Ten Indigenous Whitsunday students celebrated their successful receipt of school scholarships as part of continued reparations to the First Nations people of Australia.

The cohort of 10 Bowen State High School students were successful in Round 14 of The Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) scholarships this year.

QATSIF was formed in 2008 to give Queensland’s Indigenous families increased educational choices and life opportunities, and was developed from the unclaimed stolen wages of Indigenous Australian elders.

The program offers scholarships worth $2000 each to help support senior First Nations students in attaining their Queensland Certificates of Education/Queensland Certificates of Individual Achievement.

Over the past 4 years, Bowen State High School has had several senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students receive their QATSIF scholarships, with 16 QATSIF recipients currently studying at the school.

At a morning tea held in their honour, the students were reminded by QATSIF Coordinator Deb Belyea of the responsibility of being awarded this scholarship and the importance of valuing their education.

Bowen State High School Principal Rob Harris said recipients now have a “newfound status as role models to junior students and as such they needed to be upstanding.”

“We look forward to watching these students flourish in their new leadership roles,” Mr Harris said.

Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) School Leaders badges and certificates were also presented to student leaders Danzel – School Captain - and Jordan - Student Council Treasurer.

Both students are Round 13 Recipients of the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation Scholarship.

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Back row: Bowen State High School Principal Rob Harris, Talithia, Brock, Clarice, Wade, Jamarcia , QATSIF Coordinator Deb Belyea, and Community Education Counsellor Mrs Raylene Van Veen, and in front: Dakota, Olivia, Alexia, Graeme, and Rahkiya

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It’s been estimated that at least 1,200 people currently experience homelessness in the Mackay region.

With local support services at capacity, a group of community-minded people working in the sector have come together to form Safe Sleep Mackay, an initiative dedicated to delivering the region’s first sleepbus.

With 20 beds onboard, televisions, toilets, charging facilities and storage, sleepbus promises a safe and restful night’s sleep for those who have nowhere else to go.

“If we can get some safe accommodation for people to sleep at night, it’s going to make a difference to their life and it’s going to make a difference to the community,” said Orange Sky Service Coordinator Lisa Jamieson.

“It’s probably the option that the fewest people fall through the gaps,” added Australian Street Aid Project CEO Kayleigh Brewster.

A Safe Sleep For Those On The Street

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John spends his days reading and listening to music, a book about the Knights Templar, his current obsession.

“You’ve got to find somewhere comfortable and cool, which is the library, basically,” he said.

“I spend a lot of time in the library reading, or anywhere that’s comfortable with air conditioning.”

When the sun goes down, John seeks shelter from sporadic late-night downpours and other more sinister threats, because he currently lives on the streets.

“You just pick certain spots where you feel safe and sleep,” he said.

“It’s not a comfortable feeling.

“You’re not living in this world.

“It’s an underground world because there’s such a stigma about being on the street.”

The 70-year-old Mackay local has moved around Australia for most of his life.

He’s a surveyor by trade, has a skipper’s ticket, but spent most of his time in northern New South Wales where he owned a 15-acre bonsai nursery.

“I’ve had a good life,” John reflected.

“I’ve lived in places that have had lifts in them.

“I had peacocks in the backyard and a great big pool.

“I’ve been there and done that and here I am at the other end of the scale.”

John returned to Mackay 20 years ago after his mother had a stroke and has been here since.

A workplace injury has prevented him from working for years and, either way, he said he should be enjoying his retirement.

“It basically comes down to money,” he said.

“I was never able to work again, basically.

“Being on the pension, things go downhill.

“We’re just people and we’ve hit hard times.”

When John learnt of the possibility of a sleepbus in Mackay, he thought the news was great.

“If you can get 20 people off the street that aren’t going to get bashed, knifed, shot, whatever, of a night time … shit like that does happen … if it was coming somewhere, I’d be there, alright,” he said.

“It’s safe, for a start, and it’s a comfortable bed.”

sleepbus provides a safe, temporary overnight accommodation service, getting people off the street by offering an immediate and cost-effective solution for the community’s most vulnerable.

Each sleepbus has up to 20 secure, climate controlled, individual sleep pods with a lockable door and toilet that will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

Everyone is looked after with overnight volunteer caretakers and CCTV surveillance as well as under bus storage for belongings, and pets are welcome.

