Kerri Southee knows the Whitsundays better than anyone, and she knows property management like the back of her hand.

The owner of Tropical Rentals Whitsunday – an independent, boutique property management agency – has over 20 years of expertise in the Queensland market, and she’s just getting started.

It’s been a quick rise with her at the helm as the friendly face of dedication at Tropical Rentals since its beginnings in 2019, consistently providing the best in personalised property management for residential and commercial investment properties.

Originally from Melbourne, the fully licensed Real Estate Agent knows the realm inside and out, with it all starting way back when she first moved to the region.

“I used to come up here to holiday, and I realised that was crazy; the holidays can be in cold, old Melbourne and I can live up here,” Kerri said.

“I have a Bachelor of Arts and a Degree in Hospitality Management, and I originally came up to work as a food and beverage manager. I ended up sailing with Chris Nichols – and it’s his fault for getting me into property!

“I was quickly at L J Hooker in the deep end. I fell in love with it pretty quickly.”

The years went by and Kerri eventually branched out on her own in 2019, and quickly garnered a reputation as the on-call, 365 days a year property manager she is today. Commitment to the finest, personal service and communication with honours has been her goal since day one – and it’s left her with roaring reviews.

“It all started with owners from my previous jobs asking me: can you start your own business? We don’t want to go to a big company,” Kerri said.

“That’s how it all started, being asked by people to not do everything through a faceless agency. To dedicate our time to our owners, our tenants.”

The mantra of Tropical Rentals: we are here to support you, to listen to your needs.

From start to finish holiday permanent or holiday property management, to concierge and in-house cleaning, Kerri and her wonderful team of dedicated professionals offer a different level of service; she’s made Tropical Rentals Whitsunday a catchall for property management – and she’s always happy for a chat.

Tropical Rentals Whitsunday Senior Property Manager Kerri Southee

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Impressing a panel of 18 judges in a gruelling four-and-a-half-hour interview process, local inventor Sam Rogers, won two awards at the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair, (ISEF) which was held virtually from the United States in May.

At just 15 years old, Sam was one of the youngest entrants showcasing his AI – powered Electronic Waste Sorting Robotic Arm among some of the best youth projects from around the world in his 14 to 18 age-group category.

Awarded third place in the “Advancement of Artificial Intelligence” category, which had a total of 1800 entries, and second place in the category of Environmental Engineering, Sam took home a prize pool of $3000 US.

“The judges were a lot nicer than I thought they would be!” said Sam.

“They asked a lot of questions, but it was less scary than I thought and there was a lot of encouragement for getting a patent which was really exciting.”

The impressive Robotic Arm, which is a prototype for what Sam hopes could revolutionise the process of recycling, took two years to build and was an independent project that he funded himself.

The arm is ‘trained’ to detect electronic waste on a conveyor belt of general waste and pick up items that can be recycled.

It is estimated that 40 million tonnes of electronic waste are generated in the world each year and, although this represents only two per cent of the overall waste, it accounts for 70 per cent of the overall toxic waste.

“Growing up here in the Whitsundays instilled some strong environmental values in me,” explained Sam.

“We’ve also got a massive pollution problem in the world and I want to help in any way I can.”

When asked what he will do with his prize money, Sam said he has already registered a business name and hopes to invest further in the robotics industry.

“I’m not quite sure what I will do yet, but I am looking at something in the agricultural sector,” he said.

“I haven’t decided what I will do with the robotic arm yet either, it might become part of my portfolio for now.”

Competing in the ISEF opened many opportunities for Sam, including a $30,000 scholarship to Virginia Commonwealth University.

While he is pleased with the acknowledgement, he said that he would be looking at other universities, his dream of studying at MIT still within his sites.

In the meantime, Sam is dedicated to his studies at Proserpine State High School and is hoping to participate in an Australian Droid and Robotics summer internship soon.

