Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
There are new things to consider when buying real estate in Australia. Up until last month, people buying real estate in Sydney really only considered the capital growth they were expecting to create within just a few years of making their purchase. Paying $1.2 million for an inner-city two-bedroom apartment didn’t matter so much if it was going to be worth $1.5 million two years later. It didn’t really matter that the crap rental returns you got for that price didn’t go anywhere near covering the mortgage because the old negative gearing benefit meant you could claim the losses on your tax. Things have changed. Negative gearing has gone and prices are dropping in Sydney … so that $1.2 million apartment doesn’t look so enticing any more, even though it’s now $1.1 million. Other cities have also been hit hard. Melbourne is now one of the cheapest cities in Australia to buy real estate. Although there are special Victorian reasons that come into play in that state. Victorians were bullied during COVID in a way that impacted small businesses in a disastrous way. The state’s debt is exorbitant, and no one seems to know how it gets paid back. Tobacco shops keep getting blown up by some underworld gang thing that the Government can’t control. They have metal boxes where people can hand in their machetes and that doesn’t appear to instil peace of mind in anyone. Terrible Governments end up having an impact and it definitely has had one on property prices in Victoria. A quick scan of on-line property sites shows you that you can pick up a decent two-bedroom unit in an inner-city suburbs like St Kilda and Collingwood in the $400,000s. I saw a three-bedder in St Kilda advertised in the $500,000s. While those prices might seem like great value, there are reasons the market is so low. People don’t trust the state Government and its management of the economy and the obvious concern would be that even though the prices might be low, there is no guarantee of capital growth. Capital growth has offered a warm embrace for investors in Australian real estate over many years. There has been an expectation that prices will go up. Obviously they will go up again but the questions is: Where will they go up, when and by how much? Unfortunately I don’t have the answer to that but I do find that when things get a bit blurry and uncertain, it’s good to stick to what you know … which, for me, is Mackay. We have several advantages over many other markets. Our median price for houses, in the $600,000s, is a lot lower than bigger cities so more affordable for local people who, by the way, still need somewhere to live. And, with the end of negative gearing and the banning of borrowing for property out of self-managed super funds, lower prices and strong rental returns should become a key factor in real estate investment. Yes, investors want capital growth but I feel the focus will probably shift more to rental yield and the monthly return on investment. Mackay’s rental returns are good and the purchase prices relatively low compared to other markets so there seems to me a good chance that our market will continue to be buoyed by those wanting to take advantage of that. Meanwhile the Mackay economy seems to be going well, driven by that crucial resource that is dug out of the ground and exported to countries that make steel. I got strong offers on three properties this week so there is a feeling that while there has certainly been a change driven by national political factors, our market is moving through it, adjusting to the new information and still bubbling along. The only thing I would say is that if any of you bump into David Crisafulli tell him to dump those high-level coal royalties.
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Queensland’s top real estate professionals and agencies are being called to step into the spotlight, with nominations now open for the Real Estate Institute of Queensland’s (REIQ) 2026 Awards for Excellence. REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the awards remained the state’s highest professional recognition in real estate and continued to adapt alongside the profession itself. “The REIQ Awards for Excellence are the pinnacle of professional recognition in Queensland real estate, and each year we ensure the program remains contemporary, inclusive and reflective of the full scope of our profession,” Ms Mercorella said. “This year, we’re delighted to add a new Multi-Office Network of the Year category, recognising real estate agencies that operate as a unified multi-office network. “It’s a category our members asked for, and it’s a great example of how the awards continue to evolve alongside the structure and sophistication of Queensland real estate businesses.” Ms Mercorella said there was even more incentive for members to nominate this year, with a pathway from the outset to national recognition in eligible categories through the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s (REIA) National Awards for Excellence (NAFE). The REIQ Awards for Excellence span individual and agency categories, with some split into regional and SEQ areas, across residential and commercial sales, property management, buyer’s agency, auctioneering, business broking, multimedia, innovation and community contribution. Ms Mercorella said real estate professionals throughout Queensland could now start preparing and polishing their award nominations with the clock now ticking down. It’s time to shine! Nominations close on Sunday 12th July 2026, with the winners announced at a spectacular awards gala on Saturday 31st October 2026 at The Star Brisbane. Nominate now via awards.reiq.com
