The Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program aims to improve the quality of water flowing from the Pioneer and Plane Creek catchments.

The program is funded by the Partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, which includes an investment of $201 million to address water quality improvement targets impacting the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Reef Catchments has been appointed to manage the $22.2 million Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program (MWWQP) as both regional program manager and partnership coordinator.

In recognition of the beginning of the 2022 crush season, Reef Catchments is launching a “Grower’s Photo Competition” to highlight the dedicated growers who contribute season after season to the thriving sugar industry.   The team is calling all budding and professional photographers to submit their images for judging by our Reef Catchments board.

There will be four categories to choose from and the closing date is Friday, 19 August 2022.

1. Young Gen 9 Champion Award

(Prize from TimeZone Mackay)

2. Female Operators or Growers Champion Award

(Prize from Little Bit Country Mackay)

3. Veteran Growers Champion Award

(Prize from CRT Mt Ossa)

4. Harvest Sunsets Champion Award

(Prize from Mitre 10 Proserpine)

All entrants will be invited to the official prize giving, which is free of charge, to be hosted at the Shamrock Hotel in Mackay on the 27 August 2022 from 2pm - 5pm, where the 4 winning photographs will be displayed for guests to admire.

Entrants may submit more than one entry and T’s&C’s do apply.  To complete your registration please like, share and hashtag the following to your social media accounts - #greatbarrierreeffoundation #mwwqp #2022sugar

Growers who would like more information regarding the program are encouraged to contact the Reef Catchments team.

Project Officer - Stacey Corrie - E:  Stacey.corrie@reefcatchments.com

Communications and Media Officer - Misty Bland - E:  misty.bland@reefcatchments.com

“The Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.’

Stacey Corrie and Misty Bland from Reef Catchments

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With mining incidents and deaths on the increase over the past few years, it’s understandable that ‘safety’ has become a predominant industry topic; however, one local business is championing a reputation shift – in a monstrous way.

Locally owned Mackay Safety is taking an unconventional approach to awareness of the topic, by showcasing an oversized full bodied blue monster mascot at this year’s Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME) next week.

Mick Storch, Managing Director of Mackay Safety and 4PS Software, said that safety had become a bleak topic across the industry and he believed it was fear-based and time to flip the reputation on its head.

“It’s a bit radical but the situation needs shaking up. It’s about simplifying the concept of safety by exposing the monster in the room – we need to reveal the big hairy audacious topic it has become (with a bit of humour) and start looking at how we can take a fresh approach moving forward,” he said.

The annual QME event is an opportunity for local and regional businesses to showcase what’s available across the region, including Mackay Safety’s different approach to software development that is both predictive and preventative in nature.

“Safety doesn’t need to be scary. Our experiences, services and advice have come a long way and while tragedies should never occur, we have developed better understanding and learnings from them for future preventative action. Our software reflects this, and we want to ignite more conversations around safety advancements,” he said.

Mackay Safety have in-depth knowledge and exposure through their work across risk registers, accident investigations, resourcing safety management personnel, safety management systems, safety plans, and assistance with tendering, etc.

“Having worked in the safety industry for decades, I have seen its evolution across trade, safety, and compliance. The daring representation of a monster is a creative way to trigger the thinking of the industry and the underlying factors behind safety. We still have a long way to go, but we believe revealing this is part of the process of reframing the concept of safety and its impacts.

We need to embrace a forward-thinking and positive approach for the generations of men and women going through the industry that rely on safety to get them through their shift and home safely, every time. It requires a full industry adoption to remove the fear and focus on the solutions of the future,” he said.

To learn more about Mackay Safety and 4PS Software, visit their website or stall at this year’s QME event.

Keep aneye out for the Safety Monster at QME!

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Star by name, local stars by nature.

The Mackay 2022 radio survey results were announced last week, with Star 101.9 Mackay taking the top spot for the second year in a row.

Star was announced as the most listened-to station with a 19.6 per cent share, number one for ages 25-54 with a 22.7 per cent share and the number one breakfast show with 20 per cent listenership during that time slot.

Breakfast show announcers Scott Linden and Rachel Zonta said the network has a generous platform, with thousands of dollars in prizes given away in the local community every week.

“We have $5,000 to give away every week with Instagrand, and our recent Push the Button promotion had $30,000 in cash and prizes,” Rachel said.

