By Hannah McNamara

Today's youth are taking bold steps to shape the future of Queensland through platforms like the Queensland Youth Parliament, where young leaders aged 15 to 25 tackle some of the most pressing issues facing society today. This program offers a dynamic space for young people to voice their ideas, debate policies and draft bills that could one day influence real legislation.

When she’s not scoring goals on the netball court, 16-year-old Arhamah Haider, a Whitsunday Youth Parliament Member from Mackay, is actively pursuing her passion for creating positive change through politics.

The program involves 93 elected members from across the state, where young parliamentarians meet regularly, forming committees to work on bills over the course of the year. In the lead up to residential week, the bills are then debated and passed in the parliamentary chambers.

"It’s basically a forum for young people aged 15 to 25 to come together and write bills that address real issues in our communities," said Arhamah.

"We spend the whole year writing these bills, and then we get to pass them in Parliament. It's such a cool experience, especially knowing that these ideas could have a real impact on policy someday."

For many, the experience of participating in Youth Parliament is not just about politics but also about personal growth.

Arhamah said, “At first it was really intimidating.

“I was only 15 when I first started out last year – I was the youngest one there - among 20-year-olds, some of them with degrees, and I felt a bit out of place, but once we got started, it was eye-opening to see people from everywhere, of all different ages and everything…It was fantastic.”

Arhamah said she even made valuable friendships along the way despite the relatively competitive nature of the program.

"Some of my best friends are from Youth Parliament, it’s not all competitive, and we all support each other.”

The program also offers the chance to meet influential figures in Queensland’s political landscape, including the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition. This exposure to high-level political discourse helps to inspire and shape the ambitions of future leaders.

Looking to the future, many Youth Parliament members have aspirations that extend beyond their current roles, and the program helps lay the foundation for their future pathways.

“I can’t decide between becoming a barrister or a doctor,” Arhamah laughed, “But whatever I do, I want to be involved in politics and make a difference, maybe even become Minister for Health someday.”

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Arhamah Haider, a 16-year-old Whitsunday Youth Parliament Member from Mackay, balances her passion for politics with her love for netball. As part of the Queensland Youth Parliament, she collaborates with peers to draft bills addressing pressing community issues, aiming to make a lasting impact on future legislation. Photos supplied

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Mackay will host the 101st Annual QCWA State Conference for the first time at Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC), from 29-31 October.

The QCWA Pioneer Division will welcome over 200 members from branches across the state for vital discussions, networking, and advocacy on issues that benefit Queensland women and families.

The QCWA’s vision is to provide a space for Queensland women to connect, collaborate and create an impact in communities, and they achieve this by advocating for and providing opportunities for women focusing on education, health and community throughout every phase of a woman’s life.

Community Bank Sarina Bendigo Bank is a major sponsor of the 2024 conference, providing funding towards the event which includes a gala dinner, the organisation’s 101st AGM and exhibitions that will be open to the public.

The conference will also feature a keynote address from Kayleigh Brewster of Chances House Mackay, the region’s first homelessness drop-in centre. The not-for-profit provides accommodation, meals, essential items and support for those sleeping rough.

Karen May, Board Chair of Community Bank Sarina, highlighted the importance of supporting Queensland’s largest and most widespread women’s organisation.

"Community Bank Sarina has always been a deeply proud supporter of QCWA branches across our region, and we are happy to support such an important conference for this organisation.

“The vital work of QCWA aligns perfectly with the Bank’s mission of investing in local initiatives that uplift and support people where they need it most,” Ms May said.

“This conference and dinner will be a celebration of the QCWA’s incredible legacy of community service, and we are proud to support to their efforts in empowering women in our local communities.”

During the conference, the MECC foyer will showcase an exhibition of art, craft, and cooking competition winning entries, open to the public. Additionally, a special display of QCWA memorabilia, art, and craft will be available for public viewing at the Jubilee Community Centre until November 2.

Sharon Price, Treasurer of QCWA Pioneer Division thanked Community Bank Sarina for their continuing support of QCWA branches in the region and the conference.

“We’re grateful for the support of sponsors like Community Bank Sarina, who have made it possible for us host this important event right here in Mackay,” Ms Price said.

