The combined effort of several of Bowen’s non-for-profits, and kind donations from local community, saw more than 400 residents supported with ‘Christmas Hampers’ in early December.

Facilitated by Bowen Neighbourhood Centre and Cooinda Family Centre, the annual Bowen Christmas Hamper Appeal assisted over 170 households in the Whitsundays far north this holiday season.

Bowen Neighbourhood Centre Coordinator Stephanie Cora said the support from the Bowen community and the collaboration between its non-for-profit groups was vital during Christmas, which “can be a financially difficult time of year for families with and without children”.

“On Christmas morning, most children wake up early rushing to check the Christmas tree for gifts,” Ms Cora said.

“Unfortunately for some families this isn’t the case. What can be the most joyous time of the year for many can also be a financially stressful experience for others.

“The Bowen Neighbourhood Centre and Cooinda Family Centre, as well as The Salvation Army, Chayim Community Care, and the Bowen QCWA Branch have come together to ensure every child has presents under the tree this year.”

The Appeal – which began seeking donations from the local community in November – delivers hampers of ‘Christmas goodies, biscuits, cordial, sweet treats, tinned food, vouchers, and gifts for children’ to those in need.

Over 200 children and 190 adults applied for hampers this year, with approximately 20 further ‘walk ins’ who missed the application deadline, but still received assistance with hampers because of the “generous donations from local businesses and community members in Bowen.”  

A Christmas Pop-up shop – set up by Bowen’s Salvation Army Citadel for families with children - also provided further gifts, with 80 local families with 203 children selecting toys and other gifts.

Ms Cora said the provision of a further Christmas Hamper Pop-up Shop for community members to access “supports Bowen Neighbourhood Centre’s vision to always contribute towards the dignity, well-being, and quality of life of the community we support.”

Another Christmas Pop-up shop was held at the new Bowen Community Centre for singles and couples without dependent children – which 110 adults utilised, being offered vouchers, Christmas treats, toiletries, homemade Christmas cakes and even toys to select from for those with grandchildren.

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Bowen Neighbourhood Centre and Cooinda Family Centre’s annual Christmas Hamper Appeal supported close to one thousand residents this holiday season

The Appeal collects donations from locals and businesses before redistributing them as gifts to those in need

One of the region’s longest-running weekly events has changed ownership after its facilitators of more than two decades step aside due to lack of volunteers

The Bowen Lions Club advised Whitsunday Regional Council in late October that the organisation could no longer operate its weekly Bowen Community Sunday Markets from the end of 2022.

Their final bazaar as facilitators was held last Sunday, December 18. Rumours have abounded that the Bowen Lions would be ceasing operations, to which club President Peter Goodman said “was untrue”.

The market is now under the temporary management of a group who assisted Lions in the market’s running for many years and are comprised of the event’s stallholders, the Bowen Community Market Group Inc. non-for-profit, who will take charge until formal management decisions are made by local Council.

Lions had organised the markets weekly for 20 years, on average attracting 30 marketeers and 1,000 to 1,500 locals and visitors each Sunday.

Discussions with Council to find a new non-for-profit to facilitate the Hansen Park event began with the Lions Club reaching out to Whitsunday Regional Councillor Michael Brunker for assistance.

With the Bowen Community Markets longevity and continuous “positive impact for the Bowen community” according to Council, Councillors voted unanimously to advertise on behalf of the group.

Councillors and Mayor Julie Hall extended their profound gratitude to the Lions Club for their exceptional community spirit.

“I would like to thank the Lions for their many years of running the markets in Bowen,” Mayor Hall said.

Bowen Community Market Group Inc. Secretary Leola Adams said the group has applied with Council to become the permanent custodians of the markets.

“We’ve made submission to council to see if we can be given the keys – but if we don’t get it and another group does, it’s still a win-win situation,” Ms Adams said.

“We will support anyone who will run the markets. So long as it continues, we’re happy because it’s a valuable community event.”

The next market will be held on January 8, 2023, by the Bowen Community Market Group Inc. while a permanent facilitator is found.