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Makayla Groves and Bianca O'Brien are part of the commercial property team at Blacks Real Estate, supporting landlords, tenants and business owners across the Mackay region. Working as Commercial Property Managers, Makayla and Bianca assist with the day-to-day management of commercial properties, helping clients navigate leasing and property management requirements across retail, office and industrial spaces. Based at the agency’s Wood Street office, the pair work closely with business clients throughout the region as part of Blacks Real Estate’s commercial division. Makayla Groves can be contacted on 07 4963 2522, while Bianca O’Brien can be contacted on 07 4963 2525. CAPTION: Bianca O'Brien works with Blacks Real Estate as a Commercial Property Manager. Photo supplied Makayla Groves works as a Commercial Property Manager with Blacks Real Estate. Photo supplied
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The Coalition has pledged to make the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) a permanent institution, arguing the move would provide long-term certainty for regional investment, infrastructure and jobs across Northern Australia, including Mackay. The announcement follows the Federal Government's decision to extend the NAIF for a further 10 years, rather than permanently removing its sunset clause. Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said while the Coalition would support Labor's legislation, it believed the independent review's recommendation to make the facility permanent should be adopted. “The Developing Northern Australia is a proud LNP achievement,” Senator Canavan said. “Despite naysayers at the time, Northern Australia has remained on the agenda ever since. I am personally proud to have introduced the original Northern Australia legislation in 2016, with the policy built on the work that was done by LNP Members of Parliaments such as former Senator Ian Macdonald and former MP Warren Entsch. “Unfortunately, Labor is now kicking the can down the road. Northern Australia shouldn’t have to fight every decade to prove it is worthy of investment. “The independent review recommended making the NAIF permanent because it works. The Coalition established the NAIF in 2016, and we will make it permanent because Northern Australia should have long-term certainty for investment, jobs and economic growth.” Since its creation, the NAIF has supported 33 projects with $4.3 billion in finance commitments, helping deliver more than 18,000 jobs and an estimated $33 billion in public benefit across Northern Australia. Those investments include upgrades to airports in Darwin, Alice Springs, Townsville, Cairns and Mackay, along with projects supporting agriculture, mining and manufacturing. Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Senator Susan McDonald said permanent funding would continue to drive regional development. “Labor talks about Northern Australia, but the Coalition backs it with lasting investment,” Senator McDonald said. “The NAIF has transformed communities, unlocked private investment and created jobs across the North. Making it permanent sends a clear message that the Coalition believes in Northern Australia’s future and won’t treat its development as a temporary priority.” “Governments come and go, but Northern Australia’s importance will never diminish,” she said.
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Sometimes we feel our home gets cluttered and needs a refresh, however, the budget doesn’t have wiggle room for a full home-renovation makeover. There are many simple and cost-effective improvements you can do yourself that can make your home feel brand new – which don’t have to cost a fortune. Simple changes like freshening up your home décor, updating tapware or repainting a wall can make all the difference. See some of the smaller items you can do to your home to give it a new and refreshed feeling.
Out with the old and in with the new
If you don’t love it or haven’t used it in the past 12 months, it’s a sign you may be able to let it go. Decluttering can be a good opportunity to sell items you no longer want or need to make money to buy the new piece of furniture or paint that’s on your wish list.
Introduce a new colour palette
Colour affects our emotions and moods so a fresh coat of paint or switching the colours in a room can dramatically make a difference to the way we feel in a space. Even consider painting your trimwork with an updated colour – this defines your home’s features, while creating a high-end look. Freshening up a space with a fresh coat of paint is a cost-effective but impactful change that can make a space feel brand new.
Switch up your tapware
Tapware can play a massive role in the way a bathroom or laundry space can make you feel. Simply switching up your tapware, and adding some cute new storage for supplies can make you feel like you’ve had a complete renovation.
