North Queensland’s “heart of agriculture training” is slated for completion this month.

The new $3.4 million TAFE Agriculture Centre of Excellence (ACoE) in Bowen – a state-of-the-art facility set to train and prepare Queensland’s agrarian workforce – is taking shape, with the local construction firm, Lowcock Builders, expecting an end of October completion.

Announced all the way back in 2020, the new centre has promised to offer more than 70 courses related to the industry, including mixed virtual reality rooms, science laboratories, and even “farmbots” – a teaching tool that splices together robotics, nutrition, soil science, biology, and coding to educate agricultural students.

Helping trainees and apprentices develop “the skills they need to ensure Queensland is ready to capitalise on industry growth” are its main priorities, according to Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development the Honourable Di Farmer.

“Bowen is a prime location for agriculture training and industry expansion and highlights North Queensland as a great place to work, live and invest,” Minister Farmer said.

In addition to general learning and workshop areas, the Centre of Excellence will feature a Smart Centre for data analysation and computerised training technologies, the virtual reality room – which will provide advanced tech for emerging industry needs - and a Growpod for monitoring stable growing environments and producing horticultural and agricultural products in all climates.

With the building itself set for completion this month, the first load of students are still a ways away, with delivery of courses being anticipated to commence in early 2023.

Those will include accredited and non-accredited (micro-credentials and skill sets) in agriculture, including Production Horticulture, AgriBusiness Management, Rural Operations, Cyber Security, and Laboratory Technologies.

Bowen Chamber of Commerce President Bruce Hedditch echoed Minister Farmer’s sentiments: “Bowen is the perfect place for this.”

“It will broaden the educations options for students in Bowen, but most importantly it will bring students here to put down their own roots,” Mr Hedditch said.

“To be in rural areas where the industry is, that’s what this is really about.”

Funding was granted through the Equipping TAFE for our Future Initiative – a program which is slated to invest $100 million over three years into skills development in priority industries.

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Proserpine’s faithful have been amping up their efforts to raise funds to rebuild their church over the past month in a series of community events and fundraisers.

Churchgoers of St James Uniting Church in Proserpine, which was dismantled and farewelled almost a year ago in November of 2021, have organised Flower Shows, as well as plants, treats, and treasure sales over the month of September, with all proceeds going towards their building fund.

Over the past year, the Church Council have worked at fundraising in an aim of “building something new, and in character with Proserpine, whilst keeping something of the essence of the old Church.”

Those fundraisers have seen major community interest in the rebuilding process itself according to Proserpine Uniting Church Reverend Suzy Sitton.

“The community has been asking: when are you rebuilding? It’s been a constant over the past couple of months,” Reverend Sitton said.

“Well, we’re at the stage where we’re talking to the architects and comments from the congregation and community have been gathered, and the architect has come back with some really great designs.”

Reverend Sitton said her congregation has seen the plans and are “more than excited”.

“What was asked for most by the congregation was that it be a multi-purpose building, and the designs align with that. We hope the space will be utilised for things like a temporary art gallery, or a senior’s luncheon. A concert even,” Reverend Sitton said.

“We see the auditorium that we’ll build there not just for our use on a Sunday, but for the use of the community and bringing them together.”

Reverend Sitton said the new buildings design at this stage will incorporate verandas on both sides “to welcome Proserpine” into its fold.

“We’ll build close to the corner of Main and Herbert with access coming through the carpark.  There’ll be a garden through the western property line and we’ll have our regular gardens, too,” she said.

But the rebuild is still a way off, with construction estimated to begin mid-2023.

Reverend Sitton said they would not be this far into the process without the help of community - particularly the fundraising.

“That’s the beauty and the strength of Proserpine and Cannonvale; they are always there supporting us,” she said.

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Mary Frances McGrath was born in Mackay on October 8, 1899. Her father worked as a blacksmith in the Homebush Sugar Mill until 1907. The family moved to Proserpine where Mr McGrath obtained a licence for the Great Northern Hotel (now Metropole) before moving to Bowen then finally returning to Proserpine to take up farming at “Greenclyde” between Gregory and Foxdale.

Mary McGrath began her long nursing career at the Mackay Base Hospital, training for three years before receiving her nursing certificate in 1928 then accepting her first position at the Lister Hospital in Mackay. To further her career, she went to the Lady Bowen Hospital in Brisbane where she studied to become a Midwifery Nurse, being registered on March 29, 1930.

