Within Australia, skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer, with over 750,000 new diagnoses made every year, making up about 80 per cent of cancers diagnosed in Australia.

While most skin cancers are curable if detected early, the disease can be deadly if left untreated. Therefore, it's crucial to know the signs of skin cancer and ways to prevent it.

Signs of skin cancer to look out for include:

1. Changes in the colour, size, or shape of a mole or other skin spot

2. Scaly or rough patches of skin

3. Redness or swelling beyond the border of a mole or other spot

4. Itching, bleeding, or oozing from a mole or other spot

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Preventing skin cancer is essential, and there are several ways to do so:

1. Wear sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed skin, including your lips, every day.

2. Seek shade: Stay out of the sun, especially during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

3. Cover up: Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, hats, and sunglasses.

4. Avoid tanning beds: Indoor tanning can increase your risk of skin cancer.

5. Perform self-exams: Check your skin regularly for any changes and report any suspicious moles or skin spots to your doctor.

6. Get regular check-ups: Have your skin checked by a dermatologist at least once a year, especially if you have a history of skin cancer or other risk factors.

In particular, the highest rates of skin cancer are found in Queensland, due to the high UV levels. By practising sun safety, you can prevent cancer and other associated health issues.

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With the Proserpine Show Ball occurring this weekend after being revitalised only a couple of years ago, it is a reminder of just how popular balls have been in our district over the years. The first Proserpine Show Ball was held in 1910 but this was just one of the many types of balls that were an integral part of society and eagerly anticipated by locals. There were Nurses’ Balls, Teachers’ Balls, Rugby League Balls and Debutante Balls to name just a few. In 1919, after four years of wartime deprivation, the first Annual Military Ball was introduced and, not surprisingly, keenly embraced by the community.

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The First Annual Military Ball in Proserpine was held at the Tivoli Theatre on ANZAC night, April 25, 1919 (This was on the site of what is now Porters Plumbing). This event was greatly anticipated as a commemoration to mark the anniversary of the Anzac Campaign. Programs were printed and over 200 tickets were sold.

Earlier on in the day of the ball, an Anzac Day parade and ceremony were held in Main Street Proserpine. Although the weather on the big day was gloomy, there was a splendid roll up at the First Annual Military Ball.

The organiser, Lieutenant Meredith, President of the Ball Committee, had received permission to wear uniforms by Returned Soldiers, Citizen Forces and the Rejected Volunteers who had been in camp. Although the theme of the ball was not fancy dress, the guests were invited to wear the national dress of any of the Allies or evening dress. As had been expected, the ladies of district did not disappoint and turned out in their finest ballgowns. Returned soldiers were attired in their khaki uniforms. Officers from Bowen had also expressed interest in attending the ball.

“The Proserpine Guardian” April 19, 1919, reported: “The Red Cross and Repatriation ladies have promised to provide the supper, so that it behoves each and every patriotic lady of Proserpine to help them in their colossal task.”

To cope with the large number of attendees, Mrs Kemp and Mrs Booth took on the task of co-ordinating contributions of poultry, salads, cakes etcetera, all of which were gratefully accepted. And so it was that according to reports from those who attended the ball, the sumptuous supper was a credit to the ladies who worked cheerfully at their enormous task. It was served in the skating rink at the Tivoli Hall “which was an ideal place as the ladies had a comfortable room to attend to their duties and the tarpaulins erected prevented the dew from interfering with those at supper” (“The Proserpine Guardian” April 26, 1919).

The hall was nicely decorated with the flags of the Allies, palms, and red, white, and blue bunting. The Proserpine Citizens Band were called on to play the military and dance music. They played the National Anthem followed by the ANZAC Grand March and Lancers. Eighty to ninety couples paraded about the hall. Those who assisted the Citizens Band were Miss Waldron on the piano and Mrs Lascelles and Mrs AL Scotts who contributed extras. The dance program continued well into the early hours of the morning, concluding at 2:30am with the only interruption being made during supper. The names of the twenty dances were aptly named, all relating to a significant battle or other war - related aspect and concluding with the suitably entitled “Dinkum’s Medley”.  

