Hey there, cu-tea.

Have you done something today for you?

Hopefully you’re taking five to catch your breath amid a hectic schedule. Self-care is one of the most important parts of your day.

When you discover something that nourishes your soul, do it as often as possible.

Unfortunately, sometimes we view self-care as a luxury, rather than a necessity. Consequently, we can be left feeling overwhelmed, tired, and irritable.

You can start to look after yourself by creating a routine of regular activities that foster and support your well-being and personal growth. Something as simple as tea can be used as an antidote to many of life’s stressors and promote wellness from within.

1. Take some time for tea

Different varieties of teas may boost your immune system, fight off inflammation, and even ward off cancer and heart disease. While some brews provide more health advantages than others, there's plenty of evidence that regularly drinking tea can have a lasting impact on your health and happiness.

2. Deep breath and relax

In Mackay and the Whitsundays, we are blessed with a plethora of outlets designed for relaxation. Yoga, meditation, floating, hypnosis and reiki… the list is extensive. Start by taking at least 10 minutes each day, in a quiet space, to close your eyes and focus on breathing. It’s incredible how this calms your inner space.

3. More movement

Regular exercise can transform your life. As Richard Branson says, one hour of exercise equals four extra hours of productivity. It can be as simple as going for a short walk around your neighbourhood, a sunset stroll on the beach or even squats in your living room during ad breaks.

4. Wine with friends

Wine-not? Our soul is nurtured by physically spending time with those we adore. Take time to catch up with your friends and make an occasion out of it. Use the fancy glasses, you only live once. Of course, it doesn’t have to be wine. Sparkling apple juice or a fruit smoothie would be a delicious alternative for those saying no to alcohol.

Self-care is about nourishing five aspects of our well-being: physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual. Pay these aspects of your life attention every week, and soon you’ll be brimming with love and care you can afford to pass on to others.

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It’s well known that exercise and movement are beneficial for the body and mind but completing these exercises in nature increases the mental benefits tenfold.

Whether it be better concentration, more rapid recovery from illness or reduced feelings of anxiety and depression, taking time out in nature is proving time and again to be the ultimate tonic for today’s technology-dependant society.

Make sure to get outside this weekend and explore our region’s excellent walks.

Bluewater Trail

The Bluewater Circuit is a scenic bike and pedestrian-friendly link of trails that ring around Mackay's city centre, making it the perfect start to exploring the city’s most picturesque spots. Along the walk, you will find popular sites to stop and explore including the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, Bluewater Lagoon, Bluewater Quay, Sandfly Creek Environmental Walk and the Iluka Park All Abilities Playground. The route is also very popular among ‘twitchers’, so bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for the birdlife. The route can be started from a variety of locations and incorporates the Bluewater Trail, Lagoons Bikeway, Catherine Freeman Walkway, Pioneer Environmental Walk, Pioneer Promenade and Sandfly Creek Environmental Walkway.

Slade Point Reserve

At the south end of Lamberts Beach is Slade Point Reserve where you will find a network of sandy tracks among the dunes waiting to be discovered. The tracks weave through untouched beach, bushland and paperbark wetlands. There are access points onto the beach along the tracks, providing the perfect opportunity to explore the best of Slade Point’s underrated nature.

Kommo Toera Trail

This short walk near Slade Point explores a unique ecosystem and wetlands area, following underneath the shade of large Melaleuca trees. It is also popular for birding, with bird observation structures throughout the track. A perfect spot to explore after work.

Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, one stop on the Bluewater Trail

Slade Point Reserve

Kommo Toera Trail

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Last Friday, numerous members of the public were left with lighter wallets after Highway Patrol Officers clocked drivers at dangerous speeds.

In the 100km/hr zone on the Peak Downs Highway, at least two drivers had recorded speeds in excess of 135km/hr.

Frustrated law enforcement officers say more policing will occur on the section where these offences were detected, between Eton and the Eton Range.

To add to insult, it was raining heavily when these incidents occurred.

The Peak Downs Highway is notorious for drivers travelling at high speed and unfortunately many deaths and injuries have resulted from poor driving habits.

