Community News

Andrew Black Marks More Than Two Decades In Mackay Real Estate

Andrew Black Marks More Than Two Decades In Mackay Real Estate

After more than 25 years with Blacks Real Estate, Andrew Black continues to be a familiar face in Mackay’s residential property market. Andrew joined the agency in 2000, beginning his career in residential property management before transitioning into residential sales. Now a Licensed Real Estate Agent and Sales Consultant, he has spent decades helping local buyers and sellers navigate the Mackay housing market. His long-standing connection with the agency has given him extensive knowledge of the region’s property landscape and changing market trends over the years. Blacks Real Estate said Andrew’s experience across both property management and sales provides clients with a well-rounded understanding of the real estate process, from investment properties through to family homes. Operating from offices in Mackay and Dysart, Blacks Real Estate services residential, commercial, rural and industrial clients across the region. CAPTION: Andrew Black has spent more than two decades with Blacks Real Estate. Photo source: Blacks Real Estate

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Property Point

Property Point

I’m not sure that Donald Trump would play fair if he were one of the buyers in a multiple offer scenario on a Mackay property. There are clear rules about how multiple offer situations must be handled and, based on recent form, I just don’t think the US president would want to abide by the rules. From what I can tell he doesn’t seem to be a very good sport, not a great loser, and in a multiple offer situation in Queensland real estate there has to be a loser. Take Trump’s conduct during the soccer World Cup, being held in the US, Canada and Mexico. When US star Folarin Balogun received a red card and, as is standard practice, got an automatic one-match suspension Trump was on the blower to FIFA president Gianni Infantino asking for a review. The result was that the US star’s suspension was suspended for one year and he was able to play in the next World Cup game. It seems unlikely that a phone call from leaders of other countries would have resulted in a similar reversal of a decision. But I don’t blame Trump … that’s what he does. He tries to push and shove and shout and bully his way to getting the best deal he can for the United States. You might not like him but he certainly tries to get the best deal he can for his country on the world stage and, no doubt, for himself when it comes to business. It was, however, a bit of a surprise to hear he had made a call to the FIFA president trying to reverse the ban on a US player. What was even more surprising was that his strategy worked. Now I’m not to sure about this and I am just a real estate agent in Mackay who follows other football codes much closer than soccer but that FIFA mob looks a bit dodgy to me. You would have thought there would be a clear response from the FIFA president along the lines of: “Thanks for the call Mr President but you have got to be kidding if you think the independent body governing the world game is going to be influenced by political leaders about who can and cannot play based on our established rules.” Clearly that was not how the call played out and it turns out that there seems to be some flexibility in the rules and how they interpreted based on the person who is making the request. Which brings me to another contentious situation, the multiple offer scenario for properties being sold in Queensland. When it comes to multiple offers and which one is accepted, it is entirely up to the seller. The seller can accept a higher offer, accept a lower offer that might have no building and pest clause or no finance clause, or accept an offer just because that’s the one they like. A client of mine accepted a lower offer on a property last year because the buyer was a young, local woman who was starting off in life and had made the best offer she could. An investor offered about $30,000 more but the seller said, “I’m making good money out of this either way. I want the young woman to have it.” But one thing that is clear is that a real estate agent can’t tell one buyer what another buyer has offered in a multiple offer situation. We have to tell a buyer: “There is another offer on the table so you are in a multiple offer situation and I suggest you put in your best and final offer as you might not get a chance to make another offer.” That’s when some buyers say: “How much is the other offer.” Some buyers can be quite forceful but rules are rules and agents can’t reveal that. Although, if the FIFA president was the agent and Donald Trump was the second buyer there might be some flexibility.

