A sea of happy faces disembarked the P&O Pacific Explorer last Friday morning and they were greeted with a fanfare of excited local representatives who were all eager to show them a good time.

The first cruise ship to arrive in over two years, this vessel was the beginning of a regular flow of tourists who are now able to travel by sea, visiting ports up and down the east coast of Australia.

Previously injecting $20 million a year into the local economy, watching the first passengers disembark was symbolic of a promising new era for our regional tourism where one in three jobs are directly related to the sector.

The cruise ship was carrying 1,800 passengers and the onboard security officer estimated 1,500 disembarked for the day.

The first passengers set foot on Airlie Beach soil at 8.30am and the return transfers were at 2.30pm.

The Lions Airlie Beach markets on the Foreshore were a popular destination for many, while others ventured off on local tours or explored the town.

The ship left later that afternoon, sailing overnight arriving in Cairns the morning.

The second cruise ship arrived on Tuesday this week and the third will be pulling into local waters next Tuesday.

An estimated 60 ships will be visiting the Whitsundays during the course of the remainder of the year and in November alone a record 17 ships will be arriving in one month.

All crew are required to wear facemasks and they recommend that passengers do the same but they no longer need to enforce it.

**FACT**

60 cruise ships will arrive in 2022

17 ships will visit in November alone

Cruise ships inject $20 million a year into local economy

The first passengers arrive at the Cruise Whitsunday terminal

The Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors turn on the charm!

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A 29-year-old New South Wales woman, who was only days into married life, died in a golf buggy accident while honeymooning on Hamilton Island earlier this week.

Marina Morgan, from Sydney, had been a passenger in the vehicle which her husband, Robbie, was driving.

It is understood that the battery was running flat and Mr Morgan was trying to complete a U-turn at an intersection when the vehicle rolled over.

Mrs Morgan was not wearing a seatbelt at the time.

Queensland police Inspector Anthony Cowan said there was no indication of alcohol or dangerous driving.

“It’s just tragic that the golf buggy, maybe through inexperience driving those types of vehicles, has rolled on its side while turning,” he said.

Bystanders rushed to help, removing Mrs Morgan from the golf buggy and administering first aid but tragically she died at the scene.

Mr Morgan was not physically hurt.

The incident took place at 4.30pm on Monday, June 20 at an intersection on Whitsunday Boulevard which is at the north end of the island.

Hamilton Island released a statement on Tuesday morning.

“Our deepest thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the woman involved in this tragic incident,” read the statement.

“Our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our guests, residents and staff and we are working closely with Queensland Police to investigate the incident.”

Golf buggies are the primary mode of transport on the island and only permitted to travel at 20 kilometres per hour.  

They are also required to be operated in accordance with Queensland Road rules and requirements on Hamilton Island.

This news comes a week after a Townsville man was air-lifted from Hamilton Island with severe head injuries following a golf buggy crash.

Six years ago, two families were involved in a similar incident while being driven to the airport by an island employee on a six-seater buggy.

A nine-month-old girl, who had been sitting on her mother’s lap received serious head injuries.

Following that incident, six-seater golf buggies were removed from the island.

This leaves about 600 two- and four-seater buggies currently in use.

Marina and Robbie on their wedding day

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Sperm Whale Stranded At Billy Creek

The whale carcass located close to the mouth of Billy Creek south of Bowen has caused a stir amongst the region’s residents who raised theories why a Sperm Whale was found not just in Whitsunday waters, but so close to shore.

Whales are a common sight in the region’s waterways from May to September as Humpbacks migrate in the thousands up the Australian coast from Antarctica to birth their calves in warm waters – but not Sperm Whales.

Local expert and Master Reef Guide, Crystal Lacey said that although this species are uncommon sights in the Coral Sea, largely because they are solitary animals that do not breach, it does not mean they are not there.

“Sperm Whales can be seen all around the Australian coastline, including the Great Barrier Reef and amongst the Whitsundays with at least one sighting every few years,” she said.

