Concerns over the spread of leucaena across Mackay and other parts of Central Queensland have prompted a Queensland Parliament petition calling for greater recognition and coordinated management of unmanaged and naturalised leucaena.

‍

Sponsored by Member for Mirani Glen Kelly, the petition is calling for greater investment in surveillance, containment, control, research and community awareness, with more than 750 signatures gathered so far.

‍

An error in last week’s printed edition stated the petition closed in September. The correct closing date is October 24, 2026. The petition is listed as 4670-26 Leucaena as a significant emerging environmental and biosecurity threat.

‍

Photo supplied

‍

Insights from nbn reveal a large percentage of Mackay businesses may still be relying on a residential broadband plan for their nbn service. 

‍

As Australian businesses increasingly rely on digital tools to connect with customers, collaborate with teams and operate efficiently, many Mackay businesses could be missing out on the benefits of an nbn plan built to better suit their business needs.

Head of nbn Regional Engagement QLD, Kylie Lindsay, said businesses should regularly assess whether their connectivity solution is still fit for purpose and review whether they are on the nbn technology available to them that best meets their needs.

"The way Australians live and work continues to evolve. Many businesses now rely on cloud services, video collaboration, and digital customer experiences every day, creating greater demand for reliable upload performance.

“In a typical household, download speeds are important to support video streaming, gaming and watching sport online. By contrast, business need upload speeds to support increasingly complex operations, disperse workforces that collaborate online through cloud-based applications and video conferencing, and the retrieval of large files and information.”

Businesses typically upload 200% more data than residential users relative to their download usage. While residential users upload around 1GB for every 9GB downloaded, businesses upload around 1GB for every 3GB downloaded.

For premises served by an eligible nbn technology, nbn also offers specialised installation and support experiences on eligible nbn business plans, including after-hours appointment options, installation by business-grade technicians  and, for premises upgrading to nbn full fibre, the option to have the nbn connection box placed up to 30 metres inside the building from the premises attachment point or nbn utility box (whichever is relevant).

Businesses are encouraged to check their addresses at nbn.com.au/checkregional to see what nbn technology and upgrades may be available at their premises. 

‍

Mackay is positioning itself for growth in the critical minerals sector, building on the region’s established resources, manufacturing and industry capabilities. Photo source: Mining Australia

‍

Mackay's push to grow its critical minerals sector could benefit from new Queensland laws designed to fast-track major projects, while maintaining protections for the state's prime agricultural land.

‍

The State Development and Public Works Organisation (Critical Minerals) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 passed Queensland Parliament with amendments on 26th August, introducing a new State Strategic Project framework aimed at streamlining major developments.

The changes have particular relevance for Mackay, where critical minerals have been identified as an emerging industry alongside the region's established mining, agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

‍

Mackay Regional Council's Building Our Future – Powered for Growth campaign puts the value of the regional economy at $15.3 billion and identifies critical minerals among the industries offering opportunities for future growth.

‍

Council is also advocating for investment in industrial land, State Development Areas and further development of the Resources Centre of Excellence.

When the campaign was launched in May, Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the region already had many of the foundations needed to capitalise on further investment.

‍

“Mackay stands at a pivotal moment – we have the scale, workforce and industry capability to deliver nationally significant outcomes,” Cr Williamson said.

“With the right partnerships and targeted investment, we can unlock even greater opportunities for jobs, economic growth and community wellbeing.”

‍

However, moves to accelerate major projects initially prompted concerns from Queensland's agricultural sector.

On 25th August, the Queensland Farmers' Federation called for amendments preventing the new framework from diminishing protections applying to Priority Agricultural Areas and Strategic Cropping Land.

‍

The following day, the legislation passed with an amendment ensuring a Regional Interests Development Approval (RIDA) remains a protected instrument where required.

The Queensland Government says the protection means the new framework cannot use a modification order to remove a required RIDA, maintaining safeguards for regional interests including strategic cropping and prime agricultural land.

‍

QFF welcomed the change after the legislation passed.

‍

“By retaining the RIDA as a protected instrument for our state's strategic cropping and prime agricultural land, the Queensland Government has listened to farmers and shown that it will not be sacrificing our state's best farming land for other uses,” QFF CEO Kylie Porter said.

