By Kevin Borg, Chairman, CANEGROWERS Mackay
Isaac region residents have followed the Mackay Region and received new Land Valuations, with some dramatic increases causing discussion and anxiety as they take in the new valuation.
Across the board, the total value of rural land across the region has increased by 70%. But for many, increases are beyond 100%.
That, of course, translates into rates increases for landholders. While CANEGROWERS Mackay is continuing discussions with Mackay Regional Council on the rates burden for canefarming enterprises, we now are also initiating discussion with Isaac Regional Council.
While the State Valuation Service points out that rates and rating categories are under the control of local government, councils readily point out that they are based on state valuations.
For the property owner, this blame game puts us in a position of being like the piggy stuck in the middle, in a game where the ball gets higher and higher, more out of reach.
For a canefarmer, meeting the cost of rates is a double challenge. It’s about maintaining the family home and the family business. It is an ever-ballooning cost of production that sits alongside the pressure of the cost of living.
Canefarming is like quite a range of agribusinesses that are price takers, not price makers. We are at the mercy of world sugar price. There is nowhere to pass on inflating costs of production. It’s about margins. Sugar price is strong right now, but so are costs, and cost of production is unfortunately on a steep trajectory. There will be years when that price will almost certainly move closer to the cost of production. If we are lucky, the lower sugar prices will not go in tandem with drought, fire or flood.
The cost of living is a community-wide pressure. And while local government also faces the pressure of inflation, and has to meet its increasing costs, the continual pressure on landholders needs to be addressed.

Rates cost increases precipitated by steep increases in valuations are effectively a money grab: councils have the powers to set parameters within their rating system that could show greater empathy to cost of living pressures of landholders. But equally, local governments need to be supported by other levels of government to utilise a range of mechanisms that help to meet their budgetary requirements - not just via rates revenue.

The Queensland Government has a voluntary Guideline on equity and fairness in rating for Queensland local governments. CANEGROWERS is part of a growing list of organisations urging that the guidelines should be adopted as mandatory for all councils. This is a move also supported by the Queensland Farmers Federation (QFF), of which CANEGROWERS is a member.
The QFF has also reported it will be putting a submission to a Federal Senate inquiry into the sustainability of local councils, calling on the federal government to increase the allocation of financial assistance grants provided to local councils. These grants come from GST revenue, however, whilst GST revenue has continued to grow, the allocation / revenue split to local councils has remained unchanged, and has in real terms actually declined.
A sustainable council is critical to the local community. The local government share of the GST allocation needs to be increased. This will be the major lever that can assist with the financial viability of councils, allowing them to have more wriggle room when it comes to their strategies to raise income through rates.

Another major influence on cost-of-living is the market element in determining property valuations, often driven by some quite outlandishly high sales in some localities. Who really wins when a property is sold well over value? Banks? Real Estate? High land prices set off a domino effect.
Governments and opposition are always talking up how they are addressing cost-of-living issues, but they aren’t addressing that elephant in our living rooms – the influence of market value on property valuations, which impacts right down the line from landholders to renters to the community. The more money it costs to keep a roof over our head - or business – and to maintain our rates bill, the less there is to spend in local businesses and on other qualities of life.
Controlling ever-spiralling rates and land values is an issue on which all levels of government need to work together to ease cost-of-living pressures. Creating a fair system of rating categories is something that local government can do to ease community cost of living issues but we also need to see economic sustainability and services maintained at the local government level.

Isaac region cane country.  Picture: Kirili Lamb

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The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website and app are useful tools used by many farmers and producers. The tools help landholders to understand upcoming short and long-term climate forecasts, assisting with informed property management decisions. But did you know BOM also has a YouTube channel that provides regular videos and playlists? These outline weekly, monthly and even severe weather forecasts and events.

Navigating the BOM website can be tricky and may not always provide clear and usable information. Created by the scientists and meteorologists at BOM, these videos help make the information more digestible and easy to implement on your property. They also provide the most up-to-date information and are posted regularly. 
 
The landline weather playlist provides weekly weather outlooks for the whole of Australia focusing on rainfall across the country. These episodes are added every Sunday and can be used to inform short-term decisions. The climate and water outlook playlist covers monthly and seasonal rainfall and temperature outlooks for three-month intervals for the whole of Australia. These are released every month and at the start of every season. Long-term forecasts are still the best source of upcoming conditions compared to climate drivers alone, which help ground truth models, as they consider other factors like sea surface temperatures, and atmosphere-ocean interactions. 
 
The videos under the agriculture playlist are tailored to each state and territory, with a focus on a particular crop. The sugarcane outlook videos for central Queensland provide forecast information specifically for the Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions. These videos are posted monthly between April and September.

For forecast information related to our region over spring and summer, the grain's monthly climate outlook for QLD and NSW, provides climate forecasts, with our area just viewable at the top of the map displayed in the videos. 

The videos look at comparing past forecasts with known observations to confirm how accurate the predictions were, short term (weeks) and long term (months) forecast predictions and the comparison of different international forecast models. This information can then be used to inform short and long-term decisions on your property. 
 