Orange Sky Service Coordinator Lisa Jamieson said sleepbus will not only provide respite for those on the street, but it will also take pressure off support services who are having to turn people away.

“It is so hard to have someone turn up and you know there’s nothing you can do,” she said.

“If we can get some of that short term relief out there … the likes of CASA and St Vinnies have the opportunity to prioritise.”

Safe Sleep Mackay are currently in the process of raising the $100,000 required to build a sleepbus.

The organisation is welcoming community donations, applying for grants and asking for the assistance of local businesses, with corporate sponsorship models available.

“It really needs to be a community solution to the problem we’re seeing at the moment,” said Ms Jamieson.

“This is an investment in Mackay’s future,” agreed Kayleigh Brewster, Australian Street Aid Project CEO.

“Homelessness can happen to anyone at any time.

“Having that security and that back up for the entire region can put a lot of people’s minds at ease.”

There are currently sleepbuses operating in Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Maroochydore, Redcliffe, Byron Bay, Sydney and Ballarat.

sleepbus Founder Simon Rowe conceptualised the initiative after an interaction with a man sleeping rough who looked “tired to his very core”.

“I design and build sleepbus vehicles to help keep people safe and healthy, and to provide Government and agencies tasked with assisting people with finding their pathway out of homelessness time to do so,” Mr Rowe said.

“sleepbus should not exist.

“We can do better than this.

“However, for now, we don’t have an abundance of affordable housing; more people become homeless by the day in our country alone; so sleepbus will do its part in providing a safe place to sleep until such time as it’s no longer required.”

Ms Jamieson admitted that sleepbus is not a long-term solution.

“There’s always going to be a sector of the community that we’re never going to have enough to cater for,” she said.

“It’s a long-term need, but we need a short-term fix to get us over this crisis that we’re in at the moment.”

To find out more, visit Safe Sleep Mackay on Facebook or scan the QR code.

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Orange Sky Service Coordinator Lisa Jamieson Australian Street Aid Project CEO Kayleigh Brewster are leading the way towards acquiring a sleepbus for Mackay’s most vulnerable. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

sleepbus Founder Simon RoweCaption 3: sleepbuses have been tried and tested in other regions around Australia. Photos supplied

The bustling Ports of Hay Point and Mackay are now operating a little smoother thanks to a new 22-seater bus that provides much-needed transport to an on-shore haven where weary seafarers “can relax and enjoy having their feet on land with the grass between their toes”.

Stella Maris Seafarers Mackay is largely run by volunteers who help provide this special service to over 2000 seafarers each year.

“The ports operate 24/7, and so do our volunteers, coming and going in all hours of the day and night,” said Stella Maris Centre Manager Pauline Harris.

“Our bus drivers connect the seafarers with our Centre, providing them with a home away from home”.

Located on Brisbane Street, the Stella Maris Seafarers Centre is an unassuming, but fully renovated and equipped house.

It includes an onsite bar, currency exchange, tourist souvenir shop, pool table, chapel and most importantly, access to grass.

“You’d be surprised by how many of the seafarers just want somewhere they can relax and enjoy having their feet on land with the grass between their toes,” Ms Harris says.

The service also regularly transports crew to the airport when required or to local shopping centres for personal items, and to doctors and health professionals for medical appointments.

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) said they are proud to be one of many organisations that have contributed funds towards the purchase of the new bus.

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Stella Maris Bus - Stella Maris Centre Manager Pauline Harris with North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) A/Chief Executive Office Belinda Kenny. Photo supplied

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Mackay Highway Patrol Group officers had an unusual encounter on the Bruce Highway near Mackay over the weekend when they intercepted a unique vehicle from overseas.

The officers stopped a 1974 model Austrian Steyr Puch truck, which was left-hand drive, had six wheels and was imported from Belgium, making it an unusual sight on Australian roads.

Senior Constable Carl Butcher described the interaction as "one of the more unusual intercepts that I have ever made."

The two French nationals who were driving the vehicle were found to have the correct permits and were travelling appropriately on an international registration.

The tourists were more than happy to chat with the officers and share their stories of their travels around the Mackay and Whitsunday district.

They also allowed the officers to take a photograph of their incredible vehicle, which they had shipped over from Europe for their journey around Australia.

The officers were impressed with the vehicle's unique design and enjoyed the opportunity to inspect it up close.