‍

The legislation does not automatically approve projects declared State Strategic Projects, with existing environmental, planning, resources and other approvals still required.

‍

For Mackay, the changes arrive as the region looks to capitalise on emerging industries without losing sight of the agriculture, resources and manufacturing sectors already underpinning its economy.

‍

MP Andrew Willcox has said a recent Coalition housing plan could help regional communities like Mackay unlock more homes. Photo supplied

‍

Willcox Supports Coalition Plan To Unlock New Homes And Infrastructure

‍

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox says a new Coalition housing plan could help regional communities such as Mackay unlock more homes by funding the infrastructure needed to support new development.

‍

The Coalition has committed to guaranteeing $1.5 billion of its proposed $5 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund for regional, rural and remote Australia.

The broader fund is intended to provide infrastructure such as roads, water, sewerage and power, with the Coalition saying it could help unlock up to 400,000 new homes nationally. The Coalition has previously estimated its regional allocation could help unlock up to 120,000 homes across regional Australia.

‍

Mr Willcox said the commitment was particularly relevant to Mackay and other regional communities where housing supply and affordability remained under pressure.

“Mackay is a growing regional city, but growth means nothing if workers cannot find a home and families cannot afford to live here,” Mr Willcox said.

‍

“We need houses, but we also need the roads, water, sewerage and other infrastructure that make those houses possible.”

“That is where the Federal Government needs to step up. You cannot ask regional councils to carry the cost of growth while taking away funding they rely on to deliver the infrastructure our communities need.

‍

“Mackay and the regions are doing the heavy lifting for the Australian economy. We should not be told to grow, and then left to work out how to pay for that growth ourselves.”

Mr Willcox said the housing shortage was not simply a problem for people looking for somewhere to rent, it was increasingly a barrier to attracting workers and growing the regional economy.

‍

“If a nurse, teacher, tradesperson or young family cannot find an affordable place to live in Dawson, eventually they will look somewhere else.

‍

“That means housing is not just a social issue, it is an economic issue.

“Businesses cannot expand if they cannot attract workers. Industries cannot grow if workers have nowhere to live.

‍

“We need to stop thinking about housing as simply putting roofs over people's heads. Housing is the infrastructure of economic growth.”

Mr Willcox said the Coalition would continue pushing for investment that allowed regional communities to grow without placing an unfair burden on local ratepayers.

‍

“People in Dawson should not have to choose between paying more rent and leaving the community they call home,” he said.

‍

“We need more homes, more infrastructure and more certainty for the councils responsible for delivering it.”

‍

By Cr Belinda Hassan

‍

We probably don’t give much thought to our rubbish once we wheel the bin to the kerb or drive away from a waste transfer station. But managing our region’s waste is a significant and growing cost to council – and ultimately, to ratepayers.

‍

In 2026/27 alone, council is facing an additional $665,000 in waste service costs due to increases in the Queensland Government Waste Levy, and a reduction in the subsidy council receives towards that levy. The purpose of the levy is simple –to encourage all of us to send less waste to landfill and recover more of the resources contained within it. And that requires something of a mind shift.

We readily pay postage or delivery fees when we order something online, sometimes without giving it a second thought. Yet when the box arrives, we can be reluctant to accept that there is also a cost involved in dealing with the packaging – and eventually the product itself – when we no longer want it.

‍

Waste doesn't disappear simply because it leaves our property. It has to be collected, transported, sorted, recycled where possible and, as a last resort, safely disposed of in landfill. Modern landfills also require substantial infrastructure to protect our environment, including systems to manage leachate, stormwater and landfill gases.

That's why resource recovery is so important.

‍

Council's new operator at our waste transfer stations, Outlook Australia, brings an exciting social and environmental dimension to this challenge. Outlook operates one of Australia's largest waste management social enterprises, creating employment opportunities for people who may otherwise face barriers to entering the workforce, including people with disability, those experiencing long-term unemployment or mental health challenges, and migrant and refugee workers. In fact, more than 70 per cent of their social-enterprise staff come from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds, and profits from Refindit are reinvested into employment and training opportunities.

