Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
A new guide to walking the Whitsundays has been launched by the family behind the region's much-loved boating "Bible", following more than a decade of research, island adventures and one broken ankle. Published by Windward Publications, Walking The Whitsundays – A Guide to 45 Island and Mainland Walks is a 304-page guide covering 45 walks across the Whitsunday islands, Airlie Beach, Conway National Park and Bowen. Designed as the hiking companion to 100 Magic Miles, it features maps, photographs, elevation profiles and practical information, alongside insights into the region's history, wildlife, geology and culture. Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth said the book encourages visitors and locals to discover another side of the region. "Walking The Whitsundays encourages people to slow down, explore more deeply and experience a different side of the landscapes, stories and natural beauty that make this region so special," Mr Booth said. Anthony Colfelt said the book grew naturally from a lifetime of walking the Whitsundays with his family. "The walks have always been a big part of our sailing trips," he said. "We have long wanted to include more about them in 100 Magic Miles, but quickly realised they deserved a book in their own right because they are not just for boaties. These walks are for everybody." The guide includes national park island walks, resort island walks and selected mainland tracks around Airlie Beach, Conway National Park and Bowen, including the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail and the new Ngaro Track on Whitsunday Island. The Colfelts began researching the project in 2011, exploring the islands by boat, camping and walking as many tracks as possible while continuing to update new editions of 100 Magic Miles. The project wasn't without setbacks. While photographing Coral Cove on Hamilton Island, Emma Colfelt slipped on a wet rock and broke her ankle, requiring surgery and a lengthy recovery. Much of the book's writing and historical research was completed from bed while she recovered. "Having the book to focus on helped me cope with the pain after surgery and the weeks stuck in bed," she said. Anthony Colfelt said the accident became part of the story behind the book. "It was a reminder that this book was a real family effort," he said. "Researched on foot, refined around the kitchen table and, at one point, written from a sick bed." The guide also explores the Whitsundays' rich history, from the enduring connection of the Ngaro, Gia and Juru people to Country through to early settlers and the pioneers of island tourism. Alongside local stories and wildlife observations, it features previously unpublished historical photographs and images by photojournalist Sharon Smallwood, capturing a side of the region many visitors never experience. Emma Colfelt said she hoped the guide would encourage more people to explore the Whitsundays on foot. "We hope the book inspires people to explore, helps them know what to expect, and enriches their experience of this special place," she said. Walking The Whitsundays – A Guide to 45 Island and Mainland Walks is available now for $49.95 from The Beach Book Boutique in Airlie Beach, News Whitsunday in Cannonvale, Trader Pete's on Hamilton Island, selected local outlets and online at 100magicmiles.com. Photo Captions: Left: Emma and Anthony Colfelt at Whitsunday Cairn, one of the walks featured in the Walking The Whitsundays book. Photograph credit: Felix Colfelt Right: Emma after breaking her ankle during research for the book. Photograph credit: Windward Publications
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To celebrate NAIDOC Week 2026, a few Bowen State High School Students were asked the question: What does NAIDOC mean to you and why is it important to celebrate? Bowen State High School celebrates every year with a full day of activities, awards, and reflection. Bella Walters (Year 12 Student and 2026 NAIDOC Awardee) What I love most about NAIDOC is seeing everyone come together to celebrate and learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. It creates a sense of belonging, respect and pride while strengthening our school community. NAIDOC is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to celebrate my culture, honour the strength and resilience of my ancestors, and share the stories and traditions that have been passed down through generations. It reminds me of where I come from and inspires me to carry my culture forward with pride. I'm proud to represent my culture and show that our history, knowledge, and traditions that continue to thrive. Being able to share my culture with others and help build understanding makes me feel proud to be a First Nations student at Bowen State High School. I hope I lead by showing kindness, respect, and pride in who I am. I want other First Nations students to know they can embrace their culture and chase their goals while staying connected to their identity. Havana Power (Year 9 student and Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation Finalist) To me NAIDOC is a time to celebrate and honour the cultures, histories, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s a reminder of the importance of listening and learning about cultures, languages, and stories for future generations. For me it’s an opportunity to learn and show respect to one of the world’s oldest continuing cultures. It’s a time to acknowledge the challenges they have faced and continue to overcome. NAIDOC celebrations at Bowen State High School is a fun, welcoming time when the whole school celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Some of my favourites include Cultural Ceremonies, Memorial Awards and Community Engagement. This honours and celebrates First Nations culture by bringing students, families, and local Traditional Owners together to promote reconciliation and educate the next generation. Photo captions: Photo 1- Bella Walters Photo 2- Havana Powers Photo Supplied: Robert Harris
