Feel like a lack of funds is holding you back from achieving your dreams?

Whether you are dreaming of purchasing a car or a house – here are our top five steps to make those dreams a reality.

1.Get clear on your cash

Start with a budget. We don’t need to cut expenses straight up – but it’s good to understand where your hard-earned money is going. By looking at your cost of living, you can see what’s a priority, but also what’s a waste. It will help allocate funds to your financial goals.

2.Set goals that have meaning for you

Define the financial goals you wish to achieve in the next few years. What are the big-ticket items or experiences you are wanting to spend your cash on? Maybe it’s your first home or a family holiday. Whatever it may be, write it down and put a dollar value next to it.

3.Create your own cash stash

Having a separate account for your ‘emergency’ money is a useful tool that can help you reach your financial goals. This account is for those times when an unexpected bill arrives, or your washing machine dies – it’s a stash of cash you dip into for emergencies, instead of dipping into your savings.

4.Save save save

Now that you have your financial goals in place and you understand your cashflow, you can put money aside to reach those goals. To help, set up different savings accounts for each goal and name that account after that specific goal. This will help you to see how close you are to reaching that goal.

5.Schedule an annual review

It’s always a good idea to schedule an annual budget review with yourself and your personal banker. Check-in how your savings are travelling, tick off goals you’ve reached and write down your new goals.

To help you get started in reaching those financial goals, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank is here to help! As a bonus – when you bank with us, you’re also helping to help others as our profits go back into the community. Since 2005, we have invested $2.7million through a wide range of sponsorships, community grants, scholarships and donations in our greater Mackay community. A bank giving back sounds unusual but for us, it's business as usual.

Call Charmaine and the team at Community Bank Sarina 07 49432624

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When storm season hits and power from the grid fluctuates, the last thing you need is damage to your home and property infrastructure, resulting in the need for electricians, insurance claims and new equipment.

All these measures take time and money which are liberties you may not have when your fridges, freezers, bore pumps, cold room motors and other critical property infrastructure are out of action.

Electrical technician and Queensland Country Electrical director/owner Gavin Elliott knows this issue all too well and took matters into his own hands, developing MACS Monitoring, a voltage monitoring system that has already saved farmers and homeowners thousands.

“When you’ve got storm season and the power fluctuates on the grid, this prevents when that fluctuation happens, cuts the power, makes sure it’s stable and brings the power back on again,” said Gavin.

“Also, when it’s not storm season and the power fluctuates and drops down to what you call a brown out, that’s what burns out all your fridges, cold rooms, pumps and motors.

“That’s where it really saves people in that regard.

“And when the power’s too high, that’s when it burns out your electronic stuff, especially security systems.”

With a background in sheep, cattle and lucerne farming, Gavin completed an electrical trade in Townsville, working on switchboards in mining, heavy industry and rural.

“You start seeing more and more of the electrical problems in the rural, regional and remote areas,” he said.

In 2010 he started as an electrical contractor and over four and a half years, he developed the MACS Monitoring system.

“That’s where I came up with this product because there was nothing in the country that suited our Australian conditions and our climate.”

“We’ve saved some of our customers 40 to 60 thousand dollars over the last five years.”

The Queensland-owned, developed and patented product is simple enough for any electrician to install.

“We’ve provided a product where everyone’s happy, no one’s losing anything and we’re saving people money every year; happy days,” Gavin said.

MACS Monitoring will be at the Mackay Ag Trade Expo next month to answer all of your electrical questions and discounts are available for enquiries made at the expo.

For more information about the MACS Monitoring system contact 0400 867 800 or visit macsmonitoring.com.au.

Gavin Elliot has developed the MACS Monitoring system after seeing first-hand the issues fluctuating power can cause to properties and equipment

MACS Monitoring is a simple system intended for any electrician to be able to install, saving customers thousands. Photos supplied: Gavin Elliot

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With the promise of a laidback lifestyle, quality tropical pastures and regular rain, it’s no surprise demand for rural residential properties has skyrocketed in the region over the past two years.

