This week I want to focus on Airlie Beach, the holiday capital of Queensland. An area of natural beauty, ample opportunity and a community of doers that just get on with the job at hand. This collaboration and fostering of working relationships are key to our region’s growth.

As we look to casting our votes in a few weeks, it is time to take measure of what the role of an elected member actually is. For me, it is very clear. You work to serve the people you represent. Your word should be backed by your actions and this is something I’m willing to be judged on.

Politics should never serve as a platform for ‘pushing’ your own agenda. When an elected official fails to listen to their constituents on key issues; they are failing to do their job.

Spending the last 12 months engaging with Whitsunday residents and tourism operators, I am very much aware of the key issues and just as importantly the key opportunities for people living in this community.

As someone who manages projects for a living, I can honestly say I am excited by proposed infrastructure developments for the Whitsundays. I recently met with local tourism operators and land-based tourist attractions were at the forefront of the agenda. Our patch needs an attraction that will ensure people stay in the area while the weather is rough offshore.

Projects such as the Sky Rail, a Reef Discovery Centre (doubling as a cyclone shelter) and Indigenous Cultural Centre are just a few that will entice people to stay in Airlie Beach for longer. There is great potential here and I will be advocating for projects like these because local vision deserves to become local reality.

The reef is central to tourism, it supports 64,000 jobs in Queensland and generates $6.4 billion in income. Whitsunday Tourism is a huge part of this and preserving national assets like the Great Barrier Reef is an important part of Labor’s plan for a Future Made in Australia.

To immediately boost conservation efforts and jobs, Labor will commit $85 million to scale up ‘shovel-ready’ work for coral to coast reef resilience and land restoration projects in reef catchments. We’ve committed to funding the Reef 2050 program through to the end of the decade, committing an extra $63 million over the forward estimates. Australia’s incredible natural environment is part of who we are as a country and is a drawcard for tourists all over the world. We need to shore up the future of these natural assets just like we do other parts of the economy.

I will end this week’s column where I started; actions speak louder than words and the leaders of both parties have shown this.

In a clear demonstration that we are taken for granted and don’t matter, Morrison hasn’t set foot in the electorate. He’s flown over the top of us twice to Cairns for announcements. Then bunny hopped down the coastline for photo ops, skipping Dawson completely.  

Albo on the other hand, drove the length of Queensland recently. Spent three consecutive days in the Dawson electorate speaking with farmers in Bowen over a beer, had a working breakfast with tourism operators at the Coral Sea Resort and met with local industry and primary producers.

Only Labor will build a better future for the Whitsundays.

Advertising Feature

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The entire Greater Airlie Beach area was brought to a standstill last Thursday following a once in a generation, freak accident where a semi-trailer span off the road in wet conditions, slamming into power poles which then ricocheted across the road, completely preventing any traffic from passing by for over six hours.

The incident took place at 11am on Thursday, April 21 directly opposite Whitsunday Green Golf Course and near to the Whitsunday Transit bus depot on Shute Harbour Road.

Due to electrical wires traversing the road and laying upon the vehicle, it took some time to free the driver and the road was not opened until 7pm.

At this point the build-up of traffic had reached as far back as Mount Marlow near Proserpine and in the other direction it extended as far as Whitsunday Shopping Centre in Cannonvale – a total of about 10 kilometres.

Initially only one lane was re-opened, and it took until 10.30pm that night for all accumulated traffic to pass.

Proserpine Highschool students and some primary school students who live in Airlie Beach, Cannonvale and Jubilee Pocket were stranded on the other side of the incident, their buses unable to leave the Cannonvale depot and parents unable to pick them up.

During this time, kind volunteers, local schools and teachers all banded together to help students get comfortable while they endured the six-hour wait.

Pop-up sausage sizzles fed the hungry and a movie screening kept them entertained, meanwhile worried parents were appeased by regular communication from the schools, friends, and updates via social media throughout the event.

As soon as the road opened, Whitsunday Transit bus drivers were ready to leave Cannonvale and make the long trip to the respective schools before starting their drop-offs around 10pm instead of the usual 4pm.

Darren Crossley from Whitsunday Transit said he was incredibly proud of the whole Whitsunday Transit team.