“Although this is a sad ending for this particular whale, it is all part of the circle of life and an extremely rare occurrence within the Great Barrier Reef Whitsundays region.”

The whale is now slowly decomposing on the beach and the Department of Environment and Science are reminding people to stay away from the site at this time, in particular to avoid the water as both sharks and crocodiles are present in large numbers.

Ms Lacey said it’s uncertain what will happen to the carcass, but that it is likely to be left where it is.

“Depending on the state of the deceased whale, it may be taken to a secluded location for the natural process to continue, uninterrupted by people,” she said.

“However, once a large whale like a Sperm Whale is beached, it is extremely hard to move off the sand. Other options are to bury, however there is no distinct decision at such time.”

The last event of this kind occurred in the Whitsundays in 2016 when a Minke Whale washed up near North Queensland Cruising Yacht Club in Bowen.

On that occasion the Whitsunday Regional Council buried the mammal.

A stranded whale dies on a Whitsunday sandbank

Motorists and airport users are advised that this weekend from 6pm, Friday (June 17) to 6pm, Sunday (June 19) the intersection of Milton and Archibald streets will be closed.

A temporary full road closure is required for the contractor to complete pavement works as part of the intersection upgrade.

Milton Street will be temporarily closed to motorists in both directions between Clements Street and Boundary Road East with traffic control and detours in place.

Motorists are asked to please follow all signage and directions as well as specified speed limits.

For more information on the project, visit connectingmackay.com.au.  

Image: Map depicting the temporary full road closure this weekend on Milton Street in South Mackay.

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Everyone is welcome to attend the induction of a new Anglican priest, the Venerable Dr Rosemary Dunn, as Archdeacon of the Mackay Region at a service at Holy Trinity at 9am on Sunday 19 June.

Rector of Hinchinbrook Parish north of Townsville and well-qualified with a PhD in medieval history and academic experience, Rosemary is currently Archdeacon of Mission and Ministry for the Anglican Diocese and has experience in street, prison and police chaplaincy.

Rosemary says: “I am looking forward to seeing what God has in store for this beautiful region.”

CALL FOR SINGERS AND MUSICIANS

Singers and musicians are sought for choir rehearsals starting on Sunday 19 June at 4pm at St Paul’s Uniting Church for the Australian Church Women Winifred Kiek Memorial Scholarship (Fellowship) Day service, 10am Friday 29 July, at St Paul’s Uniting Church.

This service supports the Biblical ideal of the equal ministry of men and women; both men and women are encouraged to attend. The offering supports the Winifred Kiek scholarship for women studying theology.

The planning meeting for the service will be held at 10am Friday 1 July St Paul’s Uniting Church. Contact Rev. Dr Julia Pitman 0411 094 185 or ucamackay@optusnet.com.au.

THE SALVATION ARMY RED SHIELD APPEAL LUNCH

12-2pm Friday 24 June 2022, Ocean International Hotel. Featuring:

Major Gavin Watts, Divisional Commander - QLD, The Salvation Army

Cathy Sullivan, Mackay Red Shield Appeal Chair

MC: Jay & Dave -Triple M

and speakers Vicki Blackburn and Mayor Greg Williamson.

$60pp, RSVP Monday 20 June 2022

Business attire www.trybooking.com/BYMZT

KUCOM THEATRE 75 / ST PAUL’S UNITING CHURCH 150

The Vicar of Dibley 2, Dress Rehearsal Charity Night, 7.30pm Wednesday 13 July

Kucom Theatre, 1 Snow Wright Court, Andergrove

Tickets $25 from Pam McNichol 0411 196 146 or ucamackay@optusnet.com.au,

All proceeds to St Paul’s Uniting Church.

The sequel to Kucom Theatre’s highly successful 2018 season, the Vicar of Dibley, directed by Bronwyn Grannall and adapted from the original BBC TV scripts by Richard Curtis, returns in 2022 as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts. The latest production features the wedding of Alice and Hugo, Geraldine’s romance with David Horton's younger brother, and the Dibley Nativity Play.