BOM also requests feedback from farmers to allow them to learn and adapt their tools and products to make them as useful as possible for farmers and producers. Any feedback can be provided to agriculture@bom.gov.au. These videos are another tool in your kit for helping make farm-based management decisions based on forthcoming weather conditions, thereby optimising crop productivity, and enhancing time management efficiency.
 
Additionally, for those interested in further resources and initiatives focused on drought resilience, the Tropical North Queensland Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub (TNQ Hub) led by James Cook University offers valuable support and collaboration opportunities for land managers and communities in the region.

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Senior Project Officer Carlos Bueno

Project Officer Rachel Taylor. Photo supplied

Drought Hub - Putting Faces To Names

You may have heard of us but we wanted to help put faces to names as representatives of Tropical North Queensland Drought hub in the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac region.

Senior project officer Carlos Bueno (carlos.bueno@reefcatchments.com) and project officer Rachel Taylor (rachel.taylor@reefcatchments.com) from Reef Catchments work as part of drought hub as a point of contact for our region.

We’re here to connect farmers and producers with options for managing your farm including sharing information on local webinars, workshops and grant opportunities on a range of topics such as climate forecasting, farm infrastructure, new technologies or practice changes.

We know farmers and producers have limited spare time, thereby our goal is to be that one stop shop to point you in the right direction to achieve your management goals while making your farm and business more resilient to our changing climate. Feel free to email either of us through email or call Reef Catchments on 07 4968 4200.

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Simon Hood
Wilmar Manager Grower Marketing
As the close of the 2023 pricing season nears, it's an opportune time to reflect on the journey it has been.
Opening in July 2020 with an indicative forward price of $350/t, the trajectory since then has been nothing short of remarkable, with the price steadily climbing to a peak of $950/t towards the end of 2023.
Describing the past 12 months as tumultuous would be an understatement.
At the beginning of 2023 pricing started at $550/t, steadily growing to $840/t, before dropping to $725/t in July. By late October, prices soared and we witnessed the peak of $950/t, only for it to drop once more to around $650/t by the start of 2024. This year we have seen prices fluctuate back up to $810/t, ultimately closing the season at around $675/t.
Comparing the average price of $550/t over the past three years with the $750/t average of the past 12 months, shows the volatility experienced.
Reflecting on Wilmar Sugar and Renewables’ performance in managing pools throughout this period, the primary pool used by growers was the Production Risk Pool, equivalent to QSL’s Harvest Pool. These pools are managed over a seasonal timeframe and prices may not be directly comparable to the average prices achieved by growers pricing on the forward market over a three-year period.
Despite the fluctuations, Wilmar remains dedicated to maximising returns for growers through informed pool pricing decisions. The graph below shows that growers who price under the Wilmar Production Risk Pool are consistently better off over a three-year period, than those who market with QSL’s Harvest Pool. With the 2023 season ending, significant changes to pool prices are unlikely with the expiry of the May #11 contract.
Over the past month, Wilmar’s Grower Marketing team has been bolstered by the addition of two new staff members, and some changes to increase the support for growers across all milling regions. Owen Richards will support Fiona Villis and Meghan Wilson in the Burdekin region with grower pricing. He will also be exploring new avenues to enhance profitability for growers across all regions through new products and services.
Similarly, Angus McKerrow will now split his time between the Plane Creek and Herbert regions to facilitate Wilmar’s growing presence.
In Townsville, Megan Hawke will oversee the administration by providing support to Wilmar’s growers and field team. Megan will work on enhancing grower relationships through updated communications and the development of pricing systems and tools.
Be sure to stay tuned for the upcoming quarterly analysis of pool performance and comparative outcomes. This report is a valuable resource for growers when evaluating their marketing strategies.
Additionally, Wilmar Sugar and Renewables will release an annual 2023 season pricing analysis to combine the results from all products and regions. It will provide a basis for growers to assess their current pricing strategies, and will be a reference point for the Grower Marketing team and how they will assist in GEI sugar pricing decisions, for the 2024 season and beyond.

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Wilmar’s Production Risk Pool has outperformed QSL’s Harvest Pool for three consecutive years.

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There are so many activities around Mackay and the Whitsundays for you and the family to be involved in lately. So many great opportunities to get the family out of the house and have a few laughs and the odd yelling experience too.

Saturday night is your opportunity to go and check out some basketball action with our great local teams in the NBL1!

If you remember back in the glory days of the Queensland Basketball League or, the QBL, Mackay was an absolute powerhouse. Our basketball stars with the Meteors and Meteorettes were top of the pile in sporting circles, because we won a lot of flags and trophies for the cabinets.

Right now, fast forward to 2024, we still have that greatness in basketball, because our Meteors and Meteorettes are a strong force in this expanded NBL1 competition.

This Saturday is round 3, and we’ve got another home game (that’s 3 in a row) that you can come down to and cheer. This weekend we are taking on Rockhampton and I will tell you now, there is no love lost when we take on these guys from down the goat highway.