Proserpine State High School student Sam Rogers brings home international award

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Who Will Become The Next Whitsunday Mayor?

Local residents could be returning to the polls in as little as eight weeks’ time to vote for a new Mayor following the recent election which saw Andrew Willcox become Federal Member for Dawson, relinquishing his role of Mayor mid-term.

His departure from the Whitsunday Regional Council has left a vacancy for the top spot, and some familiar faces have now stepped forward to vie for the honour of becoming the new Mayor of the Whitsundays.

So far, four candidates have confirmed their nominations – Councillor Al Grundy, Councillor Jan Clifford, Acting Mayor Mike Brunker and local business owner Peter Hood.

Tell us the reason you are nominating for Mayor:

Al Grundy

I want to continue the journey of uniting our towns, a path ensuring each person in the community feels they can have a say that is heard and appreciated. I don’t plan on being a career politician, rather using my business and commercial background to provide strategic direction for the betterment of the region and those who live in our community.

I genuinely love the Whitsundays, its natural beauty, resources and good people, and am driven to get the best outcomes for all.

Jan Clifford

I'm nominating to become Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council to continue the great work done by Mayor Willcox in uniting the region and ensuring that all residents are given a fair and equitable go. I am looking to encourage investment, business growth and appropriate development throughout the Whitsundays and to allow the residents an opportunity to continue to enjoy living in this vibrant region and to grow the economy and employment opportunities.

Mike Brunker

Since the election I have been inundated with people from right across the region requesting that I run for Mayor. I believe I am still young enough and can still contribute enough, using all my experience from being in local government for the past 22 years to really benefit the region.

Peter Hood

A principal accountant, tax agent and forensic auditor with over 44 years of experience engaging with clients in The Whitsundays, throughout Australia and overseas. I am experienced in dealings with Federal, State and Local Governments for 44 years and a Whitsunday Local for 24 years. My Politics = Independent.

What skills and experience do you have that would make you a good fit for this role?

Al Grundy

In 1997 I moved to the Whitsundays and became a partner/director in a Sailing Company. In 2006 I was appointed to the board of Tourism Whitsundays and in 2016 appointed as Chairman. In this role, I advocated to all levels of government, securing additional funding for the area and achieving positive legislative change. In 2014 I received the Tourism and Business Award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to the Whitsundays.  

Jan Clifford

As a sitting councillor with the Whitsunday Regional Council since amalgamation in 2008 I have the experience and dedication to the community necessary to be Mayor. Besides being a very experienced Councillor I have wide and long term experience in a number of industries, committees and funding and focus groups and, as I have no outside business interests, I am able to commit all of that experience to the future growth and harmony of the entire Whitsunday Regional Council region.

Mike Brunker

I was Mayor of the Whitsundays and Bowen for 15 years, during which I was the 1st Mayor of the amalgamated regions. I believe in economic development – over the last few years, since Debbie, we have been assisted with state government and insurance money, but over the next few years we’re going to have to be out there lobbying for funds and letting everyone know we are open for business – I will ensure we always get our fair share for the region.

Peter Hood

If elected I would return 50 per cent of my mayoral salary back to the communities and work extended periods within the various operational areas of WRC; including Tourism Whitsundays and Work Depots to find out what makes them tick. I would also meet with two residents from each WRC Division every month to ensure that I stay focused on matters for their Communities, and I would bring WRC rates, fees and charges down without reducing the quality and delivery of services.

What would be your first priorities as Mayor?

Al Grundy

Establish a number of Strategic Advisory Groups, consisting of industry representatives, community groups, council officers and councillors, tasked with understanding relevant issues, identifying opportunities and achieving reasonable consensus on solutions before presenting to the council and broader community. Focus with urgency on finding a local solution to the shortage of affordable housing. Investigate further opportunities for our economic drivers, such as agriculture and tourism.

