“My husband’s motorbike is literally a puddle with a chain sitting on top.”

A family lost the entire contents of their rural shed near Sarina earlier this week, when a fully involved blaze engulfed a shed on West Plane Creek Road.

Property occupant Katya Galley said on a Facebook post that she was thankful to the emergency services (firefighters, ambulance and police) for their care.

“We woke up to the sound of the solar panels and other stuff exploding,” she said.

“A granite sink that was going into our kitchen in coming weeks even exploded.

“Nothing is recognisable.”

Ms Galley said the fire was extinguished within half an hour and that emergency services and Ergon stayed to ensure their power supply was safe.

She said the cause of the fire was unknown.

What was left after a fire destroyed a shed on West Plane Creek Road in the early hours of Monday morning, June 20. Photo credit: Katya Galley

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Men’s Sheds from across the region kicked off Men’s Health Week with a display of man-made handiworks in the Jubilee Community Centre.

Iona West Men’s Shed, Sarina & District Men's Shed and the newly formed Mackay Men’s Shed all contributed meticulously handcrafted items including toys, clocks, fishing lures, walking sticks, furniture and more to the display.

The works are inspired by the 2022 Men’s Health Week theme, “building healthy environments for men and boys”, which is what Allen Grant from Iona West Men’s Shed said they strive to do.

“We build a lot of projects, so we try to encourage men to come,” Mr Grant said.

“There’s a lot of men who have a lot of talents out there and they finish work and then the talents disappear.”

Mr Grant said Men’s Sheds also provide men with physical and mental health information.

“Nurses come down and talk to the guys about how to look after themselves – we find it’s very positive for guys to come down,” Mr Grant said.

“You don’t have to come and do all these jobs; you can come and have a cup of coffee and talk to the guys.”

Pointing to his heart and his head, Mr Grant said, “It does you good in here and good up here that you’re volunteering and giving something back to the community.”

Rob Foot of Mackay Men’s Shed has been retired for six years and involved in Men’s Sheds for five of those and specialises in carving walking sticks and fishing lures.

“I have an absolute ball,” Mr Foot said.

“Other people go along just to have a cup of tea or coffee with their mates.

“It’s a real breath of fresh air.

“There’s all walks of life, from doctors down to labourers, and we’re all as one, shoulder to shoulder, and they do a very good job in society.”

Men’s sheds are available to people 18 and over and Rob said he’s seen many examples of troubled youth work alongside Men’s Sheds to get their lives back on track.

“We’ve fostered them along and you see them six months down the track on the right track and going well within society,” he said.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said Men’s Sheds play a vital role in maintaining men’s health.

“When you think about the stats, they’re quite alarming,” Mr Williamson said, referring to the fact that women outlive men by about five years.

The three leading causes of death in men are cardiovascular disease, motor vehicle accidents and suicide.

“We, as a community, can do something about and we should,” Mr Williamson said.

“Men’s sheds are really important and help to get guys back out into an activity that they probably thought they didn’t have much interest in before.”

“When you see what the men’s sheds are producing today and how they actually work as a networking environment for people in our community, it’s a fabulous thing.”

“The organisations that actually invite you along and say ‘hey, tell us your story,’ it tends to get people to open up,”

“If blokes can learn to talk about their problems, then perhaps we can drive the suicide rate down.”

Reach out to your local Men’s Shed to find out more about getting involved.

Today is your last chance to see the display at the Jubilee Community Centre, located in the council’s Civic Precinct area on Gordon Street.

L-R Councillor Laurence Bonaventura, Mayor Greg Williamson, Councillor Pauline Townsend, Rob Foot and Allen Grant peruse the handiworks of Mackay’s Men’s Sheds. Photo credit: Sam GIllespie

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With many communities dotted along the Mackay and Isaac coastline, Mackay Regional Council is taking action to better understand and prepare for the effects that climate change will have.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council had been awarded funding to undertake a coastal hazard adaptation study to help identify and prepare for future impacts associated with coastal hazards.

“Council’s Mackay Coast Our Future study will improve our understanding of coastal hazards and provide a proactive plan to manage the impact of coastal hazards on our communities, environment, cultural values and built assets,” Mayor Greg Williamson said.

“We’ve appointed consulting company Alluvium to assist us with the study,” he said.

“The study will be undertaken over the next twelve months and will address issues such as coastal erosion, coastal flooding and rising sea levels.”

