Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Whitsunday Anglican School has celebrated a successful year of student sport, recognising the tremendous talent and achievements of its athletes at its 2026 Sports Awards. Among the major honours, the Bill Turner Cup Under-15 Soccer Team and Vicki Wilson Cup Year 7–9 Netball Team were named Sports Teams of the Year after winning their respective Mackay competitions and progressing to represent the Mackay Region at state competitions. Harriet received Sports Official of the Year for her commitment to netball umpiring, including her selection to officiate at Queensland Representative School Sport level, while Maverick and Chelsea were named Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year for their sporting excellence, integrity and contributions to the school. The school also recognised Mr Jim Fredericksen for 20 years of volunteer coaching with its Archery Programme. Mayor Greg Williamson attended the awards, alongside guest speaker Mrs Deanna Turner, who shared insights into the value of sport in education. A former Queensland Firebirds netball player, Australian rugby league player and Queensland Rugby League coach, Mrs Turner is also a current Queensland Representative School Sport coach. Her presentation explored how sport can help build resilience, teamwork and leadership. The school congratulated all award recipients and students who represented Whitsunday Anglican School throughout 2026. Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School
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It’s the story about 30,000 drowned pigs and how it applies to real estate, best business practices and life in general. In an earlier life I was the editor of the Daily Mercury newspaper, back when it was published and printed six days a week and over 20,000 copies were sold on a Saturday. Different times in the media world. Anyway, this one day we were following a story about flooding in Rockhampton. Some days earlier there had been a lot of rain and some flooding in the Mackay region and, as often happens, the river system’s flood waters then made their way towards Rockhampton. When there is a rain event upstream a lot of water from various rivers and tributaries runs into the low-lying Fitzroy River system and into Rockhampton. It is very predictable and Rocky authorities can often establish that when there is flooding further north in places like Mackay that in a week’s time the Rocky area will be flooded. So up in nearby Mackay we were following the approaching flood and in communication with our sister paper in Rocky who were giving it massive coverage. It wasn’t Mackay so it wasn’t going to be front page in our paper but we were planning on a significant coverage. In the late afternoon one of our reporters came into my office and said: “30,000 pigs have drowned in the Rocky floods. They were washed away from a farm.” I said: “Thirty thousand pigs!? That’s a lot of pigs. Can we check on that?” The reporter came back five minutes later and said: “The story’s right. The farmer told the Rocky journo thirty thousand pigs have drowned from his property upstream from Rocky. Rocky’s running the story.” I asked if we had photos and he said they didn’t but would let me know when they had some, although none arrived that evening. We went pretty big on the drowning, as the Page 3 or Page 5 lead story with the obvious headline of 30,000 pigs drowning in the Rocky floods. Early the next morning the young journalist who had told me about the thirty thousand pigs drowning approached my office and tentatively knocked on the door. In a stammering voice he said: “Ah, look … about that, um, story about the, ah, thirty thousand pigs drowning near Rocky ...” I had an uneasy feeling, bordering on dread. “Uh ha … what about the pig story?” I asked. He said: “It wasn’t thirty thousand pigs. It was 30 sows and pigs.” I’m no mathematician but even I could work out that our story and big headline was out by about 29,970 dead pigs. I knew immediately how the miss-communication would have happened. A young Rocky reporter busily covering the floods. On the phone talking to a distressed farmer or piggery owner who blurts out: “Mate it’s terribly out here. I’ve lost 30 sows and pigs, all drowned.” If someone, speaking quickly, blurts out “thirty-sows-and-pigs” you can understand how someone could hear “thirty thousand pigs”. Also, who says “sows and pigs”? A piggery owner, obviously, but probably no-one else. Certainly not a reporter in the city. Anyway, we ran a correction the next day. The story reminds me that in life, real estate and business, listen to your gut. I had questioned the story. I thought 30,000 pigs was extremely unlikely but accepted it when the young reporter confirmed it. I should have asked more questions. I should have listened to my gut. In real estate, owners sometimes get the facts wrong … how many kilowatts in the solar system, how many litres the bore produces, when the previous owner had renovated the house. You can’t just pass these things on to a buyer as facts if you don’t know them 100 per cent true. You’ve got to be cautious, listen to your gut and check the facts.
