Discounts, freebies and competitions to win pet vouchers – these are all part of Mackay Regional Council’s promotion of responsible pet ownership. That starts with registering your pet.

Residents can expect to receive their pet registration renewal letters in the mail shortly. All cat and dog owners who register their pet during the month of June can save anywhere between 30 and 50 per cent off their pet registration fees.

These fees are put towards the cost of running council’s Animal Management Centre, which provides care for lost pets and tries to reunite them with their owners.

As part of the pet registration discount period, council is encouraging residents to celebrate responsible pet ownership by submitting photos of their pet to go into the draw to win one of four $100 pet vouchers.

Each week council will be asking pet owners to submit a photo matching the weekly theme:

•WEEK 1 (May 30-June 5) - Favourite photo of your pet

•WEEK 2 (June 6-12) – Show us your pet wearing its registration tag

•WEEK 3 (June 13-19) - Your pet exercising (ie: walking, playing fetch)

•WEEK 4 (June 20-26) - Cutest pet.

Visit mackay.qld.gov.au/pet to enter the competition.

Pet owners can also visit any Mackay Regional Council library branch during the month of June to pick up a free doggy doo bag dispenser.

Simply fill in a short quiz about our off-leash dog areas and take home a bag dispenser to help keep our region clean and free of doggy doo disasters.

The libraries are also inviting residents to come along to their Pets are Part of our Community Too event on Tuesday, June 28, from 3.30pm to 4.30pm at Gordon White Library.

Discover more about the amazing resources available to you and your pet through this meet and greet event with one of council’s Local Laws officers and one of their current pound pets.

You’d be barking mad not to take part!

Council is giving away free doggy doo bag dispensers at council’s library branches during June to celebrate responsible pet ownership

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If it’s yellow, let it mellow.

Major repairs to a section of damaged sewer main on Paradise Street will go ahead this Saturday night, June 4.

Rain delayed the essential works two weeks ago, but they are set to proceed this Saturday from 6pm until 8am Sunday.

All residents in the Mackay urban area, excluding the Northern Beaches, are being asked to reduce their water usage on that evening to reduce the risk of sewage overflow into our environment.

Any overuse of water in the identified areas could cause the sewage pumping stations to become inundated while they are shut down which could potentially cause harmful discharges to the environment.

Hence, council is urging all residents to do their part to help by having an early shower, leaving the dirty dishes and laundry until Sunday and if it’s yellow let it mellow!

This is not a water interruption and council crews have accounted for water usage by businesses on the night.

The works are one of the largest coordinated repair jobs being undertaken by council to date, with more than 55 crew members across five locations completing the repairs.

To complete the replacement of the damaged section of pipe, crews will need to partially drain 11kms of the sewer line, or 900,000 litres of sewage from the main.

This will involve turning off 88 sewerage pump stations in the Mackay sewerage scheme.

By switching them off, sewage will cease flowing at the required location enabling the crews to repair the pipe.

Residents can contact council on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) if they have any questions.

TIPS TO SLOW SEWERAGE ON SATURDAY NIGHT

1. If you have a pool, take a dip instead of taking a shower and quickly rinse under the garden hose to let the grass soak up the water.

2. Enjoy a family night out at the Northern Beaches. There are no restrictions there, so take the opportunity to eat out and use their facilities before heading home.

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A rail trail in the Pioneer Valley has taken another step towards reality after the project’s first committee was elected last weekend.

David Arnold and Cr Alison Jones have been the driving force over the past 18 months in a concerted effort to put plans in place to establish the first rail trail in the Pioneer Valley.  A rail trail is a path typically running along disused and abandoned rail lines.

The culmination of their meetings and discussions resulted in the inaugural meeting of the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail Association being held on Saturday 28 May with 33 members of the community from all walks of life attending.

The attendees were updated that the first section of trail to be formed is Benholme to Gargett, however moving into the future there is a potential for 76k of rail trail.

