On Wednesday 14th August, the sea received a wonderful gift in the shape of a well-rested and recovered turtle.
In June, Chez, a beautiful sea turtle struggling with buoyancy near Bowen’s Yacht Club, was spotted by Joe Bell and other water enthusiasts. They carefully transported her to shore. Tracey Bazzo from Bowen Sea Turtle Assessment and Rehabilitation (BSTAR) was initially unavailable, so wildlife carer Jo Bell took Chez to BSTAR. After emergency care, Chez was transferred to Libby Edge at Eco Barge who does long-term care.
Tracey spoke with great enthusiasm about Libby and Eco Barge, praising the impactful work they do:
“Libby is so fantastic; her volunteers are just phenomenal.”
Last Wednesday, Billie Edge and Tracey released Chez back into the sea after months of adjusting water levels to enhance her buoyancy. Billie, Libby's daughter, transported Chez to Bowen, where she was found. About 300 spectators, including the KIDZ from the beach daycare center in superhero capes, watched the beachside release.
It was a beautiful day. Chez, placed on the sand and smelling the water, made a beeline for it. When she reached the edge, Tracey noted, Chez, “stopped, looked, and as soon as she hit that first little bit of water, she was off!”
Tracey added, that its always daunting releasing a turtle but gives you a “magnificent feeling.”
“Libby’s facility and her volunteers for long term care, you cannot compare with anything else,” Tracey emphasised.
“If it wasn't for Libby, the turtle would not be released.”
Good luck on your new venture Chez!

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Chez in her mode of transportation.
Chez B-lining back to her home in Bowen!

This week we introduce Jonathan Pourau, (Jono for short) from Painting Made Easy & Affordable. A business providing house painting services that eradicates cracks, mould, rust and rot.
Jonathon moved to the Whitsundays in 1995 and began by teaching kickboxing at Fitness Venue. He earned his QBCC licence in 2007, allowing him to become licensed for painting and waterproofing.        
As a 20-year certified Dulux Acratex Applicator and a 10-year Dulux Avista Applicator, Jonathon says it’s his preparation systems that impress our clients the most.

“Everything I touch gets premium preparation. Our primers and preparation are where our secrets to success is located.”

Jonathon says his product has four main attributes that make it to superior to other paints: it’s thickness, toughness, durability and most importantly, its affordability.

THICK
Jonathan’s waterproof paint, made from resin and cement, is thick and durable. It fills gaps and cracks, setting it apart from thinner, less lasting paints.

“My clients love it!”

TOUGH & DURABLE
There is nothing better on the market than the Dulux Avista paints Jonathan uses, which include new advanced water-based technology.

AFFORDABLE
Painting Made Easy & Affordable offers great discounts for pensioners, seniors, and locals, with better deals for older jobs or houses. Jonathan, a local, provides excellent customer service and has built a strong reputation in the Whitsundays. To see his previous work or hear client testimonials, call Jonathan at 0478 087 778 or 0413 652 000 and mention this article to receive 50% off, for the first 3 callers only (terms and conditions apply).

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Jonathan Pourau proud owner of Painting Made Easy & Affordable

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Sam, a 'retired'/dumped ex-racehorse, has been at Animal Rescue Whitsunday since September 2021. Sam is a gelding, 18 years old and 17 hands tall. He is as gentle as they come and has been handled a lot, but most people are not tall enough to ride him without using a ladder! He always comes second in the pecking order, contrary to AJ who is as bossy as they get.

AJ, a gelding, is a sturdy ex-stock horse, age unknown (no brand), probably around 15 years of age. He was surrendered with 4 other horses in 2022.

Sam needs a strong hand and lots of training, if he'll be ridden again. He tends to boss AJ, but they still 'like' each other and are used to being together.

Sam needs additional feeding, whereas AJ is happy with a bit of lucerne. Sam gets fed separately!

Rehoming fee: $500 (for both together!)
Sex: Male
Breed: Gelding
Indoors/Outdoors: Outdoors
Vaccinations: Both horses haven't been vaccinated for a while.

Sam and AJ spending some quality time together!

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As the Olympic flame fades and our screens return to more mundane fare, I can't help but reflect on some of the highlights that had me practically shouting at the TV. Not too loudly though, I had a sleeping toddler in the next room.

