Reeflections Artists with their teachers and Mayor Ry Collins. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.  

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Young artists from across the Whitsundays are getting their time to shine, with a reef-inspired student exhibition opening at the Heart Hotel during this year's Great Barrier Reef Festival.  

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Featuring 11 artworks created by 10 Year 8 to 12 finalists from Proserpine State High School and St Catherine's College, the exhibition has more than doubled in size since showcasing just four artworks in its inaugural year.  

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Having judged the competition, Mayor Ry Collins attended the exhibition to present the awards and congratulate the young artists.

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“We've got some great kids that do sport and sporting success…. but I think what we're seeing is we've got a real cultural undercurrent,” Mayor Ry Collins said.  

“It's great to see that we've also got a really strong arts presence as well.”

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Three students were recognised for their standout pieces, with Year 12 Proserpine State High School student Natalie Cooper taking first place for Guardians of the Reef.  

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Charlize Hunter, also from Proserpine State High School, claimed second for Woodsia, while St Catherine's Catholic College Year 11 student Sabine Butler placed third with False Idol, a reflection on climate change's impact on the Whitsundays.  

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The finalist artworks will remain on display at Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays throughout August, giving the young artists the opportunity to have their work exhibited in a professional gallery setting.

"I think a lot of kids are just not sure about their ability,” said Visuals Art Teacher St Cats College in Proserpine, Caz Hanks.  

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“Giving them the push and encouragement that their work is actually amazing and worthy of being in a gallery is a great experience."  

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Chris Sturrie and the Grand Master of Kennedy Lodge, Jamie Collins. Photo supplied: Chris Sturrie.  

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Bowen Meals on Wheels has received another generous boost from one of its longest-standing supporters, with Kennedy Masonic Lodge making a significant donation to help the service continue supporting local residents.

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The lodge has contributed thousands of dollars to Bowen Meals on Wheels over the years, most recently presenting the organisation's treasurer with another substantial donation.

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The contribution comes at an important time for the service, with operating costs continuing to rise while demand has nearly doubled over the past 18 months. Despite increasing expenses for essentials such as insurance, groceries and gas, Bowen Meals on Wheels has maintained both the affordability of its meals and the high standard of service it provides.

The organisation says it has been fortunate to receive ongoing support from businesses, community groups and local organisations, allowing it to continue operating at a time when many Meals on Wheels services across Australia are struggling with reduced government funding and financial pressures.

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While financial support has helped keep the service running, volunteers remain in short supply. Bowen Meals on Wheels has made several appeals this year for more delivery volunteers and is still looking for people who can spare around two hours on Monday, Wednesday or Friday mornings.

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The organisation is encouraging anyone able to help, either as a driver or delivery assistant, to get in touch. It also hopes friends and family of existing clients might consider volunteering to help support some of Bowen's most vulnerable residents.

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Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP invited locals for a barbecue at Peter Faust Dam last Sunday to mark the removal of the southern section from Alinta Energy’s Wind Farm proposal, which locals protested due to its proximity to Proserpine.  

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To acknowledge the milestone, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP joined residents at Peter Faust Dam on Sunday for a community barbecue, bringing together those who had spent months campaigning against the proposal in the Kelsey Creek area.

"The community's collective voice demonstrated the positive outcome of this project not proceeding at Kelsey Creek," Ms Camm said.

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"It was an opportunity to thank the community and Wind Farm Action Group for their respectful, consistent and united voice. It was through these efforts that supported my advocacy as the local member.”

Wind Farm Action Group member Alysha Lee said the gathering was a chance to celebrate a small win while recognising there was still more work to do.

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“It was great to get together and go over what we’ve been fighting for the last 10 months, while being able to celebrate the small victory so far,” said Alysha.  

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"We still have the northern area to think about, but we feel like we have their support as we continue trying to help the community, which is great.”  

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Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP at the community barbecue held at Peter Faust Dam on Sunday.  

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Bruce Highway panel with Mayor of Burdekin, Dalle Cort, Mayor of Gympie Glen Hartwig, Mayor Ry Collins and Deputy Director General Department of Transport & Main Roads, Andrew Mahon.  Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.  

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Coastal leaders from across Queensland converged on the Whitsundays this week, as mayors, councillors and senior council officers gathered to tackle the biggest challenges facing the state's coastal communities.

