Spouts of water shooting up in the distance, big water slaps and dramatic breaches, are a common sight when travelling through the clear whitsunday waters during Winter. Whales grace the whitsundays every year, but after the season ends, where do these elegant mammals go?

While whales are not known for their speed due to their large rotund body's and huge bobbly pectoral fins, their distance is impressive, with them travelling a 10,000 km roundtrip from cold and frigid Antarctic feeding grounds to the warm, welcoming whitsunday waters for breeding and calving.

Their journey after the Whitsundays, however, is not an easy one, with struggles involving depleting energy reserves, threats from human activities like ship strikes and fishing gear, alongside protecting their calves from predators such as Orca's and sharks.

Sadly, these aren't the only issues the whales have to avoid, as the growing impacts of climate change are affecting their food source, krill. Whales do not feed during their time in the Whitsundays, so they rely on stored fat for the three to four month period that they are completing their journey, therefore, with changes to their food web, alongside the dangers from human shipping and nets they risk starvation.

Why do whales risk travelling so far? The Great Barrier Reef foundation states that. "As winter approaches in the Southern Hemisphere, the Antarctic krill population diminishes due to sunlight reduction and sea ice formation."

"Whales are highly attuned to environmental cues. This seasonal change and decline in food availability prompts whales to instinctively embark on their journey north," the foundation added.

Having experienced many whale encounters in the Whitsundays it is very upsetting to find out that some of the whales won't make the journey after visiting here. To reduce your impact on our marine friends try to avoid single-use plastics where possible and volunteer or donate to an organisation focusing on protecting our marine life, such as Whales of Whitsundays.

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Humpback whales, I was lucky enough to swim with in WA. Photo credit: Laura Gourgas.

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This year has flown by! December is here, Christmas is just around the corner, and we’ve been lucky enough to tell Santa that all our bowlers have been good. The standard of bowls at our club has steadily improved throughout the year.

Tuesday afternoon’s Social Bowls saw Tony “Take the Money” Whitehorn, with his wonderful wife Betty, our club’s Bowler of the Year for 2025, take home the prize with an outstanding victory.

Wednesday afternoon Social Bowls featured 16 bowlers competing for first prize. Stand-in skipper Mark Mawson led his team to a fantastic 15-point win, with an outstanding performance from lead Rick Brunell and second, new bowler Rene, who was faultless in a great team effort. Well done, boys!

Wednesday night hosted the final of Business House Bowls, a fantastic night of competition. The winning team was CES Electrical. Second place went to Blue Science, and third place to Rock Plumbing. Business House Bowls will resume on Wednesday, 28th January, and all are welcome.

Saturday morning saw the last games of Scroungers for the year, resuming in January. First-round winners were Margo Stanley, Dennis Donadelli, Greg Fennell, and new bowler Alma Rose Mawson, who has amazed everyone with her controlled performances in such a short time. Margo Stanley won the A Division, while Tony Whitehorn won the B Division.

Sunday afternoon Social Bowls saw 20 bowlers competing for the prize. The winning team was led by skipper Andy McDougall, with lead Sandra Argo and second Mark Mawson.

Details of the presentation will be published next week.

Contributed with thanks to Airlie Beach Bowls Club

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Winners of Corporate Bowls from left to right - Gary Rusell , Des Ballance, Eric Barnard, Maureen Barnard, Sue Dakin, Cathy Russell. Photo supplied

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By Hannah McNamara

Last Friday, a quiet laneway in Mackay transformed into a vivid display of colour, emotion, and life as Artspace Mackay revealed local photographer Marty Strecker’s newest collection. The Flow and Form of Energy invites viewers to step into a world where movement, light, and unseen forces are captured in striking portraits that pulse with feeling.

Among the collection, Marty says each image carries its own quiet power, inviting viewers to pause and reflect. From portraits that shimmer with unseen energy to landscapes infused with emotion, the artworks speak of connection, resilience, and the fleeting beauty of life, offering glimpses of stories that unfold slowly, drawing the audience into a world of feeling and interpretation.

Marty’s intimate artwork, combined with the laneway’s unexpected setting, creates an experience that encourages exploration, reflection, and discovery.

Through The Lens
Mackay Laneway Transforms Into A Canvas Of Life And Creativity

They say a picture tells a thousand words, and local photographer Marty Strecker proves it to be true.

