According to the latest figures produced by the Queensland Government, the Mackay region has beaten south-east Queensland in receiving its share of state government infrastructure spending.

Data from the Queensland Budget papers and the Queensland Government Statistician's Office shows 56 per cent more per capita is being spent by the state government on infrastructure and capital works in the Mackay region, compared to its counterparts in South East Queensland.

In fact, infrastructure spending in the Mackay Region has been higher than in SEQ for the last five financial years.

The figures show that in the last available financial year (2021-22), for every person in the Mackay region, the state government has spent $3,603 on local infrastructure and capital works, compared to $2,307 per person in South East Queensland.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert pointed to an extensive range of projects that have been delivered for Mackay in recent years, proving the Mackay region is receiving its fair share of funding.

“We’ve had massive projects like the Mackay Ring Road, Walkerston Bypass and Peak Downs Highway upgrades, as well as new hospitals in Sarina and Moranbah, an extension to the Mackay Base Hospital going ahead, the works to the Great Barrier Reef arena and much more,” Ms Gilbert stated.

“The data is clear - we are receiving more funding for projects in our region per person than those in SEQ - and we have done so for a long time.

“I’m proud of what we’ve been able to secure for Mackay. And I’m happy to say that will continue under this government.

“People are saying: ‘Let’s go to Mackay because it’s the best place to be’,” Ms Gilbert said.  

Ms Gilbert debunked the rumours that Mackay gets less than its fair share in funding, saying: “The LNP like to talk a tough game about us receiving less than our southern counterparts saying we are missing out but it’s simply not the case.”

In 2021, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner made headlines complaining that the Queensland Government was spending too much in regional Queensland, arguing Brisbane was being shortchanged.

“He must be feeling the pinch, because he knows that per capita, more money is being spent on each individual up here in the region compared to down there in Brisbane,” Ms Gilbert added.  

Ms Gilbert is looking forward to the results of the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project, with a potential cash injection of around $12 billion making the spend per capita even more abundant.

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Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert showing the latest financial figures. Photo credit: Sinead Porter

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Mackay Engineering College have partnered with the Mackay Chamber of Commerce to deliver the ‘Cars for Communities’ initiative, revving up this year to donate four newly refurbished cars to not-for-profit organisations.

Mackay Engineering College was built in 2011 with funding from Queensland State Government to allow students from the Mackay region state schools to take part in vocational training programs.  

Students from Year 11 and 12 from the six local state high schools are currently completing their Certificate II in Automotive Electrical Technology over the course of the 2023 school year.

The students attend the college for one day a week and spend at least one week out of every school term committing themselves to work experience, to get amongst the automotive industries and prepare for future apprenticeships.

The students have learnt a range of skills to achieve their competencies, such as basic motor servicing and studying the purposes of all operating components within a vehicle, like gearboxes and transmissions.  

Anthony Puddicombe from Mackay Engineering College commented on the ‘real-world experience’ the students are achieving, stating: “It’s a great opportunity for them to work on a real car rather than just a part of a car that’s a simulator.

“They can relate back to what we’ve shown them based on what they’re doing within their [future] apprenticeships.”

The ‘Cars for Communities’ initiative started back at the end of 2022. The sourcing of scrapped cars began in February this year, with students spending this year repairing the cars to road-safety standards.

Cars have been donated to the Mackay Engineering College by parents and interested community members. Previously, students had restored vehicles that were ultimately sent to the wreckers, whereas now they will make a significant difference to the wider community.

The initiative sees a selection process held by the Mackay Chamber of Commerce, who receive applications from not-for-profit organisations and decide who will benefit the most.

Mr Puddicombe stated, “The fact that a not-for-profit can get a car and use it for their needs, whether it is learner drivers or visiting people in homes that need [support], it’s a great opportunity.”

Chamber Committee Member Cathy Sullivan said: “Mackay Region Chamber are very excited to announce an exciting opportunity for community not-for-profit organisations to receive the gift of mobility.”

The first fleet of four are now ready to be donated, with the Year 11 and 12 students working diligently throughout 2023 to achieve this impressive goal.

Repco, Beaurepairs, Protector Autoglass, Bakers Creek Wreckers and DC Power and Auto have supplied their time, parts and services to the college to assist with the project.

