Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Whitsunday Anglican School has celebrated a successful year of student sport, recognising the tremendous talent and achievements of its athletes at its 2026 Sports Awards. Among the major honours, the Bill Turner Cup Under-15 Soccer Team and Vicki Wilson Cup Year 7–9 Netball Team were named Sports Teams of the Year after winning their respective Mackay competitions and progressing to represent the Mackay Region at state competitions. Harriet received Sports Official of the Year for her commitment to netball umpiring, including her selection to officiate at Queensland Representative School Sport level, while Maverick and Chelsea were named Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year for their sporting excellence, integrity and contributions to the school. The school also recognised Mr Jim Fredericksen for 20 years of volunteer coaching with its Archery Programme. Mayor Greg Williamson attended the awards, alongside guest speaker Mrs Deanna Turner, who shared insights into the value of sport in education. A former Queensland Firebirds netball player, Australian rugby league player and Queensland Rugby League coach, Mrs Turner is also a current Queensland Representative School Sport coach. Her presentation explored how sport can help build resilience, teamwork and leadership. The school congratulated all award recipients and students who represented Whitsunday Anglican School throughout 2026. Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School
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It’s the story about 30,000 drowned pigs and how it applies to real estate, best business practices and life in general. In an earlier life I was the editor of the Daily Mercury newspaper, back when it was published and printed six days a week and over 20,000 copies were sold on a Saturday. Different times in the media world. Anyway, this one day we were following a story about flooding in Rockhampton. Some days earlier there had been a lot of rain and some flooding in the Mackay region and, as often happens, the river system’s flood waters then made their way towards Rockhampton. When there is a rain event upstream a lot of water from various rivers and tributaries runs into the low-lying Fitzroy River system and into Rockhampton. It is very predictable and Rocky authorities can often establish that when there is flooding further north in places like Mackay that in a week’s time the Rocky area will be flooded. So up in nearby Mackay we were following the approaching flood and in communication with our sister paper in Rocky who were giving it massive coverage. It wasn’t Mackay so it wasn’t going to be front page in our paper but we were planning on a significant coverage. In the late afternoon one of our reporters came into my office and said: “30,000 pigs have drowned in the Rocky floods. They were washed away from a farm.” I said: “Thirty thousand pigs!? That’s a lot of pigs. Can we check on that?” The reporter came back five minutes later and said: “The story’s right. The farmer told the Rocky journo thirty thousand pigs have drowned from his property upstream from Rocky. Rocky’s running the story.” I asked if we had photos and he said they didn’t but would let me know when they had some, although none arrived that evening. We went pretty big on the drowning, as the Page 3 or Page 5 lead story with the obvious headline of 30,000 pigs drowning in the Rocky floods. Early the next morning the young journalist who had told me about the thirty thousand pigs drowning approached my office and tentatively knocked on the door. In a stammering voice he said: “Ah, look … about that, um, story about the, ah, thirty thousand pigs drowning near Rocky ...” I had an uneasy feeling, bordering on dread. “Uh ha … what about the pig story?” I asked. He said: “It wasn’t thirty thousand pigs. It was 30 sows and pigs.” I’m no mathematician but even I could work out that our story and big headline was out by about 29,970 dead pigs. I knew immediately how the miss-communication would have happened. A young Rocky reporter busily covering the floods. On the phone talking to a distressed farmer or piggery owner who blurts out: “Mate it’s terribly out here. I’ve lost 30 sows and pigs, all drowned.” If someone, speaking quickly, blurts out “thirty-sows-and-pigs” you can understand how someone could hear “thirty thousand pigs”. Also, who says “sows and pigs”? A piggery owner, obviously, but probably no-one else. Certainly not a reporter in the city. Anyway, we ran a correction the next day. The story reminds me that in life, real estate and business, listen to your gut. I had questioned the story. I thought 30,000 pigs was extremely unlikely but accepted it when the young reporter confirmed it. I should have asked more questions. I should have listened to my gut. In real estate, owners sometimes get the facts wrong … how many kilowatts in the solar system, how many litres the bore produces, when the previous owner had renovated the house. You can’t just pass these things on to a buyer as facts if you don’t know them 100 per cent true. You’ve got to be cautious, listen to your gut and check the facts.
