Weaving through the Pioneer Valley, the Mackay Railway first opened in 1885, with the last section closing between Paget and Marian in 2009.

While much of the line is still used for carting cane, a group of locals have taken it upon themselves to clear unused parts of the line and repurpose it as the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail.

Pioneer Valley Rail Trail Committee President David Arnold has a background in mountain biking and, while riding rail trails around Australia, wondered if something similar was possible in the Mackay region.

He initiated work on the project five years ago and formed the committee one year ago, starting discussions with Mackay Sugar who are the exclusive lessees of the corridor through the valley.

“Over that time, I’d identified sections that Mackay Sugar weren’t using,” said Mr Arnold.

“We came to the agreement that there’s two sections between Walkerston through to Marian.”

Mr Arnold identified one 18km stretch of the line that isn’t going to be used in the foreseeable future, but still has Queensland Rail infrastructure on it, making it a possibility.

Another section, covering 8.5km between Gargett and Benholme, has no possibility of being used and is therefore the section of rail the committee started working on.

“It started out with us getting out the cane knives and chopping lantana down,” said Mr Arnold.

“Then we’ve got a couple of guys with ride-on mowers and excavators doing a bit of work for us.

“We’ve got the 8.5km cleared.

“Bar a couple of obstacles, it’s usable now.”

The committee hopes to have the rail trail open to hikers, bike riders and horseback riders midyear.

In the long term, Mr Arnold hopes to make the trail a convenient and safe route from Mackay to Finch Hatton, especially ahead of the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails opening at Finch Hatton.

“The long picture is being able to get on a bike or a horse in Mackay and go all the way to Finch Hatton,” he said.

“There are a lot of backroads that can be used as link roads from one section of true rail trail to the next.”

Anyone interested in joining the committee, lending a hand or keeping up to date with the rail trail’s progress is asked to like Pioneer Valley Rail Trail on Facebook or join the Friends of the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail Facebook group.

Membership forms can be found on Facebook with the option to join as an individual, family or organisation.

“This is 100 per cent community led,” said Mr Arnold.

“Whatever work and whatever machinery that’s happened on the trial to date has been volunteers.”

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The Pioneer Valley Rail Trail Committee are hoping to have the rail trail open midyear. Photos supplied

Lunchtime at the Isaac coast is set for a foodie makeover with one of the nation’s much-loved amateur cooks turned restauranteurs starring at this year’s St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend.

Hervey Bay’s Dan and Steph Mulheron have earned their place in the serious foodie world after their My Kitchen Rules win in 2013. In recent years, the sausage king and queen landed a huge Coles deal to create their own gourmet range thanks to their ambassador roles with major Australian producers SunPork and Sweet Potatoes Australia.

They currently own and operate EAT at Dan & Steph’s basing the restaurant experience around family, food and fun while being stars of their very on TV show on Channel 7, Travel and EAT with Dan & Steph.

The pair will take on the signature lunch event at St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend, sharing the limelight with crowd favourite ABC TV’s Gardening Australia alumni Costa Georgiadis, bush gourmet chef Nik Flack and First Nation Peoples.

The couple’s passion is food and they are looking forward to the range of produce offered in the Isaac.

“Dan is the strong cook and always was, prior to us being on MKR,” says Steph.

“I wasn’t a great cook before we got together. But Dan has taught me so much and is my inspiration.”

“We cook every day at home for our family and we love to have friends over regularly to put on a spread,” Dan says.

The couple published their first cookbook in November 2014 ‘EAT @ Home’ and published their second cookbook ‘Meat & Sweet’ in July 2015. Their biggest goal in life was achieved when they introduced their first child into the world, a daughter Emmy born in late April 2015.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said the award-winning nature, culture, and culinary event is nestled in the backdrop of one of Australia’s birdwatching havens.

“St Lawrence’s population swells 12 times over as the wetlands’ bursts into life with an immersive experience of creativity, education, family fun and live entertainment,” Mayor Baker said.

“Take the road less travelled and head to the multi-award winning nationally recognised three-day extravaganza at historic St Lawrence on the Isaac region’s coast in Central Queensland.

“It’s the mouth-watering food, especially the locally caught mud crabs, king salmon, and prawns that attracts the foodies at heart and has helped put the Isaac coast on the destination tourism map.”

The Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia listed the St Lawrence wetlands as an essential ecosystem that supports nationally threatened water birds and is abundant with wildlife. The event is also the perfect spot to pull up the caravan and watch the colours of the east coast Australian sunset or pitch a tent or glamp at the St Lawrence Recreation Grounds.

The event is proudly brought to the region by Isaac Regional Council in partnership with the Koinjmal People from Koinmerburra Country and the community. St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.

Tickets will be on sale from 7am on Friday, 10 March 2023 for the 23-25 June 2023 event. Visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au/wetlandsweekend, call 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227) or follow Isaac Regional Council’s Facebook page for more information.

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Dan and Steph Mulheron, My Kitchen Rules champions from 2013, will take on the signature lunch event at St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend

Sarina Community Arts And Crafts Mega Raffle Featuring Handmade Quilt By Late Dulcie Christensen

A hand-made quilt by a talented Sarina crafter will be first prize in a mega raffle, conducted by Sarina Community Arts and Crafts.

A quilt made by the late Dulcie Christensen, donated by her son Glen, will be the major prize.

Dulcie was a prominent and long-standing member of Sarina Community Arts and Crafts and Sarina Fibre Arts. Dulcie loved crafts and was very artistic. She made many quilts, for her family, for friends, for fundraisers for Fibre Arts. She also was talented in Folk Art painting and many forms of embroidery.

She was an inaugural member of the Red Hat Belles of Sarina.

The raffle will be drawn on May 13, one day before Mother’s Day.

As well as the quilt, other prizes to be won are:

● A corner-to-corner crocheted rug;

● A hamper of locally produced delicious foods;

● A one-of-a kind tea cosy and tea pot;

● A fuel voucher.

Tickets are $2 and are available at the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre.

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Dulcie Christensen

Rhonda Payne and Jenny Costello with a quilt made by the late Dulcie Christensen which is first prize in a mega raffle

A quilt made by the late Dulcie Christensen is first prize in a mega raffle

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As interest rates continue to rise, it is more important than ever for homeowners to review their home loans. A home loan health check can help ensure that your loan is still right for you and your current needs. Here are five reasons why you should book an appointment for your home loan health check today.

1. A home loan health check could potentially save you thousands of dollars. By reviewing your rate, term, repayments, and equity, you may be able to find ways to reduce your loan costs.

2. Interest rates are on the rise. By reviewing your home loan now, you may be able to lock in a lower rate before they increase further.

3. Your personal situation may have changed since you took out your home loan. A health check can help ensure that your loan still meets your needs and that you are not paying for features or benefits that you no longer require.

4. Your home's equity has likely increased over time. A home loan health check can help ensure that you are taking advantage of this equity, which could help you access additional funds or reduce your loan costs.

5. Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank offers a 100% offset option, which could help you save on interest charges. By linking an offset account to your home loan, you can reduce the interest charged on your loan by the amount held in the offset account.

At Community Bank Sarina, we are here to help you get the most out of your home loan. Whether you are an existing customer or you are new to our bank, we welcome you to book a home loan health check today. With interest rates on the rise, now is the time to review your home loan and ensure that it is still right for you.

To help with your home loan check, Community Bank Sarina is here to help! Call Charmaine and the team on 07 4943 2624 or enquire online at bendigobank.com.au/healthcheck.

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Mackay’s newest acupuncturist grew up in a Chinese medicine household, following in his father’s footsteps by pursuing acupuncture.

“Whenever my brother or I would get sick, it was always herbs and natural medicine first,” said Bob Wong of Art of Acupuncture.

“My father and grandfather were practitioners so I would always help out at my father’s clinic when I was studying as well.”

It wasn’t always Bob’s dream to practise acupuncture. Originally, he wanted to travel China to study martial arts. It was his father who urged him to follow the family profession, so they came to a compromise.

“I would try studying Chinese medicine for three months with his teacher in China and then the rest of the time I would go train martial arts,” he said.

“After three months studying at the Chinese medicine hospital I ended up falling in love with it and decided that acupuncture would be my career.

“I saw firsthand the amazing results it could produce and loved how it provided a natural option rather than just drugs or surgery for everything.”

