An exciting new website has been launched encouraging people to “Discover Mackay”, promoting Mackay as the ultimate destination to live, work, invest and explore.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the website extended on council’s existing Discover Mackay promotion, with a special emphasis on investing and working in our region.

“The four key features of the website aim to encourage visitors to discover exactly what they will find if they choose to visit or make Mackay their home,” Mayor Williamson said.

The website highlights why people should choose to "live" in Mackay – with its warm summers, mild winters, more than 30 beaches and cool rainforest hinterland.

People looking to "work" in our region can access the Mackay Region Jobs website, which is a specific site for businesses and individuals to search for their dream career or their ideal employee.

“There is also the opportunity for local businesses to post their vacant positions on the site for free,” Mayor Williamson said.

For those seeking to "invest", the website offers information on our diversified economy, links to working with council to set up a business as well as funding opportunities on offer.

Finally, locals and visitors alike are encouraged to "explore" our region’s exceptional leisure activities, from feeding a wallaby on the beach, attending a concert or cultural festival or partaking in some fishing – there’s something for everyone.

Mayor Williamson said the Discover Mackay website would go further to entice growth in our region and to fill the current job shortage we are experiencing.

“There are plenty of amazing job opportunities available here in Mackay and we want to make it easier for people to find out how they can achieve that perfect work/life balance right here,” Mayor Williamson said.

“We also want to continue to encourage investment in our town to grow our economy and make the region the most vibrant and exciting in Queensland,” he said.

Resource Industry Network General Manager Dean Kirkwood said it was rare these days for people to move based on a job alone.

“There are so many opportunities available to people all around Australia that we must highlight why living and working in this region is so great,” Mr Kirkwood said.

“The Discover Mackay website is a one-stop-shop that promotes the best of Mackay.  By utilising this tool, businesses will be better placed to attract labour from all around Australia and the World,” he said.

For more information, visit discovermackay.com.au.

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Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, right, and Resource Industry Network General Manager Dean Kirkwood at the launch of the new Discover Mackay website

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As the day of bad dad jokes approaches, Porters Mitre 10 is celebrating amazing dads and their little helpers. From tackling big DIY projects like building a cubbyhouse to those weekends wandering through Porters with your youngest in tow, bombarding you with "what's that?" a gazillion times – a father figure holds a special place in all our lives.

But let's face it, Father's Day isn't just about applauding our dads for their lightbulb-changing skills and heroic spider rescues; it’s about appreciating all that our fathers do for us and creating memories to cherish for years to come. Porters Mitre 10 has been a big part of many local families' memories for more than 140 years, from play dates at our playground to tasty cupcakes at Charlies Café. This year, we're not only celebrating those memories – we’re helping our community to make new ones.

For every customer who spends over $50 in-store, we're gifting you an exclusive 'tradie in training' t-shirt. These tee-rrific shirts are available in children's sizes ranging from one to sixteen.  Whether you're on the hunt for that perfect Father’s Day gift or treating yourself to something special, make sure to come in store before Friday 1st of September to get your hands on this adorable tradie t-shirt.

The fun doesn’t stop there! We want to see those adorable little tradies in action. Share a photo of your little one in our ‘tradie in training’ t-shirt and tag us @Porterscando on Facebook to enter our Father’s Day competition to win a YETI Tundra valued at $649.99.

At Porters Mitre 10, we're more than just a place for tools and supplies; we're a part of your family's journey. Our goal is to help you transform dreams into reality, one project at a time. So, let's celebrate the memories we've built together – share your photo and join us in celebrating the moments that make us more than just a hardware store, but a part of the community.

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Amidst the maritime currents that link trade and opportunity, North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) welcomes Brendan Webb as its new Chief Executive Officer. With a seasoned background in ports, commercial leadership, and a commitment to North Queensland, his return sets a course for sustainable port trade and economic growth.

NQBP Chair Jane McTaggart said the Board has welcomed Mr Webb, who is currently the CEO of Ports Victoria, back to NQBP and back to Queensland.

