Two outstanding James Cook University (JCU) marine science students have been awarded Bachelor of Science scholarships – equipping them with unique real-world experience on the Great Barrier Reef under the guidance of leading marine researchers.

Jordan Wells and Indus Fisher will receive financial support throughout each year of their degree, in addition to the chance to work alongside researchers and port industry managers, thanks to a partnership between JCU and North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP).

JCU’s Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER) Principal Researcher Dr Nathan Waltham said the scholarship would be invaluable for the budding marine scientists.

“Every year Jordan and Indus will have financial support, plus get hands-on experience in understanding how environmental science can tackle real marine industry issues,” he said.

“Marine science can be a very competitive field and this scholarship gives these promising students valuable real-world experiences, beyond just the classroom.”

Indus Fisher, who relocated to Townsville from Mackay, said he had grown up in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and loved the marine environment from a young age.

“With a hope to help protect this beautiful ecosystem, I couldn't think of a better place to learn the knowledge and skills to do so than at the world's leading university in marine science,” he said.

“Thanks to the generosity of North Queensland Bulk Ports and JCU TropWATER, this financial burden has been greatly reduced, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and achieve the very best possible results I can.

“The real opportunity lies in the industry connections, placement possibilities, and real-world experience this fantastic partnership makes available to us."

The two students will join last year’s scholarship recipient, Amy Cantrill, and intern students who will complete placement in the environmental team at NQBP. Together, the student programs are building the next generation of marine scientists to be job ready.

NQBP CEO Nicolas Fertin said the port authority is proud to provide university students realworld experience in port environmental management.

“With JCU, we have created one of Australia’s most comprehensive port marine ambient monitoring programs while training the next generation of industry and job-ready science graduates,” Mr Fertin said.

“The marine environment is central in our everyday planning and port operations. Informed environmental management ensures trade keeps flowing to service the Queensland economy.”

The scholarship program is part of NQBP’s broader five-year partnership with JCU, where researchers monitor the local marine environment surrounding four ports.

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Indus Fisher, Amy Cantrill and Jordan Wells

JCU’s TropWATER Principal Researcher Dr Nathan Waltham and JCU student Indus Fisher

Fishers across the region won’t be losing vehicle access to a popular Pioneer River fishing spot, after the decision was made at last week’s council meeting to maintain access to East Point.

The decision is a temporary one however and the current access track will close for environmental and safety reasons.

Working with the developer of the Dunes Estate development, Mackay Regional Council and the developer agreed on a solution to maintain vehicle access to the popular recreation and fishing area with a temporary solution.

An area immediately adjacent to the first stage of the development will be closed to vehicular traffic to allow the developer to revegetate the foreshore reserve.

Access to East Point will be maintained in the first instance via a track off Dunes Boulevard, past the first stage, which will link up with the existing track to East Point.

The temporary measure is in place while council works on a more long-term solution by providing a gravel road along the Road Reserve through The Dunes development site.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council officers had initially recommended vehicular access to East Point be closed to enable the revegetation, a State Government condition, to be undertaken.

But he said the original report was “laid on the table” to enable investigation of other potential options.

“Council has a duty of care as Trustee of the Environmental Reserve, but also acknowledges the existing vehicle track is popular with anglers accessing East Point and four-wheel-drive enthusiasts.

“This informal access has been in place for many decades.”

Mayor Williamson acknowledged developers of The Dunes for working proactively with council in looking for a solution and the work of council officers.

Mayor Williamson said the side track branching off at the end of the current Dunes Boulevard Road was only a temporary measure.

“Council’s preferred option is to build a formed gravel road on the Road Reserve of the development.

“This will get vehicles off the Environmental Reserve on the foreshore. Council is a trustee of that reserve.

“But this will take some time as there are issues, including cultural heritage consultation, to be addressed.

“It would only be a gravel road at this stage as the alignment of the Road Reserve may change in future stages of that development.

“Eventually, as the development progresses, there will be a bitumen road all the way to East Point.”

Mayor Williamson said closing the section of the track in front of the development would also help ease safety concerns.

“Residents of that first stage have moved into their new homes and there is a safety risk with them accessing the beach on foot and vehicles using the track,” he said.

Map showing the new East Point access road

Federal and State representatives of the LNP have raised and moved motions backing regional and rural communities at the LNP State Conference earlier this month.

