Hi Readers

My name is Sam and I work alongside our Mackay editor Amanda, whom you would usually see here. Our hardworking editor is enjoying a break in America, so I’ll be sharing my thoughts in the opening pages of the paper until her return. Here goes.

I moved to Mackay in February, deciding to leave Brisbane after eight years. Life was good but I was in a routine. Things needed shaking up. I decided to move to Mackay for a lifestyle change, making the decision with no real job or plan other than to move into my cousin’s spare room. I was unbelievably lucky to land a job with the paper you hold in your hands.

This job has allowed me to achieve exactly what I had hoped for when leaving Brisbane. I wanted a career that would see me do more than sit in an office for eight hours a day. I wanted a profession that would allow me to explore the region and experience new things. I wanted a job where I could meet a variety of people and feel part of my community. In my seven-ish months in the gig, I feel I’m on my way to doing it all!

I’ve come to really appreciate the Mackay region in this time. The people are friendly. There are so many stunning natural surroundings to explore. The weekends are constantly jam-packed with plenty to do. Just this weekend, I spent a day watching people of all ages absolutely shred the Sugar Bowl at Rumble on the Reef, followed by an evening of music at Rhythm and The Reef that I probably wouldn’t have expected to see in Mackay before I moved here. You can see my photos on pages 18 and 19. My friends down south are constantly surprised at how happening Mackay is when I tell them my weekend plans!

I’ve had heaps of fun so far and I can’t wait for a summer of gigs, sport and unique events throughout the community.

If you have an event coming up please reach out to me!

Sam

‍

A Whitsunday Regional Councillor has been named as the new Chief Executive Officer of Mackay Isaac Tourism following a gruelling interview process which saw applicants from across the country vie for the job.

Al Grundy, has 26 years’ experience in tourism, operating an extensive charter boat company for much of the time and more recently becoming Chair of the Board for Tourism Whitsundays.

He was elected as division two councillor for Whitsunday Regional Council two and a half years ago and has now resigned from the position to pursue his dreams of leading a team and creating change within the industry.

Having already been equipped with the right skillset and his strong passion for the tourism industry, Mr Grundy says he is raring to go and already has a clear direction on how he will steer the organisation and region to greater heights.

“I am excited to be given this responsibility of leading the region and the team at Mackay Isaac Tourism,” he said.

“I hope my years of experience will be an asset and I look forward to meeting the industry and working closely with them to shine a spotlight on the best of what the Mackay Isaac region has to offer to the world!”

Al is no stranger to the Mackay Isaac area, having worked on a number of local Committees including the Mackay Isaac Whitsundays Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership for seven years and the Greater Whitsundays Council of Mayors Suicide Prevention Taskforce for 18 months.

“I already have links with Mayor Baker and Mayor Williamson, which really helped with my decision to take this role,” he said.

“I am looking forward to working within both Council areas, growing memberships and new opportunities both coastal and outback.”

Mackay Isaac Tourism Chair Councillor Justin Englert said he is confident the new appointment will bring tremendous strengths to not only the organisation but also the region.

“With new ideas, a fresh approach and innovative concepts, backed by a strong tourism marketing and business background, the organisation is in good hands,” he said.

“The board of directors at Mackay Isaac Tourism is excited about this new appointment and with Al’s significant background in the tourism industry, I am sure his ability to identify new opportunities will drive growth for our Mackay Isaac Region.”

Starting his role on Monday October 17, Al will reside in Mackay during the week, returning to the Whitsundays to be with his family on the weekends.

Current interim Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Tash Wheeler will be finishing shortly after Al commences the role.

Image: New Mackay Isaac Tourism Chief Executive Officer Al Grundy

‍

Image: Sony Camp provides unique opportunities to children with a disability. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Sony Camp wrapped up earlier this week with a show day incorporating rides, face painting, a petting zoo and smiles all around.

Mackay Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp is a unique program for young people in our region who have a disability hosted by Whitsunday Anglican School (WAS).

