Building homes in bushland settings is something that Rick and the team at Rick Chelman Builders Pty Ltd have mastered over the last 40 years.

Rick’s expertise was awarded at the 2022 Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards, winning the Ken & Nola Clark Perpetual Award for Quality Workmanship for Home Among the Gum Trees in Greenmount.

The project boasts the very best of innovative products and materials throughout the build.

The build faced many challenges, with the construction type requiring excellent planning to factor in all processes for smooth continuity throughout the project.

The 302m2 home features four sizeable bedrooms, an office, two attractive bathrooms and plenty of storage, with polished timber floors throughout except for wet areas.

A large stacker door at the front entrance views straight through to the rear stacker door in the family room, with a dream kitchen and matching walk-through pantry with excellent access.

LED downlights throughout including LED floodlights create a bright, modern feel and coloured feature smart lights illuminate the deck and verandas, operated via Wi-Fi using one’s phone.

Treated timbers have been used in the construction of the project and the large Merbau deck is polished with four coats of Sikkens product for low maintenance and longevity.

High-quality Hardies Scyon Linea board is used for cladding with surrounds around windows and doors.

Rick Chelman Builders Pty Ltd have once again proven why they have developed a reputation for quality local workmanship at an affordable price, with Home Among the Gum Trees a deserved winner of Ken & Nola Clark Perpetual Award.

L-R Jenna and Ashley Chelman and Rick and Barb Chelman. Photo supplied: Barb Chelman

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Fergus Builders have been building the dreams of their clients since 1983, taking pride in designing and delivering high-quality new homes as well as commercial and industrial premises for Mackay and surrounding districts.

Fergus Builders were the recipients of a massive six awards at the 2022 Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards, each accolade truly highlighting Fergus’ diverse capabilities on a wide variety of projects.

A stand-out outcome from the Awards was the 2022 Mackay & Whitsunday BUSSQ Building Super President's Award, awarded to Fergus Builders for Cormac, located in Richmond.

Leading from an oversized outdoor area through corner stacker doors, Cormac boasts a large open living area incorporating a Hampton’s-inspired kitchen complete with shaker-style cabinetry and Smartstone benchtops.

The project was designed with the growing family in mind, with four spacious bedrooms finished with plush wool carpets, two large bathrooms and a sizable theatre room for family movie nights, ticking all the boxes.

Overcoming obstacles including Covid-19 lockdowns, wet weather and challenges with earthworks, Fergus Builders showed absolute commitment to deliver a stunning home in the Cormac project.

The judges praised the Fergus Builders for the fit, finishes and quality materials on the immaculate project.

“Quality workmanship abounds with this project and noticeably on all the Fergus Builders projects,” the judge’s comments read.

“Congratulations to the Fergus team on this immaculate home, a worthy winner of the President’s Award.”

As well as the President’s Award, Fergus Builders took home five other awards in a wide array of categories for recent residential and commercial projects.

Fergus Builders has been part of the prestigious Master Builders Awards since 2008, winning many awards across multiple categories over the years.

Adding these six awards to their collection further proves Fergus Builders as a leader in providing buildings of high quality, innovative design and superb value.

Fergus Builders 2022 Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards

- President's Award for Cormac (Richmond)

- Medium Density up to 3 storeys – 2 to 5 dwellings for West Mackay Apartments (West Mackay)

- Health Facilities up to $20 million for South Side Medical Centre (Mackay)

- Education Facilities up to $10 million for Carlisle Adventist College (Beaconsfield)

- Retail Facilities up to $5 million for Reece Plumbing (Mount Pleasant)

- Industrial Building up to $5 million for Blenners Transport (Paget)

The Fergus Builders team at the 2022 Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards. Photo supplied: Dayna Stewart

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As a family business renowned for producing award-winning designed and built homes inspired by our region’s gorgeous climate, lifestyle and heritage, Urban Trend has a decade-strong proven track record as the region’s leading boutique residential builder.