Without the support of these local businesses, the dedicated student workers of ‘Cars for Communities’ would have struggled to maintain such a high standard in the restoration of vehicles.

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Mackay Engineering College, Mackay Chamber of Commerce and local sponsors

Year 11 and 12 students in action with mechanical repairs

Credit: Sinead Porter

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Two of Mackay’s largest and most dynamic organisations have joined forces in a bid to attract more major sporting events to the region.

This new strategic partnership between Mackay Airport and Harrup Park has a mission to increase visitation and secure national and international sporting showdowns.

Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles said Mackay was ‘ideally positioned’ to welcome more major events in 2024.

“This is a great opportunity to use one of the largest sporting facilities in regional Australia, and its delivering world-class experiences.

“There’s fantastic potential to grow the sports tourism market leading up to the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.

“We’ll collaborate with the team at Great Barrier Reef Arena and approach stakeholders for potential opportunities.

“We should be able to approach airline partners and see if we can get additional flights to cater for major events to bring people into the region.” Mr Miles commented.

Mr Miles stated that this is the first of some new exciting opportunities for the community that Mackay Airport is looking into, with more announcements on the way in the near future.

Harrup Park Chief Executive Officer Adrian Young said the arena would become a destination for more major key events, including 2025 Australia vs. South Africa T20 cricket as well as preparation for national and international sporting carnivals, concerts and festivals.

“Both Cricket Australia and Queensland Cricket have told us this is the best regional facility for cricket in Australia.

“We’ve had the pitch and outfield rated as excellent, with the Queensland Cricket Captain stating this is the best one outside of the Gabba.” Mr Young exclaims.  

“We will have a significant role to play in the lead up to and during the Brisbane 2032 Olympics,” he said.

But it’s not just about the cricket, with another strong focus on AFL and broadening the horizon with other sports to facilitate more events at the arena.

The dynamic partnership hopes to see the local economy diversified by an influx of tourism from all over Queensland, as well as playing a crucial role in making new opportunities a reality.

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Harrup Park Chief Executive Officer Adrian Young and Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles. Photo credit: Sinead Porter

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A family in the Mackay region has been left shattered after discovering their thoroughbred horse, Skye, deliberately killed in their paddock on Beaconsfield Road, 4th October.

The heartbreaking discovery happened just after 8am on Thursday, just two minutes from the family home.

Skye’s body was found “in a lying down position”, Owner Melissa Turner at first suspected the horse had passed away from a snake bite.

The 19-year-old former racehorse was said to be in good health the night before the discovery. Having been the riding companion of Ms Turner’s daughter, Brooklyn, for the past six years in pony club and riding events.

Police have ruled Skye’s death as ‘foul play’ and are currently investigating the circumstances leading up to the tragic event. The death of the horse is now a matter subject to a major police investigation.

While there have been no solid developments in the case, owner Melissa Turner commented, “We have received a huge amount of support from the community and lots of calls have been made to Police Link.

“Not even just the horse community, they have been amazing. Just general people, especially people who live in the area who have driven past everyday and seen the horses.”

Rumours and names of alleged offenders have spread around the community and local high schools, Mackay police are following up on leads and the matter is still under investigation.

“The Major Organised Crime Squad from Rockhampton are here, they are experts in this field,” Sergeant Nigel Dalton from Mackay Police said.

Ms Turner stated, “The police have done a lot of testing, there might have been developments in the case that we are not aware of at this stage.

“The most important thing is that if people have information, they pass on how they heard it, not third hand information.”

Police have not revealed the cause of death.

The family have put up a sign in their paddocks to jog the memories of people who might have more information.

Local residents who may have dashcam footage from the night before (3rd October) or the morning of the incident are encouraged to report anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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A new, cutting-edge Virtual Reality (VR) laboratory marks a significant stride toward revolutionising workforce development and readiness in the mining industry.

On 20th October, Anglo American and the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) came together to deliver their purpose-built, fully integrated VR laboratory to better prepare workers for the mine site.

The lab is designed to equip mining professionals, training organisations and community groups with immersive experiences and advanced learning tools.

This technology allows users to gain access to more than 20 training modules, ranging from critical safety protocols to advanced mining techniques and technologies.