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Hosted over two days at the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Coastal Leaders Forum focused on key issues coastal towns face.  

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“This event is an opportunity for them to understand what the priorities, concerns and issues are facing their sector,” said Mayor of Gladstone, LGAQ President and president of Australian Local Government Association (AGLA) Matt Burnett.  

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Beyond the individual issues discussed, the forum provided a platform for coastal councils to share experiences, identify common challenges and strengthen their collective voice when advocating to state and federal governments.  

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“I think obviously the other underlying thing with it is that we all advocate for our own regions respectively, but where we can find those points of commonality to really work together,” said Mayor Ry Collins.  

“It definitely really empowers that advocacy,”  

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Disaster funding emerged as one of the forum's biggest talking points, following the Federal Government's proposed overhaul of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Under the proposed changes, the Commonwealth would move to an equal partnership model with states and territories, reducing its average contribution from historical levels of 64–75 per cent to 50 per cent.

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“Communities like ours can't be worse off under the proposed arrangements," said Mayor Collins.  

“We really need the Federal Government to dump the dud deal they've put on the table and recognise the importance of our communities by providing assurance that we can recover from disasters when they occur.

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“We'll keep pushing away at that.”

With councils and communities able to provide feedback on the proposed changes until August 19th, both Mayor Collins and LGAQ President Matt Burnett said the forum was an important opportunity for coastal councils to unite behind a common position.  

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Delegates also turned their attention to several other priorities facing Queensland's coastal communities, including upgrades to the Bruce Highway, tourism infrastructure and recreational boating facilities.

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The forum gave local leaders a face-to-face opportunity to meet directly with senior Department of Transport and Main Roads officials, including Deputy Director-General Andrew Mahon, to discuss the future of the Bruce Highway, an issue Burdekin Mayor Dalle Cort described as "a conversation we've been having for 30 years."

"The Bruce Highway is the next one that's on the agenda and something that I've advocated strongly for," Mayor Collins said.

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Discussions also highlighted the planned Shute Bay recreational boating facility, with construction expected to begin within the next 12 months. The project will deliver around 200 additional trailer parking spaces and four new boat ramps, helping ease congestion at the popular boating precinct.

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Big showing for opening night.  Photo credit: Zach Houtenville.

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The Whitsundays' thriving arts community was celebrated last Friday night as the 2026 Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition officially opened, showcasing the work of 66 artists and recognising the year's standout creatives.  

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In its third year, the Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition showcased 85 finalist works from 66 artists through painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media.  

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“The Great Barrier Reef Festival isn't just about the fireworks, it's not just about the rides,” said Mayor Ry Collins in a speech opening up the event.  

“The music, the entertainment, it's actually about creativity, culture, and the incredible natural environment that inspires us every day here in the Whitsundays.”

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"Creating art takes talent, dedication, and a willingness to put a piece of yourself on display, to put your heart into something, and that really is worth celebrating."  

Responding to this year's theme, Beyond Beauty, artists looked beneath the surface, exploring personal stories, environmental issues and the hidden beauty of the Great Barrier Reef through a range of creative interpretations.

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Selecting the finalist was this year's curated panel of acclaimed artist and educator Glenda Vickers, Whitsundays Regional Councillor Jan Clifford OAM and Visual Arts Teacher at St Catherine's Catholic College Caz Hanks.  

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Once the finalist had been selected, artist, educator and researcher based out of Mackay, Glenda Hobdell assessed the finalist to decide who would be taking home the final prizes.  

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The Award Winners

Michelle Brayshaw claimed the exhibition's highest honour, taking out the Whitsunday Regional Council Best in Show Award for her piece Beauty is Skin Deep. The $3,000 prize will see the artwork added to the Whitsunday Regional Council Art Collection.  

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Other major winners included Lyn Laver-Ahmat, whose Retreating Tide 2 received the 2D Award, Stacey Nicholas for her Reef Ballet in the 3D category, and Andrea Fabian, whose photograph The Homemaker won the Photography Award.  

Local and emerging artists were given a spotlight throughout the evening, with Lola Hornstra collecting the inaugural Next Generation Artist Award for Everything Has Changed, consisting of artists aged between 16 and 18, while Trudy Hastings won the Local Artist Award with her piece Tidal Form #1.  

