Residents of Gargett now have a new space to enjoy books, thanks to the local Men’s Shed, which has created a small, but mighty, community library for everyone to use.

“If you’re like me, I don’t like to throw my books away, so I got in touch with the Men’s Shed and they’ve made a fabulous library for us, as well as a good supply of books,” said a representative from Gargett store.

“It’s here for everyone to use, so please make use of it. Thank you, Mirani Men’s Shed.”

The initiative has been warmly welcomed by locals, offering a chance for residents of all ages to access reading materials without leaving the town. The handcrafted library features a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books, making it a resource for both entertainment and education.

The Men’s Shed, known for its hands-on community projects, took the time to design and build a welcoming space that reflects the needs of the Gargett community. Volunteers have stocked the library with donated books, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.

Community members are encouraged to visit, borrow a book, and take advantage of this new local resource. By fostering a love of reading and providing a place to connect, the library exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and care that the Men’s Shed brings to the area.

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Gargett residents now have a new community library, created by the Mirani Men’s Shed, offering a welcoming space and a wide range of books for all ages to borrow and enjoy. Photo source: Gargett Store (Facebook)

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The Trudy Crowley Foundation's Touch of Teal Soirée this year was nothing short of extraordinary. As a patron of the Foundation, alongside Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP, I’ve seen firsthand how this incredible organisation changes lives — and standing in that marquee, surrounded by patients, families, nurses, volunteers, supporters and ambassadors, the impact hit me anew.

Hearing Kaylissa Crowley share the story of her best friend Mel, taken far too young by bowel cancer, brought me to tears. It was a stark reminder of how insidious this disease is, how quickly it can strike, and how crucial early detection and awareness are. I was also profoundly moved by Fern and Donna, who joined me on stage to share their journeys with breast cancer. Their courage, honesty, and vulnerability reminded me that cancer touches absolutely everyone, in ways both visible and hidden, and that the journey doesn’t end with treatment — the scars, the disfigurement, the mental toll, all linger.

Moments like these are why the Foundation matters so deeply. Over a simple cup of tea, a safe space, a listening ear, and connection with others, people find strength, permission to fall apart, and a sense of purpose to keep going. These are the things that make a real difference — not just in survival, but in life after diagnosis.

For me personally, the evening reinforced the importance of speaking up about symptoms, attending regular screenings, and never dismissing what our bodies tell us. It’s my hope that my message, and the stories shared by so many incredible people that night, inspire others to act, to reach out, and to support this vital work.

The Touch of Teal Soirée isn’t just an event — it’s a movement of courage, community, and life-changing advocacy, and I feel incredibly proud to stand alongside this Foundation and the remarkable people who make it what it is.

Amanda

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Leaders Address Bluewater Quay Concerns

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and Mackay MP Nigel Dalton have joined forces to confront "antisocial behaviour," particularly along Mackay’s Bluewater Quay. The Premier visited Mackay last Wednesday, outlining a dual approach of restoring community safety while supporting those struggling with addiction.

“Today we're dealing with antisocial behaviour,"  Mr Crisafulli said.

"And one of the things that Nigel has been pushing really hard has been that antisocial behaviour, particularly along the Bluewater Quay and what that means for the community.”

The Premier stressed that public pride and a sense of belonging were at stake.

“I want to address it head on because it's important to not just people's way of life but their sense of pride and how they feel. We want the people to feel like they can own the waterfronts and the community parks and that they can go there and feel safe.”

Mr Crisafulli said the government’s approach combined law enforcement with social services.

“For one, it's about empowering the law enforcement to do their job. The second is around social services to help people be able to turn around their addictions and the challenges in their life, and we're doing both of those… both of those things are equally important.”

Mr Dalton echoed those concerns with a local lens.

“Our Bluewater Quay is a mess... and we need to sort that out,” he said.

The Mackay MP also drew on recent community feedback.

