The Port of Mackay has broken a decade-long record to post its greatest trade year by volume.

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick visited the Port of Mackay last week and said the 3.6 million tonne throughput for 2021-22 beat the previous record for 2012-13.

“One in five Queensland jobs rely on exports, and two out of five exporting businesses are based in regional Queensland,” the Treasurer said.

“Overseas trade is central to supporting good jobs, better services and our great Queensland lifestyle.

“The 3.6 million tonne throughput for 2021-22 is a 9 per cent increase on the previous record in 2012-13 and it’s nearly 13 per cent higher than the 3.2 million tonnes record in 2021-22.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the trade numbers highlighted the strength and diversity of the local economy.

“Mackay’s importance to Queensland’s mining exports is well known, but this record for the Port of Mackay is built on high sugar and grain exports,” Ms Gilbert said.

“Our strength across resources, agriculture and tourism gives the Mackay economy resilience through diversity and helps to insulate us from external shocks.”

North Queensland Bulk Ports CEO Nicolas Fertin said strong fuel trade also contributed to Mackay’s record throughput.

“For petroleum, it was a record high year and a 19 per cent increase on the previous financial year (2021/22:1.84 million tonnes; 2020/21: 1.55 million tonnes),” Mr Fertin said.

“Sugar was the port’s second-largest trade at 978,000 tonnes. Grain trade saw a four-fold increase from around 60,000 to 300,000 tonnes.

“We’ve kept trade flowing safely and efficiently through Mackay during a difficult time for markets globally.

“This could only be achieved with the support and commitment of our people, port partners, customers and port communities.”

The Treasurer announced the record figures while visiting Port of Mackay-based business Real Time Instruments, a finalist in this year’s Premier of Queensland Export Awards.

“Businesses like Real Time Instruments have a drive and ambition which showcase how Queensland does business with the world every day,” the Treasurer said.

“This Mackay success story provides equipment to analyse bulk materials online in the coal mining, mineral processing, power generation, cement and food manufacturing industries.

“Currently, around 1000 RTI analysers are operational throughout the world, in over 60 countries and operating on every continent.”

Real Time Instruments CEO Praanesh Prasad said his business had enjoyed a long relationship with Trade and Investment Queensland which helped RTI build and expand its export capabilities and become a finalist in this year’s Queensland’s Export Awards.

“TIQ advisors throughout Queensland, Latin America, India, Africa and the Asia Pacific region have been instrumental in assisting us in moving into these markets, Mr Prasad said.

“We are grateful to the support RTI has had from TIQ over the years. In many ways they have been like an extension of our team.”

“Real Time Instruments is also thrilled to have been named as finalists in the 2022 Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards and it is a testament to our team and the incredible work they do in the innovation and technology space.”

A total of 34 companies will compete in the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards across 13 categories with one category winner also awarded Queensland Exporter of the Year.

The awards will be presented at a gala event at the Royal International Convention Centre at the RNA Showgrounds on October 5.

After the press conference, the Treasurer was spotted dining on a chicken schnitty at the Eimeo Pacific Hotel, as well as visiting local business, 2Censo

The Port of Mackay is regularly full of ships with petroleum, sugar and grain amongst the highest volume of commodities shifted. Image supplied: Port of Mackay

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick (centre) with Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert (right) visiting Real Time Instruments at the Port of Mackay.

Corey Vaughan (right), the inventor of 2Censor, with Treasurer Cameron Dick. Images supplied: The office of Cameron Dick

‍

A string of horrific tragedies rocked the region and devastated first responders last weekend.

Last Sunday morning, a man died following a two vehicle crash at Hampden, north of The Leap.

Mackay Police reported that initial investigations indicate at approximately 10.20am a Toyota Landcruiser collided with a Mitsubishi Triton travelling in the opposite direction.

RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked to the scene by Queensland Health, where debris was strewn across the stretch of road at Hampden on the Bruce Highway.  The helicopter, with a doctor and Critical Care Paramedic on board, landed on the closed highway near the intersection with Zunkers Road.

Upon arrival at the scene, a male driver was being treated by paramedics and was in a stable condition. A woman in the second vehicle, believed to be towing the caravan, had suffered minor injuries and the driver was trapped inside the crumpled wreckage of the ute for about 30 minutes.

Police said the driver of the Mitsubishi Triton, a 70-year-old Munruben man died at the scene. Two other passengers were taken to hospital for treatment to non-life-threatening injuries. The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.