Whenever I mention these guys, comments come back about the history of these meetings over the years. There are plenty of stories when we played them down in their home court, and the disgusting crowd behaviour given to our players. Well, that hasn’t changed all that much really. There’s still hatred towards Mackay, but now that Rocky has caught up and now have electricity and sewerage services to their homes, they have picked up their game just a bit.

Who knows how they will act when they play us at Mackay Basketball stadium on Saturday, we can only wait and see.

What I do ask of you is, quite easily, come and join us and cheer our teams on to victory. Our Meteorettes are 1 and 1 and our Meteors are 2 wins and no losses! Can we make it three on the trot? Let’s see how we go.

It’s a fun night out in the stadium. Heaps of music, fun games to watch in between the actual basketball. I’ll be the idiot on the mic getting the crowd to get louder, and who knows you could be shooting a ball from halfway to grab a $1000 cash prize! Who wouldn’t want that! Just throw it a little further than our mate Josh Smith did last week! Just saying.

Come down and get involved in basketball on Saturday. I’ll make you smile. Guaranteed.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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Often we observe that people are ‘lucky’. The opportunities that come your way may have an aspect of ‘luck’, however the preparation to be ready to seize those opportunities and make the most of them (the good ones) is all up to you. Success is said to be created by being ready for and open to opportunities.

To make the most of opportunity, whether seeking a career shift or uplift, in final year at Uni, or Grade 12, here are some key tips.

Build your basic toolkit
Create an email address that is suitable for job applications – keep it simple – use your full name recommended.
Build your Résumé so it’s up to date, and then it will only be tweaks for each application.
Prepare a cover letter template – this is your summary pitch for the role.

Do your research
Check out the job and career offerings of your preferred employers. Many organisations have a dedicated section on their website (e.g. Careers, Work with Us) with information about what’s on offer. Research also will give you a sense of what it’s like to work there, including employee stories. Consider carefully not only the job you want, but also the type of place you want to work – it makes a big difference to motivation!

Make it easy – don’t miss opportunity
Sign up to career alerts via those websites for the types of roles that match what you are looking for (e.g. roles in your field, apprenticeships and graduate programs) - then it comes direct to your inbox (of course you have to check your inbox) and you won’t miss when applications open. If you are already working, also make the most of LinkedIn job alerts.

Be ready to take action
With your personal toolkit prepared, you are ready to take action and craft your application to suit the opportunity responding to why you are the right fit for the role, whether looking for a career shift or a school leaver. Be ready NOW!

If you are currently in Grade 12, for example, and seeking an apprenticeship, many of the region’s major employers are already recruiting or will be soon (not in November when you finish school). Similarly if you are completing Uni, Graduate Programs are open or soon will be for employment next year. Ensure you also explore what’s on offer from the local, state and federal governments.

Initiate rather than react – don’t be a spectator of your own life!
Open your eyes to opportunities and seize them. If it all seems overwhelming, seek some assistance to develop your Résumé, assist with your applications and interview preparation, or with an option to complete a comprehensive personal Career Action Plan. CareerForce Australia can provide that dedicated personal support - contact me at powerup@careerforceaustralia.com.au or 0409 894 131 to learn more.

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One of the things that really annoys me about today’s world is the argument that people have to apologise for, and feel guilty about, what happened in the past.
That’s not to say that what was done in the past was not wrong … in many cases it was and must be acknowledged.
All sorts of things were wrong in the past. But they were done at a time when values and beliefs were different. We now know them to be wrong and society has changed accordingly.  
We don’t discriminate against people based on the colour of their skin. We don’t accept child labour, although sadly it does still happen in Third World countries. Discrimination against women is no longer acceptable, although there are parts of the non-Western world that seem to feel it is absolutely fine. “No driver’s licence for you, dear lady.”
It is also true when assessing history that two things, one good and one bad, can happen at the same time. At a moment in time we can condemn one aspect of society and admire another.
Great works of art and philosophy and public discourse were being created at a time also marked by slavery, discrimination, brutality and unjust wars. Do we condemn everything from that time or admire the good parts and reject, condemn and never repeat the aspects that we now know to be wrong?
Which brings me to my mate Dave and the house he and his wife share in Mackay.
Dave and his wife live in a house bought by his wife’s grandfather many, many years ago, a Queenslander on Shakespeare St.
Dave told me the other day that his wife’s grandfather, Bill Higham, was a senior engineer in the sugar industry who worked at the North Eton Mill in the 1940s.
At some stage in the mid-1940s, Bill was confronted by his employer and told to convert to Catholicism.
In fact, he was given an ultimatum: become a Catholic or you will be sacked.
Now Bill wasn’t the sort of bloke who was going to be pushed around and told what, if any, religion he was going to be. He refused to take the easy way out and convert to Catholicism. So, he was sacked from his job as senior engineer at the North Eton Mill.
Imagine someone being sacked today for not being a particular religion. Rightly, it wouldn’t happen.
Fortunately, Bill moved on and got a job as head engineer at the Farleigh Mill, working there until his retirement.
During those early days at the Farleigh Mill, Bill bought a house in Shakespeare St where he and his wife raised three daughters … the same house that his grand daughter lives in today with her husband, my mate Dave.
It’s a typically beautiful, highest Queenslander with the polished floorboards, high ceilings, tongue and groove walls … an authentic work of art and functionality created by builders and who did quality work designed to stand the test of time and engage with a tough environment earmarked by heat, humidity and flood.
The house lives on nearly 100 years later, a proud statement in workmanship and design.
A moment in time in which a senior engineer could be sacked because he wasn’t a Catholic also produced a beautiful, unique style of housing designed to withstand the harshest elements of the tropics.
While society has moved on from religious-based sackings, the Queenslander stands proud and as popular as ever. Queenslanders live on, a beautiful statement in style and functionality in a modern world far removed from the time in which they were built.
You can’t sack a bloke for not being Catholic any more but you can still love living in his house.

