In Bushy Park, Teddington, an affluent suburb near London, a group of 13 mates decided to go for a run at their local park. The distance chosen was 5km, challenging enough but short enough for most to be able to achieve.

That was in 2004. Fast-forward to 2018, and the fifth million parkrunner signed up, with places across the globe providing places for the phenomenon to occur.

Next year will be the 20th anniversary of parkrun, and locally in Mackay, parkruns happen weekly on a Saturday morning at the Botanic Gardens. It’s a place where serious runners will challenge each other to better their personal bests, but the popularity of the event sees elderly walkers, mums and dads pushing prams and a variety of age, size and ethnicity turn up to get their weekly sweat on.

Milestones such as 50 and 100 parkruns are recognised and results are available online for people to track their progress.

In Mackay, 249 runners took part in a New Year’s Eve run, complete with a refreshing shower of rain and a refreshing Zooper Dooper at the finish. It’s a great way to get moving, so why not challenge yourself to a parkrun this Movement Month?

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Mackay’s New Year’s Eve parkrun. Photo credit: Mackay parkrun Facebook

For those with new year’s resolutions of being present, grateful and connecting with their community, look no further.

Rise and Mind Mackay are a group of young locals who meet at Harbour Beach every Wednesday morning, inviting anyone and everyone to rise early, meet new people and connect with their community.

The initiative was started by Brianna Underhill in January 2022, taking inspiration from a similar group on the Gold Coast.

“They did this Wednesday's program; sunrise, swim and sip, and it was just really simple, really community-minded, something to uplift people,” Brianna said.

“I saw it and thought, ‘That would be so awesome to do, I’d love to be a part of something like that.’”

The simple concept involves meeting at Harbour Beach every Wednesday at 6:00am, swimming in the crystal-clear north Queensland waters (should you choose to) before heading to nearby café The Avenue for a coffee and breakfast.

Whether attendees are new to Mackay, passing through or just eager to meet new people, Rise and Mind has fostered new friendships that often grow outside of the weekly gathering.

“It’s something that’s really good for young adults, to get out and meet people in a different environment,” said Brianna.

That’s exactly what happened when Brianna met Brenna Young.

Brenna came across Rise and Mind on Instagram, went along one morning and hasn’t looked back.

“It is literally the best part of my week,” said Brenna.

“People that I’ve met on Wednesdays are my closest friends now and literally changed my whole outlook on life, just coming and being grateful and being present and connecting.”

The Wednesday morning ritual provides attendees a fun, safe and friendly start to their Wednesdays, outside the norms of the working week.

“Being on a Wednesday, it’s right in the middle of the week and when you hit that hump day slump, it’s so nice to come down and start the day doing something that isn’t in that repetitive cycle,” said Brenna.

“That’s what we want,” added Brianna.

“We want good mental health, we want people to enjoy their whole week, not just the weekends.

“We want you to enjoy something else in Mackay.

“Everyone always says there’s nothing to do, but it’s also what we make of it.”

Brianna urged anyone looking to meet new people or try something new to come along.

“There is a discipline in coming at 6:00am, obviously, but once you’re here, you don’t even realise, especially in summer,” she said.

“Just take the leap, come out, connect, if you like it, you can come back the next week.

“You’ll actually see a difference in your week.”

Follow Rise and Mind on Instagram for more information.

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Rise and Mind meets at Harbour Beach every Wednesday morning, providing a space to relax and meet new people. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Fitness experts agree that movement and nutrition go hand-in-hand. No amount of movement can combat what you put in your mouth if excessive and mindless eating is a factor in your lifestyle, so dieticians recommend using a few simple tips to help cut the cravings.

1 – Set a water consumption goal and make this a priority

Did you know that thirst can create hunger-type cravings. By concentrating on water over food, you’ll find yourself eating less as your body will be well hydrated, resulting in less cravings and less room for large portions.

2 – Set eating time alerts on your phone

Mindless eating and grazing have become a way of life, with food often focusing on convenience over nutrition. Diabetics who have to take blood sugar readings two hours after completing a meal often find they naturally drop weight, because during that two-hour window there’s no snacking allowed.

3 – Cut down on sugar

There is enough natural sugar found in fruits and vegetables that you don’t need to add extra sugar into your day. Try cutting the sugar from your beverages, learn to bake with sugar-free alternatives and replace sweets and icecream with fruit and low-sugar frozen yoghurt.

