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Winner will be chosen and announced on 1st of May

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Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.
Plucking little seedlings out of the ground, roots and all, is something I still struggle with today but it is essential for a strong, pest and disease free vegetable garden.

Over planting is going to reduce air flow, encourage fungal growth, cause root competition and prevent foliage from being exposed to sunlight which is needed to dry off moisture and will reduce your plant’s ability to produce starches and sugars that give your vegetables flavour.

If you have planted from seed (as I always do), chances are you have too many seedlings popping out of the ground.  

It is easy to get caught out planting from seed. There are more seeds in a packet than you need, so the temptation is to be liberal and throwing in a few extras too close together is inevitable (unless you are extremely self-disciplined). Don’t stress, this is not a terrible practice as it enables you to thin out the weakest seedlings, leaving you with a plethora of strong plants.

So, cull now! Well, cull if they have their second set of leaves.
Imagine that seedling fully grown. Give it space from its companions. Look for the one that seems to be the strongest and remove any others around it.
This is the child you get to pick! And nurture to maturity. Choose well.

Be careful not to disturb the roots of seedlings you want to keep. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, so make sure you water your garden bed after you have completed the removal of additional plants, as this helps them settle into the soil again and remove any large air pockets that you may have created.  

Your new seedlings will grow very quickly, this makes them hungry feeders. They are going to require more assistance now than they will for the rest of their growing and producing lives. They’re going to need protection from the Whitsunday’s intense sunlight, on our blue sky beautiful days, which are numerous as we head into the picturesque Whitsunday winter. And they are going to require food themselves!

So, from three to four weeks out of the ground, I start liquid feeding with a weak solution of Seasol, once a fortnight.

I also use shade cloth over just about all of my garden beds - 25% shade cloth is optimal.
Not only does this assist in keeping the soil moist (yes, I hate that word too but it does describe the amount of water needed well), but it is also a fantastic barrier from pests, especially grasshoppers and cabbage moth!  I could not produce a successful patch without a shade cloth. Give it a go.

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By Amanda Wright

With the scent of fresh mountain dirt in the air as tyres tore through trails and the hum of wheels sliding across the high-speed pump track, the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails were officially unveiled in a community ceremony last Sunday. This opening marked not just the inauguration of a new outdoor attraction, but the birth of a haven for mountain biking enthusiasts and the ticket to increased tourism potential for the Pioneer Valley beyond its natural assets.

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Members from the MAD Mountain Bike Club, Mackay Cycling Club, Mackay Cycles and Corry Cycles united for the official opening of the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Riding High
Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails Officially Open

Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, one of the many driving forces behind the Finch Hatton trail project, expressed his joy during the opening ceremony to see the vision of two men from the local mountain biking club come to fruition.

"It was a fantastic idea that came to the council in 2016. Iain Masters and the late Jeff Rafferty from MAD Mountain Biking Club saw the potential of our top end of the valley, and how it could be transformed into a world-class mountain biking destination,” Mayor Williamson said.

"The whole Council at that stage, including the officers, said that this is going to be a great thing for the valley.”

Mayor Williamson also acknowledged former councillor Justin Englert for being one of the project's most passionate spokespeople over his two terms in council, advocating for its advancement at every opportunity.

The collaborative effort of the community, local authorities, and stakeholders over the years transformed this vision into a reality, culminating in the development of world-class mountain bike trails.

Mayor Williamson emphasised the economic benefits of the trails, saying, "These trails will put Mackay on the national and international map as a mountain bike destination."

He also acknowledged the significant financial investments made by both the state government and the council, amounting to around 13 million over several years.

“It’s too much for one budget, but over six or so years, it’s possible,” he said.

Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert, expressed her delight at the project's completion, noting, "It's a wonderful day to celebrate."

She also commended Mayor Williamson's vision and persistence in pushing the project forward, stating, "Mayor Williamson has been talking to the state government about stage two with our paths and trails funding."

Stage two, will be an 82-kilometre network that spans from Eungella to Finch Hatton and takes in Australia's longest stretch of subtropical rainforest. Planning and investigation works are underway and will continue until 2025. Construction is forecast to commence in 2026.

The day's festivities included market stalls, food vendors, and family-friendly activities, with the community invited to bring their bikes, have a go on the pump track and check out the fantastic trails that are open for everyone to use.

"This is a fantastic occasion for us as a community,” Mayor Williamson said.

He also highlighted the historical significance of the trailhead site, which was once part of the original Cattle Creek mill, now restored to serve as the administration building for future events.

"The trailhead site will be a place where you start and finish your mountain bike adventure and enjoy a family day out.

