Events in Paris make Proserpine’s links to previous Olympics very topical. Although there are no Proserpinians competing in the current Olympic Games people, from this great sporting town have certainly made significant contributions to Australia’s success in the Paralympics. And there have also been two wonderful occasions when the Olympic Torch relay has passed through the region involving many locals and attracting large crowds.
Alan Dufty, a wheelchair athlete, competed in three Paralympic Games – London (1984), Seoul (1988) and Barcelona in 1992. In London, he won two gold, two silver and two bronze medals and a total of twelve medals over the three games. Upon his return after the London Olympics, one of the largest crowds ever seen in Proserpine welcomed him and saw him drive slowly down Main Street in an open vehicle. At his reception, he was presented with the Advance Australia Fair Ambassadorship, an award he now shares in the illustrious company of Bert Newton, Dennis Lillee and Sir Robert Helpmann, all past recipients of this award.
David Nicholas is another outstanding Paralympian who won cycling gold and bronze medals in London in 2012, a gold medal in cycling in the C3 3000m individual pursuit in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and a bronze medal in the men’s individual pursuit C3 in Tokyo in2020.
Amanda Fraser, granddaughter of Phil and Marie Fraser, swam in seven events in the Sydney Paralympics, reaching six finals and winning bronze medals in two. By the time of the next Paralympics in Athens, she had changed sports and went on to win silver in the discus in Athens (2004) and then in Beijing (2008).  
Glen Gough, talented local equestrian, was one of the stockhorse riders to perform in the magnificent ‘Man from Snowy River’ segment in the Sydney opening ceremony, and Australian 100 metres record holder, Patrick Johnson, spent part of his nomadic childhood near enough to Cannonvale to attend the school for a short while, long enough to set a new shot put record. Patrick went on to represent Australia in the Sydney Olympics in both sprints and the relay. Can we claim him?
The Melbourne Olympic Torch Relay evoked much interest locally. The flame had to be carried all the way from Cairns to Melbourne on foot. Each runner was required to cover one mile in under seven minutes and was tested at the showgrounds. They then trained regularly, with particular attention to the considerable weight of the torch. Often this necessitated frequent changing of hands throughout the run. One runner in Bowen even trained holding a water bottle of the same weight aloft. No women were allowed to run - their longest track event in the ’56 Games was only 400 metres. Perhaps they were considered incapable!
One of the 1956 torch bearers, Kevin Duell, was also in the team to carry the Sydney Olympic Torch in 2000 which arrived by train and was then carried around the shire. Less fitness was required and the relay team was chosen from those who had made major contributions to sport and the local community. With the inclusion of nine women in the team of twenty, clearly attitudes towards women in sport had become much more enlightened by 2000. The torch was greeted with enthusiasm by thousands of spectators who lined the route.
With the prospect of the Olympic Games in Brisbane in just eight years’ time, perhaps one of our young Whitsunday athletes could be a future Olympian at those games. You never know!

Story and photo courtesy Proserpine Historical Museum

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Kevin Duell who was a torch bearer in 1956 and 2000