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The Bowen Lions Club will no longer run the Bowen Community Sunday Markets after 20 years of facilitating the event

Bowen PCYC hosted a trial class for its newest gymnastics program last week aimed at helping seniors improve their mobility, all while having a bit of fun.

The local non-for-profit’s ‘Fitter for Life’ class – a strengthening and balancing curriculum devised by Gymnastics Australia - was a “huge hit”, hosting more than 25 community members.

Led by qualified, nationally accredited coach Tracey Hivon, Fitter for Life classes incorporate light stretching, very light weight training, ball activities, brain training activities, and coordinated sequences of light cardio with the aim to stimulate the mind and body.

Bowen PCYC Branch Manager and Police Sergeant Michelle O’Regan said the Gymnastics program is a “fun, fundamental movement program and social opportunity that aims to help seniors improve their mobility, strength, and coordination”.

“We’ve been working towards getting this program up and running for the last 18 months,” Sergeant O’Regan said.

“We’re very lucky to have Tracey, who has 20 plus years of delivering fitness classes, and tailors the classes to the group she’s facilitating to.”

The class is predominantly for those 50 and over, although younger persons may attend.

Ms O’Regan said this was the “full circle” for the PCYC’s gymnastics program.

“It’s just wonderful now to be able to offer this gymnastics curriculum that delivers something from toddlers right through to people who are retired,” she said.

Multiple weekly classes will begin at the PCYC in the New Year, and any interested persons can enquire at (07) 4786 1383.

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Bowen PCYC has launched its newest gymnastics program ‘Fitter for Life’ which is aimed at guiding the older generation through mobility exercises

The class saw its participants take part in various light exercises

Thousands of visitors are expected to call in across the Whitsundays during the holiday season – but nowhere is the Christmas cheer more evident than in the forward bookings at The Big Mango Visitor Information Centre at Bowen in the coming weeks.

The town is expecting strong visitor numbers, and its information centre is always busy at this time of the year.

Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said more than 1100 visitors called in last year in the five days the centre was open between Christmas and New Year and another 1076 people visited the centre in the first week in January.

“We may be even busier than that this year as there has already been a big increase in the number of international visitors,” she said.

“This time last year, the international borders were closed and we only had 14 overseas travellers in the entire month of December.

“This year, we have already welcomed 160 international tourists in December and the month is not over yet,” she said.

The visitor information centre has a large range of souvenirs and local produce including a lot of mango-themed merchandise which is proving very popular.

“We have everything from mango chutney and sauces to soaps, room fresheners, body trifle and even mango daquiri mix which would be ideal for Christmas.”

Ms Abernathy said there was another draw card for tourists: The Big Mango has recently been painted and the new vibrant colours have created a lot of interest in the past two weeks.

The Big Mango Visitor Information Centre will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day but open on all other days over the festive season.

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Santa tried a mango sorbet – have you?

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A new allied health clinic – and in turn more doctors - may be on the cards for Bowen as Whitsunday Regional Council enter into land-sale negotiations with a private developer.

A formal offer for the property at 9D Dalrymple Street, Bowen, was made by PKDS Property Holdings Pty Ltd, who stated their plans to construct an allied health clinic and accommodation to support the attending clinicians.

The announcement of more medical facilities comes as a potential boon for the small town, which was as recently as April this year shaken by news the Queens Beach Medical Centre was planning to permanently close its doors in August due to its two sole physicians retiring – a closure which fortunately did not eventuate.

Instead, the centre was purchased by Dr Ramy Ibrahim, who has since expanded the clinic - which was opened almost four decades ago - to four clinicians, retaining its two potentially retiring, “legendary doctors” and planning to hire more in the future.

Whitsunday Regional Councillors called the scare a “wake up call”, and State Member for Burdekin Dale Last said it would have taken almost 40 per cent of GPs out of Bowen – with only three centres servicing its roughly 12,000 population.

To shore up the Whitsundays far north, Councillors wholeheartedly endorsed the creation of not only a new allied health centre but the corresponding accommodation with it.

