The community gathered this week to mourn the tragic passing of 22-year-old Isabella Vickery, a much-loved young local who will be remembered for her love of life, cheeky personality and kindness.

Izzy’s funeral was held at the VMR in Cannonvale on Monday, with more than 100 people in attendance. In honour of her family’s wishes, many wore purple, a fitting tribute to a vibrant life gone too soon.

Isabella was described as “radiant light, laughter, joy, childlike at times, smart, super smart, tender, silly, kind, happy, a little bit naughty, and above all, love. She had the most beautiful heart”.

Until the age of 12, Izzy was raised by her father Tim, with the unwavering support of her grandfather Roger. Her grandmother was also part of her early years, though sadly passed away when Izzy was still a toddler. She attended both St Catherine’s and Proserpine State High School.

In her early teenage years, Tim met Sarah, and together they built a close and loving family. Sarah stepped into Izzy’s life, becoming a friend and a confidant to Izzy but even more importantly the mother that Izzy never had. A beautiful and pure relationship developed.

Through this, Izzy also gained extended family, with grandparents Jill and Brian offering even more love, support and encouragement.

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Not long after, her younger sister Olivia was born. Their connection was immediate and unbreakable, best friends who shared a bond that will never be broken.

After finishing school, Izzy began studying criminology at Griffith University before transitioning to behavioural science at QUT, living in Brisbane for three years.

This new degree was more in line with what Izzy was passionate about. She wanted to make a difference. She wanted to help those living with disabilities, sickness and the elderly, to give them dignity, show them kindness, compassion, care and companionship.

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That was who she was at her core, someone who gave love so freely.

In recent weeks, family and close friends have been navigating immense grief, while also finding comfort in sharing memories and celebrating the joy Izzy brought into their lives.

They smiled recalling her love of comfort, especially her fondness for PJs, once spending a large portion of her savings on six pairs from Peter Alexander pyjamas. She also loved karaoke, embracing the stage with confidence, living in the moment and simply having fun.

Izzy had returned to the Whitsundays at Christmas and decided to stay. During this time, she met someone special who made her smile and gave her excitement for what lay ahead.

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“She was full of life, excited, hopeful, and so in love with the future,” shared the family.

“And that is what makes this so hard.

“But even though her time with us was far too short, the impact she has left is immeasurable.

“She will forever be in our hearts, in our memories, in our stories and in the quiet moments where we feel her presence.”

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The family has asked that anyone wishing to honour Izzy’s memory consider making a donation to the Epilepsy Foundation.   

They also extend their heartfelt thanks to the community for the outpouring of love, support, and kindness during this incredibly difficult time. The Vickery family have been truly overwhelmed by the generosity and compassion shown to them.

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Scan here to donate to Epilepsy Foundation:

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A government-sanctioned clean-up was conducted on Cannonvale beach last week as boat debris was removed from where it had been stranded following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji on January 11^th. Operations have also begun on Rose Bay, following calls for help that attracted national media attention.  

The detritus was the object of much criticism from locals, as questions arose as to who would be paying for the clean-up, when boat owners were unable or unwilling to recover their property themselves.  

After 22 boats were reported displaced, most owners organised recovery of their boats, but some vessels remained where they landed, including the red catamaran, Gaia, on Cannonvale sands, a white yacht on Pigeon Island, and 7 Wonders at Bowen’s Rose Bay.  

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It is unconfirmed why the boats haven’t yet been salvaged by their owners, with online speculation including severe illness, issues with insurance, and lack of funds. Some commenters online condemned owners, whilst others warned not to be quick to make judgements, as the full story is often a lot more complicated, and human, than people presume.  

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As local boatie Tony Ritter pointed out following a recent runaway boat from Coral Sea marina; “People online are always quick to criticise. They say, ‘why was it out there’, but there’s always a story.”  

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Something many commenters agreed on, though, was that the debris was there for far too long.  

