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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Sometimes we feel our home gets cluttered and needs a refresh, however, the budget doesn’t have wiggle room for a full home-renovation makeover. There are many simple and cost-effective improvements you can do yourself that can make your home feel brand new – which don’t have to cost a fortune. Simple changes like freshening up your home décor, updating tapware or repainting a wall can make all the difference. See some of the smaller items you can do to your home to give it a new and refreshed feeling.
Out with the old and in with the new
If you don’t love it or haven’t used it in the past 12 months, it’s a sign you may be able to let it go. Decluttering can be a good opportunity to sell items you no longer want or need to make money to buy the new piece of furniture or paint that’s on your wish list.
Introduce a new colour palette
Colour affects our emotions and moods so a fresh coat of paint or switching the colours in a room can dramatically make a difference to the way we feel in a space. Even consider painting your trimwork with an updated colour – this defines your home’s features, while creating a high-end look. Freshening up a space with a fresh coat of paint is a cost-effective but impactful change that can make a space feel brand new.
Switch up your tapware
Tapware can play a massive role in the way a bathroom or laundry space can make you feel. Simply switching up your tapware, and adding some cute new storage for supplies can make you feel like you’ve had a complete renovation.
Style your entry
The first impression of the home is the entryway. If your entryway feels like a dumping ground, give it a quick refresh that will make your guests say ‘wow’. Adding a bowl or tray to put smaller items in (like keys) will help to tidy the area and keep those smaller things contained. To make the area feel bigger than it is, without knocking down a wall, add a mirror to one wall.
A home refresh doesn’t need to be a massive overhaul and doesn’t need to break the bank. Visit the helpful staff at Porters Mitre 10 stores for ideas and expert advice on how to refresh your home.
Spending more time at home over the last few years means the search for style inspiration for outdoor living has never been greater. Making spaces work harder for longer seasonal use is the current garden trend.
The garden now needs to be multipurpose, with a space for entertaining and relaxing and it must look good too. In 2023 we will see a surge in less lawns and more actual gardens. It’s all about materials that can be natural, artisan and practical at the same time.
The planting spotlight is on successional designs that provide colour and interest all year round.
Water wise, sustainable plants and landscape materials will be a continuing trend, this can be achieved by using materials like volcanic stone, reclaimed timber or composite timber that require little to no maintenance.
A carefully thought-out irrigation system will ensure you spend more time enjoying the garden, plus it’s peace of mind if you want to go away.
Allocate a sheltered shady spot amongst the garden where you can bring all your indoor plants out, so they get looked after whilst everything else gets watered whilst you're away from home.
Traditionally the swimming pool has always been a focal point surrounded by lots of concrete. We are now moving into creating swimming pools with more narrow coping in cooler touch ceramics, textured travertine and even sunken edging transitioning to smooth rocks and surrounded by lush gardens.
Utilizing multipurpose spaces, we are seeing tiered garden beds with alcoves in the newly revived rustic render effect for intimate seating and dining zones. Purpose built seating, arbours, fire pits and pizza ovens are creating the perfect place to enjoy around the pool area. Top it off with carefully placed lighting throughout the garden and don’t just keep it down at ground level, add strings of festoon lighting up high on walls, fences & trees to create a wonderful ambiance.
At Style Central Home we would be delighted to assist you in creating your very own outdoor sanctuary whether it be big or small. Whatever you are doing over the Christmas break, may you all have a happy, relaxing time with your loved ones and we hope that 2023 is a positive and healthy year ahead.
Mackay Regional Council has a plan to make Mackay cooler, greener and more connected.
It’s all part of council’s new Mackay Urban Greening Strategy, which was adopted at last week’s ordinary council meeting.
Urban greening is the process of strategically identifying ways to protect, plan and plant vegetation across urban areas, including streets, parks, reserves, car parks and waterways.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the strategy would put a plan in place to increase vegetation coverage across the region over the next 20 years.
“Mackay’s urban vegetation cover is relatively low, and it is also declining in some areas,” he said.
“The Mackay Urban Greening Strategy was developed with community input, and it provides a vision, target, and actions to make Mackay cooler, greener and more connected into the future.
“It will include actions, such as more planting projects, tree management, policy reviews and community engagement.
“Urban greening is a priority for us as a council as it not only provides shade from the hot sun, but it also improves air quality, reduces stormwater run-off and contributes to the amenity of Mackay’s urban character and sense of place.”