“I've done a survey within Mackay, and 17 people responded to that survey. Three quarters of them said antisocial behaviour should be a crime, so that's what we want to move forward with.”

Both leaders emphasised that while accountability is vital, compassion must also play a role.

Mr Dalton said, “We want to make sure we can help them remove themselves from those positions where they look untidy. We just don't want them to be in the places where we want to take our families, where we want to have a carry out meal and sit down and have fish and chips by the river.

“There's some wonderful facilities along the Bluewater Quay, but we're not able to use them because they're being inhabited by people who make us feel uncomfortable.”

He welcomed the Premier’s presence, describing the workshop as a practical step forward.

“This workshop is all about learning what we can do, how and who can do what to help these people. And it's really wonderful that the premier has come here to be able to talk about that openly to these agencies and make sure that we get these laws rectified so that we can actually enforce things and then also help these people along the way.”

Both the Premier and Mr Dalton framed the initiative as part of a broader mission to reclaim Mackay’s public spaces, by restoring safety, and building a community where families can feel proud and safe while ensuring those in need are not left behind.

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Residents and visitors will be given free access to the Memorial Pool while maintenance works are finalised at the Bluewater Lagoon.

The annual winter maintenance included important upgrades to the plant room, including pump and instrument upgrades.

Mayor Greg Williamson said there had been delays with the delivery of key components having to be sourced from outside of Australia.

“That meant other vital work and commissioning has been pushed back past our expected re-opening date of mid-September,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Council understands how much the community and visitors look forward to enjoying water play during the school holidays, so we have taken steps to ensure they can still do that,” he said.

As part of an agreement with DMR Leisure, there will be free access to the Memorial Pool from September 19 to 22.

Mayor Williamson said the Bluewater Lagoon will only re-open once water quality standards are confirmed.

"It's imperative that the water quality is within a safe range from a public health perspective, particularly as we prepare for an influx of patrons as the weather warms up.”

As part of the arrangements at the Memorial Pool several entry conditions will be in place:

All children 12 years and under must be supervised by a person 18 years or older
Identification may be required to verify age
A supervision ratio of one adult to four children for those 12 and under, particularly for birthday parties
All birthday parties and group bookings must be pre-booked through DMR Leisure.  This must be accompanied by an agreement form for insurance purposes.

It is expected that the Bluewater Lagoon will re-open on September 23, pending water quality results.  Any changes will be communicated to the community.

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Forte Biosciences’ clinical trial for a potential Coeliac disease treatment is now recruiting participants in Mackay through the Coral Sea Clinical Research Institute (CSCRI).

The clinical trial follows results from Forte Biosciences’ FB102 Phase 1B study, which showed encouraging outcomes for Coeliac disease patients and highlighted the potential for new therapies.

Dr James Daveson Founder and Director of CSCRI, Gastroenterologist and Founder of endosQ, and Primary Investigator for a range of clinical trials at CSCRI, is leading efforts to evaluate novel treatments that moderate the immune response to gluten for people living with Coeliac disease.

“We recently held an information evening, in conjunction with Dr Paul Wagner, CEO and Founder of Forte Biosciences, to empower those living with Coeliac disease by offering a deeper understanding of their condition and the promising advancements in treatment currently underway,” Dr Daveson said.

Coeliac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting about 1.3% of the global population, more than 315,000 Australians, including around 80,000 people in regional Queensland.

With a career dedicated to improving health outcomes in Queensland, Dr Daveson has contributed to the discovery of new diagnostics and advanced research into Coeliac disease and advocating for improved rates of diagnosis. His work also addresses health equity challenges in regional Australia.

Register to participate in the upcoming clinical trial at https://coralseaclinical.com/current-studies/coeliac-disease-forte-bio/ or contact CSCRI on 1800 69 27 27.

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A new post-discharge cardiology service at Mackay Base Hospital is helping patients with non-urgent heart conditions bypass the Emergency Department and get advice or treatment when they need it most.

