While Sebastian Padget might be focussing on his year 12 exams, his role as the Youth Member for Whitsunday has other things on his mind, including the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project proposed by the Queensland Government in September.

The outgoing Mackay Northern Beaches State High School Captain has filled the role of Youth Member for Whitsunday throughout the year and is passionate about young people having their voices heard.

“I’ve been watching it (the pumped hydro announcement) with a bit of interest, and I think that, as a young person, it’s so important that we get our voice out there,” Sebastian said.

“A big issue surrounding this project is the amount of voices that are being heard.

“I know that there’s been certain consultation periods that have been allowed for our community, however I think a lot of it is insufficient.

“I think the community of Netherdale deserves more consultation, I think the wider Mackay region deserves more consultation to ensure that $65 billion is being well spent.”

Sebastian said he is not inherently against pumped hydro but believes that the proposed investment in the project could be better directed elsewhere, including into the housing crisis, the healthcare system and roads.

“I think it’s important that we are looking at all energy streams, however, I think that when they are proposing $65 billion, that can go a long way in a lot of areas,” he said.

“We’ve had projects that we’ve wanted here in the northern Beaches such as duplicating the Mackay-Bucasia Road.

“There’s been a lot of projects like that where we’ve needed infrastructure and I think now, communities across Queensland, can be certain that if they ever hear that there’s not enough money for a certain project, there is.”

Upon graduating high school, Sebastian aims to visit the residents of the Netherdale region to hear how they’ll be affected by the proposed hydro project.

“They’ve been quite vocal up in Netherdale, which is awesome, and they have a right to be frustrated,” he said.

“Across the region, there’s a very tough debate going on.

“I think it’s really important that, especially young people, we should get a voice in this, as should everyone.

“At the end of the day, they are proposing a $65 billion project which, if it goes ahead, will impact generations to come.

“As much as I can as the Youth Member of Whitsunday, I’ll make sure that young people do get a voice in this.”

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Tom Barry has a remarkable story and the RSL Mackay Sub Branch thinks it should be heard by all.

The RSL Mackay Sub Branch has thrown its support behind Tom, a local author and fellow veteran, by assisting in the distribution of his book throughout the community.

Tom celebrated his 100th birthday in August with the launch of his memoir ‘A Prodigious Leap’.

“The book, in one word, is about me,” Tom said.

“I can remember things from young enough to say I was still a baby.

“In essence, I was born and the people around me materialised and from then on it was all systems go.”

The book goes on to tell of Tom’s poor upbringing in Sunderland, England, his service in the British Army and his ‘prodigious leap’ into the Italian Alps that would change his life forever.

RSL Mackay Sub Branch President Ken Higgins said Tom’s story is a miraculous one.

“The Mackay RSL Sub Branch is honoured to support Tom and all veterans throughout the community,” he said.

“Tom has lived a miraculous life and it’s an important story that needs to be heard.”

The RSL Mackay Sub Branch purchased a box of 20 books to be donated throughout the community including to schools, aged care facilities, libraries and individual veterans over the next six months.

“We’ll make sure the books get in front of the most appropriate people,” Ken said.

‘A Prodigious Leap’ by Tom Barry is also available to purchase on Amazon.

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A multi-million infrastructure project to provide better access to Mackay’s north has now been completed.

The $144.55 million Mackay Northern Access Upgrade project was delivered to improve safety, reduce congestion and boost traffic flow at critical locations on the Bruce Highway and major intersections north of Mackay.

It has increased highway capacity with extra traffic lanes extending from Ron Camm Bridge to south of Bald Hill Road, and intersection upgrades along the route.

Construction also included widening the Goosepond Creek bridges, new bridge overpasses at Davey Street, and a new bridge and widening the existing structure at Janes Creek.

Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the Mackay Northern Access Upgrade is officially complete, to the benefit of locals, tourists and heavy vehicles who travel the Bruce Highway into and through Mackay.

"By improving access and the safety of intersections along this section of the Bruce, we're helping locals get home to their families sooner and safer,” Minister Bailey said.

The project created a consistent six lanes on the Bruce Highway between Sams Road and Mackay-Bucasia Road, and an additional two lanes for through-vehicles north to the Davey Street overpass.

