Mackay’s premier panel beaters are set to expand their facilities to include a dedicated electric and hybrid car repair space thanks to state government grants.

The fifty-year old Mackay business McCarthy Panel Works received a $50,000 grant from the State Government Business Growth Fund to install specialised equipment at their O’Loughlin Street site.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the family-owned business that was once filled with Falcons, Chargers and Kingswoods, would be equipped to enter the modern world of electric and hybrid cars with the expansion.

“This Business Growth Fund grant will help McCarthy’s stay on the front foot of smash repairs so they can help anyone and everyone when accidents happen,” Ms Gilbert said.

“McCarthy Panel Works has been getting locals back on the road since 1971, and now, they’re looking to the future.”

The grants will be used to fund equipment like a new chassis aligner, aluminium welders and riveting guns for the new space, which will accelerate growth opportunities for the business, allowing them to reach even greater heights.

“I’m excited to see what McCarthy’s achieve in the next 12 months, although my Nissan hopes my next visit is strictly professional,” The Member for Mackay said.

Owners and directors of the 51-year-old family business Andrea and Craig McCarthy said they are pushing closer to their goal of developing the next evolution in vehicle repair.

"It is really encouraging for us to know that others can see how passionate we are about what we do and the need to do it right,” Ms McCarthy said.

“As a repairer in today’s market, you must be looking in this direction, so I am super proud to be taking McCarthy’s into this new space, especially in regard to further training for our current team members and bringing in new ones.

“It’s the next evolution for our staff, for where vehicles are going, and to stay current and fresh you need to be heading this way.”

The Palaszczuk Government grant comes as part of the delivery of its Big Plans for Small Business Strategy.

The Business Growth Fund grants of up to $50,000 for highly specialised equipment that will help businesses boost their productivity, and hopefully in turn their workforce.

Successful applicants have demonstrated a 20 percent increase in productivity, turnover, profit or employment in the past 12 months and have clearly defined business plans in place.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, Small Business Minister Di Farmer MP, and Julia and Craig McCarthy with the McCarthy team celebrating a grant through the Business Growth Fund

Some of the new equipment purchased through the grant funding

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Ten local businesses have refined their business skills thanks to a tailored one-on-one mentoring program delivered by Mackay Regional Council.  

Pilot program participant Mary-Ann Refalo from family-owned and operated Walkerston-based business Retrospect Life said the program was a good opportunity to learn new things.

“With our current business we specialise in and sell homemade jams, chutneys, relishes and sauces – however, my husband and I are considering agritourism and wanted to better prepare ourselves should we head down that track,” Mrs Refalo said.

“The program is easy-to-follow, and I have walked away with a deeper understanding on a range of topics including knowing your customer and pricing strategies,” she said.

Mayor Greg Williamson said after a successful pilot program, another round had been opened today, offering the opportunity to 10 additional businesses.

“Existing businesses, as well as start-ups with a business idea that supports the Pioneer Valley Mountain Bike Trails, are eligible and encouraged to apply,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Council is investing in the program as part of our ongoing commitment to growing the visitor economy and ensuring the Mackay region continues to grow as a highly-regarded leisure destination.

“We want the Mackay region to be front of mind for travellers seeking nature experiences and we want to offer a high standard of experiences for them to enjoy while visiting.”

Tracey Pelling also took part in the pilot program, seeking guidance for her start-up accommodation business Ride, Rest, Repeat.

“We’re doing some nature-based short stay accommodation, so some campsites and some cabins, in support of the mountain bike tracks that are coming,” she explained.

“The program led us through our business plan, our financial plan, operational plan, and really just kept us focused to get our start up up and running.

Tracey would highly recommend the program to other small businesses.

“The other thing that it allowed us to do was network with other businesses in the area,” she said.

“It’s not just the course that you do, it’s the legacy that comes with it which is great.”

For more information, business owners are asked to visit mackay.qld.gov.au/businessmentoring. Applications for the next program close Friday, March 4 at 5pm.