Last Friday, Mackay’s Gregory Street laneway came alive with colour and creativity as Artspace Mackay unveiled Marty’s striking new collection of portraits at the Second Lane Blueprint Gallery.

The exhibition invites the community to experience the unseen energy that flows through life, captured beautifully through his lens.

Titled The Flow and Form of Energy, the collection has been described as “a profound meditation on aging, impermanence, and the cyclical nature of life.”

Marty described his work as capturing the energy that surrounds us.

“I think it's unwise to think that we're independent from nature, all the energy that circulates us. Each one of these images has a different story of how that energy may manifest,” he explained.

“It's particularly relevant to the people in the image.”

While the exhibition features multiple compelling works, one image holds a special place in Marty’s heart.

He captured a mother and daughter duo who had been growing their hair long to donate to a local cancer foundation. Marty blended the portrait of the young girl with a sunset landscape to reflect her energy and spirit.

“It was intentional… it was like it was flowing out of her, you could say, with the sunset… It all just depends on how you interpret it.”

The young girl attended the exhibition on the morning of the launch, adding a meaningful touch.

Marty explained that the collection came together over about a month.

“I've just had images for a while, sometimes I made new images straight after that. They're all my own images; no AI in that. I just found the feeling and blended them with what I thought worked for that person.”

Reflecting on the exhibition’s setting, Marty noted, “This isn’t really a conventional art gallery… it’s a little bit out of the way. That could be part of the appeal. You’ve gotta look for it, you gotta find it. I’m hoping people do that.”

He also highlighted the supportive local art community.

“Leanne is one of the other artists, a local watercolourist… there’s lots of people in town doing fabulous stuff, and I’m just lucky to be here at the moment to do this.”

For aspiring creatives, Marty advice is to “Just keep doing it.”

“There’s no perfection. There’s no wrong. It’s just how you feel. If it means something to you, that’s the most important part.”

Artspace Mackay Director Tracey Heathwood described Marty’s series as a meditation on impermanence, beauty, and resilience.

“Marty’s photographic series is a profound meditation on aging, impermanence and the cyclical nature of life,” Ms Heathwood said.

“His portraits challenge society’s binary perception of beauty and decay, offering instead an inclusive vision – one that honours every stage of life as meaningful and beautiful,” she added.

“Through works such as Hair Today (2024), Marty invites viewers into a dialogue about resilience, identity and the quiet elegance found in nature’s rhythms.”

The exhibition is part of Artspace Mackay’s Blueprint Galleries program, which gives emerging artists a public platform to showcase their work.

Mackay Regional Council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee Co-chair Cr Namarca Corowa said, “By showcasing work in highly visible, outdoor locations, Blueprint helps artists build confidence, connect with audiences and transform early ideas into fully realised creative expressions.”

Mackay Regional Councillor Belinda Hassan attended on the morning and praised the program for its positive effects.

“This is another part of Council’s Blueprint series, giving local artists a very public platform to display their amazing work. Marty Strecker’s talent really highlights what we have in our community. Our City and Waterfront team have worked hard to activate our laneways as part of Council’s place strategy.

“It’s about encouraging people to look around and discover these beautiful public artworks. We want people to get out, explore the city, and enjoy the artworks while walking around our laneways.”

Marty Strecker’s exhibition opened on December 5, offering the Mackay community the chance to witness stories that are both personal and universally moving.

For more information on the Blueprint Galleries visit www.artspacemackay.com.au

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As part of Mackay Regional Council’s Blueprint Galleries program, a quiet laneway came alive last Friday as local photographer Marty Strecker unveiled The Flow and Form of Energy, a series of emotive portraits capturing the unseen forces, stories, and resilience that flow through everyday life. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Hi lovely readers!

As I write this, I’m in Airlie Beach, typing away in the Whitsunday Life office.

It’s great to change up the scenery every now and then, and it’s always fun to catch up with work mates you normally don’t get to see.

Last week I celebrated my dad’s 45th birthday! So I’d like to say a public belated Happy Birthday to my dad, who also delivers this very paper you’re holding in your hands.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the veggie garden I’m growing, and not long after that my dad built me a wooden garden bed to place them in – which is something I’m so grateful for.

The plants are thriving by the way! I reckon I’ll see a tomato very soon!

