This week, Jade had the pleasure of visiting Hayley and Paul at Airlie Health Hub. If you're in the Cannonvale area, be sure to pop in to say hi, enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and a raw treat while you browse their fantastic selection of groceries, cleaning, and health supplies. You will not be disappointed!

Currently in the heart of growing season Airlie Health Hub sources fresh produce directly from local Whitsunday growers. Every Monday, Paul heads out to the farm to select the best fruit and veggies while gaining insights straight from the farmers themselves.

Right now, tomatoes, pumpkins, capsicums, watermelons, and corn are all in season.

Unlike your typical grocery store, Airlie Health Hub offers entirely organic produce —no artificial colours, chemicals, or confusing numbers here. Their commitment to quality reflects their passion for supporting small-scale producers and family-run businesses, making a significant impact in our community.

Hayley and Paul have become local favourites, with not just individuals stopping by but also local businesses who are interested in stocking items which are locally sourced and high quality throughout the Whitsunday region. Their friendly smiles and welcoming atmosphere creates a space where everyone feels at home.

There are some exciting improvements on the way for the shop, keep your eye out for the next in-store additions!

Contributed by Jade Yvonne, Business Development Executive, Tourism Whitsundays

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Jade Richardson from Tourism Whitsundays with Hayley from Airlie Health Hub.
Paul serving up a delicious coffee. Photos supplied

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Eco Barge has excitedly announced their selection as one of six successful applicants for a grant under the Queensland Circular Economy (Industry-Research) program.
This initiative is supported by the Resources Centre of Excellence and the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.
The Circular Economy program aims to drive industry-led research and innovation to transition from the traditional take-make-waste model to a sustainable circular economy.
This approach focuses on designing out waste and pollution, circulating products and materials at their highest value, and regenerating natural systems.
Eco Barge is dedicated to transforming marine debris collected by their passionate volunteers into valuable and saleable products.
This grant will enable them to enhance their efforts in keeping the Whitsunday seas clean while providing opportunities for skill development and program growth that align with the principles of the circular economy.
Eco Barge’s key project objectives are to Eliminate Waste and Pollution, circulate materials at their highest value, utilise advanced recycling technologies and create a closed-loop system where resources are continuously reused and repurposed.
Through these initiatives, Eco Barge is committed to contributing to the regeneration of natural systems and promoting sustainable practices. By actively participating in the circular economy, they strive to create a more resilient and sustainable future for the Greater Whitsunday Region.
For more information about their initiatives and how you can get involved, please visit ecobargecleanseas.org.au or contact info@ecobargecleanseas.org.au.
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Eco Barge volunteers counting and sorting rubbish

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The Whitsunday Automotive and Restoration Club celebrated its 40th Anniversary in September.  

50 members of the club plus guests attended and reminisced about the early years of the club.

There was also a display of memorabilia, old photos and newsletters for everyone to enjoy.  

The highlight of the anniversary celebration was that members of the club showcased their cars and were eager to chat about the history of them, they also marked the occasion with each member of the club receiving a commemorative mug.

There were 42 cars at the anniversary, including a 1924 Model T Ford, 1934 Wolseley, 1928 Dodge Standard 6, 1953 Morris Minor 1000, 1933 Diamond T, 1964 Austin Healey Sprite, 1978 Falcon Fairmont Wagon XC, and some of these iconic cars even featured in the 2008 movie ‘Australia’.

The club started back in July 1984, known then as the Proserpine Restorers Club, by Phillip Taylor and Alan Horsford and they are still active club members today.  

The Club is not just about restoring cars, but revitalising anything old, from sewing machines to sulkys and stationary engines and everything in between.  

One member has a collection of old tractors which he happily fires up when the club has visitors and several members have old stationary engines which get started up on display day.

Anyone interested in joining the club can contact President Jim Rossetti on 0481 152 716.

