A primary-school aged entrepreneur has taken to his front yard to sell cups of lemonade to his local community, while raising money for various charities.

Local Bucasia resident, Cooper, sells his own batch of homemade lemonade to local residents, alongside his little sister, Lexi.

Over the weekend, Cooper was out selling from 10:30am until 1:30pm, a hard day’s work for a young man.  

In past events, Cooper has raised money for both his own pocket money, as well as the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal and $33 for the Starlight Foundation to help kids with cancer.

Cooper has occasionally accompanied his $1 per cup lemonade sales with $2 dragon fruits and 50c freddo frog chocolates. Now that’s value for money!

Bucasia residents can’t get enough, with local commenters on Facebook stating, “Great lemonade, just right!” and “Thank you Cooper, it was delicious!”

It’s great to see Cooper and Lexi making a difference while hustling for their own pocket money.

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Cooper doing the hard yards – chopping up lemons for his next batch

Cooper and Lexi at their stand in Bucasia.

Photos supplied

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Change is the heartbeat of life, and as we embrace it, we often find remarkable stories waiting to be uncovered. This week, I have the pleasure of introducing you to a fresh face in our editorial team, Sinead Porter, whose journey from the red dust of the desert plains in Western Australia to the coal dust of our vibrant Mackay region brings a unique perspective and a treasure trove of stories.

Sinead has experienced an interesting tapestry of heritage. She was born in Ireland and moved to the Mackay region as a toddler, before later moving to Brisbane and then Western Australia, spending her teenage years in a small town near Kalgoorlie, where the vast stretches of red earth and endless horizons are etched into her memories. Now, she has traded the outback for our tropical beaches, and she couldn't be more thrilled to explore the vibrant communities, rich culture, and the untold narratives that our region has to offer. Her deep-seated curiosity and passion for storytelling make her a perfect fit for our team.

With her unique background and fresh insights, Sinead is poised to uncover the tales that may have remained hidden and share them with all of you. Whether it's the latest in local news, human interest stories, or delving into the heart of our community, she's here to keep you informed and engaged. So please feel free to reach out with any community interest stories you would like told.

Also, our heartfelt condolences go out to Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson on the passing of his father last week. Our thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time.

Amanda

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The process of repurposing involves using a product to serve another purpose. For example, soft plastic bags can be repurposed into sleeping mats.  

Mary Worby is one such woman in Mackay that started making sleeping mats from plastic bags three years ago.  Her journey began four years ago after seeing on Facebook school children in America making sleeping mats for the homeless out of bread bags.  Mary googled a pattern and started using the grey plastic shopping bags.  When recycled plastic bags came into supermarkets, and the grey bags were banned, Mary started using garbage bags.  

In a personal touch, Mary always labels her mats “Made by Worbs”.

Mary collects the soft plastic bags from Op Shops in Mackay then cuts the bags to make ‘plarn’ for crocheting.  ‘Plarn’ is plastic yarn.

It takes Mary around a week to crochet a mat.   With the housing affordability crisis in Mackay, these mats are distributed through the homeless support agencies in town to provide some relief for when other housing options are not available.

Volunteers at the North Wall, Mackay Harbour when doing the “Clean Up Mackay Region” event on 20th August collected a sleeping mat that was in an abandoned rough sleeper’s dwelling found in the beach reserve.

Bessie Hayes, Assistant State Lead, Share the Dignity, was one of the volunteers at the clean-up event and was intrigued with the construction of the mat.  The re-purposing of what otherwise would have ended up in landfill, or worse, in our beautiful oceans sparked Bessie onto finding out more about these mats.

Being intrigued with this re-use of plastic bags, Bessie joined the “Plarn Project” at the Dudley Denny City Library where the public is welcomed to come and contribute to making a sleeping mat.  The Plarn Project is free and aims to bring some comfort to our rough sleepers.  No experience is necessary and all crocheters are welcome.  