Councillor Mike Brunker advocated for the sale and said that this is a time of housing crisis and of a “medical crisis” in Queensland’s rural regions.

Negotiations and standard settlement of the property sale is expected within the next 30 days.

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A new allied health centre is likely to be constructed in Bowen pending Council’s sale of this land in Dalrymple Street

“The home of the one-metre barra” is set for a big boost with Whitsunday Regional Council plans to educate locals and visitors on the joys of recreational fishing.

Lake Proserpine has long been known by sports fishermen – and keen angling locals – as the trophy hunting spot for the tropical river fish, and now Council are looking to spread the word.

Council plans to begin the ‘Whitsunday Barra Fishing Activation Project’ in 2023, a campaign which hopes to promote barramundi fishing techniques and showcase Lake Proserpine as the premier impounded barramundi fishery in the country.

The $15,000 project is seeking funding as part of the Queensland Community Fishing Grants 2022 and hopes to commence the education program in the new year.

Including a print and social media drive, the Whitsunday Barra Fishing Activation Project will deliver a brochure promoting barramundi fishing techniques for the “green” fisherman.

The campaign is also hoped to promote tourism to Lake Proserpine which has slowly been garnering a reputation as a place of natural splendour for camping.

Whitsunday Regional Councillor John Collins said the campaign would draw great interest.

“I am excited that the Whitsunday Barra Fishing Activation Project will ensure that Lake Proserpine’s reputation as the barra mecca of Australia will be enhanced,” Cr Collins said.

“Having hundreds of vehicles each week travelling through Proserpine during peak season will create an estimated average spend of $395 on provisions and services per vehicle.”

“This means an economic injection into the region of up to $8 million annually and the potential to create an extra 58 jobs for locals,” he said.

Cr Collins said he would be “fighting for a spot to cast” once the campaign begins.

“26,000 barra fingerlings were recently released around the weed edges at Lake Prossie, so hopefully they can hide out and get a chance to grow into a ‘Holy Grail’ meter plus Barramundi,” he said.

“With those odds, there’s a remote chance even I could land a fish.”

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Recreational fishing in the Whitsundays, and especially Lake Proserpine, is set for a boost thanks to a Whitsunday Regional Council awareness campaign

Growers, mill workers and everyone in between will be celebrating with a lively party as the crushing season draws to an end this January.

With the season extending longer than usual, many people in the industry will enjoy connecting with others and the broader community at the annual ‘Cut Out Party’ which is due to be held at the Proserpine Showgrounds on Saturday, January 14.

An opportunity to celebrate, unwind and connect, the party is set to attract big numbers once again this year.

“By the 14th of January they’ll be ready to let their hair down!” said organiser Amanda Hadlow.

“It’s a celebration of the industry as a whole and the impact it has on the region.”

The Peta Richards duo will be playing easy listening live music which is expected to get the dancefloor moving as the night progresses.

The ticket price includes drinks all evening, nibblies, a BBQ dinner and sweets plus entertainment for the children.

All proceeds from the event go towards a charity and this year the committee have selected RACQ CQ Rescue.

WHAT: Cut Out Party

WHEN: Saturday, January 14 from 5pm

WHERE: Proserpine Showgrounds

TICKETS: Whitsunday Tickets. General admission $75 per head, children 7 to 17 $15 per head, 6 and under are free

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An exciting new program is coming to the Whitsundays, one that will offer new methods for monitoring and preventing the damage done by drifting ghost nets on the Great Barrier Reef.

Ghost nets is the term used for discarded fishing nets, which are thrown into the ocean by commercial fishing vessels.

These large drifting death traps easily entangle unsuspecting marine life such as seals and turtles.

They also fall to the bottom of the ocean and lay on the coral reef inhibiting the natural function of this diverse ecosystem.

It is hoped this destruction will soon be prevented by a unique new partnership between local not-for-profit organisation, Tangaroa Blue, and telecommunication company SatLink.

The idea was born when Tangaroa Blue was searching for a way to reuse and recycle international commercial fishing echosounder buoys.

