

● Mackay Bowling Club – 9am to 4pm, Mackay Bowling Club, Nebo Road

● Mackay Contract Bridge Club (come and try) – 10am to 3pm, 414 Shakespeare Street

● Mackay Junior Motocross (come and try) – 8.30am to 1pm, Riverside Track, 2 Hume Street

● Mackay Sailing Club – Sail Away, 11am to 3pm, Kinchant Dam

● Mackay Surf Life Saving Club – Beach Party, 10am to 4pm, Mackay Harbour

● Sarina Surf Lifesaving Club – 1pm to 5pm, Sarina Beach

● Seaforth Bowls Club – 1.30pm till late, Walsh Avenue

● St Helens Beach Progress and Environment Association Inc – 9am to 4pm, Repulse Esplanade

● Banksia Scout Group – Open Day, 10am to 1pm, Jaycee Park, Bedford Road.

Cr Karen May

Deputy Mayor

Mackay Regional Council

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