Just recently we were talking about hobbies on Star Breakfast, and the more I thought about it, having a hobby makes you more interesting, gives you an escape from work… and home if you need it.

It’s never too late to get a hobby, or, add a new one.

Paddling a kayak is one I only discovered in 2007 after friends took me out for a paddle down Cattle Creek at the tail end of wet season. It’s a great one to have because we have a few hidden creeks where you can sit in and paddle for hours, and see Platypus, but there’s nobody around.

Get a cheap camera, there’s another great one. Photography costs you a camera at the start, but then with digital photography you can take thousands of images for practically no cost, other than driving to a location like Cape Hillsborough.

Cheap hobbies are good. Expensive ones are better, and more fun though. Unfortunately, along with astronomy and astrophotography, which require equipment, which is expensive, every little bit, expensive; I’ve managed to stumble into home brewing in the last few years.  

Initially just dipping the toe in the water, or beer, with home brewing isn’t too bad. But then like with every hobby, you want more, you want better. Hobbies start with basic gear and before you know it your 5-bedroom home is a 4-bedroom home.

My home brew hobby is a cracker though, when you can have a beer as good as anything from the shops, made yourself on your back deck, it’s a real treat. It started with a 35L plastic bucket, but it’s now graduated to my own micro-brewery with 3 kegs of home brew chilled and poured from 2 beer taps on my own kegerator. Weekends are great.

Over the last 12 months though, twice I’ve been given giant Lego projects as a present from my wife and kids, one was the International Space Station, which was 2-3 feet long, and the other a NASA rocket about nearly 1 metre tall.

Not being a collector of Lego or a builder, the only thing I can take from these gifts is that my family don’t like me much and want me to leave them alone for several hours at a time.

If I receive a Millennium Falcon at Christmas or a giant Hogwarts, then I’ll know this to be true.

Scotty

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It’s time to dust off those rods and reels – Mackay Isaac’s Lucky Catch & Snap competition launched last Saturday on September 3.

Over 30 days through September and October, Mackay Isaac Tourism is proud to host the inaugural family-friendly fishing event which is set to be one of the most innovative in Australia.

Mackay Isaac Tourism Interim Chief Executive Officer Tash Wheeler said after years of analysing the region's fishing strategy, Mackay Isaac’s Lucky Catch and Snap was an opportunity that was not to be missed.

“Our long-term vision is to build community pride, gain feedback and grow as a destination event that will attract visitors from right around the country over the coming years,” she said.

Mackay Isaac’s Lucky Catch ad Snap organisers are anticipating that the annual fishing event competition will deliver and pump millions of visitor dollars in the Mackay Isaac region economy.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said fishing competitions like this really enhanced the visitor experience and help to build repeat visitation year after year.

“This is a really innovative initiative that we think will take visiting families’ holidays to the next level,” Mayor Williamson said.

“We can see that the competition will create quite a buzz – you can imagine that there will be plenty of banter and friendly rivalry at our coastal tourism parks as families vie to catch different species and get their entries in,” he said.

Winning this catch and release photo competition will be a game of chance. Everyday prizes will be picked based on the type of fish caught, where it was caught and how big it was.

With daily cash prizes, merchandise, and prize packs (potentially a large cash jackpot at the end of the 30 days) it promises to be a fishing event like no other.

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As a member of the Zonta Club, I am delighted to let Mackay & Whitsunday Life readers know about our activities and events each month. But first, I would like to address some of our most frequently asked questions…

What is Zonta?

Maybe you have attended our International Women’s Day Luncheon, or you have noticed some of the ‘Orange Lady’ figures around town. Perhaps you haven’t heard of Zonta at all – you are not alone.

The Zonta Club of Mackay is a not-for-profit group comprised of local women, who are passionate about addressing women's issues, both in our community and worldwide. Since the Mackay club was chartered in 1992, our members have volunteered their time to address education, health and economic needs in the Mackay region. This year, we are excited to celebrate our 30th birthday.

