Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
A single-vehicle bus crash has sadly claimed the life of one passenger at Gumlu, north of Bowen overnight. According to initial police investigations, at approximately 4pm on Thursday 14th May, a bus with 29 people on board was travelling south along the Bruce Highway from Cairns to Airlie Beach, when it left the roadway and rolled onto its side. Several other passengers were injured and transported to Townsville, Ayr, and Bowen Hospitals. The bus driver, a 70-year-old Mackay man, was transported to Bowen Hospital with minor injuries. As of Friday morning, three patients are confirmed to be in a life-threatening condition with one assessed on the scene and two airlifted to Townsville University Hospital. Multiple people were injured and transported to Ayr Hospital before being airlifted to Townsville University Hospital by Royal Flying Doctor’s Service. There are eight stable patients in Townsville whilst one remains in a stable condition at Ayr. The Bruce Highway has reopened at Gumlu. This tragic accident comes less than two years after a fatal bus crash on the same stretch of the Bruce Highway, which claimed the lives of three women in on June 3rd, 2024. On this occasion, a Greyhound bus with 33 people on board was travelling north along the Bruce Highway, also near Gumlu, when it crossed over to the wrong side of the road and into oncoming traffic. The bus struck a Land Cruiser station wagon travelling in the opposite direction. A 56 year old Townsville woman and two German women aged 21 and 33 passed away as a result of the incident. The 52-year-old bus driver from North Ward was charged with five counts of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death or grievous bodily harm, but was subsequently found not guilty. Anyone with relevant dash cam vision of incident last night is urged to contact police. Investigations are continuing
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So, what’s going on with the property market? The thing about the property market is that it doesn’t stand alone in its own little world untouched by the drama going on around it. And there is a fair bit of drama at the moment. Let’s get all the dramas to form a conga line and point them out one at a time. First there’s inflation, an annoying factor that adds to the cost of living and affects people’s ability to buy real estate. Right behind inflation, and I mean very close, is its brother in arms/partner in crime/long-time bedfellow, interest rates. Interest rates have been particularly pesky lately as the Reserve Bank pushes them up in an attempt to bring inflation down. The idea is to make housing less affordable so you can make housing more affordable. Then there’s a war in the Middle East. War is very good for business if you are a weapons producer and part of the military-industrial complex but it’s not very good for everyone else. It certainly isn’t good for confidence and housing markets are pretty big on the old confidence factor. So, not good. This particular war has the additional benefit of taking place in the Persian Gulf, where a fair portion of the world’s oil is transported from Middle East oil producers to the rest of the world. The war has created a traffic jam in the Strait of Hormuz, which is restricting the supply of oil, meaning that in a world of demand and supply the price of fuel at the petrol bowser has gone up significantly. Which means our old friends inflation and interest rates give us another wave from the conga line and remind us of another impact on the property market. The conga line of dramas was joined this week by the Federal Budget and its changes to negative gearing, up until now a key driver in property investment and the supply of rental properties. Nothing changes for people who had negatively geared properties up until Budget night. My Pommy colleague Andy Collins, the Sales Manager at Gardian real estate, pointed out after the Budget that there was no way the changes would include investors’ existing properties because too many politicians own investment properties and the pollies wouldn’t do anything to hurt themselves. It’s up to you whether you think Andy is a sniping little Pommy whinger or an astute judge of human nature. Or can he be both? What Andy correctly pointed out is that from now on investors will be looking for properties that provide such good rental returns that they are positively geared, removing the need for negative gearing. That’s where Mackay’s strong rental returns come into it. Investors from southern markets have been active in the Mackay market because of those rental returns. When they can get returns like $750 a week on properties they have bought for $650,000, those southern investors realise Mackay offers better opportunities than the high-priced, low-rent options in their own cities. Andy was suggesting that it is possible that the budget changes will spur even more investment activity in Mackay because the removal of negative gearing makes investments in other markets unviable. I will delve further into the status of the Mackay market in upcoming columns but there are a few initial points to make. There is no doubt that, like every other market, the conga line of dramas has had an impact and given buyers pause for thought. But we are still seeing strong buyer activity and properties selling. As always, the buoyancy of our coal market and the jobs and business it provides will continue to be a driver of our economy and a key factor in the property market. Will the budget changes create an additional spur to our market and bring more investors in or is that conga line going to have a bigger impact? Stay tuned over the coming months.
