Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Local tourism operators are expressing concern toward troubling times ahead, with the federal government’s new visa restrictions set to shrink the backpacker workforce that drives seasonal operations. The Federal Government’s proposed cuts to Working Holiday Visas have raised concerns across two of the Whitsundays’ biggest industries. Bowen farmers warned that fewer backpackers could leave crops unpicked, and now tourism leaders in Airlie Beach have added that the same cuts could leave local businesses scrambling to find workers that aren’t there. At Airlie Beach’s Heart of the Great Barrier Reef sign, Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tim Booth and Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins spoke about what the proposed changes could mean for a region that relies heavily on tourism. “We can't have Airlie Beach named Australia's top tourism town in the small category and then have the knees cut out from us by federal policy,” Tim said. The proposed changes form part of the Federal Government’s effort to reduce migration, a topic that has been of hot debate by all three parties that Mayor Ry Collins believes the working holiday visas should be separated from. “Obviously the federal government is really coming in with broad brushstrokes to try and address the publicly perceived issue around net overseas migration (NOM),” said Mayor Collins. “Some of the dialogue I heard last week in Canberra was actually taking that working holiday maker class completely out of the NOM calculation. “I think that's a fair and reasonable way that they can make the numbers look as good as they want but it won't affect the actual number of workers that are here to support our industries.” The new restrictions look to cut the second-year extension on Working Holiday Visas from 57,000 to 45,000 slots, and 3rd year extension from 31,000 to just 5,000. According to Tourism Whitsundays, the Whitsundays hosts about 3,500 backpacker workers at any given time of the year. “I think for regions like the Whitsunday’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average by 0.9%, so at a 3.5% unemployment rate, we just don't have the workforce there that can pick up these roles that the working holidaymaker delivers for our communities,” Tim said. According to figures released by Tourism Whitsundays, in the year ending March 2026, domestic visitors spent $959.1 million in the region and international visitors spent a further $271.8 million. This spending was made possible by the abundance of workers delivering those experiences. “[Working holidaymakers] do a terrific job already in delivering world-class experiences, particularly here in the Whitsundays,” said Mayor Collins. “We do see working holidaymakers really take up that mantle, particularly in areas like customer service roles, hospitality roles, housekeeping roles... “What we're asking for is that we can stay strong as an entire tourism industry.” Having just returned from Canberra, the pair said raising regional and statewide voices is crucial to persuading the Federal Government to reconsider how the proposed restrictions would apply. “And then at a federal level, obviously through our federal member Andrew Wilcox, but we've also engaged with the members of the Labor Party around that as well. “But unfortunately it's starting to feel like a number of issues that we're campaigning on…along with things like disaster recovery funding arrangements which was one we linked into last week.” Photo caption: Whitsunday Mayor Ry Collins and CEO of Tourism Whitsundays, Tim Booth. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
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In this world of AI and other technological advancements, you don’t want to be the person who wanders around the office like a big old clumsy Tyrannosaurus Rex bumping into all the youngsters and stepping on their laptops and other devices. It’s one of the challenges of our times; getting the balance right in business in a world that is increasingly controlled by AI, robotics and a rapidly changing IT environment. I remember, some years ago now, when older family members had refused to embrace computer technology and mobile phones etc. They were really left behind and felt excluded in a world that had moved ahead without them. I’ve got a 19-year-old son who doesn’t have to think about it. Current and evolving technology is part of his life and, like others in his age group, he is completely at ease with something that is just part of his make-up and comprehension of the world around him. The trap you can fall into is letting the kids do all the IT stuff for you. My son set up our old TV with all the streaming services etc, which was the easy option for me, but I find it’s important to get involved and do it yourself otherwise everything will move ahead and you won’t be able to do things for yourself. But I am still stuck in some of the old ways. If I am ordering a takeaway meal I still ring the restaurant and go and pick it up. The old T-Rex wanders into the Thai or Indian joint and picks up his plastic bag of goodies, pays, and drives home. There aren’t many of us left. Uber Eats baby. Everyone has embraced it. My wife and daughter were having dinner together in Brisbane recently and my daughter noticed that her stockings or tights had “run” or a ladder in them. My wife suggested she jump in the car and drive to a nearby supermarket and get another pair. But my daughter ordered a new pair to be delivered to the restaurant by Uber. They were there in a jiffy and the night continued without the pesky interruption of having to leave the restaurant to buy them. It’s a great example of the modern world making things easier and how many of us need to ensure we are adjusting and understanding how things can now be done. There is another side to the coin, however. People have told me that I should get AI to write my columns. They say I could give it some examples of columns I have written and give it an idea for a new column and tell it to knock out 600 words on my chosen topic in my style of writing. It’s something I would never do. Apart from the fact that it would somehow seem like I was cheating, it would also not be authentic. I feel that however boring or pedestrian my stories and comments are, at least they are mine. They have come from my noggin, my experiences. It is my take on the world, not something that has been cobbled together by artificial intelligence. It’s similar in the world of real estate and, I’m sure, business generally. You need to embrace the technology, use it when it creates a better service, a superior experience for buyers and a better result for sellers. But there is still a place for picking up the phone and calling buyers, following up from open homes, doing the hard work that needs to be done as an agent. In a world of AI, robotics and Uber Everything the human element, the person-to-person connection still needs to happen to deliver good service and create the best result for clients.
