Four dedicated members of the PCYC Bowen R.U.B.Y. Crew had their plans changed in the most dramatic way last week when the floods prevented them from travelling to Brisbane to attend the State Youth Leadership Program.

When many others would have stayed at home feeling sorry for themselves, these four inspiring individuals decided instead to spend the time that they would have spent having fun on the camp with the peers, volunteering at the PCYC emergency shelter instead.

“I am overwhelmed by the sheer amount of support from adults in the community, but you kind of know that will happen,” said Branch Manager Sergeant Michelle O’Regan.

“To have so many inspirational strong young people step forward without even being asked – well, I am so very proud – they’ve been our hands and our feet and have done an amazing job.”

Noah Maltby, Isabella Lote, McKenzie Green and Keeleigh Muir had all been selected to attend the Bornhoffen camp in the Gold Coast hinterland and had been looking forward to enjoying a range of activities with 45 of their peers from across the state.

As the rain began to fall last weekend, however, they all started to worry that their travel plans would be affected and the worst came true when the road to Proserpine was cut-off and the Whitsunday Coast Airport closed.

“We were very disappointed because we had been waiting such a long time for it to be our turn to go,” said Isabella.

“Yeah, I started with the R.U.B.Y. Crew three years ago and I’d been wanting to do this camp since I started,” said Noah.

McKenzie and Keeleigh were together when they received an email saying their flights were cancelled and it was later that day that they went to the PCYC with some supplies to donate.

“When we got there, we could see that there was a lot to do – we went around handing out soaps and bottles of water, cleaning up rubbish and helping serve at the canteen,” said Keeleigh.

“We just wanted to make sure everyone had what they needed.”

Over the course of three days all four R.U.B.Y. Crew members provided invaluable support enabling the PCYC emergency shelter to function and help over 400 people.

R.U.B.Y. Crew stands for (Representing and Uniting Bowen Youth) and consists of around 18 youth who are all aged between 13 and 18.

The Crew are seen everywhere within the community, volunteering their time at events, helping others and actively participating with anything from handing out skates at the weekly Skate Rink event or manning a stall at the local fete.

“I just love helping people and it gives me something to do when I get home from school,” said Noah.

“I moved here during Covid and I was helping my mum set-up at Skating when I met Michelle and she asked if I wanted to join,” said McKenzie.

“I love it so much and it looks great on my resume – in fact, I got my first job through doing this!”

R.U.B.Y. Crew are always looking for new members so, if you have a kind heart and a willingness to help, then talk to Sergeant Michelle O’Regan at the PCYC to see how you can get involved.  

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McKenzie Green, Noah Maltby, Keeleigh Muir and Isabella Lote from the R.U.B.Y. Crew helped hundreds of people at the Bowen PCYC emergency shelter. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Locals and visitors alike are invited down to the Grand View Hotel in Bowen to experience some of the delicious additions to the brand-new menu which was launched earlier this month.

Perfecting some of the classics, tweaking some flavour combinations and including some divine new dishes, the latest menu offers variety to regular customers while welcoming in fresh faces to try this unique dining experience for the first time.

Kitchen Manager, Louise Savage has been with the Grand View Hotel for 14 years and says she is excited for everyone to try the new menu.

“We always try to keep ahead with food trends and try to offer something a little different to normal pub food,” said Louise.

“We have an emphasis on really good quality produce, sourcing fresh local seafood and cooking food with love that is both healthy and fresh.”

The new menu introduces a Street Food Small Plates section, allowing customers to try dishes such as Middle Eastern Lamb Spring Rolls, The Mexican Beef Chilli Chimichanga and Hainanese Noodles.

There are also many other exotic meal options sure to tantalise your taste buds, from the Thai Buddha Bowl with crispy noodles and pineapple slaw or the Borani Bowl with Halloumi, poached egg and beetroot yoghurt.

For those who love the classics, however, you will still get to enjoy your favourites – the Ginger Beer Battered Fish and Chips, the Classic Steak Sandwich and of course the Chicken Parmi.

“Everything is made fresh on the premises,” said Louise.

“All the sauces, spring rolls, tomato relish – nothing is pre-done – we do it all here!”

