Gold nanorod probes combined with an optical microscope can now be used to detect signs of a highly contagious and lethal virus that poses a major threat to the swine industry worldwide.

The state-of-the-art technology has been developed by Chinese and Australian biomedical scientists to diagnose porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV), a disease that has wreaked economic havoc on piggeries in recent years.

Researchers from Yangzhou University and the University of South Australia say the gold nanoparticle probe, designed for use on site, could replace existing PEDV detection techniques that are costly, time consuming and undertaken in laboratories.

PEDV is a devastating disease, causing severe diarrhoea and/or vomiting, dehydration, and high death rates among suckling piglets. Outbreaks in the US in 2014 and in China in 2016-2017 cost local producers millions of dollars, exacerbated by the lack of an effective vaccine and slow diagnosis.

UniSA bioengineer Dr Chih-Tsung Yang, senior author of a recent paper describing the technology, says early diagnosis is critical to preventing future PEDV outbreaks.

“The current gold standard diagnostic test involves extracting samples from pigs and taking them to a lab, which is expensive and tedious, albeit accurate,” Dr Yang says.

“Our method uses a biofunctionalised chip and gold nanorod probe to capture and label PEDV pathogens. Under a dark field microscope, PEDV can be identified by counting software. It can be undertaken on site in rural areas at minimal cost, making it accessible, highly sensitive, and giving results within the hour.

“We envisage this technology will be invaluable for biosecurity systems, helping to limit the spread of the virus in Australia and other countries, ensuring the health of pigs and protecting the industry from economic losses. There are no effective vaccines for PEDV so early diagnosis is crucial.”

‍

The Queensland sugar industry has been rocked by what can only be described as a bold and arrogant move by Sugar Terminals Limited (STL) to announce that it would terminate its Operator Agreement with Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL).

The move was made without consultation with sugar industry organisations, or with the 4,900+ growers and millers who are its shareholders. STL claims the move has been “in order to reduce costs, drive greater efficiencies and to remove a clear conflict of interest which will better position STL to serve the industry into the future”.

It is felt by STL that the 2017 industry shift to multiple sugar marketers using bulk sugar terminals - which led to a new business model drawing distinctions between QSL as a sugar marketer and QSL as terminal operator – has changed the environment. STL claims it requires greater transparency.

The announcement itself has lacked transparency, taking all industry players outside the STL boardroom by complete surprise. There is a feeling in the grower sector that in fact removing a successful third-party management/operations structure will diminish transparency.

This move seems a leap, given that as recently as October STL Chairman Mark Gray said in his address to the STL Annual General Meeting, “Setting aside depreciation and insurance, where all industries have been subject to significant increases in premiums, STL’s controllable operating costs were lower in FY22 than in FY18, the first year of our new business model. After allowing for inflation, this is a significant decline in costs in real terms.” Given that success, growers applaud the present structure for returning those outstanding achievements.  We trust it will continue to drive efficiencies and are concerned change would put future success in jeopardy.

Along Queensland’s seaboard, six bulk sugar terminals stand in testimony to what can be achieved when industry works cooperatively. Historically, they are the product of that spirit: for example- Central Region (ie: Mackay) terminal expansions in the 1980s were built using “Number 2”, or risk pool sugar returns. Growers took a reduced payment for their Number 2 Pool Sugar for several years to see a fourth sugar shed built at Mackay Harbour, dramatically increasing terminal capacity and efficiency.

These are sugar industry assets, and moreover, they are “choke point” assets. That means the Bulk Sugar Terminals overseen by STL are the sugar industry’s only gateway to lucrative export markets. Growers would be irate if these assets were misused to prioritise returns to shareholders.  Bulk terminals were never built with the intention of creating a cash-cow for shareholders, but for mutual benefit across the industry. The sugar industry needs a very clear explanation as to how taking a not-for-profit operator out of the equation will lead to improved cost-efficiency.

And what happens if STL is unable to improve cost-efficiency? Would it then shift back to outsourcing, potentially to a foreign-owned corporation? This would be unacceptable, and a sovereign risk to a significant agricultural export sector that returns some $2.5 billion to the Australian economy.

Originally built by industry and government, since the year 2000 Queensland’s sugar terminals have been overseen by STL, granted in a peppercorn sale from government, but operated and managed by QSL’s operations arm. QSL is a not-for-profit organisation that has quite distinct and corporately separated sections for sugar marketing and for terminal operations. Terminal operations – including storage, shipping and logistics- are executed by QSL on a cost-recovery basis only as a service to the industry.

