
Three artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives are part of council's new budget to be adopted next week. These initiatives are the latest proactive steps from council to help mitigate significant financial pressures while continuing to deliver reliable, high-quality services to the community. Mayor Greg Williamson said the 2026/27 Budget reflected both the challenges facing local government and council’s commitment to modern, efficient service delivery. “Like many councils across the country, we are facing rising costs and reduced external funding,” he said. “Our focus is on finding smarter, more sustainable ways to deliver services without compromising quality for our community.” Council has seen a startling increase in a costs over recent years, including: An additional $665,000 increase in waste service costs due to reduced Queensland Government Waste Levy Subsidy and higher levy fees. A $1.1 million increase in waste expenses in the previous budget. A $5.92 million rise in depreciation costs this year alone. A $6 million shortfall from decreased Federal Assistance Grants in this budget contributing to a total reduction of more than $27 million in Financial Assistance Grants funding since 2016. An estimated $3 million annual increase in fuel costs. These pressures highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing affordability for residents with the real cost of delivering essential services. To help offset these impacts, council is investing in practical, targeted AI solutions that improve efficiency and reduce operating costs. A key initiative is the introduction of a new after-hours digital assistant, LUNA, which will operate from 4.30pm to 8.30am daily and all weekend from July 1. Replacing a previous afterhours model which used an outsourced, third-party call centre, LUNA will provide consistent, auditable responses using council-approved information. It will improve how afterhours calls are triaged, especially urgent and emergency enquiries, and will allow routine requests to be handled without delays or manual intervention. The transition follows changes in the external provider market and is expected to deliver about $80,000 in annual savings, while maintaining service quality and improving response consistency. Mayor Williamson said this initiative demonstrated council’s commitment to innovation while managing costs. “We’re using proven technology to deliver services more efficiently while maintaining the high standard our community expects,” Mayor Williamson said. Council is also expanding AI use in key service areas to address increasing demand and resource constraints. In Development Planning, automation of high-volume, low-complexity administrative tasks will reduce processing backlogs and allow skilled staff to focus on more complex work. A similar outcome will be achieved by using Agentic AI to enhance internal corporate services, allowing council’s staff to tackle more complex issues. This will help council maintain service levels despite workforce and cost pressures. Mayor Williamson said council was adopting a scalable approach to AI, building on existing systems to deliver improvements across multiple service areas rather than one-off solutions. “This approach ensures responsible and sustainable adoption of new technologies,” he said. “By reducing repetitive manual work and improving consistency, we can better manage costs while maintaining strong governance and oversight.” While efficiencies from these initiatives will be realised progressively, council’s immediate focus is on improving reliability, reducing inefficiencies and supporting a sustainable workforce model. These actions form part of council’s broader commitment to ensuring services remain efficient, accountable and future-ready, even as financial pressures continue to grow. Mayor Williamson said innovation would be key to navigating future challenges. “Innovation is essential to navigating the challenges ahead. By investing in smarter ways of working now, we are helping protect the services our community relies on into the future while putting downward pressure on rate rises.” Photo source: Mackay Regional Council
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Set on the elevated hillside of this 21-acre property, the beautifully crafted, fully airconditioned residence enjoys a breathtaking north-facing 27m x 4.2m covered deck, offering ample room for entertaining or peaceful contemplation while taking in the stunning ever-changing vista. A large covered tiled patio adjoins the deck and living area, creating additional outdoor space overlooking the firepit and orchard. The Property At A Glance Spacious open plan living, dining and kitchen area with central fireplace, opening onto two stunning outdoor spaces Modern galley-style kitchen with stone benchtops, induction cooktop, rangehood, pyrolytic self-cleaning oven and dishwasher Media room with projector, with potential to serve as a fourth bedroom Three generous airconditioned bedrooms, including the master suite with walk-in robe and ensuite Modern family bathroom with shower over bath and separate toilet Laundry with excellent storage and external access Airconditioning and ceiling fans throughout North-facing covered hardwood deck, measuring 27m x 4.2m, with stunning views West-facing 9.5m x 6.5m tiled patio overlooking the firepit and plentiful orchard The home is set within a fully fenced house yard, complete with a secure electric front gate at