When they connected with SatLink, discussions led to them forming a partnership that will see the launch of Project ReCon - a world-first project that repurposes recovered echosounder buoys and then uses satellite technology to tag and track ghost nets while retrieval teams are mobilised to remove them.

Some ghost nets can be as large as football fields, so they are almost impossible for small vessels to remove, they require the attention of experts with larger vessels and purpose-built equipment.

Previously, nets that were spotted could easily get lost again before help arrived, but this new system will allow them to be tracked and removed with ease.

“With our teams looking for ways to reuse and recycle international commercial fishing echosounder buoys retrieved from beach clean-ups along the Reef, it was very much a case of who ya gonna call,” says Heidi Tait, CEO of Tangaroa Blue Foundation.

“Turns out, Satlink was the ghost net buster we needed to speak with to be able to repurpose the buoys and divert them from landfill."

This perfect partnership will see the launch of local activities in the Whitsundays early next year and it will then be rolled out around Australia through the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) network.

"By working with international commercial fishing fleet partners, we can have the buoys recovered by Tangaroa Blue and their AMDI partners tested and reassigned to track ghost nets along the Reef,” said Kathryn Gavira, Satlink’s Head of Science and Sustainability.

“The technology also allows for virtual fences to be put around reefs providing notifications before nets impact critically sensitive areas."

Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef and Labor Senator for Queensland, Senator Nita Green said that she is excited by the project.

“It is a further step in the right direction to one day ensuring our waters are free from ghost nets. Well done to everyone involved,” she said.

“Ghost nets pose a huge problem in the world’s oceans including Australia’s northern oceans and the Great Barrier Reef, where sadly we see tonnes of fish, dugongs, turtles and other marine species getting tangled up, and coral being put at risk.”

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A research vessel is able to attach a tracking buoy to large swathes of ghost net. Photo credit: Chris Bolton Fishing

Ghost nets are known to trap animals such as turtles and seals. Photo credit: WWF

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The team at Fishi Fresh Island Seafood in Cannonvale are fully stocked and ready to supply a wide range of festive feasts that are fresh, sustainably sourced, and locally caught this Christmas.

“We’re really blessed with how much seafood we’ve got – let alone the cheeses, the sauces and all the dips that we make,” said Chef and passionate Fishi, Callum Patience.

Imagine your family’s faces when you arrive with some local Queensland caught prawns or a whole coral trout fully dressed and ready to go for the BBQ or oven.

The perfect gift for any dinner guest.

Or how about a Seafood Platter? Bring all your favourites together in one colourful and delicious creation – either choose from the menu or handpick items for inclusion.

Fishi also stock Sydney Rock or Coffin Bay Oysters with trucks bringing them up the coast fresh, between three and four times a week.

Chef Callum and the rest of the team have been busy creating a host of complimentary options this Christmas – from different marinades, vinaigrettes and cured fish ceviche to soft cheeses with smoked salmon and asparagus or crab and mushroom, and why not try their green pea crab and sweet corn risotto?

Fishi is a seafoodies’ paradise where you can explore, experiment and experience delicious tastes and flavours throughout the festive season.

For convenience, the team have also been busy making pre-done, throw-in-the-oven-dishes that are sure to make feeding your family easy this Christmas.

Their seafood chowders, smoked octopus, salmon roulade, home-made pizzas, spring rolls, poke bowls, salmon pockets and jarred salads are all made in-house.

Whatever your seafood inspired needs this Christmas, make sure you head down to Fishi to feast on the array of delicious treats available from their display cabinet.

Open today 9am to 5pm, Christmas Eve from 9am to 3pm and closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

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The enthusiastic team at Fishi Fresh Island Seafood in Cannonvale - Simone Mitchell, Callum Patience and Kerry Isaac

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Ronald McDonald Family Room Officially Opened

Last Thursday marked a momentous milestone for Mackay and district families, the Official Opening Ceremony for the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital.

