Last weekend marked the ninth year Whitsunday Anglican School (WAS) hosted Mackay Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp, running from June 17-19 and providing a unique opportunity for young people in the region living with a disability.

18 campers from Mackay and Moranbah were given the chance to go ‘on camp’ for three days of fun-filled action while giving their families and carers a well-earned break.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to give back to the community and make sure parents have some well-deserved respite while the campers get that excellent experience of a traditional school camp,” said WAS Teacher and Camp Co-Coordinator Nicole Ryan.

“They get to engage with other campers but our students as well, so they’ve all made a bunch of new friends and they get to try new activities with the safety of supervisors.

“The fact that so many campers come back year after year proves that they really enjoy the experience.”

A range of activities were on offer including swimming, gymnastics, arts and crafts, a movie night and a disco, the camp finishing with a carnival day on the last day.

The happy campers stayed at the WAS boarding house, with ninety WAS students from years 8 to 12 helping take on the responsibility of care for children with disabilities.

“They really have to learn to be resilient,” Ms Ryan said.

“They’re finding it obviously challenging but rewarding more than anything; they’ve made new friends, they’ve taught them how to engage with each other and how to make sure everyone is safe, so they’ve learnt a lot of skills along the way.”

Faith was one of many year 11 students who were put in groups as companions, with two students assisting with each camper.

“We’re all working together, taking care of our companion and also stepping in where other people need it,” she said.

“It’s been really awesome learning about compassion and working together.”

Year 12 student Kayla returned this year as a helper, after being a companion last year.

“I really enjoyed it last year, so it was exciting to get the chance to come back and see everybody and help out with the whole experience again,” Kayla said.

“It feels a little bit different coming from being a companion to being a helper because you’re so used to helping someone else out but then when you step back you realise how much of an impact being a companion was and now you get to have those behind-the-scenes impacts as well.”

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Campers were treated to a petting zoo and carnival rides on the last day of the Mackay Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The Day Mackay Wonder Boy Wendell Impressed Broncos

When the Brisbane Broncos Performance Director Kelvin Giles spotted a fresh-faced fullback with size and speed running amok at a prestigious schoolboy’s rugby league carnival back in 1992 his eyes lit up.

The colt with the Solomon Islands and West Indian heritage was 17-year-old Sarina native Wendell Sailor – making an impact for a formidable St Patrick’s College Mackay team.

Giles was clearly impressed with the powerfully built custodian who could burn the turf and bust tackles at will at the Nudgee College playing fields during the Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League Confraternity Carnival.

St Patrick’s would go on to clinch a fifth consecutive championship title with the dynamic Sailor nabbing two tries in a 30-0 drubbing of Emmaus College in the final.

The team was skippered by Donny Aprile and included talented centre Chris Cheung, Martin Sala, Michael Snell and key forwards Richard Hindle and the Jeffs twins Alfie and Roly.

The promising Sailor also shone in the 34-10 semifinal victory over St Augustine’s and was named Player of the Carnival with his prize: a week of training with the Brisbane Broncos.

Despite interest from the North Queensland Cowboys, the teen sensation was eventually signed by the Broncos where he joined the likes of fellow Mackay juniors Kevin Campion, Brett Dallas and Butch Fatnowna.

At the age of 18, one of Sailor’s early training tasks was to line up for a 400m race with the Broncos’ star backs Steve Renouf, Chris Johns, Mick Hancock, Willie Carne and Julian O’Neill.

Sailor won the race and was offered a one-year contract by super coach Wayne Bennett to play Under 21s and reserve grade.

The rest is history. Sailor would become a legendary Broncos winger and figure in four premiership sides and become a dual code international – representing the Kangaroos in 21 tests and make 37 appearances for the Wallabies.

He helped Australia trounce New Zealand 40-12 to win the 2000 Rugby League World Cup, where he finished the top try scorer (10) and Player of the Tournament.  

Sailor also featured in the Wallabies’ heart-breaking 20-17 extra time loss to England in the 2003 Rugby World Cup decider at Sydney’s Stadium Australia.