Urban Trend’s reputation for excellence and innovation has won them many awards, most recently bringing home three awards between two projects at this year’s Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards.

Winning Individual Home from $1.25 million up to $2 million and Best Residential Swimming Pool Eimeo’s Mango residence is the collaboration of two great friends.

One; a professor of Architecture and two; a visionary who wanted to create a home that fulfilled his great friend’s belief in house-museum typology.

The construction of Mango residence is a dichotomy of rare materials such as exposed concrete blockwork and polished concrete flooring, contrasted against NZ wool carpets and linen window furnishings.

The home is reflective of inner-city municipality construction, balanced with spotted gum joinery and tropical planting visible from the home’s great expanses of glazing.

The views are unprecedented, with the 180-degree views of Sunset and Bucasia Beaches from the master suite a particular highlight.

Externally is a sparkling swimming pool with exceptional beachfront views and viewing deck designed to capture sunshine year-round.

A 15-month build period has resulted in the creation of a hybridity of home; private, domestic, intimate; and museum; public, civic, formal.

The construction of Sugarloaf residence, located in Balnagowan, is a balanced blend of bold exterior design elements and classic textures, winning Urban Trends the Individual Home from $550,000 up to $650,000 category.

A contrasting colour palette and warm recycled brickwork create a sophisticated and unique home that fits snug into the surrounding bushland.

This balance of materials is echoed internally with deep terrazzo tiled floors, recycled brickwork and a colour palate that reiterates the bushland location.

The home is rich in modern elements but provides a traditional nod to Australian architectural heritage with wrap-around verandas, hardwood posts, double gutter-line roof line and French doors opening onto the wrap-around verandas.

Floor to ceiling glazing brings the bushland vistas into the interior spaces and provide an abundance of natural light.

The open plan living, dining and kitchen overlook a richness of bushland, a vaulted alfresco area and sparkling magnesium mineral swimming pool.

Visit urbantrend.com.au to find out more.

Mango residence, located in Eimeo

Sugarloaf residence, located in Balnagowan. Photos supplied

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The region’s annual Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards was once again a glamorous affair, with leaders in the construction industry showcasing innovative methods and breathtaking design at the 2022 awards.

Held at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) on August 13, a wide range of projects were recognized for thoughtful execution. From premium education facilities to resort-style homes and contemporary family homes, judges made note that this year’s field of entries was impressive.

Fergus Builders swept the pool with six awards on the night, including four awards in the construction category.

The team took out the coveted BUSSQ Builders Super President’s Award for their Richmond project, Cormac.

From the magnificent oversized outdoor area to the stunning living spaces and Hampton’s-inspired kitchen, this home was a standout for the judges.

“Quality workmanship abounds with this project and noticeably on all the Fergus Builders projects,” the judges’ comments read.

“Congratulations to the Fergus team on this immaculate home, a worthy winner of the President’s Award.”

The other big winner of the night was Icon Building Contractors collecting the House of the Year for Coryle at Grasstree Beach. The sprawling four-bedroom, two-office home also snagged the Individual Home from $650,000 up to $750,000.

Coryule was designed to capture and take in its amazing rural and ocean views. With open plan living, the home flows effortlessly to embrace both indoors and outdoor living.

The Ken & Nola Clark Perpetual Award for Quality Workmanship went to Rick Chelman Builders for Home Among the Gum Trees in Greenmount.

Building homes in remote and bushland settings is something that Rick and his team have specialised in for many years.

The project boasts the very best of innovative products and materials throughout the build.

Master Builders' Mackay & Whitsunday Regional Manager, Malcolm Hull, congratulated all the winners across the 36 categories.

"Our members have truly lived up to this year's Awards theme, Building Brilliance, which was inspired by them and their work. The projects they've delivered during these challenging times are a testament to their skills and resilience," he said.