The Cardiology Rapid Access Service provides timely and appropriate care for patients with cardiac conditions who require follow up care or have queries after discharge from hospital, but who do not need immediate emergency intervention.

The nurse-led service has cared for more than 310 patients with non-urgent issues, including chest pain, palpitations, hypertension, arrhythmias and cardiac device checks since it commenced on May 12.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Executive Director Operations Mackay Jennifer Farley said the Rapid Access Service provided prompt specialist assessment and management for patients with known cardiac conditions.

“This post-discharge service is alleviating pressure on the Emergency Department by providing an alternative care pathway for cardiac patients,” she said.

“It’s also reducing length of hospital stays and the prompt treatment times prevent further health decline which means improved outcomes for patients.”

This also improved patient experience and provided continuity of care, she said.

Patients had reported very positive experiences with 100 per cent of those surveyed saying their issues were resolved in a timely manner by the service.

On average six patients a day were contacting the service with queries related to chest pain, palpitations, heart failure, cardiac procedure wound reviews, minor bleeding post procedure, understanding pre-post-operative instructions, follow-up appointments, pain management and cardiac device checks, Ms Farley said.

The service is self-referral with patients having previously been treated by the Emergency Department (ED), Cardiac Care Unit (CCU), Cardiac Cath Lab (CCL) and Heart Health team.

Cardiac patients are informed about the Rapid Access Service when visited by the nursing team prior to their discharge from hospital.

Mackay HHS Chief Executive Susan Gannon said the service was improving patient care and outcomes and was a reliable and trusted resource for cardiac patients returning home to rural communities.

“The Cardiology Rapid Access Service at Mackay Base Hospital is proving a great success and is providing fast and efficient treatment options for patients post-discharge from hospital.”

The Cardiology Rapid Access Service operates Monday to Friday between 8am and 3.30pm and calls are answered by a highly experienced clinical nurse consultant or nurse practitioner who can help resolves issues or advise patients when to come to the clinic or seek further help.

For life-threatening or severe problems, patients are urged to call 000 immediately or attend the local emergency department.

The Cardiology Rapid Access Service can be contacted on 0428 927 713.

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Mackay Base Hospital’s Rapid Access Service gives non-urgent cardiac patients fast post-discharge care, easing pressure on the Emergency Department. Photo supplied

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Former Isaac Mayor Anne Baker is set to become a new member of Mackay Regional Council, likely to be sworn in on Thursday, 11 September — between the time this edition goes to press and its release to readers.

At the close of vote counting on Wednesday, 10 September, Baker held a commanding lead with 28.93 per cent of the primary vote. Her nearest rivals were Andrew Deguara on 14.40 per cent and Melissa Milton on 14.36 per cent. With more than 72 per cent of votes counted, the result all but secures her place on council, pending the official declaration.

When voting closed, Baker expressed her gratitude to the community for their support throughout the campaign.

“Voting has closed and I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey.

"Your encouragement, conversations and kindness have meant so much. I’d also like to wish all of the candidates the very best. Putting your hand up to serve the community is never easy...I’m proud to have been part of this process and grateful to our community.”

Fellow candidate Dion Loader reflected on the challenges of campaigning while juggling family and work. He was unwell in the final weeks of the campaign but said his priorities had to remain with his health, his business, and his children’s sporting and volunteer commitments. Despite that, Loader left a strong impression in the community with his Tidy Towns Mackay initiative, which saw him and his children regularly cleaning rubbish from parts of the city and encouraging volunteers to get involved each week. He thanked locals for the support shown to him throughout the race and said he would continue to contribute to the community through his grassroots efforts.

Candidate Melanie Lass also described the campaign as a learning experience. She said it had been about connection, listening, and leadership, and thanked the many people who shared their stories, comments, and encouragement with her along the way.

With Baker’s win set to be formalised, comments from the new councillor will be shared in next week’s edition.