Locals winning big bucks has been one of the most enjoyable moments for the breakfast duo.

“Seeing a local family win $10,000 and knowing it will make a real difference was such a highlight,” Rachel said.

“I just wished I had seen the moment,” Scott added.

“I was adjusting microphones when the $10,000 prize happened. Another $1,000 prize I missed when I went to get a coffee,” he laughed.

Scott said that it’s the behind-the-scenes that makes the show fun to do.

“With Rach doing the show a few days a week from home we see each other on a video call. Sometimes we might be chatting and Rach’s bub and I are waving at each other while we’re doing an interview, or Rach is having to wrestle control of headphones from a squirming toddler while we’re trying to do a contest.

“It’s fun to watch and I’m glad my kids are through that stage.”

Being the region’s only local female breakfast announcer and a working mum means Rach resonates with a wide audience of listeners.

“I think it’s a huge point of difference, I can relate to the women and mums in our region and we can share laughs about similar issues.”

The radio station also keeps its local connection going in the afternoon, with announcer Kaley Baker on-air from 12pm weekdays. Kaley moved to the afternoon slot when Rachel returned to the breakfast show after maternity leave.

Other results of the radio survey announced 4MK as the number one commercial station amongst listeners aged 65+. Triple M took out the top spot with male listeners across its breakfast show and drive show, while Hit FM took the drive spot with female listeners.

Star 101.9 Mackay celebrate being named as the most listened-to radio station in Mackay in the 2022 radio survey

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Six children required hospitalisation last week following an accident on a quad bike.

Queensland Police reported that preliminary investigations reveal the all-terrain vehicle was carrying six children when it crashed and rolled after striking an embankment along Thurgoods Road. The incident occurred on July 8 around 3:35pm.

“Two of the six children including a nine-year-old girl and a six-year-old boy sustained respective serious head and abdomen injuries when they were thrown from the vehicle, with the remaining four children suffering injuries requiring hospitalisation,” the police report said.

This came only a few days after the small Pioneer Valley community was left in shock following the death of local resident Suzanne Scott.

The circumstances surrounding the 69-year-old’s death remain suspicious and under investigation.

Ms Scott’s home was on Boulder Road, but she was later pronounced dead at a Zahmel Street address, where a 37-year-old man was performing CPR on Ms Scott.

Police allege Ms Scott’s 4WD was stolen and may have been used in the death of Ms Scott.

“Preliminary enquiries indicate the 69-year-old woman was struck by a vehicle in Finch Hatton before 6pm, July 4.

“The local woman suffered critical injuries and died at the scene,” the police report said.

A 37-year-old man has been assisting police with the investigation.

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A 24-year-old male was arrested on July 10, for driving a mobility scooter while allegedly intoxicated.

At about 5:01am on July 10 police were patrolling on Harbour Road in North Mackay.

It's alleged that officers observed a male riding a mobility scooter in the middle of an on-coming lane. Officers observed the scooter swerving back and forth between two lanes and riding at high speed.

The scooter was stopped by police and officers spoke to a 24-year-old male resident of Walkerston who was the alleged rider. The male stated he was riding from town to his partner's house.

He was arrested at this time due to his state of intoxication and taken to the Mackay police station for a further breath analysis. His breath alcohol concentration was confirmed as .151 per cent.

The 24-year-old male has been charged with driving a personal mobility device while under the influence of liquor. He will appear in the Mackay Magistrates Court on July 27 to have the charge heard.

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SH Tait & Co is delighted to announce the appointment of Kristelle Lamb as a Director of the firm.

“Kristelle has been an integral part of our firm since 2004 and we are absolutely delighted to have her join the ranks of Director,” said John Philps.  

Kristelle’s promotion from Manager to Director was announced by Managing Director, Adam Parrish to staff last week.  

“Kristelle has worked at Tait’s for 18 years and her promotion to Director recognises the dedication and service she has provided to our clients over these years.”

Kristelle is a Certified Practicing Accountant, a Mackay local and mother of two.

Mrs Lamb said, “Since first starting with SH Tait & Co as a graduate accountant in 2004, I have taken great pride in establishing strong relationships with both clients and staff.  

“I am excited to start this new chapter of my career as a Director and look forward to continuing to work with our clients to build strong businesses.”  