“Our entire team from operations staff, office staff, workshop staff and of course our incredible driving team went above and beyond to ensure every child was transported home safely,” he said.

An incredible outpouring of thanks was also given by the community to school teachers who had stayed to look after children, as well as emergency services, Ergon Energy workers and of course the patient motorists who endured a long wait.

“We live in a region where we experience weather events, challenges with access and at times we feel the practical reality of the lack of equitable infrastructure,” said Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm.

“At times in life things just happen that are beyond our control - what is for sure is that as a community we band together.”

The scene of the accident: the jack-knifed semi-trailer in Cannonvale at 11am

Ergon Energy fixing power lines at the accident site at 10pm that evening

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Over 100 community members, health care professionals and local dignitaries gathered to celebrate the opening of Bowen’s first dedicated Mental Health Hub on Wednesday last week.

The new facility provides a central location for people to access a range of NDIS and government funded programs and services to improve mental wellbeing and contribute to suicide prevention.

Operated by leading not-for-profit charity, selectability, the Mental Health Hub means our regional town has the same services as an urban centre, and market research prior to its opening identified a demand for this.

“We surveyed Bowen residents before establishing the Mental Health Hub and 93 per cent of respondents believed there was a need for a purpose-built facility in the region,” said selectability Bowen Regional Coordinator, Luana Land.

“In addition, 85 per cent said they know someone who would have benefitted from our services in the past 12 months and 70 per cent said they would have benefitted personally.”

Ensuring people have access to high quality mental wellbeing and suicide prevention support in their local community was a priority for the organisation.

“Everyone has a right to access services locally and we look forward to working with residents and groups to ensure that our services are flexible and in line with the needs of the Bowen community,” said Ms Land.

“If anyone is seeking mental wellbeing or suicide prevention support, please contact the Hub or drop in to see the team. You don’t need an appointment.”

Acting Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Mike Brunker welcomed the opening of the Mental Health Hub and selectability’s commitment to improving the mental wellbeing of the region’s residents.

“Our diverse community needs access to the same mental health services available in larger regional centres. This new facility will provide locals with much needed support,” said Cr Brunker.

The Mental Health Hub is located 18 Herbert Street, Bowen.

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Local Councillors are concerned that a new 36-storey high-rise development could change Airlie Beach’s trademark ocean views and put extra stress on the intersection of Shingley Drive and Shute Harbour Road if plans go ahead for a 107-room luxury resort at the location.

The building plans for the Shingley Beach development request a height of 39 metres, which is 27 metres above the nominated height level and does not adhere to the Airlie Beach Town Plan development ideals.

“I am very concerned about this as we have not seen the full return of tourism yet and cannot see how we will manage that growth,” said Councillor Al Grundy.

“That intersection already requires treatment – why can’t we see applications come through that fit with the town plan instead?”

Located adjacent to Coral Sea Marina, the new complex would become a striking feature on the main road into Airlie Beach, and some concerned residents feel that the “magical moment you first see as you travel over the hill” will be changed forever.

One of these locals is Jack Stansfield who has owned a property at the neighbouring Marina Shores for the past 10 years and resided there personally for two.

“It will have a huge impact on the liveability of the area,” he said.

“My two major concerns are loss of aspect and over-shadowing of surrounding properties.”

He also believes the new development may lower the value of surrounding properties and ruin the privacy as well as create a vast amount of traffic during construction.

Council has been reviewing the development plans for the last year, considering factors such as increased traffic, capacity and height.

Whitsunday Regional Council Director Development Services Neil McGaffin said that it is not unusual for development submissions to ask for variations on nominated height levels.

“You will be able to see it,” he said.

“But it will not block out the entire view – there will still be sea vistas.”

“It will not be a complete eye sore because it has been designed so that the back of the building looks over the road and they want it to be as attractive as possible.”

Mr McGaffin did say, however, that there is nothing to stop the developers from on-selling the approved plans.

“Anybody that is in the property business wants to see it increase in value whether they keep it or sell it on is immaterial.”

A computer generated view of the new development at Shingley Beach

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Yuliia Kuzma spent four days travelling across war-torn Ukraine to bring her 12-year-old adopted son Maxim home to Proserpine last Thursday.