“Finch Hatton will be the best trailhead town in Australia.”

As riders of all ages geared up for an exciting day on the trails, the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails became a hub of community spirit. The bustling opening day showcased the importance of shared passion in bringing this thrilling project to life.

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Representatives from Mackay Regional Council celebrated the official opening of the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails. L-R: Cr Namarca Corowa, Cr Heath Paton, Cr Ash-Lee Johnson, Mayor Greg Williamson, Deputy Mayor Belinda Hassan, Cr Alison Jones, Cr Nathenea McRae, Cr Karen May. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Mayor Greg Williamson and Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert revealed the plaque for the official opening of the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails

The community enjoyed the festivities at Finch Hatton, strolling the markets or riding the pump track. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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In a momentous week for our beloved Mackay, we've witnessed the unveiling of two projects that herald a new era of prosperity and vitality for our region. With Prime Minister Albanese’s visit earlier this week, Mackay's Riverside Revitalisation Project was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new river pontoon, transforming what was once an industrial precinct into a vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike.
It's the start of a significant plan for River Street, which will eventually transform into a bustling precinct all the way to Binnington Esplanade and Town Beach, connecting the city's heart to our underutilised natural beauty.
But that's not all. Nestled amidst the verdant beauty of the Pioneer Valley, the Finch Hatton Mountain Bike Trails were also officially unveiled in a spectacle of excitement and anticipation. What began as a vision shared by two local mountain biking enthusiasts has blossomed into a world-class attraction, beckoning adventurers from far and wide to explore our natural wonders.
Beyond the ceremonial formalities of these unveilings lies an excited buzz: the economic windfall and renewed sense of purpose that these projects bring to our doorstep. As our region evolves and our tourism offerings expand, so too do the opportunities for growth and prosperity. It's a moment to reflect on how far we've come and to look forward with unbridled optimism to the possibilities that lie ahead.
Have a great week, Mackay!
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Amanda

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During the months of January and February, Harrup Park committed to supporting the Far North Queensland flood relief.

For every main meal served in the Bistro during this period, the venue pledged to donate $1 towards the cause.

This initiative stemmed from the aftermath of Cyclone Jasper, which devastatingly caused destruction to numerous residential communities in Far North Queensland last year.

Each main meal ordered by guests and members during January and February contributed directly to aiding those who were affected by the natural disaster. Together, through collective efforts, the venue managed to raise an impressive total of $5,177 for Operation ClubsCare, a significant contribution to ongoing flood relief within the region.

Participating in Clubs Queensland Operation ClubsCare was a source of immense pride for the venue. It not only demonstrated their commitment to supporting the community in times of need, but it also makes a tangible difference in the lives of those who were impacted by the cyclone.

Sharing this remarkable achievement to Facebook, Harrup Park stated, “We are proud to have participated in Clubs Queensland Operation ClubsCare and thank our wonderful members for their support!”

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Harrup Park raised a whopping $5,177 by donating $1 out of every main meal served to support the Far North Queensland Flood Relief. Image Sourced (Harrup Park Facebook)

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With an estimated 6,000 homeless defence personnel in Australia, the issue of veteran homelessness is a pressing concern that demands attention.
Shockingly, only 1.1% of veterans access homeless support services, compared to 3.4% of the general population. Current and former service personnel experience homelessness at a rate three times higher than the broader population, highlighting a significant issue that most are unaware of.
16-year-old cadet, Murray Macgroarty has taken on the mission to raise awareness and tackle the problem of defence veterans' homelessness head-on. His approach involves connecting resources, services and funds to veterans through a coordinated and comprehensive strategy.
‘Just Keep Marching’ symbolises the beginning of Murray's focused efforts to combat this pressing issue.
Driven by a deep desire to give back, Murray's inspiration has been fuelled by conversations with current serving members, diggers, community leaders such as Mayor Greg Williamson and the active support of organisations like the Mackay RSL and Finch Hatton RSL Sub Branches. Together, they aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who have sacrificed so much in defence of our country.
“There’s not a lot of recognition for veterans’ homelessness,” Murray remarked.
“Those guys wouldn’t think twice about stepping in front of a bullet for us - in the defence of our country, so we should have a solid think about how we can give back to them.”
To support the cause, Murray will be embarking on a 382-kilometer march around the Blue Water Trail with former veterans, locals and supporters, to not only raise awareness, but to call to action a solution in light of defence veterans' homelessness.
By coming along, or joining Murray on his march, individuals can play a crucial role in making a difference in the lives of veterans who have served our country with dedication and sacrifice. It's time to continue the march from where our veterans left off, ensuring that they receive the support and care they deserve.
There is a $5 admission fee that will go directly towards veterans in need. Those who are interested in participating are encouraged to come along and support the cause and what better way to start than by coming together over a home baked afternoon tea, symbolising the unity and camaraderie that defines our country’s legacy.

