Last Thursday, former North Queensland Cowboys premiership winner Jake Granville sat down with staff at Wisely Group in Mackay to deliver a message that reached far beyond the footy field: the power of conversation, and the importance of “being a breather.”

The session, held on national R U OK? Day, was livestreamed to Wisely’s regional sites across the Bowen Basin. It was part of the company’s ongoing commitment to breaking down stigma and encouraging everyday conversations about mental health—particularly in industries where the pressure is unrelenting.

“It was a chance to sit with the guys, have a yarn, and talk about what it means to be a ‘breather,’” Granville said.

“At this stage of my career, it’s good to be part of something like this.”

For Granville, the concept of a “breather” is simple but profound.

“To me, being a breather is just about being a good person, showing gratitude, helping those around you, staying optimistic, and trying to brighten someone else’s day,” he explained.

“If I’m having a rough day, helping someone else out makes me feel better, and I think it works both ways. If you buy into other people’s lives, you make them feel better too.”

Granville also spoke candidly about the challenges of mental health in professional sport and the lessons that can translate into everyday workplaces.

“In the old days, you probably didn’t talk about those things much. But now, you’ve got to have the tough conversations,” he said.

“You don’t always know what someone is going through or what sort of day they’re having, so the more you talk with people and try to brighten their day, the better.”

For Wisely Group CEO Dan Wisely, hosting Granville was about reinforcing the message that mental health conversations matter every day, not just once a year.

“It’s great to have Jake Granville here with us. He’s talking to some of our staff in the office, and we’re also live streaming it out to a lot of our sites in the Bowen Basin. He’s here to speak about R U OK? Day, mental health, and what we need to do in that space to keep improving and getting better at dealing with those issues,” Mr Wisely said.

“It’s really important to talk about these things. It’s a serious issue for everyone, and particularly in our industry. As a business, we lost a colleague to mental health a few years ago, so it’s a really important topic for us. Having Jake here means a lot.

“We do something like this every year, and it’s a good reminder that it’s not just about one day… it’s every day.”

Mr Wisely said small conversations can make a world of difference.

“Sometimes it’s as simple as asking, ‘What did you have for tea last night?’ to get a conversation going,” he said.

“That small chat can lead to something bigger, and you might find out something they’ve been struggling to bring up. That little conversation could change an outcome.”

Granville agreed.

“If you’re struggling, try to have those conversations. And if you’re not struggling, start them anyway,” he urged. “A friendly chat can make a bigger difference than you realise.”

At Wisely’s Mackay headquarters, a memorial bench stands quietly out front as a tribute to a colleague the company lost to suicide. It has become a place for staff to sit, reflect, or make a phone call. For Wisely, it symbolises the heart of the R U OK? Day message that even one small gesture can change, or even save, a life.

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North Queensland Cowboys premiership winner and mental health advocate Jake Granville

Wisely Group CEO Dan Wisely.

Cowboys legend Jake Granville joined Wisely Group last Thursday to champion daily mental health conversations and the power of “being a breather.” Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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For R U OK? Day 2025

The importance of checking in on friends and colleagues was front and centre at the annual R U OK? Day Breakfast, hosted by Resource Industry Network in partnership with FMS Group last Thursday morning.

The event drew members of the business and resource community together to share conversations, explore strategies for wellbeing, and show collective support for mental health.

Guest speakers Anthony Gibs from Tenaxiti Business Psychology and Debbie Knight from the Grapevine Group offered powerful insights into suicide prevention and the value of sustaining open, healthy conversations.

A nourishing breakfast was made possible thanks to support from Blue River Ice & Water, Bushman’s Bakery, Sinclair Meats Mackay and Vegies Unlimited, while exhibitors including the Grapevine Group, Run for MI Life, Gryphon Psychology and Tenaxiti provided valuable resources for attendees.

RIN said the breakfast served as a timely reminder that asking “R U OK?” doesn’t need to wait for a special occasion.

“Any day is the right day to check in,” organisers said.

For mental health support resources visit: ruok.org.au/findhelp

Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is urgently appealing for people to donate blood and help boost critical supplies.