My Olympic enthusiasm runs deep—so deep, in fact, that when my husband and I first met in 2008, our second date was a late-night affair watching the Beijing Opening Ceremony, only to doze off waiting for New Zealand to appear. And a fun fact, my high school had me pegged as 'most likely to represent New Zealand at the Olympics' four years running. Sorry Marlborough Girls' College, I didn’t quite make the cut!

The Games were a rollercoaster of emotions. Matt Glaetzer’s bronze in the keirin by “Doing a Bradbury” was absolutely exhilarating to watch. After years of near-misses, he finally claimed an individual Olympic medal. And let’s not forget Ellesse Andrews from New Zealand, who dazzled with a golden double in the sprint and keirin.

In athletics, Hamish Kerr’s high jump gold was a leap of joy, while Jess Hull’s silver in the 1500m made history as Australia’s first female medallist in that event. Matt Denny’s emotional bronze in the discus was a personal highlight. As a fellow discus thrower, seeing him break the fourth-place curse was nothing short of incredible. The commentator’s "Fourth No More!" was music to my ears.

Simone Biles was, as always, the epitome of greatness in gymnastics. Her performances are a masterclass in athleticism and grace – a true GOAT (greatest of all time) worthy of that title.

And a sport that I never thought would captivate me, (don’t worry, I’m not going to say breaking), is golf. I don’t mind the occasional belt of a ball at the driving range, but I’ve never been able to watch it as a spectator sport. Until Lydia Ko. An unbelievably composed final round saw her win gold to complete her Olympic Medal set and enter the LPGA Hall of Fame, and she’s only 27 years old!

For those suffering from Olympic withdrawal, the Paralympics begin on 28th August, promising more jaw-dropping feats and inspiring moments. If the Olympics left you with a sense of “what’s your excuse?” the Paralympics will surely provide a new wave of motivation.

Amanda

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Matt from Pressure Kings Pressure Cleaning recently made a significant impact in his community through a touching act of generosity.

A local neighbour shared on Facebook how Matt generously offered a free driveway pressure clean to Pete, a veteran facing terminal cancer. Not only did Matt take care of the cleaning, but he also personally thanked Pete for his service in the army.

Matt is now offering free driveway pressure cleans to other elderly residents who might be in need. This initiative has touched many hearts and inspired others to support Matt's small business.

Pressure Kings Pressure Washing Service, based in the Mackay and Whitsunday regions, is known for its experienced and professional pressure cleaning services. They specialise in residential, commercial and industrial properties, ensuring every job is completed on time and within budget.

With a strong commitment to quality control and customer satisfaction, Matt and his team continue to make a difference not only through their exceptional services but also through their genuine care for the community.

As a reminder of the kindness that still lies within the region, Pete’s neighbour commented,  “I want to express my deepest gratitude to Matt from Pressure Kings Pressure Cleaning for his incredible generosity.

“Matt is donating a free driveway pressure clean to our local elderly folks so if you or someone you know is in need of this please reach out to Matt and the guys from Pressure Kings Pressure Cleaning.

“Thank you Matt, for making a difference!”

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Before and after of Pete’s driveway. Photo source: Pressure Kings Pressure Cleaning (Facebook)