The Cannonvale debris removal occurred on April 8^th and was conducted by Maritime Safety Queensland under their ‘Keeping our Waterways Safe’ program.

“Removing wrecked vessels is rarely simple,” their spokesperson said.  

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“Each recovery requires site inspections, specialist lifting equipment and careful planning to ensure the work is carried out safely and without environmental harm. Many of the vessels were in hard to access places or remote locations.

“Under Queensland law, vessel owners are responsible for maintaining their vessels and removing them if they become wrecked or stranded. Maritime Safety Queensland can step in when owners fail to comply with directions, with costs recovered from the owner, through the Courts if necessary.

“Keeping waterways safe is a shared responsibility, and maintaining vessels remains the owner’s obligation.

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“Our teams will continue this work across Queensland to help keep waterways safe and accessible.”

Further action at Rose Bay was finally announced on Tuesday 14^th April, where the clean-up had thus far been conducted by volunteers, including those at Eco Barge, and frustrated locals.  

Bowen local Stuart Fisher has put huge effort into clearing the mess, and has been documenting his work online, and calling on media to pay attention.  

“I’ve been screaming to the world about it,” he told Yahoo News, adding that until this week, no one outside of the region seemed to care.

“It’s devastating because the boat has completely spewed out everything on board, and this could have been avoided.”

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Whilst Stuart, Eco Barge, and other volunteers have cleared huge piles of debris from the beach, he raised the issue of the polystyrene and other materials that have been breaking down and entering the sands and ocean.  

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Sharing images of the pollution on his page Flying Fish Drone Photography, Stuart posted:  

“There was enough Styrofoam on board to cover more than half of a basketball court or 13 cubic meters. The long-term effect on our coral reef is yet to be determined.”

Removal of 7 Wonders began on Wednesday 15^th, operated by Clayton’s Towing, with the removal taking a predicted 7 days to complete.  

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Photo source: Shutterstock

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Local Des Wilkins took to Facebook last week to profess her deep thanks to a young man who assisted her when a scheduled delivery from a local supermarket fell through and she was left stranded with too many groceries to carry home by herself.  

“I was standing at the checkout wondering what I would do and how I would get my groceries home without a car,” she said in her post.  

“Next thing I know, a young man approached me and said he would deliver my groceries for me”.  

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After the man finished work – he delivered the groceries swiftly without asking for anything in return.  

“A massive thank you for your help – it is not often one sees this sort of generous assistance nowadays and your attitude and above all – your help, were sincerely appreciated.”

The community reacted with a wave of appreciation, noting the true generosity of the act. It is heart-warming to see how people step up to help others when they are in need.  

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Tina Briskey From Taylors Property

For Tina Briskey, real estate is more than a profession: it’s a way of sharing a place she has long called home.

After arriving in the Whitsundays in 1991, following extensive travels across Australia and throughout her home state of Queensland, Tina quickly formed a deep connection to the region. What began as a move became a lifelong commitment, with the Whitsundays evolving from a destination into a cherished home.

Before transitioning into real estate, Tina spent 17 years working on Hamilton Island, gaining valuable experience and building strong ties within the community. Her move into the property sector was driven by a genuine desire to help others discover the same lifestyle she had come to love.

As a Property Specialist with Taylors Property Specialists, Tina brings a values-driven approach to her work. Loyalty, integrity, and honesty are at the core of everything she does, shaping a professional style that is both transparent and deeply client-focused. In an industry where trust is essential, Tina’s commitment to ethical practice and clear communication has become a defining feature of her service.

Tina is passionate about helping clients not only buy and sell property, but also find their own piece of paradise in the Whitsundays. Her knowledge of the local area, combined with her authentic enthusiasm for the region’s lifestyle, allows her to guide clients with confidence and care.

With a strong connection to the community and a heartfelt belief in what the Whitsundays has to offer, Tina Briskey continues to help others turn their property dreams into reality.

