Community News

Little Legs, Big Spirit At Whitsunday Anglican School’s Kindy Carnival!

Little Legs, Big Spirit At Whitsunday Anglican School’s Kindy Carnival!

Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School (Facebook) ‍Whitsunday Anglican School’s Kindy to Year 2 students enjoyed a fun-filled Athletics Carnival, with young athletes taking part in running, jumping and throwing events while showing plenty of enthusiasm, determination and House spirit. Supported by Senior School volunteers, the day celebrated participation, encouragement and the strong sense of community across the school. See more photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/little-legs-big-spirit-at-whitsunday-anglican-schools-kindy-carnival‍

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Mackay's Remax Select Appoints New General Manager

Mackay's Remax Select Appoints New General Manager

Leading Mackay real estate business REMAX Select has announced the appointment of highly respected business professional Samantha Self as General Manager. The appointment is set to further strengthen the agency's high-performing team across the Mackay region, with Principal Nikita Kinnane describing Ms Self's arrival as an exciting step forward for the business. “We are heading in a really exciting direction with our business, and I cannot be more excited to have Samantha join our leadership team to build on that momentum,” Ms Kinnane said. Ms Kinnane said the recruitment process was focused on finding a leader whose values aligned with those of the business, it was Ms Self's shared commitment to those values and vision that made her the ideal candidate. "Samantha will play an important role in shaping the future REMAX Select, bringing exceptional experience in property, management and leadership to help drive growth and innovation, and this will flow into enhancing every aspect of our business. "Importantly, Samantha shares our core values and commitment to putting Mackay first, and we share the same drive to really make impactful change, bring big city ideas and execute them in our own country girl way.” It was the core values of respect, integrity, collaboration, excellence and trust that Ms Self aligned with, sharing her goal to continue to build on the trust and integrity the agency has established in Mackay, while supporting the continued growth and development of both the team and business. “I’m excited to take on the role of general manager and work alongside Nikita and the entire team at REMAX Select,” Ms Self said. “REMAX Select has a strong team with exceptional talent which is highly respected throughout the community and I’m excited to be part of its continued success.” Ms Self steps into the role after eight years as retail manager of the largest shopping centre in northern Australia. During that time, she was the key driver of building positive, collaborative relationships with retailers, creating an environment where retailers were genuine partners in success. Having led sales performance analysis and market insight initiatives, Ms Self said she looks forward to applying her knowledge and experience to support the continued success of the REMAX Select team. “I am dedicated to empowering our team members through training and development opportunities, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed,” she said. “My goal is to continue to foster the team’s culture of professionalism, responsiveness and customer-first approach and I look forward to collaborating with our talented agents and staff to create a dynamic and successful environment here at REMAX Select.” REMAX Select is an award-winning real estate business, recently recognised as the 2025 REIQ Medium Agency of the Year and finalist at the 2026 REIA National Awards for Excellence. The office consistently ranks in the National Top 10 Offices in the REMAX Australia network, recognised as the #3 individual office for commissions and transactions at the REMAX Australia Annual Awards 2025 earlier this year, where they were also named a finalist for the network’s community service award and special achievement in marketing for an office award. REMAX Select is located at 133B Victoria Street, Mackay. Contact (07)4829 4612 or visit remax.com.au/select/ for an award winning real estate experience. Newly appointed General Manager, Samantha Self (Left) with REMAX Select Principal Nikita Kinnane (Right).

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From Family Beginnings to Future Focus: Gardian Enters a New Leadership Era

From Family Beginnings to Future Focus: Gardian Enters a New Leadership Era

In 2000, Peter and Denise Phillips laid the foundation for what would become one of Mackay’s most recognisable holistic, all in one property, insurance and financial services ecosystem. Starting as a Mortgage Choice franchise, Gardian was built on a commitment to helping people make confident financial decisions with local people in the know! Over the decades, that foundation has steadily evolved. Today, Gardian encompasses a wide range of services, including all manner of finance, general and business insurance, financial planning, real estate sales, property management, and commercial sales, management and leasing. What began as a single offering has grown into an integrated business model serving individuals, families, businesses, and community across the region. Now, the organisation enters its next chapter. After many years at the helm with her late husband Peter, Denise Phillips will step down from her role as Managing Director. Her leadership has been central to Gardian’s growth — not just in size, but in culture, reputation, and its connection to the local community. Taking over the role is Ben Phillips, Owner/Director and Head of Gardian Finance. Having been closely involved in all aspects of the business and its clients, he brings both continuity and a forward-looking perspective to the position. Leadership transitions often mark defining moments for organisations. In this case, the change represents both the continuation of a strong legacy and the opportunity to build on it. The evolution of Gardian — from a small franchise to a diversified advisory group — reflects the importance of adaptability, strategic growth, and staying aligned to core values to the community. For the Mackay business community, this transition highlights the strength of long-term vision and succession planning, particularly within locally grown enterprises. It also reinforces the impact that leadership grounded in community and relationships can have over time. As Gardian moves forward under new leadership, it does so with deep roots, a clear purpose, and a platform built for continued growth.