‍

Through Refindit by Outlook, items that might otherwise have ended up in landfill can instead be recovered, reused and given another life. At Paget, residents can drop off suitable pre-loved goods for assessment and, if accepted, at no charge. Those items can then be resold through the Refindit reuse shop – everything from furniture, tools and building materials to books, bikes, clothing and toys.  

‍

It's a great example of the circular economy in action: reducing landfill, making affordable goods available to our community and creating meaningful employment at the same time. Find them at 42 Crichtons Rd, Paget, Thursday to Sunday, from9am to 4pm. Open seven days for donations and recycling drop-off.

‍

We all have a role to play. Before throwing something away, ask: can I reuse it, repair it, recycle it, donate it or find someone else who can use it?

‍

Because the cheapest – and most sustainable – waste to manage is the waste we don't create in the first place.

‍

I spent the past week in Melbourne visiting clients, capturing behind-the-scenes content for an emerging talent and connecting with inspiring business owners.

‍

Before each day shifted into full gear, I took the opportunity to walk through the city, choosing a different route each morning. Melbourne offers an incredible contrast of landscapes from the old-world charm of its historic buildings to the bold, colourful street art that brings its famous laneways to life.

‍

However, it wasn’t the architecture or artwork that captured my attention most. It was the people.

‍

Thousands moved through the city on their way to work, school or university, yet almost everyone appeared to have AirPods or headphones firmly in place.

‍

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a great podcast or an energetic ’80s playlist as much as anyone. But it made me wonder: when did we become so disconnected from the sounds of the world around us?

‍

Few people were looking up or absorbing the rhythm of the city, the hum of busy cafés, the wind moving through the trees, flower trolleys rolling towards market stalls or the familiar bell of a tram arriving at the platform.

‍

The world has undoubtedly become a symphony of noise. Messages, opinions and content come at us every day like a freight train. It’s understandable that people want to switch off. However, for businesses, this makes what people choose to listen to and what they actively tune out more important than ever.

Your marketing is no different.

‍

You can fill the silence with countless words, familiar phrases and language borrowed from competitors. But if your message sounds like everyone else’s, it simply becomes more noise for your audience to ignore.

‍

Effective marketing begins with the message.

It’s easy to jump straight into the creative and become excited about visual content, colours, photography and design. But if what you are saying doesn’t connect, no amount of beautiful creative will make it memorable.

‍

After three decades in the creative and marketing industry, I have seen the right words transform businesses. Consider some of the world’s most recognisable lines:  

• Just Do It - Nike
• I’m Lovin’ It  - McDonalds
• Because You’re Worth It - L’Oréal  
• Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands - M&M’s  
• Eat Fresh - Subway  
• Lowest Prices Are Just the Beginning - Bunnings Warehouse
• The Fresh Food People - Woolworths

‍

They are short, distinctive and instantly connected to the brands behind them.

If you are serious about building a brand people notice, remember and trust, begin with what you want to say and why your audience should care.

‍

In a world where everyone is competing to be heard, don’t simply add to the noise. Create a message worth listening to.

I’d love to help. Contact the team at redhotblue and let’s put words into actions.  

‍

Photos supplied by Mackay Hospital and Health Service

‍

For three decades, women across Mackay and the wider region have walked through the doors of BreastScreen Mackay for a check that could make all the difference.

‍

The service marked its 30th anniversary earlier this week with a small celebration at its Wellington Street facility, bringing together current and former staff, Mackay Hospital and Health Service clinicians and staff, Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson and Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton.

‍

Since opening in 1996, BreastScreen Mackay has carried out more than 225,000 breast screens, alongside more than 14,300 assessment attendances and 1,274 diagnoses.

BreastScreen Mackay Clinical Director Dr Wendela Schimmer said the figures represented much more than numbers, reflecting three decades of early detection, changing technology and connections with women throughout the region.

‍

“When the service commenced, mammograms were captured on film and processed in a darkroom. In its first year, 1985 women were screened here in Mackay,” Dr Schimmer said.

‍

The number of screenings has continued to grow across the decades, with 53,801 recorded at the Mackay facility between 1996 and 2005, 76,618 between 2006 and 2015, and 87,685 between 2016 and 2025.

