Our local ecosystems are feeling the love and the value of technological advancement thanks to a series of new programs monitoring the health of the Great Barrier Reef and its marine life.

Dolphins, fish, sea cucumbers, seabirds, corals, and even rats and ants are in the sights of a new wave of science projects funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

Great Barrier Reef Foundation Managing Director Anna Marsden said the Integrated Monitoring and Reporting Program is developing more and better ways to manage Reef health.

“Our Reef is the size of Japan, or Italy, or 70 million football fields, so the task of monitoring an ecosystem that size is enormous,” Ms Marsden said.

“Leveraging innovative technologies like underwater drones, artificial intelligence and environmental DNA techniques, these 11 new critical monitoring projects will help close some big knowledge gaps that currently exist on the Great Barrier Reef.”

This project will see the first of many studies take place.

Underwater drones and remote sensing will be used to learn more about the impacts of commercially fishing sea cucumbers, including protected and threatened species.

The three key species of inshore dolphins in the wild – Australian snubfin, Australian humpback and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins – will also be monitored to assess potential threats.

Aerial drones and acoustic recording devices will collect information on significant seabirds including the little tern, bridle tern, crested tern and brown booby.

The program will also introduce the first ever Integrated Reef Fish Monitoring Program revealing important insights about different fish habitats, including fish nurseries for priority species such as coral trout, stripey snapper, damselfish, and butterflyfish.

DNA and artificial intelligence will be used to supercharge biosecurity surveillance to get the jump on high-risk ant and invasive rodent species such as yellow crazy ants, electric ants, tropical fire ants and red imported fire ants as well as black and brown rats.

These in initiatives will all help guide our local ecosystems towards the broader Reef 2050 Plan and will be aided by citizen scientists and traditional landowners as well as other reef research partners.

Images:

1: Underwater drones are used to monitor marine life

2: Aerial drones will look into seabird populations

3: Potential threats of inshore dolphins in the wild will be assessed

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A total of 14 bubs are now driving around safely ensconced in a free car seat thanks to the kind donation of surplus stock from Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre.

Chief Operating Officer Bec Woods said that since their Car Seat Fitting Program was unable to operate following a change in insurance regulations, she had been storing the left-over seats in one of the sheds.

Previously the Car Seat Fitting Program would ‘no questions asked’ donate a brand-new car seat when parents presented with an out of date, damaged or ‘not fit for purpose’ seat – exchanging it for a new government funded version.

Always savvy with applying for the right grants, Bec Woods secured the baby seats through funding from a Main Roads Transport Safety Grant.

On Tuesday evening she decided to post on social media, offering expectant Whitsunday mums the brand-new, still in the box, 0-8 years Infasecure Legacy Convertible Car Seats.

Within 16 hours all the seats were snapped up.

Five went to Whitsunday Counselling and Support, two went to disability support and the rest when to individual community members.

“We offered them out with no means testing,” said Bec.

“There was no criteria needed to get a seat because at the end of the day they are all going to safely transport children and that’s the priority.”

Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre have a range of other community assistance initiatives which include the recently launched Community Food Drive.

They are also a referral service for many other organisations that can help with a variety of issues such as mental health and homelessness.

Image: Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre gave away 14 car seats this week

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It has been really exciting this week to watch two of my co-workers take off on a well-deserved holiday – Mackay Editor Amanda Wright has flown to Los Angeles and our beloved boss Bec Douthwaite headed off to Fiji.

Having just come back from my own lengthy vacay visiting family in the UK, it feels great to see them get their turn – I know first-hand how important it is to give yourself time to relax, take a step away from your ‘everyday’ and reconnect with the most important person in your life – yourself!

I hope many of you are enjoying time off with the family over the school holidays and those who are lucky enough to be able to travel at off-peak times, are planning their next getaway.

We can all get caught up in the vicious circle of ‘existing’ – waking up, going to work, cooking dinner, going to bed and repeating the same thing again tomorrow.

Life’s short and if we are lucky enough to get old, we won’t be looking back at how much we earned, how high-powered our job was or even the belongings we managed to accumulate over time – we will be looking back at the magical moments and the good times we created with family and friends.