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Property Point July 10th

Property Point July 10th

I don’t know about you, but I find morning TV hosts incredibly annoying. I rarely get to see them, with their contrived laughter, over-the-top friendliness, stupid nicknames for each other, make-up and perfect hair cuts. But sometimes, if there has been some event that might interest me, or if I’m curious about what’s going on, I might flick on the TV and see what’s happening as I’m getting ready for work. I immediately regret it and start flicking channels to try to find someone bearable. It’s a challenge that usually lasts a couple of minutes before I turn the TV off and do something much more pleasant, like go to work. I did like Karl Stefanovic but he has been flicked, apparently because his employer didn’t like his podcast guests. There seemed something real about Karl but he was an island in a sea of fakery so there’s no point in me turning on Channel 9 anymore. There’s an Irish journalist/host on ABC TV, Catherine Murphy, who I also like. She’s funny and real and seems to want to stick to simply presenting a story in her slightly quirky style without imposing an agenda. But that’s about it for me. One thing the morning shows have an abundance of is “experts”. Whatever the drama that’s emerged, there’s an expert to explain it to you, pull it apart and tell you how concerned you should be. The expert needs to do it in about 17 seconds because everyone is going to get bored soon and we’ve got an ad break coming up. The more dramatic the event and the more it impacts the loyal viewers, the more vital it is that an expert is on hand. The current disaster of note it a neat combo: the economy/inflation/interest rates/housing downturn. This is the type of news drama you want when you’re planning the show because it affects the viewers, hits their hip pockets. But experts are everywhere in the media on this one, not just the morning shows. They’re out there giving their views on interest rates (some say they will go up, others say they will go down), the economy (some say it will be okay, others say we are headed for a recession), inflation (some say it will get worse and others say it will ease). Part of this blockbuster, of course, is house prices. Some experts say prices will drop in big cities like Sydney and Brisbane. Others say they will drop everywhere. Some say there will be a small, temporary drop but things will soon start going up again because there is a lack of housing supply across the nation. One group of experts that are worth paying attention to are the valuers from Herron Todd White, who put out their monthly property clock, which is a snapshot of how they see particular markets. The position on the clock face a particular city is located (we’re talking analogue here kids, not digital) tells you where it sits in the market. Twelve o’clock is top of the market, 3 o’clock is a falling market, 6 o’clock is the bottom of the market, 9 o’clock is a rising market. Things can change quickly and there a times a property can go from falling market to bottom of the market and up to rising market very quickly. HTW’s June clock would have been a challenge for them because tax changes and other events had happened but their longer-term impacts are unclear. They had Bundaberg and Toowoomba at the top of the market, Sydney at 2 o’clock and starting to decline, The Whitsundays, Gladstone and Sunshine Coast approaching the top of the market and Mackay, along with Rocky, Townsville and Cairns, in a rising market. Most agents in Mackay will tell you there has been a change but there is still activity, investors are still engaged and properties are selling. Most are being alert, not alarmed.

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Hogs Breath

Pioneers Recognised And Honoured

August 24, 2023

Unmarked burial plots in Mackay have been given plaques and a WWI veteran given official recognition thanks to a family ancestry project.

Robert “Bob” James McGill, now a resident of Cairns but born and raised in Mackay, was researching his namesake when he realized his Great Uncle Bob was at rest in an unmarked grave in Mackay Cemetery.

He further realized that Bob was interred with his father James, known as “Jack”, who emigrated from Scotland in the mid-1800’s with his wife Maggie, becoming valued pioneers of the Mackay region and parenting six sons.

