GROWING FROM SEEDS IS NOT DIFFICULT

It is certainly cheaper than buying seedlings and you don’t lose plants because of root disturbance when direct sowing into the ground. Why not give it a go?  At worst you’ve lost $3 for a packet of seeds, at best you have more vegetable seedlings then you can grow opposed to the six seedlings in that punnet.

Let’s talk growing from seed and what is needed for germination.

For a seed to germinate, it has three requirements:

Soil temperature

All seeds have specific soil temperature ranges to germinate.  Outside of these temps, they will remain dormant.  So how do you know what seeds to plant when?

If searching on the net, our zone is “Tropical”, you can read the seed packet or you can read this column. The Whitsundays winter is the time to plant most seeds.

Plant now:

Corn, Chillies, Capsicums, Parsley, Basil, Radish, Lettuce, Cabbage, Watermelon, Squash, Beetroot, Carrots, Eggplant, Cucumber, Coriander and beans to name a few

Correct sowing depth

If you plant your seeds too deep, the first shoot will not have enough stored energy to push its way through to the surface. A general rule of thumb is to plant the seed at twice the depth of the seeds’ width. For very small seeds like lettuce and many herb seeds, they are literally sprinkled on the surface and then sprinkle the finest layer of soil on top (with a sieve is perfect). Larger seeds like peas and corn must be pushed into the soil but remember, not too deep! You would be better off planting too shallow, than too deep.

Water

It is essential for germination that the soil remains moist. This means watering every morning without fail. The soil must not dry out in this crucial period of a seed’s transition.

I sow all my vegetable seeds directly into the ground and, as I am not at home during the day (due to work commitments), I water my seeds in the morning and then cover the soil until the green shoots pop out of the ground.  Your vegetable seeds do not need the sun to germinate, they need the correct soil temperature and moisture, so covering them from direct sunlight is not an issue.  Shade cloth or hessian work well. When watering seeds, it’s a gentle water, don’t hit your soil with a tsunami and wonder why your seeds washed away or rotted in very wet soil.

Can seeds fail?  Sure they can. But once you have seed germination success, you’ll never turn back!  You’ll have the pick of the strongest seedlings, and you’ll have plenty to share with others if you struggle to simply pluck out the excess (which you will need to do once they have grown their second set of leaves).  

If your vegetable seeds have not come to the surface within 3 weeks, chances are they are not going to. I suggest giving another variety a go.

Note:  Don’t forget to label your seeds.  You think you’ll remember what you have planted and three weeks later you’ll regret you didn’t label.

TAYLOR: don’t need to use all the images

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Lindeman Island, the once-site of a Club Med Resort, has been put back on the market after ten years’ worth of planning by its owners came to nothing.

China-based firm White Horse, who purchased Lindeman Island around 2012, have said in statement this week that it is “with regret that after 10 years of ownership, White Horse has made the decision to divest Lindeman Island”.

White Horse purchased the island which sits 40-minutes from Airlie Beach a decade ago for $12 million and are now seeking a $20 million return.

Local representative of the firm, Michael Dawn, said this was despite having successfully completed the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) component of the redevelopment.

That EIS was for a $583 million dollar masterplan to redevelop the abandoned site - but those plans are now up in the air, and it is unknown whether a future owner would continue with the already drawn-up scheme or come in with their own ideas.

The marketing agency in charge of the island's sale and expression of interest campaign said the island was a “blank canvas”.

The plan includes a variety of four to six-star accommodation offerings, with 325 suites villas, suites and apartment, an eco-tourism education centre, restaurants, bars, beach club, nightclub, conference centre, arrival centre, retail shops, sport and recreation centre and a staff village.

Original concepts had believed the resort would be finished by 2022.

“White Horse hopes that the new owner continues with its vision to redevelop this once great island resort and restore it to its former glory,” the statement said.

The proposed redevelopment was originally floated almost seven years ago – with construction originally pegged to begin in 2017 - but Lindeman now joins a string of other islands in the Whitsundays Archipelago in a development limbo.

Those include islands like Long Island, which was recently purchased by Oscars Hotels, as well as the Meridian Australia purchased Hook Island, and South Molle Island – an island owned by China Capital Investment Group.