Completing his Bachelor’s in medicine in China, with a specialisation in acupuncture, Bob was able to see how both traditional and conventional medicine were utilised in Asia’s hospital systems. He moved to Australia in 2013, spending most of the time since then in Brisbane. Getting sick of the rat race, he and his family decided to try something different. After a road trip through Mackay last year, they decided it would be a good fit and they went for it. He, his wife, his eight-year-old son and six-year-old daughter love the outdoors, going for hikes and exploring their new surroundings. Still passionate about martial arts, Bob practices Brazilian iiu jitsu at Mackay MMA and helps out with the kids classes in his free time.  

Art of Acupuncture started in Brisbane in 2013, recently relocating to Pioneer Medical Centre in North Mackay. Offering a variety of services such as acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine, Bob and the team are dedicated to understanding the needs of their patients, explaining how their treatments work and getting the best results.

“We see a lot of chronic pain, neuralgia and uncommon disorders in our clinic,” Bob said.

“I love how we’re able to help people who have almost given up all hope.

“Many of these patients often times have tried everything in terms of conventional medicine and don’t really know what else to do.”

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Attention all teachers and careers advisors in the Mackay region! This is your last chance to register for the upcoming Primary Industry Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA) Teacher PD workshops.

PIEFA is a not-for-profit organization that aims to provide educators with the resources, knowledge, and skills to teach about Australia’s primary industries, including agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and food and fibre production.

These upcoming workshops in Mackay are designed to equip educators with the latest teaching resources and strategies to support their students on their learning journeys.

“PIEFA’S resources and programs are aligned with Australian and State curriculum, ensuring they are relevant and accessible to teachers across Australia”, PIEFA CEO Luciano Mesiti explains. “This alignment means that educators can incorporate PIEFA’S resources and strategies seamlessly into their teaching, helping students to better understand the role and importance of primary industries to Australia’s economy and society.”

One of PIEFA’s key platforms is the online hub, Primezone, which provides educators with a vast range of teaching resources, including lesson plans, activities, and multimedia content. Primezone’s resources cover a range of subjects, including science, technology, mathematics, and humanities, and are designed to help teachers incorporate food and fibre themes into their lessons.

In addition to Primezone, PIEFA offers a range of other programs, including professional development, online student programs and career portals and research initiatives. Each program aligns with PIEFA’s mission, to help teachers and students build their knowledge and understanding of the processes and career opportunities within our primary industries, as well as to promote sustainable and ethical practices.

Upcoming PIEFA Teacher PD workshops are being held in Cairns and Mackay, QLD, and will be held in the evening with dinner included. Educators will learn more about PIEFA’s resources, while also enjoying the opportunity to network with other teachers over a meal.

Topics covered will include sustainable food and fibre production, as well as the latest developments in technology and innovation in these industries. In addition to these benefits, attending the PIEFA Teacher PD workshops will count towards your professional development requirements, making it a valuable investment in your career as an educator whilst expanding your knowledge and skills.

The workshops are open to all teachers, regardless of your level of experience or subject area. Whether you are a primary teacher or a high school teacher; whether you teach science or humanities – there is something in these workshops for everyone.

FNQ Growers key workforce representative, Leanne Kruss, explains “Learning about Australian agriculture and where our food and fibre comes from is essential for building a sustainable and prosperous future. By gaining an appreciation for the effort and resources required to produce the goods that sustain us, students can become better equipped to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future”.

MACKAY - Primary Teachers: Monday, March 13 | 5:00-8:00pm @ Shamrock Hotel

MACKAY - Secondary Teachers: Tuesday, March 14 | 5:00-8:00pm @ Shamrock Hotel

Each session will include:

- PIEFA programs and resources

- Workshop session

- The future of agricultural education

- Dinner

To register or for more information, contact Leanne Kruss: leannefnqagriculture@gmail.com.

These workshops are proudly sponsored by FNQ Growers, Canegrowers Mackay and the Queensland Agricultural Workforce Network, an initiative funded by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and supports QLD agribusiness to attract, train and retain its workforce.

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Orchid Society's Trip And Upcoming Autumn Show

Flower power! Nineteen blossoming members of the Mackay Orchid Society took a petal-packed trip to Rockhampton to explore other gardens and greenhouses. They got to see how other growers do things, from planting to potting, fertilising to displaying. The group even visited places from North Rockhampton to Yeppoon, covering every hill and dale along the way!

