Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm has stepped down from her role as Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, in an effort to prioritise her health and wellbeing. The announcement comes a fortnight after Ms Camm returned from six weeks of medical leave following major surgery, with the Whitsunday MP recognising she needed more time to recover. “This has been a considered and deeply personal decision,” Ms Camm said. “Having returned from six weeks of medical leave following major surgery I have come to recognise that my recovery still has some way to go and I need to prioritise my health and wellbeing.” “I sincerely thank the Premier for the opportunity to serve in his Government and for his support of my decision.” Ms Camm added in a presser outside of Parliament house in Brisbane, that the pressures of ministerial work had contributed to her decision to step down. This follows months of intense scrutiny over conditions for children in care and domestic violence prevention funding cuts had reinforced the importance of personal safety, especially in light of the recent attack on Victorian MP Helen Haines. “Public scrutiny and accountability are essential to democracy and to our institutions,” she said. “Harassment, threats, bullying and personal vilification are not and for the past year this has been my experience.” But during her time in the role, Ms Camm oversaw reforms to strengthen child protection, support foster and kinship carers and improve responses to domestic and family violence. Central to her child safety work was the Government’s response to the Child Safety Commission of Inquiry, which delivered 52 recommendations for improving the system. “The landmark Child Safety Commission of Inquiry was the turning point for the Child Safety system,” Ms Camm said. “There is much more work to be done, while early positive signs show we have stabilised numbers in the Residential Care system for the first time.” Her work in domestic and family violence included introducing laws for electronic monitoring of perpetrators to strengthen accountability, alongside her reporting a doubling of calls answered by DVConnect to help more people access support when they needed it. “After sitting with victims of domestic and family violence over many years through opposition and then in the ministry, I’m proud to have been part of delivering change that can help save lives,” Ms Camm said. In a statement following her decision, Premier David Crisafulli praised her work across both portfolios, describing the child safety inquiry’s reform roadmap as her greatest legacy and highlighting improved access to the domestic violence helpline. “I thank Amanda for her service to Queensland firstly as a Shadow Minister and then as a Minister,” Mr Crisafulli said. “Amanda took on an enormous task with a Child Safety system in crisis and a state in need of domestic violence reform. “With her dedication, passion and commitment, she has put Queensland on the road to repair both. “I speak on behalf of the Government, the LNP and all Queenslanders in wishing her the best in her recovery.” Ms Camm will continue serving as the Member for Whitsunday, reaffirming her commitment to the local community. “I remain committed to the people of Whitsunday as their Member of Parliament, and to supporting the Premier and the Government in delivering a fresh start for Queensland,” she said.
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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay A firmly enforced bioethanol mandate, backed by increased local sugarcane production, is essential to strengthening Queensland’s industry resilience, regional jobs, and Australia’s long‑term fuel security. Our region holds enormous potential: not only for producing sugar, but for renewable fuel, energy diversification, and national economic security. Queensland’s sugarcane industry has always been a cornerstone of regional prosperity, but today it stands at a crossroads. Global markets are volatile and input costs are rising, and at the same time, Australia faces increasing pressure to reduce emissions, strengthen domestic fuel supplies, and build more resilient regional economies. A properly enforced bioethanol mandate is one of the most effective tools we have to meet these challenges head on. Queensland already has a mandate in place, but compliance remains inconsistent. When fuel retailers fail to meet their obligations, growers, mills, and regional communities lose out on opportunities that should rightfully be flowing into our local economy. Bioethanol is not a theoretical solution: it is a proven, practical, and immediate pathway to cleaner fuel and stronger regional industries and economies. Countries like Brazil and the United States have shown that bioethanol can reduce emissions, stabilise fuel markets, and create thousands of rural jobs. In these countries, and across the world, bioethanol forms a substantially higher portion of retail fuel sales than this country has embraced. Queensland has the same potential, but only if the mandate is taken seriously and enforced with the consistency it deserves. For Mackay, the benefits are clear. Our region is one of Australia’s most productive sugarcane hubs, with the land, infrastructure, climate, and expertise to support a thriving biofuels sector. Increased demand for bioethanol directly translates into increased demand for sugarcane. That means more cane in the ground, more certainty for growers, and more throughput for our mills, and we all know that milling is a volume game. This in turn supports jobs from the paddock to the processing line. But the opportunity extends far