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Member for Burdekin Dale Last moved motions backing rural health facilities in Moranbah, emergency repairs of the Bruce Highway and Peak Downs Highway as well as the upgrade to Phillips Creek Bridge.

Motions covered the following requests.

● This Convention of the LNP calls on a future LNP State Government to urgently bring forward the $54 million in funding allocated to construct a new hospital in Moranbah.

● This Convention of the LNP calls on the State and Federal Government to urgently fund and undertake emergency repairs of the Bruce Highway between Gympie and Townsville and the Peak Downs Highway.

● This Convention of the LNP calls on the State and Federal Government to deliver $18 million to upgrade Phillips Creek Bridge.

The trio is also concerned about what they described as a ‘negative impact’ of the state government’s Reef Regulations on farmers.

Ms Landry said the LNP understands regional communities.

“My colleagues, Andrew Willcox in the federal electorate of Dawson and Dale Last in the state seat of Burdekin, have joined with me in calling for urgent action to provide better health care and fix existing infrastructure in our electorates,” Ms Landry said.

“I’d like to invite some of the Brisbane based members in the Labor Party who are used to driving on the gilded roads in the southeast corner to travel on some of these roads out west in Capricornia and see how bad the road conditions really are.

“While coal royalties from our region pay for their way of life in Brisbane, they need to listen to what the communities in rural areas need,” Ms Landry said.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said the state and federal LNP and Liberal-National teams must continue to advocate for the agricultural sector, which is so important in the federal seats of Capricornia and Dawson, and the state seat of Burdekin.

“Telecommunications services, or the lack of, is another concern for our electorates, which is why we pushed motions through the state conference calling for action on these issues,” Mr Willcox said.

“The three of us understand the frustration of encountering yet another phone blackspot as we travel through our electorates.

“We know how hard it must be for business and industry leaders to develop new economic opportunities in our electorates when they cannot even have a proper phone call,” Mr Willcox said.

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Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry (centre) with Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox (right) with National Party Leader MP David Littleproud at the LNP State Conference. Photo credit: The office of Michelle Landry

With DonateLife Week coming up, Bernie Scott and Maree Martin are urging people to consider registering as organ donors.

DonateLife Week, happening from July 24 to 31, plays a vital role in encouraging more Australians to register to be an organ and tissue donor, with over 108,000 new registrations recorded on the Australian Organ Donor Register in 2021.

Both Mr Scott and Ms Martin became DonateLife advocates after receiving life-changing double lung transplants.

“In a moment of tears and crying and ‘I’m still alive,’ was, ‘okay, what do I do now to pay back,’” said Ms Martin.

Mr Scott says the benefits of more people registering include more availability of organs resulting in expansion of facilities and more training and research into organ transplantation.

“We’ve got some world-leading people in Australia in terms of transplants, in both the surgery but also in research,” he said.

“There’s a lot of different feelings out there about the process.

“The ultimate outcome, despite all the feelings around it, is that it saves lives.

“I came out of that hospital after a two-week period and I hadn’t felt that good in years.

"I would like to see as many people as possible do this because they never know who they’re going to be helping – it could be your own family.”

While the majority of Australians support organ and tissue donation, only 36% are registered to be a donor.

There are currently around 1,750 Australians on the waitlist for an organ transplant with an additional 13,000 people on dialysis, some in need of a kidney transplant.

“Everyone’s in the same boat – it doesn’t really matter who you are or what you do or your place in society, it comes down to who’s got the greater need at the time, and again this is what underscores the need for more donors,” said Mr Scott.

Ms Martin says there is a common misconception that people with illness and of advanced age are precluded from being a donor.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re 17 or 97, still sign up,” she said.

“Even though you think you’re old, there’s parts of you that are still quite great.”

After DonateLife Week, Mr Scott and Ms Martin’s focus will turn to DonateLife Day, happening at the Mackay Turf Club on September 6.

Visit www.donatelife.gov.au to find out more and to register and make sure to inform your family of your wishes.

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Bernie Scott and Maree Martin became DonateLife advocates after receiving life-changing double lung transplants

Community groups from across Queensland are being encouraged to apply for a share in $100,000 of funding, with applications now open for the 2022 Queensland Country Good for Good Community Grants.

