
After more than 25 years with Blacks Real Estate, Andrew Black continues to be a familiar face in Mackay’s residential property market. Andrew joined the agency in 2000, beginning his career in residential property management before transitioning into residential sales. Now a Licensed Real Estate Agent and Sales Consultant, he has spent decades helping local buyers and sellers navigate the Mackay housing market. His long-standing connection with the agency has given him extensive knowledge of the region’s property landscape and changing market trends over the years. Blacks Real Estate said Andrew’s experience across both property management and sales provides clients with a well-rounded understanding of the real estate process, from investment properties through to family homes. Operating from offices in Mackay and Dysart, Blacks Real Estate services residential, commercial, rural and industrial clients across the region. CAPTION: Andrew Black has spent more than two decades with Blacks Real Estate. Photo source: Blacks Real Estate
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I’m not sure that Donald Trump would play fair if he were one of the buyers in a multiple offer scenario on a Mackay property. There are clear rules about how multiple offer situations must be handled and, based on recent form, I just don’t think the US president would want to abide by the rules. From what I can tell he doesn’t seem to be a very good sport, not a great loser, and in a multiple offer situation in Queensland real estate there has to be a loser. Take Trump’s conduct during the soccer World Cup, being held in the US, Canada and Mexico. When US star Folarin Balogun received a red card and, as is standard practice, got an automatic one-match suspension Trump was on the blower to FIFA president Gianni Infantino asking for a review. The result was that the US star’s suspension was suspended for one year and he was able to play in the next World Cup game. It seems unlikely that a phone call from leaders of other countries would have resulted in a similar reversal of a decision. But I don’t blame Trump … that’s what he does. He tries to push and shove and shout and bully his way to getting the best deal he can for the United States. You might not like him but he certainly tries to get the best deal he can for his country on the world stage and, no doubt, for himself when it comes to business. It was, however, a bit of a surprise to hear he had made a call to the FIFA president trying to reverse the ban on a US player. What was even more surprising was that his strategy worked. Now I’m not to sure about this and I am just a real estate agent in Mackay who follows other football codes much closer than soccer but that FIFA mob looks a bit dodgy to me. You would have thought there would be a clear response from the FIFA president along the lines of: “Thanks for the call Mr President but you have got to be kidding if you think the independent body governing the world game is going to be influenced by political leaders about who can and cannot play based on our established rules.” Clearly that was not how the call played out and it turns out that there seems to be some flexibility in the rules and how they interpreted based on the person who is making the request. Which brings me to another contentious situation, the multiple offer scenario for properties being sold in Queensland. When it comes to multiple offers and which one is accepted, it is entirely up to the seller. The seller can accept a higher offer, accept a lower offer that might have no building and pest clause or no finance clause, or accept an offer just because that’s the one they like. A client of mine accepted a lower offer on a property last year because the buyer was a young, local woman who was starting off in life and had made the best offer she could. An investor offered about $30,000 more but the seller said, “I’m making good money out of this either way. I want the young woman to have it.” But one thing that is clear is that a real estate agent can’t tell one buyer what another buyer has offered in a multiple offer situation. We have to tell a buyer: “There is another offer on the table so you are in a multiple offer situation and I suggest you put in your best and final offer as you might not get a chance to make another offer.” That’s when some buyers say: “How much is the other offer.” Some buyers can be quite forceful but rules are rules and agents can’t reveal that. Although, if the FIFA president was the agent and Donald Trump was the second buyer there might be some flexibility.