Cr Alison Jones said that after years of talking it was now time to get on with the job.

“I’m excited for this community-led project to get up and running and now it can all begin.”

Cr Jones also said ideally most parts of this rail trail could take shape before the end of the year.  

The rail trail will be a multi-use trail for walkers, bike riders, and horse riders alike.

Interested parties are invited to stay updated as to the progress by joining the Facebook page ‘Pioneer Valley Rail Trail group’ or ‘Pioneer Valley Cycle Touring and Rail Trail’.

Rail Trail Committee

President:  David Arnold

Vice President:  Melissa Longhurst

Secretary:  Kim Saron

Treasurer:  Sue Gall

Committee members:  Beau Menzies, Vicki Bowden, Stephen Kelso.

A great turnout for the inaugural meeting of the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail Association

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Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia has launched its annual ‘Regular Giving’ campaign, with a special cherry on the top heading to the charity this year thanks to mining contracting company, Coalroc.

In a bid to encourage more people to sign up for either Regular Giving or Workplace Giving for RMHC North Australia, Coalroc is donating a generous $20 for every person who signs up between now and June 20th 2022.

Coalroc Director Gerald Tinney is proud to be RMHC North Australia’s Regular Giving Campaign Partner.

“Being a North Queensland based business, Coalroc is excited to be partnering with RMHC North Australia on the Regular Giving Campaign, to encourage people and businesses from our region to help a wonderful Charity that focuses on helping those families that are dealing with the illness of a child,” Mr Tinney said.

“There can be no more rewarding contribution than being part of Regular Giving.”

RMHC North Australia Chief Executive Officer, Tamara South, deeply appreciates Coalroc’s support.

“We are truly grateful for the support Coalroc has shown for our Regular Giving campaign,” Ms South said.

“Regular Giving recognises that even the smallest contributions can make a big difference. This sustainable giving fosters a lasting impact for the more than 5,000 sick and injured children that RMHC North Australia care for every year.”

With Regular Giving, donors can tailor their monthly donation to fit within their own unique budget. Tax-deductible donations start at just $2.  

“The cost of just one coffee a week can make a real difference for the families who rely on RMHC North Australia’s five practical care programs.”

For more information on Regular Giving and Workplace Giving, please visit rmhcna.org.au.

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Mackay Regional Council CEO Michael Thomson has resigned to focus on his cancer battle and in the “best interests of council” and his family.

He has been on leave since being diagnosed with bowel cancer about three months ago and has made the difficult decision to not return to the job.

“I have made this tough decision in the best interests of the organisation and my family,’’ Mr Thomson said.

“After being diagnosed, I had urgent surgery and then embarked on a treatment regime, including chemotherapy,’’ he said.

“Weighing up the disruption my treatment could have on Mackay Regional Council at a crucial time, embarking on a new budget with a new Corporate Plan, I have decided the best option is for me to leave the organisation.

“It will also allow me more time to focus on my treatment and my family, which is extremely important to me.

“Although my diagnosis has been scary and daunting for me, I know how harrowing it is for my loved ones, especially my children.

“Telling your kids you have cancer is without doubt one of the toughest things you can do in life. The emotional toll my diagnosis and treatment are having on them weighs heavily on my mind.”

Mr Thomson, 52, said his cancer battle was a stark reminder for council staff and the community in general about the importance of regular health screenings.

“Please do not take your health for granted. Be proactive to give yourself every chance of avoiding a shock diagnosis.”

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An outpouring of grief has flowed throughout social media following the death of an adventurous spirit who lived life to its fullest.

17-year-old William Baker lost his life earlier this week following a serious traffic crash involving a van and motorbike at Blacks Beach last Saturday night.

William suffered critical injuries at the scene and was assisted by an off-duty nurse who conducted CPR ahead of the emergency response. Tragically William’s injuries were severe and he passed away.

Skateboarding brand Red Lotus Company shared heartfelt words about William and is leading a push to rename the Blacks Beach Skatepark in William’s honour.

