Locals within the Mackay Whitsunday District will now be able to request a Mobile Police Beat be deployed to their local communities as part of the ‘Bring the Beat’ police engagement program that has seen success across other parts of the state.

Known as the ‘police station on wheels’, the program has been helping inform police where members of the community would like to see them and giving officers on the ground more opportunities to discuss crime prevention in their neighbourhoods.

Community members are now able to request a Mobile Police Beat to their nominated location through submitting a form online through their local myPolice webpage.

Mackay Whitsunday District Officer Superintendent Dean Cavanagh said this agile and high-visibility presence will allow residents to play a more active role in the safety and security on their streets.

“The ‘Bring the Beat’ program provides greater access to the community, allowing police to be present in hotspots where they are able to respond swiftly where needed,” Superintendent Cavanagh said.

“The Mobile Police Beat will be able to provide instant access to police at large events and in high traffic areas where we can engage most with residents.

“Not only will this give the public greater access to police services when and where they are needed, but it will give the community the opportunity to discuss local crime issues, and learn about how they can enhance their own security.

“We look forward to building on the success we’ve seen across the state and how we can look to further expand this within the Mackay Whitsunday District.”

Requests for deployments of the Mobile Police Beat will be considered in line with operational demands and current intelligence.

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The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry's 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference will be held 9am-5pm Thursday 28 August 2025 at TAFE Queensland Whitsunday Campus, Cannonvale.

This special annual event will bring the region’s business community and stakeholders together for a day of for a day of insights, connections, and game-changing ideas.

The Conference will feature an interactive program of local knowledge and regional expertise from a range of industries.

Wanted: Business Owners to Share Your Stories!
The Chamber is calling on local business owners, industry leaders, and innovators to take the stage!

The Chamber is keen to provide speaking opportunities in the Conference program for local businesses so we can share ideas, support each other, and build a thriving business community. Whether you’ve made small improvements or led major change, we want to hear from you!

If you want to be a speaker, panel guest, or just want to share special offers or prizes with attendees simply the Chamber's expression of interest form by 5pm Friday 9 May 2025.

Do you have a business story on one or more of the following themes?
• Success through partnerships – How collaboration between businesses and industries drives growth.
• Winning the talent game – Recruitment, retention & workplace culture done right, plus keeping the next-gen in the region.
• Future-proofing your business – Navigating supply chain disruptions, economic shifts and new opportunities.
• Sustainability & smart business – Boosting efficiency, reducing waste and innovating for long-term success.
• Leveraging digital & tech – AI, automation and digital marketing strategies that work.
• Business owner mindset – Get out of your own way! – Shift your thinking, challenge old habits and unlock new opportunities for growth.
• Lessons from local business leaders – Your journey, your challenges, your wins!

Not up for a speaking gig? There are other ways to get involved! If you would like to provide a Special Conference Offer or Prize, please contact the Chamber team.

Learn more: https://www.whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/whitsundays-business-conference/

WHAT: Whitsunday Business Conference
WHERE: TAFE Queensland Whitsunday Campus, Cannonvale
WHEN: Thursday 28 August, 9am - 5pm

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Proserpine Lions Club are excited to work alongside a new generation of community-minded students from Proserpine State High School, launching the inaugural Whitsunday Leos Club.

The new club was inspired by the proactive students who have worked at various community events with the Lions Club, including last year’s food stall at Show Whitsunday.

Proserpine Lions Club member Jane Bettridge said club members were impressed with the students work ethic.

“They wouldn’t stay still, taking their own initiative to find jobs to do from folding napkins, wiping tables, even sweeping,” she said.

“Many stayed longer after their shift had finished to help. These students are the face of the future.”

Fellow Lions club member Misty Bland was impressed the students had discovered the joy of volunteering at such a young age.

“It’s wonderful to see their confidence grow through their involvement in the club,” she said.

“It’s incredible to see their passion for their community. Their commitment is incredible.”