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Two popular swimming facilities are re-opening to the public, with the Bluewater Lagoon set to re-open on Saturday, September 17. The Memorial Pool opened earlier this week on Monday, September 5.

Due to staff shortages, the Memorial Pool will temporarily operate with reduced hours until more staff can be recruited and trained.

This means the facility will be open from 5.30am to 12.30pm on weekdays, and 8am to 12.30pm on weekends.

Meanwhile, Lifeguarding Services Australia Pty Ltd has been announced as the successful applicant of the tender to operate and manage the Bluewater Lagoon over the next two years.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council was pleased to secure a new operator in time for the September school holidays.

“Council is facing the same challenges as the rest of the country when it comes to staffing and resources,” Mayor Williamson said.

“As a result, the process of awarding the contract has taken longer than expected, and we are unable to reopen the facility on September 1 as initially planned,” he said.

“The Bluewater Lagoon is an important community asset and we need to ensure that it is run professionally, and that the successful applicant can provide the highest standard of safety to the public.

“Lifeguarding Services Australia Pty Ltd has plenty of experience when it comes to ensuring the safety of swimmers, and we are confident they will do a great job managing this facility.”

Winter maintenance work was completed during the annual shutdown to ensure the facility is in good working order for residents visiting the lagoon over the summer period.

The Bluewater Lagoon’s operating hours will be 9am to 5.45pm daily when it reopens on September 17.

Residents are advised that all of council’s aquatic facilities are currently experiencing staffing shortages.

Council is encouraging residents who are interested in a new, exciting and rewarding career to consider completing a lifeguard course.

Reef Training will be running lifeguard courses at the Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex on September 24-25 and October 15-16 from 9am to 4pm each day.

To register your interest, contact Reef Training on 0403 956 753 or email

reef-training@outlook.com.

Bluewater Lagoon will reopen to the public on September 17

Memorial Swim Centre

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Pam Armstrong says volunteering for Meals on Wheels is an extremely gratifying experience.

“Everybody should go and do deliveries one day in their life,” she said.

“There are some wonderful people out there, some of them in different conditions, and they’re always happy to have a chat and say hello.

Meals on Wheels have received Volunteer Grants from the Australian Government for the last three years, with the grants going towards the cost of fuel.

“(The grants) provide us probably with about a quarter of what the costs are of reimbursing our volunteer delivery drivers every day, so we would really struggle at times without it,” said Pam.

“It is a way of keeping our volunteers and giving something back to them for all the work they’re doing for us.”

Expressions of interest (EOIs) are now open for the Government’s 2022-23 Volunteers Grant and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is urging organisations to apply.

“Please help us help the volunteers,” Mr Willcox said.

“The volunteers are so important, all community-based organisations, and these grants can be used for everything from buying a laptop or a tent.”

Grants from $1000 to $5000 are available with applications closing on Friday, September 23.

Interested parties are asked to contact Andrew Willcox’s office at the corner of Victoria and Brisbane Streets or call 4944 0662 for an application form.

“Volunteers, not just in Mackay but the whole electorate of Dawson, the volunteers keep us moving,” said Mr Willcox.

“The message is, allow us to help you.

“Please contact my office, fill out these forms and keep volunteering.”

There are over 80 people currently volunteering with Meals on Wheels, helping them make and deliver over 70,000 meals in the last financial year, but that number has dropped from over 200 volunteers before the pandemic.

Pam says they are always looking for extra hands to deliver meals and say hello to clients.

“There are some people out there who we are the only people they see each day so it’s very rewarding,” said Pam.

“We would love to see them; we’re always looking for drivers.”

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Meals On Wheels Volunteer Pam Armstrong. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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A body was found under the Fursden Creek bridge, between Foulden and Glenella, on Tuesday, September 6.

Police were made aware after a cyclist saw the body at about 12:30pm Tuesday.

Police recovered the body soon after, reportedly belonging to a man aged in his 30s to 40s.

There was a red sedan located at the creek which police believed to be linked to the man.