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Maisy is a beautiful little soul who seems to understand that the very best place in the world is right beside someone she loves. She is affectionate, gentle, social and wonderfully trusting. She loves curling up on a welcoming lap, snuggling into your arms and settling close enough to make you feel as though you have always belonged together. Maisy is generous with her purrs, her cuddles and her sweet little air biscuits. She even places her paw in your hand as if to say, “I choose you.” But this gorgeous girl is not only a champion snuggler. Maisy is playful, curious and full of kitten joy. She loves exploring her toys, chasing anything that moves and turning ordinary moments into entertainment. She will happily amuse herself, but everything is even more fun when her favourite person joins in. She has that perfect combination of affection and personality, soft and loving when it is time to cuddle, and playful and bright when it is time for fun. Maisy will bring warmth to your home, companionship to your days and a little paw to hold whenever you need it. If you are looking for a kitten who will play with you, curl up with you and love being part of your life, Maisy may be the girl you have been waiting for. Maisy has been desexed, microchipped, received her first vaccination, been wormed and is litter trained. She is ready to begin her beautiful new life as a much-loved indoor companion. To arrange a meet and greet with Maisy, please call Ros on 0403 814 318.
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Tarren McAuley, Web Director and Co-Owner I remember when those AI posters started popping up – the first one looked kinda different. By the end of the week, when I’d seen 30 of them, I was much less enamoured + actively scrolled past anything that had that telltale paint smear style font. It’s not that the quality had gotten any worse between me seeing that first one + when I was sick of them by the 30th. But it was no longer novel or original. I think AI is especially susceptible to this because as soon as someone discovers a winning formula, everyone else jumps on the bandwagon, but because everyone is getting similar outputs, it gets old – quick. I think brands can fall into a similar trap. Humans are always looking for inspiration + when seeking it out, where better to look than the other players in your field. If you’re a tech company, you’re going to look at Samsung, Apple + the like. But when that happens too much, you get a feedback loop of samey-ness. For me, this is best exemplified by airline logos. Look at Qantas + Virgin, probably the two biggest brands in Australia. Both use a red plane-like icon, w/ their logo in big letters next to it. Bit cherry picked but even the other big players’ logos are similar - Emirates uses mainly red + shakes it up by having a slightly more exotic font. Jetstar ditches the red for orange + has their icon at the end but it has similar visual markers. This isn’t unique to logos, like w/ the poster example earlier – it could be your social tiles, your website or even your company email sig. Whatever it is, if you wake up one day + notice that the other businesses around you are looking a bit too similar, that should be your sign to start looking at a rebrand to shake off the rust + re-establish your unique identity. You know, until the cycle repeats again!
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Taylor Lifestyle Connections’ Out Of The Shadows walking group. Photo credit: Zach Houtenville
This World Suicide Prevention Day saw the Whitsunday community deliver their advocacy through a variety of avenues, from a nine-kilometre walk and sausage sizzle to a simple conversation.
The 10th of September marks a day of remembrance for those who have been lost to suicide, while the day’s other moniker, ‘R U OK?’ gears the community to helping those who are still here.
“It’s about conversations, connections, helping, looking out for each other,” said Matt Stokes, President of the Whitsundays Suicide Prevention Network.
“People do get to that point where someone’s questioning - but if we can prevent them from getting anywhere near that, that’s what our job is.
“We have a great community that cares for one another and simple things like kindness go a long way.”
The community’s willingness to support others was clear throughout the day, such as in Proserpine, where the Mental Health Disaster Recovery Team hosted a free sausage sizzle.