General season 14-16 and 21-23 July, 7.30pm Kucom Theatre, 1 Snow Wright Court, Andergrove.

Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Gordon Street

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Six members of the Scouts Queensland Hibiscus Coast District (HCD) received Long Service decorations in recognition of their voluntary service at the Annual Management Seminar last weekend.

The Chief Commissioner of Scouts Queensland Mr Darryl Scott came to Mackay for the Seminar and had the pleasant task of presenting the awards.

Margaret Hodda, currently the Treasurer of the Scouts Fellowship Committee, was presented with her 60-year service badge.

Introduced to scouting in 1961, Margaret has been a great inspiration and mentor, filling roles in the National Training and 3rd Mackay Group (now Mackay City Central (MCC) Group) including District Venturer Scout Leader and District Commissioner for Mackay District, a position she held for 15 years.

HCD Leader for Public Relations Mary Wallace was presented with her 40-year Service Badge.

Mary joined the Calen Scout Group as Secretary of the Committee before becoming the Mackay District Cub Scout Leader and, most recently, Leader for Public Relations.

MCC Group Leader Greg Milne was presented with his 35-year service badge.

Greg spent his first 25 years scouting in the Northern Territory and has also been a part of the Adventurous Activities Team.

MCC Assistant Group Leader Deborah Rutherford was presented with her 20-year service badge, spending most of that as Cub Scout Leader at MCC taking on her current role last year.

Banksia Scout Leader Matthew Holmes was presented with a 15-year service Badge.

Most of Matthew’s service has been to the Kennedy Region, serving on the parent committee before signing up to be a scout leader, a Group Leader and the Region Leader for Information Technology.

HCD Adventurous Activities Leader Brendan Ross was presented with his 10-year service badge after moving through the youth sections, achieving the Queen’s Scout Award, advancing to Rovers and becoming a leader.

Hibiscus Coast District Annual Management Seminar was held at the Kinchant Outdoor Education Centre where a management seminar was facilitated by District Commissioner Ms Katrina Hoare.

HCD Leader for Public Relations Mary Wallace says it was inspirational to hear the abilities of the young Adventurous Activities Leaders and Rover Scouts who have taken on leadership roles.

“They are a credit to their former leaders as well as themselves, for the dedication and time they are prepared to give to volunteer to the Scouting Movement,” Ms Wallace said.

“It is enlightening to see that they are now imparting their knowledge and skills onto the youth of today.

“Scouting in the Hibiscus Coast District is alive and well in good hands.”

Katrina Hoare, Brendan Ross, Matthew Holmes, Deborah Rutherford, Greg Milne, Mary Wallace and Margaret Hodda were all presented with Long Service decorations by Scouts QLD Chief Commissioner Daryl Scott. Photo supplied: Mary Wallace

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Two guitars signed by illustrious rock band the Foo Fighters went for an incredible $20,000 each at a live auction during the Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball last month, which helped the fundraising event to reach an astonishing $135,121.80.

After GST of $13,512.18 was deducted, it left a bottom-line profit of $121,609.62, to be split equally between this year’s two beneficiaries.

HeartKids Mackay and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), which is building a Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital, will each receive $60,804.81.

Mayor Greg Williamson said it was a wonderful night at the MECC, with a record crowd of 434 in attendance at the disco-themed ball.

“Everyone there had a great time, and it was good to see big crowds enjoying themselves at an event again in Mackay,” he said.

“This event keeps going from strength to strength each year and that is thanks to our organising committee, which includes representatives of the community, council and the MECC, our generous corporate sponsors, and our community.

“The funds raised were boosted by two Foo Fighter guitars, signed by band members, including drummer Taylor Hawkins, who died recently, which went for $20,000 each in the live auction on the night.

“But there was generous bidding throughout the live and online auctions, which helped come up with this magnificent tally.”

The funds were announced and officially presented to representatives of HeartKids Mackay and Ronald McDonald House Charities at a council morning tea today to thank all sponsors.

