The new Bowen Community Centre building is getting close to completion, with contractors now at the fitting out stage.

The new centre on 34-38 Gregory Street – which will be the future base of operations for Bowen Neighbourhood Centre - is now seeking donations from locals.

The non-for-profit said donations will be used to fit out the building’s features, including new technology, furnishings, and other resources necessary to ensure full function and responsivity for the needs of our community.

Along with new facilities, the new centre will home a Cooinda Family Centre, as well as a Tuckerbox Food Shop, a Bowen Community Op Shop – just like its current locale on Williams Street.

Coordinator Bowen Neighbourhood Centre Stephanie Cora said it would be a “one-stop shop” for providing the community with everything needed to enjoy both its already existing services and activities, as well as new ones.

“The new building will continue to provide support to those members of our community experiencing hardship such as homelessness, family violence, and food insecurity,” Ms Cora said.

“At Christmas time alone, more than one hundred and sixty families and individuals, including our elderly, receive gift hampers funded through the Bowen Community Op Shop.”

Other services to be offered at the new centre will include no interest loans for essential items including fridges, heaters and car parts and assisting our clients to access the range of resources and services available through other support agencies.

Chairperson of the Bowen Community Council Inc., Christine Coventry said having a new purpose-built Neighbourhood Centre in Bowen is going to “open up so many extra opportunities for our community.”

“We thank the Dept of Communities for their foresight in recognizing the need in Bowen, and we thank community members who have already donated,” Ms Coventry said.

“To have all the existing activities like Cooinda Family Centre, the Bowen Community Op shop, The Tuckerbox Food Bank, plus so much more, all on one site, will be such a benefit to the whole community.”

All donations made to support the new Bowen Community Centre are tax-deductible and receipts will be issued for all donations received.

If you would like to financially support the fit-out of the new Bowen Community Centre you can donate here: www.gofundme.com/f/the-bowen-community-centre

The new Bowen Neighbourhood Centre is closing in on completion, with fitting out stage now taking place

A markup of what the Centre will look like upon completion

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“Middle-Ground For Mackerel”

A proposed years-long closure plan for Queensland’s Spanish mackerel fishery has been dropped by state government this week.

In a win for local fishermen, Queensland government have ceded their position that mackerel farming would go into complete closure for a period of years after data found mackerel stocks had dropped by 17 per cent of original ‘unfished’ levels.

Those figures were rebuked by fishermen across the state, who sent in more than 1400 submissions contradicting the claim.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said it had been ruled out because of the impact it would have on fishers, jobs, and communities.

Mr Furner said that, overwhelmingly, the fishing community wants action taken to rebuild these stocks for the future, but not through extended closure.

“At the request of the commercial fishing industry, we held direct meetings with commercial fishers and charter fishing operators who are most likely to be affected by future management changes to rebuild this fishery,” Mr Furner said.

“We have now carefully assessed everybody’s input to develop more detailed rebuilding options, which are needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishery.”

The government is now seeking final feedback from fishers on options for rebuilding the mackerel – options which include reducing recreational and commercial catch limits, and seasons of closure to protect spawning fish.

Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm picked up the torch on the issue from local fishermen back in early May.

Ms Camm said the current solutions Queensland Government have floated are a “sensible outcome” which protects sustainability but listens to industry.

“I think what it demonstrated is that once we as a community stand up with a strong voice, government will listen,” Ms. Camm said.

“They wanted in particular the science behind the governments claims to be validated, because what they were seeing was not what was being reported.”

Queensland Government have stuck by their data which indicates the drop of 17 per cent, and Minister Furner said mackerel were at “historically low” levels.

“No decision has been made but doing nothing is not an option,” he said.

“If we don’t take steps to rebuild their stocks it could be the end of this important fishery.”

He asked stakeholders to consider the options carefully and identify which would work best for their circumstances.

A final decision and announcement on management actions will be made following this next consultation period, with management actions expected to be implemented from October.

Have your say at https://daf.engagementhub.com.au/spanish-mackerel-2022 . Consultation is open until Friday August 5.

