Hi Dave
Looks like you're in need of a friend. No replies so far!
My name is Ted Hayes, I am 79 yo, have lived in Oz and its territories for 54 years, have lived in MK about 32 years, Arrived here from New Guinea in 1973. Was born in London but lived most of the time in Essex, now called East London. Served 3 years in Royal Navy during WW2.
Mackay is a pleasant place, right on the coast at the mouth of the Pioneer River. The prime industries here are the growing of sugar cane, the milling of it and the export of coal from the open cut mines in the hinterland to the west of the city. We have I think the largest coal exporting facilities in the world, Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay. They are working on doubling the export of coal at Dalrymple Bay to about 100 million tons a year. Population of the area is about 85,000, about 600 miles north of Brisbane (by road) and is pretty much referred to as "North Queensland". There are quite a number of industries here supporting the cane and coal. Right on the doorstep is our marvellous Great Barrier Reef and Whlitsunday Islands. We have about 15 sandy beaches within a few kms drive. Kids love it here. We have an adequate airport with regular services to Brisbane mostly, (jet aircraft B737), a train station with trains going north and south.
There is loads to say but would sooner you tell me what you want to hear.
Regard,
Ted Hayes
PS A handy website is the local daily paper
www.dailymercury.com.au
if you want maps of Qld and Mackay try
www.racq.com.au and follow the Travel Planner prompts.
T.
