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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Heavy rainfall in January has caused significant damage to creek crossings on Cathu Access Road resulting in the closure of Cathu State Forest until at least 24 February 2023.
The closure applies to all public access including cars, 4WDs, motor bikes, mountain bikes, horse riders and hikers and includes the Jaxut camping area.
A re-assessment of risks and road conditions will be undertaken by 24 February however road repairs may take longer, and the closure may be extended. Cathu State Forest is 4km west of the Bruce Highway, 72km or one hour north of Mackay.
The status of the closure will be updated at www.hqplantations.com.au/closures for areas managed by HQP and www.parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/cathu for the rest of the state forest.
Both organisations are appealing to the public to respect these closures so that safe and responsible access to the plantations can be restored as soon as possible.
State forest closures fall under the Forestry Act 1959 and can be enforced by Police, QPWS Rangers and Plantation Officers. Fines for non-compliance currently range from $286 to $1,430.
State and local government-managed roads may still be open unless otherwise indicated by police, barriers or other signage.
Enquiries can be directed to QPWS at email central.qpws@des.qld.gov.au or call 4936 0570 or for HQP-managed areas email information@hqplantations.com.au or call 07 3882 8240.
Caption
Cathu State Forest is closed until at least February 24 due to damaged roads. Image credit: Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science
Whether in ‘High Fidelity’ or ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’, Hollywood has taught us that mixtapes are a perfect way to share one’s feelings.
Making a mixtape, or these days, a mix CD or Spotify playlist, is an incredibly rewarding experience for any music lover, so what better way to express your love and affection to your crush, partner, friends or family this Valentine's Day.
While a mixtape should absolutely include special songs that hold sentimental value between you and the recipient, here are a few love songs to really get your loved ones in the feels.
Get ready to dance and sing along to these fantastic tracks that you and those closest will surely adore.
• Queen – You’re My Best Friend
• The Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition
• Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight
• Mazzy Star – Fade Into You
• Dolly Parton – I Will Always Love You
• John Paul Young – Love Is In The Air
• Tourist – We Stayed Up All Night (featuring Ardyn)
• Taylor Swift – Love Story
• Bee Gees – How Deep Is Your Love
• Dusty Springfield – The Look Of Love
• Japanese Breakfast – Everybody Wants To Love You
• Bruce Springsteen – Valentine’s Day
• Sonny & Cher – I Got You Babe
• Donnie & Joe Emerson – Baby
• The Cure – Friday I’m In Love
• The Beach Boys – Don’t Worry Baby
• INXS – Never Tear Us Apart
• Foreigner – I Want to Know What Love Is
• Kylie Minogue – Can’t Get You out of My Head
• Sinead O’Connor – Nothing Compares 2 U
• Willie Nelson – Valentine
• Nat King Cole – L-O-V-E
• The xx – Angels
• Jack Johnson – Better Together
• The Beatles – All You Need Is Love
• Kacey Musgraves – Golden Hour
• Etta James – At Last
• Elton John – Your Song
• Wolf Alice – Don’t Delete The Kisses
• Spandau Ballet – True
• George Benson – Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You
Campwin Beach’s Bear Cave is producing some the most exquisite timber carvings you could wish to see.
Mark Chisler worked as a diesel fitter for Plane Creek Mill from 1981 to his retirement in 2016, never once used a wood saw or claw hammer at work, yet today is busy in retirement working 25 hours a week in the Bear Cave on his carvings, which each take at least 40 hours’ work.
The Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre stocks some of his carvings. His range includes lions, dragons, sea horses, unicorns and inlaid tables, to name a few.
One table is inlaid with a sea horse, another has turtles and shells carved and inlaid and covered with liquid glass. Another has carved images from the Game of Thrones series.
The timber was sourced from the cuttings of large trees in River Street which were cut back by the council.
Mark moved to Campwin in 1984, marrying wife Kim in 1986.
“Campwin would have to be one of the loveliest beaches in Australia,” he said.
“We walk it each day and we often collect shells which I use in the carvings.
“There is a beach here some residents call Turtle Bay, despite it being rocky and not at all suitable for turtles, but we do have turtles nesting at Sarina Beach and sometimes at Campwin.”
The Bear Cave was built in 1990 as an annex to their home, and today Mark often puts in a 25-hour week on his creations, usually working 8-11am.
His first attempt at woodwork was a relief carving which still has pride of place in the Bear Cave, which today is filled with his creations.
“I use recyclable timbers to create the carvings which are made from pieces of ply; I’m not cutting down big trees to make them,” he said.