The Mackay Urban Greening Strategy highlights four key objectives including:
> growing greener and cooler neighbourhoods
> protecting and nurturing our valued green assets
> building community stewardship and partnerships
> adapting and learning.
For more information on the Mackay Urban Greening Strategy visit www.connectingmackay.com.au/urban-greening.
Grant and Nicole Trone and their daughter Xanthe enjoy a walk under the tree canopy at Queens Park
Science and technology education, conservation and sailing skills are among nine community initiatives to be supported under North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation’s (NQBP’s) 2022-23 Community Fund.
The Community Fund recipients will share $60,000 in funding, with each initiative expected to deliver tangible benefits across NQBP’s port communities.
NQBP Acting Chief Executive Officer Belinda Kenny congratulated the Community Fund recipients and said each initiative demonstrated an ability to make a real difference in their respective communities.
“We had a great response to our 2022-23 Community Fund, the inaugural year of the Fund, with 56 applications received,” Ms Kenny said.
“We’re proud to support a broad range of initiatives within each of our port communities via this year’s Community Fund.
“All the initiatives supported have a strong alignment with NQBP’s values of Excellence, Unity, Respect, and Integrity.”
From science kits for Sarina State School, sailing classes for people with disabilities in Mackay, mental health training for Bowen Flexi Care staff and the Bowen community, and Christmas hampers for Weipa foster children and carers, NQBP is playing an active role in the communities in which it operates.
Ms Kenny said the selected initiatives also promote the principles of diversity and inclusion, and recognition of First Nations Peoples.
“I would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this year’s Community Fund and wish those not selected for this year’s Fund the very best with their respective community initiatives,” she said.
“We look forward to working with our 2022-23 Community Fund partners to support their valuable initiatives over the coming year, and fostering stronger community connections.”
Sailability Mackay President, Nanetta McKeiver said the NQBP Community Fund sponsorship will assist the volunteer organisation in bringing joy to people with disability through the experience of sailing.
“We are extremely grateful for the support provided by NQBP,” Mrs McKeiver said.
“Through our sailing experience sessions, we aim to provide people with disability the opportunity to participate in the sport of sailing in a safe and supportive environment and it’s only with the support of organisations like NQBP that we can continue to provide this opportunity to the Mackay community.”
The NQBP Community Fund is an annual sponsorship program open to non-profit groups and organisations, and registered charities.
NQBP is a Queensland Government-owned corporation responsible for the ports of Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point, and Weipa in far north Queensland.
The 2023-24 NQBP Community Fund will be open for applications in April/May 2023. A full list of the 2022-23 Community Fund recipients is below:
Sailability Mackay’s sailing experience sessions for people with disability (pictured) is one of nine community initiatives to be supported under NQBP’s 2022-23 Community Fund
Did you know that in the 2020-2021 financial year, Queensland produced 96 per cent of Australia’s sugarcane?
In a partnership that goes back to the 1900s, the Queensland Government is continuing its support for Queensland’s sugarcane industry with a 5-year $14.25 million funding grant to Sugar Research Australia Limited (SRA) for research, development and extension (RD&E) activities.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the Queensland Government had been working with and supporting this iconic industry for 122 years.
“The Queensland Government has a long-standing history of supporting RD&E activities that improve the prosperity and sustainability of the sugarcane industry,” Mr Furner said.
“This grant will see a further $14.25M committed to strategic RD&E investments that will increase our understanding of industry problems, enable the uptake of advanced technology, and implement innovative management practices to strengthen the industry.
“Our research support for agriculture, together with investment from our research partners, is key to helping farmers to solve production problems so they get on with what they do best, growing the world’s best food and fibre.”
Mr Furner said cane growers could also benefit significantly under the government’s Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
“The plan recognises growers, graziers and bioenergy generators are key partners in our clean energy transition,” he said.
As part of the 2022-23 State Budget, the Palaszczuk Government announced a new Queensland Microgrid Pilot Fund (the fund) which will invest $10 million over two years, to boost the resilience of regional and remote communities.
The Department of Energy and Public Works is currently developing guidelines and eligibility requirements for the fund, with the guidelines expected to be released by the end of 2022. Canegrowers, or sugar mills, are welcome to apply if eligibility requirements are met.
SRA recently completed its new 5-year Strategic Plan, identifying 5 strategic pillars to help grow and shape the prosperity of the Australian sugarcane industry and regional communities.