Bruce Thompson, Resource Recovery Education Officer at the Mackay Regional Council salvaged the mat from the clean-up.  “Despite the fact it was crocheted from plastic bags, it was still in good condition and re-usable,” he said.

“So after washing the mat down and letting it air, the mat was returned to Robyn Billings in our office.  Robyn is a ‘plarner’ who volunteers with Orange Sky.”

With the mat in hand, Robyn tracked down its maker, aka “Worbs” to let her know that the mats were being used for the purpose intended.  In discussing the mat find, Mary commented that she hadn’t used that style of name tag for over two years!

The great news is that the mat was made in 2021 so two years later, it’s still okay to be used and is now back in circulation giving another Mackay rough sleeper some comfort and protection from the cold damp ground.

The mat is part of the story Bruce tells, namely that even though plastic has the capacity to be an environmental menace, it can also be a resource if used correctly.  

Bruce uses the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, ‘What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.'

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Mary Worbly with her 2021 mat that was salvaged in a 2023 clean-up event

Bessie Hayes went from mat finder to mat maker at the Dudley Denny City Library

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A Mackay man’s after-work visit to the local bowls club has become an unforgettable moment after picking up a $54,000 win in a recent Keno draw.

The Queensland resident held a Keno Classic 6 Spot winning entry in draw 659, drawn Saturday 30 September 2023, and took home $54,000.

“I feel great!” he exclaimed when an official from Keno called to confirm the life-enhancing win.

“What an amazing way to finish off a long workday.

“I just knocked off, went to the bowls club for a feed, and then suddenly, I’m $54,000 richer!

“I play regularly but I’ve never won something like this!

“When I saw all my numbers on the screen, I couldn’t believe it.

“It’s unreal.”

While the winning man had no immediate plans for his prize, he said he would be sharing it with his family.

His winning Keno Classic 6 Spot entry was purchased at Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club.

The Mackay Northern Beaches Bowls Club said they were ecstatic to have sold a winning entry to a regular visitor and wished him all the best with his future plans.

In FY23, Keno players across the eastern states of mainland Australia celebrated more than 95.42 million wins collectively worth more than $1.34 billion.

During this time, Keno crowned 20 millionaires and multi-millionaires who collectively took home more than $46 million.  Eight of these major winners were Queenslanders, including a Rockhampton man who walked away with a $6.1 million prize.

Queenslanders enjoyed more than 26.8 million Keno wins totalling more than $427.15 million at pubs and clubs across the state in FY23.

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The rare New Guinea Tongue Orchid, taking host in the Ken Burgess Orchid House, is getting ready to flower, with botanic lovers waiting patiently.

This Orchid is the Orchid’s House’s most infamous plant, and is a member of the Bulbophyllum fletcherianum, but is better known as ‘Stinky’, due to the eye-watering stench that accompanies its flower.

The flowers of the orchid resemble rotting flesh both in look and smell, but serve the important role of attracting flies, who believe they are laying their eggs in actual rotting flesh.

The flowering of the orchid is short lived, so flower lovers must be quick to pay the Ken Burgess Orchid House a visit!

Ken Burgess Orchid House, Queens Park, open Sundays, 10am to 2pm and Monday to Friday, 10am to 11am and 2 to 3pm.

Closed Saturdays and public holidays

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A 73-year-old Kuttabul man has died following a tragic road accident in Mia Mia Forest, on Sunday October 2.

Police reported that at about 6am, the man was travelling north on Pinnacle Station Road, towing a caravan, when he stopped his vehicle to clear an obstruction on the road, at Captain’s Crossing.

His vehicle has then rolled forward, hitting the man, and causing his death.

Police said he was alone at the time and was later discovered by a passer-by at about 7.30am.

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Mackay Hospital Foundation Giving Day 2023

“We shouldn’t be disadvantaged because of where we live so let’s make our hospitals the best they can be, providing the absolute best possible care for our family and friends.”