A growing list of courses includes working at height, hazard identification, boom and scissor lift operation, hand safety, and working with hazardous substances but there is also potential for site-specific courses to be developed.

Anglo American’s Australia CEO Dan van der Westhuizen said safety, innovation and sustainability were critical to the future of mining in Queensland.

He said the VR lab would become a vital companion to on-the-job training, allowing workers to learn key skills in a safe and supportive environment.

"This new partnership exemplifies our commitment to fostering innovation and preparing the mining workforce for the future,” he said.

“New technologies will require new skills and the lab is a significant step forward in harnessing virtual reality to train and upskill our teams.

“The lab can be used for graduate assessment, trades assessment and onboarding, site inductions and industry problem solving.”

RCOE CEO Steven Boxall said he looked forward to booking mining companies, training organisations and community/school groups to use the VR lab for training solutions, problem solving and technology trials.

“Everyone is talking about virtual reality but it’s hard to test and trial it without access to the hardware and the relevant training platform,” he said.

“Anglo American’s support has enabled our region to now have access to all of that via Next World Enterprises who developed the VR platform.

Aquila Mine General Manager Shane McDowall, who has also been RCOE Board Chairman for the past year, said this virtual reality technology could pave the way for a new era in training for mine sites like his.

“Being able to immerse new-to-industry personnel in real-world situations without the presence of hazards will help raise awareness around hazards and fundamental controls required in our industry.

“It's not only a tool for Anglo American but also for the wider community to experience and learn about the industry in a highly immersive and safe environment."

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CEO Dan van der Westhuizen and RCOE CEO Steven Boxall introducing the new VR labs

Photo credit: Sinead Porter

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When was the last time you checked in on your home loan? It's usually a tedious and seemingly frivolous task. But what if we told you there's an easy-to-use, free tool that considers your current home loan and your future goals?

Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank’s home loan health check starts with a review of your current interest rate, loan structure, home value, repayment options and remaining loan term. The team will also ask you about your goals, aspirations and any short or long term plans you have. From here, the team will explore options that are available to suit your circumstances.

Community Bank Sarina’s Branch Manager Charmaine Matsen believes it’s important for all home owners – no matter how long you’ve had your loan – to get it checked regularly.

“As borrowers’ circumstances change, and interest rates fluctuate, it’s important that you review your home loan to ensure you are making the best financial decisions to suit both you, and the options available at that time.”

Ideally you should be reviewing your home loan annually, but there’s a few indications that it’s time to take another look:

● Your interest rate is higher than advertised rates for new customers (or you don’t know your rate at all!)

● You don’t have access to features like an offset account

● Your circumstances have changed since you took out your home loan, e.g. income changes or life goals

● Your fixed rate has ended (or is ending soon)

● You were previously on a special offer ‘honeymoon’ rate which has now reverted to a higher rate

● Your home value has increased

Charmaine urges borrowers to take action and seize the opportunities available.

“Contact us or visit us at Community Bank Sarina. We’re here to guide you on your financial journey so you can achieve those financial goals – and the home loan health check is a great place to start.”

If you want to achieve your financial goals, a free home loan health check with Community Bank Sarina could unlock opportunities to get you there sooner. Contact Charmaine and the team at Community Bank Sarina on 07 4943 2634.

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Sarina’s young achievers were in the spotlight last week at the Sarina State High School (SSHS) Annual Presentation Night.

Bringing together the school community, students were awarded for qualities such as academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to their school and the wider community.

Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank sponsored the Community Citizenship Role Model Awards (Grades 7-12), the Employment Ready Award, and the Excellence in Business Award.

Community Bank Sarina Deputy Chair Maree Franettovich said the awards overall are a way to recognise students for their diligent work and accomplishments, whilst also motivating students to reach their full potential.

The Community Citizenship Role Model Award acknowledges a student’s active participation in their school and broader community, looking to each grade level for students who are getting involved and giving back to their community.

The Employment Ready Award focuses on the student’s demonstration of employability skills, such as dependability, adaptability and resilience – while the Excellence in Business Award specified an outstanding contribution to the Business Technology Department, and enthusiastically participating in business activities outside of class time also.

