Total rural debt in Queensland has risen to $24.06 billion, an increase of 25.97 per cent since 2019 according to the 2021 Queensland Rural Debt Survey.

At the same time, the quality of that rural debt has remained strong with almost 95 per cent rated viable or long term viable, despite challenging times for rural businesses.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner MP tabled the 2021 Queensland Rural Debt Survey report last week and said the average debt per borrower rose by 32.67 per cent to $1.39 million.

“The 2021 Queensland Rural Debt Survey provides critical insight into the financial state of enterprises across rural industries over the past two years and will assist government and industry to help inform future decisions,” Mr Furner said.

“Debt funding remains the principal source of capital for Queensland primary producers including for working capital, infrastructure, property, and other investment purposes.

“Debt in the beef industry accounts for the largest proportion of rural debt across Queensland, growing by more than $3 billion and accounting for around 60 per cent of the increase in total debt. This is followed by cotton debt, growing 53.1 per cent to $1.69 billion. grain/grazing also saw a large increase, totalling $1.68 billion and recording a 40.9 per cent growth since the 2019 survey.

“The Western Downs and Central Highlands region represented the largest portion (just over 35 per cent) of total rural debt in Queensland, totalling $8.51 billion. This is followed by the Southern Coastal Curtis to Moreton region ($5.46 billion or 22.7 per cent) and Eastern Darling Downs region ($3.34 billion or 13.89 per cent).”

“In addition, the total number of rural borrowers in Queensland has decreased by 920 to 17,312 borrowers, down 5.05 per cent on 2019.”

Conducted as of 31 December 2021, the latest Queensland Rural Debt Survey was undertaken by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) in collaboration with the Queensland Government Statisticians Office (QGSO) and with the support of all major rural lenders and insights from agricultural industry associations.

QRIDA Chief Executive Officer, Cameron MacMillan said 2021 Queensland Rural Debt Survey provided a comprehensive breakdown of the value, movement and quality of rural debt and the number of borrowers by industry and region.

Mr MacMillan said rural businesses continued to face tough conditions throughout the period from December 2019 to December 2021, yet many industries had also shown their resilience.

“In 2019, Queensland recorded the lowest level of rainfall since 2005. From 2020, they also faced rising input costs and supply chain disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All these factors have impacted production and business decisions by primary producers.”

“While overall debt has grown, the survey showed the quality of that debt has remained strong. Rural debt rated viable (A) and potentially viable long term (B+) combined increased from 93.14 per cent in 2019 to 94.97 per cent in 2021 as a proportion of total debt.

“This in part reflects the improved seasonal conditions and production over the latter part of the 2019-2021 period, continued strong commodity prices and the significant increase in the value of rural land that underpins much of this rural debt,” he said.

For more see the 2021 Rural Debt Survey full report and interactive dashboard at: qrida.qld.gov.au/queensland-rural-debt-survey

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The aspiration to own your own home is one of the great Aussie dreams. Hotondo Homes Mackay owners Anthony and Lynelle Wolff say this is at the forefront of their minds with every new home they build, ensuring exceptional style and quality construction can be achieved for the average local family.

With decades of experience between them in the construction and design industries, Anthony and Lynelle have the ability to provide value for money stylish solutions. The price tag is lower without compromising on good looks.

It’s this teamwork which has seen Hotondo Homes Mackay reap the accolades year after year, with 2022 being no exception. At the Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards, the couple scooped three awards.

Best Residential Bathroom – for Parkedge Project (Richmond)

Display Home from $450,000 up to $550,000 – for Seacoast 259 (Shoal Point)

Individual Home up to $250,000 – for Ravenswood 157 (Rural View)

Mystical floor to ceiling moody grey tiling gives this bathroom a glamorous edge, accented by black tapware, sleek white porcelain, and earthy wooden cabinetry. A relaxing retreat amid a breathtaking home.

Seacoast blends coastal living with a relaxed urban life, bringing natural elements of the outdoors in with sweeping open living areas which flow seamlessly from indoors to out. Natural stone and timber hues are a feature throughout with a large outdoor kitchen and plunge pool delivering excellent value for money.

Caption: Ravenswood

Ravenswood blends contemporary style with a touch of the Hamptons, in an affordable design suited to singles, couples and small families. The clean modern interior provides an elegant canvas for the homeowner to make this home their own.

