A medical bus that will ensure the safe transport of patients from the Whitsundays to Mackay for hospital appointments is one step closer to operating the service following a successful volunteer driver course.

This represents one of the last hurdles to overcome getting the bus on the road.

A total of six volunteer drivers were given a driver safety presentation and first aid course at the Proserpine Community Centre last week.

The new bus will be based in Cannonvale and will operate three days a week, transporting up to eight patients to and from Mackay from late June.

Main pick-up points include Whitsunday Community Health, Proserpine Hospital and Bloomsbury.

Mayor Julie Hall said that she is thrilled to see the service so close to operating.

“The Whitsunday Community Medical Bus Service will bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility, providing a lifeline for those who may face challenges in reaching medical facilities,” she said.

“This project represents a collaborative effort to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to receiving the medical care they require.

“No one should have to choose between their health and their ability to access medical care.”

She thanked Kristi Algate and the rest of the team at Mackay Hospital Foundation for all their help, as well as Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm for her advocacy.

Mayor Hall added that she is very aware that there is a massive need for a similar service to operate and service Bowen and Collinsville.

“Our Economic Development team are working to explore potential funding opportunities for a community minibus for Bowen and Collinsville and surrounds to transport patients to Townsville for regular medical appointments,” she said.

“Access to this service for regional communities is so important, but it will be no quick fix as there are multiple funding, legal and operational logistics to be negotiated.”

Mayor Hall says she welcomes the announcement that a private operator has started up a regular daily service between Bowen and Mackay return as an option for medical patients.

"Mackay Whitsunday Buses will provide a transport option for Bowen patients needing treatments in Mackay which is great,” Mayor Hall said.

“However there remains a need for Bowen/Collinsville Patient transport Service as the new option would only be suitable for reasonably active patients and does not cater for those patients with appointments in Townsville.”

"The service also does not solve the issue of those with serious medical needs or patients with mobility issues and needing medical support during the journey.”

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Volunteers doing drivers safety and first aid training

Mayor Hall with Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager Kristi Algate

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Bowen residents worried about the future of the town's dilapidated jetty have received a "don't panic" assurance from some key players involved with the facility.

At the Bowen Chamber of Commerce meeting last Wednesday night, guest speaker John Martin, a former manager of the North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) tug facility on the jetty, spoke about the history of the facility and how it would be no easy task to demolish it after the NQBP lease on the facility lapses later this year, and if a new leaseholder cannot be found.

Mr Martin, who became manager of the facility in 1985 with responsibility for seven ports throughout Queensland, recalled how fire had damaged part of the wharf, which had to be knocked down.

"Nearly 18 months later they were still trying to demolish the piles," he said. "The cost of demolition is staggering.

"This wharf was built to carry trains ... the timber (Tasmanian hardwood beams) is just staggering and this is why it is still here now.

With loads of up to six tonnes per axle, Mr Martin said that once heavy traffic was no longer used on the jetty, it would last for "a very long time".

"I wouldn't be panicking right now about its demolition," he said.

Mr Martin said the Bowen community needed to consult with all levels of government about developing a long-term plan for the jetty.

He said the facility still had a role to play in developing tourism in the town.

NQBP community and stakeholder advisory director Lorelei van Dalen told the meeting that while the preferred base for the tug fleet was Abbott Point,"this will take time".

"We know how important the jetty is to the community. I'm sure we can find another partner to take on the lease," she said.

Bowen businessman Neil Holloway also was at the meeting to air his proposal for redeveloping the facility that potentially has spin-offs for the town as well.

Under the proposal, which is as yet to be costed and without timeframes, a rock groyne would almost encircle the jetty, which Mr Holloway said would eliminate the tidal surge that frequently backs up the town's drainage channels. It would also allow a range of ventures to go ahead on the jetty.

These included drawing a marine research facility to set up on the jetty; an observatory and a 'coral garden' being established between the jetty's arms; restaurants and a delicatessen to take advantage of Bowen's reputation as a food bowl; and possibly even attracting cruise ships.

The proposal would benefit the existing foreshore water park and skate park facilities and there were even plans for fishing platforms to be built on the proposed rock groyne.

Mr Holloway said that Bowen needed to develop as a tourism destination. "Only six per cent of traffic (on the Bruce Highway) comes to Bowen," he said.

