Year 6 Walkerston State School students were drawn to the magnetic attraction of one of Queensland’s best island vacation spots for their school camp earlier this month.

On Magnetic Island off the coast of Townsville, the Walkerston students combined learning with epic fun, from life skill learning such as building shelter and rafts and fishing, to overcoming fears with abseiling and kayaking.

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Photo source: Walkerston State School

Speaking in public is something many of us fear, but Miley Weller from Walkerston State School is showing there’s nothing to be scared about.

The student took out the Pioneer Valley Primary Schools' Public Speaking Competition in its 16th year.

The competition was initiated by the Rotary Club of Walkerston in 2007 and remains a hotly contested event.

The Rotary Club of Walkerston conveyed their congratulations to Miley and the other participants.

“Getting out there in front of an audience and speaking so well is undoubtedly not an easy task,” a club spokesperson said.

“Congratulations also to each student's support crew of teachers, parents and families.

“Brilliant presentations!”

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Photo source: Rotary Club of Walkerston

We were always taught in school PE to warm up and cool down before and after exercise but it is easy to fall into the habit of skipping these routines. Going through a complete warm up and cool down is a simple way for athletes to maximize their athletic performance and reduce the likelihood of injury and soreness. Pre and post workout exercises play a crucial role in preparing the body for activity and assisting in full recovery.

Warming up is the process of increasing blood flow to the muscles that are to be engaged in the planned exercise. Heightened blood flow to muscles means an increase in oxygen delivery to tissues and the removal of carbon dioxide, a harmful toxin for muscle performance.

Before exercising, do about five to 10 minutes of light aerobic exercise to loosen up your muscles. This could include walking briskly, marching, jogging slowly, or cycling on a stationary bike. Make sure you don't rush your warmup. Dynamic stretches like walking lunges, jumping jacks or opposite toe touches are good ways to stretch the muscles as well.

On the back end of a workout, cooling down can be extremely beneficial for maximizing athletic performance and speeding up recovery. Cooling down is an important step in helping an athlete’s muscles clear lactate and other waste, while loosening tight muscles.

A cool down will usually include gentler cardiovascular exercises and stretching movements, which will help the body dispose of any harmful toxins that can cause muscle aches and stiffness. The main goal of a cool down is to slowly decrease the body temperature, lower an athlete’s heart rate and reduce injury. If athletes choose not to participate in a cool down, they are more susceptible to blood build up in their veins and soreness the next day. A light jog or walk is a simple way to wind down the body after exercising, but stretching can address the particular muscles you want to cool down. Stretches such as upper body stretching, seated forward bend hamstring stretch, standing quad stretch and lunging calf stretch can help you avoid the dreaded soreness the next day.

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It was a race night like no other to raise money for a local charity making a difference.

Mackay Riding for the Disabled held a Race Night called Riding for a Cause. It had all of your race-favourite activities including Fashions on the Field and betting, but with a difference.

The sell-out audience who attended the inaugural event last Friday at the Metropolitan Hotel, were entertained by an array of activities, including fashions on the field, mystery balloon pop and a trivia quiz. It was also an opportunity for the charity to share the story about the magnificent horses at the centre of its organisation and what they bring to the participants life, which is hope and joy. Punters bid on races with funny money watching faux races on a television screen, with as much exuberance and enthusiasm as the real deal.

Riding for the Disabled makes a huge difference to the lives of children and adults living with intellectual, physical, sensory and learning disabilities.

Mackay Riding for the Disabled was recently awarded the Centre for Excellence among its national group of Riding for the Disabled organisations.

Proceeds from the fundraising night were donated to Mackay Riding for the Disabled.

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The inaugural Riding for a Cause Race Night was a sold-out event held at the Metropolitan Hotel on 9 September

When arthritis threatens to immobilize you, exercise keeps you moving.

Exercise is crucial for people with painful joint conditions. It increases strength and flexibility and it can reduce pain.

Understandably, once you are suffering from stiff joints, the thought of moving might be overwhelming. But you don’t need to do strenuous exercise to get results. Even mild movements can help to reduce pain while also helping you to maintain your overall health.

