A Whitsunday local is about to embark on one of the most meaningful yet confronting adventures of their life, heading over to Papua New Guinea to complete the Kokoda Trail with 21 other emergency service personnel.

In less than two weeks Ti Hokins will begin the mission that’s taken months to plan, but a lifetime to prepare for.

Having previously worked for the emergency services, Ti has witnessed first-hand the devastating mental health impacts of a profession that often encounters trauma, violence and extreme situations.

“I’ve been around the emergency services my whole life, I come from an ambulance family,” said Ti.

“And I’m sick of reading about another police officer, ambo or fiery who has taken their life.

“This is really the ‘why’ behind what I am doing, mental health is such a taboo subject, it’s not talked about easily and I want to help change that in some small way.” in fact, Emergency services personnel are at an increased risk of mental health disorders and suicide than any other profession. Ti said, “our emergency services personnel are often there on the worst days of our lives. I want these superhumans to know that there is support for them on their worst days too.”

Every step of the 96-kilometre Kokoda Trek, in support of the Emergency Services Foundation, will be walked in honour of those who have taken their lives and to raise awareness for issues surrounding mental health for emergency service workers.

Ti has been raising money for the adventure for the past few months and has so far received $4,500 for the campaign, out of a goal of $6,800.

The kind community at Airlie Beach Bowls Club held a special event to raise money for Kokoda and gave Ti a platform to talk about the importance of mental health and checking in with everyone.

Ti has also received support from Three Little Birds Café in Airlie Beach who are holding a special raffle draw with some incredible prizes that were donated by some generous local businesses, with ticket sales closing Thursday, October 13.

With just 10 days to go, Ti is excited but also starting to get nervous.

“It feels a lot more real now and emotionally it is bringing up a lot for me,” said Ti, who continues their own recovery journey with PTSD.

“I’m a bit nervous and it’s getting a bit daunting for me but I always remember the deeper meaning behind doing this and stay focused on getting there.”

Ti’s biggest supporters are wife Mel and their two daughters who inspire them every step of the way.

Taking the kids on long treks and heading to the gym most days, Ti is preparing in every possible way.

“I’ve also been learning a lot of blister first aid!” Ti said.

“I’m sure that will come in handy too!”

You can still buy raffle tickets online by scanning the QR code or in person at 3 Little Birds Espresso.

If this has brought up anything for you, please reach out to your supports or call Lifeline on 13 11 14

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A plan to build the world’s largest pumped hydro scheme in the Pioneer Valley has been met with steadfast opposition by the residents it threatens to oust from their homes.

The Pioneer-Burdekin project will affect around 50 homes in the areas surrounding Netherdale, west of Mackay, according to the announcement made by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk last week.

Residents gathered in Eungella on Monday to share their dismay at the plans with Member for Mirani Stephen Andrew saying he, along with the mayor and other councillors, were not privy to the plan before it was announced.

“We need to tell everyone how we feel, be honest and open about it, let the government have an understanding of what we think and what this could do to our properties,” Mr Andrew said.

“There are alternatives, we should look at alternatives, but we don’t have to destroy people to do this.”

Residents Push Back Against Hydro Plans

In the eyes of Dalrymple Heights resident Douglas Cannon, the Pioneer-Burdekin mega project isn’t going to happen.

Mr Cannon has lived in Mackay from the age of nine, moving his family to the Pioneer Valley two years ago.

He also relocated his beekeeping business to the valley where he runs a queen breeding program using local genetics to safeguard bees from future varroa mite outbreaks.

“We’re supporting the local bees and that brings us to where we are now potentially faced with losing it all,” he said.

This realisation struck Mr Cannon when Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced plans for the world’s largest pumped hydro scheme to be built in the Pioneer Valley.

According to these plans, upon construction, Mr Cannon’s property would be completely submerged in ‘Reservoir B’.

“When the rest of the world found out, we found out with it and we were all scrambling to find out what’s actually happening, how we’re going to be affected by it,” he said.

“It all blindsided us; the traditional owners haven’t been consulted; the landowners haven’t been consulted.”

The plans will see the project affect around 50 homes and properties in the region, with Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni saying “around 20 per cent of those landowners” have already been contacted to establish meetings.