They appreciated the chance to see a vehicle of this type, which they had never encountered before.

As the tourists continued on their journey, the Mackay Highway Patrol Group wished them safe travels and thanked them for sharing their experience with the officers.

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Mackay Highway Patrol Group intercepted a 1974 model Austrian Steyr Puch truck. Photo supplied

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As my baby bump continues to grow larger than my love for cream doughnuts, it's time for me to take a break from working life and start preparing for the arrival of my mini-me in six-days’ time.

While I continue the nesting to welcome my little bundle of joy into the world, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your unwavering support and encouragement. The kind words and well wishes from readers have brought me so much joy during this exciting time in my life.

As I briefly step away from my role as editor to focus on the joys of motherhood, I'll miss the hustle and bustle of our vibrant community. It's been a privilege to work with our talented team to bring you the latest news and insights from our beloved Mackay region. I'm proud of the work we've done together, and I'm confident that we will continue to deliver outstanding content in my absence. Our journalist Sam Gillespie is stepping up to look after the planning of each edition while I’m away, with the support of our Whitsundays-based team.

They say it takes a village, and I’m lucky to be surrounded by a lot of tribes. The staff at Mackay Base Hospital who have been wonderful. My husband and his supportive workplace, who have given him time off at the drop of a hat to attend appointments. My own workplace at Core Publishing who helped me to execute my gender reveal and then threw me a beautiful baby shower, and my parents, who have travelled from New Zealand to be with me for three months.

While I'm filled with mixed emotions and nerves about this new chapter in my life, I'm excited to take on the challenges and joys of parenthood. I can't wait to hold my little one in my arms and start this incredible journey together. And when I return, I'll be eager to re-connect with the community and face the juggle that no doubt will come with being a working mum.

Thank you again for your ongoing support, and I look forward to catching up with you in May when I return.

Amanda

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The Mackay region is attracting attention as the Neighbourhood Watch Australiasia's top accolades have been handcuffed to two exceptional locals, highlighting their exemplary service and tireless efforts to keep the community safe. The award-winning duo, Sergeant Nigel Dalton and Gerri Kissner, have certainly proved that they have a rap sheet of success when it comes to promoting social inclusion, community engagement, and empowering people.

Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP congratulated Queensland Police Sergeant Nigel Dalton, from Mackay, who was awarded the NHWA 2022 Police Commissioner’s Award, and Gerri Kissner, of the Mackay Northern Beaches NHW group, who was awarded the NHWA 2022 Malcolm Grant OAM Volunteer of the Year Award.

“For both recipients to be from our region is an incredible achievement and speaks of the impact they make with their work, and we thank them,” Ms Camm said.

“I understand this is the first time in the history of the NHWA awards that both winners have been selected from the same region, in the same state, and to me that says that our police and community are working together in a way that is gaining national attention.

“How fortunate are we to have such committed people who are actively making our community safer for everyone.

“A huge thank-you to Nigel and Gerri for their hard work and devotion to our region.”

These awards recognise individuals who have actively demonstrated empowering people and communities through the development of effective partnerships that promote safer communities, engagement, and social inclusion.

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Mackay Police Sergeant Nigel Dalton, Neighbourhood Watch Mackay Northern Beaches member Gerri Kissner and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP. Photo supplied: Office of Amanda Camm

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“I went with Explore for the service, not for the possibility of potentially winning, but I’m very happy.”

It’s not every day that the sale of your property goes under contract and you win a car on the very same day.

Well, that’s what happened to Kimberley Edwards who sold her property with the assistance of Maxine Richardson at Explore Property and won Explore Property’s Win A Car Competition doing so.

The competition was run between December 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023, with entrants having to list their property for sale with Explore Property during that time.

“It was a little bit of a laugh when Maxine mentioned the competition when I said that I was going to list my property because I said that I’d never won anything before,” said Kimberley.

With almost 90 entrants, the odds were looking good, but Kimberley still can’t believe her luck.

“I was astounded,” she said.

“I didn’t believe it.

“I had to ask him several times if I’d actually won or not and then had to get Maxine to call me back to confirm that it wasn’t a prank phone call.”

Kimberley’s property was under contract and went unconditional the same day that she won the car.

She said her experiences with Maxine and Explore Property were amazing, their industry experience and friendly and approachable nature helping them stand out from the rest.