Mark your calendars for a heartwarming occasion on Thursday, October 12th, as the Mackay Hospital Foundation gears up for its third annual Giving Day.

This cherished event stands tall as one of the organisation's grandest fundraising endeavours, with the dedicated team at the Mackay Hospital Foundation anticipating another year of resounding success.

Prior to the day, Matched Donors and pre-secured funds are sourced before starting the 12-hour fundraising event from 8am through until 8pm.

Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager, Kristi Algate said, “We liken it to a telethon and we’re so very fortunate to have a team of enthusiastic volunteers from Gardian Group who start the day by sourcing donations.

“We also have teams throughout the hospitals who contact friends, family and colleagues and encourage them to donate throughout the day, with much of the contributions being returned to the hospital department who raises significant funds. For instance, if ICU (Intensive Care Unit) raises $7,000 then that money is utilised to purchase equipment for their department.”

The Foundation’s Giving Day ambassador this year is Dylan Holmes, who at the age of 42 years, with no previous symptoms, collapsed at work on the afternoon of 6th February this year. Dylan had suffered a cardiac arrest and thanks to having a defibrillator in his workplace and quick acting colleagues and ambos, he was brought to Mackay Base Hospital and thankfully, Dylan is alive today to tell his tale.

From the time of his cardiac arrest until he arrived at hospital, Dylan was shocked nine times. He was also the first person at Mackay Base Hospital to be fitted with a subcutaneous defibrillator, and because he was able to have his procedure in Mackay, his family was by his side.

Dylan’s situation could happen to any one of us, or our friends, colleagues and family.

While some decisions are still pending, current pre-secured Matched Donors this year include Anglo American and Isaac Regional Council with added support from CFMEU, Mackay Base Hospital Auxiliary, Pembroke Olive Downs, Abbot Point Terminal and Sons of the Southern Cross Motorcycle Club.

Funds contributed by Anglo American, Isaac Regional Council, Pembroke Olive Downs and CFMEU will be directed to hospitals in the Isaac Region and funds raised by Abbot Point Terminal will benefit Bowen Hospital.

Mackay Base Hospital Auxiliary’s contribution will complete the upgrade of the Mortuary Garden at Mackay Base Hospital.

Matched Donors contribute a minimum of $10,000 each and when donations are received on the day, these are matched by the money which has been pre-secured by our Matched Donors.

So, how it works is, a $50 donation from John Doe will become $100, thanks to money donated by Matched Donors.

Other donors who have pledged funds prior to the day and will be announcing their commitment on Giving Day are: Mackay West Rotary Club, M & P Services and the Austral Hotel.

Donations can be made online at www.charidy/mhf at any time, and on Giving Day donations can be made at Mt Pleasant Centre between 10am and 1pm, or call into the Mackay Base Hospital Gift Shop.

Star 101.9 will have a presence at Mt Pleasant Centre, while Hit FM will be broadcasting from Gardian Group in Victoria Street.

Ms Algate is asking our community to be generous in their support for our local hospitals on Giving Day, Thursday 12th October.

She added, “We shouldn’t be disadvantaged because of where we live so let’s make our hospitals the best they can be, providing the absolute best possible care for our family and friends.”

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Dylan Holmes with his son Jett

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A new pet owner said she feels like she’s ”struck gold” after adopting a senior dog from council’s Animal Management Centre.

Megan Gray said the kelpie-cross, August, was the perfect fit for her home.

“I feel like I’ve struck gold — he is such a well-behaved, intelligent, beautiful boy!” Ms Gray said.

“A big thank you to the wonderful team at council’s Animal Management Centre for making the adoption possible,” she said.

“Now he is in a safe loving home.”

Leslie Sleeman also adopted a senior Jack Russell-cross named Barney last month.

“When you adopt an older dog, you know they are past the silly puppy stages — they fit in easily,” Ms Sleeman said.