Mayor Greg Williamson with pilot program participant and local business owner Mary-Ann Refalo from Retrospect Life. Photo Supplied: Mackay Regional Council

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The section of Glenella-Richmond Road between Mackay-Habana Road and Holts Road is now open to traffic, after labour and material shortages created a lengthy delay in the completion of the project.

The project was due for completion in December 2021, but after the project duration was extended to February, the contractors delivered within the extended timeframe.

The country road is a pivotal piece of infrastructure for Northern Beaches and Habana residents, as it bypasses part of the often-congested main thoroughfare to the Northern Beaches suburbs.

Within 24 hours of announcing the re-opening of the road on Facebook, Mackay Regional Council’s post had attracted more than 450 comments, showing how closely this project has been followed by residents.

A Council spokesperson said “There are still some minor works left to complete, so please drive to the conditions and obey all signage in the area.

“A big thank you to the community for their patience and understanding during this project.”

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Live music has been a casualty over the last few years, but 2022 is shaping up for a beauty around Mackay.

Just announced in the last week or so, Legends on the Lawn - one of the best lineups you’ll see, headlined by Jimmy Barnes at Harrup Park on May 21st.

Jimmy’s great, whether you saw him here open the MECC, at the Blue Water Quay with Shannon Noll, or with Chisel at the Showgrounds, he always puts on a great show.

As far as laid-back performers go, he’s one of the best. At his Blue Water Quay gig I had the chance to go backstage and interview him before the show, leaning on the railing overlooking the Pioneer River. Mahalia was warming up just near us, the band were “in the zone”, but Jimmy was just having a chat about the location and what he was going to play first. Rather different to the 23 seconds I was able to get with Deborah Harry from Blondie before their show at the MECC.

Think about the last 10 years or so in Mackay, Elton John and Kiss - amazing that both came here and played shows at the MECC, they’re acts that sometimes bypass some capital cities on tours, but we had them.

Even Blondie, go back to the late 70’s and early 80’s they were top bill globally, and they came to the MECC.

We’ve had Powderfinger, Jet, Silverchair, River Sessions and more. All concerts are memorable, but especially your first one you attended.

My first was Crowded House at the Adelaide F1 GP with my dad around 1986, but my first proper concert with no parents was Johnny Diesel & the Injectors. It’s still the loudest concert I’ve been to, it was at the beautiful Thebarton Theatre in Adelaide.

I’m hoping Legends on The Lawn will be my kids first ever concert, and I’ll be buying earplugs for them just in case. I can’t wait for Barnsey’s screams, the loud guitar and bass of The Living End and cruisy tunes of Busby Marou. Hopefully we have perfect weather.

Scotty

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An injured driver had to be cut from the wreckage of his rolled truck after being trapped for 90 minutes near Oakenden last week (18 February).

RACQ CQ Rescue was tasked by Retrieval Services Queensland (RSQ) to the accident scene where a flat-bed truck had rolled while taking a corner on Eton Homebush Road, about 30km south-west of Mackay, just before 7am.

It is believed the truck was being escorted by a pilot vehicle.

The Mackay-based rescue helicopter landed on the bitumen road which had been closed by police and had to wait for about 60 minutes for the injured driver, believed to be from Blackwater, to be cut from the rear of the truck cab by Queensland Fire and Rescue.

The 49-year-old was loaded into the helicopter and flown to Mackay Base Hospital with suspected spinal injuries arriving at 8.30am.

Pedestrian Killed Near St Lawrence

Earlier that same day (18 February), a pedestrian lost their life after police believe a man was hit by a truck. The Bruce Highway was closed for several hours as investigations were undertaken, re-opening that afternoon.

Early information indicates at around 6am the 42-year-old man was on foot in the Northbound lanes of the Bruce Highway when he was struck by a large vehicle.

The man died at the scene.

Anyone with information relating to this incident, or dash cam footage from that area from 4am onwards, is urged to contact police.

Police would also like to speak to a driver (possibly driving a Pantech style truck), who was heading Southbound on the Bruce highway and sent a radio transmission about a person on the road immediately prior to this incident.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating.