Technology has also changed considerably since those early days. A Hologic Selenia Dimensions system with 3D breast tomosynthesis was installed at the clinic in 2018, further expanding the service’s screening capabilities.

‍

For women living outside Mackay, access has also been taken on the road.

BreastScreen Mackay’s mobile screening bus, Freya, began travelling throughout the region in 2019 and has since hosted more than 20,000 screening attendances. The bus was upgraded in 2023 with a Siemens Mammomat Revelation mammography unit.

‍

The service’s reach expanded again in 2024, when Bowen and Collinsville were added to its catchment.

‍

While the equipment may have changed, Dr Schimmer said encouraging women to attend screening remained an important part of the service’s work.

‍

“The service also continues to encourage eligible women to overcome common barriers to screening, including cultural barriers, fear and the belief that screening is unnecessary if you don’t have a family history of breast cancer,” she said.

“Early detection through screening remains one of the most important tools in the fight against breast cancer.”

‍

The 30th anniversary event included speeches, a cake cutting, plaque reveal and the launch of the Sista Shawls initiative.

‍

A photo display in the facility’s foyer also captured the journey from 1996 to today, showcasing the people, technology, mobile services and milestones behind three decades of screening in the region.

And despite the changes over the years, the reason behind the service remains simple.

‍

“Every screening represents an opportunity to detect breast cancer early, when treatment can be more effective.”

BreastScreen provides free screening every two years for women aged 40 and over, with women aged 50 to 74 actively invited to participate.

‍

It's been another busy few weeks across Mackay, with Child Protection Week providing an important opportunity to reflect on the responsibility we all share in keeping children safe, alongside a range of activities involving local schools, community groups and organisations.

‍

This week I had the pleasure of meeting with students from Mackay State High School during their visit to Queensland Parliament in Brisbane. School visits to Parliament provide a unique opportunity for young people to learn about our democratic system, ask questions and gain a firsthand understanding of how government works. It was wonderful to see the students so engaged and interested in the parliamentary process.

‍

Last week, I also attended a number of Child Protection Week events, including the Lotus Place CQ Remembrance Day ceremony and Party in the Park. These events highlighted the importance of creating safe, supportive environments where children and young people can thrive, while recognising the vital role our community plays in protecting and supporting local families.

‍

‍

Community safety continues to be a priority for many local residents, which is why I'm encouraging people to get involved in our upcoming Secure Your Home Day event at Wake House Australia in Andergrove on 23 September at 3:00pm until 4:45pm.  

‍

Delivered in partnership with Northern Beaches Neighbourhood Watch, the event will provide practical advice on home security, crime prevention and CCTV registration. The event is designed to help residents protect their homes, keep our children safer on our roads, reduce opportunities for theft and connect with others who share an interest in building safer communities.

There has also been encouraging news on the crime front, with the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data showing a decline in the number of crime victims across Queensland over the past 12 months. While there is always more work to do, any reduction in crime is positive news for families, businesses and communities across our region.

‍

While community safety remains important, it's equally important to celebrate local successes. I'd also like to congratulate local business owner Danny Aprile from Happy Bagel, who has been named a finalist in the 2026 AusMumpreneurAwards in the Tourism and Hospitality category.

Many locals will know Danny from the markets, where her handcrafted bagels have become a favourite. What started in her home kitchen has grown into a thriving small business, and she will now proudly represent Mackay on the national stage in Sydney later this month. We wish Danny every success and thank her for showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit that makes our region so special.

‍

‍

Supporting local community groups also remains an important focus. Round 127 of the Gambling Community Benefit Fund is now open, providing eligible organisations with an opportunity to secure funding of up to $35,000 for projects and equipment that benefit the community.

‍

Recently, I visited the Magpie District Dog Obedience Club to see the new ATV purchased with support from a previous funding round. It was great to see firsthand how these grants deliver practical outcomes for local organisations and help volunteers continue the important work they do across our region.

As always, if I can assist you with any State Government matter, please contact my electorate office.

‍

Nigel Dalton MP
Member for Mackay

‍

The Mackay Malayalee Association (MMA) celebrated Onam on 5th September at Tommy Webster Memorial Hall in Walkerston, bringing community members and guests together for a day of cultural performances, traditional food and family activities.