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Queensland Telestroke Service is saving lives one video call at a time, recently providing life saving consultation to 37-year-old Mackay mum Angelica Murray. Angelica suffered a stroke whilst out with a friend, and was rushed to Mackay Base Hospital. Within minutes of her arrival she was connected by video to a specialist stroke neurologist who prescribed life-saving medication. “I was in the car with my friend and suddenly I couldn’t concentrate or remember names,” Angelica said. As her condition deteriorated, her friend rushed her to hospital. At the emergency department, staff immediately recognised the signs of a stroke. “I remember all the nurses and doctors working together so quickly,” Angelica said. “They were explaining everything, even the stroke doctor on the screen.” From the advice of the Queensland Telestroke Service (QTS) neurologist, Angelica received the clot busting medication she needed. The speed of the service made a life changing difference. “I started feeling better after a couple of hours,” Angelica said. Mackay Base Hospital is now recording the fastest stroke treatment times in the state. QTS is operating live across ten Queensland sites ( Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Ipswich, Makay, Toowoomba, Kingaroy, Rockhampton, Bowen, Proserpine, and Gladstone hospitals) with more than 850 patients being treated so far. 12 Queensland hospitals are planned to be added to the list. The service aims to make sure that regional patients are receiving specialist stroke care just as efficiently as those in central areas. Local Stroke Nurse Helen Nengasha, who has spent more than a decade caring for stroke patients, said seeing outcomes like Angelica's was exactly why the team has embraced Queensland Telestroke Service. “The introduction of QTS has streamlined care for patients experiencing time-critical strokes,” Helen said. “Now, it doesn’t matter where you live, you can get that expert care straight away. “In one recent case, the team achieved treatment in just 42 minutes, well under the national 60-minute benchmark. That’s the fastest we’ve ever done.”
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From toilet training to prostate health, pregnancy to menopause — why pelvic health matters to us all. When you hear the words pelvic floor, what comes to mind? Pregnancy? Childbirth? Perhaps those exercises you were told to do but never quite remembered? For many years, pelvic health has been viewed as a women’s health issue. But here’s something that might surprise you: everyone has a pelvic floor, and everyone can experience pelvic health problems. Whether you’re a child struggling with constipation, a new mum recovering from childbirth, a man experiencing bladder changes after prostate surgery, or someone navigating menopause, pelvic health plays an important role in everyday life. Our pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of our pelvis. These muscles support our pelvic organs, help control our bladder and bowels, contribute to sexual function and work alongside our abdominal muscles during movement. When things aren’t working as they should, the impact can extend well beyond the bathroom. It might be the child who avoids school toilets because passing a bowel motion hurts. The mum who stops running because she leaks urine. The man who avoids social outings because he’s worried about finding a toilet. Or the woman who believes pelvic heaviness is simply another part of getting older. Different people. Different stages of life. But one common thread: pelvic health can influence our confidence, activity levels and quality of life. And importantly, many pelvic health concerns can improve with the right support. Pelvic health physiotherapy is about much more than strengthening muscles. Treatment might involve bladder retraining, bowel management, improving muscle coordination, addressing pain or helping someone return to activities they love. Sometimes the answer is strengthening. Sometimes it’s learning to relax. And sometimes it’s simply understanding what’s happening in your body. This broader understanding of pelvic health is also why our clinic has recently embraced a new name. After five wonderful years as Women’s Health Physio Mackay, we are now proudly Pelvic Health Mackay. Our new name reflects something we’ve always believed: pelvic health is for everyone. While our name has changed, our team, our care and our commitment to helping the Mackay community remain the same. So here’s my question to you. Have you stopped doing something you love because of your bladder, bowel or pelvic health? Perhaps you’ve given up running because of leakage, avoided social outings because of urgency, or accepted discomfort because you thought it was simply part of getting older. You don’t have to wait until symptoms become overwhelming to seek help. Many concerns can improve with appropriate assessment, education and individualised treatment. If something doesn’t feel right, start the conversation. Speak with your GP or a pelvic health physiotherapist and find out what support is available. Because pelvic health isn’t just about muscles, bladders or bowels. It’s about confidence, independence and enjoying life without unnecessary limitations. Pelvic health isn’t just women’s business. It’s everyone’s business. And your health deserves attention. Lauren Neill | APA Titled Women’s, Men’s & Pelvic Health Physiotherapist | Pelvic Health Mackay
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A long-standing Bowen farming family has been awarded 2022 Farmer of the Year in the Weekly Times which is Australia’s biggest rural news publication.
The Jurgens family operate VJK Produce and their efforts in innovation, sustainability and technology were recognised when they took home the award in the Horticulture category.