“He’s a beautiful little dog,” she said.

“He’s my second dog from the Animal Management Centre and both have had wonderful little personalities, I just love him."

Mayor Greg Williamson said adopting a senior pet is a great alternative.

“Owning a pet is always a big responsibility, however adopting a senior pet can give companionship without the training younger animals require,” Mayor Williamson said.

“If you are planning to give a pet a home, please carefully consider if they will be the right fit for your lifestyle,” he said.

For more information on pet adoption visit mackay.qld.gov.au/poundpets

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Kelpie-cross, August, happy with his new owner

Leslie Sleeman and Local Laws team member, Samuel Norman, with jack russell-cross, Barney

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This year marks National Police Remembrance Day’s 35-year anniversary since its commencement in 1989, pausing to honour 150 officers whose lives have been lost in the line of duty.

National Police Remembrance Day (NPRD), observed every year on September 29, is a sombre reminder of the bravery and commitment of our police officers, who protect and serve the people of Queensland.

In the past 12 months, two Queensland Police Service officers, constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, tragically lost their lives.

In an interview with Commissioner Katarina Carroll, she reflects on this year’s National Police Remembrance Day.

The Commissioner states, “The NPRD is undeniably the most important date on our police calendar, to pause, reflect, and remember those who have fallen and who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their community.

“Throughout the year, we always have a poster that really reflects that day and our fallen officers and these adorn the walls and police headquarters.

“When an officer has fallen in our organisation, they will forever be remembered.”

There are a range of key activities across the state to remember fallen officers on the night prior to NPRD.

Remembrance vigils take place, as well as a march followed by a service for the fallen ones.

Commissioner Katarina Carroll’s hope is for the general public to pause and remember those that have fallen, and know that Queensland Police are genuinely here for the community.

To show their support, the community can attend local vigils and receive a remembrance ribbon by visiting a police station.

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A march for fallen heroes on National Police Remembrance Day (Photo Credit: myPolice Mackay Whitsunday)

A proactive plan to ensure our coastal communities are as prepared as possible for the impacts of climate change and coastal hazards is one step closer.

The Mackay Coast – Our Future, Coastal Hazard Adaptation Study improves council’s understanding of coastal hazards.

It also provides a plan to manage the impact on our communities, environment, cultural values and built assets.

The draft study was endorsed for public consultation at last week’s ordinary meeting of council.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the study would help inform the community about coastal hazards and inform future decision making with regards to our coastal areas.

“It will guide land use planning and investment in infrastructure, ensuring that the values of our coastal areas and the contribution they make to the community’s way of life are protected,” Mayor Williamson said.

“It is important we have a shared understanding and focus when responding to coastal hazards, given the importance of these areas to our way of life,” he said.

Director Development Services Aletta Nugent said now the community would now have another opportunity to provide their feedback.

“Public consultation was a vital component in the creation of this document and allowed council to find out what individual coastal communities’ preferences were when it came to coastal hazard adaptation and mitigation options,” Ms Nugent said.

Residents can read the draft study and provide feedback online by visiting connectingmackay.com.au/future-coast

A hard-copy draft study is available in all council libraries and customer service centres.

Council will also be hosting five regional drop-in sessions where residents can talk to council staff, look at flood maps and learn more about the draft study and coastal hazards that may impact their locality.

For more details on these sessions, head to connectingmackay.com.au

About the study

The Mackay Coast – Our Future, Coastal Hazard Adaptation Study has been undertaken by consultants Alluvium, as part of the QCoast2100 program, which is funded by the State Government and administered in partnership with the Local Government Association of Queensland. The study aims to mitigate the risk of increasing coastal hazards.

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Rain and strong winds put a dampener on Daly Bay Illuminate in July.

However, rather than abandon the iconic event, the Mackay Festivals team worked hard to secure the various drawcard installations for a new date in October.

This amazing family-friendly event is back, with the first night illuminating Queens Park last night.