Separated by 13,000 kilometers for almost two years during the Covid pandemic and then by the outbreak of war in the Ukraine, Yuliia was finally reunited with Maxim – her biological nephew - in the city of Kremenchuk last week.

Yuliia Kuzma had been planning to bring her adopted son, Maxim, to Australia from the war-torn Ukraine since the early days of the Russian invasion.

Last week, the Proserpine mother made what she said was a “last minute decision” to travel overseas and retrieve the 12-year-old, booking tickets to Warsaw, Poland in mid-April.

From Warsaw, Ms Kuzma headed to the border with Ukraine travelling with another Ukrainian family, and she said the volunteers at the Polish border almost brought her to tears.

Giving away items such as clothes, toys, and even dog food to refuges and their pets as they crossed the border, it soon became clear to Ms Kuzma that she was about to travel into a war zone.

From here she journeyed by bus to the city of Lviv, and from Lviv, she caught a train to her destination, Kremenchuk.

She met with other men and women during the journey.

“They told me the horrible stories of what they had experienced. It’s very hard to hear and accept it, that it is happening,” Ms Kuzma said.

“To see this happening to my country - it is so sad.”

Maxim had been staying in Kremenchuk with a guardian – one of Ms Kuzma’s close friends – with the city relatively safe because of its hydroelectric station, which provides electricity for 40 per cent of the country.

It has been an asset the Ukrainian army have been eager to keep secured, although there are still “five or seven” bomb sirens each day.

The horror of war was pacified by a human moment when Ms Kuzma was reunited with Maxim.

“He rushed from the second floor to see me, there were hugs and cuddles – it was so wonderful,” Ms Kuzma said.

There was a 28-hour drive back to the Warsaw border, followed by a 24-hour flight before Maxim arrived in the heat of the Whitsundays – a change from the -2 degrees of the Ukraine-Poland border.

Ms Kuzma said there are new challenges for Maxim now, but they are good ones to have: he must grow accustomed to Australian food and learn English.

“Everything will be good, I know it, because my family is whole again” she said.

“I have to thank the people of Proserpine, because I feel I have been blessed with everything.”

Yuliia and Maxim Kuzma

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Are you interested in a new career?

The Mackay Jobs Fair will provide people looking for work with the chance to explore current job opportunities and connect job seekers with employers and employment service providers in the region.

All employers exhibiting at the Jobs Fair have job vacancies that they are looking to fill. The Mackay Fair is an opportunity for you to meet with employers and talk to them about real and current jobs, apprenticeships and training and career options in Mackay and the surrounding region.  

Not only are there jobs on offer, but there are also services available to help you find your next job. Take part in workshops for information and advice to improve your chances of getting a job or talk to a professional for résumé assistance, interview tips and job search techniques.

If you are struggling to find work, you can speak to local employment support services who can help you develop skills and confidence to increase your ability to gain employment faster.

To find out who is exhibiting at the Mackay Jobs Fair and to find out how to make your visit a success, go to dese.gov.au/MackayJF.

This event will follow the Queensland Government’s COVID Safe Event protocol. All attendees are required to be double vaccinated for COVID-19 and must be prepared to show vaccination status upon entry.

Event details

Date: Friday 29 April 2022

Timing: 10:00 am to 2:30 pm AEST

Location: Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC), 258 Alfred Street, Mackay, QLD, 4740

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Isaac’s premier art space will transform into a private collection of historical military memorabilia as a moving tribute to Australian and New Zealand service personal.

Moranbah’s Coalface Art Gallery will give visitors a chance to uncover stories of the sacrifices made during Australia’s military conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

The Anzac Day 2022 exhibition is an eclectic mix of memorabilia collected by local military history buff Dave Law.

The exhibition features items relating to the service of Australians and New Zealanders in military conflicts from World War I to more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and peacekeeping operations in the Middle East and East Timor.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker said Mr Law’s collection is a credit to his passion and tribute to the sacrifices of Australian and New Zealand service personal made for their respective nation’s way of life.

“The exhibition is an incredible way to intimately understand how important it is to preserve our military history and share it with all ages – especially the younger generation,” Mayor Baker said.