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The proposed Bowen Harbour and sea wall jetty development

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The Local Buying Foundation (LBF), a not-for-profit initiative established by BHP in partnership with C-Res, is positively impacting the Mackay region delivering economic benefits to local businesses and communities.

To ensure that the LBF funding opportunities target genuine community needs, an Advisory Committee was formed to provide guidance, inform, identify and support the investment and disbursement of the foundation’s funds whilst ensuring effective governance of the Foundation. The committee is a representative body made up of key stakeholders from across the LBF regions with an interest or skills and expertise in regional economic development.

I have represented Mackay Regional Council on the Queensland Committee since 2020 and have assessed many grant applications which have benefited businesses in our region.

The LBF, which has been active in the region for over 10 years provides funding in support of projects and programs which facilitate workforce development, innovation, and capacity building of business and industry to grow the potential of their regional economies.

The LBF is a critical element of BHP’s Local Buying Program, for every dollar spent through the Local Buying Program, BHP commits an amount into trust to the Foundation.  To date, LBF has distributed over $7.5 million into Mackay, Isaac and Central Highlands regions.

These grants have supported a diverse range of businesses, community events, networking, professional development workshops and workforce training programs, and have helped the local business community grow their capability and improve their competitiveness.

The LBF has championed business development in the region. In Mackay this includes GW3’s Grants Officer and the Trading Tracks program a partnership between the LBF, BHP and BMA and is delivered by Mackay organisation MARABISDA, it aims to build strong, sustainable Indigenous businesses through workshops and mentoring programs.

The LBF's commitment to supporting the Mackay region is unwavering and continues to impact the region's economic opportunities and growth.

For further details please feel free to contact me at Cr.alison.jones@mackay.qld.gov.au.

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Cr Alison Jones

Mackay Regional Council

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A new book entitled ‘Mental Health on the Land’ is offering local farmers guidance and support for coping with mental strain they may experience due to the uncertainties within their industry.

The book, which was created by Royal Flying Doctors Service and funded by Thankful4Farmers, is an invaluable guide written specifically for growing areas of challenge for rural people.

It includes information on maintaining healthy relationships, reducing loneliness, stress management, strategies to cope in difficult times, seeking help for mental health conditions, suicide prevention and details for further mental health resources.

Earlier this month Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA) hosted a special event which was held at Flagstaff Hill and attended by farmers, industry, and community representatives from in and outside of the region.

Carl Walker, President of BGGA said he’s seen first-hand the impact that mental health challenges have had on friends and many farmers who are struggling with the stress of farming today.

"Often, as farmers, we don't realise the impact that these challenges - we just get on with the job, but it can take a toll,” he explains.

“This book brings awareness, makes us feel like we're not alone, and provides us with the tools we need to help manage our mental health and wellbeing."

Mr Walker states that a high percentage of mental health issues stem from uncertainties within the industry.

“Just when we think we are in for a bumper season we are hit with bad weather and the whole season is a write-off,” he said.

“We invest time and money into the crop and just like that it’s gone and there is nothing we can do about it. It takes its toll on our health and we are told as farmers we are resilient and tough.

“But the industry needs to change the narrative and recognise that it is ok not to be ok so people can ask for help when they need it.”

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There was a good turn-out at the book launch at Flagstaff Hill. Photo supplied

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Whitsunday residents are encouraged to support two local destinations that have been announced as finalists for the 2023 Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards.

Bowen was entered in the Top Tourism Town category and due to its size, Airlie Beach was eligible for the Top Small Tourism Town.

This means that both locations are in with a chance of winning and, if successful, the Whitsundays could take out the two top spots.

If Airlie Beach wins this will be its second consecutive year at the top.

Winning an award, or even becoming a finalist, allows our local townships to shine on a state-wide stage, raising awareness for tourism in our region.

Tourism Whitsundays CEO, Rick Hamilton is hopeful that Airlie Beach and Bowen will both take out the top spots.

“As a region, we’ve seen record-breaking visitation from the domestic market as people continue to discover and rediscover what is in their backyard,” said Mr Hamilton.

“Being able to say we’ve got two Top Tourism Towns within The Whitsundays would be a great achievement and one that Bowen and Airlie Beach deserve.

“The Whitsundays is the overseas holiday you can get to without a passport and usually within a few hours; what a special place to have in Queensland.”

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, was very excited that Bowen had been named as a finalist in the QTIC Top Tourism Town awards again.