Style your entry
The first impression of the home is the entryway. If your entryway feels like a dumping ground, give it a quick refresh that will make your guests say ‘wow’. Adding a bowl or tray to put smaller items in (like keys) will help to tidy the area and keep those smaller things contained. To make the area feel bigger than it is, without knocking down a wall, add a mirror to one wall.
A home refresh doesn’t need to be a massive overhaul and doesn’t need to break the bank. Visit the helpful staff at Porters Mitre 10 stores for ideas and expert advice on how to refresh your home.
Spending more time at home over the last few years means the search for style inspiration for outdoor living has never been greater. Making spaces work harder for longer seasonal use is the current garden trend.
The garden now needs to be multipurpose, with a space for entertaining and relaxing and it must look good too. In 2023 we will see a surge in less lawns and more actual gardens. It’s all about materials that can be natural, artisan and practical at the same time.
The planting spotlight is on successional designs that provide colour and interest all year round.
Water wise, sustainable plants and landscape materials will be a continuing trend, this can be achieved by using materials like volcanic stone, reclaimed timber or composite timber that require little to no maintenance.
A carefully thought-out irrigation system will ensure you spend more time enjoying the garden, plus it’s peace of mind if you want to go away.
Allocate a sheltered shady spot amongst the garden where you can bring all your indoor plants out, so they get looked after whilst everything else gets watered whilst you're away from home.
Traditionally the swimming pool has always been a focal point surrounded by lots of concrete. We are now moving into creating swimming pools with more narrow coping in cooler touch ceramics, textured travertine and even sunken edging transitioning to smooth rocks and surrounded by lush gardens.
Utilizing multipurpose spaces, we are seeing tiered garden beds with alcoves in the newly revived rustic render effect for intimate seating and dining zones. Purpose built seating, arbours, fire pits and pizza ovens are creating the perfect place to enjoy around the pool area. Top it off with carefully placed lighting throughout the garden and don’t just keep it down at ground level, add strings of festoon lighting up high on walls, fences & trees to create a wonderful ambiance.
At Style Central Home we would be delighted to assist you in creating your very own outdoor sanctuary whether it be big or small. Whatever you are doing over the Christmas break, may you all have a happy, relaxing time with your loved ones and we hope that 2023 is a positive and healthy year ahead.
Mackay Regional Council has a plan to make Mackay cooler, greener and more connected.
It’s all part of council’s new Mackay Urban Greening Strategy, which was adopted at last week’s ordinary council meeting.
Urban greening is the process of strategically identifying ways to protect, plan and plant vegetation across urban areas, including streets, parks, reserves, car parks and waterways.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the strategy would put a plan in place to increase vegetation coverage across the region over the next 20 years.
“Mackay’s urban vegetation cover is relatively low, and it is also declining in some areas,” he said.
“The Mackay Urban Greening Strategy was developed with community input, and it provides a vision, target, and actions to make Mackay cooler, greener and more connected into the future.
“It will include actions, such as more planting projects, tree management, policy reviews and community engagement.
“Urban greening is a priority for us as a council as it not only provides shade from the hot sun, but it also improves air quality, reduces stormwater run-off and contributes to the amenity of Mackay’s urban character and sense of place.”
The Mackay Urban Greening Strategy highlights four key objectives including:
> growing greener and cooler neighbourhoods
> protecting and nurturing our valued green assets
> building community stewardship and partnerships
> adapting and learning.
For more information on the Mackay Urban Greening Strategy visit www.connectingmackay.com.au/urban-greening.
Grant and Nicole Trone and their daughter Xanthe enjoy a walk under the tree canopy at Queens Park
Science and technology education, conservation and sailing skills are among nine community initiatives to be supported under North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation’s (NQBP’s) 2022-23 Community Fund.
The Community Fund recipients will share $60,000 in funding, with each initiative expected to deliver tangible benefits across NQBP’s port communities.
NQBP Acting Chief Executive Officer Belinda Kenny congratulated the Community Fund recipients and said each initiative demonstrated an ability to make a real difference in their respective communities.
“We had a great response to our 2022-23 Community Fund, the inaugural year of the Fund, with 56 applications received,” Ms Kenny said.
“We’re proud to support a broad range of initiatives within each of our port communities via this year’s Community Fund.