“As a government-owned port authority, our ports and our people deliver essential port services facilitating billions of dollars of trade worldwide for the benefit of the people of Queensland,” Ms McTaggart said.

“We believe that Brendan is the right person to lead NQBP to deliver on our long-term vision to be global leaders in the sustainable facilitation of port trade and further the economy of Queensland.”

Ms McTaggart said that as well as a deep understanding of NQBP and ports, Brendan has extensive commercial experience, having held senior leadership roles in heavy haulage and mining support sectors.

“He has experience in commercial sales, trade development, and 24/7 operations including safety and emergency management,” Ms McTaggart said.

“Brendan has a strong commitment to Mackay and north Queensland, having previously worked in the Mackay region for 11 years.”

Ms McTaggart said the new CEO would commence in early October and be based in NQBP’s Mackay head office. Ms McTaggart thanked Acting CEO Belinda Kenny for her outstanding leadership during the recruitment period. Ms Kenny will continue to act as CEO until 2 October, before returning to her role as Chief Financial Officer.

Mr Webb said, “As a former General Manager with NQBP for almost five years, I hold a deep connection with the organisation. I look forward to leading a positive team culture, and fostering a unified organisation which is resilient and capable of navigating challenges that may arise.”

Ms McTaggart also thanked previous CEO Nicolas Fertin, who resigned in December last year after four years in the role, for his contribution to NQBP.

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North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) has announced the appointment of Brendan Webb as its new Chief Executive Officer. Photo supplied

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A successful ‘Save Glenden’ campaign has secured the mining town’s future after a fast-tracked piece of amended legislation passed in Queensland Parliament last week.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker led a small contingent in Brisbane to witness the historic moment alongside long-term Glenden resident Milissa Phillips-Payne.

“The future of Glenden has now been enshrined in law with the changes to the Mineral Resources Act ensuring that the community will continue to thrive,” Mayor Baker said.

“Minister Stewart was clear in his parliamentary address about the legislation that will see QCoal, Glencore, Council and State Government coming together over the next six months to finalise planning of the workforce integration.

"This precedent-setting legislation not only secures Glenden’s future but gives hope to all Queensland communities that host major resource projects, that the government has the desire and will to listen to regional communities.”

The Mineral Resources (Glenden) Act legislated the integration of 100 per cent of QCoal’s workforce within the town boundaries by 31 March 2029 in line with Glencore’s phased exit plan.

Resources Minister, Scott Stewart said, “I understand why people are so passionate about Glenden and its long-term future.

“This plan will mean QCoal can continue production at Byerwen knowing that their workforce has accommodation options.

“But this also secures the long-term viability of Glenden, because QCoal will have to house their workers in the town.”

Jangga Operations manager Irene Leard said the legislation cemented a bright future for Glenden.

“We are grateful we are part of a vibrant community who are willing to raise our voice as one,” Ms Leard said.

Ms Phillips-Payne, who has lived in Glenden since 1982, said it had been an emotional ride of uncertainty for a decade.

“This is my home, our home, and after all the blood, sweat and tears, the government has listened and, in the process, saved towns like Glenden from facing a wrecking ball,” Ms Phillips-Payne said.

Mayor Baker said more than a third of Queensland mayors and their local governments wrote to the Premier in support of protecting communities such as Glenden from extinction.

“Council would like to thank the Jangga Peoples, the Traditional Custodians of Glenden, the town residents for not giving up, our Council team, the 28 Mayors and communities across Queensland who backed us, Local Government Association of Queensland, Greater Whitsunday Communities and our Queensland Origin players,” Mayor Baker said.

“We also thank Resource Minister Scott Stewart, Treasurer Cameron Dick and the State Government for listening to mining regions and showing that they are willing to walk the walk when it comes to supporting Queenslanders.

“This is about more than politics. This is about people and today, the people won.”

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High school students have the world at their feet and as ambitions begin to soar, so too can the cost of education.