Known for its warm welcome and traditional pub atmosphere, the Grand View Hotel dining experience is restaurant quality that is open to everyone.

Dine in air-conditioned comfort in the restaurant or head to the Jetty Bar Marquee for some garden dining in the courtyard.

Upcoming specials include $16 select lunch dishes from Monday to Friday and two meals for $40 available once a week.

The kitchen is open lunchtimes Monday to Friday from 12pm to 2pm and weekends from 11.30am to 2.30pm.

It is also open every evening from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.

Come down to the Grand View to try their new menu and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of one of Bowen’s most iconic hotels.

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Tucked away in a quiet sanctuary within the bustling Bowen Home Hardware Store is the tranquil garden centre which is teeming with verdant plant life, bright coloured blooms and a range of impressive pots.

As you wander through the green foliage, decorative hanging baskets and rows of abundant blooms you will be able to browse and admire the range available.

There to help assist with selecting items to adorn your garden are the friendly garden team of Linda Scells, Tania Sleeman and Tanya Begg.

Each of the three ladies has a passion for plants and helping people find the right match for their garden.

They pride themselves on their ability to deliver on specialist customer orders with the help of their trusted suppliers.

“We have been able to find some of the most unusual requests,” said Linda.

“From carnivorous picture plants to white bat plants and fruit trees like mangoes, citrus, lychees, bananas.”

For the novice gardener, the team would also love to help you learn and discover the wondrous world of plants.

“If you don’t know what you are looking for then have a look around town,” said Tania.

“Take a picture of something you like, and we can tell you whether it would work in your garden and help you find it here.”

Bowen Home Hardware offer a complete range of plants from potted colour to shrubs, fruit trees, natives, ground covers, cacti and succulents.

They also of have a full range of gardening essentials including pots, planters, potting mixes, fertilisers, pesticides gardening tools.

“We’ve got everything you need and more!”

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Linda Scells, Tania Sleeman and Tanya Begg. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Being on dialysis is a big commitment, it involves being plugged into a machine for about five hours a day, three times a week while your blood is filtered and replenished.

For many people with kidney failure there is no alternative to this unless they are fortunate enough to receive a transplant.

Some patients endure these endless rounds of hospital appointments for over 20 years.

Many people living in the Bowen, Collinsville and Proserpine areas would need to travel down to Mackay for treatment and this travel time added extra stress to the already lengthy commitment.

That was until three years ago when the satellite Renal Ward was opened at the Bowen Hospital enabling six locals to receive treatment closer to home.

Late last year the ward was expanded to service 12 patients in a modern and uplifting unit overlooking Bowen and the Coral Sea.

Nurse Maggie Staggs is one of the friendly faces to greet patients as they come into the Renal Ward.

“We only have 12 patients here so you get to know them really well - you get to meet their families and celebrate their birthdays,” she said.

“I really enjoy that about Renal Nursing, and the team here are really fantastic.”

Maggie did her nursing training in Melbourne after she finished high school and specialised in operating room nursing.

For the past 40 years she has used her qualifications to live all over the world in places like England, Dubai, Canada and most recently New Zealand.

A desire to be closer to her family enticed her back to Australia in 2018 and she spent two years living in Mount Isa before heading for a sea change in Bowen.

She brought her two dogs with her and purchased an old Queenslander in town which she now spends much of her free time renovating.

At almost 64 years old, Maggie says that she is grateful for the opportunity to retrain and discover a new passion in nursing so late in her career.

“As a nurse it is really marvellous to retrain in something that I didn’t know anything about,” she said.

“To have that opportunity to do something local in Bowen that helps the community, it’s been really marvellous.”

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Nurse Maggie Staggs with Kenneth Cora who has been receiving kidney dialysis for the past three years. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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Senior School at Proserpine State High School prepares students to complete their schooling with the knowledge, understanding and skills for successful lifelong learning and participation in both the local and global communities.

Such education provides them with endless possibilities and opportunities to experience success, pursue interests and excel personally.

The senior school curriculum has been developed to consider students’ future goals by providing numerous alternative pathways, which meets the various needs of students wishing to access the full variety of opportunities in tertiary study and the workplace.