The Mackay Coast Our Future study will focus on the following areas:

•Coastal values: What communities and stakeholders value most about living near the Mackay coast and how we currently use the coast, what we value about our coastlines and how we connect with them.

•Coastal hazard risk: Current and future risks of erosion and flooding, and how this may impact our coastal values.

•Adaptation options: The range of adaptation options available to assist council in avoiding, mitigating and managing coastal hazard risks, and the appropriateness of each option for different locations along the coastline.

Mayor Williamson said community views were also an important part of the study.  

“Our current focus is on getting out into the community to understand key issues and values and to gain more knowledge about the history of our coastline,” he said.

“Over the next month our project team will be out and about talking to interested residents about the project and asking important questions such as how locals currently use and enjoy the coast, and what important historical events have helped shape the coastline over time.”

The public can complete the community values survey online and subscribe to update emails to stay informed on the project’s progress and public events by visiting connectingmackay.com.au/future-coast.

Lamberts Beach

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Whitsunday-based business Holiday in the Whitsundays has an offer for sports teams across the region: come party on Airlie Beach’s main strip with your entire squad.

Able to host 29 people under one roof, the company’s accommodation Airlie Sun and Sands is perfect for not just nights out with teammates, but for the ultimate stag-do, hens’ night, birthday, or just a big night out in a one-of-a-kind extravaganza.

With a terrace overlooking the Airlie Beach main street and the entire town at your fingertips, the accommodation is a unique set of studio rooms above Garuma café and across from the Airlie Beach Lagoon.

Best of all, it’s located smack dab in the middle of town, well within walking distance from every pub, club, and restaurant on the strip.

Its large decking that overlooks the main street is perfect for large-scale hangouts with mates. Featuring a barbecue, bar fridge, smart TV, party lights and more on the spacious deck, it’s a dream party palace.

Airlie Sun and Sands is the perfect launching pad to spend a night bar hopping, and the best crash pad once the party night turns into a sleepy morning.

The one-stop accommodation is for those special occasions that just need good music, great friends, and magical views across the Airlie Esplanade.

With long tables perfect for big dinners – sausage sizzle, anyone? – this place can be brimming with beer and laughter and is certainly perfect for your sporting group to get together to celebrate a successful campaign on the pitch with a lively weekend on the town.

A barbeque with a view is what this destination is all about: celebration!

Invite your extended family for a night on the terrace, enjoy the Airlie Beach sunset and catch up with old friends, teammates, or just about anyone.

Available for big group bookings and small intimate occasions, Airlie Sun and Sand is versatile and adaptable to all groups and moods – a team of travellers or a romancing couple.

Holiday In The Whitsundays have you covered, whatever your needs – give them a ring on 0448 253 469.

Airlie Beach Sun and Sands is party central on Airlie Beach’s main strip

The venue can host a birthday bash, your themed pirate party, or a sports team looking to launch to pubs and clubs across town

It’s the perfect destination for any need, right in the heart of Airlie Beach

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When the supermarket shelves are looking dire, it’s not the end of the world as some may think.

Cliff Ward of George Street Butcher Shoppe says your local butcher will always have a supply, and the quality is incomparable.

“We do all our production in-store – that’s the difference between supermarkets and butchers,” said Cliff.

“If you look at the price per kilo, if you’re getting more quality from a butcher, you’re way ahead.”

“A butcher is guaranteeing the quality, and they do that by processing everything in-store.”

The team at George Street Butcher Shoppe pride themselves in processing their huge range of meat products in-store, whether that be smoking their own ham and bacon, rolling and hand-stitching their own roasts or making beer sticks, kabana and sausages the old-fashioned way.

“We make a proper sausage manually, with no big machines to do it for us, and do it all the old way, in the hog skin and hand linked,” said Cliff.

“That’s where you get your quality, from processing in-store as well as buying quality product.

“We can select our quality product; we shop around through wholesalers and buy what we think is the best product for the consumer.”

George Street Butcher Shoppe also produces their own beef through a property at Bloomsbury.

Cliff says small business is essential in the local economy and has first-year apprentice Zane on board, ensuring the future of the butcher industry.

“If there’s no young people coming on and doing trades, then there’s no future,” he said.

“If you shop locally, you’re guaranteeing a future, so the next generation has a fresh supply of meat.”