Whilst scholarships provide fantastic financial support, Sarina local Josie Dahtler discovered that they can also be a catalyst for a bright future, receiving the first ever Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank Senior Schooling Scholarship at Sarina State High School (SSHS) in 2017.

The former SSHS student has always been a strong believer in ‘giving it a shot’, saying she applied for the scholarship to ease the financial strain of study but gained so many more benefits.

“The scholarship introduced me to a world of networking opportunities whilst at high school and provided a huge boost to my personal and professional development,” she said.

Wanting to earn and learn locally after finishing Grade 12, she felt empowered to continue her studies and enrolled in a Bachelor of Science at CQUniversity online.

Soon after finishing High School, she was successful in attaining a position that became available at Community Bank Sarina as a Customer Service Officer, fueling her love of being involved in the local area.

“The local community has always held a place close to my heart, so I saw the job at the bank as the perfect opportunity to work and study locally.”

Josie has continued to enjoy a fulfilling role at the bank for four years and celebrated finishing her degree this July. She said she feels excited to see where her job and her degree will take her.

Community Bank Sarina Deputy Chair and Chair of Business and Engagement Maree Franettovich said Josie’s scholarship success story is both encouraging and motivating to current Grade 10 SSHS students, who can apply for a 2024 Senior Schooling Scholarship until September 8.

“We congratulate Josie on her success and her experience is a wonderful example of the investment in your future that a scholarship can provide,” she said.

Scholarships are a transformative tool for developing the diverse pool of talent in students and we encourage students to apply, using the application process as a learning opportunity as well.”

Josie said current SSHS students had nothing to lose by applying, so she encouraged them to give it a go.

“It is a great scholarship that can open so many doors in both the schooling and professional world. You won’t regret it,” she said.

Applications for the Sarina State High Senior Schooling Scholarships are open to students entering Grade 11 in 2024. SSHS students may request an information pack from executive@sarinacommunity.com.au and submit their application by September 8.

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This year’s Clean Up, Mackay Region has seen an increase in volunteers, with 124 people collecting close to three tonnes of litter at nine sites across the region.

Mayor Greg Williamson said it was the loyal volunteers who kept these events running, year after year.

“We would like to thank everyone for taking the time to help keep our region beautiful,” Mayor Williamson said.

“As pledged, this year council will plant five native plants either as street trees or revegetation, for each of these volunteers. That’s 620 trees that will now be growing in our region, helping to make it cleaner and greener,” he said.

“Volunteers removed large items like shopping trolleys and tyres but also large quantities of micro plastics, such as drink bottle lids, plastic water bottles and plastic bags.

“By collecting these items before they make their way to our beautiful beaches, volunteers are helping to protect our local waterways and wildlife in the process.”

Council also thanked event partners including North Queensland Airports, Grasstree Beach Progress Association, Sarina Landcare, Pioneer Catchment Landcare, Mackay Land Rover Club and Mackay Board Riders Club for supporting this event.

Fast facts:

● 2.9 tonnes collected across the clean ups.

● Four shopping trolleys and 41 tyres collected.

● 744kg of resources recovered for recycling and resale at Incredable Tip Shop and 484 “Containers for Change” donated to Mackay District Turtle Watch.

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One of the volunteers, Frances Eiteneuer, at the Bridge Road clean up. Photo supplied: Mackay Regional Council

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After a period of relative calm, the sugar market has come to life with the focus on where the sugar is going to come from in the New Year.

Unofficial reports that India will be banning any sugar exports and the Thai crop continuing to suffer under a poor monsoon leaves Australia in the box seat.

The dream Brazilian harvest continues with weather, ATR and sugar mix combining to keep analysts revising up the final sugar tonnage. However, even with the record Brazilian production, upwards of 39M tonnes factored in, our forecasts remain for a significant deficit for next year.

This will be the fourth year out of five that global supply and demand numbers indicate a reduction in world sugar stocks. Our pools are well positioned to take advantage of any further price rises in the #11 contract, while already having some favourable hedging in place to protect against the downside.

