Every Thursday night, a group of savvy and enthusiastic teenagers meet to share life skills, laughs and lessons.

They are the PCYC Emergency Services Cadet Unit.

Cadets is a fun and encouraging program that equips its participants with skills and knowledge to take into the world, whether the participants choose to pursue the emergency services or not.

“The last few weeks we’ve been doing preparation for storm season,” said PCYC Emergency Services Cadet Unit Coordinator Andrew Nicholson.

“We’ve been teaching them about knots, radios, what to have, tarping, sandbagging and getting them all to work as a team to do it.”

Andrew has been in the coordinator role for the last five years but involved in the SES for much longer.

“At the time, I’d just gone into being the deputy local controller then three months later, all of a sudden, I became the one in charge, so I had some real sudden learning curves,” he laughed.

He says he’s loved the responsibility of teaching children these valuable life skills.

“Getting out there, helping the young ones, getting them up to speed with life skills and getting to know them and helping them along and keeping them off the streets,” he said.

“I have seen some really good cadets come through over the years and quite a few that wish they could stay.”

There are currently 12 cadets in the unit, including 15-year-old Noah Weber and 16-year-old Bianca Oakley.

They both agree that cadets is a great place to make friends and learn new skills, and that’s what keeps them coming back.

“All the people and the community, honestly,” said Bianca.

“I know just about everyone here off by heart.”

“The life skills that I’ve learnt, the people that I’ve made friends with and just everyone in general, they’re just great people to be around,” agreed Noah.

Noah plans to contribute his Cadets skills to the air force when he finishes school, while Bianca is already in the field, recently joining the SES Calen Unit.

“Since I started Cadets, I’ve always wanted to be in the SES because my mum was, my step-dad has been, I’ve always been around it so it’s just kind of normal,” said Bianca.

“Now that I’m 16, I can actually go and be a part of it and be involved.”

An annual highlight for Cadets is the Cadet Games held in Townsville every year, giving cadets the opportunity to put their skills to the test in a competitive environment and meet different cadet units while doing so.

“It was a lot of medical-based stuff, this year,” said Noah.

“First aid, triage, the stretcher obstacle course,” added Bianca.

The Games includes other cadet units including Navy, Army and Surf Life Savers from areas including Emerald, Charters Towers, Hughenden, Cairns and Thursday Island.

“It’s open to any cadet group agency,” said Andrew.

The Mackay group won the Squad Challenge in 2021 and Noah says they weren’t far off this year.

For more information on PCYC Emergency Services Cadets or to join, visit www.pcyc.org.au/join-a-unit.

Bianca and Noah’s Disaster Tips

Ask the SES or Emergency Service Cadets – “Most events we go to, we’ll set up a tent where we’ll have bags, folders, a book with all the stuff you should know,” said Bianca.

Check your risk – “Check where you are, make sure you’re not going to get flooded out,” said Noah. “If you are going to get flooded out, move when you can. There’s no point in waiting until it’s at your doorstep.”

Check the storm guide – “There are websites that you can use,” said Bianca. “The government has a section on their website where you can download information.”

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It’s the largest community infrastructure project in more than 20 years for the Mackay Regional Council, which is set to greatly benefit one of Queensland’s fastest-growing communities upon completion.

Earlier this week, civil works began on a parcel of land opposite Northern Beaches State High School to make way for the Northern Beaches Community Hub.

The civil works will include the construction of J4 Road, off Rosewood Drive and Eimeo Road, and associated earthworks.

While these works are underway, design consultants CA Architects will begin working on the detailed design for stage 1A and 1B of the project.

Following the completion of the civil works, construction is planned to begin on stage 1A, which has received $6.5 million in funding from the Australian Government and a $4.2 million contribution from council.

Mackay Regional Council also plans to seek funding for stage 1B, which will include a library, meeting rooms and a cafe.

Deputy Mayor Karen May, who chairs the Northern Beaches Community Hub Reference Group, said CA Architects had recently met with the group to discuss plans for the facility.

“There was a lot of positive feedback regarding the project, and everyone is excited for the facility to start taking shape,” Cr May said.

“Stage 1A will include a nature play area, a multipurpose court with line marking for various ball sports and a picnic area, among other things,” she said.

“The Northern Beaches is our region’s fastest growing area, and this project will provide residents with access to a range of community facilities it desperately needs.

“It will also serve as a welcoming meeting place for locals.

“Parents who want easy access to swimming lessons for their children will also be pleased to know that we are looking forward to bringing a new aquatics centre to the Northern Beaches as part of future stages of this project.”