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Photos supplied

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By Hannah McNamara

Acquiring a police badge isn’t easy, in fact it comes with great grit and resilience…but when the uniform comes off, it’s important to remember those who died wearing it. Last Friday numerous marches and memorials took place across the region, honouring the sacrifices made by officers who laid down their lives in the name of duty, while also celebrating the remarkable mateship within the Queensland Police Service. Current and former officers gathered with family, friends and community members to pay their respects to those who served over the past 160 years, and Commissioner Steve Gollschewski reflected on the fallen officers, affirming the enduring legacy of bravery and commitment they left behind.

Last Friday, both current and former police officers came together with family, friends and community members to pay their respects to those who have lost their lives in service over the past 160 years. Photo credit: Mackay Police

Honouring The Officers Who Paid The Price For Our Protection

By Hannah McNamara

Diligence, Selflessness and Integrity, are just a few of the many heroic qualities demonstrated by our local law enforcement officers.

On Friday, September 27, the Mackay community gathered to honour National Police Remembrance Day, beginning with a march held at 9.30am, commencing from Brisbane Street and proceeding to River Street. This solemn parade brought together current and former police officers, their families and community members, all united in remembrance of the sacrifices made by those who served and continue to protect.

Following the march, a service was held at 10am at Saint Patrick's Catholic Church on River Street, providing a reflective space for all involved to pay their respects to the past 160 officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. 

“With honour they served”, Commissioner Steve Gollschewski remarked, “On National Police Remembrance Day, we pause to reflect and remember the police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while demonstrating their unwavering dedication to keeping our communities safe.”

Commissioner Steve Gollschewski also reflected on the recent fallen officers and how the family in blue “never fades.”

“In the 160-year history of the Queensland police, we’ve tragically lost 150 members.

“Today we stand in solidarity as a blue family to ensure the legacy of our fallen officers in Queensland and across the state never fades.

“I recognise the profound impact of recent deaths of Constables Rachel McCrow, Matthew Arnold and Senior Constable Dave Masters has had on our organisation, their family and friends, and community.

Police Minister Mark Ryan added that “National Police Remembrance Day is a reminder to us all about the challenges police officers face each time they put on their uniform.

“I am honoured to be at this event to remember our fallen police, and extend the gratitude of Queenslanders to them for their courage and commitment.

“I ask the Queensland community to remember our fallen officers, not just on National Police Remembrance Day, but throughout the year.”

In the Mackay Whitsunday District, the Remembrance Day service and march were met with overwhelming public support. Community members gathered to show their gratitude to the officers and staff involved in the day's events.

Mayor Greg Williamson even remarked on the emotion felt by many, particularly at the sight of young officers now serving the region.

"Policing is a tough job," he said, “but their dedication means the world to our community.

“Thank you to every officer - past and present - for your service.

“You protect not just us, but our families, and for that, we are forever grateful.”

Former police officer and LNP candidate for Mackay, Nigel Dalton, expressed his gratitude for being able to stand alongside his ex-colleagues on this significant Police Remembrance Day, acknowledging the importance of these tributes to fallen officers.

Andrew Willcox MP noted that “We also give our thoughts and prayers to their loved ones, family, friends and colleagues, all whom feel their loss every day.

“We thank you and we honour you.”

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Held annually on September 29, this national day offers a chance to recognise the risks associated with policing and honour those who chose to take up the badge and serve their community

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The race is officially on! While candidates and parties have been warming up for months, this week kicks off the real sprint toward Queensland’s election. The banners are out, the promises are polished, and the countdown to decision day has truly begun.
For the brave souls running in Mackay, Mirani, Whitsunday, and Burdekin, it’s a mix of nerves, excitement, and a lot of handshakes. Fun fact: Did you know that all four of these electorates overlap with our Mackay Life distribution area? It really highlights just how vast our greater Mackay region is.
To keep you informed, we’ve put together a comprehensive election special on pages 12-14, plus more election news on pages 10, 27, and 28. And if that’s not enough, stay tuned—there are sure to be more big announcements. At a press conference in Mackay earlier this week, the Premier hinted at more to come.
On a personal note, I want to wish all the candidates the best of luck. Running for public office is no small feat—it takes guts, determination, and a thick skin. It’s easy to poke fun or throw jabs from the comfort of our couches (or, let’s be honest, from behind a keyboard), but remember, these are real people—mothers, fathers, siblings, and friends from our own community.
Criticism? That comes with the job. But let’s keep it constructive.
Now, here’s a fun thought: if you were Premier for a day, what bold move would you make? Would you dive into the serious stuff—revamp housing, slash transport costs, or maybe set up community gardens where anyone can grab fresh produce? Or would you go all out and commission something a little more... whimsical?
Imagine free coffee Mondays! Perhaps you'd even declare an official "No Emails Day" so we can all enjoy some peace and quiet. Let’s hear it—what would your headline-making, unforgettable day as Premier look like?