Principal Don McDermid congratulated the students for taking the lead with this wonderful opportunity to give back to the greater Whitsunday community.

“They are a motivated group of students who already have a list of great fundraising and community service ideas that we look forward to seeing them execute as the year progresses,” he said.

“We are grateful to the Proserpine Lions Club and our senior teacher Mrs Martin for providing this mentorship opportunity for our students to work within the community and give back through combined projects.”

The Leos have elected their committee and are working towards the first fundraiser for the year, with more details to come in the weeks ahead. They will also host their official swearing in ceremony.

Proserpine State High School students in Years 9-12 are encouraged to join the Whitsundays Leos Club and make a difference in the community through like-minded events.

Be sure to keep an eye out for them in the community

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Whitsunday Leos Club inaugural committee members. Front: President Amelia Brain, Vice President Allegra Bradley, Secretary Elizabeth Pascoe, Treasurer Marlou Rubio. Back: Membership Director Ruhveer Kaur, Community Service Director Thalia Foster and Fundraising Director Shakiya Hanlon-Thompson.

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After weeks of rain and wet conditions, the weather finally turned on the charm for Proserpine Golf Club members last week. Under blue skies and a cooling breeze, players made the most of the improved conditions with some impressive scoring across a packed program of competitions.

Tuesday 22 April
In the Stableford competition, Colin Hounsell led the way, winning the men's event with 38 points. Steve Mitchell finished runner-up on 35 points. Logan Devery picked up a two-shot win on the 2nd hole, with nearest the pins claimed by Devery (2nd) and Scott Mason (13th). Meanwhile, the Vets travelled to Home Hill to compete in the Whitsunday Group event.

Wednesday 23 April
The April Ladies Monthly Medal, proudly sponsored by PD Law, was contested with great spirit. Ann Gardel claimed victory with a superb nett 68, ahead of Pauline Redpath (72) and Elspeth Scotford (73). Nearest the pins went to Elspeth Scotford, Rehab Hull (9th), Jenny Hounsell, and Ann Gardel (16th).
In the men’s comp, Daniel George emerged victorious with a 69 nett.

Thursday 24 April
Another Stableford competition saw players enjoying the pristine course.
In A Grade, Greg Walker took top honours with 41 points, ahead of Andrew Albergo on 37.
B Grade winner was Steve Mitchell with 39 points, narrowly edging out Peter Lindsay with 38.
Two-shot winners included Aaron Prosser (9th), Ryan Wilkes (13th and 16th), and Andrew Albergo (13th), while nearest the pins were secured by Steven Clare (2nd), Brock Smith (9th), Adam Hosie (13th), and Scott Mason (16th).

Friday 25 April – ANZAC Day 2 Ball Ambrose
Perfect conditions greeted golfers for the special ANZAC Day 2 Ball Ambrose.
Trevor Nosworthy and Tony Chapple posted an impressive 60 nett to claim victory, ahead of Henry and Nathan Sothmann (62), with Harvey and Scott Mason taking third on 62.25.
Mark Callaghan and Patrick Camm were drawn for the Putt for Cash challenge, coming close but missing out, meaning next week’s jackpot will rise to $800.
Ken Granger was the lucky winner of the $100 raffle board prize.

Saturday 26 April
Players returned for a Stroke competition, with the course clearly recovering well and the scores reflecting the improving conditions.
In the men's event:

A Grade: Logan Devery (66 nett) pipped Cremor Cooper (67) for the win.
B Grade: Luke Wayth shot a brilliant 63 nett to win, followed by Barry Mortimer (64).
Two-shot winners included Blake Lovelock (1st and 9th), Tony Goss (2nd), and several players on the 13th, including Wayth, James Kean, Logan Devery, and Ross Hammond. Levi Holmes scored on the 16th.
Nearest the pins were claimed by Tony Goss (2nd), Blake Lovelock (9th), Luke Wayth (13th), and Levi Holmes (16th).