“The conference is an important part of how the QCWA takes action on important issues and is part of how we create meaningful change for the communities we serve.”

If you are interested in becoming a QCWA member or would like to support the work they do, visit www.qcwa.org.au.

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QCWA State Executive L-R – Southern Region State Vice President Tamara Stephenson, State International Officer Barbara McMillan, Northern Region State Vice President Jeanette Weston and State President Sheila Campbell, who will chair the 101st QCWA Conference in Mackay next week.

Members of the QCWA Gargett Branch out and about in the community.

Marie Baulch (QCWA Koumala Branch) at a Country Kitchens display which encourages healthy eating in the community by QCWA.

State Executive Meeting with the members at QCWA Sarina Branch

Dressmaking Committee at their competition display at a previous conference. Photos supplied

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Knowing how to identify scams and what you can do to protect yourself is important. Especially when the scammer is impersonating your bank.
How to spot a bank impersonation scam
Receiving a message from your bank alerting you to fraudulent activity can be scary. Your instinct might be to act quickly, so you click the links and follow the instructions. Unfortunately, what looks like a genuine alert from your bank can often be a scam. And following the instructions in these messages can put your accounts at risk.
What is a bank impersonation scam?
A bank impersonation scam is when a scammer contacts you pretending to be your bank. They do this through cold calls, email, or SMS text message. The scammer may ask you to click links or install software. They might also ask for your personal information. They then use this information to access your accounts and steal your money.
Red flags for bank impersonation scams
·  Asking you to click on links in SMS text messages or emails
· The request appears urgent or threatening
·  Any request for sensitive or personal information
·  Instructions to install software or transfer money

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How to protect yourself
At Bendigo Bank, we constantly track scam threats, putting control measures in place to help keep your accounts safe. Staying alert and knowing what to look out for can help protect you from bank impersonation scams.  
   • If you receive a message or call from your bank, take a moment and ask yourself could this be a scam?
   • Never click links in text messages or emails claiming to be from your bank. Always use your bank’s official website to login to your accounts.
   • Look out for changes in caller IDs or call locations.
Your friendly team at Community Bank Sarina are here for you, helping you to stay safe from scams. For more information, or to pick up a complimentary Scam Protection Guide, call 4943 2634 or visit us at 37 Broad Street, Sarina.

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Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton has worked closely with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation (DMF) for approximately 20 years.

From the commencement of the 2015 school year, the teaching of a Child Safety Curriculum in all Catholic kindergartens, prep, primary schools and colleges in the Diocese of Rockhampton has been mandatory.  This safety curriculum is aligned with the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education and consists of classroom lessons across 3 phases of learning: Prep to Year 2; Years 3 to 6 and Years 7 to 9.

Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton Kindergartens, Primary Schools and Colleges along with implementing the DM Child Safety Curriculum, have over the past 20 years engaged with the many events and learning opportunities for both students and staff delivered, facilitated and provided by the DMF.  Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton was also instrumental in working collaboratively with DMF to develop a Safety Curriculum for Early Years (Kindergarten) based on the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum Prep to Year 2. The Child Safety Curriculum - Early Years was developed for kindergartens across Catholic Education, Diocese of Rockhampton. It reflects the key messages emanating from the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum intended for school-age children. In addition, there is an emphasis on the connection between the early years setting and the home environment and the significance of effective communication between the child’s family and educators.

The diversity of topics and focus of the DMF has assisted with a broader understanding of what it means for kindergartens, schools and the wider community to keep children safe.  The parent resources have been utilised by our schools and kindergartens to share with parents in an ongoing basis. Across our schools here has been a very strong attendance at the Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson which provides online lessons for early years and primary schools.

Bruce and Denise Morcombe have been welcomed to many of our Primary Schools over the past 20 years, sharing Daniel’s Story and the message of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation with students, staff and parents.

We are very proud to have been in a position to both support and work collaboratively with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation over these past 20 years enabling conversations to be had with children and young people about their own personal safety. Our schools participate annually in the Day for Daniel held on the last Friday in October. Our school’s participation in this day reinforces the message that the Daniel Morcombe Foundation prescribes to.