An artist Impression of the Lagoon pool at the new look Lindeman Island, which was due to be finished by 2022 but will now potentially never see the light of day

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Local fisherman and 81-year-old retiree, John Anderson, was ready to set off on a day of fishing with his two grandchildren when he was severely injured using the Shute Harbour boat ramp and pontoon.

The pontoon and boat ramp, installed in July last year for $1.4 million by State Government, was the scorn of Whitsunday boaties upon completion, who claimed it would be “impossible to be opened without somebody getting badly hurt.”

They claim that the design, which sees the pontoon fixed in place, is dangerous – but Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said in July last year that the design was “special, glass fibre polymer” and was built as such to withstand cyclonic conditions.

Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm MP slammed the design at the time, claiming it was “sub-standard”.

Since then, reports of injuries have flown into the offices of local Councillor Jan Clifford, as well as Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm MP – both of whom were strong advocates against the ramp.

The latest injury toll was Mr Anderson.

“It’s a disaster, an absolute disaster. I’m not the first person to be injured on it either,” Mr Anderson said.

“My hand is broken; I was covered in bruises and cuts. I was standing on the pontoon, trying to get into the boat, and with the ramp on an angle and the pontoon on angle, it’s impossible.

“The boat stays level and if the boat moves while you’re trying to get in, you’re gone; you’re either in the water or the boat. I was flung into the boat and next minute I was on the deck.”

Mr Anderson said there were so many complaining about how dangerous the pontoon is “and here’s proof.”

“That pontoon should either be knocked out or permanently closed to the public. It’s a hazard, a public hazard, and its waiting for more injuries to come,” he said.

Mr Anderson took the issue to Councillor Clifford as well as the Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm.

They are pursuing the issue with relevant state bodies.

John Anderson suffered severe injuries at the Shute Harbour boat ramp and pontoon, which included a broken hand and widespread bruising and cuts

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After 12 years of breakfast radio, Jay and Dave from Triple M don’t need an alarm clock. Their bodies are finely tuned machines, always prepped and ready with all the latest news and views for and from the region, from 5am.

Last week, the duo reached a major milestone – 2,500 shows!

To mark this moment, they were presented with the keys to the city by Mayor Greg Williamson in the studio during their breakfast show last Friday.

When asked about the best talent he had interviewed on the show, Jay said there were so many to name.

“Agro, Jimmy Barnes, Margot Robbie and Rick Astley were fun. Honestly though, local and inspirational people who do extraordinary things gets me in the feels every time.”

Dave said he had two standout guests.

“The big one for me as far as laughability goes is comedian Ross Noble. But the main one was a young kid at primary school back in 2012 who had a heart condition by the name of Seth Hoey. He had gone through so many operations and wasn’t given long to live by his doctors, and all he wanted was his mum to be happy. The way he accepted his fate left us all in tears on the day. Seth lived until last year which was tough on both of us.”

Dave said a secret of their long-time success was chemistry.  

“The chemistry between the two of us has never been faked. And as Jay says we started off as strangers and now have a great friendship. We’ve both been through a hell of a lot, both good and bad in our personal lives and it has given us a bond you can only get with best mates – we’re practically brothers.”

Dave said his proudest moments on air were very personal ones.

“I’m so proud of Jay coming out on air – to Bob Katter of all people!

“Another proud moment is saying I needed help with the Black Dog. I don’t cry often - except when it’s a good belly laugh, but I completely broke down on air. Not only did it help me, it has also helped a number of blokes who got in touch, both on air and off, to put their hand up too.”

Both said the ability to call the community to arms, whether it be for fire, floods, emergency or to help families or communities in need was one of their most loved actions on air.

Here’s to another 2,500 shows boys!

Jay Shipston (left) and Dave Peters (right) were presented a cardboard ‘key to Mackay’ from Mayor Greg Williamson last Friday after delivering 2,500 breakfast radio shows

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The Countdown is on for the 2022 Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo, hosted by Western Suburbs Leagues Club (Walkerston), and it’s gearing up to be a massive feast of all things agricultural.  

Spokesperson for the event, Coordinator Julie Crowley, said she has been overwhelmed with the support from the local community for this event, with exhibitor bookings coming in daily.