S.H. Tait & Co is a Chartered Accounting Practice that has been providing accounting, taxation and auditing services to local Mackay businesses since its inception in 1924. Kristelle joins fellow directors Adam Parrish, Stephen Amos, Monica McKendry and John Philps in continuing to provide expert knowledge to the firm’s clients.

Stephen Amos says of the firm, “The best asset to your business is an accountant who cares about you, your business and your goals.

“At S.H. Tait & Co Chartered Accountants that’s exactly what you’ll find. Kristelle joins a team of experienced Directors, Accountants and Tax Agents to help with all your accounting needs.”

Speaking on behalf of the directors Monica McKendry said, “Kristelle has consistently excelled, and I am incredibly pleased to welcome her as Managing Director to the practice.

“She is well respected by our entire team and her clients. She has always given everything to her clients and our firm including providing guidance and mentoring to many of our staff,” Ms McKendry said.

“This appointment is exciting news for our firm, and I’m pleased to have another female join me as a Director.”

Kristelle Lamb has been appointed as a Director at Chartered Accounting Practice S.H. Tait & Co

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Classic car lovers winced at the sight of a 1970’s era Mazda RX3 Rotary in a crumpled condition after rolling multiple times along Pacific Esplanade in Slade Point last Sunday afternoon.

Queensland Ambulance reported that two stable patients were transported to Mackay Hospital after a single-vehicle rollover on Pacific Esplanade at 2.51 pm.

A packed Seabreeze Hotel meant there were plenty of onlookers who saw the incident unfold, with one witness saying the driver had made a purchase at the Seabreeze before driving onto Pacific Esplanade.

“The driver was revving the car as he drove from the Seabreeze, hit the curb and rolled at least three times,” the witness said.

A Slade Point local said it was a regular occurrence to see cars driving at speed, treating Pacific Esplanade like a drag strip.

“It was only a matter of time,” they added.

The Mazda RX3 was towed from Pacific Esplanade on Slade Point after rolling multiple times. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Unfortunately, Wonderland Entertainment and Leisure have announced that, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Wonderland Spiegeltent has had to cancel its Mackay tour.

The good news is that The Just Saying Project’s live cabaret show Bare will proceed and has relocated to the MECC North Foyer.

The show will be able to proceed unchanged on both dates, Saturday, July 30 at 7.30pm and Sunday, July 31 at 2.30pm.

MECC Box Office staff will be in touch with ticket holders to inform them of the change of venue.

Wonderland Entertainment and Leisure have been in contact with everyone who purchased tickets to Wonderland Spiegeltent specific shows to arrange a refund.

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BOQ Mackay City owners Melissa Green, Rebecca Galea and Melissa Egan are well known in charitable circles for their generosity, but sadly, their signature event, the BOQ Charity Golf Day has been in hiatus since 2018 due to COVID restrictions.

After a two-year break, the 2022 BOQ Mackay City Charity Golf Day was that much more special when it took place on 10th June with proceeds directed at two very worthy local charities – Mackay Hospital Foundation and Mackay Community Foundation.

35 teams took part in the 4-ball Ambrose competition and like any golf game, there were winners and losers on the day but the biggest winners were the two benefiting charities.

Through sponsorship, registrations, raffles and auction items, the event raised an incredible amount of $20,833.86 which was distributed evenly among the two charities.

Event organiser Rebecca Galea said, “We couldn’t be happier with the outcome. This year’s event is our most successful yet, but it would not have been possible without the players and ample corporate support which contributed to the end result.”

Mackay Hospital Foundation Chairman Peter Tait commented, “The team at BOQ Mackay City have excelled with this event.

“They should be very proud of having organised such a successful event. The funds donated to Mackay Hospital Foundation from this event will be utilised to purchase medical equipment in our quest to improve health outcomes in our local hospitals.”

Presentation cheque to the Mackay Community Foundation. L-R: Melissa Egan (BOQ), Rebecca Galea (BOQ), Paul Hemburrow (MCF), Frances Easton (MCF) and Melissa Green (BOQ)

Presentation cheque to the Mackay Hospital Foundation. L-R: Melissa Egan (BOQ), Rebecca Galea (BOQ), Peter Tait (Mackay Hospital Foundation), Melissa Green (BOQ)

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During the month of June, Porters Mitre 10 has been running a competition that would see two lucky Mackay and Whitsunday locals jet off on a Balinese Escape. For every $100 spent in participating Porters Mitre 10 stores on Makita, Milwaukee, Dewalt and Stanley products would receive an entry to win.

