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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A favourite watering hole in Mackay’s CBD is undergoing a $1.6 million renovation to revitalise the building’s beer garden, entertainment and bistro spaces.  

Mackay’s Metropolitan Hotel is set to become a new hub for Mackay locals, with renovations already underway. The ‘new and improved Met’ will include a new beer garden, which will become the perfect spot for locals to grab a few drinks and a bite to eat before or after a live show.

Works have also started on the pub’s sports bar and refreshing the gaming room and bistro are scheduled to follow soon, with these areas remaining open for the time being.

With the eagerly awaited facelift, so too comes an epic new menu. It will be packed with classic pub favourites that locals love but there will also be delicious new dishes to tempt hungry customers, including snacks and lighter food options.

Operator Australian Venue Co is undertaking the extensive renovation to position The Metropolitan Hotel as the new social and entertainment hub for Mackay residents.

“We’re excited to be refreshing the look and feel of The Metropolitan Hotel, giving the tired venue a modern upgrade”, says Craig Ellison, Chief Operating Officer of Australian Venue Co.

“With an impressive new beer garden and revitalised bistro area, the Mackay pub will soon be the ultimate celebration destination for local residents of all groups and sizes”, said Mr Ellison.

“The Metropolitan will also be home to an exciting lineup of entertainment, with an upcoming calendar jam packed with interstate and local acts locked in. We are looking forward to the venue also becoming a hub for functions and events.

“Australian Venue Co is investing into Metropolitan Hotel’s renovation so that locals can enjoy quality live entertainment and a delicious food and drink offering as part of a contemporary pub experience,” he added.

The Metropolitan Hotel is expected to fully reveal all renovated areas in early 2023.

The renovations at The Metropolitan in Mackay follow a number of extensive renovations by Australian Venue Co across Queensland including the recently reopened Boomerang Hotel in Mackay.

The Metropolitan Hotel is undergoing a $1.6 million renovation with construction already underway. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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A few short weeks after the successful ‘Shades of Women’ event, local women’s advocate and CEO of Kickass Women, Jo Sainsbury has presented the Mackay Women’s Services with a $5,000 cheque and $6,000 worth of emergency hope bags.

The combination of both dedication and passion, Jo proudly delivered the proceeds and 12 hope bags to support women and children affected by domestic violence in the region across their services of Mackay Women’s Centre, Domestic Violence Resource Service and Sexual Assault Service – with an overwhelming response.

“Incredible. That’s the only way we can describe the impact this will have in giving women and children the relief, security, and opportunity to survive the first 24-48 hours. For some, it will be their only chance,” said Tersia Mouton, Mackay Women’s Service’s Service Delivery Manager.

Over 120 local women, sponsors, and community representatives came together on Saturday 9 July at a Gala Event held at Magpies Sporting Club to raise funds and highlight the severity of the issue that requires ongoing vital resources for the region of Mackay.

“Survivors of domestic violence often leave with nothing. The Hope Bags items, such as a phone, sim card, toiletries, and grocery voucher, honestly make the world of difference to them. To receive bags completely ready for emergency relief is truly a godsend,” she said.

Jo Sainsbury said that the next Shades of Women was already planned for 27 May 2023 in alignment with Domestic Violence Prevention Month, and she had an exciting announcement about the second event.

“It’s my absolute pleasure to welcome Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal as the Presenting Rights Sponsor for next year’s event. I cannot thank them enough for their support and backing of Shades of Women.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the sponsors of this year’s event who got behind the concept and helped bring it to life. It takes a collective effort to make an event happen, and it’s humbling to already be watching the growth and impact ramping up for 2023,” she said.

Jo said that she had started Kickass Women to empower and advocate for women and the Shades of Women event was an extension of the ethos and values to support women within our region – when they need it most.

Tickets for Shades of Women 2023 will be on sale later this year. Follow Kickass Women’s Facebook Page for updates www.facebook.com/KickassWomenAustralia

CEO of Kickass Women, Jo Sainsbury has presented the Mackay Women’s Services with a $5,000 cheque following the success of the Shades of Women event

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Mackay residents will benefit from enhanced mobile coverage and 5G capabilities, as Optus switches on three new towers across the region.

The newly installed Optus-owned sites, located in Mackay City West, Homebush, and Dolphin Heads, will provide Optus customers with greater communication through the improved density of the mobile network with enhanced coverage and increased network capacity.

As part of a $3.9 million investment into the area, the three towers are located in rural, city and beachside locations, enhancing the Optus network for the thousands of locals and tourists who live, work, and visit Mackay, a popular destination for travelling through to the Great Barrier Reef.

Dave Morrissey, Optus Territory General Manager for Northern QLD, is pleased to be providing the local community with greater mobile competition and choice through their network projects.

“We’re proud to be providing our customers with much-needed access to our fast 5G network from the Mackay City West, Homebush and Dolphin Heads towers,” Morrisey said.

“The introduction of Optus 5G for the first time in these areas will enable customers in the region to take advantage of an enhanced Optus network, where they can explore the innovations that come with this latest technology through faster download speeds and an enhanced user experience.”