Mr Cannon said this claim is laughable.

“We’d like to know who these 20 per cent are, because everyone I’ve spoken to had no idea about it, even the mayor didn’t have an idea,” he said.

The area in questions is also home to a wide variety of wildlife including platypus, birdlife, frogs and crayfish, many of which are endangered.

“If this is their idea of green energy, then it shouldn’t be at the stake of national parks, the environment and the people,” Mr Cannon said.

“This area’s far too precious to be putt under that sort of pressure.”

Leila Verban, a resident of Netherdale, concurs that other green energy alternatives should be considered.

“It’s not that we are anti-renewable energy, it’s not like that at all,” Ms Verban said.

“It’s that there’s a lot more things at stake here, environmentally speaking, as well as the trauma that’s happening to the landowners.

“We would like to support more research being done into other options that have less of a fallout for a whole region.”

Ms Verban and her family have owned their Netherdale property for over five years and are a part of Land for Wildlife, a voluntary program encouraging and assisting private landholders to provide habitat for wildlife on their property.

“We’ve been replanting and bringing it back to being a part of the ecosystem that’s here,” she said.

Ms Verban heard news of the government’s announcement when a friend messaged her following the announcement.

“(I was) totally shocked, but it didn’t sink in until I spoke to the two reps getting around who gave us a brochure and said, ‘Your property will be under water,’” she said.

One of these representatives was an engineer who explained the benefits of hydro and how it works to Ms Verban before explaining that compensation will be provided to those whose properties are to be affected.

Ms Verban has since started a Facebook page titled ‘NO Hydro Save Netherdale/Eungella/Mt Dalrymple’.

“Just over the weekend, we’ve got over 2,000 followers on the page,” Ms Verban said.

“People are really angry and really against it.”

“The point is the awareness isn’t there, they didn’t consult us before releasing it, it was a massive shock to our system and the community just doesn’t agree.”

“I want to be a part of the pushback for this.

“In our minds, the dam’s not happening.”

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One thing that surprised me when I moved to Mackay was the music scene, and this weekend’s bevy of live music is a perfect example of how happening this town is.

Over the next week, we’ve got Hockey Dad, Alex Lloyd, Slowly Slowly, The Stone Apes, and The Grogans all coming to town.

On top of that, local lads Nortica, whom we met a couple of weeks ago, are on support duties for three of those gigs, and the more big names that come through town, the more local legends are going to be inspired to pick up a guitar and start their own band right here in Mackay.

Since starting at the newspaper, I’ve been given the chance to interview icons of the industry including Ian Moss, Mark Gable of Choirboys and, by far my highlight, Shane Howard of Goanna – a very inspiring person.

I’ve also been given the invaluable opportunity to chat with musicians I grew up loving like Connor from Bugs, Scout from Egoism and Zach and Billy from Hockey Dad.

One question I always like to ask is what is it like to play in the regions compared to the capital cities?

The answer is always a different version of the same sentiment: the regions are hungry for live music.

Living in a capital city, music fans are spoilt for choice when it comes to seeing bands on the weekend (coincidentally like us in Mackay are this weekend).

Big gigs are less frequent in our slice of paradise, meaning we cherish them so much more.

Mackay is hungry for live music.

I’ve tried to keep my fingers on the pulse of the local scene, both with bands coming through town and the local up-and-comers.

One way I’ve done this is by starting a radio show on local community station 4CRM.

On my show, The Prekend, I try to shine a light on as much independent music from right here in Mackay and around the world.

If that sounds like something you’d enjoy listening to, tune in to 107.5FM on Thursdays from 8:00pm, and if you’ve got music you think fits the bill, feel free to get in touch!

As always, check the event guide in Mackay Life every week to stay in the loop of everything happening in town.

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Support worker Savannah Milligan has taken one of her clients to Jamaica Blue at Sydney Street Markets a couple of times and each time they have been met with a rapturous reception.

Savannah provides mental health support for clients by assisting them in the community.

“With my client, specifically with Jamaica Blue, she just loves how kind they are,” said Savannah.

“They’re the first ones to say hello.

“Especially with my client, she can be a bit daunting and some people do stare, but the guys at Jamaica Blue, especially the lady, I don’t know her name but my client calls her Boss Lady, she always comes out, gives her a hug, chats with her, knows her order.