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Most small business owners I speak to are not short on ideas, if anything, they have too many. They are trying to keep up with social media, update their website, understand Google, run ads, write emails, serve clients, follow up leads and still actually do the work they are known for. No wonder marketing starts to feel overwhelming. And here is the thing. The problem is not always that you are doing nothing. Sometimes the problem is that you are doing a lot, but without a clear direction. You post because you feel like you should. You boost something because business feels quiet. You update your website because someone told you it might help. You try another platform because everyone else seems to be there. But without a strategy behind it, it can start to feel like you are throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. This is where stepping back can make a huge difference. In most cases, you do not need another platform, another content idea or another person telling you to “just be consistent.” Sometimes, you need to look at the bigger picture. What are you actually trying to sell? Who are you trying to reach? What is working already? What is wasting your time? What should you focus on first? A clear conversation can often save weeks or even months of guessing. Marketing coaching can be helpful for this reason. It gives you space to untangle the mess, ask the right questions and create a plan that feels realistic for your actual business. At Glow Sphere Marketing, this is something I help small business owners with through short, practical coaching sessions, including a 2-hour option for those who want clarity without ongoing support. Marketing does not have to feel so messy. Sometimes you just need someone to help you sort through it.
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Some rescue stories stay with you, and Ahsoka and Johnny Cash’s journey is one of survival, strength and an unbreakable bond. Ahsoka was found as the smallest of a litter of six kittens, cold, weak and barely responsive after losing her siblings. Thanks to the dedication of an incredible foster carer who provided round-the-clock care, she defied the odds and pulled through. She is still being monitored for an injured eye but continues to grow stronger every day. Johnny Cash, affectionately known as the “Man in Black”, was found alone at just two weeks old. After being placed alongside Ahsoka in an incubator, the pair quickly became inseparable. While Ahsoka is gentle and resilient, Johnny is bold, curious and full of playful mischief. Together, they have helped each other heal and formed a bond too special to break. These two little survivors are now ready to find their forever home — but only together. If you can offer Ahsoka and Johnny Cash the loving indoor home they deserve, contact Ros on 0403 814 318 and share a little about yourself, your family and why you could be their perfect match.
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During storm season in the Whitsundays, it is important to clear up your garden to avoid potential hazards and remove items that could become airborne in strong winds.
At this time of year, the increased rainfall can cause gardens to become overgrown, providing the perfect habitat for snakes and other dangerous animals.
By clearing up your garden, you can remove potential hiding spots for snakes and reduce the risk of an unexpected encounter.
Another benefit of clearing up your garden is that it can help to improve the overall appearance of your property.
An overgrown and cluttered garden can detract from the beauty of your home and reduce its value.
By keeping your garden tidy and well-maintained, you can create an inviting and welcoming environment that will enhance your property's curb appeal.
To clear up your garden, start by removing any dead or dying plants, as well as any fallen branches or other debris.
Trim back any overgrown bushes or trees and remove any weeds or other unwanted plants.
Consider hiring a professional tree service, such as Whitpro, to remove any large or difficult-to-reach branches.
Unsure what to do with your garden waste? Call Garden Bags Whitsunday who will be happy to provide a sack to store debris and then remove it for you.
By taking the time to clear up your garden, you can help to keep yourself, your family, and your property safe during the wet season.
Don't wait until it's too late - start clearing up your garden today.

A new chapter of aviation love took flight on Valentine’s Day, as the new Aussie airline, Bonza, made its debut direct flight from the Sunshine Coast to Mackay.
A local couple from the Sunshine Coast, who share the same endearing nicknames as Bonza's aircrafts (Shazza and Bazza), marked this special occasion by renewing their wedding vows at the airport on the tarmac before boarding the flight. The couple, who were celebrating 41 years of marriage, were honored guests of Bonza, where a festive pool party and BBQ awaited them and other passengers at the Ibis Hotel in Mackay.
As passengers arrived at the Mackay terminal, players from the Mackay Cutters greeted them on arrival dressed in bright purple Bonza budgie smugglers before a celebratory cake was cut to mark the momentous occasion.
"Bonza is soaring to great heights. On the 27th of January, we went on sale for the first time and sold over 10,000 seats in just three days," said Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza.
"Since then, customers have been embracing our app-first approach, and on the 31st of January, we took to the skies for the first time.
On Valentine’s Day, we shared our love with our friends in Mackay."
