A new community group has been formed by a group of concerned residents from the Dawson and Capricornia electorates.

The Dawson.Capricornia Community Watch Group was formed about a month ago over concerns for policies passed down by the United Nations (UN), World Health Organisation (WHO) and World Economic Forum (WEF).

Member Pamela Holloway said the Dawson.Capricornia Community Watch Group is concerned about Mackay Regional Council’s membership with the ICLEI, formally the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, an organisation that supports local governments to accelerate climate action and sustainable urban development.

The most significant issue, said Ms Holloway, is the proposed introduction of '15-minute cities'.  

“More like Surveillance Cities, because that's what they are,” she said.  

“They come right out of the WEF's 2030 Agenda handbook, as a mechanism to restrict and control us forever in the name of 'climate change and saving the planet’.”

Ms Holloway said the community watch group aims to ask the pertinent questions of Mackay Regional Council, as to why they are adopting '15-minute cities' into their planning strategies.

“We recognise that some parts of the 'Smart City' concept have benefits when the technology is used for the right civic reasons,” she said.

“But the overall picture is so all-encompassing and extreme that the outcome will be total control of you and your family and friends by the unelected elites of the WEF.”

“Our aim with the community meetings, is to talk about the Smart Cities initiative, so that the residents can make an informed decision for their future.”

The Dawson.Capricornia Community Watch Group is excited to welcome South Australia's Tim Dwyer as their live guest speaker via Zoom, with Q & A afterwards, for their first community meeting on May 26 at Mackay Sporting Wheelies.

‍

The most influential political leaders in the region attended a lively Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce special event on Tuesday evening, the key item on the agenda: a new vision for the Whitsundays.

Special guest, David Littleproud, Leader of the National Party spoke alongside Andrew Willcox, Federal Member for Dawson, Amanda Camm, Member for Whitsunday, and Julie Hall, Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council.

Each leader delivered their message to a full-house and spoke on issues such as their perspectives on the climate of the region, their visions for the future, and directions they are pursuing.

1. David Littleproud, Leader of the National Party of Australia

Mr Littleproud’s vision for the Whitsundays encompasses housing and regional healthcare, particularly foreign doctors.

- The current government has proposed a risky scheme for housing.

o “It’s $10 billion, but it’s not $10 billion going into housing, it’s the government borrowing $10 billion and hoping they can invest that $10 billion at a greater return than what they’re paying interest rates on. And then if they actually make anything about that interest rate, they’ll put that into housing; that’s a big risk.”

- There have been changes to the designated priority areas, regarding foreign doctors.

o “The government is allowing foreign doctors to now work in capital cities, rather than regional-remote areas. They’ve extended that, which means the doctors are not working with us. We’ve lost foreign doctors, and for some of us, we don’t have any doctors at all now.”

‍

2. Andrew Willcox MP, Federal Member for Dawson

Mr Willcox’s vision for the Whitsundays includes connectivity for the region, as well as insurance premiums.

- Mr Willcox is pleased with the increased use of the local airport; however, he believes the marine industry is critical to growth.

o “We’re looking at a super yacht service facility in Bowen. What we’re hoping from a federal point of view is funding of a super yachts service facility, because the super yachts won’t visit this area if we cannot maintain and look after them.”

- Mr Willcox is working on insurance premium costings for the region.

o “Another thing I have been working on is that we pay far too much for insurance. The reinsurance bill, that’s a $10 billion fund, and its not quite where I thought it was up to, because insurance companies have until the end of this year to opt in. We need to get our insurance premiums down in this area.”

‍

3. Amanda Camm MP, Member for Whitsunday

Ms Camm’s vision for the area includes growth in infrastructure, but sustainable growth that supports the region.

o “We have a development underway at the moment in the Shute Harbour Marina, that I will absolutely go on record that I hope never sees the light of day. It’s not the right development for our community. “

o “I want to see the Tassal expansion occur in agriculture. They’re doing incredible things sustainably. And that’s a new industry that’s going to create some 600 jobs over the course of the decade and create new opportunities for our young people in science, technology, and innovation.”

o “Our region is an incredible destination and should always be renowned as that. Particularly with the lead up to the Olympic Games, I don’t want all of that infrastructure funding or visitation to just be into southeast Queensland.”

