Mandatory vaccination has struck workers jobless at regional mines this past week, with many Mackay locals now unemployed with the resource industry’s support of mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations.

Roy Ware was one such Mackay local who worked for BHP - the operators of nine mines in Queensland’s Bowen Basin and the Hay Point coal terminal. Mr Ware worked for the mining giant for the last three years at their Peak Downs Mine as a permanent maintenance contractor until January 31.

The Peak Downs Mine introduced mandatory full-vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of entry to its Australian sites and offices from January 31, as did every other BHP operated mine.

“The science is clear that widespread vaccination saves lives,” BHP Minerals Australia President Edgar Basto said.

“We have undertaken a thorough assessment and believe that this is the right path forward to protect the health of our people, their families and the communities where we operate.”

Mr Ware, a husband and father to three children, was told that Thursday 27 January would be his last day and his site access would be revoked for failure to comply with the No Jab, No Entry requirements.

In peaceful compliance, Roy packed his bags, but also took to protesting outside Peak Downs the night of the vaccine mandates coming into effect.

He loaded a swag, camping gear and supplies into the ute, and made a “stand in peaceful protest for freedom and democracy” outside the facility.

Mr Ware said that, aside from himself, a few others lost their jobs but by this point many of the FIFO workers who were unvaccinated had been “weeded out.”

“One bloke was finishing up and he was on his way to the airport and had a yarn with me, as well as hung his shirt up to show his support,” Mr Ware said.

“Plenty of blokes came and saw me, it was a good little positive interaction there - four of my original crew have stopped because they didn’t get the jab.

“It’s a bit of a shame, I’m never late, never miss a day, and same goes for the other boys - the work we did was appreciated.”

Resources industry experts have said that the risk an unvaccinated employee presents, if they’re carrying COVID-19, is a catastrophic one which would lead to the closure of an entire mine site if an outbreak occurred, despite vaccinated people also being able to spread the virus.

Mr Ware said it should not be up to a company on what is a person-by-person choice.

“Big companies, I challenge them on their values of respect when they’re not valuing people’s choices to not get the jab,” he said.

Roy Ware is one of the Mackay workers who lost his job in the wake of vaccine mandates

Roy’s peaceful protest at the Peak Downs Mine

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Nominations are now open for the 2022 Inspiring Women in Isaac Awards, where men and women come together to celebrate the powerhouse females in our lives.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said the awards were a chance to nominate women of all ages and from all walks of life who help make the region a better place to live, work and play.

“We see inspiring women around us every day, and, in recent times, we’ve seen strong women determined to help their community keep moving forward amid the ongoing global pandemic,” Mayor Baker said.

“This is our chance to celebrate the incredible strength of women in Isaac and the valuable contributions they make to our communities.

"We are calling on residents to shine a spotlight on the inspirational stories and community contributions of some of the Isaac's finest women and help us celebrate the pure people power which drives our region.”

Mayor Baker said there were two award categories to nominate for the Inspiring Woman in Isaac and the Inspiring Young Woman in Isaac.

“Nominees could be someone special in your family, workplace or community,” she said.

“We all know ordinary women who play an extraordinary role in our community.”

Nominees and winners would be recognised at International Women’s Day and Queensland Women’s Week events in communities across the region between Friday, 4 March 2022 to Sunday, 14 March 2022.

Nominations close on Wednesday, 16 February 2022 online at https://speakup.isaac.qld.gov.au/inspiring-women-in-isaac-awards or hardcopy forms are available from Isaac Regional Council offices and libraries.

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Disaster assistance is now available for Isaac Regional Council following the severe flooding event between November and December last year.

The assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the extension of disaster funding will help the flood-affected local council to cover the cost of their clean-up, repair and rebuild efforts.

“More than two months on and the effects of this wide-reaching weather event are continuing to be realised,” Ms Landry said.

“Isaac Regional Council can rest assured the costs associated with eligible counter disaster operations and the restoration of essential public assets will be covered.

