Sean Brandon was a member of a group of anti-mandate protestors who clashed with police at Caneland Central Shopping Centre on January 22. He said there was never any intent by the group for the protest to get physical.

“We always stipulated prior to any rally that the protests were to be peaceful. Violence is counter to our agenda,” Mr Brandon said.

“We have the right to peaceful protest.”

 Mr Brandon, a teacher for more than 25years, was stood down after Queensland Government’s COVID vaccination mandate prevented him from teaching because he chose not to get vaccinated.

“I was stood down without pay, but was in limbo because technically I wasn’t unemployed, so I couldn’t get social security.

“I had more than 700 hours accrued of long service leave that I was denied.

“You become a teacher for altruistic reasons, because you genuinely believe you can have a positive impact on the lives of others, it’s certainly not for the pay. So when this happened I felt betrayed, like all I had done, all the extra hours I had put in were for nothing,” he said. 

Mr Brandon’s choice to not get vaccinated is one he stands by, despite the great financial and emotional cost to him and his family.

“Sovereignty over our own bodies is the greatest fundamental right we have.

“I have done my own research and believe the vaccination is experimental and detrimental to our health.

“The evidence about diminished efficacy coming from Pfizer’s own studies should be enough for anyone to realise this is not a safe or effective vaccine, but more importantly, I should have the right to choose that for myself. 

“I went through hell. But I believe inaction is every bit as bad as doing the wrong thing.

“We’ve become complacent as a society and many of us are too scared to stand up for what we believe in, for fear of having our livelihoods taken away.

“Is this the Australia or the world we want for our children?”

After being stood down, Sean formed friendships with other people who felt the same way he did about the COVID vaccination mandates. He attended rallies with Mackay’s ‘Rally for Freedom’ group as a way of standing up for what he believed in.

“The day that we ended up at Canelands, no one really knew where we were heading, so there was no malicious intent as far as I’m aware of,” Mr Brandon said.

“We felt that the majority of the media weren’t interested in hearing what we had to say, so we wanted to take our message to more people.

“I was at the back of the group and some had already entered Canelands.

“Suddenly, around three police cars rolled up and I saw police running into the crowd. They had blocked the door and prevented us from entering when members of the group questioned why they weren’t allowed access to enter and protest,” he said.

Mr Brandon saw people he knew being handled in what he described as excessive use of force by the police.

“A military veteran with PTSD was pepper sprayed at close distance, simply for questioning whose authority was preventing the group from entering,” Mr Brandon said.

“Another man I saw was grabbed around the throat and forced backwards onto the ground.

“I saw a senior sergeant knee another man savagely to the ground.

“I couldn’t in good conscience stand idly by and do nothing when I could see people in distress.

“In my attempt to get a police officer off one of the protestors, I knocked his cap off his head.

“I have a badly damaged knee that needs replacement and I was wearing a brace that day. The police officer targeted that leg in an attempt to force me onto the ground. He later described that action in court as an approved knee strike.”

Mr Brandon was arrested and charged with three offences, obstructing police, being a public nuisance and serious assault of a police officer.

He described his time in the police watchhouse as humiliating and painful.

“I was placed in detention in the cells, where the damage inflicted on my leg worsened, to the point I couldn’t stand,” he said.

“I asked for water, to which a police officer responded along the lines of it being ironic that I assaulted a police officer and now I’m asking for a glass of water.

“After more than three hours I was released, I couldn’t walk so I asked for a hand up off the concrete floor, they refused and told me I could crawl. So, I did.

“I received a hand up at reception where I had to stand to sign some paperwork. I was handed my shoes and put out on the street. I had no money and no phone. I had to shuffle to a taxi to plead with the driver to take me home so I could pay them upon arrival.

“The duty of care was non-existent,” Mr Brandon said.

Almost six months later, Mr Brandon got his day in court where he said, “Justice was done”.

“It was an important precedent to be set and I hope it encourages other people to have the courage to stand up for their rights,” he said.

“It was a measured and compassionate ruling where many police inaccuracies were called out.

“There are times in your life you will be challenged beyond measure. This was one of those times for me, and I’m standing on the right side of history.