‍

4. Julie Hall, Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council

Mayor Hall is adamant on job growth and economic and environmental sustainability within the region.

o “One of the key challenges we face is ensuring that our infrastructure keeps pace with demands of the growing population and economy, our road and public services must be able to accommodate the increasing needs and expectations of our residents and visitors alike.”

o “It is critical we protect and preserve our environment for future generations. We must play our role and adopt sustainable practices and ensure responsible development that respects the fragile ecosystem that makes our region so special.”

o “Another challenge with rapid growth is the issue of housing affordability and availability. It is essential that federal, state, and local government work collaboratively with stakeholders, developers, and the community to innovate solutions and strive for a balance between growth and affordable housing options.”

‍

L-R: Andrew Willcox, Member for Dawson, Julie Hall, Mayor of Whitsunday Regional Council, Allan Milostic, President of the Whitsunday Coast Chamber of Commerce, Amanda Camm, Member for Whitsunday, David Littleproud, Leader of the National Party for Australia. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

‍

Hi Everyone,

Having lived with a ‘senior citizen’ for the past three months, I have come to notice that the world is often not built with ‘oldies’ in mind.

My mum is in her 70s and she is spritely, alert, and quick-thinking – a good intellectual match for anyone she meets – and she certainly gets a lot of laughs with her witty sense of humour.

She has been staying with me since March and every Tuesday, she goes for a walk with her friend and, over the course of several weeks, the pair have observed how older people are almost invisible on the boardwalk.

No-one moves to the side, bikes whizz past at top speed and some people even bump past without noticing.

It can often be the same at the shops with busy parents racing by impatient shopkeepers and lively conversations.

The world moves very fast when you are slowing up and I think it would be nice for us all to slow down to a more sedate pace.

One where we notice an older person rattled by our speed, or better still take the time to stop and chat.

I think it would also be nice if we thought how our businesses, services and facilities could better accommodate the older generation.

For we will all get there one day (if we are lucky!).

For example, wouldn’t it be nice if Cedar Creek Falls had a wooden handrail? Or the bus shelters had a bench on both sides so people could sit in the shade no matter where the sun sits in the sky.

Of course, we are always looking for ways we can improve our newspaper so, if you have some ideas (whatever your age!), please email rachael@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com.au with your suggestions.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you” (John De Paola)

‍

For Steve Fraser, volunteering with the Whitsundays PCYC Braking the Cycle Program was a no brainer.

Braking the Cycle is a program that assists people with meeting the requirements for getting their license, through providing a registered car and a driver mentor to supervise.  

Over the past year, Steve has completed 150 hours of driving and seen six students get their provisional licenses.

“You get a good buzz from it,” he said.

Steve decided to start volunteering when he realised he was missing working with youth and thought the PCYC-run program would “keep the connection with young people” for him.

But as much as it is about driving, Steve said that he and the other three volunteers are also mentoring the students, lending an ear and advice when needed.

“You have to be very non-judgmental about it. You hear it all. You do a bit a life coaching, I suppose,” Steve said.

“When you’re driving around for an hour and a half, you have to talk about something!”

Steve also volunteers with the Get Set for Work Program with PCYC, often leading cooking classes during the 10-week program.

“It’s just so good to see the results, see the improvements, and them become more confident.”

The students Steve helps include Indigenous, women escaping domestic and family violence, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds, with about 50 per cent of students being local youth.

Steve, who also works as a marriage celebrant, is often lending a hand in life’s milestones.

“I find it’s a two-way street with this stuff, and you get back as much as you give, I find.”

‍

Luke Gilbert’s 25th birthday was marked by a group of compassionate community members earlier this week, red and white flowers laid at the location of the police shooting on Airlie Beach main street where he was tragically killed in October last year.

Investigations are still ongoing, and an enquiry has been launched into his death following allegations that excessive force was used when the police fired five shots, three of which hit Luke, who was threatening them with a four-centimetre penknife.

A group of locals who are worried about their own children growing up in an era of excessive police force have reached out to support Luke Gilbert’s family, empathising about his tragic lost and hoping to raise awareness for the issues surrounding his death.

Luke Gilbert was shot and killed in a police shooting in Airlie Beach last October.

In an 18-second altercation with police, Luke pulled out a penknife with a four-centimetre blade and threatened them saying “shoot me then, faggots”.

While his family admit this behaviour is disgraceful, they maintain it did not warrant the reaction from the police.

Five shots were fired, two ricocheted into nearby cars and three hit Luke directly.

Two local residents who attended the vigil to mark what would have been Luke’s 25th birthday earlier this week say they have seen CCTV footage of the moment Luke was shot and that he was “over 20 feet away” at the time.