The urgent call follows record high demand for blood during winter, coupled with peak appointment cancellations and seasonally lower bookings.

Lifeblood needs 12,500 additional donors to give blood and plasma over the next week to ease the strain on its blood and plasma reserves.

Data shows demand for blood reached record levels in June, July and August. This demand surge coincided with the highest appointment cancellation rates since the COVID-19 pandemic, severely impacting the supply of multiple blood types.

Lifeblood’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Cornelissen AM, said a perfect storm of record high winter blood demand, peak cancellations, and seasonally lower appointment bookings means donors are urgently needed in spring to stabilise low blood stocks.

“We’re used to seeing a spike in cancellations and lower appointment bookings during the winter months due to cold, flu and COVID-19, but this winter hit particularly hard,” Stephen said.

“At the same time, we experienced our highest ever winter demand for blood, which has significantly impacted Lifeblood supplies.

“We’re urging anyone who is eligible and feeling healthy and well to book a donation immediately and help restore our blood stocks.

“Right now, we need donors of all blood types. If you’ve never donated before, now is the time to start. Don’t wait for someone else to do it. Every donation counts,” he said.

A blood donor is needed every 18 seconds in Australia to help patients undergoing cancer treatment, major surgery, trauma, pregnancy and childbirth, and a range of other conditions.

Just one blood donation can save up to three lives, and all it takes is an hour of time.

To book a donation call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Lifeblood App.

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Faces have changed but memories of school days at St Patricks College Mackay (formerly boys only Christian Brothers College) had not.

8 members of the 1965 Grade 12 (Senior) Class gathered in Brisbane recently for a reunion. Brisbane was picked due to only 3 of the original class currently living in Mackay.

Of the original 16 classmates, 3 are deceased, 2 could not be located and 3 were unable to attend due to ill health.

The reunion kicked off with dinner at GUSTO DA GIANNI Italian Restaurant at Portside Wharf, Hamilton, which included partners.

This was followed up by a Boys only catch up for lunch the following day at Jimmy’s on the Mall in Queen Street.

Some attendees had not seen each other since the last day of school. The time was spent reminiscing about school days, absent school mates, teachers, and misdeeds, which had probably grown legs since that time. Our teachers in those days were mainly the Christian Brothers who lived on site at the school.

Updating each other on careers, family, and life achievements, it was agreed that attending the reunion was a special event at this stage in our lives.

Supplied by John Hocking

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From left to right in the photo are Clive Desbois (Mackay), Mick James (Brisbane), Bill Novosel (Sunshine Coast), Les Vickers (Brisbane), Tony Murphy (Brisbane), Ken Falvey (Brisbane), Peter Frazer (Geelong) and John Hocking (Mackay). Photo supplied

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The Queensland Government’s Primary Industries and Resources Committee held a well-attended public hearing in Mackay as part of its Inquiry into Sugarcane Bioenergy Opportunities in Queensland.

Canegrowers Mackay Chairman Joseph Borg, Deputy Chairman Brett Leach, and Canegrowers Proserpine Chairman Glenn Clarke presented on behalf of growers. Mr Borg highlighted the opportunities for mill cogeneration and virtual microgrids to help farmers access cost-effective irrigation, boosting productivity for the regional sugar industry.

Mr Clarke emphasised the need for strong government policy and regulatory frameworks to support the development of a sugarcane-derived bioenergy sector, ensuring growers could confidently invest in new opportunities.

The hearing also heard from Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) CEO Kylie Porter, who outlined the broad range of bio-manufacturing opportunities available within the Greater Whitsunday region. Regional Development Australia – Greater Whitsunday representatives Rob Cocco, Stephen Cutting, and Paul Schembri spoke on the region’s deliverability, underpinned by its unique co-location of feedstock, engineering, manufacturing, and port facilities.

A recurring theme throughout the day was the importance of return on investment for growers. Presenters stressed that diversifying the sugar industry beyond raw sugar – while still maintaining its core – was essential to secure not only the future of the sector but also the wider economic prosperity of the Greater Whitsunday region.

The Mackay hearing is one of several being held across Queensland as the state considers how to unlock the potential of sugarcane bioenergy for energy security, regional growth, and industry resilience.

