Mackay Sugar established a new business unit last week, dedicated to improving the end-to-end services it provides to local growers and ensuring a stronger focus on all commercial aspects across the sugar, molasses and electricity business streams.

The Commercial and Agriculture unit will bring together two key Mackay Sugar grower services – Queensland Commodity Services (QCS) and Cane Productivity – and seeks to provide more contact points for growers for sugar pricing and productivity services.

“We see ourselves as being an adaptable business that seeks out opportunities for improvement,” said CEO, Jannik Olejas

“Improving cane productivity through higher yields and securing acreage with cane is a critical part of our business strategy,” said Mr Olejas.

“As is ensuring we maximise on global market opportunities and creating more profitable partnerships from the growers right through to consumers,” he said.

The new business unit will be led by Brent Casey, formerly General Manager QCS.

Brent has a long and successful history in sugar marketing and pricing structures as well as a thorough understanding of the local sugar cane industry. He also has many years of commercial experience across multiple sectors. Supported by Mackay Sugar’s existing Cane Productivity team, the business is positioning itself to build stronger relationships with growers by focusing on cane and applying a global market perspective, whilst also acting in the best interests of the local community.

“In 2020–2021, the sugar industry’s gross value-add to the Mackay region was $784 million,” said Brent Casey, General Manager Commercial and Agriculture.

“This is a significant contribution to our region, but it is just as important that we build on this to secure cane and sugar production for the future,” he said.

“We need to expand our supply of cane while also ensuring global markets and sugar prices are sustainably and profitably managed,” he explained.

“By maximising grower returns and creating cash flow to achieve optimal productivity, we can shine a positive light on sugar cane farming with the aim of supporting industry growth and encouraging new growers to join our community,” said Mr Casey.

Mackay Sugar CEO Jannik Olejas

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National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day was celebrated across the nation last Thursday with Sarina Youth Centre hosting celebrations.

Children’s Day is a day for children, families, communities and all Australians to celebrate the strength and culture of children.

The occasion, which has been run annually since 1988, provides an opportunity to show support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children as well as learn about the crucial impact that culture, family and community play in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Sarina Youth Centre marked the day with arts and crafts and other activities, creating birds and other animals out of a variety of materials.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day at Sarina Youth Centre

Sarina Youth Centre celebrated with a day of arts and crafts. Photos supplied: Sarina Youth Centre

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Have you discovered Sarina’s Heritage Walking Trail?

Launched in 2021 as part of Mackay’s contribution to the 2021 National Trust Heritage Festival, the online trail includes 11 stops, ranging from the State Heritage-listed Sarina Air Raid Shelter to the Sarina Pie Cart.

1. SARINA RAILWAY STATION

Sarina could first be reached by rail in 1915 when the large wooden station was erected. In the early days of rail in Sarina, local services ran by rail motors, which provided passengers with their own train to Mackay, or the choice of joining the longer distance trip to Carmila. Today, the railway building serves as the Mackay Region’s state-of the-art Visitor Information Centre. The centre is open seven days a week from 9am to 3pm. Take a step inside to see the inside of this historic building and use the latest technology.

2. SARINA BAKERY BUILDING

Constructed in 1936 the bakery was the first two-storey masonry building to be built in Sarina. The original “Sarina Bakery” lettering remains visible on the parapet of the original portion today and the bakery use continues in the 1950s extension to the building. The bakery is important in demonstrating the growth and success of Sarina during the Interwar period, and the trend towards masonry buildings following the 1918 cyclone and 1924 fire in Broad Street.

3. SARINA WAR MEMORIAL

This State Heritage-listed Sarina War memorial was erected in 1919 with a public ceremony held. The cenotaph was erected as a tribute to the people of the shire who lost their lives in the great war. In celebration of the coronation of King George VI on May 17, 1937, Sarina residents held a Coronation Celebration Program, which involved church services, an official tree planting ceremony and laying of a foundation stone for a sundial commemorating the coronation. The war memorial at Sarina is still used for Anzac Day services.