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16-year-old Murray Macgroarty will march an estimated 382-kilometers to raise awareness for veterans’ homelessness. Photos credit: Hannah McNamara

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Following the announcement of the Mackay Base Hospital expansion project and subsequent relocation of the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia are proud to announce a major extension for their care of sick and injured children in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsundays region.
The Charity has introduced the launch of the RMHC Hospitality Cart, operating at the Mackay Base Hospital to continue servicing families with sick and injured children when they need it most.
The RMHC Hospitality Cart delivers care items at no cost to sick or injured children and their families in the Children’s Wards including the Paediatric Ward, Paediatric Oncology Day Unit, Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and more.
Samantha Baker, Community Engagement Executive for RMHC Mackay and the Whitsundays said, “we have an amazing team of volunteers every week and it’s filled by kind donations from the community as well as our three amazing sponsors on board, which really helps with purchasing all the items and making sure it’s fully stocked every single day.
“Any family member that has a child receiving treatment here can get items off the cart, it’s not just for the patient, but also for the family and siblings as well,” Samantha added.
“We have so many amazing toys, snacks and meals for families at no cost at all so that just takes a massive financial burden off them and gives them and their kids some things to do.”
In the last 12 months, over 4,730 families have been supported by the RMHC Hospitality Carts, with over 15,290 care items supplied.
Volunteers say that “the children’s faces light up like Christmas when they see the toys.”

Dr. Charles Pain, Chief Medical Officer, Mackay Base Hospital with Samantha Baker, Community Engagement Executive for RMHC Mackay
RMHC North Australia Hospitality Cart Volunteers Sue Bartlett and Sue Trask
Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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In the lead up to ANZAC Day, RSL Queensland launched its ‘Postcards of Honour’ initiative for the second year, encouraging Queensland’s youngest generation to express their personal connection to ANZAC Day through writing and illustrations.

Secretary of the Walkerston/Pleystowe RSL Sub Branch, Dan Peters paid St Johns Catholic Primary School a visit to share his stories and insights on ANZAC day while educating the students by answering their questions and teaching them about the importance of ANZAC Day.

Mr Peters said, “This activity of ‘Postcards of Honour’ gives the kids an insight on what it’s like to write to somebody during the War as well as what the families went through back then.

“I think it’s important that we keep reminding these younger generations of what these guys went through in World War I and World War II,” he added.

Year 4, St Johns Walkerston students eagerly wrote and designed their own personalised postcards to participate in a pretend send off, in recognition of the vital support that letters and postcards have played throughout Australia’s military history.

RSL Queensland State President Major General Stephen Day DSC AM said he was pleased to see the age-appropriate initiative continue and grow year-on-year, providing a meaningful opportunity for thousands of students across the state to remember those that went before us and how the past has impacted our futures.

“It may seem like a small gesture, but the postcards acts as such a meaningful keepsake and are truly valued by the veterans who receive them,” MAJGEN Day said.

For more information on how to get involved and to download your own ‘Postcard of Honour’, visit rslqld.org/postcards-of-honour.

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Year 4 students from St John’s Catholic Primary School in Walkerston penned their treasured postcodes in honour of ANZAC day.
Secretary of the Walkerston/Pleystowe RSL Sub Branch, Dan Peters
Creativity sparked as Year 4 students presented their wonderful postcard designs.
Photo Credit: Hannah McNamara

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“The Albanese Government promised programs to support the regions, but after almost two years there is nothing to show for it.”
These are the words of Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox who believes the Dawson community is suffering from the government’s failure to allocate grants for much needed community infrastructure projects.
“The Labor Government in Canberra has imposed a two-year funding drought on regional communities as a result of the Prime Minister’s decisions to abolish programs designed to strengthen rural, remote and regional Australia and a failure to deliver initiatives of their own,” Mr Willcox said.
He goes on to say that “right across the nation, regional councils and community organisations have been waiting more than 40 weeks since Labor opened the so-called Growing Regions Program, and over nine months later not one application has been approved and funded.”
“By failing to award grant moneys under this program, Labor is effectively stealing $300 million in much needed funding from the regions,” Mr Willcox added.
Mr Willcox said this is not the only program the government has failed to deliver, with not a single grant approved in the first assessment round of the $400 million Precincts and Partnerships program, undertaken in September/October last year.
“The Government is starving the regions of funding. Over Labor’s first two years in office, they have stripped more than $20 billion in infrastructure and programs from regional communities,” Willcox added.
“Labor has abolished or allowed to lapse important job and community building programs such as the Building Better Regions Fund, Community Development Grants, Regionalisation Fund, Roads of Strategic Importance Program, and the Stronger Communities Program, just to name a few.”
Willcox is currently developing a Dawson project register, and is strongly urging any community organisation, not-for-profit, or sporting club who does have a project in the works and has applied for this funding to contact his office and register their project to ensure they are the first to know about any current or future grant and funding opportunities that become available.
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“For anyone who would like to be added to this register, they can contact my office via email at Andrew.Willcox.MP@aph.gov.au.”

