Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
There are new things to consider when buying real estate in Australia. Up until last month, people buying real estate in Sydney really only considered the capital growth they were expecting to create within just a few years of making their purchase. Paying $1.2 million for an inner-city two-bedroom apartment didn’t matter so much if it was going to be worth $1.5 million two years later. It didn’t really matter that the crap rental returns you got for that price didn’t go anywhere near covering the mortgage because the old negative gearing benefit meant you could claim the losses on your tax. Things have changed. Negative gearing has gone and prices are dropping in Sydney … so that $1.2 million apartment doesn’t look so enticing any more, even though it’s now $1.1 million. Other cities have also been hit hard. Melbourne is now one of the cheapest cities in Australia to buy real estate. Although there are special Victorian reasons that come into play in that state. Victorians were bullied during COVID in a way that impacted small businesses in a disastrous way. The state’s debt is exorbitant, and no one seems to know how it gets paid back. Tobacco shops keep getting blown up by some underworld gang thing that the Government can’t control. They have metal boxes where people can hand in their machetes and that doesn’t appear to instil peace of mind in anyone. Terrible Governments end up having an impact and it definitely has had one on property prices in Victoria. A quick scan of on-line property sites shows you that you can pick up a decent two-bedroom unit in an inner-city suburbs like St Kilda and Collingwood in the $400,000s. I saw a three-bedder in St Kilda advertised in the $500,000s. While those prices might seem like great value, there are reasons the market is so low. People don’t trust the state Government and its management of the economy and the obvious concern would be that even though the prices might be low, there is no guarantee of capital growth. Capital growth has offered a warm embrace for investors in Australian real estate over many years. There has been an expectation that prices will go up. Obviously they will go up again but the questions is: Where will they go up, when and by how much? Unfortunately I don’t have the answer to that but I do find that when things get a bit blurry and uncertain, it’s good to stick to what you know … which, for me, is Mackay. We have several advantages over many other markets. Our median price for houses, in the $600,000s, is a lot lower than bigger cities so more affordable for local people who, by the way, still need somewhere to live. And, with the end of negative gearing and the banning of borrowing for property out of self-managed super funds, lower prices and strong rental returns should become a key factor in real estate investment. Yes, investors want capital growth but I feel the focus will probably shift more to rental yield and the monthly return on investment. Mackay’s rental returns are good and the purchase prices relatively low compared to other markets so there seems to me a good chance that our market will continue to be buoyed by those wanting to take advantage of that. Meanwhile the Mackay economy seems to be going well, driven by that crucial resource that is dug out of the ground and exported to countries that make steel. I got strong offers on three properties this week so there is a feeling that while there has certainly been a change driven by national political factors, our market is moving through it, adjusting to the new information and still bubbling along. The only thing I would say is that if any of you bump into David Crisafulli tell him to dump those high-level coal royalties.