4. SARINA AIR RAID SHELTER

This State Heritage-listed Sarina Air Raid Shelter is important as a surviving component of the Air Raid Precautions that were implemented as part of the defence of Queensland during World War II. The proximity to Mackay aerodrome meant that there was a credible threat of aerial attack on Sarina during the war years. It demonstrates the urgent measures taken by State and local authorities for protection of the public from attack by hostile forces during a time of war.

5. SARINA PIE CART

The Sarina Pie Cart, known by locals as “The Diner”, is one of the most iconic buildings in Sarina, standing on this spot since 1937. This is the oldest original eating house in Sarina, with meals still cooked on a wood stove. At the Pie Cart you will receive a hearty homecooked meal and great burgers.

6. SARINA COURT HOUSE AND WATCHHOUSE (FORMER)

A new Court House and Police Station were completed in October 1901, with Constable Robert Brett appointed the new Clerk of Petty Sessions. The Court House was renamed to Clerk of Petty Sessions, Sarina, when the town was renamed in 1911. Due to the insufficient space to accommodate the growing police force, the Court House closed in August 1961 after the new Court House was approved for construction in 1960. When the new Court House was built, the original building was relocated to St Anne’s Catholic school, where it was used as a classroom. In 1995, the building was fully restored. The Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre is now housed in the historical Sarina Court House.

7. MT PELION SCHOOL BUILDING (FORMER)

Mt Pelion School opened on February 26, 1924, and continued to be used for schooling, meetings and entertainment until its closure on December 12, 1970. A previous pupil of the decommissioned school, John Preston, purchased Mt Pelion School as a reminder of his struggles with his education. John donated the building to Northview State School, where it was located from August 11, 1987, to October 24, 2014. Due to the building continuing to age and deteriorate, the building was relocated to Sarina Field of Dreams in 2014 and restored for community use. This building is now used as an administrative office and function room for Sarina Arts and Crafts.

8. SARINA FAMILY PLAQUES

The Sarina Family Plaques serve as a local history record for the town. The plaques include the names of residents who have lived in Sarina for more than 15 years. These plaques represent the families who have helped shape Sarina into the town that you see today.

9. SARINA CATHOLIC PRESBYTERY (FORMER)

The former St Anne’s Catholic Convent building was built by Brown and Broad Pty Ltd and opened on November 18, 1923, as a Presbytery for the Catholic Priest in Sarina, Fr Thomas Hogan. In 1988, for the upcoming 10 years, the Convent was the Parish Centre for St Michaels Catholic Church, as well as being home to the Blue Nursing Respite Care Centre. The convent was relocated on January 19, 2001, to the Field of Dreams and handed over to the Heritage Committee for use by Sarina District Historical Centre on May 2002. The building reopened as a museum on May 31, 2003, after renovations.

10. YUKAN RAILWAY STATION (FORMER)

The Sarina Art Gallery is housed in what used to be the Yukan Railway Station built in 1911, originally named the Eungella Range Railway Station. In 1913, the station was renamed Netherdale Railway Station and served as such until 1973 when the track behind Finch Hatton fell into disuse. The Netherdale Station was moved to Yukan in 1978 and in 2002 was moved to its forever home in the Sarina Field of Dreams Parkland.

11. SARINA SUGAR SHED

Sarina Sugar Shed celebrates the rich history of sugar cane farming in the Mackay Region. Visitors can enjoy a one-hour guided tour and learn how sugar cane is grown, farmed and processed.

The Tea Rooms at Sarina in 1928. Picture: Mackay Regional Council Libraries

A waiting crowd at the Sarina Railway Station

Sarina War Memorial

The Diner in Sarina

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The Sarina Surf Life Saving Club has elected their new committee for the 2022/23 season.

The following members have stepped up, taking on roles to ensure the club continues to strive.

Fundraising Coordinator and Bar Operations positions are still available so get in touch with the club via Facebook to express your interest.