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Industry, regional leaders and politicians presented to the Queensland Government’s Primary Industries and Resources Committee during the Mackay hearing into Sugarcane Bioenergy Opportunities. Photo source: CANEGROWERS

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Simon Hood, Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

A final reminder to growers regarding the Global Traders Roadshow featuring Wilmar’s Senior Sugar Trader Peter Bingham. Peter is currently in India attending the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) convention, which means he will bring the very latest insights into Indian crop developments and ethanol policy for the year ahead. With India’s production forecast rising sharply this season, the country’s decisions around exports and ethanol could play a crucial role in shaping sugar prices for the tail end of the 2025 season pricing period.

With the weather cooperating and the mills running well, the end of season could be upon us before we know it. We’re already fielding enquiry from growers about their pricing status with the GEI Sugar they have delivered so far to determine whether they can confidently start pricing their GMPRS orders. To support this process, we have developed a new exposure monitoring tool to give growers clearer visibility of their position and help manage final pricing decisions as the season winds down.

As always, if growers are concerned about their final estimated delivery against pricing commitments please talk to your local Relationship Manager as soon as possible. We have options to deal with production shortfalls and the sooner we identify a potential issue the more flexibility we have in managing it.

On the global stage, #11 sugar prices continue to languish while the Brazilian crush powers ahead. A record 55 per cent sugar mix in the latest UNICA report has analysts revising their final Brazilian sugar production number higher. However, ethanol parity continues to ratchet higher with current estimates above 16 USc/lb.

The next couple of UNICA reports will be interesting to see if there is a switch back from sugar with ethanol stocks low in Brazil. A stronger AUD driven by a weak USD is adding to the uphill battle the AUD sugar swap price is facing.

I look forward to seeing you at our Global Traders Roadshow next week and introducing you to our expanding team. RSVP’s close this week so if you would like to attend, please contact your local Grower Marketing Relationship Manager to secure your spot.

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Our Grower Marketing Relationship managers are on hand to help growers check their final estimated delivery against pricing commitments. Pictured are Misty Bland, Owen Richards, grower Russell Laidlow, Jonathan Reichard, Fiona Villis, grower Greg Laidlow and Trent Johnson. Photo supplied

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By Owen Menkens, Chairman, CANEGROWERS

Sugarcane has always been part of Queensland’s story. From the sunlit paddocks along our coastline the sweet scent of a mill in full crush, it’s hard to imagine our state without it.

But there’s a side to the industry that many people don’t see – how far our growers have come in making cane a world leader in sustainability.

This month we reached a milestone worth celebrating. Farms accredited through our Smartcane BMP program have now earned a rare triple tick from the three most respected international sustainability umpires – VIVE, Bonsucro and ProTerra.

In layman’s terms, this means independent global auditors have confirmed that Queensland cane is grown to the highest environmental and sustainability standards.

That recognition didn’t arrive by chance. It’s the result of years of effort by growers keeping detailed records, improving soil health, managing water carefully and refining how they farm.
Today almost half of Queensland’s cane area is managed under Smartcane BMP, and that number keeps climbing.

Why does this matter? Because major buyers – from soft drink companies to overseas refiners – are demanding proof their sugar comes from responsible sources.

Thanks to the dedication of our growers, Queensland cane can meet that test. In fact, we’re now one of the very few cane-growing regions on the planet able to offer this level of verified sustainability.

And it’s not just about the environment. Smartcane BMP helps farmers build stronger, more profitable businesses, which means healthier regional communities and a stronger state economy.
When Queensland sugarcane is recognised internationally, the benefits flow to everyone – from the workers in the mills to the small businesses in our towns.

So next time you stir a spoonful of sugar into your tea or coffee, think of the people behind it – the Queensland growers proving that you can farm sustainably and stay competitive on the global stage.

They deserve every bit of the pride we feel today.

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Canegrowers' Owen Menkens (Photo Supplied)
Smartcane BMP farms have earned international recognition (Photo Supplied)

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As CANEGROWERS prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2026, the organisation is inviting the community to help build a unique photo collection that captures 100 years of cane country history.