“It’s a reminder to check in with the people around us, not just today, but any day,” said Electorate for the Whitsundays, Amanda Camm MP, on Facebook.
“A genuine conversation and a listening ear can make a big difference.”
Others made sure to get fitness involved, like Taylor’s Lifestyle Connections whose Out of the Shadows 9 kilometre walk between Cannonvale Beach and Shingley Beach represented the nine Australians who die by suicide each day.
“Events like this are incredibly important,” said Josie Middleton from Taylor’s Lifestyle connections.
“Being such a small community, we don’t have a ton of resources comparatively.
“It’s great to have this sort of awareness of what's available, and to let people know they're not alone.”
WSPN also made an appearance at Bowen State High School, where they held a mindfulness markets initiative, where they collected messages of hope from the students, creating a space in the school for kids to read in times of distress.
“We’re trying to get kids at an early age, we wanna teach them about resilience because the world is hard,” said Matt.
“Teaching them how to be able to get past a problem and see the positive in things.
Beyond the events held on the day, support remains available across the Whitsundays throughout the year.
Sometimes that support can begin with simply opening up to a trusted friend, family member, colleague or counsellor. For those worried about someone else, asking how they are going, taking the time to listen and checking in again can help keep the conversation going.
“It’s amazing, just sharing your burdens with one person, how it seems to be a bit lighter,” said Matt.
“You don’t have to say much, just, ‘hey, where you at?’”
The WSPN helps connect people with counselling and crisis-support services across Airlie Beach, Proserpine, Bowen and Collinsville through its online Service Finder.
But if you or someone you know needs immediate help, call Triple Zero (000). For 24-hour crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14.
Most body corporate committee members didn’t sign up to become property experts.
They’re volunteers. They have jobs, families and their own responsibilities, yet they find themselves helping make decisions that affect their neighbours, their community and often millions of dollars’ worth of property. These are the types of issues the team at BCS Strata Mackay works through every day with body corporate committees across the region.
After more than 15 years in the strata industry, BCS Strata Mackay strata manager Rachel Blaxland says the challenges may vary from building to building, but the same issues come across her desk time and again.
Insurance costs are high on the list. Rising premiums continue to put pressure on committee budgets, leaving owners questioning why costs keep increasing. Rachel says helping owners understand where those costs come from is often just as important as finding ways to manage them.
Maintenance planning is another common challenge.
‘Too often, maintenance is addressed after an issue arises rather than through a planned, preventative approach,’ Rachel said.
She believes too many communities are forced into reactive maintenance when earlier planning could have saved both money and stress.
Then there’s contractor management. Committees are regularly asked to choose between repairs, upgrades and replacement works, often with competing advice and quotes on the table.
‘Sometimes a repair quote looks attractive because it’s cheaper, but it’s important to understand whether it’s actually the best long-term solution,’ she said.
Budget pressure continues to be a balancing act. Committees are trying to keep levies affordable while also ensuring enough money is being set aside for future works. Putting off difficult decisions might provide short-term relief, but it can create bigger financial challenges later.
The fifth issue is one Rachel believes can make or break a community: communication.
Owners are more likely to support decisions when they understand what’s happening and why.
‘Even if we’re still working through the details, it’s better to let people know something is coming,’ she said. ’Keeping owners informed helps everyone make better decisions.’
While none of these challenges are new, Rachel says the most successful committees she works with through BCS Strata Mackay share one thing in common. They don’t wait for problems to become crises.
‘Most problems don’t appear overnight. Usually, there are early warning signs that can be addressed before they become expensive.’
For Mackay’s volunteer committee members, that may be the best advice of all. The earlier an issue is tackled, the easier it is for everyone to sleep at night.
For whatever sins I have committed in this or a previous life, I find myself a Sydney Swans fan.
Many people will have noticed that their performance on the field this year has attracted far less attention than the alleged performance of a handful of players off the field, specifically at the Pullman Hotel in East Melbourne in the early hours of a recent Monday morning.
Five players from the club have been banned for the remainder of the year because of alleged activities involving alcohol, drugs and female entertainers in a room at the hotel. Three of the banned players are among the top five players at the club and up there with the best AFL players in the country.
I make no suggestion of guilt or innocence of any player but simply point out that the club felt their behaviour was sufficiently poor to ban them for the remainder of the year. There is also a police investigation going on regarding an allegation of sexual assault in the hotel room and, again, I make no suggestion of guilt or innocence on the part of anyone as that is a matter for the police to investigate.