The day prior, Saturday August 6, RACQ CQ Rescue was returning from a hospital transfer from Clermont when the Mackay-based rescue helicopter was tasked to a serious farming accident south of Koumala.

A man had been working alone on a tractor on a hill on the property more than 60km south of Mackay and didn’t return home at the expected time. A family member set off an hour later in search and tragically found the man crushed between the tractor and a tree. It is believed the tractor came off the track and slid down a siding, pinning the driver against the tree.

RACQ CQ Rescue landed on flat ground nearby the accident scene as paramedics performed CPR on the critically injured man for over an hour. Sadly, he died from his injuries.  

The tragic deaths last weekend follows Friday’s airlift of a 30-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his abdomen after he and three of his family members were allegedly shot and killed over a property dispute at Bogie, east of Collinsville.

RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked by Queensland Health to fly to Collinsville with a doctor and Critical Care Paramedic on board after reports four people had been shot. The flying trauma team was then diverted to a homestead on a property at Normanby Road to treat, deliver blood and transfer the wounded man. He was flown to Mackay Base Hospital in a critical condition for life saving surgery.

The Bogie shooting is covered in more detail in this edition of Whitsunday Life.

A man has died and two others were injured in a horrific two-car collision on the Bruce Highway at Hampden last Sunday

A man died after being crushed by his tractor on a property south of Koumala last weekend. Photos supplied: RACQ CQ Rescue

‍

Authorities have confirmed that there are no serious injuries in the road incident which took place between a vehicle and truck on the Bruce Highway at the intersection of Sawmill Dr and Myrtlevale this afternoon.

Queensland Police Services were called at 1.14pm this afternoon and were told that a female was stuck in the car.

Queensland Fire and emergency Services were the first to attend at 1.30pm this afternoon and a spokesperson said that equipment was used to remove the door of the vehicle as the passenger was ‘encapsulated’ but not trapped.

A Queensland Ambulance Services spokesperson said that Paramedics transported four patients to Proserpine Hospital including a male teen for precaution, two female children - one with a minor head injury and the second for precaution – as well as one female in her 20s with head, neck and hip injuries that are not serious.

The highway was closed in both directions and re-opened at 2.30pm. Police are still investigating the cause.

‍

The first ever vessel was launched off the new Slade Point public recreational boat ramp last Thursday to mark the boat ramp’s official opening.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert celebrated the opening, which she said is vital for Mackay boaties.

"The long-term benefits of the new facility are important for Slade Point local boaties," Ms Gilbert said.

"Having a new facility right in their backyard will go a long way to help ease congestion at other key locations.

The new facility is located on Seagull Street on the south bank of McCreadys Creek at Slade Point, providing boating access for residents of Slade Point and nearby suburbs.

"This is a significant win for the large boating population of Mackay, as it is rare to find flat foreshore land in key locations like this one for new recreational boating infrastructure,” Ms Gilbert said.

"The new facility features a single-lane boat ramp supported by a new car-trailer parking area with 15 bays."

Ms Gilbert says Transport and Main Roads provided $1 million in grant funding to Mackay Regional Council under a Deed of Agreement as a contribution towards construction costs of the new boat launching facility.

"Mackay Regional Council will own and manage the facility - we thank council for delivering this important project and agreeing to own and manage it," she said.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson says council had a Mackay Region Recreational Fishing Strategy and one of the key pillars of that strategy was prioritising the enhancement of recreational infrastructure.

“This ramp is a big step up from what was here before,” Mr Williamson said.

“The earlier ramp was pretty much just timber slats on a beach and was subject to severe scouring and erosion of the banks.

“It was actually removed for safety reasons.”

Mr Williamson says council was pleased to be able to partner with the Queensland Government to provide more car and trailer parks, more boat ramp lanes and better access to our tremendous fisheries.

Transport and Main Roads’ grant funding was provided from the State Government’s $185.3 million Maritime Investment, as part of the record $29.7 billion road and transport plan over four years.

Mackay Regional Council Deputy Mayor Karen May and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert were aboard the first vessel to launch off the new Slade Point boat ramp. Photo: supplied

Luke Galea and Councillor Alison Jones at the Slade Point Boat Ramp

‍

More than 7,500 solar panels have been installed at Mackay state schools to help slash electricity costs and cut carbon emissions.