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Queensland Telestroke Service is saving lives one video call at a time, recently providing life saving consultation to 37-year-old Mackay mum Angelica Murray. Angelica suffered a stroke whilst out with a friend, and was rushed to Mackay Base Hospital. Within minutes of her arrival she was connected by video to a specialist stroke neurologist who prescribed life-saving medication. “I was in the car with my friend and suddenly I couldn’t concentrate or remember names,” Angelica said. As her condition deteriorated, her friend rushed her to hospital. At the emergency department, staff immediately recognised the signs of a stroke. “I remember all the nurses and doctors working together so quickly,” Angelica said. “They were explaining everything, even the stroke doctor on the screen.” From the advice of the Queensland Telestroke Service (QTS) neurologist, Angelica received the clot busting medication she needed. The speed of the service made a life changing difference. “I started feeling better after a couple of hours,” Angelica said. Mackay Base Hospital is now recording the fastest stroke treatment times in the state. QTS is operating live across ten Queensland sites ( Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Ipswich, Makay, Toowoomba, Kingaroy, Rockhampton, Bowen, Proserpine, and Gladstone hospitals) with more than 850 patients being treated so far. 12 Queensland hospitals are planned to be added to the list. The service aims to make sure that regional patients are receiving specialist stroke care just as efficiently as those in central areas. Local Stroke Nurse Helen Nengasha, who has spent more than a decade caring for stroke patients, said seeing outcomes like Angelica's was exactly why the team has embraced Queensland Telestroke Service. “The introduction of QTS has streamlined care for patients experiencing time-critical strokes,” Helen said. “Now, it doesn’t matter where you live, you can get that expert care straight away. “In one recent case, the team achieved treatment in just 42 minutes, well under the national 60-minute benchmark. That’s the fastest we’ve ever done.”
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From toilet training to prostate health, pregnancy to menopause — why pelvic health matters to us all. When you hear the words pelvic floor, what comes to mind? Pregnancy? Childbirth? Perhaps those exercises you were told to do but never quite remembered? For many years, pelvic health has been viewed as a women’s health issue. But here’s something that might surprise you: everyone has a pelvic floor, and everyone can experience pelvic health problems. Whether you’re a child struggling with constipation, a new mum recovering from childbirth, a man experiencing bladder changes after prostate surgery, or someone navigating menopause, pelvic health plays an important role in everyday life. Our pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of our pelvis. These muscles support our pelvic organs, help control our bladder and bowels, contribute to sexual function and work alongside our abdominal muscles during movement. When things aren’t working as they should, the impact can extend well beyond the bathroom. It might be the child who avoids school toilets because passing a bowel motion hurts. The mum who stops running because she leaks urine. The man who avoids social outings because he’s worried about finding a toilet. Or the woman who believes pelvic heaviness is simply another part of getting older. Different people. Different stages of life. But one common thread: pelvic health can influence our confidence, activity levels and quality of life. And importantly, many pelvic health concerns can improve with the right support. Pelvic health physiotherapy is about much more than strengthening muscles. Treatment might involve bladder retraining, bowel management, improving muscle coordination, addressing pain or helping someone return to activities they love. Sometimes the answer is strengthening. Sometimes it’s learning to relax. And sometimes it’s simply understanding what’s happening in your body. This broader understanding of pelvic health is also why our clinic has recently embraced a new name. After five wonderful years as Women’s Health Physio Mackay, we are now proudly Pelvic Health Mackay. Our new name reflects something we’ve always believed: pelvic health is for everyone. While our name has changed, our team, our care and our commitment to helping the Mackay community remain the same. So here’s my question to you. Have you stopped doing something you love because of your bladder, bowel or pelvic health? Perhaps you’ve given up running because of leakage, avoided social outings because of urgency, or accepted discomfort because you thought it was simply part of getting older. You don’t have to wait until symptoms become overwhelming to seek help. Many concerns can improve with appropriate assessment, education and individualised treatment. If something doesn’t feel right, start the conversation. Speak with your GP or a pelvic health physiotherapist and find out what support is available. Because pelvic health isn’t just about muscles, bladders or bowels. It’s about confidence, independence and enjoying life without unnecessary limitations. Pelvic health isn’t just women’s business. It’s everyone’s business. And your health deserves attention. Lauren Neill | APA Titled Women’s, Men’s & Pelvic Health Physiotherapist | Pelvic Health Mackay
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“I helped this woman load her shopping into her car this afternoon, she said she was so grateful that she could marry me.