For users of the popular GMPRS pricing mechanism the Mar/May 24 futures pricing structure will benefit from any first quarter tightness. Hopefully this will provide some attractive pricing for the production risk proportion of this year’s crop.

The other contributor to the AUD sugar price rise has been the slide in the currency to a recent low of 63.65. This has seen the AUD break out of the well-established 66 – 68c trading range that has characterised much of this year’s trading.

Concern about Chinese economic growth, a turnaround in the interest rate differential – whereby US longer-term rates are higher than Aussie rates – and a weakening of our core commodity export prices have conspired to turn sentiment against the AUD. The low last year was around 61.70 in October and many analysts are talking the AUD down.

Nevertheless, as is shown by the table below, in recent history, the AUD does not spend a lot of time below 65c. So even if #11 is to rise, the shine might be taken off prices if the AUD was to rally at the same time.

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

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By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

It has been very positive to see community consultation opened on the proposed State Development Area of 1019 ha at Rosella and Racecourse. It’s another stepping-stone towards the establishment of a sugarcane-based biocommodities industry for the region.

The bio-commodities proposed for Mackay, around sustainable aviation fuels and plant-based milk/egg substitute protein manufacturing offer great opportunity not just for the sugar industry, but for our world-class engineering sector, so it makes a lot of sense to see these co-located in the area arcing between Racecourse Mill and Paget.

We are of the understanding that the Racecourse area would focus on short to medium term projects that extend on current pilot plant-type projects, whereas the Rosella site- 200ha of which is already owned by Economic Development Queensland – would be developed in a more staged approach to full-scale commercial operations for the medium to long term.

That said, we acknowledge that chunks of the area under consideration is land currently under cane, and some privately held by grower members of our organisation. Importantly, to meet the needs of the emerging biocommodities sector, we need to increase productivity and preserve quality agricultural land. We can also certainly understand that landholders within the SDA footprint may feel challenged by the SDA proposal.

The SDA is a zoning consideration that supports development of biocommodities enterprises and commercial land transactions. We have had assurances from the Queensland Government Office of the Coordinator-General that there will not be land resumptions, but that the model would be more around opportunities to sell out. As a grower advocacy body, we remind our members that we are there to support them, to assist them in these processes, and that we have industry experts across economics, agronomy, law and more who are there to assist members, even if just to get a better understanding of the process.

District Manager Michelle Martin also participated in State Development’s industry briefing held in Mackay recently. From this, we understand that landholders are receiving communication from State Development, and we encourage them - and the broader community - to also engage with the public consultation process, which is open until September 15. Find out more about the proposed SDA at www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/mackaysda.

We will continue to speak for the needs of growers as the new biocommodities sector develops, whether that is around land uses, or the importance of their inclusion in the value chain. Growers are the primary investors in the base material. If the world is chasing sustainably produced cane as a base material, then that is because of the growers’ efforts and investment in their agribusinesses. We are working for these emerging opportunities to be recognised as part of a new cane supply agreement.

CANEGROWERS Mackay has taken a seat at the table in seeing this opportunity realised for the region, as part of the Biofutures Leaders Working Group, and it is always positive to see government taking a program of action that will see industry diversify into cutting edge technology that will help feed the world’s growing population, but offer solutions for existing industries to transition into new economies.

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A State Development Area has been proposed for the Racecourse and Rosella localities, to support development of a sugarcane-based bio-commodities industry.  Pictures: Kirili Lamb

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Helmets are on, engines are revving, and the dusty ground is about to shake when over 400 bikes, buggies, and trophy trucks take on the Don River Dash next weekend.

Now in its 5th year, this popular offroad race is now commonly considered to be in the top three races of its kind in Australia, alongside the Finke and the Hattah.

One of the nation’s best and toughest competitions, The Dash is the brainchild of motorsport royalty, Talbot Cox and Michael Marson.

Supported by the Whitsunday Regional Council, local industry and tourism organisations, the Don River Dash also entices visitors to the region, boosting the local economy.

Mayor Julie Hall said Council is proud to provide assistance to Bowen’s Don River Dash, now one of the most anticipated events on the annual calendar.