“It was wonderful to see a celebration of the diverse talents and skills of our local young people. Community Bank Sarina is proud to support these awards – they are an opportunity to provide recognition, instilling confidence and belief in their abilities,” Ms. Franettovich said.

Community Bank Sarina also sponsored two $2000 SSHS Senior Schooling Scholarships for students entering grade 11 in 2024, which were presented to Jacob Adams and Sophie Steindl.

The selection criteria for the scholarships covered not just academic efforts, but also school and community engagement, plus personal and career goals.

Scholarship recipient Sophie said the scholarship relieved financial pressure for her family and was grateful for the generosity of Community Bank Sarina and the support of her parents to encourage her to apply.

“Scholarships like these are important as they help students like me receive opportunities in education that they might not of aimed for before. I hope to complete further education in the medical field after school as I have always loved helping people, and this scholarship is a helpful step towards these goals,” Ms Steindl said.

Scholarship recipient Jacob was “excited and happy” that this scholarship will give him the chance to get his name out in the community, and help him eventually chase a career in either sports, engineering, or both.

“I hope to continue studying after high school to become an engineer, and pursue my passion for sprinting and NRL.”

“It’s great that Community Bank Sarina gives back to their community through scholarships such as these, and I look forward to seeing what opportunities it brings,” Mr Adams said.

Community Bank Sarina also offer CQUniversity scholarships annually and applications for 2024 open November 1. For more information see the Community Bank Sarina Facebook page or contact executive@sarinacommunity.com.au.

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Meet the infamous duo, Elmo and Chicken Man, two men creating smiles in the Mackay region with their funky motorcycle helmets and dance moves in traffic.

Name: Ethan Grech (Grechy)

Handle: @motogrechy

Alias: Elmo

Age: 18

Origin: Mackay

Bike: Black Yamaha MT-07

Ethan Grech, better known by his crew as ‘Grechy’, is a born and raised Mackay local with a strong love for his region.

Growing up, he always wanted his motorcycle license and had a strong passion for bikes.

Mr Grech has many reasons for taking on the Elmo alias, from making his rides around town more entertaining for himself, as well as receiving positive reactions from the wider community. He likes to stand apart from the crowd and dare to be different.

“I guess I use the helmet as a logo or icon to show that it’s that rider there, who does all these things.” He stated.

“A lot of reactions are positive, but when you do something different you expect some to judge.

“I find that anything you do in life, there is always one out of one hundred that would judge or have their own negative view.

“But when I ride every day, I get about ten photos or videos from people with a bright smile behind the camera, so I will never stop because it benefits people’s lives from laughing.

“I see it as I show an example of kindness on the bike and making people laugh, people can do the same.”

Mr Grech inspired his group of friends to join the helmet trend and hopes to one day get himself to the stage of making himself more well-known, to the point that he is able to start up a charity.

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Name: Ryan De Jager

Handle: @ryanorigins

Age: 23

Alias: Chicken Man

Origin: South Africa

Bike: 1996 Yamaha Virago 535 – modified into a bobber

Ryan De Jager is a boilermaker by trade and is well-known by his alias as the ‘Chicken Man’. He loves to wear his helmet to ‘make people laugh and bring some joy to people and their kids.’

Mr De Jager commented that the reaction from the community has been ‘very positive’ and he loves to see the smiles and waving from people in traffic.

His favourite memory of his time doing this is when the group went for the first ride together, as well as being invited onto Star FM 101.9 radio station to be interviewed, in which he stated, “The interview was great, everyone was very kind, welcoming and very open and accepting of what we do.”

Mr De Jager was tossing and turning about his anonymity, but the effort and precautions required to stay anonymous would eventually become tedious, so he decided to just put a name to the face (or helmet).

The main thing he would like to address is that anyone is welcome to say hello and wave, take photos and videos and share them with him and the crew. However, it is important to always pay attention to the road and traffic around you.

Mr De Jager stated, “Don't get distracted by us and cause an accident, save saying hello for when you're stopped or at a red light.

“We would hate for our group of riders to be the cause of accidents.”

Elmo and Chicken Man aren’t the only riders taking part, with their group rocking a range of helmet covers, including a dragon, a unicorn and a bunny.

The pair love the special memories from people around the community, creating a positive atmosphere around Mackay and working hard to show how awesome the motorcycle community really is.