Masters of Ceremony for this inaugural ball were Sergeant W Biggs (a returned World War 1 soldier) and Mr W McNeil.

Story courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum and “The Proserpine Guardian” and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

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Legal Proceedings Underway

Two concerned community members are aiding residents of Westminster Lodge, a North Mackay aged care rental village, to pursue legal action after an alleged decline in living standards and numerous alleged instances of neglect have affected their mental health and way of life dramatically.

Christine McDonald and Glen Dreier of Worldwide Rally for Freedom Mackay are utilising their community connections and legal background, with an investigation by the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) currently underway.

“The RTA is currently investigating 13 alleged breaches,” Mr Dreier said.

“They’ve now got onto the Body Corporate.

“There’s been interviews, it has been presented to the Manager, she’s had time to come back and now it’s going to the powers to be.”

Westminster Residents Gain Support

Westminster Lodge appears to be a retirement village divided.

“Most of us have been here many years,” one resident wrote.

“It is our home. We like it.”

But since the catering service reportedly ceased in September 2022, forcing residents to source their own meals and limiting opportunities for social interaction, many disagree, saying they’re living in “sub-human” conditions.

“I can’t stand the way it is,” said Garry Byatt, who has lived at the village since 2020.

“I want to see the kitchen open again.

“I’m missing the food and missing being able to talk to people.”

“Since closing the kitchen, there’s been so many people depressed in here,” added Elvira Bates, a resident since 2021.

“Most of these people are so vulnerable because of their age and infirmity.”

In September 2022, a Facebook post requesting the loan of a barbecue for Christmas attracted the attention and support of many throughout the community.

Volunteers rallied to source food, presents, maintenance and provide social gatherings for the residents, who had allegedly been left with substandard kitchen facilities.

This is when Mr Dreier and Ms McDonald got involved.

“We met some fantastic people here, we cooked, we brought a heap of food, presents, and we tried to bring a bit of cheer, and a lot of people said to me, ‘We want to show you what it’s like,’ and it enraged me so much,” Mr Drier said.

“We could see that the community wasn’t going to be able to keep up this level of help long term, so we were prepared to step in and help them find a way out of it legally,” added Ms McDonald.

Each unit is equipped with a microwave, mini fridge, toaster and kettle, limited bench and storage space and dated appliances, forcing many residents to seek Meals on Wheels and the assistance of family and community to feed themselves.

“We’re trying to make a decent meal in there and it’s impossible,” said Ms Bates.

Mr Dreier surmises the division, causing tension and alleged intimidation amongst residents, to be due to improper management.

“These factions are occurring because there’s no management with the suitable training to ensure that those factions don’t occur,” he said.

“You leave factions to fester; this is exactly what you build and its purely because they don’t have a resident manager.”

Residents claim numerous instances of neglect on the property, including no emergency phones, faulty air conditioning, broken furniture, out of date fire extinguishers, rat infestations and overgrown pathways causing access issues for ambulance officers.

There have been reports of residents having to perform CPR on each other in emergencies and finding other residents deceased.

Also, residents state that while the common room is unlocked during the day, it’s only accessible through one door, causing a potential fire hazard.

Westminster Lodge Manager Helen Liu claimed to live on the premises but said she could run the business from wherever she wants.

“I can legally run the business from anywhere I like, but I’m still in Mackay,” she said.

“I can choose to live there, I can choose not to live there, it’s none of their business.”

A contract signed by all residents of Westminster Lodge states that: “Westminster Lodge Mackay is a dedicated seniors’ retirement village servicing aged care, aged, disability and veteran affairs pensioners who are over 55 years of age and are entitled to rental assistance through Centrelink.