“We’ve all seen the video and there was no lunging with the knife,” said Jeudi Thursday.

“But the way it was portrayed by the media served the police agenda so that it wouldn’t look like an execution style shooting.”

Another local, Chris Pannan, said that he has two teenage sons and that the news really “jolted” him.

“Five shots is just excessive,” he said.

“If they had used another method such as rubber bullets, Luke could have been disarmed and probably put in hospital but lived to tell the tale.”

“We really don’t need a GI Joe style police force.”

Jeudi agreed saying that with better police training the situation could have been very different.

“Non-lethal force training is something we need to respond to better as a society given growing mental health concerns,” she explained.

“I believe the police need to take a look in their own backyard and the mental health of the first responders.

“They shouldn’t still be operating as police officers and this information shouldn’t be hidden and swept under covers.”

Last month, Luke’s family who live in Western Australia, released a petition with over 20,000 signatures from supporters and subsequently an independent enquiry was launched.

His mother, Nicola Gilbert, had her birthday the day before Luke’s, but it will now be forever remembered with despair and anguish, with only the thought of his justice a small compensation for the family’s loss.

‍

Red and white flowers were laid at the site of Luke’s death. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

Jeudi Thursday, Chris Pannan and Heidi Ward attended the vigil to mark what would have been Luke’s Gilbert’s 25th birthday. Photo credit: Rachael Smith.

‍

Regional pharmacies are feeling the brunt of budget cuts with the new 60-day prescription policy set to halve their annual dispensing fee, with one local pharmacist saying this will cost his business $250,000 per year.

Previously the dispensing fee of $7.82 was paid to a pharmacy per month per patient.

The new 60-day dispensing will mean this fee is paid every two months resulting in a saving of $46.92 per year, per patient.

This saving, however, comes directly out of the pockets of pharmacies and many fear this will result in a reduction of services, opening hours and even potentially leading to the closure of some stores.

Lee McLennan from Live Life Pharmacy in Cannonvale said the fees had previously helped keep his store open seven days a week and covered staff overheads.

He is worried he will now have to reduce both.

“It’s been very stressful, especially as it’s just been announced overnight with no warning,” he said.

“The policy is all about taking money away from pharmacy.”

Leader of the National Party David Littleproud MP and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, met with Mr McLennan to discuss the impacts.

“What I’m concerned about is people’s jobs and also places like Calen where the pharmacy is the only place for people to get primary healthcare,” said Mr Willcox.

“If you are going to impact someone’s business then you have to take a look at some sort of offset so they can continue to provide good health care services.”

Both politicians voiced concerns that regional areas will be the ones to suffer the most.

“Unfortunately, this policy will have unintended consequences for those people who live outside capital cities,” said Mr Littleproud.

“It’s about supply and lack of supply - if you’re at the end of the supply chain, the further you are away.”

Mr McLennan says that he fears some patients will go without medications as they are “already dealing with a lot of medicine shortages”.

“Rather than having enough to supply three patients we will have enough to supply one,” he said.

The bulk-buying of meds could also lead to surplus and waste in some households where individuals regularly swap and change medicines.

“You can’t take the other tablets back, so you’re actually getting more waste,” said Mr Willcox.

Other issues with the policy include patients with chronic illnesses having to purchase double the amount of medication in order to reach the ‘safety net’ of 36 scripts per year.

Once they have reached this threshold, they receive free prescriptions.

“I think the government needs to rethink this policy and have a conversation with the Pharmacy Guild and look at other ways of providing cheaper medicines and better services for people,” said Mr Willcox.

‍

Lee McLennan from Live Life Pharmacy, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Leader of the National Party David Littleproud MP. Photo credit: Bronte Hodge

‍

Pioneer Valley residents fear being forced from their land as the Queensland Government forges ahead with plans to build the world’s biggest pumped hydro.

Concerned residents were joined by Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry and Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud earlier this week, touring some of the properties that are set to be affected by the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Scheme.

Netherdale residents Charlene and Joe bought their property three months before Queensland Premier Annastasia Palaszczuk’s announcement in September 2022 and now face the prospect of a 60m concrete dam wall being built on their property.

“We bought the place for its beauty and pristine environment,” said Charlene.

“We are really disgusted with how we’ve been treated as landowners.”

Nationals Support Pioneer Valley Families

With 79 properties expected to be affected by the Queensland Government’s pumped hydro scheme, Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said affected families were reaching breaking point.