SRA Chief Executive Officer Roslyn Baker said the funding commitment from the Queensland Government was extremely welcome and would greatly assist the industry to grow and adapt to future challenges.
“Sugarcane is a vital industry to Queensland’s economy and for building regional prosperity,” Ms Baker said.
“SRA is focused on boosting our industry to deliver immediate value through our industry services and also long-term sustainability and growth. Investment in RD&E is critical, and I welcome the Queensland Government’s commitment to sugarcane RD&E through this grant.”
The overall contribution from the sugarcane industry to Queensland’s gross value of production for 2020-2021 is estimated to be $1.15 billion, a 12.7 per cent increase from the previous year, when production was affected by drier seasons.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner
The Allan Cameron Park in Walkerston is now open after recent upgrades.
Allan Cameron Rotary Park was originally a Walkerston Rotary Club project in partnership with Mackay Regional Council - way back in the year 2000.
As the Allan Cameron Rotary Park was established in 2000 and all of the children's playground equipment would need replacing as it was quite old and dilapidated and no longer up to standard requirements - the proposal to upgrade the park to an 'Adult Exercise Playground' came about.
A survey had been conducted with the findings that the park was hardly used, except by students waiting for the school bus which stops there.
The fact that a bigger and better equipped playground had been built in the same area, just down the street on the corner of Stevic Street - and has high visitation numbers, was also taken into account.
The Adult Exercise Playground was suggested as it was noted that many 'walkers' cut through the park on their daily exercise route, therefore the suggestion of exercise equipment.
The Walkerston Rotary Club was consulted and kept informed every step of the upgrade which was greatly appreciated.
Contributed by Bente McDonald, Walkerston Rotary Club.
Allan Cameron Park upgrades are complete. Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council
Allan Cameron Rotary Park at the very beginning - with Mr Cameron at the official opening. Image supplied
Congratulations to St John’s Catholic School’s Harrison Freiberg and Nathan Salter and Walkerston State School’s Sophie Vassallo who were recently presented academic awards by the Walkerston Rotary Club.
At the end of every school year, the Rotary Club of Walkerston has the great pleasure of presenting School Dux Awards at Walkerston’s two local primary schools - Walkerston State School and St John's Catholic School.
The Club Congratulates our three recipients of this award for 2022, and wishes them every success as they continue their education at secondary level.
To Sophie, Nathan and Harrison, our sincere congratulations.
Contributed by Bente McDonald, Walkerston Rotary Club.
Sophie Vassallo with Rotarian Bente McDonald
Harrison Freiberg and Nathan Salter with Rotarian Ray Borg
The image of the man, woman and baby in the darkened stable has had a powerful hold on people’s imaginations over millennia.
What makes it so powerful? Maybe it’s because so many can identify with the man or the woman, huddled in darkness, turned away from the inn, apart from family.
How many people now feel displaced, not ‘at home’ in their surroundings? How many suffer the darkness of loneliness, betrayal and rejection? How many dwell in the shadow of illness and grief?
Mary and Joseph are first time parents- how many live with the anxiety of uncertainty about their actions, about the future for themselves and the family? The material world is not always a hospitable place.
But look closer! There is the baby, a universal symbol of hope and love. But there’s more: a light glowing through, and out from, the baby, and the light casts out the darkness, and the darkness has no power against the light.
The light is the sign of God in a human life, re-creating lives. In a world of uncertainty, the God of creation, life and love is still at work. I have seen many lives transformed by God’s presence.
At Christmas, those who have found the glory of this joy gather to give thanks for, and share, this most wonderful inner peace. Come and join us and, wherever you are, may you know God’s blessings of joy.
Reflection from Ven Dr Rosemary Dunn
Archdeacon of Mackay
Imagine if for minimal or no expense, your business can make changes that will allow you to increase your customer base and your bottom line? Interested…?
When we think of people with a disability, typically a person in a wheelchair comes to mind. However over 90% of disabilities are invisible and more than half of these people are aged over 55. One in six people in our community have sight, hearing, social and mobility barriers that can result in a poor customer service experience – that’s 20% of potential customers your business could be missing out on!
There is a myth that making your business more accessible is costly. One of the simplest solutions is to educate your staff how to communicate well with people experiencing communication barriers which could include cerebral palsy, stroke or come from a non-English speaking background. Good communication equals good customer service.