Explore the huge range of meat and smallgoods at George Street Butcher Shoppe located at 26 George St, Mackay.

First-year apprentice Zane is the future of the butcher industry

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Whitsunday Anglican School Students took to the stage amongst a flurry of colour, music and house spirit last Tuesday for the 2022 House Choir Competition.

A much-loved feature on the school’s calendar, the competition sees Junior and Senior School students perform a song they have been practicing all term.

In a great display of Junior and Senior School synergy, Senior students mentored younger performers throughout the term, guiding and coordinating rehearsals.

All houses delivered outstanding performances with Charles House crowned the 2022 House Choir Champions.

Junior and Senior School dressed up and sung their hearts out at the 2022 House Choir Competition last week. Photos supplied

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Preparing children for school can be a particularly daunting experience for the parents of children living with a disability.

The Victoria Park State School Early Childhood Development Program (ECDP) provides early intervention for children from birth to five years who have a suspected or diagnosed disability, supporting skills and behaviour development to successfully transition children into prep and maximise participation in schooling.

Head of Special Education Olivia Burford said early intervention is key for giving children the skills they may be missing in preparation for schooling.

“We see a higher success rate than those who haven’t gone through early intervention,” Mrs Burford said.

ECDP also liaise with daycares, kindergartens and schools throughout the community, ensuring a holistic approach to a child’s early development.

“We prepare the school so that they are ready for the children to transition into the classroom and school environment, regardless of their disability,” Mrs Burford said.

The program is free for eligible children with visual, hearing, physical, speech and language impairments and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Programs are run in groups of a maximum of six and focus on communication, self-care and independence, incorporating singing, story time, gross motor obstacle courses and fine motor activities.

“What each of those activities looks like for each child is very different,” said ECDP Teacher Kylie Elkins.

“Although we have a general program, it’s quite individualised depending on what our children’s needs are.”

ECDP also holds weekly playgroups, providing a space for parents to meet fellow parents and liaise with staff and experts.

“We’ve had many kids over the years transition well and the feedback we’ve received from many schools has always been positive,” said Mrs Burford.

ECDP has centres at Victoria Park State School and West Mackay State School.

They are currently raising funds for the purchase of specialised toys and equipment as well as professional development for their staff.

For more information, contact ECDP at mackayecdp@victoriaparkss.eq.edu.au.

To make a donation, contact the Victoria Park State School P&C Association by emailing pandc@victoriaparkss.eq.edu.au.

ECDP uses a variety of activities to prepare children living with a disability for prep. Photo supplied: Olivia Burford

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Following a 10-year coal royalty freeze in Queensland, new progressive rates will support state-wide investment, reflecting unprecedented pricing and revenues being collected by multinational coal companies.

Treasurer Cameron Dick said the new progressive royalty regime will minimise impacts on the coal industry yet deliver $1.2 billion in revenue to support regional Queensland.

“The budget provides more than $4 billion dedicated to hospitals in regional Queensland, including a new hospital for Moranbah, and major expansions for Mackay,” Treasurer Dick said.

Mackay will gain 128 extra hospital beds as the State Government embarks on the biggest expansion program ever seen in a State Budget focused squarely on health.

The $9.78 billion hospital and health infrastructure plan will include a $250 million investment to expand the Mackay Hospital by 2026.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the State Budget showed the government is acting to address a health bottleneck being experienced in every state in Australia.

“We are acting on a solution and part of that is investing in more health services and health infrastructure for Mackay,” the Premier said.

“We’re delivering more beds, more doctors, more nurses and more ambos.”

Member for Mackay Julianne Gilbert said an expanded hospital was vital for the region.

“More people are moving here which means we need more hospital beds to deliver the services we need,” Ms Gilbert said.

The new Sarina Hospital will also receive $20.6m this year.

As well as health, Mackay featured in transport and infrastructure spending.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the seventh record roads and transport budget in a row is helping to build an even more impressive pipeline of projects.

“Queensland is growing rapidly, with our world leading pandemic response making our state the place to be, but we know we need infrastructure to support this growth and that’s what this budget delivers for Queenslanders,” Mr Bailey said.

Assistant Regional Roads and Train Manufacturing Minister Bruce Saunders said major regional corridors such as the Bruce Highway are getting further significant investment, improving capacity, flood immunity and road safety.