2022/23 Committee

President - Trent Vernon

Vice President - Dave Young

Secretary - Shelley Brady

Treasurer - Liz Keune

Club Captain - Lisa Vernon

Junior Activities - January Sarich

Deputy Junior Activities - Shona Gibson

Green Caps - Leigh Ford

Director of Surf Sports - Lisa V

Club Coach - Lisa Vernon

Membership and Blue Card - Trent V

Chief Training Officer - Dave Y

Trainers - Neil, Trent, Lisa

Youth Development - January S

Canteen Coordinator - Tania Higgs

Clubhouse Coordinator - Kylie John

Grants and Sponsorship - Neil John

IRB Officer - Dave Young

Radios - Dave Young

First Aid and Marine Stinger - Sam Trapp and Neil John

Vehicle Officer - Neil John

Gear and Equipment - Neil John

Grievance Officer - Haley Saye

Administration Officer - Kylie J

Photo supplied: Sarina Surf Life Saving Club

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National Tree Day was back earlier this month and saw Australians get their hands dirty and give back to the community.

Starting in 1996, National Tree Day has become Australia's largest community tree planting and nature care event.

Students from Sarina State High School got involved last Tuesday, planting native trees and plants around the school grounds.

Sarina State High School students planting native trees and plants around the school grounds for National Tree Day. Photo supplied: Sarina State High School

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In the ultimate of grudge matches, there’s nothing that tastes sweeter than a Queensland victory against New South Wales. Unless you’re talking about the clean, crisp taste of Marian’s water, which again was recognized as being amongst the best tasting water in Australia.

Water from Mackay Regional Council's Marian Water Treatment Plant was named a top drop at the 2022 Ixom Water of Origin Competition.

Mackay Regional Council, representing Queensland, went head-to-head with Shoalhaven City Council, representing New South Wales, in a best tasting tap water competition. Queensland were victorious, making it 6-2 to Queensland in the eight years the competition has been running.

Water operators Brad Richards and Mark Vairy were at the conference on the Gold Coast to collect the trophy, with Mr Vairy complementing the water treatment team, saying it takes constant monitoring.

“We have a good source of water at the Marian plant, which comes from the rainforest and is surrounded by little industry,” Mr Vairy said.

“We have a great team of operators, from electrical and mechanical to the operators, who proactively look after the plant. It takes constant fine tuning and passionate trialing to get the best tasting water and the team is constantly learning, trying to improve our processes.”

Mackay was well represented at the awards, with Mr Richards and Mr Vairy also coming in third for best operator paper. Young operator Matthew Gosper was highly commended in the young operator of the year and Kevin Kippenberger was a finalist for operator of the year.

There are two main water treatment plants in the Mackay Region, at Mackay and Marian, as well as four smaller plants which disinfect or soften the water depending on its needs at Gargett, Finch Hatton, Eton and Bloomsbury. Because the chemistry at each water source is different, it requires different solutions to produce good tasting drinking water.

“The Eton plant softens the water as well as disinfects it, whereas the one at Bloomsbury removes heavy metals,” Mr Vairy said.

The Marian Water Treatment Plant has online instrumentation which monitors the water 24/7. There are on-call operators to respond if the instrumentation picks up an anomaly in the water.

The Ixom Water of Origin, held annually at the WIOA Australia Conference, raises awareness of the high quality of drinking water in both Queensland and New South Wales, and also recognises the outstanding efforts of our water industry workers.

Mackay Regional Council Water operators Brad Richards (centre) and Mark Vairy collect the Water of Origin trophy at the 2022 Ixom Water of Origin Competition

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The Federal Government has agreed to back a motion moved by Senator Susan McDonald to reinstate a parliamentary body to oversee issues and development in Northern Australia.

The Federal Government had scrapped the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee for Northern Australia – a bi-partisan body tasked with examining the region’s issues and advising the Government – with Ms McDonald, the Shadow Minister for Northern Australia based in Townsville, criticising the decision.

Ms McDonald says she drafted a motion to reinstate the committee and began canvassing independent Senators for their support in a vote.

“The response I received from the independents was fairly positive and then Labor approached me and agreed to negotiate forming a new committee,” she said.

“The negotiations resulted in the establishment of a Joint Select Committee and ensures Northern Australia will continue to have a strong focus in Canberra.

“This motion was unanimously supported.”

Senator McDonald says the Government had made a mistake in reducing Northern Australia’s parliamentary presence.