“We provide individual units that are fully self-contained and fully furnished with catering three meals per day for seven days per week.”

The village’s meal service ceased in September last year, with a letter from Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson addressed to Mr Dreier confirming “The license as a residential aged care (facility) was handed in, in September 2022, as was the license to conduct a kitchen on the premises.

“Minister Enoch’s department (Communities and Housing) has confirmed Westminster Lodge is no longer a residential facility for aged care and council confirms the licensing requirements to operate a kitchen were revoked in September.

“Westminster Lodge is now a facility the same as any other block of flats.”

Upon seeking records of these licenses being revoked, Mr Dreier said he was told by Council and a senior staff member of the RTA that they are still enforced.

Moreover, Westminster Lodge is still described, in signage and real estate listings, as a “retirement village” or “aged care community”.

“Under the Retirement Village Act 1999, if you advertise as a retirement village without being registered, you have committed a serious offence,” said Mr Dreier.

With investigations between residents, Ms Liu and the Body Corporate underway, many hope for new management to provide the service and standard of living outlined in their contracts.

“These people are very vulnerable and very scared,” said Ms McDonald.

“It’s only a matter of time before something more serious happens.”

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Westminster Lodge residents Garry Byatt and Elvira Bates have welcomed the assistance of the community. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Christine McDonald and Glen Dreier were “horrified” to learn of the alleged neglect at Westminster Lodge. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Since its inception in 2018, Broken Ballerina has continued to support survivors of domestic violence in every way possible, relying heavily on donations and sponsorships.

Using a $50 gift card donated by the Woolworths manager, Broken Ballerina Inc purchased sausages, bread, and onion, and began fundraising with a sausage sizzle in the foyer of Woolworths

“It all started with a sausage sizzle and a huge dream,” Jules Thompson said, founder of Broken Ballerina Inc.

“We also had sausage sizzles and cake stalls at Bunnings, which we continued through COVID.”

Broken Ballerina supports all survivors of domestic violence, providing immediate emergency assistance, including flights to safety and motel rooms.

The not-for-profit organisation also provides housing, including furnished housing, back to school supplies, and car registration, 7 days a week for all people and families in need.

“Officeworks is one of our bigger sponsors and they covered 18 children with back-to-school supplies,” Ms Thompson said.

“Rebel also opened an hour early for us, and using donations, we were able to purchase 18 pairs of school shoes, backpacks, and Nike water bottles, so the children wouldn’t have second hand or bad quality school items.”

“It comes down to compassion,” Ms Thompson said.

Just recently, the organisation has been supported by the Souths Leagues Club Mackay and the Shamrock Hotel Mackay, however ongoing major sponsorships drive the key components of the organisation, with the aim of opening a premise on the Northern Beaches.

The ideal premise would have a “coffee, cake and conversation” space, counselling rooms, and emergency housing at the back.

“We will make it happen.”

In 2022, Ms Thompson published her memoir which spoke of her own struggles, and gave the inspiration behind Broken Ballerina Inc.

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If you flick to the Event Guide on page 18, you’ll see we have a couple of icons coming to Mackay.

Well, not quite; it would be quite the feat if both Elvis Presley and ABBA graced the stages of the MECC in the same week, but with world class tribute shows touring the country, we get to experience the next best thing.

My parents are big music fans, Queen and ABBA frequently getting played through the record player growing up.

Whenever tribute shows for bands like these came Toowoomba’s Empire Theatre, they would be quick to grab tickets for the whole family and we would all go along, ending up on our feet by the end of the show singing, clapping, and dancing.

I grew up on tribute shows and am a huge fan of the concept.

Of course, seeing the real thing would be an absolute dream, but why not head along and enjoy the music that you love performed with energy and dedication by professionals who hone their craft and presentation over years.

The question was always posed; do these performers realise they look like icons like Freddie Mercury or Elvis then train their voices to sound like them or vice versa?

