Sugarcane growers are hopeful 2022 will bring new sugar trade opportunities following the official signing of the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) last month.

“The signing of the Aus-UK FTA takes the Australian sugar industry a step closer to rebuilding what had once been a strong trading relationship with the United Kingdom, after a 50-year hiatus,” CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan said.

Once the FTA enters into force it will give up-front tariff-free access for 80,000 tonnes of Australian sugar to be sold to the UK in the first year increasing by 20,000 tonnes each year for the next eight years.

“We thank the Australian government for achieving this result which is a huge boost on the 9,925 tonnes quota we had for the whole of the European Union prior to Brexit,” Mr Galligan said.

“The Australian industry looks forward to supplying high quality, sustainably and ethically produced sugar to top up local beet sugar production so that UK refiners can meet the country’s needs.

“The signing of this FTA is the second piece of good trade news this week and it’s bolstering the spirits of growers working in a number of regions to finish harvesting the 2021 crop after a difficult season.”

Earlier this week the World Trade Organization found in favour of Australia in its dispute with India over that country’s price supports for sugarcane and export subsidies.

“While markets in the Asia-Pacific region will continue to be the main focus of Australia’s sugar sales, this Aus-UK FTA will allow for some important diversification for our export-oriented industry which relies on a fair and rules-based world trading system,” Mr Galligan said.

CANEGROWERS CEO Dan Galligan

Born in darkness, little hatchling turtles peak their heads out from underneath the sand, ready to trek from the dunes to the surf each year.

This miracle of life shares the beaches of Mackay, they are a part of the Mackay community – and it is everyone’s responsibility to protect them at all costs.

The season for turtle nesting begins around the middle of October, and hatchlings emerge all the way through until April, with the main species of Mackay turtles the Flatback – the most common, and the Green and Loggerhead turtles across most of the district’s beaches.

“Nesting mainly on our mainland beaches are the Flatback, who lay approximately 50 billiard ball size eggs,” Fay Griffin of Mackay and District Turtle Watch Association said.

Marine turtles are a protected species, and only authorised persons are permitted to handle them. It is an offence to interfere with these animals, so if you are lucky enough to witness the hatchlings hustle, make sure you stand clear of the nest.

Turn off your lights, including mobile phones – they can be disorienting – let them make their own way to the beach, unless they’ve lost their way and gone somewhere dangerous, like a carpark or roadway.

Picking up a turtle in a bucket of water is permitted in this case, and they should be immediately taken back to the beach and released again to make their own way back to the sea.

“You can get quite a crowd sometimes, and it’s best to be careful and make sure you’re letting them be,” Ms Griffin said.

Flapping their flippers, these little tikes leave imprints in the sand to remember where they hatched for when they themselves become parents three decades later.

Most little hatchlings emerge at night, so keeping the beaches nice and dark ensures that both nesting females and baby turtles are undisturbed.

Any hatching activity should be reported to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, as well as Mackay and District Turtle Watch Association.

Only one in one thousand turtles survive to maturity, so make sure you’re giving our Mackay turtles the best chance of survival this hatching season.

‍

Local doctors may no longer need a COVID-19 vaccination to practise thanks to an exemption to the vaccine mandate.

Federal Member for Dawson, George Christensen, announced a workforce shortage declaration for Mackay’s healthcare earlier this week which could result in the exemption.

Enforced in December last year by the State Government, the vaccine mandate ruled that all healthcare workers, across public and private sectors, must be vaccinated.

Mr Christensen stated that this led to a number of doctors losing their jobs at private medical practices, leaving Mackay patients waiting weeks to see a doctor.

“The mandate rules, however, contained an exemption, allowing a private practice to employ an unvaccinated doctor if there was a workforce shortage, personal protection equipment was worn and a negative rapid antigen test was recorded before work each day,” he said.

“While I vehemently disagreed with the mandate at the time, and still do, this measure by the Federal Government is a significant proof point for local surgeries to show they are suffering from a workforce shortage.

“With this proof, they may be able to hire or re-hire GPs who had to leave their job because of the vaccine mandate.”

“Medical practices in Mackay can now go to the Chief Health Officer and tell them about the city’s designation as an area of healthcare workforce shortage, describe their particular situation, and set out a solution and protocols to have medical professionals return to work for the next three months.

“The exemption can be granted for three months but there is scope for additional time to be signed off by the Chief Health Officer,” he said.

Mackay physiotherapist, Kimberley Cahill, has noticed the workforce shortage and would welcome the exemption.

“We are having to close down non-essential services including outpatient appointments, elective surgeries (some have been on a wait list for over a year) to meet unstaffed areas and redeployment services due to other areas being understaffed,” Ms Cahill stated.

“I would say it’s like a food chain - if one link is broken it affects so many other areas,” she added.