Bonza launched its first direct flight from the Sunshine Coast to Mackay earlier this week, offering customers a chance to reunite with loved ones on Valentine’s Day. The airline’s goal is to connect communities and provide affordable flights to explore more of Australia with its regional network.
Flights from the Sunshine Coast to Mackay can be booked through the Fly Bonza app, with prices starting from $59 per person, one way. The Mackay to Cairns route, starting on the 29th of March, is also available for $49 per person, one way. The Melbourne base of Bonza is expected to go on sale soon, which will include a twice-weekly service between Melbourne and Mackay.
Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza said, “We want to make it affordable to explore more of Australia, and Mackay is a prime example of a stunning, yet undiscovered destination.
Mr Jordan added that the possibility of other destinations in the future comes down to how well the community supports the routes available now, and for the public to reach out on social media to Bonza to let them know which new destinations they would like to see added.
Mayor Greg Williamson welcomed Bonza to Mackay and thanked the airline for choosing the region as its second destination to be serviced from the Sunshine Coast.
“Here’s a company that recognises what the north of the state can do, that recognises the ability of our region to pump this airline up and make sure the connections they are offering us are well supported, which I know our community will do.”
Andrew Brodie, CEO of the Sunshine Coast Airport, and Richard Barker, CEO of North Queensland Airports, were also on board to celebrate this historic flight. Mr. Brodie emphasized the significance of this milestone for the region, as they eagerly anticipate welcoming travellers from Mackay.
"Sunshine Coast and Mackay are both renowned for their beauty and rich history," said Mr. Brodie.
“With the introduction of this new route, travellers can now spend some time on the Sunshine Coast before heading north, saving time and money and giving them greater freedom and choice in planning their holiday."
“Once the schedule is ramped up, we expect this new Bonza service to add thousands of additional seats to the Mackay market each week," he said.
Passengers and players from the Mackay Cutters enjoyed a cheeky pool party at the Ibis Hotel in celebration of the inaugural Bonza flight from the Sunshine Coast to Mackay on Valentine’s Day
A celebratory kangaroo cake was cut at the Mackay Airport to celebrate Bonza’s inaugural flight to Mackay. L-R: Richard Barker, CEO Mackay Airport, Al Grundy, Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO, Tim Jordan, CEO Bonza, Greg Williamson, Mackay Mayor, Andrew Brodie, CEO Sunshine Coast Airport with a young passenger from the flight. Photo credit: Amanda Wright
The first passengers on Bonza’s inaugural Sunshine Coast to Mackay flight were treated to a pool party at the Ibis Hotel

Australia was left in shock when two young police officers, Constable Rachel McCrow and Constable Matthew Arnold, lost their lives in the line of duty on a property at Wieambilla, west of Brisbane, on December 12.
Memorials were held across the country, including here in Mackay a week later at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre.
The service was conducted with the assistance of many throughout the community and Mackay Police recently thanked those who assisted.
“We are very lucky here in the Mackay Whitsunday District to have an astounding amount of support around us from our community,” a statement from myPolice Mackay reads.
“We wanted to give back to those who played a special part in the Memorial of Constable McCrow and Constable Arnold, that was held at the MECC in Mackay.
“Whether it was by donating or assisting with the organisational aspect, we are very grateful for their kindness and support.”
A morning tea was recently held where members of the public received Certificates of Appreciation to thank them for their support.
Certificates of Appreciation were presented to civilians who volunteered and donated for the Memorial of Constable Arnold and Constable McCrow by the Superintendent. Photos supplied

The surf and sand of the Sunshine Coast was brought closer to Mackay earlier this week, with Bonza’s inaugural flight taking off between the lands of pineapple and sugar.
It’s part of Bonza’s promise to open up more regional pathways via air services, with a Mackay to Cairns route opening for ticket sales in March.
It’s a promising indication for our region’s economy to see a new airline place its faith in Mackay and the Whitsundays from the get-go. Bonza’s first flight was last month from the Sunshine Coast to Proserpine, and Mackay was the second cab off the rank.