The Good for Good Community Grants aims to support a diverse range of community projects across the sectors of arts, cultural, sport, health, education, recreation and sustainability, with grants of between $5,000 and $30,000 available for eligible community groups.

Mackay Netball Association were awarded a 2020 Good for Good Community Grant to purchase a new ice machine, which Secretary, Jenny Moohin says has provided numerous cost-saving benefits for the club.

“Thanks to the Good for Good Community Grants, we’re no longer purchasing bags of ice to use on injuries or to service the courtside canteen,” says Ms Moohin.

“The ice machine has been crucial for our club as it has saved us hundreds of dollars and we’ve been able to utilise those funds elsewhere around the facility.

“We’re extremely grateful to Queensland Country Bank and I’d encourage any community groups who are looking for funds to support local initiatives to apply.”

Queensland Country Bank Mackay Area Manager, Bill Paton, says they are looking to fund projects that will provide positive long-term benefits for their local communities, with this year’s round also having a strong focus on supporting sustainability initiatives.

“As a member-owned organisation, we take great pride in being able to give back to the community in this manner and offer support for projects that not only leave a positive long-lasting impact in the community but also protect our planet,” says Mr Paton.

“We’re looking forward to once again supporting a range of incredible projects that build healthier and more inclusive communities for all Queenslanders.”

Mr Paton says the application process has been thoughtfully designed to make it easy to apply and community groups do not need to be a Member of Queensland Country Bank at the time of their application.

“We encourage all community groups who are looking for financial support for their project to apply,” continues Mr Paton.

“It is all part of our difference being a member-owned bank, which enables us to reinvest our profits back into supporting the local communities that support us.”

This is the sixth year that Queensland Country Bank has run the Good for Good Community Grants program. It follows a long history of supporting the community through grants with over $2.5 million injected into Queensland community projects since 2005.

Applications close Sunday, 31 July 2022 and can be made online at www.queenslandcountry.bank.

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Jenny Moohin (Mackay Netball Association) and Henri Stocks (Queensland Country Bank) celebrate a Good for Good Grant awarded to Mackay Netball Association in 2020 to fund an ice machine. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

The Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival returned for its 18th year last week bringing a stellar line-up of authors, artists, storytellers, screenwriters, slam poets, musicians and scientists to the Mackay region.

The festival kicked off last Wednesday with a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country led by local Yuwi people followed by an insightful Writer’s Panel featuring presenters Melina Marchetta, Jack Heath, Cath Moore and Oliver Phommavanh, hosted by Nat Amoore.

Over the next two days, over 5000 students from the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions and 500 students from 21 schools in rural and remote regions thanks to the Winchester Foundation were immersed in all things literature.

Presentations, workshops, competitions and book signings had students of all ages captivated by the art of writing and the Litchat Educators’ Event and Flor-Hanly Literary Dinner enthralled the adults.

“The great part of why I love this festival is that it provides an opportunity for regional and rural students to experience a world-class literature festival that they normally wouldn’t get a chance to outside major capital cities,” said Whitsunday Anglican School Principal Andrew Wheaton.

“The students walk away tremendously invigorated and excited with a love of literature.”

Festival Organiser Tracey Gurdler says she feels she has delivered a festival that excites and encourages the students of Mackay into the world of literature.

“To see children immerse themselves in the joy of literature, reading and writing is incredibly meaningful,” she said.

“For me, this is what the festival is truly about.”

Two presenters at the festival included Sydney-based writer and kidlit podcast host Nat Amoore and Queensland author, illustrator and ‘Story Doctor’ Dr Cameron Stelzer.

Ms Amoore says as well as writing and illustrating, festivals are a big part of the job.

“Getting in front of the kids, they’re your audience, they’re your readers so you want to go out and see them,” she said.

“It’s where you get your ideas from as well,” added Dr Stelzer.

“If you’re sitting in a room not interacting, you don’t get the feel of what’s going to work and what the kids want to see.”

The festival came to a close last Friday night with the Whitsunday Voices Literary Dinner headlined by keynote speaker Dr Richard Harris.

Dr Harris spoke about his involvement in the rescue of a teenage soccer team trapped in a flooded Thai cave system.

The audience watched and listened in awe as Dr Harris told his unbelievable tale with a standing ovation to follow.