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With more than three decades of experience and deep roots in the land, Royce Dunn brings unmatched insight to rural property across the Mackay region. Joining Blacks Real Estate in 1991, Royce is a licensed real estate agent and auctioneer, who has spent the past 25 years as Director leading the agency’s rural department. Over that time, he has built a strong reputation for his knowledge across all areas of property sales and marketing, from farmhouses and grazing land to residential subdivisions. Coming from a rural background and operating his own small farm, Royce understands the realities of life on the land, and the expectations that come with it. That lived experience allows him to connect with clients on a practical level, offering advice that is grounded, honest and tailored to the needs of farming families. Known for his straightforward approach and strong work ethic, Royce is committed to delivering results, working closely with clients to navigate the complexities of rural property transactions and achieve the best possible outcome.
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From wildlife caring, to country kitchens or supporting people with disability – a world of volunteering opportunities awaits at this year’s Volunteer Expo! This year’s event is set to be one of the biggest on record, with 55 community, support and other organisations have registered. The Volunteer Expo is being held at the Mackay Showgrounds on Sunday, May 17 from 9am until midday. Deputy Mayor Karen May said volunteering is at the heart of sustainable and supportive communities. “There are so many benefits to volunteering – from the people and organisations being supported, to those who so generously donate their time and skills. It increases community and individual wellbeing and drives positive change in the community,” Deputy Mayor May said. “What’s great about events like our Volunteers Expo is it gives people a one-stop shop to see what’s out there – and it could be something you’d never thought of,” she said. “Feedback from previous years shows how valuable this expo is to our community groups, with one organisation signing up more than a dozen volunteers on the day.” Data from Volunteering Queensland shows that for every $1 invested in volunteering, there’s a $4.70 return to the community. More than 110,000 jobs were created in 2024 through spending on volunteering – with the sector worth more than $117-billion to the state economy. Cr May said volunteering gives people to build on their passions while learning new skills and meeting new people. “It also opens up opportunities beyond the organisation a person volunteers with – it can help build new professional relationships and create new connections,” she said. “Data from Volunteering Queensland shows the overwhelming majority of people (64 percent) volunteer because they want to help others and the Volunteers Expo has dozens of options for people to help others. Entry to the Mackay Volunteer Expo is free. For more information, visit the event page on Facebook
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If you are looking for a unique experience, try a fun run on the beach at the upcoming CRUISIN’ THE COAST Sarina Beach event this May.
Held annually at the picturesque Sarina Beach, the fun run has grown in size each year and has become a trademark event for the region.
Powered by Community Bank Sarina, the 5km Community Walk plus 3km, 5km or 10km runs are returning favourites, with the 21.5km half marathon a challenge for those more experienced competitors.
The event is family friendly, and spectators are more than welcome to enjoy the hot coffee and spectacular views.
Check Community Bank Sarina Facebook page for all upcoming events and opportunities www.facebook.com/communitybanksarina
Images from the 2022 Cruisin’ The Coast fun run
Sarina High School students are kicking off the year with some extra cash in their pockets thanks to Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank’s annual scholarship program.
Zali Hooper and Chelsea Trusz were the deserving recipients of the 2023 scholarships, which provide support to assist SSHS students with their educational costs. The scholarship program is designed to promote and encourage community engagement, building the students’ confidence and developing them into the region’s future leaders.
Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank also is offering CQUniversity Scholarships for those commencing study in 2023. If you’re a first year apprentice or degree student through CQUniversity this year, you are eligible to apply for the $4000 apprenticeship scholarship or a $6000 higher education scholarship. There are two scholarships available per category and they can assist with travel costs associated with studying, learning materials like textbooks, the purchase of tools or a toolbox and other related work or study expenses.