“They settled in the Hampden and Kuttabul parishes as farmer-graziers and set about building a dynasty which today remains their legacy,” said Mr McGill.

As young men, four of the six McGill brothers enlisted to serve when WWI enveloped Europe.

“Uncle Bob served as an ambulance attendant-driver,” Mr McGill said.

“A heroic and accursed task of retrieving injured soldiers from the trenches of the front line.

“It was a truly honourable contribution to helping his fellow enlistees try to survive the war.”

Bob was followed onto the WWI Belgian battle fronts by three of his brothers - Hughie, Jim, and Jack, all of whom enlisted in 1916 and embarked together on HMAT Karroo on May 5 of that year, all three joining 2nd Light Horse Regiment.

Remarkably, all four brothers survived the war and returned to Mackay.

“One brother, Jim, eventually moved into Mackay town,” said Mr McGill,

“He was my grandfather, who went on to have six children, the second child and eldest son, yet another “Jim” (James Edward) was my father, who later served in WWII.”

Upon returning to Mackay, the boys began a vibrant fresh meat trade.

In particular, Jack and his wife, Kate, opened a busy butchery and abattoir while raising a cluster of seven children.

Their grandson, John McGill, still operates the business to this day.

“The surname McGill is synonymous with Mackay, Kuttabul, and Walkerston,” said Mr McGill.

It is unknown why the graves have been unmarked for so long.

“Without second thought I see it as my duty, the least I can do, in collaboration with my sister Barbara, to honour and commemorate their place of rest with name plaques,” Mr McGill said.

Bob’s grave has been recognised by the Office of Australian War Graves with official commemoration.

“It is fitting, proper, and long overdue that the burial place of Robert McGill SN3564 b.1894-d.1965 now has formal marking and placement of a standard OAWG memorial,” Mr McGill said.

“Barb and I will now finalize and tidy Uncle Bob’s burial arrangements.

“He is, after all is said and done, my namesake.”

Robert “Bob” James McGill with his sister Barbara and aunt Margaret

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Honour, History And Heritage

August 24, 2023

Uncovered At Coalface Art Gallery

Preserving the stories of bravery through collecting military memorabilia has been a long running passion for one Moranbah local.

‘Anzac Day 2023’, an eclectic mix of military memorabilia, is on display at the Coalface Art Gallery for the third year running, curated by local military historian Dave Law with assistance from Andrew Tomlinson of the Moranbah RSL Sub-Branch.

An array of servicemen and women uniforms will be on display, including the uniform of an Australian soldier from 1943, to uniforms worn by soldiers serving in the British occupational Force in Japan, the Korean War, Vietnam War, East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Some of the items were collected by Mr Law during visits to the battlefields of Gallipoli, Flanders Fields, and the Somme, or donated to him by ex-veterans to preserve their stories.

Mr Law’s interest in collecting and preserving military memorabilia was fostered by his family’s long history of military service during the two World Wars and the Korean War.  

“I am passionate about ensuring our youth understand the services rendered by our men and women in uniform during periods of conflict and during peacetime, and the debt we owe to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Mr Law said.

‘Anzac Day 2023’ runs until April 28 at the Coalface Art Gallery, Monday to Friday between 8.30am to 5pm.

The exhibition will be available for viewing following Anzac Day services on Tuesday, April 25 between 6am and 7am and between 11am and 12pm.

‘Anzac Day 2023’ will be available for viewing following Anzac Day services until April 28. Photo supplied

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Family Unite At Gravestone Unveiling

August 24, 2023

The father of five World War II veterans has been honoured with a headstone 76 years after his passing, unifying a family to reflect on his life and contribution.

John Patton passed away on April 12, 1947, and was buried at Mackay Cemetery in an unmarked grave.

John had eight children, five of which served various theatres of World War II, with one being killed in action.

“Money would’ve been very tight, and it broke our heart that our grandfather was in an unmarked grave; we wouldn’t stand for that,” said John’s grandson Tim Patton.

Upon discovering the unmarked grave, the family approached Ken Higgins, Mackay RSL Sub Branch President, admitting that while John didn’t serve, five of his sons did.

“Ken’s words were, ‘If that ain’t serving, I don’t know what is,’” Tim said.

While it wasn’t the goal, Tim is pleased the headstone was complete in time for Anzac Day.

“It’s the time of year when we think about our veterans and our family members who we’ve lost,” he said.