Jan Clifford

As Mayor I would like to see more engagement with the community; in particular those who reside in our smaller communities. It would be particularly helpful to hold public meetings after the budget in order to advise the residents of the how and why the budget is formulated, where and why the budget allocations are decided and receive feedback from our ratepayers and residents on that funding going forward.

Mike Brunker

It’s just a matter of a steady hand steering the ship so we can continue in the same direction. A couple of examples that I would be getting behind include the Bowen Marine Project and another initiative which is turning black plastic into fuel. We would keep going as we are budget wise, keep it circulating around the regions and making sure we only spend what we need.

Peter Hood

Conduct an internal forensic audit of WRC operations at zero cost to Ratepayers to smash the wastage trails. Improve the equality of life for Whitsundays families. Build opportunities to encourage existing businesses to prosper and grow. Properly represent The Whitsundays to all levels of government to grow our communities. Address the issues for improved community health, aged care facilities/services and residential rental accommodation.

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Financial and economic circumstances are forever changing and thanks to the pandemic, they’re changing now more than ever.

Regularly exploring the option of refinancing your home loan could be a good way to make sure you are getting the best option to suit your needs and objectives.

RAMS Mackay Franchise Principal Leon Owen says refinancing could offer an opportunity to get a more competitive rate and opens the possibility of a fixed rate home loan that could give some certainty in these periods of increasing interest rates.

“Our customers always ask about the benefits of fixing their interest rate as opposed to staying on a variable interest rate,” Leon said.

“The most common reason that our customers choose a fixed rate is to have some certainty in the repayment amount.

“So ‘no surprises’, make it a lot easier to budget and sleep easier at night.”

Leon says that recently rising property prices mean people may have more equity in their homes which could eliminate the need for Lenders Mortgage Insurance.

The experienced home loan specialists at RAMS Mackay deliver expert service necessary to assist you in making informed decisions about refinancing.

They can see you face to face at the newly renovated Rural View office or arrange to see you at a place and time that is more convenient for you.

“Our team places a priority on delivering a high level of service with the goal of improving every customer’s situation,” Leon said.

“The key to a successful refinancing decision is working with experienced people who really want the best long-term outcome for the customer and that’s what RAMS do!

And, you might be eligible for a refinance rebate.”

Interested locals should contact the friendly team at RAMS Mackay on 07 4863 4723 and speak to Leon or Eden situated in the Rural View office.  

Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and has been prepared without taking your objectives, needs and overall financial situation into account. For this reason, you should consider the appropriateness of the information to your own circumstances and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.

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A new pilot project will see the design and production of electronics brought to the Mackay region in a world-first shared micro manufacturing facility in Mackay’s CBD.

The Rapid Prototyping and Micro Manufacturing Collaborative Pilot project seeks to remove a significant gap in the design and manufacture of small-scale electronic products and pave a pathway for scale-up and start-up businesses to grow and diversify.

The project, funded by METS Ignited and Mackay Regional Council, is being facilitated by Split Spaces and Resource Industry Network, and Split Spaces community manager Tegan McBride says the facility will give new businesses the opportunity to grow.

“This facility is like all other equipment in Split Spaces, it’s shared-use equipment, which means that if you’re a new business starting out or if you’re trying to scale up your business, you don’t need to purchase this equipment yourself,” she said.

“You’ll be able to manufacture your own electronic components right here in Mackay and make some quick changes to your prototypes which will help you get to market quicker with the product that works for you.”

The new cleanroom facility holds a pick-and-place machine for circuit board assembly in printed circuit board manufacturing.

A robotic placement head picks up electronic surface mounted technology components and places them on a printed circuit board, then a soldering oven reflow station completes the process.

Mackay-based, globally focused technology company Vayeron was the first business to come on board and co-founder and CEO Ryan Norris says the ability to manufacture in Mackay will simplify the process.

“We can now, not only quickly prototype here in Mackay instead of down in Sydney, we can manufacture products for our customers who are in Chile, the US, Taiwan, but also in Western Australia and the Bowen Basin,” he said.