The park has come alive with giant interactive dogs, exotic UV florals, neon sea creatures and so much more until Sunday, October 8.

Better still, entry to this all-ages, illuminated wonderland is completely free.

It will run from 6pm to 9pm each night.

Mayor Greg Williamson congratulated the MECC and Mackay Festivals team on delivering the event in its intended format after the postponement.

“Daly Bay Illuminate has traditionally been the most attended event of the Mackay Festival of Arts calendar – it’s huge and there are so many moving parts, including massive installations brought in from around the country,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Hats off to the team for bringing everything together for a second time and ensuring our community can still enjoy this event,” he said.

“It’s an amazing drawcard experience that is the perfect night out for families – they can stroll through the installations, take some fantastic photographs and relax on a picnic rug after grabbing a bite to eat from one of the food vendors onsite.”

Mayor Williamson said this year’s massive drawcard installation was the Lost Dogs’ Disco by ENESS.

“This is an immersive installation of 16 dogs, some up to 5.5m tall,” he said.

“There are four distinct characters, inspired by three dog breeds – poodles, bull terriers and dachshunds – that are curled-up, standing and even touching noses,” he said.

“As visitors journey through the colourful pack, the dogs’ coats light up, their eyes blink and they greet passers-by with happy grunts to celebrate each new person’s arrival.

“This an amazing installation that will be a huge hit with families and will act as a centrepiece for this tremendous event.”

Festivals and Events Coordinator Sarah Porter said another highlight of Daly Bay Illuminate would be Oasis by Indirect Object.

“Oasis is a glowing display of organic-shaped artworks that are crafted from consumer waste,” Ms Porter said.

“Each artwork has been handcrafted in extreme detail, with more than 100 PET bottles creating each flower,” she said.

“Neon Marine Park by Carla O’Brian is also beautiful and will make a big splash with the kids.

“It features a cluster of colourful sea creatures found in Australian waters and will make for some great photos.”

Ms Porter said a dedicated team of local artists had spearheaded the construction of an assortment of artwork that will be displayed in three large and unique community installations.

She said one installation represented the view of a bee and was filled completely with UV-enhanced florals and buzzing bees.

“Lalune Croker, Tracey Johnson, Cheb Jeffery, Lisa Roebig Holmes and Wanda Bennett delivered workshops in and around the Mackay region during the months of June and July.

“In total, 300 community members and school students of all ages and abilities participated in the workshops to ensure local residents had the opportunity to create works to be part of the displays,” she said.

“The talented MECC lighting team will bring the community installations and the natural landscapes of Queens Park to life with expertly installed lighting arrays.”

Daly Bay Illuminate is an alcohol-free event and the Festivals team recommends bringing some mosquito spray and a picnic blanket if you decide to dine out for the evening.

Entry to the event will be via the corner of East Gordon Street and Goldsmith Street and on Goldsmith Street.

For more information and updates, follow Mackay Festivals on Facebook.

This event has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts Festivals Australia Program.

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Lost Dogs Disco by ENESS is an immersive installation of 16 dogs, some up to 5.5m tall that will be a standout at Daly Bay Illuminate. (Photo: Diana Snape photography)

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Do you have enough supplies to last you three days in the case of a disaster?

Mackay Regional Council has joined forces with Woolworths to make it easier for Mackay region residents to organise their disaster supply kit.

Across the region’s eight Woolworths stores, each supermarket will have two dedicated aisle ends at the back of the store stocked with key items for household disaster kits.

Mackay Deputy Mayor Karen May said council had provided banners with tear-off shopping lists outside of Woolworths stores, for customers to take into the store with them.

“These shopping lists have been specially designed to list most of the key items that a household would need in an emergency,” Cr May said.

“We know that our region is vulnerable to some of the worst disasters, such as cyclones, floods and bush fires,” she said.