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The Queensland Government said that the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project has reached its next milestone, with Premier Steven Miles visiting Mackay last week to announce that more than 5 kilometres of core samples have been collected.
“To date, more than 50 boreholes have been drilled,” the state government said.
The project is now entering its next phase, with publicly-owned energy company Queensland Hydro confirming structurally solid granite throughout the project site.
The Pioneer-Burdekin Project will store the excess energy collected from Australia’s world-leading levels of household solar, for use at night when the sun isn’t shining, the wind isn’t blowing and when energy usage is at its peak.
Local company Twin Hills Engineering and Drilling – which is undertaking the works – estimates they are injecting more than $20,000 a week into the Mackay region through purchases relating to the project.
Premier Miles said that his government is dedicated to delivering cheaper, cleaner energy.
“Our commitment to the Pioneer-Burdekin project is rock solid,” he said.
"With every drill and borehole, Pioneer-Burdekin powers up more regional jobs for small businesses like Twin Hills Engineering and Drilling, with benefits to the community to continue for decades to come.
“Reaching this 5km geotechnical milestone is proof that we're not just planning for the future—we're delivering it.”
Kieran Cusack, Queensland Hydro Chief Executive Officer said that the drilling milestone represents critical progress in the understanding of the Pioneer-Burdekin Project site and will support a robust assessment of the project through the Detailed Analytical Report (DAR) which is due to the Queensland Government by the end of 2024. 
“It is vital for important projects like the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project to invest time and effort in the initial investigative studies to obtain the most detailed information possible, and to then use that information to prepare the best possible business case for decision-makers,” Mr Cusack said.
Stephen Burt, Twin Hills Engineering and Drilling Owner and Managing Director said, “We’re going gangbusters. This project has put us in a whole new space, and has allowed us the opportunity to start working in the renewable energy industry and diversify our business.
“We’ve crewed up new rigs with locals straight from Mackay, and have brought around five or six people out of coal and into renewables.”
Advocacy group ‘Save Eungella’ has spoken out saying that their message is clear, they don’t want this project to go ahead.
“Rural Communities deserve to be heard,” a spokesperson said.
“Queensland Hydro is counting on the small, rural communities of Eungella and the surrounding areas to stay quiet, hoping their limited resources and reduced ability to generate publicity will allow this project to go ahead unchallenged.
“The voice of a person living in the bush should be valued just as much as a person living in the city.”
The project is currently in the initial investigation phase of technical studies including front-end engineering design and a range of geotechnical, environmental, cultural, social, and economic investigations are being undertaken to inform the Detailed Analytical Report (DAR).

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The Pioneer Valley and adjacent ranges have been identified for a long-duration pumped hydro facility. Photo source: Queensland Hydro

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Last Thursday morning, August 8, at around 6:30 am, police responded to a distressing call confirming the discovery of a deceased man inside a submerged vehicle at the Mackay Marina.

Authorities believe the van may have rolled into the water and become trapped under a pontoon, which later crushed the vehicle as the tide rose.

Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage to better understand the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Emergency services, including police, fire, ambulance and other authorities were present at the scene to investigate the incident.

Tow trucks and a heavy lift vehicle were also on-site to assist in safely extracting the vehicle from the water.

Senior Sergeant and District Duty Officer Kyle Gaule explained that police received the call at 6:30 am, alerting them to the vehicle in the water. Upon arrival, they found an unresponsive man in the driver’s seat of the submerged van under the pontoon.

On the day of the incident, Sergeant Gaule noted that just after midnight the vehicle has entered the water and the reason it entered the water 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 ongoing to determine how the vehicle ended up in the water.

Authorities have classified the case as non-suspicious and will treat it as a marine/traffic incident.

Police are preparing a report for the coroner.

There have been no further updates as of Wednesday, August 14.

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The community remains in shock after a deceased man was found in the driver’s seat of a submerged van that was wedged under a pontoon at the Mackay Marina. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Councillor Karen May has been elected as Deputy Mayor of Mackay Regional Council, succeeding Belinda Hassan after a vote by her fellow councillors.
At a special council meeting on Wednesday, August 7, three councillors expressed their interest in the position. Karen May, who previously served as Deputy Mayor in the last term, was ultimately chosen to step back into the role.
Experienced Councillor Alison Jones and first-term Councillor Ash-Lee Johnson also vied for the position. In a closely contested vote, Ms May secured five for and five against. In the case of a tie, Mayor Greg Williamson casts the deciding vote. He voted in favour of Ms May and sighted her extensive experience bringing good governance to the table.
In her address to the council, Ms May highlighted her extensive 23-year career in local government, including her tenure as Mayor of the Sarina Shire Council and Deputy Mayor of Mackay Regional Council.
"I put forward that I have the necessary experience with a proven track record of reliability, and you would be in safe hands if you choose me as your Deputy Mayor," Ms May said.
She also emphasised the importance of the Deputy Mayor's role as the Deputy Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group.
"Since 2008, I have undertaken all the necessary training to execute that role. During the past two terms of council, I have assisted the Mayor in the bushfires that we encountered, Cyclone Debbie, and COVID-19, which was a very complex matter to deal with," she added.
Mayor Greg Williamson expressed his enthusiasm about the strong interest shown in the position.
"It was fantastic to see so many councillors put their hands up to be part of this democratic process," he said.
"And to affirm the fact that good governance is what's required around our table."
Welcoming Councillor May back to the role, he noted, "Cr May and I have worked very well together in the past, but this is a new council.
“We have six new councillors around the table, and it requires new governance to meet the needs of everyone.
“I'm confident Cr May is up to this challenge and she'll do it very well."
Belinda Hassan stepped down as Deputy Mayor after being confirmed as the Labor candidate for the seat of Mackay in the upcoming state election. While on unpaid leave from the council to campaign for the state position, she may return as a councillor if unsuccessful in the state election. However, if elected as the Member for Mackay, her council position will cease, triggering the need for Mackay Regional Council to decide how to fill the vacancy.
The options include appointing Michelle Green, who was narrowly defeated in the last local election, or holding a by-election, which Mayor Williamson noted could cost around $400,000, an expense not accounted for in the current budget.

