One of the Whitsundays’ newest community organisations celebrated its first birthday last week, inviting in locals for a celebration which also acted as the official opening of its services to the wider region.

Stella Life Care held the anniversary at its premises on Herbert Street, Bowen, commemorating the occasion as well as the hard work of its almost 20 staff and volunteers whilst keeping an eye to its future.

The company first launched as a disability and aged care support service with the earnest goal of helping the community overall – a challenge those it helps would agree it has certainly risen to.

Basing itself in Bowen, Stella Life Care formed on February 1, 2022, and quickly imbedded itself as one of the towns most valued altruistic organisations.

CEO of Stella Life Care Faileen James said she and her husband Bruce initially arrived in the Whitsundays on holiday when she saw the “genuine need” of the community for a service like Stella Life.

“We did not want to just create an area where only people who are disadvantaged or have a disability or are aged could gather; we wanted to create a space where all the community felt they could be welcome,” Mrs James said.

“As part of that, those people who are disadvantaged, elderly, or disabled can receive the services which they need. Everybody here today makes up Stella Life Care. We could not do what we do without the support of everybody in this room.

“You have all been a part of our journey.”

Mrs James said over their first year of operation that many of their clients come to Stella at their wits end, ready to give up in applying for benefits they are “actually entitled to” but the “bureaucracy is just too much for them.”

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from several of Bowen’s community groups alongside clients and Whitsunday Mayor Julie Hall, who said it was “an absolute honour to be asked along to launch Stella Life officially and I wish them a happy, happy birthday.”

“They have already been a shining star in our community,” Mayor Hall said.

“It is very exciting that Stella is celebrating its first year of providing a broad range of services to create positive change in the Whitsundays.”

Stella Life Care’s first ever client, Kay Smith, said without the organisations help, she would never be able to live independently.

“I have had eight strokes, a major heart operation, diabetes, and Stella Life has given me more independence than I could have believed I could have,” Ms Smith said.

“My family isn’t here [in Bowen], so Stella Life are my family.”

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With Sonny Ivanovic from F45 Airlie Beach

In the six F45 studios across Queensland that I have started, this has always been my mission brief: introducing exercise to people’s lives because it can literally save them their life.

I’m Sonny Ivanovic, a qualified personal trainer and the owner of F45 Airlie Beach. In this column, Catch Up With Sonny, I will write about all things fitness every month, sharing what there is to love about the world of physical activity, its benefits, and why it is so important.

Now that the housekeeping is done, here is what I wanted to talk about this week:

Choice can be paralysing.

When a whole gym is in front of you – the rowing machines, the dumbbells, the ellipticals, the various class types – this can be enormously confronting.

In the industry, we are constantly reminding ourselves that stepping into any fitness facility for many, is a huge barrier for most people. It`s something that every single day, stops people from achieving their goal of being fitter and healthier. Because what do we mean when we want to feel fit? We want to better ourselves, and in turn, better our quality of life, and generally even those closest to us.

The reality is that barrier to entry can comprise of hundreds of reasons not to do something – which in turn can then exist and impact in every facet of our lives.

At my F45 studio, we help people tear down that wall. In some cases, people who have been non-exercisers their whole lives come to us and are not turned away by reasons not to do this, but reasons to do it. For us, it is providing that option for people who want to improve their health – both mental and physical.

I know what we do in this industry is special. We save lives by building confidence, and creating communities for people - plus, where else can you meet 30+ like-minded people all cheering you on?

Sonny Ivanovic

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Australian Idol Launches Mackay Singers Into The Spotlight

Two Mackay singers are manifesting their boyhood dreams, progressing to the next round of the country’s most iconic star-making television series, Australian Idol, as it returns to television screens after 13 years away.

Moranbah coal miner Damien Agius and ex-Mackay Cutters rugby player Noah Cookson have already impressed the judges in the globally successful show, and now they’re shooting to go all the way. They’ve showcased their talent as emerging artists to Australian superstar Amy Shark but can they become the next Australian Idols?