Locals are encouraged to dig out their treasured sugarcane snapshots — from family moments on the farm to milestones in the industry — and share them on Facebook or by emailing info@canegrowers.com.au.

The collection will form part of a centenary showcase honouring the people and stories behind the sugarcane industry. Selected photographs may even feature in a special-edition 2026 Centenary Calendar, ensuring the region’s history is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.

Your photos could help tell the story of a century of cane country!

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Applications open for 2026 Rural Women’s Award

The search is on for inspiring rural women to step forward, with applications now open for the 2026 AgriFutures Australia Rural Women’s Award.

The award recognises and celebrates inclusive and courageous leadership by women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities.

Queensland’s 2025 state winner and Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Agribusiness Network, Nicole McNaughton, said she encouraged all rural women to put themselves forward.

"The Rural Women’s Award has been a life-changing opportunity to grow and connect with like-minded, passionate and supportive women,” Ms McNaughton said.

"It's given me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while connecting with an inspiring network of Queensland finalists – the inspiring Libby Cook-Black and Angie Nisbet.”

As part of her win, Ms McNaughton received a $15,000 grant from Westpac to further her work and will represent Queensland at the 2025 National Gala in Canberra on Tuesday, the 28th of October.

"I’m excited for the upcoming National Gala – it's a chance to reconnect with my fellow state winners, celebrate the strength of rural women, and proudly fly the flag for Queensland. This journey has re-energised my passion for building ecosystems where women support one another,” Ms McNaughton said.

For women not quite ready to apply for the award, AgriFutures also offers a $7,000 Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant to support leadership and development opportunities.

Applications for both the 2026 Rural Women’s Award and Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant close on Friday, the 7th of November 2025.

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Queensland 2025 state winner Nicole McNaughton (Photo Supplied)

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The Nebo Bush Poet’s Smoko 2025 drew a strong crowd earlier this month, with 105 people gathering to celebrate the art of storytelling through rhyme and verse.

The event featured 21 performers, who entertained with a mix of heartfelt reflections, witty tall tales and traditional bush poetry that resonated with the spirit of the outback.

The morning’s program highlighted both seasoned poets and emerging voices, giving audiences a taste of the rich diversity within the bush poetry community.

Between performances, attendees enjoyed a classic smoko, adding to the relaxed and distinctly regional atmosphere of the gathering.

Organisers said the turnout reflected the enduring popularity of bush poetry as a unique cultural tradition that continues to connect communities across the outback.

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Poets and community members gathered for the 2025 Nebo Bush Poet’s Smoko. Photo source: Isaac Regional Council

CUC Engineering Futures At Home

Moranbah High School vice-captain Ethan Azzopardi hopes to be one of CUC Isaac’s first graduates: he’s one of five high school students who have already enrolled for the region’s new Country Universities Centre.

The first of its kind in the Isaac region, the CUC Isaac campus gives locals a free, practical base to study without leaving town. Open from 6am to midnight, seven days a week, the centre provides high-speed internet, printers, quiet rooms, exam supervision, video conferencing and face-to-face support. It’s part of a national network designed to make higher education more accessible for regional students who often face isolation or the high costs of moving away.

With his sights set on studying a Bachelor of Engineering with honours at either QUT or the University of Queensland, 17-year-old Ethan’s family was preparing to meet the expense of moving him to Brisbane and finding campus accommodation.

Now he’s able to stay in Moranbah, which he said was a financial relief for his parents but also an opportunity for him to be supported by his father who works for BHP’s Peak Mine.

“I thought I was going to have to go to Brisbane for QUT or UQ because those are my top two preferences and leave my family home,” Ethan said. “For me, I want my life to be more set forward and I don't want to get the distractions of Uni like parties: I'm not into that, but in here I'll be able to focus on work and school.”

Ethan said he did not think he was missing an ‘on-campus’ experience.

“With people asking those questions, I just say it's more financially stable for me and I can set up my career pathway better,” he said. “I get the support from my parents in town and from CUC – it's a lot more comforting. One of my homes is rowdy and the other is quiet, thanks to Dad. When I'm at my mum’s house it's good to come here because I’ve got two little siblings and them trying to break into your room all the time, isn't helpful for studying.”

