As Race Officer I’m in charge of what goes on out on the water. We've put together a team of proficient people to run the races. We have resourced all the required equipment as needed to run the races.

And then what we do is we sit down every morning, and we have a bit of a look at the weather, then we plan what race or what course they will do for that day.

At about 10 o'clock, we'll send them off on their journey around the islands. We place a finishing line and then we wait for them to come back.

To ensure safety we’ve got safety boats and fast response boats that follow the fleet around the islands in case there's any requirement for that.  

After that we just hope that the breeze does the right thing. We get some nice, eight to fifteen knots everyday with some sun and that everyone will enjoy themselves.

We try to run good fair races and make sure that we select a course that suits the breeze and tides. We don't want them punching into a current because if a current turns then they have to turn back into the current and that’s not a lot of fun. So, we try to even it out so everyone can have a good sail with the current and tide in their favour.

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Airlie Beach Race Week Race Officer Kevin Wilson, Photo Credit: R Jean Photography

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The Shoreside Long Lunch at Airlie Beach Race Week is an exclusive culinary event that offers a delightful food experience amidst the stunning beauty of the Whitsundays.

This ticketed event with limited seats, is a must-attend for those seeking a special and intimate dining experience.

With a dress attire of 'Sea Shades', attendees are encouraged to don their best blues, greens and aquamarines to fill the lunch with ocean colours.

Guests are treated to a sumptuous lunch, featuring a thoughtfully curated menu that showcases the best of local ingredients. The experience begins with an assortment of delectable canapés, an alternate drop entrée and main courses, followed by a delectable petit four dessert. 

Each dish is paired with wines chosen to complement the flavours and enhance the overall dining experience. The careful selection of wines ensures that each course is perfectly balanced, allowing guests to savour every bite and sip.

Airlie Beach Race Week Event Manager Amanda Black and Whitsunday Sailing Club Interim CEO Steve Watson say the menu is Modern Australian with some seafood, because who doesn't want to eat seafood by the sea. There's a nice variety to suit everyone.

There will also be amazing lucky door prizes to be won at the Shoreside Long Lunch with prizes from Ocean Dynamics, Airlie Beach Festival of Music, Infuse Me Whitsundays, and Mount Gay Rum.

Set against the backdrop of breathtaking views, the Shoreside Long Lunch is not just a meal but a celebration of food, wine, and the stunning scenery of Airlie Beach. Tickets can be easily purchased by scanning the QR code below, ensuring a seamless and convenient booking process.

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WHAT: Shoreside Long Lunch
When: Monday 12th August, 2pm onwards
Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club
QR code Caption: Shoreside Long Lunch QR Code

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A special movie night double feature will be taking place at the Airlie Beach Foreshore on Friday 9 August.

Sit back, relax and enjoy not one but two family favourite movies.

In the thrilling pirate-themed double feature start with ‘Tinkerbell and the Pirate Fairy’.

Watch Tinkerbell and her friends embark on an epic adventure to find their friend Zarina, who has been captured by Blue Pixie Dust.

On this quest Tinkerbell and friends come face-to-face with a band of pirates led by cabin boy, James, who will soon become known as Captain Hook.

Stick around and enjoy the Robin Williams classic ‘Hook’. In ‘Hook’ an adult Peter Pan must return to Neverland to collect his children after old enemy Captain Hook kidnaps them.

Peter Pan reunites with Tinkerbell and the lost boys to fight against his old enemy and to collect his children.

Don’t miss both of these swash-buckling adventures, kicking off the Airlie Beach Race Week in style.

Dress up as your favourite pirate, and head down to the foreshore early for activities.

Free face painting, pirate tattoos and pictures with Airlie Beach’s resident pirate are available from 5pm – 6pm.

Savoury delicious treats from food trucks are also available onsite.

Please note: In the event of bad weather, the movie screening will be cancelled. This event is strictly no smoking and alcohol-free.