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Queensland’s top real estate professionals and agencies are being called to step into the spotlight, with nominations now open for the Real Estate Institute of Queensland’s (REIQ) 2026 Awards for Excellence. REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the awards remained the state’s highest professional recognition in real estate and continued to adapt alongside the profession itself. “The REIQ Awards for Excellence are the pinnacle of professional recognition in Queensland real estate, and each year we ensure the program remains contemporary, inclusive and reflective of the full scope of our profession,” Ms Mercorella said. “This year, we’re delighted to add a new Multi-Office Network of the Year category, recognising real estate agencies that operate as a unified multi-office network. “It’s a category our members asked for, and it’s a great example of how the awards continue to evolve alongside the structure and sophistication of Queensland real estate businesses.” Ms Mercorella said there was even more incentive for members to nominate this year, with a pathway from the outset to national recognition in eligible categories through the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s (REIA) National Awards for Excellence (NAFE). The REIQ Awards for Excellence span individual and agency categories, with some split into regional and SEQ areas, across residential and commercial sales, property management, buyer’s agency, auctioneering, business broking, multimedia, innovation and community contribution. Ms Mercorella said real estate professionals throughout Queensland could now start preparing and polishing their award nominations with the clock now ticking down. It’s time to shine! Nominations close on Sunday 12th July 2026, with the winners announced at a spectacular awards gala on Saturday 31st October 2026 at The Star Brisbane. Nominate now via awards.reiq.com
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Makayla Groves and Bianca O'Brien are part of the commercial property team at Blacks Real Estate, supporting landlords, tenants and business owners across the Mackay region. Working as Commercial Property Managers, Makayla and Bianca assist with the day-to-day management of commercial properties, helping clients navigate leasing and property management requirements across retail, office and industrial spaces. Based at the agency’s Wood Street office, the pair work closely with business clients throughout the region as part of Blacks Real Estate’s commercial division. Makayla Groves can be contacted on 07 4963 2522, while Bianca O’Brien can be contacted on 07 4963 2525. CAPTION: Bianca O'Brien works with Blacks Real Estate as a Commercial Property Manager. Photo supplied Makayla Groves works as a Commercial Property Manager with Blacks Real Estate. Photo supplied
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The Coalition has pledged to make the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) a permanent institution, arguing the move would provide long-term certainty for regional investment, infrastructure and jobs across Northern Australia, including Mackay. The announcement follows the Federal Government's decision to extend the NAIF for a further 10 years, rather than permanently removing its sunset clause. Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said while the Coalition would support Labor's legislation, it believed the independent review's recommendation to make the facility permanent should be adopted. “The Developing Northern Australia is a proud LNP achievement,” Senator Canavan said. “Despite naysayers at the time, Northern Australia has remained on the agenda ever since. I am personally proud to have introduced the original Northern Australia legislation in 2016, with the policy built on the work that was done by LNP Members of Parliaments such as former Senator Ian Macdonald and former MP Warren Entsch. “Unfortunately, Labor is now kicking the can down the road. Northern Australia shouldn’t have to fight every decade to prove it is worthy of investment. “The independent review recommended making the NAIF permanent because it works. The Coalition established the NAIF in 2016, and we will make it permanent because Northern Australia should have long-term certainty for investment, jobs and economic growth.” Since its creation, the NAIF has supported 33 projects with $4.3 billion in finance commitments, helping deliver more than 18,000 jobs and an estimated $33 billion in public benefit across Northern Australia. Those investments include upgrades to airports in Darwin, Alice Springs, Townsville, Cairns and Mackay, along with projects supporting agriculture, mining and manufacturing. Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Senator Susan McDonald said permanent funding would continue to drive regional development. “Labor talks about Northern Australia, but the Coalition backs it with lasting investment,” Senator McDonald said. “The NAIF has transformed communities, unlocked private investment and created jobs across the North. Making it permanent sends a clear message that the Coalition believes in Northern Australia’s future and won’t treat its development as a temporary priority.” “Governments come and go, but Northern Australia’s importance will never diminish,” she said.
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TAFE Whitsunday is a big part of this year’s Business Conference,serving up a tasty two-course meal, and morning and afternoon treats,prepared and served by their awesome hospitality and cookerystudents.
Attendees willenjoy the food in Palmers, their student-run training restaurant,where students get real hands-on experience.
This is a greatway to see local talent in action and shows how TAFE is helpingstudents get job-ready in hospitality and tourism, two of theWhitsundays’ biggest industries.
By featuring TAFEstudents at the conference, we’re not only celebrating their hardwork but also helping build a skilled local workforce. It’s a winfor the students, the businesses, and the whole community, showinghow education and industry working together can boost our region’sgrowth and future.
Open to thepublic, Palmers Restaurant is hosting a la carte lunch services form12pm-1:30pm Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 September. Bookings essentialphone 4940 2777 or PalmersRestaurant.north@tafeqld.edu.au
TAFE hospitality and cookery students will be serving up a tasty two-course meal, and morning and afternoon treats at the conference.Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
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.”
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