Under the terms of the existing Operating Agreement, QSL remains the operator of the state’s bulk sugar terminals (BSTs) until 30 June 2026.

It is also worth noting that STL has taken steps to diversify its commodity base, with the Bundaberg Common User Infrastructure Project. In locations like the Southern Region (which includes Bundaberg, Childers and Maryborough), where the sugar industry has reduced output there is a logic to making better use of un-used bulk storage area. However, this is not something that we necessarily would like to see in regions of increasing output, such as Mackay. As an industry asset, it would be unacceptable to see these changes come at the expense of the sugar industry that has worked so hard to create terminal facilities that are a tribute to our strong industry’s efforts, toil and the foresight of our predecessors.

‍

‍

Mackay Bulk Sugar terminal has a long and rich history as an asset built and maintained by the Queensland sugar industry- from paddock to port. Pictures: Contributed

‍

Mackay Isaac Tourism (MIT) has launched a new destination events marketing campaign to align with the region’s exciting and diverse events calendar.

‘MAKE IT Mackay Isaac’, which will run from February 8 to July 31, 2023, is designed to entice the youth market, families, couples and empty nesters to visit our backyard, enjoy our events and stay a little longer to explore the region's natural wonders.

Mackay Isaac Tourism Chief Executive Officer Al Grundy said that with the amazing array of events on offer, now is the time to put a Mackay Isaac event in the calendar.

“With MAKE IT Mackay Isaac campaign launch and terrific travel deals, you can forget the southern winter and hustle of the city and MAKE IT a holiday in the Mackay Isaac Region,” he said.

“From coral reef adventures of the Great Barrier Reef to scenic flight experiences admiring the majestic landscapes of the Peak Range National Park.

“What we’re looking forward to is welcoming people from all over Australia to come for our events calendar and what we’re trying to do is say, ‘While you’re here, there’s lots to look at so stay a little longer.’”

The campaign will run across YouTube, catch up TV, social media, radio and television and is estimated to have a total combined social impression of over 9 million.

This year, Mackay Isaac Tourism partnered with Tourism & Events Queensland, Harrup Park & Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay Airport, Bonza, Virgin Australia, Queensland Rail, Mackay Regional Council (MRC), Isaac Regional Council (IRC), and Southern Cross Austereo to deliver a campaign which will allow travellers the ability to dream, plan and book their holiday.

Mackay Airport Head of Operations Adrian Miles said Mackay Airport was thrilled to support the campaign.

“This campaign comes at an ideal time, as the commencement of Bonza’s new direct services means we have never been better connected to other regional and metropolitan hubs,” he said.

“Our passenger numbers through the terminal are very exciting, and when the airport’s going well, you know the region’s going well.

“These campaigns by Mackay Isaac Tourism are critical for our local operators and everybody will benefit from it in the entire region.”

The Mackay Isaac region has evolved as a sought-after tourism destination, recently ranking eighth for growth in the top destinations in Australia over the last 3 years.

Great Barrier Reef Arena General Manager Adrian Young said the venue is excited to play a part in the Mackay Isaac region becoming one of the best event destinations in Australia.

“The way (the campaign’s) been put together by Al and his team to bring everyone together to create a bigger campaign to be able to promote the region has been exceptional,” he said.

“Like this campaign, the arena’s only occurred and only got to where it is because of the community engagement, everybody getting together and understanding what the opportunity is.”

Mr Young promises a stacked calendar of events at the Arena, with the official launch to be held in May at Legends on the Lawn.

“We’ve got some big events with Legends on the Lawn being the opening event and we’ve got cricket and AFL and some other events later in the year.

“We’re hoping to open the arena with a bang.”

‍

‍

Great Barrier Reef Arena General Manager Adrian Young and Mackay Isaac Tourism Chief Executive Officer Al Grundy

‍

If you believe the narrative of the climate change lobby, we are all doomed unless massive changes are made to how we live, work and operate our economy.

There’s a list of things we have to eradicate, most of them enjoyable and central to how our economy operates, if we are to survive.

Rib fillets are bad, vegan patties are good. Coal-fired power stations are evil, wind farms are angelic. The traditional motor car is Satan’s steed, an electric vehicle is heaven on wheels.