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Dual international Wendell Sailor (pictured third row third left) was named Player of the Carnival after helping St Patrick’s College Mackay clinch a fifth successive Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Rugby League Confraternity championship title back in 1992

Cérge App Empowers Amputee To Dive Into Swimming

By Amanda Wright

Stephen Barbe, a single leg amputee, has found a new lease on life in swimming, thanks to the Cérge app and the welcoming environment at the Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex. Belgravia Leisure, in partnership with app developer Cérge, aims to alleviate fears, anxieties, and discrimination faced by people with disabilities by providing personalised services and enhancing accessibility.

Stephen's initial concerns about swimming as an amputee were addressed after his visit to the Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex, where he utilized the Cérge app. He shared his experience, stating, "Using Cérge to let staff know I was on my way and would like a tour of the facilities was helpful. I was able to explain my disability through the app which also meant I didn't have to do the weird small talk about the elephant in the room."

The app, developed by Cérge, acts as a communication platform, offering tailored services for guests with disabilities. Personalised greetings, guided tours, express check-ins, and queue skipping are some of the features aimed at enhancing the experiences of individuals with disabilities. Stephen's positive encounter with the app at the Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex highlights its effectiveness in addressing the unique needs of visitors.

Stephen had concerns beyond the physical logistics of swimming. He also worried about the cleanliness of the complex and exposing his leg to water. However, his apprehensions were put to rest at the Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex, which boasts state-of-the-art facilities designed to accommodate mobility disabilities.

Stephen expressed his appreciation, stating, "The facilities at the ARC are among the best I've ever seen which is positive for a regional town. They have good disability showers and a lifter. Good waterproof chairs, good ramps, everything."

The dedication of the staff at the Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex played a significant role in Stephen's positive experience. He emphasised their exceptional service, saying, "The staff were excellent and made me feel welcome. They genuinely wanted to help and knew what I wanted. A game changer."

Currently, the ARC is the only place in Mackay utilising Cérge, but plans are underway to roll out the app at more venues, allowing more individuals with disabilities to benefit from its features. The app not only informs team members about a guest's arrival but also enables visitors to specify their needs, enhancing their experience further.

Stephen's daughter, Shelby, highlighted the importance of the Cérge app in empowering individuals with disabilities. She remarked, "Cerge is a great idea to help those with disability. It gives people a heads-up before they get somewhere on what to expect, as an example they can look at where the car parking is located adjacent to where they need to go and ensure a place is accessible before making the trip there."

Stephen's personal journey as an amputee stems from an alleged medical misdiagnosis. Initially treated for a diabetic condition, he later discovered that he had necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh-eating virus thought to have eventuated from an infected corn. Stephen shared his dismay at the misdiagnosis saying more than anything he was disappointed in the attitude of those who had treated him.

“The doctor was treating me for a diabetic thing, pumping me full of antibiotics that wouldn't work.

“I know of people who have had to have a toe or two removed to treat necrotizing fasciitis, and that will work for 8-10 years before another toe might need to be removed, but the doctor was convinced it was a diabetic ulcer,” Stephen said.

Shelby said her father’s foot had gone black before they finally got him into surgery.

“When he went under, he had no idea how much they would have to remove, and he woke up without his leg,” she said.

“How do you deal with that?”

Despite the challenges he faced, Stephen remains optimistic and determined to advocate for better accessibility. As the former president of the Amputee Support Association of the Sunshine Coast, he understands the importance of inclusive facilities. "It's not that difficult to cater to people with disability to make places more accessible," he remarked.

In terms of further improvements, Stephen noted the need for more accessible parking spaces at the Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex. "The disability parks are right down the other end of the complex, away from the main entrance," he said.

"They need to be right next to the entrance.

“They have a heap of room at the front near the entrance, they could put three or four there on an angle.”

Stephen encourages others to be considerate and respect designated parking spaces and not park too close to disabled spaces.