Highway duplication on the northern side between Janes Creek and Blue Gum required a partial realignment of Janes Creek.

The realigned Janes Creek promotes natural flow conditions and retains channel capacity, with local plant species used to revegetate the watercourse's environment.

Major construction started in April 2020 and was undertaken by CPB Contractors, with more than 70 per cent of workers living in the Mackay local government area.

State Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said she is incredibly proud of the work done to transform the Bruce through Mackay.

“Incredibly, more than 624,000 work hours went into delivering this upgrade so I thank each and every worker for their time and effort,” Mrs Gilbert said.

“The realigned section of Janes Creek is also 'fish friendly' with the inclusion of fish-accessible structures and the placements of logs and rocks at random locations to provide habitat for fish and other aquatic wildlife.

"It’s great that we can deliver sustainable and environmentally friendly structures while building major road projects.”

Project Facts:

● Road embankment – 66,533m3

● 50,500m3 of excavation has occurred

● 8052m of electrical conduits have been laid

● 53,000t of asphalt has been laid (equivalent depth of nine Olympic swimming pools).

● 624,000+ hours have been worked on site

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Two men have been charged with 16 offences, following the alleged theft of 7,500 litres of fuel at Moranbah.

On November 7, a Moranbah mine site reported thousands of litres of diesel fuel had been stolen.

Investigations led detectives to attend a Moranbah paddock, where it is alleged police located two men pumping fuel from a vehicle into a shed.

A crime scene was declared and police located 7,500 litres of diesel fuel, stored in fuel pods, along with $7,000 in cash.

It is alleged the fuel had been stolen between approximately October 3 and November 7.

Two cameras and two phones were also seized, in which it is alleged evidence was located that indicated the pair were attempting to onsell the fuel.

A 40-year-old Proserpine man and 48-year-old Moranbah man were taken into custody at the scene.

The 40-year-old man has been charged with seven counts of stealing and one count of possessing tainted property.

The 48-year-old man has been charged with six counts of stealing and one count each of receiving tainted property and possessing explosives (fireworks).

Both men are expected to appear before Moranbah Magistrates Court on December 8.

Investigations are ongoing. Detectives are appealing for anyone with information or relevant dashcam and CCTV footage to come forward. Quote this reference number: QP2201919906

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A Mackay-born Civil Engineer recently returned to North Queensland to revisit some of his handiwork.

Dan Higgins was born in Mackay in 1932.

Now living in Brisbane, Dan returned to his birth town in October to visit the Holy Cross Church at Eton which he designed in 1962.

He was joined by two of his sons, who took him on the trip for his 90th birthday, as well as his sister Mary, who still lives locally.

“It was wonderful that he was able to come up and see what he designed,” said Mary.

“As we were driving up, we could see it amongst the trees and it was really touching, really emotional.

“We are all so proud of him.”

The family obtained keys to the church, Dan exploring the inside of the church for the first time.

An article printed in the Daily Mercury on Saturday, January 13, 1962, reads: “Plans and specifications for the church had been drawn up by a former Walkerston parishioner, Mr D Higgins, who was now employed by an American engineering and architects’ firm in Brisbane.”

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Half a century of servicing the community was celebrated by JT & PA Croyden Pty Ltd with a gala dinner for 150 attendees in Sarina recently.

Owners John and Patricia Croyden established the “Croydens” business in 1972 with the purchase of their first truck from a local business formerly Crokers Truck Centre, to service the Sarina community with landscaping and quarry supplies.

Since the heady days of employing more than 80 permanent staff, with a long list of casuals and approximately 150 pieces of equipment, the local Sarina company has built a reputation as being reliable and community-minded.

The company has held long-standing contracts with some of the region’s largest companies, including more than 45 years with BMA Hay Point Services and 30 years with Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd.

At the beginning of the business, John Croyden would go to the pub on a Friday night and locals would ask for a delivery, “knowing I had a truck and no matter how many beers I had, I never forgot an order.”

“One single axle truck turned into two, and then three, and then there was a need for a bigger truck and we purchased our first tandem tipper – which was a big thing at the time,” Mr Croyden said.

Pat Croyden believes that their success has come from “working hard, and we’ve also been fortunate and making the most of the opportunity to develop the business by responding to the community’s needs”.