Putting aside the legal details of the matter, the banning of the five players, particularly Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and Nick Blakey, left a massive hole in the side as they approached the finals.
There was pretty much a consensus in media and football circles that the club was finished for the year and had no chance of progressing through the finals because of the loss of three such important players and due to the psychological and emotional impact that the incident and its aftermath must have had on the rest of the team.
Swans fans, understandably, are devastated by the allegations and many have walked away from the club.
Others, while appalled at the allegations, feel that it is not the fault of the players that remain and they have continued to support the club.
The team won their next game against lowly North Melbourne and then it was the qualifying final last week against reigning premiers the Brisbane Lions.
No one gave them a chance because three of their best players were out and the spirit of the club surely had been broken.
The Swans then came out and executed a desperate, passionate, clinical, disciplined thrashing of the Lions. Players not known for leadership assumed leadership roles. Formerly fringe players asserted themselves and dominated their opponents. Players who I thought were past it returned to the team and played key roles that stifled the Lions talent.
After the game, excited champion small forward Tom Papley said he was not surprised by the victory because the team’s ethos and success did not revolve around talent, it was about process.
What he meant was that the success of the team didn’t require superstars, it was all about systems and processes and everyone in the team understanding the responsibilities of their role. Discipline, focus and doing the hard work that gets results. Not talent, focusing on the work that gets results.
There is a lesson from this for real estate agents dealing with a changing market. It’s about the work, not profile and status.
Sellers need to know that the agent is digging in, making the follow-up phone calls after inspections and open homes. Working with other agents in their agency to identify potential buyers. Contacting them, working with them, ensuring they are aware of the attributes of a particular property. Getting the flyers out. Re-working the write-up if necessary. Working for sellers and giving their property every chance of attracting the buyer who wants their property the most.
Obviously an agent hast to have the skills to do the job but when the going gets tough, it’s about discipline and focus and doing everything you can to get the best result. Go Swans!
Photo source: Shutterstock
From long-time locals who have watched the region grow and change, to those discovering a new chapter in retirement, Mackay’s older residents hold something no service directory can provide – and that’s experience, stories, knowledge and a lifetime of connection to the community.
Next Tuesday 15th September, seniors will take centre stage at the Mackay Seniors Expo, with The Big Shed at Mackay Showgrounds set to become a hub of conversation, discovery and connection.
Running from 9am to 12pm, the annual expo is expected to welcome around 2,000 people and more than 80 exhibitors, making it one of the region’s biggest opportunities for seniors, families, friends and carers to find out what is happening across Mackay.
And there is no need to arrive armed with a list of questions.
Come for the coffee. Stay for the conversations. Wander the stalls, meet someone new, discover a service you didn’t know existed, or simply enjoy being among other members of the Mackay community.
From health and wellbeing to advocacy, home care, legal services, recreation, employment, community groups and technology, the impressive line-up of exhibitors means there will be plenty to explore.
Local organisations including Mackay Regional Council, Mackay Regional Council Libraries, Queensland Health, Services Australia, Legal Aid Queensland, PCYC Queensland, Mackay Community Gardens, The Salvation Army and many more will be among those connecting with the community.
There will also be opportunities to learn about everything from dementia support and cancer screening to accessible recreation, transport, technology, home services and community participation.
The Queensland Government’s Seniors Month celebrations are about encouraging positive attitudes towards older people, supporting participation and activity, and strengthening relationships between generations, which are values that are particularly important and upheld in a close-knit community like Mackay.
Because being a senior does not mean life becomes smaller. In many ways, it can open the door to new interests, new friendships, new adventures and more time to do the things that matter.
Whether you have lived in Mackay for decades or are relatively new to the region, Tuesday’s expo is an invitation to get involved, ask questions, have a chat and see what is out there.
Bring your curiosity, bring a friend and, most importantly, bring yourself. There is a whole community waiting to connect with you!
For many people, independence means being able to keep doing the everyday things that matter, with the right support around them when they need it.
For almost 40 years, Comlink Australia has supported older Australians to live with greater choice, confidence and independence.
Our Support at Home Packages are designed to make everyday living easier. Whether it’s assistance with meals, cleaning or personal care, our friendly team is here to provide support in a way that feels right for you.
Getting out and about is just as important, which is why our reliable, door-to-door Community Transport service can help participants attend medical appointments, run errands and get where they need to go. It offers a practical and affordable transport option designed to support independence and make everyday travel easier.