The airline's launch has been met with much enthusiasm from both the travel industry and locals, with many people eager to take advantage of the new carrier's competitive prices and unique flight schedules.
At this stage, the destinations which will become available direct from Mackay will be the Sunshine Coast, Cairns and Melbourne. An announcement on Melbourne pricing is set to come in the next fortnight.
Tim Jordan, founder and CEO of Bonza, spoke at the Mackay press conference and said he was keen to hear what other routes Mackay locals wanted to see added in the future, and encouraged people to reach out on Bonza’s social media to let them know. Of course, we will have to make sure the initial three destinations are well supported first.
So, where are you planning your next Bonza vacation?
Amanda

Andrew Willcox, Member for Dawson is calling on the Federal Government to immediately reverse its decision to impose a de facto regional processing penalty on skilled workers in priority sectors hoping to take up one of thousands of jobs that need to be filled in regional communities.
Mr Willcox said, “As rural and regional communities in Dawson are crying out for skilled healthcare workers, nurses, disability support workers, teachers and doctors are being unfairly prevented from priority visa processing because of Government imposed red tape.”
Mr Willcox added that thousands of critical workers are being unfairly denied prioritisation of visa because they want to live in regional and rural Australia.
“By failing to recognise Skilled - Regional visa (subclass 887) visa in its prioritisation the Government is effectively encouraging skilled workers to move to the city.”
The Home Affairs website indicated 90 per cent of Skilled - Regional visa (subclass 887) visas are being processed in 27 Months and information released under FOI indicates there could be as many as 19,000 Skilled - Regional visas awaiting processing by the Department.
The Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Member for the regional New South Wales seat of Farrer, Sussan Ley said the Federal Government is failing regional, rural and remote communities through this shoddy decision made by a rookie minister.
“Minister Giles’ inbox is overflowing with mail on this issue and we’ve heard nothing but crickets from him, it is simply not good enough and needs to be fixed immediately,” the Deputy Leader of the Opposition said.
“As a result of this complete stuff up by Minister Giles, workers that are desperately needed in regional communities are missing out on priority processing.”
Andrew Willcox, Member for Dawson called on the Federal Government to immediately prioritise processing of regional workers in Dawson.
“Our community deserves better than being relegated to the slow lane of visa processing just because we live in rural and regional Australia, it is just not good enough and I am calling it out,” he said.
The Shadow Minister for Health and regional South Australian Senator, Anne Ruston said communities in rural, regional and remote Australia are currently crying out for critical healthcare professionals, yet the Government continues to sit on their hands when it comes to this workforce crisis.
“This extremely disappointing action comes on top of their decision to rip overseas-trained doctors out of country towns through changes to the Distribution Priority Areas and to cut 70 telehealth-related Medicare items that were providing immediate primary care access to mostly rural Australians.”
Andrew Willcox, Federal Member for Dawson (left) is championing the cause for skilled workers in rural and regional communities

Passengers were left in shock after the Spirit of Queensland train, travelling from Brisbane to Cairns, was involved in a collision with a road vehicle north of Mackay earlier this week.
The incident occurred at 8:40am on the morning of Tuesday, February 14 at the Pratts Road level crossing at Calen, just off the Bruce Highway.
Emergency services arrived on site shortly after as did Queensland Rail’s emergency response teams, maintenance and electrical staff.
The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle suffered head injuries and was taken to Mackay Base Hospital in a stable condition while 161 passengers were aboard the train, with some being treated for shock and minor cuts from broken glass.
One passenger reported that 18 windows were smashed across most carriages of the train.
“The impact sounded like (a) gun shot,” said the passenger.
The service was consequently cancelled and customers were transferred to their destination by bus.
Queensland Rail Acting Head of Regional Scott Cornish said Queensland Rail is committed to ensuring safety at railway crossings.
“The Pratts Road level crossing is fitted with active protection in the form of flashing lights, which were working at the time of the incident,” he said.