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Chicken Man and Elmo with his Yamaha MT-07. Photo credit: Raylene’s Reflections

Elmo and Chicken Man with his Yamaha Virago 535. Photo credit: Ethan Grech

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The 2023 Mackay Isaac Region Tourism Awards recently shone a spotlight on the outstanding accomplishments of local tourism operators, underlining their essential role in the region's economy. This prestigious event unfolded at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) with 172 attendees representing the region's tourism businesses and industry stakeholders.

Mackay Regional Council Deputy Mayor, Karen May, emphasised the importance of these awards in acknowledging those who continually elevate the local tourism industry and excel in a competitive field.

"All of the winners and finalists at this year’s awards are a fantastic example of the exceptional tourism experiences offered in our region," she said.

These businesses contribute to the community's growth by attracting investment, fostering sustainability, creating jobs, and enhancing the overall quality of life in the region.

In a year marked by tourism success, the Mackay Isaac Region saw record levels of domestic travel and an upsurge in business and events tourism. The Isaac Regional Council Mayor, Anne Baker, highlighted the awards' role in setting local tourism operators apart and boosting their profiles, helping attract more domestic and international visitors.

Al Grundy, the CEO of Mackay Isaac Tourism, extended his congratulations to the winners, praising the awards' significance in recognising commitment to tourism excellence and celebrating the remarkable achievements of businesses and individuals throughout the region. Grundy noted that these dedicated businesses and individuals have positioned tourism as a vital economic driver in the Mackay Isaac Region, bringing in substantial investments and generating numerous job opportunities.

WINNERS

Best of Queensland Tour

GOLD: Wildcat Mackay

SILVER: Sarina Sugar Shed

Best of Queensland Food & Dining

GOLD: The Flackyard

SILVER: Sarina Sugar Shed Café

Best of Queensland Camping & Caravan Accommodation

GOLD: Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park

SILVER: Discovery Parks Mackay

Best of Queensland Hotel & Motel Accommodation

GOLD: Ocean International

SILVER: Shamrock Gardens Motel

Festivals and Events

GOLD: St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend

Retail, Hire and Services

GOLD: Mt Pleasant Centre

Business Event Venues

GOLD: MECC

SILVER: Windmill Motel & Events Centre

Tour and Transport Operators

GOLD: Oh Deere Farm Tours

SILVER: Bush Heli Services

Restaurants and Catering Services

GOLD: Moss on Wood

Standard Accommodation

GOLD: Comfort Resort Blue Pacific

Deluxe Accommodation

GOLD: Rydges Mackay Suites

SILVER: Country Roads Motor Inn Dysart

Excellence in Food Tourism

GOLD: Sarina Sugar Shed

SILVER: The Flackyard

Mackay Isaac Tourism Service Recognition Award

GOLD: Murray Gibbs

Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group

GOLD: Friends of the MECC

Outstanding Contribution by an Individual

GOLD: Amanda Pelagalli

People's Choice Awards

GOLD: Shamrock Hotel

SILVER: Oh Deere Farm Stays

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Sarina Sugar Shed

Wildcat Mackay

The Flackyard

Mt Pleasant Centre

Comfort Resort Blue Pacific

MECC

Murray Gibbs

Amanda Pelagalli

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Mount Pleasant Centre took home the gold in the Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards for ‘Excellence in the Retail/Hire Services’ category.

MTP have worked diligently over recent years to define themselves as a community centre, with retailers catering to all needs from food to clothing and homewares.

The recent win has alluded that the Centre has plenty to offer both locals and visitors to our region, priding itself on holding community engagement at the forefront.

Two years ago, the Centre was bought by Fawkner Property with supporting the local community as a key pillar of the business, which has been shown through hosting regular events and community partnerships, such as NQ Rockin’ Country, Mackay Motor Show and Mackay Festival of Arts.

Mount Pleasant Centre offers unique experiences for all visitors, providing free or low-cost indoor activities and events.

The Centre partners with local charitable organisations to support them in their fundraising efforts, with events to promote these groups and help to raise vital funds.

Centre Manager Cathy Sullivan stated that the win brought ‘an extra smile to the already wonderful staff’, commenting, “We are honoured to have received this award from Mackay Isaac Tourism. The award recognises all that Mount Pleasance Centre has to offer for our local community and visitors to the region.”

