This weekend there will be plenty of deadly two wheeled bikes riding for charity and we love it!

The annual River to Reef bike ride raising money for the local CQ rescue chopper is a chance for thousands of people to ride for fun and raise money for an organisation that helps us every day of the year.

Over Saturday and Sunday there are rides around town, rides out on the highway, and rides that go for so long that you wish you brought a packed cut lunch and a swag. To everyone who is jumping on the saddle, we wish you well and I certainly hope all goes well. If you are doing the ride on an e-scooter, I hope you have charged it the night before and you have plenty of credit on your phone to pay for it. Do not forget to put the hard hat back and make sure it is parked in the right area.

One of the other grandiose things happening is on Saturday when the Mackay Hockey grand final is on. Hundreds of people will be down at Harney St to cheer on their favourite teams, but just so you know before you head down, I will not be playing. My team lost in the first week of finals so we will not be there on the pitch. You will find me at the bar. Come and say hello.

Finally, Sunday it is all about the dads of Mackay. Father’s Day will be an exciting time for kids to say thank you for all that dad’s do for their kids around Mackay and the Whitsundays.

You will want to get out of the house and go exploring after you open the boot load of presents you will get. Maybe drive up to Eungella and have a bite to eat at the Chalet. Maybe even have a swim at Finch Hatton. Then have a swim on the way back at one of a hundred or more swimming holes.

As you can see it is a busy weekend.

Enjoy it. I know I will. Oh, by the way, if my kids are reading this. I like chocolate. Especially chocolate that is bought from any of those shops at Canelands. There are heaps to pick from. Just saying.

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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Leadership can be displayed in lots of different ways. A true leader is someone who can gather people around a shared vision and purpose. We know that when we work together, we can achieve great things.  Leadership is like a promise you undertake, and you must deliver.

The following are essential ingredients for good leadership.

Respect – listen well and respect that everyone has a voice; everyone has an opinion. Treat people how you would like to be treated.

Communication – you must be clear with your message, yet be willing to change your communication style to suit your audience.

Passion - needs to flow through in everything we do. You want people to connect with you and share that passion.

Reputation – always act with integrity. In my role, having a good reputation is paramount and ensures I have a strong voice for the people of this region.

Unconscious or personal bias – once you are aware of your bias, you can learn how to manage it.  Too often bias is allowed to dominate conversations at the expense of the outcome.

Fear and self-doubt – don’t let the noise in your head limit your ability to perform at your best or stop you from taking opportunities.

Honesty and integrity – it’s so easy to slip below the line, particularly in this day and age of social media.  It takes a lot of tenacity not to play in that keyboard coward space and help others rise above that as well.

Trust – Trust is built overtime. Always being honest, say it how it is, respect others and others will come to trust and respect you.

Building relationships- Good relationships enable opportunities to come your way. Solid relationships give meaning and richness to our work and to our lives.

Opportunities- It is important that when opportunities do come, we are ready to take them on. If you don’t back yourself, how can you expect others to back you?  

I would like to finish with a few messages:

● to have a friend, you need to be a friend

● on this journey of life, we must make sure we look after ourselves and others around us

● ensure that you recognise and be courageous enough to accept the opportunities that come your way

● take time to celebrate your successes

● most importantly, wake up every day and be the best possible version of yourself.

Cr Karen May

Deputy Mayor

Mackay Regional Council

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Keep the kids busy while supporting a good cause!

Mackay Family Support Alliance (MFSA) are holding a family fun day at Caneland Central next Thursday, September 8.

The fun day will run from 10am to 7pm and, with approximately 20 stalls planned, there will be something on offer for everyone.

The event is being held in line with Queensland Child Protection Week, happening September 4 to 10.

This year’s theme is “Protecting Children is Everybody’s Business”.  

“This year, the alliance will host a free event to help promote awareness in our community,” Mackay Family Alliance Member Alex Whippy said.

“It will be a day of fun and free activities for the little ones, young people and families.”

The day will incorporate story time sessions, puppets, balloon twisting, face painting, kids’ yoga, Sensory Circus, fairy floss, dancing with Patrick Thaiday and ball drills with the Mackay Cutters.