“I didn’t even look at another real estate agent after I met Maxine,” Kimberley said.

“She was probably one of the nicest and most informative people I’ve met.”

Kimberley picked up her brand new MG3 earlier this week in what was a perfect cherry on top of an already positive experience with Explore Property.

“I went with Explore for the service, not for the possibility of potentially winning, but I’m very happy,” she said.

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Kimberley Edwards won a brand new MG3 in Explore Property’s Win A Car Competition

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A new tourism business, showcasing Mackay in a way that it has never been before is making waves not just regionally, but now on a national scale, having won Best New Tourism Business in the country at the Qantas Australia Tourism Awards held in Sydney on Friday night.

Wildcat Mackay is now in its second year of operation, offering guests daily experiences to previously inaccessible Great Barrier Reef islands off the Mackay coast, on a purpose-built vessel, custom-designed from extensive research.

The business was launched in the midst of Covid, making its success even more incredible.

Owners, Julie and Asher Telford are familiar with conquering adversity, having operated Wildcat’s award-winning sister company, Red Cat Adventures in the Whitsundays for the past 10 years.

Despite their achievements with Red Cat Adventures, the couple say that they were surprised to receive gold and deeply humbled to be selected for such a prestigious award.

Julie Telford said for a business launched at the height of the pandemic, Wildcat had not only met but exceeded expectations, virtually against all odds.

“To say the cards were stacked against us would be an understatement, so to be recognised as Australia’s best new tourism business is testament to the innovation and tenacity involved, and proof of our ability to design and develop new tourism experiences that people want,” she said.

“We put everything we had into this – emotionally, physically, financially – but it was a calculated risk that paid off; we promise our customers the experience of a lifetime, and awards like this confirm that’s what we deliver.”

Every element of Wildcat Mackay is conceived from scratch – from the boat design to the tour itself and when Asher Telford scoped out a coastline with a reputation for shallow approaches and steep seas, he quickly discovered there was a reason not many operators had offered day trips.

“But after completing significant data analysis and aerial surveillance we knew we’d found paradise and were determined to showcase it,” he said.

“Working with a team of leading naval architects, we were able to come up with a hull design specifically suited to the waters where we wanted to operate, with features like reverse bows, angled surfaces, easy-access fore and aft electric stairs, and a 360-degree rooftop viewing platform, that are every bit as practical as they are striking.”

Wildcat employ eight staff and departs daily from Mackay Marina.

In under two years, the business has already expanded to include weekend sunset cruises around the Mackay Harbour, as well as offering immersive learning tours, curriculum-linked school excursions, school-age Coxswain training and private charters.

Mackay Isaac Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Al Grundy, said whatever the outcome had been at Saturday’s awards, he sees Wildcat as a winning experience.

“In our eyes Wildcat were already winners as the trips they provide exploring the islands and reefs off the Mackay coast are world-class,” he said.

The support for our region from Asher and Julie Telford is helping to establish Mackay as a jumping-off point to visit the islands of the Great Barrier Reef – so go get ‘em Jules, Ash and the Wildcat team, and thank you.”

What does it take to top Australian Tourism?

A clear vision that also involves in-depth research, innovation and development. A focus on the community, accessibilty and a genuine passion towards protecting the environment. We also believe in maintaining our integrity within a business. We stick to our purpose: to make sure everyone who travels with us has the best experience and deliver on it.

It also takes a lot of hard work and dedication from everyone involved. A business is only as strong as the people in it, and winning awards acknowledges their commitment and passion for Wildcat.

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Left to right: Asher and Julie Telford with Operations Manager Dan Gabbert

Wildcat Mackay offers unique experiences in nature

The business has achieved the highest level of ECO accreditation and is a Climate Action Leader

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Nine nursing graduates have embarked on their new careers at Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) as the hospital welcomed their fourth intake, taking the total for 2023 to 84.

The graduates completed a week of training this week before they join their specific departments where they will complete 12 months of hands-on learning.

Registered Midwife Ally Bennett completed her Bachelor of Midwifery in December following a career change, recently relocating from Brisbane.

“The hospital facilities are fantastic, really modern,” Ms Bennett said.

“There’s also a dedicated education and research centre so I think that makes a real difference to how you come in as a graduate.”

Ms Bennett previously worked in human resources, making the decision to become a midwife amidst a global pandemic.