Amanda

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A local woman's heartfelt gesture has left the Mackay community in awe, after demonstrating an act of compassion during a time that is challenging for others.

Last Tuesday, the woman reached out on a community Facebook page, looking for someone in need to take her leftover food before her work trip. She expressed a preference for sharing with others rather than freezing the food for herself or throwing it away.

With many struggling with the rising living costs, her generous offer reflects a deep sense of empathy and understanding.

"Really not sure if I should post this or not, but it breaks my heart to see so many people struggling to even feed themselves," she shared.

“I am going away tomorrow for work and have a few servings left of Jamaican chicken and rice I cooked last night as well as a raw chicken breast (opened yesterday left over from making it) and wondered if anyone would like to grab it tonight?

“I can also throw a few other items in like some left over ham, yoghurt to make it worth the trip.”

Her willingness to share rather than let the food go to waste demonstrates genuine care towards supporting those facing difficulties.

"I can’t bring myself to throw it out when I know so many people are struggling," she explained.

Her thoughtful actions have since sparked conversations about community support, encouraging others to consider how they too can make a difference in the lives of those around them.

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By Amanda Wright

The Queensland state government and federal opposition have both claimed a role in the nearing completion of the $251 million Walkerston Bypass, a project set to improve safety and traffic flow on the Peak Downs Highway.
Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, pointed to the LNP’s significant contribution of $181.83 million, secured in 2020, as critical to the project’s funding. Landry emphasised the bypass as another example of the former Coalition Government delivering for regional communities by removing heavy vehicles from Walkerston’s town centre, enhancing safety near local schools.
Meanwhile, the Queensland Government has overseen the construction since May 2022, with state officials highlighting the project as part of their broader investment in regional transport infrastructure. Labor’s focus has been on the bypass's role in improving safety for motorists and boosting efficiency for industries in the Bowen Basin.
The bypass will deliver a new two-lane rural highway to connect the Peak Downs Highway west of Walkerston to the Mackay Ring Road near Paget.
 
In September, traffic was switched from the Peak Downs Highway at Greenmount to a 700-metre section of the bypass while works on adjacent local service roads continue.
 
Works to construct a new bridge with improved flood immunity over Bakers Creek and three new road overpasses above the local road and cane rail network are almost complete. 
 
The bypass will improve safety for local residents by removing heavy vehicle traffic out of Walkerston town centre and away from local schools and businesses.
 
The new route will provide a safer and more efficient link for the mining industry between Mackay and the Bowen Basin and become the designated heavy vehicle route for B-double and other multi-combination vehicles, including A-double road trains, between the Bruce Highway and the Peak Downs Highway.
 
When completed, the Walkerston Bypass will be an integral part of an integrated transport network in the region connecting to major infrastructure projects completed in the last five years including the Peak Downs Highway Eton Range Realignment, the Mackay Ring Road, and the Mackay Northern Access Upgrade; and key projects in the final stages of delivery including the connection from the Mackay Ring Road to Bald Hill Road.
 
Minister for Child Safety, Seniors, Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs, Charise Mullen said that since the start of construction in May 2022, a massive amount of work has been achieved on site.
 
“More than 600 thousand cubic metres of earth – the equivalent of 246 Olympic-sized pools – have been shifted from cuts to fill areas,” Minister Mullen said.
 
“Over 170,000 tonnes of foam bitumen pavements have been laid throughout the 10.4km alignment.
 
“A new bridge with improved flood immunity over Bakers Creek has been constructed as well as three new road overpasses above the local road and cane rail network – this included the delivery and installation of 21 T - girders and 102 deck units. 
 