“Although with being unvaccinated there’s a higher risk of symptoms, we are so understaffed, exhausted, burnt out, that it would really benefit the amount of double shifts and overtime worked by all streams of healthcare.

“Pre-Covid and at the best of times the healthcare system is under pump and strained so adding a pandemic on top is crazy.

“We are all in PPE, so why not let them work?” she concluded.

Story by Sam Gillespie

Dr Nicole Higgins (Health on Central), Member for Dawson George Christensen and Dr Graeme Cumming (Shakespeare Medical Centre) have recently spoken out about a shortage of doctors in Mackay.

Image supplied: George Christensen MP

‍

‍

Ergon Energy and the Voluntary Marine Rescue (VMR) have joined forces to remind boaties of overhead powerlines and submarine power cables crossing waterways.

The call comes after dozens of anchors were removed from just one electricity cable crossing between the mainland and Bribie Island last summer.

Ergon Area Manager Kevin Lavender said, “Last summer, in just one morning, commercial divers removed 27 anchors and hundreds of metres of rope from around just one short Moreton Bay cable and was a stark reminder that boaties were still anchoring over the clearly marked electricity infrastructure,” Mr Lavender said.

“These powerlines and cables crossing rivers and estuaries are charged with up to 132,000 volts of electricity and power tens of thousands of homes and such high voltage can make any accidental contact deadly, so I am pleading with boaties to keep a clear visual while on the water.”

Volunteer Marine Rescue Mackay public relations volunteer Daryl Howland said there were a few ‘no anchor’ spots and locations with overhead wires along the Pioneer River to be aware of.

“The overhead danger is predominantly for ‘trailer sailer’ boats where skippers can forget to take their masts down,” he said.

“Although not common due to being tidal and not ideal for sailing, the River Street boat ramp also has overhead wires to be aware of.”

Mr Howland added that the one to be most aware of in the Mackay and Isaac region is the Port of Airlie which has overhead wires.

If boaties do find themselves in any difficulty they’re urged to phone Triple Zero and ask for police, who will dispatch the closest rescue vessel, or contact their local VMR or Coast Guard via phone or two-way radio.

Mackay Voluntary Marine Rescue (VMR) vessel Mastermyne Rescue 5. Image: VMR Mackay

Be aware of signs indicating danger. Image supplied: Ergon Energy

‍

Making Beer Now Considered ‘Essential’ As More Industries Added To Critically Essential Work List

The Queensland Government’s arrangements for critically essential workers have been expanded, with disability care, aged care, media and telecommunications now declared critical industries.

Workers performing critically essential roles may continue to work if they are a close contact.

Additional testing requirements have also been added, to ensure close contacts who are working are regularly monitored for COVID-19.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said Queensland was the first jurisdiction in the country to establish critically essential worker provisions, to help keep Queensland running.

“These changes mean more clarity for employees and employers on what a critically essential worker is, and what they are able to do,” Minister D’Ath said.

“A critically essential worker is only able to attend the workplace as a close contact to perform a critically essential role, when both employer and employee agree.

“The critically essential worker must have no symptoms of COVID-19, be fully vaccinated and provide a negative Rapid Antigen Test on their first day of work, prior to commencing work, and every second day thereafter while working, including the usual Day 6 test for close contacts.”

Employers must provide the rapid antigen test to the employee.

The definition of critically essential workers has been expanded to:

● included the beverage manufacturing industry

● include telecommunication and broadcasting services

● clarify that paid workers in disability care and aged care are critically essential.

Minister D’Ath said all categories of critically essential workers had been carefully considered, and were vital to keeping Queensland running.

“These measures keep Queenslanders safe, while also ensuring we can continue to keep our supermarkets stocked, power connected to our homes, and our hospitals available to provide free emergency health care to those that need it,” Minister D’Ath said.

“We have worked with stakeholders, including unions, to find the right balance of keeping Queensland running and keeping Queenslanders safe.”

Mackay Region Records First COVID-19 Death

Mackay Hospital and Health Service recorded its first COVID-19 related death earlier this week, reporting it on Monday 24 January.

Queensland health data published showed it was one of 13 COVID-related deaths reported in that 24-hours throughout the state.

It is understood all 13 of those deaths, including the one from the Mackay region, occurred in people over the age of 70.

Restrictions On Vaccinated International Arrivals Ease

Fully vaccinated international arrivals can now enter Queensland without quarantine. The change took effect last weekend from 1am, Saturday, January 22.

The measure was identified in the Queensland Government’s ‘Vaccine Plan to Reunite Families’ once the state reached 90 per cent of its eligible population fully vaccinated.

By opening the border just before the vaccination rate reached 90 per cent, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the move gave businesses and families certainty.

“Providing this date gives businesses and families certainty and time to make their plans.”