The next six months will see new retailers joining the MTP family, offering even more variety for a one-stop shopping experience. Christmas is set to be bigger and better this year, so keep an eye out for upcoming details.

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(L-R) Marketing Manager Berta Collins and Centre Manager Cathy Sullivan of Mount Pleasant Centre

Photo supplied

Mount Pleasant Centre

Credit: queensland.com

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Cath and Nick uit den Bogaard are the owner and operator power couple behind Comfort Resort Blue Pacific, located on the golden sands of Blacks Beach.

Comfort Resort Blue Pacific won gold in the Standard Accommodation category at the 2023 Mackay Isaac Region Tourism Awards.

Established in the Northern Beaches area over forty years ago, the couple have proudly owned the property for twenty four years.

Since then, Comfort Resort has offered its variety of quality accommodations and services to a host of interstate, intrastate and overseas travellers.

The company has become the longest-running accommodation provider involved with Mackay Tourism, winning numerous awards for both their restaurant and accommodations.

For the past three consecutive years, Comfort Resort has won gold for the 3.5 Star Self-Contained Accommodation award category, as well as Hotel of the Year this year from their franchisee, Choice Hotels.  

Comfort Resort Blue Pacific is all about consistency in delivering a quality product to its customers. From guest experience to cleanliness of their units, the team goes above and beyond to provide exceptional service.

The accommodation has been refurbished three times over the past twenty four years, with the past twelve months seeing updates to verandas and the tennis court.

Owner and Operator Cath stated that the Resort’s recent award win gave all staff ‘ownership and self-pride’, stating “It motivates us to do better, especially good for our staff so they know their hard work is being rewarded.”

Comfort Resort Blue Pacific encourages the local community to book directly with the company, to receive great competitive rates for your next holiday.

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Comfort Resort Blue Pacific overlooks the beautiful Blacks Beach

One of many beautiful accommodations at Comfort Resort Blue Pacific

Photos supplied

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Amanda Pelagalli

Amanda Pelagalli, Managing Director of Wake House Australia and the creative mind behind Mackay Adventure Tours and Transfers, has received the 'Outstanding Contribution by an Individual' award at the Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards. Her journey from hosting pro wakeboarders to transforming Mackay's tourism landscape is a testament to the untapped potential of the region.

It all began in 2019 when Amanda and her husband, Dan, revived the wake park at Wake House Australia, one of only eight wake parks in the country. Hosting international pro wakeboarders meant they soon found themselves showcasing the region to their foreign guests. As these athletes explored the region's hidden gems, Amanda and Dan inadvertently became tour guides, offering experiences that piqued the interest of adventure seekers.

These experiences, as well as more than a few nights having someone camped on their couch, sowed the seeds for a grand vision: the establishment of Mackay Adventure Tours and Transfers and the Mackay Adventure Lodge. With an unwavering commitment to developing Mackay's reputation as an adventure haven, Amanda embarked on a journey that has significantly impacted the tourism industry in the region.

Today, Mackay Adventure Tours and Transfers offers a variety of tours, attracting tourists from around the world. The 'Beach Sunrise with the Wallabies' (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) and 'Platypus Paradise Tour' (Tuesday and Thursday) are among their popular offerings.

“Local referrals have been our biggest win,” Amanda said.

“Friends and family, hotels and motels, the Mackay Airport and Marina teams and the volunteers at the Information Centres have all helped to get the tours up and running to what they are today. Our departures are guaranteed so when people book they know the tour will run regardless.”

Yet, Amanda's influence goes beyond tourism. Her tours incorporate local artisans and small businesses, offering them a platform to thrive. Amanda believes that supporting one another is the key to positive change in the community. This approach has made her tours not just about tourism but also about community development.

“Transfers for Christmas parties to the Sarina Sugar Shed, The Flackyard and One Hungry Mumma in Finch Hatton have also been popular this year,” she added.

Her enthusiasm and commitment were rewarded with the 2023 Travellers' Choice Award from TripAdvisor, placing her tours in the top 10% of attractions worldwide. This recognition reflects the heartfelt feedback and reviews from delighted guests.