The Good Access Equals Good Business Guide was created by Mackay Regional Council and the Access and Inclusion Reference Group. It is a brilliant resource for local businesses to identify their accessibility issues with a simple checklist.
Armed with this knowledge, business owners can then use the guide to make small changes that can make a big difference; attracting new customers and repeat business. It can also help businesses meet their legal responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992).
The Queensland Government has declared 2023 is the Year of Accessible Tourism in Queensland. $12 million in funding has been announced to support small and medium businesses to develop or enhance accessibility.
The Mackay region is striving to enhance our reputation as an inclusive and accessible destination; the Seaforth Esplanade and Woodlands Parkland upgrades are a testament to our commitment to create amazing spaces for our whole community and visitors to enjoy.
We can shine as an Accessible Tourism Destination, and it starts with empowering our local businesses by dispelling the myths around access and inclusion and making the small changes that will take their business to the next level.
Everyone in our community deserves to feel welcome, included and experience great customer service wherever they go.
Cr. Michelle Green
Mackay Regional Council
A climbing unit and hammock swing located in Iluka Park playground in East Mackay will be temporarily closed while council waits for replacement equipment to arrive.
Mayor Greg Williamson said vandals had recently targeted the play equipment, which was due for renewal.
“The team had modified the climbing unit to allow it to remain in service until the replacement equipment could be installed, however for reasons that totally baffle us, vandals have attacked the equipment with an angle grinder,” he said.
“Regrettably, crews now have no option but to remove the climbing unit and swing.
“This destructive behaviour is unacceptable, and it means that this play equipment is now out of action for the Christmas school holidays.
“The climbing unit has been cordoned off for public safety and is being removed.
“The good news is that most of the other play equipment in the park was not touched and remains available for use.”
If anyone has any information regarding the vandalism in Iluka Park, or at any of our other parks or playgrounds across the region, please contact council on 1300 MACKAY (622 529).
Make room for Christ and others this Christmas
This Christmas how can you make room in your life for the Christ-child, the Saviour of the world?
Christmas is a time for awe, wonder and response. The angels sing glory to God. The shepherds proclaim the birth of the king of the world. Mary rejoices that God chose her to carry the Saviour. The wise men follow a star, are overwhelmed with joy, and kneel down and worship the babe of Bethlehem.
This Christmas experience anew the awe and wonder of the birth of Christ by finding your local church, attending a Christmas service, and contributing to a Christmas appeal. More than just family, presents and food, Christmas is a time to be confronted by the awe-inspiring reality of the birth of God into the world: Emmanuel, God is with us. The God who became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14) identifies with us in life’s challenges.
This Christmas how can you make room in your life for people seeking accommodation in the Mackay region?
The Roman Emperor called Mary and Joseph to their home town of Bethlehem for registration, but there were so many people present that they could not find a place to stay. ‘And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn’ (Luke 2:7). Mary found room in the animals’ quarters to give birth and to lay the baby Jesus in a manger, a feeding trough. From their treasure chests, the wise men offered lavish gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
This year, people seeking work in the Mackay region are looking for accommodation. Can you spare a room or a granny-flat out the back for people to come to Mackay to work? Can you advertise to take in a boarder? Like the innkeeper and the wise men, let us be adaptable and generous in helping to solve the shortage of housing in Mackay.
REV. DR JULIA PITMAN
ST PAUL’S UNITING CHURCH
And just like that another year draws to a close. As we wrap up 2022, I’ve been very reflective. I don’t know why I do it but every year I look back on what was. It's bittersweet because I must turn another year older, but it feels good to see the back of this one. Finally, we have gotten on top of the COVID pandemic, life is going back to a real normal around the world and I am honestly so excited for 2023.
My pro tip to start the year off in the right way is to not wait until January to start your new year resolutions. I signed back up to the gym a couple of weeks ago, and I’ve been enjoying picking up some weights and feeling good about going into the holiday break as my most healthy and motivated self. That’s my resolution but whatever yours may be, start it sooner rather than later.
They say it only takes on average 66 days to develop a habit, so if you start right now, you’ll be in the swing of things by February and will have set up the new year to be your best yet. As I write this, I know I only have a few more days until I switch off for the year and take some much-needed time to enjoy time with my family and a lot of sleep-ins ahead of taking over the brekkie show with Scotty in the new year.
I hope you can join us for your mornings in 2023, I cannot wait to see what we can do on the show and with you next year.