“I couldn’t believe it, you do something nice for someone and they threaten to ruin your life.”
Happy 2023, Mackay!
I hope that joke started your day with a chuckle.
I chose to open with a good deed with a twist, because over the holidays, particularly in the week leading up to Christmas, I was floored with the generosity displayed by locals to those less fortunate.
And these displays of kindness came in all shapes and forms. Like a post on the Mackay Buy, Swap & Sell Facebook page, where Sonny Williams offered to give a good quality children’s bike away.
He asked, “Are there any mums or dads who need a pressie for a little takka?
“This bike would suit a 5+-year-old. Nothing wrong with it, free to a good home.
“I’d like this bike to go to someone who needs it and whom their child would appreciate. Merry Christmas.”
Another post on the Mums and Bubs of Mackay & the Whitsundays Facebook page showed that it doesn’t need to be a financial contribution to make a difference in a person’s life.
Madison Smith wrote, “I wanted to share about a beautiful and kind lady who helped me at Coles Mt Pleasant.
“I was in the self-serve checkout with my 7-week-old in the carrier and hubby had taken our son to the loo.
“My baby started crying and I had two people push in front of me as I turned to grab a couple of bags. When I got to the checkout, a lady in front of me asked if she could scan and bag my groceries so I could calm my baby.
“It was such a beautiful act of kindness, I’m so appreciative.”
Another story was shared about kindness from Coles Mt Pleasant.
“My son works at Coles Mt Pleasant mainly in the online department,” Tash Salanoa wrote.
“This is Tyrone’s first part-time job and first time working Christmas eve.
“When I picked him up after his shift, he came to the car with a smile from ear-to-ear just beaming and told me how a lovely lady surprised him with a box of chocolates and thanked him.
“Thank you to a lady named Leisa Scott, your kind and thoughtful gesture was so lovely.”
Pauline Nash in Sarina gave a shout-out to a local business who made her day.
She described how she accidentally placed an order for Alcorns Bakery in Andergrove instead of the Sarina store.
“They not only filled my order of bread rolls, but didn’t charge me. It was my mistake, so thank you ladies, I truly appreciate it.”
There were many more acts of kindness, from people picking up the tab for others while shopping, to individuals donating their belongings to those in need.
Now that the tinsel is down, the tree has been packed away and the world is a little less festive, I hope the kindness continues. The period after Christmas can be daunting for many people, emotionally and financially.
If you can spare some time to do good for others, I think January is the month where kindness is needed more so than any other time of the year.
Amanda
A community forum was hosted in December 2022 by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox focussing on veterans’ services throughout the electorate with the Former Deputy Prime Minister and Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Barnaby Joyce.
Mr Joyce said Veterans’ Services were a top priority for the LNP, with substantial investment committed for veterans’ wellbeing at the election earlier this year.
“Our veterans are the heroes of the nation who have sacrificed so much for the sovereignty and freedom of our country,” he said.
“They deserve our complete support and investment.
When in Government, the LNP invested $5 million towards Veterans’ Wellness which was hoped to assist in building an RSL in Mackay and a wellness centre at Kinchant Dam.
“This is a legacy that we are extremely proud of, but there is still so much work to be done.
“We’re going to fight to try and get a wellness centre back, and if we were given the great honour of government, we make a commitment that we’ll be putting a wellness centre in Mackay.
“You need RSL’s, you need wellness centres, you need sub-branches to basically meet people who can say, ‘How are you going? I haven’t heard from you lately.’”
Mr Joyce said the forum is an opportunity to talk to local veterans about their concerns.
“One of the big things you do in opposition is you develop policy, and you don’t do it by your own divine intuition,” he said.
“You do it by talking to people.
“We want to take their concerns to Canberra to make sure our ex-serving personnel are looked after as well as possible.”
Mr Willcox said it was important to listen directly to the veterans and local community on how returned service men and women can best be supported.
“Many returned servicemen and women come home with significant trauma – experiences that stay with them for a lifetime,” he said.
“The prevalence of PTSD and suicide among serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members is deeply concerning.
