Senior Sugar Trader Peter Bingham (second from left) is excited to meet with growers and share insights into global sugar markets during Wilmar's Global Traders Roadshow this week. Photo supplied

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Simon Hood

Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing

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June is shaping up to be a busy month, and we look forward to catching up with growers across our milling regions through a range of events and activities.

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This week, our Global Traders Roadshow returns, bringing together Wilmar's global trading experts and local Grower Marketing team to discuss the latest developments in sugar and currency markets. These sessions provide a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the people monitoring global markets every day, while also asking questions about pricing options and current market conditions. We are looking forward to connecting with those of you who have put their name down to attend.

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We're also reminding growers that nominations for the 2027 Managed Pool Plus close on 30 June. If you've been considering the pool, now is the time to act.

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The Managed Pool Plus is designed for growers seeking a longer-term approach to pricing in volatile markets, with active management across both sugar and currency markets. The 2025 season has highlighted the value of this strategy, with the pool delivering a result above the seasonal average, demonstrating the benefits of disciplined pricing over an extended window rather than relying on short-term market movements. While past performance is never a guarantee of future returns, the result reinforces the value of having experienced market specialists actively managing price risk through changing market conditions.

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If you'd like to learn more before nominations close, speak with your local Grower Marketing Relationship Manager or catch us at one of the Global Traders Roadshow events.

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Beyond the markets, we're proud to continue supporting the local communities that support our industry. Throughout June, Wilmar Grower Marketing is once again sponsoring several regional events, including the Sarina Tractor Pull, Proserpine Cane Awards and Ingham Tractor Pull.

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These events celebrate the people who make our industry what it is and provide a great opportunity for families, growers and the wider community to come together. We look forward to seeing many familiar faces, celebrating another season and continuing the conversations that matter most to our growers.

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We hope to see you at one of our roadshow sessions or community events over the coming weeks.

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For more than 30 years, the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) has stood at the centre of Australia’s resources conversation, firmly anchored in Mackay’s identity as a powerhouse of mining innovation. In 2026, the event returns to the Mackay Showgrounds, bringing together industry leaders, suppliers and decision-makers for three days of connection, collaboration and cutting-edge capability.

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Recognised as Queensland’s largest mining and engineering event, QME showcases more than 300 leading suppliers and attracts thousands of visitors from across the sector. In 2024 alone, the exhibition welcomed more than 5,000 attendees, underscoring its reputation as a key meeting point for mining professionals seeking the latest technology, equipment and services driving the industry forward.

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Far more than a traditional trade show, QME offers a dynamic platform where ideas and innovation intersect. Exhibitors gain unrivalled access to a targeted audience of industry professionals, while visitors are given a front-row seat to the products and solutions shaping the future of mining in Queensland and beyond.

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Complementing the bustling exhibition floor is the free-to-attend Leadership Series, a program designed to explore the challenges and opportunities currently facing the sector. Featuring expert speakers and industry insights, the series delivers practical value across a wide range of mining functions, from operations to strategy.

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Set to run from 21–23 July, QME will take place daily from 9am to 5pm at the Mackay Showgrounds, Mackay.

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As the industry continues to evolve, QME remains a vital hub of progress and partnership—where global capability meets regional strength. Whether you’re a long-time industry professional or simply curious about the future of mining, this is an event not to be missed.

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WHAT: Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME)

WHERE: Mackay Showgrounds

WHEN: 21–23 July

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With 40 years of experience and a new industry accolade to their name, the team at M&P Services are cementing their reputation as a leader in their field.

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Fresh from taking out Best Family-Owned Business at the 2026 Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce Best in Business Awards, M&P Services continues to set a high bar in the transportable building space, delivering top-tier solutions across Queensland and beyond.

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For customers, that kind of longevity speaks volumes - reflecting reliability, capability, and a business that knows how to get the job done right. Built on hard work and practical innovation, M&P has spent four decades evolving alongside the industries that keep regional Queensland moving, supplying transportable infrastructure for mining, construction, civil and remote operations.

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From its Paget headquarters, M&P manufactures solutions designed to handle tough conditions and even tougher expectations. Among its standout offerings are the company’s Signature Mobile Cribs. Their purpose-built units are designed to provide safe, efficient, and comfortable facilities on remote worksites, that are strategically built to mine-site specifications.