“It is essential that everyone has at least three full days of supplies, including water, non-refrigerated food items, medicines and toiletries.

“We recommend that an emergency kit is kept in a safe dry place at all times as we head into disaster season.”

Woolworths Mackay region Group Manager Petina Sarnadsky said inside the stores shoppers would find handy aisle signage that would highlight items from the list.

“Our Mackay team is here for their community and many locals will already be familiar with the role we play in disaster recovery to ensure households can restock their pantries with essentials,” Ms Sarnadsky said.

“While we’ll always work to get our stores open as soon as possible after a disaster, road closures and flood waters can mean some residents simply aren’t able to get to us, and that’s why we want to help them build up a supply of essentials that they can rely on,” she said.

The banners and shopping lists will be outside Woolworths stores around Mackay until November 15.

Visit the Disaster Dashboard at disaster.mackay.qld.gov.au for more information on how to Get Ready.

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Woolworths Mackay Region Group Manager Petina Sarnadsky and Mackay Regional Council Deputy Mayor Karen May launch the disaster kit shopping lists at Andergrove Woolworths

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With Queensland's bushfire season, the upcoming summer rains, and the looming cyclone season, farmers across the state are gearing up for a season of unpredictable challenges. It's a crucial time for primary producers to ensure the safety of their families, workers, and livestock.

The recent warmer winter weather has raised concerns about an increased bushfire risk, highlighting the need for preparedness.

To assist Queenslanders in facing these imminent natural challenges, disaster guides have become valuable resources. As the state prepares for potential adversities, proactive planning emerges as the key to resilience against nature's trials.

By taking steps now, producers can reduce the risk of disaster damage and financial loss.

The Queensland Government has disaster guides to help primary producers get ready for disaster season.

Tips include photographing assets in their pre-disaster condition and ensuring everyone on the property is familiar with the evacuation plan in the event of a natural disaster.

Producers should also ensure livestock have access to higher ground or are moved to safer ground or shelter with access to food and water ahead of an event.

Make sure you’ve got a financial plan including having adequate insurance cover, reviewing how you will manage orders, refunds and cancellations, and keeping financial reserves and emergency cash.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the Bureau of Meteorology has indicated that a high fire danger is likely to impact Queensland over the coming months.

“As a primary producer it’s critical you have plans to help support your business during a bushfire, as well as cyclones and floods,” Mr Furner said.

He urged pet owners not to forget about family pets in household or farm emergency plans.

“Keep emergency phone numbers handy for your local council, veterinarian, animal welfare agency and pet and advisory services and make sure your pets can be properly identified if they escape,” he added.

“If moving pets to safety, make sure you take plenty of food and clean water, bowls and toilet litter or old newspapers.

“If they are to be left at home, secure them in an appropriate confined space, preferably inside, elevated and under cover, and provide access to ample food and water.”

For more information on flood and cyclone preparations, such as local evacuation routes and public shelter arrangements, contact your local council.

Information on disasters for small business including primary producers is available at business.qld.gov.au/disaster-hub.

Primary producers who have been impacted by a natural disaster can report the impacts in the Queensland DAF Agriculture Disaster Impact Survey.

The survey helps DAF to contribute quickly to applications for assistance under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Assistance Arrangements.

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• Applications are open now for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award until 25 October 2023.

• The Rural Women’s Award supports Australian women to use and develop their skills to benefit their industries and communities.

• The AgriFutures Australia Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant is open to provide professional development support to rural women to bring their idea, cause or vision to life.

Applications are now open for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, a platform designed to empower women engaged in rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities. The recent national gala event in Canberra witnessed the representation of Queensland's own Emma-Louise Gibbons, this year's Queensland Rural Woman Award winner.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the awards are a fitting tribute to the many women providing leadership and inspiration across our rural communities.

“Our Queensland finalist, Emma-Louise Gibbons, is a fine example of what is being achieved by so many women in the agriculture sector right across our state,” he said.