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St Catherines Catholic College Year 10s return from school holidays to a week of work experience, set to gear the kids with practical skills and potential taste of the future. The week-long placements form part of the college's Year 10 careers education program, with students spending the year exploring future pathways before stepping into the workplace. This matches local businesses and students, giving them the chance to experience potential career paths before choosing their senior subjects and looking into future study options. “We find that it can lead to better decision-making in their pathway through year 11 and 12 and beyond,” said Tundi Gosselink, VET, Career and Pathways leader. Before students step into a workplace, they're encouraged to explore where their interests and strengths might best fit. Through careers classes, psychometric testing and interviews with people already working in different industries, students begin narrowing down potential career paths before selecting a placement. "It's a really difficult conversation to have, so in preparation they investigate different careers, their own interests and strengths, and how those match different professions,” Mr Gosselink said. The students can pick from the likes of tourism, to trades, admin, agriculture or in the case of Gabby Appleton, animal care. Gabby started her first day at Great Whitsundays Vet this week and can already see herself pursue it as a long-term career. “I think it's more valuable because you're actually doing the job,” Gabby said. “I'm planning on finishing grade 12, then hopefully going to uni and becoming a vet.” Photo caption: Gabby hanging out with her new Furry Friends at Great Whitsundays Vet. Photo Supplied: Gabby Appleton
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Two Bowen State High School students are being recognised during NAIDOC Week after earning places in Indigenous university programs, giving the next generation of First Nations students a glimpse of what university can offer. Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Foundation (QATSIF) scholarship recipients Mary-Ellen Kusu and Kenzie Andersen were selected from a competitive field to attend winter schools at Bond University and James Cook University respectively. "The girls have embraced the opportunity to explore university life,” said Bowen State High School Principal Robert Harris. “Their willingness to leave home to attend these residential camps reflect their commitment to achieving their future goals.” Mary-Ellen attended the 2026 National Indigenous Business School at Bond University on the Gold Coast, enabling her ability to develop a career while strengthening her cultural identity. During this program, she took part in activity pitching ways to improve indigenous inclusion for the 2032 Olympic Games, where her team put together a winning performance. Kenzie attended the JCU Indigenous Winter Program, participating in lectures and practical health workshops, including CPR, first aid and midwifery simulations. She achieved a perfect score on a nursing assignment, confirming nursing is the career she wants to pursue. Photo captions: Photo 1- Mary-Ellen Kusu Photo 2- Kenzie Anderson Photo supplied: Robert Harris
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Andrew Willcox prides himself on listening to his constituents and being the voice of his electorate, so over a year into his tenure, the Federal Member for Dawson is conducting Dawson’s Biggest Survey.
Mr Willcox said the survey is another way to get to know the needs of the Dawson community.
“It’s a pleasure to work with people, community groups and local businesses to get outcomes for our community,” he said.
“And I know that I’m most effective when I have a clear understanding of what’s important to Dawson residents.
“Even though I’m always out and about, whether it's at markets, shows, mobile offices, or community events, Dawson’s Biggest Survey is reaching people digitally.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for Dawson residents to have their voice heard … with just a click.”
Covering a wide range of topics, the survey quizzes participants on everything from national security to the cost of living.
All Dawson residents who complete the survey will be put into a draw to win one of five $100 grocery gift cards.
“For the lucky winners, I know it’ll be a much-needed hand-up in the worsening cost-of-living crisis,” Mr Willcox said.
The survey is live right now at AndrewWillcox.com.au/biggest-survey.
Moranbah residents now have local access to a range of mental wellbeing and suicide prevention services as not-for-profit charity, selectability, opened the doors to a dedicated facility.