The imminent demise of the fuel-powered motor vehicle means it is only logical to think of petrol stations as the blacksmith shops of the early last century.

The writing was on the wall for blacksmiths when Henry Ford started rolling his cars off the production line over 100 years ago.

It was the same for video stores about 15 years ago. In the blink of an eye they went from being on every street corner to extinction.

Are petrol stations the video shops of our time? Apparently not, judging by the number of new ones dotting the Mackay landscape.

New petrol stations are popping up everywhere and, while it clearly means that the investors believe your SUV is going to be around for a while, it is also a significant vote of confidence in Mackay’s economy and that of regional Queensland.

I imagine setting up the infrastructure for a service station is a little on the costly side and you wouldn’t do it unless you felt your product had a future and that the economy in that particular area was going to be strong enough to support your business.

It’s just another sign that the Mackay region is doing well and that our economy is powering along.

ANZ senior economist Catherine Birch recently spoke at a Resource Industry Network event and spoke at length about the positivity in our region.

She had good things to say about the resources sector and the strength of our economy generally.

One of the things she pointed out is that job vacancies in central Queensland are double the pre-pandemic level. So rather than having the challenge of unemployment, we have the challenge of finding people to do the work that local businesses need done.

And there is plenty of work to be done. She noted that our resources sector had diversified when we needed to find alternative markets when China put a ban on our coal. But Ms Birch also made the point that China is lifting those bans and we should be full steam ahead with exports to that country.

She didn’t say anything about all our new petrol stations but I’m sure she’d think the growth in that area is another vote of confidence for our region. That’s good for business and good for real estate.

‍

20 years ago, I had a job (a good job), but I pretty much did the same stuff every day. I joined the State Emergency Service (SES) because I wanted something more, to be part of “something that did something” different. I had no idea at the time that the SES would become such a profound part of my life. This week I clocked up 20 years of volunteering in the SES, it sounds like a long time, but it doesn’t feel like it. I work with two volunteers in the Unit that have volunteered for more than 40 years each. When I think of all the things we've done with the other volunteers over the years, I wish I had joined way earlier.

The SES empowers people to help themselves and others in their community during times of emergency and disaster and has been defending our communities since the 70s. It’s grown into a unique emergency response organisation that’s the largest of its type in the world. It’s also the largest provider of road crash rescue in Australia and it’s the only emergency response agency volunteer or otherwise that is trained, equipped, and organised to do land, air, water, and forensic search.

Volunteers can train in vertical rescue, flood boat rescue, search and rescue, agency support, storm response, incident management, emergency traffic management, community education, and fundraising. These functions provide opportunities for almost anyone in our communities to volunteer. If you want, you can deploy all over Australia or just respond to your local community when needed. Over the years, your local SES unit has searched for dozens of missing people, rescued and evacuated hundreds from flooding, protected thousands of homes and held whole rivers at bay with sandbags.

Mackay Regional Council was one of the first in Queensland to have a dedicated SES Levy to look after the vehicles and buildings of our local unit. Mackay Regional Council is also the only council in Queensland to have a Strategic Directions group to ensure the local SES has what it needs in groups, functions, training and funding so our Local Unit is well supported.

The SES has been one of the most significant aspects of my life. I completely recommend it to anyone, it will change your life for the better, as it has for mine. Just search “Join SES” on your preferred search engine, then do it.

Cr Justin Englert

Mackay Regional Council

‍

Sophie Novosel dreams of the bright lights of a career in musical theatre, and the St Patrick’s College graduate is on the right track.

Sophie was struck by the performing bug at the age of eight and has since starred in an impressive number of productions as well as receiving awards for performing in school and at eisteddfods.

Sophie has been accepted to study a two-year Diploma of Musical Theatre at the exclusive Brent Street Studio in Sydney where she hopes to access the intensive professional training that will open a pathway for her to be a triple-threat performer.

Sophie was named last week as the recipient of the MECC’s $1000 Jack Sturgeon Bursary for 2023.

It was one of three bursaries presented by Mayor Greg Williamson.

Mayor Williamson said the achievements of all recipients were inspiring.

“We have seen Sophie star in lead roles in the Mackay Musical Comedy Players performances of Chicago, Shrek and We Will Rock You,” Mayor Williamson said.