With over 40 subject offerings, taught by specialist teaching teams committed to excellence in specialised teaching fields, the school offers a wide and diverse range of opportunities.

Academic programs, vocational education and training certificates, school and community partnership programs, as well as school-based traineeships and apprenticeships, provide extensive and exciting pathways for our students.  

Sporting and cultural activities, international experiences, leadership and community responsibilities are strongly encouraged, along with a diverse range of extra-curricular activities to keep students engaged, motivated and challenged.  

Proserpine State High School places great emphasis on the provision of safe, supportive and respectful learning environments.

The school recognises that student resilience and wellbeing are essential for both academic and social development.

They offer a team of dedicated staff to assist students with career guidance in developing capabilities which promote health and wellbeing for success in life.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine State High School.

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School Captain Sam Rogers, Vice Captain Abbie O’Sheehy, Indigenous Leader Isabella Allan, Vice Captain Riley Stuchbree and School Captain Georgia Butler. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

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There is a buzz of excitement in the air at St Catherine’s Catholic College, with 670 students welcomed this week, filling hallways and classrooms as the new school year gets underway.

Focused on striving for each individual child’s own excellence, St Catherine’s offers students from Kindy to Year 12 a broad spectrum of opportunities from cultural, sporting, and academic activities both within and beyond the classroom.  

Celebrating students’ success includes their Year 12’s latest results, with one student topping the class with a final ATAR score of 98.55.

A total of 20 per cent of the 2022 graduating class who sat for their ATAR received an above 90 score, with 48 per cent receiving above 80.

Of course, these outstanding results could not be possible without an expert and dedicated teaching team from Prep to Year 12.

Among the staff at St Catherine’s there are numerous role holders with QCAA, professional awardees and high-level athletes.

Each staff member, no matter their role and experience, works to foster a sense of belonging and in students at St Catherine’s, contributing to an enjoyable education and strong friendships with their peers.

Valued involvement in school life is encouraged through leadership opportunities, academic and sporting competitions,

A terrific example of this is the College’s 2023 musical ‘Beauty and the Beast’.

Students’ singing, dancing and acting talents will shine on stage in April, with the community encouraged to go along and support them. Keep an eye out for ticket information as the months draw closer.

New outdoor eating and learning spaces, diverse study furniture and open planned classrooms encourage collaborative learning whilst also providing break out spaces for small group and individual learning to take place.

Enrolments are still open in some year levels for 2023, to book an interview call 49451630 or visit www.prspne.catholic.edu.au.

Contributed with thanks to St Catherine’s Catholic College.

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Back L-R: Tomas del Solar, Teagan Rodriguez and Jy Parkinson. Middle: Vivien Rose and Harriet Cole. Front: Isla Appleton, Ayda Telford, Andy Fletcher. Photo supplied

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Last year, Mackay and Whitsunday Life listened to the call of Calen locals, who say they are in desperate need of a doctor for the small rural town.

A local resident known as ‘Lyn Ellen’ spoke out about the dangers to the widespread rural community, whose residents are playing Russian Roulette with their health due to GP services not being available.

The issue is that the nearest medical centres to Calen are in Proserpine, Mackay or the Pioneer Valley. Residents often have to wait longer than two weeks to see a doctor due to high demand at the closest medical centres, and on top of that, they need to take half a day or more from work to accommodate the lengthy drive and wait times once they arrive. Add to these factors the cost of fuel, the result is that locals are leaving their health to chance, and those with chronic conditions aren’t being monitored as closely as they should be.

We spoke to Calen’s pharmacist, Kaz Olaniyan, to hear how the lack of close medical care is impacting local residents.

“The challenge people here face is the distance to see a doctor,” Mr Olaniyan said.

“Sometimes they are having two to four weeks before they are able to see a doctor in Mackay, even just to get a prescription for their essential medications. We try our best here, within the law, to assist when they run out of medication, but we are only able to supply three days’ worth of medication in some cases which is not enough if they have more than a weeks’ wait to see a doctor.”