“It’s Unreal To Be Representing The Region”

The little boy from the Pioneer Valley - who sat in front of the telly in 2001 begging his mum to let him vote for “Nollsy” on her Nokia - would be proud of his future self-achieving what has been a lifelong dream.

Damien Agius, a Moranbah coal miner who grew up singing in his school-choir before graduating to country music performances on the loud stages of places like Eton Pub, is one of two Mackay musos representing the Sugar City on Australian Idol 2023 – something that has been on his mind for over 20 years.

Alongside him representing the region is a youngster who traded in the footy and picked up a guitar: Noah Cookson – a falsetto-voiced 19-year-old from a family of musicians.

Both singers have progressed from the auditions of the show to the next round.

“It was my dream to go on Australian Idol,” 28-year-old Damien Agius said.

His audition aired last Sunday on Channel 7, and Australian audiences were treated to a special showing of Agius performing Garth Brooks’ ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’ in front of superstar Amy Shark.

“It was the busiest night at Eton Pub I’ve ever seen and then Amy Shark walked in and she said, ‘you’re going to audition’ – there’s a reason I looked so surprised,” Agius said.

“When it was over, I was emotional to have made it through. I was speechless; normally you can’t shut me up. I couldn’t believe it. For me, the dream is to make this my full time living and win Idol. This is something I’ve been working towards for 20 years – I’m ready to leave my job and be able to play to people at my own concerts, sell out places.

“I want to take on the world.”

For his fellow Mackay musician Noah Cookson, taking on the world is within his sights after dropping rugby league to pursue singing fully, following in the footsteps of his wedding singer parents.

“I wanted to focus on music because it is something that makes me feel at my best,” Cookson said.

“There was no doubt from them; they would support me if I had chosen footy or music. Their musical influence has been such a great thing to grow up in – they’re my heroes. And I think that’s made them proud to see me perform ‘Yellow’ [by Coldplay] in front of Amy Shark.

“That’s my dad and my song. We always perform it together and to have that be the song which got me through to Idol, I think that’s a sign. I am so grateful for them and for everyone in Mackay who has helped me on this journey.”

Both Agius and Cookson have made it through to the next round of Australian Idol, which will be showing on Channel 7 Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday night.

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Images:  - Damien Agius - Noah Cookson

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When a leaky radiator left Tom Coates stranded on the side of the road on his way into town, a distinctive pink ute pulled up to assist like a vehicle belonging to a superhero.

It was the Lady Locksmith ute, belonging to Leanne Kemp.

Ms Kemp, along with Jamie Head, pulled over and helped Mr Coates on his way after repairing the leaky radiator.

“Thank you so much to the kind Sir and M'am who helped us stop a leaky radiator on the way into town,” Mr Coates posted in Facebook group Mackay Noticeboard.

“More than a locksmith.”

“You are more than welcome,” commented Ms Kemp.

“Hate to see anyone stranded.

“I didn’t do much, only supplied tools and water, Jamie Head did all the handy work getting you going again.

“Hope you enjoy your travels.”

It appears as though this isn’t the first time Ms Kemp and Mr Head have been of assistance, with plenty of comments agreeing that they both have “hearts of gold”.

“Leanne has helped me out before as well... She is worth her weight in gold,” read one comment.

“I have dealt with her many times - Leeanne is lovely,” read another.

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If you’ve noticed a lot of red and pink popping up in stores, it’s because Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.

While love and affection should be year-round and spontaneous, I don’t think there’s any harm in celebrating a day just for love, whether it’s intimate love you share with a partner, the love you have for your family or taking a day to practice some self-love.

I think of it as a bonus opportunity to spend quality time together, make meaningful gestures, and create lasting memories.

On page 10 you can check out my list of swoon worthy sips, while our entertainment expert Sam has compiled a list of tantric tunes for your Valentine’s playlist.