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Importantly, M&P remains a family business through and through, with three generations helping shape the company’s success. That legacy is reflected not only in the business’s growth, but in its reputation for service, consistency, and long-term relationships with clients across the state and internationally.

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That is why M&P’s presence at next month’s Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME) matters. Make a point of stopping by and meeting the M&P team, because when it comes to proven regional success, this is one Mackay business worth having on your radar!

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Community Bank Sarina donated 12 Elliot Automated External Defibrillators (AED) to local community groups, sporting clubs, schools and youth organisations. Photos supplied

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Twelve local organisations are now better equipped to respond in a medical emergency following the donation of Elliot AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator) through Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank’s Community Engagement Program.

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Elliot is Australia’s smallest, smartest and most affordable defibrillator, designed for ease of use in real emergencies. No training is required, with clear voice prompts guiding users step by step.

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One of the pillars guiding Community Bank Sarina’s community investment is enhancing the health, wellbeing and liveability of Sarina and surrounding communities. More access to defibrillators throughout the community ensures life saving equipment is close at hand when every second counts.  

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This initiative reflects what it means to be part of something bigger, strengthening community safety across the region.

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The organisations that received an AED are:

131 Army Cadet Unit Sarina
• Homebush State School P&C Assc.
• Kalyan Youth Service Inc.
• Mackay City Rollers Inc.
• Mercenaries of Western Europe
• Queensland Mud Trials Association
• Sarina & District Community Kindergarten Assc.
• Sarina & District Historical Centre Inc.
• Sarina Saints Football Club
• Sarina Show Society Inc.
• Swayneville State School P&C Assc.
• Wongabeena Aged Housing Sarina Inc.

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Community Bank Sarina Board Chair Karen May said that every AED placed in the community had the potential to save a life.

"While we hope that these devices are never needed, this small device has a big impact - every defibrillator gives volunteers, members and visitors added peace of mind," she said.

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Elliot Australia founder and World Ironman Champion Guy Leech said increasing access to defibrillators was critical in regional communities.

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“Elliot was built to make defibrillators simple, practical and easy for everyday Australians to use," he said.

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Regional communities have always looked after their own and this initiative from Community Bank Sarina is a great example of locals stepping up to help protect locals.”

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There is a discount available for Mackay Whitsunday Life Readers on Elliot AEDs. Use the code CommunityBank2026 to receive $100 off at www.elliotaed.com.au. Discount code expires 31st August 2026 and terms and conditions apply.

See more photos here: www.mackayandwhitsundaylife.com/social-pics/community-bank-sarina-boosts-community-safety-with-12-new-defibrillators

Health, housing, road safety, policing and community infrastructure are among the key areas of investment for Mackay and surrounding communities in the 2026-27 Queensland State Budget, with major items spanning hospital expansion, housing support, road upgrades, sporting facilities and frontline services.

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Member for Mackay, Nigel Dalton said the budget was about strengthening the foundations of a fresh start and delivering on the commitments we made to Queenslanders.

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“For Mackay, it means cost-of-living relief, investment in healthcare, support for housing, safer communities and continued investment in the infrastructure our region needs to grow,” he said.

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“The more than $30 million invested in community and social housing will help provide more housing options for people who need them most. The $8.8 million for the Mackay Community Health Centre will strengthen local healthcare services, while the cost-of-living measures will put money back into the pockets of local families.”

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“I'm also particularly pleased to see funding for the new female changeroom facilities at the Mackay District Junior Rugby League playing fields. This is a project the community has advocated for, and it will support the growing participation of women and girls in sport for years to come.”

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Key Mackay and Mackay-Whitsundays measures include:

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• Mackay Base Hospital expansion – the hospital will be expanded with at least 128 new overnight beds as part of the Hospital Rescue Plan.

• Frontline housing and homelessness services – housing and homelessness services will continue to be delivered in Mackay Whitsundays to assist vulnerable Queenslanders to secure longer-term housing and access specialist support, including temporary accommodation, outreach and connections to broader community services.

