Not long after setting foot back on Australian soil after a very fun five weeks in the United States, I find myself being hauled off to jail!

4MK’s Jingle Jail that is.

I will be joining Rob Kidd this Saturday morning at Porters Mitre 10 Mackay City, singing for my supper (not literally, I’m a terrible singer) to be released from Jingle Jail. I’ll be there from 9:30 – 10am, so if you’d like a chat then I’d love the company!

It’s all for a good cause of course, I need to raise $1,000 to make bail and all proceeds will be donated to Real Mates Talk.

Did you know that around three-quarters of the people who die by suicide in the Whitsunday, Isaac and Mackay region are men?  

The Real Mates Talk men’s campaign intends to prevent suicide attempts and deaths of men in our community and support them to connect with others and live well. Our Whitsunday-based journalist Declan is a Real Mates Talk ambassador, it’s a cause that’s important to our entire team.

While it’s fun to explore new places, there really is no place like home. I’m happy to be back in Mackay (humidity and all) reconnecting with the community again. My biggest thanks goes to our amazing team at Mackay and Whitsunday Life. It takes a village to produce a weekly newspaper, and everyone had to step up to cover me while I was away. I’ll especially miss Sam’s weekly column, I enjoyed reading them online while I was in the USA.

That’s the great thing about having an online publication, from the other side of the world I still felt connected to the community through turning the virtual pages. Although, there’s nothing like the physical paper in your hands on a Friday morning, enjoying a coffee at your favourite café to see what’s been happening in your community.

If you would like to help me make bail, you can donate to Real mates Talk by visiting www.mycause.com.au and searching Jingle Jail. Don’t forget to put my name in the reference!

Amanda

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Local councils are working together to fight against waste and are pleading: “Let’s get it right!”  

The “Let’s get it Right” campaign is being launched in line with Planet Ark’s National Recycling Week, which aims to encourage people to take responsibility for their recycling to minimise waste and manage material resources correctly.

National Recycling Week runs from Monday, November 7, until Sunday, November 13. The theme this year is “Waste isn’t Waste until it’s Wasted”.

Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regional councils have joined together to create a united voice on recycling right.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said good recycling started at home, and all residents were encouraged to “get it right” when they were throwing rubbish into their yellow-lidded recycling bin.

“By ensuring only items that can be processed at our Materials Recovery Facility are placed in the recycling bin, you are helping to reduce contamination at our plant and therefore reduce the amount of waste going to landfill,” Mayor Williamson said.

Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said it is important that we all work together to ensure our residents are recycling at every opportunity, and that we are doing it correctly.

“Waste is an important issue globally, but change must start at home. By making a simple change, such as recycling drink bottles or composting leftovers, you can make a huge impact on the amount of waste that ends up in landfill,” Mayor Hall said.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said good recycling habits had a flow on effect for our environment.

“If we can get it right, we are not just saving ratepayers’ money in waste disposal but ensuring less waste is going to landfill, which is great for our environment,” Mayor Baker said.

To see for yourself how our Materials Recovery Facility works, book a tour any day during National Recycling Week (November 7-11) from 12.30pm – 1.30pm online at www.mackay.qld.gov.au/mrf

For tips on where you can dispose of your waste or recycle goods, visit Mackay Regional Council’s A-Z of Waste Disposal at www.mackay.qld.gov.au/wastedisposal.

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A piece of World War I history will be donated to the Mackay RSL Sub Branch as part of Remembrance Day next Friday.

A 7.58cm Minenwerfer Light Rifled Trench Mortar will be presented to the RSL by eight army personnel from the Lavarack Barracks in Townsville at the Remembrance Day service at Jubilee Park next week.

The 7.58cm Minenwerfer was the smallest of the German mine projectors used in WWI and sat atop a removable two-wheeled carriage assembly, making it a portable siege weapon.

The design of the mortar began in 1909 and continued into 1914 when production was established at the outbreak of the war.

Once in service, the system was initially issued to Imperial German Army engineering crews who effectively utilised it against Belgian and French fortifications and field obstacles.

After the stalemate had developed, the weapon was further issued as a fire support weapon alongside traditional field mortars.

The artillery piece was found on a property in the Pioneer Valley and sent to Townville to be refurbished before it will be gifted back to the Mackay RSL Sub Branch with the hope of the piece to be displayed at the new RSL riverfront facility.