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The eagerly awaited return of the Whitsundays Writers Festival in September 2024 offers an exciting opportunity for writers, poets, and book cover designers across Australia.
In a bold initiative, the Festival launched earlier this year the Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards, offering substantial cash prizes to recognise and honour outstanding contributions to the literary and design landscape.
The Heart Awards’ mission is to spotlight the diverse talents within the Australian creative community while also paying homage to the captivating Heart Reef—a natural wonder found in the Whitsundays region.
Festival President Karen Jacobsen expressed enthusiasm for the awards program, “We believe in celebrating the richness of Australian creativity in all its forms. The Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards are a testament to our commitment to recognising and rewarding the extraordinary talents within our community,” remarked Karen.
The Heart Award for Best Published Book Cover Design offers a first prize of $1,500 and $500 for the runner up for original design works for books published in Australia between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024 and offered for sale to the public.
Book covers in any genre were eligible, as were printed books, ebooks and audio book cover designs.
We are delighted to announce the longlisted submissions for the 2024 Best Published Book Cover Design award:
   • A Leaf Called Greaf, designer Rebecca Mills.
   • Birdy, designer Imogen Stubbs.
   • Courage Be My Friend, designer Rebecca Mills.
   • I am the Mau, designer Rebecca Mills.  
   • Minutiae, poet and painter Kirsten Johnston.
   • Mums and Mogs, author and illustrator Mick Elliot.
   • The Furphy Anthology 2023, designer Josh Durham/Design by Committee.
   • The Skeleton House, designer Nada Backovic.
   • They Who Nicked the Sun, designer Nicola Matthews.
   • Those Girls, designer Walker Books.  
The judging panel have diligently reviewed submissions for the Best Published Book Cover Design award against three selection criteria of title clarity and genre indication, visual appeal and tone setting, and introduction of key elements and design.
The longlist submissions are currently under further consideration. From the longlist, a final shortlist will be selected, and winners announced on Saturday 7 September 2024 at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.
“In a world where first impressions matter, book covers serve as visual gateways to literary worlds. We are proud to shine a spotlight on the designers whose artistry enriches the literary landscape,” Karen remarked. “There is little recognition for our designers and the cover prize is a timely addition to the Heart Awards.”
The Festival is grateful for the generous support by the major venue partner the Whitsunday Sailing Club in hosting this year’s event.
For Festival program and tickets visit our website: www.whitsundayswriters.com

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Around 6.30am this morning, police were called to an incident at the Mackay Marina, where they have confirmed a man’s body was found deceased inside a submerged vehicle.

Authorities have speculated that the van rolled into the water and was later crushed under a pontoon that it had become stuck under with the rising tide. Police are viewing CCTV footage to confirm the circumstances of the tragedy.

Emergency services were in full force at the Marina on Thursday morning with police, fire, ambulance and other authorities on scene to determine the cause. Tow trucks and a heavy lift vehicle were on scene to assist with the attempted extrication of the vehicle from the water.

Senior Sergeant and District Duty Officer Kyle Gaule revealed that at 6:30am, police authorities received a phone call alerting them to the vehicle in the water. When they arrived at the scene, they discovered a man in the driver’s seat unresponsive in the vehicle submerged under the pontoon.

Sergeant Gaule declared that, “Just after midnight the vehicle has entered the water and it remains under investigation.

“It appears the vehicle entered at low tide, so as the tide has come in, the car has located itself under the pontoon, which the pontoon itself weighs about nine tonnes, so as the tide’s coming in the pontoon has come down on top of the vehicle.”

“To safely extract the vehicle, a heavy lift vehicle was used to make sure everybody was safe while the vehicle was extracted.”

Further investigations are required to determine how the vehicle was located initially and how it ended up in the water.

“As far as we’re aware it has rolled into the water.

“We’ve got to make some further inquiries, we will be reviewing CCTV and speaking to further witnesses,” said Sergeant Gaule.

Authorities have declared the case as non-suspicious and it will be treated as a marine/traffic incident.