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Why Small Business Marketing Feels So Overwhelming

Why Small Business Marketing Feels So Overwhelming

Most small business owners I speak to are not short on ideas, if anything, they have too many. They are trying to keep up with social media, update their website, understand Google, run ads, write emails, serve clients, follow up leads and still actually do the work they are known for. No wonder marketing starts to feel overwhelming. And here is the thing. The problem is not always that you are doing nothing. Sometimes the problem is that you are doing a lot, but without a clear direction. You post because you feel like you should. You boost something because business feels quiet. You update your website because someone told you it might help. You try another platform because everyone else seems to be there. But without a strategy behind it, it can start to feel like you are throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. This is where stepping back can make a huge difference. In most cases, you do not need another platform, another content idea or another person telling you to “just be consistent.” Sometimes, you need to look at the bigger picture. What are you actually trying to sell? Who are you trying to reach? What is working already? What is wasting your time? What should you focus on first? A clear conversation can often save weeks or even months of guessing. Marketing coaching can be helpful for this reason. It gives you space to untangle the mess, ask the right questions and create a plan that feels realistic for your actual business. At Glow Sphere Marketing, this is something I help small business owners with through short, practical coaching sessions, including a 2-hour option for those who want clarity without ongoing support. Marketing does not have to feel so messy. Sometimes you just need someone to help you sort through it.

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Pets of the Week: Ahsoka & Johnny Cash

Pets of the Week: Ahsoka & Johnny Cash

Some rescue stories stay with you, and Ahsoka and Johnny Cash’s journey is one of survival, strength and an unbreakable bond. Ahsoka was found as the smallest of a litter of six kittens, cold, weak and barely responsive after losing her siblings. Thanks to the dedication of an incredible foster carer who provided round-the-clock care, she defied the odds and pulled through. She is still being monitored for an injured eye but continues to grow stronger every day. Johnny Cash, affectionately known as the “Man in Black”, was found alone at just two weeks old. After being placed alongside Ahsoka in an incubator, the pair quickly became inseparable. While Ahsoka is gentle and resilient, Johnny is bold, curious and full of playful mischief. Together, they have helped each other heal and formed a bond too special to break. These two little survivors are now ready to find their forever home — but only together. If you can offer Ahsoka and Johnny Cash the loving indoor home they deserve, contact Ros on 0403 814 318 and share a little about yourself, your family and why you could be their perfect match.

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RHB Rect

New Entertainment Centre’s First Show On The Horizon

August 24, 2023

The doors are open and it’s time to pack the seats as the brand-new Proserpine Entertainment Centre (PEC) welcomes its inaugural show, The Melbourne International Comedy Roadshow.

Promising to home-deliver a belly-laugh inducing night of stand-up, sketch, satire, silliness and song, the Roadshow is hitting the highway to bring the freshest and funniest from its famous festival to Proserpine.

For 24 years the Roadshow has presented an all killer, no filler line-up of Australian stars and talented newcomers to comedy fans far and wide – and this year it will arrive at the PEC on May 3.

The rip-roaring road trip designed to satisfy all your comedy cravings will be sure to test the foundations of the newly reinvigorated PEC.

PEC General Manager, Katie Boyd, said they were still putting on the finishing touches for the venue but they were extremely excited.

“There’s been a lot of buzz about it,” Ms Boyd said.

“We’re very, very excited for our first show and the good news is we’ll have the bar running - who doesn’t love having a drink ahead of a comedy show?”

In Queensland, the Roadshow will head to 13 other locations, bringing with it the group of hand-picked, touring comedians selected from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Book now for that much-needed live comedy fix when they roll into town.

Performances often contain coarse language, adult themes, sexual references, and material that may offend, and the show is recommended for people aged 15 years or older.

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Maritime Centre Sets Sail

August 24, 2023

Construction is underway for the new $2.5 million Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre with facilities forecast to rival the country’s best and expected to attract trainees from near and far.

Located at the Whitsunday Sailing Club in the heart of Airlie Beach, the new centre will increase the training capabilities fivefold by doubling the floor space of the entire club.

There will be five purpose-built classrooms, an engineering workshop and lecture theatre as well as a versatile boardroom which can be opened up to boast a substantial deck with expansive sea views.

While its first role will be training future mariners, the centre will also become a community hub and a multi-use function space for industry and community groups to hold meetings, workshops, seminars and more.

Director of Projects and Development, Terry Archer said that he is excited to see this game-changing facility come to the Whitsundays.

“This will make the Whitsundays one of the best learning maritime centres in the whole country,” he said.