“I will be doing everything that I can to make sure our veterans are well supported in our region.
“In Labor’s first Federal Budget, they cut all Veterans Wellness Hubs north of Brisbane.
“The Coalition wants to work with the Government to see these services are fully supported and fully funded for our Mackay region veterans.
“I believe if people are good enough to fight for this country, if they’re good enough to put their bodies on the line, their lives on the line, then when they come back to our home turf, we should look after them.”
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Barnaby Joyce. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
A prime riverfront food and beverage location is next in line for a revamp as part of council’s Mackay Waterfront redevelopment.
Council is calling for tenders for a structural refurbishment of 8 River Street, formerly Maria’s Donkey and more recently the Don Daniels restaurant site.
It will be the third major project in the Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area (PDA).
The first was the Queens Park redevelopment, followed by the Riverside Revitalisation.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the Riverside Revitalisation, a public realm development where the old Seafresh sheds were previously located, was nearing completion.
He said a revamp of the nearby 8 River Street building was the next important stage in revitalisation of the riverfront.
“We’re calling design and construct tenders for this building,’’ Mayor Williamson said.
“We are seeking a proposal from suitably qualified contractors for the structural refurbishment of the building,” he said.
“The brief will be a design and construct contract and aims to refurbish the building as a food and beverage facility.
“The building remediation will aim to enable the site to accommodate a variety of hospitality uses, such as café, restaurant, bar and function capabilities.”
Mayor Williamson said the design of the building must make full use of the position and the river views available.
“It must also provide connectivity with the Riverside Revitalisation public realm space, which is nearing completion.”
This project is jointly funded by the Australian Government and Mackay Regional Council.
Tenders are wanted for structural refurbishment of the former Maria’s Donkey building on River Street
Sarina and Bucasia Beaches will no longer be regularly patrolled by lifeguards, as a result of a decision by Surf Life Saving Queensland.
Following the tragic death of a teenager due to a box jellyfish sting, there has been a change to the marine stinger risk management procedure which will now require two lifeguards to perform a stinger drag before opening a beach. Previously this task had required only one lifeguard.
Adding increased resource pressures has meant that two of the Mackay region’s popular beaches will not be regularly patrolled, meaning the added intent of safety could have the opposite effect, with the potential to put more of the community in danger due to less patrolled beaches. Continue reading on page six to find out what this means for communities in Bucasia and Sarina.
A change to Surf Life Saving Queensland’s procedures will significantly impact the number of beaches that can be patrolled in the Mackay region.
As part of changes to their marine stinger risk management procedure, two lifeguards are now required to perform a box jellyfish drag before opening a beach.
This task was previously performed by one lifeguard with a smaller sized net.
However, the procedure has been updated following recommendations from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland after the tragic death of a teenager at Eimeo Beach last year due to a box jellyfish sting.
As a result, only Harbour Beach, Lamberts Beach and Eimeo Beach will be patrolled regularly for the next 12 months, which commenced earlier this week on Wednesday, January 4.
Sarina Beach will be patrolled intermittently by volunteer lifesavers and a roving lifeguard will be visiting both Sarina and Bucasia beaches each week to advise beachgoers of the risks of swimming at local beaches.
Development Services director Aletta Nugent said the reduction in patrolled beaches was unfortunate, but council had no other option.
“Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) patrol our beaches and they have been struggling with staff shortages for quite some time,” Ms Nugent said.
“Given the additional resourcing requirements of the new procedure, our only option was to reduce the number of beaches patrolled across the region or the contract would be cancelled as the terms would be unable to be met,” she said.
“This would mean we wouldn’t have anyone to patrol any of the beaches.
“Over the next 12 months we’ll be investigating ways to reinstate patrols to Bucasia Beach and Sarina Beach.
“We’re hopeful that the job market may also improve during this time.”
Residents in Sarina are encouraged to visit beachsafe.org.au for regular updates on the dates and times that volunteer lifesavers will patrol Sarina Beach.
Residents are also encouraged to visit nbbsurflifesaving.com.au/beach-reports for beach open/closure updates for SLSQ’s entire patrol region.
Harbour Beach will continue to be patrolled following changes to Surf Life Saving Queensland’s marine stinger risk management procedure. Photo Supplied: Mackay Regional Council
Eimeo Beach
New Year’s Day, 2023.