It’s only the second Ronald McDonald Family Room to be opened in North Australia, with the other located in Townsville.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia board member Paul Rissman said the family room supports families with seriously ill children and is designed to support local families through their child’s medical journey.

“We know children recover quicker when their families are close by, we know families cope better when they are in a warm and friendly environment,” Mr Rissman said.

“Families are stronger together.

“Whether it’s a break from the clinical environment in the hospital, a good night’s rest or nap, a sense of normalcy to sit with a coffee or to freshen up with a shower. Families can do this mere steps away from their child’s bedside at no cost to them.”

RMHC North Australia Chief Executive Officer, Tamara South, is deeply grateful to the local community for their support.

“The local Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday communities are incredibly generous. Thanks to the community, and our partners, Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) and Mackay Hospital Foundation (MHF), we have been able to bring this much-needed practical care program to the Mackay region,” Ms South explained.

For local parents like Amy Forrester, the new Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital is set to make a real difference. Juliet, Ms Forrester’s daughter, was born with a rare genetic condition.

“I’m mum to Kool Kid Juliet, Kool Kid is a nickname given to children born with Koolen-de Vries syndrome,” explained Ms Forrester.

“It occurs when there is a deletion in chromosome 17 and the KANSL1 gene is missing or mutated. For Juliet, this meant she was born with severe hip dysplasia, resulting in multiple hip surgeries before she was two.

“She was born with three heart defects, global developmental delay, feeding and breathing difficulties, scoliosis, brittle bones and epilepsy.

“As a family we have spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals and Juliet has spent quite a bit of time at the Mackay Base Hospital. Without the Ronald McDonald House Charities, I do not know how we would have coped. The Ronald McDonald Family room in Townsville has been a saviour very recently.

“When Juliet was flown to Townsville with severe pneumonia, it can be very hard and very depressing to spend weeks or months in a hospital room. A family room provides a place to escape so the family can share a meal, or even get washing done without having to be very far from your sick child.

“Having the Family Room at Mackay will make a massive difference for families,” Ms Forrester said.

Paula Foley, MHHS’ interim Chief Executive, is thrilled that the Official Opening of the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay has arrived.

“The Ronald McDonald Family Room will make a great difference to so many families who are being supported by Mackay Base Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Unit and Special Care Nursery,” Ms Foley said.

“For our youngest patients and their families, who often come from our regional and rural communities, travelling to Mackay Base Hospital for a range of appointments, tests and treatment can be exhausting.

“The Ronald McDonald Family Room will provide a space where these families, who are going through a very tough time, can relax away from hospital wards and spend time together as a family. The Ronald McDonald Family Room will be a refuge that will make their stay a little less daunting and a little more comfortable,” Ms Foley said.

“Mackay HHS is also very grateful for the great support this project has received from Flagon & Dragon, Mackay Hospital Foundation and of course RMHC North Australia. We extend a heartfelt thank you for coordinating the community fundraising campaign and making this project possible.

“The Mackay community has advocated and have continuously engaged with this project and without the support from the community this would not have been achievable. As a nurse and a psychologist myself, it means the world to see that families have the best care possible and to have the care in a home type environment.”

Peter Tait, Chair at MHF, is proud to see this vital facility for local families finally available.

“The RMHC North Australia board and staff have worked tirelessly over many years planning, fundraising, constructing, and now delivering the Family Room to Mackay,” Mr Tait explained.

“This Family Room will provide an excellent new service in Mackay comforting and supporting families with children admitted to the hospital, especially for those travelling from regional areas.

“It’s a stressful time when your child’s not well. This facility will be great so the parents and siblings can relax and have a break here at the family room so that stress is lessened in the presence of the child who is unwell.

“I also acknowledge the contribution of MHHS, especially their staff in supporting the development of this new service at the hospital and local company, and Fergus Builders, for their support constructing the Family Room.

Amy Forrester and daughter Juliet. Photo credit: Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia

The Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital is now operational

The tragic events which unfolded west of Toowoomba earlier this week, where two police officers and a good samaritan local were slain by gunmen on a remote property, provided a chilling reminder that nothing on Earth is ever promised, especially time.