Mackay Community Services will be present with a host of information stalls to answer questions about accessing supports and services for their families and free giveaways.

The event is free and no bookings are required.

The Mackay Family Support Alliance (MFSA) is a large group of government and community-based organisations working together to support families.

Mayor Greg Williamson says council is proud to be part of MFSA.

He says the alliance did a tremendous job of promoting the value of children and focusing attention on the issues of child abuse and neglect.

“This will be a great event and I hope families come along and make the most of all the games and attractions on offer,” he said.

WHAT: Mackay Family Support Alliance Family Fun Day

WHEN: Thursday, September 8 from 10:00am to 7:00pm

WHERE: Caneland Central

This is a free community event.

Maria (pictured) will be hosting kids’ yoga at the Family Fun Day. Photo supplied

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I’ve sold houses on busy roads, across the street from noisy factories and next door to a neighbourhood junkyard.

Other properties have had large, manicured blocks or ocean views or been peacefully located alongside a bubbling brook.

Some were in town, others in a rural setting surrounded by nature.

The point is that there is a property for everyone. It’s a matter of priorities and finding that property that meets a buyer’s key priorities.

For some people it is about getting into the market and paying as little as possible, hence those sales near a factory or on a busy road.

Often a buyer won’t mind a busy road (“Mate I know it’s a busy road but I grew up next to a train line so I don’t care”) and they focus on other attributes the particular property might have, say its big block with a shed or terrific side access for vehicles. It’s a matter of priorities.

For other buyers it is about having a stylish contemporary home with the latest fittings and fixtures, such as those in the modern estates of Richmond or Erakala.

Others need size and “value for money”: four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two living areas, side access and room for a shed. Andergrove, Glenella or Mt Pleasant will be on the cards there depending on the budget.

For me, it’s about location.

Location means different things to different people. For some people, it’s about being near a school or close to work. For others it needs to be near the beach (welcome to East Mackay, Bucasia and Shoal Point). Some people just want to be close to everything they need; the CBD, schools, shops etc, which is why Mt Pleasant, Glenella, North Mackay and South Mackay are so popular.

I live in West Mackay and it is largely about location and character. It’s close to everything but it’s also got a stylish sense of history.

We live a couple of minutes’ walk from the Botanic Gardens, which I have got to say is a wonderful feature of this town. I run through the gardens, take the dog for walks along its pathways, went riding there with the kids on weekends when they were young and whenever I am there it is a calming, uplifting experience.

There’s the Shamrock Hotel and a couple of bowls clubs for entertainment and a meal, Parkside shopping, a few cafes … and it’s about four kilometres to my CBD office.

We’ve got a big block and a pool but it’s not a large, modern home. Again, it’s about priorities and, for me, it’s about having the outdoor lifestyle I want at my doorstep and convenient, super-quick access to everything I need.

Everyone has different priorities and one of the fun things about selling real estate is that I know that whatever house I have got to sell on a given day there will be someone who will have their reason for wanting it.

My job is to get that person and that house together.

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Under clear, crisp winter skies, 40 Cub Scouts and 20 Leaders and parent helpers from across the district made the journey to Rowallan Park for the first District Cub Scout camp in many years.

The theme for the weekend was ‘Wild West’ and, after a frantic land grab and assignment of positions, the boisterous group enjoyed a variety of games and activities fitting the theme.

In their rush to get to camp, the group discovered that some vital camping equipment was lost.

The first activity of the weekend was a wide game to scour the local area for paddle pop sticks which had their equipment written on them.

A construction activity had the Cub Scouts building their part of a corral to yard their ‘cattle’ in.

They also needed to build their herd, so some cattle rustling was in order (i.e. Rob the Nest).

Once everyone had an established ranch, they had to come up with a name for their property and a brand for their beasts.  

In traditional wild west fashion, prominent features of the surrounding area were used for ranch titles.

The Cub Scouts enjoyed a tumbleweed relay and collecting some firewood before afternoon tea and tried their hand creating a plaited keyring, with varying amounts of success.

At the end of the day, they enjoyed time around the campfire with a yarn, a song and time for reflection on the day’s activities.  