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If you’re reading this on the back deck of your apartment overlooking the Great Barrier Reef at Airlie Beach, you know exactly what to do. If you’re reading this in front of your computer at work, well, we need to talk.

January 6 is a huge day!

It’s a day that marks pretty much two weeks until all the kids head back to school. It also marks less than 2 months until the start of the NRL and local footy with our mighty Cutters going at it again. Oh and don’t forget about the basketball with the Meteors and Meteorettes at Candlestick Park. I’m excited for the fun.

You know what else is happening?

Today is officially the day when we take down the Christmas tree from last year. Yes, there’s a day for that.

Just so we are aware, there seems to be a day for everything. Birthday. Anniversary. A day that you need to change the battery on your smoke detector. A day when you need to visit the doctor once a year.

Today is the day when we need to pack away the old Christmas tree and leave it alone for the next 10 months until we do it all again.

I’m guessing you’ve got a tree that came in a box from the other side of the world, and you just put it together, threw some decorations and tinsel on it, and then it was done. I wouldn’t think it would take a long time to put it all away, but if it does, take your time. Make it count.

Then you have to look at packing away all those lights, and extra bits and pieces of things that glow in the night sky. Make sure you roll the lights up in a way, so that when November rolls around, you aren’t taking hours to unroll and put up. Just a word of advice.

I remember a few weeks ago someone stole my light-up reindeer from my front yard in South Mackay. Yes, someone jumped the fence and helped themselves to it, but hey that’s what we’ve come to lately, but anyway, it is what it is. What I meant to say is, if you are packing everything away around your place, and you notice a white reindeer sitting in the corner, and you don’t know where it’s come from, I reckon it’s mine.

Oh and by the way, January 6 is also a day when you can head off to the Bluewater Lagoon and get some rays without anyone else there. You’ll have the place to yourself. Enjoy!

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

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Three Decades Of ATP

Artspace Mackay is excited to present the Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art’s touring exhibition, ‘Asia Pacific Contemporary: Three Decades of APT’, which profiles key moments from the gallery’s flagship exhibition series looking at contemporary art in the Asia Pacific Region.

Featuring works that have appeared in the Triennial since its debut in the 1990s, and across media from painting and sculpture to video, performance and works on paper, ‘Asia Pacific Contemporary’ showcases art from Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, Vanuatu and Vietnam.

Works of art commissioned or collected from APT1 (1993) through to APT9 (2018-19) display APT’s embrace of contemporary art in all its forms.

This touring exhibition will be at Artspace Mackay until February 5.

Formed‍

A selection of artworks from the Mackay Regional Council Collection are on display in Artspace’s Foyer Gallery for a new exhibition, ‘Formed’.

This small but striking collection of works feature visual responses to colour theory, shape and space by three artists: Garry Bish, Jessica Dorizac and Robert Jacks, explored through ceramics, artists’ books and printmaking.

On now until February 5.

Ryan Vella – Underground Spandex

Also showing in the Foyer Gallery is Underground Spandex, a colourful collection by Ryan Vella.

The exhibition features more than 20 pages of comic-style art, selected by Artspace Mackay from Ryan’s past two years of work.

Showing until February 5.

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The Asia Pacific Contemporary: Three Decades of APT exhibition. PhotoCredit: Jim Cullen Photographer

‘Formed’ is on display in the Foyer Gallery. Photo Credit: Jim Cullen Photographer

Underground Spandex by Ryan Vella is showing until February 5

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Every year brings highs and lows but as we move forward into 2023 all we can do is our very best.

I’d like to share a couple of thoughts for the new year with you.

Please give a thought to the people that are homeless and that are living in tents around our town.  If you can assist with accommodation or know of anyone that can, please call CASA, St Vincent De Paul or Lifeline-Uniting Care.  

While housing is not a council issue, I will be working proactively with the state and agencies to help reduce this ongoing crisis for our region in 2023.

One of the committees I am on is the Environmental Disaster subcommittee. This sits under the Local Disaster Management Group, which will be on alert at this time of year getting ready for any disasters that may come our way.  