Talk about spreading the love, the group was joined by other flower aficionados from Bundaberg, Blackwater, Pioneer River Orchid & Plants Assoc, and Gladstone. Thanks to Gladstone's hospitality, everyone got to ride on their petal-packed coach, even though it was stuffed with all the flowers purchased during the two-day trip.

Kudos to the Rockhampton Orchid Society for such a well-organised weekend, with morning teas and Saturday lunch for a whopping 160 people. The group even enjoyed dinner on Saturday night and lunch on Sunday at the Calligan Park Jockey Club. What a blooming great time!

Don't miss out on the Mackay and District Orchid Society's Autumn Orchid Show at the Sporting Wheelies Hall. The show will be in full bloom from Friday, March 31st from 8 am to 4 pm and Saturday, April 1st from 8 am to 3 pm. There will be orchids galore, along with pots, potting medium, tags, and more. You'll even get to see orchid culture demonstrations and enter a raffle for a chance to win some flower power! Don't forget your $2 coin donation at the door.

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Members of the Mackay Orchid Society took a road trip to Rockhampton

A marine biology expert is being recognised for her efforts in inspiring the next generation of scientists through an award-winning university-port partnership.

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) Senior Environmental Advisor Nicola Stokes has been designing targeted programs for marine science students at James Cook University (JCU), which allow them to gain real-world experience in the port industry while relating their studies to environmental aspects at ports.

“My role is to design a targeted program for each student where they can be involved in the many diverse operations and environmental aspects at ports and relate their studies to real world experiences,” Ms Nicola Stokes said.

“Students are mentored by a range of environmental management and planning experts at NQBP while undergoing their marine science studies.

“They gain practical skills beyond the classroom which can help shape their career direction.”

Ms Stokes said helping future marine scientists is one of her most rewarding roles.

"I enjoy interacting with younger generations and sharing my knowledge and passion for learning,” she said.

“It is very fulfilling to see marine science students taking an interest in the diversity and interconnectedness of port environments and see their eyes open to the opportunities available.”

Ms Stokes shares her passion for the maritime industry with students and urges them to consider working in the industry.

“The maritime industry offers opportunities that people often overlook, with many different paths taking you around the world,” she said.

“As women progress from their tertiary education into their maritime careers it is important to create an empowering space for them.”

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North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) Senior Environmental Advisor Nicola Stokes

Ms Stokes with student Jordan Wells. Photos supplied

Mackay Regional Council is bringing The Push, an organisation famous for fostering youth-led events, to the Mackay region to provide an exciting opportunity to young people.

The Push is an Australian youth music organisation and registered charity based in Melbourne.

For more than three decades, they have supported millions of young people to access contemporary music programs and events.

And now, thanks to an exciting council Youth Development initiative, they are headed to Mackay to impart their event planning wisdom to young people in a workshop series called Firecracker.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Firecracker would be a series of youth focused event workshops that would upskill young people with an interest in running events in our region.

He said The Push would partner with council’s Youth Development team and the MECC to deliver the workshops.

“Young people will be coming together with like minded peers and will learn the skills to run their own event in the Mackay region,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The workshops will cover everything from concept development and brainstorming to logistics, budgets, venue bookings and marketing,” he said.

“This really is a tremendous free opportunity which has very real future benefits for our region.

“Council’s Youth Development team has recently undertaken a project called YOL1000 where they had conversations with 1000 young people about their experience of growing up and living in the Mackay region.

“350 of those young people said if they could change something in our region, it would be to have more entertainment options.

“This program will give our youth the tools to run events that will provide more youth-targeted entertainment.

“The program also offers seed funding, so young people can come along with their ideas and, hopefully by the end of the workshop series, they can bring some actual events to fruition.”

The Push CEO, Kate Duncan said the team was excited to be coming to Mackay and looked forward to working with a host of passionate young people.

“We’re so pleased to be heading to Mackay to deliver workshops that provide young people with the skills, confidence and networks needed to stage all-ages events in their local community,” Ms Duncan said.

“Participation in programs like this not only gives young people important opportunities to build their connections to community, but also has a direct influence on the creativity and culture of a region, ensuring it reflects the unique needs of young people,” she said.

The workshops with be held in the Jubilee Community Centre on the last three Wednesdays in March:

● March 15, 4pm to 6pm

● March 22, 4pm to 6pm

● March 29, 4pm to 6pm

Participants must sign up for all three workshops to be eligible. To apply, email elisa.crooks@mackay.qld.gov.au or text 0457 245 069.