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This week, Australians will come together for Day for Daniel, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about child safety in memory of Daniel Morcombe. Held on the last Friday of October each year, this national day of action invites communities to Wear Red, Educate, and Donate in support of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, which continues to drive critical efforts to protect children from harm and prevent tragedies like Daniel’s.
Daniel Morcombe was just 13 years old when he disappeared on 7 December 2003, a day that irreparably changed the lives of his family and shook the entire country. Daniel had set off from his family’s home on the Sunshine Coast to catch a bus and buy Christmas presents, but he never returned. The search for Daniel became one of the largest in Australian history, with years of uncertainty and heartache following his disappearance. It wasn’t until 11 years later that the man responsible for Daniel’s abduction and murder was brought to justice, a resolution that came too late for the Morcombe family but brought closure to a case that had captured the attention of the nation.
In the wake of this devastating loss, Daniel’s parents, Bruce and Denise Morcombe, channelled their grief into action, founding the Daniel Morcombe Foundation in 2005. The foundation was established with a clear purpose: to educate children about personal safety, prevent future tragedies, and support young victims of crime. Today, it is one of the most significant organisations dedicated to child safety in Australia.
Day for Daniel is not only a day of remembrance but also a call to action. Schools, parents, carers, and communities are urged to talk to children about personal safety, teaching them how to recognise potential dangers and protect themselves. The foundation provides free educational resources to schools and parents, helping ensure that these crucial conversations happen in homes and classrooms across the country.
This day also serves as the Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser. Donations from the public directly support the foundation’s ongoing work, including the development of child safety programs, educational materials, and support services for young victims of crime. Funds raised ensure that these resources remain free and accessible, empowering more children and families with the knowledge they need to stay safe.
Day for Daniel also includes the annual Walk for Daniel, a powerful demonstration of solidarity. Thousands of people, dressed in red to symbolise Daniel’s memory, participate in walks nationwide, a reminder of the community’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society. These walks, and the sea of red that accompanies them, have become an enduring image of Daniel’s legacy.
The tragic story of Daniel Morcombe is one that will never be forgotten, and Day for Daniel ensures that his memory continues to drive positive change. The safety of children remains a top priority, and through education, awareness, and ongoing support, the Daniel Morcombe Foundation aims to ensure that no other family endures the suffering that Daniel’s family has faced.

Empowering Kids To Recognise, React, And Report

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The Daniel Morcombe Foundation’s 3 R’s for Safety—Recognise, React, and Report—are core principles designed to empower children with essential life skills for staying safe in various situations. These simple steps, taught in classrooms across Australia, are part of the Foundation’s mission to equip young people with the knowledge they need to protect themselves.
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Recognise
The first step, Recognise, encourages children to be alert to their surroundings. This includes environmental cues like alarms, hazard signs, or unusual smells, and also body cues, such as goosebumps or a racing heart. Lessons teach children that if something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to trust their instincts. This extends to recognising inappropriate behaviour, particularly related to private body parts. The use of proper anatomical terms like "penis" and "vagina" removes confusion and shame, helping children feel confident to speak out if boundaries are crossed.
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React
Once children recognise an unsafe situation, knowing how to React is vital. This involves problem-solving strategies for real-life scenarios, such as saying "No" to inappropriate touch or running from danger. They also learn that in certain situations, breaking rules—like crossing the street outside a crosswalk to avoid danger—might be necessary to ensure their safety. The goal is to instil quick, practical reactions to threats, helping children understand that their safety comes first, even if it means doing something unusual.
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Report
The final step, Report, highlights the importance of telling a trusted adult about any unsafe incident. Children are encouraged to identify several “safety helpers” they can approach, whether family members, teachers, or friends outside their immediate home. Whether dealing with unsafe physical environments or reporting inappropriate online interactions, children are taught to persevere in seeking help until their concerns are addressed.
By embedding these 3 R’s in everyday interactions, both at school and at home, parents, carers, and educators can play a critical role in helping children build the skills they need to stay safe in an ever-changing world.