“The DRFA funding will see vital repairs to the local road network take place over the coming months.”

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.

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With one of the seven wonders of the natural world in our backyard, tourism operators and local schools are partnering up to give the next generation of reef warriors educational experiences in Australia’s largest outdoor classroom.

Developed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, ‘Be a Marine Biologist for a Day’ is a program that offers high quality experiential learning excursions, designed to be delivered by tourism operators for students visiting the Great Barrier Reef.

The curriculum-linked program is a comprehensive suite of educational resources that delves well below the surface to provide an in-depth knowledge about the rich biodiversity of the reef and its marine life.

Assistant Director Reef Education Holly Lambert said they were excited to launch the suite of educational resources that give students and teachers a taste for what it is like to be a marine biologist on the Great Barrier Reef.

“We worked with teachers, master reef guides and high standard tourism operators to create curriculum aligned education products that enable students of all ages to learn about the Reef from the classroom to the coral,” Ms Lambert said.

“The project aims to increase students’ understanding of the Reef, inspire a love for citizen science and share knowledge with the next generation of Reef custodians,” she said.

The Queensland Government has also invested over $1 million in a 3-year program – Great Barrier Reef Education Experience Program which sees $150 per student, paid directly to schools to go towards the cost of a school excursion which includes a reef experience.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said it was vitally important to boost the next generation’s understanding of Queensland’s greatest living asset.

“The State Government’s Great Barrier Reef Education Experience Program has helped more than 8,000 Queensland students get onto the Reef for the school excursion of a lifetime,” Ms Gilbert said.

“We’ve turned the Great Barrier Reef into Australia’s biggest outdoor classroom to deliver a unique, hands-on learning experience for students and new tour opportunities for reef operators.

Ms Gilbert added that since launching in mid-2021, the Great Barrier Reef Education Experience has delivered more than $5.6 million to regional Queensland’s visitor economy.

“It’s fabulous to see our city join the program’s school excursion destinations with the recent launch of Wild Cat’s Great Barrier Reef and island tours from Mackay.

“Last year, the State Government’s Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund supported Wild Cat to get into the water with an investment of almost $1 million to add to Mackay’s many visitor experiences,” Ms Gilbert said.

Red Cat Adventures is a certified business operator in the reef program and schools in the Mackay region are now able to claim tours on Wildcat Mackay.

With years of experience in tourism and training, Wildcat Mackay aims to immerse students in an authentic natural classroom.

Red Cat Adventures Owner Julie Telford is excited for her Wildcat team to inspire and educate young minds about the world’s largest natural wonder.

"Learning can be fun and we are so lucky to have The Great Barrier Reef as our playground.

“We must teach the future generation and allow them the opportunity to develop a deeper connection with the reef through interactive and hands-on immersive learning experiences,” Ms Telford said.

One of the many advantages of the reef program is that it adds value to the Mackay region by increasing the level of education and awareness of the Great Barrier Reef.

Mackay Isaac Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Tas Webber said having an accessible education experience allows students to have a permanent platform to study the Reef’s ecosystems.

“When it comes to Reef education, inspiring our next generation of reef warriors is important.

“They are ones that will be protecting the Reef for our future generations,” Mr Webber said.

L-R: Mackay Isaac Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Tas Webber, Assistant Director Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Carolyn Roche and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert with a Wildcat Master Reef Guide. Image supplied: Julieanne Gilbert

Wildcat is now offering educational excursions, as part of the State Government's reef education program. Photo credits: Leah McLean Photography

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More than $6,600 of grants has been awarded to deserving organisations and individuals, thanks to a new initiative from one of Mackay’s popular sporting clubs.

Magpies Sporting Club revealed the new Magpies Community Grants initiative in November last year, with the grants providing financial assistance of up to $30,000 annually.  

Grants will be awarded four times per year to winning applicants within three grant categories: Local Sporting Champions Grant, Time to Shine – Women in Sport Grant and Thriving Communities Grant.

Magpies Sporting Club General Manager, Darren Smith said “Sport and community has always been, and always will be, Magpies’ core charter.  