The initiative, made possible through funding from the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s (BMA) Community Resilience Project, provides a central location for those across the region to access support and information and connect to a range of early intervention programs.
selectability regional coordinator Keri Webster said the opening of the new facility will provide locals access to services that previously have been unavailable.
“When we were in the early stages of planning the service we carried out extensive community consultation,” said Keri
“A part of this was a survey of locals and 89 per cent of respondents believed there was a need for a dedicated facility and programs locally.
“In addition, 78 per cent said they knew someone who would have benefited from our services in the past 12 months.
“A key focus of the three-year program is creating a Mental Health Hub and working to build community resilience, promote mental health awareness and improve help seeking behaviour across the region,” said Keri.
BMA Head of Health Safety and Environment Adam Webb said BMA was delighted to work with selectability to deliver an initiative vital to the communities they operate in.
“We are committed to working with the communities where we operate to ensure they are supported with appropriate, sustainable and accessible services that meet the individuals living and working locally,” he said.
“We understand that there is a need for mental wellbeing and suicide prevention services across regional Queensland and BMA is pleased to be partnering with selectability in addressing this gap.
“Through this three-year program selectability aims to create a sustainable community peer support network to support the ongoing resilience of this diverse region.”
The Mental Health Hub, on Apppleton St, Moranbah, has an open-door policy for anyone seeking support for their mental health or experiencing isolation or loneliness.
A mental health hub by selectability was opened in Moranbah last week. L-R: Life Coach Kayla Sutton and selectability Regional Coordinator Keri Webster. Photo Supplied: selectability
redhotblue, a creative agency with more than 25 years of industry experience, has been honoured as the Creative Agency of the Year 2023 by the Australian Enterprise Awards.
The local agency's expertise in strategic digital marketing and creative content development has consistently delivered tangible results, empowering local businesses and fuelling community growth.
With a trailblazing spirit and an insatiable hunger for innovation, redhotblue has captivated audiences and transformed brands, solidifying their position as a champion of the creative realm.
Sofi Bajor, Senior Editor of the Australian Enterprise Awards said, “Not only is redhotblue championing in the realm of marketing, advertising, and branding, but it is holding the torch for future generations to come.”
To be recognised as the Creative Agency of the Year, consolidates that by cultivating intelligent creativity, redhotblue creates original and bespoke work that stands in a league of its own.
With an emphasis on fostering authentic relationships and creating without limits, redhotblue has pioneered innovative creative strategies that engage and inspire the local community. Their approach goes beyond traditional marketing tactics, incorporating grassroots initiatives, personal connection, regional content, and industry knowledge to resonate with audiences on a deeper level.
“We’re always our client’s biggest advocates,” said Founder and Director, Jody Lee Euler.
“Marketing is not only about getting deep into the psychology and habits of a client’s audience, but also fostering the integrity of a brand and ensuring its true authenticity shines through.
“That is always our number one priority.”
A standout recent campaign created by redhotblue was a community awareness campaign with the Queensland Police that focuses on and encourages behavioural change around domestic violence.
redhotblue has also had their campaigns featured on global advertising platform ‘Ads of The World’, alongside brands like Adidas, Heinz, and McDonalds.
Through strategic digital marketing, creative content development, and targeted local outreach, the agency consistently raises awareness, enhances brand recognition, and gains tangible results for their clients.
redhotblue Founder and Director, Jody Lee Euler, featured on the cover of APAC Insider after redhotblue was named Creative Agency of the Year 2023 by the Australian Enterprise Awards
Choral Fanfare is back on stage in 2023 with a Mackay school being amongst the five primary and five secondary school choirs being selected for this year’s state final.
Almost 10,000 students from 213 choirs took part in a series of regional festivals held across Queensland, with the final ten choirs set to perform in Brisbane next month.
The biennial Choral Fanfare program began in 2001 and gives students an amazing opportunity for performance experience, development of teamwork skills and well-deserved recognition.
Education Minister Grace Grace said she is delighted to see Choral Fanfare return to the stage this year.
“After watching it online in 2021, it is wonderful to see these amazingly talented young people back in the spotlight where they belong,” she said.