I know I will!

This edition we celebrate a hugely successful 14th annual Paul Bowman Challenge, a Family Fun Day in Bowen, the Get Active Day in Airlie Beach and the Big Aussie BBQ at Coral Sea Marina – it has been great to see so many people show-up and support the events that are largely organised by volunteers and often raising money for local charities.

Congratulations to everyone involved.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist.” (Oscar Wilde)

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In a shock announcement, Councillor Al Grundy has resigned from his position with Whitsunday Regional Council and will be taking up the role of Chief Executive Officer for Mackay Isaac Tourism next month.

The news comes less than a month after his bid for Mayor was unsuccessful following a tight campaign race which saw Julie Hall named new Whitsundays Mayor.

There is much speculation about his decision to leave Council mid-term, having only served two and a half years of the current four-year term.

This will only be the second time in recent history that a Councillor has resigned before the end of the allocated term.

His decision means that the Whitsundays is once again plunged into election mode, the third time residents have gone to the polls this year.

It will also mean rate payers will foot the bill for another election, estimated to cost around $200,000.

Mayor Julie Hall said, on behalf of Council, that she thanks Cr Grundy for his time serving his division and for his contribution during his time as Councillor.

“Cr Grundy is a very active member in the community and has represented Council on a range of committees, with the environment, waste management and tourism at the centre of his approach,” she said.

“We wish him well for his future outside of Council.”

Chief Executive Officer Rod Ferguson said that Council will work closely with the Electoral Commission of Queensland to progress a by-election for Division 2 to fill the vacancy.

Cr Grundy’s last day will be on Friday, October 14 and he will commence his role at Mackay Isaac Tourism on Monday, October 17.

With more than 26 years of tourism experience as a tourism operator and owner, which includes being the Chair for Tourism Whitsundays, Cr Grundy brings a wealth of experience to his new position.

Mackay Isaac Tourism Chair Councillor Justin Englert said he is confident the new appointment will bring tremendous strengths to not only the organisation but also the region.

“With new ideas, a fresh approach and innovative concepts, backed by a strong tourism marketing and business background, the organisation is in good hands,” he said.

“The board of directors at Mackay Isaac Tourism is excited about this new appointment and with Al’s significant background in the tourism industry, I am sure his ability to identify new opportunities will drive growth for our Mackay Isaac Region.”

Having already been equipped with the right skillset and his strong passion for the tourism industry, Cr Grundy says he is raring to go and already has a clear direction on how he will steer the organisation and region to greater heights.

“I am excited to be given this responsibility of leading the region and the team at Mackay Isaac Tourism,” he said.

“I hope my years of experience will be an asset and I look forward to meeting the industry and working closely with them to shine a spotlight on the best of what the Mackay Isaac region has to offer to the world!”

Image: Al Grundy will become the CEO of Mackay Isaac Tourism

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Rarely have we seen a growing season as good as over the past few months. In the sugar industry, crop tonnage is considerably higher than estimated. This greater than usual mass is not confined to crops. All vegetation is of far higher density than we are accustomed to.

This is where our problem lies. As cold weather has led to much of this vegetation dying off and the oncoming hotter conditions may be combined with drier conditions. We are left with a potential catastrophe with regard to fire.

With such a huge fuel load, an ill-judged spark can cause a conflagration of epic proportion. It was not so long ago that the “red steer” was running wild all across our region. This is a situation that I, for one, have no wish to face again.

So, what to do?

We should all try to reduce the amount of flammable material around us. Tall grass, weeds, undergrowth and leaf litter all need to go. Clear property boundaries and roof gutters. In rural areas, a water source and a means of pumping that does not require electricity is a very good idea. These are just some measures we should take – there are others – now is the time for thinking. When a fire starts, it’s action time and a plan is essential.

The best way of fighting fire is not to start it. Listen to warnings. A total fire ban is TOTAL.

Be wary of anything that can throw a spark, such as slashing and mowing. Think very carefully before undertaking anything that can. If things go awry, it can cost massively in property and, as bitter experience shows, lives.

