Community News

Andrew Black Marks More Than Two Decades In Mackay Real Estate

Andrew Black Marks More Than Two Decades In Mackay Real Estate

After more than 25 years with Blacks Real Estate, Andrew Black continues to be a familiar face in Mackay’s residential property market. Andrew joined the agency in 2000, beginning his career in residential property management before transitioning into residential sales. Now a Licensed Real Estate Agent and Sales Consultant, he has spent decades helping local buyers and sellers navigate the Mackay housing market. His long-standing connection with the agency has given him extensive knowledge of the region’s property landscape and changing market trends over the years. Blacks Real Estate said Andrew’s experience across both property management and sales provides clients with a well-rounded understanding of the real estate process, from investment properties through to family homes. Operating from offices in Mackay and Dysart, Blacks Real Estate services residential, commercial, rural and industrial clients across the region. CAPTION: Andrew Black has spent more than two decades with Blacks Real Estate. Photo source: Blacks Real Estate

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Property Point

Property Point

I’m not sure that Donald Trump would play fair if he were one of the buyers in a multiple offer scenario on a Mackay property. There are clear rules about how multiple offer situations must be handled and, based on recent form, I just don’t think the US president would want to abide by the rules. From what I can tell he doesn’t seem to be a very good sport, not a great loser, and in a multiple offer situation in Queensland real estate there has to be a loser. Take Trump’s conduct during the soccer World Cup, being held in the US, Canada and Mexico. When US star Folarin Balogun received a red card and, as is standard practice, got an automatic one-match suspension Trump was on the blower to FIFA president Gianni Infantino asking for a review. The result was that the US star’s suspension was suspended for one year and he was able to play in the next World Cup game. It seems unlikely that a phone call from leaders of other countries would have resulted in a similar reversal of a decision. But I don’t blame Trump … that’s what he does. He tries to push and shove and shout and bully his way to getting the best deal he can for the United States. You might not like him but he certainly tries to get the best deal he can for his country on the world stage and, no doubt, for himself when it comes to business. It was, however, a bit of a surprise to hear he had made a call to the FIFA president trying to reverse the ban on a US player. What was even more surprising was that his strategy worked. Now I’m not to sure about this and I am just a real estate agent in Mackay who follows other football codes much closer than soccer but that FIFA mob looks a bit dodgy to me. You would have thought there would be a clear response from the FIFA president along the lines of: “Thanks for the call Mr President but you have got to be kidding if you think the independent body governing the world game is going to be influenced by political leaders about who can and cannot play based on our established rules.” Clearly that was not how the call played out and it turns out that there seems to be some flexibility in the rules and how they interpreted based on the person who is making the request. Which brings me to another contentious situation, the multiple offer scenario for properties being sold in Queensland. When it comes to multiple offers and which one is accepted, it is entirely up to the seller. The seller can accept a higher offer, accept a lower offer that might have no building and pest clause or no finance clause, or accept an offer just because that’s the one they like. A client of mine accepted a lower offer on a property last year because the buyer was a young, local woman who was starting off in life and had made the best offer she could. An investor offered about $30,000 more but the seller said, “I’m making good money out of this either way. I want the young woman to have it.” But one thing that is clear is that a real estate agent can’t tell one buyer what another buyer has offered in a multiple offer situation. We have to tell a buyer: “There is another offer on the table so you are in a multiple offer situation and I suggest you put in your best and final offer as you might not get a chance to make another offer.” That’s when some buyers say: “How much is the other offer.” Some buyers can be quite forceful but rules are rules and agents can’t reveal that. Although, if the FIFA president was the agent and Donald Trump was the second buyer there might be some flexibility.