Partner in Charge of the Blacks Real Estate Rural Department Royce Dunn says the trend in demand and, subsequently, the price has been rising since mid-2019, with some property prices leaping 20-25%.

“There’s been a substantial increase in values across the rural types of real estate in that time, from small rural residential properties and vacant rural residential land through to rural lifestyle properties and hobby farms and, indeed, right through to cane farms and cattle stations,” said Royce.

The pandemic saw multitudes of people relocating out of urban environments and, along with the desire for self-sufficiency, this has seen a spike in rural residential, rural lifestyle and hobby farm sales.

“If you extend that to the cattle properties and cane farms, both of those industries are in a real purple patch at the present time in terms of the commodity price,” said Royce.

Properties in the Mackay region offer prime agricultural land and the prospect of more regular rain, and people are seeing the potential in the lifestyle the region offers.

“There are more people now looking to get into cattle grazing, even if it’s in a small way,” said Royce.

“It’s hard to get into it in a small way out west because everything’s cut up for fair-sized cattle stations whereas down here on the coast, it’s easier to buy a cane farm or a bit of country with established good quality tropical pastures.”

Blacks Real Estate has an intimate knowledge of rural real estate in the area, developing a very strong and loyal client base through over 140 years of history in the Mackay rural scene.

Whether you’re looking to make the move to a more spacious and relaxed lifestyle or you’re looking to sell or downsize, Blacks Real Estate has the experience in the sugar, grazing and rural industries to get you the desired outcome.

Blacks Real Estate will be at the Mackay Ag Expo to answer all your property questions or you can contact them on 07 4963 2500.

Royce Dunn of Blacks Real Estate says there is a current spike in rural property sales in the Mackay region. Photos supplied: Blacks Real Estate

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Did you know that 95% of all life on earth resides in the soil?

Most of the energy required in the world is derived from plant carbon.

In the last century, the world’s agricultural soils have lost 30-75% of their carbon (fertility), reducing production and vastly increasing farming costs.  

Even worse, many essential minerals and trace elements contained in your soil naturally are not reaching the plant.

Plants convert simple sugars into carbon compounds through the miracle of photosynthesis.

This is critical to healthy soil structure.

None of this can happen without soil microbes - soil without microbes is just dirt.

Factors such as chemicals, inorganic fertilisers, exposure of bare soil to sunlight, compaction and lack of inorganic carbon can all seriously reduce essential soil microbes and beneficial fungi.

Adding inorganic fertiliser to soil to make up for mineral and carbon depletion is an expensive and often inefficient practice.  

Your soil probably contains many of the minerals and trace elements required – they are simply not plant available.

Lime is a relatively inexpensive way to make minerals and trace elements plant available.

Kennedy Creek Lime (KCL) provides lime that contains around 5-6% magnesium carbonate – good for raising the PH of soil and also enhancing plant development (note: the magnesium already in your soil may not necessarily be plant available).

High grade gypsum is available for acid sulphate soils.

Low PH soil is a slippery slope.

The lower your PH gets, the harder it is to recover and the less minerals and trace elements are available to your plants.

KCL operates a strict Quality Assurance program that ensures all products meet expectations.

They consult with professional and private groups to ensure their products continue to deliver desired results.

Kennedy Creek Lime is located between Rockhampton and Mackay in Central Queensland and will be at the Mackay Ag Trade Expo to answer all your soil and fertiliser questions.  

A 6 tonne Marshall spreader is provided with all purchases and as of 2022 there is no delivery cost.

(Acknowledgments Dr. Christine Jones PhD, Founder, Amazing Carbon)

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We all love a good boogie on the dance floor, but did you know dancing and movement are known to have a broad range of benefits including improving body image, self-esteem, focus, and communication?

Lauren Heitman knows these benefits well and is assisting young people through her all-abilities dance classes Groove Movers.

Groove Movers started as a disability dance group with the simple aim of having fun.