beyond economics. A stronger bioethanol industry enhances national fuel security, reducing Australia’s reliance on imported fuels. At a time when global supply chains are increasingly unstable, producing more of our own fuel is not just smart policy, it is essential. Every litre of bioethanol produced in Queensland is a litre of fuel Australia does not have to import. To seize this opportunity, we must also focus on increasing local sugarcane production. The industry cannot diversify, innovate, or expand into new markets without a reliable and growing supply of cane. More cane means more flexibility for mills, more investment in advanced manufacturing, and greater capacity to produce not only sugar and ethanol, but also bioplastics, green electricity, and other high value products. Growers are ready to meet this challenge. With the right policy settings from all levels of government, including a robust and enforced bioethanol mandate, we can plant more cane, improve productivity, and strengthen the long‑term viability of our region. But growers cannot do it alone. We need government to ensure the mandate is upheld, fuel retailers to meet their obligations, and industry partners to continue investing in innovation and infrastructure. Mackay has the land, the people, and the expertise to lead Queensland’s next era of renewable energy and agricultural diversification. What we need now is the policy certainty that comes from a mandate that is not only written into law but actively enforced. A stronger bioethanol mandate is not just good for growers it is good for Queensland, good for regional jobs, and good for Australia’s fuel future. The time to act is now. Bioethanol can use sugarcane by-products including molasses, bagasse, mill mud as well as plant material. Image: AdobeStock
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Marketing strategy boils down to answering four questions: What does your business want? > The goal. Who can help you achieve your goal? > The audience. What do you need to tell your audience so that they can help you achieve your goal? > The message. Where do you need to put your message so that your audience sees it? > The delivery. But how do you actually go about answering those Q’s? Like anything, the broad strokes are more complicated in practice but it’s a good framework to come back to when you’re planning your next marketing activity. Start by drilling down + identifying a measurable goal that you can work towards. Vague + lofty goals are okay, but without a clear way to track your progress, achieving them will be pretty tough. For example, tracking how many enquiries you get + the quote conversion rate can be useful info to have as a baseline. That way, if you do a targeted campaign to attract more work, you can see if it meaningfully pushed the needle in the right direction! Next, really empathise with who can help you achieve those goals. Try to build up a target customer in your head. How old are they? What do they want from your business? What are they interested in? The more specific you are, the easier it’ll be to craft messaging that will actually appeal to that person. Once you’ve defined your goal + who can help you achieve it, you’ve got to tell them how to help you do it. Your messaging should be the key information that your audience needs to know about your business. This is where you focus on not only what your customers want to know about you, but how your business is different to all the others out there. Your messaging should change based on the people you’re targeting. Lastly, the delivery. Where does your target market frequent? Do they use socials? Are they constantly listening to the radio? Do they frequent the pub on a Friday arvo? Once you know where they go, you can start figuring out how to get your message there. While socials are a great option, they’re not the only one. Billboards, coasters, or a flyer that sits on a wall somewhere are all effective options. But if that all sounds like too much effort, you can always reach out + talk to us. We’ll help you figure it out 😉 Taren McAuley
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At Get Real Workwear & Safety, we understand the importance of protection and comfort in safety footwear to avoid injury and exposure to the elements.
We proudly stock the largest range of workwear boots in the region, including the market leading safety footwear brand ‘Blundstone’ – known for their comfort and fit.
Choosing the right work boot for you is the key to being comfortable and safe on site. Uncomfortable boots can cause significant distraction, leading to a focus on pain and discomfort in your feet, rather than on the task at hand. This is a serious safety concern that can lead to increased injuries.
We suggest trying on a few different pairs of work boots to find your most comfortable fit. Too short or narrow will crowd your feet, and too big or wide will allow for too much movement, leaving you with blisters and hot spots.
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Unit 2, 203-215 Maggiolo Drive, Paget QLD 4740
(07) 4998 5241
Queensland Health has established a supplier panel of major construction companies to accelerate the delivery of three new hospitals and nine major hospital expansions under the State Government’s Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan.
12 construction companies have been shortlisted as potential tenderers for three new hospitals and nine major hospital expansions totalling more than $8 billion worth of capital works.
In regional Queensland, works include new hospitals in Bundaberg and Toowoomba and major expansions of Townsville, Cairns and Mackay hospitals.