Education Minister Grace Grace said the Advancing Clean Energy Schools (ACES) program was expanded in February 2022 and had exceeded targets to deliver more panels at more schools than originally planned.

“I am particularly proud that we exceeded our original target of 180,000 panels at 872 schools and have instead delivered 200,000 panels at 912 schools,” Minister Grace said.

“This equates to a $26 million saving on energy bills every single year and is enough renewable energy to power 25,000 homes.

Fitzgerald State School had 454 solar panels installed which will offset the costs of air conditioning and other energy costs in a $298,000 investment.

Principal Tracey Adams said the school is delighted with their new solar panels, which can generate an average of 590 kW of electricity every day.

"The ACES program has delivered great savings to our school," Mrs Adams said.

"Through this Queensland Government investment, Fitzgerald State School is showing our students and community that clean and affordable energy benefits everyone.”

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the program was good news for schools and great news for the state’s renewable energy target.

“ACES is making a significant contribution to the State Government’s 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030, with the 200,000 solar panels on state school rooftops expected to generate an average of 280MW of electricity every day,” Ms Gilbert said.

“The 7,500 panels in Mackay alone can generate around 9,800kW of electricity every day.”

Ms Gilbert said the completion of the ACES program follows the State Government’s delivery of air conditioning for every classroom, staff room and library in Queensland state schools.

“In April, our government announced the completion of the $477 million Cooler Cleaner Schools Program in time for staff and students to enjoy air conditioning in every Queensland state school for the start of Term 2,” Ms Gilbert said.

“Now the ACES program is complete, the solar panels we have delivered for more than 900 Queensland schools are helping to offset the added electricity costs of air conditioning.”

Minister Grace said the State Government was committed to providing quality facilities to schools right across Queensland.

“In the 2022–23 budget alone, we are delivering an overall infrastructure investment portfolio valued at nearly $2 billion, driving the Queensland economy by supporting nearly 4200 jobs,” Ms Grace said.

More than 400 solar panels were installed at Fitzgerald State School

‍

The Mackay Disability Expo, coming up on Friday, August 12, has almost doubled in size since the inaugural expo in 2021.

In fact, with exhibitor numbers increasing from about 30 to more than 50 this year, council has made the decision to move the event from a community hall to the Big Shed in the Mackay Showgrounds.  

The expo will kick off at 9am and run until noon, with four exciting demonstrations scheduled throughout that time.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the event organisers had arranged for Art from the Blind Side, Groove Movers, Crossroad Arts and Fit Boy International to put on interactive demonstrations at the expo.

“David Conway of Art from the Blind Side will be doing some live painting,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Groove Movers will be doing some of their interpretive dances, and are inviting attendees to join in,” he said.

“Fit Boy International is an NDIS registered fitness provider who supports people with disability to reach their fitness goals.

“And the tremendous team at Crossroad Arts will share their weekly ROAR program in the Showgrounds Big Shed with us, so everyone can have a go and participate if they like.”

The Mayor said that with more than 18 per cent of Queenslanders living with some form of disability and more than 10 per cent acting as carers, there was a very real call for an expo of this nature.

“If you crunch the numbers, that means, in our region, more than 33,000 people could potentially require some level of assistance from the disability sector,” he said.

“This expo is council’s way of offering local providers an inexpensive way to showcase themselves while also providing an opportunity for service providers and businesses to network and connect with each other.

“It’s all about promoting those who offer services, information and products that enhance the lives of people with disability.”

Entry is free.  For more information, follow the Mackay Disability Expo 2022 event on Facebook.

Peyawadee Petts, Theresa Ahwang and Julie Browne at the 2021 Mackay Disability Expo

There is lots to see and discover at the Mackay Disability Expo

‍

A partnership is set to take flight to help protect the Isaac region’s premier wetlands, which boasts more than 250 bird species.

The St Lawrence Wetlands has been selected as one of 10 sites to benefit from Conservation Volunteers Australia’s Revive our Wetlands project due to its significance to migratory shore birds and location in the Great Barrier Reef catchment. Isaac Regional Council has teamed up with the Koinjmal People of Koinmerburra Country and Conservation Volunteers Australia to help community-led, on-the-ground actions.

Mayor Anne Baker said the 594.9 sq km wetland area is a significant environmental and social pillar in the Isaac region.

“We already know that more than 50 per cent of Australian wetlands have been lost and it’s up to each and every one of us to help protect our prized St Lawrence wetlands,” Mayor Baker said.