Mary’s first association with nursing in Proserpine began in that same year when she worked for Dr Uren at his private hospital in Chapman Street. When this hospital closed, she continued with Dr Uren doing private nursing before taking on a position at Proserpine Hospital which at the time was situated on Crystalbrook Road where the council depot is now situated. Nurse McGrath was appointed Matron in 1931.

In 1934, a decision was made to move the hospital to its present site in Herbert Street. This was undertaken over a long period of time and must have been a difficult and frustrating time for Matron McGrath keeping the hospital running smoothly and caring for patients in two different localities.

The Proserpine Hospital was declared a training hospital in December, 1936. Training nurses to the highest possible standard was very dear to Matron’s heart and she was a major contributing factor in the success achieved by the hospital in its Nursing Training Programme. Matron McGrath was well known in hospital circles throughout Queensland and any nurses who were the product of her training were assured positions when applying elsewhere.

Nurses who trained under Matron McGrath would remember her disciplinarian ways. These were the days when it was compulsory for nursing staff to live in the nurses’ quarters and not only was their on-duty time fully disciplined, so too was some of their off-duty time. Pity the nurse who arrived back a minute after curfew at midnight!

Matron McGrath tried to enlist in World War Two however she was refused on the grounds that she was providing an essential service. So, as Matron, she weathered the challenges brought about by the war – the shortages of drugs and food and no hope of replacing or acquiring equipment. When the air raids sirens sounded, patients had to be transferred to the air raid shelters.

Matron McGrath had a very personal approach to patients. Besides doing her allotted shifts, she would spend quite a lot of her off-duty time comforting relatives or organising staff in an emergency. She also made abundant use of her midwifery training and many a mother would stop her in the street and remind her that their child was one of “her babies”.

On her retirement in 1964, a testimonial ceremony was held at the Proserpine Showgrounds with several hundred people gathering to pay tribute to Matron McGrath’s remarkable service of over thirty-four years in the community.

In 1966, she was awarded the MBE in the New Year’s Honour List – worthy recognition of a lifetime’s service and devotion to the nursing profession.

Matron McGrath passed away at the Bundaberg Nursing Home on November 4, 1972. Her funeral was held in Proserpine – a fitting place for her to be laid to rest – a place where she had become a legend in her lifetime.

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

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Airlie Beach’s central business district may be set for a pedestrian crossing shake-up.

Whilst works are being undertaken on the coastal town’s Main Street*, Whitsunday Regional Council have begun seeking comment on pedestrian vs vehicle priority.

Results from council’s ‘Pedestrian Priority Investigation’ will inform future decision making on nine pedestrian crossings in town.

Currently, crossings on Airlie Beach Main Street function as pedestrians giving way to vehicles, allowing traffic to flow easily, but having impact on pedestrian movement.

To “find the right balance” for pedestrians and vehicles, council are seeking comments on three options: installing pedestrian zebra crossings; changing to a shared crossing area; or remaining the same with pedestrians giving way.

Council’s Director of Infrastructure Adam Hagy said that with the transient nature of Airlie Beach and the reliance on visual cues, crossing the street can be confusing for some tourists.

“[We need] to consider how we prioritise pedestrian and vehicle movement in Airlie Beach Main Street to find the right balance,” Mr Hagy said.

“We do however need to conduct a comprehensive analysis to ensure additional pedestrian priority options don’t impact traffic flows, particularly around intersections.

“We also need to take into consideration the Australian Standards which were updated in 2021.”

Pedestrian zebra crossings would see current crossings changed to designated areas where vehicles must stop for pedestrians, marked by zebra crossings. The detractors being slower vehicle movement through the street and carparks, but increased safety for foot traffic.

Shared crossing areas would act as a middle ground between the current set-up and zebra crossings, seeing crossings adjusted so that vehicles and pedestrians “share the road”, navigating via eye contact and body language.

The deficit being a minimum width of 20 metres for these areas, which would result in works to cut back landscaping and street parking to meet those requirements.

To undertake the survey, open now until 28 October, visit Council’s YourSayWhitsunday website here: https://bit.ly/3SOAXyS

*Read Airlie Beach Main Street Closures Next Week on page 3 of this newspaper

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October sees the last gasps of winter rains before the heat of summer in the Whitsundays, and with the sun out, snakes begin to move.