In the ladies’ event, Peta Thomas triumphed with 71 nett on a countback from Vickie Wallace, with Tiina Randmae (74) and Toni Clauss (76) rounding out the top four.
Tiina Randmae (2nd) and Rehab Hull (9th) claimed nearest the pin prizes.

Sunday 27 April
A glorious day for golf capped off the week with another Stableford competition.
In the men's section, Gary Scotford took the win with 37 points, just ahead of Marcus Heathcote (36).
Two-shot winners included Danny York (2nd), Blake Lovelock and Jason Bourke (13th), and Aaron Prosser (16th).
Ladies' winner was Sara Hagy with a superb 38 points, ahead of Nicole Cooper (35). Hagy also picked up the two-shot prize on the 13th, with Elise Hodgson claiming nearest the pin on the 2nd.

Full results are available on Golflink.

Centenary Celebration Events
Friday 2 May:
2pm Greenkeeper’s Revenge: 9-Hole Novelty Event
6pm Canapés
Saturday 3 May:
10am 18-hole Stableford Competition and lunch
6pm Evening Gala Dinner (bus available, $15 return per person, contact the Pro Shop)
Sunday 4 May:
10am or 11am 3-Ball Ambrose and lunch
Don't forget, Monday 5 May is a public holiday in Queensland – the perfect opportunity to enjoy a round of golf!

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae

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Proserpine Veteran golfers kicked off their 2025 interclub campaign in style, travelling to Home Hill for the first event of the season. A big thank you goes to the Home Hill volunteers who worked hard to get the course into playable condition following recent weather challenges.

It was an early start for the 24 Proserpine players who made the trip, with a special thanks to Ken Granger for driving the bus and ensuring everyone arrived safely and on time. A total field of 67 players turned out for the day, making for a lively and competitive event.

Congratulations to Vickie Wallace, who placed third in the Ladies competition with a strong 34 points. In the Men's division, Barry Mortimer produced a brilliant round of 40 points, narrowly missing out on first place by just a single shot.

Other notable Proserpine scores included:

Ladies:
Elspeth Scotford (33)
Robyn Whitham (33)
Kath Borer (31)
Jenny Hounsell (29)
Leanne Alexander (29)

Men:
John Roser (35)
Laurie Dakin (33)
John Wallace (33)
Mark Richards (32)
Craig McLean (31)
Vic Feldman (31)
Alan Clinch (31)

Pin Shot winners from Proserpine were Leanne Alexander, Elspeth Scotford, John Wallace and Larry Muller.

It was a fantastic start to the year for the Proserpine Veterans, with strong performances across the board. Players are looking forward to building on this momentum in upcoming events.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

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May

3 How Do You Library? Community Expo, Cannonvale Library, 8:45am-11:45am

4 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am

5 Labour Day

6 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm

8 Proserpine Rock Wallaby Festival 8th – 11th | Exhibition Opening Night 6:30pm

9 Mamma Mia, The Movie Screen at Airlie Beach Foreshore in Coconut Grove, 6:00pm

10 Art in the Park, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 9:00am - varied class start times. Bookings required for class participation, $25pp. Exhibition free.

10 Car Boot Sale, Airlie Beach Bowls Club, 9:00am-3:00pm

11 Mother’s Day

11 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am

11 Handmade & Homecrafted Markets, Ken McPherson Park / P.E.C

11 Mother’s Day Morning Tea, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 9:30am, $35pp, Bookings Required

12 Spellbound, Proserpine Entertainment Centre, 7:00pm

13 Sailability, Downstairs at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, Volunteers 8:00am-2:00pm & Sailors/Carers 9:00am-1:00pm, Bookings Required

13 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm

14 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp.

14 The Whitsundays 2025 Whale Season Information Night, Whitsunday Sailing Club, 6.30pm

16 Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, Club Whitsunday, 9:30am-11:00am, $25pp Bookings Required, Group Bookings Welcome.

