Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
The Government have announced a $1 million project to construct women’s changerooms for the Rugby League Mackay & District playing fields in an aim to support the next generation of female players in the region amid an increasing demand for participation. The commitment to deliver the changerooms comes after local MP Nigel Dalton petitioned for the investment and was backed by more than 300 community members. The changerooms will also be adjacent to BB Print Stadium, the home of the Mackay Cutters, which is used by a range of other sports including rugby union and soccer for major fixtures. The project will be jointly funded by the state government and Mackay Regional Council and will include two fully-serviced changerooms with dedicated female amenities. Premier David Crisafulli said the new changerooms would provide greater dignity for women and girls wanting to play rugby league. “Every Queenslander who plays sport, regardless of their gender, age or ability, deserves to have access to changerooms and facilities,” Premier Crisafulli said. “Mackay is one of Queensland’s greatest rugby league nurseries and the growth of the women’s game in the region has been outstanding. “It’s imperative women and girls who play the game are made to feel as welcome as possible, and these new changerooms will make rugby league even more inclusive for the Mackay community. “This upgrade is overdue and our government is delivering the infrastructure local sporting clubs need to thrive, while creating more opportunities for women and girls to get involved in sport.” Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the new changerooms were a gamechanger for sport in the region. “Having the right infrastructure in place will attract more women and girls to want to play rugby league, and that is a huge win for Mackay,” Mr Dalton said. “This project is a direct result of listening to our local sporting clubs and the wider community over the past year. Time and again, people told me they wanted better facilities to support the growth of women's sport, and I'm proud we have been able to deliver on that feedback. “Having the new changerooms adjacent to BB Print Stadium means female participants using that venue, whether it be for rugby league, rugby union or soccer, will also be catered for. “This is a fantastic outcome for our community and for Mackay sport, and it's another example of what can be achieved when we listen to local people and deliver on their priorities.” Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said the project was a significant win for local sport. “We’re seeing strong participation in women’s sport right across Mackay, and these new changerooms will make it easier for more women and girls to get involved and stay involved in sport,” Mayor Williamson said. “The Mackay Regional Council is pleased to partner with the Crisafulli Government on a project that will deliver benefits for local clubs and the wider community for years to come.” Mackay Cutters Board Member Emma Coburn said the upgrades would allow female players access to safe, modern and inclusive facilities that support their participation in the game. “We’ve seen incredible growth in women’s rugby league across Mackay, and having modern, dedicated female facilities is essential to supporting that growth,” Ms Coburn said. “This investment will help strengthen the pathway from grassroots participation through to representative rugby league and ensure the next generation of female talent can continue to thrive right here in our region.”
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A notorious Bruce Highway intersection long considered one of the region’s most dangerous blackspots is set for a major safety overhaul, with Premier David Crisafulli announcing plans to upgrade the Habana Road junction. The project forms part of the joint State and Federal Government’s $9 billion Bruce Highway upgrade program and will include a reconfigured intersection and road widening to improve safety and heavy vehicle access. Notorious intersection to be upgraded as part of Bruce Highway upgrades Premier David Crisafulli has announced a major safety upgrade to the notorious Bruce Highway intersection blackspot at Habana Road. The Premier visited the site on the morning of June 9th to share plans for the project, which will be funded by the $9 billion Bruce Highway upgrade program jointly delivered by the state and federal Governments. The intersection will be reconfigured to improve safety and boost capacity, with the road widened to improve safe heavy vehicle access. The site is a known crash hotspot, with four hospitalisations following serious incidents in the past decade, and many more accidents reported. Planning and design will now commence for the upgrade, with construction expected to commence in 2027. “We are delivering the safer Bruce Highway that regional Queensland has demanded and waited too long for,” Premier Crisafulli said. “This is about getting Queenslanders home sooner and safer, starting with the worst blackspots to boost safety on the Bruce.” According to Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm: “The Bruce Highway and Farleigh Habana Road intersection is notoriously dangerous, and these overdue upgrades for our community will deliver a major boost to safety,” “In addition to saving lives, this investment is ensuring we have the regional connectivity to support our tourism, mining and agricultural industries.” Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said he was proud to be part of a government delivering for regional communities. “These upgrades to the Bruce Highway are something the community has been calling for and now thanks to the Government securing a $9 billion program, it’s getting the critical upgrades it needs,” Mr Dalton said.