“Magpies Local Sporting Champions Grant and the Women in Sport Grant will help excelling sportsmen and women at a grassroots level to help fund their sporting endeavours,” Mr Smith said.

“The Thriving Communities Grant can provide up to $1,000 in financial assistance to organisations with a charitable purpose whose project, program or initiative will directly benefit the Mackay Community”.  

Three local sporting champions received $200 grants for their success at state level sporting events: Jaxon Maluga attended the U16 Boys State Championships for softball, Ethan Weiss represented Mackay in Mountain Biking at the Queensland Mountain Biking Championships and Sangwani Chinula played in the Queensland Rugby Union Junior State Championships.  

Thriving Community Grants of $1,000 each were awarded to six charitable causes.

Second quarter applications are now open, for more information on Magpies Community Grants including what grants are available, eligibility requirements and notable dates visit www.magpiesmackay.com.au/community to apply online.

In the last financial year Magpies Sporting Club contributed $902,256.22 to the Mackay community.

WINNERS

Thriving Communities Grant

Mackay Pet Rescue – Equipment purchase of soft crates for rescue animals - $1,000 Grant

Northern Australia Primary Health Network (Headspace) – Teen Mental Health First Aid Training $1,000 Grant

The Pioneer Community Pre-School and Kindergarten Association – Upgrades to outside Cubby House - $1,000 Grant

Mack PopCon – Towards 2022 Pop Culture Convention - $1,000 Grant

George Street Neighbourhood Centre (The Neighbourhood Hub) – Community Garden - $1,000 Grant

Mackay Hawks Softball – Protective equipment and player equipment - $1,000 Grant

Local Sporting Champions Grant

Jaxon Maluga – Under 16 Boys State Softball Championships - $200 Grant

Ethan Weiss – Queensland Mountain Bike Championships - $200 Grant

Sangwani Chinula – Queensland Rugby Union State Championships - $200 Grant

Sporting grant winners: Jaxon Maluga – Under 16 Boys State Softball Championships

Ethan Weiss – Queensland Mountain Biking Championships

Sangwani Chinula – Queensland Rugby Union State Championships

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After RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter’s self-described “horror week,” the crew of the invaluable service were treated to a precious and beautiful moment that served as the antithesis to seven days of loss and grief.

In coal-rich Collinsville, the pregnant Shantel was in need of some assistance when her soon-to-be born baby boy decided that he was done with the nine months wait and was ready to say hello to the world.

The RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter swooped to the scene, getting Shantel ready for an express flight down to the Mackay Base Hospital, when the eager bub said he wasn’t sure he wanted to shoot down to the Sugar City, and was eager to be born in Collinsville instead.

CQ Rescue’s crew got to work on the laborious task, helping Shantel deliver the bouncing little boy who, no doubt, will be sure to keep mum on her toes as he grows up.

“He was in quite a hurry today to meet our crew,” a RACQ CQ Rescue spokesperson said.

“His first flight was also a lot earlier than most.”

The little tyke was taken in the helicopter with mum, with the pair headed to Mackay Base Hospital at 3:00pm in what was a delivery of some “extra special cargo.”

The crew made sure that, to commemorate an exceptionally adventurous and spontaneous day, the little fella took home a friend – a blue and yellow plush helicopter plushie that the newborn, and mum, will surely cherish for a long time.

The rescue team mused that maybe the new Collinsville resident would be named Huey, just like the plush gift he received.

RACQ CQ Rescue not only saves lives, but helps them begin, and have been doing so for 25 years. The community-funded rescue helicopter is a lifeline to anyone and everyone, working across an area four times the size of Tasmania.

Every dollar the rescue helicopter receives keeps them in the air, and you can donate to CQ Rescue here at the link below.

100 per cent of your donation goes to help save lives across Central Queensland.

Donate here: https://bit.ly/34DpBcY

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Well, 2022 has well and truly started, and for the real estate industry it seems like the momentum hasn’t changed from what it was in 2021.