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Mayor Greg Williamson congratulates Councillor Karen May as she is re-elected Deputy Mayor of Mackay Regional Council

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Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, is no stranger to the Bruce Highway and has launched a campaign, Back Our Bruce, Back Our People.
 
The section of the Bruce Highway that runs through the electorate of Dawson, from Mackay up into Townsville, has been identified as the most dangerous section of the entire highway, with the worst identified as the 100km stretch between Bowen and Home Hill.
 
“As someone who spends a lot of time on the Bruce Highway, travelling to meet with businesses and constituents in my electorate, I’ve experienced the dangers of the Bruce firsthand,” Mr Willcox said.
 
“How many fatal or near-fatal crashes must happen on the Bruce Highway before the State Labor and Federal Labor Governments take this issue seriously?

“They’ve cut the funding ratio from 80/20 being 80 per cent from the federal government and 20 per cent from the state to 50/50 which has never been done before, with no funding at all being allocated in the recently released budget and no future plans for the Dawson section of the Bruce Highway.
 
“While Labor is busy investing millions of dollars in the southeast corner to secure votes, innocent lives in my electorate are being lost, and frankly it’s disgusting.
 
“The lives of the people who live, work, and travel throughout the electorate and through this section of the Bruce Highway are just as important as those living in capital cities, and we deserve to be able to confidently travel on our roads and arrive at our destination, or home to our families, safely.”
 
Mr Willcox said this is why he launched this campaign and urged everyone to visit his website and sign the petition.

“It doesn’t matter if you live in the electorate or if you’re a truckie or a tourist driving through, if you’ve travelled this part of the Bruce and experienced the appalling state of it, please join us in the fight to fix our highway,” he pleaded.
 
“The more signatures we have, the louder our voice and the stronger our message will be to those who currently have the power to do something about this and make the highway safer.
 
“This isn’t about politics or political agendas; this is about the safety of my people and of the people travelling through our region.
 
“Regional Queensland contributes enormously to our economy, through mining royalties and agriculture. I’m not asking for the moon; I’m simply asking for our fair share and to lift the standard of this section of the highway.
 
“Dawson deserves better,” Mr Willcox said.

Mr Willcox was joined at the launch by local transport business owner, John Warren, who travels the Bruce every day and is concerned for the safety of his drivers and the cost to his business from the damage the highway does to his trucks.

“For 32 years I have been driving this section of the Bruce Highway and the road was better back then than what it is now.

“I spend in excess of $40,000 per month in fuel tax and $12,000 per truck in road registration. We have to have road-worthy trucks, how about some truck-worthy roads,” Mr Warren said.
 
In a report released last week, it was revealed that the Bruce Highway failed basic safety ratings, sections in regional Queensland being ranked the worst danger zones, with the stretch between Bowen and Home Hill having the worst pothole density with 88 per 100 kilometres.
 
To sign the petition, visit www.andrewwillcox.com.au/back-our-bruce
 
“I encourage everyone to get involved and help support this campaign. If people have any experiences they’d like to share, please contact my office via either Andrew.Willcox.MP@aph.gov.au or 07 4944 0662,” Mr Willcox said.

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L-R: John Warren from Warren Transport and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox are fighting for federal funding to fix North Queensland’s horror stretches of the Bruce Highway 

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A $7.5 million project, funded by the new Miles Labor Government, has revved up CQUniversity’s Ooralea Trade Training Centre in Mackay with the completion of a state-of-the-art Heavy Automotive Training Facility.  

This impressive 1600 sqm extension more than triples the centre’s training capacity, gearing up to train up to 400 students for vital local industries like mining and agriculture.