“We really want to thank our present and past employees, customers and the community for their support and we will continue to focus on maintaining strong business and customer relationships,” Mrs Croyden said.

Croydens General Manager Stefan Tomerini stepped into the role in 2007 following John and Pat’s retirement to “help steer the transformation of Croydens”.

“John and Pat have supported the local community and been part of developing so many local charities and clubs financially, and it humbles me to manage the Croyden empire,” Mr Tomerini said.

“What makes you successful in business is dealing with the same people, and that’s why we’ve stayed with the same suppliers.

“You get to know your supplier and they get to know you. You also get to know the product inside out.”

Volvo Group Australia is one of those suppliers, and Regional Commercial Manager Iain Allison said that the whole group were “proud and humbled” to have had such a long-term, beneficial partnership with Croydens.

“Since their first purchase of an F86 in 1979, we have had a close and successful relationship with Croydens – it’s been an honour to work with the team for so long,” Mr Allison said.

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In my previous life working as a journalist, the days that had an impact and resonated most were those when there had been a tragedy when emotions were raw and real.

I covered Melbourne’s Queen Street massacre, when a deranged Frank Vitkovic entered the post office and shot and killed nine people.

Another day I sat in the lounge room of a father whose young police officer son had been executed as he sat in a police car with another constable while they were parked in an inner suburban street.

There is only pain and devastation and even though you have a job to do you can’t help but deeply feel the anguish of the people you speak to in those situations. You connect at a human level.

I went into real estate about 11 years ago and it is certainly a different gig … but the connection with humanity is, in many ways, equally as strong.

When you are selling someone’s house it is a big deal, an important responsibility. Naturally you make sure you have a strategy to get the best price and hope that the seller takes your advice in terms of preparing the property.

But the truth is that selling real estate is only partly about houses, bricks and mortar. It’s mainly about people.

Part of it is being able to connect with buyers and smooth the way to them buying a property.

One of the highlights of selling real estate is sharing the excitement of someone who has bought a property they love.  But often there is more to it, the effort and sacrifice to get to the point of being able to buy has sometimes been monumental and the result has been life-changing. You get to feel that.

And working for sellers often takes things to another level. They have trusted you to give advice, market the property, deal with buyers, get the best price.

The decision to sell often comes with significant emotional factors. There’s the emotion of having raised a family in the property. Maybe it was the house owned by someone’s late parents, a place where the seller grew up. Perhaps there are health or financial reasons for selling, something that has been forced on the vendor.

Some years ago, during an economic downturn, I sat in the lounge room of a burly, hard-working bloke who was thinking about selling because he was worried about losing his job, losing his house and letting down his wife and kids.

He was not a touchy-feely-sensitive sort of bloke but he was in tears, telling me how worried he was about losing everything and the impact that would have on his family.

Even though I was just a real estate agent, the feelings were raw, the connection was real and I knew we were talking about a lot more than me selling a parcel of land with a house on it.

When selling real estate you are connecting with people, helping them get the best result and getting an understanding of what matters to them.

We sold the big burly bloke’s house, he put the money away for a few years, made sure his job was secure when the economy picked up and he bought another house a few years later. Job done and connection made.

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Trudy Crowley had a vision.  That vision was “no woman walking the journey of ovarian cancer would walk alone”.  Hence, the Trudy Crowley Foundation was established in 2016 to support and alleviate the suffering of those both directly and indirectly impacted by ovarian cancer.  By connecting people with the right information, support services and resources available during this difficult time, the Foundation ensures that no woman, child, partner, parent or friend feels alone.

The Foundation has achieved much since Trudy’s passing in 2018.

On the February 24 this year, the Trudy Crowley Community Cancer Support Centre was opened in her memory. The Centre offers unique support services for cancer patients and their families, which include:

• a dedicated, part-time, fully qualified palliative care nurse

• a dedicated, volunteer, fully qualified palliative care nurse

• counsellor, Bec Snell, who provides invaluable support and counselling to patients and their family

• a dedicated vehicle to drive patients to doctors or treatment appointments at the Icon Centre or Base Hospital

• a private and dedicated wig room, where patients have access to wigs, colourful scarves or turbans

• a safe and supportive environment where patients and their families are welcome to come together for a cuppa and enjoy the comfort and moral support with others walking the same journey

• currently have around 20 patients within our support group who meet regularly at our Centre

• eight dedicated volunteers who offer their time to attend and man our Centre weekly

• seven dedicated, volunteer board directors.