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, but all are painful and can lead to joint deformity and a loss of function if not managed.

Top Tip – Try Pilates

Pilates is a great form of exercise for arthritis patients who shy away from exercise, which they feel they cannot do. Pilates is gentle; it does not stress your joints or add burden to ligaments and cartilage that surround the joints.

The Arthritis Foundation says exercise is one of the best ways to keep joints healthy in the first place. As little as 30 minutes of exercise five times a week helps joints stay limber and strengthens the muscles that support and stabilize your hips and knees.

Top Tip – Try Strength Training

These exercises help you build strong muscles that help support and protect your joints. Rest a day between your workouts, and take an extra day or two if your joints are painful or swollen.

Walking, gardening – even scrubbing floors – count. But the greatest results come with a consistent and progressive exercise program adjusted for your age, fitness level and the activities you enjoy most.

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Top Tip – Try Yoga

Yin yoga is good option if your goal is to reduce chronic arthritis pain by reducing stress, muscle tension, and anxiety in the body. This type of yoga focuses on matching breath to movement during a flowing sequence of poses.

No matter what type of exercise you choose, listen to your body. If you have pain after a workout that persists more than an hour or two, do less next time and take more breaks.

To avoid injury, go slow until you know how your body reacts to a new activity and don't repeat the same exercise every day.

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Since April, Jacob Nicholls has been guiding Mackay and Whitsundays listeners through their mornings with infectious energy and positivity on hit100.3 Mackay.

Jacob has joined the team as Announcer & Operations Manager and is loving every minute of it.

“I’m very lucky to do something that I genuinely love doing every day for a job,” he said.

“It’s pretty surreal to be here.”

Growing up in Brisbane, Jacob started in radio about four years ago after calling his local station Bay FM in the Brisbane bayside suburb of Thornlands.

“I basically called the local community radio station and thought, ‘I reckon I’d be ok at that,’” he said.

After eight weeks of training, Jacob secured an on-air role and volunteered at the station for about three years while studying and working part-time.

“I really didn’t know what sort of career path I wanted to take so I was sort of filling in time for a while to make a bit more of an educated decision,” he said.

Paid opportunities in the industry were rare thanks to the pandemic but Jacob eventually joined the Street Team with B105 and Triple M in Brisbane, working there for nearly 12 months when he was told by multiple people that there was a job going in Mackay that he’d be well suited for.

He applied and was stoked to learn he got the job, moving up from Brisbane within nine days of learning the news.

Jacob says he’s found Mackay to be a friendly town where people are always up for a chat.

“It’s just been the good community feel, it sort of reminds me of a big country town,” he said.

“I really want to do a bit more exploring around town and make the most of it here, because we’re just lucky to live in north Queensland.”

As Announcer & Operations Manager, Jacob is on-air from 9AM to midday daily and spends his afternoons preparing for the rest of the week, saying every day is different.

“A lot of my morning is taken up trying to bring some positive energy to the people of Mackay and The Whitsundays,” he said.

“I always think that energy is infectious so if you’re upbeat and positive and happy and spreading those sort of vibes, the aim is to hope that it translates to the listeners as well and at least make their day slightly brighter than what it was when they woke up in the morning.”

Jacob Nicholls started on the air with hit100.3 Mackay in April

The Mackay community fired up for the recent 30-year celebration of Flagon and Dragon, the region’s bi-annual fundraising luncheon which aims to better the lives of sick and disabled children.

Dressed in ornate oriental patterns with a Chinese theme, the Flagon and Dragon fundraising lunch held at the Manta Marquee on July 15 raised an impressive $210,000 for local charities. Now, the Flagon and Dragon committee are calling on local charities to apply for the grants.

Groups and organisations who are dedicated to the health, well-being and future of Mackay’s local children are urged to apply. Applications outlining the purpose of the donation requests and the beneficiaries of the money donated will be taken into consideration and viewed by the Flagon and Dragon committee.

The recipients of the last Flagon and Dragon grants include Mackay Hospital Foundation, All Abilities Mackay, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and the Children’s Ward at the Mackay Mater Hospital.