“It will attract students from all over Australia and potentially South East Asia and the South Pacific.”

Training Manager, Kaye Williams, said that she is looking forward to expanding the services and no longer having to restrict numbers due to limited space.

“We will be able to expand our training offerings which will be terrific,” she said.

“The quality of our instructors is equal, if not better than, other training centres – we even have a Master 1 instructor which really stands out.”

The Whitsunday Maritime Centre will focus on ‘near coastal’ qualifications, inside the reef on vessels up to 45 metres in length.

Mariners can achieve their Coxswain ticket, Master 24 (5), Master 33 (4), Master 45 (3) and their MED 2 certificates from the centre.

The build is expected to be completed by the end of this year and, due to an increase in building costs, developers are currently securing more funding for fixtures and furniture.

Sailing Manager Ross Chisholm, Training Manager Kaye Williams and Whitsunday Sailing Club General Manager Robin Ross.

“This will make the Whitsundays one of the best learning maritime centres in the whole country,”

Terry Archer

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Whitsunday Airport Launches First Regional Bottle-o

August 24, 2023

Holidaymakers will now be able to arrive at Whitsunday Coast Airport in style rather than simply depart with ease, thanks to a new bottle shop and bar experience located in the baggage claim area.

The first of its kind in all of Australia, the new bottle shop and bar will enable arriving passengers to pick up a six-pack or a bottle of wine as they arrive, making the experience flexible and seamless.

“We had plenty for outbound guests but nothing for inbound, so their holiday doesn’t start until they get to Airlie Beach - but now it starts right here!” said Taste Whitsundays owner Kevin Collins.

“We noticed it had constantly been an issue where they say the baggage takes too long – now they will be saying – slow down I’ve got time for another champagne!”

Not only will inbound guests be able to enjoy the take-away and sit-down arrival service, locals who are picking up visiting family and friends, will be able to wait next to the baggage claim.

No more traipsing through baggage control, they can relax in comfort.

As a Whitsunday Regional Council owned facility, the innovative concept not only benefits those that pass through the airport, but it will also benefit rate payers.

“The more money we make, the more money pours into the rate base,” said Mr Collins.

“That means there is less money the rate payers have to pay for services – it’s a win win – and we maximise the potential of the airport to generate income for the rate payers.”

The new bottle shop is due to open today.

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The Resilience Project Comes To Local Pre-Schools

August 24, 2023

The Cowboys will soon be delivering the key messages of gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness to pre-school children in our local community thanks to funding from the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN), which is bringing The Resilience Project’s (TRP) Early Years Program to local childcare centres.

With the aim of introducing positive mental health strategies at a key point in a child’s emotional development, the program teaches both educators and families how to live a happier life and instil an attitude of gratitude in everyday living.

This is achieved by involving parents and carers with the Early Years Family Journal to raise awareness of practical strategies to build resilience for themselves as parents and within their children.

The Journal includes a space for children to capture reflections of their learning as well as ways for families to connect and share activities together.

WSPN believe that the TRP Early Learning Program will greatly assist young children and their parents in our region to cope better with the current challenging times resulting from the COVID 19 pandemic.

“Research shows that if you practice the three principles of gratitude, empathy and mindfulness your mental health improves, you feel happier and your ability to cope in challenging times improves,” said WSPN Treasure Paul Burke.

This view is also supported by recent university research commissioned by TRP.

The research looked at the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of 80,000 young people who had used the TRP resources and 80,000 young people who hadn’t.

It found that the young people who had used TRP resources managed to maintain their mental health throughout the pandemic while the other group had experienced significant mental health issues.

The delivery of the Early Years Program in the Whitsundays will be rolled out initially to two regional early learning centres and is expected to commence in term 2, 2022.

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Ergon Invest 27.5 Million In Whitsundays

August 24, 2023

Ergon Energy greeted Airlie Beach residents with news they were set to invest $27.5 million into the local network.

The state-owned electrical company said that the Whitsunday’s role as a tourism hub for North Queensland meant the demand for electricity in the area is growing, creating the need for a major project to bolster the region’s electricity supply.