If you would like to view the master plan for this project, find more information and subscribe to project update emails, visit connectingmackay.com.au/northern-beaches-community-hub.

Northern Beaches Community Hub stages include:

● Stage 1A – Includes a multipurpose undercover area, parking area, nature play area, picnic area, landscaping, pedestrian links and internal roads. Design and construction is funded by the Australian Government and Mackay Regional Council.

A Changing Places (accessible adult change facility for people with a disability) will also be included as part of stage 1A and will be funded by Mackay Regional Council.

● Stage 1B – Includes the library and various meeting, program and activity rooms, café, town square and landscaping, pedestrian links and internal roads. Design is funded by council; construction is not yet funded.

● Stage 2 – Future works that will include an aquatics centre and a kick and throw space adjoining the centre.

● Stage 3 – Future works that will include the development of the northern parcel of the site. At this stage, we envisage this area to be used for an office building with car parking.

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

We are moving slowly towards the end of the 2022 crush, but there is no room for complacency when it comes to safety.

Road users, please keep in mind that both haulout vehicles and cane trains will still be on the roads and tramlines across Christmas and into January. Rail crossings will be active, use your train brain.

We also ask for the community’s continued patience with the slower moving haulout vehicles. There’s no value for anyone involved in crazy high-speed manoeuvres to overtake, it just places everyone in jeopardy. So please be mindful on the roads- these are people earning a living in an industry that works hard for the regional economy.

Most years, the large low-loader trucks moving harvesters between farms are off the road and the crush done and dusted by the Christmas Heavy Vehicle Curfew, but this year they will be about, as with the end of 2021.

CANEGROWERS Mackay has worked with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Queensland Transport and Main Roads and relevant harvester contractors who are CANEGROWERS members, to smoothly ensure that permits are secured for operators over the curfew period, holding a workshop last week between all stakeholders. The event was highly beneficial for all involved, hopefully introducing some streamlines to the process, should we find ourselves negotiating the Christmas Curfew in years to come. Also present at the information workshop were representatives from Mackay Sugar, Mackay Regional Council, and CANEGROWERS Proserpine.

To help extend community safety messaging, in coming weeks you will also start to hear our radio ad played across 4MK, KIX and HIT, reminding road users that we are out there for the longer harvest this year.

No-one likes working over what should be a festive season celebrated with family and friends, but that is what the sugar industry is grappling with again in 2022. Weighing on growers’ minds is the spectres of dwindling sugar content, standover cane and the ongoing viability of their agribusinesses. The rush is on, also, to get as much of the crop away as possible as the monsoon moves in.

Despite these pressure points and their toll upon stress levels, we must not sacrifice our safety. The recent incident between a haulout tractor and a cane train in the Burdekin is a strong warning on the importance of vigilance and keen awareness of our surroundings as we go about our work. It’s an industry of big machinery, and big consequences when things go wrong.

It has been a long crush, people are looking to get the job done, but this is not the time for complacency. We urge growers and harvesters to think safety in the paddock, in the shed and around sidings: to be mindful of our environment and the machines around us.

There’s not a dollar in the world for which it is worth losing a life. Think safety, wherever you are working.

Image 1: Harvest Contractors, and other stakeholders gathered at CANEGROWERS Mackay last week for the information workshop on NHVR permits for the Christmas oversize vehicle curfew. Pictures: Contributed

Image 2: As part of our Christmas Curfew oversize vehicle permit NHVR and TMR staff were taken to the farm of CANEGROWERS Mackay Area Committee member Andre Camilleri, to get a first-hand look at some of the large agricultural machinery involved in cane farming operations.

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One of the World’s Worst 100 Invasive Species has been detected in Mackay, posing a serious threat to biodiversity.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has confirmed the presence of African big-headed ants (Pheidole megacephala) in Mackay. These ants will displace most native insects through aggression.

African big-headed ants (ABHA) are widespread on the Australian mainland, making them extremely difficult to eradicate from the Mackay locality. However, Reef Catchments Coordinator Cass Hayward said that It’s very important to raise awareness now to prevent the ants being transported from Mackay to nearby islands.

One such project is the ABHA eradication program on Bushy Island, being delivered by Reef Catchments through the Australian Government’s Reef Trust funding. The ants threaten not only the food-web, but also the island’s forest of Pisonia trees, of which there are only 190 hectares in the entire country.