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Katherine Murray's Where Beauty Deepens was awarded the Reef Theme Award for best interpreting this year's Beyond Beauty theme, and the TARTS Textile Artists were recognised with the Community Creativity Award for their collaborative work Tarts Tree.

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Beyond the award winners, the exhibition also features three collaborative community works by Eco Barge Clean Seas, the TARTS Textile Artists and the Whitsunday Conservation Council, each exploring environmental themes connected to the Great Barrier Reef.

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Sue Bayley-Hurren, Rebecca Woods, Lisa Sampson and Tara Tissington. Photo supplied  

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As Homelessness Week shines a spotlight on Australia's growing housing crisis, the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre prepared 100 hygiene packs to help restore dignity to people experiencing homelessness across the region.  

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The annual initiative, now in its 4th year, looks to help people sleeping rough or facing housing insecurity, while also raising awareness on the challenges many people in the community continue to face.  

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Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre Executive Officer Rebecca Woods, who has led the organisation for the past 13 years, said the project restores a sense of dignity to people facing homelessness and housing insecurity.  

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"Everyone deserves access to basic hygiene products,” Rebecca said.  

“While a hygiene pack won't solve homelessness, it can make a real difference to someone's wellbeing and dignity.  

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“It's a simple way for our community to say: 'We see you, and you matter.’”

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Each pack includes practical everyday essentials, of a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, a 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner and body wash, a razor, hand sanitiser, waterless body wipes, band-aids and toothpicks.  

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Throughout Homelessness Week, the packs will be distributed by the Whitsunday Housing Company and Proserpine Community Centre, while the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre is also encouraging locals to donate travel-sized toiletries through the Cannonvale Food Bank to help replenish supplies for those in need.  

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Thousands of fish were photographed crowded together in the tunnel net sock during one of the trials conducted in Bowen in 2025. Photo credit: John Haenke

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By Chelsea Ravizza

Growing community opposition has emerged over the Queensland Department of Primary Industries' (DPI) trials of tunnel nets in the Whitsundays, with residents, tourism operators and recreational fishers voicing concerns about the potential environmental and economic impacts of the proposed alternative to gill net fishing.

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In May, more than 120 members of the Whitsundays community attended an information evening about the DPI’s trials of tunnel nets of up to 1.6 kilometres long, as part of research into alternative commercial fishing methods following the phase-out of inshore gillnets, with trials conducted in North Airlie, Double Bay, Shute Harbour, Bowen, Edgecumbe Bay and Sinclair Bay.

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During the meeting, organisers from the Inshore Flats Project said trial data showed the nets captured more than 30,000 fish across 17 trial deployments and raised concerns about the potential impact on fish stocks, juvenile fish habitats, dugong protection areas and popular recreational and tourism sites. Coincidingly, the Inshore Flats Project also used the meeting to launch an online petition, available via www.change.org/p/stop-a-new-tunnel-net-fishery-in-the-great-barrier-reef-world-heritage-area, opposing the introduction of a tunnel net fishery, which has since attracted more than 10,500 signatures.

“A new tunnel net fishery means deploying huge nets up to 1.6 km long, which lack capture selectivity, onto our beaches, bays and foreshores, to harvest high volumes of lower-value seafood. These sites include fish nursery and protected species habitats in a World Heritage Area,” said a spokesperson of the Inshore Flats Project.

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“This risks depleting local fish stocks, damaging coastal ecosystems, and harming local businesses that depend on recreational fishing and tourism. Accordingly, we have asked the QLD Government to permanently cease all tunnel net trials and divert the allocated public funds toward supporting the seafood industry in better ways.”

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Concerns raised at the meeting also prompted questions about the level of community consultation surrounding the trials, with opponents arguing the large nets could affect popular recreational fishing areas and tourism activities, including boating, kayaking and wildlife viewing. Among those in attendance was local resident Sammantha Wood, who said she had been unaware of the proposal until the presentation and believed many others were in the same position.

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“I genuinely hadn’t heard about the proposal before attending the presentation, and many people I spoke to afterwards hadn’t either,” said Ms Wood.

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“Regardless of where people stand on the issue, I believe the community deserves to know what’s being proposed so they can educate themselves, ask questions and be involved in the conversation before any long-term decisions are made.”