23-Year-Old Mackay Man Missing

Police are seeking public assistance to locate a 23-year-old man reported missing in the Mackay area since Monday, 14 February.

Jayden Nolan (pictured) left a residence in Andergrove around 8am, and has not made contact with anyone since.

Investigators believe he may have been in the area of Monto Showgrounds in Monto on the evening of Thursday 17 February. His car was reportedly seen near the Sunshine Coast on 20 February.

Police and family hold concern for his welfare as his disappearance is out of character. Jayden’s brother said that he rarely leaves the house for long periods of time and would always let his workplace know if he couldn’t be at work.

He is described as 178cm tall with a fair complexion, short brown hair and hazel eyes.

Jaden is believed to be travelling in a 2011 blue Kia Rio with Qld registration 343RRO.

Anyone who may have seen him or know his whereabouts is urged to come forward.

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In dark hours are when the kindest spirits shine brightly.

Katelyn Pershouse discovered this earlier this week when she, a friend and two young children were involved in a car accident due to another vehicle allegedly running a red light.

It happened in Mackay near at the Milton Street Skate Park.

Though she no longer has a vehicle, she said she was overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers who stopped to help them when they were injured and upset.

“We’re alive and safe and se, so grateful,” she said on a Facebook community page called Mackay Noticeboard.

“I hope this post reaches the beautiful, kind and very caring people that stopped to help us, and give us water,” she said.

We have shared her story in an effort to let these people know they are appreciated.

In particular, a kind man gifted Katelyn’s son a soft animal.

“He saw my little boy upset and gifted him a sloth teddy to try and help distract and comfort him.

“It meant so much to me and that teddy will have a place in our hearts forever - our little boy slept with it last night at the hospital and has had it by his side since.

“Thank you deeply to everyone that helped us and took the time to see if we were okay and needed anything.”

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A world-first mobile health unit that will help with the early detection of lung diseases visited Mackay last Friday after departing Brisbane earlier that week.

The state-of-the-art Queensland-built HEART 5 vehicle was developed between the State Government and Heart of Australia and will assist in the early detection of mine dust lung diseases in regional Queensland workers.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart farewelled the vehicle from Brisbane last week.

“HEART 5 is a revolutionary piece of technology that will bring high-quality respiratory health screenings to mine and quarry workers in regional and remote parts of the state,” Mr Stewart said.

“This means workers won’t have to travel as far to access highly specialised services, ensuring earlier detection and intervention in cases of mine dust lung diseases like black lung and silicosis.”

The facility contains an x-ray machine and a world-first battery-powered high-resolution computerised tomography (CT) scanner.

Mr Stewart said HEART 5 has been built by Queenslanders, for Queenslanders.

“The robust vehicle was constructed in Narangba to the highest standards, in order to withstand the wear and tear of travelling through rural Queensland,” Mr Stewart said.

Heart of Australia founder Dr Rolf Gomes said that HEART 5 can do a CT parked on a mine site, and this is a world first.

“HEART 5 breaks down the tyranny of distance, so if you do have a lung disease, we can find it early and quickly,” Dr Gomes said.

Speaking in Mackay, Heart of Australia’s Head of Operations and Business Development Ewan Wylie said HEART 5 is a project of passion as a former respiratory scientist.

“I’ve sadly now met over 100 people affected by these preventable diseases,” he said.

“We can set up on a mine site, in a worker’s club car park or in a cane field and do a CT anytime, anywhere.

“We’ll be able to diagnose conditions earlier and support more informed treatment keeping miners and their communities healthier and improving their quality of life.”

HEART 5 journeyed to coal mining community Collinsville to begin vital work screening workers and former workers of mines and quarries.

“On our maiden journey over the last four days we have screened 74 retired miners from the Bowen Basin,” Mr Wylie said.

“We have already found on initial review a number of abnormal findings and have actioned some further investigations for some.

“We will be returning to Collinsville soon to complete all the required investigations once we have put all those screenings through all our specialists. “

CFMEU Queensland’s District President Steven Smyth said it doesn’t end there.