With food and mating on the mind, the region’s 30 species of serpents will glide through rural, commercial, and residential properties over the next few months – mostly unnoticed.

Whitsunday-based part-time snake catcher David Barwell said there are a few things you can watch out for to make sure you’re not enticing any snakes to stick around your home.

“Like most living things, snakes require three basics: food, water, and shelter. If your property provides all three, they may linger,” Mr Barwell said.

“But usually they’ll move on and continue cruising through their home range.”

Before snake season really gets going, Mr Barwell said cleaning up spilt seeds from bird cages, which in turn attract rats, which in turn attract snakes, are just one tip to keep snakes out.

“Snakes like to be hidden; they don't like being exposed and out in the open, so keep gardens tidy, lawns mowed, remove anything snakes can hide in or under,” he said.

“In hot dry weather snakes will also come looking for water, so fix dripping taps, empty out anything that holds water.”

Mr Barwell, who acts as a registered snake identifier on the SnakesoftheWhitsundays Facebook Group, also advised to get a picture of the snake, if it’s safe to do so.

“If the snake is outside, bring pets and children indoors, and if possible, try to keep an eye on it,” he said.

“If it’s indoors, close the internal door and place a rolled-up towel on the bottom of the door to prevent it moving elsewhere in the house.”

Snake bite first aid is also vital knowledge. Keep a few wide elastic bandages in your first aid kit and apply pressure and immobilise the area before heading to a local hospital. Do not wash the bite area – venom left on the skin can help identify the snake.

Direct lines to approved snake catchers in the Whitsunday region can be found on the SnakesoftheWhitsundays Facebook group.

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Injuries are practically inevitable in an emergency.

There’s a chance you could get hurt by whatever’s causing the emergency: it can be as varied as getting burned in a fire, or you could get struck by toppling debris during an earthquake. But injuries are also sustained during the ‘emergency panic’. In the rush to get away from danger, you could sprain your ankle or suffer an open wound.

You never know when you might need some first aid tips. Everyone should be familiar with the 10 first aid “must-knows” that you can use to treat a broad array of injuries:

1. Remember the “Three P’s” (preserve life, prevent deterioration, and promote recovery)

2. Check the scene for danger before you provide help.

3. To treat cuts and scrapes, apply gentle pressure, disinfectant, and bandages.

4. To treat sprains, apply ice and compression at intervals and keep the limb elevated.

5. To treat heat exhaustion, use cool fluids, cool cloths, and shade.

6. To treat hypothermia; use warm fluids and warm coverings.

7. To treat burns, determine the burn type and severity. Cover the wound with loose cloth to prevent infection.

8. Use an EpiPen to treat allergic reactions.

9. To treat fractures, keep the fractured area stable and immobilized, and apply a cold pack.

10. Perform CPR if an injured person stops breathing.

It’s important that you commit the 10 golden rules to memory. Even if you’re not injured, you might encounter someone who is, and who needs treatment.

These simple tips form the basis of good first aid, but the best way to be prepared is to learn from the professionals. For first aid training and supplies, there’s no better place than AWB First Aid First to learn your ABCs of first aid.

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The long-standing and much respected Airlie Beach Swim School by Danielle prides itself on providing not only the best technical development for your children but also the most important safety messages to create confident yet careful young swimmers.

“In a region like the Whitsundays, surrounded by water and where children are constantly swimming, it is so important that they know how to swim and can save themselves if they get into trouble,” said owner Danielle Shea.

Holding a Swim Safety Week every term, the instructors at Airlie Beach Swim School by Danielle focus on educating children on how to save themselves through swim smarts such as turning on your back to float if in trouble and calling out for help.

Danielle has been swimming her whole life, competing and winning medals at the state and country level.

She then travelled the world, living overseas for some time before returning to Australia and re-uniting with her passion for swimming and combining it with her love for children.

Airlie Beach Swim School was born 10 years ago, and Danielle has since won several accolades which include Swim Teacher of the Year in 2020/21 and Best Swim Safer Swim School in 2019.

From mums, dads and bubs classes for children as young as four months old right through to junior squads competing against each other at the annual swim carnival, there are a range of classes available.

Your children will learn in a safe and supportive environment where they can develop at their own pace and learn to feel confident moving their bodies in the water.

Danielle has three qualified swim teachers working alongside her, Loretta and Lynda plus her mother, also called Lynda who owned her own swim-school for 38 years.