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The theme for the 2024 Mayor’s Charity Ball to be held early next month is “Iconic Mackay”.

“This year’s Ball is all about celebrating Iconic Mackay – its features, history, events and people,’’ the Mayor said.
“The main musical entertainment will be a world-class Elton John Experience, with Greg Andrews internationally recognised as one of the best Elton John tribute artists in the world,’’ he said.
“That is a nod to the Sir Elton John concert that was held in Mackay at BB Print Stadium in September 2017. It was a once-in-a-lifetime event for many of those who attended.”
Mayor Williamson said “Iconic Mackay” was the room theme for the MECC Plenary Halls, which would look spectacular on the night on Saturday, May 11.
“As always, the Ball isn’t a fancy dress event. Ball-goers should come dressed to suit Mackay’s premier red-carpet social event,’’ he said.
The Ball has raised more than $1 million since its inception.
Mayor Williamson said the aim in recent years had been to fund two charities for two years to enable significant funds to be raised for each charity and to make a real difference in our community.
“Proceeds this year will be split 50-50 between Australian Street Aid Project and new beneficiary Grapevine Group,” Mayor Williamson said.
Grapevine Group training coordinator Edie Weiss said the group was extremely grateful to be a beneficiary of the Mayor’s Charity Ball.
“The ball coincides with our 20th anniversary, which is a very special milestone for our volunteers to reach,’’ she said.
“This donation will enable Grapevine Group to offer medium and large businesses the opportunity to have their own in-house safeTALK Trainers on staff to help train more locals in suicide prevention.
“To date, Grapevine has proudly trained 6800, but many more people need to be suicide aware and know where to find the support they need.”
Mayor Williamson said the Ball, organised by a committee made up of representatives of the community, the MECC and council, kept going from strength to strength each year.

L-R: Cr Alison Jones, Deputy Mayor Belinda Hassan, Kayleigh Brewster, Mayor Greg Williamson, Edie Weiss, Cr Ash-Lee Johnson and Cr Heath Paton are getting ready to celebrate ‘Iconic Mackay’ at this year’s Mayor’s Charity Ball

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Get ready for a fun-filled week of community vitality as the Northern Beaches Community Week springs to life from April 26th to May 5th, 2024. This vibrant celebration is made possible through the Mackay Regional Council Activate My Place (AMP!) Grant, fuelled by the community for the community, focusing on fostering connections, promoting wellness, and showcasing the richness of our local area.

The Northern Beaches has seen rapid expansion in recent years, bringing together diverse residents. However, amidst this growth, there's a recognised need for stronger community hubs and services. The Northern Beaches Community Week aims to address this by nurturing a connected, vibrant, and thriving community where neighbours support one another and feel a sense of belonging. Residents are invited to participate in various activities under the Gather - Create - Activate themes during this exciting week-long event.

With over 30 FREE events on offer, there's something for everyone. From fitness sessions like Pilates in the park and yoga to cultural and art workshops and social gatherings, the
Community Week promises to be an enriching experience for all. Collaborating with local community groups, the event line-up includes activities such as a Sunrise Photography Session hosted by the Mackay Camera Group Inc. at Blacks Beach, a Beach to Bush Walk
organised by the Mackay Bushwalkers' Club Inc. at Shoal Point, and FREE Come & Try Sessions with Sunset Bay Outriggers Canoe Club Inc. and Shito-Ryu Karate Northern Beaches.

Thanks to the support of the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a partnership between the Queensland Government and Mackay Regional Council, art enthusiasts will delight in youth art workshops, public art installations, and musical performances.

Local businesses are encouraged to attend and discover how to receive support and network with others in the area. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of volunteers has worked tirelessly to bring the Northern Beaches Community Week to life, with invaluable support from Mackay Regional Council and Greater Whitsunday Communities. Their vision is to make this event a success and inspire future activations and the formation
of a community group or progress association.

Community members are encouraged to register for all events that require bookings.

Rebecca Cooper, Volunteer Event Organiser, expressed gratitude for the support and hopes to see the community embrace this new event concept in the Northern Beaches.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to participate in this exciting community event.

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Get engaged with your local community at one…or multiple FREE events amidst the week-long fun in Northern Beaches!