“The quality of our winning homes is also second to none and epitomises what living in the Mackay & Whitsunday region is all about.

"It doesn't matter whether they've taken an Award home this year or not. Each of our 2022 entrants is a part of the Master Builders family and helps cement why we're so widely trusted and respected.”

2022 WINNERS

Major awards

● President's Award – Fergus Builders Pty Ltd for Cormac (Richmond)

● Project of the Year Award – Woollam Constructions for Catherine McAuley College (West Mackay)

● House of the Year – Icon Building Contractors Pty Ltd for Coryule (Grasstree Beach)

Individual awards

● Apprentice of the Year Award – Jake Christensen from Cotter Builders Pty Ltd

● Women in Building – Ashlee Denyer from Lowcock Builders Pty Ltd)

● The Ken & Nola Clark Perpetual Award – Rick Chelman Builder Pty Ltd for Home Among The Gum Trees (Greenmount)

● Residential Trade Contractor of the Year – R & R Cabinetmaking for House of Arches (Beaconsfield)

● Commercial Trade Contractor of the Year – Coral Coast Plastering Pty Ltd for Carlisle Adventist College (Beaconsfield)

Specialty awards

● Best Residential Bathroom – Hotondo Homes Mackay for Parkedge Project (Richmond)

● Best Residential Kitchen – R & R Cabinetmaking for Farlane Park (Middlemount)

● Best Residential Swimming Pool – Urban Trend Constructions Australia Pty Ltd for Mango Residence (Eimeo)

Housing awards

● Home Renovation/Remodelling Project from $200,000 up to $400,000 – Cotter Builders Pty Ltd for Cottage on MacKenzie (West Mackay)

● Home Renovation/Remodelling Project from $400,000 up to $650,000 – Nathan Bow for Glenella Richmond Farm House (Mackay)

● Display Home from $450,000 up to $550,000 – Hotondo Homes Mackay for Seacoast 259 (Shoal Point)

● Individual Home up to $250,000 – Hotondo Homes Mackay for Ravenswood 157 (Rural View)

● Individual Home up to $350,000 – Cotter Builders Pty Ltd for Casa Sadie (Richmond)

● Individual Home from $350,000 up to $450,000 – Matthew Brady Projects for Mount Martin (Kuttabul)

● Individual Home from $450,000 up to $550,000 – Latitude 20 Homes for Hydeaway Bay Beach House (Hydeaway Bay)

● Individual Home from $550,000 up to $650,000 – Urban Trend Constructions Australia Pty Ltd for Sugarloaf Residence (Balnagowan)

● Individual Home from $650,000 up to $750,000 – Icon Building Contractors Pty Ltd for Coryule (Grasstree Beach)

● Individual Home from $750,000 up to $950,000 – Lowcock Builders Pty Ltd for Brampton House (Bowen)

● Individual Home from $1.25 million up to $2 million – Urban Trend Constructions Australia Pty Ltd for Mango Residence (Eimeo)

● Medium Density up to 3 storeys – 2 to 5 dwellings – Fergus Builders Pty Ltd for West Mackay Apartments (West Mackay)

Construction awards

● Health Facilities up to $20 million – Fergus Builders Pty Ltd for South Side Medical Centre (Mackay)

● Education Facilities up to $10 million – Fergus Builders Pty Ltd for Carlisle Adventist College (Beaconsfield)

● Education Facilities over $10 million – Woollam Constructions for Catherine McAuley College (West Mackay)

● Community Service Facilities – Hamilton Island Constructions No.1 Pty Ltd for Hamilton Island Waste Water Treatment Facility Upgrade (Hamilton Island)

● Retail Facilities up to $5 million – Fergus Builders Pty Ltd for Reece Plumbing (Mount Pleasant)

● Retail Facilities over $5 million – Mainbrace Constructions (QLD) Pty Ltd for Coles Andergrove (Andergrove)