You can help by getting ready for storm season; prepare an emergency kit, clean up around the yard and use your dump vouchers to dispose of any items that could potentially become flying debris. Now is the ideal time to clean your gutters and think about your elderly neighbor that may also need a helping hand.

It’s also a timely reminder to support local businesses into the new year. These are the people that employ our local residents and keep our local economy going.

Finally, enjoy your time over the holidays and look forward to the new year. It’s a time for new beginnings.

Spend it with family just before we all go back to work and school. Why not take a look, walk, or picnic at our greatest asset in the city, the Pioneer River? Head down to the new river precinct which is now open to the public – this is the section from Paxton’s to the fish markets.  In the new year minor works will be occurring, so watch this space.

Happy New Year to each and every one of you and I am looking forward to continuing my advocacy in the community into 2023.

Cr Alison Jones

Mackay Regional Council

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Hi Everyone,

Welcome to the first edition of 2023!

It’s great to be back after a relaxing holiday and we are all excited for the year ahead.

Over the Christmas break my family and I went down to 1770 – for those of you that don’t know, this is a little seaside town about eight hours south of here.

This destination is special for two reasons – firstly it has the first surf break as you head down the coast, it is also the first place where you do not have to wear stinger suits.

As a result, we spent about 90 per cent of the holiday in the ocean and I loved listening to the kids squealing as they were being chased by waves, building huge sandcastles and learning how to paddle on our new inflatable sea kayak.

At the beginning of the week my partner and I decided that we would limit technology as much as possible and on our first day I suggested we also stop scrolling on our phones.

For me this meant that I would stop nosing around on Facebook and he would stop checking sporting news.

Challenge accepted, we both ditched our smart phones and learnt to live in the present moment – nature became a screen and watching the kids play became our entertainment.

At first, I have to confess I caught myself instinctively picking up my phone whenever there was a lull in activity, but each time I placed it back down on the bench I felt empowered and invigorated.

By the end of the week, the kids had not watched an evening movie (we’d played board games instead) and no-one had really thought about screens at all – it all felt quite liberating.

When we picked up our screens again for the car journey home (there was no way we were going to get through that without technology!) it was really nice to reconnect with the world, but also realise we had not missed a thing.

Rach

Quote of the week: “Lost time is never found again” (Benjamin Franklin)

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This week we were delighted to receive an email from one of our readers outlining his ‘Good Deed’ experience at a local shopping centre in Cannonvale.

We loved his letter so much, we decided to print it in full.
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My partner Sue and I are in our mid-seventies. We are regular shoppers at the Woolworths centre because we like the vibe. No disrespect to The Whitsunday Shopping Centre, they also have great shops and one can get a great coffee fix at both locations.

Today we were doing a bit of last minute shopping at Woolies and as you may expect it was packed. With all the items found we waited patiently at the quick check out.

Our turn came to be served, the efficient check-out-chick quickly totalled up our purchases, I presented my Woolies loyalty card and was about to tap my debit card when a hand, with another card hit the pad.

This rather confused me and Sue. I was stunned. Looking back at the queue, there was an attractive, smiling young lady with twinkling eyes. We did not know her.

I admit I did need a shave and my attire was at best basic but this kindness brought a tear to the eyes of this sometimes crusty old fellow.

What amazing kindness!

Several weeks ago Sue ordered coffee and the chap preceding her had prepaid for it. More generosity. No more mister crusty, somehow I will endeavour to pass on the kindness.

Yours faithfully,

Andrew R. McKay

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In a challenging trek that would test even the most healthy and active adult, a group of primary-school-aged children embarked on the Honeyeater Trail earlier this week, participating in the inaugural New Year Family Hike.

Organised by Tim Oberg and Michael McConnell from Next Stars Sports Academy, this free community event was open to families participating in their coaching sessions plus any interested members of the community.

“It’s a great challenge for the kids, parents and their siblings,” said Tim.

“Everyone is aware on the Honeyeater Trail, but many haven’t done it – it’s pretty challenging!”

The group left from Café One3 in Airlie Beach and trekked upwards, completing a round trip of 7.5 kilometres.

They left on Monday, January 2 at 7am and returned by around 10am the same day.

“Some of the kids struggled,” said Tim.

“But all the other kids were empathetic – they really supported each other – a lot of the girls were holding hands, and everyone motivated each other.

“That was exactly what we were hoping for, watching the kids helping each other was incredible and we were all really proud of them.”