the road. There is an abundance of water across the property, including four dams, a bore with solar-operated submersible pump (not currently connected), three rainwater tanks with a combined capacity of 62,000L, and town water to the residence. Water is also plumbed to the orchard, stables and other areas throughout the property. Additional features include fully covered walkways connecting the carport to the home, wireless NBN and full mobile signal coverage. Infrastructure And Improvements 7m x 7m carport with electric roller door at the home 14m x 7m high-clearance shed with four roller doors and service trench Adjoining 12m x 6m tool shed Stables and pig pens A lush and abundant orchard with avocados, citrus and tropical fruits, along with a well-established beehive Optional machinery includes a Fiat 750 tractor with slasher and rotary hoe, 2000 SE5 backhoe, Hustler 54" zero turn ride-on mower, assorted tools and other plant and equipment. This stunning property is a true gem in the heart of the beautiful Pioneer Valley, offering the opportunity to settle in, relax and enjoy, or get creative and explore the endless possibilities on offer. Gargett is located in the Pioneer Valley, just 15 minutes from the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trail and the beautiful Finch Hatton Gorge. The local Gargett Store is only a short drive away, while the nearest shopping centre is 20 minutes to Marian and 50 minutes to Mackay. It is also an easy drive to the Bowen Coal Basin, Airlie Beach and The Whitsundays, with ample opportunities nearby for fishing, crabbing, prawning and boating. Rates: Approx. $1660 per half year Zoning: Rural Price: $1.6M Block Size: 8.88 hectares (21.75 acres) Builder: Brad Kirkpatrick, 2015
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Makinex Renewables is setting an ambitious target, saving 100 million litres of diesel in five years. In an industry long reliant on traditional diesel generators, the Australian-made and owned company is helping reshape how remote and off-grid operations power their sites. Focused on Hybrid Power Systems, Battery Energy Storage Systems and deployable solar arrays, Makinex Renewables is working with customers to lower fuel costs, reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency, while maintaining the dependable power their operations require. “The 100 million litre target gives us a clear and measurable objective to work towards while highlighting the impact renewable energy solutions can have across industries that traditionally rely on diesel power,” the company said. “It’s a goal that keeps us focused on developing practical solutions that deliver real-world results for our customers.” Designed for businesses operating in remote environments, Makinex Renewables’ modular systems can be deployed as standalone units, integrated together, or incorporated into existing site power setups. The company’s solutions are already delivering measurable results in mining. Following a trial installation, a mine site adopted Makinex Renewables’ Hybrid Power System and additional solar arrays, reducing generator runtime from 24 hours a day to approximately six to seven hours. Since the HPS45 was deployed in February, the site has cut generator fuel use by 125 litres a day, delivering annual diesel savings of around $91,000 and projected savings of $640,000 over the site’s seven-year life. Brad Cliff, Director of Generator Services Australia, said the project highlighted the benefits of continuing to challenge traditional ways of thinking and finding better solutions to longstanding industry challenges. To learn more about Makinex Renewables’ solutions, visit the team at the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition in July.
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Most Reverend Daniel Meagher, the 11th Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton, made his first visit to St Patrick's College on Wednesday, beginning the day alongside students and staff at the College's Brekky Van outreach service. The visit provided an opportunity for Bishop Daniel to experience the College's commitment to living its Catholic values through service to the wider community before officiating the blessing and official opening of newly completed building and refurbishment works. During the ceremony, Bishop Daniel addressed those in attendance. “We really are here to pray and bless the students and teachers who will use the buildings,” he said. The redevelopment has delivered contemporary learning spaces designed to support learning, wellbeing and faith formation while reflecting the College's commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities. Assistant Principal: Mission, Mrs Andrea Crocker, said the occasion was a proud moment for the College community. “We’re finally getting to showcase our wonderful new facilities and the way the hard work of so many different people has come to fruition,” she said. The blessing and opening marked the culmination of years of planning and investment, with the new facilities set to benefit Mercy Campus students for years to come. Photo supplied
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A local organisation is hoping to help seniors with a free information seminar as the number of scam calls, emails, and text messages continues to grow.
Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre will run its free “How To Spot A Scam” Session on Friday, April 28 from 9.30am to 12.00pm.