“This is why we so desperately need a doctor here, not only for Calen but all the other rural areas surrounding Calen such as Seaforth, Bloomsbury, Pindi Pindi, Kuttabul, Midge Point and more.

“Some people travel to Airlie Beach to see a doctor sooner, which I do not think is good enough.”

Mr Olaniyan said many people suffering from chronic conditions need closer medical support.

“Calen is just a mini-Australia. What you see in other places is what you see here, just on a smaller scale. So there are people with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory issues, pregnant women, cancer, kidney disease, and we haven’t even covered the range of accidents which can happen on the farms. Many people here work the land,” he said.

“The need for us to have a doctor here is desperate, I don’t use that word lightly.”

Although there are telehealth options and some medical centres will fax a prescription to the pharmacy, Mr Olaniyan said this doesn’t solve the problem.

“There are many conditions that a doctor will want to see a patient for, and a prescription is only a small part of a person’s health. When someone delays their visit to see a doctor, they could be making a life-threatening disease worse without knowing.

“For painkillers and other controlled medications, a doctor will usually insist on seeing a patient before prescribing, so while telehealth options can help in some cases, in others it could potentially make a situation more dangerous,” he said.

The flow-on effect is that the lack of close medical care in Calen means there is added pressure on the local ambulance service based at Calen.

“When people can’t see a doctor, the last resort is emergency,” Mr Olaniyan said.

“It puts pressure on the ambulance which could have been avoided, which then puts added pressure on the emergency departments in Mackay and Proserpine.

“A doctor here would make the difference. It only needs to be one or two days a week. It could be a travelling rural clinic or something similar, there must be a solution Queensland Health can provide.”

Mr Olaniyan opened the Calen pharmacy around two years ago, as well as one in Seaforth about a year ago, to help the rural communities who had no close access to medications. He operates the Calen pharmacy in the mornings and the Seaforth pharmacy in the afternoons, with Seaforth also open on Saturday.

Also at the heart of Calen is the newsagency, where grabbing a loaf of bread usually comes with a chat to Mavis or Peta.

Peta Sturdy said her mother had to wait almost two weeks to see her doctor in Mackay just to get a repeat prescription.

“You need to take a day to see a doctor in Mackay, and when you work 6-days per week, it’s hard to find that sort of time,” Ms Sturdy said.

“If there was a doctor here, you could schedule it into a lunch break.

“I know I’ve had to use the ambulance a couple of times for things that could have been seen by a GP instead, which puts added pressure on the two guys here who cover the ambulance.

“Not only is it the time, it’s the cost, the added wear and tear on the car. My kids are older now but in the past, it was a mission to pack everyone up when my husband was working just to go to the doctor.

“There’s no question, Calen needs a doctor.”

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Being pregnant is definitely no picnic when you work full time. It’s not so much the unrelenting heartburn, the inconvenient nausea which can rear its ugly head at any moment, the need to know where a toilet is at all times or the excruciating pain you get in your stomach when you sneeze too hard. But what can be harder to handle are the waves of imbalanced hormones that send your emotions on a rollercoaster, with the smallest trigger evoking a tsunami of tears.

So when I had the opportunity to join Jules and Pete from Broken Ballerina last week for a private back-to-school shopping experience for families and children who had suffered from domestic and family violence, I knew it would be an emotional experience.

These were tears of joy I shed of course, seeing the faces of children light up as they ran around the store choosing bags, shoes and drink bottles, so proud of their choices which clearly reflected the colourful personalities in their hearts. I watched as two sisters, who were placed in foster care black and blue from abuse at the hands of their father, went back and forth picking shoes and comparing colours. Another young girl with a rare medical condition, also in foster care, beamed as she looked at her new school items, clearly excited to show her friends at school.

In the moment, I held back the tears and listened eagerly to the kids tell me about their choices. Once I got back to my car, I let those tears flow. The experience had touched me deeply. As we run around in our busy worlds, we often forget that there are people in our community going through terrifying trauma. It’s so important that if we know domestic or family violence is happening, that we speak up, before it’s too late.

As my heart ached for the children who smiled through their emotional and physical scars, my unborn baby gave me a kick and wriggle from within. All children deserve to be raised surrounded by love.