Marvellous weather greeted the intrepid explorers and many passers-by stopped to wish the group a happy New Year.

“A lot of people on the walk commented on how good it was to see so many kids doing the walk together and away from the screens,” said Tim.

“It was a great thing to witness and a really positive way to start the year.”

The next event is planned for June this year and Tim said they are hoping to get even more families involved.

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We made it! The stunning view from the top of Honeyeater

Holding hands to support each other through a challenging trek

A moment to take it all in. Photo credit: Michael McConnell

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A Mackay couple and their three children were left trapped in their vehicle when it was involved in collision north of Proserpine just days after Christmas.

The family had been travelling south from Townsville when a Toyota Prado allegedly crossed into their lane, crashing into the family’s Holden Ute on Tuesday, December 27, just after 1pm.

Queensland Fire Service were able to extricate those trapped and the RACQ CQ Helicopter attended the scene, despatching injured patients to hospital.

A total of seven people were taken to Proserpine Hospital, but it is understood everyone involved have now been released.

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The incident involved to vehicles which collided at speed: Photo supplied by RACQ CQ Rescue

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A vehicle that was stolen in Gympie in December has been found in the Proserpine River and, in order to retrieve it, emergency service personnel had to dodge a three and a half metre resident crocodile on a nearby bank.

Despite the dangerous local wildlife and the muddy, steep shoreline, officers reported that the vehicle was removed from the water without incident.

The 2014 model Kia Cerato was stolen from the Gympie home on December 13 and discovered mostly submerged in tidal waters on December 29 where it had been dumped in the Proserpine River near Glen Isla Road.

The location is known as "The Landing" - a popular site amongst locals for fishing and known for its dense crocodile population.

With a strong focus on safety, the vehicle was removed from the waters with the assistance of officers from the Proserpine station, the Whitsunday Water Police, officers from the Police Dive Squad, personnel from the State Emergency Service (SES) and also Parks and Wildlife.

“Police are grateful for the assistance offered by all in the retrieval of the stolen vehicle from the water in these unique circumstances,” said a police spokesperson.

“Anyone who may have information about either the initial car theft from Gympie, or the dumping of the stolen car at this location is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible.”

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The stolen vehicle was dumped in croc infested waters

The 2014 model Kia Cerato was removed without incident. Photos supplied

Sir Elton John is rumoured to have visited the Whitsundays over the Christmas period, landing on Hamilton Island before transiting to Hayman Island with his husband David and their two sons, Zachary and Elijah.

The legendary musician is in the country ahead of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road: The Final Tour which will see him play in Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in January before heading on to New Zealand in February.

His plane, a Gama Aviation Bombardier Global Express bizjet M-EDZE, was first sighted when it landed at Hamilton Island Airport on December 27 and images were posted on the Central Queensland Plane Spotting Blog.

“The sleek Global Express is the personal ride of British singer Sir Elton John who was spotted, along with his partner, kids and several others,” read the blog.

From here, the family and their entourage headed to Hayman Island where absolute secrecy is promised and no further information was available.

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The Gama Aviation Bombardier Global Express bizjet M-EDZE arrived at Hamilton Island Airport on December 27

Elton John and his family spent time at Hayman Island

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A 27-year-old man from Tannum Sands has been arrested and charged with several offences following an alleged marine incident inside the Port of Airlie Marina at about 7am on January 3.

It's alleged that police were advised of a stolen jet-ski being operated dangerously in the Port of Airlie.

It's further alleged that upon police arrival officers located and arrested the operator of the jet-ski, which was also then returned to the owner.

The 27-year-old man has been charged with trespass, unlawful use of a vessel,

unlicensed operation of a vessel, disobey marine speed limit and disobey safety equipment obligations.

The matters will be heard via video link this morning at Rockhampton Magistrates Court.

Police are grateful for the assistance received from members of the public with the reporting of this incident.

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Record numbers of tourists visiting the Whitsundays last year have set the region on an exciting trajectory for 2023 following the release of a report that stated domestic visitor numbers went up by 179 per cent compared to 2019 data.

The National Visitor Survey (NVS) revealed a record 923,000 domestic visitors came to the region, spending $1.5billion dollars in The Whitsundays.