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Going into their Round 6 clash, Mackay Cutters and Wynnum Manly Seagulls were one and three on the Hostplus Cup table, so the game was always going to be a tight contest. 
Cutters winger Josh Smith was the first to strike, scoring the first of his two tries in the game in the seventh minute, and the Cutters went into half-time up 14-12.
The final siren saw the try count at five to four; Bryce Donovan converted all four Wynnum Manly tries and Riley Dean converted two for Cutters and kicked two penalty goals to help secure the two-point win.
Cutters coach Michael Comerford said it was good to come away with a win after a nerve-wracking end where all of the momentum sat with Wynnum Manly.

"A little bit frustrated that we weren't clinical enough to put it to bed earlier, but our defence at the end was something special," Comerford said.
"Efforts like that... down to 12 players, defending four sets in a row, you could see it meant something."
Comerford said second rowers Jamal Shibasaki and Hiale Roycroft were the standouts for him and North Queensland Cowboys affiliate Jaxon Purdue provided a welcomed injection of talent.
"Jamal Shibasaki was excellent on the left edge... Hiale Roycroft did a job on the right edge and Jaxon's long-range try was something special," Comerford said.
Comerford noted the Mackay crowd was instrumental in helping get his side over the line, and he was glad they would secure the win for everyone who had supported them through their tough times.
Comerford said moving forward, his side needed to seize all of their opportunities to finish games off better.
Seagulls coach Matt Head said the Cutters deserved the win, noting his side did not play the style of football they needed to in order to win games against quality opposition.
"All credit has to go to Mackay... they were outstanding," Head said.
"We did not play our best... there was not enough consistency from a lot of players out there... we need to be collectively better."
Head, despite being disappointed with the loss, added second rower Luke Gale and centre Connor Broadhurst were the standouts for him.
"Luke Gale was courageous in everything he did... he carried the ball well and tackled strong," Head said.
"Connor Broadhurst was our most dangerous outside back. Both of them can hold their heads high."

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Article by Jorja Brinums, QRL content producer

Josh Smith on the fly. Photo: Ben van Moolenbroek

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In other games, the Mal Maninga squad suffered a defeat against the Seagulls, going down 32-18.

The BMD Premiership ladies made it six in a row against Wynnum Manly, coming away victors 28-10 in a dominant display.

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By Amanda Wright

"Some of us were only 20," Kenneth (Ken) Higgins recalls, his voice heavy with the weight of memory. "In those days, you couldn’t vote until you were 21 and you couldn’t drink.
“Yet they would send us to Vietnam to kill people."
“We were sent to a foreign land we hadn’t even heard of before as kids, to kill people we didn’t know or dislike.
“They expected us to go and do these horrors and then come back and forget about it.”
This is part of the turmoil many Vietnam Veterans have had to face throughout the years, many with undiagnosed PTSD battling recurrent nightmares, many with unexplained illnesses through harsh poisonous chemical exposure and many who still to this day are reluctant to talk about the horror of conflict as a conscript.
The sad irony of the Vietnam War, is that although it was the first war to be televised, it’s the war with the most reluctance for its returned soldiers to talk about, due to the harsh labels pinned on these kids when they returned, “baby killers”, “murderers” were yelled at them when they first stepped foot back on ‘home’ soil.
There was no welcome home parade for these men and women.
And then, after the constant anxiety of staying alive for months on end in a jungle with constant attacks and explosions, these brave souls were basically forgotten, left to get on with a life they barely recognised, with little to no support.
This is the story Ken Higgins has agreed to share, not to glorify war, but to acknowledge the sacrifice of those still living with inner turmoil, pay respect to those fallen and ensure the mistakes and sacrifices of the past aren’t white-washed and forgotten.
Continued on pages 5 and 6…

Mackay RSL Sub-Branch President and Vietnam Veteran, Ken Higgins, reflects on the sacrifices made by soldiers during the Vietnam War. Photo credit: Amanda Wright
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The Brutal Toll Of Vietnam's Battlefield