Our club is one of 1,200 Zonta clubs globally. The first Zonta club was formed in Buffalo, New York in 1919. 'Zonta' is a derivative of the North American Sioux Indian word, meaning 'honest and trustworthy'.

What does Zonta do?

Locally, some of our activities include:

• Service projects, such as assembling birthing kits for developing countries and sewing breast cushions for patients in the post-operative stage of surgery;

• Raising awareness of important issues, such as the Zonta Says No to Domestic Violence campaign;

• Collecting donations for vulnerable women in our community, including expectant mothers in need;

• Fundraising activities, such as the annual International Women’s Day event, sausage sizzles, raffles and cent sales;

• Fostering leadership skills and community involvement in high school and university students via Z Clubs, scholarships and awards; and

• Encouraging connections within our local community through networking and social events, in partnership with Mackay Women.

We also have the following event coming up, and we would love for you to be involved.

Zonta Monthly Dinner Meeting

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, 20 September (Third Tuesday of each month)

• Time: From 5:30pm

• Location: Ocean International, Mackay

We welcome guests at our meetings – if you are interested in attending, please contact us as soon as possible for catering purposes.

Karlee Box

Zonta Club Board Member

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Caption: Fall armyworm on sweet corn

Growers dealing with fall armyworm (FAW) can now access the latest online resources using the new FAW engagement eHub, which features information on pest management, moth activities and research results.  

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said since the exotic plant pest arrived in far north Australia in early 2020 it had spread across much of the south, west and east of the country.

“As part of providing better services to industry, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is leading research and extension through Queensland Government and Hort Innovation-funded projects to co-develop an integrated FAW management strategy,” Mr Furner said.

“This involves field surveys and monitoring, control strategies, new techniques, compiling a literature review, and an economic risk analysis for horticultural crops in Australia.

“We have developed the eHub to share the outcomes of this work, including regular video and results updates from demonstration sites, event information, moth activities, insecticide resistance results, and to allow growers to engage in discussion.”

For all your fall armyworm information, visit https://daf.engagementhub.com.au/fallarmyworm.

Fall armyworm is a tropical migratory pest and is expected to be present year-round in warmer areas, and for part of the year in temperate zones.

In Australia, FAW has been mainly attracted to grass species with whorls, including sweet corn.

Fall armyworm on sweet corn

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Using innovative techniques and their world-class expertise, Mackay Regional Council’s Water Treatment team has saved ratepayers about $1 million in capital replacement costs.

Major upgrades have recently been completed at the Sarina Water Recycling Facility, which processes sewerage for the Sarina area.

The works at the facility involved a ‘slack adjustment’ on the membranes which filter recycled water and ensure it is of high quality for agricultural use or release back into the environment.  

A slack adjustment refers to the tension under which the membranes, which filter the water, are held at. When the membranes are not held at the correct tension, they fail to filter harmful bacteria and suspended solids.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the project highlighted the great teamwork within the department and the level of technical expertise we have both at council and in the Mackay region.

“In general, the expected life of the membrane is seven years, but the ones at Sarina Water Recycling Facility are eight years old and we are looking at getting close to 15 years based on their condition,” Mayor Williamson said.  

“Membranes are very expensive, close to $1 million to replace, so to get double the life expectancy and save those costs is a credit to our treatment team and highlights the care and attention the team gives to maintaining our assets,” he said.

Mayor Williamson said it was essential that this project was undertaken to continue to provide the best outcome for our water recycling scheme and to future-proof it for the growing population of our region.

“The project took place over only a week but took months of planning as it was a huge team effort between contractors, council’s own maintenance operations teams and our environmental and laboratory staff,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The slack adjustment overhaul was a technically challenging and labour-intensive process,” he said.

“However, it was done by our own operators and engineers, with the assistance of contractors, and was planned and completed on time and within budget.”  

The project involved high risk activities with exposure to raw sewerage, working at heights and overhead loads.

This marks the third major project completed this year by council’s water team.