“The Don River Dash is the pinnacle of off-road racing in our region, and it has continued to grow in popularity since the first event in 2019,” Mayor Hall said.

“It puts Bowen and the Whitsundays on the map and importantly, gives our region a major economic boost throughout the three-day event.”  

Over 5000 spectators are expected to pack the sidelines and the whole community will be buzzing with life over the weekend.

This year, the event will also be live streamed, so spectators both nationally and internationally can view the action.

It is hoped this will further establish the Whitsundays as a premier off-road racing destination and assist in attracting sponsors and competitors from around the world.

Jason Stewart, Race Team Director and Owner for STE Racing, said the Don River Dash was one of the three main races on the event calendar once they recruited Callum Norton to ride for the team.

“It’s up there with the best off-road/desert races, we are super excited and can’t wait” he said.

STE Team Rider, Callum Norton, placed 2nd in 2022 and said he is thrilled to be returning for another lap in 2023.

"I’m super excited to be heading back to Bowen for the 2023 Don River Dash,” he said.

“This will be my second time competing in the event, after finishing 2nd outright last year.

“I loved the event in 2022, everyone involved were super welcoming and all working hard to give the riders, drivers, and spectators the best experience they could.

“The racetrack is one of my favourites in the country. It’s fast, sandy, rough, and great fun to race on!

“Entries look awesome again this year, so I think it’s going to be massive two days with some of the country’s best desert, off-road and motocross riders going at it for the top spot!”

The event will begin on Friday, September 8 at the Bowen Showgrounds from 5pm.

Over the weekend, spectators zones will be set up along the Don River, offering the best views of the race and all the excitement. For locations and more details head to www.donriverdash.com.au.

WHAT: Don River Dash

WHERE: Bowen Showgrounds, 25 Mt Nutt Road, Bowen

WHEN: 8-10 September 2023

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From working on mine sites whilst juggling the challenge of external study, Patrick Doig has paved the way towards his future.

The CQUniversity alumnus has built a career as a mining executive, and now with over a decade of experience, has returned to his alma mater to impart his knowledge to the future generation of mining engineers.

Mr Doig recently presented a series of guest lectures to CQUniversity Engineering students who are undertaking the mine planning and design elective, giving them an opportunity to learn from one who had walked in their shoes.

As Head of Partnerships at global mining technology company Deswik, Mr Doig said it was imperative to invest in the future leaders of the sector – which was why he jumped at the opportunity to return to where it all began.

“My study with CQUniversity was so important as it enabled me to continue on and obtain my full Bachelor of Engineering, which brought me into the mining industry. Engineering is a field that I absolutely love, and I’ve never looked back,” Mr Doig said.

“This is a future I never saw for myself and I’m so excited by it – it’s opened a lot of avenues that I was not even aware of, and so it’s been great to come back to CQU and share with the students what’s possible in this industry,” he said.

Mr Doig commenced his journey with CQUniversity in 2006 through a partnership with Anglo American, which enabled him to study an Associate Degree of Engineering while working in industry.

Mr Doig said that especially with the current skills shortage, it was imperative that businesses started thinking about the next generation of mining engineers and those who would go on to become leaders of mining organisations in the future.

He encouraged students to implement self-care strategies to ensure longevity not only in their careers, but with their work-life balance.

“It’s really important that our workplaces support us in our education; if we don’t finish our studies, we’ll get disgruntled with our life, our jobs, our employer and we’re not going to have a sustainable career,” Mr Doig said.

By CQUniversity

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Engineering students learn from Mr Doig who taught about software technology for integrated mine closures. Photos supplied: CQUniversity

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Four days of intensive discussions about the need to continually improve safety across Queensland’s resources sector wound up on the Gold Coast last week.

More than 1100 delegates attended the Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference (QMIHSC), the biggest annual event of its type in the Southern Hemisphere.

Keynote speakers from mining and other industries have shared their knowledge and experience with different initiatives and technologies dedicated to improving the physical and mental health of all workers.