“She is certainly a star on the rise, and we can all look forward to seeing where this opportunity will take her,” he said.

Artspace Mackay’s $1000 Rick Wood Bursary for 2023 was awarded to Anna Gavan.

Anna is a recent graduate of Mackay North State High School who is making the move to Brisbane to begin a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Visual Arts and Creative Writing at the Australian Catholic University (ACU).

“Anna’s art has driven all of her achievements and success and it is her dream to pass that passion on to a new generation of students,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Anna aspires to undertake a Master of Education (Secondary) following her bachelor’s degree to be a high school visual arts and creative writing teacher so she can inspire young people to see the true beauty and essentiality of art,” he said.

The $3000 Artspace Mackay Foundation Bursary recipient for 2023 is animation and visual arts student Alana McAnulty.

Alana completed a Bachelor of Digital Media (majoring in animation and graphic design) at Central Queensland University and is currently completing a Master’s in Creative Industries through the SAE Institute.

Alana is a queer identifying creator who is passionate about creating works that both broaden and normalise queer experiences.

“Alana plans to use this bursary fund to create a short, animated film as part of her current Master’s degree. She plans to engage voice actors and a colourist to take her animated film to the next level. We wish her well,” Mayor Williamson said.

‍

Artspace Mackay Director Tracey Heathwood, 2023 Rick Wood Bursary recipient Anna Gavan, Artspace Foundation Bursary recipient Alana McAnulty and Mayor Greg Williamson at the presentation morning tea

‍

It’s halfway through February, and I reckon I’m the fittest I’ve ever been in my life, all thanks to my mates.

This month 4MK are all over Feb-Fit as usual. It’s a month of moving, eating right and becoming a better you than the month before. That involves eating better food, moving more with some extra activities, like what I do with Steve at City Fitness.

Plus, it’s also a month of keeping track of what you’re doing as well as your mates, thanks to Intersport. Sure I’m giving away some cool prizes this month just for being part of it, but also we are changing people’s lives and making them live longer.

I’ll give you an example of what I’ve been doing lately. Well, if I’m correct, I did start this latest exercise stuff back in October but who’s counting right!

Every Saturday I head off to the gym and do one of those hour long exercise sessions that does a whole bunch of movements. You know the old lift kettle bells, box jumps, treadmill runs and a car flips. Just the usual stuff we do. Yes and I did say car flips. Actually when we did it for the first time it wasn’t part of the routine, someone actually parked their car too close to the wall, so, all of us got under the metal guards and flipped it.

I wouldn’t recommend it for a workout. They are heavy, plus the insurance company is still asking questions to this day, some 18 months later. If anyone asks, I wasn’t there.

The other things I’ve been doing are a few walks along the beach near Illawong and also some time when I drive out to Bucasia with my cut lunch. I take a cut lunch with me as the length of time it takes to drive out there, I might as well smash a few egg and lettuce sandwiches to pass the time.

I guess with all the walking and gym workouts I’m doing, I will be the fittest person around Mackay come March. If not, I’ll be laid up in Ward B at the Mater having surgery to repair something that didn’t do what it was meant to.

I’ll let you know how I go.

If you’d like to find out more about Feb-Fit give me a shout at 4MK. I’ll be the bloke in fluro leggings and sweat running down my face.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

‍

A record donation of $48,000 to those who rescue us in our greatest time of need was made possible thanks to the nimble hands and big hearts of ESA Alpha Rho. The club which is like the lady’s version of Lions volunteered before Christmas to gift wrap presents for a gold coin donation.

ESA Queensland President Faye Dennien said more people had become aware of the gift wrapping service, which last year was in its 19th year, with corporations and groups taking advantage of the time-saving initiative.

“We have families who will drop a trolley load of presents off for us to wrap while they keep the kids entertained in a different part of the shopping centre,” Faye said.

“I believe the largest amount of gifts to wrap in one go was around 130, dropped off by the organisers of the Carmila Christmas Tree, who host the community and provide presents for the children.”

ESA Alpha Rho Mackay Founding Member Judy Johnson said that while the donations to charity were impressive, they wouldn’t be possible without a network of organisations and committed volunteers all lending their hands.

“I want to say a big thank you to all the volunteers, without them, this would not be achieved,” Judy said.