“The crossing also has warning signs on all approaches.
“This is an important reminder for road users to pay attention to the signs and signals in place for everyone's safety.”
Repairs to the level crossing were completed Tuesday afternoon and the line has reopened.

A local volunteer has recently been recognised at the state level for his commitment to the PCYC Braking the Cycle (BTC) program as the program celebrated its 10th anniversary last year.
Alan Williamson was flown to Brisbane last December and recognised for eight years of service to the program at a presentation at Parliament House.
“Alan is our longest running mentor in Mackay,” said BTC Program Coordinator Tanya Brown.
“He has done it since the program started in Mackay, so eight years, he’s been doing it weekly for eight years now.”
BTC is a volunteer driver mentor program supporting learner drivers without access to a supervisor or registered vehicle to complete their logbook hours by pairing them with a volunteer driving mentor.
Alan got involved after a long career of driving buses, trucks and taxis in New Zealand and Australia, hearing a radio ad that seemed perfectly timed.
“I was doing runs around Nebo area and listening to the ABC every morning,” he said.
“When my wife was alive, she encouraged me to try to teach kids how to drive, even adults how to drive, and this came up.
“It was exactly what I wanted to do.
“Over the years, since I started driving buses, I’ve had a lot of people, and I mean heaps of people, compliment me on my driving skills.
“Those are the skills I’ve got, and I’d like to pass them on,”
Alan thanks a defensive driving course for his driving skills – something he says all young drivers should have access to.
“Defensive driving in New Zealand is totally different to what it is here,” he said.
“It helps younger people, it doesn’t cost you anything, volunteers teach you and I think it should be something we really need to look at.”
With 25-30 participants active in the program at one time and plenty more on the waitlist, Ms Brown said there’s high demand for volunteers.
“You need to have a really patient demeanour,” she said.
“They end up being that listening ear for the kids.
“The kids do tend to trust and unload.”
Vehicles are provided by PCYC for sessions, as is insurance, and volunteers need to have held an open driver’s license for 12 months and hold a blue card or be willing to obtain.
For more information, contact Tanya Brown on 0437 597 736 or email tanya.brown@pcyc.org.au.
Braking the Cycle Volunteer Alan Williamson and Program Coordinator Tanya Brown
Mr Williamson (far right) was recognised for eight years of service at BTC’s 10-year anniversary celebrations in Brisbane

Kim Baker has donated 33 human beings’ worth of blood in the past three decades across three states -- accounting for roughly a person worth a year.
The Mackay registered nurse completed her 300th donation in mid-January at the Mackay Donor Centre after 30 years of what she said had developed into something of a lifesaving “habit”.
“It started with wanting to help the community; it was something which seemed like the right idea at 18 years old,” Kim said.
“It became a routine, something I would do every fortnight, and next thing you know it’s been 30 years and you’ve donated 300 times – it’s really that simple.”
On the day of her 300th donation, Kim was surprised by her husband, Andrew, and the staff at the centre, who presented her with a few gifts: pink, blood-drop-shaped macaroons, a cake, and a 44-gallon drum her husband had painted in secret which represented the roughly 166 litres of blood Kim had thus far donated.
Starting in Perth in 1992, Kim began donating blood in its whole form before moving on to plasma - the liquid in which blood cells float - which allowed her to donate on a fortnightly basis and rack up such a volume.
Kim said that helping someone in need was all the reward anyone could ever ask for when donating blood, something she had seen firsthand as both a nurse and in May when she lost her son under tragic circumstances.
“When we went to see him in the hospital [before he passed], he had a lot of health products, and so I know that giving blood and plasma gives someone a second chance,” Kim said.
“It lets them have a life, allows them to function normally, have a family, or come home to a family each night.”
Kim said giving blood was one of the best decisions of her life and she wouldn’t be stopping anytime soon.
“I think everyone should give blood if they can,” she said.
“It’s just the right thing to do.”