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By Amanda Wright

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In a significant move to address the housing crisis, another 27 modular homes are set to be assembled and delivered to Mackay as part of the state government’s Homes for Queenslanders plan. This initiative aims to provide quick and effective housing solutions for families, individuals, and older Queenslanders looking to downsize.
These modular homes will be constructed in collaboration with Fleetwood and Ausco at their Queensland factories before being transported to four designated sites within the sugar city. A mix of one and two-bedroom homes will be built with enhanced flood resilience to ensure safety and longevity.
Earlier this year, the state government announced it would order 600 more modular homes in partnership with Queensland builders and through the state’s public building arm, QBuild. Modular homes can expedite the transition from temporary accommodations, with on-site construction taking about three months compared to a year for many traditional builds.
Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon visited Mackay on Monday morning to deliver the modular homes announcement. It was also an opportunity for the Labour Party to formally introduce Belinda Hassan as their candidate for the seat of Mackay.
Ms Scanlon emphasised the efficiency of modular homes, saying, “Modular homes are speeding up production and cutting timeframes – especially in regional parts of our state like Mackay – and they’re critical to our Homes for Queenslanders plan to deliver one million more homes."
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert attended the press conference to congratulate Belinda Hassan on her party nomination and to express her enthusiasm for the state government's cost-of-living relief measures, which include $1,300 off power bills, 20% off rego, and 50-cent public transportation fares.
In her final months as the Member for Mackay, Mrs Gilbert was pleased to see proactive action being undertaken to address the homelessness crisis in Mackay.
“These new houses will benefit our community, unlocking supply and creating homes for local families and individuals," Mrs Gilbert said.
"Importantly, they’ll be built with flood resilience in mind and be located close to local schools, services, and transport.”
Belinda Hassan, currently a second-term councillor with Mackay Regional Council and Deputy Mayor, brings a wealth of experience to her candidacy. Having secured the highest number of votes in the local election, she has been a vocal advocate for community issues. During her campaign for the seat of Mackay, she will take leave from her role as Deputy Mayor.
At the time of print, a special meeting was being held by Mackay Regional Council to elect a new Deputy Mayor as Ms Hassan stated that to minimise disruption to council, she wishes to stand down from the role of Deputy Mayor immediately, to take leave for the required period to align with her period as an official candidate.
Addressing comments made on social media about her candidacy, Belinda Hassan said, “I have the community's best interests at heart.
“By taking the opportunity to run for the seat of Mackay, I can advocate for the same people who voted for me in local elections but at a higher level of government, allowing me to push for positive change.
“I came into council with no set agenda, no pet projects, only to represent the community the best I could, and that hasn’t changed.”
Ms Hassan's extensive involvement in various volunteer roles has given her firsthand insight into the homelessness crisis. Before being elected to Council, Belinda served as an after-hours support worker at a domestic violence shelter for women for nine years. Her tenure as Service Manager at the Mackay Women’s Centre further demonstrates her commitment to community welfare.
Ms Hassan said that these modular units would significantly benefit local families.
“Importantly, these modular homes and the social housing units being built in Palmer Street will make way for more families to find safe accommodation.
“There are many older people in our community wanting to downsize but the smaller units aren't available for them. This will pave the way for singles and couples to find more affordable living options while opening up multi-room homes for families, helping people across the region facing homelessness.”

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Belinda Hassan, newly announced Labor candidate for Mackay, showcasing the benefits of the upcoming modular homes with Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert congratulates Belinda Hassan on her nomination as the Labor candidate for Mackay

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If there’s one thing my little one adores, it’s bubbles! He’s forever waving his bubble wand and saying “bub, bub, bub” with all the enthusiasm of a toddler who’s just discovered magic. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest pleasures bring the greatest joy. Watching him revel in those floating spheres of happiness has given me a fresh perspective on what true joy really means.
Before our little bubble enthusiast arrived, my husband and I had a rather lofty view of joy. We thought it was about grand adventures—like our globe-trotting escapades from NASCAR at Talladega to sipping champagne on the Eiffel Tower, exploring Chichen Itza guided by an archaeologist, picnicking via helicopter in the Grand Canyon or climbing the caves of Ha Long Bay. Those experiences were unforgettable, but the cost—well, that’s another story.
In the face of rising living costs, I've learned to appreciate that joy doesn’t have to come with a substantial price tag. If only I’d figured this out a decade ago, my savings might not be as deflated as a popped bubble. Now, our region’s local gems and free or affordable events have become our family’s new joy-filled highlights. From the action-packed basketball finals featuring the Meteors and MVP Toddy Blanchfield (with a special shoutout to his number one fan, mum Karen), to the smash and bash free Century Cricket competition at Harrup Park, world-class racing yachts arriving in our harbour and the 60th anniversary of the Sarina Show (check out our photo gallery on page 18 and online), there was plenty to celebrate last weekend without breaking the bank.
This weekend, Daly Bay Illuminate promises a dazzling display with 12,000 bubbles per minute—perfect for my bubble-loving toddler and completely free. Plus, with free buses running to Queens Park, there’s no need to battle for a park or walk for miles.
Check out our event guide on page 28 for more, and if you’ve got an event to share, send us an email.
Who knew that a bit of frugality might just lead to finding more joy in our everyday lives?
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Amanda