Vaccinated international travellers will be required to take a rapid antigen test within 24 hours of arrival.

Unvaccinated travellers will still be required to complete 14 days quarantine in a government-nominated facility.

Second-dose rates have slowed in the 18-39 years age group. It is presumed this is because of increasing case numbers in the age group.

Many due for their second vaccinations are presumed to be in isolation as either a positive case or a close contact of a positive case in their households.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said contracting COVID does not affect the time frame for getting a second dose.

“You can get vaccinated as soon as you recover from your COVID symptoms,” the Minister said.

Other Countries Shut Australia Out

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Adern (left) moved New Zealand back to red in its traffic light COVID-19 response this week

While international border restrictions have eased to international arrivals coming into Queensland, more countries overseas are placing stricter requirements on people from Australia entering their countries as Omicron surges down under.

The European Council took Australia, Argentina and Canada off its travel green list, meaning restrictions on non-essential travel have been enforced, making it considerably harder for Australians to holiday overseas.

Each European country will now make its own rules on entry requirements including isolation or quarantine and testing.

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also moved Australia into its highest-risk travel category for COVID-19, advising US citizens not to travel to Australia.

A decision on reopening the quarantine-free travel bubble with New Zealand has also been pushed further back. Earlier this week, New Zealand moved to its ‘red light’ setting after nine cases in the Nelson region were confirmed to have the Omicron strain.

Every region in New Zealand will move to the red setting regardless of whether that area has had a confirmed Omicron case, and New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she expected the country would stay in red for "some weeks".

Rapid Antigen Tests Available At Mackay Showgrounds

community members can get a COVID-19 test result faster at the Mackay Showgrounds testing clinic via a rapid antigen test. Photo: Mackay Hospital and Health Service

Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) are now available to eligible community members through Mackay Hospital’s testing clinic at the Mackay Showgrounds.

These tests are limited to eligible people only, which are those who are a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case and who need a negative test on day six to exit quarantine, or essential workers who cannot wait for a PCR result and need to return to work.

Mackay Hospital said the RATs are not available for other people whose employers ask them to them to show they are negative.

If you believe you are eligible for a RAT please call the COVID-19 hotline on 4885 5666 to book your test. When you arrive at the Showgrounds, please tell staff you are there for a RAT.

‍

Years ago, when I was thinking of changing careers and going into real estate, I raised the idea with a colleague whose opinion I valued. She asked me what sort of drugs I had begun consuming.

She warned me that while my newly acquired drug of choice was obviously very amusing, it clearly had hallucinogenic qualities that distorted reality and turned up-coming disasters into an apparent bed of roses.

While she questioned why I would leave a well-paid job with a secure future for something that was completely different and commission-based, she had another main reason for why she thought the move would be a disaster.

She said she would never go into selling real estate because you would be taking on responsibility for someone’s most important asset and that there were also emotional factors that come into play for sellers.

“It would be too stressful. There will be emotional attachments, massive financial considerations for them. If things go wrong, it will be all your fault. I wouldn’t dream of taking all that on,” she said.

I’m pleased to say I was able to reassure my friend that there were no drugs involved and I made the move into real estate soon afterwards.

In some ways my friend was correct. In real estate you are selling someone’s most significant asset. And it is true that emotions are involved.

But the importance of what we do as agents is actually what I like about the gig.

Good agents value the responsibility of selling someone’s most important asset. We are honoured to be entrusted with the sale of their property and be given an important role in helping someone start the next chapter of their lives.

You get to know people on the journey of selling their homes and you take the responsibility seriously. The fact that it is very important to them and that your role is vital to their successful transition to the next stage of their lives is, for me, a big part of why I love the job.

If it didn’t matter to them, it wouldn’t really matter to me. But you know it’s important and one of the great sources of satisfaction is knowing that you have successfully managed the sale of a property and got a result that allows people to step into the next chapter of their lives.

‍

Patrons of the Hotel Eton witnessed a robbery last week, as a man allegedly tried to steal money while staff were distracted on January 20.

The 39-year-old Caboolture man allegedly took funds from the cash register at the bar while staff were busy in another area before leaving the premises with the stolen goods.

He would be taken to Mackay Base Hospital later for facial injuries, having left the pub where he was confronted by local Nathan Keioskie, a young man who held him to the ground until police arrived a few minutes later.

The Caboolture man was arrested and charged with entering a premise and committing an indictable offence, as well as common assault on the day.

The Hotel’s publican took to Facebook to deter rumours that the man held up the Eton establishment at knife point.

“This was not an armed hold [up] of any sort,” the post read.

“A person removed money from a cash register while bar staff were busy in another area and left with the money.

“What later happened is a matter for the police to investigate, he did leave in [an] ambulance and we will leave it at that.

“We are all safe and that is our main focus. We value our patrons safety above all.”

Local punters took to the comment section.