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Lisa relocated to the stunning Whitsundays in 2023, drawn by the promise of a more relaxed lifestyle and the opportunity to immerse herself in everything the region has to offer.

With an extensive background as a paralegal and conveyancer in New South Wales, Lisa has a deep understanding of the legal and transactional aspects of property. Her passion for real estate, combined with her commitment to building genuine relationships, inspired her to transition into the industry full-time.

Grateful for the warm welcome she and her family received, Lisa is passionate about sharing her knowledge, enthusiasm, and local insight to help others achieve their property goals. She takes pride in guiding clients through the process of buying or selling their most significant assets, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience.

Approachable, professional, and always willing to go the extra mile, Lisa looks forward to assisting you with your real estate journey in the Whitsundays.

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Sarah Dean from Belle Property Whitsunday

Sarah Dean brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success to her role as a Sales Consultant at Belle Property Whitsundays, where she leads Team Sarah Dean.

Before moving into real estate, Sarah worked in the investment sector, helping clients maximise their superannuation through high-performing boutique funds. She also founded and ran a successful marketing business that generated qualified leads for investment property sales companies nationwide, enhancing client acquisition strategies and sales growth.

Sarah’s focus is on building strong, long-term relationships with her clients through trust, clear communication, and expert advice. She is passionate about staying ahead of market trends, deeply understanding local property values, and providing her clients with a distinct competitive edge.

Recognised for her excellence, Sarah has received multiple Sales Awards and has consistently ranked among the top agents on realestate.com.au in the Whitsundays for both performance and 5-star reviews. She is also a proud recipient of the Price Expert Badge from Rate My Agent, a reflection of her accurate market insight and pricing expertise.

What sets Sarah apart is her genuine, client-first approach and her ability to achieve record-breaking sales prices. Her strong negotiation skills and tailored selling strategies ensure optimal outcomes for every client, whether buying or selling.

Now at Belle Property, Sarah thrives in an environment that values collaboration, innovation, and high standards of service. Team Sarah Dean is committed to providing a boutique experience backed by the strength of the Belle Property brand, delivering premium results with a personalised touch.

Outside of real estate, Sarah is an active member of the Whitsundays community. She enjoys quality time with her son, outdoor adventures, sporting events, and charity initiatives. Whether camping, boating, or exploring the beautiful Whitsundays region, Sarah embraces life with energy and passion—values she brings to every client interaction.

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Stop the presses - one of the most loved dogs in the world is coming to Australia!

Spot the dog is taking to the stage in a show designed to be enjoyed by the whole family, and adored by little ones, for whom it might be their first ever theatre experience.

The upbeat show sees Eric Hill's beloved puppy come to life on stage in a show that's fun for all, with puppetry, songs, and puzzles for children from 18 months and up – promising to be enjoyed by ‘big kids’ too.

Spot and his friends will be setting off on a new adventure to visit Spot's Dad on the farm and meet the farm animals. But when they arrive, all the animals are lost! And so the quest begins: Can Spot and his friends find them all? They might need a little help from their new friends in the audience...

This sweet show is an amazing opportunity to introduce little ones to the arts, letting them step into a storybook world where their favourite animals have jumped off the page and stand before them. Who knows – it may inspire some future performers to take to the stage one day, too.

Tickets are available now on the Proserpine Entertainment Centre website.

WHAT: Spot – Live On Stage

WHERE: Proserpine Entertainment Centre

WHEN: Friday 1^st May, 12-12.50pm, 2-2.50pm

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The Proserpine Nursing Home opened 40 years ago this month, filling an important gap in aged care facilities within our community.  Since the time of its opening, the nursing home has expanded from 30 to 103 beds today.

In March 2004, Mrs Zena Price, Past Patroness of the Proserpine Historical Museum, penned the following article on the history of the Proserpine Nursing Home.