Most of the camp enjoyed a good night’s sleep, but a shower of rain caused some issues for a few.

The camp was up and about early on Sunday morning with everyone looking forward to a hearty breakfast.

The Cub Scouts, and some Leaders, learned how to cook eggs in a zip lock bag to accompany their bacon and toast.

A hike was on the cards after breakfast, and once everyone had returned, the Cub Scouts set about packing up their gear while the Leaders participated in a Seeonee.

After morning tea, another wide game was conducted, and the Cub Scouts participated in some compass instruction.

Their task: to follow the compass trail, collect all the letters from each checkpoint and work out what the scrambled words were.

Lunch time introduced everyone to another fun cooking activity, hotdogs in milk cartons which proved to be a great hit.

With tummies full, everyone set about completing camp break.

Goodbyes were said with promises of doing it all again next year.

Cub Scout Benji Spann from the Proserpine Group showing the clove hitch. Photo supplied: Mary Wallace

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Alsatia Park in Walkerston is set to undergo exciting upgrades this financial year, with a detailed concept plan released today (Friday September 2).

The design is based on feedback that was gathered during the community consultation period in February/March this year.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the consultation period revealed support for the children’s playground to be moved away from the skatepark and for the playground to be larger and more visible.

“It was feedback we received loud and clear,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The children’s playground will be relocated to the opposite side of the park, and it will be increased in size to cater for a wider age range (0 to 14 years),” he said.

“Shade was also a major focus of community feedback, so the area will be fitted with new shelters offering covered seating for parents and shading to the small children’s play equipment.

“The half basketball court and skatepark will also get a facelift and football posts will be installed in the park’s open space.”

Other works planned for the park include:

• a ‘hang-out space’ for older kids, complete with a table tennis table

• drainage works

• extension and restoration of the skatepark’s half-pipe

• new and more accessible footpaths

• additional seating, bins and fencing

• a drinking bubbler and dog bowl

• additional shade trees.

The project will now move into detailed design and construction is expected to be completed this financial year, weather permitting.

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the Australian Government had contributed $700,000 towards the Alsatia Park playground upgrade and it was money well-spent to benefit the community.

“This funding has provided a vital boost to our local communities where the need to back local jobs and boost economic growth has never been more important,” Ms Landry said.

“I want to congratulate Mayor Greg Williamson for ensuring the needs of locals are being met in challenging times brought on by COVID-19, bushfires, floods and other events,” she said.

The Alsatia Park concept plan

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When our kids look out the bus window at cane fields while heading to school, what do they see? Do they see opportunity and renewability, or just another problem around chemicals and the reef?

In a lot of ways, it comes down to education: from schools, from the media, in the home.

CANEGROWERS Mackay can see a growing future for cane. We have a whole host of possibilities open to us as an industry, across farming, agronomy, science and technology, engineering and manufacturing as we begin to reach into biofutures. There are opportunities across renewable energy and fuels, food and fabrication.

Sugar Plus is the Sugar Industry Roadmap, developed in collaboration across milling, research, government and grower representative organisations.

But it isn’t just about the sugar industry. It’s not just about growers, or millers, or innovators

It’s a journey for our whole regional community, proud of our industry.

If we want to see a regional economy that has diversity, we need generations of young people to see the positivity and possibility of the cane industry for our region, and want to work within it, whether it’s in the field, in processing, in the lab.

That comes down to education. Our industry is working to support teachers, not just in the agricultural education courses, but across the spectrum, helping young people learn about our industry, how we grow and what we are doing in terms of Best Practice, and its place in the economy.

There are programs such as the geography/science curriculum-aligned resource Sugarcane: One Plant, Many Products. Designed for Years 5-8, the six-lesson resource is a collaboration between CANEGROWERS and the Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia (PIEFA). It combines information about how the sugarcane industry works, but also the place of value-add products.

If teachers or parents are interested in this free resource, head to www.canegrowers.com.au and find student resources under the Resources menu.

Also available there are videos and factsheets that can be useful for careers advice or as source materials useful to many subject areas that offer insight into our industry.