“Bowen, at the top of The Whitsundays, is the heart of secluded beaches and the home of the iconic Big Mango,” she said.

“We love welcoming tourists including the many southerners who come for the entire winter months to escape the cold.”

Voting is now open, but closes on Wednesday, May 24, so make sure you get your vote in quick and support our local towns as they bid to be the best.

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The Whitsundays’ Top Tourist Attraction of 2022 is celebrating its 21st birthday this month and everyone is invited to join the celebrations.

An iconic mascot of Bowen, the 10 metre tall Big Mango cost $90,000 to construct but has more than paid for itself with an estimated 1.5 million selfies taken in front of the giant structure over the last 21 years.

Over 80,000 people visit the Big Mango each year and Bowen Tourism and Business, which operates an Information Centre from the same location, has become a thriving mecca for visitors far and wide.

Bowen Tourism and Business have over 200 members, all of whom are invited to a special Tourism Whitsundays networking night at the Big Mango on Thursday, May 25.

The event will take place from 5.30pm until 8pm with an afterparty at the Grand View Hotel until 11pm.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said the Big Mango represents something truly special for Bowen locals.

“While it’s an object in reality, this icon is now an internationally renowned symbol of our town and our region,” she said.

“We’re a proud coastal town of many farming families who value the opportunity to share our pride with as many visitors as possible – and the Big Mango plays a huge role in attracting these visitors from all over the world.”

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Firstly, I would like to thank all the people who attended our Council meetings and the community catch-ups that have been held so far. It was reassuring and reinvigorating to hear dozens of people applaud as Council voted to maintain “Maximum Building Heights” and what I call our Airlie Beach vision statement which calls for us to maintain our vital, small-town scale, blue views to the sea, green views to Airlie Hill, and heights.

For those interested in our local community discussions, the summary documents for the Cannonvale catch-up are now available on the WRC Your Say webpage.

The many different responsibilities I now cover as a Councillor have proven to be just as rewarding and sometimes challenging to me as my years of involvement in town planning, working for a prosperous and liveable future for our region. I was happy to see the passion I’ve held is shared by many locals who know its importance as to how we will develop and grow to accommodate the sudden boom we have experienced recently.

Our current housing crisis is having a detrimental effect on so many, including residents, business, and tourism. It is a problem shared far beyond the Whitsundays and I welcome that the Council is taking measures to reduce the impacts and facilitate more development that will help alleviate the problems.

Another difficult challenge in our community is being highlighted in May as Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. I have been actively working with DFV groups to help where I can. The stories and strength of survivors is something that pains but motivates me.

‘Love does not equal Control’ is this year’s theme to show abuse is not always through physical violence. One way you can help is by taking the old or broken mobile phone out of your draw and dropping it into a Library and Council will send it on to the charity ‘DV Phone Safe’ who will repair and reset before giving it to a victim or survivor in need of communication for safety and support.

Please let your friends and colleagues know that an old phone can make real change for someone in need, and it may just start a discussion of other things we can do to help.

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The well-known Yacht Share Mariner Group, which currently has two vessels operating in the Whitsundays, are expanding to offer a brand-new yacht share opportunity in the Mediterranean.

The Fountaine Pajot, Astrea 42 is scheduled to arrive this September and will spend its first season in Marmaris in Turkey, year two in Sibenik in Croatia, and year three Sardinia, Italy, returning to Marmaris each winter.

Interested parties will receive a share-entitlement of four weeks sailing in the high season between April and September inclusive and four weeks in the off-season.

Price per share is AUD $194,500.

The yacht is a four-cabin, four-bathroom vessel which has all the luxury extras including a light filled galley/saloon – and it is fully air-conditioned.

There are three generous lounge areas, a generator, solar power, upgraded 50 HP diesel engines, water maker, furling gennaker, and fully battened mainsail with power halyard winches.

Distinguished by the abundance of natural light, energetic lines, elegant living spaces and unparalleled comfort, the yacht delivers sheer pleasure and is a joy to share as a couple or with family and friends.

Live the dream with Yacht Share Mariner

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One of the Whitsunday’s most exciting property developments, Mandara Rise, boasts 40 residential land lots spread out over 80 beautiful acres of prime local real estate in Cannonvale.

With construction of the first stage finishing in June , and only the last few lots remaining for sale, the vision of developer Luke Harris has certainly become a reality with people quick to snap a lucrative land package.