“We have many organisations to thank who donate their time to wrapping; the Neighbourhood Hub, RACQ CQ Rescue, members from the St Patrick's Mercy College, the Red Cross, Councillor Justin Englert, and the Kidney Foundation, to name a few,” she said.

The service was so overwhelmingly popular that at times the ladies struggled to keep up with demand, and went through more than 12km of wrapping paper in the process.

$42,000 of the funds raised were donated to RACQ CQ Rescue and the remaining $6,000 was given to Queensland Remote Area Tracking, a specialised emergency service based in Mackay.

RACQ CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee said ESA’s dedication to fundraising is truly inspiring.

“It shows that an amount as small as a gold coin from someone in the community can soon grow into a figure like $42,000 with the collective efforts of organisations like ESA Alpha Rho. When you take 10 of these inspirational community groups it becomes half a million dollars, which is what keeps community-funded rescue services like RACQ CQ Rescue in the air.

“We’re probably the most supported community helicopter service in Australia, the passion behind our service in the region is humbling. I think it’s because almost everyone knows at least one person who has been rescued by RACQ CQ Rescue,” Mr Healee said.

“The demand is growing and our costs are significantly higher than they were two years ago, we estimate over the next two years we will need an additional two million dollars to keep the service in the air.”

Mr Healee thanked both Caneland Central and ESA Alpha Rho Mackay for their ongoing generosity and the countless hours volunteers spent manning the stall to benefit such crucial local charities.

‍

‍

L-R: ESA Alpha Rho Mackay Founding Member Judy Johnson, ESA Alpha Rho Mackay President Annette Wisnewski, Queensland Remote Area Tracking member Matthew Munchow. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

L-R: Judy Johnson, Center Manager Caneland Central Mark, Annette Wisnewski, RACQ CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee

‍

‍

Council's landmark Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike trails project is clicking up a gear.

Last week’s ordinary meeting of council approved a development application for stage one of the mountain bike park.

The material change of use application was lodged by council via Veris Pty Ltd. It includes 13km of trails and a purpose-built trailhead, with direct road frontage to Anzac Parade.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the planning approval, subject to conditions, was an important milestone for the signature project.

“Council had the vision to create a world-class mountain bike park and trails between Eungella and Finch Hatton some years ago,’’ he said.

“Since then, we’ve been working hard on planning with all stakeholders, including the community, State Government agencies and traditional owners.

“This approval clears the way for the start of construction.

“We envisage stage one will be open by Christmas this year.”

Mayor Williamson said the trailhead at Finch Hatton would include an amenities block, picnic area with shelters, maintenance shed, pump track, bike wash and car parking.

“There will also be entry statements, landscaping, recreational open space and pedestrian connections to Bagley Street and the town centre. We’ve also refurbished the former Cattle Creek mill administration building and retained it for community use.”

Mayor Williamson said the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike trails would be a lucrative national and international tourism drawcard.

“It is exciting that we’re about to embark on the construction of stage one of this project, which will have huge economic benefits for the region and the Pioneer Valley, in particular Finch Hatton and Eungella.”

To stay up to date on this project, visit connectingmackay.com.au and subscribe to project update emails.

‍

‍

Artist impression of the Finch Hatton trailhead

‍

Experienced St Patrick’s College teachers Angela Beardmore and Dorota Cook were two of several local educators recognised by Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton in the Mackay region at the recent Opening Year Schools Mass held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church North Mackay.

Both Angela and Dorota received special plaques on the day for over 20 Years of distinguished service to Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton.

Angela taught at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, North Mackay in 2001 and 2002 before serving 15 years at Emmanuel Catholic Primary School, Mount Pleasant from 2003 to 2017 where she assisted immensely with Eisteddfod and sporting events.

Since joining the staff at St Patrick’s College Mercy campus in 2018, Angela has proven a fine acquisition in the classroom and a successful Cricket Coordinator along with fellow teachers Adam Knezevic and Chris Dunn with the school Boys & Girls Cricket Excellence Program.

In recent years Angela has helped guide the Girls Cricket team to Queensland and North Queensland State Secondary Schools Twenty20 Challenge titles and is a great stalwart of the Brothers Mackay Cricket Club. She has also assisted with Mercy netball and rugby league teams during that time.

Dorota spent nearly a decade teaching in the Northern Territory which included three years at Alice Springs High School and six years at the Senior College, Centralian before moving to Mackay.