WHAT: Airlie Beach Movie Night – ‘Tinkerbell and the Pirate Fairy’ and ‘Hook’
WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore
WHEN: Friday 9 August at 5pm

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Originally drawn to Airlie Beach for the warmer weather and the Race Week, Rob moved here three years ago and loves participating in the Airlie Beach Race Week.

Rob has taken part in over five Race Weeks and this year is his first with this current team.

Despite having never won a Race Week before, Rob believes that all his vigorous and constant training could make it a possibility this year.

Rob and his team will be in the sport boat division and in an old boat called Magic 25.

“It’s an old design, a 1997 Design, but we've updated it and modified it. So, let’s see what we can do with an old boat and how far we can go,” said Rob.

“It's a four-man boat and you hang out the side of the boat on a wire.

“It's a planing boat, so it'll jump up and go quick downwind but it's a bit like a yacht upwind. And it can fit 25 people on it, so it's one of the smaller boats up here.”

Also a sail maker, Rob has designed and made all of his sails and has been doing that for 33 years and still enjoys it.

Rob’s team has people of all ages, Rob himself is 47 and youngest on the boat is Jesse who is just 17.

“It’s definitely good to have someone like Jesse, because the front end of the boat is a bit more physical and he does a good job,” said Rob.

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Rob and his team on the water, Photo supplied

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Thursday 8 August
11:00am to 4:00pm Registration & Hit Network Onsite Live Broadcast at Whitsunday Sailing Club
2:00pm to late Lounge on the Lawn – Live Music and Festival Village. Ent: DJ & Kieran McCarthy
6:00pm to 8:00pm Owners & Skippers Welcome Event

Friday 9 August Sailing Day 1
2:00pm to late Live Music and Festival Village Ent: DJ & Wave Raiders
3:00pm to 3:30pm GBR Festival Art Exhibition Guided Tour
5:00pm to late Friday Night Movies in the Park – Pirate theme with live entertainers and face painting.

Saturday 10 August Sailing Day 2
9:00am  to 12:00pm GBR Festival Art Exhibition Creative Classes with Creative Connections Watercolour
12:15pm to 12:45pm GBR Festival Art Exhibition Guided Tour
2:00pm to late Live Music and Festival Village Ent: DJ & All Stars feat. Emma Pask

Sunday 11 August Sailing Day 3
0900am to 12:00pm GBR Festival Art Exhibition Creative Class with Creative Connections – Watercolour
12:15pm to 12:45pm GBR Festival Art Exhibition Guided Tour
2:00pm to 5:00pm GBR Festival Art Exhibition Creative Class with Creative Connections – Sip & Paint
2:00pm to late Live Music and Festival Village. Ent: DJ & VIVA Band

Monday 12 August Lay Day, Shoreside Long Lunch & Festival Village
09:00am to 12:00pm GBR Festival Art Exhibition Creative Class with Creative Connections - Felting
10:30am to 4:30pm Ocean Dynamics Whitehaven Beach Tour – Ticketed Event
12:00pm to 3:00pm Shoreside Long Lunch – Ticketed Event
12:15pm to 12:45pm GBR Festival Art Exhibition Guided Tour
2:00pm to 5:00pm GBR Festival Art Exhibition Creative Class with Creative Connections – Paint & Sip
2:00pm to late Live Music and Festival Village. Ent: DJ & The Collective Band

Tuesday 13 August Sailing Day 4
2:00pm to late Live Music and Festival Village. Ent: DJ & Chris Booroff

Wednesday 14 August Sailing Day 5
2:00pm - late Lounge on the Lawn. Ent: DJ & Tim Griffin Duo)

Thursday 15 August Sailing Day 6 & Regatta Presentation
2:00pm to late Live Music and Festival Village. Ent: DJ & The Lyrical
7:00pm to late Series Presentation event on main stage
8:00pm Fireworks

Daily
11:00am to late Whitsunday Sailing Club Restaurant & Bar – open all day, Lunch and Dinner
3:30pm to 9:30pm Port of Airlie/Whitsunday Sailing Club transfers by Heart of Reef Shuttles
6:30pm to 7:00pm Results, Presentations & Daily Recap on the main stage (every day aside from Monday)

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“As President of the Whitsunday Sailing Club, I am very excited to be the Airlie Beach Race Week regatta chairman,” said President of the Whitsunday Sailing Club Terry Archer.