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Edwina Davey, who will turn 102 next month, might just be the oldest reader of Mackay Life newspaper. Living independently in a retirement village in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Edwina remains remarkably active. She claims she can still read without glasses, a statement she made with a twinkle in her eye and a bit of cheekiness, according to her son who has a suspicion that may be a fib. She even uses her mobility walker to get to the local shops for a pint of milk and a loaf of bread.
Her son, Gareth Davey, ensures she stays connected to the Mackay region by posting a copy of Mackay Life (and Tripping, when published) every Friday from the Midge Point postal agency. Despite the six-day journey to Melbourne, Edwina eagerly awaits each issue, enjoying the news and stories from the sunny coast of northern Queensland.
Edwina’s fondness for Mackay Life has also extended to her neighbours in the retirement village. A couple down the hall, who once lived in Queensland, look forward to reading the paper after Edwina has finished. The wife reads the articles aloud to her husband, who has recently gone blind, creating a shared connection to their former home.
Is Edwina Davey our oldest reader at nearly 102 years old? If there are any older readers of Mackay Life out there, we would love to hear from you.
We hope this has made your day, Edwina! Thank you for reading and for sharing your story, it made our week that much brighter to see you reading our newspaper.

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Edwina Davey, 102, enjoying her weekly copy of Mackay Life, sent all the way from Midge Point to her home in Melbourne

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Last Friday, a group of students from Matsuura, Japan, arrived in Mackay, embarking on a cultural exchange that promises to leave lasting impressions on both the visitors and their hosts. The students were greeted with a warm welcome at Mackay Regional Council, where they were taken on a tour of the council chambers by Mayor Greg Williamson.
Councillor Karen May opened the proceedings with a welcoming speech, setting the tone for a week filled with cultural, educational, and fun activities. The welcome lunch that followed was attended by most of the Mackay Regional Council councillors, providing an opportunity for the media to interact with the students. Many of the young visitors expressed their excitement about seeing kangaroos and spending time with Australian families during their stay.
The Mackay Matsuura Sister City relationship was formed in 1989. Today the relationship is a cultural one, but was founded on the common interest in coal. One of the cultural exchange programs of the sister city relationship is annual visits between Mackay and Matsuura school students. The purpose of the visit is to strengthen our cities' ties and to expose Mackay and Matsuura students to each other's cultures.
Mayor Williamson highlighted the importance of such cultural exchanges, saying, "Culturally and as human beings, we're all pretty much built the same. If the world could grow up knowing other cultures and languages, it would help us understand that these differences don't divide us—they simply highlight that we're all the same people."
The students’ itinerary included visits to local schools such as Bucasia Primary School and Holy Spirit School, where they mingled with Australian students. They also participated in the popular Bush Dance, toured the Sarina Sugar Shed, and enjoyed classic fish and chips at the harbour.
"The more we interact with one another, the better our understanding and appreciation of each other becomes," Mayor Williamson said.
"These young people will return home with a completely different attitude and vision of Australia, which is exactly what we need. We know that when our young people visit Japan, they come back speaking of what a wonderful and beautiful country it is."
The exchange aims to foster greater understanding and friendship between the two cultures. The students were particularly appreciative of Mackay’s mild winter weather, a welcome change from the hot and humid climate of Matsuura at this time of year.
"Every family hosting a Japanese student this time will tell you they couldn’t have wished for a better experience," Mayor Williamson added.
"When these young people leave, there will be tears, not just from them, but from their host families as well."

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Students from Matsuura, Japan, exploring the Mackay Regional Council Chambers and interacting with councillors and the media at the Jubilee Centre during their time in Mackay. Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

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BUSINESS BREAK IN, MACKAY CITY
Between 2:00am and 5:00am on Monday morning (August 5) someone has broken into a business on Victoria Street in East Mackay.
Entry was gained by causing extensive damage to a secured door.
Once inside the showroom and office areas have been searched resulting in the theft of cash and a fridge/freezer unit.
Anyone who may have information about the matter is encouraged to contact police as soon as possible - police report number QP2401317389.