‍

MMA is a non-profit organisation representing people from Kerala, a southern state of India. Onam is celebrated by Malayalees around the world and honours the legendary King Mahabali’s annual return to visit his people.

‍

The celebrations began with a welcome address from MMA President Nidheeshkumar, followed by a ceremonial lamp lighting led by chief guest and Mayor of Mackay Regional Council Greg Willimson.

‍

Mayor Willimson was joined for the ceremony by Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton MP, Council Community Development Officer Tamara Flynn and Mackay Indian Association President Oilver Sabu.  

The event featured a range of cultural performances, including the traditional Thiruvathira dance, as well as presentations by adults and children.

‍

Senior community member Ledger Zacharia Fernandez was also honoured during the event, while MMA Secretary Jinoop Palakkunnel delivered the vote of thanks.

Following the performances, guests enjoyed a traditional Onam feast before taking part in outdoor games for families and children. Tug-of-war competitions for both men and women added to the day's activities.

‍

The celebration brought together members of Mackay’s Malayalee community to share Kerala’s traditions, culture and food while strengthening community connections.

‍

Mackay’s Malayalee community came together to celebrate Onam with traditional food, cultural performances, family activities and community spirit. Photo credit: Reji Rajan

‍

‍

Image for illustrative purposes only. Photo source: Shutterstock

‍

By Hannah McNamara

‍

Youth mentoring program Project Booyah is sparking discussion in Mackay, with concerns being raised by local parents about the reduced role of Queensland Police Service officers in the program.

‍

The program, which has been operating in Mackay since 2021, supports disconnected and at-risk young people through mentoring, practical skills, education, training and employment opportunities, with the aim of building confidence, resilience and stronger connections with the community.

‍

Project Booyah has traditionally been delivered through a partnership between the Queensland Police Service and PCYC, with police officers playing a hands-on role alongside youth workers.

It is understood that new changes mean the program’s delivery will now sit with the youth workers, with police being involved in a reduced capacity compared with their previous hands-on role.

‍

Parent Kristy Lee Fox, whose daughter completed Project Booyah earlier this year, has publicly raised concerns about changes to the program.

‍

“This is not about PCYC versus QPS,” Kristy said.

“The PCYC youth workers do an incredible job and are an important part of Booyah. What we are fighting for is to preserve the partnership that already works and, particularly, the direct, hands-on involvement of QPS officers with the young people throughout the program.”

‍

Kristy said her daughter’s experience had highlighted the importance of the relationship between participants and police.

“When she was recently asked whether she would have done the program if it wasn’t for the police officer who led her cohort, her immediate answer was ‘No.’

‍

“I completely understand the importance of frontline policing, but I also believe prevention is frontline policing,”  Kristy added.

“Putting police back on the streets shouldn't mean taking them away from the young people we're trying to keep off those streets.”

‍

Kristy has also called for more information about how the changes will affect the program, including whether graduates, families and those delivering Booyah were consulted.

‍

“I also think it is important that people understand Booyah isn't about replacing parents. Young people can become at risk for many different reasons. Recognising that your child is heading down the wrong path and reaching out for additional support is part of responsible parenting.”

Earlier this year Senior Constable Keiran Horsfall described the partnership between QPS and PCYC as valuable to helping young people move forward.

‍

“QPS and PCYC work in partnership to help disengaged young people gain experience and qualifications, with the aim of helping them build better lives,” he said.

For many of the young people and families who have experienced it, Project Booyah has been described as “life-changing”.

‍

Kristy said she had seen the impact of Project Booyah firsthand through her daughter, watching her confidence grow, develop resilience and gain a different perspective on her future.  

‍

“As a parent, I will forever be grateful for what Senior Constable Keiran and the Project Booyah team did for my daughter.”

‍

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the project had seen great success. He shared that a former Queensland Police Commissioner had conducted a 100-day review linked to the changes, which included efforts to return as many police officers as possible to frontline duties.

“As far as I understand, the police will still have involvement. They won’t have the administration behind it, but uniformed police will still be involved in the project,” he said.

‍

“I hope those fears will be put to rest, because police will still be involved, but it just won’t be somebody who is administrating the whole course or project.”