• Social and community housing – the budget includes the expansion and improvement of social and community housing across the Mackay Whitsundays region, with 121 homes in construction or under contract.

• Residential Activation Fund projects – essential infrastructure and utility connections will be delivered to support residential development in Marian, Beaconsfield, Rural View and Mirani, as well as Bowen South, Cannonvale and Proserpine.

• Police facility upgrades – the Mackay police facility will be upgraded to support frontline policing services and enhance community safety, while the replacement of the police facility in Proserpine will also progress.

• Mackay Courthouse improvements – the Mackay Courthouse will be upgraded to provide better safety and support to victims of domestic and family violence.

• Road infrastructure – the Mackay-Bucasia Road and Golf Links Road intersection will be upgraded to improve safety and reduce congestion.

• Sport and community infrastructure – Stage 2 of the Great Barrier Reef Arena upgrade at Harrup Park will be funded to deliver community sport, education and a training facility under the Games On! Grassroots Infrastructure Program.

• Local sporting facility improvements – funding will go towards local club facility improvements for the Mackay Netball Association and North Mackay Saints AFL Club, while new female changerooms will be delivered at the Rugby League Mackay & District playing fields in partnership with Mackay Regional Council.

• Education and community facilities – Mackay State High School will receive refurbishment and air-conditioning in the hall, while Woodlands District Park will receive an adult change facility, playground and car park as part of the Works for Queensland Program.

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The budget also includes broader state-wide measures that may affect local residents, with the full budget available to view at budget.qld.gov.au

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, encourages senior high school students across the region to enter the 2026 My First Speech Competition, to bring their unique voice to Canberra. Photo supplied

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High school students across Dawson are being given the opportunity to step into the shoes of a federal member of parliament and bring the issues of their electorate to the floor of Parliament House.

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The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon Milton Dick MP, and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP are calling for entries in the 2026 My First Speech Competition for senior students in Years 10, 11 and 12.

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The national initiative invites students to imagine themselves as newly elected Members of Parliament and record a three-minute speech on an issue they are passionate about.

Speaker Milton Dick said promoting parliamentary education to students across the country remained a priority.

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“This is yet another exciting way that young people can take an active role in our democratic system,” Mr Dick said.

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“This competition will provide high school students with the chance to learn more about the way our nation’s democracy works, and how actively engaging with the parliamentary process can draw attention to the issues that are most important to them.”

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Mr Willcox said the competition provided a platform for the region’s next generation of leaders.

“We have some incredibly bright, passionate young people across Dawson, from our high schools in Mackay and the Whitsundays right up to Burdekin and Townsville,” Mr Willcox said.

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“This competition is a fantastic platform for our local students to find their voice, stand up, and put our region on the national stage.”

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One winner from each year level will receive an expenses-paid trip to Parliament House in Canberra, including flights, accommodation and a $250 prize pack. Winners will also present their speeches to the Speaker and Members of Parliament.

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Mr Willcox said he wanted local entries to reflect the distinct economic and social realities of Dawson.

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“I want our local students to think about what matters most to them, whether that is regional cost of living, local manufacturing, or the future of our agricultural industries, and bring that regional perspective straight to Canberra.”

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Entries close at 11.59pm AEST on Monday, July 20, 2026.

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“Our young people are the future leaders, and their opinions deserve to be heard in the halls of Parliament House,” Mr Willcox said.

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“I strongly encourage every eligible student in Dawson to get involved, draft their speech, and take hold of this rare opportunity to show the rest of Australia what our region is made of.”

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For guidelines and entry information, visit the official competition website.

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Rupesh Nair (left), Mater Mackay St Luke’s Close Care Observation Unit Nurse Unit Manager and Elly Engstrom (right), Mater Mackay St Paul’s Surgical Ward Nurse Unit Manager. Photo supplied

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The Mackay community was urged to dig deep and donate for Mater Giving Day yesterday, Thursday 25^th June, helping to drive new and improved healthcare services for people living in Queensland’s sugar cane capital.

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Last year’s Giving Day donations helped Mater to acquire seven emergency resuscitation trolleys for Mackay – housed on each ward of the hospital, allowing streamlined responses to deteriorating patients.