Mr Law has visited many famous battle sites over the years including Gallipoli, Fromelles, Passchendaele, Pozieres, and Villers-Bretonneux.

“In 2016 I went to Vietnam with a number of the 6RAR Delta Company Veterans for the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan,” Mr Law said.

“It is a great honour to walk in the footsteps of our forefathers and pay one’s respects to the many that have fallen for the freedoms and way of life we know today.

“This exhibition pays tribute to all men and women who have served in our defence forces.  We must never forget the sacrifices of the few for us all.”

Dave Law and Andrew Tomlinson from the Moranbah RSL Sub-Branch curated the exhibition, with support from ESS Support Services Worldwide and BMA Infrastructure and Asset Management.

Anzac Day 2022 will run from Tuesday, 19 April 2022 to Friday, 20 May 2022 at the Coalface Art Gallery, Monday to Friday between 8.30am to 5pm.

The exhibition will also be open for an hour following each of the dawn and morning services in Moranbah on Monday 25 April 2022.

Military memorabilia is on display at Moranbah’s Coalface Art Gallery. Image supplied Isaac Regional Council

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It’s a slam dunk!

The new full-sized basketball court at Northview Park is now open.

Located on Schapers Road, Glenella, the newly upgraded Northview Park is sure to be a favourite amongst Mackay families.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Northview Park was one of the region’s most popular parks and playgrounds.

“The installation of the new basketball court means there is now something for both older and younger age groups to enjoy,” he said.

This project was jointly funded by the Australian Government and Mackay Regional Council.

Australian Government funding of $305,000 was provided through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia.

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This week, the Mackay Chamber of Commerce held a candidate’s debate, and I wanted to cover a few key points on what’s important for our region, for the benefit of those who could not attend.

One key area of focus was, understandably, the economy.

We strengthen our economy by investing in the things that create jobs and provide more work for our local businesses. The big focus in the recent Budget was on investing in our regions with $1.7 billion for our region – Central and North Queensland – alone.

I’m excited about building dams like Urannah and we’ve committed half a billion dollars to that. Further north we’re also investing in Hells Gate Dam to the tune of $5.4 billion.

As I like to say, when you add water, everything grows – not just the high value agricultural products but all our other businesses grow from the flow-on effects - our cafes, accommodation houses, small businesses and manufacturers. Building Urannah Dam will have an amazing effect on our region and provide jobs for generations to come.

Many people are concerned about debt and rightly so. But when we were hit with the uncertainty of the global pandemic which forced the world to stop and lock away in our houses for months, the Liberal Nationals Government stepped up to save livelihoods.

Our pandemic support went out to 4,300 businesses in the Dawson electorate, and 17,900 people in Mackay, the Whitsundays, Bowen, the Burdekin and the southern suburbs of Townsville, who would have lost their jobs, got the JobKeeper payment to keep them connected to their place of work.

While some people will just see debt, I see that as an investment in the future. It was also so important for people to have that job security for the sake of their mental health.

There’s a lot of other support for our businesses in the form of tax incentives as well.

We’re continuing the popular Instant Asset Write-off. Businesses invest in eligible assets and they can write-off the full value on their tax. This measure stands to assist the 17,900 businesses we have in Dawson and I know many have already taken advantage of this.

There’s also a new 20 per cent bonus deduction for training and upskilling workers, and a digital technology boost of a 20 per cent deduction on expenses such as computers, accounting software, and cyber security.

When it comes to the household economy you can look forward to extended tax relief. There are two components – a $1,080 low and middle income offset and a $420 cost of living tax offset. Who benefits from that? Well in Dawson there are close to 67,000 people who will be eligible for tax relief of up to $1,500.

Strengthening and growing our economy is the foundation from which all else flows. We can only continue to invest in community facilities, roads, health and education if we get the dollars into the coffers.

Our region plays a huge role in doing that through our strong resources sector, with coal exports tipped to bring in $110 billion this year. Coal is only the second export commodity to hit over the $100 billion mark, the other being iron ore.

Let me finish on a sobering thought.

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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce was in Mackay last Tuesday to speak on several issues in the lead up to the May 21 election.

Mr Joyce’s first stop was Mackay Ring Road where he announced the Federal Government’s $33 billion commitment to road safety over the next four years.