How do four people who happen to look and sound like Agnetha, Anni-Frida, Björn and Benny happen to find each other in the same band?

I haven’t come across the answer, but I’m all here for the result; although my moustache pales in comparison to Freddie’s, maybe I should start banging out some Queen bangers.

The Airlie Beach Hotel is also famous for bringing these types of performances to the area, always providing a solid afternoon of live music.

So, get out and enjoy some live music this week and take a trip down memory lane.

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One of St Vincent’s de Paul’s two Vinnies op shops has recently been revamped, the upgrades being blessed by Father Stephen Hanley on Friday April 21.

The North Mackay store has been fitted with air conditioning, fans, roller doors and more to make the customer and volunteer experience a more pleasant one.

President of the Saint Jude Saint Vincent De Paul Conference Laurence Bonaventura said he is happy with the upgrades as they assist his role of supporting volunteers.

“We appreciate the work that our shop does as it raises money for St Vincent’s de Paul to complete those charity works within our region and wider appeal,” he said.

“That’s why we really value what they do for us as a society, and we assist where we can.

“Having Father Stephen bless our building and those who work in it is the spiritual link between our work and doing God’s work to assist those needing a helping hand.”

Regional Operations Manager for the Rockhampton Diocese Gina Dann, saying the work of the shops is vital in raising funds through Special Works Programs such as Housing and Homelessness, Drug and Alcohol, Education and Employment.

“As a Values based organisation, it is very important to provide a respectful workspace for our volunteers and a dignified shopping experience for our customers,” she said.

“What we are aiming to do is provide a great shopping experience that promotes ‘Feel Good Finds’ - that feeling you get when you know that when you purchase from us, that money is going back into your community to support those that need a hand up.”

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Vinnies North Mackay Warehouse Manager Katia Lunney and Father Stephen Hanly cutting the celebratory cake. Photo supplied

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A statue symbolising good luck and fortune has been donated to the Mackay & District Australian South Sea Islander Association (MADASSIA) by the people of the Solomon Islands.

Mackay North Rotary Club do a trip to the Islands every year, donating labour and school goods including desks, chairs, printers, copiers, and books.

Last year, the club took over two shipping containers filled with approximately 1,000 desks, 1,000 chairs and other supplies for schools throughout the country.

The statue, which proved difficult to fly back to Australia, was unexpectedly gifted to the Mackay North Rotary Club by the people of the Solomon Islands, who then presented it to MADASSIA on Anzac Day.

“We don’t expect them to donate anything to us,” said International Director for Mackay North Rotary Club Peter Johnson.

“We’re not over there for that.

“It’s just their way of saying thank you.”

MADASSIA President Starrett Vea Vea has visited the Solomon Islands with Mackay North Rotary Club in the past.

“Mackay North Rotary Club do a lot for the villages over there and the connection that we have with the Solomons, obviously, is through our ancestors who were brought over and blackbirded from the Islands to work in Queensland sugar cane,” he said.

“We’re appreciative of them and of the islanders over there.

“They know there’s islanders here, they know that there are families that were taken from there that have never gone back and know that they’re here somewhere.”

Mackay North Rotary Club will return to the Solomon Islands in September to distribute water tanks that have been purchased with raised funds and refurbish nurse’s quarters.

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Mackay North Rotary Club International Director Peter Johnson and MADASSIA President Starrett Vea Vea with the gifted statue. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Petitions to council can now be made via a new e-Petition platform.

The principal petitioner will be able to start the petition on council’s website before promoting its availability to sign in the community.

The topic of the petition should be something within council’s jurisdiction to change and they can remain open from one to four weeks.

The name and suburb of the principal petitioner will be published on the e-Petition website.

Only the initials and suburb of anyone who signs it will be published.

Mayor Greg Williamson said digital and social media petitions had increased in popularity in recent years.

“By creating an e-Petition on our website, it will ensure they meet the conditions for a petition to council,” he said.