Running from Saturday to Monday, it provided 16 Mackay campers the opportunity to go ‘on camp’ for three days of fun-filled action including swimming, dancing, remote control car racing, gymnastics, a visit from fire fighters and police officers, drumming, games and finishing with show day activities.

Sixty WAS students between years eight and 12 volunteered over the weekend, with year 11 students taking on the crucial and exciting role of primary companions and carers.

WAS Dean of Service and Global Learning Trisha McHugh says this time provides their families and carers valuable reprieve and much-needed time out.

“It’s (the opportunity for) our students at WAS to provide some respite to our community for people who have children with a disability,” Ms McHugh said.

“They have been looking after the camper as if they were a brother or sister.

“We appreciate the fact that parents are entrusting their children to us to look after, and I also appreciate the fact that our students have given up so much and parents have given up so much of their time so that we can run the event.”

Now in its eighth year, WAS Principal Andrew Wheaton says the weekend was a success apparent through the smiles on the faces of the campers.

“We feel that it’s a true transformational service opportunity where our students are really giving back to the community and providing that much needed respite for families of students with a disability,” Mr Wheaton said.

Year 11 student Clancy Morgan volunteered at Sony Camp last year and took the opportunity to step up as a companion this year.

“It has been a great experience,” she said.

“I’ve been looking after Cooper … and just seeing the smile on his face, it’s been amazing.

“He’s very independent, which is good, but if he needs anything we’re always there.

“It’s just amazing to see what some families have to do every day.”

‍

Breaks World Record By Running 50km A Day For 15 Days

Well-known Sarina mum of three, Sammy Coles, has just smashed a world record, completing an Ultra Marathon every day for 15 days and earning herself a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

With the motto that “life just happens” and “it’s never going to be the right time”, Sammy embarked on the challenge (which took her eight hours a day) while also simultaneously working full time, raising three kids and walking the dogs.

Image: Ultra runner Sammy Coles (right) with Billy and Courtney who officiated running times

‍

An Ultra Marathon World Record Breaker

Last Thursday Sarina mum of three, Sammy Coles, broke the world record for running an Ultra Marathon every day for over two weeks.

In a twist of fate, her title was overtaken by another opponent just one day after she secured the record but despite this, Sammy said she was thrilled to accomplish such an incredible feat which saw her run a total 795 kilometres (53 kilometres a day) for 15 days.

Still pumped from her victory, Sammy says she is eager to see how far she can go with besting the new record which is now set at 22 days.

“I’d love to beat it!” she said.

“My body held up so well and I paced myself the whole way, I knew I had the fitness to do it and I would love to go longer next time.”

While most competitors would train and set aside time to achieve a challenge of this magnitude, Sammy worked full time taking classes at the gym.

She would then race home to start each Ultra Marathon which would take her on average eight hours a day, jogging along a 10 kilometre circuit around her home.

“Life just happens!” said Sammy.

“There is no perfect timing, you’re never going to be in the mood, you just have to do it!”

Sammy was only allowed to break for a maximum of eight minutes after each round and often took the dogs for a run while she completed one of her circuits, she also found the time to feed her children and take her son for a spin to clock up some hours on his P plates.

This was not her first taste of endurance running, Sammy had previously competed in the Irrational East challenge which saw her run for 98 hours straight, 330 kilometres through the Wilderness in Adelaide.

“I had the fitness level to do this too, but you never know how your body will hold out and on that occasion, it was the second toe on my left foot that cramped.”

Next-up Sammy is looking forward to conquering the Triple Crown – which involves completing three 200-mile races within a six month period.

Despite the massive amount of endurance, physical ability and mental strength it takes to run this far, Sammy said that she thinks anyone can do it.

“I honestly feel like this is something anyone could do,” she said.

“You just have to believe in yourself.”

Sammy would like to say thank you to her closest supporters: Lauren Matthews, Sarah Brown, Tammy Vaiga and her partner Thian Bardnard.