Over 3,500 entries were received with one lucky winner selected, Jeremy Bullock took out the holiday package!

The holiday package for two was prepared and supported by Helloworld Travel Mackay and includes return flights from Mackay to Bali, five nights’ accommodation, return airport transfers, daily breakfast, and a full day ‘Wonders of Bali’ tour.

“It has been fantastic that we are able to giveaway an overseas trip to our wonderful customers,” stated Porters Group CEO, Hayden Cargill.

“The response we have had from the local community has been overwhelming and I am excited to hear all about the trip upon the family’s return”.

Jeremy will be setting off to Bali for a five-night escape alongside his lovely wife Allana and two kids.

Jeremy thanked the teams at Porters Mitre 10 and Helloworld Travel Mackay, for the getaway.

“It couldn’t have come at a better time for us, a nice getaway will be greatly appreciated,” he said.

The Bullock family collecting their Balinese Escape. L-R: Bailee King (Helloworld Travel), Allana and Jeremy Bullock and their children, Hayden Cargill (Porters Mitre 10)

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Are you looking for a way to give back to your community?

Justices of the Peace (JPs) and Commissioners for Declarations (Cdecs) in the JPs in the Community Program work under the authority of the Queensland Justice of the Peace Branch, Department of Justice and Attorney-General.

At sites throughout Queensland, these volunteers have donated 135,000 hours, assisted over 673,000 clients and witnessed over 1.9 million documents.

Site coordinator for JPs in the Community at Mt Pleasant, Ted Mullan, said the service needs more volunteers to ensure it can continue.

“Generally, at Mt Pleasant, two Justices are rostered each day however occasionally this is curtailed when a member is unable to attend,” Mr Mullan said.

“The Mt Pleasant team would like to increase our numbers to ensure we are able to effectively provide this important and most satisfying community service.”

JPs in the Community Program members are qualified JPs or Cdecs who are initially appointed by the Queensland Justice of the Peace Branch into a mentoring program at a signing site of their choice.

It’s not all work and no play, Mr Mullan said the group will get together for social outings as well.

Qualified JPs or Cdecs may apply for inclusion in this exciting program by speaking with a team member at Mt Pleasant or accessing the Justice of the Peace Branch online.

Some members of the JPs in the Community Program (Mt Pleasant) enjoying a social lunch at Goosies. L-R: Gary Sorensen, Morris Walburn, Jan Lindbergs, Michael Oakley and Ted Mullan. Photo supplied

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Marie Murray’s love for Mackay is apparent through her commitment and her service to the community.

Ms Murray was acknowledged on Thursday of last week with a morning tea at the Northern Beaches Community Hall.

The celebration marks her 35 years of service in managing the hall, a service which came to an end this year.

Ms Murray has been involved in the hall since it was first built, with her name listed on minutes from the first meetings held by the hall committee dating back to 1987.

She is known in the community for always going above and beyond, acting as a conduit and advocate for community groups and not-for-profits that use the hall.

Ms Murray was also a councillor, serving five terms between 1985 to 2000 in both the Pioneer Shire and the Mackay City Councils.

An active and passionate member of the community, Ms Murray has been a Queen's Baton bearer, received the Pride of the Region Award and is a well-respected marriage celebrant.  

Ms Murray was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Council by Mayor Greg Williamson and spoken of fondly by councillors and members of the public throughout the morning tea.

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Government and industry leaders congregated in Mackay last week for the eighth annual Developing Northern Australia Conference.

The conference provides a regular opportunity for northern Australians to come together to reidentify and refine priorities, discuss ideas and form networks.

With the 2022 theme being ‘A Lead on Inclusive Development for the 21st Century’, guest speakers, presenters and exhibitors shared their views on the future of northern Australia.

Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Senator Susan McDonald says the conference is an opportunity to positively discriminate the region.

“We’ve got some of the greatest thought leaders in the land,” she said.

“We’ve got the Minister for Northern Australia, the Shadow Minister for Northern Australia and other government officials who are ensuring that we can continue to prioritise these important issues.”