“Those who have mental health issues and disabilities in general, that kind of stuff means the world to them.”

As well as providing friendly, incredible service, the team at Jamaica Blue has “paid it forward” by giving Savannah’s client a piece of raisin toast with her order.

“They don’t have to do that, but they do.

“It’s just really kind and it makes my job even nicer to see that there are people out there who are kind and who get it.

“Not many people do get it.”

Savannah says this isn’t an isolated case.

“I just watched how they engaged with everybody else.

“I think it’s just a general thing that all the staff there are just kind and I just love that, I think there needs to be more of that.

“They’re doing such a great job and people like that are really valued in the community.”

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Willcox Fights For Local Rights

A frustrated Federal Member for Dawson has this week vented his disbelief about the lack of consultation he has received by state government in the discussions about the newly announced pumped hydro project.

With the $483 million Urannah Dam Project already budgeted by the previous government, Andrew Willcox MP, does not understand why this viable solution has been ousted and replaced with a new plan that will see 50 homes relocated if construction goes ahead at the proposed site in the Pioneer Valley.

He is annoyed that neither he nor the Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry MP had been consulted about plans directly related to the regions they serve.

“To come out and make an announcement with zero consultation with the local Federal MPs and then immediately call for federal funding, makes me wonder if this is a serious announcement or is it just for show?” he said.

“Without any community or stakeholder consultation the state government have announced a $62 billion energy plan - but it's full of holes and generates more questions than electricity.”

Mr Willcox also asks for answers about how skilled coal miners and their families will survive if the industry they have been part of throughout their lives becomes replaced with renewable alternatives.  

“The Premier has guaranteed jobs for workers at coal fired power stations but there is no mention of guarantees for coal miners,” said Mr Willcox.

“So where does that leave job security for mine workers, their families and every small business owner in our coal mining towns?”

Labelled as detached from the ground level, informed decision-making, the state government has now been called upon to keep their commitments to regional Queensland.

On a national level, while attending Parliament House, Mr Willcox spoke passionately about funding cuts to regional and remote areas, calling them “not only offensive, but dead-set wrong”.

One of the key projects that could now be off the table is the Urannah Dam project which has been almost 20 years in the planning.

“This is a nation building project which will open up 20,000 hectares of agriculture, create jobs, mining water and tourism opportunities,” said Mr Willcox.

While in Canberra he also took the opportunity to speak about the Whitsunday Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) facility which had been due to have $420,000 worth of upgrades this year, before funding cuts put a halt to plans.

Mr Willcox implores the Federal government to look after regional and rural Australia, respecting the contribution our region makes to the country.

“They want to eat our tucker, they want our royalties, they want the GDP* from our mining and yet they don’t want to give us any services,” he said.

*Gross Domestic Product

Image: Federal Member for Dawson MP Andrew Willcox asks for more consultation on funding matters

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After four years of holding senior executive roles with Brisbane City Council (BCC), Scott Owen has been appointed as Mackay Regional Council’s new CEO.

As the BCC Executive for City Standards, Mr Owen was responsible for a 2000-strong workforce along with a combined budget expenditure of $900M.

His focus has been on delivering outcomes for the cultural transformations with staff and driving value for money for Brisbane residents through the effective delivery of council operations.

Throughout his career at BCC, Mr Owen has held several senior executive roles running businesses like fleet solutions and public space operations, which is one of the largest and most diverse branches.

“My personal goals in local government are built around simplifying operations and removing red tape to deliver the ratepayer and the community with a great council experience,” Mr Owen said.

“I’m no stranger to Central and North Queensland having worked at Townsville City Council and with a commercial hire business in Gladstone before that.

“I credit my 10 years in the British Armed Forces as making me the person I am today, and two operational tours in the Afghanistan conflict for grounding my desire to make life better for people where I can.”

Mr Owen holds a postgraduate diploma in strategic leadership as well as multiple leadership and business administration qualifications.

“I’m excited to be back in North Queensland and am looking forward to embedding myself into the Mackay community,” he said.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said Mr Owen was selected from a long list of well-credentialled applicants after a rigorous selection process.