“More than half of this record-breaking investment will directly support regional Queensland, with over $18 billion worth of road and transport projects being delivered outside the Brisbane region,” Mr Saunders said.

“This includes funding for major regional projects like the $350 million Mackay Port Access Road.”

Other key investments for the Mackay region included $497.4 million Mackay Ring Road (Stage 1), including works between the intersection of the Mackay Ring Road and Bald Hill Road, $186.6 million Walkerston Bypass, $144.6 million Mackay Northern Access upgrade, $35 million Peak Downs Highway (Clermont - Nebo), Wuthung Road to Caval Ridge Mine widening and strengthening pavement, $23 million Bruce Highway (Mackay - Proserpine), Jumper Creek flood immunity upgrade.

Almost $80 million will be invested in growing and transforming Queensland’s resources sector which includes $5.7 million over three years to add a future industries delivery hub to the existing Resources Centre of Excellence in Mackay.

The record police budget means that for the first time ever more than $3 billion will be invested in better policing services, which will include upgraded police facilities in Mackay, while $23.7m has been allocated to provide social housing across the region.

Resource Industry Network (RIN) says this week’s State Budget announcement that mining royalties are set to increase progressively based coal prices needs to come with a guarantee - to return the difference in royalties to the regions that generate the wealth.

In the last financial year, resources boosted the Queensland economy by a whopping $84.3 billion, with the Mackay region contributing a significant $18 billion of this total.

RIN General Manager Dean Kirkwood said as the industry moved into a new era of carbon neutral mining, it was essential that the regions driving the innovative solutions to make this happen, were supported in their journey.

“Investing in the regions just makes sense when it comes to delivering net zero solutions. The Mackay region, including Isaac and Whitsunday, has the capability and experience to fast track the new mineral economy,” he said.

“Given that resources account for one in every $5 spent in the Queensland economy, investing the royalties back into a region that’s embracing new industries and advanced manufacturing is vital.

“It means we can continue to be at the forefront of global mining innovation and technology, and as a result, allow Queensland to benefit and prosper from our immense natural resources,” Mr Kirkwood said.

Treasurer Cameron Dick and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk delivered the State Budget on Tuesday 21 June

Member or Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said Mackay Hospital will be expanded and an additional 128 new hospital beds added as part of the State Budget

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A new generation of ‘boomers’ are entering the world, with Mater Private Hospital Mackay breaking records last month, with 50 newborns welcomed at the North Mackay maternity service.

While it could be the result of lockdowns and lack of travel resulting in the flourish of births, Mater Private Hospital Mackay Executive Officer Elizabeth Thomas said a number of factors could be in the mix.

“There could be a variety of reasons for the increase in the number of babies, including a rise people moving to the region for work in the resources sector or more couples seeking a private hospital experience for their birth,” she said.

“It could also be a pure coincidence. Whatever the reason, it’s exciting to have so many new babies and mums filling our maternity wards.”

Hospital midwife Amy Kinlyside contributed to the record-breaking cohort with her baby boy, Hayes, amongst 25 boys born during the month of May.

In reversal of her usual role, Mrs Kinlyside, 28, said she was excited to be one of the mums creating the May baby boom at Mater.

“Sometimes the knowledge of being a midwife can make the birth hard, but knowing the other midwives personally made me feel safe and made the experience great,” said Mrs Kinlyside, a mother of three.

“I feel like it makes my place at Mater even more special.

“I’ve worked in a lot of different areas during my 11 years working at the hospital and being a midwife is my favourite position. I enjoy helping parents with their new babies and bringing new life into the world.”

Mater Private Hospital Mackay Executive Officer Elizabeth Thomas said the baby boom was unusual at this time of year.

“We usually see 35 - 37 babies born a month, but 50 is definitely the highest number we’ve seen in a very long time,” Ms Thomas said.

“We usually see high numbers around September, October and December so to have such a large number in May is really unusual.”

Baby Hayes and his mother, Amy Kinlyside, contributed to the record-number of babies born at Mater Private Hospital Mackay last month. Photos supplied

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A donation of two defibrillators was made to two Mackay organisations thanks to Mackay District Freemasons last week.

Mackay District Senior Citizens Club and MADEC were the beneficiaries of the defibrillators, a donation coordinated by Alan Hutchison.

RW Bro Chris Devine CSM PAGM of the Grand Lodge in Brisbane made the trip to Mackay to present the defibrillators, saying the program came after rolling out defibrillators to all Masonic centres in Queensland and Papua New Guinea.