“The Whitsundays is growing and we’re growing with you,” The Ergon Statement reads.

“This project will refurbish and expand the Cannonvale substation and duplicate key sections of the 66,000-volt underground cable network between the Cannonvale substation and Shute Harbour, providing greater network resilience.”

Ergon said this investment will increase the network’s capacity and improve the security of the electricity supply for 8,000 homes and businesses.

The company has said the existing Cannonvale substation control building across from Banjos Bar and the Whitsunday Shopping Centre will remain, with an additional modular building to be built on the site closer to TAFE.

The duplicated underground cabling will “where possible” run adjacent to the existing line, but with development in the area having progressed significantly since that initial installation, the line route options may be different.

“We’ll be able to provide more information after our detailed design is completed,” the statement reads.

The works on the substation will commence in the third quarter of 2022 and the fourth quarter of the year for the duplication through Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket, Mt Rooper, and Shute Harbour substations.

Completion is expected by the end of 2023.

More information can be found at https://bit.ly/3K5tt6s

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Shining The Light On The Whitsundays

August 24, 2023

Our local region will be in the spotlight once again when talented singer-songwriter, Karen Jacobsen, films three destination focused music videos right here in the Whitsundays.

Launching her new album on May 22, she will be filming the videos next week and has received a $9,000 grant from Whitsunday Regional Council to contribute to production costs.

Famous for being the Australian voice of Siri and the Destination Ambassador for the Whitsundays, Karen was originally from Mackay and spent the last 20 years living in New York.

In search of a safe haven during the pandemic, she brought her family back to Australia and ventured up to her home region, falling in love with the Whitsundays once again.

Dedicating much of her time to promoting the area, driving tourism where possible and championing cultural development, Karen has become a sophisticated mascot for all that shines in the Whitsundays.

Using her song-writing skills to further promote the region, she has filmed music videos on Hayman Island and at Coral Sea Resort.

Next week she will be filming two music videos for her new album.

The first song entitled, You Are The Greatest, will feature the Airlie Foreshore and show footage of Karen travelling along the boardwalk in a pedi-cab.

The next song and title track to the new album is The Slipstream and has special meaning for Karen.

“For a long time, I was looking around at the success that other people were having and it seemed like they managed to find some slipstream of energy and then everything just worked – it seemed so easy for them,” she said.

“I was trying very hard and wondering why I wasn’t experiencing that, and this song is really about that state of desperation and feeling lost.

“There came a point for me when I realised there wasn’t something that I’ve got to go and find out there, it is something I can find in here.

“I went from thinking, what’s here for us? To, what can I provide here?”

The filming for this video takes place with the industrial backdrop of Proserpine Sugar Mill, the quintessential country stage of the cane fields, and then finishes on the Cape Hillsborough beach at dawn with the wallabies.

Karen will be wearing a custom-made golden gown by Jason Chetcuti.

“This is a very fresh delivery of the tourism messaging,” said Karen.

“They are a lasting piece of artwork that capture a moment in time with original music and I am absolutely delighted that Whitsunday Regional Council sees the benefit.”

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Prossie Pilot Lives Grandfather’s Dream

August 24, 2023

Jetstar Pilot James Spruce has piloted flights to international and domestic locations across the globe, but his first landing at home in Proserpine last week was the most momentous he’s had so far.

His 94-year-old grandfather, Herbert ‘Jack’ Spruce, looked on as James landed the Airbus A320 on the Proserpine runway with proud tears in his eyes - having given James the flying bug as a young boy, Jack was seeing his grandson live his dream.

Jack and James Spruce’s affinity for flying has always been common ground, with Jack taking his grandson for his first flight at the age of 14, strapping the teenager into his light plane.

Watching his grandson land the Airbus A320 onto the Whitsunday Coast Airport strip as a professional was an emotional outing for the once amateur aviator.

In his flying days, Jack was known as “Spruce Goose”, and the now 94-year-old has lived in the Proserpine Nursing Home for the last 13 years, having had a major stroke which left him unable to communicate verbally.