“Nothing like rural justice,” one wrote.

Member for Mirani Stephen Andrews MP also commented on Facebook.

“The wages of theft can be pricey on the health in some cases but fortunately cheaper on the education side of things,” his comment reads.

The “Best Pub in the Scrub” suffered a period of closure in December, citing government mandates, and has reopened to Eton locals’ applause.

‍

An ATR 72-500 charter flight, HEVILIFT 728 from Moranbah Airport to Brisbane was diverted to Bundaberg Airport on Thursday 20 January to make an emergency landing.

It was reported that the diversion was caused by "smoke in the cabin" however, a Hevilift spokesperson said no smoke or fire was observed in the cockpit or cabin.

“The diversion happened after the pilots received a fault alert and noticed an electrical odour in the cockpit,” the spokesperson added.

“Following standard operating procedures, the pilots notified Air Traffic Control and diverted to nearby Bundaberg.

“The aircraft landed uneventfully and, as is standard practice, emergency crews at Bundaberg met and inspected the flight on arrival.”

All 19 passengers were provided with accommodation and alternative transport to Brisbane. HEVILIFT’s engineers inspected the aircraft and cleared it to fly back to Brisbane the following afternoon.

“HEVILIFT commends the crew for their expert handling of the situation and the way they calmly communicated with passengers and Air Traffic Control."

The HEVILIFT ATR 72-500 which made an emergency landing at Bundaberg Airport last week after pilots noticed an electrical smell in the cockpit. Image credit: Dan Beck Photography

‍

From the dreams of one mother’s experience raising her son with non-verbal autism, Wendy Cherry and her team at Unique Directions have gone in leaps and bounds, building independence for their participants in every aspect of life.

With the recent acquisition of the land next door, Unique Directions are giving their participants the opportunity to grow a green hand.

The block had been vacant for a long time and after a search, Unique Directions learned that Queensland Police owned the block, and after some consultation, Unique Directions were offered the lease as long as they continue to provide “accessible and meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities in Mackay.”

The extremely generous lease is $1 dollar per year.

Now, Unique Directions have added another feather to their growing cap of activities, allowing their participants to experience a full range of what independent life has to offer and more – cooking, dance, crafts, and now gardening.

“Wendy’s vision is to have raised garden beds for accessibility, shipping containers with a shelter over the top for shade, a ride on mower, a plant potting station and a vision for several different gardens – herbs, vegetables, flowers,” Mates Manager Damian Watson said.

“It gives people a cross section of what gardening is about and the opportunity to have another different type of ecosystem here.

“We want to put a pizza out there as well with our cooking session, so the cooking class can pick some herbs, make the dough and it’s going to be fantastic.

Damian said that it will be much like the paddock to plate philosophy, illustrating a complete experience for participants.

“The other thing is, we’ll have chickens in there and people will understand that eggs don’t come from a carton, for those who don’t know that,” Damian said.

“Wendy has a massive vision.”

Wendy entered the disability support landscape after her own experiences with her son, Thomas, and wanted to build a better supported living solution that would allow him to maintain the same quality of life, even when she is no longer able to help him.

Damian looks after the logistics of Mates Place and said that he was the practical one and that Wendy was the dreamer, but that this dream was something he was so glad to see fulfilled.

“If she could, she’d have cows in there, to give people the opportunity to experience it,” Damian said.

“The benefits are massive and it’s another facet – we hope people will go over there for lunch and our photography group, for example, goes over there and takes photos.

“We’re about a holistic approach at Our Mates Place.”

The site is being worked on now, and Unique Directions hopes that by June it will be functioning well and look vastly different from what it does now.

Wendy Cherry stands in front of the new gardening space at Unique Directions

Damian Watson in the block set to become Unique Directions new gardening space

‍

‍

Police are investigating a road traffic crash involving a truck rollover at Turrawulla Road, Hail Creek, west of Mackay that occurred January 20 at approximately 10am.

Sergeant Nigel Dalton reported that, as a result of the single vehicle crash, 102 cattle had to be removed from the road train with five having to be euthanised.

“The driver, a 56-year-old Nebo man did not sustain any serious injuries,” Sergeant Dalton said.

“The driver has been charged with driving with a relevant substance present in the saliva, possession of a drug utensil and driving without due care and attention.”

He has been given a notice to appear in Mackay Magistrates Court on the 8 March.

A driver was charged with driving with a relevant substance present in the saliva, possession of a drug utensil and driving without due care and attention after his truck rolled over near Hail Creek last week. Picture: Mackay Police

‍

‍

Asthmatic COVID Patient Fought For Breath In Mackay Hospital

“In a world that is divided, we shouldn’t take out our aggression on the only industry that will help us. This is my own experience, for some people COVID is just like a flu, for others it’s life threatening.”