The Mackay Hospital expansion will cost $250 million and create an additional 128 beds. It is estimated to be completed in the second half of 2026 and will create around 610 construction jobs.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said the State Government’s new hospitals and major expansion projects were full steam ahead.
“Since the Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan announcement last year, Queensland Health has engaged in a robust and collaborative process with the construction sector to begin delivering the program,” the Minister said.
“The building contractor shortlist of 12 was established based on an expression of interest process and through Queensland Health’s broader engagement with industry.
“This engagement has meant the tender process to-date has been efficient, transparent and ultimately, competitive and fair.”
The tender process will run for up to 12 weeks depending on the scale of the projects, with contracts expected to be announced from April 2023.
Australia’s biggest mining company, BHP, confirmed last month that significant new investment in Queensland is on hold because of the State Government’s decision to lift coal royalty tax rates to the highest in the world.
In a quarterly operations review released to the ASX, BHP said: “The Queensland Government’s decision to raise coal royalties to the highest maximum rate in the world makes Queensland uncompetitive and puts investment and jobs at risk.
“We see strong long-term demand from global steelmakers for Queensland’s high quality metallurgical coal, however in the absence of government policy that is both competitive and predictable, we are unable to make significant new investments in Queensland.
“This increase to royalties will impact the local businesses, suppliers and communities in Central Queensland where we operate.”
Queensland Resources Council (QRC) Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said this is a massive blow to Queensland, calling on the Queensland Government to urgently review its decision to suddenly increase coal royalty rates mid-last year.
“It’s a classic case of a government killing the golden goose in exchange for a short-term tax hit,” Mr Macfarlane said.
“You can’t over-tax an industry, let alone Queensland’s most important economic driver, and expect business to continue as usual.
“We know other mining companies are also reviewing their investment exposure in Queensland.”
Mr Macfarlane said resources companies pull their weight economically and socially in Queensland, and have done for decades.
“Our mining and energy sector is the number one contributor to the state economy, number one regional employer and number one export industry,” he said.
“We support the jobs of 450,000-plus Queenslanders and 14,000-plus businesses, who all pay taxes to help fund doctors, nurses, teachers and other government services.
“Last financial year, our industry contributed a record $94.6 billion to the state economy, which included a record $9 billion in royalties collected under the previous royalty tax regime.
“Unfortunately, this could all be about to change.
“Queensland’s coal royalty taxes are now completely out of step with the rest of the world, and even within Australia.
“Some of the world’s biggest mining companies, and this includes BHP, Glencore and Peabody, have now backed off or are rethinking their investment in new projects, as they reassess the stability of our local investment climate and the State Government’s attitude towards the resources sector.”
Image: Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane has called on the Queensland Government to review its decision to increase coal royalty rates. Photo supplied: QRC
Recent school leavers and Queenslanders looking to upskill or change careers are being encouraged to enrol in one of the 37,000 Fee-Free TAFE places available in 2023.
Almost all courses offered by CQUniversity (CQU) TAFE with Fee Free TAFE funding are available to Mackay residents subject to their eligibility, said CQU Deputy Vice-President VET Peter Heilbuth.
“There is a large cross section of courses available to Mackay residents in industry areas from accounting to visual arts, aged care to horticulture and many in between,” he said.
“Courses vary in their delivery type and are often a combination of online, online with work placement, online and on campus.”
Mr Heilbuth believes there will be a lot of students studying under this program who have studied before whether at TAFE or university, as the number of prior qualifications individuals hold are not a factor in their eligibility for a Fee Free enrolment.
“People who are looking to upskill for management roles would do well to look at our Certificate IV of Leadership and Management, for example, plus those who want to pursue their passion may take up the Certificate III in Horticulture or the Diploma of Visual Arts,” he said.
Federal Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor encouraged Queenslanders to make 2023 their year.
“Skills shortages are gripping the nation, and those running through Queensland reflect the specific characteristics of the state’s labour market,” Mr O’Connor said.
“It is vital that we support people locally to obtain the skills they need to fill job vacancies.”
TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mary Campbell said Queenslanders eligible for Fee-Free TAFE funding will have the opportunity to enrol in one of over 80 skill sets, certificates and diploma level qualifications currently on offer.
“Child care workers, welfare support workers, office managers and ICT technicians are all in high demand throughout Queensland, so it’s encouraging that the majority of our current enrolments are in sectors with recognised skills shortages,” Ms Campbell said.