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A Commemorative Ceremony marking the 83rd anniversary of Australia worst air disaster was conducted at the Bakers Creek memorial on Sunday 7th June. The B-17c Flying Fortress, a former bomber which had been converted to a transport aircraft, carrying 41 American military personnel back to ‘Maple’ (Port Morsby following their rest and relaxation leave in Mackay, crashed shortly after taking off from the Mackay airport before sunrise, at 6.02am, on the morning of 14th June 1943, in the area now occupied by the abattoir. There was only one survivor. The memorial which is located at the Bakers Creek Community Hall, less than a kilometre from the crash site, was unveiled and dedicated on 11th May 1992, and remembrance services have been conducted annually since that date. Following the arrival of special guests by WW2 Jeeps, American, Australian and 24 ‘Home State’ flags (representing the casualties) were marched on, with music provided by a band comprised of primary school students from several schools. A contingent of No.105 (City of Mackay) Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) followed the flags, and a guard of cadets was mounted at the corners of the memorial. The ceremony commenced with the Australian National Anthem and the American National Anthem, and an address by Mr. Greg Williamson, Mayor of Mackay Regional Council. An aerial tribute was provided by a Fly Past and ‘Dipping of Wings’ by a Tiger Moth aircraft from The Mackay Tiger Moth Museum. Piper Isaac Williamson, a member of the Mackay and District Pipe Band, played a lament as flowers of remembrance were being laid, and the last, representing the sole survivor by a staff member of the Dundula State Primary School. Taps and The Last Post were sounded by the Bugler, and the Ode to the Fallen recited following a minutes silence, after which Rouse was sounded. The ceremony concluded with a march past of the AAFC.
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After its busiest year on record and more than 300 missions already completed in 2026, BMA CQ Rescue is calling on Mackay and surrounding communities to help ensure the region's rescue helicopter service remains ready for the next emergency. The community-funded organisation this week launched its 2026 Annual Appeal, aiming to raise $280,000 to help offset rising operational costs and maintain its around-the-clock rescue capability. Based in Mackay, BMA CQ Rescue provides critical aeromedical, search and rescue, and emergency response services across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Demand for the service continues to grow. In 2025, crews responded to a record 778 missions and flew more than 339,000 kilometres across Central and North Queensland. So far this year, they have already completed more than 300 lifesaving flights. Chief Executive Officer Tim Healee said every mission represented a family facing one of the most challenging moments of their lives. “For 30 years, our crews have answered the call without hesitation, no matter the time, weather, or how remote the location,” Mr Healee said. “But every mission relies on the strength of our community. There will always be another accident, another medical emergency, another family needing help fast. And when that call comes, we must be ready.” While government funding supports part of the service, BMA CQ Rescue must still raise almost $7 million from the community each year to continue operating. The 2026 appeal centres on the story of 13-year-old Tallis Anderson, who suffered critical injuries in a serious motorbike accident near Moranbah. When the emergency call came through, BMA CQ Rescue crews responded rapidly, providing urgent medical care before transporting Tallis to Mackay for specialist treatment. For his family, the helicopter's arrival was a moment they will never forget. “You don't realise how precious they are until something like that happens,” Tallis' father Ryan said. Today, Tallis continues his recovery surrounded by family, something his parents believe may not have been possible without the quick response of the rescue crew. Mr Healee said Tallis' story highlighted why community support remains so important. “The people who need us tomorrow don't know it yet, but when that moment comes, our communities support means we can be there,” he said. This year's appeal also marks 30 years of service for the rescue organisation, which has become a vital lifeline for regional communities where distance can often mean the difference between life and death. Operating 365 days a year, the service now flies further and faster than ever before, thanks to its fleet of AW139 rescue helicopters. However, officials say continued community support remains essential to ensuring crews can respond whenever the next call for help comes. Community members can support the appeal by donating through the BMA CQ Rescue website via www.cqrescue.org.au. CAPTION: To help keep this vital service in the sky, residents are encouraged to support the 2026 Annual Appeal. Every dollar counts and could be the difference in someone’s life. Photo source: BMA CQ Rescue
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The Whitsundays Chamber extends its thanks to the major sponsors behind the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference, recognising their vital role in bringing the sold-out event to life.