Tara Police officers Constable Matthew Arnold, 26, and Constable Rachel McCrow, 29, died upholding their oath to protect and serve. It breaks my heart that two young adults who put their lives on the line to protect the community, had their futures ripped away in the blink of an eye.

I can’t imagine the pain their devastated family members are going through right now, which is why it’s important to say the words you’ve been meaning to say, because those unsaid words or actions will mean nothing once your loved ones are gone.

It’s also a reminder that Christmas isn’t always the happiest time of the year for everyone. For those who experience the death of a friend or family member over the holiday season, seeing a tree trimmed with tinsel could be horribly triggering for someone who received life-changing news during a time that’s meant to be merry.

It puts into perspective what’s really important at this time of year. The people you love and the time you have with them. Gifts are meaningless when there’s no one there to share them with. The true gift of Christmas is taking time to be with those you care for.

Call those who reside afar, send a card to make someone smile and use the good glasses to toast to health and happiness.

Amanda

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Mackay Life recently received an anonymous email from a group of ladies who were absolutely blown away with the kindness and Christmas spirit of an unknown individual.

The four ladies were enjoying a pre-Christmas catch-up at Harrup Park earlier in the month.

After selecting their lunch and going up to order and pay, they were informed that a very kind gentleman had anonymously paid for their meals.  

“I must let you know we were not four good looking young chicks, the emphasis being on the ‘young', so that was not his ulterior motive,” the email read.

“To say we were flabbergasted was an understatement.  

“Of course, the club was very busy, especially at this time of the year, but we looked around to see if we recognized any gentlemen or those that might look like they were the likely donors, but we came up with zilch.”

The ladies enjoyed their meals in a haze of astonishment and hope that the generous gentleman is a reader of Mackay Life Newspaper.

If he is, they would like to extend their sincerest thank yous.

“Nothing like this had ever happened to any of us and we were thrilled to bits although sorry that we were not able to thank the very generous person.

“Let people see that in this busy world with all its challenges, we still do not forget to show kindness to someone.”

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People Power Demonstrates Local Significance Of North Wall

Mackay locals said ‘NO’ to draft port expansion plans released by the state government, saying the expansion would put fragile environmental sites including multiple turtle nesting sites at severe risk.

A local Facebook page, ‘Save our North Wall Turtles’ set out to inform the public of the draft plans, which quickly garnered more than 1,700 followers within a month. Many passionate locals sent submissions to the state government citing the devastation the expansion plan in its current form might have to the beach, not only eradicating areas where turtles nest, but also destroying a large portion of beach used regularly by local families.

The state government listened, and has extended the public consultation period after what they say has been of social and environmental significance in the area.

“The draft master plan and draft port overlay for the priority Port of Hay Point Mackay consultation process has identified social and environmental significance of the area,” the Queensland government statement said.  

Priority port master planning sets out the sustainable development of the port until 2050, while protecting social, cultural, and environmental values, including the Great Barrier Reef.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said she advocated to have local turtle information verified with the Department of Environment and Science.

“I heard what local groups, including the Mackay and District Turtle Watch, had to say on the importance of the North Wall Beach area and pushed for their valuable data to be supplied to the Department of Environment and Science,” Ms Gilbert said.

“This data has now been verified, which means the turtle nesting and tracking information provided will be front and centre in this ongoing planning.

“I’m pleased to also announce that public consultation will be extended until mid-January to allow more time for community groups to have their say.

“It’s only with the community's help that we can truly understand the significance of our local areas, and deliver the best outcome for everyone.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey thanked Ms Gilbert for her work.

“I want to thank Julieanne for meeting with local groups, and understanding how we can best incorporate the significance of the North Wall Beach into our planning process,” Minister Bailey said.

“The draft master plan and the draft port overlay will be updated to reflect all new information supplied by the public after the submission period closes.

“What I want to see is our final plans being well-informed and back by local residents as the users of these areas.