17 Whitsunday Multicultural Festival, Bowen Soundshell Santa Barbara Parade, 10:00am-2:00pm

17 Whitsunday Brahmans Family Field Day, Les Stagg Oval in Proserpine, 3:00pm-7:00pm

18 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am

18 Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, various location, 8:00am-11:00am, Registration Required to Participate

20 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm

25 Bowen Community Markets, Hansen Park, from 8:00am

26 National Sorry Day

27 National Reconciliation Week, May 27th – June 3rd

27 Sailability, Downstairs at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, Volunteers 8:00am-2:00pm & Sailors/Carers 9:00am-1:00pm, Bookings Required

27 Tech Help, Cannonvale Library, 2:00pm-3:45pm

28 Whitsunday Quilters & Hand Crafts Group, Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre, 9:00am-1:30pm, $5pp.

31 Whitsunday Cruisin’ Car Club SHOW & Shine, LOCATION, 8:00am-11:30am

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Friday 2nd May

• The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm)

Saturday 3rd May

• The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Beach Boys Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm)
• The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Andy Mammers (7pm – 10pm)
• Grand View Hotel: DJ Night (from 8pm)
• Coral Sea Pavillion: (Live Music & DJ Session 1pm – 6pm)

Sunday 4th May

• The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Beach Boys Tribute (2pm – 5.30pm)
• The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Paul Fergus Morris (6.30pm – 9.30pm)
• Coral Sea Pavillion: Chill Acoustic Session (2pm – 6pm)

Thursday 8th May

• The Pub, Airlie Beach Hotel: Chris Booroff (6.30pm – 9.30pm)

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Since opening their doors in 2009, Andrew and Wendy Barker have been at the forefront of first aid training and supplies in the Whitsundays, dedicating their work to equipping the community with life-saving skills.

Their business, specialising exclusively in first aid courses and supplies, offers everything from basic CPR and first aid to advanced resuscitation and occupational first aid.

They tailor their courses to suit a wide range of industries including mining, construction, education, and emergency services.

Andrew, a qualified tradesman, firefighter of 19 years, and SES volunteer, brings hands-on experience to every course. His background ensures each session is relevant, practical, and relatable, particularly for high-risk workplaces. Wendy complements the team by focusing on training childcare providers, schools, and community groups.

“We run small courses, and we like our courses small for two reasons,” said Andrew.

“One, people feel more comfortable to ask questions and get involved, and two, there’s nowhere to hide, so nobody comes into the course and sits in the corner. Everyone has to participate.”

The duo strongly believes that first aid education should start early. They advocate for mandatory first aid training in schools and as a prerequisite for obtaining a driver’s licence.

“There are tree reason why people should get first aid as a bare minimum,” Andrew said.

“Number one, they leave school. Every child should be leaving school with a first aid certificate. We think it is so important.

“Number two, every child that gets a their license should have their first aid, we believe it should be a prerequisite to have first aid before you get their license.

“Lastly, is when you become a parent.”

Andrew explained that 85% of first aid is done at home, and not in the workplace.

Customisation is a key part of their service. At AWB First Aid First courses are taught either at their store, or they will visit you. They also tailor the training to specific workplace, providing real workplace or real world scenarios into their courses.

What sets the business apart is their dedication to first aid, their whole business is first aid focussed, they even have a specialised first aid shop with first aid kits ready for purchase.

Beyond training, Andrew and Wendy stay engaged with the community by updating their shopfront with seasonal and relevant health messages, from cyclone preparation tips to snake bite awareness.

The two of them like their job but the main reason they do it, is to make sure that people in this community are safe.

While Andrew and Wendy joke that they missed their calling to become a paramedic, they have no regrets.

“It’s a strange industry,” Andrew said. “We teach people first aid, but I hope they never have to use it.”