Last Saturday afternoon I attended the Carols in the Gardens, hosted by our fabulous local radio stations 4km and Star 101.9. It was amazing to see so many hues of red and green – we’re really starting to get into the Christmas spirit now!

Only a couple of weeks left until we all take a well-deserved break, and what a privilege it is to spend the holiday season with the loved ones around you.

This season, I’d like to remind you, that it’s not about the gifts or the even the giving, but about the time we are given to spend with the people who matter most.

So this year, please remember the reason for the season and love your friends and family.

Life is truly a gift!

Scripture of the week: “Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident.” - Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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The Marian Ladies Bowls Club once again demonstrated its commitment to community care, completing another year of heartfelt giving through two meaningful projects that touched both young women and aged-care residents across the Mackay region.

In the lead-up to Christmas, members assembled twenty-six thoughtfully packed handbags for the annual Share the Dignity campaign. Each bag was filled with essential items, and a few small luxuries, to support women and girls facing domestic violence, homelessness, or financial hardship.

Club treasurer Judith Miller said the initiative had become a long-standing tradition. Each year, Share the Dignity provides handbags to women in need, and the club has contributed for the past decade.

Members hoped the bags would “give a little joy and happiness to the recipients,” she said.

Their service didn’t stop there.

Last week, Club Secretary Lyn Jackson and Judith Miller delivered twelve handmade knee rugs to Anne Crowley, Facility Manager at Ozcare’s St Elizabeth Villa Aged Care Facility.

Crocheted and knitted by club members, the colourful rugs were crafted with both comfort and companionship in mind.

Anne Crowley said the rugs would be put to good use in the Theatre Room, offering warmth and homely comfort to residents during activities.

This ongoing project has already reached multiple facilities, with Ozcare now the second aged-care home in the Mackay region to receive the lovingly made rugs in a true showcase of kindness, connection, and community spirit.

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Club Members

Judith Miller, Lyn Jackason, Anne Crowley. Photos supplied

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By Hannah McNamara

After 13 years of bringing together Mackay’s emergency services, retired QPS Senior Sergeant Dave Parnell and his team have continued their tradition of giving back to the community.

Each year, the annual touch football carnival gathers local police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency workers, both retired and presently serving, for a day of friendly competition and fundraising.

“This year our funds are going towards the Kidney Support Foundation, and we’re here to hand that money over to them today,” Mr Parnell said.

“The carnival raised $1,560 for the charity, chosen in part because kidney disease has affected several members of the emergency services community,” he added.

Paula O’Neil, Operations Manager at the Kidney Support Network in Mackay, said the donation was vital for their work.

“Without donations like this, we just wouldn’t survive financially.

“We don’t get any government funding, so all our funds come from revenue from our op shops and any donations like this really help us provide additional services,” she explained.

Paula added that the funds help keep the charity’s vehicles on the road, transporting dialysis patients to and from hospital appointments.

“It’s extremely vital. People with kidney disease often can’t drive after their treatment, so without someone to take them, it would be a burden on families, carers and even Queensland Ambulance.”

Mr Parnell said the carnival began as a way for emergency workers to connect outside of challenging job circumstances.

“We often meet each other under traumatic circumstances, and this is a place we can come together, have a bit of fun, as well as a bit of competition between the different organisations.”

Mackay Fire Station Officer Matt Geiger, who has been involved from the start, added, “It was a cracking idea… not many opportunities exist where all the emergency services get to come together outside of work. It’s something everyone looks forward to every year.”

Chris Breckell, President of Mackay Touch Association, also highlighted the community impact of the event.

“It’s been going now for 13 years and over that time there’s been $10,000 donated to charities. It’s a very worthwhile event, and we’re very honoured to be a part of it.”

And of course, it couldn’t happen without competitive spirit and a friendly amount of banter on the day.

“They come down, they enjoy themselves, and the camaraderie between the three services shows right throughout the day. All games are very competitive, and none goes without some sort of drama,” Mr Breckell laughs.

The carnival’s community impact has been officially recognised as well, winning a Queensland Community Award.

Mr Parnell said the recognition was meaningful but secondary to the main goal.

“We don’t do it for the awards; we do it because we want to give back to the community that we work within.”

From friendly rivalries on the field to supporting vital local services, the emergency services touch carnival continues to strengthen Mackay’s community while making a difference for local charities in the region.