“I really think that women and children are a foundation in our community,” she said.

“In my previous roles I worked in male dominated organisations so I worked to attract and retain women.

“If we can give good antenatal care and give women good experiences when they first start their families, that can be life changing.”

Having completed her study, Ms Bennett looks forward to consolidating her skills, particularly in a clinical setting.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the local population as well,” she said.

“From what I hear, it’s really mixed and diverse and that’s what I really enjoy about midwifery.”

Fellow graduate Latisha Chong started as a Registered Nurse last week, completing her study at the James Cook University Mater Clinical Training Centre in Mackay.

“It’s been a long time coming,” she said.

“Three years of full-time study, having a baby in between, it has felt like a lifetime but definitely excited to be finished and ready to start my new career in healthcare.”

Being a smaller university, Ms Chong said the cohort was smaller than those in bigger cities but tight knit.

“I was able to find a really great support network within my cohort at university,” she said.

“We were able to bounce off each other with ideas and, most importantly, emotional support.”

Ms Chong started her nursing career in the medical ward where she will use and learn a diverse range of skills.

“I really love the complexity of nursing,” she said.

“I love being knowledgeable about the human body and how to treat and manage diseases.

“I really love patient care and working really closely with my patients.”

Mackay HHS Acting Assistant Director of Nursing, Education and Training Paul McAlister said this week’s training was theory-based in a simulated environment, preparing for their year ahead in the workplace.

“When they do go to their workplace, they’re well supported in their early days,” he said.

“They’re responsible and accountable but they’re well supported by the workplace.”

Mr McAlister said the hospital is still working through recruitment challenges.

“It’s a constant challenge and an ongoing process, so certainly at this time of year, we welcome our new graduates and it’s a great opportunity for them to join us,” he said.

“We’re thankful for the cohorts that we’ve been able to achieve and hopefully we can encourage some more recruitment throughout the year.

“It’s a rewarding career.

“It’s a caring vocation and we really instill that in our programs.”

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Nine nursing graduates joined Mackay HHS this week

Mackay HHS Acting Assistant Director of Nursing, Education and Training. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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After a week of live broadcasts from schools throughout the region, Star Mackay has announced their School of the Year for 2023.

Scotty and Kaley surprised students at Glenella State School at their Monday morning assembly, crowning the school as the station’s inaugural School of the Year and handing over the $10,000 prize.

The competition was judged on the most votes received, the creativity of responses and the intended use of the prize money, with Glenella State School hoping to spend the money on sound gear and smoke machines for discos.

“We are thrilled that a school like Glenella State could take out the first ever $10,000 Star School of the Year,” said Star’s Scotty and Kaley.

“It was a gruelling judging process but in the end Glenella won out with their creativity on how they wanted to spend the money and the public outpouring for them meant that, while they weren’t the biggest school in our top 5, they did end up with the most votes!”

“Thank you so much to Richglen Maintenance Services for making it all happen.”

Earlier in the month, Glenella State School was forced to close following significant vandalism making parts of the campus unusable and forcing hundreds of students to temporarily relocate their studies to nearby Mackay West State School.

School Principal Brett Di Boni said the competition came at a perfect time after what the school has been through.

“This is really great for our school,” he told Scotty and Kaley.

“The silver lining in everything we’ve experienced in the last week is what a great community we’re a part of.

“It’s been great and that’s been further reinforced here.”

Glenella State School was shortlisted alongside four other finalists including St Catherine’s Catholic College, Homebush State School, Seaforth State School and Eimeo Road State School.

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Glenella State School students were in raptures when Scotty and Kaley crashed their assembly to crown them School of the Year. Photos supplied: Star

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Local engineering students are being offered a world of opportunities thanks to the launch of North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation’s (NQBP) 2023 Internship Program.

Applications are now open for the Port of Mackay-based program, which offers a valuable career-building opportunity to a third-year undergraduate student enrolled in a civil engineering degree.

NQBP Acting Chief Executive Officer Belinda Kenny said the successful applicant will work in an organisation that plays a vital role in Queensland’s economy.

“NQBP is one of Australia's largest port authorities by tonnage throughput, with around half of Queensland's trade by tonnage passing through our ports,” Ms Kenny said.

"Ports are crucial, handling around 90 per cent of global trade and the work our people do makes a meaningful contribution.