“To be involved in the town’s largest annual event, and see the benefits the regatta brings, not just to the club but the greater region is a point of great pride.

“The work our team has done to engage with the community, whether competitors, or our fantastic volunteers and sponsors. Without these groups there is no regatta, and we are thankful to them all. I can't wait to get on that day one start line.”

The day one start line involves 150 boats, all ready to get going and kick start the amazing week of sailing, it’s a sight to see.

Terry himself is participating in the race, he will be in the racing multi hull division in his boat called the G’nome.

Terry jokes that the boat is a fully genetically modified Granger garden gnome.

Terry added that the boat also has some history too.

“When I took it, it was a bit of a wreck and we genetically modified it and got it back in the water,” said Terry.

“That process took about two years, and this will be our eighth time we have entered that boat in the Regatta.”

Terry loves being out on the water but also loves the social aspect of the Airlie Beach Race Week where everyone can gather at the Whitsunday Sailing Club to catch-up with friends.

Terry Archer, Photo Credit: R Jean Photography

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September brings the much-anticipated return of the Whitsundays Writers Festival. The festival offers an exciting opportunity for writers, poets, and book cover designers across Australia.
The three-day event will feature a dynamic blend of genres, ranging from crime and memoir to romance and screenwriting, complemented by interactive workshops, panel discussions, and engaging author talks.
In a daring and exciting move, the festival launched the Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards earlier this year. These prestigious awards feature substantial cash prizes and are dedicated to recognising and celebrating exceptional achievements in both the literary and design fields. By highlighting outstanding contributions, the awards aim to raise the profile of talented individuals and innovative work, fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts and encouraging further creativity and excellence in the industry.
The Heart Awards’ mission is to spotlight the diverse talents within the Australian creative community while also paying homage to the captivating Heart Reef— one of the natural wonders found in the Whitsundays region.
Festival President, Karen Jacobsen, expressed her enthusiasm for the awards program:
“Poetry is one of the most accessible forms of expression in the arts. Through the Heart Awards, we have been thrilled to provide seasoned poets through to budding wordsmiths the opportunity to celebrate verse and voice in our Poetry Prize.”
The Heart Award Poetry Prize offers a showstopping first prize of $1,000 and $500 for the runner up. The award sought submissions from around Australia of up to 50-lines of unpublished poems.
The longlisted submissions for the 2024 Poetry Prize are as follows:
   • Beyond the Masts, Andrew Leggett (Qld)
   • Just Another Masterpiece: after Richard Diebenkorn, Bonney Bombach (Qld)
   • Pirates of the Andaman, Paris Rosemont (NSW)
   • Senseless, Hellier Mason (Qld)
   • Theatre Conjectures, David Atkinson (NSW)
   • Verandah, David Atkinson (NSW)
The judging panel have diligently reviewed blind submissions for the Poetry prize against the five selection criteria which are: originality, poetic technique, language and style, thematic depth, and overall impact.
The longlist submissions are currently under further consideration. From the longlist, the panel will then choose a final shortlist and winners will be announced on Saturday 7 September 2024 at the Whitsunday Sailing Club.
Poetry enthusiasts at the festival can also showcase their lyrical prowess at a special ‘karaoke style’ event that is taking place on Friday 6 September. At this event attendees can step up to the mic and share their verses in an intimate and supportive atmosphere.
"We are delighted to provide a platform for poets to share their work and connect with fellow lovers of language," Festival President, Karen Jacobsen stated.
"The Heart Awards’ Poetry Prize and our Friday poetry event embody the spirit of creativity and community that defines the Whitsundays Writers Festival."
The festival is supported by the Whitsunday Sailing Club which is hosting this year’s event.
For festival program and tickets visit the festivals website here: www.whitsundayswriters.com  
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What: Whitsundays Writers Festival
When: Friday 6 – Sunday 8
Where: Airlie Beach