Kim Baker with Mackay Donor Centre staff on the day of her 300th blood donation

After previously living in a three-bedroom house, Mackay social housing tenant Stephen recently had to move to a two-bedroom unit after coming out of hospital.
“I couldn’t get up the stairs at my house so the occupational therapist with Mackay Housing Service Centre found me a ground floor unit in a newly-built complex,” he said.
At first, Stephen was unsure of the move.
“When the move was suggested, I thought that I didn’t want to do it but sometimes you just have to,” he said.
“I’m really happy with the place because it’s so spacious.
“They’re nice units and things are so much easier now because I can do things like washing.
“In my old place it was too hard because of the stairs.
“It’s been a great move and I have no regrets.”
Moving to the unit complex provided a surprising benefit for Stephen.
“My cousin lives in the same unit complex,” he said.
“I didn’t know until we both moved in so that was another positive about the move.”
Having good neighbours is important for Stephen.
“When we moved into the complex, a lady who lives down the road came to see us all and brought us a caramel tart to welcome us to the neighbourhood,” he said.
“She said she had watched the complex being built and wanted to come and welcome us.
“I thought that was very nice.”
With neighbours new and old, Stephen’s maintained solid connections to the people around him.
“I only moved down the street, so I keep in touch with my old neighbours,” he said.
“I still ring them up or I hop on my mobility scooter and visit them for a cup of tea.”
If you need housing help, call 13 QGOV (13 74 68), visit your nearest Housing Service Centre or go to www.qld.gov.au/housing to find out about available products, services and supports.
If you are experiencing, or at risk of homelessness, contact the Homeless Hotline for free on 1800 474 753 (24/7).
Stephen recently moved apartments after coming out of hospital. Photo supplied

Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) welcomed a strong intake of graduate nurses, as 84 newly qualified nurses have been recruited to the 2023 Mackay HHS Nursing and Midwifery Graduate Program.
Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery Karen Wade said, “We are delighted to welcome our largest annual cohort of graduate nurses to the health service where they will consolidate and further develop the clinical skills they learned at university.”
Nurse educator Julie Phillipson said it was a busy but exciting time of the year.
“It’s always exciting to see students grow and develop from undergraduate to graduate nurses,” Ms Phillipson said.
“You get a lot of satisfaction seeing them succeed and go on to deliver a service to the community.”
The Mackay HHS Nursing and Midwifery Graduate Program is twelve months in duration consisting of either two 6-month clinical rotations or one 12-month rotation across Mackay Base Hospital and rural hospitals.
“Graduate nurses undertake placements across any of the 25 clinical areas in the Base Hospital including mental health, emergency, renal, medical, cardiac, surgical, oncology and theatres, as well as across our rural facilities,” Ms Wade said.
66 nurse graduates will join the team at Mackay Base Hospital, five will be based in Proserpine, one at Sarina and 12 will undertake rural rotations.
“They will be supported with mentoring, theoretical and clinical guidance to ensure we build safe, confident and competent nurses,” Ms Wade said.
“Most graduates studied at CQUniversity and James Cook University and are from the Mackay region,” Ms Wade said.
“More and more of our new nurses are locals, so it is no surprise they want to develop their career close to home.”
This is certainly the case for grad nurses Chloe Langridge and Sara Herringe. Chloe, who is now working in the Intensive Care Unit at Mackay Base Hospital, is following in her father’s footsteps.
“My dad was a paramedic and a nurse, so I’ve grown up around emergency nursing.”
Sara decided she didn’t want a desk job.
“During my studies I went to Alpha for a placement and loved it,” she said.
“I am looking forward to doing a hinterland rotation across Moranbah, Dysart and Clermont.”
Matt Vella is another Mackay local.
“I have a very accident-prone family; we have a cattle property, so I spent quite a bit of time in the Emergency Department with family members with broken limbs,” Matt said.
“I also had a Nan who had a stroke and watching her being cared for also reinforced the idea that I wanted to do nursing.”