It was also noted that visitors were staying longer and spending more with a total of 4.9 million nights in the year to 30 September 2022, an increase of 73% based on 2019 figures.

This comes as good news for a region where one in three jobs are reliant on tourism and bodes well for a strong and stable 2023.

Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton said these results cement what everyone in The Whitsundays already knows, The Whitsundays is the best place to holiday.

“Select domestic markets have always known about the attraction of The Whitsundays, but the growth we are seeing in domestic visitation shows that more of Australia is now familiar and confident about this unique holiday experience,” he said.

“These results once again underline the significant contribution tourism makes here. We have world-class operators, accommodation options and businesses all working   to deliver outstanding holidays to vacationers in The Whitsundays, whatever their budget.

While there has been a record increase in interstate travellers, 274,000 up 18.9 per cent on 2019, it is Queenslanders who are making up 69 per cent of visitors.

“It is encouraging to see more of Australia discovering and experiencing The Whitsundays because we can compete with anywhere in the world for the range of experiences, unique attractions and location,” Mr Hamilton said.

“However, Queenslanders are taking advantage of The Whitsundays, which is right on their doorstep.”

Tourism Whitsundays Chair, Julie Telford understands why The Whitsundays is getting record visitation from inter and intra state travellers.

“Queensland is such a diverse State and travelling within its border can take you through the rainforest, outback, surf beaches and the wonderful Whitsundays by car, bus, train, plane and boat. It’s no wonder we’ve seen so many Queenslanders rediscover their love of The Whitsundays,” she said.

“Visitors are staying an average of 5.2 nights this year, increasing almost a day compared to results from March 2022 because there’s so much to do and enjoy in The Whitsundays that every minute of that time can be booked onto a different experience.”

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With Andrew Willcox, Federal Member For Dawson

Happy New Year!  I hope everyone has had a fantastic time over the festive season and if you are lucky enough to still be on holidays, please stay safe and enjoy your well-earned break.

2022 was a big year.

The start of the year saw our borders reopen and families reuniting at long last. It was the year that we farewelled our beloved Queen Elizabeth II and welcomed our new King Charles III to the throne. In 2022 our mighty NQ Cowboys came so close to the premiership. Fingers crossed the silverware falls into the right hands in 2023.  

Of course, it was also the year our nation’s political leadership changed. I respect peoples’ choice to elect a Labor Government under Albanese, however I have significant concerns about the direction that Labor is leading us in.

The Dawson region punches well above its weight in terms of tourism, agriculture and mining. Our resources sector, made up of our hardworking men and women, contributes in droves to the wealth and prosperity of our nation keeping our lights on and our businesses running.

In the last days of 2022, Federal Labor introduced price caps to our coal and gas supply. History has shown that this jeopardises supply, jobs and businesses, and discourages investment. It’s not good news. This issue is squarely in my sights, and I will continue to hold the Government to account on their promise of cheaper (and reliable) energy for all Australians.

In 2022, the previous Liberal National Government committed to key projects being delivered locally. We set aside $420,000 for the Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Rescue who do magnificent work keeping us safe on the water. We budgeted and committed $50,000 for Proserpine State School P&C and another $80 million for the construction of the Bowen pipeline.

It was disappointing when Labor revealed they were canning the funding committed to these projects. I will continue to keep up the pressure, to see our region get the investment it deserves.

Speaking of pressure, when Labor neglected the north through the abolishment of the Northern Australia Committee, I made a racquet about it alongside my Coalition colleagues. Within a week, it was reinstated. I am proud to be on this committee, which works to ensure the north gets a fairer share of government spending.

More wins for our region include the Coalition’s Ag Visa agreement with Vietnam being honoured and Townsville AEIOU, education centre for children with Autism, received $2 million funding as previously committed by the Coalition. This shows even in opposition we can achieve for our regions.

I’m 100 per cent committed to growing a stronger future for Dawson. There is a lot of hard work ahead.

As your Federal Member for Dawson, I want to hear from you about your ideas and insights for our region. I’m here to take your voice to Canberra and fight for our great region.  

Andrew Willcox’s office is at Level 2/45 Victoria Street, Mackay. His office is contactable on 4944 0662 or via email at andrew.willcox.mp@aph.gov.au

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox (centre) with Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsundays team Mal Priday (left) and Roger Wadson (right). Photo supplied.

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