“Northern Australia is of national significance. People in Melbourne and Sydney rely on minerals from this part of the country, much of the food they eat was likely grown in the North and mining royalties and taxes paid in the North fund roads and healthcare Australia-wide,” she said.

“There was no way people in the North would accept less of a voice in Canberra and I congratulate Labor for recognising their short-sighted error and rectifying it as quickly as possible.”

Senator McDonald said she had received scores of complaints from Northern Australia community leaders concerned that the Government’s move would result in less funding for infrastructure and could even herald an intention to scrap the federal Northern Australia agenda altogether.

The new committee’s membership is yet to be determined but will contain members from both sides of politics.

Senator Susan McDonald

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A hardware store which has been servicing the Mackay and Whitsunday region since 1883 has shown it still has plenty of life yet.

Porters Mitre 10 Mackay has taken out Queensland Store of the Year over 2500sqm at the recent Hardware Australia - QLD state awards.

The Porters Mitre 10 Mackay City Store was recognised for their commitment to continuous improvements in store standards and operational excellence.

“The entire team is incredibly proud to have been recognised for their dedication to excellent customer service and store standards” states Porters Mitre 10 CEO, Hayden Cargill.

“It is wonderful that the hard work of our teams has been recognised at this level.

“The past few years have been challenging for the hardware industry, it is a true testament to our teams. This award really means a lot” explained Hayden Cargill.

“I would also like to thank the Mackay and Whitsunday communities for their continuous support.”

Since 1883, Porters Mitre 10 Mackay has been serving the local Mackay community with all their hardware and lifestyle needs.

The store located in the Mackay CBD features a thriving café, beautiful garden centre, wonderful homewares and giftware offering, STIHL Dealership Mackay’s only Weber Specialist Dealer. Combined with the dedicated paint, plumbing and trade offer; Porters Mitre 10 is really a one-stop shop.

The Porters Mitre 10 Mackay Team with the award

Porters Group CEO Hayden Cargill and Porters Mitre 10 Mackay Store Manager Mitchell Glover

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Three local students were awarded academic bursaries last week, with the aim to encourage the academic progress of students from the Mackay Regional Council area who are studying within skills shortage areas within the region.

The 2022 Mackay Regional Council Academic Bursary recipients were Scott Vella, Andrew Vella and Chloe Sampey.

The program is in its 10th year and not only financially assists students, but also gives them invaluable work experience in a field related to their studies.

Scott will work alongside the Water Network program, Andrew will be working in the Corporate Communications team and Chloe will complete her work experience in the People and Culture team.

The bursaries aim to provide students with monetary assistance for costs associated with studying, as well as potential work experience within Mackay Regional Council.

2022 Mackay Regional Council Academic Bursary recipients Scott Vella, Andrew Vella and Chloe Sampey with Mayor Greg Williamson

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The highest honour in the Joey Scout Section of Scouting was recently awarded to Banksia Joey Scout Mikayla Page when she received the Joey Scout Challenge Award.

Mikayla’s scouting journey began in October 2019.

With an older brother involved in Scouts, Mikayla often joined in activities prior to that and knew what was in store when she joined.

She was very enthusiastic and achieved well above and beyond what she was expected to achieve for the Challenge Award.

For Mikayla’s Adventurous Journey, she completed a Plan, Do and Review for a walk along the Gooseponds Walk from Silly Solly’s to John Breen Park and return.

Mikayla contacted her leader Rebecca Johnson to talk about the risks involved in her journey.  

One thing mentioned was the risk of animals attacking but she forgot about the risk of rain and subsequent flooding.

This was a huge walk with rain occurring, but they put on their raincoats and kept walking.

A discussion was held about all sorts of things including what they saw along the way.  

They all had a play at John Breen Park, snacked and then went on their way again.  

The walk was completed within a few hours and they reviewed how the walk went and what they could do to make it better for all of them.

Mikayla reflected on her journey through Joey Scouts.

She remembered being the oldest Joey Scout in the Mob, helping other people with parade, packing up the flag each night and playing games.

Her Joey Scout Leader Rebecca Johnson aka Possum said “Makayla is a wonderful young girl who will go far in whatever she does.