The family have been farming in Bowen for 100 years, with Jamie Jurgens’ parents starting out with just 20 acres of tomatoes.
VJK Produce is now farming close to 3,000 acres and for the past 12 years, since his parents retired, Jamie has been operating the farm with his wife Melita.
Their two adult children, Jessica and Jacob, are now also working back on the farm having returned with Agricultural Business Degrees.
VJK Produce grows a range of vegetables including green beans, sweet corn, pumpkin and mini capsicums.
This works alongside their organic range of green beans, sweetcorn, melons, tomatoes, pumpkins and mini capsicums.
Jamie Jurgens said he was thrilled to be recognised with the award, but that it is a reflection of the whole workforce of nearly 200 employees.
“It’s nice to be recognised for our whole team’s efforts,” he said.
“These awards aren’t won by an individual; it takes everyone to make it work. It’s really rewarding to have people around who share our passions and make a difference in agriculture, it makes you feel good about going to work.”
When asked what features of the business he believed warranted the award, Jamie said that he thinks it is their ability to innovate and the way they operate as a business.
“We have a sustainable approach to growing and use non-chemical fertiliser,” he said.
“We’ve also built an insectary which breeds insects to eat other insects, we’ve had it for four years now and it is the backbone to our organics.”
Jamie said their other successes include their ability to adapt to technology and also their ongoing partnership with Kal Fresh, a company in the south that also farm 3,000 acres.
By teaming up with the other farm, they can produce vegetables all year round.
“Being able to create the farming system we have, is a huge achievement,” said Jamie.
“To hand it over to the next generation in as good, if not better, condition than how we got it is one of my biggest goals.”
“Food is always going to be put on the table – farming is one of the biggest renewable resources and with every new crop there is a new opportunity and a positive future for agriculture done right.”
The Jurgens family – Jacob, Jamie, Melita and Jessica – who own and operate VJK Produce. Photo supplied
Continuing his story …
On his first expedition, Monty Embury visited Hayman Island and decided there and then that he would make this island his headquarters in the future. He acquired the lease from Boyd Lee and set up a permanent base there, hosting two trips a year.
Most of the tourists came by train to Proserpine and launch from Cannon Valley but some came by a coastal steamer which also brought day trippers. The deal was £1 a day with BYO bedding, dishes and cutlery. Naturally, Embury made sure the island was highly organised with a doctor, a post office, a sheep pen and later its own bakery on site and kerosene lighting throughout. Electricity did not reach Proserpine until 1929. In 1932, he advertised Hayman as having tennis courts, a nine-hole golf course, a shark proof swimming pool, a field research station and a port for interstate steamships.
In all, Embury organised eleven expeditions to the Whitsundays, all of which were marketed in NSW. Accounts of the trips appeared in the state newspapers and reunion parties were held. Monty himself published a booklet “The Great Barrier Reef” and numerous articles. In addition, links with the Australian Museum, surveys and specimen displays all publicised the reef as both a scientific and tourist destination.
Embury had plans to expand his operations by obtaining the leases to Hook, Langford, Black and Arkhurst Islands but found the government condition to spend £10,000 in seven years on tourist development too onerous, particularly as the Great Depression was putting restraints on tourism.
He stopped organising his Whitsunday expeditions after 1934 but continued to support his successors, the Hallams, as a publicity and booking agent in Sydney. The Whitsundays was not the only destination for Embury’s organised trips. In total, he coordinated thirty-seven expeditions to serious locations including arranging bird watching trips for the Gould League of Bird Lovers with his brother, Arch. Another interesting expedition he arranged was to Alice Springs for a party of forty people, all of whom travelled in a convoy of eight Model A Fords.
In the mid 1930s, Monty returned to teaching and remained in the profession until his retirement in 1956 with a break during World War Two when he rejoined the army. He had three children with his first wife, Honora and four more with his second wife, Dorothy. Edwin Montague Embury died in 1961.
In the words of eminent local historian, the late Ray Blackwood: “Thus ended the career of a man who in his own way helped to put the Whitsundays on the map while bringing knowledge and enjoyment to many hundreds of participants. His reward obviously was personal satisfaction with a job well done and little, if any, thought or realisation of financial return.”
Story courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum and “The Whitsunday Islands – An Historical Dictionary” by Ray Blackwood. Photo sourced from John Oxley Library.
Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex (ARC) will be closed to the public until further notice.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) was called to the site early this morning after staff noticed a chemical leak in the plant room prior to opening the facility.
QFES is currently investigating the site and have advised that the leak has been contained to the plant room.
However, the ARC will be closed for the remainder of the day so the issue can be rectified.
Council is hopeful that the facility can be reopened tomorrow and will keep the public updated on council’s Facebook page and website.
Residents are also advised that they can use their memberships at Pioneer Swim Centre in North Mackay while Mackay ARC is closed.
The Mackay Marina is set to receive increased protection with the construction of a new nib wall as part of a $10.5 million resilience project. The marina is exposed to northerly waves during certain weather conditions, making the construction of this new wall a critical step in ensuring the safety of the boats and the harbour.
Port Binnli has worked closely with the Federal, State, and Local governments along with several consultants to ensure the right design was implemented for the benefit of the Marina. The Principal Contractor, Hall Contracting, will be building a 125m long rock wall on the inside of the Southern Breakwater, just inside the current marina entrance.
Construction works on the new nib wall at the Mackay Marina began in mid-February with the first delivery of rocks to the site on Monday February 27. Construction will continue through until July 2023, weather permitting.
Mackay Marina Manager Ben Anderson said the nib wall would help deliver resilience for the marina and boats in the marina during adverse weather conditions. He is excited about the commencement of construction, which is expected to bring more visitors to the region and increase the potential for tourism.
Development Manager from Port Binnli Tom Hall-Brown said the new wall is being constructed within the small craft harbour, which won’t impact the commercial operations of the Mackay Harbour.
Mr Hall-Brown said this project has come at the ideal time given the Mackay Marina was recently accredited for superyachts by the Marina Industry Association, based on the level of service the Mackay Marina can provide.
“When these superyachts come in, their spend is just immense. One year we had one come in and they spent $19,000 on flowers. That’s the kind of big immediate impact it can have on small local businesses by attracting more craft like this to Mackay.
“This upgrade is the next step in evolving our capital works program which will upgrade the fuel system, potentially upgrade the size of the travel lift.
“It gives us more confidence to invest now we have the ability to protect the marina from this northerly fetch.”
There are 435 berths at the Mackay Marina and six capable of hosting superyachts.
Lead contractor building the wall, Cameron Hall, CEO of Hall Contracting, said that the wall will be 125m long perpendicular to the current breakwater. As the lead contractor for the project Mr Hall said they had engaged local subcontractors. During the peak of the project around 100 trucks will be delivering loads of rock daily.
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is pleased that the Federal Government has been able to commit $2.5 million to the project. He said that the nib wall will make visiting the Mackay Marina a safer prospect for superyachts, which are currently susceptible to damage when large swells from the north enter the marina.
“There are millions of dollars’ worth of boats here which are currently susceptible to damage when large swells from the north enter the marina,” he said.
“This is a hugely important step for local businesses through increased potential for tourism by making visiting the Mackay Marina a safer prospect.”
The Southern Breakwater wall will be closed to pedestrian and cyclist traffic during the working hours between 6am and 6pm, but it will be open to pedestrians and cyclists outside of these hours. The breakwater will be open to cyclists and pedestrians on weekends, but it will be closed to vehicles for the duration of the construction.
L-R: Cameron Hall, CEO of Hall Contracting, Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, Development Manager from Port Binnli Tom Hall-Brown on the Southern Breakwater, the location for the new nib wall in the background. Photo credit: Amanda Wright
Plan showing the location of the new nib wall currently under construction from the Southern BreakwaterThe first load of rocks placed into the marina for the nib wall was delivered on Monday, February 27. Photo credit: Amanda Wright
Film & Arts Mackay is known for bringing unique films from around the world to Mackay screens, they also support the local community while doing so.
Committee members recently had the pleasure of presenting Tony, Pam, Zoe and others from Meals On Wheels Mackay with a donation of $1,572.30.
The donation was raised through the committee's last film screening event, which showcased the heartwarming film Blue Bayou on February 3.
The committee members expressed their gratitude towards all attendees and members for their overwhelming support in making this donation possible.
Meals On Wheels Mackay is a vital social service provider that helps people in and around the Mackay community.
The organisation is dedicated to delivering healthy meals to those who are unable to leave their homes or prepare food for themselves due to illness, age or disability.
The committee urged people to support this remarkable organization by making a donation or volunteering their time.