For Dad, Justin Azzopardi, who has lived in Moranbah for 19 years, it means he can provide mentoring but also utilise the money that would have been spent on campus accommodation elsewhere.

“It was great, such a big stress relief,” Mr Azzopardi said. “I can help him pay his HECs bill instead of putting that money towards accommodation and food there and help him get his car and all those things matter so much. I was amazed because I was trying work out how we were going to get everything rolling to give him the best opportunities and now I know he can get everything he needs right here.

“Being in the mining industry, I can also relay information to him that can help him further, as well as leading to other opportunities after his studies or find some scholarships while he’s studying.”

The new centre was made possible with $2 million from the Regional Economic Futures Fund and $1.4 million over four years from the Federal Government’s Regional University Study Hubs program. A second facility is planned for Clermont in 2026.

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Moranbah High School vice-captain Ethan Azzopardi with his dad Justin and CUC Isaac Manager Kim Edwards at the opening of the new Country Universities Centre, which is giving locals the chance to study and stay in their hometown. Photo supplied

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Queensland’s coal industry faces a major blow as BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) announced plans to cut about 750 jobs across its operations, citing the financial strain of state royalties and challenging market conditions.

The company confirmed that its Saraji South mine at Dysart will be mothballed from November. Saraji South, part of the greater Saraji complex, is one of BMA’s five steel-making coal mines in the Bowen Basin and has been in operation since 1974.

BMA asset president Adam Lancy said the decision, while difficult, was necessary.

“The simple fact is the Queensland coal industry is approaching a crisis point,” he said.

“This is now having real impacts on regional jobs, communities and small businesses. The uncertainty this creates for our people and our communities is not taken lightly, and we will do everything we can to support them.”

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry described the job losses as devastating for the region.

“The announcement of 750 job losses at BHP is nothing short of a tragedy for Dysart and the wider Bowen Basin. Behind every job lost is a family struggling with a mortgage, children missing out on after-school sport and a local economy that will be gutted,” she said.

Ms Landry attributed the cuts to state and federal government policies.

“This is not bad luck, it is the direct result of the former Labor government’s job-destroying royalty regime… these royalties are now the highest in the world. They are driving up costs, shutting down investment and killing jobs across Central Queensland.”

She highlighted the rising costs for coal production.

“Metallurgical coal cost of production has skyrocketed 47 per cent in three years, while thermal coal costs have exploded by 50 per cent. Mines are being pushed to the brink and workers are paying the price.”

Ms Landry also called for urgent government action.

“That is why I will be lobbying my LNP colleagues relentlessly to bring forward an urgent review of the royalty regime. We simply cannot afford to sit on our hands while mines close and livelihoods are destroyed.”

She further criticised federal policies.

“The Federal Labor Government has piled on more costs with its job-destroying Safeguard Mechanism, a carbon tax by stealth… Central Queensland has become ground zero for Labor’s reckless carbon tax,” Ms Landry said, emphasising coal’s ongoing economic significance.

“Coal remains the backbone of our economy… Far from being a sunset industry, coal remains our nation’s second largest export and a critical part of powering the world.

"Labor’s war on mining is economic vandalism,” she said, calling for urgent reform to protect jobs and regional communities.

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BHP's Saraji mine near Dysart. Photo source: BHP

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With Titan Security & Protection

Titan Security & Protection is providing a premier option for security services across the Mackay region, standing out for its professional approach, community focus, and locally owned drive.

Founded by Beau Bath, a father of two, the company exists with one mission in mind.

“We aim to protect the community we live in and give back to the place we call home.”

Unlike larger out-of-town firms, Titan brings a fresh, locally driven approach to security in Mackay.

“We’re locally owned and operated, so all our profits go back into Mackay,” Beau explained.

Titan Security & Protection actively engages with the local community, attending PCYC events, youth barbecues, mental health initiatives, and assisting the homeless.

The company specialises in a comprehensive range of security services. Static guarding provides professional protection to prevent incidents before they start. Mobile patrols deliver visible, unpredictable rounds that deter threats, protect assets, and secure premises after hours. Alarm response ensures rapid arrival and professional action whenever alarms are triggered, offering clients peace of mind.