"Through our ports, we connect regional Queensland to the world and working with us provides the chance to gain invaluable experience on exciting projects that can take you anywhere."

The 2023 program will help one aspiring engineer gain hands-on experience in a port trade environment.

“Our internship program is an opportunity to learn about the complex engineering systems and operations that keep ports running safely and efficiently,” Ms Kenny said.

"The engineering field is highly competitive, and our internship allows you to earn while you learn and have a truly unique experience.

“The program is part of our ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of industry professionals and supporting them in achieving their goals.”

The paid internship program will run from June 2023 to March 2024. To apply for the Student Internship Program, please visit the NQBP website or contact hr@nqbp.com.au before 16 April 2023.

NQBP is a Queensland Government-owned corporation responsible for the ports of Mackay, Abbot Point, Hay Point, and Weipa in far north Queensland.

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NQBP Engineer Daniel Harris and Graduate Engineer Khine Htet are encouraging aspiring engineers to build their career at the Port of Mackay

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Meet Kerri, Deb, Cat and Helen - the colourful crew at the heart of a new workforce initiative at Mackay Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Service (MHAODS).

They are four of the seven workers who make up our MHAODS peer workforce – people who know all too well what it means to battle mental health issues or problematic substance use challenges and come through it.

They are now ready to walk alongside others to help them manage those difficult journeys.

Team leader Deb explains the concept she is passionate about.

“Peer workers have lived with mental health or problematic substance use challenges and worked through recovery,” Deb said.

“With that experience and understanding they are able to come alongside others and support them on their recovery journey.

“We’ve all got our different strengths, knowledge, skills and experiences of different issues – and we all come to work bearing our difficult past.

“We are now here to stand beside our clients and support people and ride alongside them.”

Following a 12-month pilot program in 2021-22, the permanent peer workforce team has now been established and is operating out of MHAODS in Nelson Street.  

Peer worker Kerri said their task was to build relationships, rapport and provide support.

“We relate and empathise, let them know their rights,” Kerri said.

“We are connecting on that level, of having a lived experience.

“We want to build their resilience, alleviate stress, find things they relate to and we have knowledge of the mental health system and resources out in the community.

“We work closely with clinical teams, so we’re a link between the two.”

Cat loves the collaborative team environment.

“There’s great collaboration in the team, and the focus is on our clients and their support people,” Cat said.

“We work on mutual respect; we don’t tell people what to do or how to do it.

“Everyone knows why they’re here and the client voice is present in everything.”

It is a role that can be challenging.

Helen is the newest member of the team and will fill the role of a carer peer worker – caring for the carers.

“What this service offers is what I needed when I was supporting someone with mental health challenges,” Helen said.

“The team is so welcoming here and they offer brilliant support.

“We all get supported in here too because I can’t help anybody if I’m not in a good place myself.”

To find out more about our mental health peer workforce team, phone 4968 3893.

For 24/7 mental health support phone 1300 MH CALL (1300 64 22 55).

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MHAODS peer workforce Kerri, Deb, Cat and Helen. Photo supplied: Mackay Hospital and Health Services

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Recent underwater video monitoring surveys show Fish Habitat Reef Modules in the Pioneer River are now thriving.

An amazing 22 fish species have been recorded using the new Habitat Reefs which were deployed in 2021 by Mackay Regional Council.

All up, 45 Habitat Reef Modules were deployed at the base of three easily accessible fishing platforms on Bridge Road, Brisbane Street and Carlyle Street.

Matt Moore, Fisheries Ecologist with Catchment Solutions said recording 22 species on these reefs was a fantastic result and represented substantial increase compared to pre-deployment surveys.

“Monitoring results demonstrate the reef design and project have been a huge success, both in terms of increasing populations of iconic recreational fishing species at the sites, like barramundi, mangrove jack and fingermark, and providing habitat for juvenile fish species,” Mr Moore said.

Mr Moore said the most encouraging results had been the high numbers of juvenile fish species utilising the reef modules as nursery habitats.

“Fish typically have millions of eggs and larvae, but most of these are eaten by predators,” he said.

“A great way to increase fish populations is to provide nursery habitats for these baby fish, allowing them to shelter from predators.”

Busy fish nurseries also get a big thumbs up from recreational fishers. John Bennet from Mackay Recreational Fishing Association (MRFA) said they fully supported sensible and practical ways to improve fisheries management.