Opinion Piece

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The Festivals Australia program, administered by Australian Government, is injecting $1.4 million into festivals across Australia, including the Mackay region, to support a diverse array of artistic endeavours.

One recipient of this funding is the Mackay Film Festival for Youth, which will host the Pioneer Valley Acting and Screen Production Weekend Community Workshop.

This workshop aims to enhance digital storytelling skills, covering scriptwriting, acting, producing, directing, editing, and post-production.

The resulting productions will be showcased at the Pinnacle Playhouse Red Carpet Community Screening Event during the Mackay Film Festival for Youth.

Another initiative supported by the program is the Sunset Cultural Experience organised by the Issac Regional Council.

This event will kick off the St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend Event, offering a platform to showcase First Nations culture through music, dance, storytelling, and gourmet interpretations of traditional bush tucker.

One of the primary objectives of the Festival Australia program is to nurture local talent and strengthen community bonds through artistic expression.

By facilitating access to art and culture in areas that might otherwise have limited opportunities, the program strives to create a more inclusive cultural environment and showcase local talent.

Minister for the Arts Tony Burke said, “Festivals – at their best – are about building community, sharing stories, and creating memories. They put artists on a bigger stage, with a brighter spotlight.”

“This program helps support that right across Australia, making sure these opportunities aren’t just for people in capital cities,” said Mr Burke

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An initiative supported by the The Festivals Australia program is the Sunset Cultural Experience organised by the Issac Regional Council

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Mackay Regional Council announced last week that the Bluewater Lagoon will close from Monday, April 29, until early September 2024 for significant upgrade work.
Contractors will be completing work to replace the existing surface of the main and top lagoons with a new lining and tiles.
Council said that the existing Quartzon lining of the lagoon’s floor is being replaced with a Polyvinyl Chloride membrane system that will reduce maintenance requirements at the facility.
This follows on from the work completed last year, which involved relining the children’s pool with the new finish.
This work has been scheduled to be completed during the winter maintenance period to avoid unnecessary inconvenience to the public.
Residents are also advised that the Bluewater Lagoon’s kids’ pool and splash pad are also currently out of action.
The pool pump is in need of repairs that may take several weeks to complete as there are parts that need to be ordered from an overseas supplier.
As a result, the kids’ pool and splash pad will remain closed for the rest of the season.
Mackay Regional Council says it apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and thanks the public for its understanding and patience.
The Memorial Swim Centre and Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex will remain open as usual over the winter period.

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The Bluewater Lagoon will close from Monday April 29, reopening in September 2024. The children’s pool and splash pad are already closed and will remain closed until September. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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A $1 million fund to enhance social and community life in the Isaac region has been unveiled at today’s (20 April) inaugural Pembroke Resources Community Expo in Moranbah.
 
Pembroke Chairman and CEO Barry Tudor said the new Pembroke Community Partnership Program fund was created to ensure the local area continued to benefit from the opening of the Olive Downs Complex for generations to come, with funding being provided to projects identified, prioritised and supported by local residents.
 
“The Olive Downs Complex is already working in strong partnership with the local community by creating and supporting hundreds of jobs, prioritising local procurement whenever possible and providing our workforce with a genuine choice to live within the Isaac Region,” Mr Tudor said.
 
“Today, we are proud to announce the next step in working together to build a stronger community, through the $1 million Pembroke Community Partnership Program.
 
“This is stage one of the fund, which will run over the next five years to help ensure the local community reaps the benefits of having the Olive Downs Complex operating in their region. Projects of interest could include those focused on improved health, welfare and employment outcomes as well as improved social infrastructure.
 
“Another priority for us is reducing unnecessary red tape so it’s as easy as possible for locals to decide how and where this funding is spent for the future benefit of the community.”
 