Originally from Perth, Luke has been a property investor and developer since his early twenties, but his entrepreneurial spirit has always run deep.

Starting his own business when he was just 18, Luke saved every cent he could and was able to purchase his own property when he was 20.

It wasn’t long before Luke’s passion for property led him to Sydney where he saved enough money to buy his next property back in Western Australia.

He then purchased a third investment property in Melbourne.

Learning quickly how to turn a run-down house into a profitable investment was becoming a skill for Luke, but he soon realised he needed a strategy to ensure success.

“I realised I was aiming for things that were completely unrealistic – the superficial wants of a naïve 20-something-year-old with no life experience,” he explains.

“I was making big decisions without looking at the long-term and figuring out the big plan and the right strategy – the right property fit.”

Luke created a clear strategy for his vision and, with this in place, he managed to capitalise like never before.

Through his success he realised that he wanted to help people and wrote two successful property books entitled ‘Let’s Get Real’ and 'Property Fit’ – he also became a sought-after coach and educator in the field.

A chance holiday to the Whitsundays saw Luke stay at a local Airbnb and he realised then that he wanted to bring a new class of high-end yet affordable homes to the area, making it more accessible for those seeking to call Airlie Beach home.

Luke loves the community aspects of Airlie Beach and has tried to replicate that in his development of Mandara Rise.

Mandararise.com.au.

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Luke Harris, property developer from Mandara Rise. Photo supplied

The Mandara Rise development boasts 40 residential land lots. Photo supplied

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I have been asked frequently of late:  “Is it too late to plant from seed?”, Absolutely not!

May and June are the perfect months of the year in the Whitsundays to start planting your vegetables and herbs. So, get planting this month!

If you are just getting started in the vegetable growing world, then easy to grow options are:

Beans, Peas, Beetroot, Lettuce, Radish, cucumbers and tomatoes.

A few fun things to grow now, to get the children in the garden:

Sunflowers for a BIG and fun pop of colour that brings out the child in all of us.

For food that is easy for them to pick and eat straight from the garden try Snow Peas, Snap Peas and Cherry Tomatoes. My son’s son (I’m too young to be a grandmother!) at age 2, will pick every tomato and snow pea he can find, it’s great!

Important side note:

Support your beans and peas with a stake pushed into the ground by at least 15cm, with at least 1.5m above the ground.  Seeds should be placed about 5cm on the inside of your stakes/frames. When your plants reach the top of the stake, snip off the growing tip, this will prevent them growing higher.

Herbs in my garden:

This year I have planted more herbs than in previous years and it is already paying off on a multitude of levels. The colour and fragrance it brings to the garden is benefit enough but they have also influenced my cooking with great health benefits.  

It’s easy to pick herbs straight from the patch, it saves money (a bunch of fresh herbs are costly, and you often only use ½ before throwing the wilted remanence out) and to add to all of that, they attract beneficial insects and are great companion plants.  

Most herbs need full sun to thrive, so that’s at least six hours of sunlight every day.

While your herb plants are young, restrict pickings to a maximum of 1/3 of the plant and no more than ½ the growth of a mature plant.  

But pick away! Herb plants benefit from regular picking, it will encourage further leaf growth and will hold back early flowering which results in the end of plant growth in many herbs.

Try these herbs in your garden today:

PARSLEY – Easy to grow and a great all rounder

I find the flat leaf variety does really well.

Pick from the outside to prolong longevity

High source of Iron & Vit C

Great for salads, stuffings, soups, pasta sauces and as a garnish

ROSEMARY – A woody shrub that keeps on giving and smells amazing when you brush past it

Try dwarf rosemary for a hedge or weeping rosemary to cascade over a garden edge

Contains over 15 antioxidants

A favourite with lamb and good in potato dishes

BASIL – With over 30 different varieties, offering a variety of colours, flowers, fragrances and health benefits, try a few!

I love purple basil just for its colour and lemon basil for its fragrance. I rub a few leaves between my hands as I water, its part of my morning wake up ritual.

Great in pasta sauces, soups and salads, basil is the perfect companion for tomatoes not only on your plate but also in the ground for its ability to repel pests.

DILL

A source of magnesium and vitamin A, dill aids digestion

A great accompaniment with fish, in salads, yoghurt dishes and with cucumbers.