“All the initiatives supported have a strong alignment with NQBP’s values of Excellence, Unity, Respect, and Integrity.”
From science kits for Sarina State School, sailing classes for people with disabilities in Mackay, mental health training for Bowen Flexi Care staff and the Bowen community, and Christmas hampers for Weipa foster children and carers, NQBP is playing an active role in the communities in which it operates.
Ms Kenny said the selected initiatives also promote the principles of diversity and inclusion, and recognition of First Nations Peoples.
“I would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this year’s Community Fund and wish those not selected for this year’s Fund the very best with their respective community initiatives,” she said.
“We look forward to working with our 2022-23 Community Fund partners to support their valuable initiatives over the coming year, and fostering stronger community connections.”
Sailability Mackay President, Nanetta McKeiver said the NQBP Community Fund sponsorship will assist the volunteer organisation in bringing joy to people with disability through the experience of sailing.
“We are extremely grateful for the support provided by NQBP,” Mrs McKeiver said.
“Through our sailing experience sessions, we aim to provide people with disability the opportunity to participate in the sport of sailing in a safe and supportive environment and it’s only with the support of organisations like NQBP that we can continue to provide this opportunity to the Mackay community.”
The NQBP Community Fund is an annual sponsorship program open to non-profit groups and organisations, and registered charities.
NQBP is a Queensland Government-owned corporation responsible for the ports of Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point, and Weipa in far north Queensland.
The 2023-24 NQBP Community Fund will be open for applications in April/May 2023. A full list of the 2022-23 Community Fund recipients is below:
Sailability Mackay’s sailing experience sessions for people with disability (pictured) is one of nine community initiatives to be supported under NQBP’s 2022-23 Community Fund
Did you know that in the 2020-2021 financial year, Queensland produced 96 per cent of Australia’s sugarcane?
In a partnership that goes back to the 1900s, the Queensland Government is continuing its support for Queensland’s sugarcane industry with a 5-year $14.25 million funding grant to Sugar Research Australia Limited (SRA) for research, development and extension (RD&E) activities.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the Queensland Government had been working with and supporting this iconic industry for 122 years.
“The Queensland Government has a long-standing history of supporting RD&E activities that improve the prosperity and sustainability of the sugarcane industry,” Mr Furner said.
“This grant will see a further $14.25M committed to strategic RD&E investments that will increase our understanding of industry problems, enable the uptake of advanced technology, and implement innovative management practices to strengthen the industry.
“Our research support for agriculture, together with investment from our research partners, is key to helping farmers to solve production problems so they get on with what they do best, growing the world’s best food and fibre.”
Mr Furner said cane growers could also benefit significantly under the government’s Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
“The plan recognises growers, graziers and bioenergy generators are key partners in our clean energy transition,” he said.
As part of the 2022-23 State Budget, the Palaszczuk Government announced a new Queensland Microgrid Pilot Fund (the fund) which will invest $10 million over two years, to boost the resilience of regional and remote communities.
The Department of Energy and Public Works is currently developing guidelines and eligibility requirements for the fund, with the guidelines expected to be released by the end of 2022. Canegrowers, or sugar mills, are welcome to apply if eligibility requirements are met.
SRA recently completed its new 5-year Strategic Plan, identifying 5 strategic pillars to help grow and shape the prosperity of the Australian sugarcane industry and regional communities.
SRA Chief Executive Officer Roslyn Baker said the funding commitment from the Queensland Government was extremely welcome and would greatly assist the industry to grow and adapt to future challenges.
“Sugarcane is a vital industry to Queensland’s economy and for building regional prosperity,” Ms Baker said.
“SRA is focused on boosting our industry to deliver immediate value through our industry services and also long-term sustainability and growth. Investment in RD&E is critical, and I welcome the Queensland Government’s commitment to sugarcane RD&E through this grant.”
The overall contribution from the sugarcane industry to Queensland’s gross value of production for 2020-2021 is estimated to be $1.15 billion, a 12.7 per cent increase from the previous year, when production was affected by drier seasons.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner
The Allan Cameron Park in Walkerston is now open after recent upgrades.