Over the past twelve months the team has completed the repair of the Southern Rising Main on Paradise Street and major maintenance upgrades of both the Mackay South Water Recycling Facility (MSWRF) and more recently the Mackay North Sewerage Treatment Plant.

Staff work on the membranes as part of the slack adjustment works at the Sarina Water Recycling Facility

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International Men’s Day and Shed Happens share similar values and goals: to celebrate the positive impact men have on society, and the role they have in developing boys into quality young men.

These values will be top of mind when Shed Happens Mackay hosts the annual International Men’s Day breakfast on Friday, November 18, 2022, at the Ocean International Hotel, proudly sponsored by DGH Engineering.

The winner of Mackay Man Of The Year, proudly sponsored by Hastings Deering Mackay, will also be announced at the breakfast.

Community members are encouraged to nominate men of all ages who are doing amazing things in our community - men that are passionate about making a difference and never seek any recognition.

Nominations close on September 30, 2022, with nomination forms available through the Shed Happens Mackay Facebook page and www.manoftheyearmackay.com.au.

2021 Mackay Man Of The Year Don Leckenby is a man who has applied the pillars of International Men’s Day in his day-to-day life consistently through the years.

“Celebrating International Men’s Day is most important as there are many support services for women but not so many for men,” Mr Leckenby said.

“Shed Happens is a place where they can offload and learn at the same time.

“When they talk with me, they listen.”

There are some fantastic prizes on offer for the Mackay Man of the Year, with a prize package including 12 months membership to Muscle Garden Gym and a $1,000 travel voucher courtesy of Helloworld Travel.

The award will be presented at the breakfast with a perpetual trophy and personal momento for the winner.

The two runners up will also be announced on the day.  

Other pillars of International Men’s Day are to promote positive male role models, and to pursue gender equality.

International Men’s Day focuses on men’s health and wellbeing and works to create a safer and more equitable world.

In the words of the founder of Shed Happens, Ian Watson, “No bloke ever went backwards with encouragement”, and this is the ethos of Shed Happens.

WHAT: International Men’s Day Breakfast

WHERE: Ocean International Resort

WHEN: November 18, 2022 from 6:45am to 9:45am

CONTACT: Frank Cowell - 0434 908 968

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson and 2021 Mackay Man Of The Year Don Leckenby at last year’s breakfast. Photo supplied: Shed Happens Mackay

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Two local women making a positive impact on the lives and wellbeing of others were recognized at last weekend’s 2022 AusMumpreneurs Awards held in Sydney.

Mother-of-four Deidre Schill is making a difference to the mental and emotional wellbeing of other mums in the region and proving that online education has no barriers, especially in the new post-covid world, while CEO of Kickass Women and women’s advocate, Jo Sainsbury has once again found herself on the national stage being recognised for her passionate work empowering women to succeed - without limits.

When Deidre Schill launched ‘My Beautiful Self’ and organised her first free Women’s Circle, she hadn’t anticipated the response and attendance she would receive for her coaching that focuses on women’s topics including body image, social isolation, financial struggles, habits, and self-worth.

Nominated in the category of ‘Online Education’ and the People’s Choice 'Making a Difference (Health and Wellbeing)' at the 2022 AusMumpreneurs Awards, Deidre said that she was initially apprehensive about being nominated but had since realised it was more about acknowledging her clients’ progress.

“I’m truly honoured and feel blessed to have my clients and coach Caroline Bellenger in my corner. They were instrumental in getting me into the finals – and win or not, it’s a reminder that my work is making a difference in people’s lives,” she said.

With record increases in mental health concerns in households across Australia, My Beautiful Self is also about bringing to light the need for emotional support and inner work - particularly with the shift towards remote working.

“People are craving connection, especially after experiencing lengthy isolation periods and now working from remote locations. The amazing thing about the world we live in is that our voice and passion is not restricted to geographic locations,” she said.

