It might seem like the price of sugar is a matter for the growers and the millers, but every one dollar spent in cane multiplies to contribute $6.40 across the region. The industry supports over 5,000 local jobs and 1,700 Mackay region businesses.

There are quite a few factors at play in determining the price for sugar, including Reserve Bank rates and movements of other countries producing sugar.

The price of raw sugar has seen a drop from the recent record-breaking highs of $600 AUD/mt to around $551.

Shifts in India and Brazil have both contributed to this. Brazil is one of the world’s major producers of ethanol, derived from sugarcane. It’s second only to the US, and produced 35 billion litres in 2019. Ethanol production has had strong support from the Brazilian government, and a guaranteed buyer in state-owned Petrobras.

While that is still the case, there has been an upswing in the percentage of cane going to sugar production with higher sugar prices and slightly reduced world demand for ethanol. For the first half of July, 47.1 per cent of cane harvested went to sugar production.

Meanwhile, India is raising its sugar export quota, with an additional 1.2 million tonnes of extra sugar heading to export. Fortunately, CANEGROWERS and Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC) success at the World Trade Organisation means that this sugar is no longer subsidised by the state. The move means that India’s exports will now be above 11 million tonnes.

Brazil, followed by India, are the two highest sugar-producing nations globally, and so exert a huge influence on sugar pricing. In perspective, Australia, the world’s tenth largest sugar producer, exported 3.3million tonnes of the 4.36 million tonnes of sugar produced here in 2021.

Recently, we have seen rate rises delivered not only by Australia’s Reserve Bank, but there have also been likewise moves in the United States, from the US Federal Open Market Committee. On the ground, rate rises put pressure on producers as a rise in costs, and that pressure reflects on world sugar prices.

Ongoing cost-of-production pressure with high fuel and fertiliser and chemical costs have all taken a price increase in the recent past, soaking up a large proportion of added income drawn from a strong sugar price.

As we see the world economy in a somewhat precarious situation as a result of Covid, instability from Chinese expansionism and the Russian invasion of the Ukraine, we hope to see some settling of these increases in the near future so that we can again get a real grasp on our cost of production.

While we are dealing with fluctuating prices most growers are like any business and are not able to see into the future and what farm input price rises will mean to their business in the long term.

Even though we have seen a softening of prices, growers have had the opportunity to take advantage of the stronger prices that were available in the past months. As a result of Marketing Choice legislation, Forward Pricing has been an added optional management tool that growers have had access to for the past 10 years or so. It gives growers that take this option the ability to insulate themselves from the price volatility that we are seeing at this stage.

With that said, prices are still very attractive, and growers will continue to make the best of all opportunities as they arise.

Raw Sugar on the move at Mackay Sugar Terminal. Picture: Contributed

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One of Business Network International’s (BNI) Mackay chapters welcomed visitors of varying professions to a special breakfast last week to introduce them to the networking opportunities available in programs like BNI.

BNI started in the USA in 1985 to get like minded people together to generate business.

Networks are organised into chapters and chapters organised into franchise territories, with two face-to-face chapters and one virtual in Mackay.

BNI North Queensland franchise owner Bernie Hock has been involved in BNI for over 16 years and says generating business is one of the main benefits.

“If you’re in business and want more business, BNI is a great vehicle for that,” he said.

“It’s sort of like a way of marketing your business but it’s relationship marketing, you get to mix and mingle with people from different walks of life and different trades or businesses or professions.”

Visitors were asked to introduce themselves and their business before presentations were given to introduce the concept and fellow members.

A time for chatting and networking followed the presentations.

Copywriter, business owner and vice president of the Excelsior chapter Katrina Nissen says she’s been involved for almost three years.

“I’d only just moved to Mackay, and it was one of those things that I thought would be really great for helping my business and my confidence as well,” she said.

“I’ve been really able to grow my business exponentially from that.”

“There’s networking and then there’s a different type of networking when you come to BNI.”

Excelsior president and business owner Carl Allen says he was apprehensive at first.

“I actually thought I was coming to a church group, and I wasn’t real keen about that but then I realised I needed to network a bit more…it’s paid dividends,” he said.

“We’re all excited to be here on a Thursday morning mainly because we’re like minded business people.”