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This year, Mackay’s emergency services touch football carnival raised $1,560 for the Kidney Support Foundation, combining friendly competition with vital community support. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Following on from recent reports, Queensland Police have revealed that specialist officers and SES crews have commenced a targeted search of bushland in West Mackay as part of the ongoing investigation into the suspicious disappearance of 71-year-old Wayne Pedro Morseu.

Despite extensive efforts, no items of interest have been located. Police continue to interview people known to Wayne and maintain significant concerns for his welfare.

Anyone with information, no matter how small, is urged to contact Policelink and quote reference QP2502035864.

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Photo source: Queensland Police Service

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The Crisafulli Government is pushing ahead with plans to make the Bruce Highway safer and more dependable for regional Queensland, as the re-established Bruce Highway Advisory Council wrapped up its final meeting of the year in Mackay.

The council, a collective of peak industry leaders, government representatives and regional community member, has met three times since being revived by the Crisafulli Government, driving a renewed focus on future upgrades and long-term road safety priorities along the state’s most critical transport corridor.

The Bruce Highway Advisory Council has played a key role in informing priorities for the historic $9 billion investment into the Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program (BHTSP), to boost road safety up the spine of Queensland.

The meeting follows the recent announcement of more than $500 million for 22 new projects along high-risk sections of the Bruce Highway north of Gympie under the latest round of the BHTSP.

Seven of the new upgrades will be delivered in the Mackay Whitsundays region and follows an upgrade completed between Bowen and Ayr as part of the BHTSP early works package.

These works are the result of the historic 80:20 funding agreement for the Bruce Highway struck between the Crisafulli and Albanese Governments with BHAC providing important advocacy on the priorities that matter most.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg acknowledged the Council’s significant contributions to improving the Bruce Highway.

“We're well on road to delivering the Bruce Highway Queenslanders deserve," Minister Mickelberg said.

"The regional representatives of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council have provided valuable input over the past 12 months, and I thank them for their work.”

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton welcomed members of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council to Mackay.

“The re-establishment of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council by the Crisafulli Government was a game-changer for regional Queensland, giving a voice to communities about where the priority projects are," Mr Dalton said.

"Our region is already benefiting from key safety improvements brought about by the Crisafulli and Albanese Governments historic Bruce Highway Targeted Safety Program, and that's only set to continue.”

Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm said the Bruce Highway was a lifeline for North Queenslanders.

"The Bruce Highway is relied upon by so many local families and businesses, yet it can be such a dangerous stretch of road,” Ms Camm said.

“The re-establishment of the Bruce Highway Advisory Council has been critical because it gives our communities a voice in shaping upgrades that will save lives and keep our region connected."

Member for Mirani Glen Kelly said more than 400 kilometres of the Bruce Highway ran through his electorate.

“The Bruce is not like any other highway, it’s the key corridor that keeps this state moving, and is depended upon by millions of Queenslanders every day,” Mr Kelly said.

“We’ve re-established this Bruce Highway Advisory Council because we care about regional Queenslanders, who know this route better than most, and want them to input into how we can improve the Bruce in the short and long term.”

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The Bruce Highway Advisory Council closed out a year of key safety gains in Mackay, outlining new priorities and seven local projects under the $9 billion plan to make Queensland’s main road safer and more reliable. Photo source: Brent Mickelberg MP

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Mackay Embraces Disability-Friendly Sport

A fresh wave of inclusive energy is rolling through Mackay, with a dedicated Sport4All Inclusion Coach now working alongside Mackay Regional Council to champion equal access to local sport.

The Sport4All program is run across the country and works with sports clubs, schools and organisations like council to improve their knowledge and capability to include people with a disability.

Mackay Sport4All Inclusion Coach, Kristy Bugeja said the program is helping people and organisations to challenge stereotypes.

“Inclusion coaches are people with a disability or those with a lived experience of disability, which ensures authentic perspectives and practical insights,” Ms Bugeja said.

“Sport4All gives people with a disability the opportunity to be involved in sport however they want – whether as a player, a coach, a volunteer or administrator.

“People with a disability have a wide range of skills that can not only benefit individuals, but clubs as well – it’s a matter of giving these groups the confidence to include people with a disability.”