“What credibility would I have, if at the first hurdle I gave in?

“I can stand in front of a classroom of students and not be a hypocrite.

“Truth and justice was upheld.”

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Members from the Rally for Freedom Mackay group celebrated Sean Brandon’s acquittal after being found not guilty on all charges following his arrest at Caneland Central in January. Photos supplied

Christine Keys and Sean Brandon with Sean’s celebration cake

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Thousands of people converged in Queens Park on Saturday with picnic blankets, camp chairs and tasty nibblies for the Wisely Wine and Food Day.

One of the biggest days on the Mackay calendar saw punters immersed in wholesome sounds thanks to an eclectic array of local and interstate entertainment.

The Grassroots Stage brought up-and-comers to a new audience while the Main Stage had some of Mackay and Australia’s biggest names, headlined by Aussie pub icons Choirboys who closed with their mass singalong ‘Run to Paradise’.

Everyone took the opportunity to sample the wide choice of sweet wine, scrumptious food, craft beer and more on offer and a short sprinkle of rain did little to dampen people’s spirits.

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Thousands of people rocked to the sound of an eclectic array of entertainment finishing with Choirboys’ classic 'Run to Paradise'. Photo Credit: Cherrie Hughes

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Specsavers Mackay is celebrating the 30-year anniversary of The Fred Hollows Foundation by once again joining forces to make Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples eye care more visible.

To date, Specsavers Mackay has contributed over $14,000 to the $5 million donated by the eyecare retailer towards The Foundation’s programs in Australia, with hopes of donating a further $1 million this year.

The two organisations share a mutual goal of closing the gap in eye health by working collaboratively with communities to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples can access high quality, culturally safe and patient centric eye care, while delivering life changing surgery and treatment to people in remote communities across Australia.

This is the seventh year they have come together to launch limited edition frames to raise awareness and funds for The Foundation, with this year’s frames featuring the artwork of contemporary Aboriginal artist, Sarrita King.

$25 from each pair sold will be going to The Fred Hollows Foundation to help carry on Fred’s vision and save people’s sight.

“Our donations support CheckUp, an organisation dedicated to delivering better health for people and communities who need it most in Queensland.,” said Specsavers Mackay Optometrist, Adam McDougall.

“The Foundation’s partnership supports two Eye Health Coordinator positions working to deliver culturally competent eye health services to communities in Palm Island and Gigdee Healing (servicing Mt Isa, Doomadgee and Mornington Island).”

“We’re proud to support programs that are addressing some of the key issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples when it comes to improving eye health and vision, and we want the community to come on this journey with us.”

The artwork featured on the frames this year is called ‘Lightning’.

Representing the memory of the electrical storms in the tropical climate of Darwin where Sarrita spent her youth, this painting captures the subtle beauty within the storm and the way in which the elements gracefully twist and turn between the dramatic lightning strikes. The lightning would crack across the entire sky, creating lines like cracked earth. Sarrita would discover new patterns and colours every time she witnessed these natural light shows.

The Fred Hollows Foundation Chair, Jane Madden, says access to eye care in Australia isn’t one-size-fits-all.

“Culture must play a part when it comes to delivering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health care,” Chair Jane Madden said.

“Building a workforce of trained eye health professionals who deliver culturally competent eye care is the only way that Australia can move towards closing the gap in eye health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.”

Specsavers Artist Sarrita King

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Seagrass along our coastline near Clairview will be reported on for the first time this year after five years of data collection, helping marina scientists better understand the health of marine inshore waters in the Isaac region.

Due for release in August 2022, the 2021 Regional Waterway Report Card will grade the condition of seagrass in between Cape Palmerston and Clairview Bluff - an area that provides vital food and habitat for green sea turtles and dugongs.

The grades will be based on data collected as part of the Southern Inshore Monitoring Program, funded by Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd (DBCT P/L) and Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure (DBI).

Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership Executive Officer Dr Bonny Stutsel said the inclusion of southern seagrass scores this year is an important milestone for the report card and the partnership.