The Excelsior chapter of BNI welcomed visitors last week

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Mackay Council residents are advised that rate notices will start appearing in letterboxes and inboxes from next week.

They will be issued on Monday, August 22, and residents should receive them shortly after. Payment will be due on Wednesday, September 21, 2022.

To be eligible for the Early Bird Payment Initiative, residents are encouraged to pay their rates by Monday, September 5, to go in the draw for the chance to win one of three $500 prizes. Conditions apply.

Residents are also advised that they can pay their rates online through council’s website. Just follow the instructions on your rate notice.

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If cards, bowls and dance are activities you enjoy, the Mackay & District Senior Citizens group hosts weekly opportunities to have fun and form new friendships.

Forty-eight members of the Mackay & District Senior Citizens met at Harrup Park Country Club for their first social luncheon for this year.  

Members who attended were from Tuesday Cards and Bowls, Thursday Cards and Bowls, Saturday Cards and Saturday Night Dance.

Tuesday Cards and Bowls, Thursday Cards and Bowls and Saturday Night Dances are held weekly, while Saturday Cards are played the third Saturday of the month.

If you are interested in any of these activities, please come along to the Senior Citizens Centre, 58 Macalister Street, Mackay.  Everyone is welcome.

Members of the Mackay & District Senior Citizens group at their first social luncheon for 2022 at Harrup Park

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Expressions of interest (EOIs) for the Australian Government’s 2022-23 Volunteers Grants are now open, with Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, calling on community organisations to apply.

These grants recognise the vital role that volunteers have within our community and support the positive difference they make on the ground.

“This additional funding will go a long way in helping local organisations and their volunteers to continue their crucial work in supporting the vulnerable and strengthening our community,” Ms Landry said.

“Volunteering acts as an effective pathway to employment, fosters community participation and breaks down the barriers of marginalisation.

“The 2022-23 Volunteer Grants provides organisations with grants of $1,000 to $5,000 to assist with purchasing equipment, training, cover fuel costs, as well as background screening checks for their volunteers.”

EOIs will be accepted until 5.00pm, Friday 23 September. For EOI application form and guidelines, please contact Michelle Landry’s office via Michelle.Landry.MP@aph.gov.au.

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The construction industry can have many ups and downs, but Better Built Sheds General Manager Brendan Frier says there is one constant source of satisfaction that keeps him excited for each and every job.

“The best moments are the end of any project we do and handing it over to the new owner and seeing how happy they are with the end result,” Brendan said.

Brendan is Mackay born and bred and has vast experience in carpentry, ranging from both working on the tools and managing projects.

He’s worked on everything from new houses and unit developments to multi-million-dollar school projects, both new and refurbishment works.

Being a part of WHF Group, a construction company that has been in operation for over 29 years, Better Built Sheds has become a household name in the Mackay area.

Better Built Sheds can supply kit-only sheds or complete projects from start to finish, including council approvals, concreting and the erection of everything from carports to sheds, both residential and commercial.

They also offer a range of farm sheds for storage of machinery and produce.

Suited for our climate, all structures are cyclone rated and built using only Australian BlueScope steel.

Brendan says Better Built Sheds’ use of cutting-edge technology makes the process of purchasing a shed as simple as possible.

“I can draw a shed in 3D and take the client on a virtual walkthrough of their shed, both inside and out,” he said.

“Our program allows me to quote a shed for someone in less than 10 minutes.

“The client can call me and deal direct with me at any time for an update on their build.”

With the help of Kaitlyn in Finance, Laura in Administration and a whole group of about 20 talented team members, the team at Better Built Sheds are always talking and helping each other out with projects and people.

If you’re in the market for a shed and are looking for a supportive team of talented, dedicated professionals delivering a product that is second-to-none in a simple and innovative way, Better Built Sheds is the way to go.

Call Brendan and the team on 07 4998 5922.

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“Biophilic design is the practice of connecting people and the natural world of which people are a part within our built environments and communities. If we think about design as creatively solving the puzzle of look, feel and function, then biophilic design turns to nature for solutions.” - Wikipedia.

Biophilic design has become, what I believe, to be one of the best new trends for interior design. It has so many benefits where it can have a positive effect on all your senses, plus increase productivity if you work from home.