“The use of our portal also means people can’t sign a petition twice.

“The e-Petitions will be an easy and convenient way for people to petition council on matters of interest or concern.”

As part of the review of council’s Petitions Policy, paper-based petitions are still available.

More details, including how to lodge an e-petition can be found at mackay.qld.gov.au/petitions.

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And Raise Awareness and Funds to Challenge Domestic Violence

You’re invited to hit the pavement, hiking trails, dirt tracks or whatever surface takes your fancy to take a stand against domestic and family violence this month.

May is recognised as Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Month and is the perfect time to commit to challenging a community-wide issue.

DFV prevention organisation Challenge DV launched its national Darkness to Daylight 2023 campaign in Mackay last week, where Acting CEO Keith Tracey-Patte said the Darkness to Daylight event is an opportunity for teams and individuals to cover 110 kilometres, either remotely or at the overnight run in Brisbane on May 30th and 31st.

“The distance represents the average number of DFV deaths in Australia every year,” he said.

“We do it to improve general awareness of DFV, encourage people to have courageous conversations about their experiences, and to raise money for our social impact projects.

“This is a heavy topic. But each of us can be ready to help by being informed about domestic violence and how to appropriately respond to somebody who tells you they’ve been impacted.

“It’s also about hope, highlighting the message that people can and do emerge from the darkness into the light.”

Since establishing a taskforce in 2018, Mackay Regional Council has led efforts to support and address domestic and family violence.

Mayor Greg Williamson said he welcomed Challenge DV’s decision to celebrate Darkness to Daylight’s 10th anniversary launch in a regional area.

“When you think about that message, darkness to daylight, not only is it about running, it’s actually delivering a very strong message: out of the darkness of DFV, there can be some daylight if communities get behind it,” he said.

“The standard that we walk past is the standard that we accept, and we don’t want to accept DFV in our community.

“We know it happens, but we need to give all the tools possible to everybody in our community to help overcome it.

“We don’t have all the answers, but we definitely know that a community that talks about it, a community that’s invested in finding solutions is far better off than trying to sweep it under the carpet.”

Anyone interested in registering for Darkness to Daylight is encouraged to go to www.darknesstodaylight.org.

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Challenge DV Acting CEO Keith Tracey-Patte and Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Having spent six weeks being refurbished in the 102 Field Workshop in Townsville, a donated German mortar gun has now been mounted outside the Calen Memorial Hall.

The new addition, a 7.58-centimetre Minewerefer Trench Mortar Gun, was first used in World War l.

The gun is portable by hand, operated by four or five men and would fire three-inch shells.

Found underneath a tree on a Mount Charlton farm, it is believed the gun had resided there for over 50 years.

Tremain Thomas, of the Calen War Memorial believes it is likely that the mortar gun is one of 100 purchased by the Australian Army around 1930, just before World War I, from Germany.

These guns were modified for a lower angel of trajectory, for jungle canopy engagement.

A handful of the German guns were used by Australian troops in World War Two, on the Owen Stanley Ranges, more specifically, the Kokoda Track.

It is unclear how the mortar gun came to the farm in Mount Charlton, however the donation is appreciated by the Calen War Memorial.

The refurbishment work took six weeks and was undertaken by the 102 Field Workshop in Townsville, before it was returned to Calen, with the help from St Helens RSL Sub Branch.

The unveiling of the refurbished gun took place on the day of the Calen ANZAC Day service and was attended by Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm, and Mackay Councillor Pauline Townsend.

“It was good to see them,” Mr Thomas said.

The monument now sits outside the Calen Memorial Hall for the community to enjoy.

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The German mortar gun now sits outside the Calen Memorial Hall

Merv Thomas, St Helens Sub Branch RSL President John Farren-Price, Tremain Thomas, Corporal Jesse Thomas, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP, Craftsman Connor Thomas, absent Heath Thomas. Photos supplied

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Applications are now open for original acts to enter what has now become Australia’s largest live, original music initiative, Passport to Airlie.