The RSL Mackay Sub Branch will be selling commemorative memorabilia at Parkside Plaza from today, Friday November 4 until Thursday, November 10 from 9:00am to 3:00pm daily before the Remembrance Day Service at the Jubilee Park Cenotaph on Friday, November 11 from 10:30am.

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No one should have to drive 200km for a toilet, but Councillor Alison Jones said that’s exactly what would happen when the St Helens Beach community hosted events.

“Someone would have to drive into town to the hire company, pick one up and then return it after the event,” she said.

The Community Grants committee awarded a $7,350 grant for the purchase of a mobile toilet. It was one of 27 grants, with the combined value of $176,601, to be approved as part of this round of Community Grants.

“Having this mobile toilet will also allow the group to assist other community groups in the vicinity of St Helens Beach – like Calen, Kolijo, Mt Ossa and Pindi Pindi – when they hold events,” Cr Jones said.

Cr Jones said it was also great to see funds awarded to the Breakaway Riders Club of Mackay to purchase first aid and safety equipment.

“The committee approved $4072 to allow the club to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED) and a satellite phone,” she said.

“Most of the horse rides and camps the club conducts are isolated and out of standard mobile phone reception range.

“The rides also cover rough terrain that is inaccessible for motorised vehicles, so having this equipment will make a huge difference in an emergency.”

As covered in last week’s edition, three local cycling groups were also awarded a $30,000 grant from council to progress their dream of building a multisport cycling complex in Mackay.

Also receiving funding this round were:

• Mackay and District Italian Assoc Inc - $7500 towards the Italian Festival

• Mackay Contract Bridge Club Inc - $7055 to renovate the disability and female clubhouse toilets

• Mackay Swimming Academy Inc - $3500 towards the 49th Annual Great Barrier Reef Swimming Carnival

• Mackay Art Society - $26,916.73 towards design and drafting for a staged plan for extensions and improved accessibility

• Mackay Wanderers Football Club - $2000 towards upgrading an irrigation system

• QCWA Calen Branch - $1400 towards crusher dust for the parking area of the hall

• CatholicCare Central Queensland - $1500 towards venue hire for the School Savvy CQ program

• Walkerston Cricket Club Inc - $965.87 towards a whipper snipper and blower

• 122 Army Cadet Unit - $10,242.62 to purchase a twin axle galvanised trailer

• Football Queensland Limited - $10,900.00 for an electric buggy

• Western Suburbs Rugby League Football Club - $30,000 towards the development of a Master Plan to support the development of a multi-purpose sporting facility in the Pioneer Valley  

• North Mackay Saints AFC Club - $3182 towards the purchase of goal post pads

• Sugarshed Road Horse Sports Club Inc - $5315.20 for irrigation of the dressage arena and top-dressing of the main arena at Sugarshed Road.

• Mackay Advocacy Inc - $5152 to purchase a photocopier/printer/scanner

• Phoenix Place Inc - $5673.60 to purchase technology and computer equipment to begin a capacity-building tech program for participants who have disability or mental illness

• Mackay Volleyball Mavens Inc - $3750 towards a social tournament to be held at PCYC, sending a team to the Senior State Championships at the Gold Coast, purchase of equipment for training and social events and assistance with member development

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Setting future you up for success starts with financial planning and to help you save extra dollars, follow the simple steps below.

1. Get clear on your cash

Start with a budget. We don’t need to cut expenses straight up – but it’s good to understand where your hard-earned money is going. By looking at your cost of living, you can see what’s a priority, but also what’s a waste. It will help allocate funds to your financial goals.

2. Deposit amount

Define the financial goals you wish to achieve in the next few years. How much do you want to start investing and how much do you want to continue investing to build your long-term investment?

3. Create your own cash stash

Having a separate account for your ‘emergency’ money is a useful tool that can help you reach your financial goals. This account is for those times when an unexpected bill arrives, or your washing machine dies – it’s a stash of cash you dip into for emergencies, instead of dipping into your savings.

4. Save save save

Now that you have your financial goals in place and you understand your cashflow, you can put money aside to reach your investment goal.

5. Schedule a meeting

Receiving advice from professionals is a smart move to achieving your long-term goals. Reach out to a bank with interest rates that suits you and schedule a meeting for advice, that will help set future you up for success.