Local fisherman Trevor Draper alongside his wife, Tina, met with Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm in May to discuss the state governments plan to close Spanish mackerel fisheries across Queensland

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The Whitsundays is set for a double-boost with progress being made on delivery of both a replacement fire and rescue station and an upgraded police facility with $7 million- and $2.3 million-dollar commitments from state government.

Police and Corrective Services and Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said Airlie Beach and Cannonvale have changed and grown significantly in recent years, spurring the need for a new station.

“The Fire and Rescue Service has determined that a replacement station is required at Cannonvale to improve fire response capability to meet community demand and the Fire and Rescue Service will be discussing this with the community in coming months,” Minister Ryan said.

And announced for the first time is a $2.3 million upgrade of the police facility at Proserpine.

Proserpine was one of a number of towns and regions across the state to benefit from the record $3 billion-plus police budget that featured funding to progress new and upgraded police facilities.

Mr Ryan said the government was committed to boosting resources in those sectors.

“The Budget [had] record spends in police, corrective services, fire and emergency services as part of our commitment to improved services, good jobs and ensuring we are able to retain the lifestyle we have come to expect in Queensland.”

QFES Commissioner Greg Leach said an upgraded fire station would be an important asset for the service, especially with Airlie Beach and Cannonvale’s growth in the last few years.

“Our crews do an exceptional job working with the community to prepare for and respond to a wide range of challenging incidents and disasters,” Mr Leach said.

“A new, modern facility will allow our firefighters to continue to deliver a high-standard of fire and emergency services to Airlie Beach, Cannonvale and surrounding areas.”

Mr Leach said Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) will continue to engage with the community on the project, with final completion anticipated in 2024.

Central Region Assistant Commissioner Kev Guteridge said the upgrade to Proserpine Police Station would help service the needs of a growing local community and police workforce.

“With a growing population, demand for policing services continues to rise in the Whitsunday Region,” Assistant Commissioner Guteridge said.

“This is a significant upgrade to the Proserpine Police Station which will ensure we have modern facilities for officers to carry out their duties and service the local community.”

Airlie Beach Fire Service have received $7 million in funding towards their new, central premises alongside a $2.3 million promise to upgrade the Proserpine police facility

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community dinner was held last weekend to raise funds for the Edwards-Bland family who tragically lost their 12-year-old son, Stirling, in a car accident in May. Businesses reached out in a show of solidarity, offering items to put up to auction, and the event held at The Creek Whitsundays was a huge success.Locals supported locals in what many called a “community-wide hug” as the stunning venue played host to tributes of love and support in difficult times.
‍The community rallied around the Edwards-Bland family last weekend in memory of their son

Edwards-Bland Family Fundraiser at The Creek Whitsundays

A throng of bagpipes, drums and tartan will make its way across the Forgan Bridge on Saturday as the Bluewater Fling brings together pipe bands from all over the state.

The truly unique annual event is a celebration of all things Scottish and celebrates Mackay’s Scottish heritage.

"I think it's an important cultural event,” said Mackay and District Pipe Band Events Coordinator Deborah Orr.

“Mackay has strong Scottish ties and, certainly, the sugar industry has as well and I think it's a really great opportunity to celebrate that."

Visiting pipe bands from Brisbane, Townsville and Rockhampton will join the Mackay and District Pipe Band to march across the Forgan Bridge from 2:00pm on Saturday before celebrations continue at the Bluewater Quay stage until 5:00pm.

The entertainment doesn’t stop with plenty more iconic Scottish music and a ‘piping rock’ band.

"Bagpipes like you've never heard them before," laughed Deborah.

The Lions Multicultural Club will also be providing Scottish delicacies including square sausage, black pudding and iron brew.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson says the event is a unique celebration of Mackay’s Scottish heritage.

"60 pipers marching across the Forgan bridge is something you don't see everyday, and that's what makes the Bluewater Fling really, really special," he said.

"John Mackay was a Scot.

“It's important that we celebrate all sorts of things in terms of our cultural heritage.

“This is one of them and I think it's the sound of the pipes that gets people in."

Mr Williamson also promises to don the Mackay kilt for the event.