Sponsors were also presented with certificates of appreciation for their support.

HeartKids Queensland state manager Holly Williams said the aim of the organisation was to make a real and lasting impact for the Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) community here in Mackay.

“We are extremely grateful for the amazing sponsors, organisers, and attendees of the 2022 Mackay Mayors Ball,’’ she said.

“Their generosity affords HeartKids the opportunity to seek to give every child, teenager, and adult in Mackay with congenital or childhood acquired heart disease a fighting chance to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.

“Our support is a commitment for life because there is no known cure. People with congenital heart disease face unique challenges for their entire life.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia chief executive officer Tamara South was delighted with the announcement of the funds raised for charity.

“Our sincerest thanks to Mayor Greg Williamson for selecting Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia as one of the beneficiaries of the 2022 Mayor’s Charity Ball,’’ she said.

“The funds raised from this event will make a vital difference to the construction of our Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay.

“It will have a real, positive impact on the lives of seriously ill children and their families.”

Platinum partners for the 2022 Mayor’s Charity Ball included long-term sponsor DGH Engineering, Fergus Builders and Daly Bay.

Gold sponsors were Allure Laser and Skin Studio, Southern Cross Industrial Group and Champ. Bronze sponsors were Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure, Shoal Point Waters by Pointglen and Mortar Finance.

Media partners included 7 News Mackay, Daily Mercury, Hit 100.3 and Triple M 98.7, as well as Tropical Exposure.

Inkind assistance was also provided by Signarama, In The Booth and photographer Daryl Wright, of Wricor Photography.

Sponsors and media partners for the 2022 event were presented with a thank you certificate at the Mayor’s Charity Ball sponsor’s morning tea on Wednesday, June 8

Melody Burton, HeartKids Mackay volunteer, and Maria Martin, HeartKids Mackay Support Worker, being presented with a cheque from the Mayor’s Charity Ball by Mayor Greg Williamson

Samantha Lee, Ronald McDonald House Charities Community Engagement Executive, being

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What was your favourite novel as a child? Do you think you could have read and memorized five novels to take part in a competition?

That’s the premise behind the Readers Cup. Organised by the Queensland branch of the Children Book Council of Australia, Fitzgerald State School was the host for the annual competition in Mackay. The competition requires teams to read and study five novels.

Schools were invited to send a team of up to five students to compete in the Year 5/6 primary school competition.

This year the cup went to St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Mackay. The team consisted of Katie Sul, Lara Savige, Lily Cheyne, Millie Camilleri and Georgia Arbuthnot.

Throughout the term the girls worked independently to study the texts and composed their own questions to test each other in preparation for the competition.

St Mary’s School has been working towards improving reading engagement and reading success across the whole school. Every student from Prep to Year 6 participates in ‘Boost Reading’ sessions where students read in small groups with direct support from a teacher or teacher’s aide. These sessions occur up to three times per week and provide opportunities for students to boost or extend their reading skills.

The Year 6 teachers used this time to allow their Readers Cup team to work independently to prepare for the competition.

The school’s literacy intervention teacher, Val Paul, nominated the team.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for the girls to challenge themselves as readers,” Mrs Paul said.

St Mary’s School has now been invited to represent Mackay at the Readers Cup State Finals to be held in Brisbane. The team will have to read another five novels and prepare for more questions to test their knowledge.

Four of the five members of the winning St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Readers Cup team, consisting of Katie Sul, Lara Savige, Lily Cheyne, Millie Camilleri and Georgia Arbuthnot

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A new inclusive all-abilities playground is set to be built as part of the first stage of Woodlands District Park between Beaconsfield and Andergrove. Construction of the playground is expected to start next financial year after the drainage and earthworks are finalised.

The playground, which was initially planned as part of stage three of the park’s development, has been brought forward into stage one thanks to a $1.5 million commitment from Mackay Regional Council.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council was committed to building inclusive communities and the new playground in Woodlands District Park was a positive step towards reaching that goal.