When choosing furnishings to accentuate this look, bring into your home beautiful raw and reclaimed timbers, bamboo, rattan, natural stone, cork in organic shapes, textured cushions and throws in natural fabrics like linen and cottons.

In floor coverings choose wool, jute, or sustainably sourced animal hide rugs. When it comes to choosing the colours opt for tones inspired by nature from greens, browns, warm neutrals and earthy tones.

Think of letting in natural lighting, water, plants, and other sensory design elements to give you an experience which energises, refreshes, and connects to nature.

You could put a sky light in or select a section of your home to create a sunroom conservatory with glass doors that open to create more ventilation when you like. You can create a vertical garden, plants or herbs in pots and hangers, terrariums, or plants on floating shelves; the options to bring the greenery in is endless.

If you don’t have a green thumb, there are other ways you can achieve this. Indirect biophilic elements that are merely representational still hold an arsenal of benefits. You can use good quality artificial plants, like an olive tree or palms, which we can supply at great prices though Style Central Home.

Speaking about bringing the outside in, serious biophilic design appeals to all the senses, including sound.  Possibly one of the most soothing things about being immersed in nature is the soft sound of birds and gently running water. You can create this by playing relaxation nature music like Tony O’Connor’s Rainforest Magic or by installing a water feature.

Bringing nature into your home or office can also be achieved by incorporating certain aromas, it’s a simple way to extend the experience and influence not just the tone of the room visually but also how it makes you feel whilst in it. Forget synthetic fragrances though, go with organic essential oils such as pine, cedar, lemongrass, or lavender, preferably diffused into the air for 30-60 minutes.

Outdoor living spaces also work well with the Biophilic design aspect of blurring the boundary between the indoor and outdoor areas of your home. Making your outdoor living space your own, no matter how large or small will create a haven for you to enjoy.

If you would like to find out how you could embrace Biophilic design at your home or commercial space, I would be delighted to assist you to create your own sanctuary.  Contact Style Central Home for a complimentary initial phone consultation.

Tracey Fincham

Interior Design & Décor Stylist

Style Central Home

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The wet season is coming, and we’ve all experienced the hopeless feeling of the lawn growing out of control. Relentless rain, you had to work during the one sunny day of the week, and before you know it, your backyard looks like the jungle from Jumanji.

But while it’s tempting to trim a bit from the top, lawn experts agree, you should never mow while the grass is still wet.

Not only will it damage your lawn, you could also damage your mower.

Here’s why you shouldn’t mow wet grass.

1 - Uneven cuts

When grass is wet, water weighs it down, so it can’t stand up straight. The result is that the mower blades tear through the grass messily rather than cutting it cleanly. The grass that is weighed down by water may be missed completely, leaving tall bits to stand up once it dries.

2 – Fungal disease

When mowing a wet lawn, you’re opening the door for fungus and disease to take hold. This is because wet grass doesn’t cut cleanly, it tears or shreds. These tears, combined with the damp, create the perfect conditions for fungal growth and turf diseases.

3 – Mower damage

Wet grass sticks to everything, which can cause damage to the components of your mower if not properly cleaned.  Wet turf is harder to mow so your mower won't operate effectively. The wet grass will clog your mower blades, making the engine work harder, which will wear it out faster. Electric mowers may not even work at all due to the reduced torque.

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The weather’s getting warmer, and those backyard pools are looking more and more enticing for an afternoon of fun with the family.

As we come into summer, it’s important to ensure you are up to date with pool safety to make sure your children’s pool parties are as worry-free as possible.

Read on to revisit some important pool safety tips.

Educate Your Children

Teaching children about the possible dangers of drowning and hazards around the pool is proven to decrease the risk of drowning. Enrolling your child in swimming lessons is the best way to keep them safe in the water and helps them adapt to the water, understand how to float and know what to do when they find themselves in water.

Supervision Is Key

Always keep your eyes on children when they’re in the water – it doesn’t take long for things to go wrong. Stay within arm’s reach of young children and beginner swimmers when they are in or around the water. Always stay close to the pool when children are swimming and take children with you if you leave the pool area.