This year’s conference would not be possible without the generous contributions of:
• Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale–Proserpine is a locally owned branch offering full banking services and investing back into the Whitsunday community.
• My Pathway connects people and businesses through employment, training, and community services, including the Self-Employment Assistance program.
• Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee, unites local business and community leaders and training providers to deliver relevant employment and training solutions.
• TAFE Queensland’s Whitsundays campus offers practical courses in cookery, hospitality, and early childhood education.
• Shiift provides tailored leadership, culture, and performance solutions for aligned, motivated teams that drive real results.
• Tassal, with its Proserpine Prawn Farm, is a major regional employer committed to sustainable aquaculture and investment.
• Mackay and Whitsunday Life supports the community by documenting and celebrating the diverse stories of the Whitsundays.
A shoutout also to the Conference Champions who are also powering this year’s Conference –Club Whitsunday, Kapow Interactive, Option Insurance Brokers, Scallywag Fabrications, Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting, Telstra, and Your Business Angels – for stepping up with their generous support.
All these businesses are true business champions, making sure the conference offers the best insights, networking, and practical tools to help you succeed.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check them out and see how they can help your business thrive.
A major highlight of the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference will be the dynamic plenary session Working Better Together: From Vision to Impact, showcasing how strategic partnerships are creating real, measurable outcomes across the Whitsundays.
Hosted by the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the session will explore how collaboration across sectors—government, business, community, First Nations and environmental groups—is transforming the region’s capacity to deliver high-impact projects and long-term liveability improvements.
The panel will feature local leaders actively involved in some of the region’s most exciting initiatives:
• Terry Archer, Whitsunday Sailing Club – sharing how the Club is leveraging partnerships to create an Olympic legacy and world-class marine infrastructure.
• Justin Butler, Whitsunday Sportspark – discussing the journey to securing $4.5 million in specialist lending to improve sports infrastructure, and the role of shared vision in reducing risk.
• Carol Norris, Greater Whitsunday Communities – presenting outcomes from the Housing Alliance Project and how coordinated efforts across employers, developers and government are addressing workforce housing and investment challenges in Mackay and Bowen.
“Partnerships are how we move from idea to action,” said Chamber President Allan Milostic. “This session will give businesses real insight into how collaboration, not competition, is shaping the future of our region.”
The plenary will highlight how rethinking traditional business relationships is delivering mutual benefit, improved community outcomes, and smarter resource allocation.
Terry Archer from Whitsunday Sailing Club
Justin Butler from Whitsunday Sportspark
Planning for the 2026 Conference is already underway, aiming to be bigger and better than ever.
The Whitsundays Chamber invites businesses to explore a range of opportunities including sponsorship packages, speaking roles, exhibitor booths, and prize contributions – designed to suit all business sizes and budgets.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event.
Contact admin@whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au.
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Your Local Business Voice
The Whitsundays Chamber is the united voice of local business, dedicated to creating a supportive environment where enterprises can grow, succeed, and connect.
As an independent and apolitical organisation, the Chamber works closely with all levels of government and stakeholders to ensure business interests are heard and acted upon.
Members enjoy access to valuable networking, education, events, and resources. Through partnerships like joint membership with Tourism Whitsundays and Weddings Whitsundays, members benefit from wider industry reach and stronger representation.
Whether you’re a start-up, sole trader, or established business, the Chamber connects you with the people, knowledge, and resources to thrive.
Join today: whitsundaycoastchamber.com.au/join
The 2025 Conference features vital sessions on leadership, human resources, and workforce development.
One key session, Unlocking Motivation: Leading with Purpose and Impact, led by Brian Ward (BRIAN8), challenges leaders to rethink motivation by focusing on mindset, trust, feedback, and retention. Attendees will learn people-first strategies to build stronger teams and create positive business outcomes.
Human resources support is front and centre in the Smarter People Management for Small Business session, hosted by Mark Lipkin (Airlie Group). This practical workshop addresses staff management challenges, compliance, industrial relations, and offers tailored strategies to reduce risk and improve workplace culture.