STOLEN MOTORCYCLE, EAST MACKAY
Between 2:20pm and 3:10pm on July 26 someone has entered the yard of a home on Keelan Street in East Mackay.
The person has opened the closed door of a garage while the resident was briefly absent. A motorcycle has been walked out of the shed and stolen.
The stolen motorcycle is a red and white coloured 2008 model Honda off road motorcycle.
The matter was reported to police on July 31.
Police report number QP2401291209.

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Students in the Mackay region will make history at the Queensland Museum, thanks to St Patrick’s College Mackay recently receiving a generous grant of $18,000 under the Engaging Science Grants Program.

Not only does this grant support their innovative project ‘Robotics In Action’ but also aims to enhance student engagement in robotics and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematical) fields.

This program is a part of a broader initiative that allocates nearly $500,000 to 28 recipients across the state in hopes of boosting student participation in scientific research and STEM activities to build their knowledge and skills for future career pathways.

At the start of the year, students in grades nine and ten began collaborating with Dr. David Pyle who is a senior lecturer and scientist at QUT Brisbane and also works for the Queensland Museum. Part of Dr. Pyle’s work involves photographing artifacts and converting them into 3D digital models.

One significant challenge he faced was the ‘banana effect,’ where long, thin objects warped at the ends. To address this, students were tasked with designing a turntable to rotate these objects for comprehensive photographic coverage.

By working with Dr. Pyle, the students have the opportunity to tackle real-world problems and overall increase their skills in various ways.

The grant enables students to not only work with Dr. Pyle but also with local engineers to develop and eventually manufacture their device. Although they are still in the prototype phase, they are making significant progress towards a functional model and are aiming to have it completed by the end of the year.

This project provides students with hands-on experience and introduces them to local industries which can open pathways for future academic and career opportunities.

Sandra Bayliss is a teacher on the Mercy campus and has been leading the project since its inception.

Ms. Bayliss highlights that one of the most valuable skills that students are gaining from this project is collaboration. They are learning to work together effectively within their school community and with professionals across the country whilst also refining their individual strengths.

“This offers great opportunities for the students to extend their knowledge with David, but not only that, they also get to work with local industries.

“They’ll be able to fabricate this particular device working with engineering companies here in Mackay to learn what industries and what jobs are available to them in the future,” she said.

Ms Bayliss also noted that their technological skills will also advance from the program, given they communicate and work on specific programs with Dr. Pyle - who is located in Brisbane.

The year nine and ten students at St Patrick’s College shared their excitement about the project as they emphasised the importance of being involved in a project that not all schools get to partake in.

Rexjan Melocotones said “I think it’s pretty great that we are getting recognised for this.”

Explaining the collaboration process, Rexjan said, “We got all the ideas together, so to get the two prototypes together in check, we broke into three separate groups, specialising in those three things so we have a couple of people building the claw and turn table and another group doing the tripod and the other group working on the remote-control switch.”

Jacob Smart says partaking in this project “will look very good on the resume…to be able to say you worked on the project for the Queensland Museum especially if you’re trying to get into anywhere that has robotics, computers and coding in that field, you can say you’ve worked at a very high level which is experience that not a lot of people our age would have.”

The students are thrilled for their upcoming trip to the Queensland Museum.

Aaron Greenwood said he’s “really looking forward to learning more about what pathways would be good and having a bit of fun, learning and just enjoying time doing robotics.”

“We’re extremely lucky to have received this fund,” Ms Bayliss added.