“African big-headed ants form super colonies, with multiple queens and very high numbers of ants per square metre. They force out native species through sheer numbers. They also protect sap-sucking insects, such as scale insects, which results in damage to trees,” Ms Hayward said.

“We ask people to care about what they are transporting from place to place. Just like you wouldn’t want damaging pests on your property, we don't want pests in fragile island environments.”

This isn’t the first time that African big-headed ants have damaged island ecosystems. The Pisonia forest on Tryon Island was almost completely destroyed due to scale insects and the pest ants. To avoid these situations, Reef Catchments offers some strategic advice for island visitors:

● Check your shoes for seeds and plant material. They are often stuck in shoelaces or in dirt/mud on the bottom of shoes.

● Take all food in airtight containers.

● Check your gear, such as swags and tents, for insects, insect eggs and plants.

● Many weeds can shoot from leaves and stems (not just seeds), so make sure to brush your gear down.

Invasive ant species can be easily transported in the clothing, food or equipment of recreational boaters, campers, hikers and day-visitors.  Once this happens, it can cost millions of dollars to control or eradicate the species.

Reef Catchments are holding an Invasive Ant Workshop on the 29th of November. The workshop aims to upskill staff at Ports, Harbours, Marinas and Councils so these key groups can be on alert for new introductions of invasive ants.

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Each year, during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, we take part in the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.

When does it take place?

Campaigns and events will take place across Australia from Friday 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to Saturday 10 December, Human Rights Day. We will also be raising awareness locally in Mackay over the 16 days.

Why is it important?

In Australia, 1 in 3 women has experienced physical or sexual assault in her lifetime. By recognising the 16 Days of Activism, we aim to raise public awareness of gender-based violence and mobilise people everywhere to bring about change.

What part does Zonta play?

We aim to:

• Raise awareness of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign in our local communities;

• Take local, national and international actions to influence the making and implementation of laws; and

• Contribute to changing gender-based attitudes and behaviours to end violence against women.

What’s happening in Mackay?

We have the following exciting plans in the works to raise awareness:

• Mackay Regional Council will light up the Sir Albert Abbott Administration building in orange, for the full 16 days;

• Our well known ‘Orange Ladies’ will pop up in various locations around the region; and

• We will be creating posters of support, as well as posting photos and updates throughout the 16 days on our Facebook page.

How can I get involved?

• Visit our website (zontadistrict22.org/district-22-clubs/zonta-club-of-mackay-inc/) to download the poster of support;

• Share your photos and messages of support with us via the Zonta Club of Mackay Facebook page; and

• Keep an eye out for our well known ‘Orange Ladies’ in locations around Mackay! These will provide an opportunity to learn more about the issue of gender-based violence, and the effects it has on our community.

For further information about any of these events, please send a message via Facebook or email zontamackay@gmail.com. I look forward to sharing more about Zonta and our events with you!

Karlee Box

Zonta Club Board Member

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Have you seen Christmas lights in your street yet? I understand councils having to get a head start on Christmas decorations, given the amount of ground they need to cover but what in the Mariah Carey are people thinking?! IT’S STILL NOVEMBER.

In all seriousness you can probably tell I’m a firm believer in not setting up before December 1st. And to be fair I’m slightly a Christmas grinch but that’s a story for another time. Regardless of the reasoning – it’s bad luck or tacky which are a few I’ve heard in the past - I just feel it’s too soon to be that festive! The Christmas break is still so far away.

This really is the debate every year much like when the hot cross buns hit shelves in February.

One way I consider acceptable to celebrate Christmas in November is with Star 101.9’s Santa’s Storage Shed! One person in Mackay and the Whitsundays is going to win over 20k worth of prizes by spending $10 or more in selected stores. If you’d like to get in the running for this one head over to our station website www.star1019.com.au

And don’t forget Star 101.9’s Carols in the Gardens are on at the much more appropriate time of Saturday, December 3rd at the Meadowlands Amphitheatre - Mackay Botanic Gardens. Gates open 5:30pm, for 6:30pm start so you can embrace your inner Buddy the Elf without any judgement from more grinchy people whatsoever.

Kaley

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Image: The Salvation Army is calling for volunteers and donations to help those in need this Christmas

The Salvation Army is launching their annual Christmas Appeal for 2022 with the aim of raising $3.1 million in Queensland to ensure no one is left in need during the festive season.

Mackay Salvation Army is hoping to raise $20,000 to support the increase of people and families they predict to see over the Christmas period.