“The new facilities will provide hours of entertainment for children of all ages and abilities and those of us who are children at heart,” he said.

“It will be a district-level facility, so it will be similar in scale to the playgrounds at Queens Park and Northview Park, however this play facility will be designed for all-abilities.  

Mayor Williamson said the council was working hard to provide inclusive facilities across the region.

“We’ve been focusing on providing facilities such as all-abilities path upgrades, the installation of adult change facilities that cater to members of the community with a disability, and inclusive water play, which will be an exciting feature of Seaforth Esplanade’s new upgrades,” he said.  

“We’re looking forward to adding this new all-abilities playground at Woodlands District Park to the list of inclusive facilities available for the public to enjoy.”    

The development of the new 21-hectare Woodlands District Park will be staged, with initial construction works set to occur in the western side of the park where the former Broomdykes Drive Park in Beaconsfield was located. This area has already been cleared and will be referred to as the park’s Central Precinct.

Mayor Williamson said the Central Precinct would focus on active recreation.

“In addition to the all-abilities playground, the precinct will offer a range of family-friendly facilities including barbecue and picnic facilities, public toilets, multipurpose tracks and an expanded path network catering to everyone’s needs,” he said.

“Those wanting to enjoy a relaxing walk, bike ride, or jog, or something more adventurous like scootering, skateboarding or rollerblading will all be accommodated with a multipurpose track.”

Stage one of Woodlands District Park upgrades will include:

• A new all-abilities playground

• A multipurpose active track (Woodlands Track), which will be suitable for all ages

• New barbecue and picnic facilities

• Public amenities including a Changing Places facility for the disabled community

• Additional paths including the start of a new north-south connection through to Caledonian Drive and the extension of the existing cross-park (east-west) link.

• Drainage and landscaping improvements including the reshaping and re-planting of the unsightly open swale drain to naturalise the water course

Woodlands District Park precinct map

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Ensuring menstruation isn’t a barrier to education, Education Minister Grace Grace visited Pioneer State High School last week and welcomed the installation of the school’s Dignity Vending Machine to provide students access to free period products at school.

The vending machine is aimed at ending the shame and stigma surrounding periods, in conjunction with Period Talk, a menstruation education program.

Minister Grace said Pioneer State High School is among two schools in Mackay, and one of 62 state, Catholic and independent schools across the state to receive a vending machine in the first round of the initiative.

“I was delighted to announce during Queensland Womens’ Week in March that the Palaszczuk Government was delivering on the first 62 Dignity Vending Machines to schools as part of our $2.5 million partnership with Queensland charity Share the Dignity,” Ms Grace said.

“It’s great to see the machine being installed at Pioneer State High School so students can continue to focus on learning and reaching their goals without worrying about access to period products.”

Minister Grace also visited Mackay State High School to see another Dignity Vending Machine in action.

“I know the machines will make a real difference, especially for students whose families are doing it tough, have unstable accommodation or are fleeing domestic and family violence,” Minister Grace added.

“The partnership means all Queensland schools have access to the Period Talk education program, which is designed to educate students in Year 5 to Year 8 about menstruation and the impact of periods.”

Pioneer State High School Principal Lisa Veney said she was delighted the school was receiving a Dignity Vending Machine.

“Pioneer State High School is a welcoming and inclusive school community which supports students in their learning as well as their health and well-being,” Ms Veney said.

“Students are better able to meet all of their goals at school while they feel supported in all areas of their life.”

Founder of Share the Dignity, Rochelle Courtenay, welcomed the installation of the vending machines at Pioneer State High School and in schools across Queensland.

“I am so proud to know that students at schools with a Dignity Vending Machine will be able to access free period products at the push of a button,” Ms Courtenay said.

“Not only will this help us ensure menstruation isn’t a barrier to education, it will help us end the shame and stigma surrounding periods as the schools also receive Period Talk, our menstruation education program.”