A Queensland Police Service spokesperson has confirmed police are treating the death as non-suspicious.

“Police are treating this as a non-suspicious death, a report will be prepared for the coroner,” the statement read.

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Are you passionate about the region's heritage, culturally significant places and buildings?

Did you know that council has a Heritage Reference Group (HRG)?

The group is comprised of volunteer community members with demonstrated experience in local heritage matters, as well as council staff who lead and advise council on local historic and cultural heritage matters within the Mackay region.

They are now calling for new members. The membership is for two years, until 2024.

To nominate, visit www.mackay.qld.gov.au/heritagecommittee

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A cool $2 million win has made a Mackay man in his 20s the region’s newest multi-millionaire after the weekend’s Saturday Gold Lotto draw.

The man held one of the 10 division one winning entries nationally in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4291 on Saturday 3 September, each division one winning entry scoring $2 million.

Speaking to an official from The Lott, the winner recounted how his weekend was rocked by the win.

“I was just poking along on Sunday when I thought I’d have a look at my ticket on the app,” he said.

“At first, I just thought, ‘nah, it isn’t real’.

“Things like this just don’t happen to me.

“As soon as I saw it was $2 million, I just started shaking.

“I even tried to have a drink of water but just couldn’t stop shaking.

“It’s just bloody unreal. Holy s***!

The man says he’s been playing Gold Lotto for a few years now and usually picks his own special numbers but opted for a QuickPick on this occasion.

“I don’t know what made me decide to change, but I’m glad I did now!

“This has just come at the best time. I want to set up my young family and also do some renovations around the home.

“I’ll still be turning up to work this week too!”

Across Australia, there were 10 division one winning entries in Saturday Gold Lotto draw 4291 – five from Queensland, three from Victoria and one each from Tasmania and Western Australia.

So far this year, six division one wins have landed in the Mackay region worth more than $14.3 million.

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The Port of Mackay now boasts a new multi-million dollar purpose-built tug berth facility, with Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey saying the $8.5 million investment shows how well positioned Mackay is for imports and exports.

“The Port of Mackay has smashed out a record year of trade, proving just how strong Queensland’s export market is,” Mr Bailey said.

“Having the new tug berth facilities on site will position the Port to be able to take advantage of the new and diversified trade opportunities in the region, including rail and renewables.

“Construction also utilised local and regional contractors to ensure the economic dividends of this multi-million-dollar project are returned to regional communities.”

North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Fertin said North Queensland-based Pacific Marine Group Pty Ltd (PMG) had recently completed the new facility, supporting local jobs along the way.

“The use of regional and local contractors throughout the construction of the new facility was a focus,” Mr Fertin said.

“In total, around 60 regional jobs were supported during the project, almost triple the amount originally estimated,” he said.

The dedicated tug berth facility is located inside the secure port area and will cater for the existing tug fleet and provides flexibility for future growth. The facility includes a floating pontoon and gangway which can berth up to two tugs. The berths can also accommodate bigger and more powerful tugs. Two pilot boat berths have also been included.

It is the largest in a series of recent, significant investments totalling $17 million aimed at boosting the port for current and future trade.

PMG Operations Manager Christo Wessels said the team was proud of the successful delivery of the project.

“Our team did a brilliant job considering there were a number of challenges along the way including a period of COVID shutdowns which placed a strain on material supply chains and availability of qualified tradespeople,” Mr Wessels said.

Works also continue to progress on the Port’s $4 million Wharf 5 upgrades.

Queensland-based contractor V2R Projects are replacing the western access deck after 35 years of service.

Tug berth facility facts

• $8.5 million investment

•  60 regional jobs

• 35 metre floating pontoon

• Pile length 38 metres

• 42 metre gangway

• 260 tonnes steel used

• 4 km cable installed

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RACQ CQ Rescue winched a seriously ill foreign sailor off a bulk carrier anchored at Hay Point last Saturday, battling blustery conditions.

The 51-year-old Indian sailor from the vessel MV Darya Moti was suffering a serious cardiac condition upon the ship’s arrival in Australian waters early Saturday.