“Installing these three new towers will also allow for competition and choice in the region for both local business and residents, with Optus offering its best network yet.”

The investment to expand Optus’ telecommunications infrastructure and mobile coverage is part of an ongoing project to improve coverage, reliability, and speed across the Optus mobile network.

The three new towers will join Mackay’s Blacks Beach tower which was turned on in November 2021, further providing support across the region for Optus customers to strengthen their connectivity.

A new Optus tower in Blacks Beach is one of three new towers being switched on by Optus in the Mackay region

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The second regular Northern Beaches Community Meeting took place last Wednesday, with the Camilleri Street Skate Park one item on the agenda.

Approximately 20 community members attended the meeting as well as Councillors Alison Jones, Fran Mann, Laurence Bonaventura, Pauline Townsend, Justin Englert and Belinda Hassan.

Concerned Northern Beaches resident Bessie Hayes spoke to the agenda item on the night, giving an update on the issue at the meeting and giving councillors an opportunity to provide reasons behind the council’s decision to have the mural painted over without community consultation.

“There was a robust discussion that only clarified that they (councillors) hadn’t voted for the motion as it lay but on their own perception of what it was,” said Ms Hayes.

“However, they did stay to mingle with community members after, who got the chance to speak to them personally to tell them why they were angry.

“They just wanted to be consulted.

“In the purest sense, Wednesday was the opportunity we wanted on July 27.”

Ms Hayes highlighted inconsistencies in claims made by multiple councillors relating to the Camilleri Street Skate Park mural.

In the ordinary meeting of council held on July 13, 2022, Councillors Martin Bella, Englert and Bonaventura stated that an application was made for the installation of public art as a memorial for Northern Beaches boy William Baker.

The application, however, makes no mention of William, as artist Anita Laura clarified in her address to council in the meeting.

“The intention of this mural is to brighten the space and see a mural with sort of themes of connection in that place,” said Ms Laura.

Mackay Regional Council Acting CEO Angela Hays agreed, saying it was her and the office’s recommendation that council support the application.

“The design of the mural itself does not reference any individual in any way and I understand that it is the family’s strong wishes as well that this is not considered a memorial of any sort,” said Ms Hays.

Moreover, similarities have been drawn between this application and past memorial applications made by the community for Shandee Blackburn.

“I voted to have the memorial at Camilleri Street skate park taken down because council policy doesn’t allow public memorials – one example is an application for Shandee Blackburn that was denied,” Councillor Englert wrote in Mackay Life in our August 5 edition.

Mackay Regional Council posted a photo of a memorial garden to Facebook on August 8, 2014, with the Community and Client Services Monthly Review for 4 August - 7 September 2014 describing the image as “Image of Cr Theresa Morgan with Shandee Blackburn’s mum for the launch of the new garden installed by council and a local contractor.”

“They said that they had rejected that memorial wall and, quite clearly, they haven’t rejected that wall and they actually funded it,” said Ms Hayes.

“I’m not comparing the two…one is a memorial funded by council for the right purpose; this one is public artwork, community funded; they’ve added the bias of the memorial to it.”

Ms Hayes addressed council at the ordinary meeting held on July 27, 2022, asking council to go to community consultation.

The motion to take the decision to community consultation was ultimately denied despite calls for community consultation from multiple councillors in the previous meeting.

“That reason was for why they were rejecting the application, whereas they didn’t give any reasons as to why they were rejecting community consultation,” said Ms Hayes.

“It was a beautiful piece of art…it kept obscenities from being scrawled all over there by graffiti…so there’s my rates not going to the clean-up of graffiti, getting something that’s beautiful for the kids going on, that tiny percentage of Will’s family and friends get their own meaning out of it and they can visit and that can mean something to them, but for 10, 20, 30 years, that’s artwork for everyone and not graffiti and obscenities for everyone.”

Another reason given by Council to cover the artwork was the incorrect following of Council’s public art approval process, due to what Ms Laura called a “miscommunication”.

Ms Hayes says the community group will revisit the artwork application further down the track and hopes regular Northern Beaches Community Meetings will see the potential of the northern beaches realised.

“The highlight is that the community is keen to continue the meetings quarterly and collaborate with some other community groups to get some activities and events going,” she said.

Former Councillor Theresa Morgan, Vicki Blackburn, Jason Costigan (former MP) and representatives from Dig-it! Landscapes gathering at a memorial garden dedicated to Shandee Blackburn on the 18-month anniversary of her fatal walk home. Photo supplied: Mackay Regional Council

The mural painted at the Camilleri Street Skate Park before it was painted over by Mackay Regional Council

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Mortgage rates and council rates have gone up, which leads to hikes in rent. The cost of petrol is ridiculous, which then causes the cost of everything else to increase. Food is becoming scarce due to farmers not having the necessary workforce to help with harvests, which pushes the price up.

We’re all feeling the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis, with no relief in sight.

Inflation rose to a high of 6.1 per cent in June, the highest it’s been in 21 years.

