When Samantha Scott was six years old, she was diagnosed with a kidney disease, and by the age of nine, she underwent her first major kidney surgery.

But, at the age of 31, Sam was again given the worst news.

“I think the words were ’11 per cent total kidney function … you will need some sort of kidney replacement therapy’,” Sam said.

“I was in complete shock and disbelief as I had been told this was unlikely to happen.

“It was a very difficult thing to comprehend, as I was not sick and did not look sick.”

However, both of her parents were willing and ready to donate Sam a kidney.

Her mum, Jenny Scott, was the best match, and on February 22, 2011, the pair underwent surgery at Princess Alexandria Hospital in Brisbane.

“It was scary, and I was pretty nervous, but everybody was beautiful,” Jenny said.

“And I mean, I saved Sam’s life.”

Following the surgery, the pair were closer than ever.

“We’d tried to kiss each other but we couldn’t reach across our walking frames,” Jenny said.

Now 12 years on, Sam continues to be cautious.

“I am going to need another kidney transplant one day,” she said.

“I am just lucky to be alive and living my best life to the selfless gift of my donor, my mum, my hero.”

Jenny now volunteers with the Kidney Support Network.

“Check with your GP often,” Jenny said.

“Because kidney disease sneaks up on you.

“It can be a silent killer.”

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Mother-Daughter duo days after kidney transplant surgery to save daughter. Photo supplied

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Join Gardian Group for the annual Mackay Hospital Foundation Family Fun Day, back, bigger and better than ever in 2023.

With heaps of fun for the whole family, just $5 per person will get you unlimited access to the huge variety of activities and rides on offer, including Jurassic Sizzler, merry go round, King Flyer, mega jumping castles, Teacup Ride, bucking bull and more!

Plus, browse the market stalls and sample the delights from a variety of delicious food and coffee vendors.

Take a seat and enjoy the tasteful tunes of Australian Idol’s Noah Cookson as he serenades audiences with his blissful melodies.

There’ll also be the opportunity to pass the footy with Broncos, Maroons and Australia rugby league legend Sam Thaiday, who will be there enjoying all the fun.

All this and more for just $5 entry, cash or card accepted, with all proceeds to be donated to our local hospitals.

You can help the Mackay Hospital Foundation make a real difference in the community simply by attending this amazing event!

For those who can't attend the event but still wish to make a contribution to Mackay Hospital Foundation, donations can be made at the following link: https://www.mackayhospitalfoundation.com.au/donate

Get amongst all the fun of the Family Fun Day happening at BB Print Stadium this June.

WHAT: Mackay Hospital Foundation Family Fun Day presented by Gardian Group

WHEN: Saturday, June 4 from 10:00am to 2:00pm

WHERE: BB Print Stadium

TICKETS: $5 entry

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The Mackay Hospital Foundation Family Fun Day returns to BB Print Stadium this June

Former Brisbane Broncos and Queensland Maroons prop Sam Thaiday will be getting amongst the fun

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For years, Year 12 student from Mackay State High School Dean Contemplacion has been envisioning being able to travel to Japan and experience the fantastic culture and heritage.

And this dream is about to come true, being accepted as a Youth Ambassador for a cultural exchange program with Mackay’s sister city, Matsuura, a city in southern Japan in the Nagasaki Prefecture.

Dean is one of 12 students to be selected for the exchange, having to write a 500-word essay, be interviewed, and have an endorsement from his school.

Once he returns, he will pen a report for the Mackay Regional Council.

“I’ve always longed for the day that I would fulfill this dream of mine and be immersed in such a wonderful community,” Dean said.

“Now that I am given the chance to go, I am so excited to immerse myself in their culture, eat and drink the same food as them, learn more about the history of the country, speak in their language, and witness the sights and wonders of Japan, the nature, and the cities.

“I want to make my 14 days there not just to strengthen the bond of Mackay and Matsuura, I want it to be about living as a Japanese native.”

The Matsuura Sister City Program began in 1989 and encourages a cultural exchange for Matsuura students as well.

Matsuura students will stay in Mackay with host families and experience Mackay and Australia with activities organised by the Mackay Council.

Dean will live with a Japanese host family and be heavily involved with activities organised by the Matsuura Council, and even attend high school for a time.

He will be able to venture to iconic Japanese sites, including Mount Fuji, Akihabara and various temples and shrines.

Dean is funding the 14-day trip himself, and will also venture to Tokyo and Osaka following the program.

“Being accepted as one of 12 ambassadors to go took great effort, and I believe being financially held back should not overshadow the qualifications I show to be part of the program.