“It was very disappointing having to postpone the event back in May due to the weather, however the good news is August is looking to be even bigger and better with more exhibitors to add to the already exciting list”, Julie said.

“We have a terrific variety of stall holders that will guarantee plenty of action, displays, products and services to keep anyone in the business of agriculture, or interested in agriculture and rural lifestyles, busy for the two days,” Julie added.

Julie said that Agricultural shows are an integral part of Australian culture.

“It’s the most authentic and accessible way to display Australian farming and regional life and we need the support from local businesses to ensure the growth and future of this Expo,” she said.

“We would like to sincerely thank all the wonderful businesses that have already booked their site for 2022; however it is certainly not too late if you would like to join us.”

Julie added that to date, around 700 shows and field days have been cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“So, it gives us great pleasure to be able to bring this expedition together and return as a bi-annual event in Mackay,” she said.

“With great pride we welcome our valued naming rights sponsor - Mackay Sugar, member of Nordzucker Group!! Mackay Sugar staff bring a professional and exciting aspect to our event and we look forward to working with them throughout 2022 and beyond.”

The 2022 Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo will be held at Wests Leagues Club, Branscombe Rd Walkerston on Friday 12th August, 8:30am - 5pm and again on Saturday the 13th of August between 8:30 and 3pm.

The family friendly event will include live music by singing sister duo “Gottani Sisters”, cooking demonstrations and exhibitor demonstrations on both days and a kidszone on the Saturday with amusement rides including a jumbo slide and jumping castle.  

One lucky person will win a $500 fuel voucher just by walking through the gates, and the expo will also have a generator being raffled, valued at $4,500.

Entry to the event is Adults $5, with children under 16 years are free.

Visit the website at www.mackayagtradeexpo.com.au or call Julie Crowley at West’s Leagues Club on 4959 2480 or email julie@weststigersmackay.com.au for more information.

Sublime Harmonies Of Gottani Sisters Will Be An Ag Show Treat

The superior harmonies of the Gottani Sisters have carried them from their North Queensland hometown of Rollingstone to the world stage and back again.

Now is your opportunity to see them live, at the 2022 Mackay Sugar Ag Trade Expo.

With Pauline on guitar and Jennifer on guitar/banjo these sisters have represented Australia in Nashville, done support shows for the legendary Johnny Cash and toured with the late and great Slim Dusty.

The sisters began their career in country music in 1975, at 12 years of age, singing their hearts out in the Rollingstone Hotel.

Twelve years later, in 1987, and thousands of concerts and festivals down the line, the Gottani Sisters were working hard to promote their unique modern harmonies to the people of Australia and abroad. The sisters moved to America and worked consistently touring as backup singers with some of the big names of country such as George Jones and Janie Frickie.

They have done numerous television shows and have supported other greats like Gene Pitney. Their album “Drops of Water” was the record company’s third best seller after Buddy Williams and Nev Nicholls.

This great Aussie duo are back touring Australia and are looking forward to sharing their unmistakable style of country music at the Ag Trade Show.

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Feel like a lack of funds is holding you back from achieving your dreams?

Whether you are dreaming of purchasing a car or a house – here are our top five steps to make those dreams a reality.

1.Get clear on your cash

Start with a budget. We don’t need to cut expenses straight up – but it’s good to understand where your hard-earned money is going. By looking at your cost of living, you can see what’s a priority, but also what’s a waste. It will help allocate funds to your financial goals.

2.Set goals that have meaning for you

Define the financial goals you wish to achieve in the next few years. What are the big-ticket items or experiences you are wanting to spend your cash on? Maybe it’s your first home or a family holiday. Whatever it may be, write it down and put a dollar value next to it.

3.Create your own cash stash

Having a separate account for your ‘emergency’ money is a useful tool that can help you reach your financial goals. This account is for those times when an unexpected bill arrives, or your washing machine dies – it’s a stash of cash you dip into for emergencies, instead of dipping into your savings.

4.Save save save

Now that you have your financial goals in place and you understand your cashflow, you can put money aside to reach those goals. To help, set up different savings accounts for each goal and name that account after that specific goal. This will help you to see how close you are to reaching that goal.