The moment a doctor sat holding her hand in the COVID-19 ward while she struggled to inhale her asthma medication is a memory that will stay with a 24-year-old woman forever.

Identified by Mackay Hospital and Health Service as ‘Sarah’, the patient was admitted to Mackay Base Hospital with shortness of breath three days after she was tested for the virus.

“There was one doctor who held my hand to help me calm down when I struggled to get my Ventolin in and breathe. She reassured me I would be okay and that it was okay I was in hospital,” Sarah said.

“Air was going into my lungs but they didn’t seem to fill up. I was confused, had cold sweats and spots in my vision,” she said

Mackay Hospital and Health Service shared her story and said her COVID-19 symptoms started with a tingly feeling in her throat and progressed to a wet cough the next day and then breathlessness.

“I started to feel more unwell and could feel the mucus on my lungs. I was coughing even when I tried to talk. Given I’m slightly asthmatic I got more and more concerned,” she said.

“There was a moment after I was diagnosed when I was feeling great in the afternoon and thought yes, I’m getting over this, and then next minute I’m feeling like I’m going to die.”

Sarah was admitted to the COVID-19 ward for one night for high doses of asthma medication to open up her airways, saying day three and four of the infection were the hardest.

She doesn’t know where she caught the virus but warns everyone is at risk. She is double vaccinated and is waiting to be eligible for her booster dose.

“I’d hate to think how sick I would have been if I wasn’t vaccinated. And if Omicron is what I have, I also hate to think what it would be like to have another strain,” she said.

When asked what she would say to COVID sceptics and people refusing to vaccinate, she pauses to think before saying quietly she struggles with these strong opinions.

Her advice is “take this virus seriously”.

“COVID has messed with my respiratory system and it’s unlike any flu I’ve had.

“I have the benefit of being young. This is my body and my experience and I haven’t coped well. Some will, and some won’t. And you won’t know how you will go until you get sick.

“No matter your stance on COVID or vaccination, remember to not take your aggression out on staff. They are there to help us. It’s not their fault that COVID is rampant, they will help you regardless of your opinion.”

Mackay Hospital and Health Service staff adhere to a strict PPE and infection prevention regime in the COVID ward. Image supplied: Mackay Hospital and Health Service

‍

‍

As a former pilot in the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom, Ian Rowan is no stranger to the cockpit and for the last five years he has combined his passion for aviation and community work as the CEO of RACQ CQ Rescue.

On Monday, Mr Rowan announced his plans to retire from the helm of the region’s aeromedical service, which has completed more than 10,500 missions in rural and remote communities across Central Queensland since 1996.

Mr Rowan will remain in the role until a new CEO is recruited and begins work later this year at the service headquarters, located at Mackay Airport.

Mr Rowan said he was incredibly proud of his achievements during his tenure and had overseen some key milestones as CEO of the not-for-profit organisation.

“I am very proud of some of our achievements in the last five years including the Building Better Region’s hangar extension project which extended and expanded our operations and administration centre,” he said.

“We also successfully lobbied the government, so our service’s patients had access to Critical Care Doctor 24 hours a day onboard the aircraft. This made an incredible difference to the levels of care delivered to our patients,” Mr Rowan said.

During his time as CEO, the service’s back up Bell 412 rescue helicopter was also upgraded to an EP model which resulted in optimum performance and commonality of engineering services, he said.

Mr Rowan was also instrumental in establishing the highly successful annual community event Emergency Services Day, the inaugural event held in 2018.

“I’m honoured to have had the opportunity to help future-proof this vital lifesaving organisation and lead a team of people who share this passion for saving lives and assisting people in their time of dire need,” he said.

“I am extremely confident RACQ CQ Rescue is well-placed to continue to meet the demand for our services as well as this community’s expectations for many years to come.”

RACQ CQ Rescue board chairman Chris Wright thanked Mr Rowan for his contribution to the service and this community, acknowledging that his extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector, risk mitigation and event management had ensured CQ Rescue continued to grow in both professionalism and reach to provide the best aeromedical rescue and emergency service to the Mackay, Whitsunday and Bowen Basin communities.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to Ian for his incredible contribution to RACQ CQ Rescue over the last five years. His skills and professionalism have helped deliver the most cost-effective, reliable, safe and clinically excellent patient rescue and transfer service we have available today,” he said.

An avid lawn bowler and qualified coach, Mr Rowan said he was looking forward to remaining in the region and settling into retirement with wife Hilary. He intends to maintain his various interests and memberships on various boards.

Ian Rowan has announced he will be retiring after five years as CEO of the region’s aeromedical services RACQ CQ Rescue.

‍

‍

Hundreds of thousands of laps have circled Mackay’s only indoor Go-Karting venue Sidetrax over its three years of operation in West Mackay, and the family favourite facility will close its doors at the end of January as it looks for a new location.