“Prior to 2017, we had little data for the southern inshore zone. It was one of our major data gaps preventing us from providing a comprehensive and reliable assessment of coastal waterways from Cape Palmerston to Clairview,” Ms Stutsel said.

“Having DBCT and DBI come on board and fund this monitoring program has allowed us to steadily improve our reporting over the past five years, with water quality, coral, and pesticide data all introduced into the report card for this zone.

“With seagrass, we needed to collect data for five years to determine a baseline condition of the seagrass before including it in the report card, so it’s exciting that we are now finally able to do so,” she added.

“Monitoring programs such as this one are so important for protecting and preserving our waterways because we can’t implement effective management actions without first understanding current waterway conditions.”

DBCT P/L Manager of Safety, Risk and Environment, Ricci Churchill said the Southern Inshore Monitoring Program is a prime example of how the partnership can work together to better understand regional waterway health and invest in projects where they are needed most.

“At DBCT, we recognise our unique location and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and want to make sure we protect and monitor the environment in which we operate.

“By being a partner of Healthy Rivers to Reef and supporting this data collection, we hope to inspire others to join us and help drive positive change for waterways in our region.”

DBI Site Manager, Tim Ffrost said the Southern Inshore Monitoring Program is an opportunity for Dalrymple Bay Terminal to partner and understand regional waterway health to better invest in future projects.

“Dalrymple Bay Terminal’s location within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area brings with it a responsibility to understand, protect and monitor unique ecosystems in which DBT operates.”

You can read more about the Southern Inshore Monitoring Program on our website: www.healthyriverstoreef.org.au

Seagrass monitoring along the Southern Inshore Marine Zone, October 2021. Credit: TropWater, James Cook University

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Scheduled maintenance of palm trees in the Mackay City Centre commenced this week, with the trimming expected to take around two weeks to complete.

The work will be carried out between the hours of 5am and 9am on weekdays and arborists will be carrying out maintenance on trees located on Sydney, Victoria, Wood, Macalister and Nelson streets.

Full traffic control will be in place and some road/lane closures will be required during the work.

Residents are asked to obey all instructions from council staff and traffic control officers.

The work is part of council’s annual maintenance program.

For further information call 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

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The Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program aims to improve the quality of water flowing from the Pioneer and Plane Creek catchments.

The program is funded by the Partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, which includes an investment of $201 million to address water quality improvement targets impacting the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Reef Catchments has been appointed to manage the $22.2 million Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program (MWWQP) as both regional program manager and partnership coordinator.

In recognition of the beginning of the 2022 crush season, Reef Catchments is launching a “Grower’s Photo Competition” to highlight the dedicated growers who contribute season after season to the thriving sugar industry.   The team is calling all budding and professional photographers to submit their images for judging by our Reef Catchments board.

There will be four categories to choose from and the closing date is Friday, 19 August 2022.

1. Young Gen 9 Champion Award

(Prize from TimeZone Mackay)

2. Female Operators or Growers Champion Award

(Prize from Little Bit Country Mackay)

3. Veteran Growers Champion Award

(Prize from CRT Mt Ossa)

4. Harvest Sunsets Champion Award

(Prize from Mitre 10 Proserpine)

All entrants will be invited to the official prize giving, which is free of charge, to be hosted at the Shamrock Hotel in Mackay on the 27 August 2022 from 2pm - 5pm, where the 4 winning photographs will be displayed for guests to admire.

Entrants may submit more than one entry and T’s&C’s do apply.  To complete your registration please like, share and hashtag the following to your social media accounts - #greatbarrierreeffoundation #mwwqp #2022sugar

Growers who would like more information regarding the program are encouraged to contact the Reef Catchments team.

Project Officer - Stacey Corrie - E:  Stacey.corrie@reefcatchments.com

Communications and Media Officer - Misty Bland - E:  misty.bland@reefcatchments.com

“The Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.’

Stacey Corrie and Misty Bland from Reef Catchments

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With mining incidents and deaths on the increase over the past few years, it’s understandable that ‘safety’ has become a predominant industry topic; however, one local business is championing a reputation shift – in a monstrous way.