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Mater Mackay Nurse Unit Manager Elly Engstrom, who advocated for the purchase of the equipment, said the $70,000 emergency resuscitation trolleys improved access to all resources and equipment required in emergency resuscitation and life support situations.

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“Emergency trolleys are primarily designed to ensure clinicians have immediate access to all essential medical supplies and medication required in emergency scenarios, and while this equipment was already in place across our hospital, the previous trolleys had limited manoeuvrability and took up much more space in our wards,” Ms Engstrom said.

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“Thanks to the generosity of our community, these new trolleys are streamlined, incredibly mobile, and have all equipment and medication set out in a way that makes it easy to access quickly when required.

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“Each ward of Mater Private Hospital Mackay features one of these new trolleys to ensure that no matter where our teams are, they have everything they need close by.”

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Mater Private Hospital Mackay General Manager Karen Wade said the trolleys were just some of the more than $500,000 in new equipment funded locally by Mater Foundation in the past 12 months.

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“Investing in new equipment such as these emergency trolleys is just another example of the tremendous support we’re able to receive from our community through events like Giving Day,” Ms Wade said.

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“We encouraged Mackay locals who themselves may have been cared for at Mater, or if their family or friends have been cared for at Mater, to consider supporting this important cause.

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“If you happened to be at Mater Private Hospital Mackay on Giving Day, it was also a chance to show your gratitude to our incredible staff, who are dedicated to providing world-class healthcare to the people of our region.”

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Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said all donations would be tripled on Giving Day, thanks to the generosity of matching partners.

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“On Mater Giving Day, your donation is tripled, which means triple the funding we can put towards care, equipment and research at our facilities like Mater Private Hospital Mackay,” he said.

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“We’re hoping to raise $2 million this Giving Day, and we can’t do it without your support.” Support Mater Giving Day at www.mater.org.au/givingday.

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GLP-1 peptide medications have quickly become one of the biggest talking points in health and weight loss, with many people now wondering whether they could also be the answer to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). While the research is promising, it’s important to separate the hype from the reality.

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Recent clinical studies have shown that GLP-1 medications can help reduce the severity of sleep apnoea in some patients, particularly those with a BMI of 30 or greater. The reason is simple: weight loss can reduce pressure around the airway, which may lower the number of breathing interruptions experienced during sleep.

But here’s the key point many people are missing: GLP-1 medications are not a cure for sleep apnoea.

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One year-long clinical trial found that the first 10% of body weight lost resulted in roughly a 20% reduction in sleep apnoea severity. While that sounds significant, the improvement often plateaued beyond that point. For example, someone with an AHI (Apnoea-Hypopnoea Index) of 25, classified as moderate OSA, may see that number reduce to just under 20 after losing 10% of their body weight. While improved, that person would still clinically have moderate sleep apnoea.

This highlights an important truth about OSA: sleep apnoea is not caused by weight alone. Airway anatomy, genetics, muscle tone, age, sleeping position, and other health factors all play a role. In fact, many people with sleep apnoea are not overweight at all.

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At CPAP Direct, we see daily how effective ongoing therapy and proper diagnosis are in improving sleep and overall health outcomes. GLP-1 medications may play a supporting role for some patients, but they should be viewed as part of a broader management strategy, not a silver bullet.

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For support on your journey toward healthier sleep, visit us in-store or at cpap.com.au.

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A $150,000 donation has enabled Mackay Base Hospital to upgrade its MRI monitoring technology, improving patient safety and expanding access to advanced imaging services. Photo source: Mackay Hospital and Health Service

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A $150,000 donation to Mackay Base Hospital will enhance patient safety and expand access to advanced medical imaging services through the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment.

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The Medical Imaging Department has upgraded to the Expression MR400 MRI Patient Monitoring System, a specialised device valued at $189,000 that enables clinicians to continuously monitor a patient’s vital signs during MRI scans.

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The purchase was made possible through a $151,000 donation from Flagon and Dragon Mackay, with the remaining $40,000 contributed by My Hospital Foundation.

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Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Chief Executive Sean Birgan said the new monitoring system represented a significant advancement for medical imaging services and would support safer care for some of the hospital's most vulnerable patients.