Workshops are free and snacks will be provided.

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Council is bringing The Push, an organisation famous for fostering youth-led events in Victoria, to our region to foster the next generation of event planners in an exciting workshop series called Firecracker

An exciting new art tourism project involving about 150 artists has received Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) backing.

The 2023 Mackay Art Studio Trail is a pilot project for Artists Connect Inc that is set to launch in late June for the Mackay Festival of Arts.

According to RADF Committee chair Cr Fran Mann, up to 150 participating artists will open their studios and galleries to visitors by appointment and some will offer art workshops in their studios.

“A central location will also be established as a hub for participating artists to initiate residencies, rolling exhibitions, drop-in public conversations, workshops and community and business collaborations,” Cr Mann said.

“The committee were very supportive of the project and were happy to approve $12,628 to help Artists Connect Inc deliver this exciting initiative,” she said.

Cr Mann said another exciting project to receive funding this round ($5594) was the Waste and Weeds program, co-designed by Deadly Weavers and ATSICHS Mackay.

“As part of this program, Deadly Weavers will be facilitating six, weekly mixed media workshops covering weaving, eco-dyeing, mark making and sculpture.

“A really exciting element is that participants will be utilising materials and plant matter which would normally be destined for landfill,” she said.

“Participants, who will include First Nations men and Elders, will be given a small budget to purchase materials from the Paget Tip Shop and they will also use collected green waste.

“At the end of the program, a four-week exhibition of works produced during the workshops will be held in Jubilee Community Centre throughout NAIDOC celebrations in July 2023.”

Also receiving funding to the value of $12,610 was the Eungella Arts and Crafts Fayre which is returning after a very successful inaugural event in 2021.

This event is a celebration of ancient and traditional arts and crafts.

The day will include traditional dancing, musical instruments and songs, art and craft workshops, various stalls, a Viking village, lantern parade, demonstrations, children's activities and natural healing.

All up, 13 projects were supported to a total value of $85,659.

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From left, Shelly Coakley (Wetlands Walkabout) with Deadly Weavers Auntie Frances Johnson, Auntie Jenny Binsiar, Merrileen Towler, Mellisa Taggart, Felicity Chapman, Kathy Cave and Kimberly-anne Egan

Last year I attended a coastal leaders forum that brought together leaders from 41 councils.  This was an opportunity for our coastal leaders to gather, share ideas and find ways to work together to improve the liveability of our communities impacted by coastal erosion now and into the future.

The Insurance Council of Australia commented at the forum, $150m is given out each day in Australia for insurance claims.  Government has invested heavily in a solution to the insurance crisis with a re-insurance scheme, which at the outset looks promising to assist many families in Australia who suffer high insurance costs to protect their homes.

As of July 1, 2022, the re-insurance pool was accepted in parliament and passed. This pool is designed to support insurance companies, the pricing is available in a report found at arpc.gov.au.

At the forum, I was interested to hear that a nature-based solution like a 30m wide stand of mangroves will reduce wave height and therefore reduce erosion.  Sea walls are costing $8000 per lineal meter, and nature-based solutions are $1000-$2000 per lineal meter (these figures have not been ground truthed with current labour and material shortages).

Our government pays 3 per cent funding for pre-disaster measures and supplies 98 per cent of funding for post-events. Natural hazards will continue to happen, and we can’t dwell on the past.  We need to be risk intelligent and risk aware.  Tomorrow won’t look like today and we need to gather more information to make informed decisions.

The State Government needs to make changes in legislation for Local Government regarding planning schemes, LUP, and flood plain models. Buyback and retreat must be part of ongoing conversations.  

My takeaways for our region:

● Coastal hazard adaptation is very real, and our council will be able to better inform our community once the coastal hazard adaptation study (CHAS) is complete.  As part of the CHAS we must always remember our coastline is not just for the people that live on the coast, it's our entire community that uses it for recreation and we must be concerned about the loss of community amenity and community trauma coastal erosion causes.

● The three levels of government need to work together.

● Implementation of CHAS in our region can’t come soon enough and must include nature-based solutions.

Cr Alison Jones

Mackay Regional Council

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Sure, it had been quite funny while it lasted over my indulgent summer break but my impression of the Michelin Man had , well, worn thin. It was time to put a stop to the whole routine.