Whether you are planning a short or long-term investment, finding the right bank is key to watching your money grow.

To help you get started with investing, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank is here to help! As a bonus – when you bank with us, you’re also helping to help others as our profits go back into the community. Since 2005, we have invested $2.7million through a wide range of sponsorships, community grants, scholarships and donations in our greater Mackay community. A bank giving back sounds unusual but for us, it's business as usual.

Call Charmaine and the team at Community Bank Sarina 07 4943 2624 to discuss your investment plan.

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A Mackay woman is thanking a last-minute decision to grab an entry into last weekend’s Saturday Gold Lotto draw for her $1.5 million win.

The local winner held one of the 13 division one winning entries in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4307, drawn 29 October 2022. Each entry scored $1,538,461.54.

“I looked at my ticket, and I was like, ‘No!’,” she explained when talking to an official from The Lott.

“It’s very surreal.

“Now I’m crying. It’s just brought so much relief. It’s a blessing.

“I’m just speechless.

“I only bought the ticket at the last minute – just before the draw’s close on Saturday night. I thought I already had an entry into the draw but then I realised I hadn’t.

“I don’t play very often – just the big draws. But I’m glad I bought this entry!

“This just makes such a difference.

“There’s things I’ve wanted to do, some plans for the future, and now they can finally happen.”

Her winning System 8 QuickPick entry was purchased online at thelott.com.

Across Australia, there were 13 division one winning entries in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4307 – six from Queensland, three from Victoria, two from New South Wales and one each from Tasmania and Western Australia.

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The team at one of Mackay’s longest standing creative agencies has been selected as a finalist at the Australian Women’s Small Business Champions Awards which is due to take place in Sydney next week.

Redhotblue’s owner and founder, Jody Euler, says she is thrilled to have been selected to become a finalist, especially because there were 2,500 entries for the prestigious marketing category.

“It’s wonderful that a regional business has been selected,” said Jody.

“I feel really proud for us as at redhotblue but also proud that a regional business has been recognised as a finalist amongst national agencies – we could be up against people from Sydney or Melbourne which is amazing!”

Jody said the application process was “gruelling” and also very thorough with evidence of campaigns and extensive explanations required.

Each application is then independently examined using objective criteria to ensure an unbiased, merit-orientated decision process.

The Australian Small Business Champion Awards originated in 1999 to recognise the achievements of outstanding small businesses from all states and territories across Australia.

This is the first year, however, that the Women’s awards have been launched to acknowledge the women who are contributing, influencing and leading their sectors and industries.

“It will be amazing!” said Jody.

“It would be nice if we took it out, but you just don’t know who you’re up against.

“Either way, we are incredibly excited to be part of it.”

The Gala Dinner takes place in Sydney on Saturday November 12 and a small team from redhotblue will be flying down to the red-carpet event.

Image: Redhotblue’s owner and founder Jody Euler standing with her award invite

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Higher education students and apprentices who are planning on studying with CQUniversity Mackay in 2023 can apply for scholarships through Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank’s scholarship program.

There is $20,000 in scholarships available, with two $6000 higher education scholarships for undergraduate degrees and two $4000 apprenticeship scholarships.

Community Bank Sarina Board Deputy Chair Maree Franettovich said the scholarships will “financially assist students to stay in our community and close to their family, friends and support networks whilst studying their chosen career path”.

“These students will have a broad range of opportunities to study and work within our region to help build our local skilled workforce,” Ms Franettovich said.

“We always have a diverse range of applicants studying and working in different industries from higher education students in business, digital media and agriculture, to fabrication and plumbing apprentices.”

2022 higher education scholarship recipient Taya Murray said that it was while at Sarina State High School that she learned about biofuels and “found the mix of chemistry and mechanics really fascinating”.

“A career goal of mine is to work at Sarina’s ethanol plant, and this scholarship is assisting me to gain my degree and make that possible – I really appreciate the Bank’s support and confidence in me,” Taya said.

Scholarship applications close 31 March 2023.

For more information and to apply, email executive@sarinacommunity.com.au

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Central Queensland students are exploring the magnitude of exciting career opportunities on offer in the resources sector at a series of workshops delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

Thanks to support from Anglo American, about 75 students from Middlemount State High School and Tieri State School have this week bolstered their science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM), and trade-based skills across two days of interactive educational experiences.  