Interested individuals can contact Meals On Wheels Mackay at 07 4957 6522 or visit their website at https://www.qmow.org/mackay-meals-on-wheels/.
The Film & Arts Mackay committee recognises the incredible work done by Meals On Wheels Mackay and is proud to have contributed to their cause.
The committee hopes that their donation will go a long way in supporting the organization's mission and making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
International Women's Day is a day of reverence and celebration, a time to pay homage to the indomitable spirit of women who have inspired, empowered, and led by example. With the arrival of March 8th, we are called to recognize the remarkable strides women have made in every aspect of life, from science and politics to culture and business. It is a day to honour the immense contributions women have made to shape our world, while acknowledging that there is still much work to be done.
Women have come a long way, breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings in every field imaginable, and in this record-breaking edition (our biggest newspaper to date) we learn about 20 different local women doing just that across a range of different industries. Read their stories on pages 20 – 27.
The Resource Industry Network is hosting its International Women’s Day Business Lunch on March 8, with entertaining comedic emcee Kat Davidson at the helm. Earlier this week I spoke to Kat for an article you can find on page 19, and it was interesting to learn that while she felt gender equality had come a long way in media, it still had some strides to make in the world of comedy.
On our Community Chat page on 32, you’ll find Cr Belinda Hassan’s column on equality and empowerment. She also shares information about the Zonta Club’s annual IWD lunch, which is being held on March 5th.
Let us embrace equity, uplift women, and create a brighter future for all. Together, we can create a world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive, and where gender equity is not just a must-have, but a given.
The House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources has launched an inquiry into advanced manufacturing to seek solutions to support the Australian manufacturing industry, create jobs and revive manufacturing in Australia.
Advanced manufacturing is any manufacturing process which utilises high-technology or knowledge-intensive input as the integral way a product is constructed.
This includes the following manufacturing sectors: chemical and medicinal, vehicle and transport, specialised machinery and equipment, computer and electronic, scientific and professional.
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox welcomes this inquiry and stated that Australia’s manufacturing industry is critical for economic growth. Dawson is a manufacturing hub, with towns right across Dawson boasting some of the best in the industry.
“I think it’s extremely important that we consult industry so we know firsthand how we can make industry better and to ensure that Australia continues to make world class products,” Mr Willcox said.
“I encourage manufacturing businesses across Dawson to make a submission with your ideas on what it will take to make things better – and how we can ensure reliable growth within Australia’s manufacturing sector.”
Committee Chair Rob Mitchell MP said understanding opportunities associated with advanced manufacturing is crucial for strategic growth.
“Supporting the growth of advanced manufacturing is about enhancing the things we do well by taking advantage of new and improved processes,” Mr Mitchell said.
“We need to ensure that we are well-positioned as a nation to take advantage of new technologies, and that our strategic decisions are informed by the right data. Continuing to grow the relationship between industry and our research sector is also vital.
“We want to hear from stakeholders across industry, our tertiary sector and government about what it will take to make things better – and how we can ensure reliable growth within Australia’s manufacturing sector.”
Submissions for the Inquiry into Developing Advanced Manufacturing in Australia are now open until 30 March 2023.
More information about the Inquiry into Developing Advanced Manufacturing in Australia can be found at aph.gov.au/isr.
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox
Over the past week, enforcement officers from the State Penalties Enforcement Registry (SPER) have been cracking down on people who refuse to pay their SPER debts in Mackay and the surrounding areas. SPER Enforcement Director Kim Easton revealed that around 13,000 individuals and businesses across the Mackay Whitsunday region collectively owed almost $30 million in unpaid fines and penalties.
Mr Easton encouraged anyone with outstanding debts to contact SPER before officers took enforcement action.
“Our officers are visiting debtors at their home or workplace and those people that refuse to pay their debts will face tough action,” he said.
“This includes having money taken from their wages or bank accounts through garnishment powers or having their cars clamped, seized and sold to meet their obligations.”
Mr Easton also advised that the best way to avoid enforcement action and extra fees was to pay fines on time, and the consequences of not doing so were serious. He revealed that regional enforcement activities were part of SPER's ongoing state-wide operations, which have already led to the seizure of luxury SUVs, hi-spec utes and motorbikes, trucks, boats, trailers, and jet skis from people refusing to pay their debts.
In light of this, anyone having trouble paying for whatever reason was urged to contact SPER on 1300 365 635 to discuss their payment options and avoid enforcement action. Mr Easton reminded people that SPER debts did not go away and would catch up with them if they did not act.