Resource Industry Network General Manager Dean Kirkwood says the facility will prepare the Bowen Basin’s mines for a data-driven future and he hopes to integrate the pilot program with stage two of the Resources Centre of Excellence involving critical minerals processing.

“If we can get raw material being processed through there and actually come up with the materials that are utilised as part of the chipboards and create a supply chain all the way through, imagine that,” he said.

“Everything produced here, on our doorsteps, for our businesses.”

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson says the facility is the only community shared equipment of its type in Australia and will put Mackay on the map, quoting a statistic stating that Australia is ranked 74th based on technological advancements.

“We have to be part of this technology advance that the rest of the world is taking up,” he said.

“We have a long way to go and it’s projects like this that will start to involve the thinking process of a lot of our current organisations around ‘What can we actually do here?’ They are leading the way.”

Tegan says the collaboration is actively seeking additional partners.

“Anything with electronic components,” she said.

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Queensland manufacturers can now save money while lowering their carbon footprint thanks to a website tool.

The Advancing Renewables in Manufacturing project helps businesses in the state’s manufacturing sector find energy cost savings if they switch to renewables.

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher said a recent sample of 20 Queensland manufacturers showed there are large savings to be had for businesses looking to go greener.

“Over the 20 businesses, an average of 22 per cent potential energy savings were identified and nearly every business found some energy savings that could be made, by making the switch.

“That includes one engineering and fabrication business in central Queensland, which found they could save 55 per cent on energy, by making the switch to renewables.

“This is going to be crucial in the future and especially in the lead-up to 2032, so it’s important to see where changes can be made now,” he said.

The tool is intended to provide practical help to the many Queensland manufacturers who want to adopt renewable energy as their primary source but don’t know where to start and will contribute to a climate positive Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The website, www.energysustainability.com.au, will help each business owner determine if the switch would save them money by transitioning to renewable energy sources.

In addition to providing cost information, the web-based platform was designed to educate manufacturers and help them self-assess their own business’ opportunities to transition to renewables in a cost-effective way.

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THE Trudy Crowley Foundation Cancer Support Centre has been supporting more than 80 families impacted by cancer with a single donated iPad.

Now though, thanks to a $11,600 council Community Grant, the vital centre will be able to purchase and install IT equipment, Wi-Fi and a digital presentation system.

Community Grants Committee chair Cr Laurence Bonaventura said the funds would also go towards the development of a website, which will link people to the centre to assist with early intervention and information sharing.

“The Foundation has a free-of-charge counsellor who will use this equipment and internet to offer online therapeutic support,” Cr Bonaventura said.

“This will, in turn, decrease the need for clients to travel and increase their comfort and quality of life,” he said.

“The committee was very pleased to be able to support this application.”

Grants Continue To Care For Community Groups

Caption Midge Point: The Midge Point Fishing and Recreational Club was awarded $1,800 towards a ‘take a kid fishing day’

All up, $180,536 worth of Community Grants was distributed to 12 not-for-profit groups, and $8324 worth of Small Equipment Grants was distributed to six groups.

Another grant was awarded to a group on the edge of council’s northern boundary, the Midge Point Fishing and Recreational Club.

“It’s great to be able to contribute $1800 towards a ‘take a kid fishing day’ run by the club on the front beach at Midge Point for up to 100 kids,” Cr Bonaventura said.

“Grassroots events like this can get kids hooked on fishing and the outdoors for life and they often give children, who would never normally have the chance, an opportunity to learn fishing skills.”

Cr Bonaventura said the southern end of the region had also featured in this funding round.

“The Koumala Community Hall Committee are a small but hard-working group that provides a great community hall facility for residents,” he said.

“This committee operates on a shoestring budget, so it’s great to be able to approve a $6500 grant towards a kitchen upgrade for the facility.