Follow Pool Fence Requirements

All private swimming pools and spas in Australia that hold a depth of 300mm or more must have safety barriers around them. There are many requirements for these barriers to fulfil, so make sure your fence is in good condition and meets the requirements before going swimming this summer.

Learn CPR

Displaying a compliant CPR sign is an important part of pool safety and knowing how to action CPR is vital.

Ensure Safety At Public Pools

Whether you’re spending the afternoon at Bluewater Lagoon or one of Mackay’s many great public pools, make sure your children know the rules and follow the lifeguard’s instructions. Be aware of the people around you and make sure everyone has a fun and safe day in the water.

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Day-to-day our lives revolve around making a crust, but what if an actual crust meant the difference between life or death?

Sleeping rough and being homeless is a start reality for a growing number of people in Mackay, with the increasing cost of living and lack of affordable housing pushing more people out of stable accommodation.

What can you do to help?

We were inspired by Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert’s idea of buying bread, because it showed that you don’t have to be wealthy to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Ms Gilbert said, “The good people at Brumby’s Bakery Sydney Street have been supplying bread to local housing service, CASA - Community Accommodation & Support Agency Inc, to support people experiencing homelessness.

“Unfortunately, a recent fire at Brumby's has left them unable to trade since, leaving CASA with a bread shortage.”

Ms Gilbert added that CASA is looking for donations of bread or bread rolls (preferably white bread) to restock their freezer.

Ms Gilbert dropped off a trolley load but pointed out that even a single loaf can make a difference.

“CASA does a great job helping local families and individuals with food, accommodation, and housing support, so please dig deep if you can. Every little bit helps.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert donated bread to CASA, after a fire at Brumby’s meant the bakery could no longer supply bread to the homelessness support agency

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Twelve schools across Mackay and surrounding districts battled it out at the annual All Schools Robotics and Drone competitions staged recently at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC).

Mercy College Mackay students performed with distinction in the Robotics and Drone STEM Challenge where students plan, create and code their creations with Mercy College entering five teams to compete across both competitions.

In the Robotic competition’s Soccer Category, two Mercy teams featuring Archie Kynaston (Senior Soccer) and Aaron Greenwood and Hunter McGeary (Junior Soccer) achieved outstanding results.

Kynaston fought a hotly contested game to be pipped at the post and took out second overall while Greenwood and McGeary finished fourth overall in the Soccer Competition which saw them awarded first place in the Junior Soccer category.

The Mercy College team of Amy Ewart and Izabella Thorp competed in the Rescue category taking out first place in Senior Rescue.  

It was a deserved win for Amy and Izabella who featured in some incredible triumphs as they navigated the given courses to rescue a victim using an automated robot.  

Mercy students Matthew Keune and Darcy Edgerton (Junior Drones) and Clayton Grech and Clayton Woodrow (Senior Drones) competed in three challenges using drones to test their navigation and coding skills.  

It was a special achievement for the talented quartet with team Claytons finishing first overall and Keune and Edgerton a very close second.  

“This annual STEM challenge has continued to grow each year with students being able to engage with industry on the competition day, testing out their skills using VR,” said Mercy College Visual Art/Robotics teacher and Head of Teaching & Learning Sandra Bayliss.  

“The F1 Challenge is also run and while Mercy College did not enter a team this year, it is a great opportunity for our students to see the possibilities available” she said.

Sandra also thanked fellow Mercy College teachers Cherie Hess and Aliceon Ramsay who gave up their time to help support the students in preparation for the competition.

Mercy College will showcase its robotics/drone/pedal prix works at a special display when the Queensland Museum hosts a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) Unearthed Event this Sunday August 21 at the MECC.

Mercy College Mackay students achieved outstanding success at this year's annual All Schools Robotics & Drone STEM Challenge at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre

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A new barbecue and picnic area overlooking Seaforth’s swimming enclosure plus a splash pad water park modelled on local sea life are part of the plans to upgrade Seaforth’s Esplanade.

The project will now be starting as soon as next month, after Mackay Regional Council awarded local contractor Vassallo Constructions the tender to complete the highly anticipated upgrades to the community’s seaside parklands.

Mayor Greg Williamson said current market conditions meant the cost of the project came in higher than expected, but it was important that it went ahead.