Wobbly Jelly – A New Safety Resource
To further support child safety education, the Daniel Morcombe Foundation is launching its first digital children’s book, Wobbly Jelly, on Day for Daniel, Friday 25 October. This engaging story about a curious cat learning how to stay safe introduces children aged 3-6 to the 3 R’s of Recognise, React, and Report. Wobbly Jelly explores body clues and safety cues, helping young readers understand how to identify and react to danger. The book will be available for free download from the Foundation’s website, offering families a valuable tool to discuss safety with their children in a fun and accessible way.

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Comfort Resort Blue Pacific in Mackay has firmly established itself as the go-to destination for travellers and locals alike seeking the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

Recently celebrated with the prestigious Best of Queensland Hotel/Motel Accommodation award at the 2024 Mackay Isaac Tourism Awards, Comfort Resort Blue Pacific shines with exceptional service, innovative marketing and proactive sustainability initiatives - all driven by rave guest reviews and glowing recommendations.

To top it off, the resort also secured Gold for 3-3.5 Star Accommodation for the fourth consecutive year, further cementing its status as a trusted leader in the industry.

In an exciting commitment to environmental responsibility, the owners are thrilled to announce that they will participate in the World Travel & Tourism Council's Hotel Sustainability Basics (HSB) Program. This fantastic initiative focuses on 12 key indicators across Efficiency, Planet and People, empowering the resort to enhance its efforts in reducing its environmental footprint.

From beachfront upgrades to serene tropical gardens, Comfort Resort Blue Pacific is the ideal destination for unforgettable family getaways, seamless stopovers and inspiring corporate retreats.

Nestled right on the stunning shores of Blacks Beach, just a short 20-minute drive from Mackay’s lively city centre, the resort invites guests to experience an unforgettable beachside escape. With spacious, self-contained one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, each boasting a private balcony where guests can relax. Guests can experience a unique grassed beachfront that boost views over the Coral Sea.

BBQ’s, sunlounges and picnic tables await you... the possibilities for relaxation and enjoyment are endless!

www.bluepacificresort.com.au

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In the company of over 150 industry professionals, Mackay Isaac Tourism Acting Chair Rob Cocco and fellow Board Director Al Grundy took the opportunity to launch MIT’s Cruise Ship Strategy.

Recognising the potential at the Port of Mackay, MIT have set out to position Mackay as an attractive cruise ship destination through effective marketing, relationships, capacity building and promotional initiatives.

MIT Acting Chair Rob Cocco said the MIT Cruise Ship Strategy aims to delineate a comprehensive plan for the Mackay region to embrace cruise ships and facilitate day shore excursions.

“The goal is to leverage the Port of Mackay’s proximity to a wharf within the harbour and semi-diurnal tide conditions, offering 12 hours of shore time for passengers on ships of up to 230 metres”, Mr Cocco said.

“We have a good balance of paid versus free indoor and outdoor product, which is a positive driver of increased visitor dispersal and expenditure, putting Mackay in a competitive position compared to some similar regional cruise destinations”.

MIT Board Director Al Grundy added that there were several drivers to developing the MIT Cruise Ship Strategy.

“The estimated national economic impacts generated by cruise tourism expenditure, converted to cruise tourism output, in Australia between 2022 and 2023 had a total value-added impact of $2.94 billion, including a direct impact of $1.32 billion”, Mr Grundy said.

“This influx of tourist spending is expected to stimulate business activity, create job opportunities, and generate revenue for local businesses, suppliers, and providers.

“Existing operators can both improve their product development and delivery for cruise passengers as well as other visitors to the region.

“We also expect to see an increase in the sense of community pride and engagement among local residents”.

The Cruise Ship Strategy has been made possible through funding support from the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland and strategy funding partners North Queensland Bulk Ports and Regional Development Australia.

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Fridays are perfect for relaxing, having fun with family, and eating lots of food.

Let me tell you why. This weekend is the perfect opportunity to not only eat some beautiful food, but you can also even get into the Christmas spirit as we are now only 62 days away from Santa coming through the screen door.