Locally owned Mackay Safety is taking an unconventional approach to awareness of the topic, by showcasing an oversized full bodied blue monster mascot at this year’s Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME) next week.

Mick Storch, Managing Director of Mackay Safety and 4PS Software, said that safety had become a bleak topic across the industry and he believed it was fear-based and time to flip the reputation on its head.

“It’s a bit radical but the situation needs shaking up. It’s about simplifying the concept of safety by exposing the monster in the room – we need to reveal the big hairy audacious topic it has become (with a bit of humour) and start looking at how we can take a fresh approach moving forward,” he said.

The annual QME event is an opportunity for local and regional businesses to showcase what’s available across the region, including Mackay Safety’s different approach to software development that is both predictive and preventative in nature.

“Safety doesn’t need to be scary. Our experiences, services and advice have come a long way and while tragedies should never occur, we have developed better understanding and learnings from them for future preventative action. Our software reflects this, and we want to ignite more conversations around safety advancements,” he said.

Mackay Safety have in-depth knowledge and exposure through their work across risk registers, accident investigations, resourcing safety management personnel, safety management systems, safety plans, and assistance with tendering, etc.

“Having worked in the safety industry for decades, I have seen its evolution across trade, safety, and compliance. The daring representation of a monster is a creative way to trigger the thinking of the industry and the underlying factors behind safety. We still have a long way to go, but we believe revealing this is part of the process of reframing the concept of safety and its impacts.

We need to embrace a forward-thinking and positive approach for the generations of men and women going through the industry that rely on safety to get them through their shift and home safely, every time. It requires a full industry adoption to remove the fear and focus on the solutions of the future,” he said.

To learn more about Mackay Safety and 4PS Software, visit their website or stall at this year’s QME event.

Keep aneye out for the Safety Monster at QME!

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Star by name, local stars by nature.

The Mackay 2022 radio survey results were announced last week, with Star 101.9 Mackay taking the top spot for the second year in a row.

Star was announced as the most listened-to station with a 19.6 per cent share, number one for ages 25-54 with a 22.7 per cent share and the number one breakfast show with 20 per cent listenership during that time slot.

Breakfast show announcers Scott Linden and Rachel Zonta said the network has a generous platform, with thousands of dollars in prizes given away in the local community every week.

“We have $5,000 to give away every week with Instagrand, and our recent Push the Button promotion had $30,000 in cash and prizes,” Rachel said.

Locals winning big bucks has been one of the most enjoyable moments for the breakfast duo.

“Seeing a local family win $10,000 and knowing it will make a real difference was such a highlight,” Rachel said.

“I just wished I had seen the moment,” Scott added.

“I was adjusting microphones when the $10,000 prize happened. Another $1,000 prize I missed when I went to get a coffee,” he laughed.

Scott said that it’s the behind-the-scenes that makes the show fun to do.

“With Rach doing the show a few days a week from home we see each other on a video call. Sometimes we might be chatting and Rach’s bub and I are waving at each other while we’re doing an interview, or Rach is having to wrestle control of headphones from a squirming toddler while we’re trying to do a contest.

“It’s fun to watch and I’m glad my kids are through that stage.”

Being the region’s only local female breakfast announcer and a working mum means Rach resonates with a wide audience of listeners.

“I think it’s a huge point of difference, I can relate to the women and mums in our region and we can share laughs about similar issues.”

The radio station also keeps its local connection going in the afternoon, with announcer Kaley Baker on-air from 12pm weekdays. Kaley moved to the afternoon slot when Rachel returned to the breakfast show after maternity leave.

Other results of the radio survey announced 4MK as the number one commercial station amongst listeners aged 65+. Triple M took out the top spot with male listeners across its breakfast show and drive show, while Hit FM took the drive spot with female listeners.

Star 101.9 Mackay celebrate being named as the most listened-to radio station in Mackay in the 2022 radio survey

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Six children required hospitalisation last week following an accident on a quad bike.

Queensland Police reported that preliminary investigations reveal the all-terrain vehicle was carrying six children when it crashed and rolled after striking an embankment along Thurgoods Road. The incident occurred on July 8 around 3:35pm.