Eligible applications will need to meet the following criteria:

• Funds will be used for medical health-related equipment / resources / activities primarily for children or young people

• Those children or young people live within the Mackay & surrounding district

• Equipment and/or services must benefit a large number of children or young people (Funding not available for equipment/resources for individuals)

• Where appropriate, details of equipment to be purchased and a minimum of two (2) quotes must be provided (if such equipment can only be sourced through one agency, please clarify)

• Resources or equipment are not otherwise available to children or young people in the Mackay & surrounding district

• Provision of these resources or equipment will serve to enable children or young people to remain in their own environment with family close by

• Provision of these resources/ equipment will provide an immediate & lasting benefit to children & young people in the Mackay & surrounding district.

Images from the 2022 Flagon & Dragon Fundraising Luncheon

As we rapidly approach the peak of magpie season, Mackay Regional Council is reminding residents that we share our parklands and reserves with many native bird species, including a small number that display aggressive behaviour at nesting time.

A study has shown that only nine per cent of magpies are aggressive towards people and this small proportion of magpies usually swoop between July and November.

Earlier this month, a five-year-old attending a birthday party in Mulherin Park was swooped upon by a magpie causing scratches to her face and head, highlighting the importance of magpie awareness.

A magpie will usually only defend the area within 110m to 150m of its nest, called its ‘defence zone’.

Some top tips for staying safe while outdoors include:

• wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses or shelter under an umbrella to protect your face from swooping magpies (painting or sticking large ‘eyes’ on the back of your hat can also deter magpies—but this won’t work for cyclists)

• if a magpie swoops while you are cycling, it will probably stop swooping if you get off your bike and walk

• avoid “defence zones” by taking alternative routes during the breeding season

• if you must enter a “defence zone”, magpies will be less likely to swoop if they are watched constantly, or if people walk in a close group

• waving sticks or umbrellas in the air or attaching a brightly coloured flag on a long pole to your bicycle can stop magpies from swooping.

Magpies are only defending their families, so make sure to be magpie-friendly and don’t fight back.

Throwing sticks and stones or yelling at a magpie are likely to make it more aggressive next time anyone enters the defence zone around their nest.

Residents are encouraged to report any concerns they have about swooping birds in council parks or reserves so that council can provide information on how to avoid being swooped and look to place warning signs in the location.

There is also a community-run website, www.magpiealert.com, where residents can provide and receive alerts about swooping magpies Australia-wide that’s well worth checking out.

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A 19-year-old Mirani man died following a two-vehicle crash in Marian last week on September 10.

Police reported that preliminary information indicates a truck and motorbike were travelling on Marian Eton Road at approximately 8am when a collision occurred. The rider was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The truck driver was physically unharmed. Police added that the Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.

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Can You Help Police With This Calen Crash?

Also on September 10 police and emergency services were called to a single vehicle crash on Buthurra Station Road near Calen.

The single occupant, a 45-year-old man from Mount Ossa, of the Hilux Utility was trapped and emergency services had to work hard to remove him from the vehicle.

Once he was extricated from the crash he was transported to hospital.

Investigations are ongoing as to the cause of the crash.

If you have any information that will help with the investigation, please quote QP2201558077 when talking to police.

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A ute was involved in a single vehicle crash near Calen on September 10

A couple relocating to Mackay from New Orleans has enlisted the assistance of American reality TV series House Hunters International to find their perfect Mackay home.

Filming for the episode took place throughout the region earlier in the month, showing audiences the sights of Mackay.

In each episode of House Hunters International, individuals, couples or families who are relocating to a new country search for their new home with the assistance of a local real estate agent.

Buyers are shown three homes in their new location and are tasked with picking the one that suits their needs best.

The New Orleans couple, who have relocated for a job at Mackay Mater Hospital, were shown houses in South Mackay, Sarina and Slade Point.

Filming also took place at Cape Hillsborough National Park, Reg Dog Brewery, 9th Lane Grind, the sugar cane fields, Marina Harbour Breakwater and the Mackay Region sign at the south entrance of the city, showing international audiences what makes our region great.