5.Schedule an annual review

It’s always a good idea to schedule an annual budget review with yourself and your personal banker. Check-in how your savings are travelling, tick off goals you’ve reached and write down your new goals.

To help you get started in reaching those financial goals, Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank is here to help! As a bonus – when you bank with us, you’re also helping to help others as our profits go back into the community. Since 2005, we have invested $2.7million through a wide range of sponsorships, community grants, scholarships and donations in our greater Mackay community. A bank giving back sounds unusual but for us, it's business as usual.

Call Charmaine and the team at Community Bank Sarina 07 49432624

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When storm season hits and power from the grid fluctuates, the last thing you need is damage to your home and property infrastructure, resulting in the need for electricians, insurance claims and new equipment.

All these measures take time and money which are liberties you may not have when your fridges, freezers, bore pumps, cold room motors and other critical property infrastructure are out of action.

Electrical technician and Queensland Country Electrical director/owner Gavin Elliott knows this issue all too well and took matters into his own hands, developing MACS Monitoring, a voltage monitoring system that has already saved farmers and homeowners thousands.

“When you’ve got storm season and the power fluctuates on the grid, this prevents when that fluctuation happens, cuts the power, makes sure it’s stable and brings the power back on again,” said Gavin.

“Also, when it’s not storm season and the power fluctuates and drops down to what you call a brown out, that’s what burns out all your fridges, cold rooms, pumps and motors.

“That’s where it really saves people in that regard.

“And when the power’s too high, that’s when it burns out your electronic stuff, especially security systems.”

With a background in sheep, cattle and lucerne farming, Gavin completed an electrical trade in Townsville, working on switchboards in mining, heavy industry and rural.

“You start seeing more and more of the electrical problems in the rural, regional and remote areas,” he said.

In 2010 he started as an electrical contractor and over four and a half years, he developed the MACS Monitoring system.

“That’s where I came up with this product because there was nothing in the country that suited our Australian conditions and our climate.”

“We’ve saved some of our customers 40 to 60 thousand dollars over the last five years.”

The Queensland-owned, developed and patented product is simple enough for any electrician to install.

“We’ve provided a product where everyone’s happy, no one’s losing anything and we’re saving people money every year; happy days,” Gavin said.

MACS Monitoring will be at the Mackay Ag Trade Expo next month to answer all of your electrical questions and discounts are available for enquiries made at the expo.

For more information about the MACS Monitoring system contact 0400 867 800 or visit macsmonitoring.com.au.

Gavin Elliot has developed the MACS Monitoring system after seeing first-hand the issues fluctuating power can cause to properties and equipment

MACS Monitoring is a simple system intended for any electrician to be able to install, saving customers thousands. Photos supplied: Gavin Elliot

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With the promise of a laidback lifestyle, quality tropical pastures and regular rain, it’s no surprise demand for rural residential properties has skyrocketed in the region over the past two years.

Partner in Charge of the Blacks Real Estate Rural Department Royce Dunn says the trend in demand and, subsequently, the price has been rising since mid-2019, with some property prices leaping 20-25%.

“There’s been a substantial increase in values across the rural types of real estate in that time, from small rural residential properties and vacant rural residential land through to rural lifestyle properties and hobby farms and, indeed, right through to cane farms and cattle stations,” said Royce.

The pandemic saw multitudes of people relocating out of urban environments and, along with the desire for self-sufficiency, this has seen a spike in rural residential, rural lifestyle and hobby farm sales.

“If you extend that to the cattle properties and cane farms, both of those industries are in a real purple patch at the present time in terms of the commodity price,” said Royce.

Properties in the Mackay region offer prime agricultural land and the prospect of more regular rain, and people are seeing the potential in the lifestyle the region offers.

“There are more people now looking to get into cattle grazing, even if it’s in a small way,” said Royce.

“It’s hard to get into it in a small way out west because everything’s cut up for fair-sized cattle stations whereas down here on the coast, it’s easier to buy a cane farm or a bit of country with established good quality tropical pastures.”

Blacks Real Estate has an intimate knowledge of rural real estate in the area, developing a very strong and loyal client base through over 140 years of history in the Mackay rural scene.