“To be given an opportunity to perform as one of 10 choirs at the state final is quite an achievement and I commend all 213 choirs who performed at regional festivals this year.
“Queensland state schools’ reputation in the field of music is outstanding and it is extremely exciting to see the level of interest in school-based choral music programs.”
Choirs of all levels take part in regional festivals to gain valuable experience as well as receive feedback from professional adjudicators and watch other choirs perform.
Fitzgerald State School Principal Tracey Adams said the school is very honoured to receive this award.
“Our choir, conductor and accompanist have applied themselves with great enthusiasm throughout the first semester to put this performance together. Everyone really enjoyed performing for the adjudicators, parents and fellow students and sharing their love of singing,” Ms Adams said.
“The Senior Choir performed this year at the Kodaly Mackay Choral Festival as part of a multi-school massed choir and the Regional Fanfare Finals in Mackay.
“Students are also looking forward to performing in the school cultural evening and the Mackay Eisteddfod this term. This is the second time that a Fitzgerald Senior Choir has been invited to perform at the Creative Generation Choral Fanfare State Final, the previous time being in 2019."
The state finalists will now perform for adjudicators at the primary and secondary state final concerts at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University on Tuesday 22 August 2023.
This year’s performance has added significance, with the state final set to be held live for the first time since 2019.
Tickets to the Fanfare 2023 primary and secondary state final concert are now on sale and can be purchased online through QTIX.
Primary school state finalists
Brookfield State School (Brisbane) Senior Choir
Fitzgerald State School (Mackay) Senior Choir
Kurwongbah State School (Moreton Bay) Kurwongbah Senior Singers
The Gap State School (Brisbane) Senior Choir
Wilston State School (Brisbane) Wilston Wonders Senior Choir
Fitzgerald State School has been selected for the 2023 Choral Fanfare state final
The culmination of a fantastic Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival saw over 500 people walk into a magical wonderland Literary Dinner last Friday evening, one that was decorated with fluffy white clouds and bright white star lanterns.
Keynote speaker, political commentator, and comedian Annabel Crabb, enthralled the audience with her personal and deeply moving life story, creating a worthy end to an exceptional event.
This was the 19th annual Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival and over 16,000 tickets were sold from the 65 schools that participated in the two-day immersive, interactive, and educational literary festival.
More than 5,000 students attended, including 500 children from remote and regional schools who were kindly sponsored by the Winchester Foundation.
This is the 10th year in a row that the foundation has sponsored rural students and during that time over 4000 have attended.
Of course, one of the most important components to the festival is the guest speakers.
During the event 13 authors, poets, illustrators, and performers wowed our region’s youth, with over 80 program sessions and workshops and over 1000 books signed.
There were also over 70 parents who kindly volunteered their time.
A highlight of the festival for many students was the opportunity to meet their favourite authors in person.
Students queued after presentations to meet presenters, and to get their books signed.
This proved to be a Festival ‘must do’, with The Book Nook a packed space of excited and chatty youngsters each day.
A favourite with the students was Marc McBride, an incredibly talented artist that is most famous for his work in the international best seller series, Deltora Quest, now a TV series that has sold over 18 million copies around the world.
Marc’s presentations took students on a journey into how he brings a story to life, how his love of dragons and monsters are influenced by nature, and he inspired students to pick up a pencil and bring their own ideas to life.
Festival Manager, Mrs Tracey Gurdler, said she and the Voices team were “incredibly proud” of the results of the festival and the ability to start the journeys of the region’s youth in writing and literature.
“Every year, the festival brings a different buzz amongst the attendees. To see children engaged and inspired in the fun of literature, reading, writing, and sharing stories with each other is a joy to witness. This is what Whitsunday Voices Literary Festival is all about,” she said.
Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival relies on major sponsors and supporters in the local community, who value its goal to contribute to the literacy, cultural legacy, and social fabric of the future generations.
They would like to thank Major Festival Partner Daly Bay, Literary Dinner Partner Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure and other key partners BHP/BMA, Whitsunday Anglican School and Whitsunday Anglican School Foundation, and to the more than 50 local business partners, without whose support the Festival could not operate.