● Tourism and Leisure Facilities up to $10 million – Red Emperor Constructions for Bettys Beach Boardwalk (Whitsunday Island)

● Tourism and Leisure Facilities over $10 million – Hutchinson Builders for Proserpine Entertainment Centre (Proserpine)

● Commercial Building up to $5 million – Endurance Sheds for MCI Complex (Paget)

● Commercial Building from $5 million up to $50 million – Vassallo Constructions Pty Ltd for Shute Harbour Marine Terminal (Shute Harbour)

● Industrial Building up to $5 million – Fergus Builders Pty Ltd for Blenners Transport (Paget)

● Refurbishment/Renovation up to $750,000 – Lowcock Builders Pty Ltd for Construction of Health Care Space at Bowen TAFE Campus (Bowen)

● Refurbishment/Renovation over $750,000 – CiteCon for Club Wyndham Resort Airlie Beach (Airlie Beach)

Fergus Builders won six awards at the Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards ceremony at the MECC

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Rural View residents will now be able to access Northern Beaches Central and Reed Street via the roundabout from Rosewood Drive.

All works associated with the access road have been completed, and council’s Civil Operations team removed the barricades from the roundabout earlier this week on Monday.

Mackay Regional Council Director Development Services Aletta Nugent said the temporary access, which was not a designated road, was put in place during construction works of the Woolworths shopping complex.

“The road had become a popular shortcut for Northern Beaches residents between Eimeo Road and Rosewood Drive, where Northern Beaches State High School is located, as well as to access the Woolworths and Coles shopping precincts,” Ms Nugent said.

“Council has worked closely with shopping centre owners, Stockwell, to ensure the work was completed and approved in a timely manner,” she said.

“This is a great example of council working with a developer to achieve an outcome that is advantageous for the whole community.”

The works, undertaken by contractor Seaforth Civil for Stockwell, included asphalt patching, speed humps, line marking, kerb edge restraint and signs.

A map showing where the barricades will be removed at the Rosewood Drive and Reed Street roundabout

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Last week, a 39-year-old West Mackay woman was detected driving at 165kph in a 110kph zoned area on the Bruce Highway South of Mackay. The incident occurred on August 20 at 1:10pm.

While police were dealing with the driver, two other motorists stopped and thanked police for their intervention as they had allegedly seen the vehicle being driven at speed earlier.

Needless to say, she got a stern lecture from police in relation to the potential consequences of her driving and she was issued with an infringement notice worth $1,653, 8 demerit points and a 6-month licence suspension.

THEFT OF FISHING EQUIPMENT, RURAL VIEW

While residents were absent from their home on Eales Road, Rural View between August 12 and August 16, an intruder entered a shed and stole fishing equipment and an inboard motor.

Entry was gained into the shed by damaging a padlock.

The following items were stolen:

- a white coloured electric Minn Kota I Pilot Terranova inboard motor

- a black coloured Garmin 7410XSV model fish finder

- a Garmin 95SV model fish finder

- one fishing rod

Anyone who may have information about the current location of the stolen items or the offence itself is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible. Please refer to QP2201410267.

CHARGES FOLLOW ALLEGED WEAPON INCIDENT, PAGET

A 50-year-old man who resides in Paget has been charged with several offences following an alleged incident at an address on Farrellys Road in Paget at 3:46 pm on August 18.

It’s alleged police were called after the man who was in possession of a shotgun and ammunition approached a caravan where a person resided who he was having a disagreement with.

Upon the arrival of police it’s further alleged officers talked to the man and located shotgun shells in his pocket and also found a shotgun in his caravan.

The 50-year-old man was arrested and has been charged with going armed so as to cause fear, possessing shortened firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition and possessing a drug utensil.