It has been said that in every field of human life things have gone ahead because people of vision have had a dream and a hope of something that may be possible. To live comfortably in the world, we must have dreams and Margaret Rose Rigby’s dream was to have a nursing home in Proserpine - a place where invalids and the elderly could enjoy the comforts of being cared for in an environment they knew, amongst relatives and friends.

Margaret was not a native of this district.  Her husband, Jordan, became Manager of the Proserpine Sugar Mill in 1978. Soon after their arrival, in conversation with friends and from her own observations, she learned that some of our elderly were being cared for in the local hospital or in out-of-town nursing homes. She first called a public meeting in 1980 to discuss the viability of a nursing home a committee was formed with Mr Ray Botto as president.

The first estimate of $800,000 seemed impossible but the generosity of the Eddie Dray family in donating 1.6 hectares of land for a home removed a considerable financial burden from the committee. Proserpine Co-operative Sugar Mill each gave $50,000 with the State and Federal Governments providing substantial donations.

The committee left no stone unturned in its efforts to make the home a going concern. They ran goose clubs, manned the gate at the rodeo, harvested bean crops, made curry and rice for the Harvest Festival; the ladies had bridal afternoons, the Rotary and Lions Service Clubs were most generous. By April 1986, Margaret received the keys to the home. No vacancies!!

In 1990, another marathon effort, and ten units known as “Hazelwood Hostel” were connected to the southern end of the Nursing Home.  “Hazelwood” honours the memory of James Nicol, an original cane supplier to the Mill in 1897, who called his farm “Hazelwood”. The Nursing Home is built on part of that farm which was sold in 1948, to the Dray family.

In 2000, the very comfortable “Whitsunday” wing was made possible by the transfer of $350,000 from the Aged Care Association at Airlie Beach and Jubilee Pocket.

In 2003, a fourth wing named “Windermere” was opened.  The name “Windermere” is familiar to this district.  It was the name given to land purchased at Cannon Valley near Brandy Creek by Mr HW Holmes when he arrived in 1894 and is still in the Holmes family. The Windermere School, one of the district’s country schools, was built on land donated by Mr Holmes and operated for the children in that area from 1922 till its closure in 1942.

No doubt, Margaret Rigby’s dream came to fruition because of the untiring efforts of many good local residents, service clubs, good management, caring staff and government help.

Story sourced from Proserpine Historical Museum archives (PHMS Magazine Issue 54 March 2004). Photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum.

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L-R Jean Hinschen; Margaret Perkins; Gwyn Johns; Margaret Rigby - Four hard workers seen preparing the grounds before the opening.

Photo supplied.

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Steve Fraser is the winner of Photo of the Week this week, sharing this photo of Airlie Main Street for the “Street Life” theme.

Next week’s theme is “Angles”. Budding photographers are welcomed to submit their photos via the Whitsunday Amateur Photographers Facebook Group.

1 - Photos contributed with thanks to the Whitsunday Amateur Photographers group.

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Bella is the kind of dog who reminds you just how powerful love and resilience can be.

Connection is everything to Bella. She thrives in environments where she can be part of the family and included in daily life. For this reason, she would be best suited to a home where people are around most of the time, as being left alone all day would not meet her emotional needs.

Bella is a medium-sized dog with a medium energy level—equally happy to enjoy playtime and then settle in for cuddles. She is wonderful with children, currently being assessed with other dogs, and her compatibility with cats is still unknown.

Her ideal home would include secure fencing, a family-oriented environment, and, most importantly, a lifelong commitment from people ready to give her the stability she deserves.

Bella comes microchipped, has had all necessary veterinary work completed, and has made a full recovery from a previous illness. She is now healthy and ready to begin her next chapter.

Her adoption fee is $400.

Bella has already proven her strength. Now, she just needs someone to choose her—and to choose her for good.

If you believe you could offer Bella the loving home she’s been waiting for, please reach out with your name, phone number, and expression of interest.