WHAT: The Bluewater Fling

WHEN: Saturday, July 16 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm

WHERE: Forgan Bridge and Bluewater Quay

TICKETS: This is a free community event

Mackay and District Pipe Band Events Coordinator Deborah Orr and Mayor Greg Williamson will be celebrating all things Scotland at the Bluewater Fling on Saturday

Visiting pipe bands from Brisbane, Townsville and Rockhampton will join the Mackay and District Pipe Band to march across the Forgan Bridge

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This cold snap caught me by surprise.

My basil was growing in abundance until last week when the temperature got down to around 10 degrees at night.  What was growing well with beautiful green healthy leaves, then turned black and inedible.  So out it came out and in went spinach seeds!

What I should have done, is one of two things:

1: Collect it all and make pesto before the cold snap!

2: Cover the basil plants with plastic buckets while the cold snap hit and ensure the plants were surrounded by plenty of mulch to help keep the soil warm

However, the tomato plants growing nearby are doing very well.  

You can still plant tomato seeds throughout our tropical winter. Tomatoes are hungry plants so make sure your soil is well fertilised before you get seeding, you can dig in compost, well broken-down manure or grab a bag or two of our vegetable soil improvers.

There are literally hundreds of different tomatoes you can chose from, so think about what you will use the most of.  Small cherry tomatoes like Riensentraube, Kotlas and Black Cherry

that you can pick off the plant and eat or cut in half to add to salads or larger varieties like Daydream, Grosse Lisse, Costoluto Fiorentino, Break o day (to name a few) that can be used for salads, for preserving, for tomato sauce and pureed ready for many evening meals. We have all these seeds and more available now.

I tend to over seed and then pluck the weakest looking seedlings after they have grown their second set of leaves, leaving 30-40cm between each plant.  If they are all looking healthy, remove them carefully and give them to friends.

Staking is important and I prepare this before seeding. My favourite staking technique is wrapping two intertwined lengths of cloth tie between stakes or sticks or whatever you have available to you, at different heights.

As the plant grows you can simply separate the two strands and weave the plant through them.  As your tomatoes grow, prune off the laterals (little side growth between the larger branches) and once they have reached a manageable height, I like to keep them there by cutting off any new growth at the top of the plant.

When your tomatoes flower, make sure you feed them, they are about to give you an abundance of produce.

Did you know:

There are over 1,000 varieties of tomatoes, they all taste different, with various textures textures – why not try something you have not before.

The first tomatoes were not red, they were yellow, you can also grow black, white and pink tomatoes!  The largest tomato ever picked was 3.5 kgs.

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The much-anticipated upgrade of the Cannonvale Skate Park will commence this month with stage one expected to be complete as early as mid-August.

During construction, the skate park will be closed but the basketball court adjacent to the site will remain operational.

Demolition of the old skate park commenced this week and will pave way for stage one of the upgrade project which will include a street style skating area designed to suit beginner and intermediate skaters.

A second stage will expand the skate park offering and will include an intermediate to advanced competition skate bowl which is expected to host events and attract more skaters to the park.

The tender for this section of the project has now closed and will be awarded in early July.

The two skate parks will offer greater choice to skaters who can enjoy the popular activity at their own skill level.

An artist’s impression of the new Cannonvale Skate Park facility

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The tragic death of 13-year-old Bailey Pini in June last year could change guidelines at residential care homes across the state following findings at the inquest which detail how increased staffing and safer procedures could have prevented his death.

Bailey died in a car accident when the vehicle he had stolen from his residential care home in Sarina came off the road and set alight a few blocks away from his grandmother’s house in Bowen.

The teen had been staying at this supervised facility following some behavioural issues which are believed to be related to the tragic death of his mother following a short battle with cancer the year before.

His family hoped he would receive the help he needed from the state-run facility but instead his behaviour worsened when he stole the keys to a staff vehicle.

During the recent inquest into his death, Coroner Nerinda Wilson found that better security measures and more staffing could have prevented the tragedy, stating that if the keys hadn’t been available, Bailey would not have died.

“I ultimately determine that the use of key safes should be mandatory,” she said.