The information meeting will be facilitated by Gary Greenhill, a Neighbourhood Centre volunteer who runs weekly one-on-one computer literacy classes for the region’s older generations.
Mr Greenhill, who has an array of experience with technology, professionally building websites and coding, is a “certified computer whiz”, and said he had been planning to run these new internet scam spotting classes for some time.
Executive Officer Rebecca Woods said the new “How To Spot A Scam” sessions would be a ‘pilot test’ where they could gauge the response and need from the number of attendees, though she believed there certainly was one.
“What we’re hoping for is a good group of people who want to focus on things with their computers, whether it be security or otherwise,” Ms Woods said.
“It will be an opportunity for people to ask questions in a small, group environment that will be extremely informative.”
The session will also be the official launch of the Centre’s new ‘Digital Library’ where members can loan a Tablet or an iPad.
More information on the Digital Library is available by phone at (07) 4946 7850 or by email at nc@whitnc.org.au
What: “How To Spot A Scam” Information Session
When: Friday, April 28, from 9.30am to 12.00pm
Where: Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre
Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre will provide a free “How To Spot A Scam” information session alongside the launch of its tablet loaning system the ‘Digital Library’

The last month has seen a surge in the number 11 sugar futures contract with new highs recorded for all contracts on the board.
This has catapulted the balance of the 2022 crop to a high of $775/t for growers who are still to finalise target pricing for last season.
A major beneficiary of the higher prices has been the Wilmar Production Risk Pool. As at the end of March, the forecast pool valuation was $709/t actual ($685/t IPS).
This is a great result for growers who have chosen to use this marketing option for some or all of their crop.
For the upcoming 2023 season, prices are also making new highs, along with 2024 and 2025 seasons. At the time of writing the highest target price filled for 2023 was $690/t, $600/t for 2024 and $550/t for 2025.
We are getting a lot of enquiries from our growers what is driving the price. Obviously, the physical market remains tight with northern hemisphere crops cutting out a bit quicker than hoped and Brazil yet to fully come online.
Our forecasts have 22/23 season with a global supply and demand deficit of over 2 million tonnes of sugar.
For 23/24 season we are currently projecting the trade flows to remain tight even with a massive Brazilian crop factored in.
The recent rise in the oil price and the decision by the Brazilian government to raise the tax rate on gasoline will underpin concerns for sugar supply from the world’s largest exporter.
A weaker AUD has also helped nudge prices higher.
Nevertheless, there is a market saying that high prices cure high prices. Growers need to assess where their current costs of production are, and whether the forward prices on offer make sense to provide certainty of income for their business.
Our marketing consultants are currently busy with growers finalising their pricing for 2023 season. The deadline for nomination is April 28. There is a lot of fresh enquiry for our GMPRS product following excellent grower results this year.
For any queries, please contact your Proserpine Grower Marketing Consultant Shirley Norris on 0437 803 019. Plane Creek growers can contact Angus McKerrow on 0419 238 536.
Contributed with thanks to Wilmar Sugar.

Headspace Whitsundays is recruiting young people passionate about mental health and well-being to join its Youth Reference Group (YRG) and have their say in the community.
The confidential health service centre plans to give local youth the opportunity to input on headspace’s strategic direction through being a “voice of young people” in the Whitsundays.
Headspace, a national Youth Mental Health Foundation-run organisation, provides early intervention mental health services to young Australians each year, helping thousands of young people access services like counselling in 140 communities across Australia.
The volunteer role in the Youth Reference Group is for 14–25-year-olds and involves getting to influence the direction of headspace within the Whitsundays, meeting and working with other young, passionate mental health advocates, and developing personal and professional skills.
The Whitsunday centre provides free, confidential health services with a key focus on mental health, alcohol and other drugs, education and employment support and physical and sexual health.
As YRG members, local young people provide crucial information to headspaces across the country, keeping the sites relevant to the 12–25-year-olds it services.
YRG members will be involved in regular meetings with the centres and help make decisions on things such as community engagement, communications and health promotion.
Across the country, there is also the opportunity to act as a National YRG member, where participants can be a spokespeople for the organisation and lead local projects.