There has been speculation around this ‘uplift’ in the market being a sporadic event and that it won’t last this year and buyers should hold off making a purchase, waiting for a crash of sorts to affect our property market.

The best time to buy is when you are financially ready, as trying to predict the cycle of real estate can be a costly game.

We have met buyers who have been religiously out and about at open homes gauging the market for 18 months waiting for the market to potentially correct itself and feeling like they will have a win at that time. Unfortunately for those buyers, we now know that the Mackay real estate market has gone up on average anywhere between 7-15 per cent in most suburbs and given the actual median house price in Mackay is now $410,000 (source: Domain November 2021), waiting may have cost you some $30,000 - $50,000 for the same style property.

If this is to happen again this year and 'if' the market corrects itself down the track, you’ll inevitably still be paying more then, as opposed to buying now or perhaps when you first started looking. If it goes up 10 per cent and comes down 10 per cent you haven’t lost anything! Something to think about!

Our figures show that the energy in the property market has flowed over from last year and in fact we had 216 groups of buyers attend open homes and private inspections in the last seven days which is a number greater than the end of last year.  

For the sellers contemplating a move, there is a real evident shortage of quality properties for sale at the moment and there is a real push from buyers to know what we have coming to the market soon given people need a roof over their heads.

Interest from interstate and SEQ has grown tremendously with 20 per cent of our current contracts bought from these buyers and some sight unseen. In fact, four contracts last month were all cash buyers from interstate and ranged from $600,000 to $1 million.

No one will ever predict the real estate market anywhere, but there are no real signs of it slowing down due to low interest rates, the shortage of workers and upcoming employment opportunities in our region and the fact there simply isn’t enough property for sale for the demand we are currently having.

Enjoy the experience whether you’re buying or selling and don’t let the fear of doing either paralyse you.

If you need a hand don’t hesitate to call an Explore Agent today!

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He was an older bloke, in his late 60s, and after being through a divorce that left him with virtually nothing, he was living in a campervan with his two little dogs in the backyard of a mate’s place.

I met him at a private inspection at a property he was looking at on behalf of his sister, who was not in Mackay, and we got talking.

His name was John and he said that because he had a small deposit and was now on a pension and supplemented it with a bit of cash from lawn mowing jobs, the banks had told him he could only buy a property up to the value of $200,000. He said he had accepted he would be living in his campervan for the rest of his life.

I knew I didn’t have any houses for $200,000 but told him I had a little cottage that would probably sell for around $230,000. The market was lower then and, while on a big block and tidy inside, the house was on a busy road.

“You’re not far off but you’ll need to cobble together another 30 grand to get it,” I told him.

He rang back and we went to the property later that day and John loved it. He had spoken with his mate who was letting him park in the back yard and the mate, Brian, had offered to loan him $30,000 out of his super. “I’ll pay him back over the next few years out of my lawn mowing jobs,” John said.

It took a few weeks to get everything sorted but John bought the property. The day of settlement I dropped the keys around to John and joined him, Brian and the little dogs for a couple of beers in Brian’s backyard next to the campervan.

It was a celebration for us all for different reasons.

John was celebrating because life had delivered him an opportunity he wasn’t expecting. He had a tidy little house with space for his van and the dogs and the security of owning his own home.

Brian had the glow you get when you’ve been able to help out a mate, make a difference in his life.

The dogs hadn’t thought it all through but they felt the joy and were about to discover they were moving to a property with lots of adventurous walks nearby.

And I was celebrating because I’d connected with some good people and been able to do my little bit in helping someone change their life.

I dropped in and saw John the other day. He loves the house, loves his dogs and loves his life. I reckon he loves Brian as well but he probably wouldn’t put it that way.

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It was a horrific day with impacts still being felt throughout Isaac communities. This year on May 6 will mark two years since the underground explosion at Grosvenor Mine, where five miners were injured from the blast.  

The twin pressure waves caused by the methane explosion was described as being ‘like a cyclone’ by one miner, while another recalled the horror of being burnt, saying it was like being scorched by a blowtorch.