Navigating aged care can sometimes feel complicated, particularly as needs change over time. In Mackay, dedicated Care Partner Bernadette Moloney brings 15 years of experience in aged care, providing education, guidance and assistance to help participants and their families understand their level of care, the services available to them and how their supports can work together.
If you would like to learn more about Comlink Australia and the support available in Mackay, come and meet our team at the Mackay Seniors Expo on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, from 9:00am to 12:00pm at The Big Shed, Mackay Showgrounds.
Whether you are beginning to explore aged care options, reviewing your current supports or simply want to understand what help may be available, our team is here to help.
For Teresa Jenkins, owner and Registered Nurse behind Reach Mobile Nurse Consultant, nursing is about more than clinical care. It is about listening, building trust, and ensuring people feel supported – particularly when accessing health care is difficult.
Proudly serving the Pioneer Valley, Mackay and surrounding rural communities, Reach Nurse brings professional and experienced nursing care closer to home. Teresa understands that travelling into town, waiting at busy clinics or arranging transport can be challenging for older residents, people living with disability, busy families and those managing ongoing health conditions.
With 14 years’ experience in primary health and as a standalone independent Registered Nurse, Reach offers a range of personalised services, including blood tests, wound care, chronic disease management, observations, incontinence assessments, ear syringing, 24hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure monitoring and much more whilst collaborating with your regular GP. Reach also offers nonclinical care.
Teresa also consults locally on Tuesdays at the Finch Hatton Hub. Led by Leah Stevenson, the Hub is a Progress Village initiative developed to support the Pioneer Valley community by bringing health and other services closer to home. This welcoming local space provides residents with convenient access to Teresa’s nursing support without the need to travel into Mackay.
As a local small business, Reach is built on connection, continuity of care and a genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable people who may otherwise struggle to access essential health services. Every client is treated as an individual, with their needs, preferences and independence placed at the centre of their care.
Mackay Probus Club’s aims are quite simple, says Club President Colin Thompson.
“We don’t talk politics, we don’t raise funds, we’re purely a bunch of friendly people building friendships and enjoying each other’s company.”
Monthly meetings always include a guest speaker and a generous morning tea break with good food and plenty of time to get to know each other. Other formalities are kept very brief.
“We also have an outing each month to explore something different in the area, but always including a social morning tea or lunch,” he says.
“Our members are an interesting mix of long-term locals, along with those who have come to Mackay more recently to live near family and make new friends,” he says.
Guest speakers include wonderful and inspiring people in the local community and Colin says it’s amazing how much good is being done that we are not aware of.
“Many of our own members have had interesting lives. Some are a bit shy, but we love hearing some of their stories too.”
“Some of our members are regular travellers, and Probus nationally has a wide range of discounted travel opportunities both locally and overseas for members,” he says.
“We encourage people to come to a meeting to see what we do,” Colin says. “If you visit the Probus Club stand at the Seniors Expo and leave your email contact, we can send you more information.”
New members are always welcome. Meetings are held at Souths Leagues Club from 9am on the second Wednesday, the next being October 14th. Inquiries mackayprobusclub@gmail.com or phone 1300 630 488.
Across Australia, communities are shaped by people who generously share their time, knowledge and experience with others.
This spirit is especially evident in my electorate of Capricornia, where residents find creative and meaningful ways to bring people together, preserve local history and build connections between generations.
The revitalisation of the Sarina Field of Dreams precinct is a wonderful example.With plans to strengthen the precinct’s role as a community and tourism destination, including the recent reopening of the Sarina Museum, the precinct can continue sharing the district’s story. Sarina has a rich history shaped by generations of hardworking local people. Preserving their experiences and achievements ensures their contributions are not forgotten and helps younger residents understand the community they have inherited.
That same spirit can be found in Sarina’s award-winning street library, which recently celebrated their first birthday. Created from repurposed bar fridges, the library began as a welcoming place for residents and visitors to exchange books. It has since expanded to include a community pantry, and is a place to stop for a friendly chat. This simple idea demonstrates how creativity can encourage reading, conversation and connection.
The community impact award received by Sarina’s 131 Army Cadet Unit in 2025 also highlights the importance of passing knowledge and values from one generation to the next. Supported by dedicated adult leaders and volunteers, the unit helps young people develop confidence, discipline, leadership and a strong commitment to service.
Together, these stories reflect the qualities that have long sustained our communities: initiative, service, connection and pride in our shared history. They also remind us that strong communities are built across generations. Our seniors contribute invaluable experience and perspective, while younger generations carry that knowledge forward and find new ways to strengthen the places they call home.