She taught Senior Maths and Physics and Year 10 Science for six years at Holy Spirit College and has spent the past 15 years at St Patrick’s College where she has served as the Head of the senior school Science Department since 2016. A tireless staff member, Dorota continues to teach Senior Maths and Physics at the college and is the Physics Panel Chair for the Mackay region.

She has spent 18 years on the Physics Panel and the past three years as the Lead Confirmer Physics for the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA).

We congratulate both Anglea and Dorota on their many years’ service.

By Chris Karas

‍

‍

St Patrick’s College Mackay teachers Angela Beardmore (left) and Dorota Cook display their Catholic Education 20 Year Service Recognition plaques

‍

Mackay detectives are investigating an alleged arm robbery of a 29-year-old woman in East Mackay yesterday, Tuesday, February 14.

Around 3:30pm, the 29-year-old attended an appointment at Victoria Park State School, parking her car in the vicinity of 14 Goldsmith Street.

“A female adult victim was parking her car in the street and was approached by a male person,” said Mackay Detective Inspector Emma Novosel.

“He approached her and opened the driver’s door and demanded that she exit the vehicle.

“The female victim resisted slightly, at which time the male person presented a knife.

“She exited her vehicle and the male person got in the car and drove away.

“Fortunately, the victim wasn’t injured during this incident and a number of bystanders quickly came to her aid.”

The man fled the scene in the woman’s 2019 blue Ford Endura station wagon bearing Queensland registration 38 KLA.

Investigations uncovered that the man stopped at a service station in Farleigh around 5:00pm that afternoon where he purchased items using the victim’s bank cards.

Police have released vision of the man, who is described as Caucasian in appearance, aged in his mid to late 30s and with tattoos on both arms and one shin.

Police are urging the man depicted, or anyone with information in relation to his identity and whereabouts, to contact them.

Anyone who might have witnessed this incident, or who may have relevant dashcam footage, or has seen the car, is also urged to come forward.

“We're talking about the area on Goldsmith Street, near the intersection of Shakespeare Street, yesterday afternoon between 3 and 3:30pm,” Detective Inspector Novosel said.

It is reported that a man of the same description had recently attempted to gain access to another vehicle at a nearby address and, when confronted, claimed he was mistaken and fled the scene.

Investigations are continuing.

‍

Police have released vision of a man who may be able to assist with the ongoing investigation into the alleged armed robbery in East Mackay. Photo supplied

Mackay Detective Inspector Emma Novosel urged witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

‍

The alleged murderer of three family members in a shooting in Bogie last August appeared by video link at Bowen Magistrates Court on Tuesday this week.

Darryl Valroy Young, 59, has been charged with the murders of his neighbours Mervyn and Maree Schwarz, 71 and 59 respectively, and Mrs Schwarz's 35-year-old son, Grahame Tighe.

He is also charged with the attempted murder of Mrs Schwarz's youngest son, 30-year-old Ross Tighe, who was shot in the incident but able to flee the scene and alert authorities.

It is believed that Mr Young invited his neighbours to meet with him to discuss boundary dispute issues when the incident took place.

Mr Young has now also been charged with three additional offences, including possessing an unregistered Breda shotgun, possessing a replica weapon and possessing a Winchester rifle.

During the hearing the police prosecutor asked for an extension to deliver the brief of evidence and the matter was adjourned until February 21.

‍

Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) are thrilled to announce a new manager, Adriel Burley, who is now employed locally and ready to actively help people through challenging times that could lead to mental health struggles.

He will work with the broader WSPN committee to create awareness of the free services available and further generate the conversation on how we can all use our own sphere of influence to protect people and prevent suicide.

Preventing Suicide Within Our Community

“We all have a sphere of influence in the community that we are part of,” said Adriel Burley.

“It could be your football club, it could be your business or teenagers of a similar age, it could be part of the farming community – connecting with us and learning what we do provides us with a sphere of influence into those communities and we need that.”

Suicide is a difficult subject to approach with someone who you may be concerned about, in fact many people are worried about saying the wrong thing and making the situation worse.

WSPN have a host of tools to help you and also offer regular free training workshops to teach residents how to best respond to concerns.

With Adriel at the helm, there will now be countless other ways that help is available in the community.

Some of his top priorities include ensuring local youth have access to the right help and trying to promote early intervention.