“Congratulations and well done.”

* breakout box *

Mikayla’s Special Interest Areas

• STEM and Innovation: Mikayla designed and created a bedroom which was pink and with lots of glitter.

• Growth and Development: Mikayla baked delicious cupcakes with Nan

• Arts and Literature: Mikayla wrote a report on her favourite book, Weirdo by Ahn Do

• Environment: Mikayla grew basil and brought in the results

• Creating a Better World: Mikayla was involved in Clean Up Australia Day (March 2022) at Seaforth

• Sport and Adventure – Mikayla is learning a new skill in netball

Mikayla’s Outdoor Adventure Skills

• Bushcraft – Stage 1

• Bushwalking – Stage 1

• Camping – Stage 1

• Cycling – Stage 1

• Aquatics – Stage 1

• Paddling – Stage 1

Mikayla’s Milestones with (Leads, Assists and Participates)

Completed – Milestone 1, Milestone 2 and Milestone 3

Mikayla Page with her leaders and family at the presentation of her Joey Scout Challenge Award. Photo supplied: Mary Wallace

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The 2021 Waterway Report Card for the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac region was released last week reporting on the health of the region’s waterways from data collected between July 2020 and June 2021.

Chair of the Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership (HR2RP) Julie Boyd says this year’s report card shows the extent and breadth of the different monitoring programs that inform the results.

“The release of our eighth report card shows great commitment from our partners who continue to support the reporting of waterway conditions in our region,” Ms Boyd said.

“In the 2021 Report Card, we have included the third instalment of cultural heritage assessments, which helps monitor the state of culturally important places and highlight areas requiring maintenance and preservation.

“We’ve also included our urban water stewardship grades which provides an assessment of how local councils manage urban water compared to industry standards and best practice.”

Ms Boyd says a key highlight in this year’s results was the inclusion of seagrass grades for the southern inshore marine zone, which was possible thanks to a partner-led monitoring program.

“The strength of this report card and the partnership is really about the different partners coming together and identifying priorities in both monitoring programs and management actions,” she said.

“The Southern Inshore Monitoring Program is a key example of this, where a priority data gap was identified by the partnership and this monitoring program is now funded by Dalrymple Bay Terminal and Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure.”

HR2RP Executive Officer Dr Bonny Stutsel says that her team was excited to present this year’s report card results to the community and start a conversation about waterway health.

“It’s like when you go to the doctors each year, we keep in check on the conditions of the waterways,” she said.

“We look at our priorities and that comes from two areas: what’s going to make the results more robust or what is the community interest.

“It’s to start a conversation with the community about waterway health instead of just being a big technical report.

“As our sampling and data collection programs become more established, we can start to look at trends over the last five to seven years, and better inform management actions in the region.

“As a whole, the grades across freshwater, estuary, and marine zones remain fairly consistent to previous years, but what sets this report card apart this year is the new data that we’ve included and the opportunities for growth in future programs.

“This year we are reporting on fish in the Don River Basin for the first time, and we’ve also improved some of our sampling and data collection methods for the marine inshore zones.

“We still have data gaps that we would love to fill, such as an estuary monitoring program and improving our flow indicator.

“I think for us as a community, it’s really pesticides that we’re working towards and there’s lots of projects going on with sediment, so bank restoration projects.

“Potential partners have a great opportunity to fill these gaps and help make the report card as robust as it can be.”

The Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership is supported by the Queensland, Australian and local governments, industry, community and other partners, including the host of the partnership, Reef Catchments.

Download a copy of the 2021 Report Card and supporting technical documents at www.healthyriverstoreef.org.au.

*BREAKOUT BOX*

Key Findings

Overall Highs

• Water Quality: Water quality has remained relatively consistent in freshwater basins and estuaries throughout reporting years, with 11 out of 13 grades remaining unchanged from the 2019-2020 reporting period.

• Seagrass: Seagrass reporting in the Southern Inshore Marine Zone is included for the first time this year, after five years of baseline data collection. In the Northern Inshore Marine Zone, seagrass scores have improved every year since Cyclone Debbie.