“Our young friend William Baker lost his life in a motorcycle accident,” the company posted on social media.

“Will was a beautiful young soul that was taken to early and will be missed by many.

“In his honour we are pushing to re-name the Blacks Beach Skate Park the "William Baker Memorial Park" along with a plaque of his dates and a custom mural painted on the vert wall, which Will was the first person to ever drop in on.

“We will be putting together a Fundraising day (date to be announced) in Will’s memory to help raise funds for his family to cover funeral costs and the mural.

“It has been a pleasure skateboarding with you Will and watching you grow into a rad young human being.”

The Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club posted a touching tribute on social media to their club member.

“Eimeo SLSC are deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the sudden unexpected passing of young club member Will Baker,” the post read.

“Will was a long-time member of the Eimeo SLSC along with his family, starting out as a young nipper and progressing through to a Bronze Medallion holder and volunteer patrol member.

“He was a regular at Eimeo Beach for well over 10 years, whether he was patrolling and helping around the surf club, fishing, diving or just hanging out with mates.

“Our sincerest condolences go to Kim, Andrew and Brianna Baker, and the whole Eimeo SLSC family are here to support you.

“A surfcraft vigil will be held this Sunday, June 5th at 11.30am to remember the energetic young fella who graced us with his presence and was taken way too soon.”

You can donate towards William’s memorial online at gofundme.com/f/william-baker-fundraiser

‍William Baker died last Saturday when his Kawasaki dirt bike collided with a Toyota Hiace van at the intersection of Blacks Beach and Hancock roads.

Eimeo SLSC posted a moving tribute to William who had been a long-time member

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Opening its doors at the beginning of July, the new family-run nature-based childcare centre in Jubilee Pocket is paving the way for early learning in the Whitsunday region, with its fantastical play centre and forward-thinking approach already proving popular with local families.

Running the daily operations of Jungle Zoo are its Manager, Amy Collins, and Director Emma Coughran.

At capacity, they will be able to welcome over 100 children through the doors and employ a team of 22 passionate educators.

Amy and her parents have previously run exceeding childcare centres based in the Central Coast of New South Wales and recruited Emma to move up to the Whitsundays from one of the other centres so that she could help launch Jungle Zoo.

Jumping at the opportunity, Emma made the move with her husband and their three children who are, five, seven and 11-years-old.

Emma has been working with children for 17 years, developing a passion for the industry and then studying to become an Early Childhood Teacher.

“I love the early years – the first five years of life is so important,” said Emma.

“This is the time when we are setting the foundations for children to succeed in life.”

Amy said that Emma was the first pick for the Director’s position because her personal philosophy in education and care is aligned with the family-first approach that lays at the heart of all their childcare centres.

“I love making families feel welcome – families are the first teacher for children, and they always come first,” explained Emma.

Jungle Zoo has an open-door policy where the door is never locked.

They actively encourage participation, whether that be sharing multi-cultural experiences, offering a cooking demonstration, reading to the children, or bringing in show and tell.

They are also breast-feeding friendly.

“Building that sense of belonging is really important for children and having those relationships, with the children and their families, is what we love to do,” said Emma.

“The smiles and happiness you get from young children when they walk through the doors, is the most rewarding part of the job”

Jungle Zoo Open Week starts this Monday and everyone is welcome.

Emma Coughran and Amy Collins from Jungle Zoo

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Water, water, water!

Now is the perfect time to check your irrigation system and if you don’t have one, now is the perfect time to install an irrigation system. It won’t be long before rainfall in the Whitsundays reduces significantly.

The average rainfall (which we are exceeding this month) is around 120mm but in June its 89mm and July is 60mm, and it will remain at this level for the months of August and September.

A lack of water in the vegetable and herb garden will result in plants bolting. Bolting means the plant will flower and seed prematurely, so keeping up the water is really important.  

I water my garden every morning and I get into the practice of taking my water bottle for my water intake at the same time. As a female I need to drink around two litres a day, how is your water intake?  It’s not just your plants that need water!