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Vote percentages for Mackay Regional Council by-election candidates after the close of counting on Wednesday, 10 September. Source: ECQ website

Anne Baker (left) at the JCU Alumni and Community Event. Baker ran a strong campaign, gaining community support across the region through event attendance and extensive letterbox dropping. Photo source: Anne Baker (Facebook)

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MADEC is delighted to announce the winners of the inaugural Places & Spaces Photography Competition, celebrating the creativity and talent of young photographers across the region.

Taking out first place is Flynn Raymond Kynaston (12 years old) for his striking entry Easter Sunday (2025). Flynn has been awarded a Fujifilm Instax Mini camera, generously sponsored by Garricks Camera House Mackay.

Highly Commended (Second Place) was awarded to Kaleb Gray (16 years old) for Beach Access (2025). For Highly Commended (Third Place), the judges recognised a tie between Cade Mackay (15 years old) for Flow (2025) and Louis McCulloch (16 years old) for Maybe It Was the Weather (2025).

The winners were announced alongside the Places & Spaces photography exhibition, now on display at Gordon White Library, Mackay from 1-30 September, proudly supported by BB Print. MADEC also acknowledges Mackay Regional Council Libraries for generously framing the finalists’ works for the exhibition.

“The creativity, perspective, and emotion captured in these works is extraordinary,” said Keely Shepherd, Youth Services Manager at MADEC.

“Flynn’s winning photograph Easter Sunday shows such a powerful eye for detail, especially from someone so young. We couldn’t be prouder of all our entrants.”

Jasmine Lowry, CEO of MADEC, added: “This competition highlights the voices of young people in our community.

"The passion and stories behind each image remind us why it’s so important to have platforms for young people to share their perspectives. We congratulate Flynn, Kaleb, Cade, Louis, and all our finalists for sharing their vision with us.”

Exhibition Details
What: Places & Spaces Photography Exhibition
When: 1-30 September 2025
Where: Gordon White Library 54 Phillip Street, Mount Pleasant

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Casey Grundy (MADEC YESS Youth Worker), Flynn Kynaston (Winner), Kaleb Gray (Second Place), and Keely Shepherd (MADEC Youth Services Manager)

“Easter Sunday (2025)” by Flynn Raymond Kynaston, 12 years old – winner of first place in this year’s competition

Highly Commended work from the competition, “Beach Access (2025)” by Kaleb Gray. Photos supplied

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Hammer-Wielding Crime Spree Ends In Arrest

Mackay was rattled last Wednesday, September 3, after three armed robberies were carried out in less than 12 hours — all allegedly by the same offender.

The crime spree began at 10.30 am when police were called to a business on Celeber Drive, Andergrove. A man, armed with a hammer, allegedly threatened an employee and fled with a sum of cash.

By 7 pm, officers were again responding, this time to a Finch Street convenience store in Slade Point. A man matching the same description is alleged to have demanded money while brandishing a hammer before escaping in a white sedan with cash.

The third incident took place just after 10 pm at a service station on Empire Street, Paget. Police allege the man again used a hammer to intimidate staff before leaving with a phone charger.

In all three robberies, employees were left shaken but not physically injured.

The man’s run ended just hours later. At 4 am on September 4, police intercepted a vehicle and arrested a 27-year-old Greenmount man.

He has since been charged with three counts of armed robbery and was set to face Mackay Magistrates Court on Friday, September 5.

References:  QP2501584636, QP2501586916, QP2501587695

Teen Passenger Suffers Critical Injuries In Paget Rollover

Police are appealing for public assistance as investigations continue into a serious single-vehicle crash at Paget on 4 September.

At around 10.35pm, emergency services were called to Broadsound Road near the intersection with Farrellys Road after a grey Ford Falcon sedan veered off the road and rolled onto its roof.

The 18-year-old male driver managed to remove himself from the vehicle and was taken to Mackay Base Hospital in a stable condition.

An 18-year-old female passenger was trapped and had to be freed by emergency services. She sustained serious life-threatening injuries to her lower body, was transported to Mackay Base Hospital, and later transferred to the Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital for further treatment.