Another key session, From Insight to Impact: An Action Lab for Future-Fit Teams, offers a hands-on workshop for businesses to apply workforce insights to help build teams ready for tomorrow’s challenges. Georgia Lavers (Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committee) leads this interactive planning session.
Workforce challenges are also explored in International Recruitment & Migration. Presented by Alana Hopkins (Workforce Abundance), this session explains how skilled migration can help local businesses overcome labour shortages and boost regional economic growth.
Key session, Unlocking Motivation: Leading with Purpose and Impact,is led by Brian Ward (BRIAN8)
Mark Lipkinfrom Airlie Group hosts a human resources session called PeopleManagement for Small Business
Georgia Lavers from Greater Whitsunday Regional Jobs Committeeleads this interactive planning session
Alana Hopkinsfrom Workforce Abundance explores workforce challenges in anInternational Recruitment & Migration session
At the Conference, business owners can gain valuable insights and practical tools across operations, finance, and support services to help their businesses grow and stay resilient.
For business owners ready to grow, From Solo to Scalable. Corrina Lindby (The Answer is Yes) and Kate Tulett (Th3rd Dimension Media) will show how to scale a business using systems, automation, and tech tools—without the stress or need for a big team. This session provides a clear roadmap to future-proof your business and improve customer engagement.
In Money Matters for Modern Business, a panel of six finance specialists will cover essential topics like lending, insurance, superannuation, and growth planning. With experts from Rural Financial Counselling Service, Accountancy Plus, Bendigo Bank, and more, attendees can ask specific questions and get practical advice to build a strong financial foundation and boost resilience.
Finding Support Before You Need It guides business owners through free, government-backed mentoring and support programs to avoid pitfalls and stay empowered. Cassandra Walsh (My Pathway) will share how to connect with these resources early and confidently.
Cassandra Walsh (My Pathway) will present Finding Support BeforeYou Need It, a session guiding business owners through free,government-backed mentoring and support programs designed to helpthem stay empowered and avoid common pitfalls
Nestled in the heart of the Whitsundays, Tassal’s Proserpine prawn farm is proving to be much more than a seafood producer. It is a quiet local success story, combining innovation, sustainability, and a strong sense of community.
The farm, which supplies prawns across the country, is run by locals and focused on local impact. From jobs and training to environmental care and community partnerships, Tassal’s presence in Proserpine is making a meaningful difference.
Over the past year, Tassal has spent almost $55,000 supporting community groups, events and causes across the Whitsundays. This includes local associations such as the Whitsunday Brahman Rugby League, the Cannonvale Swimming Club, the Great Barrier Reef festival, the Whitsunday Show, the Proserpine Golf Club, and the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre.
Tassal’s Manager – Stakeholder and Community Engagement, Courtney Quinn-McCabe, said the company’s community support in the Whitsundays was about giving back in a way that built real, lasting value.
“We believe that when industry and community work side by side, we can achieve much more,” she said. “Our support is about more than sponsorship. It is about helping local groups grow, creating opportunities, and building strong, long-term relationships in the communities where we live and work.”
Tassal has developed a water efficiency plan specifically for its Proserpine site. This is part of a broader approach to responsible aquaculture that includes automated pond aeration, AI-based feeding systems, and real-time water quality monitoring. These tools allow the farm to reduce waste, care for animal health, and ensure long-term sustainability.
The company is also committed to creating jobs in the region. Tassal prefers to hire locally where possible and provides career development opportunities through structured training and leadership programs. It is not uncommon to hear stories of workers who joined as juniors and are now leading teams or mentoring others.
“Our team is part of this community,” Ms Quinn-McCabe said. “We live here, we work here, and we want to see the Whitsundays thrive.”
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One of the great joys of being Mayor is getting out into the community and celebrating the people and projects that are shaping our Whitsunday region for the better.
Last week, I had the pleasure of joining Deputy Mayor Michelle Wright and Cr John Finlay in Bowen to officially open two major sporting facility upgrades that will make a real difference for grassroots sport in our Whitsunday region.
First up was the new field lighting at the Bowen Sporting Complex – a $600,000 project jointly funded by Council and the Queensland Government. With lighting now up to standard for night cricket and football, this upgrade opens the door to more games, more participation, and better opportunities for local clubs and athletes.