Think about this. Tonight and tomorrow night, you can head to the Mackay Showgrounds for the annual Christmas Fair with West Mackay Rotary. They’ve been doing this for years. Remember when they used to do it at the City Gates? It was a funfair all in that one place next to the old tourist centre.

Obviously, they’ve gotten way bigger than that, and for safety, the showgrounds are the best place to have fun with Santa. Come and grab some great food, buy some raffle tickets to win a Christmas ham or three, and get the kids and grandkids on some rides to wear them out before you get their diabetes journey ready with sugary lollies all night. It’s a win-win situation, that’s for sure.

Oh, and if you see Col Meng, say "g’day" and get some raffle tickets off him. He won’t let up until you do. He reminded me of it when I ran past him last week after the Road Runners’ Sunday shufflers up near the lagoon. He’s a bit like a dog with a bone. Anyway, moving on.
Also, this weekend is all the fun at Queens Park on East Gordon Street for Global Grooves. If you are a lover of food from all over the world and cultures, then this is the place to be. Seriously, the amount and types of food will blow your mind.

There’s plenty on offer—food, fun, music, dancing, and so much more right in town. What’s not to love?

Don’t forget we are not that far away from all the Halloween fun around town. There are plenty of places getting all the decorations ready for trick-or-treating fun with the kids. This Sunday too, from 4 pm, Queens Park is the place to be for a fun Halloween photo swap event. Get dressed up, share some spooky stories, and get ready to swap away just in time for the end of the month.

Have a great weekend, and if you’re heading to Mackay Harbour tomorrow for the spring clean-up, wear some sunscreen. It’s certainly a warm weekend coming up. Look out for nesting turtles around East Point!

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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I’ve never heard anyone say: “I’m so sad about selling my Commonwealth Bank shares. They’ve been there while the kids grew up, they’ve been part of the family. We didn’t want to sell them but we just couldn’t look after them anymore. I just hope they go to another family that’s going to love them and get as much joy from them as they have given us.”
I have heard something along the lines of: “Oh, I sold the Commonwealth Bank shares today … can you pass the salt and pepper please.”
It’s different when people sell a house.
I don’t mean an investment unit in Brisbane, I mean the properties we sell in Mackay … most of those are family homes.
They are not just rectangular boxes made out of bricks and mortar or timber and fibro but the places where people have raised families, created memories. Where kids learned to walk and parents laughed and cried as the walking turned into a journey that bonds a family together.
Part of being an agent is to understand what it is you are selling. I don’t get emotional about it because my job is to stay detached and create a process that achieves the best price for the seller.
But that doesn’t mean you should be cold and heartless. You do need to have empathy, to understand the history people have with the property and connect at that level with the sellers.
Last year I sold an inner Mackay cottage for a woman who now lives in another state. She grew up in the house and her parents continued to live there until they passed away around 10 years earlier.
The lady inherited the property, a little unrenovated cottage. She held on to it for a decade because she couldn’t bring herself to sell it. So many of her memories played out in the house.
She didn’t have the money or ability to renovate the property and, living so far away, she couldn’t be here to arrange maintenance. So, in the end, she decided to sell it after getting me to do an appraisal on the property.
I sold the place quickly for the price she was hoping to achieve to a nice bloke who was buying it for his adult daughter to live in with her young child.
The dad was a handy bloke who was going to renovate it and bring the house back to life and turn it into a beautiful, classic cottage that his daughter and grandchild would love living in.
The daughter loved the property and could see its potential. When she looked at this broken-down old thing with horrible carpet and peeling paint and rusty roof, all she could see was the tongue and groove walls, the polished timber floorboards under the carpet and lino, the high ceilings and the classic casement windows.
I told the owner about the buyers, what the dad was planning to do and how much the daughter loved the house.
When the sale went unconditional and the property was effectively sold, the lady and her husband face-timed me.
It was a tearful conversation where the lady told me how happy she was that the property had gone to people who love the house and who will bring it back to life and create new memories for another family.
“I’m so pleased, David. And I know my parents would be happy with this.”
At that point, the money wasn’t the main thing. It was family, memories and a continuing journey worthy of the property.

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The Mackay West Rotary Christmas Fair is set to dazzle the community with an array of festive activities, ensuring that this year’s event is not only for the kids but also a delightful experience for adults!