Megan Warrener started picking up the Mackay Life Newspaper when she first moved to Mackay, flicking straight to the real estate section to look for a house.
After settling into Mackay life, she’s become a regular reader of the newspaper and the inaugural winner of our reader survey, winning $1,000 in fuel vouchers.
Megan finds the paper on a newspaper stand outside a store on Nelson Street every Friday on the way to work, reading it front to back to keep up with news from both Mackay and the Whitsundays.
“It’s good to know what’s on and what’s been happening,” she said.
“There’s no components of the paper that I skip over, I read through all of it.”
“Everyone at work loves getting the newspaper, too, and having a read through and discussing what’s in there.”
Megan moved to Mackay from Moree looking for more opportunities for her 12 and 14-year-old boys.
“Mackay has everything that we need – good sporting opportunities, good schools, work – we’ve found that Mackay has everything we need,” she said.
Megan is the registrar of Brothers Bulldogs Junior Rugby League and weekends are often spent taking the boys to sport or the beach.
“I’m a very passionate footy mum,” she said.
Megan was one of 881 people to complete the Mackay and Whitsunday Life reader survey last year, winning her the $1,000 fuel voucher prize.
She said it’s come at the perfect time, with a drive to Yamba in northern New South Wales for a wedding coming up soon.
Congratulations, Megan, and thanks for reading!
A miner was airlifted to Mackay Base Hospital after a coal collapse trapped him by the foot at the Carborough Downs Underground Coal Mine last week. The 34-year-old Sarina man was working underground when the incident occurred, causing a significant amount of rubble to fall on him, leaving him trapped.
The miner was freed by a mine rescue team before being treated on site by paramedics. The RACQ CQRescue chopper, with a doctor and paramedic on board, was called to the scene to airlift the patient to Mackay Base Hospital, which was located 288km away. The 3.5-hour task required careful coordination and expertise to ensure the safe transfer of the injured worker.
The rescue helicopter landed at the nearby Poitrel Mine site, where the patient was transported from the underground mine. The man was treated by paramedics on site before being transferred to the chopper, which flew him to the hospital in a stable condition.
Photo credit: RACQ CQ Rescue
Caneland Central has a new Centre Manager after Sentinel Property Group appointed Mark Farquhar in the role.
Mr Farquhar has 30 years of experience in retail, having managed medium to large retail assets across Australia and internationally.
He had been overseeing a portfolio of properties across Queensland and NSW for Sentinel and has now relocated from Cairns.
“I am looking forward to closely engaging with customers, retailers of Caneland Central and the community stakeholders of Mackay,” Mr Farquhar said.
“Caneland Central is the premier shopping and lifestyle destination in the Mackay region. The centre dominates the Mackay CBD and is the focal point for retail spending and leisure for the wider region.”
Mr Farquhar said throughout his career he had adopted a tenant/customer centric approach which would continue at Caneland Central.
“The centre management team and I will work closely with the retailers to ensure continued convenience and service is maintained,” he said.
“Sentinel Property Group is also planning numerous exciting initiatives at Caneland Central in the coming months which will benefit both tenants and customers.”
Mark Farquhar relocated from Cairns where he was overseeing a portfolio of properties across Queensland and NSW for Sentinel
There is over 5,000km of coastline between the southernmost and northernmost points of Australia and Bailey Seamer is well on her way to walking the distance.
Bailey started her journey at South Point in Wilsons Promontory National Park on May 18, 2022.
She stopped off in Mackay last week after 280 days of walking on her way to Cape York, aiming to reach her destination by July.
“It’s been really rewarding,” Bailey said.
“I’ve done so many incredible things and had so many amazing opportunities in communities, to connect and to pursue that passion of helping with the mental health work going on here in Australia and contribute in a positive way.”
Bailey is raising funds for Black Dog Institute and their ongoing commitment to research, resources and services.
She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at a young age, her inspiration for the walk coming three years ago when she discovered she was capable of long walks.
“I really struggled to complete things,” Bailey said.
“It was something I felt like I’d achieved.
“I was looking at my future and felt like a lot of doors were being shut on me.
“I just went, ‘I can walk really long distances and I’m pretty good at it – I’m going to do this big walk to show myself and other people with mental illness that it might not be the nine to five conventional lifestyle but there is a life worth living with mental illness that doesn’t have to stop you from pursuing things and achieving things.”
