Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Whitsunday Anglican School has celebrated a successful year of student sport, recognising the tremendous talent and achievements of its athletes at its 2026 Sports Awards. Among the major honours, the Bill Turner Cup Under-15 Soccer Team and Vicki Wilson Cup Year 7–9 Netball Team were named Sports Teams of the Year after winning their respective Mackay competitions and progressing to represent the Mackay Region at state competitions. Harriet received Sports Official of the Year for her commitment to netball umpiring, including her selection to officiate at Queensland Representative School Sport level, while Maverick and Chelsea were named Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year for their sporting excellence, integrity and contributions to the school. The school also recognised Mr Jim Fredericksen for 20 years of volunteer coaching with its Archery Programme. Mayor Greg Williamson attended the awards, alongside guest speaker Mrs Deanna Turner, who shared insights into the value of sport in education. A former Queensland Firebirds netball player, Australian rugby league player and Queensland Rugby League coach, Mrs Turner is also a current Queensland Representative School Sport coach. Her presentation explored how sport can help build resilience, teamwork and leadership. The school congratulated all award recipients and students who represented Whitsunday Anglican School throughout 2026. Photo source: Whitsunday Anglican School
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It’s the story about 30,000 drowned pigs and how it applies to real estate, best business practices and life in general. In an earlier life I was the editor of the Daily Mercury newspaper, back when it was published and printed six days a week and over 20,000 copies were sold on a Saturday. Different times in the media world. Anyway, this one day we were following a story about flooding in Rockhampton. Some days earlier there had been a lot of rain and some flooding in the Mackay region and, as often happens, the river system’s flood waters then made their way towards Rockhampton. When there is a rain event upstream a lot of water from various rivers and tributaries runs into the low-lying Fitzroy River system and into Rockhampton. It is very predictable and Rocky authorities can often establish that when there is flooding further north in places like Mackay that in a week’s time the Rocky area will be flooded. So up in nearby Mackay we were following the approaching flood and in communication with our sister paper in Rocky who were giving it massive coverage. It wasn’t Mackay so it wasn’t going to be front page in our paper but we were planning on a significant coverage. In the late afternoon one of our reporters came into my office and said: “30,000 pigs have drowned in the Rocky floods. They were washed away from a farm.” I said: “Thirty thousand pigs!? That’s a lot of pigs. Can we check on that?” The reporter came back five minutes later and said: “The story’s right. The farmer told the Rocky journo thirty thousand pigs have drowned from his property upstream from Rocky. Rocky’s running the story.” I asked if we had photos and he said they didn’t but would let me know when they had some, although none arrived that evening. We went pretty big on the drowning, as the Page 3 or Page 5 lead story with the obvious headline of 30,000 pigs drowning in the Rocky floods. Early the next morning the young journalist who had told me about the thirty thousand pigs drowning approached my office and tentatively knocked on the door. In a stammering voice he said: “Ah, look … about that, um, story about the, ah, thirty thousand pigs drowning near Rocky ...” I had an uneasy feeling, bordering on dread. “Uh ha … what about the pig story?” I asked. He said: “It wasn’t thirty thousand pigs. It was 30 sows and pigs.” I’m no mathematician but even I could work out that our story and big headline was out by about 29,970 dead pigs. I knew immediately how the miss-communication would have happened. A young Rocky reporter busily covering the floods. On the phone talking to a distressed farmer or piggery owner who blurts out: “Mate it’s terribly out here. I’ve lost 30 sows and pigs, all drowned.” If someone, speaking quickly, blurts out “thirty-sows-and-pigs” you can understand how someone could hear “thirty thousand pigs”. Also, who says “sows and pigs”? A piggery owner, obviously, but probably no-one else. Certainly not a reporter in the city. Anyway, we ran a correction the next day. The story reminds me that in life, real estate and business, listen to your gut. I had questioned the story. I thought 30,000 pigs was extremely unlikely but accepted it when the young reporter confirmed it. I should have asked more questions. I should have listened to my gut. In real estate, owners sometimes get the facts wrong … how many kilowatts in the solar system, how many litres the bore produces, when the previous owner had renovated the house. You can’t just pass these things on to a buyer as facts if you don’t know them 100 per cent true. You’ve got to be cautious, listen to your gut and check the facts.