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Wendy and Andrew Barker are ready to teach you all things First Aid. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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TAFE Queensland’s cookery and hospitality courses at the Whitsundays campus are proving to be a recipe for success, attracting a diverse range of students from around the world, each bringing their own passion for food and customer service to the classroom.

Students in both study areas praise the design of the courses, describing them as a well-balanced blend of theory and practical experience.

Students typically spend about two and a half days a week in the kitchen, along with time in the computer room for theoretical learning, covering everything from food safety to completing assessments.

For many, the hands-on, practical experience at TAFE Queensland has been a game-changer. One student reflected, “I tried online courses before, but it wasn’t the same. I like hands on experience and learning from the teacher.”

Career aspirations among the students vary. Some are aiming for a future in professional kitchens or managing restaurants, while others are still exploring their options. But all students share an interest in the food industry – whether it’s hospitality or cookery – and they love the courses, which open doors to a wide range of career paths across the sector.

Many students are already gaining industry experience, working as kitchen hands or in front-of-house roles at local cafes and restaurants.

The practical side of the course has left a strong impression on all of the students, the students love getting in the kitchen, learning new techniques and cuisines.

The hospitality courses are also popular, with one student saying they enrolled under the impression they would prefer the cooking component, but now prefer hospitality more.

A student completing their Diploma of Hospitality Management (SIT50422) expressed how it is great to learn and understand how a business can run.

Scott Edmonds teaches the Diploma of Hospitality Management (SIT50422) and Certificate III in Hospitality (SIT30622). He leads the training, offering students a blend of practical skills and industry knowledge designed to prepare them for a wide range of careers in the sector.

In terms of teaching style, Scott focuses on a strong knowledge base first, including understanding the products, anticipating guest needs, and developing transferable systems and routines.

"If I can make students comfortable with the systems – like how to set up, serve, and handle service tasks – then they can focus on the more complicated parts like adjusting to new menus," he said.

For entry-level students, the emphasis is on practical skills and building confidence for those crucial first shifts. At the diploma level, the focus shifts to career development and management pathways, preparing students for a range of futures from supervising kitchens to running their own businesses.

Students are trained for high-end service, even though local opportunities vary.

“We shoot for the higher end because it’s easier to teach those skills that they may not need on their first shift, rather than when they arrive for that first shift, and then not have the skills, Scott explained.

“We try to prepare them for those higher end venues, so they are prepared for every environment, and then if they end up working somewhere where they simply don't do table service, they’ve still got that skill set in their pocket.”

The state-of-art campus training restaurant and café plays a key role in student development. The real-world environment provides cookery students studying courses such as the Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (SIT30821) and Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (SIT40521) with practical kitchen training. During the regular public lunches, hospitality students gain hands-on service experience.

With a growing need for skilled hospitality and kitchen workers in the region, graduates from TAFE Queensland jump into the industry with all the skills they need to succeed, and more.

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Hospitality and Cookery students at TAFE Queensland Whitsunday Campus. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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In the early hours of Thursday morning (May 1) Whitsunday local Fran Hurndall set off on an incredible journey from Cottesloe Beach (Western Australia) to Sydney.

She will run 3,800 kilometres east to raise awareness and funds for domestic and family violence support in Australia.

Fran is aiming to do the run in a record time of just 34 days, running 110km per day, for 12-14 hours a day. Fran will burn an average of 8,000 calories a day and tread through more than 10 pairs of shoes as she makes her way to Sydney.

If she completes the run and reaches Sydney in early June, Fran will set a new world record and become the first woman to complete this feat in under 40 days.

Fran’s inspiration is her sister, a survivor of domestic violence and her chosen charity is RizeUp Australia, an organisation providing life-saving support for families impacted by domestic violence. Her goal is to raise $1 million to make a difference to the lives of women and children impacted by domestic and family violence.

“In Australia, two out of every five people have been exposed to domestic violence, and one in every five women has experienced family violence. Last year, one woman died every four days on average at the hands of her intimate partner or former partner,” she said.