SAVE THE DATE
Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival 2024 has been scheduled for 10-12 July 2024 with tickets on sale in April 2024.
Mrs Tracey Gurdler, Festival Manager, Mr Andrew Wheaton Whitsunday Anglican School Principal and Mrs Liz Russell Festival Coordinator with students. Photo supplied
Marc McBride inspiring students at the 19th annual Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival. Photo supplied
Fun and engaging challenges were the order of the day for schools in the Mackay region when the 2023 Festival of STEM opened in style at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre.
More than 300 students from twenty-five schools participated in the annual Whitsunday STEM Challenge, competing across three competitions.
Students had the opportunity to test their skills in the Junior Robocup, Drones and F1 in Schools challenges, showcasing months of hard work and dedication.
St Patrick’s College had a total of 15 students across the three competitions, placing first and second in the Junior Drone division.
The Dynamite Drones comprising Matt Keune, Darcy Edgerton and Rexjan Melocotones won the Junior Drone section with the team of Calvin Poelstra, Alijah Cain and Henry Tully finishing runners up.
Hunter McGeary and Aaron Greenwood (Paddy’s Pacers) placed second in the Robocup.
The ‘A Team’, made up of Amelia Coburn and Apuurva Ayyagari, won the Spirit Award for the Robotics Challenge as they demonstrated the core values of the competition – sportsmanship, teamwork, sharing and organisational skills.
Other St Patrick’s College competitors included Kyan Woods and Maddox Takken (Robot Masters), Grace O’Neill and Lucy Shaw (Gun Rescuers) in Robotics competition while Caleb Hocking, Anthony Leonard, Simbarashe Meende, Lincoln Poole, Cayden Smulders, Kevin Varghese and Clayton Woodrow competed in a quality F1 in Schools category.
Three St Patrick’s College teams have qualified for the State Finals to be staged at CQUniversity in October.
Now in its fifth year, the Whitsunday Festival of STEM tests school students in STEM subjects like science, technology, engineering, mathematics and design.
The Challenges took place alongside a mini careers expo showcasing STEM career opportunities available in the region.
By Chris Karas
St Patrick’s College Mackay students Amelia Coburn and Apuurva Ayyagari received the Spirit Award for the Robotics Challenge at the recent Whitsunday Festival of STEM. They are pictured with Mayor of Mackay Greg Williamson and St Patrick’s teacher Sandra Bayliss, Head of Teaching & Learning - Visual Art/Robotics
Whether you are a Christian or non-Christian, looking to strengthen your faith or simply curious and looking for a new direction, Christ Embassy welcomes you.
The worldwide Christian ministry was founded in Nigeria in 1987 by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and has been active in Mackay since December 2022, meeting every Sunday for worship.
Pastor Chris has since established himself as a Christian faith leader, preacher, author, philanthropist, and televangelist and will lead the upcoming largest Global Healing Crusade, happening at the end of this month.
“Our president and man of God Pastor Chris has been blessed and graced with the Healing Ministry so he will be teaching the word of God and inspiring faith to many before ministering healing to all the sick and afflicted,” said local Christ Embassy Pastor Tendayi Mhike.
The live healing services will be simulcast around the world on many platforms, including television and radio stations with opportunities to participate virtually and physically at different centres around the world.
For those in and around Mackay, an opportunity to meet physically at a viewing centre is available at the Northern Beaches Community Hall.
Open to people of all ages, backgrounds, and faiths, the services have countless miraculous testimonies of healing, salvation, and total transformation.
Pastor Tendayi said the Healing Streams can be particularly beneficial to those suffering from diverse illness, no matter the condition, and to those looking to strengthen their faith.
“There are some people out there who have lost all hope, maybe they’ve tried medical science and things are not working or they’ve been in bondage with sickness and different conditions, we want to ensure that everyone gets the opportunity to partake in the healing power of God, and experience restoration and the goodness of God” she said.
The services will include live testifiers who have been healed in the programs before who will share their practical stories on how they were sick, how they were healed, and how it has helped their Christian walk.
There will also be moments of worship and praise, listening to the word of God, and live ministration of healing to the sick.