Mayor Greg Williamson said this year’s theme for International Day of People with a Disability is Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing progress.

“Council is passionate about accessibility – it’s far more than a box we tick, it’s a major priority that runs through every facet of council’s business,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Council’s vision is for the region to ‘become the best region for liveability and livelihood’ and that vision includes everyone in the region,” he said.

“We recognise and celebrate everyone’s different abilities and welcome and embrace diversity and strive to create a place where everyone feels they belong.”

“The Sport4All program and my role as an inclusion coach fits perfectly with this year’s theme,” Ms Bugeja said.

“By becoming more inclusive, everyone benefits and our communities become more engaged, which has such wide-reaching effects.

“Often it takes just small changes to make an impact in your community.

“People with a disability get the same physical, mental and social benefits from participating in sport as those without disability, which is why inclusion is so important.”

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows 5.5-million Australians are living with a disability, which is more than 21-percent of the population.

To find out more visit https://sport4all.com.au/

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Driven by a quiet passion for supporting teens, volunteer mentor Miriam Houweling has spent the past 18 months helping young learner drivers edge closer to independence through PCYC’s Braking the Cycle program. The initiative pairs volunteers with young people who lack access to a car or supervising adult, giving them a vital pathway to reach their 100 practice hours and unlock new opportunities.

Miriam said she has always enjoyed volunteering, and was seeking new opportunities when she moved from Ipswich to Mackay. She joined the Older Women’s Network , and learned about Braking The Cycle at PCYC Mackay.

She knew this was a role where she could make a difference and feel connected to the young people she was helping.

“I love spending time with teenagers, they all have their funny quirks. If I show them respect, then they show me respect,” Miriam said.

“They all deserve a chance in life,” she said.

Miriam recommends volunteering to anyone who has time to give, and she encourages Mackay locals to come in to PCYC and find out more. PCYC provides full training and support to help mentors guide participants in becoming safe and confident drivers.

PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schultz said Braking the Cycle provides young people with the freedom and independence to help them connect with their community.

“We have more than 700 BTC volunteers across the state who provide their time, skills and experience to help young people who may not be able to access or afford driving lessons the chance to gain their driving skills – and become safe drivers for the future,” Phil said.

“Having a licence doesn’t just give them the key to drive, it gives them the key to finding and maintaining employment, pursue study opportunities or the ability to support their families and the wider community.”

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Braking The Cycle Graduate Sian Dann with Miriam Houweling. Photo supplied

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Council’s vision of becoming Australia’s leading region for liveability and livelihood gained significant traction in 2024-2025.

Landmark projects, strong community collaboration and record investment drove momentum across the year.

Council’s Annual Report 2024–2025 showcases a year of remarkable achievements, from securing international sporting events to opening the first stage of the Northern Beaches Community Hub.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the report reflected council’s ability to balance strong financial management with bold initiatives that enhanced liveability and attracted investment.

“This year wasn’t just about infrastructure – it was about people, partnerships and possibilities,” Mayor Williamson said.

“We worked hand-in-hand with our community to shape the Mackay Waterfront Place Strategy, we developed tools to help local businesses tackle skills shortages and we secured hosting rights for two international cricket matches,” he said.

“These wins show that the Mackay region isn’t just growing – it’s thriving.”

Mayor Williamson said the Annual Report didn’t just cover the big-ticket items like the Resource Centre of Excellence – Stage 2 Future Industries Hub, it also highlighted the achievements of council’s often unsung teams.

“Our Parks and Open Spaces team did an outstanding job this year, maintaining 23 million square metres of grass across the region,” he said.

“Thanks to new equipment and smarter contracts, we achieved a 97 per cent on-time completion rate during the peak growth season – a result the community can really see and appreciate.

“Regionally, we also invested heavily in improving the Midge Point community’s water supply.

“With a new 11-kilometre water main and advanced cleaning processes, residents are now enjoying clearer water and stronger pressure. It’s a practical improvement that makes a real difference to everyday life.”

Council CEO Gerard Carlyon also acknowledged the outstanding service delivered by council staff.

“This report is packed with information about the achievements of staff and volunteers in 2024-2025,” he said.

“For example, our Civil Operations staff maintained 2442km of roads. Our Nursery team grew and distributed 56,000 native plants. Our Libraries team processed the borrowing of 784,184items and our Vector Control teams treated 4868ha for mosquitoes.”