Ms McDonald says the Townsville region spent over $500 million on professional services outside the region last financial year.

“Until we start ensuring that the graphic designers, accountants, solicitors, consultants are all based in our regions, they own a house, they pay the lawn mowing fee, their kids go to school here, until we do that, we’re not demanding that the rest of the country pays the same attention,” she said.

“Positive discrimination for the north.

“Investing in the north ourselves, but also the government, in critical infrastructure and ensuring the momentum that was achieved under the last government is maintained under this one.”

1.3 million people call northern Australia home, and the conference aims to give the representatives of the region a louder voice.

“It is fantastic that we’ve got so many industries, so many government departments are coming here to make sure northern Australia remains the most important portfolio in this government but also understanding the possibility for the north and what we can deliver for Australia as a whole,” said Ms McDonald.

“I want to use this few days as an opportunity to talk to the new Minister, to demonstrate how important it is for those of us who live here, who drive on the roads, who understand the limited internet connectivity, who want to see more childcare services, who want to see greater investment in roads and rail.”

Ms McDonald says the resources sector was also under the spotlight.

“In northern Australia, we have not just the traditional minerals, not just the coal that’s powered the nation, but also the critical minerals that fund the new economy, but also the rare earths,” she said.

“At the moment, the largest rare earths mine is in China.

“Australia needs to secure its own future, particularly with critical mineral fertilisers like potash and phosphate.”

Ms McDonald called on the new resources minister to put potash and phosphate on our critical minerals list to ensure Australia has its own fertiliser supply chains.

“At the moment, it’s mostly rare earths and battery technology minerals, but we need to also concentrate on the most important thing we do for humans which is grow food and for that we need to secure Australia’s supply, stop importing from other countries and ensure that Australia continues to feed itself as well as our near neighbours.”

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Survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence will have a safer place to access support, after the State Government announced a major funding boost to service providers and court facilities across the Mackay and Whitsunday region.

Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman visited Mackay last week to reveal local domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) services would receive an extra $900,000, as part of a $22.5 million boost for services across the state over the next three years.

These recommendations were part of the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce, headed by the Honourable Margaret McMurdo AC. The Taskforce was established in March 2021 to examine coercive control, and review both the need for a specific offence of ‘domestic violence’ and the experience of women across the criminal justice system.

It was also announced that the Mackay Courthouse will undergo a $3 million transformation which will include a new secure safe room and other refurbishments to make the justice system process less harrowing for victims of abuse.

The Attorney-General said the current facilities at the Mackay Courthouse aren’t tailored to making women feel safe, and that the upgrades will help to encourage more victims to come forward.

“We need secure, safe spaces for multiple women and their children. It needs to be a relaxing space where they can access services, and there needs to be separate entrances for victims entering the court so they don’t have to come face-to-face with their alleged perpetrator,” Minister Fentiman said.

Survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence will often live a life of unimaginable pain, both physically and mentally, before seeking help. It takes immense courage to step away and report the crime, with victims experiencing a plethora of emotion; from sadness and depression to anger and embarrassment.

But for the men and women who have suffered at the hands of another, the battle doesn’t end there. Facing their perpetrator during their first interaction with the justice system is a terrifying reality for some, and can be especially confronting when a victim is made to navigate past the accused in a waiting area or is asked to discuss sensitive and emotional information in a courthouse hallway.

Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman said that the greater Mackay region will receive $900,000 to go to DFSV support services.

“It is so important that dedicated support workers receive the tools they need to help victims better manage their trauma,” the Attorney-General said.

“We have seen an increased demand for services driven by a number of factors, including national attention on women’s safety, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Total funding to sexual, domestic and family violence services in the Mackay and Whitsunday region is now more than $5 million for the 2022-23 financial year.

Councillor Belinda Hassan is on the Mackay Women’s Services board and spoke on behalf of the Mackay Women Services, which incorporates the Domestic Violence Resource Service, the Mackay Women’s Centre and the Mackay Sexual Assault Service.

“We’ve always had a greater demand for services than we’ve been able to keep up with, our waitlist is awfully long, this additional funding will allow us to help more people in the community,” Cr Hassan said.

“The funding will allow us to retain the great staff we have and employ one more counsellor to help with child and adolescent counselling, women’s counselling services and sexual assault counselling.”