“I am hoping for donations and the support of you and anyone else willing to assist me, I will be able to attend the trip in June 2023 and fulfill this long-awaited dream.”

Following the trip, Dean plans to return to Japan, and explore the country further.

“After the program, although I won't be able to go to university there, I plan to migrate there one day after my educational goals.

“Even if it's still a long way ahead, I already have my sights set to live there someday, and bring over family and friends, because I know that this is also my cousins' and friends' dream.”

“This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, I'll soon be in university next year, the busiest years of my life are about to come, and if there's one last childhood dream, I would want to fulfill before all that happens, it's this one,” Dean said.

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Dean Contemplacion is excited to spend 14 days in Japan with Sister City Exchange. Photo supplied

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Schools across the region took to the streets and walked safely to school last Friday for National Walk Safely To School Day.

“It’s just about getting exercise and a breath of fresh air,” said Mackay Christian College year 7 student Enoch Gallogray.

“It’s amazing to see everyone excited about exercising.”

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Sport Captain Isobel Rippingale agreed, sharing some tips about walking to school safely.

“It’s important to be safe around road signs, lights, learn how to cross the road safely and look left and right at pedestrian crossings,” she said.

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St Joseph's Catholic Primary School

St Joseph's Sports Captains Isobel Rippingale and Ryan McLennan

Mackay Christian College. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Over 500 people attended the third bi-annual Multicultural Festival at the Whitsunday PCYC over the weekend and the inclusion of a Citizenship Ceremony proved a welcome addition to this years’ itinerary.

Mayor Julie Hall officiated the ceremony which welcomed 38 new citizens to the community.

Deputy Mayor Gary Simpson and Councillor Clay Bauman were also in attendance.

During the ceremony each person received their official certificates and were gifted with a jar of traditional Aussie Vegemite.

Afterwards everyone chanted “Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi!” to seal the deal.

Mayor Hall said it was exciting to officially swear in the new Australian citizens and then celebrate the vibrant tapestry of cultures that make our community so rich and diverse with the Multicultural Festival.

“Our Whitsunday community is made up of over 83 different ancestries with more than 6000 residents born overseas,” she said.

“The citizenship ceremony and Multicultural Festival are a testament to our community's inclusivity and the deep respect we have for the diverse traditions, customs, and beliefs of our residents.”

Sergeant Billy Li from Whitsunday PCYC said he was thrilled to see so many people attend the Multicultural Festival and that it had been expanded to accommodate more stalls and activities.

“It was a really good turnout, and we used a lot more space this time, outside onto the footy field” he said.

“It was amazing to see people coming through and enjoying the space.”

By coincidence, the first Multicultural Festival Citizenship Ceremony held a special place in Sgt Li’s heart as his wife Sunny Hsu was awarded her citizenship on the day.

Mrs Hsu, who is originally from Taiwan, has been in the country for 10 years and the couple have a seven-year-old daughter.

“It means a lot to us,” said Sgt Li.

“We’ve been in the country a long time and it’s good to become a true Aussie!

“She’s totally adapted to the culture and is really enjoying living in the Whitsundays and being part of the small community.”

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Mayor Julie Hall (centre) welcomes new citizens at a special ceremony held as part of the Multicultural Festival over the weekend. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Sergeant Billy Li from Whitsunday PCYC with his wife Sunny Hsu, who was awarded citizenship on Sunday, and their seven-year-old daughter. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Hi Everyone,

I do love receiving letters from readers!

The good, the bad, the entertaining and the hilarious are all welcome!

I especially love receiving letters in response to an Editor’s note I have written – I guess this is because it’s proof that I am doing my job well – something I wrote resonated with someone else.

And that is all I aspire to achieve – to connect – for connecting with the community is at the core of everything we do.

This week a gift from 86-year-old resident, Jo Kane, was waiting for me in my inbox on Monday morning.

Inside was her latest poetry submission; the style and flavour of all her poems always makes me smile.

At the end of the email, Jo responded to the question that I asked you all last week – what can we do more to provide a better service to you?

Her feedback: how about asking your readers to submit their favourite humorous or philosophical sayings?

As a lover and collector of quotes for many years, I loved this suggestion.

Sayings and quotes make you think, they open your mind up to new ideas, they change your perspective, they make you laugh.

Jo included a quote of her own, selected and inspired by her own life as a teacher.

It read: “Fifty years from now it won't matter what kind of house

you lived in, what sort of car you drove, or how much money you had in

the bank.  What will matter is the difference you made in the life of a

child.”

I couldn’t agree more!

Do you have a favourite quote or philosophical sentiment you’d like to share? Please send it in and we’ll publish it for all the community to enjoy.