A lifelong sugarcane farmer, Jack was an avid aero sportsman, flying light planes for fun on weekends and holding the position of Vice President at the Proserpine Aero Club.

Jack had often taken James out to see the Boeing 737s and James remembers his grandad saying, “If I had my time again, that’s what I’d be doing”, and James is now “living the dream” for his grandad having become a commercial pilot for Jetstar.

“It was those words that really stuck with me as a young boy,” James said.

“Ever since I became a professional pilot, I’ve always had a dream to return here and have him out on the tarmac and see me fly in in a large jet.”

Jack’s daughter Jacqueline organised the occasion which saw Jack out on the tarmac watching as his grandson flew into Proserpine for the first time ever.

“For dad to still be alive at nearly 94 to see this moment is very momentous,” Jacqueline Spruce said.

“He basically gave James the flying bug, because dad would come out to do competitions for flying and take James with him in the plane.”

The whole family came out to watch on the day, including Jack’s other son Kenneth Spruce.

James said that the feeling when he saw his grandad on the tarmac was emotional, beyond words, and “absolutely nuts”.

“Proserpine airport in particular is a bit different for pilots; so, you go back to the basics, stick and rudder kind of skills and manual flight, so landing here and having him see it – hopefully having him approving it was smooth – it was beyond words,” James said.

“I get to tell him about my flying escapades now, just like he did when I was a boy; I get to share that with him.”

A family portrait of Jack Spruce (Front), his daughter Jacqueline, and his son Kenneth with his wife Suzanne Spruce

Kenneth and his dad Jack heading to greet James on the stairs of the Airbus A320

It was a teary reunion between Jack and James on the Whitsunday Coast Airport

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LOCAL LEGEND LOST AT SEA

August 24, 2023

The community are in mourning following the sudden death of 28-year-old Jed Farraway who tragically lost his life during a boating accident at Port Alma (south of Rockhampton) on Sunday.

The Jubilee Pocket man, who was originally from Calliope near Gladstone was known affectionately by friends as ‘Filthy’ - he was a Ringer by trade but had been currently working for a local concrete company.

Remembered as an adventurous and spirited soul, Jed will be missed by all who knew him.

VALE JED FARRAWAY

An avid fisherman, Jed Farraway was returning to Port Alma boat ramp on Sunday, April 3 at around 7am with three friends when the vessel is thought to have hit a marker buoy and flipped over.

One man in his 20’s was flown to Rockhampton Hospital in a serious condition, another man also in his 20’s was treated for leg and back injuries, while the third man in his 30’s was treated for chest, leg and facial injuries.

Jed was reported missing at 7.53am.

The Coast Guard chopper, Water Police and Marine Assist Rescue began a lengthy search of site following the incoming tide to upstream to look in nearby creeks.

Many local boaties joined the desperate search, and it was one of Jed’s friends who found him in the water near the site of the accident at 5pm.

Jed is survived by his mother and father, Lieth and Gavin Farraway

One of his closest friends and adventure companions was Scott Pocock who had known Jed for eight years and lived with him for five of those, regularly returning to Jed’s family home for Christmas.

The pair travelled Australia together, mustering at large cattle stations and living a free-spirited life on the land.

“He hated sitting still – if anyone ever mentioned anything about an adventure – he was there!” said Scott.

“There was not a day that would go by that he wasn’t doing anything – he would walk into a room and within 30 minutes he’d have the whole room doing tequila shots and dancing – he could lift anyone’s mood.”

Known for enjoying the outdoors lifestyle, Jed loved fishing, hunting and catching bulls – he had 11,000 people on instagram and 4000 people on Facebook following his adventures and captured many of his amazing achievements with photos.

When reminiscing about their wild adventures, Scott and Jed had often discussed how lucky they were to still be alive and remarked on the chances of not surviving until their 30’s, words that have tragically come true for Jed.

“I remember him saying – ‘if I die don’t let Mum and Dad cry for me, I’ve lived a full life’ – he wouldn’t want anyone to be upset, just have fun for him and live their lives to the full,” said Scott.

Jed’s girlfriend, Terri-anne Buckleigh, echoed this sentiment in a Facebook post.