“I’m calling on all Australians impacted by domestic violence to start reaching out and speaking up and hopefully this will make it easier for people to break their silence and come forward.

“The most beautiful thing is that by doing this run I've given my sister a voice to start her healing journey and that’s what I hope others will be able to do.

"Most of us know someone who has been affected by this kind of abuse – myself included. That’s why every kilometre I run will represent the strength of those who have endured abuse, and every donation will help provide essential support to those in need."

Fran is no stranger to setting world records and making a much-needed impact in the process. In 2023, she captured national attention when she dribbled a football nearly 1,000km from the Gold Coast to Sydney.

As a professional athlete who was scouted to represent England at just 15, the 2023 campaign raised funds for Women Sport Australia and highlighted the importance of women in sport during the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

For more information and to make a donation, visit www.reachoutspeakupchallenge.com.au

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Perfect autumn weather set the stage for an exciting week of lawn bowls, with championship matches, social games and impressive finishes keeping players and spectators thoroughly entertained.

In Club Championship Singles action on Wednesday afternoon, Bryan Davy claimed a strong 25–10 victory over Ken Watts. On Saturday morning, Todd Leys edged out David Ling 25–20 in a tightly contested B Singles match. The club extends thanks to those who marked these games.

Social bowls on Wednesday afternoon saw a reshuffle mid-game, with Trevor Parsons starting as double lead before Heather Brown stepped in after the singles match. Heather then teamed up with Arthur Griffith and Mike Harrison to claim a thrilling 20–19 win over Trevor Parsons, Barry Zillmann and Gavin Noonan, courtesy of a final-end score of four shots. In another match, Alen Sanderson and Sandy Daffara had a strong showing to defeat Josh Wilson and Philip Brown 29–19.

Sunday afternoon’s social games continued the trend of nail-biting finishes. Aurora, a visitor from Spain playing her first ever game of lawn bowls, joined Mary Hedgelong and Heather Brown to take a 28–27 win over Trevor Parsons, Philip Brown and Sandy Daffara — again clinching victory with a four on the final end. In the final match of the day, Alen Sanderson, Gavin Noonan, Bruce Uhe and Mike Harrison posted a 20–15 win over John Anderson, Arthur Griffith, Kendall Watts and a second appearance from Gavin Noonan.

Looking ahead, the club will host a Meet and Greet Bowls Afternoon on Saturday, May 3, following a BBQ lunch provided by the club. This will be a great opportunity for all bowlers to come together and for selectors to begin working on team combinations for the upcoming pennants season.

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club

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Tomorrow is Election Day. It’s your turn to have your say.

So far this year a record number of Australians have voted early, as of Monday this week 17.9% of the enrolling population had voted, by either postal vote or at pre-polling locations.

Election Day is tomorrow and all voting locations are open from 8am – 6pm.

Voting Locations across the region:

• PCYC Whitsundays, 2489 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach

• Bowen PCYC, Cnr Hay St & Queens Rd, Bowen

• Queens Beach State School, 37-39 Tracey St, Bowen

• Cannonvale State School 58 Coral Esp, Cannonvale

• Collinsville QCWA Hall, 33 Conway St, Collinsville

• Hamilton Island Resort, Resort Dr, Hamilton Island

• Whitsunday Masonic Lodge, 29 Chapman St, Proserpine

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By Amanda Wright

As Australians pause to honour the sacrifices of our servicemen and women this ANZAC Day, the Mackay RSL Sub Branch is celebrating a new beginning of its own.

After years of searching, the organisation has found a permanent base at Illawong Beach, a site that promises to become much more than just a meeting place for veterans. It will be a community wellness hub; a space where healing, support and camaraderie go hand in hand.

RSL Mackay Sub Branch President Ken Higgins OAM says the new facility symbolises a shift in how we honour service, not just in remembrance, but in action.

“Finding a place like this means we can support our veterans in real, meaningful ways,” Mr Higgins said.