Between all instructors there is over 50 years’ experience.

Celebrating 10 years this December, Danielle is thrilled to achieve such a huge milestone and honoured to have taught so many little ones how important it is to be water safe.

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With two reported near-drownings in the Whitsundays over the school holidays, there has never been a more important time to learn swim safety tips to keep your child protected when having fun in the water.

Swim Australia recommend the following:

• Be Aware: Lack of supervision has been found to be responsible for 70 per cent of drownings according to a Royal Life Saving Society Australia report. Maintain constant visual, be within arm distance from children under five, do not be distracted by your phone or answer the door. When in groups do not assume someone else has their eye on your child, organise a ‘watch system’ with friends and do not leave your post.

• Be Secure: Check and maintain barriers. Make sure your pool fence meets standards, ensure it is never propped open, remove all items that could be dragged over and used as a ladder to scale the fence.

• Be Confident: Get regular swimming lessons for your child to be confident in the water. Water familiarisation at a young age, learning how to float on their back so they can call for help, adapt to changing conditions such as no goggles, floaties, turbulent water. Practicing all these life-saving skills can increase the chance of survival. Also teach your child not to go near water without an adult.

• Be Prepared: If a child is missing, check the pool and other water hazards first as every second counts. Learn how to conduct CPR and always have a phone nearby so you can call an ambulance.

The best protection for your child is regular swimming lessons which have been proven to reduce the risk of drowning in children by 80 per cent.

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A Whitsunday local is about to embark on one of the most meaningful yet confronting adventures of their life, heading over to Papua New Guinea to complete the Kokoda Trail with 21 other emergency service personnel.

In less than two weeks Ti Hokins will begin the mission that’s taken months to plan, but a lifetime to prepare for.

Having previously worked for the emergency services, Ti has witnessed first-hand the devastating mental health impacts of a profession that often encounters trauma, violence and extreme situations.

“I’ve been around the emergency services my whole life, I come from an ambulance family,” said Ti.

“And I’m sick of reading about another police officer, ambo or fiery who has taken their life.

“This is really the ‘why’ behind what I am doing, mental health is such a taboo subject, it’s not talked about easily and I want to help change that in some small way.” in fact, Emergency services personnel are at an increased risk of mental health disorders and suicide than any other profession. Ti said, “our emergency services personnel are often there on the worst days of our lives. I want these superhumans to know that there is support for them on their worst days too.”

Every step of the 96-kilometre Kokoda Trek, in support of the Emergency Services Foundation, will be walked in honour of those who have taken their lives and to raise awareness for issues surrounding mental health for emergency service workers.

Ti has been raising money for the adventure for the past few months and has so far received $4,500 for the campaign, out of a goal of $6,800.

The kind community at Airlie Beach Bowls Club held a special event to raise money for Kokoda and gave Ti a platform to talk about the importance of mental health and checking in with everyone.

Ti has also received support from Three Little Birds Café in Airlie Beach who are holding a special raffle draw with some incredible prizes that were donated by some generous local businesses, with ticket sales closing Thursday, October 13.

With just 10 days to go, Ti is excited but also starting to get nervous.

“It feels a lot more real now and emotionally it is bringing up a lot for me,” said Ti, who continues their own recovery journey with PTSD.

“I’m a bit nervous and it’s getting a bit daunting for me but I always remember the deeper meaning behind doing this and stay focused on getting there.”

Ti’s biggest supporters are wife Mel and their two daughters who inspire them every step of the way.

Taking the kids on long treks and heading to the gym most days, Ti is preparing in every possible way.

“I’ve also been learning a lot of blister first aid!” Ti said.

“I’m sure that will come in handy too!”

You can still buy raffle tickets online by scanning the QR code or in person at 3 Little Birds Espresso.

If this has brought up anything for you, please reach out to your supports or call Lifeline on 13 11 14

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A plan to build the world’s largest pumped hydro scheme in the Pioneer Valley has been met with steadfast opposition by the residents it threatens to oust from their homes.

The Pioneer-Burdekin project will affect around 50 homes in the areas surrounding Netherdale, west of Mackay, according to the announcement made by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk last week.

Residents gathered in Eungella on Monday to share their dismay at the plans with Member for Mirani Stephen Andrew saying he, along with the mayor and other councillors, were not privy to the plan before it was announced.