We are pleased to say that by December, CANEGROWERS and PIEFA will release a Year 9-12 resource

This curriculum-aligned teaching resource will be joinedby one aimed at senior secondary students later this year. Picture: Contributed

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Farmers now have a new biocontrol tool to help fight one of Australia's most challenging agricultural weeds, flaxleaf fleabane, which causes grain crop revenue losses of more than $43 million each year.  

Researchers from Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, are piloting the release of a fungus from Columbia to help farmers tackle the weed.

Flaxleaf fleabane (Conyza bonariensis) is a fast-spreading weed from South America that damages cropping and grazing areas across Australia and impacts the livelihoods of many farmers.  

FLEABANE WEED INFECTED WITH THE BIOCONTROL AGENT

CSIRO weed ecologist, Dr Ben Gooden, said flaxleaf fleabane is one of the most difficult-to-control weeds in grain cropping systems, and is estimated to affect nearly three million hectares of land in Australia.

“As flaxleaf fleabane has developed resistance to some herbicides, we hope that the biocontrol agent will be effective in reducing its populations across the country,” Dr Gooden said.  

“We identified a rust fungus called Puccinia cnici-oleracei in Colombia which infects flaxleaf fleabane and restricts it from growing by destroying the plant’s tissues,” he said.  

The fungus was imported into CSIRO’s high-security quarantine facility in Canberra where scientists studied it extensively to determine if it would be safe to introduce to Australia as a biocontrol agent.  

“Our research found the fungus can only infect flaxleaf fleabane, while all non-target plant species tested were resistant to it. Based on this research, the fungus is deemed to be safe and has been approved by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for introduction to Australia,” Dr Gooden said.  

Flaxleaf fleabane grows up to one metre and is a prolific seed producer. Each plant can produce over 100,000 seeds and these can disperse long distances with the help of wind, water, animals, and vehicles, explaining its rapid spread not just within local districts but into southern and western cropping and grazing regions in recent times.  

The Grains and Research Development Corporation (GRDC) was one of the supporting organisations for the research. GRDC Manager Weeds, Dr Jason Emms, said grain growers had been battling flaxleaf fleabane for many years as the weed competed for soil water across multiple stages of the crop cycle, which directly impacts production.  

“Flaxleaf fleabane can run rampant during the fallow phase as there is little competition for light or moisture. Once established it is very difficult to control,” Dr Emms said.  

“A biocontrol agent for this problematic weed is very exciting as it may help to reduce overall populations when integrated with existing weed management strategies,” he said.

Dr Ben Gooden, CSIRO research scientist, surrounded by fleabane weed. Image: GRDC

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Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly infectious disease which affects cattle and water buffalo.

Originally limited to Africa, the global distribution of LSD is increasing the risk to Australia. Since 2019, the disease has spread through China and Southeast Asia. In 2021 the disease was confirmed in Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. In March 2022 it was officially reported by Indonesia on the island of Sumatra.

The disease is spread primarily by biting insects such as certain species of flies, mosquitoes and possibly ticks. It can also be spread by fomites through such things as contaminated equipment and in some cases directly from animal to animal. It does not pose a risk to human health.

The disease causes painful body lesions and would significantly impact animal production if it were to enter Australia.

Signs to look out for include:

• Firm, raised nodules up to 50mm diameter around the head, neck, genitals and limbs.

• Scabs in the centre of the nodules. When the scabs fall off, large holes are left which may become infected.

• Swollen limbs, brisket and genitals.

• Fever.

• Watery eyes.

Biosecurity Queensland is asking farmers to report suspected cases to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline immediately by phoning 1800 675 888.

Learn more about lumpy skin disease online: http://daf.engagementhub.com.au/animal-disease-preparedness

A cow exhibiting signs of lumpy skin disease. Source: Biosecurity Queensland

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Every day we face choices.

Few of those affect the safety of our life and that of our families

Understanding what is covered by your car insurance policy can help you avoid unexpected costs in the future. So, how do you know if you have the right cover for your vehicle? Read below to see what factors come into consideration, so you can be confident in your decision.  

Comprehensive Insurance offers the highest level of protection.