"Together, these projects will secure the long-term liveability of the Mackay area and support expansive future economic growth."
 
Labor candidate for Mackay, Belinda Hassan said that every upgrade on every highway is designed to improve safety and better manage the varied uses of our roads, including motorists and heavy vehicles for primary industries and freight.
 
“The Walkerston Bypass is an important part of the road network and will support our region for generations to come,” Ms Hassan said.
 
“This is a big project for the Mackay region, that will benefit our industries and communities alike.
 
“By taking heavy vehicles off major highways like the Bruce and Peak Downs Highways, making a safer drive for all motorists.”

Ms Landry added that the town of Walkerston has been hampered by heavy vehicles passing dangerously close to the local school.
“These improvements will not only enhance the safety but also the amenity of the town’s road networks,” Ms Landry said.
“Walkerston Bypass complements other road projects which I have secured funding for, including the $11.5 million Sarina Northern Access Upgrade, $21.6 million to improving five bridges on the Peak Downs Highway and the $166.7 million Eton Range upgrade,” Ms Landry added.
“These essential upgrades are a prime example of why we need to have the 80:20 funding model restored.
“Without the significant investment made by the former Coalition Government, projects like the Walkerston Bypass and Sarina Northern Access Upgrade would simply not come to fruition,” Ms Landry said.

The Walkerston Bypass is estimated to support an average of 225 direct jobs over the life of the project with completion expected in late 2024.

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Drone imagery showing progress on the Walkerston Bypass, set to open later this year. Image source: TMR

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Mackay Regional Council has made some minor amendments to its Corporate Plan and the draft is now open for two weeks for public comment.
Mayor Greg Williamson said extensive community engagement had been done in preparation for the previous Corporate Plan 2022-2027. 

He said the new council, after being elected at the March local government elections, reviewed that existing plan. 

“The council decided that the Corporate Plan, a legislative requirement that sets our strategic direction for five years, is serving the organisation well, and it decided to undertake a desktop review to make minor amendments.
“Councillors decided against a complete revamp, which would have been a lengthy and costly exercise.”
Mayor Williamson said the new Corporate Plan 2024-2029, once adopted, would align better with the local government election cycle.
“A new council elected in 2028 will have 12 months to review the Corporate Plan and prepare a new one,’’ he said.
The draft Corporate Plan 2024-2029 can be viewed at council’s community engagement website connectingmackay.com.au
Copies are also available at libraries and council’s customer service centres.
Councillors will also undertake some public consultation through their Strategic Advisory Committees.
The draft Corporate Plan is open for public comment until October 9.
Any feedback will be taken onboard, with the new Corporate Plan 2024-2029 scheduled to be adopted at a council meeting later this year.

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Mackay Regional Council is calling on residents of Slade Point to attend a community meeting on Tuesday, October 15.
This meeting has been organised due to community interest in forming a Progress Association.
The informal meeting will kick off at the Slade Point Bowls Club at 1 Wren Street, Slade Point, from 6pm.
It’s an opportunity for residents of Slade Point to meet with council’s Community Development Officers to chat about what a Progress Association is and the opportunities it can create.
The meeting will discuss how a Progress Association can act as a pathway for community members to take collective action on the issues that are important to them.
All community members who are passionate and motivated to achieve positive outcomes for their community are welcome.
For more information, contact Community Development Officer Katrina Morrissey on 0457 245 069.

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The council is inviting suppliers to tender for inclusion on two panels for mowing services. The panels will assist council with mowing operations across our region, especially over the summer wet season.
For more details, including tender documents, please visit QTenders at https://bit.ly/3TMEC2X or council's website at https://www.mackay.qld.gov.au/.../procure.../current_tenders
Tenders close Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 10am.

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The Mackay Base Hospital Cardiac Catheter Laboratory is set to commence
scheduled works on Tuesday, 8 October 2024.

The Cath Lab and its service will close for eight weeks while works are carried out by
contractors.

These works are due to Cath Lab equipment reaching its 10-year end-of-life period.

Upgrades to the Cath Lab are also required to suit the new equipment, along with a
sterile stock room within the unit. All works will be carried out within the eight-week
timeframe.