While most of us were sleeping peacefully, perhaps nursing a sore head or wiping crusty eyes from seeing the new year in, our region’s rescue helicopter crews were primed and ready for activation.
They weren’t waiting for long.
On the morning of New Year’s Day, RACQ CQ Rescue were tasked to Moranbah to airlift a woman with a cranial bleed. This was followed in the afternoon by an even longer flight to Clermont, to transfer a hospital patient to Mackay.
To find out more about our region’s community funded rescue service, visit cqrescue.org.au.
RACQ CQ Rescue started 2023 by airlifting a patient with a cranial bleed from Moranbah. Photo credit: RACQ CQ Rescue
Mackay families worried about expensive back-to-school costs for the new year can breathe a sigh of relief with the news that School Savvy is coming to town.
Selling secondhand school uniforms and quality booklist stationery supplies at extremely low-cost, School Savvy will be opening their pop-up shop at the Mackay PCYC from January 9 – 12.
CatholicCare’s General Manager for Health and Wellbeing, Flavia Prospero, said that she and her local School Savvy team were excited to be bringing the much-needed event to the region.
“School Savvy is a great program that is already run very successfully in many places across Queensland,” Ms. Prospero said.
“Pop-up shop prices generally range between one to five dollars, with the program all about making sure that no student is left without the resources they need to be engaged at school and to feel no different to any of their classmates.
“We believe very strongly that a family’s financial situation should never be a barrier to accessing a good education.”
Local businesswoman and Champ Group Managing Director, Matilda Chapman, said that Champ had previously supported School Savvy’s introduction to other areas of Queensland.
“You see a lot of families struggling, particularly with the rental crisis that we are in at the moment, housing affordability, and increases in electricity prices,” Ms. Chapman said.
“The School Savvy program is practical, real relief that will benefit a lot of Mackay families by making sure that they can access the school resources their kids need, without the added financial pressure.”
Mackay PCYC Manager, Sgt. Dorinda Freeman, said that she was also happy to extend the PCYC’s support after hearing the program was coming to town.
“I love the concept behind School Savvy,” Sgt. Freeman said.
“There are so many kids and families in Mackay who need this extra support, and to be able to help provide it to them in such a welcoming and inclusive way is something that really aligns with what we do at the PCYC.
“We look forward to hosting the School Savvy pop-up shop in January.”
For more information, find School Savvy CQ on Facebook.
Flavia Prospero (left) with Sgt. Dorinda Freeman (right)
Strong tourism recovery results for domestic tourism have been released in the latest National Visitor Survey by Tourism Research Australia last month.
The Mackay Isaac Region placed eighth nation-wide in the Top 10 tourism regions in overnight trips in the year ending September 2022, compared to the year ending September 2019, with an impressive 13 per cent increase and a total of 1.2 million trips.
The Mackay Isaac Region was unique in seeing an overall increase across both holiday and business travel visitors, with an increase of 31.9 per cent and 13.6 per cent respectively compared to 2019.
For the first time since the start of the pandemic, all spend by travel purpose categories exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO, Al Grundy said that these results can be attributed to the efforts of the tourism industry working together to promote our region.
“The generous support of our major sponsors, including Mackay and Isaac Regional Councils, Tourism Events Queensland, Mackay Airport and Harrup Park, along with the hard work and contribution of our local businesses and operators, have been instrumental in returning these record-breaking results for the region,” Mr Grundy said.
“We are seeing the results of a successful events calendar drawing visitors to the region, along with the strength of the domestic drive market, which has seen caravan and RV growth supporting the overall leisure visitation.
“We look forward to maintaining strong visitation into 2023. Our major Destination Marketing Campaign, commencing in February 2023 will highlight the region’s strong event calendar and promote the message to ‘stay a little longer’ and experience the wonderful local experiences on offer.”
The Mackay Classic Car Club finished off 2022 with a $500 donation to Dragons Abreast Mackay made on Sunday, December 11.
The money was primarily raised through driver reviver at Waverley Creek, a fundraising activity the Car Club takes part in every year.
“Up until this year, we go down on the last week of the school holidays in July,” said Mackay Classic Car Club President Les Palmer.