Last month, Grade 10 students rotated through a series of trade-based activities, opening their minds to what is needed for a safe and successful trade career, and in the afternoon the cohort put their coding knowledge to the test as they programmed Lego EV3 robots to drive autonomously around a simulated mine site.

QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said there has never been a better time for young, enthusiastic people with a passion for problem-solving and innovative technology to join our industry.

“The resources and energy sector employs some of the most skilled and highest-paid professionals across a range of technical disciplines, and an enduring skills shortage means there is no shortage of rewarding job opportunities for the next generation,” Ms Jones said.

“From auto electricians and welders to environmental scientists and mining engineers, there’s an abundance of STEM and vocational pathways available, and the workshops this week have given the students a sneak-peek into some of the sector’s most in-demand professions.”

General Manager of Anglo American’s Aquila Mine, Shane McDowall, said the dual STEM- trade focus of these workshops integrated exciting technology with the classroom curriculum, delivered in a resources context.

“We’re committed to supporting regional skills development, including in STEM and trade areas, and we hope these experiences encourage students to pursue tertiary pathways to a rewarding career in mining,” he said.

“Our team enjoys sharing their knowledge and experience with the next generation, so it was great to have representatives from both our local underground and open cut teams share their experiences with the students and mentor them as they worked through workshops activities. Thank you to everyone who supported the workshops.

Middlemount State High School Principal, Mr Rod Flood said students across all year levels greatly benefit from applying their school studies to real-world challenges.

“QMEA workshops are an invaluable opportunity for students to get hands-on work experience in the safety of a classroom environment,” Mr Flood said.

“We’re passionate about preparing our students for life after school, and these activities have helped them build their teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.”

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Mackay Base Hospital’s stroke team has been recognised as one of the best in the country for the second time in the past three years.

A total of 12 hospitals were recognised for their high standard of care at the Australian Stroke Coalition Quality Stroke Service Excellence Awards last month, and the Mackay team also scored the award in 2020.

The stroke team’s nurse navigator Anne Hooper said strong communication helped them provide quality care for patients.

“What this means really is that stroke patients here in Mackay are getting the best care of anywhere in the country,” Ms Hooper said.

“It’s been very tough during COVID so it’s a great achievement for a small regional hospital.”

Stroke recovery can be a complex process and involves a team of medical, nursing and allied health clinicians to plan a patient’s rehabilitation and progress their recovery. The awards recognised hospitals that achieved best-practice stroke clinical care across several indicators, including treatment with thrombolysis within 60 minutes of hospital arrival, the provision of stroke unit care, and the provision of a discharge care plan.

Education - Know the signs of stroke.

 Many people don't initially recognise they are having a stroke and so wait before coming to hospital.

 When a stroke happens, more than 1.9 million brain cells die each minute. The longer a stroke remains untreated, the greater the chance of stroke-related brain damage.

 Everyone needs to know the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke, no matter how young or old. Knowing the signs could help you save a life – possibly even your own.

Recognise Stroke, think F.A.S.T

Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?

Arms Can they lift both arms?

Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?

Time Is critical.

If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.

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A local college has taken the top gong in Queensland for its dedication and discipline in teaching construction.

Holy Spirit College was named State Champion for its Certificate I in Construction.

The Design and Technology Teachers Association (DATTA) Student Subject Award program has been established to recognise excellence and outstanding achievements in Design and Technologies subjects across Queensland.

Five Holy Spirit College students – Nash Byrne, Richard Vassallo, Quinn Vella, Dylan Eden and Baylen Waldon – were nominated by the College for their workmanship in constructing a cubby house as part of their studies to gain a Certificate I in Construction.

Mr Michael Pace, Dean of Design and Technologies at Holy Spirit College said, “Guided by their teachers, Mr Peter Mallet and Mr Chris Kidd, we are proud of our students’ dedication to their studies and are thrilled to be named State Champions for Certificate I in Construction.”

Holy Spirit College is a registered training organisation and offers many opportunities for vocational education and training with a range of Certificate I, II and III courses in: Aviation (Remote Pilot); Business; Christian Ministry and Theology; Construction; Early Childhood Education and Care; Engineering Pathways; Health Services Assistance; Hospitality; and Fitness.