In addition to her free monthly Women’s Circle and support group ‘MBS Action Takers’, Deidre also offers online programs and one-on-one coaching for women who need support for challenges or to reset habits that are holding them back; like through her Shedding to Shine (S2S) Program with Holistic Health Expert, Kylie Smith and Registered Nurse, Catherine Schill.  

“Women often come to me with intense feelings of despair, overwhelm, grief, or loss of direction, but on the flipside of that, some of my clients just want help to navigate their position in the world,” she said.

With over 30 years’ experience in the Heavy Equipment, Earthmoving and Rail Industries, Jo has first-hand experience with gender stereotyping and breaking through gender barriers, which has contributed to her becoming a 2022 AusMumpreneur finalist in the ‘Women’s Champion’ category.

“I’m really honoured to be nominated again for an AusMumpreneur award. It’s a very humbling experience, especially when standing up next to some of the most inspiring women in Australia.

“My work is about showing other women that they are worthy of the career they want, the life they deserve, and the recognition they receive. I’ve accepted this award nomination with all women in mind,” Jo said.

The winner of the 2021 ‘One to Watch’ Award, Jo is once again being recognised on the AusMumpreneur stage for her extensive women’s advocacy, including her recent Shades of Women event and performance in Dancing CEOs that fundraised over $600,000 for Women’s Legal Service.

“There are so many factors and influences on women, not only self-driven, but also gender-bias and society’s general expectations. My goal is to address the challenges that we’re seeing within the community, to create a ripple effect and empower women to embrace the community around them. It certainly takes a village,” she said.

Deidre Schill

Jo Sainsbury

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This week I’m going to talk about trauma. This behaviour is an emotional response to a terrible event in someone’s life.

The causes of trauma are many and can be a vehicle accident, a violent act or even a natural disaster. Some people have even been traumatised by the public tumult surrounding COVID-19.

The way hypnotherapy sees trauma is that, after a traumatic event the subconscious mind develops a protection mechanism. Basically, it attempts to steer the person away from the terrible event happening again by setting off alarm bells every time something it sees as a similar threat is sensed.

Trauma can be incredibly debilitating, and the person can be set on edge and live in fear of many situations which in fact are not going to be harmful. You might say that the person’s inbuilt alarm system is on a hair trigger.

This over-protective behaviour is seated in the subconscious mind – and it is incredibly difficult to change a subconscious pattern. This is because once the subconscious enacts a behaviour that it believes is working to protect you, it will continue that pattern.

Through hypnotherapy, we are able to reach the subconscious and work to change the pattern with one that is more appropriate.

This process does not include taking the person back to the event that caused the trauma. That would have the effect of re-traumatising the person. Instead, through direct communication with the part of the subconscious that oversees the traumatic response, we are able to change that pattern.

As humans, we are constantly changing – are you the same person you were as a child? As you were two years ago? No, we are constantly learning new behaviours to adapt to whatever life throws our way!

The good news is that unhelpful behaviours are learnt. Therefore, new and more helpful behaviours can also be learnt.

Next time, I’ll talk about hypnotherapy for panic. Until then, remember: You CAN change!

David Lornie is owner and principal hypnotherapist at Frontier Hypnotherapy in Mackay. Dave is also the only qualified Australian practitioner of the Control System. He can be contacted on 0401 223 780 or help@frontierhypnotheray.com.au. W: www.frontierhypnotherapy.com.au

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Hey there, cu-tea.

Have you done something today for you?

Hopefully you’re taking five to catch your breath amid a hectic schedule. Self-care is one of the most important parts of your day.

When you discover something that nourishes your soul, do it as often as possible.

Unfortunately, sometimes we view self-care as a luxury, rather than a necessity. Consequently, we can be left feeling overwhelmed, tired, and irritable.

You can start to look after yourself by creating a routine of regular activities that foster and support your well-being and personal growth. Something as simple as tea can be used as an antidote to many of life’s stressors and promote wellness from within.

1. Take some time for tea

Different varieties of teas may boost your immune system, fight off inflammation, and even ward off cancer and heart disease. While some brews provide more health advantages than others, there's plenty of evidence that regularly drinking tea can have a lasting impact on your health and happiness.