“It was also fantastic to be able to support Kucom Theatre with a grant in the minor infrastructure and assets category.

“The group received $30,000 towards the purchase and installation of retractable seating at the Snow Wright Court theatre.”

The full list of grants issued also includes:

•Mackay Kennel Club Inc - $7120 towards the purchase of a computer equipment, iPads and a portable loudspeaker system  

•Mackay Family History Society Inc – $3365 towards the purchase of laptops and monitors for use at the Old Town Hall premises  

•Mackay District Target Rifle Association Inc – $20,520 towards the fabrication of a mobile small-bore rifle shooting unit, complete with targets and bullet traps at the Mount Vince Shooting Complex  

•Mackay Hospital Foundation – $7500 towards the Family Fun Day on Sunday, June 5, 2022, at BB Print Stadium  

•Bakers Creek AFL Club – $30,000 towards upgrading/renovating the existing two light poles at the Pattinson Lane grounds  

•Mackay Surf Life Saving Club Inc – $9743 towards the replacement of two roller doors on the clubhouse storage room at Mackay Harbour  

•Lions Club of Mackay Host – $8300 towards the installation of an air-conditioner, solar roof vents and motorised door openers, and an electrical upgrade to the shed in Loughnane Court.

•Community Accommodation & Support Agency Inc – $30,000 towards the upgrading and/or replacement of aging IT office equipment at the Gregory Street office

•Mackay Gymnastics Incorporated – $5000 towards updating the outdated stereo/PA system at the Snow Wright Court building.

•The Neighbourhood Hub Integrated Family Support (IFS) Hub – $6000 towards the ‘Boost’ Early Years Program

Small equipment grants were also awarded to:

•YIRS One Stop Youth Shop Inc – $1500 towards the purchase of two laptops

•Mackay City Hawks Inc. Australian Rules Football Club – $1500 towards the purchase of an ice machine

•Nanyima Aged Care – $1500 towards the purchase of a lawnmower and hedge trimmer.

•Kidney Support Network –$1500 towards the purchase of a countertop refrigerated display unit

•52 Squash and Fitness Club Incorporated – $1500 towards the purchase of a camera to affix to court 1

•Calen Trail and Horse Sports Inc – $824.44 towards the purchase of emergency kits, including snake bite bandage, portable UHF radios and a large storage bag.

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A dedicated nurse who gave more than four decades of care to her patients was farewelled by Mackay Hospital and Health Service earlier this month.

Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Julie Rampton started her nursing training at Maryborough Hospital in 1979 where she worked as a registered nurse before studying midwifery at the Royal Women’s Hospital.

She then returned to Maryborough Hospital as a midwife before moving into nurse educator roles followed by the position of Assistant Director of Nursing Education and then Director of Nursing.

She moved to Mackay to become the Nursing Director for Education and Research in 2007 and in 2009 became the acting District Director of Nursing Services before being permanently appointed to the role in May 2011. That position eventually became the Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery.

Julie has also stepped in to act as the Chief Executive for the health service and most recently has been the Executive Director of our COVID-19 response and taken responsibility for the roll out of vaccinations, testing and has led the MHHS Incident Management Team, steering it through a challenging time.

A spokesperson for Mackay Hospital and Health Service said Julie has always placed patients first and foremost and her caring nature will be missed.

In the 13 years Julie has been the Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery in Mackay she has overseen many achievements and changes in the nursing workforce.

These include working with JCU and CQU to establish the role of Students in Nursing.

“Our SINs are now an established and valuable part of our workforce and they support our ‘grow our own’ approach to staff recruitment and retention,” the spokesperson said.

Julie has always been passionate about education and ensuring nurses are able to keep their skills contemporary. One of the exciting changes she has seen is the introduction of the digital hospital and supporting the profession in Mackay to be an early adopter of this technology in Queensland.

“She has also been part of establishing the rural relievers program to provide graduate nurses the opportunity to work across rural hospitals, not only meeting workforce needs but giving our newly minted nurses a unique experience.”