Dragons Abreast is a national charity with groups spread across the country and a membership of over 1200 individuals, the majority of whom are breast cancer survivors.
The group provides an understanding network for survivors who participate in the sport of dragon boat paddling.
The Car Club was approached by Dragon Abreast Mackay, saying their tractor needed attention.
“We had a call from them to say that their tractor that they pull their dragon boat out of the water with, they were having difficulties with it, mechanical problems,” said Mr Palmer.
“One of our members just happened to know somebody in the club, so we said, ‘Righto, we’ll donate $500 towards you getting your tractor fixed.’”
The Mackay Classic Car Club made the donation at Mackay Harbour in December last year and will continue to make similar donations throughout the community where they can.
“Without people like our car club, a lot of those little organisations wouldn’t survive,” said Mr Palmer.
“They’re not government funded, they’ve got to raise the money the best way they can and we’re willing to help out.”
The Mackay Classic Car Club have donated funds to assist in the repair of Dragons Abreast Mackay’s tractor
The generosity of the Mackay community in the leadup to Christmas was commendable. Thousands of hampers, toys and other goodies were donated and distributed to organisations who help those in need, however that need doesn’t diminish along with the Christmas tree for another year.
Mayor Greg Williamson recently presented Lorraine Wirth, Manager of Community Accommodation and Support Agency (CASA) Mackay, a donation of $1200.
This donation was money saved from printing and sending hard copy Christmas cards, as the council opted to send eCards again this year.
It is a good opportunity to remember that organisations such as CASA rely on donations throughout the year, to support those in our community who need food and shelter.
The community is invited to support CASA by sending donations of non-perishable items to their office, or by donating via their website www.casamackay.org.au
Lorraine Wirth, Manager of Community Accommodation and Support Agency (CASA) Mackay and Mayor Greg Williamson
A new, lower cost of PBS medicines came into effect on New Year’s Day, meaning the most patients will pay for a PBS listed medication is $30, down from $42.50.
This follows Parliament passing legislation late last year to lower the maximum co-payment cost of PBS medicines.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s National President, Professor Trent Twomey, says this will be a big help to some 19 million patients, especially those who have been struggling to afford their medicines.
“In 2019-20 we learnt that 900,000 Australian patients did not get a script filled because they could not afford it,” Professor Twomey said.
“As health professionals, this disturbed us immensely and led to our “Affordable Medicines Now” campaign which pressured both parties to commit to lowering the cost of PBS medicines in the lead up to the last election.
“It’s a credit to our politicians that they listened to those concerns and gave a bi-partisan commitment to lower the maximum co-payment for PBS listed medicines after the election.
January 1 marked a significant date as was the first time in the history of the PBS that the general co-payment for medicines has come down and not gone up.
However, Professor Twomey says the campaign to make medicines universally affordable is far from over.
“We are now pushing to lower the maximum co-payment of PBS medicines even further, to $19.
“Reducing the maximum co-payment to $19 will mean an additional 30 per cent of PBS medicines are covered,” Professor Twomey said.
A national survey commissioned by the Pharmacy Guild in 2022 revealed the affordability of healthcare was the biggest hip pocket concern among polled voters.
It’s a shocking statistic that a female giving birth in a Timor-Leste hospital is 14 times more likely to die, or have her baby die, than if she gave birth in Australia.
Timor-Leste has one of the highest rates of maternal mortalities, perinatal (stillbirth and newborn death), and infant mortality rates in the world. As a result of the recent conflict with Indonesia, the older generation of mentors is deceased and there is also a lack of infrastructure and training.
To help combat the sad statistics, the Mackay area Rotary clubs are sponsoring a vocational training team of 14 nurses and midwives from Timor-Leste to train at the Central Queensland University Nursing Campus in Mackay.
District Directory (D9560) Bente McDonald said many clubs in the region have been involved in developing a grant application and assisting with the project.
“We have also developed a strong relationship with our partner Central Queensland University which will deliver the training,” Ms McDonald said.
The vocational training team will attend a five-week course at Central Queensland University in Mackay, from January 7 to February 12, 2023. There will be an induction ceremony on Sunday January 8 at 9:00am, at CQU’s Canefield College, where interested people are welcome to attend.