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Whitsundays Writers Festival Poetry Prize Longlist Announced

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Rehoming fee: FREE to a good home
Age: Few months old
Sex: Male
Breed: Pure Bred Vorwerk & Barnevelder
Indoors/Outdoors: Outdoors

Animal Rescue Whitsunday, have two pure-bred roosters ready for adoption!
Claus, a charming Vorwerk Rooster, and Dieter, a striking Barnevelder Rooster, are searching for their forever homes. Their previous owners, who raised them from chicks, unfortunately had to part with them due to living in a suburban area.
Both Roosters are a few months old and would love to set up coop with some chook ladies that they can be bred with.
Roosters can be a fantastic addition to your family, but it's important to do your research before bringing one home. These distinguished fellows have special needs compared to your typical chicken, so make sure you're prepared for their unique requirements.

To welcome Claus or Dieter to your flock, please contact Animal Rescue Whitsundays:

PH: 0403 397 808
Email: xtrabeefalo@gmail.com
Website: https://www.beefaloaustralia.com

Claus, Vorwerk Rooster
Dieter, Barnevelder Rooster

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Many readers would be surprised to know that the Great Barrier Reef Festival has a history dating back over 60 years?

With this year’s Great Barrier Reef Festival now completed, it is interesting to read about the very first such festival which was held to showcase the area and its lifestyle. While the current Barrier Reef Festival is held on the mainland, these early festivals were centred on the islands of the Whitsundays as well as others further afield. Hayman Island, Happy Bay, Lindeman Island, South Molle, Palm Bay and Heron Island were the first islands involved.  Daydream Island and Brampton Island were also participated at some stage. On the 1962 programme, MV “Esmeralda” was listed along with the islands.
The official opening of the festival was marked by the unveiling of a plaque on a cairn at Cid Harbour in remembrance of Captain James Cook naming the Whitsunday Passage. The Minister for Labour, Industry and Tourism often performed the closing ceremony such was its considered importance.

There was much frivolity and fun at these annual events with such activities as sailing races, tug-o’-war, a treasure hunt, an oyster eating competition, ladies throwing oars, men throwing 36lb cannon balls from the sunken Spanish Galleon, a skiing exhibition and race, and a cruiser race. There were also cocktail parties and a fancy dress.
For many, the highlight of the festival was the keenly anticipated judging of the Miss Coral Queen. Each island had its own Coral Queen judging with the finalist announced on the last day which usually took place on a Sunday allowing day guests from the mainland to attend. Along with other great prizes such as a tour to New Zealand on one occasion, the winner was presented with a beautiful crown, set with coral, and made by Mrs Leen Wallace of Coral Art, Dent Island. The first Coral Queen (1958) was from Lindeman.

The festival continued into the 1970s with Proserpine joining in fun in 1963, holding a Carnival Day and Mardi Gras in conjunction with the Great Barrier Reef Festival. The Main Street was ablaze with colour, bunting, coloured lights, decorated shop windows, leis, Muu-muus and beach shirts. Businesses, schools and clubs participated and organised floats for the procession.

Proserpine decided to base its carnival on sporting and interest activities with the golf, bowls, cricket, tennis, rifle, and camera clubs participating. The Pony Club held a gymkhana. There was also an orchid display and boxing matches. Aquatic sports were held at Shingley Beach with Queensland Skiff Champion, Mick Walton, attempting to break his 1960 record in “Mischief”. There was also a Mobile Mock Court, Mardi Gras with clowns, barbecue and musical entertainment and the event culminated with the presentation of Miss Esmeralda Carnival Queen at a ball at the Grand Theatre. The Proserpine Carnival was such an outstanding success that organisers decided that it would be held annually.