Amanda

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As the rain pelted down in the early hours of Tuesday, January 17, a pregnant Angel McKay awoke in pain in her home in Crediton, 12km from the Eungella township.

With her partner Dean Gajda and her mother Shona by her side, it became clear that her first child was arriving earlier than expected.

“It was starting to get a bit more serious, so we ended up calling the hospital and they were like, ‘Yeah, you need to try and get into the hospital,’” said Mr Gajda.

This was an impossible task due to the rain event cutting the range and flooding bridges between Crediton and Eungella, so the rural fire brigade and local members were contacted.

“All the community basically dropped what they were doing, and it was all hands on deck,” said Mr Gajda.

Dalrymple Rural Fire Brigade First Officer Ian Smith and his wife, who live in Eungella, trekked the 12km in their 4WD equipped with chainsaws and shovels to remove anything that stood in their way, bringing the family back to their home.

Mr Smith also utilised his 4WD and tractor to bring local retired Doctor Beryl, off-duty Nurse Sue and General Practitioner Emma, as well as some pain relief, to the home to assist in the delivery.

Within an hour and a half of arriving at Mr Smith’s house, Ms McKay gave birth to her first child Hayley Anne Gajda on Smith family’s lounge room floor at 9:45am.

“If it wasn’t for them and if it wasn’t for (Mr Smith) coming to pick us up, we would be up shit’s creek,” said Mr Gajda.

“A massive, massive thanks to Ian Smith and the crew that helped bring our baby girl into this world because it’s just phenomenal.”

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Angel McKay gave birth to baby Hayley with assistance from retired doctor Beryl, GP Emma and nurse Sue

Father Dean Gajda said baby Hayley is happy and healthy. Photos supplied

If you need a job done, ask a Queenslander. The generous spirit which lives among the Sunshine State is one of the many things that makes it a great place to live. The generosity shines brighter in times of disaster, where a person will give the literal shirt off their back to help another in crisis.

It’s heart-warming to see the local community come together in times of need, and although this week’s flooding event wasn’t as bad as anticipated, it didn’t stop proactive locals from preparing should the Pioneer River have burst its banks.

Steven Taylor was one such humble hero, who put a post on the Mackay Noticeboard on Facebook, asking if people needed assistance in filling sandbags.

He wrote, “If anyone needs help filling up sandbags or moving them, feel free to message me, happy to help.

“I’ve been unsuccessful in finding anywhere to get empty sandbags to fill but am happy to help in other ways if needed by anyone.”

The post was met with much praise from grateful residents who lived within the warning areas and were preparing their properties for the possibility of inundation.

More than 1 metre of rain fell in Finch Hatton during the weather event, with Mackay Weather Chasers posting rain totals as at 6am Tuesday morning. At that time Finch Hatton had recorded 1013mm with more falling later that day.

In the Mackay region, Eungella came in next with 734mm, closely followed by the Northern Beaches suburb of Bucasia with 689mm. Mackay itself recorded 594mm.

The severe weather warning was cancelled on Tuesday evening, with locals breathing a sigh of relief that this wet season downpour wasn’t as intense as the 2008 flood, which dropped the same amount of rain as this event, but in a more ferocious fashion within a 24-hour period.

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Police arrested an alleged armed robber in Moranbah last week on January 12, arresting a man on the same day the alleged crime took place.

Sergeant Nigel Dalton said that police will allege that at approximately 5.45am on January 12, a man approached a Griffin Street, Moranbah business wielding a knife and demanding money.

The store assistant managed to exit the shop with the alleged offender also fleeing the scene.

Police attended the store and after viewing CCTV images, managed to identify the man.

Police attended an address in Hannan Drive, Moranbah and arrested a 35-year-old Moranbah man.

During the arrest it is alleged the 35-year-old man assaulted and obstructed police. He has since been charged.

The man appeared in Mackay Magistrates Court on January 13, charged with enter premises to commit indictable offence, attempted armed robbery, obstruct police, serious assault of a police officer causing harm, possess utensil or pipes etc in connection with smoking drugs and failure to dispose of needle and syringe.