“I draw in freehand all the designs for the carvings and go from there.”
Mark’s father Noel Chisler worked as an engine driver in the railways for 40 years, retiring in 1988, at the age of 58. He was able to retire as he one of the first non-staff at the time to invest in superannuation when it was not available to drivers.
“He encouraged me to be in superannuation and it’s the best advice he ever gave.”
The Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre is open 9-1 Monday to Saturday and has a large range of crafts by talented local crafters.
By Charlie Payne
Mark and Kim Chisler in the Bear Cave at Campwin Beach with one of Mark’s sea turtle carvings, which opens up for a favourite picture. Photos: Charlie Payne
Images:
Mark Chisler with one of his sea turtle carvings
A table inlaid with a seahorse
Tammi O’Shea knows the people of Sarina as well as the halls of its hospital better than most.
The nurse unit manager has lived in Sarina since the tender age of four and made the decision to take up nursing in her early high school years.
“I have two aunties in nursing and a great aunt, so I’ve known since about Grade Nine that I wanted to be a nurse,” Tammi said.
After completing her degree at CQ University, she started working at Sarina Hospital as a post-grad registered nurse and over the course of the next 10 years she worked her way up to the position of nurse unit manager.
She loves her job and the Sarina lifestyle.
“It’s a four-minute drive to work, and I spend plenty of time on the floor,” Tammi said.
“Sarina is a great location with a fantastic team.
"We enjoy the opportunity to get to know our patients and provide them with more personalised care.”
Tammi has had the opportunity to visit the construction site of the new Sarina Hospital and is excited to watch it taking shape.
“I have been involved since the initial planning stages including reviewing the floor plans,” Tammi said.
“It has been awesome to see these plans come to life at the new site with more and more progress made each week.
“I am excited to continue working on the transition across the highway which for me will involve tasks like recruitment of new nurses, staff training and familiarisation and equipment selection.
“A fresh new facility for Sarina is just what the doctor ordered!”
By Mackay Hospital and Health Services
Caption: Foreground: Nurse Unit Manager Tammi O’Shea
Picnicking at Sarina Beach will be better than ever, with two new covered barbecue areas set to be installed at Owen Jenkins Drive Park.
Council, in response to requests made by the Sarina Beach Progress Association, will be constructing two new park shelters and replacing the park’s old single barbecues with two new double hot plate units, which will also be wheelchair accessible.
The barbecues will be installed under the two new shelters for all weather use and protection.
Two additional picnic settings will also be fitted offering increased seating capacity in the popular beachside park.
As part of these upgrades, disabled car parking and path access to the existing and new picnic shelters will be constructed.
BH Building will be undertaking the work on behalf of council which started last month, with construction expected to take eight weeks to complete, weather permitting.
Construction will take place between the hours of 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Some weekend work may also be required.
While works are under way the playground will remain operational, however parking along the front of the park will be temporarily closed.
Traffic control will be in place to assist motorists while the road is partially closed for two days, weather permitting.
One coconut palm will be removed to allow for construction of a pram ramp and new path. The palm tree will be replaced with three new shade trees.
Two large items of property have been located by the Sarina police. Officers are keen to return them to the rightful owner.
If you are the owner or know the owner, please contact Sarina Police and quote QP2300043718.
If you are looking for a unique experience, try a fun run on the beach at the upcoming CRUISIN’ THE COAST Sarina Beach event this May.
Held annually at the picturesque Sarina Beach, the fun run has grown in size each year and has become a trademark event for the region.
Powered by Community Bank Sarina, the 5km Community Walk plus 3km, 5km or 10km runs are returning favourites, with the 21.5km half marathon a challenge for those more experienced competitors.
The event is family friendly, and spectators are more than welcome to enjoy the hot coffee and spectacular views.
Check Community Bank Sarina Facebook page for all upcoming events and opportunities www.facebook.com/communitybanksarina
Images from the 2022 Cruisin’ The Coast fun run
Sarina High School students are kicking off the year with some extra cash in their pockets thanks to Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank’s annual scholarship program.
Zali Hooper and Chelsea Trusz were the deserving recipients of the 2023 scholarships, which provide support to assist SSHS students with their educational costs. The scholarship program is designed to promote and encourage community engagement, building the students’ confidence and developing them into the region’s future leaders.
Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank also is offering CQUniversity Scholarships for those commencing study in 2023. If you’re a first year apprentice or degree student through CQUniversity this year, you are eligible to apply for the $4000 apprenticeship scholarship or a $6000 higher education scholarship. There are two scholarships available per category and they can assist with travel costs associated with studying, learning materials like textbooks, the purchase of tools or a toolbox and other related work or study expenses.