"If you are an able-bodied person, please don't park in disability spaces, even if it's only to 'duck into the shop for a few minutes'," he urged.

“I need to be able to open my door fully to get in and out, I need to take my leg on and off all the time, people don’t realise, and they park close,” he said.

The partnership between Belgravia Leisure and Cérge marks a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity and accessibility in recreational facilities. With their ongoing commitment to expanding the app's presence, more individuals with disabilities can look forward to enjoying enhanced experiences.

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Stephen Barbe (right) has trialled the Cérge app at the Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex and says it is a game-changer in helping those with disability navigate new surroundings. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Addressing The Bowel Cancer Challenge In Regional Locations

In the realm of bowel cancer care, the arrival of Dr. Nadia Maqboul at endosQ has brought new possibilities and enhanced expertise to the Mackay and surrounding regions. With a strong dedication to improving healthcare access and a wealth of experience in interventional endoscopy and bowel cancer screening, Dr. Maqboul's presence represents a significant advancement in addressing the healthcare disparities faced by regional communities.

Bowel cancer is Australia’s second deadliest cancer and has the second highest disease burden of any cancer in Australia. It continues to be a significant health challenge, particularly in regional locations where access to specialised care and support services are limited.

Over 90 per cent of specialists in Australia live and work in metropolitan areas resulting in those living in regional areas considerably disadvantaged, resulting in travel for services such as gastroenterologists. Only five part-time gastroenterologists service the Queensland population north of the Sunshine Coast to South of Townsville.

With a firm commitment to addressing this disparity, endosQ has been taking proactive steps for the past 15 years to ensure individuals in the Mackay and surrounding regions have equal opportunities for prevention, early detection, and support throughout their journey.

EndosQ was established in 2008 by Dr James Daveson, a leading gastroenterologist, who has been dedicated to providing residents within the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region the same quality of services and expertise otherwise only found in large cities. With the increase in awareness around bowel cancer prevention and a need to increase availability, endosQ have made it their mission to attract leading specialists from across the globe to ensure residents within the region are supported.

Dr Nadia Maqboul has recently joined the team and brings with her a wealth of experience.

Dr Maqboul is an interventional endoscopist with an interest and expertise in bowel cancer screening. She has worked in both metropolitan and regional Australia, after completing her training in London and Australia.

“The Mackay and surrounding regions are incredibly fortunate to have someone of Dr Maqboul’s calibre working in our community”, said Dr Daveson.

Dr Maqboul is ardently dedicated to her work in the gastroenterology field and in particular, is focused on improving healthcare access for people in regional communities. Her desire to raise awareness around the importance of bowel cancer screening amongst all cultural groups and in particular women is something she feels strongly about.

“We believe that everyone, regardless of their location, deserves equitable access to support and care around bowel cancer,” commented Dr Daveson.

“Through our team of professionals, we are committed to empowering regional locations, strengthening support networks, and making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals.”

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Dr Nadia Maqboul

‘Arts for all’ is the vision of local not-for-profit organisation, Crossroad Arts, which is only possible with the support of local businesses such as Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank.

Crossroad Arts leads inclusive arts experiences and creates opportunities for people with a disability to collaborate artistically, aiming to change perceptions and shape the arts sector of the future.

To continue this important work, Crossroad Arts holds an Annual Giving Program, which helps expand and enrich their annual program of workshops and events in regional and remote Queensland.

The 2023 goal donations to the Appeal is $15,000 by June 30, which has been boosted by a $1000 donation from Community Bank Sarina.

Community Bank Sarina Board Chair Karen May said the inclusive arts experiences that Crossroad Arts provides builds stronger communities.

“This is Community Bank Sarina’s fourth year of partnership with Crossroad Arts, and the opportunities they create for our local artists to grow and develop is fantastic,” Mrs May said.

“Accessing the arts can be difficult in regional and remote communities but Crossroad Arts are ensuring inclusive, outstanding art is available for our community to participate in and experience outside of the big cities.”  