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Unlike previous conventional monitoring equipment, the MR400 has been specifically designed for use in the MRI environment.

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The new equipment further strengthened Mackay Base Hospital's ability to deliver high-level healthcare services across the region and supports improved access to specialist imaging for rural and remote patients.

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The system will enhance multidisciplinary collaboration between radiology, anaesthetics, intensive care and other clinical teams, helping ensure complex patients can be safely managed closer to home.

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Bishop Daniel Meagher joined Catherine McAuley College earlier this week to bless and officially open the school’s new Stage 3 facilities, marking another milestone in its continued growth. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Catherine McAuley College Mackay marked a significant milestone in its development earlier this week with the Blessing and Official Opening of its Stage 3 facilities on Tuesday, 23^rd June. The event represented another important step forward for the region’s newest Catholic secondary college, reflecting both its rapid growth and commitment to providing high-quality learning environments for students.

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The ceremony was led by the Most Reverend Daniel Meagher, Bishop of the Diocese of Rockhampton, who blessed the new facilities, alongside Diocesan Director of Catholic Education, Mr Michael McCusker, who officially opened the buildings. Their presence underscored the importance of the occasion for both the College and the wider Catholic education community across the Mackay Region.

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Proceedings began with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony conducted by Mr Philip Kemp and Mrs Veronica Ah-wang, acknowledging the continuing cultural and spiritual connection of First Nations peoples to the region.

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College Principal Mr Jim Ford delivered an Address of Thanks, recognising the collective effort behind Stage 3. The development was made possible through support from the Queensland State Government, alongside the expertise of Bold Architecture and Interior Design and Fergus Builders.

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The completion of Stage 3 signalled the College’s ongoing commitment to nurturing student growth, fostering innovation in teaching and learning, and ensuring facilities keep pace with the needs of a growing school community.

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Students, staff, families and community members gathered for the celebration, giving thanks for how far the College has come in a relatively short time.

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2026-27 State Budget Delivers For Mackay

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Over the past year, I've spent a lot of time out in our community – talking with families, sporting clubs, business owners, healthcare workers, volunteers and local organisations about what matters most to them.

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Again and again, people have told me they want practical action. They want cost-of-living relief. They want better healthcare. They want safer communities. They want housing solutions. And they want to see Mackay continue to grow and prosper.

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That's why I'm pleased to see the 2026-27 Queensland Budget delivering real outcomes for our region.

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At a time when many households are still feeling pressure on the family budget, this Budget provides relief you can rely on. Permanent 50 cent fares are locked in, the Back to School Boost has increased to $150 per child, Play On! sports vouchers continue, and regional Queensland families supplied by Ergon will benefit from lower electricity prices.

These measures might seem simple, but they make a real difference to family budgets right here in Mackay.

Just as importantly, this Budget delivers significant investment into our local community.

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More than $30 million has been committed towards community and social housing projects across our region. Having a safe place to call home is something every Queenslander deserves, and this investment will help support vulnerable residents while providing more housing options for our growing community.

Healthcare is another area where I've heard strong feedback from local residents.

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That's why I'm pleased to see $8.8 million committed to upgrades at the Mackay Community Health Centre. This investment will help improve access to healthcare services and ensure local families can continue receiving the support they need close to home.

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I've also been advocating strongly for better sporting infrastructure, particularly facilities that support the growing participation of women and girls in sport.

One project I'm especially proud to see funded is the new female changeroom facilities at the Mackay District Junior Rugby League playing fields.

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This $1 million project, jointly funded by the Queensland Government and Mackay Regional Council, is something the local community has been calling for. It will provide modern facilities for current and future generations of female athletes and ensure our sporting infrastructure keeps pace with the growth we're seeing across our region.

It's another example of what can happen when local voices are heard and governments work together to deliver practical outcomes.

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Beyond Mackay, this Budget continues important investments across Queensland, including new schools, hospital upgrades, more police on the beat, critical road and transport infrastructure, and record investment in social and community housing.

But my focus remains firmly on what this means for Mackay.

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For too long, many people in our community felt that Mackay wasn't getting the attention it deserved. I'm committed to changing that.