“This isn’t just a building. It’s a future.”

And as thousands prepare to gather for Mackay’s ANZAC Day services, including what’s shaping up to be the biggest march yet, the new Illawong site stands as a reminder of how we can serve those who served us.

A Vision Beyond The March

The significance of ANZAC Day has never dulled with time.

It is a solemn reminder of sacrifice, of futures lost too soon, and of the quiet strength borne by those who returned. For RSL Mackay Sub Branch President Ken Higgins OAM, a Vietnam veteran who was wounded in combat, the day carries a profound weight — and a duty.

“We lost 60,000 in World War I, 40,000 in World War II,” he said. “But there’s another 60,000 who died after the war — from suicide, illness, and mustard gas complications. Those are sacrifices, too.”

Mr Higgins, who has been involved in the RSL for more than 50 years, believes the organisation’s longevity depends on evolving with the times while holding true to its roots.

That’s where Illawong comes in.

After six months of quietly settling in, the RSL has officially leased the former beach volleyball and mini-golf complex, now owned by Mackay Regional Council. The vision is ambitious but deeply considered — a community-centred wellness facility that supports veterans, first responders, their families, and the broader public.

“This is not just a veteran's space,” Mr Higgins said.

“It’s for anyone who wants to look after their physical and mental wellbeing. It’s about connection. It’s about community.”

The site’s existing facilities – including a mini golf course and pool – are already being used, and a three-stage master plan is in development in collaboration with council and an architect. Future plans include a gym and treatment rooms for allied health professionals, with Mr Higgins hopeful it will become a hub for services like exercise physiology, hydrotherapy, and rehabilitation.

Importantly, accessibility is at the heart of the design.

“We want this place to be welcoming for our challenged and disabled members too. Minimal stairs, good access, a warm environment.

"Everyone should feel like they belong,” he said.

Already, working bees have seen RSL members and volunteers rally together to breathe life into the facility. Their efforts reflect the shared spirit that defines the RSL – one of service, resilience, and quiet determination.

A significant hand-up to the project has come from a pledge from the LNP, if elected, in the form of $5 million to help with the construction of the hub.

“The new Hub will provide a critically important space for veterans’ services and advocacy to co-exist and deliver integrated support to current and ex-service personnel and their families,” Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said.

“These veterans fought to give us a better world to live in and the LNP wants to go above and beyond to support as many veterans and their families as possible.

“The LNP is pleased to commit the $5 million Hub in Mackay which is the least we can do to support Veterans and their families into the future.”

Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Barnaby Joyce, visited Mackay and said that the new Hub in Mackay will provide a service in-situ for those in the region and surrounds.

“So often help is lost because of the extra requirements for veterans possibly dealing with issues for which they deserve support, can’t access the help to make life a little easier,” Mr Joyce said.

While there are dreams of turning the site into a premium event space down the line, he says the RSL is in no rush.

“If we’re going to do something, we’ll do it properly,” he said.

“We’d like to employ a facility manager eventually, but for now, it’s our volunteers keeping things moving.”

One of those volunteers is Vice President Mark Preston – a younger veteran who Mr Higgins describes as “exactly the kind of person we need.”

“The future of the RSL depends on younger veterans coming on board,” he said.

“But also on the families, the friends, the civilians who care. Numbers keep us going.

"We want to be here in another hundred years.”

That inclusive approach has already struck a chord in the community. This year’s ANZAC Day muster is expected to be the biggest in Mackay’s history, with more than 7,000 people set to march.

“It gives me hope,” Mr Higgins said.

“To see thousands of school kids understanding what ANZAC Day is about – that’s how the legacy lives on. Our soldiers’ stories will be carried in the hearts and minds of our children and grandchildren.”

One RSL member recalled how his own father was the sole survivor of four brothers. Two died in the war. One died after returning home, poisoned by gas. He came back, but he was never the same.