Training will be provided and for more information or to apply, contact headspace Whitsundays at 07 4842 6760 or Whitsundayheadspace@nwrh.com.au
Headspace Whitsundays is recruiting for its Youth Reference Group

Proserpine Museum is experiencing its own miniature “Renaissance period” thanks to the return of cruise ships bringing in museumgoers by the busload.
The local institution has welcomed an influx of travellers over the past six months similar to pre-Cyclone Debbie levels.
Proserpine Museum volunteer Gloria Cowan said the cruise ships – which began returning in June 2022 – are providing the non-for-profit with its second-largest injection of funding, just behind the annual Book Bonanza.
“As the museum is run entirely by volunteers, all funding goes towards maintenance – which is usually covered by the Bonanza,” Ms Cowan said.
“With the number of people coming from across the world thanks to these cruises, we will be able to afford more than just upkeep.”
Passengers from the United States and Europe have dropped by en masse at the Proserpine Museum, coming fresh from the cruise ships in numbers as high as 320 people per day.
“They will often arrive in the morning buses with as many as 50 people as part of these tours out to Proserpine,” Ms Cowan said.
“Then 15 more buses will come throughout the day and they are always extremely interested in the history of Proserpine and our museum – most have no prior knowledge of the sugar industry or of our town at all.
“It has been excellent for the museum and for the volunteers. The majority of the time, they’re walking out of the door wishing they had more time to explore!”
Proserpine Museum volunteers Gloria Cowan, Peter Harling, Ros Gardel, and Julianne O’Brien. Photo credit: Declan Durrant

A local supermarket has donated over $20 thousand worth of food to the Proserpine St Vincent de Paul’s and the Whitsunday Foodbank in the past six months.
Peries IGA Proserpine has been quietly passing on the goods to the local non-for-profits since November 2022 in a partnership through ‘Food For Change’.
A national charity, Food For Change partners with IGA across the country, growing and “rescuing” nutritious food to support Food Relief Organisations who feed hungry Australians. Rescuing being the act of sending food which would normally be thrown away by stores - though it is still entirely safe and edible - to welfare organisations.
Peries IGA Proserpine Manager Keiryn Stacpoole said, through Food For Change, the local supermarket had donated $20,825 to the two local organisations.
“It’s a commitment on our end to one, not have any landfill, and two, to help people who need it,” he said.
“Not everyone can afford things and to have $20 thousand in food that hasn’t gone into the rubbish and is feeding those who are less fortunate, that’s a wonderful feeling.”
Proserpine St Vincent de Paul’s volunteer Elsie Magee said IGA had reached out to her directly to donate the food which is now a major contributor to Vinnies’ welfare operations.
“We’re so grateful that something like this is happening in Proserpine,” she said.
“That is a considerable amount of money that is now helping to support the community who need it, and I cannot thank IGA enough, as well as all those who make Vinnies what it is.”
St Vincent de Paul’s Proserpine had previously been accepting supplies for welfare from Townsville, with non-perishables and perishables being shipped down as part of regular activities – Ms Magee said that was almost no longer the case.
“I’ve told them that we don’t need so much to be sent down here now, and it can stay up there to help people in Townsville,” she said.
“What IGA gives us is more than enough. It’s been excellent to have that backing, and the service itself [welfare] is becoming more popular over time. With the cost-of-living crisis, it’s necessary.”
Whitsunday Foodbank – which moved into a new location on Proserpine’s Main Street earlier this year – expressed how ecstatic they were to be receiving the ongoing donations alongside their regular Foodbank Queensland supply.
“We have such an amazing community,” a Whitsunday Foodbank Proserpine spokesperson said.
Proserpine St Vincent de Paul’s volunteer Elsie Magee and Peries IGA Proserpine Manager Keiryn Stacpoole

Creating a whole new world for “characters that write themselves” is local author Nigel Gleeson, who has just released his first novel ‘Awakening’.
Following the tale of a young girl called Ariana, the book is in the high fantasy genre and follows her journey as she is kidnapped by a group of priestesses who have been exposed to magic so potent that it has possessed them.
Ariana escapes when she is nine years old, and her journey continues.
A self-proclaimed ‘Pantser’, Nigel chooses to let his words flow and his characters create themselves and dictate the storyline.
Writers are traditionally either ‘plotters’ or ‘pantsers’ which is short for flying by the seat of your pants!