The ministry meets in Mackay every Sunday at the Northern Beaches Community Hall from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, with the Global Healing Streams happening on both Saturday, July 29 and Sunday, July 30 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm at the community hall.
Visit christembassy.org and healing streams.tv to learn more.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
If you are an artistic teenager looking to extend your creative skills, then Mackay Regional Council’s new Art and Design Club is for you.
The new term-based art program gives people aged 13 to 17 the opportunity to be inspired, explore and respond to Australian contemporary art within the gallery environment.
Participants will work with a practising local artist to experiment with art tools and materials, techniques and ideas to make their own art.
The club will be held each Sunday, from July 23 to August 27, at Artspace Mackay over a six-week period.
Cost is $180 per person, and this includes all materials.
Bookings are essential as spaces are limited. Book online at eventbrite.com.au/e/637848420797
Mackay detectives are investigating an alleged armed robbery which occurred around 6pm on Thursday, July 13. The incident occurred on the Bluewater Trail near River Street and the Bluewater Lagoon in Mackay city.
A 40-year-old adult male was walking in this area when he was allegedly approached by two people whose faces were concealed, one of them was holding a knife.
Mackay police reported that the walker handed over a backpack containing a laptop, tablet, watch and iPhone, following a demand to do so.
The two people have then quickly run away from the area with the backpack and its contents.
Senior Constable Steve Smith said no injuries were sustained during the alleged incident.
Anyone who may have information linked to this matter is encouraged to contact the Mackay police station as soon as possible on 0749 683 444. Police report number QP2301150608.
“Keep oil containers out of your kerbside bins, unless they are completely empty”, that’s the message from Mackay Regional Council following a recent oil spill incident.
It was the neighbouring properties and rubbish truck that were affected when a local resident threw an oil container into their kerbside bin.
The oil spilled all over the JJ Richards truck and nearby driveways as the bin was emptied, leaving behind a very sticky mess.
Mayor Greg Williamson said placing motor oil in recycling or general waste bins was prohibited by council as a spill had many flow-on effects for the waste collection process.
“There are obvious environmental impacts, but also safety concerns for our staff, and lost time for JJ Richards as they need to clean the truck before continuing the collection service,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Incorrect disposal of oil into a recycling bin can also be hazardous at our Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), as many items are manually sorted by staff,” he said.
“If oil spills through a recycling load that is taken to the MRF, it can easily contaminate the whole load and all of those valuable recyclables, which otherwise would have been sold to market, will be sent to landfill instead.”
Up to 20 litres of motor oil can be disposed of free-of-charge at any of council’s Rural Transfer Stations, as well as the Paget Waste Management Centre.
Each of these locations has an oil bay especially for the disposal of motor oil.
For locations and opening times of facilities visit mackay.qld.gov.au/wasteopeningtimes
For the full guide on how to dispose of an extensive range of household items head to www.mackay.qld.gov.au/wastedisposal
An incorrectly disposed oil container caused a huge mess for a waste truck after it spilled on the truck and the road
Australian sign language plays an important role in the hearing-impaired community.
For students at St Patrick’s College Mackay, the establishment of an AUSLAN club has enabled them to communicate with the hearing impaired and learn about the club’s history and culture.
Long serving St Patrick’s teacher and AUSLAN Co-ordinator Brett Comerford revealed that the Club was “going strong” with 43 members at present.
This Saturday July 22 the St Patrick’s College AUSLAN Club will travel to Townsville to perform the Australian national anthem for the North Queensland Cowboys v Parramatta Eels NRL fixture at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
“We have Kylie Denning (Educational Interpreter), Jenny Magnussen and Erin Greentree (community representative) join us each week to give guidance to the students,” said Mr Comerford.
“Our AUSLAN Club also signed the national anthem for the first hearing impaired State of Origin clash between Queensland and NSW ever held outside of a capital city” he said.
“This year we have signed the Australian and New Zealand national anthems on ANZAC Day at the main Mackay ceremony and we also presented a display at the College’s annual Open Night’ Mr Comerford added.
In recent years the Club have signed the national anthem for the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) at BB Print Stadium; Australian Football League (AFL) for the Gold Coast Suns at the Harrup Park Country Club and the Queensland Basketball League (QBL) at Mackay’s Multisport Stadium.