Moranbah’s emergency services rushed to the mine to treat the wounded; the emotional and physical scars from the mining mishap were felt deeply by both the miners and first responders. Some emergency workers reportedly left the mining town after the incident, saying they couldn’t continue in the industry.

More than 30 hospital staff from Moranbah Hospital were involved in the response and retrieval effort to save the five severely injured men who were in the immediate vicinity of the blast.

All survived, saying they owed their lives to an amazing team of first responders at the mine, ambulance officers, hospital staff, aeromedical retrieval staff and the RBWH Burns Unit.

In memory of the heroic actions of that day, a painting was hung in the waiting room at Moranbah Hospital last week, remembering a day that will never be forgotten.

The inscription reads, “To the staff at Moranbah Hospital. We are all so humbled and grateful for your services. Thank you so much. The Grosvenor Miners.”

A painting was hung in the waiting room at Moranbah Hospital last week, giving credit to the hospital staff who saved the lives of five men who were severely injured in the Grosvenor Mine explosion in 2020. Photo supplied: Mackay Health and Hospital Service

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The Road Accident Action Group (RAAG) recently launched the Stock on Road campaign, alerting and educating the community to the dangers of livestock and animals on roads and new reporting methods available.

The Stock on Roads education campaign will provide the course of action a driver or any person should take if they identify livestock on public roads.

RAAG has partnered with the Isaac Regional Council and Stanmore Coal to alert drivers to the dangers of stock on roads and the new mediums available to alert authorities to their presence.

The critical concern when reporting stock on roads is accuracy of location of the livestock. New mobile phone applications now significantly assist in the accurate signalling of livestock on roads.

Through the Emergency Plus app, exact road location and Latitude and Longitude which can connect to triple zero operator in the event of an emergency.

The app can also be used to obtain a user's GPS location prior to reporting via 131 940.

Another application, Snap Send Solve, also reports exact location, with the user having ability to upload photos, and it will automatically message the council area of the location nationwide, meaning it is ideal for non-emergency situations.

In the event of an emergency, RAAG still recommends calling Triple Zero, but to be sure of stock on the road's location.

Then, if unsure, finding your exact location through the app like Emergency Plus is vital and useful.

RAAG is working closely with Senior Constable Andrew Perret at Nebo, who is advocating for stock biosecurity and owner ear tags to be reflectorised material, as black cattle are very difficult to see at night.

RAAG has commended Sen. Const. Perrett’s actions, and asks for stockowner endorsement and cooperation.

Leading Mackay contractor for underground mining, Mastermyne, has offered to assist with costs of reflective material for ear tags.

RAAG ask for the regional community to assist by sharing the information on social media, and are also seeking comment and feedback on their Facebook page.

Livestock on the road can be dangerous for drivers

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For the first time in four years, I’ll be spending Valentine’s Day alone. Singles like myself tend to feel like Valentine’s Day means you’re left out of the celebration. Not to discredit the day at all because when you're a couple, it's such a lovely time to show each other a bit of extra love.

After so long in relationships and only now feeling like I’m starting to own my single life, I’ve decided to redefine the day of love for myself this year. I’m not without love or unlovable and I don’t need a partner to give me validation that I am either. This year I’m taking myself out to my favourite restaurant, buying myself flowers and chocolate.

I hope that you can also treat yourself no matter your personal situation, relationship or not. Countless times in the past I have sat around chatting with girlfriends (and guy friends too!) in the lead up to Valentine’s Day, feeling inadequate or lonely, but it simply takes a change of mindframe and a small step of confidence to practice the self-love that is preached so much in our current society.

You also don’t have to go it alone either. Gather a mate or a group of friends and go out together to have a nice meal, watch a movie, or do an activity you love. I truly believe that our friends and family are the people that guide us through life and if and when we find a partner, they’re meant to compliment the life we already have. On days like this coming Valentine’s Day, give yourself what you deserve with the ones you love and when the time is right, you’ll have someone to share that with you.