APPEAL FOR WITNESSES OR DASHCAM FOOTAGE, NORTH MACKAY

At about 1:15 pm on August 16 at the intersection of Glenpark Street and Malcomson Street in North Mackay, it's alleged that the driver of a red Holden commodore sedan has deliberately rammed multiple cars (including a police vehicle) before leaving the area.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to this alleged incident, or anyone who may have dashcam footage, to come forward as soon as possible.

Please refer to QP2201402690.

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Mackay’s oldest history research group celebrated a special milestone last week, with a special lunch attended by more than twenty current and former members, patrons and supporters.

The Mackay Historical Society’s 50th anniversary ticked over on August 10, with the celebratory lunch held on August 14 at Souths Leagues Club.

Following the lunch, formalities for the 50th anniversary were conducted with historical society member Steven Pritchard opening the proceedings. After being introduced, recently appointed Vice President, Danielle Jesser then read a copy of the minutes from the Formation Meeting of the Society which had been held on Thursday, August 10, 1972, at 7.45pm at the since demolished Australian Sugar Producers Association (also known as the ASPA) Board Room in Wood Street (now the site of the Westpac Bank).

The Minutes included names attending such as: Berenice Wright, Frank Rolleston, John Henry ‘Jack’ Williams Junior, John Renton (who had called the meeting to form the society) and Rod Manning.

Those attending were then asked to share, if they wanted to, their memories of the society’s long existence. Reminiscing about their time with the society at the function were: Helen Martin, MRC Councilor Lawrence Bonaventura and Wayne Miller.

Memories from Historical Society member Terry Abbott were also shared at the anniversary lunch. Helen Martin was also to read a list of current and former historical society presidents as part of the formalities.

Also attending the lunch were: Brian Osborn (former MRC Museum’s Coordinator), Doug Petersen (Local Historian), Dr. Julia Pittman (Reverend of St Paul’s Uniting Church and the Armitage Uniting Church), Ray Braithwaite (former Federal Member for Dawson and Local Historian) and Terry Hayes (Local Historian) amongst others.

The current Mackay Historical Society committee was also in attendance: Jack Armstrong (President), Danielle Jesser (Vice President), Helen Martin (Treasurer), Judy Stewart (Honorary Secretary) and Steven Pritchard (Research and Publicity Officer).

The societies registrar, member and Local Historian Glen Hall was unable to attend the lunch.

Mr Pritchard said, “It was great to have so many attend our special 50th anniversary lunch.

“The fact we are still here today celebrating our 50th anniversary is quite an achievement, considering the changes that have occurred in accessing historical information compared to fifty years ago.”

Mr Prichard added that a lot has changed over the years.

“However, the collection of books, maps, newspaper clippings/supplements and photographs that has been built up by the society over the years is still very much being used, with the requests sent to us and those visiting us, looking for information,” he said.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported us and been members of our society during the past half a century.

“We hope to be still here for many years to come.”

Contributed by Steven Pritchard

Attendees of the Mackay Historical Society’s 50th anniversary lunch. Photo contributed

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If you are a frequent user of the River Street boat ramp, enjoy purchasing your fresh riverside seafood or like to take a stroll along the Bluewater Trail near the river mouth, you will need to be aware of a new traffic update along your journey.

River Street, between Carlyle and Lawson streets, has permanently changed to a one-way traffic flow in a westerly direction.

The change took place last Sunday (August 21) as part of the new Riverside Development.

Traffic control will be in place between Carlyle and Burns streets from this time and will remain while upgrade works to River Street are completed.

As part of these works, all on-street parking will be converted to angle parking along the levee wall.

Mackay Regional Council asks motorists to follow all site signage in the area.

A stretch of River Street between Carlyle and Lawson streets, has permanently changed to a one-way traffic flow

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A convoy of Postie bikes are making their way from Mackay to Bundaberg and back in a bid to raise vital funds for regional families battling childhood cancer.

The annual Postie Bike Safari will see over 40 riders cover 1,800 kms over a week-long escapade around regional Queensland. Along the way they’ll bring gifts and spread awareness about Childhood Cancer Support and the services they offer for regional families who must travel to Brisbane for life-saving cancer treatment.