“Christmas is always the busiest time of the year for The Salvos – but add a turbulent year with drastic increases to the cost of living – and we’re expecting even more individuals and families will need support so that no one is left in need and no child goes without a gift on Christmas Day,” Aux Lieutenant David Dobbie, Mackay Corps, The Salvation Army, said.

To support those doing it tough, The Salvation Army is calling on the kindness, generosity and giving spirit of the Mackay community to help make Christmas a joyful time for everyone.

“If you can afford to lend a hand or make a donation, you’ll be making a huge difference to those who are really struggling,” Aux Lieutenant Dobbie said.

“We are in need of toys and non-perishable food items, which can be dropped off at the church office at 48 Gregory Street, Mackay. Or if you’d like to volunteer, please contact us on 07 4957 3576.”

For those needing food or gifts, or feeling down or lonely this Christmas, please reach out to the Mackay Salvos, 48 Gregory Street, Mackay by calling 07 4957 3576.

“For financial and emergency assistance, please reach out to our national financial support service on 07 3001 6288 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday).”

“Most importantly, take time to remember what matters most at Christmas – connection, community, friends, and family. Reach out to people, spend time with those you care about, and if Christmas is a hard or lonely time for you, remember that your local Salvos family is always just down the road.

“From all of us at The Salvos, we wish you a peaceful and hope-filled Christmas,” Aux Lt Dobbie said.

You can find all the Christmas event information at salvationarmy.org.au/events, or donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal at salvationarmy.org.au or by calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).

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Image: Tiffany Grace and Matt Tandy will perform at the New Year’s Eve River Party at the Bluewater Quay

Relax, unwind and bring in the new year at the annual New Year’s Eve River Party! Say goodbye to 2022 and kick off the new year with a bang on Saturday, 31st December.

The ever-popular NYE River Party brought to you by the Mackay Regional Council is back at Bluewater Quay from 6pm - 9pm.

There will be non-stop entertainment for the whole family featuring amusement rides, face painting, food vendors, local musicians Tiffany Grace Music and Matt Tandy, as well as an exciting kids performance from a special guest!

This free community event is a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

So come on down and party for the last event of 2022!

Don't forget the fireworks at 9pm and midnight.

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Providing housing has historically been a State Government responsibility. This has been supplemented by the outstanding efforts of churches and charities. Conditions now demand that we, as a council, enter the fray.

In my eyes it is just unacceptable, bordering on immoral, that we build “shiny and pretties” and fund things that in my eyes should be self-funded, while families are living in tents and sleeping in cars.

Before anyone starts talking about what these families should or should not do, you need to understand a few things. Money does not guarantee you a place to rent when there are none available. Secondly, it is exponentially harder for large families.

We have had a family of ten sleeping in tents and a family of twelve sleeping in cars in a workshop. These families are being punished for doing something deserving of admiration. Both families had taken on kids from dysfunctional families and now they themselves find themselves in a precarious position.

Up until now, all I see is a proliferation of talkfests about “affordable housing”. I sometimes wonder if this is just a way to not actually have to do something.

Why? Because as anyone with any idea knows, affordable housing is neither likely nor prompt.

We need to change the term to “accommodation”. Let’s take steps to “accommodate” people NOW and find housing once they are accommodated.

It was stated to me, when I suggested a property that had shared kitchens and bathrooms, that this was “not safe”. To me this is utterly absurd. Sleeping in a tent near a boat ramp seems astronomically more unsafe, yet we condemn vulnerable people, by our inaction, to this danger.

Times are desperate, and they will only get more desperate as Christmas approaches and families spend the “festive” season sleeping rough.  

This is the time for giving, so I ask you to give ten minutes of your time to make a difference.  Email your local politicians today – federal, state and local – and ask them to make accommodating families in our region a priority.  

These families deserve a roof over their heads.

Cr Martin Bella

Mackay Regional Council

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How busy is your Christmas calendar right now?

I just had a look at mine and it’s getting very full, and I love it. Oh, with today being the 25th, that means Xmas is exactly a month away! Yay!!

This time of the year is perfect. The weather is great, the days are long and there’s Xmas songs being played over the loudspeakers wherever you go! So much to love!

Yesterday I had a tourism board meeting, I was out volunteering with the kids at the PCYC, and also handing out meals with Meals on Wheels. I love helping and getting out and about. I’ve been doing it since we arrived in Mackay in 1981.

This next week is another one with a full list of activities. Our 4MK Carols in the Gardens is next Saturday and I can honestly say, Santa has lost a few kilos since the last time we saw him. He’s obviously been on the fresh fruit and veggies from the farmers markets.