School Caption for Pioneer State High School Alyssa McClarty, Education Minister Grace Grace and Vice School Captain Alarna Wilson with the school’s new Dignity Vending Machine

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Two cyclists passed through Mackay last week on a week-long endeavour from Brisbane to Cairns raising funds for dementia research in honour of their good mate Al ‘Midget’ Forsyth.

The Adventure4Dementia team of Matt Collard and Heather Roberts, along with support crew Cody Dennis, Max Padovan and Merv Collard, left Brisbane on Friday June 3, passing through Mackay the following Monday and arriving in Cairns last weekend.

Not content with that effort, Matt went on to compete in the Cairns Airport IRONMAN Asia-Pacific Championship last Sunday.

Their mate Al Forsyth is an ex-serviceman who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in 2011.

Mr Collard said his friendship with Al started back in 2006 and the pair get along like a house on fire.

“Al’s done a lot for me over the years, a hell of a lot,” said Mr Collard.

In 2018, while Al still had early-onset dementia, the group took him on the Kokoda track.

Since then, they’ve been on a bike ride from Brisbane to Birdsville and now from Brisbane to Cairns, aiming to go on more adventures, get more people involved and raise more money.

“This started off as a shits and giggles between a few mates and we turned it into something that is an ongoing thing for dementia research,” said Mr Collard.

“I took on that mentality of what (Al) had, I suppose, which was always aspire to be better,”

Since 2018, Al’s condition has worsened.

“He couldn’t do his own shoes, he couldn’t go to the toilet, he couldn’t do all that sort of stuff,” Mr Collard said.

“It was very disheartening.”

Now in its third year, Adventure4Dementia is aiming to raise $50,000 dollars for dementia research at Queensland Brain Institute’s (QBI) Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research.

“The guys at QBI do a fantastic job, what they do is mind-blowing,” said Mr Collard.

“If the money that we raise can help a family out to prolong the life and response of their loved ones, then we’ve achieved what we’ve set out to do.”

On day four, before making it into Mackay, Matt started to experience a leg twinge.

Rather than risk further injury, he travelled to Mackay where he made up the distance lost in the pool at Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex (ARC) while Heather completed the day four leg on the bike.

Support crewmember Cody Dennis says the team at ARC provided Mr Collard with a free lane and an air-conditioned room for the afternoon.

“Big thanks to the Mackay Aquatic Centre for helping us out at such short notice,” Mr Dennis said.

“Within two minutes they had it all squared away, they did a real good job and that saved us for the day.”

Other supporters of the journey include Tait Auto Group, Appoint, LSKD and BSF Mobile Cranes.

“There’s a lot of teamwork that goes into it and that’s what Al was about,” said Mr Collard.

“He never put anyone down.”

Support the Adventure4Dementia team by donating to its JustGiving page - www.justgiving.com/campaign/Adventure4Dementia - or visit www.qbi.uq.edu.au to help brain research at QBI.

“Whether you’ve put a dollar in, whether you’ve put $1,000 in or whether you’ve put ten grand in, it goes a long way,” said Mr Collard.

Cyclists Matt Collard and Heather Roberts with support crew Max Padovan, Cody Dennis and Merv Collard at Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Centre before making their way to the Calen Hotel for dinner. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

The Adventure4Dementia team are raising funds for good mate ‘Midget’ who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in 2011. Photo: supplied

Heather Roberts arrived at the ARC completing the day 4 bike leg before joining Matt for a swim

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Glow-in-the-dark botanicals, bugs and butterflies will take centre stage for Daly Bay Illuminate 2022. This nature-based theme is inspired by the popular event’s new location, Queens Park.

The spectacle of technicoloured lights, sculptures and weird, wonderful and interactive installations will cover its largest footprint to date, so there’s plenty of room for public participation.  

To bring these wonderful creations to life, the Daly Bay Community Art Team are hosting a series of artist-led workshops to allow the community to create giant lanterns and small glow-in-the-dark sculptures to be put on display.

Six community workshops will be held in the Queens Park Cricket Shed from Sunday, June 19 to Saturday, June 25.