So far, the group has raised over $110,000 and Childhood Cancer Support Committee Member and Postie Bike Safari participant, Bert Pulman says they are proud to raise funds for such an important charity, with Bert having first-hand experience of the support Childhood Cancer Support offers.

“The team picked Childhood Cancer Support as their charity again this year because they can see the impact their services have by accommodating regional families with children that require treatment for cancer,” says Bert.

“I personally have used the facility when my son was receiving treatment in Brisbane.

“Childhood Cancer Support is thankful for any money raised and thanks all the riders, organisers, support people and sponsors that have done such an amazing job in raising funds so far.

“We keep off the main roads and hit the dirt as much as possible. We have a great team of riders and support members who enjoy the eight days on the road raising money for a well-deserved charity.”

Follow their journey, or donate to the Postie Bike Safari by visiting https://fundraise.ccs.org.au/event/postie-bike-safari

Childhood Cancer Support is a children’s cancer charity for regional Queensland families who must travel to Brisbane for life-saving cancer treatment. They provide families with free short-term and long-term accommodation as well as transport to and from hospital, emotional and social support.

Postie bikes set off from Mackay last weekend to ride to Bundaberg and back to raise funds for childhood cancer support

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Taking pride in your community is alive and well in the Northern Beaches subdivision of Royal Sands, where a group of children perfectly captured the essence of #MackayPride.

The basketball half court has been a feature of the estate for around six years, but through plenty of use, the net had degraded and eventually fell off the hoop.

A group of children decided to fix the problem themselves, as captured by resident Brenda-Lee Anson.

Ms Anson reported on the Royal Sands Community Group page on Facebook that Max (pictured in the white shirt) supplied the net and the group worked together to install the new net onto the hoop.

Garnering more than 100 ‘likes’ the post was warmly received by the residents of Royal Sands, who praised the children for their proactiveness and teamwork.

“Well done kids, please let me know if you need anything else, I will donate,” said Scott Andreassen.

The basketball half court was installed by Mackay Regional Council after consultation with the Northern Beaches community, and is largely thanks to the effort of former Northern Beaches High School student, Daniel McLean.

Daniel approached council saying he plays and referees basketball but had to travel into Mackay to practice. Daniel prepared a petition and went door-to-door to get signatures. The basketball court received 66 per cent of the vote during consultation and has been a well-used community facility since.

Photo credit: Brenda-Lee Anson

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Last week, members of the community gathered to remember the sacrifice of those who served during the 10 years of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

Vietnam Veterans’ Day was originally known as Long Tan Day which commemorates the day in 1966 when the battle of Long Tan was fought by the men of D Company, 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR).

Vietnam Veterans’ Day was first commemorated in 1969 with the raising of a cross at the battlefield by the men of 6RAR, this has been adopted to cover all veterans who served in the Vietnam War – the longest conflict in Australia’s history.

60,000 Australians served during the decade of war. Sadly, 521 died and 3,000 were wounded.

On Vietnam Veterans’ Day on August 18, the state government launched the second round of the $4 million Queensland Remembers Grants Program, helping ex-service and other not-for-profit organisations to honour Queensland veterans and their families.

“Queenslanders continue to demonstrate their commitment to honouring our veterans and sharing their stories – always turning out in enormous numbers for Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and other commemorative events throughout the year,” the Premier said.

“The Queensland Remembers Grants Program is an important part of the Queensland Government’s efforts to ensure we appropriately honour the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who have served this country.”

Assistant Minister to the Premier for Veterans’ Affairs Bart Mellish said the Queensland Remembers Grants Program builds on the state government’s extensive investment in the veteran community.

“Honouring veterans, recognising their extraordinary contributions, and ensuring the continued health and wellbeing of veterans and their families is important, ongoing work,” Mr Mellish said.