“This is the third visit I’ve made to the Eungella community since the Premier made a flying visit to Mackay to announce Labor’s plan to inundate prime agriculture land and pristine rainforest,” Ms Landry said.

“I have met with families who have broken down in tears and asked me what they can do with their lives if they’re forced off their land.

“Many of the properties have been in their family for generations.

“It’s heartbreaking.”

An upper reservoir is planned be built in the Eungella area while at the bottom of the Eungella range, a 60-metre-high dam wall will be constructed to allow for the lower dam.

Solar and wind farms are planned for the lower area as well, with negotiations between the Queensland Government and affected landholders beginning last year to discuss terms of property access to conduct studies as well as initiating negotiations for property resumption and compulsory acquisition.

“This is a process that we take seriously, of course, and we want to be respectful of those landowners,” Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said.

“We’ve researched around 1,000 sites across the state and this one stacks up as simply the best pumped hydroelectric opportunity anywhere in Queensland, in fact, it represents one of the best opportunities in the world.

“Most importantly, this project delivers us a significant economic opportunity for north Queensland.”

Mr Littleproud said the community felt helpless.

“Labor’s ideology doesn’t match the practical reality and sadly it’s at the expense of Eungella locals,” Mr Littleproud said.

“It is senseless to destroy prime agriculture land and rainforest in this special part of Queensland.

“I urge Labor to listen to locals and to scrutinise this project properly before it’s too late.

“There is a place for renewables, but it is not here.”

‍

‍

Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud and Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry visited Netherdale residents Charlene and Joe. Photo supplied: Office of The Hon David Littleproud MP

Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud toured Eungella earlier this week. Photo supplied: Office of The Hon David Littleproud MP

‍

A group of Grasstree Beach residents have shared their concerns about activity occurring on state and council land surrounding the beachside community.

The man spearheading the campaign, who wished to remain anonymous, said the bushland behind and to the north of Hillside Drive stretching up towards Salonika Beach, including Mick Ready Beach, has become a “theme park” for people with motorbikes, four-wheel drives and offroad buggies.

“The area near Mick Ready Beach used to be fairly clear and people used to picnic all the time,” the concerned resident said.

“It was accepted practise … until the bikes moved in.”

The local relocated from the area in 2010 and, upon returning in 2021, discovered the issue had worsened, citing noise emanating from surrounding bushland, dangerous driving on the streets leading into the bushland, environmental damage, erosion, and litter as areas of concern.

The noise has reportedly been heard as early as 6:30am and late as 11:30pm, and vehicles have been seen speeding along Hillside Drive where vision over the hill is limited and families frequently walk.

The group of locals banded together and started a campaign, approaching police, Mackay Regional Council, Member for Mirani Stephen Andrew, and the Minister for Resources Scott Stewart.

“The problem here is the council owns the beach (Mick Ready Beach), but they don’t own the roads into it,” the resident said.

“That area is ‘unallocated state land’ and managed by the Department of Resources.

“It would seem that creates problems and limits what the police can and can’t do.

“Everyone’s pointing at everyone else.”

The resident reported that the Department of Resources installed steel gates to prevent unauthorised access, which have since been torn down.

He also claimed that local police have increased their presence in the town, but “could be a little bit more enthusiastic” in enforcing groups to move on.

A response from the office of Minister for Resources Scott Stewart stated the Department of Resources “will continue to work with the Mackay Regional Council and other agencies to promote responsible use of open spaces in this locality.”

The letter continued: “In 2023, Resources will also continue its work with other agencies to limit uncontrolled vehicle access to parts of the land where it is practical to do so, which may include a staged approach to re-installing gates or changing access arrangements to the land.”

The group of residents is calling for access to the area to be restricted.

‍

‍

Mick Ready Beach, north of Grasstree Beach, has become a popular spot for four-wheel drives, motorbikes and offroad buggies. Image supplied

Dirt roads through state land leading to the beach are clearly signed. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

‍

Seven laptops were donated to YIRS One Stop Youth Shop earlier this week courtesy of CQUniversity Mackay.

The pre-used laptops, all approximately 12 months old, will be utilised by students currently enrolled at Charters Towers School of Distance Education.

“At the moment, the students are rotating on a roster because we didn’t have enough laptops,” said YIRS Service Manager Deanne Chapman.

“The generous offer of these laptops is going to make a big difference.

There are currently 30 students studying in the program.