In Nigel’s case, he thoroughly plans and depicts a firm vision of the reality he is creating, then allows the story to wander within that world without pre-planning where it will lead.
“A lot of the work that goes into writing these sorts of books is not seen by the readers,” explains Nigel.
“You have to create a whole culture, a history, even the weather!”
Originally from the gorge country of Northern New South Wales, Nigel is a generational farmer whose culture is founded in Irish convict ancestry.
He uses the remote wilderness of his childhood to inspire his fictional world.
A move to Tasmania with his seven children saw new doors open for him when he wandered into a Gothic Medieval giftshop.
There he met a man who invited him to join The Order of the Dragan’s Realm, a medieval club where he learnt to fight full metal combat with swords.
Again, this inspires the theme of his novel today.
It took Nigel 12 years to write his first novel, much of this has been achieved in the past few years since he moved to the Whitsundays with his daughter.
The first book is part of a trilogy and Nigel is already working on the second book entitled, ‘Scar’, with ‘Other World’ completing the series.
Author Nigel Gleeson introduces his first book, Awakening. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

For many, fitness is a word that instantly creates a feeling of “No thanks, too hard, I don’t look like those gym people, etc.” It’s sometimes as simple as this that people don’t actually regularly exercise.
After a while, if health problems begin, then the thought of being ‘fit’ just becomes a thought it’ll never happen.
The interesting thing is that when we are actively involved in fitness, or any exercise including sport, all you really want for those people is to understand that fitness is literally different for everyone.
For me, fitness has always been about challenging myself, and ensuring I have a sharp mind, and have the ability to do a diverse range of physical tasks like mountain biking, gardening, or any rigorous work.
Fitness has also evolved over the years to really include the many mental health benefits and not just the physical. It’s always been known to us ‘fitness type people’ as we regularly have the endorphin rush from exercise, as many of us embark on some kind of physical activity every day.
In summary, I want to set the notion that:
*Fitness is different for everyone
*Fitness isn’t just about the physical
*Most people that you see that take their physical health seriously, also want you to take care of their physical and mental state too.
Group fitness can be heaps of fun as you end up exercising together, similar to playing a sport.
So, if you aren’t familiar with exercising, but you’d like to give it a go, visit practically any fitness facility and try a group class.
I’m sure you’ll love it, and your physical and mental health will thank you both in the short term and long term.

There are so many handy ‘tips for living’ lists out there. You may have come across some of them, maybe even tried to follow their guidance.
Have you noticed, though, that most - if not all - of these lists are different to each other?
They provide different guidance, by different individuals, from different generations and backgrounds, expressing their own different beliefs, perceptions, experiences, opinions, conclusions, and insights about life.
Who is to say any of these lists are ideal or even suitable to your own individual needs, life-fulfilment, and personality? Do you have the time or the inclination to try and test any such list?
What if there exists an ultimate list of ‘tips for living’? One guiding truth which is independent of anyone’s generation, background, beliefs, perceptions, experiences, opinions, conclusions, and insights?
One generic set of everlasting principles that can be trusted with utter surety by anyone, that can be applied by any individual in their own personal life, towards their own unique happiness and value-fulfilment?
Such a list does exist. It is based on giving new meaning to our choices and actions in life – meaning that is drawn from absolute truth. The first principle is this list is the one which all others rely upon.
So much so, that if you truly follow and live that first principle with meaning of absolute truth, all of the other principles in the list are automatically fulfilled, and therefore automatically so are you.
That principle is this: Trust and acceptance of yourself.
Here are some other of those simple principles:
• There are no absolutes, save for absolute truth.
• Only you choose and create all of your own reality.
• Your perception creates the content of your beliefs as a reality in your life.
• You are not locked to any destiny, except the one you create for yourself.
• You always have choices, even though you may not notice them.
• Underlyingly, everything is connected, and there is no separation.
• Love is naught but knowing and appreciation.
• You are infinitely more than a human being.
• You are never, ever alone.
What does all of this mean in Absolute Truth? Stay tuned.

Ears can feel blocked for a number of reasons. If you have a cold or sinus issues, your Eustachian Tube, the part of the ear that allows your ears to equalise, can become clogged with mucus. This hampers your ability to easily equalise the pressure in your ears – giving you the sensation of blocked ears. In most instances, this will resolve itself over the course of a few days or weeks.