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A Department of Primary Industries spokesperson said the trials form part of research into alternative low-impact fishing methods following the removal of gillnets, with the department highlighting the research would help build the evidence base to inform future fisheries management decisions.

“The Queensland Government is committed to working with industry to identify sustainable, practical and evidence-based solutions that support the long-term future of Queensland’s inshore fishing industry as it transitions away from large mesh gillnets,” said a spokesperson for DPI.

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“The Department of Primary Industries is working with commercial fishers, researchers and other stakeholders to assess a range of alternative fishing gears that could support a sustainable and commercially viable fishing industry. The purpose of the trials is to collect scientific and operational information to inform future fisheries management decisions.”

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Ms Wood said the strong turnout at the information evening showed there was significant community interest in the proposal, with many attendees wanting more information about the potential impacts on the region.

“While people have different opinions, there seems to be a common feeling that the community wants to be informed and have a voice, and the majority of people I’ve spoken to feel that this is not the right area for them.”

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Ms Wood said her concerns centred on protecting the region’s marine environment and ensuring any future decisions were supported by scientific evidence and meaningful community consultation.

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“We [the Whitsundays region] rely heavily on healthy marine ecosystems, recreational fishing and tourism, and I think it’s important that any decisions are based on robust science, transparency and genuine community consultation,” she said.

“If there’s any risk of significant impacts on sensitive inshore habitats or species, I believe those risks should be carefully assessed before permanent changes are made.”

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Tourism Whitsundays Public Relations and Social Media Manager Rosanagh Gallivan said the organisation had not been formally consulted on the trials but was actively monitoring the issue after concerns were raised by tourism operators and intended to write to Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell to outline those concerns.

“The Whitsundays is the leading destination on the Great Barrier Reef, and our pristine marine environment is at the heart of the visitor experience - it's vital that any decisions affecting it are carefully considered,” Ms Gallivan said.

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“Tourism operators have raised concerns with us about the proposed tunnel net trials, and while Tourism Whitsundays has not been formally consulted, we are actively monitoring the issue and will be raising those concerns with the State Government to ensure the tourism industry's perspective is heard.”

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Several members of the Inshore Flats Project from across the Mackay and Hinchinbrook regions have also voiced concerns about the tunnel net trials, with charter guides and recreational fishers expressing fears about the potential impact on the region's marine environment and tourism industry.

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North Queensland flats charter guide Clint Isaac said he could not understand why the proposal was being considered.

“It blows my mind that the Queensland Government is even considering the introduction of 1.6 kilometre-long nets into the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area,” Mr Isaac said.

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Retired North Queensland flats charter guide John Haenke, who witnessed one of last year's tunnel net trials at Bowen, said the experience reinforced his concerns about the proposed fishing method.

“What I saw at Bowen was completely unsustainable – trapped turtles and rays, plus thousands of stressed fish jammed together in a small mesh chamber, including dead and injured fish,” Mr Haenke said.

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DPI said the FishLIGHT program would continue evaluating a range of alternative fishing methods and technologies to better understand their operational performance, environmental outcomes and suitability for Queensland fisheries, with data collected through the trials continuing to be analysed ahead of the statewide phase-out of inshore gillnets in June 2027.

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“No decisions have been made about any future fisheries management arrangements,” said a spokesperson for DPI.

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"Any future consideration of changes would be informed by the available scientific evidence and be subject to the appropriate regulatory processes and stakeholder consultation.”

Photo source: Shutterstock

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For many people, the word decluttering brings to mind overflowing rubbish bags, hours of sorting and the guilt of parting with sentimental possessions. But creating a more organised home doesn't have to mean throwing everything away. In fact, the most successful decluttering is often about making thoughtful decisions rather than drastic ones.

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Professional organisers agree that clutter isn't necessarily about owning too much, it's about having more than your space can comfortably support. The goal is to make your home work for you, not to achieve a picture-perfect interior.

A good place to start is by tackling one small area at a time. Rather than attempting the entire house in one weekend, focus on a single drawer, cupboard or shelf. Small wins create momentum and make the process feel far less overwhelming.