‍

The whole community is invited to attend the St Catherine’s Catholic College Community Carnival due to be held at the beginning of October.

A lively family affair, there will be a host of rides, stalls, games and competitions on offer.

These include an animal petting zoo, dance and music performances, Moo Poo Bingo and a donut eating competition.

There will also be a live performance from student and local musician Noah Robertson who will be playing at the Main Marquee on the oval from 2pm.

With lots of prizes up for grabs in the silent auction, cent sale and raffle, attendees will have the opportunity to win a framed and signed 2021 North Queensland Cowboys NRL jersey, a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, accommodation, beauty, and dining vouchers to name a few.

There will also be one lucky winner who will walk away with $1000 cash in the lucky door prize, kindly donated by Whitsunday Transit.

Children of all ages will also love jumping on the fair ground rides and convincing their parents to buy them a showbag!

Four-hour ride passes running from 11am-3pm are available for purchase by contacting the College on 4945 1414.

Passes cost $30 pre-sale or $35 on the day.

St Catherine’s Principal Luke Thomson said the carnival will be a wonderful event to bring families together.

“With many new families starting at our College, it gives them an opportunity to connect and have fun as a family.”

WHAT: Community Carnival

WHEN: Saturday, October 9

WHERE St Catherine’s Catholic College

‍

There are countless benefits to making Pilates part of your health and wellness routine for both your body and your mind.

Pilates is for everybody, regardless of gender, age, race, size, ability or fitness level.

The Pilates Method is made up of over 600 exercises and variations meaning there’s something for everyone, whether you have a sedentary lifestyle, are a weekend warrior, are pregnant, are undergoing rehab, have anxiety or are a professional athlete.

Studies have shown that Pilates improves quality of life by having a positive effect on depression and pain, most notably decreasing back pain.

Pilates is an exercise program that benefits your core muscles, including your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and glutes.

These muscles will be strengthened and become leaner as you continue with your Pilates Journey.

You will also notice increased flexibility in your body.

As your muscles become toned and fat dissipates, you can expect to feel more energized throughout the course of the day.

When you strengthen your muscles, you also increase your resting metabolic rate, helping you lose weight and stay toned even when you’re not exercising.

Though there is an emphasis on core work, core strength alone is not the end goal.

Rather, using that core strength to develop functional and sustainable movement patterns throughout the body is the goal.

“Pilates aligns your entire body’s overall structure and supports its joints,” said Core Defined Pilates and Fitness Studio Instructor Unica Estabillo.

“What appears to look simple can be deceptively challenging and incredibly effective when done correctly with good form.”

The optimal strength gained from a consistent Pilates practice is nonrigid, balancing strength with mobility and flexibility.

It helps you move and breathe through your daily activities with more freedom and power and less pain.

And it’s not just about physical health — Pilates has benefits for your mental wellbeing too.

The benefits overlap and are the result of the influence and connection of the whole body.

Core Defined Pilates and Fitness Studio offer Pilates classes taught by qualified instructors, who will ensure you follow your individual program whether in a one-on-one or in our group "All Levels" class.

“Whether you’re seeking to feel better, tone up, build muscle and bone density, Pilates can positively affect your quality of life,” said Unica.

To find out more, jump online and book now at www.coredefinedpilates.com.au.

Image: Pilates can help you shape your body and core and help you feel better and have more energy in your day-to-day activities. Photo supplied: Unica Estabillo

‍

Getting your kid into day care has become like the hunger games in Mackay!

Who knew I would feel like I had won the lottery when I got the call to say my daughter had been accepted into a day care.

Are we all just getting a little freakier in the sheets these days so there are more babies around? Or has it always been like this and I’m only just learning about it?

The good news for those who live in the Northern Beaches is that there is apparently a new day care being built in between the millions of petrol stations out there, woohoo! Also, the days of taking your first child out of day care while you were on maternity leave for your second are gone, unless you want to risk losing your spot completely and moving to the bottom of the list.  