Nikki Davey, a visionary tech entrepreneur and innovator from Victoria, claimed the national title, epitomizing the award's mission to honour courageous leadership by rural women.

John Harvey, the Managing Director of AgriFutures Australia, emphasised the award's significance, stating, "The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award provides a platform to inspire and support Australian women to use and develop their skills to benefit their industries and communities, and can open doors to professional development and Alumni networks."

For over 15 years, Westpac has been a dedicated platinum sponsor of the Rural Women’s Awards. The Queensland winner is set to receive a $15,000 grant to advance their work and has the opportunity to vie for an additional $20,000 grant at the national level.

Peta Ward, National General Manager of Agribusiness at Westpac, congratulated Nikki Davey and runner-up Michelle Leonard for their achievements, stating, “Congratulations to Nikki Davey and runner-up Michelle Leonard for not only being awarded the national titles, but for demonstrating the new opportunities women in rural areas are creating, which are helping to drive changes in our regions.”

The newly-appointed state sponsor, the Queensland Country Women’s Association, will offer a $2,000 grant to Queensland’s finalists, in addition to facilitating access to professional development opportunities and alumni networks.

Alongside the Rural Women’s Awards, AgriFutures Australia extends the Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant as a valuable leadership and development opportunity for rural women who may not yet be ready to apply for the award. This grant provides a bursary of up to $7,000, fostering professional development and spurring innovation within rural industries, businesses, and communities.

Applications for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award will remain open until Wednesday, October 25, 2023. Minister Furner encouraged women in Queensland's agriculture and rural industries to consider participation, emphasising, “I encourage Queensland women in agriculture and other rural industries to have a look at the inspiring stories of our previous winners and consider putting their hands up for next year’s awards.”

For comprehensive details regarding the application process and eligibility criteria, please visit the AgriFutures website.

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Victorian rural tech entrepreneur, Nikki Davey, has been named the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National Winner with NSW Artistic Director Michelle Leonard announced as National Runner Up

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The ABS released the Lending to Households and Businesses data for August 2023 earlier this week, which provides statistics on housing finance commitments. It also released its monthly building approvals data for the same month for detached houses and multi-units covering all states and territories.

“Housing and finance data continues to be weighed down by the interest rate increases that the RBA commenced more than a year earlier,” added Mr Devitt.

“In the three months to August 2023 lending for the purchase or construction of a new homes was 30.3 per cent lower than at the same quarter a year earlier.

“Despite a small rise in building approvals in the month of August, building approvals remain 17.5 per cent lower in the latest three months compared to a year earlier. This includes a 15.8 per cent decline in detached houses and a 20.3 per cent decline in multi-units.

“This decline in building activity is in contrast to the low level of unemployment and strong population growth.

“The impact of the RBA’s tightening cycle is not expected to produce a trough in new house commencements until the second half of 2024.

“Any further increases in interest rates will deepen and prolong this trough,” concluded Mr Devitt.

In original terms, the total number of loans for the purchase of construction of new homes in the three months to August 2023 declined in all jurisdictions compared to the same quarterly period a year earlier, led by the Australian Capital Territory (-76.5 per cent) and the Northern Territory (-70.1 per cent), and followed by South Australia (-36.0 per cent), New South Wales (-32.0 per cent), Victoria (-29.1 per cent), Queensland (-28.5 per cent), Tasmania (-27.3 per cent) and Western Australia (-18.9 per cent).

In seasonally adjusted terms, building approvals in the three months to August 2023, compared to the same quarterly period a year earlier, declined in New South Wales (-25.7 per cent), followed by Tasmania (-25.5 per cent), Western Australia (-24.5 per cent), Queensland (-19.8 per cent), South Australia (-9.6 per cent) and Victoria (-8.0 per cent). In original terms, the Northern Territory also declined (-54.1 per cent), while the Australian Capital Territory saw the only increase (+0.3 per cent).

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