By the office of Michelle Landry MP, Member for Capricornia
For almost 60 years, Meals on Wheels Mackay has been delivering meals to local doors, but as well as the thousands of dinners leaving its kitchen each week, volunteers offer something equally important: connection.
Established in Mackay in 1967, the organisation now dispatches approximately 4,000 meals each week, with around 450 clients, volunteers and staff forming what has affectionately become known as the “MOW family”.
While Meals on Wheels is often associated with supporting older residents, the team says one of the biggest misconceptions is that the service - and volunteering for it - is only for older people.
“It is not just for old people!” said Service Manager Zoe Kennedy.
“We have clients under 40 and volunteers under 30. There isn’t a particular age that defines someone who might need our service or someone who can give their time to help provide it.”
Meals on Wheels is available to people of all ages, with the cost of meal packages varying depending on individual circumstances and any support or funding they may be eligible to receive. For many clients, the knock at the door also brings much more than a homestyle meal. Volunteers take the time to chat and check that everything is okay, providing regular social contact that can help reduce isolation while giving families reassurance that someone is checking in on their loved one.
“For me, it’s the connection between people,” Zoe said.
“The food is a bonus, but what we do goes well beyond a meal. Seeing our staff and volunteers have purpose in what they do, and our clients smiling and having a connection with another person, is what makes it worthwhile.”
That sense of connection extends to the diverse group of volunteers who keep the service moving, including former police officers, nurses, teachers and coal miners, as well as local students and businesses.
Senior students from Mackay Special School take part in their own dedicated weekly delivery run, with the organisation working to maintain those connections after graduation. Some former students have even progressed into paid employment with Meals on Wheels.
Students and teachers from Milton High School also join the delivery team each week, while local businesses give employees opportunities to volunteer through workplace community programs.
Among the organisation’s regular volunteers is well-known Mackay radio personality Rob Kidd.
“It always gives me a chuckle when someone realises who he is when he springs in the door,” Zoe said.
“He’s so full of life and has a way of making everyone smile – or blush.”
Meals on Wheels Mackay will soon take their community spirit to the upcoming Seniors Expo, where residents can meet the team, ask questions and learn more about becoming a client or volunteer.
Like many community organisations, Meals on Wheels is currently facing a shortage of volunteers and is encouraging people who may never have considered volunteering to give it a go. Importantly, helping out does not have to mean committing every day, or even every week.
“There’s a place here for people who simply want to be part of something meaningful,” Zoe said.
“Every person who gives their time, no matter how much, becomes part of our MOW family and helps us continue supporting the wider community.”
After almost six decades of service, the organisation is now focused on ensuring Meals on Wheels remains strong for the next generation.
With thousands of meals delivered and hundreds of people connected through the service each week, the team believes its impact is best understood by looking beyond the numbers.
“Meals On Wheels really is a community within a community.”
Brad Baker: Healthy Life Essentials
Gut health has become a popular topic, with shelves full of supplements promising better digestion, greater energy and improved wellbeing. Yet caring for your digestive system is rarely as simple as adding another capsule to your daily routine.
Think of your digestive system as the engine of a car. When the engine is well maintained and running efficiently, the whole vehicle is better equipped for the journey ahead. In much the same way, healthy digestion helps provide the nourishment and energy your body needs to function at its best. When something is out of balance, the effects may be felt far beyond the digestive tract.
Digestion influences how nutrients are broken down and absorbed, while the gut also interacts closely with the immune, nervous and hormonal systems. The well-known gut brain connection helps explain why digestive discomfort and emotional wellbeing can affect one another. Stress may contribute to digestive symptoms, while ongoing discomfort can influence mood, concentration and quality of life. Some people may experience bloating, irregular bowel habits, fatigue or “brain fog”; others may be living with inflammation or a diagnosed digestive condition.
These experiences deserve thoughtful investigation, not hype, guesswork or a one size fits all solution.
At Healthy Life Essentials, we encourage people to look beyond quick fixes. Supplements cannot compensate for habits and circumstances that may be placing the body under daily strain. How are you eating? Are you rushing your meals or eating late at night? Are you properly hydrated? Are stress, poor sleep or emotional pressures affecting your digestion? Are you moving regularly and giving your body enough time to rest and recover?
Even foods widely considered “healthy” may not suit every person in the same way. Your health history, lifestyle, symptoms and individual needs all matter. That is why generic advice can only take you so far.