Replacing major medical equipment is a standard procedure for hospitals and health
services to keep up with technological advancements and to maintain safety,
efficiency, and reliability in patient care.

It will enhance the hospital's diagnostic capabilities and will directly benefit patients by
improving access to state-of-the-art cardiac care.

Patients who require Cath Lab services during the upgrade closure will be cared for
and stabilised before being transferred to the nearest Queensland Health facility with
the capacity to treat them.

Three patient care pathways have been developed for any patients that require Cath Lab
services during the upgrade closure and will be determined by each patient’s
condition.

In an emergency situation, the patient will receive medication (thrombolysis) to
dissolve the blood clot. This is a very safe and effective method to treat heart attacks
and it is the current standard treatment for anyone who lives more than 60 minutes
away from Mackay Base Hospital.

This medication is regularly administered by Queensland Ambulance officers and staff
at rural facilities.

Following stabilisation care, the patient will be transferred to Townsville University
Hospital, Prince Charles Hospital or Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital for follow-up
intervention.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service will work with Retrieval Services Queensland, CQ Rescue and Queensland Ambulance to oversee the safe transfer of patients. Based on activity data averaged across the last 12 months, Mackay HHS is planning for approximately 35 urgent admissions per month (4 per week). Mackay HHS treats approximately 48 non-urgent patients per month.

A further update will be provided as the project reaches conclusion.

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Mackay Base Hospital’s Cardiac Catheter Laboratory will undergo essential upgrades starting 8 October 2024, enhancing patient care with state-of-the-art equipment. Photo supplied

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54-Year-Old Man Charged With Assaulting 12-Year-Old Boy

A man has been charged following an alleged assault in Mackay last Tuesday morning, September 24.

According to reports, around 8:30am, a physical altercation occurred between a man and a 12-year-old boy on River Street.

The individuals were not known to each other prior to the incident. Following the altercation, the man reportedly left the scene on a motorbike.

The boy sustained minor injuries and was transported to Mackay Base Hospital for treatment.

On Wednesday, September 25, officers from the Mackay Child Protection and Investigation Unit arrested a 54-year-old man from Mackay.

He has been charged with one count of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of wilful damage.

The man is due to appear in Mackay Magistrates Court on October 14.

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During the recent Whitsunday Cambodia Service Tour, a dedicated group of students, staff, and parents proudly supported the People Improvement Organisation (PIO) in Phnom Penh.

This remarkable organisation delivers quality education to over 1,500 students, ranging from Kindergarten to University, with a mission to break the cycle of poverty through education.

Whitsunday Anglican School had the unique opportunity to assist in refreshing the classrooms, painting and enhancing the learning environment for these young scholars.

A spokesperson from Whitsunday Anglican School said “Our team had the privilege of lending a hand by painting and refreshing the classrooms.”

“It was truly an honour to contribute, even in a small way, to a brighter future for the children of Cambodia.”

Through their involvement with the PIO, the team contributed to a transformative initiative that aims to empower the next generation, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities necessary to succeed.

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During the Whitsunday Cambodia Service Tour, Whitsunday Anglican School students, staff and parents proudly supported the People Improvement Organisation in Phnom Penh.

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A successful education and compliance campaign restricting vehicle access to foreshore areas north of East Point is being extended to further protect the environment.
An ordinary meeting today resolved to implement measures to prohibit vehicle access to the foreshore and beach on council-controlled land from Harbour Beach to East Point.
Access inland to the Pioneer River in this area will remain unchanged and there is pedestrian access to East Point from there or along the beach.
Mayor Greg Williamson said council was mindful East Point was a popular location for land-based fishing and other recreation. 

He said vehicle access had historically been via tracks along the foreshore and dunes. 

“Over time, vehicles have caused significant damage to the foredune, impacting on the coastal flora and fauna, and turtle and shorebird nesting sites. 