“A huge thank you goes to our tour guide, Michelle, who has worked hard to perfect the tour experience. The feedback we receive from travellers about Michelle is phenomenal.”

Amanda’s advocacy for Mackay as a thriving tourism hub is a call to action for others to join in shaping the region's future. As Amanda aptly puts it, “Mackay Issac Tourism CEO Al Grundy says it all the time, ‘an incoming tide rises all boats,’ highlighting the need for collective effort to elevate tourism in the region.

“The way we see it, you can sit on the sideline and complain that there is nothing to do in Mackay or you can be part of the change, it's as simple as supporting the people and businesses who are making the change.”

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Amanda and Dan at the Adventure Lodge

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Mackay Base Hospital is receiving a boost to its ability to identify cardiac issues thanks to Mackay Hospital Foundation and Daly Bay.

Local Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Specialist, Dr Stephen Luke, is attending a masterclass in Critical Care Transoesophageal Echocardiorgraphy in Europe, thanks to a grant from Daly Bay, coordinated by the Mackay Hospital Foundation.

One avenue to detect cardiac issues is a transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) which is a specialised procedure which can be performed at the patient’s bedside to get detailed images of the structures of a beating heart.

Similar to a gastroscopy, a probe is passed through the mouth and into the oesophagus which lies behind the heart. This process allows for a clearer picture of the heart than an ultrasound where images may be inhibited by other organs.

A transoesophageal echocardiogram enables a clear view of the heart structure such as the chambers and valves, while also evaluating blood flow and pressures within the heart.

Currently, only one doctor in Mackay is qualified to carry out this procedure so in the event that a patient requires this diagnostic test and the qualified doctor isn’t  

available, patients are then sent to Townsville where they could potentially wait some time for an appointment.

Dr Luke has undertaken post-graduate studies in Clinical Ultrasound to be qualified in this diagnostic testing procedure and thanks to Daly Bay, he will complete his practical studies in Europe in December.

Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager Kristi Algate said, “When Dr Luke first spoke with Mackay Hospital Foundation about the opportunity to attend a masterclass in Critical Care Transoesophageal Echocardiorgraphy in Europe, we approached Daly Bay for funding to cover the cost of the masterclass and knowing the benefits involved for our region, Daly Bay was very pleased to be a part of this opportunity.”

Daly Bay Senior Specialist Public Relations, Sharon Johnston, said the organisation aimed to fund opportunities that improved the liveability of Mackay.

“We are very glad Mackay Hospital Foundation approached us about the opportunity to fund the expansion of Dr Luke’s expertise, as this will provide improved health outcomes for the Mackay Region.

“The better our health services are in Mackay, the more likely people will want to live and stay in the region.”

Having a doctor in Mackay to be able to conduct this procedure is wonderful but having two doctors based in Mackay will add so many more benefits to cardiac patients in our region.

Dr Luke said, “The masterclass is conducted by the best of the best medical professionals in the northern hemisphere sharing experience from France, USA and Canada. It will be an amazing opportunity to learn from these people and  

unfortunately, this option isn’t currently available in Australia, so I appreciate Daly

Bay providing funding to allow me to do this.

“Some of the patients who would benefit from this procedure are those who have suffered cardiac arrest or heart failure, patients in severe respiratory distress such as with flu or COVID, and patients with heart valve infections resulting from sepsis.”

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Dr Stephen Luke

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

It has been excellent to see the recent news from the University of Queensland and Sugar Research Australia that a five-year collaboration has resulted in proof through a validation trial that genomic selection can successfully predict the performance of key sugarcane traits.

The technology promises to bring benefits to the industry, improving plant breeding outcomes and speeding up the implementation of genetic improvements.

In the announcement, SRA’s Executive Manager of Variety Development Dr Jason Eglinton said while other crop industries were also adopting genomic selection, the technology would probably have a bigger impact for sugarcane because of the plant’s biology.

“For the UQ team to develop the calibrations, algorithms and then to validate those predictions in field performance work is a significant step forward. Sugarcane is a perennial crop so ordinarily we would be growing a trial for three years over multiple crop cycles to test its performance. If you can have a shortcut like a DNA profile telling you something about its performance, we don’t just save a year, we save three years.”