With the building’s three-year lease at an end, owners Piet and Alta Snyders will finish up the last circuits of Sidetrax this Sunday, and now begin the task of packing down while looking out for a new spot to race.

It’s been difficult for the pair, whose search for a new premises has gone on for a year and a half, with the difficulty coming from specific building zoning and parking requirements the venue would need to meet.

“It’s just impossible to find a building and if there is a building out there, it’s just zoned wrong,” Piet said.

“We’ve had a couple of places we’re interested in but that was shut down because of some other red tape.”

The land would need to be zoned as sports and educational, and there are not too many that have buildings on top of them that are suitable for Go Karting.

Piet also said that, with the nature of their business, they can’t compete with the big mining companies who pursue similar warehouse type buildings and have much more of a purse to fall back on.

“What we’re hoping to do is build our own place, because it’s too expensive to rent a place or buy a place with a building on it,” Piet said.

“We’re trying to find a small piece of land and slowly build it up – there’s so much we want to do and to add to it.”

The owner of the lot where Sidetrax currently stands allowed Piet and Alta to continue operating throughout December to the end of February, giving them an extra month in what is normally their busiest period.

“We thank him for that, really,” Piet said.

It took them four years to first start the business, and Piet said it may take them a few years again to get the track up and running in the new location.

“I’m not too nervous about this period – I’m more excited – I know what we can make our own place into, and all I’ll say is it’s going to be amazing.”

Sidetrax have had an outpouring of support on social media, with the community reaching out to let Piet and Alta know they will be missed during their time off.

“We love Mackay, our children grew up here, so we certainly want to stay and keep Sidetrax here,” Alta said.

They ask if any Mackay local knows of a spot to set up shop to reach out to them on their Facebook page.

Our reporter enthusiastically hopped into a kart in a match up against Piet when he met the pair in mid-January.

It was not a close race, with Piet lapping our sluggish writer six times.

‍

With International Women’s Day fast approaching, it’s time to give a shout-out to the ladies in your life who make a difference.

After nearly 7 years of inspiring women through unique events, the Just Saying Project (JSP) has launched its inaugural JSP Women’s Award – and nominations close this Sunday.

“We have been wanting to make this event a reality for quite some time,” JSP Founder Fallon Drewett said.

“It is a chance to recognise the women who fly under the radar, that go about their work and projects often unnoticed.

“These awards are for every woman and their big and small wins. It is a way to showcase the role women play in our lives and a perfect way to celebrate International Women’s Day.”

Ms Drewett said these awards were different in that they are not so much about validation, but a celebration of women and their achievements.

“It is not always about the grand gestures or milestones,” she added.

“It is about the women who keep showing up for themselves and others every day.

“It is about celebrating the magic women bring to the world. Part of unlocking that magic for many women is giving them an opportunity or a platform to be who they are, to give them events and projects that build them up. And part of these awards, does that, it is about taking the time to recognise a woman in your life, that keeps doing small, beautiful things, that over time have created change. And that change might be in their life or across many lives.”

Ms Drewett said there would be a unique way to honour the category winners which will be revealed on the night.

The awards night will be held on March 5 at the Mackay Turf Club and will not just be an award ceremony, but a night for all women to attend, with their girlfriends, there will be canapes, live music, a chance to dance, frock up with a few JSP surprises.

Award categories are designed to champion women from an array of lifestyles, including the Magic Maker for recognition in the arts, the Trailblazer paving the way for women in male-dominated industries, the Resilient Rebel who has been through adversity but who continues to fight, a Health and Wellbeing Warrior, a Modern Muse and the Mother of all Mothers.

Nominations close 11.30pm Sunday, January 30, 2022.

Tickets go on sale February 1 and can be purchased via www.thejustsayingproject.com – which is also the website to submit your online nomination.

JSP is also seeking sponsorship or lucky door prizes for the event. Please contact Fallon Drewett via thejustsayingproject@gmail.com

Just Saying Project founder Fallon Drewett has launched the inaugural JSP Women’s Awards. Photo: Coffee and Hops

‍

‍

Mackay’s 2022 Citizen of the Year has dedicated himself to helping men in our community by spreading messages of shared experience, personal growth and mateship.

Frank Cowell is the founder of Mackay’s Shed Happens, a non-judgmental place where men can be honest and talk about the good, bad, happy or sad rather than bottling it up and hardening hearts to the ones they care about.

He was recognised by his peers for his unwavering dedication to building a better community and was awarded as Mackay’s Citizen of the Year at Mackay Regional Council’s 2022 Australia Day Awards on Tuesday evening.

Mr Cowell is joined by Young Citizen of the Year William Deeley and Lori Burgess Community Volunteer Award winner Carmel Wheeler as Mackay’s major Australia Day Award winners for 2022.