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Forgetting the horrors of war proved impossible for Ken and his fellow conscripts.
"Nearly half of the Australians killed in Vietnam were conscripted soldiers, yet the Australian Government said conscripts were mainly to be utilised to make up the numbers... Yet the reality was that conscripts saw as much action as the full-time soldiers.
“In our platoon at least half of us were conscripts.”
The conflict which forever changed Mr Higgins’ life occurred on December 11, 1969. For the soldiers in Vietnam, it was a very different ‘Summer of ‘69’ than the one sung by Bryan Adams.
Amidst the dense jungles of Vietnam, fate dealt a cruel hand to a band of brothers.
"War correspondents were a relatively rare sight for us... until that day," Ken recounts with the rawness of memory. It was a day etched in blood and sorrow, a day when their section commander, Lance Corporal Robert Buchan, known affectionately as Jock, met his untimely end.
Jock led his platoon through the treacherous terrain of the Nui May Tau Mountains. With every step, they made their way through the thick jungle canopy and traversed the thin line between life and death.
As they pressed forward, Private Kenneth Higgins, a forward scout, signalled the presence of an enemy bunker just 15 meters ahead. Jock, ever vigilant, halted the platoon's advance, sending a second scout to investigate. But fate, cruel and unyielding, intervened with ruthless efficiency.
The enemy, hidden amidst the canopy, advanced upon the unsuspecting soldiers. In the chaos that ensued, Jock was struck down by a hail of bullets to the chest, his young life extinguished in an instant. Nearby, Private Kenneth Higgins was wounded, his arm and leg torn by the onslaught.
Above the canopy, the rhythmic thud of helicopter blades signalled the arrival of salvation. An American medivac team descended upon the sight of contact, their mission clear: to rescue the wounded and retrieve the fallen.
The aftermath was captured by the war correspondent who was with them that day.
"It’s the only photo of an Australian soldier killed in action taken by a war correspondent in the Vietnam War," Ken reflected.
The photos capture the aftermath of the contact with L/Cpl Buchan’s body in view while an American ‘dust-off’ helicopter (Iroquois) hovered overhead to winch the injured Pte Higgins to safety as well as retrieve the body of the deceased.
“They winched me out of the jungle first as Jock was already dead and if they ran into strife they would have left him and returned later, but they were able to get Jock’s body out. There were no body bags or anything, they just had to tie him on and lift him out.”
The memory of that incursion still haunts Mr Higgins to this day, though his valiant stature rarely shows glimpses of the effect these and other moments in Vietnam left scarred on his soul.
“It was a horrible time but interwoven with the best of times which is hard to comprehend.
“But when faced with the horrors we were, you relied on the person beside you with your life, and that forms bonds which are still strong to this day, more than 50 years later.
“I never had any hatred towards the Vietnamese people, what we were doing over there in our minds was political. But we still had to protect ourselves and our mates, so we did what we had to do to survive.
“We knew we just had to hold on long enough to get out of there.
“It’s probably scarred us a lot more than we realise in the way we think. My wife recognises it in me, she says when bad things happen I show no emotion. But when you’ve seen the worst, whatever they dish up now is no worse than what we’ve been through.”

On the day Jock was killed during Operation Mandaran, the second scout was John Gosling, Ken’s best man at his wedding and the duo are still close friends to this day.
“That close-knit family of a platoon of guys never ever leaves you.
“The only reason we leave each other is when we die, and we’ve lost a lot.
“A lot of the Vietnam Vets are dying very young, some through suicide and some through illness.
“I’m not saying we’re young now but we shouldn’t die yet, and a lot are dying sooner than they should.
“We’ve had people die in their 40’s and 50’s from a lot of cancer.
“We’re suspicious of the defoliants used during Vietnam and it leaching into the water and all sorts of stuff that stuck to us, all the poisonous agents.
More than 20 years after returning home, Ken spent three weeks in Greenslopes hospital with a rash from one end of his body to the other.
“They had me in oil baths daily, wrapped me up like a mummy, I had to sleep in wet gear and they never told me what it was.
“We had a reunion back in the 90’s, and out of the 8 of us that slept in the same room, 6 of us had rashes.
“We’re seeing a lot of child deformities coming through, out of all of my mates nearly all of us have a child with something not quite right and not just the children but the grandchildren.
“But the Government won’t admit to any of that, we’re just told to ‘get over it’.
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South Vietnam, December 11, 1969, Pte. Kenneth Higgins is winched out on a jungle penetrator by a hovering US Iroquois medical evacuation dust-off helicopter
The New Zealand Army Roman Catholic padre, Chaplain Ray Stachurski, administers the last rites to section commander L/Cpl Robert Buchan. Photo credit: Peter Ward
Ken being attached to the jungle penetrator in preparation for being winched out of the jungle, wounded in an arm and leg
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Leaving A Legacy For Our Veterans