The inquest also investigated the level of supervision at the residential home and pointed out that just one person on that night was not sufficient, asserting that better funding needs to be provided.

“It should not be the case that the system is stretched to the point that one 63-year-old woman becomes the last bastion between the residents and car keys,” said Ms Wilson.

At this stage, the findings will only create change at the residential house in Sarina where Bailey had been staying but it is hoped that new guidelines could soon be approved statewide.

Bailey’s family hope that his death and the choices he made on that fateful evening will in some way create positive change so no other young lives are lost in the same way.

Bailey Pini in happier times

Bailey Pini with his mum who tragically passed away a year before he did

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With unseasonal rain bathing the region this week, almost all flights were cancelled at all Whitsunday airports, but none more high-profile than Monday night’s Jetstar Australia flight JQ 849 from Hamilton Island.

Over 150 people were left stranded in Airlie Beach after an engineering issue cancelled the flight, leaving its passengers without accommodation during one of the region’s busiest times of year. Whitsunday residents took it upon themselves to help out, opening their homes and businesses to get the marooned holidaymakers out of the rain and cold, and get them fed.

An Impromptu Whitsunday Storm Shelter

Jetstar Flight JQ 849’s cancellation at the hands of an engineering issue left over 130 people stuck in Airlie Beach with nowhere to stay on Monday night.

The flight was set to take off from Hamilton Island before Jetstar technicians determined a technical fault would leave the plain non-airworthy.

Ferried back to Airlie Beach at the request of Jetstar, the passengers arrived at Port of Airlie unannounced, with no accommodation booked and no availability due to school holidays filling both the mainland and Hamilton Island.

A spokesperson for Hamilton Island said they were “dismayed” at the cancellation.

“Passengers were left without alternative travel arrangements or accommodation at the Port of Airlie,” the spokesperson said.

“Hamilton Island sends its heartfelt thoughts to all the guests affected”

The spokesperson said Jetstar opted to send the passengers to the mainland, “where alternative accommodation or travel arrangements was to be arranged” by Jetstar.

But alternative accommodation didn’t come from Jetstar, it came from Whitsunday residents and Whitsunday Councillor Jan Clifford.

Councillor Clifford swooped in to organise free bus transfers onboard Whitsunday Transit from Port of Airlie to Whitsunday PCYC.

PCYC Branch Manager and Police Sergeant Billy Li stayed overnight at the PCYC alongside his unexpected guests and said Cr Clifford called him to open the doors to “give people somewhere to sleep.”

“There was plenty of people here, both people turning up from town to pick up folks and give them a place to stay. There was Fish D’vine and Dominos bringing free food,” Sergeant Li said.

“It ended up with only about 20 people left here to stay overnight - that’s how many people opened their homes.”

Fish D’vine owner Kevin Collins said they were glad to provide the food and “turn a disaster into an adventure.”

Councillor Clifford said that Dominoes, Fish D’vine and the PCYC – as well as the people of town who put up the passengers – were “the real heroes”.

“Whitsunday Transit did a wonderful job and other people around the place did a wonderful job, I’m so proud of this town,” she said.

“If it could possibly go wrong, it did, and the way everyone around town rallied, that’s why I love this town.”

Cr Clifford said she was hoping to send a certificate of appreciation to everyone that helped.

Red Cat Adventure owner Asher Telford was on Hamilton with his parents, Shirley and Terry, who were passengers on the cancelled flight.

He said they spent hours ferrying people to local accommodation, as well as organising pickups.

“That’s why we live here. It’s the people that make the place,” he said.

Whitsunday Transit operations manager Edward Deakes, Fish D’vine CEO Grant Wilson, Police Sergeant Billy Li, and Asher Telford

The Whitsunday PCYC became a home for stranded Jetstar passengers thanks to the hospitality of locals

Local businesses like dominoes donated upwards of forty pizzas for free to the hungry group

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Ever wanted to take a greater look at some of the Greater Whitsunday region’s traditional and emerging industries?

Well now you can with virtual reality technology.

Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) has launched the Greater Whitsunday Virtual Reality Tour, which takes you on a journey across our region’s diverse industries and sectors.