Matt spent time in the local Critical Care Unit as a student nurse and they’re thrilled to have him back as a graduate.
Some of the 84 graduate nurses who were welcomed to Mackay Hospital and Health Service last week
Nursing graduate Matt Vella

Reader Question
“I am moving into a rental property after moving out of my own home I owned due to a change of circumstances. I really want to make it feel like home but there are so many limitations as a tenant. Can you help me create my new happy place?”
Dear reader,
We understand that renting a home or unit can limit your ability to make changes that reflect your personal style and taste, but we would be delighted to assist you in creating a space that feels like home.
However, with the help of an interior designer, you can still achieve a stylish and functional space without breaking any leasing agreements.
Engaging with an interior designer can benefit you in many ways when it comes to making changes to your rental.
Firstly, we can help you create a space that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Working with you as a team to understand the look you are trying to achieve, and then offer ideas and solutions that are unique to your space.
This way, you can create a personalised space that feels like home even if you’re renting.
Secondly, an interior designer can help you maximise the functionality of your rental space.
A rental home or unit may have its limitations, such as a small kitchen, limited storage, a lack of natural light or could just look outdated. We can help you find creative ways to work within these limitations and create a space that is both functional and stylish.
Thirdly, we can help you stay within your budget.
Renting a home means you may not want to invest too much money into it, especially if you plan on moving out at the end of the lease. We can help you make the most of your budget by prioritising design elements that will have the most impact on your space. We will also be carefully choosing items together that you will absolutely love so you will want to take them with you and re-create the look again.
Finally, engaging with an interior designer can save time and stress.
Decorating and designing a space can be time consuming and overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with design principles.
During our consultation, we will start from the entry and work our way throughout the space, including outdoor areas. You will be inspired and educated on how to bring your ideas into reality so you can enjoy all the areas. We can assist in selecting furniture and accessories, and coordinating with contractors and suppliers on your behalf. This way you can truly enjoy the process and have peace of mind that everything will be in perfect scale and cohesive. The main goal is that when you come home you feel relaxed and happy to be there.
At Style Central Home it is all about YOU! Your lifestyle is taken into consideration and all the things that are important to you. We certainly want you to smile every time you walk in the door and knowing that you were a part of all the decision making as we work as a team.
If you would like assistance to style your rental home, reach out for a complimentary no obligation initial 20-minute phone consultation.

Edible flowers are not only beautiful but also delicious, adding a unique flavour to dishes and providing a colourful and ornamental touch to any garden. Growing edible flowers can be a rewarding and simple task, even for the novice gardener. Here are a few tips for growing your own edible flowers.
1. Choose the right location – Edible flowers grow best in well-drained soil with good sunlight exposure. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
2. Choose the right plants – Some popular edible flowers that are easy to grow in Australia include nasturtiums, calendula, borage, lavender and violets. Make sure to select non-toxic varieties that are safe to eat.
3. Planting – Sow seeds directly into the soil or start seedlings in pots. Follow the instructions on the seed packet and keep the soil moist.
4. Watering – Edible flowers require regular watering to thrive. Water your plants in the morning or evening to avoid evaporation and to allow the water to penetrate deep into the soil.
5. Fertilizing – Use a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks to promote healthy growth and good yields.
6. Harvesting – Edible flowers can be harvested for use in cooking or for decoration when they reach their peak of bloom. Harvest them in the morning when the flowers are at their most fragrant and flavourful.
In addition to being delicious, edible flowers also provide many health benefits. For example, violets are high in vitamins A and C, while calendulas contain anti-inflammatory properties. Roses are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect against damage from free radicals. So, if you're looking for a fun and rewarding gardening project, consider growing edible flowers. Not only will you enjoy the beauty and flavour of these delicious flowers, but you'll also reap the many health benefits that they have to offer.

Knowing the right tool for the right job is a skill that all tradies learn early in their careers. Knowing the difference between each tools important features and functions will make a major difference in your productivity and completing a project on time.