Mayor Greg Williamson said these community-made works would add to an exciting array of installations sourced for the event.

“There’s neon dogs, inflatable gumnuts and gum flowers, a field of lights and a fairy garden, complete with illuminated toadstools,” Mayor Williamson said.

“We’ve taken on feedback from previous years, and this year we are aiming for a more immersive, leisurely experience for visitors,” he said.

Daly Bay Community Art Team workshop facilitator and artist Wanda Bennett said the workshops were for all ages and were lots of fun for adults and children.

“All materials are supplied, and our friendly team of local artists will be on hand to lead the workshops and assist participants,” Ms Bennett said.

“We’ve got a real dream team of local artists this year – Tracey Johnson, Lalune Croker, Cheb Jeffery, Donna Maree Robinson and Lisa Roebig – so there’s plenty of experience on hand to help even first-time sculptors,” she said.  

“Space is limited, so we are asking all interested participants to book their tickets through the website (themecc.com.au/festivals) to attend the workshops.

“Once you’ve completed your artworks, simply leave your creations safely in our hands and we will install them in the gardens.

“Art works can then be collected after the event.”

Workshops will be held on:

• Sunday, June 19 from 9.30am to noon

• Sunday, June 19 from 1pm to 4pm

• Saturday, June 25 from 9.30am to noon

• Saturday, June 25 from 1pm to 4pm

• Sunday, June 26 from 9.30am to noon

• Sunday, June 26 from 1pm to 4pm

Courtney Sorohan and her children, Willow and Rylan, had a great time at last year’s illuminate workshops.

MORPHOLOGY installation at last year’s Illuminate by ‘the indirect Object’

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Blue, red, yellow and green lights illuminated the Mackay State High School Hall last Tuesday as the school welcomed global technology company Google to announce funding for a new school program.

Throughout the program, made possible by national education charity Schools Plus and funded by a $33,000 donation from Google, students will receive hands-on training in the classroom with a range of different digital technologies.

Students will also undertake workshops run by STEM Punks, a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education provider, while teachers will benefit from professional development training in technology, including the use of tools like robotics and software.

The program will benefit 150 students to begin with, before being expanded to more students at Mackay State High.

Google’s donation was made through Schools Plus, a not-for-profit that exists to help close the education gap caused by disadvantage.

“Our journey commenced with a funding proposal to Schools Plus, an organisation that exists to help students succeed at school; specifically, students who may face barriers due to rural locations, socio-economic backgrounds and English as a second language,” said Mackay State High School Principal Felicity Roberts.

“We are excited at the new opportunities this will enable for our students and staff.

“STEM education and the skills it develops – like creativity, problem solving and teamwork – are so critical to our students’ futures.”

Schools Plus has assisted over 330,000 students in 1,040 schools since its inception in 2015 and Director of Donor Relations Sherrill Nixon said students in regional and rural locations are around 1.5 years behind metro students in STEM-related subjects.

“That’s why we’re so passionate about working with supporters like Google to give students learning opportunities that will make a real difference to their future,” Ms Nixon said.

“This project will not only equip students and their teachers with much-needed skills, but it may well spark newfound passions and produce Australia’s future coders and engineers right here at Mackay State High.”

Google Engineering Programs Manager Marie Efstathiou said Google is committed to helping Australia build a stronger digital future by ensuring students have access to technology and the skills to use it.

“With this new program, students will learn future-focused skills that will help them discover new interests and unlock career opportunities,” Ms Efstathiou said.

“Through our Digital Future Initiative, Google plans to invest $1 billion over five years in Australian partnerships, research and infrastructure as we work to support Australia’s goal of becoming a leading digital economy.”

Staff from Google, Schools Plus and STEM Punks were welcomed to Mackay by Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson and Mackay State High School Principal Felicity Roberts. Photos supplied

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The annual Bakers Creek Memorial ceremony was conducted at Bakers Creek last Sunday to commemorate the 79th Anniversary of the wartime crash of an American aircraft that claimed the lives of 40 American soldiers and crippled the sole survivor.