Greater Whitsunday Alliance Chief Executive Officer Kylie Porter said visitors of the virtual tour will travel as far north as Bowen to experience the emerging industry of aerospace and south to Ilbilbie and the world of aquaculture and prawn farming.

“There are seven stops on the tour that also feature some of our traditional industries including mining and METS (Mining, Equipment and Technical Services), agriculture and tourism, which together tell the story of our diversified economy,” Ms Porter said.

The Greater Whitsunday Virtual Reality Tour compliments a 360-video Virtual Reality experience, created to share with industry and government stakeholders, who may not be able to visit all key destinations in our region.

“The virtual tour shares the Greater Whitsunday’s future vision and how industry and businesses in our region are changing and embracing new ways of thinking to evolve,” Ms Porter added.

“The Greater Whitsunday region is the place to be if you have an interest in innovation, technology and exciting job opportunities.”

Ms Porter said the businesses who feature include Marto’s Mangoes, Australian Prawn Farms, Resources Centre of Excellence, Vayeron, Red Cat Adventures and Gilmour Space Technologies.

“On the tour you will also visit the QUT Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant, which is a unique biofutures research facility developing new high value by products from sugarcane, fibre, cotton and waste.

“The region will be producing a range of biofood products to meet the global demand for alternative proteins, projected to be worth $20billion globally by 2030.”

Ms Porter said the Greater Whitsunday Virtual Reality was a vital tool to highlight the region’s diversity.

“It is important to change the narrative around our region’s capabilities and explain we are greater than just one industry sector.”

You can explore the Greater Whitsunday Virtual Reality tour by visiting the Greater Whitsunday Alliance website’s Industries page.

The Greater Whitsunday virtual reality tour invites you to take a greater look

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Do you give a toss about what you throw into what bin?

Mackay Regional Council is urging residents to “Think before they throw it!”, as incorrect recycling practices are causing havoc at council’s Materials Recovery Facility (MRF).

In recent months there has been a rise in contamination rates in yellow-lidded bins, with a marked increase in the amount of building waste.

Mayor Greg Williamson said anything that enters the facility that cannot be recycled poses a safety risk to our staff and can also damage equipment.

“Your kerbside recycling bin is not an extra bin for rubbish that won’t fit into your general waste bin. It’s important that general waste is disposed of correctly, so as not to damage our machinery or injure staff,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Our MRF facility only recycles household packaging such as hard plastics and glass bottles, milk and juice cartons, paper and cardboard, aluminium cans and foil, steel cans and aerosols.

“All other items must be manually separated by staff and are sent to landfill, which is costly for ratepayers,” he said.

Mayor Williamson said staff had also identified that almost a third of waste in red/green lidded general waste bins were items that could have been diverted to the Incredable Drop Off at the Paget Waste Management Centre for repurposing and recovery.

“If we can get it right, we are not just saving ratepayers’ money in waste disposal but ensuring less waste is going to landfill, which is great for our environment,” he said.

To increase recycling awareness, council has developed an easy to follow “What goes where” poster. Schools and body corporates are welcome to order these FREE of charge to place on their premises to help improve correct recycling rates. Head to mackay.qld.gov.au/recycleright to order yours.

Council’s new “What goes where” poster highlights what waste goes in which bin and offers alternatives for waste items that don’t belong in kerbside waste or recycling bins

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Free parking at Mackay Council’s paid car parks is available from now until July 17, but after that, you’ll need a new app to pay.

A new Mackay-branded parking app is launching this month, replacing the PayStay parking app that is currently in use in Mackay’s four off-street paid car parking locations.

The new app, Mackay Parking, will be available to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store from July 11 and will go live on July 18.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the Mackay Parking app offered a variety of benefits for users.

“Not only is the new app customised to our region, but it will also improve customer payment experiences,” he said.

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

“Simply set-up your account and upload your vehicle and payment details and you can pay for your parking as you use it.”

Use of the current parking app, PayStay, at Mackay’s paid parking spaces will cease from July 4, and the Mackay Parking app will go live on July 18.