If you are interested, please contact Bowen Collinsville Pet Rescue Inc.

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Photo source: Facebook

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The volunteer-led Bowen Community Op Shop is once again showing how powerful grassroots generosity can be, welcoming an impressive flow of donations from the community, and using every dollar earned to directly invest back into the Bowen and Collinsville region.

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity shown by locals, the Op Shop is currently offering clothing without tags for $1 and baby clothing for 50 cents, making essential items accessible to families doing it tough.

Not only is the shop a useful resource, all income raised is being channelled straight back into community programs. Funds have supported chair‑based exercise classes, tech classes, health forums, dancing programs, the Bowen Soup Kitchen, the Food Bank, festivals and more than 90 community organisations across the region.

The Op Shop has also helped sponsor two Bowen State High School students to attend university, demonstrating its long‑term commitment to local youth.

The Bowen Community Centre, which oversees the Op Shop, was recently approved as a registered Social Enterprise Trader, formalising its long‑standing practice of returning more than half of its profits to community benefit.

The Bowen Community Council, which is the governing body over Bowen Community Centre, has also provided free space to the Bowen Art Society, ensuring local artists have a place to create and collaborate.

Open from 8.30am to 2.30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, the shop relies entirely on community donations and has become a supportive hub for local residents.

If you want to be a part of it, come in and say hello at 34 – 40 Gregory Street Bowen.  

Contributed with thanks to Stephanie Cora. Photo supplied.

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Locals across the Mackay Whitsundays are being encouraged to celebrate the people, places and experiences that make their region special, with nominations now open for the 2026 QLD Day Awards and voting underway for the All the Best campaign.

Part of the annual QLD Day celebrations on 6 June, the initiatives shine a spotlight on community heroes, local businesses and iconic destinations that reflect the spirit of Queensland.

From volunteers and grassroots contributors to standout events and favourite local spots, the awards recognise those who help shape and strengthen communities across the state.

Premier David Crisafulli said the campaign was about showcasing everything Queenslanders love about where they live.

“From your local pizzeria to your favourite beach, we want Queenslanders to share what they love most about our amazing State,” he said.

“We’re also calling on all Queenslanders to help us recognise our amazing community members and organisations by nominating them as part of this year’s competition.”

Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton said the region had no shortage of worthy nominees.

“We live in the best place in the world, and there is so much to be proud of and celebrate this Queensland Day,” he said.

Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm echoed the sentiment, highlighting the region’s diversity.

“From our incredible islands, agriculture and local businesses to the hardworking volunteers and community champions who give so much back, Queensland Day is a chance to celebrate everything that makes our region so special," she said.

Voting is now open, with winners to be announced on 3 June.

CAPTION: Sun, sea and sand at Bowen’s Grays Bay; just one of the many North Queensland gems locals are being encouraged to celebrate this QLD Day. Photo source: Visit Queensland

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Bakers Co. Whitsunday started its life as a Brumby’s franchise run by couple Vicky Liu and Andy Tao. After running the store successfully for seven years, the pair decided to go independent, forming Bakers Co. Whitsunday – however the great feeds and tastes that made their business special remain.

Located in the Whitsunday Shopping Centre in Cannonvale, the business has seen immense success over the years.

Bakers Co. Whitsunday boasts a host of delicious treats such as their custard tarts, vanilla slices, jam donuts for those with a particularly sweet tooth – and pies, sausage rolls and coffees for a delicious all rounded breakfast.

Both Vicky and Andy are incredibly grateful for the long-term support they have received from the community over the years.

Despite the rebranding, Bakers Co. Whitsunday show no signs of slowing down as they continue to garner support and spread the joy across the region.

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A former Bowen State High School student is making waves in the scientific world, developing a revolutionary way to track one of the ocean's most invisible threats.