Whether you’re looking to make the move to a more spacious and relaxed lifestyle or you’re looking to sell or downsize, Blacks Real Estate has the experience in the sugar, grazing and rural industries to get you the desired outcome.

Blacks Real Estate will be at the Mackay Ag Expo to answer all your property questions or you can contact them on 07 4963 2500.

Royce Dunn of Blacks Real Estate says there is a current spike in rural property sales in the Mackay region. Photos supplied: Blacks Real Estate

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Did you know that 95% of all life on earth resides in the soil?

Most of the energy required in the world is derived from plant carbon.

In the last century, the world’s agricultural soils have lost 30-75% of their carbon (fertility), reducing production and vastly increasing farming costs.  

Even worse, many essential minerals and trace elements contained in your soil naturally are not reaching the plant.

Plants convert simple sugars into carbon compounds through the miracle of photosynthesis.

This is critical to healthy soil structure.

None of this can happen without soil microbes - soil without microbes is just dirt.

Factors such as chemicals, inorganic fertilisers, exposure of bare soil to sunlight, compaction and lack of inorganic carbon can all seriously reduce essential soil microbes and beneficial fungi.

Adding inorganic fertiliser to soil to make up for mineral and carbon depletion is an expensive and often inefficient practice.  

Your soil probably contains many of the minerals and trace elements required – they are simply not plant available.

Lime is a relatively inexpensive way to make minerals and trace elements plant available.

Kennedy Creek Lime (KCL) provides lime that contains around 5-6% magnesium carbonate – good for raising the PH of soil and also enhancing plant development (note: the magnesium already in your soil may not necessarily be plant available).

High grade gypsum is available for acid sulphate soils.

Low PH soil is a slippery slope.

The lower your PH gets, the harder it is to recover and the less minerals and trace elements are available to your plants.

KCL operates a strict Quality Assurance program that ensures all products meet expectations.

They consult with professional and private groups to ensure their products continue to deliver desired results.

Kennedy Creek Lime is located between Rockhampton and Mackay in Central Queensland and will be at the Mackay Ag Trade Expo to answer all your soil and fertiliser questions.  

A 6 tonne Marshall spreader is provided with all purchases and as of 2022 there is no delivery cost.

(Acknowledgments Dr. Christine Jones PhD, Founder, Amazing Carbon)

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We all love a good boogie on the dance floor, but did you know dancing and movement are known to have a broad range of benefits including improving body image, self-esteem, focus, and communication?

Lauren Heitman knows these benefits well and is assisting young people through her all-abilities dance classes Groove Movers.

Groove Movers started as a disability dance group with the simple aim of having fun.

Since Lauren took over a few years ago, the classes have developed rapidly but the aim has stayed the same.

Lauren holds a variety of classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with Wednesday’s classes focusing on working together to build skills that can be transferred into the outer community.

“We started with a couple of younger students who came into the group to start with, and they wouldn’t go near it, they’d just sit and watch, and now they actually get up and participate,” Lauren said.

“It’s quite a beautiful thing to watch them evolve from not wanting to be a part of the group … to actually watch them have that confidence and trust and to join in groups and benefit from being around others through music, movement and dance.”

Thursdays is a therapeutic music group known as Soul Singers where students socialise, listen to their favourite songs, dance, sing and jam on instruments.

Lauren also hopes to expand into movement therapy classes and classes for older students to help improve dementia and falls prevention and is studying music therapy to further her skills in helping people.

Groove Movers perform regularly, often joining forces with Crossroad Arts, and are currently practising for the upcoming Mackay Eisteddfod.

“Just to get them out so that they can experience new things and also to educate the general public, just because we have a disability, doesn’t mean we can’t do mainstream things, so to speak,” said Lauren.

“A lot of people don’t realise that they can actually achieve what they do.”

Groove Movers will be showing off their moves with the use of scarves and different movement techniques at the Mackay Disability Expo on August 12.

“If we’ve got any opportunities to perform, they want to perform; they love performing.”

SEE GROOVE MOVERS AT THE MACKAY DISABILITY EXPO!

The Mackay Disability Expo is back, bigger than last year and in a larger venue on Friday, August 12, from 9am to noon.

The expo will offer a crucial opportunity for people with a disability to find out about the latest products, services, aids and equipment.