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Dr Richard Harris and Whitsunday Anglican School Principal Andrew Wheaton. Photo credit: Cherrie Hughes

Over 5000 students from the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions and 500 from rural and remote regions were immersed in all things literature. Photo credit: Nicole Hatfield Photography

Tomorrow, When the War Began author John Marsden. Photo credit: Nicole Hatfield Photography

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A local conservation group is concerned that a loophole in mining applications could have a detrimental impact on Australia’s native fauna.

Mackay Conservation Group (MCG) say they are keeping a keen focus on our backyard in the wake of the release of the nation’s state of the environment report, which they say paints a bleak picture for Australian wildlife and ecosystems.

The group’s climate organiser, Jonathon Dykyj, said, “The Vulcan South Coal Mine, 33km south of Moranbah is set to destroy over 1,000ha of Koala habitat and over 70ha of Greater Glider habitat - both species were added to the Endangered list only this year.”

Mr Dykyj said MCG recently wrote to the state environment minister and department highlighting this habitat destruction and asked for a loophole that allows coal mines that will produce less than two million tonnes per year to proceed without an environmental impact assessment.

“The situation nationally is dire and is a lot to process, but right here in our own backyard we have found an issue that is deeply concerning. We have asked for that loophole to be closed,” Mr Dykyj said.

“Why on Earth are we planning to continue to clear habitat of endangered and iconic species and why is it not being properly assessed?

“The State of Environment Report made it clear that Australia’s environmental crisis is being driven by two key factors, destruction of habitat and climate change caused by fossil fuel projects. We simply can’t afford to bulldoze endangered species habitat to dig climate wrecking coal mines.

“Australia is already the global leader in mammal extinctions. Allowing projects like the Vulcan South coal mine to proceed is putting the Koala on an even faster path towards extinction.

“The Vulcan South mine would clear over 500 Gabba sized football fields of Koala habitat just to dig up coal for eight years.” Mr Dykyj said.

“The cumulative impacts of clearing Koala habitat for coal mines across Queensland will have permanent lasting impacts.”

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Two local schools have received prestigious educational awards, recognised for showcasing excellence in education, innovation, and leadership.

Education Minister Grace Grace congratulated Marian State School and Moranbah East State School for being named Queensland 2022 Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools winners.

Marian State School took out the top prize in Central Queensland for the Inclusive Education category while Moranbah East State School won the Excellence Award in Rural and Remote Education for the use of ZOOM to deliver instruction in English and Auslan as a language to a deaf student.

Now in its 23rd year, Minister Grace said the Showcase Awards are widely regarded as the most prestigious educational awards in Queensland.

“One of the privileges of my job as Education Minister is to meet the outstanding teachers and educators delivering innovative and world class opportunities for our young Queenslanders,” Ms Grace said.

“The Showcase Awards allow us to recognise and celebrate the great work that our schools are doing day-to-day to ensure that Queensland continues to innovate and develop new education practices.

“To be named as one of the 27 regional winners, or as one of the 24 to receive a commendation, is a significant accolade for these schools. It’s an important recognition of their contribution to the state’s education system.

“I congratulate each and every one of them, and wish them all the best in the next rounds which will determine our state finalists, and ultimately our state winners.”

Marian State School has been named the CQ winner of the TUH Health Fund Showcase Award for Excellence in Inclusive Education for their ‘Whole Child: Effective Transition’ approach.

Principal of Marian State School Craig Homer said he is proud of the outstanding leadership of the team, particularly the Head of Special Education Mr Jordan Moore.

“The culture at Marian State School is that inclusive education is everyone’s business, and we hold the belief that high expectation is built on high levels of support,” Mr Homer said.

“We have a great team where everyone can personally connect, participate and learn, with shared responsibility of all elements of curriculum and wellbeing.

“The investment we make each day as individuals and as a school community, has a significant impact in a young person’s life - from the critical relationships with parents, community and allied health professionals - to the support for our highly skilled staff who work closely with our teachers.”

This year there were 86 submissions for the Showcase Awards state-wide, representing 120 schools. Regional award winners and commendation recipients will share in $66,000 worth of development grants to further support their initiatives.