“It’s a place where we can come as opposed to a piece of grass.

“I can bring my children, my grandchildren and generations afterwards will be able to honour their predecessors.”

Costs of the headstone were split three ways between the family, Mackay RSL Sub Branch and Mackay Monumental Masons.

“He gave five sons to the war and finished up in an unmarked grave in Mackay and that’s not on,” Ken said.

“We need to do better, we have, and we’ll continue to do that.”

John’s grandchildren Tim Patton, Des Patton, Ken Higgins (Mackay RSL), Nichole Hood (Mackay RSL), Linda Caruana, Julie Samnut and Karen Grech. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Young Voices Heard In Australian First Program

August 24, 2023

It’s an Australian first that could prove Mackay’s future to be in the safest of hands.

21 Mackay residents between the ages of 11 and 17 are campaigning to be on the Mackay region’s Youth Council, with Mackay Regional Council being the first in Australia to partner with Foundation for Young Australians and adopt the Young Mayors program.

The young candidates came together last week for their first Town Hall meeting, where they shared their vision for the region ahead of elections in May.

“In the next few weeks, we’ll be holding our first ever Young Mayors election held in a variety of locations, so schools, libraries and the Jubilee Community Centre for 11–17-year-olds to place their vote to help shape who will be representing the youth council in Mackay,” said Young Mayors Program Assistant for Mackay, Savannah Vella.

A council of 12 will ultimately be elected and given the tools and access to present to council and potentially influence change within the region.

“Just based on their passion alone, I feel like some great things are going to come out of this program,” Ms Vella said.

Mayor of Mackay Regional Council Greg Williamson said he is proud of Mackay for being the first in Australia to adopt the Young Mayors program.

“We know out of this will come a voice for young people in Mackay around our table and I think we’re going to hear a really loud voice,” he said.

“We’ve got 21 young people saying, ‘We are youth leaders in this community, we’ve got a voice that’s going to be heard by your local council, by local people in the elected environment, and that voice will mean something.’”

11-year-old Stephen Miranda feels passionately about youth mental health, focusing his campaign on a proposed app providing access between youth and support services.

“There’s not enough access to current services for youth mental health around Mackay,” Stephen said.

“I just hope that one day, adolescents will be able to feel confident in who they are.”

Similarly, fellow 11-year-old Farrah Hamilton hopes to assist in making the region better through restoration projects, street art, and performance spaces addressing the needs of the youth.

“I think it’s important that we all embrace who we are … but we have to work together to make the best possible future,” Farrah said.

Farrah’s advice to other young people is to “give it a shot and do your best”.

“We’re all different and we all have our different areas of strength, but it is important to try anything that comes up at you so you can find out what you are good at and where you belong,” she said.

21 young people presented to councillors, family, and peers at last week’s first Young Mayors program Town Hall meeting. Photo supplied: Mackay Regional Council

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Sleepbus On It’s Way With More To Come

August 24, 2023

After months of fundraising, grants and community support, Safe Sleep Mackay excitedly announced that funding has been secured for Mackay’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.

The $100,000 funding goal was reached last week thanks to the Mackay Regional Council Community Grant, Run for MI Life, BHP Benefitting My Community, a private foundation, and public donations.

“Everybody, whether it’s a business or whether it’s the locals, really see the benefit and the need in the community,” said Lisa Jamieson of Safe Sleep Mackay and Orange Sky.

“There are people on the street, but there’s also a lot of people sitting on the edge there at the moment, so if we all get together and do our little bit, it all makes a difference, whether it’s putting funds in or volunteering their time.”

The first sleepbus is expected to arrive in Mackay between December 2023 and early 2024, with fundraising continuing for an additional two buses.

Statistics from a local women’s hostel shows that there is a very limited supply of crisis accommodation for women in the Mackay Region, proving the need for a woman and children-only pink sleepbus.

“It’s there to remove any of the barriers for women coming to look for a safe night sleep,” Ms Jamieson said.

“Whilst we don’t have enough, there are more housing options for men in crisis than there is for women, so you’re seeing women and children with nowhere to go.”

A third sleepbus is hoped to be purchased to service Sarina.

“When you’re talking to the service providers down there, the need in Sarina is just as great as it is in Mackay,” Ms Jamieson said.

Safe Sleep Mackay are continuing to raise the additional $200,000 required for two more buses and are welcoming sponsorship and donations.