“The nursing/midwifery training that will be offered in Australia is not available to the vocational training team members in Timor-Leste,” Ms McDonald added.
The area of focus will be maternal and child health. The participants all have nursing degrees and have worked for at least two years as nursing midwives, most much longer.
The group will be accommodated at Mackay Central Queensland University Student Accommodation.
“The Rotary clubs of Mackay Region are managing the program for the nurses,” Ms McDonald said.
“During the visit, they will be acting as tourist guides to the Timor-Leste visitors, escorting them around to explore many of the region’s wonderful attractions.
“On Australia Day our Timor-Leste guests, along with any interested people, will be invited to join our local Mackay clubs’ Australia Day celebrations.
“At the end of the Timor-Leste group’s five-week study visit to Mackay there will be a Rotary Foundation Celebration Dinner at which the vocational training team members will receive course completion certificates from the Dean of Nursing at Central Queensland University.
“This is a Rotary Foundation Project conveying that with good leadership, and determination, we can make a difference and do good in the world!”
Midwives and nurses from Timor-Leste will complete vocational training in Mackay in an effort to reduce maternal mortalities. Photos supplied
Isaac Regional Council had to make thedifficult decision to cancel the 2022 Moranbah Australia Day Triathlon, whichwas postponed in January.
Despite Council’s best efforts to deliver thetriathlon later in 2022, staffing and volunteer shortages have meant Council wasunable to deliver last year’s event, once the swimming season had recommencedfrom September.
The Moranbah Australia Day Triathlon will beback on 26 January 2023 with Council committing to a refreshed event in the newyear.
Individuals and teams who registered for 2022will receive an invitation to register for the 2023 triathlon.
Council would like to thank the community fortheir support and understanding.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteerfor the 2023 event, please call Council’s Community Engagement, Programs andEvents team through our Customer Service Centre on 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227).
Thursday 26 January 2023
6.30am - 8.30am
Greg Cruickshank AquaticCentre
Jump start your health and fitness for2023 by joining us at Moranbah's annual triathlon.
Entry is free, with the first 100 registrationsgetting a free singlet!
There will be a free BBQ Breakfast andPresentation of winners when all competitors finish.
6.00am - Registration opens
6.20am - Race Briefing
6.30am - Adult start
6.45am - Mini kids
· TRIATHLON - 600m Swim | 20km Cycle| 5km Run
· AQUABIKE - 600m Swim | 20km Cycle
· AQUATHON - 600m Swim | 5km Run
· DUATHLON - 2.5km Run | 22km Cycle| 5km Run
· TRIATHLON - 600m Swim | 22km Cycle| 5km Run
ENTICER (ages12+)
· TRIATHLON - 300m Swim | 12km Cycle| 2.5km Run
· TRIATHLON - 50m Swim | 2km Cycle |500m Run
· AQUATHON - 50m Swim | 500m Run
· REGISTRATION
· RACE SINGLET - First 100 Receive aFREE Singlet*
· BBQ Breakfast
National Australia Bank (NAB) closed its Dysart doors last month due to dropping customer numbers.
The bank said more and more customers are choosing to do their banking online, over the phone or by video conference.
Approximately 58% of NAB’s customers in Dysart had only visited the branch once in the last year and more than 74% of customers are also using other locations.
“As (customers) continue to bank differently, it’s important we continue to adapt with them,” read a statement from NAB.
“Closing a branch is always a difficult decision and we understand the change can be a big adjustment for some customers.”
The nearest alternative branch for NAB customers is in Moranbah, while customers are still able to withdraw cash, deposit cash and cheques and check account balances at Dysart Post Office.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry is calling on the NAB to stop closing regional branches.
“The closure of the NAB branch in Dysart is a massive blow to the local community and will have an impact on the local economy, with those local jobs being lost,” Ms Landry said.
“In regional towns such as Dysart, many of the elderly members of the community have only ever had the experience of face-to-face banking with bank staff that they trust and are friendly and familiar to them.
Kerry of IGA Dysart said while the closure won’t affect her business, many locals are disappointed.
“I know there’s a lot of unhappy people,” she said.
“It’s yet another business closing down, another service we’ve lost.
“They had a lot of trouble for the last few years manning the NAB bank.
“I know from running this place, finding people is ridiculous.”