Our eight pillars of health provide a practical framework for exploring the many interconnected influences on digestive wellbeing. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, we consider nutrition, hydration, sleep, movement, stress, emotional wellbeing and other everyday factors that help form the foundation of a healthy life. Every approach is carefully tailored to the individual, because no two bodies, histories or lives are identical.
If digestive discomfort, low energy or mental fog has gradually become your “normal,” it is time to listen more closely. Your body is not asking for another passing trend, it is asking to be understood.
Let Healthy Life Essentials help you explore the bigger picture, uncover the habits and influences that could be holding you back, and begin building a healthier foundation from within.
Selectability Reinforces Message For Child Protection Week
With child safety firmly in the national spotlight, not-for-profit charity selectability is using Queensland Child Protection Week (6th – 12th September) to remind communities that keeping children safe is a shared responsibility.
As Queensland continues to explore new approaches to supporting vulnerable children and families, one message remains clear: creating safer environments for children and young people is a collective effort that requires the commitment of individuals, families, communities and organisations alike.
selectability Chief Operating Officer Aaron Farrell said child safety was strengthened through everyday actions and a commitment to creating safe environments for children and young people.
“From recognising concerns early to creating spaces where children feel safe, respected and heard, everyone has a role to play,” Aaron said.
“Every child deserves to feel safe, valued and supported.
“When children feel heard, respected and protected, they are better able to grow, learn and thrive.”
For almost five years, selectability has supported children and young people through its Child and Family Care program.
Earlier this year, selectability became a licensed care provider, further strengthening the systems and safeguards that support high-quality care for children and young people.
Aaron Farrell said becoming a licensed care provider reflected selectability's ongoing focus on child safety and continuous improvement.
"As a child safe organisation, children's rights, safety and voices help shape how we deliver services and make decisions.
“Child safety isn't limited to a particular policy, program, service or role.
"It's embedded in our culture. You can see it in the decisions we make, the conversations we have, and the standards we set across our organisation.
“Whether we're supporting families, working in corporate roles, or out in our communities, we all contribute to ensuring children and young people feel safe, respected and supported."
Queensland Child Protection Week is celebrating 40 years of advocating for child safety. The 2026 theme, ‘Protecting children is everyone’s business’, is a reminder that creating safer environments for children and young people requires a collective effort.
If I could recommend one small investment to any small business owner, it would be a marketing and sales coaching session.
And I don’t mean hiring someone to take over your marketing.
I mean sitting down with someone who can look at the whole picture with you.
Where are people finding you?
What happens when they land on your website or social media?
Is your offer actually clear?
What happens when someone enquires?
Do you follow up?
Do you have a proper sales process, or are you just hoping people come back?
Because this is where I see so many businesses get stuck.
They think they need more marketing, so they spend more money on ads, content, websites or another new platform.
But sometimes the real problem is somewhere completely different.
Maybe your marketing is bringing people in, but your follow-up is letting you down.
Maybe your website is fine, but nobody really understands what you are selling.
Maybe you are getting enquiries, but there is no clear next step.
Or maybe you are doing a lot of marketing, but none of it really connects together.
That is why I think one good coaching session can be such a smart investment.
Not because someone is going to magically fix your business in an hour or two.
But because sometimes you need someone outside of your business to pull everything apart, look at the full customer journey and show you where things are getting lost.
Then you can decide what actually needs fixing first.
For a small business, that can save a lot of wasted time, money and frustration.
And sometimes, that is far more useful than simply doing more marketing.
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MBH nurse navigator Helen Nengasha, Dr Belinda Weich, Dr Maduka Sanjeewa and Dr Mehul Desai. Photo supplied: Mackay Base Hospital
Mackay stroke patients are set to benefit from nationally recognised specialist care close to home after Mackay Base Hospital became one of just six Queensland hospitals certified as a primary stroke centre.
The hospital is only the second regional facility in Queensland to achieve certification under the Australian Stroke Coalition’s Stroke Unit Certification Project.
Around 190 stroke patients are treated at Mackay Base Hospital each year, with evidence showing treatment in a certified stroke unit can significantly reduce the risk of death or disability.
Mackay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Sean Birgan said the four-year certification recognised the expertise and dedication of the hospital’s multidisciplinary stroke team while providing a foundation to further strengthen local services.
“This milestone is not simply about accreditation; it is a reflection of a team committed to providing safe, high-quality stroke care and achieving the best possible outcomes for Mackay region patients and their families,” Mr Birgan said.
Certification followed a rigorous peer-reviewed assessment of the hospital’s stroke services.