“The total cost of the project is valued at $8.6 million, which was $4.5 million more than anticipated,” Mayor Williamson said.

“I think everyone is aware of the impact that inflation and supply chain constraints are having on the construction industry at the moment,” he said.

“It is affecting all of our projects and we have had to reschedule some of the projects we had planned to do this year because it is not feasible to complete them within this year’s budget due to price increases.

“However, this project is a key priority for council, as it will help improve the liveability and livelihood of our region and will drive tourism to our region due to its location next to the popular Seaforth camping ground.

“This is why it is important this project goes ahead despite the shortfall in the budget.”

Mayor Williamson said council was excited to see this project take shape.

“We’ve received so much positive feedback about this project in the community,” he said.

“The new recreation hub, featuring new playground facilities that cater to a variety of age groups, will be located within a short walk to Seaforth’s swimming enclosure.

“A new barbecue and picnic area will overlook the swimming enclosure and will provide visitors with the opportunity to relax and take in the scenery from sun lounges.

“We will also be installing a new all-abilities water play area to replace the old wading pool as part of the recreation hub.

“This new attraction incorporates a splash pad area with various water jets and sprays modelled on local marine life and corals, as well as a 15-to-28-centimetre shallow pool that will mimic the ocean’s tidal movements.”

Work will begin in September, weather permitting.

This project is expected to take 12 months to complete.

Proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program in association with Mackay Regional Council.

For more information on this project visit connectingmackay.com.au/seaforth-esplanade and subscribe to the project update emails.

Detailed design for Seaforth Esplanade Reserve (for illustrative purposes only)

Detailed design of the water play area at Seaforth Esplanade Reserve (for illustrative purposes only)

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Unearthed is steaming back into Mackay for a fun-filled day of free activities for the whole family on Sunday, August 21.

The free Community Day will feature a range of STEAM activities, live experiments, digital workshops and a showcase of fossil discoveries made in the region and unique to tropical Australia.

Kicking off the festivities is a sticky beak at the region’s unique bird life with a bird walk at 6:45am with Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Hugh Possingham.

Then from 9:00am, the fun begins at Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre with more than 40 interactive activities and demonstrations.

Explore virtual realities, create glow-in-the-dark art with local artists, fly a drone and learn about traditional Aboriginal knowledge and culture with Yarbun Creations.

Meet Queensland Museum Network experts from across the state, watch leading researchers sequence a coral genome live, examine a dendroglyph recently discovered with Western Yalanji traditional owners and see fossils, snails, spiders, frogs and skinks up close.

For the first time at Unearthed, locals are invited to bring their precious heirlooms and have a museum expert assess the item’s significance, giving you some pointers on how to care and store those loved pieces.

Whether it’s your family recipes, clocks, books, photos or jewellery, bring your treasures to Unearthed’s very own Antique Roadshow.

Take some downtime and celebrate the stunning local landscape, flora, fauna and human history of the region with a viewing of the Eungella: Land of Clouds exhibition.

Round the day off with a boogie to Unearthed’s science rock band and a snag from the local community sausage sizzle.

Queensland Museum Network CEO Dr Jim Thompson says Unearthed provides an opportunity for museum experts to showcase regional discoveries to the community.

“This is the fifth year we have brought Unearthed to Mackay and we absolutely love bringing the museum experience to the region,” Dr Thompson said.

“We are proud to be able to share our love of science and discoveries with regional communities and bringing our team on the road for free community days such as Unearthed, is a fantastic way to share our expertise and showcase our research.”

Leading researchers and scientists in the field of palaeontology will showcase a range of real and replica megafauna fossils that can be found locally at mining operations, near Nebo.

Megafauna is an extinct supersized species of mammals, reptiles and marsupials and they have been uncovered by Queensland Museum scientists during annual digs over the past decade.

Queensland Museum palaeontologist Dr Scott Hocknull has been leading palaeontological research in the Mackay region for more than a decade.

“Our team of researchers from Queensland Museum have been working in this region for more than a decade and have uncovered a wealth of knowledge about the megafauna and other species that called this area home,” Dr Hocknull said.

“We are excited to be able to bring some of our local discoveries and put them on show here in Mackay to talk to people about them, their rich history and the importance of understanding the past to help preserve the future.”