“His appointment as our new CEO was formally endorsed by council this week and he will officially commence in the role on November 30,” Mr Williamson said.

“On behalf of council, I’d like to sincerely thank acting CEO Angela Hays who has been at the helm since March.

“Thanks to her strong leadership, council’s day-to-day service delivery and strategic decisions have been able to continue without falter, placing the organisation in a strong position for our new CEO.”

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A Damning Report About Mackay Base Hospital Obstetrics And Gynaecology Unit

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath spoke in Mackay last week to deliver details of a damning report into the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) obstetrics and gynaecology unit.

Minister D’Ath released the findings of the investigation and the HHS’s response to the recommendations, acknowledging the 171 women who came forward to tell their deeply personal and traumatic experiences.

“To each and every one of these women, whether they were part of the investigation or the consumer case management pathway, I want to say thank you for your bravery and courage,” Minister D’Ath said.

“The report is damning in its identification of failings at multiple levels within Mackay HHS and, particularly, the Mackay Base Hospital.

“The investigation team found multiple examples of substandard clinical care, poor clinical incident monitoring, poor management of safety and quality, complications and clinical deterioration and poor human resource management.”

A total of 81 women were interviewed by the investigation team, with other cases considered by the team in reaching its findings.

“The report notes that many of these women have sustained lifelong physical and mental harm,” Ms D’Ath said.

“Sadly, I can also confirm that three cases have been identified through the clinical review process where inadequate care contributed to the loss of a child.

“The bottom line is that the investigation team heard that the women who came forward described being ignored, disrespected, neglected, left in pain and were discharged back to their GP with incomplete resolution of their problems and not adequately followed up by Mackay Base Hospital.”

Four clinicians involved in the investigation have been referred to the office of the health ombudsman and are no longer employed by Queensland Health with a fifth individual referred to in the report also submitting their resignation.

Ms D’Ath has issued a show cause notice to the Mackay HHS Board following the release of the report.

The show cause notice asks HHS board members to state how they can effectively discharge their duties and obligations and whether any or all of the board members should be dismissed.

The board members had until today (October 7) to respond.

Ms D’Ath has also appointed Dr Robert Herkes as a special clinical advisor to the HHS board to oversee clinical governance improvements.

Ms D’Ath said the investigation report contains 122 recommendations, with 47 already implemented and with the remainder supported either in full or in principle.

“The recommendations will be implemented within 12 months, to ensure actions are taken as a matter of urgency,” she said.

“I will be expecting monthly updates on the progress of these recommendations.”

Those personally affected gathered outside the hospital as the Health Minister delivered her findings, frustrated that they weren’t permitted to attend.

“It’s disrespectful to what every woman has been through and that we’re standing outside here while all the answers are being given inside and we’re not going to know until it’s reported on later but that’s what we’ve dealt with the whole way through this process,” Melissa Ferrier, a representative of the victims, said.

“These answers are for us.

“This is our lives that have been affected, it’s our lives that are continuing to be affected by what’s happened and what these recommendations are going to be.”

Minister D’Ath met with representatives from consumer advocates, individuals and family representatives as well as attending a forum hosted by Mackay HHS interim Chief Executive Paula Foley, allowing affected women the opportunity to hear and be heard.

Calls are being made for the Health Minister to hand in her job over the poor management of the situation.

Image: Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath spoke in Mackay last week

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An impressive 3.6 million tonnes of product passed through the Port of Mackay last year which illustrates that, despite supply chain challenges and the ongoing impacts, systems and efficiency have led to our local port hitting a new record.

With 145.1 million tonnes of throughput, North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) CEO Nicolas Fertin said he was pleased to see the port not only employ a local workforce but also move sustainably into the future alongside the environment.

“Our people continued to work safely and tirelessly to keep trade flowing throughout the pandemic in support of our port partners and our regional communities,” he said.

“With three major ports operating alongside the Great Barrier Reef, we also continued to keep environmental stewardship at the forefront of our business.”

Always reinvesting in the facility, NQBP have built a new tug berth facility at the Port of Mackay and have upgraded the Hay Point Administration Building, the works supporting more than 220 jobs during the period.

Mr Fertin said NQBP is also backing the State Government in its renewables and hydrogen policies.