“We need to tell everyone how we feel, be honest and open about it, let the government have an understanding of what we think and what this could do to our properties,” Mr Andrew said.

“There are alternatives, we should look at alternatives, but we don’t have to destroy people to do this.”

Residents Push Back Against Hydro Plans

In the eyes of Dalrymple Heights resident Douglas Cannon, the Pioneer-Burdekin mega project isn’t going to happen.

Mr Cannon has lived in Mackay from the age of nine, moving his family to the Pioneer Valley two years ago.

He also relocated his beekeeping business to the valley where he runs a queen breeding program using local genetics to safeguard bees from future varroa mite outbreaks.

“We’re supporting the local bees and that brings us to where we are now potentially faced with losing it all,” he said.

This realisation struck Mr Cannon when Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced plans for the world’s largest pumped hydro scheme to be built in the Pioneer Valley.

According to these plans, upon construction, Mr Cannon’s property would be completely submerged in ‘Reservoir B’.

“When the rest of the world found out, we found out with it and we were all scrambling to find out what’s actually happening, how we’re going to be affected by it,” he said.

“It all blindsided us; the traditional owners haven’t been consulted; the landowners haven’t been consulted.”

The plans will see the project affect around 50 homes and properties in the region, with Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni saying “around 20 per cent of those landowners” have already been contacted to establish meetings.

Mr Cannon said this claim is laughable.

“We’d like to know who these 20 per cent are, because everyone I’ve spoken to had no idea about it, even the mayor didn’t have an idea,” he said.

The area in questions is also home to a wide variety of wildlife including platypus, birdlife, frogs and crayfish, many of which are endangered.

“If this is their idea of green energy, then it shouldn’t be at the stake of national parks, the environment and the people,” Mr Cannon said.

“This area’s far too precious to be putt under that sort of pressure.”

Leila Verban, a resident of Netherdale, concurs that other green energy alternatives should be considered.

“It’s not that we are anti-renewable energy, it’s not like that at all,” Ms Verban said.

“It’s that there’s a lot more things at stake here, environmentally speaking, as well as the trauma that’s happening to the landowners.

“We would like to support more research being done into other options that have less of a fallout for a whole region.”

Ms Verban and her family have owned their Netherdale property for over five years and are a part of Land for Wildlife, a voluntary program encouraging and assisting private landholders to provide habitat for wildlife on their property.

“We’ve been replanting and bringing it back to being a part of the ecosystem that’s here,” she said.

Ms Verban heard news of the government’s announcement when a friend messaged her following the announcement.

“(I was) totally shocked, but it didn’t sink in until I spoke to the two reps getting around who gave us a brochure and said, ‘Your property will be under water,’” she said.

One of these representatives was an engineer who explained the benefits of hydro and how it works to Ms Verban before explaining that compensation will be provided to those whose properties are to be affected.

Ms Verban has since started a Facebook page titled ‘NO Hydro Save Netherdale/Eungella/Mt Dalrymple’.

“Just over the weekend, we’ve got over 2,000 followers on the page,” Ms Verban said.

“People are really angry and really against it.”

“The point is the awareness isn’t there, they didn’t consult us before releasing it, it was a massive shock to our system and the community just doesn’t agree.”

“I want to be a part of the pushback for this.

“In our minds, the dam’s not happening.”

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One thing that surprised me when I moved to Mackay was the music scene, and this weekend’s bevy of live music is a perfect example of how happening this town is.

Over the next week, we’ve got Hockey Dad, Alex Lloyd, Slowly Slowly, The Stone Apes, and The Grogans all coming to town.

On top of that, local lads Nortica, whom we met a couple of weeks ago, are on support duties for three of those gigs, and the more big names that come through town, the more local legends are going to be inspired to pick up a guitar and start their own band right here in Mackay.

Since starting at the newspaper, I’ve been given the chance to interview icons of the industry including Ian Moss, Mark Gable of Choirboys and, by far my highlight, Shane Howard of Goanna – a very inspiring person.

I’ve also been given the invaluable opportunity to chat with musicians I grew up loving like Connor from Bugs, Scout from Egoism and Zach and Billy from Hockey Dad.

One question I always like to ask is what is it like to play in the regions compared to the capital cities?

The answer is always a different version of the same sentiment: the regions are hungry for live music.