Mr Tudor said the Pembroke Community Partnership Program was in addition to other contributions the Olive Downs Complex was making to the region through job and training opportunities, local purchasing whenever possible and leading-edge environmental stewardship.
 
“The local community is rightly proud that the high-quality steel-making coal being produced by Olive Downs is supporting our national and state economies, as well as much-needed infrastructure across the world. Our Community Partnership Program will ensure those economic benefits are delivered at the local level as well,” he said.
 
In addition to these community benefits, the Olive Downs Complex will make a significant contribution to the local, state and national economies.  The project is estimated to contribute more than $10 billion in royalties for the Queensland Government over its projected 79-year life.

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Photos supplied

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GUEST SPEAKER: Stephen Andrew MP with current, irrefutable information.

Across this great nation of ours, we are rising up to “Say NO to Digital ID”.

Digital ID means every one of us will be under total control of the government:

   • The government will track your every movement 24/7
   • The government will keep a record of every cent you spend and reward or punish you accordingly
   • The government will control what you buy and even IF you can buy
   • The government will control where you go, who you see and what you do with your time
   • The government will have total control over your medical details with a data bank of information that can be easily hacked, shared or sold without your permission or knowledge
   • The government will require permit for everything (eg: to own a bee hive, enter a national park, have more than six chickens)
   • Microchips will be inserted in your body

We say NO, NO, NO!!!!
Join us, add your voice to ours, and put a stop to this globalist ideology.

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WHAT: Say No To Digital ID
WHEN: Sunday 5 May at 11am
WHERE: Bluewater Quay, Mackay

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A local program changing the trajectory of chronic illness in First Nations people and providing greater access to care and education will be showcased across the state next month.

The healthy lifestyle program is for First Nations and Australian South Sea Islander people who are at risk of type 2 diabetes, living with type 2 diabetes or have post-gestational diabetes.

This program uses group lifestyle sessions, one-on-one care management and community event education to support those at risk, newly diagnosed or living with the debilitating condition which is prevalent in these communities.

“Providing diabetes education, timely access to care and sharing practical tools to manage illness and prevent further decline, all in a culturally appropriate way, has helped reduce the growing pressure on healthcare providers including general practitioners and hospitals,” said Mackay Hospital and Health Service nurse practitioner Maree Wearne. 

“This program helps those in Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions understand the risks and complications of type 2 diabetes, assists them in reducing the chances of hospitalisation, supports the management of diabetes through healthy lifestyle choices and works together with healthcare providers for type 2 management.”

“Many in these communities just accept diabetes as their fate as others in their family have it, but this program helps show them how, with good management and practical tools, they can change their health trajectory and stop or slow a decline into chronic illness,” she added.

“We are teaching them how to control their diabetes, not be controlled by it.”

In less than 12 months, the team has received more than 100 referrals from GPs, community health care workers, hospitals as well as self-referrals, and now has about 70 active program participants.

Maree, who has more than 30 years’ experience in First Nations healthcare, said she was excited to present the benefits of the program at the Clinical Excellence Showcase next month and demonstrate how it could also be applied to programs targeting other chronic illnesses.

“It’s exciting and very motivating to see the improvement in health outcomes with achievements such as reducing obesity, cutting back on medications and patients coming off insulin because of changes we’ve helped them make.”

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Mackay Hospital and Health Service nurse practitioner Maree Wearne  is part of a local program changing the trajectory of chronic illness in First Nations people. Photo supplied

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Two men and a teenage boy have been charged in relation to the unlawful use of a motor vehicle in Mackay.
It will be alleged the 2019 Nissan Navara was stolen from an address on Fitzroy Court, Mount Pleasant on Sunday, April 21.
Just after 9am on April 22, the car crashed on Oak Street in Andergrove and three males left the scene on foot.
It will be further alleged a 22-year-old man resisted arrest and allegedly kicked one officer and headbutted another officer.
A 22-year-old Beaconsfield man has been charged with 14 offences, including three counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, one count of serious assault police officer, assault police officer, enter dwelling and commit and stealing.
He is expected to appear before Mackay Magistrates Court on April 23.
A 17-year-old Andergrove boy has been charged with 12 offences, including unlawful use of a motor vehicle, three counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence, driving of motor vehicle without a drivers licence and obstruction of a police officer.
He is expected to appear before Mackay Children’s Court on April 23.
A 20-year-old Andergrove man has been charged with five offences, including unlawful use of a motor vehicle and enter premises with intent to commit indictable offence.
He is expected to appear before Mackay Magistrates Court on May 22.

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