All services available from our Centre are free to anyone walking the journey of cancer.  We welcome men and women to utilize our Centre and our services, and it is open to patients from the private or public health sector.  It’s important to us that this facility is available for everyone who is affected by cancer.

I am immensely proud to be chairperson of this wonderful Foundation that commenced from Trudy’s vision, and I know Trudy would share our pride at our achievements.

All funds raised from events and donations stay here in Mackay and the Whitsunday regions.

Cr Pauline Townsend

Mackay Regional Council

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You know what?

In exactly six weeks’ time, we will all be logging out of our computers, pushing the chair under the desk, and leaving work because Xmas will be just about here.

Yes, in six weeks’ time it will be Friday the 23rd of December and that means Christmas parties and all the fun starts.

Thing is you now have six weeks to get yourself ready for what is about to happen.

Families coming to stay? Presents to buy? Food to feed the troops? Holiday travel plans to purchase and so much more. Even if you have little kids, this could be just the best time to organise books and stuff for 2023. Don’t leave it until the last minute.

If you’re going to book holidays for Xmas, do it now. Get that perfect camping spot sorted at Seaforth or even at Broken River, so it’s one less thing to do come December. Go shopping now and get those Xmas gifts all done so you’re not mucking around with everyone else at Canelands in the coming weeks.

I’m one of these people that likes to get stuff done beforehand so that when the time comes, I can sit back and relax. I’ve got my list sorted. I’ve been out with my kids and grabbed the right Xmas decorations to use this year, so I know that’s all done in the Kidd household of South Mackay.

One other thing you may have missed is the bottle-o. You know that place that many people like to go shopping at and come home with trolleys of Xmas cheer? Well between now and Xmas Eve, these places will become a place to avoid. Cars, trolley’s and people everywhere, all rushing to get those last available cases and bottles in readiness for your visitors at your place.

If there’s one thing to take from this, it is get it done now. Not next week, now. You can thank me later.

Oh, and a huge thanks to Amanda and all the legends who came to Porters last Saturday for our Jingle Jail. We raised a lot of money for Real Mates Talk and for that I thank you. Your generosity will save many lives.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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Despite international borders opening earlier this year, Queensland recorded its highest ever intrastate visitor rate, noting a 21.5 per cent increase totalling $12.4 billion.

Queenslanders supporting Queenslanders was championed at this year’s Queensland Tourism Awards at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre last Friday night.

More than 1,000 tourism operators and individuals from around the state came together for the awards, from movers and shakers to mum and dad operators, Queensland’s tourism industry was championed with a total of 78 awards, including 31 Gold, 26 Silver and 20 Bronze Awards presented across 30 categories.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) CEO Brett Fraser said the 37th annual Queensland Tourism Awards had brought together an outstanding selection of operators that truly reflect the diverse range of the state’s quality tourism offerings.

“Collectively, this year’s recipients are a testament to the strength and calibre of the state’s tourism operators, and I applaud this great industry and its people for the innovation and resilience they have displayed,” Mr Fraser said.

“As Queensland records its highest interstate and intrastate visitors ever, it’s special to be able to celebrate Queenslanders supporting Queenslanders at this year’s awards after what has been a tumultuous couple of years for the industry,” Mr Fraser said.

“In true Queenslander spirit, we are embracing the difficulties we face together by re-connecting and discovering places in our own backyard, as together we are drawn to holidays within our home state.

“The past two years have redefined how people live, work and travel, and the intrastate tourism we are experiencing is directly correlated to this.

“But this exponential growth doesn’t come without major challenges for our operators who continue to battle with a lack of workforce.”

Mackay and Isaac tourism operators were well represented, with Mackay’s Wildcat taking the top gong in the Best New Tourism Business category, as covered on page 10.

Also putting their products under the spotlight, Isaac Regional Council's St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend Event and Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC).

Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre celebrated with a Silver Award in the Business Event Venues category, while Isaac Regional Council's St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend Event bought home a Bronze for Festival and Events.

“To be recognised amongst our statewide peers is extremely humbling,” a MECC spokesperson said.