Since Lauren took over a few years ago, the classes have developed rapidly but the aim has stayed the same.

Lauren holds a variety of classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with Wednesday’s classes focusing on working together to build skills that can be transferred into the outer community.

“We started with a couple of younger students who came into the group to start with, and they wouldn’t go near it, they’d just sit and watch, and now they actually get up and participate,” Lauren said.

“It’s quite a beautiful thing to watch them evolve from not wanting to be a part of the group … to actually watch them have that confidence and trust and to join in groups and benefit from being around others through music, movement and dance.”

Thursdays is a therapeutic music group known as Soul Singers where students socialise, listen to their favourite songs, dance, sing and jam on instruments.

Lauren also hopes to expand into movement therapy classes and classes for older students to help improve dementia and falls prevention and is studying music therapy to further her skills in helping people.

Groove Movers perform regularly, often joining forces with Crossroad Arts, and are currently practising for the upcoming Mackay Eisteddfod.

“Just to get them out so that they can experience new things and also to educate the general public, just because we have a disability, doesn’t mean we can’t do mainstream things, so to speak,” said Lauren.

“A lot of people don’t realise that they can actually achieve what they do.”

Groove Movers will be showing off their moves with the use of scarves and different movement techniques at the Mackay Disability Expo on August 12.

“If we’ve got any opportunities to perform, they want to perform; they love performing.”

SEE GROOVE MOVERS AT THE MACKAY DISABILITY EXPO!

The Mackay Disability Expo is back, bigger than last year and in a larger venue on Friday, August 12, from 9am to noon.

The expo will offer a crucial opportunity for people with a disability to find out about the latest products, services, aids and equipment.

It is an ideal platform for product and service providers to connect with people with disability, their families and carers.

The opportunity is also there for service providers to build networks with other providers, organisation and agencies in the region, to bring together everyone in the Mackay disability sector. All with the aim of enhancing the lives of people with disability.

This year the event has moved to a more spacious locality, the Big Shed at the Mackay Showgrounds.

Groove Movers frequently collaborate with Crossroad Arts for performances and fundraisers. Photo supplied: Lauren Heitman

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A Walkerston woman has shared she was too shocked to speak as she watched her special numbers appear in front of her eyes, bagging her an amazing $82,000 in a recent Keno draw.

The Mackay winner held a Keno Classic 7 Spot winning entry with a multiplying boost in draw 595, drawn Saturday 23 July 2022. Her total prize was $82,098.70.

Confirming her win with an official from Keno, the winning woman said the win may not have happened if not for the fact she couldn’t remember one of her favourite numbers.

“This is a dream come true,” she yelled.

“The entry was full of birthdays and special dates, but I couldn’t remember one of them and ended up putting a different number in.

“I’m glad I did now!

“I can’t wait to pay off my mum’s car. It’s been a tough few years so this is really going to help.

“It’s going to provide us with some much-needed stability moving forward.

“I can’t believe it happened to me!”

Her winning entry was purchased at Pacific Hotel, 68 James Street, Yeppoon.

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Have you dreamed of traversing some of the most spectacular scenery in Tasmania while on an intimate guided tour?

What about if we said you would also be supporting a local organisation to fund hospital projects and medical equipment?

Mackay Hospital Foundation in conjunction with Inspired Adventures is seeking adventurous, health-conscious people to take part in a Hike for Healthier Futures.

The scenic 5-day trek through the Bay of Fires in Tasmania, from 27 - 31 October, will take participants on an incredible journey through some of the most magnificent scenery this country has to offer.

The adventure sets off from Launceston to Bridport for the Wildflower Walk to Granite Point and continues on to include Cobler Rocks Circuit, Mount William, Picnic Rocks, Eddystone Point, Ansons Bay, Policemans Point and The Gardens, returning to Launceston on day five.

From the pristine coastline with views of the crystal-clear ocean to remote, untouched sections of the region, this trek is a bucket-list adventure for those who appreciate nature and the amazing eco-system in this natural wilderness.