2. Deep breath and relax

In Mackay and the Whitsundays, we are blessed with a plethora of outlets designed for relaxation. Yoga, meditation, floating, hypnosis and reiki… the list is extensive. Start by taking at least 10 minutes each day, in a quiet space, to close your eyes and focus on breathing. It’s incredible how this calms your inner space.

3. More movement

Regular exercise can transform your life. As Richard Branson says, one hour of exercise equals four extra hours of productivity. It can be as simple as going for a short walk around your neighbourhood, a sunset stroll on the beach or even squats in your living room during ad breaks.

4. Wine with friends

Wine-not? Our soul is nurtured by physically spending time with those we adore. Take time to catch up with your friends and make an occasion out of it. Use the fancy glasses, you only live once. Of course, it doesn’t have to be wine. Sparkling apple juice or a fruit smoothie would be a delicious alternative for those saying no to alcohol.

Self-care is about nourishing five aspects of our well-being: physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual. Pay these aspects of your life attention every week, and soon you’ll be brimming with love and care you can afford to pass on to others.

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It’s well known that exercise and movement are beneficial for the body and mind but completing these exercises in nature increases the mental benefits tenfold.

Whether it be better concentration, more rapid recovery from illness or reduced feelings of anxiety and depression, taking time out in nature is proving time and again to be the ultimate tonic for today’s technology-dependant society.

Make sure to get outside this weekend and explore our region’s excellent walks.

Bluewater Trail

The Bluewater Circuit is a scenic bike and pedestrian-friendly link of trails that ring around Mackay's city centre, making it the perfect start to exploring the city’s most picturesque spots. Along the walk, you will find popular sites to stop and explore including the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, Bluewater Lagoon, Bluewater Quay, Sandfly Creek Environmental Walk and the Iluka Park All Abilities Playground. The route is also very popular among ‘twitchers’, so bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for the birdlife. The route can be started from a variety of locations and incorporates the Bluewater Trail, Lagoons Bikeway, Catherine Freeman Walkway, Pioneer Environmental Walk, Pioneer Promenade and Sandfly Creek Environmental Walkway.

Slade Point Reserve

At the south end of Lamberts Beach is Slade Point Reserve where you will find a network of sandy tracks among the dunes waiting to be discovered. The tracks weave through untouched beach, bushland and paperbark wetlands. There are access points onto the beach along the tracks, providing the perfect opportunity to explore the best of Slade Point’s underrated nature.

Kommo Toera Trail

This short walk near Slade Point explores a unique ecosystem and wetlands area, following underneath the shade of large Melaleuca trees. It is also popular for birding, with bird observation structures throughout the track. A perfect spot to explore after work.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, one stop on the Bluewater Trail

Slade Point Reserve

Kommo Toera Trail

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Last Friday, numerous members of the public were left with lighter wallets after Highway Patrol Officers clocked drivers at dangerous speeds.

In the 100km/hr zone on the Peak Downs Highway, at least two drivers had recorded speeds in excess of 135km/hr.

Frustrated law enforcement officers say more policing will occur on the section where these offences were detected, between Eton and the Eton Range.

To add to insult, it was raining heavily when these incidents occurred.

The Peak Downs Highway is notorious for drivers travelling at high speed and unfortunately many deaths and injuries have resulted from poor driving habits.

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Two popular swimming facilities are re-opening to the public, with the Bluewater Lagoon set to re-open on Saturday, September 17. The Memorial Pool opened earlier this week on Monday, September 5.

Due to staff shortages, the Memorial Pool will temporarily operate with reduced hours until more staff can be recruited and trained.

This means the facility will be open from 5.30am to 12.30pm on weekdays, and 8am to 12.30pm on weekends.

Meanwhile, Lifeguarding Services Australia Pty Ltd has been announced as the successful applicant of the tender to operate and manage the Bluewater Lagoon over the next two years.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council was pleased to secure a new operator in time for the September school holidays.