Living in a capital city, music fans are spoilt for choice when it comes to seeing bands on the weekend (coincidentally like us in Mackay are this weekend).

Big gigs are less frequent in our slice of paradise, meaning we cherish them so much more.

Mackay is hungry for live music.

I’ve tried to keep my fingers on the pulse of the local scene, both with bands coming through town and the local up-and-comers.

One way I’ve done this is by starting a radio show on local community station 4CRM.

On my show, The Prekend, I try to shine a light on as much independent music from right here in Mackay and around the world.

If that sounds like something you’d enjoy listening to, tune in to 107.5FM on Thursdays from 8:00pm, and if you’ve got music you think fits the bill, feel free to get in touch!

As always, check the event guide in Mackay Life every week to stay in the loop of everything happening in town.

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Support worker Savannah Milligan has taken one of her clients to Jamaica Blue at Sydney Street Markets a couple of times and each time they have been met with a rapturous reception.

Savannah provides mental health support for clients by assisting them in the community.

“With my client, specifically with Jamaica Blue, she just loves how kind they are,” said Savannah.

“They’re the first ones to say hello.

“Especially with my client, she can be a bit daunting and some people do stare, but the guys at Jamaica Blue, especially the lady, I don’t know her name but my client calls her Boss Lady, she always comes out, gives her a hug, chats with her, knows her order.

“Those who have mental health issues and disabilities in general, that kind of stuff means the world to them.”

As well as providing friendly, incredible service, the team at Jamaica Blue has “paid it forward” by giving Savannah’s client a piece of raisin toast with her order.

“They don’t have to do that, but they do.

“It’s just really kind and it makes my job even nicer to see that there are people out there who are kind and who get it.

“Not many people do get it.”

Savannah says this isn’t an isolated case.

“I just watched how they engaged with everybody else.

“I think it’s just a general thing that all the staff there are just kind and I just love that, I think there needs to be more of that.

“They’re doing such a great job and people like that are really valued in the community.”

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Willcox Fights For Local Rights

A frustrated Federal Member for Dawson has this week vented his disbelief about the lack of consultation he has received by state government in the discussions about the newly announced pumped hydro project.

With the $483 million Urannah Dam Project already budgeted by the previous government, Andrew Willcox MP, does not understand why this viable solution has been ousted and replaced with a new plan that will see 50 homes relocated if construction goes ahead at the proposed site in the Pioneer Valley.

He is annoyed that neither he nor the Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry MP had been consulted about plans directly related to the regions they serve.

“To come out and make an announcement with zero consultation with the local Federal MPs and then immediately call for federal funding, makes me wonder if this is a serious announcement or is it just for show?” he said.

“Without any community or stakeholder consultation the state government have announced a $62 billion energy plan - but it's full of holes and generates more questions than electricity.”

Mr Willcox also asks for answers about how skilled coal miners and their families will survive if the industry they have been part of throughout their lives becomes replaced with renewable alternatives.  

“The Premier has guaranteed jobs for workers at coal fired power stations but there is no mention of guarantees for coal miners,” said Mr Willcox.

“So where does that leave job security for mine workers, their families and every small business owner in our coal mining towns?”

Labelled as detached from the ground level, informed decision-making, the state government has now been called upon to keep their commitments to regional Queensland.

On a national level, while attending Parliament House, Mr Willcox spoke passionately about funding cuts to regional and remote areas, calling them “not only offensive, but dead-set wrong”.

One of the key projects that could now be off the table is the Urannah Dam project which has been almost 20 years in the planning.

“This is a nation building project which will open up 20,000 hectares of agriculture, create jobs, mining water and tourism opportunities,” said Mr Willcox.

While in Canberra he also took the opportunity to speak about the Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) facility which had been due to have $420,000 worth of upgrades this year, before funding cuts put a halt to plans.

Mr Willcox implores the Federal government to look after regional and rural Australia, respecting the contribution our region makes to the country.

“They want to eat our tucker, they want our royalties, they want the GDP* from our mining and yet they don’t want to give us any services,” he said.

*Gross Domestic Product

Image: Federal Member for Dawson MP Andrew Willcox asks for more consultation on funding matters

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After four years of holding senior executive roles with Brisbane City Council (BCC), Scott Owen has been appointed as Mackay Regional Council’s new CEO.

As the BCC Executive for City Standards, Mr Owen was responsible for a 2000-strong workforce along with a combined budget expenditure of $900M.