The Bay of Fires package includes four nights twin-share lodge-style accommodation, local trekking guides, meals and snacks. What isn’t included is domestic flights to Launceston, airport transfers, personal expenses such as laundry and alcoholic drinks, travel insurance, tips and gratuities.

How does this benefit Mackay Hospital Foundation? Each participant is required to fundraise a minimum of $3,000 but you don’t have to fundraise alone. The team at Inspired Adventures is happy to help with tips and ideas to help you reach your fundraising goal.

The group will consist of a maximum of 25 people. It’s a low-impact way to explore this rugged beautiful region of Tasmania’s north-east coast and $10 from every registration will support carbon credit programs.

All funds raised in support of Mackay Hospital Foundation will be utilised to purchase medical equipment and projects in public hospitals throughout the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions.

For more information about the walk, go to www.events.inspiredadventures.com.au/events/mackay-bayoffires-2022 or contact Brittney Phelan at Mackay Hospital Foundation - Brittney.Phelan@health.qld.gov.au, or by phone 07 4885 5915.

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A kitten has taken an abandoned puppy under his paw, giving her warmth, comfort and a reason to live.

Bull Arab puppy Mercy was rescued by Bull Arab Rescue along with her mother and six siblings.

The canine clan was taken to the vet where they tested positive for parvo and received treatment.

Within five days Mercy’s mother and siblings, unfortunately, succumbed to the virus.

Mercy showed her fighting spirit, surviving to be taken into the care of foster carer Tamara Holmes.

“I don’t know how she did it, she’s a miracle, because she was the only one who survived,” Tamara said.

Tamara, who fosters through both Bull Arab Rescue and Mackay Pet Rescue, was already caring for tabby kitten Sinclair.

Upon meeting, Sinclair and Mercy became unlikely best friends.

“I think it was loneliness that brought them together,” said Tamara,

“In the beginning, Mercy was very quiet… Sinclair started eating with her and they sort of became best buddies and hang out together.”

Tamara says the pair behave like typical siblings.

“They love each other but they get rough with each other sometimes,” she laughed.

“They seem to just get each other and love to just sit with each other.”

Tamara and her family began fostering about four years ago after losing their own pet.

They have since fostered over 62 Bull Arabs through Bull Arab rescue and even more through Mackay Pet Rescue.

Tamara says she loves Bull Arabs, but they are often misrepresented as solely hunting and pigging dogs.

“I did not know that they were such lounge lizards and such great family dogs,” she laughed.

“Bull Arabs make great family pets but it’s about trying to educate people that you need to be sensible with your choices as well.”

With rescue facilities providing foster packs and money for food, Tamara says fostering is a great option for people who are worried about the expense or the commitment of caring for a pet.

“It’s great for people who want to have pets who can’t commit to lifelong commitment,” she said.

At the time of writing, Mercy and Sinclair are both available for adoption together or separately.

For more information on Mercy and Sinclair or on becoming a foster carer yourself, contact Tamara on 0417 788 187.

Mercy and Sinclair have become best buddies while in foster care and are up for adoption. Photos supplied: Mackay Pet Rescue

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By day, Shoal Point Waters is home to hundreds of residents who love the nearby beaches.

By night, the sky illuminates with colours usually reserved by artists for a canvas.

You’d be forgiven for thinking Saturday’s splendid sunset was the headline act, but approximately 300 residents stuck around to enjoy a viewing of ‘Encanto’ under the stars.

Pointglen Developments transformed the parklands around the lake at Shoal Point Waters into an open-air cinema.

As the sun dipped in the western sky, residents laid their rugs on the grass, enjoyed delicious delicacies from onsite food trucks and cuddled up to watch Disney’s 2021 musical comedy.

Pointglen Developments enjoy bringing the community together, says Managing Director Vic Vassallo.

“At Pointglen, we live by our motto, Inspired Placemaking,” Mr Vassallo said.

“Our vision for our estates has always been around the sense of community.