Beneficial insects love the umbrella shaped flowers of the dill plant and so do I

Companion planting in the vegetable garden:

Here are a few ideas on what benefits from being planted together:

Basil with Tomatoes

Chives with carrots, tomatoes, lettuce and celery

Parsley with carrots

Rosemary with carrots, cabbage, kale, broccoli and Brussel sprouts

Sage with carrots

Mint with brassicas

Nasturtiums with tomatoes, radish and squash

In most cases herbs make great companion plants but there are a few exceptions to the rule.

Don’t plant:

Chives with Peas

Dill with Carrots

Or Fennel with Tomatoes

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Last week a group of 20 Bowen State High School students from the Year 10 cohort enjoyed a hands-on workshop that taught them what it would be like to be a ‘Tradie for a Day’.

The virtual welding was a clear favourite, with school principal Robert Harris saying that most high-school students don’t get the opportunity to try welding until their final years and only if they’ve selected an Industrial Technology and Design subject.

“This was such a fun and innovative way for them to try out a new skill thanks to the impressive advancement in virtual reality technology,” he said.

The workshop was supported by Abbot Point Operations (APO) and delivered by Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA).

APO General Manager Allan Brown said learning directly from industry professionals helped the students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the resources and energy sector, and more specifically the intricacies of port operations.

“The activities from today’s workshop were cleverly delivered with a resources industry focus, where students could take the skills they picked up and apply them to real-world scenarios,” Mr Brown said.

“This not only gave them a competitive advantage for their future career pathways, but it also demonstrated how important intangible skills like critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork are.”

Queensland Resources Council Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, Ms Katrina-Lee Jones said with the growing demand for trade-based professionals, these students are now armed with the skills and confidence to unearth a rewarding career in the resources and energy sector.

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Abbot Point Operations Fourth Year Engineering (Fitting and Turning) Apprentice Bryce Doyle instructs Bowen State High School students at the QMEA's Tradie for a Day workshop. Photo Supplied

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A new course to help close the gap in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Care has been announced by the TAFE Queensland Bowen Campus and eligible students may be able to study for free.

The Certificate lll in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Care is being offered for the first time at the Bowen Health Hub.

It is predicted that the Indigenous health worker sector will grow strongly over the coming years and could increase by 17 per cent.

Community and Health Faculty Manager for TAFE Queensland in Far North and North Queensland, Melanie Clarke, said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers are a vital link between individuals, communities, and health services.

“The course will teach students how to undertake basic health assessments, as well as how to identify community health issues and needs, and assist with health screening, promotion and education services,” she said.

The year-long course begins this month and will encompass seven week-long training blocks at the Bowen Health Hub.

“The facility is a simulated clinical training ward which replicates a real-life hospital environment, allowing students to gain vital hands-on skills using industry equipment and technology,” said Ms Clarke.

“To top it off, students will also complete 120 hours of vocational placement in a professional health workplace, meaning students will use their new skills straight away and gain industry exposure before they graduate.”

To apply now visit the TAFE Queensland Bowen campus, call 1300 308 233 or go to www.tafeqld.edu.au.

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TAFE Queensland Indigenous Health Training course is available now at Bowen Health Hub. Photo supplied

Based in Brisbane, Circa, is a visionary contemporary acrobatic and circus show, that tests the limits of human movement and powerful performance.

On by Circa is the newest performance to the company’s repertoire, illuminating the haunting tale of a chance encounter, a single touch, an impossible connection, with eight strangers.

Set in the backdrop of an apartment block’s courtyard, the audience is swayed through the performance, following love, loss, and enchanting beauty.

Since 2004, Circa has established itself as a global leader in circus performing arts.

Circa performances have been hosted all over the globe, in over 40 different countries, to over 1.5 million people, with a many sell-out shows.

Productions offer a range of performances, including large scale opera, extreme choreographic sights, and intimate instrumentals.

A creation of Yaron Lifschitz, On by Circa speaks to natural circus artistry, with accompaniments from composition from Melbourne’s Jethro Woodward and lighting design from Paul Jackson.

In a bare performance, the extreme skill of acrobatics is put on full display, the performers becoming art themselves, establishing a striking intimacy that leave audiences feeling that they, alone, experienced the show.

“On by Circa explores the gift of weight that lies at the heart of acrobatics. The simple act of giving and accepting another’s mass is transformed into a profound mediation about beauty, loss, and trust,” Yaron Lifschitz said.