For more information on TAFE Queensland and CQU’s Fee-Free Courses, visit www.cqu.edu.au, call 13 27 86 or visit CQU at their City or Ooralea campuses.
Images:
Fee-Free courses are available at both Mackay City and Ooralea campuses
IT courses are some of the many being offered Fee-Free. Photos supplied
When you live in NQ, you are sadly no stranger to high insurance costs, but when it comes to insuring homes on working rural properties, farmers are really stuck between a rock and a hard place, and our governments need to get proactive on this issue.
We’ve just had a near-miss when it comes to a flood event, but this is North Queensland and floods happen, cyclones happen, and farmers, like everyone else, surely deserve the right to be able to affordably insure their homes against these events, that are simply part of the climate here.
It is scarcely credible, but there is little or no choice when it comes to securing an insurer. There are very restricted options when it comes to farmer's homes on-property.
Most insurers have walked away from farm residences that are on the same title as the rest of the farm. Of the choices that remain, the premiums of two are prohibitive - unaffordable - and do not cover for flood.
That leaves two options, and one of these insists – as part of a raft of strict requirements- that cyclone shutters be fitted to all windows. These cost over $1500 each. Most farmhouses don’t have these, and the cost is so prohibitive, it knocks that insurer out of consideration.
That leaves one player. They are known for good service and – in these times - a competitive price. But a monopoly, even if unintentional, is a monopoly. It is, in our opinion as growers, a market failure.
CANEGROWERS Mackay has a very hardworking insurance broker team, who are astounded by the unfair situation. Our Insurance Manager Geoff Youngs tells us that, as a broker, he’s committed to getting customers the best deal he can, but this is one instance where he cannot offer people comparison or choice. The team has made numerous complaints - without result - to those insurers and cluster groups that they deal with that do not offer fair - or any - coverage for farm domestic dwellings. The team cannot find a reason why this class of home is treated differently to other homes across the region.
Covering a home within the “Farm Pack” that covers the raft of other insurances needed by rural producers- machinery, sheds, public liability, theft, vehicle, material damage- effectively triples the cost of insuring the home compared to cost as a standard residential dwelling.
The situation is made more ridiculous by the fact that, were the house block on a separate title to the productive areas of the farm, most insurers would see their way clear to covering the dwelling, at a lower cost.
The situation is not new. Successive Governments have passed this issue on like a hot potato. While the Australian Reinsurance Pool scheme should have delivered a solution for all of North Queensland, what has resulted is reinsurance coverage for cyclones. It is merely intended to reduce premiums for cyclone coverage, and the federal body has no jurisdiction over any insurance company on their underwriting criteria. So, when it comes to farm domestic dwellings, it offers no improvement in resolving the issue of competitive underwriting of rural producers’ homes.
The State and Federal Government apply both GST and Stamp Duty to these products, further driving up costs.
Living where you farm is part of what keeps our rural communities strong, and part of what makes being a farmer an attractive proposition.
We call upon our elected representatives to all levels of government to step in and argue for our North Australian farmers. If the private market cannot create competition, then the Government needs to re-institute Government Insurance. North Australian communities need insurance solutions that work.
Image: Farmers are stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to insuring their on-farm home. Picture: Contributed
An apprentice and trainee program that helps futureproof Isaac region’s skills and knowledge continues to shine as 11 fresh-faced employees start their new careers.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker welcomed the new apprentices and trainees at Moranbah Community Centre last month.
“This is a great opportunity for this group of vibrant individuals to pave their way as our Council delivers in a changing world,” Mayor Baker said.
“At Isaac Regional Council how we do that as a team and with our communities’ matters.”
Council has onboarded 59 apprentices and trainees between 2017-2022 with a completion rate sitting around 85 per cent.
The new employees will be based in various positions from compliance to community engagement and traditional trades such as plumbers and electricians in Moranbah, Dysart, and Clermont.
CEO Jeff Stewart Harris PSM said Council’s mission is to pursue long-term sustainable futures for Isaac communities.
“Community focus, caring, teamwork and a positive work ethic will be the four values the 11 apprentices and trainees will be tasked with in going about their day-to-day work,” Mr Stewart-Harris said.
“We are committed to working safely and caring about the wellbeing of our people and communities.