Applications are open now and close 31 March, if you're interested in applying please contact executive@sarinacommunity.com.au for the application pack.
Peak sugarcane industry body CANEGROWERS is calling on Sugar Terminals Limited (STL) to explain the reasoning behind its decision to abandon a long and successful commercial partnership with Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) for the operation of the state's bulk sugar terminals.
CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said the bulk sugar terminals, which give Australian sugar a competitive edge over other sugar exporting nations, were built on the back of investment by growers, but STL had failed to consult growers before announcing its decision.
"These terminals are industry assets, and they remain one of our main competitive advantages, allowing Australian sugar to be traded as a reliable, high quality, sustainable product into our most valuable markets in a timely manner," Mr Menkens said.
"There seems little justification for this change and it appears to be more about corporate manoeuvring."
Mr Menkens also questioned why STL had not made clear in its public statements that the current operating agreement with QSL requires a three-year notice period.
"STL have not consulted with anyone in industry about this matter and they have chosen not to make it clear that their agreement with QSL has a three-year notice period," he said.
"While technically CANEGROWERS has no say in this agreement, given their stated intent, we call on STL to clearly explain to growers why they are determined to take this course of action."
There is no disputing that QSL has operated the terminals safely and efficiently, and its performance has been highly scrutinized.
Mark Gray, Chair of STL, stated: "In an effort to reduce costs, increase efficiencies and eliminate conflicts of interest, STL has decided to terminate its Operating Agreement with Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL). This move positions STL to better serve the industry in the future. As STL is already responsible for all operating costs and capital investment funding, it makes sense for us to operate the BSTs directly. A simplified structure will streamline operations, remove duplicated efforts, and clear up any conflicting interests in the current outsourced agreements."
Gray continued: "The duplication of costs from the QSL Board, Executive, support functions, insurance policies, and auditing requirements are unnecessary. Eliminating this duplication in corporate overhead costs will provide a permanent reduction in expenses, clarify accountability and responsibilities, and increase transparency, leading to potential additional cost savings for the sugar industry."
CANEGROWERS is now calling on STL to make clear:
1. how they intend to operate the terminals to deliver lower operating costs and an improvement in efficiency
2. how these cost savings will flow through to growers
3. what the forward operating strategy is for the terminals
4. how STL will ensure this strategy is used to benefit the Australian sugarcane industry and not be distracted seeking alternative business models driven by a focus on shareholder returns
"The successful operation of these terminals is vital to the overall success of Australia's sugarcane industry," Mr Menkens said.
"QSL's smooth and efficient operation of our terminals has ensured the industry maintained a competitive edge. This move by STL is threatening that competitive advantage and growers are rightly concerned. They deserve an explanation."
Caption: Sugar Terminals Limited has announced it has decided to in-source the operations of its Bulk Sugar Terminals, located at Cairns, Mourilyan, Lucinda, Townsville, Mackay and Bundaberg. Image: Mackay Bulk Sugar Terminal
CANEGROWERS Mackay Area Committee (MAC) met with Mackay Sugar representatives last week to improve industry collaboration and urge a successful crushing season in 2023.
Evaluating the key impacts of the 2022 crush, that extended into January 2023 and saw just short of 95% of the sugar cane crop processed, MAC Chairman Joseph Borg and Mackay Sugar Chairman and Nordzucker Group Manager Michael Gerloff, along with Mackay Sugar CEO Jannik Olejas, identified several key topics to address in the lead up to next season.
Acknowledging the impact of weather and the increasing crop during the season, Mr. Borg said, “Milling performance was certainly a vital topic we wanted to address, on behalf of Mackay local growers and harvester groups.
“Throughout last season, Mackay Sugar’s milling performance was substandard overall, despite some positive signs of improvement, such as the relatively good rate and reliability at Racecourse mill,” he said.
“The other key factor in seeing a more successful 2023 season is identifying solutions to overcome the widespread labour and skills shortage that is affecting both the growing sector and milling maintenance and operations.
“CANEGROWERS Mackay is already acting on behalf of the grower and harvesting sector on the issues, in the lead up to the coming season” Mr Borg said.
“Mr Gerloff clearly outlined Mackay Sugar’s strategy and reaffirmed Nordzucker’s commitment to the region, which has given me a level of confidence.”
For Mackay Sugar, the meeting was an important next step in maintaining open and transparent communication and collaboration with growers and industry representatives.