“Two of the six children including a nine-year-old girl and a six-year-old boy sustained respective serious head and abdomen injuries when they were thrown from the vehicle, with the remaining four children suffering injuries requiring hospitalisation,” the police report said.

This came only a few days after the small Pioneer Valley community was left in shock following the death of local resident Suzanne Scott.

The circumstances surrounding the 69-year-old’s death remain suspicious and under investigation.

Ms Scott’s home was on Boulder Road, but she was later pronounced dead at a Zahmel Street address, where a 37-year-old man was performing CPR on Ms Scott.

Police allege Ms Scott’s 4WD was stolen and may have been used in the death of Ms Scott.

“Preliminary enquiries indicate the 69-year-old woman was struck by a vehicle in Finch Hatton before 6pm, July 4.

“The local woman suffered critical injuries and died at the scene,” the police report said.

A 37-year-old man has been assisting police with the investigation.

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A 24-year-old male was arrested on July 10, for driving a mobility scooter while allegedly intoxicated.

At about 5:01am on July 10 police were patrolling on Harbour Road in North Mackay.

It's alleged that officers observed a male riding a mobility scooter in the middle of an on-coming lane. Officers observed the scooter swerving back and forth between two lanes and riding at high speed.

The scooter was stopped by police and officers spoke to a 24-year-old male resident of Walkerston who was the alleged rider. The male stated he was riding from town to his partner's house.

He was arrested at this time due to his state of intoxication and taken to the Mackay police station for a further breath analysis. His breath alcohol concentration was confirmed as .151 per cent.

The 24-year-old male has been charged with driving a personal mobility device while under the influence of liquor. He will appear in the Mackay Magistrates Court on July 27 to have the charge heard.

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SH Tait & Co is delighted to announce the appointment of Kristelle Lamb as a Director of the firm.

“Kristelle has been an integral part of our firm since 2004 and we are absolutely delighted to have her join the ranks of Director,” said John Philps.  

Kristelle’s promotion from Manager to Director was announced by Managing Director, Adam Parrish to staff last week.  

“Kristelle has worked at Tait’s for 18 years and her promotion to Director recognises the dedication and service she has provided to our clients over these years.”

Kristelle is a Certified Practicing Accountant, a Mackay local and mother of two.

Mrs Lamb said, “Since first starting with SH Tait & Co as a graduate accountant in 2004, I have taken great pride in establishing strong relationships with both clients and staff.  

“I am excited to start this new chapter of my career as a Director and look forward to continuing to work with our clients to build strong businesses.”  

S.H. Tait & Co is a Chartered Accounting Practice that has been providing accounting, taxation and auditing services to local Mackay businesses since its inception in 1924. Kristelle joins fellow directors Adam Parrish, Stephen Amos, Monica McKendry and John Philps in continuing to provide expert knowledge to the firm’s clients.

Stephen Amos says of the firm, “The best asset to your business is an accountant who cares about you, your business and your goals.

“At S.H. Tait & Co Chartered Accountants that’s exactly what you’ll find. Kristelle joins a team of experienced Directors, Accountants and Tax Agents to help with all your accounting needs.”

Speaking on behalf of the directors Monica McKendry said, “Kristelle has consistently excelled, and I am incredibly pleased to welcome her as Managing Director to the practice.

“She is well respected by our entire team and her clients. She has always given everything to her clients and our firm including providing guidance and mentoring to many of our staff,” Ms McKendry said.

“This appointment is exciting news for our firm, and I’m pleased to have another female join me as a Director.”

Kristelle Lamb has been appointed as a Director at Chartered Accounting Practice S.H. Tait & Co

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Classic car lovers winced at the sight of a 1970’s era Mazda RX3 Rotary in a crumpled condition after rolling multiple times along Pacific Esplanade in Slade Point last Sunday afternoon.

Queensland Ambulance reported that two stable patients were transported to Mackay Hospital after a single-vehicle rollover on Pacific Esplanade at 2.51 pm.