• Coral: Coral scores improved in the Central Zone due to increased juvenile recruitment and reduced macroalgae coverage. In the Whitsunday Zone, the decline of coral health following Cyclone Debbie reversed for the first time. This indicates the potential for ongoing recovery providing conditions remain favourable.

• Fish: Scores for freshwater fish were included in the Don Basin for the first time, receiving the highest grade of all basins. The freshwater fish index is a way to measure the number of indigenous fish (native to the region) and non-indigenous fish (non-Australian and translocated Australian species) in the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac basins.

Overall Lows

• Water Quality: Pesticides remain the poorest scoring water quality indicator in both freshwater and estuarine systems. Imidacloprid and diuron were the key contributors which are used to suppress pest insects and weeds.

• Water Quality: Water clarity in the Whitsunday Inshore Zone remains an ongoing issue.

• Coral: Coral scores declined in the Southern Inshore Marine Zone driven by residual impacts of the February 2020 marine heat wave.

Rebekah Smith and Dr Bonny Stutsel of Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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Thieves have entered a construction site on Mackay Bucasia Road in Mount Pleasant between 6:00 pm on August 8 and 5:30 am on August 9 after climbing a perimeter fence.

Four containers on the site have been broken into and a variety of items have been stolen.

Two vehicles on site have been entered by force and tools have been taken.

Anyone who might have information about the matter is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible.

YOU CAN'T STOP THE MUSIC - FOUND PROPERTY, MACKAY CITY

At about 5:10 am on June 26, a worker on Victoria Street was walking past gardens when they found an abandoned guitar.

It is described as being a Sanchez SC-36-SR model guitar, brown and cream in colour.

All inquiries made by police to date have not assisted with identifying an owner.

If you have any information about this matter please contact the Mackay police station on 0749 683 444.

Once ownership is confirmed officers will gladly return this item of property.

WILFUL DAMAGE TO A VEHICLE, MORANBAH

Between 4:00 pm on August 7 and 12:00 pm on August 8 someone approached a car that was parked on McCool Street in Moranbah.

An implement has been used to cause deep scratches to both drivers side doors.

In addition, abusive, obscene language has also been scratched into the doors

Anyone who may have information about this matter is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible.

HOME BREAK IN, DYSART

Between 8:45 am and 1:15 pm Thursday August 4, someone has forced entry into a briefly unattended home on Nolan Street in Dysart.

Entry was gained into the home by forcing the back door.

Once inside the home all of the food/groceries have been removed from the refrigerator and stolen. Nothing else was taken or disturbed.

Anyone who might have information about the matter is encouraged to contact police.

VEHICLE FIRE, COPPABELLA

At about 4:46 pm on August 3 police from Moranbah along with Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) responded to a car on fire on Thallon Street in Coppabella (Moranbah)

On arrival at the scene, it was evident that the car was completely burnt. It had been parked a short distance from the actual roadway.

The fire was extinguished although a small shrub area nearby was also burnt by flames.

Efforts will be made to further examine the car to identify its make and model.

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Mackay Hospital and Health Service has received an updated timeline on the independent investigation into obstetrics and gynaecology services.

Chief Executive Lisa Davies Jones said the investigation team had advised they were about to start the last part of their work which would take four to six weeks.

This work is for the investigators to provide interested parties an opportunity to respond to any potential findings they may make in the final report.

Ms Davies Jones said this important part of the investigation was necessary to ensure fairness to all involved.

“I have been clear from the beginning that the independent investigators must be allowed the time they need to do their work and that the process must be fair, and this is why I have agreed to this further extension of time requested,” Ms Davies Jones said.

“I want to reiterate the importance of the independence of this investigation and the commitment by myself and the health service to not pre-empt the investigation in any way.”

Ms Davies Jones said the health service expected to receive the final report in August, an extension from the previously advised report delivery of 30 June.

“We will provide a further update on timing closer to the conclusion of the investigation’s work,” she said.

Ms Davies Jones said after receiving the report the health service would develop an action plan in response to any recommendations.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Lisa Davies Jones

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A popular gardening competition is back to put a spring in the step of green thumbs in the Isaac region this month.