“This means council will be offering free parking from July 4 until July 17 at council’s paid car parks,” Mayor Williamson said.

Long term parking tickets will still be available, and these can be purchased through the new Mackay Parking app.

Parking tickets will also still be available through the manual ticket meters in Mid-City and Cinema car parks.

Parking fees have not changed and are 70 cents per hour, and a maximum fee of $5 per day.

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

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

There will be free parking in the region’s four off-street car parks from July 4 until July 17

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Defining priority areas and working with council to implement projects and events will be the intention of a new youth cabinet, elected by young people in the Mackay region to bring a fresh voice to local issues.

A new partnership between Mackay Regional Council and the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) is bringing a pilot program to the region that will revolutionise how young people are included in local government.

The Young Mayors program will support people aged 17 and under to get elected to the youth cabinet, positioning young people as decision makers on issues that impact their future.

“Young people are the future leaders of our region. We’ve heard through 1,000 conversations that young people want to have a voice, and to influence decisions that impact how they live in our region,” Mayor Greg Williamson said.

“Our council wants to be part of building a succession pathway that values their participation now and as they get older. We’re excited to work with FYA to make that happen through the Young Mayors program.”

The program will back young people to learn about and participate in the systems that govern their lives, and influence decisions that impact their community.

“Local governments play a huge role in the everyday lives of people in our communities, and that includes young people. But young people are often locked out of power - consulted but never in charge, ” FYA’s Executive Director of Civic and Cultural Engagement Molly Whelan said.

“This program puts young people in the driver’s seat - ensuring that council policies and programs better reflect the concerns, needs, and desires of local young people.”

The Young Mayors program has been designed by FYA and is based on successful UK models. Mackay Regional Council is the first to pilot the program in Australia, with plans to scale to councils across the country.

For more information about the Young Mayors program, visit: https://www.fya.org.au/program/young-mayors/

Mayor Greg Williamson (centre) with Molly Whelan (left) and Tahlia Azaria (right) from Foundation for Young Australians (FYA)

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Shadow Treasurer David Janetzki visited Mackay’s Northern Beaches last week, meeting with Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm to discuss the lack of infrastructure funding for one of the state’s fastest-growing areas.

The claim was made in reference to the State Government’s recent budget announcement, where Mr Janetzki says there is only an allocation for planning of $300k this year and $300k in 2023-2024 for the area.

“The Northern Beaches is the fastest growing suburb in the Mackay Region,’ said Mr Janetzki.

“There is no capital infrastructure funding allocated in this Qld government budget’ and there is also no funding for Fire and Emergency Services.”

The Northern Beaches falls under Amanda Camm’s electorate of Whitsunday, with the local MP saying the funding allocation falls short in a fast-growing area.

“The Queensland Government’s decision to not allocate these funds to the Northern Beaches, one of the fastest growing suburbs in the Mackay region, is a serious oversight and is not taking into consideration future growth of my community,” said Ms Camm.

Shadow Treasurer David Janetzki and Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm in Mackay’s Northern Beaches

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Local media has a new voice of influence, with Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) Executive General Manager Queensland, Ken Wood, announcing that Nik Stuart has been appointed General Manager for the SCA Mackay market.

In his new remit, Stuart will lead the SCA Mackay team, including Triple M 98.7 Mackay/The Whitsundays and Hit 100.3 Mackay/The Whitsundays.

Stuart has gained extensive experience during his 12 years with SCA, ranging from promotions, breakfast announcer and more recently as Content Director for the Darling Downs market in Southern Queensland.

“We are excited to welcome Nik to the Queensland Leadership Team and the Mackay leadership role, and he brings a wealth of experience to our market,” Wood said.

Commenting on his new role, Stuart said: “I began my journey with SCA in 2010 on the street team in Brisbane.

“I remember sitting in reception before my interview being completely overwhelmed by how fun the building felt. In the 12 years since then I have had the privilege of working in five offices across Queensland in nearly every role you can do, and I have never lost that sense of fun.

“I can’t wait to join the Mackay team and continue to drive amazing results for our community and clients.”

Stuart’s new role is effective immediately.

Nik Stuart

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