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Queensland Telestroke Service is saving lives one video call at a time, recently providing life saving consultation to 37-year-old Mackay mum Angelica Murray. Angelica suffered a stroke whilst out with a friend, and was rushed to Mackay Base Hospital. Within minutes of her arrival she was connected by video to a specialist stroke neurologist who prescribed life-saving medication. “I was in the car with my friend and suddenly I couldn’t concentrate or remember names,” Angelica said. As her condition deteriorated, her friend rushed her to hospital. At the emergency department, staff immediately recognised the signs of a stroke. “I remember all the nurses and doctors working together so quickly,” Angelica said. “They were explaining everything, even the stroke doctor on the screen.” From the advice of the Queensland Telestroke Service (QTS) neurologist, Angelica received the clot busting medication she needed. The speed of the service made a life changing difference. “I started feeling better after a couple of hours,” Angelica said. Mackay Base Hospital is now recording the fastest stroke treatment times in the state. QTS is operating live across ten Queensland sites ( Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Ipswich, Makay, Toowoomba, Kingaroy, Rockhampton, Bowen, Proserpine, and Gladstone hospitals) with more than 850 patients being treated so far. 12 Queensland hospitals are planned to be added to the list. The service aims to make sure that regional patients are receiving specialist stroke care just as efficiently as those in central areas. Local Stroke Nurse Helen Nengasha, who has spent more than a decade caring for stroke patients, said seeing outcomes like Angelica's was exactly why the team has embraced Queensland Telestroke Service. “The introduction of QTS has streamlined care for patients experiencing time-critical strokes,” Helen said. “Now, it doesn’t matter where you live, you can get that expert care straight away. “In one recent case, the team achieved treatment in just 42 minutes, well under the national 60-minute benchmark. That’s the fastest we’ve ever done.”
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From toilet training to prostate health, pregnancy to menopause — why pelvic health matters to us all. When you hear the words pelvic floor, what comes to mind? Pregnancy? Childbirth? Perhaps those exercises you were told to do but never quite remembered? For many years, pelvic health has been viewed as a women’s health issue. But here’s something that might surprise you: everyone has a pelvic floor, and everyone can experience pelvic health problems. Whether you’re a child struggling with constipation, a new mum recovering from childbirth, a man experiencing bladder changes after prostate surgery, or someone navigating menopause, pelvic health plays an important role in everyday life. Our pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the base of our pelvis. These muscles support our pelvic organs, help control our bladder and bowels, contribute to sexual function and work alongside our abdominal muscles during movement. When things aren’t working as they should, the impact can extend well beyond the bathroom. It might be the child who avoids school toilets because passing a bowel motion hurts. The mum who stops running because she leaks urine. The man who avoids social outings because he’s worried about finding a toilet. Or the woman who believes pelvic heaviness is simply another part of getting older. Different people. Different stages of life. But one common thread: pelvic health can influence our confidence, activity levels and quality of life. And importantly, many pelvic health concerns can improve with the right support. Pelvic health physiotherapy is about much more than strengthening muscles. Treatment might involve bladder retraining, bowel management, improving muscle coordination, addressing pain or helping someone return to activities they love. Sometimes the answer is strengthening. Sometimes it’s learning to relax. And sometimes it’s simply understanding what’s happening in your body. This broader understanding of pelvic health is also why our clinic has recently embraced a new name. After five wonderful years as Women’s Health Physio Mackay, we are now proudly Pelvic Health Mackay. Our new name reflects something we’ve always believed: pelvic health is for everyone. While our name has changed, our team, our care and our commitment to helping the Mackay community remain the same. So here’s my question to you. Have you stopped doing something you love because of your bladder, bowel or pelvic health? Perhaps you’ve given up running because of leakage, avoided social outings because of urgency, or accepted discomfort because you thought it was simply part of getting older. You don’t have to wait until symptoms become overwhelming to seek help. Many concerns can improve with appropriate assessment, education and individualised treatment. If something doesn’t feel right, start the conversation. Speak with your GP or a pelvic health physiotherapist and find out what support is available. Because pelvic health isn’t just about muscles, bladders or bowels. It’s about confidence, independence and enjoying life without unnecessary limitations. Pelvic health isn’t just women’s business. It’s everyone’s business. And your health deserves attention. Lauren Neill | APA Titled Women’s, Men’s & Pelvic Health Physiotherapist | Pelvic Health Mackay
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Whether it’s a sea change or a tree change, there is a movement away from the big cities to regional areas and Mackay is one of the beneficiaries.