There are corporate sponsorship opportunities available to local businesses and many opportunities to volunteer.

“If you can’t help financially, there are other ways you can help once it gets here,” Ms Jamieson said.

“It’s not the ultimate solution and everybody accepts that, but they know something needs to be happening sooner rather than later.”

For more information, find Safe Sleep Mackay on Facebook or contact Lisa Jamieson on 0427 083 481.

A sleepbus provides temporary accommodation to those in need. Image supplied

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Young Mackay Dancers Shine In Academy Program

August 24, 2023

Talented Mackay dancers Ruby Meares and Eva Bishop experienced a huge thrill recently when they participated in specialised classes at the Australian Ballet School in Melbourne and Queensland Ballet Academy in Brisbane.

Both Ruby and Eva spent five days developing their dance technique and artistry and grabbed the opportunity to work with teachers of high renown and in a class of only high aptitude peers.

The 12-year-old duo – who attend St Patrick’s College in Mackay - compete for Leisa Payne School of Dance and are part of the school’s Australian Ballet Interstate Program and Queensland Ballet Guest Academy Dance Program.

Eva dances seven days a week and joined the Leisa Payne School of Dance at the age of four where she has performed with distinction in the Intermediate category and Level 5 with the Queensland Ballet Academy.

Since taking up dancing, young Ruby has developed her all round skills and described her stints in Melbourne and Brisbane as an “awesome experience.”

She soaked up the expert tuition from the highly acclaimed teachers and was able to hone her Queensland Ballet Academy Level 6 training in competitive surrounds.

Both girls performed at the recent Royal Academy Dance Jacqueline Morland Awards in Brisbane where they showcased their dancing aptitude in the Masterclass Solo competition.

Participating in the specialised classes has given Ruby and Eva a huge boost in confidence as they prepare for various upcoming dance events.

Contributed by Chris Karas

Leisa Payne School of Dance students Eva Bishop and Ruby Meares made the most of their invitation to perform in specialised classes at the Australian Ballet School in Melbourne and Queensland Ballet Academy in Brisbane

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Educating Locals, One Meal At A Time

August 24, 2023

For the past two years, Naomi Tickle has been leading workshops on smart eating and healthy cooking, and in 2020 she became a Country Kitchens program facilitator.

This year, Naomi is one of three program facilitators to receive the Facilitator of the Year award, given to individuals who have completed outstanding contributions to the Country Kitchens program.

Country Kitchen is a partnership between the Queensland Country Women’s Association and Health and Wellbeing Queensland, supporting Queenslanders to improve their health and wellbeing, particularly those living in rural, regional, and remote areas.

The program is open to volunteer facilitators who already have a wealth of knowledge regarding cooking and healthy eating and provides them with further training and support.

There are five core values to the program: get more fruit and veg into your meals, cook at home, check portion sizes, be aware of hidden sugar, and sit less, move more.

“I really enjoy facilitating a range of workshops and teaching participants how easy it can be to prepare healthy, low cost, simple meals from scratch,” Naomi said.

“I have developed a valuable partnership between Country Kitchens and Mind Australia, delivering ‘Smart Eating’ cooking classes to participants with lived experience of mental health.”

Receiving this award means Naomi will be delivering Country Kitchens showcases, recipe promotions and promoting healthy catering at the Queensland Country Women’s Association Mackay branch.

“I am also looking forward to building new partnerships with community groups and schools to run the programs Back to Basics workshops with,” said Naomi.

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Lagoon Repairs Locked In

August 24, 2023

Locals will not be able to access Bluewater Lagoon this coming winter, with plans to repair the lining confirmed.

Mackay Regional Council has announced the schedule for the refurbishment of Bluewater Lagoon, with the tender awarded to Aquatic Project Solutions.

This project with encompass two winter periods, 2023 and 2024, with the 2023 winter seeing the repair of the children’s pool.

2024 will see the relining of the main and top pools.

“In 2021, patchwork was completed to the lagoon’s surface as a short-term solution to fix leaks that were discovered in the lining of the lagoon,” Major Greg Williamson said.

“This resurfacing work will be a long-term solution.”

The relining work will be completed with a Polyvinyl Chloride membrane structure, which will decrease maintenance commitments.

However, the proposed budget for the repair has been far exceeded, by about $500,000.