“We believe that people matter, and Council officers have the opportunity to teach and mould our trainees and apprentices into exactly what we require so they become an integrated part of our organisation culture.”
Council’s 2023 Energise Your Career trainee and apprentice program is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.
Council offers a range of career and employment opportunities for school leavers, professionals, and tradespeople at family friendly locations throughout the region. Visit www.isaac.qld.gov.au/employment, call 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227) or email recruitment@isaac.qld.gov.au for more information.
The Australian Government has earmarked more than $3 million for community infrastructure and signage projects across the Isaac region. The funds will be used towards 18 local assets and existing infrastructure to enhance community wellbeing in the geographically challenging area.
The Australian Government said these projects help to make communities better, from historical preservation projects in Clermont to light replacements at Middlemount’s sporting facilities.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said improving essential infrastructure plays a pivotal role in local communities.
“This funding will deliver upgrades to pool fencing, historic building rectification projects, lighting replacements and upgrades at local sporting fields plus tourism signage,” Mayor Baker said.
“We will continue to work together towards enabling strong, vibrant, diverse and sustainable communities and look forward to working collaboratively with the Australian Government to deliver the projects that will make a difference in our communities.”
The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King said getting shovels in the ground on local construction projects was important for maintaining jobs and economic growth in Central Queensland.
“This funding provides a vital boost for communities throughout the Isaac while delivering important projects that will benefit residents for years to come,” Ms King said.
“Every single job that the Australian Government supports makes a difference in our local communities in the coalfields.”
The projects are:
o Upgrade Clermont Swimming Centre car park
o Upgrade Middlemount Pool car park
o Upgrade fencing at Nebo Pool
o Revitalising the Nebo Memorial Hall, administration, library, and Historic Nebo Museum
o Restoring the Pioneer Slab Hut at Clermont Historical Centre
o Pool fence upgrades at Greg Cruickshank Aquatic Centre and Glenden Pool
o Renewing tourism signage around the region
o Copperfield Store rectification project
o Town Entry Statement for Nebo
o Dump point alarm system at Carmila and St Lawrence
o Upgrading recycled water pipeline at Eastern Sporting Fields, Moranbah
o Replace solar lighting at Centenary Park, Clermont
o Refurbish the amenities block at Rose Harris Park, Clermont.
o Moranbah Town Square lighting upgrade
o Light replacement at Middlemount touch fields
o Light replacement at Middlemount netball courts
o Light upgrade at Middlemount rugby league fields
o Footpaths and parking accessibility upgrades at Centenary Park, Nebo.
The 18 Isaac Regional Council projects were made possible through the Australian Government through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local economies to help communities bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Image: The car park at the Clermont Swimming Centre is one of 18 Isaac Region projects to receive Federal Government funding
The wider Nebo community will gather for a weekend of cricket-inspired family fun tomorrow, Saturday, February 4, with a much more important message at the heart of the event.
Six Ducks & a Yarn is a community cricket event providing a day of family fun, entertainment and cricket while raising awareness and funds for mental health throughout the community.
“It’s a charity cricket match to get the community, the rural community, the mining community, businesses, just to reconnect and have a good family day but also to let people know they’re not alone, we’re all here to help one way or another,” said event organiser and Nebo Medical Action Group President Joy Cooper.
The day will feature Super 8 style cricket matches with 10 teams from Nebo, Mackay, Coppabella and Glenden registered.
Cricket legend Michael Kasprowicz will be having a game as well as presenting a guest speech and Bek Andrews and Mango Junction will be partying through the evening with live entertainment.
There are prizes for the best dressed team and best team name on offer plus free kids entertainment including dodgem cars, a water slide and cricket activities provided by Mackay Whitsunday Cricket.
Free camping is also available for those hoping to make a weekend out of the event.
The community has jumped on board with the event, with local groups providing food and drink stalls including Nebo/Sarina Range CWA, Nebo Pony Club, St Lawrence/Nebo Polocrosse Club and Nebo Bushman’s Carnival Committee.
“We’ll also have donation buckets around the area so that we can donate to a mental health charity who can come and help services to our community,” said Ms Cooper.
“It’s just a good weekend for everyone to have fun and get involved.
“Let’s start the year off on a good note.”
The event has been organised by the community with the assistance of Greater Whitsunday Communities, Isaac Regional Council, Queensland Cricket and the Queensland Government through their Queensland Health TRACC program funding.