"Maybe we can be each other’s soul mates. And then we can let men be just these great, nice guys to have fun with." – Charlotte, Sex and the City to her three best girlfriends; Carrie, Miranda and Samantha.

Kaley

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Mackay Police are investigating an attempted armed robbery incident that occurred at 2.45am on 30 January, at a business on Bridge Road, West Mackay.

Police reported that an unknown man entered the business and approached the serving register where an employee was present.

Senior Constable Steve Smith said the offender allegedly produced a flick knife from his pocket and demanded money and cigarettes.

“The demands were refused and the man left the store on foot with nothing,” the Senior Constable said.

Nobody was injured during the course of the incident.

The man is described as being approximately 175 centimetres tall with a dark complexion.

Police believe the man pictured may be able to assist with this investigation.

Anyone who might have information about the images or the offence itself, is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible.

Phone Policelink on 131 444 and quote reference number QP2200163676

Mackay Police believe the man pictured can assist with their enquiries into an attempted armed robbery investigation from 30 January. Image supplied: Mackay Police

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A critical piece of infrastructure on the Saraji Road between Dysart and Moranbah is receiving Federal funding to prevent road closures due to flooding.

The Phillips Creek Bridge will have $14.4 million committed by the Federal Government and is now awaiting a funding agreement with the State Government.

Flooding closes the Phillips Creek Bridge periodically throughout the year, costing businesses millions and causing frustrating delays for motorists. A replacement bridge would make the highway safer, more flood resilient and keep motorists and freight moving.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Federal Government is committed to getting it done.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government has put money on the table because we know how important this project is to motorists, businesses, and the economy,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

The Federal Government is committed to investing $14.4 million (80 per cent) in the $18 million project. Consistent with the usual funding arrangements for regional projects, the Queensland Government would fund the remaining $3.6 million (20 per cent).

“Road closures in this region affect our country’s ability to make money, slowing the flow of valuable commodities from Central Queensland’s mines to our ports and onto buyers.

“When the trucks stop, so do the royalties that pay for the services all Australians rely on. That’s why we’re pushing to get this project done,” Mr Joyce added.

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry called on the Labor state government to provide the remaining $3.6 million to make the project a reality.

“A replacement bridge will support year-round access for the benefit of the businesses that depend on this key freight route. These improvements to safety and year-round accessibility would help our area to grow and prosper,” Ms Landry said.

“The project would also provide an important economic boost for local communities, supporting an expected 42 jobs during construction and helping drive our region’s economic recovery.”

Capricornia MP Michelle Landry announced the Federal Government would commit $14.4M to replace the Phillips Creek Bridge near Dysart. Image supplied

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Two people have died in crashes in the Mackay region last week, one on the Peak Downs Highway and the other north of Koumala on the Bruce Highway in horrific and confronting circumstances.

Tam Dixon Frewin died following a two-vehicle crash on the Peak Downs Highway at Strathfield, near Nebo on February 2.

Mrs Dixon Frewin was recently nominated for Isaac Citizen of the Year Australia Day award and was driving a 76-year-old patient from Mackay back to Clermont around 3:40pm when she was involved in a head-on collision.

She regularly transported elderly people from Clermont to doctors’ appointments in larger cities, which aligned with her profession as a health worker with Mackay Hospital and Health Service.

Mrs Dixon Frewin was only 44, and there has been an outpouring of community grief for the loss of someone with such an enormous heart.

She is survived by her husband and three sons.

Queensland Health director Dr John Wakefield has since sent communication to health workers offering counselling and support to colleagues of Mrs Dixon Frewin.

Police report that the collision was between a 4WD Toyota heading east and Mrs Dixon Frewin’s Honda Wagon heading west on the Peak Downs Highway, around 25klm west of Nebo.

The female driver of the 4WD Toyota sustained serious injuries and was airlifted from the scene to Mackay Base Hospital.

Mrs Dixon Frewin died at the scene, with her passenger sustaining minor injuries and was transported by road to Mackay Hospital.