Further in this edition on pages 20 – 23, you’ll find a plethora of information about Mackay Regional Council’s Sports Expo, being held at the MECC this Sunday.

Participating in sport helps children develop physically, socially, and emotionally. Physically, sports help improve coordination, increase strength and flexibility, and encourage a healthy lifestyle. Socially, sports provide a great opportunity for children to make friends, learn teamwork and communication skills, and build confidence. Emotionally, playing sports can help reduce stress, increase self-esteem, and foster a positive attitude.

Take your pick from the clubs on show and you may even discover a sport you might like to try yourself – it’s not only for the kids!

Amanda

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Detectives from the Mackay Property Crime Taskforce have charged a 25-year-old man with 40 offences in relation to a series of alleged property crime incidents spanning four days, between January 31 and February 3, in the Mackay area.

At approximately 8am on February 1, it was alleged a Toyota Corolla stolen from an Andergrove address that morning, had driven on the wrong side of the road before crashing into a pole next to a bus stop on Glenpark Street, North Mackay.

It was alleged the driver and sole occupant, a man, left the scene on foot before a second vehicle, a Nissan Patrol, was stolen from a nearby address.

Just before 7am February 3, it is alleged a man broke into a Habana Wharf Road property at Habana causing damage to a door and window with a chainsaw, before arming himself with an axe and knife and threatening a resident, a man in his 70s.

It is further alleged the man assaulted the male resident by punching him in the head.

Police attended and took the 25-year-old North Queensland man into custody.

He has been charged with 40 offences including five counts of break and enter to dwellings, four counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, two counts each of serious assault and common assault and one count each of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, break and enter to a premises, threatening violence and assault occasioning bodily harm.

Police appeal to anyone with information or relevant CCTV and dashcam footage in relation to property crime offences in the Mackay area, particularly the traffic crash on Glenpark Street, 8am Wednesday, February 1, to come forward.

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Image: Mackay Detectives arrested a 25-year-old North Queensland man and charged him with 40 offences. Image: Police bodycam video

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said that Mackay Christian College has suffered firsthand by the Youth Crime Epidemic last week with students almost being run over by an out-of-control stolen vehicle.

“This is becoming all too common with recent figures revealing that a record 2133 cars were stolen in QLD through December 2022,” Mr Willcox added.

“The Queensland State Government have switched off, wiping their hands of the issue. This is why I am standing with Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli to recall Parliament now.  Our people can’t wait until the 21st for State Parliament to return,” Mr Willcox said.

“The State Member for Mackay and the three of blind mice of Townsville need to start listening to the peoples’ cries for help rather than toeing the party line.”

In Townsville and Mackay, it has become an everyday occurrence where young criminals are breaking into people’s homes.

“And those criminals are now moving into our smaller towns of Dawson. A young restauranteur and takeaway owner in Bowen was robbed at knife point.  And a stolen farm truck was hooned around town before being set alight in the local river,” Mr Willcox said.

“The current laws are failing our community; the current Labor MPs are failing our communities and the State Government is failing our communities.

“The people of Dawson are living in fear and are essentially prisoners in their own homes.  I am urging the State Labor Government to start looking after the victims of these crimes, not the criminals,” Mr Willcox said.

“Queenslanders want Parliament re-called now!”

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Caption: Mackay Christian College Principal Barclie Gallogray and Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox

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John Pickup OAM had a long and illustrious career in broadcasting before his involvement in the establishment of Community Radio Mackay 4CRM.

John’s media career began in 1947 when he was convinced to enter, and ultimately won, a talent quest with Sydney radio station 2UE.

He went on to work with 2GB before joining the ABC in 1950.

John’s ABC career took him far and wide across radio and television, a memorable moment coming when his hand became the first "animated object" ever seen on Australian television in 1956.

While with the ABC, John managed television and radio stations in Darwin, Broken Hill and Mackay, where he retired from his role as ABC Radio Mackay Manager in 1992.