The second round of the Queensland Remembers Grants Program is now open for submissions and will close at 5pm on 4 October 2022.

Vietnam Veterans’ Day service at Mirani. Left to Right: Bob England (Vietnam Vet. Navy Ret.), Mayor Greg Williamson (RAAF Ret.) Jan Lindbergs (RAAF Ret.), Mackay RSL President Ken Higgins OAM (Vietnam Vet. 6RAR D Company 1969-1970 Ret.)

Vietnam Vet. Ray Higgins Ret. (6RAR Mortars 1969 – 1970)

Vietnam Veterans’ Day service at Mirani

Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam. May 1971. A section of soldiers from C Company, 2RAR /NZ (ANZAC) (The ANZAC Battalion comprising 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment and a component from the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment) taking part in the battalion's final operation in Vietnam before returning to Australia later in the month. Private Ray Beattie (left) of St Kilda, Victoria and members of the section are spread out to his left.

Original description and photo sourced by The Australian War Memorial collection/C319339

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Impressive Innovation At The Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards

The Urban Trend Difference

Building A Better Mackay

Give Me A Home Among The Gum Trees

Refurb Over The Reef

To Be Enjoyed For Years To Come

A Matt Brady New Build

Top Dogs Of Affordable Homes

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Development plans for a new short-stay hospital in Mackay now sit with Mackay Regional Council, in an effort to bolster the region’s healthcare capacity.

Short Stay Private Hospitals has formed an alliance with ReNew Mackay for a 60-bed facility that aims to complement healthcare currently servicing the region.

The alliance says the addition to Mackay’s healthcare landscape will increase quality options for the region.

The development application has been lodged with Mackay Regional Council at 476 Bridge Rd West Mackay, opposite Mackay Base Hospital.

The project would include five operating theatres and the latest in health technology, including space for healthcare services such as X-ray, pathology and pharmacy uses. Plans also include space for a café, and 154 car parking spaces have been included in the lodgement.

“This project aims to complement and strengthen the healthcare options available to residents in Mackay and the wider region,” Short Stay Private Hospitals Director Leith MacMillan said.

“We want residents to receive excellent care close to home without having to travel to other parts of the state or country.

“This helps to reduce waitlists, attracts more specialists to the region and improves overall health outcomes.

“Health technology continues to change for the benefit of patients and we would look forward to working with the Mackay community.”

Short Stay Private Hospitals is an Australian-owned and funded organisation with experience in providing integrated models to communities.

Plans submitted to council read that the facility will operate 24 hours per day, seven days a week, however notes that the health care services will likely contain their operating hours to normal business hours.

It also states that the proposed hospital does not include an emergency department and that ambulances will only be accessing the site to transfer patients to and from the facility, not under lights and sirens.

ReNew Mackay’s Craig Percival said the project added to the vision to improve the region’s offerings to residents.

“Mackay will grow and attract new economic activity if we continue to boost our essential services,” Mr Percival said.

“This healthcare project would be a quality addition to the region.

“ReNew Mackay is proud to link with these positive projects and we look forward to the next steps.”

ReNew Mackay is a locally-led private consortium with global and national success in urban regeneration. Its project partners are companies behind some of Queensland’s iconic buildings, award-winning architecture, community infrastructure and master- planned developments.

Artist impression of a new 60-bed private hospital planned to be built directly opposite Mackay Base Hospital on Bridge Road. The development plans have been lodged with Mackay Regional Council. Image supplied

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Students from all over the region got the opportunity to learn the ropes of sailing last week thanks to the Making Waves Foundation and the inspirational crew aboard the foundation’s vessel Kayle.

The Making Waves Winds of Joy program is operated by a crew of skilled volunteers from Sydney and Newcastle with backgrounds in competitive and casual sailing, facilitating an unforgettable experience for students and people living with physical or intellectual disabilities.