Winners from each region, including Mackay, will get the opportunity to open Airlie Beach Festival of Music 2023, performing in the main tent on Thursday, November 9.  

“The chance to be on a bill with international stars was once-in-a-lifetime,” said Passport to Airlie co-ordinator Cherrie Hughes.

“Fresh new acts and established artists can all enter to have this chance plus the opportunity to build experience and networks as well as their opportunity for a spot on the Airlie Beach Festival of Music line-up.”

Winners will be hoping for not just an overall win but also the prize of a headline spot at next year’s Airlie Beach Festival of Music.  

Passport to Airlie’s 2022 winner Perry Street Park have gone on an absolute tear since winning last year's competition, now winning the Bluesfest Byron Bay Busking Competition which saw them playing the Juke Joint stage for Bluesfest 2023.

“Passport to Airlie gives up and coming bands from all around Australia the opportunity to perform at a renowned festival on the big stage in front of industry and music lovers,” said lead singer Benny.

Airlie Beach Festival of Music Ambassador Sarah McLeod is also back as head judge and mentor before she rocks the stage with The Superjesus Saturday night.

“What a great opportunity for bands to be discovered on a legit platform in front of real fans who will follow their journey,” she said.

“Australian Idol this ain’t!”  

Applications for Passport to Airlie 2023 are open now and can be made at www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au/how-to-enter.

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Passport to Airlie 2022 winners Perry Street Park. Photo credit: Cherrie Hughes

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Spoil your mum this Mother’s Day with a gift from the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre.

Leading up to Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 14, the centre is featuring its locally made crafts, giving you a chance to say ‘love you, Mum’ to the most important person in your life.

All our crafts are hand-made locally to a high standard by our highly experienced crafters, who put many hours of painstaking work into their creations.

“We are very proud of all our crafters,” centre manager Jenny Costello said.

“They all have many years of experience behind them in creating their crafts, which is apparent from the standard of their items, and our prices are quite cheap.”

The centre is a non-profit group run entirely by volunteers in heritage buildings at the Sarina Field of Dreams Parkland, which is at the southern entrance to the town.

The parkland also houses the Sarina Museum, the Sarina Art Gallery and the Sarina Sugar Shed, along with the Mackay Tourism Information Centre, which is housed in the town’s railway station.

The centre is open Monday-Saturday 9am to 1pm.

Contributed by Charlie Payne

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Volunteers Pamela Robertson and Sue Smith at the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre with the Mother’s Day display. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

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Exciting news for Moranbah, with a $48.5 million tender awarded for Moranbah Hospital.

National company Hutchinson Builders has been awarded the massive tender to construct the improved Moranbah Hospital, which will include emergency department treatment spaces, improved medical imaging services and a helicopter landing pad.

This construction will replace the existing hospital and align multiple health services into one building.

The new hospital will increase the emergency department from six to 10 treatment spaces and provide patients with a CT scanner on the premise.

The tender was funded by the Palaszczuk Government’s progressive royalties regime and is expected to generate 100 construction jobs.

“Our government is committed to giving Queenslanders access to world-class health care no matter where they live,” said Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Yvette D’Ath.

“This new $48.5 million Moranbah Hospital will deliver a brand new, state-of-the-art facility that will support residents and resources workers across the Bowen Basin.

“This facility will deliver greater flexibility in services provided and better equip the hospital to respond to emergency situations, such as mining incidents,” Minister D’Ath said.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker is excited for the new hospital.

“After years of advocacy I am thrilled to see the Moranbah Hospital tender has been awarded,” Mayor Baker said.

“I am eager for the construction to get underway so the planning can begin on a place based service model that will make a genuine difference to the lives of our community.”

“It’s only right that our royalties generated from great mining towns like Moranbah are reinvested in our resources communities, giving the community access to the healthcare they deserve,” Minister for Resources, Scott Stewart said.