Their stories, often untold, echo in every ANZAC ceremony, every salute, every moment of silence.

The RSL invites the community to join them in honouring that legacy at a dawn service, the civic ceremony, or a game of 2-up at Harrup Park, a tradition that, much like the RSL itself, remains respectfully timeless.

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Veterans Steve Haidle, John Whitelaw, Col Walz, RSL Mackay Sub Branch President Ken Higgins OAM, and Russell King gather at the new Illawong Beach facility, a place set to support and serve those who once served us. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

RSL Mackay sub-Branch President Ken Higgins, Vice President Mark Preston, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP, and Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs The Hon Barnaby Joyce MP pictured during the announcement of a $5 million commitment towards a new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub in Mackay. Photo supplied

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Each ANZAC Day offers a chance to pause — whether that’s at the crack of dawn in silence at a service, or under the marquee at Harrup Park sharing a yarn and a laugh with mates over a game of 2-up. However you mark it, this is a day to reflect on the extraordinary sacrifices made by ordinary Australians and New Zealanders, and to remember the stories that have shaped our families, our region, and our identity.

For many of us, those stories are closer than we realise. I’ve walked the poppy-lined fields of the Somme and stood at the edge of ANZAC Cove, feeling the weight of history as I've paid my respect to fallen relatives. My father and husband both served in the New Zealand Air Force and Army respectively, and ANZAC Day has always felt personal. But this year, I want to tell you about my great-uncle Buster Gibb.

Buster served with New Zealand’s R Patrol in the elite Long Range Desert Group during WWII — a small unit that carried out high-risk patrols behind enemy lines across North Africa. His wife Dee wore a wedding dress made from a silk parachute he recovered from a downed German bomb in the Sahara. That story alone feels like a screenplay, in fact it has been made into a movie, 'Lost in Lybia'. But what stayed with Buster most was the camaraderie, the danger, and the unshakeable bonds forged in the desert — a place as vast and harsh as the missions they endured. His tales were never about glory, but about grit, loss, and mateship.

So this ANZAC Day, while we stand still for a minute’s silence or gather for dawn services, remember that the stories we carry forward — as a community, as families — matter. If your family has a tale worth telling, I’d love to hear it. Get in touch.

And after the service? I’ll see you at Harrup Park. I’ll be the one losing at 2-up but winning at conversations with our diggers — which, really, is the whole point.

Lest we forget.

Amanda

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Buster and Dee Gibb on their wedding day — Dee’s gown was stitched from a silk parachute Buster salvaged during a Long Range Desert Group patrol

Alfred 'Buster' Gibb

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Mackay Police Deliver Roadside Miracle

Two Mackay police officers are being praised after helping deliver a baby girl on the side of the road during a routine patrol.

Constable Kaitlin Carrell and Constable Nathan Wessling were conducting patrols when they noticed a vehicle abruptly stopped on the roadside. Upon approaching the car, they discovered a woman in active labour.

Without hesitation, the officers leapt into action.

“The officers jumped in and helped deliver a healthy baby girl,” A representative from Queensland Police Service Mackay reported.

Paramedics soon arrived at the scene and transported both the mother and newborn to hospital.

“Mum and bub are doing well and were taken to hospital by paramedics shortly after,” the representative confirmed.

The dramatic and heart-warming moment has been celebrated by the local police team and the broader community.

“A big congratulations to mum and dad on the birth of their baby girl, and well done to our amazing officers! What a shift to remember,” the statement read.

Community members were quick to share their praise, flooding the post with heartfelt messages congratulating the new parents and commending the officers for their remarkable efforts.

For Constables Carrell and Wessling, it’s undoubtedly a patrol they’ll never forget!

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Constables Kaitlin Carrell and Nathan Wessling with proud new parents after helping deliver a baby girl on the roadside during patrol — a heart-warming shift Mackay Police won’t soon forget. Photo source: myPolice Mackay Whitsunday (Facebook)

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