Brenden Borellini, Crossroad Arts ambassador and artist in residence, thanked Community Bank Sarina for their contribution to the Annual Giving Appeal.

"I would like to say thank you to Community Bank Sarina for your generous donation, it is greatly appreciated. Crossroad Arts will continue to strive thanks to your support.”

Follow Crossroad Arts on Facebook to find out more about their events, workshops or donate to their Annual Giving Appeal.

Visit Community Bank Sarina on Facebook to learn more about upcoming sponsorships and opportunities.

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Community Bank Sarina’s Maree Franettovich and Karen May presenting a donation cheque to Crossroad Arts’ Brenden Borellini and Allison Richardson

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An innovative initiative aimed at breaking down gender barriers and fostering diversity in the resources sector has seen three inspiring trade workshops delivered in Mackay, Dysart, and Blackwater by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA).

Thanks to support from BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), about 40 Year 10 female students from across Central Queensland explored exciting career opportunities in the resources and energy sector through hands-on trade activities like auto electrics, pneumatics, welding principles, engineering measurement, engineering drawing, and mechanical.

QMEA Director, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said the ‘All Female Tradies for a Day’ events provided invaluable insights into the local mining industry while demonstrating how the sector is fostering diversity and inclusion in the workforce.

“These workshops brought together a diverse group of talented young women from Sarina, Mackay Northern Beaches, Pioneer, Moranbah, Dysart, Blackwater and Emerald state high schools who were eager to gain practical knowledge and explore potential career paths in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry,” Ms Jones said.

“Students got the opportunity to try out various trade roles in the safety of their classroom environment and work alongside experienced tradespeople and apprentices from BMA who shared their valuable expertise and personal stories of success in the resources sector.”

Blackwater Mine General Manager Dan Iliffe said the workshops were one of many initiatives to empower future female leaders to join the mining industry and pursue a rewarding career at BMA.

“Women now represent more than a third of BHP’s workforce and for the third year in a row, women have outnumbered men in BMA’s apprentice intake,” he said.

“We are determined to achieve gender balance that better reflects the broader community, and programs like this help encourage more women into the resources sector.”

Blackwater State High School Principal, Mrs Rebecca Vitale said the workshops cleverly showcased the many possibilities that await young women interested in pursuing trade careers in mining.

“The resources sector plays a critical role in our local community, and this learning experience helped highlight the equal opportunities available to females considering a vocational pathway after school,” Mrs Vitale said.

"Diversity and inclusion are critical to the future success of all industries – especially resources and energy. By inspiring and empowering young women, the QMEA and BMA are taking a significant step towards achieving a more balanced workforce.”

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Moranbah State High School

Pioneer State High School

Habitat Reef Modules Transforming Mackay’s Coastal Waters

By Amanda Wright

Reef Catchments has taken a significant step forward in its endeavour to deploy 30 Habitat Reef modules in the coastal waters off Mackay. This progress was achieved with the Mackay Regional Council finalising the ownership arrangements for the Habitat Reef modules, which are integral to the Turning Rubble to Reef project in the Mackay Whitsundays region.

Strategically positioned to enhance the marine environment, the Habitat Reef modules aim to create vertically complex reef ecosystems. These installations are designed to increase food resources and fish biomass, while also providing crucial nurseries for juvenile fish. Ultimately, the project seeks to support the long-term sustainability of local fish stocks.

Anglers and marine enthusiasts can look forward to encountering a diverse range of species at the new reef sites. Notable fish species include coral trout, grass emperor, striped bass, jewfish, golden snapper (fingermark), as well as small bait species like hardyheads and herring. Pelagic fish species such as mackerel and tuna are also expected to thrive in these waters.

The successful deployment of the Habitat Reef modules will not only benefit recreational fishing but also contribute to the overall health and ecological balance of the marine ecosystem. It is anticipated that these artificial structures will foster the growth of marine sessile organisms, including corals and oysters, and develop into self-sustaining reef ecosystems over time.