The Dig It Isaac competition is back for its third year with $3,450 worth of prizes up for grabs thanks to a partnership between Isaac Regional Council and local businesses.

Mayor Anne Baker said Dig It Isaac is all about the health and wellbeing benefits of gardening.

“This competition is for those who absolutely love to grow, whether it is in pots or in the backyard, we have a category for all budgets and abilities,” Mayor Baker said.

“I can’t wait to see what amazing creations our keen gardeners create, and we could not have done this without our local businesses who have supported this incredible community initiative.”

Entrants have from 1 August to 18 September to spend $20 at a local Isaac business, use what you bought for your garden and complete their entry.

Winners will share in $2,250 worth of Shop Isaac gift cards with the major prize winner walking away with $500 to spend at Isaac businesses.

A total of 40 entrants will also be randomly selected to receive a water-wise wobble-tee sprinkler as a thank you for entering.

Entries will be accepted for Best Overall Garden, Best Edible Garden, Best Water Wise Garden, Best Lawn, Best Potted Garden, Best School, Kindy or Daycare.

All the information and entry details are available at www.speakup.isaac.qld.gov.au or by calling 1300 ISAACS (1300 472 227).

Mayor Anne Baker having an unbe-leaf-ably good time with some potted beauties

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Hi Amanda,

I've just been reading your story and editorial on safer space for survivors.

It is a great step forward to have this safer space for victims of domestic violence, I also have been a victim of this.

In my immediate family we had an abusive, drunken father, we had to call the police many times as we feared for our safety, our lives even sometimes, back then it was behind closed doors and the police wouldn't do anything, he would pretend to be asleep and they would say well it's all calm now, and then they would leave, and then he would wake up.

My sister's and I could scale a 6ft fence in one leap, and then run, run as fast as we could, too scared to come home until late at night.

When I was in my late teens, he got really angry, hit me on the back of my head when I had my back to him, I didn't even know he was there. My head went down from the force of the hit, my face hit the taps at the kitchen sink, my nose was broken, my cheek was fractured, my teeth were broken, I just started screaming and spitting out blood and broken teeth.

He was shocked with the damage he had caused to me, he offered to drive me to the hospital, I told him I didn't want him to drive me to the hospital or anywhere else, I would get myself there.

While waiting in Emergency at the hospital I had to go to the toilet, that was when I actually saw what I looked like, I screamed, and my Mum came running in.

I cried to her, “look at me, look what he's done,” my eye was so swollen it was shut, I had blood and bruising all over my face.

I had him charged with assault, I had to practically force the police into doing this, and they were saying things like, ‘you better go through with this and not back out wasting my time’, over and over, with aggression.

It went to court, he was fined $1000, I received victim compensation which was just enough to cover my dental bill.

But a big issue was the general public, people I knew who couldn't understand how I could charge my Father and take him to court, I was dumbfounded, I would say to them, ‘how could he do this to me, how can it be okay for him to break my bones because he's angry’, I'd say, ‘it's not okay, he's the one who did wrong, not me’.

I had to sit in court near him, he had support from his friend, I had an angry police officer, and then I had to go and live back in the same house with him because I had nowhere else to go.

Another time, I was married by this time, I was having Friday night drinks with some people I worked with and I'm sure my drink was spiked, I was offered a ride back to my car at a train station, which I accepted, only we didn't go straight to my car, I fell asleep and woke up in a dark car park at the beach.

I'm not going to go into details, but I will say it was not consensual.

Again, I was faced with an angry police officer when I tried to report what had happened to me, she said I was reporting him because I was married and I didn't want people to think I was unfaithful, she said that everyone we were around that Friday evening would be questioned to see what my behaviour was like.

I was so upset and felt totally alone, I had no support, no-one would help me, the only thing I could do was go to the doctor to get a script for the morning after pill.

So even though it's great that there is financial support coming in for victims if people don't change their attitudes towards violence, and don't stop making the victim feel like they have to fight to get justice and not try to lay the blame on the victim, their soul won't heal, they may smile on the outside but inside they are still broken.

Identity has been kept anonymous

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