The new Heavy Automotive Training Facility will offer training in areas such as diesel fitting, mobile plant operation and heavy vehicle maintenance, with many undertaking their qualifications under Labor’s Free TAFE.

With a focus on boosting the number of qualified heavy automotive professionals for the region, students will have the opportunity to complete the following: Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Diesel Fitting), Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology and Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology.

The new centre features modern specialty training equipment including an air brake simulator, hydraulic training stations, transmission training simulators, diesel engine benches and an air suspension training stand for trucks – allowing apprentices at all stages of their training to build their skills using the latest technology and equipment.

The major infrastructure upgrade has already generated up to 50 jobs during construction and doubled the size of the existing CQUniversity Trade Training Centre at Mackay Ooralea.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said, “This upgrade is making high-quality training more accessible in our region and creating pathways to good local jobs. 

“Final year apprentices will be able to complete their training right here in Mackay, instead of travelling to Rockhampton or Emerald for specialist training.

“Boosting training capacity will create a pipeline of qualified heavy automotive professionals – crucial to keeping our growing region’s industries operating and keeping jobs local.”
 
Minister for Training and Skills Development Lance McCallum said, “We’re proud to back Mackay locals with state-of-the-art, publicly owned training facilities that will put them at the front of the queue for highly skilled and highly paid jobs.”
 
Vice-Chancellor and President of CQUniversity Professor Nick Klomp expressed his excitement of the launch and said, “We are delighted to celebrate the opening of this new facility and to now provide local apprentices in the region with a purpose-built facility that houses the latest technology and equipment. 

“Using state-of-the-art resources and equipment will ensure our apprentices are being trained with the latest and best tools, better preparing them for their future careers and the needs and expectations of industry.”
 

Mackay’s new heavy automotive hub at CQ University Ooralea Trade Training Centre has received a $7.5M Boost for Future Tradespeople which is said to triple the training capacity in the region. CQ University representatives were joined by Cr Alison Jones, Mayor Greg Williamson, Julieanne Gilbert and Belinda Hassan

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert and Labor candidate for the seat of Mackay Belinda Hassan testing out the MF500 Hydrostatic Transmission Training Simulator. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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Despite the rain, the Centenary Family Fun Day at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School remained a joyful celebration last Sunday.

Families, teachers and students gathered together to celebrate the significant milestone, reflecting on how the school has grown and evolved over the years.

The event was a bittersweet reminder of the school’s rich history whilst also highlighting its ability to adapt and support the generations to come.

The oldest former students and the youngest current student joined together to cut the cake, with the elders sharing their memories of the school, noting the changes such as its appearance and uniforms.

From the memorabilia display and open classrooms, to the lively activities like jumping castles, student performances and the centenary cake cutting, the day was a vibrant mix of past and present. The roll call, scavenger hunt and time capsule entries were also a hit, adding an element of excitement for all ages.

Not only was the day about celebrating the past but also looking forward to the future of St Mary’s, ensuring that the legacy of the school continues for years to come.

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St Mary’s Catholic Primary School students, families and teachers gathered last Sunday to celebrate a century of education.

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The Mackay community is mourning the loss of two beloved figures, Brenden Borellini and his mother, Marlene 'Merle' Mitchell. Brenden, a former Young Australian of the Year and a passionate advocate for inclusion and accessibility, passed away recently, followed tragically by his mother just days later. Their passing has left a significant void in the hearts of many.
Brenden was well-known for his extraordinary contributions to the arts in Mackay. As the 2021 Mackay Regional Council Australia Day Arts and Culture Award winner, he served as an ambassador and artist in residence at Crossroad Arts for over a decade. His mother, Marlene, stood proudly by his side as they accepted the award at the MECC, a testament to their close bond and shared dedication to the community.
Crossroad Arts expressed profound sorrow at the loss of Brenden and Marlene. "Brenden was a dear friend, valued colleague, and epic artistic collaborator," a spokesperson from the organisation shared.
"He brought laughter, joy, and a unique perspective to every project he touched.
“His passion for human rights and inclusion had an immeasurable impact on our community and beyond."
Brenden's influence extended well beyond the arts. He was a trailblazer for accessibility, advocating for changes that benefited the entire community. His push for a braille menu at Foodspace Mackay was just one example of his commitment to creating an inclusive world.
"Brenden’s infectious enthusiasm and curiosity for the world will be missed by all," Crossroad Arts added.
"His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us in our ongoing efforts to create an inclusive community."
Brenden and Marlene’s celebrations of life will be Auslan interpreted and live-streamed, ensuring that all can honour their memory.