Upon retirement, John joined an organisation working towards establishing a community radio station in Mackay.

After many discussions, license applications and the sourcing and testing of equipment, Community Radio Mackay 4CRM was brought into being, broadcasting for the first time on December 11, 1993 on frequency 107.5 FM.

As the inaugural Station Manager, John’s voice was the first heard on the station.

“John was the first voice heard on Community Radio Mackay and he wrote the initial original handbook,” said Community Radio Mackay President Bill Boyd.

“It really remains the guide to the people who come and volunteer at 4CRM.”

John remained at 4CRM until 2005, returning to Mackay in 2018 to celebrate the station’s 25th anniversary as guest of honour.

Away from the studio, John was an avid painter, famously forming the artist collective Brushmen of the Bush with Pro Hart, Eric Minchin, Jack Absalom, and Hugh Schulz while living in Broken Hill in 1973.

The group became famous for their depictions of the outback and staged over 50 exhibitions, raising money for various charities with each one.

During the 1970s, the Brushmen of the Bush exhibited in London, Rome, New York City and Los Angeles.

John was the recipient of the Order of Australia Medal in 2020 for service to the community as a regional radio broadcaster.

He passed away at his home in Murwillumbah on January 31, 2023 aged 91.

“The ethic of family broadcasting that John espoused will live long after him,” said Mr Boyd.

“We have adhered to that ethic at 4CRM, and we like to think that we broadcast wholesome family content, something for everyone.

“All I can say about John is he was the epitome of a gentleman.

“Just lovely, helpful, always keen, interested, ready to give advice on broadcasting or anything else, in fact.

“He had a huge experience in life and a joy for life, so it was a great privilege to have known John Pickup.”

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Caption: John Pickup (right) was the guest of honour at 4CRM’s 25 year celebrations in 2018

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Following a spike in consumer complaints since the pandemic, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has announced it has successfully redressed more than $11.2 million for Queensland consumers in 2022, including $716,745 in the Mackay region.

330 complaints were finalised by the OFT in the region with the most being made in personal and household goods, personal and household services, motor vehicle services, repairs, parts, motor vehicle sales and real estate industries.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman said with more Queenslanders feeling the pressure from the rising cost of living, it’s important that consumers are getting what they paid for and that they feel they are getting value for money.

“Last year the OFT finalised more than 19,300 complaints from Queensland consumers,” she said.

“And the highest number of consumer complaints continued to be for the personal and household goods industry - with the OFT finalising more than 6,200 complaints.

“This category includes purchases of everyday items such as whitegoods, appliances, hardware, clothing and footwear – so it’s no surprise this continues to be at the top of the complaints list.

“However, since the pandemic, complaints have soared for these types of purchases, with more than a 50 per cent increase since 2019.

“There has also been an increase of more than 80 per cent in complaints for the personal and household services industry since the pandemic – this industry includes complaints about services such as whitegoods repairs, removalist services and cleaning companies.”

Increases are to be expected after pent-up demand and supply chain issues during COVID-19, an issue closely monitored by the OFT.  

These issues encountered by consumers in these sectors are expected to return closer to trend as supply chain issues resolve.

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Caption: Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Detectives from Mackay Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU) are appealing for public assistance following the sudden death of a two-year-old girl at North Mackay on December 29.

Mackay CPIU, with the assistance of the Child Trauma Unit, Crime and Intelligence Command, have released CCTV footage of the child in company with a woman and several other young children at two Andergrove businesses that afternoon.

The child was being carried in a harness on the woman’s back.

As part of the police investigation detectives are wishing to speak with anyone who was at the United Chemist in Oak Street, Andergrove on Thursday, December 29 between around 3.50pm to 4pm.

Detectives are also seeking to speak with anyone who was at the Coles Supermarket, at Oak Street, Andergrove between 4pm and 5.30pm that afternoon.