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Why Small Business Marketing Feels So Overwhelming

Why Small Business Marketing Feels So Overwhelming

Most small business owners I speak to are not short on ideas, if anything, they have too many. They are trying to keep up with social media, update their website, understand Google, run ads, write emails, serve clients, follow up leads and still actually do the work they are known for. No wonder marketing starts to feel overwhelming. And here is the thing. The problem is not always that you are doing nothing. Sometimes the problem is that you are doing a lot, but without a clear direction. You post because you feel like you should. You boost something because business feels quiet. You update your website because someone told you it might help. You try another platform because everyone else seems to be there. But without a strategy behind it, it can start to feel like you are throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. This is where stepping back can make a huge difference. In most cases, you do not need another platform, another content idea or another person telling you to “just be consistent.” Sometimes, you need to look at the bigger picture. What are you actually trying to sell? Who are you trying to reach? What is working already? What is wasting your time? What should you focus on first? A clear conversation can often save weeks or even months of guessing. Marketing coaching can be helpful for this reason. It gives you space to untangle the mess, ask the right questions and create a plan that feels realistic for your actual business. At Glow Sphere Marketing, this is something I help small business owners with through short, practical coaching sessions, including a 2-hour option for those who want clarity without ongoing support. Marketing does not have to feel so messy. Sometimes you just need someone to help you sort through it.

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Pets of the Week: Ahsoka & Johnny Cash

Pets of the Week: Ahsoka & Johnny Cash

Some rescue stories stay with you, and Ahsoka and Johnny Cash’s journey is one of survival, strength and an unbreakable bond. Ahsoka was found as the smallest of a litter of six kittens, cold, weak and barely responsive after losing her siblings. Thanks to the dedication of an incredible foster carer who provided round-the-clock care, she defied the odds and pulled through. She is still being monitored for an injured eye but continues to grow stronger every day. Johnny Cash, affectionately known as the “Man in Black”, was found alone at just two weeks old. After being placed alongside Ahsoka in an incubator, the pair quickly became inseparable. While Ahsoka is gentle and resilient, Johnny is bold, curious and full of playful mischief. Together, they have helped each other heal and formed a bond too special to break. These two little survivors are now ready to find their forever home — but only together. If you can offer Ahsoka and Johnny Cash the loving indoor home they deserve, contact Ros on 0403 814 318 and share a little about yourself, your family and why you could be their perfect match.

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Better Built Sheds

Know When To Fold Them, Know When To Roll Them

August 24, 2023

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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Grants For Those Who Give

August 24, 2023

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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Sheds Built Better

August 24, 2023

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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A TREND THAT’S HERE TO STAY.

August 24, 2023

“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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Mowing When Wet Will Destroy Your Lawn

August 24, 2023

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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Keeping Kids Safe Around Pools This Summer

August 24, 2023

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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Crusts Instead Of Crumbs For Those Sleeping Rough

August 24, 2023

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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Next Level Technology At Robotics And Drone Challenge

August 24, 2023

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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Vassallo’s Win Bid For Seaforth Esplanade

August 24, 2023

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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Unearth Your Curiosity

August 24, 2023

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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Even Police Receive Scam Calls

August 24, 2023

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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Epic 7.5-Hour Remote Rescue Mission

August 24, 2023

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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WHERE’S WALLY?

August 24, 2023

Driving through outback Queensland to help disadvantaged Aussie kids.

Mackay’s Greg and Sandi Power have been outfitted with 100 Where’s Wally red and white beanies made by members of the Sarina Fibre Arts Group, which they will distribute to children during the Variety Bash road trip from August 28 to September 7.

They will change personas to driver Wally and co-driver Wanda for the trip from Winton to Yeppoon, which takes in the iconic Birdsville Races.

Greg’s already done eight Bashes, and this will be Sandi’s fifth.

“It’s great fun, absolutely,” Greg said. “We always have a ball.

“We’ll make sure we get to the small schools along the way, I’m sure Where’s Wally beanies will be a big hit with the kids.”

The Bash each year raises more than $1 million for disadvantaged children.

The Fibre Arts group crafters volunteered to knit the Where’s Wally beanies after they heard of Greg and Sandi’s fundraising efforts.