“It’s what drives us everyday!”

Approximately 300 residents enjoyed a viewing of ‘Encanto’ under the stars on Saturday. Photo supplied: Pointglen Developments

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Dr William Bay brought his State Undemocracy Tour to Mackay last week calling for a “return to democracy and medical freedom”.

Dr Bay is a registered GP practicing in Brisbane and recently founded the Queensland People’s Protest, a Christianity-led organisation aiming to end the Queensland State of Emergency and related vaccine mandates.

“We’re here to stand for freedom, we’re here to stand for truth, we’re here to stand for justice,” Dr Bay said addressing a small group of supporters at the Mackay Council Chambers on Wednesday morning.

Dr Bay requested to speak to Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson and was told by a staff member that the mayor was unavailable.

The group then congregated at Bluewater Quay where they were joined by state member for Mirani Stephen Andrews.

“We need to have freedom of choice, we need to be able to understand what the situation is, of what we’re actually doing and what the government’s proposing,” Mr Andrews said.

“Everyone needs to understand what’s going on, we should’ve looked into this a little bit deeper.”

“The only mandate we need in this state and our country is freedom.”

“As a doctor, I was committed, and still am, to allowing my patients freedom of choice for any therapeutic or vaccine or anything they wanted to put in their own body,” added Dr Bay.

“It is your body, it is your choice, it is your right.”

The group took particular opposition to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022.

The bill, which was introduced on May 11, 2022 by Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath, implements a range of reforms that aim to update and improve the regulation of Australia’s health professions.

The Bill’s main objectives are to strengthen public safety and confidence in the provision of health services, improve the governance of the National Scheme, and enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the scheme.

“It’s a very confronting bill to think they may gag health practitioners going forward,” said Mr Andrews.

“Everyone should have the right to say whatever, doctors as with scientists.

“Humanity changes, diseases change, and doctors should be allowed to talk about this to get it out into the broader community to ensure that people can react quickly and safely to help their families, help their loved ones, help their friends.”

Dr William Bay led protests throughout the streets of Mackay last week

Protests took place outside the council chambers and the office of state member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert

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Our coastline communities need to be protected, so they can be enjoyed into the future.

Mackay Regional Council is seeking feedback on the draft Local Coastal Plan (LCP) for Sarina Beach, which has been developed in partnership with Reef Catchments.

This plan builds on the priorities and actions identified in the Sarina Beach Management Guidelines for Coastal Zones developed by Sarina Shire Council in 2006.

The revised LCP describes the environmental and social values of the Sarina Beach coastal unit. It recognises potential threats, management issues and opportunities that will support better recreational use of the beachfront.

The LCP contains recommended actions aimed at protecting the coastline so its significance and beauty can continue to be enjoyed into the future.

Residents are encouraged to learn more about the plan and provide their feedback at a community drop-in session. Two have already been held this week with the final opportunities this weekend at the Sarina Show.

> Session 3: Saturday and Sunday, July 30 to 31, at Sarina Show, Sarina.

Alternatively, you can view the LCP and have your say online by visiting connectingmackay.com.au/sarina-beach-draft-local-coastal-plan.

Consultation closes on Sunday, August 7, at 11.59pm.

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Vandals have damaged more than 500 metres of fencing along the East Point access detour forcing council to close the track until further notice.

Council voted on July 13 to maintain vehicle access to East Point via a track off Dunes Boulevard, past the first stage of The Dunes development, which would link up with the existing track to East Point.

The detour was established after an area immediately adjacent to the first stage of the development was closed to vehicular traffic to allow the developer to revegetate the foreshore reserve – a State Government condition.

The fencing has been needlessly pulled down onto the track and then driven over causing significant damage to the contractor’s property.

The closure, at the end of the constructed section of Dunes Boulevard, will be implemented immediately so the damaged fencing can be retrieved.

About 300 metres of fencing was damaged on the beach side of the track at the start of the road, and a further 200 metres was pushed over on the private land side at the end of the road.