Scheduled for Friday, 25th October and Saturday, 26th October from 5:30pm at the Mackay Showgrounds, this jam-packed Christmas fair promises a magical evening filled with excitement and holiday cheer.

While children can look forward to thrilling rides such as the Merry-Go-Round, Kids Rollercoaster and Jumping Castles, adults will also have plenty to enjoy. Hibbles Amusements will operate the rides, with individual ride prices ranging from $7 to $10 or a special deal of four rides for $25 (excluding the dodgem cars).

In addition to the rides, attendees can explore attractions like the Ham Wheel, Meat Tray Wheel and Cent Sale, ensuring there is something for everyone to indulge in. Families can browse the Pick of the Shelf, visit the Bottle Stall and even satisfy their sweet tooth at the Sweets Stall. 

The excitement is sure to linger with the breathtaking Andergrove Lakes Fireworks Display at 8:30pm, lighting up the night sky and providing a perfect backdrop for capturing memories.

This event is more than just an evening of entertainment…it’s a chance for families to come together and embrace the Christmas spirit. Local MP Curtin & Co is proud to present this fair, setting the stage for a vibrant community gathering.

Entry to the Mackay Christmas Fair is FREE, making it an accessible event for all. Attendees are encouraged to mark their calendars and join in on the fun, as the fair promises to be a spectacular kick-off to the holiday season for all.

The Mackay West Rotary Christmas Fair invites everyone to come out, share in the joy of the season and create lasting memories with friends and family. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to celebrate Christmas early!

What: The Mackay West Rotary Christmas Fair
When: Friday, 25th October and Saturday, 26th October from 5:30pm 
Where: Mackay Showgrounds
Tickets: FREE ENTRY

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Glamorous gowns and stunning suits adorned the attendees of the 2024 Whitsundays Tourism Awards which were hosted by Tourism Whitsundays on Daydream Island last weekend.

Local tourism operators were firmly in the spotlight with many businesses taking home awards on the night, some of which were inducted into the Hall of Fame having won their category for three consecutive years.

Special Whitsunday Tourism Awards Feature Pages 16-29.

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Dea Huvonen, Crystal Walton, Rosanagh Gallivan, Aimee Cameron, Laura Knipe, Cait Fleming, Jade Yvonne, Emma Bailes, Tim Booth from Tourism Whitsundays. Photo credit: R Jean Photography

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Hi Everyone,

Wow - What a week! In your hands, you are holding 96-pages of organically sourced, 100% local news delivered for free to you!

The whole team has done an absolutely phenomenal job in creating this paper, in particular the 15-page Whitsundays Tourism Awards Special Feature that showcases 22 local businesses who won awards on Saturday night.

From making phone calls to every Whitsundays Tourism Award recipient asking if they’d like to participate in the feature through to sensational articles written about winners and backed up by numerous celebratory ad designs – it’s been a whole team effort!

Every single member of the team has pulled together and worked especially hard this week – thanks guys!

The office has been operating at a faster pace than usual and while it’s been exhausting, it has also highly exhilarating! Energy levels have been propped up by caffeine and chocolate, and by now possibly a few glasses of celebratory wine!

Another team that works extremely hard here in the region is Tourism Whitsundays. The effort that went into organising the Whitsunday Tourism Awards was incredible, and the event was a great celebration of our vibrant tourism sector.

With 1 in 3 local jobs relying on tourism in the region, the work Tourism Whitsundays do to bring holidaymakers here from both near and far is vital to our economy and it was wonderful to celebrate the whole industry’s achievements on Saturday night.

For the full Whitsundays Tourism Awards Special Feature and to read about the fantastic local operators who won awards over the weekend, please turn to page 15.

Rach

Quote of the Week: “Your adventures take you further than your fears”

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Every day we are blessed to be in this wonderful Whitsunday community and Sofia Andreou experienced that first hand.

Last week, she posted on a popular Facebook community chat site offering to give $50 for free to go to a good home.

It all began when she was cleaning her rental property and found a $50 note hidden behind a book, deciding not to keep it but give it away instead.