A fellow Dysart resident agreed that while most banking services are offered by the post office, the closure is disappointing.
“There’s only two ATMs in town so it’s hard for people to get cash-out,” they said.
“We can understand, because there’s no staff and it’s hard, too, because it’s a small town.
“It’s still hard for many people because everyone relies on the one bank in town, everyone has a NAB account, so that’s a bit hard.”
Another five towns are set to lose their last bank over the next two weeks with the big four banks giving notice to 35 more regional towns that they will be closing branches in the first half of 2023.
Josh Sondergeld has embraced Moranbah, and word has it that Moranbah has in turn embraced Josh.
The registered nurse arrived in the town he’d never even heard of before, three years ago.
“My partner Ashleigh, who is a teacher, finished uni the same year I did and she got a contract here in Moranbah,” Josh said.
“I had absolutely no idea about Moranbah at all.”
Though Josh has been a carer from a very young age, nursing wasn’t his first career choice.
“I did concerts; sound and lighting, for 15 years,” Josh said.
“My grandmother was a nurse. She passed away, but beforehand I was up at the Wesley hospital spending time with her, and I just thought ‘I’m going to do it (nursing)’.
“I also have an aunt who’s a nurse at Baralaba (in Central Queensland).”
The sad circumstances that led to Josh adopting a carer role from an early age relate to his little sister being involved in a motor vehicle accident when she was just two years old.
“I’ve always had an interest in nursing because my sister was reversed over by a car, which left her with an acquired brain injury," Josh said.
“I’ve helped to look after her pretty much my whole life, along with mum and dad, because I was the eldest in the family.
“I’ve always been around the medical field, and I loved looking after people.”
After finishing a two-week placement in Moranbah Hospital, Josh was given a part-time contract immediately.
Moranbah Hospital Director of Nursing Mel Hornery said they saw potential.
“Josh was mature, and a quick learner,” she said.
Over the past three years, Josh has embraced both the town and the hospital, and thrown himself wholeheartedly into community life.
He took a lead role in preparing for the hospital’s most recent accreditation and has also been promoted into the acting nurse unit manager role.
He is just as active outside of work volunteering in the community, and he was snapped up due to his sound and lighting skills to help with the recent @MoranbahCarolsByCandlelight event.
He also has a passion to see the rural facility through the build of its new hospital.
“I love Moranbah – I like the community, and I’m heavily involved,” Josh said.
“I think that also helps a bit with the job, because you develop a rapport with people.
“A familiar face puts people at ease.
“I have a huge passion to see this hospital through the next stage, to see the new hospital built and operating.”
By Mackay Hospital and Health Service
Josh Sondergeld became a carer from a young age after his younger sister was involved in a motor vehicle accident
The Isaac Resources Excellence Hub has been named a top priority commitment following last month’s coal royalties announcement.
Isaac region, Queensland’s largest mining region, will be sharing in a $120 million investment for critical community infrastructure.
Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick announced funding in December, 2022 with priority commitments to the Isaac Resources Excellence Hub and the upgrade of Phillips Creek Bridge near Dysart.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said the funding is a win for resource regions following years of advocating on behalf of Isaac communities.
“Coal mining is in Isaac’s DNA. This is about ensuring our communities are set up to embrace a future in a changing world,” Mayor Baker said.
“This announcement follows critical new Moranbah Hospital investment to service the Bowen and Galilee basins, the beating heart of Queensland’s resources.
“We are absolutely thrilled to see the return of royalties especially when Isaac coal mines continue to support the growth and prosperity of Queensland and the nation.
“On behalf of the community, we look forward to working in partnership with the Queensland Government to ensure consistent royalties reinvestment.”
Council has advocated for the Phillips Creek Bridge replacement project to both the Queensland and Australian governments for a number of years.
The bridge on Saraji Road is a key link between Dysart and Moranbah that provides access to several coal mines and for community safety.
The Isaac Resources Excellence Hub’s vision is to help unlock innovation and access to technology to support research into mine rehabilitation and decarbonisation while also delivering education and reskilling opportunities at the coalface.
The Queensland Government’s royalties reinvestment announcement follows budget commitments from the Australian Government in October this year.
Isaac mayor Anne Baker (left) said royalties funding of $120 million is a win for investment in critical community infrastructure
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