Applications are open now and close 31 March, if you're interested in applying please contact executive@sarinacommunity.com.au for the application pack.
Peak sugarcane industry body CANEGROWERS is calling on Sugar Terminals Limited (STL) to explain the reasoning behind its decision to abandon a long and successful commercial partnership with Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) for the operation of the state's bulk sugar terminals.
CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said the bulk sugar terminals, which give Australian sugar a competitive edge over other sugar exporting nations, were built on the back of investment by growers, but STL had failed to consult growers before announcing its decision.
"These terminals are industry assets, and they remain one of our main competitive advantages, allowing Australian sugar to be traded as a reliable, high quality, sustainable product into our most valuable markets in a timely manner," Mr Menkens said.
"There seems little justification for this change and it appears to be more about corporate manoeuvring."
Mr Menkens also questioned why STL had not made clear in its public statements that the current operating agreement with QSL requires a three-year notice period.
"STL have not consulted with anyone in industry about this matter and they have chosen not to make it clear that their agreement with QSL has a three-year notice period," he said.
"While technically CANEGROWERS has no say in this agreement, given their stated intent, we call on STL to clearly explain to growers why they are determined to take this course of action."
There is no disputing that QSL has operated the terminals safely and efficiently, and its performance has been highly scrutinized.
Mark Gray, Chair of STL, stated: "In an effort to reduce costs, increase efficiencies and eliminate conflicts of interest, STL has decided to terminate its Operating Agreement with Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL). This move positions STL to better serve the industry in the future. As STL is already responsible for all operating costs and capital investment funding, it makes sense for us to operate the BSTs directly. A simplified structure will streamline operations, remove duplicated efforts, and clear up any conflicting interests in the current outsourced agreements."
Gray continued: "The duplication of costs from the QSL Board, Executive, support functions, insurance policies, and auditing requirements are unnecessary. Eliminating this duplication in corporate overhead costs will provide a permanent reduction in expenses, clarify accountability and responsibilities, and increase transparency, leading to potential additional cost savings for the sugar industry."
CANEGROWERS is now calling on STL to make clear:
1. how they intend to operate the terminals to deliver lower operating costs and an improvement in efficiency
2. how these cost savings will flow through to growers
3. what the forward operating strategy is for the terminals
4. how STL will ensure this strategy is used to benefit the Australian sugarcane industry and not be distracted seeking alternative business models driven by a focus on shareholder returns
"The successful operation of these terminals is vital to the overall success of Australia's sugarcane industry," Mr Menkens said.
"QSL's smooth and efficient operation of our terminals has ensured the industry maintained a competitive edge. This move by STL is threatening that competitive advantage and growers are rightly concerned. They deserve an explanation."
Caption: Sugar Terminals Limited has announced it has decided to in-source the operations of its Bulk Sugar Terminals, located at Cairns, Mourilyan, Lucinda, Townsville, Mackay and Bundaberg. Image: Mackay Bulk Sugar Terminal
CANEGROWERS Mackay Area Committee (MAC) met with Mackay Sugar representatives last week to improve industry collaboration and urge a successful crushing season in 2023.
Evaluating the key impacts of the 2022 crush, that extended into January 2023 and saw just short of 95% of the sugar cane crop processed, MAC Chairman Joseph Borg and Mackay Sugar Chairman and Nordzucker Group Manager Michael Gerloff, along with Mackay Sugar CEO Jannik Olejas, identified several key topics to address in the lead up to next season.
Acknowledging the impact of weather and the increasing crop during the season, Mr. Borg said, “Milling performance was certainly a vital topic we wanted to address, on behalf of Mackay local growers and harvester groups.
“Throughout last season, Mackay Sugar’s milling performance was substandard overall, despite some positive signs of improvement, such as the relatively good rate and reliability at Racecourse mill,” he said.
“The other key factor in seeing a more successful 2023 season is identifying solutions to overcome the widespread labour and skills shortage that is affecting both the growing sector and milling maintenance and operations.