But it’s the quality and reliability that underpin every service.

“We have all the equipment we need to get the job done safely and effectively. Reporting, body cameras, and GPS tracking ensures every location is left safer and more secure than when we arrived,” Beau said.

Beau’s background in hospitality, construction, and community engagement informs Titan’s approach.

“I started this because I wanted to keep crime away for locals… and as a dad, I wanted to be able to protect my children, and my community.”

With a heavy focus on safety, accountability, and community engagement, Titan Security & Protection delivers more than security services. It sets a new benchmark for professional, locally driven protection across the Mackay region.

Secure your site with Titan Security & Protection today – local, professional, and trusted.

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Four years ago, Kimberly Stevens’ world was shattered when she lost her teenage son, Ethan, in 2021. A talented local footballer signed to the Broncos’ elite development squad, Ethan’s passing left a void no parent should ever endure.

Six months later, as Kimberly returned to work, she found herself searching for something more, and there she found a calling to help other parents navigate the same heartache.

“I didn’t know a lot about grief back then… and I just knew there wasn’t a lot around to help,” she said.

Kimberly noticed two glaring gaps: the lack of local, real-time connections and the way support networks fade over time.

“Support networks fade over time… not through anyone’s fault, but because grief is uncomfortable. I wanted to help parents rebuild them with people who really understand on a personal level.”

From that vision, Kids Connecting Parents was created – a unique app designed to connect grieving parents safely, locally and globally.

“I saw mums reaching out online saying they needed a coffee, but by the time someone replied, it was days later and hours away. I thought, this needs to be local, this needs to be on the day.”

Initially funded through memorial rugby league games for Ethan and later supported by community groups such as the Moranbah Bulldogs AFL Club, the app has already facilitated coffee catch-ups, yoga sessions, and peer support groups.

“The app is really a tool to find people, but my ultimate goal is the face-to-face connections.

“It’s so grieving mums and dads can sit together, laugh, cry, and create support in every town,” Kimberly explained.

The app’s impact has now been recognised nationally, winning Gold in Wellness Services and Silver for Overcoming the Odds at the 2025 AusMumpreneur Awards.

“It’s hard to be proud of something you wish you never had to create… But I’m glad I can help others, which helps me too.”

Kimberly also shared words of wisdom passed on by another mother she met along her journey.

“It takes a village to raise a child – and it takes a village to grieve one.”

If you’d like to help, you can support the Supported Pathways for Grieving Parents Program by donating to sponsor a parent to join the App. 100% of every donation, big or small, enables more parents to feel less alone.

Donations can be made at www.kidsconnectingparents.com

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After losing her teenage son Ethan, Moranbah mum Kimberly Stevens created the award-winning app Kids Connecting Parents to provide local, real-time support and connection for grieving parents. Photos supplied

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For many small business owners, getting a website built can feel overwhelming. You know you need an online presence, but when quotes start coming in, it’s hard to know what you’re actually paying for and what makes one website better than another. If you don’t know what you’re paying for, chances are you’re overpaying.

A good website doesn’t have to be complicated or cost a fortune. What it does need is to speak to the right audience, be easy to use, and guide people to take action. That’s what makes a website “high-converting” - it turns visitors into enquiries, calls, or bookings.

Too often, business owners get caught up in flashy designs or features that look impressive but are confusing to use and fail to actually attract customers. A clean, simple site with clear call-to-actions will almost always outperform a cluttered, “pretty” one.

Remember: your website is for your customers, not for you.

Before you commit to paying for a website, ask a few key questions:

• Who is my target audience, and what are they looking for?
• What services are included in the package? (hosting, SEO, content, support)
• How long will it take to deliver?

At Glow Sphere Marketing, we specialise in helping small businesses who want something simple, professional, and effective without the big-agency price tag. Our approach is to make everything clear at the beginning, so you know exactly what you’re paying for and get a website that works as a tool to bring in customers.

When done right, your website becomes more than just a digital business card; it’s a growth driver for your business.

• Gabriella Sòvàgò - Marketing, Sales & Business Coach from Glow Sphere Marketing

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