Mackay’s Forensic Crash Unit is seeking witnesses who were travelling along Broadsound Road between 10pm and 11pm, as well as anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage from the area that may assist their investigation.

Reference: QP2501595375

Man Charged After Knives Found In Mackay Shopping Centre

A 25-year-old Walkerston man has been charged after police allegedly located knives in his possession at a Mackay shopping centre on 5 September.

Around 2.30pm on Friday, officers approached the man in a shopping centre car park and detained him in relation to another matter. During a subsequent search, police allegedly found two knives inside his backpack.

He was issued with a notice to appear in Mackay Magistrates Court on 24 September 2025 for the alleged offence of unlawfully possessing a knife in a public place.

Mackay Police said they will continue proactive patrols aimed at detecting and deterring the possession of edged weapons, while also targeting anti-social behaviour in public spaces.

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Photo source: Queensland Police Service

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OPINION PIECE

Immigration is important. Our country has been built on it. We would not be the Australia we are today without people choosing to set up their lives here.

In Dawson, we have some of the best and most successful examples of what immigrations brings and what it builds over generations. I’m talking about all the people who run farms, workshops and businesses across the region, professionals in our clinics, schools and our offices, the on the ground workers who came looking for a better life, and of course the backpackers who came for a visit but have stayed a lifetime. To everyone who has come to create a life and contribute to our region and nation, I say thank you.

But we have to be honest. Immigration needs to be properly managed. Right now, I have major concerns. Major concerns with how the current government has been managing our immigration.

There are two key elements of immigration the government must get right.

First, the number of people coming in must be balanced with the pace in which infrastructure can be built. Infrastructure like housing, roads, schools, and hospitals. Yes, we’ve got the space, but if there’s nowhere to live, no hospital beds, no classrooms, then the pressure flows to everyone.

Second, we must make sure the type of people coming share our values. To be allowed to live in Australia is like winning the Lotto, the golden ticket! Migrants should be here to make a life, make a contribution, and become a positive part of our communities.

The government is failing on both of these key metrics. The numbers are way too high, and the vetting process appears to be non existent. Labor has lost control of our borders.

The government, through weak border controls and poor vetting, has allowed too many people in, and they have let in too many that openly hate our country and people. This is unacceptable.

It’s not like new arrivals have tripped over the border like they can in other parts of the world. At the very least, the government has the time of the flight to make sure we’re not letting in people who will do harm.

There’s no excuse for un-Australian behaviour, and there is no excuse for letting that behaviour in and allowing it to stay.

It’s simple. Do the right thing, a forever life awaits. Do the wrong thing, then back you go.

Labor has always had a poor record on immigration. But the scary thing with the current Labor government is that they are knowingly turning a blind eye. They do nothing about vile hatred being spewed on our city streets or when our national flag is burnt. Yet, they condemn those who wave the Aussie flag in face of that hate.

We need a government with the guts to get immigration right. We need a governemnt that balances incoming numbers with the infrastructure being built, and we need a government that properly vets new arrivals to ensures Australia remains safe, united, and strong.

Australia is built on immigration. Get immigration wrong, and all the things we value as a nation could be resigned to history. Get immigration right, and the Nation prospers long into the future.

Andrew Willcox
Member for Dawson, Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability

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Mackay has taken a vital step in becoming a key player in Queensland’s new critical minerals sector.

Construction is now complete on stage two of the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) – the Future Industries Hub.

Delivered by Fergus Builders, the project marks a major milestone in expanding the RCOE’s capacity to support emerging industries and advanced manufacturing.

It will also support activities around critical minerals, reprocessing of tailings, and other precious metals.

The modern facility will also feature flexible, innovative meeting and training spaces, and upgraded amenities designed to foster collaboration between industry, researchers and education providers.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council provided about $6 million to bring stage two to life, recognising the project’s role in driving economic diversification, creating skilled jobs and attracting investment to the region.