“CANEGROWERS Mackay is already acting on behalf of the grower and harvesting sector on the issues, in the lead up to the coming season” Mr Borg said.
“Mr Gerloff clearly outlined Mackay Sugar’s strategy and reaffirmed Nordzucker’s commitment to the region, which has given me a level of confidence.”
For Mackay Sugar, the meeting was an important next step in maintaining open and transparent communication and collaboration with growers and industry representatives.
“Nordzucker Group invested in Mackay Sugar because we saw great value in the region and local industry and this has not changed,” Mr Gerloff explained.
“If anything, the significant increase in crop size we saw last year strengthens our commitment, and further fuels our plans to see Mackay Sugar operate as the sustainable and agile business we know it will be,” he said.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties confirmed the importance of ongoing collaboration and industry alignment when it comes to ensuring a sustainable business for all parties.
“We all want the same thing - and that’s productive crops with efficient crushing seasons, making the most of what our region can deliver,” said Mr Olejas.
“Whilst we can’t control things like the weather, we can deliver improved performance in the mills with the ultimate ambition to ensure that even the largest of crops - farmed and safeguarded by committed growers - can be processed.”
How much do you know about dengue fever?
Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regional councils are calling on residents to take the dengue quiz as part of their annual awareness campaign.
The quiz will test your knowledge on how dengue is spread, where dengue mosquitoes breed, and how you can help prevent the spread.
Everyone who enters the competition will go into the draw to win one of five $100 Porters Mitre 10 vouchers.
The annual dengue campaign is part of an EHWIM (Environmental Health Whitsunday Isaac and Mackay) initiative.
Mayor Greg Williamson said dengue was something that everyone living in the tropics needed to be mindful of.
“The wet season is upon us, and dengue mosquitos (Aedes aegypti) will be breeding,” he said.
“They breed in stagnant water around the home left in buckets, pot plant bases and containers, as well as gutters.
“That’s why it’s so important to tip out any stagnant water, throw out any rubbish lying around your yard, clean out your gutters and store items that can hold water in a dry place.”
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said residents living in north and central Queensland communities needed to be aware of the signs to look for when it came to dengue.
“The symptoms of dengue fever include headaches, fevers, aches and pains, nausea, vomiting and, in some rare cases, can result in death,” she said.
“If you experience any of these symptoms, please see a doctor immediately.”
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said residents in an area prone to mosquitos should take adequate steps to protect themselves from being bitten.
“When outdoors, make sure you wear long sleeves, trousers, a hat and use an effective insect repellent,” she said.
“To prevent mosquitoes from entering your house, check your window and door screens to ensure they don’t have any holes in them.
“You can also spray surface spray at all the entry points to your house to deter insects from entering your house.”
To complete the dengue quiz and go into the draw to win one of five Porter’s Mitre 10 vouchers visit mackay.qld.gov.au/dengue. Entries will close at 5pm on Sunday, March 12, and you must be a resident living in Mackay, Isaac or Whitsunday regional council areas to be eligible.
For further dengue prevention tips visit health.qld.gov.au/dengue.
Whether you prefer a classic cocktail or something a bit more creative, a festive drink is a great way to add a touch of romance to your Valentine's Day celebration.
With a bit of sweetness and a bit of excitement, a romantic Valentine's Day cocktail could be a classic Champagne Cocktail, made by adding a sugar cube, a few drops of bitters, and a splash of brandy to a flute of champagne. The bubbles and festive nature of champagne, combined with the sweet and slightly bitter flavor from the sugar and bitters, make for a celebratory and romantic drink.
Non-alcoholic option – use non-alcoholic champagne and omit the brandy.
Spice things up with a Love Potion Cocktail, made by mixing raspberry liqueur, triple sec, and vodka with a splash of cranberry juice and a squeeze of lime. The sweet and fruity flavors, combined with the hint of tartness from the cranberry and lime, create a delicious and romantic drink that is perfect for toasting to your love.