The package includes $65.3 million for a new Heavy Vehicle Rest Areas Program to provide more vehicle rest areas on regional and rural roads, and to improve already existing heavy vehicle rest areas.

Announced in the 2022-23 budget, $180.1 million will be pledged to a Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Program to improve safety at level crossings across Australia.

Funding has also been extended for three road safety programs, including $12 million for the Road Safety Innovation Fund, $10 million for Driver Reviver Site Upgrades and $4 million for Road Safety Awareness and Enablers Fund.

Speaking in Mackay, Mr Joyce said the Government was increasing its focus on making Australia’s roads safer.

“We must do everything we can to reduce deaths on our roads and spare families from the immeasurable impact these tragedies have,” he said.

“Roads are the critical arteries of our nation, not only supporting the movement of people but facilitating the flow of goods and commodities from regional businesses to supermarkets and ports.”

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the program will benefit heavy vehicle drivers and the broader community by helping tackle fatigue and reducing the risk of crashes and high-risk behaviour.

“The new Heavy Vehicle Rest Area program builds on existing programs of investment to ensure the viability, safety, sustainability and efficiency of Australia’s road transport sector,” he said.

Later in the day, Mr Joyce met with Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee, Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, and LNP candidate for Dawson Andrew Willcox to announce a $5 million contribution toward wellness facilities in the Mackay region to benefit veterans, Defence personnel and their families.

Veteran Wellbeing Centres provide a space to better help connect veterans to extensive support and advocacy services which Mr Joyce says is critical.

“Australians would not have our way of life if it were not for past and present members of our Defence Force and their families,” he said.

“We must ensure they are supported.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said the $5 million in funding would be a welcome boost for veterans in the area.

“It’s part of our national approach to delivering integrated support services to veterans and their families by working with local organisations and the local defence and veteran community,” he said.

“Those on the ground know best what the community needs, and these centres are all about providing local solutions to local veteran issues.”

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry says we must always look after the men and women of our Defence forces and their families.

“Veteran wellness facilities are a vital hub for accessing health, education and employment support, and a place for our veterans and their families to connect with their mates,” she said.

“Today’s announcement will be fundamental in ensuring that local veterans can access a range of services right here in the Mackay region to help with their transition to civilian life.”

LNP candidate for Dawson Andrew Willcox says there are two projects in the Mackay region which could be supported.

“I am thrilled to see funding of up to $5 million which could be utilised to progress both the social and wellness centre proposed by Mackay RSL, and the PTSD Frontline proposal for a veterans hub at Kinchant Dam,” he said.

“These are great projects and I am keen to work with both proponents to ensure the maximum benefit for our veterans and their families.”

There will be a process in coming months to determine how funding will be allocated to achieve the best outcome for veterans in the Mackay region.

L-R Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce, LNP candidate for Dawson Andrew Willcox, Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, and Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz

L-R Andrew Willcox, Barnaby Joyce, RSL Mackay President Ken Higgins, and Michelle Landry with members of the RSL Mackay Subbranch. Photo: supplied

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Adrenaline pumping, crowds cheering, and the sound of thundering hooves on wet sand. You can already feel the surge of energy that’ll hit Mackay Harbour Beach this June when the city welcomes back one of its most highly anticipated and fun-loving spectacles: the Mackay Beach Horse Races.

Taking place on a long stretch of golden sand against a glistening Coral Sea backdrop, retired thoroughbreds, stock horses, quarter horses and mixed breeds alike will delight patrons as they battle it out for the coveted title, while a host of new sights, sounds, tastes and experiences are guaranteed to entertain and enamour all who participate.

As one of the region’s most highly anticipated and fun-loving events trots back into town, the Mackay Beach Horse Races has announced it will be shining a spotlight on the local community in 2022, with the addition of major sponsors from the region, fresh new beachside events, Aussie talent and local artisans taking centre stage in a major bid to highlight the Mackay community.

**Breakout box – can go anywhere

MAJOR PARTNERS, LOCAL BUSINESSES, AUSTRALIAN ARTISTS, BEACHSIDE PARTIES & FASHION SHOWS COME TOGETHER FOR THE RETURN OF MACKAY’S FAVOURITE COMMUNITY EVENT THIS 10-12 JUNE.