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Ms Sandra Bayliss with year nine and ten students: Rexjan Melocotones, Jacob Smart, Aaron Greenwood, Jackson Yates, Axle Barrett and Darcy Edgerton. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Five university students will get a head start in their careers as recipients of Mackay Regional Council’s 2024 Academic Bursary.
The popular Academic Bursary program is now in its twelfth year and offers $5000 bursaries to assist students, with each recipient receiving biannual instalments of $1250 for their final two years of study.
There is also the opportunity for 12 weeks of paid work experience with council.
Mayor Greg Williamson said it was a hard decision this year due to the high calibre of nominations received.
“We had some fantastic applications this year, which proves we really are producing some of the best and brightest in the nation,” Mayor Williamson said.
“We’re so proud to have them staying, or in some cases returning home to Mackay, to take up the valuable work experience available with council as part of these bursaries,” he said.
“Another benefit of this program is that it will hopefully entice the students to remain in our region when they join the workforce after graduating, which is important in helping to ease the current skills shortage.”
The five recipients, Cayley Daniel, Jessica Borg, Mark Bico, Mike Bico and Tyler Pittaway were officially recognised at a morning tea last month.
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2024 MACKAY REGIONAL COUNCIL ACADEMIC BURSARY RECIPIENTS:

Cayley Daniel
> Bachelor of Nursing at James Cook University, Mackay.
Cayley is a proud local with strong family ties in Mackay. She fell in love with nursing after assisting her mother in caring for her grandparents during their health battles. In late 2023, Cayley completed a three-week work placement at Mackay Base Hospital where she fell further in love with the fast-paced dynamic nature of primary healthcare. Cayley looks forward to future employment with Mackay Base Hospital and continuing to call Mackay home.
Jessica Borg 
> Bachelor of Education, CQUniversity Mackay.
Jessica is a fifth-generation Mackay local who is passionate about educating young locals by using her local knowledge of history, culture and people to make learning fun and relevant for her students. She recently commenced a position as a teacher aide at a local primary school and is enjoying making meaningful connections with staff, students and parents. Jessica is looking forward to her goal of completing her degree and continuing to teach in Mackay.
Mark Bico 
> Bachelor of Medicine at James Cook University.
After moving to Mackay from the Philippines at the age of 12, Mark realises the importance of free, readily available medical care. Hence, he is passionate about working in public health as he believes that everyone should have equal access to healthcare.  His goal is to become a specialist in the oral or maxillofacial surgery area. Once he has completed his studies, he would like to work at the Mackay Base Hospital to take advantage of their mentoring and support.
Mike Bico 
> Bachelor of Engineering and IT at Queensland University of Technology.
Mike is currently studying in Brisbane and is keen to return to his family in Mackay and give back to the region after graduation. He looks forward to working in a field that he believes impacts society positively via problem-solving and innovation.
Tyler Pittaway
> Masters of Clinical Chiropractic Care at CQUniversity.
Tyler is a proud local looking to start his career in Mackay and give back to the community that has given him so much. Tyler enjoys helping other members of the community to improve their health to become the best versions of themselves. Tyler one day aspires to open his own practice in Mackay and be surrounded by like-minded health practitioners and make an impact on others and the world in a positive way.

Five students have been awarded council’s 2024 Academic Bursary. From left is Tyler Pittaway,
Mark Bico, and Amelia Bico (accepting for Mike Bico), Jessica Borg, Cayley Daniels. Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

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More than 70 per cent of students visiting a school dental van in the Mackay region last year needed a filling because of tooth decay.
Sugary foods and drinks combined with poor oral hygiene contributed to 4583 fillings being done by school dentists across the district.
Mackay Base Hospital Dental Unit director Dr Ronel Bornman said the mobile dental vans were unfortunately only seeing about 23 per cent of school children who are eligible for the free service. During Dental Health Week (August 5 to 11), Mackay district parents are being encouraged to ensure they are taking vital steps to care for their children’s teeth and gums, including regular dental checkups.
It was important school children aged 4 to 16 visited the dentist regularly, even if they don’t appear to have any problems with teeth, Dr Bornman said.
“Visiting the dentist regularly every 12 months helps in the prevention, early detection and management of tooth decay,” she said.
“An intact healthy tooth is stronger than a filled one, so it was important to try and avoid fillings due to tooth decay.
“Good oral hygiene is one of the most important factors in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Cleaning teeth twice a day, enjoying a wide variety of nutritious foods and choosing water over sugary drinks can all help to prevent decay and the need for fillings.”
Flossing teeth and fluoride were also important to prevent tooth decay which could have a big impact on nutrition, growth, and development in children, negatively influencing a child’s quality of life.
“Taking a child to the dentist regularly and when there are no obvious problems with their teeth, allows them to get to know their dentist, have a positive experience and make future visits more familiar,” Dr Bornman said.
The Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) school dental vans are a free service which visit local schools regularly. Children enrolled at school from Prep to Year 10 with a current Medicare card are eligible for treatment. Appointments for a public oral health service at Mackay HHS can be booked by phoning 07 4885 6444.