‍

“The police will be in there regularly, engaging with the youngsters and helping them on their way to become much better citizens.”

‍

With changes on the horizon for the program’s delivery in Mackay, questions remain around how the new model will operate and whether the strong relationships built between young people and the police will continue.

‍

A petition titled ‘Keep Project Booyah Police-led’ has also been created, with 387 signatures recorded at the time of print.

‍

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson with representives from Chances House and Rotary North. Photo source: Chances House Mackay

‍

A local woman who purchased just three tickets in the Chances House Community Car Fundraiser has walked away with a brand-new set of wheels.

‍

The winner, who has recently retired, had previously spoken with Chances House about how she and her husband could support the organisation.

‍

With approximately 70,000 tickets sold across the fundraiser, Chances House representatives said they were delighted to see the winning ticket go to someone who had already shown an interest in supporting the local community.

“She purchased just three tickets...proof that you really do have to be in it to win it!” a Chances House representative said.

‍

The fundraiser, made possible through North Jacklin Motor Group and the Rotary Club of Mackay North, provided a valuable boost to Chances House, with ticket sales through the organisation raising $3,000.

‍

The funds will go directly towards supporting local people experiencing homelessness, adding another positive outcome to the community initiative.

Chances House thanked everyone who purchased tickets through the organisation and congratulated the winner on her new car.

‍

‍

A 31-year-old woman, identified as Payge Leembruggen, was found deceased near Mackay Harbour North Wall shortly after 8am on Tuesday 15th September, with police seen throughout the day investigating amongst the sand dunes to the far left of the recently renovated section of the beach.

‍

Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch detectives are now appealing for public assistance as investigations continue into the circumstances and cause of her death.

She was described as Caucasian, approximately 178cm tall, with brown hair, and was last seen wearing a white top, bright red trousers and a red bow in her hair.

‍

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen or had contact with Payge between September 11 and September 15, or anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

‍

Read more here: https://www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/article/tragedy-at-mackays-north-wall-beach-woman-in-her-30s-found-deceased

In 1917, Walter Perroux’s composite photograph of Proserpine’s leading citizens included not one woman. Yet women have long played vital roles in the shire’s farming, business and community life. One such woman was Edith (Edie) Grimstone, affectionately known as Mrs Grimmie.  

Edith Grace Elizabeth Pepper was born December 29th 1918, in Wolfram Camp North Queensland where her father was Mining Warden. She was the youngest of six children born to parents, William Arthur Pepper and Edith Annie nee Williams.  

Hoping for an easier life, Edith’s father travelled to Cannon Valley to purchase a block of land for farming. Relatives, the Byers’ family, had already moved into the district. Once William had established somewhere for the family to live, he sent for them. With two horses and all their goods and chattels, Edith and her children travelled by wagon, boat and rail to reach their new home.  

‍

And so began many years of struggling to make the farm sustainable with the older children missing school to assist their parents. Edith (Edie) attended Windermere State School for her primary years and was regarded as a very bright student, however, difficulties of the time such as low sugar prices and impending war meant that she was unable to continue with further education.  

In her early working life, Edie spent some time at Yarrabah Mission in North Queensland where she lived with the Anglican Minister and his wife and was governess to their children. She also taught some of the aboriginal children there.  

‍

Prior to the war, there was a national push by the government to boost fitness levels of Australians. When the local council called for nominations, Edie successfully applied and was sent to Brisbane to do a physical fitness training course. Upon her return, she ran fitness classes. Edie maintained that the secret to her longevity was her exercising. Perhaps it also had something to do with the fact that despite having a licence, she walked everywhere.  

‍

When the war broke out, Edie answered the call and went to work in a munitions factory in Brisbane. It was there that she married Eric Grimstone, a returned WW2 soldier, on March 31, 1945.  

‍

Upon their return to Proserpine, Edie and Eric opened a menswear and sports store near the Grand Picture Theatre which was in the old Faust Building. This was the beginning of an outstanding retail service; a service that operated for over 50 years. ln 1966, they moved across the street to the old ABC Café and opened a new shop. In 1975, they purchased the building.  