WHAT: Unearthed Free Community Day

WHEN: Sunday, August 21 from 9:00am to 2:30pm

WHERE: MECC

TICKETS: This is a free community event

Queensland Museum palaeontologist Dr Scott Hocknull

Unearthed will feature a range of STEAM activities, live experiments, digital workshops and a showcase of fossil discoveries made in the region. Photos supplied: Queensland Museum

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In a move so ironic it outdoes every line in Alanis Morissette’s famous aptly named song, Ironic, Mackay Police Sergeant Nigel Dalton received a scam phone call, while he was at Mackay’s Disability Expo last Friday, volunteering at a scam awareness stall.

A police spokesperson said “The disability sector has been hit very hard with scams in the last year according to the ACCC “Targeting Scams” report.

“Our intention at the expo was to highlight this issue to everyone.”

As Sgt Dalton was replenishing the team’s coffee supply, he received a call which was a recorded message from an internet television streaming service, telling him that his account needed updating and he was to press a number on the keypad if he didn’t want to proceed. There was pressure made that this matter needed urgent attention.

Sgt Dalton immediately recognised this as a scam and most probably what would have happened next if he had started dialogue with the caller would have been identity theft and/or phishing.

Sgt Dalton ended the call immediately and blocked the number.

With identity theft reports in the disability sector rising by over 3,000 per cent last year and $2billion being lost in Australia to scammers, we all need to be on our guard.

BUSINESS BREAK IN, ANDERGROVE

Between 12:00am and 1:10 am on August 15 three people have broken into a business on Celeber Drive in Andergrove.

An implement was used to smash a glass door to gain entry inside.

Once inside a large quantity of cigarettes was stolen from a locked receptacle, a variety of drinks and cash were also stolen.

Anyone who may have information either about the offence or the CCTV images shown are encouraged to contact police as soon as possible.

Please refer to report number QP2201393420

The Mackay Police stall at Mackay’s Disability Expo

Do you know these people?

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A seriously injured teenager was flown to Mackay Base Hospital last week, after suffering serious abdominal, leg and pelvic fractures following a dirt bike accident on a remote cattle station.

The 17-year-old had to be evacuated by the RACQ CQ Rescue Helicopter which involved an epic 7.5-hour mission from Mackay to the remote property at Mistake Creek, more than 400km from the coast.

The Mackay-based rescue helicopter flew so far south-west to reach the patient, it had to refuel at Clermont enroute to the property as well as on the return leg at Moranbah before arriving at the Mackay Base Hospital about 2am last Friday morning.

RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked by Queensland Health about 7.20pm on Thursday August 11 to fly to the remote property, located 100km west of Clermont, with a doctor, Critical Care Paramedic and rescue crewman on board.

The dust, dark and remote nature of the property proved incredibly challenging for the crew when attempting to land the rescue helicopter near the homestead.

The teenage girl was administered pain relief and treated by the flying trauma team in an adjacent paddock before being loaded into the helicopter for the long flight to hospital.

She arrived on board the chopper in a stable condition at Mackay Base Hospital more than nine hours after her accident occurred.

It was the ninth mission in just three days for RACQ CQ Rescue. Also on Thursday August 11, the helicopter crew assisted Queensland Police Service with an aerial search for four children reportedly taken from a home near The Leap, north of Mackay.

After an hour-long search of the Hampden area and along the Bruce Highway about 2pm, RACQ CQ Rescue was re-tasked to a near-drowning in the Whitsundays. A Victorian tourist was airlifted from Hamilton Island, about 90km north of Mackay, after an immersion incident on a boat anchored in waters nearby. The patient was taken to the island and then transported to Mackay Base Hospital by helicopter in a stable condition for further treatment.

Last week RACQ CQ Rescue flew to Townsville twice in 24 hours to transfer critically ill and injured patients, also to Ilbilbie on Wednesday night for a cardiac condition as well as airlifted multiple hospital patients from Proserpine and Moranbah to Mackay.

RACQ CQ Rescue flew an epic 7.5-hour mission last week to transfer a teenager from a remote property at Mistake Creek to Mackay Base Hospital. Image supplied: RACQ CQ Rescue

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