Later in the day, we joined the Bowen Seagulls committee to celebrate the completion of the Denison Park amenities upgrade – a $1.6 million investment by the Queensland Government that’s delivered new change rooms, a gym, boardroom, accessible toilets and showers, and space to support growing teams and female participation.
Let’s be clear – projects like these don’t just happen. They’re the result of tireless advocacy from both Council and the community.
While I’ve been proud to advocate at every level of government to help secure funding for these upgrades, it’s the locals – like our club volunteers – who put in countless hours of their own time to drive these projects forward and ensure their clubs and communities get the facilities they deserve.
People like Brandon Mackie and Jill Warren, President and Secretary of the Bowen Sporting Complex Coordination Association, and Shane Douglas from the Bowen Seagulls, who volunteer hundreds of hours every year, often behind the scenes, to ensure future generations have access to top-class facilities.
Their passion, persistence and leadership are what keep the wheels turning. From grant applications and committee meetings to line-marking fields and mentoring juniors, these are the people building a strong sporting future from the ground up.
We are incredibly lucky to have such dedicated volunteers in our region. Their efforts make our towns stronger, our kids more connected, and our sporting legacy more secure.
A big thank you also to Minister Dale Last and the Queensland Government for their partnership on both projects. Council will continue to advocate for investment in local sport as we head toward 2032 and beyond.
In the Whitsundays, sport is more than just a game – it’s community, it’s pride, and it’s a legacy worth investing in.
Did you know?
Public consultation for the draft Airlie Beach Masterplan will close this Sunday 17 August.
Responding to community feedback, the masterplan sets a bold vision for our next generation of experiences, envisioning catalyst projects, public space upgrades and inspiring private investment in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics and beyond.
Don’t miss your last chance to help shape the future of Airlie Beach by offering your insights on the proposed projects.
For more information and to complete the survey, visit Council’s Online Engagement Portal, Your Say Whitsunday.
The Bowen Tourism and Business volunteers enjoyed a “Christmas in July” celebration last month with a lovely dinner at the Queen’s Beach Hotel in Bowen.
The staff and volunteers all donned their favourite Christmas outfits for the evening.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy said the volunteers were an integral part of the organisation and this was a way of saying thank you.
The 18 volunteers welcome thousands of visitors each year at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the Big Mango and at the information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.
“Our volunteers are passionate about Bowen and the entire region, and they are very knowledgeable,” Leanne said.
“They welcome every visitor with a smile and go above and beyond to provide information about our attractions, businesses, culture and history.”
It has been a big year for the organisation with Bowen winning the Top Tourism Town in Queensland, the Big Mango being named the “Best Big Thing” in Queensland and the team welcoming a record number of visitors.
“None of these achievements would have been possible without our wonderful volunteers," added Leanne.
“The dinner was also a good chance for everyone to get together as a team, the volunteers all work on different days and don’t see each other very often.
“After such a busy 12 months, we thought it was time we all had a night out to celebrate.
“Thanks also to the Queen’s Beach Hotel – it was a fantastic evening.”
Contributed with thanks to Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business Leanne Abernethy
Volunteers from Bowen Tourism and Business enjoyed their Christmas in July
Kevin Clarke, Viv Clarke and Glenn Womal
Kate Mackie, Trudy Starkey and Cindy Tonks
Photos supplied
From electric scooters to Rolls-Royces, Precision Auto Service has built a reputation for repairing, servicing, and modifying just about anything on wheels.
Now in its third year of trading, the locally owned business is led by manager and owner Matt Battams, who brings 28 years of experience in the automotive industry.
Starting as a tyre fitter at just 14, Matt went on to work with top-tier brands including Volkswagen, Rolls-Royce, and Mercedes, and even prepared Aston Martins for exhibition racing at the Grand Prix. He is a certified Aston Martin Master Technician, with training also in Maserati and other high-end vehicles.
Precision Auto Service offers a wide range of services, from logbook servicing and insurance repairs to specialist off-road modifications. With a wide variety of techincians and servicemen, Precision Auto Service has the right fit for you.
Four-wheel-drive upgrades are a specialty, with staff member Jared renowned for his expertise in custom exhaust systems and other off-road enhancements.