Did someone say Strawberry Mimosa? This cocktail is made by mixing champagne with strawberry puree or syrup. The combination of bubbles and sweetness from the strawberries makes for a delicious and romantic drink. You can also add a splash of orange juice for added flavour.
Make it pretty as a petal with a Rose Petal Martini. This cocktail is made by mixing gin, vermouth, and rose water. The addition of rose water adds a subtle floral flavour that is both unique and romantic. You can also rim the glass with edible rose petals for added decoration.
Whether you enjoy something sweet and fruity or something a bit more complex, these drinks are sure to impress your special someone.
Dating is hard enough in this day and age – regardless of your age. But for me it’s gotten to a point where even those nearest and dearest are concerned about my lack of love life!
Scotty, my co-host, has taken it upon himself to help me along this Valentine’s Day by taking over my Tinder and entering me in our True Love on A Treadmill comp on the 16th of February. We’re getting a bunch of single men and women from Mackay and the Whitsundays to join us at Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre for a round of speed dating… at speed. If you’re unlucky in love, it’s a low-pressure way to put yourself out there. You can register on our website star1019.com.au – with prizes to also be won!
If you’re already loved up with a boo than here’s my cute but easy guide to making your lover swoon this V-Day:
● Flowers are great but they die, buy your girl a voucher to her favourite hairdresser or beauty salon instead.
● Ladies, don’t skimp on the gifts! Your man will only be a more reluctant gift giver if it’s another day he has to work out what to give you but he gets nothing in return – why not put together an IOU booklet? It could be fun, cheeky or useful!
● Don’t underestimate how romantic it can be to go sit at a nice spot like the Slade Point Lookout or Mount P Lookout with some nibbles and have a good conversation.
● And if all else fails (or you’re single) agree to gift to yourself because the person who loves you the most should be you!
Happy loving from your unlucky in love cupid,
- Kaley
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With added stress and workplace pressure rising, external family dynamics and increased living costs it’s no wonder that 1-in-5 employees took time off over the past year for mental health.
Issues faced by your employees can keep them from doing their best work and as a result can lead to high staff turnover, absenteeism, presenteeism, lost productivity and a loss in revenue.
The cost to workplaces is substantial – $10.9 billion – according to a recent PwC commissioned by beyondblue, Australian Government and the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance.
There is good news though, while there are major costs to Australian workplaces, there are also significant rewards for those who do something about it. For every $1 spent on creating a mentally healthy workplace there is on average a $2.30 return.
Creating a mentally healthy workplace involves a variety of steps with one of most crucial being the introduction of employee assistance programs (EAP).
Through employee assistance programs like selectability’s EAP+ you can support your team while supporting your business.
Employee assistance programs (EAP) are designed to support and enhance the emotional, mental and general psychological wellbeing of your employees and their family. The program is designed to boost employee’s performance by helping them to resolve personal and work-related issues.
selectability partners with organisations to deliver a range of EAP services to support employee wellbeing.
Acting General Manager Clinical Services Kate Stevens said selectability’s approach emphasised early intervention and included a range of proactive preventative measures and strategies.
“Through our EAP+ we work alongside employees and support them to build resilience, which in turn can improve workplace performance,” said Kate.
“Mentally heathy workplaces take effort from everyone. Ensuring employees are happy and well supported at work is one of the most important jobs for any employer.
“There are situations that arise that can prevent employees from doing their best work. This can lead to a reduction in productivity while also negatively impacting other employees.
“As a result, employers have come to recognise the benefits of EAP in keeping their employees healthy and happy.”
Here are four benefits of signing up to selectability’s employee assistance program…
✔ Reduction in staff turnover
Having EAP that is accessible to all can build loyalty. Employees who feel valued are less likely to be unhappy in the workplace and quit.
✔ Reduction in sick days and workplace absenteeism
Did you know that absenteeism is often a result of an employee’s personal problems? EAP encourages employees to deal with problems that otherwise left can escalate.
✔ Improve staff morale
Stress related issues including decreased performance and absenteeism affect the whole workforce not just the individual. Someone experiencing high level of stress may become defensive, argumentative and less communicative at work. EAP can help by providing support as well as an outlet to discuss their issues.