However: there is a wide range of policies on the market, careful consideration is required to get what best suits you and your family.

Some Key Points to look for besides the price

* Choice of Repairer – best to retain this option so that you can select a repairer that has completed all the correct training and equipment necessary, to do the job right.

We would also recommend a little research here. Look for a repairer with a great reputation  

https://carcraftgroup.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Choice-of-Repairer-Doc.pdf  

In a Preferred Repairer Option your insurer will make this decision on your behalf, your request or opinion may not be considered

Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance is a legal requirement for all drivers in Queensland and is attached to the registration of your vehicle. CTP covers the cost of third-party compensation claims if you, or anyone driving your car, causes an accident in which someone else is injured. You are also covered if you are Not At Fault – Partially covered if you are.

Third Party Insurance offers cover for damage caused to someone else’s vehicle or property if you’re liable for it.  

It does not cover your vehicle, property or medical costs.

Some factors that can affect the Premium cost include

• Location or Postcode

• Previous Claims History

• Where the vehicle is stored e.g., Behind a fence or in a garage

• Age: young drivers = higher risk, older drivers’ slower reaction time

•

It may be possible to include people in these higher risk groups to another policy such as a parent or guardian.

Next Month we look at Options on policies

Andrea McCarthy

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Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsunday (RDA GW) and other RDAs across the nation met with the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain to discuss the skills shortage affecting regional Australia.

This is also a key focus for the upcoming National Jobs and Skills Summit, to be held at Parliament House in Canberra on September 1-2.

RDA GW CEO Robert Cocco said jobs and skills development and strategies need to be integrated across local, regional, state and national scales and “at present, the jobs and skills development environment seems disconnected across geographic scales”.

“Solutions are not just about increasing skills for jobs of the future, they’re required solutions for today’s jobs needs as well – balanced regional community development caters for all types of jobs and skills,” said Mr Cocco.

“Jobs and skills development solutions are not meeting regional employment needs, as many regional areas face a fundamental issue of lack of people to fill jobs.

“Many regions highlighted very low unemployment, high workforce participation rates and high levels of full-time work for those already in jobs.”

The Minister and RDA GW also discussed further incentives and programs to support regional population attraction and retention, including improved levels of inter and intrastate migration to regions and the opportunities aligned to international immigration and more active immigration policy and programs supporting skilled workforce attraction.

Another talking point was how an increase in jobs requires activation of housing/dwelling solutions, due to the current low availability of housing. This covered off on:

• The potential for increasing investor confidence to build dwellings for sale/lease in many regions – a considerable challenge in many regions where reginal economies are dominated by fewer commodities and thus are impacted by prosperity of those dominant commodities through their ups and downs.

• Investors needing financial and tax incentives to support more active investor confidence.

• How high deposit rates for some remote and rural postcodes for dwellings are linked to default risk ratings, following the regional economy and commodity downturns.

• Increasing construction of aged care residential facilities to accommodate the aging population in regional areas, and how this could make housing/dwellings available.

• Reduction in green and red tape for developers of urban estates and provision of one-stop-shop support services program to aid developers at a local government scale.

For more information, contact RDA GW at www.rdagw.org.au.

Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain

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At the Sunwater Kinchant Dam Open Day on August 20, members of Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association (MAFSA) transported 200 barramundi to the dam for release.

These fish were purchased by MAFSA using funds generated by the INDT 2022 World Sooty Championship event held at Eungella Dam on the May Day weekend. MAFSA runs this event annually (Covid permitting) and the funds raised supplement those grants obtained under the Stocked Impoundment Permit scheme and all funds are used exclusively in the Mackay area.

The 200 barramundi averaged 330mm in length and were purchased from a local supplier.

It is unusual to release large fish, but as the fish were tagged MAFSA decided to use larger fish to increase their chances of survival to legal (580mm) size or better. In that way better data should be able to be obtained.

MAFSA Chairman Tim Swann said, “This is the first tagged barra release in Kinchant Dam and we are seeking data on growth rates of barra in the dam.