“There is often a perception that suicide prevention is about acute and crisis,” he said.

“But there is so much we can do in the preventative space – in the Whitsundays we have all these diverse industries here with varying pressures so we need to be pre-emptive here.

“Whether it be natural disasters, economic change or homelessness – there are all sorts of societal pressures on why people come into crisis and we can help the community prepare for that so it actually supports itself.”

WSPN Patron and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP said Adriel represents an invaluable support mechanism.

“I think he is going to be a very valuable resource for the community to connect and tap in with,” she said.

“It will also help the network to focus on the direction and its strategies - to have someone who is dedicated to the community, to establish its presence more and to have a point of contact will be invaluable.”

Volunteer Matt Stokes said that securing Adriel as a Manager means that the committee, which is largely made up of local business owners, have a man on the ground to help.

“We were a bunch of exhausted business owners who didn’t have much time but now Adriel’s enthusiasm is lifting the committee and with his help we can do so much more,” said Matt.

“I’m time poor but I give as much as I can, and I would encourage others to come onto the committee and help where they can too.”

WSPN provide a range of local services which include free counselling for families affected by suicide, free weekly breathing classes in Bowen and Airlie Beach, and direct links to other services that can help with mental health.

“We are a safety net for the community,” said Adriel.

If this article has raised any issues for you call Lifeline on 131114

‍

‍

Caption: WSPN Manager Adriel Burley, WSPN Patron and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP, WSPN volunteer Matt Stokes, WSPN Treasurer Paul Burke and WSPN volunteer Di Fleetwood. Photo credit: Norina Jane

‍

The fuel we put into our bodies is important, especially in the bodies of our children as they grow and develop.

The energy from a well-balanced and nutritional diet powers them, helps sustain them throughout a busy school day and gives them brain power to learn new things.

One local dad understands this implicitly and he uses his knowledge of health and fitness to create an initiative called The Healthy Kids Project.

“One of the ways we help improve the health of our kids is through nutrition,” said father of three Tim Oberg.

“And the food we consume at school, for some families, is potentially the best food they consume all day.”

With this in mind, Tim decided to help guide the school Tuck Shop into a higher health accreditation by illuminating junk food and replacing it with healthy options.

He has also introduced Fresh Fruit Friday by working with Woolworths in Cannonvale, who supply free fruit to the local school children every week on a Friday.

Last week was the first time they trialled the initiative and Tim said he was astounded by the result.

“Woolworths kindly supplied 100 pieces of fruit last Friday and it went in literally five minutes!” he said.

“They’ve offered to supply more next week just to keep up with demand!”

Fresh Fruit Friday is currently gaining momentum at Cannonvale State School and Tim says he hopes it will expand to other schools across the region, the state and even on a national level.

‍

‍

Caption: The box of fresh fruit that was distributed for free at Cannonvale State School on Friday. Photo supplied

‍

Hi Everyone,

Health is the greatest, most priceless gift of all.

When we have good health, whether that be mental or physical, we are incredibly blessed.

This week on the front page we welcome Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network’s new manager who will oversee all local operations.

Adriel Burley is dedicated to helping our region’s youth and is passionate about creating a supportive community that knows how to help others, so that suicidal thoughts can be prevented before they even form.

Mental health is not necessarily visible and that’s what makes it so hard to see – it is not a broken arm or snotty nose – it is often hidden deep and can be found in the most unlikely of usually smiling faces.

By checking in with each other, asking R U Ok?, we can all do our part to put an end to people thinking there is no other option but suicide.

Continuing with the health theme, I found out this week that my dad has bowel cancer.

He is 71 years old and fortunately, it was discovered early on, and it is operable.

As many of you will know, I was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer almost four years ago, and after six months of chemotherapy, I was lucky to survive.

It is well-known now that a prevalence of cancer runs in the family, so if you have a family history of cancer make sure you stay vigilant.

Watch out for symptoms such as extreme exhaustion, nausea, indigestion and an ongoing niggling ache or concern.

While most symptoms are usually of no concern, I believe it is our own responsibility to be our own internal doctor and complete regular check-ups.

When was the last time you had a breast scan or a pap-smear test? If you are over 50 or concerned about your bowel movements – have you ordered a bowel screening test?

A bit of discomfort now can avoid a lot of discomforts later, trust me, I know.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “The first wealth is health” (Emerson)

‍