Event organisers previously announced a key partnership deal, with Mackay Airport signing on as Major Presenting Partner for the iconic, one-of-a-kind event, ensuring punters from across Australia - and the world - have stress free access to one of the country’s most beautiful beachfront locations.

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the Beach Horse Races, founded by the late Mick Pope, really was an “event like no other”. He said the event turned a national and even international spotlight on the Mackay region and would be a drawcard for visitors.

“The Mackay community loves this event, and everyone has been patiently awaiting its return,” he said.

“The event has something for everyone and our region is ready to welcome it back to our social calendar.”

Garry Porter, North Queensland Airports Chief Operations Officer said, “Mackay Airport is pleased to be a major presenting partner of the Mackay Beach Horse Races for 2022.

“Major events are key drivers of visitation to regional Australia and having an iconic event like this back on the Mackay events calendar will certainly boost visitor numbers and support the local economy.”

The Mackay Beach Horse Races will also welcome the region's most beloved boutique restaurant to the family.

The Dispensary is managing the VIP Deck (located on the finish line) and doing what they do best – exceptional food, beverages and service.

“This is the first year The Dispensary has been involved in the Mackay Beach Races with the desire to create an event that no one other than The Dispensary can deliver!” said The Dispensary’s Operations Manager Adrian Connors.

Mackay Surf Club offers a further VIP option for racegoers, pairing great views of the starting line with an extensive array of share platters, including hot and cold seafood options.

The community spirit continues with fashion shows set to highlight local designers and talent, pop-up food vendors offering local food options for all budgets and of course - the beach races!

ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT

Australian artists from around the country will also descend upon Mackay for a series of live music events where local DJs will perform alongside major names from the Australian dance scene in a brand new pop-up Beach Club venue.

Australian producer, DJ, and vocalist Stace Cadet who has made a name for himself by creating music that promotes a joyous, euphoric experience will headline the new pop-up event, following on from the success of his massive hit single ‘Energy’, which blew audiences away and charted 21 in triple j’s Hottest 100.

Whether it be festivals like Beyond The Valley, sidebyside, or some of the most infamous disco dens around Australia, Mell Hall has got your dance-floor covered, and this June, she’ll be taking control of the beach side city, too!

Mackay will also welcome Kiwi Born, Melbourne based producer/DJ royalty Jolyon Petch! Having spent the past few years dominating the ARIA club charts and finding support in artists like Don Diablo, Diplo, Afrojack and more, the club mainstayer is set to dominate the beachfront party.

Melbourne based producer and ARIA nominee SGT Slick will also land in Mackay after spending several years in the USA which included high profile gigs and residencies from Los Angeles to New York City, Las Vegas to San Francisco, Boston to Atlantic City and beyond.

Six piece Little Steely Brothers will also be paying tribute to the classic hits of LRB, Steely Dan, Doobie Bros and Eagles, as well as iconic tracks from Boz Scaggs, Jackson Browne, Mister Mister, Toto, Jimmy Buffett, Huey Lewis, Pablo Cruz, Oingo Boingo, America, Beach Boys, and many more with their live show ‘Sounds of the West Coast’.

Considered regional Queensland’s cheeky, coastal answer to the Melbourne Cup, where sand replaces turf and you’re as likely to see a Hawaiian shirt as a ball gown, formalities and pretensions will be left at the gate as the region gets ready to revel among pristine beach scenery from Friday, 10 to Sunday, 12 June.

Horse and rider nominations are now open via the event website (mackaybeachhorseraces.com.au), where expressions of interest can also be made by volunteers keen to enjoy the seaside mayhem, vendors seeking prime on-site activation real estate, and sponsors looking to align with an iconic regional event or snap up corporate boxes.

Ticketing packages designed to suit all budgets, appetites and vibes have officially been released with offerings ranging from premium dining and viewing experiences within the Mackay Surf Club and The Dispensary VIP Deck venues, to down-in-the-sand, Euro-style Beach Club celebrations. General Admission options are also available.

For more information, head to mackaybeachhorseraces.com.au

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It's a slam dunk!

The new full-sized basketball court at Northview Park is now open.