Recent figures show that populations across regional Australia grew by 70,900 or 0.9 per cent in the 2020-2021 financial year and the population figure fell by 26,000 or 0.1 per cent in capital cities.
Covid-induced border closures are now well and truly behind us and there is a feeling that this trend will only increase.
High-profile real estate identity John McGrath’s latest McGrath Report, quoted in The Australian newspaper, said big city escapees look for a cheaper destination, not something that is as expensive as where they are leaving, when choosing their sea or tree change.
McGrath pointed out that a sea change to Noosa Heads does not look so enticing when the median price is $2 million compared to regional Queensland’s $569,000 median price.
One of the reasons people make the change is to reduce debt and financial stress. Yes, people want good weather, access to beaches or other forms of natural beauty, reliable services and medical facilities but cost is a big part of it.
McGrath has noticed how those factors have led to an increase in property sales and price rises in our part of the world.
“Central Queensland, where many city dwellers from the southern states have moved, recorded the largest uptick in sales volumes of houses of 42.9 per cent in the year to February 2022,” the McGrath Report said.
It also pointed out that sales volumes in the Greater Whitsundays, which also includes Mackay, were up nearly 41 per cent.
The on-the-ground evidence at open homes and buyer inquiries absolutely confirms that Mackay is very much on the list of those wanting to make the change.
Our average house price is in the low $400,000s, there is virtually no unemployment, we have beautiful beaches and rivers, lovely hinterland bushland, easy access to Whitsunday Islands, good health and educational facilities and we’re a short flight to Brisbane.
One change that has been created by technology improvements and spurred on by Covid is the trend to work from home.
There are now people who work in the digital world who pretty much work from home all the time.
The organisation you work for might be based in Sydney but in many cases you can work from home in Manly, the Gold Coast or Mackay.
Whichever way you look at it there are positive signs for real estate in Mackay.
Have you considered working for Mackay Regional Council as an option for a rewarding career?
With about 1200 employees, we have a huge variety of roles with endless possibilities.
As a councillor I get to interact with staff on a daily basis; they are a dedicated bunch, it doesn’t matter whether I get to the office at 6.30am or I am leaving at 6.30pm, there is always someone there.
I see our workforce as proud of the role they play in working to improve our region for their family and future generations, and when I ask staff for the reason they work for council, they are quick to answer:
• “I get a lot of satisfaction when I work with a team of people who want to help provide services to the community.”
• “Council offers me the ability to have a great work/life balance.”
• “Council provides me the opportunity to gain new skills and undertake further training to advance my career within the organisation.”
• “Working at council provides a lifestyle and flexible arrangements for me to be home each night and on the weekend so I can enjoy time with my family and volunteer at various sports our family is involved in.”
Like all businesses in the region at the moment, we are struggling to fill roles because prospective employees are spoilt for choice.
We currently have 183 vacancies, of which 31 are currently advertised, and this affects our ability to deliver services to the community in a timely manner and puts stress on other employees to fill the gaps so we can continue to be proud of our region.
The available positions cover all aspects, from working in our parks and gardens so we can keep them looking great, to a role as a principal development engineer that helps plan the layout of or region into the future.
Applying is easy with vacancies listed on council’s website – mackay.qld.gov.au/careers.
If any of this has sparked interest in you or maybe you know a school leaver who needs a start, or an out-of-town family member who is considering moving town or state, please contact them and say, “Have you considered working for Mackay Regional Council?”
Cr Laurence Bonaventura
Mackay Regional Council
Plenty of tears.
Monday is the D Day for kids as they have to head back to school after the spring holiday break and I reckon there will be a handful of kids and parents alike that won't be happy with it.
My suggestion is if you're heading to the shops tomorrow to do your monthly shop, maybe grab an extra box of tissues just to be sure.
I know over the past couple of weeks we've had some fun.
I ran the Sydney Marathon two weeks ago, plenty of families have had fun camping at Eungella and water skiing at Kinchant Dam, whilst others have had a chill out session in front of the TV watching Netflix and watching footy.
Whatever you've been doing I hope it's been fun.
Can I make a suggestion though before Monday? Get the whole family together this weekend, grab some pizzas and some cans of fizzy drink and all sit down together and nut out what you want to do in the Xmas holidays. They will come around quicker than you think.