“Each year we join the National Simultaneous Story time which is an annual campaign that aims to encourage more young Australians to read and enjoy books,” Mr Comerford explained.
This event takes place each year at the same time Australia wide. Through the efforts of the College’s library staff the St Patrick’s College AUSLAN Club has the benefit of viewing the National reading in Australian Sign Language.
The Club celebrates World Hearing Day each year on 3 March to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world.
“We’ve also started to introduce the AUSLAN culture at our college assemblies by inviting everyone to stand, sing and sign the national anthem all together to introduce the deaf culture into our college” Mr Comerford concluded.
By Chris Karas
St Patrick’s College AUSLAN Club members sign the national anthem at a previous North Queensland Cowboys NRL fixture in Townsville
Mackay Sugar delivered its Annual General Meeting to shareholders yesterday, announcing a positive financial result driven largely by a strong market, improved industry collaboration and the ongoing significant investments supported by its major shareholder, Nordzucker AG.
Chairman Michael Gerloff, said that despite a season marked by extraordinary wet weather events and mill performance concerns, Mackay Sugar achieved a $41.7M profit during the 2022/23 fiscal year.
“Off the back of a solid crop estimate Mackay Sugar has taken action to maximise some of the opportunities created by strong market conditions and our focus on diversifying our customer base to create value, sustainably, through our entire value chain,” said Mr Gerloff.
“The significant capital and maintenance investment made throughout the financial year – totalling more than $83M – highlighted that the things we fix, work,” explained Mr Gerloff.
“However, unforeseen breakdowns are a reminder there is still much to do to bring the factories to a level that consistently meets our operational excellence expectations,” he said.
“It is under such difficult conditions like we saw last year that helps us really appreciate the strength of the sugar industry in this region and what can be achieved via good collaboration,” remarked Mr Gerloff.
“Nordzucker has reaffirmed its ongoing support for Mackay Sugar - and the Australia sugar cane industry - and it is important we maintain our focus on costs to ensure the continued funding of capital investments is balanced by ensuring we remain a profitable business,” he said.
CEO Jannik Olejas, thanked the employees of Mackay Sugar for their dedication throughout the year and especially called out that a significant improvement in Health and Safety performance has been achieved across the business.
“The health and safety of our people has been a big focus for us in recent years,” said Mr Olejas.
“At present, we have the best results in the Australian industry. We are responsible for maintaining our high standards to ensure everyone gets home safely every day and that our improvement continues to be maintained in the years ahead,” he said.
During the financial year, Mackay Sugar produced more than 700,000 tonnes of raw sugar and exported more than 104,000 MWh of green energy to the national electricity grid via its cogeneration plant located at Racecourse Mill.
2023 AGM Chairman Michael Gerloff
Recent rain not only shut down all four of Mackay-Plane Creek district mills with disrupted cane supply, but also delayed any planting activity underway, as growers get ready for the 2024 crop.
The rain event, which brought up to 70mm in some areas, but for most part dropped in the vicinity of 50mm or less, delivered some needed moisture, restoring the condition of the existing crop. Many paddocks had been getting fairly dry. A continuation of dry weather would have almost definitely led to a reduction in the weight of the crop. Whilst maintaining weight, CCS will now also be sustained.
The Bureau of Meteorology long-range forecasting indicates warmer and drier conditions over August to October. If that forecast is correct, then ultimately the rain – although disruptive – will have offered benefits getting our 2024 crop away to a good start, and supporting the current crop throughout the harvest.
Rain has not been the only gremlin in the works, with Plane Creek Mill continuing to be dogged by mechanical issues into the first half of July, including electrical issues and difficulty processing 2022 standover cane. There have also been some recent issues at Racecourse and Marian impeding crush rates at the end of June into early July, following Farleigh mill’s issues with managing water quality causing a major stoppage in late June.
It’s fair to say that affected growers are heartily tired of mill performance issues as we move into a second year with the golden mix of an abundant crop and high sugar prices. Growers cannot accept a second year of an overrun season length or standover cane in large quantities. As the region’s strongest voice representing over 80% of growers, we need to speak out. It is to be hoped that all mills made good use of the rain stoppage and we see a positive, consistent flow through the rollers for the remainder of the harvest.