Parkedge bathroom

Seacoast

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Following a decade out of the spotlight and away from the award circuit, Matthew Brady Builders made a huge come-back at the Mackay and Whitsunday Master Builders Awards last week.

Taking out the best individual home in the $350,000 - $450,000 price bracket for his Mount Martin four-bedroom low block house, business owner Mr Brady said it was a great result after one of the hardest years in business he’s ever had.

“It’s been a hectic year with price rises and it took a bit to get through it,” he said.

“The Mount Martin house came out really well and we got such a good response from the tradies, I thought I’d enter this year.”

Usually involved with renovation work, Mr Brady only takes on a small number of new builds, choosing to work on projects that resonate with him.

For the award-winning house, he worked closely with the owners of the property to create a vision and then completed the plan with Whitsunday Drafting.

“I don’t do many new homes, but when I do, I like things to be constructed the way they should be, they are built for longevity, I don’t succumb to the quick and easy,” said Mr Brady.

“It’s got to have a bit of soul!”

“Thank you to all the contractors who were part of the job – I consider a lot of them my friends and we made it a personal thing.

The award-winning Mount Martin home

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Branching out from their years of success across the categories at the Master Builders Awards, the Whitsunday-based Red Emperor Constructions tapped into the local tourism realm this year.

A company that’s garnered a reputation for exceptional workmanship and innovation – winning awards across their varied resume of builds - Red Emperor Constructions’ claim to fame at this year’s awards was no different.

Owner and builder Alistair Sawers and his experienced team at Red Emperor Constructions claimed the top accolade for Tourism and Leisure Facilities Up to $10 million with the Bettys Beach Boardwalk on Whitsunday Island.

Tasked with replacing a pre-existing, 25-year-old structure, the construction of the new Bettys Beach Boardwalk was recognised for both the remote challenges it posed and its innovation.

Constructed of a fibre reinforced polymer sub structure and laced with hardwood timber decking to blend with the existing environment, the eight-week project was simple in its final design but much more in its execution.

“The remote challenges of using helicopters to provide gear to site, as well as barges, is what set this project apart,” Owner and builder at Red Emperor Constructions, Alistair Sawers said.

“We do quite a bit of tourism and remote work, as well as land-based, but this was a dream project -particularly for our team.

“The setting up of campsites for accommodation on Whitehaven, working there from Monday to Friday, there’s nothing better.”

Mr Sawers said it was excellent to be able to be recognised for the quality of the project, and its remote nature. But most importantly, he was proud it would “be able to be used for the next fifty years by the general public.”

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While CiteCon may be a relatively new player in the game, Brad Gardner and his team have built the business on generations of construction expertise, seeing them become a leader in the industry.

With a reputation for quality and integrity, CiteCon was engaged by Club Wyndham Destinations to revive their outdated resort accommodation at the top of Mount Whitsunday Drive in Airlie Beach, a project that would ultimately win them the Refurbishment/Renovation over $750,000 category at the 2022 Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards.

“It’s in a line of a lot of firsts,” said CiteCon Administration Manager Bec Gardner.

“We decided to start this business together, that’s a first; we’ve got all our family involved; having that, to me, it cements that it’s good, we’ve done it, it’s one of more to come.”

The construction team reworked 56 existing resort-style apartments across eight elevated unit blocks, ranging from 1-, 2- and 3-bedrooms apartments: back to a grand standard.

After detailed dilapidation reports were conducted on all 56 apartments, three mock-up apartments were refurbished as a sample to start.

Decisions were made to alter the remaining scope of work with each apartment receiving significant structural changes, electrical upgrades, modified kitchens, new bathrooms, flooring, tiling, internal painting, and deluxe fittings and fixtures.

Demolition then recommenced on the original mock-up rooms and the remaining 53 apartments block by block.

Refurbishing apartments within a fully operational resort was not without its issues, but the team at CiteCon made a challenging work environment manageable and ensured safety was of the highest priority.

The project spanned 52 weeks, so it was vital that Brad Gardner and his team maintained clear communication and a professional relationship with the client; all whilst taking into consideration the constant movements of the residents and holidaying guests.

Collaborating with Mackay and Whitsunday trades and suppliers was the key to delivering this successful project, resulting in works finished to the highest standard, on budget and with timely delivery.

The 56 refurbished apartments now boast gorgeous, light, welcoming bedrooms and living spaces, stunning bathrooms, with spacious decks to enjoy the ocean views right in the heart of the Whitsundays.