Sometimes an ear infection in the middle ear can cause your ears to feel blocked. This occurs when bacteria enter the middle ear space and the Eustachian Tube gets blocked. You may experience pain in the ear, and a temperature. Children may also display changes in behaviour and babies may rub their ears. Again, some infections may clear on their own, whilst others will require pain killers and/or antibiotics.
Wax is one of the most common reasons a person’s ears feel blocked. Earwax is not inherently bad but becomes a problem when it causes blockages or impaction. This can result in trouble hearing, pain, dizziness, ringing in the ear. Once the wax is removed, these symptoms will often disappear.
On very rare occasions, a blocked ear may be a symptom of an acoustic neuroma or cholesteatoma.
In any case, blocked ears should not be ignored and should be checked by your GP or hearing specialist.
Whitsunday Hearing’s Cannonvale clinic is open five days week, with regular visiting sites at Proserpine, Bowen, Home Hill & Ayr.
Call 4946 4906.

There was only sporadic immigration to Australia from the Netherlands (Holland) before World War 2 as the Dutch had their own colonies and close ties with South Africa. However, after the war the situation was different. The Netherlands was overpopulated and much land was lost through floods and salinity. Dutch colonists were expelled from the East Indies. As a result, the number of migrants increased dramatically. Many looked to Queensland because of its climate and being highly skilled in tropical agriculture, they were easily absorbed into the local population.
One Dutch family with descendants still living in the district is the Spoor Family. Patriarch of the family, Rommert Spoor, had a factory in Holland making and exporting wooden casks. He had five sons and a daughter. When the business went broke, the sons went their different ways. The eldest, Pieter, took his two sons to Australia when his wife died, leaving Holland in 1911 and settling in Mundubbera. He sent for his brother, Atze who, with his family of four, arrived in Australia in 1912. Atze had worked on trains in Holland and took a job in Cloncurry. They had two more children – Jim and Wietske. Jim was a carpenter and he built quite a few houses in Proserpine.
The second eldest son, Dirk, whose first wife had also died, migrated to Australia and also settled in Mundubbera. He went in for cattle and reputedly sold some to Faust station. He also visited the Proserpine Show with some of his cattle, Illawarras.
Tietstke, the only Spoor daughter of Rommert, married Koos van Noort. They settled in Australia pre-1920, firstly in Brisbane where Koos, a very skilled tailor, made a suit for the Prince of Wales. The Van Noorts never had any children and later came to Proserpine to live. Here Koos worked for Mr Tom Byers.
In 1924, on a trip back to Holland, they persuaded more members of the Spoor family to migrate. When Fred Spoor heard they were returning for a visit, he sold up their hardware store and with his wife, Sara, and three daughters, Wietske, Elizabeth and Mary, he headed off too. When they came to Proserpine, Peter and Bob were already farming in the area. Fred grew cane for a while and started a sawmill for tomato cases. He was a good cabinet maker and very good at French polishing, making many a beautiful chess table for locals.
Later, Fred bought a lorry and used to take a crowd to the beach on sports days. Weekly, they carted groceries for farmers – Baumgartens, Cowans, Valmadres, Thorogoods, Sinclairs and Gaspers. They also carted groceries for Happy Valley miners.
Mary married Wal Spencer and Wietske married John Holcombe. Elizabeth married their cousin, Bob Spoor, and they had three girls and one boy, Piet, who continued farming in the area.
Bertus Mazijk also migrated from Holland and eventually married one of the Spoor daughters, Christine.
Descendants of both the Spoor and Mazijk families still reside in the district with one of Piet’s sons, Dale Spoor, still farming in the Kelsey Creek area. Just one member of Rommert Spoor’s family remained in Holland.
Story courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum and “Memories” by Mary Spencer (nee Spoor); photo courtesy Spoor family.

After 37 days at Townsville Hospital, twins Owen and Evan have finally made it home to Cannonvale with their proud parents and excited older brother.
The boys arrived at just 32 weeks and were kept in the Special Care Nursery while they reached a healthy size.
It had been an intense pregnancy for mum Louise (Lou) Grice who was diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome early on.