I needed a companion in my stepped-up health and fitness campaign and my tough little border collie/kelpie/something else dog Millie has been an eager participant, although somewhat of a show off if I am going to be honest.

A key part of the campaign is a morning run along Far Beach in East Mackay. We drive from our home in West Mackay and, as we approach the beach along Bridge Road we see those locals enjoying their morning exercise, many heading for a beach walk.

As we pull up in the old Toyota (can’t get a new car if a wet and sandy dog is in the passenger seat) you can see the self-satisfied looks on those East Mackay people, amused at this out-of-suburber having to drive from who-knows-where to get to God’s Country by the beach.

Yeah, well I came from West Mackay my friend. And when you want to go to the Botanic Gardens for a relaxing stroll or a walk with the dog because you’re sick of the sand blowing in your face, you might just see me there.

The point is that we all love our own habitats for different reasons. I do love living a couple of minutes walk from the Botanic Gardens … I’ve spent many hours walking, running, riding through the gardens and it has been a terrific part of our family experience of Mackay.

I also love the convenience of West Mackay, the easy access to schools, shops, community facilities, the CBD, the airport etc.

But those people in East Mackay love their beach and so they should.  East Mackay is also a super-convenient, easy place to live. There’s a lot to like.

Of course, we all choose our suburbs for a reason. People in Glenella, Rural View, parts of Ooralea, Beaconsfield and Andergrove like the modern housing that’s available.

Mt Pleasant people love the convenience and quality of their suburb. Bucasia and Shoal Point … more beaches and relaxed lifestyle.

The thing is that whatever draws us to the suburb we choose, it ends up being the community, the neighbourbood and the sense of belonging that makes it home.

Many people at the moment are choosing to downsize or upgrade and that could mean selling up and making the move. It’s a bit daunting but a change is exciting and new experiences await.

It’s a good time to find out about the market so give me or one of the other Gardian agents a call to find out what’s happening and where your property sits in the market.

It could be the start of a big new chapter.

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Delta Goodrem has been enjoying the glorious North Queensland weather while in the Whitsundays filming the romantic feature film Love Is In The Air.

The film is produced by Brisbane-based company Jaggi Entertainment and supported by the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland, starring Ms Goodrem as Dana Randall, a seaplane pilot flying in the tropics who finds herself falling for the man sent to sink her business, played by Joshua Sasse.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be shooting here in the Whitsundays,” Ms Goodrem said.

“We’ve been made to feel so welcome by the local community.

“I’m enjoying being back on set, portraying a go-getter like Dana and I’m looking forward to sharing the film with audiences.”

Love is in the Air is the latest production to take place in the Whitsundays and Screen Queensland CEO Courtney Gibson said the film will be completely made in Queensland, with the support of the Screen Finance program, Regional Incentive and Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) Incentive.

“We are proud to provide end-to-end support for this latest production by Jaggi Entertainment — a Logie and AACTA-nominated company, whose Queensland creations have been hits for industry leaders such as Disney and Hallmark, and topped global Netflix charts,” said Ms Gibson.

“From the first day on set to the last day in the editing suite, Love is in the Air will generate approximately $2.25 million for the state economy and 70 jobs for Queensland cast and crew.”

Ms Gibson highlighted a recent string of productions filmed in the state’s northern regions, including Stan Original series Black Snow and Universal Pictures’ Ticket to Paradise, both filmed in and around the Whitsundays.

“Screen Queensland’s Regional Incentive was created to ensure the benefits of screen production reach communities right across the state, particularly for businesses operating in accommodation, catering, transport, tourism and more,” she said.

Joining the cast of Love is in the Air is Roy Billing (Underbelly, Jack Irish) and comedian Steph Tisdell (Total Control, Class of ‘07), with the film directed by Adrian Powers (Forbidden Ground, A Royal in Paradise).

With the crystal-clear waters and lush landscapes of the Whitsunday Islands the setting, production for Love is in the Air is based in Airlie Beach.

Far North Queensland Screen Champion and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt MP said the push for regional filming in the state’s northern regions is being backed by significant investment from the Queensland Government in programs and facilities.

Love is in the Air is written by Adrian Powers, Caera Bradshaw and Katharine E. McPhee and directed by Adrian Powers.

Producers are Steve Jaggi, Kelly Son Hing and Kylie Pascoe with Executive Producers Lee Matthews, Janine Pearce, Michael Gray and Jip Panosot.