Watering in the late afternoon (as the sun sets) will see water settling on the foliage of your flourishing vegetable plants which promotes fungal growth. Nasty!

If it has not rained, then remember to water. It’s part of my morning ritual and I am not a morning person! So, I roll out of bed when the dreaded alarm goes off and spend half an hour watering the vegetables while I slowly wake up.

I have 20 vegetable beds, so if you have one or two, then you can find 15 minutes each morning to water your plants.

If not, put an irrigation system in now. It’s not as complicated as you may think and if you feel it’s just too overwhelming then come in and see us at 124 Paluma Rd and we will help you get set up as we have everything you need.  

If that still sounds too much, consider vegepods which have their own built-in irrigation. Put it on a timer and job done!

For those who have an irrigation system already, turn it on and check for low pressure (which could mean a leak) or nozzles that are not working. A blocked nozzle or worse still a broken nozzle, can result in a section of your plants not being watered and dying a slow and sad death.

Did you know:

Watermelons are made up of over 90 per cent water and if you eat one cup of watermelon, that is the equivalent of drinking half a cup of water. Similarly, a cucumber, made up of 96 per cent water, is easy to grow, low in calories and a great source of fibre.

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Proserpine Hospital continues to be one of 22 hospitals in the state that holds a Baby Friendly accreditation thanks to a recent audit which determined the high standards within the maternity ward had been maintained.

In 2003, Proserpine Hospital was the first regional location to receive the accreditation and Maternity Unit Manager Donna Martin said she was thrilled to provide the community with a baby friendly facility for the sixth year in a row.

“Congratulations go to the outstanding work of staff involved in the delivery of breastfeeding education and support for all mothers to care for their babies in the best and safest way possible,” she said.

“This is a world-recognised achievement and recognises that we meet standards set down by the United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Health Organisation.

“The accreditation remains current for three years with regular independent review and provides facilities with a framework to continuously improve.”

A Baby Friendly facility is one that is committed to evidence-based, best- practice maternity care and ensures every mother is supported with her informed choice of infant feeding during her transition to motherhood.

The audit examined the service and information provided to mothers during both the antenatal and postnatal period.

“Our accreditation demonstrates that the highest standard of care is offered to all mothers and babies. It also reflects the commitment of staff,” she said.

“Our care is women-centred, not task-centred. Accreditation means that we have a high level of professional competence and that’s something to be proud of.”

PProserpine Hospital midwives Emma Wilson (holding baby Beau Newman), Nickey Pilgrim and Sabrina Dobe.

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Volunteer Marine Rescue Whitsundays (VMRW) are thrilled to announce that InterContinental Hayman Island Resort has upgraded its support to that of a Gold Sponsor, stepping up from its former Silver category.

Arpad Romandy, General Manager of InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, said

that the sponsorship is in recognition of the support provided to Hayman Island in conducting a number of medivacs over the last year, as well as its services to the broader island and boating communities.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership and support the important work the volunteer service delivers to the Whitsundays community,” he said.

“It’s been invaluable for our Resort and guests to have the medivac support in our times of need.”

VMR Whitsunday President Mal Priday, said that the service is run by almost 50 dedicated volunteers including boat crew, radio operators, management, fundraisers and trainers.

Partially funded via government grants, VMRW is also heavily dependent upon sponsorship.

“It is very satisfying to have InterContinental Hayman Island Resort increasing their level of support and contribute to meeting the cost of some of our operational expenses - without that type and level of support we would not be here,” he said.

InterContinental Hayman Island Resort General Manager, Arpad Romandy, and VMR Whitsunday Sponsorships Officer Roger Wodson

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Three opportunities for young Whitsunday locals to gain both skills and experience in a thriving industry have just opened up thanks to the Port of Abbot Point who have announced that they are now recruiting apprentices for their 2023 in-take.