This meant the babies shared unequal amounts of the placenta’s blood, restricting the growth of one baby.
To solve the issue, Lou needed to endure an operation at 18 weeks so that the blood vessels that run from one twin to the other could be separated.
Lou says the whole journey for her and her husband Matty has been a rollercoaster - the initial news that she was carrying twins was the biggest surprise of them all.
“There are no twins in the family, so it was very much a shock for us,” Louise said.
“I told Mathew he didn’t need to be at the scan as we had already gone down this road with our first son, Cameron.
“I couldn’t believe it when they told me it was twins and when I told Mathew his jaw dropped, and his face screwed up, but I could see he was smiling.”
Lou’s membranes ruptured on February 9, and she was swiftly moved from Proserpine to Townsville where she spent a week in hospital.
A long wait ensued, and the boys were finally born 15 days later.
Lou went into labour at 11.30pm which meant that the twins were born minutes apart yet managed to cross over two dates and will forever have different birthdays.
Evan was born at 11.56pm on 24 February and Owen at 12.02am on 25 February.
Lou said being the mum of multiples was ‘surreal’.
“The first time they were both put on me, it felt like a bit of a glitch in the matrix to look at both of them at the same time,” she said.
“You’re wired to just look at one.”
Now that she has returned to earth and is happily ensconced in the baby bubble of newborn family life, Lou says that the daily routine is hectic but fulfilling.
“Matty and I are often like a highly synchronised team swapping babies to feed, nappy change and play with,” said Lou.
“Everything takes a little longer than with one newborn so we just allow a little more time when getting out and about.
“The twins are quite the attraction when we head to the shops and have been stopped many times now in the few trips we've made out.”
Lou and Matty would like to thank everyone who has been involved with the safe delivery of their precious twins.
“The medical team who took care of us were incredible, from our GP at 121 Medical here at home, to both the pre and postnatal teams at Townsville Hospital as well as the specialists in Brisbane,” said Lou.
“And especially the midwives and nurses after birth who provided essential care in the first few weeks of their life, we learned so much from each of them and each had a unique piece of information we have taken home with us to help the transition to home life.”
Lou Grice with her newborn twins, Evan and Owen
After 37 days at Townsville Hospital the twins returned home last week
Big brother Cameron holds his baby brother.
Photos supplied

An aerial search mission has ended in tragedy after a young couple were found deceased in the wreckage of a light aircraft earlier this week.
The Piper Cherokee aircraft was reported missing around 6:30pm, Sunday, April 2 when it failed to land as expected at Bloomsbury’s Lakeside Airpark.
The aircraft departed from a cattle station at Natal Downs, around 300km west of Mackay, on Sunday afternoon, due to land at Bloomsbury by 5:00pm.
A large-scale aerial search was conducted overnight, covering 330km, with a QG Air Rescue helicopter from Townsville discovering the wreckage in the rainforest-covered Clark Ranges, west of Proserpine, around 10:00am Monday morning.
The wreckage of a Piper Cherokee aircraft was discovered in the dense bushland of the Clark Ranges on Monday morning with the bodies of 22-year-old Rhiley Kuhrt and his pregnant 24-year-old wife Maree onboard.
The couple were enroute to Bloomsbury from Natal Downs when they were met with adverse weather conditions.
They had recently relocated to Natal Downs, near Charters Towers, to work on a cattle station and were flying east to visit family based in and around Mackay.
Mr Kuhrt, the son of a Mackay police officer, is said to have flown the route regularly.
A GoFundMe has been set up in aid of the two families by Mr Kuhrt’s sister, Beccarah Markham-Gaudion, where she described the flight as “routine”.
“We are all absolutely heartbroken and utterly grief stricken,” she said.
“Three incredible lives were cut way too short.”
Tributes have flown for the young “cowboy”, who would have celebrated his 23rd birthday on Wednesday, his wife, who is believed to have a young daughter, and their unborn child.
“A fella couldn't help but be constantly impressed by Maree and Rhiley's sense of adventure and zest for life,” said one friend.
“You figure quick they're a special kind when you’re helping her onto the back of a rodeo bull and see he's managing cattle stations at such a young age.”
“You were honestly a beautiful couple and deserved nothing but happiness,” said another.