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Staff at Marian State School. The regional school wonthe TUH Health Fund Showcase Award for Excellence in Inclusive Education

A 36-year-old woman has been charged with attempted murder, in relation to the alleged stabbing of a teenage girl at Dysart on Monday afternoon.

It is alleged at approximately 4.15pm, a 17-year-old girl was stabbed with a knife several times at a Beardmore Crescent address on July 18.

Acting Inspector Emma Novosel said the 17-year-old was transported to Dysart Hospital and then Mackay Base Hospital where her condition was described as critical but stable.

“I understand there were six stab wounds to the chest area of the victim,” she said.

“She required transport for treatment so they were serious injuries.”

A 36-year-old woman identified as the teenager’s mother was arrested at the Dysart residence and taken to Dysart Hospital with minor injuries.

“She was conveyed to the Dysart Hospital, for treatment of what appeared to be self-inflicted injuries, and she was later charged that evening,” Acting Inspector Novosel said.

“It was the police's priority to get her medical assistance.”

The alleged attacker was later transported to Mackay Base Hospital for medical assessment.

The Acting Inspector confirmed there was a third person at the Beardmore Crescent address, a 20-year-old male, described as an associate of the 17-year-old girl, who reportedly tried to intervene between the mother and daughter, and who called 000 for help. It is believed all three are local residents in Dysart, with the two females living at the same address.

The 36-year-old has subsequently been charged with attempted murder (domestic violence), common assault and serious assault police officer.

The common assault charge comes from the actions towards the 20-year-old male who intervened during the alleged stabbing between the two females, and the serious assault of a police officer allegedly occurred at Dysart Hospital.

“He (the 20-year-old male) was allegedly assaulted by the suspect and that’s where the common assault charge comes from.

“There were a number of triple 0 calls received, as I understand the male person who was at the address contacted police via triple 0,” the Acting Inspector said.

“The police officer didn’t require any medical treatment.”

It was unknown at the time of writing what circumstances led to the alleged attack.

“We’re looking into what caused the incident between the two women,” the Acting Inspector said.

Prior to this incident the family wasn’t known to police. Police will continue investigations in Dysart by talking to members of the community. They aren’t searching for any other persons in relation to this incident.

If anyone has information relating to the incident that could assist police, Acting Inspector Novosel encourages them to get in contact with police.

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The speed limit on a section of Maraju-Yakapari Road, Glenella, will be permanently changed to 80km/h.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the change followed a road safety audit of the nearby section of Sugarshed Road.

“Making Queensland roads safer is a priority for the Palaszczuk Government,” Ms Gilbert said.

“This is demonstrated through the government’s commitment to zero deaths and serious injuries on Queensland roads by 2050.

“Our commitment is clear through our record $29.7 billion roads and transport plan to build and maintain a safe and modern road network, including more than $1.5 billion in this year’s budget to safety upgrades and developing policies to reduce road crashes and trauma.”

A review was undertaken by TMR and endorsed by the Traffic Advisory Committee.

"The committee, which includes representatives from TMR, Mackay Regional Council, and Queensland Police Service, looked at a range of factors in making the decision.

“The department reviewed the section and will scrap the transition from 100km/h to 60km/h between Maraju-Yakapari Road and Sugarshed Road,” Ms Gilbert said.

“It determined the speed limit should be reduced to 80km/h with the local road speed limit reduction.”

Ms Gilbert said speed limit signs on the 1.5-kilometre section of the Maraju-Yakapari Road from the roundabout at Glenella Connection Road, to the intersection of Maraju-Yakapari Road and Sugarshed Road, will be replaced to inform motorists of the change.

"The lower speed limit for this section of Maraju-Yakapari Road will come into effect in August," she said.

"Motorists are urged to observe the new speed limit and always drive to the conditions.

“As always on the road, avoid the Fatal Five: drink and drug driving, driving fatigued, distracted driving, speeding, and driving without proper use of a seatbelt.

“Buckle up and put the phone away to get home safely.”

For more information, contact TMR on 4951 8555.

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A 17-year-old boy has been charged in relation to an alleged armed robbery at Marian on July 10.

At approximately 5.20am, it will be alleged the teenager threatened a worker at a service station and demanded money.

The 37-year-old male worker refused and the male allegedly ran from the store, leaving in a stolen Volkswagon Amarok.