William Deeley is an all-rounder with achievements in sport, music and public speaking, and someone who at a young age already possesses an exceptional track record of community service.

Carmel Wheeler has also been an active volunteer in the community all her life, most recently being recognised by the Queensland Ambulance Service for 60 years of service volunteering with the Calen Local Ambulance Committee.

……………………Read more about Mackay’s Australia Day winners on pages 10-11

Determination And Dedication – Meet Mackay’s 2022 Australia Day Award Winners

Captions:

Frank Cowell – Citizen of the Year

William Deeley – Young Citizen of the Year

Carmel Wheeler – Lori Burgess Community Volunteer Award

Charli Bliss – Art and Culture Award

Chris Breckell – Senior Sports Award (Representative in place of Chris who was absent)

Karla Grobler – Young Sports Award

Rotary Club of Mackay North – Environmental Achievement Award

Bakers Creek Tigers AFL Club - Community Group Award

Some of Mackay’s most radiant residents were recognised for their charity and courage at Mackay Regional Council’s 2022 Australia Day Awards, held during a gala dinner at the MECC on Tuesday evening. From encouraging others to building resilience, volunteering or being a voice for others, the one thing all award recipients had in common was their dedication to the community.

Mayor Greg Williamson said this year’s award recipients were deserving of their honour and reflected the diversity and sense of pride that made the Mackay region such a wonderful place.

“The Australia Day Awards are, above all else, about recognition – the recognition of individuals and groups within our community who achieve great things, give selflessly to others and make our region a better place to live,” Mayor Williamson said.

“A total of 113 residents took the time to complete a nomination for this year’s awards, which is one of the biggest responses to date,” he said.

“All the nominees are people who truly deserve it and who often fly under the radar and receive little recognition for their contributions.

“To those who were nominated, thank you for your contribution towards making the Mackay region such a great place to live – we are proud to have you in our community.”

More than 160 nominations were received for individuals and groups across eight award categories.

Citizen of the Year – Frank Cowell

Since bringing Shed Happens to Mackay from the Gold Coast, where he was originally involved, Frank Cowell has been the driving force in creating a network of support for men in the region.

Frank calls himself the convener, for lack of a better word, organising the Shed Happens meetings in Mackay – spreading messages of shared experience, personal growth, mateship and hope.

Known by many as a genuine man, Frank is worthy of recognition for the tireless work he does in the community.

In addition to his involvement with Shed Happens, he is an active member of Mackay Northern Beaches Neighbourhood Watch, a local and regional judge for Lions Youth of the Year competition, Deacon with Beaches Baptist Church, and participates on the Suicide Prevention Action Committee.

Frank is also the head of the International Men's Day committee, who not only put on a great event to celebrate our everyday heroes but raise funds to share with other not-for-profit organisations in our community. To date, they have raised $9000 that has been donated to three local charities.

Among other good deeds, the volunteer work and role Frank plays in his local community has a significant flow-on effect for families and our region.  

Young Citizen of the Year – William Deeley

An all-rounder with achievements in sport, music and public speaking, William Deeley already possesses an exceptional track-record of community service.

His personal qualities of devotion and dedication to all he pursues, his fun-loving nature and zest for life, make him an inspiration to young and old alike.

William’s academic and community service achievements are even more remarkable given the extra responsibilities he has taken on in response to long-term chronic illness in his immediate family.

In his final year of schooling at Whitsunday Anglican, William was school captain and the third highest ATAR graduate for 2021.

Prior to receiving his final ATAR score, William had already secured a scholarship to be resident at Cromwell College at the University of Queensland this year and was chosen as the Whitsunday Anglican School nominee for the T J Ryan scholarship of the Education Department of the State Government of Queensland.

He has made considerable achievements in community service, including the coaching of junior soccer teams in 2016-2021, a volunteer for Cricket4Every1 to provide sport for students at Mackay District Special School, Lions Youth of the Year Overall and Public Speaking Winner – Mackay Region (Q2 Zone 10) and Lions Youth of the Year Public Speaking Winner – North Queensland (Q2 District), and as a volunteer for Mackay SONY Children’s Holiday Camp.

Lori Burgess Community Volunteer Award – Carmel Wheeler

Carmel Wheeler has been an active volunteer in the community all her life.

Last year she was recognised by the Queensland Ambulance Service for 60 years of service volunteering with the Calen Local Ambulance Committee.

Carmel has been fundamental to the committee’s fundraising efforts over many decades, helping to organise events such as the Calen Local Ambulance Fair and monster cent sales.

She served as President on the committee from 1978-1982, 1988-1996 and from 2015 until just recently stepping down into a position on the back bench so she can continue to volunteer in a less demanding capacity.