“The next step is taking this out to the regions, further providing the service that needs to be done, and then providing the backup services these mineworkers, their families and the community will need,” Mt Smyth said.

L-R Heart of Australia’s Corporate Health Initiative Program Lead Andrew Bailey, Heart of Australia’s Head of Operations and Business Development Ewan Wylie, CFMEU District President Stephen Smyth, Resources Minister Scott Stewart, Labor Candidate for Dawson Shane Hamilton, and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert. Photo: Amanda Wright

Heart of Australia’s Corporate Health Initiative Program Lead Andrew Bailey addresses an impressive crowd welcoming HEART 5 to the Resources Centre of Excellence.

A MRI scanner is part of the impressive equipment onboard the mobile health unit

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The Whitsundays is currently experiencing a problem with homeless cats who have either been deliberately dumped or handed over because their owners are no longer able to look after them.

Last year a box containing approximately three litters (16 kittens) was found behind the Reef Gateway Hotel in Cannonvale – the unfortunate felines were abandoned without a thought to their welfare and one of these cats remains traumatised to this day.

Another incident occurred when a pensioner was forced to move out of the rental property she had been residing in for 20 years and the new motel-style accommodation, which was her only option, did not take cats so she had to hand over her 10 year old companion.

These are just some of the experiences that 81-year-old Christina Della Valle has witnessed in the three years since she opened the doors and her heart to the abandoned animals of the Whitsundays.

This inspiring lady is currently housing five rescue dogs, which will remain hers, almost 20 cats and two horses which she hopes to re-home, as well as various other farm animals on her 260-acre property in Preston, near Proserpine.

Animal Rescue Whitsunday operates independently and relies entirely on GoFundMe donations.

“What I don’t get donated, I pay for myself,” said Ms Della Valle.

“This is something I always wanted to do, so I just did!”

Increasingly, anyone who finds an abandoned pet in the area calls her directly and without the red tape of registered charities, Ms Della Valle is able to focus on the important job of rehousing and caring for animals.

“My only agenda is looking after the animals,” she said.

This also makes the adoption process a lot simpler for a genuine animal lover – Ms Della Valle says she prefers to go with her gut instinct when determining each applicant’s ability to look after an animal long-term.

At the moment she has nine three-week-old kittens, four eight-week-old kittens, two that are three months old and two adult cats – all of them are looking for the right home.

For $180, which in fact does not quite cover the costs, you will receive a de-sexed and vaccinated cat.

You can also donate to Animal Rescue Whitsundays by going onto their Facebook page and following the link to the GoFundMe site which is pinned to the top.

Christina Della Valle holding one of the kittens

The kittens are well looked after at the rescue centre but would love to move into a forever home

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After months of planning and community consultation the draft designs were approved in a January council meeting, with stage one of the Cannonvale Skate Park redevelopment due to get underway this year.

The Whitsunday Regional Council owned facility had been showing signs of wear for years and the older design no longer met current skating trends so it was decided to demolish the park and replace it with a more modern, user-friendly facility.

During the community consultation period, however, many residents took to the public platform to raise concerns about the proposed design, stating that it seemed to replace not improve the previous park offering.

Theo George from the Australian Skateboarding Community Initiative said that a more progressive park could attract more visitors and possibly some competitions to the area.

“The new design is very entry level in the difficulty of elements,” he said.

“A park this size is not suitable for regional competitions. Investing more into a skatepark can bring large returns to your community via skatepark activation.

“It would be a shame to finally demolish and build a new park, only to realise it is unable to facilitate any events to showcase your region or talented skaters.”

All feedback was considered prior to the final draft and an updated concept was presented to the Council last month which included a competition skatebowl suitable for intermediate and advanced skaters to be added to the design as Stage Two of the project.

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A total of 41 newly qualified doctors are now completing their internships at our rural hospitals and one of them is Proserpine local Dr Alex Moore who graduated last year.

Moving to Townsville after high school to study medicine at the James Cook University, Dr Moore said that diverse learning opportunities and welcoming team environment are just two of the many reasons he decided to complete his internships in the Mackay and Whitsunday region.