A packed Seabreeze Hotel meant there were plenty of onlookers who saw the incident unfold, with one witness saying the driver had made a purchase at the Seabreeze before driving onto Pacific Esplanade.

“The driver was revving the car as he drove from the Seabreeze, hit the curb and rolled at least three times,” the witness said.

A Slade Point local said it was a regular occurrence to see cars driving at speed, treating Pacific Esplanade like a drag strip.

“It was only a matter of time,” they added.

The Mazda RX3 was towed from Pacific Esplanade on Slade Point after rolling multiple times. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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Unfortunately, Wonderland Entertainment and Leisure have announced that, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Wonderland Spiegeltent has had to cancel its Mackay tour.

The good news is that The Just Saying Project’s live cabaret show Bare will proceed and has relocated to the MECC North Foyer.

The show will be able to proceed unchanged on both dates, Saturday, July 30 at 7.30pm and Sunday, July 31 at 2.30pm.

MECC Box Office staff will be in touch with ticket holders to inform them of the change of venue.

Wonderland Entertainment and Leisure have been in contact with everyone who purchased tickets to Wonderland Spiegeltent specific shows to arrange a refund.

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BOQ Mackay City owners Melissa Green, Rebecca Galea and Melissa Egan are well known in charitable circles for their generosity, but sadly, their signature event, the BOQ Charity Golf Day has been in hiatus since 2018 due to COVID restrictions.

After a two-year break, the 2022 BOQ Mackay City Charity Golf Day was that much more special when it took place on 10th June with proceeds directed at two very worthy local charities – Mackay Hospital Foundation and Mackay Community Foundation.

35 teams took part in the 4-ball Ambrose competition and like any golf game, there were winners and losers on the day but the biggest winners were the two benefiting charities.

Through sponsorship, registrations, raffles and auction items, the event raised an incredible amount of $20,833.86 which was distributed evenly among the two charities.

Event organiser Rebecca Galea said, “We couldn’t be happier with the outcome. This year’s event is our most successful yet, but it would not have been possible without the players and ample corporate support which contributed to the end result.”

Mackay Hospital Foundation Chairman Peter Tait commented, “The team at BOQ Mackay City have excelled with this event.

“They should be very proud of having organised such a successful event. The funds donated to Mackay Hospital Foundation from this event will be utilised to purchase medical equipment in our quest to improve health outcomes in our local hospitals.”

Presentation cheque to the Mackay Community Foundation. L-R: Melissa Egan (BOQ), Rebecca Galea (BOQ), Paul Hemburrow (MCF), Frances Easton (MCF) and Melissa Green (BOQ)

Presentation cheque to the Mackay Hospital Foundation. L-R: Melissa Egan (BOQ), Rebecca Galea (BOQ), Peter Tait (Mackay Hospital Foundation), Melissa Green (BOQ)

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During the month of June, Porters Mitre 10 has been running a competition that would see two lucky Mackay and Whitsunday locals jet off on a Balinese Escape. For every $100 spent in participating Porters Mitre 10 stores on Makita, Milwaukee, Dewalt and Stanley products would receive an entry to win.

Over 3,500 entries were received with one lucky winner selected, Jeremy Bullock took out the holiday package!

The holiday package for two was prepared and supported by Helloworld Travel Mackay and includes return flights from Mackay to Bali, five nights’ accommodation, return airport transfers, daily breakfast, and a full day ‘Wonders of Bali’ tour.

“It has been fantastic that we are able to giveaway an overseas trip to our wonderful customers,” stated Porters Group CEO, Hayden Cargill.

“The response we have had from the local community has been overwhelming and I am excited to hear all about the trip upon the family’s return”.

Jeremy will be setting off to Bali for a five-night escape alongside his lovely wife Allana and two kids.

Jeremy thanked the teams at Porters Mitre 10 and Helloworld Travel Mackay, for the getaway.

“It couldn’t have come at a better time for us, a nice getaway will be greatly appreciated,” he said.

The Bullock family collecting their Balinese Escape. L-R: Bailee King (Helloworld Travel), Allana and Jeremy Bullock and their children, Hayden Cargill (Porters Mitre 10)

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