“I encourage those interested to continue to make submissions online, and directly to the project team.”

The final master plan will take into account submissions and will set out the vision for the area until 2050.

The state government encourages community members to get in touch with the TMR project team via mail, online or at this email address: HayPointMackayPortMasterPlan@tmr.qld.gov.au

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The beach at North Wall is popular with surfers. Photo credit: Martinez Helene Sylvia

Turtle tracks have been spotted at North Wall this month during nesting season. Photo credit: Shane Jackson

Mayor Greg Williamson visited Caneland Central last week to launch an exciting new guide aimed at helping businesses to grow their customer bases.

The Good Access Equals Good Business guide was created by council and the Access and Inclusion Reference Group, which is made up of local stakeholders from the disability community.

“This guide is all about helping business owners and service providers to identify areas where a small change, with minimal or no expense, can make a big difference to their customers, especially those with disability,” Mayor Williamson said.

“By making your business more accessible, you can drastically increase your customer base and create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive,” he said.

“In Australia, one in six people are estimated to be living with disability and more than half of those aged over 55 have difficulties with mobility, sight and hearing.

“So that’s a considerable chunk of a businesses’ customer base, and then you factor in those who benefit from better access like parents with prams and even those pushing trolleys, and it’s easy to see why a guide like this can be tremendously helpful.”

Artist David Conway, from the Access and Inclusion Reference Group, said good access went one step further than just bringing in more customers.

“Excluding people with disability is actually against the law,” Mr Conway said.

“If a person with disability can’t access your business or service, then it is within their right to make a complaint under the Disability Discrimination Act,” he said.

“This guide has a comprehensive list of actions businesses and service providers can undertake to make them more accessible and welcoming.

“Mostly, they are really simple things like keeping the pathway into your business clear of obstacles, making isles at least 1.2 metres wide, ensuring staff know the location of the nearest accessible toilet and ensuring signage is easily readable.

“This guide also has some excellent tips for helping staff to better serve those who have communication difficulties.”

The Good Access Equals Good Business guide and checklist is available online.

A limited number of hard copy guides are also available from council’s Customer Service Centres.

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At the launch of the Good Access Equals Good Business Guide launch were (from left) Maree Sturdy, Ellen Madden and Geoff O’Connor, Tracey Robb, Tania Leeson, Karen Bonham, Mayor Greg Williamson and (front row) David Conway.

The Nationals Regional Listening Tour kicked off in Queensland last week, starting in Dawson, with leaders and MPs of the National Party meeting with locals across the region, to hear about the issues affecting them.

The Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox hosted the listening tour in Ayr, Bowen and Mackay, welcoming Leader of the Nationals the Hon David Littleproud, Deputy Leader Senator Perin Davey, Member for Capricornia the Hon Michelle Landry and Senator for Queensland Senator the Hon Matthew Canavan.

Mr Willcox said the purpose of the tour is to highlight to our leadership the views of people in Dawson, focusing particularly on the issues affecting women across the district.

“I’m not interested in bringing the news from Canberra to Dawson,” Mr Willcox said.  

“My focus is to take Dawson’s concerns to Canberra. That’s the way it should be.

“I’m out and about talking to the people each and every day and that is why I am delighted to be joined by the Leader and Deputy Leader of my party in our great region,” Mr Willcox said.

“In the Nationals, we’re about finding practical solutions that are made to order for the people in the regions. We’re particularly focussing on solutions for issues like affordability and more importantly availability of child care for our working mums and dads.

“Regional and rural Australia does so much for our country. This is where our food and fibre come from. It’s where our energy is produced. When regions like Dawson are strong, all of Australia is strong.  That’s why I’ve spent the last couple of days touring with the Leader of the Nationals, David Littleproud, and Deputy Leader, Senator Perin Davey, to hear the concerns firsthand.”

The tour builds on community consultation throughout Victoria and New South Wales, and will continue into broader Central Queensland.

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Dawson’s Listening Tour finished in Mackay at the Dispensary Café with a women’s networking event. Photos: Office of Andrew Willcox MP