Bailey started the walk alone in the Victorian cold, with a 20km pack, walking as far as she could before stocking up with supplies at the nearest town.
Since reaching Queensland, she’s been joined by a support vehicle, allowing her to walk more freely and smash out 30 to 40kms a day.
She said the walk is a metaphor for life with bipolar and reflects her own personal journey, with good days and bad.
“There’s been days when I’ve woken up exceptionally depressed or suffering from chronic low moods … and then fast forward two hours and I’ve already climbed a mountain,” she said.
“If you believe something’s possible, it is.
Visit wandering-minds.org to follow Bailey’s journey and contribute to her cause.
Bailey Seamer is walking from the southernmost to the northernmost point of Australia, raising funds for Black Dog Institute. Photo supplied
Mackay Regional Council’s Animal Management Centre is currently home to a group of lovable animals in need of a furever home. From scruffy terriers to timid tabby cats, there's a furry friend for everyone looking to adopt a new companion.
The centre is open for viewing during the hours of 11.30am -1.30pm, or by appointment, and interested adopters can also check out the pets up for adoption on the Mackay council's website.
These pets are all in need of a warm bed, good food, and plenty of love and attention. If you're looking for a furry friend to add to your family, why not consider adopting a pound pet and giving them the loving home they deserve? Contact the pound on 1300 MACKAY for more information.
With freshly polished medals attached to his jumper, a new slouch hat atop his head and many a yarn to spin, 101-year-old World War II veteran Raymond “Ray” Wilson is one of Mackay’s oldest veterans.
RSL Mackay Sub Branch recognised Ray last week, renewing his membership and presenting him with his service record, the slouch hat, an Australian flag, a RSL cap and other memorabilia.
“He’s a treasure,” said RSL Mackay Sub Branch President Ken Higgins OAM.
“He’s a much-loved part of our town area of Mackay and district as he’s lived here all his life.
“Ray is one of our last second world war veterans.
“They’re very precious people and we need to respect and admire their sacrifice along with our forefathers before that in the first world war.”
Mr Wilson went to Victoria Park State School in the 1920s, leaving to work in the cane industry before enlisting in the army in 1941 at the age of 20.
He served in New Guinea in the second world war, making the trip on three occasions between 1942 and 1945.
Mr Higgins said Mr Wilson’s compassion and country knowhow came to his aid many times while serving.
“Ray’s platoon were on an operation in New Guinea and they actually got lost,” Mr Higgins recollected.
“They all had a look around … Ray being a bushy from around here, he actually had assessed the situation, had a look at the sun and actually led that crew back to their camp … what a great effort.”
“These stories are going to leave us eventually.
“Once Ray leaves us, they leave us too, so it’s important to get some history.”
Mr Higgins joined the RSL after serving in Vietnam, saying he returned with “a different slant on life”.
“I was roped into the RSL in a country area as soon as I got home and that was over 50 years ago,” he said.
“These sorts of chores with people like Raymond Wilson are really a fantastic part of what I do.
“Ray’s a character.
“He’s got some wonderful, wonderful stories.
“His family love him dearly … Ray’s not alone and this is one of the big problems with veterans these days is that they are left alone, on their own, to fend for themselves and forgotten in lots of cases.
“We’re trying our best in Mackay to solve that problem.
“It’s a job that’s ongoing but people like Ray really rekindle my enthusiasm because he’s precious.”
Mr Higgins urged any other veterans in the community to get in touch with the RSL Mackay Sub Branch at info@mackay.rslqld.net.au.
“If there are any other second world war veterans who want to pass on their stories or their families want to contact us at Mackay RSL Sub Branch, please do so,” he said.
A 21-year-old Raymond Wilson
Mr Wilson was presented with his service record and other RSL memorabilia
On February 25, Mackay Northern Beaches police received six reports from victims who had their parked vehicles targeted by thieves.
The reports are linked to incidents in Manning Street, Kidston Avenue, Keim Street and also Old Eimeo Road, all in Rural View.
Police are appealing for anyone who might have witnessed any suspicious behaviour to come forward.
This is also a reminder for vehicle owners to secure their vehicles when unattended, especially in evening and early morning hours, and remove all valuables from inside.
If you witness any suspicious activity, at any time of the day, please report the matter as soon as possible.
Police report numbers - QP2300332768, QP2300332773, QP2300333249, QP2300333286, QP2300333991 and QP2300334298
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