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Elisha Bennetts, age 3, and Mackay HHS oral health therapist Miriam Tiare at Victoria Park School Dental Clinic

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A wonderful young boy by the name of Samuel Hollywood recently received a new wheelchair to enhance his mobility and independence, however, the Hollywood family still faces critical challenges that require community support through donations.

At just five weeks old, Samuel was diagnosed with Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, a rare disease that has left him severely intellectually and physically disabled. He battles chronic illness and complex medical needs every day which requires full-time care and specialised equipment.

Samuel's mother left her job to become his full-time caregiver, placing financial strain on the family which now relies on a single income.

As Samuel grows, his need for suitable transport becomes more pressing.

Although they have secured a new wheelchair for Samuel, the family now urgently needs a suitable vehicle to transport him safely and comfortably. With three siblings and two parents, a seven-seat vehicle is essential to accommodate the whole family.

The Hollywood family aims to purchase a Kia Carnival van which will be modified to allow Samuel to remain in his wheelchair while traveling. The NDIS covers the cost of these modifications but the initial purchase of the vehicle is a significant financial burden.

Ultimately, the NDIS will not release the modification funds until the vehicle is purchased, thus the urgency.

The Hollywood’s are reaching out for donations to help them secure this critical transportation.

Your generosity will not only provide Samuel with practical transportation but also enable him to access the community, attend medical appointments, therapy sessions and participate in his special kindergarten program.

To donate, please visit gofundme.com and search for ‘support samuels journey to mobility and independence’ or follow ‘Samuels rare life’ on Facebook.

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The Hollywood family humbly ask for your generosity to help them secure the means for Samuel to experience the world with greater ease and independence. Photo source: Samuels rare life (Facebook)

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On Saturday, 3 August 2024, a tragic incident at the Byerwen mine infrastructure site west of Mackay resulted in the death of a worker. Initial reports suggest that the incident involved a pick and carry crane, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
QCoal confirmed the fatality of Chris Schloss, a long-serving, senior, and well-loved member of their team. The company stated that the incident has shocked the entire organisation, and they are focused on supporting Chris’ family and affected staff during this difficult time.
QCoal Group Executive James Black said the QCoal family has suffered a devastating loss.
“Chris has been part of the QCoal family for many years and has been integral in developing Byerwen since its launch. Our thoughts are with Chris’ wife Amanda, his children, and all their family at this terrible time,” Mr Black said.
“The death of such a long-serving, senior, and well-loved member of the QCoal team has left us in shock. His family is coming to terms with this tragic news, and we are supporting them through this difficult period. We are also providing support for our staff on site and across the organisation as we navigate this incredible loss.
“Chris is survived by his five children—Magan, Thomas, Kate, Memphys, and Zara. He was an active member of our campaign to preserve the Byerwen camp, and his family has requested that his image and words not be removed from this effort, honouring his commitment to the cause."
Police are investigating the incident, and both RSHQ and QCoal have stated that their comments will be limited until more details become available.

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Chris Schloss lost his life at the Byerwen mine site near Glenden last weekend. Photo supplied: Qcoal

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From Mackay’s iconic cane fields to the naturally beautiful beaches of the Whitsundays and the resource-rich landscape of the Isaac, locals across the region have a great reason to crack a cold one in celebration as they mark the extraordinary achievement of returning more than 400 million drink containers for recycling through Containers for Change.