Whether it's healthcare, housing, sporting facilities, community safety or cost-of-living relief, I'll continue fighting to ensure Mackay gets its fair share and that the voices of local residents are heard in Brisbane.

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This Budget won't solve every challenge overnight, but it represents another step forward for our region and builds on the work already underway across Mackay.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share their ideas, concerns and priorities with me over the past year. Your feedback helps shape the conversations I have in Parliament and the issues I continue to advocate for on behalf of our community.

As your local Member, I'll keep listening, keep advocating and keep working to deliver the outcomes that matter most to Mackay families.

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Mackay Regional Council is upgrading and extending the Pioneer River Levee system in West Mackay, with funding from the Australian Government and council, to improve flood protection for residents, businesses and key infrastructure, with construction set to run from mid-2026 to December 2026, weather permitting. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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A major upgrade and extension of the Pioneer River Levee system is set to improve flood protection for Mackay residents and businesses, carried out by local contractor Pentacon.

The project is jointly funded by $6.1 million through the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program, $555,225 from the Disaster Ready Fund and $12.7 million from Mackay Regional Council.

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Works will include construction of a new levee wall, stormwater upgrades, road reconstruction and revegetation works. The existing levee will be extended along the southern bank of the Pioneer River adjacent to West Mackay, with flood gates to be installed at key access points for activation when flooding is imminent.

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Mayor Greg Williamson said the project was a significant investment in the region's flood resilience and would help protect homes, businesses and key infrastructure from future flood events.

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"We know how significant flood events can be for our region and this project will provide greater peace of mind for residents by reducing risk and improving community resilience," he said.

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Mayor Williamson said the project was being delivered in response to increasing flood risks across the region, resulting in more frequent emergency services call-outs in recent years.

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"What we have to do, as a council, is make sure that the bulk of our area in West Mackay is protected."

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Council estimates the project will cost just under $19 million.

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"The cost of the project, we're estimating now at just under $19 million," Mayor Williamson said.

He said council had been pursuing the project for many years.

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"We've been campaigning for many years. Certainly since I've been in the chair, so that's a decade."

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Construction is expected to begin in mid-June and continue through to December 2026, weather permitting.

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"We expect it'll go through until December, weather permitting, to be completed by the end of December," Mayor Williamson said.

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While some disruption is expected during the construction period, works will be delivered in stages, with advance notice provided to minimise impacts on residents and businesses.  

Access to properties will be maintained throughout construction and the Mackay Cemetery will remain open.

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Executive Manager Portfolio Management Office Mick Zimmerle said the project would provide important benefits for the community.

"This is vital for the Mackay community," Mr Zimmerle said.

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"It's going to protect West Mackay and all the residents and properties around."

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Mr Zimmerle said the project would involve multiple construction methods.

"It's a combination of both concrete block levee construction as well as earth levee," he said.

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He said the project had been informed by years of planning and flood studies.

"A considerable amount of planning goes into this," Mr Zimmerle said.

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"Our team's been working on this for many years, and they do flood studies up and down the river to come up with this construction."

Cr Williamson said the completed project would deliver long-term flood protection benefits for the region.

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"At the end of this project, you will get much better protection for river flooding than you would ever have in the last 50 or 60 years."

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A simple act of kindness gave a Mackay bottle-collecter an unexpected $50 surprise, proving that generosity can show up in the most ordinary moments. Photo source: Shutterstock

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A Mackay man’s routine bottle-collecting hobby turned into an unexpected act of kindness at a local car park.

The man, who collects discarded plastic bottles and cans to redeem for 10-cent refunds, said he was going about his usual morning when a woman called him over and handed him two empty bottles.

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After joking that he now “owed her 20 cents,” the pair shared a brief, light-hearted moment before the woman and her companion went to leave.

But then, just as they drove off, the pair handed the man an empty Coke bottle — with a quiet instruction to “look under the cap.”

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Inside the neck of the bottle, he found a folded $50 note.

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Stunned by the gesture, the man said the pair simply drove away without waiting for thanks, in a moment he described as proof that kindness still exists in everyday Mackay life.

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“Good, generous people still do exist,” he reflected.

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If you're using DISC, it's probably because someone introduced it to your workplace years ago and it simply became "what we do here." Not because it's the best tool available.