“I am going to live my life to the fullest just like you did and make you proud, Baby!

“I am so, so incredibly grateful for all of the love you have shown me, the amazing adventures we have been on - you have brought so much light to so many lives, and I know there are a lot of heavy hearts right now.”

Friends have set up a GoFundMe page in Jed’s honour with proceeds going directly towards the VMR and Capricornia Rescue Helicopter – so far they have raised almost $15,000.

Jed and his best mate Scott

Playing for his hometown Calliope Roosters

Surfing with girlfriend Terri-anne Buckleigh

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A Day At The Beach

August 24, 2023

Experiencing the islands is a quintessential part of visiting or living near the Whitsunday region.

People flock to see the crystal-clear waters, stark-white beaches, and unspoiled bushland atop the rugged peaks of rock.

There are a bevy of options available for people seeking this serene experience, but there are not many better than Sealink’s Whitehaven Beach Big Island Day Tour.

Excitement is high as tour goers of all ages board the classy catamaran at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal.

People roam between the three levels that make up Nancy Wake, the 29 metre catamaran that will traverse the islands – guests can decide between the air-conditioned comfort inside or enjoy the 360-degree vistas of the al fresco top level.

As the boat departs at 9am and weaves through Daydream, Molle, and Cid Islands, the skipper tells the story of the islands through the loudspeaker, thus beginning a day of informative adventure facilitated by friendly, vibrant, and knowledgeable crewmembers.

The vessel starts its circumnavigation of Whitsunday Island towards the first stop of the tour, Hill Inlet lookout; if you’ve seen photos of Whitehaven Beach, they were probably taken from here.

The view is vast and dreamlike and sea life can even be spotted in the depths below.

The next stop is the iconic Whitehaven Beach, where the sand’s magical white sheen can be attributed to the 98.9 per cent pure silica it consists of.

Here, passengers have the option of walking to another lookout, playing some beach sport, swimming, or simply lounging in the sun, and there is plenty of time for all of the above.

The lookout provides vistas that ever-so-slightly surpass the beauty of the first lookout, and the water is so clear and invigorating that it’s near impossible to get out when the time inevitably comes.

After leaving Whitehaven, the boat heads around the south of Whitsunday Island past the high rises of Hamilton Island, making the rooftop observation deck the place to be, to take in the impressive views.

Complimenting the tour is a terrific variety of food provided, including muffins and fruit for morning tea, meat and salads for lunch, and an Instagram-worthy cheese platter perfect for finishing off the day with a cold drink from the fully licensed bar.

Nancy Wake docks back at Shute Harbour at 5pm, ending an inspiring yet relaxing day on the water that is a must for anyone in the region.

Sealink’s modern vessel is the epitome of style and comfort

Whitehaven Beach is a sight to behold. Pictures supplied

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Prestigious Award For Suicide Prevention Veteran

August 24, 2023

Grapevine Group’s training coordinator Edie Weiss had been awarded the highly regarded LiFE Award by national body Suicide Prevention Australia for her outstanding contribution to the Queensland community.

Some of Ms Weiss’ significant contributions include personally training more than 5000 people in suicide prevention through 164 safeTALK sessions, coordinating Grapevine Group’s 3-hour safeTALK training and the 2-day ASIST Intervention training for Run for MI Life.

Ms Weiss has worked as a guidance officer for St Patrick’s College and Catholic Education, volunteered as a Lifeline Crisis worker and contributed over 30 years to suicide prevention activities.

Ms Weiss has also devised her own toolbox presentation called Suicide Mythbusters which gives an introduction on the signs to look for, where best to find help and the skills to be able to support those experiencing suicidal thoughts. Her extensive experience with Lifeline and in the education sector has provided her a strong background to develop this extra tool for Grapevine’s suicide prevention arsenal.

“Edie’s work is exceptional in this field,” said Grapevine president Debbie Knight.

“She is so humble about the things she’s done and achieved as a volunteer that she probably wouldn’t want us to make a fuss over this special recognition.