✔ Increase performance and productivity
Those dealing with unresolved issues tend to lose sleep. They may also lose concentration, have accidents, overreact and underperform. Often these attitudes are infectious and will spread throughout teams. Accessing an EAP session can be a simple solution to keep the workplace healthy and happy.
Take care of your employees and they will take care of your business.
For more information email clinical@selectability.com.au or call 1800 573 253.
When it comes to Valentine's Day, it’s often the most thoughtful and sentimental tokens that mean the most.
With Cupid just around the corner, local restaurateur Mark Laffin is offering the people of Mackay the chance to spread positivity and love this month with a unique social media experiment.
Mark “Laffo” Laffin, owner of Laffos Bar and Pizzeria at Caneland Central, is asking people to share their love for those special to them on the restaurant's Facebook page.
Participants are asked to post a photo or video of themselves as a public display of affection and love to their special someone, with the incentive of $1,000 cash for the winner on offer.
"This is a great opportunity to bring some cheer to the town during February, which can otherwise be a pretty drab month," Laffo said.
"We are hoping for people to get creative, have some fun and make others happy."
The winner will be decided based on creative effort, heartfelt-authenticity and the number of Likes their post receives.
The winners will be announced on Laffos Bar & Pizzeria Facebook page and via Messenger on February 28, 2023.
Caption: Laffo leads the way in Laffos Bar and Pizzeria Valentine’s Day competition by posting this photo for his wife, Nicole. Photo supplied
If you watch the national news and you’re easily spooked it would be natural to curl up in your darkened bedroom, pull the covers over your head and brace for the Armageddon that is about to rain down upon us.
War in Ukraine, Chinese spy balloons shot down over US territory, interest-rate increases strangling real estate markets, man-made climate change destroying the planet.
The message is: be afraid, be very afraid.
Well, I’m not afraid and most of the people I know in Mackay aren’t either.
The war in Ukraine is terrible and, while we feel for the people involved, there’s not much we can do about conflict in a far-away place. China is going to be an increasing issue and the US, Australia and other nations need to stand up and be bold but that’s international power politics, it’s not new and you and I can’t do much about that either.
The climate change narrative is a new religion among inner city influencers and big city media types but while we all know the environment must be looked after, those of us in the real world remember that weather extremes are not new.
These days every weather event is linked to climate change; if it’s cold, if it’s hot, if it’s dry, if it’s wet, if it’s windy … it’s all climate change and we are in peril.
But as the old poem says: We live in a sunburnt country, a land of drought and flooding rains. We always have. So we get on with work, paying mortgages, raising kids and celebrating life in a fantastic part of a wonderful country.
As for interest rate increases, they will have an impact and they certainly are in places like Sydney and Melbourne. But in Mackay, average mortgages are lower and people are getting on with life and buying properties.
I’m not going to pretend I have a crystal ball but the real estate indicators are excellent for Mackay; rental vacancies are low, unemployment is virtually non-existent, wages are generally good and our coking coal production and exports are looking good.
The real estate market has started well in Mackay this year and there is very strong activity among buyers at open homes.
The news around the Chinese economy is very promising for us. Political leadership in that country is pushing for the sort of strong economic growth we haven’t seen for some years and Bowen Basin coking coal is expected to be a beneficiary of that change.
We have diversified our export markets so we are no longer as reliant as we once were on China, however the easing of political and trade hostilities with the Chinese has created a fantastic economic opportunity for our region.
So if you see someone metaphorically curled up in the corner with the doona over their head worried about all the negativity, remind them of who we are and how good we’ve got it.
We’re gonna be okay.
We have all seen photos of the damage to Mackay-Eungella Road from the January rainfall event that made national headlines.
The heavy rain has also affected our road network of 1551 km of sealed and 873.43 km of gravel roads with some areas suffering damage and needing repair work. I think we have fared reasonably well, and I would like to thank our council crews who have worked to make our roads trafficable again repairing everything from a few potholes to major washouts that left some roads inaccessible.