As part of the funding provided by the TRACC Program, The Nebo Medical Action Group have been able to implement three mental health projects, with Six Ducks & A Yarn being the first.
The second project is the Cowboys Resilience Program, starting in term one, with schools from Nebo, Glenden, Coppabella, Valkyrie and Clarke Creek getting involved.
The Resilience Project delivers emotionally engaging programs to schools providing practical, evidence-based, positive strategies to build resilience and happiness through a combination of presentations, wellbeing journals, school curriculum, teacher diaries and their app.
The third project will be a series of mental health first aid courses in the region, which has already gotten underway with 10 people attending a class in Glenden last year.
“They’re the people that we can call upon to go sit with people and try and put them on the right path or just someone to sit down and have a cup of coffee with,” said Ms Cooper.
A class will be held in Nebo later this year with a date to be announced, aiming to raise awareness and support for mental health in the rural community.
“We all do personally, no matter who we are, have times where we feel lost and we just don’t know where to turn to,” said Ms Cooper.
“If we can put it out there that these are the people that can help you and get those services to come to Nebo, so they feel comfortable in their own community, that’s even better.
Mental health agencies will be present at Six Ducks & a yarn, providing information to attendees on where they can seek support.
“Our main aim is to break the stigma of mental health because it is a serious medical condition but also, we just want people to come and have fun, bring your chairs, be sun safe, there is also free camping available as well … we don’t want people to be on the road late at night,” said Ms Cooper.
WHAT: Six Ducks & a Yarn Community Family Fun Day
WHERE: Nebo Showgrounds
WHEN: Saturday, February 4, gates open at 1:00pm
This is a free community event.
Image: Michael Kasprowicz, who played cricket for Queensland and Australia, is the special guest at Six Ducks & a Yarn, a day of cricket, family fun and mental health awareness
After nine years in Nursing and Midwifery, Amy Kinlyside has taken the next step in exploring her passion for care and compassion.
Nude Aesthetics has been operating in Mackay since November 2022 and offers patients a high level of care and professionalism on their cosmetic journey.
“I’ve always enjoyed making people feel better about themselves,” said Amy.
Nude Aesthetics offers Cosmetic Injectables, PDO threading, IV Vitamin Infusions, IM Booster Shots, Chemical Peels, PRP and Vampire Facials, as well as stocking the best in affordable, Australian made skincare products.
It’s Amy’s friendly, empathetic and compassionate approach that makes her services stand out, always putting herself in the shoes of her patients.
“I like that I’m not just here to perform a procedure,” she said.
“I’m here to get to know the patient as well.
“I’m not here to rush, I make sure my patients are given the chance to talk, make them feel comfortable and listen to what they’re after.
“I know what it’s like to hate needles, so I always try to find the most gentle approach.”
Amy has established a comfortable, friendly and safe environment for patients to share their stories and become their best selves.
Her gentle yet confident touch puts patients at ease, as does her assured and professional approach to discussing procedures.
Amy ensures she is always studying to keep her knowledge and skills up to date with the latest treatments and achieves the best individualised outcomes.
Visit Nude Aesthetics on Facebook and Instagram to find out more about Amy’s services and opening hours.
To celebrate Valentine's Day, Amy is giving away a $250 voucher, with entries closing on February 14 at 12:00pm.
Find Nude Aesthetics Mackay on Facebook or nudeaesthetics_amy on Instagram to find out more and to enter.
Image: Amy Kinlyside is a Cosmetic Injector who cares
As a kid growing up near Sarina, our drinking water came from an old, galvanised iron tank with rust holes plugged with chewing gum.
We thought this was great as we weren’t usually allowed gum. When its perforations gave a colander a run for its money, and no amount of Juicyfruit could stem the flow, we replaced it with a concrete permacrete tank. The joy of the ever-cool water straight from the tap!
When attending school at St Anne’s, we experienced town water for the first time. It was atrocious. A glass of water, sometimes cloudy, if left to sit would result in nearly a centimetre of sediment in the bottom. There was an old tank in a sad state of repairs and drinking from it was forbidden but we would risk the wrath of the Sisters for a drink – mosquito wrigglers and all.
I have drunk from water holes while mustering where swiping away the scum from the top of the water was necessary to get to something that was even suggestive of being liquid. Western bores were so bad that you had to hold your nose to drink!