Mackay Isaac Tourism (MIT) assisted producers by providing recommendations on beautiful locations within the region and members they could work with.

The MIT team says one of the many perks of being a member of Mackay Isaac Tourism, as Reg Dog Brewery and 9th Lane Grind are, is that they always push for members to feature in any media opportunities that will help showcase the destination as a place to visit.

If you would like more information on how to get involved in future opportunities, contact MIT Tourism Development Manager Andrea on developments@mackayregion.com.

The episode of House Hunters International will be aired in America in about three weeks and in Australia a year from now.

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American reality TV series House Hunters International filmed an episode in Mackay earlier this month, showcasing the natural beauty of the region

Local businesses were also given the spotlight including Red Dog Brewery and 9th Lane Grind. Photos supplied: Mackay Isaac Tourism

If you’re a regular Mackay’s Coffee Clubs, you probably already know you’ve been drinking some of Australia’s best coffee made by some of Australia’s best baristas.

Now it’s official as the Coffee Club has excitedly revealed their Barista Champion of the Year, Mackay’s Janice.

After 100s of entrants served their most brew-tiful cups of coffee on local and state levels, Janice took home the title of Barista Champion following their performance which blew judges’ socks off.

Janice will now compete in the Coffee Club International Barista Competition taking place this October.

Janice has scored a trip to India where she will get to experience the ultimate trip for a coffee lover: a tour of the sprawling coffee fields that grow The Coffee Club's award-winning Signature House Blend.

More information on the International Barista Competition is to come.

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Mackay Coffee Club Barista Janice has been named Australia’s best. Photo supplied: The Coffee Club Australia

The RSL Mackay Sub Branch has made donations to local army, air force and navy cadet units as part of an RSL Queensland initiative to support youth development.

Every year, RSL Queensland makes funds available for youth and cadet development, distributing funds throughout the districts to be further dispersed into the community.

Mackay 122 Army Cadet Unit Commanding Officer Major John Zimmerman said the Mackay Sub Branch contacted the cadet unit giving them the opportunity to apply for a portion of those funds.

“We put in an application to the Mackay sub branch and it was received favourably at district level,” he said.

The Mackay Sub Branch then sponsored the application that was made at the district level.

Major Zimmerman said the funds will be put towards the purchase of new formal uniforms for the cadets.

“Each year, the unit has a formal night,” he said.

“The unit generally has had enough of those uniforms donated over the years, but last year, we were actually short.

“We’ve got so many people at that higher level, at the moment, that we just didn’t have enough uniforms.

“So, we thought, this year, that would be a good thing to put in for, so that we have enough uniforms for all of the people in that category to be able to come dressed in the appropriate uniform.”

Major Zimmerman said the cadets rely heavily on fundraising for these sorts of purchases and appreciate the RSL’s support.

“The fact that the RSL does make these grants available for youth development, it’s really important,” he said.

“There would be so much over the years that we simply wouldn’t have if the RSL didn’t have this youth development program.

“They (RSL) made a point of coming to ask and asking if we want to apply for the funding…They are really keen to get the money out to the cadets…and we’re most appreciative.”

A donation was also made to 105 Squadron Air Force Cadets to purchase equipment for the cadets to use in their training.

RSL Mackay Sub Branch President Ken Higgins said the sub branch are proud to support local cadets.

“The Mackay RSL continues to support all of our cadet units in Mackay and the district,” he said.

“It’s an ongoing funding that we’re very proud and happy to continue for the foreseeable future.”

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Mackay RSL President Ken Higgins and Secretary Nichole Hood presented the Mackay 122 Army Cadet Unit with a donation last week

Mr Higgins and Ms Hood presented Fiona Andrews and the 105 SQN City of Mackay Air Force Cadets with a donation. Photos supplied: Graham Jackson

The Commonwealth was rocked last week by the sudden yet peaceful passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch.

Her death touched people across the world in more ways than many thought possible. A cherished sovereign, she was largely ‘untouchable’, indeed it had to be a very special occasion for one to catch a glimpse of the Queen, let alone meet her.