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One of the simplest questions to ask yourself is: Do I use this? If an item serves a purpose, brings you joy or is genuinely needed, it deserves its place in your home. If it hasn't been used in years but you're not ready to let it go, consider storing it neatly in a labelled container. Often, after several months, you'll realise you haven't missed it and can make a more confident decision.

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It's also worth separating sentimental items from everyday clutter. Family photographs, children's artwork and treasured keepsakes tell the story of your life and deserve careful consideration. Instead of keeping every item, choose a few favourites to display or store safely, or photograph special pieces to preserve the memories without taking up valuable space.

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Organisation is just as important as decluttering. Simple storage solutions such as baskets, drawer dividers and labelled containers make it easier to find what you need and encourage everyone in the household to put things back where they belong. The old saying, "A place for everything, and everything in its place," remains one of the best organising principles.

Another helpful habit is adopting the "one in, one out" rule. When you buy something new – whether it's clothing, kitchenware or toys – consider donating or recycling a similar item you no longer use. This helps prevent clutter from quietly building up again.

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If you're planning to sell your home, thoughtful decluttering can also make a significant difference. Clear benchtops, tidy wardrobes and uncluttered living spaces help buyers focus on the home's features rather than its contents. The aim isn't to strip away personality but to create a welcoming space where others can imagine themselves living.

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Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that decluttering isn't about perfection. It's about creating a home that feels calmer, functions better and reflects the way you live today. By taking small, manageable steps and keeping what truly adds value to your life, you'll enjoy a home that feels lighter, more organised and easier to maintain, without throwing everything away.

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It was a tale of two cities when auction time arrived. And yes, it seemed to be the best of times for one and the worst of times for the other.

One was Sydney, the other Mackay.

The Sydney story was told loud and clear by high-profile real estate identity and auctioneer Tom Panos. For him, it was the worst of times.

Panos has a big presence on social media and is well-known by every real estate agent in Australia as a trainer with strong opinions who has a good understanding of the sector and who tells it how it is.

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Apart from travelling around Australia and the world speaking at real estate events and training the silly sods who are trying to succeed in this topsy turvy business, Panos is a prolific auctioneer who can do up to 10 auctions on a given Saturday.

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We know that since the Federal Budget was handed down in May with changes such as a ban on negative gearing on everything other than new builds, a massive increase in capital gains tax and a ban on borrowing to buy real estate through self-managed super funds, that real estate markets throughout the country have suffered.

The big impacts have been in Sydney and Melbourne, where prices have dropped significantly, and in Brisbane where sales have stalled and prices are now dropping.

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Auction clearance rates have dropped to below 50 per cent in most areas and some weekend in Brisbane, for instance, the clearance rate has been around 25 per cent. That means 75 per cent of the auctioned properties have either been withdrawn before the auction or failed to sell.

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Panos was the auctioneer for six properties in Sydney last weekend and, well, it did not go well.

Not only did all six properties fail to sell, not only were there zero bidders on all six properties but not one person registered to bid at any of the six auctions.

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Panos took his tale of the worst of times to social media and on to the mainstream media. I saw him on Channel 9 and on Sky TV telling the world that he had not one registered bidder on any property and that it was the first time in his career that this had happened.

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Panos, rightly, blamed the Federal Government’s decision to ban negative gearing and the other changes on the disastrous result.

Two days after Panos went through his worst day of auctions, up in little old Mackay Gardian real estate had it’s Monday night in-house July auctions, held at the auction room at our new office in Gordon St.

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The room was packed. There was a buzz and energy in the room as buyers filed in one after the other.  

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There were five auctions and more than 20 registered bidders, with some of the registered bidders ready to bid on several properties.

Our auctioneer, Gordon Macdonald, had a completely different experience to Tom Panos in Sydney. The bids were flowing strong and fast as buyers fought it out on the auction floor.

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Four of the properties sold under the hammer on the night and the fifth one is under negotiation and expected to sell quick smart.

I’m not going to say that it is the best of times in Mackay but our auction night did show a few things. Firstly, that anyone who say auctions don’t work in Mackay needs to have a re-think.

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Secondly, it showed that Mackay is still going well. Yes, we can’t avoid being dragged into what has happened nationally but we are not experiencing what is happening in the big cities. Negative gearing was never a big thing here, our rental returns are strong and investors are looking for the sort of good yield that Mackay offers.