The other day I made a phone call to a local school to ask about enrolments even though my daughter is at least three years away from starting school, yes, I’ve gone crazy. But with the day care situation the way it is around town, I’m wondering what happens when all these babies grow up!

Will getting them into school be just as difficult?

If anyone has any tips on best schools, and ways to get your child into a decent one, please feel free to ring the show and share your wisdom, I need it!

‍

A former colleague of mine used to love telling the story about his pathway to becoming a journalist.

In his last year of high school his parents, worried about his lack of apparent talent or skills in any particular area, went to see a wise older family friend and asked what he thought their son should do for a career.

“Is he any good at anything?” The family friend asked. “No, he is no good at anything,” the parents replied.

Friend: “So he’s no good at maths, science, no good with his hands? He can’t make things, he can’t fix cars or shine at anything?”

Parents: “No, he can’t do anything.”

Friend: “So, he’s completely hopeless. He’s absolutely useless at everything?”

Parents: “Yes, he’s absolutely useless.”

“Well,’’ the friend said, “there’s nothing else for it … he’ll have to be a journalist.”

The family friend helped arrange an internship at a local community newspaper.

There are certain careers that have unorthodox pathways and real estate is definitely one of them.

Most people go into real estate after having a career doing something else. At Gardian we have a former school teacher, a former travel agent, a former mechanic, a former veterinary nurse, a former pharmacy CEO and a former pub manager among others.

Those who find their way into real estate and succeed tend to be good communicators who get on well with other members of the human race. They want to get a good result for their clients.

It is a difficult career to break into because it is a commission-based model and if you don’t sell properties you don’t make money … and sellers don’t usually want to use someone inexperienced. A vicious cycle.

One way around that is working as a buyer’s agent. As a buyer’s agent, you don’t have the pressure to get listings …  you need to find the buyers.

I work with a young woman, Skye Bettridge, who is a buyers’ agent who works hard to try and match our properties with buyers.

Skye works closely with me and with the buyers, answering their questions and getting them the information they need. She does a lot of the leg work, going with buyers to different properties, constantly sending them information.

It’s my job to get the listings and help her with buyers but, as she gets more experienced, she has started to come across buyers who also want to sell and we can help them both buy and sell a property.

It’s great for buyers because as a team we can do much more, great for sellers who have a team actively looking for buyers for their property, great for me because Skye helps me reach many more buyers and great for Skye because she gets to break into an industry and learn about it as she goes without the pressure of having to get listings.

There’s definitely a career pathway for bright young people.

‍

I know what you’re going to say.

I’m at work all day, so I don’t have the time. I’m looking after my kids, so I don’t have the time. I’m just so tired from everything that I don’t have the motivation, nor the time.

How can I incorporate exercise into my crazy, tight schedule?

Start small.

As little as 15 minutes of light activity a day can improve your health (and your life expectancy).

Exercise can be a silver bullet for a large swath of life’s problems. In addition to improving mood and shedding extra pounds, being physically active on a regular basis helps prevent and manage a wide range of health problems, including stroke, type two diabetes, depression (which we covered in-depth last week) – and the list goes on and on.

Several 10-minute workouts spread across a week are just as effective as a longer duration workout – as long as they add up to 150 minutes of physical activity a week.

So instead of changing your schedule abruptly, try incorporating small bits of exercise throughout your busy workday.

Start A Morning Routine

Beginning your day with a little bit of movement is an excellent way to wake up the body and mind, as well as get the juices flowing.

So, what can you do?

• Morning stretches. Experts emphasise that stretching in the morning improves posture, relieves pain and aches in your body, as well as increases body flow.

• Short bodyweight workouts. Doing energizing movements like jumping jacks or bicycles works as a dynamic stretch for the body, as well as elevate the heart rate.

• Morning yoga. A great choice for those who need to find their Zen, as well as deal with stressful deadlines. Practicing yoga in the morning helps to maintain a calm mind and set a tone for the day.

Exercise at the End of the Workday

It can be as little as 15-minutes.

• Aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, jogging, biking, dancing, tennis, swimming.

• Lower-intensity exercise, such as yoga, also shows potential benefits when it comes to mood and reduces anxiety.

‍

For most people living with neck and back problems or regular headaches, it could actually be your spine alignment that is causing much of the pain.

A consultation with a chiropractor can help you with any issues and Dr Tim Harris from Whitsunday Spine Care in Cannonvale is ready to offer his professional assistance.

“It’s super important for everyone to have a functioning spine,” said Dr Harris.

“If you’re spine isn’t functioning it can affect how you move and how you live your life.

“Often, people get used to how they feel and that becomes a new normal, they don’t realise how much better they can function until they come and see me.”

Dr Harris opened the Cannonvale clinic in May and has since established a regular client base.

He has been a practicing Chiropractor for four years and living in the region for almost three.

Meeting his partner in Brisbane while he was studying, the pair moved up to Airlie Beach together and have a little six-month-old daughter.

In his leisure time he likes to keep fit and attends F45 in Airlie, he also enjoys taking his two ‘naughty staffies’ for a walk as much as possible.

A deeply caring person, Dr Harris enjoys working closely with all his patients and listening to their stories so he can form a holistic approach to his treatment practices.

“I try to take the time to make it all about the patient,” he said.

“Taking the bigger picture into consideration really helps me to treat the whole person.”

Image: Dr Tim Harris from Whitsunday Spine Care

‍

An entirely free family fun day event saw massive crowds turn out at Mullers Lagoon in Bowen last weekend, each of whom enjoyed a scorching day of weather backed by entertainment and games.

Bowen Neighbourhood Centre and Cooinda’s Family Fun Day packed the parklands on Saturday, kicking the school holidays into gear for kids and families alike.

There was plenty of entertainment from a petting zoo to sensory tables, amusement rides to face painting, and games and activities galore kept the children entertained from morning to midday.

A colour run ended the days celebrations, with kids cruising around the park and being painted with colour, and Bowen Fire Service turning on their water jets to cool off the kids in the 30-degree weather.

Aside from the entertainment, there were plenty of local organisations who hosted stalls highlighting their services and contributions to the local community: Bowen Flexi Care, Bowen Zonta Club, Bowen PCYC, Girudala, and many more.

Bowen Neighbourhood Centre Coordinator, Stephanie Cora said she couldn’t thank the services enough for their support, as well as Abbot Point Operations and the Queensland Government for their funding.

‍

Over 250 people attended the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre’s R U OK? Day where the local organisation spread the message of meaningfully connecting and lending support.

The event on Thursday, September 8, was by far the largest ever held at the centre, with attendance no doubt bolstered by a fantastic array of vintage cars on display proving a popular drawcard.  

Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre Coordinator, Stephanie Cora said alongside the cars were free giveaways.

“For those who came along there was free coffee and cupcakes, a free sausage sizzle, free raffles, and a lot of free resources and promotional items with details on where to find help if needed,” Ms Cora said.

“The services that attended all promote good mental health within our community and this event provided an opportunity for them to create greater awareness and promotion of the support which they can provide.”

Ms Cora thanked Whitsunday Regional Council for their sponsorship, which she said had made it possible for the centre to host this extremely successful R U Ok day event.  

Organisations that attended on the day included representatives from Whitsunday Counselling and Support and Real Mates Talk, who contributed to the success in raising awareness for mental health issues.

They were flanked by stalls from Feros Care and Ideal Placements – both of which celebrate diverse and unique clients with disabilities.

Backed by the R U OK? harm prevention charity, the event was a major success for the community group, who hope to continue growing awareness and local participation.

‍

PCYC Bowen’s R.U.B.Y Crew have been stepping up their neighbourhood engagement this year and were lucky enough to be a part of the Don River Dash in their latest community outing.

The R.U.B.Y crew – which has been running for 11 years and stands for Respecting and Uniting Bowen Youth - put together the participant gift bags given out to all the racers at the Community Night held on the Friday before races began.