Allan Cameron Rotary Park was originally a Walkerston Rotary Club project in partnership with Mackay Regional Council - way back in the year 2000.
As the Allan Cameron Rotary Park was established in 2000 and all of the children's playground equipment would need replacing as it was quite old and dilapidated and no longer up to standard requirements - the proposal to upgrade the park to an 'Adult Exercise Playground' came about.
A survey had been conducted with the findings that the park was hardly used, except by students waiting for the school bus which stops there.
The fact that a bigger and better equipped playground had been built in the same area, just down the street on the corner of Stevic Street - and has high visitation numbers, was also taken into account.
The Adult Exercise Playground was suggested as it was noted that many 'walkers' cut through the park on their daily exercise route, therefore the suggestion of exercise equipment.
The Walkerston Rotary Club was consulted and kept informed every step of the upgrade which was greatly appreciated.
Contributed by Bente McDonald, Walkerston Rotary Club.
Allan Cameron Park upgrades are complete. Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council
Allan Cameron Rotary Park at the very beginning - with Mr Cameron at the official opening. Image supplied
Congratulations to St John’s Catholic School’s Harrison Freiberg and Nathan Salter and Walkerston State School’s Sophie Vassallo who were recently presented academic awards by the Walkerston Rotary Club.
At the end of every school year, the Rotary Club of Walkerston has the great pleasure of presenting School Dux Awards at Walkerston’s two local primary schools - Walkerston State School and St John's Catholic School.
The Club Congratulates our three recipients of this award for 2022, and wishes them every success as they continue their education at secondary level.
To Sophie, Nathan and Harrison, our sincere congratulations.
Contributed by Bente McDonald, Walkerston Rotary Club.
Sophie Vassallo with Rotarian Bente McDonald
Harrison Freiberg and Nathan Salter with Rotarian Ray Borg
The image of the man, woman and baby in the darkened stable has had a powerful hold on people’s imaginations over millennia.
What makes it so powerful? Maybe it’s because so many can identify with the man or the woman, huddled in darkness, turned away from the inn, apart from family.
How many people now feel displaced, not ‘at home’ in their surroundings? How many suffer the darkness of loneliness, betrayal and rejection? How many dwell in the shadow of illness and grief?
Mary and Joseph are first time parents- how many live with the anxiety of uncertainty about their actions, about the future for themselves and the family? The material world is not always a hospitable place.
But look closer! There is the baby, a universal symbol of hope and love. But there’s more: a light glowing through, and out from, the baby, and the light casts out the darkness, and the darkness has no power against the light.
The light is the sign of God in a human life, re-creating lives. In a world of uncertainty, the God of creation, life and love is still at work. I have seen many lives transformed by God’s presence.
At Christmas, those who have found the glory of this joy gather to give thanks for, and share, this most wonderful inner peace. Come and join us and, wherever you are, may you know God’s blessings of joy.
Reflection from Ven Dr Rosemary Dunn
Archdeacon of Mackay
Imagine if for minimal or no expense, your business can make changes that will allow you to increase your customer base and your bottom line? Interested…?
When we think of people with a disability, typically a person in a wheelchair comes to mind. However over 90% of disabilities are invisible and more than half of these people are aged over 55. One in six people in our community have sight, hearing, social and mobility barriers that can result in a poor customer service experience – that’s 20% of potential customers your business could be missing out on!
There is a myth that making your business more accessible is costly. One of the simplest solutions is to educate your staff how to communicate well with people experiencing communication barriers which could include cerebral palsy, stroke or come from a non-English speaking background. Good communication equals good customer service.
The Good Access Equals Good Business Guide was created by Mackay Regional Council and the Access and Inclusion Reference Group. It is a brilliant resource for local businesses to identify their accessibility issues with a simple checklist.
Armed with this knowledge, business owners can then use the guide to make small changes that can make a big difference; attracting new customers and repeat business. It can also help businesses meet their legal responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992).
The Queensland Government has declared 2023 is the Year of Accessible Tourism in Queensland. $12 million in funding has been announced to support small and medium businesses to develop or enhance accessibility.