“Building the new Moranbah Hospital will provide an important economic boost and create more than 100 construction jobs,” said Julieanne Gilbert, Assistant Minister for Health and Regional Health Infrastructure.

Construction for the new hospital is expected to be complete by June 2025.

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Hutchinson Builders to construct new Moranbah Hospital

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Mackay’s biggest annual fun run has big plans to increase in size this year and exceed fundraising expectations, adding more funds to its impressive tally of over $480,000 raised in the previous 14 years.

The BMA Mackay Marina Run, held Sunday 4 June, yearly raises much needed funds for the Leukaemia Foundation with contributions to date totalling nearly half a million dollars.

“We are extremely proud of our long-term relationship with the Leukaemia Foundation and what we have been able to contribute to such an important organisation,” Event Director Tim Magoffin said.

“Each year our event evolves and this year we are hoping to welcome an expanded running field of just under 3,500 runners from throughout Australia.”

Held annually on the first Sunday in June, the run follows a stunning 21.1-kilometre course all the way from the Marina to Sydney Street for its major event, with smaller runs on the day including three- and five-kilometres.

Mr Magoffin said the future of the BMA Mackay Marina Run is “bright”, with an expanded number of registrations in 2023, meaning more donations for the Leukaemia Foundation.

“That makes us especially proud,” he said.

“Our goal for this year is to reach the $500,000 mark and we are well on track for that.”

Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti advised that funds raised through the BMA Mackay Marina Run would help support local families in their fight against blood cancer.

“Blood cancer doesn’t discriminate, it can affect anyone, at any age,” he said.

“Every 27 minutes, a person is newly diagnosed with blood cancer. It’s our mission to not only provide education and support services for those impacted by blood cancer but to also take steps towards curing and conquering this disease.

“Whether you chose to run 5km, 8km or tackle our half marathon, corporate or junior dash events - every registration makes a difference and will help save lives.”

To register for this year’s BMA Mackay Marina Run or to make a donation, visit www.mackaymarinarun.com

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The BMA Mackay Marina Run is hoping to hit a major milestone with $500,000 raised by the end of the events fundraising period this year

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A Mackay-based author, who introduced Billy the Aussie Easter Bilby to the world at the age of nine, is working to educate Australians about animal conservation.

64-year-old Rose-Marie Dusting wrote Billy the Aussie Easter Bilby at nine years old after an intimate interaction with a bilby near her childhood home in Richmond, Queensland.

Since then, she’s created a bevy of characters, including Billy’s friends Wally the Whale, Dudley the Dolphin, and Thomas the Turtle, to carry a message of preservation and conservation.

“Australia has the worst mammal extinction record in the world, with 22 mammals becoming extinct in the last 200 years,” Ms Dusting said.

“It would be heartbreaking and internationally embarrassing if we stand aside and witness another wave of extinctions.”

Ms Dusting said introduced species such as rabbits, cats and foxes have caused this decline, as well as environmental and human factors including fire, floods, and the clearing of land.

When the platypus, a species special to the Mackay area, came on the endangered species list, she said “enough is enough!”

“I am calling for a save an Aussie endangered species revolution,” Ms Dusting said.

“We need action now.”

Ms Dusting has been working with all levels of government as well as zoos and conservation organisations including Taronga Zoo to share her message.

“I have a proven IQ of 171, and I will use my God-given gift to help our unique Aussie species,” Ms Dusting said.

“There is no place in the world like what we have in Australia, and we have to look after it.

“I want our wildlife to feed our next generations’ imaginations.

“I intend to educate about our Aussie endangered species and take immediate action to help save them.

“I hope I inspire all Australians and people to use my motto, ‘I stand up for our wildlife.’”

Ms Dusting’s new version of “Billy the Aussie Easter Bilby” will be released in early 2024 with a book launch in Mackay.

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Rose-Marie Dusting

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