QMIHSC Chair Larnie Mackay said delegates will have plenty of new safety information to take back to their workplaces across Queensland.

“The conference has again confirmed our industry’s commitment to safety being our number one priority and to ensure we have the systems and tools in place to protect every employee,” Ms Mackay said.

“Speakers have covered every aspect of safety on mine sites from training, operational systems, communication and workplace culture and emphasised the importance of remaining vigilant to keep improving what we do.

“Importantly, some of the sessions included feedback from workers at the coalface of our safety procedures and what they believe can be done to ensure best practice.

“That included workers with industry experience ranging from three months to forty years because when it comes to safety, every voice matters,” Ms Mackay said.

The QMIHSC Exhibition Hall drew crowds every day with its displays showcasing the latest technology in mine safety equipment.

“Every year we’re seeing new developments in safety equipment as companies continue to make big investments in this critically important area,” Ms Mackay said.

“It’s great to see resources companies sharing information on new technologies and initiatives that are contributing to better safety outcomes across the entire mining industry.

“We know delegates will take this information back to mine sites and teams around Queensland so all workers will benefit from our industry’s ongoing focus on making workplaces as safe as they can possibly be.”

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QMIHSC Chair Larnie Mackay

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The average vehicle is made up of more than 30,000 individual parts, most of which are hidden deep beneath the bonnet and differ slightly from brand to brand. It is not until the team at McCarthy Panel Works disassemble a vehicle and take a deeper look that they can identify and assess the true extent of damage to a vehicle. Only once this has been done can they order the necessary parts to ensure all damage is considered and repaired before getting your vehicle safely back on the road.

Read on for five examples of hidden car damage that can delay your vehicle repair.

Frame Damage

A vehicle’s frame is its main supporting structure. If you’ve been in an accident and suspect frame damage, it’s essential that you take your car to a certified collision expert so it can be professionally inspected and assessed.

Back Book Damage

Hidden bumper damage and back boot damage are common types of issues following a rear-end collision. Some damage to your back boot may be visible and obvious, but there are a few very common types of hidden back boot damage to be aware of.

Alignment Issues

Although it’s difficult to diagnose alignment issues just by looking at your vehicle, misalignment is one of the most common problems to airse from many types of accidents. If you notice a difference in how it feels to handle and drive your car following an accident, it’s likely your alignment is off.

Electrical System Damage

Even a minor, low-impact car accident can loosen the wires connected to your taillights, headlights and other vehicle components. This can compromise the electrical systems that are vital to your car’s ability to continue operating.

Rust

Small scratches in your car’s frame can cause paint to rub away over time and result in the exposure of bare metal to the elements, leading to rust build up.

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This Father’s Day

Why not spoil dad this Father’s Day with a morning of miniature trains at Ooralea’s Muller Park?

Hidden amongst the trees, miniature trains weave along miniature tracks, welcoming passengers young and old.

Running once a month and on special occasions, the Mackay Society of Model Engineers is opening the amusement to the public this Father’s Day, Sunday, September 3 from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

Simon Hamelink will be celebrating Father’s Day with the miniature trains after growing up near the park where the Mackay Society of Model Engineers have been operating for between 30 and 40 years.

“It was only around the corner from where I lived with mum and dad,” Mr Hamelink said.

“As I moved out of home, I had two kids who became interested as well.”

Mr Hamelink said it’s the perfect opportunity to become familiar with the electric, petrol and steam locomotives used and owned by the club.

Picnics are welcome and a gold coin donation and closed in shoes are required to ride on the trains.

“My interest is around seeing the kids’ faces light up as we ride around,” Mr Hamelink said.

“I enjoy interacting with them, getting them to come over and toot the horn and just getting them involved.”

The club holds weekly Monday working bees for people to come along and see what it’s all about as well as meetings on the second Thursday of every month.

Find the Mackay Society of Model Engineers on Facebook for more information.