Mrs Anne Miles, Assistant Principal – Curriculum at Holy Spirit College, said, “Students in Years 11 and 12 can choose to study a course designed to achieve university entrance, a vocational course leading to employment or a combination of both.

“VET Certificates contribute credits to the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and students who successfully complete a Certificate III course may be eligible for university entrance at participating universities.”

Mrs Miles continues, “Our Vocational students continue to be successful in School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships by being offered employment, apprenticeships and traineeships across a variety of fields and their recognition within our local community as desirable and highly skilled employees is admirable.”

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A new report has confirmed the growing contribution of Queensland’s resources sector to the state’s economy.

A Queensland Resources Council (QRC) report released today shows the amount of money spent by mining and energy companies on local goods and services rose by $1 billion, or four per cent, in 2020-21 to reach $27.7 billion.

QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the report is an important measure of the commitment of member companies to supporting local businesses and supply chains in the regions in which they operate across Queensland.

“The $27.7 billion spent locally in 2020-21 means resources companies operating in Queensland are now spending a record 82 per cent of their total procurement budgets in this state, which is a great outcome,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“This means the benefits flow through to everyone, from the companies providing and servicing the big mining machinery to the local food store providing catering for functions and conferences that a resources company might host.”

Mr Macfarlane said while taxes and royalties from resources companies help governments pay for hospitals, schools and essential services, the report shows how important the sector is to supporting local jobs and economies, particularly in regional areas.

“Nearly half the total spend on goods and services by our sector was spent outside the Greater Brisbane area and provides tremendous flow-on benefits in those communities,” he said.

“It has also been very encouraging to see Queensland businesses stepping up to overcome many of the supply chain issues caused by the COVID pandemic to meet the growing demands of resources companies.

“This has enabled our sector to continue operating at full production, which has kept the Queensland economy strong during the fall-out of the global pandemic.”

Mr Macfarlane said the total economic benefit to Queensland in 2020-21 from the resources and energy sector was a phenomenal $84.3 billion. It supported one in every six jobs and one of every five dollars spent in Queensland can be linked to resources companies.

The report shows Queensland’s coal sector accounted for 70 per cent of the total spend on goods and services in the Sunshine State in 2021-22, metals came in at 16 per cent, gas 11 per cent and 3 per cent from other resource activity.

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Over the past 139 years, the Porters Group has continued to service, grow, and evolve within the Mackay and Whitsunday regions. The latest addition to the Porters Group network is the Porters Homemaker Centre, at the Porters Northern Beaches location.

The Porters Homemaker Centre will consist of numerous specialised stores within the centre and is expected to provide a convenient offering to the local community.

The Porters Homemaker centre is the first of its kind developed by the Porters Group and will feature five specialised stores within the complex.

“The newly redesigned Porters Homemaker Centre is a completely different concept to any of our existing stores within the group” explained Hayden Cargill, CEO of the Porters Group.

“The centre is designed around the needs of the local community and is expected to bring many services to the doorstep of local Northern Beaches residents.

“Porters Homemaker Centre will continue to grow with exciting new stores being added to the centre over the next 18 months,” he said.

Porters Mitre 10 Northern Beaches Trade Centre commenced operations from the Carl Street location in August 2020 and offers an extensive range of high quality, trade reputable big brands with everything from building supplies, plumbing, fencing, power tools, builders’ hardware and much more.

The second store for the centre will be opening in December 2022.

“I am thrilled to announce that the Porters Group will be opening a second Inspirations Paint franchise as part of the Porters Homemaker Centre,” Mr Cargill said.

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Understanding what is covered by your car insurance policy can help you avoid unexpected costs in the future. So, how do you know if you have the right cover for your vehicle? Read below to see what factors come into consideration, so you can be confident in your decision.  

Over the past two months we have looked at Type and Options for Insurance. Now let’s look at Market Value v’s Agreed Value  

Market Value refers to the estimated price your car is worth on the open market at the time of making a claim. When assessing the market value, your insurer will consider a range of factors including the vehicle’s condition, age, make, model, and kilometres travelled. To get an idea of what your car may be worth, you can search for it in the Red Book or on car sales websites.  