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Back to school was made brighter for survivors of domestic violence, foster parents and their children last week, with the generosity of individuals and local businesses providing the essentials to start the school year off with a smile.

Families affiliated with local domestic violence support organisation Broken Ballerina Inc. were treated to a private shopping experience at Rebel Sport last Friday morning, where a generous couple from the Whitsundays joined the families to pay for school shoes, bags and drink bottles. The couple also gave grocery vouchers to the families.

Officeworks filled the children’s book list orders free of charge and Jules and Pete Thompson from Broken Ballerina delivered the book list boxes to the families. Previously, Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre also donated $1,500 worth of gift cards to be used towards the purchase of school uniforms, as well as coffee vouchers for the parents.

Domestic violence has a serious impact on children and families, with those parents who flee a dangerous situation often left stranded trying to pick up the pieces. Not only is the physical and mental trauma scarring, but the financial burden can become unbearable to cope with.

Broken Ballerina Inc. help domestic violence survivors and their families immediately after escaping from a dangerous situation. Often, they assist with emergency accommodation and care packs to help a parent who has been left with nothing.

When it comes to back-to-school, a time that falls straight after Christmas, the financial outlay can be difficult for a single parent starting from scratch.

Local Whitsundays couple Dr Allan Cook and his wife Pam Cook knew that while families are often gifted assistance at Christmas, the rest of the year is forgotten, with back-to-school being one of the most financially stressful times for parents.

Dr Cook said he used to support Anglicare, which was founded by psychologist John Langford. John passed around a year ago and the couple wanted to ensure they supported an organisation making a difference in the lives of disadvantaged locals.

Pam said she discovered Broken Ballerina and after some time following what Jules did for the community, Pam knew she wanted to support the not-for-profit organisation.

“I knew they had enough goodies for Christmas, I thought back-to-school support would be more beneficial in helping these families,” Pam said.

“I suffered at the hands of domestic violence for more than 30 years.

“My sons never had anything new, we had nothing,” Pam added.

“I finally left when the doctor said my ex-husband would kill me if I didn’t leave.

“I’m thankful I met a kind man like Allan, we’ve been together 15 years this week which is wonderful.

“We want to help others since we are in a position to do so, it means a lot to me to be able to help women who have been in similar situations to what I faced during my first marriage.”

Dr Cook said for years the couple donated to many charities, including overseas charities helping children in need, but after many large charities were exposed for using funds inappropriately, he said the couple now focus on charities who make a difference locally.

“We know with Broken Ballerina that every dollar we donate will be used locally,” he said.

The generosity left parents and foster parents in awe as it made the school year easier to face. The grins on the children’s faces were unforgettable, as children aged from prep to teenagers relished the opportunity to shop for brand new items instead of the hand-me-downs many had become accustomed to throughout their lives.

Rebel Sport Customer Service Manager Luke Taylor said after hearing Broken Ballerina’s story he thought it would be a great idea for the children and their families to have an intimate shopping experience before the store opened to the public.

“We had our staff here from 8am to 9am so the focus could be solely on these families,” Luke said.

“We also donated gift bags as a thank you from Rebel for shopping with us, which has a drink bottle and some games for the kids like a hacky sack and some other items.

“There are opportunities for us to support other groups with private shopping experiences for interested organisations,” Luke added.

After shopping at Rebel Sport, Jules headed to Officeworks to collect the back-to-school boxes from store manager, Scott Marlow.

“We’re happy to help Broken Ballerina clients with their book lists again this year, some of the families have three or four kids and we’ve helped 18 children this year,” Scott said.

“Education is one of our key focuses and if we can help these children go to school with everything they need it puts them in the right stead to fit in and achieve academically to make bigger things happen for them.

“We also help the Smith Family throughout the year to assist local children with their school needs. Our back-to-school appeal helps us to fundraise each year to help local children. We hope to sponsor 18 disadvantaged students this year with funds to help them with school supplies, uniforms and school excursions.”