“We were pretty honoured that we got to do it in the first place and that Club Wyndham took a chance on us,” said Bec.

“It means a lot, that one.”

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Building homes in bushland settings is something that Rick and the team at Rick Chelman Builders Pty Ltd have mastered over the last 40 years.

Rick’s expertise was awarded at the 2022 Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards, winning the Ken & Nola Clark Perpetual Award for Quality Workmanship for Home Among the Gum Trees in Greenmount.

The project boasts the very best of innovative products and materials throughout the build.

The build faced many challenges, with the construction type requiring excellent planning to factor in all processes for smooth continuity throughout the project.

The 302m2 home features four sizeable bedrooms, an office, two attractive bathrooms and plenty of storage, with polished timber floors throughout except for wet areas.

A large stacker door at the front entrance views straight through to the rear stacker door in the family room, with a dream kitchen and matching walk-through pantry with excellent access.

LED downlights throughout including LED floodlights create a bright, modern feel and coloured feature smart lights illuminate the deck and verandas, operated via Wi-Fi using one’s phone.

Treated timbers have been used in the construction of the project and the large Merbau deck is polished with four coats of Sikkens product for low maintenance and longevity.

High-quality Hardies Scyon Linea board is used for cladding with surrounds around windows and doors.

Rick Chelman Builders Pty Ltd have once again proven why they have developed a reputation for quality local workmanship at an affordable price, with Home Among the Gum Trees a deserved winner of Ken & Nola Clark Perpetual Award.

L-R Jenna and Ashley Chelman and Rick and Barb Chelman. Photo supplied: Barb Chelman

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Fergus Builders have been building the dreams of their clients since 1983, taking pride in designing and delivering high-quality new homes as well as commercial and industrial premises for Mackay and surrounding districts.

Fergus Builders were the recipients of a massive six awards at the 2022 Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards, each accolade truly highlighting Fergus’ diverse capabilities on a wide variety of projects.

A stand-out outcome from the Awards was the 2022 Mackay & Whitsunday BUSSQ Building Super President's Award, awarded to Fergus Builders for Cormac, located in Richmond.

Leading from an oversized outdoor area through corner stacker doors, Cormac boasts a large open living area incorporating a Hampton’s-inspired kitchen complete with shaker-style cabinetry and Smartstone benchtops.

The project was designed with the growing family in mind, with four spacious bedrooms finished with plush wool carpets, two large bathrooms and a sizable theatre room for family movie nights, ticking all the boxes.

Overcoming obstacles including Covid-19 lockdowns, wet weather and challenges with earthworks, Fergus Builders showed absolute commitment to deliver a stunning home in the Cormac project.

The judges praised the Fergus Builders for the fit, finishes and quality materials on the immaculate project.

“Quality workmanship abounds with this project and noticeably on all the Fergus Builders projects,” the judge’s comments read.

“Congratulations to the Fergus team on this immaculate home, a worthy winner of the President’s Award.”

As well as the President’s Award, Fergus Builders took home five other awards in a wide array of categories for recent residential and commercial projects.

Fergus Builders has been part of the prestigious Master Builders Awards since 2008, winning many awards across multiple categories over the years.

Adding these six awards to their collection further proves Fergus Builders as a leader in providing buildings of high quality, innovative design and superb value.

Fergus Builders 2022 Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards

- President's Award for Cormac (Richmond)

- Medium Density up to 3 storeys – 2 to 5 dwellings for West Mackay Apartments (West Mackay)

- Health Facilities up to $20 million for South Side Medical Centre (Mackay)

- Education Facilities up to $10 million for Carlisle Adventist College (Beaconsfield)

- Retail Facilities up to $5 million for Reece Plumbing (Mount Pleasant)

- Industrial Building up to $5 million for Blenners Transport (Paget)

The Fergus Builders team at the 2022 Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards. Photo supplied: Dayna Stewart

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As a family business renowned for producing award-winning designed and built homes inspired by our region’s gorgeous climate, lifestyle and heritage, Urban Trend has a decade-strong proven track record as the region’s leading boutique residential builder.

Urban Trend’s reputation for excellence and innovation has won them many awards, most recently bringing home three awards between two projects at this year’s Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards.

Winning Individual Home from $1.25 million up to $2 million and Best Residential Swimming Pool Eimeo’s Mango residence is the collaboration of two great friends.

One; a professor of Architecture and two; a visionary who wanted to create a home that fulfilled his great friend’s belief in house-museum typology.