“Our east coast ports are prime locations to support sustainable trades of the future including hydrogen, renewables and biofuels,” he said.

“In the last 12 months, NQBP joined a consortium of Queensland and global businesses to explore the production and export of hydrogen through the Ports of Hay Point as well as responded to increasing interests in Abbot Point and Mackay.”

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Two new faces have joined the Mackay Hospital Foundation’s team, and the pair are both diving straight into their roles with four of their biggest events due to be held in the next two months.

The foundation is a non-for-profit organisation that is set-up to raise money to fund equipment and projects which have not been included within the Queensland Health budget.

The fundraising arm for the broader Mackay Hospital and Health Service, the foundation plays an integral part in providing facilities for the best possible health results for residents across the region.

Kristi Algate has taken on the role of General Manager, bringing with her five years working in care management.

The new GM said it was a pleasure meeting some of the people working within various units at Mackay Base Hospital and that she is looking forward to visiting the rural hospitals.

“It’s also been wonderful to meet with a number of our corporate supporters, but it may take a little longer to get around to personally meet with all of our major donors and sponsors,” she said.

Brenda McFadzen is the other new face on the team at Mackay Hospital Foundation, taking on the role of Community Engagement Officer.

Instrumental in organising major events including galas, charity golf days and a host of other fundraising activities for various charities, Brenda will no doubt thrive in her new workplace.

Brenda says she is looking forward to events on the calendar such as the Cinema Under the Stars by Harvey Norman Bedding and the Christmas Gift Wrapping at Mt P and Myer.

Image: L-R: New General Manager Kristi Algate and Community Engagement Officer Brenda McFadzen

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The second annual Giving Day is coming up next week and there are plenty of ways the community can participate.

This innovative fundraising day is organised by the Mackay Hospital Foundation and proceeds from the day go towards extra facilities that improve the comfort and overall experience for patients and their families.

“Giving Day is an opportunity to donate to Mackay Hospital Foundation and make a difference to the lives of so many,” said Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager Kristi Algate.

While vital equipment is provided to the eight hospitals that the foundation represents, extra funding is often required for the creature comforts many of us take for granted.

When you have visited your local hospital, it is likely you were sitting on a chair, watching a television or underneath a warm blanket that was funded by one of Mackay Hospital Foundation’s fundraising projects.

Last year’s face of the Giving Day campaign was 6-year-old Kacey Sanfilippo who was diagnosed with high-risk B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia as a 2-year-old and went on to endure two and a half years of cancer treatment.

This year, 7-year-old Kacey is returning as a Giving Day Ambassador and will be joined by 10- year-old Cade Duncan.

Cade was your typical healthy four-year-old boy, and over a couple of weeks suddenly became very tired, pale and disinterested in physical activity.

When a rash appeared, Cade was rushed to the Emergency Department at the Mackay Base Hospital.

After finding his white blood cell count was dangerously low, Cade was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). He was treated with chemotherapy given intravenously, orally and into his spine under anaesthetic.

Cade’s treatment continued at Mackay Base Hospital and Brisbane Children’s Hospital for almost four years.

It was during his time of treatment when Cade and the Duncan family’s friendship with Kacey and her family blossomed.

Giving Day kicks off with the Corporate Breakfast which last year attracted over 60 business sponsors who kindly donated to the cause.

From 8am, a host of telemarketers also hit the phones, using the foundation’s database to call local residents.

If you receive a call, make sure you dig deep and donate.

The third fundraising arm comes from the tireless efforts of hospital staff who receive donations from friends and family.

Each year, there is a good-natured competition between hospital wards to see which ward can generate the most – good luck to everyone this year!

If you would like to donate to the cause, please go to charidy.com/mhf

WHAT: Mackay Hospital Foundation - Giving Day

WHERE: Mackay Base Hospital Courtyard

WHEN: Thursday October 13, 8am – 8pm

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Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was in Mackay last week to reveal further details pertaining to her announcement of a $62 billion Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.

The plan includes the biggest pumped hydro scheme in the world to be built in the Pioneer Valley.

“This pumped hydro is going to be nation-building and it’s happening right here in Mackay,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“It is going to set this city up for the future.

“It’s going to mean jobs; it’s going to mean more industries attracted to this region.”