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Office works store manager Scott Marlow (left) donated 18 school lists of stationary for clients of Jules and Pete Thompson (centre and right) from Broken Ballerina Inc. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Pam cook (left) and Jules Thompson (right) help local families with a back-to-school shopping experience at Rebel Sport. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Rebel Sport provided a private shopping experience for clients of Broken Ballerina to shop for school supplies. Photo credits: Amanda Wright

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been criticised for his whirlwind visit to Mackay last week on Wednesday which lasted less than an hour.

In his visit, he met select media in a Mackay pharmacy to speak about the rising cost of living, briefly speaking to some customers afterwards.

“As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, right around the world, we're seeing inflation in many countries go to double digits. That's placing real pressure on people's cost of living,” he said.

But Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said the trip was a ‘photo opportunity’ which would have been better spent reinstating funding for the region’s roads, tackling the regional worker shortage or addressing the recent mental health cuts under the Albanese Government.

“It’s no wonder locals in our neck of the woods say they feel overlooked by the Labor Government when stunts like this happen. Dawson deserves better,” Mr Willcox said.

Some residents took to Facebook to criticise the Prime Minister for the brief visit.

“Once he got past Gympie, he forgot he was in Australia,” wrote one.

Another claimed he spent more time at the cricket and the Woodfolk Folk Festival than in Mackay.

Mr Albanese has been criticised previously for his brief visits, being donned by some as ‘Airbus Albo.’

But local Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, not seen at the media event, took to social media to thank the Prime Minister for coming to Mackay.

Mr Willcox took aim at the Agriculture Minister’s ‘failure to engage’ with farmers in the Dawson region during his visit.

“Most people would have no idea he was in Dawson because he didn’t do anything. I had hoped that the Minister would speak about the extended crushing season or the struggle for producers to find workers,” Mr Willcox said.

“The Minister should be making every effort to meet with local industry leaders and those on the ground doing the hard yakka to get product to market.

“What good is a Minister for Agriculture who comes along for the ride? Our Ag sector does so much for this country, but it’s taken for granted by Labor.”

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Glen Clark, pharmacist at T + C Pharmacy in Mackay met Prime Minister Albanese during the PM’s brief visit to Mackay last week

No cats were seen during this week’s torrential deluge, but Mackay’s faithful police dog, Griffin, was spotted having fun in-between deployments.

Sergeant Nigel Dalton of the Mackay Police said that the rain was fairly normal at this time of the year, but there are still risks to the community posed by flooding and hidden dangers.

“It’s welcomed rain that makes our area stunning for the rest of the year but with all weather events there comes danger if we are not careful and responsible,” Sergeant Dalton said.

“Police over the weekend have had a challenging time and have to react to many different situations quickly with other emergency crews, even our own dog section were out and about helping.”

Dog Squad Sergeant Jacob Bates took photos while Police Dog Griffin was having a rest between deployments.

“Police Dog Griffin noticed flood waters and was soon back in the Police Ute before any danger came by,” Sergeant Dalton said.

“It is important to look after each other when there is flood water around, keep children and pets out of flood water in case hidden dangers approach.

“People and animals can be swept away creating further dangerous situations for rescuers.

“Do not underestimate the ferocity of the flood waters and wet roads.

“If it’s flooded, forget it – even if you are on foot.”

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PD Griffin enjoyed down time between deployments to assist with flooding. Photo credits: Dog Squad Sergeant Jacob Bates

Police assisted a car stuck in floodwater near the Victoria Plains Road in North Eton. Photo Credit: Mackay Police

You might be waiting a little longer this week for your fresh supply of Eungelladale milk, but when stocks are replenished, we recommend buying an extra bottle.

The locally made milk comes from Eungella cows and is pasturised and bottled in Eungella, supplying fresh and creamy milk to Mackay.

When this week’s rain caused devastation to the Eungella Range with flooding and slips, Eungelladale Dairy owner Dale Fortescue showed his dedication to dairy.

Posting on social media, Dale said he and his son walked 1.5 miles up the Eungella Range to get home for milking.

“There are a lot of rocks on the range, it will take a week or so to clear, so shops may be short of Eungelladale milk,” he said.

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Dale Fortescue from Eungelladale Dairy climbed 1.5 miles of the Eungella Range to milk his cows after damage to the range prevented vehicle access. Photo credit: Eungelladale Dairy