It is with great pride that I welcome the opening of the Koumala water treatment plant. While Mackay water often wins awards, both Calen and Koumala are at the other end of the scale. Calen has a treatment plant, while until now Koumala did not.
There is a long story to how it came to being, with more than a few fights along the way.
To some who said they did not see the plant as important, I pointed out that their children attended the school as anecdotally, I had heard stories of kids becoming dehydrated after they ran out of water brought from home rather than drinking from the town supply.
While the water may not be as perfect as some would desire, it is a tremendous improvement as the graph shows. Unfortunately, there is only so far you can go until you risk salinity.
Anyway kids, I just hope that after running around at lunch, you can have a drink straight from the tap.
Sometimes the simple things are the sweetest.
How time flies when you’re having fun!
It only feels like it was yesterday that we were unwrapping Xmas presents, eating way too much ham, and sleeping after watching just two hours of cricket on the TV. Fun times.
Right now, as it’s now the month of love, we are getting things set for Valentine’s Day which involves everything chocolate and very expensive dinners without the kids. Enjoy that if you have to organise anything. I hope it goes well. Please don’t ask me for any directions. I’m not the person to ask about love. Honest.
The only thing I wouldn’t recommend you do is anything that could hurt the other person. I’d scrub off skydiving from any list. Same goes for a supercar drive down south. Not the best, in my eyes of course. Also I would say a complete no to a full bodied spray tan experience just as you’re going to wear some white outfit out on this romantic night of nights.
It’s just a thought. You can do whatever you want, but don’t tell me you were not warned.
One other thing that’s happening very shortly is the year of sport in Mackay and the Whitsundays.
This time of the year is when sports have all their sign-on days and the like. Remember council is doing their Sports Expo and Sign-On Day on the 12th, so if you’re keen to play something new, get down there and say hello. I’ll be there on the hockey stand so feel free to ask me for any tips. I’ll write all I know on a postage stamp for you.
Just about every sport in the area will be there. Rugby league, swimming, soccer, netball, table-tennis, AFL, golf, wakeboarding, running, sailing, and more all in the one place at the MECC. Bring the kids along and get involved in a sport that will make you fitter, plus it will give you stacks of new mates too! It’s a double win!
I’ve had a go at a few sports over the years like swimming, table tennis, gridiron, soccer, league and more but I can tell you any sport that you pick is going to be great for you moving forward, and your family. You’ll be more social, happier and more in debt than ever before.
Don’t knock it until you try it.
Let me know how you go.
Before I go, wishing my late Mum a happy birthday for Wednesday just gone. She was an amazing hockey goalie back in the day when the only protective gear they had were rubber gardening gloves, some padding on the knees, and a sharp mouth.
Kids nowadays don’t have any idea how good they’ve got it really do they!
You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!
If I had taken the Groucho Marx approach when I was offered a job at Gardian I would have made a regrettable decision and missed out on a great opportunity.
For those of you aged under 100, Groucho Marx was part of the famed comedy trio of the Marx brothers.
There is a famous quote from Groucho Marx where he explains why he doesn’t want to be a member of a particular club.
The quote varies depending on the source but it is said to be a letter to the board of the club and it goes something like: “I don’t want to belong to any club that would accept me as a member.” Boom boom.
Seven years ago former Gardian director and real estate principal Eric Rickman took me to lunch at a fabulous bistro-style French restaurant in St Kilda and offered me a job at Gardian.
The fun response would have been to say: “I refuse to join a company that would accept someone like me as an employee.” Using our French waiter’s accent would have been even better.
But I didn’t do that. I wanted to join Gardian and after a quick post-lunch chat with CEO Peter Phillips I was on board and started within a couple of weeks.
There are a number of things that determine whether you are going to enjoy working at a particular company: earning capacity, management support, resources to do your job properly and culture being among the key factors.
Culture is a big one and it needs another column on another day to do that topic justice.
One of the other key factors that determine how you feel about a job or company - and culture helps determine this - is the people that are attracted to, and welcomed by, a particular company. The people you work with.
A good way to work out whether you like them is how you feel when you come back from holidays. I came back from holidays a couple of weeks ago and it was a case of re-engaging with good friends and setting forth together on another year of opportunity in a job we all enjoy doing together.