If you do need to light a fire, protect yourself and others by obtaining a permit from your local fire warden.

Not that we burn cane before harvest much anyway around here, but it is a good idea to get that permit even for this.

Stay safe over the next few months.

Cr Martin Bella

Mackay Regional Council

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Image: Douglas Cannon, of CannonBee, provides a guided hive inspection with Michaela Pritchard. The inspection advises on natural beekeeping practices showing how to conduct a routine hive inspection, what to look for regarding hive health; any sign of pests or disease, analysing overall health and vigour of the bees

Things are buzzing in the Pioneer Valley, especially for local business CannonBee.

The family-owned and Eungella-based business uses natural beekeeping practises to produce raw honey and beeswax products, including Eungella Raw Rainforest Honey and Propolis and Raw Honey Face Polish.

Business owner Janine Cannon recently participated in the second round of council’s one-on-one tailored mentoring program for small business owners.

Mrs Cannon said the program offered a fantastic opportunity to learn how to leverage off the growing tourism market in the Pioneer Valley.

“We are mostly a product-based business, so it has been wonderful to get some expert advice on how we can move into more education focussed aspects such as hosting tours and workshops on beekeeping,” Mrs Cannon said.

“The flexibility of the program - to do it via Zoom - as well as its structured delivery, made it very worthwhile,” she said.

“My mentor was able to provide real-world information such as resources and tools for tourism businesses and databases we can access which will be directly applicable to expanding our business

“With this we will be able to take advantage of the increase in visitor numbers generated by the new Mountain Bike Trails.”

Mayor Greg Williamson said this current round of the program had been aimed at existing businesses, as well as start-ups with a business idea that supported the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails.

“Council is investing in the program as part of our ongoing commitment to growing the visitor economy and ensuring the Mackay region continues to grow as a highly-regarded leisure destination,” Mayor Williamson said.

“We want the Mackay region to be front of mind for travellers seeking nature experiences and we want to offer a high standard of experiences for them to enjoy while visiting,” he said.

Council offers a free five-part webinar series focussed on business development for businesses in the Pioneer Valley. They are available on the council’s website at https://bit.ly/3cyZM2k

The Small Business Mentoring Program is designed and facilitated by independent mentors, business and tourism experts, Sparrowly Group on behalf of Mackay Regional Council.

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Students at Mackay State High School are leaving their legacy on a local art studio as part of their Creative Arts Academy.

Bottletops & Brushes has been operational in Victoria Street since January and, with unutilised space upstairs, co-founder Margaret-Mary Robinson reached out to schools to offer the space to the region’s youth.

“We noticed that young people don’t have very many places to go so we wanted to encourage young people to express themselves in art,” she said.

“We had Mackay State High School who have initiated an art initiative which is why we have three teams doing art on the walls expressing themselves with what they feel is important to them.

“We’re wanting young people to embrace art, to express themselves and have an opportunity to do something in the Mackay city heart, to take ownership of their place here.”

The school’s Creative Arts Academy is in its first year after the school’s principal recognised the creative talent and potential in the students.

“We’ve essentially been grabbing every arts opportunity by the horns and running with it,” said Mackay State High School Creative Arts Coordinator and Senior Visual Art Teacher Anita Pritchard.

“Earlier this year we had a group who actually participated in the Wonder Rooms project with Mackay Regional Council as part of the Festival of Arts.

“Being our pilot year, I’m really stoked with the opportunities we’ve had so far.”

The academy caters to instrumental students, drama, media and visual arts, with students participating in the mural competition all from the school’s extracurricular XL Art program.

“Our Creative Arts Academy is for students who want to extend themselves further and be able to work with likeminded students,” said Ms Pritchard.

“For XL Art, we have students from grade 7 all the way to year 12 … it becomes a bit of a peer mentorship.”

Five students across years 8, 9 and 11 began work on their murals at the start of the week including year 8 student Sophie Van Essen who says the school’s Creative Arts Academy has opened her up to opportunities she never thought possible.