“The impact of that damage over many years is threatening the ecological integrity of this area.”
Mayor Williamson said council was also receiving complaints about motorbikes being ridden on the foreshore and beach.
He said joint patrols between council’s Local Laws officers and Queensland Police Service were planned.
Mayor Williamson said today’s decision would help rejuvenate and revegetate the foreshore.
“There will be no change to access inland from the mangrove swale, which acts as a natural barrier to protect the beach and foredunes from vehicle access,’’ he said.
In October last year, coinciding with the start of the turtle nesting season, council began a successful education and compliance campaign at East Point.
It included signage restricting vehicle access and cameras to monitor use, with council issuing a handful of PINS (Penalty Infringement Notices) of $774.
Mayor Williamson said the benefits of that campaign were evident.
There was reduced vehicle activity along the beach and foredune and as a result ground cover vegetation in the protected areas quickly started to recover.
“The success was temporary, however, as once the campaign concluded at the end of the nesting season, vehicle access resumed.”
Mayor Williamson said following the success of the campaign stakeholders collaborated to apply for a grant to undertake fencing and revegetation to provide more permanent protection.
“Reef Catchments were awarded the grant and planning work has started. NQBP are also key stakeholders supportive of protecting the cultural and environmental values of the site.”
Other stakeholders involved range from YUWI to Mackay and District Turtle Watch and Birdlife Mackay.
The turtle nesting season closure restricted vehicle access on Lot 70, SP315437 a Reserve for Environment managed by council.
This new, permanent closure will extend to Lot 900 SP104486 and the adjacent bathing reserves. Lot 900 is a Reserve for Environmental and Recreational purposes.
Mayor Williamson said the Reserve tenure did not support use as a vehicle access track.
“Vehicle access to the area is unlawful and, as trustees of the foreshore reserve, council should be taking steps to restrict its use in this way,’’ he said.

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Obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Bill Boyd has retired after more than 30 years of delivering babies at Mater Private Hospital Mackay.

Born and raised in Scotland, Dr Boyd’s journey to Mackay began when he married his Australian wife Julie, then a student midwife in Scotland.

The couple moved to Australia in 1982 and headed to Mackay four years later.

“My first job in Australia took us to Weipa, where I was the Medical Superintendent, before moving to Adelaide, where I worked at the Queen Victoria Hospital,” Dr Boyd said.
 
The couple liked Adelaide, but Dr Boyd did not enjoy the cold.

“I love warm weather and as luck would have it, during winter in Adelaide, I saw an ad for a job at Mackay Base Hospital, mentioning the Whitsunday Islands” he said.

“I applied for the job and was granted an interview. Despite Julie still being keen to settle in Brisbane, we decided to give the interview a go, and of course, I got the job.

“Julie said we’d give the place a year’s trial, that was in 1986!”

Dr Boyd later moved into private practice and started caring for women and babies at Mater Private Hospital Mackay, while Ms Boyd served the community as a local councillor and then mayor for more than a decade.

“We worked as a team and were able to manage busy professional lives, while raising our children,” he said.

As well as loving the warm climate, the Boyds also loved the warmth of the people.

“Julie and I are both social people, who found we fitted neatly into the social life of Mackay,” he said.

“They were good people, working hard, bringing up their children.”

Dr Boyd helped those families to grow, delivering multiple generations of babies while caring for the gynaecological health of the women of Mackay.

At the same time, he diligently embraced advances in technology and techniques.
 
“There have been quantum leaps in the quality of imaging, particularly ultrasound and MRI, which have taken away a lot of guess work, helping us to keep babies and mothers safe,” he said.

“The number one advance in gynaecology during my career has been the development of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine, which will eventually make cervical cancer a rarity.”
Dr Boyd also championed the professionalism of his colleagues in Mackay and North Queensland during his time as President of the Australian Medical Association Queensland.  
 
Mater Private Hospital Mackay General Manager Karen Wade said Dr Boyd’s commitment to his patients, his profession, his colleagues and his community were clear as his tenure at Mater ended.

“Dr Boyd leaves a legacy of top tier patient-centered obstetric and gynaecological care here,” Ms Wade said.

“He also leaves Mater Private Hospital Mackay patients in the care of an accomplished generation of obstetricians and gynaecologists who are well established and respected.”

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Mater Mackay doctor Bill Boyd retires after 30 years of dedicated service. Photo supplied

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