Her inspiration to join and serve on the Calen Local Ambulance Committee came after a dramatic trip to the hospital in 1957 when the ambulance she was travelling in was involved in a traffic accident and rolled.

Ms Wheeler is a person who never stops helping her local community, all while raising five of her own children, 24 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Over the years Carmel has also been involved in raising money for other charities, including Red Cross, Spina Bifida, Mackay Endeavour Foundation, Cancer Foundation, RSL, Local Schools, CWA and Catholic Ladies, just to name a few.

Environmental Achievement Award – Rotary Club of Mackay North

After witnessing successful litter clean-ups in other parts of the world, members from the Mackay North Rotary Club decided to act in their own community.

Since 2017, the Rotary Club has adopted the 2.14km stretch of the busy Mackay-Bucasia Road, between Holts and Golf Links roads.

And over the past five years, they have collected more than 2500kg of rubbish and 400 golf balls.

The members undertake this altruistic activity to enable the many benefits to flow to the entire community, including improved roadside aesthetics and amenity and reducing waste entering our waterways.

Their commitment and passion in keeping their local neighbourhood clean and litter-free hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Community Group Award – Bakers Creek Tigers AFL Club

Bakers Creek AFL Club is a small rural AFL sporting club located in the suburb of Bakers Creek, at its home ground of Etwell Park.

The Tigers joined the Mackay Australian Football League in 1971, which was the competition’s second season.

They are one of only two clubs in the competition’s history to have won four successive senior grade flags – a feat they achieved between 1989 and 1992. The club also won two flags in a row in 1971 and 1972.

Since 2018, Bakers Creek has fielded teams in all grades from Superstars U6 through to Senior Men and Women in the local AFL Competition.

The club is the home of many up-and-coming AFL stars and is most proud as being the home of AFLW Gold Coast Suns Player – Lauren Bella.

Since the introduction of their junior club, they have been able to provide a pathway for players who wish to take steps towards professional AFL including William Bella, Maison Staas, Zali Ronald and many more.

The club also boast the most successful Senior Women’s team since women joined the competition in 2016 – the Bakers Creek Tigeress have taken out the premiership in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021.

In 2021, the team was undefeated grand final winners and in 2020 the team was runners-up in the grand final.

Art and Culture Award – Charli Bliss

Charli Bliss is a 14-year-old Torres Strait Islander, born and bred in Mackay, who is extremely proud of her heritage, culture and community.

With a strength drawing and painting on canvas, she has completed Indigenous artwork for several community-controlled organisations, sporting organisations and school/s on a voluntary basis to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are acknowledged and recognised.

Having recently completed Year 10 at Mercy College Mackay, Charli creates painting or digital art in her spare time after school and sporting commitments.

One of her most recent achievements includes contributing towards the newly designed Queensland Hockey Representative Playing uniform endorsed by Hockey Queensland.

Charli is also currently working on a painting for McDonalds Mackay to auction at the next Ronald McDonald House Charity (RHM) to raise funds for the Mackay RHM.

Through her generosity and dedication in giving back to her local community, she is proud to be able to share Indigenous culture to a diverse range of organisations within Mackay.

With this level of self-awareness, it is appropriate that she explores the traditions, history, and challenges of another culture, embraces them and shares them through her artwork so others are also educated and encouraged to embrace the Aboriginal and Torres Strait landscape that exists within the Mackay Community.

Senior Sports Award – Chris Breckell

Chris Breckell has dedicated more than 23 years of his life to the sport of touch football.

He has volunteered at club, district and state levels, donating his time with Magpies Touch Football, Mackay Touch Association and North Queensland Touch. His roles have varied from coach, to referee, treasurer, vice president and tour manager, just to name a few.

Chris is a quiet achiever, but his work has not gone unnoticed by those involved in the touch football community. He sets up and clears the fields three nights a week and, with the help of his family, he also runs the canteen on those nights as well.

Chris is committed to continuing to improve the opportunities available to Mackay touch football players both at junior and senior levels as well as promoting the benefits of touch football in the community.

Young Sports Award – Karla Grobler

Karla Grobler is an all-star athlete, achieving goals on and off the netball court.

Not only does she play netball at a school, club and representative level, but she also volunteers extensive time coaching an U14s team and umpires almost every week, all while achieving great results in her schoolwork.

In 2021 she played in Division 1 Seniors and was a Development Player in the Premier League.

Karla was also a member of the winning Northern Netball League’s U17s team which competed against other regional teams. She was selected in the Mendi Rays U16s Southern team as a result and travelled to the State Titles competition in Brisbane in late September.

When she’s not playing netball, Karla is umpiring netball. In 2021, she achieved her National C Badge in umpiring and travelled with Mackay Netball Association to carnivals in her umpiring role.

She took on the role of coach of the Magpies 14A team, where she helped develop her team members' skills. Great individual improvements were shown by all team members.

‍