PCYC Bowen Manager and Police Sergeant Michelle O’Regan said she was extremely proud of the R.U.B.Y Crew for putting together the competitor bags over the months leading up to the event.

“They wanted to show the benefits of our wider region in their own initiative and spoke with Bowen Tourism and Business, as well as other businesses in town about making these bags,” Sergeant O’Regan said.

“They were very excited to promote Bowen businesses to those competitors and teams.”

Sergeant O’Regan said the youngsters – between the ages of 12 and 18 – doorknocked at local businesses, introducing themselves and explaining what they were trying to achieve.

“It’s great confidence building and it became a layered approach for skills and personal development for these young people,” she said.

The visitor bags were supported by multiple businesses across Bowen, including major input from Lowcock Builders.

The Crew attended the Don River Dash Community Night where they helped organisers and were even lucky enough to visit the Patriot Games TV site on Pit Lane, spending some time with the amazing crew.

“It’s excellent to be developing sociably responsible young people who understand the value of being involved in the community,” Sergeant O’Regan said.

‍

One of the region’s largest race-days is getting set to shoot out from the gates with Bowen Turf Club preparing for the annual Bowen Cup in early October.

The Turf Club, which has been holding regular race meets for over 150 years, is looking forward to adding another major race event to its tally on Saturday, October 8.

In past years, the Bowen Cup has hosted in excess of three thousand attendees, and visitors aplenty are expected to make their way to Ben Bolt Park for this year’s iteration of “The Race That Stops The Whitsundays”.

One of the region’s biggest social events of the year will host five local races, complete with TAB and on-track bookmakers, a licenced bar, food vendors, and everyone’s favourite: Fashion on the Field.

Ladies (and gentlemen) will be out in their Saturday best for a race-day that’s promising to be one of the club’s finest.

Bowen Turf Club President Stephen Daley said the early ticket sales and table lock ins are already promising for this year to be huge.

“We’ve got a good problem to have: figuring out where to stick all the people! It’s going to be an enormous day for the whole district, like it always is,” Mr Daley said.

“The track’s in terrific order, it’s going to be a normal five race card with nominations, and we’ve opted for it to be an over 18 day again because last year was very successful.

Mr Daley said there’ll be quite a few local horses racing on the day, each ridden by jockeys from Mackay and Townsville.

Fashion on the Field will this year be run by Filby’s Motors, where there’s already been a great deal of interest from local ladies

“We’re looking forward to the whole day. It’s one of the biggest events in Bowen and it’s great for the community, even Airlie Beach and Proserpine support us immensely,” Mr Daley said.

“Last time was a great day out and if we can peak that performance, we’ll be very happy.”

‍

Are you or someone you know, suffering from suicidal thoughts, struggling to process, or grieving from a loss of a loved one? If so, don’t do it alone, reach out to the free counselling service available right here in Bowen.

Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) offer free counselling across the Whitsundays with Megan Mattingley who will be the voice you hear as soon as you dial the local number.

Having worked at Relationships Australia for the past 13 years, Megan now has her own business which makes her flexible and available to help.

From immediate assistance over the phone to video consultations and even home visits, there are plenty of avenues for you to receive help.

“Counselling can cost a lot of money for people to access and there’s usually a long wait-list,” said Megan.

“I can look after you sooner rather than later and when I answer the phone, I am equipped to know what to do.”

Helping people manage their expectations of grief and using education to remove the stigma associated with suicide, Megan shows clients how to process their emotions.

From there, she will assist with creating a support plan of self-care strategies by using tangible tools, such as journal writing or going for a walk.

If you are a parent or relative who is worried about a loved one, Megan can also tell you how best to handle the situation and what to say.

If you are worried about a loved one or if this article has raised any issues for you please call one of the following support services.

Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network 07 4945 2858

Headspace Whitsundays 07 4842 6760

Lifeline 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Image: Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network Counsellor Megan Mattingley

‍