Rach

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North Queensland’s emerging Aussie rules talent will get the rare opportunity to play at the state’s newest stadium with Great Barrier Reef Arena to host the 2023 and 2024 StreetSmarts AFLQ Schools Cup North Queensland Championships.

The North Queensland Championships will bring the best schools together from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, and Capricornia to battle it out for a spot at the state finals later in the year across six male and female divisions.

“To be part of a competition that allows students to be part of a genuine statewide competition with approximately 14,000 other kids is a wonderful opportunity,” said AFL Participation & Programs Manager - Schools & Diversity, Damien Mitchelmore.

“Any opportunity to play at a championship event is an opportunity to be noticed.

“We were excited about the quality of the venue and the wonderful region that Mackay is, so we’re absolutely thrilled that Mackay Regional Council have supported us in bringing the event here for two years.”

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said Mackay was well-known for growing and developing young and emerging athletes.

“We’re thrilled to have 13 schools and 33 teams participating in the StreetSmarts AFL Queensland Schools Cup this year,” Mr Williamson said.

“We expect that this will be a fantastic event for the Mackay region across the board; for local tourism, as well.”

The North Queensland Championships will be held at Harrup Park from August 15-16 leading into State Finals on the Sunshine Coast in October.

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AFL Participation & Programs Manager - Schools & Diversity Damien Mitchelmore and Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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It is not every day a stranger offers to pay for your groceries.

Definitely not for local mum of two and Social Worker, Tash Frew.

Coming from the hospital with her three-year-old and her two-year-old, one of which had just had their dislocated elbow from a trampoline accident relocated, the last thing she needed was for her phone to have no service, and not be able to pay for her groceries.

“I was just so overwhelmed,” Tash said.

The children were struggling and were messing around and not sitting still which was making the situation even more challenging.  

That was until another local lady, Nicole Polley stepped into the checkout line behind Tash and began making silly faces at the kids, distracting them for Tash so she could focus on the groceries.

“She was keeping them busy and happy,” said Tash.

It was a few minutes later, however, when Tash’s phone wouldn’t work to pay the supermarket bill, that Nicole did something truly amazing - she stepped forward and paid for the family shop.

“I offered to transfer her the money afterwards, but that timed out too!” said Tash.

“And then she said, ‘Nah, don’t worry about it’.”

In an already overwhelming week, Tash was blown away by the kindness.

“I cried all the way home.

“In my line of work, I am usually working to help people, not the one getting the help.

“It was so beautiful. I am super grateful. And I will pay it forward when the time comes.”

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Kindness from one local to another local. Photo: Shutterstock

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As the days get cooler and the summer tan fades, the potential signs of skin cancer become much easier for doctors to identify, making winter the perfect time to get your skin checked.

The tropics are notorious for damaging sun, with doctors advising Queenslanders to get their skin checked at least once a year, although if any changes are noticed on the skin between these checks, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Things to look out for include any moles or lesions on the skin that have suddenly appeared or changed – whether that be growing in size, darkening in colour, itchy or simply looking unusual compared to other moles.

Offering skin cancer checks, diagnosis, surgery, sun damage repair and mole removal, the expert team CQ Skin Cancer Centre is here to guide you through the process.

Drs Keith Van Den Heever, Kerry Summerscales, Rajaswi Sainju and Htike Aung are all qualified with advanced university certifications in skin cancer medicine.

CQ Skin Cancer Centre is also the only clinic in the region offering total body photography, a full body mole mapping technology that takes a series of photos of the entire skin surface to be compared from a baseline image over years, immediately identifying anything out of the ordinary.

Experience shorter wait times and thorough service by booking your skin check this winter.

Find CQ Skin Cancer Centre at 11 Downie Avenue, Bucasia, contact the clinic at 07 4954 7755 or visit skincancercentres.com.au/mackay to book your skin check today.

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The dedicated team at CQ Skin Cancer Centre urge Queenslanders to get their skin checked this winter

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This June 22, celebrate empathy, connection, and kindness and with fifth annual b kinder day.

b kinder day is built on the foundations laid out by a driven 12-year-old girl, who tragically passed away in an accident in May 2016.

Inspired by the passions and dreams of 12-year-old Billie Kinder, b kinder day is a day dedicated to connection and reconnection, of inclusivity, of respect, and of kindness.

In our region, seven local schools have signed up to the initiative, commemorating Billie’s passions and spreading kindness locally.

b kinder day will have students pen cards of kindness and love to someone they care about, either writing or drawing how they feel.

Since 2016, 80,000 b kinder cards have been sent around the world, spreading kindness from the heart of Australian schools.