“I’ve been really focussing on that art since about grade five and this year when the Creative Arts Academy opened up that was really the perfect gateway for me,” she said.

“It’s teaching me a lot about art and I’m learning a lot of things that I wouldn’t have learnt without it and I think that’s a really good opportunity to have.”

Sophie’s mural features a large golden heart and incorporates some of her own characters.

“The entire thing is supposed to represent that there can be innocence and good within a really bad place,” she said.

The murals are to remain in the upstairs studio permanently.

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The toll that COVID-19 has taken on Australian women’s health and fitness is laid bare in the 2022 Jean Hailes National Women’s Health Survey, where nearly one in five women reported loss of fitness, weight gain, and muscle and joint pain.

The survey, which was conducted in March-May and attracted more than 14,000 respondents, revealed that 30 per cent of women said they were less fit, 28 per cent said they had gained weight, and 20 per cent said they had muscle and joint pain.

The findings are not surprising. Women assumed the greater shares of housework, childcare, home-learning, as well as managed their own work after the arrival of the pandemic. This burden of care in addition to the closures of facilities meant that many had to abandon their usual fitness regimes like working out in a gym, swimming, doing yoga or Pilates.

Those closures had significant effects on women’s health. Queenslander Penny Conlan says that doing aqua aerobics several times a week is integral to her level of mobility and keeping the pain of her osteoarthritis under control.

“The lockdown meant I had no access to the pool, and I had significantly more joint and muscle pain and was incredibly stiff,” she says.

Anita Hobson-Powell, CEO of Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA), says women often struggle to put their own health first. The demands on their time during COVID-19 meant it was hard for them to fit movement into their daily lives.

“Regardless of their health status and stage of life, every woman can gain significant benefits from being active. My message to all Australian women is that to take care of others, you first need to care for yourself. It isn’t selfish to prioritise your health and take time to get the right advice when it comes to exercise.”

CEO of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, Janet Michelmore AO, believes it’s important for women to acknowledge the challenges of the past two-and-a-bit years and to give themselves permission to look now to their own needs.

“We know that we as women are resilient and in the coming months, we will slowly but surely work our way back to better health and fitness,” she says.

“Like all journeys, this one will begin with a step.”

Jean Hailes for Women’s Health is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of women across Australia.

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There is fresh hope that the murderer of Shandee Blackburn will soon be brought to justice following a revelatory podcast that brings into question the quality of the forensic evidence processing by the state-run laboratory.

The podcast, which was produced by investigative journalist Hedley Thomas from The Australian, found that lab results from DNA testing were likely mis-handled.

In the podcast Dr. Kristy Wright advises that there had been 17 incorrect results released from the laboratory.

A former forensic biologist also called the handling of the case a "forensic train wreck".

This evidence combined prompted the coroner to reopen the coronial investigation into Shandee’s death.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the inquiry in June and it will be headed by the former President of the Court of Appeal, retired judge Walter Sofronoff.

Shandee Blackburn was murdered in February 2013 in the early hours of the morning as she was walking home from her workplace.

She was stabbed in multiple places including her chest and crawled to a nearby gutter where she was heard by a neighbour - Ringo Tapim - who called emergency services.

Shandee was then taken to hospital where attempts were made to resuscitate her before she was pronounced dead.

In 2014, John Peros was arrested and charged with her murder but found not guilty in 2017 when nothing was shown that directly linked him to Shandee’s murder.

In 2019 at a coronial inquest the court heard evidence against John Peros, which showed CCTV footage of a Toyota Hilux of the same age and colour as one he owned nearby the scene of the crime, six minutes prior to the murder.

In August 2020, coroner David O'Connell gave his findings that John Peros was indeed responsible for the murder of Shandee Blackburn - despite being acquitted three years prior.

The refreshed media coverage in the podcast ‘Shandee’s Story’ which mention the forensic lab failures has now brought about the inquiry into the processes of state DNA lab testing.

On Wednesday, two Queensland Government-run DNA testing laboratory senior employees who worked in the forensic unit were stood down pending the outcome of the inquiry.

Thousands of cases, including Sharnee’s will now be re-examined.