The project is said to have the potential to deliver up to 5GW for 24 hours or 120GWh, which is 617 times larger than South Australia’s Hornsdale battery and 20 times larger than Wivenhoe.

The construction of the project will take place in two stages near the small community of Netherdale.

“The majority of the land is either existing cattle grazing land, or it is sugar cane farming land,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“This project is going to be right on the doorstep for Mackay and the region.

“There will be no inundation of any national parks, as well.”

Plans will see the project affect around 50 homes and properties around Netherdale as well as the existing Mackay Eungella Road.

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said it’s important for the government to work closely with landowners.

“We’ve already established meetings with around 20 per cent of those landowners,” he said.

“This is a process that we take seriously, of course, and we want to be respectful of those landowners.

“We’ve researched around 1,000 sites across the state and this one stacks up as simply the best pumped hydroelectric opportunity anywhere in Queensland, in fact, it represents one of the best opportunities in the world.

“Of course, we’ll work through all of those appropriate environmental approvals, starting from today.

“There’ll be a range of other approvals that we’ll need to work through, but they are consistent with all other projects.

“Most importantly, this project delivers us a significant economic opportunity for north Queensland.”

Mr de Brenni hopes the project to be in full construction by 2025 and the first stage completed by 2032.

The announcement has been met with some opposition, with Federal Members for Capricornia and Dawson Michelle Landry and Andrew Willcox claiming they weren’t included in any discussion or consultation.

“To come out and make an announcement with zero consultation with the local Federal MPs and then immediately call for federal funding, makes me wonder if this is a serious announcement or is it just for show?” Mr Willcox said.

Ms Landry said the announcement has left her with more questions than answers.

“The Premier has guaranteed jobs for workers at coal fired power stations but there is no mention of guarantees for coal miners,” she said.

“So where does that leave job security for mine workers, their families and every small business owner in our coal mining towns.”

Local conservation groups have also raised concerns over the plan, with Mackay Conservation Group Coordinator Peter McCallum concerned about a lack of detail.

“We’re very supportive of renewable energy but we also want to see the most economic and energy efficient forms of renewable energy installed in Queensland,” Mr McCallum said.

“We’re not sure that pumped hydro is the best option into the future, and it could lead to Queensland tax payers and energy users paying more for electricity than they need to in decades to come.

“There’s no detail available to members of the public.

“We’ve known that this project was being considered for several years and you’d think that, by now, there could’ve been more detailed information released about the proposal.

“At this stage, we don’t have that detail.”

How Does Hydro Work?

• Pumped hydro acts like a giant battery.

• It uses electricity from the grid or nearby renewables (in this case, solar) to pump water from a lower reservoir into an upper reservoir when energy prices are low.

• When energy is needed, water is released from the upper reservoir into the lower reservoir, generating energy as it passes through a turbine.

• Hydroelectricity can be generated almost immediately and at any time, so power can be fed into the grid when it is needed.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Written by Rachael Smith

Mackay Base Hospital’s busiest surgeon, Dr Daryl Stephens, conducts over 100 operations a month and sees 120 patients in clinic every week.

When he was suddenly suspended from duty three weeks ago, the national media got hold of the story and dug deeply into his professional career, looking for additional ways to discredit him and add further injury to his story.

They painted a story of incompetence - but while those that didn’t know him judged a mis-represented version of events, built upon speculation rather than fact, it was his own patients that gave him the strength to fight back.

Able to continue practicing at the Mackay Mater Hospital while he served a four-week suspension at the Mackay Base, Dr Stephens was visited by 27 of his Mater patients on the first day after the story broke around the country.

All of them took his side without question.

“My first three patients were in tears when they saw me, I got three hugs and all were supportive, there was not one single cancellation,” he said.

“When I finished at 4.30pm, I was in tears. I’ve had nothing but support. I’m a very private person but the outpouring and the support has been a bit overwhelming.”

In the profession of saving lives, there are a multitude of checks and systems to ensure every procedural element is adhered to, with no exceptions.

The media storm that ensued last week reported that Dr Stephens had ‘blown his nose’ in the operating theatre which was the reason he was subsequently suspended.

Dr Stephens says he has since been able to remember the incident.