She has witnessed the growth of midwifery as a profession and seen the introduction of two midwifery group practices, Maternally Yours staffed by graduate midwives and KemKem Yanga for women and babies who identify as Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander.

Julie is rightfully proud of the role she played in the redevelopment of Mackay Base Hospital, being a voice for the nursing workforce and supporting new models of care.

MHHS Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery Julie Rampton (left) retired this month after more than 40 years of service with Queensland Health. Photo supplied MHHS

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A series of powerful billboards was launched on Monday to raise awareness and draw attention to the impact domestic violence (DV) has on children.

The three billboards developed and delivered by DV Taskforce Mackay depict the faces of children and convey messages relating to children learning from and repeating the behaviour of their parents.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson says the campaign is intended to shine a light on an issue that was previously swept under the rug.

“This is about raising the level of awareness of how abuse in a family environment affects kids,” he said.

“The people who get the most traumatised out of it are children.

“If just one person picks up the phone and says, ‘I need help,’ we think we’re a long way down the track.”

Mackay Women’s Services Executive Director Linda-Ann Northey says the main message of the campaign is intervention and prevention.

“We want to make a difference for children today, make sure that they’re safe, get the message out there in a really highlighted way, but we also want to make a difference for the next generation,” she said.

There are up to 700 referrals for children requiring the service of Mackay Women’s Services and Ms Northey says she hopes that’s due to new awareness thanks to campaigns like this.

The campaign will be seen in various locations around the region for the next 12 months including two digital billboards and information screens at Caneland Central.

Caneland Centre Manager Simon De Barro says Lendlease Caneland has been a member of the mayor’s domestic violence committee since 2017 and they are proud to provide coverage of such an important campaign.

“The real message behind the campaign is helping the hidden faces of domestic violence and domestic abuse which is, of course, the children,” he said.

“To facilitate change is incredibly important and an incredibly powerful message that Caneland is supporting.”

Mayor Greg Williamson, Mackay Women’s Services Executive Director Linda-Ann Northey and Caneland Central centre manager Simon De Barro launch “The Hidden Face” campaign. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Discounts, freebies and competitions to win pet vouchers – these are all part of Mackay Regional Council’s promotion of responsible pet ownership. That starts with registering your pet.

Residents can expect to receive their pet registration renewal letters in the mail shortly. All cat and dog owners who register their pet during the month of June can save anywhere between 30 and 50 per cent off their pet registration fees.

These fees are put towards the cost of running council’s Animal Management Centre, which provides care for lost pets and tries to reunite them with their owners.

As part of the pet registration discount period, council is encouraging residents to celebrate responsible pet ownership by submitting photos of their pet to go into the draw to win one of four $100 pet vouchers.

Each week council will be asking pet owners to submit a photo matching the weekly theme:

•WEEK 1 (May 30-June 5) - Favourite photo of your pet

•WEEK 2 (June 6-12) – Show us your pet wearing its registration tag

•WEEK 3 (June 13-19) - Your pet exercising (ie: walking, playing fetch)

•WEEK 4 (June 20-26) - Cutest pet.

Visit mackay.qld.gov.au/pet to enter the competition.

Pet owners can also visit any Mackay Regional Council library branch during the month of June to pick up a free doggy doo bag dispenser.

Simply fill in a short quiz about our off-leash dog areas and take home a bag dispenser to help keep our region clean and free of doggy doo disasters.

The libraries are also inviting residents to come along to their Pets are Part of our Community Too event on Tuesday, June 28, from 3.30pm to 4.30pm at Gordon White Library.

Discover more about the amazing resources available to you and your pet through this meet and greet event with one of council’s Local Laws officers and one of their current pound pets.

You’d be barking mad not to take part!

Council is giving away free doggy doo bag dispensers at council’s library branches during June to celebrate responsible pet ownership

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If it’s yellow, let it mellow.