Dr Eglinton has said the models and methods developed by the UQ team were already being deployed in commercial variety development by SRA.

From my point of view as a grower, for some time now productivity has generally been in decline, although we have seen some reasonable outcomes in years of suitable weather conditions, particularly rainfall.

Since the early 90s and the introduction of green cane harvesting and trash blanketing, the industry has been on the search for the next stepped change in increasing production. These findings, I believe, are a great boon for our industry and have the potential to see us making major advances in our breeding program.

When we as farmers talk about productivity, it's very easy to blame varietal development. But there is a huge amount of work that goes into selecting varieties that suit different climate patterns in different growing regions, varieties that perform well in difficult soils, plants that have disease resistant qualities. The SRA plant breeders in each region are selecting, years in advance to solve many productivity challenges.

It's a 10 to 12-year process to release a new variety, with thousands of seedlings and years of careful seedling selection and ratooning trials that look at traits for ratooning, disease resistance, milling performance and, of course productivity qualities.

In SRA's renowned plant breeding program, only a small percentage of varieties come through the trials to be released and then trialled by growers in their own conditions on farm.

As an important part of the process of release, new varieties need to pass an assessment of the data presented by SRA staff through a long process at a Regional Variety Committee, comprising representatives from CANEGROWERS, prod services, millers.

It's great to see this development in genomic selection and the work of the UQ research team led by Professor Ben Hayes, and the SRA Variety Development staff led by Dr Jason Eglinton, SRA Executive Manager of Variety Development.

Prof Hayes has indicated that genomic selection has the capacity “to accelerate gains for the sugarcane traits that determine INCREASED profit for growers”. The technology has been successfully applied in both dairy cattle and wheat, resulting in productivity gains for those sectors.

The sugarcane genome is one of the most complex plant crops with modern varieties containing between 110 and 120 chromosomes – more complex, surprisingly, than the human genome.

Research is also underway at UQ’s Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) to map the genome to pinpoint which genes are responsible for which traits and how genetic variation influences a plant’s composition and performance.

It is to be hoped that the introduction of this technology will support and refine the work of variety development and allow more precision in delivering the traits needed to build the industry's productivity in a shorter timeframe.

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Validation trial, first ratoon stage. Photo credit: SRA

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One of the questions you get asked a lot in real estate is: When is a good time to sell?

There are not many bad times to sell in Mackay but certain times of the year are very good for selling a property. This is one of them. The lead-up to Christmas from late October is a very active time for buyers.

One of the things sellers should be more aware of is the mind-set of buyers. Put yourself in their position. Imagine what would be going through your head if you were a buyer.

At any time of the year buyers are in the market for various reasons … divorce, marriage, downsizing, upgrading can all happen irrespective of the time of the year. So there really isn’t a bad time to be selling unless you have a property that is dramatically affected by the wet season.

But there are times of the year when there are some additional factors that create more interest among buyers,  generate more activity, greater energy.

So, what additional factors would be motivating buyers over the next six weeks or so?

The additional aspect relates to Christmas and the upcoming year and buyers wanting their plans in place and their lives conveniently set up.

Many of the people buying right now want to be in their new home for Christmas. When your plan is to have the kids/grandkids/parents/extended family having Christmas lunch by the pool at your new home on Christmas day … well there is a bit of extra motivation for locking in a place now.

The dates are important to factor in: in theory, the last day for a property to settle before Christmas this year is Friday the 22nd of December, although many law firms will probably close at lunchtime that day so the 21st is probably a better last-day option.

A bit earlier would make things easier but if a buyer wants to get the keys no later than the 21st of December and they have the normal 35-day settlement period, they would need to have a signed and dated contract by Thursday the 16th of November. Not long to go.

But sellers have not missed the boat. Plenty of other buyers want to get through Christmas without the hassle of moving into a new property but they want to be in a property before the end of January so they are set up for the year ahead.

Those buyers need to factor in Christmas and New Year closures for banks/law firms/real estate agents/building and pest inspectors, and the delays they cause, so you would need to factor in more than the usual 35-day settlement period.

But someone who buys a property on the 14th of December could have a 42-day settlement period and still get the keys on the 25th of January, providing everything goes smoothly. So the period between now and mid-December is hot in more ways than one.

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