Agreed Value is a sum based on what you and the insurer agree to when you take out or renew a policy. An agreed value policy generally has higher premiums as the agreed value of the car is usually higher than what it would sell for on the open market (market value).

Current Global Conditions have seen considerable changes to this space with Market Value increasing due to limited supply.  It is best to do your research on this prior to taking out the policy, and understand how much it would cost to replace what you currently have.

Information of vehicle value can be obtained through websites like  www.redbook.com.au

www.carsales.com.

Custom Features

Customised Colours and Modifications including Accessories for 4wds need to be listed separately.

Custom or Prestige Vehicles may require a policy that is geared towards enthusiasts, or collectors.

Comparing Insurance Companies

Prices vary from company to company and from policy to policy.

It is important to compare like for like.

Same Excess- Same Options/Inclusions - Same Value

Write Off Vehicles deemed repairable are difficult to reinsure and a lot of research is required before making the initial purchase to ensure it is possible to do.

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With disaster season upon us, the Mackay SES Group has already been engaged in jobs and activations assisting the public with sandbagging, tarping roofs and clearing fallen trees and debris.

For Group Leader Jo-Ann Clout, helping people in times of disaster has been a lifelong passion since helping her parents who were involved in the SES in Bowen.

“Even before I was old enough to join, I used to go down to the Bowen shed with them in times of emergency and help with the telephone calls,” Jo-Ann said.

Jo-Ann joined the Bowen SES in her own right in 1998 where she was a volunteer for 18 months before moving to Mackay and transferring to the Mackay SES group.

Filling the role of Group Leader for the last 10 years, Jo-Ann is involved in the management of the day-to-day operational functions of the group, coordinating recruiting and managing occupational health and safety, ensuring everyone is competent and up to date with training.

In an average disaster-free week, Jo-Ann would commit 8-10 hours to the SES, also working as a teacher with special needs children, a marriage celebrant and an art teacher, but she says it’s all worth it.

“If it wasn’t a brilliant organisation with great people, I wouldn’t be here still,” she said.

“I choose to keep coming back and I choose to accept the leadership role.

“No one forces you to do anything, you’re a volunteer and that’s an important thing for people to remember.

“As a volunteer, you give what you can when you can.”

Jo-Ann’s most memorable SES activation was her first one, travelling to Rockhampton to assist with the floods in 2011.

“Just seeing the devastation that the families had to deal with and helping them sometimes have to throw out a lifetime of memories, that was really hard,” she said.

“To be able to help them with that process was really rewarding.”

A core function of the SES is education, both throughout the community and within the organisation.

They promote a level of self-sufficiency, equipping the public with knowledge and tools to be able to sandbag, tarp and assist themselves as it may take time for trained SES to reach them.

“The Mackay unit is very proactive when it comes to education in the community,” said SES Local Controller Alex McPhee.

“We go to a lot of different events to, not only promote SES, but to promote disaster management in the home.

“The education is getting through to people which is a really good thing because people are really wanting to know how to protect themselves and look after their family and property.

“The appetite for the education is definitely here in the Mackay region.”

Jo-Ann also says that she has gained a wide variety of skills, including tying knots, four-wheel-driving, as well as leadership and life skills.

“I can do more than I thought I was capable of,” she said.

“You get lots of life skills that you can learn here in a safe environment taught by professional people and go out into the real world and do things for yourself,” added Alex.

Jo-Ann’s Disaster Tips

- Be alert but not alarmed - “I know it’s easy to say, ‘Here comes another cyclone, it’s not going to hit us, it never does,’ but sometimes it comes close enough that we do need to be extra prepared, so don’t be complacent and follow the advice of the emergency services; it’s for your safety.”

- Do what you can to be prepared - “Clean up your backyard, check your trees, all those kinds of things. We do have, on our community Facebook, some self-help videos, including how to make your own sandbags and sandbag your own property, so that you can be prepared and you don’t need to wait for a team to come and assist you.

- Make sure your gutters are clean - “It does make a difference. You can get water in your roof and people ring the SES but if it’s a big weather event, we could have 300 other calls for assistance so whatever people can do to minimise the load on our volunteers is greatly appreciated.”

- Prepare an evacuation kit - “We always advise that you be prepared for 72 hours, so think about if you were going away for three days, what would you need? What would you take?”

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