Schools are also encouraged to participate in other avenues to spread kindness, including visiting nursing homes, planting sunflowers, and passing toys of kindness.

The seven local schools that have signed up to the b kinder foundation will also establish a student leadership team that oversees the day, as well as creates a kindness space within the school.

Each school will foster a kindness recognition initiative to continuously feed kindness back into campus, and share the values of the b kinder foundation into the community.

Local businesses are also encouraged to sign up for the day, pen their own kindness cards with staff or customers and spread kindness in their own networks.

WHAT: b kinder day

WHEN: June 22

REGISTER: bkinderfoundation.org

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b kinder day celebrates spreading kindness in communities and around the world. Photo supplied

In a world where dreams often lay dormant, one determined individual from Mackay defied the odds and embarked on an educational journey of self-discovery.

Sheena Shaxson rewrote the narrative of her life, embracing the transformative power of education to become a teacher.

"CQUniversity has given me the opportunity to follow my dreams and become a teacher," said Ms Shaxson, reflecting on her journey.

"Although my path took unexpected turns, I'm grateful for the support and guidance I received along the way."

Having initially enrolled in 1993 with aspirations of becoming a high school science teacher, Sheena's educational journey was put on hold. However, her determination never wavered, and more than two decades later, she proudly received her testamur at the recent 2023 Mackay graduation ceremony.

Recalling her transformation, Ms Shaxson shared, "I am vastly different from the person I was before I began my course.

“Returning to my studies as a mature student was challenging, but CQUniversity made the transition seamless with their unwavering support."

Through a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course and a Bachelor of Education (Primary), Sheena navigated her way back into the education environment.

"I started as a teacher aide, working closely with passionate teachers who inspired me to pursue my dreams," she revealed. Overcoming her reservations, she embraced the Bachelor of Education program.

Acknowledging the hurdles she faced, Ms Shaxson expressed her gratitude for the lecturers who provided the resources she needed and answered her countless questions.

"There were days when it felt like time wasn't on my side, but I learned to manage my schedule effectively, striving for a balanced life," she explained.

Financial assistance played a crucial role in her success. The CQUniCares Student Support Scholarship and the Australian Literacy Educators Association (ALEA) Mackay Prize provided her with the much-needed financial aid, enabling her to pursue her studies without financial burdens. Her exceptional academic performance in English earned her recognition from ALEA, further boosting her confidence.

As she embarked on her teaching career, Ms Shaxson felt grateful for the early recognition she received.

"I was offered a teaching position at a local primary school even before my graduation," she shared with excitement.

"Now, I have the opportunity to create a safe and nurturing space for my students, just like my teachers did for me."

Her story is a reminder that age should never be a hinderance from pursuing dreams and making a positive impact.

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Sheena Shaxson. Image supplied CQUniversity

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This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Mackay & District Senior Citizens Association Inc.

To celebrate, we will be having a 50th Anniversary Ball at the Senior Citizens Hall, 58 Macalister Street Mackay on Saturday 24th June at 7.30 - 11.00 pm.

We would like you to wear something gold or black or something from the 70's era to mark the occasion.

Dust off those ball gowns and come along and trip the light fantastic to the live band playing the dance music.

For more information, please phone Val on 0408075877.

Also, we are having a 50th Anniversary Luncheon on the Thursday 29th June at Souths League Club, Milton Street, Mackay 11.30 for 12.00 noon lunch.

For information, please phone Lyn on 0419668652

You are very welcome to either or both of these celebrations.

Come along and have an enjoyable time with old and new friends.

Contributed by Lyn Coburn

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Once being discharged from the Australian Army in 1968, Kevin Plumb, affectionately known as ‘Kev’, became a member of RSL Queensland.

Now, Kev has committed lifelong service to RSL Queensland, being an active member since 1971, with the Sarina RSL Sub Branch.

He then moved to Vice President of the Mackay RSL Sub Branch, then promoted to President.

“I had a few issues from Vietnam, and my roles within the RSL gave me something to put my mind to,” he said.

Kev is dedicated to veteran care and welfare, often putting himself out there to correct issues that are brought to his attention.

“When I served, we had to pay for all our parcels and letters to come back to Australia, and the same applied for all incoming mail from family,” he said.

“I went to my State Member, then he went to his Federal Counterpart, and they made sure that they did away with any overseas postal costs for overseas service personnel and their families.

“That is something that continues to this day.”

This dedication to veteran advocacy also sees Kev volunteer as a Pension and Welfare Officer, helping returned veteran and servicemen and women understand entitlements, submit claims, and share their journeys.

In February 2023, Kev was recognised with the Meritorious Service Medal, the highest honour of RSL Australia, for his commitment to the veteran community.