Chair of council’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee Cr Belinda Hassan said council is happy to support the project as it aligns with council’s strategic vision to make our region as one of the best fishing destinations in Australia.

“We know these Habitat Reef modules support fish stocks and grow coral, so to have 30 of them in our coastal waters, accessible to small boats and visiting anglers, will be a real coup for our region,” Cr Hassan said.

“We are blessed to have beautiful offshore islands and the Great Barrier Reef off our coastline, but accessing those requires considerable travel time in medium to large vessels,” she said.

“These modules will be a viable option for those in smaller boats and will help to spread out fishing pressure in our inshore waters.”

Kellie Best, Project Officer with Reef Catchments is delighted to have the support of Mackay Regional Council as a long-term project partner.

“Securing ownership of the Habitat Reef modules is a major project milestone and puts us one step closer to getting them into the water,” she said.  

The Habitat Reef modules have been specially designed by Catchment Solutions to provide complex vertical relief structures for both adult and juvenile fish and improve recruitment of marine sessile organisms such as corals and oysters.

“We expect that over time the Habitat Reef modules will develop into healthy functioning reef ecosystems,” Ms Best said.

Matt Moore, Fisheries Ecologist with Catchment Solutions said the monitoring results of the Pioneer River bommies, consisting of 45 Habitat Reef modules, demonstrated the reef design and project had been a huge success, both in terms of increasing populations of iconic recreational fishing species at the sites, like barramundi and mangrove jack, and providing habitat for juvenile fish species.

For more information visit www.reefcatchments.com.au

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Reef Catchments Project Officer Kellie Best

In Tribute Of CANEGROWERS Mackay CEO Kerry Latter

By CANEGROWERS Mackay

It is with deep sadness that CANEGROWERS Mackay advises that our CEO and dear friend and colleague Kerry Latter has died on Sunday 17 June, following a short and intense battle with cancer.

CANEGROWERS Mackay Chairman Kevin Borg said Mr Latter had fought his illness valiantly.

“We extend our deepest sympathies and support to Kerry’s family and friends during this difficult time,” he said.

“In speaking to Kerry during his last days, I can tell you that Kerry counted the CANEGROWERS community as part of his family. He was a compassionate and strong leader of our organisation.”

Mr Latter has been an important part of the Mackay Region’s business and agricultural community.

He has contributed significantly to the sugar industry as a forceful advocate of the interests and needs of the sugarcane growing sector, particularly across major issues such as sugar marketing, the Federal Sugar Industry Code of Conduct, sustainability and environment, and more recently, the development of a biofutures sector in the Mackay Region, with particular interest in advocating a premium for growers contributing sugarcane feedstock for use in plant-based protein manufacturing and biofuels.

He had recently served on the Greater Whitsunday Biofutures Leaders Group, Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Agribusiness Future Alliance Project, within the Healthy Rivers to Reef Program, Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program management committee, Great Barrier Reef Foundation (GBRF) Steering Committee and the Queensland Canegrowers Organisation Trade and Economics Committee.

He had also served on Mackay Regional Council Rural Affairs Committee, Mackay Whitsunday Rural Water Supply Strategy and the Mackay Effluent Reuse Project.

“Kerry was a strategic thinker- always quick to identify and analyse problems and needs, then to develop a strong solution,” Mr Borg said.

“He had a reputation as a bit of a Blue Heeler. Once he got hold of a problem, he was absolutely tenacious in seeing it through to resolution.”

He was also a passionate advocate for members, supporting them in dispute resolution, and to attain aspirations in productivity, sustainability and community recognition.

Mr Borg said that his knowledge across a broad range of business, industrial relations, community engagement and education areas had been a significant support to elected CANEGROWERS Mackay representatives and members over many years.

“Kerry leaves behind a legacy of advocacy in agri-politics that the whole sugar industry can aspire to. We also value what Kerry has done for the Mackay region, as one of its eminent business and community leaders,” Mr Borg said.