Tomorrow however is one for the sporting champions of the Mackay region. Top class netball is back and the game we’ve got lined up down at Mackay Basketball will certainly be amazing to see.

The Queensland Firebirds are taking on the Sunshine Phoenix in the Suncorp Spirit Cup tomorrow and by all reports it’s going to be a cracker. I’ll be the bloke cheering you all on with the microphone again. I must do a good enough job at the Meteors games so they’ve let me loose again!

Oh and by the way. If anyone has any present suggestions for a nearly 19-year-old daughter, can they let me know please? I was going to flick her a Harry Styles ticket for February, but she’s already beaten me to the punch on that one.

I asked her if she wanted to join me at the Cloudland show at the MECC last weekend but I’m still waiting on a reply. Hey, that's just being a Dad. Anyone else know that feeling too?

Have fun,

Rob

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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Johnathan Thurston has weathered plenty of Storms in his illustrious rugby league career, but this week the North Queensland Cowboys legend was in Mackay to talk about a different kind of storm.

Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School welcomed Get Ready Queensland Ambassador “JT” to their school on Tuesday after winning the Get Ready Queensland school competition.

Students were tasked with designing and constructing disaster-ready houses, with entries received from 65 classrooms and almost 2,000 students across the state.

The winning design, built by Cooper, Zach, Ethan and Jake, was built on stilts and incorporated drainage trenches which were incorporated into the house’s vegetable garden, winning their school a visit from the Queensland icon.

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JT Helps Mackay School Get Ready For Storm Season

The iconic JT smile was mirrored by hundreds of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School students as rugby league legend Johnathan Thurston visited the school for a morning of games and activities, bringing with him an important message.

Mr Thurston is an Ambassador for Get Ready Queensland, a Queensland Government all-hazards, resilience building initiative, to help communities prepare for natural disasters.

“As a Get Ready Queensland Ambassador, I’m very happy to be here, spread the message and make sure that the kids go home and ask mum and dad if they know their risk, have an emergency plan and have an emergency kit,” Mr Thurston said.

“Queensland is the most natural disaster-hit state in the country, and we want to make sure that everyone’s well prepared.

“It’s great work that the Government does, making sure that our communities are safe, and we need to make sure that families and people in our communities are well prepared so that when it happens, they know that they’re going to keep their families safe.”

Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School was chosen from schools state-wide for the visit and Principal Olivia Rostirolla said she was “jumping out of her seat” when she received the email.

“We announced it to the children, and they were beside themselves, they were so excited to know that Johnathan was coming to our school,” she said.

“A person like JT would probably get the message across better than any of us could here at the school because he is so respected in his field, and he is such a beautiful person that the children just listen and are enthralled by him.”

Year six students Natasha and Tessa were two of the students who participated in the project.

“We have a lot of footy fans at our school, so everyone was really excited,” said Natasha.

“We’ve learnt the three steps of how to get ready … and all the emergency kit supplies,” added Tessa.

“I’m going to tell my parents to prepare an emergency kit and emergency plan in case of any storms or floods.”

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3 Steps To Get Ready

Step 1: Understand your risk - impacts from extreme weather are different for everyone. Learn about what can happen where you live and how it could affect your family.

Step 2: Have a plan - make a household emergency plan so your family knows what to do and who to contact in extreme weather. It takes just a few minutes and will give you peace of mind that your information is in one place.

Step 3: Pack a kit - grab a few extra items next time you are at the supermarket to make an emergency kit.

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Johnathan Thurston was in Mackay this week to share the message of disaster preparedness with Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School students. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Johnathan Thurston quizzed the students of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School on how to prepare for storm season

JT joined the students in a morning of games and activities facilitated by Queensland Fire, SES and Get Ready Queensland

Cooper, Zach, Ethan and Jake designed the disaster-ready house that won their school a visit from JT. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Have you ever been interviewed by Rob Kidd from 4MK?

He’s quite the talker, and having been in the radio industry for many years, he’s naturally very good at what he does.

We were having a chat during our time together in Jingle Jail earlier this month, and somehow the conversation switched from sport to babies.

The reason I was able to take part in Jingle Jail this year was because I had withdrawn from the Masters Pan Pacific Games being held on the Gold Coast that same weekend.

Instead of throwing a hammer, discus and other throwing implements, I was able to help raise money for Real Mates Talk, which I thought was a pretty good replacement.

