Amanda Camm, State Member for Whitsunday LNP, Shadow Minister for Women's Economic Security, Shadow Minister for Child Protection, Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence, recently heard eye-witness testimony from youth workers and foster parents in Cairns, who painted a nightmare picture about the state of child safety in the region. The meetings were held clandestinely to protect the identities of fearful stakeholders. Local newspapers revealed reports of crime, prostitution, and drug use within Far North resi care homes.

John MacKenzie chats with Ros Bates, State member for Mudgeeraba, Shadow Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, and Shadow Minister for Medical Research, about Cairns hospital's overcrowding crisis, primarily due to a shortage of doctors & nurses in Far North Queensland

An increase in mental health cases and covid numbers have also contributed to the Qld health system being in the "worst state", some health staff have said.

Some Queenslanders have waited hours for an ambulance and emergency departments are overrun with patients needing medical attention.

John MacKenzie chats with Senator Matt Canavan, Deputy Leader of the Nationals in the Senate, about the future reality of Australia's coal and renewable power industry.

Energy billionaire and mogul, Trevor St Baker, has issued a plea to both sides of the energy debate, warning that a radical shift away from coal will drive up the price of power.

Trevor has financial interests in both coal and sustainable energy production. 

John MacKenzie chats with Prof. Peter Ridd, Independent Scientist & Marine Geophysicist, about the latest Reef Health report by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, which has announced a fourth coral bleaching event in the last seven years.

GBRMPA claims that 91 percent of the reef has experienced some form of bleaching. 

John MacKenzie chats with Trent Twomey, National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, about the state of this year's flu season in contrast to covid-19. 

Experts fear a grave flu season is to be expected with high reports coming in already, and many people flooding pharmacies for their 2022 flu jab.

Trent reminds those complacent about the necessity of getting the influenza vaccine.

John MacKenzie chats with Michael Nelson, Managing Director of Pinnacle Tourism Marketing, about the tourism body's election Wishlist, which aims to get federal support to see the return of international visitors to Cairns and far North Queensland. 

Staff shortages is hospitality need to be addressed and aviation capacity is fundamental. Michael expects the overseas market to take around 2-3 years to fully recover.

John Mackenzie chats with Jason Christopher, local Pharmacist and Managing Director of Cairns Doctors & Whole Life Pharmacy, about the GP (General Practitioner) shortage facing Cairns and Far North Queensland.

Regional doctors and/or a pilot program to trial pharmacies diagnosing minor illnesses is needed to help resolve this frightening future prospect, as too many residents are being told that no doctor will take on new patients.

John MacKenzie chats with Brett O'Sughrue, Managing Director of Cairns Auto Electrical Mechanical Air & Audio, about preventative and protective measures for car theft, including kill switches, GPS tracking, and mobile phone control.

With a record number of vehicles being stolen across Cairns and Far North Queensland, concerned locals are resorting to modern technology to help them sleep easier at night. 

John MacKenzie chats with Ian MacLean, local astronomer and owner of Nights Sky Secrets, about the upcoming "Eta Aquariid" meteorite shower that will be visible for Cairns and Far North Queenslanders this weekend.

The meteor shower can be seen by all Australians across the nation a couple of hours before sunrise on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th of May 2022.

It is estimated that spectators can expect to see around 20 meteors per hour. 

John MacKenzie chats with James Coughlan, Regional Commercial Development Manager for Asia-Pacific & Indian Oceans Intercruises, about James' recent trip to Miami USA where the future of the cruising industry was being unveiled.

Everything was discussed, from Richard Branson's Virgin Voyages to local cruising. 

Cairns can expect to see something very exciting within the coming months!