“Nordzucker Group invested in Mackay Sugar because we saw great value in the region and local industry and this has not changed,” Mr Gerloff explained.
“If anything, the significant increase in crop size we saw last year strengthens our commitment, and further fuels our plans to see Mackay Sugar operate as the sustainable and agile business we know it will be,” he said.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties confirmed the importance of ongoing collaboration and industry alignment when it comes to ensuring a sustainable business for all parties.
“We all want the same thing - and that’s productive crops with efficient crushing seasons, making the most of what our region can deliver,” said Mr Olejas.
“Whilst we can’t control things like the weather, we can deliver improved performance in the mills with the ultimate ambition to ensure that even the largest of crops - farmed and safeguarded by committed growers - can be processed.”
How much do you know about dengue fever?
Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regional councils are calling on residents to take the dengue quiz as part of their annual awareness campaign.
The quiz will test your knowledge on how dengue is spread, where dengue mosquitoes breed, and how you can help prevent the spread.
Everyone who enters the competition will go into the draw to win one of five $100 Porters Mitre 10 vouchers.
The annual dengue campaign is part of an EHWIM (Environmental Health Whitsunday Isaac and Mackay) initiative.
Mayor Greg Williamson said dengue was something that everyone living in the tropics needed to be mindful of.
“The wet season is upon us, and dengue mosquitos (Aedes aegypti) will be breeding,” he said.
“They breed in stagnant water around the home left in buckets, pot plant bases and containers, as well as gutters.
“That’s why it’s so important to tip out any stagnant water, throw out any rubbish lying around your yard, clean out your gutters and store items that can hold water in a dry place.”
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Julie Hall said residents living in north and central Queensland communities needed to be aware of the signs to look for when it came to dengue.
“The symptoms of dengue fever include headaches, fevers, aches and pains, nausea, vomiting and, in some rare cases, can result in death,” she said.
“If you experience any of these symptoms, please see a doctor immediately.”
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said residents in an area prone to mosquitos should take adequate steps to protect themselves from being bitten.
“When outdoors, make sure you wear long sleeves, trousers, a hat and use an effective insect repellent,” she said.
“To prevent mosquitoes from entering your house, check your window and door screens to ensure they don’t have any holes in them.
“You can also spray surface spray at all the entry points to your house to deter insects from entering your house.”
To complete the dengue quiz and go into the draw to win one of five Porter’s Mitre 10 vouchers visit mackay.qld.gov.au/dengue. Entries will close at 5pm on Sunday, March 12, and you must be a resident living in Mackay, Isaac or Whitsunday regional council areas to be eligible.
For further dengue prevention tips visit health.qld.gov.au/dengue.
Whether you prefer a classic cocktail or something a bit more creative, a festive drink is a great way to add a touch of romance to your Valentine's Day celebration.
With a bit of sweetness and a bit of excitement, a romantic Valentine's Day cocktail could be a classic Champagne Cocktail, made by adding a sugar cube, a few drops of bitters, and a splash of brandy to a flute of champagne. The bubbles and festive nature of champagne, combined with the sweet and slightly bitter flavor from the sugar and bitters, make for a celebratory and romantic drink.
Non-alcoholic option – use non-alcoholic champagne and omit the brandy.
Spice things up with a Love Potion Cocktail, made by mixing raspberry liqueur, triple sec, and vodka with a splash of cranberry juice and a squeeze of lime. The sweet and fruity flavors, combined with the hint of tartness from the cranberry and lime, create a delicious and romantic drink that is perfect for toasting to your love.
Did someone say Strawberry Mimosa? This cocktail is made by mixing champagne with strawberry puree or syrup. The combination of bubbles and sweetness from the strawberries makes for a delicious and romantic drink. You can also add a splash of orange juice for added flavour.
Make it pretty as a petal with a Rose Petal Martini. This cocktail is made by mixing gin, vermouth, and rose water. The addition of rose water adds a subtle floral flavour that is both unique and romantic. You can also rim the glass with edible rose petals for added decoration.
Whether you enjoy something sweet and fruity or something a bit more complex, these drinks are sure to impress your special someone.
Dating is hard enough in this day and age – regardless of your age. But for me it’s gotten to a point where even those nearest and dearest are concerned about my lack of love life!
Scotty, my co-host, has taken it upon himself to help me along this Valentine’s Day by taking over my Tinder and entering me in our True Love on A Treadmill comp on the 16th of February. We’re getting a bunch of single men and women from Mackay and the Whitsundays to join us at Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre for a round of speed dating… at speed. If you’re unlucky in love, it’s a low-pressure way to put yourself out there. You can register on our website star1019.com.au – with prizes to also be won!