CCTV footage shows two people entering the service station while the driver remained in the stolen Amarok. The service station attendant threw what appears to be a stapler at one of the people, who retreated backwards. The second person continued forward to the counter and attempted to go behind the counter when the service station attendant picked up a metal stool and threw it, which was enough for them to quickly retreat. The second person was waving what looked to be a metal object. The stolen Amarok then sped off from the service station. It is unknown which of the three in the footage is the 17-year-old who has been arrested.

The worker was not physically injured.

It will be further alleged a short time later the teenager was involved in a break in at a Grandview Drive convenience store in Mount Pleasant, where property was stolen.

The stolen Volkswagon was later located burnt out at West Mackay.

The 17-year-old has been charged with one count each of attempted armed robbery (in company), unlawful use of a motor vehicle, enter premise with intent to commit indictable offence, stealing and arson.

He will appear before Mackay Children’s Court.

Investigations are ongoing.

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CCTV footage captured the moment two people allegedly entered a service station in Marian, a 17-year-old has been charged with the intent to commit an indictable offence among other charges

The development of Mackay Regional Council’s Mackay Parking app has been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.

As a result, parking in Mackay’s four off-street paid car parks will be free until the end of July.

Council will inform the community when the app is available to download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store via its Facebook page.

The Mackay Parking app replaces PayStay and it allows one-off transactions, so users no longer need to carry a minimum amount of money on their digital wallet.

Long-term parking tickets will be available to purchase through the Mackay Parking app when it goes live. Long-term tickets will be $64 per month.

Parking fees for shorter periods will not change and are 70 cents per hour, and a maximum fee of $5 per day.

Parking tickets will also still be available through the manual ticket meters in Mid-City and Cinema car parks for those who do not want to use an app.

Residents who have money remaining on their PayStay wallet are encouraged to contact PayStay on 1300 322 111 to organise a refund.

For more information on the Mackay Parking app visit www.mackay.qld.gov.au/mackayparking or call 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

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It will be a night of delights when the City Centre comes alive for its first City Heart Fridays event tonight.

Music, dancing, eating, drinking, shopping and painting – take your pick – there’ll be something for everyone.

Mayor Greg Williamson said City Centre traders had come together to launch this amazing activation and the council was excited to support it.

“The City Centre has truly been coming alive over the past 12 months and these City Heart Fridays are taking advantage of how amazing the city looks at night,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Council, through the Activate My Place Grants program, has offered micro-grants of up to $1000 to small businesses in the city precinct and they are using these to hold these fun events.

“The first City Heart Fridays aims to attract more people into the City Centre so they can see how much is on offer,” he said.

This Friday is an extra-special celebration for M’Lady’s, who are celebrating 40 years of business in the city.

Jan Simpson and her sister Sue Walker began operating M’Lady’s Shoe Boutique in Centrepoint in 1982, initially focussing on quality shoes and accessories.

They have evolved to sell high-end fashion curated from around the globe, including shoes and accessories from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Nicaragua, remaining loyal to the City Centre throughout.

The public is invited to join M’Lady’s for a celebration commemorating its 40 years with nibbles, giveaways and a storewide sale, from 2pm until 7pm.

There are three new businesses that have opened their doors in July in the City Centre, including Bar 94, at 94 Wood St, Munch Munch Dumpling, at 98 Victoria St, and Wood St Cellars, at 54 Wood St.

People are invited to visit City Centre businesses on Friday, and can also join in the City Heart Fridays fun at the following locations:

Bohemian Elyse Monthly Sidewalk Markets from 5pm to 9pm

After Work Quickie Latin Paint and Sip, Bottletops and Brushes, 5.30pm to 7pm (Bookings essential $50)

Latin Sidewalk Dance Party, Coco Cubano, 6pm to 10pm

Fifth Lane Zappar Experience

The event will be on this Friday, July 22.

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The City Centre will come alive on Friday with the first of the City Heart Fridays events

One of my favourite pages of our weekly newspaper is our ‘Community Chat’ section.

It’s always somewhere between our general news and social pages because I feel it’s a good blend of both news and entertainment.

Our regular columnists are real estate expert, David Fisher, from Gardian Real Estate, then we have insight from well-known radio personalities, either Kaley, Scotty or Rach from Star 101.9 or Rob Kidd from 4MK, then we have a revolving councillor column from Mackay Regional Council.