The extent of the damage means we will qualify for QDRA funding to assist with repairs. In sites that suffer damage on a regular basis we can now claim betterment to reduce the risk of reoccurrence.
So, if the roads in your area have suffered damage rest assured we will get there to do the repairs. In situations where improvements will be made it will take a bit longer as redesign maybe necessary and then works will need to be programmed to meet crews or contractor availability. If you have major road damage in your area that has not been attended to please call our client service centre on 1300 MACKAY (1300 622 529).
As I write this the weather forecast is predicating possible cyclone disturbance off the coast, if the weather has turned bad, please remember to stay off the roads unless essential, tidy up around your home, and check on your neighbours.
Cr Laurence Bonaventura
Mackay Regional Council
The Whitsundays helped to make aviation history this week when the first ever Bonza aircraft landed its inaugural flight at the Whitsunday Cost Airport on Tuesday morning.
With flights starting from just $49, Bonza aims to be here for ‘Allstralia’ and will open the Whitsundays up to new markets that would not have previously been able to access or afford a holiday to the region.
The new low-cost airline will also allow Whitsunday residents to fly directly to Sunshine Coast, Toowomba and Newcastle, opening up more opportunity to visit family and friends in previously unconnected areas.
The Whitsunday Coast Airport was buzzing with excitement on Tuesday morning when the highly anticipated Bonza flight touched down on schedule, bringing with it 160 passengers from its home base in the Sunshine Coast.
Chief Operating Officer of Whitsunday Coast Airport, Craig Turner, said this flight represented the beginning of a new era for local travel which will open our region up to 2.5 million people that would not otherwise be able to get here conveniently or cost-effectively.
“This is 15 months’ worth of negotiation, communication and organisation,” he said.
“We’ve built a magnificent relationship with Bonza and to see the first aircraft land and know that they are going to bring 134,000 seats to the Whitsundays is incredible.”
“It places us very well to exceed over 500,000 passengers this year which will be the first time in the 70-year history of the airport.”
Bonza Airlines will service 27 different routes across Australia, 17 of which went on sale last week.
93 per cent of these flight paths are not currently served by any other airline and 96 per cent currently have no low-cost carrier.
Within two days of opening ticket sales, Bonza sold 10,000 seats, many of them booked for the Whitsundays.
Chief Commercial Officer of Bonza, Carly Hovey, said they chose to make their inaugural flight to the Whitsundays because of the warm welcome they were given when scouting locations the previous year.
“When we made the largest network announcement in Australia aviation history a year ago, we travelled to all our destinations,” said Carly.
“And when we came to the Whitsundays there were around 200 people that had come along to meet us, to thank us, and to explain what a difference it would make.”
“They all chanted Bonza for five minutes – the support has been phenomenal!”
Bonza airline is the only low-cost airline to launch in Australia in the last 15 years and its presence will make the market a much more competitive place.
All interactions, from ticket sales to in-flight meals, are only able to be made through the Bonza app and many other services are streamlined, sustainable and modern.
“This is a chance to fly like you’ve never been able to before,” said Carly.
“There are now choices that have never before been available, we thank you for your support, and we are delighted that we are here today to deliver on our commitment.”
Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Whitsundays, Rick Hamilton, said that a whole new market will now be able to visit the Whitsundays.
“When fares are maintained at such a low price it actually means there is a whole new customer coming into the region that wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford to come here,” he explained.
“It’s a big injection for the region and we will see countless long-term benefits.”
Craig Turner said he has big plans for the future and that he is looking forward to opening even more routes with a variety of aircraft carriers over the coming year.
He hopes this will include a seasonal 10-week period of direct flights to Canberra.
“This will bring people up out of their winter, but it would also mean the Whitsundays could be the gateway to the snow!” he said.