“The Resources Centre of Excellence has become a leader for the whole resources sector in the nation and we are very proud of that,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The Future Industries Hub is now setting our region up to support the industries of the future,” he said.

“This facility keeps us on the forefront of the ever-evolving resources sector and lets us focus on training, research and development, while growing industry connections and partnerships.

“This isn’t just about mining – this facility will allow our region to foster greater collaboration within the agriculture, sugar and bio futures sectors and allow us to lead technology-based initiatives.”

Steven Boxall, CEO, Resources Centre of Excellence said the completion of stage two of the Resources Centre of Excellence marked a significant leap forward in RCOE’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the critical minerals sector.

“We are excited about the potential this facility holds for driving economic diversification and creating skilled jobs in our region," Mr Boxall said.

With construction complete, council is preparing to hand over the facility to RCOE so that interior fit-outs can begin.

For more information on the RCOE stage two, head to rcoe.com.au/future-industries-hub

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The Future Industries Hub at Mackay’s Resources Centre of Excellence is now complete, marking a major step in positioning the region at the forefront of Queensland’s critical minerals and advanced manufacturing sectors. Photos supplied

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Locals in Moranbah now have a direct line into university, TAFE and trades courses with the region’s first Country Universities Centre officially open.

Isaac Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said the new hub is about giving locals a fair go and making education more accessible, no matter what their background or situation.

“This is a real investment in people, it’s about backing people who are trying to make a go of study and just need a bit of help to get there,” Mayor Vea Vea said.

“We’ve seen for years how many people walk away from a course because they’re too isolated or trying to study at midnight after a long shift. This centre changes that. You can treat this like your campus. It’s your place to focus away from distractions and build a proper study routine. Whether you’re working at the mines, in childcare, hospitality or health, you don’t have to leave town to chase qualifications anymore. We’re creating a place where people stay and grow, and that’s what makes strong communities.”

This project would not have been possible without the $2 Million dollars received from the Regional Economic Futures Fund and the Regional University Study Hubs funding from the Federal Government of $1.4 Million dollars over 4 years.

The new centre gives students a free, practical study base with fast internet, printers, remote exam supervision, video conferencing and quiet spaces. It also means anyone trying to juggle family life, shift work and study won’t have to do it alone.

Councillor Melissa Westcott, Chair of CUC Isaac, said the Centre’s strong start showed how much the community valued having study opportunities close to home.

“The response so far has been incredible and really shows the difference this will make for local people,” Cr Westcott said.

“Until now, most of our residents have had to leave town if they wanted to study. Having this option in Moranbah is a practical way to build skills locally and strengthen our future workforce.”

Kim Edwards, Manager of Isaac's Country Universities Centre, said that the centre provides all the additional support for students to succeed in their studies.

"We provide fast internet, free printing, networking with other students and a quiet place to study," Ms Edwards said.

"We try and give students the full higher education experience while they stay here in the region. We also provide the human support, such as having someone to talk to about their studies, and help them know how to find solutions."

The centre is open from 6am to midnight, seven days a week, with face-to-face student support available during business hours. Study rooms and breakout spaces are free to book, with exam supervision, academic help and wellbeing services all available on site.

Moranbah’s facility is the first of two planned for the region, with Clermont’s Country Universities Centre to follow in 2026. Both form part of the national CUC network and are funded through the Regional Economic Futures Fund.

“This is how we build a future workforce locally,” Ms Edwards said.

“You support people through their learning journey and the whole region benefits.”

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Councillor Melissa Westcott, Chair of CUC Isaac

Kim Edwards, Manager of Isaac’s Country Universities Centre. Photos supplied

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North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) is now accepting applications for its 2025–26 Community Fund.

The fund offers $100,000 to support initiatives across NQBP’s port communities of Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point (Bowen) and Weipa.

NQBP Acting Chief Executive Officer Carissa Mansfield said the fund provides direct support for local groups and organisations.