His focus has been on delivering outcomes for the cultural transformations with staff and driving value for money for Brisbane residents through the effective delivery of council operations.

Throughout his career at BCC, Mr Owen has held several senior executive roles running businesses like fleet solutions and public space operations, which is one of the largest and most diverse branches.

“My personal goals in local government are built around simplifying operations and removing red tape to deliver the ratepayer and the community with a great council experience,” Mr Owen said.

“I’m no stranger to Central and North Queensland having worked at Townsville City Council and with a commercial hire business in Gladstone before that.

“I credit my 10 years in the British Armed Forces as making me the person I am today, and two operational tours in the Afghanistan conflict for grounding my desire to make life better for people where I can.”

Mr Owen holds a postgraduate diploma in strategic leadership as well as multiple leadership and business administration qualifications.

“I’m excited to be back in North Queensland and am looking forward to embedding myself into the Mackay community,” he said.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said Mr Owen was selected from a long list of well-credentialled applicants after a rigorous selection process.

“His appointment as our new CEO was formally endorsed by council this week and he will officially commence in the role on November 30,” Mr Williamson said.

“On behalf of council, I’d like to sincerely thank acting CEO Angela Hays who has been at the helm since March.

“Thanks to her strong leadership, council’s day-to-day service delivery and strategic decisions have been able to continue without falter, placing the organisation in a strong position for our new CEO.”

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A Damning Report About Mackay Base Hospital Obstetrics And Gynaecology Unit

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath spoke in Mackay last week to deliver details of a damning report into the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) obstetrics and gynaecology unit.

Minister D’Ath released the findings of the investigation and the HHS’s response to the recommendations, acknowledging the 171 women who came forward to tell their deeply personal and traumatic experiences.

“To each and every one of these women, whether they were part of the investigation or the consumer case management pathway, I want to say thank you for your bravery and courage,” Minister D’Ath said.

“The report is damning in its identification of failings at multiple levels within Mackay HHS and, particularly, the Mackay Base Hospital.

“The investigation team found multiple examples of substandard clinical care, poor clinical incident monitoring, poor management of safety and quality, complications and clinical deterioration and poor human resource management.”

A total of 81 women were interviewed by the investigation team, with other cases considered by the team in reaching its findings.

“The report notes that many of these women have sustained lifelong physical and mental harm,” Ms D’Ath said.

“Sadly, I can also confirm that three cases have been identified through the clinical review process where inadequate care contributed to the loss of a child.

“The bottom line is that the investigation team heard that the women who came forward described being ignored, disrespected, neglected, left in pain and were discharged back to their GP with incomplete resolution of their problems and not adequately followed up by Mackay Base Hospital.”

Four clinicians involved in the investigation have been referred to the office of the health ombudsman and are no longer employed by Queensland Health with a fifth individual referred to in the report also submitting their resignation.

Ms D’Ath has issued a show cause notice to the Mackay HHS Board following the release of the report.

The show cause notice asks HHS board members to state how they can effectively discharge their duties and obligations and whether any or all of the board members should be dismissed.

The board members had until today (October 7) to respond.

Ms D’Ath has also appointed Dr Robert Herkes as a special clinical advisor to the HHS board to oversee clinical governance improvements.

Ms D’Ath said the investigation report contains 122 recommendations, with 47 already implemented and with the remainder supported either in full or in principle.

“The recommendations will be implemented within 12 months, to ensure actions are taken as a matter of urgency,” she said.

“I will be expecting monthly updates on the progress of these recommendations.”

Those personally affected gathered outside the hospital as the Health Minister delivered her findings, frustrated that they weren’t permitted to attend.

“It’s disrespectful to what every woman has been through and that we’re standing outside here while all the answers are being given inside and we’re not going to know until it’s reported on later but that’s what we’ve dealt with the whole way through this process,” Melissa Ferrier, a representative of the victims, said.

“These answers are for us.

“This is our lives that have been affected, it’s our lives that are continuing to be affected by what’s happened and what these recommendations are going to be.”

Minister D’Ath met with representatives from consumer advocates, individuals and family representatives as well as attending a forum hosted by Mackay HHS interim Chief Executive Paula Foley, allowing affected women the opportunity to hear and be heard.

Calls are being made for the Health Minister to hand in her job over the poor management of the situation.

Image: Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath spoke in Mackay last week

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