Led by skipper Kathy Veel, the crew takes two groups of students a day out on the sea, teaching them the basics of sailing as well as valuable life lessons.

“It’s not so much about sailing,” said Ms Veel.

“It’s about the teamwork, the communication, stepping outside where you think your limits are, which are skills that (students) can then take to whatever they’re doing in life.

“It’s about changing attitudes internally and also within society’s expectations of what people with disabilities can do.”

Making Waves In Mackay

Departing from Mackay Marina, students from schools including Pioneer State High, Mackay State High, Glenella State School and Mackay District Special School were treated to two hours on the water where they had some magical encounters, including spotting whales and dolphins.

Ms Veel says two hours on the water can make a world of difference.

“What we see with the kids is when they step into the boat, they’re shy, they’re fearful, they’re reluctant to move anywhere,” she said.

“We get them to steer the boat, to help us trim the sheets, just things that they’d never get an opportunity to do, and they start to move about the boat more freely.

“From sitting huddled in their spot, they’ll be up on the bow looking out for whales and they’re very different when they get off the water.”

“For the carers, we’ll hear them say things like, ‘I never thought they could do that.’”

Patrick Borg, parent of Mackay District Special School student Conrad, said the experience was one like no other.

“It was good to give the kids a go at something they wouldn’t normally have a go at, and it was done in such a safe manner,” he said.

“(Conrad) didn’t sleep at all last night, he kept talking about the big ‘canoe.’”

Jenelle Whittaker, a classroom teacher at Mackay District Special School, says the experience was executed in an extremely safe manner.

“Often the level of safety in the things that we do is more suited to the mainstream so sometimes it doesn’t offer the higher support needs that our kids need,” Ms Whittaker said.

“Boats that are set up to cater for kids with a disability are a very rare thing, so that’s fabulous.

“As you can see, they all had a great time.”

The organisation also has programs that mentor young people to work in the marine industries and Ms Veel says there are plenty of examples of the programs starting a passion for sailing in participants.

“People have gone on to be sailors, also to work with shipwrights, and other aspects of marine work,” she said.

Starting in 1993, Making Waves has given over 55,000 people the unique opportunity to take to the seas.

Kayle and her crew will also make stops at Roslyn Bay, Southport, Brisbane, Coffs Harbour and Newcastle on her way back to Sydney, giving children all up and down the coast the experience of a sailor.

To find out more, visit makingwavesfoundation.com.au.

Students from Mackay District Special School enjoyed a day on the water last week with the inspirational volunteers from the Making Waves Foundation. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

‍Students from Mackay District Special School enjoyed a day on the water last week thanks to the Making Waves Foundation. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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I really thought the first one last year was big! By the looks of it all, it will be even bigger this year, raising over $100K for Variety, the Children's Charity.

The amount of music festivals and stadium concerts that I have been to over the years still makes my eyes water, and my bank balance.

Seeing The Eagles live in Melbourne was massive. Same goes for when Simon and Garfunkel did the huge reunion show down south. I have been lucky enough to watch the Rolling Stones, Pink, Simple Minds, and more because of what I do for work. I even got to chat to the guys from Pearl Jam plus a quick chat with Billy Joel before he went on stage.

I also reckon hanging backstage with INXS was cool, but when you break it down, it has nothing on being right here in Mackay, being the MC this weekend for Mackay's biggest ever festival.

Lee Kernaghan and Tania will be here. Graeme Connors will be playing too. Casey Barnes, Beccy Cole, Gina Jeffreys, Travis Collins, and Brad Cox just to name a few. Do not miss all the fun of music and line dancing too.

One extra thing I am nervous about is being the bloke on the microphone tomorrow morning for a charity breakfast with former Aussie footy legend Mal Meninga. He is here and I cannot wait to hear his stories from the field and off it.

Enjoy the weekend and all the fun, including the Cutters playing on Sunday, hot off the back of two consecutive wins.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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