The workshop boasts an international team, with mechanics from countries including Scotland, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA, each bringing unique skills. Services extend beyond cars to include motorcycles, mobility scooters, golf carts, tuk-tuks, and even children’s electric cars.
Precision Auto Service also supports the community, quietly sponsoring local festivals, school events, fishing competitions, and golf tournaments, often donating car service vouchers as prizes.
Their philosophy is simple, provide quality workmanship and take the time to do the job properly.
Precision Auto Service covering all motor needs big or small. Photo supplied
Two and half years and they still keep metal out of landfiil!
It’s been 2.5 years since local siblings Luke and Clare took the reins at Whitsunday Recyclers in Proserpine, and their mission remains the same: to divert valuable metal from landfill and give it a second life.
Now, they’re expanding that mission—offering on-site farm clean-ups to help rural property owners clear out old machinery, fencing, and scrap metal with ease.
“We’ve had a lot of interest from landholders needing help with bigger clean-ups, so we’re making it easy by coming to you,” said Luke.
“We arrive with our hook truck and excavator with grab, ready to load and remove everything in one go—no hassle, no heavy lifting for you.”
Based at 19 Anzac Road, Proserpine, Whitsunday Recyclers continues to support the Whitsunday community by offering:
• Farm clean-ups
• Free scrap metal bins for business and residential properties
• Free pick-ups of all scrap metal types – including used batteries
• A yard full of metal off-cuts and parts to purchase, perfect for repairs and DIY
And yes—they offer cash for scrap, paying fair prices for a wide range of metals including copper, brass, aluminium, stainless steel, and more.
“We’re proud of how far the site has come. It’s cleaner, friendlier, and we’re busier than ever—thanks to locals who want to do the right thing,” said Clare.
Whether you’re running a busy job site, clearing out the garage, or finally tackling that farm clean-up, Whitsunday Recyclers makes metal recycling simple and worthwhile."
To book a farm clean-up or learn more, drop into the yard or call the team today.
When Marla was rescued while pregnant, she had only just made it to safety. Since then, this gentle 7-year-old Staffy-cross has poured her heart into raising her pups. Now that her mothering duties are complete, it’s finally her turn to find a loving forever home.
Marla is the very definition of a sweetheart. She adores children, gets along with dogs and cats, and even makes friends with roosters. With her affectionate nature and easygoing temperament, she would thrive in a kind, caring family where she can be part of the action.
Her favourite things in life are cuddles (the more the better), playtime with anyone who’s keen, and sharing time with her people. She’s also never one to turn down a tasty treat.
Marla’s adoption fee is $400, which includes desexing and all vaccinations.
If you’re ready to welcome this beautiful soul into your home, please send a message directly to Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue's Facebook page.
More than 600 students from Bowen State High School and Proserpine State High School explored future career opportunities at the 2025 Careers Expo, held in McKenna Hall last week.
The event brought together 40 stalls representing a wide range of industries, including health, mining, transport and logistics, disability support, emergency services, aged care, agriculture, fitness, and universities. Local businesses and regional companies were also on hand to share their expertise and advice.
For Year 12 students, the Careers Expo provided a timely opportunity to explore university courses, apprenticeships, traineeships, and direct employment pathways. Younger students in Years 7 and 8 also benefited by discovering industries they may wish to consider for work experience or future career options, while enjoying the interactive displays and merchandise offered at the stalls.
The event aimed to help students reflect on their interests and strengths, encouraging them to think about possible career directions without the pressure of having to decide immediately. It also provided a supportive environment for developing employability skills, such as confidently approaching exhibitors and engaging in professional conversations.
Many students used the day to further investigate career aspirations, arrange work experience opportunities, or gather information on school-based apprenticeships and university entry requirements.
Bowen State High School acknowledged the contribution of all businesses and organisations that attended, ensuring the success of this year’s Careers Expo.
Proserpine State High School students were treated to history coming to life with a special World War II Commemorative Convoy stopping at the school.
The commemorative convoy was led by Rockhampton Returned Services League members who are travelling to Townsville to commemorate the Victory Pacific 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and remember all who served in the Australian Military during that difficult time.
Dressing in Australian WWII period uniforms and driving authentically restored WWII trucks, jeeps and motorcycles, the gentlemen also have the special task of delivering an Official Commemorative Message to the Mayor of Townsville.