“The sheer scope of services is something that council and senior management are extremely proud of, and I’d like to thank each and every one of our staff and volunteers for their efforts.”

All this information and more can be found in the 2024-2025 Annual Report on council’s website at mackay.qld.gov.au/annualreport

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Photo source: Mackay Regional Council

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A Mackay mum will have a jolly good Christmas, after astonishingly winning $1 million in the Wednesday Windfall — a prize she initially misread as just $10, prompting a vow never to forget her glasses again.

The Queenslander held the only division one winning entry nationally in Weekday Windfall draw 4635, on Monday 8 December 2025. She can look forward to a clean $1 million paid just in time for Christmas.

The gleeful winner shared that she burst into tears of joy upon discovering she was a millionaire and looks forward to owning her own home.

Her winning 5-game QuickPick entry was purchased via The Lott app – the official home of Australia’s lotteries.

A Mackay mum will never forget to bring her glasses again after initially misreading her incredible $1 million Wednesday Windfall win as just $10.

The Queenslander held the only division one winning entry nationally in Weekday Windfall draw 4635, on Monday 8 December 2025. She can look forward to a clean $1 million paid just in time for Christmas.

When an official from The Lott finally reached her, the ecstatic winner revealed she always played a subscription ticket, allowing her to “set and forget” and let fate do its thing.

“I’m very ecstatic and very happy!” she cheered.

“I just have a subscription. It’s good because I just set it and forget it.

“I always say, ‘You’ve got to be in it to win it!’.

“I had a quick glance, but I didn’t have my glasses on, so I thought I’d won $10.

“Then when I had a chance to look at it properly, I went ‘Holy moly!’. I just cried and cried with joy.

“It’s something I’ve been wishing for.

“I’ve always wanted to own my own home to leave as a legacy for my children and now I can.

“I’m very grateful! Thank you!”

Her winning 5-game QuickPick entry was purchased via The Lott app – the official home of Australia’s lotteries.

The winning numbers in Weekday Windfall draw 4635 on Monday 8 December 2025 were 26, 40, 6, 39, 37 and 12, while the supplementary numbers were 24 and 7.

Across Australia, there was one division one winning entry in Weekday Windfall draw 4635 – the one in Queensland.

The Lott’s division one winning tally has now reached 407 so far in 2025, including 94 won by Golden Casket customers.

In FY25, Weekday Windfall created 94 millionaires across Australia.

During this time, there were 99 division one winning Weekday Windfall entries across Australia, which collectively won $105 million.

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Photo supplied

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The Big Summer Read is back, and it’s bigger than ever!

From now until January 31, children and young people across the Mackay region are invited to dive into a world of stories, imagination and adventure.

Mayor Greg Williamson said this exciting campaign encouraged readers aged birth to 18 to keep their literacy skills strong over the summer holidays while having fun.

“Summer is the perfect time to spark a love of reading,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The Big Summer Read makes it fun and rewarding for families to explore stories together, while helping kids maintain their literacy skills. Every book read is a step toward a brighter future,” he said.

The Big Summer Read is designed to combat the “summer slide” – the loss of literacy skills that can occur during the long break when kids aren’t exposed to books or reading.

By joining the challenge, families will discover the incredible resources available at their local library and experience the joy of reading for pleasure. Whether it’s picture books, novels or audiobooks – every story counts!

How it works:

• Register online at readbooks.com.au – a user-friendly platform where you can track your reading and earn digital badges for milestones.
• Read at least five books or engage in reading for five days to qualify for local and national prize draws.
• For every additional five books or five days logged, you’ll receive extra entries into the prize draw.

Independent readers and those who love being read to can all take part. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to keep reading aloud to young people and log those books too.

So, grab your books, set your goals, and join the Big Summer Read today! Together, let’s make this summer a season of stories.

For more information and to sign up, visit mackay.qld.gov.au/big_summer_read

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Walkerston Library Branch Supervisor Sally Dhu is ready for an epic summer of stories, library adventures and prizes as part of the Big Summer Read. Photo supplied

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Mackay Base Hospital Honours Dr Vaughan’s Legacy

After more than 24 years of dedicated service, Mackay Base Hospital is bidding farewell to medical oncologist Dr Kerrie Vaughan who is retiring after a remarkable career shaping cancer care across the region.