Kerry Latter had been CEO of CANEGROWERS Mackay since 2008, and in the past operated two small businesses, and served as IPA Australia’s General Manager-Job Network Queensland, Deputy CEO of CHR Group, and CEO of Pioneer Permanent Building Society 1998-2003, building on over a decade’s contribution in management to the building society/banking sector.

This followed attainment of a degree in Commerce at Griffith University, following 13 years with the Royal Australian Air Force, where he was Senior Non-commissioned Officer – Educational Procedures Management. Mr Latter was a Queens Scout.

He is survived by his two beloved daughters, his mother and siblings.

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Kerry Latter

Kevin Borg and Kerry Latter at the 2018 Sarina Show

Ron Gurnett, Kerry Latter and Dan Morgan during haulout training in 2018

Mackay Show - Champion Stool of Show 2022 presented by Kerry Latter to Charlie Townley

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The Townsville 500 is coming up fast – Mark Winterbottom fast.

This year is one for the books, with Winterbottom (Frosty) in the driver’s seat, Team 18 has the only Camaro Show cars in Australia. Repping the iconic DeWALT branding, the new vehicle is set to make Australian Supercar history.

Yet to purchase tickets? Porters Mitre 10 has your back! They’re giving you the opportunity to win passes to this year’s event and there’s multiple ways to win.

Enter to win a V8 Supercar experience for two at Porters Mitre 10 Mackay, Northern Beaches or Whitsunday by simply purchasing any DeWALT product.

Porters Mitre 10 stocks a wide range of DeWALT products, from tape measures to drill sets whatever you need, they have you covered. One lucky customer will receive two three-day passes with pit access, a hot lap with Mark Winterbottom, a DeWALT 2-piece Powerstack Kit and two Team 18 merchandise kits. Act fast, winners will be drawn on 29 June.

But that’s not all Porters Mitre 10 has up their sleeve. Frosty’s supercar will be on display from 9am to 4pm on Thursday 29 June at Porters Mitre 10 Mackay. Plus, you’ll have another chance to win a double pass to the Townsville 500 in the pit-stop challenge. Be the quickest to change a tyre on the day to instantly win double passes!

With specials and product demos on DeWALT and many more prizes to be won on the day – you don’t want to miss this. Come down to Porters Mitre 10 Mackay on the 29 of June to join in on the action.

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Mackay Christian College, in collaboration with Gateway to Industry and local sponsor Cummins, offered the Women Who Weld (WWW) course on Friday, 16 June.

The course aimed to provide women interested in welding with an opportunity to learn more about the field and its potential career prospects.

During the one-day program, participants were introduced to the basics of welding, including an overview of its functioning and the safety measures associated with the equipment used. They also received an introduction to MIG welding.

Cummins representatives addressed the students, and the presence of two female apprentices added value by showcasing the possibilities available in the field.

By the end of the course, all participants successfully completed a project to take home, ensuring a practical application of the skills learned.

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Show season has hit the region.

Last Sunday, June 18, the Pioneer Valley Show returned toFinch Hatton for its 59th year, showcasing the best in agriculture,entertainment and food.

Kidzone offered plenty of action for the little ones, whilewoodchop, horse and motorbike events kept onlookers intrigued at the ring.

Australian Idol finalist Damien Agius serenaded crowds, theday closing with an epic fireworks display.

Later in the week, the show moved on to Mackay, running fromTuesday, June 20 to Thursday, June 22, the show holiday giving everyone achance to make the most of it.

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Fun and games at the Pioneer Valley Show. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Well, I would have to say yesterday was the best day because it was the shortest day of the year, and you know what that means now? More sunshine! I love it.

Why?

We’ve really got it lucky right now around Mackay and the Whitsundays. Yesterday we wrapped up a big three days at the Mackay Show. I don’t think I’ve eaten so many buckets of chips in one day, more than I ate on Sunday at Finch Hatton for the annual Pioneer Valley Show. That was incredible too.