Whether they are in real estate, insurance or the finance areas, it is good to be back with friends and launching into the 2023 adventure.
There are companies, including some real estate agencies, whose staff compete against each other rather than work as a team and group of friends who want the best for each other and their clients.
I know that if I need a hand with a busy open house, another agent to do a private inspection because I have already got another one at the same time, or another Gardian agent to help find an extra buyer for a property I am selling, my friends and colleagues have got my back.
That’s great for me and great for my clients.
Skip the awkwardness of Valentine's Day with a first date that lets you both get to know each other without Cupid's interference. A casual outing or taking advantage of a holiday deal can lead to a successful rendezvous. From free desserts at a local restaurant to low-key activities, there's a Valentine's Day option for every potential couple.
Organizing the perfect first date can be a challenge, but it's crucial if you want to make a great impression. Dating app Dua.com's relationship expert Valon Asani analysed worldwide Google searches for the most popular date ideas. Here are the top 8 picks:
Bowling - The undisputed winner with 1,640,000 average monthly searches, it offers fun and a laid-back atmosphere with great food and a lively setting.
Mini Golf - A great sports-based option, with 488,000 average monthly searches, it allows for some competition while still keeping things real.
Theatre Dinner - A unique pick, this option brings a touch of class as well as hilarious fun.
Aquarium - A serene and tranquil atmosphere, with 382,000 average monthly searches. While we don’t have one in Mackay, it can be a great option if you’re headed up or down the coast.
Arcade - A throwback location with 364,000 average monthly searches, it's perfect for a 90s/2000s vibe.
Wildlife - Animals are a crowd-pleaser and a trip to a petting zoo or wildlife sanctuary, with 359,000 average monthly searches, can be a great icebreaker.
Museum - A timeless romantic option with 353,000 average monthly searches, it's perfect for art and history lovers. Bonus – it’s a great place to escape the heat.
Karaoke - For those who don't mind being bold, karaoke is a fun option with 291,000 average monthly searches. If you’re not quite that bold, then check out our gig guide for live music options.
Remember, simple can also be best, don't underestimate the appeal of a picnic at the beach, a romantic restaurant or home-made pizza.
Hoping to make a lasting impression, or looking to re-ignite a spark? Humour can be a great way to break the ice on Valentine’s Day.
While these lines may seem cheesy, they can still be a fun way to express your feelings and make someone smile on Valentine's Day. Just be sure to use them with a sense of humour and be prepared for a light-hearted response.
"Are you a magician? Because whenever I look at you, everyone else disappears."
"Do you have a map? I keep getting lost in your eyes."
"Are you a time traveler? Because I can see forever with you."
"Is your name Google? Because you have everything I've been searching for."
"Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?"
"Excuse me, but I think you dropped something - my jaw."
"Are you a bird? Because you've got me soaring."
"Do you have a sunburn, or are you always this hot?"
"Do you have a Band-Aid? I just scraped my knee falling for you."
"Are you a work of art? Because you’re a masterpiece."
Australia's newest low-cost airline, Bonza, has officially announced the launch of its flight services to several regional destinations across the country.
As part of a phased rollout, the airline has made available flights to 12 destinations on 15 routes, with prices starting as low as $49 per person, one way.
Starting today Mackay and Whitsunday residents will be able to fly direct to the Sunshine Coast three times a week for as little as $59 one-way.
In addition, there will be two flights a week from Mackay to Cairns and two flights a week from the Whitsundays to Newcastle.
The first flight from Sunshine Coast to the Whitsundays will take off on Tuesday, January 31.
It will be February 14 when the first flight lands in Mackay.
“The wait is over! 2023 is the Year for Allstralia, with low cost air travel to many holiday spots, some of which are relatively undiscovered,” said Carly Povey, Chief Commercial Officer at Bonza.
“It’s time to see more of your own backyard for less!”
“We’re delighted to be delivering on our commitment to make air travel more accessible.
“We promised choice and better connectivity to the regions for less and we’ve been beyond delighted with the support for our mission.
“Today we start making travel a possibility for the many, not the few.
“Forget connecting flights or your bum going numb in the car, Bonza is here to take Aussies from A to B without the C (cost and complexity)”.
So, what are you waiting for? Download the Fly Bonza app and start planning your next adventure today! Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore Australia's hidden gems at an affordable price with Bonza.
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