The decorations are out on the shelves now so that means our minds are tuned to the festive season and all that it brings. Tinsel, trees, presents and holidays in the summertime.
Does it mean an overseas holiday is in order now that the premier has thrown away the pool gate key now? Does it mean you can relax with the whole family in the car driving down to Brisbane and spend some quality time with the cousins?
Whatever you choose to do, start organising it now. Don't put it off because the next thing you know it will be too late and you'll be kicking yourself that you didn't listen to Uncle Rob.
Write down what you want to do, where to go and how you're going to pay for it all. Stick it on the front of the fridge so it reminds you each day of what you are doing, then in a few short months you will be relaxing with thousands of others at the best time of the year.
Oh, one other thing. Lose some weight. You will want to look your best at the beach in that one-piece orange bathing suit. I know I will.
Have fun.
You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!
Long-standing Mackay Real Estate Agent Noel Durnsford has re-opened his doors and is now taking clients for well-established Noel Durnsford Town and Country Realty.
Renowned for professional service with an emphasis on communication and personal connection, Noel pays careful attention to detail and focuses on customer requirements.
“We take the time to get the best possible price for a property, that the market will allow,” said Noel.
“I know the region intimately from cane farms to coastal grazing blocks, as well as all types of residential properties, and that’s the reason we are called Town and Country Realty.”
Born and bred in Mackay, Noel operated a cane farm at Yalboroo (located just 70 kilometres north of Mackay) for over 30 years before moving into the city with his wife, Robyn.
His father and uncle moved to the farm in 1927 from Nebo and it has been in the family ever since.
Noel’s two sons are now third generation farmers on the property, along with his 26-year-old grandson.
Poor health saw Noel step away from the real estate industry for some years but 12 months ago he re-opened the doors under the same name and with the same service.
“We’re homegrown so I do understand the circumstances in Mackay, whether that be rural or town properties and I understand the layout of the land from Sarina to Proserpine,” he said.
As the principal of his agency, Noel is the person you will talk to for all business dealings regarding comparative market analysis, the listing process, settlement and everything in between.
For all your real estate needs, reach out to Noel Durnsford Town and Country Realty and experience some good old-fashioned service.
Image: Noel Durnsford and his wife Robyn from Town and Country Realty
Image: Former NASA astronaut Susan Kilrain was the guest of honour as STEM Punks launched their Space 2101 program in Mackay last week. Photo Credit: STEM Punks Education
A total of 50 local school students got a taste of working in space as the Space 2101 program launched globally in Mackay last week.
The five-day program was facilitated by world-leading STEM education providers STEM Punks, teaching students skills in coding, design thinking, 3D design, innovation and creativity, all with the theme of living and working in space.
“We’re putting the kids into the future,” said STEM Punks CEO Michael Holmstrom.
“It’s all about giving them STEM skills in the context of space and then we use something called design thinking to get them to transform ideas into outcomes really fast.”
The students were given the scenario of producing a new module for a futuristic space station.
“In the end, they get a really creative mindset,” Mr Holmstrom said.
“It’s about problem-solving, and they basically use those STEM skills in a problem-based learning scenario to produce an outcome.”
The program also featured former NASA astronaut Commander Susan Kilrain who flew in from the USA to present with STEM Punks.
“She was there as a mentor, as a validator of the ideas, and to share her inspirational story about being blasted off into space,” Mr Holmstrom said.
Grade eight student Olivia Pearce has always wanted to be an astronaut and says meeting Ms Kilrain was inspirational.
“It really showed me that I could be an astronaut and that it is possible and if you do well in school and join clubs you’ve got opportunities,” Olivia said.
“I had quite a good chat with Susan, and she really told me that I could do it and it’s really good that I’m a female because that’s bringing more females into the field.”
Fellow grade 8 student Hunter McGeary agreed.
“That was amazing,” he said.
“First astronaut ever to come to Mackay apparently.
“I’ve just loved space and coding and programming, and I heard there was a lot of that with this program.
“We’ve mainly been learning programming, but we’ve done a bit of circuitry and 3D design which is cool.”
The Mackay program is the launch of a world tour for STEM Punks which will now head to Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Bahrain, UK, India and the USA.
Holding a culinary feast within an immersive art gallery at an award-winning laneway sounds both ambitious and fascinating – it is also something that Crossroad Arts are introducing to Mackay next month.