Natalie Roach, chief executive officer of Container Exchange, the not-for-profit that runs Containers for Change, said the milestone highlighted the region’s commitment to protecting the local environment while ensuring no container goes to waste.

“Having now returned 400 million empties since 2018, residents in Mackay and surrounding regions have contributed to a cleaner environment, keeping every single one of those containers out of landfill or from ending up as litter,” Ms Roach said while in Mackay to meet with local refund point operators.

“Containers for Change has also made a significant injection to the local economy, with the community benefitting from jobs created at our local refund points, and the 10-cent refund for each container returned.

“Since 2018 Containers for Change has now returned more than $40 million to the pockets of the region’s households, charities and community groups.”

Ms Roach said that while local container recycling efforts were commendable, there were still more opportunities for residents and organisations in Mackay to cash in with Containers for Change.

“Unfortunately, each year millions of containers across Queensland are still ending up in rubbish bins heading for landfill, meaning those 10-cent refunds are literally going to waste,” Ms Roach said.

“We want no container to go to waste, which is why I am urging all Queenslanders to start collecting their empties and experience the benefits of Containers for Change for themselves.”

Containers for Change is leading the way as the first container recycling program in Australia to include glass wine and spirit bottles, providing more opportunities for central Queensland households, charities and community organisations to actively participate and raise money through 10-cent refunds.

“The 10-cent refunds can really add up, helping to ease some of the cost-of-living pressures households are currently facing, and if you don’t need the refund yourself, it’s a great way to donate to your chosen charity, community group or even your local school P&C,” Ms Roach said.

“Best of all it has never been easier to get started on a container collecting journey and help keep this iconic destination litter free.

"Customers can visit our website or download the Containers for Change app to find their nearest refund point, sign-up for a member number and watch their refunds grow”.

For further info on Containers for Change in Queensland, visit www.containersforchange.com.au/qld.

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Hanly Dental Studio, led by Dr Tim Hanly, has recently opened in Mackay with a mission to transform patient experiences and elevate the standard of dental care throughout the region.
Located on Brisbane Street and across from Sydney Street Markets, the state-of-the-art facility is changing common dental experiences through a combination of innovative technology and a patient-focused approach, ensuring exceptional care in a comfortable environment.
After nine years practicing in the Mackay region, Dr Hanly knew that it was time to establish the family-owned clinic to provide more dental options and support the prevention and education of oral care for all of his patients.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to give more people a healthy, functioning and aesthetic smile. It has been my family’s dream to open a clinic in Mackay and have the platform to make a difference in more people’s lives,” he said.
Along with a warm and welcoming environment, Hanly Dental Studio offers a focus on the importance and role of teeth in overall health whether through general dentistry, children’s dental health, emergency dental, implants, snoring and grinding dentistry, or cosmetic dentistry.
“We understand that many people experience anxiety and self-consciousness when visiting the dentist and our focus is on supporting and building confidence in our patients. We’re particularly proud to be able to build strong relationships with our patients and offer a caring and understanding environment that allows them to choose the oral care that’s the right fit for them.
For me, I get the most enjoyment from being able to take a patient from being in pain or not being able to chew or eat comfortably, then correcting these issues and giving them their quality of life back. It’s very rewarding to be able to help people in that way,” he said.
Dentistry runs in the family with Dr Hanly’s wife Rocky also a qualified Dentist. She has been busy helping to set up the business behind the scenes and will be a familiar face in the clinic, outside of looking after their young family – plus, welcoming their second baby in December!
Dr Hanly said that it was a very exciting time for their family and they were looking forward to providing a positive experience to patients and supporting their access to whatever outcome they’re hoping for.
“Whether it’s through promoting good oral hygiene and health, or creating a natural smile through cosmetic dentistry, we are dedicated to supporting each patient’s goals,” he said.
Hanly Dental Studio is offering an opening special of a check-up, x-ray, and clean for just $189 - saving over $100.
For more details and to book, visit hanlydentalstudio.com.au or phone (07) 4942 9733.

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