It is an ideal platform for product and service providers to connect with people with disability, their families and carers.

The opportunity is also there for service providers to build networks with other providers, organisation and agencies in the region, to bring together everyone in the Mackay disability sector. All with the aim of enhancing the lives of people with disability.

This year the event has moved to a more spacious locality, the Big Shed at the Mackay Showgrounds.

Groove Movers frequently collaborate with Crossroad Arts for performances and fundraisers. Photo supplied: Lauren Heitman

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A Walkerston woman has shared she was too shocked to speak as she watched her special numbers appear in front of her eyes, bagging her an amazing $82,000 in a recent Keno draw.

The Mackay winner held a Keno Classic 7 Spot winning entry with a multiplying boost in draw 595, drawn Saturday 23 July 2022. Her total prize was $82,098.70.

Confirming her win with an official from Keno, the winning woman said the win may not have happened if not for the fact she couldn’t remember one of her favourite numbers.

“This is a dream come true,” she yelled.

“The entry was full of birthdays and special dates, but I couldn’t remember one of them and ended up putting a different number in.

“I’m glad I did now!

“I can’t wait to pay off my mum’s car. It’s been a tough few years so this is really going to help.

“It’s going to provide us with some much-needed stability moving forward.

“I can’t believe it happened to me!”

Her winning entry was purchased at Pacific Hotel, 68 James Street, Yeppoon.

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Have you dreamed of traversing some of the most spectacular scenery in Tasmania while on an intimate guided tour?

What about if we said you would also be supporting a local organisation to fund hospital projects and medical equipment?

Mackay Hospital Foundation in conjunction with Inspired Adventures is seeking adventurous, health-conscious people to take part in a Hike for Healthier Futures.

The scenic 5-day trek through the Bay of Fires in Tasmania, from 27 - 31 October, will take participants on an incredible journey through some of the most magnificent scenery this country has to offer.

The adventure sets off from Launceston to Bridport for the Wildflower Walk to Granite Point and continues on to include Cobler Rocks Circuit, Mount William, Picnic Rocks, Eddystone Point, Ansons Bay, Policemans Point and The Gardens, returning to Launceston on day five.

From the pristine coastline with views of the crystal-clear ocean to remote, untouched sections of the region, this trek is a bucket-list adventure for those who appreciate nature and the amazing eco-system in this natural wilderness.

The Bay of Fires package includes four nights twin-share lodge-style accommodation, local trekking guides, meals and snacks. What isn’t included is domestic flights to Launceston, airport transfers, personal expenses such as laundry and alcoholic drinks, travel insurance, tips and gratuities.

How does this benefit Mackay Hospital Foundation? Each participant is required to fundraise a minimum of $3,000 but you don’t have to fundraise alone. The team at Inspired Adventures is happy to help with tips and ideas to help you reach your fundraising goal.

The group will consist of a maximum of 25 people. It’s a low-impact way to explore this rugged beautiful region of Tasmania’s north-east coast and $10 from every registration will support carbon credit programs.

All funds raised in support of Mackay Hospital Foundation will be utilised to purchase medical equipment and projects in public hospitals throughout the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions.

For more information about the walk, go to www.events.inspiredadventures.com.au/events/mackay-bayoffires-2022 or contact Brittney Phelan at Mackay Hospital Foundation - Brittney.Phelan@health.qld.gov.au, or by phone 07 4885 5915.

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A kitten has taken an abandoned puppy under his paw, giving her warmth, comfort and a reason to live.

Bull Arab puppy Mercy was rescued by Bull Arab Rescue along with her mother and six siblings.

The canine clan was taken to the vet where they tested positive for parvo and received treatment.

Within five days Mercy’s mother and siblings, unfortunately, succumbed to the virus.

Mercy showed her fighting spirit, surviving to be taken into the care of foster carer Tamara Holmes.

“I don’t know how she did it, she’s a miracle, because she was the only one who survived,” Tamara said.

Tamara, who fosters through both Bull Arab Rescue and Mackay Pet Rescue, was already caring for tabby kitten Sinclair.

Upon meeting, Sinclair and Mercy became unlikely best friends.