“My registrar was operating on the patient and I was leaning over the top helping him,” he explained.

Dr Stephens remembers leaning over with his head close to the drapes and believes it was a person behind him who made the complaint.

“I don’t remember doing anything like wiping my nose, but I may have moved and given that impression.”

A kind-hearted man who likes to believe the best in others, Dr Stephens says he does not blame them for reporting him.

“The [person] is a delight and I’ve got no criticism of them,” he said,

“I think that they didn’t understand how under that situation things can escalate, they are an absolute sweety and an absolute professional.”

“The standard of surgical care at the Base is far beyond any other hospital I’ve worked at before”

Digging deep into his history, media agencies discovered that Dr Stephens had been involved with another case in Perth where he had failed to give pathology results to one of his cancer patients.

An accurate account of this is that the pathology results were sent to the hospital but not to the rooms.

He had booked the patient for review after three months and the pathology report arrived within two.

Dr Stephens saw the patient two weeks later.

“I was the only urologist in a hospital as busy as Mackay,” explained Dr Stephens.

“I had no registrar, no resident and we were swamped.

“There was a very small growth on the patient and I wanted to keep my eyes on it.

“Of the five ways of looking after it, I ticked three, but I didn’t do two so there were omissions on my part no doubt about that – but at the end of the day there was no harm to the patient.”

This case dates back to 2013, but the tribunal did not take place until 2018, two years after he started working at Mackay Base Hospital.

For the first 12 months Dr Stephens volunteered for all his cases to be reviewed by two colleagues and during this period there were no concerns raised.

His new employers were aware of the tribunal, the outcome of which saw a mark placed on his record for five years.

This is due to lapse in January 2023.

Since this incident, Dr Stephens has practiced at Mackay Base and developed a strong, trustworthy reputation with all his patients.

A humble man at heart, Dr Stephens grew up “dirt poor”, living at Broadmeadows in Melbourne, a few streets away from infamous gangland figure, Carl Williams.

His father died when he was young and by secondary school, Stephens already knew he wanted to be a doctor.

“I never felt I was disadvantaged, I was working three jobs and I loved it!” he said.

“I just scraped into medicine, and I see surgery as a calling - if you want to do what’s good, you have this amazing capacity, and if you keep on doing good then that’s absolutely fantastic.”

Now, almost 45 years later, Dr Stephens has two adult children and a career he is immensely proud of.

“I’m proud of my surgical record. Patient’s welfare is absolutely number one for me and I love working at the Base,” he said.

“It is one of the most wonderful places I’ve ever worked – in surgery I work in theatre, clinics and the ward, and it’s just wonderful.

“The nursing staff, the medical staff and my fellow surgeons are totally devoted, it’s a pleasure to work there.

“The standard of surgical care at the hospital is far beyond any other hospital I’ve worked at before.”

Dr Stephens has almost finished his four-week suspension and will be reinstated to full duties next week.

Image: Dr Stephens will return to work at Mackay Base Hospital next week

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National Police Remembrance Day brought together police from across the region last week as well as family members, special guests and members of the public to honour those officers who have been killed in the line of duty.

Police also remembered and honoured staff members, retired police and officers who have died off-duty last Thursday, September 29.

The day began with a march from Brisbane Street to St Patrick’s Church where the service was held.

Superintendent Graeme Paine welcomed guests to the service.

“It’s really important, the support we have from our community for our police, it’s something that’s really critical and today is one of those days which is a solemn and reflective day for all police and all of their families,” Supt. Paine said.

Supt. Paine also shared a statement on behalf of Queensland Police Service Commissioner Katarina Carroll.

“Today is a day of reflection and we stand together and reflect in honour of them and their loved ones and acknowledge the unimaginable loss they have suffered,” Ms Carroll’s statement read.

“All police officers take considerable risks every day to keep our communities safe and this honourable commitment is something that deserves to be recognised, hence the importance of this day for us as a police service.”

The service was attended by special guests including Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert and Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson.

“It was a pleasure to have the premier there, obviously, and she thought it was an excellent service as well,” Mr Williamson said.

“It’s important for the morale of the police force to know that the community is behind them.

“As with every workforce, but more particularly in the police who do an incredible job, the last thing you want to have happen is for a police officer to go to work and not come home.