In addition, there were two to three access points created by the vandals on each side of the road along the fence line.

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It’s the popular two-day celebration and showcase of all things agriculture across the regions of Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday.

In its fourth year, the Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo was unfortunately postponed due to heavy rain earlier this year, but organisers are optimistic that the rescheduled August date will plough ahead.

Not only will the show shine alongside what is hoped will be great weather, but organisers are saying it’s bigger and better than ever, with even more exhibitors coming onboard for the rescheduled event.

The family friendly event will include live music by singing sister duo “Gottani Sisters”, cooking demonstrations and exhibitor demonstrations on both days and a kidszone on the Saturday with amusement rides including a jumbo slide and jumping castle. There will be a gate prize and a raffle.

Entry is only $5 for adults and children under 16 are free.

Head along to Wests Leagues Club in Walkerston on Friday 12th August, 8:30am - 5pm and again on Saturday the 13th of August between 8:30am and 3pm, for days of family fun.

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Fourteen drivers were caught by police for drug driving across the Mackay police district on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 July, with police warning that drivers impeded by drugs are a risk to the community.

Police are reminding all motorists that you could be tested for illegal drugs on the roadside at any time of the day, any day of the week, anywhere.

The drug drivers were caught in Andergrove, Cremorne, South Mackay, Mackay city, Proserpine, Kuttabul and Bowen.

"Police are not planning to change our drug driving enforcement activities in any way," Sergeant Nigel Dalton from the Crime Prevention Unit said.

"Any driver who is impeded by illegal drugs creates a risk for the community" Sergeant Dalton added.

HIGH SPEED INCIDENT, OORALEA

Police from Mackay's Highway Patrol Group were performing static speed enforcement on Broadsound Road in Ooralea on 21 July.

It's alleged that officers have stopped a Ktm 500 Exc motorcycle rider for travelling at 126 kilometres an hour in an 80 kilometre an hour speed zone.

The rider at the time was a 26-year-old man from North Mackay.

After being spoken to by police he was issued with an on the spot fine of $1653, which results in the loss of 8 demerit points and a 6-month licence suspension period.

Senior Constable Steve Smith from the Mackay crime prevention unit said, "Being stopped by police, being fined, losing your drivers licence - these are not pleasant experiences.

“But, when you are speeding, far worse and totally different outcomes are also possible.

“Drive with common sense - obey the speed limits" Senior Constable Smith added.

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A clash of forces will occur this weekend when five Units of the Australian Defence Force Cadets come together on Sunday for the Mackay Region’s annual Tri Service Challenge.

With last year’s event being such a success, the Navy, Army and Air Force Cadets are going all out to win the Champion’s Trophy for their Unit in 2022.

Competitions include Drill routines, First Aid Skills, Relays and Tug-of-War which will all be hotly contested.

Co-ordinating Officer for this year’s event, Major AAC John Zimmermann OAM, says the Cadets enjoy the opportunity to come together to contest in events to continue the friendly rivalry between each of the Units.

“The Jubilee Year Games continues the spirit of teamwork from formal events such as ANZAC Day to enable the Cadets to compete together in rivalry while participating in a variety of fun activities,” he said.

Mayor of Mackay Region, Councillor Greg Williamson will visit the Cadets during the day together with the Brigade Commander and Regimental Sergeant Major of the North Queensland Australian Army Cadet Brigade.

The Challenge will take place at Queens Park on Sunday where families and Support Groups will cheer on their Teams.

The Australian Defence Force Cadets is comprised of the Australian Navy Cadets, Australian Army Cadets and Australian Air Force Cadets for teenagers aged 13 to 18 years.

WHAT: Australian Defence Force Cadets Mackay Region Tri Service Challenge

WHEN: Saturday, July 24 from 9:00am to 4:00pm

WHERE: Queens Park

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Image 1: Cadets from 5 Navy Army & Air Force Units

Image 2: The Mackay Army Cadets contest the Tug of War. Photos supplied: John Zimmermann

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