“We should make a fuss though because she’s an inspiration with an incredible commitment that has undoubtedly saved many lives,” Ms Knight said.

This is the third time the Grapevine Group has been recognised with Suicide Prevention Australia’s highly regarded LiFE Awards. The first time was when Grapevine president Debbie Knight won the Community Engagement category in 2017 and the organisation itself was awarded the Communities Matter honours in 2020.

Grapevine Group’s training coordinator Edie Weiss had been awarded the highly regarded LiFE Award by national body Suicide Prevention Australia for her outstanding contribution to the Queensland community.

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Raw Metal Sends Steel Off To Sail

August 24, 2023

Raw Metal Corp Mackay loaded its first full ship with recycled metal on Friday afternoon last week, finishing up on Monday mid-morning having worked tirelessly for 64 hours to get the job done.

Loading up the clean scrap steel for recycling, the local company filled the ship's holds with 12 thousand tonnes, and General Manager Brett Crosby said they were more than happy with the outcome.

“Very excited; it was exciting for our whole team as our first ship - and it went off without a hitch. Everyone was extremely happy to be a part of this process,” Mr Crosby said.

The recycled steel, which will head to a mill in Vietnam, was collected and processed over three months and comprised everything from old machinery to washing machines and dryers and a “good mix of other household items.”

Ten trucks operated by local workers from Mackay completed the work along with about 10 internal Raw Metal Corp staff on two shifts.

“It was good for us, but also good for those truck drivers because it’s providing a bit of a boost to the local economy,” Brett said.

“As well, we made sure they were well fed, had a barbecue and a tent set up for food, a coffee van set up in the café for the whole three days of work.”

It was the company's first ship ever, which Brett said had been an aspiration for the business since its early days.

“It’s something we always wanted to do - now we’ve done one and we’ll continue to do more,” he said.

In three months, Raw Metal will fill another ship, and Brett said if any Mackay locals are looking at wanting to be a part of the recycling process, to send their material Raw Metal’s way.

Over 64 hours, Raw Metal Corp transferred 12 thousand tonnes of steel to ships in Mackay

Day and night the Raw Metal Corp group worked tirelessly

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Queensland Coal Driving New Export Record

August 24, 2023

The Queensland coal sector’s importance to the state and national economy has been highlighted in a major new report that forecasts coal will bring in record export earnings of $110 billion in 2021-22.

The resource is set to become just the second Australian commodity to break through the $100 billion annual export mark.

The figures are part of the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources’ March 2022 edition of the Resources and Energy Quarterly (REQ).

Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt said coal is making a significant contribution to a “very successful year for Australia’s resources and energy sector”.

“The latest REQ report has found that soaring demand and high prices for Australia’s coal will be a key contributor to our total resources and export earnings surging to a record high $425 billion for 2021-22,” he said.

Minister Pitt said critical global shortages in energy and some resource commodities have led to the high prices for some of Australia’s commodities.

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the new figures show the importance the sector held.

“The jobs and economic opportunities the coal sector provides are critically important to our region and the Coalition Government will ensure that continues well into the future,” Ms Landry said.

Senator for Queensland Matthew Canavan said nearly 92 per cent of metallurgical coal exports came from Queensland in 2021.

“[That] means billions of extra dollars in royalties and taxes to pay for the services we all rely on,” Senator Canavan said.

“We should be thanking our coal miners for the work they do.”

LNP Candidate for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said Queensland’s coal industry can continue delivering jobs in the region for decades

“There are 91 new major resources and energy projects in the pipeline in Queensland, which will deliver thousands of new jobs, especially in regional areas,” Mr Willcox said.

“The men and women working in the coal sector in the North and Central Queensland region, and throughout Queensland, have helped provide the bedrock for the state’s economy through the COVID pandemic.”

Minister Pitt said the efforts of Australia’s resources workers have helped put the country on track to deliver record high resources and energy export earnings.

“These earnings will keep the benefits flowing to all Australians, including through royalties the states use to pay for services such as the hospitals, roads and schools, we all rely on.”

The latest Resources and Energy Quarterly report is available on the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources website.