“Council is facing the same challenges as the rest of the country when it comes to staffing and resources,” Mayor Williamson said.

“As a result, the process of awarding the contract has taken longer than expected, and we are unable to reopen the facility on September 1 as initially planned,” he said.

“The Bluewater Lagoon is an important community asset and we need to ensure that it is run professionally, and that the successful applicant can provide the highest standard of safety to the public.

“Lifeguarding Services Australia Pty Ltd has plenty of experience when it comes to ensuring the safety of swimmers, and we are confident they will do a great job managing this facility.”

Winter maintenance work was completed during the annual shutdown to ensure the facility is in good working order for residents visiting the lagoon over the summer period.

The Bluewater Lagoon’s operating hours will be 9am to 5.45pm daily when it reopens on September 17.

Residents are advised that all of council’s aquatic facilities are currently experiencing staffing shortages.

Council is encouraging residents who are interested in a new, exciting and rewarding career to consider completing a lifeguard course.

Reef Training will be running lifeguard courses at the Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex on September 24-25 and October 15-16 from 9am to 4pm each day.

To register your interest, contact Reef Training on 0403 956 753 or email

reef-training@outlook.com.

Bluewater Lagoon will reopen to the public on September 17

Memorial Swim Centre

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Pam Armstrong says volunteering for Meals on Wheels is an extremely gratifying experience.

“Everybody should go and do deliveries one day in their life,” she said.

“There are some wonderful people out there, some of them in different conditions, and they’re always happy to have a chat and say hello.

Meals on Wheels have received Volunteer Grants from the Australian Government for the last three years, with the grants going towards the cost of fuel.

“(The grants) provide us probably with about a quarter of what the costs are of reimbursing our volunteer delivery drivers every day, so we would really struggle at times without it,” said Pam.

“It is a way of keeping our volunteers and giving something back to them for all the work they’re doing for us.”

Expressions of interest (EOIs) are now open for the Government’s 2022-23 Volunteers Grant and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is urging organisations to apply.

“Please help us help the volunteers,” Mr Willcox said.

“The volunteers are so important, all community-based organisations, and these grants can be used for everything from buying a laptop or a tent.”

Grants from $1000 to $5000 are available with applications closing on Friday, September 23.

Interested parties are asked to contact Andrew Willcox’s office at the corner of Victoria and Brisbane Streets or call 4944 0662 for an application form.

“Volunteers, not just in Mackay but the whole electorate of Dawson, the volunteers keep us moving,” said Mr Willcox.

“The message is, allow us to help you.

“Please contact my office, fill out these forms and keep volunteering.”

There are over 80 people currently volunteering with Meals on Wheels, helping them make and deliver over 70,000 meals in the last financial year, but that number has dropped from over 200 volunteers before the pandemic.

Pam says they are always looking for extra hands to deliver meals and say hello to clients.

“There are some people out there who we are the only people they see each day so it’s very rewarding,” said Pam.

“We would love to see them; we’re always looking for drivers.”

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Meals On Wheels Volunteer Pam Armstrong. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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A body was found under the Fursden Creek bridge, between Foulden and Glenella, on Tuesday, September 6.

Police were made aware after a cyclist saw the body at about 12:30pm Tuesday.

Police recovered the body soon after, reportedly belonging to a man aged in his 30s to 40s.

There was a red sedan located at the creek which police believed to be linked to the man.

A Queensland Police Service spokesperson has confirmed police are treating the death as non-suspicious.

“Police are treating this as a non-suspicious death, a report will be prepared for the coroner,” the statement read.

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Are you passionate about the region's heritage, culturally significant places and buildings?

Did you know that council has a Heritage Reference Group (HRG)?

The group is comprised of volunteer community members with demonstrated experience in local heritage matters, as well as council staff who lead and advise council on local historic and cultural heritage matters within the Mackay region.

They are now calling for new members. The membership is for two years, until 2024.

To nominate, visit www.mackay.qld.gov.au/heritagecommittee

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