Dr Scott Morrissey, a member of the Bowen State High School Class of 2013, recently achieved his PhD at James Cook University. His research uses "environmental DNA" (eDNA)—tiny genetic traces left in the water—to detect the presence of deadly Australian box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri).

For Principal Rob Harris, Scott’s success comes as no surprise. Mr Harris, who taught Scott in Year 11 and 12 Biology, remembers a student with a clear drive.

"Scott was an incredibly focused student who always had a keen interest in biology," Mr Harris shared.

"It has been wonderful to follow his journey over the past 12 years. His (Scott’s) parents always keep me updated on what he is studying and where he is in the world."

In his thesis acknowledgements, Dr Morrissey concluded - “Finally, I would like to thank my family – Mum, Dad, Dylan, Joshua, and of course my sidekick Percy. Your unwavering support and encouragement have kept me grounded and driven. Thank you for believing in me and for supporting me every step of the way.”

After graduating from Bowen, Scott completed a Bachelor of Science with Honours, a path that allowed him to travel the world while pursuing his passion for marine life. His doctoral research finally solved a long-standing mystery: where box jellyfish come from.

By testing just two litres of seawater, Scott’s method can detect the jellyfish during their ‘polyp’ stage—the stationary phase before they become mobile stingers. His findings revealed that these jellyfish are ‘homebodies’ that stay within specific bays rather than drifting along the coast, a discovery that will vastly improve how local beaches manage stinger risk.

For the Bowen State High School community, Scott’s journey represents a core mission.

"This connection with the community is what Bowen SHS is all about," Mr Harris added.

"Strengthening relationships and embracing opportunities to ensure students realise their full potential and are prepared for all things."

With his PhD now complete, Dr Morrissey’s work stands as a testament to how a passion sparked in a local classroom can lead to world-first discoveries that protect swimmers across the coastline.

Dr Morrissey’s paper can be accessed via: https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/89811/2/JCU_89811_Morrissey_2024_thesis.pdf

Contributed with thanks to Robert Harris.

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Scott Morrissey attended Bowen State High School and recently completed his PHD. Photo supplied

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Last week, ‘Backpacking Poms’ Joe Taylor and Isaac Hirsch passed through Airlie Beach on their epic mission to raise funds for Talk2MeBro, a charity dedicated to improving men’s mental health through connection, conversation, and education.

The two young Brits started their journey in Newcastle and will be cycling 17,000km around the Australian Coastline, sharing their adventure online and raising awareness and money for their cause – one close to both of their hearts.

“We’ve seen how many men are taught to “tough it out,” to bottle things up, and to keep moving no matter how heavy life becomes,” the pair shared.

“We’ve seen friends, family members, and people we admire fight unseen battles — and tragically, some have been lost far too soon.”

“We don’t want men to feel like they have to fight alone anymore.

“This ride is our way of proving that vulnerability is strength, not weakness. That speaking up takes courage. That connection can save lives.”

Isaac said that the duo received outstanding support in our region.

“Our stop in the Whitsundays was incredible. We got a free day trip with Ocean Rafting - Nathan helped us out - and our captain Brent was amazing.” He said.

“A lovely lady named Clare let us stay at her place for a couple of days, we made some great friends, and the locals supplied us with food throughout our stay. The support and kindness made the Whitsundays an unforgettable part of our ride!”

Joe and Isaac are forthcoming about their own struggles with mental health, and how meaningful the challenge is to them.

“For most of our lives, neither of us have truly felt fulfilled,” they stated.

“Deep down, we’ve always known we were meant for something bigger than ourselves — a challenge that would push us physically, mentally, and emotionally to our absolute limits.

“That’s why we’ve decided to take on one of the toughest adventures we can imagine.”

Follow along and donate to the cause on the pair’s socials: @the.bikepackingpoms

1- Isaac Hirsch (left) and Joe Taylor (right) were seen off a Talk2MeBro representative in Newcastle on March 1st. Photo source: LinkedIn

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