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry with LNP Candidate for Flynn Colin Boyce (right) and Senator for Queensland Matthew Canavan

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Renewal Works For Shakespeare Street Water Main

August 24, 2023

A new water main will be installed along Shakespeare Street between Rae and Hoey streets, with the project duration anticipated to take eight weeks.

The new water main will be installed along the northern side of Shakespeare Street and will reduce the risk of failure while increasing the water supply and reliability of the local network.

Water interruptions will occur during the project, however advanced notice will be given to directly affected residents prior to any interruptions occurring.  

Mackay Regional Council said the works will be completed under traffic control, with the work zone area reduced to a single lane when crews are on site. The area will reopen as two lanes at the end of each day.

Motorists and pedestrians are asked to please follow all signage and instructions in the area while works are completed.

For more information on the project, visit council’s project hub connectingmackay.com.au.

Project map depicting the water main work zone area on Shakespeare Street

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Care Army Seeking Volunteers

August 24, 2023

Volunteering is a terrific way to immerse oneself in and contribute to the community and now there’s a simple way to get involved.

Laura Anzurri fills the newly created role of Neighbourhood and Care Army Connect Worker, where she connects volunteers with organisations in need.

She says there are plenty of upcoming opportunities to volunteer and is always seeking people to help.

Care Army was created two years ago as part of the Queensland Government’s Covid-19 recovery plan and has been adapted to address the decreasing volume of volunteers in regional Queensland.

The initiative proposes opportunities to an established and growing workforce of volunteers to help the organisations that have experienced this decrease.

She recently ran a successful campaign for the SecondBite initiative, recruiting eager volunteers to pick up groceries to contribute to the Neighbourhood Hub for people who struggle to afford them.

She says volunteers get matched based on skills, passions, and ability.

“It’s not just filling a role, it’s something that a volunteer should feel strongly about,” she said.

“It’s a matter of finding the right match.”

Laura is passionate about mental health and says the social interaction and sense of community that volunteering provides is the biggest benefit.

“It’s a way to make friends, it’s a way to know different realities,” she said.

“You get to know people with very big hearts.”

Laura is new to her role but has volunteered in the past and is a perfect example of how volunteering can lead to further opportunities.

“Volunteering did the trick for me,” she said.

“It often opens paths for paid employment in different fields.

“If it worked for me, it can work for other people.”

Care Army is looking for people of all backgrounds to get involved. Scan the QR code below to find out more.

Laura Anzurri recently ran a successful volunteer campaign for Taiya Thaiday, Administration and SecondBite Coordinator at The Neighbourhood Hub. Photo: supplied

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Coach Quits Amid Match-Fixing Allegations

August 24, 2023

Magpies Crusaders United Football Club has suffered another blow, after the club’s new head coach Brian Murphy resigned, telling media he suspected a player’s family who resides in the UK of gambling on games.

Football Australia prohibits participants from betting on matches, with strict penalties including a lifetime ban a possibility if caught.

Mr Murphy handed in his letter of resignation earlier this week, saying “there was definitely gambling going on” and that he didn’t want his name associated with that.

Magpies Crusaders United Chairman Barry Jansen was visibly devasted by the allegation, saying he was completely unaware of any assertion of match-fixing until his meeting with Mr Murphy tendering his resignation.

“Magpies Crusaders is taking this matter very seriously and is committed to cooperating fully with Football Queensland and Football Australia’s investigation,” Mr Jansen said in a statement.

“As always, Magpies Crusaders wish to maintain the highest level of integrity and transparency but will be unable to provide any further comment as the investigation continues."

Mr Murphy alleged for the club to move forward and get a license to play next year they would need to do a thorough investigation.

Football Queensland has referred the incident to the Football Australia Integrity Department.

At the time of writing, Magpies Crusaders United will continue their QPL1 campaign this Saturday 9th April against Mitchelton FC at its home ground, Sologinkin Oval. Kickoff is set for 7pm.

Magpies Crusaders United Football Club Head Coach Brian Murphy (left) tendered his resignation this week, accusing a player’s family of gambling on matches. Image: Magpies Crusaders Facebook

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