The construction of Mango residence is a dichotomy of rare materials such as exposed concrete blockwork and polished concrete flooring, contrasted against NZ wool carpets and linen window furnishings.

The home is reflective of inner-city municipality construction, balanced with spotted gum joinery and tropical planting visible from the home’s great expanses of glazing.

The views are unprecedented, with the 180-degree views of Sunset and Bucasia Beaches from the master suite a particular highlight.

Externally is a sparkling swimming pool with exceptional beachfront views and viewing deck designed to capture sunshine year-round.

A 15-month build period has resulted in the creation of a hybridity of home; private, domestic, intimate; and museum; public, civic, formal.

The construction of Sugarloaf residence, located in Balnagowan, is a balanced blend of bold exterior design elements and classic textures, winning Urban Trends the Individual Home from $550,000 up to $650,000 category.

A contrasting colour palette and warm recycled brickwork create a sophisticated and unique home that fits snug into the surrounding bushland.

This balance of materials is echoed internally with deep terrazzo tiled floors, recycled brickwork and a colour palate that reiterates the bushland location.

The home is rich in modern elements but provides a traditional nod to Australian architectural heritage with wrap-around verandas, hardwood posts, double gutter-line roof line and French doors opening onto the wrap-around verandas.

Floor to ceiling glazing brings the bushland vistas into the interior spaces and provide an abundance of natural light.

The open plan living, dining and kitchen overlook a richness of bushland, a vaulted alfresco area and sparkling magnesium mineral swimming pool.

Visit urbantrend.com.au to find out more.

Mango residence, located in Eimeo

Sugarloaf residence, located in Balnagowan. Photos supplied

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The region’s annual Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards was once again a glamorous affair, with leaders in the construction industry showcasing innovative methods and breathtaking design at the 2022 awards.

Held at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) on August 13, a wide range of projects were recognized for thoughtful execution. From premium education facilities to resort-style homes and contemporary family homes, judges made note that this year’s field of entries was impressive.

Fergus Builders swept the pool with six awards on the night, including four awards in the construction category.

The team took out the coveted BUSSQ Builders Super President’s Award for their Richmond project, Cormac.

From the magnificent oversized outdoor area to the stunning living spaces and Hampton’s-inspired kitchen, this home was a standout for the judges.

“Quality workmanship abounds with this project and noticeably on all the Fergus Builders projects,” the judges’ comments read.

“Congratulations to the Fergus team on this immaculate home, a worthy winner of the President’s Award.”

The other big winner of the night was Icon Building Contractors collecting the House of the Year for Coryle at Grasstree Beach. The sprawling four-bedroom, two-office home also snagged the Individual Home from $650,000 up to $750,000.

Coryule was designed to capture and take in its amazing rural and ocean views. With open plan living, the home flows effortlessly to embrace both indoors and outdoor living.

The Ken & Nola Clark Perpetual Award for Quality Workmanship went to Rick Chelman Builders for Home Among the Gum Trees in Greenmount.

Building homes in remote and bushland settings is something that Rick and his team have specialised in for many years.

The project boasts the very best of innovative products and materials throughout the build.

Master Builders' Mackay & Whitsunday Regional Manager, Malcolm Hull, congratulated all the winners across the 36 categories.

"Our members have truly lived up to this year's Awards theme, Building Brilliance, which was inspired by them and their work. The projects they've delivered during these challenging times are a testament to their skills and resilience," he said.

“The quality of our winning homes is also second to none and epitomises what living in the Mackay & Whitsunday region is all about.

"It doesn't matter whether they've taken an Award home this year or not. Each of our 2022 entrants is a part of the Master Builders family and helps cement why we're so widely trusted and respected.”

2022 WINNERS

Major awards

● President's Award – Fergus Builders Pty Ltd for Cormac (Richmond)

● Project of the Year Award – Woollam Constructions for Catherine McAuley College (West Mackay)

● House of the Year – Icon Building Contractors Pty Ltd for Coryule (Grasstree Beach)

Individual awards

● Apprentice of the Year Award – Jake Christensen from Cotter Builders Pty Ltd

● Women in Building – Ashlee Denyer from Lowcock Builders Pty Ltd)

● The Ken & Nola Clark Perpetual Award – Rick Chelman Builder Pty Ltd for Home Among The Gum Trees (Greenmount)