The CCTV footage shows people inside the two businesses during these times and are asking them to immediately contact police as they may have information that could assist the investigation.

If you were at either the United Chemist or the Coles Supermarket between the times depicted above but do not appear in the CCTV, police still ask that you come forward.

Police were called at approximately 8.30pm on the evening of December 29 after a two-year-old girl was presented unresponsive to Mackay Base Hospital.

The girl was subsequently declared deceased.

Operation Uniform Vauxhall was established to investigate the suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.

An Incident Centre has been established at Mackay Police Station and investigations are ongoing.

Anyone with information in relation to the investigation is urged to contact police Policelink using the online suspicious activity form 24 hours per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.

Crime information can also be reported anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Quote this reference number: QP2202229252.

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Caption: Queensland Police have released CCTV footage taken from two Andergrove businesses urging those present to come forward. Photo supplied

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Mackay Regional Council is seeking a contractor to undertake the resurfacing works for all three pools at the Bluewater Lagoon.

This long-term solution follows the patchwork done to the lagoon's surface in 2021 to repair leaks in the lining.

Mayor Greg Williamson explains that "We went out to tender last year for this project but were unable to find a contractor during that time, so we decided to delay the work until this year."

The renovation project will include the replacement of the underwater lighting and the resurfacing of each lagoon with a PVC membrane liner.

"As a vital piece of public infrastructure, this project will ensure this facility continues to serve the needs of the community well into the future," says Mayor Williamson.

The Bluewater Lagoon and café will be closed from May 1 to September 4, 2023, to allow for the work to be completed. Interested contractors are encouraged to submit their tenders on the QTenders website, with submissions closing on February 14.

This renovation will not only fix the leaks but will also upgrade the popular destination for visitors and locals alike.

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Young people from across Queensland who want to make their voices heard and empower their communities are urged to apply to participate in the 2023 YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament, with applications now open.

The YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament offers Queenslanders aged 15 to 25 the opportunity to speak up for their communities and learn first-hand about parliamentary processes.

Now in its 28th year, the program brings together 93 young people, representing each electorate in Queensland.

2022 Youth Member for Whitsunday Sebastian Padget said the program gave him invaluable insight into parliamentary processes and enabled him the platform to incite change, encouraging others to apply.

“I hope that we get a few more people from this area apply,” he said

“It’s a really good challenge, it’s really taught me a lot.

“It’s such a good program.”

Minister for Youth Affairs Meaghan Scanlon said the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament offered a platform for young people across the state to have a say about important issues facing their communities, connect with their peers and learn about our democracy.

“Youth Parliament has a strong history of empowering young people to express their views and take up challenges to become leaders of the future,” she said.

“In the past, ideas that have been formulated through Queensland Youth Parliament have become government policy.”

Nominations will close at 11:59pm on Sunday February 19, 2023.

For more information about the YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament, email qypcoordinator@ymcabrisbane.org or go to www.ymcaqyp.org.au.

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Caption: 2022 Youth Member for Whitsunday Sebastian Padget and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm. Photo supplied

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Catherine Birch, a Senior Economist in the Australian Economics team at ANZ, kicked off the Resource Industry Network's first event of 2023, the February Industry Briefing Lunch, on Friday, 3rd February. The event was held in the Lancaster Room at the Harrup Park Country Club, which served as the new venue partner for 2023, with more than 75 people in attendance.

Ms. Birch spoke about the outlook for the Australian and global economies in 2023 and how this would impact Mackay's local economy. Her presentation covered various topics such as China's shift from zero-COVID, the possibility of Australia going into a recession, the recovery in migration, the ease of finding workers, and the current state of Mackay's local economy, cost of living, and how it compares to broader trends.

In her role at ANZ, Catherine provides extensive research, forecasts, and analysis on the labour market, inflation, infrastructure investment, ESG, and the broader Australian and global economies. She holds a Master of International and Development Economics from the Australian National University. The event provided attendees with valuable insights and a better understanding of the current economic situation, both locally and globally.