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Image: Shandee Blackburn was murdered in 2013

Photo Caption: Council is looking for creative tender ideas for the commercial premises at Bluewater Quay, formerly operating as Ashtart

An exciting opportunity exists for a passionate foodie to snap up a prime waterfront position.

Mackay Regional Council is seeking proposals for a key waterfront commercial tenancy at Bluewater Quay.

The call for tenders, which will be released last Friday (September 16), is for the fit out and operation of food and beverage opportunities from an existing premises at the riverfront location.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the premises, which formerly operated as Ashtart, was beautifully situated on the Bluewater Quay looking over the Pioneer River and formed part of the Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with vision to come in and set up a distinctive food and beverage business that will take advantage of this amazing space,” Mayor Williamson said.

“It would be great to see some really creative tenders that provide a new and unique destination for locals and visitors alike to enjoy our riverfront,” he said.

Mayor Williamson said the Mackay Waterfront project had been developed by council to improve the tourism aesthetic, liveability and economic activity in Mackay’s CBD and waterfront areas.

“Council’s Mackay City and Waterfront team are working with the community and local businesses to roll out a series of placemaking and activation activities across the city centre and waterfront areas.

“This premises is perfectly situated between the Mackay city centre and the revitalisation area, acting as a key connector and community hub.  

“And the team would be keen to work with the future operator to identify opportunities for this space that complement the PDA works,” he said.

Interested parties can refer to QTenders for more information.

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From Monday, September 26, there will be some changes to Translink fares and zones in the Mackay and surrounding regions, making public transport simpler and fairer.

Translink said “The new fares and zones will make using and paying for public transport simpler, fairer and more consistent, ahead of the future rollout of Smart Ticketing throughout Queensland.

“Fares will be consistent across networks in regional Queensland with a simplified zone structure that extends outwards from your town centre, making it easier to calculate the cost of your journey.”

Smart Ticketing is an innovative ticketing technology that enables more ways to pay for public transport across Queensland.  Over time, more and more Queenslanders will be able to pay for travel with contactless payment methods using a Visa, Mastercard and American Express debit card, credit card, smartphone or smart device.

Translink added on its website that the timetable wouldn’t change.

Visit Translink.com.au or download the mytranslink app for updated maps and fares.

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Mackay Hospital and Health Service has welcomed Paula Foley as interim Chief Executive.

Paula joined the Executive Leadership Team this week and will remain with the health service until the recruitment of a permanent Chief Executive.

She is an accomplished health professional and senior clinician with 29 years of experience in hospitals and health service.

Paula has held many leadership roles within Queensland Health and most recently was Chief Operating Officer – Mater Health, South Queensland, responsible for overseeing public and private hospitals.

Prior to that, Paula worked at Metro South Hospital and Health Service, where she was the Director of the Clinical Improvement Unit, Director of Nursing and Deputy Surgical Stream Lead from 2011 to 2021.

Paula holds a Master’s in Project Management/Clinical Redesign, a Bachelor of Science (Organisational Psychology) and a Bachelor of Health Science-Nursing.

She has been awarded Hospital and Health Service Board Chair Awards, including Empowering People, Excellence in Patient-Centred Care, Shaping our Future and Innovative Strategies in Improving Patient Access to Elective Surgery.

When she’s not working Paula can be found spending time with family and friends and relaxing with a good book.

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A petition to rename a Slade Point park in honour of a beloved former resident has been denied by Mackay Regional Council, with a park bench being recommended and agreed upon instead.

The petition to rename Seagull Street Park was lodged with council in August 2021 following the death of Nolear ‘Nanna’ Ramsamy, aged 103, by Nanna’s grandson John Ramsamy.

Documents from council’s ordinary meeting held on Wednesday September 14, 2022, read “noting that renaming of a Park itself wouldn’t fit under Council’s Policy, options allowed such as installation and naming of park infrastructure (ie: park bench seat with plaque) were discussed.”

“It is recommended that in line with Council’s adopted policies, it does not rename the Seagull Street Park as requested, and rather the Council agrees to the installation of an appropriate piece of park infrastructure at the applicant’s cost with the appropriate plaque recognising Nanna Ramsamy.”