Edie opened the business out of hours for customers; she ordered special items if she didn’t have them. She was renowned for knowing where every item could be located right up until her retirement at the age of 80 when she sold the business.    

‍

Although best known for her years serving customers at Grimstone’s Store, Mrs Grimmie was also active in the local tennis club and was women’s champion for several years. Her love of tennis began on courts her brothers built below their house. She and Eric were life members of the Proserpine Tennis Club and often donated sports goods to local schools and charities. She was also devoted to the Anglican Church, attending every Sunday, volunteering and baking for church events.  

‍

When Edith Grace Elizabeth Grimstone died on Christmas Day 2016, just four days before her 98^th birthday, the community lost a much-loved and remarkable woman.  

‍

Story sourced from Proserpine Historical Museum archives; photo used with family permission.  

‍

Minnie has a way of winning people over quickly. It could be her expressive eyes, her goofy smile or the fact she will velcro herself on you within minutes of meeting you.

‍

At around eight years old and 40 kilograms, this mixed-breed girl is gentle, bright and full of character.  

She is a dog of principle, such as her dinner manners, sitting and waiting patiently until she is given permission to eat. She is equally particular about affection, with a light pat on the back or bottom guaranteed to get her happily groaning and her tail going.  

‍

Windy days can make her anxious, but carrying a blanket around like a security cape until everything feels calm again is her adorable way to cope

‍

She is good with people and other dogs, toilet-pad trained and could suit a home with a small yard or apartment. Minnie is still working on her lead manners, so a patient owner willing to continue her training would be ideal. But if she brings the same discipline she shows at dinnertime, she should have her walking routine mastered in no time

‍

If Minnie sounds right for your family, message Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue with your name, phone number and “Minnie” to begin the adoption process.

‍

Photo credit: R Jean Photography  

‍

After three decades spent building Taylors Property Specialists into a trusted local agency, Rob Taylor is preparing to place its future in the hands of experienced real estate professional Beau-Lea Miller.

‍

With more than 25 years in the industry, Beau plans to strengthen the business while preserving the team, values and community connections Rob has established.

“I’m not here to change the business Rob created,” she said.

‍

“I’m here to strengthen what he has built and support the team he has created, so they can be the very best they can be for the community they serve.

“We’re really blessed that Rob is giving us the opportunity to continue that dream for him.”

‍

Beau began her real estate career at 17 and has since worked across property management, residential sales, agency ownership, business development, technology and team leadership.

‍

She established and led her own independent Brisbane agency, Beautique Realty, before moving into a state operations role with Elders Real Estate across Queensland and the Northern Territory.

There, she oversaw around 12,500 properties across six offices. While she valued the experience, Beau missed the personal connection that came with working inside a close-knit local agency.

‍

“It was important to me to get back into a business where I could be innovative, lead change and make a difference for people,” she said.

One of her priorities at Taylors will be finding the right balance between the agency’s traditional, personal approach and the systems and technology now available to support its staff.

‍

“There’s a younger generation of agents coming through, and I really want to make sure their lives are easier,” she said.

“It’s about building on those old-fashioned ways of doing things and bringing them into the new world.  

‍

“Technology is here, but how do we make sure we keep the human element in those transactions?”

With a strong background in property management, Beau is keen to give Taylors’ rental division the attention she believes it deserves, equipping staff to help clients look after their investments.

“The rental business is always the thing that keeps the doors open, and many people forget that,” she said.

‍

“I’m pretty passionate about saying that it is the core of the business, and it will continue to be that for Taylors.”

The team has already made a strong impression on her, particularly through the way its members support one another, with a strong willingness to collaborate and share ideas.

‍

“They call each other a family, but I think they’re a team in the truest sense,” she said.

“Everybody supports everybody else to do their best. I haven’t seen many businesses that operate like that, and that legacy belongs to Rob.”

‍

That connection extends well beyond the office, with the company's longstanding supporter of local schools, sporting teams, events and community initiatives, something Beau intends to continue.

“I want to make sure that whatever impact we make here genuinely makes a difference,” she said.

‍

With the Whitsundays and its property market continuing to grow, Taylors is preparing for what comes next without losing the local values that have guided the agency for the past 30 years.

‍