The project is looking for volunteers to help support wetland conservation activities such as weed management and mapping activities on prickly acacia and giant rat’s tail, mapping and camera traps for feral pig and deer activity, marine debris collection, flora and bird surveys, and vegetation planting around campgrounds and wetland public view platforms.

CEO of Conservation Volunteers Australia Phil Harrison said Australia’s wetlands are thriving sites of carbon storage – accounting for around 10 percent of the world’s blue carbon ecosystems – but they’re disappearing at a rate three times faster than natural forests.

“Growing global research is unlocking the potential of wetlands as natural carbon sequestration and storage systems,” Mr Harrison said.

Managing director of Chevron Australia, Mark Hatfield, said that they have been working with CVA to protect the local environment through workplace volunteering and community programs for more than 15 years.

“Chevron Australia is pleased to build on our relationship with Conservation Volunteers Australia and look forward to working together to advance innovative carbon capture and storage research,” Mr Hatfield said.

The Revive our Wetlands Project at St Lawrence Wetlands is being delivered by Conservation Volunteers Australia, in collaboration with traditional owners and Isaac Regional Council, and will deliver great benefit to the health and profile of the internationally significant St Lawrence Wetlands.

Conservation Volunteers Australia has recently partnered with Chevron Australia to deliver the $3.45 million Revive our Wetlands environmental program aimed at restoring and protecting wetlands at locations across Australia over a three-year period.

To get involved and to protect the St Lawrence Wetlands register your interest with Conversation Volunteer Australia’s Revive Project Officer, Leah Scoble on 0436 335 037 or email lscoble@cva.org.au

‍

The Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP has called on the Labor Federal Government to honour the Coalition’s pre-election promise to commit $5 million to Veteran Wellbeing Centres in the Mackay region.

“With Vietnam Veterans Day coming up later this month, I took the opportunity to address the Parliament to call on the new government to support our veterans, Defence Force personnel and their families,” Mr Willcox said.

“The Coalition made a commitment to fund two wellness centres in Mackay and another at Kinchant Dam west of the city in the Capricornia electorate held by my Coalition colleague Michelle Landry MP because there is a real need for them.”

Veteran Wellbeing Centres provide a one-stop shop, established in partnership with ex-service and community organisations, to help connect veterans and their families to extensive support and advocacy services already available, with a strong focus on health and wellbeing.

The centres in the Mackay region would also be available to first responders and their families.

“The Coalition recognises that it is critical for veterans, serving Defence Force members and first responders to have the support they need,” Mr Willcox said.

“During my speech, I urged the government to honour the ANZAC spirit of standing by your mates by standing by veterans and their families,” Mr Willcox said.

“There is an even greater need for Veteran Wellbeing Centres in Mackay, which is a major regional centre without its own RSL Sub-Branch.

“I’m looking forward to working with Mackay RSL president Ken Higgins and PTSD Frontline to get these centres up and running,” Mr Willcox said.

“The centres are about providing local solutions to local veteran issues.”

‍

In the Canadian province of British Columbia, around 30km south of a town called Quesnel, you’ll find a community called Australian.

This is where former Mackay resident Ben Direen became a Canadian citizen, with Canada joining Australia and New Zealand on the list of countries Ben is a citizen of.

Ben grew up in Mackay before moving to Brisbane to complete a Sport Management degree.

He then embarked on a career in sponsorship sales, working for companies such as V8 Supercars, the National Basketball League and the Townsville Crocodiles.

In a period of uncertainty in his professional and personal life, Ben took the opportunity to travel to Europe.

“On the way back, I ended up visiting my brother who was living in Vancouver at the time,” said Ben.

“I was completely conned because Vancouver was sunny for three days – its nickname is Raincouver.”

Ben was taken aback by the beauty of Vancouver and other places he visited on a road trip down the west coast of America.

After another stint in Australia, Ben secured a Visa and moved to Canada.

“Just before I left, I interviewed for the Rocky Mountaineer, the train, in my parent’s living room in Mackay,” he said.

Ben arrived in Vancouver and was met with 100 days of straight rain.

“I was like, ‘what have I done?’”

He got the job on the Rocky Mountaineer where he worked with his brother and met his now partner of six years in his first season.

It was also on the Rocky Mountaineer that Ben became familiar with the area of Australian.