“We know this funding will make a real difference to vulnerable Queenslanders most at risk,” Minister Fentiman added.

The Attorney-General said the $3 million for the Mackay Courthouse would be used to make domestic violence survivors feel safer.

“The room at the Mackay Courthouse is currently a very small room where victims can wait to go to court, but it is nothing like what we actually need,” Minister Fentiman said.

“It will also mean interview rooms.

“At the moment, duty lawyers or court support staff have to have conversations with victim survivors in the hallway which is not good enough.

“We want our courthouses to have the facilities women deserve and they deserve to have these conversations privately.”

Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert welcomed the additional boost for frontline services.

“It is crucial that we invest in our domestic violence and sexual services to ensure women and victims of violence can access support when they need it most,” Ms Gilbert said.

“To be able to make this space a comfortable and safe space for women and children is a great outcome for our community.”

(L-R) Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman and Councillor Belinda Hassan at the Mackay Courthouse to announce funding towards better services and facilities for domestic, family and sexual abuse victims. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Funding was announced from the State Government for DFSV services as well as an upgrade to Mackay Courthouse. (L-R) Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman and Councillor Belinda Hassan. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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The Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival kicks off its 18th year today after launching at Whitsunday Anglican School last night.

Presenters at the festival, including authors, artists, storytellers, screenwriters, slam poets, musicians and scientists, as well as students, sponsors and organisers gathered to officially launch the festival.

Over the next two days, more than 5000 students from the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions and 500 students from 21 schools in rural and remote regions thanks to the Winchester Foundation will be immersed in all things literature.

“The great part of why I love this festival is that it provides an opportunity for regional and rural students to experience a world-class literature festival that they normally wouldn’t get a chance to outside major capital cities,” said Whitsunday Anglican School Principal Andrew Wheaton.

“The students walk away tremendously invigorated and excited with a love of literature.

“You start to see students walking with piles of books and they literally can’t wait to turn the physical page of a book and get immersed in the wonderful world of what literature can provide and that’s incredibly powerful in an age which is so dominated by social media and technology.”

Mr Wheaton says the festival has come together thanks to incredible preparation from Festival Manager Tracey Gurdler and Coordinator Liz Russel.

Ms Gurdler says seeing the authors arrive and interact with students and stakeholders makes it all worthwhile.

“Liz and I have been working hard to deliver a festival to excite and encourage the students of Mackay into the world of literature and with this stellar line-up of presenters before us, I feel we have certainly delivered on that,” she said.

“To see children immerse themselves in the joy of literature, reading and writing is incredibly meaningful.

“For me, this is what the festival is truly about.”

Two presenters at the festival include Sydney-based writer and kidlit podcast host Nat Amoore and Queensland author, illustrator and ‘Story Doctor’ Dr Cameron Stelzer.

Ms Amoore says as well as writing and illustrating, festivals are a big part of the job.

“Getting in front of the kids, they’re your audience, they’re your readers so you want to go out and see them,” she said.

“It’s as much about interacting with your audience and getting face-to-face time with the kids that are reading your books as well as keeping them inspired and excited about reading so there’s another generation of writers but also a generation that wants to read.”

“It’s where you get your ideas from as well,” added Dr Stelzer.

“If you’re sitting in a room not interacting, you don’t get the feel of what’s going to work and what the kids want to see.”

After a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country led by local Yuwi people, the festival was declared open by Principal Wheaton.

An insightful Writer’s Panel followed featuring presenters Melina Marchetta, Jack Heath, Cath Moore and Oliver Phommavanh, hosted by Nat Amoore.

The festival kicks off today with presentations, workshops, competitions and book signings.

Key highlights of the program include the Litchat Educators’ Event presented by Tomorrow, When the War Began author John Marsden tonight and the Flor-Hanly Literary Dinner featuring keynote speaker Dr Richard Harris tomorrow night.

For more information on the festival, the program and the presenters, visit www.whitsundayvoices.com.au.

Nat Amoore and Dr Cameron Stelzer are among the many talented writers presenting at this year’s Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival

Last night’s launch concluded with an insightful Writer’s Panel featuring Melina Marchetta, Jack Heath, Cath Moore and Oliver Phommavanh, hosted by Nat Amoore

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