They are currently looking for two motivated individuals to undertake a Certificate III in Engineering – Fitting and Turning and one a Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician.

The successful candidate will join the local team of more than 385 employees and will participate in a world-class apprenticeship program that will help them develop their skills and start a career path in a trade.

Mechanical Apprentice Brittany Kane started her apprenticeship last year and says that she loves the variety in her day-to-day job.

“One day we’re working on the stacker-reclaimers, the next we’re out on the berths with the ship loaders. Very few days are ever the same and that one of the things I love most about my apprenticeship here,” she said.

“The other is that the people who train me are not just helpful, they all come from different backgrounds and bring different experiences and I find that really valuable as I learn.”

Second year Electrical Apprentice Tyler Warren said that his decision to apply for the apprenticeship was one of the best career choices he’s ever made.

“I really enjoy figuring out the electrical side of things and it’s a lot of fun to work with big machines like we have here. The salary’s not bad either and there’s a pathway to go further in the job as well,” he said.

“The best advice I could give the applicants for 2023 is to be confident, but humble, and if you don’t know something don’t be afraid to ask questions – that’s the most important thing.”

For more information about APO’s 2023 apprenticeship program or to apply, visit www.abbotpointoperations.com.au/the-people/. Applications close 5pm on Tuesday, 31 May 2022.

Brittany Kane with fellow apprentice Lawson Chidley offshore at the North Queensland Export Terminal

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Police are looking for two individuals who gained entry onto a locked balcony of a unit on Shute Harbour Road in Airlie Beach last weekend.

CCTV footage captured images of an unknown man and woman seating themselves on a sofa on the balcony and eating some food before the man removes his shirt and then drapes it over the security camera.

A short time later, when the shirt is removed from the camera, it is alleged that a fire extinguisher had been activated and discharged all over the ground and on furniture items present.

The man and woman are then seen to leave the area on foot.

Police are encouraging anyone who may have information about the incident or are able to identify the pair to contact officials as soon as possible.

CCTV footage of the two culprits

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Whitsunday operators attended the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) trade event in Sydney last week.

There was a total of 11 local businesses spruiking the region to over 500 global buyers in a bustling arena which saw many tourism representatives interacting with up to 70 potential customers each day.

“It’s just like speed dating!” said Julie Telford from Red Cat Adventures.

“You get back-to-back 15-minute appointments and quite often you are selling the region before you sell your own business.

“We all went there as a team, and it was great to meet lots of new faces as well as see some familiar ones.”

The trade show was held at the Sydney’s International Convention and Exhibition Centre and was the first completely carbon neutral event of its type.

This was also the first event since COVID where buyers and sellers were able to meet face to face.

“Being able to meet in the flesh instead of over a computer screen is so much more personal and builds so much more rapport,” said Julie.

“Tourism Australia did a fantastic job, and it was great to see tourism get back on track.”

Also in attendance were Daydream Island Resort and Living Reef, Discovery Parks, Explore Whitsundays Sailing Adventures, Hamilton Island and qualia, InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, Cruise Whitsundays, Mirage Whitsundays, Ocean Rafting, SeaLink Whitsundays and Whitsunday Coast Airport.

Next year’s event will be held in the Gold Coast.

The Whitsunday contingent at the 2022 ATE in Sydney

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A large section of Jubilee Pocket went into complete lockdown last Thursday afternoon when 44-year-old Paul Malcom Henderson, who was believed to be suffering an acute mental health episode, barricaded himself in the upstairs bedroom of his unit on Erromango Drive.

The exclusion zone included 100 metres encompassing Shute Harbour Road, Penticost Street, Cedar Crescent and Jubilee Pocket Road.

The situation began when a mental health care team attended the property to check on the welfare of its inhabitants.

They expressed concern to the Police who attended the property at 11.45am on Thursday, May 18.

It was established that, the Mr Henderson who had barricaded himself inside, was armed with a compound bow and wearing body armour. At this point, he was deemed to be a danger to himself and others.