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L-R Roy Billing, Steph Tisdell, Director Adrian Powers, Delta Goodrem and Joshua Sasse on the set of Love Is In The Air. Image supplied.

A 23-year-old Newcastle woman, who is walking from Australia’s most southern point to its most northern tip, is passing through the Whitsundays this week as part of her mammoth 5,000-kilometre trek.

Bailey Seamer departed from South Point in Wilsons Promontory National Park in May last year and is aiming to reach her destination at the top of Cape York Peninsula in July.

The total trip will take around 15 months with Bailey walking roughly 30 kilometres a day, which takes between six and seven hours.

She is in no rush to get to her destination and says that her priority is connecting with communities and advocating for mental health along the way.

Bailey was 14 when she was diagnosed with depression and 19 when she was told she had Bi-Polar.

For a long time, she didn’t know how it would be possible to lead a normal life, hold down a job or maintain relationships.

She spent a lot of time in the mental health ward of a hospital and for days she could not get out of bed.

Then, she “woke up one day and thought – that’s it!” – she left the hospital and walked the full 30 kilometres back to her family home.

This was the first of many steps for Bailey who uses walking as a form of medicine for the mind.

“I was looking for a healthy outlet and I thought – I am really good at walking!” she explains.

Eventually, a love of walking prompted her to embark on this challenging trek that has tested her mettle, endurance and grit.

Bailey has been using her savings from working as a Covid tester at the mines for a year to self-fund her trip and is also sponsored by her dad’s small business.

Over the past nine months, she has also raised $45,000 for the Black Dog Institute which helps make positive change in mental health research, education and innovation.

When she first started, Bailey walked solo, spending seven months sleeping on sofas, camping in backyards and in the occasional free hotel room.

When heat and access to water became bigger issues her partner, Sean, joined her and has been driving a support vehicle ever since.

“When I first started, I found it really hard to accept help from others,” she said.

“But it’s been amazing seeing the generosity of people along the way.”

During her journey Bailey has stopped to engage with communities, connecting with schools, community groups and individuals to help to inspire better mental health.

“When I was sick in hospital, I made a promise to myself that I would become the person I needed,” she said.

By talking with people who are living through their own challenges with mental health, she hopes to show them how it is possible to live a fulfilling life with Bi-Polar.

While in the Whitsundays, Bailey is open to talking with any individuals in the community.

She is here until Saturday and contactable on her Facebook page ‘Wandering Minds’ if you want to catch up with her.

To donate, go to wandering-minds.org.

If this article has brought up anything for you or triggered any challenging emotions, then remember you are not alone.

Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14

Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network 4945 2858

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Bailey Seamer, who is walking 5,000 kilometres for mental health, standing with her partner Sean Fox in Airlie Beach. Photo supplied

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Hi Everyone,

On Sunday I took the family along to Clean Up Australia Day down at Coral Sea Marina and it was wonderful to see how many people participated this year.

Parents with strollers, families with brimmed hats and sunnies, couples enjoying a morning walk, individuals who wanted to be part of the movement.

To think that thousands of other people right across the country were all doing the same thing made me feel warm inside and proud to live in a great nation where people contribute, and take responsibility for cleaning up their own backyard.

On Sunday no one was saying – “that’s not my litter, why should I clean it up?”

Everyone was saying: “This country is beautiful, let’s do our bit to make sure it stays that way!”

We decided to venture off to Cannonvale Beach and on the way, we saw some dedicated adults scouring the sides of Shute Harbour Road with their big hessian sacks in-hand.

They were doing a fabulous job.

As we had children with us, we opted for the safety of parks and beaches.

We trawled along in the hot sun and the younger two children were distracted, ambling along and making small, very occasional attempts to pick up litter.

The 10-year-old, however, was on a mission to save the planet!

She jubilantly cried out whenever she spotted a bit of colourful plastic or bottle top and left no stone unturned.

It was wonderful to see her enjoying time with her dad who loved following her around with the hessian sack ready to fill.

In the end, we had a good collection, but I have to say it was not as much as I thought we would collect.

The reason for this is that our parklands and beaches are just too clean!

And this pristine backyard is thanks to everyone putting litter in bins and of course Parks and Gardens for cleaning up so well.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “To leave the world better than you found it, sometimes you have to pick up other people’s trash” (Bill Nye)

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