(Note: The beautiful Coral Crown, donated by Mrs Thora Nicolson of Lindeman Island, is on display at the Proserpine Museum.)

Story and photos courtesy of Proserpine Historical Society Museum.

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Behind the delighted smiles on children’s faces, the colourful creations that parade the main street, the fireworks and the fairground rides, is an army of dedicated volunteers who make the Great Barrier Reef Festival (GBRF) possible each year.

Many of these volunteers contribute vast amounts of free labour, do much of the heavy lifting and drive the event from within – their efforts often unseen by festivalgoers.

And while the organisers and volunteers were congratulated on the success of the 2024 GBRF which took place over the weekend, a social media post claiming the festival would not continue next year spread like wildfire through the community on Sunday evening.

Despite the post being nothing but a rumour, the Festival committee has since stated that it unearthed a private struggle and has opened up the conversation about the continued feasibility of the event.

Festival Chairwoman, Margie Murphy, stepped forward on Monday afternoon to confirm that although she doesn’t know who started the rumour, she did appreciate the subject needed to be raised.

“I don't know the person who posted on social media that this would be the last Reef Festival, and that statement definitely didn't come from either myself as festival chairwoman or, to my knowledge, from any of my core committee,” she explained.

“That being said, there's at least one point every year where we find ourselves saying: "never again", as I think anyone who's ever organised an event will understand!

“To most people the Reef Festival is a fun weekend but, to us, it's a year-round un-paid job. It takes a massive amount of (mostly) woman-hours to put an event like this together, and these days there are fewer of us than ever to carry that load.”

Margie commented that, before the current organisational structure took over 15 years ago, the festival was operated by a paid organiser.

Since this has changed, Margie and other local individuals and businesses are contributing their free time, and resources to the point where it costs their businesses money in order to run the festival each year.

This has been compounded by the fact the Festival lost its Queensland government funding for marketing because it had reached the maximum number of years it is allowed to attain this type of funding.

The core festival committee is down to four people who, on top of the festival marketing and social media, do the event planning, permits, contracts, grant applications and reporting, sponsorship agreements, website development, graphics, ordering, entertainment bookings, accounting, fundraising and so much more, all unpaid, while doing their regular jobs.

While the committee appreciates all the contributions, they wanted people to understand how sponsorships do not always equate to cash.

“Even though we're doing our bit for free and receive many in-kind contributions to offset costs, it still takes a lot of money to run a community event” explained Margie.

“It's important for people to realise, that these 'funding streams' don't necessarily equate to cash, or cover many of our costs, even when they do.”

“Our Council contributions are a good example of this. This year Whitsunday Regional Council gave us mostly "in-kind" support - things like putting up our banners, organising extra rubbish collection, and helping with the traffic management we must have in place when we close the main street.

“These are all important things that have a cost associated with them, and that Council is perfectly placed to help with.

“The Council also gave us $5000, but when you consider that doesn't even cover the public liability for the event which is $6000, it puts what we're up against into perspective.

Margie reinforces the fact that she is very grateful for the sponsors, Council departments and local businesses that got behind the event this year, she simply wants to let people know they are struggling, especially as the festival continues to grow.

“So, on that note, will there be a Great Barrier Reef Festival next year?” asks Margie.

“There's no doubt a few things need to change going forward, and there are some conversations we very much need to have, both internally and with our working partners, but for the sake of the community, and everything we've built up over 24 years, I very much hope so.”