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Kids and kids at heart are welcome to Muller Park on Sunday for a miniature trains public run. Photo supplied

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Colgate used to advertise the “ring of confidence” that its product gave the users of its toothpaste and it is something that could be applied to Mackay right now.

Nothing is more important than confidence when it comes to a real estate market and there are some important indicators you can look at in order to gauge the level of confidence in a particular market.

I don’t have a crystal ball and there are no 100 per cent guarantees in life but it seems to me there are plenty of key indicators that give reason to observe the ring of confidence around the real estate market in this town.

Look at the number of childcare centres that are being built and planned.

A huge one is being built in Juliet St opposite Harrup Park, while there is another being built in the city in Carlyle St.

More are planned in West Mackay, Glenella and the Northern Beaches, and that’s just the ones I know about.

I reckon a proliferation of childcare centres is a pretty good indicator of confidence in a city. Those making the enormous investment in building them are backing the idea of a growing population of young people having families.

For that to happen there have to be work opportunities created in a buoyant economy stimulated by business confidence and a belief in the long-term viability of the region. You don’t build childcare centres if you reckon the place is going backwards.

And companies like Aldi don’t invest millions of dollars building a supermarket unless they are confident about the economic future of a particular market. Witness the construction underway near the Wake Park in Andergrove.

One of the drivers of confidence is our coal. Almost all of the coal we produce and export in our region is coking coal or metallurgical coal and the sector is finally referring to it in the easy-to-understand term “steel-making coal”. It’s not thermal coal, it’s not for power plants and we ain’t transitioning out of it. Another ring of confidence.

The State Government was recently talking up the role our sugar industry is going to have in a future 1000-hectare industrial hub between Racecourse mill and Rosella, which will focus on biomanufacturing, renewable energy and green jet fuel.

There is another plan for plastic manufacturing using sugar cane that will rely on the planned massive hydro scheme in the Pioneer Valley.

The continuing demand for our steel-making coal, the planned diversification of our economy to take advantage of the renewable energy push and net zero ambitions and the potential for our outstanding manufacturing credentials to flourish further are all good reasons for a real estate sector ring of confidence.

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OPINION PIECE

Here is the blue sheep, and here is the red sheep.

Here is the bath sheep, and here is the bed sheep.

But where is the green sheep?

If you recognise these words…and quite possibly know every single other word in this award-winning children’s book by Mem Fox…you probably have a lot to do with little people.

I’m talking specifically about 0-5 year-olds.

Babies are born to learn. Their brain forms more than one million connections every second and up to 90 per cent of brain development happens in the first five years of life!

The Australian Early Development Census data found that too many Queensland children were beginning their school years with weak language and cognitive skills. The First 5 Forever program began, an initiative delivered through public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres (IKCs) in partnership with local government.

Fiona, from Mackay Regional Council Libraries, is the First 5 Forever outreach officer and she does a valuable job connecting our regional families with the resources they need to build the best foundation for their child’s language and literacy development.

One of the ways in which our Libraries connect with families is the amazing Book Week Picnic in the Gardens, which I was lucky enough to attend last month.  This is a beautiful event filled with bubbles, very hungry caterpillars, painted faces, puppets, Elsas, drums, playdough and so much more!

It’s a celebration of reading and language.  The costumes were amazing, and very cute, but it was the excitement of the children as they talked about their favourite books and characters that was the most memorable. Well done to all the Library team who worked so hard to deliver this fantastic event.

Our libraries are filled with passionate staff who promote a place for connection and free programs for families. Baby Bounce, Toddler Time, Story Time, Dads ‘n’ Bubs Baby Bounce and Multiples Chatterplay are all extremely popular.

Right from birth, you can nurture your connection to your child and help their brains growth, simply by talking, reading, singing and playing together.

To find out what’s on visit mackay.qld.gov.au/libraries

Cr Michelle Green
Mackay Regional Council

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The team from Badi Yalobaga Yuribaya (Grow Children Strong) – Mackay Connected Beginnings, Janee Breadsell and Zelda Quakawoot, with Cr Michelle Green (centre)

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