● Residential Trade Contractor of the Year – R & R Cabinetmaking for House of Arches (Beaconsfield)

● Commercial Trade Contractor of the Year – Coral Coast Plastering Pty Ltd for Carlisle Adventist College (Beaconsfield)

Specialty awards

● Best Residential Bathroom – Hotondo Homes Mackay for Parkedge Project (Richmond)

● Best Residential Kitchen – R & R Cabinetmaking for Farlane Park (Middlemount)

● Best Residential Swimming Pool – Urban Trend Constructions Australia Pty Ltd for Mango Residence (Eimeo)

Housing awards

● Home Renovation/Remodelling Project from $200,000 up to $400,000 – Cotter Builders Pty Ltd for Cottage on MacKenzie (West Mackay)

● Home Renovation/Remodelling Project from $400,000 up to $650,000 – Nathan Bow for Glenella Richmond Farm House (Mackay)

● Display Home from $450,000 up to $550,000 – Hotondo Homes Mackay for Seacoast 259 (Shoal Point)

● Individual Home up to $250,000 – Hotondo Homes Mackay for Ravenswood 157 (Rural View)

● Individual Home up to $350,000 – Cotter Builders Pty Ltd for Casa Sadie (Richmond)

● Individual Home from $350,000 up to $450,000 – Matthew Brady Projects for Mount Martin (Kuttabul)

● Individual Home from $450,000 up to $550,000 – Latitude 20 Homes for Hydeaway Bay Beach House (Hydeaway Bay)

● Individual Home from $550,000 up to $650,000 – Urban Trend Constructions Australia Pty Ltd for Sugarloaf Residence (Balnagowan)

● Individual Home from $650,000 up to $750,000 – Icon Building Contractors Pty Ltd for Coryule (Grasstree Beach)

● Individual Home from $750,000 up to $950,000 – Lowcock Builders Pty Ltd for Brampton House (Bowen)

● Individual Home from $1.25 million up to $2 million – Urban Trend Constructions Australia Pty Ltd for Mango Residence (Eimeo)

● Medium Density up to 3 storeys – 2 to 5 dwellings – Fergus Builders Pty Ltd for West Mackay Apartments (West Mackay)

Construction awards

● Health Facilities up to $20 million – Fergus Builders Pty Ltd for South Side Medical Centre (Mackay)

● Education Facilities up to $10 million – Fergus Builders Pty Ltd for Carlisle Adventist College (Beaconsfield)

● Education Facilities over $10 million – Woollam Constructions for Catherine McAuley College (West Mackay)

● Community Service Facilities – Hamilton Island Constructions No.1 Pty Ltd for Hamilton Island Waste Water Treatment Facility Upgrade (Hamilton Island)

● Retail Facilities up to $5 million – Fergus Builders Pty Ltd for Reece Plumbing (Mount Pleasant)

● Retail Facilities over $5 million – Mainbrace Constructions (QLD) Pty Ltd for Coles Andergrove (Andergrove)

● Tourism and Leisure Facilities up to $10 million – Red Emperor Constructions for Bettys Beach Boardwalk (Whitsunday Island)

● Tourism and Leisure Facilities over $10 million – Hutchinson Builders for Proserpine Entertainment Centre (Proserpine)

● Commercial Building up to $5 million – Endurance Sheds for MCI Complex (Paget)

● Commercial Building from $5 million up to $50 million – Vassallo Constructions Pty Ltd for Shute Harbour Marine Terminal (Shute Harbour)

● Industrial Building up to $5 million – Fergus Builders Pty Ltd for Blenners Transport (Paget)

● Refurbishment/Renovation up to $750,000 – Lowcock Builders Pty Ltd for Construction of Health Care Space at Bowen TAFE Campus (Bowen)

● Refurbishment/Renovation over $750,000 – CiteCon for Club Wyndham Resort Airlie Beach (Airlie Beach)

Fergus Builders won six awards at the Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards ceremony at the MECC

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Rural View residents will now be able to access Northern Beaches Central and Reed Street via the roundabout from Rosewood Drive.

All works associated with the access road have been completed, and council’s Civil Operations team removed the barricades from the roundabout earlier this week on Monday.

Mackay Regional Council Director Development Services Aletta Nugent said the temporary access, which was not a designated road, was put in place during construction works of the Woolworths shopping complex.

“The road had become a popular shortcut for Northern Beaches residents between Eimeo Road and Rosewood Drive, where Northern Beaches State High School is located, as well as to access the Woolworths and Coles shopping precincts,” Ms Nugent said.