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Images:

1: Tamara Hage, McKays Solicitors; Emma Coburn, Wallace & Wallace; Derek O’Connell, Techserve; Dean Kirkwood, Resource Industry Network; Lisa Hewitt, ANZ; Catherine Birch, ANZ; Tim Magoffin, Techserve; Teona Cousin, Mackay Regional Council

2: Tim Magoffin, Mayor Greg Williamson, Catherine Birch, Lisa Hewitt

3: Councillor Fran Mann, Teona Cousin, Daniel Werthenbach

4: Tamara Hage, Richard Wainwright, Dannielle Sanderson

5: Amy Wilson, Carli Walker, Melissa Egan, Sonia Andersen

6: Front row: Simon Phillips, Ben Kerrisk, Ben Phillips

7: Tim Magoffin, Catherine Birch

8: Mick Storch, Councillor Michelle Green, Carli Walker

9: Deb Crisp, Sarah Bartolo, Scott Owen

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RACQ CQ Rescue airlifted an elderly man with a broken neck from a remote homestead near Mt Coolon last weekend.

The 87-year-old man had fallen down a flight of stairs at the cattle property and suffered spinal injuries. RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked by Queensland Health about 4.30pm on Friday to fly more than 400km with a doctor and Critical Care Paramedic on board to treat and retrieve the injured man.

The helicopter was landed in a grassed area adjacent to the homestead in the near four-hour mission and he was transferred to Mackay Base Hospital in a stable condition.

On Saturday, a 15-year-old boy was airlifted from Clermont hospital with suspected spinal injuries after a dirt bike accident that morning. Later that same day, the rescue helicopter was tasked to an EPIRB activation about 35km east of Hayman Island about 6.30pm.

The helicopter quickly homed in on the distress beacon signal and made radio contact with occupants on a five-metre centre-console boat just before dark to establish they were safe, unhurt and that their boat had broken down. Volunteer Marine Rescue was enroute to the scene and was tasked to assist retrieve the vessel and those on board, so the rescue helicopter returned to base at Mackay Airport.

On Sunday, RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked again to Hayman Island to airlift a resident with a serious abdominal condition as well as to transfer a patient from Bowen to Mackay Base Hospital. RACQ CQ Rescue has now completed 63 missions already this year.

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Caption: RACQ CQ Rescue landed at a remote property near Mt Coolon on Friday to transfer an 87-year-old man with a broken neck to hospital. Photo credits: RACQ CQ Rescue

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A Mackay company has been awarded a $6 million tender for construction of a levee wall to complete a “missing link” on the northern bank of the Pioneer River.

The reinforced concrete blockwork and earth levee and associated works, such as culverts and drainage, will be built between Valetta Gardens and Kay Court.

An earth levee was constructed along the northern bank as part of the Valetta Gardens and Rivers Edge subdivisions.

But that left a “missing link” of about 800 metres between the subdivisions and Ron Camm Bridge.

An ordinary meeting of council last week awarded the $6.13 million contract to Vassallo Constructions Pty Ltd.

The project received grant funding from the Australian Government.

As part of that funding agreement, construction must be completed by the end of June 2024.

Mayor Greg Williamson said two tenders were received for this important levee project.

“The panel assessment of the tenders determined that Vassallo Constructions have the expertise to deliver the works as required and provide the best value for money to council,’’ he said.

“They have managed projects in the Mackay region up to $100 million and committed to looking locally first when employing people for these projects.”

Mayor Williamson said the levee would assist Mackay’s resilience to riverine flooding.

“It is fantastic to see that this missing link will be completed over the coming 18 months,’’ he said.

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Caption: Funding for the levee on the Pioneer River’s northern bank was pledged by the Labor party pre-election during Mr Albanese’s visit to Mackay in January, 2022. L-R Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, Mayor Greg Williamson, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ( shadow Prime Minister when image was taken). Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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