The vessel, which departed China on August 16, proceeded to anchor at Hay Point about 30km south of Mackay.

The rescue chopper was tasked by Queensland Health about 10.30am and, with a doctor and Critical Care Paramedic on board, arrived on scene within 10 minutes of take-off from the Mackay airport.

The aircraft crew quickly made radio contact with the ship to make plans for the patient’s safe retrieval and transport to medical care.

The helideck on board the bulk carrier wasn’t rated heavy enough to land the five-tonne rescue aircraft, which meant the patient needed to be winched off the ship.

After further discussion with the crew and several orbits of the carrier, a rescue crewman and paramedic both completed a ‘hover exit’ of the aircraft; they exited the chopper as it hovered less than a metre above the ship’s helideck.

The rescue helicopter medical team took about 10 minutes to assess and secure the patient into a harness. After more radio contact between the team and the aircraft, the ill sailor was accompanied by the paramedic as he was winched up from the ship’s deck into the aircraft hovering about 20 metres above.

The rescue crewman then followed up into the helicopter and the patient was flown to Mackay Base Hospital in a stable condition.

An Indian sailor from the bulk carrier MV Darya Moti was winched by RACQ CQ Rescue on Saturday and flown to hospital. Images supplied: RACQ CQ Rescue

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A small group of thoughtful, committed citizens has played their part in changing the world and contributing to the excellent work of RACQ CQ Rescue.

RACQ CQ Rescue was very humbled to welcome representatives from Carlyle Gardens Retirement Village this week to visit their hangar and hear about the lifesaving work they do.

These passionate citizens also came with a gift, donating $5,000 to RACQ CQ Rescue’s vital rescue helicopter service which had been raised throughout the village.

“Unfortunately, we are all vulnerable to unexpected injury or illness – you just never know when you or your loved ones will need help,” RACQ CQ Rescue wrote on Facebook.

“Those who share the burden of responsibility and assist others to overcome these obstacles must be applauded and acknowledged.

“Thank you to the wonderful residents of the village for your ongoing incredible support of our service.

“Today you’re helping make an enormous difference to this community and to all those who live, work and visit our region.

“We are incredibly proud to be a lifeline when it’s really needed most.”

Residents of Carlyle Gardens Retirement Village rallied to raise $5,000 to be donated to RACQ CQ Rescue. Photo supplied: RACQ CQ Rescue

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Mackay constantly bats above its average when it comes to impressive sporting achievements.

I can honestly say it’s a challenge keeping up with the diverse range of sports we have here in Mackay, as well as the incredible achievements of our local sportspeople. Not only that, but Mackay has also garnered a reputation since the COVID-19 pandemic as being ‘the place’ to host major sporting events, so we are spoiled for choice when it comes to seeing top class athletes in our own backyard.

As a publication, our focus has been on the community, so we’re just as happy to report on a 10-year-old’s soccer game as we are an NBL1 final, or an over-70s game of pickleball alongside a game of NRL. Sometimes, it’s those stories closer to the heart of locals that matter more.

This edition is a particularly big one for sport, yet I still feel we barely scratch the surface when it comes to the hundreds of games played weekly throughout the region. We have football and rugby league, basketball and track cycling, squash and bowls, athletics and trail running, golf and bridge; just to name a few, in this edition alone.

If you’re associated with a sporting organisation and you would like to find out how your club or team can receive newspaper coverage, please send us an email. Being locally owned and community loved means we’re here for all sport.

Amanda

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With whispers of supermarket chain ALDI hoping to open a new store in Mackay by the end of 2022, a lack of development on the earmarked site has residents asking questions.

The German retailer lodged an application with Mackay Regional Council earlier this year to build a new store in the Andergrove Lakes precinct on a vacant block between Cutler Drive, Beaconsfield Road East and Superior Boulevard.

Mackay Regional Council Development Services Director Aletta Nugent says council is committed to supporting ALDI with their development.

“Council continues to work with ALDI and is providing them with support in relation to their operational works applications for this site,” she said.

“We hope this process can be finalised soon and ALDI will be able to provide the community with an update on when construction can take place.”