“As Paul Donovan mentioned at the awards, “There is no ‘I’, there is only ‘us’ and ‘we’.”

“This recognition is a huge pat on the back for our dedicated staff and volunteers who consistently deliver high quality events.”

In securing bronze, an Isaac Regional Council spokesperson said “Recognised as one of Queensland's premiere events for the second year in a row, this amazing event is a partnership between council, Koinjmal People of Koinmerburra Country, St Lawrence community groups and the wonderful residents.”

Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Al Grundy said being present at the award ceremony it was an honour to celebrate the Mackay Isaac Region’s tourism achievements.

“I congratulate Wildcat Mackay, the MECC and St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend on their achievements and recognise all our regional representatives on the incredible efforts put in to prepare submissions and succeed at these awards. Nominating is a rigorous process, only possible for operators and events that have truly excelled.

“To have three Mackay Isaac products recognised with awards shows how strong our offerings are and bode well for an exciting future of tourism development, visitation and growth for the region.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Queensland Tourism Awards celebrated a remarkable year.

“It has been terrific to see Queensland domestic tourism bounce back so strongly with a nation-leading $19.6 billion in overnight visitor spending,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“We owe much of Queensland’s achievements to the hard work, resilience and innovation of the State’s tourism operators, some of whom are recognised by the 2022 Awards.

“Congratulations to this year’s award winners and finalists for delivering world-class visitor experiences and making Queensland a destination of choice.

“With the rebuild of our international visitor economy underway and a runway of opportunities to the 2032 Games, Queensland tourism operators have reason to be confident.”

Among the accolades presented was a new Hall of Fame winner, two RACQ People’s Choice Awards and in its inaugural year, a Judges Choice Award.

Select category winners will gain automatic entry into the Australian Tourism Awards, which will be held at Doltone House in Sydney on Friday 17 March 2023.

Next year the Queensland Tourism Awards will be held at the Cairns Convention Centre on Friday 24 November 2023.

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Wildcat Mackay won gold in the Best New Tourism Business category

The MECC won silver in the Business Event Venues category

Isaac Regional Council's St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend Event bought home a Bronze for Festival and Events

Mackay’s Wildcat Adventures has been named Queensland’s best new tourism business at last Friday’s 2022 Queensland Tourism Awards.

Launched in December 2021 at the height of the Omicron wave, Wildcat Mackay has achieved incredible success in its first year of operation.

Owner Julie Telford said she was extremely proud to accept the award.

“To launch a business at the height of COVID-19 seemed crazy, but we knew we had a solid plan, an innovative boat design and a spectacular place to show visitors,” Mrs Telford said.

“We operate a successful business in the Whitsundays but could see an opportunity for a new business venture just a couple hours south in Mackay.

“This award provides an opportunity to thank every single customer for booking on our awesome tours.”

Owner Asher Telford and his innovative naval architecture team custom-designed and built a vessel to suit Mackay’s marine conditions.

“We’ve been able to design a boat that keeps visitors comfortable while also moving through the water quickly to show visitors as much as possible in one day,” Mr Telford said.

“It has been pivotal to our business success to design boats that make the most of local conditions. As a result, wildcat offers a smooth ride, 360-degree viewing platform, easy access electric stairs, wheelchair access and lock-in points, fully licensed bar, paddleboards, solar charging system and is extremely fuel efficient.

“It was a dream to start a new business in Mackay and show off this spectacular part of the Great Barrier Reef, and to accept a Gold Queensland Tourism Award is the best reward for that risk.”

Wildcat Mackay offers immersive learning tours, school group excursions, sunset tours, private charters and daily day tours taking visitors snorkelling, paddleboarding and showcasing the Great Barrier Reef.

The business holds the highest level of ECO accreditation and are proud Climate Action Leaders.

Al Grundy, Chief Executive Officer of Mackay Isaac Tourism, said the region is excited about Wildcats future.

“Winning the Gold Award for best New Tourism Business is a credit to Julie and Asher Telford who have brought a clear vision to this region and who deliver exceptional experiences to our visitors every day,” Mr Grundy said.

“It’s a distinct advantage for our region to be home to one of Queensland’s best, and I congratulate Julie, Asher and their team on this achievement.”