“I suggested that we order several units in excess of what the requirements were in order to create a bit of activity in the community for Freemasonry,” said Mr Devine.

“With that in mind, we ordered 10 or a dozen extra units.”

Freemasons donated units to organisations in Dalby, Maryborough, Kingaroy and Beerburrum before Mr Hutchison suggested to Mr Devine that Mackay District Senior Citizens Club and MADEC could benefit from the program.

Mackay District Senior Citizens Club President Charlie Symons says defibrillators will make a huge difference.

“It’s something that was brought up about five or six years ago … how many more lives could be saved by having a defibrillator rather than just the use of CPR?” he said.

“It’s something that is needed, and I can’t thank Alan enough.”

MADEC Community Development Manager Karen Bonham says that, as an NDIS registered disability support service, the NDIS covers staff hours and basic equipment.

“What’s missing from that is extended items like defibrillators which providers need to come up with themselves,” she said.

“This will make a significant difference to psychological safety for our clients.”

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson also spoke at the presentation, saying the Freemasons have been contributing to the community for quite some time.

“The demonstration of this today is just an example of what the brethren of the Masonic fraternity in our community have been doing … quite unsung in our community.”

Mr Williamson also assisted in demonstrating the correct use of defibrillators, presented by Professor Manjit Pawar.

Mr Devine said coordinating the donation and presentation has taken seven months and it’s all thanks to the work of Mr Hutchison.

“It does my heart good to know that we’re having some effect in the community and that Freemasonry isn’t really a secret society with funny rituals and devil worshippers which we’ve been blamed for in the past,” said Mr Devine.

“We’re an organisation that likes to build better men and show

L-R Chris and Maria Devine, Rob Lucas, Charlie Symons, Alan Hutchison, Karen Bonham and Greg Williamson showing off the new defibrillators presented to Mackay District Senior Citizens Club and MADEC

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Finding employment can be challenging for many people and for migrants, the challenge is even greater. But the good news is there is support available.  

Helen Daly, Program Coordinator at The Neighbourhood Hub said, "In our work with the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community we have learnt that there is an untapped resource of professionally skilled migrants who are eager to work, but in some cases lack the confidence to get out there and apply for the jobs they are interested in."

The Neighbourhood Hub's Multicultural Employment Support program helps those seeking work to build confidence, make industry contacts, connect to training opportunities and build interview skills.

"We have been lucky to have the support of Mackay Regional Council and Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal who have recognised the challenges faced and have both made opportunities available for our program participants," said Ms Daly.

The Neighbourhood Hub has many other programs available to support migrants living in Mackay who may need help settling in.

"We can provide advocacy and support, opportunities to connect socially through our Monday and Friday social catch-ups, education on local disaster preparation, skills for safety, a Prep Ready class for 3-5-year-olds, playgroups and we also run a course to help people get their driver’s licence,” Ms Daly said.

The program has assisted countless participants including Elsa, who came to the program with a degree in Economics from China but no work experience in Australia.

Through The Neighbourhood Hub's employment support program Elsa undertook a work experience placement at the Mackay Regional Council and has since secured paid employment.

If anyone would like more information on how The Neighbourhood Hub may be able to help, please call (07) 49572626 and check out their Facebook page.

Contributed by Helen Daly

The Neighbourhood Hub's Multicultural Employment Support program has assisted Elsa and countless others find full-time work in Mackay. Picture: supplied.

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One of the region’s most exciting future leisure destinations has now been designed, with plans showing an all-abilities water play area taking centre stage at Seaforth’s new Esplanade recreation hub.

Mayor Greg Williamson said plans for an all-abilities water play area and new play spaces that cater for a range of ages were just some of the highlights of the detailed design.

“Council has been working closely with the Hibiscus Coast Progress and Sports Association to develop a plan that will transform the Seaforth Esplanade Reserve into an area where residents can create cherished memories with their families,” he said.

“The new recreation hub will showcase Seaforth’s swimming enclosure as its centrepiece.

“A new barbecue and picnic area will overlook the swimming enclosure and will provide visitors with the opportunity to relax and take in the scenery from sun lounges,” he added.

“On the foreshore we will install new playground facilities that appeal to a wide range of ages, a coastal walk linking Elizabeth Street to Poinciana Street, CCTV cameras, and new and improved amenities with adjoining path connections.”