As growers, we cannot control the weather or sugar prices, but we are reliant on mills being able to crush our crops in a reasonable time. Poor mill performance is costing industry - growers, harvest sector and millers – and having a major impact on incomes. The three sectors rely on each other to survive, and at this stage mills have a lot to answer for
The crisper, cooler weather is bringing some rise in sugar content of the cane (CCS), with some rakes bringing in a promising CCS of around 16. Season to date mill averages are around the 12 units CCS, and rising as we get some winter cold.
With paddocks now drying out, at the time of writing, growers are able to return to planting. Planting at this time of the year is important for crop size, giving paddocks a full year’s growth before harvesting.
At this time, growers are making careful choices on the right variety for their soil types and condition, and prevailing weather patterns for their farm. Sugar Research Australia runs a strong plant breeding program that involves 13 plus years of research and development, selecting for traits like disease resistance, productivity, and milling suitability.
Productivity translates to profitability in a farming business, but disease resistance traits not only help the balance sheet by reducing inputs costs and crop losses but can also help with grower’s interests in reducing biocide use, which translates to improved water quality outcomes.
Growers typically make use of their productivity services’ Clean Seed programs, which offer whole stick and billet-style disease-free planting stock. Well-monitored, hot/cold water treated planting material is a must for productivity with gains said to be in the vicinity of 10%.
Mackay Area Productivity Services (MAPS) team monitor Clean Seed cane stock, taking billets back to the sampling station, while walking each row to check for Ratoon Stunting Disease (RSD). Photo credit: MAPS
Photo credit: CANEGROWERS Mackay
The St John's Rock Pop Mime team delivered an outstanding performance last Saturday night at the New Life Church, North Mackay, in their own interpretation of "The Wizarding World of Hogwarts." The team's hard work was evident as they took the stage and wowed the audience with their magical performance.
The event, hosted by the Lions Club, brought together nine talented teams, each showcasing their unique artistic flair. Despite the stiff competition, St John's Rock Pop Mime team waved their wands and secured a commendable 3rd place.
The St John's Rock Pop Mime team would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to their dedicated staff members: Mrs. Alexopoulos, Miss Anderson, Miss Kelly, Miss Mactaggart, and Miss Sugars. Their unwavering support and guidance played a vital role in the team's success.
Rock Pop Mime 2023 Primary School Competition Results
First place: Wizard of Oz - Emmanuel Catholic Primary School
Second place: Minions - St Mary’s Catholic Primary School
Third place: Hogwarts - St John’s Catholic Primary School
St John’s Catholic Primary School in Walkerston came third in this year’s Rock Pop Mime event
Roaming cats have become an issue that Mackay Regional Council’s Local Laws Officers deal with daily as new research shows the number of native animals killed by pet cats nationally has escalated by 34 per cent since the pandemic pet boom.
“We’re receiving an increasing number of calls from residents who are reporting stray cats roaming on their properties,” said Director Community and Client Services Janine McKay.
“Our region is home to many rare and threatened species, including the Eungella and regent honeyeaters, red knot shorebirds and the water mouse, just to name a few.
“Cats are natural hunters that will act on instinct when allowed to roam.”
The research released last month by the Australian National University for the Biodiversity Council, Invasive Species Council and Birdlife Australia found that roaming pet cats kill 546 million animals a year in Australia, 323 million of which are native animals.
It also showed that 71 per cent of pet cats in Australia are allowed to roam.
“A cat enclosure is the best way to keep your cat safe and prevent it from wandering, causing nuisance to neighbours and harming native wildlife,” said Ms McKay.
Ms McKay said a lack of desexing was another issue that was prevalent across the region.
“Desexing your pet is an important part of being a responsible pet owner,” she said.
“Unwanted litters of kittens are an ongoing problem for our Animal Management Centre and local animal welfare groups.
“RSPCA is currently running their annual Operation Wanted program, which provides discounted desexing to pet owners at participating vets until the end of August.
“We’re encouraging anyone with pet cats, in particular, that aren’t desexed to take advantage of this initiative.”
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