“I think it was loneliness that brought them together,” said Tamara,

“In the beginning, Mercy was very quiet… Sinclair started eating with her and they sort of became best buddies and hang out together.”

Tamara says the pair behave like typical siblings.

“They love each other but they get rough with each other sometimes,” she laughed.

“They seem to just get each other and love to just sit with each other.”

Tamara and her family began fostering about four years ago after losing their own pet.

They have since fostered over 62 Bull Arabs through Bull Arab rescue and even more through Mackay Pet Rescue.

Tamara says she loves Bull Arabs, but they are often misrepresented as solely hunting and pigging dogs.

“I did not know that they were such lounge lizards and such great family dogs,” she laughed.

“Bull Arabs make great family pets but it’s about trying to educate people that you need to be sensible with your choices as well.”

With rescue facilities providing foster packs and money for food, Tamara says fostering is a great option for people who are worried about the expense or the commitment of caring for a pet.

“It’s great for people who want to have pets who can’t commit to lifelong commitment,” she said.

At the time of writing, Mercy and Sinclair are both available for adoption together or separately.

For more information on Mercy and Sinclair or on becoming a foster carer yourself, contact Tamara on 0417 788 187.

Mercy and Sinclair have become best buddies while in foster care and are up for adoption. Photos supplied: Mackay Pet Rescue

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By day, Shoal Point Waters is home to hundreds of residents who love the nearby beaches.

By night, the sky illuminates with colours usually reserved by artists for a canvas.

You’d be forgiven for thinking Saturday’s splendid sunset was the headline act, but approximately 300 residents stuck around to enjoy a viewing of ‘Encanto’ under the stars.

Pointglen Developments transformed the parklands around the lake at Shoal Point Waters into an open-air cinema.

As the sun dipped in the western sky, residents laid their rugs on the grass, enjoyed delicious delicacies from onsite food trucks and cuddled up to watch Disney’s 2021 musical comedy.

Pointglen Developments enjoy bringing the community together, says Managing Director Vic Vassallo.

“At Pointglen, we live by our motto, Inspired Placemaking,” Mr Vassallo said.

“Our vision for our estates has always been around the sense of community.

“It’s what drives us everyday!”

Approximately 300 residents enjoyed a viewing of ‘Encanto’ under the stars on Saturday. Photo supplied: Pointglen Developments

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Dr William Bay brought his State Undemocracy Tour to Mackay last week calling for a “return to democracy and medical freedom”.

Dr Bay is a registered GP practicing in Brisbane and recently founded the Queensland People’s Protest, a Christianity-led organisation aiming to end the Queensland State of Emergency and related vaccine mandates.

“We’re here to stand for freedom, we’re here to stand for truth, we’re here to stand for justice,” Dr Bay said addressing a small group of supporters at the Mackay Council Chambers on Wednesday morning.

Dr Bay requested to speak to Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson and was told by a staff member that the mayor was unavailable.

The group then congregated at Bluewater Quay where they were joined by state member for Mirani Stephen Andrews.

“We need to have freedom of choice, we need to be able to understand what the situation is, of what we’re actually doing and what the government’s proposing,” Mr Andrews said.

“Everyone needs to understand what’s going on, we should’ve looked into this a little bit deeper.”

“The only mandate we need in this state and our country is freedom.”

“As a doctor, I was committed, and still am, to allowing my patients freedom of choice for any therapeutic or vaccine or anything they wanted to put in their own body,” added Dr Bay.

“It is your body, it is your choice, it is your right.”

The group took particular opposition to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022.

The bill, which was introduced on May 11, 2022 by Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath, implements a range of reforms that aim to update and improve the regulation of Australia’s health professions.

The Bill’s main objectives are to strengthen public safety and confidence in the provision of health services, improve the governance of the National Scheme, and enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the scheme.

“It’s a very confronting bill to think they may gag health practitioners going forward,” said Mr Andrews.

“Everyone should have the right to say whatever, doctors as with scientists.

“Humanity changes, diseases change, and doctors should be allowed to talk about this to get it out into the broader community to ensure that people can react quickly and safely to help their families, help their loved ones, help their friends.”

Dr William Bay led protests throughout the streets of Mackay last week

Protests took place outside the council chambers and the office of state member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert

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