Mayor Williamson said one of the most exciting new aspects of the project is the plan to create an all-abilities water play area to replace the old wading pool.

“This new attraction incorporates an oversized splash pad area with various water jets and sprays modelled on local marine life and corals, as well as a 15cm shallow pool that will mimic the ocean’s tidal movements,” he said.

Mayor Greg Williamson added that the focus on inclusivity would not be limited to the water play area.

“We will also be installing Changing Places facilities, which disabled adults can use to get dressed, as well as wheelchair and ambulant toilet facilities in addition to general male and female changing rooms,” he said.

“There will be all-abilities ramped access to the beachfront and new disabled parking as part of a larger extension to the existing car park area.”

The Esplanade’s mango trees will be protected along with the magnificent Karri Pines as iconic features of the reserve.

Construction is expected to commence mid-year, weather permitting.

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government’s Works for Queensland Program in association with Mackay Regional Council.

For more information on this project visit connectingmackay.com.au/seaforth-esplanade and subscribe to the project update emails.

Detailed design for Seaforth Esplanade Reserve (for illustrative purposes only)

Detailed design of the water play area at Seaforth Esplanade Reserve (for illustrative purposes only). Images supplied: Mackay Regional Council

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Mackay Regional Council delivered its 2022-2023 budget during a special budget meeting last Wednesday (22 June) where rates were put under the spotlight.

The $302 million budget has been designed to ensure the Mackay region remains on track to become the best region for liveability and livelihood. Part of remaining strong financially meant that rates have been increased by 2.5 per cent across all categories.

Mackay Greg Williamson said the 2022-2023 budget delivered the essential services while planning for the region’s future.

“Council adopted a 2.5 per cent increase in rates revenue across all categories for 2022-2023,” Mayor Williamson said.

“This is lower than the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which for March was six per cent,” he said.

“The average residential ratepayer in Mackay will pay about $3048 for the 12 months.

“That is up from about $2967, so is an extra $81 for the year, or about $1.55 a week.”

Mayor Williamson said council has had to respond to some unique and challenging economic conditions in recent years.

“Council continues to face the same challenges as many businesses, including cost pressures, supply chain issues and labour shortages,” he said.

“This budget has been prepared with these challenges in mind to ensure that we have the adequate revenue to fund the expenditure that meets the needs of the community today and in the future.

“As a council, of course, it is important that we do not lose sight of delivering essential services such as roads, rubbish and service infrastructure like water and sewerage.

“But we also plan for the liveability projects that create opportunities for everyone in our region to thrive.”

Mayor Greg Williamson said this council was one of only a handful of local governments in Queensland which is in a financially strong position for the future.

“The long-term financial forecast indicates that council’s budget will remain in surplus with nominal budget surpluses forecasted every year over the next 10 years.”

FAST FACTS

If the rates increase will create a pinch in your pocket, there are a few factors to consider.

Many other regional councils don’t have water fees included in their rates, it’s often sent by a separate utility bill. If the $347 water access charge per annum was removed from rates, the annual rates would come down to $2,701 for the year.

Mackay Regional Council also services a large area in comparison to other regional councils. Mackay Regional Council’s coverage is 7,622 square kilometers, compared to Townsville with 3,736 or the Sunshine Coast at 2,883. However, Mackay has far less rateable properties to draw revenue from to service the large area, with just over 53,000 properties compared with Townsville’s 85,000 or the Sunshine Coast’s 149,000.

Extended Mackay Regional Council budget coverage will be provided in next week’s edition of Mackay Life, as the budget meeting was in progress when this publication went to print.

A rates increase of 2.5 per cent was adopted at this week’s Mackay Regional Council budget meeting

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A group of state high school students travelled to Whitehaven Beach on Tuesday to graduate from a new program which hoped to guide them in making better life choices.

Operation RESPECT brought together the grade 9 Proserpine State High School students and Police Sergeant Billy Li in a ten-week Police Youth Mentoring Program.

The local PCYC Whitsunday Manager and Police Officer taught the students alongside the state high school’s behaviour support teacher, Chris Lang.

Along with nine students, Sergeant Li and Mr Lang boarded the Whitsunday Water Police vessel Damian Leeding to enjoy a casual graduation on the silica sands of Whitehaven.