Wildcat Mackay is now in the running for Best New Tourism Business at the upcoming Australian Tourism Awards in Sydney in March 2023.

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Wildcat Adventures owners Julie and Asher Telford with their gold award in the Best New Tourism Business category at the 2022 Queensland Tourism Awards

Wildcat Mackay offers immersive learning tours and school group excursions among its other adventure tours

A third generation member of an artistic Sarina family is following the paths of his mother and grandmother.

Bradley Perna, 15, and his mother Jodie are among seven artists displaying their works in a display at the Sarina Art Gallery which continues until November 25.

Bailey has on show his lino print Nature’s Pattern which took him five weeks to complete and earned him an A in his art class at Sarina State High School.

Bailey also makes jewellery, including rings, pendants and earrings.

He said he has been inspired by his mother Jodie, who has been president of the Sarina Arts Council for the past six years, and his grandmother Dianne Moren who are both talented artists.

“Mum certainly has had an influence in my art,” he said.

Jodie said she just loved art from a young age in primary school.

“I loved doing the CWA posters and when we were really young we coloured in flags. I would always get first and I just had a great passion for it.

“That’s why I keep running the art gallery, because I love that people in the community can display their artwork.

“Mum was also putting her artwork in the gallery but hasn’t now for a couple of years.”

Jodie said the Sarina art scene was strong, with 33 members in the Sarina Arts Council and up to 600 tourists and locals visiting the monthly exhibitions.

This month’s display includes Jodie’s watercolour Protea, along with pieces by Marilyn Parnell, Doug Lenton, Monika Ciesielski, Joy Hold and Brigitte Zimmermann. The display is open free of charge from 10-3 daily until November 25.

The Sarina Art Gallery is near the Sarina Sugar Shed, in the Field of Dreams Parkland.

By Charlie Payne

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Bailey

Bailey Perna with his lino print Nature’s Family which earned him an A at school. Photos: Charlie Payne

Jodie

Jodie Perna with her watercolour Protea

Lenton

Buick Roadmaster by Doug Lenton

Ciesielski

Seascape with Boats by Monika Ciesielski

Hold

Pottery by Joy Hold

Zimmermann

Magpie by Brigitte Zimmermann

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A giant garage sale has led to a very generous donation.

The Sarina Beach Progress Association donated to the Mackay region’s valuable aeromedical service, RACQ CQ Rescue, from funds made during its Giant Garage Sales.

Fran Lloyd from the Progress Association said it’s important to support this community-funded rescue service.

“For our small community, with boaties, fishermen and women, and swimmers, you never know when you may need them,” Fran said.

“Two of the amazing staff of RACQ CQ Rescue, Zenta and Rona, showed us around the eye-opening facility, sleeping quarters, doctor’s rooms and even a gym. But the helicopter took the cake, what a beauty.

“If you make a donation to this service, 100 per cent of your donation helps to save lives across Central Queensland, 24/7, 365 days of the year.”

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L-R: Fran Lloyd, Roy Roberts, Zenta Martin and Sharon Schofield

With such a large area for the SES to look after, the Mackay unit is divided into three key areas, with the teams from each area often working together on jobs.

Rebekka Murray is the Deputy Local Controller South, managing the southern part of the Mackay Unit, including Sarina, Sarina Beach, Campwin Beach, Koumala and surrounds.

“We work together as a unit quite often,” said Rebekka.

“The more people we can get to assist in any activation, the better it is.

“More hands make light work.

Rebekka, a teacher-aide by day, has been in the role for the last five years, joining the SES back in 2014 after her husband joined the year before.

“Watching him being able to help the community inspired my drive to want to do the same,” said Rebekka.

“Even being able to do something simple to help someone in their time of need is very rewarding in itself.”

Rebekka says it’s her compassion that assists her most in her role with the SES.

“You drive past somewhere and you think, ‘I’ve helped that person, I’ve helped patch that house in their time of need,’” she said.

“It’s just the fact that you get to help and give back to your local community and know that they’ve got someone there when they need it.”

Her leadership role with the SES allows her to care for her community and her fellow volunteers while forever growing her knowledge and skills.

“I learnt from a good few people before me and am also constantly learning now, even though I’ve been in my role for nearly six years,” she said.