DISC was developed nearly 100 years ago and focuses on categorising people into four broadly defined behavioural styles. It tells you how someone tends to behave. Don’t get me wrong - definitely useful - however, it’s like describing a car by its colour and never looking under the bonnet.

CliftonStrengths takes a very different approach – and I’m hooked! Rather than putting people into DISC’s four boxes, it identifies an individual's unique pattern from 34 talents. Based on positive psychology (looking at what you do well vs what are your gaps and weaknesses), it’s like cracking open your head to see exactly how you tick – but only in a positive way! It helps people understand what they naturally do best and how they can easily leverage those talents for better performance, job satisfaction, and team collaboration. In this world of ‘busy-ness’ I’m all about efficiency, so it makes total sense to me.

The research is compelling. Gallup has studied millions of people over several decades and found individuals who ‘sit in their strengths’ every day are more engaged, productive and experience greater wellbeing. Teams that intentionally use their strengths perform better, get along better, and collaborate more effectively.

DISC often creates statements such as, "That's just my style." Whereas the CliftonStrengths creates conversations such as, "How can I leverage my talents better?" The first statement is a ‘full stop’ whilst the latter fosters growth.

In today's workplace, we don't need more labels and ‘boxes’ constructed around our potentials. We need people who understand their strengths, appreciate the strengths of others, and know how to combine collective strengths to achieve greater outcomes.

Think of it this way - DISC is a black-and-white photo of your team, whereas CliftonStrengths is high-definition colour. Once you've seen the difference, it's hard to go back. Level-up your team and your business with CliftonStrengths!

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Budget Shifts: A Turning Point for Property, Tax and Family Wealth

Every so often, a Federal Budget signals more than minor adjustments. The 2026 Budget is one of those.

With proposed changes to negative gearing, capital gains tax (CGT), and discretionary family trusts, the Government has targeted three of the most common strategies Australians use to build wealth.

For many locals this is not just a policy update. It’s a shift that could influence decisions for years to come.

Negative Gearing – A Narrower Approach

Negative gearing has long supported property investors by allowing rental losses to reduce taxable income from other sources. That is now being scaled back.

From 1st July 2027, negative gearing will largely be limited to newly built properties, with existing investments continuing under current rules. New purchases of established properties will still allow deductions, but those losses can no longer offset salary income and instead must be carried forward to offset future property income or gains.

The intention is to direct investment toward new housing supply and improve opportunities for first-home buyers.  

However, investors may become more selective, development demand could increase, and the property market may begin to split between those operating under old and new rules.

Capital Gains Tax – A Structural Shift

Alongside this sits a significant change to capital gains tax.

The long-standing 50% CGT discount is proposed to be replaced with inflation indexation, along with a minimum 30% tax rate on gains from 1st July 2027. Rather than applying a blanket discount, the system will focus on taxing gains above inflation, while ensuring a base level of tax is still paid.

While the concept sounds straightforward, the implications are broader. Investment strategies may need to be reassessed. Importantly, gains accumulated before the change are expected to be protected, which may lead to increased planning and restructuring ahead of implementation.

Family Trusts – Reduced Flexibility

The third key change involves discretionary (family) trusts.

From 1st July 2028, a minimum 30% tax rate is proposed on trust income, regardless of how it is distributed. Historically, trusts have allowed income to be distributed across different tax brackets. Under the new rules, that benefit is significantly reduced.

A Shift in Direction

Taken together, these measures reflect a broader shift.

The system is moving towards more consistent taxation of capital, while easing reliance on concessions that have historically favoured investors. The goals—improving housing affordability and fairness—are clear. However, the outcome will ultimately depend on how markets and individuals respond.

What Should You Do?

At this stage, remember these proposals are not yet law.

For now, the focus should be on awareness, not reaction:

• Understand your current structures

• Be mindful of how future investments may be treated

• Review whether your strategy remains appropriate & seek advice before making major decisions

Final Thoughts

Tax rules evolve, and this Budget marks a clear pivot. For some, that will create opportunity. For others, it may require adjustment.

Either way, those who understand the changes early are best placed to respond.

If you’d like an obligation free review of your financial situation, call us for an appointment today.

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