“Each tag has a dedicated ID number and if any angler catches a tagged barra they should take a photo, record the length of the fish, date of capture and if the fish was again released. That info can be phoned through to the mobile number on the tag.”

Kinchant dam is a fairly stable impoundment, that rarely overtops the wall, so these tagged fish should stay in the dam for many years and hopefully grow to over a metre in length. Anglers who catch them and record the details will be assisting MAFSA gather better knowledge of the results of the stocking in the dam.

The numbers of huge barra over 1200mm long already in the dam have proven to be a major drawcard for locals and visiting anglers alike. Kinchant dam has featured in many national publications and is part of the ABT Barra Tournaments each year.

“MAFSA also has a dedicated catch data app for Eungella Dam, Kinchant Dam, Teemburra Dam and the Pioneer River weirs.

“We stock these with various species mainly barramundi and sooty grunter, and this info is vital so we can build a data bank on them all. Any fishing in these areas should be logged on the app, even doughnuts, as the more data we have the better we can target stocking rates,” Mr Swann said.

Tagged barra have been previously released upstream in the Pioneer River and tag returns show some of these barra migrate to saltwater during floods. Records show they migrate north and south of the Pioneer system and a recent return provides further proof that MAFSA is improving Mackay’s saltwater barra fishery.

“Darcy MacFarlane caught a 1150mm barra in Constant Creek almost seven years after it had been released by MAFSA above Marian Weir when it was a 243mm fingerling,” Mr Swann added.

“I urge anyone catching a tagged fish to report the details and all anglers should use the MAFSA App in our stocked fisheries.

“For further info on tagging, fish stocking, sooty grunter spawning membership, contact us via our Facebook page or through the local tackle shops.

“Help us live up to our motto ‘MAFSA for a better fishing future’.”

200 barramundi were released into Kinchant Dam by members of Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association. Photos supplied

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Personal training is often associated with professional sport and weight loss, but there are many everyday benefits to personal training and group fitness that can improve your lifestyle and prolong your mobility.

Results Personal Training Management (RPTM) offers a variety of different classes, exercises and sessions catering to all fitness levels. Classes are never the same and change each session, including weights, cardio, kettlebell, circuits, ropes, tyres, body weight activities, boxing, HITT and much more.

“They’re all really designed to get people moving outside of their normal movement patterns, but it all benefits their everyday movements as well,” said RPTM Owner Linda Rankin.

“Any kind of resistance training, be it body weight or physical weight, it’s going to increase that lean muscle mass which, in turn, is going to benefit the way you can move as well as have a positive impact on the rate at which you burn calories.

“The more muscle mass you have, the stronger your body is to be able to do everyday movements like walking, bending and lifting things, even just lifting the groceries or the kids.”

RPTM can cater to whatever your fitness dreams are and, no matter the reason, they guarantee a safe and secure environment.

“We try to create that space where we’re very welcoming and non-judgemental so people feel they have that safe space that they can work out in and they can feel good about themselves,” said Linda.

The qualified and talented team at RPTM knows how to get the best out of exercise and has expertise in training, strength and conditioning and other exercise fields.

“Myself and one of my other coaches, Billie, are both national placing athletes in our own sports so that helps us in knowing what our bodies are capable of,” said Linda.

“It helps us to bring that more personal level to our clients, in that we are just everyday women and if we can do it, everybody can achieve whatever they want to achieve.”

RPTM understands that fitness is a personal commitment and offers a two-week trial for $39.

“If you’re getting into fitness and want to give it a real hot go and make it part of your lifestyle then you need to find something you like in an environment you feel comfortable,” said Linda.

“No obligations afterwards, just come and see if we’re the right fit for you.”

To find out more, visit rptm.net or phone Linda on 0403 520 544.

The team at RPTM can help improve your everyday fitness and achieve your fitness goals. Photos supplied: Linda Rankin

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Environmental vandals have caused considerable damage to environmentally significant Melaleuca trees along the Shoal Point foreshore, with Mackay Regional Council saying it will take stern action to rectify the illegal breach.

In all, 11 trees were damaged in front of 100 Hodges Road, with three trees, including one cluster, being removed completely.