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Just quietly, a seller does need an agency with a strategy and a point of difference but with the right approach the results are flowing. Go Mackay!

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Ian McDonald, Director and Commercial Agent at Blacks Real Estate. Photo source: Blacks Real Estate

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With a background in chartered accounting and large-scale property development, Ian McDonald has brought extensive industry experience to Blacks Real Estate’s commercial division.

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Before joining the Mackay agency, Ian worked with developers across South-East Queensland, overseeing financing and development delivery for projects spanning Canberra, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Magnetic Island. His experience also included managing financial functions for residential developments, shopping centres, leasing and property management operations across Queensland.

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Ian later returned to Mackay to take on the role of Chief Financial Officer for one of the region’s largest civil contracting and property development businesses before transitioning into commercial real estate.

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Now serving as Director and Commercial Agent at Blacks Real Estate after becoming a director in 2024, Ian works alongside the agency’s commercial team to sell and lease retail, industrial and commercial properties throughout the Mackay region.

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Known for combining strong financial knowledge with practical industry experience, Ian’s background provides clients with insight into both the commercial property market and broader development landscape.

Kelsey was born in Emerald in Oct 2025 and was going to be drowned just for being too small. An Emerald resident saved her and then a massive thunderstorm blew over their fence and Kelsey ran away.

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For three weeks she was sighted but never caught. A carer drove to Emerald and spend days in the bush tracking her paw prints and sleeping in his car. Finally he saw what he thought was discarded cardboard on the side of a track and it was Kelsey. Aaron brought her to Mackay and into his care. 

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Kelsey's recovery is truly a miracle and she now ready for her 2nd chance in life. She is a Staffy X, fully vaxed, toilet trained, knows sit and shake, has great recall and happy both indoors and out. She has a personality to melt your heart. For a meet and greet call Aaron on 0400 821 800 or email LLTAGSandDogRescue@gmail.com

A world of possibilities will be under one roof when the fourth annual Mackay Careers Expo returns to the Mackay Showgrounds on Thursday 6^th August 2026.

Running from 9am to 2pm, the free-entry event is designed to help people of all ages and at all stages of their working or studying lives discover what could come next.

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Whether you're a secondary student considering your options after graduation, a school leaver weighing up university or vocational training, a job seeker searching for a fresh opportunity, or an adult thinking about changing careers or continuing your education, the expo offers a chance to explore pathways, ask questions and connect directly with organisations shaping Australia's future workforce.

Presented by CareersEvent.com, which has specialised in careers expos since 1995, the event brings decades of experience to Mackay. Its annual expos have grown to be recognised as some of the most comprehensive careers, employment and training events in Australia, providing visitors with access to current opportunities across a diverse range of industries.

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The 2026 expo will bring together universities, private education providers, TAFE Queensland, employers, government agencies, employment services and industry representatives, creating a valuable one-stop opportunity to investigate everything from study and training to apprenticeships, employment and career progression.

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Among the exhibitors will be organisations including ADF Careers, Australian Border Force, Aurizon, Queensland Police Service, Mackay Hospital & Health Services, Mackay Regional Council, Mackay Sugar Limited, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal, Thiess, CQUniversity Australia, James Cook University, Griffith University, Monash University, The University of Queensland, QUT, University of Tasmania and UniSC, alongside many others.

Visitors can also explore opportunities with organisations across healthcare, education, mining, transport, aviation, engineering, finance, aged care, real estate, trades, emergency services, environmental services and more.

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For students, the expo provides an opportunity to look beyond the traditional university pathway and discover the many ways to build a rewarding career. Current student representatives will be available to share firsthand experiences and answer questions about subjects, courses and study life, while exhibitors can provide insight into the skills and qualifications sought across different industries.

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There will also be information available about scholarships, financial assistance and bursaries, as well as gap year and exchange programs, student services, postgraduate courses, study options, skills, courses and career pathways.

The event also offers significant value for those already in the workforce. Career development does not stop at graduation, and the expo provides an opportunity for adults to investigate further education, retraining, employment opportunities and emerging industries.

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Why attend?

• Explore university and TAFE pathways.

• Discover apprenticeships, training and employment opportunities.

• Meet employers and industry representatives face-to-face.

• Learn about scholarships, bursaries and financial support.

• Investigate gap year and exchange programs.