Yet, she found a way into many hearts, whether through her unwavering dedication to duty, her bravery as a teenager during World War II, or her candid love of photography. As we saw recently in her famous Paddington Bear encounter, or her role in the 2012 London Olympics where James Bond escorted Her Majesty to the Opening Ceremony, she had quite the sense of humour.

For me personally, she reminded me of my grandmother, both in looks and mannerisms. A few years ago, I put two photos of two women in their twenties on Facebook and asked my friends to ‘guess the Queen’. One photo was of Queen Elizabeth II and the other was my grandmother. Most people chose the photo of my grandmother as the Queen, their likeness was quite uncanny.

It's the beginning of a new chapter for Australia and its relationship with the monarchy. In this edition on page 3 we talk about what the Queen’s death means for Australians.

One thing is for certain, a reign like hers could never be repeated.

Amanda

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In the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the international community mourns the loss of a beloved mother and family member, Sovereign of the member states of the Commonwealth of Nations, and an active woman of Christian faith whose steadfast devotion to duty arose from her deep Christian conviction and commitment.

Her role as Defender of the Faith, which, from the political union forged in the early 1700s, has included support for the Church of England and the Church of Scotland, involved a personal commitment to spread the gospel.

Well-versed in questions of Christian unity, when in 2001 my husband the Rev. Prof. James Haire AC, who was then president Uniting Church in Australia, met the Queen at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, she could talk intelligently and with interest about the relatively recently-established Uniting Church in 1977.

Her favourite text was the Parable of the Good Samaritan, in 2016 with the Bible Society she published a gift book entitled, The Servant Queen and the King She Serves, and through her Christmas messages broadcast throughout the world she gave explicit personal testimony of the role of faith in her life thus living out the Great Commission recorded in Matthew 28: ‘go and make disciples of all nations.’

History may record that, during a time of secularisation, of retreat of the voice of the Church from the public sphere, it was a woman and a lay person, who personally studied the Bible, attended church regularly, and sought to express faith in action in daily life, who served the world as one of the greatest evangelists of the C20th and C21st centuries.

In her first Christmas broadcast in 1952 she called for prayer for wisdom and strength, and her Christmas message for 2008 included the reflection: ‘I hope that, like me, you will be comforted by the example of Jesus of Nazareth who, often in circumstances of great adversity, managed to live an outgoing, unselfish and sacrificial life…He makes it clear that genuine human happiness and satisfaction lie more in giving than receiving; more in serving than in being served.’

REV. DR JULIA PITMAN

ST PAUL’S UNITING CHURCH

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R U OK, Constant Reader?

Yesterday was a special day when we asked each other how we were feeling. An opportunity to have an open and honest conversation, you and I.

One of my mother’s favourite sayings is: “A problem shared is a problem halved.” I believe in that more than I could ever express.

I think we’re very fortunate to live in a time when mental health awareness is becoming so de-stigmatised. I’m sure that a lot of people out there remember when it wasn’t – it hasn’t been the case in my lifetime – and I count myself so lucky for that.

Yesterday was an exceptional example of that growing awareness, as the non-for-profit charity R U OK? spread its message of how conversation can change lives. Across the country, people asked (and should continue to ask) each other how they’re travelling.

R U OK? Day is just brilliant, isn’t it?

So, for something different in my return to the Editor’s hot seat this week, I’ve got an offer: I want to tell you how I’m feeling, and for you to send me email to tell me how you’re going, too. Because we all struggle a little sometimes, and there’s power in telling each other that.

For me, this week’s been a bit tough. Lots of things conspiring to make me feel overwhelmed, to make me feel inadequate, I suppose. Those feelings feed off each other, and it’s a cycle that I know all too well. So, what have I done about it? I’ve told people. I spoke to good friends, to family, and I spoke to anyone who would listen. I got out and about, I went for walks and runs, and I practiced mindfulness – because not everything your brain tells you is true, nor is it helpful.

So, that’s how I’m feeling. What about you?

Email me at declan@mackayandwhitsundaylife.com

Quote of the week:

“I can see the sun, but even if I cannot see the sun, I know that it exists. And to know that the sun is there - that is living.”- Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov

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