“It’s a tiny little spot on the train line and there’s only two or three signs there that refer to the Australian name, but the history of it ties in really nicely with the history of the early pioneers of the gold rush of western Canada,” said Ben.

When Ben decided to become a citizen of Canada, he saw a unique opportunity given the virtual nature of the citizenship ceremony.

“I was like, ‘why don’t I try and be a little funny with it and become the first Aussie to become Canadian on Australian soil,” he said.

“Technically, it still is Canadian soil, which is part of the rules.

“By doing that, I was just being a bit cheeky.”

Ben called the owners of the ranch situated in Australian the morning of the ceremony and asked if he could complete the ceremony on their property.

He was welcomed onto the ranch by Bob Yorston, a descendant of the Yorstons who bought the property in 1903, his wife Lenore and their daughter.

A fan of symbolism, Ben took his citizenship oath overlooking the Australian ranch with a Tim Horton’s coffee in hand and sporting a Canterbury-made Wallabies jersey with an iconic plaid shirt over the top, giving his colleagues on the Rocky Mountaineer a unique anecdote to spin on their tours past Australian.

“I look back and I was pretty moved during the whole thing, it just worked out perfectly,” said Ben.

“I’m proud to be a citizen of all three countries.

“Australia is my home country and I think, personally, you’re splitting hairs with Canada, New Zealand and Australia for three of the best countries on the planet and I don’t want to give up any of them; I love each country for different reasons.”

Ben at Australian Ranch, B.C prior to his citizenship ceremony wearing a plaid shirt and a Canterbury Wallabies jersey with Tim Horton's Coffee in hand

Ben works seasonally on the Rocky Mountaineer where he came across the area of Australian. Photos supplied: Ben Direen

‍

Mackay residents have been mostly on board when it comes to the new Beam e-scooters.

The first official monthly report received by council, under an agreement with Beam, shows that since launching on June 7, there has been more than 38,000 trips in Mackay.

Mayor Greg Williamson said this was a staggering number of trips, with riders travelling about 89,000km.

“Following launch week, residents were really keen to try them, with each Beam e-scooter in Mackay being used an average of six times per day,” Mayor Williamson said.

“That adds up to almost 10,000 trips within the first week of Beam’s launch!

“Mackay residents and visitors are also making e-scooters part of their event days, with 1450 scooter trips taken on this year’s Wine and Food Day on July 16. That’s a total distance of 3143km,” he said.

Beam e-scooters are a greener transport alternative in the region and have saved 23,149 kilograms of CO2 emissions so far.

Mayor Williamson said he hoped residents and visitors continued to take advantage of this great service.

“The scooters are a carbon-neutral, affordable, and fun form of transportation that provide a great alternative for exploring our region.

“Riders are reminded to always use the scooters safely and follow the law while riding them for their own safety and that of pedestrians.

“It’s also important that the scooters are parked in a considerate manner so as not to block the footpath,” he said.

The Beam e-scooters’ operating area includes the suburbs of Central Mackay, North Mackay, East Mackay, West Mackay, South Mackay and parts of Ooralea, Glenella, Mount Pleasant and Mackay Harbour.

The app-based service features affordable pay-as-you-go rates, with a $1 unlock fee and $0.45 per minute.

Beam e-scooters have been a huge hit in the first month since their introduction, with more than 38,000 trips being taken already

‍

Boat owners in Mackay and surrounding areas will be able to dispose of their expired marine flares as part of a new service operated by Mackay Regional Council.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council was pleased to take on this important service to the community.

“We offer a one-stop location for the disposal of all waste and recyclable goods at our Paget facility,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The flares are to be dropped off in person at the Incredable Drop Off area where there will be two bins – one for damaged flares and one for intact but out-of-date flares.

“It’s essential that these flares don’t end up in our kerbside wheelie bins or in the pits at transfer stations, as they could easily ignite and cause fires in our rubbish trucks or at landfill sites,” he said.

Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said this was an extremely important service offered to the boating community that enabled the safe disposal of marine flares, which are required safety equipment for boaties venturing beyond smooth waters.

"Marine flares, by their very nature, are combustible products that can become unstable once they've reached their use-by date,” Mr Dillon said.

"Expired flares cannot be safely retained onboard vessels, so it is important facilities are provided so boaties can safely dispose of them once that use-by date has been reached.

"Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) had been providing this service at its fire stations in Mackay and North Mackay.

"However, this service ended on July 31, so council stepped into the role to accept expired flares at its Paget Transfer Station."