WHAT: On By Circa

WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre

WHEN: Saturday, 20 May 6.30pm

TICKETS: proserpineentertainmentcentre.com.au

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Experience the acrobatic show of the year

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After weeks of campaigning and four days of voting, 21 young candidates became 12 young councillors as the first democratically elected Mackay region Youth Council was announced last Sunday.

The Mackay region is the first in Australia to undertake the program with the assistance of Foundation for Young Australians (FYA), which follows on from two years of YOL1000, a youth survey program facilitated by the Mackay Regional Council.

“What they told us is they wanted some sort of a voice in the community that they love,” said Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson.

“How better a voice can you get than a democratically elected council?”

Almost 1,400 people aged 10 to 17 placed their vote and had their say in who they want to see represent them in the first democratically elected Mackay region Youth Council.

Voting opened from May 2 to 5 with ballot boxes available at schools, libraries and throughout the community, while candidates campaigned with t-shirts and flyers.

“The last week of voting and campaigning’s been amazing,” said FYA Young Mayors Program Assistant Mackay Savannah Vella.

“We’ve travelled around to different schools and community places, put up ballot boxes, and had so many people turn up to vote which has been amazing.

“All of our young candidates have done such a great job of campaigning, not just to their own schools but to the wider community.”

Deegan McCormack said he was shocked and surprised to learn he was successful and is excited to grow his image and experience.

“I want to be a light that people can go to and talk about feelings and what they would like to see,” Deegan said.

Fellow youth councillor Stephen Miranda is the youngest in the program at 12 years old and based his campaign on improving mental health resources.

“It is very exciting to be elected as part of the first youth council in Australia, it’s anybody who wants to get into politics’ dream,” Stephen said.

“Mackay is a very rapidly growing city ... and if we’re already struggling with the services we have currently, I think it’s going to be catastrophic.”

Stephen made t-shirts and created campaign flyers that were put up throughout Sarina and Mackay.

“I think I managed to get almost all of the school to vote, and I think it’s insane how many people voted,” he said.

The 12 young councillors will begin their journey next week, their first order of business being an induction featuring a swearing in ceremony and a tour of country, preparing them for a year in office.

“It’s been a fantastic campaign, they’ve all learnt a lot out of the campaign, and now comes the hard part of trying to work together as a team of young people on the first youth council in Australia,” said Mr Williamson.

“We’ve said to them as a council when they’ve got some policies in line, they can come and brief the Mackay Regional Council and we’ll see how we can assist them from there.”

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Mackay Region Youth Council

Henry Burrell

Lily Cheyne

Krystopher Gakowski

Ojas Goti

Deegan McCormack

Rory McPhail

Stephen Miranda

Evelyn O’Brien

Reuben Pulikkottil

Nate Ralph

Caitlin Rourke

Bridget Wright

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12 young Mackay residents were welcomed into Australia’s first youth council last weekend by Mayor Greg Williamson. Photo credit: FYA / Leah McLean

FYA Young Mayors Program Assistant Mackay Savannah Vella. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Voting was completed throughout the Mackay region with the assistance of the Electoral Commission of Queensland. Photo credit: FYA / Leah McLean

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Hi readers

This week’s issue is absolutely packed with sport, although some stories are, unfortunately, more triumphant than others.

Firstly, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching the BMD Premiership Cutters smash their way through their inaugural season in the women’s competition, finishing third on the ladder with five wins and two losses. Their campaign came to an end last weekend, devastatingly close to a grand final appearance, when they went down in a closely fought semi-final in Brisbane – read the recap on page 26. It’s been a huge effort for their first season, one they should all be proud of. With many of the Cutters lining up for the North Queensland Cowboys in their first NRLW season later in the year, I’m excited to see what comes.

It was lovely to chat with Jane Deguara who competed at the Queensland State Masters Championship Regatta with three of her fellow Mackay Rowing Club members. It’s so good to see our local and comparatively smaller clubs succeed on the state stage, and I can’t wait to see what they achieve at Nationals in June. Read that story on page 10.

We caught up with 16-year-old Zac Uhr who is making waves in the wheelchair basketball scene after being elevated to the Australian Under 23 Spinners Program under the guidance of five-time Paralympian and former Rollers captain Brad Ness. Read his story on page 6.

Mackay Athletics and Cycling clubs had big weekends recently, and you can catch all the action on page 24.

On a personal note, I’ve had a successful week in sport with big wins at both netball and tennis, so watch out for a purple patch of form from me.

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