“Council has worked closely with shopping centre owners, Stockwell, to ensure the work was completed and approved in a timely manner,” she said.

“This is a great example of council working with a developer to achieve an outcome that is advantageous for the whole community.”

The works, undertaken by contractor Seaforth Civil for Stockwell, included asphalt patching, speed humps, line marking, kerb edge restraint and signs.

A map showing where the barricades will be removed at the Rosewood Drive and Reed Street roundabout

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Last week, a 39-year-old West Mackay woman was detected driving at 165kph in a 110kph zoned area on the Bruce Highway South of Mackay. The incident occurred on August 20 at 1:10pm.

While police were dealing with the driver, two other motorists stopped and thanked police for their intervention as they had allegedly seen the vehicle being driven at speed earlier.

Needless to say, she got a stern lecture from police in relation to the potential consequences of her driving and she was issued with an infringement notice worth $1,653, 8 demerit points and a 6-month licence suspension.

THEFT OF FISHING EQUIPMENT, RURAL VIEW

While residents were absent from their home on Eales Road, Rural View between August 12 and August 16, an intruder entered a shed and stole fishing equipment and an inboard motor.

Entry was gained into the shed by damaging a padlock.

The following items were stolen:

- a white coloured electric Minn Kota I Pilot Terranova inboard motor

- a black coloured Garmin 7410XSV model fish finder

- a Garmin 95SV model fish finder

- one fishing rod

Anyone who may have information about the current location of the stolen items or the offence itself is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible. Please refer to QP2201410267.

CHARGES FOLLOW ALLEGED WEAPON INCIDENT, PAGET

A 50-year-old man who resides in Paget has been charged with several offences following an alleged incident at an address on Farrellys Road in Paget at 3:46 pm on August 18.

It’s alleged police were called after the man who was in possession of a shotgun and ammunition approached a caravan where a person resided who he was having a disagreement with.

Upon the arrival of police it’s further alleged officers talked to the man and located shotgun shells in his pocket and also found a shotgun in his caravan.

The 50-year-old man was arrested and has been charged with going armed so as to cause fear, possessing shortened firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition and possessing a drug utensil.

APPEAL FOR WITNESSES OR DASHCAM FOOTAGE, NORTH MACKAY

At about 1:15 pm on August 16 at the intersection of Glenpark Street and Malcomson Street in North Mackay, it's alleged that the driver of a red Holden commodore sedan has deliberately rammed multiple cars (including a police vehicle) before leaving the area.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to this alleged incident, or anyone who may have dashcam footage, to come forward as soon as possible.

Please refer to QP2201402690.

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Mackay’s oldest history research group celebrated a special milestone last week, with a special lunch attended by more than twenty current and former members, patrons and supporters.

The Mackay Historical Society’s 50th anniversary ticked over on August 10, with the celebratory lunch held on August 14 at Souths Leagues Club.

Following the lunch, formalities for the 50th anniversary were conducted with historical society member Steven Pritchard opening the proceedings. After being introduced, recently appointed Vice President, Danielle Jesser then read a copy of the minutes from the Formation Meeting of the Society which had been held on Thursday, August 10, 1972, at 7.45pm at the since demolished Australian Sugar Producers Association (also known as the ASPA) Board Room in Wood Street (now the site of the Westpac Bank).

The Minutes included names attending such as: Berenice Wright, Frank Rolleston, John Henry ‘Jack’ Williams Junior, John Renton (who had called the meeting to form the society) and Rod Manning.

Those attending were then asked to share, if they wanted to, their memories of the society’s long existence. Reminiscing about their time with the society at the function were: Helen Martin, MRC Councilor Lawrence Bonaventura and Wayne Miller.

Memories from Historical Society member Terry Abbott were also shared at the anniversary lunch. Helen Martin was also to read a list of current and former historical society presidents as part of the formalities.

Also attending the lunch were: Brian Osborn (former MRC Museum’s Coordinator), Doug Petersen (Local Historian), Dr. Julia Pittman (Reverend of St Paul’s Uniting Church and the Armitage Uniting Church), Ray Braithwaite (former Federal Member for Dawson and Local Historian) and Terry Hayes (Local Historian) amongst others.