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L-R: Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson, Brenden Borellini and his mother, Marlene 'Merle' Mitchell, when Brenden was awarded the Arts and Culture certificate at the Mackay Regional Council Australia Day celebration in 2021. Photo supplied: Mackay Regional Council

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A crime scene was declared after a fire tore through a house on River Street in Mackay, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
The blaze, which occurred on Tuesday night, August 6th, around 7:18 pm, led to the establishment of a 100-metre exclusion zone, which was lifted shortly after. A woman was transported to Mackay Base Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and police are now investigating whether an accelerant was used to fuel the fire.
Detective Senior Sergeant Chris Eaton said, "We believe the premises was unoccupied so that gives rise to the possibility that it was deliberately lit, but there are a number of other reasons why houses catch fire."
Fire investigators and police scientific officers were on the scene following the blaze, but Sergeant Eaton noted that the results of the investigation could take some time.
The woman taken to the hospital on the evening of the fire, who sustained superficial burns, has become a person of interest in the ongoing investigation.
"She was seen at the scene of the fire and that person is now a person of interest in our investigation," Detective Eaton added.
Police are urging anyone with information or witnesses to contact them as the investigation continues.

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The charred remains of the River Street house, taken the day after the fire, as police continue their investigation into the cause. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

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By Hannah McNamara

Each year, on the 18th of August, communities across the nation stand together for Vietnam Veterans Day to honour the courageous Australian soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War.

Among the numerous battles fought during the Vietnam War, the Battle of Long Tan stands as one of the most significant.  

On August 18, 1966, 18 Australian soldiers lost their lives and many others were wounded in one of the war’s fiercest encounters.

On that day, the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) a total of 108, (105 Aussies and 3 New Zealanders) faced a formidable force of over 2,000 Viet Cong soldiers. Despite their limited numbers, the Australian forces held their ground in a brutal and prolonged fight.  

In recognition of Vietnam Veterans Day, ceremonies across the region will take place.  

One of these ceremonies will be held at the Mackay city cenotaph at 5:30 pm, a time of significance as Les Palmer notes, “That’s when we had contact with the enemy.”

Mr Palmer served in South Vietnam with the 8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (8RAR) and is the President of the Vietnam Veterans Support Group in Mackay.  

He was wounded in a landmine explosion at just 22 years old on February 28, 1970, where he sustained foot drop in a tragic incident that claimed nine lives and wounded 15 others.  

Foot drop is an inability to lift the forefoot due to the weakness of the dorsiflexor muscles of the foot. This can lead to an unsafe antalgic gait, potentially resulting in falls.

Knowing firsthand the challenges faced by veterans, Palmer has led the Mackay Vietnam Veterans Support Group for the past few years since its inception 25 years ago.  

This vital resource for veterans was established in 1990 in which the group began as a small initiative driven by the dedication of local veterans, aiming to break down social isolation and enhance the quality of life for veterans and their families.

After securing a commissioned building in 2004, with thanks to former Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin, the group has since been able to provide a safe space for veterans in the region to connect.

Every Wednesday and Thursday, the support centre opens its doors, offering veterans a place to unwind, connect and discuss their experiences.  

Mr Palmer describes the group as a space where veterans can “just come down and let off a bit of steam, have a cup of tea and a biscuit which really helps,” he said.

“There’s a table of knowledge in there, everybody sits around it and we can solve the world’s problems.

“We talk about anything really, the good things, bad things, and that’s what this is for - it’s a support group.”

Additionally, every second Tuesday, the partners of veterans are invited to gather and connect with others who share similar experiences. Mr. Palmer humorously notes that the men often end up chatting outside because the lively conversations among the wives inside can be quite loud.  

“They’re worse than us sometimes,” he jokingly said.

Mr Palmer takes great pride in his involvement with Vietnam Veterans Day as well as the Mackay Vietnam Veterans Support Group, paying respects to the fallen soldiers, all while supporting and uplifting those who remain standing.

Currently, the support group is seeking funds to replace the rusted-out stumps beneath the building to ensure the facility remains safe and functional for members. Those interested in contributing to this cause can contact Les Palmer via email at lespalmer21@outlook.com.