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Two men aged, 21 and 72 are in Townsville Hospital fighting for their lives after a devastating multi-vehicle collision on Bruce Highway near Bloomsbury which closed the highway in both directions on Thursday August 1st.
A man in his 20s with life-threatening head and arm injuries, along with a man in his 70s with severe head injuries, were airlifted to Townsville Hospital yesterday. As of noon today, both individuals are stable but still in critical condition.
Queensland Ambulance Services were dispatched around 3pm following a serious collision involving a Toyota LandCruiser driven by a 21-year-old man. The LandCruiser crossed into the opposite lane, crashing into a white Isuzu truck before hitting a white CX-5 driven by a 72-year-old man who was travelling behind the truck. Ambulance services confirmed that several individuals were trapped at the scene.
Two additional patients were assessed at the scene and transferred to Mackay Hospital in stable condition. One was a man in his 40s with an arm injury, and the other was a fourth patient, whose age and gender remain unknown.
Queensland Police Services urge any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

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New students and teachers at Cannonvale State School enjoyed a visit from the Zonta Club of the Whitsundays last week and learnt all about the school’s long-term connection with the organisation.
The connection with Cannonvale State School began over 25 years ago during Pam Graham’s tenure as Principal and Annie Lloyd Lewis’s as Vice Principal. Founding member Wendy Downs, along with other dedicated women, helped establish the Zonta Club of the Whitsundays, which has since become a vital part of the Airlie Beach community.

When Pam Graham sadly passed, the local Zonta Club provided the school with a quiet reading area in her honour. After the new buildings were established, the quiet reading area became a corner of the new library with a comfortable chair and a plaque with a Dr Suess poem.

Marlene Reiffel, President of Zonta, mentioned that during their visit to the school, the acknowledgement they got was “top class,” and it was exciting telling the school about their long history:

“The principal was thrilled to hear some of the history and particularly Pam Graham's little library and chair.”

Principal of Cannonvale State School, Nicholas Shirley, wanted to thank Zonta for their involvement:
“Zonta have been involved with our school for quite a long time and it was a true honour to hear their journey with Cannonvale SS.  
“Thank you to the wonderful ladies at Zonta for their ongoing support of both our school and our community.”  
Zonta are always looking for new members, if their story has inspired you, please email Marlene: marlene@cpq.com.au

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Zonta Visiting Cannonvale State School, Photo supplied

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With the biggest professional field competing since the Cairns Ironman Triathlon the 24th running of the Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival proved an outstanding success on the weekend.

Held in perfect weather conditions for racing and with record fields of over 200 competitors, the Olympic Distance Triathlon was won by Charlie Quin (1.52.33) in the men’s division and Richelle Hill (2.01.56) in the women’s division.
 
Richelle Hill, 2012 Olympian Radka Kahlefeldt, and Cairns Ironman winner Hannah Berry staged a titanic duel on the swim and bike with all leaving for the final 10km run leg together, but it was 22 year-old Hill who had the fresher legs to surge away and defeat Kahlefeldt by over 90 seconds with Berry another 2 minutes back in third place.
 
In an equally hotly contested men’s event Charlie Quin had the perfect hit out before representing his country on the international stage at the ITU Long Course World Championship in Townsville in a few weeks’ time, beating Steven McKenna by 90 seconds with Matt Burton filling the final podium spot.
 
Whitsunday Triathlon Club President and Race Director Michael Kimpton said the weekend produced some amazing top class triathlon action with record numbers in the junior event on Saturday and also the Sprint, Enticer and Olympic Distance events on Sunday.
 
“What an incredible weekend of racing in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef and my heartfelt thanks to all our visiting athletes, local competitors, and everyone who made this event a record-breaking success,” Michael Kimpton said.
 
“We saw an outstanding turnout, with huge fields in all our triathlon and swim events, a true testament to the growing popularity and spirit of our triathlon community.
 
“Our swim Ambassador, Olympic legend Susie O’Neill and race MC and the Voice of Triathlon, Pete Murray both did amazing jobs and raised the profile of our event onto the state and national stage.
  