Located on Schapers Road, Glenella, the newly upgraded Northview Park is sure to be a favourite amongst Mackay families.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Northview Park was one of the region’s most popular parks and playgrounds.

“The installation of the new basketball court means there is now something for both older and younger age groups to enjoy,” he said.

This project was jointly funded by the Australian Government and Mackay Regional Council.

Australian Government funding of $305,000 was provided through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. This program supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia.

Works at Northview Park in Glenella are now complete

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Stage two of The Great Barrier Reef Arena (GBRA) Development has been announced, with the expansion looking to accommodate a broader range of multi-use facilities.

The new Community Sports and Training Facility will focus on women’s sport, indoor courts, regional programs, and an all-abilities training centre, providing facilities for everyone from local juniors to professional touring athletes.

Two of Australia’s most talented athletes were announced as GBRA’s inaugural ambassadors in Beth Mooney hot off Australia’s 2022 ICC Cricket World Cup win and local legend and Gold Coast Suns AFLW star, Lauren Bella.

Leaders of Mackay Netball, AFL, Cricket, Hockey, Queensland’s Sporting Wheelies Association, and other community organisations also attended to show their support of the development.

“Together with stage one, (stage 2) will cement Mackay as a premier regional Queensland location for multiple sports including cricket, AFL, netball, numerous disability sports, and grow our regional sporting economy,” said Harrup Park General Manager Adrian Young.

Harrup Park and Mackay Cricket Association Chairman Terry Doolan says stage two will directly complement and expand upon the opportunities provided by December’s completion of stage one.

“Together with hosting great events, we have an even stronger focus on participation, education, and skills development,” Mr Doolan said.

“Our growing regional population and central Queensland location sees Mackay ideally placed to become a vital regional centre for community sport, education, and training from grassroots to elite level for people of all abilities.

“With its large-scale multipurpose precinct and connection with a diverse range of popular sports, GBRA provides a perfect base for competition, camps, clinics, carnivals, education, and training.”

Before Beth Mooney and the Australian Cricket Team won The Ashes and the 2022 ICC Cricket World Cup, they played a three-match ODI series against India at GBRA in September last year, which Ms Mooney says was one of the best crowds she’s played in front of.

“The whole team was pumped that we were coming up here,” she said.

“Mackay was really important to impact that generation of people we perhaps might not have reached in the last couple of years.

“The thing that excites me about this project is the community feel of stage two.

“It’s just a really exciting time for this region and something I’m so happy to be supporting.”

Mackay local Lauren Bella thrilled crowds at Great Barrier Reef Arena earlier in the year with her outstanding capacity in the ruck and around the ground for the Gold Coast Suns and says she loves returning to Mackay to inspire the next generation.

“I started when I was 11 and now going back to my junior club, you can see how much Harrup Park and GBRA have progressed, it’s been amazing,” she said.

Sporting Wheelies CEO Amanda Mather says the new GBRA Facility will be a perfect location to inspire the next generation of Paralympians.

“There’s so many opportunities to bring more of our great parasports into this region,” she said.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson says he is proud that Harrup Park’s development is locally driven to benefit locals.

“I’ve seen, over the past decade, the passion and the drive that has taken what was a normal community cricket ground into what we are seeing developed today,” he said.

“We are seeing the best facilities coming to our town here at Harrup Park.”

The new Community Sports and Training Facility will include high ball courts and spectator seating, a gym, indoor training facilities, accommodation for regional sporting program participants, administration offices, and fully accessible indoor training facilities and construction is estimated to cost approximately $15-20 million.

L-R Harrup Park General Manager Adrian Young, Great Barrier Reef Arena Arena and Facilities Manager John Stock, Australian Cricketer Beth Mooney, Mackay Netball Association President Lyn Law, Mackay Netball Association chairman Allison Bugeja, Gold Coast Suns player Lauren Bella, Sporting Wheelies CEO Amanda Mather, Labor Candidate for Dawson Shane Hamilton, Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, and Harrup Park and Mackay Cricket Association Chairman Terry Doolan. Photo: Sam Gillespie

Great Barrier Reef Arena’s Stage 2 development will complement current developments and include indoor courts, accommodation, all-abilities facilities, and more. Images: supplied

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A new mural has been funded through the Mackay Regional Council AMP grant to breathe fresh life into a dull part of the CBD, adding to the city’s colourful laneway culture.