We’re not alone, however. Many countries around the world are grappling with rising inflation. The USA, UK, Germany, New Zealand and Canada have all experienced higher inflation than Australia, ranging from 7.3 per cent in New Zealand to the UK’s 9.4 per cent.

In comparison, wages rose an average of 2.4 per cent during the March quarter, but a lot of hard-working Aussies didn’t get a pay rise at all this year. It’s hard to stay positive when you reaslise that, due to inflation, you’re actually earning less value than you did the year before, despite being a hard-working, faithful employee.

This then drives people towards other avenues. A different career, or perhaps no career. Why work your guts out when you could be spending more time with your family if you have savings?

This then compounds the other major issue Australia is facing, a skills and worker shortage.

All sorts of suggestions are being thrown around, from allowing children as young as 13 to work, to reducing the penalty for pensioners to work, allowing some of our aged yet skilled nurses and teachers to return to work without reducing their pension so severely.

If older people want to work then good on them, I think that’s fantastic. I just hope we’re not spiraling towards a future where our older generation have to work, just to live.

It’s the vulnerable who are feeling it the most. Beneficiaries, those earning lower-than-average wages and those with high debt levels. The only ones who seem to be winning in this situation are the banks and petroleum companies.

So who is winning because they are winning? There’s the real problem.

Amanda

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In early August, Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated (MRPI) received a call from an Ergon Energy depot with a most unusual report: a cat had fallen through their ceiling.

Ergon workers arrived at the depot one morning to find a ginger cat and a hole in the ceiling, the cat bolting the moment the door was opened.  

A few days later, the staff could hear meowing and got in touch with MRPI.

One of the MPRI team scaled a three-metre ladder to assess the situation, ultimately setting traps and trail cameras in the ceiling.  

“The staff at Ergon were amazing,” MRPI said in a Facebook post.

“They are such a friendly, caring group of workers.  

“They helped us as much as they could, getting ladders, resetting the traps morning and night, etc.”  

In the early hours of August 12, an unharmed, desexed male cat was found in one of the traps in the ceiling.  

Robin Morgan from MPRI carefully removed him from the trap and the cat happily settled in her arms - this was no feral cat; this was someone’s pet.  

Fortunately, the cat was microchipped, and his details were up to date.  

A call was placed to his owners, 1600km away.

The Newcastle residents had given up all hope of ever finding their cat, adorably named Eugene.

Eugene had escaped twice while his owners were travelling from Townsville to Newcastle, his last known whereabouts being Sarina eight months prior.

The adventures Eugene embarked on between then and now remain a mystery, but he was finally reunited with his owners last month.

“This story clearly highlights the importance of microchipping your pet so if it gets lost it can be reunited with its family,” the Facebook post reads.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the caring team at the Ergon Depot for going above and beyond to help rescue this cat from their ceiling.

“Well done to everyone involved.

“What a fantastic result.  

“We all love a happy ending.”

Eugene was located in the roof of an Ergon Energy depot before being returned to his Newcastle owners eight months after he went missing. Photos supplied: Mackay Pet Rescue Incorporated

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Around 100 students from Central Queensland came together in Mackay last week at the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) Scholarship Graduation ceremony to celebrate graduating senior.

An incredible 98.24 per cent of QATSIF scholarship students graduated from Year 12 in 2020, compared to 83.1 per cent of all Australian students and only 64.8 per cent of other Queensland First Nations students.

Queensland’s Public Trustee works with the QATSIF Board of Advice to invest and distribute scholarship funds.

The CEO of the Public Trustee Samay Zhouand said QATSIF is helping 266 Mackay students through senior this year by providing them with scholarships so they can continue their studies in Years 11 and 12.

“QATSIF has been running for nearly 14 years now, and the Public Trustee is proud to be associated with its amazing work,” he said.

“Of 2,000 QATSIF scholarship students across the state, there are 202 in leadership roles this year, including 22 school captains and 10 Vice Captains – a great achievement.

“Of the highest achieving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Queensland, five of the seven named are QATSIF scholarship students.

“It’s clear the Foundation is making a massive difference to outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students,” he said.

QATSIF’s Secretariat Director Michael Nayler said more than $2.4 million was distributed through QATSIF in 2021-22, leading to great results for the students involved.

“Five of the last seven 7 News’ Young Indigenous Achiever Awards were awarded to QATSIF students – including two overall Queensland winners,” Mr Nayler said.

“And 18 of the 22 students named in the Peter Doherty Outstanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM awards have also been QATSIF scholarship students,” he said.

Students who graduated in 2020 have gone on do well, with 87.3 per cent in employment, education and training last year, compared to 80.5 per cent of all Queensland students and 61.5 per cent of other First Nations students.

L-R: Andrew Wilcox – Federal Member for Dawson, Lainey Wilson - Senior Cultural Captain of Mirani State High School, and Samay Zhouand, CEO of the Public Trustee, Queensland. Images supplied

Students who attended the QATSIF Scholarship Graduation ceremony

Samay Zhouand and Juliette Gilbert – Member for Mackay

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