“This will be addressed through a budget adjustment request so residents and future generations of Mackay locals can continue to enjoy the benefits of this facility,” said the Mayor.

The first stage of the Bluewater Lagoon repairs will take place May 1 to September 4. During this time, the Bluewater Lagoon café will also be closed.

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Continued Support For Crossroad Arts

August 24, 2023

For 25 years, Crossroad Arts has been developing the sphere of celebrating communities, have embraced equity, diversity, and confidence, through collaborative arts.

And, for 2023, the Annual Giving Program has taken a turn, with ReNew Mackay vowing to match donations, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000, until June 30.

“Supporting things in Mackay, from a financial point of view, is easy,” ReNew Mackay Director, Craig Percival, said.

“It’s what the people behind the scenes at Crossroad Arts do that is important to the Mackay Community and the work that really matters. I encourage everyone to get involved, understand what Crossroad Art is all about and become involved.”

This past week, Crossroad Arts have accomplished its first target, reaching $5,00, with ReNew Mackay matching the donation.

Crossroad Arts is committed to the inclusivity and diversity of the performing and creative arts, offering a number of outreach and service programs to aid in the development of avid artists.

Being a not-for-profit organisation, the Annual Giving is a vital tool in funding the organisations community outreach program and workshops.

The Annual Giving program will aid in expanding the continued workshops and events it conducts in regional and remote Queensland, which have included delivering a three-day contemporary movement workshop in partnership with Dancenorth, located in Townsville, and La Boite Theatre Company, located in Brisbane, and hosting a ‘Street View Gallery’, an opportunity for Mackay-and-Whitsunday-Local artists with disability to have their art exhibited in the Crossroad Art street side gallery, for a month.  

“I encourage other businesses to have the conversation with Crossroad Arts… I think it is important to think about your business in the context of where it sits within the community and what support can be offered to organisations like Crossroad Arts,” ReNew Mackay Director, Sean Kelly said.

ReNew Mackay Director, Craig Percival, matches $5,000 Annual Giving donation. Photo Supplied.

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New Depot For Local Recyclers

August 24, 2023

Since its inception in 2018, the Mackay region has returned over 174 million containers using the Containers for Change program, and now Sarina is seeing the opening of a brand-new depot in the community.

With over six billion containers returned through the Queensland program across the state, this new depot opens opportunities for locals to recycle their drink containers and earn some extra money at the same time.

Holding a soft launch over Easter Weekend, the Sarina Depot saw more than 40,000 containers exchanged, confirming the enthusiasm of local recyclers.

The purpose-built depot replaces the previous bag drop program and includes an extensive carpark and allows residents to receive their refund instantly, either via cash or electronic payment.

The official grand opening took place Saturday, April 15, and included free giveaways of branded water bottles and cooler bags.

Community groups are encouraged to participate as well, with the Scouts in Sarina already making large exchanges.

“Local community groups like the Scouts in Sarina have already made thousands of dollars using Containers for Change,” said Natalie Roach, chief executive of Container Exchange.

“We find many Queenslanders like the cash option when they refund their containers, so it’s fantastic this is being offered to the Sarina community for the first time.”

Refunds can also be directly donated to local charities if members of Containers for Change. The current charities registered in the Sarina area are Sarina and District Community Kindergarten, Sarina Landcare Catchment Management Association, and Sarina State High School P & C Association.

Once returned, the containers are sorted into composition types before they are transported to recycling process centres. They will be cleaned and prepared for recycling before being purchased by accredited and recognised recycling organisations, to the produced into new containers and products.

The Sarina Depot will be operated by local business owners, Tammy and Mark Johncock, who are excited to service the community’s first full-service container refund location.

The Sarina Containers for Change Depot will be open 8:30am to 4:00pm Tuesday to Friday, and 8:30am to 12:30pm Saturday. It is located at 20 Range Road, Sarina.

A new facility open to the public, encourages recycling programs

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Not Just Fingers In Your Belt

August 24, 2023

Often associated with big cowboy hats, shiny belt buckles, noisy boots and country music, line dancing has seen a resurgence around Mackay and Deb Wookey is one person bringing it to the fore.

Teaching around 10 classes a week across Mackay, Sarina and Walkerston, Deb has had to expand her schedule to accommodate for the growing demand.

She’s been teaching line dancing in Mackay for just over a year, with Mackay Line Dancers celebrating their first birthday earlier in 2023.