Very different people with different things to say, and that’s what I love about it.

David Fisher, many of you will know, was a journalist for national media for many years before becoming the Editor of the Daily Mercury for more than four years. His columns are always a fantastic blend of hard-hitting and hilarious, delivering valuable insight into real estate in a light-hearted and entertaining way. I consider myself lucky to be on the receiving end of his cleverly curated stories every week.

Our radio stars, we hear their voices on the airwaves every day, then we get to read their thoughts in print. Kaley jumped at the opportunity to have me on her afternoon show earlier this month when I confessed to her that I preferred the cabbage blend over lettuce in burgers. She was horrified and asked if I liked the taste of feet! I’m just not a fan of soggy lettuce when it’s warm, at least the cabbage maintains a bit of crunch.

And Rob Kidd from 4MK, what can I say? Is there another person in Mackay who devotes themselves as much to the community as he does? From donating blood weekly to volunteering at the PCYC, he also volunteers with Meals on Wheels as well as on the microphone for a multitude of community events. I don’t know where he finds the time, but I sure do admire how much he cares about the people of Mackay.

This week’s Community Chat is spread over two pages on 16 and 17 because our columnists had so much to say! Marty Bella is this week’s councillor who discusses fashionable versus practical regarding jobs now or jobs for the future. It’s an interesting read.

Amanda

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It’s not normal to drive across the region at this time of year and see dormant mills in what should be the thick of the crush.

It’s certainly no secret that areas across Mackay and Plane Creek received totals up to 200mm in rainfall in the first two weeks of July, halting crushing at Plane Creek, Farleigh, Marian and Racecourse Mills for between seven and 14 days.

Plane Creek area was hit hardest, with low bagasse (mill fuel) stockpiles and boggy paddocks meaning that the mill needed to be very certain of a continuous cane supply before re-firing the boilers. This issue has arisen from the slow finish to the 2021 crush compounded by a slow start to this year’s crush, with Plane Creek Mill operating on low crush rates, giving them a negative position on their bagasse make.

Rain during the crush presents a few challenges for growers.

For a start, boggy paddocks mean there is a substantial casual harvest workforce left without sufficient work. Work might be able to be found in the sheds and around farms for a short while, but there is a limit to what can be done to support and retain that workforce we’ve worked so hard to attract.

To avoid the drama of bogging, there is then also additional labour switching to high flotation wet weather gear on tractors and harvesters. This will go on for a couple of weeks even when the paddocks have dried out just enough to harvest. Heavy machinery on wet soil can compact it, so growers will be doing what they can to fix that and retain soil health.

A sense of urgency is now upon us, to make the best of the remaining available crushing time. Thus far, we have only harvested around 10 per cent of the crop where in a normal year we should be looking at the very least 35 per cent. In a worst-case scenario, growers can let cane stand over to the next year: it’s a resilient crop. However, this is always an unknown as to how that will turn out, because you can’t be sure of the quality. There is every chance that sugar content (CCS) will be well below average.

With rain, cane switches from sugar creating mode to growth mode, which is beneficial in producing a bigger crop. On the flip side we really need to see that fine cool weather dominate from here on in to really bring the CCS up so that growers can make the most of what is a record year for world sugar prices.

Many growers will remember the very wet years of 1998 and, particularly, 2010. In 2010, where heavy rain dogged harvesting from August on, growers who had a lot of commitments in forward pricing had to "payback" money. Whilst this situation is still a long way off this year, the memory still resonates in growers’ minds when we experience wet conditions at this time of year.

The rain also means the crush will now definitely extend well into the heat of December.  There is scientific evidence that a long crush going well into December also impacts the longer-term profitability of cane farming, because it reduces the next year’s crop. You can’t control the weather, only work with it, but current circumstances once again raise the issue of the importance of mills doing everything they canto improve mill performance to shorten the crush season and hedge against the perils of climate impacts and anomalies like unseasonably wet tropical winters.

But here’s something of an optimistic outlook: crop estimates have increased by upwards of 10 per cent - and rising - on original expectations for this year’s harvest, so here’s hoping for good outcomes from weather and mill performance for the rest of the 2022 crush.

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There are boggy conditions around cane in many paddocks across the district. Pictures: Contributed