If you’re already loved up with a boo than here’s my cute but easy guide to making your lover swoon this V-Day:
● Flowers are great but they die, buy your girl a voucher to her favourite hairdresser or beauty salon instead.
● Ladies, don’t skimp on the gifts! Your man will only be a more reluctant gift giver if it’s another day he has to work out what to give you but he gets nothing in return – why not put together an IOU booklet? It could be fun, cheeky or useful!
● Don’t underestimate how romantic it can be to go sit at a nice spot like the Slade Point Lookout or Mount P Lookout with some nibbles and have a good conversation.
● And if all else fails (or you’re single) agree to gift to yourself because the person who loves you the most should be you!
Happy loving from your unlucky in love cupid,
- Kaley
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With added stress and workplace pressure rising, external family dynamics and increased living costs it’s no wonder that 1-in-5 employees took time off over the past year for mental health.
Issues faced by your employees can keep them from doing their best work and as a result can lead to high staff turnover, absenteeism, presenteeism, lost productivity and a loss in revenue.
The cost to workplaces is substantial – $10.9 billion – according to a recent PwC commissioned by beyondblue, Australian Government and the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance.
There is good news though, while there are major costs to Australian workplaces, there are also significant rewards for those who do something about it. For every $1 spent on creating a mentally healthy workplace there is on average a $2.30 return.
Creating a mentally healthy workplace involves a variety of steps with one of most crucial being the introduction of employee assistance programs (EAP).
Through employee assistance programs like selectability’s EAP+ you can support your team while supporting your business.
Employee assistance programs (EAP) are designed to support and enhance the emotional, mental and general psychological wellbeing of your employees and their family. The program is designed to boost employee’s performance by helping them to resolve personal and work-related issues.
selectability partners with organisations to deliver a range of EAP services to support employee wellbeing.
Acting General Manager Clinical Services Kate Stevens said selectability’s approach emphasised early intervention and included a range of proactive preventative measures and strategies.
“Through our EAP+ we work alongside employees and support them to build resilience, which in turn can improve workplace performance,” said Kate.
“Mentally heathy workplaces take effort from everyone. Ensuring employees are happy and well supported at work is one of the most important jobs for any employer.
“There are situations that arise that can prevent employees from doing their best work. This can lead to a reduction in productivity while also negatively impacting other employees.
“As a result, employers have come to recognise the benefits of EAP in keeping their employees healthy and happy.”
Here are four benefits of signing up to selectability’s employee assistance program…
✔ Reduction in staff turnover
Having EAP that is accessible to all can build loyalty. Employees who feel valued are less likely to be unhappy in the workplace and quit.
✔ Reduction in sick days and workplace absenteeism
Did you know that absenteeism is often a result of an employee’s personal problems? EAP encourages employees to deal with problems that otherwise left can escalate.
✔ Improve staff morale
Stress related issues including decreased performance and absenteeism affect the whole workforce not just the individual. Someone experiencing high level of stress may become defensive, argumentative and less communicative at work. EAP can help by providing support as well as an outlet to discuss their issues.
✔ Increase performance and productivity
Those dealing with unresolved issues tend to lose sleep. They may also lose concentration, have accidents, overreact and underperform. Often these attitudes are infectious and will spread throughout teams. Accessing an EAP session can be a simple solution to keep the workplace healthy and happy.
Take care of your employees and they will take care of your business.
For more information email clinical@selectability.com.au or call 1800 573 253.
When it comes to Valentine's Day, it’s often the most thoughtful and sentimental tokens that mean the most.
With Cupid just around the corner, local restaurateur Mark Laffin is offering the people of Mackay the chance to spread positivity and love this month with a unique social media experiment.
Mark “Laffo” Laffin, owner of Laffos Bar and Pizzeria at Caneland Central, is asking people to share their love for those special to them on the restaurant's Facebook page.
Participants are asked to post a photo or video of themselves as a public display of affection and love to their special someone, with the incentive of $1,000 cash for the winner on offer.
"This is a great opportunity to bring some cheer to the town during February, which can otherwise be a pretty drab month," Laffo said.
"We are hoping for people to get creative, have some fun and make others happy."
The winner will be decided based on creative effort, heartfelt-authenticity and the number of Likes their post receives.
The winners will be announced on Laffos Bar & Pizzeria Facebook page and via Messenger on February 28, 2023.
Caption: Laffo leads the way in Laffos Bar and Pizzeria Valentine’s Day competition by posting this photo for his wife, Nicole. Photo supplied
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