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Ken’s story echoes that of many of our Vietnam Veterans. Young people of today would struggle to comprehend what it would be like to be plucked out of a humble upbringing, thrown into the face of a war that had seemingly nothing to do with the place they called home.
Mr Higgins was a country kid, who was plucked from the bush to be thrown into the jungle.
He was born on a dairy farm near the Goulburn River in Victoria, close to the NSW border. The closest main centre was Shepparton. They moved to Gippsland and then Kyabram where Ken did his schooling and played footy. That’s where he was called up from during the Vietnam War conscription.
The way conscription worked was the government randomly selected days of the month and if your birthday fell on one of those four days, you had to be assessed.
Ken and other kids from around the country were gathered up for medicals. Being fit and healthy, Ken flew through all of the tests.
“You would have been better off presenting as a rabid mongrel dog, but you just didn’t know back then, you were too honest,” he said.
He served his first 10 weeks of intensive training at Puckapunyal in Western Victoria, where they were torn down to be built back up.
From there, it was 10 weeks of infantry training at Singleton in NSW and three weeks at Kununurra for intensive jungle training.
“There was barely time to draw breath between the training, we were given a short time to say goodbye to Mum and Dad before we had to return to Ingleburn in Sydney. At midnight on a Monday night the plane would take all the reinforcements over to Vietnam,” Ken said.
“We flew to Saigon, then were shipped to Vung Tau and up to Nui Dat. Most of us were infantry and we went straight to our battalions, the reinforcement wings were tied to the 9th battalion. I was there for a month and a half and then did the next eight months with the 6th battalion.
On his 21st birthday, Ken has an interesting story to tell, involving trip wires, claymores and a wandering dog that lit up the jungle, but that’s a story for him to share over a cold beer or two.
“In May 1970 we were shipped back to Australia on leave and then to Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, which is where I fell in love with Queensland.”
While Ken was in Vietnam, his mum and dad had shifted down the Mornington Peninsula, which is where he met his wife soon after returning home.
“I was married at 24 and we’re still married 51 years later.
“Her Dad was a WWII Spitfire pilot with the RAAF and he was the secretary-manager of an RSL and invited me straight in, so I became an RSL bloke when I was 21 and I’m still here today.”
Ken and his wife moved to Hervey Bay in 1988 and bought a caravan park. They shifted in 1992 to Kinchant Dam where they owned and operated the camping grounds for more than 10 years. They then went to Alligator Creek, then briefly back to Hervey Bay when their kids were still there, and then back to Mackay where all of their children and grandchildren now live, apart from their son who lives on the Gold Coast.
“I love Mackay but I’ve always been very upset that the veterans haven’t had a proper RSL here for a number of years,” Ken said.
“I remember when the club was in full flight on Sydney Street, and that’s why we’re so passionate about getting our veterans a proper home, and not just for veterans, we want to open our doors to a number of vulnerable or disadvantaged groups of people to give them our support,” he said.
“The town deserves a decent veteran organisation to look after their interests and wellbeing.
“It’s not all doom and gloom, it’s about having fun, coming together for a laugh and hanging shit on each other. That’s the Australian and New Zealand way of life. Hang it on each other and give it to each other while respecting the heck out of one another.”
As President of the Mackay Sub-Branch RSL, the reason Ken is so passionate about the RSL is to support fellow veterans and their families, not just in Mackay, but across Australia.
With ANZAC Day approaching next week, Ken says it’s not a story of glorifying war, it’s a story of respecting the 100,000 who have died fighting for our country, and the brothers-in-arms in New Zealand.
“I talk about New Zealand and Australia in the same breath because I think we’re so close. When you’ve fought next to the Kiwis, you know we as ANZACS really are one,” he said.
“Supporting our veterans is important because there are stories to be told and those people should be proud.
“Those ANZAC’s who served together in battalions in the theatre of war are special people who should be proud of their deployments.
“Not to glorify war, but to leave a legacy for our younger ones.
“There’s no benefit to skipping over and adjusting the reality of history.
“We should learn from the past to move forward in the future.”

ANZAC Day 1970 at Nui Dat
Ken as a young soldier in Nui Dat
May Tao, South Vietnam, December 2, 1969. Guns and supplies are lowered into Fire Support Base Picton from a Chinook helicopter to support the ANZAC 6RAR / NZ battalion

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By Amanda Wright

Belinda Hassan has emerged victorious in the race for Mackay Regional Council's deputy mayor, capturing the role with a resounding majority vote. The returning councillor expressed her gratitude, stating it was "very humbling" to receive the support of the electorate and fellow councillors.
Having secured 4.1 per cent of the region's vote, Hassan's election to the deputy mayorship was confirmed with a vote of nine to two during Mackay Regional Council’s Statutory meeting last week. She acknowledged the weight of responsibility, recognising the "huge shoes to fill" left by her predecessor Karen May, who opted not to seek re-election after eight years of service.
Ms Hassan was elected for the deputy mayor position with a vote of nine to two, despite opposition from newcomer Peter Sheedy and fellow independent Marty Bella, who voted against her nomination.
Addressing the meeting, Hassan emphasised her readiness for the role, citing her four years as a councillor as ample preparation.
Drawing from her experience both as part of a team and as an independent councillor, she acknowledged the importance of professionalism and adherence to the council's code of conduct.

“As Deputy Mayor, my aim is to represent the diverse needs and aspirations of the Mackay region, fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development,” she said.
“I’m committed to championing projects that promote economic prosperity, and prioritise community wellbeing. I’m also committed to following through on existing projects, such as the Finch Hatton and Eungella mountain bike trails, Northern Beaches Community Hub and activating the waterfront area.
“Overall, I’m dedicated to serving the people of the Mackay region and working towards a brighter future for our community. I’m looking forward to collaborating with my fellow Councillors and community stakeholders to make positive decisions that will benefit us all.”
Regarding her reception of the majority vote, Hassan remarked, "It was truly humbling and gratifying to receive the majority vote from the Mackay public.