I’ve been very lucky to have been asked to come up each year and jump on the microphone at the Finch Hatton Showgrounds to be their ground announcer. That’s the job that Angus used to do for a hundred years before he retired, and now I’ve assumed the role, but there’s one difference. He knew a lot about animals. I know nothing. Each year I just wing it and have some fun. I hope I made a few people smile on the day anyways.

On that note, Show Whitsunday is on today and tomorrow in Proserpine, so check out all the fun, and then we’ve got a break until August when it’s the turn of the Sarina Show at the showgrounds to come alive. How lucky are we right now!

If you are looking for something great to do in Mackay as well this weekend, check out the Be Social Fest on tomorrow at Harrup Park with a full lineup of bands including Grinspoon making some great noise in South Mackay. There’s no excuse to stay at home this weekend.

Next weekend we’ll be at the Bluewater Quay for our huge Riverfront party. That’ll be a great Saturday, then the Mackay Festival of Arts pretty much starts up with so much entertainment over a few weeks including the biggest day at Queens Park with the Food and Wine Day. It’ll be massive with Conrad Sewell here in South Mackay! Don’t miss it.

As you can see it’s a busy time of the year. Get out and have some fun and enjoy each other’s company.

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

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One of my roles as a councillor is to attend the Road Accident Action Group (RAAG) meetings.

Together with Cr Russell Seymour, we lend our support to assist RAAG in achieving its vision, which is ‘to reduce road trauma through collaboration and advocacy of road safety awareness, leading to improved outcomes for all road users’.

RAAG is a volunteer-run, non-profit organisation operating for the past 20 years with a strategic goal of reducing road crashes and fatalities in the Mackay, Isaac and Bowen Basin region.

RAAG has run numerous educational and awareness campaigns over the years. Current projects include their ‘Wide Load Education’ campaign, supported by Glencore – Hail Creek.

This campaign involves creating large permanent signs placed at rest areas throughout the region to assist road users in understanding how to approach situations involving wide loads on the road. The installation of all 21 signs has been carried out by volunteers.

Another of their campaigns is the ‘Work Out Visibly’ campaign, funded by the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, and will see 10,000 high visibility items distributed across our communities.

Volunteers are critical to the ongoing operations at RAAG and without them they would not be able to achieve their vision. All executive, committee and member positions are volunteers. They welcome new members and volunteers to become involved.

If you are passionate about road safety, RAAG would love to hear from you. Being a volunteer with RAAG will allow you to have a positive impact on the community, work with other like-minded people to achieve a fatality-free future for our roads and utilise your skills, knowledge, and experience to promote change.

If this article has raised your interest, please consider attending a RAAG meeting held on the second Thursday of each month from 10am to noon at the Resources Centre of Excellence (65 Crichtons Road, Paget). For more information or any questions, send an email to admin@raag.com.au, visit raag.com.au or find them on Facebook. Alternatively, you can call me, Cr Laurence Bonaventura on 0427 638 673.

Cr Laurence Bonaventura

Mackay Regional Council

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Coal Royalties Breathe New Life Into 150-Year-Old Structure

The future of the Bowen Jetty is looking more certain thanks to a significant cash injection which will ensure the longevity of the iconic wooden structure as it transitions to a new and exciting future purpose.

Coal mining royalties and the recent State Budget have allocated $50 million to future proof this vital asset, the government recognising the importance of the wharf for recreation and tourism.

The Bowen community are celebrating this week with news that their much-loved, 150-year-old jetty now has the adequate funding to plan for a sustainable future.

Currently the 640-metre-long structure is controlled and maintained by North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) who moor three tugboats at the jetty.

Plans to permanently relocate these tugboats to Abbot Point have created uncertainty for the future of the wharf, and questions as to who will be responsible for its high maintenance costs.

Bruce Hedditch, President of the Bowen Chamber, said the chamber had been advocating for the funding for the jetty since 2016.

“This is a wonderful result for the Bowen community, it’s absolutely magnificent and I applaud the decision,” he said.

“Money is now available for proper planning and development, which is the way it should be.”

Mr Hedditch said that the relocation of the tugboats will likely take between five and 10 years and he is looking forward to working with other stakeholders to plan a bright new future for wharf.