"Growing up in a rural area you definitely have an appreciation of health care workers and how much they're needed in those smaller towns," he said.

Developing an early interest in science inspired Dr Moore to pursue a career that combined this discipline with a passion for helping people.

"The way the human body works has always fascinated me and being in a position to make a positive difference to the health outcomes of people is hugely rewarding," he said.

"My first core rotation is emergency medicine and I'm learning a lot through the variety of presentations and team of clinicians who work in the department."

Dr Moore will be heading to Bowen Hospital in October where he hopes to expand his experience and embrace a diverse scope of practice.

Proserpine local Dr Alex Moore

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Young Whitsunday residents from 8 to 21 are eligible for free support to help them access a variety of resources practical tools and professional advice thanks to not-for-profit community organisation, MADEC Ltd and their Youth Empowerment and Support Service. (YESS)

The friendly and dedicated local youth support workers can assist any young person through challenging processes by dismantling barriers that would otherwise prevent doors from opening and quality of life improving.

Whether it be helping you get access to mental health services, applying for financial assistance payments, enrolling into education or assisting with writing a resume to secure your dream job, the team can show you how.

YESS Youth Support Worker, Torii Kelly, said that anyone who lives in the Whitsundays, from Bloomsbury to Bowen and out to Collinsville between the ages of 8 to 21 can be eligible to access the service.

“If you have any questions about our services or if you believe you or someone you know may benefit from our support service, please contact us. We are available Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm to answer any questions you may have” she said.

“We will help you work through your list of goals – and help you achieve them by supporting you in any way we can.”

Generally, in the Whitsundays most young people are seeking pathways to link in with mental health services, alternative forms of education as well as assistance to access safe housing options.

By working with the individual young person to create an individual support plan, each Support Worker can keep connected to ensure every young person has the tools and support they need for a successful life.

YESS Youth Workers Rachel Miller who services Bowen and Collinsville, Natasha Reid who services Bowen and Proserpine and Torii Kelly who services Proserpine, Airlie Beach and Cannonvale area

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For the past 54 years, the Proserpine Lions Club has been quietly working away with a sea of dedicated volunteers who offer their time to raise money for necessary items in support of local causes.

Simply looking to serve the community and not for recognition, the group of 27 local Lions are often the friendly faces that man the sausage sizzles at various events.

From the Paul Bowman Cup to the Proserpine Show – they will be there!

Every dollar donated with the purchase of a delicious snag or cold drink is put straight back into the community and given to a local organisation that needs assistance. Lions members pay their own administration expenses.

A total of $30,000 was donated to the Proserpine Hospital by the Proserpine Lions and this money was used to fund seven machines that monitor heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature for patients.

In addition, the club donated funds to pay for vital machines at the Proserpine Nursing Home and are regularly approached by a range of local organisations who need help with equipment or resources.

With some of the local Lions reaching an age where they wish to wind down their active years of contribution, the club is currently looking for new members to reactivate the group.

Doug Winterflood who has been with the Lions for 20 years and used to be the District Governor for North Queensland, overseeing 69 different clubs, said that they would also be interested in helping a new sub-branch start-up.

“We’re aiming to get younger members involved,” he said.

“They can form a branch club and have their own club if they like – we can simply guide and mentor them as much as they want, then leave them to their own resources.”

For anyone looking to join the Proserpine Lions, simply call Tim on 0407 961 379 and come along to one of their twice monthly meetings at the Grand Central Hotel in Proserpine.

The Australian Lions Club has been operating for 75 years and now has 1,200 clubs with 25,000 registered members.

Lions are involved universally with a wide range of projects, Youth Opportunities, Sight, Emergency response, Medical Research, Health, Humanitarian issues and the Environment – so if you want more than just a good sausage - join the Lions!

Members of the Proserpine Lions Club

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The Whitsundays community was deeply saddened by news of the sudden passing of Stephen Jennings in early February.

The much-loved 64-year-old paramedic retired last year after 42 years’ service and had been looking forward to travelling around Asia with his wife.