The Mackay region is striving to enhance our reputation as an inclusive and accessible destination; the Seaforth Esplanade and Woodlands Parkland upgrades are a testament to our commitment to create amazing spaces for our whole community and visitors to enjoy.
We can shine as an Accessible Tourism Destination, and it starts with empowering our local businesses by dispelling the myths around access and inclusion and making the small changes that will take their business to the next level.
Everyone in our community deserves to feel welcome, included and experience great customer service wherever they go.
Cr. Michelle Green
Mackay Regional Council
A climbing unit and hammock swing located in Iluka Park playground in East Mackay will be temporarily closed while council waits for replacement equipment to arrive.
Mayor Greg Williamson said vandals had recently targeted the play equipment, which was due for renewal.
“The team had modified the climbing unit to allow it to remain in service until the replacement equipment could be installed, however for reasons that totally baffle us, vandals have attacked the equipment with an angle grinder,” he said.
“Regrettably, crews now have no option but to remove the climbing unit and swing.
“This destructive behaviour is unacceptable, and it means that this play equipment is now out of action for the Christmas school holidays.
“The climbing unit has been cordoned off for public safety and is being removed.
“The good news is that most of the other play equipment in the park was not touched and remains available for use.”
If anyone has any information regarding the vandalism in Iluka Park, or at any of our other parks or playgrounds across the region, please contact council on 1300 MACKAY (622 529).
Make room for Christ and others this Christmas
This Christmas how can you make room in your life for the Christ-child, the Saviour of the world?
Christmas is a time for awe, wonder and response. The angels sing glory to God. The shepherds proclaim the birth of the king of the world. Mary rejoices that God chose her to carry the Saviour. The wise men follow a star, are overwhelmed with joy, and kneel down and worship the babe of Bethlehem.
This Christmas experience anew the awe and wonder of the birth of Christ by finding your local church, attending a Christmas service, and contributing to a Christmas appeal. More than just family, presents and food, Christmas is a time to be confronted by the awe-inspiring reality of the birth of God into the world: Emmanuel, God is with us. The God who became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14) identifies with us in life’s challenges.
This Christmas how can you make room in your life for people seeking accommodation in the Mackay region?
The Roman Emperor called Mary and Joseph to their home town of Bethlehem for registration, but there were so many people present that they could not find a place to stay. ‘And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn’ (Luke 2:7). Mary found room in the animals’ quarters to give birth and to lay the baby Jesus in a manger, a feeding trough. From their treasure chests, the wise men offered lavish gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
This year, people seeking work in the Mackay region are looking for accommodation. Can you spare a room or a granny-flat out the back for people to come to Mackay to work? Can you advertise to take in a boarder? Like the innkeeper and the wise men, let us be adaptable and generous in helping to solve the shortage of housing in Mackay.
REV. DR JULIA PITMAN
ST PAUL’S UNITING CHURCH
And just like that another year draws to a close. As we wrap up 2022, I’ve been very reflective. I don’t know why I do it but every year I look back on what was. It's bittersweet because I must turn another year older, but it feels good to see the back of this one. Finally, we have gotten on top of the COVID pandemic, life is going back to a real normal around the world and I am honestly so excited for 2023.
My pro tip to start the year off in the right way is to not wait until January to start your new year resolutions. I signed back up to the gym a couple of weeks ago, and I’ve been enjoying picking up some weights and feeling good about going into the holiday break as my most healthy and motivated self. That’s my resolution but whatever yours may be, start it sooner rather than later.
They say it only takes on average 66 days to develop a habit, so if you start right now, you’ll be in the swing of things by February and will have set up the new year to be your best yet. As I write this, I know I only have a few more days until I switch off for the year and take some much-needed time to enjoy time with my family and a lot of sleep-ins ahead of taking over the brekkie show with Scotty in the new year.
I hope you can join us for your mornings in 2023, I cannot wait to see what we can do on the show and with you next year.
Merry Christmas and happy new year to everyone in Mackay and the Whitsundays. Stay safe and see you on the flip side!
Kaley
Three-year-old Ron has become the first cat in Mackay to be rehomed by RSPCA Queensland’s Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) rehoming program.