“I will cherish the memories and moments we had working together last year.
“Love you both to the moon and back.”
Investigations into the incident have begun between police and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, with the retrieval operation taking days due to the limited access and rugged terrain of the crash site.
The wreckage of a Piper Cherokee light aircraft was discovered by a Townsville-based QG Air Rescue helicopter earlier this week. Photo credit: Rachael Smith
Rhiley and Maree Kuhrt died when their light aircraft crashed in the Clark Ranges, west of Proserpine. Photo supplied: Facebook
22-year-old Rhiley Kuhrt and 24-year-old Maree Kuhrt passed away following a light plane crash earlier this week. Photo supplied: Facebook

Last month, Mackay Life reported on teacher Mohamed Johnson-Kanu requesting school supplies to send to impoverished schools in his home country of Sierra Leone.
Contacting primary and secondary schools throughout the region, as well as Mackay Regional Council, he is requesting the donation of supplies such as textbooks, novels, furniture, computers, filing cabinets and other resources.
Mr Johnson-Kanu has provided an update, saying that a shipping container has been acquired and sits at Pioneer State High School waiting to be filled.
“We just need people to continue donating furniture and those sorts of things and we need to raise some money to send the container to Sierra Leone,” he said.
Anyone interested in assisting is asked to contact Mr Johnson-Kanu on 0418 402 000 or email mjo2123@bigpond.com or mxjoh11@eq.edu.au.
Mabinty Marion and Mohamed Johnson-Kanu. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Mackay Base Hospital staff were touched by positive support from parents Hannah and Andrew Farrar, who had been through a “rollercoaster pregnancy”.
The couple’s twins, Mackenzie Rae and Vincent Brent Farrar, were born almost two weeks ago at the local hospital, arriving just ahead of their due date at 37.5 weeks.
Ms Farrer said that she knew having twins would be more difficult than a single pregnancy but without the support of the hospital’s Women’s Health Unit and physios, it would have been an extraordinary struggle.
“Very early on I was feeling so heavy and was put in touch with Dale from the Physio Department who helped with pelvic movement,” Hannah said.
“For the last 10 weeks I rested as much as I could. My stomach muscles had separated and I was unable to drive which meant I had to be chauffeured around by my family.”
Ms Farrer and her twins extended a heartfelt thank you to the team of clinicians and staff involved in the family’s antenatal and postnatal care.
“We honestly couldn’t have got through a difficult twin pregnancy without the amazing compassion and guidance from Dr Chandika and our midwife Liz,” Ms Farrer said.
“The comfort they gave me each and every time I saw them will never ever be forgotten.
“They delivered our twins safely with genuine care and support, and for that we are forever grateful.”
The twins are now resting up before they’re introduced to the extended family throughout the year.

Hi Readers
You may or may not have heard that WA band Spacey Jane are heading our way in June. The indie rockers seemingly came out of nowhere, developing a sound that saw them become arguably the biggest band in Australia. I was surprised and excited when I saw Mackay on their regional tour. It’s surely got to be one of the bigger contemporary acts to come north since I’ve lived here, and I think it will be a fun and important night for Mackay music. I had a chat to the band’s drummer Kieran Lama about all this and more which you can read on page 20. Also, make sure to grab your tickets and support regional live music.
It's been a relatively quiet year so far for touring artists, but filling that space, as always, has been the hardworking local scene. Gigs at Empire, the Ambassador and even the Sugar Bowl skate park have kept local music fans busy. There’s also some big releases coming this year from local bands like Red Veridian and Subservia, so keep your eyes out for these. I’m hoping to share more stories from Mackay’s growing music scene here in the paper, so if you’re interested in getting involved, reach out to sam@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com.
Of course, we do have a bevy of big gigs to look forward to. On top of Spacey Jane in June, we have Legends on the Lawn in May, Be Social later in June, NQ's Rock'n Country in August and Tia Gostelow’s Sugar Drop Festival appears to have something in the works. I aim to keep Mackay readers and listeners on top of everything music with my work in the newspaper alongside my show on local community radio station 4CRM 107.5FM. Make sure to tune into The Prekend every Thursday from 8:00pm, where I aim to shine a light on local up-and-comers as well as bring my favourite music from all over the world to Mackay's airwaves.