The reason I had withdrawn from the Pan Pacific Games is because I’m expecting my first child. I blurted this out during my interview and Rob offered hearty congratulations.

It’s not my first pregnancy however. The last time I was pregnant was when I last competed in the Masters Pan Pacific Games, four years ago. A week later at my first ultrasound, I found out there was no heartbeat. A scan the following week confirmed my worst fear that I had silently miscarried. That’s when your body doesn’t recognise the miscarriage and you only know through an ultrasound.

I don’t believe that competing in athletics four years ago caused my miscarriage, but it was fate I didn’t want to tempt. Should the same have happened, I would have riddled myself with agonizing guilt.

I’m also a little further along this time, officially halfway this week at 20 weeks. So I’m due early April.

I’ll be classed as a ‘geriatric’ mother which I think is a little harsh, I prefer mature age. But many couples have hard roads to travel when it comes to fertility. I believe it’s good to talk openly and honestly about it, to reduce the stigma for those who may follow in our footsteps.

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A 28-year-old Gulliver man has sadly passed away following a two-vehicle traffic crash in Coppabella last week on November 9.

He was identified as Dylan Wheeler, with initial information indicating the Ford Focus that Mr Wheeler was driving rear-ended a Toyota Hilux on the Peak Downs Highway around 6.10am.

The young father sustained critical injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the other vehicle, a 39-year-old Proserpine woman, was not physically injured.

An AFL Club which Mr Wheeler was a former member of posted a notification of his death on the club’s Facebook Page, with the club encouraging people to reach out if they needed support.

The Northern Beaches SUNS AFL Club said, “If you need to talk to someone to help you through this, please talk to your coach or mates, we're all there for each other.”

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances of the crash.

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An incident at Coles Parkside has banded customers and staff together to help a fellow customer in need.

Mel Whitestyles was at the checkout when her daughter had a febrile convulsion which is caused by a sudden change in a child's body temperature.

Thankfully, behind Mel was a nurse who didn’t skip a beat in helping her stay calm and cool down her child.

The nurse happened to be on shift later that night and checked in with Mel and her daughter in the hospital.

Another lovely lady, who Mel briefly had a chat to in one of the aisles not long before, paid for Mel’s daughter’s nappies as she had said to the Coles staff member to forget the rest of her items as she had run out.

“To you two beautiful angels, I just want to say thank you!” Mel wrote on Facebook.

“If I could pay you back or buy you a coffee one day soon when my daughter is better to show you my appreciation.”

“Not to mention the amazing team at Parkside who were more than comforting and helpful, for calling the ambulance and making sure I was ok.”

Mel and her daughter returned home after six hours at the hospital.

“Thank you to everyone who helped me out in this terrifying experience.”

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A man has been arrested and charged with child sex offences following a joint investigation involving Mackay Child Protection Investigation Unit, Moranbah Criminal Investigation Branch and Argos.

The investigation commenced on November 8 when the man allegedly engaged in an online conversation about sexual acts with children with a person he believed to be a mother of a 12-year-old girl, who was in fact an undercover officer from Argos.

During the conversation the man allegedly made plans with the officer to travel to Brisbane to meet and engage in sexual acts with a 12-year-old child.

A search warrant was subsequently executed at the man’s accommodation in Dysart on November 11 and a number of items seized, including a phone allegedly detailing communications between the officer and the man.

A further search warrant was executed at the man’s home in Clermont on November 12 where another device was located and examined which allegedly contained Child Exploitation Material (CEM).

The 31-year-old Clermont man was charged with using the internet to procure a child under 16 years and possessing child exploitation material and is due to appear in the Mackay Magistrates Court today (November 14).

Detective Senior Sergeant Emma Novosel of Mackay CPIU said the case highlights the ever-present risk children can face from online predators and the key role parents and caregivers play in teaching children about online safety.

“Research by the Commonwealth eSafety Commissioner has identified that one in four children have been approached by a stranger online,” Detective Senior Sergeant Novosel said.

“The research also shows that over 90 percent of teens regularly use internet connected devices – which highlights the need for parents to be aware of their child’s online footprint and to speak with them about online safety,” she said.

“Supervision is key to prevention, as is ongoing communication with children about how to stay safe online and the dangers of having online ‘friends’ they have never met face-to-face.

“Every day Argos has undercover officers working in a range of online platforms to detect and apprehend people who seek to exploit children in our community,” she added.

“To those that seek to engage in this predatory behaviour, just remember that the next ‘child’ that you message may be a police officer.”

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