Major repairs to a section of damaged sewer main on Paradise Street will go ahead this Saturday night, June 4.

Rain delayed the essential works two weeks ago, but they are set to proceed this Saturday from 6pm until 8am Sunday.

All residents in the Mackay urban area, excluding the Northern Beaches, are being asked to reduce their water usage on that evening to reduce the risk of sewage overflow into our environment.

Any overuse of water in the identified areas could cause the sewage pumping stations to become inundated while they are shut down which could potentially cause harmful discharges to the environment.

Hence, council is urging all residents to do their part to help by having an early shower, leaving the dirty dishes and laundry until Sunday and if it’s yellow let it mellow!

This is not a water interruption and council crews have accounted for water usage by businesses on the night.

The works are one of the largest coordinated repair jobs being undertaken by council to date, with more than 55 crew members across five locations completing the repairs.

To complete the replacement of the damaged section of pipe, crews will need to partially drain 11kms of the sewer line, or 900,000 litres of sewage from the main.

This will involve turning off 88 sewerage pump stations in the Mackay sewerage scheme.

By switching them off, sewage will cease flowing at the required location enabling the crews to repair the pipe.

Residents can contact council on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) if they have any questions.

TIPS TO SLOW SEWERAGE ON SATURDAY NIGHT

1. If you have a pool, take a dip instead of taking a shower and quickly rinse under the garden hose to let the grass soak up the water.

2. Enjoy a family night out at the Northern Beaches. There are no restrictions there, so take the opportunity to eat out and use their facilities before heading home.

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A rail trail in the Pioneer Valley has taken another step towards reality after the project’s first committee was elected last weekend.

David Arnold and Cr Alison Jones have been the driving force over the past 18 months in a concerted effort to put plans in place to establish the first rail trail in the Pioneer Valley.  A rail trail is a path typically running along disused and abandoned rail lines.

The culmination of their meetings and discussions resulted in the inaugural meeting of the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail Association being held on Saturday 28 May with 33 members of the community from all walks of life attending.

The attendees were updated that the first section of trail to be formed is Benholme to Gargett, however moving into the future there is a potential for 76k of rail trail.

Cr Alison Jones said that after years of talking it was now time to get on with the job.

“I’m excited for this community-led project to get up and running and now it can all begin.”

Cr Jones also said ideally most parts of this rail trail could take shape before the end of the year.  

The rail trail will be a multi-use trail for walkers, bike riders, and horse riders alike.

Interested parties are invited to stay updated as to the progress by joining the Facebook page ‘Pioneer Valley Rail Trail group’ or ‘Pioneer Valley Cycle Touring and Rail Trail’.

Rail Trail Committee

President:  David Arnold

Vice President:  Melissa Longhurst

Secretary:  Kim Saron

Treasurer:  Sue Gall

Committee members:  Beau Menzies, Vicki Bowden, Stephen Kelso.

A great turnout for the inaugural meeting of the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail Association

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Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia has launched its annual ‘Regular Giving’ campaign, with a special cherry on the top heading to the charity this year thanks to mining contracting company, Coalroc.

In a bid to encourage more people to sign up for either Regular Giving or Workplace Giving for RMHC North Australia, Coalroc is donating a generous $20 for every person who signs up between now and June 20th 2022.

Coalroc Director Gerald Tinney is proud to be RMHC North Australia’s Regular Giving Campaign Partner.

“Being a North Queensland based business, Coalroc is excited to be partnering with RMHC North Australia on the Regular Giving Campaign, to encourage people and businesses from our region to help a wonderful Charity that focuses on helping those families that are dealing with the illness of a child,” Mr Tinney said.

“There can be no more rewarding contribution than being part of Regular Giving.”

RMHC North Australia Chief Executive Officer, Tamara South, deeply appreciates Coalroc’s support.