“The Jetty is nearly as old as Bowen, at one point there were 600 wharfies working there!” he said.

“There is a lot of history there and we are looking at places like Busselton Jetty and hoping to make our jetty a leading tourist attraction too.”

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall applauded the funding announcement and said that Council looks forward to working with NQBP to explore a viable and sustainable solution to save the jetty.

“This funding now gives all stakeholders the opportunity to further investigate options for the jetty,” she said.

NQBP Acting CEO Belinda Kenny thanked the Queensland Government for its significant funding contribution towards the future of the Bowen Wharf.

“The $50 million injection in the State Budget will breathe new life into the Bowen Wharf,” she said.

“With this significant funding, visitors and locals alike will benefit from a revitalised public facility for generations to come.

“NQBP will soon commence engagement with stakeholders and the local community to shape the future of the wharf revitalisation project.”

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey said that the government recognises the importance of the wharf as a recreational asset for families, boaties, fishos, walkers, photographers, and visitors to the region.

“The Bowen Wharf has played a significant role in Queensland’s history and the Bowen community for 150 years,” he said.

“We want to get this right, so following today’s investment, there will be extensive stakeholder and community consultation on planning and design and input into a business case that delivers the best outcome for the community.”

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Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, Whitsunday Mayor Julie Hall, and North Queensland Bulk Ports Acting CEO Belinda Kenny in Bowen for the announcement of the funding on Tuesday. Photo supplied

Local stakeholders and dignitaries gather at celebrate the $50 million funding announcement at the Bowen Jetty on Tuesday. Photo supplied

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The Whitsunday Dirt Riders community is rallying around to support Proserpine local and Supermoto Australian Champion Andy McLiesh who suffered severe injuries following a motorbike accident earlier this month.

The father of two had been riding in Mackay on a fateful Friday, June 2, when he had a serious motorbike accident resulting in a crushed spinal cord.

For the past three weeks he has been in hospital, with his wife Tammy barely leaving his side.

The family are now planning to travel down to Brisbane where Andy will receive specialist care and rehabilitation that will hopefully allow him to regain some kind of movement, possibly even walk again.

Andy has already been through surgery to begin the rehabilitation process.

“Even though he’ll never be like what he was, I’m hoping this surgery will do something, bring some feeling or movement or honestly just anything,” said Tammy before the operation.

“We have a long road ahead of us, but if anyone can beat that one per cent it’ll be my husband!

“He is still alive and with us and that is all that matters. He is also cracking those Andy jokes and being a smart ass to all the nurses, so we haven’t lost him!"

The last few weeks have been traumatic for family, friends and the broader community as Andy has been moved to different hospitals.

He is now waiting for his broken ribs, fractured shoulder, and bleeding lungs to heal enough for the rehabilitation to officially begin.

It will be a long road for Andy, and loss of earnings could well have compounded the stress for him.

Fortunately, the Whitsunday Dirt Riders and Whitsunday Moto Sports Club, both of which Andy has been heavily involved in, are rallying around to help.

On Saturday, June 24, Whitsunday Dirt Riders are having a Dirt Track race meet to raise funds to help the family through these difficult times.

All gate entry donations will go to the family along with $5 from each registered rider on the night.  

They will also have a raffle where attendees can win a 2023 KLX110 Auto Bike.

In addition, Andy’s sister, Coral McLiesh, has started a GoFundMe page which has raised over $32,000 so far.

All money raised will go towards Andy’s medical bills and any expenses.’

WHAT: Dirt Track Meet and Andy McLiesh Fundraiser

WHERE: Whitsunday Dirt Riders Club at Dray’s Park

WHEN: Saturday, June 24 from 3pm

GATE ENTRY: $5 donation at the door

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Andy, his wife Tammy and their two boys in happier times. Photo supplied

Andy McLiesh racing professionally in July last year. Photo supplied

Arecent event at the Whitsunday Dirt Riders Club. Photo supplied