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As ANZAC Day nears, I find myself reflecting on the profound significance of this day in our national consciousness. ANZAC Day is not just a date on the calendar; it is a sacred moment of remembrance, a time to pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served our nations in times of conflict. For many of us, ANZAC Day holds a deeply personal resonance, a connection to loved ones who have worn the uniform and served their country with unwavering dedication.
Growing up near RNZAF Base Woodbourne in New Zealand, ANZAC Day was more than just a day off school; it was a solemn occasion marked by reverence and reflection. My father, a former member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force for around 25 years, instilled in me a respect for the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women. My husband, too, has answered the call to serve, deployed with the New Zealand Army in the Solomon Islands as a platoon commander on a peacekeeping mission.
Sitting with our RSL President,Ken Higgins, as he opened up about his experiences in Vietnam was a deeply emotional and humbling experience. His courage in sharing his story, despite the pain it undoubtedly evokes, serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of war on individuals and communities. It is a reminder that the wounds of war, both seen and unseen, linger long after the guns fall silent.
In today's edition on page 4, you'll find a list of services happening across our region. I urge you to take the time to attend one of these services, to stand in solidarity with our veterans and their families, and to reflect on the lessons of history.
Lest we forget.
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Amanda

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In recent years, M&P Services have demonstrated a heartening dedication to wildlife conservation through their commitment to support the Wildlife Rehabilitation Queensland, also known as Wildlife Care Mackay, in a passionate response to championing wildlife welfare.

As a vital non-for-profit lifeline for injured and endangered wildlife throughout the region, Wildlife Care Mackay relies heavily on the generosity of business partners like M&P Services to fulfill their mission.
Recently, M&P Services made a significant impact with their drop-off donation of plywood, a gesture that was met with immense gratitude from the wildlife rehabilitation team. These stacks of plywood were skilfully crafted and repurposed into possum boxes, providing essential shelters for the region's native fauna.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Qld, posted to Facebook, acknowledging the kind act of M&P services, stating “Massive shout out to M&P services – Quality transportable Buildings for all their support and for the off cuts of plywood!
“They were put to good use and turned into possum boxes!”
Through their kind acts and ongoing support, M&P Services have become an integral part of the wildlife rehabilitation efforts in the region, earning admiration and appreciation from both the organisation and the wider community.

To continue their mission of saving and caring for sick, injured and orphaned animals in the Mackay and Isaac region, the wildlife team are on the lookout for financial donations along with items such as cable ties, rope, cup hooks and wire mesh etc.

If you are an individual or business that would like to contribute, please visit https://wrqld.org

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M&P Services recently dropped off a stack of plywood to Wildlife Rehabilitation Qld, where they were later crafted into special possum boxes. Photo credit: Wildlife Rehabilitation Qld (Facebook)

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The six-member Board appointed to govern the Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) in mid-2023 has been expanded to include a seventh member.
New member Monica McKendry is a Chartered Accountant with over 25 years of experience and is currently a Director of SH Tait & Co Chartered Accountants, which provides accounting, taxation and business advice to a variety of businesses and individuals in the Mackay region. She was appointed a director of North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation Ltd in October 2020 and chairs the Audit and Financial Risk Management Committee. Monica is also an external member of the Mackay Regional Council’s Audit Committee.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman announced the addition last month.
“I am confident the Mackay Hospital and Health Board will continue to thrive with the addition of their seventh member Ms McKendry,” she remarked.
“This Board’s exceptional diversity and depth of experience fosters a collaborative environment, guaranteeing well-rounded leadership for the healthcare needs of the Mackay community.
“I look forward to working with them to deliver timely and high-quality healthcare for all Queenslanders.”
Serving the community diligently since its appointment in August 2023, the Board, led by Chair Helen Darch OAM (an experienced board member in government and not-for-profit sectors), will continue to provide strong leadership in the delivery of health services across the Mackay region.
The remainder of the Board remains unchanged, consisting of; Ms Helen Darch OAM (Chair), Mrs Kerry Maley (Deputy Chair), Dr Maureen Chapman, Associate Professor Luke Lawton, Dr Peter O’Mara, Mr William Cooper and Ms Monica McKendry.

• The Mackay Hospital and Health Board has grown from six to seven members.
   • The board will continue to be led by Chair Helen Darch OAM, who has been in the position since 2023.
   • Boards, as outlined by the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011, are responsible for the local performance of their health services and the delivery of public health services within their communities.

Monica McKendry has been appointed as a seventh member of the Mackay Hospital and Health Service Board

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Easter weekend, became one the team at RACQ CQ Rescue will never forget, as it marked a momentous occasion for the service.

RACQ CQ Rescue has now answered regional calls for help 12,000 times.

CEO Tim Healee says, “Completing our 12,000th life-saving flight is not just a number; it's a symbol of the trust placed in us by our community.

“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve, and we look forward to many more flights, saving lives and spreading hope across our region.

“It's a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team and the invaluable support from sponsors and supporters,” Mr Healee added.

“We continue to be one of the busiest Rescue Helicopters in the country and again the 12,0000th mission speaks volumes about the pressing need for our service.

“As we soar past our 12,000th life-saving flight, we stand on the cusp of a new era with the imminent arrival of our state-of-the-art AW139 helicopters later this year.

“This milestone is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence in aeromedical care.

“With these new helicopters, we are not only expanding our capabilities but also renewing our pledge to be at the forefront of lifesaving missions, ensuring that we can continue to
serve our community."

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RACQ CQ Rescue reaches a milestone of 12,000 life-saving flights

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