“It’s fantastic to turn desert landscapes into productive fisheries by protecting juvenile fish. If there is no habitat, then there are no juvenile fish.”

Some of the more iconic fish species spotted during the video surveys include barramundi, golden snapper (fingermark), mangrove jack, barred grunter, estuary cod and trevally.

Catches of large barramundi and barred grunter from the fishing platforms have also been reported by young and old fishers alike.

In addition to the recreational fishing species, the reef modules also provide habitats for fish species that feed on algae, such as rabbitfish, red scats, mullet and small-bodied wrasse.

Mr Moore said that these ecosystem engineers are vital for maintaining healthy habitats in Great Barrier Reef waters, as they feed on fast-growing algae, which often outcompetes slower-growing corals and molluscs.

Chair of council’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee Cr Belinda Hassan said it was amazing to see the results of the video surveys.

“Seeing just how much these innovative concrete structures have transformed into healthy marine ecosystems in a relatively short time is really exciting,” Cr Hassan said.

“Council is really pleased to see the platforms being used by so many anglers, as well as local Mackay schools for outdoor curricular activities.”

The innovative Habitat Reef Modules were designed by Catchment Solutions to provide complex vertical relief structures for a wide range of fish species and encrusting marine organisms.

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Underwater video monitoring of Fish Habitat Reef Modules in the Pioneer River. Image: Catchment Solutions

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Local growers, harvesters and industry stakeholders gathered last Friday night for the 2023 Mackay Sugar Productivity Awards.

More than 300 people attended the event at Mackay Turf Club to help recognise the key achievements and exceptional performance from the 2022 crushing season, across productivity areas such as crop yield, efficiency, innovation and sustainability.  

The annual Productivity Awards highlight the importance of sugar cane farming on the local economy as well as the hard work, dedication and innovation of local growers in the sugar industry across eight categories, with the following people being named the 2023 winners:

• Brett Minchianski – Brown & Hurley Harvesting Group Award >40,000t

• Anthony Agius – RDO Equipment Harvesting Group Award <40,000t

• Andrew Vassallo – Canegrowers Sustainable Management Practices Award

• Ross Windsor – AgForce Research Excellence Awards

• Albert Deboni – Farmacist Innovation and Technology Award

• Paul Schembri Junior – NQ Farmshed Promising Contributor Award

• Maryann Nielsen – Mackay Sugar Lifetime Achievement Award

As well as the winners of the Highest Tonnes of Sugar per Hectare award:

• Steve Russell (Farleigh region)

• Adrian Zarb (Marian region)

• Shane Mau (Racecourse region)

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The importance of the more than 270,000 stock-herding dogs across rural Australia to the country’s farmers and property owners cannot be underestimated – and Clermont musterer Frank Finger knows it.

The winner of ABC's Muster Dog program has been training working dogs for over 20 years on his property in the Isaac and is now using his platform to share his tips with farmers across Australia.

Frank said farmers are “well aware that a well-trained dog provides benefits to a farm well beyond its sale price”, which is why he’s always preferred training dogs from puppyhood.

“[You must] start small in all facets of a dog’s training,” he said.

“The initial training is all about showing them what to do until their instincts come out.”

From birth, Frank said it is essential to nurture working dog pups through their early weeks and work with them at nine weeks in short bursts of training.

“As small and cute as they are, it’s important to bond with them,” Frank said. “But not too much until they are working.”

“If too much bonding occurs before they’re working, they can become accustomed to it and come to expect it too much later on.”

Frank said to “think small” when training a small pup: incorporate small livestock such as goats or even ducks, train in short periods, and don’t overwhelm the little nippers.

“Training time and size of livestock can increase over time as the dogs grow,” he said.

“Once the dog is nine months of age, we increase the cattle size and the number of them in the yard.”

Frank said notes that one often overlooked aspect of training working dogs is that a dog's line of sight extends no higher than a trainer's knee when nearby - this is especially true for pups.

“Remembering the dogs’ eye level when training them is important,” said Frank.

“This is why we use a plastic garden rake to act as an extension of our arm and ensure we’re in their line of sight. The rake is also used as an indicator to get the dogs to stay next to the trainer and not move in front.”

And most importantly, Frank said that simple commands are the key to success.

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