• Ask current students about their experiences.

• Discover career options across a wide range of industries.

• Explore postgraduate study and further education.

• Gain practical advice and insights into applications.

• Find inspiration for a new career direction or next chapter.

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With free entry and a wealth of opportunities gathered under one roof, the Mackay Careers Expo is an ideal place to find your passion, broaden your horizons and take the next step towards a future that fits.

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Event details:

What: Mackay Careers Expo 2026
Where: Mackay Showgrounds
When: Thursday 6^th August 2026 - 9am–2pm
FREE entry

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For more information, visit careersevent.com.au.

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Mackay continues to offer opportunities across a range of growing industries, creating pathways for school leavers, job seekers and workers looking to build new skills.

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Choosing what comes next does not always mean having your entire career mapped out. Sometimes the first step is simply exploring the options available and having a conversation about where those opportunities may lead.

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Axiom College is a Queensland Registered Training Organisation (RTO 40489) that supports people to start, upskill or take a new direction through practical vocational education and training. With campuses and training delivery across Mackay, Hervey Bay, Rockhampton and South EastQueensland, Axiom College works with learners, employers, schools and community organisations to provide nationally recognised training aligned with workforce and industry needs.

At this year's Mackay Careers Expo, the Axiom College team will be available to discuss training opportunities across several priority industries, including Health, Community Services, Early Childhood Education and Care, Individual Support, Conservation and Ecosystem Management, and Horticulture. These industries play an important role in supporting workplaces, services and communities throughout the Mackay region. Axiom College delivers qualifications and training pathways across these areas, from Certificate I through to Diploma level.

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Training can help learners build practical, job-ready skills while working towards a nationally recognised qualification. Whether someone is entering the workforce for the first time, returning after time away, or looking to advance an existing career, vocational education can provide a pathway towards new opportunities.

The Careers Expo is an opportunity to speak directly with the Axiom College team about course options, entry requirements and potential training pathways. Visitors can also ask about traineeships, recognition of prior learning and government-subsidised training. Eligibility requirements and course availability apply.

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Many people attend career expos unsure which industry, qualification or career path is right for them. Axiom College welcomes those conversations and can help identify suitable pathways based on an individual's interests, experience and goals. Rather than expecting visitors to arrive with a final decision, the team encourages questions from students, parents, families, job seekers, career changers, employers and community members.

Whether you are exploring your first career, looking to strengthen skills for your current role or considering a move into a different industry, an informed conversation can help make the next step clearer.

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Meet Axiom College at the Mackay Careers Expo on Thursday, 6 August 2026, from 9am to 2pm at the Mackay Showgrounds. Entry is free.

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Come along, explore the possibilities and speak with the team about where training could take you next.

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Apply or Enquire

1800 114 419  

www.axiomcollege.com.au

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Axiom College | RTO 40489 | Brisbane | Hervey Bay | Rockhampton |  Mackay

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Soy roots D Pedersen Farm

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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

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When many people think of agriculture, they picture a farmer and tractor in a paddock.  

That image remains an important and proud part of who we are, but modern agriculture is so much more than that. Today, it is one of the most diverse, innovative and rewarding industries to be involved in and needs people with a diverse range of skills, interests and ambitions.

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Across the Mackay region, the sugar industry alone supports a remarkable range of careers.  

Our factories and support businesses need fitters, electricians, boilermakers, fabricators, engineers, laboratory staff, process operators, planners, safety officers, procurement specialists, milling operations, rail transport, not to mention science and technology. Major local employers also provide apprenticeships, traineeships, work experience and training pathways that can take a young person from their first day on the job to a long-term career in the region.

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On farm, the opportunities are just as broad. We need skilled farm workers, machinery operators, harvest crews, truck drivers, agronomists, contractors, mechanics, drone operators, data specialists and farm managers. We need people who enjoy working outdoors, people who love machines, people who are interested in science, people who are good with numbers, people who like solving practical problems and people who want to run businesses of their own.

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Agricultural science is another exciting pathway. The future of farming will rely on intelligent minds working in soil health, plant breeding, water efficiency, biosecurity, environmental management, precision agriculture, sustainability and productivity. For people who enjoy science and technology, agriculture offers the chance to apply those skills in a way that has a real impact on food, fibre, energy, regional jobs and the environment.