Whether you’re an electrician, carpenter or a plumber - power tools are your best friend when it comes to getting the job done. With tool bags and boxes filled with drills and drivers, power saws, sanders, grinders and spare batteries, it can become overwhelming for a first-year apprentice to know where to start.
Completing a job safely takes top priority on the work site. Using tools incorrectly, tools that are not fit for purpose or not suited to the user, can lead to injuries. It’s important to select the tools that are designed for a specific task, and are comfortable to hold, to reduce strain on joints and muscles.
Shop where the tradies shop and visit Porters Mitre 10 Tool City at Mackay and Whitsunday to gear up this year. Stocking, Milwaukee, Makita, Dewalt, Stanley, and Hikoki, there is a brand suitable for anyone on any budget. The knowledgeable team will guide you through which power tools are suitable to your trade, using their extensive years of experience.
Porters Mitre 10 is offering apprentices a chance to win a $750 gift card!
Apprentices that spend $100 on power tools between Friday 3rd and Sunday 26th February 2023 at participating stores will receive an entry to win.
Porters Mackay
Carlyle Street, Mackay
Porters Whitsunday
Corner Paluma Road & Carlo Drive, Cannonvale

An Ipswich-based historian is searching for any information, photos, letters, cards or memorabilia relating to his great grandparents.
Terence King reached out to Mackay Life in his journey to research Jens Lauritzen and Anna Cathrine Meng who migrated to Australia from Prussia in 1882.
“I’ve been working on it for a few years, so I’ve been able to gather quite a lot of information about them so far, tracing their life from when they were born in Denmark and their journey out here to Australia and their life out here,” Mr King said.
“I’ve got a fair bit of information, but I thought before I finish, I’d better try and flush out anybody in that Mackay area that might be harbouring some wealth of information tucked away in that proverbial shoe box.”
Mr King has researched and written multiple books on different sides of his family history, self-publishing them to immortalise the stories for generations to come.
“It’s just fascinating to discover, not just the bare bones of their life, when they were born, what they did, but to try and look at the context in which they lived and what was going on at that time in history,” he said.
Jens Lauritzen and Anna Cathrine Meng settled in Walkerston after emigrating from Prussia, originally Denmark.
Mr King hopes to make contact with any descendants of them or their following children: Hans Christian (Christie) Meng, Anne Catherine Roots, Martha Maria Letchford, Jens Peter (Hen) Meng, Frank Andreas (Bam) Meng, Christina Cecilia (Trinna) Stoneham, Hans Peter (Peter) Meng and William Jensen (Billy) Meng.
“I’ve been able to trace from when they were born in Denmark, and I’ve traced some of their lives up to the point of 1864 when there was a big war with Prussia,” he said.
“Where they lived was taken over by the Prussians and they came out here as Prussian citizens as opposed to being Danish citizens.
“They always dismissed any suggestion that they were German, particularly in the first world war, they were always adamant that they were Danish.”
Anyone with information or artefacts is asked to contact Mr King on 07 3282 3087 or email terenceking@bigpond.com.
Anna Kathrine Meng and Jens Lauritzen with their son Lauritzen Jensen Meng, Terence’s grandfather

Walkerston’s next generation of leaders were recognised on Monday, February 6 as Walkerston State School held its Student Leaders Induction Ceremony.
The ceremony celebrated and acknowledged the school’s 2023 student leadership group, with student leaders pledging their commitment to their roles and presented with their badges.
The 2023 student leaders look forward to continuing to be positive role models and working with their peers and staff.
Congratulations to the following students:
School Captains: Anna and Eli
Vice Captains: Frankie and Noah
Cultural Captains: Mya and Tamyka
Fadden House Captains: Lelay and Nevaeh
Ross House Captains: Ruby and Oscar
Treacy House Captains: Madison and Heath
Walkerston State School inducted their 2023 student leaders last week. Photo supplied: Walkerston State School