Ron will spend his Christmas in the care of his new loving family after being adopted earlier this week.
When the charming and friendly Domestic Short Hair Mix came into the care of RSPCA Mackay through the Mackay Animal Management Centre, not a lot was known about his life story or his history with FIV.
"A lot of the time, FIV cats are usually tom cats that live outside, but he's obviously been someone's pet at some point because he's so friendly,” said Animal Attendant Nerida Sadler.
FIV is a virus that causes a gradually progressive decline in immune function, estimated to be present in approximately 14-29 per cent of Australia’s cat population.
Symptoms include weight loss, anaemia and dental problems but, despite this, many FIV-positive cats are expected to have a normal life expectancy and similar quality of life to uninfected cats.
"We just realised that there was a need to find these animals homes because there wasn't any reason they couldn't live a normal life," said Ms Sadler.
“(Ron) deserves a chance and that's what this program's been really good for, is giving those cats a chance when, in the past, they might not have been.”
RSPCA Queensland’s FIV rehoming program has been running state-wide for 18 months, with Ron being the most recent of over 30 cats to be rehomed through the program.
Ron was the first cat at the RSPCA Mackay shelter to come through RSPCA Queensland’s FIV rehoming program
Ron was adopted by a local couple earlier this week. Photo supplied
World class musos brought locals together at the Eungella Community Hall over the weekend, as part of the Festival of Small Halls Summer 2022 Tour.
Festival of Small Halls features folk-pop songwriter Sam Buckingham from northern New South Wales and young traditional-folk trio Inn Echo from Canada, while they tour small communities up the east coast of Queensland.
Community Bank Sarina sponsored the tour performance in Eungella with Board Chair Karen May being the emcee for the evening.
“Post-pandemic, we have been focusing on sponsorships for community organisations and groups to hold events and we couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to help bring a large event to our valley community,” said Ms May.
“In the past, we have partnered with the Eungella State School P&C Association who organised and catered the Festival of Small Halls Eungella performance.
“We sponsored the P&C again to assist in the costs associated with organising this year’s event, including covering the booking fees for the venue, so more profits could go back to the students.”
Eungella State School P&C Association member Mandy Tennent is grateful for the sponsorship and “looks forward to continuing and building our relationship with Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank in future years”.
“This sponsorship has helped more profits to go back to our P&C, and therefore flow onto our remote rural students, in support of their education.”
“Bringing world-class musos to our local hall for a night of magic and entertainment in the Valley means our community doesn’t have to travel far to experience something they would in the city.”
Visit the Community Bank Sarina Facebook page to keep up to date with all future sponsorships and events.
Inn Echo Trio from Canada
MC Karen May
A Mackay resident has designed and created a potential alternative to the current Australian flag that she says encompasses all current flags.
Valerie Christiansen says she got her creative genes from her father who designed, planned and built houses.
“He was very good at designing plans, he sat in his office forever designing plans and building houses,” she said.
“I think I got the talent from him to design.”
When the discussion of a new Australian flag was raised, Valerie decided to put her skills to the test.
“I knew I had the talent to do it,” she said.
“To me it’s been like a duty to do it.
“An idea came to my head just to do the horizontal lines and all the colours.”
The flag features the red, black and yellow of the Aboriginal flag, the green, blue and white of the Torres Strait Islander flag, the red, white and blue of the current Australian flag and the iconic Australian green and gold.
The Southern Cross and Commonwealth Star remain in Valerie’s design while the Union Jack has been omitted.
“I feel it’s really good because it encompasses all the colours,” she said.
“I think we’re reaching independence soon … we need a flag that’s uniting all of the flags.
“I knew at the end it was right, you know when something’s right.”
Valerie took advice on the design from her friends, with a friend also assisting with the sewing.
“It was a team effort, the way it’s ended up,” she said.
She said now that she’s happy with the final product, she’s eager to see what the community thinks of her design.
“It’s not an easy thing to do because you’ve got to make something that everybody’s going to like,” she said.
“It’s just a proposed one and if it’s popular it's popular and if it isn’t it isn’t.”
Valerie Christiansen has designed a potential alternative to the Australian flag
Valerie’s flag
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