Deputy Mayor Karen May said this damage to the foreshore vegetation was classified as “extremely significant” and council would deliver the full weight of its vegetation vandalism policy.

“This is a real shame – those Melaleuca trees are iconic to Shoal Point and are very, very old,” Cr May said.

“It looks as if someone has used a chainsaw to clear the view of the beach, and in doing so have removed several trunks and major limbs, which will leave those surviving trees susceptible to disease,” she said.

“We will be replanting the area at a rate of three-to-one, meaning 33 new plants for that location, and we will be installing a 1800 by 3600 millimetre billboard sign to educate the public on the importance of our coastal vegetation.”

Development Compliance officers are currently investigating a registered complaint in the area. As part of the investigation, they interviewed the adjacent developer, however no evidence was obtained to assist with the vegetation vandalism investigation.

Also at Shoal Point, a group of at least 10 trees look to have been poisoned in front of Belangason Way.

Council will be replanting the area at a rate of two-to-one (20 plants) and, because of the remoteness of the location and time since the suspected poisoning, a medium sized educational sign (600mm x 900mm) will be installed.

Anyone with evidence or information relating to these acts of vegetation vandalism is encouraged to contact council’s Health and Regulatory team on 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

Coastal vegetation has been vandalised in front of Hodges Road, Shoal Point. Image supplied: Mackay Regional Council

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With Speech Pathology Week wrapping up last week, there is no better time to highlight the work of speech pathologists and the breadth of the services they provide.

Haley Moran-Green is a Speech-Language Pathologist in the education sector working with schools all over the region.

Ms Moran-Green has assisted these schools to introduce communication boards, supporting students with complex communication needs, severe speech difficulties, younger siblings or kindy students not yet at school.

“It helps with comprehension and providing language input at their level and trying to bridge that gap,” said Ms Moran-Green.

“Sometimes if they’re not quite understanding what you’re saying, visuals can help with that.

“We’re trying to support people with communication difficulties, which can come about for anybody; anybody can have a communication difficulty at any point in time.”

Beaconsfield State School was the first to introduce communication boards to encourage interaction between peers, staff and students.

“Lots of kids took to it without us even realising we have quite a few students with what we would call complex communication needs,” said Ms Moran-Green.

“Initially, we saw kids leading other kids over to the board trying to talk to each other.

“I think it’s just become second nature because we’ve also spread the use of visuals throughout the school.

“It’s just expected that you will see it in the school now and when there is that communication breakdown everyone knows there’s something close by to turn to.”

The boards came about after a discussion between Ms Moran-Green and Beaconsfield State School Principal Lisa Laird.

Other schools in the region are now working towards getting boards installed, including Eimeo Road State School, Victoria Park State School, Mackay West State School and Mackay District Special School and Ms Moran-Green is advocating to have more signs installed in local parks.

Ms Laird says she has received amazing incidental feedback.

“We had a non-verbal child attend a kindy transition who couldn’t speak, they went to the board to indicate that they wanted a drink by using the pictures, so it’s the incidental that’s fallen out of this,” she said.

“Parent feedback is amazing…it’s all those fallout effects from something that we were trying to do to introduce communication to peer-to-peer and adult-to-student.”

The boards were custom designed by speech pathologists and school staff with simplicity, purpose and sentence flow in mind.

The signs were then manufactured by a local signwriter and can be found throughout the school available to students of all ages.

“Most of our students with these communication difficulties are in our lower year levels but we wanted to send out a message that we want you here the whole time so this is available in all of our year levels,” said Ms Moran-Green.

Ms Laird says Speech Pathology Week is an important time to recognise the services of speech pathologists in the school community.

“We are so lucky to have the services of Haley,” she said.

“We’re finding the need for a speech and language pathologist is of utmost importance and it starts, basically, at that prep foundation level.”

In the education department, Ms Moran-Green works with students and staff to improve communication skills.

“I feel like I do as much work with staff as I do with students, which I think has also led to a lot of the success of the communication signs as well,” she said.

“Everybody’s really embraced it.”

Speech-Language Pathologist Haley Moran-Green and Beaconsfield State School Principal Lisa Laird with one of the school’s many communication boards. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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