Agribusiness is equally important, areas include finance, insurance, marketing, logistics, human resources, administration, training, compliance, workplace health and safety, and technology. These are professional careers with strong local connections and real opportunities for growth. Agriculture’s pathway is ever expanding and it is clear that you do not have to leave the Mackay region to build a meaningful, skilled and successful career.  

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Agriculture can offer apprenticeships, seasonal or full-time employment, university pathways, business ownership and leadership opportunities. It can give you practical skills, responsibility, variety, good people around you and the satisfaction of knowing your work matters. These are not second-choice jobs. They are essential careers in an industry that is becoming more technical, more efficient, more sustainable and more connected every year.  

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The young people who enter agriculture today will help shape how we produce food and fibre, manage land and water, use technology and keep regional communities strong.

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The wider Mackay community should be proud of the people who grow, harvest, transport, process and support our agricultural industries. The sugar cane industry has helped build our “Sugar City” and going forward, its future will depend on the next generation of skilled and motivated people stepping up.

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If you are a young person considering what your future might look like or someone wanting a change of direction, please consider agriculture.  Do not underestimate the value of hands-on work. There is dignity in it, opportunity in it and a future in it.

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The career opportunities and pathways in agriculture are varied, exciting and almost endless. Here in Mackay, they are also close to home. Our farms, mills, transport networks and support businesses need the next generation. If you want a career with purpose, variety and genuine prospects, agriculture is ready for you.

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Whether you are looking for an highly skilled environmental remediation team, or looking for a way to get involved volunteering in practical projects in our regional ecosystems, Pioneer Catchment Landcare is a trusted go-to organisation with over three decades experience.

Operations Manager Nancy Pratt said that for 35 years, Pioneer Catchment Landcare (PCL) has quietly worked alongside landholders, industry, government and the community to protect and restore the natural environment across the Mackay and Central Queensland Coastregion.  

“While many people know us for our tree planting, weed management and community events, the organisation has evolved into something much bigger,” Nancy said. “Today, PCL is a trusted environmental organisation working with private enterprise and government departments to deliver cost effective, practical solutions that help balance environmental protection with the needs of our growing region.”

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While its commercial services maintain a stable funding base for the not-for profit organisation, PCL remains committed to community education, through Junior Landcare activities in local schools and early childhood centres, and through community events like Clean Up Australia and planting events open to all ages, and affordable or free workshops. Now, the organisation is proud to announce the opening of a new facility for community education- Wetland Walkabout, which will launch with an Open Day on Saturday, 15 August from 8am to 12 noon. There will be something for everyone, with guided wetland walks, fish feeding, conservation displays, and opportunities to connect with local community groups working to protect our natural environment.

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“One of the most exciting milestones this year has been taking over the lease of the Wetland Walkabout on Keeleys Road, Andergrove,” Nancy said. “This remarkable environmental education facility has long been a place where people can connect with nature, and PCL is proud to continue its legacy while expanding its role as a hub for environmental education, citizen science, school programs and community engagement.”

The Wetland Walkabout provides an opportunity for people of all ages to experience local wetlands firsthand, learn about the importance of healthy ecosystems and become involved in caring for our region.  

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“We see enormous potential for the site to become one of Mackay's leading destinations for environmental learning and community participation.”

At the same time, PCL continues to grow its commercial Environmental Services.

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“Our team of nine full time staff members now offers a comprehensive range of environmental services including flora and fauna surveys, ecological assessments, weed and pest animal management, revegetation design and delivery, native plant supply, habitat restoration, seed collection and ecological monitoring.”

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Most recently, PCL has expanded these services to include licensed Fauna Spotter Catcher services. As development continues across our region, protecting native wildlife during vegetation clearing and construction activities have never been more important.  

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“Our licensed team works alongside contractors and developers to ensure native wildlife is located, managed and relocated safely, helping achieve positive outcomes for both industry and the environment.”

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Everything PCL does is underpinned by one simple philosophy—practical environmental outcomes achieved through collaboration.  

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“Whether we're restoring creek banks, rehabilitating coastal dunes, collecting native seed, undertaking ecological surveys, protecting wildlife or educating the next generation, our focus remains on delivering lasting benefits for our community and environment,” Nancy Pratt said.

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