The inaugural Laneway Art Dinner promises to be a cultural masterpiece where a nationally acclaimed guest artist will showcase his work, while guests enjoy a locally sourced hand-picked food offering.
Located at Fifth Lane in the heart of Mackay, watch how the stage will be set with an art gallery vibe for a two course-dinner which will further stimulate the senses.
The all-inclusive outdoor experience will feature dinner and drinks by Goanna Brewing and Joval Wine Group along with live music by Ruby Sue Music and a Crossroad Arts wearable art parade.
During the evening there will be a live art auction with works from a variety of renowned artists including Archibald Prize Finalist, Digby Webster who will also be the VIP guest on the night.
A Sydney-based artist with a career spanning 10 years, Digby Webster is an inspiring young man who has had is work exhibited as far afield as Japan.
He was also commissioned by Taste Media to paint images of the South Australian landscape which were then incorporated into the winning logo for the Special Olympics which was held in Adelaide in 2018.
Painting in the mediums of oil pastels and acrylics, his work reflects strong evocative colours together with an expressive visual language of his own.
An advocate for equal opportunities for people living with disabilities, Digby is also a member of Front Up, a disability led Arts and Cultural program initiated by Ability Options.
Through this program, he has exhibited several of his works at Barangaroo as part of the 'I Am Still Here' emerging artists exhibition.
Artbank and Australia Council for the Arts have also included his works in their collection.
Digby will be guest of honour at the Laneway Art Dinner and Artistic Director Alison Richardson says she is looking forward to introducing him at the event.
"Our Laneway Art Dinner is the first of its kind in the city heart's award winning Fifth Lane,” she said.
“We're excited to have accomplished Sydney based artist Digby Webster in attendance and we look forward to an evening in celebration of art, music and food!”
All proceeds will be directly re-invested into the Mackay community through Crossroad Arts inclusive arts events and artistic programs, helping them to expand and enrich their annual program of workshops and events in regional and remote Queensland.
Tickets are $165 per person, and they are selling fast so get in quick to secure your place.
For further details including how to book tickets visit www.crossroadarts.com.au
WHAT: Laneway Art Dinner
WHEN: Friday, October 21st – 6.30pm to 10.30pm
WHERE: Fifth Lane, Mackay CBD
The whole community is invited to join the Quakawoot family for the annual HeartKids Two Feet and A Heartbeat charity walk which takes place in October.
Attendees can choose between a four and eight kilometre walk which will help raise both money and awareness for people living with congenital heart disease (CHD).
CHD is one of the leading causes of death of Australian babies under one and one of the most common birth abnormalities affecting one in every 100 births.
Eight Australian babies are born with the disease each day and four sadly pass away each week.
Mackay locals, the Quakawoot family, have been living this traumatic experience since their son Charlie was diagnosed with CHD when he was born.
The little guy spent six weeks in hospital after his birth and will require expensive ongoing medicine twice a day to keep him alive.
Charlie’s mum, Robyn, was just 28 weeks pregnant when the midwife picked up a rapid heart rate of about 300bpm.
She was told to go to Townsville hospital straight away where they put her on two different heart medications to try and get Charlie’s heart rate down.
This was a very scary experience for Robyn and the family as Charlie had started to go into heart failure.
Fortunately, after a week of treatment, Charlie’s heart rate returned to normal but his parents had a nervous wait until he was born.
“It was a very stressful time during the hospital stay which lasted 6 weeks. It was also a very anxious time when we were able to bring him home,” said Robyn.
“When Charlie was five days old, he had his first SVT (supraventricular tachycardia) episode outside the womb.
“To try and revert his heart rhythm, the doctors tried dunking his head in an ice bath and when this didn’t work, they administered a drug through an IV, which worked thankfully to reduce his heart rate,” says dad Andrew.
Navigating a new life with Charlie’s condition has been both traumatic and expensive for the family who have had to dig into their savings to pay for his ongoing medicine.
HeartKids have been a lifeline during this time by providing in hospital emotional support and meals to them while Charlie underwent treatment at Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Mackay’s upcoming Two Feet and A Heartbeat charity walk is an opportunity for HeartKids supporters, friends and families to come together to support families like Charlie’s.
Tickets to the event are $30 for adults, children under 15 are $15 and an infant under one is free.
Each participant will receive a pair of socks and a flag representing their journey.