“Unfortunately, that does happen, and we’ve recognised, as a community, the police that we’ve lost in our community and in general across Queensland and across Australia.

“That recognition is just for the community to say that the police force is trusted and respected and we really are appreciative of what police officers do in keeping us safe.”

Ms Gilbert said the service was an opportunity to reflect and honour serving police officers that have lost their lives in the line of duty and give support to the family and friends of these officers.

“It gave me an opportunity to reflect on my own personal contact with serving officers and the appreciation I have of their day-to-day effort in keeping our community safe, at times at great risk to their own safety,” she said.

A candlelight vigil was also held the night before to remember fallen officers.

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Tonight, if you’re anywhere near the MECC, you will be hearing a lot of cheering and fun.

No, the kids at Central State School aren’t having a school disco. All the noise and fun will be a part of the Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards.

This annual gala night will have hundreds of legends all glammed up as we celebrate what we have in our beautiful Mackay Isaac region.

From the coffee houses around Mackay, to the sporting facilities in the Northern Beaches, to the walking mountain trails in Clermont, to the beach visits at Bucasia and also the ever popular restaurants and bars in the whole region. They will all be part of this great night.

When you think of it, we have a lot to be thankful for living in our Mackay Isaac region.

We have the beaches at our back doorsteps. We have beautiful mountains to climb like Mt Blackwood, The Leap and Wolfang Peak just to name a few. They are all brilliant. If you haven’t climbed them yet, go and see one of our volunteers at our visitor information centres around town.

What about the beaches? So many to pick from. Seaforth is beautiful. So is Platypus Beach, Bucasia, Sarina and Far Beach too. Don’t forget to ask the locals about when the tide is in especially at Town Beach. If you go at the wrong time, you could be walking quite a while before you hit water. Just saying.

We have some of the best nature experiences in the world right here. From rainforests to clear river streams, to platypus having a swim at Eungella, to sipping rum at the only council owned rum distillers in the world. Yes! We have it lucky and tonight they will all be thanked for promoting this region to the world at our gala night of nights.

Before I go and head off and get my suit ready for the party tonight, I’d personally like to thank each and every one of our volunteers who go out of their way to promote where we live. We are all ambassadors. We are all advertisers. We are the people who make or break our region.

Let’s shout it to the rooftops and tell Australia and the rest of the world. Come to the Mackay Isaac Region and have a holiday. Better still, move here. You won’t regret it.

I’ll see you all tonight! Good luck everyone!

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!

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Council spends money each year to improve the liveability of the region through its events and conference attraction programs. Bringing sporting events and conferences to our region provides bed nights for our hotels and increased spending in our eateries and retail shops. But as important, it exposes visitors to our region in the hope that it will encourage them to come back for a holiday or even better, decide to move here for the lifestyle. The Mackay region can support thousands more residents without the need to drastically upgrade its infrastructure.

The more people that live here, the more the rates burden is shared across the region, leading to lower rates rises. Over the last six years council has worked hard to make the rates burden fairer. In 2016 we had the highest rates in Queensland in our category. Now we are down at eighth spot and moving further down. Rates rises over the same period have been below 1.5 per cent on average.

To help with that we need to take advantage of the other ways to improve and diversify our economy and liveability. I sit on the board of Mackay Isaac Tourism as Mackay Regional Council’s representative to ensure that the money council invests into tourism gets the best return it can for the residents. The national visitor survey results are now in, showing that 679,000 business travellers came through the region over the last 12 months – that’s a 3.6 per cent increase on the previous year and a 65 per cent increase since 2019, making it a new record for the Mackay Isaac Region.

We are on the precipice of tourism making a full comeback to our region just by taking better advantage of what we already have. Council has been helping businesses in the Valley understand the wants and needs of the up to 30,000 mountain bikers visiting to the region at the completion of the world class mountain bike park linking Finch Hatton and Eungella.

As part of the Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area Riverside Revitalisation Project, council is building a pontoon in the Pioneer River to create new opportunities for commercial tourism right from the CBD. We have operators already heading out there regularly, go and have a look! We can build tourism back up and past what it used to be if we all believe that we’re all in the business of selling tourism.

Cr Justin Englert

Mackay Regional Council

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