Police have said the investigation will last roughly four to eight weeks, and they are seeking any dash cam or witnesses to come forward.

Another crash claimed the life of a 50-year-old Mackay man in a two-vehicle collision north of Koumala just two days later on February 4.

The crash occurred just before 10pm in another head-on collision, this time between a utility and a prime mover and trailer on the Bruce Highway, resulting in both vehicles catching alight.

The driver of the utility was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The truck driver, a 58-year-old Walkerston man, was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A resultant scrub fire, as well as the vehicle fires, were extinguished by Queensland Fire and Rescue Service.

The resulting fire almost entirely incinerated the truck cab, as well as heavily damaging the ute.

The highway was closed for several hours as emergency crew cleared debris and oil slicks, with one lane opening around 2:30am.

The Forensic Crash Unit is appealing for any witnesses or motorists with relevant dash cam footage.

RACQ CQ Rescue transported a driver to Mackay Base Hospital with serious injuries after a head-on smash near Strathfield last week. Another driver involved in the accident died at the scene and a passenger suffered minor injuries. Image: RACQ CQ Rescue

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A Wirdi man from Clermont, who is widely recognised as Australia’s most senior First Nations Barrister, has just been appointed as Senior Counsel Assisting in an important commission investigating injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria.

The Yoorrook Justice Commission (Yoorrook) last week announced the appointment of Mr Tony McAvoy SC, a Wirdi man, and Ms Fiona McLeod AO SC to the role of Senior Counsel Assisting.

Mr McAvoy is widely recognised as Australia’s most senior First Nations Barrister and has had an illustrious legal career, being appointed as the first Australian First Peoples Senior Counsel in 2015.

Mr McAvoy grew up near Clermont and his grandmother was from Thargomindah in south-west Queensland. In recent years, encouraging the broader Australian public to take an interest in Indigenous Affairs has proven difficult, as it is commonly punctuated by calls for First Nations people to take personal agency and forge successful and prosperous lives within modern Australia.

“At present, we are told that our recovery from the trauma of our dispossession is largely our own responsibility, that we should stop living in the past,” Mr McAvoy said in his 2021 Charles Perkins Oration.

He is passionate about advocating for commissions and treaties with First Peoples and was previously appointed Senior Counsel Assisting to the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory (Don Dale Royal Commission) in 2016/2017.

Over Mr McAvoy’s expansive career, he has developed a strong Native Title practice and has acquired significant experience within the areas of environmental law, administrative law, human rights and discrimination law, coronial inquests and criminal law.

Mr McAvoy is joined by Fiona McLeod AO SC, a Senior Counsel at the independent Bar practising in the areas of commercial and public law. She has represented the Commonwealth in several Royal Commissions including the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry and the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Ms McLeod is a member of the National Co-design Group of the National Indigenous Voice to Parliament. She received an Order of Australia in 2020 for her service to the legal profession.

Professor Eleanor Bourke, Chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, spoke about the knowledge and experience Mr McAvoy and Ms McLeod will bring to Yoorrook.

“In addressing the broad scope set out in our Letters Patent of investigating historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Nations people, it is vital we have a broad range of legal experience to pull from,” Professor Bourke said.

“Mr McAvoy and Ms McLeod both bring a unique set of skills which will help the Commission towards achieving truth and justice in Victoria and we are happy to have them on board as notable figures in the industry.”

As Senior Counsel Assisting, Mr McAvoy and Ms McLeod will work closely with Yoorrook’s five Commissioners and will action their guidance on specific matters throughout the historic process.

Mr McAvoy and Ms McLeod’s work in this role will be critical to accomplishing Yoorrook’s mandate of investigating historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria since colonisation.

“With our Senior Counsel now in place, we have a greater range of expertise to contribute to the development of our interim report which will be delivered in June of this year.

“Our interim report will investigate a range of themes and include critical recommendations and reform.”

The Yoorrook Justice Commission (Yoorrook) announced the appointment of Mr

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