“We are truly grateful for the support Coalroc has shown for our Regular Giving campaign,” Ms South said.

“Regular Giving recognises that even the smallest contributions can make a big difference. This sustainable giving fosters a lasting impact for the more than 5,000 sick and injured children that RMHC North Australia care for every year.”

With Regular Giving, donors can tailor their monthly donation to fit within their own unique budget. Tax-deductible donations start at just $2.  

“The cost of just one coffee a week can make a real difference for the families who rely on RMHC North Australia’s five practical care programs.”

For more information on Regular Giving and Workplace Giving, please visit rmhcna.org.au.

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Mackay Regional Council CEO Michael Thomson has resigned to focus on his cancer battle and in the “best interests of council” and his family.

He has been on leave since being diagnosed with bowel cancer about three months ago and has made the difficult decision to not return to the job.

“I have made this tough decision in the best interests of the organisation and my family,’’ Mr Thomson said.

“After being diagnosed, I had urgent surgery and then embarked on a treatment regime, including chemotherapy,’’ he said.

“Weighing up the disruption my treatment could have on Mackay Regional Council at a crucial time, embarking on a new budget with a new Corporate Plan, I have decided the best option is for me to leave the organisation.

“It will also allow me more time to focus on my treatment and my family, which is extremely important to me.

“Although my diagnosis has been scary and daunting for me, I know how harrowing it is for my loved ones, especially my children.

“Telling your kids you have cancer is without doubt one of the toughest things you can do in life. The emotional toll my diagnosis and treatment are having on them weighs heavily on my mind.”

Mr Thomson, 52, said his cancer battle was a stark reminder for council staff and the community in general about the importance of regular health screenings.

“Please do not take your health for granted. Be proactive to give yourself every chance of avoiding a shock diagnosis.”

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An outpouring of grief has flowed throughout social media following the death of an adventurous spirit who lived life to its fullest.

17-year-old William Baker lost his life earlier this week following a serious traffic crash involving a van and motorbike at Blacks Beach last Saturday night.

William suffered critical injuries at the scene and was assisted by an off-duty nurse who conducted CPR ahead of the emergency response. Tragically William’s injuries were severe and he passed away.

Skateboarding brand Red Lotus Company shared heartfelt words about William and is leading a push to rename the Blacks Beach Skatepark in William’s honour.

“Our young friend William Baker lost his life in a motorcycle accident,” the company posted on social media.

“Will was a beautiful young soul that was taken to early and will be missed by many.

“In his honour we are pushing to re-name the Blacks Beach Skate Park the "William Baker Memorial Park" along with a plaque of his dates and a custom mural painted on the vert wall, which Will was the first person to ever drop in on.

“We will be putting together a Fundraising day (date to be announced) in Will’s memory to help raise funds for his family to cover funeral costs and the mural.

“It has been a pleasure skateboarding with you Will and watching you grow into a rad young human being.”

The Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club posted a touching tribute on social media to their club member.

“Eimeo SLSC are deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the sudden unexpected passing of young club member Will Baker,” the post read.

“Will was a long-time member of the Eimeo SLSC along with his family, starting out as a young nipper and progressing through to a Bronze Medallion holder and volunteer patrol member.

“He was a regular at Eimeo Beach for well over 10 years, whether he was patrolling and helping around the surf club, fishing, diving or just hanging out with mates.

“Our sincerest condolences go to Kim, Andrew and Brianna Baker, and the whole Eimeo SLSC family are here to support you.

“A surfcraft vigil will be held this Sunday, June 5th at 11.30am to remember the energetic young fella who graced us with his presence and was taken way too soon.”

You can donate towards William’s memorial online at gofundme.com/f/william-baker-fundraiser

‍William Baker died last Saturday when his Kawasaki dirt bike collided with a Toyota Hiace van at the intersection of Blacks Beach and Hancock roads.

Eimeo SLSC posted a moving tribute to William who had been a long-time member

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