The ceremony also marked the 30th anniversary of the Memorial’s unveiling and dedication in 1992.

Special guests Corporal (AAFC) Deb Rutherford of the Air Force Cadets, Mackay Deputy Mayor Karen May and Mackay RSL President Ken Higgins arrived at the ceremony by Jeep.

A Tri-School Band marched to the venue, made up of students from Northview, Central and Dundula State Schools, followed by a parade of Australian and American flags and Australian Air Force Cadets.

70 people turned out for the ceremony led by Master of Ceremonies Corporal Rutherford.

Guest Speaker Pan Jaenke, who served on the committee that conceived and built the Memorial thirty years ago, spoke about the history of the memorial and Councillor May and Mr Higgins also addressed the ceremony.

Dignitaries, students and Dundula State School Principal Trudy Large laid flowers of remembrance.

The United States Army Air Forces B-17C Flying Fortress crashed at 6:02AM at Bakers Creek June 14, 1943, en route to Port Moresby with passengers who had spent 10 days R&R leave in Mackay.

The Memorial was unveiled and dedicated on May 11, 1992 to honour the 41 Americans aboard.

“Although it signifies the loss of 40 crew and sole survivor on that aircraft, it also represents about 40,000 who spent their R&R in Mackay,” said Mackay RSL Senior Vice President Col Benson.

Mr Benson said The Bakers Creek Memorial is one of a relatively few memorials in the world that honour soldiers from another country.

“It is one of the few memorials to foreigners.”

The US Army conducted a parallel ceremony at the Bakers Creek Air Crash Memorial in Washington, DC on Tuesday.

More than 70 people paid their respects at the Bakers Creek Memorial last Sunday. L-R: Cr Fran Mann, Cr Karen May, Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Cr Belinda Hassan, Cr Pauline Townsend, Youth Parliament member Sebastian Padget, Cr Justin Englert. Photo credit: Office of Andrew Willcox

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The future of mineral mining has a changing face, with a switch in focus from commodities like coal to those used in emerging and renewable energy technologies.

Speaking in Mackay last week, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said a $5.7 million boost over three years will fund a new future industries development hub with a further expansion of Mackay’s Resources Centre of Excellence.

The future industries hub will enable the Mackay Region to become a key player in Queensland’s new economy minerals sector, as a switch is made to future technology including electric vehicles and long-life batteries, and for products in key sectors like medical, defence and scientific research.

The Treasurer said the funding is a major win for our resources sector, for our regions, and for regional jobs of tomorrow.

“Our government is a strong supporter of the RCOE, having put in more than half the $7 million investment that made this centre a reality,” he said.

“New economy minerals will be in demand for decades to come, and Queensland has world-class deposits, particularly in our north.

“The new funding will allow Mackay’s Resources Centre of Excellence to increase their work within the new economy minerals sector.

"It will ensure we have the skilled workforce and sharpest minds working in our mines.

“A strong new economy minerals sector, supported by Mackay’s Resources Centre of Excellence, will generate more prosperity for our state.”

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said new economy minerals presented significant opportunities for Queensland.

“That’s why we’re making investments like this now, to ensure a strong future for our resources sector,” Mr Stewart said.

“Our government’s vision is to mine, process and manufacture these minerals here in Queensland, taking them all the way from pit to product.

“From copper and bauxite/alumina to silica, vanadium and cobalt, we want to maximise our minerals for the benefit of every Queenslander.”

Resources Centre of Excellence CEO Steven Boxall said they are extremely excited at now being able to implement the RCOE Stage 2: Future Industries Hub.

“This allows us to capture, incubate and grow the industries of the future, putting both our region and Queensland in the box seat to drive low carbon innovation,” Mr Boxall said.

“The METS sector in Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday has the skills and experience to transition and support the emerging new economy minerals sector, which will help secure jobs for the future and our regional economy.”

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick announced $5.7M in funding to expand the Resources Centre of Excellence

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