Merry Christmas and happy new year to everyone in Mackay and the Whitsundays. Stay safe and see you on the flip side!
Kaley
Three-year-old Ron has become the first cat in Mackay to be rehomed by RSPCA Queensland’s Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) rehoming program.
Ron will spend his Christmas in the care of his new loving family after being adopted earlier this week.
When the charming and friendly Domestic Short Hair Mix came into the care of RSPCA Mackay through the Mackay Animal Management Centre, not a lot was known about his life story or his history with FIV.
"A lot of the time, FIV cats are usually tom cats that live outside, but he's obviously been someone's pet at some point because he's so friendly,” said Animal Attendant Nerida Sadler.
FIV is a virus that causes a gradually progressive decline in immune function, estimated to be present in approximately 14-29 per cent of Australia’s cat population.
Symptoms include weight loss, anaemia and dental problems but, despite this, many FIV-positive cats are expected to have a normal life expectancy and similar quality of life to uninfected cats.
"We just realised that there was a need to find these animals homes because there wasn't any reason they couldn't live a normal life," said Ms Sadler.
“(Ron) deserves a chance and that's what this program's been really good for, is giving those cats a chance when, in the past, they might not have been.”
RSPCA Queensland’s FIV rehoming program has been running state-wide for 18 months, with Ron being the most recent of over 30 cats to be rehomed through the program.
Ron was the first cat at the RSPCA Mackay shelter to come through RSPCA Queensland’s FIV rehoming program
Ron was adopted by a local couple earlier this week. Photo supplied
World class musos brought locals together at the Eungella Community Hall over the weekend, as part of the Festival of Small Halls Summer 2022 Tour.
Festival of Small Halls features folk-pop songwriter Sam Buckingham from northern New South Wales and young traditional-folk trio Inn Echo from Canada, while they tour small communities up the east coast of Queensland.
Community Bank Sarina sponsored the tour performance in Eungella with Board Chair Karen May being the emcee for the evening.
“Post-pandemic, we have been focusing on sponsorships for community organisations and groups to hold events and we couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to help bring a large event to our valley community,” said Ms May.
“In the past, we have partnered with the Eungella State School P&C Association who organised and catered the Festival of Small Halls Eungella performance.
“We sponsored the P&C again to assist in the costs associated with organising this year’s event, including covering the booking fees for the venue, so more profits could go back to the students.”
Eungella State School P&C Association member Mandy Tennent is grateful for the sponsorship and “looks forward to continuing and building our relationship with Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank in future years”.
“This sponsorship has helped more profits to go back to our P&C, and therefore flow onto our remote rural students, in support of their education.”
“Bringing world-class musos to our local hall for a night of magic and entertainment in the Valley means our community doesn’t have to travel far to experience something they would in the city.”
Visit the Community Bank Sarina Facebook page to keep up to date with all future sponsorships and events.
Inn Echo Trio from Canada
MC Karen May
A Mackay resident has designed and created a potential alternative to the current Australian flag that she says encompasses all current flags.
Valerie Christiansen says she got her creative genes from her father who designed, planned and built houses.
“He was very good at designing plans, he sat in his office forever designing plans and building houses,” she said.
“I think I got the talent from him to design.”
When the discussion of a new Australian flag was raised, Valerie decided to put her skills to the test.
“I knew I had the talent to do it,” she said.
“To me it’s been like a duty to do it.
“An idea came to my head just to do the horizontal lines and all the colours.”
The flag features the red, black and yellow of the Aboriginal flag, the green, blue and white of the Torres Strait Islander flag, the red, white and blue of the current Australian flag and the iconic Australian green and gold.
The Southern Cross and Commonwealth Star remain in Valerie’s design while the Union Jack has been omitted.
“I feel it’s really good because it encompasses all the colours,” she said.
“I think we’re reaching independence soon … we need a flag that’s uniting all of the flags.
“I knew at the end it was right, you know when something’s right.”
Valerie took advice on the design from her friends, with a friend also assisting with the sewing.
“It was a team effort, the way it’s ended up,” she said.
She said now that she’s happy with the final product, she’s eager to see what the community thinks of her design.
“It’s not an easy thing to do because you’ve got to make something that everybody’s going to like,” she said.
“It’s just a proposed one and if it’s popular it's popular and if it isn’t it isn’t.”
Valerie Christiansen has designed a potential alternative to the Australian flag
Valerie’s flag
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