Blue for the kids living with CHD, white for those that have lost a loved one and red for supporters, friends and family.
The event will begin with a minute’s silence for those lost and this will be followed by your choice of four- or eight-kilometre walk.
Afterwards there will be a BBQ and a range of other activities.
WHAT: HeartKids Two Feet and A Heartbeat charity walk
WHEN: Sunday, October 16 from 3.30pm – 6.00pm
WHERE: Old Mulherin Park, Mulherin Drive
Residents are advised that a region-wide fox trapping project has now commenced and will cover all areas from Calen to West Hill.
The Mackay Regional Council initiative is designed to reduce the numbers of a fox species that prey on agricultural and native species alike and can carry diseases.
The European Fox is a Restricted Invasive Animal under the Queensland Biosecurity Act 2014.
Conservation dogs have been used to detect dens and a Council workforce have laid out a series of overnight foot traps in some areas; these are non-lethal and signage will indicate their location.
During the project period, which takes place until October 11, residents are advised to avoid the following areas on the following dates as foot traps will be present:
East Point – September 30 and October 1
Blacks Beach Reserve – October 1
Hay Point and Louisa Creek beach frontages – October 5-7
The 2022 Fox project is a partnership between Mackay Regional Council, Turtlewatch, Reef Catchments, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd, North Queensland Bulk Ports, BMA, Department of Environment and Resource Management, QPWS, and Sarina Landcare via the Queensland Government’s Community Sustainability Action grant.
A couple in their fifties are recovering after their car swerved off the Bruce Highway at Bakers Creek south of Mackay, plummeting three metres from a bridge and onto the riverbed below.
Their Ford Ranger landed on its roof and paramedics said they were “lucky to be alive” because the tide was out at the time, otherwise their vehicle could have been submerged.
The incident happened at around 3.30am on Friday September, 23 and Queensland Ambulance Services (QAS) were first to arrive on the scene at 3.47am.
Less than ten minutes later, Mackay Fire and Rescue arrived with Area Commander of Mackay City, Mark Ashford saying that it took his team 26 minutes to extricate the couple from the upturned vehicle.
“Surprisingly the car was not that damaged,” said Commander Ashford.
“There was no cutting needed, we were able to get them out through the doors.”
QAS were on hand to assist the couple, the man was reported to be in a serious but stable condition having received head and chest injuries.
The woman was stable with minor chest injuries.
It is understood that a wild animal running across the road had caused the driver to swerve to avoid a collision.
Paramedics advised that motorists should always resist the natural urge to swerve when possible.
The Forensic Crash Unit is now investigating the exact cause of the accident and are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with dashcam vision to contact police.
The couple are undoubtedly relieved to survive what would have been a very scary experience.
Image: The vehicle plunged three metres onto a river bank
Image: Andrew Willcox is one of over 70 Federal politicians taking part in the Raise our Voice Australia Campaign. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
The 2022 Raise our Voice Australia Campaign is giving young people a voice in parliament and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is calling on people under 21 to get involved.
“This year I am excited to participate in the Youth Voice in Parliament campaign which aims to increase the political literacy of our young voters and voters-to-be,” Mr Willcox said.
“The Raise our Voice campaign asks people under 21 to write a 90-second speech, the best of which will be read out by their local member in Parliament from 21-24 November 2022 for Youth Voice in Parliament week.”
Young people are tasked with writing a speech on the topic of ‘What should Australia’s new parliament accomplish?’
Last year’s campaign saw 603 speech submissions and approximately 130 speeches read in parliament.
Mr Willcox said that 60% of participants said it was the first time they had engaged with Australian politics or a politician, with 92% saying that taking part made them more likely to engage in politics in the future.
“Anything I can do to encourage young people to take an interest in Politics I will take part in,” he said.
“It is so important that our future leaders start having their say, I am honoured to be able to amplify the voices of the young people from Dawson by reading their vision for the future in our Federal Parliament.”
Hi Readers
My name is Sam and I work alongside our Mackay editor Amanda, whom you would usually see here. Our hardworking editor is enjoying a break in America, so I’ll be sharing my thoughts in the opening pages of the paper until her return. Here goes.
I moved to Mackay in February, deciding to leave Brisbane after eight years. Life was good but I was in a routine. Things needed shaking up. I decided to move to Mackay for a lifestyle change, making the decision with no real job or plan other than to move into my cousin’s spare room. I was unbelievably lucky to land a job with the paper you hold in your hands.