Deb has been dancing for 15 years, her love of line dancing born through rock and roll dancing.

She started teaching line dancing on the Gold Coast five years ago and was dancing six days a week.

“I would teach but I’d also go to other people’s classes just so I could have a dance,” she said.

Moving to Mackay last year, Deb discovered small classes were already being held in Glenella by Sharon Fry, but she filled a niche of entry-level line dancing.

“When I came along, I opened up the market for the people who wanted to learn, the absolute beginners, so it worked out well,” she said.

Deb loves that she can line dance without a partner, but she also loves the music.

“I enjoy music and I love being able to put a dance to the music,” she said.

“It keeps your mind thinking all the time.

“All I ever do is think about what steps will go with what songs.

“It’s good for the brain and good for keeping everything moving.

“You’re moving parts that would be sitting doing nothing, otherwise.”

Deb hopes to grow interest for line dancing among young people and start teaching in schools.

“I want to try and get the young kids to taste it,” she said.

“I think they think it’s not cool or boring, not a lot of kids are into country music but it’s not all country music.

“It’s so much more choreographed these days, it’s not just fingers in your belt.”

Mackay Line Dancers hold their next social on Sunday, June 11 as part of a state-wide Queensland Line Dance Association Syncronised Social, raising funds for Care Kits for Kids Queensland.

To find out more, search Mackay Line Dancers on Facebook where you will find all classes listed, locations, times, and the appropriate level of ability for each class.

L-R Deb Wookey, Jo Stewart and Malda Shepparton. Photo supplied

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Walkerston and Greenmount

August 24, 2023

The township of Walkerston - with a population of 3615, 50% male, 50% female; according to 2021 census - is named for John Walker who was a plantation manager in the Walkerston/Homebush area.

Walkerston - affectionately known as ’Scrubby’, from the then scrubby terrain of the creek banks - is situated approximately 10 kilometres west of Mackay (Central Queensland, Australia).

In 1866, Walkerston was known mainly as Scrubby Creek, with a small section known as Alsatia. In 1881, Scrubby & Alsatia joined to form Walkerston (Gazetted 22 December 1881).

On the south-west side of the township is the historic Greenmount Homestead and, as the name suggests, it is situated on top of a hill, just a short distance from Walkerston.

The Greenmount site was first settled in 1862 by Captain John Mackay, for whom the City of Mackay is named. The homestead was built in 1912 by the Cook family on the highest hill within the Greenmount station. In those days the station stretched in all directions as far as the eye could see.

Today only the land surrounding the homestead is part of Greenmount, the rest has been divided and sold, and then sub-divided into house blocks.

Impressive Greenmount Homestead is the only heritage listed homestead in the Mackay region.  It is quite refreshing to be able to sit on the wide cool verandah of the homestead, just enjoying the view imagining what it was like a-hundred years ago when it was a huge cattle station; on a clear day one could glimpse the coastline.

In 1983 Greenmount Homestead was gifted to the then Pioneer Shire Council by the Cook family. Today the homestead is held in trust, maintained, and operated by Mackay Regional Council.

Contributed by Bente McDonald

A painting of Walkerston circa 1912 by Pat Hamilton

The same view of Walkerston in 2023

Greenmount Homestead

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Willcox: “Safeguard Mechanism Not Safe For Farmers”

August 24, 2023

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is calling the Federal Government’s safeguard mechanism a “Carbon Tax 2.0,” claiming it will impact the livelihoods of the region’s resource workers, especially farmers.

The safeguard mechanism reforms – which passed both houses on March 30 this year – requires large-scale industrial emitters to reduce their carbon emissions intensity by 4.9 per cent per annum, to achieve a 205-million tonne greenhouse gas reduction by 2030.

The bill is the centrepiece of the Labor Government’s emissions reduction target of 43 per cent. It will take effect on July 1, 2023. Reportedly, the cut will be the the equivalent of taking two-thirds of the nation’s cars off the roads.

But Mr Willcox said it will adversely affect the regions, claiming it exists to “penalise the 215 largest emitters in Australia, many of whom employ workers from the Dawson region,” if their carbon emissions tally higher than the baseline.

“Labor’s Safeguard Mechanism is yet another attack on the industries that keep our lights on, our cars running, and food on the table,” Mr Willcox said.