The current Mackay Historical Society committee was also in attendance: Jack Armstrong (President), Danielle Jesser (Vice President), Helen Martin (Treasurer), Judy Stewart (Honorary Secretary) and Steven Pritchard (Research and Publicity Officer).

The societies registrar, member and Local Historian Glen Hall was unable to attend the lunch.

Mr Pritchard said, “It was great to have so many attend our special 50th anniversary lunch.

“The fact we are still here today celebrating our 50th anniversary is quite an achievement, considering the changes that have occurred in accessing historical information compared to fifty years ago.”

Mr Prichard added that a lot has changed over the years.

“However, the collection of books, maps, newspaper clippings/supplements and photographs that has been built up by the society over the years is still very much being used, with the requests sent to us and those visiting us, looking for information,” he said.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported us and been members of our society during the past half a century.

“We hope to be still here for many years to come.”

Contributed by Steven Pritchard

Attendees of the Mackay Historical Society’s 50th anniversary lunch. Photo contributed

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If you are a frequent user of the River Street boat ramp, enjoy purchasing your fresh riverside seafood or like to take a stroll along the Bluewater Trail near the river mouth, you will need to be aware of a new traffic update along your journey.

River Street, between Carlyle and Lawson streets, has permanently changed to a one-way traffic flow in a westerly direction.

The change took place last Sunday (August 21) as part of the new Riverside Development.

Traffic control will be in place between Carlyle and Burns streets from this time and will remain while upgrade works to River Street are completed.

As part of these works, all on-street parking will be converted to angle parking along the levee wall.

Mackay Regional Council asks motorists to follow all site signage in the area.

A stretch of River Street between Carlyle and Lawson streets, has permanently changed to a one-way traffic flow

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A convoy of Postie bikes are making their way from Mackay to Bundaberg and back in a bid to raise vital funds for regional families battling childhood cancer.

The annual Postie Bike Safari will see over 40 riders cover 1,800 kms over a week-long escapade around regional Queensland. Along the way they’ll bring gifts and spread awareness about Childhood Cancer Support and the services they offer for regional families who must travel to Brisbane for life-saving cancer treatment.

So far, the group has raised over $110,000 and Childhood Cancer Support Committee Member and Postie Bike Safari participant, Bert Pulman says they are proud to raise funds for such an important charity, with Bert having first-hand experience of the support Childhood Cancer Support offers.

“The team picked Childhood Cancer Support as their charity again this year because they can see the impact their services have by accommodating regional families with children that require treatment for cancer,” says Bert.

“I personally have used the facility when my son was receiving treatment in Brisbane.

“Childhood Cancer Support is thankful for any money raised and thanks all the riders, organisers, support people and sponsors that have done such an amazing job in raising funds so far.

“We keep off the main roads and hit the dirt as much as possible. We have a great team of riders and support members who enjoy the eight days on the road raising money for a well-deserved charity.”

Follow their journey, or donate to the Postie Bike Safari by visiting https://fundraise.ccs.org.au/event/postie-bike-safari

Childhood Cancer Support is a children’s cancer charity for regional Queensland families who must travel to Brisbane for life-saving cancer treatment. They provide families with free short-term and long-term accommodation as well as transport to and from hospital, emotional and social support.

Postie bikes set off from Mackay last weekend to ride to Bundaberg and back to raise funds for childhood cancer support

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Taking pride in your community is alive and well in the Northern Beaches subdivision of Royal Sands, where a group of children perfectly captured the essence of #MackayPride.

The basketball half court has been a feature of the estate for around six years, but through plenty of use, the net had degraded and eventually fell off the hoop.

A group of children decided to fix the problem themselves, as captured by resident Brenda-Lee Anson.

Ms Anson reported on the Royal Sands Community Group page on Facebook that Max (pictured in the white shirt) supplied the net and the group worked together to install the new net onto the hoop.

Garnering more than 100 ‘likes’ the post was warmly received by the residents of Royal Sands, who praised the children for their proactiveness and teamwork.

“Well done kids, please let me know if you need anything else, I will donate,” said Scott Andreassen.

The basketball half court was installed by Mackay Regional Council after consultation with the Northern Beaches community, and is largely thanks to the effort of former Northern Beaches High School student, Daniel McLean.

Daniel approached council saying he plays and referees basketball but had to travel into Mackay to practice. Daniel prepared a petition and went door-to-door to get signatures. The basketball court received 66 per cent of the vote during consultation and has been a well-used community facility since.

Photo credit: Brenda-Lee Anson

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