Nurse navigator Helen Nengasha said timely access to specialised treatment could make a life-changing difference for people experiencing a stroke.
The hospital’s capabilities include a dedicated stroke unit, specialised clinical expertise, thrombolysis, advanced imaging, multidisciplinary care, rehabilitation and ongoing quality improvement.
“By upskilling our nurses through dedicated stroke education and combining that expertise with a certified unit, we have significantly enhanced the quality of patient care,” Ms Nengasha said.
Mackay’s stroke team works alongside services including the Queensland Telestroke Service, Queensland Stroke Clinical Network and Stroke Foundation to access specialist expertise and continue improving regional care.
The team was previously recognised for its high standard of care at the Australian Stroke Coalition Quality Stroke Service Excellence Awards in 2020 and 2023.
131 Army Cadet Unit Sarina cadets put their new drone equipment to the test at a recent training and competition day, supported by a Community Grant from Community Bank Sarina
Students and cadets across the Mackay region are getting hands on with emerging technology, thanks to two community grants recently awarded by Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank.
Sarina’s 131 Army Cadet Unit and Whitsunday STEM Challenge Inc received more than $16,600 combined through the Community Bank Sarina Community Engagement Program to purchase drone technology and equipment, supporting the development of skills, confidence and future career pathways.
Community Bank Sarina Business & Community Engagement Chair Maree Franettovich said investing in future-focused projects supporting youth and education was an important part of the program.
“Drone technology is becoming increasingly relevant across many industries and these projects are giving young people the opportunity to gain practical experience while building skills, confidence and an understanding of where this technology could take them,” Ms Franettovich said.
“It is because of Community Bank Sarina’s customers and our profit for purpose model that these community grants are available to support local organisations and create new opportunities preparing our young people for the jobs of tomorrow.”
131 Army Cadet Unit Sarina’s community grant purchased Defence-approved drones, cameras and training equipment for new elective programs.
131 Army Cadet Unit CAPT(AAC) Amy Bradford said the equipment had “already created new opportunities”, with cadets from across the 80 Battalion coming together in Sarina for a weekend of drone theory, flight skills and racing.
“Thanks to this community grant, we can now deliver drone training to current and future cadets, building skills that can support future pathways across a range of industries,” CAPT(AAC) Bradford said.
Meanwhile, Whitsunday STEM Challenge Inc’s community grant was utilised to introduce drone soccer to the region at the recent Whitsunday Festival of STEM.
STEM Engagement Educator (Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy), Alex van Nunen, said the Drone Soccer ‘Come and Try Day’ was a “major hit”.
“Students of all ages were lining up to have a go, including many who had little or no experience flying drones,” Mr van Nunen said.
“They loved the competitive element, while also having the opportunity to develop their flying skills in a fun and practical environment.
“The strong response has created excitement about the future of drone soccer and we plan on it becoming a formal part of next year’s Festival of STEM.”
From flight training to drone soccer, these projects demonstrate how community investment can create significant impact – by providing opportunities today that will build the skills capacity in our region needed for tomorrow.
To find out more about Community Bank Sarina’s community impact, find them on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
Two decades of local history, sugarcane, and spirits will be celebrated this weekend as Sarina Sugar Shed marks its 20th anniversary with a free Open Day.
The celebration will be held on this Saturday 12th September, from 10am to 3pm at Field of Dreams Parklands, Railway Square, Sarina, with the community invited to come along and celebrate the milestone.
Visitors can explore historical displays and Sugar Shed memorabilia, enjoy free tastings, train rides and interactive activities, and meet award-winning distiller Sarah. Special rum and rum liqueur releases will also be unveiled for the anniversary.
The story of Sarina Sugar Shed began in 2003, after local sugar mills, including Plane Creek Mill, ceased offering tours due to increasing safety compliance and insurance costs. Local citizens and mill workers, supported by the then-Sarina Shire Council, developed the concept for a replica sugar mill on council-owned land.
Development began in 2004, with construction commencing in 2005 and local mill workers collecting and refurbishing equipment. The Sugar Shed officially opened in September 2006, producing its first liqueurs that year.
Since then, it has grown into an award-winning tourism attraction and a celebration of the region’s sugar industry.
Now, 20 years on, the community is invited to celebrate the people, stories and local produce that have helped shape the Sarina Sugar Shed.
What: Sarina Sugar Shed 20th Anniversary Open Day
When: Saturday 12th September, 10am–3pm
Where: Field of Dreams Parklands, Railway Square, Sarina
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