Mr Dillon said it was important boaties understood expired flares should be replaced, and not retained or disposed of carelessly.

"MSQ's statistics show that not carrying the right, well-maintained safety equipment is one of the 'fatal five' mistakes Queensland boaties make.

"The bright orange or red smoke from a flare could make all the difference in surviving a boating mishap one day, so it is vitally important your flares work when you need them.

"Expired flares might not work, so before that expiry date is reached, they need to be replaced and when disposing of them, remember the only safe way to do so is by taking them to a dedicated disposal facility,” he said.

The Paget Transfer Station is located at Crichtons Road, Paget.

Mackay Harbour Master Captain Jason Britton and Mayor Greg Williamson demonstrate how to safely dispose of damaged and expired marine flares

‍

After six years of dry taps and taking plastic bottles to school, a rural Isaac region school now has a more secure water future, thanks to charity Rural Aid.

Rural Aid facilitated the installation of a SOURCE Hydropanel array at Valkyrie State School and believes that this technology could help facilitate drinking water security for other struggling schools.

Valkyrie P&C President Kristen Michelmore said the Hydropanels have given the community a huge amount of peace of mind since their installation late last month.

Ms Michelmore said prior to the Hydropanels’ installation, students had taken it upon themselves to monitor how much water they drank during the day.

“School needs to be a safe place where kids can learn and not have to worry about turning on a tap,” Ms Michelmore said.

“Regional school children should be treated the same as those in the cities and provided the same basic services. Through my work with the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association it is clear this is not just a problem for Valkyrie – many other schools across regional and remote Australia have issues with drinking water quality and access, so it would be great to see more projects like this supported by the Government and Education Department.”

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the technology will better the students’ quality of life.

“Droughts are difficult for kids to process, so to not have safe drinking water at school, on top of dry taps at home, is an appalling situation,” Mr Warlters said.

“Rural Aid acted quickly to offer the Valkyrie school community a sustainable and drought-proof alternative to trucked-in water. We’re hoping that this installation will serve as the benchmark for providing water across more schools in Queensland that face issues of scarcity and contamination.”

“Rural Aid is proud to have provided a solution to this rural community’s drinking water woes,” Mr Warlters said.

SOURCE Global’s Director of Market Development, Alex Polson, said that the innovative technology will shore up supplies and provide much needed resilience for students, parents, and teachers within the Valkyrie community.

“No parent or teacher should have to worry about where they’re going to get drinking water from for their children and students, so we’re glad that SOURCE Hydropanels can ensure a consistent, drought-proof supply of water here in Valkyrie,” he said.

Rural Aid, SOURCE Global, the Central Queensland Mining Rehabilitation Group and Stanmore Resources have covered the majority of the panels’ costs with some local funding also helping to finalise the project.

With the school previously reliant on plastic bottled water and donations, SOURCE also highlighted the environmental benefit of the Hydropanels, with the Hydropanel array able to offset more than 800,000 plastic bottles over its 15-year lifetime.

“The use of decentralised, renewable technologies like SOURCE Hydropanels give regional and remote parts of Australia the ability to become healthier and more climate resilient, while avoiding the cost, waste, and inconvenience of single use plastic bottles,” Mr Polson said.

‍

Free Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) kits are now available to eligible Commonwealth concession card holders at nine Mackay Hospital and Health Services facilities across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday communities.

Mackay | 54 Victoria St (previous vaccination & testing clinic)

Sarina Hospital | ED reception

Clermont MPHS | Reception

Dysart Hospital | Outpatient reception

Moranbah Hospital | Conference room entrance

Proserpine Hospital | Ambulance entrance (park on the road and walk in)

Cannonvale Community Health Centre | Administration reception

Collinsville MPHS | Administration reception

Bowen Hospital | Main administration building

Check each facility’s open hours online https://bit.ly/3oK9YHO

.

Eligible people are to present their physical concession card or digital card in the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app at each facility when collecting the RAT kits.

Free RAT kits for concession card holders are no longer available through community pharmacies.

Mackay Base Hospital is not a designated distribution point.

More information and eligibility for free RAT kits, please visit https://bit.ly/3bqJKGZ

‍

The end of July was a busy one for our region’s rescuers, with two primary missions on one day taking them from Inland Isaac to an island off the coast of Mackay.