This job has allowed me to achieve exactly what I had hoped for when leaving Brisbane. I wanted a career that would see me do more than sit in an office for eight hours a day. I wanted a profession that would allow me to explore the region and experience new things. I wanted a job where I could meet a variety of people and feel part of my community. In my seven-ish months in the gig, I feel I’m on my way to doing it all!
I’ve come to really appreciate the Mackay region in this time. The people are friendly. There are so many stunning natural surroundings to explore. The weekends are constantly jam-packed with plenty to do. Just this weekend, I spent a day watching people of all ages absolutely shred the Sugar Bowl at Rumble on the Reef, followed by an evening of music at Rhythm and The Reef that I probably wouldn’t have expected to see in Mackay before I moved here. You can see my photos on pages 18 and 19. My friends down south are constantly surprised at how happening Mackay is when I tell them my weekend plans!
I’ve had heaps of fun so far and I can’t wait for a summer of gigs, sport and unique events throughout the community.
If you have an event coming up please reach out to me!
Sam
A Whitsunday Regional Councillor has been named as the new Chief Executive Officer of Mackay Isaac Tourism following a gruelling interview process which saw applicants from across the country vie for the job.
Al Grundy, has 26 years’ experience in tourism, operating an extensive charter boat company for much of the time and more recently becoming Chair of the Board for Tourism Whitsundays.
He was elected as division two councillor for Whitsunday Regional Council two and a half years ago and has now resigned from the position to pursue his dreams of leading a team and creating change within the industry.
Having already been equipped with the right skillset and his strong passion for the tourism industry, Mr Grundy says he is raring to go and already has a clear direction on how he will steer the organisation and region to greater heights.
“I am excited to be given this responsibility of leading the region and the team at Mackay Isaac Tourism,” he said.
“I hope my years of experience will be an asset and I look forward to meeting the industry and working closely with them to shine a spotlight on the best of what the Mackay Isaac region has to offer to the world!”
Al is no stranger to the Mackay Isaac area, having worked on a number of local Committees including the Mackay Isaac Whitsundays Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership for seven years and the Greater Whitsundays Council of Mayors Suicide Prevention Taskforce for 18 months.
“I already have links with Mayor Baker and Mayor Williamson, which really helped with my decision to take this role,” he said.
“I am looking forward to working within both Council areas, growing memberships and new opportunities both coastal and outback.”
Mackay Isaac Tourism Chair Councillor Justin Englert said he is confident the new appointment will bring tremendous strengths to not only the organisation but also the region.
“With new ideas, a fresh approach and innovative concepts, backed by a strong tourism marketing and business background, the organisation is in good hands,” he said.
“The board of directors at Mackay Isaac Tourism is excited about this new appointment and with Al’s significant background in the tourism industry, I am sure his ability to identify new opportunities will drive growth for our Mackay Isaac Region.”
Starting his role on Monday October 17, Al will reside in Mackay during the week, returning to the Whitsundays to be with his family on the weekends.
Current interim Mackay Isaac Tourism CEO Tash Wheeler will be finishing shortly after Al commences the role.
Image: New Mackay Isaac Tourism Chief Executive Officer Al Grundy
Image: Sony Camp provides unique opportunities to children with a disability. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
Sony Camp wrapped up earlier this week with a show day incorporating rides, face painting, a petting zoo and smiles all around.
Mackay Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp is a unique program for young people in our region who have a disability hosted by Whitsunday Anglican School (WAS).
Running from Saturday to Monday, it provided 16 Mackay campers the opportunity to go ‘on camp’ for three days of fun-filled action including swimming, dancing, remote control car racing, gymnastics, a visit from fire fighters and police officers, drumming, games and finishing with show day activities.
Sixty WAS students between years eight and 12 volunteered over the weekend, with year 11 students taking on the crucial and exciting role of primary companions and carers.
WAS Dean of Service and Global Learning Trisha McHugh says this time provides their families and carers valuable reprieve and much-needed time out.
“It’s (the opportunity for) our students at WAS to provide some respite to our community for people who have children with a disability,” Ms McHugh said.
“They have been looking after the camper as if they were a brother or sister.
“We appreciate the fact that parents are entrusting their children to us to look after, and I also appreciate the fact that our students have given up so much and parents have given up so much of their time so that we can run the event.”