By Charlie Payne

Modelling Where’s Wally beanies are Sarina Fibre Arts Group members Mary Whittaker, Di Proctor, Jill Tedman, Helen Larcombe, Margaret Schwarzrock, Variety Bash driver and co-driver Greg and Sandi Power, Lyn Bradford, Celia Gutschlag, Rosemary Rowles, Jenny Costello and Jenny Price. Photos supplied

Variety Bash driver and co-driver Greg and Sandi Power with their car after the presentation of 100 Where’s Wally beanies made by members of the Sarina Fibre Arts Group

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Editors Note

August 24, 2023

Oh, Jenny.

I’ve been working in media for more than a decade, but I’ve never seen a reaction to an advertisement quite like the one which escalated from page four in last week’s edition.

The newspaper had only been in shops and in stands for a few hours when the tsunami of enquiries flooded in.

The first phone call I received was from someone named Jenny. But it wasn’t the Jenny.

I hadn’t prepared for this.

I knew about the advertisement; I had read it and approved it for print. I had set aside page four due to the booking request asking for early placement. But, I had not prepared myself for what would happen next.

My phone started ringing and it did not stop. I couldn’t keep up with email requests. It had gone viral on social media and within hours media organisations across Australia had picked it up and wanted to know more. A few hours later, it had gone international. By Friday evening it had made its way to New Zealand, the UK and the USA.

Work was relatively non-existent in our office on Friday, Jenny and Steve mayhem had taken over.

The Highway Pub in Adelaide took the opportunity to apologise to Jenny, on behalf of ‘all the Steves’ on their roadside sign, thanks to their Duty Manager, Steve. The Adelaide Crows Football Club even seized the opportunity, writing “Dear Jenny, got the win for you. Now the whole town knows we’ve won three in a row. From Crows.” After beating North Melbourne.

By Saturday morning, our Sales Manager, Mike McCann, was interviewed on morning shows Sunrise and Today.

The United States of America has very strict copyright laws, so my email was inundated with requests to use our image of page four in their articles and stories. I even had to sign a materials release form giving the Drew Barrymore Show (a talk show in America) permission to use the image in a segment they were planning, based around our page four.

Our free community newspaper was being mentioned again and again across the world.

So, when people ask if the advertisement was genuine or a publicity stunt, it’s a fair question.

It was a booking received through our online booking platform. We don’t know who Jenny is, or even if she used her real surname. The name on the booking wasn’t known to anyone in our office. We don’t know if she’s from Mackay, the Whitsundays or the Isaac, but we assume Mackay since the request was made for the Mackay newspaper. We didn’t charge the credit card used to make the booking.

Why print an ad that we aren’t charging for?

Well, after receiving the booking (close to print deadline), we had already moved the newspaper content around to accommodate the page four request. We thought perhaps, at the least, this advertisement may spark conversation in Mackay and give us an indication as to how well the newspaper is read within the community. If anything, we saw it as an investment into understanding the demographics we reach.

None of us had anticipated the reaction it did get, or how far that reaction would reach.

If anything, it’s reinforced the strength of regional media as a whole.

Not only that, it put Mackay and the Whitsundays on the map in places that usual tourism campaigns would never reach.

While the message on page four wasn’t a positive one, the result for the community was.

We saw people taking pride in the fact that our small town was being talked about across the world. I would love to know the Google statistics on enquiries about Mackay and the Whitsundays over the past week.

So, Jenny.

I hope you got the reaction you were seeking.

I hope that you and Steve have made up, if there is still hope for your relationship, or I hope this has helped to give you the closure you need to move on.

If you ever wish to come forward, we would love to tell your story.

The whole world wants to meet you.

Either way, the team at Mackay and Whitsunday Life wish you both the best.

Amanda

The Highway Pub in Adelaide apologises to Jenny on behalf of ‘All the Steves’

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Mackay Disability Expo 2022

August 24, 2023

More than 1000 people came through the Big Shed at the Mackay Showgrounds last Friday morning to discover more than 50 exhibitors at Mackay Regional Council’s 2022 Disability Expo. With entertainment provided by Groove Movers, Crossroad Arts Inc, Fitboy International and Art from the Blindside, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive with good vibes, high energy and informative displays.

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