On July 29 the Mackay-based rescue helicopter flew direct to the scene of a serious single vehicle accident on the Fitzroy Development Road near Oxford, after a Toyota ute towing a trailer loaded with storage tanks left the road and flipped about 11am.

The driver suffered serious injuries but was able to free himself from the wreckage of the ute before collapsing. The helicopter landed on the road so the flying trauma team could treat and prepare the patient for flight. The driver was transferred to Mackay Base Hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Upon return to Mackay, the chopper was then tasked to airlift a person from St Bees Island suffering a cardiac condition. He was flown to Mackay Base Hospital for further treatment.

The busy week drew to a close after two transfers of patients from Proserpine and Collinsville and three patients from Bowen, Collinsville and Clermont to Mackay during the two days prior.

RACQ CQ Rescue attended a single vehicle accident on the Fitzroy Development Road

RACQ CQ Rescue flew a patient from St Bees Island to Mackay. Images supplied: RACQ CQ Rescue

‍

Since opening in April, Red Dog Brewery has poured countless quality beers for patrons seeking something more flavourful from their brew.

Red Dog Brewery was established to give the people of Mackay access to real quality beer made locally from scratch.

Brewed right here in Mackay using a 6HL all-grain brewery, Red Dog mash, lauter, boil and ferment all beer with quality ingredients from all over the world.  

“Our beer is not filtered, pasteurized and we don’t use extracts,” said Head Brewer Jamie “Woodsy” Woods.

“We use malt, yeast, hops and water.”

Red Dog Brewery brews beers based on traditional styles from Europe, the UK, America and the Pacific, so let your schooner take you around the world with these delicious drops.

German Pilsner (Europe)

A crisp, clean lager originating from Germany, the key feature of the Pilsner is the lagering process.

Red Dog conditions the beer for six weeks at minus 1.5 degrees.

Using brewer’s yeast strain from Weihenstephan in Germany allows the brewing of beers with a good balance of floral and fruity aromas and gives clean flavours and high drinkable beers.

Northern Brewer hops originate from Germany and is a dual-purpose hop.

It has a herbal, fragrant aroma and gives a good, clean bitterness.

Pale Ale (America) – Woodsy’s pick

The Red Dog Pale Ale is brewed as a traditional American Pale Ale using 2-row pale malt and American yeast strain producing neutral and well-balanced ales with a clean and crispy finish.

Reg Dog’s Pale Ale uses all American Hops including Citra, Simcoe and Cascade.

It is golden in colour with medium bitterness and high levels of tropical hop aromas.

“My favourite beer to brew and drink is the Red Dog Pale Ale,” said Jamie.

“The perfect beer for all seasons and occasions.”

Pacific Ale (Australian)

Made famous by Australian brewery Stone & Wood, the Pacific Ale is a style of beer that is known to be highly refreshing due to the fact that it contains high levels of hop fruitiness with low to moderate amounts of bitterness.

Red Dog only uses the Australian Hops - Galaxy.

During the brewing process, the hop additions are towards the end of the boiling process and through dry hopping in the fermenter.

Red Ale (UK)

Red Dog Brewery’s Red Ale is based on the Irish Red Ale style.

It’s brewed using a moderate amount of kilned malts and roasted barley, giving the beer its red colour.

Using English ale brewer’s yeast, it produces balanced fruity and floral notes.

As a modern twist on a traditional style, Red Dog uses the hops Citra which, as the name implies, has a strong citrusy profile.

This is largely credited to its very high myrcene content.

It has an extraordinary flavour profile of grapefruit, lime and tropical fruit.

INTERNATIONAL BEER DAY, AUG 5

To celebrate International Beer Day, Red Dog Brewery has the full line-up of Red Dog beer on tap.

Local food truck Spicy ‘N’ Saucy will be on site and the talented Luke Miller will be providing a set of acoustic rock.

If you’re not sure which beer to drink, beer-tasting paddles are available and will provide you with a broader understanding of the flavours - you can choose any four beers from the line-up.

Woodsy will also be at the brewery for those looking to chat about all things beer.

Red Dog Brewery is part of the Independent Brewers Association and the brewery is certified independent.

Keep an eye out for Brewery Tour packages launching soon.

Red Dog Brewery also takes bookings for private events and functions.

Find them on Facebook.

Head Brewer Woodsy. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Red Dog Brewery has a huge range of beers available, and a tasting paddle will help you navigate them all. Photo supplied: Jamie Woods

‍