“Because of the Carbon Tax, industry is now forced to rip back productivity, or offset their emissions to stay under the baseline on paper. They’ll be forced to buy up productive farmland in a desperate search to tick Labor’s box.”

The National Farmers Federation (NFF) warned much to same effect, claiming the safeguard mechanism would “turbocharge” demand for offsets.

“This will potentially escalate land-use conflict, with pressure to turn food and fibre producing land into carbon sinks to counter the emissions from other industries,” NFF chief executive Tony Mahar said.

Mr Willcox said mum and dad farms are the ones set “to be used as that ‘offset’.

“This is going to lock up prime agricultural land, and price the next generation out of farming,” he said.

“Labor can’t land one policy right. They haven’t thought any of this through. It’s either they don’t know, they don’t care, or don’t value our farmers […] and none of those are good options.”

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said the new safeguard mechanism will affect mum and pop farmers more than the big companies

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Can Mackay Capitalise On Movers By Offering An “Agrarian Dream?”

August 24, 2023

A global trend of “capital to regional” migration during the pandemic has continued in Australia as new figures show city dwellers moving countryside – could this be a boost for Mackay’s aging agricultural industry?

This quarter’s Regional Movers Index reported migration from major cities to regional centres remained higher than pre-COVID levels and had even increased from the height of the pandemic by 16 per cent.

The Regional Australia Institute and Commonwealth Bank report suggests that “inflationary pressures, lifestyle benefits and job creation in agriculture and services” are luring people out of cities.

Commonwealth Bank’s regional and agribusiness executive general manager, Paul Fowler, said that if the regions can “sort out housing” it could lead to a period of sustained growth.

“Regional centres should, in the meantime, prepare for continued growth for the foreseeable future,” Mr Fowler said.

With a perceived “simpler way of life” than the fast-pace of cities, a counter-culture movement of younger generations to smaller towns has been steadily growing for a decade – even being coined the “Great Relocation”.

Now Mackay farmers are wondering if the exacerbated Great Relocation of the pandemic could be a potentially “Great Supplementation”.

The Sugar City suffers from the same affliction as the rest of the country, its farmers are old and getting older: the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports the average age of farmers across the nation as 58.

Mackay’s agricultural industry could be getting a facelift courtesy of young city dwellers taking the road less travelled.

The Sugar City may capitalise on the increased movement of people from cities to the country

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One of my hobbies in recent years is beer brewing, home brew

August 24, 2023

If you’ve tried home brew before you may have some horrible memories, and for good reason. Maybe it’s my mid-life crises.

I recall my dad home brewing in Adelaide as a youngster. While not being able to taste it because of my age, I was part of the clean-up of exploding bottles in the shed, and at the time I had no idea why.

What beer is actually made from is extremely simple, but I’d love to go back a few thousand years and see how a civilization worked out how to make the stuff. Was it luck or an accident?

Put simply, its soaking grain in hot water for an hour at about 67 degrees, then boiling that water for an hour, adding some seed cones/flowers (the hops) then fermenting. That’s it. A big thanks to the malting businesses and those that grow the hops.

When people come over to my place and ask about the home brew, some are surprised just how basic it. A whole lot of grain, which could be bread, flower or breakfast cereal. That’s the basis for beer, and many other drinks too.  

One of the more interesting aspects of the beer you might be buying from your local grog shop, or from one of our local breweries, is the hops. The hops are what’s making craft beer so interesting and popular in Australia over recent years.

They all look basically the same, they’re grown vertically along wires, the hop cones visually look the same, but the different varieties bring different things to your beverage. There’s one called Pride of Ringwood, and it’s in most of the big Australian beers from the bigger breweries.  

A variety can be added at different points along the beer making process and make totally different beers, with the same recipe. On a night out if you’ve had a tropical ale, there’s a fair chance a hop called Galaxy is in it. It would taste of passionfruit, peach and citrus – but none of those fruits have been near the beer, it’s what comes out of the galaxy hops.

Right now, we’re lucky enough to have a few different places around our region brewing, Red Dog and Goanna in Mackay, and Ballistic in the Whitsundays. Down south the craft brewery industry is taking off, and maybe Mackay’s turn is coming to grow further.

Scotty

Catch the Star breakfast show - Scotty and Rach with Kaley - from

5am, Daytimes with Johnny, Will & Woody from 5pm and the Kyle and

Jackie-o Hour of Power from 7pm every weekday!

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