Councillor Alison Jones, a friend of Nanna, has since started a crowdfunding campaign of her own volition, aiming to raise $3,000 for a park bench seat to be installed at the park.

“It’s not just the Ramsamy family that would want her remembered in that way,” said Ms Jones.

“There is a large number in the community that would want to remember her as well.

“If we did a GoFundMe, that would give everybody an opportunity to put some money together, and we would be able to pay for the chair that way.

“Therefore, it’s not on a particular family member, it’s a community remembrance.”

Ms Jones said Nanna’s 103 years were filled with love, family and community.

“The one thing that was always very, very dear to Nanna’s heart was her family,” she said.

“The way she would embrace community was just outstanding.

“She would make everybody feel welcome.

“She’s just an all-around amazing lady and she has a huge amount of respect in our community, not just in Slade Point, but the greater Mackay community as well.”

Ms Jones said the park and the creek held significance to Nanna and the Ramsamy family who have called the Slade Point area home for generations.

“The family that lived close to the creek would take her (Nanna) down there in her wheelchair in her later years and just sit there and allow her to watch everybody else catching fish,” she said.

“As long as she was down there at the creek, that was her happy place.”

To find out more about the GoFundMe campaign, visit www.gofundme.com/f/purchase-of-a-park-bench-seat.

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Mackay not-for-profit organisation RACQ CQ Rescue was amazed when they opened a donation moneybox collected from Collinsville.

The fundraising team was flabbergasted to find the moneybox loaded up with notes where just loose change would normally be found.

“Small communities often have the biggest hearts,” RACQ CQ Rescue wrote on Facebook.

“They also help inspire the greatest change.”

“How incredibly generous of such a small community who are obviously grateful for the difference our service and crew make to those who live and work so far west,” the post reads on.

“Every cent counts when it comes to saving lives.

“To all our Collinsville supporters, our enormous thanks for helping ensure we can be the difference in a time of dire need to you and the rest of Central Queensland.”

As a community-funded rescue helicopter service, RACQ CQ Rescue is a lifeline to anyone, anywhere at any time across Central and North Queensland.

Thanks to the dedicated staff and generous supporters, RACQ CQ Rescue has rescued, transferred, retrieved and winched thousands of people who say their lives would be extremely different today if the helicopter wasn’t available to help them when they needed it.

Often a patient’s only lifeline, RACQ CQ Rescue offers aeromedical and search and rescue assistance to those in dire situations.

To find out more or make your own donation, visit www.cqrescue.org.au.

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There is a smorgasbord of events on the horizon happening in Mackay, and I’m sad to be missing them all!

Rumble on the Reef, the WBBL, PBR and more, it’s going to be an action-packed September and October.

Our weekly event guide is almost overflowing this week and it never fails to get bigger. Pay close attention to it over the coming weeks as there is a lot happening in sport, art and entertainment.

Don’t forget that it’s free to list an event in our guide for not-for-profit clubs and organisations, simply drop us an email with the details and we’re happy to include it.

While I’m sad to be missing so many great local events, I have a few of my own to make up for it, including baseball at Dodger Stadium, NASCAR at Talladega, Joe Rogan in Atlanta and if this rocket launch with NASA is delayed much longer then I might be able to time a visit to Cape Canaveral with an actual space launch. Only if it doesn’t clash with my Disney World day, of course.

In case you’re into ‘space stuff’, NASA’s "mega moon rocket" (Artemis 1) is now scheduled to make its third liftoff attempt on September 27. I think that’s pretty darn cool and a lot of the world will be watching.

When this edition comes out, I’ll already be in Los Angeles helping my husband prepare to compete in the Masters World Track Cycling Championships.

After the competition is when I get a holiday. While I’m driving across the southern states of North America, our Mackay journalist Sam will keep you up to date on each edition. And thanks to our trendy new online flip book, I won’t miss an edition while I’m on the road.

You’ll see me again in the first edition for November.

So, it’s bye for now, but I’ll be back before you know it. There’s no place like home!

Amanda

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