“The Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon is growing as a race like no other and a true celebration of our vibrant community spirit and the stunning natural beauty of the Whitsundays.
 
“Together, we are building an event that will continue to grow and a weekend of swimming, riding and running that we can all be proud of.”

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Susie O’Neill and Michael Kimpton
Open water swim participants after their warmup
Mayor Ry Collins waiting on the finish line
Airlie Beach Triathlon athletes starting their race in the water
Start of Airlie Beach Triathlon

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Photo credit: Daniel Heggie and Morgane Roggeman

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On Thursday night a multi-agency search and rescue operation successfully saved three local men who were out fishing when their 6.9-metre vessel began sinking near Block Reef, reportedly about 70 nautical miles offshore.
The men were rescued after a mayday call was received at 10:15pm. Water Police, Volunteer Marine Rescue Association Queensland (VMRAQ), and a civilian boat were all involved in the rescue operation.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) also received an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) activation at the same time with the same coordinates and dispatched the Cairns-based Challenger rescue aircraft along with two rescue helicopters
The Queensland water police, assumed coordination of the surface assets, which included the police vessel the ‘Damien Leeding.’
The helicopter dropped a life raft to the individuals at around 12:30am. The police vessel was about 45 minutes off at that time. The boat sank at the time of the life raft being dropped, and the men had to swim and climb into the life raft.
They then stayed in the life raft for around 45 minutes until the police vessel was able to deploy its tender to collect them.
After collection, Senior Constable Damien Watts, stated that the men were “cold, they were very hungry, they were given some warm drinks so it was probably one of the best tasting cups of instant coffee they’ve ever had.”
“No injuries, I think they were very grateful to be saved,” Damien added.
“A great effort from all agencies involved, it was a timely deployment.”
Incidents like this serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of registering your EPIRB, ensuring your vessel is seaworthy, verifying that radios are functioning, and confirming that all safety equipment is onboard.

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Over 100 people attended the unveiling of headstones for un-marked soldiers at Proserpine’s Old Cemetery last Saturday 27th July.

Organiser of the event Lyn Burke said that Whitsunday Old Iron Restorers Car Club put flags and timber crosses up on the unrecognised soldiers’ gravesites every year.

This year, however, the community rallied together to give the soldiers proper headstones.

The Whitsunday Old Iron Restorers Car Club raised over $5000 for molds, concreting, and plaques and now the soldiers have the headstones they deserve.

Lyn said that it’s a relief to finally give the soldiers their headstones.

“One of them has been waiting 102 years for this and this is the crowning,” Lyn said.

“They all had military funerals and that’s where it ended, today we fixed that and now they have headstones like they should.”

Lyn expressed that she was emotional and also proud of her work.

“I can’t wait to send details to the War Memorial, especially about the one who's been here 102 years,” she said.

Proserpine RSL President Jason Rateri welcomed the service and said “Some of these graves have remained unmarked and the guys have lied here for over 100 years without any marker for their place of rest, it's a pretty sad indictment.”

“But I'm pleased to say that today that's been rectified,” he said.

Special guest Colonel Boniface Aruma enthusiastically praised the individuals involved in this special event.

“As you know, in the military, everything we do is team orientated. It's never about one person, he can't achieve the task set forth if you operate as an individual,” he said.

“I really don't have much to say this morning, apart from acknowledging those individuals that have gone behind the scenes to invest quality time and quality effort to realise this morning's occasion.

“Without your selfless effort behind the scenes, we would not be sitting here this morning to witness this very significant occasion to represent again those that have gone beyond us to lay down the sacrifice.”

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Whitsunday Old Iron Restorers Car Club raised $5000 for the new headstones
Jason Rateri, Colonel Boniface Aruma, Mayor Ry Collins, event organisers Lyn Burke and Lloyd Fox
New headstone unveiled

Photo credit: Daniel Heggie

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