“So I thought, I'm going to actually advertise this because it's $50 I didn't even notice that I had and it's very easy to forget when we are prospering, that $50 is really everything to somebody,” she said.

“I thought I might do an experiment and just see if anybody would realise that it was genuine and take me up on it.”

Sofia found the response on the Facebook group overwhelming and beautiful in many ways.

“It opened my eyes to how many people are suffering,” said Sofia.

“Secondly, it made me so grateful for our Whitsunday community, because there was such a large response of other generous people wanting to help as well.

“For example, there were a few people saying in the comments, I need this, or I need this, or I'm struggling with this, or I'm struggling with that. And so many people in the community put their hands up and said, well, I can also help, and I can also help.

“That really brought me to tears.”

Sofia initially advertised the $50 she found and then ended up giving $50 six times over, out of her pocket, because she realised how many people needed it.

She also estimated that her initial post turned into the community giving $3000 worth of donations.

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The $50 Sofia found during her clean, Photo supplied

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The highly anticipated Whitsunday Skyway received a funding pledge this week, promising to propel the $87 million project closer to its goal of being the largest piece of on-land infrastructure in our region.

Amanda Camm MP, Member for Whitsunday, stated that if the LNP are successful in this weekend’s election, they would immediately invest $5 million into the project to get it off the ground and lift the local economy. 
  
The Skyway project will feature a 1km all-weather cable car ride that soars 430m above sea level, offering visitors 360 degree panoramic views of the Whitsunday islands and hinterland. 
    
Amanda Camm said the Whitsunday Skyway will deliver a strong economic impact. 
  
“The Skyway will create 140 new direct jobs on completion, and 591 additional indirect jobs, injecting millions into the local economy,” Ms Camm said. 
  
“It will also deliver major flow-on benefits to other tourism-aligned businesses including accommodation, restaurants, tour operators and more. 
  
“This is catalytic tourism infrastructure that positions Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays as the Heart of the Reef.” 
  
Australian Adventure Tourism Group (AATG) chair Elizabeth Hackett said the project will take Airlie Beach to the next level.  
  
“The Whitsunday Skyway is a sustainable way to showcase the natural beauty of the Whitsunday region, offering visitors land-based adventure activities and spectacular tropical rainforest experiences, including guided tours,” Ms Hackett said. 
  
“Once formal planning and approvals are in place, we expect the construction timeframe to take between 12-18 months. 
  
“The project has strong support from the Whitsunday Regional Council and local tourism operators and will drive economic growth across the region.” 
  
Shadow Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Sam O’Connor, said the project will attract both domestic and international tourists to Airlie Beach. 
    
“The LNP is committed to delivering infrastructure that showcases Queensland’s natural assets, by driving the development of more tourism experiences. 

“An LNP Government will ensure this project operates within strict environmental guidelines, applying strong protections through the approval process to safeguard the pristine natural beauty of the Whitsundays region.” 

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Nathan Lehman, Project Director AATG, Sam O’Connor, Shadow Environment Minister, Elizabeth Hackett, AATG Chair, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm, Julie Telford, Chair Tourism Whitsundays. Photo supplied

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The whole community is in mourning this week following news that 17-year-old Proserpine State High School student Bree Day tragically passed away after six days in hospital following a road accident at Myrtlevale on the Bruce Highway.

The crash occurred at 3:25pm on Friday 11 October and it is believed Bree was performing a U-turn on the highway when her vehicle collided with a truck.

She was transported to Proserpine Hospital with severe head injuries and was transferred to Townsville Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries and her passing was announced on Thursday 17th October.

Bree, who had just celebrated receiving her P-plates, was in her last year of high-school and had only weeks until graduating. She would have been due to celebrate the end of her school career, making her sudden death all the more devastating for her friends, family and broader community.

The driver of the truck, a 52-year-old Burdell man, was not physically injured.

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said the Forensic Crash Unit is still investigating the incident.

The Bruce Highway was closed for several hours due to the crash.

This crash comes less than two months after a 22-year-old woman lost her life also on the Bruce Highway.

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Local student Bree Day passed away following a serious road traffic incident. Photo sourced: Facebook

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