Rockhampton RSL VP80 Convoy Organiser, David Bell, said the aim of the school visit was to preserve and increase awareness about Australian wartime heritage and the experiences of service personnel during that era.
“It’s about us paying respect to those who fought and claimed victory as Australia would look very different today had there been a different outcome,” he said.
“We’re just doing our bit to keep their memory alive.”
The remarkable collection of items included a 1941 Oldsmobile sedan, 1943 Willys Jeep and trailer, a Ford Army Jeep, motorcycles, weapons and more.
Acting Head of Department – Humanities Brigette Foot said when connecting our young people with veterans, history is no longer something they read in a book or online, it becomes something they feel.
“Hearing their personal stories, marked by courage, humanity and resilience, offered a mesmerising, raw and chilling reminder that history truly lives in the voices of those who have served,” she said.
“Our Year 10 History and Year 11 and 12 Modern History students are profoundly grateful to the Rockhampton RSL VP80 Convoy for sharing their time and memories - reminding us all that service to something greater than yourself can bring empathy, hope and compassion into our future.”
Are we looking at the right statistics in the right way? For decades, society has rightly fought for women’s rights. But in the process, have some men been left behind? In the 1960s and ’70s, Australia introduced no-fault divorce laws, initially to protect women—especially those abandoned by husbands. These laws allowed women to retain the family home and often full custody of the children. At the time, it was a necessary reform. But five decades on, some are asking: do these laws now unfairly disadvantage men?
Whitsunday Pastor Andy Wilson married his high school sweetheart when he was just 21 years old. The couple went on to have four children together, bought a house in Brisbane and Andy ran his own business while his wife opted to be a stay at home mother. For many years life was idyllic, but then the marriage started to become strained.
Desperate to rekindle the spark Andy tried to woo his wife again, buying her flowers, leaving little notes for her to find and reading ‘Seven Ways To Be A Hero’ about how to win your wife back. He also sold their boat to renovate the kitchen and invested time improving the house so she could be happy.
Sadly, none of his efforts worked and he was asked to move out of the family home.
Andy rented a small room nearby to stay close to the children. Without a suitable home for overnight stays, and while continuing to financially support the family, he found himself paying over $500 per week in child support.
Meanwhile, his wife left for France on a holiday. During this time, Andy had access to the house while he was looking after the children. It was on one of these days that he saw a handwritten letter from France and curiosity got the better of him. The letter confirmed his suspicions: it was a love note to his wife.
Later that same day he looked on the family computer and discovered multiple images of his wife wearing different outfits. On each of them she had a black eye. He recalled her receiving this injury when their son accidentally swung his head into her. But here, it looked like a set-up. He realised, she was using this to try and incriminate him into a domestic violence allegation.
Andy took the hard drive and when his wife returned home she phoned him up rattled, trying to get him to admit to destroying the evidence. Andy recalls feeling like the police were listening in.
Though ultimately Andy wasn’t charged, the experience left him shaken. After speaking with a lawyer friend, Andy was told the legal battle would be lengthy and costly— his wife likely to receive up to 80% of the assets. Rather than fight, he chose to walk away and start over.
Sadly, Andy’s story isn’t uncommon. Many men report losing their homes, finances, and access to their children following divorce. While domestic violence laws are vital for protecting victims, some allege they are misused during custody disputes. Research suggests that separation and family court issues are contributing factors in male suicide. According to Dads In Distress, a national support group, separated men are six times more likely to die by suicide than their married counterparts.
Fortunately, Andy was one of the lucky ones. He may have walked away without any money, but he was able to see his children. He also met and fell in love with a beautiful woman and was able to become a caring stepfather to her two children.
Andy also discovered his true calling which is ministry – to build God’s church right here in the Whitsundays. Since December last year Andy has been the Pastor at Whitsundays Baptist Church, where his candid and uplifting sermons have grown the congregation.
His journey, however, could have ended very differently.
“I honestly believe after losing everything that without my faith in Jesus I would have been another suicide statistic,” shared Andy.
“After what happened I had every reason to hate but hate but hate locks you in a prison of bitterness. The sun will rise again - hang in there and don’t give up, because I am testament to how life does get better.”
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