“Our Community Fund is about backing the people and projects that strengthen our port communities,” Ms Mansfield said.

“Over the last decade, we’ve invested more than $1 million in community partnerships. This year we look forward to supporting ideas that bring people together and create lasting benefits.”

The NQBP Community Fund provides funding for community events, programs and activities that deliver positive outcomes and reflect NQBP’s values of Care, Connection, Courage and Curiosity.

Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club President Brendan Smith said that, as a previous recipient of the NQBP Community Fund, he would encourage other community groups to apply for this year’s round.

“Through last year’s NQBP Community Fund, we were supported to run a Club Youth Leadership Development Program,” Mr Smith said.

“For our Club, this meant our kids were able to compete at their best at the annual North Australian Surf Life Saving Championships hosted at Harbour Beach.

“The capabilities and confidence instilled during these events help us to conduct patrols, rescues and community events, which is vital to our role as the guardians of Mackay’s Harbour Beach.”

NQBP is a Queensland Government-owned corporation responsible for the ports of Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point and Weipa in far north Queensland.

The NQBP Community Fund is open to non-profit groups and organisations, and registered charities, and seeks to support events, programs and activities that align with NQBP’s strategic themes and vision to be a leader in responsible port trade, where Queenslanders thrive for generations.

Applications that identify a community or environmental need and are consistent with or promote the principles of diversity and inclusion are encouraged.

Applications for this year’s NQBP Community Fund close on Friday 3 October 2025.

For further details visit the Sponsorships and Donation page online at https://nqbp.com.au/community/sponsorships-and-donations.

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By Joseph Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay

In the heart of Queensland’s sugar capital, Mackay Sugar’s Racecourse Mill’s 38MW co-generation plant, commissioned in 2012, is a testament to regional innovation and sustainability.

This state-of-the-art facility, which burns sugarcane waste known as bagasse to generate clean, green, renewable energy. Bagasse is a fibrous residue left after juice extraction from sugarcane. At the co-gen process core is the factory’s boilers which burn the bagasse as a primary fuel source to produce steam to power not only the mill, but also in turn drives turbines to generate electricity and now supplies over 30% of Mackay and district’s electricity requirements.

It has become a keystone of the Mackay sugar industry’s commitment to greener industry and economic resilience. It exemplifies how industry and environment can thrive side by side, whilst still benefiting the wider Mackay community.

The plant’s ability to annually utilise some 220,000 tonnes of by-product indicates that Mackay’s sugar industry has for many years operated as a circular economy. By converting bagasse into clean energy, Mackay Sugar reduces greenhouse gas emissions, making its own positive environmental impact to Australia’s renewable energy targets. When the plant was established, it was a piece of forward thinking by a then grower-owned milling company, responsive to the early shift towards reducing its carbon footprint that has become more commonplace only 15 years later.

Bagasse is a renewable and locally sourced feedstock, its use as fuel reduces the reliance on fossil fuels, thus reducing carbon emissions. The closed-loop nature of the process ensures that the majority of sugarcane’s energy is recaptured and reused, further enhancing sustainability and helps to stabilise the local ecosystem. This proactive approach which has been in place for many years to waste management sets a benchmark for other industries seeking to shrink their environmental footprint.

Beyond its environmental achievements, the Mackay Sugar co-generation plant delivers substantial economic benefits by reducing operating costs for the sugar mills, supporting both profitability and job security in the region. Surplus electricity sales provide an additional revenue stream, strengthening Mackay Sugar’s financial health and enabling further investment in the factories and therefore benefiting the wider community.

Furthermore, the plant continues to create local job creation, both through plant operations and maintenance as well as indirectly via associated supply chain services. This has cemented Mackay’s status as a regional hub for both agriculture and advanced energy technology and should pave the road forward for further similar projects not only in Mackay, but throughout the wider sugar industry. It is a model of sustainable progress. By transforming agricultural waste into clean power, the plant demonstrates the potential of smart, circular solutions to energise regional economies, protect the environment, and power a greener future for generations to come.