The location of the new artwork will be in the 9th Lane at the back of the 9th Lane Coffee Shop (Ninth Lane Grind).

Unfortunately, this project had been held up due to covid restrictions over the past year, so the project coordinator Jodie Connolly is excited that it has started to take shape this week.

The artist who is currently in Mackay, is a well-established muralist and place maker from regional NSW and goes by the street art name of “Happy Decay” (Bjarni Wark).

Jodie and Bjarni have been planning this mural since June last year and are looking forward to bringing some colour into a new area of the CBD.

“Off the back of winning a GOLD award for the ‘Best Australian Laneway’, at the Australian Street Art Awards 2022, we are delighted to be activating another space that can be enjoyed by the public,” Ms Connolly said.

“The work will be themed around the reef and the wonderfully coloured creatures that live in the ecosystem. The work is going to be extremely bright and serve as a reminder that we live in a beautiful area with incredible natural beauty that we need to look after.

“While there will be no formal community engagement for this while Bjarni is here, the public are welcome to pop into the CBD and the 9th Lane, grab something to eat or drink, do some shopping and visit the artists while they are working.”

To find out more about what is going on, please visit the Mackay Laneway Project on Facebook.

Bjarni Wark is Happy Decay

A mural pathway created by Happy Decay in Sydney. Images supplied: Happy Decay

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Holy Spirit College, a Catholic co-educational College for Years 7 to 12, welcomes you to their Year 7 in 2023 Information Evening next Thursday 28 April, 5:30pm – 7:30pm. As you learn about the College, there will be family fun activities and a free sausage sizzle.

After 25 years in the Mackay community, Holy Spirit College continues to welcome all types of learners as they are nurtured and given every opportunity to develop their God-given gifts. Skilled and professional staff offer a quality education and extra-curricular opportunities in the areas of sport, culture, service, STEM and academic development.

Mrs Alison Wales, Principal, said “The College strives to achieve a sense of positive community for all, laying the foundation for a successful and fulfilling future for students. Year 7 students are welcomed into Holy Spirit College with experiences designed to make their transition into high school a positive, supportive and enjoyable occasion.”

Students are based in the Year 7 Hub which features a central courtyard and flexible learning, gathering and performance areas. Each room is fully equipped with a digital device for each student. This dedicated Year 7 Precinct also provides students with their home-base and sense of security that will then support them to expand their horizons as they move out and across the campus to participate in the full range of learning opportunities available at HSC.

Our Year 7 Transition Program is designed to provide a breadth of curriculum experience across all Learning Areas, while supporting students to make the change to secondary learning. A Core Teacher, who has pastoral as well as academic oversight of each class, provides support to students and their families. All students study a Core of subjects for the whole year with Rotational term subjects drawn from The Arts, Technologies, Language and Business Learning Areas.

Years 7 and 8 students at Holy Spirit College (HSC), are mentored by Year 12 students through the Adopt-A-Class program. Every week, during their morning Pastoral Care Group class, HSC’s youngest students are guided by Senior students through positive interactions like games and Q&A sessions. This program allows our Years 7 and 8 students to develop appropriate and supportive connections with our Senior students who look out for them and quickly become role models – inspiring them to find their own unique path into young adulthood.

The Year 7 Welcome BBQ is an annual event held for all Year 7 students and their families at the Bluewater Lagoon. This event is an opportunity for parents to meet other parents and teachers of Year 7 and provide an opportunity for students to bond and get to know other students who have joined us from other schools and locations, allowing them to establish a wider circle of friends.

As part of the Holy Spirit College Year 7 Pastoral Care program, students take part in a Team Building Day at Seaforth Pines Outdoor Education Centre and a Pastoral Care Activity Day at Holy Spirit College. The students will participate in a range of team building and leadership activities and a series of physical activities to develop bonding and team spirit among the Year 7 Pastoral Care Groups. Students will also develop group cooperation, trust, communication skills and problem solving skills.

For more information, contact: Natasha McCallum, Media & Communications Officer, Holy Spirit College, Ph: 07 4994 8600 Email: media@hsc.qld.edu.au

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