“Now everyone gets a laptop,” Ms Chapman said.

“It makes their workload easier and submitting their work a lot simpler.”

CQUniversity Mackay Campus Coordinator Leanne Williams said it’s important that no student misses out.

“Supporting students from our local community who don’t have access to laptops is really important for the university,” she said.

“Being part of the solutions to our students and giving that back, it really makes me feel fantastic about working for an organisation that does care about our students and also cares about what their learning journey’s going to be.”

Ms Chapman shared her appreciation upon receiving the laptops.

“It’s really great to have people in our community that are continually giving to our future,” she said.

‍

‍

YIRS Service Manager Deanne Chapman, CQUniversity Mackay Campus Coordinator Leanne Williams and YIRS Chair Rob Kidd. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

‍

Hi readers

It was some time last year that I decided I was going to get into dancing. Rock and roll and line dancing have long been popular amongst my family. Whether it’s a wedding, a 21st or a 50th, there’s almost always a dancefloor and it’s almost always packed when ‘Man! I Feel Like A Woman!’ comes on. I’m sure I used to dance when I was younger but as I hit those pubescent years, I was suddenly “too cool”. I’m proud to say I’ve overcome that dancefloor hesitance. I wouldn’t say I’m better at dancing or more confident in my ability; I just stopped caring and had a good time. Although I wish I’d danced every time someone beckoned me to the floor growing up – I reckon I’d be pretty good by now.

I joined in on some line dancing workshops at NQ's Rock'n Country last year and this opened my eyes to how fun dancing is. I had a great time and even later went to some lessons held by Deb Wookey and Mackay Line Dancers out at Walkerston, who you would’ve read about a month ago.

Later in the year, I attended a dance hosted by Sugar City Rock n Rollers at Goosies. I had a dance with mum and gained much satisfaction every time we nailed a move. As Sugar City Rock n Rollers President Colin McPherson says on page 17, “You’ll always see rock and roll dancers on the dance floor with a big smile on their face.”

More recently, I attended No Lights, No Lycra, which seems perfect for dancers like me. You can read that story on page 17 and if you’re interested but still feel a bit apprehensive, like I was, I urge you to go along and give it a go. As I’ve learnt recently, nothing is quite as satisfying as a good dance.

‍

With a prime location overlooking the Pioneer River and Forgan Bridge at Bluewater Quay, the former site of Lebanese Restaurant Ashtart has laid dormant for years.

But Mackay Regional Council is brewing something up for the site, selecting J&J Brewing Co Pty Ltd, better known as Red Dog, as the new licensee.

Red Dog Brewery aim to open their new taphouse and restaurant on the river in July, adding to their current location on Chain Street, which opened in April 2022.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the site was well situated on Bluewater Quay overlooking the Pioneer River and formed part of the Mackay Waterfront PDA (Priority Development Area).

“This is an excellent outcome for Bluewater Quay, and the City Centre more generally, to create new activation opportunities, with a business that already has local support and recognition,” he said.

“The Mackay Waterfront project has been developed by council to improve tourism, liveability and economic activity in Mackay’s CBD and waterfront.

“Red Dog will be a great addition to this key location between the City Centre and the newly established River Wharves in River Street.”

The new Red Dog site will complement the existing location in Chain Street, with Bluewater Quay becoming the main retail outlet and Chain Street the main production location.

Red Dog co-owners Jason Egan and Jamie Woods said the new location has untapped potential.

“Mackay has a great river, one of the best you see, and what better place to have a brewery than on a river?” said Mr Egan.

“It’s a great location, somewhere you can come with friends and close to town.

“We’re hoping we’ll get a new influx of different types of people, pick up a different market with this venue.

The owners are excited to begin canning their beers which will be available for takeaway at the new location, as well as offering a wider variety of beers, spirits and cocktails.

“If the locals support it, it’ll go well,” Mr Egan said.

“If they want something like this in the town, they need to embrace it.”

‍

Mayor Greg Williamson (left) hands over the keys to a council-owned building at Bluewater Quay to Jason Egan, of Red Dog Brewery, and Louie the dog. Photo supplied

‍

For the first time since coming to power, the Labor Government has approved a new coal mine in the Isaac region, but new strict environmental regulations and timeframes are attached.

The mine, 28 kilometres east of Moranbah, was provisionally approved by the Federal Government and it is set to become the third mine operated by Bowen Coking Coal.

The company currently employs a 700 strong workforce and will be mining for high quality, high yielding metallurgical coal used for steelmaking.