Originally from Melbourne, Dr Vaughan completed her medical degree and oncology specialty training before heading north in search of sunnier skies. She joined Mackay Base Hospital in February 2001, when she was the only oncologist in the region working across both the public and private sectors.

“When I first started here, MBH had just one nurse who could give chemotherapy treatment,” she said.

“Now there’s a whole team including oncology consultants, junior doctors, specialist oncology nurses including McGrath Breast Care Nurses, chemotherapy-trained nurses in the oncology day unit, pharmacists, admin officers and allied health staff.

“It’s been incredible to see how far the service has come.”

Over her career, Dr Vaughan has witnessed extraordinary advances in cancer treatment.

“When I was a junior doctor, managing the side effects of chemotherapy, especially nausea and vomiting, was very difficult,” she said.

“Now there are far better medications and so many more treatment options. Patients are living longer, and more people are being cured of their cancer than ever before.”

She describes immunotherapy as one of the most exciting developments of the past decade and a treatment once thought impossible.

“It’s been amazing to see some people with very advanced cancer potentially cured thanks to this therapy,” she said.

For Dr Vaughan, the greatest reward has always been her patients.

"It has been an honour to accompany people and their loved ones as they negotiate their cancer journey, which is often one of the most difficult and challenging times of their lives,” she said.

Reflecting on her time at Mackay Base Hospital, Dr Vaughan expressed deep gratitude for her colleagues.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside so many dedicated, kind and caring medical, nursing, pharmacy and allied health staff, as well as the surgeons here at MBH and our radiation oncology colleagues at the ICON Cancer Centre and The Townsville University Hospital.

“Everyone in the oncology team is passionate about delivering compassionate, quality care to the people we see,” she said.

Director of Medicine Dr Janath da Silva said Dr Vaughan’s keen interest in innovative therapeutic approaches and advanced cancer treatments had set her apart in oncology, with many in the community benefiting from her exceptional medical expertise and compassionate care.

As Dr Vaughan retires, she leaves behind not just a legacy of clinical excellence but also a thriving, multidisciplinary oncology service built on teamwork and compassion, a testament to more than two decades of dedication.

Congratulations, Dr Vaughan, on an extraordinary career and thank you for your years of service to the Mackay community.

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Local pet rescuer Taylah Kolaric, owner of Lucy’s Lucky Tags and Dog Rescue, is urging the community to stay snake-aware after the sudden loss of her much-loved dog, Lola.

Lola, a five-year-old Boxer, was known for her joy, energy and the affectionate “Lola kisses” she offered to everyone she met.

Taylah said, “Her playful personality was infectious, and she had a natural talent for making people laugh with her silly antics.”

She also played an important role in Taylah’s rescue work.

“Lola was a valuable member of our LLT Dog Rescue team and made an incredible ‘foster-mum’ to our animals in care. From cleaning newborn babies who didn’t have a mum, to waking up the deaf pups to tell them we came home.”

Lola passed away on November 7 after a sudden encounter with a Taipan in the yard of her North Mackay home.

“We sadly lost Lola to a Taipan bite in North Mackay on the 7th of November, 2025. She will be sorely missed at home.”

Taylah hopes her experience reminds families to take simple precautions, even in tidy or well-maintained yards.

“Lola’s yard was clean from scrub, mowed regularly and Lola lived inside. She simply went out to use the bathroom and crossed paths with a Taipan passing through the yard.”

To help reduce risk during snake season, she encourages residents to stay alert and consider steps such as:

• Clearing tall grass and weeds
• Removing timber, rock, and debris piles
• Keeping lawns short
• Avoiding outdoor pet food
• Snake-avoidance training
• Avoiding dog walks at dawn and dusk

Taylah says staying snake-smart is a small but vital way to protect the pets we love.

Supporters who wish to assist the work of Lucy’s Lucky Tags and Dog Rescue can now donate their eligible 10-cent containers through any Containers for Change return point using Scheme ID C11660798. Direct donations can also be made via bank transfer to Lucy’s Lucky Tags and Dog Rescue, BSB 064 722, Account 10697243.

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Local pet rescuer Taylah Kolaric is urging residents to stay snake-smart after losing her beloved dog Lola to a sudden Taipan bite in her North Mackay yard. Photos supplied

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