ALDI had no further updates to provide.

“ALDI continually looks for opportunities to expand into new locations,” a statement read.

“While Mackay is an area of interest, ALDI has no updates to share at this point in time.”

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North Queensland Cowboys player Reuben Cotter has spent his first Father’s Day with daughter Sunny, who gifted him a personalised book for them to one day read together.

Cotter, 23, said his three-month-old had given him and partner Mackenzie Falco “so much love and happiness” since her arrival on June 11, at Mater Mothers’ Private Townsville.

“I don’t remember what things were like without her,” Cotter said.

“Fatherhood has been exciting and challenging at times, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Cotter cried “tears of joy” following the birth of his baby girl, just three days after making his Maroons debut earlier this year.

He said he loved watching Sunny play with her toys and swinging on her play swing, laying outside and pulling funny faces at each other.

After sustaining a hamstring injury and recently undergoing eight weeks of rehabilitation, Cotter said he was able to spend every day with his precious daughter.

“That was the silver lining,” he said.

“Looking back now I think it was important I was able to see her grow over the first eight weeks of her life.”

Falco said watching Reuben become a dad was always going to be her favourite part of the parenthood journey.

“Sunny is the luckiest little lady in the world to have a dad like him – he would do absolutely anything for her,” Falco said.

The family of three went out to breakfast on Sunday morning to celebrate Father’s Day.

Mater Mothers’ Private Townsville Business and Midwifery Unit Manager Rebekah Barrie said it was exciting to hear how the hospital’s first-time dads were celebrating such a special day together with their loved ones.

Cowboys player Reuben Cotter, Mackenzie Falco and baby Sunny

Cowboys star Reuben Cotter with baby Sunny

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A biennial commemoration of the siege of Tobruk was held at the Rats of Tobruk Memorial in Queens Park last Tuesday, August 30.

Four schools, Mackay North State School, St Patrick’s College, Victoria Park State School and Whitsunday Anglican School, assist in organising the Rats of Tobruk Commemoration Ceremony each year.

“These schools, they do a rotation each year, different schools prepare and deliver the service and we (RSL Mackay Subbranch) support it along with descendants of Rats of Tobruk,” said RSL Mackay Subbranch President Ken Higgins.

Wreaths were laid by the RSL, descendants and representatives from each of the schools.

2022 marks 81 years since Australia’s first major battle in the second world war.

The three Australian services were continuously in action throughout 1941 as their actions and campaigns were fought in the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

Australia’s troops led a series of impressive Commonwealth successes against the Italians in Libya, but the rapid German defences quickly reversed these victories.

All that stopped the Germans march on Egypt was the defiant garrison of Tobruk.

For eight long months, surrounded by German and Italian forces, the men of the Tobruk garrison, mostly Australians, withstood tank attacks, artillery barrages and daily bombings.

Living in dugouts, caves and crevices, the soldiers endured the desert’s searing heat, bitterly cold nights and hellish dust storms.

The determination, bravery and humour of the men became the source of inspiration during some of the war’s darkest days, achieving lasting fame as the Rats of Tobruk.

“It’s a story that we admire, a history that we admire as veterans,” said Mr Higgins.

The Rats of Tobruk memorial was unveiled in Queens Park on March 4, 2001, displaying and honouring names of 120 of the defenders of Tobruk.

“It was a great thing because Mackay’s a big town and these memorials are a memorial to remember the sacrifice that these guys and girls made all those years ago,” said Mr Higgins.

“It’s up to us veterans and ex-service organisations to continue that push to make sure that they’re never forgotten.”

Victoria Park School

hitsunday Anglican School

St. Patrick’s College

North Mackay State School

Front L-R: Judy Stewart, Marian Delaney, Jo Williams, Margret Hall, Back L-R: Ian Dean, Col Benson, Steve Haidle, Ken Higgins OAM, Robert Begozzi

Mackay North State School students paying respect

Victoria Park State School students paying respect

Whitsunday Anglican School students paying respect. Photos supplied: Graham Jackson

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