Now in its eighth year, WAS Principal Andrew Wheaton says the weekend was a success apparent through the smiles on the faces of the campers.
“We feel that it’s a true transformational service opportunity where our students are really giving back to the community and providing that much needed respite for families of students with a disability,” Mr Wheaton said.
Year 11 student Clancy Morgan volunteered at Sony Camp last year and took the opportunity to step up as a companion this year.
“It has been a great experience,” she said.
“I’ve been looking after Cooper … and just seeing the smile on his face, it’s been amazing.
“He’s very independent, which is good, but if he needs anything we’re always there.
“It’s just amazing to see what some families have to do every day.”
Well-known Sarina mum of three, Sammy Coles, has just smashed a world record, completing an Ultra Marathon every day for 15 days and earning herself a place in the Guinness Book of Records.
With the motto that “life just happens” and “it’s never going to be the right time”, Sammy embarked on the challenge (which took her eight hours a day) while also simultaneously working full time, raising three kids and walking the dogs.
Image: Ultra runner Sammy Coles (right) with Billy and Courtney who officiated running times
Last Thursday Sarina mum of three, Sammy Coles, broke the world record for running an Ultra Marathon every day for over two weeks.
In a twist of fate, her title was overtaken by another opponent just one day after she secured the record but despite this, Sammy said she was thrilled to accomplish such an incredible feat which saw her run a total 795 kilometres (53 kilometres a day) for 15 days.
Still pumped from her victory, Sammy says she is eager to see how far she can go with besting the new record which is now set at 22 days.
“I’d love to beat it!” she said.
“My body held up so well and I paced myself the whole way, I knew I had the fitness to do it and I would love to go longer next time.”
While most competitors would train and set aside time to achieve a challenge of this magnitude, Sammy worked full time taking classes at the gym.
She would then race home to start each Ultra Marathon which would take her on average eight hours a day, jogging along a 10 kilometre circuit around her home.
“Life just happens!” said Sammy.
“There is no perfect timing, you’re never going to be in the mood, you just have to do it!”
Sammy was only allowed to break for a maximum of eight minutes after each round and often took the dogs for a run while she completed one of her circuits, she also found the time to feed her children and take her son for a spin to clock up some hours on his P plates.
This was not her first taste of endurance running, Sammy had previously competed in the Irrational East challenge which saw her run for 98 hours straight, 330 kilometres through the Wilderness in Adelaide.
“I had the fitness level to do this too, but you never know how your body will hold out and on that occasion, it was the second toe on my left foot that cramped.”
Next-up Sammy is looking forward to conquering the Triple Crown – which involves completing three 200-mile races within a six month period.
Despite the massive amount of endurance, physical ability and mental strength it takes to run this far, Sammy said that she thinks anyone can do it.
“I honestly feel like this is something anyone could do,” she said.
“You just have to believe in yourself.”
Sammy would like to say thank you to her closest supporters: Lauren Matthews, Sarah Brown, Tammy Vaiga and her partner Thian Bardnard.
The whole community is invited to attend the St Catherine’s Catholic College Community Carnival due to be held at the beginning of October.
A lively family affair, there will be a host of rides, stalls, games and competitions on offer.
These include an animal petting zoo, dance and music performances, Moo Poo Bingo and a donut eating competition.
There will also be a live performance from student and local musician Noah Robertson who will be playing at the Main Marquee on the oval from 2pm.
With lots of prizes up for grabs in the silent auction, cent sale and raffle, attendees will have the opportunity to win a framed and signed 2021 North Queensland Cowboys NRL jersey, a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, accommodation, beauty, and dining vouchers to name a few.
There will also be one lucky winner who will walk away with $1000 cash in the lucky door prize, kindly donated by Whitsunday Transit.
Children of all ages will also love jumping on the fair ground rides and convincing their parents to buy them a showbag!
Four-hour ride passes running from 11am-3pm are available for purchase by contacting the College on 4945 1414.
Passes cost $30 pre-sale or $35 on the day.
St Catherine’s Principal Luke Thomson said the carnival will be a wonderful event to bring families together.
“With many new families starting at our College, it gives them an opportunity to connect and have fun as a family.”
WHAT: Community Carnival
WHEN: Saturday, October 9
WHERE St Catherine’s Catholic College
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