As this article goes to print, Mackay Canegrowers will have participated in the Queensland Government inquiry into Sugarcane Bio-Energy opportunities, which held a consultation session at Souths Leagues Club this week. The aim of the inquiry is to identify future opportunities in bio-energy production and create a roadmap to further help secure the future viability of the sugar industry as a whole.

With the assistance of state government, and some changes in legislation going forward, we believe that there are tremendous opportunities for growers, in particular. Such opportunities could include innovative ideas on electricity retailing. We are calling for regulation enabling growers to access cheaper electricity for irrigation, via a virtual microgrid arrangement with Mackay Sugar and therefore increasing production for the growers and enhanced throughput for the factories. It allows a value-add for growers to be able to access cheaper electricity sourced from their own product: sugarcane. Moreover, irrigation offers benefits for the environment, reducing runoff by improving nutrient uptake and water use efficiency.

A more efficient industry will, in turn, benefit the wider community. It must be remembered that for every dollar produced at the farm gate, the flow on effects to the wider community is around $6.40. This is of major benefit to the whole Mackay economy now and into the future.

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The sugar industry could build productivity without increasing actual land under cane, if irrigation were a more affordable option. Creating a microgrid with mill cogenerated power could achieve this. Photo source: Mackay Sugar (Racecourse Mill)

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Annual Grazing Forum Strengthens Local Grazing Enterprises

Across the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region, grazing is more than an occupation - it’s a way of life. Early mornings checking fences, long days walking paddocks and ongoing careful decisions about pasture, herd health, and markets. All of it shapes the land, the livestock, and the livelihoods that depend on them. Seasons are unpredictable, challenges are constant, and yet graziers keep going, knowing that every choice today echoes for years to come. It’s in that context that gatherings like the Reef Catchments Annual Grazing Forum become so vital.

For the first time, the Grazing Forum will be held in Proserpine giving graziers across the Whitsundays easier access to the event and its wealth of knowledge. Adding to the excitement, cattle will be showcased in the Proserpine Showgrounds show ring, giving participants a chance to see genetics, bull selection, and animal presentation demonstrated live.

Reef Catchments Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator, Kellie Harmsworth, says, “This year’s Grazing Forum is all about the theme - Paddock to Sale, taking a big-picture look at the whole grazing journey. During the Field Day we will get out into the paddock to explore pastures and practical management, while the Forum will turn the focus to the beast - looking at genetics, performance, and how to get the best value at sale.”

Out in the paddocks and under the wide Queensland sky, graziers connect with others who understand the realities of the job. They swap stories about what worked and what didn’t, compare notes on pastures, pests, and herd nutrition, and discover new approaches that might transform their own operations. The annual Grazing Forum is a “must attend” event for many graziers, including Travis Perry.

“I always found the Grazing Forums to be not only an excellent event to come to socialise and interact with other graziers, meet new producers, be influenced by what other people are doing, and forming relationships there - but the actual information offered is something that you can’t just access any day of the week. As soon as it comes up in the calendar, it’s locked in - a must attend event,” says Travis.

This year will mark his 10th year attending the Grazing Forum.

“Events like the Reef Catchments Annual Grazing Forum are an investment to the region. They bring together practical know-how, shared experience, and a strong sense of community. It gives graziers a chance to step off-farm, see what’s working for others, and pick up fresh ideas to improve herd health, lift pasture productivity, and strengthen the bottom line. The benefits ripple out - healthier land, more resilient businesses, and a network of graziers backing each other,” says Kellie.

The 2025 Grazing Forum will be held on Wednesday 22 October (Field Day) and Thursday 23 October (Forum). To find out more about this year’s Grazing Forum, contact Kellie Harmsworth: saf@reefcatchments.com, or 0456 182 348.

The Grazing Forum is presented by Reef Catchments Ltd, through funding from the Australian Government and Glencore.

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