“I can tell you truthfully, this was a total shock,” he said.

“It was a very emotional night, and I was pleasantly surprised.

“I just felt warm within my heart to think my effort had been acknowledged.”

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Kevin Plumb, receiving the highest honour of RSL Australia for commitment to veteran affairs. Photo supplied

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Simon Hood

Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

GEI pricing mechanism selection for 2023 season closed at the end of April, with growers choosing overwhelming to stay with forward pricing as opposed to pool products. This is despite the Wilmar Production Risk Pool delivering growers a final price of 622/t Actual in 2021 and currently forecast at $718/t Actual for 2022 season!

We have done some high-level analysis of the 2022 season now that grower pricing has been finalised for the Call, Target and GMPRS mechanisms – with some outstanding results.

Across all regions, Target price growers achieved an average of $546/t Actual with a range of fixations from $388 - $850/t Actual.

For growers using the GMPRS option for the 2022 crop, the average was $653/t Actual (range $552 - $850/t Actual) for their final 27 per cent of production. To determine the all-up Actual price, growers need to add the Allocation Account for Target and GMPRS, which is currently forecast around $38.50/t Actual.

To help growers with forward pricing decisions, we are compiling a longer-term analysis on the ranges and outcomes of grower Target pricing results over the years, which we will distribute shortly. Already we have seen a wide range of prices offered across the current three forward years.

For 2023, our Target growers have been selling into the rising prices, with less than 10 per cent of nominated GEI tonnes still to be fixed.

Commitments to our popular GMPRS mechanism grew again this year. Indicative pricing opened around the $810/t Actual level with some growers locking a portion of the tail end of their crop in at these levels. Most are sitting back and waiting to see how the season unfolds before getting too heavily committed on price for the cane production that is most at risk of delivery.

Where to from here as far as price is concerned? Right now, both the AUD and #11 appear to have reached a happy place. The AUD is locked in a trading range of 66-68 cents while the market works out the next move on US and AUS central bank rates decisions.

Similarly, sugar is establishing a 25.50 to 26.50c/lb trading range as focus remains on the output of Brazil’s crush and the speed at which sugar can get to market. We know this hiatus won’t last long, but it is nice to take a breather after an extremely volatile time on both markets.

For any queries, please contact Proserpine Grower Marketing Consultant Shirley Norris on 0437 803 019. Plane Creek growers can contact Angus McKerrow on 0419 238 536.

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Simon Hood

This graph shows the range of forward prices achieved by growers for the 2022 season, the average forward prices achieved, and the highest and lowest indicative prices for the season

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

It seems as though the 2022 harvest has only just finished, but the 2023 harvest will roll out in the coming weeks.

Gear and heavy vehicles will already be moving around cane farming areas, and across the loco network, so it is important for the community to start thinking crush safety on the roads, and be on the lookout for harvest vehicles, and be patient if they encounter slower moving vehicles like tractors.

Every year, farmers send us dash cam footage of some crazy overtaking behaviour around haulout tractors, often wildly overtaking into oncoming traffic. We understand that everyone has places to be, and that coming up on a tractor when travelling at speed on a rural road can pose an obstacle. We urge drivers to expect that unexpected moment across harvest season, and be prepared to drive defensively: to be able to slow down and take a look ahead, and overtake safely and sensibly when safe.

If you are in any doubt about what tractor drivers and other road users are contending with- take a look at the dash cam stills with this column!

Likewise, take time for a proper look when crossing cane train lines. They are a long, large vehicle that CANNOT stop very quickly.

This year will bring an additional element, with Mackay Sugar introducing early and late lines. This will mean that haulout vehicles and locos will be on the move from as early as 2am and through to late night, adding the hazard of darkness. Please be very mindful of this when driving in cane farming and tramline areas.

Locos, haulout tractors, trucks moving harvesters- they are all part of a network that is earning export dollars for our region, and which is becoming more and more integral to the developing decarbonising economy as a sustainable source for fuels, bio-plastics, novel protein sources and more.

We also remind all those working in the sugarcane industry to take care- in the paddock, at the siding, on the road and in the shed. It would be excellent to see a harvest free of any significant workplace incidents. Families are the heart of our farming sector, and we want to see everyone home safe to theirs, every day.

Assuming all mills start on schedule, the crush will begin with Farleigh Mill on 1 June, then Marian Mill and Wilmar Plane Creek on 6 June, followed by Racecourse Mill on 8 June. Marian Mill will begin on one train, with the second scheduled to be running from 14 June.

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Dashcam stills showing dangerous overtaking behaviour

Photo credit: Kirili Lamb.

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