Image:
1: The first passengers disembark
2: Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP, Chief Commercial Officer of Bonza, Carly Hovey and Chief Operating Officer of Whitsunday Coast Airport, Craig Turner
3: Mayor Julie Hall welcomes the first Bonza Flight
4: Tourism Whitsundays Chair Julie Telford, Mayor Julie Hall and Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Whitsundays Rick Hamilton at the long table lunch in Airlie Beach
5: Bonza CEO Tim Jordan makes a speech
6: The dedicated team from Whitsunday Coast Airport
For the first time in Bowen TAFE’s history, a range of specialist courses in agriculture will be available thanks to its brand-new $3.4 million upgrade which was celebrated with the opening of its Agriculture Centre Of Excellence on Tuesday.
The facility will offer advanced technology which includes a Farmbot for robotics, nutrition, soil science, biology and coding; and there’s a Growpod for monitoring stable growing environments and producing horticultural and agricultural products in all climates.
There will also be a virtual reality room providing advanced technology for emerging industry needs and a science lab.
The facility also has remotely monitored and controlled technology and devices, so that Bowen students can connect to the Rural Centre of Excellence on the Toowoomba TAFE campus.
Councillor Michelle Wright attended the opening and was excited to receive a full tour of the facilities, allowing her an insight into the high-tech modern working spaces that students can now enjoy.
“It will be a fantastic place for growing new skills and I don’t think kids today are necessarily aware of the different careers you can have in agriculture,” she said.
“Being the salad bowl of the state, we are in a really good place to help and assist our local growers.
“This facility will be a game-changer for Bowen and the agriculture industry as a whole.”
Jobs Queensland predicts agriculture industry jobs in the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday and Townsville regions will increase by more than 10 per cent from 2020-21 to 2024-25 employing more than 10,300 workers.
The new facility in Bowen will be able to cater for this substantial growth and will be able to upskill and educate a thriving local workforce.
Image: Bowen TAFE received a $3.4 million upgrade and opened its Agriculture Centre Of Excellence on Tuesday. Photo credit: Liz Andrew Photography
RACQ CQ Rescue Helicopter transported a four-year-old boy to hospital after he was found unresponsive at the bottom of a pool on Hamilton Island at 1.06pm on Tuesday, January 25.
The child – who was swimming in the main resort pool – reportedly gave his goggles to his mother on the side of the pool before disappearing once she turned her back.
He was then found unresponsive at the bottom of the pool’s shallow end.
The mother, a midwife, was able to pull him from the water and commence resuscitation, according to a CQ Rescue Helicopter spokesperson.
“[RACQ Rescue] happened to be in the right place at the right time, having already landed at the airport on the island to transport another patient to medical care on the mainland,” the spokesperson said.
“The chopper medical team were alerted to the near drowning and rushed to the pool immediately to recover the child, who was by now conscious, and transfer him and his mother to hospital in Mackay.”
Queensland Ambulance Service reported the boy arrived at Mackay Hospital in stable condition and underwent further treatment post immersion treatment.
When Harry Russell was returning home from work earlier this week, he spotted an elderly lady walking around at the end of his road looking lost.
Deciding to pull over and ask if she was ok, he was informed that she needed to get back up the hill, so he offered her a lift.
The lady gladly accepted, and the pair drove up the hill.
When Harry asked where she lived, however, the lady suddenly looked confused.
“She started giving me addresses for streets in England,” said Harry.
“And that’s when I realised, she must be living with dementia.”
With Harry’s own nan also living with dementia, he could recognise the signs and so he gently offered to help her look for her home instead.
“I was driving her around for about an hour and a half!” said Harry.
“By the end I think we’d driven down every street in Airlie Beach and then we came round a corner, and it was like a fog cleared and she said – ‘that’s my house!’”
Fortunately, a neighbour was home at the time and was able to look after the elderly woman until her daughter came home.
“We ended up having a really good talk when we were driving around and had a few giggles together,” said Harry.
“Any decent person would have made sure she got home safe and if it was my nan then I hope someone would have done the same for her.”
Harry is the proud owner of WhitCool Air Conditioning – a local company that services and supplies air-conditioning, both domestic and commercial.
He is also a really good person.
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