A farm boy born from south Gippsland, Mr Jennings went on to spend four decades saving lives across Australia.

He took up the role of ambulance officer first in his home state of Victoria before settling in Airlie Beach and finally retiring in December of last year.

The well-loved paramedic retired to the applause of colleagues, as well as Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), who awarded him a certificate of appreciation for 25 years of service with the QAS, on top of his already astounding 17 years with the Victoria Ambulance Service (VAS).

Seven of those years were working on helicopter rescue in Victoria as a paramedic before transferring to Proserpine and then the Whitsunday Station, where he stayed for the rest of his career.

Officer in Charge of Whitsunday Ambulance Station Steve Thurtell worked with Mr Jennings for 25 years until his retirement.

“It was a shock, and a terribly sad loss, that someone who devotes 40 years of his career doesn’t get to enjoy the fruits of his labour in retirement,” Mr Thurtell said.

“We formed a good partnership over the years and he was a very solid paramedic over that time.”

Mr Thurtell said that the favourite opening line for Mr Jennings was “Hi, I’m Steve and we’re going to get you sorted.”

Mackay and Whitsunday Life spoke with Mr Jennings on the day of his retirement, and he was extremely proud of his profession.

“From death to walking out of the hospital later on, that’s a good feeling – actually getting someone back, and we’re quite capable of doing that,” Mr Jennings said.

“Saving someone’s life is pure elation; there is no feeling that comes close.”

Mr Jennings passed away surrounded by friends and family on February 8.

Stephen Jennings surrounded by colleagues

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The gloves are off and the campaign fight is heating up as both LNP candidate Andrew Willcox and Labor candidate Shane Hamilton begin the battle for the seat of Dawson which will be decided in the Federal election due to take place at the beginning of May.

Mr Willcox voiced his concerns about what would happen if the Labor Party was voted in and made an alliance with the Greens, speculating that this would cost billions of dollars and tens of thousands of jobs in the local resource industry.

“The potential consequences of a Labor Greens Alliance could cost Queensland $85 billion in investment and 52,000 jobs as soon as the deal is signed,” Mr Willcox said.

“As the Minister for Resources Keith Pitt has said - this is the true cost of a Labor Greens alliance - which would be based on the Greens demand to immediately stop more than 100 major resources projects, including coal and gas developments in our region.”

Mr Hamilton, refuted this idea, saying that there would be no such alliance and that under the previous Labor Government many resource projects and employment were in fact created.

“Labor will only govern on its own standing, and I strongly believe that's what we'll achieve at the next election,” he said.

“The Labor state government has approved several new mining projects in recent years and with two levels of government aligned and focused on delivering good secure jobs, the people of Dawson will be the beneficiaries.”

“I currently work in mining projects, so you won’t get a person with more frontline experience or a better advocate than me.”

Mr Willcox is also well-informed about the needs of the mining industry having been Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council for the past six years.

Only time will tell which candidate is best for the seat of Dawson.

Labor Candidate for Dawson, Shane Hamilton

LNP Candidate for Dawson, Andrew Willcox

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Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the major easing of COVID restrictions last week, including the state-wide mask mandate which will no longer be required in most indoor settings.

Many workplaces, schools, shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs were thrilled with the news last week that mask mandates were being removed and people could enter their establishments mask-free from 6pm on Friday March 4.

Masks will still be required on public transport and rideshares, as well as airports, prisons, and disability and aged care settings.

Ms Palaszczuk said she was making the announcement with “cautious optimism” with the Queensland government believing that the number of hospitalisations and infections has now peaked.

"These numbers are coming down as we come off the wave, " Ms Palaszczuk told parliament.

Both Ms Palaszczuk and Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said that the vulnerable members of the community should continue wearing masks, and everyone should carry a mask in places where they cannot socially distance.

The Premier also announced that density limits would be scrapped for weddings, funerals, homes, food courts, hairdressers, gyms, and universities.

The Premier’s daily COVID press conferences will also end from the first week of March.

"This is all about getting our lives back to a new normal,” she said.

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