The group of boys had been promised that, at the end of their ten weeks of Operation RESPECT, they would travel aboard a policeboat to enjoy a barbecue and games at the famous beach – as well as a day off from school.

Sergeant Li ran the program which utilised interactive learning, leadership skills, decision making and problem-solving exercises, resilience training and family inclusive principles to guide his group.

The State School students spent two hours of the week with Sergeant Li undertaking activities that focused on topics from conversation skills, personal presentation and hygiene to healthy eating and mental fortitude.

This is the first time the program has been run in the region, with the group of Proserpine boys its first Whitsunday graduating class.

Sergeant Li said he has seen a change in behaviour in his RESPECT alumni now that they’ve completed the program.

“They all have improved concentration, behaviours, and found respect for themselves and other people, which is fantastic,” Sergeant Li said.

“They’ve commented on their behaviours being better at school and there’s also the positive interaction they’ve now had with a police officer.”

State High School teacher Mr Lang said this first iteration of the program – which ran over six months – had imparted different things for the nine “very different boys”.

“They’ve all gained something from the program, but how much you can’t quantify. But I think even the respect they have for Billy and the police now is something they can benefit from,” Mr Lang said.

“Having a good relationship and a good male role model, as well as seeing police as protectors of the community, those are real benefits.”

The group spent two hours at Whitehaven playing games, catching up on some RESPECT revision, enjoying Hill Inlet, and a sausage sizzle as part of their graduation reward which included a tour and ride of the Damian Leeding police vessel.

Student Cameron Heard – who took part in RESPECT– reflected the group of boy’s consensuses on the program.

“It really helped me gain respect, as well as discipline and I’m enjoying school more now,” Cameron said.

Sergeant Li said RESPECT will continue – likely as soon as next term - with the plan to take on an all-female group in the next instalment.

Sergeant Billy Li, his first Operation RESPECT graduates, and Behaviour support teacher Chris Lang onboard the Whitsunday Water Police vessel Damian Leeding

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In 2012, Peter and Melissa McGuiness’ son was driving above the speed limit, and under the influence of alcohol and marijuana when his vehicle ploughed into a broken-down car on the highway, which contained five other teenagers.

It killed four of them instantly as well as their son Jordan.

Determined to change their despair and grief into a journey of hope, the pair have spent the last ten years spreading a powerful message of road safety, by inspiring other teenagers to make the right choices before getting behind the wheel of a car.

Last week, they brought the You Choose Youth Road Safety Program to the Whitsundays, visiting three schools in the region.

Through highlighting their son’s choices and the tragic aftermath, the pair are dedicated to creating positive social change in how youth view driving and accountability.

Over the past decade, they have seen more than 100,000 young Australians at schools across the country in their nationally award-winning program.

When the McGuinness’ visited Bowen State High School, Whitsunday Christian College, and Proserpine State High School they received a great response.

The program is formatted in two parts: a 60-minute presentation, followed by 30 minutes of survey and engagement regarding leadership, student body traditions, and school community action plans.

Peter said the first portion of You Choose is road safety, accountability, and love viewed through the story of their sons’ actions.

“It’s a story that makes teenagers reflect on their choices and their own families,” Peter said.

“Jordan was coming home from his first ever work Christmas party and was over the blood alcohol level limit, driving 30 kilometres over the speed limit when he collided with a stationary vehicle.

“He wasn’t a hardened criminal by any stretch of the imagination, but he made some reprehensible decisions.”

The narrative of the McGuinness family tragedy has one goal: for students to reflect on their own family and friendship groups.

“The messages that are behind our mission are making connections between your intentions, your choices, and your loved ones, and how to act on those connections. Those messages always impact the students most at risk,” Peter said.

“They look at each other around those friendship groups and make connections with each other to make change.”

Peter said he and his wife were “uplifted and energised by young people around the region”.

“Their enthusiasm to change the world for the better is really impressive. It strikes you that one of the ways they can make those connections between choice and their loved ones is through being a passenger,” Peter said.

“Road safety provides an example for what good decision making looks like in life.”

With support of QPS, the program has been an enormous success. Peter and Melissa hope to continue to spread its message and make a difference. They also hope to return to the Whitsundays in the next 12 months to do so.

Melissa McGuiness and Sergeant Nigel Dalton introduce the You Choose Program to local schools

Jordan McGuiness who tragically died on the roads after making wrong choices

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