The new mine is adjacent to the two existing mines.

The following strict new regulations apply:

1. The mine must not clear more than 25 hectares of land.

2. Impact on the native snake species must be minimised.

3. There must be an on-site fauna spotter.

4. The mine must maintain the property and land quality.

5. Operational timeframe is five years (compared to the standard 25-50 years)

It is estimated that the mine will produce half a million tonnes of coal a year and provide an additional 200 new jobs in the region.

‍

Plans are now in place for a new jetty on Keswick Island and local residents say this will increase accessibility for all and reinstate a casual boating community that will revive the local tourism industry.  

Keswick Island Headlease Holder, Oasis Forest (China Bloom), has lodged its Development Application for the jetty with Mackay Regional Council and approvals have already been granted by the Queensland Government and the Australian Government through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

It is hoped that works will commence by the end of this year and construction will be completed sometime in 2024.

Keswick Island Progress Association (KIPA) Spokesperson, Greg Chappell, said the new jetty would be a game changer for north Queensland boaties, day trippers and yachties.  

“People will now have a destination to spend time on land during their trips through the Cumberland Islands,” he said.

“Opening up Keswick Island’s access means more visitation, and more visitation means more dollars into the local Mackay economy.

“It will also spur a boost in building activity on the Island, and the benefits of this will flow to local builders, tradies, and suppliers.  

“We look forward to Mackay Regional Council’s support to expedite the final approvals required so construction can commence.”

CEO of Mackay Isaac Tourism, Al Grundy, welcomed the jetty application and said it was no secret that access is the first mandatory criteria to grow tourism on an Island.  

“The ability for visitors to depart Mackay and access Keswick Island via a jetty is the first step to growing the Island’s tourism potential,” he said.

“Mackay based marine tourism operators will be able to pick up guests from Keswick for day tour excursions to visit other islands, for snorkelling, beachcombing or to head off on fishing charters.  

“Keswick Island has potential to play a key role in our broader regional tourism strategy – an island on our doorstep that is easy to access and a tourism location that we are proud to showcase to the world. This development is a welcome contribution.”

‍

New jetty promotes tourism on Keswick Island. Photo supplied

‍

A 50 year old man has died on a private property in Ball Bay after suffering an electric shock.

Emergency services were called to the Cape Hillsborough property on Tuesday, May 16. It was declared the next morning that the man had been found deceased at the scene.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland are assisting police in the investigation.

The week prior, a crime scene was declared and forensic examinations are underway after a fire broke out on a property at Eungella on the evening of Thursday, May 11.

Emergency services were called to a Schumanns Road property at approximately 5.20pm, to reports the dwelling was on fire.

Initial investigations indicate a woman in her 50s was inside the property, sustaining critical injuries and dying at the scene.

Investigations remain ongoing and anyone with further information is urged to contact police and quote this reference number: QP2300781943.

‍

This Mother’s Day, Mackay mums experienced the joy of receiving flowers, sold with love, by enthusiastic Endeavour Foundation clients who enjoyed the experience of participating in a worthy cause.

For the past 31 years, more than 70,000 chrysanthemums have been cultivated by the Endeavour Foundation at its Bundaberg Disability Social Enterprise for Mother’s Day.

The flowers are hand-picked, stripped, and put into 7000 bunches, many of which are sold locally while thousands more are transported to other Queensland regions.

A total of 300 bunches were sold here in Mackay and Endeavour Foundation’s Executive General Manager – Work Services, Eric Teed, said local mums and caregivers enjoyed receiving such thoughtful gifts.

“When you bought an Endeavour Foundation bunch for mum this year, you put a smile on her dial with a thoughtful gift,” said Mr Teed.

“But you were also giving the gift of employment.”

“You were ensuring people who face barriers to employment have a job that works for them so they can experience all the physical, mental, and social benefits that come with it.

“We believe everyone has the right to work and our social enterprises create meaningful employment and training outcomes for people who need extra support in the workplace.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support of the community that made Mum’s Day bloomin’ marvellous with an Endeavour Foundation bunch this year!”

For the past 70 years the Endeavour Foundation has been dedicated to help build brighter futures for people living with disabilities.

Their programs currently support thousands of Australians with intellectual disability and help them live, learn, work and thrive.

It is initiatives such as this that further integrates those living with disabilities into the community, giving them the opportunity to participate and interact with a broader social network in a positive and fulfilling way.

‍