By 4pm that afternoon, officers had blocked off the entire street and all direct neighbours in the apartment complex were not permitted to return home.

At approximately 6pm, up to 30 officers wearing military clothing had arrived at the scene with semi-automatic weapons.

During the evening, Police smashed windows on the property and drones were deployed to gather better intel.

On Saturday afternoon, police were confident that Mr Henderson posed "no threat to the community, however members of the public are advised to avoid the area and those within the exclusion zone are asked to remain indoors as a precaution."

By Sunday, motorists were allowed to leave Erromango Drive but not permitted to return once they did.

Neighbours, still not able to return to their homes, had now been displaced for the fourth night in a row with nothing but the clothes they were wearing on Thursday afternoon.

During the course of Sunday night, it is understood that fire hoses were used to spray water through the upstairs bedroom.

By the early hours of Monday morning, officers could no longer see Mr Henderson pacing around and, concerned for his safety, they entered the property at 7am making the arrest.

It is understood that he was found exhausted and unable to move.

Over the 5-day period, it is alleged that up to 20 arrows were fired at police and witnesses reported that, during the siege, police sounded a piercing alarm every five minutes.

No-one was injured but damage to emergency service vehicles was sustained.

Throughout the incident, police attempted to talk to Mr Henderson over a loudspeaker and by attempting to call his mobile phone, but at no point did he respond.

He has now been charged with six counts of attempted murder and two counts of wilful damage of police property.

If this incident or any of the content you have read has caused concern or distress for you or your family members, particularly children, please reach out for help and support by contacting:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au

Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au

Caption:

The site of the incident with the two upstairs windows smashed

Officers in military clothing with semi-automatic weapons

Police block of Erromango Drive during the siege

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After more than 30 years standing proudly in Albert Lloyd Park in Marian, ‘Joe’ the canecutter statue will finally get a facelift.

Joan Vickers, a long-time Marian resident who was involved in establishing the original statue, has spearheaded a campaign to replace Joe.  She has been working with the Pioneer Valley Tourism and Development Association (PVT&DA) with ongoing support from Mackay Regional Council’s Tracy Heathwood, to raise funds, source a sculptor and plan a community day to unveil the new statue.

“Joe’s life started back in 1990, when a group of Marian residents and myself approached the Mirani Shire Council to hold a ‘Back to Marian’ day in Albert Lloyd Park”, Mrs Vickers explained.

The day was an opportunity for residents to commemorate the families who had lived or were living in Marian, by planting a tree in the park.

“On the day, about 400 people attended, with 310 native trees being planted.  The cost of a tree and a name tag was $5,” said Mrs Vickers.

It was also decided to erect a statue of a canecutter, to honour those who had contributed to the growth of the sugar industry in the Marian area since 1983.  Donations by local firms made this possible and the statue was nicknamed ‘Joe’.

However, the weather has taken its toll on Joe over the last 30 years.  

“Joe’s condition badly deteriorated,’ explained Mr Vern Lindbergs from PVT&DA, “Mackay Regional Council decided that the original statue is a safety hazard and should be dismantled and retired.”

A campaign to raise the necessary funds to replace Joe has been very successful.  Through different grants and the generosity of local firms and individuals, the new statue will be cast in bronze by Nebo sculptor, Kay Paton.

“We’re really excited to see the new, improved version of Joe,” said Mrs Vickers.  “He has been missed from the park and we’re keen to have him back soon.  All the community is invited to celebrate the official unveiling of our bronze canecutter statue.”

The new canecutter statue will be unveiled on Sunday 19th June at 3pm in Albert Lloyd Park in Marian.  Community members are all invited to attend.

Joe the Canecutter statue was unveiled in 1990. After years of deterioration, a replacement statue will now be unveiled on Sunday 19 June in Marian. Left: Former Mirani Shire Mayor Clive Rogers, Joan Vickers and Marian Mill Manager Graham Swindles. Photo supplied by Joan Vickers

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