“There is never a time where you don’t learn something new, which is something I enjoy.

“We have a lot of experienced members and leaders throughout our unit. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without their support and knowledge.”

The SES has equipped Rebekka with invaluable life, people and practical skills.

“Operating a chainsaw, driving a flood boat, tarping roofs, but also how to be a better teacher and leader,” she said.

“Within the SES, the possibilities for learning are endless and you can take it as far as you desire.”

Rebekka says Cyclone Debbie was her most memorable activation; witnessing the damage a cyclone can produce has always stuck with her and being able to help those who were affected is one of her prouder moments.

Leading a team of 12 volunteers, Rebekkah is passionate about sharing skills and knowledge with her colleagues, as her leaders have done before her.

Her team has responded to a few callouts from the storms that have already rolled through so far this disaster season and she urges the community to be prepared.

“It’s been fairly reasonable so far this storm season, but we’re expecting more to come,” she said.

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Rebekka’s Disaster Tips

- Make sure all your gutters are cleaned.

- Keep your yard tidy from flying debris as we know storms are unpredictable.

- Make sure you have your household kit in place (radio, torch, batteries, water and non-perishable items).

- If it’s flooded, forget it.

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Deputy Local Controller South Rebekka Murray loves serving her community. Photo supplied

By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

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It is becoming clear that despite the long harvest season, there will be standover cane adding to this year’s losses in sugar content and to the high cost of production. It’s been a double-edged sabre, as growers grapple with mill performance issues and a few unseasonal rain events.

Plane Creek Mill is expecting to cut out by December 31, and Mackay Sugar is estimating an extraordinary January 13 for the end of harvest. A long harvest serves neither miller nor grower well, with sugar content (CCS) usually dwindling after mid-November. That CCS is already declining in some areas with the storm season underway.

High temperatures and frequent rain bring on the plant’s seasonal transition, causing suckering and degraded quality, driving sugar content down. When it hits a low sugar content of 7, The grower ceases to make a profit. In Mackay, there is no return, in Plane Creek, there is a payment to cover basic harvest costs.

Adding insult to injury, the grower is left with the cost of growing the next crop on that land while experiencing impacted cash flow.

Given issues with mill performance, there is a strong perception among growers - and the Mackay Area Committee acting as bargaining agent for CANEGROWERS members - that Mackay Sugar should take example from other millers, understand the position of grower families, and act to financially support growers impacted by low CCS as the season wears on some two months longer than is agronomically practical.

As for the grower with crop left in the paddock, the losses are further increased and push into the following year with the major risk that is standover cane.

Standover cane is old, or dead. It is paddocks that cannot be ratooned with fresh growth for the following harvest, but instead aged into fibrous, tangled, hard-to-harvest and mill cane. Nor can that paddock be put to fallow if that is where it sits in its cropping cycle, that pause time where the soil can rest and re-generate with legume or mixed species planting. Standover throws farm planning out the window and it can take years to restore proper crop rotation.

With added season length, labour costs get blown out and inflate cost-of-production, the mill maintenance season shrinks, imperilling milling performance in the following harvest.

With high sugar prices, and a bumper crop in the ground this should be a harvest for the ages. The estimated crop for Mackay is 5.6 million tonnes, and 1.5 million for Plane Creek District. Prices have tipped the $640. However, the season has been dogged by wet weather, particularly in Plane Creek district, and ongoing mill breakdowns and stoppages in the north, particularly at Farleigh Mill.

Mackay Sugar has crushed 60 per cent of the crop as at October 30, and Plane Creek has now crossed the one million tonne mark and nearing 70 per cent.

There is a lot of money being lost for growers with standover cane and low CCS because of poor milling performance and long season length. The situation is causing anxiety among growers as they strive to meet the necessary percentage of their crop harvested to fulfil forward pricing commitments, make finance repayments and maintain profitability.

The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting an early onset of the wet, and above average rainfall when it comes. We have certainly experienced a solid start to the storm season in the past few weeks. There’s a high risk the monsoon will set in, putting an untimely end to the 2022 harvest.

It is upon us - the growers and the harvest contractors - to make the most of what time we have remaining to get our crop away: weather, bin and mill availability willing.

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The onset of the wet brings about a seasonal change in sugar cane. Pictures: Contributed