In honour of Vietnam Veterans Day, residents will gather at 5:30 pm at the Mackay city cenotaph to remember and acknowledge the sacrifices made by our much-respected Vietnam veterans.

The Mackay Vietnam Veterans Support Group is open for Vietnam veterans and their families to gather in camaraderie and support of each other, every Wednesday and Thursday. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

Wearing flak vests and helmets in the tropical heat took a physical toll on the men. Here soldiers from 8RAR pause during the ascent into the Long Hai hills. Photo credit: John Fairley

The men carried a variety of weapons and equipment, including flak vests and helmets to minimise wounds if they triggered a mine. They used weapons such as the M72 66 mm rocket launcher, carried by the soldier in the foreground, to destroy enemy bunkers and strong points

Nearing the Long Hais, the soldiers of 8RAR dismounted from the APCs and advanced in artillery formation with the tanks. The continuing threat of mines meant each soldier wore a flak vest and helmet. Photo credit: Rod Simpson

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By Hannah McNamara

Steve Haidle’s journey into the Navy began in 1966 at just 18 years old, when he was drafted onto HMAS (His Majesties Australian Ship) Hobart as a seaman gunnery.

Within three months, he received the news that he was headed to Vietnam.

Reflecting on that time, Haidle recalls, “most of us were just 18 years old…and off we went.”

During his seven months in Vietnam, Haidle served as a seaman gunner, tasked with a critical role as a Seacat missile aimer. He was responsible for loading the drum with bullets during action stations. This job required him to be placed below the waterline, where he could hear the shells and explosions as the ship came under fire.

One of Haidle’s duties also involved working with aircraft at the Beecroft bombing range in Jervis Bay.

“My job was to go with the aircraft, fly it out, and I’d be on the ship with another person who flew the plane.

“They’d change control and then we’d take over the aircraft and fly it around while they did the shooting.

“If it didn’t get shot out of the sky, we’d fly it back and drop it on a parachute.”

Life aboard the ship was gruelling. The sailors operated on a demanding schedule of six hours on, six hours off.

“You’re at sea for a month before you come off the gunline and then go back to the port.

“You might be in port for a week, that’s where you catch up on sleep, and then you’re back on the gunline for another month.

“If you got six hours of sleep, you’d be lucky and if you got four hours, that was good, but then you might have to go to action, and you’d stay there until it’s finished.”

Despite the ship being fired upon ten times, Haidle was never injured. He says his time on board was not so much luck, but rather hard work.

“It was more hard work than anything,” he reflected.

“It wasn’t easy, but we knew it had to be done, it was just something we had to do.”

There were 333 sailors on board, each with a bunk bed stacked in threes, which Haidle slept in the middle bunk.

Interestingly, smoking was permitted primarily in the bunks, with an ashtray beside each bed, filling the air with the smell of cigarettes.

Reflecting on his time at sea, Haidle mentioned that spending a month on board meant they had to bake their own bread.

“The meals weren’t top class, but we weren’t starving,” he recalled, adding that the food was enough to get them through their time on the ship.

One of the most challenging aspects of serving in Vietnam for Haidle was the long wait for communication from home. Letters took up to two weeks to reach him, having travelled from Brisbane to Sydney, then to the Philippines and finally aboard an American ship to his location.

“The hardest part was writing letters and waiting for a response,” he shared.

“It’s hard when you go back home because everyone is working, and if you start talking ‘navy talk’ to civilians, they wouldn’t have a clue what you’re talking about.”

After completing his service, Haidle found it challenging to reintegrate into civilian life. Although he cherished his time with family, he struggled to relate his experiences to those who hadn’t served.

He was born in Brisbane but moved to Mackay in 1980, left for Brisbane in 2004, and spent six years living in the Philippines with his wife before returning to Mackay in 2017.

Despite the relatively few sailors involved in the Mackay RSL, Haidle is an active member and has grown to appreciate the camaraderie with others who have served.

“I love the camaraderie,” he said.

“They’re my mates.”

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Steve Haidle is still heavily involved in the Mackay RSL and loves the camaraderie with his mates. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
Haidle placing a five-inch shell into the drum of the automatic gun. Photo supplied
A representation of a similar ship Mr Haidle was aboard. Photo sourced
Mr Haidle on lookout. Photo supplied
Photo supplied

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